Gift Guide: Father’s Day

With Father’s Day right around the corner (this Sunday), Daniela is back with an awesome gift guide.

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Hey everyone I’m back with a Father’s Day gift guide that is sure to impress the father or father figure in your life. I’ve included gifts at a variety of price points, and I hope you find something special for the dad in your life.

If you haven’t read the story behind the company The Ridge, you should. It started as a Kickstarter project by a college kid and his dad (see The Ridge Story). The original wallet comes in aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber. Here, though, I am featuring the aluminum version. This wallet is perfect for the person who wants a simple, lightweight option for the cards and money he carries. You can choose a money clip or cash strap option. In addition, the wallet holds up to 12 cards and has a lifetime warranty.

Aluminum – Raw, $65 USD, The Ridge

Next up is this versatile, casual woven cotton belt that can easily be worn on dress down Friday’s at the office or a night on the town.

woven belt, $92 CAD, Nordstrom

Lamy pens are timeless and have been around since the 1960’s. The Lamy 2000 is German designed and manufactured. If the dad in your life does any writing day to day, this is a perfect gift for him. Add a personalized journal (complete with a photo, perhaps) to go with his pen.

Lamy 2000

super dad notebook, Minted

I love David Yurman and his jewelry designs. I am lucky to have a number of special pieces courtesy of my husband and daughters. My picks for a great Father’s Day gift from David Yurman are two bracelets – the classic spiritual beads in riverstone and the sleek white hex cuff bracelet.

Spiritual Bead bracelet

Hex cuff bracelet

Why not give the golfer in your life the best golf balls on earth? These are used by Jordan Spieth as well as many other top golfers. Even if these balls don’t help dad with his golf game, he will definitely be proud to show them off on the golf course.

Pro VI golf balls

A classic gift for dad is an everyday watch. I have a couple of brand options at two price points. Tissot is a well known household watch name made by Swatch. The Tissot Quickster Chronograph T-sport is a great casual watch.

Tissot Quickster Chronograph T-sport, $495 CAD, The Bay

The Farer Stanhope is a modern timepiece that can be dressed up and down easily for a formal event or a casual day out. This is an automatic watch designed by the British and made by the Swiss. Farer is a newer watch company designing quality automatic watches.

Stanhope, $1175 USD, Farer

Next up – the bbq enthusiast. I love this “bbq” apron. It’s awesome for the “king of the grill” in your life. This leather apron comes with deep pockets great for all the bbq utensils.

leather apron, $50.84, The Well

Happy shopping, and Happy Father’s Day!

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Thanks, Daniela! You’ve shared a lot of wonderful gift ideas with us today.

Architecture: A-Frame Cottages

I was in Goderich and Bayfield on Saturday because Ontario beach time has been long overdue for me. It was an absolutely wonderful day out, and it got me dreaming (again) about owning a cottage one day (remember this cottage post from November).

Recently, my cottage dreams seem to lead me to the classic A-frame style. The A-frame (literally shaped like the letter A) style appeals to me for a cottage because it looks cozy, seems to blend in well with country surroundings, and mimics the shape of trees. I don’t know. I just think it looks kind of cool. And with a white interior? I think it would be fun.

So, naturally, my dreams have led me to create this blog post featuring cool A-frame houses (or cottages) that I find so darn beautiful.

Bromley Caldari 

source unknown

Lokal A-Frame, Maurice River

Allandale House, William O’Brien Jr.

Jean Verville

VRBO

Whistler A-frame, Scott and Scott Architects

The Friday Five: 5 Things on My Mind

Here’s what’s been on my mind lately.

1. Podcasts

I finally (finally!) started listening to podcasts. I’m currently alternating between How I Built This and Serial. Any recommendations for others?

2. #PhDLife

An article I co-wrote with one of my undergraduate students was published last week. This is very exciting for my academic life.

3. Saskatoon

Although my time in Saskatoon was conference-focused, I did have a chance to visit the Remai Modern museum post-conference, and really enjoyed both the art and architecture. In addition to this museum, I would definitely recommend staying at the Delta Bessborough and eating at Ayden (best burger I’ve had in a long time). I also appreciated the fresh, clean air in Saskatoon and the walks I took along the river from the Delta Bessborough to the University of Saskatchewan. (See #WhiteCabanaGoestoSaskatoon for a few photos.)

4. Video

This video – Ama – by Julie Gaultier is stunning. I have watched it more than once.

5. Ann Arbor

I’m heading to Ann Arbor, Michigan soon. Any recommendations? As per usual, I’ve checked out the Design*Sponge city guide!

Have a great weekend, everyone!