The Hair to Match - Style #1 - the low bun

In typical self fashion, I have already started to think about hair and accessories before I even know which dress I will be matching them to.

My hair is currently at one of those awkward in-between lengths - sort of Dora the Explorer, minus the right angle bangs!
I was thinking that a low, slightly ruffed up bun could be a good option. Maybe even a little teasing to add some volume (like Hayden above) but with sweeping bands (circa Kate and Michelle above).

I have also been crushing on there hair pins from Handle and Spout, which seem to be popping up on everyone's blog these days. I thought they could be cute in a cluster (different shades of off white and dusty rose?) to the one side of the bun.

Too Much?

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The Perfect Dress - Contender #2

Contender #2 - Liza Rietz

Today's Juno Dress Contender - The Ruffle Dress - comes from Liza Rietz

I love the structured, fitted form and the fun ruffle detail - it has a simple, sexy, sophistication. A little Dita von Tess, no? And the jeweled, grey-ish pearl color is really sweet.
However, I am not convinced adding ruffle and bulk to the hips is in my best interest.

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How Sweet it is.

$1 bought you an all day maple-sugar buzz at the Caraval last weekend.

This morning I thought, enough is enough! I try not to wish away a day, a moment or experience - but I would be totally ok with winter packing up and making room for spring. Bring me sunshine and warms breezes, tulip bulbs bursting and one less layer of clothing, open toed shoes and bronzed shoulders...I am so ready.

However, winter looks like it will be kicking around for a little while longer, so I might as well enjoy it and think about all its chilly goodness:
- Cozying up while it snows outside
- The heart racing satisfaction of shoveling a snowy walkway
- Feeling your body - nose, toes and ear lobes - dethaw after coming in from the cold


And all the snow makes a perfect mold for maple syrup on a chilly Carnaval day. There is nothing like hot maple syrup chilling on a bed of fresh snow to make you feel Canadian - eh?

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Soundtrack to Monday - I Eat Kids!

This week’s Soundtrack to Monday feature is inspired and in honor of my new baby second-cousin, Miss Emma Rae Dalton, a whopping 5 days old of cuteness. May her life be full of love, laughter and wicked tunes!

Today's Soundtrack to Monday Feature is:

I eat kids.Photo from the Torontoist.com

First Introduction:
Around a year ago, Mr. S started spreading what I thought could only be rumors that a band of kids would be rocking out at a local bar. I missed that show, and Mr. S raved about it; I was still a skeptic. However, a year ago Sunday, I attended an outdoor skate/rock fund raiser for Right to Play, and was treated to one of the finest rock performances this side of the play ground. They are real, they are all under the age of 10 and they rock!

About the Band:
What started out as a Broken Social Scene-esq band of 20, has now been streamlined to a tight 6 piece of talented musicians.
Zoe, 10; Sadie, 10; Georgia, 9; Edi, 8; Oliver, 6; and Jessa, 6
Now in their second year of being a band (a third of their life for some band members) these kids already have some pretty sweet musical links - including Tim Veseley (Sadie's dad) and Sarah Harmer (Georgia's aunt). Not to mention that few musicians in their adult years can say that Ron Sexsmith came to see their show - which happened for these kids this weekend - not too shabby.

Photo from the Torontoist.com

What the Critics say:
Let's just put it this way: they play gigs, write their own songs, hate Miley Cyrus and love the Jackson 5 - these guys rule.

Your next purchase should be:
A ticket back in time to see what you were doing at this age!
With no cd out yet (although they hope to record soon) head out to their shows and buy them a pop at the bar after!

Don't Believe me? Check them out for yourself:
No new shows scheduled as of yet - but I will keep you posted!

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The Perfect Dress - Contender #1

Contender #1 - Sara Seven

Images from Sarah Seven. First seen on Creature Comforts

With the Junos just over a month away, I have started to think about what I am going to wear that night...the perfect dress: comfortable for a day and night of partying, shows well on TV (should I be able to throw myself in front of some poor camera man) and makes me feel like a million bucks - because everyone should feel like a million bucks when they get dressed up!

I am a day dreamer and today I was day dreaming about what I would like to be able to say if someone asked me "who are you wearing?" Is is not going to happen, but remember, I am a dreamer.
Ideally I would like my answer to start with "It's Vintage_______" or be the name of someone Local, independent and crafty. I am inspired by the styles of many, including Feist's vintage style (she can frequently be seen at the Goodwill at Dundas and Lansdowne) on the red carpets last year, including the Grammys for which she wore a three dollar dress from a Paris flea market. Imagine first being Feist (amazing), and totally rocking a 3 dollar dress!?!

Images from Sarah Seven
I would need the dress to be a little longer - and seriously need to work on my shoulders.

These dresses from Sarah Seven are not 3 dollars, but are stunning and caught my eye today- simple clean lines with a fun flirty feature - big bow in front and fun bird print. I also love her hair and makeup - If the dresses don't win, those looks just might!

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Of Presidents and Beaver Tails

Enjoying my first Beaver Tail at Carnaval

Yesterday the country was bursting with excitement as President Obama made his first visit here to the great white north! From the sounds of it, the 6 hr visit was great for solidifying some trade deals, commitments to greener policies and goodwill between our countries.
Perhaps most important of all, President Obama took some time away from the monotony of running the world (yawn) to souvenir shop (even the President needs a moose key change) and indulge in a Beaver Tail - that sugar-coated, deep-fried wonder of a pastry.

Pondering the long list of Beaver Tail Flavour Options.

One of my goals for our trip to Quebec was to devour my first Beaver Tail, and it didn't disappoint. I, unlike the President, do not have one named after me (Obamatail – a version of the dessert coated with cinnamon and sugar and topped with a whipped-cream O drizzled with chocolate sauce and maple butter) so I went pretty traditional in my selection - butter, cinnamon and a squeeze of lemon...yum. Mr. S enjoyed something a little less traditional - butter, garlic and cheese!

I think if I could have one designed just for me it would have maple butter and cinnamon sugar or maybe brie and fig jam!

What would you cover your custom Beaver Tail in?

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Qu'ils mangent de la brioche

My ideal interpretation of a Birthday Cake c/o of our favorite Ethiopian restaurant - July 2007

For someone who eats little to no cake, I am obsessed with it.
I have many romantic notions of being a cake decorator, have been deemed the maker of all baby-shower cakes for my family, and check the Charm City Cakes website frequently for any openings for a un-skilled worker. As if written specifically for me, their message continues to read: "We are not currently hiring any staff, interns, externs, unpaid grunts, or volunteers."

I also ponder many cake related questions as I pass the time on my commute each morning:
Does a cake need to look good to taste good?
Why do cupcakes and big cakes taste so distinctly different, when you use the same boxed mix and canned icing?
Did she/Didn't she? What did Marie Antoinette really mean when she said "Let them eat cake"?

A small Quebec bakeries celebration/interpretation of Bonhomme

While wandering the streets of Quebec City, I was reminded of one of my favorite cake blogs - Cake Wrecks - a humorous log of "When professional cakes go horribly, hilariously wrong." I am both shocked and awed by what people are able to do with whipped sugar, food coloring and cake.

These cakes made me giggle - I love the freehand use of colorful icing and loose interpretation of Carnaval's mascot Bonhomme. We resisted the urge to scoop one of these cakes up or the equally charming Bread Bonhommes this shop was also selling. Despite their appearance, they smelled amazing and I am sure tasted delicious - and the older gentleman in the bakery with us that day beamed as his icing wonder was placed carefully in a white box for him - Qu'ils mangent de la brioche...

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Breakfast in Bed

Our Breakfast Basket - delivered fresh each morning.

Yesterday we waved au revoir to Quebec City, our train, first class seats and time away from it all and were welcomed by our cat, our smells and our cozy home. It was an amazing 4 days - Carnival, Beaver Tails and Quebec Beers - j'adore.

One of the real treats of this trip was staying in a sweet little boutique hotel - just steps from our train and all the sites of old Quebec. From the charming concierge Gerald who greeted us, to the plush bathrobes, soaks in the deep tub and naps on the cozy duvets; the hotel was a vacation in itself.

My dad brings my mom breakfast in bed every morning - he should get one of these sweet little baskets!

And each morning when we woke without an alarm, list of to-dos or a plan; at our door waiting for our arise was a little picnic basket full of breakfast treats - croissants, pastries, juice and jam in tiny glass jars. Breakfast in bed - c'est magnifique

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Soundtrack to Monday - Don Vail

Today's Soundtrack to Monday Feature is:

Don Vail

Photo from Don Vail myspace page

First Introduction:
Once upon a time, Bill Priddle played in a band called treble charger – and then it ended. One day he started his own band “The Priddle Concern” and Mr. S joined, along with Mitch and Dave. The band took up a residency at the Supermarket and played every Wednesday for a cold and snowy month.
During their stay they played Priddle’s songs, a few choice covers and couple of Mitch’s songs. Well, Mitch’s songs turned out to be Don Vail songs, and Don Vail turned out to be Mitch, Dave, and Bill – take out Mr. S and add Chris.
This first introduction took place over a year ago and since that time these guys have been fine-tuning, a fine album – self titled “Don Vail”.


About the Band:
When Treble Charger became no more, Bill moved to Dunnville and met Mitch, Dave, and Chris who made up three quarters of Dunnville’s greatest export - Chore. Bill and the gang hit it off, and born was Don Vail – now celebrating their 4th Birthday and debut album.

And…if any of you are teletoon fans, you may recognize Dave aka. Sol Butcher as one of the meat lovin’ rockers from Sons of Butcher.

What the Critics say:

Slow-building repetitive notes mesh wonderfully with guitarist Mitch Bowden's sublime vocals on the fantastic "Linda McCartney." We may be only a few weeks into 2009, but I'm confident the infectious track will still be sitting high on my top 10 list of singles come year-end. – Chart Attack

Angular guitar flourishes, intricate bass patterns and close-to-the-edge drumming provide a backdrop for Bowden’s restrained, folky vocals. – Metro Canada


Your next purchase should be:
If you want to support a group of great guys who are truly in it for the music, grab "Don Vail" - no label, no mucking about - all the profits go straight to the band and the cd rocks.
Recession Tip – Come to the show tomorrow night and grab the album there - cds are always cheaper at a show and there is no tax! And hey, I am sure you could get a free autograph on your copy to boot!

Photo from Don Vail myspace page

Don't Believe me? Check them out for yourself:
Tomorrow night at the Horseshoe -on at 9:10pm and there is no cover!
A free, early show? perfect.

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Love Day!

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The Language of Love.

Flowers for your Valentine?
Photo taken by Miss Signy during our visit to a Hong Kong flower market.

Tomorrow morning mon chéri and I are hopping on the train and traveling to where they speak the language of love - Québec City!

The weekend will be spent (immune systems and current flu bugs pending) exploring the city, devouring French food and enjoying the sites and sounds of the Winter Carnival. I am looking forward to the time away from it all, pretending the train magically dropped us off in Paris (hee hee) and wandering around like tourists.

I hope that in whatever capacity, person or thing you find love, it is all yours this weekend! Joyeuse St. Valentin

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Love is in the air!

Valentines Day Cards 2008 - I made our sweet dog pose with different names of all of our loved ones - hence why she looks a little put off.

With Valentines Day just a few days away, love is in the air (amongst other flu germs - ugh) and it seems that nowhere more prominently has the love bug bit (bitten? bite?), then in the blogger community!

Because I still feel as though someone trampled my head after stuffing it like an olive and drugging my within an inch of being prohibited from answering my work phone, I am happily going to re-direct you to some of my favorite blog postings on Valentines Day crafts, gift ideas, romantic recipes and other fun (dare I say sexy) treats...
Quiet down all you skeptics screaming about the commercialization of love and all that downer-doom, I love love and Valentines day is another fun day to celebrate that - and no one knows how to celebrate it better then these amazing bloggers who I am in constant admiration of.

Le Love
a blog dedicated to Love Images - makes mine skip a beat!

How About Orange
Crushing on a co-worker? Try out this quick and awesome heart shaped paper-clip craft to catch their attention

Shannon Gerard
Not quite ready to give your heart away? Why not give one of these amazing, plush, crocheted ones instead

Smitten
Some racy tips, not for the reserved or young readers!

My Luscious Backyard
For those who love flowers as much as they love they earth they grow on - check out these local, organic and seasonally grown beauties.

The Workroom
Interested in wearing some special undies this valentines, but the recession keeping you out of expensive lingerie shops? Make Your Own!

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Soundtrack to Monday (ie. Tuesday) - Neko Case

My apologies for this Monday Feature coming a day late - I am down and out with a bugger of a flu bug. I am however, currently experiencing a much welcomed break from fever-town and thought this would be the ideal time to post!

Today's Soundtrack to Monday Feature is an oldie, but a goodie as they say. With Valentines Day around I think this is a great pick for getting ready for a romantic night out or as the sountrack to you preparing a special dinner for a loved one- And on the flip side, with this flu bug kicking my butt, it can also be a loyal friend; making you feel better when all you can do is cough!

Today's soundtrack to Monday (ie. Tuesday) Feature is:

Neko Case

First Introduction:
I am embarrassed to say that my first introduction to Neko was late in her career, after blindly placing her to my ears at a listening post at our favorite record shop. I was, and gosh, pretty much still am oblivious to her earlier work and time with the New Pornographers. However, without knowing I was jumping in part way through this amazing musician's career, that day I pressed play on what would become one of my favorite female voices and cds - Fox Confessors Brings the Flood

About the Band:
A Virginia native, Neko spent much of her youth in Tacoma before moving out at the age of 15. There are many Canadian links to this amazing lady – including her time at the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design and the recording of one of my favourite songs - John Saw That Number - in a stairwell at the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto.

This album features her bandmates Jon Rauhouse and Tom V. Ray, and is supported by many music greats (Garth Hudson, The Sadies, and members of Calexico)


What the Critics say:
The album was reviewed well and I think won some independent music awards (amazing) - however, having listed to this album 1.6 gadzillion times, I will be the ruling critic here and I say it rocks!

I have also started looking and getting excited for and looking into her new album “Middle Cyclone” coming out March 3rd. Too early for reviews, but it sounds like it is going to be pretty great – “Produced by Neko with Darryl Neudorf and recorded in Tucson, Brooklyn, Toronto, and Vermont, it features Neko backed by her much-beloved core band - guitarist Paul Rigby, bassist Tom V. Ray, backing vocalist Kelly Hogan, multi-instrumentalist Jon Rauhouse, and drummer Barry Mirochnick - along with numerous guests including M. Ward, Garth Hudson, Sarah Harmer, and members of The New Pornographers, Los Lobos, Calexico, The Sadies, Visqueen, The Lilys, and Giant Sand, among others.”

Image from www.nekocase.com

Your next purchase should be:
If you are in the market for an album you will love and listen to over and over (and really, who isn’t) – go out and grab Fox Confessors Brings the Flood.
Recession Tip – why not visit your local used CD or Bookstore to find a great deal on this gem, as it has been out for three years and should have some used copies kicking around! ( and then you can afford to get her new one when it comes out – woo)

Don't Believe me? Check them out for yourself:
She has some serious touring planned for later in 2009 – so for now, those of you in Germany and France can check her out here:
Wed, 2/18/09: BERLIN, GER @ ROTER SALON
Thu, 2/19/09: MUNICH, GER @ ORANGE HOUSE
Fri, 2/21/09: PARIS, FR @ NOUVEAU CASINO
**Neko Case, in Paris – come on, it just doesn’t get better!

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Brown Paper Packages

My brown paper package of Melinda Josie Fabric from the last Workroom Trunk Show

This Sunday February 8th is the Love and Rummage Trunk Show at the Workroom and it is going to rock! Once again Karyn has gathered some of Toronto's Finest to totally blow you away with the creativity, ability and down right crafty goodness.
The mental list I keep of things I would love to own has been bursting since Karyn started posting about each of the vendors - crocheted body parts, acorn jewelery or up-cycled men's clothing anyone? Me Please!

But..oh wait...what is that you say trusty calendar....?
Alas, Mr. S and I are long overdue for time with those who gave us life, so I will be skipping out on this day of Trunk Show awesomeness to tote around the city enjoying great food with loved ones!


In lieu of going to the sale, I will carry around with me this stunning piece of fabric I purchased at the last Trunk Show as a way of feeling connected - and perhaps reminding myself that we are sort of in a recession here and perhaps I should make use of what I already have before seeking out more...or not, I mean who can resist crocheted plants you can't kill?
And, I don't have the heart to cut in this beautiful fabric just yet...tied up in string, it is one of my favorite things.

Happy Weekend.

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And the Award Goes to...

Yesterday morning the Juno Award Performers and Nominees were announced and I am over the moon, totally proud and blissfully excited to say that Mr. S will be performing live! And to boot - they were nominated for a few awards.
Our flights are booked, outfit selections are being debated, and family members' VCRs are pre-programed to capture the big moment (you can never be too prepared)!
And how does one commemorate such an exciting moment in their partner's careers? With nachos and beer of course and a trip to our favorite record store for a celebratory cd purchase.

Photo by our friend Adam Volick - nominated for Music DVD of the Year for "Here is What Is"

What a gift to experience someone be rewarded for years of hard work and sacrifice in the pursuit of exactly what they love doing. With admiration, awe and love I say...Congratulations.

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Soundtrack to Monday - In-Flight Safety

Today's soundtrack to Monday Feature is:

In-Flight Safety
My photo from Halifax Summersonic Music Festival

First Introduction:
On a cold night at the Horseshoe almost 4 years ago I watched In-Flight Safety play, having never heard of them before and without knowing how much they would come to mean to us. What started out with a tour across Canada with Raising the Fawn (Mr. S’s former band) has grown into a great big friendship with 4 of the nicest gentleman (and their amazing partners) that you will ever meet. They will make you laugh, amaze you with their long list of talents both artistically and otherwise, and treat you like royalty when you visit. They are an empire…my dear.

About the Band:
All hailing from the east coasts, the guys met during their years at Mount Allison University
brad goodsell (bass)
john mullane (vocals, guitars)
glen nicholson (drums)
daniel ledwell (piano, guitars, keyboards)


What the Critics say:
Although you will hear many compare this group to bands like Coldplay or Wilco, they are so much more. As John says, “I think it's the dreamy quality of the music that gets [In-Flight Safety] lumped in with the Coldplays of the world. I usually say [In-Flight Safety] is cinematic rock music.”

"... music delivered with soaring atmospherics, plaintive lyrics, and sweet-as-honey melodies ..." - The Coast

“This is not background/elevator music but music to be enjoyed over a brew or glass of wine with a couple of good friends…or alone with your best girl or guy.” – awmusic.ca

If this band were a fabric or craft, it would be:
The Creswell Rd Bowtie in Butterscotch Plaid from Mr. Skona

Your next purchase should be:
These guys only get better with age, so hands down, no questions asked, your next purchase should be “We are an Empire My Dear”


Don't Believe me? Check them out for yourself:
For the next 3 weeks these guys are touring around the east coast - however, with the new record just out last week, they should definitely have a cross Canada (and maybe more) tour in their future. Keep Track of them here - and if you decide to check them out the next time they are in Toronto, I will see you there!

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