Friday Five

The Friday Five: New York Architecture

I know I’ve posted a lot about NYC in recent weeks but I spent a good chunk of my Christmas holidays there and I’m eager to share some of the photos that I took. For today’s Friday Five I’m happy to share with you some of the very pretty houses I came across when my family and I hit the ‘burbs. (Yes, that’s right, we escaped Manhattan for a morning to explore the surrounding neighbourhoods.)

Photos by Jordana.

The Friday Five: Beautiful Books

Yes – we all know I’m a sucker for books. I’ve got books in every room in my apartment (and I’ve actually read most of them too!) and I just love them all (if that doesn’t sound like an academic, I don’t know what does). I’ve been browsing the bookstores often lately and there are some really gorgeous, high-quality books currently on the market. Publishers like Taschen and Phaidon produce just beautifully clean books and I always get so much pleasure reading them – and then looking at them stacked up on a table or bookshelf. The five books featured here have easily grabbed my attention – because they’re white, yes – but also because they provide so much inspiration.

The Art of French Baking, $31

Eleven Madison Park: A Cookbook, $36; photo by Paula Forbes

The Family Meal: Home Cooking with Ferran Adria, $23

A Taxonomy of Office Chairs, $45

D & AD 2011, $59.99

The Friday Five: Isamu Noguchi

You’ve seen it 100,000 times. The Noguchi Coffee Table is one of the best-known icons of 20th century design. It has been copied, imitated and become so ubiquitous it approaches design cliche (like the Barcelona chair).

Nevertheless, Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988) is a fascinating and talented artist/furniture designer who deserves recognition beyond this single table. Like many great 20th century furniture designers, their biggest “hits” often overshadow their other accomplishments. So Caviar20’s first Friday Five is dedicated to Noguchi, both his design icons (like the Cyclone Table) and other lesser-known but highly sought after collector’s pieces like his radio and “Chess Table”. Noguchi’s work, mostly in metal, stone and occasionally wood, was realized with a very austere palette including lots of black. For more on Noguchi, we recommend visiting the Noguchi Museum in Long Island City (minutes from Manhattan) or exploring their handsome website. For today’s Friday Five we’ll introduce Noguchi with a selection of his most famous, fantastic and coveted design pieces.

1. Noguchi coffee table, designed in 1948. Manufactured by Herman Miller.

Image: Herman Miller

2. Cyclone Table, designed in 1953. Manufactured by Knoll.

Image: Knoll

3. Noguchi Radio Nurse, designed in 1937. Manufactured by Zenith.

Image: Live Auctioneers

4. Chess table, designed in 1947. Manufactured by Herman Miller.

Image: Noguchi Museum

5. Rudder Table, designed in 1945. Manufactured by Herman Miller.

Image: icollector

Dear Readers: Do not adjust your computer screens. Troy is taking over White Cabana this week and, as you can see, he’s really shaken things up around here! Enjoy. – Jordana

The Friday Five: Memories of Switzerland

Every fall I host a reunion with the people I worked with over various summers in Switzerland. The reunion is happening this weekend and I’m so excited to see all of my friends. In honour of the reunion, for today’s Friday Five I’m sharing some of my memories of Switzerland.

Bern, the capital, is a special place for a variety of reasons. The archways, for example, which fill the city’s historic treats are especially interesting to walk under. But Bern is not the only place you’ll find beautifully curved structures. Up on the mountain in Zermatt, there is a small church with an arched doorway. It’s such a pretty place to see.

archways, Zermatt and Bern

While eating out can be expensive in Switzerland, when you get to custom design your food (well, burgers & pizza), then it ends up being a really entertaining experience.

checklists of food (L: my burger toppings of choice, R: my friend’s pizza order – everything except capers, sardines & olives)

The trains in Switzerland run on time, they’re clean, and they get you to pretty much wherever you need to go. The system is like no other I’ve ever experienced. Tickets aren’t cheap but there are various passes available which lower the cost per trip.

The SBB

I’m pretty much a city girl but I absolutely love going for hikes in the mountains in Switzerland. At the beginning of my very first summer in Switzerland I was so clueless about following paths and knowing which direction to go. There was no need for me to worry as hiking trails in the mountains are very clearly marked. As long as you know what the markers mean you should be fine.

a wanderwag (walking path) marker; hay bails

(I know – you were probably expecting me to include a photo of mountains, but for this city girl, a stack of wrapped-in-white hay bails really interests me.)

Finally, the goats! As if I haven’t spent enough time talking about goats on this blog, right? But they’re white and they’re Swiss so what’s not to love?

Saanen goats

Have any of you been to Switzerland? Care to share a memory or two?

Photos by Jordana.

The Friday Five: Artistry Cards

Eco-friendly stationery company Artistry Cards is ready for the holidays with its selection of toque-toting birds. Aren’t they sweet? 

holiday card box set (in blue & red), $12

holiday pocket notebook (in blue & red), $12

holiday card, $4

thank you cards box set, $12

holiday card box set, $12

You may have already gathered that Artistry Cards is a Canadian company. I mean, I used the word “toque”. Does anyone else in the world use that word? (It means winter hat in case you were wondering.)

Great news – Artistry Cards is offering White Cabana readers a 10% discount on all products. Enter ARTIST (all caps) at checkout. Click here to start shopping. (Discount is valid until December 15th.)

The Friday Five: Zara Kids

My nephews are in Toronto so I’m heading over to spend the weekend with them at my parents’ place (after Fashion Week, that is). So excited! In honour of my nephews’ Canadian vacation, I thought I would do a kid-related Friday Five featuring white clothes from Zara. (Yes, I know, some of you may believe that white clothes and kids don’t really mix. Well, who cares, I say. The kids are going to get dirty no matter what colour of clothes they wear so why not dress them in white?)

cable knit sweater, $29.90

mao collar shirt, $19 90 USD

“boy” plush sweater, $25.90

reversible quilted jacket, $29.90

baby patent high top sneaker, $35.90

The Friday Five: French By Design

I am such a big fan of Si’s blog, French By Design. If you haven’t visited it – you must! Si also runs a very successful Etsy shop and I’m happy to feature some of her latest inventory on today’s Friday Five.

vintage street sign, $41

vintage band-aid tin box, $11

oversized French enamel sign, $240

porcelain glove mold, $40

vintage Detecto scale, $95

The Friday Five: inVU Drapery Co. Giveaway!

By now you may know that we’re fans of inVU Drapery Co. here at White Cabana. The selection of drapery, fabrics and home accessories is gorgeous and the service is top-notch. We also love the fact that it’s Canadian, eh?

So today I’m not only featuring fabulous new products available at inVU Drapery Co. this fall, but I get to tell you about the generous giveaway inVU is sponsoring. Hooray! One lucky reader will win a $100 gift certificate to be used at any of inVU Drapery Co.’s locations. Great, right? Read on, my friends…

Athena chandelier

left: Demetra Steel; right: CobiStyle Smoke

acorn & pinecone decorative accessories

Franco Bench

Urbina chair – front & back

To welcome in the fall season, inVU Drapery Co. is hosting an inSTORE event. Learn how to decorate your home for fall on Saturday October 1st from 11am-12pm and 1pm-2pm at the Mississauga location. Enjoy a one hour discussion with a design expert, learn about fall trends, surround yourself with gorgeous products and – get this – enter a draw for a $1000 store gift certificate. Oh my!

Okay – and now for the giveaway details. To enter the giveaway for your chance to win a $100 gift certificate to be used in store, simply leave a comment below!

For extra entries you can:

– follow White Cabana on Twitter

– follow inVU Drapery Co. on Twitter

Be sure to leave a comment for each extra entry!

This giveaway ends at noon on Friday September 30th.  This giveaway is open to Canadian residents only.

The Friday Five: Urban Barn

We’re always keen to see what’s new and white at Canadian retailer Urban Barn. This fall bring some brighten up your home with an owl lamp or take a seat on the Jack stool and pour yourself a drink at the bar. Here are five great new products to look out for on your next visit to Urban Barn.

Owl Glow lamp

Perele Table lamp

Jack Stool, $199

Owl on a bike cushion

penquin cushion

Images courtesy of Urban Barn.

The Friday Five: Chicago

Greetings from Florida! I thought I’d take a break from working on my tan (I know, hard work, right?) to post a vacation update.

Although my friend Shannon and I are in Florida at the moment, our US tour actually began in Chicago. We spent four amazing days eating our way through the city. We also saw some incredible art and made time for shopping too (of course!). This was my second time in Chicago and I’m happy to say that I loved it as much as I did the first time around. The city has so much to offer and the people are so friendly.

Today I thought I’d share five of my favourite photos from the trip.

Chicago flower art

The Lion House at the Lincoln Park Zoo

Marilyn Monroe statue

The Rookery building – by Frank Lloyd Wright

Monument with Standing Beast by Jean Dubuffet

As always, thanks for reading White Cabana!

The Friday Five: Picnic Gear

A warm summer day is the perfect time for a picnic in the park with family and friends. In addition to food and a frisbee, here are five things that I think are essential for a fun, organized, and environmentally friendly picnic adventure.

fork, knife, spoon, $5 (pack of 50), Branch

starting at $5.50, Branch

27oz bottle, $19.95, Klean Kanteen

white picnic blanket, $19.95, Kitchenware Direct

canvas coal bag, $78, A Continuous Lean

The Friday Five: Food

I just love when food – desserts especially – are beautifully presented. These five sweets look delicious and are perfect for sharing with friends and family.

by Coco Cake

via Tokketok

Souvlaki for the Soul – Flickr

meringue stack with strawberries, Gourmet Traveller

Lemon coconut cupcakes, Tartelette

Is there any baking on your weekend agenda?

The Friday Five: Canadian Designer Series – Debbie Travis

The fabulous and talented Debbie Travis rounds off today’s Friday Five. Technically, she’s a Brit, but she’s been part of the Canadian scene for so long that she must surely have citizenship here. I just had to include her in today’s series…accent and all.

Her first show, Debbie Travis’ The Painted House, aired in 1995 and it was here that I learned all about faux finishes. I clearly remember watching her create this Fornasetti dining room and this wild blue wall. It was because of Debbie that I added words like crackle varnish, anaglypta, and battik into my vocabulary.

Debbie Travis is an accomplished artist, designer, author, and business woman. In addition to Painted House, her more recent shows, Facelift and From the Ground Up have been successful in Canada and abroad. She has written many books and has won several prestigious awards. She also has a line of products available at Canadian Tire. Needless to say, Debbie is a woman who wears many hats.

Debbie Travis’ designed kitchen and bathroom

Debbie Travis Expo Cut mirror, $39.99, Canadian Tire

Debbie Travis Tie-Up shade, $24.99, Canadian Tire

Debbie Travis lantern, $34.99, Canadian Tire

Debbie Travis lighting

In recent years, Debbie has headed to Tuscany and now hosts a Debbie Travis’ Girls’ Getaway. The experience includes 7 nights accommodation at her Italian villa (wow!), delicious meals and drinks, winery tours, and more. La dolce vita, I’d say!

You can learn more about what Debbie is up to on her blog or you can follow her on Twitter.

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Wishing you all a wonderful weekend. Happy Canada Day!

The Friday Five: Canadian Designer Series – Steven Sabados & Chris Hyndman

I hope you’re enjoying today’s series of posts and that you’re learning a little bit more about Canadian designers.

Next on the list are Steven Sabados & Chris Hyndman. It’s a two-for-one post because these guys are such a dynamic design team and I just couldn’t bare to break them apart for the purpose of a post.

Johanne & I quickly met Steven and his partner Chris after a Toronto taping of their show, Steven & Chris, a couple of years ago.

Chris, Jordana, Johanne, Steven

Like Brian and Candice, I first learned about Steven Sabados’ talent for design via CityLine (Have I been a long time fan of that show or what?).  Steven & Chris were the original Designer Guys and are now the hosts of the Steven & Chris show. In addition to their TV hits, this pair has designed a line of furniture, linens, lighting, and wines, yes wines! These guys are busy!

Castlefield sofa

ottoman

decorative accessories

Trend wines by Steven & Chris, available at the LCBO

I like these guys because they’re friendly, personable, charismatic, and their clean design aesthetic definitely works for me. There’s no fussing around for this duo. Oh – and Steven also spent time in London, Ontario (which is where I am now living). Bonus.

The Friday Five: Canadian Designer Series – Sarah Richardson

Who doesn’t love Sarah Richardson?

She’s a favourite among many designers, bloggers, and TV watchers. Her home transformations are gorgeous and appeal to so many viewers and DIYers. Sarah’s got a TV show for everyone! Have you seen Sarah’s house, Sarah’s cottage, or her recent installation at the Interior Design Show?

I like Sarah because she seems friendly, she’s got an awesome sidekick (hello Tommy Smythe) and she also looks a whole lot like a good friend of mine. Oh – and she wore Smythe jackets long before the Duchess of Cambridge did.

Here are some of the white rooms she has designed.

mid-century family home

oceanview estate

Sarah’s house – hallway

Sarah’s house – bathroom

(all photos via Sarah Richardson porfolio)

Like the other designers I am featuring today, Sarah has also worked on some beautiful product lines (honestly – where do these people find time to do all of these things?). In partnership with PARA Paints, Sarah has created a designer paint palette of 75 colours. In addition to this colourful endeavor, Sarah has a beautiful collection of indoor and outdoor furniture.

Alexander

Harry

Claremont

Click here to find out where to buy these and other Sarah Richardson products.

Read Sarah’s short diary entries here.

The Friday Five: Canadian Designer Series – Candice Olson

The second designer for today’s series is Candice Olson – designer extraordinaire and all around funny lady.

I have been watching Candice Olson’s Divine Design since the very beginning. I love the interaction between her and her crew and I especially like her room sketches.

In addition to her TV and interior design work, Candice has been busy with her various product lines – lighting, fabric, rugs, and more! Here’s a quick peek:

Candice Olson sofas – Bette, Brady, Floyd – ready for fabric

Candice Olson furniture: Hollace daybed & Jean chaise

Candice Olson wall covering, Kravet

Candice Olson drapery, Kravet

Candice Olson paisley wallpaper, York Wallcoverings

The Friday Five: Canadian Designer Series – Brian Gluckstein

Happy Canada Day!

In honour of today, Canada’s 144th birthday, I’m going to be doing something a little different with the Friday Five. In a series of five posts throughout the day, rather than in one single post, I will be featuring five fabulous Canadian designers. These  designers, and many many other talented Canadians, bring creativity, beauty, and good design to diverse spaces in Canada and abroad.

First up is the talented Brian Gluckstein.

Brian Gluckstein’s classic aesthetic caught my eye when I first “met” him on CityLine back when Marilyn Denis used to be the host. I am always impressed by his professionalism and style. He has been been named Canada’s favourite interior designer by the readers of House & Home which may not come as a surprise to many readers who know his work.

Forest Hill bathroom

Georgian Estate

Neoclassical home

Brian has a collection of homewares which are available at The Bay. Click here to see the full Gluckstein product line.

Peyton

Studio

As if his interior design company and home collection isn’t keeping this guy busy enough – Brian’s blogging too – see what he’s up to here.

photos via Gluckstein Design Residential Portfolio & Gluckstein Home

5 for 2011: The Third Check-Up

Back in January I created five goals for myself and I have since posted two check-ups (first, second). Now it’s time for the third update of my progress.

1. Wear more rings. Lately I’ve been sporting this double ring that my sister sent me. I just love it!

2. Embrace the cold weather. Well, luckily it’s June and I don’t have to deal with this goal for a few more months. I am so happy about this!

3. Host more parties. Hmmm…I’ve sort of failed with this one. In the last few months I have done quite a bit of traveling which has left me little time for party planning. But – I did manage to squeeze in one party last month – a champagne party! Talk about fun!

Addison collection, Pottery Barn

4. Try new recipes. Yes! I made pinwheel cookies (recipe from my vintage Joy of Cooking cookbook). Easy and delicious. I burned a batch but that’s okay. The other batch turned out fine. Here they are ready to go into the oven:

photo by Jordana

I also made Smitten Kitchen’s cheese straws (a big hit!) and What Katie Ate’s delicious tomato and goat cheese canapĂ©s.

5. Learn more about London, Ontario. In the last little while I managed to get out to the East Village Coffeehouse for the first time (thanks Tonya for the introduction). What a lovely little spot. The food is yummy, the coffee is well-prepared and the music is perfect.

coffee with a twist, photo by Jordana

Other restaurants I’ve tried since my last update include Relish in Wortley Village and The Works on King. Both burger places and both delicious.

There are also lots of festivals in London during the summer so I’ve been trying to check them all out. Last weekend was the Car Free Festival, this week & weekend is London Fringe and soon SunFest is coming to town. Bring on the music!

There you have it – the third update of my goals.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend!

The Friday Five: Garnet Hill

In the last few months I’ve been drawn quite a bit to Garnet Hill. I have yet to make a purchase or to test out any of the products but my friend Therese is a fan and I can see why.

Here are five of my favourite items for the home but there are also a lot of great articles of clothing and accessories. Definitely worth a browse…if not a few purchases!

Signature scalloped percale bedding, $21-$49 (on sale)

Frette bath towels, $10-$65

Megan tufted headboard, $978-$1188

faux-bamboo nightstand, $788

Simon Pearce Cavendish ceramic bowl, $40-$46

Thanks to Therese for introducing me to Garnet Hill.

Photos courtesy of Garnet Hill.

The Friday Five: Caviar20

Caviar20 has just launched its e-commerce site which makes it so easy to buy exceptional antiques online. Not only that, but Caviar20’s loft space in Toronto is now open so be sure to stop in if you’re in the city (open Thursdays).

Today I am happy to feature five pieces from Caviar20 that are true delicacies for your home. Kudos to Troy for making Caviar20 such an amazing source of beautiful art, furniture and accessories.

Dylan McKinnin console table, $1900

Jean Luce for Arzberge porcelain plates, $225

Handkerchief chair by Massimo Vignelli for Knoll, $375

Bound Octagon Venetian light, $525

Maru side tables by David Chang, $1200

You can read more about Caviar20 here, here, here and here.

Images courtesy of Caviar20.

The Friday Five: Scenes from at Home

For today’s Friday Five, I’m taking you inside my apartment.

1. I may one of the last people to own a land line. I know. But look how cool it is!

2. My milk glass collection never ends. The little one isn’t true milk glass but it’s cute.

3. These flowers, carved from wood, are from Easter Island. (Thanks Corie & Jeff.)

4. My ink blots. What do you see? (Apparently it’s a trend – look at what Christian from Maison 21 posted on Tumblr.)

5. Pussy willow branches are so pretty. I feel like it brings good luck too. These branches are from Easter but they’re still growing!

all photos by Jordana

Thanks for coming on this very mini house tour and thanks, as always, for dropping by White Cabana!

Have a wonderful weekend!

p.s. For the record, everything in the above photos is white – except for the ink blots (black) and pussy willow (brown) – but I liked how the photos turned out in black & white.

Friday Five: New Orleans Food & Flowers

If you’ve been following me on Twitter then you already know that I was in New Orleans last week. I’m looking forward to sharing some of my photos with you over the next little while. Today it’s all about some of the food and flowers that I came across in this ĂĽber-lively city.

Flowers in the French Quarter, New Orleans

Beignets (ben-yay) at Cafe du Monde, New Orleans

A popcorn snack at Hermes bar, New Orleans

Photos by Jordana

The Friday Five: Preparing for NYC

I’m in New York City this weekend after a very crazy and emotional week. I’m happy to be spending time with my sister, brother-in-law and my sweet little nephews. I’m also going to be reunited with one of my running buddies and we’ll be running the NYC half on Sunday. My winter-training plan has been less than perfect so I imagine I’ll be taking a lot of walking breaks.

Here are five things that I brought along this weekend.

1. Sub-zero running tights from Running Skirts.

2. Antiperspirant – thanks Degree! It will definitely be put to the test at the half-marathon.

3. LeSportsac weekender bag – great for packing extra things (i.e., new purchases!).

black LeSportsac weekender

4. My new polka dot scarf. I always bring a scarf like this on trips – especially for the flight.

5. My Canon PowerShot SD1000. It’s small but mighty. I don’t ever leave the house without it!

Canon camera

5 for 2011: The Second Check-Up

Back in January – oh so long ago – I created a list of 5 personal goals for 2011 (click here to read it). Near the end of the month, I posted an update here. I thought it’s now time for a second review of my progress.

1. Wear rings. Yes – I’m trying. For the past several weeks I have worn mainly this silver triple ring that I have had since highschool:

I bought this black sparkler from Banana Republic and wore it a few times:

Keeping my nails polished has been especially encouraging for my ring wear.

2. Embrace the cold weather. It’s still winter. It’s still cold. Darn. Although the sun has been peeking out more (in between the rain) which gives me hope that spring is in fact on its way, even if it’s on the slow train. I have basically been living in my UGGs and Hunter boots this winter. Thank goodness for warm and dry feet!

UGG & Hunter boots

I have also been happily enjoying my Sunday afternoons of curling. There’s an energetic and lively bunch of people in the club and it’s such a social sport! I recently scored this vintage curling sweater which keeps me fully warm and I think it brings me some good luck too!

3. Host more parties. It’s been a decent month of hosting. In the past several weeks, I’ve hosted brunch, dinner and a weekend guest (Johanne!).

4. Try new recipes. I’ve tried to make progress with this goal. Honestly. For one dinner, I turned to David Rocco for some help. I made this oh-so-delicious lentil soup and rucola & pear salad.

I also made these sugar-free muffins for a meeting. Pretty darn good – they didn’t taste sugar-free. They were also super quick and easy to make.

5. Learn more about London, Ontario. I have quite a bit to report on for this goal. Near the beginning of February I attended a talk at London Museum. I’ve lived in this city for almost three years and I had yet to go inside this awesome building. I’m glad I finally did because white is everywhere!

staircase at Museum London

I also attended Ignite London at the Aeolian Hall. What an evening of creativity and inspiration. I’m already looking forward to the next event.

I went to see The Comos play at the Old Victorian Tavern. Sax + bass + old school tunes = an awesome night out! I’ve seen The Comos play a few times now but visiting the Old Vic was a new experience for me.

Another new place I visited was Call the Office to see Montreal band Plants & Animals perform. It was a friend’s birthday and so the night was full of fun!

via

Finally, I went to watch a curling game at the John Labatt Centre (JLC). Two firsts for me. The Brier (a.k.a. Canadian men’s curling championship) has been in London for the last week and being the amateur curler that I am, I had to go check it out. Watching professional curling for the first time was great! I had also never been to the JLC before and I thought this was the perfect occasion to see what it was all about Oh, the excitement! (And yes, of course I wore my curling sweater!)

The Brier at the JLC, London

Oh gosh – what a long post that was today. Lots of updates for everyone and maybe a new place or two to check out if you’re ever in London, Ontario!

The Friday Five: Egg Cups

Egg cups…perfect for the weekend brunch you plan on hosting…

RSVP egg cup set, $21, Amazon

Hunslet egg cups, 10GBP, Ben Pentreath

double egg cup, 6.25GBP, Heal’s

vintage egg cups, $24 (set of four), All Things White

Cico egg cup, $20, Alessi

or for a super mini floral arrangement, or for a safe spot to store your earrings.

Oh, and if you need an egg cup with a little more colour, let me know what you think of this one.

The Friday Five: Parzinger

I have a new love…Parzinger.

Tommi Parzinger cabinet via Shop Rago

Tommi Parzinger white lacquered chests, via Todd Merill Antiques – 1st Dibs

Tommi Parzinger silver-plated serving pieces, Dragonette Ltd. – 1st Dibs

Tommi Parzinger bar, Palumbo – 1st Dibs

Tommi Parzinger side table, Metro Interiors – 1st Dibs

Now all I need to do is win the lottery!

Many thanks to Troy for introducing me to the fabulous world of Parzinger.

Friday Five: 5 for 2011

I feel like I’m one of those people who constantly make and revise resolutions.  When I feel like I need to change something to improve my life, I do. When I have achieved a goal, I set a new one. I think about short and long term goals all the time and I write them down. Sometimes I share them with people. This is one of those times. Here are five things that I’d like to do in 2011:

1. I’ll wear more rings. I used to wear them a lot and then I stopped for no apparent reason. I’ll start with a ring my sister gave me which looks similar to this one:

floral ring, $5.80

2. I’ll brave the cold this winter and get outside. I’ll wear more layers, I’ll put my boots to good use and I’ll try to stop complaining.

Lord scarf & cardigan, All Saints

3. I’ll host more parties. Getting together with friends and family is fun – why not do it more often?

balloons, Martha Stewart

4. I’ll try new recipes. And I’ll try not to limit myself to yummy desserts.

via Martha Stewart

5. I’ll learn more about the city I’m currently living in – London, Ontario. Museums, galleries, shops, concerts…I’m ready to explore and to feature my adventures on White Cabana!

The Friday Five: Chez Jordana

So…I admit it…I decorated before December 1st. I just couldn’t wait! Here’s a peek at five of the decorations on my mini (green) tree.

Little bear ornament, MoMA

Paper tree ornament, MoMA

Ice skaters ornament, MoMA

The Letter J ornament, made by my sister

Mini lion ornament (I'm a Leo), Jonathan Adler

Images by Jordana.

The Friday Five: Nightstands

What do you look for in a nightstand? Personally, I need a drawer or two and a good size surface area for a lamp, books, alarm clock, and a select crystal or silver accessory. Here are five nightstands that fit my requirements:

1. This affordable nightstand from Ikea has a good size drawer and the shelf is perfect for holding stacks of magazines or books.

Hemnes Nightstand $79.99CAD, Ikea

2. Ikea’s MALM nightstand is clean and simple. Clutter stays hidden with this piece.

MALM $69.99CAD, Ikea

3. This West Elm nightstand is almost an exact replica of one of my vintage nightstands. The drawer is large, there’s a good size surface area and the closed off shelf means your books and things won’t fall onto the floor.

Narrow-Leg nightstand, $249, West Elm

4. I adore these vintage oval nightstands. I love the shape, simplicity, and uniqueness of these pieces.

Vintage nightstands, C. Bell at 1stdibs

5. I’m saving the best for last. Aren’t these vintage Lucite nightstands gorgeous? They fit all of my requirements and would definitely add interest to any bedroom.

Vintage Lucite nightstands, Tom Thomas at 1stdibs

What do you look for in a nightstand?

To browse a wide selection of traditional and modern nightstands click here.

Images courtesy of 1stdibs, Ikea, Pottery Barn, & West Elm.

The Friday Five: Cakes

I’m going to my friends’ wedding tomorrow and I’m so happy to celebrate! In honour of their special day, today’s Friday Five is all about cakes. Yum!

via sweet Paul

via The Social Secretary

The Chrysanthemum via Martha Stewart

via Real Simple

via InStyle

Congrats Michelle & Bill!

Images courtesy of InStyle, Martha Stewart Weddings, Real Simple, Sweet Paul Magazine, The Social Secretary.

The Friday Five: Giving Thanks

It’s Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada so I thought it appropriate to make a list of five things I’m thankful for this year (besides health, family, friends,  work, and the food in my fridge):

1. My black Hunters. They keep me and my feet happy.

Hunter rainboots

2. My 1/2 marathon medal. Ah – the sweet precious medal.

Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon 2010 Finishers Medal

3. My MacBook. I had no idea I would love it this much!

Mac keys light up for action.

4. My sewing machine. I got it for Christmas last year and adore it. I just wish I had more time for all the sewing projects I have in mind!

My Singer is a mighty fine machine!

5. My new 2011 agenda book (from Paris!). It has a list of text talk acronyms which is going to help me stay in-the-know.

Ready to text

Wishing all you Canadian readers a very Happy Thanksgiving! And wishing all White Cabana readers a very happy weekend!

Photos by me.

The Friday Five: Anthropologie

Today’s Friday Five comes from the eclectic and ever-pretty Anthropologie.

Fleur de Lys dinnerware, $12-49, Anthropologie

Sidekick Show-off ring dish, $12, Anthropologie

Porcelain serving pot, $88, Anthropologie

Hidden Poetry trinket pot, $22, Anthropologie

Nestled ring dish, $12, Anthropologie

Images courtesy of Anthropologie.

The Friday Five: Fred Flare

Fred Flare is an online store that carries some of the most unusual, quirky and fun products. Today I’m happy to feature five white items from the current collection at Fred Flare.

Nintendo Wii gum, $6, Fred Flare

Book: The Geometry of Pasta, $25.95, Fred Flare

Table saw cake cutter, $11, Fred Flare

Sparrow salt & pepper shakers, $14, Fred Flare

Short stacked demitasse set, $30, Fred Flare

p.s. I didn’t feature it in this post but the first item I ever bought from Fred Flare was the lipstick ballpoint pen and it is still in stock after all of these years! My most favourite Fred Flare item is this Holly GoNightly sleep mask – I use it nightly and it works like a charm!

Images courtesy of Fred Flare.

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