camouflage

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It would appear that this camouflage trend is stickin' around for spring, and I have to say I'm diggin' it. I think a well fitted cargo is such a stylish alternative to jeans and with the camouflage print it only makes the alternative a more attractive option. I love the above look paired with red and can picture myself pairing them with a white t-shirt and jean jacket come the warmer weather. With Shopbop having a sale, I was browsing and I'm feelin' these cropped pair, these slouchy ones and these with a more subtle flair.

What are your thoughts on the camo trend? Happy to have it stick around this spring or would you rather it disappeared?

wanna-be wino

For all you other wanna-be wine aficionado's, this poster is the tits. Drew's response to seeing it was that it seems a little over complicated. But for the wine-loving, foodie-loving, friend-hosting creature that I am, I don't think I can go on without it! 

copycat beet salad

One of my most favorite Toronto restaurants is Le Select Bistro and one of the main reasons is their beet salad. They mix golden and red beets, fresh lettuce, crunchy walnuts and top it off with gooey, melted goats cheese. I was always perplexed because the goats cheese I bought at the store didn't have the gooey, melty part surrounding the centre. Well, I found it at the grocery store and now am frequently indulging in my own homemade version. Everything melds nicely in this salad when you take a bite of everything together - the earthiness of the beets, richness of the cheese - it just works. It's also super tasty without feeling heavy or overly unhealthy, which is always a bonus.

{ These beets were already marinated, tossed with orange segments from the store. But you can use a $1 can of beets, chop them up, and toss them in a homemade vinaigrette. Add in a few walnuts for crunch. }

{Frisee lettuce is ideal (because you can bake it without it getting soggy) but use whatever greens you have and toss them lightly to serve on the side }

{ This is the wrapper from the goats cheese I was talking about. If you're a fan of regular goats cheese, this will blow your mind. The flavor is similar but the creamy texture take the cheese to another level }

{ And while I usually try to avoid dessert at lunchtime, when there's leftover homemade chocolate cake in the fridge, you just have to go for it }

big 'ol bedroom crush

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A wooden headboard, patterned rug, white linens, grey comforter and just a tiny spot of color with the blue... Man oh man, this would be the perfect room to retire to any day of the week.

I've been swooning over a similar Hotel Collection quilt for months. I read that Hotel Collection bedding is totally worth the splurge.

super strands

I've been on the hunt for some sort of dry shampoo and I think Oribe's Texturizing Spray is what I've decided on. My hair falls flat so easily, and to have a product that gives it a little oopmf would be so ideal. And on those lazy days when shampoo/dry/style just seems overwhelming, a dry shampoo spray can bring my blond lockes back to life. Really, I don't see any negatives... Hoping Sephora will pull through in the clutch.

stop & smell the roses

It's so easy to get caught up in life and forget to enjoy the simple, little pleasures that infect our daily routines. I've been keen to step back and take note of these happening as of late and thought I would share some of my favorite moments, things, experiences, etc... 

getting into a bed with freshly laundered linens.

strawberry haagen daz ice cream.

a plane ride.

neatly, manicured nails.

a full tank of gas.

making snow angels.

handwritten snail mail.

a hot fire. 

when babies smile.

loud, hearty laughter.

a warm cup of jo.

a sweaty yoga class.

What little things bring you joy and make you happy? 

I encourage you to take it all in and stop & smell the roses. Life really isn't all that bad :)

model behavior

I saw this on Cup of Jo and thought it was too cool not to post. With NYFW recently past, this is such a cool way to look at part of the process. Click through for the model morphosis.

xo happy valentine's day! xo

Happy Valentine's Day! 

May your day be lovely and your night sexy. . . 

xoxo

( Creative Cookies courtesy of Le Dolci! )

for your listening pleasure

Inspired by Sunday's Grammy Aways here's some of the songs I've been listening to since. The reviews were mixed, but personally I thought the award show was great. The live performances were awesome and the artists who performed were from all different genres - which for my mixed tastes was definitely a plus. Loved that Fun, The Black Keys, The Lumineers and Mumford & Sons got so much love too - well deserved!

Stay by Rihanna

 She looked so darn good in that red dress and the black one too!

 Suit & Tie by Justin Timberlake 

Did you see the camera cut to Jessica & Beyonce dancing for their guys? So cute!

The Bob Marley Tribute was so awesome. The selection of artists was right on point.

Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys

 Loved how she started off banging the drum and that she partnered up with Adam Levine. Cool duo. 

Adorn by Miguel

And to get you in the mood for some serious Valentine's Day lovin',  

I'd suggest you set this tune on repeat... now.

{ images 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 }

caramels > everything

My view on sweets: caramel > anything else... That being said, I wouldn't object to enjoying any of these sweet morsels come the 14th. There's something sort of sensual about sharing chocolates with a lover. Don't they all look like mini works of art?

What sweets do you reach for when looking for a sugar fix?

Some other sweet ideas...

chocolate croissants from Aroma Espresso Bar

custom made valentine themed cookies from Le Dolci

can't go wrong with any of the special v-day treats from Soma Chocolate Maker

keep it sexy and pick up some strawberries, and a pot of PC's Black Label Milk Chocolate Fondue



(caramels via)

simple and strappy

Remember last weeks 'just because' post - Well, I have found another pair of wonderfully strappy sandals in Steve Madden ReaLove heels. I first saw them here and was shocked at 1. the price and 2. the reviews hailing how comfy they are! I could see myself dressing them up with a simple frock and also dressing them down with jean shorts, t-shirt and a blazer for a summer concert. I love the snow but these shoes have me seriously dreaming for snow-less streets.

rosemary parmesan roasted potatoes

Not just your average potato, and I can pretty much guarantee you won't be able to get enough of these little jewels. This simple recipe brings your basic potato side dish to a whole new level. The cheese crisps up and the rosemary gives such a fragrant richness - these are definitely a new favorite at this house.

Ingredients

3 tbsp olive oil

3/4 tsp chopped garlic

1 tbsp rosemary

1/2 cup finely grated parmesan 

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp coarse sea salt

Instructions

Cut potatoes in half, boil for 3 minutes. Combine ingredients and toss boiled potatoes until they are all coated. Lay flat on a baking tray and roast in 425 degree oven for 20 minutes. Take out every 5 minutes and toss/flip on pan. 

(* serving suggestion: try these on top of a lightly dressed mixed greens salad. The warm rich flavor of the potato paired with the freshness of the crisp salad is truly delicious! * )

wishlisted

I've been coveting Alexander Wang bags for a while and as I was walking through Holt Renfrew today I was reminded of their buttery, beautiful leather and edgy studded detailing. This red Diego Bucket Bag would be perfectly appropriate as a Valentine gift... hint, hint. 

a treat for your sweetheart

I'm all about reminding the special people in your life how much you love them and what better way to do it then with homemade treats!? I mean really, does it get any better than buttery rice krispie squares...? I thought I'd share two of my tips for making the best rice krispie squares - 

1. ) always use real butter, margarine just doesn't cut it 

2.) use the bottom of a glass to press the krispies into the pan 

To make the treats extra special, I wrapped them up in parchment and tied them off with pink string. 

{ I cut the rounded sides off to create perfect edged squares }

{ All you need is parchment paper, scissors and string/yarn }

{ Roll down the parchment and wrap it down and under like a present }

{ I cut three pieces of string for each parcel }

{ End result... Delicious little treats for your Valentine! }

{ And no one here is complaining about the left overs... }

I do have to share my feelings on Valentine's Day... I think it's a wonderful holiday, any day that celebrates love and special people is a good day in my books. With that said, I don't think the commercialized aspect (read: expensive presents, extravagant dinners, etc) of what the day has become is what it should all be about. So, I encourage and urge you to focus on spending time with people who matter and making sure they feel extra loved come the 14th! (and maybe I've inspired you to do that with homemade treats!)

blood orange cocktail

I will never turn down a cold beer or nice glass of wine, but sometimes a cocktail really hits the spot. The liquor provides a different flavor profile and whatever is mixed in usually adds all sorts of depth to the drink. Superbowl Sunday called for something a little bit more exciting that the regular 'ol can of beer and we had been intrigued by the commercials for PC's Blood Orange Gin Fizz. The ingredients were simple and the flavors big. Definitely best served ice cold, I can't wait to serve this to friends when the warm weather sets in!

(Tip: Try cocktails when you're out for meals! It's a great way to introduce yourself to liquors you might not otherwise get the chance to try. And chances are, if they're being served on a menu they are going to be mega tasty! - I recently fell in love with the orange blossom cocktail from here.) 

just because

Haven't posted a fancy shoe in a while. How cute would these neon snake sandals look come summer? Strappy and sexy, and they're on sale... Oh dear

stand up to cancer

February 4th is World Cancer Day. Join me today in the global movement and stand up against a disease that has in some way affected us all. 

Marky Mark is Mark Dempsey, my best friends father and there's not a day that goes by that I don't think of how much he is missed and how much cancer changed everything. I not only remember him today, but I remember the fathers, mothers, grandparents, friends and family members who left us much too soon. 

Print out your place card HERE and SHOW THE WORLD WHO YOU STAND UP FOR.

homemade valentine cards

The month of love is upon us! February is here and that means Valentine's Day is less than two weeks away. I love that I get to celebrate the day with D but I also like taking the opportunity to remind friends and family how special they are to me; and as always, I think snail mail is one of the nicest ways to do that. Last year I sent out these cards, and this year I decided to do a new homemade design. Anything v-day related should always contain pink and red hearts, but I like the addition of X&O's and a little glitz with the gold and silver. And just because you don't have a partner, doesn't mean that you can't celebrate the day for the other ways in which love fills your life on the daily!

I will remind you all again, but while I'm on the topic - to all you wonderful LMS readers - 

I LOVE YOU!  

{ Have a lovely weekend darlings! xo }

pretty girls and their closets

Does anyone else browse the blog The Covetuer? I love the entire website but my favorite part is the behind the scenes, sneak peak's inside closets. There are some pretty amazing and awesome closets and homes... the clothes, shoes, purses, decor - inspiring to say the least.
Here are some of my favorite bloggin' ladies, Leandra, Rumi and Emily (when she was staying at the Ritz in Toronto for her Holts appearance!).  ...Amazing right?

Oh, and I share TC's views on candles. There's no easier way to transform a room, than by simply lighting a candle.