From Shayla's Desk: April 2025
Welcome to the first edition of "From Shayla's Desk" – a monthly window into both my world and what's happening at Warm Welcome. I wanted to create a space where I could connect with you more personally, sharing not just our design projects but also the life that happens between client meetings and construction sites. Each month, I'll be recapping our completed work, sharing progress updates, giving you glimpses into what's ahead, and letting you in on a few personal highlights that keep me grounded. So grab your favorite morning beverage (are we doing coffee or matcha these days?), and let's catch up on what Q1 has brought and what April has in store.
My Personal Journey
Nourishing My Body, Finally
After years of skipping breakfast and riding the roller coaster of intermittent fasting, I'm embracing a protein-forward diet that's slowly but surely transforming how I feel. No more coffee on an empty stomach, no more mid-morning hunger pangs. My shrimp noodle dish has become my protein-packed favourite meal; energized Shayla = happy Shayla.
Finding Joy in Movement
The Barre Collective in Toronto has become my weekly sanctuary. Their dance class breathes life into my routine in ways I never expected. There's something magical about moving in that beautiful studio with its original wood floors and arched windows bathing the space in natural light. The perfect Bloor West Village location doesn't hurt either!
A Meaningful Moment
Meeting Brianna Weist was a full-circle moment I'll treasure forever. Her book "The Mountain is You" carried me through the challenging early days of launching Warm Welcome. When she wrote "keep going" in my copy, the tears came flowing. A simple phrase that meant everything at the right time.
Home Sweet (Patient) Home
Our recent ice storm brought an unexpected ceiling leak, derailing our laundry room completion plans. While it's tested my patience, we've taken the opportunity to add additional roofing protection for the future. A reminder that when you're in a forever home, doing things right matters more than doing them quickly. I'm looking forward to sharing updates as we complete this phase and other main floor additions by the end of Q2.
Life's Celebrations and Reflections
This quarter brought beautiful balance: a weekend up north with university friends, cuddle sessions with friends' new twin babies, birthday celebrations for my 2 and 3-year-old nieces, and a heartfelt celebration of life for my great aunt, who graced this world for 100 incredible years. These moments ground me and remind me why we create beautiful spaces for living.
Project Update Highlights
Project East York: Taking Shape
From framing to fully drywalled and ready for finishes—what a transformation! We're currently finalizing millwork drawings and coordinating material deliveries. Vivian and I can barely contain our excitement watching this vision materialize. By the end of Q2, the homeowners should be enjoying their newly renovated home. Their trust in our design vision has allowed us to create something truly special.
Project Upper Beaches: Completed!
After beginning in fall 2023 and patiently waiting for the clients' preferred contractor, we've finally closed this project! The homeowners moved back into their newly renovated space in February, and while I don't have the final professional photos yet, I'm thrilled with how everything came together. The transformation speaks for itself in the construction progress photos.
Project Tyandaga: New Beginnings
We completed our initial walkthrough in January, and now we’re deep in concept development. With their summer construction timeline and hopes to complete the renovation before moving in with their two young children, we're focused on creating the perfect plan for their family's needs.
Project Tyandaga
What's Coming in April
Final furniture and decor installation at Project Strawberry, setting the family up for Summer 2025 enjoyment
New slider installation on our main floor
Opening the cottage grounds (weather permitting!)
Signing up for the 2025 Terry Fox Run (anyone else inspired by the latest commercials?)
Celebrating Passover on the 12th with my husband's family and Easter with mine on the 20th
Looking forward to connecting with you all from my desk next month!
Shayla
