My Favourite Midori Ribbon........and some new ones

When I say I love the colour chartreuse it is for many reasons, some sentimental another story for another day but mostly for it's ability to be beautifully chummy with any other colour especially when gift wrapping. The visual power of the colour chartreuse is a scientific fact and you can read why here. It will simply enhance any wrapping paper colour, solid or patterned, you have on hand. When readers ask me what my favorite ribbon is I would have to say the Goldfinch Double-Face Satin from Midori, a well-known company within the gift wrapping industry for their high-quality papers and ribbons. Midori's Goldfinch is what I consider a true chartreuse and I consider myself to be a bit of a chartreuse snob. Silly aren't I? I caught up with Midori's product line this morning and noticed that the 1 1/2" Goldfinch (aka Chartreuse) is now available in smaller 5.47 yd. rolls, perfect if you want to try this brilliant and sophisticated ribbon colour. If you happen to be a committed Chartreuse lover like me, you can also order a full roll here. Looking for a ribbon to give you a signature wrapping style? Some of the newer designs seen above in the Midori Icon Ribbon collection have presentation personality written all over it, especially if you tend towards using kraft, black, or solid wrapping papers. How cool is the Ancient Airships and Greek Key? How sweet the Lovebirds, Elephant, and Buggy? And I will be the first to tell you any of these would look downright fabulous layered with the Goldfinch (aka Chartreuse). 

All images from Midori

I'll have what they're having

photo by Annie Leibovitz for Vogue

Everyone has to have a mental image when working it in the exercise department. This is mine. Once you get rolling into whatever exercise method you choose, you end up doing it because it just darn feels so good and productive. Something nice we have done for ourselves, mentally and physically. But getting to that point is hard, and being the frivolous gal that I am I use fashion images to get me motivated. I keep fashion photos of things I know I can wear better when I trim down and then I keep some gowns that I know I will never get to wear in this lifetime but would like to be ready if Oscar de la Renta or Vera Wang showed up at my door with a few frocks. For the most part, road cycling is a summer sport in our climate so each spring I must get super-motivated and the older I get the harder it is  come by and I have had a late start this year. But, recently I have been visiting my Dad in a nursing home while he does a 8 week rehab for a fractured leg and I never come out of that facility without telling myself " You silly girl, you get on that bike without complaining even if it is snowing outside". I realized I tend to think of cycling as a way to trim those hips and pounds (and it does, believe me), a novel and pleasant weight loss program and not what it should be.............a way to hopefully keep my old age happy and healthy. Right now that image is working better than a Vera Wang dress. You should see me cycle now.










Photo of Johnathan Horton and Karlie Kloss here

Ribbon Wrapping...........for summertime Gift Wrap

My husband turned into a power wash addict yesterday. I know it was addictive behavior because he wouldn't share and let me have my turn. Fine then, I am going to Pinterest Pin all day long and I think I did. Well actually, I did some other things too. I took Daisy to a rest home to see how she would do as a therapy dog and she barked at the wheel chairs but loved the people. She has potential if I can tone down her excitement level. And I baked some giant muffins from The Barefoot Contessa even though I give most of my baking away these days. I don't consider pinning a productive task, mostly I use it as a relaxation technique while I wait for muffins to cook or while pouting because the power washing was my idea. But sometimes it leads me to some great ideas as it did today when I ran into the Gift Wrap board of Larissa Hill and found this Kate-Spadish gift wrapping idea with neon stickers on kraft paper. Fun and easy, everything a summer gift presentation should be, don't you agree?

I also like this gift wrap technique, shall we call it ribbon wrapping? It works best with narrow and interesting ribbons and that is exactly what I found at The Gilded Bee while pinning away. So maybe pinning is productive at times because I sure do like this Etsy ribbon source.

These aren't your typical ribbons, more tinsel cording and unique trims for gift wrapping, weddings, and crafts but I love the gift wrapping potential, especially for sweet little gift presentations. Glittered Ric Rac, luxe velvets, fringe garlands, and yes, sequins and pom pom garlands as well. Love this Chartreuse  Pom Pom garland here. 

The Gilded Bee also sells these paper butterflies clips with their fuzzy centers and though I would tend to use them en masse, I love the one used below in a singular fashion as well. I tend to think of summertime wrapping as being more relaxed, with simpler techniques and bright colours and this is the season that humble kraft paper does itself proud.

If you really like this wrapped ribbon technique, note how the ribbon is laying flat and twisted, gives it a more interesting variation. You might have to try it a few times and a glass of wine beforehand might relax your hand perfectly for this imperfect technique. It can't hurt. Isn't this ribbon from The Gilded Bee wonderful? It works perfectly for this trendy gift wrap technique. 

Aren't you happy I didn't get my turn at power washing after all?

The Gilded Bee has over 993 items in their Etsy shop so be prepared 

and forewarned. You will want to do some ribbon wrapping of your own.

See my Pinterest boards here.

Top image via Pinterest/1, 2, 3, and 4 via The Gilded Bee

Far away, So close............on Father's Day

Yesterday afternoon the house was quiet, truthfully more quiet than it has been for months. Our overnight company had departed after a late breakfast, my husband was golfing, our son now far away in Oklahoma City where he will begin his residency in a few short weeks and I was content and immersed in a moving, personal essay titled Far Away, So Close written by award-winning Globe & Mail columnist Ian Brown who reflects on what we lose when our fathers are gone. Like all exceptional writing, this essay got me to thinking of my own father who I will visit today and of the special relationship that my husband has always had with our only son, more like brothers than the father-son relationship of previous generations.

"You miss your mother in a different, more dramatic way: You were ripped from her body, after all, and so when she dies, a part of what was once you disappears for good. But your father stands apart, watching, the one who shows you how life works, who provides context – your instructor, your guide, your tracker, your friend (if you’re fortunate, and I was) and finally your companion. Eventually, if things go the way they are supposed to, he leaves before you do and you face the world without the person who first ventured it beside you.
What he leaves is a gap, a fissure in your belief that the world is worth exploring. It doesn’t feel like much at first, especially if he was a good father, because he’s made you believe you don’t need him. That is the job of the father, after all – to fail his children, gently."


When I read the last few lines, it got me to thinking of the recent, sometimes heated conversations I would have with my son about his father's habit of leaving him daily to-do notes in the weeks before he prepared to move to another country for the next three years. Lists saying such things as "Did you finish all your US Visa paperwork? Get the oil changed before driving to Oklahoma. Check your US health coverage. Get your tires checked. "Our son thought them highly offensive "Why does dad leave me all these annoying lists? I am 30 years old and have gotten this far, does he think I really need to have him remind me what I have to do?" At first we would giggle, blame it on the particular personality traits of dentists and their task-orientated nature, dismiss his precise handwriting and go on our merry way. As the days passed, the lists became longer, more repetitive, more annoying. We tried rolled our eyes, hinting out loud that we weren't a pair of wayward teens who needed constant reminding of our adult duties, but each morning there was another. I was perplexed, in all other regards my husband treats our son with the adult respect he now deserves, so when we were sitting together after talking to our son in his new destination, I asked him "why do you keep asking him these mundane things, you know he is perfectly capable and you know it drives him crazy". A look was both impish and wistful as he answered simply "it's all I can do now to still feel like his father". I thought of his look and his answer as I read how Ian Brown described a good father as one who has made you believe you don't need him. Then I thought of the tiny drawing our son left behind, one which obviously shows he sees his father and himself as equals now and it was clear.............yes, he has done his job well, beautifully in fact. Those lists were just his way of gently letting go after all. Happy Father's Day JPC. xo








drawing by APC

Max Mara................and maybe me again

This is my life. One week I talk about buying grocery store couture along with my lettuce and yogurt, the next week I am immersed in the hushed cocoon of a Max Mara store like a giddy schoolgirl with a limited allowance trying not to giggle with pure lust and act my age. I do know I should not have taken one step into Max Mara for a number of reasons. The first being I already wore jumpsuits many decades ago and you know what that means.......an obvious disconnect between what I would like to wear and what I should. But isn't it divine?

My clothing budget might be much leaner than it was in my hard working, Max Mara wearing days but these two outfits got me re-thinking my strategy in a number of ways. Maybe I need a job? Obviously. Maybe I need to cycle even more? Most definitely. Maybe I need to stay out of Max Mara? Duh. One touch of the fabrics on both these outfits and I was a goner (though I wish the sleeves on the red ensemble were just a tad longer). How I have missed wearing Max Mara.

But look at those plush sleeves and leather buckles! There isn't enough Spanx in the world for me to wear this dress but that silhouette is incredible isn't it? I have always adored their fabrics, the way Max Mara quietly nudges style into the simplicity of their cut. 

Canadians can have severe winters, at least that is what we tell ourselves when purchasing winter coats. Any expenditure is worth it when it comes to keeping warm. Totally justified. 

No Spanx needed...............just that job I mentioned and a hearty Canadian winter. Anyone want to see my resume?

iphone photos via Max Mara catalogue

Beautiful Chics of a Feathery Nature

No, I am not getting chickens but I do think they are incredibly beautiful creatures. Have you noticed that they have become the coddled pet of choice lately? I am sure there is nothing sweeter for a young child to nurture along with adult hands than little chicks, how they fit perfectly into tiny hands, how soft and fluffy they are, and then surprise, surprise when they mature..............they lay eggs! The ones we eat on Sunday mornings, the ones we use to make birthday cakes. I imagine children are magically and responsibly transformed by the experience of cuddling, feeding, cleaning, and grow quite attached. Probably the most difficult part of raising chicks is telling your children that "no, they can't sleep in your bed". You should go over here and see the "highfalutin" coop mobile that Mandy's husband from A la Parisienne has made for their feathery family, meet the adorable Phoebe. Even though I have limited rural experience, I never imagined there were so many colourful breeds of chickens and since it is Sunday morning, I though I would show you a well-dressed parade of feathery friends. You know.......they really are quite chic these days. And quite sociable I hear.

Is this beauty wearing a Sunday hat. Or is that a fascinator?
Want to see more Sunday morning sweetness?
Go here and meet Donatella, the stylish one at Velvet & Linen. 

Happy Sunday. 

photo 1, 2, 3 from Pinterest here/ photo 4 here

Grocery Store Couture..............beside the lettuce and yogurt

By all accounts, Joe Fresh appeared to be an odd concept when it opened across Canada in 2006. Maybe clever, maybe not. A clothing store right beside the yogurt section in our grocery store? First I noticed the adorable kids clothing, then I started buying the sweetest ensembles for my little great-nieces, then I started noticing some seriously chic style...........for me. Now I am off and running with this Canadian concept of "grocery store couture", conveniently adding very affordable and stylish summer shifts (16.00-29.00) to our grocery bill and stalking the new inventory on a bi-weekly basis. Apparently I am not alone in stalking new finds at Joe Fresh, when the Canadian import opened their first US stores a few months back, 100's camped out for the New York flagship store opening (there are now 6 Joe Fresh stores in New York, New Jersey, and Long Island locations here). Heads up, Joe Fresh will be coming your way. It helped that Canadian mega-grocery retailer Loblaws hired the Canadian fashion whiz Joe Mimran, the original founder of Club Monaco to stylishly maneuver Joe Fresh to global notice. So much for keeping my chic little buying secret all to myself...............I was really hoping they weren't going to be so darn clever. I could have scooped that yellow maxi skirt for sure.








Photos via Joe Fresh

My Pink Ladies

I couldn't resist sharing my beautiful pink ladies this year. And a few white ones snuck in there too. They were over on my FB a few days ago and caused quite a stir, don't we love our peonies and roses? I know many readers have a holiday weekend ahead so enjoy the first summer weekend of gardening, sunshine, and barbecues. But mostly, enjoy the holiday with the people in your life. 






iphone photo by Sande Chase

Bespoke Post.............boxes of awesome just for Him

I have no problem when it comes to gifts..............for women, girls, and babies. For men, not so much. There I admitted it. Perhaps because the response and receipt doesn't include girly squeals, or maybe because I tend to underestimate how much men like gifts in general. Possibly both, which is exactly why I think Bespoke Post is such a stylish and unique way to impress the men in your life. Especially with Father's Day and Graduation season right around the corner. I know I am weak when it comes to selecting male gifts but as I scrolled through the past monthly selections of this bespoke gift service, I thought the gentlemanly nature might suit my son's maturing taste and so I asked him his opinion. His answer? "Cool, really cool, when do I get the first one?" Which is the equivalent of a subdued guy squeal if I ever heard one.

Bespoke Post based in NYC has a unique concept. They curate cool products from emerging brands and offer one Box of Awesome each month for whatever term you select. Subscribers receive a sneak email peek of the upcoming Limited edition box and have the option of saying yes or no to the current selection and can cancel at any time. Fair enough. SHAVE, shown above is the Box of Awesome for May. With a clever Cigar Box presentation, it includes a badger brush, considered to be the ultimate material for this popular and retro shaving technique, a chrome brush stand, and three shaving products from eshave, the award-winning shaving experts.

Bespoke Post offers a reasonably-priced concept at $45.00 per month and 100% NO shipping charges. More than fair wouldn't you say? My son really liked some of the past monthly selections here and especially the Box of Awesome sent out last March. The Canvas Mason's Bag included Aesop skin care products imported from Australia and a limited lounge pass for the American Airlines Admiral Lounge. Past selections are Sold Out but they give you an idea of the stylish variety to be expected in future shipments. We liked them all. 

Did you know that ice cube dilution is the enemy of whisky? Neither did I but if you click here you can see the clever solution which was included in Bespoke's November's Whisky themed Box of Awesome. It strikes me that each delivery comes with a bit of gentlemanly education into the fine art of living. What woman doesn't want to send a little style education along to the males in their life in such a subtle and giving manner. I'm just saying. 

Stylish guys may want to subscribe themselves but what about the presentation if this happens to be a gift? Bespoke Post says "Because each month is different, we don't always use the same method for wrapping and presenting, but we do take pride in it, and want each person to feel like they're opening up a gift each month, whether it was actually a gift from someone else, or just from and for themselves." Just one more thing.............I really do think guys like to receive cool gadgets and gifts. Especially the ones far from home. 

Photos from Bespoke Press/No conpensation received for this post.

A Showhouse..............and angled inspiration

At this age and at this point in my life, I have been having an internal dialogue when it comes to our personal decorating. On one hand, I look around and think I want to reduce, edit, move on to something smaller and simpler.....less things. Or so I tell myself. I think I might be mistaken after viewing the Junior Leaque of Detroit Showhouse today in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan. I need to get my designer head back in the game and shake things up a bit around here. As we toured the Oscar Webber mansion designed by architect Leonard B. Willeke in the early 1900's I am reminded that simple is overrated, at least for me. I love a room or house filled with interest in architecture and design. All those spots that engage you on multiple levels, that tell you a story about the homeowner. On an inspiration level, I always look forward to seeing the gracious, inviting rooms designed by Grosse Point designer Brian Clay Collins. Notice the wood column and urn that pushes the settee end out on a slight angle building in a unique furniture placement (the designer used another column and urn across the room to angle the headboard as well) and warm backdrop with one well-executed angle. See, I just love that. I want to sit here, open a book, nibble a cookie, and have stimulating conversation in this angled setting. 

Another intriguing angle was used in the gorgeous kitchen. Birmingham, Michigan designer Phyllis Whitehead used a slender vintage display table (from a department store) as a narrow island. But what made it so interesting was the angled position, sounds odd but looked brilliant. It actually gave more room to the cooking area where it was needed and added enormous interest to the area. Simple white island stools from Target were upgraded with a vibrant fabric skirt. 

You should never miss a show house, just for the accessory vignettes alone. I don't know about you but sometimes I get complacent when it comes to my personal decorating and I need visuals to bring me back up to speed and nothing does that better than physically walking through a beautiful show house and seeing a fresh perspective. 

One of the best features of an older home is the nooks and crannies. This reminded me that new homeowners should look to add these interesting features into their house plans and carefully look at unique, sometimes smaller window placements. Isn't this vignette charming? I always look to add electrical outlets in kitchen design so the homeowner can take advantage of adding lamps to the kitchen island and counters, it is so inviting at night once dinner is cleaned up and the kitchen settles down for the night.

This stunning and historic glazed blue Pewabic pottery tile was designed specifically for the original homeowner with Mary Chase Stratton when the house was built in 1925. I always think it would be difficult to commit to a colour tile but the iridescent effect was gorgeous and has beautifully stood the test of time. Note the use of smaller windows. Another designer tip? Vanity areas that allow women to sit while they primp and apply makeup in natural light. Much more relaxing............and natural. 

Hollywood glamour in warm white and soft gray. Labeled The Sophisticated Retreat by The Velvet Plum ~ designer Jennifer Duda-Imamura, this luminous room was bathed in glamour and light. 

The show house is only open until this Sunday but if you live in this region it is well worth the time. As for me I am off to Homesense to stalk the merchandise for some new accessories. 








iphone photos by Sande Chase

Mother's Day................and memories.

When I have been out walking Miss Daisy these past few weeks, I can smell the lilacs everywhere. Though my mother has been gone for many years whenever I smell lilacs I think of her. Purple lilacs were everywhere when I was growing up, the low branches would be heavy with the weights of the fragrant blooms, well with our reach which is why we would pick a few, sometimes many stems and bring them home to our mothers. We thought they were there for our own personal picking and in a way they were, no one ever stopped us nor did we ask permission. It was a simpler time. I don't seem to have luck growing lilacs in my own garden but my neighbors do and some days I am tempted to do as I did 50 years ago and help myself to an armful of beautiful purple lilacs. I have even considered knocking at their door and asking, framing the request as a pruning favour, perhaps it would be helpful? We will be away this Sunday, off to see our son graduate from medical school and I know that this will be my most wonderful Mother's Day of all. As mothers we live to see our children happy and accomplished in whatever they do, see them safely off to their path in life. I also know my mother, his grandmother would be immensely proud of her grandson. She would be beaming with joy as I am................. both our arms are full of lilacs this Mother's day. I hope your Mother's Day and your memories will be filled with love and joy. 










Photo from Pinterest here

I blame House Hunters International

It happens to be the timing and now I can't stop. The HGTV show House Hunters happens to be on TV when I am making dinner, adding some interesting back chatter while I prepped. Before long, I was making sure dinner was ready well before 5:00 so I could concentrate on the latest house hunting venture, now I tape the International episodes that run later in the evening as well. Not only am I vicariously traveling the world of real estate, I am fascinated by what homes people buy...........and no, I never guess correctly. My absolute favorite episode was a House Hunters International show A Women Starts Over In Paris (see future listings here) no subliminal message intended. While I amuse myself with dreaming about purchasing a Paris apartment, I remembered one from way back that I also fell in love with, you may have seen it before in Canadian House & Home back in 2009 but since when can we see too many Paris apartments?

When I think of Paris, I always think of the incredible golden light and the interior of this apartment owned by Patrick and Lorraine Frey, the owners of Pierre Frey, the legendary French textile and furnishings house, has perfectly captured that magical hue in this Haussman style apartment. I am beginning to think formal dining rooms should always be multi-functional, nothing more lonesome than a dining room that gets used once a month or less so why not add bookcases for library research and why not use two tables? The Freys also used a modern Ingo Maurer chandelier as a guestbook, asking friends to add notes and sketches to this conversational lighting. The toile fabric-covered walls are padded with swan's down to improve acoustics.

Door detailing can make a room. 

Aubergine and bottle green furnishings adds richness and depth to this neutral background. Downright perfect wouldn't you say? Notice the purple stripe detailing at the bottom of those gorgeous silk drapes scroll back up to the top photo.

French home office...............with suede walls and an exquisite inlaid desk. 
A girl can dream..........right?








Go here to see more of the Canadian House & Homes International Gallery.

Photos by Eugenia Kazarnovskaya via House & Home

Non Disturbare..........from everywhere

Yesterday when I picked a new theme for my purely indulgent Tumblr blog which I notice is mostly girly girl gowns I ran across this great travel idea and a most wonderful story to share in case you didn't see this. The grandfather of Michael Lebowitz, the founder and CEO of Big Spaceship, a very successful digital and marketing communications company in Brooklyn, collected hotel door hangers whenever he traveled abroad. When he passed away, Lebowitz brought his grandfather's travel keepsakes memorably together which you can see on his Tumblr here. It is fascinating to see how the hanger designs so perfectly capture the place and if you are thinking what I am thinking............hotels can expect a run on Do Not Disturb in any language as travel keepsakes. Wouldn't they be fabulous as a framed collection? Off to Rome to find the red tasseled one. 










link found on Tumblr here

Why I now love Mick Jagger

I cannot stop looking at this photo...............in fact it takes my breath away. Every perfectly-designed inch of it, the glass tiles, the chrome detailing, the mirrored vanity and tub surround, the wall treatment, the glass etched fish against the back wall..............and that soothing colour most of all. Located in the Left Bank, this Parisian oasis is owned by Mick Jagger and girlfriend L' Wren Scott. I just couldn't resist borrowing it from Dustjacket Attic and you can see the rest of this fabulous apartment on her blog here. Actually, I did resist for about a week and then caved in to my desire to tell you this is probably my all-time favorite room. I just can't help myself on this one. Exhale.














Photo by Francois Halard for Voque

Pink..............as in Peonies and Lattes

Rare Flower of Frosty Dew ~ Fragrant Chinese Herbaceous Peony

Indulge me.................I truly need to indulge in some bright and beautiful pink today. Isn't this peony the most beautiful? I have been off in more ways than one the last few days with a seasonal sinus problem and I am also a bit concerned, I notice my own pink peonies are almost ready for an early bloom. This means I won't have my masses of peonies in late May which means I will over conspensate with annual plantings which isn't the same to me as all. I like both going at the same time. Do you feel the same about this crazy spring?

Christian Dior ~ Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Looking at that gorgeous peony reminded me of this dress which certainly looks like floral petals. Looking at this remarkable creation is making me feel a tad better today..........the colour and the movement. 

All this brilliant pink brings me to my latest and mostly insignificant pet peeve. My daily latte and it's take-out container. I have been looking at it every day for months now and can't help but think my Canadian brand Second Cup and Starbucks too are pouring coffee and lattes into the most boring of cups, what's with all the drab brown? There I said it. I was thinking this way before I saw the stylish Fauchon Paris coffee photo on the entertaining and artistic blog Paris Breakfast............there might be "a little love in every cup" as it says on my Second Cup latte but couldn't both these coffee companies be a bit more creative with cup colours and design? Why does Paris get all the fun? 

See what I mean?

There must be a better design than this. 

Need more pink today? Go to my Anything Pink Pinterest Board. 

Photo 2 by Pascal le Segretain/Getty Images