When life gives you lemons, make curd!

Ever since I spied this jar of deliciousness over at poppytalk, I haven't been able to curb my craving for delicious homemade lemon curd.


photo credit - poppytalk   photo source - Jme Collection Shop

I'm wanting to try the Meyer Lemon Curd recipe from Recipe Girl. Just look at how delicious it looks -

photo credit - The Recipe Girl

Happy Spa-day!

What a day! Every second Friday, the Dr and I have the day off work to spend together - it's a perk I wouldn't give up or change for anything! Today the wonderful man took me out for breakfast at our local catering shop, and then drove us up through the hills for a much needed day at the spa.

We lounged. We were pampered. We were massaged with hot stones. We spent all day sweating out our toxins. We were fed ridiculously decadent foods (phyllo stuffed with brie, pineapple and salami, sausage & pesto pasta, grilled chicken & artichoke panini, green salad AND chocolate fondue). Needless to say, we can barely walk or talk, and are spending the night on the couch watching movies and cuddling.



As if I couldn't get any luckier, I'm really looking forward to this weekend's activities. Tomorrow morning we are getting up and making white chocolate & cranberry scones for breakfast, followed by an outing to our local French bakery for some Illy and to pick up one dozen specially made French macaroons (pistachio, chocolate, lemon, hazelnut & raspberry). After devouring each and every macaroon, we will be spending the rest of afternoon at the gym trying to feel better about ourselves. Sunday I'm hoping to spend the a better part of the day putzing around at home and then skating (weather permitting)!

Happy Weekend to you all!

Photo Source - Absolutely Beautiful Things"
Photo Credit - Cig Harvey

Hunter Wellies

In keeping with the rainy theme of the day, I recently discovered love, church & state. I love everything about their collection. This picture reminds me of Spring on the farm; the dress is typical kitty-wear, and I am especially drawn to the boots. I admit to owning the Wellies (shown on the model) in black, but after seeing this photo, I am wishing for a pair in red for the coming season.



{Note: I'm a size 7}

Rainy Day Blues

I woke up this morning to rain. After months of cold white precipitation, our snow in the front yard is finally starting to melt. Normally this would give me hope that Spring is on the way, except for the fact that the rain is supposed to change to freezing rain, then change to ice pellets and gusting winds, and eventually change to more of the dreaded white stuff.



Mother Nature, if you are listening, it's me, Kitty. Please send sun and warm weather so I can trade in my coat for a ruffle bottom swimsuit from Orla Kiely.



Photo Source - Orla Kiely

Smythe Statement

Now this is what I call a statement jacket.... Sourcing it will be a whole other story. Smythe is notoriously tough to find, does not distribute or sell online, and ships randomly. Did I mention they are Canadian and totally worth it ?!

Check out the Smythe Spring 2009 collection here.


Interesting factoid - Tommy Smythe, designer and television regular (Sarah's House / Room Service - Sarah Richardson) is the brother of Christie Smythe - co-designer of Smythe jackets.

Goodbye my friend

While I continue to {less than patiently} wait for my last copy of Domino, I thought it would be a suitable tribute to post a smattering of my very favorite images from previous editions.

{click here for the sad news.}

We'll miss you Domino!

Dress it up!

Anthropologie melts my ♥

Sartorial Inspiration - Statement Jackets

A statement jacket is at the top of my list of things I must own for Spring/Summer and a version for Fall/Winter. Both of these jackets must be a colour and cannot be a version of black or grey or brown - because I already have those and they aren't working for me.


In particular, I love the way the jacket in the picture cuts away from the body at the bottom - it reminds me of the Smythe one-button equestrian style jacket that is featured every fall, yet this version is slightly more office appropriate because it's done in a solid rather than a bold print.

This outfit is classy and I was immediately drawn to how simple it was to create, yet how completely polished and appropriate the girl in the photo looks - I would prefer a longer hemline, but she can rock the short look at her age. This would be an effortless go-to outfit for those days when I just can't find anything to wear to work, and I already have the majority of pieces in my closet to recreate such a look.

To top it off, the necklace and booties are brilliant and make the outfit very age appropriate.

This outfit has given me the inspiration to try to create a new outfit from my endless and tired winter wardrobe. Thanks Scott!

photo source - Sartorialist

Sweet Treats - The Art of French Macaroons

One famous macaroon from Ladurée in Paris and I was hooked. My favorite flavour is pistachio, followed closely by salted butter caramel. It's been two years since my trip to Paris and I have a serious craving for an authentic french macaroon. I sourced one local bakery but they don't appear to have them on a regular basis. Another bakery will make them only as a special order in batches of 3 dozen. This only leaves me one alternative - I'm going to have to learn to make them myself!



Aran at Cannelle et Vanille posted this picture and her recipe here and Emily of Inside A Black Apple fame seems to have perfected the art of the macaroon (posted here) so maybe, just maybe, there is hope for me yet...


photo source - Cannelle et Vanille & Inside A Black Apple

Spring Inspiration from Chloe

Spring hasn’t even sprung and already my wallet is looking empty. These oversize bow wedge sandals from Chloe are perfect - great colour, nice bow detail across the toe, chic wedge heel. The icing on the cupcake is that despite the hefty pricetag (685), they are perfect for both work and casual life. I do hope they go on sale!





photo credit - Net-A-Porter

Zooey for Oliver Peoples

Coined as "smart, sassy and sophisticated" the vintage-inspired "Zooey" frame is the result of a collaboration between our favorite eyeglass designer and the gorgeous Zooey Deschanel. The frames are available in a range of colours, this combination is my current favorite -



The Zooey frames are currently available for pre-sale (415$) online through the Oliver People's website through March 15!

photo credit - Oliver Peoples

Yes We Do!

Hollie posted this over at Love It A Lot and although I really like it, I'm sure this will fad out like the "Keep Calm" posters did. That said, the modern cross-stitch idea is fantastic and the sentiment is oh so wonderful.



I don't know what is cuter, the poster or the small wooden toys and paper flags.

Oh Etsy, if only I'd never discovered your treasures, my wallet would be looking a little less empty!

Fascinating - Following the Fascinator Trend

I swoon for all things vintage or vintage-inspired. When I was just a little girl my parents bought me a vintage black feather fascinator. At the time I had no idea what to do with it and used it for dressing up my dolls. I recently dug it out from the storage box and while it's missing a few feathers, I can't wait to wear it.

Fast forward to 2008 - Last fall I purchased a designer clip feather fascinator and two feather band-style fascinators - one came complete with tulle! Sadly, I never had the guts to wear them outside the house but I quickly realized that I prefer the band version to the clip version. The band is easy and allows for adjustments. Enough said.

I'm loving the modern approach and materials incorporated into the Rosette Fascinator Headband over at giantdwarf's Etsy shop. It's big and bright and comes in yellow... What more could a girl ask for?



If you're looking for a more delicate version, look no farther than the feather fascinator. Personally, I would wear this version the most. Feathers help to soften severe updos - such as the french twist I am notorious for wearing. I'm loving the bright blues and turquoise in this version from violetdelight's Etsy shop



Finally, there is the birdcage veil fascinator. While this version may be the dressiest of them all, I would argue that a little tulle never hurt anyone! I particularly like this version - complete with hat, from satanica's Etsy shop.



Images courtesy of Etsy

PaperCraft

Anyone else remember curling kraft paper around a pencil, dipping the paper in Aylmer's white glue, and sticking it to a piece of paper? Yulia Brodskaya just took this Kindergarten craft and turned it into something fantastic...

*I want to hang this in my office*

For more inspiration check out Yulia's website http://artyulia.com/
photo source- Apartment Therapy

Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto

The highlight of the Oscars came when Kunio Kato received the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film ("La Maison en Petits Cubes").

"So heavy. Thank you very much. Thank you, my supporters. Thank you, all my staff. Thank you, my producer. Thank you, Academy. Thank you, animation. Thank you my company, Robot. Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto. Thank you very much."

Absolutely Brilliant!

photo source - Daily Contributor

Comforts of Home

Sunday's are lazy days around here. We get up late, lounge around, watch sports on tv, and read magazines (usually back issues because I'm always a month behind).

Now that both Domino and Blueprint are kaput, I have to rely on my House & Home subsciption for home inspiration. With Suzanne Dimma recently appointed to the position of Editor, I'm starting to notice small changes - like the incorporation of colour, pattern, and modern design with more traditional elements.

Case in point - this spread is arguably still traditional, yet it has a modern vibe to it - vintage poster hung on traditional scolls, modern wall colour and dark wood accents. Also, the use of orange text is a nice touch.



I'm hoping that coming editions of H&H incorporate a more modern Domino-esque aestethic while still maintaining the traditional glamour and elegance we've come to expect and love.

photo source - House & Home

Happy Friday!

I couldn't have said it better myself.



Bacon is like a little hug from God - Courtesy of Etsy:: nicodemusgreen

What I'm not buying...

I am sensing a theme for Spring/Summer - pinks, yellows, greys & florals are where my head's at. I want the posie ring so bad I can taste it.




photo source - Anthropologie

Orla Kiely for Target

Like the rest of the world, I couldn't resist. I knew the second I saw the collection that I wanted the apron and the pear-print tablecloth.

Fast forward 3 weeks and the items have finally arrived by Post. In the mean time, I've read all the negative comments & witnessed the skepticism, but I have to say that I am very impressed.

The apron is generous, well sewn and actually fits a woman's torso. The quality of the cotton, as well as the crispness of the print is exactly what I would expect from an Orla Kiely boutique item - thanks to Target, these items only cost a fraction of the price!




photo source - Apartment Therapy

Favorite Things

These are some of my very favorite things.

Cupcake Anyone?

I'm a smitten kitten! Now I'll just have to wait for that very special occasion...







Cupcake Dress - Courtesy of Elizabeth Dye

Behind the Clouds

Meow! My favorite material (swiss-dot) and my favorite colour have finally come together to create the perfect dress! I can't wait for Spring to arrive!



Behind the Clouds dress - via Anthropologie

Happy Friday!

Love is everywhere
Happy {early} valentine's day
Enjoy your weekend

photo source - Etsy:: leemeszaros

What I'm not buying...

Until I can spend my days window shopping and riding a Velorbis Victoria Classic to the local market for flowers, I can't justify this dress - even though it fits like a glove!



photo source - Instyle Magazine

Wisteria Cardigan

Today is warm and the huge pile of snow outside the front door is finally melting! I can't wait until I can pull out my very favorite sweater (circa 2007) and forget my jacket.

I couldn't have said it better than m-a-belle;

I have always loved the idea of buying vintage clothing, but somehow I never seem to find the right shape, fit, price, look- you name it. So when I found the Wisteria Cardigan at Anthropologie, I was beyond thrilled! The buttery yellow cotton combined with vintage-looking white appliques and chocolate brown buttons reminds me of a sweater I would find in one of my grandma's old photo albums.

Last year I snagged the sweater twice and had to undertake major surgery to put it back together. This year I'll be much more careful because something this fabulous rarely comes along twice.