Scandinavian Pain

When I first saw this image I thought it was a funky Scandinavian bread shop. That's what happens when you live in a bilingual country. Thanks to Moderna Museet for informing me that Scandinavian Pain is actually an exhibition running this summer at their museum in Malmö Sweden. Ragnar Kjartansson's eleven meter neon sign, Scandinavian Pain, will be installed on a barn housing works by Edvard Munch - cheeky Swedes.
image © Ragnar Kjartansson

Bad Companions...

So unrelated to fashion, design and architecture but hey, make a shirt out of it on Zazzle. In case you were ever wondering which plants to plant together, here's a vegetable companion planting guide from a great site I found via Tumblr. For the larger, clearer image go to their site

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?

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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