How Jamie Oliver will Revolutionize our Summer Holidays!

So my family talked the snob city girl in me to spend the summer holidays at a cottage this year.

Just so you know, and contrary to what my friends might think or say (yes, I'm talking to you Rita), I'm excited.

I can totally do it - I think.

What and whom can we attribute all my excitement to? 

A pretty fantastic little spot by the lake and...

Jamie Oliver + his awesome food revolution.

Here's the plan....

1- Each person in our family picked one or several meals out of the book.

It was so much fun to look at the kids (we have 4) go thru the pages and make their selection.

The beautiful pictures, made a difference....

We eat with our eyes first, don't we?

2- We made a menu for the duration of the trip.

3- I created a master grocery list (that I emailed myself) to organize and facilitate trips into town

during our holidays.

4- We will cook healthy and simple meals together,

 rate and vote for our favorite recipes and hopefully celebrate a great summer getaway.

It's a simple enough plan and a fun gourmet revolution to have all year around!

Keep you posted on how we do.

So last but not least...

Thanks, Jamie. 

You make food fun, healthy and yummy. 

Couldn't ask for more! 

What's on your menu this summer?

Red and White Fresh

Photo Toronto City Directory

Hola beaux people! How's that for a trilingual greeting?

I'm frantically trying to finish everything that needs to happen in this house -including this post- so I can finally pack my summer holiday's bags and dire adieu, chausito!

So let's keep it short and sweet...

On July 1st, I heart Red and White.  The rest of the year, I heart Joe Fresh .  If you do too, make sure you stop at your nearest Loblaws Supercentre and stock up on these beauties.  I think they're perfect to wear during the summer and there's one for everyone in the family!  Enjoy!

From Photograph to Painting

Bon lundi à vous tous!  Last Friday as part of our "Away We Go" ritual, I showed you this picture.  I told you that on Monday, I'd show you a little something you couldn't see but was coming directly at me while I was taking pictures ... here it is!  Scroll down...

Pleasant Bay, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.  

Coucou, le voilà!  My #4 child, coming straight at me at the speed of light and clearly having a good time!

We spent such a magical day in Pleasant Bay that I really wanted to find a way to turn these images into a thank you gift for my beau for planning such a fantastic holiday.  I instantly knew that I wanted a painting inspired by this very moment.  I also instantly knew who would be the perfect artist for my project and lucky for me, she said YES!  Her name is Stephanie Fortin, and not only is she incredibly talented, she also happens to be an amazing person and friend.  Get to know her new company, Coeur de lion textiles.  

By Stephanie Fortin

Stephanie cleverly used my two photographs and turned them into one image.  I love how she incorporated child #4 into the scene, my girls' run, the texture of the sky and the shadows casted on the grass by the sunset.  The fact that my son is going the other way (as he so often does), makes reference to me watching my family. Well, that's my interpretation, you can have your own!  Here's the final product, framed and hung.  

My beau loves his painting so much that we've turned it into good quality blank cards - with Stephanie's permission and mention, of course.  He uses them on special occasions.  

I really treasure our painting.  It puts a smile on my face every time I look at it - especially as we start getting ready to leave on holidays again.  There's lots of ways to turn pictures you love into long lasting gifts.  For paintings, finding the right artist is undoubtedly key.  If you like the idea of a painting but would prefer a simpler (and cheaper) option, you can easily get photos printed on canvas and stretched out on a frame.  You can accomplish great results, especially for oversized images.  It could also make a very special gift.

Can you think of pictures you'd like to turn into another form of art?

Loin nous allons! - Away We Go!

For English scroll down

Puisque c'est vendredi, on s'en va virtuellement rêver à l'est du Canada et je fais du même coup ma première participation chez Clic Clac que mon amie Magda de Antoni, Borys et Cie m’a fait découvrir et que j’adore!  Si je comprends bien, tous les vendredis on partage une photo un peu inusitée.  Alors je vous présente la mienne.

V.D.Slater

Devinez-vous pourquoi elles courent ainsi?  Bien, c’est parce que papa leur a dit qu’on peut voir les baleines longer la côte.  Vous le voyez au loin?  Il les cherche.  Je fais clic.  Une seconde plus tard, il les voit et leur montre.  C’est la joie.  Je les vois pointer, crier et rire devant toute cette beauté. 

Le soleil descend à l’horizon de Pleasant Bay au Cap Breton et nous sommes au paradis.  Je suis derrière ma caméra et je continue à capter le tout.  Moment de bonheur parfait. 

Ça vous arrive vous, de voir le bonheur être vécu au ralenti derrière l’objectif de votre caméra?

P.S : Si vous repassez lundi, je vous montrerai ce que cette photo est devenue et je vous présenterai ce que la caméra ne vous à pas montré et qui se dirigeait en projectile vers moi (ben non, ce n’était pas une baleine, voyons!) 

On se revoit lundi?   J  Allez, bon weekend!

English...

Every Friday on my blog, we go away virtually. Let’s head out to the beautiful Canadian East coast.  This week and for the first time, I am participating to Click Clack a French blog that my friend Magda helped me discover.  As I understand it, every Friday participants share a photo that’s a little unusual. So here is mine.

Can you guess why my girls are running? It’s because daddy is telling them that whales can sometimes be seen along the coast. There he is calling them out, standing, searching.  I click.  A second later, he spots the whales and shows the kids. Total joy. I see them pointing, shouting and laughing at all this beauty.

The sun is slowly setting on Pleasant Bay in Cape Breton.  We’re in paradise. I'm behind my camera and I continue to capture everything.  Total happiness.

Do you ever find yourself capturing happiness in slow motion with your camera lens?

PS: If you come back on Monday, I will show you what this picture has become and I will present what the camera does not show you but is coming directly at me (well no, it wasn’t a whale!) 

See you Monday? Bon weekend!n

School Work Comes Home - 3 Steps to Manage It + 2 Steps to have fun!

Garbage bag packed with school 'stuff'?  Bring it on, I'm feeling Zen!

It's that time of the year.... the school "stuff" has come home!! 
Yes, another school year is about to end (or has just ended) and along with it a steady stream of treasured and not-so-treasured art, projects, workbooks and tests.  I don't want to scare you, but a system is critical to effectively managing the volume and ensuring it doesn’t end up collecting in piles on every available surface.   It's easier than you think... read-up!

1- First things first – call the kids

Involving your child in the process may mean more negotiation but ensures that what is kept is valuable, reasonable, and displays meaningful steps in your child’s development (less is more, trust me!). This exercise is a process, so be patient. It’s probably a good idea to work on this project over the course of a few days to avoid frustration. After all, you want these skills to be developed in a positive manner.

2- Make 3 signs: Keep, Maybe, Goodbye
Once you’ve collected last year’s output, encourage your child to sort her work under the three categories listed above. Let them decide which goes where. Chances are your child will end up with a lot more than you wish to see in the Keep pile!

My #3 child is hard at work!

The maybe pile is next: Follow the same process with the maybe pile and reduce it down to a few items. If small enough, include them with the keep pile, if too much offer to digitize them.

You know what to do with the garbage pile... Recycling bin, here we come! 

Congratulations, you are now ready to store the keepers!

3- Storing

Once this process is complete, encourage your child to photograph selected work and store it electronically. A digital camera is a great tool. She can take the shots, you can upload them onto her personal file (e.g., Mimi’s school work SK 2009-10) and she can view her work as a slide show whenever she likes. Even better, you can make it your screen saver! A very nice way to show your child that her work is valued and enjoyed daily!

As for the keepers, I like storing them in an oversized folder or even better: a box. Be sure to label the folder or box with her name and date. Beware of materials like paint which flake over time and markers which fade. Your best bet to conserve art work forever is to digitize it.

Now you're ready!!!  Here's the FUN stuff...

4- Immortalize it

Some pieces are extraordinary and deserve to be immortalized! It’s easy enough to produce good quality photographs. Get them professionally enlarged, printed and stretched onto a canvas and, presto. You have inexpensive yet priceless art to brighten any space.

5- Gift it
Give people something to talk about by using your kids’ fabulous art work as: 

· framed art

· wish cards

· photo albums

· Christmas cards

· and even cool t-shirts

Your family will love to receive your kids’ work in such clever ways. Talk about priceless!

Off on the right foot

Now that you’ve organized last year, you’re ready for this one. Here are a few suggestions for displaying school success as it comes through the door and before it heads to archiving.

· Oversized bulletin boards - a great way to display school work the moment it arrives

· Magnetic paint: Paint a closet, cupboard door or even a strip of wall with magnetic paint and let your child choose a colourful magnet to arrange their work as they please

· Digitize: As the year progresses digitize each masterpiece so you can continually display new work.

· Edit as you go: Discard unwanted work periodically to avoid overwhelming end-of-the- year piles (like you haven't been sneaking stuff out of the house once in a while!).

It’s truly very simple to compile and organize school work. You just need to have a system that works and voilà!  What do you think?  Do-able or not?  What will you immortalize? 

Teacher's Gift Guide

I feel that everyone in this household has officially engaged in transition mode and that typically means a bit (as in lots) of madness for MOI.  You see, mes chers, the month of June is mainly about two things, closure and excitement. 

The "closure" aspect of the school year means gifting and finding meaningful and thoughtful ways to thank teachers - let's not forget principals and secretaries too!  I really feel this is a perfect time for us parents to involve our kids in the whole process of gifting and encouraging small gestures of gratitude as simple as they might be. 

I literally fell down an Internet rabbit hole while trying to find some teacher's gifts ideas that could be made with kids, that would be useful without braking the bank.  The things I do for you, darlings.  I am also hoping that this post will help you discover fantastic new blogs!  So have fun.

In a nutshell, a good teacher's gift is....

• made with or by kids - if you want thoughtful children, make saying "Merci" fun!
• green or écolo
• clever and original - no more frames or coffee mugs, please!
• 'useful '- key to avoid the landfill
• beautiful and tasteful - crafty things can have a cheap-tacky look so be careful
• 'affordable' and 'thoughtful' - these two can go hand in hand!  

My goal is to hopefully inspire you and your kids to create a simple, yet useful (maybe even yummy) gift that will say "Thank you, I appreciate you!" and that will be used and enjoyed by the teacher that has given your child so much throughout the year. If you have no time to create anything, and are thinking of purchasing, perhaps you can also inspire yourself from the following ideas.
Get inspired by these dry mixes, recipe and details on Bakerella, just follow the link! 
http://www.bakerella.com/mix-things-up/

http://www.skiptomylou.org/teacher-appreciation/

OK, so I know I said "NO more frames" but I know there's some serious frame lovers out there... so just to make you happy... here's a cute idea, and the fact that it's a great way to reuse crayons makes it awesome. 

http://keepingupwiththecomptons.blogspot.com/2009/12/being-craftyagain.html

http://testosteronetimesthree.blogspot.com/2007/12/teacher-gifts.html

Here's another great way to say thank you - all year around!  Never go wrong with Chocolate!

http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/2010/04/quick-cheesy-teacher-appreciation-gifts.html

I thought this was pretty cool... give a clipboard a facelift!
http://createstudio.blogspot.com/2011/04/quick-clipboard-facelift.html

If you are a parent-volunteer and have access to the kids, then maybe this is a great idea for your teacher! Using different inks, print finger prints to create a tree or anything else.  I really think this technique would also be a great way to create a tasteful set of blank cards.  Teachers are forever writing cards!!!

Teachers love to be organized!  Check out 'Solutions' for great organizers!
Summer is about taking it easy and enjoying friend's company! You can give this recipe to your teacher (or to ME!)

http://kaycee62.tumblr.com/post/6600878196/i-must-figure-out-how-to-make-these

I thought these to be very cute and I think you can be creative with them. 

http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.0e0eb51a2e6b5ad593598e10d373a0a0?vgnextoid=34b12e912b11f010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&autonomy_kw=crayon%20hearts&rsc=ns2006_m1

Make a lantern...
Just add....  Tissue paper + Mason jars + White glue = Gardenparty Nightlights.  A set of 3 or 5 would be cool!
This one is for the seriously classy and crafty!  Teacher's are forever carrying stuff back and forth. A tote is a great idea (as long as it's tasteful!  Don't bother embroidering the teacher's name... she might like to use it to go to the beach too!)  I'm sure kids could be involved in the making of such wonder too!

http://creationcorner.blogspot.com/2011/05/teacher-summer-totes.html

I love the organic feel of this pencil holder.... so cool!

http://strawberry-chic.blogspot.com/2011/05/diy-tuesday-rustic-pencil-holder.html

Teachers are forever collecting 'Thank you' cards and sweet written treasures.  They come in handy on tough days.  Tastefully decorate an "Encouraging box" to collect them all, and add a sweet note to it!

http://forrestandabbie.blogspot.com/2011/01/dotty-started-somethingand-then-i-added.html

Be clever when you wrap!!!! Keep it green! You can stamp words or glue up-cycled Scrabble letters to just about any gift!
Finally, life is not perfect!  Bad years happen....
OK so you had a bad year.  Johnny and his teacher hated strongly disliked each other and will both be openly secretly cheering as they say goodbye and never look back. It happens, to all of us.  So what?  Well, Johnny still needs to be gracious and thank his teacher.  There's gotta be something good that happened along the year and worth mentioning.  THINK!!  It's part of life to work with people that are not perfect matches to our personality.  In my opinion, even when we're not having a great time, we still growing and that is worth a sincere merci.  The sooner Johnny grasps that concept the better off he'll be in life.  I promise you. 
I hope you found this little guide helpful!

Les grandes vacances - Summer Holidays

English version, scroll down!

À en juger par la grosseur de mon chapeau et mes lunettes de soleil, vous savez que les grandes vacances arrivent à grands pas!!  Youpi.

Même en voyage, il est essentiel de consommer de façon responsable et intelligente pour nous aider à créer un sentiment de confort.  Les vacances sont amusantes, mais le voyage pour s'y rendre.... il faut le survivre!  Voici quelques idées!

Les enfants...

Je pense, donc je communique!

C'est toujours une excellente idée d’inclure les enfants dans le processus de préparation.  Faites une liste des choses nécessaires pour voyager, encouragez les enfants à participer à l'organisation en leur proposant de suivre une liste Excel et faire leur propres valises.  L'indépendance s'enseigne!

Comme nous voyageons souvent en voiture avec nos quatre beaux enfants, mon coup de coeur cette semaine va à la magnifique trousse d'artiste par Ladybags Canada.  Allez découvrir sa créatrice Liane.  Comme vous savez, j'adore les Mompreneurs! Liane est une personne fantastique et offre des produits de qualité, faits à la main et vraiment bien pensés pour les enfants.  Un autre coup de génie!  Voici sa page sur Facebook.   

La trousse d'artiste est géniale!

La trousse est personnalisé et a plusieurs compartiments!

Le succès du voyage est dans le sac et ce qu’on y retrouve... est une surprise pour l'enfant!

Les enfants resteront occupés et intéressés plus longtemps si ce que vous leur offrez comme distraction a un aspect de nouveauté et les produits sont bien choisis selon leurs âges et intérêts.

Livres, cahiers de coloriage, journaux de bord (même les petits peuvent illustrer leur journées et aventures préférées!), jeux de cartes, activités, devises électroniques, bouteille d’eau et collation santé sont de mise!

Si vous pouvez visionner des films, apportez ceux que vos enfants préfèrent, mais aussi assurez-vous d’en offrir des nouveaux. Selon mon expérience, la modération à bien meilleur goût! Alors, variez les activités… jamais deux films de suite!

Impliquez-vous et débranchez tout le monde!  Jouez des jeux amusants qui ne demandent pas beaucoup d'effort et qui coûtent cent fois rien!  Ex. : Jeu de vitesse (ou non) Additionnez les chiffres sur les plaques d’immatriculation, faites des phrases avec les lettres.  Apportez ou faites une banque de questions à demander à tour de rôle (Quel pays aimerais-tu visiter et pourquoi? Quel animal aimerais-tu être et pourquoi?  etc.

En terminant, pour les heures passées à l'extérieur il faudra se protéger contre le soleil et les bestioles.  Regardez ce qui est maintenant disponible! 

Une crème solaire sans agents nocifs.  Par Matter.

Aussi... Une huile essentielle en forme de vaporisateur par Butterfly Weed - In the bush, spray/oil base. Distribuée par plusieurs marchands Ontariens.  Moi je compte l'acheter chez Scooter Girl. 

 

Même chose pour ce bracelet par Gone pour garder les bestioles loin de mes petits.   Je pense que ça vaut le coup de l'essayer!  Selon la compagnie, il peut être porté 120 fois, donc tout l'été.  Aussi vendu chez Scooter Girl.

Pour ce qui est des adultes durant le voyage...

Rien que des chaussures confortables, tout comme Inès de la Fressange, j'opte pour mes espadrilles Converse.  Pas besoin de sacrifier le style pour être  à l'aise. 

Un chandail pour vous garder au chaud.

Des pantalons.  Jamais de robe ou de jupe.

De l'excellente lecture.

Un grand sac à main pour contenir tous les essentiels de voyage.  Points bonus si le sac est vintage et super cool.

Une excellente séléction musicale.

De l'eau et de la crème pour les lèvres.  Hydratons-nous!

De la gomme et des collations santé!

Un partenaire intéressant, c'est toujours une bonne idée (j'aime bien le mien ;).

Qu'est-ce que j'oublie donc? Gênez-vous pas, il faut me dire!!!

A tous les auditeurs et auditrices de l'émission Boréal Express, ainsi qu'à Maude Rivard et le reste de l'équipe... Je vous souhaite un été rempli de beaux voyages et de repos!!! 

Au plaisir!!!

Judging by the size of my hat and my sunglasses, you know that the summer holidays just around the corner! Yay. 

Even when traveling, it is essential to consume responsibly and intelligently to help create a sense of comfort. The holidays are fun, but the journey to get there .... we gotta know how to survive it! Here are some ideas!

Children ...

I think, therefore I communicate!

It's always a good idea to include children in the preparation process of a trip. Make a list of things needed to travel, encourage children to participate in the organization by offering to take an Excel list and make their own bags. Independence can be taught!

As we travel often by car with our four beautiful children, my coup de coeur this week is the beautiful personalized Artist Tote by Ladybags Canada. Liane the owner and creator is fantastic!  Get to know her!  Thru her company, Liane provides quality products that are hand-made, and perfectly designed for children. Just genius! As you know, I heart Mompreneurs. Here is Liane's business' page on Facebook.

Children typically remain engaged and interested longer if what you offer them has a novelty aspect.  You must also select products that are age appropriate and geared to their personal interests.

Books, coloring books, diaries (even small kids can illustrate their favorite adventures and keep a simple journal!), card games, activities, electronic devices, bottled water and healthy snacks are a must!  If you can watch movies, make sure you've got your children's favourite but also provide new ones. In my experience, moderation works best! Never two movies on a roll!  Try to diversify activities!

Once in a while....Get involved and unplug everyone! Play fun games that do not require much effort and that are completely free! Ex: Game of speed (or not) add numbers on license plates, make sentences with the letters. Bring or make a bank of questions to ask around (Which country would you visit and why? What animal would you be and why? Etc.  Imagination is key to survival - and fun! 

 Finally, for the hours spent outdoors here's how to stay protected from the sun and bugs. 

Sunscreen without harmful agents. By Matter.

Also ... An essential oil in a spray by Butterfly Weed - In the bush, spray / oil base. This product is distributed by several merchants in Ontario, I will be purchasing mine from Scooter Girl.  Same for the bracelet by Gone to keep bugs away from my children. I think it's worth a try! According to the company, it can be worn 120 times, so all summer. Also sold at Scooter Girl.

As for adults on the trip ...

Nothing but comfortable shoes, like Ines de la Fressange, I opt for my Converse sneakers. No need to sacrifice style to be comfortable.A sweater to keep you warm.Pants. Never a dress or a skirt to travel.Pack excellent reading.A large bag to contain all travelling essentials.  You get bonus points if it's Vintage and cool.An excellent selection of music.Water and lip balm. Hydration is key, darlings!Gum and healthy snacks!An attractive, interesting partner is always a good idea too (I rather like mine;).

What did I forget? Any other great ideas to share?  DO tell!

Le vogage du vendredi - Meet Mon Homme

Version Fraçaise ci dessous!



I heart Vendredis!  On Fridays, we pack our virtual luggage and go away.  Today we're sailing the gorgeous Bahamian coast, drink in hand.  I talked a lot about style this week, annnd since Father's Day is around the corner, it's more than fitting to finish en beauté by showing you mon homme - and a wonderful Dad - looking all summery and relaxed... Nada mal, as I like to say! 

I'm also participating for the first time to a photo-challenge 'A man on my blog' by Virginie B that I have been following quietly and that I discovered thru my Polish soulmate Magda from Antoni, Borys and Co.  Check them out!

Happy Father's Day!  Bonne fête des pères!  Feliz dia del padre! 

J'adore les Fridays! Tous les vendredis dans mon blogue, nous faisons nos valises virtuelles et partons en voyage. Aujourd'hui nous longeons la magnifique côte Bahamienne en voilier, verre en main.

J'ai beaucoup parlé de style cette semaine, et comme c'est la Fête des Pères dimanche, je fais d'une pierre deux coups pour finir en beauté.  Je vous présente mon homme bien à moi - un papa extraordinaire - en tenue estivale et détendue... Nada mal, comme j'aime dire!

  J'en profite également pour participer au défi photographique de Virginie B «Un homme sur mon blogue» que je suis depuis quelque temps (très discrètement) grâce à mon âme soeur polonaise Magda de Antoni, Borys et Cie.  Allez les découvrir!

Lundi à l'émission Boréal Express avec Maude Rivard nous parlerons des grandes vacances et comment les survivre!!  À ne pas manquer!!! 

Hello Comfort Zone, I'm back!

SO yesterday I showed you how I totally stepped out of my comfort style zone by getting a Common Sort make-over and photo shoot. 

Today, I'm showing you how I stepped right back into my happy - style - place

by sharing which Common Sort goodies will spice up my summer.

First things first:  Le Chapeau.  Oui. Oui. Oui.

Such an exploit to find a hat that suits a head with very, very short hair. 

Was $17.  Nada mal.

Then the 'Kiss' sunnies, some of you guessed... I couldn't possibly pass them!

I love the fit.

Both picks by C.S.'s wonderful stylist Andra Harris. 

The belt - Italian leather by Mackage, made in Canada.

Love how the new hat and sunnies work with my favourite Tee

Limited Edition of Rethink Cancer by Joe Fresh

and my printed scarf - Winners.

Canvas clutch with wooden handle.  Old Navy...Whatta you know!

Very cute and summery will be perfect

with my black (and/or brown) Tropeziennes sandals. 

 The high waisted pleated slacks are by Gerard Pasquier (vintage) and are made in France. 

They were $28.

Love the way they work with my vintage orange belt!

Last but not least....

Common Sort Vest by Diana.  Paid $3.

Then I found 1 U.S.$ in the left pocket, and a lucky penny in the other. 

Total cost $1.99.  Nada mal, me thinks.

There you have it.  I'm happy as can be with my 6 new finds and feel totally comfortable with the spin they put to my normal clothes.

Merci Common Sort for such a great - yet affordable - style treat, and a grand merci to my wonderful daughters for the home photo shoot! 

Do the 'new to me' goodies work?  What do you say?

Adieu Comfort Zone!

Definition of 'Comfort Zone': A comfort zone is a type of mental conditioning that causes a person to create and operate mental boundaries. Such boundaries create an unfounded sense of security. Like inertia, a person who has established a comfort zone in a particular axis of his or her life, will tend to stay within that zone without stepping outside of it.

When it comes to style, I play it confidently but rather safe.  I love classy, understated and comfortable.  I know my body and the colours that suit me best.  Simply put: At 40, I'm pretty happy with what I can accomplish - most days.  What can I say?  I heart my "comfy" Comfort Zone.

Shot by Nicole Babin's

But comfort can be boring, and I do believe that we all need to be challenged once in a while and try something new.  Don't you think?  So, last Friday I went where NO ONE that likes to play it safe has gone before!!  I discovered Common Sort on Queen Street West and let myself be treated to an awesome style session with Ms Andra Harris, and then a make-up and photo shoot with owner Ms Nicole Babin.  Take that, Comfort Zone!  If you're up to it, you can do the same.  They'll even give you a $30 dollar credit towards any store purchase if you model for them.  How can you resist such an offer?

Definition of 'Step outside Comfort Zone': To step outside a person's comfort zone, they must experiment with new and different behaviours, and then experience the new and different responses that then occur within their environment.

How was my experience, you wonder?  Well it was....

Shot N. Babin

Hard - I'm a control freak. I don't enjoy giving up control of my clothes nor the camera!

Interesting and educational - I loved being involved in experimenting with different clothes, shoes, accessories, and styles. 

Fun - I had a blast once I relaxed and chose to let go...  Il faut savoir lâcher prise, mes chers!!  Embracing a terrific opportunity and playing along was the way to go.

Inspirational - I felt that if I put the store experts advice and picks to work, I could add a smart spin to my comfort zone.  So I got a few awesome goodies.

Tomorrow, I will show you what I got and how I'm going to wear it - within my comfort zone, this time!  So amigos, 4 words for you: Don't be a chicken!  Step into the Common Sort world and show us what you've got!!!  Are you game?  Looking at my picture, what do you think I added to my summer collection?

From Virtual to Real - Toronto Bloggers Meet!

Well, we did it! The Grunge Queen and I finally met!  I am discovering that it is just thrilling to meet bloggers you follow.  I have been lucky for I have met 3 in as many months, and I can honestly say: No disappointments at this end!  Far from it!!!  Here we are, G Q and I sporting our 'sunnies' as she likes to call them- except hers are the real thing, mine are H and M!  We seem to truly fancy similar things and the ultimate proof would be the Pucci-esque beauty, remember?

 

Here we are posing for a dual self-portrait.  My kids think we could be related! 

And here is Kelly, indulging me by posing in her Franco Mirabelli dress she thrifted for a song (retails around $400-$500).  It fits her perfectly and is made of gorgeous fabric, typical signature of the Toronto designer.  What a find!  She really has an amazing eye!

I love following Kelly's blog because there's a bit of all the things I love:

Style - She has a soft spot for the '70s and knows how to wear hints of it in 2011

(she gets extra points for that!)

Mystery - What will she find next at the Thrift Store to inspire me - or leave me green with envy?

Romance - She fancies a Brit mannie, just like me.

Surprise - She reinvents her apartment often and so well, you'd swear she moved!

En bref, my new friend blogger is great, and I simply love her universe! 

I'm already looking forward to our next encounter!

Until then, many happy and sunny days ahead, Grunge Queen!

La fête des pères - Father's Day!

 English version?  Scroll down!

Mi Papi & Yo. 
Voyez? 
Meme en tant que bébé, j'avais pas le sourire facile devant la camera! 

C’est la fête des pères bientôt! C’est donc le temps de mettre la main à la pâte et planifier la fête de Papa!!


Ce que le cadeau doit exprimer? A la base, 3 choses seulement. C’est donc simple comme bonjour!

Je te connais bien, je sais donc te gâter!

Je peux compter sur toi, alors je dis un gros MERCI!

Et bien-sûr la carte qui exprime des mots doux

La formule pour une fête des pères réussie est aussi très simple...

Du temps privilégié à la plage!

-On planifie de passer du temps avec papa, même si ce n’est pas en personne. La plupart d’entre nous planifierons un repas avec les délices qu’il aime. Il est à l’honneur!

-N’oubliez pas d’inclure les enfants! Laissez-les créer et souligner leur Papa. Vous serez surpris, les enfants savent aller au cœur des choses!

Comment gâter Papa…

Si on veut offrir un cadeau, on se tourne vers des produits qui démontrent qu’on le connaît bien et qu’il pourra utiliser et apprécier souvent. Consommez de façon responsable! Achetez des produits de bonne qualité avec Papa en tête et surtout n’essayez pas de l’améliorer dans quoi que ce soit. Papa est parfait comme il est, alors mesdames… Résistez la tentation de déguiser votre homme en Brad Pitt! Oubliez aussi les presse-papiers, les rasoirs et les tasses à café!

Les hommes en règle générale aiment les gadgets et le marché les gâte!  Si vous avez besoin d'aide, répondez aux questions suivantes:

Quelles sont ses passions?

Quels sont ses talents?

Comment aime-t-il passer du temps personnel?

Est-ce qu’il a une collection?

Je vous présente mes coups de cœur pour Papa, je les classe sous des rubriques générales en espérant que vous saurez retrouver votre homme. Si vous avez d’autres suggestions : allez-y! Ajoutez-les! Plus on a d’idées…. Plus on s’amuse!

Le sportif
Montre solaire, en plus d’etre belle elle est écolo!

Et pourquoi pas...

Casque avec caméra pour enregistrer les émotions fortes! :)

L’intellectuel
Les jeux et les livres, vous ne vous trompez pas!

Pier 1



L’homme de famille

Le panier de pique-nique il y a en a de toutes sortes!

Pier 1

La caméra avec GPS

Les livres de recettes. Celui que mon homme adore est écrit par Jamie Oliver et le voici:

Mettez à jour les photos de son bureau en lui offrant de belles photos des enfants qu’il n’a encore jamais vues!

Le ‘sartorialist’ (L'homme qui aime s'habiller!)

Un livre sur les looks classiques.  J'aime bien celui-ci Icons of Men's Style

Les boutons à manchettes personnalisées avec l’art de vos enfants!

Voilà le tour est joué!  Qu'est-ce que vous en pensez? Joyeuse fête des pères à vous tous!

English Version

It's Father's Day soon! What should Father’s Day say to your Dad you wonder? It’s simple. It should say:

I know you well, so I know how to spoil you!

I can count on you, so I know how to say a big THANK YOU!

I think therefore I write a card to express my love

The formula for a successful and fun Father's Day is also very simple...
Plan to spend time with dad somehow. Most of us will plan a meal with food he loves and reflect what he enjoys in general. He’s the man in the spotlight!

Remember to include the kids! Let them create and write for their Dad. You’ll be surprised; kids know how to get to the heart of things and people!

If you are gifting Dad...
If you are offering Dad a gift, make sure it’s related to his passions and can be enjoyed regularly. Consume responsibly! Buy good quality products with Dad in mind and do not try to improve him in any way. Dad is perfect the way he is. Also... Forget useless knick knacks, the razors and coffee mugs! And above all, ladies, resist the temptation to dress up your man as Brad Pitt!

If you’re having trouble thinking of what to get, answer these simple questions and have a look at the products up in the French section:

What are his passions?
What are his talents?
What is his hobby?
Does he have a collection?

I have listed (above) great products for Father’s Day. I organized them under general headings so hopefully you’ll easily find what your guy might enjoy getting. If you have other suggestions: Add them to my list, please! The more the merrier!  Happy Father’s Day!