unexplained urge

I'm not sure why, but I feel compelled to throw a party where I can hang foofy looking things from the ceiling...what does this mean? Help!

Image from Martha Stewart (naturally)

summer for sale

This Oscar de la Renta dress might be worth skipping the summer for.

new spring accessories

I dream of getting a new laptop, a pretty one, and when I do I might have to spoil it with some of these accessories.



1. the cush top 2. the mouse trap
3. the laptop hideaway 4. the swivel hub
5. the washable mouse 6. the laptop cooling pad

This is seriously cool gear!

ready, set, swap

This is a friendly reminder to all who signed up to participate in the Favorite Spring Things Swap. All packages should be enroute to your swap partner by tomorrow, Tuesday, April 1st. If for some reason, you will be sending your package a little late, please notify your partner.

If you have not sent your package yet, please feel free to photograph what you are sending, and also take a picture of the package you get and e-mail the photos to me, so that I can feature the results of the swap in a few weeks.

I hope everyone enjoyed putting their pacakages together as much as I did. Please feel free to e-mail me about your swap experience.

A big, big thanks to everyone who participated. Please keep in touch.

Love Bree

fear and loathing

I cannot stress enough how much I hate swimsuit season.

Why? Oh, let me count the ways.

Although I have become very crafty at avoidance techniques, sometimes there's just no way around it. In such an event, this business in the front/party in the back suit might be the perfect answer.

assistance

{inside out martini glass}

Oh, I forgot. I would also need some of these to help me through that whole swimsuit ordeal.

veggin' out

I had fun stitching these bibs for the l'il buckaroo this weekend. The patterns are from the I Luv Veggies collection at Sublime Stitching.

lovelies

Australian online retailer, Whiteport, sells all white housewares perfect for any space. Their wares are classic, simple and absolutely lovely.

Subscribe to Whiteport by Monday March 31st, and receive 20% off your order.


{a few of my favorites}

1. marseille duck soap 2. nauset laundry bag
3. wainscott throw 4. new bedford salad servers

hey sugar

Ninutik is the Ojibwa term for Maple Sugar, and naturally the perfect name for a company that specializes in such.

All products are modern, thoughtful and distinctively Canadian. I would love to give these away as gifts.



1. cube 57 2. sweet 100
3. bubble 80 4. marvel 35

p.s. Did you know that Maple syrup has fewer calories than refined white sugar, corn syrup and honey.?

stop!

I think this tube door stop is funny.

quick, i need to learn a sport

I was very excited when I saw that Konzuk, one of my favorite Canadian jewelery designers, was shortlisted for designing medals for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia. I can imagine how beautiful they would be.

If I was a super hero, my hidden power would be PARALLEL PARKING. I am really good at it, for real.



Image from Getty Images

double dutch

So, lately I have been getting the travel bug again. Holland is at the top of my list. I have recently decided that Dutch people are super cool. Seriously, it's like design genius is part of their DNA.

I was thinking if maybe I got a pair of these Ineke Hans Booties, I could be super cool too?


{bootleg clogs, wood felt and rubber}

how to thank you

Two little words can mean so much.

For the times when you want to write more than two words, but you're not sure what they are, this book is a lovely guide full of wisdom and advice.

let's dish

{sisters, porcelain bowl, silk, thread}

I discovered the beautiful work of Diem Chau today on Bloesom. I have never seen anything quite like this.

This is an incredibly unique, and charming way to tell a story.

switching teams

I am seriously shocked at my own behaviour. In the past year, I have started enjoying Red Vines over Twizzlers. I swore this would never happen. How did you win me over?

felt up

These handmade wool felt rugs by Melina Raissnia for Peace Industry are stunning. I would love one of these pieces of floor art for our living room after we install our wood floors. See the rest of the collection here. All rugs can be custom colored as well.



1. play
2. sunspiral
3. butterfly

pear trees need sweaters too

{knit knot tree in yellow springs, ohio}

If I could knit I might consider doing this. I'm not sure why but it seems like fun. Read more about it here.

canadian delicacy

{canadian chicken balls}

I don't often crave Chinese food, but when I do, I want chicken balls.

Josh: "Chicken what?"
Bree: "You know, chicken balls!"
Josh: "No, I don't know!"

I started to wonder...are delightful spheres of chicken and deep fried batter a Canadian thing? I began to do some research.

Yep, turns out they are. You can read more here.

America, behold the chicken ball.

Image from Wikepedia

we're fans

We've been long time fans of the Modern Fan Company. I think we've settled on this model, the ball for our bedroom.

the bell curve

{one of my favorite Leia Bell Prints}

Since I have a penchant for things a little offbeat and colorful, I thought I would share with you the artwork of Leia Bell. She's one of our local talents (and staying local... thank you Leia!) who has made a name for herself doing poster art for the rock and roll scene. We have a number of her pieces and look forward to collecting more in the years to come (they look pretty good hanging above that vintage chair we scored). You can check out more of her prints here and if you're lucky enough to find something you like in stock then buy it! She's also a pretty cool person to have a conversation with if you ever get the chance.

cover up

Josh recently inherited a Danish Modern chair from his grandparents, it is a real beauty. We are trying to find textiles that are of an appropriate vintage to have put on the chair. Here are a few ideas we have:



1. small dot pattern by charles and ray eames available from maharam
2. 100% wool divina by denmark based kvadrat available from maharam
3. china shop (1950) by george nelson available from maharam

thank you, bunny!

I had no idea that the Easter Bunny read our blog, but to my my suprise the bunny delivered the new gear I've been craving....yesssss!

caution

{cadbury mini eggs}

These things should be illegal...seriously!

good morning sunshine

{white bed tray by cb2}

Now that's what I'm talking about, breakfast in bed. How decadent.

good friday

The Friday before Easter means different things for different people, to some it is a day of reflection, to others it is just another day.

When I was growing up, we always ate fish on Good Friday. It is the one day every year when I feel obligated to enjoy fish and chips guilt free...I can't wait.

Image from Getty Images

This week I thought I would introduce you to my very first best friend, Buppy.

Buppy and I started our journey together in 1978. We became quick friends. His ears (one missing now), and U-shaped body made it easy for my little hands to carry him. He was given the name Buppy because I had a problem saying puppy. We have been everywhere together. Buppy travelled with me up until about 2 years ago, I was always too superstitous to leave him at home. He slept in bed every night, despite the teasing I received from my friends.

I didn't realize it at the time, but I think when Henri came into my life 3 years ago, Buppy's spirit came alive in him. He is my real live Buppy.


{buppy today, alive and well}

easter parade

In my imaginary world, I will be wearing this vintage dress in the Easter parade this weekend. I will have a large hat, and little white gloves, some sunny pumps and the cutest clutch...it will be glorious.

easter idea

Pat the Bunny is one of my all time favorite books from childhood. It engages the senses in the most delightful way. The soft bunny, the light powder smell, the tiny mirror...this would be a perfect addition to a little ones Easter basket this weekend.

I must get a copy.

on a pedestal

{blue cake stand by nigella lawson}

I've been searching for a while, this could be the one.

Can't you just picture a triple stacked 6" round angel food cake with vanilla icing coated in light coconut shavings? Mmmmm.

twos

Two of us, two years, and no one I'd rather share my pod with.

I love you, Josh. XO

Image from Flickr

eat your veggies

{garden patch cakelet pan from williams-sonoma}

It's a little late in the game at this point, but I think these veggie cakes would be a darling addition to Easter brunch.

bonne nuit

I could have used help from one of these sleep angels last night as I laid awake staring at the ceiling.

All angels are handmade in France of linen with dried lavender from Provence. You can order them here from La Pomme.

cup of smiles

Is it weird if a cup full of colored Sharpies sitting on your desk, makes you smile everytime you see them?

I think it's strange too, but I kind of like it.

eye candy

My favorite 1 year old in the whole world, Liam, surprised me with this lovely book. It is full of colorful images that capture the spirit of Morocco in the most beautiful way. The images remind me of our trip to Morocco last fall. I am so excited to add this to my book collection.

Thank you Liam, you are so thoughtful!

Love Bree
XO

don't hold back

I will be forever amazed by the many ways people choose to express their feeling and opinions.

live your best life

I have never found a love for poetry, but today I came a copy of a poem I've kept for years. It is perhaps the only one that has ever spoken to me, and I thought I would share.

The time will come
when, with elation,
you will greet yourself arriving,
at your own door, in your own mirror,
and each will smile at the other's welcome,

and say, sit here. Eat.
You will love again the stranger who was your self.
Give Wine. Give Bread. Give back your heart
to itself, to the stranger who has loved you

all your life, whom you ignored
for another, who knows you by heart.
Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,

the photographs, the desperate notes,
peel your own image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life.

Written by Derek Walcott, from Collected Poems 1948-1984

stacks and stacks

{cuisipro ice cream scoop and stacks}

I must have this delightful little gadget. My mind is spinning just thinking of all the possibilities.

running behind

I am running a little behind assigning swap partners, however it is in the works. I will have them all sent out by Sunday night. If you have not received an e-mail from me by this time, please let me know.

Hope everyone is enjoying a lovely weekend.

new jammers

{Mens Beer Sleep Bottoms from Old Navy}

Josh got some new pajamas tonight. Now he can enjoy beer even when he is sleeping!

life lesson

"Let go or be dragged."

Tonight I saw this on a bumper sticker. Isn't it the truth?

So I thought I would try something new...weekly confessions, every Thursday. Secret shames, special feelings, and other things close to my heart.

The first one will be short and sweet...here goes.

You should probably know that I LOVE BOY BANDS, all of them.

lined up

A few of these cups from Fishs Eddy would make perfect desktop pen holders.

cozy toes

These Pia Wallen wool felt slippers are my favorite. Josh got me a red pair last year at Christmas. I love how simple they are.

If I thought Henri wouldn't chew them off his feet, I'd buy him a pair or two.

scout them out

If your Girl Scout cookies haven't found you this year, it's not too late to find them and support your local little ladies. Thanks for the reminder Sarajane.

Click here to search.

zoom zoom

If you see some really stylish chick zooming by on the back of a Ducati soon, it's probably me sporting my new spring look.

Safety first. :)



1. helmet 2. gloves
3. jacket 4. pants

don't forget

Tomorrow is the last day to sign up for the Favorite Spring Things Swap. I'd love for you to join in the fun!

Image from Getty Images

color story

{our colors- josh, bree and henri}

Want to know what your color is? Click here to find out.

looney tunes

When I saw this ghetto blaster pillow at a local shop, I just couldn't resist. These pillows by Fred & Friends are a great way to add a little bit of humour to your tailored spaces.

when i grow up

This has been a long time dream of mine, and I'm not going to stop having it anytime soon.

faster faster faster!

{casey stoner on his GP8 ducati}

Today began the 2008 season of MotoGP racing... finally, my Sundays have meaning again! (sorry Bree)

I pretty much look like this when I ride too... except i'm not pulling wheelies... or going very fast... and I'm not wearing a power-ranger suit... and i'm not sitting atop a $2 million machine... and i'm probably a good 12 inches taller...okay, I look nothing like that.

For those of you whom are local, the 6th round of the FIM Superbike World Championship races will be coming to Miller Motorsports park at the end of May. Even if you're not inclined to enjoy motorcycle racing, it's a pretty big deal to get a world class event near our little mountain-west town.

go bananas

We go bananas for this stuff! Here is my mom's recipe that I've made, and enjoyed for years.

Banana Bread:
1/3 c. melted butter
3 large bananas
3/4 c. sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1- 1/2 c. flour
4 tbsp. walnuts

Preheat oven to 375.

While melting butter, mash bananas in large bowl. Add butter, egg, and sugar. Mix until blended well.

Add dry ingredients, mix well. Place batter in greased loaf pan, sprinkle walnuts on top.

Bake for 50-60 minutes.

the emporer's new coat

{henri modeling his new coat, the cloak, the details}

Last week a very special package arrived to 123 House. Josh's uber-talented mother, Dianne sent a custom made coat for Prince Henri.

It is a beautiful tangerine color with a fun spotted trim. The lining is robins egg blue fleece to keep him warm. It is gorgeous! It even came with instructions about the fibers and how to care for it.

I blogged about Dianne's canine couture a little while ago, and I am thrilled that our little monster has a designer piece of his own now.