heritage festival

Happy long weekend, friends!

I'll be spending all three days at Hawrelak Park with 300,000 of my closest friends, enjoying the sights, sounds and most importantly, the tastes of the 36th annual Heritage Festival. This three-day cultural extravaganza is, hands-down, my most favourite festival in the city.

62 pavilions representing 85 cultures. This festival is what Canada is all about - multiculturalism.

Check out the amazing menu, but be prepared to drool. This is a foodie's dream.

My first stop? Poffertjes at the Dutch pavilion. Poffertjes are tasty little pancakes dusted with icing sugar. After inhaling the lil'cakes, I'll go wherever my nose leads me.

Hope to see you there!

Dajana 

p.s. Please don't forget your non-perishable food donation for Edmonton's food bank! This weekend is their single largest annual food drive. Let's help them reach their goal.

staying dry and stylish

Edmonton certainly has had its fair share of rain this summer. It's been torrential downpour after downpour.  Is this current deluge getting me down? Nope, and how can it, when I'm wearing my lime green Joe Fresh wellies and carrying my humongous Big Bird brolly (I just love British words). These two items have the power to turn a grey, grim day into the most fun puddle olympics.

"The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful."
  E.E. Cummings

Although I'm a true puddle-lover, I'm hoping the sun makes an appearance soon as I'm taking in two outdoor events this weekend - the Edmonton Horticultural Society's Garden Tour and the Taste of Edmonton. I've never been on the Garden Tour before and am really looking forward to snooping in people's gardens (but with permission - ha!). I'm also excited to get my eats on and try some of the new items on the Taste of Edmonton menu, in particular, the lamb tostadas, seared bocconcini and grilled quail with pomegranate sauce. And, if I have any room left, I'll wash it all down with a mango lassi. Can't wait.

Have a lovely weekend, friends!

Dajana  :)

p.s. Check out these fun wellies and this Edmonton Journal story about brollies.

it's the little things...

 ... that make me happy. Like walking our choco-lab Lucy in Edmonton's bucolic river valley.

Surprisingly, I'd been deathly afraid of dogs for most of my life. And then I married a boy, who as a child, had dreamed of owning a labrador retriever. Ack! What was a girl to do? Well, this particular lady thought about it, dog ownership, that is, for quite some time. It took me about five years to feel comfortable with the idea of a dog. During this period of contemplation, every dog owner I knew would tell me that getting my own puppy would help me to get over my fear. And guess what? They were all right. Adding Lucy to our family was the best thing we could have done, and in fulfilling Scott's childhood dream, I also gave myself two incredible gifts - unconditional puppy love and freedom from a paralyzing fear!

To this day, I still wonder how it is that I - scaredy pants Dajana - became a dog owner. While walking Lucy, I'll often think to myself, "Holy cow! I can't believe I'm walking through a dog park, with my dog. This is so flippin' cool!"

Life can be full of such happy surprises when we're open to the possibilities.

Dajana 

shop talk: j.crew's coming to edmonton!

J. Crew devotees! It’s happy dance time for you. The iconic U.S. fashion retailer is set to open its doors in West Edmonton Mall in the summer of 2012.

For those who aren’t familiar with the J. Crew brand, here are some of the looks you will find.

Classic, polished, all American.

Indira Ikat Dress

Schoolboy blazer

Amie stripe maxi dress

Interestingly enough, some JC lovers may not be over the moon with this news. I was perusing the blog, J. Crew Aficionada and happened upon this comment: I love the fact that I don't see my clothes coming and going when I'm in Canada. The "exclusivity" factor is a big plus for me.

Whether you're feeling a happy rush or not, you can continue to shop the retailer's chic & casual wares online - until their #yeg arrival next year.

For more deetz on JC's second north of the border move, check out today's Edmonton Journal article.

Happy Monday friends!

Dajana

p.s. I'm really loving ikat lately, can you tell? ;)

anthropologie: friday finds

This may come as a shocker to you, but I haven't done a lot of shopping at Anthropologie lately. Heck, I'm even surprised. Frankly, their summer offerings have been less than inspiring, thus far.

But things may just be turning around, especially now that the July catalogue has arrived.

Take a look-see for yourself:

Colourblocked Sweater Skirt

Stride Style Dress

Helios Batik Midi

Pansy Corset Trench

These next few items didn't come with a petulant model:

Longwing Pullover

Fanning Scallops Pullover

Pixel Impressionist Shift



Essential Summer Shift



Whirligig Dress


Anything catch your eye? The Whirligig Dress is calling to me. It's got a lovely drape, comes in four colour ways - medium pink, lavender, deep orange and navy, and can also be worn with tights in the fall and winter months (Alberta ladies must consider the weather versatility of potential clothing items since we're snow bound for a very looong 6 months). I'll let you know if it ends up coming home with me. Yup, that's right. I'm going shopping. The boyfriend is out of town this weekend so I'm going to make my way to Anthro. It's easier to hide the bags when he's away. ;)

Happy Friday!

Dajana

fashion by the book

This Jane Austen classic has never looked so good. It makes the book nerd in me, very happy.

via kate spade

I, too, want to wear little black gloves while toting this darling clutch at a fancy schmancy soirée.


Now, if only this clutch didn't come with such a hefty price tag. 325 dineros? Not a chance. Although, if they were to make an Anna Karenina version, it'd be over.

Maybe one could find contentment with this much more affordable tchotchke, instead?

Happy Tuesday friends!

Dajana :)

p.s. Crafty ladies (which definitely excludes me) can try this amazingly simple tutorial on how to make a book purse, for yourself or your literary-minded ladyfriends. Go forth and craft!

my favourite eats: duchess bake shop

I'm stuffing myself with a raspberry white chocolate scone from Duchess Bake Shop. 



I'm also enjoying a tartiflette - a recent addition to the pâtisserie's offerings. This savory wonder includes layers of potatoes, onion, thyme and Gruyère on olive oil brushed focaccia. I swear to you, after my first bite of tartiflette, I thought I had died and gone to heaven.  I was literally transported to a magical potato-ey cloud, and my taste buds have never been happier.

I could eat this every day, it’s that good.



And the word nerd in me just loves the word tartiflette. Might be 'cause I'm in a French sort of mood after seeing Midnight in Paris last week. Oui, c'est ca!

Hope your Sunday is filled with all kinds of deliciousness too!

Dajana :)

p.s. Duchess is open on Sundays, so go!

at the cinéma: midnight in paris

I'm a real keener for Mr. Allen's most recent film, Midnight in Paris - a gorgeous love note to the City of Light.

My ladyfriends and I saw the quirky flick at the historic Princess Theatre last night. I didn't really know what to expect, as Mr. Allen's work can be a hit or miss with me, but I'm happy to report that it was a delightful flight of fancy. I can see why it was the opening film of the 64th Cannes Film Festival. C'est magnifique!

It stars Owen Wilson as Gil, an unabashedly likeable writer, and Rachel McAdams as his vacuous and materialistic fiancée, Inez. They travel to Paris on business with her wealthy parents and then the hilarity (and fantasy) ensues. Both actors fit their roles exceptionally well but Wilson is especially solid. Who knew the blond surfer-type dude could play such a sensitive soul?

The remaining cast is equally wonderful. There's Adrien Brody, Kathy Bates, Michael Sheen, Alison Pill, Carla Bruni and Marion Cotillard (seen below with Wilson), who has now usurped Rosamunde Pike as my new girl crush.  What can I say? I'm a sucker for a sexy accent. ;)



But enough about what I thought. Here's what my ladyfriends had to say:

~ Nathalie ~
What can I say? Paris is mon amour and this movie showed me why I love her. Every bridge, café, street, stairway, museum, just everything about this movie inspires you to go to my belle Panam. Owen Wilson was surprisingly entertaining. Rachel McAdams and Michael Sheen were wonderful even though I wanted to punch them throughout the movie. The storyline is fantastique. It takes you to unexpected places and introduces you to memorable people. My recommendation is to watch it in the Princess Theatre, with a group of lovely ladies. The ambience c’etait tres important.  Deux pouces en l’air.

~ Ayesha ~
Midnight in Paris has a dreamy, unpretentious sophistication to it that I really loved. I think, with much success, Woody Allen brings to life that question that most of us have been asked at one time or another: “If you could have dinner with any 4 or 5 people – living or deceased, who would they be?” To me, I know how I’d react meeting Vincent Van Gogh, Leonardo Da Vinci, Jane Austen, Coco Chanel or Robert Kennedy – all figures I adore and admire. (I know... that’s quite a list). I’d feel total euphoria, be completely amazed…in awe – I’d probably temporarily lose feeling in my legs. :-)

It’s quite a feat for Allen to craft a film that’s able to let the audience experience these very emotions as we get to see Gil, played by Owen Wilson meet his favorite heroes –  literary and artistic revolutionaries who helped to shape Paris’ character throughout its most inspiring eras. Wilson shines in this role. His down-to-earth, everyday-guy charisma adds so much to every scene he’s in – giving the entire movie a lightness and charm that you’ll really love as the viewer. You’ll also like the beautiful cinematography and witty dialogue –  and Carla Bruni…Can you say, ‘girl crush?’ :-)

~ Patrycia ~
The movie was lovely and sweet. Now I want to go see Paris! I loved how Woody Allen brought the characters to life. Salvador Dali was my favourite. I would love to go back in time to meet him. What the movie said to me is that we have to make the best of every day and if we’re unhappy, to change things. And, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, maybe just a little bit less yellow and only for a short time. ;-)

And my friend Misty saw Midnight in Paris...in Paris! Lucky lady.

~ Misty ~

Midnight in Paris is kind of like a cinematic amuse-bouche, whetting your appetite for a trip to the French capital with its charming dialogue, screwball characters and lush settings. It’s travel porn at its most euphoric. Seeing the movie in Paris – at the theatre featured in the opening credits, no less – felt at once mischievous and luxurious. It was fun to see the locals’ response to the film, and to hear where we were obviously missing inside jokes (one particular cameo thrilled the audience at our screening, but I never did figure out why). I loved this highly literate darling of a film, which is ultimately a parable about appreciating the past without trying to relive it.

~

Thanks ladyfriends! Very nicely done. I got me some smart friends y'all.

Now, go and see the movie peeps! It is the weekend, after all. Make it a happy one.

Dajana :)

styling the weekend: girls trip!

Friends, I have something monumental to tell you. I finally met the man of style himself, Clinton Kelly. Yes, I did! And he was just as fun and fabulous in person, as he is on What Not to Wear.



image via getdown.ca


Remember when I wrote about Clinton's much-heralded visit to Calgary here and here? Shortly afterwards, my friends Ayesha, Nathalie, Kat, and I bought tickets for the June 18th hootenanny, and then we were off on our styling the weekend girls trip!



Kat, me, Ayesha & Nathalie

 I asked my ladyfriend Ayesha to share some of her fav moments. Here they are in no particular order of wonderfulness:

• The fierce/excited/giddy foursome depart the Budget Rent-a-car office in Edmonton, ready to head on the QE2 and get the stylish job done. But then… what happens?… they merge onto Calgary Trail and turn into Starbucks two minutes later.
• Opening the door to our amazing hotel room at Hôtel Le Germain – it was spacious, beautifully decorated in a modern chic style – and the duvet cover and the bed itself were so cozy and comfortable. We were impressed! (Dajana: I fell asleep minutes after my head hit the fluffy pillowy goodness. It was pure linen love.)

• Driving around looking at posh homes in the Mission Hill area of Calgary, singing along to Madonna classics like, "Holiday," and "Express Yourself." We were on a high after eating delectable desserts at the fantastic Tango Bistro that evening.
• Dajana taking action in her Take Action Anthro dress so we could meet Clinton and asking him a respectable/good question! She introduced us girls to him, and he smiled at us warmly. It was priceless. (Dajana: Yes, I waved my arms around madly trying to get his attention & was successful in bringing him over to where we were seated. Yay! Mission accomplished.)



What to Wear when meeting Clinton Kelly - can you spot the Anthro pieces?

• Also priceless – Clinton taking an oath at the end of his presentation, and beginning it by saying, "I, Clinton Kelly, the fabulous..." We couldn’t agree more. Funny and down-to-earth, he was well worth the trip and the investment in some quality girlfriend time. Thanks, Mr. Kelly for bringing us together.  (Dajana: Couldn't have said it better myself - thanks Ayesha! Take a bow ladyfriend - you did good. You come back now, y'hear?)

Shopping on 17th Ave. We made a necessary stop at Purr.

It's pretty clear that we had an amazing time, right?! I honestly can not remember the last time I laughed so flippin' hard. These ladies were solid travel companions (for example: my roomie Kat graciously volunteered to style my hair & she also helped me decide on what shoes to wear). In fact, we had such a good time there's talk of an October trip to Calgary. We hear it's quite lovely there in the fall. ;)

Ciao for now friends!

Dajana  xoxo

p.s. Wanna see where we ate? Sure thing, meet me back here for some delish food pics.

decor: oh canada!

Happy 144th birthday Canada! Je t'aime beaucoup.

Looking to add a touch of the true north into your own home? Check out this décor a la Canadiana.

This map of Canada is made up of typography. I like its simplicity. It's also available in slate.
via boldandnoble

Heart marks the spot!
via LilyGene

Cariboo-tiful!
via paige russell

A native tradition gets a modern makeover with these ceramic stackable mugs by Canadian designer Rob Southcott.
via drake general store

This art print of Montreal is based on the city grid but is drawn using only vertical lines. Want!
via studiokmo

My city: Edmonton! Isn't this skyline print bright and fun? There's heaps more to see at this etsy shop.
via birdAve

I love the way a crafty beaver has gnawed a delightful design into this stoneware vase.
via paige russell

Canadian softy!
via NicoleTarasick

Wishing all of my northern friends a fabulous Canada Day long weekend!

The husband and I are going camping - a quintessential (and oh so fun) Canuck activity.

Banana boats, here we come!

Dajana :)