sniffle sniffle

I apologize for the dead air waves over here. I am trying to get over a pretty bad cold/possible sinus infection and capping off a busy work week. All the concentration, creative energy and motivation I can muster is being funneled into my last few weeks at work, which leaves very little concentration, creative energy and motivation for any kind of social life/side projects outside of work. So bare with me as I try to balance the few final weeks of pregnancy, work and blogging. I go on mat leave in, gulp, 3 weeks but until then, I am going to be working very hard to prioritize and stay healthy. On that note, have a lovely and restful weekend my dears. 

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Attitude of gratitude

I'm grateful for CBC Radio 2.

I'm grateful for late January sales.

I'm grateful that our only house plant has been resurrected from the dead.

I'm grateful for our new couch which makes lounging around all the more enjoyable.

I'm grateful to my desk neighbours at work who put up with my constant complaining. If I was them I would have asked to be transfered a long time ago.

Lake Jane loves...

...Uniform Wares watches. My friend Julia has one and I can't help but stare at her wrist when she talks to me.

Adorbs

These little children's cashmere sweaters by Christopher Fischer are so overpriced it's almost comical - even on sale - but they are very sweet nonetheless. Oh to be a skilled knitter....

Lake John: Midweek Jams

I've never been afraid to admit my guilty pleasures. I love Stephen King novels. I look up comic book characters on Wikipedia in my spare time. I often sneak spoonfuls of Nutella and peanut butter when nobody's looking. I don't ever go a day without listening to Hall & Oates' 'You Make My Dreams Come True' at least once, and I'm not afraid to admit that I love Lady Gaga's 'Alejandro' because it reminds me of Ace of Base. Yes, Ace of Base.

I think Theme Park will been seen as guilty pleasure music in the same vein that Vampire Weekend is. They're not pushing any envelopes, but they're an uplifting, Afro-tinged pop group that feels about as good (and as guilty) as a mouthful of peanut butter and Nutella. Their single 'Wax' would go great with a long drive down a sun-washed highway. With new releases expected from Vampire Weekend and Bloc Party this year, I'm guessing that Theme Park will be on a few radars.

a feast for the eyes

After saving so many bare minimalist Scandinavian lofts in my inspiration folder (not that there's anything wrong with that), here comes something different. This 18th century Barcelona flat is overflowing with character. The tiles, the old stone walls and the daring architecture make this one of the most interesting spaces I've come across in a while. {via SFGirlByBay and Dwell}

Tops of the morning

I have now reached the stage in my pregnancy where I constantly day dream about wearing my old clothes. The clothes that were tight fitting and cropped. I'm also dreaming about shopping for new clothes for the Spring. Last night I filled by imaginary shopping cart at Piperlime with the following items:

Peter Pan Collar Top by Tinley Road

Waist Tie Blouse by Eight Sixty

Toben Tank by Patterson J. Kincaid

Marlo Silk Top by Joie

Romantic Lace Blouse by Daniel Rainn

Nautical Top by BB Dakota

Thoughts from Highway 10

I returned home last night after a few days out of town for my grandfather's funeral and your comments and emails were very much appreciated and a big source of comfort. Thank you so much. ox

Driving to Sherbrooke on friday morning was tense. I was anxious about facing the days to come, about seeing my family in a state of grief. The wind howled through the few trees that stood amidst vast fields of snow. The sun was shining but it felt all wrong.

In my early twenties, I lost my grandmother, my uncle and a childhood friend. Looking back, I went through all the grief rather clumsily and in a perpetual state of anxiety but it taught me the importance of giving yourself some time to really mourn. For me, the healing process began as soon as I allowed that lump in my throat to turn into an ugly cry. I realized that facing the pain was much more helpful in the long run than trying to numb myself to it.

Although this weekend was difficult, we celebrated my grandfather's life (85 incredible years!!), we spent quality time together as a family and reminisced about very happy times. We cried, we laughed and we hugged a lot. Driving back from Sherbrooke on sunday afternoon, the landscape was the same but my mood had changed. This time the sun was shining and it felt more than appropriate.

grand-papa

My dear grand-father passed away on tuesday evening. Although the last few weeks of his life were quite difficult, he maintained a sense of humor, his superhuman strength of caracter and his love of life. That is how I will remember him. I am taking this week to spend time with my family and gather my thoughts. I will be back next monday. ox

Lake John: Midweek Jams

Apparently Joe Cocker and Johnny Cash fostered a secret love child together. They raised him in England by way of Chicago and fed him a steady diet of country, rhythm and blues. His name is Jamie N Commons, he is barely an adult, and he's the old soul with the most anticipated new voice of 2012.

He first turned heads at the end of last year with 'The Preacher', a heavy country jam that reminds me of Cash's 'Hurt'. There's a great acoustic rendition over at Mahogany Blog. What I'm really loving is 'Nina', an gospel-tinged tune off his EP, The Baron, that just throbs with R&B.



Seriously, that voice is making me swoon.

cocoa dreams

Must. Stop. Thinking. About. Chocolate.

{Chocolate Pudding Cake}

{2 Ingredient Chocolate Mousse}

Lake Jane loves...

...Steven Alan's Joni Leggings (they're on sale!). I love how they look with an oversized sweater or button up shirt. They would also be splendid for lounging around the house - especially on days like today where they're calling for 15 cm of snow and 5mm of freezing rain. Awesome...

all is calm

This morning I sat in our doctor's office on the 19th floor of a downtown tower and I watched as giant snowflakes slowly fell from the sky, covering our city in nearly 20 cm of powder. Steam was billowing out of buildings and everything seemed to be moving in slow motion. I felt my baby kick and thought about how close we are to bringing him into this world. I thought about my grandfather who is fighting to survive with every bit of strength he can muster. I thought about how life is full of beauty and sadness. It felt like the snow had the power to cleanse everything; like every snowflake carried hope with it. 

Attitude of gratitude

I'm grateful for tiny snowflakes on my nose.

I'm grateful for a good cry. The kind that reminds you how good it feels to just let it all out.

I'm grateful for soft blankets and wool socks.

I'm grateful for every tiny kick inside that belly of mine.

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Hexed

I am obsessed with this DIY project!! Make your own Hex Nut Bracelet, inspired by Philip Crangi's line, by following these easy steps. I love how they look when layered with other bands. {via Honestly WTF}

All dressed up and somewhere to go

Last night Mike rushed to pick me up from work so that we could grab a bite to eat before heading over to our very first prenatal class. We rushed only to be stuck in downtown traffic. This snag in our schedule meant that we had to adjust our dinner plans so we drove to Five Guys Burgers for a couple of all dressed cheeseburgers then headed straight for the hospital to find parking. We managed to buy ourselves some time so we treated ourselves to a picnic in the car. The problem is that I had never had Five Guys burgers and did not realize that they require approximately 35 napkins. Especially if you asked for all dressed! They were super delish but I'm pretty sure that everyone in our class now thinks of us as "that couple that smells like burgers."

The class itself was helpful albeit a little repetitive. We sat in an ancient amphitheater, wore name tags and sat through a birthing video from 1982 - Debbie and Carl giving birth to Carl Jr. No joke. But it was interesting nonetheless and I'm glad we signed up. I've read so much about labor at this point but it always helps to hear a trained professional repeat some of what you've learned. I think it was especially helpful for Mike who, sidenote, was born at the hospital where our classes are given. The classes certainly hit home for him and I think that the reality of it all is sinking a bit more this morning (in a good way). 

Did you sign up for prenatal classes? Did you find them helpful?

Lake John: Midweek Jams

There's a lot of vocal talent to look forward to in 2012. Some are high-profile, like the tragically overhyped Lana Del Rey, while others, like Brooklyn-based Trixie Whitley, are flying a bit more under the radar. Personally, I'm interested in the latter. Whitley, who made her name as lead vocalist on Daniel Lanois' Black Dub project, ventures into solo territory with her latest single, 'A Thousand Thieves'. There's a conflict between urgency and control going on here that reminds me of Jeff Buckley's 'Lover, You Should Come Over' (via Nowness).

Ice floats

The only problem with these adorable ice cubes, made from molds designed by Atushiro Hayashi is that you'll probably be upset when they start to melt. (Thanks to Christina for the link)

Pics from the ol' inspiration folder

Just a few images that I saved on my desktop recently...

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