Clogged up

As someone who works in branding I realize that the title of this post is perhaps misleading - and not in a good way! But I can't resist a good pun and this one is on point since it pertains to my new sandals, you guessed it, clogs. I was looking for an everyday summer shoe, preferably nude, and with a very low heel if any. Lotta Stockholm caused quite a stir a few years ago and they continue to entice with their quality leather sandals. I chose the Peep Toe in Natural. It has a bit of a heel but not too high and the nude leather will go with just about everything in my closet. Best part is that I placed in my order whilst breastfeeding. Two birds. One stone.

Lake Jane loves...

...Marlow Goods. In this case, "loves" is an understatement. I ADORE Marlow Goods. The designers also happen to be the owners of several Brooklyn restaurants. Each week they receive grass-fed cows, pigs, goats, lambs, chickens and other animals from all over New England, NY and Pennsylvania. Everything is broken down and portioned out to the restaurants including, as of 2007, the hides of the animals for leather goods. They even purchase the wool from the ewes and lambs and make yarn, sweaters, blankets and rugs. What a cool concept.

Lake John: Midweek Jams

Marie-Eve and I were discussing the music we would listen to while driving down Route 66. We'd probably start with something optimistic and upbeat, like Paul Simon's "The Boy in the Bubble" (for all you High Fidelity fans, that's easily my favourite 'Side 1 Track 1' of all time. That accordion never fails to give me goosebumps). There'd be long stretches of wistful country music - Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, Willy Nelson, etc. Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen ballads would be essential. I never drive long distance without listening to "Unknown Legend" and/or "I'm On Fire" at least once.

I recently discovered Daughn Gibson, and I think he'd make a great addition to a Route 66 soundtrack. His debut album, All Hell, is an ecclectic and sometimes experimental album that drifts between Matthew Dear and a dusty old Conway Twitty record. It would go down well with all those Scott Walker and Elvis ballads you might save for long, lonely drives.

"If I lose you, I might write a song about some rain on the highway" - great line.

Giveaway - Comme Les Loups

Boy oh boy do I ever have a treat for you! LJ sponsors Comme Les Loups, who sell crafting and packaging supplies from Japan, Scandinavia and other stylish lands in their Etsy shop, are offering one lucky reader the chance to win one heck of a goodie bag! Leave a comment below and you could be the proud owner of:

- 50 paper straws

- 20 chevron mini bags

- 20 honeycomb-patterned bags

- 1 set of 27 sheets of pastel masking tape

- 50 yards of baker's twine

- 2 unique rolls of fabric tape

- 50 vintage cards (including a sample on how to use the masking tape for invites, labels or thank you 

notes, not shown in the pic)

Basically all of your gift wrapping needs are taken care of for the next year! If you aren't familiar with Comme Les Loups, make sure to stop by their Facebook Page and Etsy shop to check out their unique goods. They sell everything from Japanese washi tape to ribbon and envelopes. It's every DIYer's dream!

The deadline to enter is Sunday June 3rd 2012. The winner will be announced on Monday June 4th 2012. 

Good luck!

A little redecorating

I awoke on Saturday morning with a very sudden urge to redecorate and organize. This might seem strange to some people but I am most productive before 10am - even in my current sleep-deprived state. Add to that 3 cups o'coffee and I am unstoppable.

The entryway (above) was my target of choice. The teak dresser is still my most favorite piece of furniture in our house but I was tired of the rather monochromatic accessories we had around it. We purchased another Leah Duncan print (found at Buk et Nola) on Saturday and I decided to use its subtle colours as my point of inspiration.

I made a few slight tweaks to the accessories - new art, Marimekko bowl and colourful coffee table books - but the effect was very noticeable. It feels clean and fresh and a welcomed changed in our chaotic household. The best part is it took me all of 10 minutes!

Breastfeeding update

Breastfeeding is a very personal and unique experience for every new mom. Everyone has their own story. Some moms have no problems breastfeeding while others, like myself, really struggle. I feel like I could write a novel about the trials and triumphs I've experienced over the last 8 weeks of trying and subsequently succeeding in breastfeeding Theo.

The first 4 weeks had me crying and biting down on my knuckles every time Theo fed. Family, friends and other sweet mothers assured me that it would get better but I felt like it wasn't going to happen for me. Milk production was low and slow to come in and I had the "pleasure" of dealing with vasospasms (google it if you like to read about that sort of thing) so breastfeeding was incredibly painful and made me feel like my baby wasn't satisfied. I wanted to burn every book that claimed that "breastfeeding shouldn't hurt." It did. A whole lot. I felt like my body had failed me and like I was failing Theo.

But we persisted. I adjusted to my new life, my body healed and I think I started to cope with stress more productively. Oh and I stopped reading the books. Enough contradictory information and guilt trips! When week 6 rolled around, it seemed like we were starting to get the hang of it. We were supplementing with formula but breastfeeding more and more and with less pain. Now we're at week 9 and we are no longer using formula and exclusively breastfeeding. Sure, it's super demanding but so worth it (and I don't miss having to sterilize bottles at 3 in the morning). Milk flow seems to be steady (although I continuously wonder if he is satisfied or not) and the pain is subsiding. I never thought I would say this 3 weeks ago but I am actually starting to enjoy breastfeeding.

I am so grateful to all the other mothers (many of whom are readers of this blog) who shared their own difficulties with breastfeeding. I was overwhelmed by the amount of women who also found it difficult to identify with the scenarios found in baby books. Most found it painful, trying and challenging and far from the initial bonding experience that is promised. In my case, my body and mind finally connected and lead to a successful outcome but I can tell you that I knew that I had a breaking point and was prepared to call it quits if my sanity was being sacrificed. Afterall, we all want what's best for our baby but we also have to take care of ourselves! If you're having issues with breastfeeding, know that you are not alone and that this is also "normal". Take it one feeding at a time and give your body some time. You'll be amazed at how well it can heal and adjust. But if it doesn't or if you feel like this isn't right for you, follow your instincts. That's when things finally clicked for me.

i must do this

One day I will have a house and in this house I will have a custom photo collage like this one. It's such a brilliant way of displaying personal memories! {spotted on Layers of Meaning}

he likes to move it move it

Since retiring, my dad has been busy tackling many DIY woodworking projects and I've had no problem finding new ones for him. A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that I was looking for a very simply wooden activity arch for Theo. I didn't want it to be too busy or expensive but everything I found was over the top and overpriced. I had barely finished describing what I had in mind before my dad and brother started cutting wood. Two hours later, Theo's very own wooden activity arch was complete! It was made using old wood that my dad had lying around as well as odd bits and ends like Jenga pieces, curtain hoops and door knobs. I gave it a few coats of paint when everything was assembled and it was good to go. Theo has yet to enjoy lying on his back - even to sleep - but the arch certainly distracts him and gets his limbs wiggling.

My baby has a mullet

Actually it's more of a Friar Tuck kind of look. He has lost most of the dark hair he was born with except for the ones in the nape of his neck. They continue to grow, to our dismay. He is also working on a little bald patch back there. The resulting hairstyle cracks me up to no end.

Nailed it

Mike took Theo out for an evening walk so I took some time to a)shower, b)have a glass of wine and, c)paint my nails two summery shades. Bliss! Essie nail polish has become a bit of an obsession. I can't go to the pharmacy without picking up a new bottle. My two latest purchases were Fifth Avenue and Tart Deco. What colours are you wearing these days?

Crisscross

I'm on a self-imposed spending freeze since I've been indulging in too much online shopping as of late - it's way too convenient and a nice way to pass the time when breastfeeding...Anyhoot, that doesn't mean a girl can't browse though! Next up on my wish list are Madewell's Crisscross Boardwalk sandals. Classic, simple leather sandals that would look amazing with rolled up jeans or a long skirt. I have to stop writing about how great they are though because I'm finding it difficult to find reasons not to get them...

Winner - Coulson Macleod Giveaway

What a great giveaway! Thanks to all of you who entered! Unfortunately there can only be one winner of a handmade artwork by Coulson Macleod and that winner is...JESSIE!

Congratulations Jessie! Please contact me at lakejaneblog@hotmail.com by May 20th to claim your prize.

pancakes and tiny fedoras

On Sunday morning I awoke to a cranky little baby who was struggling with some bad gas. I am not referring to Mike. It was Theo, our little 7 week old who was clearly uncomfortable and needing some help. I spent a good hour comforting him and helping him find some relief until he finally let it rip. We locked eyes and then he smiled at me, as if to say "we did it!" In that moment I was reminded of just how much my life has changed. I am a mother now and helping Theo feel comfortable, safe and happy is my greatest goal. Helping him relieve some gas, although not very glamorous, was a perfect way for this new mom to celebrate her first Mother's Day.

Mike was there to celebrate my achievement but quickly got out of bed to go prepare a brunch fit for a queen. My family was also in town so the men all chipped in while the women watched the Food Network and awaited their mimosas and blueberry pancakes. Not too shabby. My mother and I snuck out after brunch to visit the market and pick up some flowers, herbs and plants for my balcony, which is now officially ready for BBQ season!

Mother's Day ended with cocktails at my in-laws and Mike surprised us all by bringing a homemade Bakewell Tart. He actually spent an hour peeling blanched almonds by hand on Saturday. By hand! Insanity. But well worth the effort. It is now my absolute favorite dessert and I must say that the man has mastered it (recipe here).

Although it was Mother's Day, the afternoon seemed to be more about staring at Theo and making high pitched noises in hopes of getting a smile out of him. Add to that a very tiny baby fedora I purchased over the weekend and you have yourself hours of entertainment.

New shades

I treated myself to a new pair of sunglasses over the weekend. It was the first time I ordered shades online but I am feeling pretty confident that these frames will suit my very round face. In fact, Westward Leaning claims that their frame "looks good on anyone." That's right, the company only sells one frame. It comes in three different finishes - traditional black, matte black and tortoise shell - but they can be customized with a unique material inset into the side of the frame. Each material relates to a specific social cause or progressive issue and is tied to a charitable component.

I chose the Teddy Roosevelt frame, which is adorned with sustainably-sourced antlers. I can't wait for them to arrive in the mail! I promise to share a pic when they do.

Giveaway - Coulson Macleod

I'm a long time fan of Coulson Macleod, the UK based design typography and illustration studio. They make beautiful artwork printed on natural and reclaimed materials like stone and wood and use modern and traditional processes to create their artwork. Plus they work with local craftsmen. What's not to love!

So you can imagine how thrilled I was when they offered to give away one of their beautiful pieces of art to a Lake Jane reader! That's right, one lucky reader will win one piece of art from Coulson Macleod's Winter Tree Collection!

These beautiful pieces are painted by hand on a frame made from reclaimed antique Victorian roof timbers. They are weathered and so unique!

To enter, simply leave a comment below. The winner will be able to select the Winter Tree piece that they would like for their home! The deadline to enter is Sunday May 13th 2012 and a winner will be announced on Tuesday May 15th 2012.

Make sure to visit Coulson Macleod's website to check out their amazing selection of prints and Like them on Facebook to follow what they're up to in the studio!

Week 6

So many mom friends - and readers - told me that I would start to feel better around the 6 week mark. How right they were! I would say that I started to feel better physically around the 4 week mark but at 6 weeks, last Wednesday, I began to find a rhythm. It was like a fog was lifted. Although exhaustion is still a struggle, small tasks no longer seem daunting. More importantly, Theo began to make eye contact, smile and just generally up the cute factor. He and I have really started to have fun together and I am no longer terrified of being on my own during the day. He has me wrapped around his very tiny pinky finger and I could not be happier about it.

Picnic in the park

This was the first weekend of the year where it actually started to feel like summer. The sun was bright, the air was fresh and the grass was getting greener by the minute. We joined some good friends for a birthday brunch in Parc Lafontaine and it was glorious.

Our friend Julia threw a beautiful brunch for her husband Dan's birthday, complete with bagels, lox and mimosas. It was a great reminder that sometimes the simplest celebrations can be the most memorable.

It was so great to see other groups of people at neighboring picnic tables also enjoying some good food and good laughs. Montrealers sure do make the most of a sunny day.

Lake John: Midweek Jams

You'll literally try anything to get your baby to fall asleep. Lately, Theo crashes to New Age music. It's a little unsettling because his room feels like a dimly-lit massage parlour for seniors. Seriously though, between the unending chorus of hushed panpipes and ethereal breathing, Theo is one bearskin rug away from turning into the main character in a Harlequin novel. By the time he's five he's going to have long, flaxen hair and travel exclusively by tiny stallion (bareback, of course). He's Tristan from Legends of the Fall, only gassier.

So the challenge is finding music that is soft enough to put the little guy to sleep, but good enough not to drive mom and dad up the wall. I'm happily adding Beck's new cover of the Flamingos' 'I Only Have Eyes for You' to that category. As part of Doug Aitken's Song 1 series at the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, it's a dreamy rendition suitable for nurseries and slow dances alike. A wonderful precursor to summer.



... if this floats your boat, Beck's Record Club is packed with great covers performed with the likes of Feist, MGMT and Devendra Banhart. I highly recommend his Leonard Cohen series.

that face

Theo recently began to make eye contact and to focus in on objects and people. I feel like my heart could explode when he locks eyes with me and smiles. Or frowns. I'll take either one.

{Photo taken by my friend Daniel}