New York, New York

Kate, Remember how I wrote about how the art in your home should have meaning to you?  Well, I was looking at the art in my powder room and it got me thinking about New York.  Like the rest of the world, I love New York.  This is not an original sentiment.  It is a place like no other.  New York was the place where Mike and I took our first trip away from Peter.  It was glorious!  Not that I didn't miss my little sweetheart but going out to restaurants late, drinking as much wine as I wanted, without a thought of the consequences of the following day was wonderful to say the least.  What better place to indulge than in New York...other than maybe Paris.  Anyways, we went to great restaurants and to great museums.  One of which was the Guggenheim.  I love the Guggenheim. The architecture is breathtaking in it's simplicity.  The white, the curves, the calmness really allows you to appreciate the art.  When we went they were having a picasso exhibit.  We bought post cards to remember our time there and when I got home I framed them and hung them in our powder room.  Every time I go in there I think about our trip.  The art has meaning to us.

Which got me thinking about how much I want to go back.  Karen and I were talking about a girls trip...

-Amanda

White Wash

Kate, I'm sitting here feeling guilty because I should be exercising.  The problem - I hate my basement. The basement is where my reformer sits.  It's a very lonely reformer.  My basement is a far cry from your beautiful basement.  So I started thinking what we needed to get accomplish in order to make it a place where the kids can play, where we can exercise and watch movies.  We need to update the flooring and lighting which is easy because I'm pretty clear on what I want.  What I'm currently pondering is whether to white wash/stain the wood on the walls or to just paint it white. I'm currently leaning towards white washing.  That's this evenings decision anyways.

Ok, enough procrastinating.  I'm going to go do some pilates and then watch Mindy from last night....maybe with some mint chocolate chip frozen yogurt.

-Amanda

Flora Peek Inside: Oleander

Amanda, After my wreath post I had some people ask about where to buy them. Coincidentally, I have bought almost every one of my wreaths from the same place. So I popped in today and asked permission to snap some pics of Oleander - a most beautiful flower shop in the Kingsway. Jen always has gorgeous arrangements and does a fabulous job with her window so that you can't help but be lured in...

I've always had a thing for flower shops and bookstores. Two places that I imagined would be amazing to own. A flower shop because you are surrounded by natural beauty and a bookstore because you are surrounded by knowledge and imagination. Hmm, just thought of something. Maybe a hybrid - two stores in one and add beautiful home goods to the mix. Oh wait, that's Chapters.

Here is oleander in its glory:

Imagine my joy to be amongst terrariums, wreaths and fresh cut tulips. I brought some pretty white ones home. Visit Oleander Floral Design's Facebook page for details.

-Kate

Cookies!

Kate, When I told you these were healthy today you didn't believe me initially.  But they are.  They are as healthy as I think cookies can get.  They have no butter, white sugar or flour in them.  And boy are they chocolatey!  My mom's friend emailed me the recipe.

Yesterday they had a slight avocado aftertaste but I think that's only because I was trying to taste it.  Today, nada.  So to really enjoy these puppies I advise you to wait a day (I know, impossible!)

Here's the recipe.

http://thesmoothielover.com/healthy-avocado-chocolate-cookies/

Enjoy!  They are very easy to make.

-Amanda

Gwyneth and Courteney

Amanda, Lots in the news about the Paltrow/Martin split. Don't pay attention to many of the details but was intrigued when I saw her new music room featured on Elledecor.com. Beautiful space of course.

The white on white is gorgeous. I'm also a sucker for Grand pianos.

Then I stumbled upon Courteney Cox's retreat..

Thank you Elle decor. Beautiful pictures, beautiful homes.

-Kate

Tappan Collective

Kate, My cousin, Matt Ross, has recently joined a website for emerging artists called http://www.thetappancollective.com/.  I'm of course super proud and happy that his talents are being recognized.  Here are two posts I wrote on this blog in support of his talent- http://kateandamanda.com/2014/01/18/matt-ross/ and http://kateandamanda.com/2014/02/06/the-finished-product/.

I firmly believe that you should love the art in your home whether it be photography, paintings or even prints.  It should have meaning for you.  It should evoke emotion.  And if it's original all the better!  There is so much talent out there just waiting to be discovered which is why I am totally into the Tappan Collective.  Aside from Matt's art here are a few other pieces I'm digging.

Alison Cooley's Snake bite.

And

Luctor Et Emergo

Matt Ross's Mother Sister

Kelsey Shultis

Shneemanner

Rebecca Lowe Mosena

White Study

Noah Jashinski

MIA

Owen Schmit

Black No 1. I

Amanda Charchian

Nobody Quite Knows What To Make Of The Moon Anymore 2

Calm Sea, Come See, Comme Ci #3

Heather Day

Petit Drawing 1

Two Things You Warned Me About #2

Cheryl Humphreys

You Wish

-Amanda

Porch

Kate, On Tuesday Mike and I went to Grand Electric after our playdate.  We like to go for lunch because we can bring the kids and walk right in and get a table.  Whenever we go there we always talk about moving back to Parkdale.  I always get very nostalgic for that time in our lives. I know some might think I'm crazy for wanting to move back to Parkdale but I loved living there plus I could eat tacos all the time!  Well, this Tuesday was the first time that there was no talk of moving back and I think it's all because of this weather and what it made me realize. I've had a real sense of appreciation for my dead end street since Sunday and everything that goes along with it.  I picture our springs and summers from now on watching the kids play, hanging on the porch with our neighbours, who are now our friends.  Which made me realize that I need to spruce up our porch because it is UGLY!  Here's my inspiration.

I'm not sure if our porch will ever be white but I would sure love it to be lighter.  I also want those pillows and a great and comfortable place to sit and watch the world go by.  Preferably with a glass of wine in hand or an IPA. (Am I way behind on this beer? I just discovered it and I love it.  I don't even like beer and I love this).

Anyways, I must cut this short because we have to get back outside.  Peter's scooter is calling. Time to go up and down and up and down the street.

Enjoy this beautiful day!

-Amanda

Next Issue

Amanda, I meant to ask you yesterday if you've looked into Next issue - the online subscription to dozens of magazines all in one app for $10.00 a month. Amazing.

Like the introduction to e-readers, I had some hesitation, since I love devouring a magazine page by page and feeling the page and print in my hands is part of the enjoyment. However, the access to more magazines than I would normally subscribe to, is fabulous. Actually, to be honest, it feels a bit overwhelming because you even have access to all the back issues for each magazine...limitless browsing.

The first month is free. You'll love it!

-Kate

Peek Inside: Alexis and Mike

Lex and Mike bought their home in a west end downtown Toronto neighbourhood a few years ago and did extensive renovations on it.  They have two rental units, one on the main floor and one in the basement, and they turned the top two floors into their own perfect pad.  If only you could see the before pics!  They added brick to add architectural interest to the long wall that runs through the apartment, ripped out the wall below the staircase to add openness and flow in the space between the dining and living room, built my dream pantry and a fantastic kitchen.  Lex has a great eye for small details and is a super hands on crafty person. An example, her headboard was actually an old mantel from the restore repurposed. I love going over there because of it's warmth and style and of course for the awesome company that goes along with it!

Jumpsuit//Romper

Amanda, Don't like the overall trend right now and can't seem to embrace the negligee dresses that are so popular. Oh no, is old age creeping in?

But I love the jumpsuit. Love that it is a one stop outfit. Love that it can be revealing or not, flattering and comfortable, dressy or casual, flirty or sexy. Here are some of my finds.

Via: bcbg.com, Jcrew.com, topshop.com

-Kate

Shoes, shoes, shoes.

Kate, Shoe shopping is a wonderful thing, isn't it.  I love that you don't have to be having a "skinny day." You say your size, if you have a pedicure all the better, and ka pow, just like that you can transform your mood.  Not to mention all the outfit possibilities that start circulating in your mind and of course you just can't wear the outfit with out having somewhere to go.  So...time to plan a girls night or a date night.  The power of buying a new pair of shoes!  So here are my current high heel loves for the season.  (Flats are a whole other ballgame).

1. I am drooling over this leopard and mint heel.  Please go on sale, please go on sale.  Continue to chant it with me...maybe it will happen.  http://www.shoplesnouvelles.com/loeffler-randall-charlotte-dorsay-pump.html?source=pjn&subid=73861?

2.  I already have this stacked heel, super versatile pair.  So comfortable!  They look way better on. Enzo Angiolini.  Available at Nordstrom.

3.  These valentino nude rock studs rock my world and are my dream.  Literally in my dreams.  Then again you never know...available at Nordstrom.

4.  But these may have to do.  Same vibe and they also come in nude.  Sam Edelman.  Available at Nordstrom

5.  This heel looks good with just about everything.  Good basic.  Again it comes in nude which I'm still deciding on.  Steve Madden.  Available at Nordstrom.

6.  I love this boot/sandal.  Love, love, love.  House of Harlow.  Available at Nordstrom.

7.  The mule is back.  Here's a pair from Zara.  My cousin also bought an awesome pair from Forever 21 but I cannot find them online.  Maybe take a peek in store.  Super cheap and really great on.

Decisions, decisions.  There are more but seriously, I have to cap it somewhere!

-Amanda

Friday Night Food

Kate, I popped open a bottle of vino.  Had a little MJ, Otis Redding and Louis Armstrong playing and made one of my standby summer meals.  I know it's not feeling very summery out but what the hey, I went for it anyways.  I love this Gwyneth Paltrow recipe.  She recommends salmon but I used Cod and have used several different types of white fish and it always works.

The corn salad on the side is as simple as can be and compliments it perfectly, if I do say so myself.  It's just corn, avocado and grape tomatoes.  The dressing is - juice of one lime, zest of half a lime, a small handful of chopped cilantro (do it!), olive oil (I just pour a few tablespoons) a drop of white wine vinegar and salt and pepper.  Pour it over the rest and done!

The kiddos are asleep and now we are going to fire up an episode of Suits, Parenthood and Scandal.  Happiness is!

Enjoy your Friday evening all.

-Amanda

Lovely pins: ode to Scandinavian decor

Amanda, In line with my love for clean crisp white and minimalist Scandinavia, here are some recent pins. On a rainy day like today, the white in my house is brightening my mood, along with our trip to Sherway, despite the kids fighting over the stroller.

How do your pillows work? My curtains are fab. Still much more to do with project family room but feeling inspired for sure. Here is where the inspiration is coming from:

Via + 

Via www.myscandinavianhome.blogspot.ca

Via www.thatnordicfeeling.com

Don't these images just make you feel calm? Hoping to achieve the same feeling: relaxed and uncomplicated.

-Kate

Kate Spade

Kate, Leah and I visited the Kate Spade store yesterday.  I'm not sure why I didn't take any pictures of the pretty things in there because there were plenty.  I really fell for these small/skinny bow watches.  I am a big fan of the jewlery!  And there were many swoon worthy dresses and bags in there.  What got my attention yesterday though was the glam decor.

I LOVE those pendants!  I also love those chairs and the way they play off the black and white striped rug.  As much as I love the all white look, I also love a little glamour and colour. Inspiration is everywhere.

-Amanda

Kate, I feel badly about my little blog break.  My energy level has been below zero since Sunday and yesterday was the first day that I started feeling like I wasn't digging deep into the reserves. What energy I had went to the kids, where it belongs.  I actually started contemplated a cleanse that a friend recommended until I read that it's not suitable for women who are nursing, that put the breaks on that plan for renewed energy.  B vitamins, good food and exercise it is! (As I sit here eating gummy berries)

Anyways, I've continued to think about our chat today about our blog.  About how we both often feel like we must seem soooooooo superficial!  I want, I need, I bought, I want to change! Without the context of the rest of our lives it really must seem all so shallow.  The truth is we are the most obsessed with our families.  Our children, much like everyone we know, are our life and our joy.  I have to constantly check my first world problems at the door and remind myself to be grateful. Grateful and happy we are, thankfully!  Aside from that though, comes the passion for our homes and the outlet that is creativity.  This blog has brought us great fulfillment and it's fun! Sometimes it all shouldn't be so serious and worrisome and heavy.  So with that thought in mind here's my new dress! (ha ha, just trying to keep it light)

I hope this blog is fun for you and takes you away from some of your stresses and worries.  And most of all, like Kate wrote in our About page, we hope it inspires you to do something that you LOVE in your own home.

-Amanda

Kimye collaboration

Amanda, Breaking news! Kimye collaboration for Target coming this December. No preview yet but is supposed to be luxe and will include home goods. Interesting. Source: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/target-announces-next-collaboration-kimye-design-news-201807     -Kate

Fresh family room - Before pics

Amanda, It's funny how the sun starts shining and you feel like change. Change is good.

I looked into my family room a couple days ago and I hated my pillows, hated my curtains and the masculine feel to the room. It was warm and inviting in the winter but like shedding our coats and boots, I knew that it was time to shed my accessories. Maybe it was that Scandinavian blog that I posted about yesterday that was the final inspiration for fresh change. It's happening. The curtains are down, the pillows are put away and a fresh look is coming.

I'm posting before pictures. Stay tuned for afters...

-Kate

Scandinavian blog obsession

Amanda, Have you visited www.myscandinavianhome.com?

It's a beautiful blog by a London girl, living in Sweden who loves Scandinavian interiors. She features homes all over the world with that clean minimalist look. Very inspirational.

Here is a house on her blog owned by a Swedish stylist named Daniella Witte, first featured in www.skonahem.com.

I love love love the herringbone floors. The black and white scheme too. Even the stack of art leaning against the radiator.

Check it out when you get a chance.

-Kate

Change completed

Kate, Ta da!

I am sooooooooo happy with it.  Amazing what $60.00 from Ikea can do.  I love floating shelves and now want them all over the place but that may be overkill.  It was so fun taking my china out of their boxes.  They had been in boxes for 5 years!  I forgot what my wedding china even looked like.  My Grandma (Babcia) will be so pleased.

-Amanda

Friday Night Food

Kate, We are not having company over tonight so I just made a salad but it's a great salad.  It must seem like all I eat are salads from my two food posts this week but trust me this is not the case!  I needed something healthy to give me energy because this week has totally zonked me with Isla's teething and our lack of sleep.  I usually tend to get into a lot of easy, not so healthy options when I'm feeling this tired (pizza yesterday) but really what is needed is food that makes you feel energized and not like heavy hippo.

The salad was really easy because I made the brown rice in advance and just bought a rotisserie chicken.  On top of that it has feta cheese, grape tomato, chickpeas, spinach and avocado.  I made a honey mustard dressing and voila!  Super easy and very healthy. ( I know some of you may be thinking really!? Brown rice and salad but honestly it's delicious).

Enjoy your Friday night!

-Amanda