Concrete + Wood

I love wood, especially raw wood or up-cycled barn wood. I also love concrete. Pair the wood and the concrete with something black and I'm in love.....sigh....

This kitchen also has a bit of Zen feeling to it but it's also a bit moody....reminds me of me. That must be why I like it. It's a bit unpredictable. 

Leopard gone wild!

Have you noticed that leopard print is like everywhere this season! Here are three of my faves. I just have to get that trench coat!

all photos via my Pinterest

Industrial Chic Lighting by UrbanChandy

I have a thing for lights especially funky lights that contain recycled parts or up-cycled wood. So, as you can imagine, this reclaimed wood, Edison bulb, industrial chic chandelier made by Urbanchandy is rocking my world right now. However, the hand painted porcelain lights with Edison bulbs shown below are also pulling at my heart strings. The Industrial Chandelier with Vintage bulbs is also a knockout. All of Cassidy Brush's creations are stunning and I guess this is one of the reasons why Urbanchandy has been nominated for the Martha Stewart American Made award. If you want to vote for them you may do so here. 

 With thanks, all photos courtesy Urbanchandy. 

Janaki Larsen Ceramics

The work of Vancouver based ceramicist Janaki Larsen is so earthy and real that you can't help but be inspired by her work.

All photos via Le Marché St. George

It's All Good - Gwyneth Paltrow's New Cookbook

Generally I follow an Ayurvedic diet but I was intrigued by this cookbook after I saw Ellen interview Gwyneth on her show. I love vegetarian and vegan cooking even though I'm what you'd call a Flexitarian (someone who eats some sort of meat, chicken or turkey in my case, twice a week) so I finally decided to pick it up and I must say that I'm quite happy that I did. There are many recipes that I am looking forward to making - which says a lot about the cookbook because I'm a most reluctant chef - and I also liked the fact that each recipe corresponds to an index - elimination diet, vegan, protein-packed. Gwyneth also has menus at the back of her book which correspond to various diets such as "Family Friendly", "Body builder", "Vegan", "Detox" and "Healthy Every Day Eating" which have recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I like this part a lot as it does the planning aspect for me which saves me time. Not to say that I won't deviate but it's a good starting point. So I'm going to try out some recipes this week so I'll keep you posted.

xo Tracey

Blog Relocation

Hello Readers!

Please note that in an effort to centralize my writing, designs, store and blogging, inside outside design has been continued at www.traceymackenzie.blogspot.com
You can also access it via my new website www.traceymackenzie.com.
All the posts that are located here are also located on the other blog so not to worry, if you're coming back to see a specific post, you will find it there as well.

Thank you!!
xo Tracey

The beach

I hope you're enjoying the long weekend as much as I am. We spent the day at the beach and I snapped these as a reminder to always take the time to do something to recharge your batteries. I was exhausted between all the house renos, the endless cleaning and my own work to the point where I wanted to run screaming off into the hills. That's when I looked at my husband and said "it's time to go to the beach". The beach is my favorite place to unwind. There's something about the sun, sand and the water that just puts my mind at ease and makes me feel brand new. So now I'm ready to face the world again. How about you? How do you recharge your batteries?