Junction Flea - A must SEE!!

This Saturday while I was sipping my Starbucks coffee and reading the paper after I just bought my local veggies for the week from the St. Lawrence Market. I found an article about the Junction Flea Market, to be honest the image actually sold me, (Second image) I didn't even need to read about it I just knew I had to go and I am glad I did!! Sunday was an over cast day with the sense of a rain down poor any second, however you would never know by the amount of people in attendance of their second last market for the year. I knew I was going to be in for some amazing retro antiques but I had no idea that I would be transformed to whole other market realm. The vibe and atmosphere was retro eclectic, the people were artists in style and the food was a  master of sensations. I felt like I was in inspiration heaven!! It is a must see, must shop and a must do!! But load up the wallet for this is not your usually flea market pricing, it is an retro antique show! Last one of the year is Sunday September 9th, don't miss it!! www.junctionflea.com

Until next time,

w&c designer girl!  

Oh LaLa Alimento Fine Food Market in Toronto!

Last week I had the pleasure of attending one of Alimento Fine Food tastings at the new location on King Street, what can I say OMG the food is amazing, the atmosphere is too cool, the food market selection is huge, and the customer service is awesome!! Torontonians can experience an Italian restaurant/food mart with a unique spot to sit and eat/taste all the foods in the market within a chefs recipe in the Bar Mozza. They have over a 140 different Italian cheeses, tons of meats, pastas, desserts, olive oils even and more in a urban market setting! Make sure to stop in and take a peak/taste for yourself, I tell you though it is a must to have a glass of wine and devourer a cheese platter! www.alimento.ca

 Until next time,

w&c designer girl!

Coastal, Cottage, Seaside decor whatever you call it is lovely!

Guest post from Farah at Beige is Dead Blog:

She sells sea shells by the sea shore . . . .

Coastal cool isn’t just for beach cottages anymore. Even if you’re landlocked, introducing a nautical theme can bring a little summer fun into any space. What I love most about nautical décor is the balance of structured, streamlined design and effortless shabby-chic. It totally brings back memories of perfectly pressed towels and carefree beach getaways.

Earn your stripes

What’s the easiest way to add a nautical charm to a room? STRIPES! Think striped throw pillows to help tie together furniture in a seating area. While navy and white stripes are classically coastal and reminiscent of summer, a softer, creamier tone of white makes a subtler statement and still does a great job of making your accent colour pop. Try sun-washed white in combination with cheery coral, sky blue, tangerine orange, buttercup yellow or Kelly green. I love how Martha Stewart (Queen of Nantucket decor, herself!) mixes stripes and solids in her sitting area design (above).

Anchors away

Hardware plays a big role with anything nautical. With space at a premium on ships, hardware was designed to be practical and functional. Whether it’s for your own galley-style kitchenette or family kitchen, a faucet with a rubbed brass finish expertly balances the softer colours and textures. Brizo’s Baliza faucet incorporates nautical styling without an overly-industrial look. The bud vase adds a touch of whimsy.

Texture in hidden treasures

Another way to incorporate this seaside theme into your space is to showcase natural textures in accent pieces. I especially love the laidback look of accessories that look like they just washed up onto shore. If only all décor was that easy! A pearlescent shell-inspired lamp fits into the theme without being overly kitschy, and provides a soft glow. Mismatched silver spoons, colourful glassware and vintage lifesavers are charming finishing touches.

 About Farah:

Farah blogs at Beige is Dead (beigeisdead.com) – the corporate blog for Masco Canada, a company that represents faucet brands such as Delta, Brizo and Hansgrohe.
Sources
1.       Brizo Baliza kitchen faucet: http://www.brizo.com/kitchen/collection/baliza.html
2.       You Are My Anchor poster: http://www.polyvore.com/you_are_my_anchor_poster/thing?id=56912994
3.       Coral: http://www.thisnext.com/item/9B84F6BA/Cast-Open-Coral
4.       Summer decorating ideas: http://www.marthastewart.com/274784/60-summer-decorating-ideas/@center/276964/60-days-summer#/354735
5.       Beach glass bottles: http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/beach-glass-bottles
6.       Nautical spoon set: http://www.etsy.com/listing/97044923/nautical-spoon-set-high-tide-low-tide
7.       Mosaic shell glass pendant light: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003D54618/186-8609739-2085463?ie=UTF8&ref=cm_sw_r_pi_dp_jAgNpb0NAXKNN

 Thanks for sharing Farah, appreciate the fresh take on the Seaside decor!

Until next time,

w&c designer girl!

Breakfast Television's Kithchen and Bathroom Tile Segment with Jo!

Let's talk tiles for your Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation Project.

Starting a renovation can be very stressful let alone trying to figure out your tile scheme . . . .

Missed the segment it watch it online!!
http://video.citytv.com/video/detail/1751752101001.000000/kitchenbathroom-reno-101/

Tiles Supplied by:

www.antica.ca

Make sure to tell them Jo sent you :)

Until next time,

w&c designer girl!

Carbon Footprint Controversy

For our next GREEN topic, I thought I should start by breaking down some very important terms. So today we are tackling the Carbon Footprint Controversy! Now I was surprised in today’s times that I can find people that don’t exactly know what a Carbon Footprint suggests. However at the same time I am not that surprised, with so many confusing definitions and information out there the word Carbon Footprint is loosely tossed around with no real thought processes behind it. So, to simplify the term it is literally the amount of energy used to create or develop. For example if I walked in a straight line to the other side of the room I would use less energy then if I zigzagged; to really simplify the meaning. So when products come from over seas they have created a larger foot print then a product from North America. Which make complete sense in laymen terms; however there is a controversy to everything and this one can be tricky. Just because something takes longer to ship does not always equal a larger Carbon Footprint. You must also look at how the product is produced and the materials that are used within which can lead to a larger Footprint. So if a North American company had to order a certain type of wood from a company overseas before they can ship it to you in another Province. The amount of energy to have both companies involved is greater then buying direct from the overseas company.
Wow, I feel like I am talking math equations here. However to really understand the power of the Carbon Footprint, you must think of it as a math formula. I know not that glamorous or fun, however once you get it, you are completely reshaping the environmental movement by keeping track on the Carbon Footprint. Hence the reason why Farmers Markets have become once again popular. Not just because it is supporting your local economy but because it has the lowest Carbon Footprint. When weighing out the math formula of a Carbon Footprint you must take in consideration the materials within the product and ask where they are from to figure out the amount of energy used. Where is the fabric produced and shipped from or wood that is used to make your sofa and so on and so on.
You might be surprised to find out that most of the big retail stores that are claiming they are GREEN actually have the largest Footprint. Due to the fact that most of them have had to rely on multiple countries to create the materials used within. Or the process that they have had to use to create a fibre or material within North America uses more energy then another country. To use Hence again, look at the oil market. Canada has one of the largest oil supplies in the World; however it is very evasive to produce which also mean more expensive, which is why we rely on our relationship with our Oil friends overseas.  I know this can be confusing but mostly more time consuming then anything to figure out the Carbon Footprint. However it is one of the best steps to in becoming GREEN!  The Carbon Footprint is just as important as the GREEN materials used within the product if not more! So next time you go buy a product find out the actual size of the Footprint before trying it on.  To quote Kermit the frog “it isn’t easy being GREEN!”

Until next time,

eco-jo

/

w&c designer girl!

Elle Decor White Interior Inspiration

 . . .  Oh LaLa!!

Stay clean in those rooms . . . hehe

Until next time,

w&c designer girl!

Summertime Entertaining Budget Tips!!

I love facebook for it connects you with fabulous people you would have never been introduce to other wise. I have been a fan of Roniques facebook posting since the moment we became friends, so it was only natural to ask if she wanted to do a guest post showcasing her always so inspiring pictures and helpful decorating/styling tips for all! I wanted all of you to be introduce to her as well so here she is and I do hope she visits us more often with her more of her inspiring tips! 

How to Save Money for your Summertime Party . . .

Summer inspiration is all around us! From the warm weather to the cool breezy nights that beckon us to linger with our friends in the backyard, summer is here and it’s time to throw a party! Whether you have a pool, small terraced apartment, or even meet up with your friends in the park, there is no need to be discouraged due to your pocket. Here are tips to help you save money this summer for your fabulous party!

Image via

  

·        Come up with a theme: Before you start pricing out rental chairs, tables and tikki torches come up with a theme to carry out. If you have enough space plan for your backyard, garage or at your local park to save money on a venue. Once you have decided on a location the theme may become easier to decide. From seasonal ideas such as tropical, pool party, to choosing colors, flowers, or even choosing your favorite summertime movie can be great themes to carry out inexpensively.

Image via

·        Use everyday items for decoration:  Once you have chosen a theme think of everyday items you can use for decor. Are you a beach-goer who has surfboards, life preservers and other water sport items laying around the house, use them for decor around your party! For a garden summer party use the natural backdrop as your decoration and embellish by hanging colorful paper lanterns and even string lights from trees and bushes. There are many string lights available today that run on small batteries, so no worries for finding and electrical source.

Image via

 What are you waiting for? Summer is here and its waiting for you to enjoy the weather, the company of friends and family, food and quality time together. Use these helpful tips to create a budget-friendly summertime experience for all. Ask your friends to pitch in on food and beverage and you will love how much you save. Have fun!

 

Ronique Gibson, Assoc. A.I.A. LEED AP, is the principal of Stagetecture.com. A home lifestyle blog that helps home enthusiasts and homeowners love their home. From decor and organization to DIY projects, Stagetecture will help you find inspiration for your home. Ronique is also the author of 111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home.

Thanks so much Ronique for these great tips, can't wait to put them to use!!

Happy Summer Days to all!!!

Until next time,

w&c designer girl!!

Canada Day Entertaining Thoughts!

Happy Canada Long Weekend!! For those who are throwing Canada Day Parties here are some fun decor idea's to make your party that much more festive and exciting!!

1. Decorate your Food!

2. Show off your Colours!!

3. Don't forget to decorate yourself!

4. Remember to have fun and be a bit over the TOP!!

Have a safe and fun Canada Day Weekend!!

Happy Birthday Canada!!!

Until next time,

w&c designer girl!

Dont drink and drive. Arrive Alive and help others make the same decision!! XO

Images from: okotokslibrary.ca, Style at Home, Martha Stewart, polkadotprintsstudio.blogspot.com, Savvy Mom, HGTV.ca, Kara's Party Ideas, girldir.com

On a Budget, IKEA Kitchens are great for that!!

Last summer we did a budget friendly renovation to a small war bungalow in Toronto. If you do not know the layout, it comes with a very small closed in kitchen with a dining room and living room on the other side of the wall. Very dark and cramped feeling usually comes to mind when you walk into one. However, we opened up the floor plan by knocking down walls and created a stunning user friendly kitchen area for the family to enjoy an new open concept lifestyle! Thanks IKEA for all your support on this project your cabinets and appliances are a show stopper!! Let alone the price for this kitchen was the best part!!



We unitized every inch we could for extra counter space and storage!

EWWW the before:

So sometimes you don't have to think outside of the box, ready made cabinets could be just the answer for your budget and project!!

Until next time,

w&c designer girl!

Christine Lane Interiors -

I came across interior designer Christine Lane, when I was searching the web for some inspirational images and just fell in love with her portfolio!!

Thanks http://christinelaneinteriors.com/index.php for the inspiration!

Until next time,
w&c designer girl!