Blogpodium & IDS

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Interior Design Show (IDS) in Toronto. It was my first

visit. As a blogger, attending Blogpodium, I had an all access media pass to the previews, the Gala and Trade Day.

I did stop by the Gala on thursday night and I must admit it was overwhelming. So many people. However, I had a great time walking the show, sipping some champagne and spotting the design celebs.

My daughter had strict instructions for me to tell Tommy (Smythe) hello and that she thought he was hilarious. Ha! Alas...that opportunity did not arise.

Friday morning I returned for what I

felt was the highlight of my IDS experience -- Blogpodium.

The panel was great!

Margot Austin, Canadian House & Home

Kimberley Seldon

Kate Moore, CityLine and Jennifer Flores, Rambling Renovators

Moderated by Leigh-Ann Allaire, Benjamin Moore

Inspiring and useful information on Blogs & Media.

Although all the panelists had great tips and advice, I especially related to Margot Austin's remarks. I thought she provided some valuable insight into the world of print media and the appeal of a well edited blog. She also stressed the importance of giving credit where credit is due. For example, giving proper credit for photography and links to the original content.

Kimberley Seldon's advice to provide original content was key. This is something I really try to do on my blog. It is also what typically appeals to me about other blogs - fresh ideas, original photography.

I also loved the BlogPodium booklet that Lindsay Stephenson produced. What a lovely memento and tool for connecting.

Blogpodium provided a unique opportunity to meet many fellow Canadian bloggers. Events like these are so valuable! Congratulations to Lindsay Stephenson and Jennifer Flores for organizing an amazing morning! I can't wait to go to the next one.

Bonus: we all left with great swag from generous sponsors including Indigo Books & Music, Home Depot Canada, CB2, Benjamin Moore, Pure Green Magazine, & Canadian House & Home

After Blogpodium, I spent the day getting a better look at IDS.

I met up with Dianne Medieros (psst she's a very talented decorator) and we toured the show.

I thought the highlight of the show was Studio North. I enjoyed seeing artisans and boutiques showcasing their unique Canadian talents. I'd love to see more of that next time....

Above are a small selection of stand out booths from the show.

Oh Happy Weekend!

Don't you just love weekends? Especially when they are sunny ones full of play.

Friday night I attended the Opening Party for CB2's first international location here in Toronto. They opened up shop in the former Big Bop. Do you remember The Big Bop? If you're not from Toronto...it was a very popular dance club in the 80's and early 90's.

Anyways, the space looked great. I love how open and light filled it is with the glass wall on the entire side of the building. I was there at night but it must be lovely and bright during daylight.

I didn't take many photos but did snap this one of some pendants that caught my eye. They are made out of cardboard! I also loved the little plates that they created to celebrate CB2's Canadian debut.

Saturday morning, my daughter and I met some friends for hot chocolates and a visit to a new local shop called The Beau & Bauble. It appeared to be a hit with my daughter and her friends. Isabella declared it the "coolest shop ever". Why? It is full of treasures girls love and it has been created especially for them -- tweens.

We will definitely be back to The Beau & Bauble. I think it will be a great place to pick up birthday gifts and favor bag treats.

Walking along Dundas we stopped in a couple more shops you may want to visit. One was Pom-Pom from Narwhal Art Projects . This is a pop-up winter boutique showcasing handmade treasures, original artwork and interesting printed matter. We loved the whimsical creations of artist Julie Moon which are displayed in the shop. You'll have to hurry though as this collection will only be there until February 19th. Then a new collection of curated items will pop-up.

Cute kitty perched on books in Pom-Pom.

Next stop was Kid Culture. I have been meaning to drop in here for ages. Very charming shop. I love that they feature so much local handmade goodness.

Lunch break ... a stop at the always bustling Pho Huong on Pacific for tea and spring rolls. After fueling up we headed over to the new art supply shop that opened recently called Articulations.

I am so excited to see an art supply store open in The Junction. Articulations offers supplies, workshops and creative exhibitions. Isabella found the art installation "Neon Glow" captivating.

Lots of great supplies!

I love the displays of their supplies.

I was admiring this amazing cabinet they picked up down the street at Smash.

I'm definitely going to look into some of the workshops they are offering - including paper-cutting and block printing. They also offer drop-in/open studio time, artist talks, crafternoons and programs for children and adults.

One of my favorite spots in The Junction is Smash.

I cannot wait to be able to buy some great pieces for our house post-reno!

And no stroll through The Junction is complete without a stop at Delight for a chocolate fix before we strolled home :)

Hello and Happy 2012!

Happy New Year friends!

I've been neglectful of late in not updating things around here. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and holiday season.

I had a lovely break from routine over the holidays. I closed my shop for two weeks to spend some time with my hubby and children while they were home.

I'm excited for 2012. I have a feeling it will bring many fun new projects and friendships.

Next week will be full of design inspiration! I'm thrilled to be attending Blogpodium at Toronto's Interior Design Shown aka IDS. The Gala is Thursday night and Trade Day is Friday. I'm planning on being there for both and will be blogging along the way! Plus... Saturday night is the Canadian Design Bloggers Meet-up which I'm looking forward to as well.

I wanted to share a little love inspired DIY I created for Wedding Bells Magazine. Pop on over to their lovely blog to see the DIY (pic above) and download some freebie printable tags you can use. Valentine's Day is right around the corner!