{Happy Birthday Mum}

Today's my Mum's birthday, so some old school photos of her to celebrate! (check out this post I did on  her for Mother's Day a couple of years ago).

{Mum, at her graduation}

{Mum & Dad, young love}

{Mum, me, & my sister Esther at Mamre Oaks}

I love you Mum!!!

{downton fever}

Are you loving Season 3 of Downton Abbey as much as I am? I can't get enough. As you may know, I visited Highclere Castle (the home of the fictional Downton Abbey) in the spring, and having experienced walking through those rooms--oohing and ahhing at the grand entry hall with its neo-gothic design & grand staircase, the lovely library, & the dining room with van Dyck originals...it brings the telly series ever more to life.
But this season has really gone off with a big bang. I'm dying for Sunday's airing of episode 3. Here are some of my favourite parts so far of season 3 & some inspiration from it:

{the hairdos}

& some Downton inspired images:

{via wedding bee}

{simply stunning  French dress, c. 1935 from the Met}

{another simlpy gorgeous gown}

& who can resist this gorgeous detail on Lady Mary's dress?:

{via zsazsa bellagio}

*loved the simple decorations of white bunting around the town:

{white bunting}

{english country wedding invites}

The interiors are stunning too: 

{love the colours, the fireplace & frames}

some Downton inspired interiors: 

{via zsazsa bellagio}

{great mix of objets d'art}

{via d*s}

What awaits us tomorrow???
xo, 

L

{quotable thursdays}

It's been a busy day around here teaching & so this will be short & sweet. I've been feeling like procrastinating recently and really, at the start of a new year I should be feeling like now is the time to get started on things I've been neglecting. So here is a quote to hopefully get myself into action:

{by Kelly Cummings}

{reach for the skies}

& in my case, get reading: 

{via marcus design}

& writing...

{via coco+kelley}

Happy Thursday,
L

{quotable thursdays}

{via terrier&lobster}

My sister gave me this link about aunties, and it struck home. I just spent Christmas with my 9 nieces & nephews and I realise how important the auntie-niece/nephew bond is.
The article talks about the necessity of aunties in kids' lives. It also provides a bunch of great quotes by famous aunties. I like this simple one by Jane Austen:

"I have always maintained the importance of aunts."

Here are some pics of all my 9 nieces and nephews at Christmas:

{Christmas day}

{me & my two nieces on Grouse Mountain}

{my nieces & nephews on Christmas Eve}

{at Mamre Oaks, the ancestral home in Victoria}

Happy aunty-ing to all of you aunts. What a privilege it is!
xo,
L

{2013}

{cheers!}

hello 2013!

{via luxe & lilles}

Hoping you all had a good holiday season! I am back & have returned to blog land!
I had a wonderful trip back to the West coast of Canada...spent Christmas with my four sisters & my parents & my 4 brothers-in-law & my 9 nieces and nephews. SO. MUCH. FUN. I feel whole again. Nothing like family to warm your heart & remind you of happiness.
here we are all together:

{all of us on Christmas day}

{me & my four sisters Christmas Day}

{all of us on Boxing Day}

{me and my four sisters}

{sisters' night out!}

{live piano music at Bacchus Lounge, Wedgewood Hotel}

A bientot!
xo
L

{Christmas Hols}

{vintage greetings!}

Well, I will soon be off to spend Christmas with my four sisters & their husbands & my nine nieces & nephews, and my parents! I can't wait.

{shopping done}

{presents bought & wrapped}

{read to go...}

{& off I go...}

{toodaloo}

I'll likely be absent from the blog for a few weeks as I try to enjoy the Christmas festivities.
So very merry wishes for a wonderful holiday season!

{via poppytalk}

xo,
L

{quotable thursdays}

Two Christmas quotes for today:

{simply love this! via while the sun shines}

{via poppytalk}

and in the spirit...some of my fave picks of the season: 

{marcus design}

{above & below: cutest little tags}

{mini tree transport}

{perfect party dress}

Don't you just love these vintage Christmas cards?:

{love the green colour}

{tres vintage}

{via flickr}

I've got loads more of my favourite christmas images on my pinterest Christmas board, if you want some festive inspiration.

Be merry & stay warm!!

xo

L

{via the sweetest occasion}