FALL TREND: BLACK & WHITE PANTS

Black and white printed pants are currently on my wish list. Whether you choose fitted denim or billowy silk, these pants can make any outfit both chic and edgy. I think these will make a perfect transition piece for Fall since they can be paired with a white t-shirt, denim shirt or cozy black sweater as the temperature starts to cool down.

Here are a few of my favourite options...

1. Paige Denim
2. J.Crew
3. Theory
4. Mother

(Top image)

WOMEN MOVING FORWARD

It's been a little bit since I've signed on to Monkey's Muse, but a good cause has had my attention this past week.

Women Moving Forward is a poverty reduction program that helps young, single mothers end the cycle of poverty for their families through education and training. It empowers young mothers to make positive changes in their lives for themselves and for their children. As a new mother, this program resonated with me. I find the idea of young mothers trying to make a better life for their children both selfless and inspiring.

I volunteer with this program by offering communications support, so that's what I've been up to lately!

(Painting by Katie Berggren)

DESIGN INSPIRATION: A PERFECT PIANO

If this was my piano and this was my practice space, I might not have been such an ardent opponent of piano lessons growing up. It's so lovely -- I want to play and play and play. 

To see more of this amazing home, check out The Socialite Family.

MY DINNER DATE WITH MONKEY

Monkey and I were left to our own devices this past Saturday, so I decided to make it a special night for the two of us. We had a dinner date at Terroni, one of our favourite restaurants along Queen Street West. It was quality one-on-one time, and he was a very charming dinner companion.

Dinner dates are going to be one our special traditions whenever we find ourselves alone on a weekend. Do you have any special traditions with your little ones?

NYT TALKS ABOUT QUEEN STREET WEST

The New York Times recently ran an article about Queen Street West in Toronto. My chest puffed up ever so slightly with pride as this is the neighbourhood we call home. The article focused on the decidedly cool independent shops that are opening up and thriving, despite the poor economic picture elsewhere around the world.

And now I'd like to share a few of my favourite haunts along Queen Street West that didn't make it into the article...

• Grab a latte or fresh brewed coffee at White Squirrel Coffee Shop
• Visit the Farmers' Market in Trinity Bellwoods Park
• Indulge in a French macaron at Nadège
• Browse the stacks of books at Type Books
• Outfit your little one in organic clothing at mini mioche
• Have a beer at the unpretentious (verging on seedy) Done Right Inn 
• Shop for clothing fit for a Parisienne at Gaspard
• Eat the best pasta and pizza this side of Italy at Terroni

My list could go on and on. I'd love to hear about your favourite spots in the neighbourhood you call home.

(Image via Flickr)

SUMMER TREND: THE KNOT

The knotted shirt is back. It adds interest to an otherwise plain button-down shirt or t-shirt, and creates a flattering silhouette when paired with a high-waisted skirt or pants. Dress it up with a pretty skirt, or keep it casual with a pair of jeans. 

The back knot is one of my favourite ways to slim down a large fitting t-shirt or tank top. Check out this street style photo for inspiration.

The Sartorialist

(Top images clockwise: Telegraph, Mr. Newman, Style Scrapbook, Elora)

CURRENTLY LOVING: THIS KITCHEN

This rustic yet modern kitchen is stunning with the unexpected brick herringbone floor and minimalist design. I adore it. This kitchen is part of a summerhome in northern Germany that is by the sea. Wouldn't you love to spend time here?

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HAPPY WEEKEND!

It's the weekend! We're having a BBQ Saturday night to celebrate my sister-in-law's birthday so I'm in busy planning mode. This delicious salad is on the menu with the usual burgers, sweet potato fries and a fresh green salad. I'm stumped on what to do for a birthday cake though...any suggestions?

Now here's a song to start your weekend. I was listening to my iPod on shuffle yesterday and it happily reminded me of this catchy tune.

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RECIPE: THE PERFECT SALAD FOR A BBQ

This recipe comes from Smitten Kitchen, one of my favourite food blogs. It is sweet, savoury and makes for a perfect side dish for a summer BBQ. We're having a birthday party for my sister-in-law this weekend and this tasty salad is on the menu!

Watermelon and Feta Salad with Chopped Vegetables
(Adapted from Bon Appetit)

Ingredients:
1 pound plum tomatoes, diced and drained
1 1/2 cups watermelon (seedless), diced
1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1/3-inch cubes
1/2 large English hothouse cucumber, cut into 1/3-inch cubes
1/2 cup radishes, very thinly sliced
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 1/2 cups feta cheese, cut into small cubes
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, thinly sliced
1/2 cup plain Greek-style yogurt
1 teaspoon dried oregano

Toss first five ingredients and two tablespoons of olive oil in large bowl. Add half of each of cheese, green onions and mint.

Mix remaining cheese, green onions, mint and olive oil in a food processor. Mix in yogurt and oregano, but be careful to not over mix the dressing. 

Season dressing with salt and pepper. Mix into salad.

Serves approximately 6 people.

(Image from Smitten Kitchen)

MATCHY-MATCHY

Yesterday I had an unintentional and accidental twin. This is Monkey and me in our matching shirts (he gets really excited when the camera comes out so it's hard to capture him in focus these days). I think my subconscious was really loving stripes yesterday.

THE ALPHA SHOP

I'm so proud to share that my mom has opened her very own shop on Etsy. It's called The Alpha Shop. Now retired, my mom taught kindergarten for more than 30 years. She's quite fond of happy music and absolutely loves teaching little ones about the world around them. Monkey is her first (and only) grandchild and he's delighted whenever she sings and plays with him. Thanks to my mom, he can now say he's one year old!

When it came time to decorate Monkey's nursery, I wanted to create a space that could easily transition from baby to toddler to little boy. My mom helped me decorate and this is when she picked up a paint brush and created two paintings to help Monkey learn his ABCs (above) and 123s. That's how it all started. It took a lot of coaxing to encourage her to start The Alpha Shop, but I'm so very proud that she's stepped (it's really a leap if you ask her) outside of her comfort zone and put her work up online for all to see. She's already thinking of her next project for Monkey...will it be trains, trucks, cars, buildings or trees?

DESIGN INSPIRATION: FOR THE KIDDOS

The minimalist play house by Finnish designer Jenni Juurinen and the paper airplane wall art make for such a sweet and imaginative play area for little ones. I know one little monkey who would be over the moon if he could call this his very own house.


(via Nordic Design)

CURRENTLY LOVING: THIS DRESS

Recently, I'm obsessed with injecting fun prints and colour into my summer wardrobe. This dress is my new favourite. It's a pretty pattern and made of comfortable t-shirt material that makes it a no-fuss option. Pair it with leggings and boots and it will be a great transition piece for the Fall too!

IT'S A HOT, HOT DAY

The heat is still smothering us in Toronto, and we might even break a heat record today with the hottest July 6 ever. Here's one of my current favourite songs to help kick off your weekend.

Monkey and I are heading to the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition this morning to see my friend Lindsay's exhibit. This is her first exhibition since the birth of her daughter so I'm excited to see her in her element.

The City will be buzzing this weekend with the start of Summerlicious, Toronto Fringe Festival, Honda Indy, Salsa on St. Clair and the opening of Woody Allen's new film To Rome With Love tonight. . .the secret is out, I'm a big Woody Allen fan.

Enjoy your weekend and try to stay cool.

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BOOK CLUB: THE RECEPTIONIST

The next book for my book club is The Receptionist: An Education at The New Yorker. This is a recently released memoir by Janet Groth, who spent two decades as the receptionist for The New Yorker. I'm very intrigued to take a look behind-the-scenes during one of the most infamous periods for this magazine.

DIY: BACKYARD CHALKBOARD

I have my friend Jacquie to thank for this DIY project. This backyard chalkboard is so easy to make and it has given me one very happy little monkey.

Supplies:
Piece of plywood -- you can use whatever size fits your space
Paint primer
Chalkboard paint
2 paint rollers
1 paint brush

Directions:
Paint the primer onto the piece of plywood. Cover the front, back and edges as this will help protect the chalkboard from the elements. Let dry.

Paint the chalkboard paint on top of the primed plywood. Use the brush to make sure you get all the nooks in the wood. Let dry.

Now, hand over sidewalk chalk to your little one and prepare to be amazed at the wonderful creations!

RECIPE: PITA WITH CREAM CHEESE, TOMATO, AVOCADO & BASIL

This is my new go-to lunch. It is easy and light, which makes it perfect for the summertime.

Ingredients:
Whole wheat Greek-style pocketless pita
1 tomato
1 avocado
Cream cheese
Fresh basil (about 3-4 leaves)
Fresh ground pepper

Lightly toast pita and generously spread the cream cheese. Add slices of tomato, avocado and basil. Top with a sprinkle of freshly ground pepper.

Monkey is a big fan of wraps, so I use a whole wheat tortilla and roll it up for him to easily hold and eat.

SUMMER STYLE INSPIRATION: PRINT & COLOUR

I'm lacking inspiration for my summer wardrobe. My summer uniform tends to be a pair of jean shorts with a plain white or grey t-shirt or tank top. Isn't summer the time when I should break out of my uniform and wear prints and pretty dresses? Here are a few fun looks that inject a little print and colour without going overboard...




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And remember this breezy summer dress?