Our great city was just abuzz with World Pride, now we’re headed into Canada Day celebrations, followed by a cottage excursion for me and some girlfriends. Honestly, it’s just one big party week!
What are you all looking forward to?
Sarah Silverman shared some insight into being a grown woman. One of those tidbits, was *I’m paraphrasing* that you don’t need a designer bag, “You put shit in it. Get a backpack.”
As much as I’ve tried to be cute with purses, I always carry a lot with me – camera, tripod, scripts, wallet, etc.etc. – and I think I’ve finally accepted the fact that I just need a backpack. It’s better for my back, and leaves my hands free for all kinds of adventuring.
Cookies, they don’t last long. I don’t know if you know, that our whole family eats gluten and dairy free. We both have strong intolerances, and as a result so does our girl. She gets red and puffy around her eyes. Stick with me, there is a point. All gluten and dairy free treats tend to be much pricier than their regular counterparts. As a result, we don’t often buy ice cream (coconut milk base) or cookies (GF&DF free).
But when sometimes there magically appears a bag of GF cookies we all collectively pounce on it like a pack of starving hyenas. Of course, we all pretend to not be doing so…which makes it even more hilarious. We feign and coy civility, meanwhile sneaking away cookies to be eaten secretly in a corner with a watchful eye lest someone come and take it away.
Then everyone acts surprised when at the end of the day the bag stands empty. Only my girl is honest about eating the cookies.
The rest? They disappeared into the black hole that occasionally appears in this house….when cookies and ice cream are present.
Strange coincidence.
I know I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again: I have the best readers in the world. You guys are so smart, sassy, talented, and in the case of Kish and Evie ridiculously amazing online shop owners! This duo based out of Australia makes some amazing hand crafted scarves. Their pieces are so intricate and detailed, but there’s so much thought put into each piece.
This Tied&Dyed scarf was the perfect piece to take me into the summer. I wanted something bold, bright, and yet still soft and flowy to take into these warmer months. Something that spoke of happy and fun filled days. The soft, luxurious material is sensual and light – exactly what you want out of a great scarf.
Take the case of one of my other favorites, the Dia De Los Muertos, there’s thought and storytelling involved in the creation of the scarf. So it becomes more than a piece of fabric you don, it becomes an entire story and world that you take on as a part of yourself. I love that. Seriously, it’s on my wishlist of items to curate for my wardrobe – to have and to cherish for years on end. Each time, discovering a little bit of the story and making it part of my own.
The whole “Mint & Coral” trend has been going on this Spring. Putting aside that, as you know, I don’t believe in trends – wear what you like and what works regardless of trend. I saw all these mint and blush outfits and thought, “I’m never going to wear that!” And it’s sort of still true.
I saw all these pale mints and pale, pale blushes everywhere. I knew I would never wear that. First it was too pale for me and would wash me out. Second, it was too dainty and feminine for me. Looks lovely on others, but I like something a little bolder and dramatic.
So I kind of fell into this outfit by accident. I loved, loved the skirt. The flow, the movement, how it blew in the wind. It made me feel like a mystical creature. And the bright, bold tank was just so stunning and too beautiful to pass up. Paired together, with a vivid necklace I think this brighter, more dramatic version of “Mint&Blush” works for someone who’s definitely not dainty.
Usually I start to seriously think about my garden around this time of year, but with temperatures hanging just barely above the freezing mark it’s the furthest thing from my mind. I have my seeds ready and my girl and I stand with baited breath for those warmer days to start so we can grow our own delicious food.
In the mean time, we’ve signed up for a delivery service offered here. It’s a service that delivers a huge box of fresh organic produce to our doorstep. Not only is it super convenient to have it all just appear, but it challenges us by giving us things we wouldn’t always buy. It’s just freed us up quite a bit and I love it. Plus, since it’s all organic we end up getting more creative so that we can use up every single last little bit.
I know. I’m geeking about organic produce and home gardens.
Went into a shop recently. I got an email notification that the sale items were an extra 50% off that day. So I walk in and browse the new arrivals, and the lady walks up to me and asks, “Are you looking for something in particular, or are you needing a whole new wardrobe?”
Several things ran through my mind at once. One, do I look like I need a whole new wardrobe? Really? Two, what kind of person goes into a store to buy a whole new wardrobe? That’s not me being a smart ass, that’s me genuinely curious. I could never afford to do that. Three, how nice would it be to just walk into a shop and buy a whole new wardrobe, complete with fully crafted outfits. And finally, four, bless you for thinking that I can afford to just go in and buy a whole new wardrobe! Freelance artist here – just point me to that extra 50% off sale section.
I answered, “No. Just having a look around.” Yeah, for that sale section.
Andrew and my Girl had a play date set up with a neighbor. There’s a little boy named Cole who lives a few houses down and his Dad and Andrew decided to arrange a day at the park. So they arrive at our house to pick Andrew and my Girl. Andrew says to our daughter, “We need to go to the toilet before we leave.” He takes her by the hand and starts up the stairs.
My Girl pauses, looks down at Cole and says, “You pick up my blocks…please.” Cole’s dad smirks good naturedly, “At least she said please.” Yup, she’s ordering boys around already.
That’s right. My baby’s back on the road. It’s finally warm enough that I can pull out my bike again. I am beyond excited. I love the fact that I can now travel a bit more freely, and get places quicker. And also excited by the new photo places it opens up to me as well.
It’s been possibly the worst winter here and that first day when the bike gets on the road is a big watershed moment for me. I love biking around Toronto. Exercise, books on tape, and the bike on the road. It’s Spring in Toronto baby!
Chasing a toddler around the house to get cuddles is one of my favorite activities. It’s a little bit of joy to get the kisses and hugs, and it’s a little bit of vengence too.
See, they make you do things you’re not keen on all the time, and bugging them back a little to get something you want is a tiny little parental rebellion.
I was engaging in this activity, while saying, “Give me some sugar!”
Suddenly, she stopped dead in her tracks, turned to me. Gave me a death stare and a super cute toddler furrowed brow, “No! No sugar for you Mama!”
I tried to looked appropriately put in my place. Managed to hold it until she turned her back, at which point I giggled silently to myself at being reprimanded by a three year old.
