shit i'm not sick of: juju hats (including sources yo!)

When I saw Jessika Goranson's gorgeous apartment - and her scene stealing juju hat - in the most recent Lonny, it reminded of a blog post I read about a year ago (or maybe two) in which the authoress declared juju's officially "over". Why? Because Genevieve Gorder had used one on her show Ask Genevieve. I can't remember who it was - it might have been a blogger I totally respect, so apologies if so - but I do remember thinking that it was the most ridiculous reason for something to be over I'd ever heard.

{Goranson's juju'd entry. Just wish she'd hang it 2 inches higher...}

Are you so sick of seeing it that you don't even find it beautiful anymore? Fine. But hating something just because someone that "the masses" watch also finds it beautiful? Uhhh, kind of missing the point.

For me, juju's are not even close to over. In fact, I doubt they ever will be. Because at the end of the day, they are fucking gorgeous, and when I see one in a space my eye goes directly to it. And I want one. Badly.

Now that, my friends, is the point.

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Want one too? Can't stomach the usual 650$ price tag? Here are some sources that sell them for less: 

Africanart.com
Design my world
Authenticafrica.com
Serena & Lily

apartment search gems gettin my brain abuzz

Do you often find yourself going through local MLS or rental listings just for fun? Do you invariably end up "dream renovating" and/or decorating your favourite finds of the day, designing the life you could create in between those four walls? Then you and I, my friend, are two peas in a pretty little pod. 

I'm currently helping one of my best friends find a rental in Toronto, and, like usual, I'm having a seriously hard time not falling head over heels in love. Sure, they're not for me. Sure, I don't even live in Toronto. And sure, I like where I live. But has that stopped me from sourcing everything from linens to lighting when I find a rare gem? Not even a little. 

This one, in particular, has gotten my imagination working overtime:

Can't you just smell the potential?! Affordable, central, and perfectly quirky, this is the type of space I live for. It's a big blank canvas and man oh man do I want to paint!

The kitchen, especially, is screaming for someone to put their mark on it. If I had my say, this would happen:

Except maybe in chalkboard paint to let my friend REALLY leave his mark:

I figure it's den-ish already, so I'd play that up rather than trying to fight the unfightable. Take cues from Ryan Korban and make it masculine and moody - a romantic spot to refill your glass of wine while chatting with the cook . . .

. . . before hunkering down by the (working!) fireplace. 

Absolute. Perfection. 

Unfortunately, there's been a condo boom in Toronto recently, so character places like this (that aren't 20 stories in the sky and encased in glass) go quick, and this one was no exception. Not unfortunately, that means more looking and more dreaming for little old me! It's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it ;)

why my love life is the worst and canadian shelter mags are the best

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Honestly. HONESTLY. Although I am using the term "love life" veeeeeery loosely here. I can't even get into it it's so ridiculous.

You know when even you are laughing at your crazy self, shit is not going well.

In other news, yesterday I distracted myself by going to buy the new issues of my fave design mags: Style at Home and House & Home, and both of them KILLED IT this month. I mean, check out this "why didn't I think of that" idea for sprucing up god-awful slab doors:

What cheap rental doesn't have those doors? When you move you can either leave your brilliance for the next renter (who, if sane, will be grateful), or just remove the strips and paint over it. The holes likely would be small enough that the paint would fill it right up, and if not, a quick skim of poly-fill will fix that. Genius, I say. Genius.

S@H and H&H are the only hard copy design mags I buy every single month, without fail. And while it's not cuz they're both Canadian, it's still kind of awesome that they are.

Because honestly, they really are the best. And I really don't say that about everything Canadian. Our TV shows, for example? Not so hot. (I'm sorry Degrassi, but your bandwagon is just not one I could ride....)

No, I say that because they're so much more accessible than the Elle Decors and House Beautifuls of the world. Sure, some of the content is so far out of my reach it's laughable, but they always throw in a cute space filled with thrift shop finds, a high-low feature and a few awesome d.i.y tips to balance it out. They're just so much more Lonny. Or Domino (may she rest in peace). They're definitely more bloggy.

Also - and I don't know if it's true - but the real content to ad ratio just feels a lot higher. After reading it I don't feel like I just wiped my ass with a 10$ bill . . .

All this to say: if you haven't checked these players out, you should. I think you'll be surprised at how bad-ass this maple syrup lovin' land can be!

Need one last bit of proof? This infamous stunner was brought to us by H&H:

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A gift for which we will forever be grateful.

Happy weekend beautiful ladies and handsome gents! I will see you on the other side, well rested and filled to the brim with Homeland reruns.