ohayo lovely

my week in things

2012-03-04T13:32:00.001-05:00

This, dearies, is how I started out my week. Macarons from Le Petite Thuet on King St.W The salted caramel flavour wasn't bad, but the coconut was the best! (I had forgotten I hated raspberry anything) They ran out of mint chocolate, which I still want to try.

That beautiful sweater up there in mint, it's my new favourite anything. It's so soft and drapes longer in the back. I have a million possibilities in my mind to be wearing it and I cannot wait until the weather warms up for everyone to see it.
I've also been busy crocheting up some new coasters for my teacup to sit on. My old one is pretty used up. I love that it's wool and recycled. This one is made from a yarn that can be, once knitted, used as a wash cloth!

This last week of February (and the beginnings of March, yay!) came and went quite pleasantly. I'm ready for you Spring!
How about everyone else?

other things:
since my skirt is on hold, this is next!
i love the idea about pinterest, but this made me think twice.

love love
Miss Cris

weekend adventures

2012-02-20T14:30:00.001-05:00

Since catching this horrible cold Thursday, I've been pinned inside. Instead of wasting my time worrying about whether I'll ditch this cold by work or not, I decided to pick up my crocheting again. Yarn-bending anyone? I made this lovely light and airy pound cake too. Today just topped it all off with fresh home made pizza. I never want take out again!

love love
Miss Cris

Stylish

2012-02-17T09:54:00.000-05:00

I got my very own copy of Stylish Dress Book 3 in the mail this week and I've been pouring over the images and Japanese trying to figure it out. I think I understand most of what it's asking of me for the first pattern I would like to try (pictured below). I've added a few other pictures of my next sewing endeavours when the first one turns out. ^_^

I'm still recovering from a sudden cold I caught just yesterday (seriously?! Another nasal attack -__-;;; ), but I wanted to check out the fabrics at The Workroom. Karyn keeps talking about them so much over twitter that I might just have to go tomorrow.

love love
Miss Cris

p.s. maybe I'll talk myself into going today? ^3^

taken for granted

2012-01-08T17:29:00.039-05:00

I cannot begin to explain to you how grateful I am for these simple, crafty skills I have had encouraged to me by my mother and friends. My mother taught me how to crochet when I was only eleven and this skill inspired me to finally take up learning to knit only two years ago.

I took up simple hand sewing to make my own barbie clothes because we couldn't always afford to buy the store ones. Machine sewing was taken up in my late teens to make costumes for anime conventions and now I hope to use this skill to make my own clothes this Spring and Summer.

Recently, while following make something, I found these wonderful Japanese dress books. I hope I can get my hands on some for future projects. They are perfect for that mori-girl living inside of me.

love love
Miss Cris

totes

2011-12-10T08:09:00.013-05:00

My birthday has always been such a small affair to me for so many years, but I like having small mementos in my everyday life that remind me of my friends or places I've gone.

tan and pepper

2011-11-20T08:57:00.000-05:00

Currently feeling like I am addicted to cosy sweaters. Even though this one is made from acrylic yarn, I still love how warm I am in it with nothing under it.

Today I just hope to enjoy a new dish of spaghetti squash with parmesan cheese, cherry tomatoes, and basil. I hope to make fresh carrot muffins too.

All the while I'll be enjoying this new bit of beautiful noise today.

love love
Miss Cris

Moon

2011-11-06T12:42:00.023-05:00

Lately I've been...

Drinking decaffeinated teas, though this Sunday I allowed myself two morning black teas.
I'm addicted to knitting this hat and should be finished by November 11th! (deadlines can be good )
I went down to part-time at work (cutting milk bags FTW?) for health reasons. All is much better now
Grounded myself from spending. I don't even know where it went this month other than bills. *sigh*

I hope your week was a wonderous one.

love love

Miss Cris

chocolate cake

2011-11-03T14:45:00.000-04:00

A perfect day off full of a fierce determination to knit my winter hat in little over a week. I made fresh, home made veggie soup. The recipe is adapted from Laura Calder's Pistou soup. I'll share it with you this weekend if you're curious.

Something pretty

2011-10-09T20:10:00.000-04:00

Came out with this on Friday and something to match. I told you guys I have a weakness for pretty underthings.

p.s. Have I mentioned yet that I am so glad it's Autumn. I just wish the chilly weather would stick around. I do love sweaters and cuddling blankets.

love love
Miss Criss

yarn bending

2011-09-13T17:06:00.014-04:00

Sometimes when you're stuck at home with a rainbow coloured foot, you just need to take time and forget about everyday things.

Today I made home made veggie soup, crocheted more of my yarn-bending blanket, and enjoyed some iced green tea (Lime gelato from David's tea).

What do you do on those kind of days?

What's in my....

2011-08-09T11:28:00.039-04:00

I recently bought a new purse and couldn't wait to show it off, but instead of just showing you my new grown up looking bag, why not show you what's inside too?

Top: (Left to right) Sunglasses, my hide all bag (feminine stash, body mist, floss, and that hairbrush on top)
Middle: iPod, metropass(for transit!), Totoro wallet (yes, I love this thing!), brown sugar perfume, MAC lipstick in 'lustering', Bath & Body peach lipgloss.
Bottom: Bose headphones, wrist comfort brace for work, tissues, Netrogena hand cream (I swear by this stuff), and Terry Pratchett's Colour of Magic.

I feel in love with Roots' Olivia bag and just had to use it as my treat item from my stock money. It has just the right amount of space and pockets for me. I like the option of having two straps. Very versatile! It happens to be my first real leather purse too. ^_^

Over time it will develop little scratchy marks all through the facing, but it's only the waxy covering. Great colour for everything too, wouldn't you say?

love love
Miss Cris

Artist Admiration

2011-07-30T08:51:00.000-04:00

Doesn't he just make you feel like taking a nap yourself?

I hope that Mr. Raccoon doesn't mind sharing?

I have such a fond spot for bears, that I can't decide if I like him more than the kitty above!

I discovered jimbobart through a fellow blogger (your post has slipped through my likes, so I must find you again, so sorry!). James hand draws all his images and produces them unto plates, mugs, and cake stands. He also has a tumblr where he posts his newest creations as well.

I wish him luck in his future creations and hope I can get my hands on to one of them soon.

love love
Miss Cris

spectacle envy

2011-07-06T11:37:00.000-04:00

Let me just say that I, in no way, enjoy not being able to see without the care of my glasses. I have an astigmatism. I've had one since I was young and only recently learned that the problem is that when you blink, your eye refocuses the view.

Who knew?

Instead of cramming them into a desk and straining my eyes forever (Yes, I have done this. Poor eleven year old me), I've embraced it. Plus, glasses are hot.

( one / two / three / four )

I found out about Warby Parker glasses through Anabela's blog Fieldguided. I have two pairs of glasses, one of which I use. The oversized black ones I have happen to be too tight for my head sadly. I didn't realise until it was too late to return them. *sigh*

I'm really digging the 'Begley', number four, in midnight blue. Perhaps I will treat myself soon to new glasses? I certain someone I happen to love would look great in these too. Just saying.

love love

Miss Cris

~

2011-07-04T14:05:00.023-04:00

Something I love about having a short, early shift at work on Monday is having the time to enjoy a delicious lunch I've cooked simply from scratch.
Fresh halibut fillet battered and breaded in panko, then seared in a tad bit of sunflower oil for about 7-10 minutes. Finish it off with a squeeze of lemon and a fresh salad on the side to clear the palette.

A few things

2011-07-03T11:20:00.000-04:00

A few things that kept me smiling on my extra long weekend.

♥ A new one-piece with a retro feel.

I can't wait to go out swimming in this! Thank you Joe Fresh.

♥ Nail polish!

(right to left: essie fifth avenue, essie turquoise & caicos, seche vite top coat, OPI not like the movies, and OPI black shatter)

I had a terrible habit of biting my nails, so these fun colours keep me from going back. ) I currently have the turqiose on my toes and black shatter over top the shimmer-y silver on my nails.

♥ Perfume, perfume oils, and body mist I keep out that I like for the warm summertime.

I don't like anything too heavy in the warm months and prefer fresh scents.

♥ Small reminders of old friends and wild imaginations.

This jar necklace holds a pixie inside, but I cannot let him out. Don't you know he'll cause all sorts of trouble? I feel sad about not letting him play though.

musing monday

2011-06-20T19:12:00.000-04:00

Sadly, my attempt at sewing a romper from pattern didn't go as planned and it's left me a little disheartened. However, tomorrow I may just pick up a pretty fabric I like (that has a bit of stretch and drape) to make something that resembles this beauty.

It's a beautiful piece from Ruche that I discovered through A Beautiful Mess, a new blog I have been following. It really is very cute and summer-y.

What are some of your favourite summer fashion finds this season?

Tea Time Tuesday

2011-06-07T18:27:00.000-04:00

Comforting and tasty. Lemon-y with a hint of vanilla, and caffeine-free. This tea by Tealish is DELISH! Yes, I did that. How corny can I get? Terrible question. Allonz-y!

Lemon Meringue tea is a blend of red and green rooibos, lemon peel, vanilla bits, natural lemon flavouring and flower blossoms I adore this tea iced and sweetened with raw cane sugar, but it is very soothing as a hot tea as well. Very reminiscent of a freshly baked lemon meringue pie.

West Elm/Etsy pop up event

2011-06-06T12:33:00.000-04:00

Due to a very busy weekend with myself, I left my stitching aside and took a trip downtown for the West elm/Etsy pop up event.

Firstly, I haven't been that far on King Street before in all the years I've live in Toronto. It's very quiet and the weather (after our thunderstorm that morning ) was beautiful. It's motivated me more to look around that neighbourhood for a future apartment! As I walked up the steps and into West Elm, the scene just exploded with people! I loved how the Etsy sellers were scattered all around the store with tiny booths on top tables, bed, sofas, and shelves.

Soaps by Yriss

scarves and clutches by scout & catalogue

house wares by bookhou

house wares by Sparrow Avenue

Barbara was really nice to talk to. She even inquired about my camera and asked for my blog address. I big hello to you if you see this! :) I'm coming back for that pretty humpback whale pillow.

totes and wares by fieldguided

purses by Opelle

beauty products by SugarBush

Jennifer was such a pleasure to talk to. She even offered to send me info about the stores she supplies to locally since the Canada Post strikes might effect shipping.

tea cup from west elm

I came home from the event with lip glosses from Sugarbush, a beautiful basil & lemon soap by Yriss, and this cute, kiytchy tea cup that west elm had. (20% off too!) After all that excitement it was a trip to Tealish for Lemon Meringue roobois tea and to a chapters Stabucks to visit a dear friend and drop off some basil to her.

What a day!

**( a note about all the other lovely sellers there that aren't mentioned: my poor camera died half way though and I couldn't snap a shot. Please take a look at feildguided's guide to the event here: part 1/part 2. The wooden clocks caught my eye more than once.)

mini adventures on the horizon

2011-06-02T18:04:00.001-04:00

Ballet bag by Opelle

For awhile now I have been following the adventures of some Torontonian ladies via their blogs. I love reading about people's lives in the city I live in because it inspires me to discover my own city.

This weekend after the WE heart handmade art event, organized by Anabela of Fieldguided, I will be exploring some small shops she has featured like Robber, Bicyclette, and The Coriander Girl. A visit to a favourite Starbucks of mine to drop off a yummy basil plant to a friend too! Now all I have to do is try resisting this beautiful bags by Opelle. If anyone see's this and happens to be going to the same event, please say hi! :)

I'm sure it will be a very eventful day. I think I'll end it with a trip to Tealish for a new tea. Look forward to a feature.

Stitchin' Bitch Sundays

2011-05-29T20:12:00.001-04:00

Usually, my Sundays are spent recovering from a busy Saturday out with friends, with the boyfriend, or just out and about.
For a long time I've been shopping and I see some pieces of clothing I really love because of the style, the cut, or even it's trend and I've got to have it. (I'm trying to build up my everyday wardrobe too) Then I look at the price tag and just sigh because I know I could be more adventurous and make it at home myself!

Every Sunday I'm going to record my progress with a new project. This week's project being a cute printed romper. They're very popular right now in flow-y printed cotton blends. I went with a cute light blue/teal mushroom print (quilting cotton). You can really find some fun prints in those! When I finish this one I hope to make one in a poly-spandex fabric without a zipper.

Wish me luck Lovelies!

Design Therapy : Little Touches

2011-05-22T10:28:00.000-04:00

In anticipation for my first apartment of my very own, I've been thinking about what inspires me the most for my own space.
Natural elements, vintage wares, feature walls, and uncommon book shelving. Not too mention I dream of having my very own big, comfy chair for reading novels by lamp light. If it rocks back and forth, it's a plus too!

Place mat by Christine from Yellow Owl Workshop (via Design*Sponge )

I think having a fun place mat like this will encourage me to eat more at a table than in front of my laptop. How wonderful that you can learn how to make your own stamps and DIY this yourself!

(via. Apartment Therapy )

I love the idea of using some sturdy, vintage suitcases as a bed side table. It's a rustic look that's convenient for storage too. Can't wait go exploring for my own.

I've been in love with Ebony's blog Hello Sandwich for more than a year now. I found out about MT Tapes because of her and I have a small collection starting up already. I love how so takes a simple mason jar and turns it into something beautiful and handmade. I'm not a huge fan of gorgeous vases, but more something simple like these. To-do listed for sure! Thanks Ebony ♥

If you've seen any other inspiring touches recently that you think I may like, send it round. I'd love to see them!

Creature Feature: sluggy shells

2011-05-18T17:41:00.008-04:00

Okay, so I like snails a lot. Coming from a former (and still very much at heart) tomboy, I just like the way they tickle my hand. They carry their homes on their backs.

I am always sad to see these guys get squished on the sidewalk. My mum always find me plucking them up and saving the poor things from this fate. Though I better keep them out of mum's garden.

Psst...I think I like sharing about weird animals, so you'll find these every once and awhile. :)

New Toys

2011-05-15T12:41:00.013-04:00

(Untitled, originally uploaded by Letícia Cruxen.)

I recently got a new camera and though the picture above is not mine, I do love books. Especially the smell of old books.

I'm keeping a wishful eye on the weather here in Toronto. I hope that blue skies are on their way, so I might have a dry day to explore downtown with my new camera.

Miss Cris

Spring Revival

2011-05-02T19:01:00.000-04:00

Recently I had a change of heart and I think I will keep this little place of mine. With a bit of sprucing up and getting it just the way I want I think I'll have a nice little hideaway here.

I hope it's not too secret for you to enjoy.

xx
Miss Cris

Tea Time Tuesday

2011-03-29T10:54:00.000-04:00

Anyone that knows me well, knows that I love tea. On a day away from work I drink about ... ten cups? Perhaps because two of them have gone cold, or because I am hopelessly addicted.

I'd like to share my passion with you. Every Tuesday I'm going to share something wonderful about Tea. Be it a simple review, a photo, or even a recipe. I have some wine tea I have wanted to make a beef stew with for ages now.

Today it is just a simple adoration of a new tea I picked up from David's Tea called Dreamsicle. This tea comes from their new Spring line of teas. It's an organic green tea, blended with orange zest, cocoa nibs, white chocolate crumbles, and sweet stevia leaf. It has a calm, bittersweet smell with a zing from the orange. Once brewed (and I like to enjoy it twice, perhaps even thrice!) it has a not-too-overly-sweet taste like an orange creamsicle. The green tea paired here is the perfect balance because I think a black would be too strong.

It's a very light and refreshing tea and I hope to make it iced once the warmer weather moves in.

earl grey love

2011-03-25T11:50:00.001-04:00

I received my film back from the months and months it's taken to finish up a roll of 24. Winter leaves me so uninspired.
Good thing Spring is arriving, even if it is slowly. I hope to have some yummy adventures to share with you from my weekend. All I seem to want to do is cook and eat what I've cooked.

Here's to a wonderful weekend!

anew

2011-03-05T11:18:00.001-05:00

I feel like life has been overly emotional for me these past few months and I just need a new distraction away from all things work. I'm just a simple Barista at Starbucks, but I like it there.

One day, I dream of my own little tea cafe and I think right now I'm going to focus all my energy into that goal and relax with my knitting, photography, and writting. This is the best course of action right now and it's a proper good time for it. Today is the first really good rainfall we've had. Hasn't stopped for ages and puddles galore.

Waking up to the sound of rain always puts me in the best mood.

a weekend in things

2011-02-20T13:42:00.000-05:00

Some things that kept me smiling this long weekend

1. Delicious, fresh snacks. Sharp Canadian white cheddar and gala apples.

2. This nook on my book shelf. Origami cranes for a project, slightly forgotten. I have too many projects in my head. How does one empty them all out without collasping for air?

3. The beginning of a care parcel for a friend. Heartfelt Teabags (pumkin chai, buttered rum, and geisha plum. All from Davids). It's fun stitching them and smelling the tea. Found the inspiration here.

4. EEEEE!!!! My new plaything, a kobo eReader. Gosh, I am so, so, so glad I got it. I'm still figuring her out (she's lilac on the back, so she) and she's half way done processing some new books.

Teddy likes her quite a bit. Fast friends.

Now....to distract him with some honey so I may read.

Dreaming of summer

2011-02-17T18:46:00.000-05:00

We've been getting warmer bouts of weather here in the city now. It's February, she's such a tease. I miss blowing bubbles, the sweet smell of cut grass, and finding snails in the backyard.

p.s. My little brother is such a cutie. ^_~

The Sweetest Spot

2011-02-06T11:23:00.000-05:00

There is a comforting thought that always occurs to me when I find myself on Flickr or a blog I follow and find the sweetest spot photographed from someone elses apartment - "I will have something like that soon".

( 1 ) ( 2 ) ( 3 )

Everything has been inspiring me! From beautiful book nooks to shelves of tea and their beautiful contents. I hope I can find a great apartment here in Toronto with enough light to grow my own herbs in the summer. Until then, I shall keep dreaming and scheming.

Just the beginning

2011-01-31T15:49:00.001-05:00

I spent my Sunday knitting the beginning of my new sweater for Spring. It will have 3/4 length sleeves and a rounded/scalloped hemline. I had to start over three times and was stalled a bit with learning wraps and turns, but I've come through. Now I just need to keep my Moss stitch in line.

It's really an adventure in knitting land this time!

Food and why I love to eat it

2011-01-25T20:37:00.000-05:00

It must be my love for food that draws me to blogs about food. Seeing the colourful plates of scrumptious meals, snacks, and patries really inspires me to take a dive and try new things. I'd say a grand amount of the blogs I follow share a recipe or two (or dozens!) of their favourite dishes.

Ai has days and days full of yummy dishes she photographs and eats. I'll have to muster my courage and ask her for some recipes one day.

I found Bounjour! through Feildguided. Though I can't eat eggs as much as they are good for me (they make me a little nauseous -__-) I can imagine this dish for brunch with a small group of friends.

I would have Irish Soda bread to searve as a sweet doughy treat. I tried this out a few weekends ago after it was featured by Emily and added chopped dried apricots. Forget the raisins next time! They hurt my teeth anyways. Although, the idea of adding a good heaping tablespoon of cinnamon to the raisins has me in a tangle.

Last, but not least, I've been a huge fan of louveciennes' breakfast series for quite some time now. Her dishes are lustworthy. Seeing them reminds me that I really do want to thrift more for tea cups and saucers.

I hope I have inspired you to take a peek at this lovely ladies and their tasty treats. I am very, very excited for my weekend breakfast now.

Poor little sick me

2011-01-22T14:14:00.000-05:00

I've been away for a bit dealing with a long time cold. It took a bad turn for me, so I had to get myself into a walk-in. Good thing I did too! I'm feeling much more spunky and back to myself.

I spent the night out with a friend hoping to cheer her up. We had a nice stroll around Scarborough Town Centre with some frozen yoghurt. (mine was a chai tea inspired one!) She brought me my cute knee-high socks from the group order we did too. I can't wait for spring to wear them with skirts, but I'm trying to find a way to pair them in for winter too. Any ideas?

Just a few minutes

2011-01-14T14:14:00.000-05:00

I finally finished up my cowl. Poor thing was started in September.

Sadly, I hurt my hands while knitting and have to be much more careful. Knitting fourteen rows in one night is not all to good an idea when cold, snowy weather is passing over head. I took the day away from work to recover as I can't pick up anything very heavy. You'd be surprised how heavy a full urn of coffee is!

My next project will take much more longer as it's a gorgeous sweater for Spring. Now all I have to find to really finish up this cowl is a nice brooch pin. This one is very cute.

we were infinite

2011-01-05T16:41:00.001-05:00

we were infinite, originally uploaded by owlsincardigans.

One of the main goals I have set out for myself this year is to read more. I started with one that I had on my list for ages, but couldn't find in any used bookshop around. The Perks of being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

I know why now.
It's amazing. It brought me back to Highschool in a good way. I wish I had a great English teacher in school that challenged me with books to read. I did have one that enjoyed the macabre and poetry as much as I did though, so I guess that's alright.

What I learned

2011-01-02T12:42:00.000-05:00

via. Elizabeth.Brooke

1. I need to slow down. Let everything sink in, so I can take something away from it.

2. I am a pretty indecisive person in life. I thought I was more take charge? This year I will make more changes and be more assertive.

3. I treated myself to buying my very own Pentax K-1000 film camera. I used it in Highschool photography to learn. Definitely a favourite purchase.

4. I learnt that I can overcome my insecurities with men and let someone in. He's my best memory from this year and we've still more to make.

I hope that you all had a happy and healthy New Years and that I can share this one with you.

Winter, winter everywhere, but not a mound of snow.

2010-12-30T15:33:00.000-05:00

1. differentleo 2. rosielord

I'm really in love with finding wintery images right now. I live in Toronto and though we've had some snow, it hasn't really stayed around. Now we're in for some warmer tempuratures. :(

I wish we could have a nice snow storm for January so I could take some film photos to share with you all.

Just a minute in...December

2010-12-26T12:49:00.000-05:00

. *Zephyrance

Just a small meme I found a long time ago via Daydream Lily and have always loved.

Reading...... Not much at the moment, which is quite sad. Any good reccomendations?

Buying........ Quite a lot of clothes lately. I've realised my wardrobe is all very lazy. I own more pyjamas than anything! Tsk, tsk!

Listening........ The Fall - Gorillaz and Sweet Disposition cover by Ellie Goulding.

Wanting......... A new digital camera, but I cannot dicide which brand or which version.

Loving.......... This idea of a tea series. I dream of my own tea shop own day. :)

Planning...... A trip to a local college to finally enroll in school. Muster up your courage girl!

All of those teas look so lovely. Which would you take a sip of?

I have to say that, even though I'm not a fan of chamomile, "Compassion for Mrs. Bennett's Nerves" looks quite nice.

2010-12-24T14:24:00.000-05:00

I've really fallen in love with the morigirl style of clothing. I first found it via a lolita style tumblr and spied out more places for inspiration. I'm really in love with chunky knit sweaters and cardigans. Big cowls or scarves and layers!

via. jazzabellesdiary

via. monokatze

via. morigirls

Now all I need are a few good skirts and longer hair. ^_~ Wish me luck!