Friday Five

The Friday Five: Terrazzo

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I’ve been keen on terrazzo lately. Terrazzo is a type of polished concrete flooring that has bits of marble or granite set into it.  While I have no use for terrazzo in my house, and the installation process does seem intensive (I’ve watched plenty of YouTube videos to prove this), I keep wondering about how I could possibly use it in the future. Maybe for my third bathroom redo? Hmm…

Here are five gorgeous spaces that use black and white terrazzo.

RealEstate.com.au

CLS Architetti

via Buk & Nola

via Buk & Nola

Casinha Colorida

Have a great weekend, everyone!

The Friday Five: Things on My Mind

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Here’s what been on my mind lately.

1. Emma González

Emma González amazes me. The March for Our Lives movement amazes me. I know the march has passed, and change hasn’t happened overnight. But change will happen. It has to.

2. Colorscape

I liked this short Colorscope video by Jocie Juritz about the colour white. (via SwissMiss)

3. Script to Screen Instagram

The Instagram account Script to Screen is entertaining (via Cup of Jo).

4. Book progress

The final deadline for our book is in a couple of weeks. This makes me so happy. Stay tuned for launch date this fall. Guess what everyone is getting for Christmas? Hint. Hint.

5. Pray for Humboldt

Tragic news about the bus crash in Saskatchewan last Friday. Absolutely devastating for the young kids, families, and community. If you didn’t hear the news, a bus carrying the Humboldt Broncos young hockey team crashed with a transport truck. The crash claimed the lives of 14 people and 15 were injured. Read the Prime Minister’s statement about this tragedy if you’d like.

The Friday Five: Leaning Art

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What do you think about leaning art and books? I have things leaning in a few spots in my house, and I really enjoy layering art. I love being surrounded by cool art pieces, and by layering them, I can switch things around when I need a change.

Here are five inspiring spaces that are accented by leaning art walls.

via Carla Aston

via Carla Aston

via Habitually Chic

via My Scandinavian Home

via Could I Have That

Have a great weekend, everyone!

The Friday Five: Things On My Mind

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Apparently, I have no shortage of things on my mind lately. Here are five of them.

1. Burnt

I hadn’t watched TV in several weeks, but last week, I had two hours to spare, so I sat and watched Burnt (without falling asleep!). Bradley Cooper speaking French, gorgeous food, and good scenery make for an enjoyable movie as far as I’m concerned. It was worth watching.

2. Ravenclaw

I recently learned that many of my students know what house they belong to…as in Harry Potter house. I had no idea this was a thing, but they taught me about the online quizzes you can take to determine your house. I’m a Ravenclaw, which isn’t that surprising since Ravenclaws are curious and creative people. If you’ve done other personality tests (um…do you know your colour? I’m heavy on the green with a side of yellow), then you might see similarities between these and the Harry Potter house quizzes. I think I have a bit of each of the houses, but to varying degrees. I think I’m certainly Ravenclaw with a side of Slitherin. Am I making any sense to anyone?

3. Mycorrhiza

I attended a biology lecture last week about mycorrhizae fungi which live in a symbiotic relationship with plants. It was absolutely fascinating. These microscopic mycorrhizae can access nutrients far beyond where plant roots can access them; in return, plants provide the mycorrhizae with carbon to live. I learned how mycorrhizae can help to increase the speed of growth in seedlings after major disasters such as a forest fire. That’s the (really) short version of what I learned.

4. Post-MBA Life

I figured out what I’m going to learn about post-MBA. Plants! Yahoo! I’m not intending to do a biology degree or anything crazy like that, but I think I’ll try to audit a course or at least attend biology lectures at the university when I can. See point #3. It inspired this decision.

5. Popcorn

Do you like popcorn? Do you buy it or make it? I’ve had a discussion about popcorn with all of my immediate family members over the last month (I know, I know – mycorrhiza to popcorn – call me crazy). I’ve tried sea salt flavours of Skinny Pop and Boom Chicka Pop, and I’ve enjoyed both. But I like freshly popped popcorn, too. I can’t yet decide which option I like better. And is freshly popped “healthier” than pre-bagged?

The Friday Five: Learn, Donate, Love

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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.

The Friday Five: 5 Things on My Mind

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My mind has been busy this week. Here’s what has been on it…

1. TD Canada Trust Wait Time

As soon as I noticed my credit card was compromised last weekend, I called TD Visa. There was no real rush, however, since I was on hold (hold!) for 45 minutes. Is this normal? I was expecting to be on hold for maximum 10 minutes. Not fun. It took about 5 minutes to resolve my issue.

2. Credit Card Theft

I’m 99% certain that my credit card info was stolen via an Uber transaction. Not cool. I can’t prove it though, but maybe TD can. What a pain. Saving credit card info online is super convenient at the time of purchase, but incredibly inconvenient when a theft happens. Time to start with a fresh card. And time to stop saving info in my account.

3. Doors

To be honest, I have found door purchasing intimidating. Tiles, fabric, furniture, I can do. But doors? I found it hard. Luckily, Metrie and Northfield Trim and Door (here in Waterloo) have been guiding me through this door makeover project. I’ll let you know how installation goes.

4. Heidi Klum on Ellen

I watched this clip so many times. It made me laugh so much!

5. Essie Nail Polish

Did you know that Essie has launched a new series of nail polish? I learned about this via Carly, and since the “True Love Color” polish was on sale, I picked up “Pinked to Perfection”. It’s an all-in-one nail strengthener and polish, so it’s just what I need. I’m weekend ready!

The Friday Five: 5 Things on My Mind

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Here’s what’s been on my mind lately.

1. The other week, I made my way through this Warren Buffett documentary. I enjoyed it. I especially like what Buffett had to say about ethics, public speaking, and reputation. Just look at all the subsidiary companies of Berkshire Hathaway (his company).

2. Over the long weekend, I watched The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (via Amazon Prime), and I loved it! The clothes, the characters, the decor, and the story…yes, I enjoyed all of it!

3. I have 6 more weeks of my last MBA course. I can’t believe it. It’s been an almost 4-year long degree (part-time). I’m pretty excited to get some free time back into my life. I’ve really enjoyed the courses I’ve taken these last two years (e.g., negotiation, mergers & acquisitions), and the struggles I had in the core courses in my first two years are a distant memory. If you’re considering an MBA, I’d recommend you go for it. Then again, I’m a fan of further education regardless of the degree, so my advice is always the same.

4. I popped into the mall the other week looking for a pair of basic black workout tights. Instead, I came home with these colourful tights from Aerie. I don’t wear much colour to work, but I do embrace it for workouts.

5. I made this salmon and spinach pasta last week (with my fresh pasta, of course!), and it was delicious (and quick and easy, too). I usually go for classic pasta with tomato sauce, so I really switched things up this time!

What’s been on your mind?

Have a great weekend, everyone!

The Friday Five: Cashmere

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Cashmere is the ultimate in winter wear as far as I’m concerned. I can feel put together and warm when I’m wearing a cashmere sweater. Cashmere is super soft, and it doesn’t itch, so it’s a great option for sweaters, cardigans, and turtlenecks, too.

I’m ending the week with five lovely cashmere sweaters at a range of price points.

cashmere sweater, $124 USD

turtleneck sweater, $240+ USD

sweater, $492 USD

cardigan, $683 USD

cardigan, $1371 USD

Have a great weekend, everyone! Stay warm!

The Friday Five: Scotch & Soda

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Have you heard of the brand Scotch & Soda? I know that there’s at least one location in Toronto’s Eaton Centre, but beyond that, I don’t know where other stores are located. The few times I’ve been in, I’ve liked a lot of the merchandise, but it’s not a regular go-to shop for me. The other day, though, I was having a little online browse, and I came back to Scotch & Soda’s site. There are plenty of cute items currently in stock, but here are five white pieces that caught my attention.

ruffle t-shirt

tunic top

tunic shirt dress

ruffle shirt

sweater

Have a great weekend, everyone!

The Friday Five: 5 Things on My Mind

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Here’s what’s been on my mind lately.

1. Perimeter Institute concert series. Last week, I attend Finnish pianist Juho Pohjonen‘s concert at the Perimeter Institute. What an enjoyable evening out! The Perimeter Institute – PI – is one of my favourite buildings in Waterloo. It’s an impressive building that is on the edge of Waterloo Park, and I certainly enjoy the (mostly) white interior.

2. Anne. I (rather quickly) binge-watched Anne a couple of weeks ago. Surprisingly, I’m eager for more episodes. Does anyone know what’s going on with this series? It brought me back to my childhood, and I’d happily watch a few more episodes.

3. Winter boots. I’m already so tired of wearing winter boots. I enjoyed Carly the Prepster’s winter boot post, and I smiled when I read it because I have just about the exact collection (and then some). Multiple boots are a must for our winter weather, especially when you have outdoor activities to do each week.

4. Design fails. This Instagram account had me laughing out loud. Look at the photos, and read the comments, too. Hilarious! I think I should submit a photo of my wallpapered furnace. I’m sure it would make the “please hate these things” cut. (source: Jacquelyn Clark)

5. Door knobs. I’m thrilled to be working with Direct Door Hardware again this year. I worked with this company when I first moved into my house because I replaced all of my exterior door locks and knobs. The selection was awesome, and I really enjoyed the interactions I had with the company staff, so I was happy to work with them again on my door makeover project.  My knobs arrived last week, and they’re so nice. Do you want to see them? Great! I’ll be sharing more news of this project in the months ahead.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

The Friday Five: Polka Dot Pyjamas

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To end the week, I’m sharing five items that combine two of my favourite things: polka dots and pyjamas! Let’s get to it.

polka dot pj set, $110 CAD, Splendid

polka dot night shirt, $59.80 USD, Taylor Linens

polka dot pj set, $82 US, PJ Salvage

metallic polka dot pj set, Eberjey

polka dot pj set, $10 US, SheIn

Have a great weekend, everyone!

The Friday Five: Chanel

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Oh, you know, I’m just dreaming about a future Chanel purchase…as you do on a Friday, right?

How could I not want to add a little Chanel to my wish list after look at these (and many other) photos.

Daily Round

via Badest.Outfits

via Vogue

via Damsel in Dior

via Pinterest

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone.

The Friday Five: What’s Your Motto?

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When I was with my nephews and niece in December, the topic of personal mottos came up. As it does, right? Well, the kids’ mottos were things like…play all day…live for mac ‘n cheese…they have to start somewhere, right? I find that when the new year comes around, people often talk about their mantra, motto, or words that are going to guide them for the year. My personal mantra seems to change every couple of months depending on what’s going on in my life – “treat yo’self,” “you only live once,” and “work hard and be nice to people” have certainly been in my motto mix. I also often wear two MantraBand bracelets that have great reminders on them – “nevertheless, she persisted,” and “she believed she could, so she did.” Even though it  might sound silly, looking at these bracelets – and reminding myself of my motto(s) – have helped me get through some tougher days and reminded me to stay focused on what I value and how I spend my time.

If you need a little direction for 2018, here are five items with some helpful reminders to work hard, be strong, and make the most out of life!

MantraBand, Tattly Conquer temporary tattoo, mug, poster, Make it Happen pencil pouch

The Friday Five: 5 Things on my Mind

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These things have been on my mind recently.

1. Travel. Do you travel a lot? When? Why? For pleasure? For work? I have loved to travel since I was little (my parents put the bug in me since they were quite the adventurers when we were a young family). I really enjoyed my solo trip to Nashville in December, and I’m looking forward to another short getaway to Grey County (Collingwood area) here in Ontario soon.

2. The holidays. I had a great time celebrating the holidays with family and friends throughout the month of December. And while I had a wonderful time and felt (and feel) very grateful, I was also thinking about loved ones who couldn’t join in on the fun or those who are no longer with us. The holidays are great, but they can also be tough for a lot of people for so many reasons. It’s easy to get wrapped up in gorgeous Christmas decor and beautiful Pinterest DIYs, but at the same time, all of these happy images don’t share the whole story.

3. Outlander. One of a friend’s recent Netflix suggestions included Outlander, so I gave it a try over the holidays. And then I got hooked. I’m just about finished season one. Have you seen it? What do you think?

4. 2018 Home Reno Plans. I had a fight with one of my bifold doors on the weekend. It got so bad that I had to leave the house (dramatic, I know). When I got back and had another fight with it, I ended up breaking the handle and the track gadgets. Oh my goodness. Annoying. I have hated my bifold doors since I moved in almost 5 years ago, so I am making #byebyebifold a priority. I’ll be checking out some places in Kitchener-Waterloo, but if you have any recommendations, let me know. If all works out, I’ll replace 15 interior doors in the months ahead.

In addition, I will be starting renos on my bathroom-laundry room. I have been wanting to rip this room apart for as long as I’ve been in my house, too, but other tasks have been higher on the to do list. I’ll share my design ideas soon.

5. Italian New Year’s Traditions. New Year’s Day always means a massive feast at my parents’ house with our extended family. Beginning the year with family and food and sharing well wishes for the year ahead has been a wonderful tradition (even though everyone is tired from the previous evening’s late-night celebrations). This year, I opted to add in another Italian tradition – a dinner called Cotechino con Lenticchie (translation: large pork sausage with lentils. I used a combination of this recipe and this recipe. The Italian custom is that the coin-shaped lentils bring prosperity and the cotechino brings abundance for the year ahead.

And another New Year’s Eve/Day tradition is to wear red undergarments to bring in good luck for the year. My Nonno was always talking about this tradition at our New Year’s Day gatherings when he was alive.

Have a great weekend, everyone. Stay warm!

The Friday Five: 5 Things to Do This Month

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Here are five festive things to add to your to do list this month.

1. Set a pretty table for you and your guests.

Emily Henderson

2. Make a gingerbread house with little ones in your life.

Keys to Inspiration

3. Wrap presents in a signature style.

Almost Makes Perfect

4. Enjoy an evening by the warm fire.

Wit and Delight

5. Bake up something delicious to share with family and friends.

Your Marketing BFF

Have a great weekend, everyone!

The Friday Five: All About That Swag

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Did you follow the One Room Challenge this season? I barely had a chance to follow any of the designer or guest participants’ makeovers, but from what I did see, people really worked hard to transform rooms from drab to fab in just a few weeks.

I did follow The Makerista’s 7-week room transformation of a girl’s bedroom, and it was just one beautiful piece of art/furniture/detail after another. I love the spray-painted beds she used as well as the sweet chest of drawers.

The Makerista

And it’s that chest of drawers with its swag drawer pulls that has inspired this post.

Stanley Furniture drawer chest, $613 USD, Hayneedle

Stanley Furniture chest, $765 USD, Hayneedle

chest of drawers, $4300 USD, Cupboards & Roses

Trumeau mirrors, $5204 CAD, 1st Dibs

Louis XVI bed, $5205 CAD, 1st Dibs

The Friday Five: The White Suit

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When the weather turns chilly, I find it really easy to wear black. Every. Darn. Day. But looking at “winter white fashion” on Pinterest is so inspiring. I think I need to make an effort to add creamy whites to my wardrobe this winter.

Vogue

Habitually Chic

Buro

In Fashion Daily

The Golden Diamonds

These outfits are beautiful, aren’t they? Is this a look you have embraced – or will try to?

Have a great weekend, everyone!

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The Friday Five: When You’re Feeling Sick

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I feel as though I have been fighting a sickness all week. Maybe when I finally slow down this weekend, it’ll finally take over. Hopefully not!

If you’re like me, when you’re feeling sick, all you want are…

cozy blankets – Doris Leslie Blau

lots of tea – Bea’s Cookbook

an oversize sweater – Damsel in Dior

my bed – as seen in Style at Home

flowers – Erica Cook

Have a great weekend, everyone!

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The Friday Five: Luxurious Hermes

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Oh, Hermes. Who loves this luxurious brand? Yup, me too. My Evelyne purse and my La Vie Precieuse scarf are two of the items I covet most in my wardrobe. I wear both regularly, and they give me many happy memories. Do you have any luxury items that bring you so much joy?

Here are five beautiful Hermes pieces from 1stDibs.

Hermes Birkin

Hermes Kelly

Hermes clutch

Hermes baby Birkin

Hermes Birkin

Have a happy weekend, everyone!

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The Friday Five: 5 Things On My Mind

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I know I have said this before, but my life is truly hectic sometimes. It has been one heck of a fall term at work, and while everything is going very well, and I’m happy, I barely have a chance to sit, think, plan, question, etc. Well, today, I’m just doing that. I’m sharing five life things that are currently on my mind. Just because I feel like it. And only a bit of it has to do with white, in fact.

MBA Life

Oh my goodness. The end is near. I can feel it. I’m half-way through this term, and then I have next term, and I’ll be done my MBA. Cannot wait. I’ve been completing this degree on a part-time basis for about 3.5 years. In the spring/summer, I loved the two classes that I took (Negotiations & Project Management). I was dreading this term because I opted into Mergers and Acquisitions. Why, you ask? Well, the course offerings were slim this term, so it was either that or taxation. Seemed like the better option for me. It turns out that although the course is a challenge, I’m learning a lot and enjoying it. Who knew?

Post-MBA Plans

I feel like once I’m done my MBA, I’m going to have so much extra time on my hands. Weekends will no longer include team meetings, evenings will no longer mean rushing to class, and reading will include novels, not textbooks. Pretty exciting! But it also makes me nervous. What am I going to do with the extra time? I’m thinking about volunteer options in my community. Do you volunteer? Where? When? Why?

#WillTravelForWhite

I started another Instagram account. Right…as if I had nothing else to do. Well, when I saw that Autumn had a #WillTravelForYellow and Sabrina had started #WillTravelForPink, I knew I had to snap up #WillTravelForWhite. It’s been so fun to create an all-white Instagram page. I know it’s probably what White Cabana should be on Instagram, too, if I’m keeping “on brand,” but I really don’t like duplicating content, so I’d rather keep White Cabana Instagram as a place to share things from my life both in white and beyond. Check out #WillTravelforWhite and let me know if you like it.

Reno on the Brain

I’m (just about) ready to tackle another project in my house, and if all goes as planned in my brain, it’ll be my basement laundry room/bathroom combo room. Oh, it’s a gem of a before, let me tell you! I will be sure to share the before, not to worry! I don’t think I’m ready to tackle any plumbing on my own, but I have already been scoping out tiles as I haven’t used my wet saw in a couple of years now! It’s time.

Elena Ferrante Books

Several of my friends and colleagues have recommended Elena Ferrante‘s books, and I finally ordered the first two in the Neopolitan Novels collection. I’m only about 50 pages into Book One, but I’m enjoying it. Have you read any of these books from “one of Italy’s greatest storytellers”? (I’m reading them in English, by the way. Maybe when I’m done my MBA, I’ll read the series in Italian to brush up!)

Phew. It feels good to get these ideas out of my brain and onto the screen. Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!

The Friday Five: Vaulted Ceilings

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I know many people might associate vaulted ceilings with breezy, summer homes, but I think they’re beautiful in any environment. The spaces I’m featuring here show how a white, vaulted ceiling brightens and enlarges a room. I just love this design option for both traditional and modern homes.

Sharon Mimran

via Shelterness

Erin Featherston

Jam Kolektyw via Home Stratosphere 

JS Home Design via Summer Adams

Have a great weekend, everyone!

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The Friday Five: White Pumpkins

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Fall is here…and pumpkins are absolutely everywhere!

I am amused by all the white pumpkin photos I’ve been seeing on my Instagram and Pinterest feeds. It’s incredible! A few years ago, white pumpkins were rare! And now? They’re everywhere!

Fall decor isn’t my favourite, but I do like a good white pumpkin or two for my home!

Homey Oh My

JS Home Design

Chris Kauffman

My Grey Skye Home

Juler 54

Have a great weekend, everyone!

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The Friday Five: White Pyjama Sets

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I absolutely love pyjama sets. I’ve been wearing them for years. I’m always on the lookout for affordable versions, and when I see them, I scoop them up. Even if I already have enough in my drawers. Can you relate?

Some of the jammies I spy online and in stores are just so beautiful – yet they’re mostly over my budget! Have a look at these five sets. Would you put any on your must-have list?

pyjama top, $125 USD; bottoms, $68 USD, Tuckernuck

pajama set, $149 CAD, KIP Sleepwear

pajama set, $130 USD, The White Company

camisole, $105 USD; shorts, $95 USD, Monika Hibbs x The Sleep Shirt

pajama set, $60.71 (on sale), Brooks Brothers

Have a great weekend, everyone!

p.s. I’m heading to BlogPodium tomorrow, and the CIBC Run for the Cure (#WhiteCabanaWearsPink) is on Sunday! It’s going to be a jam-packed weekend! If you’d like to follow along, please do on Instagram.

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The Friday Five: The Puffy Vest

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Fall is the perfect season to embrace your puffy vest. It’s certainly a great option for cool mornings, and easy enough to shed once the warm afternoon weather arrives. I have a bright yellow one – that I originally bought for cold-weather running – but I’d really like to invest in a cream one this year. I love how it looks paired with blue or black jeans – aka my weekend wardrobe!

This illustration by Mark Challen easily convinces us that “the thin puffer vest is fall’s most versatile piece” (for men and women, I’d say)!

illustration by Mark Challen (@MarkChallenLive)

I’ve had a browse around the web, and here are five white vests that I think would suit us well this season.

quilted down vest, $158 CAD, J.Crew

quilted puffer vest, $66.50 USD, J.Crew Factory

fleece lined vest, $59 USD, L.L.Bean

quilted vest, $35.50 CAD, Old Navy

quilted barn vest, $119 USD, Talbots

Any other recommendations?

Have a great weekend, everyone!

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The Friday Five: Squirrels

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I’m really trying to hold on to summer, but with lower-than-10-degree weather, back to school week, and colour changing leaves (it’s happening!), it’s really hard. I’m sad to see summer go because it’s my favourite season. Not only that, but I know that once the cool weather arrives, it’s here to stay. For a while. A long while. And even though I try every year to like something about winter, I’m definitely opposed to it. But I digress.

The real point of this post is to feature some lovely squirrels. It seems as though I have some strong memories of this little, wild animal.

When my French exchange student came to live with me and my family when I was sixteen, one of the first things she commented on were the squirrels. She couldn’t believe how many were jumping and climbing around in my parents’ backyard. At the time, I didn’t even know the French word for squirrel (un écureuil). It was fun to watch her excitement about an animal I barely paid attention to.

Of my mom’s Swarovski collection, the squirrel has always been one my favourite figurines (see below). Its curvy tail got me!

And the other day, on my walk home from work, I saw the tiniest baby squirrel. I had never seen one so small before. I was too slow with my camera, so I wasn’t able to snap a photo, but, trust me, it was teeny! And it was moving pretty quickly!

squirrel dish, Urban Barn

squirrel match strike, Jonathan Adler

squirrel figurine, Swarovski

squirrel dish, 1st Dibs

squirrel dish, 1st Dibs

Are squirrels abundant where you live? Do they annoy you? Are you fond of them?

Have a great weekend, everyone!

The Friday Five: Round Mirrors

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Round mirrors haven’t ever gone away in the design world, but I haven’t written about them in a long while, so I thought I’d revisit this stylish accessory today.

via The Design Chaser

via Tiffany Leigh Design

via The Stables

via Vanessa Francis

via Kristina Lynne

via Homey Oh My

via Rambling Reno

Here are five round mirrors to consider if you’re in the market for one.

mirror, Wayfair, $149.99 CAD

mirror, Ikea, $99 CAD

mirror, CB2, $299 CAD

mirror, Umbra, $130 CAD

mirror, West Elm, $392.55 CAD

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The Friday Five: Large Windows

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Interiors with massive windows always grab my attention. I love the natural light, the views, and the architecture. Here are five gorgeous spaces that show you exactly what I’m talking about.

via Cottages and Gardens

via Better Homes and Gardens

via Cybball

via Architecture Art Design

via Rural Design

Have a great weekend, everyone!

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The Friday Five: White Birkenstock Shoes

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Do I or don’t I invest in a pair of white Birkenstock sandals? Part of me is voting yes because they really are comfortable. But the other part of me is holding back because they’re not so stylish. What to do? What to do!?

Do you have a pair? Do you like any of these five white versions?

white Birkenstock, $145USD

white Birkenstock double strap, $71USD

Birkenstock Zurich sandal, $150.82USD

Birkenstock Arizona sandals, $87.50CAD

Birkenstock Madrid single strap sandals, $82.55USD

Thoughts?

Have a great weekend, everyone!

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The Friday Five: Beach Art

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Oh, you know, I have the beach on my brain big tiiiime because I’m heading to my summer home-away-from-home soon! I’m pretty excited for some major relaxation time on the beach under the hot Floridian sun! So, in anticipation of long, lazy days and nights at the beach, I’m bringing some beachy to the blog today in the form of art!

white beach club, Italy, Gray Malin

white beach umbrellas, Italy, Gray Malin

white hot, Erin Beutel, Minted

iconic lifeguard tower, Kate Houlihan, Minted

collection, Sadie Holden, Minted

Have a great weekend, everyone!

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The Friday Five: Spring Home Maintenance Update

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Just two weeks ago, I shared an update about my spring home maintenance task list. I’m happy to report that I’m now able to cross two items off the list. Two! Yay! That’s major! I’ll be honest, it was fairly easy to do because I took advantage of Father’s Day sales! Yup. That’s right. This single lady loves everything that is currently marketed to dads…BBQs, tools, machines. Oh my goodness. It’s true! It’s totally true! I think I love power tools just as much as I love peonies…it’s all about balance, right?

So…here’s my updated home maintenance task list:

  1. Garage door opener
  2. BBQ
  3. Bathroom fans
  4. Closet organizer
  5. A hallway light

This list makes me very happy! I picked up this Chamberlain garage door opener when it was on sale (yay!) from Canadian Tire and paid for Canadian Tire’s third-party connection to install it. Done and done. So far, it’s working like a dream. And since it’s a belt opener, it’s much quieter than my old chain opener. Belt. Chain. Yeah, I learned about these things this month. Thanks, Dad.

I ordered this BBQ when it was on sale (yay!) from TSC – The Country Hardware Store. It’s getting shipped directly to the store, and I should be able to pick it up any day now. Then I’ll have to pull out my tools to put it together. Any advice?

Since I won a Home Depot gift card a little while ago via a Twitter party, I’m going to have a browse through the options for the other items on the list. You know, just making my way around all the hardware stores this month! Fun!

If your dad is anything like me, he may be interested in the following five items this Father’s Day.

extremely quiet ventilation fan, $107, Home Depot

ball pendant, $19.98, Home Depot

ClosetMaid closet organizer, $158, Home Depot

And for future home maintenance task lists…

Nest thermostat, $329

chrome shelf unit, $98.97

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! And Happy Father’s Day!

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The Friday Five: 5 Things to Watch on Netflix

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I have very little time for watching TV/Netflix/movies, so I don’t have a massive list of show recommendations for you today. I just thought I’d share with you what I have been (sort of) watching over the last couple of months.

1. Chelsea. I have mixed feelings about Chelsea Handler. I sort of like her tough/funny personality, but I can only take it in small doses. I think she asks good questions, and I like her guests. For these reasons, I keep watching her show(s).

2. The Mind of a Chef. I wasn’t sure what I was getting into with this show, but I’m definitely enjoying it. The show follows Momofuku’s David Chang as he travels around the world, meets with his top-chef friends, and cooks up wild dishes (poached eggs in saran wrap – I want to try this!). I’m learning a lot! And it’s making me want to go to Japan!

3. My Way: The Rise and Fall of Silvio Berlusconi. I’m only about 30 minutes into this documentary. While I mostly like listening to Silvio Berlusconi’s Italian and seeing his massive villa, I’ve also been enjoying learning about his life.

4. Riverdale. I binge-watched this I-think-it’s-only-for-teens show in April when I had some free time. I was entertained.

5. Alice Through the Looking Glass. Why did I wait so long to watch this? What a fun movie! I loved it. I’d watch it again. Easily.

I have taken note of Rox-Anne’s recommendations from last month, and maybe I’ll eventually get to the must-watch-asap 13 Reasons Why.

What have you been watching? What are your recommendations?

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The Friday Five: Goodies from Studio McGee

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Yesterday, BlogPodium – the Canadian conference for design and lifestyle influencers – announced its keynote speaker – Ms. Shea McGee of the Studio McGee. If you’ve been online searching for design inspiration, I’m sure you’ve come across some of Studio McGee’s work. It’s just one beautiful design project after another. Studio McGee brings so many gorgeous rooms to my laptop screen, and I love all the design candy! Here are just five of the spaces that may have you drooling…

Mountainside Remodel

Los Altos Kitchen

Robin Road remodel

Modern Mountain Home

Haddonfield Project

Tickets for BlogPodium go on sale on Friday, May 12th. To see what’s happened in the past, check out my recaps of previous BlogPodium events.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

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The Friday Five: Mother’s Day Gift Ideas from Urban Barn

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With Mother’s Day around the corner – on Sunday, May 14th – it might be time to start thinking about how you’re going to spoil loved ones in your life. Mother’s Day for me usually means a trip to Toronto to spend time with my mom doing everyday sorts of things – a garage sale perhaps, a trip to the mall, or just lounging around at home reading magazines. Mom and I enjoy many of the same easy-going activities. Heck, I’m sure we’ve even spent the day doing DIYs together! Mother’s Day is also a day to celebrate other moms in my life – my sister (mom of 4 cuties!) and friends, and to reflect on relationships I’ve had with other strong women who are no longer with us like my aunt and grandmothers.

In terms of gifts, I think moms appreciate any token. A card, a phone call, an email, a text, or a material object lets your loved ones know that you’re thinking about them. I like to spoil my mom with flowers because I know she appreciates them so much!

If you’re looking for some Mother’s Day gift ideas (and if you’d like to spoil yourself at the same time), you might want to have a look at Urban Barn. This Canadian retailer offers up-to-date items for your home – from big furniture pieces to smaller accessories. I’ve been to the Cambridge location numerous times, and there’s always something in white that catches my eye.

Today, I’m sharing five items from Urban Barn’s current collection that would make great gifts for loved ones.

Here’s an affordable container for a new plant or bouquet of flowers.

murl planter large, $19

Another place for flowers…or sangria…or water…is this pretty little pitcher.

webster water pitcher, $19

Little bowls like this one are perfect for candies, jewelery, or keys.

belize oyster decor dish, $29

If your mom needs a bedroom makeover, this dresser looks like it would be a great piece to add.

parker dresser, $1499

This bench would be beautiful in a garden. There’s also a full patio set, too.

piazza folding bench, $399

Many thanks to Urban Barn for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.

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The Friday Five: Designer Tees

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T-shirt season is just about here. After months and months of cold weather, I’m definitely ready! While these tees have super cute graphics, their price tags are a tad on the high side. How much do you budget for a graphic tee?

Comme des Garcons t-shirt, $150 USD

Boutique Moschino t-shirt, $225 USD

Peter Jensen fish rabbit t-shirt, $101 USD

Karl Lagerfeld Paris profile t-shirt, $49 CAD

PS by Paul Smith t-shirt, $223

Have a great weekend!

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The Friday Five: What I Like about My Sea Bags Tote

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Recently, I styled some outfits with various totes from Sea Bags – a Maine shop that specializes in crafting high-quality bags and accessories using recycled sails.

Today, I’m taking you on a close-up tour of my customized tote. I adore it! Truly. Absolutely did not expect to love it as much as I do.

But, first, a photo of me during one summer of sailing (which made it onto the cover of Ontario Sailor magazine, by the way):

There I am in red, weighing the boat down…and enjoying the view, ignoring the fact that things were getting pretty wild on the high seas (ha ha – not the high seas, but it sounds  dramatic). It doesn’t look like I was working so hard, but I assure you that my role was essential. That’s what I like to tell myself! As a graduation gift from my Master’s program, my parents contacted the magazine and photographer and got their hands on the original photo. I now have it framed on my office gallery wall. I love it. This is a special photo and brings back many happy memories.

So now back to the whole point of this post – my Sea Bags tote. Do you see those massive sails on the boats? Sea Bags reuses olds sails like those and turns them into an amazing collection of totes.

My custom monogram tote arrived several weeks ago, and I was certainly surprised by the quality of it. For today’s post, I’m sharing five things that I like – really really like – about my customized Sea Bag tote.

1. The size. The tote is large, and it’s going to be a great bag to bring to Florida this summer. It’s also good for trips to the market and short getaways, too. The tote can fit a few towels, and it can certainly fit enough for an overnight trip.

2. The stitching. I knew the sail material would be substantial, but I didn’t expect the stitching to be so detailed and designy (yes, I just made up that word). This was a very nice surprise!

3. The clasp. Another pleasant surprise was the strength and weight of the clasp. This is an optional feature, and I would encourage you to opt-in. It’s a shiny detail that’s functional, too.

4. The custom letters. Anything personalized floats my boat. I’m thinking that my last name initial should have been the biggest and in the middle, but I may have placed my order too quickly to pay attention to monogram etiquette. Word to the wise – investigate the options before you place the order!

5. The extra inside pocket. This was an add-on, and I would certainly recommend it. Inside pockets like this are great for keys, lipstick, money, and more. I also like that the branding is on the pocket. This reminds me that my tote was Made In America by a team of passionate people!

There are so many options that you can consider when you place your Sea Bags tote order. My bag, for example, starts at $185 USD, but the inside pocket ($20) and the clasp ($10) were add-ons. The Sea Bags team used navy handles instead of the traditional hemp version on my bag, and I’m so happy that the Sea Bags team decided on these custom options for me. I’m very appreciative, and this design is definitely me!

Note: If you’re a Canadian customer looking to place an order, call 1-888-210-4244.

Thanks to Sea Bags for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.

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The Friday Five: Sea Bags

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We all know that I love the beach, right? And water? Well, let’s add boating to the mix, too, shall we? When I was living in Kingston, Ontario, I learned how to sail with a crew, and it was so fun. Seeing the colourful spinnaker sails go up on all the boats was always my favourite part of sailing days.

So of course I was thrilled when Sea Bags reached out and I started having an email conversation with the team about the Sea Bags product line and philosophy. Sea Bags recycles sails and transforms them into totes, clutches, wallets, and even items for the home such as this sturdy log carrier. And the bags are made in America.

My custom Sea Bag arrived earlier this week, and I am honestly surprised by how much I love it more in person. The detailing is lovely, and the tote is generous in size. I’ll share a more detailed post soon, but for now, I wanted to have a little outfit styling fun with some of the collection. (I picked clothing from Gap and Banana Republic.)

1. Vintage Insignia collection: I love the numbers and letters that appear on the Vintage Insignia totes. Wouldn’t a numbered tote make for a great birthday present? Happy 30th, for example! The lobster gauge cuff and keychain featured here are also part of the Sea Bags inventory.

vintage 30 tote,  jeans, striped top, ballet flats, earrings, keychain, cuff

2. Anchor collection: The anchor collection is a classic design in my opinion. If I owned a boat, I would most certainly get a tote from this collection. Wouldn’t the anchor pieces be beautiful bridesmaids or wedding gifts, too?

metallic anchor tote, shorts, lace tank, sneakers, earrings

3. Wedding collection: Speaking of wedding-appropriate totes, Sea Bags has a whole category specifically for this purpose. Isn’t this pink heart tote sweet? I love the unperfectly perfect heart on the tote.

pink heart tote, d’Orsay flats, jeans, top, cuff, necklace

4. Marine Life collection: It makes pretty good sense that Sea Bags would have a collection dedicated to marine life, right? The octopus tote is my favourite in this collection because it’s graphic and large, and you sort of know what it is, but you also don’t.

octopus tote, tank cover up, one-piece bathing suit, hat, flip flops

5. Lobsters collection: Like the marine life totes, lobster totes have strong graphics. I’ve used the lobster bucket bag, rather than a larger tote, in the outfit below, because I thought it adds a fun touch to an otherwise classic outfit. Paired with red shoes, and I would say that this outfit is ready for a summer’s day out!

lobster bucket bag, dress, earrings, shoes, cuff

As you can see, Sea Bags has much more than plain white sail totes. The shapes and graphics are varied, and there are several customization options, too (e.g., handle, clasp, extra pocket).

While Sea Bags’s headquarters are in Portland, Maine, the company has several store locations in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and elsewhere. If you’re shipping to Canada, please note that you need to place your order via phone (see shipping information for details).

Have a great weekend, everyone!

p.s. Sea Bags also has a four leaf clover collection. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Thanks to M. K. and Sea Bags for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.

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The Friday Five: White at Williams Sonoma

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As I sit here on a Friday night with a broken washing machine (again), a slightly sore throat, and a pile of marking to get started on, I’ve opted to forget my worries, procrastinate, and finally write my Friday Five post. Oh, adulting is fun sometimes, isn’t it?

My Internet travels have taken me to Williams Sonoma, and the shop has so many pretty items. Have a look at these five.

Peugeot Paris salt and pepper mills

white platter

La Cornue stove

white grinding salt

white coral on glass stand

Have a great weekend, everyone!

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The Friday Five: Unicorns

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Unicorns seem to be having their time in the design spotlight at the moment. They’re not just for kids, either!

unicorn light

unicorn taxidermy

 

unicorn pin

lady and the unicorn by Stephan Balkenhol

dainty unicorn

Have a magical weekend, everyone!

The Friday Five: Wonderful White Swimsuits

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It’s February. And it’s cold. So some may think it’s too early to talk about swimsuits. But I can’t help it. I’m dreaming of warmth and this photo of Kaylee and this photo of Rachel have inspired this swimsuit post (don’t the ladies look amazing, by the way?).

plunge swimsuit, $68CAD

neoprene frill lattice swimsuit, $76CAD

contrast swimsuit, $40CAD

halter bow-tie swimsuit, $128CAD

halter swimsuit, $46CAD

I also think this bikini is pretty, and this one is great if you’re into the lace-up trend. So, is it too early to speak about swimsuits? Nope! I’m all for it!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

The Friday Five: Cozy Comfort

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Although it’s still winter, and I would much prefer it to be over already, the colder temperatures mean that we can hygge for a little while longer. Get cozy. Stay warm. And maybe treat yourself to something special this weekend.

Vince sweater, $148USD (on sale)

Kate Spade votive, $35

Hudson’s Bay blanket, $450-$550

pointelle reading socks, $34.50

spiced white hot chocolate, recipe via Jacquelyn Clark

Have a great weekend, everyone!

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The Friday Five: One of a Kind

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I absolutely love super unique products. One of a kind or hand made items have character and interest and a story. Vintage items have a past, and collections of unique items take time to build. Today’s Friday five round-up includes five unique items that only exist in a limited edition.

alpaca art deco baby slippers by Ariana Bohling, $55, (edition of 40)

Tyla diamond ring by Still House, $145, (edition of 40)

open medallion necklace by Young Frankk, $91, (edition of 70)

handmade oval dinnerware, $42-$155, Food52

vintage champagne bucket, $90, Food52

Do you have any great resources for finding unique products?

Have a great weekend, everyone!

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The Friday Five: Fabulous Fireplaces

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How do you stay warm during these ridiculously cold winter days? I have had my fireplace going up until a couple of days ago when it decided to stop working (how dare it just stop!). It’s a gas fireplace, and it warms up my basement lounge in no time. I’m eager to get it working again soon.

In the meantime, let’s have a peek into these gorgeous spaces.

via Washingtonianvia Elizabeth Heiervia Domino

via Elle Decoration

via Ideal Home

Do you have a fireplace? Gas or real? How often do you use it?

Have a great weekend, everyone! Stay warm!

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Friday Five: The Maticevski Collection

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When I came across this fashion post, I thought the dress was just beautiful.

I learned that the dress is by Maticevski, a collection out of Melbourne, Australia. The current stock list is absolutely stunning. Here are five of my faves:

Genesis gown, $4100AUD

Kindred Spirit dress, $2700 AUD

Dakota mini dress, $910 AUD (on sale)

Magical gown, $6500 AUD

Poet one shoulder top, $955 AUD

Have a great weekend, everyone!

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The Friday Five: Neutrals at Everlane

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I’d love just about everything from clothing company Everlane. I placed my first order not that long ago to test the waters after reading so much about this company online. There are a lot of bloggers who seem to rave about Everlane, and I was curious about quality and fit. The images and styling suit my aesthetic, so I was definitely eager to see an item up-close.

I ordered a classic white tee, and it’s made of super soft material. It fits well, but it’s on the thinner side, so it’s a good one for layering.

I appreciate that the clothing descriptions include a link to the factories where they’re made. Everlane uses #KnowYourFactories to provide consumers with more information about its manufacturing processes. I was most interested in learning more about the Italian factories that produce some of Everlane’s leather goods.

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cashmere crew, $100 (available in many colours)

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cotton poplin sleeveless dress, $80

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slim silk shirt, $78

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modern smoking loafer, $160

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The Petra market, $365 (available in other colours)

Everlane also has items for children and men, so it seems to be a great stop for the whole family.

Have you ordered anything from Everlane? What was your experience?

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Note: Shipping to Canada was just under $10 for my order. Images via Everlane.

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The Friday Five: White Architecture

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It’s been a while since I have focused on the design of buildings and homes, so today I’m bringing you five photos of cool architecture.

museo-international-del-barroco-toyo-ito-architecture-museum-public-mexico-patrick-lopez-jaimes_dezeen_936_30-1

Museo Internacional del Barroco by Toyo Ito, near Puebla, Mexico, via Dezeen

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country villa in France designed by Artelabo, via DesignBoom

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seashore chapel in China by Vector Architects, via DesignBoom

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Le Nook in Quebec by MU Architecture, via DesignBoom

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factory in Germany by Sanaa, via UnCubeMagazine

Have a great weekend, everyone!

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The Friday Five: Classic White Shirts

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I wear a white shirt at least once a week. Often more. I wear white shirts to work and on the weekend, too. In every season. And on a bike. And sometimes with sparkles. I wear white shirts with a suit jacket, with jeans, or under a cardigan. Short sleeve or long sleeve – I’ll take them all! I can’t get enough of them! (I feel like I’ve just channeled my inner-Dr. Seuss with that little blurb.)

That said, white shirts don’t last forever, and I have recently had to say good-bye to several of my favourites. It’s time to refresh my white shirt collection, and here are five beauties that have caught my attention.

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Brooks Brothers non-iron white shirt

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JCrew perfect shirt

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Kate Spade poplin shirt (I actually own and love this shirt!)

eddie-bauer-white-shirt

Eddie Bauer wrinkle free shirt

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Thomas Pink Penelope shirt

Are you a fan, too? Any recommendations?

Have a great weekend, everyone!

p.s. I wear white shirt dresses, too. (Are you surprised?) This one is a recent Kate Spade purchase. And this one is an old DKNY.

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The Friday Five: Velvet for Home and Wardrobe

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Velvet has been everywhere in the fashion world this fall, but I think we’ll also be seeing it invade some of our home designs on both a small and large scale. While some may opt for rich jewel tones when it comes to velvet, I would encourage you to also think about how creamy velvet can warm up and add luxury to your home and wardrobe.

1753222_lHans Wegner lounge chairs

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pair of channel-back art deco club chairs in cream oyster velvet

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velvet Orianna settee

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Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche velvet skirt jacket

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Aquazurra “Dasha” sandals

Have a great weekend, everyone!

The Friday Five: Tiles Up to Here

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I like fully tiled walls as much as I like Friday (and that’s a lot!)!

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Architectural Digest (Meg Ryan’s loft in NYC)

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Architectural Digest (Meg Ryan’s loft in NYC)

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Christine Dovey’s kitchen

white-subway-tiles-bathroomRalph’s Coffee, via Kristen Nichols

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The Style Nest (Jennifer Cavorsi Design)

Have a great weekend, dear readers!

The Friday Five: Unusual Lighting Options

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I don’t have any need for new light fixtures at the moment, but a few unusual ones have caught my eye, so I thought I’d take this opportunity to share them with you.

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Guzzini pendant

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Sciolari style sconce

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sputnik spider floor lamp

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Urban Cottage – DVI lighting (see it here)

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large cloud bubble chandelier

Have a great weekend, everyone!

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