It’s A New… Bee-DAY… Upping Your Toilet Game With Bidets

Somewhat of a touchy subject for some, and yes there is going to be a sh&* load of double entendres here given we are talking about the very best of humours.. that of the toilet persuasion, we have recently gifted our upstairs bathroom with a washlet/bidet toilet seat, and could not be happier with the outcome. Complete with oscillating front and back spouts, heated water, deodorizer and adjustable temperature dryer, toilet paper use has decreased significantly, and the first visit of the day to the cold, cold bathroom is slightly less painful now as least our butts are warm. North America is actually pretty.. behind… when it comes to posterior cleanliness and washing properly when finished our number two’s — rather ironic given our reputation as germ-o-phobes. The first exposure to the bidet/toilet combo, as opposed to the stand alone bidet/looks like a short water fountain thingie, was at a friends who had the ultimate in toilets: a Toto. See below. (this is the creme de la creme, not exact representation of initial toilet experience)

TOTO Washlet G400 Bidet Seat with Integrated Dual Flush 1.28 or 0.9 GPF Toilet w/Premist $3,551.00 from HomeDepot.ca

Or for… the most of us who can’t so much afford the $3,500 option…

Toto Washlet C100 Toilet Seat Bidet $559.99 from Wayfair.ca

I must have spent 3x as long on the toilet, and I didn’t even need the targeted cleansing option to know I had found a gadget whose eco-friendly and mega-comfortable ethos I could totally buy into. Did you know that the way we currently use toilet is super wasteful, kind of bad for our tender parts and not particularly clean? Ya. And no, wet wipes, which are mostly not flushable even if they say flushable, do not count. There’s loads of research and articles online that discuss how wrong the toilet paper only approach is, and how much easier it could be if we just got over the disposability/flushing the dirt away point of view. We’ve chosen a few faves to highlight here, and the cost doesn’t usually reflect the $5,000 gold standard. You could actually have a system for less than $100.

USPA UB-6035R Warm Water Bidet Toilet Seat, Dual Nozzle, Heated Seat/Air Dry $449.00 from Amazon.ca

Ours cost approx $500, so not something you could necessarily buy on a whim, BUTT a very worthy investment whose cost is easily offset by the sharp decrease in toilet paper usage and cost you will notice once you start using one of these bad boys. Now for some other options at a lower price point – Mind, the fewer bells and whistles, the lower the cost, so if you are good with cold water and some Scandinavian inspired functional minimalism…

Tushy Spa Warm Water Bidet in White and Gold $99 USD from HelloTushy.com (Tushy.com is a COMPLETELY different experience… So pay attention!)

Or a similar but less good looking option under $55…

BioBidet Non-electric Attachable Bidet System for 2-Piece Toilets $54.68 from HomeDepot.ca

Or feel free to stop by next time your in the hood to use ours… You can bet your behind you’ll never look… back? Make number two comfort your number one toilet criteria? I could go on…

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BFD Patio Time: Patio Furniture That Doesn’t Suck

As evidenced by recent postings on Instagram:

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We are again redoing the garden… But like a totally different part of the garden? So ya, goodbye planters, hello wood platform that leads over to the BBQ area! (We used the wood from planters to build part of said area #recyclecycle)  And have no fear, the full update will be coming soon, after the new gate is done, and those patio stones get sorted as of course when we decided we wanted to get more of them we were told they are no longer being made and were part of a one off stone order the landscaping place doesn’t carry anymore. FML. Who needs some gently used patio stones? #jokingnotjoking

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Now that that is underway, someone naturally got stuck in to looking at furniture.. As one does… When one is not allowed any more garden furniture. Lucky for YOU! Decor porn for me! (win/win) The List of Craig is actually rather unhelpful in this capacity as it’s pretty mch just furniture places in Woodbridge posting their wares, and not a lot of good second hand deals to be found. BUT what I did find was some affordable options that may not require a second mortgage (why the EFF is garden furniture so expensive?) AND aren’t ugly. Impossible you say? Check it!

CANVAS Tofino Collection from CanadianTire.ca (YES, Canadian TIRE!) From $249.99 

Can you believe it’s really taken this long for an affordable Wicker-Look option to be available? Like the wicker look is literally BASED ON WICKER. So like, why the gross brown all the time? This is much more fresh and modern, and you can add to it as you configure so you don’t need to blow the entire budget right away.

The table is $249 and the chairs and sectional pieces increase from there to $350. So, again, not like the cheapest, but certainly not out of the ballpark either…

Kelowna Collection by Canvas from CanadianTire.ca Starting at $150

FYI: the side table is $150, so REALLY the chairs etc start at $250, and the most expensive  piece is $450 which is the corner chair below . You don’t necessarily need the corner piece either, so again, buy in pieces and then see how you’re feeling. Unless you don’t like options, then get the whole thing and you’re still coming in at around $1,000…

CANVAS Kelowna Collection Patio Corner Armchair $400.99 from CanadianTire.ca

Glynn 4 Piece Sofa Set with Cushions from CAD $591.99 at Wayfair.ca

Cannot believe how good looking, well reviewed and affordable this set is! Like ya the cushions are not huge, but people it on Muskoka chairs for hours on end, so that’s not a deal breaker for some people. Made of acacia wood, this is an excellent starter set and would also work on a condo balcony with some nice greenery and hanging plants… Oooooh planters!

 

zola planters from cad $20.76 at CB2.com 

We have 2 of the hanging version and they were less than $30 each. Hanging photos to come…

Have a very Happy Victoria Day Weekend!

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Stuff We Love: Storage Boxes to Get Excited About (Seriously)

Another one of those moment in life when you find yourself being an old fart cause you’re getting excited about things like storage baskets. But the need arose recently for us to switch up some storage in the bedroom, and we found ourselves wanting… So the journey began to find baskets anew! Here were a few faves:

KNATTING Basket, set of 4, light gray $14.99 from Ikea.ca 

Great for makeup and change table bits and bobs, plus cute and stylish!

Conway Knit Cotton Rope Baskets from $119 CAD from CB2.com 

How gorgeous are these? Perfect for throws, magazines, 5-8 golden retriever puppies… Can easily do living room or beside the bed storage and look perfectly suitable to both aesthetics.

SMALL DIAMOND WEAVE BASKET – ROSE GOLD byTorre & Tagus $39.99 from Indigo.ca

These would be great, 3 in a row on a kitchen shelf or island with lemons or apples as a floral display alternative. Fresh and clean! (or a fancy garbage can, that could work too, but try the lemon thing first)

The Emily & Meritt Glitter Storage Bins from $33.52 CAD from PBTeen.com 

Cause why not have some glitter in your laundry area? Fancy and yet utilitatiran. IF they had these with sequins, we’d prob lust over those too.

And now for the ones we chose….

PUDDA Felt Basket $12.99 from Ikea.ca 

Cannot tell you how much we love these. Gold hardware, grey felt, and they literally take one minute to put together. Maybe a minute and a half if you’ve had a glass of wine or 2 before attempting. We started off with 3, but will be going back for more.

Ikea Pudda Basket magic

Put the corners together in a box shape. Put the back snap that is on each corner through the layer with the hole.

Then you take the front snap and connect with the back snap through the hole.

SNAP!

You will continue the preceding three steps x 3 more corners.

And it’s intuitive after like 20 seconds these things are so well designed they cannot fit any way but the way they are designed to go.

Stylish felt grey storage magic

Happy Sunday y’all. It’s felty fall.

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Shops We Love: Simons.ca HAS FURNITURE NOW

Seriously you guys. We were just checking out the homewares sections as per usual, but then something new popped up in the menu: furniture and furnishing! Wha whaaaaaa? Don’t mind if we do. Couldn’t be better suited given how awesome their sheets and home accessories are so let’s go (and it’s free delivery right now too, so hop to it!)

Chic textured pouf $135.00 from Simons.ca 

It’s gold, you can easily pick it up and throw it (aka it’s lightweight, so maybe don’t get this if your kids like to throw stuff, or DO get it if they like to throw stuff and this is a good alternative to the type of damage you’re used to). And it looks and feels like paper, which is futuristic and great for a nice patina.

Toddler stool $90.00 from Simons.ca 

Ok yes technically a toddler stool, for stylish toddlersBut could also be a cute footstool or side table for the non toddler contingent too. Who says kids get the to have all the stylish fun at affordable prices?

Modern teardrop chair with stainless steel legs $265.00 from Simons.ca 

Have always loved this style of chair but until this version, I had a very hard time finding a decent reproduction of the Jacobson Drop chair that didn’t cost an arm and a leg to ship to Canada. And didn’t cost an arm and a leg period ($437 USD/chair at DWR.com). Not that I have any more room for chairs, cause we really really need to get rid of some…. So YOU buy these please. And send (taunt us with) photos.

Natura Kotak square accent table $195.00 from Simons.ca 

LOVE LOVE LOVE three of these instead of one giant coffee table. Then you can move them around if you have parties so everyone has somewhere to put their drink, forget it there, and then get a new one. You could probably sit on them too, so double functionality AND they look rugged AF!

Modern geometric end table $295.00 from Simons.ca 

This is also a nice play on the rugged wood trend, but with an architectural vibe that is over and above the look ‘I put a bunch of wood pieces together and am calling it a table’ approach. Which we;ve totally done, btw. Cause the wood was free. This is decidedly not so free, but also no more than you would pay for similarly stylish end table at a bigger, non Canadian chain decor store. So go Canadian and support la style Quebecoise!

Vive la Simons!

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Couch Surfing on a Sunday

Just when you think winter has given us the go ahead…. Surprise! You started to believe, didn’t you?!?! Just like a Toronto Maple Leafs fan, the minute you start to say, ‘Well maybe this year..’ you’re done for. It’s not spring yet, you fool! SIT DOWN! On a couch. With some tea and Netflix. We got another week of this at least. In case you forgot: it’s Canada. Hooray? Well at least we have the internet, and couches. As in new couches, cause why not?

HOWE SOFA $1,260.00 from ElteMarket.com

A Iittle more on the expensive side for sure, but the “lower” expensive side… Just a little of the on trend brass leg, but it’s delicate and smoky all at the same time. Like the couch equivalent of a London Fog tea in a yummy mug.

But while we are fantasizing… What about a little of this?!?!? It’s like quilted marshmallow.

 

GUS* MODERN AUBREY SOFA $2,450.00 – $2,658.25 (CAD) from ModernKaribou.com 

And this is a cotton candy dream smoothie. Velvet and everything.

GRAMERCY 3-seater sofa $499 from structube.com 

And then I saw this and was like sorry, how much? Great for a little sunshine-y book nook!!

CIRRUS sofa $1099 from article.com 

And for a velvet sofa that is as glam as it is fresh front lawn? Not a bad price. You can’t go much lower than this in price point with design like that.

COOL 3-seater sofa $499 from Structube.com 

And one more from Structube for good measure, this one is also super ‘cool’. Love the piping, and that price, obvs. A bit difficult these days to find sofas not from the usual suspects to be honest we need more online selection in Canada!

IKEA PS 2017 Loveseat, white, gray $598.00 from Ikea.ca

Last but definitely not least, this was our fave from Ikea’s new PS 2017 collection which hit stores in February. Washable covers, and a light and airy design with substantial cushions, you could have this as part of your backyard lounge scene or in your living room, and it would be perfectly at home in either setting.

Happy Surfing Afternoon!

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BFD’s Top Picks: IDS 2017

We were lucky enough to attend the Interior Design Show over the weekend and were reminded at every turn how much we need at least 10 more houses with at least 50 more rooms to decorate. How people are able to make decisions sometimes with so many delicious options on offer is truly amazing. We can barely go a week without replanning one of our own rooms, hence blog and living vicariously through other people’s unfilled furniture space.

 

Here’s our faves from this year’s show (in no particular order):

GROHE

Gotta love these custom colour faucets from Grohe

Almost seems cruel not to have at least two of them beside each other…

All of these Grohe Essence faucets are limited editions or prototypes at this point, but they did have a contest going for people to pick their favourite colour and actually win one. Hopefully our #tangerinedream submission is a ringer!

PARTISANS

These custom light sculptures were part of a live fabrication exhibit called Partisans Factory. Each piece of woven light sculpture was auctioned off to support Habitat for Humanity.

These are some of the artists creating light sculptures in an actual factory set up at the show complete with industrial sized heating and cooling elements… and stylish spacesuits. Actual retail pieces vary in price from $250 to $12,000 and can be ordered through their site: partisanprojects.com

HANNAH VAUGHAN

This is designer Hannah Vaughan with her DIY shaker chair kit

These are the DIY instructions

And this is the final product!

Hannah Vaughan’s DIY chair kit can be bought online from her site: hannahvaughan.com and retail for $75 each. We loved that rope seat and the simplicity of its design. Portable and clean, these would be great around a kitchen table or as a focal piece in your living room. And you can jazz up that rope if you want and add in any colour you can find (good reason for a trip to Mokuba on Queen West if you ask us)

SACHA GRACE

You. Had. Us. At. Lucite.

We couldn’t even either. These pieces are from design duo Sacha Grace (literally 2 women named Sacha and Grace) who get to spend their days working with our dream material. We aren’t jealous, just in awe. Love. Love. Love. Necklace pendants start at $195, but the above side tables start at $5,795 and are available at sachagrace.com

BLACK ROCK STUDIO

This emerald beauty is from a selection of hand created tiles on display from Black Rock Studio. How could you not want to just jump into a pool of this colour… Or maybe recover a fireplace with it. #squadgoals

AyA KITCHENS

This minimalist ‘Cubi’ mixed material kitchen was by far our fav in the whole show (DesignLines and IDS agreed: this actually won best booth at the show this year — 400 sq ft). This is an eco friendly design from AyA Kitchens in Mississauga but they have locations all over Ontario and throughout the country. Those are also our dream floor tiles…

CIOT TILE

Ciot tile… One day your hexagonal magic will be mine. Oh yes. You WILL ALL be mine.

JACOB ANTONI

This is the Transforma chandelier by designer and architect Jacob Antoni. This version expands from 2 feet to 4 feet depending on your mood and also comes in a triangular and circular version. Unreal, right!?!? To see a video of the light in action and other versions of the light check out his site at JacobAntoni.com 

And another IDS comes to an end! Think we missed anything? Let us know!!!

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A Tribute. Stuff we love: delovely de dog beds

In a tribute to our beloved Buster who passed away this weekend, a repost of our fave dog beds for all you dog loving decor enthusiasts. Make sure you take every chance to love them, every day. Dogs are, in our opinion, the best people.

We have 2 furbabies, 5 dog beds, 3 dog jackets, poopie bag holders, all the stuff.

Canadian dogs in Christmas jackets and *cough*  matching festive ribbon collars

So usually if ‘the dog needs a new…’ it’s more just us wanting to buy stuff for the dogs. Because dogs need decor. Like they need boots….. and sometimes rhinstones. And fabulous beds.

Donut Bed Onyx Toile Onyx Toile Microvelvet starting at $76.99 bowsers.com

We have two of these washable, stuffable Molly Mutt dog beds, and it’s the second set. Washable is very key, and the fact that you can replace the insides (with old t shirts or even a store bought cushion) is awesome and much less smelly. Wash the outsides, insides, repeat!

Molly Mutt 100,000 Fireflies Outdoor Dog Duvet Starting at $32.99 petonly.ca

And then of course, you can never really go wrong with a little camo. Note: a LITTLE camo. Not entire rooms, outfits or car interiors.

P.L.A.Y. Original Camouflage Lounge Dog Sofa $77.31 wayfair.com

This is perfect for the cottage because duh, #pineneedles

PINE Pet Bed By Lisa Argyropoulos $129 denydesign.com

Ok, seriously. It’s a hot dog bed. Hot. Dog. Bed.

Colorfulhouse® Hot Dog Sofa Pet Bed with Removable Washable Pet Mat Starting at $33.99 amazon.ca

 

And now for the dream drool bed. A nice little mid century addition. Sigh.

Modern Wood Dog Bed – The Joey High Back Bed $529 etsy.com

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BFD Gifting: Our faves from local shops you can buy too! And last minute!

There is nothing that this person who is typing right now loves more than buying presents. As such, she now has a reputation as a bit of a gift advisor, which would also be a kick ass dream job, but currently is a talent that goes unpaid and requires a fair amount of ground work to get her name out there as a reference. She is also speaking of herself in the third person which will stop… now.

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The holidays crept up on people in Toronto a bit this year as it only really started getting cold and snowing this past week, so there are going to be a lot of ‘Oh sh$%’ shoppers oot and aboot trying to get organized but not panic but still find cool stuff beyond 3 for 2 deals on socks. Not to knock socks, but there’s still plenty of places and things available in our fair city (and shippable across the country). AND BFD IS HERE WITH OUR GIFT GUIDE!

Holly Hat Pug Ornament by Old World Christmas CA$13.95 from OuterLayer.com (Queen West and Portland, Toronto)

Horse Head Ornament by Old World Christmas CA$12.95 from OuterLayer.com (Queen West and Portland, Toronto)

Taco Ornament by Old World Christmas CA$12.95 from OuterLayer.com (Queen West and Portland)

If you can’t figure out what to get someone, but you got them in the Secret Santa draw, or you’ve been invited to a little holiday soiree, you can’t got wrong with a funny food or animal decoration like these from Outer Layer in Toronto.  Film buff? Godfather nightmare x 3. Food lover? Tacos. Duh. Animal lover? If they don’t lose their s%& over a pug in a hat, they’re not a real animal lover. Or worthy of your friendship.

REINDEER DIY CRACKERS Kit $26.95 from The Paper Place (Queen West at Trinity Bellwoods)

Combine with wine as a dinner party thank you so the kids can go and do this in the basement while you do wine in the upstairs. Everyone wins!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLCLF1hjIZx/?taken-by=tokentoronto&hl=en

A favourite shop of ours that has everything from snarky cards to scented candles and even a Tiny Record Shop, Token at Queen and Boulton (just before Degrassi) is sure to have some hilarious pop culture relevant stocking stuffers if not a gorgeous piece of beading or handmade jewelry…. That could also fit in a stocking.

Kate Beaton 2016 Tea Towel – Pony! $18.00 from PageAndPanel.com (located at Toronto Reference Library)

If you haven’t been to this shop at the main level of the Toronto Reference Library, you GOTTA go. Books, comics (from local and international authors), paper goods, designer dishware, textiles, all sorts of gifty treats abound, though another cannot go wrong gift idea is a tea towel like the above, for those who would prefer to wipe dishes with 2016 instead of acknowledge where humanity is from a development/doom perspective.

Storage Basket $20 by luuee for sale this weekend till the 23rd at Evergreen Brickworks Holiday Market and at Etsy,com

Or maybe go to the Brick Works and check out the Holiday market they have going on till Xmas… Somewhere the kids can go run around at while you peruse the locally made wares like this adorbs little catch all by Canadian artist Luuee… Good for clothespins, keys, treasures and maybe even a little pine tree! (combo eco gift alert!!!!)

Porcelain Mugtails Designed in Japan by Kinto. $17 – $26/each from Len Studio (at Coxwell and Danforth)

Fancy a mug? But like a nicer one that someone may not buy themselves but you will cause its time for cute mugs with tails from this adorable giftshop on the Danforh in the east end… Things are better with tails and ears. That’s #fact

CANVAS Geometric Cut-Out Wreath, 20-in $34.99 from CanadianTire.com and in your local store

I had 3 people stop me in the store today asking while aisle I got this in (there’s 3 left at the Leslie and Lakeshore one, Aisle 12). This is a kick ass gift cause it’s Scandi chic on its own OR you can fill it with stuff OR clip stuff to it. Weave a garland or some copper wire lights perhaps? Or use it on a grand holiday table with some chunky candles in the middle. SO. MANY. POSSIBILITIES.

SKEEM CANDLES, SWEET BALSAM 50hrs $36 at ZiggysAtHome.com and in store (just east of College and Ossington)

And for the never fails, will please everyone, nobody can talk trash because it’s always useful (Well unless the person is allergic to scents… then look for an unscented one, derp) gift, a scented candle in a gorgeous container that can be reused with a tealight when the candle runs out. Mic drop.

Happy Holiday shopping!

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Stuff We Love: Time to get thrown! (aka buy a throw)

Now that the holiday shopping season is officially upon us, out come all the yummy stay warm home decor suggestions. We led the way a few weeks ago with mugs, but it’s full on throw time people. Time to jazz up that couch or add a splash of fancy to the master bedroom! Hell, ponchos are super in for a second, you could even cut some holes in one and wear it out for a fall stroll. Nobody will know!

SPOOT THROW $199 from Mobilia.ca

You may not be able to afford redo the kitchen floor with the tile that looks like this print, but this  Scandi-modern inspired blanket is an excellent alternative. Plus burgundy, which is so now and totally fall delicious.

Marled Basketweave Throw on sale for $95.49 from WestElm.com

I saw this one in the wool yesterday and OMG it’s gorgeous and on sale. Green, blue, red and black hunky chunky yum yum. Our dog Leelu, who prides herself on being able to translate certain big knit home decor products into puzzles, likes to take pieces like these apart. Which is why the closest we can come to getting something like this is rolling in a huge pile of them in the shop. Which isn’t weird at all.

Wool sock stripe throw 130 x 150 cm $60.00 from Simons.ca

Doesn’t get much more Canadian than this, that’s for sure. Why limit the wool sock style to foots anyway? Give your living room the cottage treatment without having to drive 3 hours north. SCORE!

68″x80″ Banana Leaf Watercolor Pattern Throw by 83 Oranges $67.15 USD from Society6.com

And just in case you need a warm reminder of a life more tropical, you can start here by literally wrapping yourself in banana leaf print fleece. On trend and on couch. Perfect.

Drake General Store – Fairytale Kids Blanket $78.00 from DrakeGeneralStore.ca

This says it’s for kids, we say ba humbug. The red, blue and pink combo is always a decor hit, and you can sock it away as a holiday treasure for the family to enjoy as a keepsake. Santa + dragon = awesome!

Happy Throwing!

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Houses We Love: Happy Halloween!

Probably the only time of the year where you can walk around the neighbourhood taking pictures of people’s houses without being suspicious… we just couldn’t help snapping a few of all the fab decorations around here when we were ‘walking the dogs’. (We totally went to check out everyone else’s decorations, who are we kidding). Judge not lest ye be judged? Judge away, we have a colour morphing giant light orb for a pumpkin, so we’re definitely no slouch when it comes to enticing porch decor solutions. Could look to do a little more with some giant ghost bodies I suppose… maybe some sound effects… check out some of our fave bits below…. IF YOU DARE!!!!

Wishing you and yours a very spooky eating candy until you puke day of celebration. #bestpart

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