Never Without

...After a Brief Hiatus

noreply@blogger.com (MMW) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 06:28:00 +0000

We're getting ready for the Christmas holidays in my corner of the country.
I've been away living life, loving my family (immediate & extended), and reading up a storm.
Small Magazine's newest issue was just released. Isn't this a pretty bookish image my Emmeline Pidgen?

Mirrored Furniture in Bedroom

noreply@blogger.com (MMW) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 07:30:00 +0000

This is exquisite. I love the contrast between the closet/armoire door mirror and the slick mirrored desk.

via Pinterest

This Handmade Quilt

noreply@blogger.com (MMW) — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 07:00:00 +0000

I'm in the process of auditioning sewing machines (mine died a few months ago). And in this arduous process, it's come to my attention that many ladies own machines they LOVE. And that I'd better be prepared to hand over an arm and a leg and my first born child, along with a wad of cash - for a great sewing machine which will last me more than a few years. And it's also come to my that one of my neighbors owns a sewing machine that cost more than my entire undergraduate education. How is that possible? I can't even wrap my brain around that one.

Anyhow, this evening while I contemplated sewing machines, I remembered a work of art which reminds me of the craft of sewing & quilting. This evening I was thinking about the exquisite quilt that covers the guest room bed in my Aunt Anita's home. Each time we visit her home, I go into the guest room to spend time with this gorgeous quilt.

I know it might sound trite, but there's something almost sacred about this quilt. It bridges the past with my present. Hand stitched by Great Grandma W. It seems to make machine-sewn quilts look cheap. To me, this quilt is the epitome of the art of quilting. It is so beautifully assembled. The vintage colour prints are arranged into a rainbow; and each seems to tell a story. It's not your run-of-the-mill super-size-craft-store cotton.

One of my favourite parts of the quilt is the back-side. I love love love love seeing the tiny, stitches holding the squares together. I can't imagine the hours, days, weeks it took to piece, assemble and finish this work of art. I wish I could have met the quilter in person.

When our family trekked out to the Midwest late last year, I took some photos of this quilt - so that I can continue to admire and cherish it even though I'm miles away.

I Just Wanted to Say...

noreply@blogger.com (MMW) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 23:28:00 +0000

Tom + Lisa (#30) is/are (?) the new winner(s) of my Shabby Apple giveaway.

Tom + Lisa said: And, entry #3, I now 'like' SA on Facebook. Announced for all the world to see.

Tom + Lisa, please email me and I'll set you up to receive your swanky Spanish Steps dress!

Thanks again everyone. Second chances are lovely.

Did you hear?

noreply@blogger.com (MMW) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 17:52:00 +0000

Heather Irene (#6) is the winner of my Shabby Apple giveaway!

She said: Like Shabby Apple on Facebook!

Congratulations Heather! You are going to look sweet this summer.

Please email me and I'll get you in touch with Shabby Apple to claim your prize.

For everyone else - are welcome to use the code neverwithout10off for a 10% discount on all your Shabby Apple orders until July 6th.

Thank you to all who entered and THANK YOU Shabby Apple!

image via

At The Stroke of Midnight...

noreply@blogger.com (MMW) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 22:40:00 +0000

my swanky Shabby Apple dress giveaway is over!!!

Enter now!

Shabby Apple presents Green Leaf

noreply@blogger.com (MMW) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 05:57:00 +0000

Have you seen Shabby Apple's newest collection - Green Leaf? Eight exquisite dresses featuring silhouettes inspired by earlier haute couture fashion houses. Lovely attention to detail: swingy skirts, silk sashes, pin tucks, princess-seamed bodices, nipped wasp-waists, and flouncy crepe de chine! Check out the dreamy images.

Boutone de Rose #35

L'argent Belle #9 and Nouvelle Mode #17

Crème Noeud #5

And is it just me or do these photos channel the Annie Leibovitz-Disney-Dream-Vibe? Please discuss.

ALSO

You can win your own Shabby Apple dress. Enter my giveaway here.

Shabby Apple Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (MMW) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Shabby Apple wants to make you look sassy and strut-worthy this summer. Shabby Apple wants to dress you up in Spanish Steps: a tan-colored luxe jersey cap sleeve top with a full ivory sateen skirt, swirled with appliquéd ruched flowers!

Won't you look sweet and stylish?

Okay - pick one, two, three, OR all four ways to enter. Each entry must be in a separate comment, and you can only enter once for each item below:

Check out Shabby Apple, then leave a comment below telling me your favourite dress = 1 entry.
Become a Follower of Never Without, then comment below to tell me. (If you already follow, then let me know that too...) = 1 entry.
"Like" Shabby Apple on Facebook. Then comment below to tell me. = 1 entry
Link to this Shabby Apple Giveaway on your own blog, then leave a link to that page in the comments below. = 1 entry.

If you have your eye on a different dress, you are welcome to get 10% off your total Shabby Apple order by using the discount code: neverwithout10off (valid until 6 July 2011).

This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only. This giveaway ends on Monday 13 June at 11:59 PM PST. Winner will be chosen via Random.org.

Shabby Apple is an online boutique of vintage-inspired women's dresses. Check out some of their pretty pretties:

Fresh and colorful dresses.
Tuileries from the Oh La La Collection and Gondola from the Roamin Holiday Collection.

Elegant and modest special occasion dresses.
Boogie Woogie and Rhythm Dancer from the collection All That Jazz:

Sassy beach-wear.
Venezia and Pietra from the Amalfi Coast Collection:

Inspired? Go on! Start entering...

Frilly Ruffles

noreply@blogger.com (MMW) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0000

I saw this gorgeous skirt:

And it reminded me of this cake from Call Me Cupcake:

One to wear. One to eat!
And...I have a ruffle-esque giveaway for you. In a few more days.

California Bound

noreply@blogger.com (MMW) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 05:27:00 +0000

via

My kids are not counting down the days until school's out (even though I am. There are 6 1/2 days left).
Seriously.
They're counting down the days until we go to Southern California!
They are excited to see their cousins (who they absolutely adore)!
And I am excited to see my sister Chrysanthemum!
Woo hoo. Exactly three weeks from today we'll leave Portland.

Here are some fantastic moments from our trip last year:

Staying at hotels during our travel.

Rocket Fizz. Pretty much the most amazing candy store. Ev. er.

Going to the park with the cousins. Almost every day.

Chrysanthemum with her camera. I loved watching her capture the week-long trip.

And Carpenteria Beach.

Le Happy

noreply@blogger.com (MMW) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0000

My Portland-crush grows stronger when others (bloggers, newspaper articles, web-site info-thingies, or hear-on-the-street) gush on about how great Portland really is. Truly, I love it. I love living here.

And today I saw on Simply Grove -this happy image of Le Happy. - a crêperie!

So S-Boy - take me here for date-night. And I'll be yours forever. (...well, I already am....).

And I love Portland.

J'adore

noreply@blogger.com (MMW) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 19:58:00 +0000

This is simply lovely! I've never seen the Eiffel Tower used like this before.

I'm now off to research airplane itineraries and ticket prices (but regretfully, not to Paris).
via Express-O

Google Offers

noreply@blogger.com (MMW) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 20:24:00 +0000

I've loved using Groupon, Living Social, and Sharing Spree.
And now Google has their own version of daily specials:

Google Offers.

And...it's debuting in my now-home town Portland, Oregon. Why here? Because (according to Google) we are "a city that has a high concentration of local businesses and a flourishing, connected community. Portland is a city known for its unique retailers including locally-owned restaurants, book stores, coffee shops and entertainment venues."

Here we go! A night on the town on a dime.

Next come Lilacs...and a bit of Wisteria

noreply@blogger.com (MMW) — Tue, 24 May 2011 04:28:00 +0000

I know lilacs bloom before peonies. And last week I posted some gorgeous images of peonies. But in my part of the country (Pacific NW) the lilacs are taking center stage right now. The fragrance in the air is so intoxicating. Okay, I'll take one bouquet of lilacs for every room in my house - and two for my bedroom.

(1) Pinterest, (2) From Paris2London, (3) Pinterest Nanette Nix, (4) Martha Stewart, (5) Essie, (6) Min Lilla Veranda (ohhh a favourite blog I've followed for the past few years), (7) Pinterest Jessica Britten

Pink Peonies...and other pink

noreply@blogger.com (MMW) — Thu, 19 May 2011 04:28:00 +0000

I remember the gorgeous flower shops in Paris. Bouquets wrapped up in paper. And so many fresh fresh blooms. I want pink flowers all over my home today.

(1) pinterest, (2) flickr, (3) tumblr, (4) prettyy, (5) passion for fashion

Mad Hatter Tea Party Baby Shower - Part III - Menu

noreply@blogger.com (MMW) — Fri, 06 May 2011 20:00:00 +0000

Here is the Truly Scrumptious menu from the Mad Hatter Tea Party we hosted last month for my friend Alisha.

Whimsical Cake, Menu and Catering by Karren Wilde of

Karren's Specialty Cakes

Cake Detail:

Silver Tea Pot

Gorgeous Tea Cups

Menu:

Fresh Strawberries

Scones, Strudel and Creme Fraiche

Fruit Tarts

Chicken Salad Sandwiches on Raisin Bread

Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

Food images by Tamara Orduña Photography

Mad Hatter Tea Party Baby Shower - Part II - Decor

noreply@blogger.com (MMW) — Fri, 06 May 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Here are some images from the decor at the Mad Hatter Tea Party baby shower.
Inspiration for the theme came from Jessica Claire.

Pom Poms and Paper Lanterns:

Pom Pom Centerpieces made by my friend Rachel.

Tutorial found at Frog Prince Paperie

More pom poms and paper lanterns on the fireplace mantel.

For one of the activities, we had guests write down their Wishes for Baby.

The PDF came from Melisa at the Lil Bee (Thanks again Bee!) - email me for a copy!

Another game we played was assembled by my friend Rebecca. She compiled a list of celebrity couples and their celebrity offspring, then separated the categories into two lists on a paper. We had to match the baby names with the couples. Oh yes, it was quite difficult...and very amusing. Email me for a copy of the game.

Images by Tamara Orduña Photography.

Mad Hatter Tea Party Baby Shower - Part I - Hats and Fascinators

noreply@blogger.com (MMW) — Fri, 06 May 2011 06:31:00 +0000

My friend Alisha recently had a sweet baby girl! We threw a Mad Hatter Tea Party baby shower for her back in March. We tried to stay away from the Disney/Alice tea-party variety (is that more appropriate for a little girl's birthday?) -and instead capitalized on the whimsical nature of the Mad Hatter theme.

We asked all guests to wear a hat. And these ladies did not disappoint! My only regret is that I didn't get more pictures of their hats. I only have a handful from the party:

1. The guest of honor/mother-to-be wore the best fascinator of the afternoon. Bird-in-nest. So kitschy!

Here is a close-up. (Alisha put none other than Cadbury Mini Eggs in the nest. Brilliant!)

2. Some guests wore fantastic wacky hats like this one:

3. Whilst I sported the ho-hum-gerbera daisy-in-ponytail.

4. The classiest hat was this plum fascinator, custom designed (and modeled) by the fashionable Carolyn behind Care's Finds. If I didn't know better, I'd say she brought back the trend of hats! (Care, do you sell these in your etsy shop?)

Remember, our Mad Hatter Tea Party was held weeks before the Royal Wedding, where many mad hats made their public debut. What did you think of Princess Bea's get-up? Seriously, I'm dying to know:

And what do you think of the hats at our Mad Hatter Tea Party baby shower?

Tiara fit for a Princess {Cake}

noreply@blogger.com (MMW) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 05:30:00 +0000

Usually a princess or a bride (or a Princess Bride) would wear a tiara on top of her head.
I prefer my tiara on top of a cake. Look at this dreamy collection by Debra Moreland.

I hope you enjoy watching the Royal Wedding. As I've asked around over the past few weeks - the Americans seem more cynical about said wedding. In contrast, I prefer the attitude of many from my Canadian homeland (yes our British ties are stronger). Frankly I'm quite enchanted with the whole affair.

Will you be watching too?

Little Red Riding {Bike} Hood

noreply@blogger.com (MMW) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 22:18:00 +0000

Do you see why I am enamoured with bicycle riding? Images like these promise a lifestyle of gorgeous skirts, cinched waists, and market baskets filled with flowers.

I would have no problem owning a pretty bicycle. But instead of looking fresh and springy like the lady below, my reality would most likely be helmet-head, a sweaty brow, and a market basket holding a scratched-up water bottle. And I probably wouldn't be wearing kicky heels. More like - black flats.

Image via Gift Wrapped Life - what a gorgeous blog...

Some Pretty Things for this Week

noreply@blogger.com (MMW) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 06:28:00 +0000

My heart is happy. My spirits are lifted when we have sunshine. We have a one-legged robin that has staked his territory in our back yard. Lots of little baby girls have been born into lovely families of sisters and friends. We had fresh fresh produce for dinner today and yesterday. My house is clean. My worship service at church today left my heart full of love for God. My husband bought me flowers - beautiful lilies. And I am just so happy.

The original Gossip Girls via

Gorgeous Peonies via:

awwww! This makes me want to get a puppy. Via Diamonds and Tulle (lovely lovely fashion blog):

Dinner and Dancing via:

Teapot Lamp. I would love to make one of these myself! Via:

It's spring and I still need to buy a bicycle. Via:

I want to wear a formal up-do this spring. via:

Pretty. I want to sit here and look out the window. Love the wallpaper and the side table. Via:

Last of all, a pretty bathroom via:

Poisson D'Avril!

noreply@blogger.com (MMW) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Flashy, shimmery poisson mobile seen at Bonpoint, via blog Famille Summerbelle.

Spring Swing

noreply@blogger.com (MMW) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 22:15:00 +0000

We've had a fantastic landscaping company, Classic Garden Creations, work in our back yard this week. (I'm excited to show some before and afters.) They are razing down a very large mound of dirt, as well as removing a gigantic rhododendron and our kids' play structure.

But, we are leaving the tree-swing. I saw this image below and wanted to go outside and decorate our swing for spring. Aren't those pretty flowers?

via Anette's Hus

Ride Into Spring

noreply@blogger.com (MMW) — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 06:21:00 +0000

Right now I'm listening to Melody Gardot and Stacey Kent albums - and wishing I could have gone for a bike ride today. It was lovely, drizzly, sunny, breezy, Spring-like.

In the past I've posted about Dutch city-bicycles - and claimed several as my own. In reality, I haven't bought any. I can't decide if I want the actual bicycle OR the lifestyle promised in the advertising.

Here's the newest bicycle company I'm head-over-heels in love with!
Beg Bicycles.

With ladies models named Bella and Betty, in colours called Persephone Pink or Flirty 30's Green - I can't resist!

And I'm quickly falling for the lifestyle they're selling too:

Picnic blanket? Check.

Tea for Two Flask? Check.

Grocers Basket? or Porter's Crate? Check-Check.

Aren't these perfect?

Nike + Liberty

noreply@blogger.com (MMW) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 18:14:00 +0000

My marathon-training season starts up again on Saturday! And I'm crushing on these shoes - a collaboration between Nike and Liberty of London. I wonder if these are all form no function? If they are technical then I'll take several stylish pairs.

More styles to view at Refinery 29.