News // Spring Puces Pop

I think May 2011 may go down in the Bess history books as a very news-y month. There's just been so much happening!

So, here's the latest: this week I'll be prepping for my second Puces Pop show. If you're in town on June 4th & 5th stop by the St-Enfant Jésus church between 11am & 6pm and come say hi! It was so wonderful to meet everyone last time, and hopefully we'll have lovely weekend weather so you won't have to brave any rain or snow.

Have a great Monday!
xx Bess

Where Have I Been?

On a wild and crazy adventure publishing an online magazine!

You know those moments when you realize how far you've come... they don't happen very often, especially when you work for yourself — there's no one there to pat you on the back or give you a promotion, but when I think about what I was doing this time last year, and what I am doing today, it makes me feel a real sense of accomplishment.

Working on Pure Green Magazine has been such a wonderful adventure. As I flip through the magazine I can honestly say that I am so proud of what our small but mighty team has put together, and really honoured to have been asked to lend my creative two-cents.

I would love if you would set aside a little time to explore the magazine and let us know what you think. I hope you'll love it as much as we do and find the content to be modern, inspiring, informative and most of all fun!

(and take a peek at the byline on the Eco-Logical Bee article, it's none other than Big Chuck, aka, Charles Nock, Ph.D.!!)

Happy Tuesday!

xo bess

Top 10 DIY Projects on Maison & Demeure

A couple weeks ago, the nice folks at Maison & Demeure (the French version of House & Home) asked me if I would like to put together a gallery for their website of my favourite DIY projects. Of course this was right up my alley, and I couldn't be more thrilled to see the final result live on their site today. While the text is in French, the links are mainly in English - so if French isn't your mother tongue don't be discouraged, you can still find out how to DIY my top ten projects.

Thank you to Maison & Demeure for this wonderful opportunity :)

xx bess

Pure Green Magazine - Re-launch

image: Pure Green Magazine

It's crunch time! And never has there been a more exciting time.

I won't be around this little blog of mine over the next few days as the Pure Green Magazine team puts our noses to the grindstone and readies our Summer issue for its big re-launch on May 24th. If you haven't yet, check out the Pure Green Blog and Magazine websites for updates.

(You guys, it's looking amazing - AMAZING!)

Have a wonderful week!

xo bess

Animation and Dance

Google - Martha Graham from Ryan J Woodward on Vimeo.

I just love the Google homepage today! What a treat to open my browser and find Modern Dance icon, Martha Graham, moving her way across my screen in her signature style. I studied Graham technique intensively for three years while at The School of Toronto Dance Theatre and was truly shaped by those 8:30 am classes that forced you to dive deep into yourself.

My friend Erin passed along a video of the illustrator and animator, Ryan J Woodward, describing his process of animating dancing bodies. His passion for this type of animation is evident, if you have some time you should check it out.

I'll definitely be taking a dance break today, even if it is only in my kitchen.

Happy Birthday Ms. Graham!

xo Bess

Canadiana: Apfelstrudel

Looking for some great wall art to pay tribute to your favourite airport or city? These original vintage city maps from Apfelstrudel have been collaged with airport codes and vintage airplane illustrations. They make unique and wonderfully nostalgic pieces to remind you of your glamours trips abroad, or happy homecomings.

I would love to have the YYZ piece, definitely my favourite airport for sentimental reasons ;)

To see more vintage one-of-a-kind collages, visit Apfelstrudel's Etsy shop.

Have a great Tuesday!

xo Bess

Music Monday: Yael Naim

What a lovely weekend! Big Chuck and I spent most of our Sunday outside cleaning up and planting seeds. I'm so looking forward to seeing our little garden come to life and to enjoying summer evenings outside in our mini backyard.

Here's something summery to start your week off right!

Happy Monday!

xo bess

In the garden...

A couple weekends ago, Big Chuck and I planted the seeds for what we hope will soon become a beautiful and lush garden on our back patio. I'm happy to report that our little seedlings are doing well (especially the peas and beans - whoa!) and if this torrential rain ever stops maybe we can get our fingers dirty again this weekend.

I was listening to a program on CBC Radio yesterday and the host was speaking with a scientist who is researching why green spaces calm us down. Apparently, the front part of our brain (I don't know the scientific name) is hardwired to appreciate beautiful vistas and greenery. I plan on spending lots of time this weekend looking at trees after a long week staring at my computer screen.

Have a happy weekend!

xo Bess

Perfect Pairs

1. Hand Woven Summer Shawl 2. Vintage Books in Blue

1. Handbound Journal 2. Make My Wishes Come True Clipboard

1. Clutch in Teal, Mustard, Gray and Black 2. Ocean

Can you believe it's already Thursday?! This week is just zipping by. I've been busy working on illustrations this week for the soon-to-be released re-designed Pure Green Magazine and it's looking pretty amazing! I really really really can't wait to share all the wonderful stuff that's been landing in my inbox with you!

Here are my perfect pairs for this week...

fun project + fun people

rubber boots + leggings

chai tea + peanut butter on toast

Have a great Thursday!
xo Bess

Canadiana: Coterie

image: Coterie, Jane Flanagan

When Jane Flanagan, the voice behind one of my favourite Toronto-based blogs Ill Seen, Ill Said, introduced us to her newest project last week, I immediately knew I wanted to share it with all of you as soon as I could. If you read Ill Seen, Ill Said then you're familiar with Jane's soft, romantic and effortless style, this is also what you'll find in her beautifully curated shop, Coterie. The new webstore offers a selection of handmade goods including paper goods, ceramics, wooden objects, textiles and home accessories, created by artisans and fine companies from Canada, the US, Ireland, Wales and elsewhere.

image: Coterie, Jane Flanagan

Everything looks so pretty, and with local shipping from Toronto, I have a feeling that Coterie is going to be my go-to store for all things lovely.

Congratulations on your beautiful new venture, Jane!

Happy Tuesday!
xx bess

Election Day

Politicians are people too, as you can see from these awesome photos of our current Canadian political party leaders from years gone by. Thank you Vintage Voter for collecting some real treasures and posting them online for all of us to see.

Have fun at the polls today fellow Canadians :)

Happy Election Day!

xo bess