Favourites: KOBO Candles

There are a few lessons I've learned in life, and one of those lessons is not to burn cheap candles. If black smoke can be seen wafting lazily from the wick of a lit candle, that soot will eventually end up attached to the wall. Since this revelation, I have tried several deliciously scented candles such as Diptyque's Baies and Ralph Lauren's Pied-A-Terre. But the one that has become my go-to favourite is Kobo's Vetiver & Shaved Vanilla:

Image courtesy of KoboCandles.com

Not only is the scent super yummy, Kobo candles are made from soy and use a cotton wick which means the flame burns clean, so no more nasty black marks on the walls!! These candles used to be available at Chapters and Indigo, but they no longer carry them. If anyone knows where I can find them in the GTA, please let me know!!

Habitually Chic: Heather Clawson

On my last trip to New York City, I met with Habitually Chic blogger and designer, Heather Clawson. We spent an hour chatting over coffee while I picked her brain and asked a million questions about her life in Manhattan and about how she became involved in interior design. I learned from her that life is an evolution, and that it's never too late to make a fresh start and do what you truly enjoy. For Heather, being laid off from her position with a prominent design firm gave her the push she needed to go out on her own and it's probably one of the best things that ever happened to her. Today Heather is busier than ever, writing daily blog posts while taking on design projects for Habitually Chic Design.

Just this month, Heather was featured in both Canadian House & Home magazine, and in the premier edition of Rue Magazine, an online publication. Congratulations, Heather, and thanks for the inspiration!!

Rue Magazine Feature:
(Click on photos to enlarge)

Canadian House & Home Feature:

South Oakville Project Sneak Peek

The South Oakville project is nearing completion, and I have a little sneak peek of the exterior to share with you. I can't wait to see how it all turns out - the Aya designed kitchen is going to be the highlight, but my favourite spaces are the downstairs three piece bath and the upstairs four piece.

Original Exterior:
Can you see the house through the forest?

Minus Trees & Shrubbery:
Looking better already!!

Current Exterior:

New roof, windows, siding and landscaping.
Next up: Paint the front door Black Iron (BM 2120-20)

Inspiration House:

Inspiration House:

If all goes according to schedule, the house should be complete and on the market sometime next week. Wishing my brother in law all the best for a quick sale!!

Where I've Been

Now that labour day has passed and summer has unofficially come to a close, I hope to get back to posting regular blog entries here at Cherish Toronto. Since the beginning of July, most of my days have been spent by the shores of Lake Huron. Now before you start feeling jealous, I should point out that my days were spent working, not relaxing on the beach. Things will be back to normal next week when I return home to Toronto. I can't wait to experience city life again!!!

In the meantime, here are some of my summer snapshots: