Charity

Personal: Things on My Mind

1.Netflix. I have watched a lot of Netflix these last few weeks. Here’s what I’ve watched (and recommend):

The Social Dilemma. This documentary gave an interesting look into social media, its roots, uses, and impact. Like other viewers, it made me want to delete everything and monitor more closely what I do online. That said, I haven’t yet deleted Twitter or Instagram. So…

The Duchess. I laughed throughout every episode of this show. And the fashion is fun to watch, too.

Cobra Kai (season 1), The Karate Kid (with Jaden Smith), The Karate Kid (original). My arm was sort of twisted to start watching Cobra Kai. I liked it, so then it was all-karate-all-the-time. Cobra Kai season 1 was good. Season 2 was was a bit too teen drama for my liking. Surprisingly, I really liked the new Karate Kid movie with Jaden Smith. And, I can’t believe I had never watched the original Karate Kid. Wax on. Wax off. Quite good!

Venom. I thought I was going to hate this one as I’m not so into alien movies, but I liked the acting, music, plot, and special effects, so it was a win.

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2. Shopping. I really don’t like adding more reusable bags to my already big collection, but I couldn’t resist the vibrant print of this Baggu bag on a recent trip to Indigo.

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3. Learn. I’m not starting another degree (but never say never), but I did want to take a biology (focus on plants) course this year. Considering I started a new job, I’ve put this on hold for now. Instead, however, I’ve settled on attending online lectures on architecture hosted by Athabasca University. The first lecture I attended was focused on architecture in South Africa, and the second was focused on architecture in Africa. Both lectures were fantastic. I think I’ll share some of what I learned in an upcoming post.

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4. News. Obviously, the pandemic is still top of mind. This article about the University of Illinois’s massive COVID-19 testing initiative was interesting, and it demonstrates that testing isn’t enough. Stay at a distance. Wear a mask. Closer to home, cases at universities have been reported, and increasing case numbers makes me nervous.

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5. Hobbies. It’s usually about this time of year when I start signing up for a whack of new activities. Last year, I opted into flamenco dancing and cross country skiing lessons, for example. This year, I’m hesitant to join anything (on account of the pandemic), so I’ve been thinking what non-group activities I can do as the fall and winter come. Here’s what I’ve come up with: puzzles, jogging, cross-country skiing, and sewing. I’ve made slight progress on three of these things already. Any other suggestions?

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6.Charity. On Sunday, October 4th, I will be jogging in the CIBC Run for the Cure. You may remember that I’ve been doing this for several years now in Kitchener-Waterloo. This year, the event has gone virtual, which means I’ll be running alone (or with anyone I see wearing pink running in my neighbourhood). It’ll be a different experience, but the cause remains the same. I hope that even more money is raised this year to support needed research and support for the Canadian Cancer Society. If you’d like to donate to the cause, please do so here. I appreciate your support!

The Friday Five: Things on My Mind

1.News. What else is there to say about the devastation that we have seen? I encourage you to donate even $1 to support our friends in Australia and to learn about the people who lost their lives in the Iranian plane crash. So many people’s lives have been affected and so many will need support to move past the trauma in the future.

2. Fun. With so much bad news in the world, it’s nice to see moments like this. Apparently two grandsons wanted to prank their grandmother, but she had other plans!

3. Advice. 30 rules for living well.

4. Video. Blow torch and hair dryer popcorn. I won’t admit how many times I watched this, but it was more than once!

5. TV. I finished watching season 3 of the The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. I just loved it!

Saturday Edition: Things on My Mind

I am so excited about today. Why? Because I’m doing nothing. I’m just hanging out at home and catching up on life. I’ve had a busy fall (as per usual because of my work schedule), and while I’m grateful that I have friends and family who plan awesome events, dinners, parties, and outings, every so often, I need space. My space. To feel organized. To clean my house. To make a real meal. To spend time being lazy. Today is the day.

1.Music. I’m still a big fan of Lizzo. Here she is doing a music challenge with Elle magazine.

2. Living. Looking for a few ideas to increase your sustainable living ways? Read this.

3. Decor. If you’re looking to know about the best white paint colours, read Jacquelyn’s post.

4. Pet. I got a fish this week. I almost wrote that I got a dog. But, it’s a fish. A fancy betta fish. It’s not white, and I’m perfectly okay with that. Its colouring is lovely. Right now, his name is JC. The dog decision is on hold for a while until I figure out my allergy issues. Sigh. For now, if you need a dog sitter, let me know.

5. Charity. One of the events that I attended last week was Daniela‘s fundraiser for the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation; the event raised $14,000 for the foundation, which is absolutely amazing! Congrats, Daniela!

6. Books. I finished Margaret Atwood’s The Blind Assassin. I didn’t love it. It was long. I wasn’t fully engaged. It was the first Margaret Atwood book I have ever read. I’m open to reading others. Any recommendations (besides Handmaid’s Tale and The Testaments)?

I started Colson Whitehead’s Sag Harbour this week. I’m only a few chapters in, but I’m liking it so far.

7. Waterloo. Last night, I attended the Arts Awards Waterloo Region to recognize artists in our region. I amazed by people’s creativity. And I’m so glad there’s a strong community of people who support the arts.

8. Food. When the weather turned cold, I picked all the green cherry tomatoes that were still growing in my garden, and I put them in a bag. I’m happy to report that they all turned red. I am roasting them now, and my kitchen is smelling so good.

I hope you have a great Saturday doing whatever is that you love and need to do!

The Friday Five: Things on My Mind

1.Read. Do you have a favourite day of the week? Perhaps you should consider Thursday as the best day.

2. Bake. I made these cookies for my colleagues this week. People devoured them very quickly. It’s definitely a repeat recipe.

3. Fashion. I’m on the hunt for a pair of patent leather oxford heels. I’m considering something like these or these.

4. Travel. People seemed to really like the post I wrote earlier this week about Detroit. Thanks. If you’re curious about this city, read the post for a small glimpse into what I observed.

5. Charity. Thanks to the support of family and friends, I was able to raise $402.26 for the Canadian Cancer Society this year. Hooray! Anytime is a great time to donate, so if you’d like to, please donate here. October is #WhiteCabanaWearsPink month and Daniela and I posted a few of our favourite pink things: pink gifts for you, pink for kids, pouffy pink fashion, and little pink houses.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

#WhiteCabanaWearsPink: For the Kids

I’m thrilled that Daniela has come to White Cabana today to share sweet items for kids – all in pink – for this post in my #WhiteCabanaWearsPink column. Daniela is a huge supporter and fundraiser for the Princess Margaret Foundation in Toronto. She regularly hosts events – bowling tournaments, poker nights, a gala – to raise funds! In fact, I’m heading to an event next month, and I have no doubt that it will be a success! Beyond her dedication to fundraising, Daniela is a two-time cancer survivor, and her strength and determination to fight this disease is absolutely remarkable. Most importantly, though, Daniela is a mom of two sweet little girls and she knows just how to spoil them – and many of the kids in her life – with the sweetest little things!

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Hello White Cabana readers! I am back in honor of breast cancer awareness month with some super adorable pink gifts for the little ones in your life.

This baggy comfy empire dress in blush is a must have staple – now if only they made it in adult sizes!

dress, $37CAD, Mini Mioche

You can’t get a more magical gift than unicorns, rainbows, and snow globes.

snowglobe, $49.99CAD, Well.ca

Have a wee one and not sure what to wear on Halloween? There’s nothing cuter than a pink Dino! The best part is that this costume can be used all fall to keep your little one cozy!

dino suit, $41.99CAD (on sale), Tiny Trendsetter

For the girly girl who also loves to run around, consider this two-piece outfit. It’s playful and fun!

maddie set, $24.95CAD, Little Lush Boutique

Designer diva girls in your life will stand out in these fancy Moschino shoes

Moschino shoes, $150CAD, Naturino

This pink cardigan will keep your little one cozy for fall. It has a slight shimmer to make her shine! It’s from Hatley, which is a great Canadian company.

cardigan, $54.00CAD, Hatley

Ralph Lauren is one of my favourite brands for kids. The pieces are always classic and so well made.

2-piece velour set for children, $46.87 (on sale), The Bay

When budget isn’t an issue, this fabulous Gucci number is, well, perfect!

Gucci dress, $415CAD, Designer Kidswear

And while you’re at it, grab these trendy sneakers!

Gucci sneakers, $415CAD, Designer Kidswear

Designed and made in Canada of merino wool, these pjs are comfy and perfect! They can easily be used as a base layer for our cold winter months.

pyjamas, $80CAD, Wee Woolies

I hope you enjoyed my take on pink shopping for little ones.

Until next time, happy shopping!

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Thanks, Daniela, once again for introducing me to such a variety of Canadian brands!

White Cabana Wears Pink: Ballet Beauty

Each October, #WhiteCabanaWearsPink to raise awareness and funds for the Canadian Cancer Society. Part of my tradition is to inject a bit of pink onto the pages of my very white blog. So today I’m starting things off with absolutely beautiful images of ballerinas. The strength and grace shown in these images remind me of the strength and grace that my family and friends have shown as they’ve gone through cancer treatments, worked through pain, and persevered through so much stress.

I’ll be walking/running the CIBC Run for the Cure in Kitchener-Waterloo tomorrow. You can read about my motivation to participate here. If you feel inclined to donate even $5 to this cause, I’d appreciate your support.

Thanks, dear readers, for following along as #WhiteCabanaWearsPink this month.

Event: #WhiteCabanaWearsPink 2018

As I told you last Monday, to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer, once again this October, #WhiteCabanaWearsPink. What does this mean exactly? Well, a few things. Let me share:

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Donation of Ad and Affiliate Income

I will be donating all income generated from affiliate and Google ads this month to the Canadian Cancer Society. Click on all those sidebar ads and links to products (and buy stuff if you’d like). The more you click (and buy), the more that I can donate! Easy, right? I’ll try to highlight the affiliate links when I include them in my posts this month, so you can get extra click happy!

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CIBC’s Run for the Cure

Yesterday, I ran (more ran-walked) 5K for the CIBC Run for the Cure in Kitchener Waterloo.

I’ve been doing this run on-and-off for the last decade or so, and this was my third year at the Kitchener Waterloo event. It’s a great event with that exudes support and positivity among all the emotions of sadness, gratefulness, and happiness. You can see more on Instagram at #WhiteCabanaWearsPink.

If you’d like to donate, please do so on my personal #WhiteCabanaWearsPink fundraising page. Every little bit helps, of course, so if you could forego a coffee or two this week and donate the money instead, I would be so darn thankful!

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#WhiteCabanaWearsPink Series

Every Monday, #WhiteCabanaWearsPink here on the blog!

Yes, this blog has an all-white aesthetic. But every so often, it’s great to explore another colour. So, just like the last two years, every Monday in October, I’ll explore pinkness in the design world. It’s going to be fun!

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Thanks in advance for your support, dear readers.

See the #WhiteCabanaWearsPink series from years past, if you’d like.

The Friday Five: Learn, Donate, Love

February was a wild month on my end. There were very happy days, of course, but there were also really sad days, too. Every week seemed to bring difficult news of one sort or another. Illness. Job stress. Relationship challenges. I hope March brings joy to my loved ones. I hope happiness finds its way into your homes, too, if you’ve been experiencing some trying times.

So, today, I’m taking a break from talking about renos and fashion and furniture to raise  awareness about some important causes.

Mental Illness

A friend’s brother passed away last week due to mental illness. It’s devastating and awful. He was much too young. To donate or learn more about this disease, visit the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Prostate Cancer

Some people say that prostate cancer is a “normal” or “good” kind of cancer. How is cancer normal? How can it be good? To donate or learn more, visit Prostate Cancer Canada and the Movember Foundation.

Breast Cancer

My friend Lisa wrote a personal essay about how cancer changes the conversations you have with your partner. It was recently published in the Globe and Mail. There are several organizations you can donate to to improve awareness and research for breast cancer. I usually learn more or donate to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Metastatic Breast Cancer Fund, or The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.

Ronald McDonald House

I heard of the much too early birth of twins of friends of a friend. I also learned of how the Ronald McDonald House Charities is supporting this family who needs to be close to their babies while they’re in intensive care.

Diabetes

Did you know that 11 million Canadians are living with diabetes or pre-diabetes? And about 50% of people with diabetes may experience kidney damage. To donate or learn more, visit Diabetes Canada or The Kidney Foundation of Canada.

#WhiteCabanaWearsPink: A Pink Halloween

Today is the final pink Monday for my #WhiteCabanaWears pink series. The month of October is breast cancer awareness month, and I’m happy to raise funds online and offline for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Thanks to all of you for making White Cabana part of your day. I’m grateful for your support.

To end the series, I’m focused on making this Halloween very pink! Have a look at these inspirational photos!

via A Subtle Revelry

via Design Improvised

via Sugar and Charm

via House Beautiful

And beyond Halloween decor, here are some costumes and accessories for you and the kids!

via Pottery Barn

cat ears

 boo socks

lace gloves

via Pottery Barn

Thanks again, everyone! Have a safe and fun Halloween!

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#WhiteCabanaWearsPink: Fashion

For the last couple of weeks, pink has taken over White Cabana mostly through the world of interior design. Today, pink’s coming through brightly through fashion. Get ready to be inspired by some lovely outfits.

Sketch Forty Two

La Petite Noob

Jennifer Lake

Rosie Londoner

If you’re looking to bring some pink into your wardrobe this season, here are some options to get you going.

playsuit, purse, shorts, jacket, earrings, vest, booties, UGG boots, cardigan, shoes, purse

*Affiliate links have been used. All earnings from affiliate links this month will be donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation as part of my #WhiteCabanaWearsPink series.

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#WhiteCabanaWearsPink: Flowers and Bows

As you know, every Monday in the month of October, #WhiteCabanaWearsPink. These pink posts are meant to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer. I’m raising funds in various ways, including donating proceeds from all affiliate links this month to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Get click happy!

Today might be one of the prettiest pink posts I’ve ever drafted. The theme is flowers and bows, and these photos ooze plenty of lovely!

Humphrey and Grace

Krystin Lee

Stephanie Jolly

Blair Eadie

Living Fresh

Canadian Fashionista

Lady Hayes

Blair Eadie

Rachel Parcell

Isa Tapia

Thanks, everyone, for your support!

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#WhiteCabanaWearsPink: A Pink Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my Canadian readers!

It’s been another busy weekend on my end. I found my inner German on Friday to celebrate the first night of Oktoberfest in Kitchener-Waterloo, then feasted on turkey with family on Sunday to celebrate Thanksgiving. Today, I’ll enjoy a day of rest (and take care of a few chores, too)!

Since today is Thanksgiving Monday, for today’s #WhiteCabanaWearsPink, I’m focusing on beautiful Thanksgiving table decor in shades of pink, rose, and fuchsia. Infusing pink into a tablescape is easy to do for other occasions as well. Just keep layering the shades, and switch out the pumpkins for something more appropriate. Miniature disco balls or ornaments would be perfect to include for a Christmas table setting.

via The Glitter Guide

via Sugar Paper

via Floral Verde

via Oh Happy Day

via Tidbits

via Good Housekeeping

via Randi Garrett Design

via Sugar and Charm

via Poppy Talk

via Citrine Living

via Domino

via Maison de Pax

via House Beautiful

Here are some items you could consider to get the look at your home.

candle, pepper mill, chair, cutlery, pumpkin, candelabra, bar stool, champagne flute, dessert plate, serving bowl, pink plate, plate, plate,

* Affiliate links have been used. Get click happy!

Thanks again for supporting #WhiteCabanaWearsPink. I will be donating funds raised through affiliate links this month to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

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Event: #WhiteCabanaWearsPink 2017

To raise awareness and funds for breast cancer, once again this October, #WhiteCabanaWearsPink. What does this mean exactly? Well, a few things. Let me share:

***

Donation of Ad and Affiliate Income

I will be donating all income generated from affiliate and Google ads this month to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Click on all those sidebar ads (and buy stuff if you’d like). The more you click (and buy), the more that I can donate! Easy, right? I’ll try to highlight the affiliate links when I include them in my posts this month, so you can get extra click happy!

***

CIBC’s Run for the Cure

I will be running (or, more likely, walking) 5K – in pink – this Sunday, October 1st in Kitchener Waterloo as part of CIBC’s Run for the Cure.

I’ve been doing this run on-and-off for the last decade or so, and this will be my second year walk/running the Kitchener Waterloo event. I loved it last year – located at the Conestoga Doon campus. Stay tuned for #WhiteCabanaWearsPink style posts.

If you’d like to donate, please do so at #WhiteCabanaWearsPink. Every little bit helps, of course, so if you could forego a coffee or two this week and donate the money instead, I would be so darn thankful!

***

#WhiteCabanaWearsPink Series

Every Monday, #WhiteCabanaWearsPink.

Yes, this blog has an all-white aesthetic. But every so often, it’s great to explore another colour. So, just like last year, every Monday in October, I’ll explore pinkness in the design world. It’s going to be fun!

***

Thanks in advance for your support, dear readers.

See the 2016 #WhiteCabanaWearsPink series, if you’d like.

Marketplace: Shop for Gen 1 at HomeSense and Winners

What do you get when you bring together some sparkle, shine, and a good cause? The Shop for Gen1 collection at Winners and HomeSense, of course! Proceeds from this celebration tableware collection go to the Canada’s Women Foundation – “Canada’s only national public foundation committed to improving the lives of women and girls through economic and social change.”

092916-tjx13188_hi_rez

set of party horns, $7.99 092916-tjx13105_hi_rez

clink paper party cups, $4.99 092916-tjx13194_hi_rez

set of paper polka dot party straws, $4.99 092916-tjx13172_ktjjmwz_hi_rez

set of 8 party plates, $4.99 092916-tjx13044_hi_rez

set of party hats, $7.99

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#WhiteCabanaWearsPink: Pink Interiors

To end this month’s #WhiteCabanaWearsPink series, I’m sharing some gorgeous interiors that are infused with shades of pink.

102677574_w

designed by Vern Yip, via Traditional Home

citizen-atelier-piano-room-room-designed-and-styled-by-christine-dovey-and-photographed-by-ashley-capp-770x540

designed by Christine Dovey

pink-bedroom-sketch42

designed by Sketch42

pink-living-room-fireplace

via Casa Cavaliere

32-decoracao-banheiro-lavabo-rosa-subway-tiles-azulejos-metro

Historias de Casa

Bild fotograferad för Ikea Livet hemma, 160121. Beställare Johanna Ridemar och Anna Lenskog Belfrage, Futurniture.

via Ikea

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Every Monday in the month of October, pink will be taking over White Cabana. This month, #WhiteCabanaWearsPink to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. Read more about #WhiteCabanaWearsPink. Thanks for clicking ad and affiliate links for the past month. All income will be donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, which will  raise my total funding raising dollars to over $1200!

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Event: #WhiteCabanaWearsPink

To raise awareness and funds for breast cancer, this October, #WhiteCabanaWearsPink. What does this mean exactly? Well, a few things. Let me share:

***

Donation of Ad and Affiliate Income

I will be donating all income generated from affiliate and Google ads this month to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Click on all those sidebar ads (and buy stuff if you’d like). The more you click (and buy), the more that I can donate! Easy, right? I’ll try to highlight the affiliate links when I include them in my posts this month, so you can get extra click happy!

***

CIBC’s Run for the Cure

I will be running 5K – in pink – this Sunday, October 2nd in Kitchener Waterloo as part of CIBC’s Run for the Cure.

I’ve been doing this run on-and-off for the last decade or so, but this will be the first time I’m taking part in my still-new-to-me city. Stay tuned for #WhiteCabanaWearsPink style posts.

If you’d like to donate, please do so at WhiteCabanaWearsPink. Every little bit helps, of course, so if you could forego a coffee or two this week and donate the money instead, I would be so darn thankful!

***

#WhiteCabanaWearsPink Series

Every Monday, #WhiteCabanaWearsPink.

Yes, this blog has an all-white aesthetic. But you know what? Sometimes it’s good to explore other colours. So every Monday in October, I’ll explore pinkness in the design world. White Cabana through rose coloured glasses, I guess. Yes?

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Thanks in advance for your support, dear readers.

The Friday Five: PM Lotto Oakville Showhome + Brunch with Brian Gluckstein

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to go on a tour of the Princess Margaret Lotto Oakville Showhome. As Canadian readers may already know, the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre’s Welcome Home Sweepstakes is a huge fundraising event with incredible prizes to be won. Tickets are $100 each, $250 for 3, or $375 for 5. Each year, many local residents, Princess Margaret supporters, and the generally curious crowd anticipate the reveal of Oakville Showhome. The home is always in an exclusive Oakville neighbourhood (Oakville is about 30 minutes from Toronto, for the non-local readers of this blog), it includes top-of-the line electronics/appliances/gadgets, and it is designed by one of my all-time favourite Canadian designers, Mr. Brian Gluckstein.

For the past few years, I’ve been lucky enough to preview the home, and each year, I’m blown away. This year was no exception. Mr. Gluckstein – or Brian, as I like to call him (um, first name basis with Brian!? Crazy!) – and his team worked magic once again. The house is beautiful. Rooms include traditional lines, soothing colour stories, beautiful artwork and objets, and a few surprises thrown into the mix as well.

I know I’m a day late with this week’s Friday Five, but here are five things that I learned about this year’s Princess Margaret Oakville Showhome:

1. A white bedroom is always in style, and when it includes a gorgeous lucite table, it becomes a little more special.

White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-1810 pillows – how many do you have on your bed? (I have 5)White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-17seating area with lucite coffee table in the master bedroom

2. Art is essential. Brian’s designs always include some stunning pieces. Here are some of the ones that caught my eye.

White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-12art in the kitchen

White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-6art beside the massage room (see #3)

White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-5art in the hallway

3. A massage room is a ridiculously luxurious room to have in a home. I have never had a massage myself, but if I had a room for it, you can bet I’d be taking advantage of it! I adored the fully-lined walls in this space. The wall curtains are made of terrycloth fabric, and Brian told me that it was only around $3 a yard. Adding texture to the wall in this way is brilliant, in my opinion.

White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-10the massage room

White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-84. Brian makes interesting lighting selections for the Oakville Showhome each year. This year, three pieces caught my attention. First – the kitchen light was formerly black and brass, but Brian (or his people) sprayed in white. Yes! Second – the light in one of the bedrooms had a pretty scallop which made it a pretty addition to the already-delicate room. Third – the chandeliers that lined the entrance hall are light and airy. Floating cubes of goodness, really.

White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-11white pendant in the kitchen

White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-13scalloped light in a bedroom

White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-3airy chandelier in the entrance hall

5. I am the first to admit that wallpaper makes me nervous. I much prefer plain walls and art work to wallpaper. I’m pretty sure it’s because I was traumatized by the 80s wallpaper chaos that I had to deal with in my own home. The wallpaper designs that were included in some of the bathrooms in the Showhome, however, caught my attention.

In the jack-and-jill bathroom, the wallpaper is whimsical yet serene.

White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-14Hi there!

The blossoming wallpaper in the master bathroom creates a cozy nook around the stand-alone bathtub.

White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-21  White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-19 White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-20Bonus: Since it’s Saturday, I’m going to make the executive decision to add one more item to today’s list. I could not leave the living room out of today’s Showhome recap because it is such a magnificent space. The oversized windows mean that light fills the room, the walls are a beautiful tone of grey, and the furniture placement (in true Brian fashion) is symmetrical. This room also includes a mirrored coffee table with a perfectly-arranged collection of silver boxes and luxurious drapery to match the wall colour.

White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-1White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-23  White-Cabana-PMLotto-Gluckstein-2There you have it – five six things I adore about this year’s Princess Margaret Oakville Showhome designed by Brian Gluckstein. The golf room and library fascinated me, too!

Photos by Jordana. For more photos of the preview event, check out #BrunchWithBrian on Instagram and Twitter. You can’t win this house if you don’t buy a ticket – tickets can be purchased here.

Design: The Princess Margaret Oakville Showhome Designed by Brian Gluckstein

Brian Gluckstein. Damn, he’s good.

This past weekend, Brian Gluckstein and the Princess Margaret Welcome Home Sweepstakes invited a group of bloggers to attend Brunch with Brian at this year’s Oakville Showhome. Our private event included an detailed tour led by Brian, delicious food by Chef Logan, drinks from Pluck Teas and Rosewood Wine, and an amusing Q & A session with the man of the hour.

So, let’s go on a photo tour, shall we?

The foyer and grand staircase in the Oakville showhome is beautiful. It reminds me of entrances I’ve seen in France. I love the iron railing and the massive windows. The light in this foyer – and throughout the house – is enviable.

White-Cabana-Oakville-Showhome-PMLotto-31

front foyer with grand staircase and herringbone porcelain tiles

Just off the foyer is one of my favourite spots in the house (but too dark for White Cabana). Believe it or not, the all-black powder room really caught my attention. Luckily, the dark powder room has natural light coming through, which makes it more moody than dreary. The tile work also reminded me of European homes. (Sorry, I don’t have any photos to post. You’ll have to go to the showhome to see what I’m talking about!)

Just to the left of the foyer is the grand living room. The see-through fireplace that connects the front foyer to the living room is a beautiful addition. It was manufactured in and shipped over from Portugal. Classic shades of cream made this space bright and classy, and the floor-to-ceiling windows are impressive.

White-Cabana-Oakville-Showhome-PMLotto-11

white mantle in the front living room

White-Cabana-Oakville-Showhome-PMLotto-12

the see-through mantle in the front foyer

White-Cabana-Oakville-Showhome-PMLotto-13

bright and white in the living room

White-Cabana-Oakville-Showhome-PMLotto-25

the living room and dining room viewed from the staircase

White-Cabana-Oakville-Showhome-PMLotto-30

Q & A session with Brian Gluckstein

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How many pot lights around the perimeter?

Everyone and their sister is talking about the indoor tree in this showhome. Yes, an actual tree…planted in the ground! I was fascinated by Brian’s explanation about the amount of thought went into this tree; flooring, ventilation, etc. were all considered when Brian designed this room around the tree. I’m such a sucker for offices, as you may know, and this one is stunning.

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a house built around a tree

This house is full of interesting art and gorgeous skylights.

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one of the many beautiful pieces of art

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 one of the many skylights

The kitchen’s toaster wall is completely unique. The collection of toasters from the 1930s turned into a beautiful art installation and feature wall in the reasonably-sized white kitchen.

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toasters – just for looks

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there’s a fridge behind these doors

Of course, the La Cornue stove adds to the beauty in this space. I could make killer scrambled eggs on that gem, I’m sure!

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La Cornue + Pluck Teas

There is more delight upstairs. The master bedroom is big and airy. The white bedding and layers of pillows add luxury to this space, the sofa adds comfort, and the walk-in-closet is, well, pretty much perfect.

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white linens in the master bedroom

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creamy details in the master bedroom

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Who wouldn’t love this closet?

Brian is a wizard when it comes to bathroom design. The tile work in each bathroom in this house (I lost count of how many there actually are…six maybe?) is something to really note. The master bathroom is generously sized and the layout is flipped. Here, the vanity is in front of the windows and the bathtub is floating on the other end. I loved it when Brian talked about the affordable route he took to install the vanity mirrors. Brian and affordability – not the combo you’d really predict, right? Although it looks like the mirrors are framed in steel, they’re actually framed in painted wood. The bars are made of shower rod holders and pipes. That’s where the affordability ended, though. The cast iron Kohler bathtub costs a pretty penny! It’s the same one that Brian has in his own home.

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here I am in the master bathroom

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double vanity surrounded by natural light

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white monogrammed towels in the bathroom

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floating Kohler tub in the master bathroom

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floor tiles in the master bathroom

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my favourite light fixture in the house

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the jack-and-jill bathroom vanity

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here I am in the white jack-and-jill bathroom

Also upstairs is a sweet little office. Brian maximized storage in here with floor-to-ceiling shelves. In fact, this space was originally a hallway, but Brian suggested that the walls be bumped out (and a foot taken from each of the rooms on the other side of the walls) to make it a useable room. The skylight provides loads of natural light. And, yes, I could see myself working in here as well. I’m a sucker for offices, remember?

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a white hallway leading to the office area

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a bright place to work on the second floor

Another one of my favourite spaces in this house is the wine cellar. Just look at it.

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I want one.

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 Brian, the wine cellar, and the exercise room

You can work off the calories you drink in your private exercise room.

The basement family room is darker than I normally like, but I’m wondering if this is something I should consider for my own basement. Would I dare go dark? The white matting on the gallery wall art brightens up the room as does the sofa and the lighting.

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the basement family room (it doesn’t feel like a basement, does it?)

The white and grey laundry room in the basement is spacious and has top of the line machines. The cabinetry, we learned, is from a big box store that was painted and framed with additional moulding.

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laundry room details

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the spacious laundry room in white and grey

Brian was kind enough to take photos with all his blogger fans. Here we are…

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 Brian Gluckstein and Jordana

Other things I learned during #BrunchWithBrian that might interest you:

1. Brian eats the same breakfast every day: yogurt and berries. Brian, I eat the same thing every day, too (toast, berries, and a latte).
2. Brian enjoys Pinterest just like the rest of us!
3. About 60-70K people come through the Oakville showhome each year.
4. Brian can’t imagine a space without art.
5. Brian reads the blog The Blue Remembered Hills.
6. Brian’s design influences include Billy Baldwin, Jean-Michel Frank, Edwin Lutyens, and Kalef Alaton.
7. It took less than a year to buy the Oakville showhome lot, demolish the original house, build a new house, and decorate it.
8. Brian did not shy away from mixing metals in this house.
9. Brian is as classy, approachable, and intelligent as you may imagine.
10. The foyer drapes are 30 feet in length and the trim is made of one continuous piece.

As if you need any more convincing! Order your ticket!

Photos by Jordana. For more photos (really beautiful ones) of the Oakville showhome, click here.

To see the 2013 Oakville showhome design by Brian Gluckstein, click here.
Remember the time I toured the GlucksteinHome design office? That was fun.

Many thanks to Brian Gluckstein, Cheryl K., Laura Z., Chef Logan, Rosewood Wine, Pluck Teas, and the Princess Margaret Lottery Foundation for hosting a classy and fun brunch.

Travel: Fabergé Presents The Big Egg Hunt New York

While you may already be familiar with backyard Easter egg hunts, I’m sure you’ve seen nothing quite like The Big Egg Hunt that is currently happening in New York City. Artists have designed, sculpted, and transformed huge eggs and their creations have been placed around the city for us to find. The event is sponsored by the grand dame of gorgeous eggs – Fabergé – (obviously, right?) and every egg is up for purchase at auction. If the eggs are too big (or too pricey), mini eggs are available for purchase.

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B by Emma Clegg (current bid: $8000)

Shantell Martin-egg

Are You You by Shantell Martin (current bid: $700)

Zaha Hadid-egg

Liquid Skyline by Zaha Hadid (current bid: $31000)

Debbie Millman-egg

Egg White by Debbie Millman & Kevin O’Callaghan (current bid: $900)

Marc Quinn-egg

Untitled by Marc Quinn (current bid: $16000)

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The Rose Palace Egg by Marchesa (current bid: $1000)

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Dollop by Katherine Kokoska (current bid: $500)

David Ling-egg

Cracked Egg by David Ling Architect (current bid: $600)

Indira Cesarine-egg

The Egg of Light by Indira Cesarine (current bid: $2411)

Rachel Hovanian-egg

Narcissus Egg by Rachel Lee Hovnanian Leila Heller Gallery (current bid: $3400)

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Untitled by Suydam Lansing (current bid:$1150)

See all the eggs here.

Thanks for telling me about this event, Mom!

Event: Brian Gluckstein & the Princess Margaret Show Home

As if my fondness for Brian Gluckstein could grow? Well, it did. Last week. Let me tell you about it.

I drove to Oakville one evening after work to attend a preview of the Oakville show home for the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Welcome Home Sweepstakes. The house – from top to bottom – is pretty darn gorgeous. While it wasn’t all white, there was a lot of white and I was happy to see it. The open concept kitchen, family room, office, and a few bathrooms (I lost count of them, to be honest) were quite white. The other spaces were full of muted blue, grey, violet, and yellow. Each room was quite beautiful. It wasn’t the “don’t touch this because it’s so precious” kind of beautiful but more like the “have a seat, stay a while, get comfy, can I get you a coupe of champagne” beautiful. Ok, that’s kind of fancy too; but it didn’t feel untouchable.

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main floor living room

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upstairs grand hall

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kitchen

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kitchen cabinet detail

The furniture and many of the accessories is all from the Brian Gluckstein collection and the art was sourced from around the world. I didn’t sit on any of the furniture out of fear that I’d mess up a pillow and Brian would have to come and expertly re-chop it (chopping pillows is still in style, in case anyone wanted to know). But if he wasn’t around, I probably would have tested out every seat in the house.

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main floor – grand hall

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GlucksteinHome details

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upstairs bedroom mirror

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substantial doors in a bedroom

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possibly my favourite piece of art in the house; Key by Tritan Braho

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pear art

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dining room details; my mom has this same antique tea set

I really eyed the details in all the bathrooms to see what details I could translate into my own home. The tile work and use of mirrors was lovely. And the towels were so new and fluffy.

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tile floor in the master bathroom

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basement bathroom; photo snapped by April

Ever the academic, I had to check out the office. I loved that it had a great big cork board (old school Pinterest) and a wall-to-wall desk. I’d really put that thing to work.

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main floor office

The mouldings, the fireplaces, the tiles, and the lighting were all very impressive.

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 lighting around the house

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fireplace in the main floor living room

So is there anything I don’t like in the home? Yes – two things. One: The wine cellar was a nice addition but I probably would have cut out the exercise room and made the wine cellar a whole lot bigger. Two: What really annoyed me as I walked through the house were all the TVs. Oh my goodness. There were a gazillion TVs in the house. They drove me crazy! Brian, Brian, Brian – why? How many TVs does one beautiful house need?

Overall, the house is really beautiful and the work that went into building it (in only 5 months) is incredibly impressive. Brian, the architect, the tradespeople, and all the other people who had a hand in this really did a phenomenal job.

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Did all bloggers listen to Brian Gluckstein and tweet at the same time? (I spy Jennifer, Leigh-Ann, Brittany, & Tim)

Mr. Brian Gluckstein remained friendly, warm, and funny as he talked about the house and his design career with all the guests. Oh – and I couldn’t leave the home without taking a photo with him. I also took the opportunity to ask him if the bathroom in his own home is still as beautiful as it was when it was photographed for House & Home. The answer? Yes. The books are all real and they’re still there.

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Me and Brian; photo snapped by Leigh-Ann

So? Did I convince you to buy your ticket? Good luck!

Many thanks to Brian, Cheryl, and the Princess Margaret Oakville show home team for welcoming us so warmly!

Related posts:
1. Remember when I toured the product design office of GlucksteinHome? That was fun!
2. Did you see that Brian Gluckstein was featured on The Coveteur? 

Photos by Jordana.

Charity: 1:Colour 1:Cause 1:Face

On Monday October 1st, the 1:Face project will begin changing the world one watch at a time. How so, you say? The money from each colourful watch sold goes to various charity organizations. Each watch represents a different cause – hunger, water, AIDS, breast cancer, environment – and the money raised from the 1:Face movement will certainly spread goodwill to those in need.

illustration of the 1:Face watches; each watch is $40

The white watch below, for example, will feed 16 children in Africa through the assistance of the 1:Face partner organization, One Days Wages.

I received the watch representing water. With the sale of 625 of these white and yellow watches one well will be built in Rwanda via the assistance of the non-profit organization Charity Water. Not only will you want one of these watches to show your support and spread the word, but you will also love showing off its sleek design.

1: Face watch – changing the world one watch at time & it tells the time too (with the touch of a button)

So what are you waiting for? On October 1st, join the movement here. And in the meantime, follow all the 1:Face news and updates on Facebook and Instagram.

Many thanks to Mizra Minds.

Update: You can also follow and support the 1:Face movement at Indiegogo.

The Friday Five: Holiday Gift Giving

If you’re still thinking of gift giving today, then perhaps you’ll consider making a donation to a favourite charity in honour of someone you love. There are so many wonderful causes to support but here are five wonderful organizations that I contribute to at this and other times of the year.

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

Canadian Cancer Society

Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Hospital

Children’s Wish Foundation

Heart & Stroke Foundation

To which organizations do you contribute? Please share.

Get Your Mo On for Movember

Every man deserves a little bit of luxury.

A little bit of hair can say so much about a man.

This month, you may notice many men in your life growing mustaches. Why, you may ask? It’s Movember of course!

The Movember campaign is designed to raise awareness about prostate cancer, the number one cancer affecting men.

Mustache on a stick, $12, Whisker Works at Wedzu

Do your part – donate here or join the Mo club here.

Available at Whisker Works.