ADVENTURES IN: EUROPE - VINTAGE BICYCLE EDITION

Remember that trip to Europe I took earlier this year?

Well, I realized that I sort of stopped sharing my photographs mid-travels. Whoops. Sorry, Friends! As I get back on track and resume my European re-cap, I thought I'd begin with a topic that has become near and dear to my heart...BICYCLES!

Yes, that's right. I grew quite fond of these two-wheeled wonders while travelling around Europe (specifically during my stay in the Netherlands) and I've yet to shake the feeling. There were bicycles of all colours and 'personalities' - it was as if each bike had hand-picked its' owner. Like they were meant for each other. I adored them all, of course. How could I not? 

And, I marvelled at how fearless the bicycle riders were. They showed total confidence cruising on cobblestone streets...alongside fast moving cars...and even faster moving buses. It was a sight to behold, I tell you!

I found myself snapping photographs of these pretty rides every chance I got. It was like my top-secret mission, or someting - that and eating really amazing food. I've selected a few of my favourites to share with you. Which one's your favourite?

[photo credit: Amy Walters]

DECORATING WITH: GOLD AND BRASS ACCESSORIES

Sometimes I am shocked by how smitten I've become with warm metallic finishes. I spent years resisting gold and brass tones of any kind. Now I can't seem to get enough of them. What changed? 

While some may find this drastic shift in taste fickle (which it may very well be), I'd like to plead my case. You see the gold and brass accents of today are different. The gaudy, glossy finish from the 80's and 90's has been replaced by a muted and matted one, lending objects an aged and understated appeal. And, when coating clean-lined furnishings and accessories, the effect is surprisingly modern and entirely irresistible.

My 5 favourite gold and brass accents 'of the moment' are...

1. Hanging Brass Planter, iron in bronze, Urban Outfitters. Found via A Beautiful Mess + Design*Sponge.

2. Book Stopper in Brass / Bookend, solid brass, MJÖLK. By Swedish design duo Broberg + Ridderstråle.

3. Love Never Fails Print, gold foil printed on pure white paper, 8"x10", Lara Casey Shop. By Lara Casey (found via Michaela Noelle Designs blog).

4. Streamline Knob, iron + brass, Anthropologie.

5. Desktop Calendar, wood + brass, Ten Thousand Villages.

[photo credit: as shown above | layout: Amy Walters]

A BEAUTIFUL MESS: PHOTO APP

I'm having fun with a new app.....

Elsie and Emma - the lovely ladies over at A Beautiful Mess blog - just released their new "A Beautiful Mess" photo app yesterday in the iTunes store. I snatched it up as soon as I heard the news and, let me tell you, it's already the best 99 cents I've ever spent. From its simple filters and vintage backgrounds to its fun fonts and artsy doodle features, this app really gets it right. 

Whether you're already an Instagram diva looking for a new way to give photos a fresh look or you're in the market for your first ever photo app, this one is sure to please. I'm loving it already and looking forward to exploring the app more over the next few days!

Have you bought the A Beautiful Mess App? If so, I'd like to hear what you love most about it! 

[photo credit: Amy Walters | iPhone: A Beautiful Mess App]

A COLOURFUL WEEKEND

Weekend shenanigans..... 

Spring finally made an appearance this weekend (woot, woot) and I quickly seized the moment, spending as much time outdoors as I possibly could. 

I went for quiet walks through my neighbourhood and took delight in stumbling upon two of the most darling houses. I just loved the exterior colour palette of the yellow and turquoise homes pictured above. The colours would be a bit horrendous applied on a modern house, but they work with the age and style of these homes. It felt like I stepped onto the movie set of a retro film!

Another highlight from the weekend was enjoying a rather adventurous Saturday afternoon with my cousin. I'm teaming up with this sweet lady to bring you a fun new feature on the blog. We decided to take advantage of the nice temps and get to work. Lucky for us, work involved sipping bubble tea, browsing a couple of my favourite shops and enjoying the great outdoors. Sigh, it's a hard life, but someone's got to do it... ;)

What about you? What did your weekend look like?   xo, A.

[photo credit: Amy Walters | iPhone App: Instagram]

FASHIONABLE CANES FROM TOP & DERBY

One of the things I have grown to love most about blogging is the voice it's given me. I am so grateful for this space where I am able to write whenever I want to - about whatever I this is beautiful and inspiring.

So when an email arrived in my inbox last week, from Canadian industrial designer Matthew Kroeker, telling me about Top & Derby (his latest venture), I just knew I had to share it with you all!

Top & Derby is a company made up of three guys who are "passionate about improving people's lives by designing products that matter". They're in the business of designing fun, fashionable and innovative canes that people will be proud to own and wear. Having prototyped several different models, T & D is now ready to manufacture the product. Their first model - the Chatfield - will be manufactured right here in North America, with assembly and packaging happening right in my own stomping grounds: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

A little bit about the cane

THE HANDLE is constructed of aluminum and over-molded with silicone for a strong core and soft grip. 

 
THE SHAFT is made from warm, solid American black walnut and finished with a durable coating to protect the wood and bring out its natural grain. A laser engraved Top & Derby logo is a well-crafted touch that I adore. 

THE TIP or "shoe" has a sneaker-inspired sole molded from abrasion resistant thermoplastic rubber, making it great in a range of different conditions.

The company's vision to disrupt "a stagnant industry that lacks innovation" instantly resonated with me. Since my sister's diagnosis two years ago with Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 8 (a degenerative genetic disorder affecting her mobility, balance and coordination), my family has become increasingly aware of accessibility needs and physical limitations. I am excited by products, like the Chatfield Cane, that breath life into accessible design. In fact, I was so delighted by Matthew's email that I forwarded it on to my sister to get her thoughts. Here's what she had to say.....

It's awesome to see some 'funkier' assistive items being made. Not everyone who needs them is 70 or 80 years old!  - Kimberley

Top & Derby is currently raising funds to set up molds for manufacturing, order parts, and assemble and package each cane by hand. If you'd like to learn more about how you can contribute (and secure one or more of these lovely canes for you and/or your loved ones), visit Top & Derby's Indiegogo Campaign.

Also, be sure to show your support through social media! Connect with them here:

Email | info@topandderby.com

Website | topandderby.com

Follow on Twitter | Twitter.com/topandderby

Like on Facebook | Facebook.com/topandderby

Support through Indiegogo | indiegogo.com/projects/top-derby

[photo credits: images courtesy of Top & Derby]