I think it’s been established that I’m a total sucker for original art, and I’m even more inspired by artisans who are able to create pieces that are both elegant and whimsical.

Meet my newest obsession, Specimen Box Shop, and its owner, Gabriele Cavender. Keep reading to learn more about this shop.

Using handcrafted shadow boxes and unique (often vintage) frames, beautiful specimens are showcased and turned into one-of-a- kind works of art. They are quirky and hauntingly pretty and would make any vignette infinitely more special.

Throw one up beside a vintage bust and perhaps a more modern sculptural objet and, congratulations my friends, you’ve just managed to create an absolutely magical design moment.

Would you check out this online shop?

Fab find
Ice cream dishes, $2.49 – $3.77 each; Crate and Barrel.

These vintage-inspired, molded glass dishes are perfect for serving up summertime frozen treats.

Whether you’re scooping out sorbet or treating dinner guests to some homemade balsamic caramel ice cream, you can display your desserts in parlor, waffle or tulip shaped dishes.

Which dish is YOUR favourite?

Style at Home celebrated its very first Beyond the Blueprint event the other night. It was an evening of entertaining and decorating tips, signature cocktails, appetizing hors d’oeuvres, and a few indulgent extras.

For those who couldn’t attend, fear not! We have the behind-the-scenes look at our stylish soiree here.

Beyond the Blueprint is a new loyalty program for Ontario Style at Home fans, where readers can sign up to enjoy exclusive events, workshops and offers. This inaugural event had guests arriving in summer style to the Cube rooftop patio, where Editor-in-Chief Erin McLaughlin was ready to meet and greet our VIPs.

The evening offered a variety of experiences, including tabletop decorating tips, on-site nail aestheticians, lessons from an expert mixologist, and a live interview with Charles de Bournet Marnier Lapostolle of the famed Grand Marnier family. Take a peek at what the evening had to offer!

Would YOU like to attend our next event? Click here for more information and to register: Beyond the Blueprint.

Whether you love attending parties or hosting them, I’m sure you can agree that a chic fashion accessory or stylish decor item can make all the difference.

This week, you have a budget of $60, which item would you buy: a sleek, tray table or a new city bag?

1 Formosa white tray table
Serve party guests your famous peach sangria or create a pseudo bar area with this willow wood, veneered tray with folding chromed x-base. CB2, $59.95.

2 City bag with chain handle
From garden party to a night on the town, this city bag is the perfect accessory and large enough to hold everything you’ll need. Zara, $59.90.

Which item would YOU choose?

Last week I was lucky enough to find myself in Chicago on a work trip hosted by the World of Whirlpool. Unbeknownst to me, Whirlpool doesn’t just have a home in the appliance market, they have a great storage line called “Gladiator Garageworks“.

With a wide range of products (from tool chests to golf club caddy’s) these storage solutions can help make any garage the ultimate man den!

The line is available at all major retailers, including Lowe’s.

What are you getting your dad for Father’s Day?

If you’re anything like me, you know that gifts for dad are always the toughest to check off the shopping list. Father’s are famed for being “the man who has everything” (or the guy who asks for nothing) and there are only so many BBQ tools, tech gadgets and ties you can buy him. The task seems exponentially more difficult for my dad in particular.

My dad is the stoic type. Since he’s rarely the first to express emotion, those one-on-one heart-to-hearts were completely foreign to us. To make up for the loss of words, though, he would fix my apartment, help me move even when he was out-of-town, or mock me endlessly in front of others for something I did when I was three. Now that’s love, according to us anyway.

It may not be the conventional father-daughter relationship, but conventional can be boring and sentiment can come in many forms — especially for those who have trouble saying it out loud.

This is why I love the Father’s Day cards from Paper Society Co. Whether you’re looking to go seriously sentimental or wildly whimsical, this collection has you covered, with stylish designs to boot. Keeping reading to see more!

That’s not all! Be sure to check out the whole collection here. (Cards are only $5 each).

Which card design is perfect for YOUR dad or husband?

Fab find
Oliver cocktail glasses, $5 each; CB2.

Looking to find a Father’s Day gift for the man who loves to entertain? These glasses are great for serving up his famous summer cocktails and make for a whimsical display on his bar cart.

You’re sure to get a smile when he unwraps these humorous, hand-sketched decal glasses. Wrap a few glasses in a gift basket or box and pair them with some homemade snacks and he’ll be ready to entertain in no time.

Which glass is YOUR favourite?

I think it’s apparent by now that I love to shop, so when a new online store opens… well, it’s a happy day. I’m very excited to introduce the newest venture from blogger Bailey McCarthy. Named Biscuit Home, it offers an incredible selection of bedding, furniture and decor accessories, all designed with Bailey’s super exuberant signature style.

And speaking of things that make me happy, have you heard about the new craze that is patterned paint rollers? The U.K.-based shop The Painted House has created textured rollers that give your walls a beautiful hand-blocked look. So if you love the look of expensive wallpaper patterns and/or bespoke design but are on a budget, these are definitely for you!

Would you ever use a textured roller?

Yesterday, I threw an ‘I’m going to be an Auntie’ party, otherwise known as a baby shower for my sister. With the help (and incomparable talent) of friends and family, we organized a special day to help her celebrate the arrival of her bundle of joy. Here’s a peek at the day:

I love these colourful striped straws from Magnolia Bakery. I always pick some up when I visit Magnolia, never quite sure what I’ll use them for. These straws perfectly fit our pink and yellow theme!

My friend Karen and her daughter Ella made these adorable mint soothers. Using mint Lifesavers, she attached two together using royal icing and stuck a pink jelly bean through each, then tied ribbon through them. Brilliant!

This watermelon and mint salad was so easy to make and was a refreshing accompaniment to lunch. Get the recipe here.

Salmon cakes with lemon caper yogurt sauce. Get the recipe here.

These scratch cards, which I found on Etsy.com from Inklings Paperie were perfect for a fun baby shower game. The pack of 24 cards comes with three winning cards.

I made these vanilla cupcakes using a tried and true Canadian Living recipe. I iced them with a vanilla buttercream icing and topped them with adorable cupcake toppers from Unify on Etsy.

This baby shower cake was the undeniable star of the show. Made by my friend Paula’s mom Mary Rose, the cake was a vanilla layer cake with mango and raspberry mousse, topped with a buttercream frosting. It was the most beautiful and delicious cake!

These adorable cookies in the shape of a baby pram were made by my mom’s friend Marian. They were the perfect pretty parting gift for our guests.

Are you planning a baby shower? Here are some more ideas for you:

10 baby shower planning ideas
Baby shower gift ideas
DIY baby shower gift idea

Who doesn’t love baking cookies? Especially when a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow directions means you can enjoy homemade cookies without having a stare down with your oven timer.

These delicious thumbprint cookies are the perfect combination of buttery goodness and tart raspberry. They’re sure to impress your guests and have them asking for the recipe!

Enjoy these raspberry thumbprint cookies on their own, or bring them to your next dessert party. Happy baking!

What is your favourite cookie recipe?