The Friday Five: Canadian Designer Series – Candice Olson

July 1, 2011 | Leave a Reply

The second designer for today’s series is Candice Olson – designer extraordinaire and all around funny lady.

I have been watching Candice Olson’s Divine Design since the very beginning. I love the interaction between her and her crew and I especially like her room sketches.

In addition to her TV and interior design work, Candice has been busy with her various product lines – lighting, fabric, rugs, and more! Here’s a quick peek:

Candice Olson sofas – Bette, Brady, Floyd – ready for fabric

Candice Olson furniture: Hollace daybed & Jean chaise

Candice Olson wall covering, Kravet

Candice Olson drapery, Kravet

Candice Olson paisley wallpaper, York Wallcoverings

The Friday Five: Canadian Designer Series – Brian Gluckstein

July 1, 2011 | Leave a Reply

Happy Canada Day!

In honour of today, Canada’s 144th birthday, I’m going to be doing something a little different with the Friday Five. In a series of five posts throughout the day, rather than in one single post, I will be featuring five fabulous Canadian designers. These designers, and many many other talented Canadians, bring creativity, beauty, and good design to diverse spaces in Canada and abroad.

First up is the talented Brian Gluckstein.

Brian Gluckstein’s classic aesthetic caught my eye when I first “met” him on CityLine back when Marilyn Denis used to be the host. I am always impressed by his professionalism and style. He has been been named Canada’s favourite interior designer by the readers of House & Home which may not come as a surprise to many readers who know his work.

Forest Hill bathroom

Georgian Estate

Neoclassical home

Brian has a collection of homewares which are available at The Bay. Click here to see the full Gluckstein product line.

Peyton

Studio

As if his interior design company and home collection isn’t keeping this guy busy enough – Brian’s blogging too – see what he’s up to here.

photos via Gluckstein Design Residential Portfolio & Gluckstein Home

5 for 2011: The Third Check-Up

June 24, 2011 | 1 Commentary

Back in January I created five goals for myself and I have since posted two check-ups (first, second). Now it’s time for the third update of my progress.

1. Wear more rings. Lately I’ve been sporting this double ring that my sister sent me. I just love it!

2. Embrace the cold weather. Well, luckily it’s June and I don’t have to deal with this goal for a few more months. I am so happy about this!

3. Host more parties. Hmmm…I’ve sort of failed with this one. In the last few months I have done quite a bit of traveling which has left me little time for party planning. But – I did manage to squeeze in one party last month – a champagne party! Talk about fun!

Addison collection, Pottery Barn

4. Try new recipes. Yes! I made pinwheel cookies (recipe from my vintage Joy of Cooking cookbook). Easy and delicious. I burned a batch but that’s okay. The other batch turned out fine. Here they are ready to go into the oven:

photo by Jordana

I also made Smitten Kitchen’s cheese straws (a big hit!) and What Katie Ate’s delicious tomato and goat cheese canapés.

5. Learn more about London, Ontario. In the last little while I managed to get out to the East Village Coffeehouse for the first time (thanks Tonya for the introduction). What a lovely little spot. The food is yummy, the coffee is well-prepared and the music is perfect.

coffee with a twist, photo by Jordana

Other restaurants I’ve tried since my last update include Relish in Wortley Village and The Works on King. Both burger places and both delicious.

There are also lots of festivals in London during the summer so I’ve been trying to check them all out. Last weekend was the Car Free Festival, this week & weekend is London Fringe and soon SunFest is coming to town. Bring on the music!

There you have it – the third update of my goals.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend!

Friday Five: New Orleans Food & Flowers

April 15, 2011 | Leave a Reply

If you’ve been following me on Twitter then you already know that I was in New Orleans last week. I’m looking forward to sharing some of my photos with you over the next little while. Today it’s all about some of the food and flowers that I came across in this über-lively city.