So I stumbled across this bonkers hotel while surfing for coolness. It’s the Yas Hotel in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. and it is crazy cool. Built half on land, half on water with access to the marina. The shell of the hotel is created to resemble the tossing of a fishing net, and the LED colour display is truly impressive. It encompasses contemporary style rooms, 14 restaurants & lounges, 10 treatment room spa and multiple rooftop pools.

Inauguration Day 1961
“The president’s father beamed with pride and the King of Pop listened intently that cold, windy day when JFK suggested they ask not what their country could do for them, but what they could do for their country.”

“Art too bad to be ignored”.

I can’t get over this concept. It’s entirely genius in itself, but oh how I wish it existed in Montréal instead of Massachusetts (mainly because it would be the ultimate First Date location). The Museum of Bad Art rivals other more “well-known” museums, with a concept that’s perfectly unique in it’s own way…

Eileen’s Uncle Phil by Anonymous
16″ x 20″
Oil on Canvas
Purchased by Mike Frank 5/19/07

He Was a Friend of Mine By Jack Owen
18″ x 24″
Watercolor
“Who else thinks it’s a good idea to eat from my bowl?”

Ronan the Pug by Erin Rothgeb
18″ x 24″
Acrylic on Canvas Board
“Ronan the Pug could hardly see straight after lapping up all the spilled egg-nog at the holiday party, but brought tears to everyone’s eyes with his clear tenor rendition of Danny Boy.”

Check out more examples on museumofbadart.org or buy something from their online shop

Check it! These fireplaces are the latest on my list of favourite products. Planika has taken a sleek and stylish approach to fireplace design by making them contemporary furniture pieces. Planika has created a myriad of amazing pieces: coffee tables, wall-mounted fires, standfires, and more. This smart design means that there’s no need for a chimney as there is no soot or ash scattering from the fire to worry about or clean up. With more than one designer working for them Planika provides a healthy selection of these amazing pieces, i mean there’s a whole collection to choose from. These are just a few pictures of their products, but take a gander at the website to see more planikafires.com

This stunning wine holder would fit perfectly in any home, it’s simplistic and contemporary without being pretentious. I enjoy when a product uses factors such as gravity, and incorporate it into the design of the product.

This product can be found on multiple websites, it retails for about £28 (roughly $58 CAD, price including shipping),  best website I found to purchase it on is www.cutebitz.com. The ship to Canada and the U.S. but require 5-7 days.

Makes for a unique gift to give with a bottle of wine or used within your own personal space and makes for a great conversation piece. Enjoy!

I love summers, especially patios during the summer. Hitting up the patio scene is definitely on the top of my list of rad things to do. Yes, that’s right. I said rad. Jealous? I’m always on the hunt, trying to find the next best patio-centric hot spot. Lis, James, Christy and myself ventured to one of the newest spots in the vibrant and bustling Mission district of Calgary, the Vin Room.

This venue is amazing! It is a completely renovated space that used to be a cycle shop (Mission Cycle- the sign still exists) into this chic downtown night spot. Contemporary design mixed with warm tones and sleek furniture make for an inviting space to have a glass of wine and share some tapas. We were lucky enough to sneak a spot on the rooftop patio. Again, very warm tones mixed with contemporary furniture make the patio just as comfortable as the interior of the space, with the benefit of a mighty fine view. I should not forget to mention that the food, wine and staff were amazing too!

I encourage people to stop in for a glass of wine and enjoy the well layed-out space and decor. Or make an evening of it during a hot summer night, atop the well lit patio (heater optional).

Photos credited to the vin room website.