Our partners at Lumens.com offer a large selection of Creative Gift Ideas for all occasions. Below are a few of my favorite gifts which I believe make wonderful Wedding Gifts.

Mediterraneo Salad Set by Alessi

The Alessi Mediterraneo Salad set, designed by Emma Silvestris with Laura Polinoro, uses the weightlessness of marine life as inspiration for this modern household accessory.
$68 US

Programma 8 Chopping Board & Cheese Set by Alessi

The Programma 8 Chopping Board and Cheese Set by Alessi, a 2005 Sargiani and Helander design, features a set of modular and stackable pieces. Set includes one container in stoneware with lid, one rectangular steel tray, a pair of containers in stoneware, one steel cheese knife, and cheese board in beechwood with feet in non-slip rubber. The Programma 8 Chopping Board & Cheese Set is great for entertaining and would make a great gift.

$375 US

Todo Giant Cheese and Nutmeg Grinder by Alessi

The Todo Giant Cheese and Nutmeg Grinder, by Alessi, a 2004 Richard Sapper design, is a conical shaped cheese grater made of stainless steel with a wood handle. Looks great displayed in the kitchen or on the table. Features a finer grater on the side for grating nutmeg.

$93 US

Harmonic Basket by Alessi

The Alessi Harmonic Basket, designed by Abi Alice, began life as an artistic drawing, which was then transformed into a three dimensional object by cutting, bending and curving sheet metal. The Harmonic Basket features mirror polished stainless steel material.

$130 US

Try It Trivet by Alessi

Another inventive trivet from Alessi. Designed by Dror Benshetrit, the Alessi Try It Trivet is made up of three stainless steel circular arcs. Each piececan be used alone as a trivet, or all three can be combined together for more stable support. They also can be arrange in a funky trivet objet d’arte.
$100 US

Treat Mom to something special this Mother’s Day with a little bling from our partners at Swarovski Crystal. They offer an extensive collection of wonderfully crafted jewelery for every occasion. Below is just a taste of what they have to offer.
Glamorous Mom
Melissa Vintage Rose Pierced Earrings

Capture this season’s floral trend with this romantic pair of gold-plated pierced earrings. Each exclusive cut flower crystal is beautifully crafted from a single piece of Vintage Rose crystal, making this a truly unique creation. A magnificent gradation of pink and purple crystals sparkles at the centre of the flower. Complete this on-trend look with the matching pendant or ring. $90.00 US

Galet Clear Crystal Pierced Earrings

This pair of rhodium-plated pierced earrings add a dash of glamour to any outfit. It lends a look of sophistication and can be worn at work or a social evening. Suitable for any occasion, these earrings with a drop in Ocean-cut clear crystal will gleam with bold elegance. The earrings come as a pair. $75.00 US

Lotus Pierced Earrings

This elegant pair of pierced earrings features two sparkling blossom-like drops in Daisy Leaf cut crystal with an exclusive blush effect and Silk crystal in the Tulip Leaf cut. Combine the earrings with the matching pendant for a refined look. $100.00 US

Hermine Bangle, M

Add an elegant touch to your look with this classic rhodium-plated hinged bangle. The clear crystal pave lends a distinctive sparkle to your wrist on any occasion, at any time of the day. $120.00 US

Geometric Bangle

This sparkling bangle lends your wrist a delicate touch. The brilliance of Moonlight and Golden Shadow crystals set in pave and the cubic-cut Golden crystals create a magical effect with light. The bracelet chain and closure lend a feeling of comfort. $140.00US

Neva Bangle, M

This unique bangle sparkles from all angles! The beautiful Emerald, Amethyst and Indian Pink crystals are highlighted by the warm gleam of the gold plating. Comfortable, sophisticated and easy to wear, the bangle combines perfectly with the matching pierced earrings or necklace. $155.00 US

Nil Bangle, M

This rhodium-plated bangle is embellished in turquoise and white epoxy highlighted by a stunning gradation of fuchsia, mint and white crystals set in pave. The abstract pattern is inspired by a butterfly’s wing under a magnifying glass. Stack two or three bangles together for an on-trend look. $85.00 US

Nelly Brooch

Feminine and floral, this classic brooch presents an elaborately crafted flower motif. The unique rhodium-plated silhouette is embellished in clear crystal pave. Add the matching necklace for a refined, timeless look. $155.00 US

Adiora Brooch

A unique fashion accessory, this eye-catching, rhodium-plated dragonfly brooch has wings in Aurora Borealis crystal. Watch the play of light as it bounces off the gleaming brooch. The head is set with a Light Azore crystal chaton and the body shimmers with Aurora Borealis crystals in the Pointiage® technique. $115.00 US

Nova Brooch

This palladium-plated brooch presents a stunning collage of spring motifs and colours. The filigree butterfly motif is embellished in crystal Pointiage®. With its trendy vintage look and elegant gradation of crystal colours, this gorgeous brooch is a must-have for fashionistas. $180 US

Nascent Parallele Necklace

Stand out from the crowd with this beautiful necklace. A stunning clear crystal in the exclusive Parallele cut sparkles on the iconic rhodium-plated chain. Add a pair of clear crystal earrings for a look that shows sophistication and style. $180 US

Lunar Moonlight Necklace

Inspired by nature, the shape of this pure design mirrors water droplets. A mini Indicolite and a small Moonlight crystal in the exclusive Toupie cut sparkle on a delicate rhodium-plated chain necklace. A beautifully crafted embellishment connects the two and adds to the elegance of this jewellery piece. Combine it with the matching pierced earrings to complete your look. $115 US

Our Partners at Lumen Light + Living know what Moms want. They offer a wonderful selection of gift giving ideas for all occasions.
Mom The Chef

Herb Garden by Royal VKB

There’s no doubt that meals created with fresh herbs just taste better. The Royal VKB Herb Garden makes it easy to always have fresh herbs on hand. Fresh herbs of all types can be stored, organized and kept within arm’s reach in the sleekly shaped and portable Herb Garden tub. Cut off just the amount needed with the accessorizing scissors stored in the integrated pocket. Based in Zoetermeer, The Netherlands, Royal VKB creates kitchen tools and accessories that display a combination of traditional quality craftsmanship and exhilarating modern design techniques. Both playful and practical, such designs demonstrate an awareness of current lifestyles as well as anticipate their gradual evolution.

Stylish Mom

Minou Purse Hook by Alessi

The Alessi Minou Purse Hook: a petite hook in the stylized shape of a cat (with a very long tail). It’s a delicate little invention from Belgian designer Frederic Gooris, who worked with Starck and Giovannoni before establishing his own base in Milan. Made of mirror-polished 18/10 stainless steel. Alessi, known as the Italian design factory, has manufactured household products since 1921, the stylish and fun items offered are the result of contemporary partnerships with some of the world’s best designers of unique and modern home accessories.

Mom the Entertainer

Double Candleholder by Menu

The Menu Double Candle holder is inspired by dance and movement. The straight, robust bodies and the curved, slim arms appear both masculine and feminine at the same time. When you place the candle holders closely together, they seem to unite in a dancing embrace. The harmonious balance between masculinity and femininity makes the double candle holder an ideal gift! The Double Candle holder features Mirror finished steel. Menu, headquartered in Denmark, partners with designers to develop and produce a broad assortment of Scandinavian living accessories for the dining room, living room, kitchen, and garden.

At Chapters.Indigo Mother’s Day Gift Giving Ideas are endless.

Mom the Reader
Kobo Wireless eReader – Pearlized Lilac

The Kobo Wireless eReader lets you shop and add books on the go, stores up to 1,000 eBooks and weighs as little as a paperback.  An E Ink screen reads just like print on paper with no glare, even in sunlight.  And adjustable font sizes makes reading easy on the eyes. On sale now only $129 CAD

Click the ‘New and Hot’ banner below for more gift giving ideas including Gardening Kits, Decorative Votive Candles, Floral Journals, Stationary, Kobo Book Covers, Spring Totes and more!

Olivia Pendant by LBL Lighting

The LBL Lighting Olivia Pendant has an elegant, formal form ideal for contemporary settings. The 100% recyclable plastic strip shade appears to spill like a fountain out of and around the central hand-blown Opal glass diffuser. Available in three shade colors and in either incandescent or energy efficient fluorescent lamping. Designed by Koziol of Germany. For more than 40 years, Illinois-based LBL Lighting has created innovative lighting fixtures based on the principles of beauty, originality and quality. Such values remain evident in their current line of fixtures, which feature distinctive elements like organic art glass, solid construction and the latest low voltage and LED lighting technology.

Fascination Chandelier by Varaluz

A wonderfully modern design based on the “old.” The Varaluz Fascination Chandelier is inspired by an old Nevada miner’s cabin and its walls made of wine bottles. Fascination recreates the wine bottle ends with various sizes of hand-forged steel circles filled with recycled glass discs. Available in three rich metallic finishes. 70% recycled steel, 100% recycled glass, 0% recycled style. Varaluz Lighting develops handmade fixtures created from recycled or reclaimed materials styled in a broad range of lighting genres from period to transitional and contemporary. Varaluz light fixtures that are like jewelry for the home, crafted to be relevant for generations.

Secola Large Pendant by WPT Design

What happens when you mix recycled materials with unique, contemporary design? You get the WPT Design Secola Large Pendant. Hand-created in Southern California by a plasma torch artist, ordinary, recycled tin becomes extraordinary art illuminated by nostalgic, carbon filament lamps. The Secola is both Earth-friendly and stylish. Chicago-based WPT Lighting works directly with Californian glass blowers to bring unique hand-fashioned lighting to contemporary homes. By using age-old techniques to create vibrant sophisticated pieces, traditional craft gets a fresh look without losing its artisan appeal.

Element Planter by Planterworx

The Planterworx Element Planter, inspired by the random shapes of the rocks on ocean jetties, encourages conversation and contemplation when part of a contemporary landscape. The Element Planter is deep enough to give plants room to extend their roots, providing healthy-looking leaves and flowers and further enhancing the urban home. Planterworx is a leader in the fabrication of quality, sustainable window boxes and modern modular planters. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Planterworx uses steel and powder coated aluminum to create durable and versatile planters (both made with recycled content and, in turn, fully recyclable). The Planterworx Home collection of contemporary planters is designed with the urban gardener in mind.

Swarovski Home Accessories

Crystalline Tea Light, small (set of 2)

Get enchanted by the spectrum of dream-like reflections from the 1’400 clear crystals enclosed in each of these delicate tea lights. Watch the flame sparkle through the silver-tone metal details, filling your home with a magic and light. Place several tea lights together for maximum effect. Makes a perfect gift.

$170

Gifts by Lumen Light and Living

Jewelry Tree Large by Menu

Rings, bracelets, chains and earrings all have a place on the Menu Jewelry Tree Large. Designed by Louise Christ, the mirror-finished Jewelry Tree is carefully weighted (so as not to tip) and also includes an earring stud holder. After all, you should be able to enjoy your jewelry even when you don’t have it on.
$99.95

La Stanza Dello Scirocco Basket by Alessi

The Alessi La Stanza Dello Scirocco Basket: part of a collection of items that designer Mario Trimarchi says is “born out of the abstract and motionless atmosphere of a magic place.” This basket is made up of geometrically irregular stainless steel pieces of various sizes that are “interlaced in an unstable balance.”
$50-$100

Loop Candelabra by Black and Blum

An exquisite candelabra, beautifully mimicking the aesthetics and symmetry of nature’s Fibonacci spirals. The Black and Blum Loop Candelabra appears to be randomly curved–but, in reality, every one is carefully hand-forged into the same flowing shape. Each Loop holds 2 standard candles; multiple Loop Candelabras can be intertwined to stunning effect (image shows 2 linked Loops). $28 each

GENTS Tape Measure by Blomus

The Blomus GENTS Tape Measure provides a 10-foot measure and fits easily into a pocket with little bulk, making it an advantageous household product. The GENTS Tape Measure was designed by stotz-design and features stainless steel.

$26.00

Gifts by The Shopping Channel

Our Partners at The Shopping Channel offer a great assortment of kitchen cookware, glassware and small appliances. Please note that the following items are available to ship within Canada only.

HERITAGE- HAMMERED STAINLESS STEEL WINE COOLER

Impress your guests this amazing stainless steel wine cooler. Simply slip in a bottle of your favorite wine and you’ll enjoy it at the right temperature when you’re ready. • Made of stainless steel • Minimal upkeep required • Measures approximately 7 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ Care Instructions: Wash in warm soapy water after use.

PORCELAIN CUT-OUT SALAD BOWL W/SERVERS

Serve your greens in style with this porcelain cut out salad bowl with servers. The bowl servers are made of fine porcelain, and these pieces are dishwasher safe, making clean up a breeze. • Measures 12cm H x 29cm W x 24.5cm L

CORE BAMBOO FLOWER BOWL & SERVERS

This set features pieces which are ideal for dining and entertaining. It is a great addition to any home decor. These pieces are beautifully designed for everyday use. • Flower shaped bowl with scalloped edge • FDA approved • Salad servers are made from 100% organically grown bamboo • Care: hand wash with light soap, warm water and wipe dry. Not recommended for prolonged soaking. Not for use in a microwave or dishwasher. For cold food use only. • Made in Malaysia Includes: • 1 x Bamboo Flower Bowl (11.5″ x 4.75″) • 1 x Bamboo Spoon (11″ x 2.75″) • 1 x Bamboo Fork Server (11″ x 2.75″)

Limited Time Only

When you start your search for your lighting you will see prices range from a couple hundred to thousands. The good news is that no matter what your budget is you can find expensive looking lighting for a fraction of the price. Below are lighting fixtures from our partners at Lumin Lighting. These are examples of similar looking fixtures with very different price points. So no matter what your budget is you will find the perfect fixture for your home.

High – Perspectives No. 733440 Suspension by Fine Art Lamps Retail Price: $5,200.00

Low – Quinn Drum Pendant by Kichler Retail Price: $398.00

Koshi M Suspension by AXO Light Retail Price: $1,451.20

Andretti Pendant by ET2 Retail Price: $142.20 – $250.20

Arc Ellipse 9 Light Circular Chandelier by Hubbardton Forge Retail Price: $2,442.00 – $2,626.00

Aura Chandelier by Troy Lighting Retail Price: $466.00 – $652.00

I’m a big fan of the vessel sink. Because there are so many vessel sink styles to choose from it really allows you to add a touch of your personality to a bathroom.

Faucets for Vessel Sinks

Wall Mounted Faucets are used for vessel sinks and are  increasing in popularity. There are no holes to drill on the counter or sink and are great where space is an issue. With wall mounted faucets the spout should sit just above the centre of the sink over the drain. Because the plumbing of the wall mounted faucets are in the walls consulting with a contractor is recommended.

Vessel Filler Faucets as used specifically for vessel sinks. These faucets are taller to accommodate the height of the sink.Your faucet should stand approximately 3-5 inches above the rim of the sink for a comfortable height. The spout should sit above the drain about 2 1/2″ or more from the edge of the sink. Proper placement of the faucet is important to ensure enough space is provided for washing your hands.

Kohler K-14404-4A Brushed Nickel Purist Bathroom Faucet
Kohler faucets on sale now!

So whether you are replacing an existing faucet or are about to embark on a bathroom renno our partners at faucet.com have it all. Take advantage of discounts offered now at faucet.com by using the code below at checkout. Offer expires August 31, 2010.

Take $10 off Kitchen and Bathroom Sink Faucets $299+ at Faucet.com using code AFCOM10 at checkout.

Although summer appears to be flying by there is still plenty of time for gardening. Our partners at garden.com have wide range of gardening gloves on sale. Click link below for more information.

Buy Womens Garden Gloves at Garden.com

Wallpaper is back and it’s fabulous!  Designers are all on board and why not. Wallpaper adds life where paint colours may fall short. From a whisper to a scream there’s a wallpaper to reflect your personality.

What’s Hot In Wallpaper Trends

In keeping with home decor trends, Metallics such copper, bronze and silver are everywhere and are simply beautiful when applied to wallpaper. But wallpaper doesn’t stop at your walls, look up, way up. Wallpaper is also being applied to ceilings making them more dimensional.

Size Doesn’t Matter

No room is too small. Wallpaper can transform a tiny, boring powder room into an elegant, grand space and possibly make it look bigger. Designers often wallpaper an entire powder room, including the ceiling which can give the illusion of a bigger space.

In larger rooms, adding wallpaper to all four wall can be very costly so if it’s not in the budget you can still create drama by wallpapering one main wall which will become your focal point.

Do Your Homework

If you don’t know where to begin do some research by looking through decor magazines and searching on line to get a sense of what you like. Before purchasing your wallpaper it’s recommended to select a few patterns that you like and order samples from the supplier. Hang them on your walls for a few days before committing to one. If you become unsure, confused or frustrated you may want to hire a Designer or Stylist.  A 1-2 hour consultation may be all that you need. A consult may cost  $150-$200 but it could save you hundreds if you make a mistake.

Our partners at burkedecor.com offer a wonderful selection of wallpaper along with many other wonderful home decor products. Right now save on all Wallpaper from Burke Decor. Most popular modern and contemporary designs. Free Shipping over $50 to the lower 48

Or visit Decor Diary for more information.

Images By Burke Decor.

Accessorize your furniture with decorative pillows, an outdoor carpet and charming outdoor lanterns:  instantly you have extended  your backyard into an outdoor living space.

Below you’ll find the Eagle One Cape Table which is made of recycled plastic. It’s available in Green, White, Black, Driftwood, Cedar and Brown and is also available in two sizes. For more information visit Patio Furniture.

One way to achieve this is the purchase a Rain Barrel. Rain Barrels not only aid in excess rain water getting into the sewers but the water can be used to water your flower pots, garden or even your car, saving you money on your water bill. Rain Barrels are now available in many decorative shapes and sizes and are aesthetically pleasing.

Our partners at The Shopping Channel offer this attractive  Rain Barrel with Crown Planter. A charming additional to any garden. Visit Decor Diary for more information.

The information above is courtesy of  The City of Toronto. For more information visit the link below. Also visit the Water Tips link for helpful water saving ideas for your lawn.

Rain water

Water Tips