Friday Musings

I am a bad blogger.

I didn't take an overall "after" photo of my re-vamped store bought drapery panels like I said I would.

I do have a sneak peek though...

{This was taken when only one side was finished}

This weekend I will get my daughter to tidy her room {always looks like bomb went off} so I can photograph the drapes. A tutorial will accompany the said photos as well

But..

Yesterday I was thrilled to open my mailbox to find my the latest issue of Elle Decor! After getting an awesome deal on the subscription, $14 for the year, a steal in Canada, I couldn't resist.

Loved the issue.
Some of the interiors are a bit too frou for for me but the home of Keri Russell was just up my alley!

 I adore Keri Russell.

This is strange, but I feel like I "know" her because she looks just like my sister, especially when she played Felicity, her hair, her mannerisms, her facial structure - just like my sister.
Freaky.

Keri's home is

simple, clean and classic.

How fantastic is the light fixture?

Love the calmness this room evokes.

source

The issue also highlighted Vancouver, which was a fun read.
They mentioned Vij's as a fantastic must-visit restaurant.
Vij's is where Carol and I went for lunch when we hit Anthropologie on Wednesday!

 If you love Indian cuisine, this restaurant is for you. The food was suberb, the decor sublime and the company - fantastic!

source

{Check out the light fixture - the DIY version has been circulating around the net}

Another mention in the Vancouver article was The Keefer, a boutique hotel that wrote about here.
Many a movie star has stayed at The Keefer.

source

I have always wanted to stay at The Keefer but with rates starting at $700 per night, I might just dream about it instead.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Make sure you come back Sunday to read my latest  "So Canadian, eh?"interview.


XO Barbara

{my weekend}

My sweet sister managed to get us some really cheap tickets to the BC Home and Garden show that took place this past weekend at the Vancouver Convention Center. We were privileged to have received tickets from these two talented ladies, Pam and Elke from Botanus, who sit on our community garden board with my sister. It is the same garden where I met Jodi of Simply Inspired Home! 

The BC Home and Garden show was a bit disappointing. I had hoped for more designers, home furnishings, etc. It really catered to the man of the home with lots of trades selling their roofing supplies, paving stones, greenhouses, hot tubs, flooring, builders, with a few small eco friendly sellers mixed in.

As we were wandering around I heard some familiar voices and as we headed toward the main stage, we came upon Colin and Justin, the Scottish dynamic design duo that are currently living in Canada. They are the hosts and designers behind the design show on HGTV Canada "Colin and Justin's Home Heist" where they makeover homes desperate for a new look with flair and a budget that the average person can handle.

They were hilarious, talking about their spray tan fiasco, how they met Debbie Travis, making fun of Canadian underground basements, our love of big freezers and hideous appliances! They showed amazing before and after photos of a few projects they tackled on their show and gave tips on how to re-do a space without spending a fortune.

After walking around a bit more, enjoying the garden booths I decided to drag my sister to meet Colin and Justin. We were lucky as we were the last 2 people that got to meet them! They were just as funny in person.

{my cute pregnant sister}

{The debonair duo}

With the exception of my painting projects going wrong, I had an exciting and busy weekend.

How about you?

XO Barbara

~The Keefer and Chinatown~

A few days ago I chaperoned my son's grade six class trip to Chinatown. Vancouver has a thriving and vibrant Asian community and Chinatown is a feast for the eyes and nose. I have always been fascinated with Asian food, decor and architecture. One of my best friends growing up was Asian and I loved eating at her house. It is because of her family and extended family's hospitality that I love Asian food and have developed an appreciation for Asian decor and architecture.


 While touring the Dr. Sun Yet-Sen Classical Chinese Gardens I could of snapped so many photos but I forgot my camera that day! The garden embodies the Asian philosophy of ying and yang, the mix of opposites. For example, the round opening and the graphic square pattern in the gate. The garden evoked a feeling of peace and calm. Even all 70 students managed to be somewhat calm and orderly in the garden! What a beautiful place to wander through and see the koi and turtles swim in the lily filled pond, the naturally acid-etched rocks that were imported from China mixed with bright peony bushes, weeping willows and sculptural trees.

source: The Seattle Times

source: Flickr

source: Classical Garden visit


 My goal is to take my kids back this summer to nibble on apple tarts and steamed pork buns at the New Town bakery, to visit the herbalist shops, to buy more Asian pottery and lanterns (cheap!) and enjoy some traditional Cantonese cooking at Foos Ho Ho's. 

source: Urban Spoon

While we were having a tour of the historic buildings of Chinatown our guide brought us to a beautifully renovated building that has been converted to a gorgeous boutique hotel called "The Keefer." The graphite painted exterior beckoned a look inside. Because I had 6 children in my charge I decided against going inside, but instead enjoyed the view from the outside. We could see the rooftop patio from the street and I had fun that evening going through their photo gallery on their website. I think my husband needs to take me there for one night for our upcoming 19th anniversary. I want to have a martini in their bar, dinner at Bao Bei and then stroll the street at night and hit the Chinese night market. 

Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie

Who wouldn't want to eat here? I love the chintz covered industrial bar stools, the worn out leather chair in the corner, the mix of old world, Asian and modern elements.

The Keefer Hotel is a beautifully decorated building. Each suite is gorgeous and has a mix of Asian and modern styles. I couldn't copy the images from their website but found these at Expedia. 


Update: Tara from The Cinnamon Post (another fab Canadian blog) informed me that The Keefer's interior was designed by Wendy Williams Watt, the doyenne of style, former owner and founder of Vancouver's Liberty furnishings and now owner/designer behind her latest endeavour, Grace studio. Another juicy tidbit, her ex-husband is the owner of The Keefer.

Love the mix of the Asian lantern, French country armoire, modern mirrored night table and old world charm of the ceiling.

Love the Asian drum stool in the shower - I could see myself soaking in the tub with a glass of wine.

A glass bottom pool on the roof top with gorgeous city and mountain views. I think I could move in.

Ehem.... hubby are you reading this? Hint....hint.....wink....wink....

All images of The Keefer Hotel: Expedia