If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you noticed that I am constantly redoing some rooms in our house and changing things around. I’ve been collecting lately some flat shaped baskets in order to create a wall in Liam’s room. I’m not sure on how many I will hang but I got more then less. I love how these baskets will integrate in my contemporary style home by bringing it the charm of authenticity of where they’re from.

Wicker walls seems to have gained popularity in the last couple of months so did the boho themed rooms. They have something really peaceful, cozy and natural and that can usually be created without going over budget or spending too much, which I love. Lots of little gems can be found when going to thrift stores or flea markets and garage sales. I really love that fact that it also gives a second life to some items that are recycled with a different purpose. Another reason I really love about this wall is that baskets can be reused later on with other purposes around the house.

Because I wanted to change some decorations in Liam’s room, who just turned 7 not a long time ago and wanted his room to me more neutral, with some pops or burnt orange, rust. Since I also always loved natural materials compared to plastic, I wanted to add a natural touch on his wall, without having to spend to much since I love to change things around in the house often.

I started browsing the web, Instagram and Pinterest of course to get some tricks and get inspired with some ideas and what others has come up in different rooms. Although some seemed to cost a leg and an arm to create that kind of beautiful trendy mural with imported baskets, I started first looking in my own house what I had as wicker plates, mats and baskets. I also asked friends and family if they might had any that they didn’t want anymore. I was lucky to find beautiful one in one of my latest travel and also found a few in garage sale and local thrift store.

BEST PLACES to find DECORATIVE WALL BASKETS

• thrift stores
• flea market
• garage sales
• your home
• friends and family
• Etsy
• travel souvenirs
• local decorating shops

Even if I prefer the result on a white wall, this mural can totally be created on any colour wall. Another thing is that I prefer when there is a variation in size and texture. It makes it more personal and artsy.

How to HANG BASKETS on the WALL

• use a nail driven through the center of the basket to hang them but this might damage the basket and you will see it when close enough
• use a fishing line  and a small nail by creating a loop on the back of the basket
• use temporary sticky wall hook

How to MAKE SURE they are CLEAN and DISINFECTED

Disinfection: Leave the in a tub or sink filled with hot water and dishwashing liquid with a few drops of javel water while using an old toothbrush to clean and brush them. They will dry pretty fast and like that, you make sure that you eliminate most of the germs and dust. You can never be too careful.

So I can’t wait to show you the result in Liam’s room really soon.

Stephanie

We recently had a great family weekend  at Le Germain Hotel & Spa, in the beautiful Charlevoix region. I’ve had the chance in the past, to stay at other Le Germain hotels in different cities during business trips and it is always nice to stay there. It was our time staying at le Germain de Charlevoix and we loved it.

Nestled between the river and the mountains, Le Germain Hotel & Spa Charlevoix, formerly the Hotel La Ferme, is the ideal base camp for a dream holiday for couples or families. Its country charm,  refined design and regional cuisine will make you live an authentic experience, just as we did during our 3 day getaway.

First and foremost, our rooms were really welcoming and comfortable and every member of the family had their own space. We had a very nice cozy family room with an elegant design and modern comfort with a breathtaking view of the river among of the area.

One of the most important parts about a weekend getaway is always the food.

The breakfasts at the Labours restaurant in Le Germain de Charlevoix are simply delicious and one of the best in all of Charlevoix! The buffet style brunch is really good for the whole family or if you are traveling as a couple. The boys particularly enjoyed the cereal and granola yogurt station where they were free to compose their own bowl. Hot chocolate is definitely worth trying. It is so rich and creamy! Too good!

Here are our family favorites of breakfast:

• hot chocolate
• cereal station of la fourmi bionic
• the local cheese platter
• omelette to our taste (egg white for me)
• Migneron cheese potato chowder

As for lunches, we made picnics by buying local products which were fresh and delicious. Here is a list of essentials to pick up while you’re out admiring the many landscapes the region has to offer. We were able to fit everything we needed for the day in the Lexus RX L, which made the experience so much easier!.

• À chacun son pain for sandwiches, pizzas, fresh bread and pastries
• fromagerie Charlevoix for its choice of cheese – so good
• La ferme Basque  for its duck foie gras
• smoked salmon from le fumoir St Antoine

We spent the whole day outside and when the evening came, we visited restaurants, on the site of Le Germain, so we didn’t have to  hit the road again and be ready for bedtime. We had dinner every night at Le Bercail du Germain restaurant, where the formula is simple: chairs around the fireplace, a counter, stools and a simplified menu. If you have small ones, ask for a table with big bench. It’s perfect for the moment they start to get tired.

The restaurant offers a nice selection of dishes for children with a nice entree of raw vegetables. The boys ate the pasta and the homemade pizza which was a success. They spoiled the kids to end with a mini brownie, which was perfect and didn’t  stop them from sleeping.

We tasted several dishes and because honestly everything was mouth-watering here is a list of our favorites you if you’re ever in the area:.

• kimchi salmon tartare
• le pêcheur’s board
• mushrooms pizza
• cod fish cake
• smoked salmon toast

To top it all off, Le Germain de Charlevoix also had a few activities to keep us

In the corridor, on the ground floor, located near the reception, there is the play area for children, where they can read a book, play blocks or even draw. This little corner is well laid out and provided a lot of enjoyment for our boys.

The site also features a farm, which made for a great family experience as we could get quite close to the animals. The boys especially liked the roosters, sheep, and highland cattle.

I am sure you will enjoy your stay just as much as we loved it. Le Germain Hotel & Spa Charlevoix, is the ideal base camp for a dream vacation with your partner or family. Its country charm, refined design and local cuisine will surely provide you an authentic experience of a life time.

This post was paid for by Lexus Canada.

Stephanie

Because just a little bit Axel turned 3, we decided to change his bed for a real big boys bed so he would definitly sleep better, so do we. Also, since my husband is a firman, when he comes back from work and the kids are all in my bed in the morning, he will sometimes borrow Axel’s room, and sleep much better then he would have in his toddler’s transition bed.

I get tones of questions on Axel’s bed, mattress and decor so here are some details from what we bought since now and I will keep updating it on what I add or change, so stay tuned.

Metal single bed: Wayfair

Mattress: Endy ( use code CHICMOM50 for 50$ off )

Duvet cover: Teeny tiny linens

Bonne Nuit pillow: Vestibule mini

Cactus wallpaper: Anewall

 

Because I love decoration and that you would find the exact same style inside of our house and out, I love to decorate a little bit more when it comes to fall season, with some pumpkins, squashes and chrysanthemums and the winter and christmas decoration. Because also it just adds a little more colour to our front entryway, since I always put simple tropical plants year after year, in our big plant pots. So I start with winter decor, then christmas and right after Christmas I changed out the Christmas decorations and added some winter decor.

So here is what I like to do for my 3rd year in a row and some more inspirations ( that lots of were found on Pinterest.

Winter decoration

I added white pine that I found on the street left for the green residues waste collection, birch branches that I bought at the hardware store 2 years ago ( yes you can keep them in a dry space summer time ),   large pinecones to two tall black urns ( that we reuse summer time with our tropical trees.

 

I used  tall black plant vases that are very light to carry and move and that I filled with styrofoam (or floral foam)that we had at home.

Then I started adding, oddly the  white pine branches. You can definitly add any kind of coniferous branches and I know that usually around mid november, we start seeing stores selling it.

So as you can tell, I am not completely done with my project but with the lack of time, of course, I will probably continue within 1-2 weeks by adding big natural pinecones maybe tiny white lights.

To be continued…

Winter decor inspiration

I love getting inspired with magazines, Instagram and Pinterest

You can find all my Pinterest Inspiration boards here

We really love our decorated entryway and  I hope you’ve enjoyed it too. What are you favorite style for decorating your porch or entryway for winter and Christmas?

Stephanie