To Do with Jul

Call Me Mommy

2012-02-14T19:11:00.000-05:00

It's weird, I've never really identified with any one group. I wasn't an angry teen or a boy-crazy girl or a wild college kid, not even a lost art school student. I've always stood outside these groups, mostly cause I didn't fit in and I knew they were lame stereotypes. Now this Mom thing, that's a group I find myself associating with. I am drawn to Mommy groups. I talk to Mommy's on the street. I read Mommy blogs. Oddly (for me) I am wearing the Mommy badge proudly and not for a second do I think it's lame. Au contraire, I love it.

I seem to identify with the group Mommy more than ever. I find myself chatting with other Moms, joining groups

Carrot Top

2012-02-14T18:52:00.000-05:00

I know babies aren't a toy, but they do sure make great props. Here are a few hilarious photos - and note that for every one of these hilarious shots there is an equally hilarious shot of Gus crying!

Beach Bum

2012-02-14T16:51:00.000-05:00

We don't have any travel planed but I couldn't resist this sunny speedo. Gus will look super studly in this suit.

Sentimental

2012-02-14T16:46:00.000-05:00

Our Gus is 2 months old now and if you can believe it he's 10lbs - that's double his birth weight. As a family we've settled into a nice routine. Rich works from home while Gus and I putter around doing errands and meeting friends. Everyday is different and fun, course I can't help but think back to the early Gus days when Rich and I would hang out in bed all day. Rich would bring me coffee and little oranges while we cuddled listening to CBC on the radio. We still get our cuddling in after Gus' 6am feeding and today Gus is more cuddly than ever. What a sweet ham we have.

Gus' Quarters

2012-02-13T13:10:00.000-05:00

I am so pleased at the way Gus' room turned out. It's a magical forest filled with all of his favourite woodland friends.

Little Goat

2012-02-13T13:00:00.000-05:00

This photo sums up just how weird Gus' expressions can be. He's a ham alright, or actually a goat! When he's waking up or making a big stretch, he'll often grunt loudly like a goat!

Want

2012-02-13T12:53:00.000-05:00

Leggings with the galaxy on them...yes please.

Feeding Frenzy

2012-02-03T22:08:00.000-05:00

Just fed my baby for two hours. I love breastfeeding but I also love other things, like eating dinner.

Gus and Popa

2012-01-27T19:54:00.000-05:00

I've got a nice collection of Gus and Dad photos going. They are some of the most precious pictures. Don't you agree? I just love how they look at each other, like they're planning some extreme outing filled with danger and mischief that they know will make me nervous!

Gus To Go

2012-01-27T19:40:00.002-05:00

Thanks to the Ergo and Moby Wrap Gus and I get around. Our first solo trip was to the LCBO! Today we strolled Parkdale - wow seeing Parkdale through Gus' eyes sure makes it look sketchy!

Springtime For Toronto

2012-01-23T15:20:00.002-05:00

Is it just me or is spring in the air? I know it's only January and the worst of winter is to come, but these mild temperatures have me thinking that spring is but a hop skip and a jump away. So I better start thinking about what to wear, right? I'm way ahead of ya. I've already decided that this spring I'm all about the cigarette pant. Slim and cut at the ankle - dark denim, light denim and maybe a purple pair for good measure. All perfect with a pair of flashy flats. Now what to wear on top...oh ya that's right the whole breast feeding conundrum continues!

Nursing Fashions

2012-01-20T13:00:00.000-05:00

What to wear? What to wear? I am so perplexed by this whole breast feeding thing. How can I be nursing ready and wear clothes! The Internet has directed me to breast feeding fashions, which I mostly find hideous. My friends tell me to wear tank tops and wide neck sweaters. Currently my wardrobe consists of my maternity wardrobe and everything else - I say everything else because I dare not try it on. Pre-Gus I wore clothes tight and tiny. Post-Gus will be different times. So I guess I need to clean house and pick up some new nice and nursing things. I'll bring Gus just to test them out!

Boobs...

2012-01-14T10:40:00.000-05:00

Check out my rack!

I'm loving my boobs right now. They are huge! What I'm not loving is the maternity bras. It's not that they aren't comfortable, it's more that they make my breastfeeding beauties look like they stepped out of the 50s...cone shaped and lumpy. It's tragic. Today I tried wearing a turtleneck because all boobs look fab in a turtleneck, well not mine! I had to cover up with a sweater.

First Toy

2012-01-14T10:29:00.000-05:00

We are so eager for Gus to come alive and start playing. Right now he's a sleeping, eating, pooping machine. So the other night we showed him a toy...I think he liked it, either that or he was totally freaked out and will probably need therapy when he's older. Who knows!

Gus' Guests

2012-01-13T17:26:00.002-05:00

We've been blessed to have so many amazing guests. Gus is one lucky ham (that's our nickname for him).

With cousins Nicole and Michelle

Grandma Francine showing Gusy some love

Grandpa Alan giving Gus a good squeeze

Grandma Fraida sharing some stories

Aunty Paige in from Vancouver

Aunty Cory cuddling with care

Grandma Wanda listening to Gus snore!

Grandpa Donald was Gus' first visitor at the hospital

Uncle Jeremy is a natural

Aunty Cara couldn't wait to hold Gus

Pooped On!

2012-01-13T14:19:00.002-05:00

It happened.

Time Starved

2012-01-13T14:18:00.002-05:00

A sampling of the washcloths we use daily!

My worst fear about being a Mom has come true. I am time starved! I'm not tired or stretched, it's just that I honestly don't know where the day goes. I do know that nothing gets done and I don't even leave the house! Between feedings, Facebook and laundry the day quickly floats away. Like Gus I think I need a schedule.

The Sweetest Sound

2012-01-02T14:46:00.002-05:00

It went something like this, "weeweewoowawa". It was Gus' first night in the hospital and we heard this sound. It was so cute. It was also the last time he ever sang this sweet sound. We keep hoping it will come back but it's been replaced by other squeaks and squawks - which are always heart melting adorable.

Mommy + Gus

2011-12-30T20:46:00.000-05:00

Sleep Interrupted

2011-12-28T12:00:00.002-05:00

Last night was our first rough night. We stopped swaddling Gus so tightly so that he can start to wake himself up and guess what, he did! We also switched his feeding from this tube and syringe to a tube and bottle. It's complicated. To ensure that Gus is getting enough of my milk we are feeding him with this tube contraption. Rich and I had our system down pat, until last night.

Thankfully sweet Gus is doing great. He's weight is up as is his appetite. It's amazing that at day 9 he's already changing so much. Until now Gus has been an inside baby. Living like he's still in the womb. Now with clothes on and no swaddling, he's coming to life. Our quiet little man is growing up!

Pumping

2011-12-28T11:38:00.000-05:00

At first I felt like a cow, but I've really come to enjoy the 10 minutes I steal after every feeding to pump. Listening to the motor run while the milk spurts is my time to zone out. It's like hypno-pumping! Gosh, I never thought I'd write about this!

Gus At The Hospital

2011-12-27T11:32:00.000-05:00

Gus was born Sunday night and we stayed in the hospital till Wednesday. Those first few days were very peaceful - it was just me, Rich and Gus...oh and an army of awesome nurses. We were lucky enough to have a private room, where we hung out and rested as a family.

Rich cuddling Gus for the first time.

Swaddled and sleepy.

Learning to burp and barf.

Getting sleepy.

The Cooper Boys sleeping in.

Cuddles.

Passed his first test - the car seat exam.

Hello! We go home today.

The Big Day

2011-12-25T14:21:00.002-05:00

When I took this photo I had no idea I was in labour. I knew that something was up. I mean, I thought I was peeing in my pants! I woke at 2am on Friday night with heart burn - damn Dino's pizza. To ease the pain I walked around the house, ate a tums and drank some water. It was then that I felt a trickle. In the back of my mind I knew this was weird, but I was getting so big in the belly that I figured baby was putting pressure on my bladder - yet another phase of pregnancy. So I put on clean panties and went back to bed.

In the morning I awoke 36 weeks to the day pregnant and with dry undies. Fewff. So I got up, made breakfast and attempted to clean the house. I say attempted because I was zonked. With every sweep of the floor I felt the need to lay down. That's when the waters started flowing, again. Now I knew something was up, so I called Dr. Lindsay for some clarity. I left a message that sounded something like this, "Hey Linds, not sure what's up, pretty sure it's nothing but I'm wetting my pants. It's not pee. Anyways I feel fine so I'm gonna head out. Call me." And that was that. I let Rich know about the wet pants, but together we agreed it was nothing. So I hoped in the car, picked up my breast pump from Lindsay's house (still no answer from my call), and met Cara on the Danforth.

I went about my chores knowing that today was maybe the biggest day of my life. I kept that thought in the back of my mind as I picked out chicken thighs and bought a nursing bra. Then I met Cara for a mani-pedi, joking that maybe I would deliver at the nail salon. They do have so many clean towels around. After we strolled the Danforth and went for a coffee when Lindsay called. "Go to the doctor. Don't panic. But go."

Ok.

I drove home. Met Rich in a calm state of panic. We packed up the car. My bag, baby's bag, Rich's bag, oh and the car seat.

We arrived to a sleepy Sunnybrook hospital. Much different than the usual hustle and bustle from my weekly appointments. At triage in the maternity ward we were assessed. Yup my waters had broken, nope I wasn't in labour, but since it had been 12 hours it was time to induce me. What? Really? Um...ok. We took the news rather well. We took the news actually really calmly. My first thought was, oh but my baby is suppose to be born in January, which means according to Malcom Gladwell, it will be one of the smartest in school. Rich reassured me that school is irrelevant, especially in the future. He's right. As the idea of being put into labour set in I realized that I hadn't eaten since breakfast. How will I have strength to push? So we pleaded to go out and eat. We were faced with resistance but the doctor and nurses agreed to let us go.

Thai food. We ate amongst happy couples out on a Saturday night. So much chatter around us. All of a sudden I felt so pregnant. We prepped for the big event, with all sorts of mind visualizations and pep talks. We knew we were ready, even though it was a whole 4 weeks early.

We got back to the hospital and after all of the talk and head nodding, they showed us to our super deluxe room. The oxytocin was administered at 11 by our nurse Lanna. I felt nothing. Apparently it takes time. Every half an hour they took my blood pressure and upped the dose. All the while the baby was being monitored. Apparently he was happy, so I got into bed and waited for something. It was hours till I felt a cramp. Rich and I walked the halls, wondering what's next. I sat on the ball. I napped. I sat on the couch. We went for a walk. An ouch here, a cramp there, but nothing insane. Then at 6 in the morning, I felt something stronger. We called our doula Isabelle who joined us an hour later. That's when the labour kicked in. The contractions rolled in and out. It was manageable. Isabelle, Rich and our new nurse Merene coached me through every spike. Lots of breathing. There was some barfing. No screaming, but lots of moaning. I was checked on twice during this phase and both times the Doctors helped my cervix along. At noon, I was at 4 cm. I was exhausted. In the room there was a massive digital clock staring me in the face and knowing that at noon I was only at 4cm, I wondered how much longer I could hang in. I knew in my heart it was time for the epidural. So I went for it, with a bit of regret but a massive sigh of relief.

A tough anaesthesiologist came moments later. A no-nonsense doctor with no time to joke. She suited everyone in scrubs and swiftly inserted the epidural. In 20 minutes my legs were pins and needles and I was rested. So I slept. We all did.

I awoke happy. Isabelle and Rich were standing by. My contractions rolled in with a minutia of the force. I watched the monitor to understand just how big they really were. From 3 to 4 we chatted and laboured through the contractions. I tried to pee, but the epidural freezes everything. It was around 4:30 that my left hip started to hurt. It was cramping or aching. I wasn't sure if it was a muscle pain or a bone thing. I wondered if the epidural didn't reach that area. Isabelle advised me to lay on my right side, as I had laboured so well on this side earlier. Still my hip hurt. Just then my amazing Dr. Wong walked in for a check-up. I stayed on my side as he checked my progress and wouldn't you know it...the head was there. The head was right there. While I was napping and chatting, the baby had worked its way down. WOW. I just couldn't believe that baby was finally almost here. I even questioned out loud if maybe I was dreaming or was it the drugs.

The lights went on. Dr. Wong took his position. Isabelle stood beside. Rich rubbed my forehead and whispered sweet words of encouragement and love in my ear. And then I pushed on command and stopped at request. Then I pushed and stopped. Pushed and stopped.

Oh they can see the head.

Rich peeked down at the head. I just couldn't believe that there was a head down there. I pushed. Dr. Wong asked for my hand. I figured I would touch the head. Then he asked for my other hand. And then with Dr. Wong's help he placed my hands around my baby and I gently eased him up and out to my chest. If I could relive just one moment in my life over and over it would be this one. Pulling baby up and close was the most amazing experience. Seeing him (yes a him) for the first time was pure joy. Having such love and support around me as we brought baby Gus into the world is and will forever be my most favourite moment.

Gus arrived at 5:42. He weighed in at 5 pounds. He was pink. He cried a bit but on my chest he rested happily. We all rested happily. I am so grateful for the night and day and the story that I now have of our son being born. He's a gift. A sleepy gift.

Welcome Gus Evan Cooper. You will make the world a better place. I just know it. On the day you were born Kim Jong-il died - see already you're doing good.

And Then There Were 3

2011-12-24T12:02:00.000-05:00

Without warning our little man Gus arrived a whole 4 weeks early. I have so much to capture I almost don't know where to start and I certainly don't want to forget. First up...his birthing story.

Baby Brain

2011-12-16T14:35:00.000-05:00

No such thing. Baby brain is such an insult to pregnant women. In my opinion pregnant women, yes me included are super powered. We are living for two. We go to work every day, eat right(ish), organize all of the baby stuff, plan for the labour - even massage our perineum. Forgetting stuff like keys or meetings is human not maternal.

Name Game

2011-12-16T11:16:00.000-05:00

Everyone is so precious about keeping their unborn baby's name a secret. It's kindof weird, but we are weird creatures. Choosing a name has been hard for us. There's a lot of pressure to be unique and cute and smart sounding all at the same time. Right now there are two names we've come to like:

Girl: Elsie Belle or Elsie Friday
Boy: Gus E_______ (not sure yet)

So that's where we are at. We'll see what name baby likes best.

Whoa Baby

2011-12-16T10:58:00.000-05:00

I am less than 4 weeks away from meeting our baby and time couldn't be going by slower. I'm pretty excited to see the wee one that's been growing and growing inside me. I never thought I would be this pregnant. You imagine what you'll look and how you'll feel and really it's nothing like that. It's pretty awesome. I've enjoyed being pregnant. Giving up control of my body so that a baby can grow. Watching all the changes. Feeling the kicks. Sure the slow walking and NO sleeping are a total pain, but everything else is a joy. Up until now I've been really hesitant to talk about my pregnancy, but since I'm so close to the end I'm ok opening up about being with child.

You know you're pregnant when...

2011-12-13T14:03:00.000-05:00

The zipper on your jacket pops open and you spill your cheeseburger all over the front of your dress. (disaster not captured in the photo above - still trying to salvage some dignity!)

Now That's a Pillow

2011-12-01T15:32:00.000-05:00

Chicken leg pillow! How tasty.

My First Pillow

2011-11-20T17:10:00.004-05:00

Well it's not how I envisioned it. It's a lot weirder than I had planned. A lot weirder. Not sure what I'll do with this pillow. Maybe salvage the stuffing for my next attempt.

Ohhh La La

2011-11-20T11:21:00.000-05:00

Aren't these boots great? A legwarmer and boot together, how fabulous. Now that my feet have outgrown my old winter boots, I may be in the market for a new pair.

Just Like Mama

2011-11-18T16:43:00.000-05:00

I found these adorably awesome BabyLegs online and I know my unborn beauty needs a pair or two. Oh I wonder if we could get matching - cause I am crazy for legwarmers. I never leave home without them.

Champers and Oysters

2011-11-15T16:45:00.000-05:00

That's what I'm craving! Less than 9 weeks to go.

Let The Diaper Bag Hunt Begin!

2011-11-13T19:25:00.000-05:00

I'm searching (when am I not) for an adorable diaper bag. It needs to be practical but not boring - so many of the bags out there are flat out boring. So far I've done a lot of looking but not a lot of oooing and aaahing, that is until I found Oilily. I think they are British - not sure, but the bags are super sweet, they are also priced in pounds which means they are too pricey for stinky diapers and cheerios.

Adorable

2011-11-11T10:34:00.000-05:00

Everything Kate Spade does I automatically love.

A Channukah Bush

2011-11-11T10:29:00.000-05:00

Anthropologie has the cutest ornaments. They're making me long for a Christmas tree. Maybe this year since we're homeward stuck, we'll get festive and get a tree.

Halloween In The Hood

2011-11-10T11:33:00.000-05:00

House Update

2011-11-10T11:30:00.000-05:00

Things are really coming together on Elm Grove. We couldn't be happier.

Colour Of The Year

2011-11-10T11:10:00.000-05:00

We are so pleased with Benjamin Moore's colour of the year - Wyatt Blue! It's amazing what a little paint can do. Overnight this dry walled space has become this cozy hideaway that I can't wait to decorate!

The Sweetest Suprise

2011-11-03T16:52:00.002-04:00

Adorable

2011-10-31T21:12:00.000-04:00

Apparently humidifiers help babies when they have colds. I think one this cute would help me get over any illness.

By Sweet Chance

2011-10-31T10:34:00.000-04:00

I wandered into this charming bakery called Leah's on St. Clair near Witchwood. So many yummy choices - I just had to try the homemade oreo. It was good, but now I wished I had tried the butter tart. Next time.

I Couldn't Resist

2011-10-31T07:18:00.000-04:00

Keyboard cat is my favourite.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-30T19:58:00.002-04:00

Faux-fabulous

2011-10-29T16:46:00.002-04:00

I'm fantasizing about faux-fur fashions. How cuddly.

Question

2011-10-29T10:14:00.002-04:00

I have a fancy party to attend at the end of the month and I'm praying this black dress I have will fit. It will. It will. But I need to gusy it up a bit so I'm looking for a nice shrug or bolero or are they the same thing? Anyways I'm wondering, can I wear a brown faux-fur shrug/bolero with a black dress?

Piefect

2011-10-28T14:09:00.000-04:00

Oh a glass hat for my pies - COOL!

Bringing Cozy Back

2011-10-27T12:22:00.000-04:00

Been thinking about my mat leave wardrobe and how I DO NOT want to end up in sweats and torn up ts. Staying stylish while staying at home is my plan and this wide-legged, deep V, merino wool one-piece fits my fashion bill. But at $220! mama might need to keep her J.O.B.

Wythe Blue (HC-143)

2011-10-26T18:18:00.000-04:00

Could this be the paint colour I've been looking for? It's blue and grey and not too boy and not too girl. I have to see it in person to know.

Getting Closer

2011-10-26T18:16:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I came home to a brand new house. The brick wall was up. The trim was in. It was amazing. We are so close to being done with our home renos I can almost taste the happiness. Our next to-do is actually quite fun - choosing stools for our kitchen island. I really love these lucite ones - namely cause they are lucite!

AHA

2011-10-24T22:15:00.000-04:00

Baby stuff is so babyish. Take mobiles. While I love the woodland creature motif, I don't want to get too carried away. And while I'd love to make my own mobile, lets be honest, I'll be working up until the day I deliver. So like all other baby items I've been in hot pursuit of a mobile. At last tonight I found one I really like. It's the Flensted Mobile from 1955. It's so classic modern. Really playful and colourful. YAY!

Ugh

2011-10-21T15:54:00.000-04:00

I'm searching for a bump appropriate couples Halloween costume. I haven't a clue. There's pregnant newlyweds or white trash couple, but I want something cuter. I don't know.

Matching Set

2011-10-18T17:21:00.000-04:00

I popped into the Bay today and fell in love with this little sweater. I hope they make it in Julie's size too. I may have to buy two - one for me and one for baby. How cute!

Considering

2011-10-14T16:25:00.002-04:00

I've never considered Mukluks for a winter boot, but these ones may be too cute and cuddly to pass up. It's hard to imagine the streets filled with snow, but it'll happen and these boots will definitely keep me warm. Yup, I think I just convinced myself!

Sexy Sock Monkey

2011-10-13T14:02:00.000-04:00

I was thinking of going as a sexy sock monkey for Halloween. Rich says it can't be done. Maybe he's right. Still I adore these monkeys.

Kitchen Stools

2011-10-13T09:50:00.000-04:00

I'm on the hunt for kitchen stools. Wish they made this one in Julie and Rich size.

Honest To Goodness

2011-10-12T16:17:00.000-04:00

This really happened to me the other morning. My toast jumped out of the toaster. Yum, I love rye bread toast.

What's New

2011-10-12T16:16:00.000-04:00

Did I tell you I started sewing? My first project was a set of napkins. Pretty easy. This weekend I'm going to make puffy cloud pillows!

Worst Blogger

2011-10-12T16:11:00.000-04:00

I've been a lazy blogger. But fear not my days of posting are back. Take this adorable fabric. A bunny tea party, is there anything more fun?

Shopless In Chicago

2011-10-03T22:52:00.000-04:00

Just got back from our Chicago trip and if you can believe it I didn't buy a thing. NOTHING. I'm shocked. I gazed in many a window but held back with super might. Take these boots from Cole Haan, we must have walked by the store 10 times, each time I left a puddle of drool behind. Aren't they dreamy?

Craving A New Coat

2011-10-03T22:47:00.000-04:00

My ever expanding waist line has me craving a new winter coat. It seems like one with either a belt or two way zipper should do the trick. Here's one from K-way that's working for me.

Funny

2011-09-14T15:10:00.000-04:00

Ordered!

2011-09-07T14:59:00.002-04:00

I just love wallpaper! Don't you?

I'm Dreaming Of

2011-09-07T14:58:00.000-04:00

Last Night A Snoogle Saved My Life

2011-09-02T14:43:00.000-04:00

This weird pillow has totally saved my sleep. It's a bit awkward but it's worth not waking up to aching hips.

Am I Dreaming?

2011-08-16T09:14:00.000-04:00

I really do need to move to Japan. They get me and my love for cats. Check out this cat robot that serves up snow cones. So me.

Good To Know

2011-08-14T12:12:00.000-04:00

I've never officially used a pastry bag before, (I've made a make shift one out of a ziploc bag), but I have been thinking about buying a set to help with my decorating skills.

Missing

2011-08-14T12:02:00.002-04:00

So hard to believe that I don't own a heart cookie cutter.

Found On Etsy

2011-08-04T06:43:00.000-04:00

This shrug is so lovely. I of course don't need it. But maybe it's one of those must-have-in-your-wardrobe type pieces?

This Goes Without Saying

2011-08-02T07:59:00.000-04:00

It's a scarf! But I'd definitely have to frame it and hang it. How precious.

Doing Research Is Dangerous

2011-07-30T10:27:00.000-04:00

I'm suppose to be reviewing and rating websites today but every time I land on a retail one I of course have to shop. So bad. Here's a dress I am eyeing from JCrew. It's like my spring floral one from Anthro but reimagined for fall. So light and casual. I especially like the sound of elastic waist - perfect for night's out at California Sandwiches.

Crystal Clear

2011-07-30T10:19:00.000-04:00

I've got a thing (yes another thing) for all things clear. I love lucite. I love plexi-glass. I love glass. Especially in jewelery. Like this amazing bracelet from Kate Spade. A must if I wasn't already maxed out!

Ring Refresh

2011-07-27T12:16:00.000-04:00

I love love my wedding ring but lately it's become too snug and too cumbersome. I think for the next little while I may give it a break. Wearing my band is nice and light and I never worry about losing it. Of course I can't help but looking for stand in rings while mine awaits my finger to return to normal size. I particularly love this black ring from Gallery Forest. It's not too pricey and I think it would go great with my original band. Can I? Please...

Museum Of Civilization

2011-07-27T11:37:00.002-04:00

Isn't this ceiling stunning?

Inspired By Ottawa

2011-07-27T11:36:00.002-04:00

Ottawa is always nice. It's not too far. They have tons to do and it's the perfect place to meet my family half way from here to Montreal (although they have a way shorter drive). This time in Ottawa we went back to the National Gallery to see the Caravaggio exhibit. It's weird, while I majored in art history I had never studied his work in full, I always focused on modern art. Well I loved this show. They did a super job telling his story, comparing his work to his followers who were so taken by his raw and real style. That's what I loved about his paintings too, they weren't perfect. People had dirty nails and saggy skin, Jesus wasn't milky white with perfectly coiffed hair. His work made me appreciate how art has changed and how funnily enough we've gone back to a time when images need to be perfect (nobody puts bad shots up on Facebook). In honour of Caravaggio I've taken this pic of Rich doing his taxes! It's a tough shot that shows the pain and anguish one must go through as a freelance writer who has neglected his administrative duties in favour of dance cages and home renovations.

An Ode

2011-07-25T14:01:00.000-04:00

In the heat we've been having my ice machine in my fridge has been a saving grace. It's amazing. The drawer is always full.We can make a hundred cocktails, use up all the ice and come morning it's full again. The cubes are all the same size- just the right size. They taste delicious. They make this great sweet clunky sound when they're being made. It's perfect. Just perfect.

Mucho Love

2011-07-24T22:10:00.000-04:00

Today was a wonderful whirlwind. From croissants to vintage furniture to antiques to oh so delicious sweets to groceries, I thoroughly enjoyed every Sunday minute with MaterialArchive. While MA captured every moment of the day I took but one photo! Don't you love these vintage Italian Sofas? They were like 3K each, but I could just imagine plopping myself down and never wanting to get up. One of many fabulous finds we uncovered today. My spoils: a bird painting, a metal pineapple, a wicked vintage dress, awesome bar cart, cookies and too many groceries. Only one regret...why didn't I get that vintage US occupied Japan made creamer that was fashioned in the shape of a horse? dang!

TopShopping

2011-07-24T22:00:00.000-04:00

Ordering these pumps ce soir.

Dreams

2011-07-23T13:43:00.002-04:00

Last night I dreamt I was an Olympic swimmer doing laps in a super long pool. When I woke up I seriously felt refreshed.

Wow

2011-07-21T14:30:00.000-04:00

Who knew JCREW had so many nice pumps.

Blueberry Baking

2011-07-21T08:43:00.000-04:00

So proud of my 4 blueberry pies. They turned out delicious. Next up, peach pie!

Dream Boots

2011-07-13T12:54:00.002-04:00

That colour. That leather. Frye boots take my breath away.

Fall Uniform

2011-07-13T09:21:00.000-04:00

I know, I know it's still summer out, but my mind is wandering over to fall. Mainly fall boots and dresses. I'm thinking that this is the year I completely embrace the slinky dress - for work and play. I just love this look. Off to BCBG to stock up or rather window shop!

Decided

2011-07-12T14:47:00.002-04:00

It's scorching hot outside and all I can think about (aside from ice cream) is a new purse. I've got a hankering for a simple black leather bag. I'm think this Roots one should do the trick.

Finally a Film I Want To See

2011-07-08T19:13:00.000-04:00

It's been so long since I've watched a movie trailer and thought, yes that's one I must see...in theaters. Well, at last this film/documentary about two famous British comedians dining in fancy restaurants makes me want to run out and catch it while I can. Watch the trailer and see for yourself. I think it's going to be funny (guaranteed) and touching too.

My Ricky Cracks Me Up

2011-07-08T13:25:00.000-04:00

Here is his Craig's list post for his famous dance cages. Yup we're selling the ole party paraphernalia to make room for our backyard!

Dance Cages. They're wicked. (Parkdale)

Note: You must be cool, and you must promise to use the dance cages for their intended purpose. That purpose is partying your ass off. These pleasure party platforms have been the property of The Good Times Gang for two years now. Attached are a couple pictures from their most recent weekend. You may notice that these dance cages glow in the freaking dark. You may also notice a giant chicken, an Amish man and a bearded egg have partying on the dance cages... We already told you that these things are not for rookies. Please understand that flagrantly disrespecting the boundaries of normalcy is mandatory if you wish to inherit the dance cages. Photographic proof of your exploits would be a nice courtesy. When assembled, the cages are 4'x4' and ten feet tall. Even when flat-packed they do take up space, because they are solid and built to absorb total dance mayhem. You need a truck & a cordless impact driver to properly transport and assemble/disassemble them. NOTE: You like to build stuff that shocks and amazes your friends (without actually maiming them). If this post has you fist-pumping the air and feverishly dreaming up some crazy shit, maybe you are ready to grab these two colossal party batons and run with them.

Pie Time

2011-07-07T11:59:00.000-04:00

Woke up at 6am to make 4 batches of pie dough. There's something so cathartic about making dough - even though the Cuisinart does most of the work. But it's amazing, each one turned out a little bit different.On Saturday I'll turn these balls into blueberries pies for Catherine's wedding. (Stay tuned for pics.)

New Favourite Resto

2011-07-05T12:21:00.000-04:00

I've been craving shnitzel all week. Even typing the word schnitzel make me want it. What can I say, I love the crunchy, buttery, deliciousness that is chicken schnitzel and nobody makes it as tasty as the Poles. No I haven't been to Germany, but I have been down to Roncesvalle and enjoyed my share of schnitzel and I'm a believer.

This weekend Rich treated me to a pure Polish lunch at Polonez - a true Polish home style establishment, maybe the last of it's kind along the Ronce strip. I was expecting a fine lunch at an ok place, but to my surprise Polonez was incredible. The decor was alright. Not too outdated. Very clean. The staff were lovey and sweet. But it was the food that totally won me over. We started with boiled potato and cheddar perogies. Delish (could have been a bit more sour cream on the side). Then we shared schnitzel with mushrooms. The portion was huge. The chicken was thin and crunchy and the salads were great - coleslaw, beets and boiled carrots. I couldn't have dreamed up a better lunch. No, this was not gourmet dining, it was mom's cooking at it's best. No fancy plating or airy foam, just honest prepared with love cooking. Needless to say, this is my new favourite place.

Canada Day Cooking

2011-07-05T11:48:00.000-04:00

I didn't party one bit this Canada Day. A first for Rich and I. Instead we cleaned our backyard. It may sound lame, but giving up partying for our new amazing deck is definitely worth it. Our weekend wasn't all work, we did make time for play and loads of good eating.

Should I?

2011-06-30T16:03:00.000-04:00

Last year I saw the cutest, most awesomest overalls at Jonathan+Olivia on Ossington, but I hummed and haaawd and missed my chance. I've searched everywhere for these APC overall but never found a single one online. A year later and I am still longing, but nothing has come close. What do you think of these overalls? Should I?

A Week Since I Blogged

2011-06-30T15:28:00.000-04:00

Wow. This week has flown by. Lots of late nights and long work days, but the long weekend is finally here. Rich and I are committed to our home this weekend. Prepping our pad for our new deck (coming next week). Having a deck is going to change our lives. We'll be able to eat outside, sun outside, even shower outside. I may even attempt to add some greenery, like a basil plant here and there. Guess this means we'll be in the market for patio furniture too. How fun!

Happy Canada Day - next year we celebrate on our deck.

Thinking About It

2011-06-23T22:04:00.000-04:00

I've done my best to dress nice everyday this week and I've actually enjoyed wearing dresses and heels. But now that the weekend is almost here I am seriously thinking about crawling and staying in a pair of sweats. Forgive me Rich, I must be comfy.

All Ice Cream All The Time

2011-06-23T13:37:00.002-04:00

No wonder I have a tummy ache.

Inspiration

2011-06-20T14:24:00.000-04:00

This colourful wall is inspiring me to paint my den.

JELL-O Dreamy

2011-06-14T09:54:00.000-04:00

Wish I was at this Jell-O competition. Just to wiggle and jiggle and taste all of the entries.

Mmm So Good

2011-06-12T15:45:00.000-04:00

Last night we helped make (but mostly watched) fresh pasta. I can't tell you how incredible it was. It did however take hours, but the Pasta Amatriciana was well worth it. What a feast! Yum, thanks so much Elm Grove neighbourhoods.

Pretty

2011-06-10T15:55:00.000-04:00

Gold infinity hoops are a must!

This Just Blew My Mind

2011-06-09T13:55:00.000-04:00

The Perfect Night For Watermelon

2011-06-08T19:09:00.004-04:00

Best Birthday Cake

2011-06-08T17:45:00.000-04:00

Thanks so much Lenni. The cake was divine and that jam inside was amazing. Wish it was my birthday right now, just so I could eat this cake all over again.