Radiant Ghosts Have Arrived

I am so happy. Yesterday, my Limited Edition 2009 Art and Ghosts book arrived. Art and Ghosts is a talented and lovely girl who creates stunning, ethereal digital paintings. The book I received is a limited edition of only 10. I am absolutely delighted with this book!

She Made Red Velvet

A few day's ago my brother in law, Jacob, turned the big 30! There was a party and a big ol' keg of beer and... I don't remember much else about that. What I do remember is baking 48 vegan red velvet cupcakes all day before the party. This is the first time I've ever made red velvet cake and I do believe I might have used the best recipe ever. The frosting is made with coconut oil and is absolutely decadent. The whole recipe is made with yummy agave nectar as opposed to cane sugar. Agave nectar gives a mild and consistent sweetness that retains all of the other flavors in the cake, instead of drowning them out like cane sugar. I think they were a big hit, despite the vegan stigma.

I got the recipe from the babycakes cookbook. The cookbook is by the lovely Erin McKenna who is also the owner of the famous babycakes NYC bakery. This is my new favorite desert cookbook! There are so many delicious, healthy recipes in this book and I can't wait to try them all.

My Moon, My Man

My amazing husband Josh.

Here is an introduction:

Josh is a little shy, like me. He is sweet and he is a gentleman. He loves and respects animals and the earth. He is smarter than the average human (i still think he's part vulcan). Josh is not superficial and tries to see the best in everyone. He cares about details and is sometimes very fastidious. He is a gemini but he doesn't believe in astrology. He loves and appreciates music of all genres. He would do anything for me. He is methodical and I am organic. He is the Yang to my Yin.

My Hip Parents

A few days ago I found this site that shows people's parents back when they were in their prime coolness! I absolutely love all the pictures on this site and I could spend hours looking at all the glamourous moms and dads, hippie parents, and just plain cool people. I submitted this photo below of my mom and dad. My mama looks sooo cute (love the hair!) and my dad is a handsome young man as well. I couldn't find an old picture of Josh's parents, but when I do I will post that as well.

Love you Mom and Dad!

With love, for V

A few days ago I attended my good friend Veronica's bachelorette party. In honor of the occasion I got her a lovely gift for her honeymoon and I made her this card.

I found the picture of the woman on the internet and I believe it's from the 1920's. She's so beautiful, like a classic painting. I wonder who she was. Maybe she had the picture taken of her as a wedding gift to her husband. I printed and cut the butterflies and the rose from this cool website that has free vintage clipart. I love the sweet, pretty images on this site and will be using many of them in my collages. P.S. I hope this lovely lady's nudity does not offend anyone. I personally find it completely inoffensive as she is depicted in such a romantic, non-pornographic way.

My Protest to Fall

Yesterday was the Autumnal Equinox, which means the first day of fall. I'm really saddened by this as I love spring and summer so much. I'm always a little melancholy at this time of year, and so to get me through the cold dark days of fall and winter I've decided to protest the arrival of fall. How will I do this, you ask? No one can control Mother Nature, you say? First of all, I gave our little blog an airy white makeover. Secondly, throughout the cold days to come, I will post pictures and other things that make me think of the loveliness and warmth of spring and summer. Lastly, I think I'm going to break the old and dated "no white after labour day" rule. I'm going to wear pretty white summer dresses and tops with tights and cardigans if I have too. Maybe on a particularly cold day, I'll turn the heat way up and watch a summery movie on the couch in my swimsuit drinking iced tea. Any other ideas?

One of my favorite scenes from my favorite movie...the lovely Marie Antoinette!

Fresh and sweet summer raspberries (notice the cute vintage 70's Corelle, "crazy daisy" plate. Josh and I thrifted a whole 46 piece set in perfect condition over  the summer. Awesome find!)

I made this fun collage for Josh while I was at work a few days ago. It's on a manilla  folder and it's put together with only scotch tape.

Miss Dior Cherie captures the essence of spring perfectly. My favorite obsession Sofia Coppola, did a commercial for the fragrance. Watch it here  on the Miss Dior Cherie website. I don't actually own the perfume; I just adore the website and the commercial. It's so very enchanting.

A raven haired version, like me!

For my fellow plant geeks

Here are some pictures I took of orchids that are in bloom right now at my home. Enjoy, Toni

P.S. Please feel free to correct me if needed on the botanical names (listed above each picture) as I'm not 100% sure on the identification of some of these plants. 

Dendrobium bigibbum var. compactum

Paphiopedilum hybrid

Dendrobium 'Barbie Doll'

Grammatophyllum scriptum

My favorite species: Zygopetalum hybrid