Showing posts with label book. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book. Show all posts

Saturday, 24 November 2012

Take some time



Before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season takes over, why not take some time for yourself.  Not sure where to start? Here are my top 5 - I'm taking time for me - activities.

1.Go for a long walk.
With the crisp air and vibrant colours, now is the perfect time to go for a walk.  Before the snow falls, and you're stuck indoors cooking, baking, roasting, take some time to enjoy one of the best times of the year.  There is absolutely no substitute to the crunching of the leaves underfoot or the wonderful fresh scents that nature brings.

What to wear: Needless to say, you want to be both comfortable and stylish!  Put on your favorite pair of jeans tucked in to a pair knee high boots, a warm, yet breathable jacket, layer a knit sweater worn atop a cotton tee, and to finish the look off, a bold coloured scarf.

2.Tuck into a book
With December fast approaching, taking time for oneself is at a premium.   The best way to indulge is simply by curling up with a good (or trashy) book.  Escape from all of your daily distractions – that also includes turning off your phone – and let your imagination do all the work.  Or better yet, watch Magic Mike!

What to wear: Again, comfort is key.  However, since there is always the chance of unexpected company, it’s good to be prepared.  Jogging pants are not what they used to be.  Instead of sporting oversized athletic wear; invest in form fitting yoga attire - equally cozy, and extremely trendy.

3.Clean out your closet
Changing of the seasons is always a good time to sort through your closet.  The holidays are right around the corner, making it the perfect time to make room for welcomed additions.  Remember, keep only the items that fit and that are in good condition!

What to wear: As little as possible.  Take this time to try things on and take a walk down memory lane - reminisce, laugh and then get rid of it!

4.Start your holiday shopping early
Once the hustle and bustle of the holiday season arrives, who really has the time to put much thought-let alone effort -into gifts for family and friends?  Take this time to ask what people would like and then browse the stores.  Bring a pen and pad to make notes of what you liked, the price and what store it was in.

What to wear: Whose kidding whom?  We all know, when out shopping for other people, we most often find things for ourselves.  So be prepared!  Wear clothing that can easily be slipped on and off.  Try a cardigan over a simple tee so you can easily take off the cardigan to try on that killer jacket.

5.Go out for dinner
Once again, with the busy month of December around the corner, now is the perfect time to schedule in date night.  Take this time to reconnect with your loved one (just think, no cooking and no clean up!).

What to wear: Choose something that looks great on you, is comfortable, and makes you feel your best.

There you have it - 5 fun things to do this November.  So what are you waiting for?



Saturday, 18 February 2012

art of music

My husband and I are big time music fans. For our wedding, we made sure we chose EVERY song on the playlist.  Yes, we are that hardcore. However, neither of us can sing (doesn't seem to stop me though), and neither if us can play an instrument.  Our love for music is one of the things that brought us together and we hope that it will also play a major role in our girls lives. 

Here are some fun, music inspired kids books that we have picked up along the way - in our quest to mould our girls into musicians.  

Yellow Bird Project - colouring book
Montreal-based, nonprofit Yellow Bird Project, have created this really cool indie rock colouring book that is hand illustrated by artist Andy J. Miller.  Each page pays artistic tribute to a different Indie Rock band, from Bon Iver to Iron and Wine.  The book also includes other activity-book fun, like a maze and connect the dots and 100% of the royalties go to charity, now that's rockin'!


Sunday in Kyoto - book and music CD
Contains a collection of 14 Gilles Vigneault songs performed by Canadian singers including Patrick Watson, Thomas Hellman, Coral Egan and Vigneault's daughter, Jessica.  Sunday In Kyoto contains fun music for kids with an artistic twist.
Gilles Vigneault is a member of the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame and hailed as one of Canada's most important music figures of the 20th century.


Lisa Loeb - book and music CD
Pop star Lisa Loeb definitely brings the silly with her fun filled songbook.  The CD contains 4 original wacky songs that are very catchy.  I have found myself singing a few of them - thankfully, only around the house.