The Friday Five: Outdoor Showers

Before we all head off to enjoy the weekend I thought I would end the week with some gorgeous outdoor spaces. They all have one major thing in common – a shower!

Illico Design via Desire to Inspire

Marie Claire Maison via Oceania Island Living

via Remodelista

via Country Home

via House & Home

What do you think? Would you make use of an outdoor shower? Perhaps you already have one at your home or cottage. Do tell!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Garden: Urban Barn Plant Pots

I mentioned on Twitter a little while ago that I was trying to grow herbs (from seeds) for the very first time. While I ended up killing a lot of the small plants when I tried to transplant them (I thought I was doing them a favour by spreading them out), a few of them actually survived and are slowly growing. While I don’t have enough basil to make pesto and if I break off some parsley for garnish I’d have nothing left, I’m excited to have even just a teeny tiny bit of fresh herbs on my balcony.

But that’s not all! I have also decided to grow tomato plants. I know, I know. Who grows tomatoes on a balcony? Well, I thought I’d give it a try and even though I have yet to see even a smidgen of cherry red, the bit of greenery compliments my herbs quite nicely.

And lucky me – Urban Barn recently sent over some amazing white plant pots (en français) to support my cause! Bye bye terracotta, hello white!

my small-but-mighty tomato plants – in Urban Barn’s Le Jardinier pot

Gloxina plant (I think) – in Urban Barn’s Le Jardinier plant pot

There is much more to the Le Jardinier (which means gardener, by the way) collection than the two pots in the photos above. I’ll soon be transferring my herbs into some of the ones below and hopefully they’ll have a growth spurt soon!

Le Jardinier Planter – small : $12.00, large: $22.00

Le Jardinier Handle Pot – small: $7.00, large: $14.00


Le Jardinier Handle Pot – set of 3: $12.00

Photos by Jordana and courtesy of Urban Barn. Many thanks to Robbyn W. for arranging to have these pots sent my way.

Note: If you would like tips on growing herbs indoors, read this article by Sharalee on Chatelaine.com.

Whited eyed

All the excitement yesterday about the traverse of Venus across the sun has got me thinking about protective eyewear.

For me, wearing prescription sunglasses has improved my enjoyment of the outdoors a millionfold. And I love the sunshine- but being rather unable to wear contact lenses, and being sensitive to light in general, prescription sunglasses have changed my life.

Are you thinking about getting a new pair of sunglasses this summer? I am. And the white frames do make for a very striking look, don’t they?

Neff’s Spectra sunglasses in matte white finish, $25 at Neff

Michael Kors retro Griffin sunglasses, $115 at Nordstom

Miu Miu white sunglassses, about $350 at House of Fraser