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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Couch Potato Weekend

Happy Friday! Hope you've all had a great week. I've been pretty much shooting every day since we got back from Australia. All fine and dandy but, let's just say, I'm looking forward to hanging out around the house this weekend. With that in mind, here are a few couches that I've lounged on and loved....

Peacock Pavilions in Marrakech.

A perfect ottoman with a comfy sofa makes lounging even better. Designed by the design team at The Cross. 

A peak into fantastic living room, in a 70's house, with the perfect sofa. 

A lovely little sitting area, designed by Rebecca Lapres of Riesco & Lapres. 

What are your plans for the long weekend? I can't believe it's the end of August...and almost fall! 

Have a lovely weekend! See you again in September.

janis

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Hello Friday

I hope you've all had a great week. We just returned from an unexpected trip to Australia, so it's been awhile since my last post. It was fantastic being with my husband's family, even for just a short 9 days.

I'm wrapping up this week with a paint-by-numbers of cockatoos, we had to have, painted by "Ted Porter" in 1968. Well done Ted, and thank you! This is a happy reminder of all the family we have in Kyneton. I love that.

Thanks for all your lovely comments and emails about Butter Baked Goods. I haven't had time to reply to everyone, but I plan to this weekend. Looking forward to also seeing what you've all been up to in the blog world!

Have a great weekend!

janis

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Butter Baked Goods

Hello! I hope everyone's week is off to a good start.

I'm pretty excited to be holding an advance copy of the book I shot, Butter Baked Goods, by Rosie Daykin, published by Random House. We started shooting it in April 2012, and after about 20 photo sessions, and much "taste testing" (yum), it feels strange (but pretty great) to be finally flipping through a finished book. Thought I'd give you a bit of a peek...

Are you a baker? I love baking, but I learned so much, working with Rosie on this book.  I can't tell you how much I learned about icing, pastry and tempering chocolate, with all the how-to's. The release date is October 15th, but you can also pre-order here.

Have a lovely day!
janis
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Bathroom Prettiness

Happy Friday! Hope you've all had a good week.

I just returned from a camping trip and, on the last day, I have to admit, I was longing for a good soak in a pretty bathroom....this one would have worked well.

I shot this bathroom, designed by homeowner Shereen de Rousseau, with the help of her friend, designer Nancy Riesco, for Style At Home. You can read the entire story with all the little details, and how to get the look her look, here. 

Have a lovely weekend!
janis
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Summer Cocktails for a Poolside Day

Happy weekend, and a happy long weekend to my fellow Canadians!

Thought I'd share some fantastic cocktail recipes with you. I shot this story at Fairmont Pacific Rim, here in Vancouver, for Style At Home magazine. I've put up the entire story, and all the recipes, here, so take a look!

The beautiful pool at Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver BC. 

Once again, if you'd like to see the entire story, and get the recipes, click here. They're so good! 

Have a great weekend!

janis

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A Beautiful Blend

To start off this sunny first day of August, I thought I'd share a very pretty lane way house, that I shot for House and Home magazine. Homeowner, Jo, brought in Joanna, from The Cross, to help her out in this small space. Jo has brought back many beautiful bits from her travels, and wanted some help in mixing them with custom pieces, and mid-century furniture. I love what they came up with...

A custom settee upholstered in contrasting fabrics. Pretty perfect. 

The large lamp, with clear glass base, and acrylic coffee table are great choices for a tiny space. 

I have put in my request, to Jo, for this entire dining set should she tire of it ;) 

I want to move this kitchen right into my home. Loved the grey subway tiles, happy paper lined cupboard, and that Smeg. I'll take it all. 

Last, but not least, the bedroom. Sweet dreams. 

What do you think of Jo's home? Do you like the blend of materials, fabrics, and styles? To see more, pick up the September issue of House and Home magazine. 

Happy August 1st! 

janis

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