Downton Abbey obsessed

Love love love this show. Am already excited for season three next year! This slide show from Paper Mag showing the stars in their period dress and in "real life" was so neat. I love how transformed they were for their particular parts. 

Switcheroo

 A beautiful and funny series from gorgeous Vancouver based photographer, Hana. Her series features couples as they are and then dressed as their spouse, including mimicking gestures.

Phone Date

I have started a phone date with one of my oldest and dearest friends, (and amazingly talented graphic designer) - Loo. We call each other every Thursday morning and just touch base. Our check in phone dates are something I look forward to each week. Maybe we follow up on a doctor's visit, updates on our families, challenges of being a mother and juggling a career, nothing prolific but keeps us current on the latest in our respective lives. I read somewhere that having a community or a regular gathering with friends increases one's longevity and health. In fact, this article stated that a once a month meeting of friends, just once a month, can really improve one's well being. I like that. 
image from here

White Sofas....

For some reason, my white sofa doest look this chic..I'll spare you a pic of mine. Below is a swedish living room (of course). I'm also loving the Arne Jacobsen lamp, in red!
Image below from the always inspiring - Desire to Inspire. 
Image of lamp found at Danish Designs. 

Paradise Lost

A few nights ago, we watched this brilliant documentary, Paradise Lost. Three young innocent boys (now men) spent 18 years in prison for a crime they didn't commit. One of these men, really hit a chord with me; Jason Baldwin, what an amazing person. If you get the chance, check out the three part documentary on HBO. 

Love.This.

West village apartment for under $400....Manhattan's real estate lottery would be living in a large rent controlled apartment. This article says it all. 
PS I'm a big fan of the rent controlled apartments, my in laws live in a classic six on the upper west side, it is where they've been since 1963, and raised their children, step children, grandchildren and have had many many dinner parties, a wedding, post funeral events, you name it. I'd love to post it, one of these days. 

Roast Chicken

Since I've been home on maternity leave, I've been really into cooking. One of the dishes I've been making is the super easy Roast Chicken. LOVE it, so simple. I am a devout follower of Ina Garten, here's her recipe. 

Off the Grid

Every summer, my family convenes in Toronto and spends one week together up a cottage. Its a slice of heaven; swimming in lakes, spending time with the family and close friends, canoe rides, great meals...you get the picture. So naturally, I was bowled over when I saw this gorgeous off the grid cottage, wow. 
Image from Cottage Life

Radio Head

I'm a big NPR junkie, love the shows and listen to WNYC pretty much every morning. I love This American Life  while cooking...My old, very old radio was on its last legs, so I bought this super neat old school Sangean.

The Boot

Wow, just love this boot, but its a little over my budget at $550 on SALE?!

Funny fact - the Loeffler in Leoffler Randall worked at Ogilvy for many years, I took over his very office when he left to start his little shoe company with his partner Jessie Randall!!