font finds: darjeerling

I have been really intrigued by unicase fonts lately, and while this isn't a proper unicase, it has great flexibility, because it so subtly plays on the weight and tone of a traditional transitional. Try saying that tree times fast! In any case, I love it and wanted to share. This top image really showcases the playfulness, not otherwise expressed in straight body text. (see below)

An added bonus is the ultra whimsical ornaments, that can be layer as you so desire.

I love it! Should I buy it? What would you use it for?

day dreams

My good friend JoEllen is re-doing her kitchen and has me machinating about my own dream kitchen. Because I won't be remaking our own kitchen until we are firmly set in a new dream house, day dreams are where my kitchen plans stay. Although as many of you can attest to that doesn't stop me from studying colour decks, granites, and even occasionally buying a few tiles to keep the ideas flowing. Because I love the idea of a galley kitchen, and because I tend to be on the short side, I would love to have both counters to be a different height, one short side for baking and the other for the Prof and guests and the regular cooking.

This galley kitchen above also shows a fabulous idea of mine — no overhead cabinetry.

I love the idea of rethinking shelving above the counter.

This one below is my favourite! I love the hardwood floors, the two-tone cabinets, especially the dark blue grey.

The openness, the art, and the amazing persian rug!!

The art and open shelves here are great, but what about the colour or materials?

I think the stark black and white even with the art might be a little bit cold.

In the two above, the marble countertop and back splash are amazing. I LOVE the texture in the marble and the random, more organic pattern. I also love that rather than a separate tile backsplash and counter, it is the same material — this the transition between the two would be smooth.

This one is a moodier take of the grey-blue and the oriental rug, but I still love it! The couple below conjure up more of the retro flair that I love in accessories and bring in small pops of colour!!

What about a retro range set next to a modern glass-front fridge?

Mixing accessories both modern and clean with vintage finds is my favourite in everyone room.

Hardware, lighting, cabinetry are all essential to the planning.

I love the clasp hardware, knobs are ok, but little hinges and latches are so much more fun!!

Vintage inspired lighting that's unique and causes reaction is unexpected.

I love round lamps, they are like little globes or suns that shine on you.

And what kitchen is not complete without perfectly organized items and groceries in the cabinets. This one below is absolute perfection. I can't pretend that I don't love well-placed products, like an aisle in the grocery store.

This last one, while it has overhead white cabinetry, excels at whimsy — it is charming and classic.

February sweeps!

As February sweeps are coming to end an I thought it might be appropriate to highlight, not my favourite new television episodes, but rather my (recent) tv obsession! As many of you know my tv watching is completely reliant on Netflix. Therefore, I am not as up-to-date on current shows as I could be. That said, I present my current obsession:

Pushing Daisies. (See, I told you I was out of touch with the current shows.) While it is no longer on the air, it is on Netflix. What's to love? Unique storyline. Ned discovers as a young boy that he has the power to bring the dead back to life by touching them. Another touch will make them dead forever, but if he doesn't touch them again within a minute, something will die instead. A pie-maker by day, Ned uses his powers to help PI, Emerson Cod, solver murders by night. Including the murder of his childhood sweetheart, Charlotte Charles, who once brought back to life, he is unable to touch her ever again! A mix of mystery, romance and comedy ensues.

I love all the texture and pattern created in the sets!

Everything is extremely saturated!

Quirky humor — the writing on this show is superb. From it's hyperactive colour palette to its fantastical sets and props, it is like nothing else on tv!! Note the all chintz apartment & attire of adorably little Olive Snook.

And Charlotte (Chuck as she is known to Ned) has such fabulous vintage inspired dresses! She wears a dress in every episode, not sure I have seen her in pants, actually. And her aunts, Vivian and Lily always ear opposite colous, to mark their awkward personalities. gotta love the eyepatch!

Inspired fashion and magical narration are beyond a doubt marvelous! It is beyond me why they took it of the air. If you haven't caught an episode, check it out. Click here for more design appreciation.

Yodel-Ay-Eee-Oooo

I have another idea for a party... I love this idea for a photobooth! I just need to find a few of these yodeler hats. Lederhosen would really sell it! Make a few pillows and a couple of sheep out of cotton balls! It just looks like so much fun. What else would you have at the party? Little german sausages? Wiener schnitzel? Any ideas? Could we convince guests to dress up?

wedding invitations mailed!

Not for my wedding, silly! For HRH Prince William of Wales and Miss Catherine Middleton, of course! And you are cordially invited to keep up with me during the royal wedding watch! I will definitely be watching this one come April 29th!

If you are hoping to get a royal wedding invitation in the mail, they have officially been sent out last week. Apparently, there will be a possibility to receiving three separate invitations in one mailing. One for the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, a second for the official reception hosted by the Queen herself at Buckingham Palace and the highly sought after invite for the evening dinner and dancing reception for only 300 of Prince William and Kate Middleton's close friends and family.

Now, if you ask me, these seem rather plain. If I had all the money and connections that royals do, I would have fabulous stationery, perhaps even if a bit traditional, the entire invitation set could have been calligraphed? It is remarkably similar to his father's own invitation to Lady Diana, years ago. They have certain protocols, you know. Still, a little class and creativity go a long way. I can't wait to see her wedding gown and the flowers! And just for a little comparison, below you will see the similar wedding invitation from Diana & Charles and her amazing, pure 80's fluffy gown.

Lady Diana looks so gorgeous here, but I cannot imagine wearing a dress and veil with that much material! I wonder if William will don his military uniform?

And one more, because I just happened upon it — Look at each couples official engagement announcement interview's. Isn't that funny? Even their poses are remarkably alike! I am personally hoping this will make the end of the similarities. Salutations William & Kate!

Warby Parker

Wouldn't that be a great name for a kitty? Well, in the casse were not talking about cats, but eye glasses! And fantastically vintage-inspired ones at that. It is about time I go get my eyes checked and I am thinking of getting a pair of these. The crystal clear ones, in fact. Reminiscent of the 1980's, I know. But my current cute dark librarian ones are so — well, noticeable when I wear them, so , I thought I would look into something new. The great thing about these Warby Parker's; for every pair purchased they donate a pair. Check it out here: http://www.warbyparker.com/

Monocle, anyone?

hello, my name is [beer?]

I've got a project coming up to design the label for the Prof.'s new homebrew. I think in this case simplicity is good. But how I can I beat these?

http://www.magazin.com/Produkt/194760/1452471/Bier.html

http://preceptwinebrands.com/our_wines/brands/000000019/house_wine

And a few typographic choices:

Got any ideas that are simple to produce, fun to read, and can be printed in b&w?

hooray!

au naturel

I have been doing a little homework for our house and wondering what it needs. And while we have a ton of plants, we don't have many natural materials or organic items. So, I have been adding a few items here and there, particularly in the bedroom and bathroom. So, I thought I might put together another inspiration board to share!

There are plenty of ideas out there, a few of mine as listed from left to right:

1 — Round rattan placemats and funky pottery in retro colours.

2 — Round captain's mirror.

3 — Ikat baskets. Large palm leaf baskets would work, too!

4 — Hand carved wooden ladles or spoons for the kitchen.

5 — Kelly Wearstler's Katana fabric pillows bring the geometrics in, particularly with this colorway.

6 — More fun pottery, great for flowers or toothbrushes!

7 — Funky knit and wood stool from Le Souk.

8 — Awesome new linens with tassels from West Elm. Turkish towels are equally amazing!

9 — Retro inspired patterned cloth napkins, both sustainable & good-looking.

10 — Simple hand-drawn charcoal drawings.

11 — Traditional Suzani patterns work great for pillows!

12 — Tangiers rug from Pottery barn, great and wooly!

priceless

I got a visit from my dad today and he brought me something that made my day. So, I thought I'd share them with you all. I hope you get a good little giggle out of them! I sure did! It brought back so many great memories!!

That's me in the kitchen baking cookies. I loved sitting up in that chair, I always felt so grown up!

Posing for the camera in a cute pink snow suit in our backyard.

Me and my dad at christmastime and I am ecstatic! Look at my red jumper - it even had bootie-feet!

I love looking back at old photos, do you have a favourite from when you were younger?