{Happy Monday}

I hope this gorgeous day finds you re-energized from the weekend and looking forward to what the new week will bring! Last week was a bit of a crazy one for me, I found myself really busy throughout, but looking back, I’m not even sure what exactly I got accomplished...yikes! This is something that often happens in life, we find ourselves taking care of so many things and not focusing that when all is said and done, we wonder where the time has gone. But over the weekend, I had a chance to take things slow and relax, the weather was a perfect combination of bright sunshine and cosy rain, so it gave me a chance to enjoy being outside as well as cosy up and enjoy a relaxing day in with my honey and our little pooch. Today I’m feeling blessed, grateful and energized and want to keep reminding myself to slow down and really take the time to enjoy those things I love most. I’m looking forward to a happy and productive week...I hope you are too.  Here are some images of some very busy little creatures...enjoy!

I wish you a lovely Monday and a week full of subtle adventures, warm smiles and fulfilling productivity!

All images by Simply Charming Style

{Daydreaming: Alice in Wonderland}

So, I know I am a wee bit late, but I finally had a chance to go see the much anticipated “Alice in Wonderland” movie in 3D. I had high expectations for this movie, not only because of the top notch actors involved, but because this story pushes one to open up, dream, imagine and believe in the power within. Although in the end I wasn’t too impressed (just my personal opinion) with this version of this much-loved classic, I thought the visuals were unbelievably creative and inspiring and I walked out of the theatre day-dreaming of lush flowers, deep colours, delicious treats and charming tea parties...and coveting Alice’s cool and lovely dresses! Here is what my Alice in Wonderland day-dream looked like. Enjoy!

For some "Alice in Wonderland" wedding inspiration, check out {Wedding Inspiration from the Movies: Alice in Wonderland}

Photo Credits: Image 1 Alice in Wonderland, Disney Image 2 Vogue Image 3 & 4 Paper Cakes Finds Image 5  Style Me Pretty Image 6 The Caketress Image 7 Style Me Pretty

{J’aime...Chatelet!}

I think that my sister Marily and I MUST have been French in a past life...we absolutely ADORE everything French. We love the food, the wine (this one is mostly me), the simplicity of their lifestyle, the movies (Amelie is my favourite!), the simple, yet oh-SO-charming decor...I could go on and on. A few years ago, we were blessed with the opportunity to take a little trip to the South of France together, and we always reminisce about the relaxing, soul-soothing time we had and all the beauty that we encountered: the cuisine in Mougin, the fragrant streets of Grasse, and the heart warming scenery in Saint-Paul de Vence...among many other pleasures! That trip has stayed with me and as I spend my days living in a bustling city (where sometimes it’s hard to find a little quiet), I am ALWAYS on the lookout for things that will bring a little bit of France into my life. Enter Chatelet a lovely and charming little store in the Beaches (Toronto) filled with gorgeous French country style! From beautiful furniture and linens, to sparkling chandeliers, to sweetly scented soaps and lotions, Chatelet has everything you need to fulfill your French decor fantasies! If you love pretty, visit this sweet little store and I guarantee you’ll find a little treasure (...or two, or three) you’ll want to take home!

All images by Simply Charming Style

{A Sunny Day in Toronto}

Well, it looks like spring has finally sprung! Toronto is filled with people enjoying the sun, the patios and the fresh spring air...while anxiously awaiting the heat and fun the summer will bring. One of the best things about living in the city is that we are steps away from a nice variety of things to do on a pretty springy day: iced tea at a patio, ice cream by the lake, flower markets, a ferry ride to the island...to name just a few. And the great thing is that when the sun is shining and the breeze is blowing in your hair, everything you do feels luxuriously relaxing.  Here are some pictures from our latest sunny afternoon by the lake. I hope you have a lovely weekend full of spring pleasures.

All images by Simply Charming Style

{Sweet Flowers}

Spring is in the air!  The last few days have been beautifully bright, warm and full of sunny energy. I love spring and all that it brings: lighter jackets, friendlier faces, more smiles, more energy, longer walks and LOTS and LOTS of flowers in multitudes of colours and sweet scents. So, I thought, what better way to spend an afternoon than visiting some flower markets in the company of a sweet honey and an energetic little pooch. On a beautiful and sunny afternoon, I took some time to stop and smell the roses...you should too!

All images by Simply Charming Style

{Lady Marmalade}

This past weekend we celebrated two very happy days full of love! Valentine’s Day on Sunday and for those who live in Canada, it was also Family Day. My boyfriend Dave and I are extremely lucky to be blessed not only with very loving families and a sweet little pooch named Bailey, but also with super best friends who are pretty much family!! SO, we decided to combine the day of love with the day of family and celebrate together. But where would we go to enjoy the day? Hmmm…Lady Marmalade! Now, if you have never been to this charming, bustling little place in Leslieville, you MUST make some time, cancel some appointments, whatever it takes and just GO!!

We had an AMAZINGLY fresh and delicious breakfast, the service was friendly, approachable and fast, the atmosphere very warm…and the prices were great too! Be prepared to wait in line a little bit if you come on a weekend, as it does get pretty busy…but trust me when I say IT IS WORTH THE WAIT!
Here are some mouthwatering pictures to give you an idea of what’s in store when you visit this great breakfast/lunch spot. Enjoy!

Lady Marmalade Bennies

La Tortita Gordita

Huevos Migas

Scrambled Eggs

Baked Crepe Croque Monsieur

A sweet ending!  Chocolate Chip French Toast...breadpudding style!

All images by Simply Charming Style

{Simply Pretty}

So, for my first blog, I wanted to write about someone very dear to my heart, my lovely and simply charming sister Irma. Although Irma is an Anthropology PhD, she is one of those rare people who is great at a lot of things. She loves math, she’s good at drawing, she’s smart as a whip AND she has a great eye for beautiful things. I have always loved and admired the ease with which she decorates spaces with simple and understated charm...while sticking to a reasonable budget. This past October we celebrated Thanksgiving at her small and pretty apartment and I thought I’d share some of her lovely vignettes. Enjoy!

All images by Simply Charming Style