The Friday Five: Things on My Mind

1.French bloggers. Do any of you have any recommendations for bloggers (or Instagrammers or Youtubers) that write and speak in French? I’ve started following Daphne from Mode and The City and Sabrina from Sab The French Way (I met her in Paris…she’s lovely, beautiful, happy, and energetic just like she is in her videos). I want to listen and read more French.

2. Bathing suits. Do I need more? No, of course not. I mean, I live in a country that has only two months (maybe three if you count June) of summer weather. But when I find bathing suits I like and are reasonable in price, I snap them up. When I saw this one on The Vault Files, I started browsing the H&M site. With free shipping and free returns, how could I not put a few in my shopping cart? When they arrived, I was pleased. I ordered several sizes because I find H&M sizing so unpredictable. In the end, I bought and kept this one, this one, and this two-piece. I’m set for the summer. Now I just need the sun and warmth to arrive!

3. Jazz. I was invited to TWH Social‘s first jazz night with Brownman Ali – an award-winning trumpeter. Every Saturday in the month of March, Brownman will lead an all-star ensemble through five eras of Miles Davis’s jazz. If you’re looking for a great evening out in Kitchener, go! Tickets are $20 per person and the show begins at 9pm. Learn more here.

4. Costco. I have been a card-carrying member of Costco since December, and people continue to ask me what I buy there. I guess since I don’t have a family, people are curious. So what do I buy? I have gone about once a month and the things I’ve bought most regularly are: gas, yogurt, spinach, eggs, milk, almond milk, fruit, meat (I divide it, wrap it, and freeze it) and crackers (e.g., these). On my most recent visit, I picked up this Kate Spade blanket for about $20. It is so soft!

5. Netflix. I spent the last couple of weeks watching The Blacklist. All 22 episodes of Season 1. It took a while, but I was hooked. Have you seen it?

Art: White on White

If you’ve seen my house, then you’ll know that I have a several white-on-white art pieces. I have a trio made by nephews in my living room, framed white doilies in my dining room, and a piece stitched by a friend in my office, to name a few. Texture in each of these pieces is definitely important to make the work interesting.

The three spaces shown here highlight gorgeous white-on-white artwork. Even against white walls, they definitely stand out!

Marketplace: Pleats Please

Have you noticed an increase of pleats in the fashion and interiors marketplace? I have seen the pleats coming for a while now, but it was this article featuring Leon Kalajian, founder of Tom’s Sons International Pleating, that pushed me to compose this blog post.

souffle chair, $7595USD, Kelly Wearstler
pleated melamine serving bowl, $22.95USD, Williams Sonoma
pillow, $49.99 USD (on sale), DKNY
dress, $26USD
drawing of Cardi B.’s Grammy look by Ashi, via WWD
pleated top, $45.90CAD, Zara

Two for Tuesday: Pink Blossoms

Blogger, designer, and artist extraordinaire Christine Dovey has just launched a home goods collection with Hudson’s Bay. It is pink and feminine and edgy which is completely in keeping with Christine’s design aesthetic. I spotted the collection here in Waterloo over the weekend, and it is lovely! My favourite piece was the all-white coverlet (big surprise, right?). Today, though, I’m infusing a bit more pink into this two of a kind feature.

pillow, Christine Dovey