Marketplace

Marketplace: Crystals

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Before I talk about crystals as the title suggests, I thought I’d let you know that I’m taking a break from Trivia Thursday. What do you think? Did you like this series, or are you ready for something new? If you’re ready for something new, what are you interested in? Do you want more home decor inspiration, marketplace features, personal posts, travel-related posts, or a mix of all of the above? Let me know, please.

And now for some crystals.

crystal

crystal formations

crystal geode

crystal pendant

crystal light box

Pretty, right? They’re lovely for your home and your jewelry collection. And I know many people believe in the healing power of crystals (e.g., learn more at GOOP), so they’re good for that, too.

Uptown: Closet Makeover

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You may recall that in the spring, I had new doors installed in my home. My Metrie Masonite Lincoln Park doors are gorgeous, and I’m so glad I invested in them. My hall closet was an especially good transformation as I said #byebyebifold with the help of Metrie.

While the closet looked great on the outside, the inside was pretty disastrous.

Gosh, it’s just such a mess! It hurts my eyes!

Since this is my only closet on my main floor, it must be effective. In addition to jackets, coats, and winter wear, this closet must house my vacuum, too. The closet is narrow – at only 43″ wide – so I didn’t have much room to play around with. I needed a section for long coats, a section for short coats, space for boots and my vacuum, and shelves for my winter accessories and purses.

Since I worked with the Home Depot Canada on this project, I headed over one night after work to pick up the ClosetMaid narrow closet organizer kit (in white, of course). There are several options for organizer systems, but I knew I wanted one with solid – rather than wire – shelves. I also wanted an organizer that would be affixed to the wall – rather than one that hangs from the rod. I had previously installed closet organizers, so I was already familiar with the general installation procedure.

When I knew I’d have a weekend free, I got to work! I first emptied out the closet, removed the support bars, and painted everything a fresh coat of white.

After I waited a day for the paint to dry, I unpacked the pieces and familiarized myself with the ClosetMaid instructions to ensure that I had all the right tools.

The installation process took me a couple of hours. The instructions were easy to follow, and I didn’t run into any issues. I got to use my power drill/screwdriver on this project, so I was happy. Who else loves tools?

This ClosetMaid organizer has corner support pieces as well as adjustable feet. Once the base piece was in place in the closet, I used my trusty level to make sure the piece was straight.

Once the base was in place and affixed to the wall with the support brackets (you can see them right under the corner pieces), I lifted the top piece and placed it on the bottom. I made sure this piece was level, too. And of course I had to make sure that my spacing measurements were right, so my vacuum would easily fit in place.

The last pieces to install were the rod holders. These are installed both on the wall and the side of the shelf unit. These ClosetMaid pieces were smiling at me!

Since my closet is so narrow, I knew the rods provided in the kit were going to be too long. The instruction guide advises to “cut the rods” if necessary. This is where I was a bit stuck because I didn’t have anything to cut the metal rods. So, rods in hand, I went off to the Home Depot Canada to buy a saw. The man who helped me told me that I could cut them myself at the cutting station. What? A cutting station? He brought me over to the aisle and showed me what to do. He was kind enough to cut the first rod for me (I had measured them and taped the cut line at home). In a few minutes, I cut the other three rods (one goes in another, so I had a few cuts to make). Easy!

The cutting station has a few saws to choose from. I went with the hack saw on the advice of the Home Depot Canada associate.

Back home, I installed the rods (yay, they fit perfectly), and put all my stuff back in the closet. 

And here’s the after:

My long coats are on the left side of the shelving unit. At the moment, there is room for four large winter coats. On the right side, you’ll notice my shorter coats that take me through spring and fall. I have other coats stored away in another closet, but that has always been the case. The ones in regular rotation have always been in this hallway closet.

The shelves hold my every day as well as my only-in-certain-seasons items. On the top shelf are purses I regularly rotate. Under those, I have winter accessories (scarves, hats, mittens) in clear storage boxes. Then I have a fairly empty shelf that houses two hats. The bottom shelf has my grocery/shopping bags and my blankets for my patio. Oh – and something you can’t really see in these photos – my patio cushions are on the very top shelf about the full unit. They fit perfectly, which was a pleasant surprise! I have really maximized the function of this little closet!

I considered styling this closet, so the photos would be ridiculously pretty, but then it wouldn’t be a representation of real life, so I opted for realness. The items that you see in this closet were in the before photos. These are things that I use daily, and I didn’t want a “just for show” closet to share with you. In true Jordana style, I did arrange my coats by colour.

There’s room for everything in here now, and even a bit of room to grow. The clear storage containers (clear shoe box and clear utility box) will keep my winter accessories clean and organized when not in use.

Believe it or not – just about all of the items that were falling out of the closet in this post and in the before picture made their way into the after closet. I did remove two bags of bags (useless) and a couple of pairs of shoes, but I did add in two knee-high boots. It’s been great to experience the difference an organizer has made to the look and function of this closet! I’m glad the lovely outside makes way for the tidy inside!

Thanks to Home Depot Canada for sponsoring this post. All opinions and photos are my own.

Two for Tuesday: Tree Stumps

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I thought I had seen the end of tree stumps as seating a couple of years ago, but I think I was wrong. They are still around!

I absolutely love these splatter painted stumps that I saw a couple of weeks ago at Wills & Prior in Stratford.

photo by Jordana

And then I saw these bleached ones on Kaylee Giffen-Logan’s feed from her vacation in Vermont.

 The Blondilocks

I love them both!

#WhiteCabanaWearsPink: Fashion

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It’s #WhiteCabanaWearsPink Monday, and today I’ve gathered some pretty images and pieces from the world of fashion. Bows, tulle, and pink bring instant fun to an outfit!

Cecilie Bahnsen

Blair Eadie (note: her collection at Nordstrom launches today)

Blair Eadie

So Many Bows tulle top, €350, Viktor + Rolf

Isa Tapia Nicoleta tulle bow slides, $197 USD, Amazon

The Cut

Tory Burch Clara ballet flats

Mansur Gavriel mini bucket bag

Alexis May McMullin

Trivia Thursday: The Ribbon Lamp

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I first saw the Ribbon Lamp on Margot Austin’s Instagram page two years ago. I fell for it instantly (as one does for interesting lamps, am I right?).

 Margot Austin (Nov. 2016)

Since then, this sculptural lamp keeps appearing on her Instagram feed, and I keep eyeing it!

Margot Austin

Margot Austin

The Ribbon Lamp was designed by Claire Norcross exclusively for Habitat in the UK. I just love the white version. It would look wonderful in my office.

ribbon lamp, Habitat

Habitat

Does anyone know how I can ship it from the UK at a low cost?

#WhiteCabanaWearsPink: Pink Gifts for Kids

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You’ve probably come to know Daniela, one of my contributors, for her thoughtful gift guides. Today, she’s caught the #WhiteCabanaWearsPink spirit and she’s curated a collection of great gift items for kids

***

Hi White Cabana readers!

It is an honour to write this post as #WhiteCabanaWearsPink for breast cancer awareness this month. I never thought I’d be the mom who loves pink, but then I had two daughters, and, to be honest, the dainty perfection of my girls in pink has made me gravitate to soft pink clothing when I shop for them.

Today I bring you some of my favourite pink items that are perfect gifts for any little ones in your lives.

Cuddle and Kind is a company that all about giving back! Each doll purchased feeds 10 children in need. The dolls are so well made and stand the test of my toddler dragging hers around everywhere. There are many dolls to choose from and for an additional fee the company provides a corresponding photo with an inspirational message.Charlotte the Dog featured here is adorable and soft pink. It’s the perfect thoughtful gift for a child in your life.

Charlotte the Dog, $60+ USD, Cuddle and Kind

Next up are Mini Moc’s moccasins. Not only are these shoes well made (in Canada!) and stylish, the are, most importantly, are hard for kids to kick off! No more missing shoes! These soft pink mocs are subtle in color and go with so many wardrobe options.

moccasins, $45 CAD, Mini Moc

Le Méchant Loup is a Montreal-based boutique that sources beautiful toys, accessories, and clothing for children and babies. I especially love the messaging of this organic cotton sweatshirt by UK brand Organic Zoo.

sweatshirt, $49 CAD, Le Méchant Loup

Posh Peanut is a brand out of LA by a hair stylist turned mompreneur. Posh Peanut’s loungewear feels like butter, and the company has great mommy-and-me matching loungewear and robes. Many of the items sell out quickly, and pre-ordering is always recommended. How adorable is this pink ensemble? It’s made with soft Bamboo viscose.

floral loungewear, $28.95 USD, Posh Peanut

Finally, I love the adorable collar on this perfect cotton dress from one of my favourite children’s clothing brands – Jacadi. Jacadi designs all of its clothes out of its Paris headquarters.

cotton fleece dress, $59 USD, Jacadi

Hope you enjoyed today’s #WhiteCabanaWearsPink for breast cancer awareness.

***

If you’re anything like me, then you read Daniela’s gift guide and thought to yourself: “But where does she find these amazing brands?” I’m thrilled with this gift guide, and I’m going to keep it handy for future baby gifts that I will need to buy for friends and family!

For those of you who are still getting to know Daniela, you should know that she’s an incredible fundraiser. She’s a two-time cancer survivor (Hodgkin’s lymphoma and thyroid), and she has raised thousands upon thousands upon thousands of dollars for the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. She is a true #WonderWoman! I know Daniela is passionate about fundraising for cancer research, and I’m glad she was able to contribute to #WhiteCabanaWearsPink this year!

Thanks, Daniela! Let’s #conquercancer together!

The Friday Five: How to Decorate for Halloween

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I have to say (again) that of all the celebrations, Halloween is not my favourite. I’ve appreciated some of the simpler decorations that have come up in recent years much more than the traditional black and orange decorations, but I still don’t decorate beyond (maybe) a pumpkin. But that’s just me. Maybe you do! If you do, then this post is for you. Here are five ways to decorate for a white and black Halloween.

1. Include bats everywhere.

Damask Love

Tikkido

100 Layer Cake

Residence Style

Hester and Cook

2. Add white pumpkins.

Ella Clair

Harpers Bazaar

 Digs Digs

Digs Digs

3. Add skulls.

glass

candle

For Creative Juice

skull decanter

4. Paint branches black.

The Green Head

Cupcakes and Cashmere

5. Bake something spooky.

Pizzazzerie

The Beauty Dojo

The Cake Blog

Created by Diane

The Cake Blog

The Cake Blog

Have a great weekend, everyone!

 

#WhiteCabanaWearsPink: Happy Thanksgiving

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After a weekend in Grey County with friends (#WhiteCabanaGoesToTheCountry), I’m enjoying a day in Toronto with family. Life is good. There’s a lot to be thankful for. Yes, even with all the not-so-great stuff that life has thrown at us, I am thankful. I hope the same is true for you.

I’m thrilled to share that I have already raised nearly $650 for the Canadian Cancer Society (see my personal page to donate). I’m grateful for family and friends who supported my 5K Run for the Cure and who continue to donate. I am appreciative of everyone’s generosity.

My #WhiteCabanaWearsPink series continues today. Since it is Thanksgiving, I’ve curated a collection of pink Thanksgiving table settings.

Style Me Pretty Living

Pizzazzerie

Randi Garrett Design

Citrine Living

Maison de Pax

Christofle mood gold 24-piece canteen

plates

candle

plates

drinking glass

tray

plates

Happy Thanksgiving!

Trivia Thursday: Pumpkins

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Since it’s October, there’s now an influx of pumpkin patch photos creeping up on my Instagram feed. I don’t mind them, but I definitely don’t love them. It’s pumpkin overload! And too much orange for my liking.

I thought I’d share a few interesting facts about pumpkins to get in the fall spirit.

  • Did you know that pumpkins are part of the gourd family? Other members of the gourd family are cucumbers, honeydew melons, watermelons, and zucchini.
  • Pumpkins have been grown in North America for five thousand years.
  • In 1584, after French explorer Jacques Cartier explored the St. Lawrence region of North America, he reported finding “gros melons.†The name was translated into English as “pompions,†which has since evolved into the modern “pumpkin.â€
  • Pumpkin seeds should be planted between the last week of May and the middle of June. They take between 90 and 120 days to grow and are picked in October when they are bright orange in color. Their seeds can be saved to grow new pumpkins the next year. (Source)

This is a sweet pumpkin bowl. How great would it look filled up with candy? Yes, please! Or you could fill it with punch or soup. Classic!

pumpkin punch bowl

Trivia Thursday: The Springform Pan

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On Monday I shared my experience baking a Schichttorte cake. An essential tool for this cake is a springform pan because once the cake has been cooked, you can release it easily with this type of pan. If you used a closed pan, I’m sure you’d make a mess of the cake.

A springform pan has a clamp that is used to tighten the side around the base to form a seal. After a cake has been baked, you release the clamp to release the side. All that remains is the cake on the base. It’s very useful when baking thinks like cheesecakes, tarts, and, of course, a Schichttorte!

Springform pans comes in an array of sizes, so it’s best to have a few on hand for different recipes.

springform pan, $12.57 USD, Amazon

springform pan, $39.95 USD, Williams Sonoma

springform pan, $30+ USD, Le Creuset

 

Furniture: The D Shop

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I came across the D Pages and the D Shop on one of my tours around the Internet, and I was drawn right on in. D Pages features beautiful interiors and architecture in all of my favourite shades of white. D Shop is an extension of that design inspiration and carries a collection of the most beautiful pieces of furniture, lighting, and home accessories. There is so much that caught my attention which is why I’m sharing so much of it here today.

Mategot Natasaki chair, $639 USD

Sereno marble coffee table, $3600 USD

Beetle stool, $559 USD

Pacha lounge chair, $2369 USD

Shepherd’s chair, $3500 USD

Amare salt and pepper set, $195 USD

Dearborn large bowl, $80 USD

Signal globe, $1645 USD

Two for Tuesday: Lace

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Who tuned into the wedding between Chiara Ferragni (fashion blogger, CEO and more!) and Fedez (Italian rapper)? It was magical. And extravagant. And extra large! Chiara’s first wedding dress (why have one when you can have two? Designed by Dior!) was made up of a lace bodysuit and a massive tulle skirt. The hours and skill that went into this dress are impressive.

Chiara Ferragni’s wedding dress fitting at Dior

It seems that lace – and lace circle shapes – may be something we’ll see quite a bit of in the months ahead. Here’s just one sample of the design in a pair of affordable tights.

tights, $15 USD, Modcloth

Fashion: Polka Dot Shoes

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Hello dear readers! I’m back! Did you miss your daily dose of white? I did! I took an extended blog break because after I got back from Florida, I was so busy with start of school year (I don’t have kids, but I do teach at the university) and my book that my one week blog break turned into two turned into three. But all that is in the past. I’m back, and I’m eager to return to my blogger way of life.

So Labour Day has come and gone. Does this mean there’s no room for white until Victoria Day in May? I think not! My love of white continues year-round, and I am all for breaking the “no white after labour day” rule for fashion and home decor. There are so many shades of white that the colour is great year-round! Just yesterday, in fact, I proudly wore my white sneakers while I shopped around Cambridge with a friend. Embrace white, I say!

Speaking of white shoes, my jaw dropped when I saw these party shoes on one of my favourite fashion bloggers – Blair Eadie (of Atlantic Pacific). They sure are fun!

polka dot and tulle pumps, $1115, Midnight

Here’s hoping these fun shoes are a sign of good things to come this school year!

Marketplace: H&M Home

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I enjoy browsing the H&M Home collection each season as the company always seems to offer good looking items at various price points that can easily mix into existing interiors.

expandable laundry basket, $34.99USD

patterned cotton cushion cover, $5.99USD

porcelain cup, $9.99USD

porcelain plant pot, $24.99USD

textured plant pot, $19.99USD

glass paperweight, $17.99USD

porcelain cup, $9.99USD

jacquard-weave cotton rug, $49.99USD

The Friday Five: 5 Ways to Brew Coffee

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How do you make your coffee? Are you loyal to one method? My coffee of choice these days is a classic latte made with my Bialetti – a stovetop espresso machine – you know, the one that just about every Italian person owns? I have multiple sizes of Bialetti machines, and I pull the appropriate one out depending on how many cups of coffee I need to make for me and my guests. I also put my Alessi espresso machine to use every once in a while, too, because it’s so beautiful.

I go in stages with my coffee, however. For a long while, I was purely a drip coffee drinker. My Cuisinart coffee maker is still serving me quite well.

In addition to my two go-to coffee options, I’m sharing a total of five ways to make coffee today. Feel free to let me know how you make your coffee in the comments below! I’d love to chat coffee with you!

1. Stovetop Espresso

Bialetti espresso maker, $43.99 CAD, Hudson’s Bay

2. Drip

Cuisinart coffee maker, $69.99 USD, Bed Bath & Beyond

3. French Press

Bodum Caffettiera, $15 CAD, Chapters Indigo

4. Pour Over

brass pour over coffee maker, $27.99 USD (on sale), World Market

5. Siphon

Grosche Heisenberg Siphon coffee maker, $71.99 CAD (on sale), Hudson’s Bay

Trivia Thursday: The Nelson Saucer Pendant

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Designer George Nelson was a director at Herman Miller from 1945 to 1972. During his time there, he managed to recruit other design greats such as Charles Eames and Isamu Noguchi. He also continued to develop his own designs – desks, clocks, and benches – what we now recognize as some of his trademark designs.

Nelson’s saucer lights, in particular, have become a favourite among designers (and white lovers like me!). The lights, manufactured by Herman Miller, come in a variety of shapes, but have common elements:  white, steel wires, translucent plastic covering.

The Bubble may be one of Nelson’s most recognizable lights.

Nelson Saucer Pendant, $395-$1295USD, Design Within Reach

Mindful Closet

Kibster

Algonquin Academy

Trivia Thursday: Fornasetti

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Piero Fornasetti was in Italian painter, sculptor, interior decorator, and engraver. He may be best known for his pieces that include the image of a woman’s face in black and white. The face is that of operatic soprano Lina Cavalieri. In addition to this face, many of his pieces include images of the sun, time, and architectural elements. Now, his son Barnaba Fornasetti continues to design in his father’s name.

Piero Fornasetti

Occio side table

Bocca chair

Architettura cabinet

Teste Antiche umbrella stand

plate

Fornasetti’s plates are quite popular in the world of interior design. These and other Fornasetti pieces add whimsy and interest to many spaces as you can see in the images below.

Colette May, via Elements of Style

Colette May, via Elements of Style

House & Garden

 via Archimir

via Est Magazine

WGSN

If you have some time to spare, I encourage you to watch some of these behind-the-scenes videos of the Fornasetti Atelier. I enjoyed watching a bit of the design and manufacturing processes of Fornasetti’s pottery, textiles, and metal work.

Gift Guide: Back to School

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I know. I know. It’s only early August, and I’m talking about back to school. This does not meant that the summer is nearing an end. It just means that we’ve got back to school shopping on the brain! As per usual, I’m happy to welcome Daniela back to the blog. She’s a whiz at gift guides, and her Back to School Gift Guide certainly doesn’t disappoint.

***

Whether you’re sending your children off to nursery school or Montessori or they are heading back to grade school this September, this list of must-have back to school items will ensure your child is well prepared for the year ahead.

First up is an item from the proudly Canadian Green’s Your Colour. I have owned a Green’s Your Colour bottle for a few years (and even featured it in this holiday gift guide). I use it daily for cold beverages in the summer and hot infused teas in the winter. This food grade bottle has the capacity to store many food and beverage items. Buying your child one for their upcoming school year will ensure they have a superior water bottle that can easily  store a hot lunch or snack without leaving any flavour residue after it has been washed. I can attest to its durability and quality as mine is now three years old, and it still looks and functions like it’s new.

Dino Stomper, $35 CAD, Green’s Your Colour

Next up is an item from another Canadian company – So Young. The company’s  owner,  Catherine, is not only passionate about what she does, but she has overcome so much in her life. Read her inspirational story. So Young’s line of products is not only well-made and well-priced, but it has the cutest selection of bags for you, your toddler, or your child. Here’s the child-sized backpack, but note that many backpacks come in a toddler version as well.

backpack, $55 CAD, So Young

And don’t forget to add a So Young lunch bag and ice pack while you are at it!

unicorn lunch box, $35 CAD, So Young

ice pack, $13 CAD, So Young

Next up is this great lunchbox that ensures you can pack your child a variety of food items while keeping everything separate in an all-in-one container. The company – PlanetBox – has three options, but the Shuttle or Rover are recommended for children.

Shuttle lunch box, $39.95 USD, PlanetBox

Rover lunch box, $55.95 USD, PlanetBox

Tiny Trendsetter is a Toronto-based store that offers shipping across Canada and the United States. The store has you covered with the trendiest styles for your little ones. Tiny Trendsetter carries many mainstream labels we all love, but what I love most is their focus on smaller independent labels.

A must-have for fall and winter are these super comfy feels-like-joggers-but-looks-like-jeans. The Beau Hudson “jegs†are not only super stylish, but they are also super easy for your child to put on and off themselves, making for easier mornings (and easier washroom breaks at school, too!).

Beau Hudson Jegs, $59.99 CAD, Tiny Trendsetter

This packable, 100% waterproof jacket should be a staple in your child’s backpack. It is good for wind and rain ensuring your child is always ready for weather changes.

Packable jacket, $54.99 CAD, Tiny Trendsetter

A staple for my own child’s wardrobe is this zip-up hoodie from Toronto’s Mini Mioche. I have replaced my daughter’s hoodie every time she outgrows it as it’s light enough for her to wear all seasons, and she is always cozy. Those early fall mornings will call for an extra layer, and this hoodie, which comes in many colours, is the perfect wardrobe staple for back to school. What’s even better is that it is designed and made right in Toronto.

hoodie, $48 CAD, Mini Mioche

Hope you enjoyed my back to school gift guide! Until next time, happy shopping!

***

Thanks for this gift guide, Daniela! Of course I, too, enjoy a nice water bottle, since I’m never without one, and the little packable rain jacket reminds me of my old K-Way jacket!

Trivia Thursday: Serge Mouille

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Serge Mouille was a French designer who is best known for his lighting. You may have seen his arm chandelier or sconces floating around design magazines and blogs for many years now.

Serge Mouille standing lamp

Serge Mouille ceiling lamp

Serge Mouille wall sconce

Serge Mouille snail light

Original Serge Mouille lights cost in the thousands of dollars, but as many iconic designs, there are plenty of reproductions online and in stores that cost a few hundred dollars. And you can see from the images below that Serge Mouille lighting looks great in a variety of interiors.

Julie Hillman, via The Decorista

Christine Dovey, via Style at Home

 via SF Girl By Bay

via Goop

Two for Tuesday: The Belt Bag

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One of my friends (hi Jess!) loves a good fanny pack. I used to poke fun at this little accessory, but now (just like I did as a young kid in the 80s) completely understands the appeal. With the fanny pack, you must be strict as to what you can carry (therefore avoiding heavy handbags) and your hands remain free (for coffee, dog walking, shopping bags). What do you think? A great little accessory or one to skip?

via Purse Blog

via Marie Claire

Trivia Thursday: Atollo Table Lamp

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If you’ve been to a design museum, then you may have come across Vico Magistretti’s Atollo table lamp. The lamp was designed in 1977, and many people would agree that it is as beautiful today as it was 30 years ago.

via Mohd

Wall & Déco

Ambiente Direct

La Nacion

via Remodelista

Scandinavian Collectors

Inattendu

In Out Design Blog

Artilleriet Interiors

Remodelista

The Friday Five: Crystal Chandeliers

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Let’s go all out luxury today, shall we? I had a browse in the lighting department of 1st Dibs, and my jaw dropped as I scrolled through pages and pages of crystal. I’ve included the rough prices of each, but try to divert your eyes.

Bakalowits Crystal chandelier, $15K+, 1st Dibs

rock crystal chandelier, $6K+, 1st Dibs

Emil Stejnar Snowball chandelier, $5K+, 1st Dibs

Kinkeldey chandelier, $3K+, 1st Dibs

Rock Crystal Sputnik chandelier, $42K+, 1st Dibs

Fashion: Gingham Galore

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Last Friday, I went out of my fashion comfort zone, and I pulled out an all-over gingham outfit. I already had these pieces in my wardrobe, but it was only recently that I considered putting them together.

White Cabana (top: J.Crew, pants: Ann Taylor)

I was definitely inspired by Blair Eadie at Atlantic-Pacific and all the co-ordinating outfits that are popping into stores.

Blair Eadie

According to Q

Cheralee Lyle

via With Love and Light

swimsuit

cardigan

camisole

swimsuit

sweater

shoes

dress

Two for Tuesday: Stacked Up

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I hope everyone had a great Canada Day long weekend! I’m already finding it hard to get back into work mode after a few days of relaxation by the pool and BBQ with friends. I don’t think I opened my computer even once all weekend long, so forgive me if posts are brief this week.

Today’s pair are all about lines and structure.

friendship bracelet, $357 USD (on sale), Links of London

NOVA by Zaha Hadid, $5000, via  United Nude

Trivia Thursday: The Alvar Aalto Vase

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Recognize this wavy vase?

Iittala

It was designed by Alvar Aalto in 1936, and it has been a design collector’s item ever since. Each vase is mouth blown at the Iittala glass factory in Finland, making each piece unique. The full Alvar Aalto collection includes other shapes, sizes, and colours, too.

If you’re in Canada, you can purchase Alvar Aalto pieces at William Ashley.

Gift Guide: For the BBQ Hosts

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What’s Canada Day without a BBQ? For many Canadians, wearing red and white and having a BBQ with friends and family is the best way to celebrate Canada’s birthday. If you’re heading out to a friend’s place, you may be interested in reviewing Daniela‘s gift guide today. She’s curated a great selection of gifts – at various price points as per usual – for this weekend’s BBQ or any other summer event you’re attending.

***

With our first long weekend upon us and children out of school, invites for summer BBQs will be pouring in. For your next invite, I’ve put together a list of some fun gifts to bring to the host.

Dish towels! Or as Williams Sonoma calls them – flour sack towels. Sure, you can get these at a lot of retailers, but I especially love the Williams Sonoma towels as they are extremely large and can withstand the test of time and lots of washes.

flour sack towels, $19.16 USD (on sale), Williams Sonoma

If you are invited to a bbq where the host has children, add this super fun stencil set (or another craft) for their little ones. It will make for a great summer activity on a rainy day, and the parents will love them too!

tea towel stencil kit, $26 USD, Yellow Owl Workshop

Going to a pool party? For the past few summers, I have brought the host one of these pool toys. They are the perfect gift for all ages and make for a great prop in photos. I personally love using these so my hair doesn’t get wet. 🙂

swan floatie, $9.99 (on sale), The Bay

unicorn floatie, $9.99 (on sale), The Bay

Did you know you can use your BBQ for a lot more than grilling hamburgers and veggies? Why not make pizza (my food of choice) on your grill? I love this as a hostess gift especially for someone who uses their BBQ all summer long.

grill stone, $48.49 CAD, The Well

Summer BBQ invites are all about fun in a casual dining atmosphere, so this next hostess gift idea is more a gift for all in attendance. Fill this piñata up with candy and bring it as an addition to the “dessert table.†It will prove tons of fun for all ages.

mini unicorn piñata, $5.60 (on sale), Chapters Indigo

And on the subject of candy grab a bag of these delicious squish candies for the host to enjoy the day after the party.

thank you mix candies, $14 CAD, Squish Candies

Finally, who doesn’t love an ice cream in the summer? Spoil the host with this great set, so they can enjoy their summer ice cream in style.

Kate Spade ice cream set, $46 CAD, Chapters Indigo

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoy all your summer gatherings with friends and family!

***

How lucky are we that Daniela is such a great gift giver? Each guide seems better than the last! I absolutely love the idea of a piñata…what a fun thing for adults and kids!

The Friday Five: Books I’ve Read

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Well, I shouldn’t quite say I’ve “read” these books. I’ve actually listened to most of them in the form of audiobook. With all the driving I’ve done lately, the audiobooks have been a wonderful way to pass the time. I’m pretty much hooked, and now I listen while I walk, too.

1. The Story of a New Name (Book 2) by Elena Ferrante

I read Book 1 of this series many months ago, but I could not find the time to pick up Book 2. When I set out on one of my road trips, I started listening to it, and I could barely stop. It was wonderful. The book is engaging, interesting, and well-developed. It’s easy to connect with the characters. I’m definitely eager to get started on Book 3.

2. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanathi

I remember when I heard of this book via Joanna Goddard (Cup of Jo) a couple of years ago. I had wanted to read it since then, but I never did. It was one of the first audiobooks I downloaded. It’s a great read. True. Sad. Beautiful.

3. Wallflower at the Orgy by Nora Ephron

I’ve always liked reading Nora Ephron’s books. They’re a combination of funny, interesting, light, and serious. This book of short stories entertained.

4. Hungry for Love by Maya Sacher

This fits in the chick-lit category of books. It was easy to be engaged with the story line of a woman who has fallen in love with a man while her husband is in a coma. It’s a good summer beach read.

5. Landline by Rainbow Rowell

I opted for this chick-lit book because it came up in one of my library searches, and I was drawn to the cover. It’s an easy read about a couple going through a troubling time. The story isn’t highly original – individuals working too hard, trying to make their relationship work – but I liked how the dialogue evolved in the chapters, and it was overall a good read. I’d say it’s another easy summer read.

p.s. Did you know that June is audiobook month? A little something I learned at the Waterloo Public Library (where I’ve been getting my audiobooks).

Trivia Thursday: The Rainbow Flag

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One historical meaning of the rainbow flag is peace. Nowadays, the rainbow flag is a symbol for the LGBT social movement. The rainbow flag was created in 1978 by Gilbert Baker who was an American artist and gay rights activist. Each colour of the flag represents something: red – life, orange – healing, yellow – sunlight, green – nature, turquoise – magic, violet – spirit. In Baker’s original version, two additional colours appeared: pink – sexuality and indigo – serenity.

Tattly rainbow skateboard temporary tattoo

I’m happy to bring a little #loveislove to the blog today in support of Pride Month.

Sources: BBC, CBC, Wikipedia

Trivia Thursday: The Plastic Patio Chair

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The Monobloc Chair – aka the stackable plastic patio chair that you may currently own – has been described (by Wikipedia and Treehugger at least) as the world’s most common plastic chair. My house came with a few of these stacked gems, and I kept them for a long while because they were convenient and stackable. I thought they would never wear out, but they did.

Generic/Unbranded Backgammon Patio Chair

patio chair

The Monobloc – a chair made of one piece of plastic – was introduced by Canadian designer D.C. Simpson in 1946.

Fashion: Pretty White Dresses

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With the warmer weather (finally) here, and Victoria Day just around the corner, it’s nearly time to bring out – and buy, perhaps – all the white dresses.

dress, $59 USD, Chicwish   ,Splendid crochet white dress, $69 USD, Chicwish

embroidered dress, $79.99USD, H&M

dress, $99USD, H&M

Sag Harbor Dress, $188USD, Anthropologie

floral appliqué dress, $187.49CAD, Ann Taylor

tie back dress, $198 USD, Kate Spade

chesapeake stripe midi dress, $428, Kate Spade

Design: The Decorative Ladder

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Ladders in the home are not just for dark, moody libraries. They’re used in kitchens and closets to reach high shelves, and they’re used in living rooms and bedrooms for hanging blankets. In my own home, I have a couple of bamboo ladders – one for storing extra towels in my bathroom (well, “just for show” towels), and another that is decorative in my basement lounge.

These photos show the diversity of this decorative – and functional – piece.

Home Bunch

 Nordic DesignSF Girl By Bay

I’ve had a look around shops online, and I found some great ladders that could work well in a variety of spaces.

ladder, $102.99 CAD, Wayfair

ladder, $214 CAD, Target

ladder, $98 USD, Anthropologie

ladder, $99 USD, The Home Outpost

ladders, $80-96 USD, West Elm

One Room Challenge: Laundry Room – Week 6 Reveal

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Today’s the day! It’s the One Room Challenge final reveal day!

So, without even a moment more of pause, let me welcome you in to my new laundry/bathroom combo room!

And before I share more photos, let’s have a look at the before photos of the space. (Note: You can see more photos in this Week 1 post.)

I’m so excited to share these after photos with you. The last six weeks have been full of mess, clean-up, shopping, and styling. I’m beyond thrilled with the end result, and I am so grateful for the team of experts who helped me transform this space. I now have a bright  space for laundry days, and my guests have a beautiful white bathroom to enjoy while they visit.

As I showed you over the last six weeks, we completely gutted this space. No surface was left untouched, and nothing from the original room remained. Everything is new – from plumbing to studs to tiles to accessories. This space needed an overhaul, and that’s exactly what it got!

I’ve always called this space small but mighty. I demand a lot from this space in terms of functionality, and the changes my construction team and I made have definitely improved every aspect of the space. It’s a combo room – laundry plus bathroom – so it’s really going to be put to work!

I am absolutely loving having a large laundry sink. After five years with a bathroom vanity sink, this change is a big one. I was lucky to work with Blanco on this project, and the company generously provided me with the durable Liven laundry sink. The Silgranit material is supposed to be “exceptionally resistant to heat, scratches, and impact,” which is exactly what I need.

To match the sink, I opted for the Blanco Urbena faucet. When the box arrived way back in the fall, I took the faucet out immediately, and was so impressed with its strength and substance. Now in place, this piece looks even more beautiful (and it’s even better in person). The pull-down faucet function is going to be great as I start making a mess in this space with indoor gardening projects, hand-washing delicate clothing, and more.

I had a custom cabinet made in Toronto. It’s painted Chantilly Lace, and it has the same door front detail as my interior doors (see below). For the counter, I went with white quartz, and a 6″ backsplash. The door pulls are from Ikea.

I have used some pieces in this space that I have already in other spaces in my home. Why change a good thing, right? For example, I have the larger version of the mirror in my powder room. And I have the same toilet and toilet roll holder in my powder room. I know many people like to switch things up in the design world, but I like consistency and simplicity, so I was happy to use these same pieces in my new space.

The addition of a beautiful new shower has really made this combo room that much more functional. This was a big job, and I lived with a trench in my floor for a couple of days as my plumber was working his magic. I opted for classic white 4″x12″ subway tiles, and my tiler surrounded the shower with them. I carried the hex floor into this shower space, too. The shower system is the Arris style by Moen.

The little “door” that you see in the photo below is a genius invention by my drywaller. It slides up and down, and it hides my main water pump/valve. It’s incredible. It’s so handy, and it looks sleek, too!

 The floor is much more exciting than what you might see in these photos. Beneath these gorgeous hex marble-like tiles is Warmup‘s floor heating system. And it’s luxurious! The thermostat is easy to use, and I have been playing around with different schedule settings.  I can even control the temperature from my phone. You know what this means, right? I can lie in bed on a Sunday morning and only get out to do laundry once my floor has been heated up! Genius! (Note: I haven’t added a bath mat to the space yet because I want to stare at the floors!)

The doors in this space are Metrie’s Masonite Lincoln Park. I used the same style in my #byebyebifold makeover, so it only made sense to carry them into this new space. Side note: In fact, I have replaced all of my interior doors, and the change has refreshed my whole home! The door hardware (just like everywhere else in my home) is the Milan in satin chrome from Direct Door Hardware.

The addition of the pocket door to separate this gorgeous space from the less-than-gorgeous furnace room has been an especially smart addition. I was beyond ready to get rid of the accordion door six weeks ago, and I was even more thrilled when my drywaller told me he could get in a pocket door.

To bring more beauty into the space, I reached out to my friends at pamuk & co., and they sent me the softest set of Turkish towels and a matching robe. I am so spoiled with these items! Each towel is a piece of art, in my opinion. And have I mentioned how soft they are? Absolutely luxurious! You can see the robe in #WhiteCabanaStyle action in this Instagram photo! (Side note: pamuk & co. has been spotted in Meghan Markle’s hands post-yoga and in her former Toronto home!)

from pamuk & co.: Maya bathrobe, The Cabana, The Soho

I have two pieces of art in this laundry/bathroom combo room. The top piece above the toilet is Clothespins 2 by Elliot Stokes from Minted. Under this is a photo my friend Suzanne took, and I printed. It’s a close-up photo of a large-scale piece by Marco Godinho called “Forever Immigrant.” If you’d like to see more of the art, I recommend this video.

And one final look before I leave you for the day (to explore other One Room Challenge participants’ reveal posts):

Thanks again for following along this renovation journey with me.If you’d like to take a walk down memory lane, check out my week 1, week 2, week 3, week 4, and week 5 posts. And for more inspiration, click on over to the reveal posts from the One Room Challenge’s featured designers and guest participants.

Thanks to Blanco, Warmup, Minted, and Pamuk & Co. for collaborating on this project. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to my construction team for making my design come to life: Chris, Troy, and Tony. Thanks to Mom and Dad for your continued willingness to help out and get messy!

***

Sources:
sink: Blanco Liven (c/o)
faucet: Blanco Urbena (c/o)
floor heating: Warmup (c/o)
robe and towels: pamuk & co. (c/o)
art: Minted (c/o)
art: photo from a friend
hooks: Ikea
hangers: Ikea
cabinet and counter top: custom
cabinet paint: Chantilly Lace
mirror: HomeSense
doors: Metrie Masonite Lincoln Park
door handle: Milan, Direct Door Hardware
floor tiles: Toronto
wall tiles: Toronto
shower system: Moen Arris
toilet paper holder: Bed Bath and Beyond
toilet: Costco
ceiling lights: Costco

Two for Tuesday: Workout Gear

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Who is getting their bodies in shape for pool season? I’m definitely on the slow side of this part of my life, but I continue to attend my barre classes, and I feel much stronger than I did a few months ago. The first item today is the classic dumbbell – in white! Great for bicep curls and triceps.

dumbbells

This second item – the UBarre – is definitely has a lovely aesthetic, and there are loads of Ubarre exercises to do for strength training. (Thanks to Swiss Miss for the intro.)

Ubarre

One Room Challenge: Laundry Room – Week 5

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We are near the end of this spring’s One Room Challenge event.

I can barely believe it actually. This week 1 before post seems like a distant memory now that all my new pieces are in place. This is definitely going to be a dramatic before-and-after feature, so I hope you’ll stick around until next week to see the big reveal.

For now, here are a few glimpses into my transformed space.

My Blanco Liven sink and Urbena faucet were installed. They’re surrounded by a white quartz countertop and a custom cabinet.

My drywaller made the greatest invention to cover my water main valve.

My pocket door is one of my favourite features of my new room.

And my new mirror adds some classic shine to this high-functioning room.

Finally, my WarmUp floor heating thermostat was installed, and it works perfectly. My floor warms up in minutes, and it’s definitely a luxury for this space. Without the floor heating system, my tile floor is so cold!

Over the next week, I’ll be adding all the finishing touches: shower curtain, toilet roll holder, and art. It’s going to be a fun week!

Check out my week 1, week 2, week 3, and week 4 posts to get caught up on all the action. And for more inspiration, click on over to the posts from the One Room Challenge’s featured designers and guest participants.

Thanks to Blanco and WarmUp for collaborating on this project. All opinions are my own.

Two for Tuesday: Praise for Polka Dots

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Yes, I have polka dots on my mind again. I was at Bed Bath and Beyond over the weekend, and I noticed Kate Spade’s polka dot bath collection, and I’m wondering if I should add a few pieces to my new laundry/bathroom.

Kate Spade towel set

And then I saw Teggy French in this sweet polka dot top, and I thought she looked great.

And well, that’s how this two-of-a-kind post came to be!

Fashion: White Rubber Birkenstock

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Yay or nay to white rubber Birkenstock sandals for the summer?

Madrid Birkenstock, $29.95 USD

Arizona Birkenstock, $53.74 CAD

Here’s how some fashion bloggers are wearing white Birkenstocks (rubber or leather):

Chictopia

Clochet

Front Row

Fashion Vibe

And it seems like I’ve been drawn to white Birks for a while now (see this post from last summer). Now, I’m also drawn to the pink, orange, and yellow options (to my surprise!). Maybe I should just buy a pair!

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