The race begins............goodbye carbs

We are supposed to reach a temp of 75ish today so finally...........out comes the bike and the intense cycling schedule I have mapped out for this spring and summer. Going for another 20lbs. to top off what I lost last year. Wish me luck. 

Out with the winter carbs..................gone, gone. 

Those tempting bites of sweetness........gone too.

Only good things are are coming in the door and on our plates.

And this is why. 

Photos via Tumbr

the home stretch.............and a surprise blog

Photo by Jessica Nichols 

The week simply got away from me over here. Our son has been home for a few weeks and off he goes tomorrow to Florida for his final home stretch. In four more months, after a few more exams and a few more hospital rotations, he will be at the finish line. I find I am holding my breath for him right now as mothers tend to do. Somehow I thought older children would be easier, the worry eased, I find it is not. Someday, when he lets me, I will tell you our son's story, why we are so remarkably proud of what he has accomplished. It is not my story to tell, but it is one of facing huge odds and I do want him to know..............you inspire me. xo

photo by Rodney Smith

I just finished reading The End, the fascinating blog written by photographer Rodney Smith. Yes, that Rodney Smith, the very famous and talented photographer has a blog and it was a delightful and surprising discovery. Over the past weekend, I read each and every post he has written since he started it back on July 13th, 2009. He is one of the most talented photographers of our time............and his writing, his stories, his honest and human writing style had me wanting more, the feeling of reading a wonderful novel which I didn't want to end. I am in awe of both his talents. Rodney Smith posts every Monday, from home in New York or from location anywhere in the world..............next Monday can't come fast enough for me. 


Photo 1 from Jessica Nichols / photo 2 and 3 by Rodney Smith

When I fell in love with Grosgrain Ribbon

I always liked grosgrain ribbon but I much preferred satin ribbon. Actually, I would say that I adore satin ribbon as you well know by now. Satin ribbon always moves easily in my hands when I tie a bow, cooperates in a smooth manner while grosgrain resists tight twists and turns more than most ribbon types. Gros grain actually means coarse texture. Because of it's weave (and signature horizontal weave lines) it is a stiffer fabric, it will fight with you a bit but in the end it does make for a lovely stiff bow. Some people simply like the crisp, classic look of grosgrain ribbon better than the more feminine satin sister. 

It wasn't until I received a 2.5" wide grosgrain ribbon recently that I changed my mind, the extra width made all the difference. Revealed it's unique texture better too. Ever since this 2.5' grosgrain showed up in chocolate brown, hot pink, black and turquoise, I have been using it like crazy (you know how I love a lavish presentation). I like any ribbon that holds it's shape a bit, one of the reasons I rarely use wired ribbon. Once a gift is wrapped, it should be wrapped. I can't stand fussing and fluffing with it on the way to an event. Truthfully, by that point I am more concerned with my attire than my gift presentation.

You may notice I have combined 3 gift wrap techniques, wrapped them all together in one presentation. I have re-cycled a Henri Bendel store box, used a magazine image(Fashionista Gift Wrap), and clipped on a stray earring as a jewelry embellishment (believe me, if I had the pair I would be wearing them). Oh, and I used a type of ribbon that you have rarely seen me use before, so technically that makes it 4 techniques as far as blog tags go. This view to the side and rear is to show the effect of longer ribbon tails. My guideline, the wider the ribbon, the longer the ribbon tails, even more glam if they trail off the package.

As I mentioned before, remember to scan your favorite magazine images and re-use or re-format in the future for gift wrap or gift tags. I would certainly want to use this costumed Cate Blanchett as Elizabeth (torn from the pages of Vogue) as a matching gift tag. And I will as soon as I figure out this new scanner. I promise to show you.

All photos by Sande Chase ~ A Gift Wrapped Life

The Cake Opera Co...........creations of a romantic nature

~ Chinoiserie ~

If I get caught buying a wedding magazine, I just say I am doing research for a young friend. I don't dare say the truth..............I am fascinated with the creativity of today's weddings and just love looking at the bridal gowns, the settings, the flowers, the cakes, the favours, everything really........I just can't explain it. Mostly, the brides (or their planners) astound me with their attention to detail. I have been meaning to do a post on a Canadian wedding talent for some time. Feast your eyes on the creations of the Cake Opera Co. of Toronto, Canada...... this is eye candy of the most intense flavour and style.

Browsing the stunning website is such a visual feast that I thought it best to let you savour their talent for yourself. Conceptual drawings give you a peek into the story and inspiration behind each creation. 

~ Hall of Mirrors ~ 

Just a tasty bite........each layer of Hall of Mirrors is made with cast sugar tiles with the handmade crown painted with 24-karat gold.

~ Confection Towers ~

~ Operettas ~

 The clever name for the Sweet Table Confections 

~ Milk Glass ~

Inspired by the creators milk glass collection.

Enjoy.............Cake Opera Co. 

Party Hats and Crowns

Sometimes you forget about old favorites. I hadn't taken a look at Paloma"s Nest since I blogged about her wooden bracelets way back here when I started this blog over two years ago. She is best know for her Ring Bearer Bowls and that single item continually gets a ton of press in bridal magazines. But when I saw these Party Hats and the new Party Crowns, I thought they were simply sweet. I like the simplicity of the edited design and the fact that they are made of wood. Something that can be personalized and something that skittish birthday boys might actually wear when it comes to blowing out the candles each year.

Paloma's Nest lists these wood crowns in their heirloom section, the idea being that you can pull out the celebratory party hat or crown each and every birthday. How sweet to gift this for a first birthday, so that each and every birthday photo has them wearing the same heirloom party hat. You can personalize with 18 characters so a simple Happy Birthday or their name will do the trick. Each style is 28.00 and can be seen here.

Both styles come with rear grommets so you can tighten or loosen the cord to fit heads of all ages. Of course, I could manage to get lengths and lengths of narrow ribbons (or frothy tulle) through those grommets and maybe a bit of bling on the front if it was intended for a female of any age. Guess that's the idea, these fun hats can be as understated or as gussied-up as you want. 

All photos from Paloma's Nest

Christian Lacroix............haute couture paper

Hey, when did this happen? How did I miss this? Parisian couturier Christian Lacroix puts his flamboyant drawing style on a ultra-chic line of paper products, perfect gifting for the fashionista in your life. The Christian Lacroix Papier Collection features the Arles Flocked Velvet Notebook  ( 6" x 4.25" with 128 lined ivory pages) from the Arles-born designer and a bevy of fashionable choices. I love it when gifting is this easy.

Croquis Notebook

The chic cahier features illustrated spines and ribbon bookmarks.

The collection is comprised of Notebooks, Notecard Sets, Journals, and Postcards in the signature Lacroix style. 

Laser cut metallic notecards with the most curvaceous envelope flaps. Looks like some grown-up stickers too.

More envelope curves and laser-cut lace edges.

I want the card.........and the dress.

The exuberant Postcard collection features 12 cards in 8 designs rendered in the Lacroix maximalist style.

The Virgin Journal

Suggestion: Go crazy with the gift wrapping. 

All images via Kate's Paperie.

hello sunshine................where did you go?

Have you noticed we are all a bit more impatient for sunshine this year? Or more specifically bright and beautiful yellow? As I was working on this post this morning, I noticed more than a few blogs showing yellow and I had to chuckle...............seems we are collectively craving some sunshine. Hello sunshine, but where did you go? Until it comes back...........some bright and beautiful yellow, and other colours too.

Ahhhhhh....................I feel better now. 

A sunny welcome to new followers and readers this week.

You make my world much brighter.

Kate Spade Image 1 and 3 by Sande Chase ~ A Gift Wrapped Life/Image 2 via Flickr/Image 4 by Justina Blakeney of Compaiblog/Image 5 via Pinterest

Fuschia Faves...............and random musings

A gorgeous gift. 

Some day I will bring out those calligraphy pens again.

And practice, practice.

One of my Paris floral photos. Such a tender bloom.

Chanel. Coveteur. For Grown Up Ladies.

For Little Ladies. Armani Junior.

Have you noticed nail art is making a comeback?

Summer. Prada

Fascinated with artist Maira Kalman. Her drawings, her musings, her monthly blog for the NY Times, go see here. 

More summer. Oscar de la Renta.

This is how I imagine our brains must look. All the faces we have seen and known. 

Fuschia Louboutin

I have promised my son that I will not dress up our dog in any way.

Statement Piece.

Truly Magnificent. 

Another floral photo I took in Paris last September.

Final day in Paris, something I ran across this morning. My back had finally given out and I reclined on a stone bench while my sister-in-law went in to Monoplix and I looked straight up and saw this. Perfect. Done.

Photo 1, 10, 14 via Tumblr/Photo 2, 6, 12 via Pinterest/Photo 3, 15, 16 by Sande Chase ~ A Gift Wrapped Life