Friday Five: 5 for 2011

I feel like I’m one of those people who constantly make and revise resolutions.  When I feel like I need to change something to improve my life, I do. When I have achieved a goal, I set a new one. I think about short and long term goals all the time and I write them down. Sometimes I share them with people. This is one of those times. Here are five things that I’d like to do in 2011:

1. I’ll wear more rings. I used to wear them a lot and then I stopped for no apparent reason. I’ll start with a ring my sister gave me which looks similar to this one:

floral ring, $5.80

2. I’ll brave the cold this winter and get outside. I’ll wear more layers, I’ll put my boots to good use and I’ll try to stop complaining.

Lord scarf & cardigan, All Saints

3. I’ll host more parties. Getting together with friends and family is fun – why not do it more often?

balloons, Martha Stewart

4. I’ll try new recipes. And I’ll try not to limit myself to yummy desserts.

via Martha Stewart

5. I’ll learn more about the city I’m currently living in – London, Ontario. Museums, galleries, shops, concerts…I’m ready to explore and to feature my adventures on White Cabana!

Luxury in the New Year

by Johanne

Happy New Year!

This New Year, I’m making a resolution to live life better. In essence, I aim to truly manifest my father’s wisdom: “Work smarter, not harder.”

This motto can be applied to many facets of living: by working smarter, energy is focused on producing quality and time is valued as precious and limited. When working smarter, not harder, you actually free up hours in the day for what’s important in life. It’s a kind of de-cluttering; it’s definitely a philosophy.

Luxurious living is about enjoying the best in life and that doesn’t necessarily mean spending a lot of money or effort. It’s about thinking and planning smarter and simpler, not harder.

Treating yourself to luxuries such as a bubble bath, a cozy throw, or de-cluttering the kitchen and office are some of the easiest ways to make small positive changes to brighten your daily life.

Wishing you luxuries big and small this 2011! I’m looking forward to hearing about how you’ll be working smarter, not harder, this year!

Images courtesy of Flor’s Blog on Design and AB Home Interiors Blog.

Introducing 20 Below

Welcome to a new feature on White Cabana: 20 Below.

Each week on 20 Below, I will post a white-hot item under $20. I hope this regular column will be inspiring for those who want to bring in a bit of white into their lives but aren’t quite ready to commit to living completely in white. And for all of you who already love white, I hope this feature will be another happy part of your day! Alright, so let’s get this started!

OXO digital thermometer, $19.95

Perfect for the chef in your family, this OXO meat thermometer gives accurate readings, a clear digital readout and it’s easy as a touch of button.

p.s. Many thanks to Kate for inspiring the title of this feature. I miss your old column.