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!
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About

I started The Learner Observer in 2012 to vent, ramble, and to document my life – isn’t that why everyone starts a blog? Since then, it’s become a place where I get to share the things I love with the world, while occasionally throwing in a recipe, some DIY projects and home decor. You really get a little bit of everything here. If you want to see my design work, check out thalitamurray.com!

I absolutely love Instagram and constantly share what my crazy life as a mom of twin boys is REALLY like. I like real. I like raw. I like honest. If you’re into that, we can totally be friends!

What’s up with the blog name?

I’m a teacher by trade and a visual learner by nature. I would be a professional student if that was a real job, but I like my job as an interior designer too much – and I do get to learn everyday doing that, anyway.  After taking part in The Nester‘s 31-day challenge for the first time, The Learner Observer became a blog about my journey as a new home owner trying to make our house a stylish, unconventional, useful, mindful, uncluttered home.  I look back on some of those posts now and they are ALMOST totally embarrassing, but they remind me of a simpler time, when having a candy bowl on my side table was enough to blog about.

Fun Facts

I was born on December 25th. Yep. Christmas baby! I still can’t decide whether I like it or not!

I have a degree in Art History and I could easily spend days at galleries and museums, just starring. Art galleries are also a great place to people watch – another thing I love to do.

I find myself saying, “Oh my gosh. I’m THAT mom!” more times than I care to admit, but I’m totally ok with it. Usually.

I am a morning person by nature and love to go to bed early. 

I love the connections I’ve made because of my little corner of the internet, and that is ultimately why I blog now. I hope you’ll stick around for my run-on sentences and wordy posts!

xoxo

 -Thalita

Comments

  1. Lauren @ The Thinking Closet says

    February 27, 2013 at 3:16 pm

    Ahhhh! Thalita, I love your “About” page, I love your blog’s new look, I love your writing style…this is SUCH a sweet space. I’m so impressed with all of the changes you have made since my last visit over here. Well done, girl. Well done!

    (The cross-eyed picture and the one of you and your hubby jumping off of the couch are my favorite! So much fun.)

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      February 28, 2013 at 9:20 am

      Lauren! Thank you so much!!!! It’s been a whirlwind trying to get everything going. I wish I hadn’t taken the blog down for the redesign, but I was really unhappy with how it looked, so I think I was better off. I’m so excited to see what you’ve been working on!! Thanks so much for the kind words :)

      Reply
      • Lauren @ The Thinking Closet says

        August 23, 2013 at 1:28 pm

        Oh my word…that video of you giggle-skating and your husband’s sweet encouragement of you is one of the sweetest things I’ve ever seen! Somehow I missed that during my past visits to your About page. My cheeks literally hurt from smiling so much. So. much. joy.

        Reply
        • Thalita says

          August 24, 2013 at 11:11 pm

          Haha it’s pretty embarrassing, but Alex loves it, and if it can make people laugh I’m all in! Glad it brought a smile to your face!

          Reply
  2. Lisa Mai says

    March 30, 2013 at 9:49 am

    I stopped by from Nikki’s (Chef in Training) link party and I was intrigued by your sidebar as you mentioned Canada. I clicked over to your About Me page and I’m so glad I got to read a little about you! Congratulations on a beautiful wedding, new home, and lovely new addition to your family! So glad I got to learn a little about you =)

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      March 30, 2013 at 10:21 am

      Hi Lisa! Yes, it’s true… I’m one of the seemingly few Canadian bloggers (in comparison to how many American ones there are). So glad you stopped by!! Loving all of the yummy recipes on your blog! And thank you so much for the kind words! :)

      Reply
  3. Rachel says

    June 10, 2013 at 8:29 pm

    I love your About page and all the cute photos! The look and feel of your blog is really warm & fantastic; can’t wait to read more! :)

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      June 10, 2013 at 11:46 pm

      Rachel! What an amazing compliment!!! Thanks so much. How thoughtful of you to stop by and leave such a sweet comment.

      Reply
  4. Krista @ the happy housie says

    August 23, 2013 at 12:05 pm

    I once had my hair cut way too short too and have been growing it out again and again ever since… a seriously traumatic experience. I get it. You are so funny! And a fellow Canuck. Adding you to my bloglovin’!

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      August 24, 2013 at 10:35 pm

      Thanks Krista!!!! I have actually been following your blog on bloglovin’ and loving it, but I have been terrible with comments lately! Ugh… so bad! I gotta play bloglovin catch-up! Love me some good Canadian bloggers!!!! I hear you on the growing pains – it took a while to get past the awkward stage!

      Reply
  5. Shanti @ Everyday Bohemian says

    June 11, 2014 at 6:30 am

    I feel like we have a lot in common and I’m so glad to have found your blog! Hi! :)

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      June 12, 2014 at 9:14 pm

      Hi Shanti! That is so awesome!! I am just as happy that you found it. :)

      Reply
  6. Amber says

    August 20, 2014 at 12:23 pm

    Hi Thalita, pretty name by the way! This is my first time stopping by your blog! :)
    -Amber
    Her & Hair

    Reply
    • Thalita says

      August 26, 2014 at 12:30 pm

      Thanks so much, Amber!! I love your name as well :) Hope you’re enjoying the blog! I’m going to rush over and check out yours like right now!! :)

      Reply

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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.

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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
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