Un ensemble de cahiers d'Inpired de cru

I was surprised by these beautiful handmade notebooks handmade by mum a few years ago, and had to post them....they are just too beautiful to keep all to myself! I love writing poetry, jotting down ideas, making sketches and these are the perfect little books for doing all of the above! I was quite surprised to find that I have quite a collection of books filled with all of these things. I have journals and art books saved from elementary and high school, and when I was involved in drama and visual arts I've transformed some of the books into collages and scrapbooks keeping old programs, ticket stubs, and pictures of cities we travelled to during competitions. When I was in elementary school, I loved horses and there are pages upon pages filled with sketches of these magnificent creatures. And, of course, my mum's love of quotes has spilled over onto me, and whenever I find one that speaks to me I have to jot it down. These journals are like little time capsules and they are so wonderful to look back on over the years.

Fête D'Achats

What does every girl need after she visits the dentist? She needs to go on a shopping spree, which is exactly what mum and I did after we visited our dentist this morning. I'm graduating from university this spring, and we managed to find the perfect outfit. Our first stop was the shoe department, and I managed to find the hottest pair of faux-leopard print shoes! Next stop, A&E, always a favourite, where I found this beautiful lemon-cream coloured eyelit strapless dress. ...and the bonus? It was en vente! (on sale!) Music to my ears!

Oeufs De Pâques

When you love chocolate as much as I do, Peter Rabbit comes early! I'm enjoying these little treats in anticipation for the basketful I'll be receiving in a few weeks!

Merci , lapin de Peter!

Piment chaud un jour froid et pluvieux

It was raining all afternoon here, and mum and I thought what better way to warm up than to make a vegetarian chili? I'm definitely not a domestic goddess...goddess, yes, domestic, no...but this is one of the few things I can say is one of my specialties. It is so simple to make, and so satisfying especially on a cold rainy day. We love to serve it with garlic bread or multigrain melba toast.

Kate's Vegetarian Chili

1/2 each green, red, and yellow pepper, diced

1 can whole tomatoes

1 can kidney beans, drained

1 can baked beans

1 TBSP chili powder (this is for those of you who like it smokin' hot)

1 TBSP olive oil

Fresh ground pepper



In a small frying pan, heat one TBSP of olive oil and add your diced peppers; heat through until slightly soft.



In a stainless steel pot, combine whole tomatoes, drained kidney beans, baked beans and peppers. Add chili powder. Bring to a boil; then, reduce heat and let simmer for at least one half hour so that all the flavours can meld together. Serve with artisan bread, whole wheat rolls, baguette, garlic bread, or melba toast....and appréciez !

Vente De Livre

A few weeks ago, mum and I went to a book sale and managed to find a huge selection of fabulous books and magazines. Among the pile were two books: "The Red Tent"...a book I have always wanted to read and have heard rave reviews about, and "Night" a powerful novel written by one of my favourite authors, Elie Wiesel...it's a tear-jerker, but a must read and it was on Oprah's Book List a few years back. If you can, curl up today with a cup of coffee and find comfort in some of your favourite books.

"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counsellors and the most patient of teachers"

Charles W. Eliot

Gâteau au fromage avec des fraises

Yesterday night, my sweet tooth got the better of me...I looked in every cupboard, drawer, and all the other usual spots I hide my sweets in. But, when I opened the refrigerator door and saw 2 bars of Philadelphia cream cheese staring back at me, there was only one thing to do...make cheesecake! And trust me, it looks as good as it tastes (or, tasted...we ate it as fast as I made it!)

Afghan À crochet

My mum surprised me one afternoon with this crocheted afghan, showcasing all of my favourite colours...white, pink, yellow and green. She hadn't done any crocheting since the '70s but after visiting some of her favourite blogs, she was inspired to start up again. So much so, that now she's working on one for herself! It kept me warm yesterday night, as mum and I watched one of our favourite movies "Waiting to Exhale" and drank hot chocolate with whipped cream and shaved chocolate curls!

Machine à écrire Antique

As promised on my last post, here is the other fabulous find from my travels to the Muskokas...I hope this surprise was worth your wait. Ta Da! An antique typewriter which, after doing some research, was made in 1878...and it was a bargain at $45!! Notice the script at the bottom of the typewriter? Remington Standard Typewriter. You can see for yourself on this link...the pictures are gorgeous.

Formes En bois De Chaussure De Cru

On a recent trip to the Muskokas, we came across a small, tucked away "font des emplettes autour le coin" (shop-around-the-corner). Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted these wooden shoe forms which, the shop owner told me, she found on one of her many trips to Paris!! She said she was sad to part with it, but had a rather large collection of her own. I won't spoil the surprise, but as I was doing a little more looking around, I came across something that I've always wanted....I'll give you a hint...it's a little heavy and still waiting to be unpacked from the back of our truck! I'll wait and show you it tomorrow, so stay tuned!!

Le cru a inspiré le support de verre de bougie

This was one of those things that caught my eye immediately...the shape, design...it had a mercury-glass look about it. This is my reproduction vintage-inspired glass candle holder. Inside is a wire tea light holder, perfect for casting a low light while in the bath.

Moule De Français De Fil

I have been looking for a vintage French mold for some time, but have enjoyed this wire mold I found recently. She's fabulous for dressing up or seeing how an outfit looks together (it saves me the hassle of trying on at least a dozen before finding the perfect one, and heading out the door!), and with that cinched waist, everything looks magnifique!

Here, she's showing off a handmade apron (notice the Eiffel Tower detailing?), and a kimono with a few of my favourite purple beads.

Tiroir Antique

On a trip to the country this past weekend, we stopped in at one of our favourite antique stores...or should I say, antique barn...it's filled to the brim with creaky, uneven wood floors, a roaring fire complete with antique mantel and brass fire guard. There's no computers or calculators found here, it's like going back in time which is what makes it such a beautiful place to disappear into for an hour. But, luckily for me, they are in the 21st century and took VISA! One of my favourite purchases (and something I've been eyeing for some time but unable to find), was this antique drawer from a printer's desk complete with handle and little handwritten remarks by its previous owners...I love that about a piece...the uniqueness and character and all the history it brings with it.

Of course, we got back into reality when we stopped in at the nearest Tim Horton's for a coffee with all of our antique finds.