'Supermodel Pets'

Richard Phibbs

     Ella has been wanting a dog ever since she could say the word 'puppy'.  At this point Colum and I kind of think that there is actually no 'perfect' time for a pet and she has been patiently waiting for (almost 5 years) and well it just might be time to take the leap and add an addition to our mix.

After researching, reading and researching some more I have come across great information and funny stories and then I came across this.  A photographer's work was influencing how often sheltered animals were getting adopted.  The story goes on to talk about how professional portraits changed how people saw the animals entirely and she was encouraging other photographer's to adopt a shelter so their work could help save lives too.
 
Would you consider adopting a pet?  I'd love to hear your thoughts...

xo

ps. Richard Phibbs, an accomplished celebrity and fashion photographer donated his amazing skills to HSNY photographing pets that need homes. Check out the amazing result here!

What's in Season: May Fruits

   Before May ends I wanted to post about the fruit that is ripe and in season this month!  Fruit always pleases a crowd at our house.  I want to enjoy fruit when its ripe, ready and true to taste as this book points out.  Food is a straight shooter to my heart and what better way to celebrate it than with the seasons.

I would like to make sure my kids get the most out of what they eat so learning what's in season is like keeping with my grandmother's tradition of sprinkling our plates with love (she always said that was her most important ingredient). 

Here's fruits that are in season during the month of May (and the vegetables too!).  Again these lists are relative to up here in Toronto and would be appropriate for most of the United States.

Fruits for May

cherries
pineapples
apricots

Cherries rarely ever make it past fresh from the stem for me.  I don't eat many of apricots but might pick up a few next time we are at the market (I tend to only pick them up if they are dried because they are so handy in a trail mix)  Do you have a favorite fruit? (Colum loves pineapple ;)


xo 

ps. I have rhubarb in the oven and it smells beautiful! I can't wait to share the recipe with you!!

Have a Relaxing Weekend!

     Wow! Would you believe its Friday already?  This week has been pretty up and down for me and I'm really looking forward to a few days of winding down.  Things get kind of crazy when its just the two of us and I think I am a bit family and friends homesick.  Living around the world is great but not being able to take everyone with you is not so great ;) Trying to keep some spare time to catch up with Colum is proving challenging these days with the energetic duo and the late nights of catch up work.  So this weekend I think there is a bike ride or two in store and a packed picnic lunch.  Ella and Finnian love picnics! And Colum and I get a chance to get away from the computers ;)  I hope everyone has a relaxing weekend!  

Check out some links from the week

gorgeous dress

how did I not see these until now

interesting article

more pretty halo's here

in case you missed it

more about this next week

not sure what to do with this

xo

Photographraphic Project: Michael Wolf

Michael Wolf

     Michael Wolf is a German photographer based in Hong Kong and Paris.  He's really well known for his diverse photographic projects.  Wolf has been invited to photograph such cities like Chicago and the impression is incredible.  I loved this one and anyone would be lucky enough to be able to hang that in their home. I thought this one from Tokyo really shows how adaptable the human spirit can be when it needs too. This series really took me by surprise.  Each city has such distinct ways they shape their surroundings in an 'organic metropolis'.  Michael Wolf's photographs have been on display in Asia, Europe and the United States. And he has been published in a number of books.  I wonder what his next project will be?

xo
ps. What do you think about the toy story collection? Or real fake art?
pps. Just watched this documentary

Pretty Flower Halo's

     My sister is getting married in August and these flower halo's have come up in conversation quite a bit. They are so lush and impressively simple that no wonder she has had her eye on them. I think its a really great way to add such unique natural beauty to such a memorable day.  There are so many different styles from simple to extravagant, I think it would be so hard to choose if I were the bride (I don't think my sister knows if she'll wear one or not just yet).

How about this one?

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or maybe this?

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on the simpler side?

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or with a veil?

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something a bit more lush?

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Such a statement piece don't you think? Would you consider wearing one? It would photograph really well no matter what the style.  I'd love to hear your thoughts!

xo

ps. I wore a handcrafted mantia on my wedding day ;)

What's in Season: May Vegetables

photo credit

 After reading this book I am really trying to pay attention to whats 'in season'.  I get so gloomy when the seasons change and in winter I tend to pretty much hibernate. I'm really trying to find more delight each time the winds changes and trying to pick out their unique and wonderful sides is a great start.  A good way to highlight them is with great food! I usually pay attention to what there seems to be a lot of at the market or on sale but thought it would be more useful if I actually wrote it down (maybe share a recipe or two). These lists will be relative to here in Toronto but will work for most of the United States too.

Here's what to expect for May the next time you hit the farmer's market

okra
zucchini
rhubarb
artichokes
asparagus
spring peas
broccoli
lettuce

Have you ever cooked with okra? It reminds me of this book. I think rhubarb is first on my list before the past due date creeps up on me, it reminds me of home.  Do you have a favorite on the list? I would love to hear your thoughts.

xo

What Are You Reading: French Woman Don't Get Fat

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The French way of life has been popping up all over the place for me lately; like here and here.  So when I came across this book I thought I would see what the sudden fascination was about. This book had a lot of great things to say about how woman approach food and drink (I'm sure men can relate too!).  Mireille Guiliano pointed out some key things for me.  I really liked her constant reminder that food is a stimulation of the senses and her bit about how all water is not good water even if its fancied up with a pretty label.  Best thing about the book is being reminded that each season has its own style of fruits and pleasures to enjoy! I am going to try and follow the growing seasons a bit more and remember that just because I have a large selection to choose from at the market doesn't mean that it will taste the way it was meant too! 

Do you think you'll read the book?  Have you read it already?
 
ps. here's Mireille's latest cookbook

Have a Fun Weekend!

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Can't wait for the long weekend! It gets tricky trying to juggle everything and an extra day added to the weekend is always a good idea ;) Colum and I thought we would plan to do nothing and try do a bit of catch up on life stuff.  Ella and I bought some plants at the farmer's market yesterday so we are going to get them in some soil and I think all this awesome weather calls for a barbeque!! What do you have planned? Have a fun weekend!

Here's a few things from the 'net this week

A song 

Would you try this

Cool Tumblr

might try this idea!

this could be really handy

I'm looking for sunglasses anyone have these?

Was thinking this might be a nice gift for my sister and her fiance (they love crack pie)


nice hat for summer

Thank goodness can't beat a good cup of coffee!

xo

ps. I have some cool stuff lined up for next weeks posts! See you then ;)

Mini Interview Series and that Giggle!

Here is my second post in the mini interview series.  They really are so fun! I think I learn something new every time and their answer's seem to get more complex too (they grow soo quick!).  You already got a chance to meet Ella so now let's meet Finnian! 

What's your name? What's your favorite color?  My name is Finnian and I like blue.

What's your favorite toy to play with?
Trucks and trains and play dough. Because I love them!

When you grow big what do you want to be?
A baby fish.

What will you do as a baby fish?
Swim in the ocean and drink lots of water.

Would you rather play inside or outside?
Outside so you can lift me up in the air.

If you were going to cook a meal for daddy, mommy and Ella what would it be? Nuts. Because squirrels eat them and I like squirrels.

What is your favorite book? The Caboose, The Caboose that really got loose. (it's this book)

What is your favorite thing to wear?
My wellie boots so I can go outside.

What's your favorite thing to do with mommy?
Go to the shop.

What's your favorite thing to do with daddy?
Eat breakfast!


This is a really great way to start a conversation with a three year old little boy who tends to be on the quiet side until you start peaking his interest. There are lots of silly jokes and adventure's that usually involve trains, boats and of course trucks that always follow.  I think when I asked Finn these questions he really wanted to be outside ;)

This is last in our wee series hope you enjoyed them. What questions would you ask? If you've already tried them what's your funniest answer? I'd love to hear your suggestions!

xo
ps. This app is great for a quick photo edit!
 

Mini Interview Series and That Smile!

Since they'll probably come up a bit, I thought I could share with you my favorite little people, Ella & Finnian, in a mini series.  Every now and then I like to do mini interviews with them because I love the answer's they give. They always surprise's me and it's fun!

Ella loves when we get a chance to do this and she has the cutest smile ever! Here's my latest mini-view with my little girl.

 
How old are you? And what's your favorite color?
I'm 4. And my favorite color is pink!

What do you like to eat the most?
Vegetables and carrots because I want to grow to the light switch so I can get a puppy.

Where's your favorite place to go?
The park so I can meet new friends and play with them.

If you were going to cook a meal for mommy, daddy and Finnian what would it be?
A barbeque because I like to eat outside.

What season do you like the most?
Summer because that is when my birthday is. (this question always ends up with a very extensive discussion about what her birthday will be like this year ~ she LOVES he birthday ;)

What's your favorite thing to do with Mommy?
Go swimming.

What's your favorite thing to do with Daddy?
Get a piggy back.

If you could only take one toy on a very long trip what toy would it be?
Fluffy's because I like her. She is so fluffy so I can cuddle with her.

I love to hear Ella's answers and we always switch the questions up a bit.  We usually spend a bit of time laughing about the answer's and go off on a tangent about birthday's and places we like to visit. Have you tried mini interviews with your kids? I highly recommend them!

 ps. I used this handy app for a quick edit to the photos

A Tree House

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Check out this tree house! After graduating from the Pratt Institute, Alexandra Meyn was unable to find a job or an internship (I can relate) so she decided she was going to create her own. She built and designed her very own tree house around an old mulberry in the back of her home in Brooklyn, NY.

''Working with a $400 budget, Ms. Meyn learned to source materials on the cheap, finding doors in the trash and buying the floorboards, paint and other items at Build It Green, a nonprofit organization in Queens that sells inexpensive reclaimed supplies.''

Did you ever have a tree house of your own? Would you build one now? I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

xo 

ps. You can read Ms. Meyn's full story here.

pps. all photos from here

Have A Lovely Weekend!!

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Happy Friday! This weekend I am really looking forward to some sunshine! We have a few things planned for the kids on Saturday (we're off to the firehouse to feed Fin's current obsession for fire trucks). I would love to finally pin down a flower girl dress and ring barrier outfit for my sister's wedding coming up in August (girls seem to have so many choices, its only a matter of choosing but trying to find smart shorts for boys, not so easy). Most of all I can't wait to enjoy that Saturday morning cup of coffee with Colum, coffee always tastes best on Saturday! Do you have any plans for the weekend? Any Mother's Day brunch to go too? Have a lovely weekend!

Here are bits and pieces I loved this week if your in the blogging mood!

I had to take notes with this awesome article 

This I could live in 

Limes and Summer Sun please

Want to try this

Currently Reading (have you read it?)

I could grow old here

ps. Thanks so much for stopping by! I can't wait to share a whole lot more with you ~ xo

Rings Rings Rings

 Photo from Bario Neal Collections

Rings are some of my favorite things to browse and who could blame me with such stunning pieces out there.

I read a post a few weeks ago about a woman who felt insecure because she didn't have a wedding band or ring on her finger. (as soon as I find it again I promise to share it with you) It kind of stuck with me a bit because I never really thought about rings in that way much only that I really liked them.

I am definitely one of the lucky one's to have found a really fantastic guy and after we got married I love wearing a ring on my finger as a symbol for 'us' not for anyone else to see or even judge what type of ring it is.  I happen to really love my wedding band (its handcrafted from Ireland) but more for the sake that every time I look at it, it reminds me how lucky I am! But I don't wear it every day. I switch it up, stack different rings together and look forward to adding more to be able to change things around a bit.

If you like handcrafted and the environmentally conscious check out Bario Neal.  Anna Bario and Page Neal introduced their two-woman operation in spring of 2007.  Every piece is handcrafted to order or they will even work with clients to customize their perfect piece. They work with 'reclaimed precious metals; ethically-sourced stones; and low-impact, environmentally conscious practices'. I love their website and maybe one of these days Colum and I can visit their studio, I have been wanting this for ages!

If your married do you always wear your wedding band? If your not married do you feel the need to wear a ring on your ring finger? How many rings do you wear? (the most I've ever worn on one finger is three)

I'd love to hear your thoughts xo

ps.  check out their Tumblr  

Caine's Arcade

Meet Caine. He really likes arcades! What a fantastic imagination this boy has.  It's crazy how much creativity kids have and how important it is to foster it.  With the help of this really cool community member and Caine's Dad this little auto parts store was totally transformed just to make Caine smile. It makes me smile just thinking about it. And how about the power of social media? Simply incredible!  Caine's Dad even set up a scholarship fund for him following the release of the short film that has turned into a foundation to support other amazing kids. This song kind of sum's it all up!

Did you go to arcade's when you were a kid? What was your favorite game? (skee-ball was always my first pick)

p.s. I think a fun pass is a really great deal!

Iconic Style

 Jacqueline Kennedy Pictures

 
I think it is fascinating how one person's take on fashion has such an incredible impact on the masses. When I think of fashion I think of real people wearing real clothes. I like trends but try not to get to caught up in the want. I really have to love a piece of clothing and picture myself in it for more than a season.

I have been embracing motherhood for four years (almost five, my baby girl is growing so quick).  I think there has been a definite shift in what I like to wear or maybe I am just starting to find my real style. (it's only taken 33 years) These days I appreciate the 'timeless piece' and love to accessorize with hair, bracelets, shoes! Its hard to go wrong with a good fabric too! I think if it feels good why would you not want to wear it, right?! Here are a few of my own timeless fashion icons.

 

A Tribute to Audrey

Grace Kelly at the Oscars

I wonder who Ella will love in her time to come...  
Maybe her or even her. Do you have a fashion icon you follow? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Welcome!

Photo by Sebastian Luczywo

Hi!

Here is my little take on the things, ideas and people I love.

I think we're a sum of all the places we've been and people we've met.  I have always loved to travel and very much still do. (my humble international life has proved just that)  Right now me, my husband and our two toddlers live in Toronto.  One of these days, we'll move into that dream home closer to where I grew up on the East Coast, USA and finally learn to hang our hat! (that will be a very special day) But for now I'm looking forward to sharing and discovering new things with you, talking about food and family, maybe even a little online shopping too!

Here are my most favorite people who make my everyday very special!  

Me and my favorite little people; Ella & Finnian

This is my husband, Colum. He hates getting his picture taken!

Where do you hang your hat? Do you think it will always be in the same place?

See you soon

xo