The Sentimental Suitcase

Taste- what we've been making

2012-02-07T16:54:00.000-08:00

Living with Ryan and Britt is awesome! We are always trying new things out in the kitchen. It's pretty great to have a whole second set of recipe books to browse through and get inspired by. I wanted to share a few things we tried last week that I'm in love with.

Sarah's Red lentil coconut soup.

Holy macaroni is right! It's really easy and so delicious! The only tweak I would say is it could use a little more coconut milk. But you try it out and let me know what you think. Sarah at A House in the Hills has a crazy amount of yummy things to cook, go over and check it out!

Next was these Crispy Smashed Potatoes I found on Pinterest via Caramel Potatoes

What a great idea eh? When I was making them all that was going through my head was "Why didn't I think of this!" And then I burned them a little. Whoops. But seriously it's such an easy idea and great change from your regular potato side dish, just make sure your rack isn't too low in the oven. ;)

What's been going on in your kitchen the last little while? Any great recipes to share?

Love and Hugs

Be- My friend?

2012-02-06T00:30:00.000-08:00

Aren't friends awesome? I miss mine. Especially after I watched this funny video found on A Cup of Jo. Check it out:

How cute are they?

And where are my girls anyways?! I miss you ladies! You rock and I love you eventhough we are far apart. Hey! wanna get together on skype and watch episodes of Downton Abbey at the same time with wine and everything? :)

Love and Hugs

Do- Start a new job!

2012-02-02T05:09:00.000-08:00

Hey you guys I did it, I got the job! This morning is my first day at AVEDA and I am so excited!

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I'll be working on the front desk of the spa and the floor offering every guest a complementary wellness moment of hand massages and scalp massages! I am so excited to work within a company that connects beauty, environment and wellbeing!

I'll tell you all more about it once I learn more but for now, please keep your loving fingers crossed for me and wish me luck! I am on my way to fufilling my dream of working in the wellness/natural/spirtual world one little step at a time.

Love and Hugs

Be- Worry free

2012-01-30T07:21:00.000-08:00

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I want to be like this lady, footloose and fancy free dancing in the sunset feeling great and worry free.

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Unfortunately I'm going on week 3 without a job and getting a little freaked out. And to tell you the truth the task of not worrying has always been a big one for me.

What about you? Do you worry or let it all slide off your back?

And do you have a job for me? ;)

Love and Hugs

Wear- A Baby Boy!

2012-01-25T18:30:00.000-08:00

I know this is a little late in the evening for my Wear Wednesday post but I couldn't resist, my brother Ryan and Britt are having a BOY! Yup that's right folks, I'm gonna be an aunt for the very first time to a little buddy!
Now lets get serious.....what am I going to buy him?

Well he will certainly need this groundhog onesie for his first Feb 2nd, no?

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And he can't go on his many camping trips without looking the part, right?

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I was thinking when the weather turns cold he may like to snuggle in his dogsled onesie.....

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And slip on this comfy crocheted loafers, I mean what little guy wouldn't love a pair of these!

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What do you think? Have you seen any other cute baby boy stuff I should know about as a conserning future Auntie?

Are you an Aunt or Uncle? What did you have to have for your little one? How do you feel about spoilling your niece or nephew? Completley warranted or totally not?

Love and Hugs

Be- Fearless

2012-01-23T08:22:00.000-08:00

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HAHA! Isn't this funny?! Aren't we all waiting for a sign? I know I am, at all times. I've applied to probably 12 jobs in the last week and a half and not one called me back. WTF! You know what I have to do right?! Get out there and pound the pavement and sell myself. I wish that excited my soul but to tell the truth I'm terrified.

But if there was ever a sign to get off my ass, THIS IS IT!

What about you guys? Do you need a sign? Will this one do?

Love and Hugs

Freeforall- Family dinner party

2012-01-20T08:17:00.000-08:00

We're heading out to Aunt Ann's tonight for eggplant parmesan and I need to bring something easy and delicious. I'm thinking of the good ole standby of rocket salad with gorgonzola, pears and walnuts.

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This one's got raisins in it which I won't be adding. Actually I think I'll just come up with my own recipe on the spot. Lots of cheese, a little green and some fruit. Sounds good, right?

What are you guys up to this weekend? Any fun plans or is it hibernating season where you're at?

Love and Hugs

Do- Immigrate to Canada

2012-01-19T10:09:00.000-08:00

Holy fuck you guys. We are trying to keep all the hair on our heads and love in our marriage as we plug through the immigration procedures to have Vince legally in Canada.

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So that's where we'll be if you are looking for us in the next 8-11 months. URGH!

Trying to think, "rainbows and butterflies, rainbows and butterflies".

Love and Hugs

Taste- Winterlicious

2012-01-17T12:32:00.000-08:00

2012 is here and along with it comes the tenth year of Toronto's annual food festival Winterlicious. Torontonians love to complain and this is no exception but personally I think it's great! It runs over Mom's b-day (Feb 7th) and you can get a prix-fixe menu for 25 bucks. What can be bad about that?

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This year Mom picked a locavore bistrot in Bloor West Village called Earth. Unfortunately the service has less than stellar reviews and we're hoping that was then and this year all the kinks will have been worked out. Either way the food sounds delicious and that's what it's all about. Check out the menu.

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$25 Dinner plus taxes and gratuity

Butternut Squash Consommé
Kohlrabi, sherry oil, fine herbs (vegetarian/local)
or
Romaine Hearts
Local Pecorino aioli, red fife smoked bacon crumb (vegetarian/local)
or
Ontario Game Country Pâté
Cranberry shallot chutney, baby lettuce, crostini (local)
or
Smoked Haddock Tart
Northern Orchards apple, grated hens egg, cornichon emulsion (local)

Wuxi Braised Wellington County Rib
Chili green bean salad, crispy sweet potato (local)
or
Seared Rainbow Trout
Braised chard, black cardamom carrots, Rosehall Run gastrique (local)
or
Spinach Maflada Pasta
Vidalia onion ragout, ricotta salata smoked cherry tomato oil (vegetarian/local)
or
Chicken Fried Mennonite Chicken
Maple yam purée, collard greens, buttermilk gravy (local)

Chocolate Flourless Torte
Cranberry peppercorn coulis (vegetarian)
or
Niagara Apple Crisp
Allspice infused cream (vegetarian/local)
or
Maple Walnut Tart
Smoked sultanas (vegetarian/local)

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I'll tell you I'm all over that vidalia onion/ricotta salata pasta and chocolate flourless torte! I mean Come ON!

Can't wait for you birthday Mom!

Do you guys have any foodie events in your town? Anything that gets you through the long dark weeks of Winter?

Love and Hugs

Wear- A Doggie's Wardrobe

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Sunny got a major makeover. She was behind on her grooming schedule due to our big move home and was in desperate need of a haircut. We took her to The Fur Factor and you can see the results for yourself....

The nice groomer lady gave Sunny a pretty little hankerchief that I think compliments her bright white hair very nicely. We will be keeping this as a special occasion scarf for dinner parties and the like.

No move to the great cold north would be complete without a red parka from Pet Valu. And this one is lined with fleece. Lucky puppy! I want one of those!

Finally for kicking around the house she also has a comfy fisherlady sweater in grey with toggle buttons. This one is a clear favourite.

What do you think of the complete makover? Do you remember her dreadlock rasta look from before? You can see some of it here and here.

And tell me, does your Dog have a few comfy cozies or am I just crazy?

Love and Hugs

Taste- Praises a Plenty

2012-01-10T05:38:00.000-08:00

This Christmas Ryan and Britt got me a beautiful veggie cook book called Plenty. Have you heard of it? The author is a meat eating chef in London named Yotam Ottolenghi and I love him! His recipes are easy and so friggin flavorful.

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I couldn't resist trying the cover recipe of eggplant with buttermilk sauce and zatar. It was a hit! I would deffinitely use this one again for entertaining. It was so easy and would really make people think you tried extra hard.

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Next up is this mushroom polenta. Can you just taste it now?! The mushrooms at the grocery store are gorgeous right now and I can't wait to get my hands on them.

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Yotam's first cookbook was also a success simply named Ottolenghi - The Cookbook. And well my birthday is coming up so you know......just sayin'. ;)

What cookbooks or recipes are you loving right now?

Love and Hugs

Be- But how?

2012-01-09T15:53:00.000-08:00

Oh man really?! Why can't everything be easy peasey around here anyways?

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I joined OA a month ago when I got home in Canada. Don't get me wrong I truly love it and am so greatful for the people and the organization and the rooms but sometimes I would just rather eat my face off you know?

But I guess like they say above, sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same. And boy is that true for me right now.

What about you?

Freeforall- All hail the Auld Spot!

2012-01-06T08:07:00.000-08:00

Well today is Friday and also my last shift at the ROM so what's a girl to do? Grab your husband and head to the corner pub near your place for a pint, right?!

In this case it will be The Auld Spot on the Danforth. I've heard good things and can't wait to try it out. They have poutine! Can you belive I've been home for over a month and I haven't had poutine yet?! I know I know, I'm on it.

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So here's to a nice cozy plate of fries, gravy and cheese and a tall glass of clamato to celebrate the incredibly hectic and exciting end to my two week contract at the ROM.

What are you kids getting into this weekend? Anything decandent or naughty? You know I'm curious!

Love and Hugs

Wear- your first day at work

2012-01-04T06:21:00.000-08:00

Okay I know this isn't the best picture of me but it was my first day and I had to be there for 10am! Can you imagine? I woke up every hour after 4am scared shitless that my alarm didn't go off. I haven't had somewhere to be in almost 4 years!

Yeah so my hair suffered a bit but the rest doesn't look bad right?! ;) I'm wearing a spiffy new ROM blue shirt with black slacks and cardigan from Alfread Sung. And don't forget the watch! My paranoid self was checking it every ten minutes to make sure I was still here!

What do you guys wear to work? A uniform or no? And if you do wear a uniform do you like not having to choose your outfit every morning or feel bummed you have to wear the same thing every day?

Love and Hugs

Taste- Meyer Lemons

2012-01-03T07:21:00.000-08:00

The key limes and meyer lemons are in at my corner grocery store and I couldn't resist buying a few bags full. I came home straight away to look for something other than pie to make with them.

And violà! Thanks to Amy from Minimally Invasive I found this gorgeous Meyer Lemony pasta recipe!

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Is your mouth watering or what? I know I know I should be posting my first Taste Tuesday of January 2012 with some kind of cleansing smoothie or something but how can lemons, argula, creme fraiche and pasta be bad for you?!

I would even dare to say its a lot better for your soul than that carrot/daikon/plum lukewarm water drink I know I should be drinking right now.

Are you with me?!

Love and Hugs

A very raclette New Years

2011-12-31T06:20:00.000-08:00

Holy macaroni it's been 10 days since I updated my blog! Yikes you must be super pissed. I'm so sorry but things around here have been nuts! Every morning we get up I'm either heading to my new job or we are going to appointments at the bank and getting SIN cards and health cards and the like. I'm hoping after the New Year things will settle a bit and I can get back here every day.

But for now we are on our way out the door to buy all the fixings for a proper Raclette dinner to ring in the New Year.

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Mom and Dad bought Vince his very own raclette set for Christmas and he can't wait to get at it. Do you think we will be able to find Raclette cheese in Toronto? Hmmmm.

Happy New Years Eve my friends! I miss you guys so much and wish we could all be together tonight. But I hope wherever you are it's full of happiness and love and fun for goodness sakes!

Love and Hugs

Wear- Downtown Toronto

2011-12-21T08:57:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to be in Toronto permanently and really get down to exploring the shops in and around the different neighbourhoods. Here is a small list of a few I can't wait to visit.

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1. Bicyclette Boutique on Queen West. I was introduced online to this fashion mecca by my new friend Renee from EatLiveShop. She's knows her stuff so naturally it's at the top of my list.

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2. I've got a few stylish kids on my list this year and it's nothing but the best for them. So off to Ella+Elliot I go.

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3. And to satisfy my Chanel gawking habit I will surley be stopping at Holts. Hell I may even throw caution to the wind and try on a few pairs!

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4. But to be completely honest Original is more in my price range and they've got so much cute stuff. I seriously can not resist the plethora of shoes if every colour and pattern imaginable, I just want to eat them!

Any other suggestions my friends? Where will you be shopping this season?

Love and Hugs

Taste- A festive brownie

2011-12-20T07:28:00.000-08:00

I love strawberries, my brother loves brownies, we just moved in together and it's Christmas! What does this call for?

Santa Hat Brownies of course!

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Aren't they the sweetest things you've ever seen? Aunt Ann's Christmas party is on Friday and this recipe is at the top of my list of things to bring. Now all I have to do is figure out how not to eat them all.

Is there anything extra special you plan on making this season?

Thanks to Daisy for the awesome idea!

Love and Hugs

Be- Greatful....but why?

2011-12-19T07:59:00.000-08:00

Perhaps simply because you can open your eyes?

Or turn on your tap and choose between hot and cold water?

How beautiful a thought is that? I need this so much right now, Christmas always gets me so wonky and I would rather be greatful. It just feels so much better.

Do you agree?

Love and Hugs

Freeforall- The Trews!!!

2011-12-16T08:37:00.000-08:00

Guess who I'm going to see tonight? That's right kids be jealous cause I will be rocking out to The Trews tonight with my Aunts!
Listen to this and tell me you don't want to be there. I dare you!

Or this one will surely have you swooning with music freddom love baby.

And I can't wait to hear this one live.

Oh man this one makes me miss Nova Scotia music so bad! I love you my dear home, your sound makes me cry.

So that's my Friday night, what about you?

Love and Hugs

Do- Christmas party fever!

2011-12-15T11:36:00.000-08:00

Do you guys have it? This year is a little over the top with invites and especially this weekend. Holy moly it's nuts! Last Sunday we were invited to a Christmas open house at Alison Ann and Jack's house and it was just lovely!

Alison is my Mom's coworker's sister. Both her and her sister are fond of octopuses and so am I! She is also an artist so needless to say there were a lot of funny felted and knited Octopi squiggling through their Christmas tree which made me feel right at home!

They are also vegetarians so no worries on the food front for me. They had glazed nuts, blue cheese and sage filo pastries, mini quiches, cheese and crackers and home made meringues and marshmellows!

There were a few special hosts of the kitty kind named Opti and Parka. Opti is normally a very shy fellow and surprised us all but coming out from under the bed for a visit. Everyone agreed it was a Christmas miracle.

The sisters were enjoying East Dell pinot grigio which was fitting because....

They hail from Windsor Ontario! Well not Niagara and not even close but you know!

Thanks so much Allison and her lovely other half, we had such a great time at your gathering and felt so blessed to be invited!

Now tell me girls what great Holiday shindigs are you invited to this season? And if you need a little inspiration for what to wear I've got you covered right here!

Have fun sillies!

Love and Hugs

Wear Wednesday where'd ya go?

2011-12-14T06:14:00.001-08:00

Sorry you guys I totally flaked on Wednesday this week. Holy crap I've been busy since getting home with new jobs and apartments and family and doggies and well you get it. I promise to be back here next Wednesday bigger and more fashionable than ever. I've got an idea already that I think you're going to love.

Just to tide you over here is an image of total deliscous/fashion/ruffle/feather/love/insaness from ZsaZsa Bellagio!

Love and Hugs

Taste- What we ate: a week in food photos

2011-12-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

This is the last installment of 'A week in food photos' for the year and boy was it a yummy one!

Wednesday was bean and barley stew with thyme, tomatoes and sweet potatoes oh my!

This is so funny, I can't get this photo to rotate correctly! It appears in the right angle on the upload but when added to blogger turns the other way. So weird. Anyways Thursday delicious! Roasted chickpeas, onions, herbs, brussel sprouts on radicchio and escarole.

Friday is usually a cheat kind of night and since Vince wanted meat I cooked him a steak and had a seitan one for me. And what steak or faux steak would be complete with out gorganzola and toasted hazelnuts? Exactly!

I just love puting shit on a base of lettuce. I love veggies, there I said it! Whew! Add some roasted beets, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, sundried tomatoes and I'm in heaven. Don't forget about the hunk of cheese though. ;)

Sunday was comfort food all the way. Vince usually cooks on Sundays and always makes a risotto. And I am not complaning, especially when it turns out like this! Pumpkin and parmesan risotto to die for!

Monday is back to basics with soup. This time it was roasted onion and brown rice. Looks yummy right?

Now that I'm back in Toronto the daily dinner photo thing has fallen to the wayside a bit. I hope when Vince gets here and we are a little more settled in we can get back at this project cause it's fun!

So tell me what did you eat last week? Are you eating whatever's in the fridge? Are you getting to the market and buying in season stuff? Did you try any new recipes lately?

Love and Hugs

Be- Good

2011-12-12T09:30:00.000-08:00

Today was bad and I am willfully pushing for good. Actually I have honestly felt more bad feelings in the past few weeks than good and it's so strange. Life is awesome, I've got a job, I moved back to Canada, I live with my brother and sister in law. Things are great so I just need to see these things more clearly than the bad ones.

Do you guys ever feel like this? What do you do to lift the funk and remind yourself of how good you've got it?

Love and Hugs

Freeforall- Holiday Hangover

2011-12-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

Whoa I'm hungover. My cousin and parents came over for dinner last night and we had a great time! Maybe too great of a time acutally because this morning I woke up shaky, tired and nauseous. It got me thinking about all the open houses and Christmas drinks coming up and how to handle it all.

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Joanna from A Cup of Jo reccomends eating a piece of burt toast and a big glass of water before you to go to bed to soak up the toxins. She also says massaging the reflexology point on your foot related to the liver helps too. Have you ever tried that before?

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Alicia from The Kind Life has a hangover tea she swears solves all your over-partying problems. It's got kukicha, an umeboshi plum and soya sauce in it.

And then there's Gwyneth who advises a cold shower then sauna and bucket loads of green tea. I don't know about that I mean do I really have to build a sauna room to cope with my drinking? Geesh!

So please share my dear friends, what do you do to wake up feeling chipper and fresh after a long night of Holiday revelry?

Love and Hugs

Do- Community Theater

2011-12-08T06:25:00.000-08:00

Are you guys big theater buffs or music or ballet or anykind of preforming arts? Well I am and to be honest I forget about it. Thanks goodness my Aunt Lyn is a theater actor and performs in about one play a year where I get to go and feel a part of the magic once again.

There is just something about live theatre that gets me everytime. I much MUCH prefer it to going to the cinema. And come on, check out the beautiful Victoria Hall above! Wouldn't you want to see a play there?

The production we went to see was called Revenge of the Three Little Pigs by Doug Wright. It was a charming story of fariy tale land and all the funny happenings and events that go awry when three little pigs take over the Kingdom. Fun right?!

My Aunt Lyn is the lady in the middle above. She expertly played the part of the evil Stepmother and it was as if the part was written just for her. She was truly hilarious, charismatic and stole the show to be honest. (No bias here I promise! ;))

What I love about Community Theater is all the work the actors and behind the scenes folks do to ensure it comes alive. They spend every single night at the Playhouse painting and practicing to make one 2 hour period of our life fun and unforgettable.

If you get the chance and are in the South Western Ontario region please check out the Petrolia Community Theater. They are putting on productions all the time and it's always a hoot! Support the arts my friends! Especially the small country ones!

What fun stuff are you going to see this Christmas season? A few years ago we went to see Handle's Messiah by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and there is Tafelmusik going on up at the United Church on Bloor st. that is supposed to be amazing. Or what about The Nutcracker at the Rebbeca Cohn in Halifax? And what's going on in Paris? Or Boston?

Love and Hugs

Wear- Two Trends

2011-12-07T05:49:00.000-08:00

Dear my stylish friends, muses and inspirations can you please help me with a small fashion emergency? Yesterday I did a little shopping and bought this pink silk oversized silk shirt at Joe Fresh. I really love it's floaty nature and rich colour.

I'm hoping to wear it with this great baubily necklace but that's where the ideas end. What the hell do I wear on the bottom of this outfit?

Same goes for this slouchy sweater and crystal necklace.

What do you suggest? Jeans? What fit and wash? I do have a black pencil skirt and a pair of cigarette pants? And what goes on my feet? Ahhhhhhh! Please help! I don't want these two lovelies to sit in my closet forever!

Love and Hugs

Taste- A Michelin starred restaurant

2011-12-06T05:47:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been? I'm usually drawn to the cosy 10 table home style bistro to be honest. But when our 5 year anniversary rolled around in late September we decided to look for something a little more special and came up with the 1 star restaurant in Barbizon called Les Pléiades.

We made the reservation 2 weeks in advance which is a little unheard of in France but we wanted to be sure. (Also asking the chef to throw together a completly vegetarian menu for me)

The restaurant is located in a gorgeous art hotel of the same name in Barbizon which is about a ten minute drive from our place in Fontainebleau.

Everything was spectacular. The service, the menus, the table setting and the music. But especially the wine. It was Château Haut Maurac Bellecour, Cru Bourgeois 1996. Both Vince and I can say we have never tasted a better bottle which is no small feat!

The cuisine is molecular. So everything we tasted was made to challenge the eye and tongue. The picture below is one of the many amuse-bouches that looked like a small shot class of beer and an egg yolk. Not so, it was ginger vodka cider and the 'yolk' was pineapple that was meant to be burst on your tongue at the same time as comsumming the cider.

Vince ordered his favourite, the Pigeon which was delivered to our table in a courier envelope of it's own!

The cheeses were hand selected from a fromagerie in Fontainebleau and you know we tried every one of those babies!

We had no room whatsoever for dessert but when the coffee came it was accompanied by home made marshmallows, pate de fruits, caramels and a few extra little sweet amause bouches to send us on our way.

We stayed for 3 hours. It was heavenly and unforgettable. I can't say we will be dining like this every day but if the occasion arrises well, why not!

Are you curtious about the Michelin star system? Have you ever been to a restaurant like this? Do you know if there are any in Toronto or Canada for that matter?

Love and Hugs

Be- Quiet

2011-12-05T06:24:00.000-08:00

I need this more than ever this week. Just because people are enticing me into arguments doesn't mean I have to engage. I don't want to fight and so I won't.

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Because what other people say and think belongs to them not me. My heart is good and loving and I would like to keep it that way.

This is what I am struggling with being today. What about you? Please tell me I'm not alone.

Love and Hugs

Freeforall- First things first

2011-12-02T07:51:00.000-08:00

Now that I am officially back in Canada to stay there are a few things I need to get done before I can really feel settled in.

1. Drink a lot of Clamato and Vodka, that's a no brainer.

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2. Eat more dill pickles and pickled beets than humanly possible.

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3. Head over to my local Shoppers for beauty products, hoisery, photo printing, drugs, magazines and more! Oh how I've missed you my sweet sweet Shoppers!

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And then I should be good. So if you're looking for me this weekend you know where to find me. I'll be hanging outside the Shoppers, drinking caesars with a large jar of pickled beets on hand!

What about you? What fun Canadian stuff are you guys up to this weekend?

Love and Hugs

Do- Get spooked at Père-Lachaise cemetery

2011-12-01T04:22:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday Mom, Dad, Vince, Sunny and I drove into Paris for a day of sightseeing in the 19e-20e arrondissments of Paris including a stop at Père-Lachaise cemetery. And holy moly was that thing big. When we left Fontainebleau in the morning we had planned to see Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde and Chopin. No big deal right?

Think again! We made it to pay out respects to Jim and that was it. I think either you come back over multiple visits like when visiting the Louvre or stop for drinks half way through.

This is Jim's grave. There were a lot of people hanging around taking pictures, smoking hash and writting on trees. Mom made friends of course!

Lots of the graves were like tiny chapels. Apparently many members from one family will all be buried in the same grave as time goes by.

We could have honestly stayed all day meandering through the small alleyways and avenues of the cemetery but it got dark quick and the grey foggy sky hanging over seemed to be closing in and asking us to leave.

So instead we headed to Le Baratin for dinner! And what a lovely dinner it was. Actually we don't have any pictures of it because we were just too busy enjoying it!

So there you have it my last Saturday in Paris for a while! We are back in Toronto now and looking for jobs. So the big question is, when are you coming for a visit?! ;)

Love and Hugs

Wear- Daily style inspiration

2011-11-30T03:27:00.000-08:00

Hi Kids! I'm still a little busy with my Mom and Dad, moving back home and all that so I wanted to let some other cool women inspire you this week on Wear Wednesday. These are my top 3 favourite style bloggers out there:

Noelani from Mon petit chou chou

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Taylor from Sterling Style and the The Glitter Guide

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and Anna Jane from See Jane

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Aren't they smokin'? Do you have what it takes to post pictures of your outfits everyday? Do you have a secret ambition to be a stylist? Or maybe you just plain love fashion like me? Anyways have a peek at the sites, there is tons of lovely giddy fashion awesomeness and inspiration running through the pages.

Love and Hugs

Taste- What we ate: a week in food photos

2011-11-29T21:19:00.000-08:00

Last week was seriously busy with Mom and Dad in town from Toronto and moving back to Canada and all making this one week late! Sorry guys but I hope you aren't mad and still find a little inspiration here?

Thursday was lentil and sweet potato stew. So comforting and yummy. Lentils like beans get a bad rap but they are so good, come on give them a chance!

Friday lunch was a salad with those hot italian pickled peppers I love and can only find at the Friday market. I also put some avocado, red onion and sundreied tomatoes on there. Fastest and easiest lunch ever!

Saturday was Mushroom Bourguignon and gougère from the November edition of Vegetarian Living UK. Needless to say this was pretty amazing!

Sunday was roasted cauliflower soup with hazelnuts and bread loosley based on my hands down favourite food blogger Sara's recipe from Sprouted Kitchen.

Monday was more lentils! And a veggie bake inspired by Samantha at The Frog and a Princess. I used a beet, slices of pumpkin, green tomato and polenta.

And Tuesday sadly was my first soup fail. I don't know what I did wrong but this one just didn't turn out that well. :( It was supposed to be fennel, potato and celeri. But it kinda was blah and green? Oh well back to the drawing board!

So there you have it! Another week another plate full of mostly goodness! So please tell what did you have last week? Anything worth sharing? You know I love a good recipe!

Love and Hugs

Be- an incense expert

2011-11-28T05:29:00.000-08:00

I use incense when I meditate. I love it and have been using it for years. It's wonderful for relaxing your mind and helping you focus on your awareness. Have you ever been in the store staring at the many scents and wondered what the difference was between them?

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Well apparently certain incense when used like aromatheraphy can alter your mood and in turn help heal your mind. Every scent has a corresponding association such as:

Lavendar - meditation/physic awareness
Eucalyptus, Frankincense- communitcation, intuition
Chamomile- calm, soothing
Peppermint, Rosemary- emotional healing, good luck
Musk, Patchouli- passion, sexuality
Tuberose- chakra balancing, highest consciousness
Lemon- awareness, power
Sandalwood, Rose- enlightenment, spirituality
Ylang Ylang- inspiration, self love
Ceaderwood, Pine- courage, protection
Jasmine- love, intuition
Clove- energy, grounding

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Or you could just burn it cause it smells good! My Mom always tells me a funny story of burning some in her bedroom in the 60's and my Grandma freaking out thinking it was pot! Oh the 60's!!!

Love and Hugs

Freeforall- Guess who's here?

2011-11-25T00:25:00.000-08:00

It's our favourite funny travel partners, Mom and Dad! YAYAY! They arrived Thursday morning around 9:45am by airplane not vespa. (I know you were wondering)

So this weekend we will be getting into all kinds of trouble and fun and probably lost like we always do in Paris but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Be back next week with lots of pictures. Have a great weekend you guys!

Love and Hugs

Do- Where to take your dog to the park in Paris

2011-11-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

Here's in France dogs go everywhere, the hair salon, fancy restaurants, jean shopping with you but they do not go to the park! I'm not sure why but if I had to guess I'd say it's because Parisians do not pick up their doggies poop and they can't be trusted to go in the beautiful parks and lovely grassy spots you find throughout the capital. So unfortunately most of them are off limits for your dog.

Thankfully there is one off leash park in Paris and it's at the Louvre, naturally. My new friend Jennifer had a party there last Sunday for her girl Moxie's 4th birthday and we got invited!

Source: Thanks for the pic Jennifer!

The old Monkamonk was pretty excited to be there. When she saw Moxie from across the park she ran over as fast as her little fluffy legs would take her.

Here's a great shot of the off the park with the Louvre in the background so you can see what I mean. Thanks Mairin!

Sunny obviously got down to the serious business of playing. She is a social little monkey chatting with DSK the American Cocker spaniel and a small baby monkey.

She fell in love with a three month old Boston Terrier named Georges. Obsessed with younger men just like her Momma! ;)

While the dogs played we enjoyed vin chaud, pasta salad, muffins, apple crisp and more wine!

The weather was perfect and we stayed all afternoon soaking up the view and great company!

Soon it was time to go and give the birthday girl one last kiss before we were on our way home with a very happy and exhausted doggie.

What a success! We are so going back there Tuesday afternoon so Sunny can run and get tired before the big 8 hour flight home and to have one last look at one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in Paris!

What's it like for dogs in your town? Can they roam where they please or are they confined to your homes? Apparently Toronto has a off leash dog park every few meters like the metro in Paris so we are pretty excited about that! Right Sunny?

Love and Hugs

Wear- What's in your makeup bag?

2011-11-23T00:11:00.000-08:00

I'm a beauty minimalist. I love a few really good products. However on the other side I love shopping at Sephora. I get all giddy over the outrageous eye shadow colours and those big compacts they have out right now for Christmas with 56 lip glosses and 97 eye shadows and 34 blushes, you know the ones. Not like I would ever buy one but I sure do like looking at them!

Got me thinking about the products I do use and wondering if you're like me?

My favourites:

1. Viva Glam Cyndi Lauper lipstick.

2. Bobbi Brown shimmer brick for my eyeshadow

3. Givenchy Matissime powder foundation

4. Clinique Acne solutions three step

5. Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream

6. Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage concealer

7. Benefit Bad gal brown mascara

Or maybe you're more like my Aunt Ann? She's all about hair, everytime I'm at her house I use all her awesome shampoos, conditioners, styling products and sprays!

Aunt Ann's top seven:

1. Mary Kay lipstick in Apple Berry

2. Joico pink mist hairspray

3. Biosilk Thermal seal

4. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle perfume

5. Olay total effects face moisturizer

6. Maybeline great lash mascara

7. Smashbox Healthy FX foundation

My Mom is serious about her skin routine. I always hear people commenting on how clear and soft her skin looks. I say it's genectics but she swears by Dr. Renaud products. A little pricey but worth every last penny according to Mom.

Mom's Beauty picks:

1. Cover Girl professional mascara

2. Sephora shimmer gloss in Cranberry

3. "Wedge" shadow by Mac for brows and crease

4. Daily cleanser and moisturizer by Dr. Renaud

5. "Sparkling Cider" blush by Mary Kay

6. Mineral foundation by Bare Minerals

7. Favourite tool is Mac angle brow brush # 208.

Now it's your turn, what can you not live with out? Have you figured out how to use that crazy fushia eye shadow by Urban Decay yet? Or are you a dove soap kinda girl?

Love and Hugs

Taste- Dorie Greenspan's pumpkin packed with cheese and bread

2011-11-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

Okay I know you guys have been waiting for this for a long time right? I have! All I want to do is make it again! I first heard about Dorie on twitter and then there was a feed on what to make with pumpkins which I had to read of course and Voilà! my pumpkin stuffed with cheese and bread was born!

Can you hear my mouth literally watering at the end when I'm slicing that puppy open? Kinda gross I know. Sorry about that.

Now tell me what did you do with your pumpkins this year? Just carve em? Or venture to the unknown and cook with them?

Love and Hugs

Be- Panic Free

2011-11-21T02:17:00.000-08:00

My parents will be here in 72 hours! I'm so excited!!! I can't wait to hug them and and just been in their lovely presence.

I'm also a little anixous because it means I'm leaving and will be getting on a plane for 8+ hours.

I had my first panic attack at 19 years old and haven't looked back. It's changed and can take on different faces such as fear of leaving the house to fear of speaking in front of strangers to fear of fear. Recently though the toughest has been a fear of flying.

I'm scared I will have a panic attack on the airplane and get up and scream and try to open the door (I'm been flying since I was little I know how to open that door!) and freak everyone out and the pilot will have to make an emergency landing. Will I get arrested? Probably! And what's that gonna cost anyways like 10,00000 dollars? Will I punch the Flight Attendant if she doesn't let me out? AHHHHHHHHHHH! I start to feel so out of control and claustrophobic!
So I have been taking charge and doing what I can to help myself. This means meditation, EFT, pranic healing and scouring Youtube for helpful clips like this one:

and this one too:

The idea of confronting my panic and aniexty and asking for more has never occured to me and scares the shit out of me at the same time. I am usually just working at making it go away RIGHT NOW! But I can really see what's behind it and want to give a try.

Do you have panic attacks or aniexty or excessive worry? What do you do to help yourself? Please feel free to talk to me about it if you want, I am a completly judgement free safe sounding board.

Love and Hugs

Freeforall Friday- Twelve by 2012 update

2011-11-18T00:06:00.000-08:00

As you guys already know I'm participating in the twelve by 2012 project. It's a way to help eachother knock 12 things off our To-do lists that have been nagging and dragging for the whole year.
Here's my 4 week update:

The original list:

1. lose 15 pounds

2. Secure a volunteer position at a wellness/healing/yoga/meditation type center in Toronto

3. Get a job

4. DIY all our Christmas gifts

5. Continue meditating every single day

6. Send Christmas cards with heartfelt well wishes in each

7. Send out our Wedding thank you notes

8. Finish my book

9. Join OA in Toronto

10. Bake every Sunday until I leave for Toronto with my honey

11. Provide photographic evidence of all the things I strike off this list

12. Go on that weird outdoor climbing tree thing in the woods near our house (Scary!!!)

And the updated list as of today:

1. weight lost: 2.7 pounds

2. haven't got to Toronto yet.

3. haven't got to Toronto yet but have applied for a job at the ROM already. (thanks Bro)

4. will do with Mom and Britt when we get to Toronto.

5. So far so good. Not every day but most days. I'd say five days out of the seven.

6. will send them out the first week of Dec.

7. all done! yay!

8. all done! yay!

9. haven't got to Toronto yet.

10. almost but not really. I think we baked 2 out of the 4 weeks.

11. Yup photos below.

12. Ummmm we researched it and found out we can't bring Sunny so it's out. I need to think of a new thing.

11. The photographic evidence:

7. Sending out wedding thank you notes:

8. The book:

10. The baking:

Here are a few more bloggers who are doing the same thing incase you're snoopy (I am!) and want to see other peoples lists.

Oui, Petite
Wit & Whistle
A Pair of Pears
The Sweet Life
Wanderlustings

So there you have it kids. Kinda sorta killing it but not really. How are you doing on your own 12 by 2012 challenge? Or are you waiting for New Years day to make your goals and resolutions? You know I want to know.

Love and Hugs

Do- Make yourself a pumpkin mask

2011-11-17T00:08:00.000-08:00

So you got a lot of pumpkin around the house and you're kinda broke? Sound familar? Well you could make a pumpkin face mask if you like? Let's let Erica and Allison show us how.

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What's makes pumpkins awesome is that they are packed with vitamin A! Which works like a charm in smothing out your skin and kicking those wrinkles to the curb, stupid wrinkles.

You will need:

2 tsp pureed pumpkin

1/2 tsp honey

1/4 tsp heavy whipping cream

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Then mix it all up and apply with a fancy fan brush if you have one to make it even more spa-like. You could even heat it a little in the microwave so it's not too cold going on your skin.

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After 10 mins rinse and admire your gorgeous glowing pumpkin skin!

Just another reason to love Autumn! Are you going to try this? Or does the thought of pumpkin on your face freak you out? Well then maybe you could make this Pumpkin-Smores cake from Desserts for Breakfast instead? oooooor do the mask while eating the cake?!

I know I'm bad. ;)

Love and Hugs

Wear- A Very Swell Mad Men outfit

2011-11-16T02:17:00.000-08:00

Last Wednesday was the long awaited Very Swell event at the Alcazar mezzanine bar in the 6e. I'd been wanting to attend since reading about the first one on HIP Paris. Alisa and Louise organise the soirée concentrating on a private cocktail/food/art type vibe with a Mad Men lean. How fun does that sound, right?!

In order to go you have to dress the part. Since the pocketbook isn't overflowing this month I decided to make due with what I had and buy a few cheap pieces to complete the look. Noelani also gave me great advice by suggesting I play with makeup such as matte lipstick and winged eyeliner, so I went for it!

I bought these 2.99 euro earings at Camieu and wore a vintage broach belonging to my great grandmother that I love.

The blouse is a year old from a shop in Malta and the skirt was 12.99 at Camieu as well. I couldn't swing for a pair of 50's style pumps so I went with my good old go to black Nine West pair, topping it off with a fake cheetah clutch from Aldo.

We showed up just in time to order a fancy Vodka Gimlet and talk to the other guests. Paul the Pastry boy was there along with Alisa (one of the event creators) who also runs Sweetpea bakery. We had a swinging time and can't wait for the next one!

Do you guys go to dress up parties? Or attend private dining clubs? Do they have them where you live? I was thinking of making a supper club in my own home when we settle into Toronto. Would anyone come?

Love and Hugs

Taste- What we ate: a week in food photos

2011-11-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

Did I tell you guys that I'm on a diet?! I have been trying to lose weight for a little over three years now. So far so good, I've lost 44 pounds and have roughly another 35 -30 to go. Slow and steady with lots of healthy soups and OA support from my Mom. And that's my plan. I also might have forgot to add I'm a vegetarian too? So if you not discouraged and feeling curious I'd like to show you a glimpse of what's on my plate through an average week:

Thursday was veggie chili. I heart beans in a major way. I don't know why I ever thought they were gross? They are little pockets of miracles as far as I'm concerned.

Friday was fresh pasta with roasted and sundried tomatoes, crunchy basil and that unbelievable burrata mozza from our favourite cheese people down the street.

Saturday morning Vince has been making pancakes and coffee in bed for me. Love him!

Sunday was my first attempt at a pumpkin stuffed with cheese and bread. HELLO!! I made a video about it, that's how great it is. Stay tuned.

Monday was back to soup business with miso, tofu, soba noodles, ginger, cilantro and wakame!

Tuesday was soup continued with roasted cauliflower and swiss chard! So filling and yummy!

And there you have it folks. Add a little meditation and exercise in there and you're all set!

What about you? What's been on your table this week? Any recipes to share?

Love and Hugs

Be- Go Nuts!

2011-11-14T01:40:00.000-08:00

How are you celebrating today? What did you do (however small) that makes you happy? What brings a smile to your face?

It's a sticky question isn't it? I think most of us have been taught not to be too show off-y. Don't bring attention to your self or even, don't look too happy.

Well I want you to know that here in this space please feel free to go nuts! Let it all out, if you're alone shout out how awesome you are! If you are in public go ahead smile to your self and say, "way to go self, you are super amazing" and by the way "Holy crap that presentation you made was kick ass", or "geeze how great was it when you went for a walk after work yesterday" or "hell ya I'm so cool for starting my own business" or "awesome job getting to work on time this morning!" or in my case, "Sam you are so amazing for only having one portion of apple cake last night and being happy and full."

Source & Source

Because honestly our negativity is the only thing holding us back from what our heart knows we deserve.

So go ahead and be crazy, congratulate yourself and maybe even do a little celebration dance. Seriously what are we doing here anyways? Aren't we supposed to be having a little fun?

Love and Hugs

Free for all- Thank you

2011-11-11T05:13:00.001-08:00

Source

The Ode of Remembrance

They went with songs to the battle, they were young.
Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
They fell with their faces to the foe.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

Lest we forget.

This a short video we took of The Last Post ceremony at Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium last September. It's a very powerful ceremony held every night to honour the commonwealth soldiers who died and fought to free Belguim.

The Menin Gate Memorial on the east side of Ypres was thought to be the most appropriate location for the ceremony. Originally this was the location of the old city gate leading to the Ypres Salient battlefields and The Menin Road, through which so many British and Commonwealth troops had passed on their way to the Allied front line.

From 11^th November, 1929 the Last Post has been sounded at the Menin Gate Memorial every night and in all weathers. The only exception to this was during the four years of the German occupation of Ypres from 20^th May 1940 to 6^th September 1944.

I hope it helps you remember.

Love and Hugs

Do- Champagne tasting

2011-11-10T01:57:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness for twitter is all I can say. I met a lovely girl on there named Emma. She is a major wine buff and turned us on to the many tastings at Caves Auge. The oldest wine shop in Paris and her old workplace.
A couple of Saturdays ago Auge had a handful of small vintners come in and offer free tastings of their bubbly with discounted prices on the bottles. We were late, arriving around 3pm and this is what we saw:

A packed sidewalk with desperate tasters huddled around the barrels.

We mustered our way in and were rewarded with many a glass of lovely champagne.

Sunny didn't really see what all the fuss was about.

The vintners were pouring tirelessly from 11am-5pm educating us on their specific process and taste points.

Most people were taking notes and really getting into it. We tried most of the wines as well and left with 3 great bottles which have since been consumed!

It was a great Saturday and we definitely reccomend logging on to the Auge Website and viewing the other tastings coming up. They have one almost every three weeks and if you want to benefit fully don't do what we did, Get There Early!

Do you drink champagne? Cava? Prosecco? Or are you a straight up red wine type person? I'd like to know so next time I come over to your house I bring the right bottle! ;)

Love and Hugs

Wear- Christmas party attire

2011-11-09T00:14:00.000-08:00

I know some of you may not want to hear it but Christmas season is fast approaching and I bet the party invites are rolling in as well. I know what you're thinking.....WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR!!! Don't fret my friends I've got you covered.

What about cranberry tights, and a gorgeous full yellow flowery skirt paired with a festive bronze sequin number?

No? Well then I'm sure you'll love this black tulle lacy number with these excessive faux jewels!

oooooooor you could go all copper with this tulip dress from J.Crew and pair it will mustard yellow tights and plum peeptoes?

But my favourite has got to be this gorgeous party dress from Alexander Wang and these stunning emerald satin pumps from Charlotte Olympia. Hey Sam, dream much??? ;)

And just for kicks I added this last little number in for you. Would you have the courage to wear this? Even bigger question, how would you accessorize it?

Have fun getting ready for all the parties this year and please tell me, what will you be wearing?

Love and Hugs

Taste- What's in my kitchen?

2011-11-08T01:11:00.000-08:00

Hi guys I made a pretty bad video yesterday about nosing around my kitchen. Do you want to see? Actually you can't really see much! I was holding my Mac but need to find a new way of filming. Any suggestions?

Okay now I'm serious, what did you think? What's in your kitchen? Is it different than mine? If you don't share I'm just gonna come over to your house and snoop anyways! No no no sorry just joking I would never invade your private space.

Off to get some tea and clear this brain before I start knocking on random people's kitchen doors. ;)

Love and Hugs

Be- Happy Calm and Productive

2011-11-07T02:20:00.000-08:00

Good morning you guys! Did you start you day off right with a small 30 second or even bigger 5 min meditation? Or maybe you woke up feeling refreshed after meditating before you fell asleep last night?

If not, what's holding you back? Don't know how to do it or why it's so good for you? I found this little video that I thought you might like to watch. It's How To Meditate by the guys at Howcast.

What did you think? Pretty simple and easy right? I love to hear if you tried it, even if you hated it. I'd also love to see you keep trying, cause you know what can happen? This:

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Whoa hey? Did you know that you have a higher self? That you are connected to every single being in this world? That you actually love yourself? It's all in there. All you need to do to find it is close your eyes, focus on your breathing and leave the world behind for a moment.

The benefits of meditation are:

On your body:
Lowered blood pressure
Reduces anxiety attacks by lowering the levels of blood lactate.
Decreases muscle tension
Enhances the immune system
Drop in cholesterol levels, lowers risk of cardiovascular disease.
Higher levels of DHEAS (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
harmonizes our endocrine system
relaxes our nervous system
produce lasting beneficial changes in brain electrical activity

On your mind:
Increases serotonin level, influences mood and behaviour.
Clear calm mind for greater productivity
Develops intuition
Increased brain wave coherence.
Improved learning ability and memory
Helps in quitting smoking, alcohol, food addiction
Reduces road rage
Decreased tendency to worry
Increases listening skills and empathy
Helps make more accurate judgements
Gives composure to act in considered & constructive ways

On your heart:
Provides peace of mind, happiness
Helps you discover your purpose
Increased acceptance of oneself
helps learn forgiveness
Creates a deeper relationship with your God
Attain enlightenment
Helps living in the present moment
Creates a widening, deepening capacity for love
Discovery of the power and consciousness beyond the ego
Experience a sense of “Oneness”
Increases the synchronicity in your life

And it's FREE!!!!

Love and Hugs

Freeforall Friday- Around my web table

2011-11-04T00:23:00.000-07:00

These are my friends and inspirations from around this crazy blog/internet/twitter/virtual place I call home. I hope you have fun reading what they've been up to this week.

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Where not to go for afternoon tea in Paris.

Finally a contender for Best Crossaint in the city.

Was there ever a stronger girl crush than the one I have for this lady?

How does browned butter icing sound to you? Yeah I thought so.

What?! You haven't been to Campagnolo yet?

Chocolate and Paris, a match made in Heaven.

Things you say to your husband in the bathroom.

Wente vineyards on Wino Wednesdays.

How to know if what's going in your mouth is good for you or not.

Who you should have been for Halloween this year. Don't worry there's always next year.

Have a great weekend my friends!!! I don't know about you but I'm getting all excited for Christmas, it's only 1 month and 20 days away! Are you ready?!

Love and Hugs

Do Thursday- First time Pumpkins

2011-11-03T03:47:00.000-07:00

As you know last weekend we were in Metz. It was a long weekend, Vince's nephew and sister's b-days and Halloween all rolled into one. Léo is really getting into Halloween lately and was disappointed last year when not one kid came trick or treating to his house. So this year we decided to help him out by decorating his front gate with a pumpkin! That way the kids would surely know he was open for business.

We prepped the table with newspaper and Léo drew his desired scary face for the pumpkin on paper first as a stencil. Uncle Vince helped him cut ou the shapes.

The kids were a little less than impressed with the gooey insides and having to empty it with their bare hands. Lise decided to use a spoon instead.

Tonton Vincent trying to scare Léo and it was kind of working!

Lise preferred to wash and rinse the seeds for roasting later. (better than getting your hands dirty and slimy right?!)

Léo is pretty proud of his very first attempt a pumpkin carving! And I must say it is pretty spiffy!

Mr. Pumpkin taunted us from the top of the fridge for the rest of the afternoon!

Did you guys carve a pumpkin this year? Was he friendly or scary? My Mom did a white one with flames! I also saw some that were just painted with no carving at all. I can't wait to get back and carve my very own next year!

Love and Hugs

Wear Wednesday- Very Swell Project

2011-11-02T02:11:00.000-07:00

Next Wednesday is my very first time at Alisa and Louise's Mad Men type cocktail project called Very Swell. It will be held at a very fitting venue called The Alcazar in Paris's 6e arrondissment.

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The dress code of course is Mad Men and apparently taken very seriously! I love dressing up but honestly have never seen one episode or even a commercial for Mad Men. So I've been scouring the internet for ideas and getting a little nervous. I mean what the hell do I have in my closet that looks like this:

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Or the beautiful Christina Hendricks:

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I love love love those big skirts but don't own a single one!

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I might be able to find something closer to this:

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I think in the end I will wear what I have (a cardigan and skirt) and concentrate on the hair and pearls. Maybe I can get my short hair to do a french roll? Yikes!

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Either way I know it will be a Swell time!

Have you ever been to an underground dining/cocktail event? Do you love attending dress up parties? But most importantly, are you coming?????!!!!

Love and Hugs

Taste Tuesday- Quiche Lorraine by a real mec from Lorraine!

2011-11-01T03:48:00.000-07:00

This weekend we've been in Metz with Vince's family. Metz is a gorgeous town in the northeast region of France called Lorraine. That's right folks where Quiche Lorraine comes from, and José, Vince's Dad makes the best version. He was so kind to share with you his technique here on the Sentimental Suitcase. Would you like to see?

I must tell you that José also makes the crust from scratch the day before. He also adds 1 or 2 onions which is not the norm but tastes great!

Many many thanks to José and Léo and Lise for all their help! We hope you liked it!

So tell me will you be making this for yourself? Do you like quiche? Did you know what a vrai Quiche Lorraine looked like?

Love and Hugs

Be Monday- You are more than you know

2011-10-31T01:51:00.000-07:00

"Why do you think you are a small star when the whole universe is inside you?"
~Sidi al-Jamal

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You may have gone futher away from it. You might hate yourself, say mean things all day long and think you are good for nothing. Maybe it goes something like this, "URGH! I didn't return that email fast enough, why can't I ever do anything on time OR I can never get a healthy dinner on the table for my family OR I still haven't lost those freaking last 15 pounds OR Of course I didn't get called to that meeting, I'm not smart enough anyways and don't have the same degree as that other guy."
Listen that doesn't matter. You deep down under all that is a perfect loving being and there is no escaping it. You can lose you way but it is always there waiting patiently for your return.

If you have trouble letting go (some people like to punish themselves and think they deserve it so letting go can be too hard and I complelely understand and stuggle with this all the time too.) then try this: Close your eyes and visualize putting that to the side. You didn't let it go, it's okay it's just up there over to the side. Now look in the middle closer, deeper inside yourself. There it is! The loving perfect being you are, full of potential and love. Your best friend who is ALWAYS on your side. Now just rest here for a moment and appreciate it and maybe even smile a little bit?

Then take back the things you didn't want to let go and open your eyes and go about your day. But keep coming back to that 30 seconds of being your true self as often as you can.

And tell me what happens.

Love and Hugs

Freeforall Friday- What's your favourite Halloween movie?

2011-10-28T01:19:00.000-07:00

Every Halloween at my house was so much fun mostly because of my Brother and his love of all things scary. He was a Dracula, shark and Micheal Jackson's Thriller freak and I loved it. I think that's the main reason Fall is my favourite season. We would dream and plan our costumes for months. It was Chrsitmas and Halloween, the two best holidays of all time! And you couldn't have Halloween weekend without a proper scary movie, right?

A few or our favourites were:

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Acutally I think this was just me. I'm a sucker for Holiday themed t.v. episodes.

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The Simpsons - Treehouse of Horror. This is new on the list and actually Vince hates it! Isn't that funny!

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Beetlejuice. I mean what can you say but Bettlejuice, Bettlejuice, Bettlejuice!

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Translvania 6-500. Oh man this was on the very top of our list. We would ask to rent this everytime we got babysat. As I grew up I developed a mean crush on Jeff Goldblum and I'm pretty sure this movie is to blame.

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Dracula. I only saw this once but wondered if you saw it too? Did you feel bad for him?

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Ghostbusters. Well of course you can't have Halloween with out the Gate Keeper.

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Young Frankenstein. Gosh I love Gene Wilder and Mel Brookes. Makes me so happy just thinking about this movie.

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But to get our fix every single Saturday morning (Halloween or not) at 7am we would watch The Hilarious House of Frightenstein. Do you remember it? It had Vincent Price and the Wolfman as a DJ and Igor and The Librarian and that scary Witch who cooked? No well maybe the opening song will remind you.

So what movies or t.v. shows can't you miss during Halloween? Do you watch funny ones like me or love the super scary ones? Are there any Halloween traditions in your house?
I hope you have a very scary Halloween my friends!

Love and Hugs

Do Thursday- Fontainebleau Castle

2011-10-27T01:03:00.000-07:00

While Sunny was getting her hair done last Saturday we took the opportunity to visit our castle. (There are no Dogs allowed, not even sweet little fluffy white ones.) We decided to just visit the gardens and the grounds this time. Mom and Dad are coming to visit in November and we plan to visit the inside with them next month.

The Castle was built by King Francis in the 16th century and is apparently the inspiration for the massive gorgeous gardens at Chateau Versailles.

I was just like, "Welcome everybody, come on in!" "Oh this little place? Well no haven't you been to Marie's place at Versailles? This is nothing! Just a humble abode we like to say."

And then there were the peacocks. Holy crap I was standing right beside one and thought it was a statue and then it moved and so did I! I actually screamed. Poor birdie. But seriously how cool are peacocks??!!!

Reflecting on how lucky I am to live here.

Wait there's more wildlife! Don't forget about the swans for goodness sakes! They are so hypnotic. I couldn't stop staring.

Photo for my Mom and Dad.

Then is was time to go. But not before our favourite weekend thing, Apero! Having a beer on a terrace. Oh yeah!

What did you guys get up to last weekend? Have you ever been to the Fontainebleau Castle? And Versailles? How would you compare the two?

Love and Hugs

Wear Wednesday- Let's go shoe shopping!

2011-10-26T00:14:00.000-07:00

I've got a great trio of fall/winter shoes but am missing the everyday flat boot in the mix. It seems I can't stop buying dressy shoes. I can't convince myself to spend money on something practical! What's wrong with me! The low boots I wear everyday have holes in them and are so sad I couldn't bear to show you. So here's the other three instead:

These babies are from Massimo Dutti this season. I loooooove them!

This NineWest pair was bought in India 2009 and I wear them with black evening attire.

These are my Steve Madden boots from 2006. They are a great pair of boots but the heel is just that much too tall for me to wear them all day. :(

This pair from Hudson is probably what I should be buying......

But wouldn't these Theysken's Theroy Wedges be more fun?

Or even this mint Jeffrey Campbell pair! How amazing are they?

But nooooooooo I have to buy practical winter shoes or boots or whatever. So tell me what are you wearing on your feet this season. Fun or not so fun? Colourful or just brown? Practical or frothy?
And please tell me I can go splurge at Jeffrey Campbell instead of buying boring old winter boots! Thanks guys! ;)

Love and Hugs

Taste Tuesday- What's on your breakfast plate?

2011-10-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

I'm in an oatmeal rut. I have oatmeal with walnuts, cinamon, maple syrup and fruit every single morning. Yes Yes I know it's good for me. It has awesome amounts of fiber, those good carbs that release slowly and keep you energized , and even reduces your cholesterol. But I need a change and I'm hoping you can help me!

Here's what my morning currently looks like:

Warm lemon water, green earl grey tea and oatmeal

Have you ever seem breakfast superstar Jennifer Causey's website called Simply Breakfast? These are a few of the gorgeous breakfast inspirations you can find there:

Toasted bagle with avocado, crushed red pepper, black pepper, olive oil and salt.

Plain yogurt with sauteed peaches, honey, almonds, and pumpkin seeds.

Buckwheat griddle cakes from Buckshot Sonnys.

Quinoa with almond milk and prunes

English muffin with natural peanut butter and honey

So what do you eat in the morning anyways? Are you a coffee addict? Do you juice? or do you skip it all together? And what do you think I should eat tomorrow for breakfast?

Love and Hugs

Be Monday- Live the life you've always imagined

2011-10-24T02:28:00.000-07:00

"Worrying is using your imagination to create something you don't want"

- Esther Abraham-Hicks

So why not use your imagination to create something you do want. What would you do or say if you were living the life you always wanted? The one that's completely positive and free from worry? What's the big deal anyways, leave the crappy stuff in the past and move on with a smile and a hope. You'll be surprised at what happens next, gosh you might just smile like never before! Or end up looking like this Doggie, he looks like he's having a good time doesn't he?

Source

But seriously just fake it until you make it. Think you are happy and then you will be, I promise. If you don't believe me maybe Henry Ford can convince you?

Source

Wednesday is a new moon. It's a great time when everything and everyone is conspiring to help you start over and rise to another level. So make some positive happy plans. Stop worrying and use your imagination for good instead of evil.

What do you want out of your life? Tell me tell me do!

Love and Hugs

Freeforall Friday- 12 by 2012 and an Award!!!

2011-10-21T00:36:00.000-07:00

It's Listmania over here at The Sentimental Suitcase! Are you ready for this jelly? Did I just say that? YES!

Have you guys heard of this? Danni from Oh, Hello Friend has proposed a goal project entitled 12 by 2012. I've seen it on a few blogs here and here and I am thinking I could use with a few challenges and ambitions to end this year off right.

So let's get started shall we?

1. lose 15 pounds

2. Secure a volunteer position at a wellness/healing/yoga/meditation type center in Toronto

3. Get a job

4. DIY all our Christmas gifts

5. Continue meditating every single day

6. Send Christmas cards with heartfelt well wishes in each

7. Send out our Wedding thank you notes

8. Finish my book

9. Join OA in Toronto

10. Bake every Sunday until I leave for Toronto with my honey

11. Provide photographic evidence of all the things I strike off this list

12. Go on that weird outdoor climbing tree thing in the woods near our house (Scary!!!)

In other news the hilarious girl after my own heart Samantha Vérant from The Frog and a Princess gave me the Stylish Blogger award! Can you believe that? Ahhhhh! I am over the moon crazy about this! That kind of thing has never happened to me and I feel so humbled and cool. Okay enough Ego, calm down little f*#%'er!

Source- My Girl Sam

Anyways, in order to collect the award you must reveal 7 truths about yourself and pass it on. Fun!

1. I believe in God. There I said it. Now you all know. I am spiritual. I think there are other forces at work that we can not see and I am only living half my life if I can't appreciate and explore that.

2. We are gonna start trying to make a baby in Jan, 2012! Ahhh!

3. Vince and I are sleeping in bunk beds right now (hence the not pregnant part) But don't worry still very much in love just have a tinytiny apartment until we move mid Nov.

4. I prefer to shower in the afternoon than the morning, is that weird? I just hate getting all cold and wet in the morning. I take a while to wake up.

5. I'm a vegetarian and a foodie/wine snob. Yes we do exist.

6. I'm actually excited to be moving to Toronto and living there. Yes we do exsit. ;)

7. hehehe I love making lists and my brother calls me Lieutenant Precise after my father Captain Precise who also has a small worry problem (BIG) and likes to make lists and check and check and re-check!

So now for my choice for the next Stlyish Blogger award! And the award goes to the most sophisticated colourful amazing cool woman I know Noelani from Mon Petit Chou Chou. Who am I kidding she's probably recieved this award more times than I can count she's just that stylish!

Source- My Girl Lani

Congratulations Noelani!

Now tell me you guys do you have a 12 by 2012 list? I'd love to know what's on it! Do you want to share with me? I am so nosy! Indulge me!

Love and Hugs

Do Thursday- Climbing mountains

2011-10-20T00:21:00.000-07:00

Well not really just up a little hill near the Fontainebleau Castle. Wanna come with us? Coooome on, you'll feel better after!

The first part was this neat cobble stone walkway that I imagined was an old trade route or maybe for knights and horses from the Castle? It looks like there were even some trenches?

Here's the welcome board. It's rated easy and about 2 hrs long. Man I wish I could read better in French. But honestly early Saturday morning after a wine n dine evening the night before...not gonna happen!

Anyways. "Almost there Monkey! Keep going!" Sunny loves going on walks and runs in the woods. For an indoor lap dog she is quite the little outdoor enthusiast.

"Don't worry about me you guys! Yup, no problem I'm just back here!"

It promised a great view and delivered. Fontainebleau forest is beautiful and expansive. It's lovely to see it from up here where you can tell how small the village/town really is all nestled inside the forest.

We went off track, thought we were lost and joked but felt kinda scared about Robin hood type hoodies hiding in the forest waiting to attack us! Ahhhhh!

Thank goodness it was actually part of the route! We ended up back at the bottom where we were suppossed to be with our Saturday started off right and a very dirty doggie!

Do you guys love walking in the woods as much as I do? Even in the suburbs I long to get off the pavement and into the woods. Where's your favourite place to get some exercise?

Love and Hugs

Wear Wednesday- What we wore: Bride and Groom

2011-10-19T01:25:00.000-07:00

Hey guys wanna see the details of what we wore to our wedding? I love looking at other brides pictures and finding out how they put the whole thing together so I thought you might like to, too?

The hairclip- Mom assembled it in my hair literally as I was getting ready. She picked up the flower at a shop on Queen West in Toronto along with the feathers and an antique broch. She's a creative powerhouse I tell ya.

The shoes- were comfy green suede sling backs from CosmoParis.

The jewels- My earrings are diamond and pearl spirals from Birks that my parents gifted me for my 30th birthday and the bracelet I won on a wedding giveaway. My Aunt Jane re-worked it, taking off the ribbon and adding clasps to make it into a bracelet instead. My family is full of creative ladies!

The viel- from Pronovias and is the most luxurious and beautiful thing I have ever owned. It's made of french silk tulle with intricate lace around the edges. I'm trying to think of a way to use it in the future. Maybe a canopy over a baby bassinet?

It was catherdral length and totally not what I imagined I'd pick. Maybe not the best choice for an outdoor wedding but what can you do? The heart wants what the heart wants and man did mine ever want that veil! Thank you so much Mom and Dad.

Vince's suit- a three piece very well made suit from De Fursac.
Vince's tie- a silk pink/grey/taupe checkered tie from Paul Smith.
His accessory- a hankerchief from Etsy I had embroidered
His shoes- beautiful brown leather shoes from Hardridge that he's owned for years!

The dress- is Medina from Pronovias Spring Summer 2010. We bought it at Balletts in London Ontario the very same place my Aunt Jane bought her dress ten years earlier.

I fell in love with it right away and cliché as it may be I cried when I tried it on. I loved the material and especially the skirt with the pick up in the front. I felt sexy and beautiful and skinny! I also felt like my boobs were somewhat under control. I had started to succomb to the idea of having to pull up my top all night while wearing a strapless dress. I thought all the ones with straps would be matronly. Not so!

Vince's shirt- lucked out and found a great deal at Izac.
We escaped at the end of the night and forgot my veil, Vince's jacket and vest. Thankfully the best man had us covered and brought them back with the bus load of happy boozey guests a little later.

Vince shirt was soaked through. He brought another one with him in case this happened and would have to change. He never did, I didn't ask him too. We were just having too much FUN dammit!

I would lovelovelove to know what dress or suit you wore or a want to wear? Did you accessorize with already owned pieces or go all out and buy new ones? What was/will be your favourite part of your look? Come on girls and boys, spill the beans!

Love and Hugs

Taste Tuesday- What we ate: a week in food photos

2011-10-17T23:59:00.000-07:00

So I guess you've noticed it's Fall?;) I think in Canada and France we are both experiencing the smells and chills of the season and for me there's nothing like cooking when it gets cold out. Don't you agree? You feel like getting cozy and the food at the market is the type that brings comfort and needs to be roasted, I love it!
Here's a few pictures of the things we cooked up last week:

Wednesday was roasted butternut squash and adzuki bean soup.

Thursday was Sara's Sweet potatoes with chili beans, creme fraiche and guacamole

Friday welcomed fresh pasta with chantrells, roasted garlic, thyme and a knob of chevre

Saturday challenged us with aloe vera, apple and green tomato kebabs at Voy Alimento

Sunday brought cheese of course! We had Montbriac, Gloriotte and a seriously old Cantal

Back to healthy living Monday was barley, black radish, tomato and chard soup

This next week has pumpkin, potato, more swiss chard and apple and pear written all over it.

Anybody have suggestions or recipes?

And what did you eat all week my friends? I'd love to hear!

Love and Hugs

Be Monday- Do you want to be yourself? Do you want to be true?

2011-10-17T01:16:00.000-07:00

Life is hard. We are being dragged in every direction before we even get out of bed. Not very often do we get these sweet moments where we feel really true to our selves. You know the feeling, that euphoric light love feeling where you are just completely.....happy.

Unfortunately as we get older we often lose sight of that person and that feeling. The good news is it's never gone and if you want you can have it back as often as possible. It's very important to tap into this as often as possible. This is the secret of truly happy and successful people. You will be a better wife, husband, mother, friend, daughter, niece, neighbour, coworker..etc.
So how do you do it?

There are a number of ways and it will vary from person to person. I find meditation helps, Florence Welsch suggests you dance the devil off your back, and visulization can also help. But take it slow, there is no room for being hard on yourself here. That's conteractive.

So if you want to try you can simply close your eyes for a moment and breathe. Consciously follow your breath down to your belly and back up and think of one of the happiest moments in your life. The birth of your daughter? That moment at the cottage last summer when you woke up early and went out to the dock and really felt the morning, the evening your husband proposed, that time you stepped off the plane in a foreign country and felt this is it.

This seriously only takes maybe 30 seconds. You can pause and do this in the lineup at the grocery store. Or in the washroom after you wash your hands before you come back out or even right before you fall asleep.

Soon you will see this changes such as easier smiles, a happier heart, becoming more understanding and more yourself! (and don't get too excited now but you will also start to crave more!) Pausing will become wonderfully addictive. You will take the time to love yourself and then the skys the limit to your happiness!

So come on people "stop dragging that horse around!"

Please please please let me know if you tried this or what you think of it! I am dying to know!

Love and Hugs

P.S Thanks so much to Becky at Disasterous Jane for sharing this music video! It is so inspiring and beautiful!

Freeforall Friday- The Nicknames of our Bichon/Maltese Puppy

2011-10-13T23:22:00.000-07:00

Are you guys nickname lovers? We are and it's getting out of hand. Our favourite little person to nickname is our doggiedaughter. Isn't she a cutie?

Her full name is Sunny Strawberry Klein but most people must think she's called Monkey cause that's what you can hear us call her the most often, with a few small substituions such as: Monk, The Monk, Monka, Monkaburninglove or just MonkaMonk.

Although when we first got her we called her Snoop Strawberry you know cause of her middle name and her being a dog and everything. And then that turned into my Dad's favourite: The Strawb. But my Aunt Ann likes to call her just Strawberry. She can also be seen being called HRS here on the blog wich translates into Her Royal Starwbyness of course.

My Mom likes to call her the Muttrag cause she thinks I never wash or brush her and wants to get her Grandmother hands on her to clean her up all the time. This has since turned into Muttie or raggie.

Vince calls her Boukie or Boukyness and also BoukBouk. When we are out for a walk I find myself calling her My Tiny Missus or just The Missus. But lately it's been mostly Boo and Booboo and Booboobear and now Le Bearoniss.

But when she's being bad (rolling in poop, jumping up on people, running away) it's always just a very loud, SUNNNNNNNY!!!!!!!

What about you? Do you have nicknames for your pets or loved ones? I remember my Sue used to call her cat Momasita. (The cats real name was Beers). She has a very handsome Bernese Mountain Dog named Ringo who now goes by the nickname ShiShi. Cute eh?

Tell me! Tell me your nicknames!!!

Love and Hugs

Do Thursday- Cinéma au clair de lune

2011-10-13T01:43:00.000-07:00

Cinema au clair de lune is an outdoor movie event held in Paris though out the summer. When I was little Mom and Dad used to take us to the drive in theater in London Ontario near the big Macdonalds on the highway...you know the one? Now it's a Price Club I think? Anyways it was awesome. Mom would dress us in our p.j's and we'd sit in the back of the car and wait for the dancing hotdogs and popcorn to come on the screen at the admisson time. I hadn't watched a movie outside in so long and was so excited to check this out!

We took our velib bikes all the way over to Le Bois de Vincennes in the 12e expecting to sit in the grass....not so. It was in a parking lot near Le Bois! What!

Also for some reason Sunny was less than impressed, maybe the lack of grass was getting to her? Finally after looking for a semi-grassy spot we found a place to sit but she still looked pretty unhappy even after finding a stick to chew on.

Once we got the food out she was a little bit happier. We paked a light dinner of salads, hummus, cheese and wine.

But as it got dark she grew more scared and barked a lot which is not her thing. Kinda sucks cause we love to camp and thought she would too. Guess she's a glamping girl all the way.

The movie was good and lighthearted but the venue was not what we hoped for. (gravely and pavement) I honestly don't think I would go again. Sorry Cinema au clair de lune guys! maybe get a vrai pelouse and we'll be back next year.

Do you love watching movies outside or are you a comfy couch, fireplace, popcorn movie type person?

Also do they have drive in theaters anymore? Just thinking about it makes me crave root beer for some reason.

Love and Hugs

Wear Wednesday- Signature Fragrance

2011-10-12T00:40:00.000-07:00

What's your favourite scent to wear? Or are you still looking? At 32 years old I have finally found mine in the way of Versace Crystal Noir. It's a ultra feminine oriental/floral based on gardenia and amber and fits me perfectly.

My second favourite has to be Stella by Stella MacCartney which is a blend of rose and amber. So there you go I am truly an amber and flower lover.

But it took awhile to figure this out while trying everything under the sun. I used Insolence by Guerlin for a while because Vincent loved it. Apparently it's a fruity/floral with a mix of red fruits and violet. Which makes sense cause Vince loooooves red fruit anything. I'll admit it is pretty but too sweet for me. (Made me feel sick after awhile).

My Mom absolutely loves Acqua Di Parma Iris Nobile which is a soft floral scent primarily iris and mandarin flower. It's really lovely and I always spray some when I'm at her house and I even wore it on my wedding day but it's more if a special occasion fragrance for me not a guilty pleasure everyday one like my Crystal Noir.

I could have saved a lot of time and money if I just would have looked at my very first favourite perfume: Tribe by Coty (another oriental/floral). Do you remember it? It came out at the Pharmasave up town in and around 1990 and if you went to Musquodoboit Rural High school in the 90's it was all you could smell in the hallways.

But if you didn't love Tribe no worries there was always Exclamation to fall back on. Also made by Coty and came out around the same time (1988).

I find scent a very powerful memory receptor. Anytime I smell Light Blue or Hypnotic Poison I'm immediately back with my BFF's April and Sue and I love that. All I have to do when I miss someone is go to Sephora, spray a little on my wrist and have them with me all day!

I could talk about perfume all day but now it's your turn. What do you wear? What scents are you in love with?
And if you're still searching maybe these quizes and links can help you out.

Love and Hugs

Taste Tuesday- Afternoon Tea Sandwiches

2011-10-11T00:47:00.000-07:00

Last Thursay Milla invited me to join her for afternoon tea at The Royal Monceau hotel in the 8e arrondissement. How could I refuse? Thanks to my mother I love afternoon tea especially if there is champagne and mini sandwiches.

Unfortunately the Monceau's sandwiches left little to be desired. At first glance they look well made and exquisite but then the bad news, three of the four were meat. I had the cucumber one and the slices were cut too thick and to tell you the truth it was pretty tasteless.

Thank goodness the Pierre Hermé Ispahan made up for it.

That experience and the article in this months Vogue by Joan Didion seriously got me thinking about the afternoon tea sandwich and hosting one in my home. What kind of fillings and breads could I think of. Wouldn't it be interesting to break from the norm of cucumber and smoked salmon?

Well thankfully I didn't have to look far. The girls at Sunday Suppers always seem to have my best interests at heart.

How beautiful are these? And most of them vegetarian! Horay!

Karen and Lizzy created these flavours:
- Pea mash with Mint, White Radish, Olive oil, and Black Sea Salt on Rye Bread (egg shape)
- Blue Cheese, Pear, Violas on Mixed Grain (open faced Square)
- Tomato, Avocado, Salmon, on Brioche (circle shape)
- Cucumber, Goat Cheese, Sea Beans, and Flowering Broccoli on rustic white (open-faced organic loaf shape)

Add a little champagne and then that's an afternoon tea! What do you say? Late afternoon, next Sunday, my place?

Love and Hugs

Be Monday- Let go of it

2011-10-10T03:20:00.000-07:00

Source, thanks Mammbblog!

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world.

There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

- Marianne Williamson, is a best-selling author and speaker.

Source Thanks Catherine!

So go ahead! Why not take a chance and act from the perfect loving place in your heart. What happens will always be right. And then you might finally let go of your fear and unhappiness and come into the world you always knew was there.

Love and Hugs

Freeforall Friday- Around my web table

2011-10-07T04:48:00.000-07:00

Source

Happy Friday my friends and family! I wanted to share a few links from around the web of little things I thought you might like to read to make the clock tick faster to 5 pm!

Looking for some treehouse mojo?

The chicest bar in Paris.

And a battle of the best crossaints

Speaking of which, what makes you hungier?

How to look cute.

What are you making with pumpkin this weekend?

Well if you're not cooking pumpkin what about squash?

Holy shit that's BIG!

Kasia's new collection handmade in the city of love.

What to wear in St. John, the island not the town in N.B. you cheeky monkeys.

While you're at it, slap on the prettiest lipstick.

How to show and keep the love man.

Already made this three times last week!

And finally, what to see this weekend.

Have a great fall crispy Thanksgiving weekend my loves and we'll see you back here on Monday!

Love and Hugs

Do Thursday- White Yoga at the Eiffel Tower

2011-10-06T01:12:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday morning we woke up early and drove into Paris for the White Yoga event guided by Elena Brower.

I got there early and took a place near the front and tried to take it all in. We were set up in between École Militaire and the Eiffel Tower.

And then I made a friend with the lady sitting next to me. Anne is a lawyer from Neuilly who wants to be a Yoga teacher. She was so smiley and kind and we got along straight away.

Finally it was time to start. Elena said a prayer reminding us about International Day of Non-Violence and Gandhi's birthday and how coming together in peace like this was such a beautiful gift to the world.

This is a video of Elena guiding us. I felt a big release and my heart open up like never before. It was completly overwhelming and felt so good that I cried. (through most of the practice and I'm not embarrassed, well maybe a tiny bit) But honestly she had the most emotional powerful voice and energy or maybe it was the people around me or the space but something special was happening. It was a happy cleansing cry. You know those ones where you just feel better after? Like that and I think that can never be a bad or shameful thing.

This was our view. Check out the late comers and extras that came after it was full. (We were 2000 people all together!) They laid out in the grass and joined in!

She had us all laughing as we were trying to get into the traingle pose.

During the whole time Elena was teaching she had a musician playing softly on the contrabass. It was as intuitive as her practice. I felt like neither the musician or Elena knew what was going to happen next. It all just kinda, went.

On our way home I called my Mom to catch up. As I was trying to describe how it felt I thought of an 'e' word but I couldn't find it until today. I meant to tell you Mom that it felt Euphoric. Perfectly Euphoric.

Please tell me, have you ever practiced Yoga in a large group before? Or outside? What did it feel like? Did you ever cry?

Love and Hugs

P.S Thanks so much to my husband Vince for driving us in, taking photos and then feeding me lunch. You're so awesome and I love you.

Wear Wednesday- My Fashion Lookbook and Pinterest

2011-10-05T00:31:00.000-07:00

When I started getting serious about my health and my weight I began to get excited about clothes again. I saw a way back into my beloved fashion world that I had shunned for so long due to my oversized body and XXL self esteem issue.

I got inspired and started my very own fashion magazine of all the looks I loved, coveted and wanted to wear. I know how do you spell N.E.R.D right? I don't care I like little projects like this and thought what the heck maybe other people do too. So here I am sharing.

The outside is pretty boring right? Don't worry what's inside is awesome!

I became obsessed with the above cream Louis Vuitton dress

oh and this yellow J. Crew dress. I eventually got it! In perwinkle blue and I had to add shoulder straps but I got it!

I love classic lady like flats and these were a few of my favs.

And anything camel and leopard, I mean come on that's a no-brainer.

I also had a little makeup section at the back and bought this red lipstick which you can see me wearing here and here.

And a list of things to buy and how to pack by the talented DVF.

But what it's really about is working with what you got. I have an apple shape. In other words, a big belly but lean legs and proportional top. So I hide the belly and show off the clevage and legs. That's how I work with what I've got. Everytime I do this I shave 10 pounds off. I look taller, leaner and happier.
That being said I also think it's important to try a few things fashion experts say you shouldn't. Why not a skin tight red wool dress that highlights your belly? It might just work for you the way it did for me here. (I felt like a million bucks)

Finally it's time to retire the lookbook because I've got an online one now in my Pinterest. It's an addictive online pin board of all your favourite things and I am clearly addicted! Let me know if you're on it, I would love to follow you and if you need an invite I'm your girl! Have fun dressing and loving how you look kiddos, I know I will. (trying anyways ;)

Love and Hugs

Taste Tuesday- Breizh cafe and don't forget the wine!

2011-10-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

Our last Sunday in Paris felt like a crêpe kinda day and I knew just where to go, the ever popular Breizh cafe. I ordered a special off the chalk board that came with Fourme d'Albert cheese, noix and mache while Vince had the chorizo with a sunny side up egg. What you can't see is our dessert crepes that we inhaled before there was time to snap a picture. Sorry guys. But it was all the carmel buerre salé's fault. It's the best I've had in the city and I try to eat some at every sitting. No joke, you make something out of caramel buerre salé and I will eat it.

After lunch we wandered around window shopping and trying to take it all in. Soon it started to rain so we headed for shelter in one of our favourite covered passageways the Galeries Vivienne. It's a beautiful covered alleyway with shops and a few restaurants that was built in the 1800's to shield wealthy shoppers from the rain. Well we're not weathly but we certainly wanted shelter from the rain and a great bottle of wine from Legrand Filles et Fils. Legrand is a wine shop, tasting bar with a small gourmet épicerie in the front. We finally decided on a bottle of light Bourgogne and sat out in the galerie to people watch and drink away the afternoon. A well spent Sunday if I do say myself.

What about you guys? What are you cooking up this week or what special recipe did you taste last weekend?

Love and Hugs

Be Monday- Yoga for Anxiety, Stress, and Depression

2011-10-03T01:27:00.000-07:00

I suffer from anxiety, panic and depression. I've found that a hollistic approach has worked best for me. When I am strong I take care of my self on all levels and especially the practice of yoga has given me a sense of peace I never knew before.

Aniexty is simply a heightened state of stress. Yoga poses and breathing techniques help change brain waves to relieve the stress, resulting in a stable level of mental health.

Here are a few videos to help you achieve that goal or maybe just to try for fun if you're curious.

Do any of you have Aniexty? Depression? OCD? Intrusive thoughts, Agoraphobia? I used to have these feelings for so long and never told anyone. I found the second I talked about it out loud it just lifted so much off my chest. Please feel safe to tell me. I only have love for you.

Love and Hugs

Freeforall Friday- Happy Hour

2011-09-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's Friday friends and finally! We'll meet you down at the bar for a drink or too. I'm dreaming of one like this Blackberry Smash by Andrew and Carrie from Pictures and Pancakes via Designsponge.

Isn't it lovely? If you'd like to make me one here's the recipe:

Blackberry Smash

5 blackberries
6-8 mint leaves, torn (plus more for garnish)
½ small red plum, peeled and diced (plus more for garnish)
½ ounce simple syrup
½ ounce cointreau
2 ounces whiskey

In a cocktail shaker, muddle blackberries, mint, plum and simple syrup until broken up. Add ice, cointreau and whiskey. Shake vigorously 12 to 15 seconds. Strain into a low ball glass filled with ice and garnish with a slice of plum and sprig of mint. Enjoy!

Blackberry smashes aside what do you have in mind? A cold beer, a glass of wine or something a little more adventurous? Do tell!
Oh and FYI my Aunt Jane makes a rockin' chocolate martini if you're in the Strathroy region.....

Love and Hugs and Happy Weekend!

Do Thursday- Foire aux vins

2011-09-29T00:38:00.000-07:00

Every September in France there is a Foire aux vins in most stores and cave a vins. It's harvest season which means many new vintages are ready and the big wine critics give out their top wines of the year. The bonus is a lot of the bottles are also on sale! Vince and I are planning on being out of France for 10 years and thought this was the perfect time to store a few boxes away for when we get back.

So we got down to business straight away looking through Le Figaro's free review of wines and talking to our caviste guy for his kind advice.

Then it was time to take the list to our local grocery store and cave a vins to buy the bottles.

Next was the best part, taking the wine home and tasting! (Mr. Caviste said to leave a little in the bottle open over night and then taste it again the next day at lunch to determine if it will age well)

Of course it's best to taste your wine with food, cheese is preferable.

But don't be a wino, Mais Non! You should have dinner too. We ate a lot of soup that week to try and conteract the amount of wine and cheese calories we were taking in. I know, we're geniuses.

And then we thought, 'Why not have some soup with cheese?'

Finally after all that tasting we had made our choices and were ready to box them up, lable them and take them to the safest place on earth, Vince's parents basement. Nothing ever leaves that room!

2 great things that happened: We found a bunch a great vintages we can't wait to taste 5+ years later and learned a new technique on how to find out if a bottle will age gracefully or not.

but most importantly,

1 valuable lesson learned: Eating cheese and drinking wine all week whilst eating soup for dinner will not help you lose weight. ;)

Please tell did you guys pick up any great deals on wine this week? Do you buy wine in bulk and age it or drink it straight away?

Love and Hugs

Wear Wednesday- Date Night

2011-09-27T23:58:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday we went out to Les Pleiades to celebrate the night we met 5 years ago. It was the poshiest place we've ever eaten so we dressed the part.

I wore a black crepe Kookai dress, my wedding shoes from Cosmoparis, clutch from Aldo, orange tassel earrings from Satellite Paris a bracelet gifted from Shelly, Red #10 lipstick from Bobbi Brown and french cancan nail colour by Mavala.

Finishing the last glass of champagne I put on my new red trench from cheapy cheap brand Camaieu. I'm above average French girl size and find it hard to find chic pieces to fit my shape but with a little digging I always find a few great things.

But more importantly what did the husband wear you say?

It was all about the dapper tailormade dark grey suit and shirt he got in India.

The details were cufflinks from Debenhams and shoes from Texto.

We hope you enjoyed our first what we wore Wear Wednesday post and please let us know what you thought, we LOVE hearing from you! ;)

Love and Hugs

Taste Tuesday- My 1st vlog version

2011-09-27T00:08:00.000-07:00

Do you guys what to see me make a baked apple with no head and have around 4 minutes to waste? Then please watch my very first attempt at a vlog.

The start me up music is a song called Sweet thang by the band Big Soul.

Another side note:Vince and I are trying to omit chemical and processed sugars like brown sugar from our diet and realize that Maple Syrup is indeed a sugar. Duh! (But it is natural and comes from a tree, Yay!)

We hope you enjoyed it and I promise the next one will be under the 1min30. Hopefully! ;)

Love and Hugs

Be Monday- Dream

2011-09-26T01:06:00.000-07:00

This title is close to my heart. I love to Dream. But until a few years ago I thought dreaming was only for fairy tales and night time. I had absolutely no idea of their power.

Source

Nowadays I feel less and less constricted about my dreams and embarrassed by them, the opposite is actually happening: I'm becoming excited by them.

Here are a few:

Fall in love and marry the pefect partner for me: Done!
Have children and a family with that person
Enjoy a long healthy relationship
Live near my family
Start my own buisness
Become an active part of the healing community in my town
Become a good healer
Be a good person
Be free of gulit, addiction and negative thoughts......resulting in
Being happy and at peace

I think if I dream of these things enough they will become more and more a part of me and reality. I will search these things out consciously and subconsciously. Heck I've already got the first one crossed off so that's gotta be good right? ;)

Source

Kute Blackson says: "Your responsibility is not to make your dreams happen but simply to say “Yes”."

He also gives you a great list on how to achieve your dreams and what to do when you are discouraged. Kute's a crazy ass super spirit warrior. Check out his site if you dare.

I am dying to know, have you ever really just let your mind wander? Why not just ask yourself simply, what do I want? (It's so liberating and exciting.) Please have a go and let me know your heart said back.

Love and Hugs

Freeforall Friday- Love is in the air

2011-09-23T00:53:00.000-07:00

Love is in the air over here in our little corner of the universe. Yesterday was the five year anniversary of the first day we met and it sure did feel good. One of my most romantic memories is sitting with Vince at a winery in Napa a few months after we had met. We were sharing a bottle of Vincent Arroyo Nameless and he said, "let's buy a few bottles to open after we've been together 5 years."

'What a guy', is all I thought and then, 'I'm gonna marry him.'

A few of our love shots:

1. Happy hour, Paris 2009
2. Our new family, Paris 2011
3. Vin chaud two nights before Vince proposed, Paris 2009
4. Our wedding night, Malta 2011

Yesterday I got a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a handwritten note. He knows that one of my favourite things is to read his handwritting especially when they are words of love and commitment.

Source

So eventhough we bought those bottles of wine that day to open 5 years later we unfortunately didn't forsee the crazy amount of travelling we'd be doing and they are still at home in Canada in My Aunt Ann's basement. To compensate we've decided to book a table at Les Pleiades restaurant a short 10min drive away in Barbizon. It's our first Michelin starred restaurant and we are so excited to see what wine they have to offer.

But nothing will beat that first bottle of Nameless in Napa with my love.

Happy Anniversary my sweetie! I can't wait to see the next 60+ years with you!

Love and Hugs and hoping you have a romantic weekend wherever you are.

Do Thursday- Honeymoon Scrapbook

2011-09-22T00:52:00.000-07:00

Today is the five year anniversary of the night we first met. I saw Vince from across a smoky dank basement five years ago this evening and it was the truest form of love at first sight I have ever experienced. Every part of my body and soul told me to talk to him. Thankfully I found the courage to go over there and say Hi. He obviously felt it too cause from then on we were inseparable.

So I thought for Do Thursday I would show you how we made our honeymoon scrapbook. How about that?! ;)

Alright step 1 is to get your work space ready, coffee? check!

Step 2 : Place pics where you want them then glue them. This was hard for me. I got impatient and just wanted to start glueing like a madwoman and then I thought no Sam that's not what Martha would do, right?!

Step 3: Move the floor cause it's more comfy and now you've been at it so long your dog falls asleep waiting for you to finish so you can go outside and play.

Step 4 : Whoohooo we're getting close now. Get your husband to put it together cause you're getting frustrated and about to give up. And thank goodness he figures out what to do with those stupid long rectangular pieces of extra paper that have been hanging around since the start.

Step 5 : You're done! Kiss husband, pat your self on back, call your Mom on skype to show her and that's all folks! One Honeymoon scrapbook for you, your kids and your kids kids.

Love and Hugs

Wear Wednesday- Plaid

2011-09-21T00:53:00.000-07:00

Do you feel like the entire fashion world is wearing plaid right now? Everywhere I look I see plaid or checkers and to tell you the truth I don't know how I feel about it. I have visions of grunge, kurt cobain, 90's oh no bad higschool moment flashback....AHHHHHHHHH! Then there was the Avril Lavigne thing. But still there might be something to it, let's have a look together.

The Worst from Joanna via The Sartorialist

The Getting Better from Taylor

The Good on Pinterest

But the Best has got to be this look from Christine

So what do you say are we onboard with this plaid/checker thing? I'm thinking I might just throw caution to the wind and try the navy checkered number with a great pair of jeans and see how it feels. Who knows maybe I'll end up being advanced a little younger than originally thought. ;)

Love and Hugs

Taste Tuesday- The Cocktail

2011-09-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

I think you all know how much I love Campari. It could easily become a problem. Thankfully I also love wine and champagne which saves me from being on a perpetual Campari/soda bender. Unfortunately VosgesHautChocolate's campari/geranium/home made syrup concoction is threatening to push said problem over the edge. Check it out for yourself and tell me I'm not crazy!

Oh yeah and here's Katrinas recipe in case you finally stop watching on repeat and actually want to make the thing. (and join in my Campari obsession)

Strawberry Nectarine Geranium Cocktails
2 cups water
2 cups sugar
1/4 cup cocoa nibs
2 large strands with flowers of African blue basil
4 oz Campari
1 fresh nectarine
4 strawberries
4 large ice cubes
1 cup soda water
geranium petals

Make simple syrup by combining 1 part sugar to 1 part boiling water, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Infuse simple syrup with cocoa nibs, basil or experiment with your own herbal tincture! In a rocks glass, muddle fresh, juicy nectarines and strawberries. Add a splash of Campari, large ice cubes and top with soda water. Sprinkle organic geranium petals atop for garnish.

Thanks you so much to Cyd for sharing this from Peace Love and Chocolate!

Love and Hugs

P.S. Tell me you don't love her little finger happiness dance at the end when she loves the taste!

Be Monday- Forgive

2011-09-19T04:47:00.000-07:00

This Monday we're talking about the complex subject of forgiveness. Man this is a tough one. Do you struggle with it too or are you a super awesome forgiveness worrior? I'll tell you for me it starts from the inside out. I tried hating myself and forgiving everyone else but that didn't seem to work. I've learned that in order to escape the deep dark pull resentment and anger can have is to start to forgive myself for all the crap I do and deem unforgiveable. No small feat right?

Source

Thankfully writer Leo Babauta takes our number and tells us how:

1. Commit to letting go. You aren’t going to do it in a second or maybe not even in a day. It can take time to get over something. So commit to changing, because you recognize that the pain is hurting you.

2. Think about the pros and cons. What problems does this pain cause you? Does it affect your relationship with this person? With others? Does it affect work or family? Does it stop you from pursuing your dreams, or becoming a better person? Does it cause you unhappiness? Think of all these problems, and realize you need to change. Then think of the benefits of forgiveness — how it will make you happier, free you from the past and the pain, improve things with your relationships and life in general.

3. Realize you have a choice. You cannot control the actions of others, and shouldn’t try. But you can control not only your actions, but your thoughts. You can stop reliving the hurt, and can choose to move on. You have this power. You just need to learn how to exercise it.

4. Empathize. Try this: put yourself in that person’s shoes. Try to understand why the person did what he did. Start from the assumption that the person isn’t a bad person, but just did something wrong. What could he have been thinking, what could have happened to him in the past to make him do what he did? What could he have felt as he did it, and what did he feel afterward? How does he feel now? You aren’t saying what he did is right, but are instead trying to understand and empathize.

5. Understand your responsibility. Try to figure out how you could have been partially responsible for what happened. What could you have done to prevent it, and how can you prevent it from happening next time? This isn’t to say you’re taking all the blame, or taking responsibility away from the other person, but to realize that we are not victims but participants in life.

6. Focus on the present. Now that you’ve reflected on the past, realize that the past is over. It isn’t happening anymore, except in your mind. And that causes problems — unhappiness and stress. Instead, bring your focus back to the present moment. What are you doing now? What joy can you find in what is happening right now? Find the joy in life now, as it happens, and stop reliving the past. Btw, you will inevitably start thinking about the past, but just acknowledge that, and gently bring yourself back to the present moment.

7. Allow peace to enter your life. As you focus on the present, try focusing on your breathing. Imagine each breath going out is the pain and the past, being released from your body and mind. And imagine each breath coming in is peace, entering you and filling you up. Release the pain and the past. Let peace enter your life. And go forward, thinking no longer of the past, but of peace and the present.

8. Feel compassion. Finally, forgive the person and realize that in forgiveness, you are allowing yourself to be happy and move on. Feel empathy for the person and wish happiness on them. Let love for them, and life in general, grow in your heart. It may take time, but if you’re stuck on this point, repeat some of the ones above until you can get here.

Most of Leo's tips are for how to forgive others but I think they work just as well on yourself. So give it a go and let me know what happened.
I'm starting right now.

Love and Hugs