How To Change That One Room In Your Home On A Budget

Jun 19, 2017

Posted by | Leave a Comment

It’s here! Summer that is. And there’s no better way to bring that summer feeling right into your home by brightening up your space. I’m always on the look out for unique and affordable home decor to add to my living space. And most importantly item’s that won’t break my bank account. With a few dollars, a little time and a bit of an imagination, you can add the finishing touches to any space in your home by shopping at the most unlikely places.

 vintage suitcases | Value Village

1. Thrift Stores

Thrift stores are great and not just for clothing, either. You never really know what you’ll find there. The trick with thrifting is to make regular visits, since their stock is forever changing. I once found an authentic L. V. bag, donated to Value Village for an in-store fundraiser. Luckily, I was the one to take it home. At most thrift stores, prices are fairly reasonable and if you have a good eye, you can easily find pieces to compliment your space for less than a few dollars. Take some time and visit your local thrift stores like Habitat For Humanity Restore and Salvation Army to see what they have to offer.

 Girl In The Garage | two previously scratched tables beautifully hand painted

2. Yard Sales, Garage Sales

Always keep your eyes and ears open for yard and garage sales in your area, which usually happen on the weekends.   Yard sale pricing is usually much cheaper than thrift stores and quite often you can negotiate a much better deal with the host of the sale. Especially, when you’re buying more than one item!

3.  Ebay, Craigslist, Kijiji (Online Shopping)

Most people don’t realize it but online sites like Ebay, Craigslist and Kijiji are sure ways to find some really good home furnishing deals. Good sellers have multiple, clear images and detailed descriptions to help sell their items.  I always start with setting my price at the lowest price-point using their advanced search tools options and then increase my prices from there. I’ve lucked out and scored a solid real wood headboard and dressing table for $200.00 in one day.

Shhhhh! A little secret. Check regularly and type in the word FREE. You never know what you will find for the price of gas.

 

Love,

Read More

Nuvango Art Gallery

Jul 1, 2016

Posted by | Leave a Comment

 

lucha-libre-1

They say sharing is caring so here it goes, the Nuvango Art Gallery and retail store is the brain-child of high-school friends Drew Downs and Jamie Pichora. The pair originally launched Gelaskins – a line of artist-designed iPod covers – where they combined their love for art and commerce. With the brand under its new name, they now sell anything from pillows to t-shirts. The team partners with local artist and features their works on various pieces of merchandise for sale. Being in the business for 8yrs, they have happily paid out over $2.5M (yes, you read correctly!) in royalties to the numerous artist they work with. If you’re looking to expand your brand. This might just be the place to visit.

 

feathers

 

www.nuvango.com

Read More

A Small Space Inspired by Solange

May 1, 2016

Posted by | Leave a Comment

I’m in the process of lightening up my humble abode, I’m trying to add more colour throughout my space. I’m not one for too many pieces of furniture, the less the better. I don’t exactly mean I want to sleep on the floor but too much of anything….even home décor, can be a bit too much.

While searching for some inspiration, I stumbled upon a simple but vibrant layout that belonged to style maven, Solange Knowles. Her Brooklyn home (back in 2012) got my wheels turning for my own small space. I love the mixture of bright colours and print mixed with wood accents.

Over the years Solange has finally come into her own. It’s apparent that her sense of style and embracing her natural beauty has influenced her stylish pad – even way back then.

What will lighten up your home? Prints, solids or both?

Photo Courtesy: Beautyisdiverse

Read More

Jazz Cartier New Hip Hop Religion

May 8, 2015

Posted by | Leave a Comment

albums-JazzCartier-1127

I stumbled upon the new voice of Toronto hip hop, artist Jazz Cartier aka Jacuzzi La Fleur – rumoured to be the new darling of Toronto. Jazz Cartier (who once toyed with the idea of becoming a lawyer), received 7.3 on Pitchfork for his self-released mix-tape Marauding in Paradise.

“From everybody that’s been hitting me up and what I’ve seen online, people are saying it’s the best thing outta Canada.” JC

Do we agree?

Tracks I like: Feel Something, New Religion, Guardian Angel.

www.jazzcartier.com

photo courtesy: Now Toronto

Read More

Cafe Medina

Aug 12, 2014

Posted by | Leave a Comment

CafeMedina_Bar_PhotoIsshaMarie

For all of my Vancouver food lovers, Café Medina now calls 780 Richards Street, home. The newly renovated location has a number of upgrades such as high ceilings and large, street-facing windows that allow for plenty of natural light (a subtle nod to Medina’s connotation of “radiant or enlightened city”). An expanded dining room will seat 65 guests, plus a 10-seat cocktail bar and an eight-seat coffee bar — anchored by a top-of-the-line La Marzocco FB/80 espresso machine — that will also serve connoisseur-savvy coffees to go.

CafeMedina_Waffles

CafeMedina_Coffee

If you visit, let us know how good the food really is!

Facebook: /medinacafe | Twitter: @CafeMedina | Instagram: @medinacafe | #TheNEWMedina

 

Read More
Like IAmWhatsHot on Facebook!
Check out our YouTube Videos!
Follow IAmWhatsHot on Instagram!
Follow IAmWhatsHot on Twitter!