This time of year it seems people think less and less about getting out and about. It’s worthwhile to face the elements and enjoy downtown – things are happening here people.
Sitka has opened a new store, just east of their old location on Yates Street. It feels like Ralph Lauren’s surf-crazed cousin’s living room where flip flops are de regur in November and every nook and cranny is lovingly curated. They have added a coffee shop where the focus is on local, sustainable ingredients. Inca Porridge for breakfast anyone? Light lunches are also on hand. The ramp has not been lost in the move and there are eyefulls of gorgeous clothes, accessories and gear. The old location is having a moving sale, and there are samples on sale at the new store. Read more about this local surf shop here.
Ok, this is a little nerdy and the video is a little slow, but this is far-out. Say you’ve lost your trusty hammer. No problem, just print one off! Here, the moving parts of a crescent wrench are replicated. A 3D image is sent to a printer where powder and binder come together to create a solid object – in COLOUR!
We had a media tour visit us at Boulevard Magazine a few weeks ago, and the photographer had the most excellent camera bag. I don’t see the exact one here, but it has been determined that it was from Kelly Moore bags. It’s a great site, with videos of how the bags work and fantastic cross section diagrams.
When looking at houses, one of my most frequent comments is, “where are the windows??”. This home featured on Dwell’s website does not have that problem. Relying on local materials and local craftspeople, this home takes simplicity and function to a refreshing level. I love how the slabs of limestone for the house’s front steps were rested on a layer of ice cubes, creating just enough clearance for the nylon straps to be pulled free. The slabs settled into place as the ice melted.
Eco-friendly picnic boxes for urbanites with a hankering for a picnic. Fully compostable utensils, plates, cups and napkins.
“Sorry, wicker, it was fun while it lasted, but the new picnic belongs to post-consumer pulp. So pack up and park on. It’s time to escape the office for an afternoon, schedule that over-due date or just go have some fun.” – Boxal
The May issue is here! Art direction, design and ad production by yours truly. If you didn’t receive a copy at your door, pick one up at your closest drop box or retailer – or read online.
Herald Painter Robert Parsons, sketches the new Coat of Arms for Kate Middleton’s family, at the College of Arms in London, Monday April 18, 2011. Middleton used this Coat of Arms until her wedding day yesterday, when it was merged with the Prince’s Coat of Arms. Kate’s heraldic design features a tied ribbon to show she is an unmarried woman and the overall shape is an elaborate lozenge – a shield would be used for Middleton men.
I think this tradition should become the new trend. How fabulous to have your own image you can combine with your chosen one.
The website was launched back in 2009, but the “Wisequacks” (Dr. Dave Hepburn and Dr. Rob Sealey) had outgrown the original design. They needed something dynamic, powerful and easy to update. The new website was built using WordPress which will allow the ‘Quacks to update the site regularly from their end with new articles, medical information, podcasts and videos. A new question is posted every week, and what’s most exciting is that you can ask further questions or submit your own. The site is organized and action packed, while keeping the main goal in mind – to be the go-to hub of medical information, all dished up with a little humour. So go ahead, take a test, listen to a podcast or find out why prostate cancer and finger length are linked…
Outdoor furniture designer Gandia Blasco can stop by my place with a little present any old time. Check out the last image here – perfect for west coast weather. When the sun comes out, sometimes I wish I can a greenhouse to sit in. They call it a Cristal Box , an outdoor pergola system made of anodized or thermo-lacquered aluminium profiles. The inside flooring is technical wood made using plant and plastic fibres – requiring little or no maintenance.
Back in December, I searched and searched for info about Pantone’s colour of the year for 2011. Then the magazines and runways told me! I just looked it up and it’s for certain – Honeysuckle!
“While the 2010 color of the year, PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, served as an escape for many, Honeysuckle emboldens us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. A dynamic reddish pink, Honeysuckle is encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life.
In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues, explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother color red, the most physical, viscerally alive hue in the spectrum.”
Happy Valentine’s Day! Forget to start the day with something special? A heart shaped egg tomorrow should do to the trick. Instructions from AnnaTheRed here.
It’s Dance Days in Victoria. We’re in the middle of ten days of free dance classes, workshops, open rehearsals, lively forums, and performances happening all over Victoria. Ever fancied yourself as a ballerina? Got an urge to try hip hop? You can do it for free this week.
Bringing to life what most would not be able to express physically, Dancers Among Us is an ongoing collaboration with top NYC dancers and artist Jordan Matter. He says, “be alive, recognize the beauty around you”.
I saw an ad for Emirates Airlines in the Sunday Times Magazine and decided further investigation was necessary. Showers, lounges, and private suites.
“Enjoy your own sanctuary in spacious private suites, each equipped with an electrically operated sliding door, a personal mini-bar, adjustable ambient lighting, and its own vanity table, mirror and wardrobe. Every seat has a built-in massage system, with adjustable speed and intensity. Our crew will convert your seat to a fully flat bed with a mattress, so you can arrive at your destination relaxed and refreshed. Each suite in the A380 has a 23” television screen, allowing you to explore over 1200 on-demand video and audio channels of our award winning ice Digital Widescreen entertainment system.
The privacy divider separating the adjoining suites in the centre row can also be lowered, allowing you to share the experience with your travel companion.
Dine-on-demand meal service, allows you to order from our a la carte menu any time you desire.” www.emirates.com
Reinvented and renovated, this church was transformed into cozy, chic and serene abode by architect Perry Harrison-Hyde. Who knows what stories this church has to tell, but it was given a second chance with the marriage of contemporary architecture and history. Love that painting and check out the window screen separating kitchen from dining.
Admiring Donna Hay’s online store for its down-under style. Cohesive, modern, delicate… yummy! Her new book “fast, fresh, simple” is out now.
I’ve had my first major online shopping success! Amazon, sure. Restoration Hardware, JCrew, yes and yes. But a website offering limited time sales of hugely discounted designer items? New to me! What are your online shopping hotspots? I’ll let you in on my revelation soon.
Christmas pudding, Keep Glam & Rock On poster, shopping list pad, apron | via www.donnahay.com.au
For all you DIY’ers about there – take a look at Anna White’s website full of free project plans and galleries. Shopping lists, cutting lists and videos included.
This little table is a simple project, elevated by function and funky colour.
Sometimes the most straight forward plans can be the most successful. Have a look at this high chair and this chair.
Designed by Tom Kundig, of the Seattle firm Olson Kundig Architects.
15-acre site in the San Juan Islands off Washington State
2,200-square-foot box with a sod roof and tall steel-framed windows
Master bathroom sink water runs through a series of small bowls that were cut into the rock and polished smooth
The living-dining room is a mixture of simple upholstered furniture, antiques and the contemporary art
This time of year calls for an injection of good design into your life. This wall mounted magnetic key panel and curved letter holder from Umbra has 3 of my favorite elements – nature, minimalism, functionality. It stood up to the heinous-amount-of-keys-on-one-ring test AND it’s only $12.95. Spotted at Paboom, Victoria. What are you doing to jazz up a few November nooks and crannies?
Coming this week – decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Cake recipe, how to clean your digital camera and a Pacific Northwest architectural masterpiece.
“Bcc:” is an extension of Beth Campbell Creative, a Victoria, BC based design studio. Updated often, Bcc: was established to catalog and share beauty and great design in the form of everyday objects, beautiful places and culinary adventures. To learn more about Beth Campbell Creative and check out the portfolio, visit the main website at [...]more →
