If only....

...there was $3,500 waiting to be spent on lighting in my wallet.

{pelle lighting via}

HomeGoods. No, HomeGreats.

We Canadians have a tendency to complain mention how shopping is always better in the US. Well, I have to say that after two trips to my local Toronto HomeGoods store in the last month, I really have to disagree! I am shocked at the affordable furniture and accessories they have for my eyes to feast on and have not been disappointed at all, not even a bit. For some economical furnishings, I am coming back to this place. I can't say what the quality is like, but for the prices, HomeGoods is worth a try.

I believe this had a $600 price tag...solid, heavy wood people!

I know these chairs were only $200 each because I would have two for the ends of my dining table if I had my house by now...

Loved this for our cottage, maybe it will come home soon. Can't remember price but think it was around $300...

Yes! If I had my office, this would be delightful. It was $500...

ps - the table, not the ottomans :)

A fun little mirrored chest...

These Wegner wishbone stool knock-offs were $96 each!

And the only thing that actually came home with me from this list, a pair of wire farm baskets. Ah hem - $12 each!

I also picked up an adorable little glass and steel terrarium greenhouse thing that I love but didn't take a photo. I will show it off when my bedroom is finished at the cottage. We also loved this raw-edged shower curtain for one cottage bathroom, displayed so beautifully by my daughter for my mum via text.

Target + Missoni

I just read about Target's next designer collection with Missoni and almost fainted. Wow. I need a little Italian jewel-toned joy in my home accessories collection, and thus I've already started planning a short road trip to our friendly southern neighbour in mid-September. 

{via Missoni}

Cannot wait to see the home-wares, of course, but I'm also hoping to find something to add to my closet (and its lonely Missoni scarf). Coming to Target September 13, 2011.

living in a treasure trove

We are currently squatting at my in-laws while we permanently settle into the city and find a house to buy. While helping execute a small purge of the garage and basement, I rescued a few items from the yard sale box. One man's garbage, another man's treasure right?!

I saved a few adorable vintage bottles/beakers and a glass apothecary jar, a handful of really old books (I'm talking 1800's) and my favourite, a pair of vintage silver pineapples...

I can't wait to use them to style my future home but the best part is that they are actually an old lighter and cigarette holder. So darn cute! Pineapples are also signs of hospitality, so they are great to display in a public area of your home. Can't wait to see what else is hiding down in that basement...

Have a super weekend! x

seasonal sizzle {for the home}

This past week I stumbled on a few amazing finds for our summer homes. It's too bad I can't afford to buy all of them. How hot would these look in our yards, during a fantastic bbq with friends?!

I love this new Barbara Barry birdbath so much that I've already been concocting a plan for how to DIY it - the $3,200 price tag is a tad out of my doable range.

{Barbara Barry's Bowmont birdbath by McGuire}

I just purchased a full set of these Iittala bowls, along with the small plates and larger platters. Originally designed and sold from 1964-1988, Iittala just reintroduced them this year. I absolutely love them and am excited to mix them with my casual and formal china sets. They add some much desired sparkle and texture to my white table settings!

{Iittala Dewdrop bowl}

And to help get our delicious bbq'd food into our mouths, we will all need this stunning bronze flatware, AND cheerful steak knives, available at Anthropologie. These alone will make any table fabulous and memorable.

{Bronze Age Flatware & Laguiole Steak Knives, Anthropologie}

Welcome to Fun

{via}

I just LOVE how this large, convex mirror adds a perfect dose of fun and whimsy to the otherwise clean and simple entry space. My daughter - ok, and myself! - would enjoy "moonwalking" in this thing!  

ELTE's Second Life Rugs

I know I can count on one hand the number of people who visit this blog right now, but either way I'm sorry I've been MIA! I just got back from a quick trip to Denver to co-host a bridal shower. It was super busy before I left, but all the work was paid off! We had a wonderful weekend and I think the bride enjoyed herself, which is most important!

On to something from the design world...ELTE's "second life" rugs! These old 100% wool rugs were treated with gorgeous saturated dyes and now will easily steal the show in the right modern or eclectic space. Imagine how darling they would be in a child's bedroom! 

Old and frumpy no more - these are new, cheery and FABULOUS!

The BIG 3-0

The BIG 3-0 happened a week ago! I've never been one to care about age, but I have to admit that the day I turned 30 I actually did feel a bit anxious. You turn 20 and while it's a huge decade for growing up, no one really expects you to get your act together and stop having way too much fun with your friends. Well, I hit 30 and suddenly felt like I had to mature, and FAST! By the end of this decade I feel like I'm expected to be fully responsible, doing well financially, chasing a few kiddies around, and only be adorned in fancy, grown-up clothes - this last part especially daunting as I currently live in leggings. :)

On to the fun stuff! I had a Christmas and birthday list which was long, and I never thought would be completed. BUT I was very spoiled this year and pretty much got everything my heart desired, and more. Here are the things I received from my parents, in-laws and hubby which I think are classic, well designed products and will no doubt help lead me into the next, mature sophisticated, phase of my life...

1. Hunter rain boots in Aubergine 

I have wanted these forever but it doesn't really rain where I live so I couldn't justify them until now. A slightly frivolous item but you need one of those for your 30th! I am loving the deep purple because it looks black from a distance but is a little more unique. This colour also goes with everything - black, grey, green, brown, khaki, you name it.

2. Marc by Marc Jacobs Suki watch

Another item I've wanted for some time. I love the gold and the shape can go either casual or dressy, perfect for work or play. Now I'll just have to save my pennies for a stainless & rose gold watch, those are new on my radar.

3. Missoni scarf

Love the classic Missoni flame/zig zag. It will easily turn a plain work outfit into something fabulous, and the colour combination is amazing.

4. Le Creuset oval oven

This enameled cast iron oven cooks so well, I'm not sure how I've ever lived without it. The white (Dune) colour looks great with my two sets of dishes and serving pieces, and it doesn't compete visually with the delicious food inside. I've already made a hunk of beef tenderloin and chunky stew in this and it is worth every dollar!

I'm nine days into my 30s, and so far, life is good!