sourced

I have been playing around with issuu for a while. It is a self publishing tool where we publish our Canvas Interiors catalog. It is a refreshing place to visit on the web waves if you are looking for something new to stimulate your creative juices.  While poking around I found this:

Its a lovely guide to my former home. Of course it warmed my heart to see familiar shots of the city but it was also fun to see new shops/restaurants that have opened since I moved.  

If you are planning a trip to San Francisco, check out 'Sourced'.

Well organized, beautiful photography, just enough editorial and a few recipes as well. 

It is a great read.

Author/photographer/self-publisher: Chantelle Grady

all images: Sourced

South Park SF

I just had to share this South Park S.F home with you as seen in California Home and Design . On the market for a cool $7.65 mill, this Edwardian with its original 1911 facade is sure to amaze. Spare, dramatically curated interiors housed beneath exposed wood ceilings make for a jaw dropping reno.  Not to mention South Park is one of my favorite haunts.  I spent many a lunch hour in this park and can tell you that the restaurants, stores and other amenities are among my favorites in the city.  

The only thing I'm not so sure about is the dining swings.  

After a few glasses of wine your dinner party might go south 

and I'm not talking about the park. 

The imagination and inspiration behind this reno is one of the things I love most about my former city. 

I try to keep that in mind and heart when showing you things here ... I hope I have done that today. 

images first spotted: here 

website for the real estate listing: here

Back to the Bay

There are so many things to share about the Bay Area but today I will focus on Mill Valley. I just got back from a fantastic weekend with my westies and spent time wandering in downtown Mill Valley exploring. It is an eclectic and always inspiring group of stores, cafes and restaurants.  Always a pleasure to pop into the shops and wander aimlessly.  So here's a little tour.

Just simply walking with no destination yields many finds.

Or stroll to the Depot  for a latte and organic scramble...

...grab some stems at the Mill Valley Market to brighten the day

Pop into baby & kids company for unique books, toys and clothes.

...or find a fantastic fit at  the Blues Jean Bar. This place openend on Union St. right before I moved to FLA and they are the most helpful at finding the right fit for you. It is great to know there is one in Mill Valley. A large selection and well edited styles makes trying on jeans a pleasure.

A stop at the store always yields something fun. I always seem to find a little goodie and lots of smiles in this store.

This place is new to me, Mint.  What a breath of fresh air it was. There was so much to see, and all of it displayed with care and an impeccable eye. 

And the last stop on the tour is another new one (to me). In the charming former space of Maison Reve is  showroom.

This store was such a treat I went back three times. The owners are both lovely and clearly creative  thinkers. Original artwork of one of the owners is displayed nicely above the clothing racks for a touch of home. And in talking to the other owner we discovered we both grew up in Toronto. Which is always a fun discovery for me. Their eye is on trend and well edited. The store has a very welcoming vibe.  These ladies have done a great job in creating what is obviously a well thought out collection.  I had a hard time choosing but the Clare Vivier clutch kept jumping out at me... 

These two beauties made it into my suitcase... thank you showroom for stocking such amazing choices!  

check out the showroom's facebook page and like! 

I can't wait to head back to MV.  

To my westies (besties in the west), thanks for a perfect weekend.

xoox

cat

ps: KJ - keep painting :)

all images ©canvasstyle

please link back thanks

happy trails...

Today I am traveling home from 

see you back here tomorrow! 

image collected: here

lookbook: SF

I am headed to San Francisco in a few weeks to visit my westies (besties in the west) and am inspired by these images. When I lived there I had pretty much a black head to toe wardrobe. I arrived in FLA with a small handful of summer clothes (if you have been to SF in the summer you will know you don't need a whole lot of tank tops). I think this trip I am going to mix it up and ditch the noir uniform. All this FLA sunshine has gone to my head. 

It will be a challenge but I know I can do it.  Just look at these images all together. I was going to post them one by one but really, they say so much when edited together for an overall feeling.  I am going to dive into my closet and rethink how I put pieces together (like that sweater over the floaty sea foam top below) and come out with a whole new perspective.  

Cream, sea foam, grey with a dash of navy.

And of course I may have to do a

teeny tiny bit of shopping while I'm there

to complet the look.

Right?

images found: here

Nor Cal dream

As a former San Francisco resident I feel an immediate connection and slight twinge of longing when I open a magazine and see something from Nor Cal.  There is a certain spirit and deep seeded sense of creativity that is ever-present. This weekend retreat in Marin County is a perfect example of that. 

I immediately picture dinner parties and long weekends in this wonderfully interesting home. Especially on the deck.  This couple made a getaway that is a true expression of their life and it shows.

 Filled with a mix of old and new, you see the personalities of the homeowners.  

I think I like them.

all images house beautiful