Disconnecting your downspout and re-routing the water flow does have its benefits which are mentioned in Toronto.ca’s web site.  For some, the solution to add extended spouts or a splash pad may not appear to be very…well, pretty. Replacing a downspout with a beautiful Rain Chain is a wonderful solution.  Rain Chains can direct the rain water into a decorative bowl, a bed of river rocks, a rain barrel or a right into a garden bed.

Rain Chains are available in pure copper or aluminum. Choose from many styles including link (as shown to the left) or cup styles. For more information on Rain Chain chain please visit City Home and Garden.

Please visit Toronto.ca for more information regarding the mandatory downspout disconnection.

My husband was away on a trip for ten days which was the perfect time to jump in for the kill. I wanted to keep this project as cheap as possible and succeeded by spending only $175. So here’s what I did.

1) I went through all the paint cans we had in the basement and found a gallon of cloud white paint. Bingo-hit the jackpot. I took everything off the walls and painted the room including the window trim and the doors. I didn’t peel off any of the loose wall paper because I was afraid of what can of worms I may open so I just painted over it. The walls will be ripped out eventually so I didn’t want to spend too much time with that.

2) I replaced my husband’s old desk which was an Ikea dining room table. My neighbor had an office desk in his garage that he didn’t want and gave it me. So that cost me a big fat zero.

3) I replaced the white laminate wall shelves with three floating shelves from Rona which were only $11.99 each. I also put all my husband’s files in proper filing containers. As you can see, my husband is a little messy.

4) I kept one of the white laminate shelves for the printer/fax machine but it also serves as a work station for myself for when I need to use the printer or scanner. The legs I used for this shelf was a big part of the expense. Four legs from Home Depot cost about $45.

5) I cleared everything off the book shelf and kept only what I knew my husband would want. Doing that alone make a huge difference as the book shelf was really messy and cluttered with a lot of nick knacks that we never looked at. I put all the items that I cleared off the book shelf into boxes for the time being.

6) I went shopping. Where else but Ikea for office supplies. I bought a lot of filing units and when I checked out at the self serve checkout I thought I made mistake. How could it only be $70? I recounted my items to make sure I didn’t miss anything-no mistake. On a side note here I have to mention what happened with one of the Ikea shelves I bought. When I was putting the unit together there were plastic push screws used for the drawers that slide in and out of the unit. Once you push the screws through there’s no going back, they’re permanent. I was almost finished putting the screws in the last drawer when I realized I had folded the sides in the wrong way with the lip on the inside and not the out which meant it couldn’t slide the shelf in the unit. Arrrgggg. I was rushing and sure enough nothing good ever comes from that. I went to our local hardware store to see if they had any similar screws but no luck so I had to go back to Ikea to find out if they had these screws in stock. They did not. As I desperately tried to think of other items that they sold that would have similar screws the nice fellow working at the counter said he would pull another unit of the stock, open it and give me replacement screws. I was shocked. I reiterated to him that I made the mistake not Ikea.He said it didn’t matter and gave me the screws. So when I get fantastic customer service like that I have to say Kuddos to Ikea.

7) One of the boxes that I bought from Ikea was used as a cable hider for all the computer cables and wires. The wires were just a tangled mess and quite an eye sore. I cut holes in the back of the box and pulled the cables through them. It looks much better now.

This project did take me a while. It was a lot of work for one person but I am so glad I did it. This room was a bit of an embarrassment so now I don’t have to keep the door closed when we have company. I can certainly live with this until we are ready for the big renovation.

Below are some of my favorite products. All are sold on City Home and Garden and are made in Canada.

Organic Face Care

Pure Facial CleanserPure is a gentle cleanser that has been specifically created to effectively clean the skin without leaving it feeling dried or damaged. The various extracts and minerals found in this amazing blend not only help to remove dirt and oils that can irritate the skin and lead to break-outs, but also works well to remove light make-up.

When I first tried this product I have to be honest and say that I was a little put off by the smell. Often face products are over scented but Pure has a raw natural smell, that’s the only way I can describe it however, it didn’t take long to get used to the smell. The consistency is not of a cream but rather a thick gummy texture but don’t let the smell or texture put you off. I really like this product for its natural properties and benefits. Simply add a little water and rub into a light lather in the palm of your hand. What I like about Pure is how my skin feels after I rinse my face. My skin feels refreshed and smooth.

Retail Price: $28.00 CAD

Facial in a Jar Exfoliant/Softening Mask

This amazing exfoliant helps to achieve smooth, vibrant skin by removing dead skin cells that clog pores and form blackheads. Exfoliating regularly improves the skins elasticity and its ability to absorb moisture and retain the rich nutrients found in each one of our serums.

Love, love, love this product! I was using another brand from my local health store but found after a week the product started to liquify and get very runny. What I like about this product is that it’s in a powder form. I put a small amount in my hand and add water. It’s a very effective exfoliant and if you happen to get some on your lips it tastes yummy.

Retail Price: $36.00 CAD

Face Moisturizing Serum-Nourish

Unlike other moisturizers our moisturizers are referred to as serums. Serums are not creams, they are oils.  All the moisturizers I have ever used in the past were creams but when I tried this product I thought the oil would make my face greasy but it did not. The oil easily to absorbs into the skin  with the aid of water. After washing your face splash some cold water on your face and pat it down a little but not completely. Put one or two drops of Nourish in the palm of your hand and dab the oil all over your face. Then rub the oil into your skin. After a few minutes the oil will absorb into your skin and feel wonderful. The oil goes a long way. It may seem a little expensive but I have had my bottle for five months now and it’s not empty yet . I also love the smell of the serums-so fresh.

Retail Price: $33.00 CAD

 Eye Serum-Ocular

This extremely popular serum contains many nourishing extracts that help to improve dark circles, reduce puffiness, and smooth fine lines. It has been engineered specifically for the unique and sensitive skin found around the eye, and also serves as a vital protective layer against the chemicals found in pollution and makeup.

I really like this serum. I like the fact that I’m not using any chemicals around my eyes. This is not a product used to prevent wrinkles. I gave up on expensive eye (wrinkle) creams years ago. I use this serum to nourish and moisturize the delicate skin around my eyes.

When using this serum in the morning please note that you do have to make sure it is completely absorbed in your skin before applying eye make up.

Retail Price: $24.00 CAD

Body Care Products

Body Butter-Marigold

This butter is very rich. I find it’s perfect for my hands right  before bed time especially in the winter when my hands feel very dry.  I prefer to use our lighter hand and body moisturizer during the day but you can’t beat this butter to soothe areas like elbows, knees and rough patches on feet. I love the mild scent of Marigold but my second favorite scent is the Beach Lime.

Please note this product does contain a preservative but it is only 0.2% which is negligible. So it’s not 100% pure but pretty darn close.

Retail Price $19.50 CAD

Body Scrub-Marigold

This natural Body Scrub formula begins with moisture rich Soya Oil and pure Shea Butter.  It uses sea salt and sugar to smooth and polish the body.  There are no chemical preservatives in this exclusive blend.

This is my favorite body scrub of all times. It’s very rich and nourishing and removes dead skin cells. It contains very few ingredients (sea salt, sugar, soya oil, pure shea butter and essential oils) which I love. It’s wonderful in the summer for removing dead (tanned and peeling) skin and perfect in the winter to add a little more moisturizer to your skin.

Please note that the essential oils do leave a temporary greasy film in the tub or shower which can be slippery so please be aware of that. But it’s so worth it

Retail Price: $21.50 CAD

Glycerine Soap

It will be hard to find another bar of soap as gentle as these all vegetable, olive oil Glycerine bars. Palm oil makes the bar hard and long lasting, while olive oil contributes to its creamy lather.

Can’t get enough of these soaps. Not only do they make great gifts they look nice in the kitchen or powder room. My favorite scents are Marigold,  Eucalyptus and Grapefruit. They don’t dry out your hands and provide just the right amount of lather.

Retail Price: $4.99 ea CAD

Tinted Lip Balm- Jacqueline

I have read that the average woman will consume about 6 pounds of lipstick in a lifetime. I also know that there are traces of lead and other chemicals found in many lipsticks which is the reason I stopped wearing regular lipstick. Once I discovered this wonderful lip tint I haven’t looked back. These tints are moist and some have a tingling sensation. My favorite is Jacqueline which is a warm pink gloss, I find perfect all season. When I want a darker colour I go with Impatience which has a red tint. I’m totally addicted to these and love that they are 100% Natural and Vegan. I probably have at least four or five around the house and in my purse. I’ve got my sister hooked on them as well.

Retail Price: $8.99 CAD

*Please note that all the above comments are my personal opinions about the products that I sell. These are products that I use regularly and wanted to share my opinion with others.

City Home and Garden has just launched our new site  Wall Art Canada.  Here we offer a wonderful selection of Art Blocks, Wall Decals and Outdoor Art.

Our Art Blocks are made in Canada and each Art Block is hand crafted using traditional plastering techniques applied in multiple layers over wood. Every art block is individually produced, enhancing its one of a kind uniqueness while creating an overall vintage appearance. Many themes of Art Blocks are available from birds to  flowers to symbols to words. Creating stories with Art Blocks is easy. Choose either the same themes or mix and match themes.. Art Blocks also make wonderful House Warming and Wedding gifts.

Our Wall Decals are perfect for adding a bold statement to any room. Decals are all the rage and increasing in popularity. They are so easy to use. Simply peel and stick and if you made a mistake, remove and re-stick, it’s that easy. Wall Decals are great for kid’s rooms as well.  Change the Decals as you child changes his/her interests-no need to paint or wall paper.

So have fun with your walls and start decorating with Wall Art.

Imagine coming home from a stressful day of work and unwinding in your own backyard retreat. Relaxing under a shady tree or just listening to a beautiful bird’s song will give you a sense of peace. Any space, no matter how small can be created into calm yet stimulating environment.

For many people the idea of designing a back yard retreat may seem like a daunting task. The good news is that we are here to help. We offer many services for all your City Garden needs.

In most areas of Canada our summers are very short. Spending more time outdoors is a luxury most of us can appreciate. Spending this time in our own backyard is a treat. Investing in a outdoor space will pay off. The time spent dining with your family or entertaining outdoors will be leave memories that will last a lifetime.

If you find yourself staring at an empty lot image what it would be like to spend your summers living outdoors in a beautiful setting, surrounded by nature. Now is the time to make your next destination: Home.

Please visit our new site at City Garden Design

We are thrilled to expand our Bath and Body Care line. I discovered a wonderful brand of Organic Skin Care Products made in Canada. I loved them so much I decided to include them with our Body Care Products.

These nourishing products include essential oils, special herbs and vitamins which help promote healthy skin.

Our Face and Eye Moisturizers  are not lotions or creams-they  are serums. Serums when react with water are absorbed into the skin, locking in moisture. Your skin will feel smooth and rejuvenated.

Visit our new site Skin Essentials for detailed information about key ingredients  used in these wonderful products.

All of our Face and Body Care Products may be purchased at City Home and Garden.

Shipping for all our Body and Face Care Products is now only $5 (Canada Only).  For details see Skin Essentials.

At City Home and Garden we offer garden decor for every garden style. We’ve just added our new metal garden art piece from local blacksmith Jeff Smith. The Beehive art piece can be hung from a tree or wall hook. It is also available with or without a stake.

Made from hand forged mild steel this charming beehive will surely be a conversation piece in your garden. Each piece is hand crafted therefore no two are alike.

The Beehive also makes a wonderful gift for the gardener in your family.

For more information visit Metal Garden Art.

Farida’s giclee prints reflect designs associated with nature, the environment, and the seasons. Images include leafs, butterflies, tea cups, and children’s motifs. The colors are sophisticated and subtly hued. Giclee prints are ideal enhancements for home, office, and hotel décor. In addition to their aesthetic quality, the prints are water-resistant and can be used in mild outdoor settings – ideal for porches, patios and covered decks and all manner of outdoor living accessories. Indoors, giclee prints look fabulous in kitchens and bathrooms as well as living rooms, guest rooms, and bedrooms.

Digital art pieces are available in two sizes; 12 ” x 12′ retail price $65 and 16″ x 16″ retail price $125. Please visit Art For Outdoors to view the complete collection.

At City Home and Garden we’ve got many gift giving ideas that will be sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. Below are just a few ideas.

$39.99

Your favorite body care, finally in purse size! Our attractive, recyclable window tin holds 5 pieces of clean, body care in purse size 2 oz containers, twice the size of hotel amenity packaging!

MARIGOLD MAGIC HOLIDAY MINIS are made with Certified Organic Calendula, Fairly Traded Unrefined African Shea Butter, Organic, Non GMO Soya Oil, and other beautiful vegetable based ingredients. All products are Petroleum, Paraben, Sulphate and Glycol FREE! Hand Made in Canada especially for you.

Kit includes 2 ounces of the following,

Marigold Body Butter, Marigold Body Scrub, Marigold Body Lotion, Marigold Hand and Body Wash, Marigold Lip Balm

Order while supplies last! Visit City Home and Garden to place your order today.

A cozy, luxurious throw is always a sure thing when it comes to gift giving. With so many colours and styles to choose from there is something for everyone.

Only $25.00

Visit Blankets and Throws for the complete collection.

For the little ones in your life.

These delightful crochet toys are cuddly and loveable. They are handmade from 100% natural fibers – this adorable friend is sure to capture a child’s imagination: Its also handmade by women in Nepal, providing them fair wages and livelihood. Straight from their hands to your heart!

$37.99

Visit Baby Toys to see more of these adorable toys.

If you find yourself stuck for ideas or have left it too late don’t worry. Gift certificates are available. Visit Gift Certificates for information.

We also offer a solid Wasabi Green organic cotton pillow which matches beautifully with the Roses Pillows.