I recently received excellent customer service from Native Union after I encountered some issues with one of our charging cords. Their cords aren’t cheap, but they are very effective. The weighted ball on one end of the cord is surprisingly handy!
Native Union‘s collections come in a variety of colours, but Zebra is my favourite.
This jumbo wall calendar (2 feet by nearly 3 feet) is now on our fridge. Command central, if you will.
A recent lighting search led me to Design Within Reach (DWR), and I enjoyed seeing the new and classic items in store.
Well, there aren’t too many places to shop in person this month, so I’ve put together a list of 10 Mother’s Day gift ideas that are easy to pick up from the grocery store. It’s the one place that I know forsure will be open (although I know there are plenty of curbside pickup spots and online shops, too)!
Reminder: Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 9th.
Monika Hibbs wears and has worn many hats – doctor, blogger, influencer, designer, author, and shop owner. Based out of British Columbia, her namesake homewares shop is absolutely lovely. She has some really beautiful pieces in stock currently, especially in the areas of lighting and decor. Here are a few of the items that caught my eye (but are definitely not in my budget…sigh).
All product images via Monika Hibbs Home.
I have been using a version of a belt bag/waist pack/hip pack/fanny pack/bum bag for years for walking and jogging. Most of the versions I’ve owned over the years have been in the athletic realm, but more recently, I invested in this stylish belt bag (if you’d even think to consider belt bags stylish!) from Toronto-based Ela. I’ve used it on walks when I need something that’s big enough to fit more than my keys and ID and when I want to do hands-free errands like grocery shopping. Overall, I’m a fan of any version of the belt bag.
Here are 10 belt bags at various price points that you might consider if this is a spring bag (and look) you’d like to invest in (Note that many of these come in multiple colours).
Thanks to J.M. for suggesting this post.
We had a few wonderful summer-like days over the last couple of weeks (interspersed with rainy, cold April days), which seemed to put everyone in a happier-than-usual mood (on account of Ontario’s 3rd lockdown currently in place until at least the end of April…ugh!). The trails were busy with walkers, joggers, and cyclists, and it felt great to get some real vitamin D!
I’m eager for outdoor living and entertaining this summer. (Yes, back to entertaining…I’m thinking positively!) I’m thinking casual gatherings with easy food and drinks. I want to be outdoors and maskless with friends enjoying good food, music, and games. I want people to feel comfortable to come inside to use the bathroom or to grab another drink. It’s not too much to ask after 1+ years of lockdown, right? Right?!
What do I need for outdoor entertaining? While I take stock of my current inventory of furniture, tableware, and games, I’ll also look around the online marketplace to see what’s new and fun.
I need this champagne nightshirt for my next birthday!
Look at the other cute products from San Francisco-based Toss Designs.
If anyone knows how/where to get these items (especially the champagne pyjamas) in Canada, please share!
I enjoy browsing the beautiful items offered at Terrain, which is an America home goods (and plants and beauty) store part of the Anthropologie family. This ruffle marble bowl caught my eye on my recent browsing adventure, so I had to take a moment to see what else was in stock. Here are some favourites.
I really just look at Terrain from afar since it’s in the US. Have you ever bought anything from Terrain?
I really like the delicateness of Toronto’s Bluboho‘s jewellery.
What are your thoughts about freestanding bathtubs? Do you have a favourite brand or design? What criteria do you have for the perfect bathtub?
I can count on one hand the number of baths I’ve taken since I moved into my house nearly eight years ago. Maybe if I had a more ideal design (rather than a massive corner jacuzzi tub where the water gets cold by the time it’s filled), maybe I’d take more baths. This is one of my hopes as I plan my bathroom reno.
These are the styles that I gravitate toward, but I haven’t seen any of them in person (and prices are way out of budget for some of them, so I need to find other options). Since my bathroom is so square, and the shower will be rectangular, I’m thinking a curvy bathtub would be best.
I spotted these pillowcases on Anthropologie, and I just love them!
Then I spotted these at H&M, and I love them, too.
All of my shoes will be so out of style by the time I need to wear them again. Slippers are where things are at now (and have been for the last year). But what price do you pay for a nice pair? Would you, could you, spend hundreds of dollars (or a thousand?) on a designer pair like the ones I’m featuring here?
Oui, oui for the Hotel Magique collection at Anthropologie!
While I have already shared some sweet Valentine’s Day items recently, today’s love themed curation is from local shops. Even though we can’t visit the stores in person quite yet, these Ontario shops are offering easy delivery and curbside pickup options. Have a browse and buy what you love!
The Art of Home (Cambridge, ON)
Gifted (Waterloo, ON)
Wills and Prior (Stratford, ON)
Hue La La (Burlington, ON)
Lofthouse Living (London, ON)
I love when all the heart items hit the market around this time of year. I wish hearts (and stars) would stay year-round. Heart pyjamas are my favourite, but they’re not always easy to come by (especially at a reasonable price). I also think adding a heart tea towel is an easy way to bring (more) happiness into the kitchen.
Rose & Rex is a marketplace for educational, well-designed toys and games for kids. Their toys promote imaginative play, and I think there are so many great items to spoil your kids…and to give them a break from virtual classrooms.
Over the holidays, I received a press package from American Standard. I thought it was timely, clever, and well-designed. Essentially, American Standard’s message is to flush 2020.
Beyond the press information I received, I had a browse on the American Standard website to learn more about its bath collection. Here are some of the interesting things I learned.
The Spalet Bidet Toilet is a new release, and I know I’d love it. I became appreciative of these types of toilets after my 2019 trip to Japan.
The price tag is high, yes, but American Standard some bidet seat options at about half the price of the toilet.
Here are some other items that caught my attention because of their functionality and design.
The new collection at CB2 includes pieces with some interesting shapes. I think many pieces can fit into a variety of living spaces.
In preparation for an upcoming post, I came across this (non-white) backpack.
Why am I sharing it here if it isn’t white? Well, it’s because this is the exact backpack I used throughout my childhood, and it brought back happy memories. I had the red version, and my sister had the yellow one. They were from Italy and from an unknown brand to all of my Canadian friends. Invicta. That was a cool Italian brand back in the day (and now, too), and my backpack (the one you see here!) was The Best! The pockets were perfectly placed and functional, and the drawstring for the interior opening made sure all of my supplies stayed in place. Also, I loved (loooooved) the top flap’s plastic closures. I thought they were so unique. Our Invicta backpacks are still at my parents’ house, so I see them every time I open a closet. And now, this model – the exact model from the 80s – is available for purchase once again. How very cool.
Am I the only one with fond memories of a childhood backpack? I have similar memories of pencil cases, too. Who is with me on this?
I know many people are stressing the importance of shopping local this holiday season, and I’m eager, too, to share news of some of my favourite gift shops in the Waterloo region. (I’m sharing a few outside the region’s boundaries, too, because I want to.) So here we go…
Home
In the home category, I suggest the following shops:
Clothes & Jewelry
In the clothing and jewelry categories, I suggest the following shops:
Miscellaneous
And here are a few more shops that offer items beyond home and fashion:
A few weeks ago, I wondered how much was too much to spend on chic candles? Now I’m curious to know what you think of these costly hand soaps. Do you spend the money? Why or why not?
I buy most of my hand soaps from HomeSense or Shoppers Drug Mart for under $10.
These candles are chic, but they’re also ridiculously costly. How much is too much to spend on a candle?
Do I need a bread box? No. Do I want a bread box? Now I do.
Has anyone’s book collection grown over the past six months? I placed several book orders since March since the library was closed, so now I have books piled in all sorts of places. Now that I need to get my office back-to-school ready, it’s time to get my books organized, too. All this to say, today’s post is all about pretty bookends!
Isn’t this hand-crafted, beaded collection so beautiful?
Each piece is hand made in Rwanda, so no two pieces are alike.
Distanced backyard and porch gatherings and road trips seem to be the way of life this summer for many of us who want to stay in touch with friends and explore our surroundings while respecting the safety guidelines in the COVID-19 era. As such, I’ve observed the effectiveness of travel mugs more than ever before. People can travel with their own tumblers so as to minimize the contact between people and the necessity of constantly sanitizing dinnerware.
If you’re looking to add to your travel tumbler collection for hot or cold drinks, here’s a selection that might suit your interests. Many of these options come in many colours, too, so each member of your family can have their own cup on the go!
In the COVID-19 era, I haven’t been hosting dinner parties as I have in the pre-COVID-19 era. I have, however, been visiting with family and friends in my backyard for very low-key social time. I serve a few drinks and snacks (always trying to minimize shared items) alongside an endless supply of Lysol wipes. The outdoor entertaining has made me consider investing in a melamine dinnerware set. I haven’t found a set that I absolutely love, but these are contenders.
Once stock gets replenished in stores like HomeSense, I’ll have a look at options there, too. I would prefer to see the quality of the dinnerware set in person before I purchase it.
What do you think? Do you dine outside with outdoor-friendly dinnerware or do you use your everyday dishes?
Just look at this vintage Jaguar. It’s so luxe and sleek!
Here’s one for sale for $139,500.
It’s such a beautiful car!
I think the Overcast table lamp by Vancouver designer Calen Knauf is pretty cool.
I also like this credenza and bench also by Calen Knauf.
I have always liked Valentine’s Day. As a child or as an adult, whether I’ve been single or in a relationships, I’ve liked February 14th. Why not take a day to spread love as far as you can? Why not take a break from the dreary February weather to eat a chocolate (or several)? Seems like a good idea to me!
When my mom had her flower shop, I used to work with her on February 14th, and I packed countless boxes of roses and flowers over the years. We heard all sorts of stories of love. We saw teenagers come in to buy a single stem for their sweethearts, we helped husbands pick out bouquets of flowers for their wives, and we chatted with little kids who wanted to pick out a special treat for their moms. Love was all around! And I always got flowers of my own at the end of the day!
So this week, let’s spread some love! Stay tuned to a full week of Valentine’s posts!
I want those heart eyeglasses, but my prescription is too strong!
It’s love month, which means I have a few posts in the works related to all things lovely! First up is this collection of lips. Pucker up!
The AnZa White is such a sleek espresso machine. It’s made of Corian, brass, and wood.
Note: I spotted this on Swiss Miss earlier this week.
After seeing this beehive milk glass pendant, I went down a milk glass rabbit hole. Luckily, I found so many pretty milk glass lighting options to share with you this morning!
If you love stripes, you might consider investing in these two pieces.
About a month ago, I received the CHI steam iron. You might recognize the CHI name from the CHI ceramic flat irons. It’s the same company and the same technology for both the steam irons (for clothing) and flat irons (for hair). Interesting, right? You could imagine how excited I was to test out this iron!
While I know ironing is on the “most hated chore” list of many readers, it’s not in my house. I don’t mind ironing, and I am satisfied when I see wrinkles disappear. I also find the chore quite meditative.
As many of you know, I wear many “must-iron” clothes. Between my white shirts and my dresses, my ironing pile each week is quite high. Add a tablecloth or two, and the pile grows even more quickly! Considering this, I need a powerful and efficient iron. After a month of using the CHI steam iron, I can say that this machine lives up to my expectations.
Here are some things that I really like about the CHI steam iron.
1.It’s fast. Watch the short video below to see how quickly wrinkles disappeared from my white shirt.
2. The control button. At the press of a button, I can change the setting from linen to cotton to synthetic (and more). It’s so handy to have this button at the top of the handle, so I don’t have to put down the iron if I need to switch things up. The off button is also handy.
3. Here are the specs that make the iron work efficiently: titanium-infused ceramic soleplate, electronic controls, over 300 steam holes, and 1700 watts.
4. The CHI steam iron heats up fast. It also beeps once the setting is ready for use. I definitely appreciate this precision.
5. It’s gold. I know I shouldn’t base a machine on its colour, but I do. If I’m going to spend an hour (or more!) ironing each week, I’d like to use a machine that is aesthetically pleasing. This one fits my expectations.
Learn more about the CHI steam iron.
Note: I received a CHI steam iron for review. All opinions are my own.
Every few months, I seem to get on a starry kick. Last January, for example, I wrote this post featuring a ton of star-printed items that caught my attention. I’m seeing stars again in the marketplace now, and I’m loving them.
I recently bought these Aerie leggings and tights because I couldn’t resist the stars
Last week, Daniela shared an amazing all-Canadian gift guide with us. She’s back this week with a collection of thoughtful gifts under $30 (Canadian).
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Hi White Cabana readers! Today I’m bringing you a list of items that are under $30. These gifts are great for family, friends, colleagues, teachers, kids, and secret Santas!
As we enter the last few weeks of the holiday season, I hope this gift guide will help you to cross more gifts off your list.
I’m wishing you and yours all the best! Happy holidays and happy, healthy 2020!
Happy Shopping!
Daniela
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I know blogger gift guides can get overwhelming and repetitive, but I promise you that this gift guide that Daniela put together for us is inspiring! Truly! Daniela was guided by the theme of “shop local” so the list includes only items that are Canadian. There’s a gift for everyone on your list.
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Hello White Cabana readers!
I hope you are enjoying the many celebrations that surround us during the holiday season. And of course that you’re taking some time to pause and reflect in front of a Christmas tree with a cup of warm cocoa.
I am taking a bit of a turn with my gift guides this year and wanted to challenge our Canadian readers to support local shops this year or at the very least to learn about some amazing Canadian companies.
Many of the companies I have featured here manufacture, design, and produce their items all in Canada (and, yes, a few do outsource some of the steps). You will see the return of some of my favorite brands and some new ones I have stumbled upon this past year. Happy holidays and happy shopping!
Quebec-based La Grande Gourmandise offers beautiful gift baskets most of which are curated products from Quebec or elsewhere in Canada. With the purchase of any of their gift boxes/baskets a portion is redirected to a fundraising initiative called Youth Fund for School Perseverance.
I am featuring La Grande Gourmandise’s Big Hug box mostly because I like the name, but all their baskets are beautiful, so any item will be perfect for your recipients! The company ships anywhere in Canada and the USA.
This next company carries everything from beds to wooden toys, teepees, baby and toddler toys and so much more. I stumbled upon Coco Village when I was looking for a low-to-the-floor bed when my first child was transitioning to a big girl bed. I love all of their designs and products, but my favorite bed is the teepee bed white top. If anyone has a child who is about to transition to a big kid bed, why not give it to him or her for Christmas? I highly recommend this one!
Have you ever thought of giving “labels” to someone for Christmas? Mabel’s Labels is a Canadian company that distributes labels. I know labels may be an unusual gift item, but if you have anyone on your list that goes to elementary school or daycare/nursery school or is active in sports/extra curricular activities, you can pick out some fun labels for them. Mabel’s Labels also has great personalized gifts, which are perfect for grandparents, aunts, and uncles.
Although most of Roots‘s products are now manufactured outside of Canada their leather line is exclusively handcrafted in Toronto. The quality of their handbags, leather accessories weekenders, etc. is exceptional. New to their leather handbag collection is the Victoria tote, which is available in a number of colors.
Love Powered littles, femme, and teen box sets provide daily affirmations that keep you focused on positivity. These boxes are great gifts for anyone in your life. Parents can start the little affirmations as early as birth and keep them going throughout their children’s lives. A positive daily affirmation will create the right energy and the right attitude as you encounter life’s challenges.
I absolutely love Arc’teryx‘s Osanna coat in Morganite. It is a perfect everyday winter coat for our cold winters. Arc’teryx’s line is made in British Columbia, and so many products are worth your look. I have put a few of my favourite items below.
Canadian based Mytagalongs has amazing travel accessories and tons of other stuff mainly geared towards woman. I love this mini backpack and the chargeable ear buds case. This would make a great gift for the teen on your list
Smash Tess has expanded its romper collection to include even more styles and colour options. The rompers feel soft and silky going on, and you never want to take them off! With matching romper options for kids, you can twin with your mini me
Next up is another favorite brand of mine. It’s Vancouver-based Brunette the Label. The quality of this sweatshirt line is unbelievable, and I assure you will last for a long time. Have someone on your list who likes a more laid back New Year’s Eve? Then why not gift them this sweatshirt that has a little bling?
You could continue to support local businesses by purchasing this sweatshirt at Tiny Trendsetter (which offers delivery across Canada).
Rocky Mountain Barber has some great gift sets for men. Whether men are sporting the very trendy beard or just need an amazing Canadian product for everyday shaving, Rocky Mountain Barber has a perfect gift set for them.
Drake General Store is a great all around Canadian store where you are sure to find a gift at your ideal price point. Many products are made by Canadian artists. Here is a T-shirt great for a true patriot.
Lastly I am featuring Canadian jewellery company Birks that definitely has a number of perfect gift items for someone you love. This white gold heart necklace is so pretty!
Happy shopping!
Daniela
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You did it once again, Daniela! You introduced me to more Canadian brands like Mytagalongs, and you’ve reminded me of some of your favourites like Rocky Mountain Barber and Smash + Tess! Thank you for sharing this guide with us today!
Snowy weather, the Christmas season, and minimal sunlight makes for the ideal time to bring out the candles.
Wills and Prior generously offered this candle holder from Easy City Candles as a gift with purchase during a holiday shopping event, and I have since added a red taper candle to it. It’s a lovely design.
East City Candles makes beautiful beeswax and soy candles as well as sleek tapers. A scattering of these pinecone candles would make for a beautiful table centrepiece.
Do you have your Christmas tree up already? I’m hoping to get mine this weekend, and every year, unpacking all of my ornaments is one of my favourite times of the Christmas season. My tree is full of ornaments from all of my travels, so each piece brings back happy memories of my adventures abroad. (See a glimpse of it at #WhiteCabanaChristmas.)
If you’re looking to add to your ornament collection or pick up a perfect gift for a friend, read on! I have gathered ornaments around five themes.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
It’s less than a month until Christmas (and almost December 1st), which means I can start writing about it on White Cabana. Right? I have been in the Christmas mood since I went to Christmas in Bayfield recently, then saw the Christmas market in Stratford last weekend. The Waterloo Park Festival of Lights opens this weekend, and next week is Christkindl in Kitchener.
I’ve noticed a few people wearing Christmas earrings already, so I thought I’d have a look around online to see what is available if holiday earrings are on your shopping list.
Many thanks to my friend Mary C. for inspiring this post. I was smitten with her gift bow earrings when we saw each other at Christmas in Bayfield!
These two carton pendants made me look.
Do you ever find yourself scrolling through 1stDibs and drooling over all the incredible, innovative, unique designs of years past? Yes? Great! I’m not alone. Recently, I was scrolling through the chairs, and I rounded up nine beautiful pieces. These are pricey, let me warn you. But they’re also not any chairs you’ll be finding at Ikea or CB2. These are investment pieces and works of art.
What do you think of these nine chairs? Is there one that you’d buy if money wasn’t an issue? I’d take the Alvar Aalto (bottom right) without hesitation!
Fringe continues to be a hot trend in home decor, so here are two pieces that could add some fun texture to your home.
The Monday after a time change can be a little tough, so I thought we could start Monday off on a luxe note by looking at some vintage Chanel handbags. Great idea, yes?
Chanel tweed mini, Chanel handle bag, Chanel quilt flap bag, Chanel Deauville tote, Chanel shoulder bag, Chanel jumbo caviar bag, Chanel frame top bag, Chanel quilted messenger bag, Chanel satin mini camera bag,
Daniela was here recently sharing a list of sweet, pink gifts for children. She’s back today with a beautiful collection of items for you and your home (or gifts for others, of course).
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Hello White Cabana readers! Here is my second pink shopping guide for #WhiteCabanaWearsPink. This post is full of fun items that you can use to decorate your home, to wear, to treat yourself, or to buy for someone else.
Have fun shopping!
Have you seen the variety of small appliances by SMEG that have popped up in the marketplace recently? I love all the colours and the retro vibe of SMEG’s collection. If someone you know loves pink, how about treating them to a nice SMEG Toaster as a house warming/Christmas/birthday gift?
This beautiful casserole dish makes a wonderful gift for a housewarming gift or for someone who loves to cook.
Want to add the very trendy blush colour to your living room or reading area at home? This throw is subtle, cute, and super cozy.
Or you can update your pillows by adding a pop of pink with these great covers.
Do you know someone who has just been diagnosed with or been treated for breast cancer? Or maybe because you know that 1 in 4 Canadian woman are at risk for breast cancer makes you want to wear an awareness pin like this one. Either way, this is a great pin and product that helps raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research.
By now you must have seen a Sentaler coat online or in stores. Many Toronto socialites and British royalty have been seen wearing this Canadian brand. This coat has been nicknamed the “Kate” as Duchess Kate has worn it. This coat can be dressed up or down as it is a timeless design in a beautiful shade of pink.
Here’s a great dress from a favourite store of mine that can be worn dressed up or down
With the unpredictable Canadian fall weather we experience, this packable jacket is a great in-between-season jacket because it can fit into your purse, it is cute, and it keeps you warm up to -5.
There’s nothing like a perfect fit Greta Constantine dress in a beautiful magenta to get you holiday-ready! This dress is also great for weddings or a New Year’s Eve party!
I hope you enjoyed my pink gift guides in honour of breast cancer awareness month.
Until next time, happy shopping!
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I love that Daniela included the Dansk casserole dish. It’s a classic style from Dansk and the lid is also used as a trivet. I have a larger version that’s great for making pasta and pasta sauce!
If you have read White Cabana for a while, then you know I’m a super fan of Alessi. I adore the products from this Italian brand, and my personal collection makes me so happy. My pieces are on display in my curio cabinet, but I use them regularly, and each piece is special to me because of when I bought it or who gave it to me.
I have written about Alessi several times over the years, but I haven’t in while, so today is the day to showcase some of the pieces that are holding my attention.
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!
You can’t get a more magical gift than unicorns, rainbows, and snow globes.
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!
For the girly girl who also loves to run around, consider this two-piece outfit. It’s playful and fun!
Designer diva girls in your life will stand out in these fancy Moschino shoes
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.
Ralph Lauren is one of my favourite brands for kids. The pieces are always classic and so well made.
When budget isn’t an issue, this fabulous Gucci number is, well, perfect!
And while you’re at it, grab these trendy sneakers!
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.
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!
I have written about coffee quite a bit over the years of White Cabana’s history. I love coffee. The taste. The ritual. The variety. Love it all! I have been on a drip coffee kick for at least 6 months now, and my Cuisinart is working well! But I still like looking out for other interesting coffee making concepts, prototypes, and products.
I like them all, but I really love the concept from Yu Huiyang. It combines architecture and coffee – two of my favourite things!
Have a great weekend, everyone. Happy Thanksgiving to my Canadian readers!
