Small Things

Today I came home to a sink-gadget hack, courtesy of my husband:

I do realize that this rack isn't sexy, but I've been struggling to figure out a way to dry my re-cycled juice bottles (after washing 2x with soap and warm water, followed by boiling water) without breaking them.

Scott reshaped this "small spaces" gizmo to hold 5 bottles, stably, over the heating vent. I like to completely and quickly dry the reused bottles, prior to refilling, and this does the trick perfectly. Wonder how I'll manage this in the summer...

Just want to say how much I appreciate Scott's thoughtfulness. I clean at least 4 bottles every other day so I need an efficient system - after all, systems make the world run (I'm Swiss at my core). I've always loathed Valentine's Day (I think it's utterly stupid) but, as far as I'm concerned, this small gift captures love's true nature.

Pragmatists really should stick together.

Crafty!

Look at this beautiful pillow, handmade by Nicole for M on her birthday:



Not only does it look terrific (complementary but not matchy) on the bed, but it is excellently constructed. And, unbelievably, this is N's first try at sewing!

Thank you N, for this lovely keepsake!

In Which K Discloses that She Can be a Total Bitch Sometimes

Believe it or not, I have not always been the magnanimous and delightful creature all of you in the 'sphere have come to know and love. I know that shocks you, so just play it cool.

Time was, I used to be rather snippy with people when they didn't meet my (entirely unknowable and/or unreasonable) expectations to a T. For example, if you said you'd, um, sweep the floor and then you did but you did a totally crappy (IMO) job, I'd complain that you had sucked out because you couldn't be bothered. And then you might retort with "But I did you a favour and, in my universe, this floor is clean." And I'd have come back with something like: A floor's not clean till you can eat off of it.

Occasionally, I was even extreme. You know when high expectation meets snitty entitlement? I kind of excelled at that...

So, just such an event occurred about 3 years ago when my husband (he of giftaphobia) decided to surprise me with this Canada Goose parka. Or one that looks more or less like it. In fact, the guy didn't just give me an $800.00 coat, he gave me 5 - one for each of my parents, one for himself and one for my daughter. We were all going to Quebec City (aka Santa's Village) for Xmas and he wanted to be sure we'd all be adequately warm to romp in the snow (between stops for booze and hot chocolate).

You'd think I would have swooned with love and gratitude at its receipt. Instead, the pre-Xmas handover went something like this:

Scott: I have a surprise for you. You're going to love it. One of my clients got me this excellent deal on these coats and were all going to be so toasty warm in QC. It's going to be fabulous.

Me: Are you talking about those insanely expensive puffy coats your client distributes?

Scott: Those are they.

Me: Um, ok. Let's see.

Scott: (With presentation fluorish) Voila!

Me: (Gasping) Um...

Scott: You like?

Me: (Blanching and sputtering) Do you honestly think I'm going to wear something that makes me look like a lifesized parcel? A fat parcel? Are you aware that this thing is actually fattening?? It makes me look, ah, fat. Take it back. I will never wear it. (Long pause, withering tone) Oh, but thanks. I appreciate the thought.

You should note, it was just at the advent of the puffer coat phenomenon we all take for granted now. So in fact, Scott was ahead of the style curve.

What happened after that is that he called me a total bitch - and some other words that aren't fit for a family blog - and threatened to pull out of the trip (albeit half-heartedly) and suggested divorce so that he could live a life with a woman who'd appreciate him (less half-heartedly) and - while I couldn't undo the past - I more believably apologized and actually brought the coat to QC. Like, to wear for the entire trip. 20 extra pounds be damned.

And, what I discovered on our magical, and miraculously non-conflict laden holiday, was that the coat was the warmest fucking thing on the entire fucking planet. Not that it should have surprised me, what with the brand's claim to fame being the production of parkas for all expeditions to the arctic. Next time you watch a documentary on seals, notice the parka that the scientist narrator is wearing...

I mean, I spent hours outside, loving the frigid cold air, taking in my surroundings with warm ears, oblivious to wind. And some cute French guys even checked me out.

Now we all wear puffers. You are looking as laden with faux 20 extra pounds in yours, as I am in mine. Of course, the skinny jean phenomenon has helped us all to retain some chic under the cirucmstances. And some chunky boots are practically de rigeur. But let's face it, the style is jolie-laide at best.

I haven't removed mine in approximately a month. It allows me to walk to work and back (2 hours a day) in whatever the weather (my La Canadienne's assist greatly). I am never chilled. I am not unduly laden by the weight of a full fur (heretofore my best alternative) or insanely bulky wool coat. I am truly grateful for the freedom it provides.

I owe my husband an eternal apology. I mean, even if the thing had sucked, my behaviour was hideous. So thank you Scottie for your foresight and generosity. I guess the coat has warmed my heart. Even as the wind kicks my ass.

Cover Up

I do love me a good opera-length glove!

So sassy next to fur:

So rich in red:

Club Monaco Red Leather Gloves
Original Price: $90.00, Sale Price: $28.00

Someone's lucky sister may be the beneficiary of these incredibly well-priced Club Monaco babies... Fortunately, for the sake of holiday surprises, she all-too-rarely reads this blog!

Just A Little Something from Brasil!

Remember Sal's fabulous Shoe Swap? (I know, it was a while ago.) Well, I was fortunate to be partnered up with a delightful illustrator from Brazil, of all exotic locales! Now, in the interests of protecting her privacy, I won't disclose her name. (Update: Janaina says I can tell you who she is and how to find out more about her: janainatokitaka.carbonmade.com.) But when she gets famous for her amazing work, I will have the signed sketch to show for it:


(I suppose it would be a good time to disclose that I've shot these photos myself - usually my husband does the artwork - so I apologize to everyone for their relative crappiness. They don't do these illustrations justice...)

Now, hold on, I am getting to shoes. First though, please view photo from a book illustrated by J (my illustrious swapee), which she also sent to me:


Of course it came with the most adorable card:


(Which reminds me of Snow White, for some reason.)

And, finalement, the reveal:


Are these not the cutest spring shoes for walking hither and yon? I cannot wait until the seasons switch around and I can style these with some spring/summer outfits!

Thanks, J, for all of your lovely gifts!

The Best Leather Jacket Ever...

Watcha think of this gorgeous bit of design?!

My mother, bless her heart, bought it for me as a Christmas present when she was visiting from North Carolina in December. It was not on sale. And a propos of this, you've probably determined, even at this early stage of our acquaintanceship, that I am not one of those girls who thinks talking about price is louche. So prepare yourself for this scary sum: $600.00 at Sisley (well really, at Benetton on Bloor Street, but it's a Sisley design). Worth every penny.

Don't know if these pics do it justice, but the leather is literally butter-soft in a perfect shade of chestnut brown. The silk lining is a gorgeous moire but it's really the cut that takes the cake. Can you see the gorgeous button up cowl? It looks as good fastened as not. Do you observe the perfect drape of the fabric? I mean, it's a double-breasted jacket which is usually the kiss of death on a short girl with boobs, but it hangs perfectly and looks (if my mother is to be believed) even better from the back than from the front!

And finalement, those sleeves - they manage to be long and a bell (my preferred shape for everything). They're pleated at the seams, for God's sake! Such workmanship is rare in anything short of "designer" wear.

Thank you to Mom (and fashion fairies who toiled to make this work of art).