So necessity must really be the mother of invention. This week the husband committed to hosting his work Christmas party at our house. Which I'm thrilled and excited about, but the unfinished projects lying around are making me less than enthusiastic. First on my list is our entryway.

You may recall way back when, that I wanted to complete the entry fairly quickly after moving in. And I fully intended to. I've had three rolls of Ferm wallpaper sitting in the closet for 13 months now. But our hesitation was/is our abysmal front door that needs replacing. While it's on the hit list, there have definitely been more pressing items to attend to. And I refused to spend all that effort papering the entry if the new front door is going to screw it up.

But I can't possibly have a house full of people show up and have their first impression be an unpainted, half finished room. So, onto plan B!

What is plan B you say? Well, I don't want to give too much away, but here are some images to tease you a little bit.

I can't wait to share the results!

In honour of Feist performing in Calgary tonight!

It was kinda sorta an early weekend for me, as I am in Montreal right now for some work and play! But either way Friday is Friday, and it means sleeping in tomorrow and having fabulous adventures au francais! So here we go:

• Handcut map of Montreal from etsy artist studiokmo, pictured above. There are many fabulous locations to choose from.

• s[edition] is a great new contemporary art website, where you can download digital artwork from today's leading contemporary artists for a super deal! Artists include Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst, and Mat Collishaw.

• Lololove these green glitter ombre nails on Alexa Chung. I must figure out how to do these for the holidays.

• Turkey, Cheddar, and Apple Hand Pies! Oh my!

happy weekend!

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, Two!

One of my favourite suppliers, Schoolhouse Electric had some big new over the weekend. The shop has expanded their line to become Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co, featuring a great array of homewares, furniture, and utility items in addition to their fabulous light fixtures.

For me, Schoolhouse is always on the edge of design. It seems that despite the popularity of classic, utilitarian pieces over the past little while, there is still a huge gap in the market for unique, quality goods. While many retailers seem content to simply modify what is already out there, Schoolhouse continues to push the boundaries.

Higgins Mirror with Rope Hanger

I love the contrast of the smooth, cool bronze with the rustic quality of the rope hanger.

Schoolhouse Extension Cord

This piece perfectly illustrates my point. Schoolhouse effortlessly elevates the classic cloth extension cord.

Ticking Stripe Sheet Set

I love mattress ticking and cannot get enough of it. These are fabulous, although I wish they were available in grey or black.

Blackline Stoneware

One thing that we haven't seen a lot of is stoneware. These pieces are nicely modernized with bold black rims and stripes. I'd love to see these on my kitchen counter.

Factory Light No. 4 Cable Pendant

And these gorgeous enamel pendants would look stunning over my kitchen island.

Music Monday: Washed Out

It has been a tremendously sad and difficult week in our house. On Monday, we had to say goodbye to our sweet Margot.

She was the most loving and amazing companion that anyone could ask for. Everyone who met her instantly fell in love with her. She loved running in the park and swimming in the river. Every day we would come home to her sitting on the back of the sofa so she could watch the world outside, and watch for us to come home. Each night she would curl up behind my knees to sleep.

Now our house has empty corners and empty hearts.

Margot, I miss you so much.