Happy Birthday to ME!

 It's my birthday!  I came downstairs to find the kitchen table covered with pink and green wrapped presents and the Little Prince keeps talking about cake.  It's going to be a fun day!

I will be going out for lunch then tonight the Danish Exchange Student will be doing her presentation for the Rotary Club.  Then perhaps drinkies in a fancy bar!

It's also Mr Toad's birthday - please hop over there as well to say Happy Birthday to him!


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Have a fabulous day!

My birthday (2 months later!)

The problem with being so intensely busy at certain times of the year is the backlog of photos and posts I don't have time to think about let alone publish!  Now that life is quieter (read: saner) I am able to go through my camera (over 3000 photos!  Yikes!) and get posts organized, prepped and ready for you!

My birthday was a quiet affair - the Suburban Prince and Little Prince took me into the city for lunch at my favourite restaurant in Yorkville.  The food there is ok, consistent, but the people watching is awesome!  I always call ahead and book my favourite table so I have the best seat in the house!

First off tho...

You may recall I did a giveaway for the Luna company a while ago and they were so much fun to work with!  They sent me a big box of their bars to try out and review and they gave away boxes of bars to my readers!  As if that wasn't enough....look what they sent me for my birthday!  How sweet!  I love their bars for a treat in the afternoon - so much healthier than a chocolate bar and just as, if not more yummy! Thank you Luna!!

Cousin Willie and his wife sent me these pretty flowers!  I was out having my toes done and came home to this big bouquet!  Such a lovely surprise!  Thank you Cousin Willie!

I ordered a few things for myself from The Preppy Princess and she was soooooo kind and sent me a little present all wrapped up and tied with a bow!  Lilly Pulitzer croakies were inside!  I love them!  Thank you Preppy Princess!

We made a quick stop at Hermes for my perfume (let's not even talk about how it was half the price at duty free in Scotland) then made our way to lunch.  Important things first...bubbly and a beer. 

 We saw a wedding go by!  A few Goyard bags, lots of spendy cars and more than one famous person.  Lunch was yummy - I am a creature of habit and always order the same thing at every restaurant I go to...at Remy's it's the penne pollo.

What's this?  Downton Abbey across the street?  

William Ashley had their windows all done up for the 100th anniversary of the Titanic and tied it in with a Downton Abbey promo!  Serious eye candy!

The 'skins' on the front windows were very impressive!

I think this is meant to be the downstairs kitchen/dining area.

 Upstairs dining....I love the candelabra!  I went inside to enter the contest but I didn't win.  Too bad!

On our way to the gourmet grocery store we passed Kevin O'Leary.  I'm still kicking myself for not giving him my elevator pitch but the Suburban Prince wasn't paying attention and couldn't confirm it was him.  Anyhoo, I'm 99% sure it was him and will be sure to shove ribbon at him the next time I pass him in the street.

I'm not a desserty person.  I love chocolate and feel if it isn't chocolate, it isn't dessert so usually I pass and my waistline thanks me.  I do make two exceptions tho...key lime meringue pie and Swedish princess cake.  I did a little searching and found a Swedish bakery in Toronto that makes them so after a little bit of twitter tag I got my rincess cake ordered!  Since they are not open on Sundays (the only day I would be in the city) they made arrangements with the butcher across the street that is open on Sundays so I could still get my cake!  Now that's customer service!  Thank you Beaches Bake Shop!  

I think a pink and green cake is just perfect!  That's not fondant...it's almond paste and tastes so perfect with the other elements of the cake!  On our way home from lunch and shopping we stopped to pick up my cake and made our way home.  We relaxed on the couch together all with a slice of cake.  Ahhhhh.

Sponge, jam, pastry cream, whipped cream...oh my!  Yum!  I was very impressed at the size and price of this cake and it even managed to last long enough to share with a couple of people!

In case you are wondering what the Suburban Prince gave me....my Hermes perfume, a Lilly laptop sleeve, a KJP bracelet, eyelash serum, and a bee garden ornament.

Adrienne at The Rich Life sent me this KJP bracelet...I love it!  I've had sooo many compliments on it!  Thank you Adrienne!

Wendy at Madras & Pearls made this pearl bracelet for me and sent it up!  I love it and wear it all the time!  Thank you Wendy! It's perfect for summer!

I think that's everything...if I forgot someone or something please let me know so I can make the addition!

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Have a fabulous day!

Happy Birthday Little Prince!

 I can't believe it has been four years since you came into my life.  I had no idea how much my life would change...and how much you would change me.  Your cheery little face brightens every single day and my heart melts every time you tell me, "You're my best best hero"

You have taught me patience in a way no one and nothing else could.  You have also tried my patience but that's your job and you are doing it tremendously well.

You take such delight in the simplest of things I tend to overlook...the moon, a winter carrot found in the garden, stickers, a bowl of marshmallows....all the little things. 

We live in a world of Thomas the train these days and I hope your love of trains continues as we have a long history of railway in our family.  In the meantime we inhabit the island of Sodor and trip over little trains on the stairs and I love every minute of it.

You are the sweetest little boy and as much as people always tell me what a great mom I am, it's you who makes me look good. You are so smart, you read well beyond your years and work hard at math, puzzles, building birdhouses and gardening.  You are such a big help!

My favourite time of the day is when we sit together for cuddles before bed and we have our little conversations, ten squeezes, kisses, nose kisses and a hug.  For those few minutes you are all mine and I am all yours.  I hope we never outgrow that.

You make me better than I am, and for that little one, I am forever grateful.

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE PRINCE!!

I love you with all my heart, Mommy xoxo




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Have a fabulous day!

I've decided to turn 40 again...or, Happy Birthday to me!

Happy Birthday to me!

Since 40 was such a great year I have decided I am just sticking with it.  So here's to turning 40 again...or 40 the sequel...or 40 part deux...the redux....

We are heading into the big city for shopping, lunch and to pick up the cake I specially ordered.  Yes, I planned and arranged my whole birthday....the trade of for an unlimited budget.  The Little Prince is so excited!  He keeps telling me about presents and can't wait to be a city-child for a day.

Take a moment and visit Toad to wish him a Happy Birthday too!

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Have a fabulous day!

Friday's Random Thoughts....or something like that

Happy Friday!  I hope you had a faboo week and have something fun planned for the weekend!  I have been so busy this week with appointments for eyes and hair and toesies not to mention a few committee meetings, errands, laundry and ribbon.  I have barely had time to write this post and it's not my best work but it's up and in English!

Tonight I am attending the volunteer dinner put on by town council.  I have never been before so I hope it is nice.  Hermes Scarf Friend is my date as she was invited too so I am looking forward to lots of chitchat!

Speaking of HSF - she got some upsetting news from the neurologist last week.  After all this time without any seizures she expected an 'all clear' and to be told she can drive again.  Nope.  He told her she wont be driving for at least a year, maybe two!  She told me she started crying and he asked her what's wrong. Ummm ok.  So she is still trying to survive without a car and getting rides from everyone.  What a pain for her!  She also has lots of test coming up as well as concerns from her MRI...hopefully it's all benign problems and can be easily fixed!

The Civic Awards committee met last night to go through all of the nominations and choose the winners.  We managed to get through it with minimal arguing, no one fell out, no one is angry and we are still a committee (unlike last year's fiasco!).  I am very excited about a couple of the winners as they are friends of mine and I know the deserve the recognition.  We use a scoring chart to make sure we stay objective so even tho I know them, I was able to remove my feeling from the judging.

I got my hair cut yesterday...short.  Well not a buzz cut or anything but much shorter than it was.  I just felt like a shorter, easier cut for the summer.  Longish hair is nice but oh my goodness what a lot of work it can be!

The Little Prince is all better now and back to his usual cheeky self.  Last night he saw a scratch on my hand and was very concerned.  He asked me what happened and after I told him said, "Poor mommy.  You should go to the hospital to find out what's wrong!"  LOL  After reading about the time Curious George ate the puzzle piece and had to go to the hospital he has been looking for any reason to go too!  Silly thing!  My life tends to revolve around Curious George's adventures...remember the horse & carriage ride?  George.  Fire Hall visit?  George.  I draw the line at going in a hot air balloon just because a curious little monkey did it.

My birthday is on Sunday and everything is ready and in place!  Lunch reservation has been made, shopping list is ready, the cake is in the works...unfortunately the bakery in Toronto is not open on Sundays so they are seeing if one of the other businesses will keep the cake for me so I can pick it up the on day I am in the city.  Complicated, I know...but it's the only bakery in the city that I could find that makes this one specific type of cake.  Photos coming next week!

I'm sitting here trying to come up with something funny...I'm usually easily amused by the world but I don't think I've had time for a sense of humour this week!  Anyhoo have a great weekend and enjoy all this summer-like weather!  I will be heading to the tanning salon for a little jump start on my tan!


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Have a fabulous day!

My Birthday Wish List!

 

I first smelled this when I was in Hermes with High Heeled Life.  The lady helping HHL smelled so beautiful I just had to comment on her perfume.  This is what she was wearing and she sent me home with a collection of perfume samples, all tied up in a signature Hermes bag.  Sometimes the experience is just as important as the product.  This perfume, to me smells like violets and just works on me.

In an attempt to break out of my pink, and gold shoe rut, I thought a nice pair of these in orange would be nice.  Tangerine is the colour of the year!

I have several KJP pieces (and have even bought them for the Suburban Prince) so I was very excited when he announced his new spring line!  This one is sold exclusively by my friend, The Preppy Princess and is perfect for summer in pink and green.  **Acquired**  Did you know The Preppy Princes also carries Royal Ribbons now? 

I have a thing for bees.  Regardless of the fact I am deathly allergic to bee and wasp stings there is someone in my life whom I adore and their name begins with B so anything I see with bees on them has a tendency to find it's way home with me.  This bangle comes in cream as well. (Wimberly)

This came in a couple of my Luxe Boxes and smells wonderful!  I had no idea how much I like irises!  Every time I wear it I wonder what smells so good...then I remember, c'est moi!

Now that I am back down to my pre-baby weight/shape/size I can wear belts again.  A neutral bee buckle will do the trick I suspect!  It could go with just about anything! (Wimberly)

I find more and more I need to take my laptop with me to meetings and other exciting places.  I don't have a case for it so this will come in handy!  It will also make quite an impact when  take it to Scotland!  Another adorable item from The Preppy Princess.  **Acquired**

I am undecided about this jacket.  I have the same one in navy blue and I wear it all the time.  I guess I just wish the green was a bit more...lime.  Brighter.  I will think on this more and decide if I actually need yet another jacket and if this shade of green would work in my life. (LLB)

I have had my eye on this for years.  I gave one away on my blog back in ohhhhhh 2010 maybe?  Can you believe I don't actually have one?!  As I have an avid note writer I think I would get so much use out of this.  I can see me now, poolside, cocktail, writing letters to all of my aunties, and friends...le sigh.  I think we can guess my favourite shopping destination by now as this too can be procured at The Preppy Princess.  I wonder if it can be monogrammed?  I am imagining pink thread on the green one or green thread on the navy blue one!  BTW - I like a diamond monogram, natch.

I've decided to finally take up needlepoint and thought this belt would be a good start!  And one can never go wrong with happy whales!  I think I will order it in navy with lime green whales.  I plan to keep it in my bag so anytime I need something to do (haha) I can pull it out and do a little stitching.  (Etsy)  **Acquired**

Once I finish the whale belt I want to make this one.  How adorable is this pattern!?  I might not even get it done until my next birthday but I can't resist this cute little beach house! (Etsy)


So there you have it!  With 27 days lead time and my wish list in hand I am sure no one will have any trouble finding the perfect presents for me.  Right?!


Have a fabulous day!

Happy Birthday Suburban Prince!

Happy Birthday Suburban Prince!  I hope you have a wonderful day!
The Little Prince is taking you to see Winnie The Pooh which I know you will both love!

I love you!


Have a fabulous day!

PS...If you are able, please leave your comments here - I love being able to go back through to years and see what people said.  Unfortunately comments left anywhere else cant be saved the same way :O(  I read them no matter how they are left for me but I would love to save as many as possible.

A birthday party fit for a ...Prince?

A few weeks ago we had the lovely honour of attending MrG's 40th birthday party.  Since he spends most of his time with High Heeled Life we have had the chance to get to know him too and adore him!  We drove across the city to their house in the country and spent the day with all of their friends and family who are just wonderful as well!  From other posts you might remember HHL has an amazing bakery near her and the cake is just TDF!  I dont normally go for cake (full disclosure - I just go for icing) but I can never resist these ones!

I honestly had no idea MrG is such a Prince fan!  Or is he the artist formerly known as Prince?  A symbol?  It certainly explains all of the purple in his life!  Can you see the picture of Prince on the cake?

We had a great time, the Little Prince had a ball running around the big farm house and eating every bowl of chips in sight.  I need to have a word with MrG about finding my child with a stick of blue licorice!  We ended the day with a take home plate of cupcakes and chocolate strawberries YUM!

Thanks again for inviting us High Heeled Life!


Have a fabulous day!

Belated Birthday Presents!

With the horrible winter we had here and lots of renovations going on I hadn't had the chance to get together with High Heeled Life for a few months.  We went to their house a few weeks ago and she greeted me at the door with a HUGE gift bag...when I got home I opened it to find...

 

A ginormous martini glass!

I took the plastic off to find it was filled with lots of chocolates (40 to be exact since it was for my 40th birthday) and a pink bag!  Anyone in the know will know where that bag is from and know it must hold something verrry nice!

My very own personalized gallon sized cosmo vessel!

I opened the pink bag, unwrapped the tissue paper and found this stunning scarf!  It's the perfect size for tying onto a cute purse!

There was another parcel at the bottom of the huge gift bag...a beautiful notebook and cute emery boards!

It's not shopping if you buy 10 items or less!

Thank you so much High Heeled Life!  I have already been eating the chocolates and cant wait to make the biggest appletini of my life!

Have a fabulous day!

Happy 3rd Birthday Little Prince!

Happy Birthday Little Prince!

It's so hard to believe I wrote a birthday post a year ago - where has the time gone?

You rock my world with our funny conversations - a year ago you barely spoke!

Suburban Princess:  What would you like for your birthday?

Little Prince:  I would like some cake mummy please.

You always say please when you really want something.  I know you are serious when you trot out your big boy manners.  Well my little one...there shall be cake!

You melt my heart every time you give our dog a hug and tell him you love him.  I cant even begin to tell you what it does to me when you look at me and say you love me!

I love that you cant wait to watch Wheel and Jeopardy but you call it Dapary.  You are so cute when you wave bye to Vanna and Pat.

You are so smart...you can count to 1 million dollars!  That's my boy!

I still crack up every time you burst through the front door and yell 'Hi Sweetheart!'.

You are such a sensitive little boy, you love cuddles and I suspect you are an intellectual rather than a rowdy boy.  But you do love tramping about in the woods and looking at the flowers.  You could be a safecracker when you grow up as you have figured out every lock and hiding place in the house.  I watched a documentary about urban racoons and it said the harder the locks are the smarter the racoons become.  I think we have created a genius racoon.  Watching you solve problems and figure out how to get the things you want is facinating.  I think it says a lot about you that you find the path to what you want rather than relying on anyone to get them down for you.  This will take you far in life.

You have discovered the thrill of chocolate and I keep finding a trail of tin foil wrappers when ever I clean under the bed, in the living room, out the back door...cheeky.  I kept you safe from the rapture of the cocoa bean for almost 3 years and you make me so proud when you eat your apples and veggies before asking for sweets.

You love Wondepets and I have to admit the Rat Pack and Fiddler Crab on the Roof episodes are pure genius!  I love how you are compelled to dance along!  It is bliss listening to you sing the songs the second you wake up in the morning.

You own the room whenever you  shake hands with everyone you meet.  Saying 'It's nice to see you' seals the deal.  No one is safe from your smile and twinkly blue eyes.

I sometimes realise I cant remember my life before you were born.  The 'old days' feelings are fewer and fewer as you become more and more important in our family every single day.

You have come so far in the last year but you are still the sweet, happy, charming little boy we have always known.  You are my greatest work of art and my favourite person in the world.  Dont ever change.

All my love,

Mommy

Have a fabulous birthday!

Birthday Recap - The Lunch! Or, I can see America from my lunch!

For my birthday lunch I decided I wanted to go to Canoe after reading about Teena in Toronto going there for cocktails.  I had been there many, many moons ago and had forgotten all about it!

It was a beautiful sunny day!

The view from the bar.

I was quietly trying to keep my vertigo in check!

The Toronto Island airport.

I couldnt get a good picture of them but I could see buildings in Rochester across the lake.  So, just like Sarah Palin...I could see America from my lunch!

This military plane going past a couple of times did nothing to encourage a sense of well being.  If I had seen it a third time I was getting the heck out of there!

Bread was served with miso and they kindly brought me wheat free crackers.

Goat cheese on braised fennell - the richest goat cheese I have ever had!

An egg poached in pork stock served on carrot slaw of some sort with panchetta and ceasar salad.  I found the dishes to be a bit too sweet when they just needed to be savoury.  There wasnt a salt shaker in sight and I had a feeling Michael Bonacini would've refused to bring me salt if I had asked for it.  I appreciate the purity of great ingredients but c'mon....eggs need salt!

The Suburban Prince's lobster club.

And his mushroom soup.

My birthday dessert.

It was a flourless cake with caramelized bananas, coconut sortbet and a toffee thingy.  The sorbet was a refreshing treat on a wintery day but I dont really like bananas and the cake was so-so.  But super cute presentation!

The kitchen after the lunch rush.

All in all I dont think I would go to Canoe again for anything other than drinks - the food didnt blow me away like I thought it would even though the service was pretty great.  I did notice they kept taking my napkin off my chair, folding it up and putting it on the table, at the left side of my plate, any time I got up from my seat.  I think at those prices servers should be taught napkin etiquette.

Hav a fabulous day!