My life file: Missing from Canada: five

I love living in a country where there are different seasons, and even though the winter in Toronto takes up a big chunk out of them, the change of seasons is always exciting. Fall is my favorite season, particularly the month of September (my B-day happens to be in this month too!), I love the different colors the leaves turn on and the temperature is not too cold nor hot, just right.
* Photo taken by me on King Street West, Toronto.

Now, these are not the only things I miss from Canada, I also miss:
> My frequent visits to West Elm. Well, is just a 25 min walk from home, the store is incredibly stroller friendly, and the staff is super nice, so I can't find an excuse not to go.
> Fresh produce, or just produce! There is a HUGE lack of veggies and fruits here, not to mention that when we do get them they are ridiculously expensive (a kilo of cherries priced to $40!), so among all I really miss strawberries, fresh spinach and rocket (I'm a big salad eater), and blueberries.
> Getting crepes from this place, and frozen yogurt from this one.
> Whole Foods! Matthew's pediatrician is just a block away so we usually stop by after his appointments (followed with a quick peek into Antrhopologie!)
> My two favorite italian restaurants : Terroni & Capocaccia
> Strolling down the Harbourfront, Queen Street, and King Street.
> Lastly, getting lots of family visits! Who the hell would follow me all the way up (down) here!

My life File: Missing from Canada: four

I really miss spending time with our best friends. We like to get together to cook, bake, play board games, play Wii and to celebrate each others special dates. We are really lucky to have such wonderful friends and I can't wait to see them soon (R&R in September!!).
* From left to right: Husband, me, Daan & Sarah, Victor & Sister-in-law Andri (I should drop the in-law cause she really is like a sister). Oh! and Matthew is in the photo too, I was 6 months pregnant! ;)

Spotted File: The Vest

 Via Pinterest

I love pairing pieces of opposite looks, like a cargo vest with a girly ensemble, the juxtaposition is always interesting and the result is always fascinating.

Atlantic Pacific

The Glamourai

 

Cupcakes and Cashmere

Kendi Everyday

Great Finds: Sheridan French

I found Sheridan French via Drew's blog Coral Cafe and immediately fell in love. Aren't these tunics spectacular? Love the fabrics and the color combos, so I really couldn't resist to blog about the fantastic giveaway happening right know at Sheridan's blog The Southern Eclectic. Better hurry up 'cause it ends on July 3rd ;)
PS: Your are going to love her blog too.

My life file: Missing from Canada: three

Another thing I miss from Toronto is hoping on the streetcar and getting off at the Distillery District. This place is filled with cool design stores, galleries, cafes, and bars. During the summer there are great events to attend and the vibe is always hip and relaxed, just a really cool place to visit.

Interiors File: Vintage suitcases

An Australian beach home via Apartment Therapy

I love stacked vintage suitcases as decor items (and for their functionality too), so I really enjoy how they have been styled in these places, aren't they cool?

A guest room via Cupcakes and Cashmere

Via Pinterest

Dining room area via Live Creating Yourself

Via Apartment Therapy

My life file: Missing from Canada: two

Another thing I really miss form Canada is the Niagara Falls, and mostly because each time we go is because we are taking someone there for the first time. We've seen the Falls in winter, spring, summer, fall, in between seasons, you name it; but each time is special because we go with someone who has never seen them and usually is family visiting.
*Photo by my brother Alberto Burger

Design File: Vitriini

How gorgeous are these glass boxes by Italian artist Anu Penttinen? They are the perfect storage fix for all your jewelry, accessories and other trinkets, plus they come in some many different colors, love them!

My life file: Missing from Canada: one

One of the things I miss from Canada is being able to hop on a car, drive for about an hour and get to the little (and charming) town of Niagara on the Lake where we rent bikes to ride along the Niagara River. The scenery is beyond gorgeous and we always have fun (plus is a good workout!).

Inspiration File: Canada Day

1. Madewell Paint-stroke Tank, 2. Roots Canoe Daypack, 3. Madewell Suede Skinny Belt, 4. Crate & Barrel Kado Rice Bowl, 5. ban.do signature scarf, 6. Rag & Bone Perforated Suede Oxfords, 7. House of Harlow 1960 Nicole Sunglasses, 8. J.Crew Stripe Farmer's Market Tote, 9. J.Crew Solid watch strap, 10. Chance / Lizzie Fortunato Jewelry, 11. Marc Jacobs The Orchid Clutch, 12. J.Crew Leather Capri sandals

Since Canada Day is on Friday, I'm kicking off the week with a Canada Day inspired round up. This week is all about Canada so besides my regular posts I'll be sharing the things I miss the most from Canada.

Happy Weekend!

Mullaloo Beach - Perth - Australia

Summer is officially on your side (which means is "winter" here) so I wish you all a great summer! As usual, a couple of links I want to share with you:

> If you are a Tetris fan like me, you're going to love this.

> Loving these glasses, they are so Kate Spadey (Spadey? can I even say that?)

> For your iPhone.

> Ha ha this is so true! It made me laugh!

> I already made a far more complicated one so I'm definitely attempting on doing this.

> I want to go to there and there.

> Pretty recycling

Fashion File: Swimwear Outfit

Summer officially started on the 21st so I couldn't think on a post more appropriate than this one: a swimsuit look.

PS: I posted another outfit ensemble on Look Linger Love a couple of weeks ago when I was invited to guest post, if you want to check out click here.

1. Rikshaw Design Taj Women's Classic Kurta, 2. Eberjey Ocean Gisele Top & Ocean Kate Bottom, 3. Steve Madden Paiigge Gladiator Sandal, 4.  Fresco Towels Aztec beach towel, 6. Rag & Bone Short Brim Beach Hat

Etsy File: Siiso

I'm in love with these prints from original paintings from Toronto based artist Yangyang Pan, aren't they pretty? I love abstract paintings and these ones would fit perfectly anywhere in my home. You can check out more of her work at her Etsy shop Siiso.

Great finds: ASOS picks

1. ASOS Short Sleeve Pussybow Cotton Blouse, 2. Dahlia Large Spot Tie Waist Dress, 3. Vero Moda Bird Print Frill One Shoulder Print Dress, 4. A/Wear Satin Bow Front Tank

Lingering in my shopping cart.....

Interiors: Suzani

Via The Marion House Book

I know it's been a while since these embroidered textiles started to pop out, but I really wanted to share these, they add so much character! Table Tonic has some really gorgeous ones, check them out here.

 Table Tonic Suzani Bedspread via The Decorista

 Via Escapade

Via The Marion House Book

Via House & Home

Via The Zhush

Obsession File: Rings

Lately I've been craving bold, big, stone rings and these are a couple of the ones I have my eye on.
PS: Hope you had a great weekend and Father's Day ;)

1. Toosis Three Stones Ring 

2. Topshop Double Ball Ring 

3. River Island Turquoise Agate Ring 

4. House of Harlow Feather Row Ring 

5. Primadina Chalcedony Druzi & Lapis Double Date Ring 

6. Alexis Bittar Spring Fern Light Citrine Hydroquartz Ring 

7. Primadina Lapis Lazuli Single Ring 

8. Primadina Rose Quartz Single Ring 

9. YSL Oval Ring 

10. Kenneth Jay Lane Black Oval Enamel Ring 

11.ASOS Enamelled Ring 

12. John Lewis Amethyst Chunky Gold Ring

Happy Father's Day

Me, Father-in-law, Husband, Dad

Yesterday my internet wasn't working well so I couldn't post my "official" Happy Father's day greeting. To the best father-in-law, husband and father you could ever ask. Happy Father's Day ;)

Happy Weekend!

Jade Buddha Temple - Shanghai

I think there is still 1 hour left of your Friday (it's Saturday lunch time over here!) so I'm still in time to wish you a happy weekend! Here are a couple of links I want to share with you:

> Some gorgeous photographs.

> Did you know book design is a profession? Look at this work.

> Some wisdom from a funny clever guy.

> If the budget is tight (or not) this is a fantastic idea.

> Natural flower necklaces.

> Next time you're about to throw the toilet paper roll think about this.

> From the runway to the kitchen.

PS: thanks for all the sweet comments girls! ;)

1 x 3 Ways File: Color blocking

1. Jack Wills Taynton Cardigan, 2. Abercrombie & Fitch Kiran Tank, 3. Kendra Scott Harlow Necklace, 4. Miss Selfridge Coral Zip Suedette Shorts, 5. Alexander Wang Alpha leather and suede shopper, 6. Mossimo Peita Flat Thong Sandals

Color blocking is big right now and it's very easy, just pair together solid color pieces from your closet and you're done! You just need color, that's all! I'm giving you 3 looks: A day look, a Date look, and a weekend with the girls look.

1. One Down Jacket, 2. Edith A. Miller Short Sleeve Tee, 3. Kate Spade New York Cascade Bib Necklace, 4. Hermes Clic H Narrow Barecelet, 5. Topshop Bright Blue Fifties Full Skirt, 6. Zara XL Fashion Clutch, 7. Zara Asymmetric Court Shoe

1. Vince Dolman Tee, 2. H&M Sunglasses, 3. YSL Dots Ring, 4. Tibi Ruffled Silk Crepe de Chine Shorts, 5. Alexander McQueen Wicca Medium leather satchel, 6. Marc Jacobs Ballerina Shoes

Fashion File: Eddie Borgo for J.Crew

1-2. Fringed Mesh pocket Necklace & Pearl Cone Necklace 3. Cone & Pearl Belt, 4. Studded Bow Pin

Have you guys seen the newest J.Crew collaboration? J.Crew has joined with the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund to honor the top 3 winners of this prize. Billy Reid and Prabal Gurung were already featured so it was time for the third runner-up: Eddie Borgo. I'm deeply in love with the fringed mesh pocket necklace, isn't it gorgeous?

Cool Things File: Fredericks and Mae

Mother Kite

Aren't these kites amazingly pretty? If they remind you of Confetti System is because they are a Fredericks & Mae/Confetti System collaboration.
You can take a look of more products by Fredericks & Mae here.
Via Seesaw

PS: I'm having a giveaway over at Kendi Everyday so if you want to win a store credit head over there!

Children Kite

Food file: Homemade cheese crackers

The food choices here in Kone are somewhat limited, so I spend a lot of time in the kitchen trying to recreate and adapt favorite snacks and recipes. Lately, I've been baking goodies mostly from Smitten Kitchen, a blog full of amazing recipes and great pictures.

Last weekend I put to the test their  whole wheat goldfish crackers recipe (shaped in squares instead) and it turned out fantastic. I tweaked the recipe a little bit: I added about 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and approx. 40 gr. of butter because I hand mixed it (I suppose that with a food processor the dough comes out more moistly). Well, let me tell you that they were delicious so if you want to give it a try click on the link above!

Spotted File: Umbrellas

Jessica from What I Wore

I've really never considered umbrellas as a fashion accessory until recently. To me, they have always been a necessity, that's why I've always gotten the cheap 10 bucks black umbrella at the convenience store. But seeing how Jessica from What I Wore incorporates them into her outfit has me thinking quite differently. Next time I'm looking for one I'll remember their fabulous effect!

Design File: Transparent Kayak

Well, I guess that to this point it's clear that I like transparent things, right? I have talked about this, this, this, this, and this. So let's just add this transparent kayak to the list shall we?
Via A Cup of Jo