Velour: Velvet's Casual Cousin

This dreadful migraine has been hanging around for days, and I haven't really been able to get properly dressed. Fortunately these Liz Claiborne velour lounging trousers have come to the rescue. This is the closest thing to "sweatpants" that I own, and they do the same job, but with a dash more panache.

They have a lovely regal, paisley-esque print and are as soft as sin. If you're going to spend days confined to the couch, you might as well do it in something that makes you feel as comfortable as possible. 

Midsomer Migraines

Today I have been incapable of doing very much because of a nasty little migraine, so I have mostly been laying on the couch watching Midsomer Murders. This is really the perfect show for me, since I love quaint English villages and police procedural dramas with equal enthusiasm. It's like a nice warm cup of milky tea, with a spoonful of mystery stirred in.

Key Lime Soda

I'm sure most of us in the more northerly parts of the globe are becoming just a wee bit fed up with winter. Although I enjoy the chillier seasons to the more sweltery ones, there does come a point where even I begin to daydream about the some of the pleasing aspects of warm and clement days. In this spirit, I purchased myself a bottle of Stewart's Key Lime soda and took a moment to reminisce about straw hats, the smell of freshly mown grass, and the simple joy of a springtime picnic...

Stewart's

Very Cosy Socks

I am a very lucky girl with a mother who likes to knit and, as a result, I have in my possession a large quantity of handmade wool socks. When it comes to keeping the tootsies warm and stylish during the colder months of the year, nothing really beats hand knit. I do, however, own a few pairs of store-bought socks, and I think that these made by B.ella are the creme de la creme.

Soft, snug, and oh so comfortable, these cashmere-blend knee-highs are a great winter sock. Also available in tights, over-the-knee, and men's styles, B.ella has hosiery to suit everyone's needs. They're easy to care for and hold their shape well so they can be worn on a regular basis without turning into a wooly puddle around you ankles.

B.ella

(This crafty individual has even made a sock monkey out of them)

I also own a fancy lacy pair for more formal occasions- I've worn them under long dresses to two separate weddings.

Crochet trouser sock

Here in Montreal, I have purchased B.ella socks at General 54 and Annex Vintage. If you are suffering from cold feet, getting a pair of these might just be the solution.

Camden Clogs

Because I have recurring problems with the arches of my feet, I have become a huge fan of clogs. Last month, I found this sweet green pair on sale from Lands' End, and I am totally pleased with them. It was my first time ordering from Lands' End, but it certainly won't be my last. It was one of the most hassle-free online purchases I've ever made, and they offer a great selection of simple, classic garments at reasonable prices (especially when they're on sale).

Camden clogs

I am very much looking forward to a time when the snow has melted and I can wear them out of doors. 

World's Greatest Toothbrush

This, my friends, is the Cadillac of dental hygiene: The Curaprox manual toothbrush.

Curaprox ultra soft

Soft on the gums, but tough on tooth grime, it makes your pearly whites feel spectacular. Plus, they are the most stylish brushes I have ever seen. I have had a wealth of dental problems over the years, so I take caring for what's in my mouth very seriously. I've tried oodles of toothbrushes that have promised all sorts of cleaning breakthroughs, but this surpasses them all. I have only found one shop in town that sells these gems, but I make sure to stock up, because returning to a sub-par brush after experiencing the Curaprox is a miserable let down.

My favourite snacks

One of my most favourite things to snack on is rosette de lyon sausage accompanied by a variety of delectable tidbits.

This plate is composed of sausage with rosemary and olive oil soda crackers, sharp cheddar, caramelized onions, and some dried apricots.

This variation includes hummus, Boursin, avocado, and ginger snaps. 

A little tart gherkin is also a smashing addition. Delicious! 

Savon de la Marseille

For 600 years, vegetable oil soap has been made in the Marseille area of France. There is just something so charming about these sturdy squares- they look robust enough to construct a house out of, if you didn't mind having your home froth away in a sea of olive lather when it rained.

savon de Marseille

Hardworking yet gentle, it can be used to clean everything from laundry to babies. 

with crushed flowers

I have always been a little intimidated by the sheer heft of these bricks, but I am determined to give it a try once I deplete my current soap supply.

Here's a little behind-the-scenes insight into how this iconic soap is made:

soap factory