May Flowers

It has been too long since I last posted! This intermittent posting has become non existent! Unfortunately I think it is going to be this way for the next two months. I am just swamped, but loving it!

Here in Vancouver May so far has brought some showers over flowers.... but that is fine with me. As I am sure you know I don't love flowers... I am much more of a greenery person....

I have had this photograph by Adrian Briscoe stored away for a while, probably since the first month I started blogging! I just love how the green adds that punch (especially the plant in the foreground) but it still keeps the area cosy and earthy.... two ambiances I love!

I think May Flowers have been seeping into my bones though, lately I have been toying with the idea of buying some flowers for my room.... If I could I would buy these hydrangeas and put them in this stunning vase - or maybe a sterling silver one....

Photography by John Bessle

Do you have flowers in your bedroom? If so what flowers do you have?

(Speaking of bedrooms - Once these two months of craziness pass I hope to show you a few photos from my room... I am oh so slowly decorating it, and I would love to have some input! )

La Mode du Rue

There is an underlying sense of sophistication in french style. I believe it is an inherent skill that all french women possess. When they sport a piece that is funky, bright, or different, they always manage to ground it and keep the look cohesive, sophisticated, and finished. More often than not they use black as their anchor, and in just the right amounts.

Via Garance Dore

Via Garance Dore



Via Facehunter

French women have also mastered the use of textures. Layering keeps the ensembles interesting and adds a supple, luxurious element.

Via The Sartorialist

Via Garance Dore

Via Garance Dore

I try to avoid wearing all black for fear of the drab factor, but these lovely ladies layer it on and come out looking fresh, not like a goth in training!

Via French Elle

Via Garance Dore

Via Facehunter

Most importantly, french women have a confidence about them - like they know some funny secret and are always ready to flirt!

Via Facehunter

Via French Elle

I mustn't forget...Shoes!! They are never an afterthought... and heals are always welcome!

Via Garance Dore

Sigh, if I only was taught how to dress french instead of the pass tense conjugation of an irregular verb....

What do you think french style is?

Messy is Beautiful Too

Yup... still not posting anything of substance... I know I'm a bum. Lets just call it my reading week... or photo week. Here are some that make me feel a little less guilty about the disorganization that is my room... and my life. Thanks Roland Bello.

Check out La La Lovely here for more beautiful mess photos...

Photos while you wait...

These... made me smile. Photography by Todd Selby I feel like he is a funny man.

Until the Next Time...

Here are some images from James Merrell to keep you going for the next little while.... I'm going to need longer than I thought to recharge!

Out for Lunch

Today at lunch I did something completely out of character. I got up and just started walking. I wasn't going to get food, or meeting anyone, I just decided to go outside...it was like I was possessed. With my camera in hand I took photos of everything. I tried to keep my focus on taking photos close up, focusing on the texture, and form. I have never taken a photography course before so I had no clue what I was doing... I am sure I looked especially weird, walking around a suburbia office/light industrial area taking close up photos with my mini point and shoot camera! But I didn't care, I crouched down on the road, pointed my lens to the sky and crawled around in a playground until my memory card was full. Please be kind, this is my first random photo session....

(Note: Thinking back on this random act of mine - I realized that it was a culmination of many things - Finding my camera, returning to civilization, realizing that I didn't document my last work assignment very well, commuting to work, the time of year and the sunny skies. Not so random after all!)

Keep it clutter free....

I'm inspired to clean this weekend. I am finishing up my 6 month work project soon and I need to start tying up some loose ends. It also looks like it will be a chilly weekend in most of Canada, so for all of those who are bummed about not being able to spend it outside, maybe some de-cluttering will help fill the void!

By Monday I hope my desk looks like this:

Warren Smith

Saturdays are for...

Lattes!

Spice up your coffe on Saturday with a little steamed milk and some creative barista designs....

Rohit seth

rooracer (Flickr)

EliseLovesPrada (Flickr)

A little reward for being so good all week!

Back to the Real World

So I am back from my fabulous trip down to warm and sunny California, as well as back from my holiday break with the family. It is now back to reality and back to the daily grind. But for some reason this year, I am embracing being back and having things be routine. I love having time again to browse my regular haunts and scoping out the 2009 posts so far. Some are recapping 2008, some are making 2009 resolutions, some are talking about 2009 trends, and others are just writing like it is just another day.

I am torn as to what topics I want to navigate through during these first new year posts since all of the above mentioned posts are wonderful and valid. I am a planner and a future thinker, so making goals and predictions comes naturally to me. I am also analytical and like to review the past. But recently I have been trying to stay focused on the present. So really, I want to tie everything into one, because just like my decor style, my thoughts and emotions are eclectic and sometimes almost random.

So I hope you enjoy this eclectic smattering of New Yearesque posts.....

Three things I wanted to write about while on vacation:

1) There has been some crazy weather this season!! Before the holidays Las Vegas even got snow! Back at home in Vancouver, they have received tons of snow since Dec 13th... more than a couple feet in total! Many many planes were delayed and work was cancelled due to poor commuting conditions! And the snow was not confined to only Vancouver, Toronto had a some back to back storms as well... This all adds up to it being a white Canadian Christmas from Coast to Coast for the first time since 1971!!

Photograph by Cleo Sullivan

2) Does anyone know of any light refreshing drinks for 2009? I want to find some not too sweet, not too strong sipping cocktails for the new year. Finally I might be able to avoid being that one person at the table who goes... um, ahh, let me see... before finally going with a glass of their house wine!

Photography by Victoria Granof

3) I just want to dress up. Lately I have had this unrelenting desire to go over the top with everything. I want bright fun jewellery, elegant gowns, and big and romantic hair! Unfortunately my cravings are not so practical, especially now with the recession. I wonder however, can I bring some luxury into my life for little to nothing?

Photography by Richard Phibbs

Through the lens of Kevin Clark

Kevin Clark is a Vancouver based photographer with some amazing shots - that evokes such a range of sensations - from being spooked like with the first photograph, to feeling at home with the second, to making my mouth water with the food photographs! He also has a blog...

I just love seeing images where I can recognize where they are!

Lions Gate Bridge

Just near my apartment!

I love how he captures the light. This size of image really doesn't do it justice. Check out his website for a better view.

I just adore his food photos - everything looks so flavourful and rich!

Using The Oven As My Heater

As Apartment#34 stated almost two weeks ago, fall (and winter now!) is a great time for cooking and baking. Here is where I would like to spend now that I have a few days off....

Country Living

Making things like this... (both the flower arrangement and the pie!)

Having time for some tea and finding inspiration with seasonal fruit.

Both of the above are from Keller and Keller