Current Obsession: HAMILTON (Yay Hamlet!)

Lin-Manuel Miranda leading the November 25 Ham4Ham perfor­mance. Photo: Mark Peterson/Reduxpictures as seen in New York Magazine.  See Lenny in the bottom left corner? OK...half of her? :)

The soundtrack to Lin-Manuel Miranda's brilliant Hamilton has been on constant rotation in our house since early this Fall and I don't expect that to change any time soon.

If you haven't yet found yourself under the spell of this master and his masterpiece I've got some suggested viewing for you...

It all started at the White House in 2011. As Lenny would say, "prepare to be amazed":



The standing O from the President was prophetic.

A few years later, that became THIS:



And the press and mainstream success has been flooding in. Check out Lin's Wheel of Freestyle on the Tonight Show:



That day Lenny came home from school and told me she wanted to listen to Hamilton and paint abstracts. Parenting WIN. Click here to see 36 seconds of awesomeness.


And finally, on our recent trip to NYC at #Ham4Ham with Céline and Lenny.  MEGA exciting to be there and see Lin-Manuel in person.  Click here to check that out.

Yeah, this show hits a bunch of my sweet-spots, American History, Politics, Broadway and Hip Hop so it makes sense that it would speak to me. But it's genius seems to be nearly universally accepted. Which is such an exciting thing to witness.  Most exciting for me is, I think, feeling this excited by a piece of theatre again. I don't think I've felt this way in 20 years. It feels amazing to be completely consumed by a piece of art. I'm very grateful for the joy this show has given me.

Latest Obsession: Art from Minted

I get approached every week by various websites and businesses looking for me to do reviews or help them bring attention to their brands.  If I'm being honest, 9 times out of 10 I decline because, well, who has the time? Also, there are few things I like less than saying something phoney on this website in an attempt to help someone I don't know create buzz for a business I don't care about. I tried it a couple of times and it left a bad taste in my mouth.

But, oh, you guys. This week, I got an email from Minted. Once in a while a brand comes along that makes you stop what you were doing for half an hour while you pore over every inch of their website. Stop the digital presses, you yell to yourself, I have got to tell everyone about this place!

First and foremost, Minted is purveyor of fine stationary, invitations and the like. There are beautiful selections on the front page that would make any event planner or bride giddy.  But, you know, I ain't no event planner and nobody was invited to our wedding so I wasn't sure there was anything there for me.

Until I stumbled on their home decor and art.

Stop. The. Presses.

Minted brings you the best in indie design from a global community of artists and designers.   Yes, there are other ways to connect with artists in online marketplaces (I have lots of original art from Etsy on my walls) but from where I sit, nobody makes it easier than Minted. You like that piece? You can buy it! You want it framed? They'll do that! And then, they send it to your house! I know, I know, but I'm old enough to remember a time before online shopping and frankly, the miracle of it still surprises me sometimes.

Passive, a limited edition print by artist Kelly Ventura was the first piece to catch my eye.  It's available in a variety of sizes and price points with different options for frames, should you choose to have it framed.

I think we all know that this Foil Map of Louisiana by GeekInkDesign belongs in my house.

This photograph, Pining for Pineapples by Joni Tyrrell is so whimsical and fun. Besides, pineapples are so hot right now. (Related: check out my Pinterest board on Pineapples)

Minted boasts a fantastic selection of Typographic Art, pieces for nurseries (can you say shower gift?), custom art including these fabulous family trees and, perhaps my favourite, all these lovely mixed media works.

If you're looking for design inspiration, tips and even some free printables be sure to check out the Minted blog, julep.

Happy Shopping!

Beach Studio Tour: Spring 2015

It's Spring in the Beach, and even though it may not feel like it most days (hail, really?!?!), the yellow bikes are out and about, heralding the next Beach Studio Tour.  The Studio Tour celebrated their 20th anniversary this Fall and I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek. Needless to say, I'm hooked now! It's so inspiring to see all the amazing work being created in the neighbourhood.

Last night, Above Ground Art Supplies hosted a preview of the next tour where all the artists were in attendance.  Each of them had work displayed and was happily answering questions from guests about their mediums and inspiration.

It was a real treat to get a taste of the work that's going to be on display next weekend in these makers' homes and studios.  

To learn more, visit the Beach Studio tour website where you can find detailed bios of all the artists and information on their new passport system.

See you in the Beach!

Latest Obsession: Picasso Baby

Go ahead and lean on that shit Blue, you own it.



Can't get enough of Jay Z's performance art film for Picasso Baby.  If this doesn't make Sandra Gering a giant superstar there is no justice.

Lenny calls this one "Eat your heart out, Helen Frankenthaler".

Everybody in (washable) Paint!

This post is sponsored by GapKids. Check out all the fun Shine On activities at your nearest Gap store. For event dates and locations, visit Gap’s Facebook page and join the conversation on Twitter with hashtag #ShineOn.
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Last Saturday, Lenny, The Robeau and my niece Janet (who is a very talented art student) headed to the Eaton Centre to try our hands at some art at the GapKids Shine on Saturday event.  I was immediately struck by the fact that this felt like the Saturday mornings of my youth, crafting and creating art projects at the library. But with better lighting. And the option to shop!

The staff set us up right away with our supplies and Lenny didn't waste any time getting in there.

Up until this point, Lenny's medium of choice has been crayons, but she was so taken with the paint and all the different ways she could mix the colours.  Colour Blocking may have been the order of the day, but this kiddo was all about the blend.  

Everyone got in on the act, but this was really Lenny's masterpiece.

The Artist at work.

Someday, Janet will teach Lenny about the colour wheel.

The Robeau took a turn!

As for me?  I had so much fun, I immediately ran out and bought paint and brushes and a canvas so that I can try my hand at some geometric art!  I'll share some pics when I finally make the time to do it.

And here is Lenny's finished product, soon to be framed and hung on our dining room wall.  Thanks GapKids!

This month, select GapKids stores in stores in North America will host Shine On Saturdays events.  There are still two events in the GTA on the following dates at the following locations:


Saturday, August 18th - 10am - 1pm
GapKids at Yorkdale 
3401 Dufferin Street
Toronto, Ontario

Saturday, August 25th - 10am - 1pm
GapKids at Square One 
100 City Centre Drive
Mississauga, Ontario

Let me know if you make it out. I'd love to see your masterpieces!

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I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Shine On Saturdays!

This post is sponsored by GapKids. Check out all the fun Shine On activities at your nearest Gap store. For event dates and locations, visit Gap’s Facebook page and join the conversation on Twitter with hashtag #ShineOn.
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One of Lenny's favourite things to do is picking out what clothes she wants to wear in the morning.  I think she might have a future naming fashion designs - she's dubbed a beach coverup of mine with a Pucci inspired print my "happy bubble shirt" and she is the proud owner of several "pocket dresses".  The toddler's sudden and rabid interest in fashion has inspired me to try and step up my fashion game too.  Having a new baby threw me deep into yoga pant mode, but now that she has opinions about these things, even after this debacle, I've been, if not always on my A-game, pinning like I am.

That's why, when I was invited to attend the Gap Kids Shine On Saturday event here in Toronto I was excited. It promises to combine the fun of fashion and shopping with all of the crafty goodness I look at online but very rarely actually do in real life.  I think Lenny and I are in for a treat!

Merrilee Liddiard, the super-inspiring Designer behind the beautiful blog Mer Mag has created arts and craft projects for tots and their grown-ups to create in store!  We're looking forward to unleashing our inner artists with the projects that Merrilee created inspired by the GapKids and babyGap fall collection, including the best new 1969 denim - Jewel Box Skinnies for girls (the new skinny jean updated in bright stretchy denim) and Action Stretch Denim for boys (designed for play all day- it’s denim that’s made to move).  From creating geometric masterpieces on canvas using paint and tape and colourful, custom journals that older kids can use when they go back-to-school it sounds like more creativity is going to be expressed and on display than at your average trip to the mall!  How cool is that?

This month, select GapKids stores in stores in North America will host Shine On Saturdays events.  The Toronto events are happening on the following dates at the following locations:

Saturday, August 11th - 10am - 1pm
GapKids at The Eaton Centre
260 Yonge Street
Toronto, Ontario 

Saturday, August 18th - 10am - 1pm
GapKids at Yorkdale 
3401 Dufferin Street
Toronto, Ontario

Saturday, August 25th - 10am - 1pm
GapKids at Square One 
100 City Centre Drive
Mississauga, Ontario

I'd love to hear from anyone who made it out in our city (and of course see your creations)!

And now, to brighten your day (it is so gloomy in the Tdot today!) take a look at these AMAZING kids in action.  



I'll report back with all the details of the event for you guys, including our completed art projects.  I feel like a regular Elsa Klensch!  

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I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Don't push me 'cuz I'm close to the edge...

via Luca Barcellona

Etsy is Dangerous: Mike Oncley Edition

I just found some incredible prints from Long Island based artist Mike Oncley on Etsy.  Now I'm going to spend the whole weekend scheming about how I can justify purchasing everything in the Annie Hall Collection and how I'm going to have to redecorate the entire house to accommodate them all.  I love the use of colour, the typography vibe and how I can just feel those beloved characters jumping off the page.   Mike does Woody real justice here.  Which one's your favourite?  Do you have a favourite Woody Allen movie that you'd like to see given this treatment?

Other People's Stuff: words of wisdom from the interwebs

I have a thing for typography, It's all I can take not to fill all of my walls at home with it.  Seems to me, that with the rise of Tumblr, folks are creating lots of cool stuff on the fly.

I'm not on Tumblr.  I'm resisting.  Partly because, good grief, do I really need to be responsible for maintaining another corner of the internet? And partly because when I'm on Tumblr, I feel old.  Like, "everyone in this club is in their 2o's" old.  I don't like questioning my choice of foot wear.  I don't like saying things like "when did Ossington get so hip?" and that is, in a nutshell, why I am not on Tumblr.

Here are just a few neat-o things that I've come across in recent days that I've found inspiring and true in a creepy "get out of my brain" kind of way that I couldn't resist sharing.  Like the kids do when they "reblog" and whatnot.

Oh.  Feeling so old.  Anyway, enjoy!

I love this.  It looks so vintage and classic.  Thanks, www.ffffound.com

This one makes me simultaneously grumpy and hopeful.  Thanks, www.lottaagaton.blogspot.com

Brilliant.  Brilliant.  Brilliant.  The good folks at www.mincingmockingbird.blogspot.com have an Etsy shop too, be sure to check them out.

So this sums up my week so far. Word, www.misskaelovesyou.tumblr.com, Word.

www.shoeboxblog.com and Allyson, I heart you.

www.timetrotwithal.tumblr.com is smarter than I am.

Happy Birthday Marvin Gaye!

Today would have been Marvin Gaye's 70th birthday. I'd suggest celebrating by checking out this nine minute excerpt from the long out-of-circulation 1973 film, "Save The Children". The photography is amazing, Marvin is in perfect form (and a sharp dressed man to boot) and yes, that's James Jamerson on bass.

The art of irony.

Last week, Mo and I went to see an exhibit at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) featuring the photography of Ansel Adams and Alfred Eisenstaedt. There were some really amazing and inspiring works on display, but I have to say my favourite moment happened just outside the exhibit (click on this pic to make it bigger and get the...full effect).


No sense of irony at the AGO. None.