How many times in a day do you say “OK”? Would it be better to save the speech and wear a tee or pin instead to express your opinion?
Okey Dokey DIY tee, via Almost Makes Perfect
OK pin, Maria Ines Gul
It is such a special treat when a dinner guest brings flowers. These gorgeous white hydrangeas look so beautiful in my living room.
originally posted this past weekend on my Instagram, chaise makeover
Happy Monday, dear readers!
I think patterned floors will really stay firmly in place in the world of interior design over the next few years. While some opt for florals and intricate geometric patterns, others prefer a classic black and white check. In kitchens, bathrooms, and foyers, a black and white checkered floor offers drama and interest to an otherwise all-white space. Just look at the five gorgeous spaces below:
via Savvy Home
via South Shore Decorating Blog
Karen Bertelsen‘s kitchen, photo by Donna Griffith for Canadian Living
And because it’s hard to sometimes stop at 5 beautiful spaces, check out this stairwell, this bathroom, and this kitchen. Aren’t these spaces just gorgeous?
Have a great weekend, everyone!
I’ve written about Toronto’s Opelle two years ago in this post, and I’m coming back to it because the collection of handbags is stunning. Co-owners Amy Malcolm and Beth Nicholson Crago have a beautiful aesthetic and their designs continue to catch my fashion-loving eye!
Vanda, $261 (on sale)
Botanist, $253 (on sale)
Roberta Sling, $195
Lotus, $485
I really like how Milton-based blogger Sabrina Smelko has styled the Lotus Weekender two ways in her recent post. Here’s a peek:
via Sabrina Smelko
Oh, readers, I love my Peugeot. I have been riding my new-to-me, restored, vintage, white Peugeot bike for a few weeks now, and things are going very well. The bike rides smoothly, the cork grips are soft, and the Brooks seat is very comfortable. I look back at the before photos, and the new silver brake handles and white cables also improve the bike’s sleek design. I’m still impressed by how a bike can be made over (see the Peugeot makeover post). The restoration wasn’t cheap, but over the long-term, it’ll even out, and my bike is pretty darn unique (and how can you really put a price on unique, right?)
After I got my bike back from the Berlin Bicycle Café bike repair shop, I knew I needed to protect my investment. Locking up a bike is really a necessity when doing errands around town. Friends-in-the-know – as well as some online reviews – recommended the ABUS Bordo 6000. ABUS locks are an investment, but they appear to be well worth the cost as they’re tough, tough, tough! ABUS bike locks come in a variety of designs with varied security levels.
The five types of bike locks and their features are:
- u-locks: heavy steel bars, extreme solid, strongest resistance
- chain locks: very solid, flexible
- folding locks: extreme solid, flexible, easy to transport
- frame locks: basic protection, as “immobilizers”
- cable locks: basic protection, flexible
I read up on each of the lock types on the ABUS website (which was very informative, I must say), and settled on the ABUS Bordo 6000 as per (mostly) the word-of-mouth recommendations. This bike lock configurator quiz was also helpful.
Thanks to the fine folks at ABUS, I’ve been able to securely lock up my bike (and seat for that matter) with the Bordo 6000. Here’s what my ABUS Bordo 6000 looks like in action: 
Here’s the Bordo 6000 up-close. It reminds me of these rulers which I loved playing with as a kid.
I attached the lock to the top bar for the photo, but I’ve generally carried it in my backpack, put it in my bike basket (which I have now installed), or attached it to the back rack. The velcro strap is convenient for easy installation and removal.
In the photo above, you can see that I used the Bordo to lock up my seat, helmet, and bike when I was doing errands around the city. I was so pleased when I discovered that this was possible!
A couple of weeks with my lock, and I couldn’t be more pleased. It does the trick, and it does it using advanced technology and super strength materials. I guess it’s good to trust a German security company for these types of things, eh?
Many thanks to ABUS for sponsoring this post. I’d also like to thank Greg H. All opinions are my own.