Canadian

Fredericton, NB: Food & Flowers

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Did you know New Brunswick is the only constitutionally bilingual province in Canada? Oui, oui! Fredericton is the capital of the province and has a population of almost 86,000 (city centre).

bilingual street sign in Fredericton

The downtown core has a few good pubs  along with a couple of fine dining restaurants. After a few days of pub food at  Snooty Fox and Dolan’s, a friend and I went to The Blue Door which was a nice treat. I had the gorgonzola tenderloin (yummy!) and she had the yellow thai vegetable curry (which was full of creamy white goodness).

The Blue Door, Fredericton

vegetable curry at The Blue Door, Fredericton

Although I was surprised to learn that there was no Starbucks downtown, on the recommendation of several people, on one afternoon I stopped in at Jonnie Java Roasters & Espresso Bar (in the Paradise Imports store) for some freshly roasted coffee. Although people told me “it was the best coffee”, I was a little skeptical. I have a thing for coffee, you may remember (read more here, here and here). Well, to my surprise, it was amazing! So amazing, in fact, that I had two cups of coffee – an espresso and a cappuccino – along with a delicious oat cake made with love by a group of ladies down the road. The coffee – and the people I met at Jonnie Java – definitely made my day!

A heart just for me!

coffee + oat cake = a delicious snack

Flowers were in full bloom last week in Fredericton and the lilacs – both white and purple – really caught my attention. So pretty!

Read more about Fredericton at Tourism Fredericton.

Photos by Jordana.

Fredericton, NB: Gallery 78

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While in Fredericton last week I was able to visit Gallery 78.

Situated in historic downtown Fredericton, Gallery 78 presents major solo and group exhibitions of local artists throughout the year. The building itself is stunning. The 19th century mansion has a corner turret, decorative shingles, beautiful stained glass windows and overlooks the Saint John river. And then there’s the inside…

Of course, I was most interested in all the white pieces at Gallery 78 and so, in anticipation of my visit, the Gallery 78 crew set up one room in the gallery as a white room – paintings, sculptures, furniture and jewelry all in white. It was so pretty!

Toby, Darren Emeneau

Stallion #9, Catherine Linfield

Joanne Hunt

Joanne Hunt

Joanne Hunt

Queen, Ann Balch

White Azalea, Molly Lamb Bobak

I was so happy to see beautiful white flowers, including the most fragrant lilacs, displayed throughout the gallery.

Photos by Jordana.

Many thanks to Stacey at Tourism Fredericton for arranging this visit.

View some of Fredericton’s architecture here.

Designer Spotlight: Krona & Lion

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Krona & Lion is a Toronto-based creative team of four you may have first met at 2010’s Come Up to My Room (Room 211). I wrote about their amazing white flower installation here.

The fantastic four – Fiona, Jonathan, Kristen, Lisa – are designers, illustrators, educators, and all around talented artists. In addition to the success they had at Come Up to My Room, they have also worked on projects with various stylists and photographers.

Their flowers are whimsical and delightful. Their paper flower bouquets are spectacular!

All images courtesy of Krona & Lion.

20 Below: Artistry Cards

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If you were lucky enough to attend the National Stationery Show in New York City last week then you may have come across Artistry Cards, a Canadian stationery company dedicated to producing eco-friendly notecards and journals. Pillows, pencils, and calendars complete the Artistry Cards product line.

Toronto-based Artistry Cards is special in that it prints all of its cards and notebooks on 100% recycled stock. Everything is packaged in clear, biodegradable sleeves. Not only that, because it prints to order at their card store/print shop, there’s virtually zero paper wastage in the production of its cards.

Artistry Cards’ newest collection is all about Canadiana. Graphic images in this collection include wildlife, woodland creatures as well as canoes, trees, and the very recognizable mountie hat. We’ve got some great things going on over here in “the North”, eh? Oh – and I must also mention that almost everything in the store is less than $20! Hip hip!

calendar, $12 {true colours: shades of red, white, green & brown}

Canadian Creatures cards, $4.50 each {true colours: shades of red, white, brown}

Woodland Creatures cards, $4.50 each

Woodland Creatures card collection, $4.50 each

O Canada cards, $4.50 each {true colours: shades of red, green, brown}

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.

All images courtesy of Artistry Cards. Many thanks to Faith at Artistry Cards for sending along a beautiful sample pack.

Urban Barn Custom Upholstery + Giveaway

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Not only does Urban Barn carry a great selection of furniture and home accessories, but this Canadian company also does custom upholstery. With over 300 fabric options for a selection of couches, chairs and chaise lounges, the possibilities for custom furniture to fit your home and family needs are endless. More good news…the custom upholstery option is on sale until Sunday so you may want to plan a visit to your local Urban Barn location this weekend!

Opus chaise, starting from $888

Groove chair, starting from $777

Courbe sofa, starting from $1375

Here are some examples of the white fabrics offered at Urban Barn (thanks to Robyn for the photos).

Fabric samples (top to bottom, left to right): Smithers, Glam, Lewis, Burnaby

Giveaway reminder:

Have you entered the Urban Barn giveaway yet? If not, click here.

Designer Spotlight: Sea Flower Studios

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I recently had the pleasure of meeting Marissa (via the blogosphere), the designer at Sea Flower Studios, a Toronto-based jewelry shop. Although Marissa’s hand-crafted necklaces and bracelets come in a multitude of colours, it’s her white pieces that I find most delicate and pretty.

bracelet, $40

filigree earrings, $15

rose earrings, $15

Oh, and here’s a little something silver for good luck:

silver bow necklace, $15

Bonus:

Sea Flower Studios is offering all White Cabana readers 25% off their purchase until April 11th. Enter Winter25 at checkout.

Happy shopping!

Olenka & the Autumn Lovers

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I wrote about Olena & the Autumn Lovers (here) as soon as I bought their newest album. Since then, I’ve seen them perform and have been amazed by this band’s never-ending talent.

The music – a bit folk, a bit country, a bit Polish – has got me hooked (especially the song Odessa). And I just love the artwork that is all over the Olenka & the Autumn Lovers newest album and website.

Designer Spotlight: TOMA

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I read about TOMA Objects just the other day in the March issue of Canadian House & Home. It was instant attraction. Designer Anne Thomas and her team make ordinary objects look extradordinary and all TOMA products are made in Montreal.

My favourite of TOMA’s current collection is the gorgeous water drop boot tray. I mean…come on…have you ever seen a more chic boot tray? I love it!

water drops bootwear mat, $45

I’m completely attracted to these stylish and so very functional hangers. Scarves and accessories would look beautiful looped through the whimsical loops.

hangers, $20 each

Aren’t the designs (little chap, milk bottle, grass, typo) on these milk glasses sweet?

milk glasses, $12 each

Another favourite object is the sculptural umbrella stand. It’s a beautiful and simple design and when it’s not full of umbrellas, it’s a gorgeous work of art.

umbrella stand, $250

All images courtesy of TOMA.

Desktop Background

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I saw this pencil case yesterday on Design is Mine and had to instantly save the image as my desktop background. It’s crunch time (well – it always seems to be crunch time) and I’ve got lots of writing to do (for my PhD life and my blogging life). I’m hoping this will motivate me to write every day.

Write pencil case, $14, Sam Made

Other reasons to love this pencil case:

1. It’s a simple design.
2. It’s handmade by Samantha Wagner.
3. It’s made in Canada (Vancouver, BC).

And when I do eventually finish my PhD…I’m going to buy myself these.

Image courtesy of Sam Made via Design is Mine.

Olenka & the Autumn Lovers

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Beautiful collaboration: Olenka & the Autumn Lovers

I bought a new CD yesterday. Olenka & the Autumn Lovers. I have listened to it several times already and I think I’ve decided that my favourite songs are: Odessa, Lark and Louise of Littleville. Have a listen to it here.

Olenka & the Autumn Lovers

I don’t know much about music but I know what I like. I can’t identify all the instruments but I like what I hear. According to the band’s bio, Olenka and the Autumn Lovers has a sound that mingles a strong Eastern European influence with elements of North American country and folk. It’s been compared to Cat Power, Tom Waits and Arcade Fire. I’m sold!

But it gets better – not only are Olenka’s lyrics and the music amazing but I love violinist Sara Froese’s black and white line drawings. Simply beautiful.

Olenka & the Autumn Lovers: And then we sing

Teamwork: Lyrics by Olenka Krakus, Artwork by Sara Froese

Olenka & the Autumn Lovers have just finished their fall tour and have recently been shortlisted for the CBC Radio 3 Bucky Awards (Best Vocals). If you like how they sound, vote for them here! And you can keep tabs on future show dates here.

p.s. Dear Olenka: People were talking about you on the bus. How’s that for song lyrics?

Photos by Jordana.

Sharing Secrets: Caviar 20

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I know it’s supposed to be a secret and all, but I just can’t keep it to myself! Caviar 20 is having a (shhh) secret sale! It’s too exciting! Prices have been reduced in half! I’ve pointed White Cabana readers to Caviar 20 in the past as I believe it’s truly a hot source for beautiful collectibles. In addition to original Fornasetti pieces, Tahir Mahmood’s mortar & pestles, and art deco lamps, Caviar 20 is the place to find unique chairs, Ikat pillows, and original art.

Octagon French Art Deco Chandelier, $375 (reduced from $775)

The C Chair by Karl Sorlie & Sonner, $325 (reduced from $475)

The Caviar 20 (secret) sale goes until November 8th so be sure to get there soon! Click here for sale items.

Images courtesy of Caviar 20.

Seating: The "O" Chair

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InVU Drapery is having a seat sale and you’re invited!

The "O" Chair, $199, inVU Drapery

The “O” chair, available in cocoa, bronze or fog (above), is a perfect companion for a dining table and can also serve as an easy side chair by the living room fireplace. Or, how about bringing it into the bedroom for a touch of shine and glamour?

inVU Drapery Co. has several locations in and around Toronto. In addition to ready-made drapery and hardware, the company offers drapery customization, furniture and select home design consultant services. Click here to learn more.

Image courtesy of inVU Drapery Co.

The Friday Five: Giving Thanks

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It’s Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada so I thought it appropriate to make a list of five things I’m thankful for this year (besides health, family, friends,  work, and the food in my fridge):

1. My black Hunters. They keep me and my feet happy.

Hunter rainboots

2. My 1/2 marathon medal. Ah – the sweet precious medal.

Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon 2010 Finishers Medal

3. My MacBook. I had no idea I would love it this much!

Mac keys light up for action.

4. My sewing machine. I got it for Christmas last year and adore it. I just wish I had more time for all the sewing projects I have in mind!

My Singer is a mighty fine machine!

5. My new 2011 agenda book (from Paris!). It has a list of text talk acronyms which is going to help me stay in-the-know.

Ready to text

Wishing all you Canadian readers a very Happy Thanksgiving! And wishing all White Cabana readers a very happy weekend!

Photos by me.

Designer Spotlight: Heyday Design by Claire Madill

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I was recently introduced to the lovely Heyday Design, owned by Vancouver artist Claire Madill and I’m impressed (thanks Christine!). These white porcelain creations are all about modern Canadiana!

Large beaver jar, $85, Heyday Design by Claire Madill

Detail of Beaver jar, $85, Heyday Design by Claire Madill

Small Canadian jewel jar, $36 each, Heyday Design by Claire Madill

Nursette jar, $18, Heyday Design by Claire Madill

Extra large Imperial Crown jar, $125, Heyday Design by Claire Madill

I have a growing collection of glass Imperial crown jars so I’m definitely a fan of the white version above. Claire creates these jars from a slipcast using a mold made in-studio from the original glass version (some courtesy of her nanna – sweetness!). And the fun doesn’t stop there – Claire has a line of accessories as well. Have a look at these earrings:

Wing earrings, $52, Heyday Design by Claire Madill

Images courtesy of Heyday Design.

Toronto Designer Spotlight: Anu Raina

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Anu Raina logo

I recently had the pleasure of “meeting” (via blogging and email) Toronto-based textile designer Anu Raina. Flipping through her portfolio, I was quickly drawn to the diverse detailing in her creations (silk-screened prints, burnt holes in silk, staples). Although for the most part her work extends beyond my four-colour rule, she did manage to hook me in with her hand-crafted Salad Recipe apron and tea towel set.

Anu Raina's pigment-printed Salad Recipe apron, $70

Anu Raina's attention to detail

Only the best: Leather strings on Anu Raina's Salad Recipe apron

Anu Raina's Salad Recipe t-towel, $48 set of two

Anu Raina's T-towel: Pretty enough to frame

It just goes to show you – no matter how detail-oriented and colourful a person might be, there’s always room for white! Thoughts?

P.S. Anu Raina will be exhibiting her work this month at The Clothing Show in Toronto (Sept 24-26) so if you’re in the area, you can meet her at Booth #558. Anu Raina will also be featured on Fashion in Motion this month so stay tuned.

All images courtesy of Anu Raina.

Canadian Cancer Society: Relay for Life

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This past weekend was our local Relay for Life event. This annual event is one of the biggest fundraising events for the Canadian Cancer Society and the turnout is exceptional. Survivors, relatives, friends and neighbours come to show their support in this 12-hour (7pm-7am) event. It is always a memorable evening. One of the evening’s highlights for me is always the lighting of the luminaries. 

Detail of the Luminaries

Lined up in a row

Just as darkness fills the stadium, the message of hope (via hundreds of luminaries) shines bright all evening long.

Lit up luminaries

Shining lights

 

For more information about this event, please visit the Canadian Cancer Society. To make a donation, please click here.

Congratulations to Team Daniela for their amazing fundraising efforts!

Photos by me.

G(irls) 20 Summit: What's Your Number?

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In 5 days, the summit begins. Not that summit…the other one. The G(irls) 20 Summit, to be held in Toronto, will bring together one girl from each of the G20 countries for 10 days and will serve as a start of a global conversation about the “economic prowess” of girls and women.

Girls and Women: 3.3 Billion Ways to Change the World

The viral global campaign is soliciting ideas on how to make the world a better place. Do you have an idea about ways to provide universal education, to improve child and maternal health or to eradicate poverty? If so, join the campaign. Be a voice for change. Join the discussion.

The G(irls) 20 committee is made up of Linda Frum, Belinda Stronach, and Richard Florida, among others. Many celebrities, authors, and activists have already become part of the campaign. And now you can join the likes of Deepha Mehta, George Stroumboulopoulos, K’Naan and Dina Pugliese to be an Agent of Change.

To show your support, spread your ideas, and connect with others, join the discussion!  What’s your number?

I'm #9259. What's your number?

 

All proceeds from the sale of Canadian designer Tu Ly‘s tee will go toward the Girls 20 Summit program.

Photo courtesy of Johanne.

Canada's Style at Home: July issue

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The July issue of Canada’s Style at Home is full of white. Have you had a peek at it yet?

Canada's Style at Home magazine - July

all in white

lace vase, Home Sense

vanilla macaroons, MoRoCo

necklace, Megan Park

polycarbonate cutlery, Home Sense

white goodies

Many thanks to Boba for sharing her copy of Style at Home.

All photos of Style at Home pages by me.

White at LG Fashion Week in Toronto

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Fashion wasn’t the only thing in the spotlight at LG Fashion Week in Toronto last week. The white decor at the CNE’s Allstream Centre was much talked about. I was smitten as soon as I entered the building. Although the shows weren’t housed in a typical white tent, this venue was comfortable, clean, spacious and made all the more lovely with white feathers, lamps and pretty paper dresses.

Feathery softness

White wingback chairs

Light white dresses

Photos by me.

For coverage of Toronto’s LG Fashion Week, please check out Fashion in Motion.

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