We love our sponsors, and not just because they help us bring you Covet Garden for free, but also because they are also up to some cool and creative projects. 

Flock of Tea Cosy is a Toronto-based company that makes colourful tea cosies that complement contemprary interiors, each cosy is fashioned from fine wool or wool felt blends that help your tea or coffee pot really hold in heat.

Michelle McLean, the Flock's owner, is a certified tea sommelier, so brewing the perfect cuppa is her number one goal. She was inspired to create these simple covers after searching for cosies that weren't so flowery. She took a page from the simple lines of Shaker design and started by making cosies for friends. Now she is making available to the general public.

The clever cosies have also drawn the attention of blogs such as The Tea Stylist, Remodelista and Apartment Therapy’s “ReNest” feature. Because the are handmade, each cosy is unique. For fiurther customization, bespoke orders are also accepted. 

Visit Flock of Tea Cosy's online shop to check out the array of cute cosies today!

[Our signs of summer include a refreshing seasonal beer and citrus patio accents: 1. Great Lakes Brewerey Orange Pale Ale, 2. Marimekko for Crate and Barrel Appelsiini Green umbrella (9' round), 3. Nine Space Ayrika Bamboo Fouta Towel in Orange, 4. Philosophy Here Comes The Sun™ Age-Defense Gradual Glow Self-Tanner For Face, 5. cb2 Mariposa butterfly chair, 6. Westelm Square Lacquer tray in Peridot, 7. Marimekko Green Green cushion cover]

I stopped by my local pub (conveniently called The Local) for an after work drink last week, and to my pleasant surprise, I noticed that my favourite summer beer—Great Lakes Brewery’s Orange Peel Ale—was back on tap. A sure sign (to me at least!) that Summer is on its way.

While many would write of this beer on sight as yet another fruity “chick drink”, quite frankly, that would be their loss. This is a great, refreshing, medium bodied ale, with just a hint of bitter orange at the end, perfect for patio drinking (and a great accompaniment to chicken wings)!  Small-batch brewed right here in Toronto, Orange Peel Ale is part of Great Lakes Brewery’s seasonal series of beers, and is only available in the summer months. You can buy it either at the brewery, or at the LCBO where a 650ml bottle will set you back a mere $4.95. Best served chilled and garnished with a slice of orange.

What's your favourite patio pint? Let us know in the comments.

[image: photograph by Jessica Reid]

I was recently in Victoria, B.C. and was delighted to see I was just in time to see all the blossoms out. I especially couldn't get the vibrant pink cherry blossoms in front of the Chinese Public School out of my head...

1. Rifle Paper Co. Floral Burst birthday cards; 2. The Bay Liberty print long-sleeved cotton shirt, $99; 3. Crewcuts Girls' Flower Flip Flops; 4. Florence Broadhurst Spotted Floral cushion cover; 5. Plover Organic Pink Roses/Pink Waves king quilt; 6. Tarte LipSurgence™ Natural Matte Lip Stain; 7. Compagnie de Provence Cherry Blossom Bar Soap.

This month in Covet Garden, home is where the art is! Holly creates amazing colourful, kinetic sculptures in the home she shares with her daughters. We love everything about the space and Holly herself: she has an amazing eye for putting things together, she's resourceful (her furnishings only look expensive), and best of all, she is willing to share her savvy with us.

We also share Holly's favourite food and drink recipes. And as always style and décor must-haves inspired by our time spent hanging out with the family. We know you'll love hanging out with them in the pages of Covet Garden, too!