I am totally loving the stunning architectural and interior shots by photographer Andreas Trauttmansdorff. With studios in NYC and Toronto, Andreas is constantly on the move working for prestigious publications on both sides of the border, such as Traditional Home. After working with him personally I can also say, he is a nice guy to boot!
Here are some of my favourite photos from his portfolio:
Drugstore make-up is an affordable pick me up when you’re looking for a quick new beauty kick. I’m mad for my NARS velvet matte pencils, but I wanted to try out a more traditional red lipstick too without committing to another high price tag.
I am loving the juicy florals seen in Target's Libertly of London line. They are so bright and happy, and best of all, cheap and cheerful!
Here are my faves from the line:
Inspired by the recent pleasure of our unusual spring weather, here are some perfectly pleasant pastel pink images I am currently swooning over:
Clockwise from top: pink interior by phoebe howard, couture gown by Elie Saab, Cherry Blossom Cake by Allyson Meredith Cakes
To borrow some of the coveted feminine blush from the above images, below are some lovely accessories that mix some pale pink into your wardrobe:
Clockwise from the top left: Roberto CavalliSwarovski crystal rose ring, $495, Hermes-Sellier Silk twill scarf, $375.00, Gossamer Lei Necklace, $78 CAD, Marc Jacobs Rio Bag, Chiffon flower headband, $19.50
Clockwise from the top, Jim Thompson's Ekamai in Emerald, Manuel Canovas' Perla in Emeraude, Rose Cumming by DessinFournir's Sabu in Green
For those of you procrastinating doing something productive on this cloudy Monday afternoon, how about a trip down memory lane with some photos from my recent excursions to Orlando's theme parks!
I hadn't been to Disney or Universal since I was 12 so it was a total blast from the past for me to relive the fun and festivities with my sisters and mom. I was especially excited to return to the Magic Kingdom because the last time I had been in the late 1990's, I had the flu so I had to spend most of the time inside the Grand Floridian with a thermometer in my mouth.
We arrived at Magic Kingdom at dusk on a Saturday evening but the park was still super busy! (some parents really win the 'worst parenting of the year' awards here, aka kids wearing no jackets when we were bundled up in hats and scarves, and unconscious 4 year olds being carried on speedy rides by their parents at 11:30 pm- yikes!)
We tried to pull off an excited jumping shot at the entrance but apparently I don't spring from my squats like I used to...oops!
We went on all the classic rides, including the always thrilling space mountain and the usual suspects, including Snow White, Peter Pan, the tea cups, Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion!
We of course had to take a snapshot wearing some ears!
And my sister Whitney reunited with her favourite Minnie Mouse dress which she barely removed for 4 years of her childhood.
After dark, all the rides lit up and it was extra magical!
There was a booming fireworks show set to music.
And a spectacular parade with all the characters and floats lit up with hundreds of dazzling lights!
Besides Magic Kingdom, we also hit the other Disney parks to ride the scarier rides, such as the Aerosmith roller coaster, which was awesome (shout out to emo pepito who kept us entertained in line)
Shrieking on the Tower of Terror was worth the wait
And stuffing our faces with loads of overpriced sugary treats was a no-brainer
The first major ride we ran to at Universal was the Hulk roller coaster - we couldn't resist riding three times and taking funny photos each time!
Next was a visit to Seuss Landing, where we caught up with the Grinch and Thing 1 and Thing 2.
Also at Universal is the new rock-it rollercoaster which was INSANE!
You choose your own soundtrack to listen to for the ride and can watch a music video of yourself afterwards- so fun!
I'd be remiss to not mention that the Harry Potter park at Universal is coming along quite nicely.
As I watched Hogwarts go up, it pained me to realize that my visit timing was off by only a couple months until it opens, but I guess it's just another reason to return one day...
I took advantage of the spring weather last weekend and headed west to The Junction, a Toronto neighbourhood named for its proximity to four rail-lines that meet at a single point. Not within my usual stomping grounds, I was excited to explore a community that was home to some great design shops and see if I could find any treasures for my apartment.
First up was a visit to Crema Coffee, a charming spot to grab a cup of java and a homegrown treat. I picked a savoury bacon cheddar scone (utterly heavenly) and a delicious mocha espresso beverage that wasn't too sweet and syrupy.
As I walked along Dundas West I weaved in and out of fun boutiques that caught my eye.
First up was Mjölk, a new design and housewares shop owned by the writers of Kitka Design Toronto. The bright and airy space specializes in Scandinavian design, and I definitely recommend paying it a visit if looking for spare, yet stylish, modern furniture and accessories.
Some of my favourites from Mjölk:
I love how the black hand pops against the white face and white numbers of this Lemnos Clock, $120.
This geometric AJ Floor Lamp $1085 is slim and edgy.
This decorative Pinocchio Rug by Hay, $398 is made out of pom-pom's!
A pair of The More The Merrier Candelabra's, $159 would be striking on a white lacquered parsons dining table.
The stunning colours in this Almedahls Linen Tea Towel, $24 make it totally irresistible.
I couldn't get over these funky sheep rockers, $210 for smaller size, $550 for larger size- I would love to put the smaller one on top of a dresser in a nursery!
Up next was a visit to True Blue Vintage, where I scored a men's Lacoste hunting jacket lined in red plaid flannel for $25. It has a drawstring at the waist so I don't get totally lost in it and I love the red lining which peeks out when I roll up my sleeves.
I then crossed the street to check out a new store that only opened a couple of weeks ago called As Is. Kind of like a brick and mortar version of overstock.com, the store carries a wide variety of pieces from various factories who have an abundance of that style, hence whatever you want is sold "as is."
I really like this white singer dresser, $390 and considered it for my front hallway to store hats and gloves, but I may have a better vintage piece lined up so I am abstaining for now...
Stay tuned for part 2 of my Junction expedition!
