Lavender Hot Chocolate

Now that there is no denying the cold that has befallen us, I am open to trying new things in the world of hot chocolate. Because, well... I might just have to make this a few times to perfect it, right? My new obsession is Lavender Hot Chocolate. Mmmmm...

Go here for the recipe...

Today's French Lesson...

Internet issues yesterday. Sorry for the lack of post. So I thought I would throw up something quick, but seriously adorable. I hear all the time how fascinating (yet completely incomprehensible) the French language is to people south of the border :) so I thought I would share a little "lesson" with you today in the form of a sweet, wide eyed story about a "tremendously very bad mammoth" and a suicidal hippo. You don't have to understand a word, it's helpfully translated for you :)

I am off to make a bunch of goodies for the first slew of craft fairs and art shows of the Christmas season. I shall tote my camera and hopefully produce images worthy of your time tomorrow :)

Sunday Thoughts: The Call Of the Chickadee...

I recently took my two boys on a virtual tour of my childhood via Google Streetview. I was Facebook chatting away with a girl whom I have never met but who inspires me on a regular basis with her posts on everything from hazelnut butter-cream icing, to Kiss Me in the Park parties, to her latest published piece on fun wedding ideas. Anyhow, she seems worlds apart from my life, and yet not. She had noticed that my FB profile was updated to show where I grew up, and it turns out she grew up in the same neighbourhood. Well, she corrected, a smaller community quite close to that neighbourhood... and from there we had one of those "...really? Me too!" conversations where we realized that we had actually lived down the street from each other as teens (OK, I was a teen, she was probably a toddler). She said her house had been demolished in the development frenzy that has plagued the area over the last decade, and I had to laugh because the house that was built in its stead is one that my father (who now rents out the home I lived in) refers to as the bane of the neighbourhood because it has a tower with what looks like plaster bum reliefs around the top. It definitely stands out. Well, of course I had to then show my sons the house I was laughing about... which led to a cross-BC Streetview Tour of my life.

the "Bum House"

Crescent Parish

What is funny about having children, is that you find the same things coming out of your face as you heard when you were young. Except now instead of being without context, they make absolutely perfect sense and come with weighted meaning that you know is falling on deaf ears. I tried in vain to draw a visual picture of what "life was like" growing up in a beach town with tidal pools for playgrounds and knowing every single neighbour right up to the bakery six blocks away. I was immediately taken back to the world where my mother had already been informed of my daily excursions before I was even off my bike and walking through the door for dinner... and if I was in the bakery, she was most likely on the phone with "Carol" letting her know that she should remind me to pick up the bread as well as the fritter that I was after. They enjoyed the stories, but relating to them was a different thing entirely.

Crescent Beach had the best sunsets

Something happened though when we got to the view of the home I was a child in. It looks the same, nearly, although some moron went and stuccoed over the cedar siding that had covered the entire house and in my day the paved area in front was actually two massive cedars that were homes to bats and squirrels. At the end of the seventies, when my father built it (and I do mean that he built it, not that he had it built,) it was absolutely the best of the best, with beams running throughout that were pretty much entire trees... the brickwork was painstakingly done around the stove and oven... and I remember how proud he was of the marble countertops and the RED sink and dishwasher that my mother had asked for. Nothing makes me more proud than when I talk about that house and the attention to detail that he put into it. (Disclaimer: my children are, of course, exempt from this particular sentence.) I know he was not an easy man to live with, I inherited his bizarre need for perfection in the strangest places, but lack of interest in areas that most people find important. The first thing that that house means to me though, is that it was his way of expressing his love for his family. That house was everything he thought a father, the provider, was meant to be, and he tried as hard as he could to make it perfect. It ended up shaping much of who I am today, and I can trace back so many of my interests and values directly to things I learned both while it was being built, and also how we lived in it.

My (slightly altered) childhood home.

The second, and more important thing that that house meant to me, as beautiful as it was, was that it was truly a home. There was a feeling of lightness and security that came with being a child there. We had the beach out front and the most amazing forested hill in the back that was home to bald eagles, ringneck pheasants who nested right outside the back window, and a family of raccoons that would come down the hill whenever we had a barbeque. The house was literally built into the grade so when you looked out the back windows, you were nose to beak with the pheasants and stellar jays, and there was a dead tree at the top that I liked to think was the tower to some sort of fairy castle.

My sister and I shared a large room at the front of the house that had a bubble skylight big enough to sit in and feel like we were at the top of the world looking down on the teeny people on the road. When I was lucky enough to earn my own bedroom at the back of the house, I inherited a small triangle shaped window that let in the glow of the Christmas lights during winter months and when it snowed (which it used to do back then) the glow would be reflected throughout the room. What I loved most about my childhood was found in that bedroom. Spring and summer mornings would greet me with dappled sun filtering through the huge leaves of the many maples that would reach out from the hill and the most beautiful sound in the world (other than perhaps the laughter of children), the orchestra of the songbirds would be the first thing I heard every morning. To this day, the sound of the chickadees singing brings me a feeling of peace and serenity that I don't find anywhere else. It makes me ponder what kind of life I am giving to my own children and most importantly, how they see things vs how I, as an adult see them.

It could be argued that I had a certain degree of turmoil in my childhood. My mother was discovering her strength as a woman and didn't like the role of homemaker. My father, a traditionalist wanted her at home baking cookies and tending her brood. They didn't fight often, but looking back it is easy to see the tension that was found in daily life there. I was raised "properly". I took ballet, happily wore black patent shoes, and knew which fork was used for which dish, was best in my french classes and had very good grades as a child. I was polite and I knew right from wrong... and none of that seems to matter now. Of course I am a better person for it, I know that. My point is though, that the things we are teaching our children, the things that we deem important as adults, should of course be taught. Just don't expect those things to be the most important things in their lives and their thoughts. My boys suddenly tuned in when I started to talk about the leaves, and the birds, and making forts in the ravine. The tidal pools were far more interesting to them when it was the anemones we spoke about, not the importance of protecting natural spaces and how they just aren't the same anymore because of all the pollution yadda yadda...

The protection of natural spaces is so important to me because I spent my childhood immersed in them instead of watching TV. Detail is important to me because I was able to experience the end result of hard work and love of process. Etiquette is important to me because I experienced what it was like to attend the symphony in my black patent shoes and I got a feel for what it is like to be involved in a cultural event where rude is simply not involved, and polite was part of the whole. Of course my father would go into his spiel of "I don't want to see any blah blah blah" every single time. But once I had seen what was meant by it, he didn't have to repeat himself. Not often at least.

I was very lucky to have the childhood I had. I have been very lucky to live the life I have led. And the most important thing I think that I can now teach my boys in an age of such craziness is to just keep it all in perspective. Sometimes life is tough, but there is always something to be thankful for. I think it all boils down to stopping to smell the lilacs, dipping your toes into the tidal pools when you come across them... and of course, Zen-ing out to the chickadees.

This post is part of my involvement in a Blog-O-Sphere Think Tank... we all visit the same topic and post on it on the 20th of each month. Please visit the other participants blogs and spread the blog love in comments!

Andes Cruz: www.andescruz.wordpress.com
Beth Cyr: http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com/
Brad Severtson http://hammeringoutaliving.blogspot.com/
Kirsten Skiles http://www.kaskiles.com/
Kathleen Krucoff:   http://mysticalmythicalmetalwork.wordpress.com/
Wendy Kelly: http://www.wendykianakelly.com/
Natsuko Hanks: http://jewelrybynatsuko.blogspot.com/
Susan Moloney:  http://susarto.blogspot.com/
Pal Gooz: http://pmgart.blogspot.com/
Stephanie Clark: http://thethinkingsofacoldweathergirl.blogspot.com/
Shaun Young: http://shaunyoung.ca/

Covet Garden

I am having a happy moment. I love finding something I like that I haven't seen before :)

I was on the phone today with a good friend who, sadly, refuses to move back to what she sees as Hippietropolis. I keep assuring her that she is mistaken, and needs to come back to see what Nelson is really like, but alas, she won't budge. She is an uber talented landscaper/singer/songwriter/diva/crafter/decorator/cooker type person who is also mucho sweet and lovely. Today I asked her to send me a list of her favourite blogs because I am finding that I frequent the same blogs over and over. And the ones that I frequent have those same blogs on their blog roll. On the one hand, it means that they are all good blogs, but on the other, I want some fresh stuff to be inspired by. She was very excited by this new online mag she had found out of Toronto that had actually done stories on her friend and that friend's bridesmaid. She said their focus was to cover the lifestyles of real people. I looked it up, and it is most fabulous.


Covet Garden is a lifestyle magazine that covers the A to Z of the lives of "interesting people" from Toronto. I always think of Toronto people as slick (it might be because the ones I know personally are... well, slick in the best sense) and definitely interesting but not most people's reality. Fashion magazine people. MuchMusic personalities. "Oh that old thing..." four thousand dollar dress types. Toronto is fast paced, sparkley and intense... I am a Vancouver girl. We hone our mountain/ocean-laid-back-sipping-coffee-and-reading personalities. I was more than pleasantly surprised to find that Covet Garden is a brilliantly edited peek into the lives of people who are really and truly interesting, and real. The kind of people that you would want in your social circle. It makes you actually think about (not just lust after) the spaces, projects, and products featured. You get to see into the house, the backyard, the routine, the bookshelf, the iPod, and the medicine cabinet of these people. The concept and variety of content is pretty brilliant and comes complete with witty quotes and links galore. There are lists inspired by what this or that person does for a living, such as this spread (only partly shown) inspired by Paul, a graphic designer.


There are tutorials based on something that somebody in that household has actually made. And the photography is gorgeous! I love Tracy Schumate's work (House and Home, Style at Home and others).


While these spaces are unique and endearing, they are not, according to the publisher, styled by interior designers. The newer trend of handmade, organic feeling interiors that are put together piece by piece is portrayed beautifully in every issue because, well, that's what they are.


Sidebar: Noticing a definite trend towards knitted goods for the past while, and pondering working harder at it. Previously mentioned great friend got me into knitting a few years ago when we decided to singlehandedly (with the help of her roommate) revamp the image of knitting being for grandmas only. She knitted knickers and I made half a scarf. I have since made four scarves (full size ones) but never got further than that... a new hobby looming perhaps?


While some magazines, both on and off-line, seem to think that the lure is in providing content that keeps design at arm's length, there is a huge demographic that is looking for doable decor. It is not always budget constraints that create livable interiors. The "handmade movement" is seeing society, almost en masse, suddenly realize that there is a quality and artfulness that can only be acquired by sourcing outside the obvious and relying on craftspeople and markets to find the "right" pieces. The spaces in Covet Garden provide a look into homes that have embraced vintage, second-hand and DIY decor and showcases it beautifully. And the whimsical touches are the icing on a pretty delectable cake.


I have good feelings about the direction that this new online magazine world is taking. While keeping up the quality of photography and content, and being able to better integrate information and sources for products via unobtrusive linkage, the world of possibilities are just being explored and promise to be enticing down a near limitless road. Good things are taking root...

Tick Tock... Wood Clock

This is the most beautiful thing I have seen in a while.

Best New Designer

Many many (many) years ago my horrid stepsister introduced me to one of the most delightful girls I have had the pleasure of knowing. She and I instantly hit it off regardless of the fact that she is nearly ten years younger than I am (we both hated pink). I was in my twenties and it probably seemed to my sister's friends that I was all fabulous and exciting (and I had a car that drove them around, a lot...) but Jenn was one of the few that I actually found... well, not annoying. So not annoying in fact, that I tried really hard to take her to what I think was her first real concert (Coolio I believe, LOL) and I immediately became the hot topic at the next parents meeting with many of them insisting that I had to be a bad influence simply because I was not fifteen. If only they knew...


Anyhow, now that Jenn is all grown up she is showing me a thing or two about how to live life, and I am duly impressed. After finishing up at Ryerson and doing grand things in Toronto, she moved back to Vancouver, married one of the only men I would have approved of for her (possibly my brother being the only other) and had the most gorgeous wee baby girl you could imagine. She also has mastered the fine art of launching herself full force into the interior design industry. I understand that she has a great deal of experience with PR as that was her last gig on the other side of the country, but to be able to back it with the talent she is showing is pretty phenomenal. I imagine she gets tired of hearing how proud I am of her, she is the type that would roll her eyes, (also, it makes me sound old somehow... go figure) but she is like the little sister that I liked, and I am so happy that she turned out so wonderfully. I am going to take some credit for that.


I should also note (no, I don't forget) that she is not the only talent in this design duo. She has teamed up with her adorable friend Rachel to become A Good Chick To Know Design Consulting, and you can consult with them on everything from what dress to wear to a party to how to sell your house faster and for way above the asking price. Not too shabby, and I guarantee a lot of fun as well!


Jenn recently entered the BC's Best Young Designer Competition and while I had a post in the works on one of her recent home transformations, I had to scrap it for this suite, I am so blown away! I know from her other work that she has an intensely good eye for sourcing on Craigslist and thrift shops, as well as access to the amazing world of design that Vancouver has to offer. If you ever visit the city, be sure to budget for some of the best shopping you have seen for interiors! Apparently this entire space started with the orange lamp (can you spot it?) and it makes me think of how much fun we will have if I ever get my butt back to Vancouver and spend some time treasure hunting with this fine lass! I may have a few disgruntled people in my life who will tell you that I don't simply go on and on about somebody's talents just because they are a friend, but I will let you decide for yourself. Here is the entry for the Best Young Designer Challenge...





Unfortunately you cannot vote for this suite online (although you can visit the site for more pics and info,) you have to actually visit it at Morgan Crossing in South Surrey. There are six talented finalists who have contributed a suite. Each had a $10,000 budget to work the space so they had to be inspired, resourceful and creative. I imagine it is worth the trip if you can get out that way! Why not do something different this weekend?

Another Canadian Wonder

I am having fluttery feelings about this table. I adore it! But truth be told, the real excitement came to me when I read the interview with creator Gregory Kenny that Modern Karibou did recently. He described EXACTLY the dining table I want as his dream project! So my dream is his genius! Perhaps someday soon I shall have a home with the right space to put said table!


... and this I just love, so I had to add it. :)

OH! Canadaaaaa...

Truth be told, I am more than a bit miffed about the way Canadians are puffing up about the Olympics happening shortly in my original hometown of Vancouver. I am fairly political and as far as I am concerned, this is exactly the time to be standing up for people's rights, not rolling belly up for the sole benefit of catching some of the cheap swag being handed out by the big corps who are leading the whole procession. Don't get me wrong, I am 110% behind anyone who has been devoted enough to their passion to actually make it to the games, and am patriotic enough to care about the Canadians involved... unfortunately though, the past couple of years has meant a whole lot of bad news for anyone not on the upper class end of this bandwagon. Many have been removed from their homes, programs for the area have been pulled while gentrifying the area and a ridiculous amount of money that should have been going to health care and education has been earmarked and overspent for "getting the city and province ready" for said event. Supremely uncool in my book, and yet all of a sudden, in spite of all of this, most people seem to be suddenly catching Olympic fever and rah-rah-rah-ing along with the Coca-Cola anthem.

Having had that rant, some good is coming from the event whether in the form of arts grants such as Legacy Now and the APCD (which funded over 6 million dollars worth of theatre, music, arts and cultural organizations,) to set the stage for the games. There were many artists who were able to tap into the Legacy Now funding to produce merchandise to represent BC while the world comes to visit, and many companies will, I'm sure, be able to expand their networks and their customer bases if the are paying attention.

This week I am tracking down some of the Canadian talent you might want to look for if you are visiting for the Games and are not familiar with those of us North of the American border. Some of us don't define Canadiana as moose heads and antler chandeliers, although I suppose it is true enough that "rustic" has seen more than its share of the spotlight as of late. For today though, we will focus on a more modern approach :)

First off, I can't go further without mentioning a few publications that I know can be difficult to find if you are not in a big city in the rest of the world and might be worth a subscription. I can't truly relate them to Domino or Blueprint, as they are a little less graphicly hip and slightly more sophisticated, but for those of you who are on the desperate hunt for replacement rags for the former, let me introduce you to House and Home and Style at Home magazines. The quality of these magazines have yet to be found (by myself anyway) in most publications and although I loved both Domino and BP, I have always wondered why the photography, styling and substance of other mags didn't quite live up to magazines made by a much smaller publishing company. Maison et Demeure is the french adaptation of House and Home and while I am sure there is some crossover, there is also plenty of ID eye-candy from in and around Canada's french quarter.

Looolo is one of my favourite "comfy things" designers on the market. Based in Montreal, their cushions are just stunning and are something you most likely have seen posted about because they are just so nifty. They are very careful about their impact on the planet as well, which always gets major bonus points from me. They have a waffly blanket that is currently ranked way high on my list of items I am dreaming of...



Molo devises sculptural furniture that is brilliant fun. The design team is made up of architects whose forays into what you can do with kraft paper boggle the mind. They have pieces in MoMA to back up my accusation of genius. I covet their Float champagne and martini glasses.



Fluf Design out of Toronto creates soft products such as pillows, napkins, bags and the like with both a modern aesthetic and a commitment to sustainability. They also make available their textile prints as yardage to the trade, which is pretty brilliant.


Manor12 creates lovely pieces of furniture, pillows and lampshades with funky patterns and designs. I am trying to figure out where I could possibly fit this bench into my apartment...


Centrifuge is one of my favourite places to find accessories that work as tiny pieces of art around the home. Their salt and pepper sets are gorgeous and their crayola pack of modern mailboxes are a welcome walk in another direction for those who are just not happy having their mail contained in "typical" little lunchbox-like contraptions.




Ceramic and glass is brought to new dimensions with aj from Montreal. I adore their cylindrical vases but their mortar and pestle sets are what really had me hooked on them... as are many others in the blogosphere I have noticed. They make a nifty teapot as well... I can't find a web address for them, but they are available for purchase here at Modern Karibou.



Gus Design Group from Vancouver is represented everywhere so it is easy to track down their most fabulous pieces...




Holtzundmetal is also based out of Vancouver and mixes industrial and sleek into some of the most stunning modern designs on the market. I don't know why these guys have not received more attention...

... Up Where the Air is Clear

So today I casually brought up the idea of planning a treehouse for next year at my parents new property. I have always wanted to build a tree folly and I believe every child should grow up with one but until now we simply did not have a place to put one. While my boys would most likely be happy with a ladder and a platform (and a coat of turquoise paint as my six year old is intent on adding as much colour to the world as possible...) I have always come at a project with the "go big or go home" mentality.


A few years ago I became obsessed with the Duchess of Northumberland's tree castle at the Alnwick Gardens. The project was a collaboration with the Prince of Whales to create what was to become the largest public gardens in Europe and the creativity and talent that went into them is nothing less than astounding. I followed their progress until the website changed over to basic tourist information. Many of the photos were unfortunately removed, but if you are ever able to put this on the itinerary for an excursion, I believe it would be more than worthwhile!




Not so long ago, the spherical treehouses from Free Spirit Spheres that originated on Saltspring Island (a place I once lived) made the rounds on sites such as Inhabitat and other design oriented blogs.

These are funky... still not my style though.

But these! Now this is something I could spend a great deal of time in... hell, this is something I could throw a great deal of martini socials in! I'm sold. They are prefabricated in Germany and I may have to sell a kidney just to cover the shipping, but there are some things in life that you just have to sacrifice for...

Baumraum has created dwellings that sit amongst the treetops in countries all over Europe and as far as the U.S. and Brazil. Just a trip through the galleries on their site has me dreaming of what fantastic things can be done thinking outside, and in this case, waaaaaay above, the box.

What do you suppose the chances of hoisting a retrofitted Airstream into a tree are? Fabulous, me thinks.