Event: What’s Happening These Days in Kitchener-Waterloo

Anytime is a good time to visit (or move to!) the Waterloo region (see my Design*Sponge Waterloo city guide here), but Christmas time is especially charming. The streets and stores are decorated, and it seems to me that the people around town are happier than their usually happy selves.

Here is some of what is going on in the next few weeks in the region. If you know of any other events, please add them in the comments!

What: Tree trimming party
Where: Langdon Hall
When: Nov. 25th (tonight!)
Cost: Bring an ornament for the tree at Langdon Hall, then enjoy a drink and music. Learn more about Langdon Hall’s tree trimming event here.

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What: Christkindl Market – At this traditionally German market in downtown Kitchener, you’ll find wooden German ornaments, delicious treats, and plenty of Glühwein.
Where: Downtown Kitchener – City Hall
When: The market is on from December 3rd to 6th.
Cost: free to attend

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What: The Grand Philharmonic Choir’s performance of Handel’s Messiah
When: Dec. 12th, 7:30pm
Where: Centre in the Square
Cost: regular tickets $24-$74, tickets can be purchased here

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What: The Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony’s Yuletide Spectacular
When: Dec. 18-20, various performances
Where: Centre in the Square
Cost: regular tickets $19 and up, tickets can be purchased here

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What: Christmas at Castle Kilbride – Marvel at the gorgeous Victorian decor at Castle Kilbride. Go for a tour or enjoy an apple cider and entertainment at a Merry Victorian Christmas
When: now until Jan. 3
Where: Castle Kilbride – Baden, Ontario
Cost: tours – adults $6.50 (see more here)

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Marketplace: Gift Ideas from GOOP

Gwyneth Paltrow’s team over at GOOP have curated a pretty interesting selection of items in the GOOP gift guides. I mean, gold dumbbells ($125K!), $2500 gilded playing cards, and this price-upon-request Victoria Arduino coffee machine. Really? I found it pretty amusing that these things were right there alongside the affordable LL Bean tote and this $5 evil eye bracelet.

Here are some of the extravagant items that caught my eye.

hg147019selenite fireplace logs, $330

CEMI15TOO313_TRA_1toothpaste squeezer, $244

GOOP_flight_pack_6_0347_1024x1024flight pack, $185

315YAaiZVLL._SX450_noise cancelling headphones, $260

644417_in_xlt-shirt, $280

 

Books: In Pursuit of Beauty by Timothy Whealan

We all know I’m a fan of books, right? Academic books, novels, design books, how-to guides…I love them! I still buy quite a few books (Bonnie Stern’s Essentials of Home Cooking cookbook was my latest purchase), but I take out a lot of books from the Waterloo Public Library (gosh, I love it there!).

On one of my recent visits, I picked up Timothy Whealan’s In Pursuit of Beauty, and I have to tell you that this book is full of the most gorgeous rooms!

51pQK1vOpTL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_photo via Amazon

Timothy Whealan’s interior design work was new to me, but it shouldn’t have been since his work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Veranda, and Elle Decor.

Here are some of the spaces that really grabbed my attention in In Pursuit of Beauty.

Early on in the book, the reader meets this crisp white kitchen. Marble, white, stainless, and chevron floors…what’s not to love?

Timothy-Whealan-In Pursuit of Beauty-2I think the design of these bathrooms are just about perfect. I love the finishes and style.

Timothy-Whealan-In Pursuit of Beauty-9Timothy-Whealan-In Pursuit of Beauty-8I love how Timothy mixes refined wood pieces with white. It’s what I’m aiming to do in my own home in the next few years. These photos serve as perfect inspiration.

Timothy-Whealan-In Pursuit of Beauty-10Timothy-Whealan-In Pursuit of Beauty-4Timothy-Whealan-In Pursuit of Beauty-5   Timothy-Whealan-In Pursuit of Beauty-3   Words of wisdom…I agree, Timothy, I agree!

Timothy-Whealan-In Pursuit of Beauty-11And here’s the designer and author, Timothy Whealan:

Timothy-Whealan-In Pursuit of Beauty-1Obviously my iPhone photos of the book’s pages do not do any of the spaces full justice. I’d encourage you to look at the book to be fully inspired. The rooms are chic, comfortable, and while they may contain pricey pieces of furniture, a lot of the design elements can be recreated on a more moderate budget.

Images of In Pursuit of Beauty taken by me.

Marketplace: Sabri Studio

If you’re already shopping around for Christmas gifts, I’d like to suggest you have a look at Toronto-based blogger Fatima Sabri’s new shop. Fatima and I met a few years ago through blogger events, and last year Fatima wrote a guest post right here on White Cabana (read this).

I’m happy to see Fatima’s launch of Sabri Studio, an online shop featuring her photographs and stationery collection (including the ever-so-needed agenda book!).

24palm trees art, from $29.99

16palm tree notepad, $9.99

19don’t forget notepad, $9.99 (this was made for people like me!)

17kiss kiss notepad, $9.99

Check out the full collection of art and stationery at Sabri Studio. If you see something you like, now is the time to get it, since White Cabana readers get 10% off (enter the code whitecabana10). This discount deal ends at midnight on November 22nd.

Images courtesy of Sabri Studio.