Chalk Talk: The Sweetest Way to Leave a Message

Introducing "Chalk Talk: The Sweetest Way to Leave a Message"

Creations by Brislane Interiors

My partner, Meghan, and I couldn't wait to show you these chalkboard frames. The first in our line-up of Chalk Talk: The Sweetest Way to Leave a Message.

These 6.5"x13.5" frames are perfect for...well where to begin?

- a front hall table to welcome your guests

- your kitchen counter so you dont have to answer the ever popular question "whats for dinner?"

- on your desk with the "word of the day"

- a simple accessory for your powder room

* can also be hung on the wall

...the possibilities are endless!

Check us out on Etsy:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BrislaneInteriors

Classic Black with Fabric Flower:

Antique White:

More Chalk Talk to come, stay tuned!

Brislane Interiors

Your Style. Your Comfort. Your Home.

I Believe She's Amazing

Breast cancer research and awareness is near and dear to my heart. Almost two years ago my girlfriend Kristen announced that she wanted to do the Weekend to End 60km walk in Toronto, ON, immediately I said "Me too!". It was something I knew I wanted to experience and had been on my mind for sometime but just didn't know how to 'fit it in' or who I could wrangle into joining me. So when she mentioned it I had to jump on board. It was even more compelling that I would experience this journey with Kristen as she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and (at the time) was going to be celebrating her 5 year anniversary of being cancer free in the coming 18 mths. That was in 2008. By September 2009 we raised over $4000 and we were pumped to walk the 60kms over two days through the streets of Toronto.

I had no idea just how this experience was going to change my life. Less than an hour into the walk and we were already talking about how great it would be to get a group of our girlfriends and family members to walk with us in 2010. We gave thoughtful consideration into what the name of our team would be called, all the while quietly thinking we'd be lucky to get even two more people to commit to this event. Some of our girlfriends had done it in the past, everyone we were considering asking had young children and were either on maternity leave or in the throws of going back to work from their second maternity leave. I had briefly discussed achieving the walk with my sisters in the past (Cory had suggested we do it a few years back) but no one really committed. I kept thinking "if only I could channel the emotions I was experiencing so they could know that they just had to join us!".

Well our enthusiasm must have said it all, because this September Kristen and I are heading back to Toronto with 15 other women. 4 girlfriends, my four sisters, 3 cousins, 2 cousins-in-law, a childhood friend of my cousin-in-law and another friends daughter = Fight Like a Girl! We have sold over 1000 shirts (which we designed), thrown a very successful silent auction and raised $33,368 (so far).

We have both sides of the fight on our team. Kristen our 5 year survivor and Lynn our fighter. We will walk proud, we will walk strong and we will walk united against womens cancers.

In honour of Kristen, Lynn, my entire team and all women please enjoy this amazing and inspirational video:

Kids Labels

I have been on a search for fun kids labels in preparation of my middle child entering JK in the Fall. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of companies that offer labels for kids clothing and accessories, but as a mom of 3 boys I can tell you that its difficult to find 'fun' accessories for boys and the label industry is no different.

There were 3 things that came into consideration when I was shopping for labels.

1) Did I like the colours/designs?

2) Did they require you to iron on the clothing tags...because the thought of adding more items to my 'to-do' list was not appealing. If they didn't offer the sticky labels for clothing I moved on.

3) How easy or cost effective was it to ship them to Canada.

I had pretty much settled on a company from the states. My girlfriend had recommended them (she lives in Nashville) and another girlfriend from Canada had ordered them so I had a chance to see them up close. They were adorable! However I decided to do one more search and to my surprise a company came up that I hadn't noticed before. There was two things I liked right away. First off, they allowed you to shop in CDN dollars and secondly their website was interactive and very easy to use. I liked more than one of their boys designs which was a nice dilemma to have and their packages gave me an assortment that was just-right for what I needed - hooray!

As I always do before I place an on-line order, I searched for a coupon code (because every little bit helps) and low and behold I found one for 10% off and it was still active. Then to my surprise I realized that there was no charge for shipping (on orders over $30)...well you can imagine how pleased I was by the end of it all.

I know, I know... you're thinking "Give up the goods girlfriend" and so without further delay:

www.oliverslabels.com/brislaneinteriors

discount: swankymoms

When you are checking out, please answer the "How did you hear about us?" with:

Drop down - Agent/Fundraiser

Answer - Beth O'Donovan

Enjoy!

Brislane Interiors

Your Style. Your Comfort. You're Home.

A Side Project

This project is courtesy of Open Hands Full Heart and its so very clever! I'm adding it to my "list" of projects to gather supplies for.

"A Side Project"

This art wall literally is a “side” project as it’s off to the side of our entryway.

Ingredients needed: one old window your husband has begged you to find a use for as of 2009. Some family photos and old projects you put together. A thermostat that is begging to be hidden.

So an empty wall, again decorated for what we’ve got lying about the house:

Yup, my thermostat is pretty fab.

As is the texture on this old window frame.

This was a quick, fun project that I love the results of!

Family Meal Planner

A big kudos goes out to Brown Paper Packages for this ingenious idea, I cant wait to create my own Meal Planner! Helpful, practical AND adorable...what more could you ask for?!

Inspiration is in the air

I've been on a journey. Its involved a lot of self discovery about what brings me joy and how I want to spend my days. There are two resounding aspects within this journey that keep coming back over all else: 1. I love being creative - anything that makes my surroundings or others beautiful. 2. The busier I am the happier I am.

With no formal training in interior design it is difficult to break into the field, but there is more than one way to achieve a goal. So it is with much anticipation (on my part) that I am pursuing a life long dream - to be my own boss, working with and creating beautiful accessories for the home with a few "couldn't pass-up" personal accessories.

I'm hoping you enjoy the ride with me!

B