Hey Guys. If you follow me on Instagram you all know by now I went to Canada over the weekend. Yes, Canada. In the middle of January. Let me tell you, it was fabulous. I loved everything and can’t wait to visit again. A big huge humungous thank you to Craig for taking me up there in the driving snow and super gusty winds. True love. He told me that this was my birthday and Valentine’s gift for 3 years. So that’s that. True love has limits. 😂
Why would I go to Canada in the middle of winter? Design of course! My favorite designer Christine Dovey and my favorite art dealer Alessandra Salituri (of Citizen Atelier) together were hosting a design workshop called Life Styled up in Toronto. I had to meet these two ladies who I admire and respect so much, so to Canada I went. With the husband and two kiddos. Snow boots and winter hats and bathing suits for the hotel pool. A mini vacation of sorts.
The workshop was incredibly styled from the space itself with its gorgeous mouldings to the beautiful art and accessories that surrounded us. It was like a wonderland of pretty things- a real treat for the eyes. I was in heaven. After a little chat and some introductions from the ladies that were attending, we got our eating on! The grazing table that set was equally as gorgeous as the rest of the space. With yummy exotic fruits and delectable desserts (which were almost too pretty to eat), it was a feast made for the likes of Marie Antoinette.
What I loved most, more than the actual pretty things to look at, were the women around the room who were there to learn and support one another. From the minute I walked in, snow covered and cold, I was greeted by Alessandra (with a warm hug) who knew me only through Instagram. And then greeted in the same manner by Christine who again, is an Instagram friend, someone who I have never met. Ever. And that’s the thing. Social media gets such a bad rap. But this time, it brought so many great women together and I couldn’t be more grateful for the connections I made.
As the introductions revealed, many of the women there were not designers per se, but women with an admiration for Christine and Alessandra and a love of design and a willingness to learn from these two inspiring women. Many of the women that were there, myself included, are designers as a second career. We are following our passions and I was proud to be among them.
Here are some shots of that day taken by Vanessa Paxton, an artist whose work is just stunning!
I took a few shots as well.
Well, that’s it. So much fun. Thank you to Christine and Alessandra for all your hard work! It was truly lovely.
PS: I wanna give some love to the sponsors as well who made the space and all the elements just incredible!
Furniture and Decor – Black Rooster Decor
Staging Rentals – Staging & Decor Concepts
Vintage – Bettencourt Manor
Linens – Linen Closet
Tabletop – Plate Occasions – Luxury Tabletop Styling & Rentals
Grazing Table – The Grazing Ace
Desserts – Sweetbites
Florals – THORN Floral
Wine – Magnotta Winery
Location – Mint Room Studios
Makeup – Lauryn Hopwood
Wardrobe – The Fitzroy
Coffee – Nespresso
Mouldings – Metrie
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