Back to School ..... again.....Sheridan College

I just can't stay away!  Recently I attended the Business Class for the Interior Decorating Program at Sheridan College.  I was there in my capacity as an Ambassador for CDECA - Canadian Decorators Association of which I am a proud member, Director and part of the GTA West Chapter.  It is a great Association and of course Sheridan is a great school so I went and spoke to the evening class about joining CDECA and gave them the a, b, c's of why it is important for them to become members as students even before graduating.  We had a great time interacting.   

I had the company of my daughter, Megan, who is a professional photographer and had been asked by the instructor, Audrey Macdonald, a professional interior decorator herself,  to give some "tips" for taking photos of their projects in a way that would highlight the best features of the space.  She emphasized the importance of having great photographs of your work.  After all the photos are like your "calling card"  -  a picture says a thousand words!    All in all it was a great night and everyone came away with some sound information.    
Thanks to Audrey and her students for inviting us.          

                                                     

Megan and Audrey



Yours truly and Audrey

A very attentive class!

Kingsway House Tour

WOW!!  These homes are spectacular even before the Christmas Decorating takes place, but after the decorating they are magical.  Each year many cities, towns, neighbourhoods etc put on Christmas House Tours in order to raise money for a particular charity.  I have been to many over the years and last year attended the Christmas House Tour in Lewiston N.Y.  They are always done very nice but my favourite is still the Kingsway Christmas House Tour.

I have a friend who lives in the area and she is very involved in this event through her church.   The Kingsway Christmas House Tour is a signature event for the Canadian Cancer Society and held every two years. Several beautiful homes are decked out for the holiday season by talented local florists and professional decorators who have volunteered their time and expertise to show the very best the season has to offer.


I have assisted her by acting as one of the monitors required in each home for a few years now and always enjoy meeting and talking with the many people who come through.  We always  view the other homes prior to taking up our post at the home we are volunteering at.  This year I volunteered and viewed the lovely homes even though I was still wearing my "air cast".  Nothing can stop me when there are gorgeous homes to see. 

There are no photographs allowed which respects the privacy of the owners who are generous enough to let hundreds of people walk through their homes in the first place. I do have some photos to share though, which are courtesy of the Canadian Cancer Society/Kingsway House Tour.  please note these photos may include previous years

Currently in its 11th year, this self-guided tour has become a beloved community tradition in the Kingsway neighbourhood. A tea room on the tour route has light refreshments and delightful holiday entertainment.

Touch De L'Afrique Boutique in Oakville

Located on Lakeshore Road East in Oakville is a delightful surprise - Touch De L'Afrique Boutique - http://www.touchdelafrique.com/ offering unique and rare finds from imported from South Africa.  These refined lifestyle items, art and original designer jewellery are a must for any home and the gift items offer a wide appeal.  I was invited to the opening of their Canadian Showroom for a first glimpse into what they have to offer - I didn't want to leave.  As they say a picture is worth a thousand words and looking at some of the photos below you will see what I mean.  They welcomed designers and decorators to an evening of wine, hors d'oeuvres and a very generous "gift certificate" on our first purchase.

   
Some of the incredibly stunning pieces

My friend & colleague Helena Asikainen of
Mei Interiors who was kind enough to take all of these
lovely photos.

 


A very nice at Touch De L'Afrique is the upstairs cafe where light lunches are available or just drop by for a coffee.   It is a quiet space to bring clients after some shopping and just relax!

Thank you to Petrus and staff for a very lovely evening.