room of the week: mcdreamy natural kitchen

Have you seen the latest issue of Architectural Digest yet featuring Patrick Dempsey's home? I love the whole home, including the outdoor raised gardens where he and his family grow their own vegetables, herbs and flowers. But I think my favourite space is the kitchen. It's not huge yet it's very functional, and it uses organic materials like wood and concrete. Those vintage chairs and baskets are also dreamy. Oh, and of course all that fresh greenery is brought inside as well to thrive in the light let in through oversized windows. I can't think of a better way to connect to nature and also live stylishly. 

second-hand tea for two

Just to clarify: the dishes are second-hand, not the tea! 

I spotted these elegant silver-rimmed plates, cups and saucers at Value Village recently, and since there were only enough for a place setting for two, I snagged them for $4. What a lovely excuse to invite a friend over for tea and a snack of fruit and scones. The cyclamen was picked up at my local garden centre for $4 as well. A low-cost way to set the table in a brand new way without consuming new mass-produced "stuff", don't you think? 

Olympic pursuits: mixing metals

In the spirit of the Olympic Games (way to go Team Canada!) I've selected some images that I believe capture the right ways to mix different metals in one room. Gold, silver (chrome), bronze - all are lovely and can actually work well together in the right proportions. Do you agree?  

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green idea: grow something!

I think I have Spring Fever, because I've started growing seeds already. 

I planted some basil and lettuce to grow on the plant shelf in front of my sunny patio door within the condo. 

I used untreated seeds, and hope they will grow well so I can have fresh produce this year. If things go as planned, I'm going to try tomatoes too, since I have room on my patio to transplant them and move them outdoors if the weather even warms up. I eat tomatoes like nobody's business so growing these plants will not only be a natural way to decorate my home, it will also save money. And you can't get much more local that getting your produce from your own patio. Is anyone else trying to grow plants from seed?