leave the day free

2012-02-02T05:16:00.000-08:00

Hey, what's going on?

I am snuggled up in bed with a trash bin next to me filled to the brim with tissues. Glamorous, right? Husband got sick and as is the usual, I took his cold away from him. He is now quite fine and I am feeling like death. Of course, there are always pluses to being sick - like snuggling my puppy and watching movies. Or in my case, searching youtube for a bunch of random different how-to videos & vintage goodness.

I stumbled upon this video & have came across this site before, but haven't seen this video until now.

TURBANS issue title is WAYS AND MEANS

I am now in need of getting a bunch of gal pals together to have a turban fashioning date. I doubt I'd ever sport one in public but it'd be fun to try them out. Ohhh ladies, I don't have enough of them in my life.

The other night, I finally watched the 1931 version of Dracula. Have you seen it? Have you have you have you? If not, go watch it now! Run! Hop! Skip! It was brilliant. The feel of it, the music that played through most of the film (Made it feel like a silent film at times), Bela Lugosi!! Beeeautiful.

Grand-maman

2012-01-23T12:33:00.000-08:00

These days have been a mix of snow and warm weather and rain. Mother nature has decided to have many mood swings this year, it seems. On some of the colder days, I decided to look up some patterns for knitted headbands/turbans, as I don't really have a hat that keeps the cold out - kind of a problem, I'd say.

So I found this pattern online but I thought to myself, hey now - do I really need to purchase it? It seems pretty straight forward. I am nowhere near being a decent knitter, but I know a simple ribbing pattern when I see it. Toss in a few increases & decreases & you have yourself an ear warmer. I decided to give it a try and after scribbling on a paper for a while, I figured out where to place my increases (The time it takes me to do simple math is rather embarrassing, but I blame my left handedness!)

After watching a few wonderful how-to videos on how to hold my yarn (Errr...No, I haven't been knitting like a child would up 'til now...) my ear warmer was knit up rather quickly! I wanted to murder the seaming process (I made 4 attempts, by jove!) and learned a few things from my mistakes. Can't tell if I should keep it or just make another attempt at it. Thoughts?

Camera one...

...camera two (Wayne's World references, anyone?

Don't mind the drab face. I feel awkward staring at a camera if nobody is taking the photo.

In other news I have begun to watch Downton Abbey. Am in love so far, but holy moly does it have to be so damned emotional?? I'm certain it's sponsored by tissue companies, all the tears that fall when viewing the show have to be caught and cleaned up somehow! I don't actually even cry when watching it...but if I let myself...yikes.

For now,
G xx

1960s Dreams

2012-01-08T20:01:00.000-08:00

"Valley of the Dolls", have you seen this film? If not, go watch it, now! Especially if you have a love for all things 1960s outfits, makeup & hair. To be a girl in that time, how did they have such perfectly voluminous hair? It's magic, I tell you. The movie is rather terrible with a lot of overacting on Patty Duke's part (Urgh, her acting as a whole is just...not...good...although I really loved the bit where she goes on about boobies). I laughed a little when I found out that her son is Sean Austin (Samwise Gamgee!) because let's face it, he's not a very good actor, either (Although I do adore him in Lord of the Rings, because I am a huge nerd like that).

I fell in absolute love with Sharon Tate...what a beauty she was. Wow, wow, wow. I am seriously crushing on women these days. It's kind of lovely to be able to appreciate another woman's beauty without feeling the need for jealousy, etc. And where better to get hair and makeup tips than from old films? Even if I can never really recreate the looks.

I also watched "The Stepford Wives" which yet again, was wonderful to watch for the two main ladies. I loved their attitudes & their independence; their unwillingness to fit a gender role. The lack of makeup and casual clothing was also a treat. It made me realize, being a lady is a pretty lovely thing if you don't get caught up in all the silliness of it all (Competition, unrealistic weight goals, la la la...) These thoughts all sort of tied in to my goal of not buying any clothing this year. I want to be comfortable with who I am, and I want to reinforce that who I am is very independent of the clothing I wear/buy!

So Christmas part two is done, I had a marvelous time playing with my niece and nephew all night, to the point that my husband's uncle couldn't stop commenting on how good I was with children. Is it true? Or am I just a big kid? Hrrm..regardless, it was sweet. However, my face is all blotchy and pimple-y and screaming, "NO MORE CHOCOLATES!!!!" So, starting tomorrow, it's all water and fruit and veggies and a diet that consists of other things besides chocolate and peanut butter toast.

Love and vegetables,

G. xxx

Happy Christmas!

2011-12-25T09:56:00.000-08:00

Happy Christmas darlings!

May your holidays be filled with piles of chocolate, cheese, breaded goodness and more chocolate. I can feel my body becoming more round but tis the season to be jolly!

Last night we celebrated Christmas Eve with some very special friends. The host made empanadas and I am ashamed to say it was the first time I'd ever tried them! They were one of the most delicious things I have ever eaten in my life (Ground beef, olives, chopped up egg, spices, fried outer goodness!) Oh man oh man. I need to learn how to make them some day. Or maybe not, they could become a very bad habit.

While it doesn't exactly feel very Christmas-y this year, I enjoy spending the hours with good conversation & good friends! And with Danny Elfman...boy oh boy can he make a good Christmasy soundtrack to a film (Ahem, Family Man anyone? That movie makes me teary every time).

Happy Christmas!

2012 Goal

2011-12-17T13:01:00.000-08:00

So I'm making this promise to myself, as crazy as it is, to try to do something for all of 2012. That crazy plan is this: No new clothing (Unless somehow sent to me via magical fairy!) for the entire year (Minus necessities).

I have done a really poor job at limiting myself over the years and I am rather disgusted with myself. There's so much sadness in this world, so many people that don't even have clothes to wear, and there I am scouring the internet for that "perfect velvet dress" or that "perfect coat" but really, it never ends...it just keeps being replaced. There's always something more that I want. So what better way than to cut myself off entirely? I need to learn how to value what I already have. I am so lucky and am nowhere near lacking nice things. It's just that I tire of them so quickly, but maybe that's why. I have too much. I don't appreciate the clothing I do own. People in the past had only a few outfits and took such good care of them. I want to take pride in the things I own and not take them for granted. I know that may sound absurd, but I'm tired of this disposable world we've grown to accept and be part of. My grandparents were both tailors, made all of their/our outfits by hand and would always reinvent them if ever they grew tired of the style. I hope to one day be like them (A lot of sewing classes are needed, but they can wait!)

For now, I'm going to practice being a new me. A person who appreciates what they own, and who realizes the difference between "Wanting" and "Needing" something.

Do you have any goals for 2012? I have a feeling that a great year lies ahead :)

G xxo

Zit Remedy

2011-12-06T05:01:00.001-08:00

betty, originally uploaded by Stephane and Stephanie.

More Betty dresses, more smiles. The 1950s have consumed me, all I need is an apron and I'm set for baking and cooking the days away.

(Points up: Zit remedy! Remember Degrassi High? You know, the original? Am I dating myself here? Probably...)

So it's winter here in Canada only it's not, and I'm gloomy. The days have been rainy with one brief glimpse of snow. I'm supposed to be living in "The Great White North" but there's no white fluffy goodness to be found. It feels like that scene in Home Alone 2 when the family goes on a Christmas vacation only to be greeted with rain. Boo. I forever will be a five year old when it comes to Christmas, and am having a hard time getting into the spirit of things when the weather is warm and wet. For now, I will have to live my snowy days through Christmasy desktop wallpapers. Keeping it classy...

SO LADIES...I have a question for you regarding SKIN CARE! Has anyone used "Rosehip oil" for their face? I hear it works wonders but have yet to try it. Am looking for opinions, though! My face has been so wonky lately. Red marks, pimples that won't go away, an overall 'old' look to it. What happened to the shiny face of my youth?! I shouldn't complain as it's not horrendous or anything, but I just find that nothing I do works these days. Any tips, loves? I'd be most grateful!

With love and more,
G

My god, there's people coming out of your butt!

2011-11-25T08:53:00.001-08:00

Higgins dressed for the weather (Just for the record, I loathe his collar and plan to buy him a new one for Christmas. He looks like he belongs in the Village People!)

A virtual hug for anyone who can tell me what that line *Points up to title* is from.

Hi chickens (This term sounds much cuter coming out of the mouths of older women),
How is the month of November treating you? I am snuggled up in bed and still cold (And it's only six degrees outside, something tells me I will be crying once the "minus" temperatures make their little way over here).

Recently I've watched the documentary "Grey Gardens". Anyone else get sucked into the lives of these two socialites turned recluse? It was absolutely depressing how little Edie went back home to take care of her mother, abandoning all her dreams. You can see photos of the women here. I felt awkward after I watched it, but now I find that I end up saying things like Little Edie (That accent of hers is just too good). She was a fashionista, I'll give her that. Made me want to want to wear a man's shirt as a skirt and then as a cape afterwards if it tickled my fancy (Seriously, just watch it for her. You won't be disappointed).

Brother bear & I in the corn maze, husband being a creepy shadow. It was so bright that day, and my eyes would tear up when it was facing me! Also, sun washed - I am not that snow white!
In non fashion news, husband, brother bear & I went to a farm to get lost in a corn maze one day before Halloween. It was a lot of fun, even though I trailed along behind my brother and husband while they searched for the clues on the map. They were both geniuses at directions while me? I just filled out the clues on the sheet once we found them. After we completed the maze, we went to the bakery shop on the farm and bought coconut, maple, pecan and toffee tarts. Mmmmm. Then we drove our tired selves to a Chinese restaurant, gobbled up spicy food & hubby & I ended the night with a viewing of "Horror of Dracula". Christopher Lee as Dracula is a beautiful thing, we really loved the feel of the film, the music and well, the clothes.

Sherlock Holmes-ing

Hoooraaay, we didn't die!

Documenting more findings about vampires stylishly in a full piece velvet suit with a pinky ring. This is how all note taking should be done.

What's that? You love my perfectly poofy velvet cape and fur muff? Why thanks, I like your velvet, too.

Something doesn't feel right here but at least I can take comfort in the fact that I look amazing.

In fashion news, my gal pal Cat is having a 20% off sale at her shop, Aiseirigh Vintage. Someone please buy this dress so I can live out my Betty Draper dreams through you.

Aiseirigh Vintage dress.

Hello bum! I wasn't kidding when I said I had an Armenian bum, thanks grandma. Am learning to embrace the curves and not rely on potato sacks to dress me anymore.

Love and hot choco (as the wee cutie pies say in Korea!)
Gbear xo

Betty Draper dreams

2011-11-10T05:54:00.001-08:00

Untitled, originally uploaded by Stephane and Stephanie.

Note to self: Do not write journal entry through flickr. You will hit the back button accidentally and erase the novel you just completely writing, with no hopes of saving it.

Ah Mad Men. I've fallen in love/obsession with the show. The first two seasons were rather mediocre (Who wants to listen to men ramble on and on about advertising?) but I fast forwarded through those bits & am glad I stuck around! Seasons 3 & 4 led me to a sick sort of obsession, watching shows back to back while being mesmerized from all the gorgeous outfits & fabulous hair styling. The show has made me realize (again) that girls should appreciate their bodies (Hello & thank you, Joan!) & it's helped me to grow out my nails! I've never had long nails before (I'd always cut them/bite them, err...) but I was filled with envy for Betty Draper's nails (Along with all the other women in the show) & so I just stopped and grew them as if it was the easiest thing in the world to do! Brilliant how that happens. And for those who watch it, am I the only one in love with Betty? She's a crazy bitch and all, but I adore her hair & clothing & how she is the very definition of a 1950s housewife (Minus the whole taking a shotgun and shooting pigeons in the yard).

Pretending to be Daniel Day-Lewis in Gangs of New York.

So a gal pal of mine who owns this brilliant etsy shop Aiseirigh Vintage asked me if I wanted to "model" for her store. In return I would receive a few vintage goodies. How could I say no!? We shared a lot of laughs, I had a tonne of makeup caked onto my face resulting in a sort of "Peg Bundy meets prostitute" thing, and I look like a dead fish in most of the photos, but I had a great time. I am such a nerd in front of the camera. I give credit to people who enjoy/can take photos of themselves standing around making weird leg poses in public (Yes, weird leg poses...what's with that anyhow? Am I just too old to understand why looking like your legs are broken is a good thing?) but I'm just no good at it unless I have a little help from my good ol'friend, alcohol.

It's no surprise that my favourite part of the whole experience was getting to try on a few Betty Draper-esque dresses, like the one above. They are so dreamy! If I owned dresses like that I would immediately want to throw a dinner party, go grocery shopping, mow the lawn, go to the movies and fall asleep in them. They are so much fun to wear, every step is so bouncy, why did we have to stop dressing like that? Ah, to be a gal (Who could afford such attire) in those days.

Much love,

G xxo

Halloween shenanigans

2011-11-01T07:05:00.001-07:00

Halloween shennanigans, originally uploaded by Stephane and Stephanie.
Halloween is always one of my favourite days of the year, even if my plans never exactly work out. This year husband & I were supposed to go out dressed as one of the finest television couples out there, Al & Peg Bundy. Last minute, Georgie boy found out that he had to work. I ended up staying home and watching more episodes of Mad Men while eating homemade pea soup. Glamorous!

However, we still made the most of it on Halloween by dressing up and handing out candies to the beyond cute kiddies. I felt rather old as it seemed that none of the other houses were participating in the fun night (Either all their children had grown up or they were Scrooges...I'm guessing they were Scrooges!) I remember as a kid I was amazed at how all the houses were decorated, a wee scared that someone was going to pop out at me (I was and am such a scardycat) and how all us kids thought that the houses with lights off meant there were mean old humbugs inside that didn't know how to have a good time. All the children that came by were rather sweet, minus one boy who tried to grab a handful of candy. I always let them choose their favourite (Who remembers being a kid and being given a chocolate you didn't want, when one you truly loved was just staring at you from inside the bowl...please say it wasn't just me!), but taking advantage of my kindness, if you will, just wasn't cool. However, there was only "bad one" of the bunch, and the rest were wee and super sweet, so all is lovely.

A highlight of last night may be when we were carving our pumpkin, I heard kiddies pass by our house so I ran out and said "Kiddies! There's candy over here!" I felt bad because we were the only house on our side of the street giving treats out, I didn't want them to miss out....but as soon as I closed the door George informed me of how creepy what I said was. I'm surprised their parent's let them come to my house. I'm such a creep.

After giving out chocolate and candy we made our way upstairs and watched half of Suspiria (Granny and gramps were pooped by this point). We love that film - great music, amazing directing & "stellar" acting!

Jack Skellington's cousin.

Leopardy the Leopard & Nerdy the Nerd

Candy bracelets (I kind of sort of bought them because I wanted them...) and Prom Pose (Anyone else wish they could redo their prom?)

What did everyone else do for Halloween? I'd love to see your costume if you wore one! :)

Happy Halloween little ghouls and goblins,

Leopardy the Leopard xo

Best Friends

2011-10-25T06:35:00.001-07:00

Higgy boo, originally uploaded by Stephane and Stephanie.

I am slightly obsessed with my dog. He just got a new cut & I think he looks extra handsome. Really though, when husband is away, I am thankful to have a scrumptious pup to hang out with. Minus when he lets out deadly farts. Those things are ferocious.

7 things

2011-10-20T08:50:00.001-07:00

So I was 'tagged' by Demi over at Amoronia to share 7 things about me. 7 things; hmm...let's see..

1) I like to refer to myself as a "Modern day Snow White". The reason being, I love to just make up songs and sing them no matter where I am & have done this since I was wee. I am very sing-songy; if I have to ask a question, or say something random, I'll just sing it out. Lucky for me my husband isn't annoyed by this and does the same! I also like to dance a lot & will start to dance even if there's no music. Grocery stores, my bedroom, I don't care where I am. The last Snow White-y thing about me is that I adore animals and talk to every one I see, even if I'm alone. I'm sure this is more "Crazy old lady" than Snow White...hmm. I connect with them, though. Sometimes I think I get along better with animals than humans.

2) I am Canadian but my heart belongs to Seoul. I lived there for 3 years and fell madly in love with Koreans, their culture, their kindness & how it feels like stepping into the 1950s. Doors left open, cars left running, honest people who will give you back your purse if you've lost it. Also, delicious food and the best pizza & coffee shops (Food is always a plus) & the sweetest little munchkins your eyes ever did see...I miss all of my students and think Korean children are the cutest kids in all the world.

3) I have a passion for fashion (and Muffy Mouse rhymes...I think only Canadians/viewers of The Polkadot Door will get this). Growing up, I loved to piece together items in new ways & always had my own "style". Of course this meant I was made fun of, but I'm happy that I always did what my heart told me. My greatest fashion love is all things vintage. I love all eras & tend to mix and match. I am a tad obsessed with vintage pieces & finding thrifty deals. The downside to this is clothing that smells like an old lady.

4) Moustaches & beards: I adore them. But ever since I was a kid, as well. I blame Magnum P.I for this. I would always watch that show with my father (Who also had a marvellous moustache) and Tom Selleck has the greatest 'stache known to mankind. My love for moustaches is known by all, and I have some swell friends who will give me gifts related to moustachios from time to time. You will find many photos of me sporting a moustache out of whatever I can find (My own hair, glow sticks, straws, you name it). I am thankful that I have a husband who can grow a bushy beard. I think I have moustache envy.

5) I have a very Armenian bum. I don't know much about Kim Kardashian, but I do know she let the world know the truth about Armenian behinds. I was always very self conscious about this & still am. However, I have a husband who loves it & well, I suppose I'll take curves over no curves? But oh, what a curve. It actually took watching Mad Men and checking out Christina Hendricks marvellous body that made me realize, curves can be a wonderful thing. Also, it's not something that will ever leave me, regardless of how much I work out, so I suppose I should embrace that part of me!

6) My favourite thing to do is snuggle up in bed with my husband, drink wine (or homemade hot chocolate), perhaps order food (sushi or pizza!) & watch movies (Some favourites being Alfred Hitchcock, Mike Leigh, any old movie (Especially ones staring Vincent Price because they're unintentionally hilarious), horrors) I get most giddy when it's holiday time: Halloween & Christmas bring lists of films we must see. There's nothing better!

7) I have always disliked my name until recently. My first name, Galine, was made up last minute. My cousin's name is Taline, so I feel they just took away the T and added a G (By the way, we also have an Aline...very original, I know) it's a spin on another Armenian name, but unique enough that I felt I was the only one in the world who had it. It's pronounced Ga (think the baby sound "Ga-ga-ga...") - lean. I have always been called Gal-een or Gay-lean; apparently my name was too difficult to pronounce. I have grown to love it for it's uniqueness, though (Although try telling someone your name in a loud place...I end up telling everyone to call me "G"!) My middle name, Maral, is special to me now because I recently found out it means "Deer" (Like bambi!) in Armenian. Coming full circle now, I really am a Snow White ;)

Well that's that. Are you bored yet?? Feel free to share 7 things about yourself if you wish, it's always nice getting to know little bits about others :)

For now,
G xo

PS I tried to make this post expandable so it wasn't so long but no matter what I did, it wouldn't work!! Tips? I am technological failure.

October Leaves

2011-10-04T13:02:00.000-07:00

Happy October; how quickly everything springs up on you the older you become. It's a good thing, I think, if only for the fact that I don't get sad anymore once special holidays are over (Especially Christmas!) because I know it'll be back again oh so soon. I've even become one of those crazies who sing Christmas songs all year round! How annoying.

So like the nerd I am, I have become excited to re-watch a bunch of autumn & Halloween films! I think part of me enjoys watching half of them for the outfits. I find Woody Allen films really capture the beauty of the seasons; I love the women and how they dress at home & the heaps of books scattered everywhere. My tiny room has become something like that... I may be forming a problem.

These days I've been on a velvet craze (Hey hey, I rhymed, like Muffy Mouse...does anyone get this reference? Oh Canada?) , and have a rather magical item on 'lay away' from a very special etsy shop! I think I'm probably nuts to purchase it, but it makes me happy and I can play make believe in it. That's really what life is all about, isn't it? I look forward to it making its merry little way to me.

I've decided I'd love to find some etsy shops that sell vintage inspired pieces, but they're brand new. Any ideas? While I've purchased some amazing things online & in shops, I recently purchased a vintage dress I adore, hand washed it gently & as I was hanging it to dry, realized I'd made tiny little holes in it that I had to sew up. I wore it out & found a new hole. I feel as though I may be sewing it after every wear! The joys of vintage...

What a ramble!
Before I say more, I'll end it here.

Lovingly,
G. x

autumn's here

2011-08-24T14:22:00.001-07:00

rosemary's baby, originally uploaded by Stephane and Stephanie.

autumn, my favourite of seasons. how i wish you'd last longer. although winter brings me joy, too, as long as i don't have to be out in it for long.

the winds have been cooler at night now & i can't help but wan't to make a list of all the films i'm excited to see. what a nerd i can be. halloween films aside, (they are an entirely different & wonderful category!) anything 'autumn' related makes me a pretty happy person. some of my favourite autumn films (although some intertwine with halloween) are: rosemary's baby (the clothes! the hair! the apartment! the film score!), the witches (absolutely magical, i still find myself wishing the story itself was true), & hannah and her sisters (the piles of books, max von sydow's monologue) they're all so perfect.

please tell me your favourite fall films, if you have any! i'd love to hear, and it can be a great big huge list, too! foreign films, old films, anything that'd make my autumn obsessed self happy!

ah, i am such a geek. true story: my birthday is september 9th and i would always tell everyone that my birthday was in fall, even though it's technically in summer. i used to argue that the start of school meant it was fall, and nobody really challenged me on it. i used to believe it, too, until i got older. i can still pretend though, right?? i'd even beg my mom to wear my new fall clothes to school on those first weeks, and i'd end up sweating because it was too hot but oh, how wearing a sweater made (and still makes!) me happy.

The Catcher in the Rye

2011-08-19T09:25:00.001-07:00

Untitled, originally uploaded by Stephane and Stephanie.

I finally read "The Catcher in the Rye" after years of wanting to. It's the one book my brother, who isn't much of a reader, has read twice. I adored it. For one, I laughed out loud more than I have in a while, while reading a book. I fell in love with Holden & how confused he was, I think most everyone can relate to his character at some point in their lives. Overall, he was just so sweet to me. Have you read it? Did you love it, too?? I have read some reviews where people thought the book was entirely over-rated & thought Holden was a spoiled, whiny brat. It's interesting to hear about the opinions of others :)

And the 1940's slang, how I love it! Perhaps it just my love for the past, but everything sounded so much better then, too. After reading the book, I can't help but want to describe everything as "gorgeous".

For now, you gorgeous lulus...

G. xo

diary of a grandma

2011-08-08T13:01:00.001-07:00

grandma, originally uploaded by Stephane and Stephanie.

Today I dusted off the ol'knitting needles & continued working on a project I had started off oh, a few months back. To any other knitter it'd take a few hours, maybe days, but to me, months. I need to be in the mood to knit & that's not always the case! For the past few months I've been absolutely obsessed with bows. Bows in the hair, bows on clothes, they're so much fun. I suppose the obsession grew with my browsing endless Catherine Deneuve photos & living in Korea where the consensus seems to be "The bigger the bow, the better!" So this project will, I hope, turn out to be a bow headband/warmer (Can't decide how I want to wear it). I just don't know if I want a small bow or a longer, floppy one that falls to my ears (or past?) Any ideas??

In dreamy classic film news, I watched 'To Kill a Mockingbird" paired with sushi & a glass of shiraz last night with husband. We both have big time crushes on Gregory Peck & I found myself tearing up at what a perfect "Atticus Finch" he was. How can anyone not adore that book & film, it's so perfect. He is the ideal human being!

Also, he is a stylish man & I want those glasses, even if they would look foolish on me. Oh & the theme song to the film is just gorgeous and I have literally been listening to it all day long. Take a listen if you'd like!

With love,
Galine xo

Seoul sweet Seoul.

2011-08-05T07:58:00.000-07:00

Cheongdam, originally uploaded by Stephane and Stephanie.

Oh, Seoul, how I miss you. For the 3 wonderful years I lived in South Korea, I never took it for granted. Many days, I find myself feeling "homesick" for Korea. Still, I suppose being back has its advantages and there are always Korean restaurants & shops to visit here. Last night George & I went out for some much needed Korean at an amazing restaurant and got a variety of dishes & ate enough kimchi to hold us over 'til the next time we go.

The view of our lovely little area, Cheongdam-Dong, from the top of our cinema! You'd have to get to the theatres by taking the elevator or if you were brave enough, by taking the stairs. We once thought it'd be fun to walk down the stairs after a movie and were very dizzy by the end of it!

Passed by this giant King Kong every day on my way to work. It looks like the lady on the screen is trying to pinch his bum!

Only in Korea could a sweet little bear keep guard over a potted pant outside a closed shop without fear of being stolen.

Olympic Park. One of the many reasons to love Seoul is that I always felt like I was in Narnia, there were so many magical aspects, such as parks filled with statues and pieces that made me feel like a 7 year old all over again.

But back to my current life! Tomorrow brings happy bellies as it's the "Taste of Danforth" in Toronto, where the streets will be filled with vendors selling Greek cuisine. My heart is happy. Husband keeps telling me I have more 'Greek pride' than him (His family is Greek, mine isn't) but we grew up eating the same food (My pops is Armenian), so how could I not want to go where there will be a street lined with people selling lamb, more lamb, various meats & best of all, baklava?! We're such carnivores... & apparently, the only thing I can talk about these days is food.

xo, G

Why hello there.

2011-07-28T07:19:00.001-07:00

Mildred Pierce HBO, originally uploaded by Stephane and Stephanie.

Seems that I've neglected this blog for quite some time now! I've returned back home to Canada to the comforts of my snuggly pup & great food (read: cheaper cheese & tiropita (greek cheese pie...yes, everything revolves around cheese). When back, I found myself drawn into the HBO miniseries "Mildred Pierce". Anything Kate Winslet is an automatic win for me, paired with it being a 1930s period piece, I knew I would fall in love. & Oh, how I did! The story is absolutely wonderful & entirely heartbreaking; it's about a middle-class house wife who divorces her husband & tries to maintain her social status for her children. Along the way she discovers new parts of herself, at times thanks to her lover "Monty Beragon" played by Guy Pearce who, in my opinion, was just dreamy.

& did I mention that the series is filled with gorgeous clothes? I was born in the wrong era.

The 1945 version

I'm now off to watch the 1945 version, which I've read mixed reviews on, but no matter how horrible a film could possibly be, as long as it's set in the 1970s or earlier, I find myself distracted by their clothes & end up swooning through the entire film!

Has anyone out there read the book which this is all based off by James M. Cain? I think I'll have to read it afterwards. I always like to see how film makers interpret a novel, what they choose to keep in or take out. Sometimes it can be an absolute mess, at others, the film can be even better. I had the misfortune (or fortune, depending on how you view it!) of rewatching Jurassic Park (A film I love, I'm such a nerd for dinosaurs!) after finally reading Michael Crichton's book. The book was so captivating that I could not put it down & finished it in about a week (Pretty fast considering it takes me forever to read a book these days). The film was rubbish in comparison :( Oh, well.

happy christmas!

2010-12-24T18:01:00.001-08:00

happy christmas, originally uploaded by Stephane and Stephanie.

happy christmas from les petites souris!

it is -18 in seoul and we are bundled up under comforters drinking endless amounts of coffee & hot chocolate (okay so moreso the hot chocolate).

my belly has been filled with delicious foods & chocolates over these past few days of celebration & i hope for a break in between until january 6th rolls along and we get to celebrate orthodox christmas all over again! it's fun that we get to celebrate two christmases without having to figure out which families to visit, although living in seoul, our only family right now is the two of us plus a bear or two.

i am absolutely in love with any christmas film involving danny elfman music and i think that's why i adore 'family man' so much. so magical! we watched 'the polar express' last night which is a christmas eve tradition for us & the music in that makes me teary eyed, too...gee, such a sap. tonight is my absolute favourite christmas film of all time: 'scrooged' with bill murray! but before that, some french toast and later on, steak & mashed potatoes & wine & cheese and...i can see my belly growing.

wishing you all a very merry christmas & enjoy the lovely holiday season. and if it's a white christmas where you are, please enjoy the snow, it's all concrete & sunshine & minus zero temperatures here.

xo, g

the village

2010-11-18T03:32:00.001-08:00

thevillage, originally uploaded by Stephane and Stephanie.

one of my closest & sweetest friends came to visit me in seoul for the weekend and i'm still sad that she's no longer here. it's been so long since i got to hang out with a girl and do girl-y things like shopping. i always drag my poor husband around, and although i've taken to shopping online for the most part (korea is the world of everything fabulous in your very fingertips), and of course in the land of overwhelmingly female items, it can get a tad boring for him.

i took her to express bus terminal, one of the city's greatest spots for shopping (it's an underground shopping centre full of everything your heart could dream of). there's also a rather large vintage shop there! and while it's a mix of very "new", to very 80s, to old, there's always a few gems to be found to keep my thrifty heart happy. looking through the sweater racks i came upon this cape-poncho-don't know what the correct term for it is? anyhow, i just finished rewatching 'the village' and it seemed perfect. i toyed with whether it was a waste of money or not, but for $15 i couldn't resist! i'm happy i didn't, the lining reminds me of my grandma's old couch and it's very autumn-y, my favourite of seasons.

lately i've been spending time knitting & reading as much as i can. also watching a slew of old movies, including hitchcock's "Frenzy" which was brilliant & in your face & shocking. also just got into watching woody allen movies; i don't know what it is about his films that i always felt a little put off about, but i was wrong. watched "Hannah and her Sisters" which was lovely (but when is it not when you have Mia Farrow?) as well as "Annie Hall". Diane Keaton was stunning in it and i wish i owned all her glasses sported in the film. i'm off on a glasses hunt this weekend as mine are old and in need of being replaced, wish me luck.

for now, dear blog,
g. xo

Oh, Catherine Deneuve

2010-10-08T04:25:00.000-07:00

Hello land,

As usual my posts are so few and far between. This time there are reasons though; have been busy prepping little kiddies to sing and dance along to beatles songs as well as perform a presentation on world festivals to their daddy's in one week (yikes!) It's been adorable besides the exhaustion, I have such a lovely bunch of students.

Husband and I have been obsessing over old movies for a while now, and me even more so for the absolute beauty of gals from the past! Where did we transition to wearing next to nothing and having no class/style? It makes me sad. To think of all the lovely items you now have to thrift for...yes, i'm shedding a single tear.

In the spirit of Halloween we have a lineup of movies to watch, and one we just recently watched was Polanski's "Repulsion". How gorgeous is Catherine Deneuve?! So simple but so perfect. Her hair, the black liner, the everything. Watching her journey through mental decay, yet still managing to look flawless. I am now itching to watch "Rosemary's Baby" as I feel the same way about Mia Farrow, plus, the lullaby she sings has been stuck in my head for an entire week.

I've a few outings planned this weekend so who knows, maybe I wont be lazy and will decide to take photos. I am in love with the autumn air and being bundled in sweaters! I've felt the same since I was a kid, there's something so magical about it.

Geek out,
Galine

birthday love.

2010-09-17T20:17:00.000-07:00

my twenty eighth birthday was the loveliest yet. my students surprised me with gifts and birthday cards and a cake after lunch. they were all so excited to share the day with me, it was the sweetest thing. count on kids to make you feel the happiest you ever could, their love is so sweet and innocent. it also makes you feel that childlike excitement for your birthday which can be lacking as you age!

going home to husband made it an even better birthday. he bought me a sekiguchi bear which i've wanted forever (his big head is too cute!) & the most delicious cupcakes. we also cooked up some ridiculously huge hamburgers that were beyond amazing & made some no-bake peanut butter chocolate bars. birthday food is always the best, no?

on the weekend my husaband told me i had to pack a few things and he surprised me with a night at a five star hotel in seoul! and oh, those sweet down filled beds and pillows, it is like lounging on a cloud. we had some drinks at the bar in the hotel, but spent most of the day ordering room service and enjoying the comforts of the bed. it was the sweetest thing and such a surprise, i felt so lucky!

i've never really liked my birthday & sort of dread aging. these past years i feel like i've sort of lost my confidence in myself and am trying to regain it! but i truly enjoyed every moment of my birthday this year and have felt happier than ever. i hope i can ride this feeling out for a while!

well that's it for now and a post soon to display a very lovely dress i purchased from the beautiful hannah which arrived the day before my birthday!

'til then,
g. xo

mr & mrs.

2010-07-27T20:58:00.001-07:00

more photos from our lovely wedding. i have a thing for moustaches (can you tell?) i blame my love for magnum p.i. that started from a very young age. the unicorn featured in the one photo is from one of our very first dates. one night over drinks, my husband (then boyfriend) asked me what i wished for and i told him i wanted a unicorn. he gave it to me on our next date. oh, love. it still amazes me to this day that i'm married (i never thought i would be!) and to the most amazing man for me. i think you know someone is 'the one' for you when you can be an absolute goof with them from day one and have it last forever. we never take ourselves very seriously and enjoy every little moment we have together.

this week we are on vacation and have been spending our days eating delicious foods & attempting to lounge in the overly hot sun. we have also been watching ridiculous amounts of 'it's always sunny in philadelphia' episodes (trying to catch up!) & movies...two notables being 'chloe' (featuring a really amazing canadian band called 'raised by swans'!) & 'a single man'. colin firth is absolutely amazing in the film, it was beautiful. a bonus is that julianne moore is in both movies, oh how i love that woman.

g. xo

grandma bookworm

2010-07-20T06:05:00.001-07:00

zenmotorcycles, originally uploaded by Stephane and Stephanie.

Hello bloggerland,

It's tuesday night and i'm wishing it were Friday. I'm home without husband under blankets reading 'Zen & the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance'. So far so good, minus the bits and pieces about....motorcycles. It's the first book in a while that I've actually wanted to continually read, and am hoping I'll be able to get through it without jumping to another book like I so often do. When I was a kid I would read a book in a day (even hours!) now it seems like it takes forever. Any good book recommendations? Send them my way if you do, please & thank you!

I have a week long vacation coming up and am excited to do absolutely nothing except for lay out in the sun & read & make things & cook dinners & watch old movies paired with glasses of red wine. We've become such winos lately...is it a sign of growing old? Who knows.

Wishing you much happiness & sunny days,

g xo.

Blanketforts

2010-07-13T23:30:00.001-07:00

Mr&Mrs., originally uploaded by Stephane and Stephanie.

Being a wife is the loveliest feeling. I've never been happier & I suppose that's what happens when you marry the most amazing man in the world. We got married last December in a blanketfort; just us, delicious food, our favorite songs & movies & dancing. It was the most intimate moment & I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Domestic life is bliss...we spend our time under covers, watching movies, drinking wine, cooking & laughing...I am such a nerd for marriage.

Any other happy lovebirds out there? It's always nice to hear about other people's love stories :)

g. xo

hello eyes

2010-06-19T20:21:00.001-07:00

nerd, originally uploaded by Stephane and Stephanie.

hi world. i have been meaning to post in this forever but am always so lazy to do so! don't know where to begin, so how about we start at 'hello' and i hope to write more soon.

for now, i'm off to buy a delicious 'de chocolate cafe' latte & watch it's always sunny in philadelphia episodes with my husband.

for now,
g.