taking a break

Life has caught up with me again folks and I have a few things to take care of this week.  There are a few posts that I had prepared last week that will go up but otherwise this blogger is out of action.  Hoping you'll all stick around and I'll be back next week refreshed and ready for some Christmas posting.

creative windows

The Operable Boundary Townhouse in Brooklyn New York, designed by Dean/Wolf Architects was featured in the July issue of Architectural Record. It is one of the best examples of how to add interest and space by opening up your home to the exterior.  These windows and doors are stunning.

 

friday listening | ellie goulding

The Writer and Wish I Stayed from her debut album Lights.

what's in your beauty bag?

The gorgeous Liz over at WALLPAPER asked me to contribute what's in mine.  Check it out here!

warm & cozy

With temperatures dropping, there's nothing better than cozy spot to curl up.  Texture, pattern and rich muted colours make these wonderful spots to snuggle. [Images from Living Etc.]

plush & cheery

On the topic of cozy - loving the Pinocchio Rug designed by HAY.  So cheery! Spotted on Black Eiffel.

rust-chic

A glossy new issue of Elle Decor arrived in my mailbox the other day and I've been drooling since over the home featured on the cover.  This modern chic and rustic farmhouse is everything [mind you on a much larger scale] that I'd ever want in a modern farmhouse - lots of black and charcoal, salvaged rustic wood ceilings and beams, neutrality with just a few hits of rich warm colour and the most amazing bunk beds I've ever seen. [PS Does anyone know where that fabulous occasional chair in the second photo is from?]

when i redo the bedroom.... again....

This is what I'll be doing. [From DwellStudio].  There's that navy again - and I love the orange, crisp white and the wood shelves.

important things & a few stories

Right at the front door to my apartment I have a 7' high bulletin board.  This bulletin board keeps important things handy and also tells a few stories about who I am and what I'm about.  This post is going to be like Where's Waldo.

Currently on the bulletin board:  Christmas ornaments, an old date stamp, a photograph from Fallingwater, my business cards [new and old] and the business cards of a few friends and suppliers, a foam chickee from my sister last Easter [it was a placecard that she made for our dinner table], concert tickets, stamps, paint chips, wallpaper samples, a knit ornament of me and Lucy, a funny picture of my brother, postcards, my laundry card, various cards - thank you and just because, a service notice for the Jeep, various gift certificates, the basketball uniforms I designed for our team this year, a picture of Lucy, a Cabbagepatch Kids pin [it used to be on our Christmas stockings as kids], and an old sign from the grocery store I worked at in high school [I actually have about 5 or 6 of these, my boyfriend worked in the grocery department and regularily put these up in the store, I found them in an old book a few weeks ago].

hump day humour | dodgeball

"If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball."  Patches O'Hoolihan.

currently loving | the ikea 365+ brasa pendant

Sometimes IKEA just gets it right - a good design at a great price.  Like the Brasa pendant.  I had planned to hang a series of bare industrial bulbs over the dining room table, but last week became fixated on this pendant instead.  I love that it focuses the light so I won't light up the entire space surrounding the table.  And for $59, you just can't go wrong.  Available in black, white and red, and although I love the red - the black is my pick.  Add it to the Christmas list.

And while we're at it - I'm also loving this Leaf Lamp by Peter Schumacher spotted on Contemporist.

battle of the blades | the winners

Did anyone else watch the Finale of Battle of the Blades?  The Russian darlings, Katia Gordeeva and Val Bure took the trophy and can I say, I couldn't be happier.  They were absolutely amazing all season - two great and wonderfully kind people, who were a pleasure to meet, partnered each other beautifully.  Congrats to the two charities they were skating for, both obviously near and dear to both skaters - Val skated for Compassion Canada and Katia for Cardiac Kids [please click their links for more on these wonderful charities]- each will be receiving $50,000.  Here's two of my favourite performances from them.  Congrats again and I can't wait for Season 3.

 

christmas | getting ready

The last few years I've found that I've been editing more and more the amount of decorations that go up at my place.  I stick to evergreen wreaths, a few well placed retro ornaments and simple trees.

You've all already seen my tree this year and I actually love these nutcrackers - not sure why I'm so drawn to them, but I am.

Some pinecones and some retro ornaments elsewhere in the living room.  I filled an old fishbowl with white twinkle lights that shine up through my Eileen Gray sidetable - they look gorgeous at night.

A minature tree and a wreath complete the windowscape in the bedroom.  A jingle bell wreath [from Dollarama] hangs from the mirror and Dollarama reindeer with jingle bell collars hang out under the belljar and a favourite ornament are displayed on the tall chest.

In the kitchen, a simple wreath and a vase of red baubles.

These cute santa candles are lined up over the medicine cabinet in the bathroom and a few choice ornaments are hung from the bulletin board in the front hall.

2011 trends a la lynda reeves | part 2

I totally forgot to post the images from the event and my favourite items from the Elte showroom.

This orange couch has my name all over it.



I think this hand carved wood drum shade will be everywhere in 2011.  Everywhere.  You heard it here first.



And this matte grey lamp was just devine.

10 ?s | shae-lynn bourne, professional figure skater

Shae-Lynn Bourne is a part of figure skating royalty. Of the thousands of skaters who try to make to the top of the podium, Shae-Lynn was one of the few who has. Known for her strength, speed, athleticism and "deep edges and soft knees", Shae-Lynn and her ice dancing partner Victor Kratz revolutionized the sport, with daring tricks, intricate footwork and performances that set the bar for today's skaters. Shae-Lynn hails from my home town of Chatham, Ontario where she started her skating career. In 1991, she was first partnered with Victor in ice dancing and in their first season they won the Junior Canadian Nationals. By 1996, they were on the podium at the World Championships, winning bronze. They won bronze again in 97, 98 and 99, improving to a silver in 2002 and in 2003 Shae and Victor were the first North Americans to ever win a Gold at the World Championships. Following their gold, they retired from competition and Shae began her professional career skating with Champions on Ice, Dreams on Ice and more recently, has appeared on both seasons of Battle of the Blades, where she has proceeded to the finals on both occasions. Shae has used her celebrity to speak out against child abuse. She and Victor skated in numerous charity shows such as "Dreams On Ice". Bourne was the honorary chairperson for the "Every Life Counts" campaign for Chatham-Kent and has performed shows in Chatham to raise money for the charity. Bourne and Kraatz received the Governor General's Meritorious Service Crosses for courageously speaking out about unfair judging practices so that the sport could be improved for all competitors. Along with skating in various shows, Shae had moved into coaching and choreography. She is currently the coach of Canadian ice dancing team Kaitlyn Weaver & Kevin Reynolds. She has previously coached Cathy Reed & Chris Reed. She has choreographed programs for many skaters including Jeremy Abbott, Joannie Rochette, Akiko Suzuki, Daisuke Takahashi and Yun Yea-Ji. Up next for Shae, she's will be appearing in the NBC Figure Skating Special of Riverdance on Ice, airing February 19th, which you may recall as one of her and Victor's most memorable performances.

Shae-Lynn, despite all her celebrity, has remained down to earth, generous and extremely personable. And did I mention stunning - she's gorgeous. It was a pleasure to her meet at Battle of the Blades [and see her skate!] and I was thrilled to conduct a telephone interview with her the following day.  An outstanding performer,  and an absolute doll, you can stay up date with Shae and in contact via her website at http://www.shaelynnbourne.com/.  Here's 10 ?s with Shae-Lynn Bourne.

1.  What is the most rewarding aspect of what you do or what has been the most rewarding experience you've had in your career?

Being able to perform for people, to entertain and see their reaction.  Winning the World's in 2003 opened the door for me to do that and sometimes I pinch myself, to be able to make money doing what I love, it's amazing.

2.  Favourite time of day?

Sunrise and sunset.

3.  Star Wars or Star Trek?

Star Wars, especially the first three, they are classic.

4.  What is one thing you would change about your industry or what you do?

In the competitive world I would make judging a full time job.  Most judges are volunteers and have full time jobs, so they are unable to really dedicate the time and energy needed to judging.  It would help to make it fairer for both the skaters and for themselves.

5.  What is your daily routine? If you don't have one, what is one thing you do everyday?

I dance everyday.  I love to dance.  It feels so good to get up and move around.

6.  If you weren't doing what you do, what else would you do?

I would be a performer, either acting or dancing.  I love to express myself.  Maybe I'd work at a school for the Arts.

7.  Favourite Colour?

I don't really have favourites.  All of them.  Including black.

8.  Favourite board game?

I don't get to play a lot of board games.  Monopoly, I'd say.

9.  Where do you see your industry or yourself in 10 years?

Professionally I see myself continuing to coach and doing more choreography.  Personally,  married and a mom.

10. What do you feel is "trendy" right now and what do you feel will stand the test of time?

Trendy - disposible fashion, replicas, pop music

Classic - Chanel, Gucci, the Eagles, the Beatles - music with a great rhythm and meaniful lyrics.