Georgian Bay

The Georgian Bay area is one of the best Canadian landscapes. I have been privileged to spend chunks of my summers there growing up. Thousands of islands dot the bay with cottages hidden among the many coves and inlets. Last summer I was really shocked at the low water level when I visited a small town on Georgian Bay, Pointe-au-Baril. Every year the water has been getting noticeably lower in an unnatural way. It is recorded that this has been the result of over a century of dredging and erosion of the St. Clair River combined with environmental changes. Less precipitation and warmer summers in recent years may account for the early years of dredging not being noticed but today the water level change is very evident and turning a lot of heads.

Midlandcommunity.ca provided a summary from the Sierra Club Great Lakes region which sums up this problem very well:

Reduced water levels have dried up 20% of the highest quality wetlands found anywhere in the Great Lakes; there are now 5-6 foot tall pine trees growing where once there was important fish spawning and nursery habitat .

Since last summer the water levels have dropped another 20 inches making this situation even more dire.

The problem stems from erosion and semi-annual dredging of the St. Clair River bed, causing excess outflow from the Upper Great Lakes through the lower lakes and out to the Atlantic.

The consequence is a rapidly deteriorating ecosystem, with fish and waterfowl dying, massive algal blooms, as well as stranded cottages, boathouses, docks, and dry marinas.

Since 2001 water levels in the middle Great Lakes have met the International Joint Commission (IJC) definition of Crisis Conditions and are now setting new record lows. Previously, the IJC’s Study Board tried to minimize the problem.

The problem is human-made and solvable

 If you are interested in protecting this true northern paradise please sign this petition: http://www.change.org/en-CA/petitions/restore-our-water-2#share

Bedding

If you are going to invest in one thing when it comes to decorating, invest in bedding. There is nothing like wrapping yourself in some soft and fluffy bedding after a long day. White is my go-to for style and class when it comes to sheets and blankets. You can keep everything white or pair it with an earth toned blanket and some statement pillows. I am a big fan of lots of pillows and puffy blankets. The more your bed invites you to jump in the better.

Bookends

I was flipping through a magazine this weekend and stopped on an image of some sort of industrial tool being used as a bookend and the ideas started flooding my mind. Often when I am digging through thrift stores I come across really interesting pieces but I don't really see how I can use of them in a room. Finally, these little unique trinkets have purpose- bookends! Anything from a unique figurine, a vintage dish or teacup, a globe, a framed picture, or even a medium sized stone from a trip can be used to prop up your books. Not only does a creative bookend make a great conversation piece it breaks up the bookshelf and makes the space more pleasing to the eye.

 

Additionally, here is a great resource for bookcase styling: http://www.sasinteriors.net/2012/02/how-to-achieve-a-well-styled-bookcase/

Metallic Accents

Copper, bronze, gold, and brass- I am in love with this shade! I picked up a set of bronze cutlery at an auction last summer and since then I have been obsessed. Metals like bronze act as a warm accent to any room, outfit, or table setting. Check out some excellent ways they have been used below:

The Adventure Backpack

We have seen a blowout of adventure style canvas and leather backpacks/rucksacks in recent months. I recently got a used Herschel backpack for a great price but I can already see some flaws. The biggest problem with the bag is that the drawstring on the main opening is wearing away the top of the backpack and will eventually rip out. There are so many more durable bags to consider with the same simple and classic style. You don't have to dish out top dollar to get these bags either. Check out army surplus stores for great vintage styles that will last and last.

 

 

 

The Cottage Outfit

This is the perfect evening outfit to wear if you are in the country or at the cottage. Combining jean shorts and a flannel or button up shirt has a Canadian feel, keeps the bugs off your arms and gives you a little warmth when the sun goes down.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Garden Inspiration

It is almost time to start planning for the garden. I am a lazy gardener so my garden style is to have lots of wildflowers, vines, grasses, and untrimed bushes all blended together. Here are some great examples I found online: