Making Plans in 2013!

 

Since my last post, a new year has rolled in. It's 2013 and I couldn't be more please to have a fresh start.   I spent most of December and the start of January sick. I couldn't write. I couldn't sew. I could only read. One blog that I have fallen in love with again is Jessica Swift's blog. She offered, for only $15, a PDF download to help set your goals and intentions for 2013.

In between coughs, I took time to complete the intention kit and it was an amazing experience. It's still not too late to grab this, sit at a desk, and think about what you want to do this year.

Doing the kit, I realized that writing was a priority for me this year. It will mean less blogging and being media social, for at least a couple of months, in order to get my novel ready to share with the world. If I can offer one tidbit of encouragement to you for the start of your year is this: 

 Get your values organized so that your actions will create the life you want.

Buy it or Make it: Denim Jeans

I have been the luckiest girl lately. I am back to my pre-baby weight and size thanks to a change in my diet and making time to exercise! It means that I can fit my old jeans, but that doesn't mean I want to wear them. I'm a new girl after having a baby and my wardrobe should reflect the journey. As much I love denim, I don't like to shop for it. Isn't it a chore when it comes to finding new jeans? I also cringe at the cost of Paige Jeans, $298 for a basic pair, even though they are truly a remarkable feat of beautiful engineering. I'm a mom now and budget is the word.  Thanks to lady luck on my recent shopping spree! I went vintage shopping and scored three pairs of jeans that I am in love with! As I'm not Canadian, I wasn't familiar with these two Canadian denim manufactors, but holla! Every girl in North America should know these labels. First up, Silver Jeans Co. 

{Image from Jason in Hollywood-read this blog to keep current on billboards in LA}

The Silver Jean Co. was established twenty years ago by Michael Silver. He earned an degree in Fine Arts and went to work in the fashion industry for Western Glove Works. He learned the craft of denim and was inspired to launch his line of clothing for Men and Women. I respect that he mentions in an awesome interview on creating denim fashions that he is tireless about details such as thread, fabric, and dye.

Read more awesome interviews at Denim Blog

House Hunting in West Toronto: A Lesson on To Flip or Not?

Along Humber River in West Toronto, just south of Bloor, there are several beautiful neighborhoods, populated with beautiful quaint homes, jaw-dropping mega mansions, and the humble in betweens. Since my husband and I had Makena, now 13 months old, we are being ever-so encouraged by both of our families to get into a detached home. The idea of owning property in Toronto is daunting. The competition is fierce and prices are newsworthy high. However, there does still remain the possibility that with some good luck and timing, a house in need of a decent flip could make owning in Toronto affordable. My in-laws just finished a complete house flip in less than eight months, most of the work being done by my father in law. Yesterday, we took a drive through these quaint neighborhoods and shopped the market. After I obsessed on the mega mansions, which failed to capture on my phone so I'll post later, I pointed out this lovely Nantucket-style home. I love the rough-cut stacked stone detail of the front entrance and the oversized white wood trim, the finished landscaping, and beautiful curb appeal of the house. The bay window is a great feature for the hot summer months, too.

My Sister and Leann Rhimes

My sister is a stylist, esthetician and nail tech at an exclusive Indianapolis Day Spa. On Sunday she had the joy to work on Leann Rhimes. Don't they both look so beautiful! My sister is so talented! I just wish I had half the talent that she has at doing hair and makeup. I have always said that our wedding photos were published in Town and Country because my sister did my hair and makeup! She is that good!

Home Renovation Teaches the Soul to Grow

I wish I was could tell you that I was a happy camper like the sweet little girl above, but living in a condo suite for two and half weeks wasn't easy. I didn't have any books, art supplies, sewing projects, time to write, or space to relax. It was just me, my working husband, and my darling ten-month old baby who did remarkably well-no surprise there! The odd thing that I learned after being deprived of all my things, knick-knacks, and projects was that I really don't need all the stuff. That isn't a big surprise. Every guru on the planet tells people to simplify their lives to be happier. Countless magazines, newspapers, and blogs are always offering the same advice packaged in new ways. Real Simple created a hugely successful niche on living without the clutter. Live simply. The idea is almost too simple to understand. But, I got finally it. My life changed after two and half weeks of not being at home. 

Afternoon Ideas to Beat the Heat!

Lunch in the Sun: 5 Essentials for an Awesome Picnic!

It takes more than food to make a picnic awesome.  A beautiful picnic blanket, plush pillows, a relaxed summer hat, and extraordinary tableware can make things fabulous! Toss in a sizzling summer read, Southern Charm by socialite Tinsley Mortimer, and you are read to forget doing anything for the rest of the day. Rest and relaxation does need a bit of prep work! Discover some great accessories to help you get the rest you deserve-or... Better yet, discover the cure to the office blues or an awesome way to just escape!

On the Set: Fashion + Interiors

On the Set: Fashion + Interiors is a new series that I will be running this month. I've been so nuts about fashion that I've been neglecting my other love, interior design! This is my creative way to channel them together and keep the flame alive! The dress featured is available at Amanda Wakeley. I discovered a low budget version of the asymmetrical neckline by Calvin Klein for $70 at Marshall's. See the pic here at my Modern Girl Style tumblr, a shopping & around town blog. The interior is from Elle Decor. 

Living Mad Men Style

Mad Men Season 5 returns to AMC on Sunday and I'm a fanatic for the show. I seriously believe that this is the best TV drama I have ever watched. As I'm so excited for the next season to arrive, I love feeling the excitment everywhere. There is the Banana Republic Mad Men collection, fabrics being selected with Mad Men feel, and vintage dresses patterns being made and worn by women today {hint: check out my favorite read list to find bloggers doing this}. There are modernist furnishing to acquire. I love this collection of furnishing inspired by Mad Men:

{image via pretty little green things}

I've always loved vintage, but this week has been good for me and my vintage finds. The highlights include this vintage 1960 Eaton Viking electric typewriter. I gasped when I found it at Goodwill and bought it for less than $10. I saw it and instantly thought this would have been the portable typewriter at the offices of Cooper Draper Pryce.

Trust me, I love the vast world of modern technology, but the snap and feel of a vintage typewriter is like slow food cooking. It's a sexy, slow, real experience that yields rich rewards. My question to you is:

If you had a vintage typewriter, what would you write?

Happy Mad Men watching this weekend. Please don't even try to phone me!

Three NYC Favorite Things

Spring is here and to celebrate its arrival Modern Girl Style is launching a new series, Three Favorite Things, written by some of the finest bloggers from around the world and on the Web! Three Favorite Things is just like it says: A simple question with infinite answers that reveals more about the questioned than the question itself. So allow me to introduce the fabulous Hope, of Hope in High Heels, with her sweet NYC twist on her Three Favorite Things!

NYC is always busy, always fabulous and always changing. It's the place where you can find anything your heart desires, be anyone you want to be and do (almost) anything you've ever dreamed of. It's a million different things - party town, entrepreneurial hotbox or shopping mecca to name a few - to millions of different people. My New York? It's an adorable apartment in the West Village, lazy mornings and long brunches full of laughter and long walks through city streets and leafy parks... here's three of my favourite places:

Washington Square Park is in the heart of what is undoubtedly the most fabulous area in NYC, The Village. It's a gathering place for wonderfully talented musicians and performers and walking from one side to the other I might stop to marvel at the hula-hoop girl, listen to an amazing pianist, enjoy an interactive comedy show, nod my head in time to an acoustic guitarist and stop to laugh at the children chasing eachother around the fountain. There's nothing I love more than getting a coffee from the nearby Third Rail, a flaky pain au chocolat from Claude's Patisserie and then sitting in the sunshine listening to jazz and watching the world go by.

When it comes to shopping, the cobblestoned streets of Soho are my favourite place to go. I like to wander through the models, trying on shoes at Prada, handbags at Chanel or Mulberry and Missoni knits at Intermix. Once I've had my fill of dreaming, I walk a little further to Broadway and West Broadway to actually buy things at Anthropologie, DKNY and Aritzia. Of course no shopping is complete without something sweet with sprinkles... the Little Cupcake Shop in Noho is the perfect place to rest and recharge mid-afernoon (or morning, or really anytime!).

Onto food - NYC is a late rising city - if you happen to be out before 10am it better be because you're returning from your yoga/pilates/bar method class, or walking a cute dog. The first real meal of the day is brunch and my hands-down favourite place to go is Jeffrey's Grocery in the West Village, for a plate of blueberry french toast which is so indulgent it should be a dessert. There's no better way to start the weekend than right here, sitting at the bar sipping on a bellini and taking in the relaxed and beautiful crowd.  

I'd love to hear about your New York - what do you like to do when you're here?

National Home Show Highlights 2012

We were Decked out to have tons of fun at the Toronto National Home Show. We loved bumping into Paul Lafrance, host and builder on HGTV's Decked Out, and his awesome energy. He admitted to having four beautiful children and he loved holding Makena, which he said was the highlight of his day and ours too! After all the fun of meeting the cast of Decked Out, we toured the countless vendors. I couldn't stop being amazed by the kitchens, patios, and lovely flower displays. Here are my highlights from the show!

Interior Therapy with Jeff Lewis

I'm a huge Jeff Lewis fan! I've been hooked since watching the entire first season in one day on a cold winter day! I'm super excited that the show is finally premiering tonight. Tweet along with me @moderngirlstyle for all the fun. The show is on Bravo at 9pm, but check local listings! I also want to recommend Belle Maison's creative twist on Interior Therapy.

What is Jeff going to be doing next?! What about Jenni? Who needs the therapy the most! Ah, the simple pleasures of life! See you on Twitter tonight!

Spring Inspirations for 2012

How to Handle the Lemons in Life

Lovingly, optimistically, I thought I'd start on my misadventure of sewing my pencil skirt dress this weekend, but I literally did a yoga tripod headstand {something I've done for years} and woke up the next day in total spasm pain. I knew that having a baby would change things for me, but I wasn't expecting the physical changes. In my effort to heal, I took to all things yellow to bring me cheer! Things like a cozy yellow breakfast nook, umbrellas, shoes, and pencils! If you want to add anything to the list post a comment! I'm looking for all the smiles I can get until my neck heals {a massage tomorrow is going to help-I know it!}!

Tips to Conquer Clutter

I crave order in my life. I can't deny it. Clutter doesn't work for my creative process. So why does it continue to show up?  I could easily mention being a new mother, but I hate excuses. Things get cluttered as I focus on a project. I focus on accomplishing my project, be it writing or sewing a dress, like a hunter chasing prey. And the end result is just as gory! Here are three tips to help people like me conquer clutter!

Urban Eatery Toronto

September 2011 marked the launch of the Eaton Center's {Toronto's Mega Mall located downtown} new food court. The design is impressive. The large atrium marks the entrance to the space. It feels more like a corporate food court or dorm cafeteria. Actually, I lost count with all the students studying in the food court.

The metal gates indicate each fast food eatery. The design modern and fresh.

I love the use of Le Creuset pots to keep Indian curry hot for customers. The presentation is flawless.
 



 
Another example of the divisions between each fast food eatery.  There was also the option to each in several different nooks. I love the retro ball lights with the interesting orange textured wall.

 

In an ode to public health, there were several stations for people to wash their hands before and after eating. However, I didn't see anyone using it. A new concept that will develop with more exposure. 

A bit blurry, but more examples of the modern dining areas. I expect that this food court should age well. Once more note, there is also an option to drink from dine-in glasses. I wonder how long it will take before most of them disappear, but image how much money and waste is being saved. Sustainability and good design..who could ask for more?

Make an Entrance

We have a modern entrance to our loft that prohibits a typical foyer entrance, but why stop dreaming? These are a few lovely foyer that get my pulse racing.

The next foyer would be perfect for my sister, an California horse-lover...

Living Black Friday in Style: Holiday Handmade Gift Ideas

After the bliss of a wonderful Thanksgiving Day, I just couldn't bring myself to want to chase after any Black Friday bargains. It use to be that shopping was such a joy, but I find it is so hectic dealing with the mundane aspects of shopping. Things like parking, long lines, and cranky people.  My mom phoned to tell me that people were camped outside shopping malls to get deals! Literally, those people can't be happy campers. What happens when you're like me on Black Friday? You start to make plans to give gifts from the heart. I'll admit being a new mom factors into the difficulty of enjoying shopping, but I'm looking forward to taking a chance and giving something homemade. To start with these tags might just help anyone giving homemade gifts...