In between finishing up my Christmas shopping and wrapping presents, I found a bit of time to do some blog research and came across the site of South African magazine Garden and Home. While it was generally a bit too traditional for my taste, I did come across some likeable spaces that I thought I’d share. (Can you blame them though? Those poor folks don’t have Ikea!)

I sang the praises of London-based photographer Simon Eldon only 3 months ago, but he contacted us recently to let us know he’s always updating his site. Sure enough, I went over to have a peek and there were new goodies ready for another post (including some he shot for digital magazine Heart Home I blogged about yesterday). These are fantastic shots as always, and I especially love that blue kitchen.

Today is a great day. My French test is finally done (so please say a little prayer that I got the mark I needed) and I can finally have my life back and hopefully finish my Christmas preparations – well, present shopping and wrapping is all as I won’t have time to bake/decorate or anything else. Before I get my arse in gear for all that I thought I’d take a few minutes and point out that there is a UK digital interiors magazine called Heart Home that you all MUST check out. It’s frankly up there with Rue and Lonny. Seriously. A big thanks to Carole, one of the mag’s 3 editors, for emailing us to let us know. Here are some of my favourite photos from the 2 issues they have launched so far. 

If you’d like to send us photos to include in next week’s “pets on furniture” post, please ensure your photos follow our basic rules: First, the pet must be on a piece of furniture. And said piece of furniture must be clearly visible in the photo, so it takes center stage rather than your pet. Think of it more of a photo of a great piece of furniture that you want to show off…and your pet happens to be sitting on it. And second, the photo must be of decent quality. If it’s dark or fuzzy (from a camera phone) then it may not make the cut. Thanks! (Photos, your name, location and a brief description can be sent to  desiretoinspirekim[@]hotmail[.]com and PLEASE don’t send closeups of your pet!)

This is picture of my two fur kids, Fletcher (on the right) and Gracie, resting on my bed.  Although it gets very crowded and uncomfortable, my husband and I let them both sleep in bed with us.  
– Carolyn (Massachusetts)

I thought you would like this pic of our poodle in a vintage chairs in ours home entryway. Its name is Bolt.
– Karina (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

I have a Dog and a Cat (Yoshimi and Maximiliano) and they love to spend the afternoon sleeping under the sunlight on my bed. I designed and fabricated the bed in aluminum (frame) and stainless steel (headboard).
– Francisco

This is sleepy Mia cuddling with our family dog, and wide-awake Mia on a Thonet chair that I reupholstered and painted.
– Anna (San Francisco)

We brought our new kitten home for the holidays to meet the family dog. Despite their vast difference in size, I think it’s clear who has the power…
– Ansel & Sarah
  

I’ve attached a photo of Fifi and Pierre, my Bichon Frise, on my bed. It has a lovely headboard, and they love getting up amongst the pillows.
– The Distressed Mother

here’s our little (well not so little) rescue cat, Iggy (aka da Monster as we got him on Halloween)! as you can tell, he’s far from camera shy and puts up a great big show for us anytime we have the camera out!
– Jane (Brooklyn, NY)

This is Clifford on his throne (aka his favorite chair)
Sweet little Clifford enjoying the bed as always 🙂
– Emily (Belmont Shore, CA)

My cat, Buttercup, and black lab, Lexi on a chair in Lancaster, PA.
– Chelsea

This is Buster, our Cockapoo, lounging by our newly remodeled fireplace. It’s the warmest spot in the house!
– Carolyn (Camarillo, CA)

I wasn’t going to blog today as I am trying to get as much last minute cramming in for my French test in a few days (almost. done. thank. gawd) but I recently got wind of 2 tidbits of information regarding some Canadian happenings that I had to mention.

First up – the first issue of Pure Green Magazine has been mailed out and I cannot wait for my copy! It is centred around entertaining and looks fantastic from the teaser shots Editor in Chief Celine sent along. Get your subscription here!

Next up is some television news. Oone of my favourite design couples is finally coming back to HGTV Canada (better late than never, as it usually happens up here). Details after the jump.

Bob and Cortney Novogratz. Yep, that’s who. I love these guys – and I’m not just saying that because DTI was mentioned in their book. 😉 They have such funky, eclectic style and always manage to find the coolest vintage pieces around. We’ve blogged about them several times, and I watched their first show religiously when it finally aired up here. I am so stoked to hear their new show is making it up here too (going to make my sisters PVR it for me). The first episode is due to air on January 2nd @ 8 pm. We were sent some photos from this episode – a condo in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This “industrial but cozy in the city” look rocks, as always. (Photos by Matthew Williams)

…. and coincidentally they now have as many kids as I have cats.