I want to go to there

I adore these outdoor spaces and would very much like to be at any one of them.

I heart JNBY

I'm in love with these outfits from JNBY . I love the fabrics (cotton, wool, hemp, linen), the way they lend to easy layering, and I love that the pieces go beyond their basic function. - a skirt can be a scarf, a sweater can be a skirt - brilliant!

friday favs.

This weeks favs include a fabulous shot of my friend Lois's pink tights. I saw it on her blog, hellogirlthursday. I agree Lois, we all need a little colour injection this summer. Next, the cutest little felt birds by Tanya Aguiniga. And, last but far from least, this sweater from Anthropolgie - how do I love thee, let me count the ways.

move over Harry

This months issue of Teen Vogue (what? it's a good magazine) features Harry Potter star Emma Watson and I love the photos. Having been dragged to the opening of the movie a couple of weeks ago couple with this, I am now much impressed with this young lady.

me like

The other day I took my niece, Sydney, down Queen street east. Now, this area is not at it's best during the garbage strike but there were a couple of areas where someone was trying, trying to put some beauty in otherwise not so attractive areas. I applaud your effort and creativity whoever you are.

the wonderful work of illustrator Julia Breckenreid

My friend Julia Breckenreid has illustrated a children's book - An Eye For Colour, on Bauhaus artist and teacher Josef Albers. It will be available in September and she is already getting - much deserved - rave reviews for her beautiful work. I can't wait to have a copy in my hands. To keep. Forever.

who gets vertigo?

Who gets vertigo - me that's who. It took me by surprise today, I went downstairs to get something and went back upstairs and the hall was spinning and I felt incredibly nauseous. I had to lie down, lie down and try not cry because vertigo is scary stuff. I called my friend Katy - who has a key - and asked her to come over and bring me gravol (because I couldn't move to get it myself) so I could sit up and not puke. My other friend Rhonda is popping over. She said she wouldn't wear her striped T-shirt in case that makes me dizzy... and that she'd move slowly. I love my friends. There really is no other reason for this post except that I was feeling a little sorry for myself and now I realize my life is pretty darn great. Vertigo - not so good, friends - exceptional.

new favs

After a week long visit with my niece I finally have a moment to post some new favs. First, must, must, must get the new book Paris: made by hand by stylist and designer Pia Jane Bijkerk. Her work is beautiful and this book is a look into 50 Paris shops that feature made by hand clothing, jewelry, ceramics, and more. Second is one divine linen apron from Yumiko Sekine founder of Fog Linen Work. Fog Linen Work objects are produced in Lithuania where flax has been grown for generations. Check out her website, I beg of you. And, finally, because I am watching what eat these days and so only the best of treats will temp me - I present Paulette macarons. If anyone is going to San Fransisco or Beverly Hills please hook me up.

These incredible shots are from Joanne Tsakos online portfolio. When we worked together many, many, years ago I had no idea that she was even interested in photography let alone possesed such an incredible talent for it.

white crush

I just finished painting an old deck chair white and once again I realize I really do love white. I love it in decor, fashion, food, and of course chihuahuas. As a tribute here are just a few of my favourite white-pics including a sampleing of papercuts by Julene Harrison, yummy white cupcakes shot by Joanne Tsakos, white house of my dreams, and the cutest little purse and slip from Etsy artist Dottie Angel.

todays favs.

Here are just a few things that I am adoring today. First, stunning photos of spring blooms in thimbles from my friend - photographer Joanne Tsakos new blog - I did it my way. Balcony containers that almost make me wish I was back in an apartment. And, vintage silverware garden markers from Etsy site, monkeysalwayslook.

new fall outfit

Here is just a few of things I am coveting at the moment. First, these adorable gold shoes I saw on eBay, Second, this fabulous copper, hammered octopus clip by Zoe from the Nanopod studio. And, last but not least, this dress from Comrags fall 2009 collection. Put them all together and I think I would have one pretty cute outfit.

I have been loving this summer so far. I know a lot of people wish it were hotter but I have really enjoyed not having to run my air conditioner and being able to relax outside with a book and not break a sweat just turning the pages. And, if it were possible, I would love to do said reading in any one of these outdoor scenarios.

everything old is new again

I was just looking at my friend Patti's etsy page - Dervish - where she has (amongst many other fabulous things) a copy of this Better Homes and Gardens from 1970. With some exceptions like the rather large legs on the coffee table and the parquet flooring, this room isn't that bad. And, clearly some designers out there thought so too because this colour combo has been all the rage for the last several months, (top photo from this months House & Home magazine for example).
This vintage Home and Garden magazine also has directions for making your own beaded pom-pom curtain so I'm thinking it is just a matter of time before we start seeing those around. I'm temped to buy this magazine and start mass producing these curtains now - any buyers?

what the ...

The other day I was on the phone gabbing away to a friend when I glanced out my window and saw this in my backyard. It took me a few seconds to figure it out. Apparently the building behind me called a junk removal business and this is their truck parked right next to my back fence. Because of the sun and the position of the truck all I saw was monkey, it made my day.

the perfect pairing

I have long been a fan of the Mercury Espresso Bar in my hood, not just because I know the owners, but because it is, by far, the best coffee in the area. I just found out that recently Mercury has partnered with Ed's Real Scoop - best ice cream in the area - to create Mercury Espresso ice cream. I went by Ed's to sample it and man oh man it does not disappoint and, if you prefer something even more grown-up, Ed's has a mojito gelato that rocks.