Sunday 28 July 2013

Kate Spade New York: Things We Love

After a recommendation from A Beautiful Mess, I ordered the book Kate Spade New York: Things We Love from the library. I waited a long time for it even though there weren't that many requests. But the second I held its golden pages in my hands, I understood why. The is the kind of book you hang on to past the due date. The kind of book you want to own. 

The designers behind Kate Spade had a secret part of the website before anything like Pinterest existed, where they collected images that inspired them - a glamorous photo, a restaurant match book, someone's business card, a flea market find. Eventually, they put this book together. Every few pages there is a new chapter based on a theme that they love like the colour red, cocktails, a well placed bow, summer etc. Beautiful photos, quotes and mementos illustrate the theme. 

If you're looking for a well of inspiration, order this book and get thee to the library! 














(all photos are by me. the water pics are not apart of the book!)

Sunday 21 July 2013

What I Got: Furniture from the Curb

Do you know the online magazine Covet Garden?  Each issue features one amazing home in Toronto and the people who inhabit them. This photo is from the July/August issue. I like it because of the wooden seating under the staircase.


Why? Because I own it too! And its even more special because my brother and I found it in someone's basement covered in dirt. 


Gross eh!? Mike was walking to the hardware store and he passed a home that was undergoing a demolition. All the left over furniture was being thrown on the curb. There was a lot! He spotted some good dressers, started talking to the person in charge of the project and next thing he was invited to come in and pick anything he wanted. He called me to come and tag along. The people in the house didn't like me as much because I couldn't hide my disgust for the filth and smell of cat piss permeating the air. 

But when I saw this piece I knew it had to be mine, cat piss and all! We walked it home in the pouring rain. I cleaned it 6 times. And let it air out for about a week. 

Actually, Mike saw it first. But he let me have it because he is a very nice brother. 





Sunday 14 July 2013

Bev Hisey

On Dundas near Ossington there is a little textiles/furniture shop that houses Bev Hisey's carpets, pillows, and some furniture that she's sourced. I love peeking in and checking out the carpets she has displayed on the wall. Not surprisingly, her home in Toronto is as punchy and artful as her designs. I especially love the gem carpets and the unique artwork.


Sigh. This scissor print is by Alanna Cavanagh.
  


These are 10" records from the 50's and 60's that have been put on wooden boxes so they float from the wall. 


How unexpected to have a yardstick in this bathroom. Random but now unwelcome! 


This is my all time favorite element from her house. The original Jansen swim signage. If I ever see one of these I will snatch it up no questions asked! 

More photos of her house can be seen over on Design Sponge



Wednesday 10 July 2013

(My house) before and after

When I purchased a mid-century modern couch on craigslist this spring, I bargained with the girl to throw in this unit for free. She was using it to store some shirts but I knew it would make a perfect little bar...I finally got around to painting it bright green, reinforcing the shelves and sanding the legs. I'm so happy with it now! 




Tuesday 9 July 2013

Cottage Cocktails


I wasn't really sure how cocktails would factor into cottage living but I brought up my muddler and shaker *just* in case. It's not as easy as cracking open a beer, but who can resist a fresh cocktail on the dock? This one has blackberries, meyer lemon peels, whiskey and apple cider in it. YUM! 



We called it the Apple Andrews, because we were thinking about Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music when I made it.  

1 1/2 ounces of whiskey
3 or four blackberries
juice of half a lemon plus the peels
3 ounces of apple cider

Muddle the blackberries, lemon peels and lemon juice at the bottom of your shaker. A wooden spoon will also do if you don't have a muddler. Add the whiskey, cider and ice and shake. Strain into a glass full of ice and garnish with a blackberry.



How cute is this chipmunk? He's about to put a third peanut in his mouth. 

Thursday 4 July 2013

Molly Turners Apartment


I am just in love with this apartment that I saw on Apartment Therapy. Its uncluttered but cozy and every time I look at it, I just want to go home and clean my place! I love the simple lime green carpet, the coral painted closet, and the quirky colourful furniture with clean lines and a good comfort factor.