Photography: Buying a New Camera

April 25, 2013 | 1 Commentary

I have been wanting to buy a new camera for a while now – something small enough to carry in my purse, better than my iPhone 4S and Canon Elph (I do still love the Elph), and something with a great lens that would produce gorgeous photos. Oh – and in the $200-$300 price range (always on a budget, I am!). So when my photographer friend Joel told me about a great sale on Panasonic’s Lumix LX5 at Black’s, I had to check it out (with his help of course). After his explanation of its features – and my many “Are you sure this is what I want?”, I decided to order it online as there were none in stock in London. A $500 camera for $250 and it’s got a Leica lens (cool)! Needless to say it was an exciting afternoon! It was even more exciting when it arrived about a week later.

Unfortunately I got sent a camera that had previously been opened/used/touched so I contacted Black’s (oh, the power of a tweet) to inquire. The service I received to resolve this issue was so efficient and friendly that I might just be a Black’s fan for life.

me and my LX5, photo by Joel (with a cell phone)

Me and my camera are becoming the best of friends. We’ve already gone to The Home Depot, to work and to Toronto. There’s much to learn about photography and I think this little LX5 is going to show me the way.

Thanks to Anthony S. at Black’s for providing excellent customer service. Thanks for your advice Joel.

20 Below: Personalized Note Pads

April 23, 2013 | Leave a Reply

I love supporting Canadian designers around here and today I am happy to share Penny Paper Co.‘s personalized note pads. The Classic is one of my favourite styles.

Penny Paper Co. classic note pad, $14.95

I also think the confetti collection is quite cheery and would make a sweet gift.

Fashion: Lolë Activewear

April 22, 2013 | 3 Commentaries

I recently discovered Lolë, a Montreal-based activewear clothing company, and I was instantly impressed. I’m one of those people who generally wears activewear for active pursuits rather than for doing errands around town or meeting friends at a café. I like my workout clothes to look great but to perform well too. When I landed on Lolë’s website, I first browsed the tennis section since this is the sport I have decided to learn more about this spring/summer.

twist tank top, $48

essential cardigan, $100

jump-up tank top, $60

ace skort, $65 (and don’t you love the hi-top runners?)

But Lolë is much more than tennis wear. The full collection includes items that are most suitable for yoga, golf, running, and water sports. In addition, there is a selection of pieces that are suitable for travel and city living. The clothes online look to be fashionable and very functional. And, of course, many other colours do exist!

balasana cardigan, $90

vinyasa capri, $80

rennie 2 pants, $90

delightful 2 jacket, $150

Lolë is one of those companies that is committed to promoting healthy living. The company organizes a large outdoor yoga tour called the Lolë White Yoga Session and it will be in Toronto and Montreal this summer. Just look at these photos…doesn’t the yoga session look like such a great community activity? Plus, everyone wears white!

Stand-alone Lolë stores are located in Montreal, Toronto, Oakville and in dreamy places like Chamonix, Biarritz, Paris, and Zurich. Lolë’s activewear collection can also be found in other stores around the world.

All images courtesy of Lolë.

The Friday Five: The Home Depot

April 19, 2013 | 1 Commentary

I recently received a gift card from one of Canada’s favourite home building centres – The Home Depot (thanks!). Over the last year I have made so many trips to The Home Depot with my parents as they were going through their renovation. As for my own needs, since I’m in a rental, I’m usually there when I need paint, garden supplies (i.e., tomato plant seeds), or feel inspired to make some DIY jewelry with brass ball chains and washers (I’ve made both and love them.).

I made a trip to The Home Depot this week because I needed more soil and containers for the seeds that I transplanted. This year, instead of tomatoes, I’m trying to grow green beans, basil, sweet pea, and morning glory as per this recommendation. While I was at the store I decided to put my new camera (more on that later) to use and see what other spring/summer essentials The Home Depot has in stock.

I love the curved repetition in this photo of stacks of hoses

this John Deere looks like it’s smiling

I have always wanted a bbq for my balcony (it’s allowed in my building). This white Weber would be perfect (smaller version also available).

stacked Rubbermaid garbage cans – too big for my balcony but essential for yard work

The white plastic patio chair: A summer essential

What’s on your shopping list this spring? What makes The Home Depot the right place for you?

Photos by Jordana.

Many thanks to The Home Depot and to Candace B. and Jordana W.

Travel: Mexico City

April 18, 2013 | 3 Commentaries

by Troy

I came to Mexico City for Zona Maco – the largest art fair in Latin America. The artwork was incredible.

Troy at Zona Maco, Mexico City

While I had a lot of professional responsibilities and I didn’t get to visit the numerous museums I did get to do a bit of exploring in the neighborhoods of Condesa, Roma Norte and Polanco.

Mexico City reminded me a bit of Brussels – lots of different styles of architecture from many different decades – from 19th century to 70’s brutalist to hyper-contemporary. Unlike Brussels, Mexico City is enormous.

I hope you enjoy some of my snapshots…for “Cabaña Blanca”.

finding white in Mexico City

Photos by Troy.

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