For the last Music Monday of 2011, I've made a playlist of all my favourites from the last year that will make 2011 memorable for me. Hope you enjoy!

Track List:

1. Heaven's on Fire by The Radio Dept.

2. Alter Ego by Tame Impala

3. When I'm Small by Phantogram

4. At My Heels by Twin Shadow

5. Midnight City by M83

6. Gave You All by Mumford and Sons

7. Baby's Arms by Kurt Vile

8. Peacetime Resistance by Kings of Convenience

9. Big Black Car by Gregory Alan Isakov

10. I'm Losing Myself by Robin Pecknold featuring Ed Droste

Action bunny, with gold pants!

Someone please buy me this.

Available from Jen Ray in her etsy shop, Corduroy.

So I haven't forgotten about this space. Just very busy, as I'm sure everyone is this time of year.

Over the weekend, I almost teared up at a commercial featuring this song, until it turned out to be for McDonald's. Even so, this is a really lovely song. And I will always laugh at how I discovered it.

Isn't this the cutest ring!

From The Harbinger Co, who sell many beautiful things.

I have a really great weekend ahead, part of which includes finishing several projects around the house that we have just never got to. So I'm pretty excited to get started. It's like living in a new house each time we get something finished.

• Love this beautiful hammered brass collar necklace from youngfrankk on etsy.

• These tote bags from Maude and Tilda are sublime. Tongue in cheek fashionista sayings are hand printed onto these canvas bags from Paris.

• I think that my new entry area needs some new quirky accessories. At the top of my list is this beautiful gold bird bowl from Jonathan Adler.

• These are great graphic molecular illustrative necklaces from Aroha Solhouettes.

happy weekend!

So necessity must really be the mother of invention. This week the husband committed to hosting his work Christmas party at our house. Which I'm thrilled and excited about, but the unfinished projects lying around are making me less than enthusiastic. First on my list is our entryway.

You may recall way back when, that I wanted to complete the entry fairly quickly after moving in. And I fully intended to. I've had three rolls of Ferm wallpaper sitting in the closet for 13 months now. But our hesitation was/is our abysmal front door that needs replacing. While it's on the hit list, there have definitely been more pressing items to attend to. And I refused to spend all that effort papering the entry if the new front door is going to screw it up.

But I can't possibly have a house full of people show up and have their first impression be an unpainted, half finished room. So, onto plan B!

What is plan B you say? Well, I don't want to give too much away, but here are some images to tease you a little bit.

I can't wait to share the results!

In honour of Feist performing in Calgary tonight!

It was kinda sorta an early weekend for me, as I am in Montreal right now for some work and play! But either way Friday is Friday, and it means sleeping in tomorrow and having fabulous adventures au francais! So here we go:

• Handcut map of Montreal from etsy artist studiokmo, pictured above. There are many fabulous locations to choose from.

• s[edition] is a great new contemporary art website, where you can download digital artwork from today's leading contemporary artists for a super deal! Artists include Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst, and Mat Collishaw.

• Lololove these green glitter ombre nails on Alexa Chung. I must figure out how to do these for the holidays.

• Turkey, Cheddar, and Apple Hand Pies! Oh my!

happy weekend!

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, Two!

One of my favourite suppliers, Schoolhouse Electric had some big new over the weekend. The shop has expanded their line to become Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co, featuring a great array of homewares, furniture, and utility items in addition to their fabulous light fixtures.

For me, Schoolhouse is always on the edge of design. It seems that despite the popularity of classic, utilitarian pieces over the past little while, there is still a huge gap in the market for unique, quality goods. While many retailers seem content to simply modify what is already out there, Schoolhouse continues to push the boundaries.

Higgins Mirror with Rope Hanger

I love the contrast of the smooth, cool bronze with the rustic quality of the rope hanger.

Schoolhouse Extension Cord

This piece perfectly illustrates my point. Schoolhouse effortlessly elevates the classic cloth extension cord.

Ticking Stripe Sheet Set

I love mattress ticking and cannot get enough of it. These are fabulous, although I wish they were available in grey or black.

Blackline Stoneware

One thing that we haven't seen a lot of is stoneware. These pieces are nicely modernized with bold black rims and stripes. I'd love to see these on my kitchen counter.

Factory Light No. 4 Cable Pendant

And these gorgeous enamel pendants would look stunning over my kitchen island.

Music Monday: Washed Out

It has been a tremendously sad and difficult week in our house. On Monday, we had to say goodbye to our sweet Margot.

She was the most loving and amazing companion that anyone could ask for. Everyone who met her instantly fell in love with her. She loved running in the park and swimming in the river. Every day we would come home to her sitting on the back of the sofa so she could watch the world outside, and watch for us to come home. Each night she would curl up behind my knees to sleep.

Now our house has empty corners and empty hearts.

Margot, I miss you so much.

this girl is remarkable

This guy's got a bit of that Dylan quality about him, with the slurring lyrics and simple guitar based songs.

Now that's it's fall, I'm getting in the habit of big cooking days on the weekend. This weekend I made my favourite vegetable soup for lunches all this week.

Hearty Winter Vegetable Soup

2 tbsp Olive Oil

4 Leeks (white and pale green parts only, sliced)

3 Celery Stalks, sliced

3 Carrots, cubed

2 Garlic Cloves, minced

1 pinch of Red Pepper Flakes

Salt and Pepper

5 1/2 cups of Stock

1 1/2 cups of Water

1 small Butternut Squash, cubed

2 Yukon Gold Potatoes, cubed

1 bunch of Swiss Chard, sliced

1 can of Beans (I like Romano Beans)

2 tbsp Lemon Juice

2 tbsp Fresh Mint, sliced

2 tbsp Fresh Dill, sliced

Heat oil in a large dutch oven. Add the first 6 ingredients and cook over medium high heat, stirring occasionally, for 7 minutes. Add stock and water and bring to a boil. Add squash and potatoes and bring back to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer until veggies are tender, about 15 minutes. Stir in the greens and beans and return to a boil. Stir in lemon juice and herbs. Season to taste and serve.

Sometimes inspiration can strike in unexpected places, and I experienced that earlier this week when wandering through Anthropologie.

My sister is getting married next year, and it turns out she loves lace. We both thought that it would be a great graphic element to tie everything about the wedding together. I started to do some research and see what was out there, but everything I saw was overtly feminine and romantic and a little too pooh-pooh for my sister. Then I saw these plates.

I love that these plates have a grittiness to them, which helps to tone down the feminine quality that lace is intrinsically tied to. It got me thinking of an overall softer gothic feeling, which I think will be perfect for my sister and her beau.

Tattered Lace Plates by Anthropologie

So Fab Friday turned into crazy busy Friday. So I'm going to keep this short and sweet.

Microsoft has released a series of videos depicting it's vision of the future and the further integration of our lives with technology. I think this is the start of an interesting conversation, and would love to know what you think:

One thing I adore is a gorgeous children's book, and I am pretty thrilled that one infamous little shell is having his story hit bookshelves this week.

After the incredible viral success of their youtube video, Jenny Slate and Dean Fleischer-Camp were approached to move their character to new mediums. Marcel the Shell with Shoes On: Things About Me picks up where the video left off, touring the audience through various parts of little Marcel's life.

The book features beautiful oil paintings created by artist Amy Lind that perfectly capture Marcel and his surroundings. The authors chose not to photograph the images, to help remove the book from direct comparisons to the film, and I think it was a brilliant choice.

Marcel has also been issued as an audio book/app, and features narration by Slate, as well as some interactive screens to enhance the digital experience.

And what's next for Marcel? Plans are in the work for future books, and an accompanying television show and I for one can't wait to see more of this little shell's world.

Oh, and you can buy the book here!

Words can't describe how excited I am to see this film:

Happy Movember! I checked out the new website today, and was completely blown away with the amazing graphic design for the website and campaign. I love the vintage references and the gritty manliness of the whole thing.

This year they even have a mobile app, so you can monitor your donations, recruit friends, and view different options for styling your 'stache.

They are also encouraging people to host Movember Parties in their homes, and you can apply to have this package sent to you in support of that. How fabulous!

Please visit the website and donate today!

This week, every day was perpetually Friday for me. So I'm glad it's finally here and I have time for some R&R. How about you?

• Image above of rice fields in China, from this collection on The Cool Hunter. This post is from a few months ago, but I keep returning to see these stunning images from around the globe.

• I j'adore this perfect hobo purse from Marc by Marc Jacobs fall collection. I hope my husband is saving that link for my christmas present.

• I love this peek of the Oly showroom at High Point that Heather put together, over on Habitually Chic.

• I recently read this Paul Arden classic. It's brilliant in it's simplicity. And will only take about an hour of your time.

• I have just discovered the fabulousness of Nowness. My favorite videos include this stop motion piece from Spike Jonze and this tour of the McQueen studio. The fabric shots are heart stoppingly beautiful.

happy weekend!

Today I discovered Tattly, which has produced an incredible line of design driven temporary tattoos. Designed by notable illustrators, such as Julia Rothman and Marc Johns, many of these make you wish they didn't just scrub off with some soap and water.

M83 is back with a new album, and their debut single Midnight City.

I've been slowly going through wrap up post's from this year's IDS West show in Vancouver to get a feel for the standouts from this year exhibitors. And also feeling increasingly more depressed that I didn't bother to make the trip this year. Oh well. I will live vicariously through the internet. So I thought for this Friday, I would share a few of my favourite finds.

• Seattle's Ladies and Gentlemen Studio made their first appearance at the show, with a great selection of homewares. Their Superior Servers have been widely circulated on the web this year, but they also have the mega doily rug from hand crochets cotton rope(above), the aquabrass side tables made of old lamp parts, and the lovely porcelain gem necklace.

• Salari presented a beautiful line of wool poufs called the Salsa Lounge. I thought I was over poufs but these are making me rethink the issue.

• Also from Seattle, Iacoli & McAllister were present showcasing their interesting collection of graphic, geometric jewellery, lighting, and furniture. Standout pieces include their Spica Light, Necklace No 3, and the Hex Weights.

• Inform presented a fabulous booth, which included these organic ceramic Aloe Blossom light fixtures from Jeremy Cole.

• I have mixed feelings about Molo, but I really like their soft, corrugated paper Cloud Softlights.

happy weekend!

One of my favourite shops in Vancouver is Provide, which sells a fabulous collection of modern home goods. A few weeks ago, at IDS West, Provide announced their own in house brand called Provide Made, and are starting off the collection with a series of bold cushions inspired by the cube.

I love the colours, I love the geometric prints, and I love the graphic orange top stitching. The pillows are all made of silk with a duck/down insert. They retail for $170 for the 18" x 18" size, and $199 for a 24" x 24". I'd say that's pretty good for something that's all handmade.

Last week was a highly anticipated musical week for me, with Feist's new album Metals and Mayer Hawthorne's new album How Do You Do both debuting. Feist gets enough press with her profile, so I thought I would share one of my new favorite tracks from Mayer. Born outside of Detroit, Mayer is very influenced by the Motown sound, which I love, because I grew up with a lot of Motown music too. At age 14, my favorite musical act was the Supremes.

I think this is a great metaphor for vision and following your path to the bigger picture. Thanks to my friend Diane for sharing this with me.

Faber Castell from eric yeo on Vimeo.

November 2011 Issue of Fashion

I am having a pretty awesome day today. My friend Dan texted me this morning, telling me that I was featured in this months issue of Fashion magazine. Seriously? It is so crazy. I never would have imagined myself in a fashion publication.

In addition to toting this magazine around to my parents and friends this weekend, I will also be glamorously raking leaves, and doing an airport run to pickup my well travelled husband. Oh, the life of the modern fashionista.

• These are the most perfect riding boots for fall. Have I posted these before?

• I am loving these quirky paintings by artist Jenny Ottinger.

• This fabulous print by The Best Part is two in one. By day it's a lovely friendly scene, but when the lights go out, all sorts of unexpected details pop up.

• If our weather was a little more tolerable during the winter, I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Vespa. And this great new mod helmet would be the perfect accessory.

happy weekend!

25 ways to wear a scarf. Who knew?

Thanks to @mackayjennifer for sharing on twitter

image via B&B

In the last 12 hours I have been exposed to two things that are getting my feminist fire burning again. The first is Jian Gomeshi's interview with icon, Gloria Steinem, who is the subject of a new HBO documentary, entitled Gloria.

During the interview she paraphrased Olof Palme, and this quote really struck a chord for me.

"the gender roles are the deepest cause of violence on earth, because they normalize dominance and submission, subject, object, even violence and control, and so on, and he said, therefore, it was the responsibility of every government to humanize those roles."

The visuals that her words formed for me were really rather frightening. And I'm sure everyone has a wide variety of instances where this quote can apply, and that's scary in itself.

You can hear her full interview on Q with Jian Gomeshi here.

And here's the trailer for the HBO film:

Trailer

The second is the trailer for the film Miss Representation, which was shared on twitter by David Brunning. Again, equally striking, in particular due to the age of many of the participants and their realizations at 15.

I don't know about you, but I am so ready for a long weekend. I'm really in the mood for wandering through the leaves, and turkey, so it's a good thing it's Thanksgiving. Wishing all my Canadian readers a lovely long weekend filled with family and friends.

• My friend introduced me to Saatchi, a great online art collection with a huge variety of images in all sizes and price ranges. The piece above is by Claire Desjardins from Quebec.

• Anna of Door16 (aka 'she who can do no wrong') introduced me to Scarf Shop, and now it's the perfect weather to stock up on their beautiful hand dyed silk and cotton scarves. I love how large they are. It's so simple to be stylish with great pieces like this.

• I love the playful geometric jewellery over at A Merry Mishap. The hand carved shapes from polymer clay are so cute, and a great price! So you can buy all your faves in all sorts of colours.

happy weekend!

Welcome to my dream house.

This modest mid-century bungalow is the current home of Bungalow Industries, a branding and identity firm out of the UK. They have outgrown their humble abode and recently put it on the market, but not before giving their real estate campaign their own spin.

In addition to the beautiful photography, Bungalow produced two brochures regarding the property. One outlines the house and neighbourhood, full of archive images and photographs from Fahrenheit 451 which was filmed in the area, plus all the details from the house itself. The other is a photographic recollection of the renovation that Bungalow did to the house.

If I was a realtor I would be taking serious notes. The design of the webpage and the two brochures blows away any home marketing material I have ever seen. Doesn't it make you want to move right in?