ACO Auction & Tag Sale Roundup

This year's ACO Port Hope auction was somewhat more successful (for me) than last year, since I actually won the item on which I bid. It was fun, quick and painless, and a bid of $12.50 got me a set of four Paragon China demitasse teacups. I don't know anything about the pattern, but it's a beautiful combination of gold, cream and lilac:



In addition to the auction, the ACO runs a tag sale in the next room, and when this Czechoslovakian china went down to half off, the deal was too good to pass up:

20 pieces for $15.00!!!

Helpful hint:

Since they must have sat unused for several years, the Czechoslovakian pieces had a slightly musty smell. I just soaked them overnight in a sink of water with a cup of white vinegar and a few tablespoons of baking soda. Now they're as good as new!!

Toronto Harbourfront Wave Decks

Although the ribbon cutting ceremony for the WaveDecks took place last June, I just recently had the opportunity to check them out in person. There are three of these unique undulating decks located along the Toronto waterfront at the base of Simcoe, Rees and Spadina. Inspired by the shoreline of Ontario's Great Lakes and the cottage experience, these decks are intended to provide a public space for visitors to gather and enjoy views of the lake.

Simcoe WaveDeck

Spadina WaveDeck

All photos by Pamela Graham for Cherish Toronto.

Respect: A Photo Odyssey

Respect: A Photo Odyssey Celebrating Canada's Boreal Forest is currently being featured at an outdoor exhibit along Queen's Quay at Harbourfront Centre. Presented by Boreal Communications, the art installation features 80 aerial photographs captured by 9 Canadian photographers over a period of several years. Since the spring weather is upon us, it's the perfect time to enjoy these photos and a stroll along the Toronto waterfront.

The River Man, Ontario
Photo: Kazuyoshi Ehara, October 27, 2006

Aquatic Ghost, Manitoba
Photo: John Woods, June 3, 2007

The Blue Ribbon, Saskatchewan

Photo: Todd Korol, June 5, 2007

Find the Caribou! Alberta
Photo: Dan Riedlhuber, June 11, 2007

The Dragon, British Columbia
Photo: Jeff Bassett, June 13, 2007

Deliverance, Yukon
Photo: Andy Clark, June 20, 2007

Sarah's House 3 Episode 5

This week on Sarah's House the challenge was for Sarah and Tommy to develop a functional dining room in a space that would also act as a passageway to the new addition. The WOW factor in this room was the bold paper backed Schumacher fabric which was installed above 6 feet of creamy white paneling. What a great idea!

This week's budget: $20,000
Actual spent: $19,500

Photos courtesy of HGTV Canada.

Home to Flip Season 2

If you read this blog often, you already know that I'm a big fan of Sarah Richardson. I mention Sarah's work so often that I feel that I have neglected some of my other favourites, including Toronto designer and tv personality Peter Fallico. Peter's show, Home to Flip, is in its second season right now on HGTV Canada, and so far it's been very inspiring.

The house in this season's Home to Flip is located in Toronto's west end. With an initial purchase price of $680,000 and a renovation budget of $130,000, Peter plans to keep the expenditures to a minimum. We can all relate to spending $5,000 to update a bedroom or dining room.

Front Entry Before

Front Entry After
Love the mosaic tile pattern from Antica!!

Living Room Before

Living Room After

Main Floor Bedroom Before

Main Floor Bedroom After

Dining Room Before

Dining Room After
Love the wall colour!!
(Para Paints Manitou Blue)

Office Before

Office After
Great drapery from InVu!!

Photos courtesy of HGTV Canada.

The season isn't over yet - you can catch the remaining episodes on HGTV Canada, check the full schedule here. You can also watch past episodes online here.