Life is sweet

I’m so excited about the new reader-submitted white sightings arriving to White Cabana!

To help kick things off, today I’m taking you inside Life is Sweet, one of my favourite shops in my neighbourhood known as The Beaches in Toronto. (I know, I know, I keep taking you to cupcakeries… but they’re irresistible!)

Life is Sweet shored up on The Beach (as it is also called) in 2007, just when I came, too. Located at the eastern end of Queen Street East where it’s quieter and devoid of the heavy coast town signage that suggests that the surf’s up on Lake Ontario, I instantly fell in love with this little shop and her sweet owner. I really need to get her name (she has wavy brown hair, brown eyes and has a pretty smile- and her photo is up on the wall)- and these days her mom is working at the shop, too.

Life is Sweet is a quaint little shop that makes you want to go in, this pic from BlogTO

Life is Sweet has been there for me over the years. I’ve now been in The Beach for nearly five years and I have served many a mini cupcake along the way. I recently picked up some minis for a friend’s visit- they’re just a perfect two-bite size so you can try a few flavours without feeling like a glutton going for two regular-sized ones (although that’s perfectly okay at my place).

My favourite flavour on the menu is the lemon cupcake- it even has lemon custard in the centre (mini ones too!). I’m also a huge fan of the white chocolate, toffee, coconut, and I know some peeps who really like the Earl Grey- spiced cake with orange icing.

Inside the shop you’ll find lots of pretty white things- perfect for that ‘oh-you’re-so-thoughtful’ gift. I love everything and yet I always buy here for others; I’ve given a gorgeous locally-made apron covered in artichokes and a fun set of dinner napkins for a certain white design blogger…

Here’s what caught my eye yesterday as I wandered in for a sweet treat:

Why not add some bling to that cake plate? So fun and festive!

I really like this dish- great for sauces, nuts, after-dinner mints, you name it

I’m in love with these soy candles from a local candle gal, Amy,

who I met a few years ago at a arts & crafts fair. Amy’s Place candles are on Facebook here

My cupcake haul from yesterday- at no cost since I had no change

and the owner couldn’t break a $20!  And then I realized when

I got home that the owner snuck in an extra cupcake for me. Aw <3

Dreaming of the big city

What’s up with all the urban interest on everything from posters to bedding?

Today’s set of sheets and duvet cover are made in India with a 250 thread count detailing a graphic architectural take on cityscape speckled with embroidered blocks of colour (not too much colour, mind you).

These are new to CB2, Crate & Barrel’s little sister retailer that I have yet to drop into. I keep hearing fabtastic things about this shop and I’m excited to check out the furniture, home décor and yes- the bedding!

Skyline bed linens, $49.95-189.95, at CB2

Spring babies!

What a delight it is this spring to see my friends welcome babies into their lives- and mine too in the role of tante Johanne!

I’m so excited to meet these wee ones soon: baby Vivienne and my friend Christine will be visiting Toronto next week, and baby Julian and mom Kanwaljeet will be up for a visit in the coming months- he was born just last week. Congratulations to the happy families!

And while we’re on the spring chick topic, surely you heard that Diane von Furstenberg- legendary fashion designer known for her iconic print wrap dresses- has done a collaborative collection for little girls with babyGap and Gap Kids?

Here’s our pick for sweet Vivienne and Julian (unfortunately no baby boy goods by DVF but still adorable from babyGap):

DVF <3 babyGap eyelet wrap dress, $73

Onesie for Stripes Day, $14.95 at babyGap

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