Friends Don't Get Better Than This...

As I have mentioned in a few previous posts, two of my girl friends will be getting married soon and I have therefore been involved in various events leading up to the BIG DAY. Due to recent events in my personal life, I was unable to attend The Big Fat Greek Bachelorette Weekend in celebration of my friend KE’s fast approaching nuptials.

It goes without saying that although I didn’t think twice about missing the weekend in order to be with my family, I am incredibly sad that I am not celebrating with a group of amazing ladies (namely the bride-to-be who I couldn’t be happier for)… and not to mention jealous/anxious to hear all about it!

So, I was beyond pleased when I open my Hotmail this evening
to discover the following…

Love my Girls & Hope they are having a BLAST

(let's be honest, they are already in togas!)

xoxo

K

Things Be Gettin' Crazy...

Good Friday Morning Everyone! With everything that has been going on in the past week, I am absolutely exhausted and so happy that it's FINALLY FRIDAY! I don't know about you, but for me it felt like this day was never going to come. Every day dragged on and on, and I was so tired I could barely keep my eyes open. I have to work this weekend, but at least I won't have to be up at 6 and at the office by 7 which is nice. Last night, E was asked to watch both of his nephews because both parents had to work. Now, we are used to watching the 3 year old... but we had never been left with the 6 month old and I was a little worried about how we were going to handle it. But, despite a few tears before bedtime, the entire night went smoothly and E managed to have the little one sound asleep before his mom got home while I watched 'Night at the Museum 2' with big brother. 

While there last night, I started to think a lot about how much really goes in to raising kids. I was already exhausted from my busy week... but you don't know exhaustion until you have an energetic three year old boy and a 6 month year old who is teething. I mean, I was only there for a few hours and they had me whiped out. Forget that I had E there, who happens to be a baby whisperer after having spent a lot of time with his 5 nephew and 1 niece. I have never been one of those people who thinks 'having kids is a piece of cake, they poop, have a bottle and sleep', my first job was at a daycare after all.. but I know that you can never be prepared for the tired you will feel when you have your first child. 

Proud Big Brother Meeting Baby Brother

It also got me thinking about all the craziness that has been in the news recently regarding parenting. From the weird video Alicia Silverstone posted, to the controversial book "Beyond the Sling" by Blossom's Mayim Bialik, it seems to me the world of parenting has gone mad. Or maybe just the Hollywood world of parenting has gone mad. Either way, it seems that everyone is now an expert on parenting and knows that what they are doing is theee only way to do it and that everyone else's way is wrong. As far as I'm concerned... they all sound nuts. Now, I am not a mother, and I cannot say that their way isn't right for their families... but I can say that I think some of these woman are going to seriously (now I don't want to say the word screw, because I don't like it) confuse their children. I mean, doesn't Alicia think that it's going to be a bit odd and confusing for her son when he tries to eat food out of another kids mouth in pre-school? Doesn't Mayim think that her kids are going to get made fun of when they are 13 and still sleeping in bed with their mother and father? Doesn't January Jones think her son is going to be embarrassed when his friends read this about his mother? I don't want to sound judgmental here, because I honestly think that there are as many ways to parent as there are families in this world, and everyone has their own way that is right for them... but this is getting out of control. These woman aren't saying 'this is what I do because it works for us', they are saying 'this is what I do and you should absolutely be doing it too because it will work for you'. Well guess what ladies... besides Mayim who has a PhD, starring in Mad Men and Clueless doesn't make you a parenting expert. Just because you're famous doesn't mean you should be telling people how to raise their children, which is what you are trying to do. And don't even get me started on Dara-Lynn Weiss who was featured in Vogue's 'Shape' issue in an article about how she put her 6 year-old daughter on a diet and told her she was overweight. Talk about a bad role-model for your child. 


All that to say that I don't think there is one right way to parent, but infinite right ways. And no, I don't have children, so it's easy for me to comment when I haven't been in this situation... but parenting is scary enough and all of this craziness makes even more nervous about having kids (not anytime soon.. but one day). What do you think about all these new parenting styles? Do you think these children will grow up to be strong, confident and independent adults? What happened to the good old days of "Kids Should be Seen and Not Heard?" :)

Have a great weekend everyone!

With Love,

S

Guardian Angel

Good Wednesday Afternoon Everyone! I hope that everyone is doing well, despite the yucky weather we have been having recently. I am very sorry that we have been slackin' on our bloggin' recently, but we have had some stuff going on that has kept our minds elsewhere. I am so lucky to have my sisters and my family, because I don't know how people ever get through difficult times without strong support behind them. I always feel so blessed, as I mentioned here, to have been born into the family that I was born into. I wouldn't change that for the world. 


Before I get to mushy and emotional, I wanted to make this post a lighter one. I decided to share some bags from the designer Vlieger and Vandam that I have been absolutely IN LOVE with recently. I find myself going back to their site, over and over, drooling over their original designs and creative bags. Take a look and, as always, click on the name of the bag for more information. 

This is the Vlieger and Vandam Guardian Angel Tote in Black. Now I know it isn't for everyone... but I think it is so original and fresh and I absolutely love the 'shock value' that their bags create. *Note of caution: please do not try to travel by air with this bag... could create some problems. 

This is the Vlieger and Vandam Guardian Angel Clutch in Black. Would go perfectly with a pair of jeans, a white t-shirt and a leather jacket. Just maybe don't wear it out on a first date...

This is the rounded version of the Guardian Angel Tote in Black. I prefer this one to the first one because the leather has a softer look that isn't as harsh and it's square sister.  

Last but not least is the Vlieger and Vandam Handcuff Embossed Clutch in Grey with Gold Strap. This one is my absolute favorite. I love the look of this bag and think that the designers must have a good sense of humor for having designed it. I think it is so clever and tough. Not as 'look at me' as the gun imprinted bags, but still has enough shock value to attract some attention and stares. And just when you thought it couldn't be any cooler... look who was rocking it last week on a night out in LA. 

None other than the stunningly beautiful Rihanna. I love how she paired this bag with an understated outfit and a pop of color in the shoes. I am honestly obsessed with this bag... Picture from Cocoperez.com

As I mentioned before, these bags are definitely not for the faint of heart, and you have to be ready to get the attention they will draw... but it's worth it. I find them so young and fresh and from the reviews I read the leather is soft and supple. What more could you want from a bag? If you look into the making of the bags, they really are a piece of art. They imprint the bags with a one-of-a-kind technique that creates a 3 dimensional image. The quality and care they put into creating this bags is also incredible. Definitely a choice statement piece for this summer. 

With Love,

S

A Birthday Shoutout to the "Youngest" Grandma We Know

Yes, the Three of us have been very busy this month with all these birthday celebrations and last but certainly not least is our very dear Granny H!!!

When I say "Granny H," those of you who don't know her are probably picturing an elderly, perhaps fragile type woman whose little pleasures in life include her bridge club, leisurely walks around a shopping mall and lots of polyester... WRONG!

OK, you WILL find her in a shopping mall but instead of a leisurely walk, you'll find her zipping from Zara to Lulu Lemon with a loop-around back to American Apparel- got to keep up with the girls in her weekly jazz aerobics class!!! It isn’t just her bod she keeps in shape- Granny is also an avid reader, could take on just about anyone is chat about current events, she definitely keeps up with the Kardashians (ok, w/ a little help from her granddaughters) and I’m fairly certain I just received a text message from her… yes, she and the iPhone are pretty compatible! Granny H has proved time and time again that she can roll with the rest of us- in fact, she out-lasted most of the "parents" when we were down south for T's wedding!

Of course we enjoy (and feel very, very lucky) that our grandmother is able to keep up with us however, our gratitude and love for her goes far beyond that. The Three of us have been lucky to have had Granny close to us our whole lives. Few weekends went by when we were growing up that Granny (& Gramps of course) didn’t host us at the Hilton for breakfast, attend a swim meet/soccer/softball game(s) or have us over for cartoons and popcorn. And we can't tell you how many times we heard "Can your grandma adopt me too???"

I would imagine that some kids would tend to gravitate away from their grandparents as they enter the teenage years… not us! All Three of us share memories of attending whatever hot party/event that was going on and then making our way back to Granny’s house (often with a few friends, often in the wee hours of the morning) where we would hop into bed… and probably sleep until noon. Granny took on another shot at parenthood when she & Gramps agreed to allow K (during her less than pleasant teenage years) A time K will never forget :)

So now, at 25, 28 & 30 years of age, the Three feel amazingly lucky to have our former babysitter, breakfast partner, shopping buddy, smart, beautiful, witty, funny, comforting, all-around amazing Granny H here to share so much with us.


Happy Birthday Grandma
We love you tons


Xoxoxo


The Three

Lentil Love

I am going through a little bit of a lentil phase - making anything and everything I can with them. Last weekend I posted a delicious Sausage & Lentil recipe I got from SOSCUISINE and since I had quite a few vegetables leftover, I decided to create a soup last night.

What I used:

-          1 cup of water

-          3 cups of chicken broth (I used the ones low in sodium)

-          1 can of diced tomatoes

-          8 tbsp of lentils (preferably from the soup mix bag…there is other fun stuff in it like random alphabet letters!)

-          4 carrots, chopped

-          3 stems of celery, chopped

-          2 onions

-          1 cup of broccoli

-          4 cloves of garlic

-          Salt & pepper to taste

-  In a large saucepan, bring the water and chicken broth to a boil. Add the tomatoes and lentils and continue to boil for about 10 minutes. Add carrots.

-  Once the carrots have begun to soften, add celery, onions, and broccoli.  Add garlic, salt and pepper.  I left it for about 30 minutes on medium heat until it was ready to be served.

In addition to being delicious, lentils are incredibly good for you so you can enjoy this recipe knowing it is doing your body well! Happy Friday!

Tracy

Drifting

Good Friday Morning Everyone! I'm sure that most of you are with me in saying that you are so happy that it's the weekend. It was been such a beautiful week weather-wise and, even though the temperatures aren't going to be quite as high this weekend, it will be nice to get out and enjoy some of this unseasonably nice weather. I am also tired this week... I know I say that a lot, but I have just been so busy and I really need a break. I hope that E and I get a day to ourselves this weekend, though that may not happen due to work etc. But here's to hoping! With thoughts of the weekend, I find it hard to focus. The mix of exhaustion and excitement (that it's Friday) are causing my mind to drift. I'm in my own world today. 

Though I love everything that has to do with fashion or clothes, I do not have a keen eye when it comes to interior decorating. I know what I like when I see it in magazines, or when I go visit houses with clients, but for some reason, I just can't seem to pull it together in my own apartment. My visualization skills are not developed enough when it comes to seeing pieces together or being able to picture things together. Let's just put it this way: I know what I like, and I know what I don't like... I just don't know how to get what I like and avoid what I don't like. 

T is lucky, her MIL is very skilled when it comes to interior decorating and has an incredible eye for putting pieces together. I, however, am quite useless. Some things I would never think to do, but when she does them... they always turn out beautifully. I guess I just really love her style of decorating and wish I could do something like this to my living room, or put together pieces like this, or have a dining room that looks like this. I love her use of white, and light wood and how she uses pops of color. If you want to see more of her design, go on over to her blog Razmatazblog.blogspot.com it's a great read. 

While at home last night, I decided to browse some websites for furniture. Not because I need any as E's apartment has everything, but simply because I had run out of clothing to look at. While browsing, I came across this driftwood side table and fell in love. 

A client of ours had a pair like this and I often found myself admiring them. They had them in the bedroom, but I think it would look really nice in the living room next to a low sectional such as this one: 

This Buzz Fabric Sofa from Mobilia is one that I have had my eye on for a while. It is too big for my living room (nevermind that we already have a couch) but I absolutely love it and look at it every day on the way into my office (there is a Mobilia in my office building). I find it so crisp and clean and it is actually really comfy looking. I know a lot of people don't like mixing light and dark woods, but I think this Westmore Entertainment Center would look great with the other pieces. 

And on the walls of my non-existent, imaginary, way over my budget living room... I would paint it in either Igloo, or Manhattan Mist by Behr. 

So there you have it... Maybe with a little more practice, I could add interior decorator to my list of jobs I would do if all of my other jobs fell through :) Have a great weekend everyone!

With Love,

S

A Very Special Happy Birthday to a Very Special Girl

Happy Birthday Kate! We love you!

With Love,

Your Family

What's The Point of Good News If You Haven't a Sister to Share it?

Good Morning Everyone! And what a beautiful morning it is! Not because it's Wednesday, or because it's supposed to reach record-breaking heat today, but because our big sister K turns 30 today! Yup, you heard me, K is officially out of her 20's and ready to take on her 30's. I know she will be the most fabulous 30 year old I know. I cannot believe that MY big sister... the same one who tried (unsuccessfully but not on her end) to teach me to skip double-dutch in our Grandmother's driveway and would watch endless Saturday morning cartoons with me in her jammies... is turning 30. 

K and Papa H... Don't they look so much alike?

It's funny what happens with sisters... Growing up, you're always fighting about something. First it's toys and who gets to choose the Friday night movie, then it's clothes and who gets to use the car. Then, one day... the petty fighting stops and you are able to see the beauty in one another and really appreciate how blessed you are to have these women in your life. You realize that they are not on another team, but are playing on yours. They are there to help you, protect you, laugh with you and love you. I think I felt this stronger as the baby in the family, because I was the last one to realize it. I am sure my Mom and Dad had days when we were little where they wanted to pull their hair out and would have done anything for the arguments to stop but, if it's what got us to where we are today, then it was all worth it. 

In the Bahamas for Miss T's wedding

Our fourth sister... also K

My sisters are my support system, my go-to girls, my best friends. I wouldn't trade what I have with them for anything in the world. I know I can count on them for anything and would never hesitate to call them at any time of day if I needed them. I chose the quote "What's the point of having good news if you haven't a sister to share it?" because it really resounded with me. My sisters are the first people I call when I have any news... good or bad, because I know they will feel with me. They feel happy when I am happy, and they will feel sad when I am sad. This kind of emotional bond can only be shared by family... and I think sisters have an especially strong one. 




As they say "A Sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost", you can't break what we have because it runs through our blood; we are family. We go through all of our ups, and downs together. It's not always rainbows and cupcakes... but you don't get the good times without having some less-than-good times. Our parents made sure we had a strong foundation and made it known that being sisters meant you protect each other and support each other... even when that's easier said than done.

K played the part of big sister like it was nobody's business. She was there to stand up to any bully, give you a lift when you wanted your cool big sister to drop you somewhere, or just hang out when you needed someone. She has grown from being my big sister, to being a smart, talented, compassionate, beautiful and all around amazing woman who is very loved. She has made her entire family proud and continues to do so every day. She is strong, brave and the best big sister a girl could ever ask for. So, I hope that this day.. the day of her 30th birthday, is as special as she is and that her 30th year brings her everything and anything she could ask for because she deserves nothing less than that. 

We love you Katie. 

With Love,

S

Baby Got Back

Good Tuesday Morning Everyone! I hope everyone had a good weekend, and got to enjoy the beau-ti-ful weather we had. I know I can't complain about winter because I just got back from a week down south frolicking on the beach and Prince sighting (we made eye contact... No Big Deal), but I have to say, I'm happy there is no snow. Anyway, I know I have been an LB recently, and it's mostly because I have been really busy with work and life. Speaking of LB, my bestest friend/sistah LB was in town last week and when the two of us get together.. it's magic. We laugh until it hurts and she just knows how to make my day. Miss you love!

While on my lunch break yesterday, I decided to do what I do best... Find clothes on-line that are oh so beautiful but also oh so expensive and oh so not going to happen right now. I am trying to save and browsing the internet seems counter-productive. HOWEVER, I have recently been practising extreme self-discipline and have not ordered anything on-line in a while... so I'm giving myself a pat on the back for that one. I apologize that most pictures are featured from the back, but ShopBop (the site where the clothes are sold) has moving photos. Most of the dresses look better from the back anyway, and I think it's an interesting perspective. As always, you can click on the name of the item to see where it can be purchased. So here are some of my top 'I Want That but Don't Need That and Will Therefore No Buy' items. 

This is the Addison Cape Sleeve Easy Dress in Nude/Smoke. I love how the material looks so light and flowy, while still staying a bit dressy. It would be perfect for dinner out in Old Montreal in the summer. 

Dolce Vita Lily Stripped Dress in Blush/Black I love how easy peasy this dress looks. I think this dress would be perfect to throw on over a bathing suit while on vacay, or just to wear on your yacht on a sunny Sunday afternoon in July (in a perfect world)

Feel The Piece V Neck Maxi Dress. I'm always looking for the perfect Maxi dresses in the summer and I love this one. With the pop of colour and the race-back, it is just so cute. 

This Halston Heritage Side Knot Dress is more of an office dress or a date night dress, but is such a lovely shade of purple and a great cut. 

Tibi Draped Shift Dress in Spearmint, unfortunately, K is allergic to spearmint, but I think she would love this colour in a dress. I don't look good in Green, but with K's darker hair and skin tone, she would look amazing in it. 

I am in love with this Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent in Arrow  Maxi skirt. I love me a maxi skirt just as much as I love a good Maxi dress and I think this one is so great. 

Philip Lim Collapsed Kite Dress in Antique White this dress is just beautiful. 'Nuff Said. Now if I only had $900 to buy it. 

This Kimberly Taylor Peru Dress with Even Hem had me at hello. I love the colour, the playful cut, the cinched waist. I honestly would wear this all the time if I owned it.  

Blue Life Bachelorette Dress no explanation needed... would be perfect for a bachelorette.

And last but definitely not least.. this Madison Marcus Triumph Lace Dress in Blush. I love how much detail is put into this dress. Ever single part of it from the hem, to the waist, to the neckline is absolutely stunning. I dare you to find a more feminine and classy dress than this one. For T's bridal shower the bridal party wore blush, I wish this dress had existed then. Sigh.

Well, that's all for today... What else can I say other than I wish Prince Harry would come find me so that I could buy all these pretty things. Hey, a girl can dream. Have a fabulous Tuesday!

With Love,

S

Parade as Usual

As promised, here are a few shots of Montreal's St. Patrick's Day Parade!!!

We Montrealers couldn't have been any more spoiled with the summer-like temperature which had the city out "en mass" & a city-wide street party that lasted well beyond the parade hours.

The Festive Three

Could we have been any more festive???

We even came with extra supplies for inpromptu guests!!!

Really, there are no words for the fun we had... but some pics will tell you all you need to know!

To those of you who joined, we hope you had as good of a time as we did- for those of you who stayed home... you missed a heck of a time!!!

Much love

xoxox

"Sorry We're Late" - CGWL Weekend Update

 “The Cheap Guys’ Wine List” (CGWL) continues it research in quest of more choices for everyday occasions

Just as a reminder: The challenge is: finding a good tasting wine that is between $12-18 per bottle- tops $20. And remember we have several basic rules. First off, we gave up on making statements such as the “nose of the wine gives off hints of dried peas” or.. “I think it has a lingering note of almonds, boysenberries and chocolate sauce “and:  second, if it has a flowery or strange spicy smell or taste it probably will not get past the first sip (“off to the cooking bin”).

A couple of weeks ago we took some real chances and selected some random bottles (and got random results!). As always, click on the name of the wine to find out more. 

First off we tried Nero D’Avola Giancondi ($8.90). It is from Sicily- how bad could it be? Well, one sip and the old adage “you get what you pay for” came to mind. The taste was acidy, not smooth like we have found in other selections—so “off to the cooking wine bin”.

Nero D’Avola Giancondi ($8.90) 

Next we tasted Maremma Toscana Poggio Morino ($16.35). The description that E gave for this wine was: “the taste is tricky”. Now, in my book that tells me “REJECT” but E says that it might be ok for some palates. If you are willing to let it breath for a day or so, (uncork and re-cork and leave for a day) you might find the taste smoother.

Maremma Toscana Poggio Morino ($16.35) 

The next test was called Lapaccio Primitivo Pasqua ($13.95). Again a somewhat unusual flavour but with a little “breathing” the taste improved. This might also be a candidate for decanting or opening, re-corking and drinking the next day.

 Lapaccio Primitivo Pasqua ($13.95) 

One very good wine that we had tasted to save the day was Dogajolo Carpineto Toscana ($16.60). We found that this choice pleased immediately – as E says: “no fuss, no muss”- smooth and well rounded. We always like to have one sure bottle “in case of emergency”.

Dogajolo Carpineto Toscana ($16.60) 

We continue our quest for great taste and excellent value. It is a difficult job but as they say “someone has to do it” and we enjoy our job!

And for TC- yes we will get around to tasting your suggestion from France!

Next weekend- more work to do!

CGWL

Veggie Dinner

I came across this recipe in the Journal de Montreal the other day taken from SOSCUISINE. The picture might not look too appetising to some, but anything packed with vegetables excites me and so I needed to try it. It is really simple and turned out great - even my husband who is a meat-lover enjoyed it with the vegetarian sausages.