In Our Bedroom After the War

After a fun-filled week of Renegade absolutely spoiling me, it will take some time to tell the story of my 30th birthday....

First off we hit the Victoria & Albert museum to check out the Quilts 1700-2010 exhibit. 

I have always had a soft spot for quilts. I find them comforting and whimsical, after viewing the exhibit I now see the historical and political significance of this art form often taken on by women.

The exhibit itself features an impressive collection of antique quilts from the V&A archives, with a few contemporary takes on the age-old craft sprinkled in between. 'Quilts' features everything from the works of upper-class English ladies, circa 1690 to child prisoners of war. War and confinement are surprisingly common themes. Some of the most touching quilts are created by those serving time, such as the male inmates at the Wandsworth Prison in South London. These men are reaching for a different kind of needle while serving time, as part of the Fine Cell Work program, they are taught needlework and quilting skills. From the touching video installation profiling the innovative program, many of them through hand crafts are finding an escape and a way to stay out of trouble while behind bars. The work itself is so humbling and real.

Coming out of the show, I mostly felt thankful to have my freedom, as I reflected on all the women who only had their quilt-making as a form of expression. Many of them working to make ends meet during times of War or Depression or just to keep their families warm. For some, quilts were a way to discreetly confess their love, with hidden love letters sewn inside. 

I'm also inspired.... and so this is the year that I make my very first quilt and not just because I have to or because it's the only way I can share what's in my heart, but because I really want to and for that I am blessed.

xo Ashi

Beach House

It's good to be back in Brighton, this San Fran with a twist is slowly sucking us in with help of a heat wave and some thrifting treats. Having successfully eluded work for the weekend Ashi and I cruised to the beach and like any journey we go on, we struck gold!! Is seems like we can't leave the house without either stumbling upon a skip {dumpster} full of another mans treasure or finding a charity shop full of hidden gems, not germs...

Check out the rug and the picnic hamper found that day. Perfect treats to sort out any day at the beach!! It was a scorcher and like any first day of UK spring/summer {sun!} the town was quickly filled with burnt Brits having ice cream calamities. 

Perfect day = beach, sun, newspaper, picnic & most of all Ashi!!

We missed you!!

Renegade x

Birthday Love

The Gemini birthday tributes continue and this one is so special. 

It's my monkey twin Phyllis' birthday today!!!

When Phyllis and I met ages ago we knew right away we'd be friends for life. We had all these strange coincidences and similarities.... born a day apart, same year.... we had the same hairdresser for heaven's sake!

It's actually hard to explain but there was a strange feeling that this was no passing acquaintance, but a part of the bigger picture and so our lives together have grown. 

There have been so many bike rides and road trips, meals cooked together and late night adventures, days on the beach and yoga classes that well... it would take a life time to tell. 

All I know is that it's always an experience with Phyllis. She's a guide and a doorway to so many beautiful things that you might have missed otherwise. 

She also the funniest and most mischievous person I know. We are quite the duo. Comedy has been the biggest part of this friendship. Family is the other half. It's nice to know no matter where in the world you are that your family has your back. 

This time last year Phyllis and I were in a car singing Happy Birthday to each other at the top of our lungs... this time round Phyllis is on a big life adventure, traveling, doing yoga and enjoying all the beautiful things that only Phyllis sees.

Happy Birthday Harold.

xo Love Kumar

Birthday Love

Funny thing.... all my dearest girlfriends seem to be born within a few days of me.

The stunning Katherine is kicking off the Gemini Birthday dance party today.

This girl is a style-maker and a wicked good time {she also happens to be part of the thumbelina club}... what exactly does this mean, you ask?

Let's just say when Katherine and I are in the room together it feels like a party of four and not two. She is also one of the sweetest and most generous people you'll ever meet and I miss our 'walk down the street laughing so hard, the whole block is staring' moments big time.

Happy Birthday Kat!

xo Ashi

Pardon My French

A few snaps from our night out in Brighton with fellow Canadians Holy Fuck. Expletive name and all, there is really no better way to describe their live show. These guys perform primal electronic music, no pre-corded beats or loops, every little detail is created live and for Holy Fuck it means instantly picking up any instrument or Fisher Price toy to make it happen. It's totally organic and mind blowing, especially since each of them, in their own right, is a sick musician and their sound is so dance-driven.... we were completely drenched in sweat by the end of the night.

Holy F*#@!

xo Ashi

Bright Eyes

We have confession to make...

Now, although we absolutely adore our London apartment we have been spending a great deal of time in Brighton.... {By great deal of time, I mean we have taken on a little place here and Renegade has started work at a new clinic}

Fabulous London pad and all, it's hard to stay away from this sea side town, where true to its name, it seems to always be sunnier than the rest of the country. It's actually an amazing place for us Bohemians. I would say a cross between San Fransisco and Montreal, with its steep hills, amazing multi-coloured houses, endless cafes, cheap world fare, bike lanes and an old pier. I have a feeling I could go on and on... and so I will. Over the next few weeks we'll bring you all the things we heart about this splendid place {did I mention good thrifting} that we've fallen for... especially since My CoCoon Vintage will now have it's own little stand in the Brighton weekend antiques market, a cool local trinkets market that's been going since the 1890s! That's right people, this is a huge step up from the lemonade stand that I had when I was a kid. So it seems a summer of sun, sea and sales are written in the cards for us. Speaking of sunshine-filled days, these photos were taken from my previous bohemian life in Montreal by the talented Patrick Culhane. My friend Nora {this girl is the Queen of everything vintage} and I were channeling our inner gypsy child. Not a stretch for me, I know. 

To endless gypsy days & nights here in lovely Brighton.

xo Renegade & Ashi

Free Love

I'm so excited to be back in the Etsy groove.... 

especially since we have a whole heap of amazing vintage ready to go in the shop. 

This bohemian baby has got me totally psyched for festival season in U.K. I can totally picture a flower-power, sun-kissed princess taking in the fresh air & tunes in this one 

{barefoot of course}

Speaking of festivals it's almost time for the Sasquatch Music Festival....  a very special one for Renegade & I. 

xo Ashi

My Favourite Things

A jug full of fresh spring flowers on the mantle. 

Birthday presents, beautifully wrapped and waiting for me by the fireplace. 

My new 1950's dresser {early birthday present from Renegade}.

Tiny heart formations left in a cup of coffee made for me by my love.

Happy Tuesday everyone!

xo Ashi

Boys Will Be Boys

Renegade has always had a love hate relationship with squirrels 

{remember the one in Toronto that stole his apple}

This weekend he tried to burry the hatchet and make peace with the furry-tailed creatures. In fact my dear Renegade was willing to drop everything and dart outside to save a squirrel from being savaged  by a neighbourhood cat. 

'I must save him' he yelled and bolted out the door... only problem is he ran head first into low level ceiling {tall sucker} and fell on his behind. I don't know the fate of that squirrel, but not only does he have the neighbourhood feline to fear, Renegade is now back on the hate campaign. 

In the meantime, my poor squirrel-hunter has a big bump on his head and an even bigger one on his ego. The only cure for that is chocolate cake of course...now as far as the giant hole in ceiling....... got no remedy for that.

xo Ashi

Mamma Love

It's Mother's Day in North America, so I'm sending some love across the ocean to my mother Azar.

Not only is she incredibly beautiful woman, she is one soulful one too. 

My mom has been a great inspiration in reminding me that there is a beautiful spirit in everything around me.

You see, the expression she 'stops and smells the flowers' isn't quite enough in describing my mother. 

Azar stops and smells each petal, says hello to the little family of bugs inside and then looks at me and says 'see how lucky we are to be alive'.... Now that's my mom!

If you're with your mom this Mother's Day, give her a big hug.

I miss you.

Love Ashi

{this lovely shot of us was taken by the talented Thomas Buchan}

Birthday Love

Happy Birthday Sooz 

Sending my big Sister Suzi some Birthday Love! 

 Suzi's absolute favorite place is by the Ocean, so we figured this photo summed it all up pretty nicely. 

Any little fashion sense I have comes from her.... mostly due to the fact that as kids, she used to dress my up as Gladys Pugh all the time. Cross-dressing and all, she is one cool sister.

Love you.

xo Renegade & Ashi

High Violet

I always thought of Royal Albert Hall as being this legendary stage where the world's symphonies and operas were performed, a place for swan lake and black ties. Never did I imagine we'd be catching one of our all-time favourite New York City rock outfits at this historical venue fit for... well royalty. On this night The National were kings in their own right, but first a little history about this iconic place.

The Royal Albert Hall was first opened in 1871 by Queen Victoria. Every year over 350 acts take to its stage; we're talking everything from awards ceremonies to operas and ballets... even tennis and boxing events? In fact the first Sumo and UFC tournaments held in London were held there. 

The gorgeous building is off of the stunning Hyde Park, a perfect little spot for Renegade & I to have stroll before the big night. 

The combination of stellar lighting and crisp acoustics made this such a wicked show. It also helps when you're within spitting distance of the band in row 13 {lucky for some}. The National's front man Matt Berninger obviously shared our delight as he spent half the show running around the entire theatre like a kid in a candy store!! 

We don't know who the hell Albert is but we like your hall!! 

x0 Renegade & Ashi

Recycle Cycle

I have a reputation for dragging home unloved, forgotten pieces with a head full of ideas and D.I.Y kind of attitude. Call me a dumpster diva if you will, but I can't leave behind a hidden gem with 'so much potential'. It all comes from the hours I spent at yard sales watching my stylish mother spot a treasure in a wink of an eye. It also stems from my respect for nature & animals and my no-waste attitude. In fact, when I was a kid my all-time favourite show {besides The Addams family} featured an artist guy who used to make wicked crafts out of old containers and trash. 

I still find myself singing the theme song {Recycle cycle, coming down the road...} in my head all the time. Wow, talk about the power of TV and the young mind.... but the message is sincere and thankfully dear Renegade feels the same. It's safe to say it's quite common for us to regularly drag home second-hand castaways with a sparkle in our eye. The shelves in the photo are a fabulous old find that we scored from a renovation site. They have a gorgeous thick trim...perfect for displaying all our trash & treasures.

xo Ashi

Birthday Love

Oooh! we've got a very special birthday shout out.

This one is for the greatest mom around, Anne.

Not only is she terribly generous and caring, she wickedly funny and has a brilliant knack for making everything around her sparkle.

Happy Birthday!!

We love you.

xo Renegade & Ashi