My Deck - A Preemptive

'Imagine if it was sunny now until November?' The Easter long weekend in Vancouver was gorgeous! The thing about Vancouver weather is, you can't trust it. As a kid growing up here it sucked. You'd leave your Barbies outside in their Barbie motor home on a hot summer night only to have them soaking wet in pissing rain the next morning. Camping - same thing. How many times have I woken up in a flooded tent?

We took advantage of our four days of nice weather and started our Spring planting on the deck. The plant collection has grown a lot since we moved in a year ago. This year we're trying a herb garden. My first one. I've had bountiful vegetable gardens before but I don't want to attempt one on my deck - I need room for lounging. My climbing rose bush survived its first winter. I cut all the leaves off it and it's come back nicely - and so have the aphids. I've planted peppermint around the bush but I don't think it's mature enough to keep them away yet. Any suggestions on how to get rid of these jerks?

It would be great if you'd sign up for my monthly newsletter, The Jewel! Just enter your email up at the top of the page and let me know if you'd like a mobile or desktop version of it.
Thanks for your support! ~ Stacy

From the Archives - Did You Know...

Originally published February 3, 2010

The Sperry Top-Sider was inspired by a dog named Prince? Paul Sperry was intrigued by his cocker spaniel's ability to run nimbly over ice and snow. Upon turning Prince's paw over, Sperry observed hundreds of tiny cracks and cuts in all directions. Sperry, in turn, was anxious to get back to his workshop to start his own experiments.

Grabbing a quarter-inch thick piece of gum rubber, he began cutting a herringbone shape into the material with his pen knife. The first pair of boat shoes were a worn-out pair of sneakers with a quarter-inch piece of herringbone patterned gum rubber glued to the bottom.

For more information on the involvement of Converse and Abercrombie & Fitch in the growth of the iconic boat shoe, visit Sperry's site

 
and download Paul Sperry's original story. It's a great read.

9 Tips to Survive The Flea Market of the Year

We wait all year for this and if you've been reading Bijou Living for awhile you may remember me writing about it before - The West Van Seniors' Flea Market. This Sunday at the West Van arena (behind the Community Centre) come on out! If you're looking for furniture this is the place - head right to the back.

Everything goes 50% off at 2pm so make it a day.

Heed my advice:

1. do not bring anyone with you who doesn't like crowds
2. bring a larger bag - like those blue Ikea ones, to put all the little bags you accumulate in
3. there are certain people who will try to shove you out of the way - do not let them! Turn to them and: a) give them the crazy lady eyes until they stop or b) firmly say, 'Excuse me but I'm standing here'. Seriously - be firm
4. there are lockers in the washrooms in the Community Centre if you want to stash your stuff until the 50% off sale at 2pm. Go and explore some West Van architecture, go to the Sally Ann on 16th and Marine, chill out at the beach in Dundarave - or perhaps find a new apartment to rent - there are tonnes in Ambleside and you'll be surprised by the price.
5. bring water, snacks and ibuprofen (sometimes I bring ear plugs). There's a Bean Around the World coffee shop in the Community Centre, (have the vegan gluten free cookie)
6. dress in layers or leave your coat in a locker
7. remember the people working the market are volunteers - seniors from the West Van Seniors' Centre - respect them. If you witness someone disrespecting a senior tell them so, (or hope I'm nearby and I will). Some of these seniors are frail and certain people try to intimidate them to get what they want. Trust me, you'll see it, don't let it happen.
8. do not let people shove you - stand firm. Politeness goes out the door with some people.
9. Imagine yourself in one of those rolling sound proof plastic bubbles gliding around the market - it helps.

UPDATE: I have The Jewel Newsletter up and running again - after a four year hiatus! Sign up at the top of the page or by filling out this subscription form. The newsletter will contain different content than my blog and Facebook page and will be delivered monthly. Oh - and the Bijou Living Online Shop creation is well underway and will be opening soon! Think I'm going through a manic phase ;-)

Mid-Century West Vancouver Home - Baker Residence

Significant West Vancouver support building. F.G. Architectural and Planning Consultants, The West Vancouver Survey of Significant Architecture 1945-1975, (West Vancouver, BC, 1994), 88.
Architect - Peter Faulkner-Smith
Date - June 1, 1958
Location - Altamont, West Vancouver, BC
The home will be listed on the market soon.

Design Lover - The Other Hans

Danish modern furniture designer, Hans Olsen, should be recognized for more than his compact teak dining set.

he also did this suede leather sling chair via Etsy

this refrigerated credenza - bar - buffet 
via Zimmerdahl
    and this sexy leather settee -  via 1st Dibs       and of course he shouldn't be confused with this Hans    

The last week of my class | Hello miscellania

This week is the last week of my first class for this year - well, the first teaching marketing that is. Remember, I had decided to get back into the classroom? I had a great bunch of students - 15 women and 3 men and damn were they creative - and engaging. The class had the, 'group of colleagues sharing ideas' vibe, I love it when that happens. Needless to say, I've decided to take on another class in May (that's already half full) - I'll keep you posted.

So, because I've been so busy finishing up the class I haven't had a chance to download the shots of the West Van mid-century home I had the honour of shoting two weeks ago. However, I did manage to put a couple up on the Bijou Living Facebook page.

For entertainment purposes here are a few random images with a few little stories.

My parents are coming down for an Easter weekend visit and they're bringing me this credenza I bought online in the Okanagan; along with the one I restored last summer - and a Westnofa ottoman to match my two yard sale Westnofa Siesta chairs. I'll most likely be selling both credenzas so if you're interested let me know.

This is where I grew up. My parents built this house in Langley (74B Ave) in the 70s. There was a cattle farm across the street, a horse (Fuzzball), some chickens and two brothers on one side of us and some more chickens and two sisters on the other side. When we lived here the house was a gold colour - probably Harvest Gold. This photo is from two weeks ago. 

I almost bought this oil painting at the SPCA Thrift Store in East Van. It just said Vancouver all over it to me. There was once a time when wherever you turned you'd see a house like this. The odd one still stands - mainly near the Renfrew area - the 'character homes' that are for sale start at 800K.

I bought this wicker peacock chair two weeks ago. Flo approved right away. Knowing me I'll probably be selling it soon as well!

Speaking of selling things. I found this cool little number online. I was thinking of selling our teak dining set and picking up this baby. What do you think? It will totally clash with the kilim we have in the dining room - which means I may need to find a new rug as well, which isn't such a bad thing.

Some Fine Feathered Friends

When the time comes to send me off to the crazy lady home I'll be fine in a chair in a field with lots of birdies around. By that time, I may have forgotten everything and everyone, but I know for sure that I'll never forget the sounds of the birds. Here are a few of my chums that pop by for drinks and canapes.

Humphrey

Buddy

Buddy's parents

Ferdinand

Ferdinand plays the railing

Steve Junko