Event: BlogPodium 2014 is this Saturday!

Every year at around this time, design and lifestyle bloggers gather in Toronto for BlogPodium. Led by Jennifer Flores, and organized by a crew of talented people, BlogPodium gives bloggers and brands the opportunity to take their conversations offline. Yes, of course there will be lots of Twittering and Instagraming going on during this Saturday’s BlogPodium, but I know I’m not alone in saying that one of the best things about the event will be the face-to-face conversations.

BlogPodium-logo

There is so much to look forward to this year. I have no doubt that these speakers, these sponsors, and these exhibitors will make for a rich and informative day at the historic Fairmont Royal York.

fairmontRY

 via

I’m especially looking forward to this year’s BlogPodium because my first ever ceramics collaboration with Toronto’s Inspirations Studio will be up for auction. Here’s a teeny peek:

White-Cabana-ceramics-Inspirations-Studio

 White Cabana + Inspirations Studio

In addition, I will be presenting for the second time at BlogPodium. My roundtable discussion, titled Blog Writing 101: Crafting a cohesive, concise, and conversational post, will be centred on how to write effective and credible blog posts.

BP2014-Speakersquare-1

I’ll be sure to share a recap of the big day in the weeks that follow. If you are itching for the play-by-play, follow along via Twitter and Instagram.

p.s. I haven’t yet figured out my outfit.
p.p.s. Walk down memory lane – read my posts about BlogPodium 2012 and BlogPodium 2013.

Design: This is what a Multi-Million Dollar Home in Oakville Looks Like

If you like design and blogs, chances are you’ve had a browse (or several) on Realtor – the Canadian real estate site. During one of my recent searches, I stumbled upon this gorgeous multi-million dollar home in Oakville. This is what $11.8 million can buy you outside of Toronto.

xl xl-1 xl-2 xl-3 xl-4 xl-5 xl-6The outside is just as gorgeous as the inside. Have a look here. Yearly taxes are only $75K (gasp!).

 

Marketplace: Green Light District in Toronto

I “met” Deborah of Green Light District on Twitter many months ago and we instantly bonded over fiddle leaf fig trees. She gave me suggestions about how to take care of my tree, and our online conversations continue to revolve around design, plants, and food. Recently, I made a trip out to #Roncy (i.e., Roncesvalles area in Toronto) to have dinner with friends (at the Westerly, on the recommendation of Deborah). Since I was in the neighbourhood, and Toronto traffic cooperated, I had the chance to make a quick stop in to Green Light District to say hi to Deborah in person.

Owners Deborah and David Peets took my friend and I around the shop sharing news of the furniture and designers that fill up their store. I quickly picked out a few favourite pieces: the acapulco chair in the courtyard, the large wood dining tables, and the beautifully designed chairs. Oh, and the ceramics, the tree stump side tables/stools, the benches, and the mini bar also caught my eye.

Here are a few photos I quickly snapped during my visit:

photo 1 copy

hand stitched leather and oak bench

photo 3

acrylic and kirel trees console

photo 4

soho chair

Roncy-1

hand stitched leather and oak bench + hand made pottery

Roncy-2

wonki ware + botanical print

Roncy-3

handmade pottery

Roncy-4

wonki ware

Roncy-5

handmade pottery + stitched leather and oak bench

green-light-district-1

hand hooked rug + saddle leather chairs

WhiteCabana+GreenLightDistrict

Jordana and Deborah (thanks for the photo, David)

The Peets source furnishings from around the world; Canada, South Africa, and Argentina were mentioned several times as I touched almost every item in the store.

Emma Reddington and Kim Johnson have always had good things to say about Green Light District, and the shop and furnishings have previously been featured in Chatelaine, Style at Home, Toronto Life, The Toronto Star, and BlogTO. I can totally understand why. The furniture is beautiful, and Deborah and David are such warm and welcoming owners.

If you’re in the area, be sure to stop in and say hello to Deborah and David, and when you do, be sure to tell them that you know me…you’ll likely get a chuckle out of them*.

*Apparently some of my friends from other Canadian cities (Hi Nora!) have gone around Toronto (well, not the whole city, but I have to exaggerate the story so it’s more amusing) asking people if they know me. “Hey, do you know Jordana?” Ha. I love my friends!

Marketplace: Vintage Fine Objects

Vintage Fine Objects opened its doors just about a year ago in Toronto and it has been on the radar of many magazine editors and bloggers ever since. Owner Kevin J. Austin has – and continues to – carefully curate a collection of vintage objects to please a variety of vintage enthusiasts – the decorator, the collector, the countryman, the traditionalist (and of course, you aren’t expected to stay within any one category).

Vintage-Fine-Objects

While I do love some of the traditional wood pieces (like this drop front desk), my interest mostly lies in light, airy, versatile pieces in white.

Vintage-Fine-Objects-bamboo-cabinet

faux bamboo cabinet, $2495

tub-chair-VintageFineObjects

faux bamboo tub chair, $495

patterned glass vase-vintage-fine-objects

patterned glass vase, $39

Vintage-Fine-Objects-lamps

lucite & leopard lamps

Images courtesy of Vintage Fine Objects.

Event & Giveaway: Art Toronto 2013

It’s that time of year again (and I’m not talking about Tim Horton’s roll-up-the-rim campaign). It’s Art Toronto 2013! This month, art dealers from around the world will bring the best of the best art to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. I’ve been a regular attendee* for a few years now** and I am always impressed with the show. I encourage you to attend, browse, and buy at this impressive show. Let’s take a trip around the art world, shall we?

fujii_2013_kiri_s

Tamotsu Fujii, MA2 Gallery, Japan

Elio-Ciol-3D-Gallary

Elio Ciol, 3D Gallery, Italy

Igal-Pardo-Palindrome

Igal Pardo, Contempop, Israel

editor_13702282350.699181001370228235

Tae-hoo Park, Nine Gallery, Korea

Liao-Yibai-Mike-Weiss-Gallery

Liao Yibai, Mike Weiss Gallery, New York

El_Futuro_

Caroline Attan, Bicha Gallery, London, UK

Caviar20-LouiseNevelson-BicentennialDawn-icon_large

Louise Nevelson, Caviar20, Toronto

nyt-crossword-1-13-60

Otino Corsano, PM Gallery, Toronto

The show is from October 25-28th and general admission tickets are $18. More details can be found here.

Giveaway Details:

Want to attend for free? I’m pleased to announce that Art Toronto has generously sent over 2 pairs of tickets that I am happy to giveaway to 2 lucky readers! To enter, leave a comment below telling me why you would like to attend Art Toronto 2013. The contest will close on Thursday October 10th, 2013.

*One day I’m going to be a big spender. One day.

** 2011, 2012

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 12