shades of relaxation: pink edition

If I were to plan the perfect afternoon, it would be filled with sunshine, a good book, something to sip on, and a cozy chair to relax in. Although this recipe-for-relaxation can be applied in any season, these days I'm enjoying all things girly and basking in the sweet smelling glow of late Spring (at least this happens when the sun decides to grace us with her presence). I will be dreaming about these rosey indulgences as I sit at my desk watching the rain clouds roll in this morning.

Relaxation: it's in the details...

- I love fresh cut flowers. Short story: they make me happy. Especially peonies which are in their prime right now (this bunch was captured by the talented Elizabeth Messina).

- Emily (of Cupcakes and Cashmere fame) has written a book chock-full of thoughtful tips and beautiful photography (read about it here). I've added it to my list of things to gift. Don't you think it would pair well with a bubbly cocktail, say, The Capricorn?

- Candles are a staple in our house and exist in almost every room. I enjoy gifting Voluspa candles as they make some of my very favourites and the packaging is pretty. This one comes in a lovely glass jar.

- Truth be told, sometimes a girl just needs to curl up for a cat nap. An eye mask (a la Holly Golightly) and a cozy throw make the perfect companions for an afternoon snooze.

What is your favourite way to relax? 

(peony photograph courtesy of Kiss the Groom, book Amazon, candle Indigo, eye mask Soft Mur Murr, blanket Indigo, and cocktail Martha Stewart; collage created via Polyvore). 

To be French.

As of late, I've found myself daydreaming of France. The food, the culture, the language, the architecture... I could go on + on. Ben and I plan to visit Europe next summer and France is at the top of my list. Until then, I'd love to read a few playful books about French women. I've done a bit of research and have narrowed my list down to the following four books. Have you read any of them? Would you make any suggestions?



Clockwise from top left: Women, Work & the Art of Savoir Faire by Mireille Guiliano; Parisian Chic by Ines de la Fressange; Entre Nous: A Woman's Guide to Finding her Inner French Girl by Debra Ollivier; The Gospel According to Coco Chanel: Life Lessons from the World's Most Elegant Woman by Karen Karbo.

Press Here.

Confession: I love children's books. Especially clever ones.

As soon as I read about the concept of Hervé Tullet's PRESS HERE on Poppytalk, I was hooked. So hooked, in fact, I started a list of the kiddos I can buy this for. (It is available on Amazon.ca, in case you were wondering)


The story is interactive, asking the reader to press, blow, and shake the book before turning the pages. All one needs to do is watch the faces of the children in the video to understand...





Photo + Video via Poppytalk.