Colour Story: Montreal

Tweed skirt, old JCrew, Hermes scarf.

 We'll be heading to Union Station in Toronto next week to hop on a train to Montreal.  It's a girls trip with my best girlfriends The Lauras and all of our daughters.  We'll be doing some shopping, hitting restaurants and pubs... and maybe even a night club for the younger set.

It will most certainly be cold.  Do you know that song 'Montreal' by Raine Maida?  The chorus goes something like "the cold winds of Montreal... the cold winds of Montreal", which bears repeating because this is the thing I remember best about Montreal in the middle of winter: damn but the winds are cold.

I'll be bringing out my best cold weather armour, the things I wear if it's -20 and I need to take Scout for a long walk.  Those things are layers, of course, and more specifically layers of tweed and wool and fur.

 It's true that I stopped consuming meat entirely almost three years ago, not for any particular health reason but because I love pigs and logically not eating other animals follows that line of thinking.  I do however wear recycled fur.

My mother-in-law, who I loved dearly and miss very much, left me her dark brown mink coat.  I stared at it for a couple of years trying to figure out what to do with it and finally I decided to have it reworked so I could wear it during our coldest months.  I had it made into a reversible coat, with the fur on the inside and a dark brown water and windproof taffeta fabric on the outside.  Though it is reversible I never, ever wear it with the fur on the outside, it's not as warm for one, but it's also too much of a fur look.  I prefer the taffeta exterior with the fur trim, and of course the warmth.

 I'll be bringing my trusty LV dark brown bag and a recycled brown mink fur hat.

Train travel can be a bit challenging for me with the hauling of luggage up and down the stairs.  I'll be bringing my Dubarry of Ireland brown duffle bag, which isn't particularly large by any means.  My colour story will need to be fairly streamlined.

Travel gear.

 I'll bring my two J.Crew tweed skirt suits from 2006.  Does this qualify as vintage?  I'm not sure but what I do know is that these outfits are my favourite things to wear in the winter.  They fit beautifully, are so warm with just a silk camisole, tights and boots, and because of their neat fit they slide under the slightly oversized fur coat without issue.  The combination of wool and fur is like trapping myself inside a furnace.

These tweed skirt suits are the base of the story, one in green and one in red.

 I always add a scarf to the neck of these suits to warm up and cover the neck.

Dark brown boots will be worn with every outfit.

 To get a more casual look out of these suits I'll bring my Bosie of Scotland fair isle sweaters, a pink one for the green skirt of course:

 My red suit is a real favourite, in part because I pair it with my Hermes Metamorphosis scarf:

 I'll bring a third tweed skirt which doesn't have a jacket pairing, but which does pair well with the yellow Bosie fair isle and my yellow-toned scarf.

Third tweed skirt.
Old JCrew, 2005.

I've worn this yellow fair isle so much this winter, it's lovely warm and surprisingly versatile, really bringing out the warm tones in the red tweed.

 This was a favourite look around Christmas this year:

Other additions to the duffle will be some warm pyjamas and a bathing suit for the hotel pool.  I'll just bring the one pair of boots but lots of tights and some warm socks to layer as well.

  I'm so looking forward to spending this time with my girlfriends and all of our girls- who grew up together and are now amazing and fun young adult women.
I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and hopefully return with some good restaurant recommendations.
Have you been to Montreal?
xoxDani

Savannah

 Exactly one year ago we were in Savannah, Georgia for a little day visit.

My Dad had arranged a horse-drawn carriage ride for our group, and we huddled together inside the carriage under blankets.  It was a bright, clear day, but really cold.

First we stopped for coffee, and it was clear that Savannah took the upcoming St. Patrick's Day festivities very seriously.

 It was difficult to take pictures from the carriage, but I think you can spot the fountain spouting green water, below:

 The houses in Savannah are completely charming, but I was most enchanted by the trees and greenery, and the look of the branches and leaves against the buildings.

 Wish we were there now!

Have you been to Savannah?
xoxDani

Year of No Shopping Update

 It's a month into my own personal Shopping Fast and I thought it might be fun to check in to see how it's going, even though it is early days.
New habits are typically the most difficult to accustom to in the first few weeks, or so the theory goes anyway.  This might be true when it comes to No Shopping, it really is just a mindset twist.  Instead of being captivated by a sale or an object, or an idea, and then trotting on down that little path, I've had to remind myself to stay on the straight and narrow.

My temptations could have been predicted with alarming accuracy!
The most jarring moment involved baskets, of course, and really I should have seen that one coming. I have long had an obsession with all manner of baskets: with handles, without, giant wicker laundry baskets... really anything constructed of wicker is very fetching to my eye.
Perhaps it's a longing leftover from the ancient days of the hunter-gatherer in my DNA:  you can never have too many baskets if your main goal in life is gathering berries and twigs for the survival of your family.
I was walking through a hardware store, picking up some cleaning supplies for the office, when I wandered down the aisle of baskets.  I spotted a couple of medium size that were painted with a blue stripe... how cute for the laundry room!  I threw them into my cart after a glance at the price (they were on sale, of course).   It took me a few minutes to realize, hey wait a second, I'm not shopping for permanent items... I put them back.

The sales were fast and furious this month and while for the most part I've stayed off the shopping websites, I couldn't help having a peek at one of my favourite online shops: the Jourdain boutique in Quebec City, which sells Saint James clothing from France.

Saint james coat in a pretty blush peach colour.
Saint James clothing is a Trigger.

 This wool coat in the pretty pale peach was on drastic sale, in my size, and of course it is not only lovely and warm, it was made in France.
When it is January in Canada one feels that one can never have too many coats... I likely would have bought this if I hadn't been on a No Shopping Year.
I quickly clicked away from the website and moved on!

I realize that another Shopping Trigger for me, and perhaps for many people, is an upcoming vacation.
My friends and I spent an evening this past month planning a short spring vacation to New Orleans.  We'll be flying down for a few nights to stay in a beautiful old hotel in the French Quarter, with plans to sit by the pool, go out to restaurants, listen to Jazz, visit the Audubon Park... all great outfit opportunities!

Fortunately for the health of my No Shopping Year I store my out-of-season clothes in the large closet in Ole Rascal's room.  This means that nothing is hidden away, and at any time I can open the door and have a look at all of my options.
In anticipation of vacations I would typically buy a couple of things to round out a "Colour Story" that I'm planning, something I've always found really enjoyable.  This year I'll be organizing my packing up for holidays without buying anything new... no less fun, it's just a mindset twist.

Spring and summer storage.
Planning a holiday Colour Story is a Shopping Trigger.

I've decided on a few rules for myself around this No Shopping Year.  The most important one is to not buy any permanent items for myself or for my house.  That's fairly straightforward.  I'll be curious to see if I find there's something I really feel I "need".  If I do spot a supposed "need" I'm going to write it down on a list I'm keeping in my planner, and I'll give myself the option to buy that item at the end of the year.
This is where it gets sort of exciting (to me at least):  I'm planning to do this for two years, with a break at the end of 2018 to purchase items on the "need" list.  I'll give myself an opportunity in the last week of December to buy items on the list, and I wonder if I'll still consider those list items so very necessary?
I often think about what it was like for women decades ago, when they maybe only went shopping for themselves and for household items once or twice a year?   I guess this exercise will give me a clue as to what that was like!

The other rules involve items I am still buying, and these items are all of the fleeting, non-permanent variety: food and booze, cleaning supplies, candles, flowers, and electronic books for my Kindle (if I can't get something at the library).

So far I'm finding it interesting to step away from aspects of consumerism and to observe my own patterns.  I'm also enjoying the fact that I'm able to really ramp up my savings program, perhaps the biggest benefit of No Shopping.
I was thinking of doing these No Shopping Updates at the end of each month, what do you think?  I would find it interesting to discuss temptations, and to observe whether or not I've put anything on the "need" list.
Any thoughts are appreciated!
Have a lovely day,
xoxDani

Fresh Eyes

The azaleas in bloom all over Hilton Head Island

We're back from our trip south which was fun and relaxing for multiple generations of the family.  A week away with both of our fathers was priceless.
We nearly froze on a daily basis, something about a nor'easter named Stella blowing arctic air all down the eastern coast?  We bundled up in our layers and looked longingly at the swimming pool, but our eyes did have some reprieve from winter by way of spring flowers everywhere.

A window box in Charleston.

 Charleston is my favourite.  How pretty is this city? I had no idea.  The day we visited was bright, sunny and cold, but the garden finery of Charleston is permanent and classic:

Old brick, garden urns and wrought iron: Charleston themes.

 The gas lanterns! So gorgeous:

 We had lunch with some super-fun friends of my father-in-law at this really lovely restaurant:

Recommended for the food and service.

After a grey winter here in Canada the bright (if cold) days south were really welcome to our eyes.  You know how returning from a holiday sometimes brings clarity of vision?  I arrived home to see my house and how I've organized it in a new light.  I've been moving furniture, cleaning like mad, and donating a few things.  I've done twenty seven loads of laundry, found the perfect coffee table and bought a lamp for the dining room.

More Hilton Head Island flowers.

I've been mulling over the ideas behind this blog too, and questioning the purpose of it.  I feel that blogs have changed a great deal since I started writing Mop Philosophy in 2009.  Many of my favourites have sadly closed, or moved on to Instagram.  I continue to read and enjoy blogs that are highly personal, and that is how I shall proceed with my own.  I'll focus on domestics which are such an interest and a pleasure for me, even if I am a slapdash cook, decorator and baker.
I hope you've been well Darling Tooties.
xoxDani

The Day After the Migraine

 On Friday evening I attempted to brighten up my black outfit with this Hermes scarf and some bright blue nail polish (on my toes).  I was just coming off a 24 hour migraine, and while the pain and nausea were gone I had that wobbly feeling of being slightly disconnected from my body.  It's a difficult feeling to explain to someone who's never had migraine before, but if you have (and I'm sorry you have) you'll know what I mean.
You might think I should have stayed home for a full recovery but we were visiting with friends at their home a few blocks away, friends who are quite literally world travellers and aren't here in Guelph with us very often.  I was so looking forward to seeing them.  Two of our other best friends were attending as well, and we ended up having the most interesting conversation.
Is started with this question: "what is the moment or activity when you are aware that you are experiencing bliss, the sheer joy of being alive?"  The answers were varied and interesting, from the obvious to the more philosophical and difficult to describe.  Strangely I had a hard time finding an answer immediately.  I often go through the world with a veil of anxiety clouding my perceptions, throwing off that veil can at times be blindingly good, shocking even.  But I have to allow myself to do it!
A day of productive work domestically, followed by dinner with my favourite people can bring the feeling.  MrBP calls it "an unusual feeling of well-being".  I often have the joy when I'm out walking and I'm just looking at the sky, the trees, feeling the breeze.  Winter weather gives me the feeling, oddly, as long as I've got the right gear so I'm not distracted by freezing my ta-ta's off.
Immersion in a great book can give me the feeling and always has.
I found the timing of this discussion interesting because even as I was sitting in the beautiful living room of my friends I was thinking ahead to the next morning with anticipation.  The day after a migraine is always one, for me at least, that brings clarity and joy.  It's like the cobwebs have been cleared away and I have a new appreciation for light, sounds, smells and just the joy of being free of pain.

 Experiencing the thrill of a new place can give me that feeling, especially when I'm with MrBP and some or all of the rascals.  I find the thrill of travel most beautiful when shared.

The Golem from Prague

 Just being cozy at home in the light of the afternoon, looking forward to dinner or seeing friends or heading out to a movie... it all brings the feeling.
When are you able to recognize the beauty of the world? Do you often get a glimpse of it?

In other news, MrBP's book club and my "serious" book club are both reading Jane Austen next month.

 I belong to two book clubs, one "serious" and one "fun".  One is comprised mostly of doctors and psychotherapists (and then oddly, me).  Surprisingly, that's the fun one!  Sometimes we hardly discuss the book for the chatting and laughing.

 I'm really enjoying my home this month, it's time to tuck in, clean up, de-clutter every cupboard and closet and generally prepare for the year ahead.

Speaking of joy, how about this picture of my rascals taken about a decade ago?  From tall to small:

Rock City, New York State

 These wooly dusters, one for ceiling mouldings and one for the wooden floors, are so effective and also pleasing to look at.  Not everyone finds joy in domestic tasks but I certainly do.  I'm not talking about piercing moments of bliss, rather it's a feeling of general satisfaction.

Wool duster things.

 This is the time of year to get into some major art appreciation, especially on a grey day.  My friend Pat painted this olive grove in France in such exuberant colours, it's one of my favourites.  It's in the kitchen so I get to see it often:

Painting by Patricia MacDonald

Pat is such a talented artist but don't take my word for it, you could check out her latest work on her blog right here.

xoxDani

Another Summer

My Office, decorated by Ellie.

 Time marches on and this summer marched quickly, with endings and beginnings, sadness and happiness, and all of the simple moments in between.

Ellie has gone and it happened at the end of the summer, which seemed so right for a California Girl.
I'll think of her often.  She helped me decorate my house with her incredible taste...which was a unique mixture of American style (courage, appreciation, flair) and a French sense for life as it should be lived.  I bought only a few things from her but they are part of my daily life and I appreciate them so much.
 I appreciated her, I'll always miss her.
If you haven't read the wonderful post written by her daughter Grace please go here.

My family had an ending of its own this summer: we placed my grandparents' ashes in their final resting place and said goodbye.  It was a lovely day and it was a sad day, all at the same time.

Grandpa Norv and Grandma Jean with their boat on the Detroit River.
We were on the river for our goodbye and the day was gorgeous.

Light of our lives, my nephew, flew in from the far far north for the occasion.  Here he is having a talk with Uncle Tom:

 Our daughter went across the pond on her own for the first time, she left for Switzerland the day after I took the photo below.  This was at the cottage of two of our best friends, Laura and David.  They've just sold this cottage so... another ending, we've spent so many fun weekends there over the years.  When the kids were small we'd go for a week and run a camp for them.  (Well, not really, but it seemed that way with the meals we'd dish up and the lifeguard duties.)

 She spent a month in Germany with side trips to Austria, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.  Had a blast.

Then we dropped Lil' Rascal off at camp and hightailed it to the airport.

CHICAGO
MrBP and The Bean 

Bean Selfie

 This is the Bean at 8am, it gets much busier later, but we were so fascinated by it, it's actually so cool to see and walk around and study the reflections and perspectives.

Chicago was amazing, we spent seven nights just the two of us, what a great spot for a romantic hols.

Oh gosh the Ralph Lauren Grill was gorgeous.
We sat on the terrace, I highly recommend.

Went to a Cubs game which was awesome.
Ate some terrible nachos and drank some beer.

Loved the guys parachuting in with the giant flags!

 I thought Chicago was pure American Style.  One of my favourite building facades:

 Of course we spent a whole day at the Art Institute:

 If you go you have to go to the restaurant, so lovely:

Looks spare but it suits the feeling of the Institute, and the food is great.

 We flew home and headed north to Algonquin Park.  A little country to offset the city.

 I wore my Elmer Fudd dress from the now defunct LLBean Signature line.  Also I went barefoot for four days, my feet were killing me after walking miles and miles everyday in Chicago in low heels.  (Don't ask me about sensible footwear because I have much to learn.)

Elmer Fudd Dress
Bare Feet

 We must have been missing our Rascals because we adopted a very cheeky and greedy chipmunk, who we named Ivan The Bold:

Ivan The Bold
Always rushed in at cocktail hour.

 We picked up Lil' Rascal, headed home to have a reunion with the European traveller and then spent a perfect Saturday en famille helping Ole Rascal move into his new apartment.

Ole Rascal, does he keep getting taller?
With his partner who we adore.

 We made it to a Blue Jays game:

They lost.  But it was still so fun.
I love baseball, it's such a simple pleasure.

 Finally we had a weekend to end the summer, another summer, with our best friends on their island cottage.  Don't you think we all look pretty well considering we had massive hangovers?

The Morning After.
Party on Baby.

I hope you've had a wonderful summer (or Fall if you're in Aus!) and that your September is off to a productive start.
xoxDani