Hosting a Themed Party

Winter is always a great time to get together with friends.  I thought it would be lovely to finish this wintery week by showing you some pictures of the evening I spent among lovely ladies, wearing fancy feathers, silk flowers, and enjoying good wine.  Did I mention the chocolate, cupcakes and strawberries?  Well, that too. 

Elizabeth, from 'Find it Fascinating' brought her handmade collection of goodies (completing our party theme), and all we did was try them on, look pretty, and have a blast in each other's company.  It's truly very easy to throw a small theme party as an excuse to see people you enjoy spending time with, in this case: girlfriends!  Theme parties really go beyond kid's birthday events... Adults love them too!

Lovely Amy will be wearing her 'Fascinator'
to an upcoming wedding

It was my first time hosting a party involving feathers, though we typically entertain a lot.  Themed parties are fun but require a bit of preparation and thinking, and that's probably why we don't have them that often.  It's also a good idea to invite people that will be fun participants, the theme you pick might not be every one's cup of tea and you need to take that into consideration (though we've had some surprises over the years, and some guests exceeded our expectations while playing along!). 

The feather party was very low key but if you want to go the extra mile, here are some considerations to set the tone and put together a themed party:

Invitations
Food
Beverages
Music
Decorations
Costumes or Accessories
Thank you cards and pictures

All the different aspects of the party can run from simple details to highlight the theme to extravagant items.  Only your imagination and the sky are the limit here! 

Back to the feathers....


Mrs. C. is in her element here... can you tell?

If you happen to be lucky enough to be dans 'L'age Moyen' you should read Mrs. C's blog for style inspiration.  I know I do, religiously!  Here's a lady that knows how to play with feathers and look fantastically well put together all the time!

I love anything that can work with my short hair!

So pretty in blue feathers

Gorgeous Meredith wearing red

Gorgeous Jen wearing green

Elisabeth and Lou looking rad

You know you've got a good thing going when even the wine gets dressed up for the occasion... but all I really know is that it's easy to figure out a way to have a good time when you're in good company, and things can be kept pretty simple too.

Do you have a favorite party theme you'd like to share?  Are you doing something special for Oscar night?  Who could think of a better night to wear feathers? :)

My Itsy Bitsy Tiny Laundry Room

My laundry room (AKA my Itsy Bitsy Tiny Engine Room) plays a rather crucial role in helping me run my household smoothly, and to be honest - preserving what's left of my sanity.  Unlike most magazine laundry rooms, mine doesn't have granite counter tops, dock stations, a mounted T.V. or custom made cabinetry.... Pretty sad, eh?  Let's just remind ourselves that life's not a magazine, darlings!!

Truth is, I don't like spending much time in my laundry room, so I've designed a space that helps keep my frequent visits short and super efficient.   When we renovated our old home, I chose to have an itsy bitsy teenie tiny laundry room, because I wanted it on the second floor as opposed to the basement.  I traded space for convenience, and I've never looked back.  A small space is easy to keep well organized and functional.  Less is really more.

My kid's art, a favorite picture,
and my 'café' vintage shirt is the only kind of 'glamour'
I need in my Engine Room

What makes my itsy bitsy teenie tiny room work
- Stacked dryer and washer
- Left over kitchen counter cut to fit over laundry sink for extra surface space
- Shelves installed up high for cleaning products
- A wall mounted ironing board
- A steam board on my door
- Two colour coded baskets on wheels from IKEA
- A collapsible clothes hanger for delicates
- Reusable IKEA bag for unloading laundry

It's worth noting here that gracefully unloading a stacked dryer is an art.  Lifting and holding a big laundry basket with one hand while reaching with the other to get clothes out of the dryer, is hard on the back.  Resting the basket against the machines is not an option as a heavy basket can easily slip down and brake the washer's knobs... Yes, indeed.  It happened to yours truly.

It did occur to me to leave the basket on the floor and let gravity do what it does best- attract things down -  but it invariably leaves me with clean clothes on the floor, and I'm too lazy to pick them up.  So here's how I've solved this universal laundry problem:  I've glued two heavy duty hooks that happen to match the machine (they also come in white) to help me loop the handles of an IKEA reusable bag to unload my laundry while conveniently using two hands, and without much effort or extra strain on my back.

The hooks look like they're part of the machine, and I have to wonder why I had to think about this myself.... clearly the wonderful people designing dryers don't do laundry very often!! 

I love my wall mounted ironing board, not that I do any ironing (ever) but it makes for a perfect folding surface.  When I'm done, the board easily folds back in it's place, and I'm ready to move on.

Here's my steamer board, nicely hung from the door.  It comes in handy and it's out of the way.  

Here are the two colour coded IKEA baskets.  I love them because even toddlers can sort their own laundry before bath time.  It pays to train them young!  Brilliant, if I may say so myself...

Occasionally I do dream of a laundry room with fancy cabinetry and enough space to dry clothes on a portable clothes rack, but really I have everything I need in this tiny space, and it seems to work just fine. 

What do you think are 'essentials' in a well-organized laundry room?  What makes yours work?  Where is your ideal location for the laundry room? 

Needlepoint Vintage Purse

My new needle point handbag
Cotton shirt by Mexx ~ Ballerinas Nine West

Do you believe in love at first sight?  I sure do.  This vintage oversized 1950's floral needlepoint handbag is an elegant and charming purse. It's in pristine condition as it appears to have never been worn. It's the first time I purchase a needlepoint bag, and you probably already guessed that I'm nuts about it! 



My first needlepoint bag

It's got all the essential characteristics of 'my' ideal vintage handbag...

- It's in mint condition
- It's well made
- It's well designed (ex. inside compartments)
- It's unique

The following is what makes this bag super-special...

- It's easy to carry (the strap is long enough to go over the shoulder, can hang from my arm comfortable or dangle from my hand)

- It's roomy
- It's versatile (good with jeans or silk!)



My plan is to keep this handbag a lifetime!

About the bag
I do not see a label, brand, or the 'made in...' print so this probably means that the lovely lady who patiently completed the tapestry work hired a purse-maker to create the bag for her. I wish I knew why she never wore it!

The floral needlepoint work is on both the front and back with lush scattered floral motifs in beautiful colours. The clasp and hardware are gold with black vinyl accents and one sturdy strap. The bottom is also vinyl. It sits on four gold-toned feet.

It has two practical inside compartments, one has a metal zipper with a lovely chain hanging from it.  Tinny details as such are signs of the most excellent craftsmanship, can you see a tear in my eye?!  Love it.

Where did such beauty come from?
The bag was purchased at 'Gadabout' on Queen Street East in T.O. undoubtedly Toronto's finest vintage store.  The lovely, and ever so knowledgeable Jeannie is exactly the person you hope to find in such magical place.  She also happens to love listening to the CBC in French, loves the colour purple, and has a lovely dog named Grace.  It is worth noting that the dog doesn't make me sick, therefore my children should never hear of such dog. 



'Thank-you' to my Secret Santa (Mom)
for giving me the ultimate Xmas gift!



I don't know if this gorgeous handbag would have had the same effect on me ten, even five years ago.  Maybe you have to be 40 to appreciate needlepoint!  :)  I just wish I knew more about the bags I find, this one in particular... Who made it?  Why did she not wear it?  How did it end up at Gadabout? I guess mystery is part of charming vintage acquisitions.  What I do know is that this bag has a good vibe, and it completes my fashion happiness. 

What do you think?  Over the top?  Would you wear it? 

One Dress - Ten Different Ways

It's thrilling to see Spring at the mall. All the stores are stocking up on light fabrics, bright colours, and new styles. Spring is finally just around the corner, and it's wonderfully promising except it's still -20 degrees outside!!! If you're like me, you're more than fed up with winter clothes by now but let's face it - we still have a few more weeks of cold weather ahead.  Why not focus on reinventing a little something to keep us going?

I bought this Ryu dress in Niagara-on-the-Lake at the end of last summer. Here's why I bought it...

-It's not black
-It has a clean, elegant line that works with my body
-It's versatile (can be worn anywhere at any time)
-It's easily dressed up or down with the right accessories

As it turns out, we're mid-February and I haven't worn it once! Crazy!

Does this happen to you?

Do you have clothes waiting to be brought back to the top of the pile?



I bet you do, because we all do! The secret to 'reinventing' anything is to make good use of accessories. Let's see if I can illustrate my point and hopefully inspire you to bring to life a few things gathering dust in your closet!

Necklace by L.A.Oppitz Designs

Here we go. One simple dress, ten different looks!

Dressing it up...



Broach and flower by Find it Fascinating
Big necklace - The Bay

Casual Smart...

I make a convincing nun, don't you think?

Good enough for work, great for a casual meeting with a friend.  I never pass the opportunity to wear my favorite oversized '70s clutch and patten yellow belt from Jacobs.   My clock necklace can be found at the AGO shop.

Dressing it down...

This is probably my favourite look. Vintage leather handbag, made in Costa Rica.  Knitted necklace and jean jacket from Banana Republic.  Corso Como camel boots.





 What do you think? Did it work?  I'm not sure I'm crazy about all these looks (and should really work on a smile) but I will be able to wear my dress a few times before the weather finally warms-up.

What are you going to reinvent? 

**All pictures by my lovely daughter Eloïse C. Slater.  Merci, ma belle!

Valentine's Mania




Love is in the air!  Valentine's Day is here!  I'm glad it falls on a Monday, the weekend allowed for some extra time to get ready. 

Right off the bat today: some special deliveries.  This year I picked a combination of Girl's Night Out- Merlot- to go with a small selection of handmade truffles for two lovely ladies celebrating on their own.

Truffles from The Chocolateria on Roncesvalles Avenue

Yesterday, I enjoyed watching our two younger kids getting busy in the kitchen finishing up their school Valentine's cards.  They cut hearts out of scrap booking paper, it was simple to do and I have to say -they looked cute.  For their teachers, we made small bags filled with wrapped chocolate hearts, and took time to write a note.  The kids didn't really need me, so while they cut, wrote and chatted... I blogged....

Concentrating on those names :)

The day before Valentines - getting ready!

The picture is not crooked, but our house is.

Pacifika is warming up the kitchen with Latin sounds, a string of hearts inspired by the Kitchen Counter Chronicles is gracing our front door, some orange tulips are brightening our kitchen counter, and I can't stop giggling at the serious discussion my two younger kids are having about who's marrying whom at school.  They crack me up.  Who could think of a better way to spend an afternoon in the dead of winter? Not me. It's perfect. Gotta love Valentine's mania.

I love tulips (and white wine too)

I happen to love tulips this time of the year because they remind me that spring is just around the corner.  I also like lilies, violets, irises, and pretty much everything else with colour, but if you're getting Valentine's roses, here's how to arrange them.  Thank you, Karen, for another great post! 

I know many couples will be rushing out to a romantic dinner at their favorite restaurant tonight.  I must confess that the only thing my heart desires on Valentine's Day is a quiet meal at home, and I'm glad my beau feels the same way.
  

This is not the 'Make me Happy' menu, but heck...

these Sunday mussels were excellent and a

rather pleasant start to any Valentine's Monday!

Tonight we're making home made pizzas with the kids (we might go nuts and shape them as hearts).  Then later, dinner à deux.  We've come up with a "Make me Happy" menu and shopped Sunday morning for fresh goodies.  This year, we're going with Lucy Waverman's Valentine's feast, from her brilliant "A Year in Lucy's Kitchen".  Spanish Shrimp, Roasted Ribeye, Spinach Gratin, and Extra-creamy Mashed Potatoes.  If I manage to prepare this ahead we might have the 'Vanilla and Cinnamon Poached Pears' for dessert, if not, we might just have to settle for truffles and some Cabernet-Sauvignon.  Life should always be this simple.

Well, I'm off!  I've got a card to write, more goodies to get ready, and about 10 laundry loads lovingly awaiting my attention.  I hope your celebrations are loving and fun!  If you're up to it, please share something lovely that happened to you today :)

Valentine's Day - Rated 'R'



If we rate the post 'R' surely they'll read it...

I'm preparing for a CBC radio interview this coming Friday on 'The perfect Valentine's Day Gift'.  'Easy Peasy', I thought, until I decided to poll my girlfriends and find out a little more about their idea of a perfect Valentine's day and what their guy (probably YOU)  has been up to...  Looks to me like some Valentines are doing wonderfully, but others... Oh, là, là, darlings!  I've gone from being excited, to feeling the tremendous pressure of addressing the complexities of celebrating love and hopefully saving you from the next faux pas! 

I have little time gentlemen, so listen up.  It's simple.  If she's telling you she's not big on Valentine's and doesn't want flowers, chocolate, a lovely card, and platonic sex- she's lying thru her teeth.  In fact, and just in case you haven't guessed, she doesn't want all these wonderful things on Valentine's, she wants them daily, but that's another post.  

Julia and Paul Child

Let's just say for now that she does want it all, especially on Valentine's Day! A smart spouse knows that Valentine's Day is an great opportunity to shine, especially if it matters to their partner!  You mess up on February 14th, you'll spend the next 364 days regretting it, and I'll end up with bitter girlfriends.

Here's what your girl told me...

Most of the girlfriends I polled have happy memories of Valentine's Day and some wonderfully touching stories too.  Now I hate to tell you this, but it looks like Johnny in her SK class is still serious competition, so you better outdo yourself this year.  Interestingly, most girlfriends think Valentine's Day is overrated, but none of them mentioned returning the chocolates, cards and flowers they have received over the years. Therefore, I think it's safe to say these are OK gifts. Now, do not confuse the meaning of 'OK' with 'fantastic' and 'memorable'.  It is what it is, messieurs. 

Keep reading

What they seem to really love is spending special time with you (and the kids).  Shockingly it's that simple, first thing on her list is your company!   Receiving something unique that tells her you invested time thinking of her and expresses how much she matters to you could only be an added bonus guaranteed to pay big dividends. This has nothing to do with $.  SO? What are you going to get her?  Not so easy peasy, you say?  Here's some help...

Put a spin on the usual stuff!

The flowers
Don't get roses (unless that's all you've ever given her and she adores them), simply because everyone else does.  Red roses are over priced and typically overrated.  Pick something different!  Consider tulips (they're cheerful and an early spring flower, they also come in a variety of colours), lilies are wonderful or you could also go with beautiful irises.  Violets are not as common these days, but were considered a Valentine's Day flower once upon a time. If you are ready to lose your head and be romantic, get her a custom made bouquet with flowers dear to her heart, but don't delay...  Call your florist right this second!  See? I told you it was easy peasy!

 

The chocolates 

Candies and chocolates!

Ah, les chocolats! (candies fall under this category as well).  It's hard to go wrong with these, most women love chocolate. They should be carefully selected, and could perhaps be paired with a great bottle of wine.  Cabernet Sauvignon should be a great pick, but there's other options!  How about some strawberries and champagne?  It's yummy, and she might even share! 

Paper's magic...I think therefore I wrap, and then I write!

The card 

Do not underestimate the card's power!  Here's your chance to redeem yourself for everything you've ever done wrong.  It works like magic, you say the right words and you're in for a good time.  You don't need to be cheesy, just speak from the heart.  Cards are important, women hang on to them for years!  Easy peasy is right!!  Also a word to the wise Valentine: wrapping is important. We eat first with our eyes.  Xmas paper is not an option, in case you're wondering (never know!)

Don't blame me, it all HIS fault!

How do I make Valentine's Day a memorable one?

Go for the 'KISS' strategy (Keep It Simple, Silly).  Let's think 'out of the chocolate box' here, but keep it simple - your lover is not after complicated and expensive things, but thoughtful gestures. It really comes down to that. Here are a few simple ideas.... feel free to improve on them or come up with your very own!

-Get a bunch of your favorite flicks for a special movie night.  Throw in some pop-corn and drinks.  You're all set.

-A basket is a fun way to present a themed gift. Fill it with all the goodies you know she loves!

-Prepare a fabulous dinner (together or not) or get some yummy dishes delivered to the door and... enjoy a great dinner!

-Plan a romantic outing.  It's simple enough: go to a small town on a antique shopping trip, get tickets to see a show, plan to take a class together (she's been wanting tango lessons, and book a get away to Buenos Aires while you're at it too, long over-due)
-Pre-book the babysitter one evening a week for the next 4 weeks.  Take your better half on a hot date each time. Who knows?  You might love it so much, you'll make it a habit!

-Combined spa time might also be a good idea if you both enjoy it.
-Jewelery is also a good idea for couples that have been together a long time. I always laugh when men tell me "my wife is not into that stuff...' Could it be that you just don't know what to pick, bud?  Yes, indeed!  Pay attention to what she loves, and give the jewelery another try!
-Touches of humour are a good idea as long as you're amused by the same things!
-If your wife's name is Rosa, and she asked for a new washer and dryer, give her what she wants but throw in a hot date as well (I know you already thought of that :)

To be avoided at all cost...

Perfect message for your wife, not somebody else's....

-If you are just beginning to date a person be careful not to get something too big or too intimate.

-Do not purchase clothing for your wife (unless your name is Harvey or unless you were specifically asked to do so)

-Resist the latest practical gadget, and of course things you think 'she needs': toaster, coffee maker, are always synonyms of 'disaster', especially on Valentine's Day!

-Absolutely no Gifts cards, use your common sense, and get the right gift yourself.

Well, it looks like you're ready to go, folks.  If you play it right, it'll be a perfect day to spread good karma, tell your better half you're in love,  and have some fun.  Just don’t blow it at ‘hello'.... heck, it's Valentine's Day!!

P.S.:  Next post on family and Valentine's Day... everyone loves to get a bit of extra love, and chocolates too!  :) 

Valentine's Day and the family - Coming up! 





Yummy Goodness and 'The Kitchen Counter Chronicles'

Last year's homegrown cherry tomatoes 

Jennifer Farr and her 'Kitchen Counter Chronicles' got my attention, and then she got me thinking.  What's on your kitchen counter?, she asked.  As it turns out, this counter of mine has a magnetic field strong enough to attract just about everything and everyone in its vicinity.  So on any given day and at any given time, there's a good chance you'll find just about everything one can think of (including children) sitting on it.  I clearly won't be able to beat my kitchen counter superpowers, so I might as well get her on my team...

And so this team is on a mission: we're going to reduce food waste.  I hate to admit it, but not a week goes by without me finding some fruit or veggie gone bad, sadly forgotten somewhere in the back of the fridge.  I think my kitchen counter can help me reduce waste by displaying a small assortment of produce daily.  If they see it, will they eat it?  Me thinks: OUI!

Italian kiwis (who knew?) and cherry tomatoes

The plan is simple:  put out some yummy goodness ready for consumption or requiring minimal cutting.  If it doesn't get eaten, it gets put back into the fridge or simply thrown into dinner.


Pears didn't win the popularity contest
so I ended up just poaching them

I've been putting fresh goodies on the counter for about a week now, and I think it's working.  Best part of this plan:  it's not about high pressure sale strategies, nor guilt trips involving hungry people... it's simply about making available what I typically keep in the fridge drawer without spending more than a few seconds putting it out.  Will this result in more eating, less composting?

Avocados get attention.  Only two are left!

Reducing waste, getting my family to eat healthy food, while getting my kitchen counter to look yummy seems like a win win situation!

After school counter

Another benefit to this experiment will be to use platters and bowls I tend to forget I have!

After school Guacamole, anyone?

In the last week, I noticed that when I'm grocery shopping my kitchen counter is on my mind so I buy consequently. It will be nice to have seasonal produce locally grown in the spring but for now, I'm loving bowls of clementines on a little table by the fire. The clementine bowls were easy to access, tempting to eat, but gone before I could snap a decent picture. I love bright orange accents in the middle of winter, they're uplifting and tasty!

Clementines leftovers 

Today I've got two mangoes, and tinny yellow apples ready to go.  They look pretty yummy!

I think that for now my kitchen counter mission is working just fine.  I'll deal with food flies when the time comes.  In the meantime, I'm off to read what's happening on Jenn's Kitchen Counter - needle felted hearts sound like a great Valentine's craft -  and I better eat that last clementine I see before someone snatches it away!!



Well, yes... but at least they're eating fruit!  :)