A few things...

I know, I know, I know...
I've been neglecting little Cochonet. He's starving... poor little guy. And I've been DYING to comment and post about tons of stuff, but as soon as I get one nano second to sit down at this stupid computer... my mind blanks out. I think my ADD has finally caught up with me.

Ex: I've been writing this entry since Friday morning... it's now Sunday night.

So I've been tagged for a meme by Aimée over at Under the High Chair!
Let me get that out of the way for you guys:
Oh and I'm tagging Stephanie at Bright Turquoise, Monique at Just One Thing, Rebecca (welcome to the blogosphere... !)at A Bird On the Wire and even if she's in sunny Mexico, Sarah from Sugar & Spice.
I don't know any other bloggers. I guess that makes me a blog loser? Not quite sure...

7 Strange factoids about me:

1.In another life I would have been an equine veterinarian.
2.I'd rather die than eat mayonnaise. And sour cream. Can't decide which one is worst.
3.I spent an evening dancing with Morgan Freeman. He said I was "the cutest little thing in here". I also own Drew Barrymore's running shoes.
4.I failed "Art of Listening" a renowned bobo class at McGill.
5.Before Mateo, I had never held a baby.
6. I have extraordinarily long hair on my toes
7.I was an alto in my high school choir


“7 Things” Meme How To:
1. Link to your tagger and post these rules.
2. Share 7 random facts about yourself
3. Tag 5 people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them).
4. Let them know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment at their Blogs
5. Have fun!

Teapot Fridays!

Yay, another exciting edition of teapots friday.From Spirografica, a really neat little online shop with lots of ecclectic goodies.
I'll be back later with more ceramics for you!

Arrested Wednesdays

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Narrator: And a traumatized Steve Holt needs a father.

Steve Holt: I've made a huge mistake.

GOB: I know the feeling - I had you. I'm your father Steve Holt. I can't hide from it anymore.

Holt: [to GOB] I'll never forget this - Dad.

GOB: [begins to cry] I will. [pulls forget-me-now from his pocket and takes it] I will.

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Narrator: GOB had been a pageant judge for years.

GOB: You cannot believe what it does for your sex life.

Michael: I don't want to hear it.

GOB: I don't want to say it -- First place chick is hot, but has an attitude; doesn't date magicians. Second place is someone weird usually, like a Chinese girl or a geologist. But third place, although a little bit plain has super-low self-esteem, so I step in and, uh... lay her crown upon my sweet head.

Michael: Have I missed this euphemism?

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Gob: I've got this Christian girlfriend now and she's trying to get me to be a better man and reconnect with my son and I'm trying to get her to renounce God and bleep me and I just want to prove to her that I'm worth it.

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Montreal Architecture Firm

So I love reading the paper on Saturday afternoons after lunch. Dad steals the whole thing, mom asks if we're allowed to read some. We all laugh... ah ha ha. Gwenn takes Arts & Spectacles, Mom takes Mon Toit and I take Cinema.
Long story short, there's a great article in La Presse about a residential bungalow conversion into a two storey house. I fell in love with the space. Could not stop thinking about it. I get home to a civilized internet connection and start googling the name of the firm. Y2H. Sounds kind of familiar, but couldn't quite put my finger on it... turns out, they converted my secret (not so secret anymore) brunch spot in Old Montreal. Hotel Gault. Hotel Gault, Lobby

Their work is amazing. They have this old world, meets industrial meets modern approach that really appeals to me. Lots of height, lots of light and lots of contrast. Love it. Iles de La Madeleine- Residence
New Brunswick- Residence

Montreal- Residence

Why Oscars 2008 sucked

When I started this blog, I made a conscious decision to try and not post negative things. You know, in the spirit of attracting more positive things in my life. Hence the reticence to post about the Oscars. Lets face it, if the biggest names walking the red carpet are Miley Cirus, Jennifer Gartner and Jessica Alba.... you can count me out. What has Cameron Diaz done in the last 5 years? Why was she even invited? Where was Julia Roberts... ? And Gwynneth? What about Ashley Judd and Rachel Weizc (spelling?).... Jennifer Connely? Come on.
In my opinion, it was a star-less event and the pre-show blew. Did anyone catch Renee Zellwegger trying to fix her hair? She looked terrifying.
The best dressed person (by far) was Cate Blanchett followed by that Irish singer from Once.
Ok, maybe Marion Clotillard in J.P.Gaulthier. That's it though, the rest was barforama. Specially the one from American Idol. Ouache.
It didn't help that we had to vacate our Oscar party half way through. I blame a small man named Luca. Who invited that guy?
See why I can't do the negative thing? It starts spiraling and I get nastier and angrier by the second.
So no more negative stuff, I'll store it in my pocket for arguments with Bruno! (ahem- I mean, just kidding!)

Weekend Recap

For the first time in ages I feel rested. Rested like you would feel after a week of lazing on the beach. Or rested like how bears feel when they wake up from their hibernation. Cate Blanchett last night at the Oscars. She just gets it right every time.
This film
Rolling out pasta with my dad
This desert (with modifications, of course: pear purée instead of raspberries)
Staying in my jammies all day long
Having someone else to plan and cook meals
Quiet time alone with Bruno
This stationery via Creature Comforts
Feeling hopeful that spring is right around the corner
Starting a 'home' file with clippings of neat things that I like for our eventual home
Watching grandparents enjoy their grandchildren

Happy Monday!

Internet Mind Blowing

So this internet thing is so big it boggles my mind- not that it takes much these days, but still. Come one. Sooooooooo much stuff out there it makes me want to barf sometimes. Barf in a good way.
Here are some of my picks to tie you over for the weekend:

For me, for you
Style Files (possibly the nicest header I've ever seen)
Farmgirl Fare (for the hippies in you)
Perfect Bound
Coolest envelopes EVER chez Stephanie
"Eco"- and I use the term very loosely- living over at Bailey's

Have a great weekend and pray that I don't eat too many cookies this weekend!

TeaPot Fridays...

Not your Grandma 's teapot...

From Suck Uk
That's it.

Random Factoids

I was wrongly accused of plagiarising a university paper
I have never cooked nor eaten eggplant
I have a thing for taxidermy
I could watch The Royal Tennenbaums all day every day and never get sick of it
I know Clueless by heart
I pick my nose and so do you

Thursday Featured Artist: Stephanie DeArmond

Sure it's a bit late, but what are you going to do about it? T Cozy Stephanie DeArmond 2006

Stephanie DeArmond is an American ceramic artist with a portfolio about as long as The Seventh Samurai. She currently works and lives in Holland (the nexxus of all that is cool) but is showing her stuff in the States. She is getting mad press these days, as her stuff is absolutely charming. Think Laura Ashley meets Access Hollywood meets Denby.
You should go ahead an read this great interview.
There's no need for me say anything more.
You can check out her website Here.

Today I am outting myself

I had a mini breakdown over the weekend. Something to do with gorgeous kitchens and spit up stained clothing. My mental gears are in overdrive.
As you may well know, I have a crazy split personality disorder. Not clinically, don't worry, but philosophically. One side wants organic farming, the other wants downtown loft space. One side wants Birkenstocks, the other wants Mark Jacobs. One side wants vermicompost, the other wants a garburator. You get the picture.
Want want want. That's all I seem to do. Now I know I have a tremendous amount to be thankful for, and trust me, after two glasses of wine all I can do is whimper about how lucky I am. I do, however, suffer from a severe case of Envy. That's right. Envy with a Capital 'E'. I'm not a jealous person, I'm not a vain person (ok, that's a lie) and I'm not a greedy person, but I am an envious person. First step is recognition, right? Ok, good.

I'm envious, so what?
So I'm ashamed of the fact that I am Envy incarnate, and I want to change. I officially declare the second half of 2008 Envy-Free.
To 'out' myself a bit more... here's a list of things I envy:

Homeowners
Design*Sponge (why do I even bother blogging.... she's got all the goods in one page!)
MAC users
People who can pull off the high-waisted trouser jeans.
Subaru Drivers
Artisans
Bleached Teeth
People who's thighs don't touch. If they even exist (the people- not the thighs).
People who can afford cleaning ladies.
People who send their laundry out.
Cleaning ladies (at least their houses are cleaner than mine)
Environmentalists (those who do rather than those who talk)
Believers
DINKS (only sometimes)
Travellers
F*****g Martha
Bruno, for his lack of Envy

So there. Now you know.

Arrested Wednesdays... A bit early...

Lucille: Michael Moore confronted me on national television.
Michael: First of all, that was not Michael Moore. That was a Michael Moore look-alike. And second it wasn't national television. It was for a bit, on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Lucille: I don't know what that is nor do I care to find out.
........................................................................................................................................................................
Lucille Bluth: [after dropping some food] Where's my maid? ROBOT!
Narrator: But the robot had other plans.
Byron "Buster" Bluth: [Lucille walks into Buster's room to find him sleeping with the robot vacuum cleaner] What do you expect, Mother? I'm half machine! I'M A MONSTER!
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Weekend Recap...a little late

Is it Spring yet?
Realizing that happiness is a fine balance between caring and not caring
This film
Post-bath time on the family bed
Realizing that you can't do everything and that it's ok to take a break
This blog
Answered prayers for some long deserved sleep
This Etsy store
Enjoying a nice walk and feeling some sunshine on my face
Seeing old friends
This birthday wish
More cinnamon bun inspiration from here
Not getting tire of the Juno soundtrack
Looking forward to the boys not being sick..... including B.
Wondering about the last scene in this film

Bleh

Feeling like crap? Yup. At least the internet can distract me from the million things I should be doing.
Isn't this a cute bag? From LittleOddForest: a new find from Singapore.

Perfect Spaces

I've always has trouble figuring out my 'style'. I'm a living contradiction who wants the best of everything without wanting to sacrifice anything. Pretty sustainable, eh?
I'd featured pictures from an apartment a few days ago without stating the source... big blog no no. So I went back to do some research and found the architecture firm who designed that specific space. Loft, Renwick Street, New York
House, Sag Harbour A4 Studios, New York

Fernlund + Logan Architects , a New York based firm founded in 1992. They have great projects under their belts (including an artistic center in Greenland!) and I love their aesthetic. It all feels so clean and airy to me: like there aren't any dust bunnies or bits of kleenex in corners.
Maybe one day... but until then, I have some cleaning to do!

Turning Japanese

Ever notice that all the really neat things come from Japan?
I have.
Guess who's behind all this Felted Food....
You guessed right.

Help...am addicted

Mango Cup
Strawberry Pancakes
Strawberry Tart

I'm making myself insane. $25 usd for 3 Felt Cuisine books... What a bargain...

Overwhelmingly Awesome

I can't seem to type this fast enough... it's as if it'll disappear if I don't blog about it.

A girlfriend of mine has very very recently (like less than 2 hours ago) turned me onto felt foods. She made some eggs and quesadillas for her little gal and I must say that I instantly fell in love.
Of course, I couldn't get home fast enough to see what the wonderful world of Google had in store for me. Boy, this little thing called the Internet did NOT disappoint. MUST START MAKING FELT FOOD.
I am warning you. The following pictures might cause shortness of breath, temporary loss of vision and heart palpitations....
I found this site and I couldn't even believe my own eyes. This is making my mind spin. MUST MAKE FELT FOOD.
Have a great weekend!

I'd like to live here

Found this store... I think I'm moving in.

WFD W.Day Edition

You may have noticed that there isn't so much WFD around here. Let me know if you want me to bring it back, if I didn't eat the same damn thing every day, maybe it wouldn't bore me so much!
But last night's dinner was quite special, so I give you:

WFD: V.Day-08

Heart Shaped Baguette from Premiere Moisson
Piece of Riopelle-Iles-aux-Grues, Qc
Bottle of La Vendimia (Rioja from Spain 2006)
Top Strip Sirloin Steak
Tomates a la Provencale
Sauteed Rapini
Pommes Sautees (for B. they're his favorite)
Madeleines (again for B. but I'm sure I ate a whole dozen to myself. Not so Skinny Spice, but what can you do!? trudging out in the snow today will make up for it, right?)
I'm still full from dinner... but that didn't stop me from eating two madeleines for breakfast!

Teapot Fridays!

You have no any idea how hard it is to dig out THE teapot for this feature. I've been searching, and sure, there are tons of 'fine' teapots that would do the trick, but THE teapot is rare. It takes a lot of clicking, a lot of google searches and some luck... but I'm learning!Sperlein Red Berry Teapot $187 usd at Lille a shop.
Perfect, isn't it? Too bad they don't have the accessories. Nothing like the little creamers...

You don't think I would just leave you with the solo teapot, did you?!?!
I managed to stumble upon this little ceramics studio via via via Design*Sponge (as per usual- damn her, she's brilliant!). Alissa Coe and Carly Waito are recent graduates from the OAC. They've joined up and founded Coe&Waito, a ceramics studio that produces functional, sculptural and installation pieces.

I can't imagine how much better my oatmeal would taste in these bird bowls. Seriously.And these spoons? Come on. Too much. Mateo would love them.These birds remind me of the eccentric pewter rooster set my mom has. Except these don't have rubies in their eyes. Meaning, they don't look like they've been attacked and maimed by their fellow bird brothers.

Perfect Day

My parents were in town today. It's very rare that these visit go according to plan. And today was no exception. Having spoken to my mother on Tuesday, I was under the impression that she was going to arrive between 9 and 9h30am to take Mateo to the local "mom and baby" cafe for the morning and that we would join up for lunch. Perfect. This arrangement would have given me enough time to blowdry my hair, maybe shave my legs, run some errands for tonight's dinner... you know, stuff you can't really do with a toddler and a newborn. Maybe even snooze a bit to recover from yet another sleepless night.
Maman calls at 10h00am... "hello dear, we're stuck in traffic... won't be there until 11h00am... see you then!". We've been ready since 9h00am.
They arrive at 11h00am and start taking their jackets and boots off, making themselves at home. I want to scream "no no no no no" but my mouth is uttering "would you like some coffee, maybe a cookie?". It's now 11h30am. The cafe idea seems like a distant memory. Lunch gets thrown as an idea and, as usual, it takes us FOREVER to figure out where to go. We settle on the place where the staff knows me from my pre-baby years... hmmm... wow, not awkward at all. Anyways, lunch ends up being great. Both Mateo and Luca were sooooooo well behaved! I was a bit nervous, as this wasn't the typical toddler-friendly eating establishments we're use to... it certainly wasn't the local burrito house and it was the same restaurant where my waters broke. Oh no, NOT embarrassing at all.
Anyways, we ate, we had coffee, no one cried, no one ran away (my dad almost did, but we had him tied up...! )- it was lovely. When we got back home, my mom ushered me out of the house firmly stating that she was going to take care of the babies and that I should go and enjoy the sunshine.
Now, to most of you, running errands is annoying. But when you're used to having the double stroller, running errands by yourself is akin to a full body massage at a swedish spa getaway. Ok, well not exactly, but being able to flip through magazines (!!!) at my local press store was such a luxury. No screaming, no crying, no newborn wrapped against my body. Heck, I even wore my Almost Famous jacket. I felt like I'd never even had kids! Like my clothes aren't normally stained with spit up and urine.
I marched down the street, with my heart shaped baguettes and bottle of Rioja tucked under my arm, with a huge smile plastered on my face. It was the most relaxing and peaceful hour I've had in what felt like decades.
I put the key in the lock and bade farewell to my solitude.
Merci Maman!

Panties

I have a girlfriend who went to a small university on the east coast. She and her girlfriends celebrated V. Day by doing a secret pantie exchange. Imagine Secret Santa but with panties instead of lame scented candles. Since their graduation, they've all parted ways but their tradition lives on. How cool is that?
Just goes to show you that V. Day doesn't have to be lame!
Underweat courtesy of Anthropologie.... who else?

Who is this Tracy Porter...

Hip and ecclectic? You don't say.....

I was doodling over at Creature Comforts (one of my new watering holes) and she had a great little post about stuff at Tracy Porter.
Have you ever heard of her? She even has a TV show...? I was going to watch the little Q&A video, but there was really annoying music, so I didn't.
Now, I'm warning you, some of her stuff is a little too middle-aged-divorcee-has-recently-found-Kabbalah, but some of it is really nice. If you have $4500 to spend on a bridge.Don't get too excited... there's no giftwrap on the item.

Arrested Wednesdays... cont.

Michael: I actually had a pretty interesting night myself.

Gob: Really? What'd you do, read the plea?

Michael: No. Actually, I went home with someone.

Gob: What's wrong with her?

Michael: There's nothing wrong with her. [pause] She is blind..

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

Tobias: Oh, no, no. I’m not in the group yet. No, I’m afraid I just blue myself.

Michael: There's got to be a better way to say that.

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Gob: Hey, can you do me a favor? A young neighborhood tough by the name of Steve Holt will be dropping by, and..

Michael: Your son?

Gob: A-ccording to him.

Michael: And a DNA test.

Gob: I hear the jury's still out on science.

I know, you were all DYING to know...

Apparently this little guy was the first ever beagle to win the coveted prize of Best in Show at the 2008 Westminster Dog Show.
Breaking news. I know.
Remember, you heard it here first. Dog wins beauty pagent.

so unispired

I thought about not posting anything today. And then I thought that might feel weird. I am so Uninspired Spice these days. Uninspired in the kitchen, in the crafts, in the wardrobe. Meh.
I do love this house, though.
I've lost the original link, but I'll try to find it again and let you know where the photos are from.

Proofreading:

Need to get on that bandwagon.

Just in case...

Just in case you weren't loathing early Monday mornings... Just think, you could sell your house, give up your car and move on your very own houseboat...

Where do I sign up?

Weekend Recap

Finally, a few hours of sleep
Embroidery patterns by Alicia over at Posie Gets Cosy.
Soule Mama
Thinking about Wednesday nights
This powerful film
Date night with Bruno
This room
A new addiction
White bean, tomato and winter squash soup (recipe to follow some time this week!)
This shop
Synchronized naps
This outfit
Impromptu afternoon movies
Wearing Bruno's bathrobe
Rocks
Juno soundtrack
Midnight surges of creativity

Tea Set Fridays

The Friday Teapot:


Madieke Fleuren is a dutch ceramic designer. She's more known for her 'leather' vases, but I'm just digging this trompe l'oeil knitting texture. You can check out the rest of her work here.

Bonus Friday!
I know it's not a tea pot, but is is ceramic... so I guess it counts! The colours grabbed me... very s/s 08!

Kiki $92 usd Mason $52 usd

They're from Perch!Design, a Brooklyn based design studio. All pieces are handmade with a special consciousness of materials, trying to choose finishes which are low-impact on the environment. Perch also has an adorable collection of birdfeeders.

All this ceramic research has inspired me to start a colour-focused collection. From this day on, I will be collecting coloured ceramics. I haven't picked the colour yet, but I'll let you know as soon as I do!

Martha Strikes Back

Cute or totally lame? Crayon Hearts
I've never felt compelled to decorate for Valentine's Day, as I don't really see is as anything more that an excuse to buy stuff and eat chocolate. This year I seem to have an itch to do something decorative... Felt fortune cookies by none other than Martha

A little envy...

Some new Anthropologie stuff





You can get your full Anthropologie fix over at Craving Anthropologie... I dare you to not spend hours there!