new boots, new yarn, and a new haircut

This was one perfect day. I decided to do a little shopping before heading over to get my hair cut and it was success all-round. First stop, Get Outside on Queen west to look for much needed winter boots. I knew I wanted Sorels but which ones? After trying on four different styles I settled on the caribou's in slate - bring on the snow 'cause I'm ready. Then, I went into Americo at 577 Queen street west. If you have never been, please oh please make the trip. This is a Canadian yarn company which carries high-end, all natural fiber yarns produced for them in the Andean highlands of south America. And, if yarn isn't your thing, they also have gorgeous blankets, throws, cushion covers, merino wool fabric by the metre, handbags, and the best selection of trimmings and notions. Finally, I went to The Cabinet Salon for a much needed hair appointment. The Cabinet Salon is the creative collaboration of Emma Rose and Alex Macdonald. Emma has cut my hair for the past five or so years and when she was unavailable, Alex stepped in. It goes without saying that I am so happy that they have joined forces and opened their own business. The space is gorgeous, light-filled and welcoming - just like Emma and Alex.

Lily's new bedding

While packing up fabric for a job the other day I came across these and decided I should make something out of them. The yellow fabric is a small sample piece and the other is a vintage table cloth. I have yet to use the yellow piece - I think it will become a blanket for Lily. But, with the crazy poinsettia-print table cloth I made Lily new bedding for her basket. It turns out that Lily has a love for vintage fabric too.

bed time

My friend Sarah has been in Cambodia for almost a year. She has been in Kampot town, a small fishing village in the south that we stumbled across and fell in love with while we were traveling together 2 years ago. Recently, Sarah has gotten sick and in order to see a doctor she had to travel 6 hours north to the city of Phon Phem. Sarah's last letter was not about how she was feeling or the amount of traveling she had to do to see a doctor but how much she loved having to stay in a hotel with soft pillows and a comfortable bed. So, in homage to Sarah here are a few beds which I would gladly travel hours to sleep in.

girl crushin'

Okay, I have a girl crush on Penelope Cruz. My feelings were cemented when I saw her in Vicky Cristina Barcelona. She was brilliant, so brilliant in fact that I felt almost sorry for Scarlett Johansson because she was not even close to okay - trying to keep up with P's firey, passionate character, it was sad. I love Penelope even more because she is with Javier Bardem - finally a real man, a beautiful man not like the moment in time when she was with Tom Cruise (we all have are bad days). And, now Penelope is about ready to explode all over the big screen in 3 new movies. First, she will be appearing in the new Sex in the City - not a lead role but an important role and she be all Latina and fantastic. Then, Broken Embraces (top photo), not a great movie but what it lacks in story it more then makes up for with fabulous set design - complete eye candy. And then there is Nine - out December 25 - I can't wait. Also starring Daniel Day Lewis, Judy Dench, Nicole Kidman and Marion Cotillard. Sadly, some how Kate Hudson also slipped her insipid self into this movie which is a big ol' head-scratcher to me but I'm certain she'll simply fade into the background of the other wonderful performances.

sigh

Although contemporary design is something I truly appreciate it's a little too cold and impersonal for my taste. That being said I am ga-ga over this design, in particular the garage door-style wall which opens flat to the ceiling expanding the inside-out. My friends Rhonda and Scott are renovating their home and I am going to suggest they implement this idea. And, yes I am aware that our Canadian weather and wildlife might not lend itself well to this concept but Rhon loves squirrels and so having them running around her living room hiding peanuts (most likely given to them by Rhonda) before the snow falls might be considered a plus.

so lovely

I spotted these bouquets while looking at the website for Barcelona's Flowers by Bornay. I've been a florist for many years and when I look at this work I'm jealous - their work is beautifully magical and so inspirational.

day dreaming

Once again I find myself day dreaming about spaces so lovely that I have to pretend - if only for a moment - that I live there. So, if it were at all possible then the front of this house in Melbourne would have a back yard ( and guest house) like second image. Then there are the last two shots from apartments in Paris - come on, by honest, I'm not the only one who dreams like this am I?

one fine day

Today was an exceptionally fine day. It started with a few hours soaking in the many waters at The Body Blitz spa with one of my best friends-Rhonda. We were so relaxed that we were actually light-headed when we left and in need of food so we checked out Sadie's Diner and juice bar a new spot at 504 Adelaide street west. I had the huevos rancheros, Rhon had the breakfast burrito and we both had the chocolate, peanut butter, banana smoothie ( actually Rhon had two) and who could blame her because they were delicious. Actually, everything was great: the company, the food, the decor ( I am coveting a paint by number of John Wayne), the service, everything.

paper lovelies

Linda Filley's paper couturier dresses are extraordinary. Using newsprint, discarded gift wrap, and scraps of paper, Linda twists and rolls, folds and pleats these stunning costumes onto life-sized wire dress forms. If you are planning on being in Rhinebeck, NY you can check them out in the windows of the specialty stationary store - Paper trail.

todays favs.

Sometimes a pretty picture can make my whole day. And, when that picture is of simple, well loved, beautifully aged, unexpected objects then my eyes just dance all over them.

I heart Nadege

Last night I went to a press event for Nadege a most wonderful patisserie at 780 Queen street west. Executive chef and co-owner, Nadege, is as delightful as her product which includes, pastries, artisan sandwiches - on their own fresh baked bread, teas, beautifully designed sweets that are almost too pretty to eat, a wide selection of flavoured marshmallows, but my favourite has to be the macarons. Imagine light, crisp cookie wafers sandwiching a variety of thick and creamy ganches. I suggest trying the poppy, and rose - truly the best thing I have had in a while. Why I didn't I bring some home - I blame the free champagne.

happy Wednesday

No one works a fake-fur rug like my friend Dave. Reminds me of Peter O' Toole in A Lion in Winter, what a great movie and what fabulous dialogue. My favourite quote:
Henry II: I marvel at you after all these years. Still like a democratic drawbridge: going down for everybody.
Eleanor: At my age there's not much traffic anymore.