Pinterest - new board

I recently put some of my favourite store front pictures on a Pinterest board that you might like - right here.

The Cartolina iPhone app - almost a year old!

The Cartolina iPhone app is almost a year old - I can hardly believe it! I think we'll have a little celebration - maybe a fun giveaway!.

The Cartolina iPhone app is available right here.

Doing your own thing.

I was talking to Doug last night about how seldom I see really unique and original art these days. There's so much similar stuff out there - which I don't understand (what's the point of making art that looks like someone else's art?) Then we got talking about Dolan Geiman and how unique his work is. Recently he's been recognized for his talent by some big names like Fossil and he deserves it. I love seeing his newest work and the long panel below just blew me away yesterday when I saw it. He's a super talent - someone who just does his own thing and doesn't worry about everyone else - and that's what it's all about - do your own thing!

This is an old Russian chocolate box that I found in an old Russian junk store - not in Russia just owned by an old Russian. I quite like it.

I like how simple the graphics are on these pillows. Yes it's true - I do occasionally like simple graphics! How about you?

Pillows from Pottery Barn

How could I resist these - very pretty, handmade party blowers from Martha Stewart. These are so cute! I spotted these on Pinterest right here.

Very pretty - the Mandala Rug from Urban Outfitters. This would brighten up any decor!

Some really fun new things from Plumo. Every season they show up with the prettiest treasures from far off places. You can see the other things I've featured in the past from Plumo right here.

Love this guy's work. Jon Contino - he makes it look so easy! Hand lettered with an authentic, block printed vibe - luv!

Ephemera

Don't you love these? - little book seller's labels. From here.

A couple of lighting choices that I REALLY like - from Villa d'Esta. This floor lamp is fabulous, don't you think? I would truly love to have it in our living room.

Nice!

Mmmmm, this is nice! Doug took a picture of this vintage bird cage at Fan Tan Gallery (one of my fave stores) last week. I noticed the pictures on the camera yesterday and I was like - wait a minute, that was for sale and I didn't see it? Didn't you think I might want to buy it? Sheesh - men!

Inspiration - type

Guess what these are? Vintage outboard engine logos from the wonderful little maritime museum at Cowichan Bay. Fab vintage type from lots of different eras.

Hello!

Good morning! How's everyone? We got back last night from a lovely trip to Vancouver Island. Had great fun - despite the flat tire on the Mini in the middle of nowhere! I'm looking forward to showing you a fab café today that we found in Victoria and a few fun vintage things over the next couple of days - read on . . . .

Boats at Cowichan Bay.

On a Mission.

I picked up this sweet little pennant at a little antique shop on our way back through BC yesterday - thought it was super sweet and I like it's mini size!

It's all in the details - and the coffee, of course!

I have a favourite new café in Victoria - The Union Pacific Coffee Co. Doug and I were so impressed with the style and decor in this place - we were convinced that a graphic designer must have built the interior because it seems to all revolve around the name, the logo and the theme. It has a great Pacific Northwest feel with giant vintage beams and lots of natural materials. I absolutely love the wall of old doors - can you see them? They go all the way behind the kitchen and then there are a couple of enormous ones on rollers that slide closed to hide some storage. There are lots of iron plumbing fixtures incorporated into the wall displays, the decor and the furniture and some wonderful vintage, cast iron table bases. The menu is built like a train station timetable and it feels like at any minute the numbers will al flip randomly! It's been a long time since I've been inspired by an interior like I am by this one and I hope these pictures do it justice. The Union Pacific Coffee Co. 537 Herald St, Victoria, BC.

Note the 'wall of doors' and the iron pipe seating.