Bar Cart Envy

1/2/3/4
Check out these awesome bar carts! Although I am not much of a drinker and really don't have much use or room for a bar cart I would love to one day own one. I think they are great for entertaining, make any space more interesting and can easily be moved from one room to another. For these reasons, I would definitely jump at the opportunity if I came across an awesome vintage bar cart at the right price at the antique market. If you're in the mood for a DIY project you can easily turn an old AV cart into a great bar cart with a coat of spray paint. What do you think about bar carts and do you have a favourite? I tend to like square or rectangular vintage ones.

Chocolate Orange Cream Cheese Pound Cake

I recently discovered Joy the Baker and am loving her creative and tasty recipes. I made this Chocolate Cream Cheese Pound Cake the other night and am loving it. I love the combination of chocolate and orange and have been enjoying this treat with an afternoon cup of tea.

Reading Life

Lately I have been reading a lot. I loved reading as a child and basically stopped reading for fun when I went to university. Since finishing school I have rediscovered my love of reading and even splurged on an ereader. I love my ereader because it's so convenient. I can throw it in my purse and it doesn't weigh me down. I also like that it can be held in one hand. I now read to and from work, sometimes during my lunch and before I go to bed. Although I'm a fan of ereaders there's still something special about cracking open a book. For this reason I will always have books on my bookshelf and invest in books that I absolutely adore and plan on reading more than once. 

What's your take on ereaders?

What are you reading right now and any recommendations?

I'm reading The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson

Art I'm Loving: RococcoLA Prints

       I'm loving RococcoLA prints. I find myself drawn to the contrast of black and white, and

vibrant colours. Here are my faves:

Bird Releases the Butterflies

The Happy Elephant

Vintage Revolver, Butterflies and Flowers

I am thinking about putting these three prints in my living room. They are fun and colourful, will look great on a white wall AND the bf likes them. Which ones do you like?  


You can check out RococcoLA's Etsy shop here.

Baggu Leather Pouch

1/2

What do you think about these Baggu leather pouches? I don't often gravitate towards handheld bags but love the simplicity and shape of these pouches. They would be great for carrying your cash, cell, lipstick and keys for casual outings and can double as an organizer in a larger bag. I love the apricot colour for summer months and can imagine using the black as a clutch for a casual night out. They also come in other fun colours such as yellow, white, blue and silver. 

Feeling Nostalgic...

Lately I have been feeling nostalgic. Since starting my new job I now spend most of my lunch hours going for walks and reading on the UofT campus. I can't help but think about the time I spent at the university as a student, which seems so so long ago. There is so much beauty in the architecture of the buildings. Here are some shots of my favourite spots. 

Avocado Spinach Egg Salad

I made this avocado spinach egg salad last Thursday for dinner. I was feeling lazy and tired after hitting the gym and wanted to make something fast and simple. It was yummy and made a great lunch the next day. An added bonus is that it calls for yogurt and avocado instead of mayo. I added a bit of cumin for some tang. Enjoy!

Kate Stuns in Cobalt for First Speech

source

Is it me or does Kate look stunning in this cobalt Reiss dress? She wore the hand-me-down from her mother to for her first public speech at East Anglia Children's Hospice on Monday. Although her speech was well delivered it seems as if her dress stole the spotlight.

Thoughts On Self-Compassion ...

Source
Lately I have been thinking about self-compassion. The topic came up at my work a few weeks ago and it got me thinking about the meaning of self-compassion and whether I practice it. For me self-compassion is giving yourself a break, being kind to yourself and treating yourself the way you'd treat a friend. It means not feeling bad about yourself if you don't make it to the gym as planned or check off something on your to-do list. You can go to the gym the next day ... or the day after. No biggie. I am beginning this week with the intention of practicing more self-compassion. I hope you are kind and gentle with yourself today.

Happy Monday :) 

Art I'm Loving: Peggy Wolf Illustrations

I adore Peggy Wolf. I love her colourful, quirky and eye-catching illustrations of female portraits. Here are my faves: 

Limited Edition Print: Joe 

Limited Edition Print:Twiggy

Exotic Flower Tattoo

Oh Carmen

Strong Beauty

I have purchased Strong Beauty and Exotic Flower Tattoo and plan to add them to a salon-style display. Which ones do you like? Any Etsy shop recommendations?

You can check out Peggy's Etsy shop here.

Credit for all illustrations: Etsy

Inside My March Topbox

My first Topbox finally arrived! You're probably wondering what the big deal is but I waited months to get a subscription. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Topbox, it's a Canadian company that sends you four beauty products each month for $10. It's a great way to try new brands and products. Brands have included Stila, Nars and Deborah Lippmann. I love the surprise of not knowing what's in each box. Topbox makes me feel like every month is my birthday! 

Signs of Spring ...

I took these photos taken at Butchart Gardens, Spring 2008

This week has been filled with signs of spring. The sun has come out and the temperature has increased. I started wearing my spring coat, had my first ice cap. and bought tulips at the market. What are your signs of spring?

Things that make me smile...

Jelly Bellys 

Dogs playing in the park

Silly street performers

Horse named Naunie

Jungalow Love

Jungalow style is all about creative reuse, personalization, vivid colors, bold patterns and lots and lots of plants--Jungalow style is tropical and bohemian, very vintage and very cozy. Jungalow is about bringing the eclectism of nature and the wild indoors. 

Justina Blakeney

1/2/3/4

I recently discovered Jungalow style and love it! I love the idea of bringing nature indoors and have been dreaming up ways I can incorporate various elements of Jungalow style into my space.

Click here for "10 ways to Turn a Pad into a Jungalow"

Saturday Chillaxin at Balzac's

 

I spent several hours yesterday chillaxin at Balzac's. There's nothing better than escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life to spend a Saturday afternoon reading and sipping a latte. 

The bf was unfortunately hard at work trying to meet a Monday am deadline.

I love the ambience and history of this space and plan to spend many more Saturdays just like this one. I hope everyone is having a relaxing weekend :)

Location: Distillery District - 55 Mill St., Bldg. #60

Saturday Hours: 7am - 8pm

I enjoyed: Toasted almond latte