Motherhood & Memories

There is nothing as precious or as impactful as childhood. Even as adults we can see the impact of a childhood filled with love and care, and a childhood without.
Being a mother and a grandmother I am conscious of this memory making time. The rituals, the routines, the occasions, and the people that give those fleeting days its value and worth and carry forward to be drawn on all of the days of our lives. This is the emotional and artistic place where I draw my inspiration for our babies' and girls' clothing. I want to make every piece beautiful, every piece delightful, every piece comfortable and worthy of the memories that will be made in it.
We were three sisters growing up just 2 1/2 years between the oldest and the youngest. My mother loved to dress us up, unwittingly creating the first models for my future girl's collection. Now I have a little baby granddaughter and she carries all of the hope and the dreams of the family - you can be sure she wears them well! She looks especially adorable in her Maddy Jacket!

I would love to hear about your favorite childhood memories, or the memories of your children.

April

Feel Beautiful, Be Beautiful, Live Beautiful

Hallowe'en Mac & Cheese!

Ah-h Hallowe'en! What great memories. When my children were growing up our house was on a busy corner in Montreal. Hundreds of children rang our doorbell on Hallowe'en and we delivered candy by the bagful. It was always a favorite night. We'd be bundled in fall jackets. Cold and crisp, sometimes snowing, and filled with the shouts and laughter of children. My in-laws would visit and I would prepare a simple meal that we could eat as we answered the door and squealed over ghosts and goblins. On more than one occasion I saw little girls dressed in their mother's April Cornell nighties - angels or fairies for the night. Our boys always had homemade costumes. Popeye, Policemen, artists, and even pumpkin heads (sporting a pumpkin on the head) were some of the costumes. Simple and always a scramble to put together with what was at hand, they were wonderful days.

Food was important - at least for the adults - and after setting a pretty table replete with a lighted pumpkin I made a traditional macaroni and cheese casserole for an easy and delicious meal.

Hallowe'en Mac and Cheese!
1 lb macaroni, cooked
3 TBSP butter
3 TBSP flour
1 1/2 cups of milk
Pinch of salt and dash of pepper
3 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup bread crumbs
Sprinkle of paprika

In a sauce pan melt butter, stir in flour and milk and cook on medium heat until thick - stir constantly.
Add cheese and stir until melted.
Pour macaroni into a lightly greased baking dish.
Pour cheese sauce over it.
Top with bread crumbs and paprika.
Bake for 30-40 minutes at 350 degrees.

Yum! Add a green salad and a baguette to complete this meal - and wait for the candy to roll in!

April

Live Beautiful, Feel Beautiful, Be Beautiful