Apartment #412

Fin.

2012-01-12T04:49:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

You can now find me blogging over here permanently.

I'll be taking this blog down, permanently, in a few days.

It was good while it lasted but it's essentially been silent for over a year.

I've grown and changed so much.

2012 is for bigger and better.

Hope you decide to come along for the ride.

UPDATE: A Permanent Move

2011-09-23T06:52:00.001-04:00

Wow. Time is flying. It's been just over six months since I last posted here. Which means I've been living in India now for six months. Crazy.

In case you're wondering about this post title, I'm not permanently moving to India - but I have decided that once I return back to Toronto (in six months) I'll probably continue to blog over at my new blog home and this one will be put to rest. I know I've had tons of blog homes in the past but I'm pretty certain this will be my final move (I hope!).

I'm really enjoying the space that I'm carving out over there and hope you'll stop by to say hi - and perhaps even update your readers and follow me there. I'm sharing tons of pics and my thoughts/feelings/observations about my adventure here in India....and I'm slowly starting to mix in some decor and other things - which is why I got started blogging in the first place!

xo

+all pictures by me

the time has finally come.

2011-03-14T13:04:00.002-04:00

Wow.

I so can't believe it's been 2.5 months since my last update here on Apartment #412. Time has flown by.

This may be a bit late, but I'm hoping you all had a very Happy New Year and that 2011 has been great so far.

If you follow me on twitter or read my other blog - which I have been updating - or if you've been a regular reader of this blog, you'll know that I've been preparing to move to India for the past several months to work as a paid volunteer at a non-profit organization.

Well, the time has finally come. My suitcase is (mostly packed) and in less than 3 days I'll be heading across the world to really start this new, yearlong adventure. I'm feeling a whole bunch of emotions that I can't even articulate.........nervous, excited, scared, anxious.....

So, that means this is the last post on Apartment #412 as this blog will now be going on hiatus. I don't know if I'll continue blogging here after my year in India; I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. For now it'll remain open to the public but by the end of the month I'll make it private....if I decide to continue on here once I return at that point I'll make it public again.

I hate to leave you all hanging (and I hope it doesn't look that way) but I really hope you decide to follow me over to my newer travelogue and come along on this journey, albeit viturally, with me. I'll be blogging my experiences, thoughts, tips, everyday stuff....and lots and lots of pictures.

Thank you so much for your readership over the past few years. It means more to me than you know.

Xoxo
k

The Second To Last Post

2010-12-30T10:53:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, yes? Mine was lovely and I received some very thoughtful gifts.

With only 2 days (or a day and a half really) left in 2010 I have mixed emotions and feelings about the year. It was tough but I learned a lot (is that cliche to say?) and did a lot of growing as a person - however, it's not a year that I'd like to repeat! 2011 on the other hand, I think will be much different and I am looking forward to it. I think it's going to be a good year.....

I've written two kinda "end of year" posts over on my new blog that I won't repeat here but invite you to take a look at if you wish. The first was a 2010 Photography Wrap-Up where I shared some of my favourite pictures I've taken this year. The other is a kind of a 2010 Review post.

However you decide to ring in 2011 I hope you have a lovely and safe evening; I hope 2011 is everything you need it to be and so much more. Really, I do.

See you back here some time next week when I hope to make my final post on this blog, before it goes on hiatus, a video post!

k

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

2010-12-25T10:51:00.000-05:00

I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and/or Happy Holidays. Seriously, without all of you reading and leaving your comments, suggestions, thoughts, this blog would not be what it is. I appreciate you all stopping by my little piece of the internet daily/weekly however often it is and spending your time reading my thoughts.

Take it easy and enjoy the day with your loved ones and see you on Monday...when I'm going to try and get my act together and do a video post :)

WINNER OF THE HOLIDAY/THANK YOU GIVEAWAY!

2010-12-15T22:44:00.001-05:00

Thank you to everyone who entered my Thank You/Holiday Giveaway. Since I chose the winner the old fashioned way (by pulling the name out of a hat!) I thought it would be fun to do a little video blog so you guys could watch as the winner was selected.

This is my FIRST video post (vlog?) so excuse all the "umms" (and I'm not sure why the video quality looks not to great...I swear it's crystal clear on my camera....maybe I'll upload in HD format next time....) but I'll definitely be doing more in the future! If you're on YouTube feel free to subscribe to my channel as well (FIWL2011).

(And just in case you don't feel like watching the video the winner is mentioned below.)

Congratulations to Jason of the blog These Roving Eyes. I've been reading Jason's blog for quite some time now and have had the pleasure of meeting him this past summer; I'm very curious to know what book will be selected! The winner (Jason) has until Friday, December 17 at 11:59 p.m. ET to contact me via email letting me know which 1 of the 9 books he'd like! If Jason does not contact me by then a new winner will be selected and announced on Monday, December 20.

Thanks again everyone! And if you haven't already checked out my new blog please drop by and say hi!

Perfect Table Setting

2010-12-13T19:31:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all of you who entered my thank you/holiday giveaway by commenting on my new travelogue, becoming followers of it, and tweeting the giveaway. Thank you so much! Since one person could have up to 3 entries I'm selecting the winner via the old fashioned way of writing the names out on pieces of paper, putting them in a hat, and pulling the winner....so stay tuned. Winner to be announced this Wednesday the 15th!

In the meantime, I leave you with this pic seen in the new issue of Lonny Magazine available now. If you've been reading this blog for any amount of time you know that I adore pink as an accent colour and that gold is my most favourite metal...combined with the fun & graphic black & white fabric...well it's just perfect. I'm in love with the entire look and may very well try to duplicate it in my future eating area....when I return from India. I'm particularly IN LOVE with the fabric used as tablecloth. Totally feminine, grown up, and chic....but still young and fun.

+pics from Lonny Magazine.

Reminder...Giveaway Ends Tonight!

2010-12-08T09:00:00.004-05:00

Just a quick reminder that my holiday/thank you giveaway ends tonight at 11:59 p.m. EST. So if you haven't already entered scroll down for details - then head over to my new travelogue From India. With Love. to enter. It's open to all Apt. #412 readers (not just Canadians!) and I mean, who doesn't love a good book???

Good Luck!

Blog Love: How About Orange

2010-12-06T19:35:00.002-05:00

Are you guys familiar with the blog How About Orange? If not you simply must check it out. Earlier today I spent far too long going through the archives bookmarking future DIYs, downloading wallpapers for my desktop and twitter background, and clicking a bunch of links.

+ Things to Make With Crepe Paper

+ DIY Modern Paper Ornament

+ Make Fabric Prints with Tape

And that is just the very tip of the iceberg. I don't know how she finds all this great stuff or comes up with these awesome DIYs and ideas but my gosh I love it. I also don't know why/how I'm just discovering this blog.....

5 More Days To Enter My Giveaway

2010-12-03T09:47:00.002-05:00

click here to find out how

A Holiday & Thank You Giveaway!

2010-12-01T00:01:00.039-05:00

Happy Holidays!

As many of you know I'll be moving to India in the New Year (in March to be exact) and have started a new blog From India. With Love. You also may have noticed that postings on this blog have subsequently become a bit....slow and at the end of the year Apt.#412 will be going on temporary hiatus. Come January I'll be in full pre-departure mode for India, throwing my pregnant sister's baby shower (my first niece/nephew!), and just getting a lot of stuff ready and in order.....to be honest maintaining two blogs is the last thing I want to do. I decided to start From India. With Love. to document all of the adventures I will have in India and as sort of a resource for anyone thinking of moving to India (especially women or people of colour) or people who simply plan on visiting India. I'd love for you to join me on my new blog.....

Which leads me to my final Apt.#412 Giveaway which is also a THANK YOU for reading along for the past....15 months.

I'm a huge lover of books - not just novels but books about design (hence this blog)...about travel (hence my new blog)...about photography (which there will be lots of on the new blog)...as well as books that are inspirational...and many other kinds...

SO my giveaway is for ONE WINNER to receive ONE of the following books (winner chooses which book they would like to receive). The books with an asterisk I have read/own (and in the case of the DVD also seen) and 100% vouch for. The others are ones that I would love to own. I think they are all great and would be a great addition to your bookshelf or coffee table....

Domino's Book Of Decorating*

If you're a design blogger or read Domino then you've heard all about this book...

Within The Frame by David DuChemin*

This is not a technical book per say - what it is is a book about how to make meaningful photos...

especially those of the travel kind - and to help you with your photographic vision...

Who Will Cry When You Die*

I've often quoted this book in posts...little short thoughts/lessons that inspire...

Lonely Planet India

Lonely Planet guidebooks are amongst the most popular....

Just in case you're planning on visiting India...

on Happy Chic Colors

I LOVE colour in homes but for a lot of people it's tough knowing how to inject colour into your space...get tips and ideas from the master of colourful, playful, quirky design...

Eat, Pray, Love DVD*

Most people have heard of this book/dvd...watched the movie this weekend -

the scenery and colours are stunning...

Secret Daughter*

A really touching book that goes back and forth between India and America....

Lauren Conrad Style

I'm not a fashion blogger or the type that reads fashion...guidebooks...but I flipped through this one at the bookstore and it's one fashion book I'd really like to own.

1,000 Places To See Before You Die*

The new 2010 updated version - filled with inspiring places and things to see...

Now here's how you can win:

- Visit my NEW blog From India. With Love. and comment on ANY POST. Be sure to include: (Apt.412 giveaway some place in your comment) so I know you're entering the draw.

- For a ANOTHER chance to win become a follower of From India. With Love. - scroll to the bottom of the main page and you'll see the widget thingy. (sorry if you already follow you don't get a second entry!)

- For yet ANOTHER chance to win tweet or do a quick post (even a sentence or two) on your blog about this giveaway (and let me know at imnotreallyadiva[at]gmail.com). In the tweet be sure to include @kayinto and a link (http://bit.ly/fcVAQd) back to this post so I know you've tweeted.

And that's it. A few ways to win one of these fantastic books (or DVD)!

The giveaway closes on December 8, 11:59 p.m. EST and the winner will be announced here on Apartment #412 on December 9, 2010.

Hope you enter and good luck!

DIY Celeb Artwork

2010-11-29T17:22:00.000-05:00

Before I get into this post I'll preface this by saying I've had this post saved in my draft for over 2.5 years. Yes, you read right and I didn't make a mistake. 2.5 YEARS. Actually, 2 years 7 months to be exact.

Not cool.

It's a good post I think and it should have been posted a long time ago...so since Apartment #412 will be going on a hiatus very soon I decided now is as good a time as any to get this up. Some of the reference might be a bit...old (like me watching Real World Hollywood)...but other than that it's all good.

Now, on to the post.

**********

Frank Sinatra

First - doesn't Frank Sinatra look cute in that mugshot? Okay, now that I've got that out of the way.

I remember reading about this idea in a magazine a few years ago but was reminded of it recently when I was watching The Real World Hollywood. If you look closely in their main living area you will see artwork using celeb mugshots.

I thought this would be a fun simple DIY to bring the look into your own space. A quick google search found TONS of pics and here, for whatever reason, are a few that caught my eye:

Jane Fonda

Jimi Hendrix

Bill Gates

I myself prefer the old-school mug shots with the numbers in them. But if you do a simple google search you can find tons of celeb mugshots. Everyone from Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan to Michael Jackson....and basically 99% of Hollywood. Look.

**********

Updated to add:

I think this would look pretty cool hung either gallery style or the exact opposite - very structured. I'm not sure it would work in every decor but I think it would be quite fun in most...you could even use black and white pics to make it a bit more understated or do the pop art look as above in the RW house.

You could even have a bit of a theme...one I thought of would be prominent figures from the civil rights movement including Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcom X - I can totally see that being a conversation starter. Or if you're into young Hollywood you could do Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, and Nicole Ritchie...that would be a bit funny.

There are even books filled with celeb mugshots like this one and this one. They are paperback so I'm not sure the pics from it would work to be framed but it's still kinda cool. (Wait, this one is hardcover...)

money green leather sofa

2010-11-18T21:31:00.001-05:00

click to see larger

coolest. leather. sofa. ever.

with lyrics from one of my favourite hip-hop songs ever.

i know like 98% of the lyrics by heart.

that's pretty darn accurate if you ask me.

+seen in The Selby Book

Apartment #412 Etsy Store Update

2010-11-17T11:18:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to pop in quickly to let you all know that I'm working really hard to get my Apartment #412 Etsy Shop opened for next week. I've picked up some more amazing finds (vintage housewares) and can't wait to share them all with you - I may even have a little giveaway to celebrate its opening.

You can read this post about my plans for the Apartment #412 Etsy Shop.

Also, if you'd like, pop over to my travelogue and give me your input/suggestions on the dreaded travel sandal......the search has begun!

Tears + Warm and Fuzzy Feelings

2010-11-09T09:16:00.001-05:00

I wanted to share a blog post that almost had me in tears and a newly discovered blog with all of you....

Jason, who I've mentioned before, of the blog These Roving Eyes is one of my favourite bloggers. His pictures and breathtaking and literally blow my mind (seriously Jason, can we please have a quick photography teaching session before I go to India...I'm SO serious?!) but even more beautiful, if that's possible, is Jason's writing.

He is, plain and simple, an amazing writer. A few weeks ago Jason wrote one of the most truthful, honest, and moving posts I have ever read on any blog. Ever. It was his coming out story. I read it with tears in my eyes. Not sad tears but hopeful tears. Because with all of the.....bullying going on with teens afraid to come out (and teens committing suicide because of this) I wished that each and everyone of them could read his post and know that things would be okay and things would get better. That one day the weight would be lifted and they too would take root. If you have a minute or two please give his post a read because it really is beautiful.

My next find is a wonderful new blog that when I stop by gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling. Lurve You is, in the authors own words, "a blog dedicated to love - fleeting love, true love, and everything in between."

The posts are short & sweet and I can't stop by Lurve You and read a couple of posts without saying "awwwww." Who doesn't like getting that warm & fuzzy feeling?

Well, there they are folks. If you stop by either I'd love to know what you think!

(oh, and I recently did a post over on FIWL about why I'm going to India, what I'll be doing while I'm there & why India...if you're curious about the full story pop over and give it a read :)

Film and Digital [+ come visit my new blog!]

2010-11-04T22:06:00.001-04:00

I picked up some film from the lab that I should have picked up.........back in September. That's one of the fun things about film - sometimes you forget what you took pictures of so when you get it back it's like a surprise! In this case it was shots I took when I was in Ottawa for my volunteer training back at the end of August and despite my shutter button acting up and not always working when I wanted it to - I'm really pleased with the outcome. Some of them are slightly over/underexposed and some of them are not quite in focus (because of the fidgety shutter button) - but, for some of them, it adds to the picture I think.

I remembered that some of the shots I captured on film I also captured, albeit a slightly different view/angle, on digital. I thought it would be fun to post both so, hopefully, you guys can see the difference that I see between the two formats.

Digital.

Film.

Film

Digital

Film (underexposed)

Digital. (underexposed)

Film. (overexposed)

This isn't meant to be scientific or anything like that - I just thought since I had both I'd share both. In all fairness I had just received my new digital camera and was still getting the hang of it - so I used it in 'auto' for most of my trip. But, regardless, I think the differences are evident - no? Also - despite the difference I still adore my new digital camera...especially now that I'm shooting in manual with it.

So - to be clear - I love my digital AND film camera but they do give different results.

To see more of my shots on film click here.

P.S. I know I've been bad with updating this blog. Remember, you can always find me blogging here. Would love to see you over there - stop by and say "hi" or "follow" me there (scroll down to the bottom for the follow widget).

Have a great weekend!

My Interior Design Style...Exactly.

2010-10-26T19:50:00.001-04:00

There was this blogger meme thingy that was going around a while back asking you to pick one picture that is 'your interior design style.' Actually, for anyone even the least bit interested in interior design it's a something you've definitely thought about "what is my style?"

Well these pictures of Peacock Pavilions are the perfect illustration of my style.

This is my dream home and exactly the type of direction I'm going to take my decor in when I have my next permanent home. It's comfortable but chic. Bright. Colourful. Patterns galore. Global. Basically every piece has a story...a history. It's interesting.

I love it.

To see much more pictures of Peacock Pavilions (boutique hotel/guesthouse built & decorated by blogger Maryam of My Marrakesh) head over to Decor8.

To see even more pictures, and to see how it all came to be, visit My Marrakesh.

----------
+ ALL Images are of Peacock Pavilions. Image 1 found on the blog My Marrakesh. Image 2 & 3 found on the site Decor8.

DIY Pillow

2010-10-21T19:15:00.001-04:00

See that pillow. It's made of doilies. Yes, doilies. Most people can find a huge stack of doilies at their parent's or grandparents house. And if not they cost anywhere from 0.49-0.99 each at the thrift store.

Rachel of the blog Smile and Wave made that pillow and posted a how-to. Click here to check it out.

If I weren't going to India and, you know, and still had a couch to put the pillow on, I'd totally be making one this weekend. Heck, I might take some doilies to India and make a few while I'm there. You know, to spruce up whatever cheap sofa I'll have while I'm there.

+Picture from the blog Smile and Wave

the BEST ikea hack EVER

2010-10-17T15:15:00.002-04:00

I've seen a lot of Ikea hacks but this has to be the most incredible one I've EVER seen.

From this:

To this:

Seriously, if I was not moving to India in 4.5 months I would totally be doing this. Copying it step by step - same colour and everything. (Maybe a darker stain to the legs). I love it.

Click here to read how Dan of the blog Manhattan Nest transformed the humble Ikea Fjellse bed frame into a chic upholstered beauty - with, among other things, a $25 wool blanket from the army supply store - genius! Seriously, a bed like this would cost HUNDREDS of dollars at West Elm, Crate & Barrel, or anyone of those other stores. Dan did it for $94. Plus the cost of the frame (which is like a whole 50 bucks for the queen size).

Wicked.

Thank me later*.

(*and thanks to Anna of Door Sixteen for sharing this blog. I now have something new in my reader!)

Oh that reminds me.....

Earlier this week my new blog From India. With Love. was selected by Anna as one of her featured blogs for the month of October. It's a new thing she's doing on her newly revamped blog where, instead of a blog roll, each month she features four or five blogs she's hoping to bring a little more attention to rather than letting them get lost in a sea of links.

Ya, I know right! My new lil' ol' humble blog got the thumbs up from one of the big (and when I say big that's an understatement) dawgs. It's especially cool to me because Anna has been one of my absolute favourite reads for about two years now and one thing I've always loved about Door Sixteen is that it is ad free and she doesn't participate in link exchanges. It makes everything that she does link to feel...genuine. Like it's there because she genuinely enjoys it not because she was asked/paid/sponsored to mention it. So I'm genuinely flattered to be featured this month.

So what are YOU waiting for? If you haven't clicked over and given it a read yet go now. I dare you.

Thanks Anna!

6 WEEK CHALLENGE

2010-10-15T16:25:00.000-04:00

Two posts in one day? Awesome.

So I tweeted this earlier today and it occured to me some of you might be interested..I then got the idea to make it into a sort of challenge/virtual support group (lol) and share it here.

Every now and then I get motivated to go the gym, try and get fit, and to shed some pounds. Now is one of those times. I figure, if a few of us got together, to share what’s working & what’s not, and to make it fun – we could do this together! So if you’re looking for some extra motivation to lose actual pounds/ inches/reach a fitness goal – this could be fun…and an extra way to stay motivated.

I’ve decided to keep the challenge going for 6 weeks beginning on Monday, October 17th (short notice yes but I’m ready to get started!) and was thinking that if I get 3 or more people interested I could throw up a quick blog or something that we would all contribute to in order to keep each other up to date and motivated.

If you’re interested in joining my 6 Week Challenge drop me a line at imnotreallyadiva(at)gmail.com and I’ll send you the 411!

Have a great weekend!

Deals, Meet-Ups, & Courage

2010-10-15T10:09:00.000-04:00

So I just wanted to quickly pop in and share two things with you all.

First, thanks to tweeps on twitter I found out that Gap is having a pretty good promotion/deal right now. Bring in ANY pair of old/worn jeans that you no longer want/wear and get 30% of any pair of jeans from their new 1969 line. It doesn’t have to be an old pair of Gap jeans – it can be ANY PAIR OF JEANS. And yes my fellow Canadians – this promotion is for us too, I went in and checked :) (I hate it when you hear about a good deal/promotion only to find out it’s only in the U.S.) Oh, it also applies to kids & baby denim, so this may be a good time to get a pair or two for your kiddos if you have ‘em. I’m going to get two pairs on my lunch break….I think this is going on until the 20th of Oct. but you may want to double check.

Second, and this is for my fellow Canucks (if you’re wondering what that is/means you probably aren’t one!), you know how you always hear about design blogger meet ups in cities like Chicago and NYC and you always wonder – why not one here too? Well, Viatania of Verdigris de Vie, Daniella of Dress Design and Decor, and Jennifer of Rabling Renovators are in the midst of coordinating a Canadian Designer Blogger meet-up taking place in Toronto! I just got an email from them that the date will be November 20th with location/more details to come. The ladies are also setting up a site (which should go live next week) to keep us all updated but in the meantime, if you’re interested, you can drop them a line at cdndesignbloggers(at)gmail.com to be added to the mailing list. I’ll be going and I hope if you’re a Canadian design blogger, and you can make it, that you go too! I’d love to finally meet some of you in person.

That’s it from me today. Have you checked out my new travelogue From India. With Love. yet? If not, click over and take a look. With my upcoming move to India to volunteer a lot of people have been calling/telling me I'm inspiring and brave so I did a post this week on Courage. It took me a while to write and it's one of my blog posts that I’m particularly proud of. I would love your feedback and to hear what you think about it and on courage in general.

Happy Friday!

Thankful

2010-10-12T11:42:00.000-04:00

Yes that's a (real) Saarinen Table and (real) Bertoia chairs.
They make me swoon.

Yesterday was Thanksgiving Day in Canada. I spent Sunday at my sisters with her and her boyfriend celebrating a bit early. We enjoyed a lovely meal, good conversation, and played Def Jam Rap Star which is incredibly fun. I have a lot to be thankful for and I did a quick post over on From India. With Love. Please check it out....there's also little peeks into my sister's lovely condo. Maybe I should do a tour of her place her on Apt. #412.....

(If you're really observant some of you may recognize it as we did an episode of Property Virgins on HGTV....)

The Next Chapter: I'm Moving To India!

2010-10-08T00:08:00.001-04:00

***I'd like to preface this by saying I was planning on doing this post as a video post - my first. I knew what I was going to say, I got a fancy new camera that shoots hi-def video and it was going to be totally cute.....but I can't figure out how to get video OFF the camera ONTO my computer lmao. So I'll do a video post later.***

Yup, you read right. I'm moving to India - for 1 year to volunteer. Those of you who follow me on twitter already know this, and other regular readers might know this too from this post and this post....but for those of you who pop in every now and then you might have missed the whole thing since it was a decision that was made over a few weeks/posts.

So, yeah, that's the next chapter for me! And while I'm a bit nervous, I've never done anything like this, I'm also excited. Pursuing a career in International Development has been something I've been seriously thinking about doing for the past 2 years and I've always wanted to live abroad, in another culture, for the experience. So this will give me the opportunity to do both.

You're probably wondering when I leave. Well, it was supposed to be in November - yes, as in 3 weeks from now! But shortly after I accepted the placement offer (and in turn got accepted by the organization back in July) my sister found out that she is pregnant - I'm going to be an Aunt!!! I know, so much excitement, right?! So I asked the volunteer organization if there was any way my arrival could be postponed to the next arrival date - which is March. It was a long shot. Chances were they would find another volunteer to go in November and find another placement for me (possibly in another country). After learning about the placement and learning more about India (and thinking about the countries in the area I could easily travel to) my heart was really set on going. So I waited. And at the end of August I attended a pre-departure training with other volunteers in Ottawa for 5 days. And while I was there - I got confirmation that they would reschedule my arrival for March!

To me, this was like another sign that I'm on the right path. Cheesey as it may sound, when it comes to this opportunity everything just seems to be falling into place and working out. It's like...this is what I should be doing.

Oh, and today I got my scheduled arrival date....6 days BEFORE my niece/nephew is due! I told my sister come February she better pop that sucker out - eat some spicy foods or something lolol.

SO that is why Apartment #412 is now empty. I decided to move home to save up some extra cash before March. It just makes the most sense financially...

And, with this new chapter in my life and this new adventure comes............

....a new blog! Again, those of you who follow me on twitter already know about my new travelogue. It's called From India. With Love. and that is where I will blog EVERYTHING related to my upcoming move to India (and where I will blog full-time come March). Even though I'm not leaving until March I'm blogging there right now - my thoughts, preparation (I'm taking Hindi classes!)...and yes some decor stuff too :) I mean, I will have to decorate my flat while I'm there! So I'd love for you all to "follow" me over there too! If you want to follow me on my new adventure - that's where I'll be doing it...complete with lots of pictures! So go on, click over and take a look - I hope you like it! (and if you scroll to the bottom of FIWL you'll see the 'follow' button).

Just to clarify, Yes - I know I've started many blogs in the past. But to be clear as of right now, as I type this, I post on only two blogs. This one here that you're reading and From India. With Love. Some of you may want to know "Why the new blog? Why not just blog about your new adventure here?" and that is totally a valid question. To answer it I'll say...I just wanted a new space that was for this new adventure and chapter in my life. It's like.....you know when you start a new job - you buy a new outfit, or a new purse, or shoes...well, it's like that. The new blog is the equivalent of my new "outfit."

So what will happen to Apartment #412? Well, I'll continue to blog here, the type of posts that you're used to, until then the end of the year. But I'll also be blogging at FIWL. And, come the new year I'll only be blogging on FIWL. I figure come January things will start getting really busy for me and it will probably be hard to maintain both. But don't worry. I'll let you all know before this blog goes quiet :)

So that's it for now. This post is pretty long and if you've read this far thank you! I also want to thank everyone who left a comment or thoughts on moving abroad for a year. I read every single one, several times, and it blows my mind that you all take time to leave such thoughtful comments. I really appreciate it and will say it again, I have some of the best blog followers on the 'net :)

It's Thanksgiving Day here on Monday & it's a long weekend. I'll see you on Tuesday!

And don't forget to go check out my new blog (www.fromindia--withlove.blogspot.com)! And become a follower :)

The End*

2010-10-05T14:54:00.000-04:00

On to the next chapter.

Update in the next day or two.

*kinda ;)

New FLOR tiles!

2010-10-03T19:55:00.000-04:00

While I know FLOR tiles are a good idea (easily being able to switch out one tile when it gets dirty, creating your "own" rug pattern ) I haven't been the biggest fan of them. I dunno why. Just hadn't seen a pattern that really appealed to me (and yes I know you can get them plain....)

But I just saw these ones and LOVE them.

I love how this entire image is styled...Ohh to have all those hermes boxes...or that table...

Or you can configure the tiles like this!
(Minus the solid blue tiles which I'm not a fan of)

At just $12.99 a tile you can put together a 5x7 rug for just under $160! I definitely see some of these floor tiles in my future (in you know - 1.5 years). Oh, they're called Sophistikat if you're interested :)

This one is pretty cool too:

Available here.

More Film

2010-10-02T20:01:00.002-04:00

The shutter button on my film camera (Canon AE-1) is being temperamental. Sometimes it won't click. Sometimes it will.

Very annoying and frustrating.

I'm not sure what the problem is and I'm not sure what it will cost to get it fixed. Rather than go through all the hassle I'll probably just buy another one because I really miss shooting film...and the results.

Until I figure out what the problem is and resolve it - here are some shots from my last roll that I didn't get around to sharing here. Click any of them to see larger.

My little brother holding a tomato from my garden

Downtown Toronto at night. I LOVE the way film captured this.

A plate filled with lobster from my favourite hole in the wall.
The lobster here is soooooo good.

Hope you're all having a great weekend!

QOTD: Any City In The World...

2010-10-01T09:23:00.002-04:00

Question, and I promise I'll expand on my thinking later, if you were 30ish, single, and given a plane ticket plus to relocate to any city (in the world) for a minimum of 2 years where would you go? And why? Would you stay close to "home" or in your country - or would you head overseas? And yes, you would have to find a job (or so something to generate income) at some point.

Do tell......

jumping on the bandwagon

2010-09-29T00:03:00.000-04:00

I'm incredibly happy that wide leg jeans/trousers/pants are, apparently, making a comeback.

As seen on uber fashion blogger Karla of Karla's Closet

...and Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere

by EmersonMade

(Apparently they were all over the fall runways). I'm not one to necessarily follow fashion trends too seriously, but I think this is a bandwagon I'll jump on and stay on. Because wide leg pants just work better on me and my curvy figure than skinny jeans. I don't know why it's taken me so long to admit that.

Wide leg pants I've missed you and I'm sorry I ever abandoned you.

Let's be friends again.

(& by the way, Gap has introduced new black pants (for anyone looking) and they are wonderful - and very well priced at $69 CAN. I'm usually a fan of Club Monaco's Tex style for my pants but the Gap ones are incredibly similar for half the price...and this weekend they were on sale - $45!)

Pet Peeves

2010-09-27T22:06:00.002-04:00

I've been meaning to share one of my pet peeves for some time now but then it just struck me as I thought "Why share just one? I have plenty I can share!" lol. So here goes. My top pet peeves - in no specific order.

1. The (I feel) misuse of the word "icon"

Fashion Icons?

Okay, this is actually a big pet peeve of mine. People/media throw this word around sooooo casually now and it annoys the heck out of me. Ashley and Mary Kate, Victoria Beckham, Sienna Miller, the girls from Gossip Girls etc. are NOT fashion icons! Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga (much as I love her) are NOT pop icons....I could go on and on naming people that others call "icons" who are not. My definition of an icon? Well, first, they have to have some kind of longevity. If they've only been "known" for two or three years - they're not an icon. I'm thinking you need at least 20 years in whatever industry you're in (unless there's an unfortunate untimely death - which often leads to icon status. Think James Dean. Marilyn Monroe. Marvin Gaye...). And that's just the beginning...some kind of official award/recognition would be nice. And the ability to appeal to a wide audience. And some kind of long lasting impact - whether it's cultural or humanitarian...something. And, this one is hard for me to explain, but they should kind of...be a voice...or something...of a generation, a group of people, an idea, a movement, a decade, an era....Sure I think some of the above could be on their way to becoming an "icon" - but as of now? Nope. So who DO I consider icons? Hmmm Michael Jackson = icon. Madonna = icon. Jacqueline Onassis Kennedy = icon. Iman = icon. Bob Marley = Icon. Maybe it's just my thinking though...

2. People who stand on the wrong side of the escalator.
One side is for standing, the other is for walking. Don't get mad at me when I say "excuse me" to get by you when YOU'RE standing on the wrong side.

3. People who don't say thank you (by a wave of the hand or some kind of acknowledgement) when I let them in while I'm driving.
Self explanatory.

4. The word "epic"
I'm getting tired of seeing everything described as and referred to as "epic."

5. Multiple use of LOL
Unless you're really laughing out loud all the time....(I'm guilty of using this too much as well)

6. When I'm listening to a song on the radio and the announcer doesn't say who the artist is.
I've been hearing this one song over and over again and not once have I heard the name of who actually sings it! Ugh!

7. When people constantly use the wrong there/their/they're
Once or twice, or on occasion, I can understand. ALL THE TIME, that's another story. I just had a quick review of this with my 18 year old brother. Reading his facebook updates were becoming painful....

8. When people say something silly about Canada/Canadians
But that could just be ignorance. Or maybe some people really just don't know....

Hmmm that's all I can think of right now...but I'm sure I could come up with some more if I give it some thought.

What about you? What are your pet peeves?

a SNEAK PEEK at the apartment #412 etsy store!

2010-09-23T22:12:00.001-04:00

Hand knit zig-zag throw in green ombre effect.

Hand-carved vase with gold underlay - this is stunning.
When you look close there are peacocks and birds in the carvings!

Hershey kiss shaped glass container.
Totally chic holding small supplies on the desk, no? Or keys at the entryway?
Or rings on your armoire....

Vintage brass apple. Can use as a finishing accent or a paper weight...

Vintage hobnail milk glass vase with gold trim.
This is so pretty and would look beautiful with flowers.

Vintage brass tray. Can be used for mail at the entryway or on your desk.

I finally FINALLY found a vintage alabaster marble lamp! I've been keeping my eyes open for one.
I LOVE the veins!
(Blogged my love for them here and here.)
Debating whether to put this in the Apartment #412 Etsy Shop or not...

This is just a sneak peak at some of the items that'll be in my Apartment #412 etsy shop! (measurements and any markings will also be listed in the etsy description).

I'm really happy with the items and love them all. I would proudly display any of them in my apartment and it's been incredibly hard for me to decide what to open the shop with - I kinda wanna keep them all!

But I'd love to know what you think - thoughts?

Packing

2010-09-20T22:14:00.000-04:00

This is what my apartment looks like right now. I have 10 days to move everything.

A part of me is a bit sentimental packing everything up - this is my first apartment after-all. I decorated it from scratch and owned very little when I moved in back in February 2009.

As I'm packing things up I'm doing some serious purging. I have tons of magazines and am determined to giveaway, recycle, donate at least half of them. I'm going through all my files, all my drawers - heck all my cd's, and clothes and only packing up what I truly love. Everything else goes...

It's weird knowing that I won't see the things that are in these boxes again for at least 1.5 years. I wonder how I'll feel when I cut the tape, open the box, and see them again. Will I think "what the hell was I thinking?!?" or will it be like Christmas morning....

Apartment #412 - The Etsy Shop : Opening Soon!

2010-09-20T09:41:00.000-04:00

(sorry, I’m blogging from work (shhhh!) so this is a picture-less post – but I’ll try to keep it short)

Yup, you read correct. I’m opening up an etsy shop – Apartment #412!

I think I said I was going to do this earlier in the year but just never got around to it. Now that I’m moving and putting all my stuff into storage and I can’t seem to stop thrifting (and finding, I think, great items) this seems to be a good compromise. If it can’t go into my home I still want them to go to good homes – like yours! So I hope you all weren’t just “talking the talk” when you said I have a good eye for this kind of stuff or that you would have bought a particular item I showed if you had seen it – because as of November 1 you’ll be able to! It’s been incredibly hard for me to sort through the items I already have (but never put out) and the items I’ve bought more recently (including this weekend!) to decide what to open the Apartment #412 etsy shop with – I love them all so much and want to keep them – but I’ve narrowed it down to a few items to start out with and as soon as I figure out how to calculate shipping costs I’ll have a “soft opening” of the shop to see if anyone actually buys anything. Some of the items I’ll be opening with?

- Vintage Brass Apple (nice accent for your desk, bookshelf, entry table…)
- Vintage Brass Lilly (this is really cool – it’s just the head of the lily. Again, a nice for your desk, bookshelf, entry table…)
- Set of 6 Crown Sheffield Knives with (Bakelite?) Horn Handles (incredibly chic for table setting for the upcoming holidays, dinner parties..)
- Leaded Crystal Glass Container (It’s shaped like…a hershey kiss. Perfect for jewellery or a glam way to hold office supplies on your desk, or keys at your entry way…)
- Vintage Brass Fleur De Lis Candleholders (Wall mounted. So awesome.)
- Hand-knit Zig-Zag Throw in Green Ombre Colouring (Very Missoni-esque)
- Set of 3 Mis-Matched Milk Glass Candle Holders (Can also be used for single flower stems)
- Small Vintage (Porcelain?) Dish with Floral Print and Scalloped Edges (very shabby chic chic. Would be lovely as a ring dish or a nice way to hold small office supplies (paperclips), or for keys/spare change at the entryway…)
- Set of 4 Black Hexagon Glass Mugs (The shape makes them awesome and then the colour elevates it to another level)
- Vintage Orange Italian Leaded Glass Curvy Vase (Makes a statement even when it’s empty)
- Vintage Brass Tray with Handle (Perfect for mail)

How does this all sound? I hope it sounds good – because the above is a good indication of the kinds of stuff my etsy shop will have. Small home accents. Lots of glass and brass. (I’m only sorry I didn’t pick up that brass bamboo magazine rack last week! Or the mustard yellow lamp with the crackled finish…)

And everything will be very reasonably priced. I’m not doing this to start a full-time or even part-time business. It’s because I can’t stop thrifting (lmao) and I figure the extra cash can go towards my upcoming Indian Adventure.

I hope to have all of your support in this new venture - whether it’s by buying or just blogging the opening, when it arrives, on your own blogs. And I’ll probably do a shop giveaway of some sort for the opening too. So stay tuned because I’ll definitely keep you all posted of what’s going on!

The Town

2010-09-19T01:35:00.002-04:00

So I just got in from seeing a late night showing of 'The Town' with my sister and her boyfriend and thought I'd do a quick post in case any of you are wondering what to do for the rest of your weekend.

Go see 'The Town.'

I really enjoyed it and would say it's probably my favourite movie of the year (so far).

No fancy CGI stuff. No highly unbelievable story line. Just a good ol' fashion gritty heist flick with really solid acting, just enough action, drama and suspense. (There were even a a few laughs..appropriate for the movie not jokes). Affleck is definitely back and Renner's performance was solid. I found him really believable. (Not that the others weren't). And I don't watch Mad Men but I read that the guy who plays the main FBI agent is from it...and Blake Lively's in it too. She's practically unrecognizable (which I think is a good thing and will come in handy if she wants to have a career beyond Gossip Girl...which I've never watched either).

So if you're wondering what to do on this Sunday - go see it. Then tell me what you think!

& if you need any more convincing just do a quick google search. Every review I've read has been positive and some even talk about Affleck for a best director nod at the Oscars....

For Book Lovers

2010-09-17T00:15:00.001-04:00

As a total book lover, when I stumbled across Jane Mount and her work for her ongoing project "Ideal Bookshelf" earlier this week I knew I immediately wanted to share it with all of you since I know many of you love books as much as I do.

Long story short, Jane paints a set of books in the form of portraiture and the best part is you can custom order a painting. All you have to do is send her a picture of the spines of the books you want and she does the rest (more details and pricing here). We all have favourite books and books that have influenced and perhaps even help shaped who we are and what we do - I think this is a nice way to highlight those books and I find Jane's work completely charming.

I love books and love looking on other people's bookshelves to see what books they've read and are into. I think you can tell so much about someone by the books they read and choose to display. I proudly have many of my books out on shelves and kind of don't understand when some people choose to cover their book covers with plain craft paper or something else of that nature for a uniform look. The book covers are part of the charm! You know when you see a book spine and just from the colour or little bit of the image you can see or the font - and you can immediately know what book it is? Why would you want to cover it? Crazy.

Even though I'm in the midst of packing up all of my stuff and moving it into storage I already know I'll be ordering one for myself. My first peace of real art - and custom to boot! I'm already having fun thinking about what books I want to include and think it will be a mix of my all-time favourites (Roots, A Thousand Splendid Suns) with some fun ones that I just enjoy (The Know It All and The Year of Living Biblically (both by AJ Jacobs) had me in stitches I laughed so hard). I think I'd also include some books I've read more recently that have helped shape my thinking (Leaving Microsoft to Change the World, Who Will Cry When You Die?) Hmmm......I really need to start a little list! I think this would make a great gift for book lovers, or for a nursery/child's room - you could have all of your favourite childhood books painted! Or maybe one for the kitchen with all of your favourite cookbooks?

You can find out more by visiting Jane's site or checking out her Etsy shop where you can purchase ready made pieces.

+All images above from Jane Mount's website & Etsy shop.

+Here is a great article by The National Post on Jane and her work.

(Just in case there is any doubt this NOT a sponsored post. I haven't ever done one of those. I came across Jane's work, loved it, and wanted to share. Simple as that :)

*******

Speaking of books and book covers (can you see where I'm going with this?) one of my favourite bloggers Anna of the popular blog Door Sixteen has, what I think, one of the coolest jobs around - she's a book cover designer! I know right?! She doesn't usually talk too much about her job on her blog but earlier this week she posted an Ask Anna: Book Cover Edition post and well - I think she got close to 100 questions...and she's started to answer them! I find it really interesting to learn more about what people do and in this case I love hearing about her job which totally sounds like a dream job to me. So if you're interested in learning more about what goes into making those awesome book covers that catch your eye, that you can't forget, and that help you to hand over your cash (because lets face it, we DO judge a book by it's cover) be sure to check out Anna's posts.

Happy reading! Have a great weekend :)

Stop The Insanity

2010-09-15T22:05:00.002-04:00

*sigh*

Someone really needs to keep me out of my favourite thrift shop.

For some reason I just decided to go in today and have a browse....here's some of what caught my eyes:

I thought this clutch was kinda cool. Has a Native kinda feel.
I think it was about $4.99

I really loved this lamp.
I was drawn to the mustard yellow colour and it had a sorta cracked
like finish in the paint (not in the texture). Hard to walk away from.

This really cool brass thingy...I love the bamboo feel and would use it for magazines.
I kind of want to go back and get it. It needs a good shining with brass polish but for $12.99 not bad.

They had some unopened vintage wall paper. Really fun with this huge floral print.
On a single wall or foyer I think this would be fun. It was less than $2 for the roll.

Sticking with the retro theme I spotted these 2 needlepoint art pieces.
Not for me but they could work in the right space. I think they were $3.99 each.

And there was a bunch of other stuff I forgot to snap pictures of. So did I end up actually leaving with anything? Of course I did! Who CARES that I'm packing up and moving all my things into storage in less than two weeks?!? I just could not pass up these 3 (only 2 pictured) oversized glass bottles.

I realize it's hard to tell the scale in this picture but they are pretty big - about 2 feet tall.

They aren't that cheap thin glass - these are really heavy and solid. One has a slightly blue green tint, one has a grid pattern, the other is plain. For $5.99 each I KNOW they are a steal. I've seen them used in enough design photos to know that they look incredibly chic filled with branches or left empty as a bit of a statement. Can't wait to unpack them in...oh a year and a half.

:)

ETA:
Totally forgot to mention I also picked up a white ceramic snail vase (I'll take a picture later) which reminds me of my monkey ceramic vase...same kinda feel. Plus it was $1.99. And, well...you know...I just couldn't leave it.

I also got a little black velvet pouch thingy that I figure I can use to hold some makeup or something...it's small, black plush velvet...I just had to have it. I'll find some use for it. And for 69 cents it was a no brainer.

Loving Mason Jars

2010-09-13T20:23:00.005-04:00

This weekend I started packing up my apartment so I can store everything at my Mom's while I'm in India.....

So why oh why did I decide to just "browse" at my favourite thrift store?

Of course, I ended leaving up with not 1 but 10 mason jars.

But I couldn't pass them up. Especially not for 69 cents each. New. I immediately pictured them filled with dried goods lining my kitchen cupboard (when I get back from India of course!). I just love the look of Mason Jars used for storage.

They are chic but unpretentious...if that makes sense. And they can be used for more than storage - they come in handy for a multitude of purposes.

And I mean seriously...how cute is this invitation? If I were planning a backyard, laid-back, nature style wedding I would totally consider using mason jars as my theme!

I also love the thought of them in an office on a desk holding a bunch of colured pencils. Seriously. Just google "mason jars" and you'll be surprised at the multitude of uses people have come up with for them.

Any of you have any mason jars? What do you use them for?

*Photo Credits: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3 - Unknown, Image 4, Image 5, Image 6

A Different Kind of Janelle Monae Post...

2010-09-10T18:07:00.000-04:00

While most people are now getting hip to songstress Janelle Monae and she's gaining popularity and raves for her music, energetic live performances, and funky style.....

Vogue, August 2008

...when I see her I'm drawn to one thing...

Her flawless skin.

And always perfectly natural makeup

Ohmygosh. I can hardly stand it.

I first came across Monae in the November 2008 issue of Essence magazine:

Essence Magazine, November 2008

I immediately ripped her picture out (the same pictured above) because (1) I loved her makeup look and (2) when I see a picture focusing on makeup with someone who's the same complexion as me I always check out the products used. To this day I still have it tacked up to my inspiration board. She has become my healthy skin and natural makeup idol. Lol.

If you follow me on twitter you know I've been having some issues with my skin lately (seriously, I'm too old to still be breaking out) but earlier this week I went to a dermatologist, got a prescription, and started a new skin routine. I'm also trying to drink much more water. So I'm looking forward to seeing improvement and getting on the road to glowing skin...like Monae's.

Any tips for glowing skin?

*yes I know part of it is probably makeup and airbrushing to the picture...but I still think she looks like she has amazing skin.

Cute Studio Apartment

2010-09-10T17:01:00.000-04:00

Can't remember where I got this picture from (if you know please let me know and I'll properly credit it) but this studio apartment has me seriously swooning right now (though I'm not crazy about the sofa).....

(Tea I'm thinking of you.......)

Deep Fried Oreos. Don't Judge Me...

2010-09-07T23:28:00.000-04:00

This past long weekend was pretty jam packed. I spent Saturday at my apartment, slowly sorting things for packing (at least that was the plan), Sunday at Canada's Wonderland with the family (where everyone who was tall enough to ride the behemoth chickened out so I rod it BY MYSELF), and Monday at The Ex with the family...lots of family time!

While at The Ex I did something I've wanted to do for a while.

I tried deep fried oreos.

Don't judge me. They were pretty yummy and the opportunity only comes around once a year.

Better that than the deep fried butter*.

*Which I totally admit I wanted to try but the line was too long. Yes. The line for deep fried butter was extremely long.

Any of you ever try deep fried oreos? Or, dare I ask, deep fried butter?

Film, Surprise Birthday Gifts, and Ottawa before India

2010-09-04T19:44:00.001-04:00

Still plugging away with my film camera.....

Yup, that's a tomato from MY garden!

I'm particularly pleased and surprised with how well these pictures taken at night turned out...

Downtown Toronto at night

lobster from the best lobster joint in toronto (wish this picture had turned out better)....

I was incredibly lucky to receive VERY thoughtful and amazing birthday gifts this year...

Yes - that is an iPad from my sister her boyfriend and my two teenage brothers. So unexpected and I truly felt so lucky to receive it. And my mom got me the brand new panasonic lumix lx5 camera that I've been lusting for! It shoots HD video (such amazing quality from this little camera - so expect video posts very soon! My youngest siblings (7&9) got me luggage. So cute. All will come in very handy for/in India.

Speaking of India...I also just spent a few days in Ottawa taking part in a 5 day pre-departure training course.

Parliament Building in Ottawa

It was amazing to be surrounded by like minded people who are doing the same thing I am - going abroad to volunteer in the international development field. Between the 24 of us (3 couples) we are going to 14 countries around the world! I now have a couch to sleep on in countries such as Peru, Thailand, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Bolivia, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Tajikistan (among others). Amazing!

Thank you all for the birthday wishes in my previous post and for all of the kind words that were left - they literally make my heart smile.

Sorry for the lack of posting around here. I landed a temp gig that will go until the end of the month (at least) and am also, slowly, packing up the apartment :( Will be moving back home temporarily to save up some extra cash before heading off for India. Since I'm going for sure it just made sense financially. Since I also think I know what type of career I'd like to pursue I'm considering going back to school - or at least taking a course here and there......we'll see. Bare with me - and thanks for sticking around.

Hope you're all enjoying the final days of summer and have a great long weekend!

Lets Rock

2010-08-26T00:51:00.000-04:00

Today I'm another year older.

Growing up, despite being a planner, I never really had my life "all planned out" in advance. Sure there were things I kinda thought would have happened by now/be happening right now but I've learned that, most of the time, life doesn't unfold the way you expected it to.

And, most of the times, I'm okay with that.

I'm no where near where I thought I would be at this age.

But if I'm honest with myself, I know I'm exactly where I should be.

So here's to another year of getting older & wiser.

And to adventure.

In the words of Al Bundy....

"Let's Rock"

Some of this, some of that.

2010-08-13T10:40:00.001-04:00

Totally random picture. Not all my film shots turn out so great...this was soft all over.

I swear. If you decided to unfollow this blog because of how inconsistent my posting has been lately I would not blame you. But don't unfollow...cause that would suck for me lol. Here's what I've been up to this week as well as a couple of things that have caught my attention on the 'net.

This article/post is a bit old but I just came across it this week. This guy took one polaroid of his life every day until the day he died. Incredible. The good, the bad...I find it haunting. We get little glimpses into this mans life, who he was, how he lived, how he loved...and how he died.
I bought my first pair of Keds this week and am in love with them. So simple and comfortable - and totally cute with a pair of skinny jeans.
I discovered this blog a few weeks ago and visit it daily. Dottie is teaching herself to shoot film and posts what she learns, the good and the bad, daily. Her pictures are awesome.
I met another blogger in-person this week. I can now attest to the in-person awesomeness of both Jason from theserovingeyes and his condo. I kinda hate both for being so incredibly easy on the eyes and even better looking in person. Seriously. Check out his blog - it's one of my faves. He is an incredibly funny writer and his photos are some of the best photos I see blogged. Ugh.
My new travelogue/blog for India is ready and I'm blogging there now! Which might be why this blog has gone a bit quiet. I promise I will share it soon but I really want to share it with you all via a video post - my first ever! And the camera I want doesn't come out for about 3 more weeks....but if you're really curious drop me a line [imnotreallyadiva(at)gmail.com] and I'll send you the link in advance :)
In the past few days I've booked two photo sessions. One is tomorrow with two sisters...which is totally new for me. Posing two girls will be a new challenge for me--but I've got some inspiration pics so I'm quite excited.
I dropped off my second roll of film at the lab yesterday. Yes, film is still rocking my world.
Howard's 3rd birthday is on Sunday! So he's off to get groomed and pampered today and then on Sunday we'll have a little party at the beach.

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

snapshots on film

2010-08-05T00:46:00.001-04:00

Above are a few random snapshots from my first roll of film that I got developed earlier today. I'm so excited to share them with you all and was like a kid on Christmas Eve when I went to pick up the roll from the lab (even though I opted for 1 hour developing). I was anxious to see what I got...hoping at least one image would turn out okay. Turns out - I got a lot of keepers!

I'm in love.

If you follow me on twitter, and even if you don't, you've probably heard me talking (writing) about teaching myself to shoot film. About two or three weeks ago I found an old Canon AE-1 (a 35mm camera I've been looking for off & on) at my favourite thrift shop. Perfect condition, with original leather case and 50mm/1.8 lens - cost me all of $25. Such a major score.

I immediately got a roll of film and started, carefully taking pictures. That's one of the things I love about shooting film. I love the process. As someone who has only ever shot digital - shooting film is kind of like a whole new world. I find that I slow down. A lot. I take my time. I really consider how I'm composing the image and all of the elements that are involved. I mean, I do this with digital but not to the extent that I do with film - because each click of the shutter costs money! With digital - you can simply check it right away, see if you got the image, and if not take as many more as you like. Not so with film! So I really take my time.

Anyways, after taking my time for probably close to two weeks - I finally finished the roll and brought it in to get developed....only to learn that I hadn't loaded the film correctly. BUMMER (but at least I could reuse the roll). You can bet I'll never incorrectly load film again - lesson learned!

So, this was my second attempt but still on the first roll...this time loaded correctly. I guess everything worked out for the best because I ended up going to a different lab that is MUCH cheaper and that I really like the results of - so I think I've found a lab to do my developing. Awesome.

I don't know if you all can tell the difference between film images and digital images but to me the look of film, for the most part, just can't be beat. I love the colour/tone of film, the grain, even the natural vignette on some images (vignette is when the edges of the picture is slightly darker...as in the 1st photo above). With film I also find you keep a lot more detail in the sky and in shadows (so instead of the sky being blown out and appearing all white or dull blue - it actually looks like a blue sky with with clouds and has shades of blue...). Also, even when focused and sharp - I find film to be softer than digital. Digital images tend to look super sharp and "crisp" - which is totally fine. But I quite like a softer feel (that's why when I post process my digital images I typically do not sharpen them). I find that when I shoot digital I, sometimes, try to post-process it (in photoshop) to look like film. To get that film colour and film feel. It's not impossible - I've seen photographers do it very well - but it does take time. That was why I decided to teach myself to shoot film - I mean, I love the look and try to duplicate it on my digital images ...so why not just learn to shoot it? These images above - no post processing at all. No adjustments done while being developed. Literally sooc (straight out of camera). Perfect? Not quite. But I still LOVE them.

I still have a lot to learn but it's safe to say that shooting film is something I'll be doing much much more of. Some of my favourite wedding/lifestyle photographers shoot film and when I look at their work I am so inspired.

Do any of you shoot film (or are you learning how to)? If so, what's it about film that you love? And what camera do you use? Can you see something different between these photos and the usual photos I post?

*please let me know if there's a formatting issue with this post...like huge spaces or things aren't aligned. thanks!

Update

2010-07-31T12:13:00.000-04:00

I apologize for how quiet it's been around here lately and, perhaps, how...un-inspiring it's been on the design/decor front (but perhaps it's been inspiring in a different way? i don't know. if it has please let me know in the comments).

I have lots of emails in my inbox to respond to and if you've been waiting on a response I truly apologize. I'm not usually this slow to respond but, understandably I hope, my mind and thoughts and spare time have really been filled with other things. Things like India and getting semi-ready (departure date is in exactly 3 months...which I know will FLY by).

Are you all tiring of hearing about India yet? I hope not.

Because one of the things I've been working on is a new blog. (I know, I have like a million and one blogs that sit un-updated out there but those have mostly all been closed). The new blog I'm working on (and which is essentially ready) will be a travel blog...a travelogue. It's where I will blog leading up to India and while I'm in India - to share my thoughts, stories, adventures, the good, the bad, the ugly, and LOTS of pictures. I'll also be vlogging. Yup, I'll be doing videos...something I've never ever done on any blog and am excited to do. I'm pretty excited about the new blog and hope when I share it with you you all join me over there. (Yes, that means this blog will soon go on a pause).

I've also been making tons of lists of things I need to get done - and there is a lot to do.

Plus, I've made the decision to give up my apartment and move back home for 2 months before heading off to India. Financially, it just makes sense. I'm already paid up until August 31 so it doesn't make much sense to spend extra money there (rent, bills, groceries, etc.) for September and October when I could be putting that money towards India. It was a hard decision to make and I'll be posting a kind of "farewell to my apartment" soon.

Plus, a few short weeks ago I received VERY exciting news...so I'm planning a baby shower before I leave! I'm very excited about it and well share more of the good news later.

Plus, I'm teaching myself to shoot film.

Plus, I'm really trying to enjoy my family and friends and Howard...and to indulge in things I know I'll miss.

Plus, my birthday is coming up in about 3.5 weeks.

Plus, in 3.5 weeks I have to go to Ottawa for a few days for in-country pre-departure training.

Plus, I just confirmed a photography session I'll be shooting in 2 weeks.

Plus, plus, plus....there's a lot of pluses y'all lol.

But, despite all of the above, I'm determined to get back to each of you who has sent me an email. You took the time to write to me and it makes me mad and irritated at myself that I have yet to respond.

So, this long weekend, in addition to doing a bunch of family things, I'm going to buckle down and respond to as many of you as I can. Thank you for reading along and writing and just being patient with me. I hope now you can understand why (but perhaps you already knew) things have been kinda dry around here.

Oh! And if you're not already, why not follow me on twitter (username kayinto)? I tweet frequently and some of it isn't too boring...

Happy Long Weekend!

10 Things You May Not Know About Me

2010-07-22T22:46:00.001-04:00

It's been a while since I did a post like this...a list or some sorts...and so I thought it would be fun to do one for today. Here are 10 random things that you may not know about me.....

I have a streak of gray hair right in the front of my head. A la Stacy London. I started getting gray hairs when I was in my early 20s. I used to tweeze 'em. Then I'd dye them. Then I discovered the ease of using mascara. Two quick swipes - bye bye gray. However, I haven't covered them for a few months now. Sometimes, they just don't bother me..and now that they've grown in thick enough for a full-fledged streak (instead of looking like scattered grays) I don't mind 'em. Matter of fact - I quite like it. It's unique. So I embrace them. Embrace the gray (for now)!
I have four younger brothers between the age of 7 and (as of tomorrow!) 18. I also have an older sister who's almost 2 years older than me. I love my siblings soooooo much.
I haven't had a date in about a year and a half....or a "real" boyfriend in about 5 years. I can't believe I just admitted that on the world wide web. I must sound like a real loser. (I often see people who've gotten divroced, dated, and remarried in LESS than 5 years.WTF.)
I LOVE the look of film and am teaching myself to shoot 35mm film. I just (as in earlier today) picked up a mint condition Canon AE-1. I've been looking for one (haphazardly) for a few weeks now (since the light meter in my current one is broken so I don't use it) and can't believe my luck in finding the exact one I wanted at my local thrift store...complete with original leather case and shoulder strap. I am beyond excited!
I could live off of chicken, eggs, mashed potatoes, noodles, shrimp, and lobster for the rest of my life. If that's all I could eat I would be a very very happy girl.
I have three tattoos. As of tomorrow, I'll have four. (Tomorrow's my brothers 18th birthday and to do something memorable we're going to get tattoos! His first, my fourth.)
I've never been drunk. Like, never ever.
My great great great grandfather was Cuban. Which, by my calculations, makes me 0.00005% Cuban.
When I'm buying things I never take the first item (meaning the item in the front or on the top). EVER. Of ANYTHING. Magazines, books, clothes, bags, anything in the grocery store, beauty supplies, a bag of chips, a bottle of water.....basically, anything I have to pay for. ANYTHING. And if there is only one left I'll ask the sale associate to check the back. I'm sure this is some kind of irrational phobia but I don't know the name of it. If you do, please let me know.
My real name is not Kay ;)

What's something I may not know about YOU?

WTF.

2010-07-15T10:26:00.003-04:00

(If you follow me on twitter you've already heard the news. See. I told you I tweet good stuff. Sometimes.)

Shake It Like a Polaroid Picture

2010-07-13T00:35:00.000-04:00

You guys already know that I'm into photography - so this post is gonna go there for a minute :)

I'm far too lazy to lug around my dslr all the time so often I only have my iPhone with me to take quick snapshots. Now, the iPhone camera is not bad at all (I have the 3G) but sometimes, the pictures are kinda lacking and could definitely be better. I mean, even though they're snapshots (sometimes of random things like what I'm eating...you know how it is!) I still want them to look good - especially since I sometimes share these pics here on the blog.

So when one of my favourite photographers Bonnie Tsang shared that she uses the ShakeIt Photo app for her iPhone pics I knew I had to check it out.

I'll be the first to admit, I'm cheap with iPhone apps. 99% of the ones on my phone are free lol. But ShakeIt is TOTALLY worth the 99 cents it costs. I LOVE IT. It takes your photo from so-so and make it interesting. It has a slight cross-process meets polaroid feel and adds contrast that just makes your picture...cool :)

I'm totally a fan of before and afters before buying so here's a couple for you to see what it does:

Awesome, right?

One thing to keep in mind is that it makes the image into a square format - which I'm still getting used to and, to be honest, I'm quite enjoying training my eyes to "see" pictures in that format. What's great is you can also apply it to pics that you've already taken and have saved on your phone - in addition, of course, to the new pics you take. So this past weekend after I got the app I had fun applying it to pics I had on my phone and taking new pics. Oh, and a fun feature - when you take a pic (or apply it to a pic already on your phone) you can shake your phone back and forth and the pictures moves back and forth - and then appears - just like a polaroid! And it adds that cool ol' school polaroid border. So fun.

So - definitely two thumbs up! And you'll be seeing a lot more of my iPhone pictures now :)

There are TONS of camera/photography apps available and it can be overwhelming - so I wanted to share this one with you all because I really think it's great. I also got 2 or 3 more that I like (but I think I like this one the most)...I'll share the others in another post :)

Do you use any camera/photography apps for your iPhone? If so which ones?

More Change: I'm on a Roll (or, I Am Not My Hair)

2010-07-09T00:09:00.006-04:00

Making the decision to accept the placement offer in India wasn't the only decision I made on Wednesday*.

I also decided, really in the matter of a few hours, to cut my hair short and perm it.

That might not sound like a big deal but believe me people, it is. Especially for someone like me who takes forEVER to make a decision. Who likes to think everything over (like I explained here) to make the decision to do it and then go through with it all within about 2 hours was MAJOR.

Basically, for the past TEN YEARS I've had natural hair. Long before it became "cool" to go natural**. (See footnotes at the end of this post.) Basically, there's a HUGE trend of going natural. It can be quite a heated topic/debate - natural vs relaxed. It's actually quite silly to me but, whatever. Anywho, because I flat iron my hair about 80% of the time. And my hair stylist is going back to Miami indefinitely on Saturday. And I've wanted to cut my hair into a short style forEVER*** And, in the words of India Arie, I am not my hair. And.........I just needed a change. So I decided to just go for it. (It's funny, when I quickly called my sister to tell her what I was thinking of doing she said something along the lines of..."You want a change, eh? And that's something you control - your hair. Is that why you're doing it?" I hadn't thought of it like that. Like my hair being something, at a time when it seems like so many other decisions are out of my control, that I can control. My sister is one smart cookie. Call her Mrs. Dr. Phil lol.)

Anyways, let me tell you - change & reinvention is good people :)

I really hate taking photos of myself so these will have to do lol. I still can't believe I'm posting them but - whatevs. I'm makeup free so be nice;) My hair is basically unstyled here and I still love it.

Readers...friends...let me say, for the record, I absolutely love it and am happy with my decision to not only cut it but to also return to the "creamy crack" (as hair perms/relaxers are sometimes referred to lol). I was somewhat nervous that the style wouldn't fit my face (cause of my round cheeks) but surprisingly I think it does. I left the top longer so I have options and can do different things. I'm already thinking I might go shorter in the back and on the sides...

For me, this cut and decision was....freeing. I feel spunkier. And lighter. And...just good.

So yeah, change is good people.

Embrace change :)

What decision or change have YOU made, big or small, lately?

& how do you feel about it?

(ladies if you're thinking of making a change to your appearance, especially your hair and are hesitant PLEASE just listen to this. Doesn't matter if you're black, white, yellow, brown...)

Footnotes :)
*I'm still waiting on final confirmation of my offer. I'll definitely let you all know the outcome. Thank you SO MUCH for ALL of your comments, words of congrats, and just...your enthusiasm on my previous post. Seriously, you don't know how much it touched me to read them all. You all are simply amazing.

**Quick lesson for those of you unfamiliar with African-American hair - this paragraphs is for you :) Making the decision to perm my hair was MAJOR. Basically, when a black person says they perm (or relax) their hair that means they chemically straighten it. A black persons hair is not naturally straight. It has a natural curl (or kinks whatever you call them). Like an afro texture (depending on the hair type it can be really tight curls or losse curls). Here are some examples of natural hair one, two, three. In order to straighten natural hair you have some options. You can blow dry and flat iron it OR you can perm it. If you blow dry and flat iron - which is what I've been doing for years it's only straight temporarily. Any moisture on natural hair that has been flat ironed straight will revert back to it's natural curl pattern when it gets wet...or if you go the gym and sweat a lot, or if it's humid outside...So, I could flat iron my hair to wear it straight but if it got too humid or rained - it'd get poufy and go back to it's natural curl. On the other hand, if you decide to perm your hair you are chemically straightening it. So humidity, water, sweat...doesn't matter -it'll still be straight. So that's the difference. There's a huge movement of people going back to natural hair and there's pros and cons to both. That's a whole other post and if anyone is interested leave a comment and I'll do another post on the topic! Black hair can be quite complex for those who don't know about it. Lolol. End lesson :)

***Now I will say that last summer I got a similar cut...perhaps not quite as short in the back and sides...and I did like it then. But because my hair was natural when I got the cut - it was harder to maintain. Sure, when it was styled it looked good. But if I went outside and it was too hot it didn't last right for too long, it just poufed up and the shape...the style didn't look like I knew it could. I had to be really careful about getting it wet because I didn't want it to 'fro up. In the end, I knew this cut would work better for me if I permed my hair. I don't have that problem now. It lays flat where I want it to and still has body because my hair is SUPER thick. I can run my WET hands through my hair and not have to worry lol. Yes, that sounds like a small thing but it's something I'm still getting used to.

Change

2010-07-07T09:42:00.003-04:00

All she had been doing for almost three weeks was thinking of the possibilities. Reading new kinds of blogs. Doing research. Trying to answer all of the questions she had. Some that would be impossible to answer in advance.

She was like that, you see. A planner. Someone who had to know all of the answers and possibilities. Someone who had to think everything through...in great detail. Sometime, thinking THAT MUCH kept her from doing anything. From making any decisions. From having any real adventures (though she liked to think she was an adventurer).

She had grown tired of this....thinking thing. Of trying to plan for everything.

To be completely honest, she had also grown weary of job searching. Of looking for a proper full-time job in her field. It was discouraging not to get any positive responses. To be told she was over-qualified. Or under-qualified. Or to be told nothing at all. No ringing of the phone. Sometimes, she tried to will it to ring (isn't she silly?)

And it's funny you see, cause even though she was doing her best...diligently sending out resumes, doing her follow-ups, and trying to remain positive...the bills kept coming. Funny, how that happens eh? How life just continues as normal even when things aren't quite that normal?

So she acknowledged that she didn't have ALL of the answers but she had the ones that really mattered.

And that she desperately needed a change.

All day the following thought went through her mind: the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results (attributed to Einstein). She was also thinking: keep doing what you've been doing and you'll keep getting what you've been getting. It was on auto-repeat. Keep doing what you've been doing and you'll keep getting what you've been getting. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Keep doing what you've been doing....

She didn't think she was insane. And she knew she didn't like what she had been getting.

.......................

So she stopped trying to plan and find all the answers and decided to follow the little voice inside (maybe she WAS insane? a little voice ;) ?!?) and to go with the flow.

And so, it was with a racing heart and slightly shaky fingers that she filled out the questions on the form and, at 9:17 am on July 7, hit send and accepted the offer.

(though she received the offer she still had to be formally accepted after returning the answer form, so it could go either way....)

Explanation

2010-07-01T00:04:00.030-04:00

I've been a bad blogger the past few days. I've had a lot on my mind and find that when I am on the internet I'm doing research (reading forums, googling questions and answers, reading expat blogs, etc...) to get some insight, answers, and different perspectives. Plus, for the past few days I've had house guests - my bestie and her hubby were visiting from Jersey and left yesterday morning. So when my head hasn't been in the clouds or thinking about the future I've been playing good hostess.

But today is Canada Day. A holiday. Meaning a long-weekend filled with BBQs, fireworks, and hanging out with the family. I still need to see Sex in The City 2 (I know! For a fan, it's pretty inexcusable that I have yet to see it) and I hope to finally go this weekend. I hope to really be present this weekend....to just stop stressing. If only for a few days.

In other news - I'm closer to a decision about going overseas AND I've gotten several questions from you readers for "My Two Cents"! Thank you so much for sending along your questions and images. I've gotten some GREAT questions and thank you guys for being interested in hearing what I come up with. If you have yet to get a confirmation email from me sit tight - it's coming. And if you have received a confirmation you can look forward to seeing your question and answer in a blog post coming soon. I'm hoping to have at least one or two answered next week - so stay tuned!

And a few recent pics of Howard. Because seriously, he's just too cute. I bought him a pool a few weeks ago because the weather was hot. Yes, I bought him a pool. He just stands. Then hops out. But it's the cutest thing you've ever seen. (sorry for the quality...quick iPhone snaps)

Have a great weekend!
(and keep those questions coming!)

butterfly & the power of blogging

2010-06-25T18:54:00.001-04:00

click to see larger

Remember this post - when I raved about how much I loved the butterfly painting (well, the part that was photographed) on the wall of Jayson Home & Garden....

And I asked that if any of you kind souls were in or would be in Chicago to feel free to go to the store and take a picture of the entire wall for me - so I could see the full effect?

Well somehow (I can only say it's thanks to the power of blogging) one of the execs over at Jayson Home & Garden saw that post.

(I'm not sure if it's okay to post their name/title I imagine it is - but just to be on the safe side I wont...but if you read this post and it's okay please let me know and I'll update this!)

Somehow, they saw that post and sent me a nice little email with 2 photos attached!

Isn't it amazing? I'm in love with it.

Yes, I'm in love with a mural.

As I was told, the visual person actually painted it...by hand!

Incredible.

These images are definitely being added to my inspiration folder - I'd love to have a butterfly like that on a wall in my future home. Or, how awesome would it look in a nursery? So cool.

Jayson Home & Garden has been on my radar for a while now and now, more than ever, I can't wait to visit the shop in person - whenever I make my first visit to Chicago.

(don't even get me started with the actual pieces in the photograph...the side table, hanging Moroccan lanterns, and ottomans in the first image...the blue/gray wing chair in the second...swoon)

Thank you Jayson Home & Garden!

*images courtesy of Jason Home & Garden

My Two Cents

2010-06-24T13:36:00.002-04:00

Today I want to introduce a new on-going column here on Apartment #412 called:

My Two Cents

It's something I started doing on my old blog and though I only did one post for it I really enjoyed it.

Basically, it's about YOU the reader.

I love trying to help others decorate their space, come up with ideas, or just give some suggestions and I'd love to help YOU out in any way I can.

So, if you have a question, need advice, need some ideas, some suggestions...anything decor related - anything...send me an email and I'll answer you in a dedicated blog post - complete with inspiring images to illustrate what I'm talking about :)

FUN!

All you have to do is send me an email with your name and your question.

If it's a space planning question it'd help to have a snapshot or two - doesn't have to be anything fancy! But if you don't have any no biggie.

If you're on a budget - let me know what it is. Easy peasy!

Here's my email:

imnotreallyadiva[at]gmail[dot]com

Okay...so who's first?

I'm really looking forward to this!

(and hope I get at least one question lol)

*a picture-less post! i'm working on my brothers computer and don't have any of my decor images on it...and don't feel like google searching for any.

Use Your Imagination

2010-06-22T14:07:00.001-04:00

Shit.

If this table wasn't an hour and a half drive a way I would totally buy it....

...and spray it like the one seen in actress Rashida Jones' apartment.

(as seen in the now kaput Domino magazine)

I also have my eyes on this mirror which, thankfully, is located closer to me.

I don't know where I'd hang another mirror but this one is really fantastic.

I wouldn't even paint it...

Doesn't it remind you of this one seen in Lonny Magazine?

Oh Craigslist how I love to hate you.

Picture Perfect

2010-06-21T16:18:00.001-04:00

I've been on the hunt for the perfect point and shoot camera for a while.

But not any point and shoot.

As someone who currently only shoots with an slr I've grown to love having that extra control over my images...and having various lens options.

So I want a point and shoot that's lightweight enough for me to carry around in my pocket/purse all the time...because really, I don't want to lug my slr out to dinner with family and friends or a simple outing...

BUT

I want one that has some manual features...and it would be nice if it had some lens options...

and video might be nice too...

and I hadn't seen any that fit these requirements (maybe I wasn't looking hard enough)

until last night.

I soooooooo want this camera.

Especially after reading this review and seeing the images and videos captured with it. So awesome.

Let's see:

pocket-sized & lightweight = check

manual controls = check

option to change lenses = check

video = check (HD video I might add)

super cool minimal design = check (love the retro film type of feel)

Ugh. I forsee a new camera purchase in the near future...

What type of point and shoot do you use?

Remember That...

2010-06-21T09:12:00.000-04:00

Thank you all so much for your comments on my previous post, Big Decisions.

I was extremely overwhelmed reading them all and if you left a comment - I've responded.

If you have yet to leave a comment and feel so inclined - please do.

*image from the delightful blog thenotebookdoodles.com

btw-that's not a font in the pic...it's her handwriting! so cool.

Big Decisions

2010-06-19T13:39:00.001-04:00

A rare weekend post from me,

I know.

But something's been weighing on my mind heavily for the past few days,

a big decision I need to make in the next week...

and I just need to get it out.

To blog it.

Sometimes getting things out helps you to see the situation a bit clearer,

plus it never hurts to get the perspective of others...

even if they are, technically, strangers ;)

Though I, weirdly?, see many of my blog readers as 'friends'

Weird eh?

Anyways, it's kind of exciting news...

and scary...

but definitely exciting...

You see, I have the opportunity to go abroad to live & work in

New Delhi, India for 1 year.

Yes, New Delhi, India.

How did this opportunity come about?

Well, last summer - after much thought - I put in an application with the Canadian branch of an international volunteer/work abroad organization and, after a phone interview, reference check, and in-person interview in Ottawa, I was accepted.

Read these 2 blog posts on my old blog for much more information.

Like why I decided to apply and what the organization does...

Well, since being accepted almost 1 year ago I've received two offers to date.

One for Rwanda, the other for a rural part in Southern India.

Both were for 2 years and, despite my initial excitement, just didn't feel like 'the one.'

So I declined both.

Plus, I really was interested in a 1 year placement.

Which, I've been told by my adviser, is few and far between (2 years are the norm).

So for the past 7 months I haven't received any offers.

Then about two weeks ago I started to feel restless.

This full-time job hunt is wearing me down and the process of starting my own business is something I'm moving pretty slowly with - I dunno, call it fear. That's a whole other story...

Anyways, I began to feel restless.

Like a needed an adventure.

And I've been itching to travel (something I LOVE to do).

To go somewhere...just hit the road for a bit.

But, financially, I'm just not in a position right now to go the places I really want to go to.

It's then I remembered:

"I haven't received an offer in a while...I wonder if my file is still active?

I mean, can the deactivate it with out letting me know?"

So, two weeks ago, I called my placement adviser and asked if my file was still active.

He assured me it was but also let me know that because I'm interested in a one year placement -

things might be slow.

"1 year placements are not as common," he told me.

"It would be easier to get a two year placement, if that was on your file I'm sure you'd have gotten more offers by now..."

I told him I would need to seriously think about whether I wanted to change my file to a two year in order to increases my chances of receiving offers and that I would call him back...

And then earlier this week, I got an email from him.

I'd received a placement offer.

A one year placement offer.

In New Delhi, India.

And when I read the placement offer it felt like...this could be "the one."

To be honest, which I always am here on my blog, India has never been a place I've had high on my list of places to visit, much less live. I mean, of course visiting the Taj Mahal is on my list of things to do...so I guess, technically it has been on my list....

But over the past few months I've gotten little glimpses of India through the blog posts of others that had me seeing India in a different light.

"Oh the colours are so beautiful," I'd think while reading.

"Oh I'd love to see that in person"

"Oh so cool/interesting/different"

So here I am.

Thinking about whether or not I should accept this offer.

I always say I want an adventure.

To live abroad for a bit.

To travel and explore countries that are more off the beaten path.

This would definitely give me that opportunity.

I did some google searches and to travel to countries in South East Asia, Asia, and even Australia would be fairly inexpensive.

I could scratch a lot of countries off of my list....

Plus, I'd like to think, through my work/volunteer efforts I'd be making a difference.

And in the process of it all I'd be writing a better story.

Or at least a different story.

And now some images...because this post has been really text heavy :)

This, my friends, is New Delhi (which is the capital city of India)....

Lodhi Gardens

perfect for an afternoon picnic?

And I know, this is New Delhi too....

But so is this ;)

4-5 hours to these...a perfect day trip....

The Taj Mahal in Agra

photo taken by one of my favourite photographers Punam Bean

The Amber Fort in Jaipur

photo by Punam Bean

12 hours to this....a perfect weekend trip....

The Kama Sutra Temples

photo by Punam Bean

Fairly inexpensive and short flights to anywhere here.....

Definitely LOTS to do, see, and experience.

More than I actually even knew there was before a few days ago

(google + various Indian search terms has been in heavy use for the past day or two for me ;)

And really, how interesting and exciting would blog posts from India be? because I'd totally still blog...

I'll be doing lots of thinking over the next few days...

I can say, without a doubt, the number #1 thing holding me back is this guy.

*to see more of Punam Bean's amazing photographs from India click here

Good Times

2010-06-18T10:34:00.000-04:00

In LOVE with these dresses from Mara Hoffman....

Isn't the detailing on the back of this SO beautiful?

I could easily see myself wearing this at my future Moroccan wedding...

And this one...Ohhh soooo pretty...

Perfect for going out with the girls in the summer...

or on a date.

And these tops,

business in the front, party in the back...

Wishing I had somewhere to wear any of these to this ~~weekend~~ summer...

It's my littlest bro's 7th birthday today...I see movie outings, kids, trampoline jumping, and ice cream cake in my immediate future.

Good times.

*dresses & images from here

Operation: TUGFLW

2010-06-17T00:59:00.001-04:00

Most people get fit for the summer...I choose to get fit during the summer. Go figure.

My birthday is a little over 8 weeks away and I really want to look my best for it.

So, after being not 100% happy with my body when I look in the mirror and doing nothing about it,

(but really, as women, are we ever 100% happy?)

and putting off buying new cute outfits,

I'm choosing to, now, do something about it.

Enter Operation: Tone Up, Get Fit & Lose Weight

(also to be known as Operation TUGFLW)

Timeline:

8 weeks

Ultimate Goal:

Hmmm, not sure the actually number of pounds I want to lose...

I think it's in the ballpark of 20 pounds - but really I'm just pulling that number out of the air because it sounds good. I plan on weighing myself in the next few days so I know what I weigh and can adjust my weight loss goal accordingly.

I also want to tone up.

And get fit.

If you read my other blog the remainder of this post will seem familiar to you - thought I've slightly updated some of the answers. I feel this q&a are a good way for you, the readers...and myself actually, to get a sense of my thoughts on this whole thing.

(FYI-I attempted Operation TUGFLW earlier this year and blogged it there. I wasn't doing too bad but then I kinda fell of the wagon...)

1. As of the beginning of this "Operation," what are your height & weight?

I'm 5'7" (5'6 & 3/4" to be specific) & weigh....not sure. Probably between 160-168.

Feel free to click the link a few lines up to see what that weight looks like on me.

It's supposed to be 'taboo' or something for a woman to reveal her weight but it's really not that big of a deal to me because, I think, it's all in the way you carry your weight

2. We all know that numbers never give us the big picture. When you think of your body - its size, shape, strength & health - how do you feel?

Despite what I wrote above, for the most part, I'm pretty happy with my body.

I'm curvy & I actually, truly, like its curviness. I don't mind that my tummy is a bit soft & I've got a butt & hips. I see my body as womanly.

Like Beyonce & Jennifer Lopez.

I've never been the "skinny" girl & I finally became okay with that in my early 20s. Actually, I really came to accept my body when I was about 24...this is around the time I stopped watching music videos & buying certain magazines*. Health-wise, I'm not unhealthy. I mean, a doctor would say I'm healthy, but I could definitely be more fit and I would be happier with what I saw in the mirror if I was a few pounds lighter and a bit more toned.

3. Why Operation Tone Up, Lose Weight & Get Fit'?

I'll preface this by saying that I've never been that girl who cares too much about the number on the scale. I'd much rather go by how I feel & look in clothes & then ballpark a number. Which I thought worked fairly well, until around August 2009 - just after my birthday....

(feel free to again, click the link above to see the rest of this answer...)

4. Based on all of that, what is your biggest goal in

Operation Tone Up, Lose Weight, Get Fit ?

What is one thing you must accomplish in the next two months?

My biggest goal is to be as close to 100% happy with the way my body looks & that's when I'm a size 6 sometimes 8. To give that a number, I think that will be in the 140 range. However, since I really never weighed myself perhaps it's actually in the 150s? I dunno.

5. Do you have any secondary goals? What are they?

I generally like my arms and I'm hoping to add some dresses and feminine pieces to my wardrobe.

So my secondary goal is to tone up my arms (biceps/triceps), shoulders & back. I'd also like to run a mile in under 10 minutes...I think I'm roughly at 12 right now.
Oh, and a third goal - I'd like to become more of an ethical eater, and take steps to eat 'better' food and really start to take note of what I put into my body. (more on this goal coming soon)

6. What's your day-to-day lifestyle like? What are you into?

The most exercise I get, if I'm being honest - which I am, is taking Howard out for his walks at least once, usually twice, a day.

7. Anything else you'd like share about "Operation Lose Weight, Get Fit & Tone Up"?

I'll probably blog my progress once a week...expect total honesty!

If you're still reading :) I would love to read any tips, links, or comments you might have!

Feel free to share any good blogs, suggestions on what I can do, good recipes, tips to stay motivated...anything! Also, if you're in the midst of your own 'Operation' I'd love to hear about it.

Truly, I would!

*Doing these two things drastically increased my self-confidence & how I felt about my body because I wasn't constantly faced with & comparing myself to (mostly) unrealistic images of women. Though, working in entertainment, I knew what goes into getting those images to look perfect (lighting, photoshop, pins in the back of clothes so it fits perfect, makeup, trainers etc...) when you see these images every day it's hard not to compare yourself. I encourage anyone struggling with their body image to cut back on your intake of some of these visuals - even for 30 days. Once you start seeing realistic images of women, women around you, you'll appreciate your body more & stop being so hard on yourself.

Thinking about Lonny Images & Vignettes

2010-06-16T09:04:00.000-04:00

Despite being an online mag, Lonny is quickly becoming one of my favourites. The pages and pages of house tours, source information literally at my finger tips, and gorgeous images always leave me inspired.

The photography really deserves a second mention.

The photography in Lonny magazine to date has been nothing short of spectacular.

Patrick Cline takes the most amazing photographs of interiors (and other things too but for the purpose of this post we'll stick with interiors). They feel fresh and modern. His eye for composition, I'm big on well composed and creative compositions, always leaves me taking second, third, and fourth looks...

Here are some of my favourite images from the June/July issue made available last week...

While this might be too much, even for me, I'm drawn to this image.

Each piece on it's own is beautiful.

Another view of the same studio apartment in the above photo - what a great layout!

I'm particularly in love with the coffee table. Of course, it's the one thing that is NOT sourced.

I so badly want to see the rest of this wall - the butterfly painting looks AMAZING!

If anyone is near this store, Jayson Home & Garden located in Chicago, and wants to stop in to take a picture of the full wall for me...go right ahead! I'd be your best blog friend forever!

This white ceramic owl reminds me of my white ceramic monkey

Hot pink candle sticks? Love it.

Also love the mixed metals.

Awesome composition

My favourite image in the entire June/July issue of Lonny!

The styling takes it to another level. Love love love.

I also notice that now when looking at images of interiors, I'm paying more and more attention to the vignettes and the details...as witnessed by my selection of photos aboved. I'm really looking at how the side table is styled. How the console table is dressed. How the art is hung. What's on the bookshelves besides books...

I'm guessing it's because now that I've bought most of my actual furniture, the big pieces, I'm starting to zero in on the details and creating interesting displays. I think this step really ties the entire space together - creating little vignettes that are interesting to look at and are pretty. Styling them in such a way that they look like they were created with intent instead of like tchotchkes you forgot to put away.

(much easier said than done!)

*All images from June/July issue of Lonny magazine

DIY Glassware Project - Updated

2010-06-15T11:21:00.000-04:00

I posted this project yesterday and made a point of getting it done, or at least started, right away. I loved the result I'd seen Emma achieve and it was too simple to do to to put off.

So I went to my cupboard and pulled out the empty glass jars I'd been saving up. The two on the end steel need to be emptied, stripped, and cleaned...

And while these would, and will, do just fine, they are (for the most part), the same size and shape. So, I decided to hit up my thrift store to see what I could find. For the record, I'm not the kind of person who would pay for glass bottles when I can just use my own for free - but I knew I'd be able to find some great shapes for less than $2....and I didn't want to wait to empty more of my own :)

So off to thrift store where there were TONS to choose from...

I was momentarily sidetracked by all the brass....

Then I got refocused....

And ended up leaving with these...way more than I expected....

Which looks like this all laid out...

Yes, I bought EVERYTHING above (except one of the white glass milk candle sticks in the back that you can barely see) PLUS a great solid glass juice jug and paid $27 for it all. Most items were 69 cents to $1.49 and I got some great vases in various shapes, mason jars, mason jar drinking glasses, candlesticks etc. What really made my grand total 'high' was the glass juice jug ($5.99) and two...I dunno, decanters or wine thingys (seen in the far right of the photo with the glass ball stopper) that I paid $3.99 each for - for a total of $14. So I'd like to think I really only paid $13 bucks on this project.

But keep in mind, I could have totally done it for free.

Okay, back to the project. After buying all this pretty glassware I couldn't decide which I wanted to paint! "Maybe I'll just leave them as is," I thought. But I thought back to the end result and pressed on...So I chose 3 to start... (I was doing this during The Bachelorette and picked only a few so I could still pay attention to Ali and her 11 guys. Did you see the one dude, the one who got the tattoo, when he kept singing to her?!?!? OMG. I was so embarrassed I ALMOST looked away.)

the one on the far left is my sauce bottle -

the two on the right i bought for 69 cents each

paint in the vase as I move it around to get it coated...

upside down to drain excess paint...

I turned one right-side up to snap a picture so you could see the result.

I LOVE!

I'm going to do some more and then will post a picture of them all.

This project was perhaps one of the easiest & cheapest I've ever done and I'm thrilled with the results.

I can't wait to display them - with flowers and without.

(thought - wouldn't it be fun to do some in black and use them to decorate your

table for a halloween party? actually, you could do them in any colour for any occasion.)

Toms

2010-06-15T08:30:00.000-04:00

Toms have been on my radar for ever (if you haven't heard of Toms basically, for every pair they sell they give a pair to a child in need. Fantastic idea. So simple but such a big impact. Love it.). They seem to be the perfect comfy casual go to shoe that you can still wear (depending on the style) with a skirt or fun summery dress.

However, I've been having a hard time choosing which style to get. Then at Woofstock I saw a lady in these and I was sold:

here

I'm not an oxford type of gal and, to me, these have that oxford-ish feel...but I really like them. The leather trim gives them a lil' extra oomph.

I also want this pair (in gold or black...debating) for when I shoot weddings....

Comfortable enough for being on my feet all day and definitely not boring.

Do you own a pair of Toms? If so, which style?

DIY Milk Glass-ish Bottles

2010-06-14T12:48:00.001-04:00

I saw this DIY project in the April issue of Canadian House & Home magazine but it wasn't until I saw it executed by blogger Emma of the delightful (new to me) blog The Marion House Book that I decided I was going to do it myself.

Here's the picture that accompanied the article in House & Home mag:

And as executed by Emma:

dressed up with flowers

click here to see more

She chose to stick with one colour and I think it looks incredibly chic. Best part, all you need are some glass bottles/jars and paint. I have tons of jars I've saved up (from pasta sauce, jams, olive oil...) that I've been wondering what the heck to do with and now I know. Easy peasy.

Looking forward to getting this DIY crossed off my list ~~this week~~ today. Stay tuned.

Super easy steps for this diy here.

*Even if you don't use them for flowers, how great would they look grouped together and on display as a collection or a little vignette?

(1) canadian house and home magazine (2-3) the marion house book blog

Weekend Wrap-Up

2010-06-14T10:48:00.001-04:00

This weekend was pretty fun.

On Saturday my sister threw a game night hosted at her friends house so I tagged along. Good food. Good company. Lots of laughter. Taboo. And Buzz.

I love Buzz and, am pretty darn good at it if I say so myself. (BTW if you have a game console I highly recommend this game for get togethers. So. Much. Fun).

Sunday, was all about Woofstock during the day and The Celtics/Lakers game in the evening. My 17 year old brother ended up coming to Woofstock with Howard and I - and I must admit, it was quite a scene...in a good way. To say there were 'lots of dogs' would be an understatement. There were dogs EVERYWHERE YOU LOOKED. Some dyed pink. Some in country soccer jerseys. Some in Hawaiian shirts. Some in sunglasses and hats. And too many dogs were in dog strollers (seriously people, if you attended and had your dog in a dog stroller - you totally missed the point of the festival. just sayin') And there were (what feels like) hundreds of vendors selling everything under the sun for dogs.

Howard was totally happy to say the least. Here are some pics from the day. Theses will absolutely not do the event justice. We'll definitely be attending next year (as well as the first ever winter edition this year).

Sometimes Howard has no sense of personal space...

I fell in love with this little brown mini poodle...

I also fell in love with this toy poodle wearing a denim jacket...

Again, no personal space...

Team Lakers...So cute!

Clearly for Team Italy in FIFA...

Ended up buying Howard a hoodie that says 'I'm a lover not a biter'

In hindsight I paid too much...but I couldn't pass it up...

Oh, and GO BOSTON!

Woofstock

2010-06-11T08:38:00.003-04:00

We missed it last year but this year we won't.
On Sunday Howard and I will be here:

If you and your dog are there this weekend be sure to say "Hi!" to Howard and I!
Amusing pictures to follow I'm sure.

Grey

2010-06-10T14:27:00.045-04:00

So - you, the readers, have spoken!
Grey it is :)

Now the search for the RIGHT grey for MY apartment is officially on.

*insert loud exaggerated sigh here*

Grey, like most other neutral paints, is a hard one to nail.

Most, as far as I can tell from looking at various pictures and paint chips, have undertones of either green, blue, or purple. The ones with purple undertones are the ones I tend to like most.....

And while I want just a "normal" grey with no undertones - I've seen several WITH undertones that I do like. And having an undertone seems to make it more...complex - for lack of a better word.
More interesting.

BUT, as we all know, the type of light in the room, colour of the floors, and even the furniture will affect the way the paint looks on the wall.

And so, earlier this afternoon, I picked up tons of swatches.

I know...NONE of them look grey. But trust me.

What's in the running?
From BM:
A La Mode
Barren Plain
Stone Harbor (which may be too dark)
Ice Cubed Silver (which may be too blue)
Horizon
Metro Gray (if I can find it...my BM store said they didn't make that colour...weird.)

And I still have to pick up chips for:

Dolphin Fin (Behr)

Graytint (BM)

And Farrow & Ball Great White.

That's a lot of grey!

Here are what some of them look like in pics I've sourced online:
(plus it's handy for me to have them all in one place like this ;)

Behr Dolphin Fin via the blog Live Creating Yourself

(while it doesn't look like it in this pic I'm fairly certain this has greeny-blue undertones)

BM Metro Gray as seen in this sneak peek on Elements of Style

(seems to have purple-y undertones)

BM Stone Harbor as seen in Laure's Dining Room over on the blog At Home At Home

(another one with slight purple undertones)

BM Ice Cubed Silver as seen here on flickr

(seems to have slightly blue undertones)

BM Barren Plain as seen here on AT

BM A La Mode as seen in one of my fave AT tours ever

(pinky-purple undertones)

Farrow & Ball Great White as seen on Style at Home

Next step?

I'll put all the paint chips on my wall to see how they look.
Then, I'll narrow them down.
Then I'll go buy 2-3 small sample tins of what's still in the running.....
and actually test them on the wall.

THEN I'll pick 'THE ONE'

I have a feeling this is going to be a long process.

If any of you have used grey paint in your own space I'd love to know what colour you used and how you liked it...and if you have a picture, feel free to leave a link to it.
I'd love to see!

Time For The Guys - UPDATED

2010-06-09T13:22:00.003-04:00

Okay. So I previously did a post on beautiful girls - the Hollywood ladies I think are particularly beautiful (duh! lol) so I guess it's only fair I do one on the guys too, right?

And let me say, in advance, that while I know one or two of these guys aren't necessarily the hottest out there - I find there's just something about 'em..

So here they are. In no specific order.

1. Brad Pitt

Okay, so clearly I wasn't talking about him when I said "some of these guys aren't necessarily the hottest out there..." because, I mean, clearly he is. He just keeps getting better with age.

And with him...the scruffier the better.
(Well, actually with most white guys for me the scruffier the better. Don't know why.
Just telling it like it is folks.)

Fight Club Brad? Hell yeah.

And when he and one of my fave gals hooked up? Oh that just made my week!
Seriously.

I really don't think I need to explain why he made my list - do I?

2. Benicio Del Toro.

Okay, so clearly he may be the guy I was referring to above...I mean, I know that he's not the conventional type of good looking but really - there's just something about him.

He really looks like a guys guy...manly man...but I feel like he'd be a good boyfriend...

So please don't leave me a comment saying that he's a womanizer. lmao.

3. Maxwell

Oh good God this man is just fine on so many levels lol. Let me try and count the ways:

1. His voice - when he sings - is like buttah. Not butter. Buttah lol.

It's what my parent's generation call "grown folk music"

Songs like this - literally give me goosebumps.

(PLEASE click the link to hear what I'm talking about!)

And he sounds just as good live y'all! Love.

2. His speaking voice is like honey with a bit of gravel. Listen here.

Oh gosh when I heard him speak I just about melted. Totally different than his signing voice.

3. He's funny.

4. He's modest (watch link in #2). Or this one (interview starts at about 4:20).

5. He can wear the HECK out of a suit. Seriously.

There's nothing I love more than a good looking man in a good fitting suit.

Well, there are but you get me...

6. He seems like he'd really know how to treat a lady. Gotta love that.

7. Did I mention he's fine?

4. Harry Connick Jr.

I just admitted it to myself earlier today, when I watched him on The View, that yes - I kinda really like him. It's not so much about his looks with him (though he is a good looking guy).
From what I can tell in interviews I've seen with him and such - he just seems like a really cool guy.
No pretensions.
He's funny. And talented.

And he sounds like a black guy.

Which, I mean isn't why I like him, but I'll admit the first time I heard him speak in an interview I was kinda shocked and totally smitten.

It was very cool to me.

Then one of my blog friends told me that's how white guys from New Orleans sound and I pretty much decided I need to go and verify this first-hand. So (another) trip to New Orleans is in my future plans lol.

But really, he seems like a cool guy.

5. Gerard Butler

Some photos don't do him justice but really?

He's pretty freakin' hot in a manly man kinda way, you know?

And his accent? Yeah, I can dig it.
And I may have been the last person to see 300 (saw it earlier this year)...

...but it was so worth watching ;)

Now this is just my list of guys that particularly stand out for me.

Sure there are other hollywood guys out there that are good looking (George Clooney is very dashing, I think Zac Efron is very cute, Denzel Washington is an extremely handsome older man, that Taylor Lautner kids pretty cute (but kinda young), Channing Tatum is pretty easy on the eyes....)
but I just wouldn't put them on this list.

This is like my....it list.

Who's on yours?

Edited To Add:

OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD
How could I forget my number #1 (yes, I can confidently say he is number #1)
Johnny Depp.

I almost screamed out loud just now when I read the comments and saw his name there.
Ugh - I KNEW I was forgetting someone. Seriously, how could I forget my #1.
He's my absolute favourite and I've had a crush on him for YEARS.
Sooooo my type.
If you don't think he's totally drool worthy, even with the man bracelets, long unkept hair, and hats.........
especially with the man bracelet long unkept hair and hats, I'm not sure we can be blog friends.
Totally being serious.
;)

And since I forgot him (how could I forget him!) he gets extra pics :)

Ugh. That Vanessa is one lucky lucky gal.

House & Home Online TV!

2010-06-09T09:47:00.002-04:00

I'm sure many of you are familiar with Canadian House & Home Magazine (yay Canada!) - but are you aware that they have a fantastic ONLINE show - H&H Online TV?

I knew it was something that was reintroduced a few months ago but back then when I checked it out the video seemed really slow and 'skippy.' So I quickly moved on.

However, I went back last night and was up for an extra hour watching a few episodes.

They are really good!

Each episode is about 12-15 minutes long and features anything from house tours to decorating tips/ideas, food and entertaining tips/ideas, to DIY projects. I've already found one project that I'll definitely be attempting in the very near future - high-gloss artwork.

Seriously, so simple and the result is AMAZING - check it out!

I'm not certain if it's available for viewing if you're outside of Canada - but you should definitely check it out (and perhaps let me know if it's NOT viewable so I can update this post!).

Tons of great stuff for all you decor junkies like myself :)

Curtain Issue Solved?

2010-06-08T08:54:00.002-04:00

Many of you know that I've been keeping my eyes open for affordable curtains for....well, for a while.

The blanket I have at one, while not horrible, is still...a blanket. And since last year I've had two panels of fabric I bought at Ikea hung half-hazardly (not hemmed or anything) at the other.

My ideal curtains are these Linen ones from Potter Barn:

But they are out of my budget...

at Pottery Barn

Or something beautiful and custom as seen in Aubrey & Lindsay's home:

sooooo perfect....

But I refuse to do custom curtains in my rental....
So I've been looking for more affordable solutions.

Enter Ikea.

I've really been considering the Aina...
But I can't remember why I've been hesitant about them.

I blogged this amazing small apartment here

This weekend my sister gave me her Vivan curtains from Ikea. She was going to use them to hide her laundry area but for whatever reason decided against. So I scored 2 panels.

They are SUPER sheer though. More so than I was expecting them to be.

But since privacy is not a huge issue I think they'll be nice for the summer.

They feel summery and easy breasy.

(I'll take a picture this week)

But, just this past weekend through a series of click I discovered some wonderful new decor blogs.

And on one I came across an ingenius idea that is new to me.

Drop cloths as curtains!

Yup, drop cloths that you use to avoid making a mess while painting - as curtains!

Have you heard of this before or am I the last person to come across this DIY?

Seen on Apartment Therapy

This blogger further customized it by sewing black sheets
(yes regular black sheets!) to the bottom as an accent:

As seen over on Beneath My Heart
(if you consider doing this project the blogger gives good info on drop cloths -
not all are created equal! lol)

(Do a google search and you'll find many more examples...)
I like that they have that structured yet casual feel that I want and they come in multiple lengths.
They also (so I've read) have a feel and texture similar to linen. Nice.

Best part? They are totally affordable.

All the examples I've seen have left the drop cloth as is - but I'm wondering if I can dye it....

That would be PERFECT!
(actually now I'm thinking maybe I can dye the Vivan curtains....)

At any rate, one more thing added to my project list for this Summer.

Updated to add:
Okay, so I wrote the above on Sunday night while at my Mom's house.
I'm now back at my apartment and have had a chance to really look at the curtains my sister gave me hung next to my old 'ikea' fabric panels.

You'll have to forgive me. The picture isn't the best...
Because of the light coming in it's hard to capture accurately:

new curtains on left - ikea fabric panel on right

I actually really like them!
And I love the way they gently move when the breeze goes by...so lovely.
So I decided to hang 'em
(I'll be buying two more for the other window just to the right of the gallery wall)

(ugh. do you see the horrible wall colour I've been talking about? not so bad in some lighting but particularly yucky in this photo)

My only thought now...can I dye them?
(FYI - I moved the fabric panels to my bedroom. I really like them there. They finish of the window, which only had blackout roller blinds, and provide more sun blocking quality. Win-win!)

Perhaps the drop cloth curtains will be for Fall - when I want something a bit heavier.

Second Uses

2010-06-07T14:17:00.003-04:00

How fantastic are these hanging lanterns?

While their intended use is for outdoors (the garden or porch) I think they would look delightful hanging inside in a spot that needs a little...something something.

Think I may get one, or two, to hang in the corner of my bedroom -

to inject a world-traveled feel to the room.

(because they are quite Moroccan-ish in feel aren't they?)

And while I'm there I may just pick up one of these....

...because even though they are for flowers I think it would look incredibly chic on my desk filled with pens and pencils...nice pens and pencils of course ;)

All available here

Off-White or Light Grey?

2010-06-07T09:55:00.003-04:00

Lately all I can think about is painting my apartment.

Sometimes I think the builders beige (or whatever colour they put in apartments) isn't so bad,

but others times I look around and can't stand it.

I know it would look SO much better painted...

but it's an overwhelming thought...

to paint my entire apartment (even though it's small).

But literally, it's all I can think about lately.

"You should really just paint and get it over with," I say to myself.

"Your place would look so much better."

"The care you've taken to decorate and furnish deserves a nice background...not this builders beige shit."

Ugh. I can barely stand it.

And it would be so much easier a decision to make if I knew what colour I wanted to paint it.

That's a WHOLE OTHER ISSUE.

I'm torn between an off-white, like Moonlight White by BM:

As seen above in Anna's home on Door Sixteen

Or a nice soft grey.

My latest obsession is Dolphin Fin by Behr:

(Yes, I have paint obsessions. I have a whole list of potential paint colours...)

As seen above in Alaina's apartment on Live Creating Yourself
(a recent blog find of mine..and as such added to my 'On My Radar' section on the sidebar--->)

You simply must check out her blog (and her house tour!)

Can't believe she pulled it all together so quickly!

As seen above in Kristen's super cute home over on the blog KFF Designs

Personally, I think the grey would be more interesting and that's the direction I'm leaning in (and, as you can see, it still works well as a neutral) but off-white seems like the 'safe' choice.

And because I'm already slightly overwhelmed by the thought of painting my apartment I don't want to do it twice. I'd prefer to get it right the first time.

Your thoughts?

Off-White or Light Grey?

Happiness & Black Walls

2010-06-04T12:32:00.003-04:00

How great is this print above? Simple and to the point.

Working 9-5 for myself this week was a good plan. I got a lot crossed off of my list....

though yesterday I was a bit of a slacker ;)

It rained pretty much all day for the past two days.

It made me immensely happy as the heat has been BRUTAL to my poor arms.

Hope you all have a good weekend.

I'll be doing heading to my sister's house today to do some photography editing.

She has one of the MACs with the huge screen - perfect for editing pictures.

Funny because she totally just liked the look of it and bought it.

Doesn't use ANY of the features on it and isn't into ANYTHING creative!

WHAT A WASTE LOL!

Meanwhile I trudge away on my 13" macbook.

Oy.

Waiting for her to upgrade and hand THAT down to me ;)

Also going to some kinda benefit thingy with her tomorrow.

And may go see Sex and The City 2 - which I'll drag her to. She owes me for going with her to see this.

Oh!

And I just had to share these pictures from one of my regular blog reads Elements of Style.

Erin's an interior decorator and this is a sneak peek she posted this week from a project she's working on. I'm kinda in love with it.

See more here

Erin also recently painted the back wall in her bedroom black.

See more here

LOVE! So so great, eh?

(and doesn't her little guy look like my Howard?!)

You all know how much I love a black wall (a wall in my kitchen is black - love it)

and this is seriously tempting me to take a paint brush and my leftover black paint to my bedroom wall...

Okay. Now that's it. See ya on Monday!

Plan 'A' and A Tale of a Wedding Destination

2010-06-03T10:41:00.006-04:00

Regular readers will know that I'm a bit of a planner. A few months ago, I came "out of the close" (not like that people), and admitted that yes, I am one of those girls who is already, mentally, planning for my wedding. Like, I have a folder on my laptop and everything. And it's not just a folder that I toss everything I like into. It has other folders in it. Like decor/cakes/stationery, to keep everything organized. Yes, despite not being engaged heck not even having a boyfriend - I've become on of those girls.

A few months ago I shared with you my dress and stationery of choice as well as the little church I have my eyes on IF I get married in my city. What I'd like to share with you today is my plan A location - because after the sneak peeks of seen of this place I've decided that, without a doubt, this is the place:

Peacock Pavilions in Marrakech, Morocco.

I'm certain many of you already follow Maryam's amazing blog My Marrakesh (it's on my blog list to the right) but if you don't I have one question - why?!?!?!?!

Maryam and her family are expats who have made Morocco their home and are in the final stages of building their boutique hotel. Reading Maryam's blog (which I've been doing for about 2 years) is like taking a little mini-vacation. She is an incredibly whimsical writer and her pictures are nothing short of breathtaking and honest. Maryam also works in, I believe, International Development and frequently goes on assignment to some countries that most would never dare but, like me, perhaps dream of.

Like Mali...

and Afghanistan.....

She sees and finds the beauty in it all.

But back to Peacock Pavilions - my wedding destination to be.

It's totally a labour of love designed Maryam and her architect husband. With local workers it was built from the ground up and loving decorated by Maryam with treasures she's found all over the world. No detail has been overlooked and EVERY thing has a story and purpose...it really kind of blows my mind. If you know me, you know this is exactly my kind of place (heck this is exactly what I want to do in Egypt one day). Peacock Pavilions consists of two Pavilions (each with bedrooms, fireplaces, bathrooms, private rooftop terrace and so much more), it also has a pool, olive groves, a garden, and a bunch of things I'm forgetting and probably don't even know about.

Basically, it sounds like my version of heaven on earth and so I plan on renting the entire property for my big day (yes that is an option).

Now some delicious pictures. Yes, delicious. Because they are literally a feast for the eyes.

A peek at one of the bathrooms...

(see more)

A tiny peek at the hand-stenciling done

by Royal Design Studio on the party/dining tent...

(see more)

A hallway in one of the Pavilions...

(see details here)

More hand stenciling on a ceiling in one of the bedrooms...

(see more)

She's even had a chef come in to work on the menu....
rich with authentic Morrocan flavour of course!

(see more here)

I tell you NOTHING has been overlooked...there are even signature cocktails!

The Peacocktail...

(see more)

I don't want to post too many pictures because they really are better enjoyed with Maryam's words...so if you aren't clicking over to go through her archives right now...what the heck are you waiting for?

And if you're wondering - yes, there are even Peacocks on the grounds hence the name!

(at least there were Peacocks until an unfortunate accident some weeks ago).

Would this not make the most fantastic destination wedding spot?!?

(Or just an amazing getaway for you, perhaps with some friends, or with a loved one?)

Ugh, I can hardly wait lololol. Oh gosh I'm so sad LMAO.

So that, my friends, is my plan A.
Please tell me I'm not the only one who already has a venue/destination picked out?

(And you must promise that if you decide to get married there too now, I get first dibs on the date!)

*All Images from the blog My Marrakesh

Perfect Inside & Out

2010-06-02T08:33:00.003-04:00

Ugh.

Not only does Jenna Lyons, creative director of J. Crew, have the most beautiful home on

the INSIDE...which has been blogged and featured in design mags a zillion times but I'm still going to include a few pics:

All the moldings...I just want to cry a bit it's so beautiful...

She also has the most perfect OUTDOOR space.

Her yard is just gorgeous:

Seriously, don't you just die a bit when you look at it? It's too perfect.

And I totally admit that when I saw this picture it immediately went into my inspiration folder - because when I have my own yard I'm going to copy it down to the last detail with absolutely no shame.

(1) Via Living Etc. as seen on Habitually Chic (2-6) As seen in Domino (7) Via Living Etc. as seen on Door Sixteen

June!

2010-06-01T12:16:00.002-04:00

While I'm sitting here at my desk, working 9-5, it's hard not to get a bit distracted - I find myself looking for something specific for my project (like a great font) ...then through a series of random clicks ending up on wonderful new-to-me blogs (and with 10 new fonts) - so really, I'm not complaining because work is still getting done!

But I had to pop on quickly and share this find with you all.

I'm a sucker for a great desktop wallpaper and when I saw this one I immediately cleaned up my desktop and added the image to my laptop. Even better - it's totally free!

Geez, I'm such a sucker for beautiful free stuff ;) Love.

You can find it here at the blog Simple Blueprint.

The blog itself is quite a find too - filled with lots of eye candy.

Now back to work!

ETA:
Oh! Can you believe it's JUNE already. Yikes! Where did the fist half of the year go?!?!?
I don't even want to check my resolutions....at least not yet.
The summer hasn't really even started and I've already got a nasty heat rash on each arm.
The weather here in Toronto has been SO HOT the past week.
Like, so hot that the city has already declared TWO extreme heat alert warnings.
This summer is going to be BRUTAL. I need to get some heat rash cream or something.

Working 9 - 5

2010-05-31T10:14:00.003-04:00

"Working 9 - 5

What a way to make a livin'..."

See that desk pictured above. That's my desk (like you didn't already know that!).

That's where I'll be this week, from 9 - 5.

The contract I was working on for the past few weeks ended last week.

On the weekend, I decided that this week I would work on my OWN personal projects

(two to be specific) as if I was working for someone else.

From 9 - 5.

At my desk.

I'm going to put the same effort into the work for OTHERS, into the work I want to do for MYSELF.

Two breaks and a lunch hour.

Yup.

Working 9 - 5.

I'm excited to see what I'll get crossed off the to-do list I created.

..........

And of course I couldn't not blog a picture of my most recent thrift purchase.

If you follow me on twitter (and really you should ;) you may have already seen it.

It's this awesome clutch I picked up last week for $2.50.

Two dollars and fifty cents people.

Perfect dressed up or dressed casual.

I think it's quickly become my favourite clutch.

And happy Memorial Day to my readers south of the border!

The Greatness Guide

2010-05-27T20:46:00.006-04:00

So over the past few posts I've mentioned the book I'm reading, The Greatness Guide by Robin Sharma, and how....well...great I think it is. This isn't the first Robin Sharma book I've read and I enjoyed the others just as much. The subtitle on this book reads: ".....secrets for personal and business mastery."

I wouldn't say they are so much "secrets" as they are tips/suggestions/advice and words of wisdom. Well, maybe they are secrets if you never knew them before. I can honestly say I've had at least 3 AHA moments so far and have underlined dozens of bits of wisdom. Some of which I'd like to share here with you all (shortened to get to the heart of the point as I see it). I even typed some out on pictures so they look nice :) Click image to see larger.

Chapter 11. Mick Jagger and Reference Points.

*(small correction: ...should read Lance Armstrong is a great reference point on perseverance...)
(this chapter - total aha moment.)

Chapter 14. How To Be a Happier Human

Chapter 20. Burn Your Boats.

Chapter 24. Your Four-Minute Mile.

...Before 1954 , it was believed that no runner could ever break the 4-minute mile barrier. But after Roger Bannister broke it, many more replicated it---within weeks. Why? Because he showed people it was possible. They got a new reference point. And armed with that belief, people did the impossible. (so true! you often hear something is hard/challenging to do but then when one person does it...tons of people start doing it afterwards and it's not as "impossible" anymore.) What's your four-minute mile? What false assumptions are you making in terms of what you cannot have, do and be? Your thinking creates your reality (AHA! total lightbulb went off for me) Your beliefs truly become self-fulfilling prophecies (because your beliefs drive your actions---and you will never act in a way that is misaligned with your thinking; the size of your life reflects the size of your thinking)......(ahhhh this entire chapter is one big aha moment)

Chapter 29. Your Schedule Doesn't Lie.

There's an old phrase that says "what you're doing speaks so loudly I cannot hear what you're saying." You can say that your primary value involves putting your family first, but if time with your family is not all over your schedule, well then the truth of the matter is that your family life isn't your priority....Show me your schedule and I'll show you the truth. Because your schedule doesn't lie.....Your schedule is the best barometer for what you truly value and believe to be important. Too many people talk a good talk. But talk is cheap. Show me your schedule and I'll show you where your priorities are. I used to be a litigation lawyer. Witnesses in the courtroom could say what they wanted to. But the evidence never lied. (I never thought about my schedule this way before. Very powerful stuff I think.)

And there are 101 chapters like this.

As I mentioned before the chapters are no longer than 1 or 2 pages and really expand on the suggestion/idea/advice for that chapter. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants some encouragement to...just do something, who wants to live a more fulfilled life, who is starting their own business or thinking of it, or maybe you have your own business and just want to make it greater. In short, I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to be greater at whatever it is your doing.

*All excerpts from the book, The Greatness Guide by Robin Sharma available, among other places, here or here.

It's Wednesday Which Means...

2010-05-26T10:46:00.000-04:00

MODERN FAMILY!

Seriously, this is my favourite new shows and has become one of my favourite shows on television PERIOD. It is absolutely hilarious! I laugh, literally OUT LOUD, during every single episode (which I've seen every one of thankyouverymuch).

If you haven't watched it yet I beg of you - give it just one shot tonight - then let me know what you think! I'm practically laughing right now just thinking about the show. All of the characters crack me up but I think Phil takes the cake:

Haha look at Phile (the dad's) face. So funny.

He really does seem like sweetest husband but he's just so darn funny and kinda in his own world. Click here to get a taste of Phil. LMAO.

But I also love Cameron. Cam in action. (Hard to find good clips online but that'll do)....and Manny.

What the heck, I love 'em all.

So, I guess you all know what I'll be doing tonight at 9 p.m.

Any other MF fans?

(sorry Glee fans, I tried it and seriously don't get the hype. don't hate me).