Category — Products We Love

Mid Century Madness

Mad Men Season 6 premiered last night…did you tune in? I sure did! It was interesting to see the shift in styles, wasn’t it? Longer sideburns, ripped jeans, scruffy beards…must’ve been quite the jolt to society back then. But I must say, there’s something to be said for polished up-do’s and sleek suits. Every time I watch Mad Men, I can’t help but wish I put a wee bit, ok, a lot more effort into my appearance each day. But then, I wake up and happily slip on my jeans and worn in leather boots and can’t imagine wearing heels and party dresses to work or to the kids’ school. Here are just a few of my fave mid century looks…

Mad Men

Handz

Mad Men

Cast & Crew

Mad Men

Rock the Custard Prints

Mad Men

Leigh’s Art

TeamArt

What did you think about the big premiere? I enjoyed it but it did feel like there was a lot to catch up on after such a long break. I can’t wait to see how the rest of the season unravels…have a great Monday!

April 8, 2013   5 Comments

Digging into Spring with Ikea 2013

Despite the fact that it snowed for a few moments here on Wednesday morning (seriously!), can we just call it Spring already? I mean, we’re all more than ready for the brighter months ahead and the stores are full of juicy coloured cropped jeans and dresses so let’s just put our sunglasses on and pretend it’s warm outside, moving on past this dreary winter, shall we? Ikea‘s Spring look-book is the perfect place to start, as I think you’ll agree. They’ve got everything from neutral basics to bright pops of colour for your window sill, patio or backyard space…which would you choose?

All images provided by Ikea

My gardening skills are pretty basic and so are my tastes when it comes to potted plants and garden styles. Terra cotta pots, white crockery and loads of fresh herbs are staples on my front porch and back deck so the latest looks from Ikea were right up my alley. I just love this hanging rope swing turned potting shelf, don’t you? And I also love the way that the styling team has incorporated everyday items into the mix like using glass vases as mini greenhouses and dishes as planters. But outdoor spaces are also a great excuse to experiment with colour. I’m thinking of adding some bright hits of yellow this year, how about you?

All images provided by Ikea

This sill-sized greenhouse is pretty fantastic and would be so perfect in a kitchen window or any sunny spot really. With all of the fresh greenery and sunlight in these images, I can almost shake the chill in the air…almost! Cheers to positive thinking and to the weekend…have a great one!

 

February 22, 2013   6 Comments

West Elm Market

I’ve got a number of Christmas gifts that still need to be checked off of my list so I am extremely excited about the new West Elm Market opening in Vancouver next week! Located on South Granville, within walking distance of West Elm (you may remember my visit to the grand opening several months ago), the new West Elm Market will carry a collection of functional household goods for the Kitchen and Garden, Care & Repair and Personal Care.

“Following the opening of our West Elm store in September we knew Granville Street was the right neighbourhood for the first West Elm Market in Canada,” said Jim Brett, President of West Elm. “The Market store is designed to be a place to gather and learn, with the idea of sharing and connecting with the community.” 

Here are just a few products that I’d love to see under the tree…although the Smeg fridge might be a tight squeeze!

In addition to a cafe run by La Combe Torrefaction coffee roasters, there will be a communal table in the centre of the store which will host a variety of classes and community events…sounds like my kind of store ;) I’ll be packing my camera so will be sure to share pics when I get a sneak peek on Wednesday. West Elm Market Vancouver will be open to the public on Thursday, December 20th. Have a great weekend!

December 14, 2012   9 Comments

Festive Inspiration from Toast

So I finally jumped in and bought my first batch of Christmas presents last night…off to a good start! Since we’re in full holiday mode at the shop, I haven’t even thought about decorating at home yet but we choose a fresh tree each year so usually wait until the first weekend in December so I’ve got a wee bit of time left. I love Christmas but have been mildly worried that getting festive so early in November might dull the excitement closer to the holidays. After browsing through Toast UK’s look-book though, I don’t think I need to worry…loving all of their understated Christmas inspiration! Come take a look…

Toast 

Toast 

Toast 

Toast 

The next couple of days are going to be super busy and I’m ever so thankful for my support group once again! Spruce Collective‘s got an exciting feature coming up…I promise to share details as soon as I can…but we’ve got some hasty rearranging of the shop to do in the meantime. On a personal note, I hope I’ve never caused any disillusionment in regards to how I  juggle real life with my ambitious endeavours. I’ve had several versions of “You just seem to balance it all so well” directed my way lately and I can’t help but laugh (somewhat hysterically) and quickly correct them with the reality. So here it is: I have an extremely supportive husband who works a lot yet still picks up the slack on the home front, I have an amazing mom and sister who help me regularly with the kids (not to mention equally amazing friends who help fill in the gaps with school pick ups and play dates), I’ve stopped making my bed (sorry mom) and my house is not very clean these days (to put it mildly), my kids have had a few happy meals lately (gasp!), I stay up far too late every night trying to catch up (hence the dark circles) and I am sorely behind in conversing with extended family and dear friends (I haven’t forgotten about you). But these are not complaints by any means…I am love-love-loving every minute of this new adventure, I feel so lucky/blessed/privileged for this chance and feel endlessly inspired my creative new partners/friends. Did I mention that I would never do this whole store-ownership-thing alone? Because I couldn’t. I honestly don’t know how single-owners (let alone single moms!) do it. So I’m just rolling with it as best I know how…please don’t judge if you notice my unkempt eyebrows! Hope you’re ok with me keepin’ it real…wishing you all a marvellous Monday :)

November 19, 2012   5 Comments

Friday’s Faves

Hello again! Thanks for understanding my need for a wee break…definitely something I needed to take! Brad finally arrived home after being away for 11 days (phew!), just in time for the long weekend. The kids have a pro-D day today and are off for Remembrance Day on Monday as well so we’re all excited to settle in for some family time over the weekend. Things have been really busy at the shop and we’re officially decorated for Christmas! We had lots of fun but will definitely give ourselves a lot more time next year. Here’s a little sneak peek at a couple corners as well as a few favourite things found in a rare moment of free time this week…

The front window display at Spruce Collective

Yellow Owl Workshop for Schoolhouse Electric

The Marion House Book

Katie Stratton‘s loft on A Beautiful Mess

Home & Living

A nautical corner at Spruce Collective

 I apologize for my dark photos…the time change snuck up on me…but I’ll be sharing some brighter shots early next week. Have a wonderful Remembrance Day weekend and I’ll be back to chat on Tuesday :)

November 9, 2012   9 Comments