Homage to: The Farmers Market

I think it's about time that I mention a staple here in Halifax: The original Farmers Market.
 Such an amazing place that really speaks volumes to  what characterizes this city. The old, historic buildings feels so right for this space. A space where every Saturday morning you can literally roll out of bed, grab your re-usable tote bag and venture down to Mary's breadbasket- grab a coffee and a delicious Cinnamon bun and wake up in history.

It's so nice to think that once upon a time (and still to this day) this building was the Alexander Kieth's' brewery. In a time when Halifax was starting to recover its architecture, people would travel here to get their beer (something us maritimers know like the back of our hands), we now go to get fresh, locally produced and organic fruits, veggies, meat, soap, ...the list goes on. This place truly is amazing.

This is my favorite 'room' of the entire venue. In a space that seems to go on forever in twisty-turvy paths, this is the center hub. The same patrons park their stands and set up their veggies every week. Walking into this soaring room makes me feel so Halagonian every time. I can just makes me feel like we're in the old-world again. The old, exposed brick and the factory windows are all original. Beautiful. 

A hot-spot of tourists, and a weekly favorite for yummy Chinese food for breakfast, this market also features brilliantly crafted items from local artists. You can purchase jewelery, wood works, clothing, and art all from local talent. Its a great place to get a piece commissioned, say. 

There is now a new, more modern, second Halifax Farmers market opened. It catches the overflow from this busting location, but I still prefer this one. This will always be my Halifax staple. 

images: http://sharleystudio.blogspot.com

tripadvisor.co.uk

New! Technology in the Home

My husband is obsessed with finding the newest gadgets andtechnologies around which got me thinking about our future. What will our homes be like with the ever-evolving technology world?
 I keep having flash backs to Tom Cruise in 'Minority Report'- with all the futuristic touch computer screens, the chip cards that replace CD's and DVD's....holograms...the whole nine.

Will our homes really be that futuristic??
To me, that seems a bit cold. Sure, it's nice to have the luxuries that home technology has brought, but there has to be balance. I think as a designer, it's our job to marry the two: home with technology. We need to find that balance where you can still come home after a long days work and feel you're at home....just maybe greeted by a voice as you walk through the door, that has already turned on your lights for you (just the way you like it) as soon as it detects your thumb-print on your fingerprint deadbolt.

Today, there are hundreds of products already available to improve your home life, but where is the future going? The media is directing us to a couple main directions: green,  social networking, 3D, and touch screen technologies.

 Green design is no new concept to 2010. By all means, there is no acceptable reason why homeowners and builders should not choose to do business with a green and sustainable attitude. For example, Green Concrete  is one new product that Technology Review has named as one of their Top 10 items that could change our future. This new concrete dramatically reduces the amount omissions during production, trumping the competition. 

This product, the HRHC mirror technology, is available on the market now...along with numerous competitors, all promising the ultimate luxury- watching TV while brushing your teeth! Seriously, the streamline installation does impress me. I am not really a fan of visible TV's in a bathroom but this is nice. Not only can you watch TV but some brands will even update you on the latest stocks, weather, your daily calender..whatever you want. There are also touchscreen mirrors available as well.

Toshiba has hit it out of the park (literally) with their ZX900 series cell TV...it has amazing technology all around with the added bonus of 3D home television! So get your glasses...a good Blue Ray 3D and enjoy the thrill of the theater at home. A big trend hitting everywhere...including your mobile device...coming soon.

Lastly, a big trend that researchers are leaning on is the ever-complicated and saturated Social Networking. Everything from Facebook to Twitter is all being sold to large search engines like Google, for example, to become broken down information for real-time results in you're next search query. What does this mean to you're home? Well basically, that your gadgets get cooler. Check this out!

This flexible, stretchable touchscreen mobile phone is our future (in concept now)

Click here for more!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.







Breast Cancer affects millions of women and families across this country. Living in the Maritimes, we have one of the highest cancer rates in Canda. In honor of this amazing cause, do yourself a favor and get to know your Ta-Ta's!!

Photo by  sarahsnodgrass.com 

There are so many great opportunities within our beautiful city to raise money for this much worthy cause. And for the entire month of October, this city is lined with pink! Try to get out this month and do your part in the fight! Love the pink- love your boobies!! To help show my support here are a few of my favorite designs showcasing Pink (of course!).

I love this over-the-top pink kitchen!! What do you think?

I also love this "Mom-cave" posted by Made by Girl, designed by Elaine Griffin.  Every woman should have a space to call their own. This space is full of Girl Power- perfect for this cause!

This is my very own beloved "Girl Land"

If you don't like 'all that' pink, there are thousand of products available in nearly every store on the market that donate a portion of the proceeds to Breast Cancer Research. 

For example:

French Laundry

Kitchen Aid

Locally, one of my favorite charitable events, Titz-n-Glitz is happening October 15th at Alderney Landing. Click here for more info!

Trend Alert!

I absolutely love how Settees are all over the place lately!! They were featured in this months issue of Style at Home magazine, but I've been seeing them everywhere!!

The bench/couch crossover is not only chic but romantic and an unexpected surprise. This one from Elle Decor is so feminine and fun.Very sophisticated.

This little gem I spotted at Home Sense locally

So cute (and cheep!)

What do you think?

Halloween!

Hey everyone! I hope life is treating you well and that you have caught the fall decorating bug by now!
The leaves have turned, it's harvest in the valley (I just got back yesterday from apple picking in the Valley-stay tuned for pics!) and Halloween is on it's way!!

This year, my husband and I are keeping with our new tradition in our new home by going over the top in our Halloween decor to scare every kid in our neighborhood. Last year we bought our home in just in time for Halloween and thought it would be a great way to introduce ourselves to the area- it was a bit over the top I will admit- but it's also one of our favorite holidays, so why not? We were use to having large parties with our closest friends when we had lived downtown in our chic little apartment, and moving to the suburbs meant that our parties would most likely be tamed down a little (not to mention that I was five months pregnant). So over the top decor, including full installations in our foyer and sound effect it was.

This year, we are going to take a more refined method, while still adding some gore and fright. Stay tuned for pics

When decorating for Halloween you can either go two ways in my books: cheesy or sophisticated. I choose the later. Although there are some great accessories and traditions that are always classic and can be a family favorite, why not use some creativity and give it a more modern twist?

Keep anything Gothic in mind. Think in a deep color palate of deep greens, purples, gold and reds. Anything metal or deeply rustic will do. Goblets, silver plates, candle sticks, wooden stools or benches, table cloths and wall-hung tapestries are all testimonial of this time. Also glass- think filled bio-lab.

Mood is also a big factor. Keep lighting dim or by candle light. Use heavy velvets or thick woven textiles with your decor. You can also juxtapose your holiday with the harvest and your overall fall decor. Apples, grapes, pears, etc. can all be presented with your holiday finds- displayed on a pedestal like above- which would be totally characteristic of the Gothic era. And don't forget the wine of course ;) 

I also love to the idea of using branches and other nature inspired items into your space. It gives it a truly haunted and over grown feel to me.

I also love using spooky floral arrangements with deep reds, purples and even black colored flowers.

Another trend that I am already seeing is using glitter. Check out this awesome  scull I found!

And also this twist on the traditional wreath, which I would leave up all winter personally

You don't have to even spend any money! Take a look around your home- inside and out- and see what you could re-interpret into scary. Use spray paint, glitter, mirrors, picture frames, lanterns, dead flowers and weeds, ANYTHING- I hope that I have inspired you to think outside the Dollar Store box this year!

 (although I still love the dollar store :)

*all  professional images marthastewart.com