xox

In the trenches

The power of the trench never ceases to amaze me. May the force be with you. xox

Growing old

Is not that bad when it means growing more comfortable in your own skin, more comfortable with your choices and decisions and more comfortable with being unapologetic. If it also means looking like this, then it is not bad at all. Happy belated birthday to my lil sis Ariane! xox

Heart. melting.

Lil Bub. The cutest of creatures. Dwarf, toothless, perennial kitten-faced. I am not a cat lady but if this was running around my house, I might just become one. xox
P.S. A year of Lil Bub. Thank me later.

Year in review

I always dread the ubiquitous recap post every year end. I dread it because while necessary, I find it quite painful to take stock of the good and the bad. As if somehow, it was too cliché, or worst, as if i wanted to burry my head in the sand for fear of disappointment, of realizing that my life perhaps is not where it ought to be or where i would like it to be. And this, I think it's the heart of the matter and a trap, I, too often fall for: who says things should be a certain way? Who says things have to be perfect? This year, I've been humbled my mistakes, gratified by hard work, inspired by so many things, proud of my accomplishments, and grateful for opportunities that have been bestowed upon me. I have also been embarrassed by the way certain events have unfolded...because they didn't hold a candle to my expectations. But then I realized: who gives a shit about expectations? Some things might not turn out the way you wanted them too but perhaps that makes it more interesting, more human and yes, more humbling. So here's what I wish for 2013 to be: a humbling year full of fuck-ups and learning curves, full of laughter and joy, full of common made extraordinary, full of LOVE. I want love to be all around, to touch everything i do and perhaps, if i'm the luckiest girl in the world, to enter my life permanently. But as it ever was, if my wishes are not met, if for some reason, things don't turn out the way i planned, if I hit a wall... than at least, i know I have self-love and that is invaluable. Wishing you all the most glorious and joyful year. A year of YES. xox

"Believe the wondrous is real. that is how you wish it into being" Diana Vreeland

Move like Jagger

I have a slight obsession with the Jaggers. It's healthy, I promise but its still there. I love everything Rolling Stones but more than that, I love everything Mick Jagger. I recently read an editor saying that Bianca Jagger (Mick's first wife and activist) was a style icon in her own right and that nobody like her owned white. I agree with this. White is my favorite color and this woman dressed in white (and black) and knew how. She was chic and ethereal (and sexy!)without looking too virginal and proper. Who says you need colors? I'll take her ex-husband too. xox

Cleanse

I was recently gifted with samples of this product. Having acne-prone skin and having battled acne for years, I am always weary of trying new products, especially when one works so well for me (Olay facial cleanser, 8$ (CAN)). I had never heard of Eve-Lom before and so, i tried this as I try any and all samples: with caution. But wow, this...this product is amazing. Amazing. The cleanser is thick and rich and smells like you are in a spa (some people have complained about the medicinal odor but I for one, quite enjoy it). It comes with a muslin cloth and in essence, unclogs your pores and imparts a sumptuous glow to your skin. If you follow the instructions given (which invite you to massage your face with hot and cold water), your skin will feel hydrated and dewy, even in the thick of winter. I can't recommend it enough.  This feels like a treat every time I use it. And we all deserve a treat. xox

Bare minimum

45cm of snow? I'm in complete denial. xox

xox

Wonderful things

1-The emotion, her dress, her hair, their relaxed vibe...everything.
2-Driving at sunset when the sky is better than a painting.
3-A blazer with a white t-shirt. So simple yet so perfect.
4-Coffee and delicate rings.
5-Art and vibrant colors.
6-Love, always. That's the ideal.

xox

Better laugh

Than cry. And hope to be adorable like Jessica Day. xox

Happy and bright

Wishing you a very wonderful Christmas time with your family and loved ones. I'm taking the next few days to completely relax and let go and I hope you get to do the same and focus on what matters most. As always, thanks you ever so kindly for reading me. You mean everything. xox

"Why not seize the pleasure at once, how often is happiness destroyed by preparation, foolish preparations." Jane Austen

This world

I know that this week's past events have been discussed at length. The tragedy, the grief, the sorrow. And I don't feel like I have much more to add. What can you say? How can you make sense of it? But yesterday the story of the young girl in India who was gang raped last week-end came to my attention. And I just couldn't. I just can't. We are all wonderfully imperfect beings. What pushes some of us to think they have the right to destroy another person's life, violate their basic rights and deprive them of all that is good and bright? I think now more than ever we need respect and we need it now. We need love, we need togetherness, we need compassion, we need understanding. This may sound so cliché but it has to start with us. It has to extend from the I to the we. Let's all rewire ourselves to be better. I truly believe we can. xox

Stunning

Morea by François Caput. xox

Welcome to my bed!

One of my New Year's project? Re-do my bed. You see with two dogs sleeping with me (I know, so bad but so good!), a sister who considers that my bed is her personal sofa and well, me, my covers and bedding are torn to shreds. So...I have decided to spoil myself in 2013 and buy amazing sheets. I want to lounge around in my bed like the girl from this pic. So, I'll be heading to Target soon to make my bed my home. And you're invited. xox

Treat it

When things turn to shite, what do you do? What are your best remedies for days when nothing seems to make sense? For weeks that seem to go on forever? Whenever I feel blue (or gray), I tend to always gravitate towards the same few things. These are my "feel better" recipe: 1- visit Maybe Mcqueen. This woman's resilience is astounding. She writes beautifully and her pictures always put a smile on my face. When I visit her site, I feel like things are put back into perspective. 2- Take a shower. Things get clearer under water. 3- Eat chocolate or if i'm really lucky, warm brownies.  3- Visit Love Life. Nicole sees beauty in everything. That inspires me. 4- Cuddle with my dogs. 5- Get a haircut (the biggest indulgence for me). 5-Hit the gym. Sweating out the bad always feels amazing. Even if you are reluctant about going in the first place. 6- Watch a good movie. 7- Knit. 8- Go eat something really decadent with a friend. And you? How do you get better? xox

“The mistakes, the potholes, the journeys, the bad patterns – all of it is so much clearer to me now…but I still don’t totally feel like a grown-up. Maybe I never will.” Drew Barrymore to Allure Magazine

That shot

Alfred Eisenstaedt, Couple kissing in front of the Delta Tau Delta mummy at the University of the South, 1940

This is the kind of picture that fuels my love for photography. No need for theatrics or out-of-this-world decor. An unusual setting and good point of view is all you need. xox

What holds you together?

What makes you whole? What makes your world go round? For me, it's good food, friends, cinéma, my dogs, this blog and chocolate. What's on your list? xox

Winter wonderland

 

 I may not like the long-winding winter, but there is something to be said about days like today: where your emotions and stress-level are running high, where you just can't be bothered with social interactions or any bullshit. And then, you step outside. And the snow is falling, the air is sweet with moisture, the wind is heavy and all around, there is a soft and sticky snow blanket. Days like today make me love winter. Make me wish for more of it. The calm outside and the calm inside. xox

"We must be our own before we can be another’s." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Love

Sorry for the self-indulgent photo. But now, more than ever, I think people need love. They need to know that they are loved, and appreciated. And I appreciate you guys, with all my heart.  I love this blog and I love you. Know that, cuz its true. xox

Wave, Night

Georgia O'Keefe. Wave, Night, 1928. xox

Favorite

 Yesterday, I had a conversation with a lovely guy I met at my Christmas party. Life's wonderful sometimes. You meet people -and even if it's not romantical or sexual- and perhaps, even more so because they are strangers, you end up having true discussions. The kind where you pour your heart out. Even in the midst of a party. And so I am greateful for this. I am also grateful for him asking me what is my favorite dessert (my subject of choice; don't even get me started.) And so, I had to think long and hard but then decided that it is a toss up between molten chocolate cake and warm-just-out-of-the-oven brownies. And so, in the new year -even before that- I intend to have more of both. Of intense and real discussions and of sweet goodness. Life is crazy short, and shit, if I can't have my cake and I can't eat it, where's the pleasure it it? xox

"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies." The Shawhank Redemption

Far away

 

Saturday night wishing. xox

And then she realized, he also loved to walk... xox

I'm ok with being weird. xox

Exotic

This is so far away from my style. Yet, i love everything about this. Wish I dared more sometimes. 2013, here I come. xox

La vie bohème

Lovelies, find me on Pinterest! Follow me and i'll follow you. Deal? xox