Hey guys, hope you're well!
A little heads up, I've decided to change this feature from "Links I Love Monday", to just "Links I Love", to give myself some more flexibility. I'm still finding ways to make blogging work for me, and fit into my life in an organic and authentic way.
I had a monster of a post that I prepared last week... and after editing photos, and carefully writing and editing, I decided not to share it. It was pretty personal in nature (about my vision + goals) and to be honest, I'm just not sure I'm ready/need to share it with the world.
What can I share with you though? Well today, some links! And this week - wedding photos! We received our hi-res images a few days ago, and I can't wait to re-live some of the memories with you.
Without further adieu.. here are some links + things I've been loving lately.
1) FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY
Images from My Name is Yeh (left) + DESIGNLOVEFEST (right)
Saying that I love food and photography is an understatement. It's no wonder that the combination of the two (when beautifully styled) has captured my attention. Maybe it's the time of year, but I'm fawning over moody shots of rustic platters, and wooden farm tables overflowing with the flavours of the season. If these images (Left: "The Anatomy of a Perfect Breakfast in Bed", My Name is Yeh, Right: "Cranberry Cream Cheese Muffins", DESIGNLOVEFEST) don't inspire you to get your butt into the kitchen, find something that does!
Browse the piles of pinned recipes on Pinterest. I tried this pasta dish from foodiecrush yesterday. Or how about scrolling through your instagram feed - @marte_marie_forsberg, and @local_milk, have swoon-worthy images. Feeling a little less digital? Skim the pages of a cookbook, flip through a magazine, watch Top Chef, go eat something...
The kitchen in my apartment isn't the best for photographs, but my parents have one that is flooded with natural light (not to mention the awesome countertops + cookware). I'm heading to Toronto in 2 weeks, and I plan to cook + style + shoot to my heart's content, all holiday long. Hearty soups, winter salads, gingerbread and trifle are on my list! What's on your, "I-gotta-make-this-list" this season?
2) BALSAM + CEDAR CANDLE BY ILLUME
It's definitely because I'm not working in retail this year, but I am SUPER excited about the holidays. If you're like me, and wishing December would get here quicker, fear not - don't wish all that time away! There's no better way to conjure up the cozy scent of Christmas/family/winter, than by lighting one of Illume's Balsam + Cedar candles. And hey, you can enjoy your favourite parts of the season, without looking crazy for putting up decorations a week after Halloween. Win!
I discovered these magical candles last year at a shop in the Junction called, The Beau & Bauble. Go say hi to Kate (the owner) if you're in the neighbourhood - she's curated quite the collection in her small space. I know I will be stopping by when I'm in town to see what other goodies she has in store. Remember to shop local this holiday (and always), friends!
3) READING LIST
Last week I was desperate for something to read. So I did what anyone would do - asked the internet. An old friend from university recommended Michael Pollan to me, and suggested I start with The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals. I also thought that, In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto, looked particularly interesting.
I am carefully crafting a reading list of ebooks to download for our upcoming travels (there are some long plane rides + layovers + lots of beach time in our near future), and I can't wait to delve into these two (and this one, and this one, and this one too)! I have been trying to make more of a conscious effort to be aware of what I am consuming, how it affects my body, and making more sustainable food choices. I am curious to read more about food + eating, and how they connect with society and culture. You can read more about Pollan and his work, here.
What books are on your reading list? Any suggestions for me?
4) ALEXANDRA GRECCO TULLE SKIRTS
Aren't these skirts just soooooo dreamy? Nothing exudes romance quite like layers and layers of tulle. A favourite of brides to be (for e-shoots), I first saw these Alexandra Grecco beauties gracing the pages of Style Me Pretty a few months ago. Well they are back (on SMP), and there is a giveaway + coupon code for 20% off!
To those of you who ask, "But when would you wear a giant tulle skirt, Alex? Is that a practical purchase?" My answer is ALL OF THE TIME and YES! Because a lady should feel like a princess/ballerina/twirly-skirted-goddess, whenever she wants. And I could definitely get used to falling into piles of tulle all day long. For those of you looking for something a little less pastel - the skirt looks gorgeous in black. Pair it with something sparkly, and Ms. Grecco has got you covered for all of your upcoming holiday fêtes!
5) MANDUKA WINTER LOOKBOOK 2014
Have you guys seen the Manduka Winter 2014 Lookbook? Maybe I'm a little biased, because I love my mat, but I thought that the lookbook was great. I know it's just a big ad for yoga mats... But if you have some extra time, spend a few minutes with Elena Brower + Manduka. Pour over beautiful images, a simple design aesthetic, and most importantly messages of love + gratitude.
Love yourself, love others, and your heart will be full + warm + bright on even the chilliest of winter nights.
Until next time...
Peace, love + grooviness,
Alex
