Modern Girl Style

Gwyneth Paltrow, I love your style!

2012-02-02T02:46:00.000-08:00

{Gwyneth in Harper's Bazaar March 2012. All images source.}

The idea is that one day I'll be able to sew a dress that is as smoking hot as the one Gwyneth is wearing! But kicking daydreams aside, does Gwyneth just rock in these photos! Can I say how much I totally love her huge smile and happy spirit! We need more models and actors that just love life! Get inspired to wear red lipstick with a quick preview of these beautiful images.

Want to know what lipstick comes close to this shade of red?

This dress looks a bit easier to sew, but harder to wear! HA! Notice that trademark smile!

Want that shade of red lipstick? I recommend Bobbi Brown Red #10 or Vintage Red.

Gwyneth, I love your style!

More Pencil Skirt Love

2012-01-30T10:04:00.001-08:00

I just spotted this sweet pencil skirt at Banana Republic. It inspires me to get over my fear of sewing a fitted skirt!

Finding the Life in Winter: A Trip to a Toronto Conservatory

2012-01-29T20:58:00.000-08:00

{The Gardeners rake in the Western Wing}

It was a trip to look at flowers and no boys allowed! Lol! Okay, daddy was busy but that didn't stop us from having an amazing time. My favorite little girl slept for the first jaunt around the conservatory.

There were so many beautiful colors and textures in nature it was hard to pick a favorite.

There were so many amazing shapes, too. Have you ever seen a plant with tips like these? They look like E.T. fingers!

I've always loved succulents! There are so many varieties.

Makena woke up looking into the canopy of green skies!

We strolled through Eden as it snowed outside. It was also awesome that we were the only people there! Surprising for a Friday!

All of this next type of plant grows in swirls.

A beautiful yucca plant in bloom.

In the western wing, a new show was being installed for February. We managed to sneek in and take a peek.

Kumquat trees and mini orange trees gave the room bursts of energy. One day I want to grow an orangery, like the one I saw in the Boboli Gardens, Florence, Italy.

Makena loved the koi fish the most. It was the first time she had even seen them. And the fish seemed to know, they kept swimming toward her and winking at her.

Of course, the color contrasts were amazing. Nature amazed me in all the ways that she can grow.

Even the smallest portion of moss took on magical qualities. I felt like we were looking for fairies napping in the shade. I could imagine a little winged fairy resting here...

But the only fairy I found was Makena! Oh, the magic of relearning the world with new eyes! Every day I thank the great forces of the world for bringing her into my life. We are so blessed!

{all photos shot by me on my iPhone-2012}

THE BEST Hot Chocolate Heart Cake Recipe EVER {and it's Vegan, too!}

2012-01-26T07:22:00.000-08:00

My heart has been aching over my family for the last couple of months. Things have just been so tough between my mother and sister who are consistently feuding. As a new mother, nothing could be worse than to see the relationship between my mother and sister demise as my relationship to my daughter blossoms. But what can you do? Ahem..you can cook, bake, and eat {in moderation, of course!} So allow me to share THE BEST HOT CHOCOLATE CAKE EVER! Get the Recipe next and my favorite shortcut to amazing icing!

HOT CHOCOLATE HEART CAKE RECIPE

{Adapted from Eat, Drink, And Be Gorgeous by Esther Blum-This book is amazing!}

3 Cups Flour

2 Cups Sugar

6 Tbsp Hot Chocolate Mix

2 Tsp Baking Soda

1 Tsp Salt

3/4 Cup Vegetable Oil

2 Tbsp White Vinegar

2 Tsp Vanilla

2 Cups Cold Water

Preheat the oven to 350. Mix the dry ingredients together in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add wet ingredients. Mix until smooth. Pour into your favorite cake form pan. I happen to have this sweet heart shape cake pan that I picked up from a Home Goods store on sale for like $5 bucks! Yeah!

My simple and easy shortcut to icing is Pamela's Dark Chocolate Frosting Mix. It's made with natural ingredients and its wheat and gluten free, if that matters to you. If it doesn't, like me, I buy this because it tastes awesome. I mixed half the bag and had more than enough for my recipe. The icing does require some butter and has milk products. If you want to keep your cake vegan, then skip the icing.

One more note on healing the heart, a really awesome yoga class is truly the best way to get out all the stress and resurrect some hope. No matter what your stress is-family, career, relationships-finding balance is the key to not just surviving the issues, but thriving. My personal motto for 2012:

Thriving, not Surviving!

{all photos by me on my iPhone}

How to Make Your Own Cali Baby T-Shirt {Or Any State You Want}!

2012-01-24T09:11:00.000-08:00

As a new mom, I need projects that are quick and easy. This project was burning on my mind when I woke up this morning. The great thing is it took under 30 minutes to complete. This Cali Baby T-Shirt is instant gratification when you have all the supplies on hand. So stock up on these basic items so when a brainwave comes your way, you can go for it.

The Simple Steps

Directions on How to Applique Your Project

1. Find Image & Select Fabric

I woke up thinking about California. I wanted to highlight the place that I've loved since I was kid. A silhouette is super simple and sweet! I found the Cali state outline online, but you can use any state that you want. Check out this website for the state you want. I also didn't have to resize. I literally just printed it out and cut it out. I selected some quilters cotton that I picked up for little projects like this.

2. Trace to Double-Sided Fusible Interface Paper

I bought a roll of Steam-a-Seam2 fusible paper at a great discount at my local fabric store. This stuff works amazingly well. I was happen that I was able to buy a 3 yard roll for only $11, which was marked at $50! Check your local fabric store for deals, too.

3. Cut Out & Peel Paper Away

This is super simple, too. You have a choice. Follow the instructions and trace your design to the interface paper and then cut. Or do it backwards like me! I cut out the shape I wanted, then placed it on the interface paper. Once you adhere the fabric to the paper and have it completely cut out, then peel the paper away. SO EASY!!

4. Iron to the Shirt You Want to Use

With the interface-side down, place the design on your shirt. Take some time to make sure that it is lined up on the shirt where you want it. Iron it on to the shirt for 10-20 seconds. Yes, it's just this easy! You're all done or else try the bonus option.

5. Bonus Option: Zig-zag Stitch to Shirt

I love the look of zig-zag stitch. After my design was ironed to the shirt, I ran it through my sewing machine on a zig-zag stitch set at a length of 2 and width of 3.5. Play around with your design and follow your heart with the stitch that you like best.

6. Rock out with a New Shirt!

Yes, you made it to the end of this tutorial! I will admit that I was totally inspired by the collection of awesome appliques available at Armommy. I bought the girl with the balloon design and will make it next weekend. I also recommend watching her video on how to do any kind of applique...it's fantastic!

*reposted from Scribbles and Books, my blog on writing & art

Wardrobe Essentials: Pencil Skirts!

2012-01-20T13:09:00.000-08:00

As I attempt to sew a new wardrobe in 2012, I discovered that I really want to wear pencil skirts!

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Or keep your pencil skirt basic...

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You could even wear a pencil skirt on a beautiful ride through the French countryside! C'est la vie!

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So...my inner crafty girl helped me to select a pattern by McCall's {3830} that I plan to make this weekend. These are some of the pattern sketches...

This is a traditional pencil skirt with a low waistline.

The same skirt sewn longer and then again, just below the knee.

Following a few rules for my body type, I believe the skirt will look best cut just below my knees. If sewing isn't your thing, and lord knows I never expected to want sew, then here are some beautiful inspirations for any shopping you do this weekend. I really love the tailoring and white piping on this skirt.

Opaque tights are totally necessary. This look is surprising sweet, although I wasn't fond of the skirt at first! Then I kept looking and loved it all together. I think I'd change her hair. A soft wispy bun or something.

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Want to dress up for cocktails and flirting? Add some sparkle to your pencil skirt!

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I'll follow up this week with some pictures of my new wardrobe essential! Time to venture to the sewing atelier!

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My New Obsession is Sewing...who ever would have guessed?

2012-01-14T06:55:00.000-08:00

I randomly took a sewing class at The Workroom, located in Toronto. It was one of my eager attempts to get out of the house and reconnect to the world after having a baby. As it turns out, I loved the class and I swear to you I can't stop thinking about things to sew! I think this would work as a great sewing atelier!

The unexpected discovery I had was that I wanted to sew up a new wardrobe. Hello?! I swear I think it's also due in fact that I refuse to shop for clothes in my post-baby shape! I can't bear to admit what size I am, etc.... I want some time to workout and get back in shape before I buy new clothes!

Simple & Sweet Clothing Design Idea

I thought I gave up sewing forever when I was in college and finished a beautiful dress with a hideous zipper. I can still remember that day. It was nightmare! Tension issues. Breaking threads. Did I mention how horrible the zipper looked?! Yet, years later, here I am...sewing! I am thankful that the skills I had and all the lessons my mother gave me never left! Now I am loving selecting fabric, patterns, and of course threads!

I want to recommend that any girl interested in sewing start with any book that is part of the Built by Wendy Series! I own Sew U and Sew U Knits. I love both of these books perhaps because Wendy inspires you to play around with creating your own pattern. It might sound hard, but it really isn't!

Today, I will have finished my third garment. The first I made is a beautiful modification of a classic t-shirt. It has a large boatneck and wide sleeves. I will admit that it is a happy mistake! The second garment I made was a pair of striped panties! They are so sweet but I cut them too small! Whoops! The garment I am finishing today is a simplicity pattern. I selected a beautiful lightweight knit in grey so that it looks like a piece I could have bought from Wendy or Club Monaco. It is quite a luxurious knit! Wow...I'm going to have shoot some photos later to share! Thanks for reading! I am finding it hard to have a baby, write, blog, and sew all at once! LOL! Superwoman rescue me!! XOXO!!

{images: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.}

Where am I? Where am I going? Or Welcome to 2012!!

2012-01-05T06:15:00.000-08:00

Can it already be four days into the New Year?! I've been busy getting my daughter her US citizenship and now that that hustle is over and the holiday is packed up and put away. I'm back at my desk and wondering where was I before Thanksgiving and where am I going? Have you had a chance to slow down enough in 2012 to ask yourself these same questions?

It's a hard question...what do I want out of life. It sounds easy if you win the lottery, but unless that happens a girl needs plenty of mojo to tackle the true desires of the heart.

My own resolution list carries the hallmarks of typical wants:

Finish my novel in January! It's been a long time coming, but I will finish this project!
Publish, publish, publish!! Hopefully my non-fiction proposal gets just one editor in a frenzy!
This one is traditional...Get healthy and fit by exercising six days a week for at least 30 minutes.
On that same note, I want to ensure that I take time to cook and/or bake healthy and clean meals.
I resolve to take a class with my baby girl, something like a play class or a mommy and baby yoga class.
Practice French 30 minutes a day. Our girl will be going to french immersion school, so I have to bone up on my skills to assist her down the line!
Sew a quilt and a few garments for my or my baby.
Spend time being creative and making art. Be it photographs, prints, or drawings.
I will take a trip and have some fun before I hit the last resolution...{hee hee..}
Pay off all debt and save for the future!

If all this forward thinking has got you drifting out to sea, perhaps you need to reflect on where you've been. In fact, this post was entirely prompted by the beautiful and amazing blog, Studio Q, that proposed any visitor to leave a list of all accomplishments that a girl made in 2011. At first, I was like I didn't accomplish anything...then it hit me hard! I did so much! I really got important task, life goals, accomplish last year. Head over to Studio Q blog to add your own comment, to get your head clear, and be inspired by others!! The journey is worth the effort, this journey is all about you!

Happy New Year!

2011-12-30T20:21:00.000-08:00

Get Out and Be Fabulous!

If you haven't written down your resolutions...let me help you cheat...

And always leave them wanting more!

Happy New Year, lovely readers!

New Year Resolution: Shred the Weight

2011-12-30T05:16:00.001-08:00

The New Year is going to be here this weekend. I've spent the last four months learning how to care for my beautiful baby girl. I thought that I was going to bounce back to my pre-preggers body, but I learned that when breastfeeding it wasn't in the best interest of my baby to drop the weight like celebrities do in six weeks. I read that it can negatively effect the infant when a woman does that. Okay! No problem. So as I approach the New Year and my baby is much stronger and getting ready for solids, I find that I might have listened to the advice a bit too well. I am so out of shape! Should I really be surprised?!

I'll be blogging about the process at Modern Girl Style because I plan on getting amped up and back into shape. I will be realistic. I wasn't just a week ago. I went in for a massage and I was told I was crazy to launch into P90X. I ran the NYC marathon just a few years back. Who was I now in this new post-baby body? Only time will tell.

Jillian Michaels and her K-Swiss

I'll be posting links to great workouts, products, and other bloggers that inspire my journey back to renewed health. Why wait for New Year's Day! The above video with Jillian Michaels looks on par with P90X. I will modify the workout for my body by doing less time. I'm also going to sign-up for the Self 2012 Challenge to track my progress online. I'm also a huge fan of Tone it Up. I hope that you join me in personally challenging yourself to break out the comfort zone and shake your booty!

I love these videos!!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T08:59:00.001-08:00

My husband and I received our Christmas gift in August with the birth of our beautiful daughter! What more could we want? All the best to you! Merry Christmas!

Urban Eatery Toronto

2011-12-07T15:32:00.001-08:00

September 2011 marked the launch of the Eaton Center's {Toronto's Mega Mall located downtown} new food court. The design is impressive. The large atrium marks the entrance to the space. It feels more like a corporate food court or dorm cafeteria. Actually, I lost count with all the students studying in the food court.

The metal gates indicate each fast food eatery. The design modern and fresh.

I love the use of Le Creuset pots to keep Indian curry hot for customers. The presentation is flawless.

Another example of the divisions between each fast food eatery. There was also the option to each in several different nooks. I love the retro ball lights with the interesting orange textured wall.

In an ode to public health, there were several stations for people to wash their hands before and after eating. However, I didn't see anyone using it. A new concept that will develop with more exposure.

A bit blurry, but more examples of the modern dining areas. I expect that this food court should age well. Once more note, there is also an option to drink from dine-in glasses. I wonder how long it will take before most of them disappear, but image how much money and waste is being saved. Sustainability and good design..who could ask for more?

Make an Entrance

2011-12-03T07:24:00.001-08:00

We have a modern entrance to our loft that prohibits a typical foyer entrance, but why stop dreaming? These are a few lovely foyer that get my pulse racing.

The next foyer would be perfect for my sister, an California horse-lover...

I love the graphic wallpaper. It makes this traditional space feel more contemporary and modern.

This little photo steals my heart and it isn't the decor!!

Lastly, a holiday foyer. It is time to celebrate!! I really love this last foyer...can you guess why? Ahem, please note the green trees outside! I'm guessing this was shot at sunny Cali home!! Perfect!

{Images: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Living Black Friday in Style: Holiday Handmade Gift Ideas

2011-11-25T13:09:00.001-08:00

After the bliss of a wonderful Thanksgiving Day, I just couldn't bring myself to want to chase after any Black Friday bargains. It use to be that shopping was such a joy, but I find it is so hectic dealing with the mundane aspects of shopping. Things like parking, long lines, and cranky people. My mom phoned to tell me that people were camped outside shopping malls to get deals! Literally, those people can't be happy campers. What happens when you're like me on Black Friday? You start to make plans to give gifts from the heart. I'll admit being a new mom factors into the difficulty of enjoying shopping, but I'm looking forward to taking a chance and giving something homemade. To start with these tags might just help anyone giving homemade gifts...

{free tag labels here}

Idea No. 1: Give the gift of photos.

So many times, a picture is taken, but it isn't shared except on Facebook. Why not take the time to print something out and frame it? Think big! Why not?

Idea No. 2: Make some art!

It doesn't have to be about real skill, but about concept. Dabble a few colors together, scan it into your computer and add a favorite quote.

Idea No. 3: Make a Playlist

My last bit of advice is to make a playlist. Music really goes far!

At the end of the day, you'll not only avoid the headache of holiday shopping but you'll feel quite accomplished! And you'll have time to finally spend with the dog!

{images 1. Illustration 2. Tags 3. Photo Idea 4. Make Some Art. 5. Dog Nap}

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T00:36:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone that has stopped by and said hello! May your day of Thanks be blessed with joy, peace, and lots of good food!

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Small & Quaint Living

2011-11-23T09:41:00.001-08:00

I spotted this lovely little Toronto bungalow on a walk this morning. I love the beautiful soft green wood shutters, flower box, and harvest wreath. It goes to prove you don't need much, but you must love what you have!

On Motherhood

2011-11-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

Elizabeth Gilbert wrote in Eat Pray Love that she never dreamed of being a mother. In fact, she had a box hidden under her bed that was filled with maps, collected National Geographic articles, and clippings from the NYT Travel section. I could related. I have a serious case of wander-lust, too. It began in my teen years when my family traveled constently and peaked in my late twenties when I traveled across Europe, on a solo trek, hitting all the places that I had ever dreamt of seeing. However, unlike Gilbert, I also wanted to have a child. To say the least, since I became a mother in August, I've had this one scene in particular haunt me...the scene in Eat Pray Love where Gilbert watches the new mother trying to be it all, party host, wife, friend, while breastmilk leaked out through her cocktail dress. It was a moment that Gilbert wanted to escape from. Shortly afterward, Gilbert called it quits on her marriage and left the country in a blaze. That scene always left me wondering...had I also fallen prey to convention?

Last night, I was tested. I met up with another new mother and we sat down to have coffee for a couple of hours. The feat itself felt strangely tremendous. I was exhausted from mixing up our meet-up location, pushing a stroller, and then the icing on the cake...my beautiful little girl pooped on me in public! I'm a tough girl so I found it funny and let it go. By the end of our time, I was soaked in baby spit-up, poop, and my breastmilk had accidentally leaked out while feeding and soaked my shirt. This was a first, I'm sure, in many messy times to come. My friend said to me, "Welcome to Motherhood."

The truth is that as much I awaited that fate of being like that new mom in Gilbert's book and not having the choice to escape it, I found myself strangely embracing it all. I don't need a walk down a Parisian street to feel free. I actually want ties. I want to be connected to friends, family, and that might include getting pooped on from time to time. Even now, listening to the laughter of my daughter, I find all the gratitude that I am lucky enough to be living this life. In a few years, I can't wait to hold my daughter's hand as we cross a bridge over the Seine River or toss coins into a water fountain in Rome.

{image 1. 2. 3.}

My Heart Laid Bare

2011-11-21T14:47:00.001-08:00

Could I have picked a more silly blog post title? Sure, but it does capture the essence of this post. My blog has been so focused on design and style that I've let some heart slip. I'm ready to start showing my blog roots. I plan on sharing more on the people, place, and things that inspired me, and I can't wait to share more on the things that are affecting my life. It is the week of gratitude and my heart is so open, laid bare, and thankful for the chance to share!

{image 1. 2.}

Corona Del Mar Bungalow Style

2011-11-20T12:28:00.001-08:00

Corona Del Mar is a beautiful little place in SoCal. It's located in Newport Beach and hosts some of the finest California homes. This one is listed for beach home is on the market, yours for only $2.65M! The split door in the photo above is totally typical of style and vibe of this heavenly little beach city. I'm loving the colorful textiles and home decor. What did I mention all that sunshine, too?

Can't you see the ice tea being served up with sandwiches after a day of rollerblading or sun bathing? Or is it time for a nap? This bedroom is romantic comedy ready!!

Some of the images weren't captured well, but you can get a general idea of the dining room..

I love the lucite Ghost chairs on the dark floors. I actually thought I was over the dark floors, but this image is capturing my heart. The breakfast nook is vibrant and energetic!

I really love the Quaker-styled cabinets with the metal pulls in the kitchen. The hood adds a modern sensibility.

This hallway is Cali beach essentials. The beautiful pendant lantern with modern wooden planters. This is my dream hallway!

A modern blog studio....I'd make some changes, of course, but this room has great structure.

Need to get the sand off? I think this master bath will do the trick!

When I very pictures like this..I miss home!

{images all from Corona Del Mar Living}

I've got a Crush on You...Donald Drapper!

2011-11-18T07:15:00.001-08:00

At the start of October I decided to download Mad Men: Season One. I had heard all the praise but didn't bother to start watching the award winning show until I visited my inlaws {whom I do love very much} at their rustic farmhouse hours away from the city. The chill factor had me staying inside so the only option I had was to flip my laptop open and start on the series. What ended up happening is that I watched 5 hours straight, which wasn't an easy feat because I was suppose to be hanging with the family!

{Donald Drapper as brilliantly portrayed by Actor Jon Hamm}

I am now pleased to announce my crush, not just on Donald Drapper and the entire cast of Mad Men, but on the writers, producers, and directors that have created the best TV show I have ever watched in my life, with exception to Belle & Sebestian, I loved that as a kid. Mad Men is just that good for me! March 2012 is when Season 5 is set to kick off, so if you're like me, try to sneak in time to watch four seasons. To tell you the truth, I won't have a problem doing that. I'll just have a serious problem when I'm done. Have you ever been so hooked on a TV show?

{images: 1. 2. 3.}

Coffee Talk Matters

2011-10-29T15:32:00.000-07:00

When is the last time you took the time to enjoy a morning breakfast with someone you love, or simply a good cup of coffee? I was lucky enough to make pancakes {from scratch-no less} for my husband this morning and his co-worker, and it was lovely! Often times it's all work and less play.

Can I dare you to take time this week to go slow? Slow down and really smell the coffee! Taste the ingredients of the food that your hands combine, cook, knead, or whatever your foodie process is!

So go slow...enjoy life! It really does pass too fast!

the pretty images: 1-2 & 4. Wit & Design 3. Dream Kitchen

Pretty Ruffles, Flowers, and Love

2011-10-28T21:18:00.000-07:00

I'm dreaming of scented rose satchels, pink pearls, luggage trunks, trips to Paris, and lots of pretty ruffles!

images are here

Imagine waking up here...

2011-10-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

What room would you like the most?

Images 1. Bedroom via The Berry 2. Elle and Blair 3. Pretty Space 4. Heart Beat Oz 5. Heart Beat Oz 6. We Heart it

Fabric Tissue Totes

2011-10-21T06:39:00.001-07:00

An idea for the super crafty! Make a super easy fabric tissue tote. Cut a square of fabric, fold in thirds, and stitch. I picked these up at Pottery Barn last year on sale. A great idea to bring back for the Holidays!

Bright Lemon Interiors for Fall

2011-10-17T06:59:00.000-07:00

I'm not ready to let go of the sunshine of summer. Instead, I'm finding the light in uplifting lemon-inspired rooms and accents.

Is there ever enough yellow in a room?

Images: 1. Source missing. 2. Yellow Couch via The Coolhunter.net 3. Apartment Therapy