Thrifted Trésors

Last Wednesday the Gods of thrifting were on my side.   Wanna see mes trésors?

Here's what I found:

A new hanging lantern for our front porch $12.01 (chain, cable, light bulb and of course vintage dust, were included in the price).  I wish I knew what kind of glass it's made of.  I love the colour and how it works with the door. The bottom part of the fixture is in the shape of a pineapple. No better place than the entrance of a home to display a pineapple (meaning = 'welcome'). I'll post a picture when it's up!

Can you see how the Gods of thrifting will have tremendously improved the front of our home? 

A beautiful handbag, 100% Italian leather, with beautiful hardware, perfect dividers in the inside and a much needed zipped pocket.  It's a gorgeous burgundy brown $5.99

Another handbag, navy blue, in vinyl, with gorgeous silver hardware annnnd adjustable strap also $5.99

And as if all this wasn't enough.... I also scored two window panels for my son's bedroom in a beautiful denim colour.  They work perfectly with his new duvet cover $3.99/each

There you have it.  Gotta love a good day at the thrift shops.  Now.... Did I leave the house on my weekly thrifting expedition with a clear idea of what I was looking for?  Of course not!  Low expectations equal big thrill!  What do you think?  What trésors have you found recently? 

Invitation de mariage en main? Suivez-moi! (English version included)

For English version, scroll down!

Going to the chapel... going to get married....

Un guide pour invités...  Les cadeaux

Les tendances : la plupart des mariés nous demandent des choses spécifiques, notamment de l’argent.  On vous expliquera sûrement comment le couple compte la dépenser, par exemple faire une offre d’achat sur une maison, faire des rénos ou partir en voyage. Alors, combien d'argent doit-on donner?  Tournez-vous vers www.theweddingenvelope.com et laissez le site faire le calcul!  Les provinces canadiennes sont maintenant incluses!

S'en tenir à la liste de registre ou pas?

La fameuse « Liste de registre »… Doit-on s’y conformer?  Pas nécessairement par contre, utilisez-là pour noter les besoins du couple et leurs goûts personnels. Inspirez-vous de la liste pour trouver le cadeau parfait, mais attention...ne vous aventurez pas trop loin!  Si vous achetez à partir de la liste, prenez toujours le temps d'écrire un mot pour personnaliser votre cadeau!

Les invités jouent un role privilégié dans la célébration!

Deuxième mariage?  Pas de problème!

Quoi offrir aux couples qui ont déjà tout?  Pensez aux produits et services qu'on considère comme étant du 'luxe'.  Par exemple, ils aiment jouer aux chefs?  Offrez leur une dégustation de vins ou à participer à un cours culinaire.  Ils aiment les sports et les émotions fortes?  Pourquoi pas une excursion en plein air pour faire de l’escalade ou encore du parachutisme?

Quand le couple a des enfants...

Tenez les petits (et grands) enfants en compte, c’est tellement un beau geste!  Équipez la famille avec la dernière caméra vidéo, voici ma préférée.  Offrez leur une valise de piquenique pour les sorties en famille ou encore envoyez le couple passer une journée dans un spa!  Oui, oui, oui, le 'répit' s’offre en cadeau!!  Ils en seront bien reconnaissants.

Le Style

Pour les invités…Comment survivre plusieurs mariages avec la même robe? C’est vraiment possible. Le secret est dans les accessoires!  Mais il faut commencer avec la robe ou l’ensemble parfait! Voici mon conseil : éviter le dernier cri de la mode.  Optez plutôt pour une couleur qui vous va à ravir et et une robe parfaite pour votre corps.  La coupe parfaite offre du confort tout en rehaussant vos atouts et donc projette une image de confiance.  Vous ne passerez pas inaperçue mesdames!

Quels accessoires aident à transformer un look?  Les chapeaux et les sandales pour les noces extérieures sont présentement un accessoire de choix.  On se tourne ici vers les accessoires classiques, demandez à un pro de vous conseiller et faites le choix parfait.  Pour une noce plus formelle remplacez le chapeau par une coiffe ornée délicatement ou faites-vous coiffer.  Les accessoires par excellence ici, seront les bijoux et les chaussures de soirée.  Voici une de mes idoles:  Inès de la Fressange!  Remarquez ses superbes sandales et son sac à main!  Super look, Inès!

Quel a été votre cadeau de mariage préféré?  Voulez-vous nous en parler?  Bonne semaine!

ENGLISH VERSION 

Got a wedding invite?  Follow me….

A guide for guests ... Gifting

Trends: most couples ask for specific gifts, including money.  Most will surely explain how the couple plans to spend it. For example, they might be planning on making an offer to purchase a home, do renovations, go on trips, etc.. How much are we supposed to give, you wonder?  Turn to www.theweddingenvelope.com and let the site do the math! Canadian provinces are now included!

Sticking to the registry or not?
Ahhh...The famous "register list"!  Do we comply? Not necessarily but take time to at least note the couple’s needs and their personal taste. Inspire yourself from the list to find the perfect gift, but beware ... do not venture too far! Couples make lists for a reason!  If you buy from the list, take time to write a word to personalize your gift!

Second marriage? No problem! What to give to couples who already have everything? Think about products and services that they would consider as 'luxury'.  They like to play chef in their kitchen? Offer them a wine tasting experience, or send them off to a culinary course. They like sports and excitement? Why not treat them to a rock climbing session or a skydiving adventure?

When the couple has children ... Keep small (and big) children into account, it's such a nice gesture! Outfit the family with the latest video camera (here is my favourite). Give them a picnic set for family outings or send the couple to spend a day at the spa! Yes, yes, yes, ‘breaks’ can offered as gifts! They will be grateful.

Style
For guests ... How to survive two marriages with the same dress? It is possible and rather simple. The secret is in the accessories! But we must start by purchasing the perfect dress first! My advice: avoid the latest fashion. Opt for your very best color and a very flattering cut. The perfect fit offers comfort while enhancing your assets and therefore projects an image of confidence. You get this right and you will not go unnoticed, ladies! These applies to men too!

Use classic accessories to help transform your dress. For outdoor weddings - Hats and sandals are always a fabulous option but be careful!  Ask a pro for advice and make perfect choices. For a more formal evening wedding replace the hat by a hair piece to delicately adorn your hair. Jewellery, shoes and handbags can add a fabulous spin to almost any dress. Here's one of my idols: Inès de la Fressange! Notice her beautiful 

sandals, bangs and handbag! Great look, Ines! 

What is your favorite wedding gift?  Care to share?  Have a great week!

It's Friday, Vendredi, Viernes... kick your feet up!

On Fridays we go away!  Vous êtes prêts?  Off to the Haight-Ashbury district in San Francisco we go. I love the neighbourhood's bohemian vibe, the clothing boutiques, the amazing record stores, and bookshops. What can I say? I'm a '70s child, I fit right in. 

V.D.Slater

If you're up for a visit, you might want to time it with The Haight-Ashbury Street Fair.  It's held on the second Sunday of June each year.  Haight Street is closed down between Stanyan and Masonic with one sound stage at each end. For architectural lovers, this hood has beautifully restored Victorian houses.  Those painted ladies are something else!

I'm throwing in another shot...  These two go hand in hand...get it?

V.D.Slater

On Monday, Maude and I will be talking Weddings à l'émission Boréal Express. Ahh, les mariages d'été arrivent à grands pas! On parlera de comment les survivre en évitant les dépenses folles et comment trouver le cadeau parfait pour les mariés! C'est un rendez-vous!

Sartorial Inspiration

I invariably start my day by drinking 'mate cocido' and catching up with my favorite blogs.  Yesterday morning, my religious visit to 'The Sartorialist' made me have an 'AHA' moment à la Oprah.  Here's what I saw...

By The Sartorialist

I love the dress, I love this look.  To me, she looks comfortable, well put together, and as I keep on telling you - that's sexy.  Scott Schuman says...

"I know a lot of girls would throw on a big cotton dress like this and call it done...almost a "fashion day-off." Alessandra, however, adds a dramatic necklace and a thoughtfully executed hairstyle and it elevates the entire look." 

Then, he goes on and on about the hair and doesn't mention a word about the gorgeous sandals she's wearing.  Go figure.  I think it's because I have 1 inch long hair, the hair do emphasis is kind of wasted on me.  But I get the point: you can dress up a simple garment and look great.  And if you have long hair, you better know what to do with it (or resort to the 1 inch look!)

Going back to my 'AHA' moment... 'I have a dress like that', I thought! 

Well, sort of.  It's not cotton, it's a fine knit.  It's not plain, it has horizontal stripes.  Hers has short sleeves, mine are long.  She's got hair, I don't.  She might be in her late 20s, I'm 40.  And on, and on.  Can I still be inspired?  Of course, I can!

This self-portrait business is tricky... I keep forgetting to smile!!

So... I added my yellow belt, just because yellow is the one colour missing on this dress and I like the way it works (plus it gives me a waist). 

I'm also wearing a thick green bracelet instead of the necklace (the dress has enough going on!)

My very own Tropéziennes sandals**, just call me Mrs. V. (Diana Vreeland, had a thing for these sandals and so do I!) 

**You guessed right, malheureusement, they're not les fameuses Rondini, but heck they do the trick and I don't ever want to be a brand snob. I also own them in black. The more the merrier. Seriously, these sandals are really a big part of my summer essentials.

And to finish things off... My vintage Ray Ban.  They happen to be among my favorite possessions, no question.

There you have it, I'm ready for anything!  And boy, is this outfit comfortable!



Come to think of it.... Would my H and M dress be inspired by Missoni?

 

Now, because I'm always writing about reinventing, I can easily see myself wearing this dress in early Spring and Fall.  All I have to do is add a particular scarf I already own, a pair of old beat up boots, my trusty jean jacket, and a big suede purse.  There's my idea of a versatile dress.  Perfect to go grocery shopping, volunteering at my kid's school or... Could I wear it during the summer? Yap.  I think so.  What else am I gonna wear for an evening walk by the sea?  There's enough sartorial inspiration here to have fun a few times, amigas!

What can you reinvent today? Care to share?

Du virtuel au réel - Bloggers Finally Meet!

La semaine passée j'ai eu la chance inouïe de rencontrer 'dans la vraie vie' ma bloggeuse montréalaise préférée, Magda du blogue 'Antoni, Borys et Cie.' Vous imaginez la joie... passer du virtuel au réel, ça se fête! Et laissez-moi vous dire qu'elle (et sa belle compagnie) m'ont absolument ravie! Ils sont exactement comme sur le blogue: pétillants, amusants, créatifs...bref: merveilleux! Peut-on tomber en amour deux fois de suite avec la même bloggeuse? Je vous assure que OUI!

Nous voici, côte à côte... du virtuel au réel!

J'ai découvert le blogue de Magda en faisant de la recherche pour ma chronique pour le Boréal Express sur Pâques (je lève ma tasse de café à Google et dis merci! Où serions-nous sans toi, Mme Google?)  Vous voyez, je cherchais des décorations intéressantes et crées à partir de petits trésors de la maison... je n'aurais pas pu mieux tomber!  Google a su me servir sur un plateau électronique les idées décor de Magda.  J'étais sur le point de découvrir tout ce qui se cache dans son univers!! 

Notre collaboration a été des plus agréables et depuis, je suis religieusement son blogue. Je suis une adepte de ses photos, de l'univers qu'est son tapis (allez voir son livre, surtout si vous êtes un éditeur!), de ces coups de cœurs, de sa décoration, de ses défis photographiques et bien-sûr... de ses chaussettes!!! Comme vous pouvez voir, I heart Magda's socks!

Mr.B., tu me fais craquer!!

L'univers d'un blogue est une fenêtre ouverte sur la vie et l'âme de celle qui l'écrit et c'est un privilège d'en faire partie. Ceci dit, un grand merci à Magda et à ses hommes d'être passés chez moi à Toronto et d'avoir égaillé ce qui a été une semaine grise et pluvieuse en plus évidemment, de m'avoir donné l'excuse parfaite pour consommer les délices Polonais que les boulangers de mon quartier produisent encore de façon traditionnelle. 

Au plaisir, Magda, on se promet une autre visite 'dans la vraie vie' très bientôt, j'espère!  Et vous, votre univers virtuel devient-il réel parfois?

Friday Again - Time to Go Away!

TGIF, and not just any Friday... we're kicking off the May 2-4 long weekend here in Canada!  Most people have long weekend traditions.  For us May 24 is a perfect opportunity to host a lobster fest at home for our family.  I know a lot of brave souls will be heading North to cottage country for the first time this year and celebrate their love of nature.  So with that in mind, today we're going away to a gorgeous place... Shallow Bay, Gros Morne, Newfoundland where the air is pure and the sunsets are grand.

V.D.Slater

Enjoy the weekend, everyone!  See you on Tuesday, I'll have a very special guest!

Black Tie Essentials

A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.

Coco Chanel

Black Tie events don't happen often (guess who's got one tonight?!) but it seems to me that, like death and taxes, there's no escaping them.  Here's my recipe to avoid 'des terribles faux pas'...

The Basics
-Wear a dress that suits your body, not somebody else's (borrowing a gown that works is like wining the lotto, chances are slim mes chères **!)
-Go for understated elegance - to me this translates into a black dress.  Some Black Ties call for a cocktail dress, some for a long gown.  Determine which of the two you are dressing for (when in doubt, go with the smart cocktail)
-Avoid the latest trend like the plague (especially if you're over 40!)

** Let me explain...What looks fantastic on people you admire will probably look terrible on yourself. See, I think we tend to love in others what we don't have.  So for the purpose of my little blog (and my wallet) I went to the trouble of verifying this fact last night and the verdict is in: don't bother anyone, it simply doesn't work!  Then, just when I had decided to stick to my own black dress, and was trying it on again, I put the pointy heel of my S. Maden shoe thru the fabric.  Yap.  Who wanted a Martini at 9 o'clock in the morning today?  That would be me.  But then, out of nowhere, appeared my next door neighbour with a little Chanel inspired cocktail dress. Not a word of a lie, it fits like a glove.  Today, I won the little black dress lotto, people! Moral of the story... it's good to be lucky!  Back to the post...

Have fun accessorizing...
- Go for evening make-up, keep it tasteful (is silver or gold better on you?)
- Get a killer vintage clutch, it will complete any classic look
- If you're going for the 6" high heels, you better know how to walk in them. I say stick to gorgeous lower heels and avoid disaster!!
- Wear no more than a beautiful bangle and simple earrings (hang the rest on a Xmas tree)

My last words about Black Ties...  
Knowing what looks good on our bodies help us select proper cuts and colours.  When we get this right, we never go unnoticed.  Really, great personal style is key to projecting a confident image and God knows that's sexy! 

Here are my picks for tonight 
Italian earrings, loyal companions for the past 15 years. My mother-in-law picked them for me, I told you I was lucky!  No bangles.  I think the richness of the upper part of the dress is enough.

,

Sling back heels in black

The clutch will be vintage... but which one will it be?

Joe Fresh Eyeshadow (love you, Joe!), a dark brown eyeliner to create an evening effect, my favorite Infallible lipstick #515 Undeniable Mauve, though I might go crazy and use the #315 Rebel Red (I know my friend Licia would approve!).  Maybe I'll just be myself and go for a clear lip gloss, we'll see.  Then (for sure) a bit of blush, and last but not least a drop of my favorite evening scent: India Hicks' Island Night. 

The plan is then to cover myself in a plastic suit, kiss and hug my kids (remove the plastic suit) and run out the door. 

As for my beau...He's wearing a very smart, fitted black suit, a white shirt, and a plain deep grey silk tie.  I don't think this event calls for a tuxedo, nor a long gown.  Plus, I always much prefer my beau in a great suit (preferably without a tie!) 
 
That's about all, chicas.  Too plain for you?  OK, fine, I'll blow dry and style my 1 inch long hair just to spice things up a little!  Would you stick to black or wear colour?  What would you change to this combo?  Mrs. C., you can't touch my shoes!

Before and After - Boy Bedroom

It all started when he said 'Maman, I'm too old for my animal cover, can we change my room?' I live for moments like these!  'YES, we can!!!'

To tell you the truth, I too was tired of the stripes and the animal print but really what was bothering me most was the lack of organization in his bedroom. It's not reasonable to ask kids to keep their space tidy when they don't have proper storage.  See what I mean?

I know for a fact that kids play with the toys that are accessible, the rest ends up piled up on any available surface!  That's why, less is really more.  Our rule is that for every new toy that comes in, something has to go to someone younger (hopefully in another house!).  I wish we were better at eliminating things systematically.  As we started to look around, it was easy to see how many things my son wasn't enjoying anymore. Perfect opportunity to purge!

Only a hand full of things were being
used in the plastic unit!

Looking back, I think I have re-organized or changed around my two younger kids bedrooms every 6 months in the past 6 years (we go thru all closets 4 times a year). That is why I don't tend to spend a lot of money on duvet covers and accessories in general, I pretty much always turn to IKEA. The trick is to host a garage sale and quickly get rid of what you no longer want while it still looks relatively new and current. This time, we found the duvet cover at HomeSense.

First we changed the duvet cover, and then got rid of the bed skirt.

Then we purged, and purged some more!  Here are all the things we said goodbye to!

Chausito y'all!

Then I used some leftover fabric to create a slip and cover the headboard.  Now everything works together.  My sewing machine always comes in handy.  Over the years, I've used it countless times to turn cool sheets into curtains, left over fabrics into cushions, and re-upholster headboard. Simple projects can make a big difference and tend to help us save money!  A bit of imagination and a garage sale once in a while go a long way.

New headboard slip...

Here's the new shelving unit (gotta love Expedit, IKEA).  We also bought 4 matching baskets for: building blocks, a wooden train set, a car collection, and coloring books. The other squares were used to store two wooden Lego organizers, and of course... books!  The baskets and the new white unit will easily be re-invented in the next few years!  It has finally replaced all the mismatched units we were using creating a much more appealing space.

If you want change, you gotta make it happen!

So, after a trip to IKEA and HomeSense, and a half day or sorting and purging, this is what we ended up with....a new duvet cover, a new shelving unit, a few matching baskets, and most importantly: A happy little boy (and an equally happy Maman!).

Ta Daa... here's the after shot.....

We now need a new area rug and curtains.  I'm on it! :)

Now, time to focus on our next project!  Finding a new bed for our 6 year old and reinventing a few things in her bedroom. What are you working on?  Do your kids like change?  What is the single most difficult toy to keep organized?

Les cadeaux de convalescence

(English version, click here)

Je pense à toi!

Les cadeaux de convalescence sont importants parce qu’ils peuvent faire une différence positive dans la vie de quelqu’un qui vit des moments difficiles. Être à l’hôpital, ce n’est pas facile et être malade encore moins! Comment choisir un cadeau de convalescence parfait? Comment peut-on aller au delà du cadeau et poser un geste qui bénéficiera le malade et sa famille? Voici quelques indices et bonnes idées! 

 

Un grand merci a Jennifer Orange, de Curveball qui m'a aidé à faire le tour de la question.  Je vous invite à découvrir son nouveau produit DotFriday qui sera disponible en français sous peu.  Une ressource vraiment fantastique pour les personnes malades et leur famille! 

Le cadeau
Il faut garder à l'esprit que l’hôpital est un espace très impersonnel. Tournez vous vers des produits qui vont aider le malade à se créer une «bulle personnelle». Il ne faut pas sous-estimer le pouvoir de ces gestes! Un environnement positif et chaleureux aide le processus de guérison et le bien-être émotionnel.

Voici quelques bonnes suggestions en général...
• Photos encadrées: les photos de proches prises lors d’occasions heureuses sont des rappels positifs. Ils sont à la fois une source d'inspiration et de distraction, en plus d’encourager de la conversation.

• Fleurs fraîches: Toujours livrées dans un vase (et attention, parfois on ne les permets pas!) Rappelez-vous, le malade n’est pas à la maison il n’a donc pas besoin du souci d’aller trouver un vase et couper les extrémités. Bien que les fleurs peuvent sembler un cliché, mon expert me dit qu’elles continuent d'être le moyen le plus fiable de transformer rapidement un endroit terne, égailler une salle impersonnelle et remonter le moral.

• Produits de soins personnels: L’image et le sentiment de bien-être sont toujours importants. Un assortiment d'articles de toilette utiles et bien organisés dans une trousse, remonte le moral et ajoute un élément positif à la toilette quotidienne.

• Couvertures douces et lavables, oreillers, taies d'oreillers, tous fraîchement lavés sont divins! Assurez vous de les offrir prêts à être utilisés et parfumés délicatement. On me dit que ce sont des merveilleux cadeaux, et je le crois!

• Livres et gadgets: le matériel de lecture est un bon choix surtout pour les enfants. Soyez sûrs de vous en tenir à des sujets qui sont édifiants et amusants pour le lecteur. Considérez les livres audio pour certains patients car ils nécessitent moins d'effort. Si vous choisissez de donner des livres, ajoutez un gadget comme une lumière portable pour lire quand il fait noir. Ajoutez un beau signet, peut-être crée par un enfant. La lecture est une excellente façon de fuir la réalité et de nous distraire.

• Les DVD : Ils font un superbe cadeau si le patient peut les visualiser. Considérons une série TV – elles durent plus longtemps que les films et sont captivantes.

• Faciliter l’écriture avec un beau journal et un stylo. C’est une merveilleuse façon d’encourager l’expression des émotions durant la convalescence à l'hôpital ou à la maison.

• Une compilation de musique, de même qu'un lecteur MP3 peut être un cadeau génial.

• Votre temps personnel est toujours apprécié. Oui, il est possible de donner notre temps en cadeau!!! Ici, la flexibilité est essentielle, alors soyez prêt à raccourcir ou prolonger une visite.

N’oublions pas le membre familial au chevet du malade!
La personne qui reste au chevet du malade, n’a pas un rôle facile! Cette personne est l'être qui offre le plus de soutien au patient. Il faut comprendre que si bien le personnel de l'hôpital va s'occuper des besoins fondamentaux du patient, le membre familial au chevet est souvent laissé à lui ou elle-même. L'alimentation et le repos sont des besoins fondamentaux. Organiser une liste de gens à apporter des repas et des collations santé à cette personne et sur une base régulière est un geste fantastique. Pensez à leur offrir du répit. Offrez-leur des oreillers confortables, plusieurs taies d'oreillers, des couvertures et des produits personnels. Ils en auront besoin!

Pour terminer…. Les cartes et les mots doux!
Pour terminer…les cartes remplies de gentillesses et d’encouragement sont toujours appréciées. Les courts appels téléphoniques et votre temps personnel sauront également faire une différence positive dans la convalescence du patient.

Rappelez-vous : de simples gestes attentionnés sont toujours les bienvenus et très nécessaires à la fois, pendant et suite à un séjour à l'hôpital.

Avez-vous des idées supplémentaires ou des commentaires? Vous pouvez les ajouter ci-dessous. Bonne semaine!

Hospital Gifting - Cadeaux de convalescence

(Version française)

Thoughts and good gestures can make a world of difference!

Insights from inside the hospital room

I’m so grateful to Jennifer Orange from Curveball, for helping me get my head around the many aspects and complexities of living life in a hospital - not only for the patient, but also the caregiver. Don't underestimate the power and positive effect a simple gift and a thoughtful gesture can have! Here are a few ideas to get you started.  To meet Jennifer and her new product follow this link DotFriday.

The gift

When selecting gifts keep the following in mind: a hospital is a highly impersonal space. Choose gifts that create a ‘personal bubble’. A positive, warm environment helps the healing process both emotionally and physically.  Here are some tips on great gifts ideas, and believe it or not, some don't involve money at all. 

Here are some suggestions that can work for just about any patient:
·Framed pictures: Photos of loved ones taken on happy occasions are reminders of the patient’s support network. They’re both a source of inspiration and diversion, and great conversation starters.

·Fresh flowers: Always delivered in a vase (be sure to check - sometimes flowers are not allowed!) Remember, the patient is not at home and doesn't need the added worry of finding a vase and cutting the ends. While flowers may seem like a cliché, my expert tells me they continue to be the most reliable way to quickly transform a dull, impersonal room into a cheerful bright space.

·Personal care: Personal grooming is always important. An assortment of useful toiletries organized in a special bag lifts the spirits.

·Soft washable blankets, pillows, pillow cases, all freshly laundered and smelling wonderful.

·Books and gadgets: Reading material is a good choice especially for children. Be sure to stick to subjects that are uplifting and at the right stage for the reader. Consider audio books for certain patients since they require less effort. If you choose to give books, add a cool gadget such as a book light so the patient can read when it’s dark. Add a beautiful bookmark and they’re all set to escape into a book whenever the need arises.

·DVDs are great as long as the patient can view them. Consider a TV series - they’re a great gift and last longer than individual movies.

·A journal and a nice pen can be a wonderful way to process emotions while in the hospital.

·A compilation of the patient or caregiver’s favourite music along with an MP3 player can be a brilliant touch.

·Your personal time is always appreciated. Great company, when the time is right, has healing powers. Flexibility is key though, so be prepared to shorten or prolong a visit.

Let kids create - it's always cheerful and often cheap

Don't forget the caregiver!

No role is more challenging than being the stalwart support to the patient. The hospital staff will look after the basic needs of the patient, however the caregivers are often left to fend for themselves. Food and rest are fundamental needs. Organize a list of people to bring healthy meals and snacks to the caregiver on a regular basis. Consider keeping to this schedule after their return home. Comfortable pillows, several pillow cases, blankets and personal items are almost as important for those providing support to the patient as they are for the patient herself.

Cards and kind words

Finally, “get well soon” cards filled with kind, and encouraging words, quick phone calls, your personal time and thoughtful personalized gifting will make a long lasting positive difference in any patient's recovery. Remember, simple caring gestures are still welcome and very much needed both during and after the hospital stay.

It's Friday, Let's Run Away!

Viva los viernes!  Ahh, Vendredi!  Always the best day to run away!!  Tonight, my beau and I are literally running to one of our favorite destinations:  the Revue Cinema.  It was built at the end of 1911, so this is a big year for our local movie theatre.  The marquis you see on this shot ('05) no longer exists.  It fell after a snow storm in 2007. Thankfully, parts of it were stored for future restoration. 

In Toronto, we commonly (and ironically) refer to any street car as 'Red Rocket', certainly another staple of our main street.  You can hear them going by, even while at the movies.   

The Revue is not only one of the oldest cinemas in Canada, but the only Toronto not-for-profit and community-run movie theatre.  If you want to learn more about its fantastic history and the equally fantastic people that operate it, click here.  If you want to see what's playing tonight, click here, and run away with us! 

To me, this is the ultimate movie experience.  Sure glad my hot date agrees!

Veronica D. Slater

I heart my neighbourhood.  Do you heart yours? 

Wheels from Patagonia

I'm late today, but here I am ready to add one more post to our Bike Series and share with you the most delicious post written for us with love (and wisdom) all the way from Bariloche, Argentina by my dear friend Sofi.  She's one of my two delightful Patagonian connections, the other one is my cousin Eva. 

My Latin soul is forever pulling my centre of gravity South and Bariloche is undoubtedly a place I feel the need to visit.  You are about to see why!  Lucky for me, I'll have the ultimate excuse to go now that Sofi is having a baby!  I bet these fabulous pictures will make you want to go as well!  Now, amigos, you don't want to miss a word Sofi has written so just click on the translation button to the top right of this page, or take this opportunity to brush up on your Spanish and come to Patagonia with us!! 

Aqui esta mi jefa, Sofi.....  

Sofi y.....

"Para subirme a una bici a mi tenés que tentarme. Convengamos que se me ocurren mejores medios de transporte para subir montañas o andar en el ripio y la polvareda Patagónica!! (las chicas de los canastos divinos y los cascos haciendo juego sabrán entender a lo que me refiero). Hay quien se "sacrifica" en post de la moda (la moda no incomoda), bueno, lo mío tiene otras motivaciones... 

Pensemos juntas ¿Qué puede tentar a una mujer?¿por quién hacemos cualquier cosa las mujeres? si, claro, primero lo primero: un hombre! :) Y yo tengo a mi hombre que AMA andar en bici!

...su hombre!

Pero lo cierto es que la bici es una excelente combinación de 2 de las cosas que más nos gustan a ambos: estar al aire libre y movernos. 

Otro buen motivo para tentarme son los lugares que exploramos: los paisajes desérticos de la estepa patagónica, las montañas nevadas de fondo, la inmensidad de los lagos, los colores intensos, la vegetación, la soledad de los caminos...

Beauty all around

Claro, otro motivo es el mate y los bizcochitos. La bici es mi excusa para comer rico sin culpa! (No salgo a ningún lado sin un stock de cosas ricas)

También están los amigos. Las salidas acompañados. Cuando tenés amigos que les gusta esta actividad es más fácil tentarse a salir. Sé que después de una larga subida tendré a alguien con quien charlar y recuperar el aire perdido.

Y ahora he encontrado un motivo más: el baby. Mi pasión ya lo sabés es correr pero como los doctores no me lo aconsejan, con cara larga y puchero miro la bici... y me subo. Y una vez que empiezo a sentir la brisa patagónica en la cara y el aire más puro del mundo me va despertando, me doy cuenta que la vida es como estas salidas: tiene subidas que parecen interminables, que son un desafío, que nos cansan y nos hacen creer que no podemos más.

Pero pedaleando sin aflojar de a poquito vemos como la cima se termina... y entonces empieza la bajada, el aire y la velocidad en la cara, la felicidad absoluta de los pies volando a los costados de la bici... que bueno son esos momentos! Como en la vida, nos renovamos, todo es fácil y si alguna vez viene otra subida ya tenemos la energía para ir por más. Y así vamos. Roller coaster! :)

Gracias, Sofi!  Anyone that's been to Bariloche will tell you there's no place like it in the world.  So just add it to your bucket list, and come along!  As for me, I'm hoping to be drinking mates and eating bizcochitos (first things first!) with Sofi, Brendan and El Baby soon!