first day, first grader

Today is Keira's first day back to school. Where has time gone? It seems like only yesterday we were enjoying being on vacation and on the beach...

We had a parent/teacher meeting Monday night and that's where we found out who would be Keira's new teacher, where her classroom would be (goodbye preschool floor, hello 1st floor!) and who her classmates are. As we went through the class list, our hearts sank as we realized Keira's bff Miss B is not in the same class. After having spoken with other parents, it dawned on all of us that this was done with a purpose in mind: getting our kids to learn something. No more baby play, goodbye with getting away with snuggies and relying on a clique or best friend. This is the big leagues. Time to grow up and get those brains to suck up some learning.

Last night I had the difficult task of telling Keira her bff is no longer in her class. It didn't go so well. She got sassy. She gave me lip. She got anxious.... then she got mad. But right before bedtime, she started asking questions. She asked me questions in a very forthright, confident way. "Mommy, who's my teacher? What am I going to learn? Where's my classroom? Is it near the end of the hallway upstairs? Where's the stairs? Who's going to help me find my way to my new class? Tell me who's in my class!". And I answered her questions as best as I could, giving her directions of where her new class is situated and what she can expect the first few days.

Don't worry folks, as bad as it may sound.. losing her bff to another classroom will end up being the best way. They need to stop using each other as crutches and this will also give them an opportunity to shine individually without competing with each other as well. Also, if you don't already know, Keira is friends with all of these kids, from both classrooms. She won't be lonely. I promise!

So I sent her off this morning. She was a little apprehensive but saw a friend, each giving each other a huge hug. I walked her to the door but didn't go in with her (new rule: parents no longer allowed inside the doors in the morning). I saw her hesitate in the crowd of newbies, returning students, hallway monitors and teachers.. I saw her look left and walk confidently away, her ponytail swishing behind her. Then she was gone. Good luck to my new first grader!

DwellStudio – An interview with Christiane Lemieux

Photos credit: Courtesy of DwellStudio

There is absolutely no denying my love for DwellStudio. I keep their catalogs by my bedside, perusing it before I sleep and dream of endless possibilities of transforming every single room in the house with their products. If only my pocketbook were endless and deep as well! DwellStudio is in constant design motion, continually adding to their arsenal of fine modern design by introducing fabulous new products and divisions within their company such as their newest Stationery line, home decor accessories and fine furniture (I have been longing for their Cooper chairs, so heavenly!). Each so meticulously thought out & fine crafted.

All Photos credit: Courtesy of DwellStudio

What I love most though, is their ability to pare down their product lines to a well curated collection of each... without bombarding us with too much of a good thing. There is a definite want & wow factor for everything. I have had such a miserable time trying to decide on bedding (loving them all), that I have been to Simon's downtown on numerous occasions, each time incapable of making a decision on "the one".

Photo credit: Architectural Digest, Read the article here: architecturaldigest.com

I had the chance to ask Christiane (DS's founder and Creative Director) a few questions and she graciously lent me her time and energy despite a hectic schedule to answer them. Herewith, the interview with a Super Mom and incredible designer (and unbelievably down to earth and nice person!). Thank you so much Christiane! I am still in awe of you..
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After all these years, successfully leading your DwellStudio company from bedding, textiles to new furniture and home decor accessories, how do you stay so fresh and inspired? Are you constantly living and breathing design, even on your days off? Is there such a thing as a normal 9 to 5 day for you?
Christiane: When you run a company - there is never a day off! It's just like having a child - you have to mold and push it forward constantly. You want the company to strive to be it's best always. Excellence is something we talk about all the time. It's also our job to set trends and never follow them. So, no. The day never starts at 9 and ends at 5. This is a 24/ operation!






You have a new book out called UnDecorate. How did this book idea hatch? Where and how did you find the time to start, dive into and finish a book as well as heading up your company, being a mom, wife, designer, flea market hunter... (did I forget anything else?). I'm in awe..
C: Haha! Please do not be in awe. I have no life outside my family and work. My kids are little right now but I can see how things change all the time. Maybe when they're both in school, I will finally go for a jog (My kid is in school right now Christiane.. good luck on that one! lol). The idea of UnDecorate came to me from a couple of different places but the most obvious was our "How you Dwell" feature on the blog. We get to see great places. That got me thinking that the most amazing design is coming from non-professionals and the process never starts or stops - it's fluid. Hence, UnDecorate.


Cushion covers sewn with DwellStudio's Vintage Blossom Citrine fabric
Lampshade covered with DwellStudio's Vintage Blossom Citrine fabric

Your passion for design is so infectious! After reading your blog posts, I feel like heading out into the world and redecorating my life. Is there one thing that you're passionate about that trumps all others in terms of designing for? For example, your furniture or bedding line?
C: I am so passionate about the furniture line because it's really the place where everything comes together: design, form and textiles. 

What is your design thought process? Do you separate being a designer, mom and wife when you create a collection/design? Or do you incorporate all three and does it then direct the way DwellStudio creates new products?
C: I think now it's all a big mix. I get ideas from everywhere and they go into my mental blender and then through the lens of our brand.. and that is the genesis of the designs.



Photo credit: Courtesy of DwellStudio

You're a mom to 2 super cuties. Do they get to design or have their say in DS designs? Do they have veto capabilities (haha!) and are you good at delegating work and letting things go? Unless you've got a hidden Superhero cape hidden somewhere underneath that chic attire and if you do.. let me know where I can get one too!
C: I've gotten much better at delegating. I have 30 amazing people in my office. I trust everyone to get their job done. That allows me to focus on mine. I used to do everything from taking out the garbage to the banking. These days, it's much easier as we have experts in all areas. As for the superhero cape, I have seen what you do Chantale... I may have to borrow yours (hm, I don't even come close!). 


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For more on Christiane, read La Petite's terrific feature on her in their latest issue! lapetitemag.com
Peruse, imagine, dream and purchase all DwellStudio designs here: DwellStudio.com
To get inspired, please check out their terrific blog here: dwellstudio.com/blog
and their UnDecorate Tumblr here: undecorate.tumblr.com/
To connect with Christiane, you can tweet with her, @DwellStudio or with DwellStudio in general: @DwellStudioPR.

a day with irene

After seeing this and hearing from my cousins, new yorkers took Irene pretty much in stride (my cousins were just curious and excited to see how big this hurricane passing through was gonna be). Here in Montreal, we got a slightly tamer version of Irene (by tamer I mean at least 100km gusts of wind) with tons of wind and rain. We put away anything we didn't want flying around outside and just stayed in. A great day to do nothing. Nothing but hem up school uniform tunics, get rid of too small clothing, clean out closets & tons of cuddles and tickle monsters...

A big Thank You goes out to our friends from Pittsburgh! Sydney.. you made Keira's entire week, month, year!.. with the unicorn Pillow Pet. "Thaaaank youuuuu Sydney" said Keira with a big hug to her unicorn that kept her warm and safe inside while the rain and wind went on outside. We love you guys! We really do...

the calm before the storm..

Enjoying the last waning summer days at the park...




I'm thinking of all my friends and family on the east coast of the States with Irene on it's way.. Here in Montreal, I think we will only get the tail end of the storm though that might mean high winds and tons of rain. I have not heard from my cousins in NYC but I think they're hunkered down together and going to weather the storm. Stay safe sweet friends and family...

friday, at dusk

A surprise visit from my sister and family Friday evening.. an impromptu sleepover and a wonderful wood-fired thin crust pizza dinner with everyone. Afterwards, cross-training & fun at the park then ice-cream & music and entertainment by the river. The perfect start to a weekend non?

la vie en bubblegum

Oui, c'est la vie en bubblegum! The long days are starting to wind down and summer days are almost ending (gulp). School will be starting in t-minus 5 days and I've finally made the effort to order school uniforms and see what still fits the Keikster. Everything fits width-wise, nothing fits length-wise. Voilà, a few new and fave tops and bottoms to face the chilly weather soon to come. But not now. Oh no, not now. We will enjoy the here and now...

Happy Friday everyone! What are your weekend plans?

I love these new HushHush shoes..


Et oui, tes idées étoiles?? 

Heather Grey Cardigan+tee: KLTworks
Long sleeved tee: Crewcuts, JCrew
Minnie Mouse hoodie+slim jim roll-up jeans: Zara Girls
Cord skirt: Crewcuts, JCrew
Star tulle skirt: Gap Kids
All socks: Crewcuts, JCrew
Shoes: Hush Hush

nyc reads & tschotkes

Just a few catalogs I brought home from NYC... and souvenirs..

Back to School ready with Lands' End

It's that time of year again! Back to school (add groans here). The last 2 years, I've gotten away with missing school uniform orders deadline and have been able to send Keira off to school wearing the same tees, sweater and tunic only buying new socks and the occasional gym sweats.



Anyhoo, this year, I once again missed uniform ordering deadline but seeing as my little taco actually keeps growing (the noive!), I had to order a whole new set online. And in keeping with my laziness and my absolute denial that summer is quickly fading away, I also decided to order her socks and new school approved shoes online as well. Last year, I was actually early and went to the school approved shoe store (yes, school-approved shoe store!) and found an entire wall of navy blue shoes to choose from only to have that entire selection cut down to 2 because of Keira's super skinny feet. This year, I ordered from Lands End as they have a school uniform section and at 29.50$ (on sale now!) they were a steal! Plus, they fit Keira's feet! I also bought her a half year's worth of navy socks and tights as well. These are incredibly hard to find (believe it or not) in stores.

I also bought Keira a new backback from Lands End and we love it. I had it monogrammed with her name since it's still pretty unusual. I searched high and low during our vacation to look for keychains, mugs, photo frames etc with her name on it but the closest thing we came to was Kaylee.

And there you have it! My back to school uniform is complete! As for all that school supplies stuff, luckily Keira's school takes care of that for us.

Are you guys back to school ready? Or are you still in summer vacation mode like me?

Anyone else's kid crazy about these crazy (& seriously over-priced) Kachooz? 

An afternoon with The Lion King

Last Sunday, we were fortunate enough to see the Broadway musical The Lion King being played here in Montreal at the Place des Arts. My sister-in-law wanted to treat Keira to the show and brought us along for the ride. lol. I've seen a few Broadway musicals in my life but nothing moved me like this one! The show begins with Buyi Zama as Rafiki and her incredible and majestic voice sent shivers up and down my spine singing the opening song of Circle of Life.. with the actors as animals coming up from 2 aisles going to the stage: birds, elephants, zebras and more. We were seated only 8 rows from the stage and I was at the end of the row, right beside the aisle! Keira rushed to my side to see the animals and the actors smiled at everyone..




These are not actors with masks or costumes. They play the part of the animal, characterize them so incredibly.. I had a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. I know it sounds corny but it was so incredibly beautiful. Keira's favourite animal? The elephants! I loved the giraffes and birds..

At certain points, the audience gets to connect with the show as some of the actors were stationed in different areas of the floor and levels playing their parts. Truly, we were all awe-struck. Cameras etc weren't allowed during the show so I have nothing to show you but these videos from Youtube will give you an idea of the show we watched.. it brings a lump to my throat each time I watch it...
Keira spent a good 10 minutes right before she went to sleep that night singing and shouting at the top of her lungs, pretending she was Buyi Zama as Rafiki, doing the moves..
NAAAAAANTSINGONYAMABAGITHIBABAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!
hehe, it was really cute. If you haven't already seen the Lion King, this is a show worth saving your pennies for and going to.

ellie bellie kids' robot girl goes on vacation! pt 2

Remember how Jen of Ellie Bellie Kids sent us a whole range of her wonderful kids products? Imagination at play... that, it certainly has been! I have spied Keira alternately playing Queen someone or other with the crown and jumping off the couch with the cape on a weekly basis (nope, she doesn't play a superhero. Instead, she's usually Rocky or Teddy or Selena. Do these girls wear capes? No. Does Keira care? No). Well, Keira decided that Robot Girl needed to come with us on our beach vacation and I thought the Robot Girl messenger bag was the perfect craft bag to bring along as well. I prepared the bag a few days before we left, stuffing it with a pencil case full of crayons, pencils and markers, 3 colouring books and tons of paper to draw with. It is the perfect-sized bag! Not only that, we had time to kill before checking into our hotel in Virginia Beach and decided to head to Barnes & Noble. I bought Keira some more books along with a scratch-off spiral book and packed all of that into the bag. It all fit! With room to spare..



Not only was Robot Girl companion and friend during the long road trip, she kept Keira at ease during the nights as well. Actually, during the long hours spent in the car, I was the one amusing Keira as robot girl sprang to life in my hands (I put on a pretty good puppet-style show folks but only in the car). Robot Girl did try to beg ask Keira to Go.To.Sleep. She failed miserably. But! She did make it to the beach one day (only 1 day as the kiddo thought she might get wet or dirty) and the bag, oh the bag! The bag was super in the car and also came in handy in restaurants to whip out 'things to do' while waiting for the food. That is of course, when I actually remembered to bring it! Oh lord, I even got the evil eye several nights from my kid when I forgot to bring the bag to the restaurants. I am not like my friend Lisa, super mom! She never forgot to bring the kiddie crafts stuff.




The bag also became a make-shift swim bag stuffed with a towel, goggles, swim cap etc when Keira was in NYC and headed to swim class boot camp with her cousins! More on that in a later post...

Thanks Jen for making such soft, fun and durable products! You can get your own Robot Girl doll and bag over at Ellie Bellie Kids' website: www.elliebelliekids.com
And don't forget to check out Jen's terrific blog Classic Play too!