A Creative Break at the Cottage

Just spent a lovely long weekend at the cottage. Weather wasn't super but it's always great to be at the cottage.

I had the chance to recharge and have a think about some ideas for the upcoming fall and holiday seasons at the store. We have some of the most beautiful Christmas tree decorations I have ever had the pleasure to have in the store coming this season. I am very excited to get the first trees ready for display ( don't worry it won't be happening for a while!). I also used "cottage inspiration" to devise window displays for the fall and holiday season - watch for them!

While I sat and made notes Dave was busily putting some finishing touches on the huge shed we have been building this summer. He wired it and installed some lights that, when lit at night, look like they were meant for a football stadium - super bright! You could find a dropped pin in there! He also managed to stack an incredible amount of wood for our winter visits ( should be good for about two years, I'd say).

Standing back and admiring the handiwork I got a neat idea - since the shed is new and mostly empty (except for the wood), wouldn't it be fun to "christen" it with a "dinner in the wood shed night"? I can see a big chandelier hanging from the rafters with a long table running down the centre of the shed all decked out in linen table cloths and fine china with lots of candles and a dirt floor! Kind of a refined versus rustic experience. We could have a hearty fall menu with squash soup, a roast of some description and lots of fall root veggies. And lots of wine to toast the harvest season! I love the idea. I think that he thinks I've lost it! What do you think?

Here's the shed.

New Lamps from Mod Pieces!

Just got in some amazing new lamps. They are from a company called Mod Pieces. Lia, the owner, scours flea markets and junk shops to find old lamps with good bones. She then paints and rewires them to give them a new lease on life. Best part is she makes wonderful new shades for them out of beautiful fabrics! She's super talented and has a great eye for colour!

Let us know what colour and pattern you're looking for and we can customize some lighting for your unique space.

New Bags in Store!

Some of the new purses ordered at the gift show have already arrived - some in leather some in man made materials, all very beautiful!

At ESPE, this season's take on the ever popular convertible "Groovi tote" has a fun dangling floral accent, two lengths of handles (one for over the shoulder and one for cross body) and two ways to zipper close the opening.

ESPE has also created a smaller cross body bag using the popular tie pattern from their wallet collection. And, speaking of wallets, we have a huge new stock of fun fall patterns to choose from.

We also have a roomy purse with both short and long handles called the "Carrie bag" in a beautiful deep caramel coloured leather. Perfect for fall!

More styles coming soon. All in limited quantities. Drop in to take a look.

News from the CGTA Show

After a fantastic week of holidays, I hit the ground running and spent 11 hours of my first day back to work walking the floors of the CGTA Fall gift show and the Mode accessories show. There was lots to see and lots of buying!

A few highlights:

Watch for the introduction of Realite candles - These large pillar candles are made from wax but run on batteries and have a timer so they can be set to go on and off at 5 hour intervals. The flicker looks so real and it is completely safe.

The new designs from ESPE wallets will be here in about three weeks. Lots of new patterns and colours to choose from.

Purses were everywhere, so naturally I ordered some. In fact I ordered some from a few different companies. They will all be here by early September.

Fall home decor products will be on the shelves in about two weeks!

We will also be getting a new Fall shipment of Sno of Sweden jewellery!

Here are a couple of photos I was able to snap of the bags and wallets that are on their way.

I can't wait!

Dog Days of Summer Sale!

Join us for our "Dog Days of Summer Sale".

Select items are 20-40% off throughout the store.

Enjoy discounts on summer stock candle and tealight holders, wall art, paper napkins, acrylic patio glasses, cushions, planters, door mats, Eco cups, baskets, market/beach bags, glass vases, Cocoon Jewellery, Elvira Jewellery and more!

Look for the red stickers.

Sale on now!

So Sweet and So Practical!

Three cheers for local creative talent!

These pretty little coin purses are made right here (well, ok, in Waterdown) by a very talented lady with a passion for fun, colourful, Amy Butler- style fabrics.

Coin purses come in two sizes and each is lined with an equally fun complementary fabric.

Come in and have a look. It will be tough to choose just one but don't worry, they make great gifts too!

DaVinci Jewellery Clearance!

All DaVinci build-your-own jewellery is on sale! All beads and all chains and bracelets are 30% off. Choose from initial charms, lots of coloured ceramic, foil, and shimmery beads as well as motifs like baby shoes, high heels, martini glasses, cameras, hearts, cupcakes, apples and more.

We are clearing it out so this is your last chance for an amazing deal!