imalittle.

stuffed chocolate chip cookies.

2012-02-17T04:17:00.005-05:00

I'll be the first to admit, I am not the biggest sweet tooth on the planet. Give me something salty or tart & I'm a happy camper. But when the mood strikes for something sweet, it hits me in a big way and my cravings go on overload. That's why I was delighted to come across this recipe here a couple weekends ago when I was home, going stir crazy, with a sick boyfriend.

I subbed in mini peanut butter cups {to satiate my subsequent peanut butter craving} instead of Oreos and it was an insane explosion of gooey chocolate & PB. It was a delectable stuffed surprised and the perfect sweet indulgence that satisfied in a major way.

guest post: littlepeach.ca

2012-02-16T12:30:00.000-05:00

I am happy to announce that I am also guest blogging over at little peach today! My anonymous peach & I finally decided that two littles are better than one and so we've joined forces to swap tips on beauty and fitness. Little peach will be heading over here soon but in the meantime check out the site here and let me know what you think of my post: imalittle{dot}blog{at}gmail{dot}com.

~ xx, alex.

mind the gap.

2012-02-16T04:02:00.000-05:00

{belted cape jacket | my personal fave}

The Gap's latest spring line was recently brought to my attention via Twitter here. Kendra, from Van City Pretty opened my eyes to a catalogue of everyday choices at really, really affordable prices.

With clean lines, simple shapes and bright splashes of colour, The Gap isn't trying to reinvent the style wheel. But they've managed to successfully create a refreshing collection of smart pieces to be mixed & matched well in to summer. Are you surprised? I kind of am!

Also, I'll be announcing the winner of the Schick Hydro Silk Gift Basket next week!

Thank you to everyone who entered & good luck to you all!

{1969 denim jumper}

{1969 boyfriend jeans}

{pleated bib dress}

{slim-cropped refined pants in red}

{soft lace-up oxfords in mustard}

{textured knit boatneck sweater}

{watercolor stripe pocket t-shirt in black & white}

{closet craving}

2012-02-15T13:54:00.000-05:00

You may have noticed a trend in my posts. For the most part, topics are pretty consistent but some days I just toss a random post in there, when I cannot wait to share one of my finds. Today is one of those days. I am officially on the hunt for these High-Heel Sandals with Buckles from Zara.

Has anyone seen them? My closet is jonesin' for a new friend.

be mine. or else.

2012-02-15T04:00:00.005-05:00

{i'm not happy until you take my picture}

This year I promised I'd try to offer up a few more "What I Wore" type posts. And seeing that we are now smack-dab in the middle of February, it's safe to say I haven't been keeping up my end of the bargain {I think I've done two and one was in a pair of joggers}. Chalk that up to one part ~ no time, and one part ~ I have no one to take my photo. If there are any photogs out there, looking to build up a resume I'd love to chat with you about working together ~ email me: imalittle{dot}blog{at}gmail{dot}com.

There, now that that is out of the way, I wanted to share what I wore on my Valentine's date with DT last night. He reluctantly snapped me after I lawyered him by saying Valentine's Day is all about me. How that worked I'm still confused. Nonetheless it's written all over my face that I mean business, so please note that I'll work to be better at snapping these types of photos more often. Happy Wednesday, xx.

{Crystal Collar: Ardene}

{Denim Button~Up: Tommy Hilfiger | Asymmetrical Pleated Skirt: Zara | Leopard Print Pumps: Steve Madden | Red Suede Bag: Fendi | Bracelets and Ring: Mine & Borrowed}

{think pink}

2012-02-14T13:30:00.024-05:00

Clockwise from Top Left:

Theme Louise Lace-Trimed Satin Shorts, Carine Gilson
Rosamundi Scented Candle, Dipytque
Stilleto Haystack Floral Denim, Current/Elliot
Eat Me Cupcake Cookbook
Tamika Dress, Diane von Furstenberg
Croco Print Coin Purse, Miu Miu
YSL Heel, Yves Saint Laurent
Ikat-Heart Top, Rebecca Taylor
Pink Champagne Truffles Gift Box, Charbonnel et Walker
Pink & Navy Woven Sweetie Bracelet, Links of London

be my valentine.

2012-02-14T04:21:00.001-05:00

{conversation hearts}

happy valentine's day i'm a littles! i hope you all have a sugar-filled day of love, chocolate & romance. In a turn of events, I've been feeling particularly romantic this year & am eager to provide you with some last minute treats to share with your loved ones. Whether created as gifts or a date night activity, one thing's for sure: all can be made with love.

~ xx, alexandra.

{threaded paper garland}

{sugar hearts}

{diy valentine's stationery}

{hearts of whipped cream}

{i heart you cupcakes}

cb2 and the decorating process.

2012-02-13T04:59:00.002-05:00

{imalittle source}

A few weeks back, a new store opened in Toronto: CB2. I have been on a whirlwind ride the past few weeks {including contests & gifts for you here} and because of that I have yet to check it out in real life. There was no better opportunity to get a taste of CB2 than a Sunday night peruse of the website with DT.

CB2 is the little sister of decor store Crate & Barrel and has many colourful, modern pieces that are fittingly functional for our space. We have picked new lighting for our office and are overwhelmed with rug & pillow choices but the patterns are pleasing and it's safe to say we're growing comfortable with colour. It has been quite the undertaking to research and get a feel for our likes & dislikes within the constraints of our space. I am eager to head out and gather unique vintage finds, to complement any store purchases we pick up.

Two things I can say I've learned during the decorating process:

It is long. Be realistic: you cannot head out in one day to gather everything you need. Finding unique pieces takes time and you need to be patient & not overwhelmed if you have your heart set on finding exactly what you want.
Set a budget. Have an understanding of exactly what you're working with in the short-term. This will help you decide where you want to begin changing/adding new items and forces you to get creative. Try a {diy} project or restore items as a way to cut costs & have fun with your redesign.

Final thought: You must check out the trends tab on CB2's site. The page suggests timely staples to spruce up your space. Here are some of my picks from the store's site:

{cage brass pendant lamp}

{coup clover pillow}

{digital blue pillow}

{roundabout rug}

{streamers rug}

{TPS chartreuse file cabinet}

i'm a little.

2012-02-10T04:22:00.003-05:00

{ridiculously delish recipe ~ for next week}

given that i've been feeling a tad under the weather, you can imagine this week was less than perfect. because of this, my usual adventures about town were slim to none. luckily & in a refreshing turn of events, i was forced to find inspiration from all around the house. it's amazing what you a quick walk around the room can do to offer simple reminders of the place you call home.

have a great weekend & do not forget to enter my contest with Schick here! xx ~ a.

{sheepskin & suede, my zara staples}

{cava & corn}

{'A' necklace heirloom from DT's family }

{only the best for yesterday's national sweater day}

{contest} Shick Hydro Silk Gift Basket

2012-02-09T04:19:00.004-05:00

Now I rarely use my blog as a reason to discuss work, but today I make an exception...

I own a laser hair removal spa in Toronto: Beautifully Bare. In this line of work you're dealing with people that have mayjah hair & skin care issues. Let me tell you: hair is a hassle and staying smooth can be hard on your skin. So when we can recommend ways that clients can care for their hair & skin between treatments, they are beyond overjoyed.

One of the best ways for our clients to stay in the 'hair~free zone' in between laser treatments is with shaving with a good quality razor. Shaving is the best way to deal with hair growth during the laser hair removal process, because you cannot use methods that pull the hair from the follicle under the skin {like waxing or Nair}. I tell this to my clients time and time again but cannot express enough how using a good quality razor makes all the difference in how your skin reacts.

I guess that all my nit~picking spread its word because I was contacted by Schick to try out their new Schick Hydro Silk Razor and received a little gift for you in the process. This gift basket has enough to pamper yourself between treatments while also staying smooth.

The gift basket contains:

Schick Hydro Silk Razor
Lavender water bead fragrance diffuser
A variety of spa essentials:

A purple spa wrap
A pair of purple spa slippers
A pedicure file & toe separators
Nail brush & nail file
Cuticle sticks

So how do you get smooth with this lush basket of goodies from Schick?

It's pretty simple my dears ~ Just 'LIKE' i'm a little. on Facebook here.

All new followers will be entered in to a random draw to win!

You can also place a comment below for a bonus entry telling me why you deserve some at-home pampering care of i'm a little. & the new Schick Hydro Silk.

Get to 'LIKE"-ing here and commenting below, I can't wait to make someone a little winner!

instagr.am

2012-02-07T04:17:00.000-05:00

well hello there imalittles. sorry i've been away for a while - it was a crazy week...my brand new store opened in toronto {here} and then i celebrated with a mini winter ski vacation with my girlfriends.

even though i spent more time consuming carbs and splish-splashing on waterslides, i did manage to capture some instagram photos {which i am obsessed with fyi: find me lexniko} and i love that i can share them on here with you. i actually have developed an iPhone addiction - you can truly use this thing for ALL. someone please stop me before i break out the exclamation points. i have a lot to share this week, including a contest {woot} and some new guest blogging that's in the works.

i hope everyone's having a great week...what is the one thing you're most excited about going in to the weekend?

{post party...couch bound}

{brunch is set...i'm in my happy place}

{love candies for the valentine's spirit}

{mickey mouse waffles~need i say more?}

{waterslides in winter}

{vintage gold snake ring...bring it back}

{walnut ricotta pesto}

2012-01-31T04:34:00.000-05:00

I apologize in advanced for the quality of these photos. They are absolutely not my best. This meal was just so visually delicious in real life that I couldn't wait to dig in. The recipe is waaaay easier than it looks and is actually pretty quick to whip up. I'm going to mentally vault it for easy peasy weeknight pasta's because by using light ricotta & whole wheat pasta it's also not too bad for you health-wise {and I'm not making that up, I checked with my sister}.

I used this recipe here and like I said, used light ricotta {a 450g container}, whole wheat pappardelle and I splurged with a 1/2 cup of parmigiano reggiano because it's delicious. At Ms. Brioche's suggestion, I saved 1 cup of pasta water before I drained it to thin out the pesto and while I couldn't find where she said to use the EVOO, I simply drizzled it while I mix all the ingredients in the pesto sauce and drizzled a bit more when I added the butter and pasta.

The end result was a delicious, semi-nutritious, stress-free Saturday night meal. So try this one, it's quickly going to become a simple but favourite indulgence of mine.

Interior Design Show 2012

2012-01-30T04:56:00.002-05:00

{my favourite piece ~ tea set from Au Lit Fine Linens}

Sometimes the best way to get inspired is to head straight to the source. And after months & months of deliberating about what to do with this boyish apartment I live in, I needed a good inspirational kick in the head. That's why I headed to Toronto's Interior Design Show this weekend. It was a wonderful way to learn more about this year's trends but more importantly, to understand ways you can use subtle accents of colour and design to satisfy the influence of two people's tastes in one small space.

I took a LOT of photos on my iPhone, I think my girlfriend was ready to be done with my snapping away. I really think a way for me to bring some feminine influence could be with dainty, coloured dishes and compromising linens. Do you have any ideas for me? ~ please leave links in the comments section!

{Black Leather Weaved Storage Trunks}

{Paper Wall Accents made to look like tree trunks}

{I have no real use for this but I reminded me of Harry Potter}

{Orange-ya a trend here?}

{TV in an antique frame. I need this desperately}

{glass serving cart ~ functional entertaining}

{pretty blue boxes on mahogany wood}

{silk rugs made from vintage saris with industrial lighting}

{i guess i need some trinkets}

{eerie wall pieces with haunting notes}

{the best booth: Au Lit Fine Linens}

{rustic & feminine nightside table ~ maybe I should just move out...}

{white marble on dark wood...could we have found a compromise?}

{dainty dish series coming up...}

{butterfly plating accents}

{mismatched plating might be my new thing}

{orange & chevrons ~ a recurring trends theme at the show}

{a lovely tray for sundry items}

squeaky tweaks.

2012-01-27T16:03:00.003-05:00

sorry for the tweaks today i'm a littles! I'm working on a few fresh updates with my graphic designer.

{i'm a little.}

2012-01-27T14:07:00.003-05:00

{new toy & tortoise shell case}

I had such an exciting & fast-paced week, I cannot believe it's already Friday. From media events to catching up with old friends and some recipes & purchases in between, I am eager to lay low this weekend. Grabbing some coffee with my sissy on Friday & heading out to the Interior Design Show on Saturday, I am just going to take my time with every plan and ensure that much conversation & inspiration is had and found.

Happy weekend imalittles! xx.

ps: i'm an iPhone user now!
follow me:

twitter here

facebook here

pinterest here

and find me on instagr.am @lexniko

{chicken stuffed & surrounded with bacon | recipe here}

{More #indigofaves from yesterday's Chapters~Indigo Spring/Summer '12 Preview}

{RSVP stationary ~ more wedding word vom | imalittle source}

{tangy tangerine for spring | essie's braziliant}

spring fling with chapters indigo.

2012-01-27T11:02:00.001-05:00

{gifts for her | my personal #indigofaves: Chapters Custom Rifle Paper Co. Lined Journals ~ $16}

I don't know what it is about Chapters~Indigo, but every trip to the store is somewhat magical for me. Chapters~Indigo has transformed from a world of books to a one-stop shop for creating an entertaining sanctuary in the home. Whether you're hosting for the holidays or having a summer rooftop soiree {my specialty} the store goes above & beyond to provide customers with an endless variety of tools to serve everyone's needs. And let's get serious, what better place to be entertaining-inspired than one with a library of recipes just across the aisle?

Here are some of my #indigofaves from yesterday morning's Spring/Summer '12 Preview.

{Blue Glassware: Pitcher ~ $29.50 | Glasses ~ $9}

{Mushroom Bowls ~ $18 | Paddywax Candles ~ $18}

{Stacked Oil & Vinegar Jar ~ $39.50}

{Various Stationary}

{Various Pillows & Throws}

{Mother's Day Tea Sets}

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here are a few #indigofaves shots I played around with once I got home.

marry me, perfect.

2012-01-25T23:32:00.000-05:00

how did it take me so long to come across these? are you kidding me? i cannot even contain myself. Laura Bush wed David Lauren this past summer...Ralph Lauren designed her dress. so really, Ralph Lauren has designed my dress. thanks Ralph.

the engagement photos are rustic, country & classic. and the dress. THE DRESS. please scroll down and look at the open back. Kate Middleton meets Ralph. i die. between that and the headpiece I'm losing it. i apologize for the lack of sense this post makes. i am just...done.

love at first sight; it truly exists.

{imalittle source}

{churros con chocolate}

2012-01-24T08:13:00.000-05:00

I don't think I could ever choose a favourite type of international cuisine, but if I was forced to, Mexican would be in my top 3 {along with Italian & Greek, mmm}. So, I was very happy to hear that the day after I finished my detox, I would be attending a Mexican-themed celebration for my grandmother's birthday. In honour of this theme, I offered up a simple serving of churros con chocolate. The easiest way to describe a churro is as a Mexican donut hole. You can really make then any shape, long or short, but I chose to fry 'em up petite, to allow for bite-size servings on the dessert table. The chocolate sauce was a last minute addition, as I know people love a few flavour options and this was an easy way to offer variety. I used this recipe here for the chocolate sauce and added a pinch or two of cinnamon, as this spice is found in traditional Mexican chocolate. The churros recipe can be found here.

*Note they were pretty quick to make but be sure to keep an eye on your fryer; it took a while for them to brown but once they did, they browned quickly and you don't want to over-fry & dry out the dough.

six shirts a'springing

2012-01-23T04:17:00.002-05:00

usually in toronto, after a long & drawn out winter, i am ecstatic when a warm breeze starts to blow our way. the sun shines a little brighter, and playing dress up become particularly more appealing. spring is just around the corner & to get prepared i've surrounded myself with visions of pastels, polka dots and peter pan collars. for 2012, the trends are lust-worthy with feminine detailing and colourful design. i can't choose a favourite, can you?

clockwise from top right:
mint green cropped sweater, acne
collared long sleeve blouse, sea NY
floral blouse, rodarte
colour-block tee, dkny
sequin collared top, dorothy perkins
polka dot blouse, marc by marc jacobs

{imalittle}

2012-01-20T04:21:00.018-05:00

{thank you postcards, simply lovely}

today's photos reflect a few things that caught my eye online and in life during this week, which brought a whirlwind of crazy scheduling. from meetings, to appointments, to planning out my food for the tail end of my detox, this week just threw me for a loop. i am looking forward to a weekend of unwinding, long dinners with friends & catching up on a few loads of laundry. such an exciting life i lead. have a good one y'all. xx.

{new sparkly thing from zara}

{adorable anthropologie charms that happen to spell out my middle name}

{easy meringue project with my new hand mixer}

{punch bowl popcorn}

once again, the rachel.

2012-01-19T08:53:00.001-05:00

**please note there is language in this video that is NSFW**

it takes a lot for a pint-sized pretty to make a stellar & compelling rap video. if the whole doctor thing doesn't work out, i suggest rachel bilson gets in touch with jay-z.

Call Me Doctor with Rachel Bilson from Rachel Bilson

chasing the clouds away.

2012-01-19T04:37:00.000-05:00

{OPI what's with the cattitude? | Revlon Top Speed first class | OPI russian navy}

somewhere between my false attempt at medical school & learning to apply eyelash extensions, i realized: i have very shaky hands. because of this unfortunate reality i must admit, i am probably one of the world's worst nail polish applicants. even though i know i'm not a polish pro, i do love to try new nail {diy}, designs & patterns. take for instance the quatrefoil nail a.k.a. the cloud nail.

i first saw this design on FASHION Magazine's Twitter page. After analyzing this lovely how~to by paiiige, I googled the technique only to reveal a reverse option {here} ~ which creates a cloud effect.

i'll be honest, i was terrible at both & even this crummy result was after a few tries but i think with a little practice i'll ace it for spring. i am thinking bold, vibrant brights for the trifecta...what are your thoughts?

{quatrefoil}

{cloud}

londontown shoe envy.

2012-01-18T13:48:00.000-05:00

Rachel McAdams was at the London premiere of The Vow last night. She's a babe, she's Canadian & she's starring in a cheesy rom~com which is my favourite way to stop thinking for a couple hours. But it is not for any of these reasons that I am highlighting her today.

{images 1, 2: imalittle source}

It is the shoes. Look at the shoes. Black on nude, pointed toe, with a delicate ankle strap. I am obsessed. The pointed toe is making such a comeback for spring. The entire outfit is effortlessly chic but the shoes take the cake. I need to know who makes these so I can pretend I'll purchase them, when heaven knows I can't afford them to begin with.

Either way: THE SHOES.

Happy Hump Day, xx.

healthy choice: kale chips.

2012-01-17T04:52:00.000-05:00

i am currently attempting to shed some holiday pounds & with that comes my annual cleanse. this year, i am trying out the wild rose d-tox and i love it. i am allowed to eat solid food, {READ: NOT JUST LIQUIDS!} and with that i'm turning to some healthy choices to pass the 12-day cleanse. my fellow wild rose-r suggested this recipe here and while the result is fresh, flaky & light, i long for the days of chocolate lava cakes & heavy shortbread.*

*i hear this goes away after the first few days so i cannot wait for that feeling to subside!

{100 things}

2012-01-16T04:03:00.000-05:00

i have seen a lot of bloggers complete a post called 100 things. i always find them interesting & extremely unique, and believe they truly help readers get to know who a blogger is. i was always nervous to complete a list, mostly because i found it daunting to try and think of 100 things about myself. but it's a new year & i made a commitment to share more on imalittle. so, over the weekend i jotted down my list, going back in time, up to present day to think about 100 things you might be interested in knowing about me. it's actually funny, while i thought it'd be hard to come up with 100 points, it was quite simple & i think i probably could go for 100 more. i guess there's always next year. i hope you enjoy! happy monday :)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I was born in North York, Ontario, Canada ~ just north of Toronto. I've lived in Canada my whole life.
My zodiac sign is Virgo.
Three is my lucky number.
The Number One question people ask me is, "What's your background?"
My background is Czech, Russian, Trinidadian & Venezuelan.
As a little wee one, my parents said that I never left the house without my handbag.
To this day they have no idea where I got my innate love of fashion from.
I have a major girl crush on Lainey Gossip & cannot make it through the day without reading her site.
If I could wear high heels for every occasion I would.
I am 5"1 & 1/2 & I quite enjoy it.
My dream job is to be a reality TV show host. Seriously.
All I want more than anything in the world right now is a puppy, but I know I'm far too busy to commit to the responsibility.
I LOVE living in Toronto but sometimes I think it needs to get over itself.
I used to be a competitive swimmer & the best feeling in the world is diving in to a massive body of water.
If there's red wine in front of me, I'll drink it.
I used to have a nightmare case acne & it's been my biggest insecurity to date.
I wish I could be one of those people that are just cool.
Baking has been my method of relaxation since I was a kid & at times, I quite impress myself with my talents.
Concerts are my vice of choice - there is nothing like seeing your favourite band live.
Shepherd's Pie is my go-to comfort food.
I have been dating my bf {DT} for almost 5 years & I still don't know how he stands me.
This past year I started my own company, Beautifully Bare, and it's been the best decision I've ever made.
Writing is the activity I'm most passionate about. I hope to one day write an entire book.
I sing in my car at stop lights. Surrounding drivers always look concerned.
Weekends at the cottage are how I envision my future.
I truly believe that hard work pays off.
When I was 13, I wanted a dog so badly, I wrote a business proposal & contract that I presented to my parents.
Volunteering in my community has helped me grow in so many ways, I recommend it to every person that asks me for job advice.
While I try my best to always to look sharp, I love coming home and throwing on joggers after a long day at work.
I still have my point shoes from my childhood ballerina days.
I just bought my first pair of ice skates this year.
My favourite fruit is a navel orange.
Nothing beats a piping hot, wood oven Margherita pizza.
I probably have more nicknames than anyone you know, my favourite being Minnie Mouse.
My parents are actually my heros.
Despite my best efforts, I rarely sleep in.
I am very open about my obsession with Twilight and once spent 10 hours in a movie theatre watching the first 3 movies back-to-back.
I am equally eager for The Hunger Games movies.
I am really, really bad at not reading a book from cover to cover in one sitting.
I am desperate to go to Greece, Italy, Spain & Croatia but I'd like to first travel to Southeast Asia in 2013.
I suck at relaxing.
I first started blogging because I was stuck at a desk job where I wasn't given any work.
People generally say I'm one of the nicest people they know & I don't really know why.
After starting this list, I think I'm kind of insecure and now I'm overanalyzing, like a true Virgo.
I don't get the hype over Glee.
I never watched horror movies. After seeing the first Scream, I slept with a hammer on my nightside table. Ya.
I have two tattoos: my zodiac sign on the small of my back and a tiny N {for my last name} in between my right index & middle fingers.
I want more tattoos.
I have one older sister: we were born 3 years, 3 months and 3 hours apart, on the 3rd day of our respective months. Please ref. to #3.
I wish I knew what my voice sounded like to other people.
I do not exercise as much as I'd like to.
I am usually cold…even when it's warm out.
Black coffee is delicious to me, especially with cinnamon.
Everyone knows I love tea, but this year I am eager to enrol in a tea sommelier course at GBC.
I find myself unusually funny.

I used to be blonde. Blondes do have more fun.
I think I could mature in to a serious crafter. I love the homemade look of my {diy} projects.
One of my best friends looks like my identical twin. So much, that we have given up and now tell people we're sisters.
I cannot pick one music genre as a favourite: I'll listen to everything from country to rap to Justin Bieber & Rebecca Black.
I am a trained Bel Canto singer but have a terrible fear of singing in front of others.
I am left-handed.
My printing is extremely neat & proper.
Trying new restaurants is one of my biggest thrills in life.
I should watch less TV than I do.
I know I'm the only person in the world that's caught up on Nikita.
My favourite pastry is a butter croissant. Simple but elegant delight.
When I was in university I watched SportsCentre every night before bed.
My mom tells me I'm so much like my father, but I know she secretly sees herself in me all the time.
I can't choose a hockey team to be loyal to.
I am uber-competitive and DT hates playing games with me.
I wish I was a better photographer.
My sushi cravings are always my most intense.
For me, sangria is synonymous with summer.
I have a difficult time hating people who've wronged me.
I pretend the Royal Family is my family. I woke up at 4 AM and went to an official breakfast for the Royal Wedding in April. People made fun of me but it was a moment I'll never forget for the rest of my life. If Princess Kate's in the news, I know about it.
I look exactly the same as I did as a kid. It's a frightening parallel.
When I find something I like, I stick with it.
Scrabble is my favourite board game. You can guess, DT hates playing this with me.
I relish the time I spend with myself.
I find it very hard to cry but get random moments where I cannot hold back tears.
Serendipity is my all-time favourite movie. It is so cheesy but I believe in fate & to me, the way it's romanticized in this movie is perfect.
Sayings such as, 'The cat's meow' frequent my vocabulary.
The best place to people watch is the subway.
Daydreaming is one of my greatest past times. I do it often & wish I had a stenographer for my thoughts.
I've never eaten a McDonald's McFlurry.
One time, at band camp…just kidding. I quote movies. A lot.
Putting together the perfect outfit can alter my mood tenfold.
I love that friends & family come to me for style advice.
Despite my height, I am very, very good at basketball.
I can't decide which era I'd live in if I went back in time.
Jane Eyre is my favourite book of all time.
I hate my teeth & want Invisilign braces.
After seeing my mum, I am not afraid of aging.
The first time I ate a sandwich was in my first year of university. I was 18 years old.
As a kid all I ate was fruit, bread & butter and pizza.
My list of allergies could roll across The Great Wall of China.
My biggest problem is taking on far too much at once.
I will literally drop anything for a friend in need.
I am the world's biggest snuggler. It's a run-on joke in my family.
I love to smile and am happiest when the gesture's returned.

#imalittle ~ feels like home.

2012-01-13T06:27:00.000-05:00

{champagne & board games ~ my ideal saturday}

{simply rustic floral arrangement on the windowsill}

{modernist meets vintage meets zsa~zsa}

{gallery wall with all the right parts}

{beachside bathroom in the heart of the city}

after a few long & tiring days all i want to do is snuggle up for the weekend. the collection of photos above all remind me of why i love the comforts of home. tiny details, statement pieces & fresh arrangements all influence why we love the place we live. i cannot wait to have a home full of pets, family & friends to entertain and let people feel cozy & relaxed in the place i call my own.

have an incredible weekend; make some memories. ~xx

imalittle review: thursday plantation.

2012-01-12T04:30:00.002-05:00

i am a natural beauty advocate. since i was a little one, my mum showed me natural, household products for skin care that i have continued to use as an adult. to this day i always turn to witch hazel for toner and Vaseline as lip balm but my #1 tried & true natural product is tea tree oil.

i am a firm believer in tea tree oil as a wonderful treatment for my go-to problem: acne. last week, when i was introduced to a new company, thursday plantation, i did not realize all the other amazing benefits this little oil had. thursday plantation is an organic skin care line from Australia and all products {you guessed it} have tea tree oil as the main ingredient. the company was created on a Thursday in 1976 & i love the how the story's translated in to the brand & vision. when i saw the products offered i automatically jumped to the blemish stick, but i also opted to try the lip balm & chewing sticks as i knew i'd put them to everyday use.

here are my thoughts:

tea tree blemish stick | $6.00: my favourite of all three, as it serves my traditional use of tea tree oil. i've never had a blemish stick work so quickly or without the usual disappointments {i.e. drying, scarring/darkening of the skin}. i've been using it for a week & what really caught my attention was the increase in compliments on my skin. i would recommend this for anyone with small breakouts looking for a quick fix.

tea tree lip balm | $12.00: as mentioned above, i am quick to grab Vaseline when my lips feel chapped. i've never thought to use a tea tree-based balm but after using this product my lips feel silky and all the roughness has been reduced. sometimes i find if i over apply, my lips feel like they're going to dry out but they never do and i find this product works best if used overnight.

tea tree chewing sticks | $5.00: this was the most surprising product of all ~ it is essentially a flavoured toothpick that naturally helps oral hygiene. the sticks freshen my breath, as though i've just used mouthwash...without the harsh burn that i cannot stand. my boyfriend is quite fond of them as well, and they're tucked in my purse, as a new natural alternative to a plain, old stick of gum.

the products are available online & select products are available at Whole Foods, Loblaws and Noah's Fine Foods.

if you'd like to send me products for review, please email me at imalittle{dot}blog{at}gmail{dot}com

happy birthday cake.

2012-01-11T04:58:00.002-05:00

today is my dad's 67th birthday!!!

over the weekend, we had a little dinner celebration up at my parents' house. being home, i was feeling especially nostalgic & after seeing this post here, i decided to whip up my dad a classic birthday cake. i followed the same yellow cake {recipe here} and A-MAZ-ING Magnolia Bakery frosting {recipe here}.

the result was an insanely delicious & delicate treat and i seriously cannot wait for another occasion to make one again.

happy birthday dad, love you, xo!

friday night lights.

2012-01-09T04:07:00.004-05:00

{toque: sanrio | grey t-shirt: american apparel | gold studded belt: anthropologie | skinny jeans: heritage 34 | argyle socks: the gap | brown loafers: joe fresh | accessories: links of london, la mer watches, vintage & gifted}

{legit got a strike on my first bowl}

{this is why i'm never allowed to victory dance in public}

so one of my university chums was back in town this weekend. she is genuinely my smartest friend and is using her brain capacity to become a doctor rather than to convince her boyfriend to take photos of herself in silly dress~up, only to slather them on the interwebs...and for some unknown reason she wants to be friends with me anyway.

in addition to her medical skills, she has the loveliest knack for picking fun activities & this past friday a bunch of us went out for a casual bowl at the ballroom. i kept it pretty basic in jeans & a grey tee, but added my typical quirky touches with argyle socks & a forgotten sanrio hat from our uni days. it was a true blast from the past in every sense of the phrase and probably one of the happiest get togethers i've had in a while. enjoy your #munday!

#lazyfridays

2012-01-06T05:27:00.017-05:00

{glasses: jil sanders | t~shirt: tommy hilfiger | LAZYPANTS c/o RebusLIFE}

i am not one to typically make new year's resolutions but this year i wanted to set a couple goals for my blog. one of my big goals was to take more style shots of my daily outfits. do you think it's ironic that on my first style try i am showcasing sweats? perhaps, but after feeling under the weather the past couple days, i was delighted to come home and throw on a fresh pair of these RebusLIFE sweats.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------my favourite thing about these sweats is that they're called LAZYPANTS, which perfectly describes their effortless style. with the combined comfort of free city & roots, i was honestly anxious to get home and throw on this charcoal pair. i think a LAZYPANTS night of movies & tea, curled up on the couch should nurse me to health in no time.

goodbye 2011, hello 2012

2011-12-30T11:17:00.000-05:00

this year has been ridiculous.

2011 brought a whirlwind of change, inspiration from every direction and an enormous amount of support & love from the people around me. i am delighted to move in to 2012 and hope the new year brings continued change, fresh ideas & a wealth of happiness.

i want to say thank you to all of my readers for the support and feedback you've given me over the past year. coming back to blogging was not something i planned but i am thrilled that i did it and can't believe the opportunities it's given me. i cannot wait to bring you even better content, more posts on my personal style and as always, {diy} and recipes galore.

i end the year with a sweet little video i found on lainey gossip. these two are adorable & i am thinking they should probably just get married and have little hipster babies with even smaller guitars.

thank you. thank you. thank you.

all the best & i'll see you all in 2012!

much love, hugs & *** imalittles

xx, alex

kittens inspired by kittens.

2011-12-30T06:28:00.002-05:00

already put one of my gifts to good use ~ hello kitty nail art stickers from sephora. so easy to use just stick them on & apply top coat over. the stickers look adorable with some revlon scented polish in cotton candy & top speed in modern grace.

world's best shortbread.

2011-12-29T14:45:00.000-05:00

i have always been a fan of shortbread...mostly because it is a cookie dough sans egg and i can eat it raw and lick the bowl without any worry. for this year's Christmas fete, i used this recipe here & chilled the dough to slice into cookies instead of baking it whole. i also used leftover lemon curd, maple butter & melted chocolate to dip the cookies for a variety of flavours.

i wish i had more pics of the finished products but unfortunately they were so delicious that they went before i had time to take any photos! luckily some fam tweeted the end result. because they were such a hit, i can officially guarantee your loved ones will rave over the flavour but make sure you hide some away before serving because they'll go fast!

lemon~ricotta pancakes.

2011-12-29T06:20:00.000-05:00

my sissy and i made these lemon ricotta pancakes for Christmas brunch this year. the recipe was so simple & very quick ~ and the result was a meal that looked far more gourmet than the process.

the use of ricotta in the batter really created a lightness to the pancakes, while the lemon curd gave a flavourful zing to the end product. the recipe is here, and i would recommend it to anyone looking to whip up an easy peasy weekend brunch at home.

{imalittle} ~ christmas vacation.

2011-12-28T06:18:00.000-05:00

{just one of the trees at my parents'}

{gifts ready to go}

{cutest gift tags ~ no peeking}

{monopoly game well under way}

{festively spiced candle from here}

{little guy all tuckered out from the day}

i just returned home from the most amazing weekend at my parents' house. it was a Christmas to remember ~ with the hustle of the past couple weeks, it was lovely to get away, relax & just slow time right down. i gave & received brilliant gifts, ate way too much food and drank copious amounts of wine.

my sissy & i whipped up a delicious Christmas breakfast of lemon ricotta pancakes {recipe to come} and our family played our annual game of Monopoly which my mum won for the first time ever! i truly wish time could stand still & i could keep this holiday going forever, but alas life must go on and it is back to reality. next week everything will be back to normal but in the meantime i will be blogging recipes from the weekend!

happy Christmas festive nails ~ {so ya, Hello Kitty's involved}

2011-12-22T04:57:00.009-05:00

with the holidays just around the corner and a looooong day of work & late-night prezzie purchases, i came home with mixed feelings of exhaustion & excitement. i decided to embrace the latter and paint my nails a festive Christmas red.

I was lucky enough to have received my first gift ~ a Christmas-themed Sephora package from Suezin. with a base colour of OPI All The Berry Best and a second coat of Red Sparkle by Hello Kitty Noir Collection, I am festively layered and prepped to potentially guide Santa's sleigh ~ should he call on me this weekend.

merry berry & happy Christmas imalittles!
xx & hope santa's good to you all.

{imalittle} ~ busy bee.

2011-12-16T05:35:00.003-05:00

{needing this skirt for next summer}

{dinner for him}

{chicken piccata for her}

{diy vintage side table ~ will post details next week}

{our lovely gingerbread house from the annual bash}

i haven't done an {imalittle} post in a while but here are a few items that have kept me busy over this crazy christmas time. i am happily looking forward to the holidays and a couple weekends of rest & relaxation with the family. we are planning a neat {nye} theme and are hoping that it goes off without a hitch. all in all by this point i could spend new year's in my snuggie with a cup of this tea and a big bowl of my new favourite caramel corn.

full disclosure: lots of food, a little {diy} and gifts for me somewhere in between.

let's hear it for the boys.

2011-12-15T04:32:00.001-05:00

there are 10 days til christmas & with that i feel it only appropriate to stop focusing on myself and turn the lense on the lads.

i know that many of us are scrambling for last-minute gifts and i definitely have struggled with a gift for my boy. below are a few ideas that are price-friendly and guy-friendly ~ items they'll be sure to appreciate & be impressed by.

1. Apple iPad 2
2. ESPN 30-for-30 Box Set
3. Sorel Men's Mad Boot Lace in Chipmunk
4. Teroforma Whisky Stones
5. Sorel Putnam High Boot in Bone Brown, Honey Mustard
6. Bread & Butter Best For Winter Kit

orange traditions.

2011-12-14T05:30:00.000-05:00

one of my family's holiday traditions {from my papa's Czech side} is christmas centrepieces of tangerines with cloves studded along the outside ~ i'll be sure to snap some photos for you this year.

but in the meantime, this tangelo dessert from cupcakes & cashmere reminded me of my longtime tradition and is a refreshingly light snack for a heavy christmas day dinner.

holiday giveaway: two tickets to a toronto christmas.

2011-12-13T02:17:00.003-05:00

thanks to hennessey events, i am so thrilled to offer my readers a lovely christmas gift this year!

this week i'll be giving away a pair of tickets to a toronto christmas, one of toronto's swankiest charitable holiday parties. it's taking place THIS friday, december 16, at steam whistle brewery & is a staple on the christmas party circuit.

and while i love a great fete, i also love that a portion of the proceeds will support a local not-for-profit ~ GlassFrog ~ who's mission is to assist with the immediate needs of those impacted by disasters worldwide.

i attended this party last year & can assure you that it will be a damn good time! so make sure you enter & get your tickets before its too late!

to enter, please tweet:

"i want to win a pair of tickets to #ATorontoXmas from @lexniko and @hennesseyevents"

ps:
you can follow me on twitter here and like me on facebook here for more info.

good luck imalittles!

winter wonderland.

2011-12-12T04:54:00.000-05:00

even though toronto has yet to be blessed with a blanket of white in the city, i am still eager to break out a few pairs of my favourite boots. i have a standard rotation of daytime & dressy boots and a vintage pair from my mother that warm my tootsies through the winter months.

below are a collection of boot,s new for this season ~ i need to pick a pair that is both versatile for everyday wear in the city & winter weekends at the cottage ~ obviously the two-tone zara set need not apply but they were too pretty to be excluded.

1. hunter boot ~ two-tone riding rain boot
2. sorel ~ crazy cable wedge
3. sorel ~ wicked work boot
4. michael by michael kors ~ brandy snow boot
5. tory burch ~ mid calf flat boot
6. zara ~ two-tone wide heel boot

what are your favourites?

happy december!

2011-12-01T11:47:00.000-05:00

happy december first imalittles!

i feel like i've been spinning out in a million different directions this week. as always, i apologize for the lack of posts, i am trying to get my life off the web organized. there have been summer/winter wardrobe swaps, a looooooot of sorting through old mail & bills & magazines and SO MUCH JUNK!

it was my goal to get this done before december 1st as the array of holiday parties scheduled has left me with little time to do anything other than bake, wear ugly sweaters & celebrate with those i care for the most. i will be posting holiday gift-giving ideas beginning next week and i am so eager to share my ideas with y'all ~ i hope they help you. my gift-giving has been a bit tougher this year, hard for me to find everyone on my list the perfect gift.

if you have any ideas for gift giving for men, email me at imalittle {dot} blog {at} gmail {dot} com

would L O V E your help!

Daphne Guinness for M.A.C.

2011-11-28T14:21:00.002-05:00

I have had a lusting obsession with Daphne Guinness ever since I first watched this.

This is why I was so delighted to learn that she collaborated on a cosmetics line with M.A.C. to be released on December 26. Boxing Day can be overwhelming to some, but I make it a point to plan and shop alone so as not to be slowed down! I will absolutely be adding M.A.C. to my list of stores on December 26 and hopefully get a chance to pick out a few deep plum & charcoal grey must-haves beforehand.

{weekly inspirations}

2011-11-28T04:46:00.001-05:00

A few items that are inspiring me as we head in to the first week of December.

{leather & animal print gloves ~ need to find a pair}

{stacked bangles & exposed flannel layers}

{bollywood~inspired ornaments at pier1}

{black & white with accent pieces popping with colour}

{burgundy nine west booties}

{still on the hunt for the perfect accordion skirt ~ this vintage cut is one to strive for}

{in need of an upgrade & this is the perfect shade of red}

imalittle source: late afternoon, atlantic-pacific, annawithlove

matchmaker.

2011-11-24T05:02:00.002-05:00

remember the time i was looking for the perfect pair of shoesies to match my "the rachel" post here?

found them on song of style:

replica from steve madden & the perfect holiday gift for imalittle...winking at you parents, whom i love.

steve madden is also offering song of style visitors a 15% discount. click here for the code.

{diy} colour-block pouch.

2011-11-23T05:00:00.000-05:00

now i know what you're saying: whaaa? colour-block? wasn't that, like, a summer thing?

well yes, yes it was but you know what? sometimes the method to madness can be used in multiple ways.

take this {diy} here, i found on bloggie crush just b. with inspiration from a colour-blocking celine pouch, b whipped up this simple & stunning {diy}.

given its neon nature, that beautiful number above is more of a summery piece for moi...but the below version from atlantic-pacific offers a more subtle, nautical appeal.

this {diy} if definitely something i'm looking forward to sweeping up for fall/winter.

do you liiiike? please share your thoughts above!

holiday how~to: festive makeup.

2011-11-22T05:21:00.003-05:00

holiday time for me always translates in to sparkly time. we've been over this, you guys get it ~ the jig is up. while my day-to-day makeup routine usually consists of undereye concealer, powder, blush & this, holiday outings allow me an opportunity to go a little glam.

for me, that glamour tends to start at the eyes ~ i was lucky enough to be born with these freakishly large brown eyes (thanks mom) & so i do love to play them up whenever i can. one of my favourites for parties & evenings' out is something i like to call the soft & safe smokey eye. again, not being a major makeup wearer 24/7, a soft smoke seems like a safe bet. by using a charcoal grey with a little pink sparkle across the brow & inner/outer lids, the result is a dramatic eye without the heavy look of a traditional jet black.

let me know what you think!

step~by~step:

1. start by using a mineral-based powder, blush and/or bronzer.

2. using a sponge-tip brush or your finger, smooth a grey shadow over your lids to just above the crease of your eye.

3. line the inside of your upper & lower lid with black liner or kohl pencil.

4. using a shimmery pink or pearl shadow, brush lightly over your brow line.

5. using the same shimmery shadow, gently apply at the inner & outer points of the lids.

6. apply blackest black mascara, curling upwards & covering the entire lash.

7. add a soft updo & a few curls to flatter the front of the face.

8. finish with a pale pink matte lipstick. i like shiseido perfect rouge in pink mesa.

24 days of david.

2011-11-21T13:05:00.001-05:00

who needs chocolate when you can have tea?

david's tea is introducing an advent calendar for december featuring a variety of flavours for each day building up to christmas. while i am nostalgic for crummy chocolate shaped as santa & reindeer, this updated option from david's seems like the perfect adult solution to celebrate the holidays.

and let's be serious, who doesn't love a month-long tea party?

there are no words...

2011-11-21T09:25:00.000-05:00

...to describe beyonce's brilliance.

this video makes me a) feel kind of bad about my accomplishments to date and b) remind me of how chillingly perfect beyonce is at live performances.

smashed chickpea sandwich.

2011-11-21T05:18:00.001-05:00

over the weekend, the bf & i had a relaxing saturday afternoon. feeling tickled with time & energy to make something delicious, i backlogged my brain & decided to finally whip up the smashed chickpea sandwich i first talked about here.

the recipe was so simple & even with a few tweaks {olive tapenade instead of olives, baba ghanoush spread instead of tahini, spelt flour toast} the result was a fresh, filling vegetarian treat ~ that went perfectly with the red peppers & soup i made here and here.

{imalittle}

2011-11-18T02:34:00.000-05:00

as we head in to the weekend i am elated by plans to catch up with old friends, celebrate birthdays & spend time with a surprise visitor.

my holiday planning commenced with a large december month calendar draw up on our chalkboard wall and is quickly filling with events, parties & loads of family time.

as we say goodbye to fall & hello to winter, i am sad to say goodbye to weekend coffees on the lake but eagerly await layered knits and cozying up on the couch with a nice cup of tea.

enjoy the weekend,
xx.

{mini gold muffin trays ~ perfect for homemade truffles}

{one of the final fall weekends on the lake}

{new pair of animal print pumps}

{vintage sugar bowl subs in as a paper clip holder in the office}

{puppy sitting for a new friend}

winter with the gap.

2011-11-17T12:49:00.000-05:00

the gap has a ton of cute choices for winter right now. taking a few key pieces from their latest collection, i have put together a couple of outfits to go from day-to-night.

start with a warm faux fur coat & black wool knit.

{faux fur coat}

{wool-mix knit}

for day: throw on a cute pair of coloured denim leggings and a leopard beanie with some fold over black boots.

{leopard beanie}

{1969 coloured denim legging}

{fold over black boot}

for night: swap your beanie for a fedora & the denim for an edgy metallic mini. add a bright clutch & you're ready for a night out.

{heather purple fedora}

{metallic mini skirt}

{faux fox clutch in red}

sparkly things.

2011-11-17T02:54:00.001-05:00

if there is one free pass we all get over the holidays it is to embellish as much of every outfit with sparkle as we can. i tend to hold this idea a tad too close during the other 11 months of the year but that is just a moot point :)

below are a few of my favourite sparkly things for day-to-day, parties, and the home. do you have any sparkly favs that you just have to bust out during the holiday season? share!

1. glimmer long-sleeve tee, j.crew
2. silver pin stitched pleated dress, nicola finetti
3. embellished wedge sandal, alexander mcqueen
4. fig 15 candle, le labo
5. black sequin gloves, forzieri
6. chain rosette necklace in gold, adam lippes
7. metallic 'mac' leather crossbow clutch, rebecca minkoff
8. silver braided belt, mix.it

{roasted red pepper & chickpea soup}

2011-11-16T13:30:00.000-05:00

every year the bf & i attend a friend's gingerbread decorating night. she is a delightful cook & pastry chef ~ how she manages to bake everyone's gingerbread houses from scratch and gluten-free i will never know.

she also makes amazing soups, one of which i am sort of obsessed with. her roasted red pepper & chickpea soup is heavenly and i was lucky enough to have her share the recipe with me. i'm feeling a bit under the weather this afternoon & a bowl of this soup and some arrested development on netflix will hopefully help this feeling subside.

you'll need:
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp hot red pepper flakes
1 tsp group coriander
3/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp caraway seeds
2 tbsp evoo
1 can chickpeas, rinsed
1 1/2 cups crushed canned tomatoes with juice
1/2 cup roasted red peppers, rinsed (i made these here)
3 1/2 cups chicken stock

directions {i kept her directions because they're kinda great}:
~ make a cocktail or pour some wine because life is better with a drink in hand...
~ using a back of a spoon, crush & smush the garlic, red pepper flakes, coriander, salt and caraway ~ give it a shot - i suck at it so i just press it down and kinda crush everything and take a drink.
~ heat oil in the saucepan over medium high heat & add the spice mix...a bit of heat and then smush and waaaaay easier to make the paste...let everything come together for about 3 minutes and stir it so no burning occurs.
~ add broth, chickpeas, roasted red peppers and tomatoes. bring it to a simmer and stir it frequently for 15 minutes. be sure to look stressed because really, that is all there is to the soup but u don't want anyone to know that....the last thing....
~ get out your hand blender and purée the soup.

how-to: {roasted red peppers}

2011-11-16T04:55:00.000-05:00

i have always been intimidated by people who can take the time make everything by scratch. as luck would have it, my mumsie is one of these people. so last night when i told her i was eager to try a new roasted red pepper soup recipe, she insisted that i roast the peppers from scratch instead of buying them at the grocer.

i took the lead from this how-to here and after inhaling a few too many oven fumes the result was a savoury key component to my dish. it was actually much easier than i expected & now i'm laughing at my own reservations to try this out on my own. who knew that with a little push i could rise to the occasion & roast a damn good pepper.

tis the season...officially.

2011-11-15T09:26:00.000-05:00

i am a fat kid at heart & tend to base the launch of each season off of some form of food special at one of my go-to take away restos. since the festive special from swiss chalet kicked off a couple weeks ago it is with great pleasure that i announce the launch of my holiday posts. i will be featuring gift ideas, decorating {diy's} and recipes to ensure those extra 10 lbs are found before january 1st.

i've said it before & i'll say it again, if there is one thing this blog is meant for it is to be a place of inspiration from me to you. i am hoping to share some unique ideas to help you with the joy & stress of the holidays.

to get this holiday party started, i am delighted to showcase a few of my favourite items from the chapters-indigo holiday viewing. chapters is my absolute favourite store to explore & get lost in. beyond the incredible array of fav fiction reads, coffee table photobooks & aisles of stationary delights, there are so many great gift ideas and ways to incorporate the written word in to your everyday & holiday decor.

below are a few favourites of my own **wink wink** and favourites that i'll be sure to share with loved ones come december 25.

{give me a group of antique frosted candles & i'm set}

{beautifully decorated holiday side table}

{coffee table details ~ perfect gentlemen's gift}

{rustic paper bird ornaments, inspired by the written word}

{holiday-shaped cookie cutters and baking note pad ~ i need this.}

{perfectly packaged holiday treats}

{these candles smelled phenomenal ~ perfect for christmas morning}

{whiskey stones & guide book ~ i know too many gents who would love this}

{champagne flutes & martini shaker on a portable bar tray}

{bath accoutrements fit for a queen}

ring around the rosy.

2011-11-15T08:49:00.000-05:00

to say that work have been kicking my butt lately is an understatement. my exhaustion has reached an ultimate peak & it is safe to assume that i have run out of steam.

after a day at my parents' - relaxing & having long slow chats with my mum, i am back home and ready to take on a new week. it began with a quick trip to my optometrist for a new pair of jil sander glasses {which i'll show you once i stop looking like death} & a fresh mani using bio sculpture gel polish in rose glitter.

i am also going to be taking some polls this week, as i am revamping the site. love to hear your feedback of what you want more or less or just enough of :)

{sunday sweater}

2011-11-08T07:47:00.001-05:00

i typically spend the beginning of my week cruising the internet looking for ideas, recipes & clothes i can't afford. this morning i came across this sassy & cozy item on pinterest.

it is the perfect weekend sweater ~ for a casual brunch with rolled-up boyfriend jeans & a pair of killer kitten heels.

i'd also rock it curled up on the couch, in comfy leggings & roll up the ribbed sleeves ~ the ideal lazy sunday, keeping this sweater true to its form.

Source: net-a-porter.com via Bri on Pinterest

{imalittle} ~ eating & drinking.

2011-11-04T10:26:00.002-04:00

just picked up the latest edition of toronto life's eating & drinking 2012 special.

saw the cover, went immediately to nadège for sandwiches & macaroons.

peanut butter drooling yet?

2011-11-04T07:04:00.001-04:00

remember the time i wanted to make these?

i did. and ate about 450,000 of them.

recipe here, in case you forgot.

entertaining in heels.

2011-11-04T03:44:00.000-04:00

tell me ~ what is more brilliant than friends, food & a few glasses of wine?

that's why i was SO surprisingly happy when a swanky package from STLTO WINE arrived at my door ~ just in time to host a weekend dinner party.

STLTO wine was developed for ladies who love to gather & gab while enjoying a flavourful yet affordable bevvy. the red malbec/merlot blend was fruity & smooth and went absolutely perfect with the cheese & meat spread we enjoyed courtesy of my bestie & her hubby at the village cheesemonger.

for our lighter fare, the un-oaked chardonnay was a treat ~ as i tend to steer clear of the typically oaky flavour found in this type of white. a simple caprese salad pairing made me long for late summer lunches on our rooftop patio. though some time away, it will definitely be enjoyed next year with a bottle of this seriously stylish white.

for now, the STLTO red fits perfectly with my plans for a cold winter & late night chats with the girls.

thank you ladies from duet public relations & STLTO wine!

{c'est l'halloween eh}

2011-10-31T16:59:00.000-04:00

seriously my fav costume of the day. nicole richie as j.lo ~ jenny from the block.

imalittle source.

{imalittle} ~ scene & heard.

2011-10-31T04:30:00.003-04:00

if you asked friends to define me they'd probably call me a scenester. i suffer from FOMO {fear of missing out} and i love supporting friends & family in whatever event endeavours they pursue.

while i do let my social life get the best of me at times, i am happy to share some of my adventures with you on this halloween monday. photos include paws for the cause, halloween & a lovely evening with friends, a delicious spread from The Village Cheesemonger and flavourful STLTO Wine.

my outfit: {denim top ~ tommy hilfiger | skirt ~ hm | shoes ~ topshop | accessories ~ la mer & links of london}

{welcome to the dog house}

{yummy best in show treats, courtesy of pusateri's}

{something was funny}

{the most delicious pairing spread}

{happy halloween imalittles!}

cause we like to party..

2011-10-28T07:13:00.002-04:00

so you'll maybe hate me but seriously, no {imalittle} post until monday.

my apologies, i've been crazy busy & doing to much of this ~

i'll have an extra bunch of pics for you next week, promise! halloween, paws & much much more :)

xx.

paws for the cause.

2011-10-27T10:31:00.002-04:00

there are very few things i love more than puppies. i am not kidding, i love my family, friends & the boy but let's get real ~ if i could be a crazy dog lady and live in a house surrounded by frolicking furry friends, i'd probably {heavily} consider it.

that is why i am SO jazzed about the event i'm attending tonight: the paws for the cause gala.

paws for the cause is an incredible not-for-profit, working to raise funds for veterinary scholarships in ontario. the care & well-being of animals is such an important cause to me, as i've adopted a pooch before & see how love and affection can positively change their behaviour.

there are so many dogs in need and all they ask is for loveable companionship & someone to care for them. it's surprising how in the process they actually end up caring for you! while my life schedule unfortunately cannot afford me the luxury of having my own pup, i will continue to support in any way i can & paws for the cause is just one amazing way to do that.

as for tonight's event ~ it's a fun, furry fashion show featuring familiar faces from around town & their four-legged friends. there are still tickets available but they are going fast, so grab one immediately.

if you can't make it tonight, follow them on twitter here & like them on facebook here.
also ~ follow me on twitter here & like me on facebook here. merci!

join us tonight! can you really say no to this little face?

{so dapper}

imalittle source.

i'll call it 'the rachel'

2011-10-26T05:04:00.001-04:00

{see this}

{do that}

now i just need some shoesies. any suggestions?

in need of pennies.

2011-10-25T12:02:00.002-04:00

{loafers & argyle ~ hello fall}

ugg & my city.

2011-10-25T04:27:00.000-04:00

is it possible to be in two places at once?

clearly not, but i am fortunate enough to be part of a group at the broken heel diaries that allows me to have an inside eye to what's going on in our wonderful city of toronto.

a couple weeks ago the new ugg store opened in yorkville & some of my lovely ladies from {bhd} attended the event. sadly i was unable to make it.

"whyyyy sadly?" you ask, as if uggs is a dirty word?

well, because unlike some others, i was an ugg-supporter from the very beginning. despite being designed for function over fashion, no one can argue that stepping into a fresh pair of uggs is undeniably one of the best feelings in the world {dramatic, but true}.

fast forward a decade and the brand has evolved to offer the best of both worlds ~ if these photos are any indication, i should be stepping in to a new pair quite soon.

ps ~ the ladies & gents of {bhd} write amazing content on all aspects of life ~ be sure to check them out!

all photos courtesy of {bhd}, thanks ladies ~ xx.

{absolutely need these}

music monday love.

2011-10-24T14:43:00.000-04:00

fell in {l o v e} with this song at the end of how to make it in america last night.

will be playing on repeat for monday night cleaning ritual.

{imalittle} ~ an ode things old & new.

2011-10-21T13:02:00.028-04:00

this week i am fully inspired by all things old & new ~

{diy} with extra paint supplies, new shops with vintage finds, old holiday traditions to make my own with help from chapters~indigo, undiscovered restaurants on familiar streets & my ever~growing collection of tea cups.

enjoy your weekend imalittles!

{next diy with my leftover chalk paint}

{why don't these ship to canadiana}

{new favourite store, with vintage & one-of-a-kind items}

{preview of chapters~indigo holiday 2011}

{grace on college. must visit for ice cream sandwiches}

shades of grey.

2011-10-21T04:00:00.001-04:00

my affair with the grey sweater has gone on for quite some time. i cannot even enter a store and spot a grey sweater without trying it on & debating its purchase. i literally have an entire drawer in my dresser that contains grey sweaters - thin, thick, knits, cotton, baggy, tight...the list goes on. i need to add a new grey with some flair this season. please help me decide.

currently, loving these sweaters, lusting after them on a rainy october day with a cup of apple cinnamon tea.

thoughts? {l to r} on top & bottom row

boatneck sweater, helmut lang
v-neck crochet sweater, robert rodriquez
cableknit sweater, madewell
one-button sweater coat, thakoon
deer crew neck sweater, wildfox couture
love potion no. 9 acrylic sweater, wildfox couture

brb...boots.

2011-10-20T12:02:00.002-04:00

new imalittle pint-sized boots from joe fresh ~ no really they are a size 3 kids...love having small feet!

joe fresh is in NYC now my americana friends, you must check it out ~ it is brilliant. perfect for inexpensive holiday gifts & stocking stuffers for your stylish friends.

what do y'all think?

{peanut butter drools}

2011-10-20T04:15:00.000-04:00

i am absolutely making these peanut butter cups this weekend.

holy mother of peanuts! finally someone has perfected the classic reese's flavour ~ check how they layer the chocolate & pb ~ maybe this is how we get the caramel in the caramilk bar?

as my fav candy bar, you bet i am going to work my butt off at the gym to enjoy at least a couple dozen of these. they're perfect & i haven't even tried them. this is my dilemma with the pb & chocolate combination.

do you have a fav classic candy bar recipe you want to share? please do ~ my tummy thanks you :)

please tell me these pictures are making your mouth water?! this post is a projectile waterfall of word vomit because i am far too excited.

sidenote: how cute would these be wrapped up as gifts for guests of your halloween fete?!

paper crown.

2011-10-19T12:36:00.000-04:00

pining for this paper crown lola dress in black.

seen below on lauren conrad because truth be told, it fits her better than the models in the look book.

{source}

"teal: kind of blue, a little green, pretty great"

2011-10-19T04:28:00.000-04:00

i am ashamed to show this photo of the office space in our condo...but that is the point of work in progress ~ there has to be some grit before the beautiful end. we finally agreed to paint the corner wall a teal colour ~ it looks a bit bright in this photo but it is much more like the colour of the wall in the three pictures below.

we are so eager to get moving on this project as its been a long-time coming. now that it is finally a reality, the ideas are pouring in like wildfire. with these pics from apartment therapy {loved the post title}, we have already decided how to incorporate some of my tastes in to the space while keeping the original desk {that i strongly dislike but...}

i will continue to post as we make the renos, i hope you enjoy!

{office wall in its current state}

{how to make use of small space}

{beautiful backdrop for art & pillows}

{red & yellow ~ great options for a burst of colour}

speaking of holidays...

2011-10-18T12:06:00.000-04:00

this is 100% going on my christmas wish list:

House of Harlow 1960 ~ Kye Flat in Leopard & Studded Leather
size 6.5 & sold out for now...but the bf has resources i'm sure ;)

chapters~indigo visit.

2011-10-18T04:10:00.000-04:00

this morning i will be lucky enough to check out the holiday 2011 preview for chapters~indigo. in lieu of this i put together a little collaboration of my favourite things from this fall.

as the weather cools down, i am exciting to bundle up in these cozy cable throws and sip hot cocoa in my monogram mug. the recipe binder has become a necessity as i need to document my favourites on- & offline.

lastly, the shadow box & nibble bowl add decorative elements to our new office space {more of this later!} and kitchen for hosting.

i cannot wait to share my finds from the holiday 2011 collection ~ winter is just around the corner & i am so so so excited to get decorating for the season!

{imalittle} ~ weekend ed.

2011-10-17T05:57:00.011-04:00

happy monday y'all...i had a light weekend after a long week of travels. spent the past couple days getting the house in order so that the week goes off without a hitch...we will see how that goes.

i've got many fun things coming up this week & i hope you do too ~ if you have any ideas or interests for the blog email me ~ imalittle {dot} blog {at} gmail {dot} com.

since my computer got wiped last week, i had no new posts after my scheduled ones, so i leave you with a few imalittles from the past couple weekends. enjoy the day & please find me a few lust-worthy items to feature on imalittle.

xx.

{mimosas with brunch}

{poisoned apple perfume}

{apple crumble tarts}

{pink tarantula ~ the most delicious bevvy}

{playing dress up for boobyball10}

{random stylistics}

2011-10-12T15:59:00.000-04:00

i love this. courtesy of my dollface of a friend, miss barbie b.

i love these types of pics/words and i think i'll keep posting the ones i find & love from time to time.

xx.

funnie sunnies.

2011-10-12T10:17:00.000-04:00

if there is one accessory i am consistently pining for it is a new pair of sunglasses. i take serious joy in rocking a pair of shades when the sun is shining or if i had a little too much vino the night before. they make me feel invincible or invisible and i am always looking for funnie sunnies to change up my daytime looks.

don't get me wrong, i am not a sunglasses snob ~ i love my faux-ray ban aviators from HM as much as i adore my classic black Chanel quilted set. i always have at least 3 pairs of sunnies in my purse, because i change them along with my mood. when i go on vacation i tend to pack more sunglasses than shoes ~ it is a serious problem, but not one i'm too concerned about.

i have a couple sunglasses crushes this week. many thanks to the delightful possessionista for clarifying on a thierry lasry pair i saw on the tele. the other are courtesy of fashionologie & a new line of deliciously dazzled miu miu sunnies. some of these ones remind me of a museum for some reason; the crystallized rims show like qualities to those in ancient artifacts.

i could search for sunnies for hours on end some days ~ what are some of your classic favourites or soon to be new ones?

{Thierry Lasry Lively in Black}

{Miu Miu Noir Collection}

{my current fav ~ the House Of Harlow 1960s Chelsea}

{copy cat decor}

2011-10-11T10:16:00.000-04:00

when i'm looking through decor mags & sites online, i always flock to staging pics with a few key elements ~ a likeness to my personal tastes & wow factor limits, but most importantly, similar furniture to mine, with key accents to update its look.

we have been looking for ways to incorporate colour into our condo & i came across this beautiful living room set that could easily transform our similar couch & carpet in to a happy medium for me & mr. boyfriend.

{source}

and considering this debate has now ended & it's decided that we are not moving ~ we are ready to attack the home decorating challenge with intense plan & personal compromise. as an alternative to the tiffany blue wall above, we could brush on a navy to keep a darker, more 'masculine' element to the room. give me anything animal print & textured pillow and i am pretty much sold.

for now we've solidified the first negotiation: remove some of the wood {we are not living in a modern day cottage} & incorporate some feminine elements without an all white backdrop ~ aka my dream world.

we will see how this compromise business goes & i'll be sure to keep my imalittles posted.

happy canadian turkey day!

2011-10-10T13:58:00.000-04:00

today marks a little turkey holiday in canada. i am heading over to the bf's parents' house for some grub but in the meantime i am leaving you with some visuals from the apple store this morning.

it is very amazing to live in a world where people take the time to show gratitude and thanks. i know that kindness is not always the case {i.e. i no longer have my cell phone} but more likely than not we see flashes where we are pleasantly reminded that life is pretty great.

{this is just half of it}

{my favourite message}

hope you all have a lovely & thankful day! xx.

day & night.

2011-10-06T02:02:00.000-04:00

i love fall. with visions of seasonal tones i wanted to create two looks ~ day & night ~ using similar palates. many of us have similar items to complete the day look but for those flirting with funk in the fall, an evening look to inspire you awaits. blazers with evening wear is one of the hugest trends i've seen on celebrities as of late. i will be sure to rock one next week to the 10th annual boobyball event.

this also means i need a party dress, which poses a much, much bigger problem.

gold sequin dress, Alice+Olivia
long sleeve collared shirt, Elizabeth & James
army green toggle coat, Burberry Prosum
boyfriend blazer, topshop
chocolate brown skinny leg jeans, j brand
maroon platform heels, L.A.M.B.
brown lace up booties, Zara
khaki sheepskin bootie, Zara
tan shoulder handbag, mulberry
emerald evening bag, Sola
gold bangle, chanel vintage
emerald and gold drop earrings, mallory marks
knit beanie hat, Amyara
vintage tortoise way farers, ray ban

{random stylistics}

2011-10-05T18:05:00.002-04:00

- really random & interesting quote from George Carlin

via: christopher trunk couture

Longchamp x Mary Katrantzou ~ Spring/Summer 2012

2011-10-05T09:56:00.000-04:00

one of my favourite classic bags is the Longchamp overnight bag. naturally, i was over the moon when i came across a little tweet from the bag hag regarding Longchamp's collaborating with Mary Katrantzou. i know very little about Mary Katrantzou ~ she's a new designer & works with divine patterns to create playful, showstopping pieces.

yes, i said showstopping, i am officially an 80 year old, male, hollywood producer.

anyway, when i saw the colourful prints she included on her collaboration ~ i knew it was love at first sight. the asian-inspired patterns with lanterns & orchids reminds me of a room in my parents' house where they hold tonnes of artwork & antique pieces from their travels overseas. growing up with these i've been naturally inclined to love any work that encompasses this type of art & combined with Longchamp, i am basically outnumbered. i need to set a date to get to nyc for a shot at purchasing one of these beauties. definitely pining for the travel bag in the last picture.

"who will buy me for imalittle?"

scalloped tomatoes.

2011-10-04T04:22:00.001-04:00

i tried my first ever batch of scalloped potatoes this summer up at the cottage. the layers of delicious thinly sliced potatoes, oozing in cheese & cream was one of the best surprises my tastebuds had all year. i was always looking for an opportunity to recreate them but never had a solid recipe to go by.

flash forward three months & i am instantly reminded of the layered goodness with this lighter fare alternative. i was fortunate enough to be watching food network when Ina Garten made this recipe here on her farm stand food episode.

the recipe was fun to prep and the smell of tomatoes & basil from the oven was like heaven on earth. i was lucky enough to come home to the fantastic smell as the BF whipped it up*.

served with some breaded chicken cutlets, it was a delish dinner for a late fall evening.

*usually the bf & i trade on whoever cooks, the other cleans. scalloped tomatoes recipe bonus: clean up was so quick ~ almost like a one bowl meal. this always makes things taste that much better.

{black & white}

2011-10-03T09:25:00.000-04:00

who says you can't wear white after labour day?

i have been briefly following some coverage from all the Fashion Week shows around the globe.

one common trend i've seen in attendees from new york, milan, london and paris is the stylish simplicity of black & white outfits.

always clean-cut, sharp & playful, black & white is definitely trending from front row to the streets.

{diane kruger}

{emanuelle alt & caroline sieber}

{rachel zoe}

{kate moss}

imalittle source: elle, whowhatwear, fashionstyleadvice

imalittle.

stuffed chocolate chip cookies.

guest post: littlepeach.ca

mind the gap.

{closet craving}

be mine. or else.

{think pink}

be my valentine.

cb2 and the decorating process.

i'm a little.

{contest} Shick Hydro Silk Gift Basket

instagr.am

{walnut ricotta pesto}

Interior Design Show 2012

squeaky tweaks.

{i'm a little.}

spring fling with chapters indigo.

marry me, perfect.

{churros con chocolate}

six shirts a'springing

{imalittle}

once again, the rachel.

chasing the clouds away.

londontown shoe envy.

healthy choice: kale chips.

{100 things}

#imalittle ~ feels like home.

imalittle review: thursday plantation.

happy birthday cake.

friday night lights.

#lazyfridays

**goodbye 2011, hello 2012**

kittens inspired by kittens.

world's best shortbread.

lemon~ricotta pancakes.

{imalittle} ~ christmas vacation.

happy Christmas festive nails ~ {so ya, Hello Kitty's involved}

{imalittle} ~ busy bee.

let's hear it for the boys.

orange traditions.

holiday giveaway: two tickets to a toronto christmas.

winter wonderland.

happy december!

Daphne Guinness for M.A.C.

{weekly inspirations}

matchmaker.

{diy} colour-block pouch.

holiday how~to: festive makeup.

24 days of david.

there are no words...

smashed chickpea sandwich.

{imalittle}

winter with the gap.

sparkly things.

{roasted red pepper & chickpea soup}

how-to: {roasted red peppers}

tis the season...officially.

ring around the rosy.

{sunday sweater}

{imalittle} ~ eating & drinking.

peanut butter drooling yet?

entertaining in heels.

{c'est l'halloween eh}

{imalittle} ~ scene & heard.

cause we like to party..

paws for the cause.

i'll call it 'the rachel'

in need of pennies.

ugg & my city.

music monday love.

{imalittle} ~ an ode things old & new.

shades of grey.

brb...boots.

{peanut butter drools}

paper crown.

"teal: kind of blue, a little green, pretty great"

speaking of holidays...

chapters~indigo visit.

{imalittle} ~ weekend ed.

{random stylistics}

goodbye 2011, hello 2012