Two for Tuesday: Stacked Up

I hope everyone had a great Canada Day long weekend! I’m already finding it hard to get back into work mode after a few days of relaxation by the pool and BBQ with friends. I don’t think I opened my computer even once all weekend long, so forgive me if posts are brief this week.

Today’s pair are all about lines and structure.

friendship bracelet, $357 USD (on sale), Links of London

NOVA by Zaha Hadid, $5000, via  United Nude

The Friday Five: Things on My Mind

Here are just a few things that have been on my mind this week.

1. Pearl Morissette

I just learned of Pearl Morissette winery and restaurant in Jordan, Ontario, and it’s now on my must-visit list.

2. DIY Wedding Details

The DIY details of Homey Oh My‘s recent wedding definitely impressed me. Amy and Oleg set such a pretty scene for a special occasion.

3. Bramasole

Did you read Under the Tuscan Sun? See the movie? If so, you’re certainly familiar with Bramasole (aka Villa Laura). And now…you can stay there!

4. Pool View

Oh, this exterior pool scene is beautiful.

Tiger tail residence, Edward Ogosta Architecture

5. Elizabeth

I watched Elizabeth this week. I liked it a lot. The costumes are incredible. I know this movie is from 1998, but I hadn’t ever seen it. How had I never seen it?

via

Have a great weekend, everyone! Happy Canada Day!

Trivia Thursday: The Alvar Aalto Vase

Recognize this wavy vase?

Iittala

It was designed by Alvar Aalto in 1936, and it has been a design collector’s item ever since. Each vase is mouth blown at the Iittala glass factory in Finland, making each piece unique. The full Alvar Aalto collection includes other shapes, sizes, and colours, too.

If you’re in Canada, you can purchase Alvar Aalto pieces at William Ashley.

Gift Guide: For the BBQ Hosts

What’s Canada Day without a BBQ? For many Canadians, wearing red and white and having a BBQ with friends and family is the best way to celebrate Canada’s birthday. If you’re heading out to a friend’s place, you may be interested in reviewing Daniela‘s gift guide today. She’s curated a great selection of gifts – at various price points as per usual – for this weekend’s BBQ or any other summer event you’re attending.

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With our first long weekend upon us and children out of school, invites for summer BBQs will be pouring in. For your next invite, I’ve put together a list of some fun gifts to bring to the host.

Dish towels! Or as Williams Sonoma calls them – flour sack towels. Sure, you can get these at a lot of retailers, but I especially love the Williams Sonoma towels as they are extremely large and can withstand the test of time and lots of washes.

flour sack towels, $19.16 USD (on sale), Williams Sonoma

If you are invited to a bbq where the host has children, add this super fun stencil set (or another craft) for their little ones. It will make for a great summer activity on a rainy day, and the parents will love them too!

tea towel stencil kit, $26 USD, Yellow Owl Workshop

Going to a pool party? For the past few summers, I have brought the host one of these pool toys. They are the perfect gift for all ages and make for a great prop in photos. I personally love using these so my hair doesn’t get wet. 🙂

swan floatie, $9.99 (on sale), The Bay

unicorn floatie, $9.99 (on sale), The Bay

Did you know you can use your BBQ for a lot more than grilling hamburgers and veggies? Why not make pizza (my food of choice) on your grill? I love this as a hostess gift especially for someone who uses their BBQ all summer long.

grill stone, $48.49 CAD, The Well

Summer BBQ invites are all about fun in a casual dining atmosphere, so this next hostess gift idea is more a gift for all in attendance. Fill this piñata up with candy and bring it as an addition to the “dessert table.” It will prove tons of fun for all ages.

mini unicorn piñata, $5.60 (on sale), Chapters Indigo

And on the subject of candy grab a bag of these delicious squish candies for the host to enjoy the day after the party.

thank you mix candies, $14 CAD, Squish Candies

Finally, who doesn’t love an ice cream in the summer? Spoil the host with this great set, so they can enjoy their summer ice cream in style.

Kate Spade ice cream set, $46 CAD, Chapters Indigo

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoy all your summer gatherings with friends and family!

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How lucky are we that Daniela is such a great gift giver? Each guide seems better than the last! I absolutely love the idea of a piñata…what a fun thing for adults and kids!