Saturday, December 31, 2016

Happy New Year

Hope yours was a Merry Christmas and will be a very Happy New Year!  

Christmas for me personally was celebrated with my in-laws before Christmas and then just my husband kids and I took off to our winter wonderland in Tulameen, BC for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  We cut down a tree on the side of the highway and spent our days by the fire or snowmobiling.  Now many family and friends have joined us and we are having a great time.




  2015 was the most difficult year for us as a family, and in some ways I feel like I am still recovering.  So 2016 was a year of re-evaluating.  Even in just the last few months I have clarity of what I want Grapevine Designs to be, and I want to share that with my clients and friends!

I have decided to move full steam ahead!  I love design and seeing beautiful spaces come to life.  And I adore the amazing people who I have met along the way!  I have hired 2 lovely ladies for permanent positions at Grapevine.  Cami Bjurling (R) as my assistant and Shannon McIlwain (L) as a designer.  Each of them bring their own set of skills that I am so excited to be utilizing. 


We have some very exciting projects happening right now and I can't wait to share them with you at different times during the new year.  A new build, a couple of major renos, and some decorating projects are on the schedule right now.

A realization I've come to over the past year is my commitment to Charity Work.  I have become very passionate about 2 particular organizations and I'm very excited to be involved in some really exciting work with both of them.  

One of the most exciting projects I am working on is The Market at Wagner Hills.

Wagner Hills is a recovery centre for men and women recovering from addiction.  At the women's campus in South Langley they are opening a market.  The ladies will be learning how to create higher end crafts and home decor goods, as well as refinishing quality donated furniture, and many items that are grown and produced right on the farm.  I will have a few furniture and home decor pieces there as well.  We are so so excited about the Market.  And we can't wait to announce the opening in the Spring!  There will be seasonal offerings like Christmas trees and pumpkins, and fun things to keep the kiddos entertained like the petting zoo outfitted with the cutest mini farmhouses that house the most adorable piglets, goats, bunnies and even a baby buffalo now and again!

This is just one of the few projects I am working on with these amazing organization.  You can find out more information on this amazing organization here.

The other organization I am working with is called Kuwasha, formerly known as Timothy Outreach International Society.   My husband and I, along with 4 of our closest friends, traveled to the Kibaale Community Centre (KCC) in Uganda this year to have a closer look at this organization.  I can tell you that what we discovered was a charity that is so successful that other organizations are now seeking advice from KCC so that they can see the same success in their charities.  You can see a summary of our trip here.


Last year I worked on a gala to raise funds for Kuwasha.  The event was so successful that we were able to raise over $200 000 to support KCC.  Many of the comments of the attendees were that it was the best gala that they have ever attended.  Our location, ambience, food and entertainment made for an unforgettable evening!  So we are doing it again!  On February 18th, 2017 we are hosting our second gala benefitting Kuwasha.  It will be an event you won't want to miss!  You can find out more information here.

Please let me know if you are interested in our services at Grapevine Designs or want more information on the charities we love.

Wishing you all the happiest of New Years.  Stay in touch!

xo
Lisa





Sunday, December 18, 2016

Christmas Tablescape


I can't tell you I spent hours meticulously planning my Christmas table.  It started with some wrapping paper I bought at Homesense.  I love using wrapping paper for a table runner.  No investing in costly linens!


I started with an old pine garland down the centre of the table.  Then I added some fresh greens from my yard.  Granted, Im fortunate to have a holly tree in my yard!


Last year I purchased these black plates from IKEA.  Then I wrote on the dishes with sharpie!  you can find the tutorial here


Gold candle holders Ive collected from second hand stores.... Votive holders I painted gold for a recent party...  My new West Elm gold cutlery... 2 pomegranates I had the fridge.... and some roses I from the grocery store.  I could have ironed the napkins - maybe I'll get to that before my guests arrive!

Pictured below is one of my favorite tablescapes ever!  So pretty and fun.


I found this picture recently and loved it!  The glamorous purple mixed with a rustic lodge look.  I love the fur on the chairs!  I may try something like this next year.



This table place setting has been saved on my pin board for a few years now.  Using the same idea of writing on the plates.  A paper placemat layered over a linen runner.  Its perfect.



We are a musical family and I love this place mat idea.  Mixed with rustic wood slices.  It is simple and pretty.


Source unknown

Whatever you choose to do for your tablescape, I wish for you happy memory making with your friends and family.

Friday, November 11, 2016

Our trip to Uganda

Now that I have settled back in to life here and feel more organized again, I finally have a moment to share more about my trip to Uganda.  We have been supporting kids at the Kibaale Community Centre for over 6 years.  We loved the fact that all our money goes directly to our child.  None of it is spent on administration because the administration costs are covered by another organization.  The other thing that struck me when deciding to sponsor a child is that I can have a social worker visit their home and find out what their needs are.  And then I can donate money for those specific needs to be met.

When I was asked to help plan a fundraiser for the Kibaale Community Centre I accepted the challenge.  The New Life Gala raised over $200 000 in support of this organization.  And we are doing it again!  On February 18th, 2017.  I had no idea this event was going to be the beginning of a relationship and commitment by my husband and I to this charity.  And now that we have seen it all with our own eyes and really looked at the ins and outs of this place, we are more committed than ever.

The first time I saw these smiling faces I almost completely fell apart.  It was amazing to finally be in Kibaale.  They instantly captured our hearts!


We had the opportunity to do home visits to meet our kids and their families.  This is a picture of our friend's sponsor child.  Her dad passed away years ago, and her mom just died a couple of months ago.  This is her grandma with her grandma's new baby... I guess her uncle!

This is Jankias, one of our sponsor kids and her family - with the goat we brought them!
 

This is where they live.

This is Henry, another one of our kids, with his new toys.  He has the brightest smile and the loveliest personality.  He was just diagnosed with epilepsy.  Kibaale Community Centre has been able to take him to the Dr.'s and get him proper medication for his condition.  Because he is sponsored Henry and his family can get free medical care at KCC.

This is Vicent.  He is a beautiful boy.  His dad is able to work at KCC doing grounds maintenance which supplements the family's income.

Kibaale is one of the most challenging regions of Uganda.  There is mostly no electricty and no running water.  It is ground zero for the AIDS/HIV epidemic and one of the most impacted areas of Africa.  The Kibaale Community Centre is a place of hope for the whole district.  Right now they are experiencing one of the most devastating droughts in recent history.  The centre has been able to give life saving famine relief supplies to hundreds of family in the area.
 




This is Caroline.  She is a special needs student.  Without KCC she would be an outcast of society.  But now she is thriving in school learning many life-giving skills including sign language.

Not everyone is pushed through school the same way.  Each child is given opportunities that best suit their needs.  This young man is learning a trade so that he will one day be able to use to support his family.

We also visited 2 single moms whose lives have been drastically changed by their child being sponsored.  Their stories and more will be told at the New Life Gala on February 18th.  We are still looking for sponsors for this amazing event.  Click HERE for more details.


We visited other areas and other organizations too.  This is Steven.  He looks about 6 months old, but he is 2.  He was taken from a home recently where he was being mistreated and is now living in a orphanage.  I want him!



And then a little fun with our friends.  Going on a trip like this is amazing.  But going on a trip like this with some of your dearest friends...  is beyond amazing!



 

And then a safari in Queen Elizabeth Park



In recent months my charity works has become such a big part of who I am.  Im so thankful that you've taken the time to read the story of our trip.  There is so so much more to tell.  







Saturday, September 24, 2016

IDS West Roundup

I always love to go to IDSWest every year.  And this year was no exception!  I started off my visit with the Poppytalk Social Sessions.  This one was with Justina Blakeney of The Junglow.  It was so so great!  I was introduced to her, her brand and her thoughts on social media.  So glad I went.  LOVE HER!


Then off to listen to the lovely and incredible Emily Henderson.  I don't usually get all starry eyed, but I was seeing stars!  I love everything about her!  You must follow her.  She is lovely and so uber talented!


Of course it was great to stop by my friend Danielle Hardy's shop.  Her decals are stunning!  And she has been a busy girl lately as a mom... re-branding her company... and designing all these to die for decals! Check them out!


From what I saw at the show, you can tell that art under foot is really all the rage.  I came across some really lovely rugs!  And of course the hardwood flooring options are unbelievable!


One of the design trends I love is matte black plumbing fixtures!  OH MY!  Its not for everyone, and maybe not every faucet in your home.  But seriously... These ones from Cantu are gorgeous!


And for those in a small space:  This furniture line is brilliant.  So creative and practical!


I was soooo excited to discover this company!  PURE & ORIGINAL.  This is a natural pigment paint company.  I am hoping to use their paints in project I am working hard on.  They are for furniture or walls.  This one makes the wall look like suede.. or limestone... or something soft and subtle like that!


I could go on...  you may just need to check it out yourself.  At the Vancouver Convention Centre till Sunday the 25th at 5pm.  Otherwise you'll have to wait till next fall!


Sunday, August 28, 2016


We are Hiring

Are you interested in working in a creative and fun environment?  Be part of a growing brand?  We may have a position for you at Grapevine Designs.


Designer:  I am looking for a talented, organized and motivated designer.  Must have a good eye for design, but formal training is not a must.  Hours are flexible.  You will need to be able to work well independently, stay motivated and meet deadlines.  You will be given projects to work on your own and also as a team.


Assistant:  I am looking for a part time administrative/personal assistant.  This position offers flexible hours, the ability to work some hours from home and some in the office.  Also running errands.  While a good eye for design is not a must, it could be helpful.  Organizational skills and seeing a task through to completion are necessary.  Some of your responsibilities will be managing the office, dealing with receipts, payment of bills, following work order through to installation and phone calls.  Possibly some shopping too.

Email me at lisa@grapevinedesigns.ca.  Send your resume and tell me about yourself.  Let me know about your skills or interests.  Also let me know if you have any questions.  I will definitely get back to you.


Friday, August 19, 2016


Its no secret that Keats Island is my happy place.  I thought I would share some of our favourite spots a mile across the water in Gibsons.  Gibsons is fast becoming a popular summer destination.  You may remember Gibsons as the setting for the TV show Beachcombers.  Molly’s Reach is a permanent fixture at the entrance to the dock.  



Date night is always at Smitty’s.  A trendy oyster bar on the boardwalk in Gibsons.  You’ll always find their patio table plum full of people enjoying the yummy fare and salt air.


Often the kids will join us for dessert at Mike’s Place.  Not the fanciest place in town, but with arguably the world’s best Gelato. 


And for a take out lunch, you have to try the Smoke on the Water at the end of the pier.


Tuna wrap...  my mouth is watering


Deep fried oreos.  Yes, they are delicious!



A few really cute shops have popped up in recent years.  One of them being Swish.  I think they cater to a mature woman with really good taste.  Their inventory and merchandising are amazing.  They even have free parking!  Husband parking! 



I was most impressed with their selection of sunglasses!  Hmmm...  Which one do I choose?


Whimsy is another adorable shop that I never miss paying a visit to.




The new store in town is Flourish Boutique.  And I love it!






You’ll find some antique shopping around town too!

Right now they have a lovely exhibition called White Noise by Jill Pilon


We are very excited about the new development that is starting to be built.  A hotel, residences and a massive wellness center!  YES!  Plus 3 new restaurants.  


Next time you are looking for a summer vacay... consider Gibsons.