MOVEMBER CANADA AND THE POWER OF THE MOUSTACHE!! | IT'S A NEW DAY | Nov 4

It is simply amazing the power that a moustache can have!

We are one week into Movember. For those of you that are not familiar with Movember;  it is a global movement which encourages men to grow a moustache for the 30 days of November to raise awareness of men's health issues particularly prostate and testicular cancers as well as mental health challenges.
 

The Movember Foundation is focused on living with and beyond cancer, staying mentally healthy and living with and beyond mental illness.  Mo (short for moustache) Bros begin the month without any facial hair and then grow and groom their Mo for the remainder of November while requesting donations from family and friends to donate to this very worthy cause.
 

Mo Sistas are the women that support the Mo and encourage the Mo Bros in their lives. They participate in fund raising activities and do basically everything that the Mo Bros do without growing a MO. Some women have decided to grow their underarm hair in support of the Mo for the month of November. I applaud their dedication to the movement.
 

  Here are the official Rules from Movember.org 
 

1. On Shadowe'en (October 31st), the complete moustache region, including the entire upper lip and the handlebar zones, must be completely shaved.
2. For the entire duration of Movember (Movember 1st - 35th inclusive), no hair shall be allowed to grow in the goatee zone - being any facial area below the bottom lip.
3. There is to be no joining of the moustache to sideburns.  
4. Failure to conform to all of these rules may, at the discretion of the official Movember Committee, result in instant blacklisting and may void invitation to the end of Month festivities (this year lip-marked for Movember 35th!)
5. Movember Committee accepts no responsibility for lost jobs, rashes, food/beer encrustments or any other such mishaps caused to the wearer (or his partner) of a Movember Moustache. You grew it yourself.

  

Some Mo Inspiration...

 

photos | courtesy of Google

 

 There is still time to sign up for Movember. Register here. 

 

HAPPY MOVEMBER!!

Soulier Design Studio specializes in Sustainability, Eco Friendly Design, Products and Lifestyle http://www.soulierdesignstudio.com 

MONTREAL - GALERIE YOUN, GREAT FOOD, ART EXHIBITS | KICKING BACK ON THE WEEKEND | APRIL 25

What an absolute BLAST!!

I very much enjoyed an exciting trip to Montreal this past weekend with my husband and daughter.  We were invited to attend a Gala Event at Galerie Youn in downtown Montreal where my son, Jamie Bradbury's work is currently on exhibit. Jamie a Visual Artist, recently moved from London, England to Montreal and Saturday night was the Gala Opening for his show.

The founder and director of the gallery is Juno Youn, who also co-founded and directed SPIN Gallery in Toronto (Ontario) from 1999 to 2007 prior to moving to Montreal, Canada.  Galerie Youn represents several contemporary artists from around the world and participates in various art fairs and exhibitions each year.

GALERIE YOUN

Jamie's work primarily explores race, globalization and multiculturalism through the use of drawing, painting, sculptural installations, and writing.  He recently lectured at McGill University and will be participating in a conference at Oxford University in London, England in July and then he is off to a residency in Atina, Italy. Not long ago, Jamie was shortlisted for the Jerwood Prize curated by Photoworks. Some of his works are held in private and public collections such as the National Portrait Gallery of Canada. 

Jamie Bradbury - Visual Artist

Here is a couple of his pieces from the past few years that are not in his current Exhibition at Galerie Youn.
    

                                                                      Graphite (Pencil) on paper  

Learning from the Master - This watercolour painting is of himself viewing a spectacular piece in a gallery.

  

Fritz - Another watercolour painting

(Ok, I am a very proud Momma bragging about her VERY talented son !!)

Anyway, back to the event it was a huge success with a lot of media coverage and was highly attended despite the torrential rainfall the entire day and evening.  Fabulous wine, hors d'oeuvres, music and wonderful conversation with so many new acquaintances were the highlights of this spectacular night.

Unfortunately, this weekend very boldly reiterated that my 7 years of French study in school didn't stick; my French is totally non existent!!

As mentioned, Saturday it poured rain the entire day and unfortunately we did not get out to see the sites as we had intended. It has been many years since I visited Montreal and I remember just loving Old Montreal and really wanted to visit again.  So we drove around Old Montreal site seeing which is by the way, sheer decadence for the eyes! I can certainly see why it is a major tourist attraction. Beautiful cafes, restaurants and wonderful shops line the gorgeous streets.

The architecture and cobbled streets are breathtaking and have been restored/maintained to preserve the look and feel of its days as a settlement. Many of the buildings date back to the 17th century. The lovely horse-drawn caleches or carriages certainly help retain the feeling of days gone by.  Simply Amazing!

Here are a few images that I snapped with my Blackberry this weekend, highlighting some of the exquisite Architecture 

 Enjoy! 

If you have not had the pleasure of visiting Montreal, I would highly recommend it but there are just a few tidbits of important information that I would like to share with you before you go........

There are no right turns on a red light, the green flashing light is at the end instead of at the beginning and I recommend, you will thank me for this one, that if you do not know how to speak/read French that you bring along an English/French dictionary. This will assist you in reading the parking signs that are everywhere. We ended up with a $53.00 ticket because we parked in a permit parking only zone. My husband was seriously ticked!!!

I actually cannot wait to return to Montreal again and this trip has inspired me to take up French. I signed up for Duolingo recommended to me by Jamie my son. You can learn several different languages in Duolingo. It is a very effective language learning tool which is completely free with no hidden fees.

So far, I have completed a french lesson each day since my trip and surprisingly, after all these years of not speaking any French whatsoever, I actually have retained more French that I thought.  Love it!!

à bientôt 

(Bye for now)

Soulier Design Studio specializes in Sustainability and Eco Friendly Design, Products and Lifestyle
Please visit us at http://www.soulierdesignstudio.com

FIRST DAY OF SPRING - WE WELCOME YOU WITH OPEN ARMS! | IT'S A NEW DAY | MARCH 20

OH yeeeeeeeeessssss, Spring officially arrived today at 12:57pm EST.
 

That is the good news, however, the bad news is that there is still piles and piles of snow in my back and front yards and it is still freeeeeeezing! Here in the Toronto, Ontario, Canada area, we have set some new records weather-wise with 89 days of snow this winter so far; apparently, it's not over. Old man winter just won't pack his bags. It has been a really long one and it has been exceptionally dreary.

Despite the white stuff all over the yards, one thing we know for certain is that beautiful sunny, warm days are peeking around the corner and very, very soon, after wearing them day after day for what seems an eternity, we will be shedding our heavy winter coats, boots, scarves, gloves and hats. When that day comes, I will be dancing in the streets!!

Since spring is a time of renewal, growth and new life, you will notice a huge positive upward, refreshing shift in the energy in your home by practicing this same shedding. I don't know about you, but I am itching to spruce up my home after the very long winter season with some spring/summer touches and bright vibrant colours.  I simply can't wait to store away the heavy winter throws, change up the decorative cushions from the dark earthy tones to ones with more cheery hues, add some fragrant fresh flowers to the tables and bust open all the windows for some fresh air.

Here's hoping that some springtime inspiration for your home will get you into the decorating mood!

Starting with some fabulous cheery furnishings......


I am crazy about this lime green banquette. photo courtesy of Google

Wow, this gorgeous rich orange velvet bed is a show stopper!

If you would prefer something with a more beachy, cool feel this amazing tufted bed is for you!

Now for a few accessories ...

Here's a great plum jar lamp topped with a fresh linen shade to add a splash of spring into your room.

A lovely and elegant Tortoise Glass Table Lamp

This brightly coloured throw cushion would brighten up any room

I just had to add this pillow. This was my favourite song when I was a little girl.  

This hand-tufted wool rug's pattern gives this piece an exotic feel, but it's neutral background allows it to fit into any decor. 

photo courtesy of Google

the most beautiful accessory of all; compliments of mother nature ...

Happy Spring!

All furnishings from One Kings Lane one of my affiliates.

For further information about these products, there is a picture link on this page.

Soulier Design Studio specializes in Sustainability and Eco Friendly Design, Products and Lifestyle
Please visit us at http://www.soulierdesignstudio.com

ECO - FRIENDLY GIFT WRAPPING WITH KRAFT PAPER | KICKING BACK ON THE WEEKEND

 

At this time of the year with so many things to do before the big day, it is really hard to KICK BACK ON THE WEEKEND and relax. It is so important to try and carve out just a little time for yourself so that you don't get too overwhelmed and stressed out! 

If you are anything like me, you still have Christmas shopping, baking, menu planning, decorating  and gift wrapping still on your to do list. Trying to be sustainable and reduce waste at this time of the year can definitely be a challenge. There are hundreds of thousands of gorgeous wrapping papers to choose from. Then you have so many design magazines suggesting that you must coordinate your Christmas wrapping paper to your décor and tree in order to have a well dressed home for the holidays!

Sure all this gift wrap looks amazing under the tree but there are definitely more eco friendly choices that are not so wasteful and chances are most of this commercial gift wrap contains metals or plastics and therefore are non-recyclable.

I have started to use recycled brown Kraft Paper and boxes for my gifts and I have noticed that it is becoming increasingly popular. I love this paper; it is super strong and very inexpensive.

With a few creative touches added to your gift such as ribbon, pine cones, cedar branch tips, boxwood or any nature-inspired treasures you can find, not only will you have a beautiful creative package to give but one which has the environment in mind.

Some inspiration ... Enjoy!

Photos | courtesy of House and Home and Pinterest


So put on some Christmas music, pour yourself a glass of wine, sit in front of the fire and wrap away!

Happy Wrapping!!

Soulier Design Studio specializes in Sustainability, Eco Friendly Design, Products and Lifestyle http://www.soulierdesignstudio.com 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO OUR FRIENDS SOUTH OF THE BORDER | IT'S A NEW DAY | NOV 28

Wishing all our friends south of the border a Happy Thanksgiving today!

 

May you be surrounded with an abundance of family, friends and love.

 

 

 

Soulier Design Studio specializes in Sustainability, Eco Friendly Design, Products and Lifestyle http://www.soulierdesignstudio.com  

 

SOOOOO CUTE - THIS WILL MAKE YOU SMILE ! | IT'S A NEW DAY | NOV 26

 

It is pretty dreary and cold these days and I thought you could use a smile to perk you up.

 

I just had to post this picture today.  

 

How could anything be so cute? Yes it is a real dog!  

 

You are smiling aren't you?

 

 

Have a great Tuesday!!

Soulier Design Studio specializes in Sustainability, Eco Friendly Design, Products and Lifestyle http://www.soulierdesignstudio.com
 

PLEASE LOOK UP FROM THAT PHONE!!!! | IT'S A NEW DAY | NOV 15

I would be completely lying if I said I didn't like Technology. I do and I am sure you do as well. Technology has added luxury and has absolutely brought benefit to our lives. 

Being an information, constantly wanting to learn kind of gal, I love the fact that access to any information I desire is right at my fingertips.  Conversely, I do feel that there is also a downside or side effects of Technology one of them being that it is curbing our capability to pay attention and that we are losing our human connection. So many people have been killed or seriously injured because they were walking across the street mindlessly like a zombie texting and were hit by a car.

This pic was part of an article I saw this morning.

Does this picture look familiar to you? Can you relate?

The article went on to say that the worst part is - that they are probably texting the people walking in front of them.  How sad is that? I have heard so many times people saying that they text their family members that are in the next room of their house. It is like our lips are painted on or we have forgotten how to communicate with people unless it is in the form of an email/text. 

Quick story; recently I had a scheduled meeting with a colleague.  Within a minute of our meeting starting and in the middle of me speaking, his phone beeped indicating the receipt of a text. He pulled his phone out of his breast pocket to read his text, chuckled and then responded back.  At this point, I was in utter shock and really could not believe how anyone could be so rude.  He finished his text and I resumed speaking when his phone beeped again. Once again he started reading his text and responding back like I was a mirage.  At this point, I got up and walked out of his office.  He looked up from his phone and yelled out to me, "Wait, where are you going".  I replied, "are you kidding me? My time is valuable and I didn't schedule this meeting to watch you text.  Goodbye."

This stuff just boggles my mind.  This ignorant jerk guy was basically standing in his office scratching his head wondering why I was leaving. Unbelievably, it didn't even occur to him that his behavior was RUDE.

I have often observed two people out for dinner and ignoring each other because they were completely obsessed with their phones. What is the point of going out for dinner with someone just to eat, not interact or engage in conversation and just play with your phone? You may as well be sitting with a complete stranger!

Has our culture forgotten about deportment, manners, etiquette, social graces? Does anyone even have a vague idea of what they are anymore?

Technology is fabulous but we should use it wisely and not when spending quality time with family and friends.

Please look up from that phone ....

Have a great day!

Soulier Design Studio specializes in Sustainability, Eco Friendly Design, Products and Lifestyle http://www.soulierdesignstudio.com 

TROPICAL INSPIRATION | IT'S A NEW DAY | NOV 14

Good Morning!

 

I try to live my life thinking positively as I am sure you do as well, but sometimes life's challenges get in the way.  Maybe you are bogged down at work and don't think that you will ever conquer that ever growing pile of work on your desk, maybe someone close to you is experiencing some difficult health issues or maybe you just feel stressed from the daily grind and are exasperated.

 

All of us can use a little motivation and inspiration once in a while to help us navigate life's hurdles we encounter along the way.

 

Personally, I am due for a lovely holiday and because I love warmth and the sunshine something tropical sounds pretty good right now!

 

 

Some Inspiration for you...... Enjoy!

 

 

photo | courtesy of this is paper

 

 Soulier Design Studio specializes in Sustainability, Eco Friendly Design, Products and Lifestyle http://www.soulierdesignstudio.com

TYPHOON HAIYAN FUND NEEDS SUPPORT | IT'S A NEW DAY | NOV 13

 

Typhoon Haiyan Fund

 

As you know, the impact of Typhoon Haiyan storm has been colossal.  This typhoon is one of the most powerful, monsterous storms to have hit the area in the Philippines, has caused severe damage, flooding and landslides.  

 

Thousands and thousands of lives have been taken, an infinite number of people are without food and water, homes or shelter and are struggling to survive. 

 

The Philippine Red Cross has been working with emergency officials and has mobilized their teams to support rescue efforts by authorities.

 

 

 

The Canadian Red Cross is providing additional support with supplies and personnel.

 

If you would like to donate to the Typhoon Haiyan Fund, please call 1-800-418-1111. Donations are also accepted at any Red Cross office across Canada or online at this link.

 

 Soulier Design Studio specializes in Sustainability, Eco Friendly Design, Products and Lifestyle http://www.soulierdesignstudio.com

 

DELICIOUS MINTY SUNSHINE JUICE | IT'S A NEW DAY | NOV 12

Yikes!  I just looked out my window and it is very lightly snowing. 

It is dreary, cold and there is no sun to be found.

 

Here is a really great way to add some Sunshine to brighten your day!

 

Minty Sunshine Juice ... Enjoy!

 

 

photo and recipe | Jason Vale Juice Master

 

Recipe

Juicy Oranges x 2 (peeled but with the white pith on)
Dark Carrots x 3 medium
Fresh Ginger Root x ½ cm chunk
Fresh Mint x 4 sprigs
Ice Cubes x 1 small handful

Peel the oranges, remembering to leave the white pith on - as this is where the majority of the nutrients are to be found. Juice the oranges, carrots, ginger and gorgeous mint - pour the juice over ice. Blend for 30 seconds, pour and enjoy.

 

Soulier Design Studio specializes in Sustainability, Eco Friendly Design, Products and Lifestyle http://www.soulierdesignstudio.com

 

 

ECO-FRIENDLY WARM, WONDERFUL, WOOL

I love, love, love Wool. Probably has to do with the fact that I am always freezing.  Basically, it's the time of year when all I want is to curl up by the fire with a warm wool blanket and wait out the winter.

Pure, natural wool has been used for centuries for it's warmth and comfort in both hot and cold climates. For snugly warmth and long-lasting durability, you simply can’t beat pure wool. 

Contemporary or traditional wool is timeless.
 

Did you know that wool has natural air filtering properties and is naturally non-allergenic?? Wool does not provide nutrients for bacteria or dust mites or promote mold growth.

Due to it's many unique attributes, wool gives superior performance to man made fibres, making it the perfect Eco-friendly choice.

Wool is a renewable fiber and grows continuously on a sheep's back all year round. During summer, the wool from New Zealand sheep is removed and the sheep return to their pasture.

Under the right conditions, wool is totally biodegradable. If returned to the ground or landfill, a wool blanket will decompose leaving no harmful residues.

Here are some beautifully made luxurious throws and blankets.  As you can see, they come in a wide array of styles and patterns.

  

 

photos - courtesy of Fine Textures

An easy way to add some Eco-Friendly luxury to your home

Soulier Design Studio specializes in Sustainability, Eco Friendly Design, Products and Lifestyle http://www.soulierdesignstudio.com