Author: avery

Bedroom Star Projector

When I was a kid, I had those cheesy glow-in-the-dark constellation stickers in my room.  They looked so cool when the lights were off, but the stickers were all over the furniture and walls, and looked silly during the day.

I saw this Star Wars Death Star Planetarium in an email from Chapters/Indigo, and I thought it was so cool.  During the day, it looks like a replica of the Death Star (not as scary as it sounds – basically a grey globe), and at night, you can take the lid off and it will project stars on your walls and ceiling.  You get the “sleeping under the stars” effect, without doing any permanent damage to your walls or furniture (seriously, those glow-in-the-dark stickers were a pain to remove).

Want something a little more cute and cuddly? There’s a stuffed turtle that does the same thing.

365 Things in 365 Days

I kind of love this.  East-end artists/couple John and Laura (of Labspace) have made a list of 365 things they’ve always wanted to do, and they’re going to (hopefully) complete them over the next 365 days.  Some things on their list are simple (watch Bonnie & Clyde), funny (have a spaghetti fight), odd (stalk a stranger), practical (make side shelves for the bedroom), crazy (GT/sled behind a motorized vehicle), banal (trim my nose hairs), romantic (kiss on a bridge at sunset) and adventurous (visit Machu Picchu).

Follow along on the website they created to document the process.  It will be interesting to check in after a few months have gone by, and see how they’re doing.

Creative Kid Photos

I love these pics that photographer Jason Lee took of his kids.  Of course, many (or even all) of them have been photoshopped, but the sheer creativity that must have gone into each image is so evident.  I bet the kids loved taking part, and seeing the results.  My favourite is the one of the girls reading the “For Dummies” books (above).

You can read an interview with the photographer here, and see even more of his photos on Flickr.

[thanks for sharing, Lisa!]

CB2 is Now Open at Queen and Bathurst

It’s been just over a year since I first told you about some of the American retail stores that were/are coming to Canada.  And now CB2, the more urbanversion of Crate + Barrel has finally opened at Queen and Bathurst.  Torontoist ran a really cool photo series last week, showing off the gorgeously restored building, and the new shop inside.  I am so excited that this is just a streetcar ride away.  Hide the credit cards!

Can’t make it to the downtown location?  You can shop online in Canadian dollars, without fear of getting nailed with duty fees.

[photos by Corbin Smith c/o Torontoist]

Website Tips for Small Business Owners

It’s not too late to sign up for my first ever web design seminar, Website Tips for Small Business Owners.  The event is taking place THIS Thursday, January 26, from 7-9pm at St. Paul’s Bloor Street.  It’s going to be a casual and interactive workshop, and we’re going to explore the following topics:

Let’s Start with the Basics
An overview of what makes a website attractive, so you end up with a gorgeous site, not a hot mess! Learn the basics of clean layout and website navigation.

Crafting Your Content
Get out that red pen and get ready to cut, slash and edit. We’ll go over some tips on how to write for the web to make sure your message is actually getting through.

Thinking of Going DIY?
Get advice on when you can build a website yourself, and when you’ll need professional help. We’ll look at a few of the DIY options out there (including an overview of WordPress, Etsy, and Shopify).

Don’t Fear the Nerd: How to Find and Work with A Web Professional
Design is a process, not just an end result. Tips on how to find the right web professional for you, and make sure you get the most out of your working relationship.

You’re Online… Now What? How to Keep Your Website Fresh
It might seem like the end, but launching a website is only the beginning. What’s your plan for ongoing site maintenance?

Following the presentation, there will be plenty of time for questions and advice. This seminar is great for small business owners who already have a website (that might need some tuning up), and also for those that are looking to launch a new website.

You can find even more information, and register online here.

Luxury Camping in Patagonia

I really don’t like the word “glamping” (which I guess combines “glamourous” and “camping”).  But I do like the concept – all the pros of camping (namely, being immersed in nature) without the cons (namely, uncomfortable sleeping conditions). Throw in some fancy amenities like spa treatments and gourmet meals, and you’re all set.

Check out Patagonia Camp – a luxury camp with 18 yurts on the edge of Lake Toro, just outside the Torres del Paine National Park in Chile.  Gorgeous.

Leslieville Home Featured in Apartment Therapy

There was a Leslieville home featured over on Apartment Therapy!  It belongs to Mazen El-Abdallah, founder of Mazen Studio.  My favourite part are the drapes throughout the home – I love how the curtain rods are hung high above the window casings.  It really showcases the 10-foot high ceilings, and makes the rooms look dramatic – especially the living room (pictured above).

Read more about the home here, and see all the photos here.

iPhone Alarm Dock

When I travel, I often use my iPhone as a bedside clock.  I have a white noise app with a sleep mode, where it displays the time.  Much easier than remembering to pack a travel clock.

I was amused when I saw these iPhone alarm docks (get it? “alarm dock” instead of “alarm clock”?) from Uncommon Goods.  They’re really pretty – the wood is lovely.  And you can charge your phone while placing it on the dock.  If my current at-home alarm clock* ever dies, I think I’ll replace it with this one.

*I’ve had the same alarm clock since I was 9 years old. It’s called the P’Jammer and it’s pink and purple. It’s so old and goofy looking, but it’s a really good clock, so I’m keeping it around!