I choose to believe my brother brought these back from Tokyo because he thought I looked like the cute girl in the illustration. And not because I need them.

In other weather-related news, I have just started an official Twitter page (there is a link to it on the right column of this page) and I have posted a link to the recipe of some AMAZING looking popsicles. So pick up some yogurt and fruit today and enjoy!

Alber Elbaz has been working wonders as the Artistic Director for Lanvin since 2001. And he’s also a great illustrator!

Pictured above are some stamps my friend brought me from Paris featuring his drawings. So great! His illustrations have been featured on the backdrop for this Acne Lanvin collaboration photoshoot, on numerous Lanvin products, and apparently he has illustrated a song for Mika, which I would love to see.

Personally, in terms of design, his shoes have always tempted me. Have you seen this crystal-embellished satin ballerina flat? Or maybe these leather boots? Size 9 thanks.

I totally fell in love with this little guy! We had quite the photoshoot and I wish he would have followed me back to Toronto, but alas…

I’m back! Spent last week with friends on the Ottawa River.

The clean, crisp air was a much needed break from the brutal city heat. We read, went out on the pontoon boat, swam in the river, and avoided injury by clam shell in the water.

We even caught an old episode of Golden Girls. And subsequently decided on our Halloween costumes for next year.

Some close-ups from my mother’s yard. Taken on the May 2-4 Weekend.

Yesterday, my mom’s neighbor was walking by with his dog and she stopped him to help identify a few flowers for her. It was fascinating to hear him list off what flowers had just come up in her garden without missing a beat: variegated lamium, woodruff or galium odoratum, even a sprouting horse chestnut tree that a squirrel must have planted! This neighbor has a passion for gardening and is like an encyclopedia of knowledge.

In the past few years, I have been photographing more flowers and for the most part would not really be able to identify the variety. I think it would be interesting to learn.

Mostly from my walk home today.

Except for the orange ones, which are a gift from my mother. She likes to buy me flowers before she leaves from a visit. These ones have been doing surprisingly well.

Okay, so i was a little late in the game on this one, but good old Ottawa came through for me in the end.

I’m kind of loving Peter Philips right now. He’s the Creative Director of Chanel Makeup, and reading about him pretty much everywhere got me a little intrigued.. What can I say?

I had not purchased nail polish in a very long time (10? 15 years?) Sure I’ve had my nails done in the meantime, but I’ve never actually felt the desire to diy…until now.

For those not in the know, last year Chanel’s limited edition Jade polish was fetching serious cash on ebay, after selling out at makeup counters. And this season’s polish, Particulière, is also doing quite well for itself. It is gray taupe in colour, and it’s lovely. The models wore it very well in the Spring RTW Collection, as have nail polish addicts since.

As part of the Spring Collection, Particulière arrived in stores this winter, but it wasn’t until a few weeks ago that I decided to actually look into it. By which I mean, I had to have it. So I walked over to the Bay and inquired, it was sold out. They did have a waiting list, and the girl at the counter made it sound promising. Nonetheless, I then went over to Holts, which was also sold out. They weren’t taking names, but they were reordering. Okay Toronto, I might expect something like this in New York, but Toronto? Are people really this makeup enthused? I next headed over to Andrew’s. Whoever would know they even carry Chanel makeup there. Turns out very stylish women – also sold out!

After this unsuccessful 20-minute adventure in makeup counters, I decided to put the mission on hold.  I didn’t need it that badly or anything.

The next weekend, I was in Ottawa. Walking through the Market, I decided to pop into the Bay at Rideau Centre – I mean, the makeup counters are right by the entry. It’s hardly a big deal to just walk through the doors and check it out. Approaching the unattended Chanel counter, I spotted the tester. Which is a good sign. At least they did stock it at some point, even if they don’t have any more for sale. Since nobody was around, and I didn’t feel like waiting, I decided to explore the hidden drawer behind the display where they keep the makeup – is that wrong?

As there is my photo of the bottle above, I see no reason to further suspend your disbelief. The visit was successful! Finally!

The women in Ottawa have it right, I mean really, what’s the big deal about a new shade of nail polish?

I fell in love with these Ines Rosales Tortas De Aceite on a trip to Central Market in Dallas. Since then, my lovely aunt has been sending some along for me from time to time. At the Spanish themed wine tasting my friend hosted this weekend, I brought some with me and we had them with goat cheese, which I had never done before, and it was amazing! The tortas are sweet, flat, biscuits with olive oil and anise and they work so well with the goat cheese.

For breakfast this week, I am having them with goat cheese, pear tea and honey.

This is one of my favorite green teas. And with all the rain this week, it’s definitely tea weather. I first tried it at a hotel in Hawaii and when I ran out (it was unseasonably cool for Hawaii), I inquired at the front desk and they gave me a lot more – I still have some!

Since we’re on the topic, if you find yourself in Honolulu, I would highly recommend Fatty’s Chinese Fast Food, 2345 Kuhio Ave. Really good tofu and vegetable noodles.