Happy Birthday...

... to me!   Spending the day in paradise.

Image by Naomi Rose

Happy New Year!

Wishing everyone all the very best in....

Happy New Year from beautiful Maui.

One of a Kind Show

I am so excited to have a business trip next week to Toronto and even more excited that it coincides with the One of a Kind Christmas Show & Sale.  The show happens twice a year (the Spring show falls around Easter) and I tried to go at least once a year when I was living in TO.

The show isn't your typical 'craft show'.  First, it is absolutely massive and takes hours to get through the whole show.  Second, every type of craft is available at all price points and the curators for the show ensure there is a mix of artisans to meet everyone's taste.

Here are the booths I'll be stalking:

Artwork by Kelly Grace

I love Grapefruit Peppermint, Spiced Pumpkin and Cranberry Vanilla

Old Island Stamp Co.

Children's toys by Fidoodle

Amazing printed textiles by Bookhou

And that is just a VERY small sample as each time I visit the show I always find a new and original artist. I also tend to finish most of my x-mas shopping and am planning to bring a large suitcase with me   on this trip to bring back lots of goodies.

Remember to breathe

This video by Travel Alberta sums up the beauty found here.  I am so glad to be home.

I also love the title of this series - Remember to breathe.  We live in a fast-paced world and it's important to slow down and just enjoy the moment.  As the Mighty Opes says "Breathe.  Let go.  And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure."

Maps

I love maps. I think it's because they let you dream of the places you want to visit and remind you of all the wonderful places you've already seen.  Summer is also one of the best times of year to take some time off and explore a new neighbourhood, city or country and I have a big collection of travel guides and driving maps suited just for that.  No huge travel plans this year as I'm taking some time to reacquaint myself to life in Calgary and explore a little closer to my new home.

Toronto neighbourhoods - Ork Posters

The Toronto poster above was hung in my own living room and I love the different sizes of fonts used.  It's now a perfect memento of my time living in TO.

Prettymaps (Paris) by Aaron Straup Cope

I love that this isn't an obvious map and the colour combination is really unique and graphic.

NYC Globee available from Pylones

These single-city globes would make a great souvenir.  Other available cities include:  Venice, Rome, London, Los Angeles, Sydney, etc.  I could see someone amassing a collection of different cities for a home office.

Tokyo handkerchief from Muji

It's rare to find such a chic handkerchief.

Room designed by Grace Home Design, Inc. Map available at World Maps Online.

I think this is such a great idea for a kid's room.  Maps are a perfect wall covering to fuel their imagination.

NYC - Part I - The Ace Hotel

Spending some much needed time off from work in NYC.  I love this city and wish I had spent more time out here as I've only managed two visits in the last six years.
  

Great signage

 I decided to stay at The Ace Hotel (20W 29th Street) which is a great boutique hotel in the historic NoMad neighbourhood.  Originally the Breslin Hotel, the interior was re-imagined by the New York firm Roman & Williams.  The rooms and lobby include vintage furniture and lighting and even the smallest details (e.g. the silkscreened bag that holds the blowdryer) help to maintain a consistent industrial chic design with a touch of playfulness. 

Pendleton blanket on the bed

Bent pipes form the "closet"

         

Cabinet in the bathroom

  

Brass fixtures and dark grout in the bathroom

 

Original artwork behind the bed

    

Poetry

           

Elora Studio Tour

I spent Saturday in the beautiful town of Elora for their annual Studio Tours.  It was a gorgeous Fall day and the drive up from Toronto was wonderful.  The city has lots to offer but sometimes it's nice to leave it behind and head out into the country.  Some of the leaves are beginning to turn but I'm sure it'll be far more spectacular in a few more weeks.

The town of Elora sits on the Irvine river.  The old mill (which has been converted into a hotel) is currently undergoing a refurbishment and much of the original town still stands and is filled with great shops, galleries and cafes.  I picked up a small piece of pottery from one of the local artisans and had lunch overlooking the river.  It is a great little town full of surprises and certainly worth the drive.

Pottery studio - former blacksmith's shop

The blue building in the background is a great antique shop

 Former mill

The town is built along the river