Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Motorcycle Boots

I have been a huge fan of motorcycle boots for a while now. They are so versatile when it comes to matching with an outfit, and they keep your feet warm on a day where it is too warm to wear winter boots and too cool for skin-revealing shoes.

While sorting through my "swipe" file of various tear sheets I have saved over the years, I came across pages from an old issue of Glamour Magazine of a photoshoot where the model wore several different outfits all with a great pair of leather motorcycle boots. Her pair of boots were way out of my price range which prompted a search for something a bit more affordable. Check out results below!

[Spring, Aldo, The Frye Company, Kurt Geiger, Steve Madden, UGG Australia]

Monday, May 30, 2011

Roxy Kids Garage Sale - Great Finds

There is a tradition in Uxbridge now where every year the Roxy Kids In Action hold a garage sale at the end of May where they donate all the money raised to a charity chosen by the group. This year the kids chose the Uxbridge Scugog Animal Shelter as the recipient and with a record breaking amount raised, the sale couldn't have been more of a success.

There were a lot of great finds to be had - see some of my favourites below!

Friday, May 27, 2011

Father's Day Cards

I'm trying to get a head start on Father's Day this year since I usually get into June and then quickly realize how soon the day will come. If you are looking for a unique card for dad, check out these great options below!

[Doodle Love, Moxie Mavens, U Lucky Girl, Doodle Love, Man vs George Design]

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Unique Places to Visit - The Neon Boneyard, Las Vegas

We just recently bit the bullet and got satellite TV (just in time for hockey playoffs - Go Canucks Go!) and discovered a great show on A&E called Storage Wars. To those people who have been watching this for a while - I realize that I'm not the first person out there to be addicted to this show, but it truly is a scavenger's dream. 

To those who aren't familiar with the show, they auction off storage lockers where the renters have defaulted on payments. The bidders are only allowed to look in from the door opening, but not go inside and sometimes they strike it rich with great finds, while other times things don't work out so well. 

On one recent episode, one of the bidders ends of up with a storage locker from Vegas that has a small light-up sign. In order to verify the value of his find, he visits the Neon Boneyard (a.k.a The Neon Museum) located in where else but Las Vegas. This is where old neon come to rest long after they are replaced. They don't light up, but all the colours of these vintage signs make for an interesting montage. 

Visit their website for more info and this Flickr group for more great images or, if you find yourself in Vegas, drop in for a tour!

[Image Credit: Neon Museum]

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Local Biz Feature - Petite Chic

For our next Local Biz Feature we depart the world of food for the equally appealing world of fashion. Petite Chic (formerly Wild About Beads) owner (and mother of five daughters!), Nicole Vos has expanded the business in four short years to now include a full range of fashion products for kids of all ages, as well as moms and moms-to-be.

You can purchase Petite Chic items on the website or in select retail stores. They also specialize in custom products which usually make an appearance on their Facebook Page allowing others to see these works of art which is where they truly excel.

The stunning photography below by Charity Sampson Photography and Jennie Jones Photography showcase the collection perfectly. Let's just say I was very happy to see some not-so-petite models as well, since I know that despite how adorable these vintage-style headbands look on the little ones, I will be rocking a few myself!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Victoria Day Weekend

I randomly took some photos over the long weekend and when I sorted through my favourites, I realized that we spent a lot of time eating! Now it was delicious food, so no complaints here. The fiddlehead and edamame salad with feta cheese is from the most recent issue of Food and Drink Magazine from the LCBO while the soda bread recipe is from House & Home Magazine - May Issue.


Friday, May 20, 2011

Trends Taking Root - African Baskets

Let's face it, storage of any kind is useful. And if that storage can be nice to look at, then bonus! These colourful baskets featured in Canadian House & Home Magazine are just that. I saw them while reading the June issue and then happen to stray upon the store - Hollace Cluny - where they are from and got to see how lovely they are in person. In case bright colours don't suit your decor, check out the various options (of both colour and price) below.

[Hollace Cluny, Swahili African Modern, Amazon.ca, West Elm, Crate & Barrel]

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Snap + Tumble: Letterpress Goods

There is something about letterpress goods that is so appealing. I think it's the handmade look about it or the way it leaves a tactile feel to the paper. Either way I have always been fascinated by the process and would love to see how it works in person one day.

Snap + Tumble is a home-based letterpress operation, run by Tanya Roberts of Toronto, that goes beyond the norm using a wide range of materials and concepts. Stationary is just a small portion of the work Roberts creates.

The Letterpress Loot Bag features a mixture of things - perfect for someone like me who has a fascination with all things letterpress. This vibrant assortment of items not only acts as a portfolio, but also showcases the various options with this type of printing. Check out other work from Snap + Tumble below and on her website.

[Letterpress Loot Bag - Snap + Tumble]
















[Assortment of cards - Snap + Tumble]
















[Other examples of work - Snap + Tumble]

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Local Biz Feature - Cutie Patootie Cupcakes

Facebook can sometimes be a wonderful thing and if it weren't for the ability to see what your friends are commenting on (even if you have no idea who or what it is) then I wouldn't have stumbled upon the latest designs by Taryn Skinner of Cutie Patootie Cupcakes. Her cupcakes range from adorable creations for children's birthday parties, to gorgeous elaborate designs to suit any occasion. See a few of my favourite choices below but also check out her website and blog to see the ones that weren't included here plus new additions.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Shampoo & Conditioner Signs - Elemi Organic

It is always very exciting to see your own design work either printed in a publication or printed and in use in one form or the other. Back in November of last year I did a post about these signs I had designed for Elemi Organic via Sweet World Media. Since then I have been in to the store and every time I was there, I forgot to look for the signs! Finally I had my camera with my a couple weeks back to take photos of ideas for Mother's Day and I remembered to look for (and take a photo of) the signs! So here they are...

Monday, May 16, 2011

Trends Taking Root: Vintage Subway Signs

This trend is not brand new, but it is also not something that is fading away anytime fast. Vintage subway signs of all designs, shapes and sizes are cropping up everywhere from shelter magazines to your local furniture store. We first came across one being used as wall art in the book Creative Walls: How to display and enjoy your treasured collections by Geraldine James. Looking for where you can go to snap up one for yourself? Check out some options below!












































Friday, May 13, 2011

Eat Local - Specialty Diet Foods

Did you know that even if you have special dietary concerns such as being unable to eat wheat or gluten, or if you are lactose intolerant you can still enjoy delicious gourmet food?? Just in time for the weekend, two shops that are practically side-by-side, Baked at Frankies and The Passionate Cook, have you covered whether you are hosting a backyard BBQ or enjoying a romantic evening for two!

Lisa Hutchinson, of The Passionate Cook, explained to me that when she brought in her line of specialty cheeses, she discovered that people who are lactose intolerant can sometimes have cheese made from goat or sheep milk. Donna Van Veghel, of Baked at Frankies, who is used to catering to those with dietary issues with her wheat and gluten-free restaurant and bakery, was thrilled to find out that customers were purchasing their Sunshine Crisps and pairing them with cheese from The Passionate Cook!

Whether you are looking for a gluten/wheat and lactose free snack or just enjoy delicious gourmet food, check out this yummy combination from two great local businesses!

Thursday, May 12, 2011

The White T-Shirt: A wardrobe staple!

There are a few things I swear by when it comes to my clothes. They include scarves of all sizes, colours and levels of warmth, a good pair of short and long leggings, and white t-shirts. I own at least 8-10 white t-shirts - a mix of crew necks and v-necks - and each season I stock up on more and get rid of the ones that are looking tired.

A good white t-shirt is not only comfortable, but can be used to dress up or down an outfit. They can be inexpensive (or very expensive depending on your preference) and there aren't too many people who don't look good in white.

Here I have styled three ways you can wear a white t-shirt: under a light sweater, with a skirt and belt, and as a way to make a strapless dress a little more casual. My choice of tee right now comes from Montreal based Garage Clothing for the low price of $12.90 per shirt. They wash well and are incredibly soft!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Book Alert! My Heart Wanders by Pia Jane Bijkerk

I am a huge bookworm. This includes not only novels, but also beautiful picture books of all kinds. Lately I seem to be drawn to books with gorgeous photographs with one of my favourites being Sibella Court's Etc: Creating Beautiful Interiors with the Things You Love

The newest addition to my book list is My Heart Wanders. This new book (it's not available in Canada via Amazon until June 6th) by Pia Jane Bijkerk is about Pia's journey leaving Sydney Australia (where she called home) to live in Paris and Amsterdam.

[My Heart Wanders - book cover]

Pia is a photographer and stylist (as well as a blogger - check out her blog here) so not only did she design the imagery in the book, she photographed it as well!

[inside shots of My Heart Wanders]
See more excerpts from My Heart Wanders on Pia's website here.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

In my purse...

I always find it fascinating to see what other women carry in their purses. It is such a personal thing and can vary quite a lot depending on your day-to-day activities. I just recently down-sized my purse from what could have been mistaken for a small suitcase to the Village Bag from Roots and I love it!! Not only is it saving my back, but the pockets are so useful! I no longer spend ten minutes looking for my cell phone each time it rings. So this is what I carry in my purse although some of these things no longer fit, so they get carried alongside the purse occasionally.

PS: My USB drive isn't that cool, but this one seemed like a lot more fun to feature!

Star Wars USB - Staples, The Help - Blue Heron Books, FileMate Nail File - Sephora, Happy Tummy - Elemi Organic, Drawing Nature - Jill Bliss, Thymes Hand Cream - Presents, Presents, Presents

Mother's Day - Homemade Gift

Here is the project I chose for my mom, mother-in-law, and grandmas - the solar lights in a jar.


First pick up a couple of solar lights. Make sure you can easily remove the light and battery portion from the rest of the fixture (see below). These ones are from Canadian Tire for $3.99


Remove the light and battery from the rest of the fixture. Leave in the tab that keeps the battery from activating. You can put a little note in with the gift to explain how to activate it.


Take your jars and spray with the frosted spray paint. It dries completely in ten minutes (as per the can) so you can do this whole project within a day. Make sure the frosting is completely coated on the glass but make sure not to coat the lid (that is where the solar light will be glued and needs to be visible to the sun). 


Use a strong glue (I used Gorilla glue) to adhere the solar lights to the inside of the jar lids. I originally glued the top of the light around the solar panel, but the glue dries foggy and affected how well the light charged so glue it around the sides instead.


Make sure they can dry flat by propping something underneath.


Here are some taller ones I made for myself. They provide a fun glowing effect! This project was super easy and makes a great Mother's Day gift. Thanks to Free People Clothing Blog for posting this project!






Monday, May 9, 2011

Mother's Day Cards

Every year I try to make a unique card for each of the "moms" in my life, and usually they are things that come out of my own head but this year I had to incorporate this fun pop-up card flower found on YouTube via Mashable.com.

To understand the text on the front, you will have to see last year's card so here it is:




Here is the card for this year:



My photos are not great since I am trying to hold open the pop-up-card (which has a tendency to want to spring shut!) and try to take the photo at the same time. The flowers basically pop out of the card in what appears to be an intricate pattern of cutting and gluing but it isn't!! It was actually extremely easy and with very clear directions in the YouTube video on how to create the flower. 

Happy Mother's Day to all moms everywhere!



 

Friday, May 6, 2011

Mother's Day - Gifts from the Shops of Uxbridge (Part 2)

Check out the second part in our series of gifts for Mother's Day from the local shops of Uxbridge!

[Products available at Shabby Lane Interiors, Presents, Presents, Presents, Elemi Organic, Baked at Frankie's, and The Roxy Theatres of Uxbridge]

La Petite Fleur Mother's Day Ad

If you received your recent Cosmos newspaper in your mailbox, flip it over to the back and you will see a fun Mother's Day advertisement designed for La Petite Fleur by Take Root Creative. Heather of La Petite Fleur and I had fun developing this one!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Mother's Day Gifts - From the Shops of Uxbridge (Part 1)

Looking for a Mother's Day gift for that special lady in your life? Look no further than your local shops! Check out our favourites below. More to come tomorrow!

[Strawberry Threads, Presents, Presents, Presents, La Petite Fleur, The Passionate Cook's Essentials, Blue Heron Books]