let's take a trip

to Hogwarts! Aren't these amazing little posters? Inspired by vintage travel posters from the mid century, which I am already obsessed with and mix it with a little Harry Potter flavor and I am all over it. See the artist's original inspiration and sketches here.

Also, another fun little thing I came across recently — someone has re-designed the cover for the Defense Against the Dark Arts book referenced in one of the movies? Can anyone remember which movie this comes up in?

Pretty good job I think! Too bad we can't purchase the real ones!

chic neutrals

Staying cool in this heat we are having is pretty tricky, but I found 2 outfits that I adore, and that anyone could put together from pieces you likely already own. And they are perfect for that last end of summer fling!

I absolutely LOVE those teal flats! A must-have for early fall!

magazines!

I happened to be at the store tonight and came across a great edition of a few of my favourite shelter magazines! But the greatest one of all was Canadian House & Home, because it features one of my daily blog reads own home!

Check out Emma's beautiful organic and adorably quirky home! And take a look at her blog.

crispy crisps

I have been busy in the kitchen this week. Our good friend brought me a huge bag of fresh apples from his yard, and upon quick inspection from the Prof. it was decided I should make my apple crisp. We even picked up some ice cream to top it off! It is soo yummy!

But then — we had our monthly cookie day at work, so I had to make another dessert, right? I whipped up a batch of rice crispy treats to use the rest of the marshmallows we had left over from camping this past weekend. Don't you wish they made bags of mallows in an individual serving size, you could even put them in lunches! Genius! Regardless, I am a huge sucker for crispy treats! So, I was super excited, even with a few days of hot weather, that I did manage to create some pretty tasty treats!

What are you all up to this weekend? I think we are planning on having more treats and celebrating a birthday!!

shoe-tastic

After searching endlessly (not really, endlessly, but it sounded good) I found that the trendiest shoes this season are mega platforms, boys oxfords and wacky ultra high pumps. Even clogs and wedges are making a come back! I don't look so great in clunky shoes myself, but I could pull out a pair of old clogs from high school? Do I dare?

This is M. Sasek

Another crush this week. The best in mid-century graphic design inspiration. Have you heard about the This Is... book series? I was glancing through my bookshelves looking for inspiration for an upcoming design project and got stuck on these. I LOVE these books! This Is Edinburgh is one of my favourites and not just because I am a bit obsessed with the city. Check out M. Sasek. You'll love it!

Style Crush: Rita Konig

Her name has been in the air. I have seen a few pictures of her place around lately and has me lusting after her layered peppy and usually feminine touch. I am so inspired by the layers and the tiny additions that make it feel, well, lived in. So many places, especially in magazines can feel more museum than home and that's not great.

She has somewhat recently moved into a new place and reupholstered her sofa and I just LOVE it! I don't know that I could be that bold, with a patterned sofa or if the Prof. would love all the pink accents. But just look at all the details! The kilim rug, a nod to the British with antlers atop a roaring fire, kitschy floral lamps, textured chairs, photo collages. Which by the way was the inspiration of my recent revamp in our kitchen. (But I will save that for another day.)

Here is a close up of her sofa before the makeover, it was upholstered in a rough burlap. I see how it went well before, but I like it much better now!

The contrast between her two bedrooms is slight in style, both have wallpaper, ruffles and femininity, but the image below has just the right amount of texture that doesn't overwhelm. Perhaps it is the scale and the rough wood and layered books on the nightstand. In her column she mentioned choosing sheets like a collection, I've never thought about it that way, but they can be pricy. Likely why my "collection" is so small.

She has a brilliant way with wallpaper. I am envious. I have already explained to the Prof. to be prepared for that in our near future! her old bath above, new one below.

I was reading something not long ago, that I wish I could find again, but it was Rita's philosophy on paint and wallpaper. She mentioned that wallpaper gives the impression that the pattern goes on and on, while paint stops the eye with the line at the border. I love that!

And I really LOVE this! Perfect with that tile.

Her mother's design: Nina Campbell perroquet wallpaper in the black colourway! I must find something to paper this in!!

And I will leave you with this last shot of Rita, as seen in domino with her cute little fiat.

pick a colour, any colour

Having trouble deciding which colour to pick for your kitchen cabinets? How about going with all og them? LOVE this take on a rainbow. Would never do this in my own kitchen, but I think it's brilliant! I love the chartreuse or the deep plum! Would you do this? What colours would you pick? Maybe in a beach house?

books I met and liked

Have you seen these yet? They have been on my wishlist for a while now. I have been stumped as to which one to get. My top three below. I came up with a few potential ideas myself. Harry Potter characters I met and liked? Kittens I met and liked? Chocolate cake I ate and liked. The sky's the limit. What would you pick?

I am leaning towards that last one. That's a bit obvious though isn't it?

Get your hands on an Archie Grand notebook right here!

too cute!

I Am A Girl - The Girls With Glasses Theme Song

Just had to share this one. Everytime I watch this, I feel like throwing a party, with adorable party dresses, confetti and of course, glasses.

autumn colours

All the fall catalogues are starting to arrive, seems like summer just started here. But can't say that I mind. I mean look at the luscious colours! The deep rich textures and tones are heavenly! I really love that chandelier in the fourth image. The great use of portraits. But all that pistachio molding in the top photo is really brilliant! Unfortunately, in fashion, I think leopard is the new tweed. I will just wait until that fad passes. Thank you. At least the neon or bright accent trend hasn't quite passed yet. As we make our way into autumn, I predict we'll see more rich jewel tones (queue the maroon pants and hunter green sweater — though not worn together), anchored by soft pastels and still the occasional super-bright! Thanks goodness for fall!

**Post Update: See, I told you so. Look here! Maroon pants are in!**

PSA

She & Him - Don't Look Back

Another fabulous video and song by She & Him. They are adorable! And ironically I found out about their new video from The Midcentury Modernist blog, of all places. I just love how this is formatted and her dress is great! I wish I had her hair! Enjoy the peppy little number. I am becoming such a fan.

a little love

I have been so obsessed with this picture lately. Ever since it was posted over on Jenny's blog, I have desired those little lamps that resemble mushrooms! What I love about this inspiration images are the organic lamps next to the very geometric mirror! And that bright yellow door! The bookshelf, rug and houseplants also help the overall scheme. You can follow her adventure of how she found these first as inspiration from none other than Gossip Girl, then tracked them down in a random little shop in New York.

She recently has posted much about her current house projects and I just adore getting little glimpses into her current space! But these mushroom lamps i have been obsessed with! I mean, just look at them. They are weird, traditional, but organic and modern... Can a sconce really be all that?! How excited am I??

And here is a close-up showing the edge of that AMAZING gilt mirror and one sconce!

Then a few more shots just for fun of my other favourite spots in her NYC loft!

The entry with that fabulous peacock bureau and her new settee. LOVE the colour combination here!

The living area and those awesomely traditional sofa and cushions that still manage to be super cool!

And my personal favourite space- the office! Books, oriental rugs, bright blue chairs! Colour galore! What is not to love!!!