Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Newfoundlander Social Enterprise Made in Canada by Refugee Women, Accessories for Babies and Children


As a proud Canadian and a Bubby to 11 beautiful grandchildren, I have a particular soft spot for well-made Canadian accessories for babies and parents. Over 2 decades we’ve gone through a lot of baby things when there are 11 little people in the family, and I have always appreciated products that are practical, beautifully made and created with a little heart behind them.

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Newbornlander was founded by Constanza Safatle, a commercial lawyer from Chile who moved to Newfoundland and Labrador. Like so many immigrant women who begin again in a new country, Constanza found herself redefining her professional life in Canada.

She began sewing baby accessories for her own children.

And then something wonderful happened.

She saw how much her handmade creations could help babies and parents, and began to imagine something bigger: a business that could become a force for positive change.



Today, Newbornlander is a social enterprise creating accessories for babies and parents, with its products handmade in Canada.

I love that phrase: handmade in Canada.

In a world increasingly filled with mass-produced everything, there is something rather special about knowing that a product has been thoughtfully designed and made by human hands.

And there is another part of the Newbornlander story that makes it especially interesting from a business perspective. Constanza took her idea to CBC’s Dragon’s Den in Season 18, (Watch HERE) putting a Canadian woman-founded, handmade social enterprise in front of a national audience.







For me, the story is bigger than baby accessories.

It is about reinvention.

It is about women creating new lives and businesses when the original path no longer fits. It is about immigrant entrepreneurship, Canadian craftsmanship and the idea that a small sewing project at a kitchen table can grow into something meaningful.

As a Bubby, I also know that parents want products that make life a little easier, while grandparents love finding things that are useful, beautiful and made with care.

Newbornlander feels like a lovely Canadian example of all three.

And perhaps that is the best kind of business story: a woman, a needle and thread, an idea, and the courage to see where it might lead.







COPYRIGHT 2007-2026 Patti Friday b.1959.

Sunday, November 1, 2026

Reviews of Christmas Book For Children: Lucky The Christmas Mushroom


"If you are looking for a Christmas book for gifting children & families perhaps these reviews will give you a cheery reason to order 'Lucky the Christmas Mushroom'.  I had so much fun writing and illustrating this holiday book!" - Patti Friday 





"All the Christmas feels!  Bought this beautiful book for my grandchildren. Lucky the mushroom lives in a Yule log in the forest with all his woodland friends. He has a very important Christmas job! This sweet book will be part of my holiday cheer this year. Well written with big print and lots of colourful artwork for the littles and grown alike."
- Cindy Lorusso

"Lucky to read Lucky!  When Lucky Arrived, my grandson immediately devoured the pages! He loved the storyline, characters and art. Well done, and truly a heartfelt Christmas Story!!"
- Joann Prior 

"One of the best children's books I have purchased in years.  Very well written with positive imagery for everyone. Mailed these out as Christmas gifts for young family members."
- Norma McNalty

"Our new favorite Christmas storybook.  We love this Christmas story. The images and artwork are beautiful, with a unique rustic vibe. This tale is about teamwork and resilience. As well, a subtle nod to the magic of the Christmas mushroom, and the tradition of bringing good luck."
- L. Walker

"Enjoyable Christmas book!  I enjoyed the illustrations. Definitely recommended for kids at Christmas."
- Peter Day






"Pine Tree Island is a magical place. Lucky The Christmas Mushroom lives there. He has a very important seasonal project to wrap up with his team of forest friends! A fun, folktale that is sure to become part of your family's holiday traditions! A festive story for kids of all ages!" - Patti Friday 




Order Lucky the Christmas Mushroom:








COPYRIGHT 2007-2026 Patti Friday b.1959.

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

The Secret Language of Flowers: Canadian Artist Patti Friday’s New "Folk Colour Blocks" Series




There are certain things I keep coming back to as an artist: flowers, colour, pattern, stories and the quiet little mysteries hidden inside everyday things.

My new painting series brings all of these loves together.

As a Canadian artist, I have spent years photographing botanicals. Flowers appear again and again in my photographs, whether carefully arranged in a still life, discovered growing wild in a garden, gathered from the roadside or simply noticed because the light happened to fall across them in a particular way.

I think I have always been a bit of a botanical collector, although my collecting is done with a camera, a paintbrush and an ever growing fascination with the natural world.

Now those flowers are making their way onto the painted surface.

Colour, colour and more colour

I consider myself a colourist.

Colour is rarely an afterthought in my work. It is often where the work begins.

I love the emotional qualities of colour, the way a particular red can feel exuberant while another feels mysterious, how yellow can be sunny and optimistic or strangely melancholic, and how unexpected combinations can suddenly make an image come alive.

For this new series, I am exploring the idea of the flower repeated across a field of colour blocks.

The flower remains recognizable, but its personality changes depending upon the colour surrounding it. A botanical image can become joyful, nostalgic, mysterious, playful or even slightly peculiar simply by changing its colour story.

That is part of the fun.

A little contemporary folk art

My passion for contemporary folk art is also deeply woven into this series.

I love art that doesn't take itself too seriously. Art with personality. Art that has a little bit of the handmade, the folkloric and the unexpected about it.

I am drawn to folk traditions because they often communicate through simple shapes, repeated motifs, pattern and symbolism. A flower can be a flower, but it can also represent home, love, remembrance, renewal, celebration or hope.

My paintings play with that idea.

The repeated botanical becomes almost like a character appearing throughout a visual story.

Look a little closer

And then there is the secret part.

Hidden within each painting will be messages.

Some may be words. Some may be letters. Some may be tiny symbols, my poems or visual clues. Some may be personal. Others may be little observations about life, nature, joy, love, memory or the passage of time.

They won't necessarily announce themselves.

You have to look.

I like the idea that a painting can reveal itself slowly. First you see the colour. Then the flowers. Then the pattern. And eventually, perhaps, you discover something that was quietly sitting there all along.

It becomes a kind of visual treasure hunt.

Flowers as storytellers

I have always believed that flowers carry stories.

They arrive with the seasons. They remind us of gardens, childhood, celebrations, people we have loved and places we have travelled. They can be exuberant or delicate, cultivated or wild.

And they are wonderfully democratic.

A flower does not need to be rare or exotic to be beautiful.

Sometimes the ordinary ones are the most interesting.

This new series is my way of celebrating that beauty while giving it a new language through colour, pattern and contemporary folk art.

I imagine the paintings living together as a colourful botanical chorus, each one different, each one carrying its own little secret.

So, when you encounter one of these paintings, don't just look at the flowers.

Look for the message.

You never know what might be hiding in the garden.

Coming soon! Stay tuned here. 

PFXO 



COPYRIGHT 2007-2026 Patti Friday b.1959.

Monday, September 28, 2026

2027 Home Renovation Trends: The Return of the Beautifully Lived-In Home



2027 Home Renovation Trends: The Return of the Beautifully Lived-In Home

For several years, home renovation was dominated by clean lines, cool neutrals, white kitchens and the pursuit of an almost perfectly edited interior.

In 2027, that picture is changing.

The new renovation philosophy is warmer, more personal and considerably more tactile. Designers are moving away from rooms that look as though nobody actually lives in them and toward homes with character, comfort, craftsmanship and a sense of history.

The big story for 2027 is not one particular colour or material. It is personality.

Warm woods, natural stone, handmade tile, sculptural lighting, richer colours, vintage influences and clever hidden storage are all contributing to a home that feels less like a showroom and more like a sanctuary. 

Here are the renovation trends I expect to see everywhere in 2027.



1. Kitchens Become Warmer and More Architectural

The white kitchen is not disappearing overnight, but its dominance is definitely softening.

Expect to see walnut, oak, rift-sawn wood and other warm timber cabinetry replacing some of the stark white and grey cabinetry of the past decade. Wood is being celebrated for its grain rather than painted over.

Cabinetry is also becoming more furniture-like, with inset doors, decorative legs, framed details and beautiful hardware.

The kitchen is increasingly being designed as part of the architecture of the home rather than as a separate utility room.



2. The Island Becomes a Piece of Furniture

The enormous, ultra-modern waterfall island is giving way to islands with personality.

Think:

• Rounded corners
• Furniture-style bases
• Wood detailing
• Contrasting stone
• Legs and architectural supports
• Curved islands and peninsulas
• More comfortable seating arrangements

Search interest in rounded islands, curved peninsulas and arched kitchen features has already been climbing, suggesting that the softer geometry will continue into 2027. 



3. Statement Stone Takes Centre Stage

Stone is having a major moment.

Instead of choosing a countertop that simply disappears into the kitchen, homeowners are increasingly selecting stone with dramatic veining, unusual colour and visible geological character.

Quartzite, marble, travertine, limestone and other natural stones are appearing on islands, backsplashes, fireplace surrounds and bathroom walls.

The important shift is this: stone is becoming artwork.



4. Kitchens Get Their Own "Back Kitchen"

One of the more practical trends for 2027 is the return of the secondary kitchen or scullery.

The beautiful main kitchen remains open and social, while a concealed work area handles appliances, food preparation, coffee equipment, messy cooking and additional storage.

This is particularly appealing in open-concept homes where homeowners want the kitchen to look calm even when real life is happening behind the scenes.



5. Bathrooms Become Personal Retreats

The bathroom continues its transformation from purely functional room to private sanctuary.

But the 2027 bathroom is less about creating a generic "spa bathroom" and more about creating a personal ritual space.

Expect:

• Walk-in showers
• Freestanding or sculptural tubs
• Heated floors
• Layered lighting
• Natural stone
• Warm wood vanities
• Integrated storage
• Statement mirrors
• Comfortable seating where space permits

Wellness is increasingly being considered at the planning stage, through lighting, circulation, materials and comfort rather than simply adding a few spa accessories.


 

6. Goodbye, All-White Bathroom

The clinical white bathroom is being replaced by something considerably more atmospheric.

Mushroom, taupe, olive, sage, clay, warm cream, chocolate brown and muted blue are finding their way onto walls, cabinetry and tile.

Colour is no longer necessarily an accent.

Colour can be the room.

This "colour drenching" approach creates a much more enveloping and sophisticated space. 



7. Tile Gets Handmade Character

If there is one material category I would watch closely for 2027, it is tile.

Perfectly uniform tile is making room for surfaces with personality.

Zellige-inspired tile, handmade-look ceramic, softly irregular edges, textured surfaces, scalloped shapes and subtle colour variation are becoming increasingly desirable.

The appeal is simple. Handmade-looking tile gives a new renovation something that perfectly manufactured materials sometimes lack: imperfection and soul.

Zellige and artisanal tile are already appearing beyond backsplashes and shower walls, including bathroom floors. 



8. Tile Patterns Become More Expressive

Tile is also becoming more playful.

Expect to see:

• Checkerboard
• Herringbone
• Chevron
• Scalloped tile
• Small-format geometric patterns
• Decorative borders
• Colourful grout
• Unexpected combinations of tile sizes

The trick for 2027 is not necessarily more tile.

It is better tile used more intentionally.



9. Flooring Gets Warmer

The cool grey floor is losing its grip.

Warm oak, natural timber tones, limestone-inspired surfaces, terracotta and stone-look flooring are contributing to a more grounded interior palette.

Pattern is also returning, particularly through parquet, herringbone and checkerboard floors.

For homeowners renovating for the long term, flooring remains one of the places where I would favour quality and timelessness over chasing the newest microtrend.



10. Natural Materials Take Over

Perhaps the biggest material story of 2027 is the desire for surfaces that look and feel real.

Wood.

Stone.

Linen.

Plaster.

Ceramic.

Wool.

Rattan.

Travertine.

Limewash.

These materials introduce texture and variation, which is increasingly important as homeowners move away from flat, perfectly coordinated interiors. 



11. Fluting, Reeding and Ribbed Surfaces

Expect to see texture everywhere.

Fluted wood cabinetry, reeded glass, ribbed walls and textured furniture are being used to create shadow and dimension.

This is particularly effective in bathrooms and kitchens because it adds visual interest without requiring a strong colour.




12. Lighting Becomes Architectural

Lighting is no longer an afterthought.

In 2027, expect layered lighting plans combining:

• Architectural lighting
• Decorative pendants
• Wall sconces
• Under-cabinet lighting
• Picture lighting
• Sculptural fixtures
• Soft ambient illumination

Stone and other natural materials are even moving into decorative lighting, turning fixtures themselves into sculptural objects. 



13. Curves Continue Their Journey Into Architecture

The curve is sticking around.

Arched doorways, curved cabinetry, rounded islands, soft-edged vanities and sculptural furniture are replacing some of the hard rectangular geometry we've become accustomed to.

The most sophisticated interpretation isn't a house full of circles.

It is the contrast between straight architectural lines and carefully chosen curves.



14. Vintage and New Finally Become Friends

One of my favourite directions for 2027 is the mixing of eras.

A contemporary kitchen can have an antique stool.

A new bathroom can contain a vintage mirror.

A modern home can have an old European cabinet.

A newly renovated room can include artwork, ceramics or furniture that looks as though it has been collected rather than purchased yesterday.

Designers are increasingly embracing mixed eras and collected interiors rather than insisting that every object belong to the same design vocabulary.



15. Homes Become More Individual

Perhaps this is the most important renovation trend of all.

The perfectly coordinated "Instagram house" is losing its appeal.

People want homes that tell stories.

They want their grandmother's chair. Their collection of pottery. Their paintings. Bookshelves. Travel treasures. Family photographs. Interesting wallpaper. A strange little lamp they found at a flea market.

In other words, personality is becoming a design asset.



The 2027 Renovation Rule

If I were advising a homeowner planning a renovation in 2027, I would suggest a simple philosophy:

Spend on permanence. Personalize with the layers.

Invest in excellent cabinetry, good flooring, quality plumbing, proper lighting, sound construction and beautiful natural materials.

Then bring personality through paint, tile, textiles, art, lighting, vintage pieces and accessories.

That approach gives you something much more valuable than a "trendy" house.

It gives you a home that feels warm, collected, comfortable and unmistakably yours.

And that, ultimately, may be the most important home renovation trend of 2027.




COPYRIGHT 2007-2026 Patti Friday b.1959.

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Naked Companionship


The Art of Hadaka no Tsukiai: Finding Connection in the Japanese Hot Spring

There is something wonderfully disarming about sitting quietly in a steaming Japanese hot spring with nothing between you and the people around you.

No designer clothes. No business suits. No social-media version of yourself. No need to impress anyone.

Just warm water, fresh air, conversation and the shared experience of being human.




The Japanese have a lovely expression for this: hadaka no tsukiai (裸の付き合い), often translated as “naked companionship” or “naked association.” It describes the sense of closeness and openness that can develop when people share a bath together without clothing.

In Japan, communal bathing has a long cultural history. An onsen, a natural hot spring, is not simply a place to get clean. It can be a place to relax, socialize, restore oneself and spend unhurried time with others.

And there is something symbolic about entering the water naked.







We leave our ordinary identities at the changing-room door. The distinctions that accompany everyday life become less important. In the water, everyone is simply a person enjoying the warmth.

That is part of the charm of hadaka no tsukiai. The phrase can suggest a relationship in which people are able to be straightforward and unguarded with one another. It isn't inherently sexual. Quite the opposite. The nudity is generally understood within the cultural context of communal bathing, rather than as an invitation to intimacy of a sexual nature.








There is also a beautiful lesson here for modern life.

We spend so much of our time presenting ourselves. We curate photographs, write profiles, choose our clothes, manage our homes and carefully construct the version of ourselves we show to the world.

Perhaps we occasionally need places where none of that matters.

A hot spring offers an ancient kind of pause. You sit. You breathe. You soak. You talk if you feel like talking. You remain quiet if you don't.

There is no productivity requirement.

No one needs to achieve anything.

The water does the work.




Maybe that is why the idea of hadaka no tsukiai feels surprisingly relevant today. In a world increasingly filled with screens, notifications and carefully constructed identities, there is something radical about simply being present with other people.

Warm water.

Quiet conversation.

Shared humanity.

And, for a little while, nothing to hide behind.

That may be the deeper beauty of the Japanese bath: sometimes connection begins when we stop trying so hard to present ourselves and simply allow ourselves to be there.



COPYRIGHT 2007-2026 Patti Friday b.1959.
Photo Images:  Google/Facebook/Pinterest