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Harlow & Thistle

While our small business is still very much in the early stages we have learned a lot coming out of the gate, things we have done well and things we would have done differently.

Over a year ago I left my corporate job, took an interior design diploma course, built-up my blog, and set my sights on house flipping as a side business. In discussions with my husband, who was branching out in his career as well, we felt it was time to register Harlow & Thistle as a company. The process to make our business official wasn’t easy and it definitely wasn’t always clear if we were headed in the right direction. Between government sites and business structures, accountants, and lawyers, our heads were spinning. It took quite some time, but after some research and advice from family and friends we eventually figured out how to register our company.

Ownr-how-to-start-a-small-business-harlow-and-thistle

If I were to do it again, I would have 100% used a service like Ownr, which is a new service  that helps make registering or incorporating a small business quick, easy and affordable. They cut through the confusion, making it straight forward and clear - plus they even do a name search for you.

If you’re like me, when you’re starting something new there’s usually some anxiety that comes with it, “should I do it?” “is it right?” and if things don’t go somewhat smoothly at the beginning you might take it as a sign to turn back. I’m sure the old confusing process of registering a company has deterred a few aspiring entrepreneurs from even getting started.

I’ve partnered with Ownr to help make the experience even smoother and I’m offering my readers an additional discount off registration or incorporation. Use the promo code HT-REG30 for $30 off registration and HT-INC60 for $60 off incorporation. Take advantage of these now before they expire on July 1st!

Ownr-how-to-start-a-small-business-harlow-and-thistle

Stop putting it off, launch that side hustle! If you have any questions about starting a business, leave me a comment and I’ll do my best to help!

This post is sponsored by Ownr. All expressed opinions and experiences are my own.
14:06:00 No comments
Have you ever experienced something extraordinary and immediately knew it would be with you forever? Well that was me last Thursday night when I attended the Mastercard Priceless Table event. If you're not familiar with these events, they are once-in-a-lifetime experiences at the most unexpected and unique places available to any Mastercard cardholder! Yep, you heard right any Mastercard cardholder.

Mastercard-Priceless-Table-Toronto-Harlow-and-Thistle

The night was a delight for all the senses from the decor, to the entertainment and of course the food. Hosted at the lovely Galerie de Bellefeuille in Toronto. It was the first of it's kind where Mastercard worked with a designer, Andrew Pike, to focus on the table setting, bringing design to the forefront. Beautiful hydrangeas adorned the tables and poured out of the tall centerpieces. The table setting was equally as gorgeous from the crystal stemware to the muted gold cutlery. Andrew Pike really outdid himself.

Mastercard-Priceless-Table-Toronto-Harlow-and-Thistle

Mastercard-Priceless-Table-Toronto-Harlow-and-Thistle

The meal was equally as wonderful for the taste buds. Chef Lynn Crawford (Ruby Watchco) developed the delicious menu based on her new book Farm to Chef. Each bite was better than the last.

Mastercard-Priceless-Table-Toronto-Harlow-and-Thistle

Finally, not to be outdone, the entertainment was outstanding. The Willows Trio sang carols throughout the night, accompanied by Adam Sherkin on piano, while sugar plum ballerinas and nutcrackers from Hit and Run Dance Productions danced between courses. The evening was topped off with a beautiful version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" where four tenors and a musical quartet unexpectedly joined the song bringing it up to a whole other level - along with my goosebumps.

Mastercard-Priceless-Table-Toronto-Harlow-and-Thistle

Mastercard-Priceless-Table-Toronto-Harlow-and-Thistle

Mastercard-Priceless-Table-Toronto-Harlow-and-Thistle

Mastercard-Priceless-Table-Toronto-Harlow-and-Thistle

The Mastercard Priceless Table event was magical. And while this was a culinary event there are a variety of Priceless experiences on the cities site. If you are a Mastercard cardholder be sure to check them out and take advantage of these extraordinary experiences - because after all they are open to all cardholders (I know, I still can't believe this either).

Mastercard-Priceless-Table-Toronto-Harlow-and-Thistle

A huge thank you to the Mastercard Canada team for inviting me to this incredible night. I’ll never forget it! For more information on Mastercard’s Priceless program in Toronto, please click HERE.

11:47:00 No comments
Are you looking for some modern fun Christmas Decor? Earlier this year I had the opportunity to get a sneak peak at Canadian Tire's CANVAS Christmas collection. I was blown away by the fresh take on Christmas decor and the variety of options available. They've created a few different Christmas themes and all of the products are inter-mixable (if that's a word) and they work seamlessly with the existing CANVAS Home products which is super cool. Scroll down below for a few examples and some pretty pictures because really pretty pictures tell it all.

Canadian Tire CANVAS Christmas Harlow and Thistle 1

Alpine White - Create a Snowy White Holiday Look.
For 2017, the CT colour for Christmas is Alpine White, if you know me, you know I love white home decor so fittingly I love this Christmas theme. Check out how these beautiful CANVAS Pyramid Wood Lanterns give a modern take to holiday and highlight this amazing CANVAS Marseille Electric Fireplace (PS - this fireplace has pull-out side cabinets for "Hidden Storage" - aka a mom's favourite word).

Canadian Tire CANVAS Christmas Harlow and Thistle 2

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And this guy is just too cute.

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Here's an example of one of Canadian Tire's lifelike Christmas trees - this Flocked Fir is lightly flocked (which seems to be a buzz word this season) for a lovely snow covered look. It is 7' tall has over 1,400 needles and 500 NOMA lights - all the natural beauty of a Canadian evergreen tree without all the sap and hassle of a real one.

Canadian Tire CANVAS Christmas Harlow and Thistle 8

Canadian Tire CANVAS Christmas Harlow and Thistle 9

Canadian Tire CANVAS Christmas Harlow and Thistle 10

Touch of Gold - Add a golden glow to your holiday style.
The Harlowe chandelier hanging in this photo is one of my favourite Canadian Tire CANVAS products (and not just because it's called Harlowe but it helps). I love how they incorporated this chandelier into this #CTChristmas Touch of Gold vingette. Stay tuned on this one because I will be decorating one of my trees in this festive theme this year.

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I love how lanterns are probably the best year-round decorative product ever! Summer, Fall, Chirstmas - they work no matter the season.

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Tundra Blue - Explore the winter beauty of blue.
My favourite item in the Canadian Tire Tundra Blue Collection is the blue feathered ball ornament - Canadian Tire carries it in other colours but I'm partial to the blue. This collection combines jewel tones with snow-capped natural elements and pairs nicely with the the CANVAS Winston chair (another one of my faves).

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Canadian Tire CANVAS Christmas Harlow and Thistle 20

Heritage Red - Keep it classic with red holiday decor.
If you're looking to add a bit of Canadiana to your festive decor the #CTChristmas Heritage Red collection is for you - natural textures, wildlife and warm and cozy Canadian nostalgia like a passport ornament - so fun!

Canadian Tire CANVAS Christmas Harlow and Thistle 21

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Festive Fun - 'Tis the season for fun holiday style.
If you're like me you have one tree for the adults (well for you) and one tree for the kids. Canadian Tire has you covered, the CT Festive Fun collection has bright colours and all the characters your kids will love from Star Wars to Paw Patrol.

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Canadian Tire CANVAS Christmas Harlow and Thistle 27

Now mom can relax and let the kids rip off the ornaments from their own tree rather than hers (err I mean the adult tree).

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And I'll be ice fishing.

Canadian Tire CANVAS Christmas Harlow and Thistle 30

That's a wrap. I hope you've been inspired - I know I have. I can't wait to get my tree up and start decorating for Christmas - let's be honest I may have already started - hehe.

Tomorrow I'll be sharing a Christmas DIY I created in the Canadian Tire CANVAS HOUSE. It's a fun one so you're going to want to come back.

This post is in collaboration with Canadian Tire. All expressed opinions are my own. 


00:01:00 No comments
I recently had the pleasure to attend "The Art of Entertaining" Homesense media event. The space was so beautifully decorated I wanted to move in. Each room had a different vibe and there were little vignettes displaying holiday decor for Thanksgiving, Halloween and Christmas. There was so much eye candy I had a hard time staying focused. And the cinnamon rimmed cider Prosecco was icing on the cake.

Homesense-harlow-and-thistle

After I posted some Instastories, a few of my American friend's messaged me wishing they had a Homesense in the US (add Homesense to the list of reasons to be a proud Canadian). Check out the pics below to see what's in store for @homesense this fall/winter season.

Homesense - the art of entertaining - harlow and thistle - cheese boards

 Loved the way these cutting board were displayed.

Homesense - the art of entertaining - harlow and thistle - 2

So many layers and textures - love it!

Homesense - the art of entertaining - harlow and thistle - 3

Homesense - the art of entertaining - harlow and thistle - bar cart

]Never met a bar cart I didn't like.

Homesense - the art of entertaining - harlow and thistle - pink tufted bench

Blush pink and burgundy - yes please!


Homesense - the art of entertaining - harlow and thistle - pink and grey

Homesense - the art of entertaining - harlow and thistle - 5

Homesense - the art of entertaining - harlow and thistle - marble tea set

I drop by my local Homesense on the regular so this event was a real treat for me (especially sans kids). With the holiday season just around the corner it was inspiring to get ideas on how to entertain without spending a fortune.

Until next time!


01:22:00 1 comments
Do you love chic unexpected details in a home? I'm a details girl. I love looking around a room and finding little sparks of delight, it all adds a sense of personality and lux to a room. Today, I'm sharing a new way to add a hint of extraordinary to your home by updating a utility we use everyday - the outlet and switch. Let's face it from a design standpoint our outlets and switches have somewhat been forgotten, which is funny because we probably use them more now than ever with the advent of technology, so it only seems right that they be given an upgrade too. The adorne Collection by Legrand offers a modern take on switches and outlets. Not only are they stylish and customizable but the innovative features such as USB compatibility, WiFi dimmers and popping outlets really take them to the next level.


If you caught my Instastories yesterday you may have seen me updating the switch in my office. As a side bar, I'm planning to update my office for the One Room Challenge Fall 2017 so I thought I'd get a head-start and quickly update the switches and outlets. Seriously guys, I'm no electrician but this was way easier than I expected. The video instructions on the adorne site were super helpful.

I selected the adorne Paddle Switch and a White Switch Plate. During the One Room Challenge I will be updating the plate to the custom plate where you can literally place your own wallpaper onto the it - so amazing - just waiting for my wallpaper to arrive. As I mentioned above, installation is not as hard as you may think so don't be intimidated. All you need is a screwdriver and some wire cutters. 

First, and most importantly, turn off your power - go to your switch box and turn off the main fuse. Once you've tested the switch and have ensured no power is going to it use the screwdriver to take off the old switch.


Remove the old switch. Cut the black wires according to the length on the back of the adorne switch box. Note, my switch is a 1-pole if yours is a three-way the instructions are a bit different, be sure to check the video and instruction provided.


Connect your ground wire to the green ground wire on the switch plate (grounding the switch plate is a new requirement, many older homes do not have a ground wire within the switch box - consult your electrician). Check out the video for more details on this.

Pull the black wires through the plate and screw the switch plate back on the wall.


Insert the black wires into the top and bottom holes of the switch and screw them in (do not put one in the hole marked three-way). Test the switch before clicking it into place.


Finally, place the switch plate on top, give it a little press until you hear it click, check all four sides.


That's it! I love the way it looks, so sleek and fresh.



For so long our outlets and switches have been forgotten, thanks to Legrand and the adorne Collection our outlets and switches can now be as current and modern as our technology.

Stay tuned to the blog when I update this switch with the wallpaper for my One Room Challenge Office update.

This post is in collaboration with Legrand. All expressed opinions are my own.
12:00:00 No comments
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Hello!



Hi! I'm Andrea, I'm a Designer, a momma and a hopeless DIY'er. My passion to achieve luxe for less led me to create Harlow & Thistle, a place to get home design inspiration and modern DIY home decorating ideas.

Email me to collaborate: harlowandthistle@gmail.com

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