Wrought Iron Gate: I really want PRIVACY!

It so happens to be a very Canadian or Calgarian or American??? style to not have a fence in the front of the house. Well, where I originaly come from, that kind of style could cost you lots! Discussing it with an Italian friend, well I think Europeans prefer some more distance from "the rest" of the world by having a front yard fence.  We live in a nice part of town and despite that couple of our neighbours had their patio furniture stolen and even a beautiful flower urn from their front porches. I could mention more examples...

I won't bore you with those unpleasant details... smiles... but prefer to look at something more exciting and beautiful ...like wrought iron fences and gates. BTW I have already ordered ours and replacing our porch railings too, it will be a beautiful new addition to our home, and the fence will give us some distance and privacy and all which I will share later. 

Here is some of our newly landscaped front yard: 

Front yard before:

Some elegant couple of urns replacing the terracotta pots: 

Our soon to be new front doors:

The new side ligtht fixtures:

The design for our front iron gate:

Of course before we designed our fence, railings and gate, I had been franticaly searching for everything that is "old world", "romantic" yet "classic and modern", "Italian", "timeless" and many more adjectives and works with the new doors, lights...and not to mention our house.

Here is a few fantastic ideas I came across if you are in the mood for some HEAVY METAL and closing the gate, and inspiring gardens....? 

And which gate would you be opening? French or Italian setting, I love them both and mix the styles in our home frequently. 

Have a lovely summer day, perhaps opening a pretty gate leading to an even prettier garden!

XO, Z

Calgary STAMPEDE: what to wear this year: western style

Our Stampede celebration is about lots of things ... chuck wagon races, rodeo, stampede parade...for me it is about what people wear ... the fashion aspect of it. Well, for some it is the same...old same old, but western clothing can be trendy and fun and modern or updated each year of course.

I am always curious about the creativity of people because this is the one time a year they let go loose and experiment and as a fashion stylist it is my fun to watch it each year.... and HERE is what they did wear last year...!

And before it starts on Friday with the famous Stampede Parade, and for the lovers of western modern style, here is what cought my eye this year when it comes to cowgirl looks.

White Peasant Top is a must:

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren

Let's just say that I bought a lot from Ralph Lauren....ok, but he totaly gets it! Always modern and always stylish classic fashions. 

Some Plaid Shirts too:

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren

We (me and my son) also went to buy cowboy boots at the local Alberta boot company, yes they are the best....will custom make them and understand the look. 

I did get a lot of help selecting those boots ... smiles... from the store doggy and my little fun loving boy...

And then we went off to a mall to get this cute handsome boy his cowboy looks:

It was tiring and we were done for the day:

Have a great day!

XO, Z

Happy CANADA DAY long weekend!!!

After gardening all day long, which my hubby calls the "impulsive landscaping" and being eaten by a million mosquitos, of course I had to go prepare "stuff" for our little garden party today celebrating Canada Day.

WE HAVE 2 little boys (our son and a friend's son) at the party and they will have some fun activities besides enjoying the food, like tracing the maple leaf with a maple leaf pen...ok maybe not the most invenntive mama idea but hey I am trying.

In fact, the weather will be lovely, sunny and a scorching hot day so they will likely play with the water guns all afternoon, right? 

Here is some more ideas if you need them:  @ PARTY IDEAS PAGE

I wish you all a very very happy day despite the floods and other troubles we all have had to face, enjoy it and if you fell like it...try my recipe for the BBQ chicken marinade:

In a bowl: 

- juice of 2 lemons

- cup or 2 or more extra virgin olive oil

- salt pepper to taste

In a food processor chop very finely:

- garlic cloves about 15 large ones

- hand full of fresh rosemary

- hand full of fresh sage

- hand full of fresh oregano

- half a hand full of mint leaves

- half cup extra virgin oil

Add it to the bowl and mix with a spatula....

Then spread over the boneless (but keep the skin) chicken thighs over night.

BBQ next day! 

Have Fun! 

Have the most wonderful long weekend...and CANADA day too! 

XO, Z

White Continues: The Future Style

Perhaps with all the flooding in Calgary and muddy views everywhere, what we need is new fantasy living and strong faith in better future: white dreams help me! Also Tina has plenty great white ideas: Enchanted Home.

Dreamy!

YSL to wear in the future.. Is a YES.

Accessorize! Future is bright and SEXY.

Have a great white summer, XO Z

Summer Whites: what do I mean?

Lately, even with the plentyful rain, WHITE is on my mind. It goes well with everything and especially summer. It is the first time I have heard about white dinners: at YOU MAY BE WONDERING. 

Well, that means that I am looking into all white outfits as we speak. Always good to have a white dress, just like one may need a black one, in summer it is the white one we go to for help. 

Katie wore it so well at a Chloe dinner party:

Not a bad idea to Get a WHITE DRESS by Oscar De la Renta for yourself?

Valentino knows best: 

Chanel creates white drama that is sexy:

Jardin des Fleurs in White: wanna be there for an afternoon tea.

Tina's Enchanted Home Terrace: 

chateau style is always in style, white seats with a hint of blue.

White Sails and Blue Water & Sky: addictive activity of mine.

White Mountain Peaks and Clouds during our hikes:

French Doors, bathroom, walls in an old London home, I have been seeing white everywhere I look!

Great with the earth tones or the gray-black contrasts....

To freshen up my tired eyes sometimes a bit of white eyeshadow makes wonders:

Givenchy Le Prisme Shadow

Hope you are enjoying some white in your day dreaming...

XO, Z

This is

"an addition on June 21st, 2013"

ON ANOTHER SAD NOTE:

CALGARY IS FLOODED AND miraculously we are near the river yet dry. I am thankful. 

Surrounding areas just few KMS away from our house are under water and I pray it doesn't get worse and that all the people can go back home as they must feel dispair. 

The spirit in this town is amazing and people never disapointing. 

Downtown is shut down:

River near our house is still not out wild:

Wishing everyone is safe!