unsolicited opinions on random things
I love container gardening. But the kind of pots and planters out there are a little boring (although I do enjoy the light-up pots that were popular this year). I loved this post on Cool Hunting featuring planters that double as benches, tables, and loungers – all made by Valencia, Spain-based company Vondom. I think these colourful pieces could really spice up a backyard.
Looking for something to do this weekend? Pop by the new Arts Market in Leslieville (1114 Queen St East). Kinnon will be there selling some of her prints, including pieces from her awesome Toronto’s My Home series (which you might remember from this), and her travel/food illustrations (which you might remember from this). Arts Market is on from 10am – 7pm Saturday and Sunday. I’ll be there on Sunday!
We’re supposed to hit record-breaking temperatures today in Toronto, so I hope you’re all finding ways to stay cool. My recommendation? Head to a movie theatre. The new Harry Potter is supposed to be awesome, and it’s nice and long. I’ll be staying home, watching a movie or two on the small screen with Little C. It’s too hot outside for babies!
[photo by Flickr user syntaxerr0r]
I was pretty pumped to see illustrator Tad Carpenter’s home featured on Design*Sponge a while ago (I have a Tad Carpenter print hanging in my living room). For the feature, he was asked to finish the sentence “What I love most about my home is…”. Of course, since he’s awesome, he didn’t just finish the sentence… he turned it into a print. Which is now available for sale in white or brown on his website. I would love to have this for the entryway to my home.
Isn’t this place jaw-droppingly gorgeous? It’s Playa Vik Jose Ignacio, a beachfront retreat in Uruguay. It features 2- and 3-suite residences, and there’s amazing art everywhere (including an Anselm Keifer sculpture and an installation by Pablo Atchugarry). If I’m ever in Uruguay (which, let’s face it, is not likely to happen any time soon), then I’ll have to check it out.
[via Tablet]
Baby, it’s hot outside! With this delightfully scorching weather we’ve been enjoying lately, I find a cool drink really hits the spot. We had an impromptu dinner party on Saturday night, and I served margaritas. I follow the “purist” recipe for margaritas, following the very easy to remember “3-2-1” rule. 3 parts Tequila, 2 parts lime juice, 1 part Cointreau or Triple Sec. No sugar. No frozen slushie mix. Just a bit of ice. Then I serve them up in my cobalt blue-rimmed glasses that I brought back from Mexico. Delicious.
The blog was down for some time today due to a problem on the server. I’m back up now though, and will resume regular weekday posts tomorrow.
I’m just glad it’s working again, and I fixed it myself without having to call tech support (I really dislike tech support). Yay me!
This is the 350th post on Stuff Avery Likes. Apparently I like a LOT of stuff.
Thanks to my regular readers for checking in on me and my ramblings. Blogging every day can be a bit daunting, but overall I don’t mind. There’s so much great stuff out there that I want to share with you.
Here’s to 350 more likeable things!
I love summer weather, but I struggle with summer clothing. I like the idea of shorts, but they really don’t look good on me. I saw Carol wearing a cute skirt a couple weeks ago, and when she told me it was from Roots, I picked up one of my own. This skirt is the best – it’s made out of supersoft jersey. Feels like yoga pants. I like it so much, I might get another in a different colour. They’re on sale right now too for only $28!
I bookmarked this article in the Toronto Star a while ago and kind of forgot about it. But I’m glad I’m revisiting, as it’s a good one! Titled “How I Overcame my Prejudice Against Buffalo,” it features all kinds of cool ideas for a weekend getaway to Buffalo, NY. Most of us just head there for the shopping, but there’s much more. I knew the Albright Knox Gallery was worth a visit, but hadn’t heard about Allentown, the bohemian artsy part of town full of bars, restaurants, and shops.
Next time I head to Buffalo for my outlet-mall and Target fix, I’ll be sure to check out the Blue Monk bar… just look at that beer list (pictured above)! Ian went with a friend last year and said they don’t serve ketchup – just different kinds of spiced mayo for your frites. Amazing.
And after last year’s trip to Fallingwater, I think a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House Complex is a must.