We wrapped up week 1 of 3 (haha...sure) of online We wrapped up week 1 of 3 (haha...sure) of online learning and we’re all losing it a little. Things that are helping: pretending that we’re in the Mystery Machine, headed for a campground with a mystery to solve! Jude says the camp counsellor is pretending to be a ghost while Luca was busy getting “Honey” into her sleeping bag for the night. And then a pirate showed up, so this story is really getting good 😂

@playmobil is honestly a life changer because the kids get to build AND use their imagination. It’s a win-win, and let’s face it, we could all use a little win these days.

How are you all coping with kids at home?
Why yes, this is exactly what my dining room table Why yes, this is exactly what my dining room table looks like right now. No, there aren’t markers, papers, toys, food, crumbs and tears on it. Nope. Nope. Nope. None of the above. Everything’s cool and calm over here, folks.

(If it’s not abundantly clear, I am joking.)
What does your Monday morning look like today? We’re over here prepping for online learning (note computer on dining room table) and I’m using our @playosmo to get our kids engaged in some math and language activities before we really get going. Every time I post about our Osmo, I’m asked: “do you really like it?” And my answer is always “YES!” I mean, just look at these kiddos. Jude is obsessed with the tangram and Luca loves sounding our words - he was trying to figure out whether to use ‘k’ or ‘c’ for ‘cat’ here. To them, they’re “playing”...but we all know what’s REALLY going on! #unboxingosmo #osmosocialclub
Well it would seem that I just CANNOT figure out r Well it would seem that I just CANNOT figure out reels, but I’m not letting that stop me. I made one showing you the materials and steps to make this super easy ornament storage so would you go watch it, pretty please?

I’ve been using this method of ornament storage for 7 years and it all started with a cardboard box, some red cups and a single layer. A few years later I upgraded the system to multiple layers, used foam board and white cups and voila! Scroll over to see what I mean.

Would you try this? It’s super easy and you can probably still go ahead and just use old cardboard and whatever cups you have on hand. It’s the best thing I ever did for my holiday decor!! Just make sure you use double sided tape or hot glue to attach the cups - loose cups are no bueno!

If you do this, show me, ok? I wanna see everyone put away their ornaments with no breakage! 🙌
Ready for lots of THIS over the next couple of wee Ready for lots of THIS over the next couple of weeks...but with a puppy in the middle of it all. We’re picking up Taco on Friday so prepare yourself for puppy pictures ALL over the place.

Also: I’ve been feeling uninspired lately and have taken a little break from both posting and consuming when it comes to social media. I’m trying to soak up the holiday magic, read things other than captions (as I write this that seems weird), and even writing more things down.

This time of year always makes me reflective - less because it’s the end of a calendar year and more because it’s my birthday in 9 days. Yes. It’s on the 25th. Yep. Christmas Day. No, seriously. Yeah, Christmas baby! I don’t mind it now, but I didn’t like it as a kid. Oh you know someone who also has a birthday on (or very close to) Christmas! Cool! <— that was just me reacting to like every single conversation ever about having a birthday on December 25th. 😂
I’m still thinking about these adorable little @ I’m still thinking about these adorable little @tubicenlighting lamps that you just touch to turn on and off. And this cutie little door all decked out with a smart doorbell and lock. And the beautiful blue kitchen by @remodelcanada.ca. And all of the vanities from @canaromatoronto. And this gorgeous hardwood flooring from @coswickcanada.ca.

Can you believe this was all under one roof? @improvecanada has 350 showrooms and it was so much fun seeing how many we could get to yesterday.

I’ll be sharing lots more about @improvecanada in the coming months, but if you’re curious and want to go see it for yourself, they’re open! You can call and book an appointment or even have a customer service rep help you make an appointment at showrooms suited to what you’re looking for. Pretty great, right?
#improvecanada # ad #makeitright
So I made a thing and I’m totally in love!! Now So I made a thing and I’m totally in love!! Now I just need to gather all of the boys for an adorable family photo. Christmas miracle, maybe?

I made these sweaters for all of us last weekend using my @officialcricut Joy and now I may need to start personalizing a LOT more shirts around here! It was my first time using infusible ink and I love how the sweaters stays super soft! I may just be wearing this for the rest of the year!

O.S. If it wasn’t clear, our last name is Murray 😆

Have you made matching Christmas sweaters? What would be on yours if you did? # ad #cricutmade
Are you crafty? Do you know someone who is? Or may Are you crafty? Do you know someone who is? Or maybe you’re like me and you like to think you’re crafty but lack the patience to take out a whole bunch of things to make one tiny craft? Well then I have the thing for you. Meet the @officialcricut Joy! It’s tiny but mighty, and you can just have it casually sitting on a shelf waiting to be used when inspiration strikes because it takes up basically no room at all! I made these labels using mine, and you can swipe to see another easy project you can make with a Cricut Joy. It’s the perfect little gift! I even wrote a blog post about why I think so. I’ll share another Cricut project with you later this week!! # ad #cricutmade
Can you believe this room was completed two years Can you believe this room was completed two years ago? And I still love it as much today as I did then. And I still believe that my kids can have a fun, comforting space even if they don’t get to decorate it themselves with superhero bedding and Lego everywhere! But ALSO, I would never judge you if you’re that parent who does let your kids decorate with all the primary colours because you do you, boo and if it makes you and your kids happy, I say do the dang thing!!!

Ok that is all. Have a wonderful judgement-free day!
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Decor
  • DIY
  • Life

The Learner Observer

Decor • DIY • Lifestyle

  • Home
  • Decor
    • One Room Challenge
    • Thrifting
  • DIY
  • Life
    • Food/Drink
  • Holidays

Decor, Holidays · December 4, 2017

2017 Holiday Home Tour

Have you ever seen a Holiday Home Tour with an unmade bed and laundry? Well, you’re about to! Cleaning a house with two toddlers here 24/7 is dang near impossible, let alone decorating and staging one for a home tour, so this is the least staged home tour you may see today.

Speaking of which, I’ve partnered with some amazing Canadian bloggers to show you how we’ve decorated our homes for the holidays, and you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled the rest of the week too because there will be more every day this week!

So let’s get this party started, shall we? 

You might remember this entryway from the One Room Challenge, and if you want to see a bit more, check out the reveal post!

The dining room is also fairly new, and you can look for a post with tips on how I painted this buffalo check wall coming soon!

Other than the tree, I added several wreaths, because if I can’t decorate a Christmas tree (thanks to 2-year old toddlers), I WILL put up all the wreaths.

In the kitchen, I added some more greenery and a wreath on the window above the sink.

A simple faux pine branch in a vase on the island and a mini tree by the coffee maker, and we’re done.

The living room also has a tree with no decorations and a few cute things on the mantle. I think this year it’s a lot more about Winter decor than Christmas decor.

Now, you’ve seen the toys and the many cleared surfaces all over ythe house (because I’m keeping it real, and TODDLERS!!)

Are you ready for the messy bed and laundry?

And now for the best picture in this entire blog post…

There you have it, you guys. Real life with a dash of Holiday decor.

Now make sure you head over to see all of the other Holiday tours happening today. You can bet I’ll be hopping over to see what beautiful inspiration these ladies have!

Canadian Bloggers Home Tour Christmas 2017 pin img

Monday

The DIY Mommy | The Creek Line House | Woman in Real Life | Life is a Party | Lemon Thistle | The Learner Observer

Tuesday

PMQ for two | Amidst the Chaos | Clean and Scentsible | A Burst of Beautiful | Rambling Renovators

Wednesday

Satori Design for Living | Love Create Celebrate | The Happy Housie | Craftberry Bush | Sustain My Craft Habit | House by the Bay

Thursday

VinYet Etc. | A Pretty Life | Home to Heather | So Much Better with Age | This Little Estate

Friday

AKA Design | Kim Power Style | Elliven Studio | A Pop of Pretty | The Sweetest Digs

Written by Thalita - Visit Website

In: Decor, Holidays

join the club

You’ll Also Love

Personalized Holiday Decor and Gifts with PersonalizationMall.com
Natural Looking Holiday Decor
DIY Metallic Foil Napkins

Comments

  1. Barbara says

    December 4, 2017 at 9:42 am

    Love this!!! Keeping it real is what it’s all about. For years I had to decorate around a dog who would eat things off the tree and tables!

    Reply
  2. Laurie @ Vin'yet Etc. says

    December 4, 2017 at 11:04 am

    I marvel at your tours, every single year! Seriously how you make a corner with laundry and a messy bed (that’s considered made in my house) look so good and you have children that are entirely happily, dressed and fed – I call that a massive success. ALSO – I LOVE all of the wreaths, all of em’, the ones in your bedroom though on that dark wall, swoonelicious!!! Excellent job my friend, you are way to hard on your self… but I get it 100% – we are the same person after all! <3

    Reply
  3. Lindi says

    December 4, 2017 at 3:39 pm

    I love your home Thalita! And every single room you’re redesigned, lol. I love seeing how you decorate it all. It’s all stunning :) I’ll take some inspiration from you for next year!

    Reply
  4. Courtenay says

    December 5, 2017 at 6:12 am

    That buffalo check wall is amazing! I just love your style!

    Reply
  5. Jo-Anna Rooney says

    December 5, 2017 at 12:14 pm

    I loooooove everything about your Christmas home Thalita! It’s real, fresh and so pretty! I especially LOVE your pink door with the wreath…I need a pink door now.

    Reply
  6. somuchbetterwithage says

    December 5, 2017 at 4:28 pm

    This is gorgeous! You did such an amazing job! So pretty Thalita.
    Hugs, Jamie

    Reply
  7. Ariel says

    December 6, 2017 at 9:14 am

    Thalita this is such a perfect balance of seasonal and regular decor – love it! Happy holidays!

    Reply
  8. Shauna Oberg says

    December 6, 2017 at 11:14 am

    HELLO! So many gorgeous details. Love your layered shelf and your tree is beautiful in its simplicity (even if that isn’t what you intended with the boys and all). Happy Holidays :)

    Reply
  9. Home To Heather says

    December 6, 2017 at 5:13 pm

    I just love your home so much. It’s so chic but still comfortable and inviting. Gorgeous job!

    Reply
  10. Joann @ Woman in Real Life says

    December 6, 2017 at 10:48 pm

    Oh, the laundry! Never-ending. But your home looks fresh and pretty and clean. All the touches of green are so lovely!

    Reply
  11. Laurie @ Vin'yet Etc. says

    December 7, 2017 at 12:17 pm

    Your shelves are next level! The effortless way you drape greenery on the stacked frames, it looks like it’s right out of a magazine! So pretty! I love your style, now at Christmas and always it’s so fresh and innovative! xo

    Reply
  12. Krista says

    December 9, 2017 at 1:46 pm

    Thalita! I love you Christmas home! So crisp and fresh and bright and welcoming and cozy!! Thanks for the tour – fun to be on this hop with you!

    Reply
  13. Colleen Pastoor says

    December 10, 2017 at 11:11 pm

    Greenery is an all-time fav of mine when it comes to Christmas! Love what you’ve done with the space.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Black and White Christmas Home Tour -Rustic Scandinavian says:
    December 4, 2017 at 5:01 am

    […] The DIY Mommy | The Creek Line House | Woman in Real Life | Life is a Party | Lemon Thistle | The Learner Observer […]

    Reply
  2. Holiday Home Tour! A Family Home Full of Frosted Greens - Lemon Thistle says:
    December 4, 2017 at 5:02 am

    […] The DIY Mommy | The Creek Line House | Woman in Real Life | Life is a Party | Lemon Thistle | The Learner Observer […]

    Reply
  3. Christmas Home Tour | 2017 - A Burst of Beautiful says:
    December 5, 2017 at 5:02 am

    […] The DIY Mommy | The Creek Line House | Woman in Real Life | Life is a Party | Lemon Thistle | The Learner Observer […]

    Reply
  4. Christmas Kitchen Decorating Ideas - Clean and Scentsible says:
    December 5, 2017 at 6:00 am

    […] The DIY Mommy | The Creek Line House | Woman in Real Life | Life is a Party | Lemon Thistle | The Learner Observer […]

    Reply
  5. Colourful & Eclectic Christmas Home Tour • PMQ for two says:
    December 5, 2017 at 6:01 am

    […] The DIY Mommy | The Creek Line House | Woman in Real Life | Life is a Party | Lemon Thistle | The Learner Observer […]

    Reply
  6. Christmas Kitchen Decorating Ideas – Kathryn Curry – Blog says:
    December 5, 2017 at 9:28 am

    […] The DIY Mommy | The Creek Line House | Woman in Real Life | Life is a Party | Lemon Thistle | The Learner Observer […]

    Reply
  7. Christmas 2017 Home Tour | House by the Bay Design says:
    December 6, 2017 at 9:30 am

    […] The DIY Mommy | The Creek Line House | Woman in Real Life | Life is a Party | Lemon Thistle | The Learner Observer […]

    Reply
  8. Christmas 2017 Home Tour | This Little Estate says:
    December 7, 2017 at 12:35 am

    […] The DIY Mommy | The Creek Line House | Woman in Real Life | Life is a Party | Lemon Thistle | The Learner Observer […]

    Reply
  9. Canadian Christmas Home Tour says:
    December 7, 2017 at 6:42 am

    […] The DIY Mommy | The Creek Line House | Woman in Real Life | Life is a Party | Lemon Thistle | The Learner Observer […]

    Reply
  10. Classic Christmas Kitchen and Dining Room | The Happy Housie says:
    December 9, 2017 at 1:34 pm

    […] The DIY Mommy | The Creek Line House | Woman in Real Life | Life is a Party | Lemon Thistle | The Learner Observer […]

    Reply
  11. Christmas Home Tour in our New Living Room - Love Create Celebrate says:
    December 12, 2017 at 7:01 am

    […] The DIY Mommy | The Creek Line House | Woman in Real Life | Life is a Party | Lemon Thistle | The Learner Observer […]

    Reply
  12. A Nostalgic Farmhouse Style Christmas in the Canadian Suburbs says:
    December 18, 2017 at 10:39 am

    […] The DIY Mommy | The Creek Line House | Woman in Real Life | Life is a Party | Lemon Thistle | The Learner Observer […]

    Reply
  13. Christmas Home Tour 2017 - Satori Design for Living says:
    January 17, 2018 at 5:42 pm

    […] The DIY Mommy | The Creek Line House| Woman in Real Life | Life is a Party | Lemon Thistle | The Learner Observer […]

    Reply
  14. A Nostalgic Farmhouse Style Christmas in the Canadian Suburbs says:
    August 3, 2018 at 2:16 pm

    […] The DIY Mommy | The Creek Line House | Woman in Real Life | Life is a Party | Lemon Thistle | The Learner Observer […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Next Post >

Easy entertaining without cooking

Hey, I'm Thalita! Daydreamer, serial decorator, mama of twin boys, lover of thrift stores, fuelled by coffee! This is the space where I share my DIY triumphs and failures, as well as interior design inspiration and regular life stuff.

Categories

On the Blog

  • Decor
  • DIY
  • Lifestyle

Reader favourites

  • DIY Double Sliding Doors for under $150
  • DIY Cookbook Stand (Using Scrap Wood)
  • How to Create a Symmetrical Gallery Wall

join the club

trending now

  • DIY Double Sliding Doors for under $150
  • DIY Cookbook Stand (Using Scrap Wood)
  • 4 wayd to help keep pet hair off the bed for good! | TheLearnerObserver.com Clean comforter and pets. Is it possible to have both?
  • DIY Inexpensive Wood Countertop

Instagram

We wrapped up week 1 of 3 (haha...sure) of online We wrapped up week 1 of 3 (haha...sure) of online learning and we’re all losing it a little. Things that are helping: pretending that we’re in the Mystery Machine, headed for a campground with a mystery to solve! Jude says the camp counsellor is pretending to be a ghost while Luca was busy getting “Honey” into her sleeping bag for the night. And then a pirate showed up, so this story is really getting good 😂

@playmobil is honestly a life changer because the kids get to build AND use their imagination. It’s a win-win, and let’s face it, we could all use a little win these days.

How are you all coping with kids at home?
Why yes, this is exactly what my dining room table Why yes, this is exactly what my dining room table looks like right now. No, there aren’t markers, papers, toys, food, crumbs and tears on it. Nope. Nope. Nope. None of the above. Everything’s cool and calm over here, folks.

(If it’s not abundantly clear, I am joking.)
What does your Monday morning look like today? We’re over here prepping for online learning (note computer on dining room table) and I’m using our @playosmo to get our kids engaged in some math and language activities before we really get going. Every time I post about our Osmo, I’m asked: “do you really like it?” And my answer is always “YES!” I mean, just look at these kiddos. Jude is obsessed with the tangram and Luca loves sounding our words - he was trying to figure out whether to use ‘k’ or ‘c’ for ‘cat’ here. To them, they’re “playing”...but we all know what’s REALLY going on! #unboxingosmo #osmosocialclub
Well it would seem that I just CANNOT figure out r Well it would seem that I just CANNOT figure out reels, but I’m not letting that stop me. I made one showing you the materials and steps to make this super easy ornament storage so would you go watch it, pretty please?

I’ve been using this method of ornament storage for 7 years and it all started with a cardboard box, some red cups and a single layer. A few years later I upgraded the system to multiple layers, used foam board and white cups and voila! Scroll over to see what I mean.

Would you try this? It’s super easy and you can probably still go ahead and just use old cardboard and whatever cups you have on hand. It’s the best thing I ever did for my holiday decor!! Just make sure you use double sided tape or hot glue to attach the cups - loose cups are no bueno!

If you do this, show me, ok? I wanna see everyone put away their ornaments with no breakage! 🙌
Ready for lots of THIS over the next couple of wee Ready for lots of THIS over the next couple of weeks...but with a puppy in the middle of it all. We’re picking up Taco on Friday so prepare yourself for puppy pictures ALL over the place.

Also: I’ve been feeling uninspired lately and have taken a little break from both posting and consuming when it comes to social media. I’m trying to soak up the holiday magic, read things other than captions (as I write this that seems weird), and even writing more things down.

This time of year always makes me reflective - less because it’s the end of a calendar year and more because it’s my birthday in 9 days. Yes. It’s on the 25th. Yep. Christmas Day. No, seriously. Yeah, Christmas baby! I don’t mind it now, but I didn’t like it as a kid. Oh you know someone who also has a birthday on (or very close to) Christmas! Cool! <— that was just me reacting to like every single conversation ever about having a birthday on December 25th. 😂
I’m still thinking about these adorable little @ I’m still thinking about these adorable little @tubicenlighting lamps that you just touch to turn on and off. And this cutie little door all decked out with a smart doorbell and lock. And the beautiful blue kitchen by @remodelcanada.ca. And all of the vanities from @canaromatoronto. And this gorgeous hardwood flooring from @coswickcanada.ca.

Can you believe this was all under one roof? @improvecanada has 350 showrooms and it was so much fun seeing how many we could get to yesterday.

I’ll be sharing lots more about @improvecanada in the coming months, but if you’re curious and want to go see it for yourself, they’re open! You can call and book an appointment or even have a customer service rep help you make an appointment at showrooms suited to what you’re looking for. Pretty great, right?
#improvecanada # ad #makeitright
So I made a thing and I’m totally in love!! Now So I made a thing and I’m totally in love!! Now I just need to gather all of the boys for an adorable family photo. Christmas miracle, maybe?

I made these sweaters for all of us last weekend using my @officialcricut Joy and now I may need to start personalizing a LOT more shirts around here! It was my first time using infusible ink and I love how the sweaters stays super soft! I may just be wearing this for the rest of the year!

O.S. If it wasn’t clear, our last name is Murray 😆

Have you made matching Christmas sweaters? What would be on yours if you did? # ad #cricutmade
Are you crafty? Do you know someone who is? Or may Are you crafty? Do you know someone who is? Or maybe you’re like me and you like to think you’re crafty but lack the patience to take out a whole bunch of things to make one tiny craft? Well then I have the thing for you. Meet the @officialcricut Joy! It’s tiny but mighty, and you can just have it casually sitting on a shelf waiting to be used when inspiration strikes because it takes up basically no room at all! I made these labels using mine, and you can swipe to see another easy project you can make with a Cricut Joy. It’s the perfect little gift! I even wrote a blog post about why I think so. I’ll share another Cricut project with you later this week!! # ad #cricutmade
Can you believe this room was completed two years Can you believe this room was completed two years ago? And I still love it as much today as I did then. And I still believe that my kids can have a fun, comforting space even if they don’t get to decorate it themselves with superhero bedding and Lego everywhere! But ALSO, I would never judge you if you’re that parent who does let your kids decorate with all the primary colours because you do you, boo and if it makes you and your kids happy, I say do the dang thing!!!

Ok that is all. Have a wonderful judgement-free day!
Put the finishing touches on our front porch this Put the finishing touches on our front porch this past weekend and I gotta say, this might be my favourite one yet.

Truth: I actually really dislike the exterior of our house. With exception of the front door, it’s pretty darn ugly. The 1970’s red brick mixed with buttercream yellow and burgundy siding are like the WORST combo ever. Add in little bits of the foundation which is painted blue and the concrete isn’t pretty either.

BUT those things don’t stop me from prettying up this little space anyway. Because for like 99% of us, making a home takes time. Renovating takes time. Even if TV shows and social media lead us to believe otherwise.

Now if you want to see some front porches full of personality and holiday cheer, all by Canadian ladies who get that nothing happens overnight, do I have a great lineup for you! Go check them out! #acanadianchristmasporch
@markovadesign
@vinyetetc
@onehouse2barns
@bethanythislittleestate
@thesuburbanhome
@celineshouseonramsey
@alysia.jantzi
@unclutteredhouse

Connect

join the club

  • Privacy Policy
  • Press

Copyright © 2021 The Learner Observer · Theme by 17th Avenue