Rifle 2013 Cities Calendar

As a long-time fan of Anna Bond's paintings at Rifle Paper Co., the recently released cities 2013 calendar makes me very happy. Considering the fact that B and I are planning a 2013 Euro-trip, I'm quite certain this baby belongs on a wall in our kitchen. Bonus: the hand painted maps would make great prints (to keep or gift) once the month passed.


(images courtesy of Rifle Paper Co.)

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). 

Wish List: Anthro Edition

Let me preface this post by stating that if I could register at Anthropologie I would. I have a seemingly endless wish list that is typically made up of adorable pieces from their house & home section (& clothing & accessories & so on & so forth).

Here are the eight items at the top of my list:

1. Taste-Test Recipe Book
2. Symbology Trivet
3. If You Wash, I'll Dry Dishtowel
4. Celestial Coaster Set (seafoam)
5. Potted Butter Dish
6. Home At 7, Dinner At 8: 100 Satisfying Suppers On The Table In An Hour Or Less
7. Latte Bowls (seafoam)
8. Crossed Spoons Plate Stand

We're in the process of giving our tiny kitchen a freshening up and our accent colour is seafoam. I also want to incorporate a few pops of red so I'm clearly gravitating to this palette. I'm not one for "matchy-matchy" and our taste is quite random eclectic so this collection would fit in perfectly. 

Does your house have a wish list?

(images courtesy of Anthropologie). 

Wish List: Cookbooks

I love cookbooks and I can quite often be found gravitating to the kitchen section of Anthropologie or the food aisles at Chapters. Ben finds this fact quite ironic as I'm currently a "cook-in-progress"; however, I'd love to add these to my collection to inspire my inner foodie and hone my skills in the kitchen.

Barefoot Contessa, Back to Basics
Yvette van Boven, Homemade
Julia Child, Mastering The Art Of French Cooking, Volume I: 50th Anniversary
Giada De Laurentiis, Everyday Italian
Bridget Binns, Pizza and Other Savory Pies
Clodagh McKenna, Homemade: Irresistible Recipes For Every Occasion
Sophie Wright, Home At 7, Dinner At 8: 100 Satisfying Suppers On The Table In An Hour Or Less

Do you own any of these cookbooks? I'd love to hear your reviews. What is your favourite cookbook? I have many favourites but this one is by far my most beautiful cookbook.



(Images courtesy of Barefoot Contessa, Yvette Van Boven, Random House, Giadade Laurentiis, Williams Sonoma, Clodagh McKenna, and Sophie Wright).