Generally it's customary to start the week off with a bang! and go for bold, bright colours to add a jolt of energy - today I'm craving a softer approach as I slowly ease myself into the week ahead...



Soft pastels play against each other in this romantic bedroom in Martha Stewart's guest house.

I love this rustic, open kitchen. The open shelves have a casual air and make you feel free to grab a mug and get yourself some tea, or help yourself to whatever goodies are on hand.





This beautiful space is open and airy and with rough exposed beams and ceiling to top it off. I'm helplessly drawn to all white interiors - there's something so serene and calming about them.

In honor of Ms Jane Birkin, I thought I'd set the romantic weekend tone with the {very sexy} song Je t'aime... Moi non plus.'

Summer evenings are the perfect time to get outside and have fun with friends. The notion of the long summer evenings ahead of us got me thinking about a perfect summer
party...

Start if off right with a fabulous outdoor setting complete with lots of lounging space, lush greenery and of course, that extra spark provided by a firepit and lots of lanterns.


Next we need to set the tone with some party tracks to set the night off right. To get an expert opinion, I've asked one of my very favourite DJs here in Toronto - M-Rock. Here is his list of 10 Summer tracks...


If you're in Toronto on June 6th, be sure to check out at the Gladstone Hotel. We've been to a few of M-Rocks parties here and we always have an amazing time and end up talking about it for ages afterwards. Great vibe and jam packed with all the tunes you forgot you were in love with along the way.


These Manhattan Drops have a fun, playful feeling - and add a fun punch of colour! Find Brilynn's recipe at her blog, Jumbo Empanadas.

I love the easy elegance of this space. The gorgeous chevron floors contrast the soft, flowing fabric on the sofas. Easy neutral palette, and a touch of sparkle. The perfect place to spend the weekend.

Sail away in a sumptuous sea of white, with this gorgeous space - available for rent - by famed photographer Paul Massey.











There are too many things I love about this space - but in keeping with it's clean, simple theme I thought I'd say the minimum and leave you to enjoy!

I just read this story on Made by Girl and now I'm all choked up...

"We rescued Bradley from the shelter last night, and today I took him to a neurologist.

The doctor had only sad news for Bradley...

We agreed he should go to sleep and not suffer this severe hydrocephalus. (as you can see, his head is weirdly shaped due to a lot of fluids in his head / brain).

I didn't want to let him go yet, so from the vet I took Bradley to the beach, I sat with him, played with him, and I fed him many cheeseburgers and fried chicken.

We sat there for two hours, and after that I took him to the vet's office right on the beach, and he went to sleep forever :-(

It was such a sad day... I cried like a baby for this little guy. Even now when I am typing these words, tears are coming to my eyes..."

Speaking of the talented Michael Penney - he is this month's 'cover boy' at Canadian House and Home. A big part of Michael's genius comes from his ability to scout out bargains and with a little retro-fitting and DIY savvy, create fabulous, chic space.



I was very inspired by so many of Michael's clever ideas - like the kitchen pegboard (above). I currently like in a cute apartment with the world's smallest kitchen (trust me, I've checked) - I'm constantly trying to find ways to maximize on storage - this just might do the trick... I also love Michael's woven basket - it has inspired me to go to my mum's and steal one of hers :) - I meant borrow...


I love that he chose open cupboard spaces - with a great collection of eclectic dinnerware, why keep it all locked up inside cupboards?


Ah - the charm of a claw foot tub. The open wall mounted unit was a vintage find that Michael found and sprayed it black to anchor the space. Michael says that he chose the polka-dot shower curtain because of it's 'quirky Kate Spade vibe', I agree - it's charming.


A beautiful light filled space and indoor plants would be the perfect spot to relax on the chaise with a good book or a lovely cup of tea. The lamp (above, right) was a Value Village find.

There's nothing I love more than a great bargain, and unfortunately it seems there's also nothing I love more than high-end designer styles. So I love when I'm able to marry these two and find a great compromise between both! I've loved the bold, graphic style of Madeleine Weinrib's black and white chevron rug for some time now. {See below}

So I was excited to see that West Elm has their own version of this classic style:

Be sure to get it quickly as unfortunately it seems that this style is soon to be discontinued...
Check your local store for current stock

Thank you to Michael from Canadian House and Home for this Fabulous Find!