Artwork for Autumn

Aren't these leaf carvings by Nature's Art absolutely incredible?!

I can't even imagine how long these must take.
Very zen, indeed.

(via Treehugger)

My new Favourite Cookbook

I am seriously in love with Donna Hay, and her new cookbook Seasons is amazing. I want to make everything in it.... but (being honest) most of the time I just like looking at all the pretty pictures. The photography is incredible! 

I have a few of her cookbooks and I always use them for cooking inspiration and ideas.

I highly recommend any of them.

Welcome the New Addition to my Family

No, not a baby....  a record player! My parents gave me this old one of theirs, it's not the best quality record player, but I couldn't be happier.

I propped it up on this old antique beer crate, and I think it looks pretty snazzy ; )

I just adore the unique static-y sound of vinyl... nothing will ever been able to replace that.

What's even more exciting is that I found this amazing record shop on St. Denis street in Montreal called Beatnick Records, and bought a bunch of used records for around $3 to $5 dollars each.... too much fun! I'd passed by this place a million times before but never really had a reason to go in. 

The guys working there were a blast and I can't wait to go back.

So now, your suggestions... which old classics should I add to my collection?

Weekends in the Country - Harvest Time

Oh it is so good to be home.... and just in time for harvesting!

The garden is overflowing with abundance, and our apartment fridge in the city is now fully stocked with tons of fresh organic veggies. I love this time of year!

I hope you have an inspiring start to your week,

oxo

Happy Friday - I'm Homeward Bound!!

I've been away from home for the past 2 months, and tonight I am thrilled to be heading home!

For the last 4 weeks I've been living in the Canadian Arctic. It has been an incredible experience to live among the Inuit, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been immersed in their culture.

But life up here is harsh,
 and I am ready for the luxurious comforts of home.... 
Like good coffee in the morning,
 high speed internet, 
my queen-sized bed,
 and all the glorious activities the city has to offer.




But I will certainly miss seeing this at night.....

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Next time I write you I'll be back in Montreal!
And for your weekend, here are some links:

• I'm crazy about orange
• I really want one of these Buddha Bowls
• Hey all you videographers Imogen Heap wants your nature footage
• I heart these NYC tornado memoir pins
• I can't believe this dog can dance the merengue!

oxo

Vanessa

What I Love About Autumn

Fall is officially here in Canada and I couldn't be happier. 

I love the fall for many reasons. 

In my family fall means harvest time, which also means time to prepare for winter. We do a lot of canning in my family : )

I love the fall because of thick wooly knits

And crisp tart apples

And those hearty flowers that can stick around just a little bit longer

And of course the first signs of changing leaves

and the sound of fallen leaves crunching under my feet as I walk.

I love it all : )

Scrumptious Banana Crumb Muffins

If you like banana bread, then you must make these muffins!

The delicious crisp crumb topping turns these rather simple muffins into a recipe you will want to make over & over again.

These are sooooo good served warm with a little butter.... oh it's heavenly!

Read on for the details....

For the Love of City Subway Maps

My husband loves subway maps. He collects them. We have tons of them at home from all over the world. When we travel to a new city, we always use the subway system. It's such a great way to explore a city and experience its day to day life. 

I seem to have acquired a love for subway maps too. I love their bright colours, their web-like shapes, and the foreign names of their subway stops. 

So anyway, this post is for my hubbie, who had a rough day today and could use a little pick me up : )

Washington, DC

Tokyo

Montreal : )

Paris

Moscow

NYC

Hong Kong

London

This website compares all the world's subway maps on the same scale.... it's absolutely fascinating to look at!

(images via TreeHugger.com)

Tiles on the Inside

What do you think, do you like it? I think I like it : )

It's kind of like a rustic version of exposed brick.

(via Apartment Therapy)

Weekend Moments - last weekend up North

This was our last full weekend up in Kuujjuaq. One more week of work and then we get to go home.... can you tell I'm homesick?! 

I didn't do much this weekends, except study (we're in study mode for the next month for our medical licensing exam). But I did manage to snap a few pictures to show you. First off we saw an incredible "double rainbow" after a sudden, unexpected rainstorm. It was incredible.

Also I bought some adorable handmade Inuit mittens....

and I haven't taken them off since ; )

Seriously they're the warmest things ever. I have never owned anything made with fur before.... I've always felt morally against it... but up here it feels different. Hunting is an essential part of the culture, and every part of the animal is used. Somehow this feels better. Plus I like to support the local woman who spend hours stitching these things by hand.

I hope you had a lovely weekend, and that you have a smooth start to your week.

oxo

This makes me want a baby!

This is Mila, and she has one creative mommy! These scenes are designed and photographed by Adele Enersen, who beautifully recreates what she imagines her daughter is dreaming of.

Isn't that just so adorable?! 

You can see many more on her blog, Mila's Daydreams.

Have An Extraordinary Weekend!

Happy Friday, lovely readers. I can't believe it's here already. 

Speaking of time flying, can you believe that Fall is officially one week away? They say time passes more and more quickly as you age...and it certainly appears to be true for me. 

Well, at least we have our weekends... to slow things down... to appreciate the little moments. 

I wish I could share the magic of the aurora borealis with you. Every night we look out for it. So far we've seen it twice, and it always leaves us completely mesmerized.

 I hope your weekend is filled with enchantment and beauty.

: )

And now, here are some links....

• I seriously want... no NEED this camera lens coffee mug
• If you want to be inspired, watch this video..... it will make you feel so grateful for what you already have.
• A drinking fountain that teaches you to conserve water (or guilts you into it!)

oxo

Vanessa