Bulb watch. Day five.

Remember last week when I shared with you my love of Paperwhites and went on and on (and probably on) talking about them?

Well, I finally got my ass in gear late last week and planted these guys. Marking their 5th day of growth this evening. Basically at this point it's looking like I'm growing four little claws....no for real. On day two, before any green had appeared these guys were looking a bit....creepy. Then again, I'm a pretty big suck so pretty-much everything scares me.

Five days down....three weeks to go? Will these bad boys be ready for Christmas? Only time will tell!

Who wants to start the betting off?

D-

Who inspires me?

I love a good success story, especially when it's Canadian based. Case in point, the guys over at Andrew Richard Designs.  Beginning with the 2005 season, they've worked their asses off to create an awesome line of outdoor furniture and accessories.  If designing a line of furniture and operating a 12,000 sqft space in Toronto wasn't enough, they've also worked with one of my faves, prominent Canadian designer Sarah Richardson to bring her furniture collection to life.  As well, they've worked with a number of prestigious resorts including the Fairmont, Four Seasons & the Sandals chain of resorts.

Not only is their collection unique, it's VAST.  We're talking design after design.  I remember checking out the Andrew Richard Designs website after the first time I read about them in Style At Home being blown away by the in-your-face styling of their products.  I dig their story and their products; they're not just about selling you a bistro set or chaise, anyone can do that - they're selling you a lifestyle...they're changing the way that you look the cement pad or deck or whatever's outside your dining room window.

Here are a couple of my favourite Andrew Richard Designs looks -

The Sumatra Sofa (there are a gazillion ways that you can make it "your own" just by changing up the toss cushions!)



http://www.andrewricharddesigns.com/

The Greenwich bar in teak and stainless steel

http://www.andrewricharddesigns.com/

The Sro Flared Daybed (part of the Sarah Richardson for Andrew Richard Designs collection)

http://www.andrewricharddesigns.com/

The Harrison Chaise Lounge


http://www.andrewricharddesigns.com/

Their take on the classic Muskoka chair - in teak of course (is it blasphemy that all I can think of is taking this piece and painting it a shockingly bright and fun colour?)

http://www.andrewricharddesigns.com/

What's your favourite Andrew Richard Designs' piece?  Also, what's on your list of outdoor projects to tackle this summer?

D-

Crushing on Jayson.

If you're anything like me, you love stumbling across new retailers while wandering around online.  I love randomly and unexpectedly finding a shop, with new and undiscovered treasures.  Case in point - a couple of years ago, while tackling an import project for my previous employer a factory in Northern China of all places introduced me to what looks like the sexiest, classiest and dare I say it, dreamiest looking home and garden shop that Chicago has to offer.  Long story short, apparently Sophie or Annie or whatever her name was that introduced me to Jayson Home & Garden had sold them a couple containers of planters at one point.

http://www.chicagohomemag.com/Chicago-Home/Domestica/July-2009/Stylin-rsquo-Phones-Summer-Sales-Flower-Arranging-101/

Since that time, I've been hooked on the company's website and would KILL (no seriously) to check out the store for myself.  I just have to convince mister that at some point we need to make a road trip to the windy city...if only just to look around and see what's in-store.

http://www.cococozy.com/2010/05/shop-watch-jayson-home-and-garden.html

As an independent retailer, this shop dares to think outside of the box - and it shows!  Their online assortment of products is huge and I can't get over how amazing their website is.  Plus, I love how their purchasing team has gone out and found an amazing assortment of products that are unlike anything that I've seen at any of the other shops that I've discovered.

I love everything that's available online, but I'm crushing on a few pieces.  Here a few of my absolute faves - 

Unique pieces like the 'Tucker' reclaimed teak console table

http://jaysonhomeandgarden.com/product.php?productid=5847

A huge selection of custom upholstery including the 'Clinton' sofa...evidence of Bill not included (how comfy does this bad boy look?!?)

http://jaysonhomeandgarden.com/product.php?productid=6604

Loads of awesome lighting including this vintage pendant light

http://jaysonhomeandgarden.com/product.php?productid=6877

The afore mentioned planters (with or without plants!)

http://jaysonhomeandgarden.com/product.php?productid=5123

All sorts of nifty vintage pieces including this delicious piece of framed advertising 

http://jaysonhomeandgarden.com/product.php?productid=5791

And one-of-a-kind, completely out of my budget (and probably yours), but still leave you drooling and dreaming imported antique pieces like this stunning 19th century French island cabinet (it's on the top of my Christmas list....just in case you were wondering)

http://jaysonhomeandgarden.com/product.php?productid=6218

Until such time when I can convince mister that we need to need to head south with a U-Haul, I'll be content with their website at http://www.jaysonhomeandgarden.com.  PS.  my birthday was a couple of weeks ago....

D-