An Interview With...Mano Verde

To unpathed waters, undreamed shores.

William Shakespeare

Hello all!

This post I have been looking forward to for some time and I am happy to share with you all.

I have always been on the lookout for products which stand out and carry a great philosophy with their products, and Mano Verde is one such example. Not only are their products eco-friendly (even their ecopots' pots are biodegradable!) but are artfully designed and fun for anyone who has ever wanted to dabble in a bit of gardening or for those who are already long time gardeners!

(Photo: Mano Verde)

Their Box Gardens and Ecopots are so convenient for those living in the city as they don't take up much space and yet visually it will provide that extra liveliness on the home front!

The 'Box Gardens' range from culinary herbs, flowers, veggies and berries, healthy shoots, to micro salads.

The 'Ecopots' range from garden trees, indoor trees, to organic trios.

Lastly, the 'Ecotins' range from ecospices, ecoseeds, and ecoteas.

(Photo: Mano Verde)

I had the immense pleasure to conduct an interview with the lovely pair behind Mano Verde: Greg and Tamara.

Enjoy!

How do you begin your day?

Tamara: A quick shower, a cup of tea and cereal while trying to keep my sanity intact getting our two monkeys ( 5 year old Emma and 3 year old Max) hugged, kissed, fed, clothed, and tickled. Then it's out the door to school, then daycare and work.

Greg: With a hug and a kiss from my family.

Favourite quote?

Tamara: "We'll eat you up, we love you so." - from Where The Wild Things Are

Greg: "All you need is love."- The Beatles

What are some of the inspirations behind Mano Verde?

We both love gardening- or more specifically, creating and bringing something to life. The winter lasts far too long here (in Montreal) and the lack of greenery here is depressing.

Together, we wanted to create a business based on the idea of providing a garden that no matter how small- everyone can live through the same experience. To have a bit of green... a bit of life indoors all year long, particularly during the winter, as well as for anyone who doesn't have a backyard or a balcony.

We wanted to offer kits in various forms that are well designed, modern, fun, inexpensive, and functional. The fact that are kits are environmentally-friendly and educational are additional factors which drive us.

What do you like to do when you have time to yourself?

Tamara: Time to myself...now that's something that doesn't happen often. However, when the chance arises, you can find me gardening in the summertime, sewing or knitting- my recent obsession is designing patterns to be printed on fabric.

Greg: Playing with my kids or realizing ideas I have in my mind (woodworking, building, etc).

Three things you can't live without:

Tamara: My family, creative visual stimulation, sunshine.

Greg: Love, food, music, add a bit of water to take a dip.

Complete this sentence: Love is...

Tamara: ... the one thing that when it's missing, makes life seem almost pointless.

Greg: ... ma raison d'être, my motivation.

So what are you waiting for? As Mano Verde says: plant a seed, grow life!

Mano Verde's products are available all across the country. Anyone living in Quebec can find it in numerous locations in Renaud Bray as well as Jardin Botanique

Personally, I have come across their products in popular shops as Indigo and in gift stores down on Little Italy- make sure to check out garden centres as well!

For a location near you, feel free to contact them at info@manoverde.ca

(Photo: Mano Verde)

They have also been super kind and amazing as to send me one of their fantastic ecopots so that I can personally grow one! It was one of their exotic trees and it's a Flame Tree. I am so excited to get started on it- I will let you know about it's progress along the way!

Joie de vivre,

Joanne

On Places, Loves, and Things

One way to get the most out of life is

to look upon it as an adventure.
William Feather

(Photo: Messia)

Hello all!

Wow just this past week alone have been crazy eventful. As part of the list of destination I plan on going to throughout the summer, the first one up was Niagara Falls! The following are photos I took.

Stayed at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, where Marilyn Monroe once stayed in when filming "Niagara"- I was definitely trying to channel her spirit when I was going up the stairway amidst a grand chandelier, knowing that she walked down these stairs and halls at one point.

Strolling along the streets when there wasn't a throng of tourists bustling at you from every side was a breath of fresh air. Although there were times where it rained, it didn't stop my friend and I to enjoy many of the fun attractions such as the Sky Wheel!

You could see the whole world from the top of the Sky Wheel, watching the Falls gradually rising from it's peak, looking down at the people that looked as small as bugs.

Dropped by this placed called Pop and Lolly's- I really shouldn't have as I found myself wanting to sample everything there- it was sugar heaven.

My friend had the craving for a Candy Apple, which eventually had an influence over me- the best part was that I custom made my Candy Apple- caramel with a layer of white chocolate and dark chocolate swirls. My friend and I probably looked like a silly pair sitting on a bench happily eating away our Candy Apples like two kids. It was so worth it.

(Photo by me)

My friend and I passed by this landscape while on a drive. I love these tucked-away places. On the opposite shore of the lake stood a Lake House. It was really quite lovely.

Went to see 30 Seconds to Mars a couple of days ago. It was amazing. Seeing Jared Leto live was definitely worthwhile (he looked good as ever!). The way he interacted with us the fans, bringing people onstage, jumping into the crowd-brought us one step closer to his world. What a memorable evening. I love how their songs are so honest and it frees your mind to believe that anything is possible and to also speak your mind.

I absolutely love this radio from Cath Kidston! It's charming, it's wonderful, and I can definitely see myself brining this along for the champagne picnics being planned throughout this season.

When I say picnics, it's of the loving and no-holding-back-on-all-things-goody-kinds. The kinds where friends and I will take our bikes and bring all of this to the Toronto Islands and hang out by the beach. It's one of those all day affairs.

I've always been such a lover of perfume, where currently I wear Dior's "J'adore", Chanel's "Coco Mademoiselle", and Kate Spade's "Twirl"- I wear them according to how my mood or occasion a day brings. I also love to collect the bottles and put them on a silver tray. I hope to eventually put them in a lovely glass cabinet.

(Photo: Green Wedding Shoes)

Love this Dior ad with the beautiful Marion Cotillard.

I love this. I need to do this in my lifetime.

Watch:

I was unbearably excited when I found out that the 'One Day' trailer had been released. I mentioned in a previous post how much the book left an incredible mark on what it's like to have loved and lost, on friendships and relationships- I cannot wait to see this.

Listen:

As the weather gets warmer and when I'm on the road to the different kinds of destinations I've been, I find myself listening to Bluegrass. Alison Krauss & Union Station is definitely one of the albums I've listened to more than a couple of times- and their new album is definitely a favorite. From "Paper Airplanes", "Sinking Stone", "My Love Follows You Where You Go"- all elicit this feeling of a warm breeze down my neck as I walk among fields as the sun beings to set.

Read:

This book caught my eye while I was in a bookstore, and as I can be deemed as a fellow Janeite - I didn't mind reading books reflecting works of Austen. In this novel, Lily dreams of living in novels (as much as we all do to some degree!) and there is truth in the summary of the novel where it says she squeezed herself into undersized relationships all her life, hoping one might grow as large as those found in the Jane Austen novels she loves.

(Photo: Bohemian Caravan)

As summer starts, she goes off to England to take part of a Jane Austen literary festival. Along the way comes challenges and the exploration of what it means to change and be happy.

What I especially loved about this novel was that Lily envisions her version of Jane Austen following her around, doing endearing little acts like writing lists or falling off a stack of books when hearing something shocking.

(Photo: MamaBakasi)

In a sense, I feel a stir of good change coming to my shores this summer. Sinking myself into the world of Jane Austen as I begin reading all her books (with times that would consist of reading with amiable companions) I have a small feeling that her words will carry an influence to such a degree in my life than I can ever estimate. I think I need her more than ever throughout these significant and memorable days.

Joie de vivre,

Joanne

"No more dreaming like a girl so in love with the wrong world"

The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science.

-Albert Einstein

Hello all!

This long weekend has opened my eyes to a lot of things, with much free time to tap into different worlds locked in books, what I see outside my window, the landscape in films, the ripple of a sigh, the faded sound of laughter from a long-lost companion- all unearthed the stirrings of my heart.

As of late, I have been really enchanted by certain time periods- of which in particular, Regency and Victorian England.

"Watch your step. Keep your wits about you; you will need them. This city I am bringing you to is vast and intricate, and you have not been here before. You may imagine, from other stories you've read, that you know it well, but those stories flattered you, welcoming you as a friend, treating you as if you belonged. The truth is that you are an alien from another time and place altogether."

As soon as I finished reading those very words, it has been impossible to put down "The Crimson Petal and the White" since. One thing I have often done while reading a book, is arrange a soundtrack of sorts to accompany the background of the story, and it further heightens the world I've entered. For this particular read, Florence + The Machine's "Heavy In Your Arms" and "Blinding" have been the perfect companion. I recommend giving a listen to them both... I find that they have a certain allure and an underlying sinking momentum similar to sensual embraces- perfect for the dark and often imperfect Victorian setting the book sets in place.

Even better, BBC has accomplished a series based on the book featuring Romola Garai, Chris O'Dowd and Gillian Anderson. It is brilliant in capturing the atmosphere of the book, and the actors have played their parts perfectly. Always loved whatever Romola does, I definitely place her as one of my favorite actresses. As I read the book, Romola he is what I pictured Sugar to be, however I pictured William as a rougher, older looking Chris Evans (although Chris O'Dowd was brilliant) - it is my version of characters after all!

(Photo: Explore the World)

This summer is dedicated to as much travel as I can muster. Through fine company, we have come up with many ways to explore places that are well-known, and some that are not. Each has a story to tell, and I will do my best to capture it as much as I can. First destination up- Niagara Falls! As popular as it may seem, I intend to wander through the historic districts, staying at the the hotel that Marilyn Monroe has once stayed while filming a movie. I made sure my friend brought her good shutters- for there will be many pictures to take.

(Photo: Architecture Digest)

Some reflections that has been going through my mind this week:

What does it mean to be incandescently happy? Often when I walk through the streets of this city, I look for signs. Signs which will lead the way and will reveal to me what it means to have one's heart filled with the purpose of existence. Yes, I've walked by couples who clearly portray their love for one another, an individual who offers an act of kindness to another, groups of people heading in hundreds of directions, a mental destination awaiting them. For that, the glow emanates from the liveliness of these individuals, a thousand whispers of joy, loss, listlessness, satisfied desires and unwanted tragedy issues woven in a swirl before it evaporates into the air.

I've always believed that everything happens for a reason. The tribulations one has fallen into and and rises above from in the past will wrap its advantageous strength around your shoulders.

The people that come and go in the doorsteps of one's life- those that are true will always hold steadfast as the stars against the night sky, no matter how severe or beautiful the atmosphere you find yourself surrounded by.

The approaching months hold so much promise, I fear it may be too perfect and some form of wreckage will soon reveal its deformed face. So I tread through careful waters, holding the candle of Hope which I've let it burn bright all these years, even when I thought it could not hold on much longer.

We are all that we can be, so let us breathe.

Joie de vivre,

Joanne

An Adoring Heart

"If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces, never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again." ~Flavia Weedn, Flavia and the Dream Maker

Hello all!

This past weekend has been very enjoyable and relaxing. I managed to accomplish some of the things I've wanted to work on, but just never had the time. This month seems to be quite fulfilling and promising with many things to come including:

The Royal Wedding

As the big day approaches, I find the little girl in me bouncing at the delight of being able to witness something spectacular, as the last great Royal Wedding was Diana and Charles's in our mother's time.

Who didn't think of marrying a Prince someday-and now Kate Middleton will be able to achieve such a dream. I've kept tabs on the events going on throughout, and I couldn't help loving some of the interesting Kate and William memorabilia for this joyous occasion:

What better way to remember this occasion, if not a tote bag from Cath Kidston? The design is so very cute.

When I first saw this from Not On The High Street, I couldn't help but take an instant liking to it.

I thought it was adorable that Roger Hargreaves, author of the "Mr. Men" series have come up with a character that has the Royal Wedding theme in mind!

Smythson had recently created novelty teapots by Stephen Johnson called "Now Isn't That Lovely", portray all the "Great British Things"- lovely indeed!

And now, for your iTouch or iPhone, or iPad, The Royal Collection created a very neat "Royal App" that details previous Royal Weddings.

In a lot of ways, I'm such an Anglophile at heart.

I can't wait to watch this film. First off, anyone who has read David Nicholl's novel which the film is based on, has shed a tear or two. It was honestly one of those books where as soon as I started reading the first page, I couldn't put it down. It was real, and it was raw, and I felt many stirrings of emotions where moments in the book can relate to some of those in my life. I highly recommend reading the novel before watching the film, and I really hope the film would be a good complementary element with the book.

(Photo: Makeup and Beauty)

Recently, I've paid a visit to Sephora, where many will openly admit that it is a haven.

I was browsing through the sections, eventually making my way towards where Dior was being displayed, when I paused at the section where "Bite Beauty" was held and immediately recognized the product right away, having heard of its invention awhile back.

Always the one to give something new and innovating a try- Bite products really do have a health benefit in mind. As women, we apply lipgloss and lipstick constantly, taking in it's ingredients. With Bite Beauty's products, it contains organic fruit butters, and has Antioxidant-rich Resveratrol- 5 MG of Resveratrol in the lip product delivers the Antioxident equivalent of 5 glasses of red wine.

What better way to ingest something that's good for you through a product such as lipgloss and lipstick? Amused wanting to do my "Try, Tested, and True" factor as I do with beauty products, I bought the "Line and Define Lip Trio", the shades as seen below.

It's also made in Canada, so extra bonus points for that!

(Photo: Makeup and Beauty)

I will admit, it really is moisturizing, and when it comes to the taste, I find that it has a sort of cherry chapstick sort of taste, which I didn't mind at all. I think their "Rose" shade in the lipstick is slowly growing on me!

(Photo: Film still from The Edge of Love)

I spent this past weekend taking out a blank canvas and my watercolors while listening to the Jane Eyre soundtrack or piano works of Ludovico Einaudi, immersing myself into worlds I've yet to see or those which cannot be seen except with my own eyes.

I take great comfort and release when I'm painting. I get really into the zone of it, ignoring phone calls, texts, or people calling my name. I'm just in the midst of colors, brush strokes, and the music in the background.

I'm not fully done this painting in which I call it "By the Lighthouse in the Summertime", but once I do, I will post an image!

Until next time!

Joie de vivre,

Joanne

Hello April...

"And Spring arose on the garden fair,

Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;

And each flower and herb on Earth's dark breast rose from the dreams of its wintry rest."

- Percy Bysshe Shelley, The Sensitive Plant

Hello all!

(Photo: Tamiih)

At last, we have arrived at one of the most promising months that will ease us into brighter days and resplendent nights- but before that, there will be showers!

I am happy to announce that I have joined Pinterest! So drop by often for daily doses of inspiration, and better yet, follow!

(Photo: Fantastic Pics)

As of late, I have been smitten by some wonderful things which I would love to share with you all: Fall in love with BBC's Women in Love, a two-part drama starring Rosamund Pike, Rachael Stirling, and Rory Kinnear. Women in Love is based on D.H. Lawrence's adaptation of novels The Rainbow and Women in Love where it portrays the lives of two sisters, as they deal with passion and love in the build-up to the First World War. Rosamund Pike is definitely one of my favorite actresses, especially in films as Pride and Prejudice and An Education. I can't wait to watch this:

I can't get enough of this! As a big perfume lover, I've collected perfume bottles and have elegantly displayed them in a old-fashioned cabinet, and this Happ and Stahns Perfume is just utterly beautiful. It was inspired by The Grand Tour - a trip across Europe enjoyed by young ladies in the 19th century as a finishing course to their educations- how very lovely indeed!

(Photo: Anthropologie)

Ever wondered what the real story was behind the beloved "The Little Prince"? Well I happened to be browsing at my favorite bookstore and I came across this book, which instantly drew me in as probably one of the most romantic stories to be told. Antoine De Saint-Exupery's love for his wife Consuelo was like no other, and there are actually images of telegraphs and letters they had sent to one another inside the book- what they have written left my heart bruised. Knowing that there was a real-life person behind the "rose" was inspiring.

Until next time!

Joie de vivre,

Joanne

My Favorite Things and Loves: The March Edition

"My painting is visible images which conceal nothing; they evoke mystery and, indeed, when one sees one of my pictures, one asks oneself this simple question 'What does that mean'? It does not mean anything, because mystery means nothing either, it is unknowable."

-René Magritte

Hello all!

I look forward to this monthly post every time, as it's a collection of inspirational images, reads, music, words, and so much more that I would come across, which perfectly stirs the nostalgic romantic in me and would love to share with you all- enjoy!

Read:

Anyone who's a fan of Jane Eyre, particularly with the recent film that just came out (which is beautiful, with a haunting score to complement it- composed by a favorite of mine, Dario Marianelli (who did Pride and Prejudice and Atonement)- it's a must-see).

The latest edition of W Magazine features Jane and Rochester (the lovely Mia Wasikowska and the very handsome Michael Fassbender) is definitely one of my favorite covers and shots. I must admit, right now I am very much smitten by Michael Fassbender and can't wait to see him in upcoming films.

New Paris Vogue Editor Emmanuelle Alt's debut issue. I love the cover.

I came across this in a bookstore one day and fell in love with the stunning images inside the book, and even the title itself brought out an small inner rush of bliss. I need to go visit Nantucket Island someday- add that to my Life list.

A very charming story for those who ever wondered what it's like to live a life by the lighthouse- I know at one point in my life, I certainly wanted to live in such a intricate setting, and thought it would be utterly magical if I did.

Love:

This image of Jackie O:

These lovely Mirotaine postcards from Basic French that makes you yearn for bright Spring afternoons.

Love this from Keep Calm Gallery

The wonderful world of René Magritte

The Mysteries of the Horizon, 1955

Walk:

Among these places

(Photo: Wet Behind the Ears)

(Photo: Fairybread)

Watch:

The new Coco Mademoislle short film from Chanel, featuring the always lovely and talented Keira Knightley.

Listen:

This album is on my favorite playlist- "Spring"- and is so endearing. It's one of my favorite albums at the moment. Give a listen, and I'm sure it'll melt a bit of your heart as it did with mine. I am loving the album's title: The Day We Ran Into the Sea.... makes me yearn for the seaside, where I would go discover lighthouses and have picnics, swapping stories under the night sky....

Words to live by:

“Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination nor both together go to the making of genius.

Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius.”

-Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart



Joie de vivre,

Joanne