A Rainbow for the New Year

"Somewhere over the rainbow,

skies are blue,

and the dreams that you dare to dream

really do come true"

~Lyman Frank Baum

May your New Year be full of promise, prosperity, and peace...

Rainbow at magnificent Clayoquot Sound on Vancouver Island...

Rainbow for the road ahead...

Image taken in Langley by John Gordon Photography

Wishing you all a blessed 2007, Terramia (:

Seeds de Chocolat

All things bright and beautiful and basking in chocolate... yummmmmy!

Chocolate Covered Sunflower Seeds from AT Design Group

Healthy and sinful all at the same time... bon-bon appétit!

Breathing Space

"Light be the earth upon you, lightly rest"
~ Euripides

Flickering lights brighten our path on Government Street in Victoria...

(image via gutsywomantravel)

Boom Boom

I love sharks.

I am utterly and completely fascinated by them.... and I have wondered for a long time why I have such an abnormal 'thing' with sharks. It is such a strong interest that I even refer to them in their scientific superorder of Selachimorpha (especially the most fearsome Great White Shark -- Carcharodon carcharias.... and the prehistoric mother of all sharks, the largest predatory fish to have ever lived -- the Carcharodon megalodon). I know, I know... that's a tad strange.



So, I have a theory about my enduring bittersweet obsession with these awesome creatures...

Back in the day in 1975, the Jaws blockbuster was splashing up a bloody storm at the box office (so to speak). So my mom, along with her brother and my dad, decided to go see it at the local theatre. Needless to say, she along with everyone else were scared out of their seats (literally). With her knees huddled close to her chest she watched the movie through spread fingers. The whole audience screamed at every suspenseful scene. She was terrified.

And she was pregnant with me...

Yes, I think that Steven Spielberg character somehow seriously affected me in the womb. To this day, every time I see Jaws, I still have to hide behind the couch, door, table, blanket, a heap of pillows, or any human body during those nail-biting scenes.

So.... selachophobia is the word for fear of sharks. But, I have both a fascinating and frightening fixation with sharks. I am glued to my television during Discovery Channel Shark Week. I am scared of deep dark water as I always picture something looking up at me from below. And I never dangle my legs or any other limbs over a boat, canoe, kayak, wharf, pool edge, or any other threshold to H2O. Never. And I refuse to lay on a yellow air mattress too.

But I love them toothy species. So here is a taste if you will of some sharkilicious stuff...

Caution Teething Shark Bib from Funny Baby Onesies



Bigger Boat Magnet from Uncle Cucuy's Wonder Emporium
That's a twenty footer!
Quint: Twenty five! And three tons of him!
Brody: You're gonna need a bigger boat, right?



Shark Switchplate Cover from Thejunglestore.com. Hmmm... scared of the dark? To leave the light on, or off?


Hooper Drives The Boat yellow T-Shirt from SlackerPlanet.net.

Quint: Hey Hooper? Maybe your a big yahoo on the land but out here you're just supercargo. If you don't want to backstroke home, you get down here!




Shark Golf Club Headcover from Top Notch Gift. Cover your fav club with a fuzzy great white. Hmmm... could be a new nickname? Pass me thy lucky Great White to feather er into 540 yard par five...


Shark Totes from UncommonGoods look look pretty fierce slung over your shoulder as you head er down to the beach...




Shark Button from Cafepress.com (alas my dark humour... tis not real!)



My Shark Ate My Homework Kids T-Shirt from Animal Outfitter. Good excuse... maybe if you are a mermaid or live in an aquarium.



From Hammacher Schlemmer... A full 2' long Remote Controlled Robotic Shark with a full-range of motion to replicate the smooth, sleek swimming of one of nature's most frightening predators.
"It is able to gracefully maneuver up, down, left, right, and even backwards through water, in depths up to 9'. The shark can swim up to 40' from its handheld remote unit which is also submersible, allowing you to swim with your shark." Uh, ok...




SOS as the swimmers distress signal? SOS as "sharks out searching"?
Actually it's a Save Our Sharks BBQ Apron from Save our Sharks



Shark Bite Bottle Opener from After Five. Uh, yikes! That's why I don't hang five...


Sharks Percale Bedding from The Company Store. All tucked in with sharks surrounding you in high thread count cotton as you try to doze off into dreamland...



Squishy Shark Stress Toy from Office Toy Store.
Squeeze ole Sharky to beat the blues...


Shark Shot Glass from Krittersinthemailbox.com. Has to be a blast of Blue Curacao. Isn't there a Shark Energy Drink out there?



Shark Pop-up Hamper from The Company Store... let your sharky roomate gobble up your dirty clothes.


Shark Bite Stapler from UncommonGoods. Ouch!



Great White Shark Bath Gift Set from WildlifeGifts.com. Rub a dub dub... three sharks in a tub...




Design Masters Rogue Blue Shark Sunglasses from Nature Pavilion
I don't know about you, but would you want sharks lurking ever so closely to your eyeballs?



Shark Wall Hooks from The Company Store. Hook, line, and sinker. These sharks are quite tame and friendly when “hanging around” the bedroom.



Great White breaching out of a blue glycerin Shark Soap from Giggle Soaps. Boo!


The Whole Damn Thing T-Shirt from SlackerPlanet.net. "This shark - swallow ya hole. Ten thousand dollars for me by myself. For that you get the head, the tail, the whole damn thing."



Shark Wall Clock from 351 Girl. Tick tock, tick tock... look at the shark.



Shark Plush Pillow from Thejunglestore.com. Snuggle a shark... oh, ah... so sweet!


So, some frighteningly cool shark stuff...

Interestingly, my brother shares the same obsession, if you will, about sharks.
My theory once again:

Mom went to go see Jaws 2 when it was released at the boxoffice when she was, you guessed it... pregnant with him. How she managed to muster up the mental and physical strength to endure another round of sheer terror, I will never know. But tis true! I swear Spielberg cast his spell on both of us...

Brody: Huh huh, I used to hate the water.
Hooper: Huh huh, I can't imagine why.

And one can't forget the thrilling soundtrack composed by John Williams. The two note motif (or three note motif) is as primitive and raw as the shark itself and is used to symbolise the sharks pulse, or state of mind or mood. When Jaws gets excited, so does the music, getting faster and faster and louder and louder... ahhhhhh!

Boom, boom....

A Moment with Bambi and Thumper

Two of the world's most renowned shy and timid creatures have found each other in safe companionship..... through the lens of German wildlife photographer Tanja Askani in Alberta, Canada

Love hath no boundaries...

For Mind, Body, and Spirit

~


Breathtaking imagery from top nature photographers is matched with inspirational quotations by Paramahansa Yogananda in this Inner Reflections engagement calendar from local bookstores. "Nothing is impossible, unless you think it is..."


Namaste...

Honour the place in you in which the entire Universe dwells,

Honour the place in you which is of Love, of Truth, of Light and of Peace,

When you are in that place in you,

and I am in that place in me, we are One.

Yoga Girl Logo and her Namaste magnet message by Props for Life on Pender Island

A cornucopia of all-natural, ethically traded dark chocolates in a completely Vegan collection from Endangered Species Chocolate, founded in 1993 in effort to spread awareness and to make an impact on the growing number of plant and animal species that are disappearing from Earth. Since then the mission has grown to embrace a new definition of “endangered” - that all species, habitat and humanity are endangered on our planet, not just animals on a list.

Balls of fresh scents, delicious flavours, and fun bubbles transform your tub into a whirlpool of pure bliss and relaxation from Saltspring Soapworks " plop, plop, fizz, fizz..."



OM is the sacred sound of Hinduism. It is the source of reality; the seed sound out of which the entire universe is born, in which it is sustained, and into which it is finally dissolved.
YIN YANG describes two opposing but complimentary forces found in all things in the universe. Yin, the darker element, is often symbolized by water. Yang, the brighter element, by fire.


Make a spiritual statement with handmade ceramic OM & YIN YANG pin or magnet. From Props for Life on Pender Island.



Green Tara statue from Zinnia in Victoria, the "Mother Earth" Hindu goddess of Peace and Protection.
Tara embodies the feminine strengths of great caring and compassion, the ability to endure stressful and even terrifying moments, the acts of creation, and the source of sustenance and protection.



The ever popular Asana T-shirts displaying 36 yoga poses from HalfMoon on Granville Island. Yoga: a system of exercises practiced as part of this discipline to promote control of the body and mind, and a Hindu discipline aimed at training the consciousness for a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquillity.



Hope Box from Angels and Miracles in White Rock.
Hope meaning to wish for something with expectation of its fulfillment and to cherish a desire with anticipation...




For peace lovers (60's hippies and those akin)... the peace collection from a Canadian online store, the Zen Shop

“If you wish to experience peace, provide peace for another.”

~ Dalai Lama

Music therapy with Spotted Bamboo Wind Chime made in Indonesia from Ten Thousand Villages in Victoria.

Wind chimes help enhance the mind/body/spirit connection bringing us a sense of peace and well being.

Luscious silk pillows from Zen for Home and Body in Nelson B.C., available at a variety of stores across Canada. "Find a little peace and tranquility in your life.."

A Mom-to-be must feel enlightened in this Rub My Buddha Belly Maternity Shirt from Rockstarmoms Maternity. To rub Buddha's belly is said to bring great luck and good fortune... we could all use some of that!


Relax Packs from KooKoo Design in Vancouver, 100% cotton sherpa outer shell (recycled fabric) and 100% cotton muslin inner shell (recycled fabric). Fill is Thai rice / cinnamon bark

~

Scenery in your Space

~

"To me a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass

is more welcome than the most luxurious Persian rug"

~ Helen Keller

Bring an outerworldly experience (literally) into your space with sit-here-and-enjoy murals from UrbanOutfitters

Nothing like having a lush wooded forest in your home without the mess of leaves and bugs with this Morning Forest Wall Mural

Feel like you just got lei'd... sit back, sip a foo-foo frozen drink, and enjoy a tropical getaway with the Hawaiian Sunset Wall Mural




Feel like going on a walkabout around the globe... in the comfort of your own home? Sounds like a new sci-fi invention. No, I promise you no crazy Total Recall experience... just a good ole fashioned travel "take-out".

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeing new landscapes, but in having new eyes. Decorate your space with wonderous images from abroad. Sit back, enjoy, and just imagine...

World Map Wall Mural

To awaken in a new and interesting place has to be one of the pleasantest sensations in the world...

The awe of the Big Apple in a much smaller version in the luxury of your home with the Manhattan Lights Wall Mural

Bring Sin City into your space with the Vegas Lights Wall Mural... remember what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!

Tres Bien! La Ville-lumière et romance... oh la la Paris Lights Wall Mural

Feel like a world traveller, or nature seeker yet?

Ah, rest in ease... no mosquito infestation or airport layovers here. No...

Simply sit back and enjoy the view... (;

A Tribute to an Original Christmas Story

Enjoyed a delightful play this evening at The Granville Island Stage by the Arts Club Theatre Company...

Tis A Christmas Story! Remember the classic hit from the 1980's? The theatre act is based on the film that is definately an enchanting holiday favourite. Ah, to reminiscence...

I remember seeing it as a little girl at the local movie theatre about 20 years ago, and I was captivated from get-go. But at that age, it was possible to miss the joke between the lines. Of course now as an adult, I can view it in a much deeper and broader sense. A matter of fact, every time I see the film, I am guaranteed to catch something new and interesting and hilarious (often from the narrative by the older "Ralph"). I love that.

It is a movie that makes me laugh out loud. And isn't that a wonderful feeling?

Christmas in 1938 and all nine-year-old Ralphie Parker wants from Santa is an "Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle". But all he gets in response from everyone around him (including the big ole jolly guy himself) is the dreaded line: "You'll shoot your eye out, kid."

A fabulous play chock-full of guaranteed belly laughs, top-notch acting, and creative set designs. It is just fantastic entertainment from beginning to end. Director Katrina Dunn refers to it a "bizarre, hilarious tale of the North American consciousness." And it is indeed hilarious!

I walked away mesmerized by the childhood experience of the baby boom era.. and caught myself reflecting on my own favourite Christmases of the past. And oddly, in midst of all the nostalgia, I did note a similarity that wasn't necessarily holiday related... it was that gosh-awful Lifebuoy Soap in the original, bright red color with the distinctive carbolic fragrance (and taste) used to wash out our 'dirty' mouths (such as after saying words like "Oooh Fuuudge.")

Goodness, some things haven't changed... I guess we all have been soap connoisseurs at one time or another in our lives... yuck!

Well, thy had a delightful evening at the playhouse. Some people have their favourite holiday movies, and for me, it’s A Christmas Story. It’s just not really Christmastime without it…

Be Evokativ, Eh

J'adore Evokativ t-shirt company in Vancouver. True Canadiana style.
The designs make me feel the need to belt out our anthem loud and clear for all to hear...

Oh, Canada!

Our home and native land...

True patriot love in our t-shirt brand.

With glowing hearts we see thee wear,

The True North strong and free...

Yippee!

Each shirt design is unique, and symbolizes a story or event in Canadian history...

As stated by Evokativ,

"Our Canadian Series attempts to stir emotional pride in the history and culture of this great wide land, beyond the usual patriotic jingoism of maple leafs, mounties and moose.
It's not about Canadians 'kicking ass'. It's about downing beers in your local bar and discussing the merits of a Prime Minister putting a choke hold on a protester. It's about watching hockey and telling the story of The Habs fan who tried to steal the Stanley Cup. It's about the yodeller who travelled the railways and became a star. "

Amen to that, eh!

Be mindful... be Canadian (:

A Cascade of Clusters

The Cascade Chandelier designed by Robert Southcott in Toronto, as seen on The Canadian Design Resource.

This chandelier can easily be customised to have a variety of looks, including different quantities of lights and different clusters. The hanging light can have a long tendril-like drape or be clustered in tight bunches. It draws a likeness to natural elements, such as a cluster of pinecones on a tree branch, or a bunch of lush grapes dangling from a vine...
Tres interesing, and tres innovative... Canadiana style.

Portable Inspiration

Portable Style inspiration by DesignerGuys.
An example of a blend of classic and contemporary designs that work together in a large space. Infusing mid-century style and modern decor in the rooms creates an atmosphere full of warmth, functionality and character...

It isn't always easy to add a dash of elan and panache to a rental space, but by using some portable pieces a space can easily be transformed into something unique and stylish... a reflection of your own personality and taste.
Here, modern artwork, a coat of paint (love the rouge), portable pieces (such as the easily removable pendant lamp) are used as simple ways to add personality and distinctive elegance to the rental unit.

Great space planning also makes any "generic" room feel inviting and intimate. A lucid screen acts as a partition, creating a sense of "faux" space division. All inspiring to those whose rental pad is defined as a blank canvas... with limitations and conditions (ugh).

The classic double cylinder pendant is by South Hill Home in Toronto, and the timeless collection of dining chairs, coffee table, sofa, screen, and cushions are by Klaus

A villa of inspiring reversible design...

A Moment with Nature

Another beautiful painting by Robert Bateman, Polar Bear Profile

"My main interest in doing this painting was in exploring the fur of the polar bear, which is not really white, but a glowing cream colour. Moving across the bear from muzzle to head to flank is an adventure for the eyes. It is like flying over a complex landscape. The pale, uniform colour of the polar bear allows me to concentrate on the form in this landscape without the confusing variable of pattern and colour. I want one to be able to feel the fur in one's imagination. I certainly would not want to try it in real life.”

The polar bear is the king of the Great White North. But this majestic species faces an uncertain future. In Canada, their numbers have been declining at an alarming rate.
The polar bears in Canada are unique because they fast for six to eight months of hibernation and rely on winter hunting for survival. Yet, climate change is causing the disappearance of sea ice from which polar bears hunt their prey.

Snow is returning later and later after the summer months leaving polar bears stranded onshore for longer periods. And ice has been melting at a much earlier time of year in the spring months meaning every day of earlier breakup is one day less for the bear to hunt and rebuild stores of energy for the coming summer of hunger. Sadly, scientists have found that for every week the ice breaks up earlier the bears come ashore 10 kilograms lighter!

Thus, every winter in Churchill, Manitoba polar bears are 'arrested' and either kept contained in "polar bear jail" until the snow comes or they are airlifted further north to the frozen bay so that they can start their hunt again.

The magnificent and intelligent, beloved and beautiful... "shrinking" polar bears of Canada need to be protected and saved. If the climate continues to warm, polar bears everywhere will be among the most vulnerable creatures in the world...

The Magic of Christmas

Let Me Not Keep Christmas

Let me not wrap, stack, box, bag, tie, tag, bundle, seal, keep Christmas.
Christmas kept is liable to mold.
Let me give Christmas away, unwrapped, by exuberant armfuls.

Let me share, dance, live Christmas unpretentiously, merrily, responsibly with overflowing hands, tireless steps and sparkling eyes.
Christmas given away will stay fresh—even until it comes again.

~Linda Felver

The beautiful and bright Christmas tree of English Bay... one of my favourite highlights of Vancouver. To stand under it and look upwards into the great weave of lights and colours... it is like you are enveloped in the brilliant and radiant glow of Christmas. A feeling of wonderful Light flows through and around you.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, thou hast a wondrous message....

The joy and warmth of Christmas glow in Victoria...
A luminous landmark ablaze in the colours of Christmas, casting a magical glow over our city and upon the people who stand in awe at its magnificent splendour. A beacon of Light in the darkness.. a symbol of hope, transformation, wholeness and fulfillment. Oh, the glory of Christmas...



The magical dust of Christmas has glittered on the cheeks of humanity, reminding us of what is worth having and what we were intended to be. For a few precious hours our heavenly yearnings intermesh and we become a chorus. We become ONE sharing the same season, united under the same experience, realizing that the world was indeed different this week. It was temporarily transformed...

"Come and Behold..."

In a few short hours the cleanup will begin... lights will come down, trees will be recycled into useful mulch. Size 36 will be exchanged for size 40, eggnog will be on sale for half price, and meal leftovers will prevail.
Soon life will be normal again. December's generosity turns into January's....(you fill in the blank).

But for the moment, the magic is still in the air. I want to savour the moment a bit more. A bit longer... for however long as I can.
I want it to linger forever and ever.

Holiday Breathing Space

"Christmas isn't a season. It's a feeling."

~Edna Ferber

A festively decorated bus downtown Vancouver at Burrard and Pender...

Shouldn't this sense of wonder and whimsy remain throughout the whole year?! I just love it! (:


(image from airchinapilot)

Wrap Me in Peace

~

"Peace is not something you wish for;

It's something you make,

Something you do,

Something you are,

And something you give away.”

~ Robert Fulghum

Adore this recycled cashmere Peace Scarf from Hip & Zen (they ship to the Great White North.. happy happy!)...

~

Look Down for Inspiration

~

I love to have inspiring quotes and poems all over my home for a quick reference, reflection and reminder. Besides having these words framed on the wall or pinned to a corkboard, why not paint them artistically on your floor?

Here are examples of floor art proverbs from House Beautiful

What I love the most about the stenciling is the style of script.. the calligraphy and elegant penmanship. Looks très chic.

I like the idea of being able to paint your favourite adage, motto, quip, or philosophical saying anywhere you like.
I would have a preferred saying at my front doorway so it is the first thing you see when coming into my home..

Mine would read something like ...

"Life's a voyage that's homeward bound" or "Leave your worries behind" or "Abandon hope all ye who enter here"

Welcome to my space... (:



~

Comic Relief

~



During this splendid season of indulgence and yuletide fun, I have to say the "feasting" part is a favourable (or should I say *flavourable*) one... (:
Yum!

~

Bulbous Balls

I fancy this festive recycling idea from BHG...

Create unique decorative balls from those old non-LED Christmas bulbs you have kicking around.

Simple, insert the screw end of the lightbulbs into a foam ball and hot glue in place.
Voila... insta eco-unique festive arrangement.
Play around with the colours and it's a hot looking accent anytime of year!

Breathing Space

~

Christmas - that magic blanket that wraps itself about us,
that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance.
It may weave a spell of nostalgia.
Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer,
but always it will be a day of remembrance
- a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved.

~ Augusta E. Rundel

Embrace the moment... and love it!

~

(image from Terra Greenhouses)

The Season of Storms

"I must see new things and investigate them.
I want to taste dark water and see crackling trees and wild winds"
~ Egon Schiele

Oh, the awesome power of Mother Nature...

The West Coast still trying to recover from the last battering ram of storms to ravage our coastline...

Beloved Stanley Park has lost over a thousand precious trees, many hundreds of years old. Sniff, sniff..



(from Canada.com)

Winter Window Dressings

"It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air"

~W.T. Ellis

A collage of window dressing inspirations to add seasonal flair to your home...




(top) A wreath and greenery dress the outside of a window from Windowbox.com

Add a touch of the wintery outdoors to your window by hanging cones from wire and a string of beads, from Good Housekeeping

Lustrous ornaments jazz up a white window box from PB

Multi-coloured bottles along the top of a windowsill catch the light and cast Christmas colours throughout your space from BHG





A festive arrangement of evergreen boughs, berried branches, and pinecones from BHG




Windowsill whimsy from BHG - fill small clear containers with colorful beads or marbles, and add a festive touch with a pointsettia bloom in yellow, pink, or red.





Gather evergreen cones of various sizes and scatter an assortment in a the window box for a simple winter display from Real Simple




A mix of native foliage makes for an interesting and eclectic display from Cottage Living





From BHG, glass containers nestled into sand add color to a window box all winter long. Place candles in some bottles; top others with an upside-down electrical glass insulator.

Some spruce boughs and pinecones make this a nature-inspired window box display from Cottage Living

~

Une Table de Berries and Brightness

"This time of year means fellowship, feasting,

giving and receiving,

a time of good cheer, home"

~W.J. Ronald Tucker

I adore these images from a wonderful little store in Vancouver called Drinkwater for the Home.

There is something warm and rustic about the texture of bamboo mats, and a few twigs of richly hued berries at a table setting. Bright and cheerful tableware and linens (hues de Noël) complement the look beautifully. Très inviting indeed...

More Creative, Crazy, and Cool

~

More zany stuff floating around in this world... where do people come up with these ideas?

~

Good Egg Footstool handmade from 100 percent recycled paper pulp, egg cartons, and colored with water-based fabric dye. Turn it any which way.. looks kinda like a big roll of yarn! I like... super eco-friendly and super cool looking, from eco-artware.com

Barbed Wire Toilet Seat... teach that man of yours to keep the seat down! Ha ha ha
Don't worry about that hiney of yours... tis fake.. the seat has barbed wire set in the polyresin toilet seat so it has a nice smooth surface (phew!). I know.. kinda has that "whatda..." factor. Sorta weird, crazy, and cringey all at the same time... but (pardon the pun) could be great for a joke and a hearty chuckle.
As seen in Novelty Toilet Seats section at heatandplumb.com

Snowman Sugar Dispenser from Maxim Vecovsky at Up To You in Toronto. A stoppered base makes refills easy... and helps *not* make it look like Frosty is melting in a heat wave...
Seasonally sweet!

~

Wreath de Lumière

I love this idea from Cottage Living...

Simply decorate a lantern or chandelier with a charming wreath and pretty ribbon in a high-ceiling room.
Who knew wreaths were so versatile?
Leave it up there all year round for a characteristic accent naturel... tres appealing.
A simple enough DIY...

A Very Merry Crimson

~

Some objets pour vous with hints and tints of crimson, rouge, cerise, rose, cardinal, rust, vermilion, coral, scarlet, carmine, ruby and all shades in between... a very merry hue indeed!


~


Inspiration Note Book from Colorique at Honestly Tea in Victoria



Red Forest Pillow from Virginia Johnson





Red & White Spiral Vase, mouth-blown and candy-cane striped for the season from Pier One

A collection of Rose Buds botanicals from Montage in Fort Langley

Gui / Mistletoe Perfumed Candle from Fruits & Passions

Simple and delicate Capiz Lotus Flower tealight holders from The Gardening Circle in Fort Langley




Faux Leather Ottoman from Montage in Fort Langley






Cherry Blossom lights from The Paper Place in Toronto





Red Checks Alpaca wool throw made by the Yurivilca Family for Novica at National Geographic






Sea Life Paintings from Oly




Marimekko Red Poppies Bedding at designhouse in Victoria


Float Tea Lantern for hot mulled wine and seasonal cheer, from Molo Design in Vancouver




Constellation Chandelier designed by Propellor at Dear Home in Vancouver








Sassy Red Table Lamp from Debbie Travis Collection at Canadian Tire

Potato Chip Coasters created out of discarded potato chip wrappers, fairly traded out of Nepal. Available at BTC Elements







Faux Suede Catch-all Bag in bright red, from Vegetarian Shoes and Bags






Red Tulips from Chintz and Company in Victoria






Vintage Red and White Bathroom Collection from Fieldcrest at Zellers






Double Umbrella, extra large width umbrella easily covers 2 people from Raindrops

Giant Travel Label Jar with lid from Accents de Ville

Red Dining/ Office Chair designed at Hafazim in Vancouver

Freja Labrint cushion from Ikea Canada

Save the Earth in Style

~

Stylish and swank bags made with an eco-sense of design. Green goodness for our earth, and looks fabulously chic on your arm...
Go ahead and tote a fashionable accessory and feel good knowing you are helping our precious planet. (:


~

GumDrop FenderFlair from Little Earth, made from two license plates and chrome teardrop shaped ends




Multi-colored Patchwork Black Bag from Salvation Sacks made from recycled clothing material and vintage textiles.

Ad Bag from Alchemy Goods, constructed from super strong recycled vinyl mesh


Palomino Tote bags made entirely from recycled plastic bottles, by Earthchic at Eco-Everything.ca

English Retreads Mini Bag made from discarded truck and tractor inner tubes rescued from landfills

aGaiN NYC Tan Brocade Clutch, made from reclaimed fabric

Spirals natural fibres handbag crafted from "ate" grass (a durable grass that thrives on the islands of Indonesia and is recognized for its resistance to heat, water, and insects). From Novica, available at Eco-Handbags.ca



Vy & Elle (a play on the word vinyl) Sling Tote, front and back of colourful reclaimed billboard vinyl

Bucket BazuraBag handmade by a women's cooperative in the Philippines. They are created from discarded juice pouches from their local schools, available at Eco-Handbags.ca

Changes bag from Flat in Nelson B.C., uniquely "flat" when empty and incredibly expandable as made from donated vinyl tire tubes.


Chopstick Koo Bag made from discarded bamboo chopsticks by Kwytza Kraft at Eco-Handbags.ca

Alchemy Goods Recycled Rubber Messenger Bag, strap made from two recycled seatbelt straps sewn together and exterior is completely waterproof as constructed from recycled inner tubes



Guatemalan Huipil Bag, made by Fair Trade Artisans. "Huipil" is a Spanish term for the traditional blouse worn by Mayan women in Guatemala and the discarded fabric is recycled into handbags. From Eco-Everything.ca






Aqua Salmon Striped Bag from Salvation Sacks, made from remnants of vintage fabric and material

Hawaiian Coconut Shoulder Bag made from real polished coconut by Fair Trade Artisans in Indonesia, available at Eco-Handbags.ca

Flat Fun Tote Bag made with recycled bike inner tubes and rediscovered fabrics from Nelson, B.C.

Silver Treasure Zipper Purse made from recycled silver zipper heads that are tightly linked to one another, at Eco-Everything.ca

Red Flag Design Bags made of recycled sail cloth (from sailboats) in Vancouver

Baby Pink Mandala Soda Pop-Top Shoulder Bag by Neide Ambrosio, made from crocheting soda pop tops into a unique design available at Eco-Handbags.ca

Puraza Design Bag, handmade from eco-friendly fabrics available at Not Just Pretty in Victoria

Il Postino Bag, made from recycled seat belt clasp and webbing and pleather vinyl by Eco-Hangbags.ca

Stacy Clutch from Relan, made from a piece of recycled vinyl billboard, available at Not Just Pretty in Victoria

Made in Brazil by Francis Oliveira, this bag is made from recycled magazines to create the woven bright beads.

Little Earth Washington Cyclone Plate Purse, made from 2 authentic, recycled license plates wrapped around 6-inch chrome hubcaps, a recycled rubber handle and a recycled rubber/bottlecap snap closure.

All-You-Can-Eat bag made from discarded 35mm slides created by Red Camper at Eco-Everything.ca

Hobo Patch Bag made from 95-100% reclaimed cotton with vintage teardrop patch appliqué from BTC Elements

A smooth recycled Large Vinyl Bag with black and white features resembling a holstein cow (without using the cow...of course) from Flat

Ecoist Newspaper Jumbo Coin Purse made from recycled newspaper

Oh, Oh, Opoly!

I think this is one of the coolest things I have ever seen!
Monopoly is the top-selling commercial board game in the world; and I am so excited to see the legendary Hasbro creation has morbed into a game of local trivia and landmarks a la Vancouver Island! Tis called Vancouver Island-opoly. A version designed by Outset Media specifically for us Island dwellers. Yippee!

Like where is Marvin Gardens and Park Place anyhow? But who cares, now!
I *do* know where the Empress Hotel is...! And that is all that matters as I am ready to get into the local real estate business....

"VANCOUVER ISLAND-OPOLY was created with the help of Vancouver Islanders. We asked locals what makes this place so great. While it’s impossible to include everything, Vancouver Island-Opoly hits the highlights with some of the island’s most interesting landmarks. Full of lighthouses, umbrellas, parks, ferries, and totem poles, this game is truly about Vancouver Island! So choose your token and roll the dice. Who knows? You may become the new owner of the Empress Hotel – or go surfing at Long Beach!"

This game was developed on Vancouver Island, and thus Outset Media is generously giving back to the Island by donating $2.00 from the sale of each game to go directly to the Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children.

Advance straight to Go.. and collect this cool gift idea!

BUT, if you aren't game on playing with Vancouver Island landmarks, create your own with this cool innovation from TDC Games...

The Make Your Own-OPOLY... could make for some fun and interesting versions!

Breathing Space

Beautiful Fort Langley... the birthplace of British Columbia.

Fort Langley was established in 1827 as part of a network of trading posts established by the Hudson's Bay Company on the Pacific Coast. (Fort Victoria was soon to follow with it's development in 1843).

It is rich in history, heritage, antiquities, and culture, and has a quaint small town feel. I adore visiting this gem of a place...

Also, known as a cranberry mecca... a festively rich and inviting place to visit this time of year.



(images from There She Goes)

The Beauty of Bedroom Greenery

"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop and listen."

There's nothing quite like starting a dreary winter day by waking up to Christmas cheer and joy in your bedroom. Add holiday flair and finesse to your sacred and cherished abode with lush greenery and festive wreaths...

A soft-needled swag and aromatic bay leaf wreath draped on the bed from BHG




Fresh green garland adorns the mantel, and a simple wreath makes the room feel warm and festive from Coastal Living





A beautiful cranberry wreath above the headboard in a bedroom by PB



Simple green wreaths elegantly drape the wall lamps from Cottage Living

Twos square boxwood wreath make a bedroom more festive from LHG



Lush evergreen garland lines a poster bed to add some holiday cheer from Southern Accents

Bay leaves adorned with glass dewdrops, green eucalyptus leaves and juniper twigs form this classic swag from PB

Crisp white linens are accented by a rich green garland and matching wreath from Coastal Living

Beautifully decorated wreaths adorn wrought-iron twin beds from Southern Accents...

Tis the season to make your dreams come true...

~

Stamp the Season on Saltspring

Bethlehem

Angel on a Cloud

Some beautiful holiday images of hand-crafted stamp cards from The Old Island Stamp Company, located on the ever-enchanting Salt Spring Island (off the the east coast of our "Big Island").

Christmas Text

Potted Winter Berries

Creative, Crazy, and Cool

An innovative way to display tres chic martini or glasses de cristal...

The Chandelini (top) and Crystalier are designed by Michael & Nora at Touch Design Studios. Both are composed of six dozen various glasses each independently hung and lit from within by candelabra-based bulbs.

Oh la la... I'll toast to that!

A piece of furniture every true Canadian should own (or make....)!

This Hip Check Hockey Stick Box is handmade with vintage hockey sticks and opens with a recycled faucet handle from Uncommon Goods.

Go Canucks go... (sorry y'all!)

How about having water that looks like the aqua blue Caribbean streaming out of your bathroom sink... or jacuzzi tub?

The Blue LED Faucet Light attachment from ThinkGeek fits to the end of your faucet, and when the water flows through the magic chamber, it simply turns on the blue LED array and illuminates the stream with a soothing blue hue a la Mayan Riviera.

"This poor gal, she played dumb, she played sort-a-stack with her thumb,
With a knick, knack, paddy whack, give her a bone,
This poor gal needs to take her filing home..."

Throw me a Dog Bone Paperclip (Box of 100) from Kikkerland

~

Animal Eco-Greeting

Beautiful nature cards from Fiber Options in Victoria...

These cards are made tree-free, so the paper comes from the kenaf plant. Grown in North America, the fibrous plant grows 15 feet in just 5 months without any chemicals.

Every tree-free card purchased helps build a more consistent supply of tree-free paper so that we can keep our forests remaining "tree-full".....

~ Amen!

Silly or Sassy?

An ensemble from the ever-exciting Ikea...

IKEA PS GÖINGE
Blanket/ cape

IKEA PS GENEVAD Cushion

A fine match or a busy mix? Hmmm....

Recycle Rags for your Rump

Droog Rag Chair designed by the ever-creative Tejo Remy, available at Greener Grass Design

The chair is layered from the contents of 15 bags of rags. It arrives as a one-of-a-kind piece, but you have the option to recycle your own cloths to be included in the design (oh, goody... an opportunity to create my own!).

Great design, but I see it as eco-cushioning at it's finest!

Tres inspiring... could this be a potential DIY? Hmmm...

From the Seashore

This is some gorgeous glass art from Swept From The Sea Designs in Victoria...

The inspiration:

"It was created this year out of my love of the ocean and the beautiful glass it produces. I still remember the first time I saw sea glass. It was in a tiny bottle filled with water on someone's desk. I had no idea what I was looking at.... I was totally mesmerized by the way the light shone though these beautiful little jewels. Then one day at the beach I found one of these little treasures and it all came together."

Glass Hook Earrings with rootbeer brown seaglass drops (above) ~

The explanation:

"Genuine sea glass (seaglass), beach glass (beachglass) is broken glass (bottles, etc.) from shipwrecks, boats or people onshore that for one reason or another has found it's way into the water. Most sea glass is from the early 19th and 20th centuries and can be found along the shorelines of oceans, lakes and rivers. It is tumbled smooth over time (years, decades... centuries) and develops a lovely frosted patina from the action of water (waves, currents) against the sand.

All of my jewelry designs and accessories contain genuine sea glass (seaglass), beach glass (beachglass) that is handpicked from along the shores of the rugged Pacific Ocean. It has a beautiful frosted patina that only mother nature can create."


Lavender Glass Buttons (below) ~






Stunning creations from the works of Mother Nature and this truly talented local artist...

Some Things I Like

Some neat things found here and there...

Ambler Annapurna Hat from MEC in Victoria - hand-knit and hand-dyed in Nepal, by people who work for fair wages in clean, safe conditions. Good for the head, good for the heart.

Colourful and stunning Bora Wind Chimes from Accents de Ville

Recycled Glass Soap Dish from Grass Roots in Toronto - from your blue box to your bathroom sink, where age-old craftsmanship meets innovative manufacturizing.

Beaufort Fillable Lamp from Canadian Tire - fillable lamp stem allows you to add potpourri, wine corks, gum balls, nuts and bolts, Cheerios etc. for a unique look.

Dino Globe from World Wide Nature - Inflatable globe has images of Dinosaurs and their names.

Luon Cuff from lululemon in Victoria - no need for pockets as this wrist band design keeps your key or money safe and sound

Pink Butterfly Wristlet from Spark in Vancouver - velvet with soft black embroidered butterfly & swarovski crystals.

Boreal Light at Decor Home in Vancouver -created by local design talents, Propellor

Blik Glassticks from Home Depot Canada - a variety of removable graphics that stick to any glassware

Red Dragonfly Magnet from The World Wide Nature Company

Cube Lamp from Button Design in Vancouver - the contemporary art lamp sets the atmosphere of your room with a variety of changeable coloured windows.

Tiffany Dragonfly Stained Glass Umbrella from Raindrops in Toronto

Cute Dog Bookends from Chintz in Victoria

Slotted Toss Cushions from EQ3 in Vancouver - made in corduroy and fit nicely into the provided rack for storage.

Snap Wallet by Smoking Lily in Victoria - contrasting color inside and printed with a moth on the front

I Love Tofu shirt from Alternative Outfitters

Driftwood Pillar Holders from the naturals collection at ADV

Shimmering Shadows

I reckon you have all seen these before, but j'adore... I must yield to the whims of the senses...

I love the way a flickering candle can cast beautiful images around a room when placed behind or inside a detailed transparent holder such as a punched-patterned luminaria. Thus, I fell instantly in love with this brilliant, glowing creation by Adam Frank...





A detailed silhouette of a pine tree flickering about as if stirred by the wind...

Lumen is a series of etched, stainless steel, oil lamp shadow projectors. These stunning lamps project soft, luminous shadows onto any surface. The farther Lumen is from the wall, the larger the silhouette.

As the flame flickers the shadow moves about, as if dancing on your wall.... pure magic!

A beautiful flock of birds soaring and gliding high in the sky....

A grand cedar as if moving about in a soft, gentle breeze...

A perfect time of year to add some twinkle to your home...

A Moment in the Capital City

The glorious Parliament Buildings of Victoria light up a magical spell as dusk falls...

Officially opened in 1898, the richness of its white marble, the impressive dome structure, and the use of the currently-popular Neo-Romanesque style makes the grand scale design of the buildings a remarkable and historical monument...

Hang Your Stocking With Care

"Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred,

and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit,

become a child again at Christmas-time"

~Laura Ingalls Wilder

Tis days before Christmas and all through my house, everything is in order in anticipation of the big man himself. My stocking is hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that he soon will be there....

The custom of hanging stockings by the chimney evolved from the Dutch tradition of leaving shoes by the fireplace for St. Nicholas to fill. Shoes changed to socks, and socks turned to stockings "hung with care" on the mantle...

As a little girl I loved the tradition of hanging my Christmas stocking on the mantel of our fireplace. It was a red and white knit stocking, but what made it so dear to me was that it was made with tender care and attention by my beloved grandma. I cherished that stocking... and the sight of it hanging from our brick fireplace was pure magic to me. It meant the days to Christmas morning was counting down one by one...

Here are some inspirations to commemorate the tradition of hanging Christmas stockings on the mantel...


(Top Picture): A mix of white-on-white stockings adds a touch of elegance to the mantel from BHG



Lattice jeweled stockings hang from a festive cranberry, green and white mantel from PB



Colourful stockings decorate a white fireplace in a bright and festive room from BHG




Elegant white stockings in an elegant white room from PB



Pink patterned socks in a pretty pink and white room from BHG



Simple long socks drape off a mantel by Country Living

Bright stockings complement a colourful, homey space from BHG


Traditional red and white patterned socks and a charming room by BHG

>

Lots of PB velvet stockings all lined in a row... in hopes St Nick will soon have his big sack in tow...


A mix of red and white stockings dangle beautifully off a fireplace from BHG



This brightly decorated mantel lends a tropical feel to the room with Hawaiian-print cotton fabric stockings by Sunset




PB stockings hang from peace sign hooks on the mantel. P.S. - Be sure to put the fire out before Santa comes down the ole chimney..



White socks and ivory candles in a classic space by BHG

A stone hearth and lace edged stockings make this setting warm and inviting from BHG

Cityline mantel all decked out in greenery and baubles ... but wait, where are the socks? Don't forget to put them out....


Or, no socks to hang... will mittens do??


Oh, and remember to put out a snack for Santa (customary cookies and milk) and carrots for his hard-working reindeer... and hope fervently for him to replace our offering with gifts of goodness! Makes up for all that naughtiness.... teehee

~

Meaningful Messages...

I love this manifesto poster from Vancouver-based lululemon... meaningful words of wisdom we can all live by.

It reminds me of that "Sunscreen Song" from years ago... remember it? It, too, is a narrative rich with inspiration, reflection, and insight.

Both messages are full of truth, self-discovery, encouragement, and sincerity ... all important themes in life (especially at this time of year). Uplifting, and instructive....

So here is a refresher on that tune....

The lyrics to "Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen", by Mary Schmich...


If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be IT.
The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience.
I will dispense this advice now.
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded. But trust me, in 20 years you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked.
You are NOT as fat as you imagine.
Don't worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday.
Do one thing every day that scares you.
Sing.
Don't be reckless with other people's hearts, don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.
Floss.
Don't waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long, and in the end, it's only with yourself.
Remember compliments you receive, forget the insults; if you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
Keep your old love letters, throw away your old bank statements.
Stretch.
Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don't.
Get plenty of calcium.
Be kind to your knees, you'll miss them when they're gone.
Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't, maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't, maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself, either. Your choices are half chance, so are everybody else's. Enjoy your body, use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it, or what other people think of it, it's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.
Dance. Even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room.
Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.
Do NOT read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly.
Get to know your parents, you never know when they'll be gone for good.
Be nice to your siblings; they are your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.
Understand that friends come and go, but for the precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography in lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you knew when you were young.
Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard; live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.
Travel.
Accept certain inalienable truths, prices will rise, politicians will philander, you too will get old, and when you do you'll fantasize that when you were young prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders.
Respect your elders.
Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund, maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse; but you never know when either one might run out.
Don't mess too much with your hair, or by the time you're 40, it will look 85.
Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.
But trust me on the sunscreen....

~

Peace... Love... Joy... Hope... xo

Stick and Grip

Love these cute and cool grippers from The Container Store.
Suction cup backing lets you stick these neat little guys wherever... bathroom mirror or tile to hold a toothbrush or razor. Or, stick one up in a locker or in the office to hold a pen or pencil... or suction one to your car window for whatever...
Adorable sweet and sticky animals...

Animal Grippers





Sea Grippers


~If yer heading er down yonder to the US of A, check this place out... super cool!

A Moment with Nature

Elk & Aspen by Canadian artist Robert Bateman

"I can't conceive of anything being more varied and rich

and handsome than the planet Earth.

And its crowning beauty is the natural world..."

~

Candles Aglow

"A Christmas candle is a lovely thing;
It makes no noise at all,
But softly gives itself away"

~Eva Logue



A display of candles at Christmas adds a warm ambience to any setting.
Let there be light I say.... be inspired...

Candles and mixed nuts on a tray from BHG






An eclectic mix of vintage candle holders from Country Home

A mirrored tray, tealights, and decorative baubles from BHG






Simple votives and twinkle lights idea from House Beautiful




A glamourous mix of candles and votives... a Marston and Langinger display









Sparkly candles on a shapely glass candle tray (or try a cake stand!) from Pottery Barn









Textured candle display idea from BHG






The Nature Lover display... candles in hollowed logs from BHG






Fabulous flower and candle display from Cottage Living





A stunning collection of red candles with swirled twig from Martha







Simple twigs bound into a teepee makes a unique candle display from Style at Home



A few cedar branches, pinecones, a couple of ornaments, and a cluster of votives on a silver tray makes an elegant centrepiece by BHG








Light-emitting LED in the base of each hollow bottomed pillar adds a spectrum of light. Lumenae from Cocoon


~

A Bright Light Ikea Idea

Turn an ordinary light into something festively extraordinary... just like this Ikea GLÄNSA Hanging Chandelier idea...

Red ornaments can go a long ways....

Gorgeous hanging in a window, or as a way to lighten up a dark corner, or be daring and drape over your Christmas table... tis the season to be creative and bold afterall!

Step Ashore, Mates

“And the sea will grant each man new hope . . .

his sleep brings dreams of home.”

- Christopher Columbus

I adore the whimsy of these faux vintage wooden signs from Festoon...

So appropriate as I am only mere steps from the ocean... and a large marina and navy base are just around the corner. Nothing like good ole terra firma to fix them sailor legs.

That's life on an Island for ya...

Breathing Space

The Sunken Garden in it's bright and brilliant glory... Christmas at the enchanting Butchart Gardens in Victoria

Cooing over Coe & Waito

You have probably seen these before, but I just have to showcase them once again. True Canadian talent deserves ongoing recognition...

I am absolutely in love with these beautiful porcelain objects from Coe & Waito in Toronto. The forms are simple, clean and modern; and the very fine and meticulous detailing make each piece uniquely charming.

"Their porcelain objects are inspired by the emotional effects of nature and material culture. They aim to create quiet objects that have a deep and lasting impact..."

The application of minimal glaze, manipulation of texture, and transferring of silk-screen enamels turn the objects into gorgeous and gentle pieces of art.
J'adore thee...


Birds - porcelain with clear glaze


Cylinder Vases with clear glaze with layers of enamel decal fired on to the porcelain surface. Each one is made by hand and slightly different...


Flared Cups and Vases


Textured Vases - porcelain with clear glaze on inside only

Pinecones in porcelain

Merry Blikmas!

Ho Ho Ho, Merry Blikmas!

Tis the Blikmas Tree from Blik Surface Graphics.

They are oversized art decals made of self-adhesive, removable vinyl. It is reversible decor at it's finest so you aren't stuck with a festive wallscape throughout the whole year! Use on walls or windows or... let your imagination go wild! Available a la Home Depot Canada.

Snowflakes will put you in the holiday mood this season even if you aren't having a white Christmas. Use these pretty snowflakes to create an instant winterwonderland window/wallscape...

Reindeer Games.. oh, the majestic beauty of Santa's sleigh-pullers soaring on your wall. I see red-nosed Rudolph and Dasher, and Dancer, and Prancer and Vixen... can you name the rest?

Ho Ho Ho... I am so getting in the spirit!

Merry Mats

These festive doormats greet your visitors in the holiday spirit, from Backyard & Veranda...

Oh, Glorious and Gleaming Gaffa...

How's this for ingenius... you want a tree, but not a "real" one? Try this clever, creative, and cost-little idea from Cityline...

How does it go... 101 Great Uses for Duct Tape? Well, count this as 102!!

Get some gaffa tape (ya, ya, a fancy way of saying duct!), some pins for hanging your shiny ornaments, and mark out a tree silhouette on your wall. Voila! You have your aluminum tree you have always wanted (well sorta). It ain't three dimensional... but hey, it's shiny and bright and that's what a tree is all about!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Much pleasure doth thou bring me... Much thank you for the gaffa glee!

"Duct tape is like the force: It has a dark side and a light side and it holds the universe together."- Carl Zwanzig

Especially at Christmastime...

Oh Mister Sun, Sun, Mister Golden Sun...

An eco-cool device from Solio.com...

"What is Solio? I'm free."

These little guys (which look like strange bugs about to spread their wings) are actually solar-powered "universal 'hybrid' chargers" that are designed to recharge your fav can't-do-without hand held electronic device anywhere you go!

Powers virtually all your ipods, cellphones, cameras, GPS units etc... and stores power for whenever you need it. It is chargeable from the sun or wall socket and is lightweight, durable and easy to use by attaching a cable and pushing a button. Like, super sun-fueled spectacular! So loving that solar energy... how we can just go ahead and plug into that big ole golden ball in the sky...

This dude has the idea... ready to go wherever and whenever.

I dig it...

Oh, Comfort and Joy

Nothing quite matches the cozy comfort of a warm, soft blankie (yes, I said blankie). Oh, to be all snug as a bug in a rug! Reminds me of when my mom would tuck me in to bed at night as a little girl... I loved that feeling of having the covers pulled up to my chin. The ultimate in warm snug comfort... pure bliss.

Here are some wonderfully lush throws, or blankies if you prefer...

Italian Maize Throw made from 100% corn at VivaTerra.com

Striped Fringed Alpaca Blanket handmade in Bolivia from Ten Thousand Villages

Minnen Lappar Quilt from Ikea

Multi-coloured Woven Blanket from Pier1

Luxe Chenille Throw from La Senza

MML Textiles from at Circle Craft at Granville Island Co-op Shop & Gallery

Faux Fur-Bound Chenille Throw from Pottery Barn

Hudson's Bay Traditional Point Blanket from HBC

Chenille Throws from Linens 'n Things

Chenille Damask Throw from Restoration Hardware

Roots® Velour and Fleece Blankets available at Sears Canada

Bobble Plush Throw from President's Choice House and Home

Vegan Organic Hemp Blanket with Edging from DownBound.ca

Oh, Canada Blanket from Bluenose II Company, perfect for those lucky enough to be born under the sign of the Maple Leaf. (:


~

Comic Relief

Oh, how Larson makes me laugh...

Acrylics by Brian Simons

"Art takes nature as its model" - Aristotle

Brian Simons is a wonderful local artist. His paintings capture the beauty which surrounds us in everyday life... from a bustling downtown street to ocean waves lapping at a sandy beach.

"The more a painter can 'not paint' so to speak, the more space becomes available for this to communication to happen. It then becomes an effortless accomplishment whose success is not measured by the work itself, but rather in what is stirred or evoked in the viewer."

His work is represented by numerous galleries all over Canada. Here is a sampling of some of his beautiful acrylic paintings...

Sidney Spit Beach

Downtown Victoria

Mainland

On Douglas

Silly or Sassy?

Snow Globe Mouse from USB spotted on ubergizmo

A house in a mouse to shake shake all about. Let it snow, let it snow... ?!

Snowflakes, a snowman, and a little house encased in a transparent mouse. Rattle the "mouseglobe" and watch the flurry of snow cascade over the seasonal scene. When the mouse is plugged in, the LED light rotates through 7 festive colours.

Hmmmm... what next, a fish bowl mouse? (don't get any ideas)

Something to smile about or not.... ?

Empressive

The famous Empress Hotel, built in 1908, in Victoria's inner harbour.... festively decorated for the season.


(image from DennisSylvesterHurd flickr)

Homemade and Homegrown

Lovely Holiday cards made here and over the pond (Vancouver)....

Jazz Santa Series designed byviolet

Christmas Gift Tags from Red Polka Design in Vancouver







Christmas Cards from InnerSea
in Victoria

Season of Joy Cards handmade by Adore by Nat

Christmas Cards from Lori Joy Smith in Vancouver.

First Snow and Snowscape by Mario Labonte in Victoria

(top photo by Canadian H&C)

Commandment #12: There is only love...

Ever heard of pay it forward? Good things are meant to be passed on...

Well, the wonderfulness of k-style kindly enlightened me to the blog called The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.
Her memoir is full of reflection, wisdom, inspiration, and motivation.
Her musings are a must read, so take a meander over and enjoy the richness...

Namaste/ T

I Wish For... Eeny Meeny Miny Mo

Three different styles to one space, a Wish inspiration...

Eclectic and Ethnic
Mix modern pieces with overseas treasures for a global feel to the space. I like the splash of colour.

Black and White
The impact of art on the wall, and the cohesion of textures and patterns grounds this classic space. Tres sleek.

Countrified
Rustic items mixed with earthy elements creates a country style. Rugged and yeehawish (is that even a word?) Minus the cowhide...


A great example of how to change your space by just switching up the accesssories, art, and furniture. Go ahead and wish upon a star... tis that easy...

Wrap me in luxury, Wrap me in fur

Winter is around the corner, and ole Jack Frost is nipping at your nose and toes...

Time to definitely indulge in some warmth and coziness....

And what better way to keep toasty than to wrap yourself in something soft and luxurious.... fur. Yes, you heard me. Fur!

Now, now... don't go all batty on me. I mean *faux* fur!
I still stand strong on my belief that there is no excuse for real fur. In my humble opinion, the fur industry is cruel and inhumane. I am an animal lover... I can't help it. Sadly, a lot of people do not know the horrors and depth of suffering that these animals have to endure for our luxury.

So.... I found this amazing site which offers really authentic looking fur. Why support the real fur industry when there are so many fabulous alternatives out there?

Fabulous-Furs designed by Donna Salyers offers a mix of luxurious and elegant fur designs...

"Inspiration for Fabulous-Furs came over a decade ago when I was on my way to purchase a mink coat. On my car radio, Paul Harvey described kittens being skinned to become 'mink' teddy bears. Instead of buying a coat that day, I was inspired to create a luxurious alternative."

Some of the designs... (remember they aren't real animals!)

Blonde Fox Oversized Throw

Fur Pillows that come in an assortment of *faux* furs:

Black Mink, Blonde Fox, Cheetah, Grey Chinchilla, Leopard, Lynx, Red Fox, Sable, Snow Leopard, Tan Chinchilla, and White Minx...

Black Mink Oversized Throw

"It’s gratifying to know that our products, in providing a luxurious alternative to real animal fur, bring joy to people all over the world, and at the same time, make unnecessary the destruction of countless animals.”

I support that...

All Things Bright and Bold

All things bright and beautiful,

All creatures great and small,

All things wise and wonderful...



Some things bold and colourful for you all....

Transit Chair, hand-made recycled highway signs by local metalsmith artist, Boris Bally. Available at Dear Home Decor in Vancouver

Blue Retro Ductbill, made completely from duct tape at db clay

Flensted Postcard Mobile from modernkid

Utensilo designed by Dorothee Becker and produced by Vitra, available at Gabriel Ross

Rainbow Scarf hand knit in Nepal from Fiber Options

Daisy Candle Holders from EQ3

Provence goblet and wineglass flute in amber, amethyst, periwinkle and clear at zidea

Vitra Omar the Owl Clock at Gabriel Ross

Ps Grindtorp Ikea cushions

Kiss Me shirt from GoVeg

Large Wrapper Tote made from recycled candy wrappers, completely waterproof from Ecoist

Felt Cuffs with reversible velcro closure designed by Kelly Mulloy at Beklina

Pink Piggy Bank from Teatro Verde


~

A Moment with Nature

Adorable piglets kissing in a field... k-i-s-s-i-n-g

"Pigs have the cognitive ability to be sophisticated. Even more so than dogs and certainly three-year-olds."

-Dr. Donald Broom

(image courtesy of HerbWeb)

A Pig and a Spider...

Ohhh.... such wonder... tis Charlotte's Web by E.B. White

A classic tale now turned into a Hollywood film which has opened today in theatres... Yippee!
One of my all time favourite books...

An amazing story of friendship, love, hardship, courage, loyalty, and of course the 'circle of life'....

Remember this wonderful tale?

When a young farm girl discovers that her dad is about to slaughter the runt from the newest litter of pigs as "he is small and weak and will never amount to anything" she rushes to the aid of this helpless little piglet. He has a change of heart when he sees that she is genuinely concerned about the pig and so he lets her keep him as a pet, temporarily. She names him Wilbur.

Dear dear Wilbur...

This is the start of an enduring relationship between Wilber and Fern... and all the other animals on the farm, especially a kind-hearted spider named Charlotte. It is through Charlotte's magical weavings that she finds a way to ultimately save Wilbur's life. Ohhhh.... sniff, sniff.

Since its publication in 1952, Charlotte's Web has remained a classic tale cherished by young and old alike. Charlotte's Web will pull at your heartstrings, but there are important messsages that radiate from this beautiful story. And the messages include empathy and kindness and love... and the ability to open our eyes to the wonder and magic found in the simplest of things.

The perfect season to read or watch this wonderful story...

"The whole idea of compassion is based on a keen awareness of the interdependence of all living beings, which are all part of one another, and all involved in one another."

- Thomas Merton

Oh, how I adore pigs.....

A Lollipop Greeting

Fun, holiday hand-crafted cards designed by Lollipop Greetings, located in the beautiful town of Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island.

"Our greeting cards are inspired by the popping colors of smarties, bubble gum pink dreams, and chocolate covered mountains. As well as the lazy, hazy days of youth in the grass. Lollipop Greetings are an ode to the remembrance of all things lovely."

Oh, the spirit of youth...






Charming and whimsy...

Metal Magic

I love the look of sparkling lanterns... especially when they adorn the walkway up to a home.

And these metal luminarias illuminate a path brightly and beautifully...
Give empty cans a new life by making lanterns... adds a touch of warmth, modern country, and a magical glow to any space!

Make unique metal luminarias by piercing designs in the sides of juice or soup cans and standing pillar candles of an appropriate size inside.

An easy DIY craft to make from BHG. It involves different sizes and shapes of recycled metal cans, paper for designs, punch style can opener, 16-penny square nail, a hammer, and wire for hanging (coat hanger?)... click here for full instructions for the hanging tins.

Gloriously shiny... bright and beautiful.... I simply adore any time of year!

(Now if only it will stop raining outside...)

A Moment with Nature

Huge waves slam against the Dallas Road seawall near Ogden Point.
Storm after storm continues to pound our coastline...


(image courtesy of Times Colonist)

Lite Brite and Bright Lights

Hey... remember the days of Hasbro's "Lite-Brite"? Yes, 80's flashback here we come...

The dazzling trinket that had the colored mini "bulbs" that fit into the holes, and it also had the black paper that helped you make splendid designs.
I would spend long hours designing creative and bright pictures on that wonderful, sparkling little box.

Oh, nostalgia! I can get my fix by playing with this, or check out the innovative design below...

Light Brix from HeHe Association...

It is a modular light system, each cell lights up or down when touched. Brilliant wall art that would make a very bright statement in any space.... a light toy for big people!

Goody, I am back in touch with my inner child...

It was a dark and stormy night...

Our power just went out!

If you look closely at where Victoria is located on this map... you would see that my apartment is pitch black!

Tis very very stormy outside right now... and, in fact, our weather experts are calling it "the storm of the year".

The wind is really howling, and the heavy rain is pounding relentlessly against the windows. Mother Nature wants inside...

So I have my pretty candles lit and flashlights all fired up, and I have to admit it feels all snug and cozy... why not embrace the moment?

From the Slopes to my Seat

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

- Mahatma Gandhi

Time to dust off them pair of skis and get em all waxed up smooth and slick for some serious winter slop time? But, yikes... they are hurtin units, eh? You wouldn't mind a shiny new set from ole Nick for Christmas... you have been nice this year afterall.

So.... what to do with that old pair sitting idle in your garage...?

A fun and one-of-a-kind Adirondak chair made from used-up sets of skis found at the environmentally-friendly Green Building Center. A great way to recycle and reuse...

Six pairs of skis are needed to make this exceptionally unique chair... so, get cracking on this DIY project in time for some serious Spring porch time!

Silly or Sassy?

The Ballet Slipper, High-top, Cowboy Boot, and High-heel Stocking selection from UncommonGoods...


Hmmm... take your pick and hang from the mantel in hopes dear ole Santa will fill to the rim...

Silly or Sassy....?

A Splash of Colour Inspiration

I love this space designed by "Hall of Famer" Joe D’Urso for stylist Lori Goldstein's New York loft.... a colourful and inviting bathroom retreat from the "Lofty Ambition" archive of ElleDecor.

Pardon the pun, but I love a *splash* of colour in the bathroom. It is a refreshing alternative to the trend of using a palette of warm neutral to create a spa-like design.
Colour adds zip, and pizazz, and fun... and can be inviting and soothing all at the same time. This is a great space to have all that...


The soft, oval curves of the Spoon washbasin by Agape rests atop a green onyx counter in this master bath; the molded-resin chair is by Gaetano Pesce, and the Classic Sky Love rug is by Robert Indiana -- whom I adore as his work often consists of bold, simple, iconic images and short words like "EAT", "HUG", and "LOVE".
Kinda like "KISS"... and the acronym: "keep it stylishly simple".. with spots of colour!

And this space is just that... bold, fresh, modern, and refined. Tres stylish!

Zen in Victoria

"When the mind is transparent and pure

As if reflected on the mirror-like surface of the water,

There is nothing in the world that you would dislike"

- Pa-ta Shan-jen (1626-1701

~

Trust card made from "washi" which is the Japanese word for the traditional papers made from the long inner fibres of three plants, wa meaning Japanese and shi meaning paper. From The Japanese Paper Place available at Nicholas Randall and Island Blue Print

Atmosphere Plant Pure-Fume Aroma Candles from Aveda



Cast Iron Teapot from the fair trade and organic home of Honestly Tea, where they promote incredible projects world wide. The first project they are supporting is called the Weave Project in Ghana; the products support a home for mentally disabled people.

Amitabha Dyani Brass Buddha Statue from Zinnia Worldy Notions













Peace Pipes Tree-Free Card from Fiber Options




Nature-Inspired Cushion Covers from Accent de Ville at Fan Tan Gallery


Hand-woven natural grass and rattan Bowl and decorative bamboo Balls from Indonesia at Tab Imports in Victoria

Embroidered Tree of Life made in India at Ten Thousand Villages

Ganesh Head Wall Hangings from Zinnia





Loft Hassak cushion pod from Colorique available at Honestly Tea and Gifts

Put Down That Fork and Read...

This plate setting is part of the Nutri-Plate collection and educational project by Materious.

These standard ceramic plates are not ordained with your traditional floral design or striped trim. No.... these plates are decorated with something much different..... try nutritional and health information! Yesssirreee... swallow that last bit of food and listen up, kids...

The plates come in a variety of patterns and they range from outlining the caloric content of food (such as meat, dairy, fruit, and grains), to the type of exercises needed to burn off those calories. Yikes! Talk about a dinnertime conversation piece...

Now.... look closely....

That might be enough to turn me off that extra helping of Grandma's famous deep-dish apple pie... dammit!

Educating: yes... Motivating: heck, ya... Shock factor: for sure... Leftovers: guaranteed!

Raindrops Keep Falling...

Raindrops sleeping in a cloud

Breathing ocean’s vapor

Eating the ocean’s salt

Growing steadily strong

With storms and winds

Bursting with love

Becoming a precious gift

From the sky to the earth

Nourishing grass and trees

And plants and flowers

Pouring in oceans, lakes and rivers

Celebrating its life

Tap dancing on window panes

And singing with the wind

Before falling down to the ground

As sunshine dries the airAnd raindrops disappear

~ Gloria Buono (c) 2005

I saw these gorgeous hanging ornaments on Apartment Therapy:LA , and I just have to spread the joy to my fellow rain-soaked friends here on the Wet, er, West Coast.
With all this crazy weather we have been experiencing, I think these Glass Raindrops, by Smith & Hawkin, are the most fitting ornaments to reflect our environment. A symbol of our amazing and diverse eco-system... us Islanders do reside in a rainforest afterall!
Lest we forget, water is the essence of life...

Goodness, the glass drops are so stunning I would leave them up all year round, or would that be the equivalent to a "rain dance".... a prayer for lots and lots of the wet stuff! Hmmm....

Send Me With a Blonde Bowl Cut...

Send a more intimate and personal holiday card this year. Sometimes those cards you buy in bulk at your local card store just doesn't have the flavour you are looking for to send to those you care about way, way far away!

I love this idea by Penny People Design based out of Toronto...

You can personalize your own stationery! Simply pick a design on the site and choose what to write on the card. The card turns out looking not only professional, but super sweet and charming... like you took the extra time to send that extra something!

On the above Snowflake card, for example, you get to decide what you would like written beneath the snowflake. *Write anything*.... that is sooooo cool!

And there are other fun cards that involve "dressing up" characters to look like you, and/or other people...

On the 2 Snowbunnies in Love card below, you can customize the Penny People Characters to look like you, and your loved one. That means you can pick out physical details right down to your skin tone, hair colour and hair style... (I can have fun with that!)

You have the option to also add text to the inside of your greeting cards for that extra special touch.
This would be a real standout from the rest of those holiday cards.
Joyfully meaningful... this card will definately be a keeper to anyone who receives it!





A super delightful idea from the Penny People... makes a lot of cents, er sense!

Ferry Wake

Have a look at the collage work of artist ActiasLuna (Kathleen Harper)...

This is my favorite of the series, as this particular collage, Ferry Wake, was inspired by the artist as she was travelling via ferry from Victoria to Vancouver. I go on and off the Island regularly, so it is exalting to the spirit to begin to look at my surroundings in a whole different light...

Here, I see the varying hues of the deep blue ocean, the lush green landscape of the Gulf Islands, and frothy white cap waves as they lap against the side of the ship...

A mesmerizing and captivating piece of art.

Newton and Swinging Bulbs

Think way back to physics class.... remember those pendulum balls that would knock back and forth when one ball is put in motion? The amazing and ever intriguing demonstration of kinetic energy, motion, and law of momentum....

This is a Pier One interpretation of Newton's Cradle as a hand-crafted must-have desktop accessory... swing-a-ling-ling

Well, this simple "action-reaction" experiment and desktop toy has been turned into a brilliant and bright idea...

This cool Balls lamp is designed by Louise Campbell, obviously inspired by Newton's laws of motion....

The balls let off a soft white light, and when set in motion, a blue light activates at the top of each ball as it is struck. Super cool!

I am sure Sir Isaac would be proud....

Breathing Space

Launching to catch a wave... on the endless ocean break and sandy beach of amazing Long Beach, on the west coast of Vancouver Island

("Launching" courtesy of gabindu )

Cool Stools

Cork Stools

From Design Within Reach by Jasper Morrison, made from solid cork-a fully renewable resource










Stool

Designed by Charles & Ray Eames at vitra, solid walnut
Available at Gabriel Ross in Victoria


















Capelli Stools

Designed by Carol Catalano for Herman Miller
At Gabriel Ross






Modern Pawn Stool

From 2Modern, designed by Gus











Twisty Stool

From Vivaterra, carved from a single piece of sustainable, lustrous monkey pod wood.












Cork Stool

At Gabriel Ross, designed by Jasper Morrison for Vitra




Kartini Bench

From Monarch Furnishings in Victoria, hand-crafted from mahogany








Mara Storage Stool


From Pier 1, hand-crafted from dense hardboard wrapped in varying hues of brown abaca rope











Totem Stool - Table

From Fluid Living, handcarved from reclaimed wood










Kenya Cube


From Pottery Barn, crafted from hardwood with a distressed espresso-stained finish.







Bamboo Stool

Handmade in Vietnam for Ten Thousand Villages



















Butterfly Stool

Designed by Sori Yanagi at Vitra,
Available at Gabriel Ross



~

Simple Seasonal Centrepieces

Tis the one season of the year when we can lay aside all gnawing worry,
indulge in sentiment without censure,
assume the carefree faith of childhood, and just plain "have fun."
Whether they call it Yuletide, Noel, Weinachten, or Christmas,
people around the earth thirst for its refreshment
as the desert traveller for the oasis. ~D.D. Monroe

Specially from BHG: Some super smart, simple and sophisticated centrepiece ideas to spruce up this sentimental season (say that 6 times super speedy!).. make it special!

Wrap gold craft ribbon around plain glasses and use as votive or tealight candle holders... a grouping of glowing candles always looks elegant.


Have fun expressing yourself with words spelled from the letters of a scrabble set! Can you spell f-u-n.. and add a k-y to that!


Old Christmas bulbs placed in a glass vase with a candle makes for a bright and colourful display. Brilliant way to recycle and re-use those out-dated non-LED lights!


Extra ornaments kicking around? Scoot over to yer kitchen and place one or two in glasses of different shapes and sizes. Adds visual interest, and takes virtually no thought process to put together! I fancy that...




Merry Centrepieces! (:

Satin Sass

Beautiful silk-screened pillows designed by Yasmine Louis in Toronto.

I love the whimsy, humour, sass, and spunk of her designs...

"Printed pillows inspired by my romantic nature, my love of kitsch images and my addiction to satin..."

Truly a delightful addition to any sitting (or laying) area.... (;

Algae and Snowflakes

The Algue Screen...

I can not get over this fantastic and innovative concept by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec. Sometimes great things need to be re-visited...


As I was perusing some photos from our recent snowfall here on the wet raincoast (it was such a treat to see the liquid stuff turn into a white wonderland!), I couldn't help but make a really interesting correlation. The beauty of the close up shots of those intricate and ornately designed snowflakes... they reminded me of something really familiar. Hmmmm....


At first glance, a single Algue snap reminds me of a branch from a plant, and as they are connected together they take on the look of something much more complex... a giant web if you will (ew, I know, it sounds icky -- those 8-legged creepy things again!). Although the name implies the design framework of algae and seaweed, I see something completely different. It reminds me of the microscopic ice crystal webbing of frost... the branched beauty of its interconnection and design network. A collection of crystals blanketing a patch of grass, or like hoar frost ice crystals clinging to a lonely branch. The same faceting and dendritic structures that you see in snowflakes...


That is what this design reminds me of as the plastic elements link together to form a much larger connection. They can fasten together and form a simple curtain, a room divider, or a grand wall decoration. It can vary just like that... from a transparent hanging decoration to a thick, opaque screen.

So, from this...

To this...

White branches interconnected to form an impressive net-like mesh wall. A fine decorative feature as well as a practical interior design. Striking to admire, but can also serve as a form of privacy or division.

Then, to this....

An amazing and elaborate formation. The reticulated structure of snowflakes all bundled together.... a cluster of fernlike ice crystals. A grandiose structure... a beautiful and stunning pattern, like frozen lace.

Looks like this...
See a slight resemblance... ?!



~ An image of a vast collection of large ice crystals (stellar dendrites), forming the snow you may see this time of year.... (if you are so lucky!)

How can design not be inspired by nature...?

(if only it wasn't made from plastic...)

A Moment with Nature... and Bateman

Elephants have long been known as symbols of strength, wisdom, carefulness, longevity, loyalty, and high standards...

Oh, the awe and wonder of the almighty elephant....

Nice photo, eh?!

Actually it is another marvellous creation by Robert Bateman... a painting. Yes, you heard me!

~

By the River - Elephants.

Luxurious Art Deco Inspiration

"Annabelle's Living Room" from Sarah Richardson on Design Inc.

There is an air of sophistication and class to these combined living and dining rooms. I love the neutral tones, and splash of colour in the accents... especially the aqua blue glass bowl.
The deco tub chair, regency side and arm chairs are from Savoia. And the mirror coffee table is from Sarah Richardson Design. Tres sophisticated!

I absolutely adore this dining room... everything from the chandelier to the mural on the wall to the pattern of the chairs. A luxurious, chic, and art-deco design to the space. Cool, and soothing.
I could very easily sit here with a special someone and enjoy a meandering conversation over a delicious meal...

Some Fun Stuff

I love whimsy, funky, refreshing stuff.
Here is a sampling of what type of creativity exists in this world...


Yoga Shower Curtain from wrapables.com at Torre and Tagus



Roll-Up Piano from Restoration Hardware


Pacifier Wall Light, designed by local design talents-Propellor. Walnut and baby bottle nipples. Available at Dear Home Decor in Vancouver

Square Bent Vase by madebyhumans.net

The Art of Kissing unintentionally funny booklets from 1930s from howcool at Fan Tan in Victoria

PS GRUMS pillows from Ikea

The Eye Clock by George Nelson at designhouse
Felt Number Pillows from scarlettalley

Country Magnets from fridgedoor

Buddha Buddy from Teatro Verde

Red and White and Food All Over...

A seasonal delight to indulge in the traditional colours of Christmas, and Canada... hmmm... (:

Pure Red Place Setting from Mikasa and CompanyRed Velvet Collection from designhome

Haute Holiday Plates from Rosanna

Tin Christmas Plates from Restoration Hardware

Merry Santa Collection from Rosanna

Tokyo Novelty Plates to complement the holidays from westelm

Victoria Zen

Handmade Lotus Flower Candleholder from the Philippines at tenthousandvillages

Tibetan Prayer Flags from zinnia

Bamboo Candles from javanerra imports in Victoria

Tibetan Tingsha Bells from zinnia in Victoria

Elephant Clock from BombayCompany

Yixing Double Dragon teapot from silkroad

Syrian Silk Brocade Pillow from arabiannights in Victoria

Asian Buddha Statue from tabimports

Woven Reed Bag made from krajud plant in Thailand from Unicef Canada

3Person Statue from pier1

Handmade Soapstone Candleholder from Vietnam at tenthousandvillages

Turkish Greeting Cards from zinnia in Victoria

My Eco-Clean Experience

So you have to get your festive wear all ready for the holiday shin-dig around thee ole corner? Time to sort out what's clean or not... time to dry clean perhaps? Freshen up that polyester pant suit, or fuschia tafetta bridesmaid dress circa 1985...?

I am so happy that there is an earth-friendly dry cleaning alternative here in the lovely and quaint city of Victoria (which could be considered realtively small by metropolitan standards... about 74000 dwellers in the city area). Nonetheless, we are a bunch of green folks. And we take pride in our environment. Vancouver Island is even known to export granola, hippy-type folk from time to time (excluding Pamela Anderson of course).
Soooo, back to my story... I took some items to Elite Cleaners in Cook Street Village. A solvent-free alternative to ordinary dry cleaning. And much to my surprise, natural cleaning agents got my garment all nice and shiny new again! Tres impressed, and I feel not the least bit guilty about contributing Perc to our chemical laden environment (have you read the study that are bodies are getting to be more and more like walking toxic soups... eeks!).
I feel good about this eco-choice... nice to have in town!

Breathing Space

Another windstorm plummets our coastline.... the ocean is alive, and the waves relentlessly batter Willows Beach. Mother Nature in raw form... and I love it!

(image courtesy of todder on flickr)

Unique Wreath Inspirations

Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles.

Much symbolism can be attributed to the Christmas wreath...

The shape of wreath is traditionally a circle, which has no beginning and no ending. In some cultures, this represents the eternal nature of a god's love and mercy, everlasting faith in humanity, and/or the circle of life. The most common colour of wreaths, green, is also known to be the colour of hope and new life.

The decorative value of wreaths is believed to have been derived by ancient tradition; different floral and decorative arrangements were used to identify the different families and houses.... just as we use it today as our own signature flair.

Hang a wreath on the door to welcome visitors, or on the wall to add decorative finesse, the traditional accent will surely add a warm, festive, and personal touch to any space...

Boxwood Wreath from Williams-Sonoma. Simple branches of greenery... and fini!

Glitter-and-shine Garland wreath from anthropologie. Pastel metallic balls wound around a wreath frame. Pretty and polished!Mixed Floral Chocolate Wreath from crateandbarrel. I like the sound of chocolate used in a wreath! It is actually cocoa-hued flowers and satin ribbon that make the wreath sound and look so lush!

Succulent Living Wreath from vivaterra. My favourite... eco-friendly, alive and thriving...


Boa Wreath from cityline. Wrap a dark boa around a wire base, and hang by a pretty ribbon.




Grass and Pomegranate Wreath by theflowerdepot. If you are lucky enough to still have remnants of autumn in your neck of the woods, then go outside and start collecting!



Winterberry Wreath from Restoration Hardware. Faux berries wrapped around a wreath frame. Add greenery for an authentic look.




Candy Cane Wreath made from foam wreath form, ribbon, and candycanes glued and pinned to wreath. See here for complete instructions. Unique and edible...




Birch Bark Wreath by Joshua & Company as seen on cityline . Now don't go stripping the skin off an ole birch tree, but get your hands on some "curlys" and this can be weaved into one cool looking wreath!


Pear Wreath from chintz. Faux or no... branches bound and tied looks colourful and tres organic.



Bay Leaf Wreath from PotteryBarn. I wonder.. can you use the leaves for a delicious soup post-holidays? Hmmmm....



Ornament Wreath from pier1. Colourful plastic ornaments and satin tinsel wound around a metal base. Festive and bright!




Magnolia Wreath from themagnoliacompany. Silk flowers wound around a wire base makes for a wreath that is both festive and floral. If it only smelled pretty too.. CandyCane Wreath idea from bhg... another twist on the sweet and striped candycane classic!


Rosette Wreath idea from cityline... attach roses to square frame. Voila! Pretty in all shades of pink!

Traditional Wreath from gki. Classic and festive, and easy to make!

Belle Bags

"Everything I need is right here in this extraordinary purse" - Dorothy Kilgallen

~

Minty Toronto Cityscape vegan coin purse from etsy

Chocolate Cable Knit Bag, Functional Flannel Tote, and Touch of Faux Fur from joefreshstyle



Emk Bags from emkclothing available at She-She Bags in Victoria




Embroidered Bag from Passenger Pigeon in Toronto



Cotton Canvas LA-Z Girl Bag from American Apparel-Canada in Vancouver



Hand felted Marilyn Lee "Dotty" Handbag from Co-Operative Shop & Gallery on Granville Island in Vancouver



Fiddleheads 100% Organic cotton denim bag from Twice Shy located at Not Just Pretty in Victoria

Abstract Green Gathered Bag, Quilted Floral Deer Purse, Red Geometric Patch Flap Purse from goodmorning-morning in Vancouver

Ch-BG floral bag from Precociousboutique at Paradise in Victoria

Bella Bag made by Smoking Lily in Victoria

Recycled Sailcloth Bags from vivaterra

Organic Sweatshop-free Crocheted Hemp Vegan Purse from downbound.ca

Comic Relief

Every Sunday morning, I love to peruse the comic section of the newspaper and laugh my silly socks off at Farside and Bizarro... my favourite funnies!
Here's one by Dan Piraro that gets me everytime... so much truth to it...

Into the Blue

Blue is one of my favourite colours. There are so many different and gorgeous shades of blue... from azure to aquamarine to sky blue. To me, the colour represents coolness, calmness, dreaminess, and of course water (the essence of life). Tis the perfect time to showcase lots of things with tints and hints of beautiful blue...

Pavillion Beadwork Chandelier from Chintz

Magic Bunny Toothpick Holder, designed by Stefano Giovannoni for Alessi. Available at designhouse

Paws for a Cause T-Shirt from BCSPCA

Prince Aha Stool by designer Phillipe Starck for Kartell. Available at designhouse

Lexxon Cubissmo Alarm Clock from ScarlettAlley available at Fan Tan in Victoria

Platinum Gym Bag made from natural waterproof material from lululemon

Dottie Glassware from Rosanna at designhome

Umbrella Lamp Ice Blue from Veer

Ergonomic Mugs from miam-miam

Oh Chair from umbra at Urbane

The Oeuf Hug-Me Sweater with built in mittens

Nate Berkus Beaded Pillow from linensnthings

Holiday Plush Booties from lasenza

Venetian Glass Hanging Lantern in blown glass from marston&langinger

Love me Shower Curtain from urbanoutfitters

Freja Rug from Ikea

One World unicef card from Unicef

Crosley Jukebox from lnt

Glassware from Ivv at zidea

Aqua Virga Bowl Candle from pier1

Figure Wall Stickers from stickersbydvider

Black Angel on Blue Pillow from puredesign Vela Bowl from piacenza at zidea

Elvis Tape Dispenser from designhouse

Aqua Nautilus Collection from chintz

Eco-Acorn

"The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Some super eco-cool items from eco-enterprise Acorn Studios located out of Edmonton. They transform found objects and recycle them into eco-friendly functionable objects. Can be found at Shift Natural Fashion/ Hemp & Co in Victoria. Great gift ideas for the eco-conscious...

Apple for the Teacher Ornament
Created by hand from old circuit board, each apple comes with a soldered wire stalk and is finished with a ribbon for hanging. A fruitful creation...

Keyboard Magnets
These geeky magnets are hand made from old cash register keys, broken keyboards and telephones. Each set contains 6 assorted super-strong rare-earth magnets and comes packaged in a reusable tin. Hmmm... can have fun with this!

Sparkly CD Clock

Created by hand using three discs, each clock undergoes a heating and cooling process to create the unique irridescent cracked effect on the surface. May have once held tunes, now time goes tick-tock..

Floppy Disk Notebook

Handmade from recycled floppy disks and 100 pages of plain white recycled paper. Floppy disks, remember those?! Go retro with this book....

As their motto states: "Add some geek to your life...."

Mountie Series by Arnold Friberg

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is a symbol of Canada, known all over the world.

The RCMP is a recognizable, dynamic, and significant representation for a nation. Their history, and legacy, is like that of Canada itself... one of grand adventure, stunning panaramas, and larger-than-life individuals. They played a leading role in shaping Canada's history and continue to be an integral part of our identity.
It is a point of pride that we hold high in our nation...

And no one seems to capture the very essence and spirit of the Royal Mounted Police than artist Arnold Friberg. In 1873, the Canadian Government formed the North-West Mounted Police, which later came to be named the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Friberg is able to portray the historical image of the RCMP, and paint the early stories that are full of adventure and never-ending action in an untamed frontier.
Lest it be known that it is legendary that the RCMP "always get their man"...

Here is a sampling of some of his famous artwork...

Maintaining the Right by Arnold Friberg

"The strong solid realism seen in the commanding figure of the rider on his splendid mount stands in contrast to the airy visionary procession of "riders in the sky" bringing to mind memories of the many who have gone before, whose courage and devotion did establish the enduring traditions of the Force. By including the lettered motto and the crests of the RCMP and of Canada’s Provinces and Territories, the artist has here bound together, into one epic historic images, 125 years of strength, service and devotion to duty."

Here, a Mountie sitting tall and poised on his decorated horse, ready and waiting to get his man....

Springtime in the North by Arnold Friberg

A glistening stallion taking a drink, a Canadian forest in its pre-spring beauty, and the Scarlet Serge tunic of a Mountie...

Tales of the Force by Arnold Friberg

There is a sense of liveliness, wisdom, and pride as the Mountie passes down his stories... captivating and inspiring to the eager listeners.

.

A Class Act Inspiration

Beautiful images of the home of Seattle collectors Larry and Susan Winn, from "Class Act" in the design archives of Met Home...

What makes this space so amazing is that it is a historic elementary school converted into a condominium. After a dramatic transformation, the space is now an apt reflection of the homeowners' style... rich artwork, bold accents and an eclectic mix of furnishings all abound.

"The great room features a massive pivoting stack of wood-framed windows that contribute to the room’s colorful take on modernism circa 2006. A T. L. Lange watercolor hangs on the wall beside the window."

The fusion of a traditional Carolean Era baby-blue chair, classic mid-century accents, the rustic birch-crafted coffee table combined with the flow of ambient light, make the room feel like a contemporary, ethereal art gallery...

"Canvases by Laddie John Dill (left) and T. L. Lange overlook an 18-foot table fabricated from a slab of reclaimed redwood set on limestone piers that were salvaged from the 1906 San Francisco earthquake."

And get this... the light fixtures are custom made from... crab traps. Bright and brilliant!
Truly a signature space full of creativity, character and class... c'est magnifique.

The Magnetizing Months Ahead

With the New Year around the corner, do you have your next calendar all ready to go?

I love this piece from potterybarn... it is a magnificent and mammoth magnetic whiteboard calendar!
I am a visual person, so I love the simple design and grando size. Talk about organisation simplified, and amplified!
Colossal *and* cool.

And I imagine this can be a source of inspiration for a DIY whiteboard and black ink project... (;

Breathing Space

Picturesque vista of Mt. Washington (Alpine Resort) on central Vancouver Island. A winter sport haven...

(courtesy of shopbc)

Rudolph's Favourites

Bless Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. He has shared with us some of his favourite "toys" that resemble his family of antler friends...

A Rusty Buck by Victoria artist Colin Macrae at colinmacraeart

Holiday Bath Bomb Reindeer from Escents Aromatherapy (two dollars from the sale of each plush bath bomb bear will support the work of the Canadian Mental Health Association)


Deep in Forest Deco Plate from sprouthome



Reindeer Go Faux wrap and scarf from North American Bear at missymousey




The Deer hand drawn and stamp printed eco-friendly note card from Etsy



Deer (and Owl friend) Pillows from uncommongoods



Pink Deer Tote Bag from evil wren designs

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Reindeer Centrepiece from FluidLiving

Deer Stag salt & pepper shakers by Kikkerland found at Quincy

Deer Head Hanger by David Wiseman from omgiwantit

Moose Cutting Board from CanadianMoose

Artemis Antler Hat from Wildhagen in Toronto

Hand-screened Deer Plate made by Laura Mckibbon at cul de sac design on Granville Island, Vancouver

Dark Russet Moose Wellie Waterproof Boots from LLBean

Deer by Augustin Scott de Martinville for vlaemsch

Moose Woods Melamine Dish Set from Hatley

Reindeer Taper Holder and Hurricane from Accents de Ville in Montreal

Kawartha Moose Accent Lamp from Canadian Tire

Sweet Fawns Wallet from Free People Boutique

Hemp Art-a-lope Flap Sack from Stewart + Brown, fabric is composed of top grade 100% organic cotton canvass surplus at Beklina

Trophy Lamp designed by Isabelle Rolland, deerhead is molded from a clear acrylic resin and contains fluorescent tubes with dimmable ballast

From GiftWrap to PlaceMat

So, the fa-la-la festivities are practically around the corner... are you ready for the yuletide season? I was digging through my "holiday hutch" to try and locate my cute green and red placements... but disappointingly they are MIA! I came upon this creative idea and image from Cityline... tis a placemat made out of wrapping paper!
I think I am going to try and make my own. Seems simple enough...
Here's how it goes:

Get an 18x14 art board and spray or rub with adhesive. Place wrapping paper piece on top (make sure the cut is a bit bigger than the board), and smooth out so there are no bubbles or waves. Turn over and fold down and stick excess wallpaper at corners just like wrapping a gift.
Optional: spray with one or two coats of lacquer, allowing board to dry between coats -- makes it super glossy and cleanable!

I figure one could also try wallpaper on this DIY project...
A great idea on how to recycle and re-use that pretty gift wrap you receive at holidays!
Ah, creative cleverness... I love thee!

Glass Brick Walls

From this....

to this...

These Glass Brick Window Panels are created by Mark Lauckner at Mayne Island GlassWorks located on one of the gems of the Gulf Islands.

He works with discarded scrap glass which is melted and pressed into unique and innovative designs, such as this amazing wall panel composition.

"One of my ongoing activities is to cast historic objects in glass, to bring light into these opaque objects of cast iron and molded clay.... I have taken an interest in casting old antique bricks. My interest in local industrial history (glass factories and foundries) has brought into focus the historic firebrick. My involvement with furnace design has also contributed to a keen interest in these heritage refractories"

Thus, Lauckner began making glass molds from historic firebricks he recovered from abandoned ghost towns and derelict industrial wastelands in both British Columbia and Alberta. He has now transformed these different historic bricks into works of art and functionality...

The glass panel design can easily be incorporated into any home design. In interiors, glass brick windows can create the feeling of openness and transparency, while still dividing a room. In exterior walls, the glass can offer privacy and concealment while still allowing outside light to filter in.

I so admire Lauckner's cutting edge conceptions. The wall panels are both uniquely beautiful as art and design, but also as historical imprints of the past. What makes the glass brick panel walls so special is that they are made from heritage artifacts and recycled glass.... eco-style extraordinarie!

Hues of Rouge

Paint the town red? Shades of brilliant cerise all over Victoria...


Herman Miller Eames molded plastic chair from gabrielross

Red Electric Moped available at Green World Electric Vehicles in Victoria

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Washing Up Bowl from designhouse

MYLONIT lamp from Ikea

Lost in Translation vinyl shoulderbag from SmokingLily

Vampire Glasses from Urbanbarn


Powder 3 Hat from MEC

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Winter Silhouette Wall Art from Pier1



Le Creuset Zen Kettle from Muffet and Louisa

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Glass Cherry Earrings from veganworks

A Yellow Bird Greeting...

Yellow Bird Paper Greetings... "a chi-chi concoction of vintage imagery, girlish glamour and witty sayings culminate in a stationery collection high on style and serious sass."

Stationery designer Charmaine Carlson uses both the past and present as her source of inspiration for her card designs. To me, the cards are like a classic, nostalgic memento; yet, playful and fun.

Based out of North Vancouver, her collection can be found all over North America, and soon to be expanded into the international market. Her cards are a common sight at many Victoria stationery shops.

Always a pleasure to give or receive one of her delightful cards....

Jackie's Peanut Brittle

Nothing like receiving a beautifully wrapped box full of goodies from a close one...

My wonderful friend and ex-neighbour, Jackie, makes the best holiday brittle.
Here is her delicious, and very simple recipe for Peanut Brittle...

1 c. sugar
1/2 c. light corn syrup
1 c. raw peanuts
dash of salt
1 tbsp. butter
1 tsp. pure vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda

Combine first 4 ingredients in 2-quart size glass bowl or measuring cup. Mix together and microwave on high for about 5 minutes, stirring after 3 minutes. Add vanilla and butter. Microwave on high for about 2 minutes. Mixture should not get too brown, so be sure to watch carefully.
Add baking soda and stir quickly (important to move fast so doesn't harden to soon). Spread on lightly greased baking sheet as thinly as possible. Spread as much as you can. Let cool. Break into pieces.

Optional: dip pieces in melted chocolate and place on wax paper to cool. Mmmm...

Makes a great gift wrapped in parchment and tissue paper in a pretty box with satin ribbon... easy to transport too!

(packaging images courtesy of Martha)

Breathing Space

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful." - Norman Vincent Peale

Festive ice skating at Butchart Gardens in Victoria

A Blend of Benches

From traditional to tribal, here is a collection of ottomans and benches from one end of Canada to another...


Drake Ottoman from UrbanBarn in Victoria. Plush and soft.

Regence Bench from Savoia Chair Frames Ltd in Toronto. Traditional and very regal.

Kilim handwoven ottoman from Country Furniture in Vancouver. Coloured from natural plant dyes in North Western Afghanistan.

Custom Brad Bench from Gabriel Ross Custom Furniture in Victoria. Maple, and modern chic

Konran space-saver ottoman from fluidliving in Toronto. A versatile piece that can be storage or a fold-out bed.

A favourite book: The Golden Spruce

In the Queen Charlotte Islands off the coast of British Columbia...

There in the vast wilderness, a Sitka spruce tree with golden needles reaches for the sky. Luminous and glowing, and at sixteen stories high and more than twenty feet around, the golden spruce was unlike anything anyone had seen before; it was so unique it was a botanical anomoly. It was the only one in the world...

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"From the ground, its startling color stopped people dead in their tracks; from the air, it stood out like a beacon and was visible from miles away."

It was sacred to the Haida people, a legendary seafaring tribe on the Queen Charlotte Islands, the Haida Gwaii. To be truly understood as such a majestic marvel, the tree was an object of awe and reverance to anyone who laid eyes on it... hence it was titled the Golden Spruce.

On the night of January 20, 1997, with the temperature near freezing, a man named Grant Hadwin swam across the Yakoun river with a very small chainsaw. In complete darkness, he cut expertly into the golden spruce – a tree more than two metres in diameter, wider than a car – leaving it so unstable that the next windstorm would push it over.

And it did. And there it lay horizontally on the forest floor, in all it's behemoth glory... dying.

Something so unique and sacred, a natural glorious wonder... gone.

Grief and anger consummed the Haida, and people from all over the world. How could someone do this, and why?

Vancouver writer John Valliant tells the story of this magnificent tree in his book, The Golden Spruce. He writes eloquently of the West Coast rainforests and surrounding ecosystem, the dangers (and probable implosion) of the logging industry, the history of the Haida people and their first contacts with European traders and settlers, and of course he tells the story of Grant Hadwin.

It is a poetic web of intrigue, insight, and meaning.

A beautifully rendered story that leaves one thinking about the undeniable connection of nature and humankind...

Treasures of Victoria

Beautiful and unique items found locally in Victoria....


Celtic Empire Blue and Green Celtic Umbrella at Instincts Art & Gifts on View Street

Ascot soft silk scarves from Smoking Lily

All natural and eco-friendly Soy Aromatherapy Candles at The Good Planet Company

Handmade Sari Meditation Cushions Covers from Zinnia

Moments with Nature

Can you guess the type of Canadian wildlife...?
These breath-taking images are actually cards available at Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society, a local organisation with the mission to help preserve wildlife and wildlife systems in North America.
Oh, the beauty of all creatures great and small...

Plus de Cartes de Victoria

Beautiful sampling of cards from Dominion Post and Salvage located out of Vancouver. The wonderful and unique works of art can be purchased at The Papery shop in Victoria.

"At Dominion Post and Salvage we are dedicated to designing beautiful stationery using visually intriguing images inspired by vintage ephemera"

Each individually designed... makes for a truly stunning and sophisticated handmade card!

How Santa Came to Be...

I just have to share a very special experience I had this evening...

I just finished watching the movie Santa Claus is Comin' to Town... and my goodness, was it wonderful! Oh, the magic of stop-motion animation...

A joyous walk down memory lane indeed. I have had my fill of the other classic Rankin-Bass films of Frosty and Rudolph in the past years, so it was refreshing to watch this movie. While most renditions of the St. Nick legend are nothing more than generic humbug remakes, a few Santa movies contain meaningful, uplifting messages. This is one of them.

Here is a synopsis to refresh your memory on how ole jolly Santa came to be...

Kris Kringle (voiceover by Mickey Rooney) is a young boy with a big heart and an immense desire to bring happiness to the village of Sombertown (get it?). Kris has started a gift factory where he builds colourful, bright toys and gives them to all the deprived local children to bring light to their lives and smiles to their faces. But the tyrannical ruler Burgermeister Meisterburger (Paul Frees) bans toys from the land, and thus Kris enlists others to help. So, with the assistance of magical elves, a school teacher named Mistress Jessica, and eight special reindeer (I'll bet you know their names!), Kris manages to overcome grumpy Burgermeister. He moves to the North Pole, gets married, and manages to successfully deliver toys to all the grateful children of the world on the holiest night of the year, earning him the name Saint Claus, or Santa Claus...

Ho, ho, ho... Oh, how the children (and adults.. teehee) all adore the loveable and gift-giving jolly guy!!
A neat tidbit of info I have always remembered... do you recall the full name of Mrs. Claus? Tis.... Jessica! I just love that!

With all the wonderful voiceovers, including Fred Astaire as the narrator (the Mailman