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.

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!

And Gibsons Public Art Gallery!  

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.

Nutella Meringues

During the summer I spend a number of dreamy days at our family cottage.  There are no stores here so we plan out every meal and bring up the groceries.  Meal planning... what a novel idea!!  I bring up the supplies for many of the recipes Ive been pinning during the year.  This is one that I have to share.  This is actually how the meringues turned out!  These pictures are not modified to make you feel like a failure when yours are not nearly as pretty.  If I can do it, you too can do it!

I found this recipe on sweetestmenu.  The only adjustment I made was to warm the Nutella for 20 seconds in the microwave to soften it.

And there you have it folks!  If you love meringues and you love Nutella... well, who doesn't love Nutella....  You must make these meringues.  You can find the recipe here.

Shower with Love

This post is by guest blogger Katie Woo @katierwoo

One of my first thoughts after my best friend got engaged was, "I get to throw a bridal shower!"

The bride, Jennica, got engaged at sunrise at a special spot near her family's ocean cabin. Sunrise colours became the inspiration for Jennica's shower.

With a happy heart and exploding Pinterest board, I enlisted my awesome mom to help me bake and craft up a storm.

We wanted as many things as possible to be personal and special for Jennica. It was such a fun way to celebrate a special friend and show love and support.

One of my favourite items from the shower was wine bottle labels I made for the event. It was a fun customization that made for a fun keep sake for Jennica and Marko.

Vanity Overload

Building a home?  Renovating?  The house I am renovating right now has 6 bathrooms.  All with a unique purpose.

Where do you begin designing all the cabinetry for your home?  Or each person in your home?  Most people just have the cabinet company draw your standard cabinet for each bathroom that basically just matches the kitchen.  I like to do a high-low approach.  Customizing the cabinets that really matter to the homeowner and the purposes of each room.

In my laundry room I chose IKEA cabinets with custom floating shelves.

pic: Janis Nicolay for Canadian Living

IKEA has many good options for the look of the home I am currently working on.  Like this one for the bathroom off the garage.

With IKEA you can also do some customizing and end up with a gorgeous look like this one

from Erin Williamson Design. 

The look of the home I am working on is light, bright, modern with a European flair.  The Master bathroom will be custom and this is our inspiration:

By Lark and Linen.

This is the inspiration for another one of the bathrooms.

For this one I will get a quote from the cabinet company, but it may be advantageous to purchase a stocked piece like this one from Wayfair and have the cabinet sprayed blue.  Stocked cabients often come with the countertop and sink, making them more affordable.

In my daughter's bathroom I used this well priced cabinet from Costco.  I has been amazing.  I would definitely suggest it to future clients.

Of course some of my favorite vanities come from Restoration Hardware.  Once in awhile you can even snag the perfect one at the outlet store!

Don't limit yourself to one style of cabinetry throughout your home.  The options are limitless, so it helps to have a designer to narrow your options to the best ones to suit your needs.

Have a wonderful long weekend!!!

When I threw a shower for one of my nieces this spring, I decided to make something spring-ish.  Not sure you can describe a cake with that word.  But strawberry lemonade cake seems very spring-ish.  So I went to my favourite baking cookbook Butter Baked Goods by Rosie Daykin.  And her newest addition Butter Celebrates.  AND you get the added bonus of beautiful photography by my friend and photographer Janis Nicolay!

I created this delicious cake from 2 recipes.

 Triple Lemon Layer cake!  You may just need to purchase the book to read the recipe!  

*TIP:  Dont let the lemon syrup cool too much and put it on the cake while it is still warm.  YUMMM

The for the the good stuff  Strawberry Butter Cream.  Be still my beating heart!

And there she is... my beautiful niece, who made the most beautiful bride.

And the cake.  A little less beautiful, but oh so delicious!

These big layered cakes are not nearly as much work or as intimidating as I originally thought.  And the people you serve them to feel special.  Give it a try!

A Warm Heart

A short post today sharing my latest completed project.  It starts with one of the sweetest clients ever.  They were downsizing from a large home to the loveliest brand new townhome in Fort Langley.  We started with a couple of consultations and an e-design package.  Then we finished off with the window coverings and details.  We needed practical so all the grandkids felt right at home.  She also wanted bright and fresh.... which is what I do best. :) 

Kitchen's are often referred to as the heart of the home. This home's heart is bright and warm. 

Wishing everyone a lovely long weekend.  Ours is full of the best things... family... as we celebrate our nieces wedding!