Earl Grey Lodge

We were invited to spend a few nights at the Earl Grey Lodge in Panorama and decided to go over the long weekend. Living so close to the mountains, it doesn't make any sense for us not to plan these quick getaways every so often. The 3 hour drive was breathtaking, a good play list will also add to the drive so be sure to stock up on some good tunes for the trip.

When we arrived, we were greeted by a gorgeous, rustic log cabin and of course by the owners Phil and Claire. First things first, we put our bags in our room, which was quaint and simple and headed upstairs to the main dining area and bar, it was happy hour after all. We got to know Phil and Claire and what they were all about. Having moved to Canada from England to pursue their dream of owning a bed and breakfast and being in the glorious rockies.

They were the most gracious hosts and treated us so well. One thing I must mention about the lodge is the food. There is open kitchen so at dinner you can watch the cook preparing the delicious meals. The first night, we had a 5 course dinner with the main course being a delicious Lamb and the second day was a 3 course meal with Sable Fish. Everything was fantastic.

The decor is unpretentious, warm, and just right. It feels like home with a great colour palette accented with bold hits of red. The food is absolutely out of this world, the hosts are fabulous and the well, you are surrounded by the best views that nature can provide. You can't really ask for anything more.

Our experience staying at the Earl Grey Lodge was by far one of the best experiences we have had in a while. With being such short drive, we are going to make sure that we visit again soon and so should you!

Check Out:

Earl Grey Lodge Bed and Breakfast

Winter Whites

I did a segment over the weekend for Global TV all about PC Home Winter Whites. Now, when it comes to basics in the home such as dishes, towels, and bedding I keep it simple with white as it is a great base to build off of.

Crisp white sheets are the perfect compliment to any chic bedroom and can be amped up with a bold duvet cover or as simple as some toss cushions. The look is simple and refined, almost hotel chic.

Keep your dishes white this way you can change up your table decor with charger plates, placemats, and side plates. Having coloured dishes really hinders what you can do for your colour palette so keep it clean and go with white dishes for everyday.

Everyone loves to be pampered and when you think about a wonderful spa experience you think white luxurious robes and towels. There is nothing more appealing then seeing white towels in a bathroom. Introduce some colour with patterned face and hand towels.

PC home is having their Winter White Sale from Feb 11-24th 2011. Pop into your local Loblaws or Superstore to get in on these amazing deals!

Fancy Fleurs

Flowers are so wonderful! Having fresh flowers in the house is one of my greatest indulgences. I have a friend who recently started her own company called Lil' Pink Daisy Florals. I have been working with Joanna whilst she has been with other florists through out the city and am so glad she is venturing out on her own. She has a wonderful aesthetic and really gets it. There is nothing better than talking to someone about what you want when it comes to a floral arrangement and they totally get you half way through talking to them. Having used her for many events and shoots that I have worked on, she has never failed me. Her fun, charismatic, way is quite charming and who doesn't like a double dose of happiness? Gorgeous flowers and a great personality!

For your next event, check out Lil' Pink Daisy Florals

Raoul Textiles- Y&Co

I was contacted by a rep at Y&Co, a carpet and textile company based out of Toronto and Montreal. They sent me samples of textiles that they carry and I was immediately drawn to a line called Raoul Textiles. I went online, did some research and found that they are a family owned business based in California. All their fabrics are hand printed and are vibrant interpretations of historical patterns, drawn from many regions and cultures. The fabric has a time worn look and feel. I love how casual they are and how they remind me of beach side living. The patterns are so rich, you can really see the cultural influences and the colour ways are bold, just my style!

Check out:

Y&Co

Raoul Textiles

Power to the jogi

I recently had lunch with the senior manager of public relations at Loblaw and she told me about this fabulous new line of health and wellness accessories that was being developed by the team at Joseph Mimran & Associates for Loblaw called jogi.

This collection of fitness products included yoga mats, weights, toning balls, balance boards, resistance bands. I had to feature them as they are quite stylish in the colour palette they have chosen. I think with spring soon approaching everyone is looking to get fit and ready for summer. So why not do it stylishly?! Price points for these pieces range from $5-$45, so there is no excuse.

The 42 piece collection is in stores now and is available at Loblaw banner stores such as the Real Canadian Superstores across Canada.

Quick Before and After

I was recently asked my some long time clients to help them do a quick makeover on their spare bedroom. They were having guests over and needed a quick fix. I obviously headed to the nearest Homesense and purchased some fabulous bedding and accessories to make the space go from YAWN to YEOWZA and with minimal expense.

The bedding was kept simple and clean. A subtle stripe detail adds just the right hit of colour.

The bed itself is gorgeous but needed bed side lamps that were a little more substantial and these gorge chrome base lamps with grey shades did the trick.

To add a little bling I decided to lean mirrors in behind the lamps to reflect the light

Accessories are a must with any bedside table and these bold coloured ceramic ones are perfect!

Accent cushions pull the subtle blue from the bedding and add a great layered look.