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). 

Memory Bank

I am absolutely smitten with the idea of a memory bank. Designed to store special mementos like ticket stubs, to do lists, and love notes, these adorable little piggies collect life's memories instead of pocket pennies. I'm tempted to order one to store the special keepsakes from our first year of marriage.

Do you keep things like ticket stubs or notes in a journal, scrapbook, or shoebox?



(Memory Bank available through Speechless Studios; found through swissmiss & A Cup of Joe).

Belmondo Organic Skincare

One of my New Years' Resolutions is a goal to eat more cleanly. I've extended this to all aspects of my body in efforts to live more cleanly. First on the docket: my skin. I've successfully incorporated water into my daily practise, carrying it with me everywhere. I've noticed that my skin improves when I make a conscious effort to drink water regularly. It's no wonder why I instantly fell in love with Daniela Belmondo's (Vancouver-based) organic skin care line, Belmondo; it makes my skin feel just as amazing.

I am fortunate enough to be friends with some pretty wonderful people, one of whom is Nicole. My favourite shop-owner and eco fashionista recently gifted me this travel sample set and I was instantly hooked.

If you follow this blog you know that I don't often write product-heavy posts. You also know that I don't write "sponsor posts." I write about what I like and I like Belmondo. As women, we spend countless hours poking and prodding at our faces and absorbent amounts of money on products to cover them up. For me, it was time to simplify.

Enter, Daniela: "I believe that beautiful skin comes from products derived from the earth’s pure and restorative ingredients. I’ve formulated this organic olive oil-based skin care line to protect, nourish, and enhance the natural beauty of those who use my products." I dig it. (and if that wasn't enough... she, and the company she founded, love animals, respect mama earth, think local, and are helping to build an orphanage in South Africa. What a mantra).

If you're interested in having a look at these products in person (or in giving them a smell) pop into body politic. Otherwise, the products are available online. If you end up giving any a try, I'd love to hear what you think.

Which leads me to my next questions: what is your current skin care routine? what products do you love?




(Photo courtesy of Belmondo via body politic).

Perfect Pique-Nique Baskets

When was the last time you enjoyed a picnic? Last night? Last year?

Although the end result is well worth it, each time I attempt to assemble a picnic I am surprised at the amount of 'prep' work that is involved. Enter Georgina Brandt with the brilliant service of picnic delivery, one of the best concepts I've heard about in a while.

I wish that... (a) I was in Napa to enjoy this service or (b) her baskets traveled north of the border.

In lieu of having the ability to sample these delicious homegrown treats, I will use them as inspiration to collect pieces for our very own basket. I love the idea of having vintage cutlery and linens specifically for a picnic basket and the mini salt-and-pepper shakers pictured here are charming.

Do you own a picnic basket and/or picnic regularly? What are your favourite meals to pack?



(Photos of Georgina Brandt's Boutique Culinary Occasions by Nicole McIntosh Bruce via simplesong + swanson vineyards).

B+W love.

I am absolutely smitten with the black and white living room of Likainen Parketti. It's the perfect mix of airy + industrial + cozy. Isn't that coffee table a bonafide beauty? I'm hoping to pick up an oversized letter or two on our trip to Oregon; this is perfect styling inspiration.

What do you look for in a living space? Natural light? A cozy nook to curl up with a good book?



(Styling and photos courtesy of Likainen Parketti).

Shelf Envy

If self organization is an art form then this example is a masterpiece.


I love everything about this wall: the collection of framed pieces, the height of the shelf, the simplistic-yet-thoughtful organization of the books, and especially the lamps.

As interior design is my new side-project, I'm ecstatic for the new Lonnymag.com (& I have spent the better part of the evening drooling over it).


Photo via Lonnymag.com

Bicycles.

Have you ever marvelled at the fabulous women riding bicycles on The Sartorialist as I have? If ever I had the urge to purchase one of these two-wheeled beauties, it's now. It's really too bad that I live on the side of a mountain... in a near desert. So: when we move back to Vancouver, I'm buying a bike. With a basket.



I promise only to wear the cutest of clothes and carry fun things in the basket like the occasional bag of groceries or maybe even a small dog (because that's just what you do when you have such a stellar bike).


Added bonus to bike riding: killer legs. Noted.

All photos, The Sartorialist.