5 for 2011: The Second Check-Up

Back in January – oh so long ago – I created a list of 5 personal goals for 2011 (click here to read it). Near the end of the month, I posted an update here. I thought it’s now time for a second review of my progress.

1. Wear rings. Yes – I’m trying. For the past several weeks I have worn mainly this silver triple ring that I have had since highschool:

I bought this black sparkler from Banana Republic and wore it a few times:

Keeping my nails polished has been especially encouraging for my ring wear.

2. Embrace the cold weather. It’s still winter. It’s still cold. Darn. Although the sun has been peeking out more (in between the rain) which gives me hope that spring is in fact on its way, even if it’s on the slow train. I have basically been living in my UGGs and Hunter boots this winter. Thank goodness for warm and dry feet!

UGG & Hunter boots

I have also been happily enjoying my Sunday afternoons of curling. There’s an energetic and lively bunch of people in the club and it’s such a social sport! I recently scored this vintage curling sweater which keeps me fully warm and I think it brings me some good luck too!

3. Host more parties. It’s been a decent month of hosting. In the past several weeks, I’ve hosted brunch, dinner and a weekend guest (Johanne!).

4. Try new recipes. I’ve tried to make progress with this goal. Honestly. For one dinner, I turned to David Rocco for some help. I made this oh-so-delicious lentil soup and rucola & pear salad.

I also made these sugar-free muffins for a meeting. Pretty darn good – they didn’t taste sugar-free. They were also super quick and easy to make.

5. Learn more about London, Ontario. I have quite a bit to report on for this goal. Near the beginning of February I attended a talk at London Museum. I’ve lived in this city for almost three years and I had yet to go inside this awesome building. I’m glad I finally did because white is everywhere!

staircase at Museum London

I also attended Ignite London at the Aeolian Hall. What an evening of creativity and inspiration. I’m already looking forward to the next event.

I went to see The Comos play at the Old Victorian Tavern. Sax + bass + old school tunes = an awesome night out! I’ve seen The Comos play a few times now but visiting the Old Vic was a new experience for me.

Another new place I visited was Call the Office to see Montreal band Plants & Animals perform. It was a friend’s birthday and so the night was full of fun!

via

Finally, I went to watch a curling game at the John Labatt Centre (JLC). Two firsts for me. The Brier (a.k.a. Canadian men’s curling championship) has been in London for the last week and being the amateur curler that I am, I had to go check it out. Watching professional curling for the first time was great! I had also never been to the JLC before and I thought this was the perfect occasion to see what it was all about Oh, the excitement! (And yes, of course I wore my curling sweater!)

The Brier at the JLC, London

Oh gosh – what a long post that was today. Lots of updates for everyone and maybe a new place or two to check out if you’re ever in London, Ontario!

White in London

by Johanne

This past weekend I had the pleasure of visiting my friend and White Cabana creator, Jordana, in London, Ont.

It’s easy to see why Jordana has made London her home over the past few years- there is an abundance of white here!

Jordana was very encouraging as I practiced seeing white everywhere.

Here are some of my favourite white moments from my white weekend with Jordana:

Branches of raw cotton at London’s charming Market

Jordana checking out beautiful water at the Market

White detailing on the packaging of Dry Soda water

A white portable ethanol fireplace, $758

Gorgeous white leather office chair, $302 on sale

Caffé latté art at Coffee Culture

Pouffy bridal dress in store window for London’s princesses

More bridal dresses with white poufs!

Even the cars are painted white and topped with fresh snow in London!

White and classic black made-by-Jordana art

at Jordana’s lovely home

Delicious sushi with white rice and creamy white napkin

Going for a (wh)nite on the town!

Jordana knows white: white t-shirt, plate, table, etc.

at the local diner for brunch

Me, I see white but I’m not fully white – yet!-. Wearing bright pink

but I did order a white wrap with sour cream for brunch!

A white snowman and snowcat greeted me home

in Toronto upon my return

 

Thank you so much Jordana for a fantastic weekend! I love being on this white adventure with you!

xoxo

Johanne

5 for 2011: A Check-Up

A couple of weeks ago I posted 5 goals for 2011. I thought I’d update you on my progress.

1. Wear rings. This has been a bit of a challenge for me, mostly because I’m not in the habit of wearing them and I forget to put them on when I’m getting ready in the morning. However, here are some that I have worn since I set this goal:

Jordana’s rings: Sparkle, sparkle!

(from Banana Republic & Forever21)

2. Embrace the cold weather. Second goal. Second challenge. I’m trying. My friend Kate knit me a gorgeous white scarf. I love it and it’s definitely helping to keep me warm (thanks Kate!).

scarf by Kate

Jordana with scarf

3. Host more parties. I’ve hosted one dinner party (for eight of my friends) since 2011 began. I think this is a decent start. I even managed to put together little flower arrangements for the occasion:

floral arrangements & photo by Jordana

4. Try new recipes. For said dinner party (see #3), I tried two new recipes: 1. Mushroom crostini (similar to this recipe) and 2. Pasta Alla Formiana (by Giada de Laurentiis). I kind of burnt the tomato topping. Oops.

5. Learn more about London, Ontario. I haven’t necessarily learned more but I have supported the arts community. I went to the Aeolian Hall to see (and listen to) performances by Julie Doiron, Sunbear and Castlemusic. Very entertaining. Great venue.

photo by Jordana

Well, there you have it, my first update on my 2011 goals. Goal number 6: to keep updated my progress.

Exhibition: WhiteBox@, Kelly Wallace, & the Michael Gibson Gallery

Last week I headed over to the Michael Gibson Gallery in London, Ontario to check out the WhiteBox@ exhibit. I was intrigued when I heard (via twitter) about a miniature gallery all in white!

WhiteBox@ consists of two galleries housed in a white box that sits at eye level. Because it is located in the front window of the Michael Gibson Gallery, it can be accessed 24 hours per day.

inside the WhiteBox@ – photo via Michael Gibson Gallery

The work inside this miniature gallery at the moment is that of Kelly Wallace. The artist uses graphite, and many, many vertical lines, to explore “the relationship between replication and memory”.

photos via Michael Gibson Gallery

The detail on Kelly Wallace’s drawings are incredible. During my visit to the gallery, I was also able to snap some close-ups of Kelly Wallace’s large-scale works (remember – these drawings are made up of hundreds of thousands of vertical lines – unbelievable):

photos by Jordana

Kelly Wallace’s exhibition is on only until January 1st so be sure to get there soon! The WhiteBox@ will continue through June 2011. Free art for our viewing pleasure. We’re so lucky, right?

Photos by Jordana and via Michael Gibson Gallery.

Snow Days

We’re experiencing our second heavy snowfall today here in London. The whole city has basically shut down – the university is closed, shops are closed, and public transportation is only running for half of the day.

This afternoon I put on my Hunter boots and fleece liners (amazing!), wore layers of clothing, sported my furry chapeau and I braved the winter weather. Here is what (a mostly white) downtown London looks like today:

Victoria park is covered in snow

Snow covered trees in Victoria Park

St. Peter's Cathedral with a dusting of snow

St. Peter's Cathedral in white

p.s. For those of you who are curious – yes, I absolutely adore white. But that doesn’t necessarily mean I love the snow. It’s great to look at but it’s really not for me.

Images by Jordana.