Reidar on my radar

Yesterday I was doing the un-fun part of my job that always happens after a big photo-shoot - Returns. So, after getting that business out of the way at my local Ikea, my consolation prize was to walk the store and see what was new. And I'm happy to say that my chair-a-holic addiction was suitably jonesed by Reidar, one of the latest intro's in the dining department. Designed by Ola Wihlborg, the aluminum chairs come in five colours all together (the white and orange aren't shown below), are stackable, and can handle being both outdoors as well as in. Sweet!

Tables, eggs, milk, bananas

Oh I am so getting into the it's-almost-summer spirit, especially since I got to check out all the new PC Home outdoor gear yesterday. My faves were the 3 styles of occasional tables below, all available in peppy colours as well as good old white, and all affordably priced between $25 and $29. If you ask me, they're useful and cool enough to look smashing both indoors and out. Keep your eyes peeled, since the full collection - and there's loads more - will start hitting select Loblaw's and Real Canadian Superstores in the next couple of weeks (I'll definitely be tossing a couple of the tray tables into my cart the next time I go grocery shopping).

 

Spring awakening

Funnily enough my sister posted about Spring 2010 this morning over on the her fashion reporting blog, Blink London, and I'm loving all the vintage chintz and mod florals she's been seeing. So, yep, here's a taste of Spring from me. In fact, to be exact, it's a taste of April, which is when Ikea's outdoor lines hit the floor (and sell out in minutes as usual, lol). The shot shows a sneak peek of a collection called Blanko, and the mix of bright white, cherry red and a lovely turquoise-y blue - the key colours for Ikea's Spring/Summer look - is totally whetting my appetite for warmer weather.

Hit the deck

Has Spring sprung? Well, with the mercury reaching a balmy 7C today (lol) at least we're moving in the right direction. I'm excited that West Elm has just launched their snazzy outdoor lines and wanted to share a couple of my faves, though much of the collection is catalogue/internet only, which pretty much means a no-go for Canadian shoppers. What gives?

Ah well, to find a spot for these smashing loungers we'll have to do a fair bit of work. The garden is currently more of a wasteland, about which at least one wag has noted, "Boy, you've got quite the job ahead of you with that!" While the grand plans will have to wait until we win the lottery - lap pool (!), summer house (!) - this year is more about sorting out a small deck, clearing the weeds, testing the soil and having a go at a vegetable garden. Mmmm, homegrown tomatoes...

 

Summer lovin'

Oh you can almost feel it. There's a change in the air and Spring is on it's way which, after a bit of iffy weather, will lead us rushing headlong into Summer (yay). In advance of soaring temps and bugbites I thought I'd share a taste of UK retailer Habitat's Spring/Summer '09 outdoor collection. They are a fave of mine since they take chances, they love colour, and there's always something that I want to try and cram in my suitcase whenever I visit. Hmmm, do you think that swanky Belize 4-poster double lounger, pictured below, will fit? No, lol? Well luckily some of their way more affordable deckchairs might...