What's your idea of a perfect home?

First I have to say, so much for my "staying in touch" post....10 days ago. I've had back to back shoots (yeah! work is picking up again!), so it's been kind of bonkers. I must learn how to multi-task.

Back to this post....
My idea of a "perfect home" is a place that can be calming and comforting. I'm not a minimal person, but I like a bit of order. Mid-century modern mixed with travel souvenirs, vintage bits, art work, and piles of magazines and books, pretty much sums up our home.  I see loads of homes in my line of work, and I love it when the home reflects the homeowner's personality. The book, Home (pictured above), is all about , well, Home. Stafford Cliff interviews 50 well known people, such as Donna Hay, Lulu Guinness and Eva Zeisel, and asks them what their homes mean to them. Loved it.

Late last year, I photographed two very different homes for this month's issue of House and Home magazine. Both homes were winners (along with 4 other homes) of House and Home's annual Design Contest. One home was kind of a "glamorous" traditional style, while the other was more mid-century modern. As I've already mentioned, I lean towards mid-century modern. What style do you lean towards? I'd love to know (I am a bit of a snoop)!

I adored this home, and the family that lives there were pretty great too. Click here to read more.

This next home was quite traditional, but with a bit of a girlie glamorous side to it. The dogs thoroughly enjoyed the shoot.

One last thing...
A big thank you to Ulla, of Lu Prints, for these sweet owl print coasters. I recently worked with Ulla, and her dog Fin, on a shoot about Ulla and her beautiful work. She makes the best veggie sandwiches too ;)

Canadian Souvenir Giveaway

Vancouver has been in an Olympic frenzy for the last couple of weeks. It's been a sea of those red mittens, painted faces, and flags as impromptu capes. I love seeing, and shooting, all of that but for me, I prefer the subtle approach to Canadiana. 

To celebrate all this Canadian spirit, and the fact that I have 99 lovely followers, I'm having my first giveaway! Up for grabs is a much sought after Evokativ T-shirt. Each design represents little known Canadian facts, and each T comes with a story tag (which is like another souvenir!).

I think these are a perfect, not in-your-face, souvenir. If you'd like a chance to own one, simply leave a comment and let me know which design you like best (choice of designs above). I'll make the draw on March 1st. If you're not the lucky winner, one of my favourite shops, Walrus, is selling all of the designs. They're located in Vancouver, so if you're in the area you really should check out this shop!

I leave you with a few images of Olympic fever....

 I love this couple.

This beautiful hand painted mural,at the back of the Vancouver Art Gallery, is by Michael Lin. It's titled 'A Modest Veil'.

One of the many long Olympic cues.

The Vancouver Art Gallery steps is the spot for many peaceful protests. Here is Peta pushing their message. The young man with the pink heart, except for the socks and shoes, was completely naked. I'm happy he had that heart.

Budget Happiness

Garage sales and flea markets can be fabulous for retail therapy, especially when trying to curb your spending (ouch).  Obviously, I didn’t need any of this things but this shopping trip was a nice treat! For a total of about $45 I found, besides happiness, a pair of 60’s chairs, vintage souvenir cushion, Enid Collins wood “purse”, RCMP toffee tin, and a second hand Ikea small storage box.  

I’ve always preferred a mix of vintage with new(ish). Rob’s the same way, thankfully.  It’s great to be able to reuse and repurpose bits from the past.

 With a bit of vintage wallpaper, I changed the drawer fronts on the Ikea storage box.  It now houses printer paper, stationary, and postage stamps.  I think it looks rather happy now!

 

Instead of digging around for nail polish and emery boards, I can now find all my nail supplies in my Enid Collins “purse”. 

 

I love vintage RCMP souvenirs. The colours of this tin are fantastic. This toffee tin is now perfect storage for paper clips. 

 

Ahh, the chair. It might not look overly comfortable, but it really is.  We actually bought two of them.  The cushion cover is a map of “Canada’s Western Playground”.