Sexy Vintage

I adore color.

Magic can happen when 2 objects' colors & forms 'pop' side by side...

To my eye, this is a perfect example.

That they are 2 stylish and usable objects pleases me no end...

Lately, one of the criteria for my shop items is they
must be unique/beautiful + useful.

Not to say that that excludes a piece of fine art.
(one of the most necessary items we should have in our lives).

These 2 beauties have parted ways however.
The fabulous Tensor light sold quickly, leaving behind it's swish partner.

Never mind. One thing I've learned is that there is always a new treasure around the corner.

I can't wait for the encounter...

Timepiece

Found. A vintage, circa 1962, electronic wall clock;
the ATO-MAT S, made by Junghans, a German company known to be one of the most innovative watch companies in the world.

I love the look. Uber sophisticated with it's deep metal frame inset with the matte brushed finished face. Topping it off is a substantial leather strap with hefty brass 'hook'.

I like to give all items I sell a good test run. It is currently ticking consistently in my hallway. When I am confident about it's mechanics I will be listing it in my shop...

Cabbagetown; Neighbourhood of Grace

This is my neighbourhood. I have lived here, in the largest Victorian enclave in North America for 25 years. We have a working farm in the community which is amazing considering we are a 20 minute walk from the downtown core.

Throughout my children's childhood this was the anchor of their everyday lives. From joining the farm's programs, strolling through to check out the animals with Mom or Dad to visiting on their own with friends as they got older to having their first summer job leading day campers... the farm was an unquestioned presence.

Each year, the weekend after Labor Day, we have a 3 day festival. A huge arts & crafts show in the park, bands playing, the main street closed to traffic... it is a hub of activity and community bonding.

My first thought was to record all these events for a blog post. Sunday morning however, I got up early and took a walk. The streets were quiet, the crowds were still sleeping and I felt my own personal connection to this beautiful place I call home.

I went back to get my camera. In the early morning light I captured these images of this 'Neighbourhood of Grace'. (my own term which came to me as I was reflecting on how lucky I was to live in such a place).

Pianissimo/Fortissimo

Ever since starting my vintage business, almost one year ago, I have been amazed at how the most fascinating items seem to cross my path. Perhaps they were always there and I just had to be receptive to their existence. I hope I don't sound sound too flaky, I'm actually quite the realist...

Again, I have responded to the 'beauty in the mundane'. I mean, how much more mundane can you get than flash cards? Take the concept however, back to 1937 and up the scale from a hand held pack of cards to full poster size of 20" x 27" and we are getting somewhere...

A house being gutted, a garage full of a lifetime of stuff that must be disposed of... Found... a cardboard sleeve housing 22 of these elegant, Art Deco musical flash cards.

pp ff

Pianissimo/Fortissimo.

Life distilled to it's essence.

More of the New Bedroom

I have been waiting to post some shots of our updated, de-cluttered bedroom... I fear this is not exactly 'decor worthy' to anyone but myself! However, here it is, in it's less than perfect state...

Now that the apologies are done with, I am in fact very, very pleased with these results. As far as a room to walk into, at any time of day, my eyes feel soothed and my mind at rest. No constant clutter to jar my mood. What I was after was some form of simplicity with a few hits of beauty to catch my eye.

With a very limited budget it was more about what was removed than acquired. This, if anything, is a tip I would pass on to anyone wanting a fresh start with limited funds. Take everything away, out of the room. Get back to the shell that is your space. Re-paint the walls. For myself, a soft white was the way to go. The other big element is your floor. We tore up the wall to wall carpet, (which I got for free from a film set far too long ago) and put down dark wood flooring.

With a new 'shell' to work with, adding elements back in will become a very considered process. I found I did not not want anything to mar the clean envelope. Functionally, I knew a vanity would be a great addition. I searched around and found this one with it's matching bench, already painted white and on sale! Perfect. It is a place to focus in the morning, getting ready for the day. With ample storage my stuff can be tucked away in drawers. (well, mostly).

No money to rid the room of the IKEA bed & dresser but with crisp white sheets and gorgeous new handmade pillowcases in Liberty fabric from elizagran their presence has been elevated.

Not ground breaking or magazine worthy but it sure works for me in my 'real' life!