Stuff for (Adult) Stockings

Sometimes finding those perfect stocking stuffers is more difficult than shopping for the "hardest" person on your Christmas list. In case Santa needs a little nudge, here are some stocking stuffer ideas for him (and for you).

Designed as a portable toolbox that will fit in the palm of your hand, the KELVIN 23 Multi-Tool gathers the most common tools you might need for around the house together in one convenient place. It's easy for anyone to use, handy person or not so DIY oriented.

Everyone on your Christmas list can use a travel alarm clock, whether they are regularly on the road or leave town only for holidays. When the power goes out, it's good to have a backup plan like the retro sleek Howard Miller Clam Shell Alarm Clock.


The Remington Travel Shaver is one of those must have handy gadgets for those on the go, whether they're on a plane or at the gym.

Give her the option of taking her jewelry with her wherever she needs to go with a stylish travel style jewelry box.

You know someone whose home office doesn't have air conditioning? Working at the computer in the family room gets a little stuffy? How about a portable, personal fan?

For the outdoor enthusiatic, whether they just go for hikes on the weekends or camp every chance they get, I bet they'll really appreciate the Chass Outdoor Pro Multi Use Travel Tool.

- E.L.

Turn Your Basement into a Party Space or Bar

Wouldn’t it be fun to turn your basement, provided that you have one, into a entertainment space for all ages? There are many benefits to this:

• If you love entertaining this can be just another facet of your offering has a wonderful host
• Budget friendly, if you are on a limited budget instead of going to meet your friends, have them come over, instead
• You save yourself the cab fare by NOT leaving your house to enjoy beverage with friends
• It just looks good. Having a nice bar set up just adds to the comfort and welcoming atmosphere of your home

Is your interest peaked? Believe it or not, creating a bar in your home is not that complicated, and it doesn’t have to be expensive either. Here are some essentials to get you started:

• Bar counter and sink – you will have to contact a plumber build a sink with working faucets around your bar (or a bar around your sink)
• Bar stools (both counter bar stools and swivel bar stools) – enough to cover the entire row of the bar
• Bar utensils – shakers, strainers, small knives, etc.
• Glasses – glasses that cover all times of drinks will be needed: high balls, old fashions, shot glasses, steins, mugs, martini glasses, wine (red and white) glasses and champagne flutes are a good start.
• Fun décor – depending on the look your going for – I personally would collect turn-of-the-century to mid-century memorabilia (garage sales, vintage shops and second-hand stores are full of them). If you have a favourite sports team then feel free to decorate with the associated paraphernalia. Be creative.
• Wine rack
• Small appliances – such as a blender and bar fridge
• Drinks – and last but not least are drinks and spirits to stock your bar. Perhaps if you throw a housewarming (barwarming?) party guests may be generous and bring a contribution to stock your supply!
• A wall-mounted TV – especially if you plan on inviting your friends over for sports games

There you have it – having a home bar can save time, money and of course it’s an excuse to invite friends and family over for some fun, quality time. Good luck!

-M

Save Time and Money with a Bedroom Set

Whenever I used to think of bedroom furniture sets, I thought of the outdated, matchy-matchy faux-wood sets with which my great-aunt used to furnish her house. I found them all a bit ugly and uninspiring growing up. However, nowadays, it seems that bedroom sets are back in style thanks to the quality and huge range in style available. Not only that, there are sets that fit EVERY budget and every taste. Plus, it takes the guesswork out of setting a theme or style for your room for those of you who are design-challenged (I admit, I am, but I’m making a conscious effort to learn).

When I say that there’s a bedroom set out there for EVERY one, I mean it. Let’s take a look at some popular styles:



Bunk Bed Sets – the name gives it away; this is a set for children and teens. Bunk bed sets will come with the beds as well as matching furniture. Believe it or not, the styles are very kid- and teen-friendly. From modern aluminum finishes for the teenager, to whimsical white lacquer finishes for younger children. Plus, bunk bed sets sometimes comes with a matching desk – so the kids have no excuse for incomplete homework!

5 Piece Bedroom Set –the more typical bedroom set that comes with five pieces of furniture: bed panel/frame/headboard, 2 nightstands, 1 dresser, 1 mirror. Styles and finishes are practically limitless.

Platform Bedroom Set – instead of a traditional bed frame, platform bedroom sets come with platform bed frame.

Kids’ Bedroom Set – smaller furniture that comes in styles and finishes that children love.

If you do not have the resources to hire an interior decorator to design the bedrooms in your house, I highly recommend purchasing a good quality bedroom set instead!

Bunk Beds – A Great Option for Urban Families

In the past few years, there have been big discussions on gentrification, urbanization and the fact that more and more families simply do not want to leave the big city (whether it be Toronto, New York City, Chicago, Paris, etc.) for a place in the suburbs that’s large enough to accommodate their growing families. There are many reasons for this: desire for a shorter commute to work, access to more major cultural events and attractions, independent shops, restaurants and diversity among residents. One of the major pitfalls of living in the big city, unless you have a very high income is living in a smaller living space.

Many middle class families cannot afford the sky high costs of housing in the city but refuse to let that be a deterrent to their dream of staying downtown. Instead, many families decided to make the best of their situation by staying put in their 2 bedroom condos and raising their families there. Often, this means that children will have to share a room, making the twin bunk bed the ideal bed for the children’s room. While the twin over twin bunk bed is one option, the twin over full bunk bed is another for children who have a greater age difference. Bunk bed frames can come in wood finishes but for families living in downtown condos with a modern décor, there are also metal finishes available.

Bunk beds come in a variety of styles and finishes, making it the ideal, piece of furniture for families who want to maximize their living space.

I need a Bedroom Vanity Set!

I’m in the market for a bedroom vanity set. Currently, my make up, hair brushes, combs, accessories and skin care products are located all over my house: in my bathroom, in the hallway by the door (when I’m rushing out) and all over the desk in my room. Actually, all of my beauty products and accessories are slowly taking over the entire surface of my desk. In fact, I think my army of hair accessories, lotions and potions exercised a coup d’état and kicked my poor laptop out. Laptop is in exile on the coffee table in said living room!

As you can see, I need a vanity. Well, I don’t actually need one but it WILL make my life a lot easier and more organized. I also anticipate some additional indirect benefits of having bedroom vanity, such as saving time in the morning because I’m not looking for things and hopefully, I’ll end up looking more put together because I will now have a place to sit down and properly style my hair, etc.

So what kind of vanity shall I choose? A more romantic, traditional one such as this:



Or a sleek, modern one like this:




What kind would you choose?

-M

Weather Resistant Patio Furniture

Last Tuesday, October 26th here in Toronto we had what weather forecasters called a “weather bomb.” It suddenly got all dark and gloomy outside, then extremely window, then came the downpour.

I thought about my mom’s new patio furniture set – she had just bought a set (at a deep discount, since we’re evidently heading into rainy and then snowy season), which she did not have room to store in the garage. I am glad she decided to go with the kind of outdoor furniture known to be weather resistant. Rain, snow, sleet, hail – her patio furniture set can manage it all and stay looking like new.

Therefore, I present to you, my top choices in material for weather-resistant patio furniture.



Resin Patio Furniture – this is the popular kind of furniture you see on all sorts of patio, at restaurants and at homes. It looks like tightly-woven wicker and is easy to wipe clean. The resin material can withstand any sort of weather. When it comes to resin patio furniture, I personally prefer it in dark charcoal grey or chocolate brown, with bright colored cushions (also weather-resistant!).

Aluminum Patio Furniture - made with weather-resistant, rust-proof aluminum and provides a nice modern touch to your outdoor decor.

Teak Furniture – although teak furniture is a bit pricey, it is well worth the money if you desire wooden furniture. Teak is naturally resistant to extreme furniture and can even last generations, if you buy quality.

Whether it’s resin, aluminum or teak, choose the outdoor patio furniture that suits your style and budget.

Back-To-School: Student Housing 5 Must-Haves

It's mid October, students have gone back to school and are all settled in for the year. Nevertheless here's a guide for student housing must haves,because I'm sure there are things we never think to buy until we've already moved in.

1.Futon bed – Now that you’re living off campus, you’ll actually need to buy you’re own bed. Because you’re on a student budget and probably live in cramped quarters, a multifunctional bed is preferred. Hence the enduring popularity of the futons for college/university students all over the world. Turn it into a single bed, double bed or sofa – essentially you are purchasing 3 different pieces of furniture for the price of one.

2.Trendy laundry hamper – Yes, you will be lugging your clothes down the hall, several flights of stairs or even across campus to do your laundry (that is, when mom and dad aren’t doing your laundry for you during your visits home). So why not do your laundry while looking as cool as possible? This not only includes wearing your Alma Matter’s matching hooding and sweatpants for that “I’m not trying, but I match anyways” look and some sort of uniquely designed, avant-garde laundry hamper. Sure, a plain old cloth sack will do, but why not really show off your personal style with a unique hamper.

3.A cool twin sized sheet-set and down duvet - Chances are, you sleeping quarters are going to be tiny – and at worst – shared! Set yourself apart with a sheet and duvet set with a design that reflects your individual personality and style.These will certainly jazz up your futon mattress and disguise the fact that it’s a futon.

4.Beanbag chair – beanbag chairs are fun, playful and inviting. Not only that but they are extremely portable – great for impromptu parties that suddenly require more seating in a particular.
5.Dry erase board/calendar – You can find dry erase boards that even have a designated calendar section at your local discount superstore or campus bookstore. Hang it up in your room and use it consistently – you’ll be thankful for the exam and essay deadline reminders constantly in your line of vision.