Marketplace: West Elm + South Africa

If you can’t make it to South Africa…

photos by Mathilde

photos by Corie & Jeff

but crave a South African vibe in your living space…

via

then West Elm’s recent collaboration with South African designers and artisans might be just for you! The collection of ceramics, textiles, furniture and home accessories has been growing in popularity since it hit the marketplace just a little while ago. Some of my favourite pieces are white (duh!) and they are simple, structural and functional.

Mick Haigh oversize serving bowl, $63.09

Potter’s Workshop napkin set – black shields, $21.39

Ceramic Matters candleholder, $63.09

Anthony Shapiro pillar candleholders, $84.48-$105.87

Source dining chair, $212.81

Pedersen + Lennard hooks, $12.81

Note: All prices are in Canadian dollars. Some items are not available for international shipping.

Many thanks to Mathilde, Corie and Jeff for allowing me to use their photos from their trips to South Africa.

20 Below: Pillows

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

20 Below: Swim Goggles

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?

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