Glasswork by Robert Moeller

I have a six year old and a three year old (read: bedlam at dinner), so I don't get many chances to entertain with gorgeous dishes. But, if I did, (and a girl can dream, right!), I'd definitely be including Robert Moeller's sushi dishes and platters in my repertoire. Lucky for me, Robert lives just north of Ottawa, in the village of Wakefield. But, for anyone living outside the area who loves his glasswork as much as I do, Robert ships outside Canada, too. So, lucky everyone, I guess! Happy viewing!

Rice Denmark

It's snowing again tonight. Cold, wet flakes which probably will be freezing rain by tomorrow morning. Yippee!! I need a holiday, but can't take one. I need sun, but it's gone on holiday, too! So, I'm turning to Rice for my colour fix and beautiful interior photos, to boot. Rice is popping up on a few great design blogs lately -- notably Hidden in France and decor8, but I feel compelled to get in on the action, too. I just love all the colour against white and the cheerfullness of Rice products and images. Here are a few photos from the Rice website to take your mind away from dreary winter (if that's the season you're in). BTW, all Rice products are designed and developed in Denmark, and are produced in the third world with respect for people, so it's hard to go wrong here! Happy colour!

The Pod Hotel - New York City

Designing small spaces can often be challenging. Where to put the bed? Where to put the closet? And what about the television!? ... The Pod Hotel in New York City takes small and makes it work really well. It's all about maximum use of space, in a hip, funky, tech atmosphere -- perfect for the stylish and economical traveller. And, best of all, it's located in the heart of NYC's Midtown East neighbourhood. Check it out! I already know where I'll be staying next time I'm in NYC! (BTW, all images below are from The Pod Hotel's website.) Have a great weekend, everyone!

Tagged!

Barb at May December Home tagged me the other day -- so that means she's asked me to share seven random things about myself, and then tag seven other lucky blogging friends to do the same. The random things about myself shouldn't be an issue -- because as I said to Barb, I'm very good at random! Anyways, here are my seven, followed by the seven I tag!

1) I was born in Montreal and grew up in Burlington, Ontario -- which for those of you who don't know, is just outside of Toronto.

2) I love dancing, and am busily learning how to mambo and salsa these days!

3) I love LOTS of colour, pattern, and funky lighting!

4) I was a bouncer when I was at university. Think they liked putting the small blonde beside the big, bruising football players. Something about calming the situation down! Thank god I never got swiped!

5) I lived for a year in Australia and New Zealand, which was fabulous.

6) I'm married with two small children: a boy and a girl, who I love to bits and keep me very busy.

7) And, I love blogging, because it's terrific meeting people from all around the world, who share my passion for interior decorating, design, and art.

And, here, are the lucky ones I'm tagging, because I love their blogs and I've enjoyed getting to know them a bit over the past few months with their comments and own posts.

Felicity @ All Things Bright and Beautiful

Karen @ Alkemie

Neutral Dwelling

Jenn @ Flow

Bronwyn @ Smoke and Ochre

Brilliant Asylum

Kari & Kijsa @ Ask Kari & Kijsa

Arevco Lighting

As many of you know, I love lighting -- almost as much as I love unique furniture. So, when I walked into Arevco Lighting this weekend, I was in seventh heaven! Check out these fabulous fixtures currently on display. I could seriously handle any one of them in my home -- especially the first, if only I had the room! For those of you lucky enough to live in Ottawa, Arevco Lighting is located at 285 Richmond Road, in Westboro (of course!)

Secret passageways and hidden rooms

Imagine standing by a bookcase, and all of a sudden, it mysteriously opens. Or, leaning against a staircase, which suddenly lifts up, revealing a hidden room. These are the types of creations Steven Humble of Creative Home Engineering specializes in - fully automated, Hollywood style secret passages that you'd never know were there -- unless someone told you or you stumbled on them by accident.

When I asked Steven why he started Creative Home Engineering, he told me he's always been fascinated with secret passages and planned to have some in his own home. But, after he became a mechanical engineer, and actually started looking for someone to build some, he found there were really no companies around with the right experise. So, using his engineering and robotics background, he started a business, filling this little niche for others like himself around the world.

Well, I'm certainly glad he has, because this kind of stuff is just plain fun! Think of the possibilities if you were having your home custom built and wanted something a bit different. Forget ordinary custom cabinets; I say, build something with mystery and panache!

For your viewing pleasure, ladies and gentlemen, I give you the work of Steven Humble, of Creative Home Engineering, Tempe, Arizona... I hope you enjoy and these images inspire you to create something a bit out of the ordinary ...

Wall Juice - Part 2

Happy Monday, everyone! I just want to remind you Wall Juice
is offering a 15% discount this week to My Designing Life readers on their fabulous Wall Tattoos and Phrases. So, if you've been sitting on the fence about adding some "zing" to your walls, here's your chance. Just quote interiors0108 and you'll be all set.
BTW, I just want to thank All Things Bright and Beautiful
and Desire to Inspire for teaching me how to make links to web sites. Much appreciated! Please check out these two great blogs if you haven't already.