I kind of love this.  East-end artists/couple John and Laura (of Labspace) have made a list of 365 things they’ve always wanted to do, and they’re going to (hopefully) complete them over the next 365 days.  Some things on their list are simple (watch Bonnie & Clyde), funny (have a spaghetti fight), odd (stalk a stranger), practical (make side shelves for the bedroom), crazy (GT/sled behind a motorized vehicle), banal (trim my nose hairs), romantic (kiss on a bridge at sunset) and adventurous (visit Machu Picchu).

Follow along on the website they created to document the process.  It will be interesting to check in after a few months have gone by, and see how they’re doing.

I love these pics that photographer Jason Lee took of his kids.  Of course, many (or even all) of them have been photoshopped, but the sheer creativity that must have gone into each image is so evident.  I bet the kids loved taking part, and seeing the results.  My favourite is the one of the girls reading the “For Dummies” books (above).

You can read an interview with the photographer here, and see even more of his photos on Flickr.

[thanks for sharing, Lisa!]

It’s been just over a year since I first told you about some of the American retail stores that were/are coming to Canada.  And now CB2, the more urbanversion of Crate + Barrel has finally opened at Queen and Bathurst.  Torontoist ran a really cool photo series last week, showing off the gorgeously restored building, and the new shop inside.  I am so excited that this is just a streetcar ride away.  Hide the credit cards!

Can’t make it to the downtown location?  You can shop online in Canadian dollars, without fear of getting nailed with duty fees.

[photos by Corbin Smith c/o Torontoist]

It’s not too late to sign up for my first ever web design seminar, Website Tips for Small Business Owners.  The event is taking place THIS Thursday, January 26, from 7-9pm at St. Paul’s Bloor Street.  It’s going to be a casual and interactive workshop, and we’re going to explore the following topics:

Let’s Start with the Basics
An overview of what makes a website attractive, so you end up with a gorgeous site, not a hot mess! Learn the basics of clean layout and website navigation.

Crafting Your Content
Get out that red pen and get ready to cut, slash and edit. We’ll go over some tips on how to write for the web to make sure your message is actually getting through.

Thinking of Going DIY?
Get advice on when you can build a website yourself, and when you’ll need professional help. We’ll look at a few of the DIY options out there (including an overview of WordPress, Etsy, and Shopify).

Don’t Fear the Nerd: How to Find and Work with A Web Professional
Design is a process, not just an end result. Tips on how to find the right web professional for you, and make sure you get the most out of your working relationship.

You’re Online… Now What? How to Keep Your Website Fresh
It might seem like the end, but launching a website is only the beginning. What’s your plan for ongoing site maintenance?

Following the presentation, there will be plenty of time for questions and advice. This seminar is great for small business owners who already have a website (that might need some tuning up), and also for those that are looking to launch a new website.

You can find even more information, and register online here.

I really don’t like the word “glamping” (which I guess combines “glamourous” and “camping”).  But I do like the concept – all the pros of camping (namely, being immersed in nature) without the cons (namely, uncomfortable sleeping conditions). Throw in some fancy amenities like spa treatments and gourmet meals, and you’re all set.

Check out Patagonia Camp – a luxury camp with 18 yurts on the edge of Lake Toro, just outside the Torres del Paine National Park in Chile.  Gorgeous.

There was a Leslieville home featured over on Apartment Therapy!  It belongs to Mazen El-Abdallah, founder of Mazen Studio.  My favourite part are the drapes throughout the home – I love how the curtain rods are hung high above the window casings.  It really showcases the 10-foot high ceilings, and makes the rooms look dramatic – especially the living room (pictured above).

Read more about the home here, and see all the photos here.

Wouldn’t you love to spend a few days lounging at this mid-century modern home (with private pool) in Palm Springs?  Rent it on Airbnb.

Before I had a baby, I had no idea what to give new parents as a baby shower gift. But now I have a definite “go to” – Aden + Anais swaddlers.  These are the best.  Usually sold in a 3- or 4-pack, the swaddlers are made out of cotton muslin (although you can get ones made of bamboo too), and they’re nice and big.  They’re basically giant rectangles of fabric, but you can fold them in all different ways to swaddle your baby (or use as a receiving blanket, a playmat, a big wipe to clean up spitup, or drape over your stroller as a breathable sun-shield).  They’re not super cheap (a 4-pack is about $50) so they make a great gift for cash-strapped new parents who might not buy them for themselves.  But they are sooooooo worth it.

In Toronto, you can get the swaddlers at Baby on the Hip and Moms to be And More (and many many other stores, I’m sure).

[image above of Clara, just a few days old, wrapped in one of her Aden + Anais swaddlers.  We had the "Alpha Bit Swaddle" pack.]

This is a chapel in Arkansas.  Wouldn’t it be amazing to have your wedding here?

[via CabinPorn]

When I travel, I often use my iPhone as a bedside clock.  I have a white noise app with a sleep mode, where it displays the time.  Much easier than remembering to pack a travel clock.

I was amused when I saw these iPhone alarm docks (get it? “alarm dock” instead of “alarm clock”?) from Uncommon Goods.  They’re really pretty – the wood is lovely.  And you can charge your phone while placing it on the dock.  If my current at-home alarm clock* ever dies, I think I’ll replace it with this one.

*I’ve had the same alarm clock since I was 9 years old. It’s called the P’Jammer and it’s pink and purple. It’s so old and goofy looking, but it’s a really good clock, so I’m keeping it around!