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. 

The New Domestic At Home

Last summer, I had the pleasure of shooting Nerissa Goco, and her daughter Luna, at her home that she shares with husband Peter Hoang. Nerissa is the talented graphic designer behind The New Domestic. Love her textiles and bags. Their fantastic 70's rancher is featured in this month's Style At Home. Thought I'd share some of it with you...

Nerissa and Peter have such a great eye for putting together all their vintage finds and collectibles. It's done sparingly too, which makes for a calm bedroom. 

Not only is Nerissa an amazing graphic designer, she can bake too. 

I love the clever little display crate....and the blueberry crumble pie. Let's just say, we shot this as fast as we could ;)  

Snack time for Luna, in their new kitchen. The wall of bamboo, outside the window, looks so pretty and better than any old curtain or blind for privacy. 

Mom and daughter crafting it up in their well stocked craft room. 

What do you think of their happy home? Could you live there? I could. 

Have a good day!

janis

Instant Love at Peacock Pavilions

As I mentioned in the last post, I just returned from Morocco (with a short stay in Paris). It was an amazing experience. I went with my sister, Wendy, and part of our trip was a polaroid workshop with Jen and Amanda of Instant Love. There were eight other woman at the workshop as well. Loved them all. It was so nice to hang out with such an inspiring group of people. I'll be sharing more of our adventure next week.

We stayed at the Peacock Pavilions, owned by Maryam, author of Marrakech by Design and blog My Marrakech, and her husband Chris, an architect. The best hosts ever.  Here's some of our week at Peacock Pavilions....

One of the suites in the Atlas pavilion. 

The communal living room in the Atlas Pavilion. I loved this fireplace, and the chairs covered in vintage blankets.

This is a sample of our breakfasts every morning. I miss them so much. ;)

The ladies.

Henna and cocktail night. 

The Medina Pavilion, and yet another crush on a fireplace. 

Beautiful painted ceiling and pendant lights in a suite in the Medina Pavilion. 

Tiger, one of the many stray cats roaming around the property. Chris and Maryam collect strays ;) 

Some of my polaroids taken with my SX-70. 

I loved our stay. I definitely plan to go back, with my husband along next time. What do you think? Could this be a future destination for you? I'd love to know. 

As for the workshop, I highly recommend it, whether you're a pro photographer or newcomer. I thought it would be a fun way to introduce my sister to the world of polaroids, and photography for that matter, and it was. Jen and Amanda are great teachers and very easy to hang out with. No attitude, super helpful and hilarious. I miss them. 

I have so many images, so I'll post more on Flickr later this week. Back soon with another Morocco instalment!

janis

x

An Early Taste of Thanksgiving

A couple of months ago, on a hot summer day, I shot a Thanksgiving story with Sarah & Murray Bancroft. Sarah is the editor-in-chief of VitaminDaily and Murray is a talented chef and food stylist.  Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving in October - right around the corner and I can't wait.

Thought I'd share some of the day with you...

Sarah and Murray's daughters, Emmanuelle and Charlotte, help with dinner by digging up potatoes from the garden.

The "kid's table" decorated in deep oranges and pinks. Plates and bed spread (used as a table cloth) from The Cross. 

Emerson digs into her Pear Tarte Tatin. 

The menu. 

Sarah sets the table for dinner. 

For Sarah's tips on entertaining with kids, and loads more pics, click here or pick up the October issue of Today's Parent. The recipes are fantastic!

City Living in NYC

This past April, I had the pleasure of hanging out with Jen Ramos of Made By Girl, her husband Matt and Darla the boxer, at their NYC apartment. A small space and, wow, was it ever organized! Their home is in a special issue of Style At Home that's all about organizing. Here's some more of our shoot....

Jen's perfectly tidy office and paint studio. Turquoise candle holders from The Cross. 

Some of Jen's paintings and prints. You can check out more of her work here. 

Matt whipped up a small smorgasbord for us. He's not a chef, but he could be. So delicious. 

Hard to keep my eyes off this box of Sprinkles cupcakes during the shoot. 

Do you live in a small space?  We do, but I can't call it organized. Any special tricks for de-cluttering? Feel free to share your ideas!  

Have a lovely day!

janis

The (Good) Blues

Hope you had a nice weekend! Did you have a nice Easter (if that's your thing)?

I shot this home for Canadian House and Home and it's in the current special "Best Decorating" issue. This home looked so different the first time I shot it, several years ago. The owner, Karin Smith, wanted it freshened up so she hired Riesco and Lapres to do the job. Lots of happy hits of blue throughout the house.

What do you think? Do you like the blues? 

I'm in Las Vegas for a few days, so I'll be back on Thursday. Until then, have a great week!

janis