{guest post: Petits Mots...}

When Kristi asked me to contribute to her blog as a guest writer, she thought it might be nice to have a bit of "Canadian Content"... Having lived my whole life in Montreal, I started to think about what truly keeps me here (aside from family and friends and work), and I suppose it is the fact that it does not get any better than this! The quality of life and the culture of the city beats any North American city I know. In fact, perhaps it compares well to many European cities.

Montreal’s proximity to the mountains and lakes takes you out of the city and onto your skis or bike for the weekends. My favorite times are one and one with the outdoors. We have four wonderful distinct seasons and the activities that go with them. In the Fall, our markets explode with color and smell, the apples are ripe for picking, the trees leaves go from green to red to orange to yellow. Our winters start early and end late, but they are picture perfect white landscapes with great blue skies and lots of fresh cold snow; Our spring brings corn snow skiing and maple syrup “tire” on snow, and finally our summer gives us great bike rides through the for farmland crops and long lazy days on the lake!


Petits Mots.

{guest post: Cookie Cutter...}

Hello everyone, I’m Sandy from Cookie Cutter and I’m so honoured to be guest posting here! When Kristi said that the post was to be about my favourite city, I had the answer in my head in a second. There’s no doubt about it that I’m fanatical about the Land of the Rising Sun-- Japan! Having resided in a beautiful Japanese countryside previously, I initially planned to write about my second home. But I thought Tokyo with all its charms and allure will be more interesting for you. So, you ready? Here we go!

Let’s see, a day in Tokyo... I would start my day EARLY. Now I know “early” is very subjective, so I mean even before the sun gets up. Why? This would be the time when the world renowned Tsukiji Fish Market is abuzz with energy and action. Now, few things would get me up from the bed early, Tsukiji would. Trust me, it’ll be worth it. Because right after you’ve caught the action of the auctioning of newly caught fish and seafood, you find yourself a nice little shop (there are countless) and order yourself some sashimi. Freshest of the fresh!


With my stomach now satisfied, I can dwell on other things, namely all things craft related! I love my fabrics so Fabric Town is where I’ll head to next. There are numerous shops (and fabrics) to feast your eyes on but I always make it a point to stop at Tomato. Florals, cartoon prints, kawaii... you name it, they have it, and available not only in bundles but also pre-cut smaller swatches! [image 3] One other crafty place all creative folks have to visit is Tokyu Hands. There are several outlets in Tokyo but in all of them, I always find myself in craft supplies paradise!

I suppose my stomach will be growling by now. A wonderful area to visit and soak in the creative/artsy vibes is Nakameguro. I’ll pick a lovely cafe and be charmed by the decor. Oh, of course stuff my face with bread and pastries too!




If I tear myself away from the charming area in time, I can make a quick visit to Meiji Jingu (shrine). Enjoy the walk and peacefulness that pervades the grounds.


The juxtaposition of this serenity is really just next door. Harajuku! It’s a must go, even if it’s just to people watch. Experience the energy and witness the cutting edge fashion of the young Japanese.

As the sun sets, I’ll make sure I find time to have an enjoyable dinner with my Japanese friends. More oishii food washed down with Kirin beer, punctuated with lots of laughter. Ah, bliss!

The truth is, there’s so much more to Tokyo. Each time I visit, I find it fresh and exciting! Thanks once again to Krisiti for letting me have the chance to share over here. I hope you’ve enjoyed a day in Tokyo with me. I had fun :)

{guest post: Splendid Willow...}

Hi, Monika from Splendid Willow here. The lovely Kristi asked me to jump in and write a post when she is globetrotting the world. She is a creative girl, a good friend, and I was delighted to contribute.

I could take you to so many fun, chic and happening places in my old home town of Stockholm...Instead, hop on my bike! I am going to take you to one - and only one place in that fantastic city.

A marvelous spot smack in the middle of the city. A place that it so unique in the world - Skansen.

Skansen is the world's oldest open air museum, founded in 1891 by Arthur Hazelius. His motto was "Know thyself", for Hazelius that meant, 'we can we only truly know ourselves by knowing our history'

He realized, during his travels around Sweden, that the old agrarian society was about to disappear. Many people moved from rural to urban. Skansen was built with the purpose of showing how people lived and worked in different parts of Sweden before industrialization. Hazelius wanted to show buildings from that time. Plants and animals from all over Sweden - from north to south. And that is what Skansen is today - a living outdoor museum. A historic mini Sweden.

Skansen features amazing views overlooking the capital and antique farmsteads and houses that have been imported from all over the country.



As a child I remember I always enjoyed visiting the old Swedish countryside school. Recess was a little different back then! And the animals are amazing. At Skansen you will get a chance to see animals from the Nordic countries.


There is much to see and do at Skansen. In my opinion, it is one of the best places in the world to learn, explore and just enjoy.You are not allowed to visit Stockholm without a visit to this national treasure!

What I also like about Skansen is the so typically Swedish, peace and quiet.You can walk around here for hours and yet you never leave feeling drained. Just enlightened! There is no plastic anywhere nor loud music, or stressed, screaming people. Instead if feels like you just visited a sanctuary.


Thank you dear Kristi for having me. Enjoy your trip and come home safely. Happy week to all your readers!

{guest post: Lanalou Style...}

Hi, I'm Lana from lanalou style (www.lanaloustyle.blogspot.com) and thanks so much for having me here Kristi! Today I'm going to be giving you a sneak peak into what a day in Marrakesh would be like. It's top on my list of travel destinations at the moment and I imagine a perfect day would be something like this...

Of course we'd be staying in a gorgeous riad, we'd wake up and have a leisurely breakfast on the terrace or roof top to prepare us for the day ahead. Then we'd head off and explore the markets, in search of spices, lanterns and all sorts of Moroccan specialities. We'd take in all the beautiful sights and buildings and stop for mint tea along the way to refresh ourselves. After a day of shopping, sightseeing and colour inspiration, we'd relax and enjoy the sunset and view from above. Ah when can we go, will you join me?

* photos 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7.

{off to mallorca!...}

The day has finally arrived and we are jetsetting off to España's beautiful Balearics Islands! (don't you love this Chanel Zorro-styles pic?!)

While I'm gone, several of my favourite bloggers and artists have agreed to post in my absence. I'm thrilled that Lana of Lanalou Style, Monika of Splendid Willow, Sandy of Cookie Cutter and Debra of Petits Mots will be guiding you through their favourite cities next week!

Many thanks ladies and we look forward to traveling with you!