Weather Vanes

I think the garden could use something sculptural. Nothing too grandiose and nothing too starkly modern. Nothing religious either - that's for sure. Maybe a patina worn weather vane, staked amongst the roses and the hydrangea? Check out these beauties courtesy of www.gooddirections.com

David Austin Roses

I just picked these in the backyard. The early spring here has made everything arrive early. The roses are bursting -they almost seem like they're already spent for the season. These David Austin shrub roses are called, "Mary". They are a clear pink and the blooms are cup shaped, slight fragrant and prolific. I basically had to "pick" all of these because the shrubs were weighed down completely with the abundance of bloom. I think they look especially pretty in the Spode, "Blue Italian" vase that my brother gave me for my birthday a while back.

The Sexy Granny of Chairs

The wing chair is a classic. But, classic can sometimes be construed as boring, staid, or even tired. That is why I love the sleeker, more tailored silhouettes of today's wing chairs. The back is a little taller. Or, the arms are thinner. Sometimes, the wings are audaciously curvy. These wing chairs respectively uphold tradition while managing to appear new, sharp and sexy. Plus, they add a sculptural quality to a room that most other upholstered chairs can't match and a timeless validation of good taste that a Barcelona or Egg Chair can't give you. I'll take any two of these, please.

The Wainscott by Victoria Hagan

French Upholstered Wing Chair by Restoration Hardware

Rand Wing Chair by Ethan Allen

Home Grown Art

Last Sun, Vancouver

2001

Brian Kipping

available at Bau-Xi, Toronto

Horse Palace

2006

Brian Kipping

available at Bau-Xi, Toronto

Cold Night, Thunder Bay

I was sad to have discovered the hauntingly beautiful work of Canadian artist, Brian Kipping, just after he passed away in April of 2007. I was in a painting class and another painter told me that the paintings I was working on reminded him vaguely of Kipping's work. Wow. That was two years ago, but I still think about the comment and think about Kipping's paintings. I love that he was a modern representational painter. I love that he painted what he saw around him in various Canadian cities. Most of all, I love his mastery of colour - specifically of making colour seem to almost glow by electric light.

Soft or Hard?

Upholstered headboards have been on the scene for quite some time now. I can't help thinking they are a fad. This is why I don't have one. Yet, they beckon with their soft plushness - their button tufting - their nailhead trim. My head consistently turns for these...

Cleo Bed at Elte

Chelsea Bed at Elte

Warner Upholstered Bed at Restoration Hardware

This one is different. It is a classic French Provencial style bed that has an upholstered hardwood frame. Maybe this is the ticket.

French Upholstered Bed

But where can I get this in Toronto??

Mama Needs a Brand New Bag

A new hobo bag would be good, but what to do? Get a nice, reasonably priced, good quality handbag. Or, get a label conscious, stuck up, handbag? Here are the considerations...

Gucci Jackie Large Hobo CDN $3404.54

Prada Soft Calfskin Hobo CDN $1812.10

YSL Hobo US$1532.04

BCBGMAXAZARIA Urban Rock Leather Hobo Bag CDN $546.92

Marc by Marc Jacobs CDN $597.87 Twisted Q Riz Shoulder Bag

Cole Haan Leather Drawstring Hobo CDN $422.80

Roots Michelle Bag in Rustler Leather CDN $298

Stuck up is kinda looking good to me.

Jonesing for Jewellry

Ever since I can remember I've been drawn to pretty, shiny things. Is this not a great ring by Pyrrha US$180? Kind of tough and sexy. The fox, as a symbol, is pretty cool - crafty, wiley, strong. Pyrrha is a Canadian company, but this particular ring is sold through an American company called, The Clay Pot.

I'm also drawn to these bracelets by Hermes:

Arcane US$1450.00

Croisette US$840.00