Warmth

I want to be here. Now. *sigh*

images from Coastal Living

Barn House Marketplace

My love of shabby chic decoration has just returned.

Visit the all new online shop, Barn House Marketplace to sooth your inner country girl.

Shop, Blog, Contact

Granny Squares

Did you have a handmade granny square blanket as a child? I did. Actually I still have it. It's red and white, and my mom crocheted it while she was pregnant with me. My daughter now has it, along with a new one her great-grandmother made for her, which is also red and white. No, I'm not sure where my fascination with red and white is coming from, besides the fact that I'm Canadian.

image from Yvestown

Any-who, I've always wanted to learn how to crochet, and now that I have a daughter of my own, I thought it was time I learned how. What I didn't expect however, is how difficult it has been not only to start this HUGE project, but that I honestly can't decide on a colour scheme.

image from Yvestown

I've pulled together some blankets that I've sourced online that I like, and also this amazing tutorial on how to make it.

image from Sandra Juto

image from ArtMind etcetera

image from Montague

Does anyone have a favorite shop to buy their yarn? I just found KnitPicks, but not sure what their pricing is like comparable to my local craft centre. I find when I'm in my local shop however, I get so overwhelmed by all the types, that I end up walking out with nothing.

Now to decide on a colour scheme...hmmm.

Does anyone have any suggestions for me on types of wool to use, or a colour scheme? I could use the advice, as I know I won't be able to make a decision, then I'll procrastinate until I'm 40. :-) Help!

IDS 2010 Toronto

So, I missed IDS again this year, thanks to a killer chest infection topped with a head cold.



The good news is that there is oodles of online coverage on what I missed this year. And yes, I'm still kicking myself for it.

Both MocoLoco and Poppytalk have kicka## coverage.

Canadian Lifestyle blogger Kim Valee has also started posting her highlights of the show.








See you there next year!!!

Elding Oscarson Townhouse

Yummy. See more here.

all images from Elding Oscarson

Blog Envy ..... Lake Jane

Marie-Eve of the Canadian blog Lake Jane has taken the ultimate plunge. She quit her job and is spending the next several months travelling.





I AM SOOOOO JEALOUS!!!!!

Especially since she just landed in Marrakech, my ULTIMATE dream destination. Back in college I created a faux tour to Morocco as part of my final assignment for my Travel & Tourism diploma.

There is something about Morocco that calls to me, and I have no idea what it is. I feel like I have to go there one to find out.

You can read about her adventures here.




Marie-Eve, I envy you right now. Keep the photo's coming!


all images by Lake Jane

Flickr Group: Interior Styling

One of my goals this year is to practice the art of styling interiors. To help fuel my creativity and inspiration, i've joined a Flickr group entitled Interior Styling, founded by the lovely Holly of Decor8.

Here are some of my favorite photos from this awesome group!

photo by jasna.janekovic

photo by Trisha Brink Design

photo by MGS Fotografie

photo by lost and fawned

Lace Fence

Brilliant idea, and SO much prettier than the typical chain-link variety.

Lace Fence by Demakersvan

Indigo Ikats {from Les Indiennes}

This new fabric collection, 'Indigo Ikats' from Les Indiennes is making me think of spring.

I think I may start planning my dream bedroom. Blue and White is just so nice. Comforting. Cozy. Just what i'm looking for.

all photos from Les Indiennes

Illustration by Gosia

When I visited the Toronto One of A Kind show late last year, I was absolutely taken in by this wonderful talented artist, Gosia.

Her whimsical, dreamlike characters in her illustrations and sculptures make me want to live in them.

all images by Gosia

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BlogLove = My Scandinavian Retreat

You must visit my new favorite blog, My Scandinavian Retreat which I discovered via another new favorite blog of mine, Kitka Design Toronto.

TONS of eye candy, and great inspiration ideas for your home.

all images via My Scandinavian Retreat

Emma Lamb

New Year's resolution #258, MUST learn to crochet granny squares, circles, whatever so I can make stuff like this!

all images from Emma Lamb