Secret, fast, delicious sangria receipe

I'm going to share my secret Portuguese Sangria recipe with you, lucky reader! It's super simple, extremely fast, and even though it may offend hard core sangria fans, it's delicious and everyone loves it!

You'll need:
1 inexpensive bottle of sweet red wine
1/2 litter of Fanta ( Fanta is the best, but any orange pop or Orangina will do).
Fresh fruits sliced (Orange, peach, nectarine etc)
Frozen berries (optional)
Ice.

You'll have to:
Mix it all together, let it chill a little, just the time it takes  to tell your guests that you found this recipe on an awesome blog they should check out. And, bam, it's ready to enjoy!
 * This recipe is best enjoyed during a pic-nic, in these gorgeous Villeroy&Boch cristal glasses.


OK, now for you snazzy drinkers, here's a fancier recipe

1 bottle of merlot
1/2 cup of Grand Marnier
1/3 cup of Peach liqueur

Fresh fruits sliced (Orange, peach, nectarine etc)
Frozen berries
3 cinnamon sticks.
2 cans of 7up or Tonic water
Ice

Mix everything but 7up and ice, Let chill for 1 hour. Add 7up, ice, and remove cinnamon sticks.
Enjoy!

It sometimes really does take a performance to get dressed up!

BARNEYS NEW YORK Showcases The Genius of DAPHNE GUINNESS from Barneys The Window on Vimeo.

The famous Barney's store in NY had the brilliant idea to showcase, in their window,  a performance of the equally famous Daphne Guiness (Heiress for the Guiness family, who amongst other things, owns that beer cie you might know about. She is recognised as a fashion icon, a haute couture collector and an artist). She here getting ready to go to the MET ball.

Anyways, enjoy this poetic performance... After all, every pretty girl deserves to go to a ball!  *

Via lakejane
*Yes man quote

Happy TV!

Ok, it's official, I love the new abc show "Happy endings"! It's fun, quirky, different, with very actual references. Many compared it to Friends, and althought it's not false, I feel like it's more raw and real than friends was.  It's on abc wednesday nights, or click  here to watch full episodes.

Travelling day

I spent today in the air, litterally! We were in Calgary for a couple of days, and we had a blast! We have hours painting the new maison, it's starting to look great! We have also had such good times with our friends out there! We didn't mannage to see everyone, but we'll be back before you know it! There is still a lot to keep us busy here in Montreal, so I'm happy to be back!

Photo via Pinterest, source unknown.

web+vintage= awesome shopping

Vintage isn't easy to wear, shop or find in my opinion. That was before I discovered Pink Clouds! A great way to skip the hunt through piles of clothing, the remote stores, and the patience to see what comes in. Plus, the website suggests great looks to pull of the items, they clearly indicate the size by giving detailed measurement of the clothing. Plus plus, they have very interesting and diverse brands! A dream!

But there is a certain paradox about buying vintage clothing online, don't you think? 

via refinery 29, all images Pink Clouds

If looks could win votes..

Here are a few fun photos to remind you that today is your chance to take a stand and vote! Who could have imagined that these teenagers would become party leaders today? Are you surprised by any of these looks?

All photos from Vintagevoter.ca

motivation for the week to come...

Quirky? Yes. True? Absolutely. Motivating? Kinda... :)


Source: esty blog.

Boxes and books. + what I'm reading right now.

One on the most difficult things about moving is deciding what to keep and what to sell/toss, but one thing I can never part with are books. I love and need a full library, filled with ideas, memories and stories. I was shocked when the mover told me that the average family usually only has a box and a half of books! But even to save on moving costs, I can’t bring myself to giving them away...

I am currently reading Tina Fey's Bossypants biography, a smart, funny and insightful book! It reads like a conversation you could have with her over coffee. (A very very long coffee.) I'm  about half way into it, but it already had me laughing out loud a few times! 

Original image via pinetrest.

I wish you...

Original photo from flickr via pinterest.

Ro-yhaal feeeh-verrr

 

The wedding was gorgeous, of course, but what I found the most original were the guest's hats! I can only hope this becomes a trend here too! (hum... ok maybe I'm asking a lot here, but how glamourous!) 

I'll do a post about more wearable hats for the summer soon, stay tuned!

These gorgeous hats are from Gina Foster via designlovefest.

Victor's closet

Dear manly readers, 

Did you ever think of wearing a nice cardigan instead of a hoodie or a jacket? I think that men's cardigans are too often overlooked. I dug out a few very masculine ideas here for you to consider. It'd also be perfect for this rainy spring, look at that: sexy and convenient!  I personally like the shawl collar, I think it gives a nice stature and makes sort of a power statement. There are also lots of options without if you prefer. My tip: if you have a, hum,  belly situation, I would stay away from thin materials. 

In this post clockwise from left:

 J.Crew, (168$); random men, Banana Republic (160$), Mexx (129$), Zara Men (69$).

What I know about this week-end...

I heard from a very trust worthy source, that this m0851's upcoming sample sale is going to be particularly awesome and packed with gorgeous pieces at amazing prices (up to 70% off). I'll unfortunately be out of town, but you should absolutely go take a look!
April 29th to may 1st, 5555 ave casgrain, suite 201.
*all images from m0851 catalog, I'm not sure if the pieces shown will be on sale though.

Just an easy look

1.Vintage clip earrings from Etsy (8$). 2. Long gold necklace by Banana Republic ( 45$). 3. Perfect bun bobby pins from Goody (price vary dependinc on store).  Men's American Apparel T-shirt  (21$). 5. Nars Body Glow (59$).

 And voila!

Photo via Pintrest via they all hate us.

The business of the card

I admit it, I have a slight obsession over stationary and typography. So imagine how much I love business cards! Here is a few I found that are pretty and clever. I think it's so fun when people get creative, after all, a business card says a lot about your personality, so why not make it stand out!

Great use of typogaphy from a design studio, via studiosavvydesign.com

Outdoor company project business card via underconsideration.com

Pretty letterpress and stripes via Oh so beautiful papers

Dentist's to the point's card via web designer depot

Colorfull painter's via lovely stationnery

Cool business card for partners, via designrfix.com

Custom furniture nostalgic card via creativebits 

Last resort option via adpunch

In season, finally

Since as far as I can remember, rhubarb tart as always been my favorite dessert. I remember my mom use to take me to this tiny, tiny restaurant deep in Quebec's suburbs just for their rhubarb tart. I am really eager to try Martha Stuart's new version with Lemon-Yogurt mousse! I'll let you know if it's better the one I so fondly remember... Do you have an awesome recipe? What used to be your favorite dessert?

-Photo from Martha Stuart

fun art, fun-er price!

Do you know about  20x200 ? I think it's the long awaited missing link between good looking walls, support for emerging artists, and a happy wallet. 


On this website, you can purchase limited edition of photographs, prints, and drawings for as low as 20 $ (prices vary on the size and artists). 


I simply love the idea!


Here is my 4 favorites, today: 
Modern Art by Craig Damrauer; Praia Piquinia 11/08/10 12h15 
by Christian Chaize ; The Tortoise by Carrie Marill and Orb 5 (Long Island, New York) 
by Carlo Van de Roer .

In the house

In a very close future, we'll be moving into a new house! I am beyond excited to have a full building for ourselves, as I have been living in apartments for the last 7 years! I really think this new place has it all, it's  got lots of character, great structure, awesome backyard, and it's in a great neighborhood. 

It also has a lot of space to decorate, I am so grateful for amazing inspiration sources such as Rue magazine to help me (us) put it together! You should take a look at the brilliant work they do!

All images above from Rue magazine. 

Onboard with the nautical look!

For her:
Elizabeth and James lace and cotton blouse (145 $); Simons cotton shorts (30 $); Rosa Chà bikini (150$, 125 $); BCBG bangles (25$ to 80$); American Apparel leather carry-all pouch (53 $); Sperry Top leather loaffers (120 $).

To share:
J.Crew Panama hat (58 $); Hästens cotton hammock via design*sponge (284 $).

For him:
H&M Organic cotton shirt (13 $); French Connection knitted tie (38 $); Club Monaco cotton shorts (N/A $); Asos Canvas bag (36 $);  Aldo cotton loaffers (70 $).

Photo by KT Merry via style me pretty.

Catch the Waverly

Orignial photo from urban spoon

Here are the top 3 reasons we like the bar Waverly in Montreal's "hip" Mile End.
1- Reeeeealy good mojitos. 2- Very diverse crowd (We met an Argentinian boat captain, a hedge fund manager, and guy touring the continent on his vintage motorbike.) 3-Cool wood ceiling.
You should go!
Waverly: 5550 St-Laurent

Julian Louie & ALDO

Some of the new Julian Louie collection for ALDO is now available online! I love the ethnic-chic look of the suede wedge. What do you think?

Fashionable bike, by Kate Spade

I've never seen someone biking in high heels and a skirt with so much grace! This video makes me really happy, it has it all! Bike, flowers, NYC, cuttest puppy ever, polka dots.... and cake! :)
You can get the bike here, at Adeline, who teamed up with Kate Spade to create it.

books for foodies

Hum! These books look delicious! I love the illustrations by Coralie Bickford-Smith for Penguin's Great food series! It's not all recibes, but a collection of stories that revolves around 400 years of food writing. With 20 titles to pick from, our libraries are going to look somewhat more appetizing I think!  

I cheers to that!

YAY! Talk about well a deserved little break ( even though I'll probably have to work a few hours on sunday but shhh.. I'm in denial for now). Mr.Hubby will be in town this week-end and we have a funny photo shoot followed by a good dinner with awesome friends planned for saturday! I'll let you know about the resto... and the photo as soon as I can! If you like the photo above, you might like what I'll have to show you monday!
Have a great week-end, and I wish you'll have so much fun you'll feel like jumping around!
Photo via: via chic and cheap living !

Get you craft on!

I rarely skip an occasion to decorate for any holiday, except for Easter, I have to admit I don't really get excited around eggs and bunnies for some reason. But these clever ideas from Chez Larson are just so adorable! Makes me want to run to the store and get a dozen (free run) eggs! Found via The crafts dept. 

Cool attitude

Perfect spring outfit! Love the pant's length! You must check out Atlantic-Pacific for more cool and fresh outfits! Discovered via I like nice things.

Show me the light

Gorgeous chandelier, handmade in NYC by the very talented Hudson Furniture team. Wouldn't that look amazing over a big rustic wood table?  Love it!

Gettin' ready to Pic-Nic!

Image from the very talented Kate Arend at Wit+ Delight

This is a great idea! From Walnut Studio, Portland. You might also like to know you can fit your Pollo Mallet in this brilliant bike addition! Only 22 $ on Esty, here.

Creatives Assemble!!

What a great idea! An inspiring concept that every city would be smart to take notes from. Portland just completed its Milepost 5 affordable work / live community designed specifically for artists and other creatives to do their work in a supportive, energetic, and lively atmosphere. The city's committed to attracting the most creative and thoughtful minds to carry it into the future - not a bad idea! Any mayor who's goal is to create a "vibrant city where weird, quirky, wonderful ideas are sparked" is a winner in our books!

Tea Lov!

We discovered Kusmi tea's little sister this week-end! LOV organic tea has landed in the St-Denis' store, with lots of adorable fun packaging and delicious, well balanced flavor.  Choose between 20 flavors, from classics to fee-good or detox unique mix . LOV organic  is a Scandinavian concept,  combining the country's unique aesthetics and eco-consciousness to create a fun and high quality drink! LOV actually means Leaf in Scandinavian, how appropriate!

For those who like to flex their creative muscle

A beautiful insight into the very talented Michael Wolff's world, as part of Intel's visual life series.  Makes you want to get right to work! Enjoy.

Fresh flowers

What better way to put ourselves in spring mode than to bring in fresh flowers in our homes? I love how fresh and unique this presentation is! Find out more of Star Apple Edible Gardens' amazing work via Design*sponge!

Commun base

RVLVRis a very fun project where graphic designers worldwide have to create something from the same images.  It's very interresting to see what people come up with! You can see more here. And more on the initiator of the project, the very talented Marek Haiduk,  here.

*Source: an awesome blog:  Tendland you should check it out!

Diane Von Fustenberg's home collection

Available online at Bloomingdale

How much more stylish would sunday brunch be?!

A book that can only be... a book

I read -and absolutly loved- Jonathan Safran Foer's "Extremely loud and incredibly close" novel last year.  It's the rare kind of story that tends to stick with you for a while after you've read it.  The unique way of approaching the world and the refreshing naiveness of the main carracter makes you want to see life in a different light.

Now the author has transposed that vision into a book, literally! "Tree of codes" is a unique hybrid between a sculpture and a book. Spaces from the pages are cutted out, showing words from other pages to complete the story. Making it a experience that can't be translated for technology, an important aspect to Foer's latest work. The author was quoted in the New-York Magazine saying "“I think there’s going to be something that happens now, where books move in two directions, one toward digitized formats and one toward remembering what’s nice about the physicality of them.” 


For my part,  the actual book is a one of my favorite things about reading. There's someting about picking it up, turning the pages, seeing the left side grow bigger as the story unfolds... and fearing how little time there is to spend with the carracters as the right side becomes smaller and smaller... I just love it!  What about you? Are you part of the kindle-iPad reading book club?

I am wating for my copy, I'll let you know what I think soon!

(Photo of the book interior: Danny Kim via New York Magazine)

Pretty simple

How sweet are these? I love how delicate they are! You can find them on Bario-Neal's lovely website.

Cabane à sucre!

Spring time also means sugar time! That amazing table by Kreavie just makes me want to throw a fancy sugar shack party! (Even if  "fancy" and "sugar shack" rarely go together, I think it this case it totally work! ) You can check out more of her mouth watering- eye-pleasing Sweet table on her blog here.

Ciao bella!

Sunkissed glow by Nars, Shoe envy by Asos, cute shorts with a conscience by H&M via, Nonna's receipes, Italian genius designer: Emilio Pucci dress, Statement glasses by the row, Micro Suede carry on by Forzieri. Beautiful photo by Laura Sciacovelli for Vogue UK.

100th women's day!

Let's keep behaving in a way that encourages women everywhere. Let's make choices, big or small, that aims towards an equal world. Let's get each other's back so women everywhere don't have to be strong, and can just be free. 

Photo:unknown source. (please let me know if you can) via mackin ink.

Lesson on fearlessness

Here's a video I watch when I need to find courage to do something out of my comfort zone.  Can you imagine just walking in New York Metro and doign that?! Granted with a voice like this it's less scary but still! You can check out more of Jessie J 's work here. She also has a "Dare Jessie" on her website, pretty awesome! Cheers! (Her album is out in april if you like what you hear!)

Stuck in the snow but...

You can find everything here: Mulberry Scarf, Ladornu necklace, Miu Miu top, Wilfred Freecape, Nancy Gonzalez bag, Aldo loafers, French Connection pants.

The gorgeous photographs are from Antonella Arismendi, you absolutely should go check out her work!

I think I need this...

Hilarious AND very good for my general culture! Your can find it at Urban Outfitters or here.

If you're an expert, you can make you knowledge shine by explaining your favorite lyrics on the website!

Beyond origami!

Here is the latest project from the amazingly talented and sweet Mandy Smith. I can't imagine how much patience this takes!

Bring your own... Food!

There's a newbie on the plateau scene! It's a tiny, sort of hidden, bar on rachel called  the A Bar.
The decor is very simple and nice, in the trendy rustic-urban theme we are seeing more and more of.
But what most caught my attention, were the people coming in with their own dinner, cheeses and so on. You can even have food delivered there!
What a good idea, next time, we'll go with a baguette and delicious Riopelle cheese for a perfect happy hour!
* Ps: The letter in the image if up for grabs! It was part of a vintage metal sign. Get it here!
A bar : 213 Rachel Est, Montreal

Victor's music pick of the week

Victor likes acoustic music. Victor admires raw talent.Victor thinks the Montreal music is awesome. Victor thinks that Stars are an incredible band. Victors doesn't like it when I call them The Stars. :)
 Here' what he had to say:

"Taking nothing away from Grammy award winning Arcade Fire, I still think Stars make the best music coming from Montreal these days.  Known more for their big sound, they are clearly just as comfortable jamming in an office.  The NPR Tiny Desk Concert series strikes again!  PS - if you're watching other Tiny Desk Concerts, check out Tom Jones'  from a couple years ago... awesome." -Victor

Fancy that!

Here are some of my current obsessions from england...
Burberry's new take on trenches, Adele's unique voice, Paul Smith's menswear, this mug, and the always insightful  Monocle Magazine