Traditions

Last year Liz and I started an annual tradition. Christmas cookie bake off! Our second year was filled with fun and a lot of lessons learned, triumphs and disappointments. We learned from some of our mistakes last year, and made some new mistakes this year to keep with us for cookie bake off 2010.

This year we took on 7 recipes. Feeling good about our finished products last year, and confident that we could overcome our mistakes from last year, here is what we made:
Snowball cookies, apricots dipped in chocolate (a favourite from last year), Sugar cookies, cinnamon shortbread cookies, almond and honey brittle (that didn't work our disappointment for this year),chocolate covered pretzels, and truffles.

And now presenting the fruits or our labour.......

Christmas Hand Made

I've been so busy making gifts that I haven't had time to share them with you. Here is a set of place mats I made with that burlap I bought a while back. And a scarf for one of the kidletts.



More to come.... I'm cutting it pretty close with the gifts, but I'm hoping to get a lot done this weekend.

Art Pottery

My collection of art pottery, started when I was a teen unknowingly, when I bought a W. German vase at a garage sale. I was taken by the texture and shape, but had no idea what I was buying. Ever since, I have developed a taste for art pottery from the 50's 60's and 70's. When I learned what it was that I was so drawn to, I am always on the look out for great pottery pieces, and if I find a W. German piece, it's a good day.

This brings me to my latest thrift score. Today I won, in a silent auction at our local Salvation Army, a large pottery lamp. The lady at the store says it's Canadian pottery, but I have my doubts. Regardless I am delighted and smitten by my new light, and have already found a home for it. I'm excited to show you all, so here it is....


A gem! It also helped me get rid of some unnecessary objects that I have no room for anymore since I had to clear a spot for the new piece. If anyone knows or has a hunch about who would have made this lamp let me know...

If anyone is interested in W. German pottery, I came across this site today. Also found this book, which I need! I don't know much about the pottery I have, except that most of it is W. German, hoping this book will teach me a thing or two.

An Ode To: Do Make Say Think

I had never seen Do Make Say Think before Saturday. I have been a fan for a few years now, but am now an even BIGGER fan. Their live performance was beyond great. I can't wait to see them again.

Wonderful People

We all meet wonderful people in our lives, and I am happy to say, I know two of the most wonderful people. My parents!! Today I spent the day with them, and I always miss them when they go. Even if my dad hassles me about having too many things :) I am a lucky girl to have them.

Mix It Up

Raise your hand if you used to make mix tapes? (My hand is raised, so I'm only typing with one finger...)

My first mix tapes happened around 1992 and 1993 when I listened to Casey Kasem on the AM dial! Sitting in front of my boom box waiting with my fingers on the record/play button. I used to love mix tapes, although I never had the opportunity to make one for a boyfriend since I was a bit shy.... But I did exchange with my dear friend Liz. I used to look forward to getting her tapes and also making tapes for her. I cherish them to this day.

Today I have come across a couple of mix tape inspirations, which has given me the idea to make mix tape stocking stuffers! Very excited about this endeavour!!

Check out these great mix tape sources:

http://www.cassettefrommyex.com/
http://bleubirdvintage.typepad.com/blog/2009/12/mixed-tape-vol-6.html

Family

When I married Clayton, I was fortunate enough to become a part of his wonderful family. For this, I am so grateful. Yesterday we celebrated early Christmas with everyone, and one of the best parts was watching the kids excitement.

Kid In A Candy Store

Some vintage candy wrappings I found at the thrift store last week.

Booty Call

Came across these boots via J Crew. I need these!!

Wishful

Wishing I could wear this today....

Wishful by Runder and Mightning featuring Coach accessories

Items in this set:
Bird by Juicy Couture sweater, $300
TopShop coat, 40 GBP
Degaine jeans, $235
Coolspotters.com boots
Celine shoulder bag, $1,600

Wishing I could be drinking some of this,while wearing that....


Wishing I could be here, while wearing that, and drinking some of that...


Wishing I could be watching this while wearing that, and drinking some of that, and being there....


hmm I sense a theme.....

Loving this London Pad

There is so much to love about this London townhouse. I am inspired by the beautiful pillows and the hint of colour throughout. Perfection!









Check out the rest of the house tour here

Tassels

Came across this yesterday on Etsy. Isn't it lovely!?

Art Love

We ran out of wall space about 5 minutes after we moved into our house. We have more artwork than we know what to do with, but this doesn't stop me from wanting more...So here are few that I am lusting over at the moment.

If you have ever been on the Ork store site, you will have seen this. They have posters for most major US cities, and are sooooon coming out with one for Toronto! Can't wait to see that one..

I knew I was in for it the moment I entered Ashley G's Etsy store the other day. We already have two of her prints hanging in our house and they are two of my favourite. This one is tempting me.


A few months ago I was on Ebay not sure what I was looking for, but somehow I found these wonderful vintage Cuban posters. There are so many great Cuban movie posters, and I had no idea they had such a legacy. They are mostly all the same style. Lots of colour and somewhat abstract.

Seeing Red

(Picture from The Sartorialist)

There is something about red coats and jackets that really get me going. It all started my first Halloween, when my Nonni made me a Little Red Riding Hood cape. I loved it.

Red is a flattering colour in my opinion no matter what garment/accessory it is. It's one of those colours that make an impact weather it's worn subtly like with a lipstick or a red shoe, or if it's a shirt or pant or dress.

This weekend my partner in crime and I both picked up a red coat. Both beautiful, and both very different. So I was inspired to see how others wore their red coats. My conclusion is, no matter what style the coat, the red coat is a cheeky yet put together look for winter. Especially if you live somewhere snowy. The contrast of red against white white snow is like no other.

So without further ado, here are a few inspirational red coats:















1.Picture by The Sartorialist
2.Picture by Style Slicker
3.Picture by The Sartorialist
4.Dear Golden Vintage Etsy shop
5.Good Eye Etsy Shop
6.Sugarskull Vintage Etsy Shop
7.The Vintage Wren Esty Shop

Shorty Jeans

This weekend, on a thrifting adventure, K and I stumbled upon a pair of shorty jeans. I think these are known as clam diggers??? Maybe? Not sure, but they aren't capris and they are a little shorter than ankle length. Needless to say K bought them after I convinced her how cute and practical they were.



(Photo by Lisa Warninger)

I came across this picture on Urban Weeds I think this outfit is so perfect. The shorty jeans look great with the deck shoes. I had envisioned an outfit with ballet flats and a cute top for a fun summer night, but this picture proves that shorty jeans are much more versatile than I previously thought!

And if there was any doubt at all about shorty jeans, I think Milhouse articulates it perfectly

"I hate these flood pants. [opens door and water comes in up to his ankles] Hey, they're working! My feet are soaked, but my cuffs are bone dry! Everything's comin' up Milhouse!"

This Weekend

Hello Friday. I have an exciting weekend ahead. I feel like a little kid today consumed by anticipation. It's a jammed packed fun 3 days ahead. Here's the low down

-Tomorrow the OCAD Whodunit? Sale. An awsome fundraiser for the Ontario College of Art and Design. A special someone has a peice in the sale, so we are going to check it out.

Then I will be crafting with my dear friend K. So excited for the crafts planned and for sitting and chatting while munching on delicious short ribs and drinking some cocktails!

-Sunday a relaxing day with my parents at our house. My dad will be helping us with a renovation, while my mom and I cook cook cook!

Happy Weekend!

Baby Booties

Bird Watching

Just wanting to share some great pictures of an afternoon we had bird watching. There's nothing better than a beautiful fall afternoon being outside.

We went to a bird sanctuary, and there were so many little chickadees flying around. Along the trails were feeders with food you could put in your hand and have the birds eat from your palm. It surely made for some great photo ops.





For good measure, I thought I would add the perfect outfit for bird watching.

Bird Watching by Runder and Mightning featuring Miss Selfridge

Items in this set:
Dorothy Perkins top, 7 GBP
Forever21 coat, $49
Miss Selfridge jeans, 35 GBP
Token shoulder bag, $240
Lagarconne.com scarf, $285

Not just for potatoes and feed....

Burlap by Runder and Mightning featuring TOMS shoes

Items in this set:
Derek Lam t shirt, $850
ADAM Adam Lippes jacket, $91
TOMS shoes, $54
Wisteria.com, $69
Ballarddesigns.com, $10

Last weekend I was perusing the local thrift store, and found a bolt of burlap, (otherwise known as Hessian). It occurred to me that it's wonderful fabric to use for Christmas crafts and decorating. I like it's practical and simple style, and for some reason I automatically thought of this time of year when I saw it. Maybe because of it's hue and natural characteristics.

I haven't decided what to make with it yet, but I'm thinking about maybe combining it with some screen printing, or making xmas stockings with it. I'll be sure to share any creations I come up with.

Sunny Days

Who remembers cement slides, or animated pin ball and that catchy tune that went with it? Or the little kid reciting his shopping list over and over (A loaf of bread, a carton of milk, a stick of butter...)or the surly outlaw in the western saloon who writes the letter Y with a black crayon?

This is my generation of Sesame Street. It certainly left an impact on me, and I'm sure it will continue to do the same for so many other kids for another 40 years. Happy belated birthday Big Bird and friends!!





Two of my Favourite Cameos on Sesame Street

One more thing...an outfit inspired by Ernie!

Chanelling Ernie by Runder and Mightning featuring True Religion jeans

Items in this set:
Marc Jacobs cardigan, 711 GBP
True Religion jeans, $245
80%20 shoes, $150
Blingstyle tote bag, $48
Jardin des Orangers scarf, 225 GBP

P.S. If you have ever been to Paris, you may have noticed the cat that you see on the tote bag in my Ernie set above. That's a Chris Marker cat. They are all over the city peeking out of buildings and around corners. I won't go on about Chris Marker and how great he is... I'll leave that for another post some day. But if you are planning on going to Paris any time soon. Look out for the grinning cat!