Wearing these lovely earrings would put you in the Valentine’s Day spirit, right?
heart earrings, $12, Urban Outfitters
20 Below
While these heart-shaped sunglasses are charming, I think they’re more suited for a little girl rather than an adult.
sweetheart sunglasses, $14, Urban Outfitters
Fill ‘er up with love.
heart shaped bowl, $19.95, Raw Space
An all-white puzzle? Obviously this caught my eye!
25 piece puzzle, $6.50, Muji
I recently came across the sweet sparkly garlands at Etsy’s La Petite Fest. It’s nearly impossible to resist glitter, isn’t it?
The Amore Garland Hearts, silver, $12
Two pieces of free advice today…
free reminders; sources unknown
This branch jewelry stand is on sale so get it while it is still in stock at Urban Outfitters.
modern branch jewelry stand, $15 (on sale)
For readers in London, Ontario – are you excited about the arrival of Urban Outfitters downtown at Richmond & Oxford? I’m looking forward to seeing how the actual building has been transformed (remember when Blockbuster used to be there?).
Pretty – and functional – dusters from West Elm Market have made today’s cut on 20 Below.
Lambswool Dusters, $5.16-$12.38 CAD, West Elm Market
I wonder if you’re tired of me singing the praises of Ikea? The Swedish retailer has such wonderful items for less than $20 that it’s hard to resist featuring them in our 20 Below series. Today I’m a fan of this spotted dog – otherwise known as a dalmatian – which is part of Ikea’s soft toy collection.
Gosig Vovven soft toy dog, $7.99, Ikea
Ikea is making it pretty easy for us to bring a good Jul (holiday season) into our homes this year (and every year, right?) what with its super selection of holiday items that are less than $20. For a very special edition of 20 Below, I am featuring not one but five great white decor items from Ikea that can be used during – and after – the holidays.
STRÃ…LAÂ 7-armed candelabra, $19.99
BLOMSTER lantern $19.99
JULKUL pastry cutter, set of 6 $4.99
STRÃ…LA floor lamp, $16.99
JULFINT mug, $2.49
Images courtesy of Ikea.
Sweet…without the calories!
macaron case, $10, Urban Outfitters
It’s no secret that the White Cabana team loves a good mug (1, 2, 3, 4). We are extra enthused about personalized mugs so we’re happy to see that Pottery Barn is carrying an all-white letter mug this season. It’s a winning combo if you ask me!
Pottery Barn’s alphabet mug, $13.19
I’m not entirely sure if and how Nanoblock is related to Lego (can anyone with kids explain this to me?) but when I saw this white terrier at Chapters-Indigo, it made me laugh. And then it reminded me of all the things I used to create with my Lego blocks when I was little (a house was my favourite – go figure!).
Nanoblock white terrier, $11.95
I know kids still play with Lego but do they create their own sculptures or is everything already pre-built for them?
I’ve been away so much lately that I have had no time to dust (or maybe I just don’t feel like making any time?). Sigh.
adjustable handy duster, $16.50, Muji
I know it’s not really a big deal but it’s definitely getting to me. How do you keep on top of house chores when you feel like you’re never at home to do them?
Okay, Halloween is two weeks away so I guess I am finally ready to start talking and writing about it. You might not be able to buy a fancy costume for less than $20 these days but you sure can get a ghostly treat bag!
Ghost treat bag, $17.72, Pottery Barn Kids
This year’s Art Toronto is sure to inspire. Modern and contemporary art will fill the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from October 26-29th and event goers will enjoy thousands of works of art from more than a hundred galleries from 23 countries. This is Canada’s only modern and contemporary international art fair so, go on, buy your tickets (less than $20)!
adult ticket is $18; via Art Toronto
I attended Art Toronto 2011 and wrote about it here and here.
Malko Takagaki’s Tunell tissue box is functional and simply sleek.
Tunell tissue box, $14.95 (on sale), MOMA
I usually buy my lint rollers at the dollar store but I love the fact that this one from MUJI has a home.
lint roller, $6.95, MUJI
This would certainly add more pretty to my desk, don’t you think? And it would match the pencil and card holders I already own from Mackenzie Horan’s online boutique Design Darling.
The Penny Paper Co. is a Toronto-based stationery supply company owned by Lindsay Stephenson (of Little House Blog and BlogPodium fame). I’ve had my eye on her custom stamps for a while but I have only recently noticed these sweet cream-coloured drawstring bags.
large cotton drawstring bag, $6.25
Use them plain for wrapping small gifts or personalize them, fill them, and use them as party favours. Time to get crafty!
Who’s ready for back-to-school season? (Ssshh…raise your hand.)
vintage class photograph, $8, via Modern Poetry
To ease the work of slicing a hard boiled egg…
OXO Egg Slicer, $19.99
No, no, I didn’t make a spelling error. Stumbling upon this soap at Droog made me laugh. The play on words with the famous Le Savon de Marseille is funny, right?
Le Savon de Marcel, 7.56 Euro
Interestingly enough, Le Savon de Marcel cube is also made in Marseille.
What kind of pillows do sleep on? How much do you spend on pillows? I’m asking because it seems that I buy a new set of pillows every other month. I don’t have problems sleeping yet I haven’t really found a pillow that I find truly comfortable. I usually buy my pillows at Home Sense (I seem to be drawn to Ralph Lauren or Laura Ashley pillows) but is this really the go-to pillow place for people? IKEA carries a variety of pillows at different price points (and several below the $20 mark). Perhaps I should give one of them a try. What do you recommend?
Gosa Pinje pillow, $17.99, IKEA
I almost forgot that today was Tuesday. Oops. I guess I was still in long weekend mode!
Yesterday I learned that there’s a 50m outdoor pool just a 15 minute walk from where I live. Yeah – how did I miss that one, right? (I mean, I knew it was there but I assumed it was a regular 25m pool.) So last night I ventured out and I’m so glad I did because I had a great swim!
One of the things I love about the sport of swimming is that it is quite an affordable sport – all you need is a swimsuit and goggles. These are lightweight and require minimal storage which is an added bonus in my opinion. These look like my goggles except mine are navy (gasp!).
Speedo Hydrospex swim goggles, $19.99, Sport Chek
Another thing I learned – there’s an entrance fee for the public outdoor pools in London, Ontario. I wasn’t expecting this because I’ve always taken advantage of Toronto’s free access outdoor pools. How about in your neighbourhood? Are outdoor pools free of charge?
I’ve just added this new Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy shampoo & conditioner set to my rotation. So far so good.
Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy, shampoo & conditioner, about $5 each
Personally, I like to have a decent rotation of shampoos and conditioners in my bathroom (but not actually in my shower – that’s too much clutter for me!) and I don’t usually rely on only one brand (I wonder what hairstylists would think of my approach). Are you a one-brand-only kind of person or do you like to switch things up?
Heidi Klum endorses the Clear product line so I figure it’s got to be pretty good. She’s got great hair, right?
Note: It’s kind of ironic that the liquids are actually kind of a shiny sparkly purple rather than clear. Hmm…
Many thanks to Liane L. for passing these items my way.
Have you seen the latest issue of Canada’s Style at Home magazine?
$5.99, available online and on newsstands now
I haven’t flipped through it yet. Have you? What do you think? I wish they opted for grey instead of blue for the accent colour.
A chef’s hat? Is it worth the $7 or not?
chef’s hat, $6.99, Target
It’s not like it’s ever been out of style! The chef’s hat, or toque, is a classic shape that has worked since the 16th century. Did you know that the height of the hat can sometimes indicate the rank of the chef within the kitchen? And did you also know that the 100 folds that are supposed to be in the hat are said to represent the numerous ways that a chef knows how to cook an egg?
Read more about the chef’s hat here.
I’ve barely had my iPhone for a month and I’ve been loving every minute of using it. One of the first apps I downloaded was Instagram and last week I read about StickyGram, a company that turns Instagram photos into small fridge magnets. Well – I ordered a collection of photo magnets for my brother-in-law’s birthday and decided to order a few for myself.
Here I am with my nephews – a photo of the first time I met each of them.
Me and my nephews (who have all grown since these photos were taken)
I am now reminded of these happy moments each time I look at my fridge.
As far as companies go, I was thoroughly impressed with the ease of uploading, the speedy delivery of my order, and the competitive price ($14.99 for 9 magnets plus free shipping worldwide). I’ll definitely be a repeat customer!
If you’re anything like me, then you appreciate a beautiful table setting. I generally prefer tablecloths but I do like placemats for less formal gatherings. This one from Anthropologie is so pretty, don’t you think?
Cyme placemat, $14, Anthropologie
p.s. I also think it would look great framed. Have you ever framed linens or a piece of fabric?
This little guy would fit in perfectly with my existing menagerie. Hmm…something to think about.
Perching owl wall hook, 2 for $12, Urban Outfitters
Note: For all the readers in London, Ontario – did you know that Urban Outfitters is going to open up at the corner of Oxford and Richmond? While I’m not exactly a frequent shopper at Urban Outfitters, I do think it’ll be great for the downtown core. What do you think?
Looking for inexpensive artwork for your home? Have you checked out Etsy lately? There are some really great paintings and prints. This simple geometric print, for example, could go in so many different spaces, and it’s only $10!
Geometric Art, $10, Fat Eye Design
p.s. Speaking of art, if you have an interest in vintage posters you should definitely watch Troy‘s informative segment on House & Home Online TV.
I just recently read about Stoppy (the ultimate doorstop) and I’m curious to see if it actually works. The photos online are pretty convincing. Does anyone own it?
Stoppy doorstop, $8, The Container Store
One of my most favourite things to do in London is to have breakfast with friends at The Bag Lady. The colourful kitschy decor always entertains me, the servers are always smiling, and the food is delicious (try the peanut butter cookies – yum!). The plates at The Bag Lady are always mismatched but on one of my last visits I noticed that a collection of white serving pieces formed on our table. I couldn’t resist snapping a photo.
Breakfast at The Bag Lady, price varies but it’s always less than $20
So if you’re ever in London (Ontario), be sure to stop by for a bite to eat at The Bag Lady. Better yet – let me know you’re coming and I’ll meet you there!
Did I ever mention that I’m currently attempting to grow basil, parsley, and tomatoes…in a sunny corner in my apartment (for now)? It’s been fun to watch everything grow from seeds and I really didn’t have much faith that anything would come up.
If I really discover my green thumb this spring, I’d love to try out a greenhouse like this inexpensive version from Ikea. I imagine it would help the plants out right from the initial stages.
Socker greenhouse, $19.99
Have you grown anything indoors before? What’s worked? Do you have a mini greenhouse for your herbs?
Some people like bunnies, some people like money, and some people like both…
White Bunny Bank, $19.50, Chapters-Indigo
One of our favourite eco-friendly Canadian stationery companies, Artistry Cards, has recently released a couple of sweet cards for Easter.
Origami Rabbits Easter Card, $4, Artistry Cards
Easter Egg Card, $4, Artistry Cards
Easter cards, $4 each, Artistry Cards
Good news! Artistry Cards is offering White Cabana readers a 10% discount on purchases made before Easter (April 8th, 2012). Enter ARTIST (all caps) at checkout. Click here to start shopping.
Sweet egg cups for Easter or for any time of year!
egg cup, $3.12, West Elm
It has been one year since Nonno, my grandfather, passed away after living a very long and healthy life. One of Nonno’s favourite things to do was to go the library (St. Clair branch) to pick up the latest issues of Oggi and Gente. He always spoke so proudly of the librarians who helped him and of the things he got to read for free.
Today I’m encouraging you all to get a library card (or renew yours), to visit the library, to take a child to the library, and/or to donate $20 (or more) to your local public library.
membership to your local public library, free
It makes me so angry when I learn about libraries shutting down, denied funding, and being inaccessible. This is one resource that I don’t think we can afford to lose.
To donate:
Kingston Frontenac Public Library
Please leave direct links to your local public library in the comments section. Thank you.
On my most recent trip to IKEA (dinner date with my dad!) I joined the IKEA Family. To tell you the truth, I always considered myself part of the family because I’ve been a life-long fan. But now it’s official. And I have a card to prove it.
IKEA coffee and IKEA Family card, free, photo by Jordana
One of the main benefits of becoming part of the family is the exclusive access to special discounts on products. Members also get a free coffee at the IKEA restaurant…and if you’re anything like me, no trip to IKEA is complete without a coffee break. Oh – and membership is free!
(Please note: I can’t seem to find the IKEA Family website for Canada or the USA. If you have the direct link, please post it in the comments. Thanks!)
One of my most favourite gifts to give to newborns is a sweet white cuddly animal from the English Jellycat line. They are so soft and cuddly, not to mention adorably cute.
Jellycat mini Bashful Lamb, $9.99, Chapters Indigo
I love this lovely poster from Beatrice, a crafty blogger and the owner of the Canadian Etsy shop Chocolat & Cherries. Sometimes simplicity is really the way to go.
poster, $15, Chocolat & Cherries
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Always the sucker for pretty stationary, I just adore these simple white cards from Besotted Brand. So lovely.
heart of gold stationary set, $20, Besotted
Did you know that the staple remover, in one form or another, has been around since the 1930s? Today I’m thankful for this handy little gadget. My nails are thankful too.
white staple remover, $2, Poppin
Look at what one of our favourite Canadian stationary shops, Artistry Cards, has in store for Valentine’s day.
Three Red Hearts card, $4
Tweet! card, $4
Finally, here’s a treat for you! Artistry Cards is offering White Cabana readers a 10% discount on all their products. Enter ARTIST (all caps) at checkout. Click here to start shopping.
If you’re in the Toronto area this weekend, then may I encourage you to spend a day at the Interior Design Show. The general admission tickets are just below $20 and the event is sure to offer plenty of inspiration.
general admission to IDS, $19, purchase tickets
Image via IDS.