BALLOONS IN MY FAVOURITE SHADES: PEACH, MINT AND YELLOW

Balloons for a sunny Tuesday morning.....

I spotted these lovelies at a sidewalk festival in the city a couple of weekends ago. I was drawn to the fresh mix of my favourite shades - peach, mint and yellow balloons - and I Instagrammed it, well instantly. My friend Julie, with her brilliant eye for details, was quick to comment on the shot. "It's like your blog in balloon form!", she said. 

So smart, that one. And, yes, she's right. The balloon cluster really does coordinate with my blog. So how could I not share them with you today? I hope they brighten your day...just a little...or a lot. Cheers, Friends!

[photo credit: Amy Walters | iPhone: Instagram App]

THRIFTY FINDS: RETRO LAWN CHAIR FROM GRAMS' HOUSE

I recently mentioned to my Grandma that I was on the hunt for a old-style lawn chair. You know, those cute woven plastic ones in irresistibly retro colours? Just something fun to lounge on in my backyard or take with me to picnics and such. 

Well, to my delight Grams quickly handed off one of her own, insisting that she only needed one. It took me only a moments hesitation, before quickly agreeing. And, I'm so glad I did. I absolutely love it's buttery yellow arm rests and bright aqua blue plastic weave. It kind of reminds me of these colourful bungalows. 

I tested it out on the weekend and it really is the perfect perch: comfortable, cute and completely "me".

Now, surely I'm getting mixed reactions, here. Am I right? Some of you are thinking I've finally gone off the deep-end, while others of you are now frantically searching Etsy's vintage section for something similar.

What do you think? Could you go back to retro lawn chairs?

[photo credit: Amy Walters | iPhone: Instagram App]

NEWS: FIND ME AT EQ3 AND THE EQ3 INHABIT BLOG

Hello Friends.

Just popping in here to share a bit of news with you all...

In addition to blogging and playing around with social media for this blog, you can now also find me over at EQ3, managing the company's social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram) and writing EQ3's new blog: Inhabit. 

EQ3 is a Canadian-based, vertically integrated, furniture and accessories company "specializing in modern design for everyday life with simple, clean and functional design." The company's head office is based right here in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; and, I was so fortunate to take on the role of Social Media Associate for the EQ3 brand this past February. 

To give you just a taste of why I love this company, I've rounded-up a few of my favourite products from EQ3..... 

All products from EQ3 and EQ3+ line: 1. EQ3+ Design House Stockholm, Work Pendant Light in 24K gold / 2. Simone End Table and Dinette Table, white metal base with marble top / 3. Rubberwood Cheese Board / 4. Zach Area Rug (close-up swatch, not showing full pattern), handmade with wool.

I'd love connect with all of you over there. You can Follow us here:

Website | EQ3.com

Facebook | Facebook.com/EQ3.Furniture

Twitter | Twitter.com/EQ3_Furniture

Pinterest | Pinterest.com/EQ3_Furniture

Instagram | Instagram.com/EQ3_Furniture

[image sources: EQ3.com]

ADVENTURES IN: EUROPE - VINTAGE BICYCLE EDITION

Remember that trip to Europe I took earlier this year?

Well, I realized that I sort of stopped sharing my photographs mid-travels. Whoops. Sorry, Friends! As I get back on track and resume my European re-cap, I thought I'd begin with a topic that has become near and dear to my heart...BICYCLES!

Yes, that's right. I grew quite fond of these two-wheeled wonders while travelling around Europe (specifically during my stay in the Netherlands) and I've yet to shake the feeling. There were bicycles of all colours and 'personalities' - it was as if each bike had hand-picked its' owner. Like they were meant for each other. I adored them all, of course. How could I not? 

And, I marvelled at how fearless the bicycle riders were. They showed total confidence cruising on cobblestone streets...alongside fast moving cars...and even faster moving buses. It was a sight to behold, I tell you!

I found myself snapping photographs of these pretty rides every chance I got. It was like my top-secret mission, or someting - that and eating really amazing food. I've selected a few of my favourites to share with you. Which one's your favourite?

[photo credit: Amy Walters]

DECORATING WITH: GOLD AND BRASS ACCESSORIES

Sometimes I am shocked by how smitten I've become with warm metallic finishes. I spent years resisting gold and brass tones of any kind. Now I can't seem to get enough of them. What changed? 

While some may find this drastic shift in taste fickle (which it may very well be), I'd like to plead my case. You see the gold and brass accents of today are different. The gaudy, glossy finish from the 80's and 90's has been replaced by a muted and matted one, lending objects an aged and understated appeal. And, when coating clean-lined furnishings and accessories, the effect is surprisingly modern and entirely irresistible.

My 5 favourite gold and brass accents 'of the moment' are...

1. Hanging Brass Planter, iron in bronze, Urban Outfitters. Found via A Beautiful Mess + Design*Sponge.

2. Book Stopper in Brass / Bookend, solid brass, MJÖLK. By Swedish design duo Broberg + Ridderstråle.

3. Love Never Fails Print, gold foil printed on pure white paper, 8"x10", Lara Casey Shop. By Lara Casey (found via Michaela Noelle Designs blog).

4. Streamline Knob, iron + brass, Anthropologie.

5. Desktop Calendar, wood + brass, Ten Thousand Villages.

[photo credit: as shown above | layout: Amy Walters]