T'is the Season

Happy Friday!

It may be a little early for Christmas, for some (is it?), but it's everywhere right now. Thought I'd share a festive story I shot for Style At Home along with editor-in-chief, Erin McLaughlin. Cheryl and Natasha, the mom and daughter team of Little White House, created a cozy, cabin-style Christmas with vintage papers, lace, and ribbons, along with linen and burlap.  This story is in the current issue of Style At Home. Here are some more pics from the shoot.....

When do you set up for Christmas? Are you a stickler for tradition, and keep your decor the same every year, or do you change it up? Do you make a lot of your own decorations, like in this story? I would love to know!   

For the entire story, the ladies of Little White House have put it up on their website. Click here to read more.

I Could Live Here

I hope you all had a lovely weekend!

I was able to get some pics of the new and improved The Cross, just before they re-opened, after a month of expansion and reno's. It's so beautiful. I could live in various parts of the shop. Since they're re-opening in time for the Christmas season, there's a little festive action going on here as well. Here's a peek...

If you're in the Vancouver area, this shop is a must-see. It's one of the many, independently owned, shops in town. Great to see, especially in the era of "big box" stores. If you can't get to The Cross, you can also shop online. 

Modern Warmth

Hello! How's your week going so far?

I wanted to share a home with you that I shot for Denise Ashmore,  a very talented interior designer. The home itself was designed by architect, Paul Phillips. It's also in the current issue of Western Living magazine.

Denise has created a beautiful mix of warm walnut, throughout the home, with mid-century furniture and pops of blues and greens.

Here's a peek...

Painting by Norah Borden.

Painting by Norah Borden.

Painting by Christine Breakell-Lee

For more images and the whole story, click here.

Are you a warm wood person, or do you prefer it a bit lighter? Would love to hear from you. 

Have a great day! 

janis

Give-away Winner for Wednesday

Congratulations, Victoria! I'll contact you for your address.

Thanks to all of you that took part, and for all your lovely comments! It means a lot. 

janis

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Butter Baked Goods Give-Away

It's finally here! Butter Baked Goods, the cook book I shot with Rosie Daykin,  was released this week, and I thought it would be a perfect time to give one away. It was such a fun (and delicious) project to shoot! Random House has kindly given me a copy for me to pass on to one of you. All you have to do is be one of my "followers" (from anywhere in the world) and leave a comment. Easy. I'll make the random draw next Wednesday October 23rd.

Enjoy your weekend!

janis

x

Hello Weekend

Hello! I hope October's off to a good start for you!

It's been a while since my last post, as it's been a super busy month. I've had a variety of shoots - everything from lovely homes, to Christmas, to a fun trip to Victoria BC for Canadian Living magazine. Instagram and twitter have been the way to go for me. Both are perfect for keeping in touch with all of you as well.

Thought I'd share one of the shoots I worked on. It's now on my lottery fantasy list. A beautiful 50 year old "cruiser", named 'Breezin' Thru', built by Vancouver company, Benson Shipyards. Eric Jespersen, a boat builder, restored my current fantasy, and Peter Wilds furnished it for their Australian client. 

Loved all the black and white against the warm, dark, glossy wood. 

We didn't have a lot of time with 'Breezin' Thru', as she was being shipped to her new home in Australia. This was quite the event. Loved having the opportunity to say bon voyage, as she was lifted onto the cargo ship.  

Could you hang out on 'Breezin' Thru' or would you prefer to stay on land? 

If you'd like to read more about Eric Jespersen, and this project, click here. He's a talented craftsman. 

Have a fantastic weekend! 

janis

hello weekend

Happy Friday! Hope you all had a great week.

I just wrapped up a fun week, shooting for an upcoming book by Holly Becker (Decor8) and Leslie Shewring (A Creative Mint). Leslie was here for the shoot, along with Jessica Senti. Great women to work with. Can't wait to see how it all comes together...next spring when the book is released.

Last weekend I tested out the new Instant Lab, from the Impossible Project. Thought I'd share the results with you. It turns your iPhone pictures into a real instant photos. Cool idea, but it does take some testing to get the exposure right. I'm not sure that I'd want to buy one, as I think the novelty would wear out, for me, pretty quickly. When I take instant pics, I still love my sx-70, in all it's unpredictable glory. If you have one of these, I'd love to know your thoughts on it. Do tell!

The Instant Lab. 

Some of the images taken with the Instant Lab, of my iPhone pics. 

After a week of eating, well, a lot of cookies, I think I might try snacking on some of this over the weekend. I made a nut mix adapted from a recipe I saw ages ago in a healthy living supplement in a newspaper. It's so good.  You can really use any combo of nuts you like along with whatever dried fruit you prefer. I always go for dried cherries and/or blueberries.

Cocoa Nut Mix - makes about 2 cups

2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 tablespoon sugar (I used a raw sugar)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
pinch of salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 large egg, white only
1 cup cashews
1 cup almonds
1/2 cup walnuts
1/2 cup dried blueberries
1/2 cup dried blueberries

Preheat oven to 325f/160c. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk egg white for about 30 seconds, until foamy. Whisk in cocoa, sugar, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon, until smooth. Add nuts and stir until evenly coated in egg mix. Spread out nut mix, evenly, onto baking sheet. Bake for about 7 minutes, stir nuts, then bake for another 6 minutes. Keep an eye on them, so they don't decide to burn. Allow to cool, then add blueberries and cherries. Snack away.

Have a lovely weekend!

janis
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