birthdays are meant for celebrating

Last week was my birthday.  I'm one of those people that believes in buying presents for oneself, because, you know... it's your birthday.  My present to myself this year was pretty spendy, but totally worth it. I got my hair permed and cut and a fancy pants salon in LA.  My sister's friend is an amazing hairstylist and made my hair look awesome. Yay for natural looking curls!  Other than that, I got an awesome brunch with the husband, awesome gifts, and a concert to tune-yards (for next week).  The brunch we just went to was at Lawrence, an amazingly styled restaurant in Montreal.  I sure hope I get to go there again before I move in a few weeks.

I will leave you now with a music video from tune-yards.  I can't wait to see this in concert!!!

l'epicerie fuschia

One of my favorite cafes in Montreal is L'epicerie Fleur (Fuschia).  It's a beautiful cafe specializing in flower-infused beverages and flower groceries.  Besides food and drink, they also sell cookie mixes (in different floral flavors), candies, and other baked goods.  It's one of my favorite places in the world, and it's going to be one of the places I miss most when we move from Montreal in August.  Here are some photos of the cafe I quickly snapped when we had family visited. (PS. I apologize, but the camera I was using wasn't the one I normally use).

 L'Epicerie Fleur

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4050 Avenue Coloniale

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Plateau, Montreal

This cat was in a used bookstore window, sleeping peacefully as a street fair was loudly parading in front of him.

head scarves in the summer

I have always loved the look of head scarves, but never had the confidence to try it out in public myself.  Same goes for hats. As much as I love them, I feel "over-dressed" when I wear them.  However, after seeing some summer scarf inspiration, I boldly walked out of the apartment today with a silk scarf wrapped around my hair and I felt good (although the first few minutes I kept asking the husband if I looked okay)!  The husband and I walked to a bakery in Mile End, then went out to lunch at Le Cagibi, it was a nice summer afternoon in Montreal.  Perhaps soon I'll be able to go down the street wearing a summer boater hat...

And here are the images that inspired me

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Source: garancedore.fr via Hollin on Pinterest

Source: mattysmith.tumblr.com via Hollin on Pinterest

montreal eats: olive et gourmando

One of my favorite spots in Montreal is Olive et Gourmando.  Nestled in the winding cobblestoned streets of Old Montreal, Olive et Gourmando is by far one of the best cafes in the city offering fresh baked goods and amazing fresh food.  My favorite dish is the Chevre Chaud panini, consisting of Quebec goat cheese, caramelized onions, and housemade fruit ketchup (pictured).  It's incredible. If any of you are in the area, stop by this cafe - they make the best everything.

olive et gourmando

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351 saint-paul west

old montreal

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