31.10.12

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Monkey's first pumpkin carving

Funny faces

Batman!

Batman in his Batmobile

Batman and his friend Rapunzel

Yesterday was pumpkin carving day. Today is Halloween!

This morning Monkey and I went to a Halloween party, where we played with friends, ate tasty treats, listened to music and created spooky crafts. This evening Monkey gets to go trick-or-treating at his friend's house across the street. What an exciting day!

30.10.12

CURRENTLY LOVING: THESE SOCKS

thigh hi socks
The chillier weather makes me want to bundle up and stay warm. Hansel from Basel makes good socks and tights. I'm currently loving these thigh hi socks that can make plain black leggings a bit more interesting (and super cozy). Throw on your favourite pair of boots or rainboots and you're ready for the elements.

And, how fun are these tights?

29.10.12

OUR NIGHT OF DARKNESS

Last night was a preview of what might come our way with Hurricane Sandy. We had a power outage that lasted for three and a half hours. It was conveniently timed right around Monkey's bedtime so his bath was light by candles (I wish I had pictures!) and story time happened with a flashlight. It felt a bit spooky with Halloween right around the corner!

Reading during power outage
Story time with a flashlight

Pumpkin candle
Our Halloween candle made it just a little spooky

Pictures from power outage
Monkey's animal friends by candlelight

26.10.12

HAPPY WEEKEND!

Fall day in a park

Another Friday is here, and with it comes another Fall weekend. Do you have any plans? My parents will be visiting this weekend to babysit Monkey while we go to our friends' wedding. I'm excited to celebrate and see my husband look dapper in his tuxedo (he's a best man). A visit to a pumpkin patch is supposed to happen on Sunday, but the weather is looking quite miserable for the entire weekend so our pumpkin might just be found at our local grocery store this year.

Now, here's a song to start your weekend. It's Relator by Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson. This song will chase away the gloomy weather this weekend.

(Image)

25.10.12

THE RED BALLOON FOR HALLOWEEN

The Red Balloon by Albert Lamorisse is one of my favourite children's books. It's a classic story about a little boy (Pascal) and his best friend, which happens to be a magical red balloon. If you're still looking for some inspiration for your little one's Halloween costume, check out this adorable one of little Pascal ...

Halloween costume

Check out Oh Happy Day for more amazing handmade costume ideas.

STYLE INSPIRATION: BRAIDS

I desperately need some hair inspiration. Ponytails and top knots are my go-to style, which tells you that I'm not at all skilled in this area. How pretty are these styles that incorporate braids? Even I might be able to figure out how to do the first one ...

Braid with ponytail

Fishtail braid

Braided crown

(Image / Image / Image)

24.10.12

RECIPE: PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies

This past weekend we visited friends who live in a small town north of Toronto and took part in a community Halloween party. Monkey didn't get the concept of trick-or-treating for candy (thank goodness!), but he had a blast with his friends. To be festive, we made this recipe for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip cookies as a treat.

Ingredients:
2 3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 cup pumpkin
1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375◦F. Blend sugar, butter, eggs and vanilla. Add flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, ginger and cinnamon. Add pumpkin and chocolate chips.

Drop large spoonfuls of batter on a baking sheet (I cover mine with parchment paper to avoid baking on metal and the easy clean up is a bonus!).

Bake for 10 minutes. Enjoy!

23.10.12

STREET STYLE INSPIRATION: FALL OUTFIT

Street style inspiration from The Sartorialist

A navy blazer, legging jeans, sneakers and stripes make this a classic Fall outfit -- one that I could wear day after day. The driving gloves and orange satchel give it a bit of flair. Here's my take on this outfit ...

Miu Miu blazer, MiH top, Goldsign jeans, Agent Provocateur gloves, Acne scarf, Bensimon shoes
BlazerJeansTopSatchel / GlovesScarf / Shoes
Update: You can find the Bensimon sneakers here

(Top image)

22.10.12

BEST FRIENDS FOREVER


I will often use the term 'best friend' when talking about my closest friends. I find it provides context when telling a story. It's a simple term that brings with it an understanding that I'm talking about someone who knows me best in life. Recently, someone pointed out that it was a childish notion best reserved for playground fun. I disagree. Are you ever too old to have a best friend? No matter our age, don't we all need someone in our life who is a constant, sharing laughter in good times and listening in the not-so-good times? I think so.

(Image via Growing Wildly)

18.10.12

RECIPE: BROCCOLI AND CHEDDAR SOUP

broccoli and cheddar soup

Lately, we seem to have more broccoli than I know what to do with. I usually have to force myself to eat it, so you can imagine how happy I was when I found this recipe for a good broccoli soup. The sharp cheddar cheese makes it a hit with Monkey too.

Ingredients:
6 tablespoons butter, divided in half
3 large heads of broccoli, divided into stems and florets
1 small onion, finely diced
1 clove garlic, minced
900mL low sodium chicken broth
1 cup whole milk, warm
3 heaping tablespoons flour
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Coarse salt
Freshly ground pepper

Peel and dice broccoli stems. Add to a large soup pot with diced onion. Add 3 tablespoons of butter and sauté on medium heat until softened, about 6-8 minutes. Add in garlic and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
Add broth, turn up heat and allow to come to a simmer. Turn down to medium low and continue to simmer.

In small saucepan over medium heat, melt the rest of the butter (3 tablespoons). Sprinkle flour over melted butter and stir to form a roux. Slowly add heated milk to roux, whisking as you go. Bring to a simmer and allow to thicken. Season with salt and pepper.

Add cream sauce to broth, whisking to combine. Add grated cheese, making sure it is completely blended. Add mustard powder and paprika.

Add in broccoli florets and allow to simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until broccoli is tender. Season with salt and pepper.

Enjoy!

17.10.12

STREET STYLE INSPIRATION: MIX & MATCH

There is something effortlessly cool about mixing a sweatshirt with a very fancy skirt and heels for everyday wear. Think feathers, ruffles and sequins ...

Street style inspiration

Street Style inspiration

Street style inspiration

(Image / Image / Image)

15.10.12

THE NEW BABY DAYS


This weekend we had a big family lunch with our friends. Monkey was in awe of the three little babies who ranged from eight weeks to seven months old. He was desperate to share his toy train and was perplexed as to why the smallest baby just didn't think it was as cool as he did.

Spending time with these little ones made me nostalgic for Monkey's baby days. Yes, it was a difficult time with little sleep, overwhelming emotions, lengthy nursing sessions and piles of laundry, but it was also a time filled with sweet moments. Looking back now, here are the things that I enjoyed (and that kept me sane!) during those early months ...

1. Living and Learning with Baby. I joined this mommy group through Toronto Public Health when Monkey was three months old. I learned a great deal about babies and, more importantly, I met a group of amazing women who live in our neighbourhood and who I now call friends.

2. Post-natal yoga. I practiced downward dog with Monkey beside me, or in some cases, involved in the poses too.

3. Movies for Mommies. This was one of my favourite things to do. Monkey either nursed or slept while I was entertained with movies like Crazy, Stupid, Love, Bridesmaids and The Ides of March. And if he fussed, it didn't matter since it was just a group of parents who were in the same boat!

4. Library time. The Toronto Public Library offers baby time classes with singing and reading, which is another great way to get out and meet other moms in your neighbourhood.

5. Art Strollers. Monkey and I toured contemporary works at the AGO, strolled through the Distillery District and took a free guided tour of Luminato exhibits. We became cultured one outing at a time!

And now looking back, my most cherished moments from those new baby days were when I'd just curl up with Monkey for a nap or for some quiet time to really get to know my special little guy.


12.10.12

HAPPY WEEKEND!

Rollerskates in Autumn

Another weekend is almost here. I'm looking so forward to spending time in the city with park visits, movie nights, a brunch date (just me and my friend ...no babies!) and a big family lunch with two of my dear childhood friends where we will be feasting on some serious mac-and-cheese.

I have a confession to make. I have a weakness for Kardinal Offishall. So, in honour of our very Toronto-centric weekend, here is the Toronto native with The Anthem, a tribute of sorts to this city.

(Image)

11.10.12

RECIPE: APPLE BLUEBERRY MUESLI

Apple blueberry muesli

Muesli is a breakfast staple around our house. It is packed with goodness and since it can be made beforehand, it makes for a no-nonsense morning routine. Lately, I've found a number of recipes online as many search for an easy way to cram in a healthy and delicious breakfast. So, here's my go-to apple blueberry muesli. This recipe was passed along by my mom (I think she found it in a newspaper). Now, I know it by heart.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup whole oats
1 apple, peeled, cored and coarsely grated
1 cup blueberries (frozen or fresh)
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons sliced, toasted almonds
2 tablespoons agave nectar
1 lemon, juiced

Mix all ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Transfer it to an air-tight container and keep it in the refrigerator. Enjoy in the morning!

And, if you're looking for an oatmeal version, my friend Alanna recently posted a no-cook oatmeal recipe to help calm her family's whirlwind mornings.

10.10.12

A CRAFTY MORNING


Meet Monkey's pig. It was a damp and rainy morning today, so Monkey and I met our friends at Smock, a unique café along Roncesvalles that encourages children to use their imagination in the Wonder Workshop. It is an arts and crafts oasis for little ones. For just $8, Monkey was given his choice of animal and as much time and paint needed to create his masterpiece. And for adults, the café serves a cappuccino that was just right. There will definitely be more crafty mornings in our future!

9.10.12

DESIGN INSPIRATION: ANTIQUE CHAIRS

Over the years, we seem to have inherited a number of old, wooden antique chairs. The kind with delicate spindles that are pleasing to the eye, but not necessarily to your backside. Here are a few pictures that are inspiring me to find new uses for our old chairs ...

Antique chair use for books

Antique chair as end table

Antique chair as bedside table

(Image / Image / Image)

5.10.12

HAPPY THANKSGIVING WEEKEND!


It's the Thanksgiving holiday weekend -- one of my most favourite holidays of the year! We're heading to Waterloo to visit with family and dear friends, enjoy a delicious meal (or two!) and stroll through the turning Fall leaves. This photo is from Monkey's tumble through the leaves last year. This year, he'll be running and stomping in the leaves. Time flies (sigh!).

Every year, my hometown celebrates Oktoberfest with a great deal of gusto. In fact, it is considered Canada's largest Bavarian festival. We're excited to take Monkey to the parade to see fancy floats and booming marching bands.

Happy Thanksgiving! I wish you all a great deal to celebrate and be thankful for this year.

4.10.12

RECIPE: DELICIOUS CRUMBLE

Crumble for Thanksgiving

The Thanksgiving holiday involves one of my most favourite meals of the year. Despite my love for the Fall feast, I'm not a fan of the traditional pumpkin pie. So, if you're like me and you're searching for an easy dessert that is just as seasonal, try this delicious apple crumble. This recipe comes from the cookbook My Father's Daughter, and can be made with seasonal berries (as I recently did).

Ingredients:
4 cups sliced apples
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon white spelt flour
1 cup whole rolled oats
1/4 cup firmly packed unrefined dark brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch fine salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

Preheat oven to  350◦F. Combine the fruit with the 1 tablespoon of flour in a 9-inch baking dish.

Combine the rest of the ingredients together in a mixing bowl, using your hands to form pea-sized crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the apples.

Bake for 45 minutes, or until the topping is browned and the juices are bubbling.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!

2.10.12

HANDMADE HALLOWEEN COSTUMES


It's the beginning of October and time to get serious about Monkey's Halloween costume. Last year, he dressed up as the main character in Donnie Darko, which is one of my husband's favourite films. It was an easy costume that involved a skeleton outfit, grey sweatshirt hoodie and Adidas shoes to complete the look.

This year I'm determined to make his costume -- it's a fun project that tests my creativity and sewing skills. Here are some adorable handmade Halloween costumes from Martha Stewart to inspire me ...

Halloween costume
Little lambs


Halloween costume
Spring chicken


Halloween costume
Superheros

(Top Image)

1.10.12

SMYTHE ... FOREVER ON MY COVET LIST

Smythe Les Vestes blazers

This weekend, my friend reminded me about my love for Smythe Les Vestes blazers. These blazers will forever be on my covet list for their exquisite tailoring, flattering silhouettes and contemporary designs. For Fall, I'm currently lusting after the Equestrian Blazer or the One Button Blazer to really spruce up my typical jeans and t-shirt uniform. And, I'm happy to report that the line is made right here in Canada!

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