ChiChi

Imagine a Temple...

2011-04-14T13:23:00.001-05:00

Where coils of incense hang from the rafters, the air hazy from sweet smoke. Where worshippers come and light a coil in deference to their ancestors and the Gods of both war and literature.

Photo credit: Ben Ward/flickr

I only know about Man Mo Temple because a customer noticed me with an incense coil and had recently been to China where she visited the Temple herself. I am grateful to her for sharing her experience with me. Incense is used for many reasons in Chinese culture, but it is the religious

Buckyballs

2011-04-12T12:00:00.001-05:00

For those of you not yet in the know, that was not a curse. It is a toy. Or is it "they" are a toy?

Rolling Stone magazine calls them "Toy of the Year". Maxim calls them "Modern Art". But its Entertainment's take on them that makes me smile..."Payment for addiction therapy not included".

Buckyballs are 216 rare earth magnetic balls (in a set) which you will not be able to put down after you pick them up. They stick together and snap apart. String them, shape them, squash them together like a stress ball, pull them apart or try to make one of the myriad of Buckyball thingies from a YouTube instructional video. These magnets aren't just for sticking stuff to your fridge!

We have a demo set open in the store and many a customer has whiled away more than a few minutes playing with them (as have I). From now until this Saturday we will be offering a 10% discount on in store purchases (sorry this offer's not available on the webstore)... Come in and play awhile!

Pssst...

2011-04-11T15:37:00.001-05:00

Hey! It's me!

I'm never sure how to begin after a long time away from the blog. I've found myself, in past, yammering excuses and apologies and trying to segue into a topic from there. This time... I'll just say it... I've been lazy and distracted. There.

Now that that's out of the way....

<p>Winter to spring animation from Koos Dekker on Vimeo.</p>

Spring has finally arrived and we're loving it! The streets of the Exchange are busy again with winter weary people seeking fresh air and sunshine. More new businesses have opened including a small grocer and the Free Press Cafe (and I heard the food is terrific). I finally got a chance to grab dinner at Deseo and it was out of this world amazing! Stock is rolling in from our last visit to the International gift show in New York. There is plenty to be excited about - both in the happenings in the Exchange and in the boxes we're breaking open!

Mmmm, Noodles.

2010-10-18T23:01:00.001-05:00

There's a delicious little corner in the Exchange which is home to a restaurant called The Line Up. They serve a number of different yummy things, but my favourite is Noodles by the Box. Scrumptious stir fry with a variety of tempting selections to choose from, it is all prepped fresh when ordered and served up in a sweet little takeout box. I can't say for sure if it will make the noodles taste any better, but if you 'eat with your eyes' chances are good that the Canadian designed and manufactured Ramen Noodle Bowl will enhance the experience!

If you're going to be in the neighbourhood I'd recommend coming with an appetite and giving The Line Up a try. I'm not playing favourites, as there are many great places to nosh in the area, I'm just sharing them as I discover them!

Atomic Tom

2010-10-16T20:14:00.001-05:00

I love finding great new music. I especially love finding innovative musicians with a great sound. Count yourselves in early on a video about go viral (30,000 views this morning, well over 200,000 as of posting) and a band well worth spending a few bucks on at iTunes.

ChiChi Kids

2010-10-13T13:18:00.001-05:00

In my experience with tykes and toddlers I've learned that they have far more interest in the wrapping, bags and boxes their gifts come in than they do the gift itself. Which is precisely why I thought the Tooko Cardboard House by Jansen + Co was genius! It is...

1. Easily assembled (you don't need a degree in engineering to open the box or put it together!).

2. Perfectly sized for a pint sized homeowner.

3. Encourages the artist/designer in a child as they can decorate it themselves.

I was just saying the other day how so many toys have taken the imagination out of play. It is refreshing to see something so brilliantly simple which stimulates a kid's imagination and creativity!

We also love...

Food Face

Who says you shouldn't play with your food?

and...

Souper

If he helps your fussy friend to finish his/her meal, then he'll become your own personal hero.

It's a Colourful Life!

2010-10-07T20:51:00.001-05:00

Since recently redecorating the moppet's room I've been craving a change in my bedroom. I'm yearning for something with rich warmth and a bit of drama (as if I don't have enough drama with a little girl who's hormones seem to be kicking in early). Whilst perusing the interwebs - or consulting the big brain, as my brother would say - I happened across Behr's Colour Trend guide for 2011. From palettes called "Boudoir Goth" to "Tokyo Pop" they present a wide range of gorgeous selections.

My eyes keep roaming to "Strike a Pose". With a creamy white trim and window coverings, and accents in black or a near black, I think it would be fabulous! There is nothing like a fresh coat of paint and a few decor changes in a room to elevate one's spirits (and their motivation to keep things tidy!).

Once done, I think it will make my bed seem all that more inviting since I've determined that the only colour bedding that really works in my home is pristine white. You cannot, after all, bleach a Kool-aid stain out of a steel blue duvet cover. Some day, movie nights in mom's bed will come to an end. Until then, there's Javex.

Behr, for those unfamiliar, has a terrific website for playing with colour. You can create your own palettes and save your projects with a log in.

To visit, simply click HERE.

The Last Dust Bunny

2010-10-05T10:36:00.001-05:00

Once upon a time ago there was a mysterious man named Fred. Fred didn't like ho hum things. He wanted things which made him smile and so he set off in pursuit of fun and useful things for people and their homes. When Dust Bunny was first born he was embraced and adopted into many homes. He, as bunnies are wont to do, multiplied and spread his joy throughout the land(s). When assisting him with becoming animated one couldn't help but chortle at the look of surprise on his face. He and his siblings were happiest with their schmushy little faces planted in a layer of dust or rubbing a tchotchke back to a shine.

Alas, as things will sometimes happen when we take them for granted, his numbers began to dwindle. The bunnies were no longer multiplying. Were they stricken by a dust mite virus rendering them barren? No. Sadly, they had simply "had their run".

If you have a Dust Bunny embrace him and care well for him as there will be no others to replace him.

If you do not have a Dust Bunny, well, we have a singular one in our possession. We want to be sure he goes to a good home. And he wants his existence to have meaning beyond being an efficient eater of dust. What to do?

To fulfill Dust Bunny's wish, and to ensure he goes to a really great home, he has agreed to submitting himself to auction. The proceeds from the auction will be donated, in the winning bidder's name, to a charity of their choosing. For full details please see our Dust Bunny Auction page or click HERE

Goodbye, Dust Bunny. You will be missed.

Special Effects...

2010-10-03T18:25:00.001-05:00

Meet Bobo. He's a collectible Zuny animal produced in limited edition.

But this post isn't about Bobo. He's simply modelling for us today so we can show you what we think will be the hot stocking stuffer this year ~ Jelly Lens. A tiny little sticky camera lens/charm to elevate your cellphoneto a special effects camera.

Here, we get a close up shot of Bobo that would otherwise be impossible to take with a cell phone camera.

Here's Bobo using the Kaleidoscope lens.

Bobo with the Sparkle effect lens.

And, every woman my age will love this one, Soft Focus.

A terrific little something for under $10!

Thanks, Bobo, for not being a diva during the shoot.

Autumn....

2010-09-29T09:23:00.001-05:00

...is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.

~ Albert Camus

There is something about the gentle days of fall, when the weather is warm and the breeze is mild. Watching a leaf caught in an air current, sway and whirl as it makes its descent, makes me want to wrap myself in something cozy and lay in a hammock. Feel the sun on my face. Take in the sweet incense of the demise of summer. There is something nostalgic in it. And... as much as I loathe winter, I wouldn't swap these dog days of fall for anything.

I don't have a hammock, but I do have something cozy. A Pleece Throw from Design House Stockholm.

New Spaces

2010-09-26T01:10:00.003-05:00

Not only are we extremely close to opening our new space in the Exchange District.... we have moved our blog.

All the content from this blog has been moved to our new address on the web. We will leave this blog up as a byway to...

http://chichihome.posterous.com/

See you there!

And Now for a Public Service Announcement...

2010-04-27T10:23:00.005-05:00

Its time for a new look, a fresh outlook and more.

First - as a destination location on South Osborne we find traffic a little ho hum in the early part of the week. There is much for us to do, but some of it is better done with the doors closed (like painting) or away from the store (as in out pounding pavement seeking treasure).

With that in mind we are announcing new store hours. Effective May, 2010 we will be open for your enjoyment during the following days/hours...

Monday ~ Thursday: Closed or By appointment

Friday ~ Saturday: 11:00 am ~ 6:00 pm

Sunday: Noon ~ 4:00 pm

We will continue with these hours in effect until further notice. Exceptions will be Statutory Holidays, where hours will be announced on the blog and at the store. We will be closed on the Saturday and Sunday during long weekends... Summers in Manitoba are all too short and I want to ensure we all enjoy time with our families.

I just want to take a moment to remind you that you can take a virtual browse of the store during the hours we're not here. Our online store has very nearly all that we offer in house and we there are excellent descriptions (and even a few customer reviews!) of products with thanks to our web wizard.

I am presently working on a new blog and will be making an announcement soon with links to our new pages. We will keep this blog up for reference. You can look forward to; daily content, more product reviews, monthly incentives, guest bloggers, and more!

Stay tuned....

Very Soon...

2010-02-08T13:50:00.010-06:00

www.chichihome.com

Very Zen.

Very cool.

Very chic.

Very illuminating.

www.chichihome.com

Live! From...

2010-02-07T18:12:00.000-06:00

www.chichihome.com

...errm, Winnipeg!

Okay, so that's not some grand opera house in Manhatten. But it is on Broadway. Just not the Broadway.

So - it seems I never got around to posting from New York. My intentions were good. Honestly. But the show was huge and time was short.

The very first thing I wanted to share was a snap of our accommodations. Having just mentioned the new trend of using wallpaper in unusual applications, say... like on ceilings, wasn't I surprised to find the ceiling of our room wallpapered! It was actually quite nice, though I wouldn't consider using it in that fashion unless I had at least 10 foot high ceilings. It seemed to compress the space somewhat.

We managed to complete a five day show in three days thanks to my ~~drill sergeant~~ better half ~~cracking the whip~~ urging me on starting ~~a half an hour before I went to bed~~ early in the morning and ~~non-stop~~ throughout the day.

As an aside, it is truly amazing the punishment one's feet can endure. Granted, there were moments when I had to promise them a proper pampering with a luxurious pedi to get them to keep going. Note to self: Never wear new shoes to a show again. Or to New York. Or, ever (Okay, not likely. I think most of us know how much I love the art of the shoe.).

Our House is going to be a hub of activity starting the end of this month and the UPS man is going to feel ever so special as he's greeted with squeals of delight each time he walks in the door.

We found a host of terrific new lines, incredible luxe goods by accomplished designers and some truly clever new items we think you're going to love.

I'm going to put up a 'sneak peek' of some of our finds every day this week... the rest you'll have to see for yourself. You may want to begin frequently checking the "New" page at our online shop as new products are listed there as soon as they arrive. Take me there!

Today's teaser...

www.chichihome.com

It Isn't A Sale!

2010-01-26T12:59:00.016-06:00

Make room.

Its a Make Room Event!

We leave this Friday for New York to attend the latest International Gift Show. What that means is I'm going to be shopping! Not likely for me, as time is crunchy this visit, but certainly for the store.

There are going to be oodles of new and the usual attendees showing off fabulous new wares and we intend to bring in some great new lines.

And that means that some of the lines we've been carrying are reduced in price to make room for the newest kids on the block. Many of our great products are available now to our customers at drastically reduced prices, in many cases at our cost! You'll find...

George Nelson Clocks

Bright Times

Chalkboard Candles

Sun Jar and Moon Jar

And much, much more. We won't be restocking these clear out items so once they're gone, they're gone!

We'll be reporting back from New York later this week. In the meanwhile, stop in and see Kendal, have a latte and see the full range of clearance items.

Make room.

Design Trends - 2010

2010-01-20T12:26:00.016-06:00

Fusion is the new buzzword. Its something we've been promoting since opening our doors and it is being widely embraced by designers helping clients create a completely personal look in their homes. . Industrial girly, as an example, mixes chandeliers with concrete. Its all about modernizing older styles and selectively blending old with new.

At left... Farmhouse Industrial

Bolder color is being injected into homes, primarily used on feature walls and in accents. Grey is supposed to be the new beige and black is back with a fever ~ although we missed that it had gone anywhere because its a fave of ours for accent pieces. Citrus is on its way out but green is still hot in a variety of rich shades. Wallpaper (Wallpaper? Yep, wallpaper.) is being used in unexpected fashion - like on the ceiling and fabrics are being used on walls.

Behr's Color Trends Pallette

Green is still, well... Green. And big. From energy saving appliances to repurposed pieces (and thats something we love and know well), choices that are kind to mother earth are playing a large part in the things we select to outfit our homes.

Vintage items are hot for accents and furnishing. We are seeing plenty of new replicas of vintage items in the marketplace now. We prefer the originals and continue to up-cycle vintage baroque style mirrors to complement Debby's oh-so-chic up-cycled vintage furnishings.

Lux.

Inconspicuous luxury. Velvety toss cushions, super chic small pieces of furniture or a majestic vintage chair. A modern mobile (watch for Flensted mobiles coming to our house soon!) or a unique piece by a designer or artist you love.

The key is not to go crazy by mixing too many elements. You know your style and tastes. If you are looking to be a little adventurous start small and branch out from there.

Charity Rocks!

2009-12-22T11:21:00.004-06:00

We have a winna!

The last set of Whisky Stones in our possession officially left the building last night, bound for Vermont to a delightful woman named Elizabeth Bluemle. How do I know she's delightful? Well, for starters, she saw our auction for Whisky Stones and didn't hesitate to send us her bid, along with a note telling us what a wonderful fundraising idea our auction was (and we DO love compliments so we, of course, liked her right off.).

Also, being the curious Kat that I am, I've spent some time perusing Elizabeth's two websites. After reading her personal web page I felt like she was somebody I would want to be friends with. She's bright and sincere and interesting. She has a terrific sense of humor. She's also an author of children's books and co-owner of a bookstore in Shelburne, Vermont. I'm wired to admire people who have a way of stringing together words, like shiny little pearls, to make something beautiful. It was this snippet, from her About Me page, that did it for me...

"I love words, especially the ones that sound like blown glass or have chewy textures."

Well, that and the title, cover illustration and introduction to one of her books...

Feel free to visit either one of Elizabeth's sites here Elizabeth Bluemle or here Flying Pig Books.

In honor of her father, Robert Bluemle, Elizabeth has chosen the Visiting Nurse Association (Care Connection) in Burlington, Vermont as the beneficiary of her winning bid. You can learn more about that fine organization here Take Me There!

Now, I'm off to figure out how to Wokka-Wokka.

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-20T14:38:00.005-06:00

We, at ChiChi, would like to take a moment to thank you for your support and referrals this year and to say happy holidays.

Whatever occasion you celebrate at this time of year... with whomever you choose to celebrate with... we wish you the very best. For now. For the new year. For always.

I, personally, would like to suggest we all cherish the people close to us. Not just now, or other special times of the year. Every day. Do kind things simply for the sake of doing them. And try not to look so far beyond tomorrow that we forget about today.

We will be taking time off to enjoy our families and friends and will be closed, after 3:00, December 24th until January 5th. We will be operating under new hours for the remainder of winter from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm on Tuesdays, 10:00 am until 5:00 pm (Wednesday to Saturday) and will be closed, or available by appointment only, on Sunday and Monday.

We look forward to continuing to serve you next year and introducing the most unique goods we can find.

Warm regards from Terry, Kendal, Kat and Harv

Whisky Stones Charity Auction

2009-12-19T10:43:00.006-06:00

Whisky Stones have been the hot grown up gift this season. We tried to keep up with demand. Heck, we tried to anticipate demand. We ordered and re-ordered and did so again. We even flew a case in. The great thing about web sales is that we didn't have to watch grown ups tear each other apart trying to score a set a la the Cabbage Patch doll phenomenon of the 80's.

We have one set left. One special set we have reserved for auction and the proceeds will be donated to a cause close to someone's heart.

We will be accepting bids, via email, until Monday, December 21st at 4:00 CST. The winning bidder will determine which charitable cause the funds should be directed to and we will have the charitable receipt issued in the winner's name. ChiChi will cover the cost of shipping.

For full details, and to place a bid... Take Me There!

Whisky Stones Canada, Whisky Rocks Canada, Whiskey Stones Canada, Whiskey Rocks Canada

For Him

2009-12-07T09:06:00.029-06:00

I don't know about you but I find men terribly difficult to buy gifts for. Ask a woman what she would like to find under the tree at Christmas and she'll likely rattle off a list of lovely things. Ask a man and he's more likely to suggest socks and underwear.

Socks and underwear??? How.... um.... boring and totally pedestrian and lacking imagination.

Instead of filling his stocking with daily needs, rock his socks with something like....

Golf Ball Paper Clip Holder

Desk accessories seem to multiply like a warren of rabbits on store shelves this time of year, obviously a big gift choice for men. This brushed stainless steel golf ball drives home the point that desk accessories need not be mundane. Nicely gift boxed and replete with paper clips, this magnetic beauty is about the size of a real golf ball.

Carrying a Torch

The Tykho Torch makes a mundane flashlight seem so last century.

If its something we need, something everyone should have on hand to light the way, why shouldn't also be beautiful?

The anodized aluminum body is coated in silicone rubber and available in a plethora of colors.

Arriving in store this week.

Whisky Lovers Set

You may have heard of Whisky Rocks - the hot grown up gift this season.

The Whisky Lovers Set steps things up a notch with two distinctive mouth blown glasses and six rocks.

We have a limited number of these sets arriving in time for the holiday season and don't expect they'll last long. If you have someone in your life who enjoys the company of a good friend to share a dram with, then you may want to consider pre-ordering a set before they're all gone!

Retro Bicycle

What is it about a vintage bicycle that charms us so? Is it a yearning for simpler times when kids could safely pedal many blocks to school, books strapped securely in their place? Is it the quality craftsmanship from a time when things were built to last?

Whatever it is, this piece is certain to evoke a certain nostalgic yearning.

This precisely built model has moving pedals and chain which turn the back wheel.

Whether for the cycling enthusiast or he who has always wanted a vintage ride, this unique piece looks great on display.

Self Balancing Tray

If your guy loves gadgets then he is going to flip over this. Not just any ordinary tray, the Self Balancing Tray is exactly what it implies. It is physics made beautiful. Words do not do justice...

Retro Inspired Radio(s)

Arriving this week, two styles of retro inspired am/fm radios...

Mini Dolmen is ultra modern technology with a vintage feel. Aluminum wrapped in bamboo, with a telescopic antennae. By Lexon, where emphasis is on design, quality and value.

Also by Lexon, and winner of seven prestigious design awards around the globe, we're pleased to offer the Tykho Silicone Radio. Available in six vibrant colors (white not shown here), the silicone rubber encased Tykho is splash proof and shock resistant. The antennae does double duty as a rotating tuner to search out favourite stations. Not only does it look great, it has terrific sound and is part of the permanent collection at MoMA, New York.

ChiChi Home

Holiday Gift Guide ~ The Foodie

2009-11-27T13:49:00.000-06:00

My love of good food and great kitchen gadgets made it easy for me to pick the Foodie for my next round of unique gift suggestions. If you have a Foodie in your life, especially one who loves to cook - and cook for you! - then you are in luck. It was hard for me to narrow the in house choices down to six items, but here they are....

Garlic Crusher by Royal VKB

This is one of those kitchen tools you wish had been around years earlier. You've tried all the other garlic presses, peelers and crushers. You get minute amount of useful garlic from most presses - the bulk of it stays squashed inside the press. You've tried to get all Chef-y with your knife and, if you're me, have to start over after you lose some fingernail bits in with the garlic. Ugh! No more, no more. I can't explain it as well as the video shows it but I can say this is the one I want by my side, forevermore, when I'm cooking.

Letter Serving Set by Sagaform

This product is often overlooked and that is a shame. Pesto, chutney, salsa, pastes, tapenade, sauces, spreads and dips. Forked, flat and concave - each one of the three piece serving set is designed to hang from a jar. As each piece is assigned its very own condiment, you will no longer find chunks of pepper relish in your mayo. Thoughtful, clever and available at a terrific "stocking stuffer" price point. I think this product's time has come.

Hot

Whether baking in them or just using them for serving dishes, Hot stoneware goes from kitchen to table in stunning style. Generously sized, pristine white and with a simple, elegant, natural wood trivet to rest upon. The trivet is smart and elevates your dishes to new heights!

Big Time

So, yeah, your oven has a built-in timer. You don't really need a kitchen timer. Though I've been known to sometimes point out the differences between needs and wants, in this case I say need schmeed! Its big, its boldly colored, its fun, it looks good on the counter!

Herb Pot/Herb Pot Trio

Freeze dried herbs will do in a pinch (nyuk, nyuk), but for the ones you use on a regular basis why not use fresh? Because we live in a temperate climate and winter tends to kill vegetation? Oh, pshaw! With an Herb Pot old man winter can't impose his blandness on your dishes! Place your fresh herbs in the pot, add water via the corner hole and extend the life of fresh cut herbs. I use mine with planted herbs in a 2" terra cotta pot. Water via the base keeps the pot moist which provide my herbs with enough moisture to keep them happy. Rather than buying fresh at the store I can simply snip and enjoy!

Make 'Em Smile with...

Batter Finger and Equal Measure

I couldn't pick just one so here's two products from the folks who make great things with a sense of whimsy... the nice people at Fred. No need to get fingers all gooey when going for the last bits of batter in the bowl. Measure, mix and then lick your Batter Finger clean!

I've been promising myself I was going to do it and today is the day. I'm putting up one of my favourite recipes with ingredients as measured with the Half Measure cup. Why not copy my fabulous, super chocolaty, chewy and just crispy enough on the outside brownie recipe, pop your printed version in the Half Measure and gift it, along with a Batter Finger to your favourite foodie? Guaranteed for a giggle or two.

Equal Measure Brownies

2 Sticks of unsalted butter

8 Ounces of bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate

4 Large eggs

1/2 Teaspoon of salt

A smidgeon less than the water in a cumulus cloud the size of a bus of Sugar

1.25 equivalent of five thousand drops of water o Firmly packed brown sugar

2 Teaspoons vanilla extract

1.75 amount of table salt in a large human of All purpose flour

Butter and line a 13" x 9" baking pan.

Bring a saucepan of water to a boil and turn off heat. Combine butter and chocolate in a heat proof bowl and place in pan of water. Stir from time to time until chocolate is melted.

Whisk eggs until well beaten. Add and continue to whisk; sugar, salt, brown sugar and vanilla.

Stir in butter and chocolate mixture.

Fold in flour.

Pour batter into pan and spread evenly.

Now, here's the trick to a nice crispy outside... Place your pan of prepared batter in the fridge for at least an hour! When your batter is nicely chilled pop the pan into an oven preheated to 350 degrees - on the center rack. Bake for approximately 45 minutes. You can be sure they are ready when the top is shiny and they are somewhat firm. Enjoy!

Foodie

Holiday Gift Guide ~ The Love of Your Life

2009-11-19T10:07:00.012-06:00

Its The Little Things.

Life, in general, isn't comprised of a series of great, big events. Great big events are typically the defining moments in our lives... buying your first car. Taking possession of your first house. Getting married. Having a baby, or three. We remember these things well as they alter and impact our lives in a drastic way. What shapes us, and influences the Big Events, are the little things.

I know. Cliche. But true.

If the man you marry turns out to be a couch potato with the tv remote grafted to his hand - that is what will define your marriage twenty five years down the road. If, on the other hand, he brings you flowers now and again (cliche again - but sweet nonetheless), tells you how happy he is he found you, makes conversing with you a priority over that Cheers or Mash re-run and, in many other ways, makes you aware that he appreciates and loves you... you will likely weather inevitable storms together and do it well. Twenty five years down the road you will likely still feel like a honeymooner.

It really is the little things that make a difference. Which is why we paid special attention to little somethings when searching for sweet things to stuff a stocking with. Here are six ways you can say "I adore you." "You really are special." "I was paying attention."

Share your music - up close and personal.

SplitterBot looks to me like he's about to lose his head over a big crush - wide eyed and trying his best to impress with a cool smile. Actually he's ready to lose his head for you and your crush. Load up her (or his) mp3 player with 'your songs', pop off SplitterBot's head and plug him in to the player, insert two sets of ear buds into the ports and snuggle up together to trip down memory lane.

Say it and say it again...

Nothing warms the cockles (what, exactly IS a cockle anyway?) like hearing those magical three words. You can never hear that too many times. When you're not around to say it, let this little sprout say it for you. Laser etched bean lets love bloom with its sweet sentiment.

Saving for something special?

I hear, from time to time, "we're going light on gifts this year cuz we're saving for.... a house, a vacation, our wedding". Celebrate that commitment with a Nest Egg. Big, beautiful and clean ceramic egg with a wide slot for deposits. Um, but you have to actually break this bank to get the goods out. That seems like a waste, and a shame because it really is pretty to look at. What to do? Save your deposit slips! When you've reached your savings goal, make a note and date the egg. Then keep it somewhere special where it will tweak memories of that special occasion!

Take a cooking class together.

I like to cook but I'm not good enough to teach anyone else. I can suggest it, though, as a great couple gift. And a great way to spring that on your love is by tucking a note, or certificate, into something more substantial than an envelope. Say.... the Intelligent Apron! What makes it so smart? Little things, always little things! Like... the button adjustable neck loop. The elasticized ties (I hate 7 miles of tie to trip over on an apron). The buttons on the bib for hanging dish towels (clever!) and the split apron with (are you ready for this?) built in oven mitts!

Add a little ambience to your ambiance.

I don't have to tell you candle light sets a mood. Usually a warm, tender mood. A Chalkboard candle, a delightfully scented soy wax chalkboard candle, can make everyone in proximity glow with a sweet sentiment on prominent display. Use the included chalk to draw a picture of love, suggest something naughty, write a poem or simply say "I love you". Wipes clean so you can share your mutual admiration. Burn time of the candle is approximately 30 hours. Vessel can be used forever more.

Celebrate.

Rejoice that you found each other. In this big old world disappointment is relatively easy to find. I believe that every convivial couple is a miracle of sorts. A line from one of my favourite movies goes something like this... "Two people could be across the room from each other and never find each other. Two others could be on opposite ends of the world... and nothing could keep them apart." One bottle of something sparkly. Two beautifully quirky glasses. And thou.

Gal on the Go!

2009-11-01T19:47:00.013-06:00

Up. Dress. Breakfast. Dishes done. Kitchen tidied. Homework checked. Kid(s) badgered into being ready on time. Laundry in the dryer. Recycling out. Messages checked. Emails answered. Bills sorted. Appointments double checked. Grocery list updated. Pets fed. Lunch(es) made. Lights out. Door locked.

And now you're ready to start the day!

Working women, working moms, stay at home moms.... we're all busy. I've always likened our minds to a file-o-fax. Little cards constantly triggering new cards as we flip through them in the course of a day. We barely have time to take care of ourselves (she types as she notices that the polish on her fingers is badly worn).

We know we feel better when we treat ourselves well but we often put other things ahead of ourselves - usually with a sigh of "some day".

Want to treat yourself better? Then treat yourself to one of these....

Contents: Hairspray, Clear Nail Polish, Nail Polish Remover, Emery Board, Lip Balm, Earring Backs, Clear Elastics, Sewing Kit, Double-Sided Tape, Stain Remover, Deodorant Towelette, Pain Reliever, Tampon, Breath Freshener, Dental Floss, and Adhesive Bandages.

This handy little kit fits in the palm of your hand and contains 16 essentials for the Gal on the go!

Deodorant towelette! There's a 'why didn't I invent that' if I've ever seen one! Earring backs? Now that's a thoughtful inclusion! How, I know you're wondering, do they fit all that in a teeny tiny pouch? Because the smart gals at Ms & Mrs package them all up in adorable, wee little vessels and single use pouches. Emergency servings of beauty essentials.

Refill your handy pouch from your vanity drawers and, for those brilliant, single use items (did we mention deodorant towelettes!) you can pick up refills at our house, by the six pack or in singles.

Sure, you can try and put together your own kit. But I defy you to do it for $12 (and find deodorant towelettes!).

Carrying a large-ish bag? Travelling? Just not feeling all of your needs will be met with a Mini*mergency kit? Of the go-big-or-go-home school of thought? The brilliant mother and daughter team at Ms & Mrs know how to think small in a really big way....

She*mergency

Contents: folding hair brush with mirror, hair spray, clear elastics, earring backs, hand lotion, nail clipper, emery board, clear nail polish, nail polish remover, mending kit, safety pin, double-sided tape, lint remover, shoe shine wipes, stain remover, static remover, breath freshener, lip balm, dental floss, pain reliever, deodorant wipes, tampon, adhesive bandages, facial tissues.

I took my She*mergency kit on a recent trip overseas and used 6 items which I was glad to have readily available!

I think these will be a hit as unique gifts and stocking stuffers for the busy women we all know!

Kat

Mmmmm, Mywalit

2009-10-28T09:02:00.015-05:00

Have you ever beheld a cacophony of color so delicious you've wanted to taste it?

Have you ever encountered a leather product so sensually soft, so lithe, that you wished you could have bedsheets made from it?

Satin? Meh.

Now combine the two experiences and you have Mywalit. Purses, wallets, accessories and bags you want to live with.

The high standards of the good people at Mywalit are easy to see by simply handling a piece. Folded, double stitched edges. Carefully selected color combinations. Beautiful linings. Thoughtful inclusion and placement of compartments.

It is immediately obvious, both visually and to the touch that there is a stringent demand for exceptional standards throughout the entire process - from design to finished product. What makes the quality demands perfectly clear is the back story...

Hides are selected from Japan where there is the assurance of better quality and are free from the physical damage which can occur from ticks and barbed wire. German chemicals, renowned throughout the industry as being of the highest quality, are used in the tanning process. Hides are then dyed at a progressive tannery which employs a larger number of smaller drums in order to provide a wide range of color selection. Smaller batches also allow for greater quality control and color consistency.

Does knowing these details make the Mywalit selection of products more desirable? Well, it certainly explains a great deal. But I think the only thing one needs to do is to simply handle a piece. The moment I touched one I fell in love.

If you stop in at our House, we'll share the love with you and let you fondle a bag. I won't even be too jealous if you insist on taking one home with you.

Mywalit at store.chihihome.com

On The Rocks

2009-10-20T10:09:00.010-05:00

Love the complex flavours of a single malt? Enjoy a rich, smooth whiskey? Hate when the 'rocks' melt away and dilute that fine spirit? Then you, my friend, need these...

Whisky Rocks.

Designed by Andrew Hellman, Whisky Rocks are sweet little cubes of cool comprised of Vermont soapstone. Soapstone is food safe and soft, so it won't scratch your glass. Store them in your freezer in the muslin bag, pop three in a glass, allow your beverage to chill for five minutes and enjoy!

When you have enjoyed that last drop of perfectly chilled elixir simply rinse the stones off and they are ready for cold storage.

Ice melts. Whisky Rocks! You know you want them..... Take Me There!

>

Objects of Desire

2009-10-20T10:08:00.000-05:00

Nick Foley, as much as I can learn about him, is an Industrial Designer located in Brooklyn, New York.

His portfolio as shown on Coroflot (a terrific website for finding inspiring new design by really talented people) centers around three incredible lighting projects and one whimsical origami project. All lights shown are prototypes only. It was just over a year ago when I first saw them and I've been searching since then, from time to time, to see if they've been picked up for production. So far they remain prototypes. Should that change, I'll be sure to let you know!

Cube Lights...

utilize rare earth magnets to connect the blocks which can then be arranged in a myriad of shapes.

Precipitous is a six foot tall lamp, lit by white LEDs, which was inspired by " Bioluminescent deep-sea creatures, falling water, and (as always) a desire to transform light from transient to tangible." The lamp "fills itself with light" as it is turned from off to dim, to bright. There is a video on the website which demonstrates the effect however the plug-in on Coroflot will not load for me.

I would love to see all of Nick's lighting go to production. His designs are fresh, playful and entirely unique. The one I wouldn't hesitate to line up for - overnight - in a storm - in January - (in Winnipeg) - is the Pear Light....

A hand forged hollow steel tree is the charging station for urethane pear lights. The pears are 'attached' with rare-earth magnets allowing them to be plucked from the tree. They will remain illuminated for over an hour.

I'm smitten.

Projecting

2009-09-27T13:17:00.014-05:00

I've been accused, more than once, of projecting when ordering things I love for the store. I have something to say about that. First of all... yeah. Okay. I do.

I think we've got some pretty fab stuff that more people than just I identify with.

Some of our orders from the NY show have arrived. Guess which items I chose considering the sensibility of how saleable they are and which ones I chose because I love them. I'll share my answers with my next post.

Zuny

Bookend. Door stop. Paperweight. These guys are heavyweights in the cute department. Hand crafted and limited to production of 9,999 each, they come with a 'dog' tag and birth certificate of authenticity.

DEK Kits

Designer Emulation Kits, by Mark McKenna, are a tribute to iconic classics of revered designers. You assemble the printed circuit boards (with circuitry about the thickness of a human hair). Pay homage to a classic by Ingo Maurer, Achille Castiglioni, Phillipe Starck and/or Richard Sapper with a DEK Kit of your choosing (or the entire collection if you are so inclined).

Pull + Push Products

We discovered incredible Japanese designed goods at the NY gift show. You will soon discover our selections at the House - some of which will be available on North American soil for the very first time! The finds which made me positively giddy, though, were the architectural structures created by Nobuhiro Sato. What is so special about little concrete buildings? Each item is personally handmade by the designer himself. Created from mortar, using glass for the windows and brass components, like the exposed portion of the Truss Planter and the chimney on the Cottage Incense Pot. I find them achingly beautiful in their starkness.

Block Lamp...

has been a part of MoMA's permanent collection since 2000. Hand cast with a sandblasted interior, each part undergoes a long cooling process to ensure the glass withstands strong temperature changes. Designed by Harri Koskinen, Block Lamp has become one of Design House Stockholm's most coveted products.

Next up... Objects of Desire.

We Say...

2009-09-17T10:35:00.000-05:00

Vinturi

The Vinturi Essential Wine Aerator has become one of our most popular items, and with good reason.

Not so long ago I did not drink red wines. It was a rarity when I would encounter one I truly enjoyed. Decanting, I've since learned, is essential for young red wines. It isn't, as I mistakenly assumed, just for show. I may be the only person on the planet who suffered from red wine ignorance, but I've been schooled. Big time.

My guy and I discovered Vinturi quite by happy accident and am I ever glad we did.

Properly decanting wine is primarily a waiting game.

Expose the greatest amount of surface area of the wine to the air by pouring it in to a decanter...

Then wait.

For an hour...

an hour and a half.

Once decanted, the bouquet of red wine opens up. The tannins soften which removes what I called the bite of wine (which is what always prevented me from enjoying it). Decanting softens the wine and exposes flavors one might not otherwise notice.

But who wants to wait an hour and a half? Not us. Which is why I never fully appreciated the complexities of a good red before.

And this is where the Vinturi comes in....

This fantastic wine gadget will fully aerate your wine, by the glass or by the bottle, in mere seconds. There is nothing extraordinary you must do except pour! We like to say the Vinturi has an audio feature as it makes a unique slurping sound, not unlike that a sommelier might make when sampling a wine.

What we like about it...

It has a simple, clean appearance with the upper bowl resembling a wine glass.

Vinturi comes with a thoughtful stand which will catch the drips and a little drawstring bag so that you can take it out with you (we take ours to restaurants all the time).

It really works and it works really well. In fact, there is nothing we don't like about it so we say...

Its Hot!

In a New York Minute

2009-09-11T08:07:00.013-05:00

Wow! Almost a month since our last entry and it seems like it passed in the blink of an eye. My bad.

Without stumbling all over myself apologizing for those who expected to see at least something new here let me show you how the time has been passed...

You all know someone, I'm sure, who has a garage they can't use because its filled with stuff...

Well, our basement at the House had become similarly crowded. We had a lot of stuff. Stuff left over from our earliest days when we first took over that shabby chic store known as Simplify. Stuff that was edited out of the store as we grew into what we are today. And, though it seemed like a never ending job, we spent a great deal of time going through that stuff and packing it up. Much of it went to good homes. Some of it went to a charitable thrift shop. Now, our basement is wide open and tidy and we are in the process of moving our stock to shelves lining the walls down there.

Soon, you will be able to venture beyond the kitchen into an expanded ChiChi House. Our trip to New York played no small role in deciding we needed to expand but we had another, more urgent reason...

Shortly before leaving for New York we fell in love. We met someone special with a keen eye, a background in design and a knack for breathing new life into old furnishings. She uses only environmentally friendly products. She utilizes techniques she has worked hard to master. Her thoughtful, clever finishing details make a piece shine.

Her name is Debby and when she is finished with a piece it is something anyone would be proud to display in their home. Clean. Modern. Luxe. Debby's work will be available exclusively at ChiChi and we want to tell you more about both her and her work so we will feature a piece about her pieces soon, replete with pictures. If you simply can't stand to wait, drop in to have a look... but do it soon. Debby's pieces have been moving off the floor and into new homes fairly quickly.

Now, if you'll excuse me...

I'm almost

to the

bottom of

that stack of catalogs

I lugged home

with

me...

Neon Lights of Broadway Calling

2009-08-17T01:00:00.008-05:00

When I was in my 20's they would have been luring me to the stage. I would have been glammered by the call to adoring audiences. Today they draw me to... well, sometimes its easier to say with pictures...

and...

Unfortunately we didn't get inside, we checked in to the hotel and got back out on the street after midnight. Though Broadway was still overflowing with people, most of the shops had closed at the witching hour. Pfffft. And I thought this was the city that never sleeps.

And now, with very little sleep ourselves, we're off to a different kind of show...

Playthings

2009-08-15T14:09:00.010-05:00

As a collector of artist/designer vinyl toys I am always drawn to whimsical playthings. While visiting Dwell magazine's online site the other day I noticed a recurring theme. Okay. Maybe I only imagined a 'theme' - so attracted am I, like a fish to a shiny lure, to cutesy and/or macabre whatnots.

Robots. Robots on prints. Robot toys. Futuristic robotic looking housewares.

This adorable little guy is a MoMA exclusive. Created, using reclaimed wood, by Brazilian designer Alberto Pretel this is one little guy who will be coming home with me from New York.

3Fish Studios artist Eric Rewitzer not only creates super cool retro style robot linocuts.... he also creates modern furniture prints. And, as if that isn't enough, the best of both worlds can be had with his limited edition "Better Together" series. At $35 a pop, how can you choose only one?

Visit 3 Fish Studios to acquire and see more... Take Me There!

Our Children's Gorilla is a collective of in house, and select freelance, designers. Their designs are primarily geared toward children (and big kids like me). Quirky and irresistible, I see more than one thing I'd be delighted to make space for in my collection. At the top of the page we feature Albert - strong (laser cut sheet metal), eco friendly (the metal is recycled!) little robot buddy to hang your what nots from.

And then, there's Gary. Sturdy little natural wood and hemp robo friend. A friend to last through the ages. To tell secrets to and to pass down to the next generation of robot lovers. And if one is good, then two is even better! Just keep him out of reach of the dog.

See more by Our Children's Gorilla... Take Me There!

Real robot themed goods from a virtual world? Until last year, the Museum of Robots could only be found in a virtual world known as Second Life. Now, they can be found two places online - as a Second Life museum dedicated to robot appreciation and as an online store. Think robot housewares might be weird? Think again.

Flying Saucer Bowl

To see the full line of products and learn more about the Museum of Robots... Take Me There!

I don't presently have any robots living at my place. But I think that's about to change. I am, after all, going to be in New York next week. My vinyl guys are going to have to make a little room for some new companions.

Objects of Desire

2009-08-12T11:28:00.007-05:00

From the moment I started blogging for and about ChiChi, I wanted to ensure we had a wide variety of content. Pitching products is one thing, and something we really need to do as we are a business, after all. But all work and no play makes for a dull read, even if we do have really great merchandise.

I love to search the web for great new design and find that I can spend hours meandering and finding surprisingly wonderful things... many of them just prototypes. Some are destined to remain a one off, others may go into production. The only thing to make finding cool new design even better is to see something in its infancy come to fruition as a tangible product.

Objects of Desire will be a weekly feature where we share some of our finds. If we're lucky, perhaps one day we will see them in our "House".

Icelandic designer Thorunn Arnadottir hasn't had any of her designs go to production... yet.

Clock

A necklace by which one counts the time by beads. Red and Orange beads represent hours. A silver bead represents midnight and a gold bead indicates noon. As described on her site, Take Me There! , the beauty of this clock is that the beads can be removed and worn to represent your freedom from time.

Tree

A three dimensional painting which adds function to form. An experiment by the designer which resulted in something fabulous. I'd purchase one tomorrow if I could.

There are other interesting and unique objects, a radiator which makes one wish they had at least one heater of that type in their home, a dramatic wall sculpture on which to hang jewelry. Well worth a visit to learn more about the designer and explore her work.

Learning Curve

2009-08-11T17:43:00.003-05:00

If you follow our blog regularly you have likely noticed some changes on the side bar. Lots of 'em. This is me wading into the social networking pool much to the chagrin of my guy's 14 year old. People 'our age' have no business being on Facebook or Twitter or the myriad of others out there. We should stick to email and telephones - preferably the rotary kind - if she were to have her way.

Well, we say "pffffft!" You kids may have popularized social networking but that doesn't mean our generation - who, by the way, paved the virtual highway for you - can't jump on board (albeit a little late).

Granted, we've been sticking our toes in the waters tentatively. But we've been finding the water is warm (translation: its not so hard to learn after all) and we've decided we're jumping right in - sharks be damned (translation: we don't care that you think we're unhip dinosaurs)!

I'm even going to go and Tweet this post as soon as I'm done!

We Say...

2009-08-11T07:06:00.002-05:00

Sagaform Letter Serving Set

Sagaform creates uncommonly beautiful and entirely clever and useful goods.

One of our favourites is the Letter Serving Set. We put these cleverly crafted serving tools to use each time we barbecue or have company (or both!).

Consisting of three pieces - a spoon, a spreader and a fork - each has a curved handle designed to hang from a jar. Goodbye goopy handled knives! So long spoons which disappear into larger jars! Hello juicy dill pickle!
Cleverly contained within a ready to mail slim package - like a thick postcard - this is an easy product to love, and to send to someone you love who likes to entertain.

We Say... its Hot!

In Great Company

2009-08-09T13:36:00.036-05:00

The ChiChi Show and Sale featuring Tara Davis and Johanna Brierley was our very first ChiChi Event. We couldn't be happier.

Thank you to all of our ChiChi friends who attended. We are always happy to see you and we're delighted we were able to introduce you to Johanna and Tara.

It was much effort, for all of us, but I was delighted they were introduced to a number of people previously unfamiliar with them.

I consider myself their biggest fan (after their supportive and lovely families) and truly wish to see them both be successful in their endeavors.

We also met numerous lovely new people who had their first experience with the store and I also want to extend my thanks to them for helping to make the evening a success.

We've already started planning our next event so stay in touch!

We'll reveal more as we get closer to nailing down the details.

Gratitude and Platitudes

~ Warm and heartfelt thanks to Johanna and Tara for thinking enough of us to have their event at our House.

~ Big smooches to Harv for tending to all those last minute details, for being my rock and for his unwavering support (and for the official iPhone photos!).

~ Thanks to Chelsey for throwing herself into the fray with very short notice and little experience with the ChiChi ropes.

~ A very special thanks to two Moms who support their daughters with unyielding devotion. Such lovely and talented people are not simply born ~ they are nurtured, encouraged and know they have warm arms to fall into should the going get tough.

Join Us...

2009-08-04T09:14:00.012-05:00

For an evening out at our House!

Where? 515 Osborne Street

When? Thursday, August 6th

What time? 6:00 ~ 10:00 pm

Who? You. A friend or two. Your special someone.

Why? So we can introduce you to two very special and talented local artisans and their wares.

Let me tell you a little more...

Johanna Brierley

Johanna creates stunning and unique pieces to adorn yourself with. Bands of sterling silver with the facets of diamonds carved into the surface. Thick glossy circles of gold inlaid with tiny precious gems and diamonds. The contrast of a delicate setting of stones set atop a bold, modern band. I wear my sterling 'diamond' rings every day and never fail to receive at least one compliment.

Tara Davis

Tara is a fiber artist with a focus on weaving. She is well known for her stunning traditional pieces such as scarves and tapestries. She also incorporates found objects with various fibers to create bags, scarves and neo-abstract expressionist art. Tara also has a flair for creating unique jewellery pieces in two different lines... A series of necklaces using found vintage items and a collection of simply stunning crystal pieces.

We're delighted to introduce you to Tara and Johanna. They will have their work on display and available for your consideration.

We will have refreshments and tasty things to nosh on while you get to know them and their work. We'll also be offering a special shopping opportunity with a discount of 10% across the board on all ChiChi goods not already on sale.

We will be closing our doors at 3:00 on Thursday afternoon to prepare for the Show.

We look forward to seeing you there!

We Say..

2009-08-02T16:53:00.014-05:00

We promised you we would be providing our own product reviews. We promised you we'd be honest. "We Say" will be our weekly product review feature to give you the inside scoop on how we feel about a product. We're kicking off "We Say" this week with our review of...

Lumen

I recall when I first found Adam Frank's Lumen on the web. I was totally floored by the images and the idea.

Adam Frank is an artist. It just so happens his art, which explores light and interactivity, translated very well into products for the home with Lumen being the most accessible for most homes.

I first discovered Lumen long before I became a retailer. It was only after opening ChiChi that I was able to bring the world of incredible goods my guy and I discover in our travels (both in real life and online) to Winnipeg. Lumen was among the first of decor items to grace our store.

When our order first arrived I was absolutely thrilled and couldn't wait to get a demo out of the package and fired up. What followed was, to be completely honest, disappointment. Its not that the product in and of itself is a disappointment. It was that the images I had viewed previously were not entirely representative of how the Lumen will appear in the average home. Let me explain further...

The web images of Lumen are professionally photographed with lighting and angles advantageous to creating the most striking image. That is true of every product professionally photographed.

The actual shadow effect created by a Lumen is, on its own, striking and beautiful. We have found that Lumen has sold well and makes for a truly unique gift. We have been careful to forewarn those who have previously seen the professional Lumen images as to what they can expect. We have placed a card with the Lumens which shows the shadow effect as it can be expected to be seen when used under average conditions.

Lumen are beautifully designed in acid etched stainless steel. There is a thoughtful soft base to ensure your furniture isn't harmed. Two 17 hour fuel cells (liquid wax) are supplied and refills are available at a very reasonable price.

Without doubt any one of the Lumen series is a wholly unique and beautiful object. Something special for oneself or for gifting. We feel compelled to give it a "Cool!" If it weren't for the anticlimactic difference betwixt how its illustrated and how it works in a home setting, it would have been a definite "Hot"

Scandi-licious!

2009-07-28T07:16:00.001-05:00

Oh how yummy!

This hot little number is actually not a retro treasure. It is the brand spanking new ScandiPhone, with fully capable plug and play components brought to you via UK design house Wild & Wolf.

Available in Red, Black and White, you'll never miss a call again because you can't find the cordless. Or, if you are much like me, have left all cordless handsets off the charger for too long!

See it at ChiChiHome... Take Me There!

Heads Up!

2009-07-27T08:06:00.004-05:00

Winnipeg is a City rife with talented artisans and I am fortunate to have met a number of lovely and extremely gifted artists through ChiChi. I often talk about them with customers and friends and have found myself wanting to somehow participate in their journeys. Perhaps my wish for them to be successful is driven by the frustrated artist within me. Never short of ideas but lacking in the ability to execute them, I am always beguiled by the talent and ingenuity of those who have both the aforementioned qualities. How, I find myself wondering, can I help them to open doors to realize their goals and dreams?

Instead of looking for doors to open, I am going to open ours.

We are so pleased to announce our very first Open House event.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, August the 6th. We will be opening our doors at 6:30 to present two very special guests.

We'll keep the doors open until 10:00 and will be offering discounted shopping for those who attend.

We will fill you in on all the details later this week. For those who have signed on to our newsletter, keep an eye open for invitations via email!

You're SO ChiChi!

2009-06-29T11:22:00.012-05:00

Our first run of "Show Us Your ChiChi" has come to a close.

We didn't have many submissions, which kind of threw me because who wouldn't want to be awarded $50 to spend at our house?

We're going to do a second run from July 1st, 2009 to the end of December, 2009. We know that there is all kinds of ChiChi out there - on walls, hanging from ceilings, set on shelves and table tops. And it doesn't matter what it is... Show us your cool mixing bowls at work in your kitchen. Your retro barware being used at a gathering at your place. Send us a snap of your steak branded with the BBQ branding iron. Each submission is eligible for entry into the draw (for a $50 ChiChi gift card!) which closes at end of business on our last day of business in December.

We want to thank all those who chose to share their ChiChi with us. We loved sharing your ChiChi on our blog.

Interestingly enough, our last submission became our first winner! Lets all give a big *woot!* for Taylor as she's the winner of the $50 gift card this time around. Congrats Taylor! You can pick up your gift card any time you like at the front counter.

Help!

2009-06-29T09:51:00.003-05:00

I need somebody.

Not just anybody.

No, I'm not channelling Paul McCartney. That would be absurd. He is still living after all.

We've never sent out a call to arms via the blog before but, hey! Why not?

An unexpected change has left us in the position of needing to create a part time position.

Here's the skinny...

We want someone who...

Is friendly and witty and fun!

Loves the store and totally 'gets it'.

Is really, really flexible and responsible.

Doesn't mind working a weekend here and there - hey, we're a retail store!

Creative genius is a bonus for us but not a requirement.

We offer...

A really terrific atmosphere.

Incredibly amazing customers crossing your path on a daily basis.

All the coffee you can drink.

Discount on merchandise (no, you don't have to spend your entire paycheque here though you may want to!).

Roughly 30 hours per month.

Oh, and money. We can discuss that, too.

Barista training included.

If you, or someone you know, might be interested in joining us at ChiChi, please give us a call at 219-9991 and we'll arrange to meet over coffee.

As a side note, we have decided to discontinue Sunday shopping. Summer is short (and yucky so far this year). We have families. 'Nuff said.

Love It? Hate It?

2009-06-05T10:07:00.012-05:00

Rate It!

A while back we solicited your feedback and suggestions as to how we could improve our webstore.

Today we're going to ask you for yet another favour!

Help us build the webstore into something more than just a store. We want to be a place where people can learn about the products we offer from those who own and/or have used them.

One of the features at our online store is product reviews. I know that my elf and I are fiends for product reviews when we are considering an online purchase. Who can better attest to the quality and usefulness of an item better than someone who actually owns it? It doesn't matter where you purchased the item you are rating, we just want to know what you think of the products we carry.

If you can find the time to submit two publishable reviews, and by that we mean something a tad more than a single word, we will thank you with a $5 in store credit, or - if you are from out of town - a $5 online store credit.

One of the things we pride ourselves on is that we have married a fully stocked physical store with an online store. That means we - Terry, Jana and myself - can answer just about any question about any product. We have a full appreciation of all of our products because we have seen them and handled them.

We are going to begin our own product reviews here shortly. Once a week we will feature a product and provide you with our take on it. While we strive to bring the unique, interesting and treasures of the design world under our roof in Winnipeg, we are not always as chuffed with something as we thought we might be. Among the many decor objects, gifts and housewares items, there are some which don't produce the wow factor we expected, others which don't impart a sense of value for their cost and many which we truly love.

In the meanwhile, please consider the above offer and get busy giving us some feedback at the webstore!

Please note: In order to provide you with your credit we require that you provide us with your name and email address when leaving your reviews. We will not publish your email address or use it for nefarious purposes! There is no limit to the number of legitimate reviews you can submit. A $5 credit will be reserved in our online store or in 'house' according to your preference. Limited to one credit per customer.

She's Tres ChiChi!

2009-06-05T09:48:00.012-05:00

Taylor is a young lady with terrific taste and great design sense! Here, she shows her ChiChi with a pretty Adzif wall graphic adorning her bedroom wall.

We think the Fire Flowers graphic was the perfect choice as it looks like it was made to complement her bedding!

We love seeing how you've adorned your space with furnishings from our place!

This episode of show us your ChiChi is coming to a close at the end of business on June 30th. Up for grabs, by a blind drawing of submissions, is a $50 ChiChi gift card. Participate by sending us a snap of ChiChi in your house!

Thanks so much, Taylor, for showing us your ChiChi!

Its Alive!

2009-06-05T08:30:00.007-05:00

Remember way back when we announced that we were going to have a webstore? No, we haven't been procrastinating, nor are we slouches. Bathrobe man...erm, I mean a happy little elf has been toiling away for months now.

A little back story first to give credit where credit is due; Our happy little elf stayed the course, even after months of effort working with a webstore product which resulted in, well, nothing even remotely acceptable.

After all of that effort our ~~grumpy~~ happy little elf decided we needed a much better web product and efforts began anew.

Today, we (my elf and I) invite you to peruse the pages of our webstore. Just click...

ChiChiHome

There you can shop to your heart's content by category and by brand/designer. You can create a wish list and share it with whomever you like, subscribe to our Newsletter (which is another new thing we're working on - more to come later!), check out the Spotlight product and even read the blog!

Out of town shoppers can check on their order status right from the store. Our local clients, and those planning a visit from out of town soon, can order from the comfort of home and elect to pick up their order at the store (one feature I consider extremely beneficial during our frigid season).

What do you think?

We want to make certain your online shopping experience is enjoyable. That's where you come in. Please help us make ChiChiHome a great place to visit on the web. Peruse the store. Try out the features. Then let us know what you think.

We're still working on our "About Us" page but you can email us your thoughts and ideas by referencing this entry at the webstore. Just click the @Blogspot tab, and then click here... Email me!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Tickled Orange

2009-06-01T12:20:00.008-05:00

We have found the most delicious orange hue and had a batch of outdoor paint whipped up for us. There is no shortage of things to zazz up for the yard and garden and its taking all the restraint I can muster to not paint every single thing in this juicy color.

We've been hunting down wicker and planters and gardening tables destined for a new life and begging for color. Keep your eye open for freshly up-cycled pieces in front of our house... things are being snapped up almost as quickly as we put them out!

The hot summer colors this year, as we see it, are zesty yellow, tangy lime and, of course, lush orange.

Now, we wouldn't recommend you pick up a few gallons of electric lime for your house exterior, but we see these citrus hues as ideal for gardens, decks and patios. They positively pop and add an element of energy and flair.

For the home decor enthusiast, have a peek at what Sico predicts will be the hot interior trends for 2009-2010... Take Me There!

Long Summery Days...

2009-05-27T10:33:00.010-05:00

...means more ChiChi shopping hours!

Beginning this week we will be switching over to our summer hours.

You'll find us open and (always) happy to see you on the following days...

Mondays ~ By appointment only.

Tuesday through Saturday ~ 11:00 to 6:00

Sundays ~ Noon to 4:00

And... Just a reminder that our first segment of Show Us Your ChiChi comes to a close at the end of this month. We have only had two submissions so far. Take a snap of something fabulous you found at our house as displayed, or used, at your house. Send us the photo by email with your permission for us to post it on the blog and you will be eligible to win a $50 ChiChi gift card! Easy peasy!

Favourite Things

2009-05-24T10:22:00.014-05:00

We wanted to feature something special from Design House Stockholm, but everything they create is special.

So, instead of just a product, we want to tell you a little bit about them...

Much like a publishing house would work with a collection of authors, Design House Stockholm collaborates with more than 60 independent designers. From new and up-and-coming designers, to established talent, they seek out fresh ideas from across the globe. Then, instead of trying to force the idea of an octagon into a round hole, they utilize their extensive networks to find the right production facility.

The end result is a collection of stunningly beautiful, and functional, objects.

Here are three of our favourites...

Barbara

Mouth blown glass carafe with a sensual shape and round crystal ball stopper. An inverted 'nest' at the bottom of the vessel provides a unique setting for the ball to nestle within creating an entirely new perspective. Created by Nina Jobs.

Carrie

A sing-song girl's name plays on the utilitarian aspect of a chic basket for your bicycle. Inspired by traditional crocheted tablecloths, Carrie has a unique mounting fixture for which allows the basket to be easily removed. With the adjustable strap you can carry it through the grocers, to a farmer's market or tote it on a picnic. We think it is the prettiest, and most unique, bicycle basket we have ever seen. By Marie-Louise Gustafsson.

Flame

By Monica Forster.

Magic. That one word can be used to describe the Flame tealight holder. It is definitive of the illusion of the flame hovering freely above the body of the lamp. Magic is also used as a term in British slang to describe something fabulous. Adopting advanced telescope construction technology, the reflective interior creates the fantasy.

To see all products in store by Design House Stockholm...

Take Me There!

Let There Be Light!

2009-04-12T14:00:00.023-05:00

As spring finally breaks here in the heart of Canada, the longer hours of daylight are more than just a little bit welcome.

Now, when dusk settles, we can be more welcoming of the night and the opportunity to warm our spaces with ambient light.

Be it on the patio, in the gazebo, over dinner or by the bedside, we have a number of unique and inspiring options to set a mood.

Bright Times

The mastery of laser cut patterns and shadow play are more than evident in Tord Boontje's latest creation. Bright Times is a set of four tea light holders. Flat packed so you can participate in that final design step, they pop out to present elaborately delicate and beautiful shapes which create a dazzling spectacle of shadows.

Available Here in three color variants - brushed silver, gold and the Spring collection of four hues.

Chalkboard Candle

Mine Design has introduced a playful element to ambient lighting with their Chalkboard Candle. Say "I love you" or "I'm in the mood". Draw a simple happy face or recreate a masterpiece and then light the long burning and beautifully scented soy candle. Clever, cute and captivating. Find them Here.

Cambiere Candles

Also by Mine Design, elegant Cambiere candles are housed in a nondescript glossy black vessel. When lit the warmed soy wax and flame transforms the vessel revealing a gorgeous detailed pattern. Available in our House or Here.

New Romantics Candelabra

This five armed aluminum and acrylic candelabra juxtaposes old world rococo charm with modern materials and a mirrored finish.

See it in the House or order it Here.

Liz Emtage - Summer Grasses

UK Ceramic artist Liz Emtage creates delicate vessels for use as a tea light holder or a vase. Each delicate bone china vessel is translucent with varying degrees of brightness showing through the impressions made with natural flora and fauna.

See them Here.

Ghost Candelabra

We've said it before and we'll say it again... the Ghost Candelabra is no mere specter. Imaginatively designed etched acrylic modernizes the elaborate detail of candelabras of yore.

Find it Here.

Just a Little Bit

Tin travel soy candles are designed to appear as large olde school typewriter keys and are available in two scents and two color ways - black with white lettering and white with black lettering. Currently only available in the House.

If We Think It, Will It Come?

2009-04-02T15:11:00.044-05:00

Spring officially began on March 20th. Or so says the calendar.

Where, then, are the blooms and buds? Why is there still white stuff falling from the sky? Will it never end?

We know it has to. Eventually. Some day.

So, before I go on yet another rant about how depressing the weather is and how insane our forefathers must have been to settle in such a place, I am going to dive head first into the (frozen) pool and try, at the very least, to thaw our spirits.

Let us collectively think summery thoughts and perhaps, perchance, it may indeed come....

Midsummer Light, by Tord Boontje, has been in the house for some time with many people now enjoying this whimsical pendant in their homes in Winnipeg. While I love them all, by far my favorite is the green and yellow. It evokes a feeling of a summer day with the branches of leafy trees swaying softly in a warm breeze.

From time to time certain colorways, as they are called, are discontinued on a product in order to make way for new ones. Sadly, this means the green and yellow Midsummer Light will no longer be produced.

Happily, there is still stock available and I have topped ours up for our customers who have expressed an interest in adding this delightful shade to their decor in their summer rooms and seasonal cottage homes.

This is one purchase I will not be putting off as I have envisioned one in my screened in second level gazebo since I moved into the house in the fall.

Oh, to dig in the dirt.

Many years ago I began my first foray into gardening. I created a spectacular flower bed for the front of my home and had a lovely vegetable garden in a sunny corner of my back yard. My potato growing skills were envied by neighbors who wanted to know my secret - of which I had none. I faithfully tended those gardens, often shunning gloves to truly feel the earth between my fingers.

My close friends would be surprised to know these things about me as the flowerbeds in my last home were a disgrace - so much so that one friend in particular dubbed my rather tallish weeds "Scottish Heather". Every spring I started with good intentions. It was a combination of things, I believe, which made my gardens go to ruin - lack of time and proximity to where most of my days and evenings were being spent, feeling overwhelmed by the quick resurgence of bad growth after killing myself trying to clear it, and a distinct lack of commitment. That home never felt like "home". It felt like a way station.

This year I will be enjoying my yard and engaging the suggestions of my lovely and well practiced friends with the greenest of thumbs. The Chicklet and I will be planting rows of herbs and vegetables and we will tend them together. In the house now, and arriving soon, here are some of the new products we will be employing in our commune with urban nature...

Fresh scented Herbal-Mint Gardners hand care products by Upper Canada.

Hand Scrub, Hand Wash and Loofah Soap Bar will not only gently cleanse away the earth from your hands, they will intoxicate you with their aroma.

All About Hands Avocado scented skin care products refresh tired and dry hands beautifully.

Hand Wash is complemented by following up with the Hand Lotion. For intensive care there is the Hand Mask and Night Cream.

Included in Studio Tord Boontje's new line of products (more on this soon!)... a set of pop up tea light holders dubbed Bright Times.

Flat packed so that you may participate in that final step of design, each unique tea light holder pops up to cast intricate shadows when in use. When not in use they make for beautiful decor as they have a doily-like feel to them. The Spring color collection features four brightly hued colors reminiscent of Easter eggs. Also available in silver satin or deep gold.

When the earth finally does give way to blossoms and blooms there are a few new products in the house in which you can display your home grown cuttings....

The Dip Vase, by Robert Bronwasser, is an organic shaped collection of cylinders created by using a dipmoulding technique using soft, pliant vinyl. The interior of the cylinders is a bright hue making for a striking object of beauty on its own. With flowers it is even more phenomenal.

Vase Maker is a stroke of genius, we think. The iconic shaped ceramic vessel perched atop a larger square tile allows you to determine the final look, for the moment, as to how you want your bloom displayed. Any water holding container will do. From a coffee cup to a fish bowl to a teapot. There is no limit to the number of symbiotic relationships you can create.

A now established House product, again by Studio Tord Boontje, Puddles can't help but make you think of spring and summer. Mirror polished stainless steel shapes add a touch of refined whimsy to any wall.

I know we recently blogged about the garden art, but how can we not include it again here?

And if this isn't enough to bring mother nature to her senses I have a few suggestions as to how to keep your mind off the white stuff beyond your window...

Buddha Board.

The concept of Zen is living in the moment. With the Buddha Board you simply paint on the surface with water. Your creation is only temporary so enjoy it as you watch your bold brush strokes evaporate into nothingness.

To further engage your creative nature, and bring some luscious summery scents indoors, create a little chalkboard art with Mine Design's Chalkboard Candles.

Included with your beautifully boxed candle are three colors of chalk. Clean burning soy wax candles offer a generous 35+ hour burn time and are presently available in three refreshing scents; Ginger Citrus, Persian Fig and Pomegranate.

If all else fails, come down to the House and we'll try to warm your spirits with a latte. If you're still feeling blue we'd suggest picking out a Mozey Rue Stinker to take home to cuddle until our corner of the world finally thaws.

Stinkers are one of a kind creations, each one hand made by local artisan Mozey Rue. We presently have just over twenty little guys in the house awaiting adoption. Get your favorite before he's gone.

Doldrums

2009-03-05T11:58:00.016-06:00

I've always imagined doldrums as being creatures rather than a mood.

They'd be grey and kind of lumpy and sad looking.

Inconsolable.

A perfect reflection of the mood.

There's nothing to love about this time of year. The snow is grey with filth and exhaust fumes. Most of us are tired of bundling up and there is no way to avoid dragging in sludge and salt and sand. Never mind what the aforementioned does to ones nice boots! The only saving grace right now is the days are getting longer and warmer weather has to make an appearance some time in the not too distant future.

As I place orders for spring stock I find myself longing even more for warm gentle breezes rustling through lush green leaves. Soon, very soon, you will find a plethora of delightful spring and summer stock in the house. From lovely bath and body goodies to delightful planting starter kits, we are filling the house with summer. If you are extremely anxious to get started we already have the garden art to get you started. In the meanwhile, we'll bring you a little cyber-summer...

Are you a garden goddess or a green killing fiend?

Personally, I find I do well with house plants. They seem to like me. As to my outdoor gardens... I think this year I'll solicit the aid of my green thumbed friends. Style at Home magazine has a fun mini-quiz you can take to determine whether you should be looking for a gardner now before they get all booked up.

Take Me There!

ShedBlog, in the UK, spoke with a number of garden designers about what we'll see in garden trends this coming season. From wildlife shelters and foods taking a prominent place to growing from scratch, there are a number of trends up and coming which make good, green sense. We have a few little squirrels living within our immediate area and love to watch them. As mentioned in the article we easily found large bags of peanuts meant specifically for feeding our furry little friends. Its a symbiotic relationship. The chicklet and I enjoy watching their antics and they enjoy the peanuts! For the full article...

Take Me There!

They say laughter is the best medicine. To chase the doldrums away here's a little clip of something I am now determined to try at home...

Take Me There!

Insert Maniacal Laughter Here

2009-03-01T12:57:00.024-06:00

Last month I had the pleasure of visiting New York City for the International Gift Fair. Though I didn't have much of an opportunity to do New York-ish things, I did find a veritable treasure trove of incredible products - some of which have made their way to the house already.

Let me introduce you to our newest additions...

From the delightfully twisted mind of Fred Conlon, and brought to life by his talented hands, scattered hither and yon throughout the house are a variety of creatures you will find puglicious. Don't go to the dictionary. I made that word up.

From the Army Ant to the creme de la creme in this collection of "Garden Art That Doesn't Suck", the Gnome Be Gones, they are at once repulsive and adorable. Delicious and repugnant. I want to pick them up and hug them but am afraid of their many pointed teeth.

Can't you just see this fellow with some pretty flowers spilling out of his maw?

Hungry for a bite of... ankle? Better feed him some daisies quick!

Carting off their nemesis to a fate unknown.

Ain't she sweet?

Venus Fly Trap complete with magnetic Plug Bug.

Wine caddy.

These fellows are just a taste of the variety to be found in the House. To fully appreciate them stop in for a latte and to see what else is new!

Of Reds and Whites

2009-02-19T07:48:00.007-06:00

I've been a die hard Chardonnay fan for most of my adult life. Red wine and I, well, we just didn't mix. My taste buds prefer things light and crisp. I'm certain this has nothing at all to do with an unfortunate experience at a post high school house party and a box of red wine. But thats another story.

A couple of years ago I was introduced to a Pinot Noir which improved my opinion of reds. It was a delightful wine, smooth and silky, and my taste buds approved. Since that time I have sampled many reds, typically with the same reaction. While others savored them I puckered. Perhaps my taste buds are more than just a little persnickety.

There is a reason, I've always known, that red wine is decanted. I just didn't buy into it. It isn't just something a wine snob would do in an attempt to impress. To a wine aficionado, decanting is imperative simply because it does improve the wine. Period. Decanting is done for one of two reasons. With older wines which have aged in the bottle it is done to remove the sediment which can tarnish the taste and experience of the wine. With younger wines it is done to aerate them which softens their flavor and improves the bouquet.

Who, though, actually has, or takes, the time to decant their wine? I typically only have wine when dining out. If most people follow that same behavior then its not surprising that most people haven't experienced the improvement decanting will have on a wine. If the dining experience is typically two hours, and properly decanting a wine takes somewhere in the vicinity of an hour and a half, and the babysitter is costing $8 an hour, and you are first time parents, and you have the imagination of Stephen King, and you're pretty sure the house is going to burn to the ground if you don't get home as fast as you can... Well, is it any wonder we don't bother to have the wine decanted when we're out for dinner?

I've recently been schooled. Big time. In our travels this month we discovered a simple little device which, in all taste tests we performed, improved a variety of wines into perfectly palatable and enjoyable libations. I am reformed. So much so that I immediately sought out a distributor so that you too can fully appreciate all that a red wine has to offer.

Let me introduce you to our new dining out companion.

Vinturi aerates the wine as it is poured. This elegant looking wine accessory improves the bouquet and taste of a wine instantly. It can make almost any red "the most romantic of wines, with so voluptuous a perfume, so sweet an edge, and so powerful a punch that, like falling in love, they make the blood run hot and the soul wax embarrassingly poetic." Although Joel Fleischman (of Vanity Fair fame - and the author of that quote) was talking about Pinot Noir specifically we are confident that Vinturi can make almost any wine seem stellar.

To learn more about the Vinturi aerator visit us at the house or have a look at our website where Vinturi is currently our featured product. Take me there!

Old Man Winter

2009-02-04T10:14:00.018-06:00

No friend of mine, his icy grip on us here in the heart of the country seems relentless. At only the start of February it feels like winter has been with us far too long. I am dubious of promises of reprieve but hopeful just the same. Groundhogs and shadows. Weather forecasts and Almanacs. Whatever we look to for promises of spring there is one thing we know for certain...

we still have a couple of months of the white stuff to deal with and cold is a certainty, no matter how 'balmy' we try to tell ourselves it is at -10.

There is no cure all. Well, there is but we can't all just pack up and move to California. I can, however, offer a suggestion which helps me to get through the tail end of winter.

Redecorate!

There is something about freshening a room which can make even the dreariest and coldest of days seem brighter. If we cannot go outside then we can, at the very least, relax and enjoy our newly zazzed up space.

I am an avid reader/subscriber to such publications as Dwell, Metropolitan Home, Canadian House and Home and a number of other home decor mags. Decorating advice abounds in all of them, some of it beyond most budgets, some of it large in scope, but there are always a goodly number of ideas which can be tackled easily by just about anyone. Gleaned from Interior Designer contributors, here are a few of my favorite tips for easily freshening up any room.

Paint

Pretty obvious but more often than not I hear people lament that it is a daunting task or that they are afraid to try a bold new color.

Okay, then, how about just one wall? Create a feature wall using an emboldened color choice. You'll probably love the results well enough to be inspired to paint the rest of the room. Pick a complementary or contrasting color to your accessories and you'll find that those same old accessories suddenly pop in the room.

Schlep

Though not typically part of a Designer's lexicon I can think of no better description. Create a whole new feeling in a room by moving your furniture. Lose a chair or add one. Swap out family room side tables with the living room tables. Shrink a conversation area and create a cosy reading corner outside of the grouping. Simply moving large pieces within a room can make that space feel entirely new.

Edit

Anonymous dining room before and after.

There is something about the simplicity of having less on display which invigorates your soul. Clean lines and minimal displays in a room make it seem more airy. The best description I have heard, and I have heard time and again, is that a minimalistic approach to decorating makes you feel like you can really breathe in a room. I have found it liberating to do more with less.

Start by taking down all of your accessories from shelves, table tops and walls. Sort through them and pick out your very favorites. Instead of a large grouping of family photographs pick out a few you love the most and place them in matching frames to create a simple, smaller, grouping on a table top or wall. Give an adored object an entire shelf to itself. Pack the remaining tchochkas away in a basket so that you can rotate them when you need to give the room a new lift.

Accent With One Color

Start with a blank canvas by taking all accessories out of the room. Pick a single color and then thread it back into the room with your accessories. Pick up a few new items in that color, from inexpensive candles to a new lamp or shade and work them into the room. A minimalistic approach works best as you don't want to overwhelm the room with too many things.

Add Art

Whether its a fabulous gallery piece you've had your eye on or a grouping of your children's most colorful and interesting pieces, art adds enough new visual interest to make a tired room come alive again. If you're art commitment-phobic then consider Adzif wall decals. There are an astonishing number of beautiful graphics to select from.

Utilize Flower Power

Nothing, and I mean nothing, especially in the dead of winter, makes a room feel more summery than fresh flowers.

Line up a row of vintage salt shakers with small single stems. Pick up a beautiful vase and show off a small group of gerber daisies. Replenish the flowers as they start to fade. The color and aroma of fresh cut flowers can make the last leg of winter far more tolerable.

Visit Us!

From repurposing to revitalizing, we're always happy to offer up a few suggestions. We also have an abundance of truly unique and deliciously inspiring accessories and lighting to select from to help you create a dazzling room.

They're So ChiChi!

2009-01-11T13:53:00.017-06:00

And adorable!

Ahhhhh, there's nothing like love. Mike and Jen were married this summer past - in fine retro fashion.

In this picture perfect pic the happy couple is showing us their ChiChi...

...sharing a toast with premium vintage Amoeba glassware acquired at our house.

They look so happy. And we're happy they shared their ChiChi with us!

Ain't love grand?

Fine Company

2009-01-09T12:02:00.014-06:00

Through the rush of the Holiday season we missed out on introducing you to some of our latest additions.

So, without further ado... now keeping company with our mix of creative design objects....

Park Planter by Science + Sons

Canadian designer Tristan Zimmerman is a graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design where he studied industrial design. His website mini-bio states that he began Science + Sons after suffering a serious case of creative atrophy while employed with a bio medical device company. We couldn't be happier about that.

Park Planter is, from our view, one part social commentary, one part comedic voyeurism and 100% brilliant. Elevate your plant to towering heights making it central to a number of scenes. Be it a flasher, a mugger, a gay couple or a lost salesman (with more scenes to be added soon!) you can't help but feel like a giant voyeur sneaking a peek at a shrunken down world.

Display model in store - special order item.

Also by Tristan Zimmerman and available through ChiChi...

Phonophone II

Why-fi?

Phonophone is an elegant sculptural audio console. Using passive amplification - no batteries, no external power - and your mp3 device's earphones Phonophone uses horn acoustics to amplify the earbud output to 55 decibels. 55 decibels won't rock the house for a party but it will provide you with a rich, resonant sound while having dinner with a few friends.

Special order item.

Creative Cocktails...

Call for suitably creative glassware.

A BY:AMT design, the Inside Out collection of glasses make a stunning break from the traditional. Ho hum barware move aside! Once filled with your beverage of choice the expected shape of your selected glass stands out boldly within the more casual shaped outer wall of glass. The space between acts as an insulator to keep your beverage as cool as these glasses look.

Martini and Champagne glasses available in store. Shot and Liqueur glasses available by order.

Flowermiser by Innermost

Innermost continues to astound with clever design. Flowermiser turns a few choice flowers into a stunning spray with the reflective power of mirror polished stainless steel shaped like a bouquet.

Porcelain Votive Holders by Liz Emtage

Hand crafted in the UK, each delicate vessel is one of a kind. Organic materials are embedded in the clay prior to the firing process leaving a tactile and visual dimension within the finished piece. A truly beautiful and unique object, each signed by the artist.

Innermost Fuzz Votive Holder

These frosted glass votive holders are spotted on the inside and present the illusion of a roaring fire. Another clever Innermost design. Sold in sets of two.

Loopy Lu Pendant Shades by Lothair Hamann

Get a little Loopy in your decor! Take them home in a flat pack and then assemble the loops into a crazy cool shade! Hang one for a pop in a room. Hang five different colors in a room for an explosion!

Tune in again soon for even more new items we haven't had time to brag about yet!

You're So ChiChi!

2009-01-06T22:37:00.009-06:00

Kristen is obviously one ChiChi chick!

Here we get a peek at her Boontje Midsummer Light in all of its glory. I'm loving how it positively pops with the lickable pink walls!

As an oddball aside ~

Is that... Could it be....

A girly Domo???

I... must... have... one.

If there is anything I love as much as a Midsummer Light (in any color), it is bold use of color in home decor.

In this snap we see some ChiChi in the awesome yellow vintage candy dish.

And we get treated to the stylings of someone who is emboldened in their choice of color. The contrast combined with a subtle explosion of the unexpected hue and the melding of modern with vintage makes for one impressive entry hall.

And as if that isn't enough to delight your senses today ~ the painting shown here, if I'm not mistaken, is an original work by Kristen herself. Talented girl!

Thanks, Kristen, for sharing your ChiChi with us!

Show Us Your ChiChi!

2009-01-04T16:21:00.003-06:00

We hear great stories from our customers about how lovely a wall graphic looks in their space, or how delightful a Boontje light looks in their bedroom.

We're pretty good at visualization but a picture speaks a thousand words so we're calling on you to show us your ChiChi!

Send us a pic or two of something from our house which has zazzed up your house!

Vintage barware collector? How about a picture of you and your friends toasting each other with some groovy glasses you picked up here.

Design junkie? How about something you picked up 'as is' (I'm hinting at he-knows-who and the Herman Miller chairs) and prettied up on your own. We'd love to see how it turned out!

Did a Boontje light add just the right amount of oomph to a room?

We love hearing how the treasures you find here work in your space and we'd love even more to see and share it with our blog followers.

As incentive to take a few minutes to share your photos with us, every six months we will randomly draw from all submissions for a $50 ChiChi gift card! This segment of Show Us Your ChiChi will run from January 4th, 2009 to July 4th, 2009.

I'll show you mine.....

Now you show me yours!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-04T15:03:00.009-06:00

Happy (albeit a tad late) New Year to you and yours!

ChiChi hopes you had a fabulous holiday season and rang in the New Year with aplomb and gusto surrounded by the people you love the most be it family or friends or a combination of both!

Having been lax in posting, with a great many excuses, prepare thyself for a brief flurry of same.

Take note, please, of our new winter hours of operation. We will likely reopen for Sunday shopping with finer weather in the spring. And we most certainly will be offering more extended hours in the first two weeks of February to accommodate the lads and ladies who want to bring something uniquely ChiChi home to their love.

We've also added two new features to the blog which you will find in the sidebar:

Follow This Blog: Fellow bloggers will be alerted to updates as they're posted with alerts appearing in your Blogger dashboard. If you wish to be alerted to blog updates and you're not a blogger yourself you can also find a subscription button in the sidebar.

Dwell Product of the Day: We're going to give this one a shot though the widget I installed on my laptop seems to get fritzy now and again. Dwell's product of the day features the ultra hip, the newest, the eco-friendliest and the best of design objects. Many of the items we have in the house have been appeared in previous "Product of the Day" features.

In preparation for some fantastic new merchandise we wish to introduce to the 'Peg, and to bring out of hiding some incredible up-cycled pieces we are working on, we are going to be featuring a huge housekeeping sale for the entire month of January.

On sale right now....

All Christmas items at 50% off!

Digit Bands for $7

Select Espe bags and accessories at 30% off

Select Vintage inspired giftware at 50% off

Select upcycled and vintage furniture discounts of 35%

Select authentic vintage items at 50% off

Stop by any time during our regular hours, sip on a not-quite-famous-yet complimentary latte and browse around for one of the many bargains featured.

Who doesn't love a bargain?

Holiday Gift Guide: Teens

2008-12-07T13:12:00.006-06:00

We love it when the teen set discover the store with their parents. They walk in the door looking like they barely have just one nerve left after being forced to go on yet another boring shopping jaunt. Then they see some something that they think is pretty cool. And then another something. And by the time they reach the middle of the house they are gobsmacked and making a list of must haves. On their way out the door many of them have mentally redecorated their rooms and zazzed up their lockers at school.

Wall Graphics

Montreal based A*DZIF creates wall graphics with pizzazz.

Featuring a number of different lines, with something for everyone, they have a great line which will pop and personify your teen's personal space.

Easy to apply, non permanent and visually appealing, vinyl graphics make for terrific, and inexpensive, wall art - especially when you just know that they are going to want to redecorate their rooms again next year!

Kapow

An explosion of stretchy tubular mesh creates a stunning effect in any room! Shades available in red or white.

Midsummer Light

Tord Boontje's whimsical light shade adds a beautiful touch to any decor. Available in fading red (shown), white on white, green & yellow and fading lilac.

Clocky

Are you forever hollering at your teen to get their fanny out of bed? Save yourself the grief while saving your vocal chords. Clocky is just the little guy to encourage them to get up. Clocky allows one snooze only. After that he rolls off the bedside table (his big rubber wheels keep him safe) and roams. If you want to quiet him you have to get out of bed and chase him down. Clocky adds an element of fun, nay hilarity, to your household morning routine. He'll do the work of getting your teen out of bed while you sit and sip your morning cup of elixir.

Mini Chandeliers

Ooh! Pretty! Bright led lights make these mini chandeliers shine! Battery operated - with an optional dc outlet to save on batteries, these little lights zazz up any space - a school locker, an office cubicle, a desk nook. Lovely little stocking stuffers in black, clear or pink.

Holiday Gift Guide: Moms

2008-12-03T12:47:00.018-06:00

21 shopping days left!

She's the person (yes, moms are people, too!) who nurtured and taught and fed and cleaned and loved you better than anyone. She endured nine months suffering from a variety of pregnancy side effects from swollen ankles the size of tractor tires to vomiting in her handbag at the mere whiff of someone's cologne. She spent how many hours in labor with you? Don't you DARE even think about getting her something which plugs in or some same-old, same-old schmaltzy gift from the mall. That woman deserves something SPECIAL.

We have special. And unique.

We're here to help you find something she'll truly appreciate. Something that says "Thank you for all you did and continue to do." And... "You know, you were right about that jerk not being good enough for me." And... "I'm sorry I was such a pain as a teenager."

Thinking of You.

Tord Boontje's vessel wraps say "I Love You" in beautiful style. Thinking of You Here, Now and Always are flat wrapped to involve the recipient in the final stage of the design process. Each wrap is assembled (very easily) into a stunning piece which mom can then place over an old jelly jar to create a beautiful vase. The high polish and matte finishes are designed to take on a patina over time which makes them even more beautiful than their shiny new selves. Tuck one in a bouquet of mom's favorite flowers. This is something she'll use and display all year long, as it is simply stunning on its own, and every time she sees it she'll think of you thinking of her.

We're not trying to run a floral theme, but moms DO love flowers. I think it stirs something from the time when their children were small and awed by the wild abundance of Dandelions which they picked with gusto. What moms love best about flowers, I think, is that eventually their kids get older and realize that a bouquet of wildflowers are much preferable to a handful of wilted Dandelions. Wait a minute. Maybe not.

Whatever flora you fresh pick for your mom, Innermost's Ghost Vase is an exceptional vessel for her to display them in. Too bad Dandelions are out of season. I think they'd make a nice, sentimental touch.

Bejewel her with special adornments.

From one of a kind pieces by local artisans to Melissa Borrel's Pop Out jewelry, we have a wonderful selection to show mom how special she is.

Donna Guiboche is a talented lady who works magic with copper and sterling silver wire. Donna's unique designs run from the bold to the sublime, delicate to heavy and funky. She also creates a custom line for us. Early in our relationship with Donna we were so impressed with her craft that we bestowed upon her a box of vintage jewelry comprised of lampwork, glass, crystal and bone beads. She has deconstructed these pieces and reworked them into remarkable pieces we call Vintage Made Modern.

Cindy and Carey are sisters who utilize vintage buttons and other findings to make lovely personal accoutrements such as earrings, necklaces and bracelets, cell phone charms and keyrings. We love that their designs range from sophisticated to funky.

Melissa Borrell's Pop Out pieces are truly stunning modern pieces with a retro feel. Again, and as we are seeing more of in the design world, the recipient is involved in that final stage of design. The high gloss powder coated steel or gold plated pieces are popped out of their 'frame' and then strung on the Sterling chain or ear wires. Beautiful!

A bag to last forever!

Neumatica creates the most amazing purses from car and truck tire inner tubes. Sound strange? The only odd thing about these one of a kind purses is that someone didn't think of it before now. Rubber inner tubes take hundreds of years to decompose. Reworking this material into a beautiful, everyday useful object is earth friendly and smart - who hasn't yearned for an indestructible purse? Each bag is entirely unique as the relationship between tire and tube, when in service on a vehicle, imprints a one of a kind pattern on the tube. The visible branding lends an industrial edge to a sophisticated bag and you may even find one with a patch or the inflation tube attached! Available in a variety of styles, we have imported these bags direct from Argentina and the only place in Canada where you'll be able to find one for your mom is.... our house.

We also carry a large variety of home decor items, personal accessories and pristine vintage kitchen ware. You are certain to find something as uncommonly special as your mom in our House. So - ditch the mall. Stop by our house. Take your time thinking about the things your mom deserves in her stocking while enjoying a delicious latte - on us, of course!

Holiday Gift Guide: Dads

2008-12-03T12:31:00.005-06:00

With only 22 shopping days left until Christmas we thought it might be appropriate to run down some gift ideas to help you fill those stockings on your list.

Today:

Dear Old Dad

Who's your daddy? Was your dad the household enforcer? If so then cries of "Just wait 'till your father gets home!" might ring familiar. Was he the kindly teacher who gently guided you in learning new skills, whether it be how to cast a fishing line or how to tie your laces? Did he share equally in the household duties, drying the dishes and joking with your mother while she washed them or did he kick up his tired dogs while mom fetched him a martini? Whether your dad fits the mold of the 'traditional man of the house' or the progressive and equal partner, or if he falls somewhere in between, there is no doubt he had a profound and lasting impact on the person you are today.

We have a few suggestions for high impact gifts to suit the interests of all types of dads.

For the Techie Dad:

You know the one... the kids could be waging a full scale war in the kitchen and there he is, hovering over his laptop, fully immersed in whatever he's doing (what the holy heck IS he doing?) completely oblivious to the cacaphony surrounding him.

While it may be hard for you to get his attention by banging a pan over his head, Hub Man is sure to capture it in a heartbeat. He's a cute little guy who gives your dad charging and connective capabilities for all his other gadgets.

For the Mixologist Dad:

Surely you know at least one of these, even if he's not your dad. My uncle was a teetotaler but man did he stock a bar and know how to mix a cocktail. I remember that he had a stylish manner with a cocktail shaker and was able to whip up pretty Pink Ladies without so much as a glance at a recipe card.

Refine his bar accoutrements with some premium and authentic vintage barware. From a stylish seltzer bottle to a wicked cool shaker to colorfully captivating glassware, we have a nice range to choose from.

For the Handyman Dad:

Mr. Fix It, that's him. He has a pristinely organized 'workshop' either in the basement or the garage. His tools all have a rightful place on the peg board or in any number of tool boxes. There is always something that he's fixing or puttering at or making. And if there isn't enough of it to do around the house he's helping the neighbors.

We don't have the latest tools and gadgetry this dad might love. For him we'd recommend a gift card to a great hardware store. What we do have is a few antique planers we're pretty sure he'd appreciate for their history and uniqueness. Something he can proudly display, and even use, in his workspace which will make him think of you every time he sees it.

The Golfer Dad:

You don't see much of him in the fair weather months. He's off hitting the links every chance he gets (short of having your mother declare him a missing person or filing for divorce). He loves the game and the fresh air and the camaraderie of others who enjoy, just as much as he, the sound a perfect drive makes when the club connects with the ball.

Winter is a season considered barely endurable by this dad. Other than buying him a week of golfing in Phoenix this January there are a few other things you can do to cheer him up while he waits for the big thaw of spring. We have a few great vintage golf tchokas which are certain to bring a smile to his face, from the golf ball flip calendar to the bar tool set fashioned to look like clubs.

The Shaving Purist Dad:

No electric shavers for him. He pshaws the disposables with five blades. There is no shave like a good old fashioned shave and there is no way to get a closer shave than to do it by living by on the razors edge. Literally.

For this brave dad we have an assortment of vintage shaving gear - from mugs and brushes to strops and straight razors. We have some of the coolest single blade razors from eras gone by. And we have vegan, organic shaving soap - made locally - to complement everything else.

The Fun and Games Dad:

Help with the dishes? No way! Not when the kids got all those cool new video games! And who's that playing with Jr.'s race car set just as soon as he's toddled off to bed? This dad loves to play, both with his kids and with their toys. Get him a few toys of his own.

Like; Chico Bicalo designer collectible wind up toys.

Or Dodge 'Em, the desk top dodge ball game where he can try to bowl over little wooden kids (it's okay - it's just a game and besides, they all look like really obnoxious children anyway).

How about Bone Stackers? Like Jenga but with a skull set atop a mountain of bones.

And, last but not least, the Cuss Words Dad.

He has tools. He thinks he knows how to use them. He wouldn't dream of consulting a manual. This dad embarks on home repair projects with a sturdy set in his jaw and a look of determination in his eye. Thing is, it isn't too long after he starts before the temperature around him begins to rise. Then the quiet muttering starts and before you know it the cuss words and the tools are a-flyin'! Though my dad is many other things to me, he most certainly fits in this class of dads.

I remember one particular dinner after my mother got her long coveted dual range with the rotisserie. She had put a couple of chickens on the rotisserie and all afternoon we kept running into the kitchen to watch them drip their juicy goodness on the pan as they turned under the heat. The scent which filled the house was delicious and delightful and we could hardly wait until dinner. After being called to the table we eagerly took our seats while dad pulled out the carving knife and began carving the chicken. Correction; ATTEMPTED to carve the chicken. The chicken, however, refused to be carved. Thinking he was dealing with a dull blade, my mildly irritated father retrieved a different blade from the drawer. The chicken was still resistant. The frustration now showing in a furrowed brow, dear old dad went back to the drawer to fetch a knife sharpener. After many slick and smooth runs of the edge of the knife against the tool he looked quite satisfied. Thinking that he now had a wicked sharp blade to work with and with a small smile of satisfaction he stabbed the bird with the fork, placed his razor sharp blade against the breast of the chicken and.... nothing. The golden skin was impenetrable. That's when he calmly put down the tools, strode over to the window and closed the blinds to the neighbors and the front street. I remember us all, my mother included, looking at each other with shock and small degree of fear. The bird had broken him. He wasn't cursing. The silence was eerie, even more so than his calm manner. Was he going to throw the knife into the wall? Was he going to toss the chickens across the room? The tension was palpable. What he did shocked us all. He calmly picked up the platter, crossed the room and dumped the chickens in the garbage and then turned to us. "Who feels like Kentucky Fried for dinner?" he asked. Seems mom picked up a couple of fryers instead of roasters and that roasting fryers results in rubber birds.

Though my dad didn't break into his usual song of a well seasoned sailor that night, there were many occasions where he did. So he wasn't Hardware Hank. We didn't care. But we knew better than to buy him tools, particularly power tools, for gifts.

For dads like mine pretty much any of the above mentioned gifts will do (except the planer - of course). There are also a few other things he might be happy with, like a beautifully colored vintage tie, or a set of vintage cufflinks. Mayhaps a vintage board game or novel? The mAntique room is chock-a-block full of great gifts for dads of all types. Even mine.

There's No Place Like Home!

2008-12-01T11:51:00.004-06:00

Some one has been busy beavering away on a special project - making a new home for ChiChi.

We're not moving our bricks and mortar store - we love those six rooms - but we do have a new home on the web!

Come on in, have a look around, linger awhile if you wish and please let us know what you think!

Take me there!

We also love Blogger so we'll still be here! Our Blog will also be mirrored on the website for those who only wish to bookmark us the one time!

Puttin' on the Glitz - Neumatica Recycled Handbags

2008-11-08T00:06:00.011-06:00

Shiny. Opulent. Radiant. Our House is looking oh, so pretty. And full. Chock full of uncommon goodness. And that's a good thing.

We're ready for the holiday season and can't wait to help you dazzle the people you love with the unexpected and unique.

The store is full of new surprises. Today was a banner day for deliveries (the UPS kind - we expect the Obama Nation deliveries to hit the US in about nine months!). Of the multitude of boxes which arrived on our doorstep we are most psyched about the one which arrived from Argentina.

The Neumatica story begins...

When used rubber inner-tubes from tires of any kind of vehicle are discarded, it takes more than 500 years to decompose, and if burned they are highly contaminating.

Around 100,000 tons of this material is disposed every year, only in Argentina.

Recycling is a compromise with the planet, and fashion has to do its part.

Two years ago, Neumatica decided to save inner tubes and make them roll again, turning them into daily design objects.

All rubber inner-tubes are plain and have no texture when new, but after being used the heat of the tires transfers the design to them, so you will find multiple textures in Neumatica products.

Each finished piece has the story of many miles driven.

We love the up-cycled, earth friendly nature of these bags. We love the idea of toting around the untold stories of many thousands of miles. And if you don't love them for any of the above reasons, we believe you will love them for their urban chic appeal.

See them here... Take me there!

Hooray for Espe! GoGo for the Groovi!

2008-10-14T13:42:00.027-05:00

Oh boy! Oh joy! The fall line of Espe has arrived at ChiChi! Although we couldn't possibly carry all of this fall's styles, we chose a killer selection to share with you. Be careful though, once you see these you'll surely want at least one and they sell out quickly. Since Espe's offerings are all limited editions, if you see something you want and can't make it in give us a call, we'll figure it out together.

I don't know about you ladies, but I've always wanted a convertible. In my other life I had a convertible Toyota RAV4 - but that was in my pre-Mommy days. Espe's line of convertibles makes it possible to own a safer, more practical alternative and we can to take them into the house too!

The Espe GROOVI convertible is one of the most (if not THE most) practical bags on the market. Depending on your needs it can be used in a multitude of ways! For starters, the bag comes as you see it here, with an extra long, thin strap that you clip on to each side and a separate smaller bag inside. The top of the tote can be folded down to show off the interior's contrasting tone, the smaller bag can be removed and used with the long, thin strap or hung outside the tote for easy access to your keys, shades, etc. This is one "Groovi" bag!

The second convertible we think you should test drive is the LUX. It's a shoulder bag, but unzip the handle and presto! It's a backpack. This one reminds me of the old Certs commercial - "Two, two, two mints in one!"

Oh and psssssst, wanna monkey around with us? Check out this GoGo tote with its MODO accessories.

With a high cool factor added to touches of whimsy, the rest need no introduction.

White Rabbit... meet George Nelson.

2008-10-09T14:47:00.039-05:00

. . .although, if he HAD met him, the tale of Alice in Wonderland would be lacking. The ChiChi Chicks and George Nelson will help keep you on time with a fabulous collection of clocks so prepare to feast your. . .

"eye"!

Metal Eye Wall Clock

(11.5"H x 24.5"W x 2"D)

For those design neophytes like me, George Nelson (1908-1986) was an architect-designer, editor, writer, and teacher. Probably most well known for furniture, industrial, exhibition, and urban design, his clocks also feature prominently in design dreams worldwide. We are particularly fond of his clocks which he began to design in 1947.

Round Metal Table Top Clock

(9.25"H x 6"W x 3.5"D)

Glass Orange to Yellow Parity

Table Top Clock

(3.25"H x 8.75"W x 5.75"D)

Glass Light Blue to Dark Blue Parity

Table Top Clock

(3.25" H x 8.75" W x 5.75" D)

Metal Tripod

(7"H x 7"W x 2"D)

Glass Orange to Yellow Parity

Pendulum

(12"H x 5.25"W x 1.75"D)

Metal Boutique

Sunburst Clock

(13.5" Diameter x 2"D)

Wooden Handle Spokes

with Metal Dial

(13" Diameter x 2"D)

Retro Starburst

Gold & Black Metal

(23.5" Diameter x 2 1/4"D)

Flower Starburst with Wooden Spokes & Gold Dial

(22.5" Diameter x 2 7/8"D)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2008-09-18T20:24:00.000-05:00

We know, we’ve seen it too. Christmas is already making an appearance in the big box stores like Costco. It may seem offensive to you, gentle reader, but as retailers we get it. We’ve already begun ordering for Christmas just to ensure we get what we want to bring to you before the holidays begin, and we are already busily treasure hunting for priceless vintage ornaments. However, something occurred to me on the weekend that I wanted to share with you.

If you’re looking for a new idea for a colour scheme or want to try something fresh and different this year that won’t break the bank I may have something for you. Whether or not you live in a snowy winter wonderland shouldn’t matter. Snow and Christmas just go together so why not roll with it (I’m speaking to you too my Vancouver compatriots).

Every few years Martha Stewart runs the same article while featuring a slightly different accompanying photo to update the article. One such article comes to mind that she has run at different times during the winter season. In this particular piece, Martha’s team cleverly sewed little white woolly pompoms to scarves, sweaters, etc. These little white pompoms always make me think of snow balls which makes me think of winter which makes me think of Christmas which led to this moment of utter genius, or madness.

We often encounter milk glass vessels and white hobnail vases and white hobnail lamps, etc. in our travels. I’m sure you or your mom has at least one piece stashed somewhere. Since there was a proliferation of them, they don’t seem to be as prized any more as we think they should be. Well, in our view they don’t need to be relegated strictly to the cottage.

The colour of white is associated with purity and cleanliness. It’s crisp and fresh and clean. Doesn’t a blanket of fresh white snow make all things in the world seem okay? Decorative milk glass or white glass trays and embossed dishes would be a nice fresh departure from the usual fare of red, green, silver, gold, santa servers we see everywhere at Christmas. And doesn’t the pattern of hobnail conjure up images of stacks of snowballs just waiting for a snowball fight?
As you plan your Christmas table picture a simple row of white hobnail vases with a single poinsettia in each running down the middle of the table. Think of switching out your regular house-hold lamp with a vintage hobnail lamp upcycled with a modern shade. Dark chocolate truffles would really pop on a sparkling embossed white dish.

Sew little white woollen pompoms to the edge of a pristine white tablecloth. Switch out the crystals on a vintage chandelier with a single white woolly pompom. String them together for garlands. Mix up the sizes. You can take this idea as far as you dare but be warned, if this idea appeals to you you’ll need to plan ahead and start sourcing your hobnail now before everyone beats you to it and dash off to Micheal’s for your pompoms, or get your kids busy whipping them up now on those rainy days when they’re climbing the walls. The key is to keep it simple and understated.

Once your dream of a white Christmas has been realized you can tuck away your hobnail and milk glass for a few months and then bring a couple of pieces back out in the spring to freshen things up. Just leave the woolly pompoms in cold storage…

Miss P

From Tip to Tabletop...

2008-09-10T21:00:00.035-05:00

From funk to fabulous, we now have a selection of Innermost's spectacular lighting available.
The Five In One Light - as shown above - is designed to suit your whims. Use all seven sections to create a large pendant or create two smaller lamps. Either way, they add impact to a room.

The Peony Shade adds allure by casting floral shaped light on your walls. Tres romantique for your boudoir!

The reflective quality of the Lighthouse shade casts a bright glow with a hip mood.

Delight in the Delight shade. Butterflies appear to be tearing away from this stunning felt shade which also casts bright slices of wing shaped light on the wall.

Invite your friends and family to color on your walls - provided they stay within the lines! Ideal for a front entry or a child's room, or where ever you think it deserves to be, Jenny Wilkinson's Wallpaper by Numbers adds fifteen feet of fun by way of a funky non-traditional wall border. Available in a number of colors and designs.

Single stems of flora never looked so sweet! The Stem and Stem Mini each embrace a single flower allowing it to shine in all its glory.

Celebrations sparkle with Wellmade's double wall champagne flutes. The design isn't just sexy, its smart. The curvature of the inner walls makes sure the bubbly stays bubbly while the outer wall keeps it cool.

Innermost creates an element of wow utilizing etched acrylic in the Ghost Vase and Ghost Candelabra.

The Fantome clock is a stunning addition to a mantle, or a wall if you so choose, with etched glass and mirror making the high polished clock gears fully visible.

And last, but not least, show off your playful side with SOOP's acrylic farm and forest animal rings. Adorable as a single and even more fun stacked to create a scene - is that cow chasing the fox who is about to eat the chicken?

Black + Blum All Over

2008-09-04T08:47:00.012-05:00

We just received a new shipment from the Anglo-Swiss design partnership of Black + Blum. Consequently, there's a new guy in the House, and we're both lovin' him. That could pose a bit of a problem, friends and business partners making eyes for the new guy. Fortunately, we ordered more than one!

Reading Light

His less sedentary brother...

Climbing Light

Perhaps our determined little climber is on a mission to abscond with your best bottle of vino?

Flow Wine Rack

For a romantic and more subtle lighting effect set out a single loop for two candles or group a number of them together...

Loop Candelabra

*Shown: Two individual Loop Candelabras

On table top or counter, with fresh or 'forever' fruit, add impact...

Fruit Loop

A little bit cute, a little bit kitsch and a lot fun...

Salad Plant ~ salad servers and dressing mixing bowl

And for a bit of whimsy in any room...

Libellule