Canadian Tire Canvas Spring/Summer 2017 Preview

Now that it's starting to warm up here (and the six inches of snow that fell a couple of weeks ago has melted), we're all thinking about the backyard and patio.  I was recently invited to a Canadian Tire event, showcasing their 2017 CANVAS Spring/Summer collection #mycanvasstyle.  The venue was set up using all their CANVAS merchandise including interior and exterior items. I must say, I was very impressed with the outdoor lanterns & chandeliers...and here's a bonus, some are even solar!  
Here's a little peek at what I saw.

See what I mean by their outdoor lighting?  The  Cassara Lantern is one of my favourite.  As a gardener, I'm always looking for new planters and sometimes it's hard to find great style at an affordable price. I'm loving this & this...from CANVAS.

How cute are these inflatables for the pool?   

My Fave Store... L e u k

One thing I did on my little sister/birthday/mother's day getaway weekend in Collingwood, ON was stroll through the downtown & browse cafes, art galleries & shops.  I cannot believe how much Collingwood has 
changed since I was a kid.  



This is where I found my new favorite store....Leuk.   It is beautiful!!!  They actually have two stores...one has accessories, gifts & a floral shop & the other has furniture, clothing & a little cafe.  

They actually don't allow you to take photos (which I didn't realize), but I was able to snap a couple before I was told not to take any. ;)

Here's a little taste of their floral section.

(All pics are mine taken with my iPhone.)

I would describe the design as modern farmhouse meets Scandi...two of my favorite styles right now.   

Perfection in my opinion...a must see if you're in the area!

Niche Decor Showroom

Here's a little pop of green for you courtesy of Niche Decor in Aurora, ON.  I was sourcing a couch recently, and dropped by their beautiful design showroom.  Love the mix of traditional and modern pieces.  

Here's a little taste of what I saw.

 All pics are mine taken with my iPhone.

Black & White Out Back

Last year I did a little post about black & white outside because it's one of my favourite colour combos for outside or inside.  (Actually, I have a lot of black & white in this house...not sure why.   It just sort of happened.)   It just makes all the other colours stand out and I love it with the dark green of boxwoods, ferns and grass.  It's just such a classic look.   So I was a little excited when I happened upon these cushions at the Superstore a few weeks ago.  The little cushions were $9.00 and the larger ones were $20.00.  They also had roll cushions and lounger cushions in the same stripe, but they're going very fast.  

It's been so cold here I've only purchased a few of my annuals, and haven't planted any in the ground yet.   Last week I had to bring them in at night because we had a chance of frost.  The ones above are the African Daisy and the Double Petunia.

Here's a pic of the seat cushions.  The previous owners built a bench right into the railing of our back deck so these cushions fit perfectly here for extra seating.  I really need to get painting this back deck because it's chipping.  I'm thinking of painting the deck and the back fence in a very dark grey - almost black.  Which might be a little hot on the toes on the back deck but would look spectacular on the fence.   It's a great backdrop for plants and would really make my Hydrangeas and Rose of Sharons pop out.  It's a project that might have to wait until Fall or next Spring.

And some more news....my French Lilac that I planted five years ago finally bloomed.  (Now imagine this Lilac with black behind it instead of the weathered wood...amazing right?)

Here's a closeup of the Lilac...love all the textures and colours.   My peonies are just about ready to bloom and they are one of my all time favourite flowering shrubs.

And one more thing....I started to paint my stairs...eeek!  But I screwed up and now I have to remove some of it.   I don't like painting, and I really, really don't like removing paint.  

 More on that later.

The "Sweetest" Little Bakery

 Is this bakery not the cutest?   I was just wandering Main Street (as one does) this beautiful Easter weekend when I noticed this new quaint little bake shop called cupCAKE.  They just moved to Main Street, Newmarket, ON but also have a location in Barrie, ON.  I had such a fun time checking them out.  (As you know, I like to feature quaint small town stores & galleries when I can.  Like last year, for instance, when I featured this antique store & this art gallery.) cupCake offers coffee, tea, cookies & cupcakes on location and they also do wedding cakes & custom cakes.   To see what else they offer, you can check them out at iwannacupcake.com.  Coming soon, they'll be offering birthday parties on location in their Pinkalicious Party Room.  

This place has such a wonderful small-town feel.  I loved the ambiance & I'm so happy that places like this, that are locally owned, are starting to pop up on our beautiful historic Main Street.  If you live in the area, please check them out.  You won't be disappointed!

(all pics taken with my iPhone)

I know it's been a little quiet here on the blog lately.  It's been a cold long winter & I've been switching things around in my house.  Partly because I'm a chronic decorator and partly because I just needed a change, so I'll be sharing some of the changes soon.  Also, I haven't forgotten about my daughter's teen room.  I'll be updating you on that...I'm almost at the finish line.