Beauty and the Valley

End of summer goal: Eat well

2010-09-13T13:03:00.002-04:00

One of my end of summer goals is to continue to eat well all the time, at every meal. It means so much to me to put good stuff into this system of mine (and that of my hub). Tonight I'm trying out a hearty rigatoni dish - its getting a little cool at night. It should be quick and easy which we'll need because we are starting the house hunt tonight. Other good dishes I've tried recently include:

French film: Dans Paris

2010-09-09T13:23:00.000-04:00

A third French movie rental to round out my summer goal of feeling French through film. Dans Paris by directeur Christophe Honoré is a slow-moving examination of a man who battles depression after a break-up. Surrounded by his womanizing, younger brother and wanting-to-please retired father, Paul works through his melancholy.

Inspiration: Bathrooms

2010-09-07T15:58:00.000-04:00

I think our real estate hunt will be kick started this fall and I'm already thinking about decorating (a house not yet owned). Here is my bathroom inspiration from Design Sponge's Best Of Bathrooms post.

The Hub + a gift

2010-09-07T12:15:00.000-04:00

The Hub turned 35 this year. In addition to a backyard dinner party, I gifted him an original piece of artwork created by our carpenter-painter friend Gavin Hammond. Inspired by the lakes and trees of northern Ontario.

Summer goals: Restored furniture

2010-09-07T12:11:00.000-04:00

They are finally finished! Two dressers: mahogany veneer and pine. I used all natural supplies to strip and refinish both pieces: soy-based stripper, natural degreaser, tung oil, linseed wax finish and milk paint. Not only do they look beautiful but they smell good too!

Beauty

2010-09-06T21:13:00.000-04:00

Paul Newman. One of my longest Hollywood crushes because Paul really wasn't Hollywood.

My kind of window

2010-08-31T09:45:00.000-04:00

Found over at Good Measure.

Travel daydreaming: Anywhere

2010-08-29T21:34:00.000-04:00

My daily compass is soon to shift to a more structured, a more demanding schedule. But before it does, I'd love to just go anywhere. Image found here.

The work shed

2010-08-26T18:56:00.000-04:00

Surfer chic

2010-08-25T18:13:00.000-04:00

The Hub surfs. He loves to surf. He just got laser eye surgery to make his surfing better. But I'm in my soft-core thirties and when I had the chance to learn alongside the Hub in New Zealand three years ago, I declined. But if I did surf, wouldn't this be really surfer chic? Found at a new favourite blog called Aubrey Road.

Wish list: Notebooks

2010-08-24T15:23:00.000-04:00

Let's just pretend I am still in school and my mom told me I could buy three beautiful new notebooks to start the school year. I'd buy the following three from Poppytalk Handmade's current market.

Wish list: Key chain

2010-08-22T20:09:00.000-04:00

A little Made in Canada nautically-inspired key chain found over @ Aubrey Road.

11-month mark

2010-08-19T09:30:00.000-04:00

It has almost been a year. I am daydreaming of Slovenia and Croatia.

Cabin kitchen

2010-08-16T12:14:00.000-04:00

If we owned a small cabin, this would be a lovely kitchen to have. Found via That Kind of Woman.

Deer Tick

2010-08-12T10:46:00.001-04:00

The Hub and I unanimously agreed: being in T.O. affords us the luxury of seeing live music on any given night. Take Tuesday night for example: headed down to Queen West to the legendary Horsehoe to see Providence, RI, alt-rockers Deer Tick.

Travel inspiration: Packing your bags

2010-08-12T10:30:00.000-04:00

Despite how much I've travelled - overseas or by land - I still always fret when it comes to packing. I just adore these sketches by the uber-creative lady over @ Bugheart. Her fine lines and organization guarantee just the right stuff will be packed.

Inspiration: A beach on a cloudy day

2010-08-11T18:37:00.000-04:00

It is so hot in the city today. I wish I was at this beach, under a cover of clouds. Found via the inspiring That Kind of Woman.

Summer at a lake

2010-08-09T17:01:00.000-04:00

Wish list: Outdoor rug

2010-08-09T16:56:00.000-04:00

I'm adding this 100% recycled plastic outdoor carpet to my wish list. They are sold under the brand Mad Mat.

Inspiration: Little person

2010-08-09T16:54:00.002-04:00

This little one inspired my weekend.

Blitzen Trapper

2010-08-04T13:08:00.001-04:00

These boys from Portland, Oregon sure know how to rock. Fun show last night @ the Opera House in T.O.

Long weekends

2010-08-03T15:03:00.001-04:00

The hub and I went mending up @ Bruce Peninsula National Park. Thank goodness for small miracles and a husband with a big heart.

French film: Le Bonheur

2010-07-29T17:04:00.002-04:00

My second French film rental of the summer: the 1965 Agnes Varda film - Le Bonheur (Happiness). A story of a young carpenter who while happy with his wife and two young children, begins an affair with a woman who works in the post office. As he rationalized his love for both his wife and his mistress, I wondered is this what makes the French different when it comes to love?

Mending love in a tent

2010-07-29T16:53:00.000-04:00

My heart is heavy b/c the Hub and I aren't in a good place @ the moment. I'm hoping that he accepts my invite to explore limestone and turquoise water this weekend, and perhaps we can mend things by sleeping outdoors. Image found over at my favourite Poppytalk Handmade marketplace.

Wish list: Shoe love

2010-07-29T16:49:00.000-04:00

Oh goodness! If my money tree was growing abundantly this summer, I'd indulge in these lovelies for the fall. Discovered over at Cup of Jo.

Travel daydreaming: Cable car in the Alps?

2010-07-20T13:37:00.002-04:00

Can you imagine? It would come pretty close to feeling like a bird. I'm guessing that it is somewhere in the Alps but maybe you know? I would love to find out just where in the world this is. Found at Museum of Happiness.

More bench love

2010-07-20T13:30:00.001-04:00

This Donna Wilson bench with grey linen fabric and beech wood legs gives me bench love. Found over @ Mint.

Cocktail hour

2010-07-20T11:52:00.000-04:00

Beer margaritas. Dockside at Home Lake in the Kawarthas this past weekend.

Entranceway benches

2010-07-19T17:43:00.001-04:00

I am a big fan of benches - outdoors and indoors. This one was a before and after on Design Sponge (don't you just heart their before and after photos? So inspiring).

Inspiration: Boathouses and paddles

2010-07-19T17:32:00.001-04:00

This photo by Michael Graydon makes me want to head north now, to the dark, deep lake waters of Algonquin or the Muskokas. Found via Popptalk.

Travel daydreaming: Palm Springs

2010-07-19T17:25:00.002-04:00

I've travel day dreamed about Palm Springs before but thought if I weren't to stay in a hotel, this house would be a fun place to rent with friends for a long weekend.

French film: L'Heure d'été

2010-07-19T17:08:00.000-04:00

I studied French until I was 18 years old but I don't think I ever really learned it. Almost every year on my birthday goal list I include - to get better at French - or - to take a French class - or - to watch French movies. Well, seeing as how I am a lady of leisure this summer, I rented my first French film last week - L'Heure d'été (Summer Hours) and wasn't disappointed. I love the slow poignancy of French film.

Ten-month mark

2010-07-19T16:59:00.001-04:00

Every day is the 19th. To celebrate the 10th month as Mr. + Mrs. we are going to play tennis and sip bubbles.

Travel daydreaming: San Miguel, Mexico

2010-07-07T10:10:00.000-04:00

Just when I thought I'd lost my gusto for travel, one of my dear friends presents to me San Miguel, Mexico in January. What a dream to look forward to: cobblestone streets, old adobe houses, historic churches and empty fountains nestled in the interior of Mexico. For a little wardrobe and suitcase inspiration, I stumbled upon Ruche Clothing's San Miguel look-book. How dreamy!

Summer on G-Bay

2010-07-05T13:59:00.000-04:00

Sunset images from our weekend up north @ my parents' cottage on Georgian Bay.

Blonde floors

2010-07-05T13:16:00.000-04:00

While dark, coffee and chocolate-inspired wood floors are lovely, I'm thinking more and more that blonde is the way to go (if and when the Hub and I ever settle in our own little nest). Inspiration found at Design Sponge where Grace and the girls are going through their best-of series.

Summer is yellow

2010-06-29T22:18:00.000-04:00

Over on Poppytalk, they are talking about all things summer and yellow. Yellow is my go-to flower colour, like these lilies from my dad's garden.

Inspiration: Furniture revival

2010-06-28T22:27:00.000-04:00

Cleaned out and organized my dad's studio-like garage for all my furniture restoration projects. Found this inspiration @ Knack Designs.

Happy weekend

2010-06-26T12:57:00.000-04:00

It's the G20. It's raining. But I'm happy its the start to some lazy summer days. Picture of the Hub jumping the tennis net taken yesterday.

Summer baskets

2010-06-23T22:07:00.000-04:00

I'm not a style hound (can I admit I don't know who Jane Birkin is/was) but I would totally tote this basket around with me this summer. Found via the very stylish, this is glamorous.

Uber-organized entrance way

2010-06-23T22:01:00.000-04:00

...but for the uber-organized ME, this Martha Stewart 'cubicle' style entrance way gets me going. Found via Apartment Therapy.

Entrance way

2010-06-23T21:56:00.000-04:00

I'm drawn to this simple, clean and functional entrance way (although that front door leaves alot to be desired). Found via Apartment Therapy.

Bounce...it's summer!

2010-06-23T21:48:00.000-04:00

And I've made my own recent bounce of late...This Bounce Girl has landed back in the city of her birth, Toronto. I've been thinking that it is a good time for a rebirth and new focus for this blog. Stay tuned. And make sure to bounce this summer. Philippe Halsman photo found via Checks and Spots.

Cute caravan

2010-06-21T21:48:00.000-04:00

While Airstreams reign supreme in my love of mobile living, this is one cute caravan that would make a nice little weekend getaway. Found at Curly Birds.

Happy solstice

2010-06-21T21:39:00.001-04:00

A picnic with friends didn't materialize so I jumped on my bike for a long summer ride along the Humber and down to the lake. Happy solstice. Summer, I am going to eat you up. Summer bike photo by Clumsy Bird and found via Poppytalk.

Ninth-month mark

2010-06-21T16:16:00.001-04:00

I meant to post about this on Saturday but the weekend was too beautiful to be indoors. Loving the Hub who is back in Sarnia again this week.

Inspiration: Summer goals

2010-06-02T14:58:00.000-04:00

There is a new tumblr blog by two Portland friends that describes their summer goals through photography (including their completed crosswords)! As I heart lists and goals, it is inspiration for getting out there and enjoying the most of this season. My own summer goal list to be posted shortly. Found via Unruly Things and photo by tickledpickle.

Tiny spaces

2010-06-02T14:50:00.000-04:00

Could the Hub and I live in a tiny house? When I see images like the one below I am inspired but at the same time, everything is organized and tidied; what happens when your husband's hobbies include windsurfing, skateboarding, snowboarding and surfing? Maybe you live in a tiny house and have a really large studio/garage out back? Discovered via Darling Dexter.

Travel daydreaming: Tortola, British Virgin Islands

2010-06-02T14:36:00.001-04:00

Oh gosh, I want to go here. Bea's photographs ooze relaxation and beauty. And oh, those parrot fish! This place is definitely going to to the top of the list for our Brushcuts' 40 trip.

Smoothies

2010-06-02T14:21:00.000-04:00

The Hub and I have been sipping blueberry smoothies each morning as I try to reduce our freezer content before our weekend move - including blueberries and raspberries picked last summer. Image via a blog that is new to me: Little Brown Pen. I'll be visiting for a while to see if it is one to include in my daily visual travels.

Wish list

2010-06-02T14:09:00.000-04:00

As I pack, I question how we managed to amass so much additional stuff over the last two years. But it doesn't lessen the sweetness of this blue fish zip purse by kit + lili. First spotted over on Simple Lovely, one of the blogs I check regularly. Would make a fun summer addition.

Ontario potters

2010-05-31T13:12:00.004-04:00

En route back to Sarnia, we pit stopped in my old university town of Guelph. Lunched at Diana's and stumbled upon the Potters Market @ the Goldie Mill. It was a beautiful outdoor setting for so many homemade wares, and we ran into the Hub's old potting teacher.

Two of new potters I discovered are Jennifer Graham from Stratford, Ontario and the uber-talented Cam Fisher based in New Hamburg.

Staying focused

2010-05-26T11:25:00.001-04:00

My horoscope for today is the reminder that I need to stay focused.

Friends, music and the outdoors

2010-05-25T22:23:00.003-04:00

Here are more pics of our long weekend spent dockside in Bala. We enjoyed laughs and eats and music in a laid-back, wish I could live in this environment all the time setting. Really, it was a check about where the Hub and I are bouncing to next - back to T.O. - when we were visiting with such great friends up north. Of course these northern friends of ours have their own sets of stresses but the grind of cement and rubber is removed.

Long weekends

2010-05-25T17:28:00.001-04:00

The dock @ the lumber yard, Bala, Muskoka

Eighth-month mark

2010-05-19T21:45:00.001-04:00

What arrived today of all days, the 19th of the month, our eighth-month anniversary? Our wedding album from Grega. Eight months late but perfect timing.

Going places?

2010-05-14T22:42:00.004-04:00

Going places this weekend? The Hub is in Toronto and I'm here but daydreaming of travelling.

Bonne weekend.

(Image via Ruffled)

Where to shop in Sarnia: Pete's Place

2010-05-09T22:28:00.003-04:00

OK - while technically not in Sarnia, Pete's Place is a must-do when living and surviving in Sarnia. Located off of Station Street in Petrolia, Pete's Place is half-rummage sale, half-junk yard. I don't know the full story on Pete other than he is some wild collector (so I assume he's half mad) with a large warehouse stuff to the brim with everything and anything.

It was our second time out to Pete's (the first time we bought vintage matchbooks). Our score: a vintage, cherry red Samsonite weekender bag for two dollars.

Where to day trip from Sarnia: Petrolia

2010-05-09T22:25:00.004-04:00

The Hub and I drove 35 minutes out of town, alongside newly sown fields, past houses with pickup trucks in the driveways, into the small town of Petrolia. A nice, leisurely, do-nothing of consequence Sunday.

Thinking of moms

2010-05-09T21:48:00.003-04:00

My relationship with my mom could be described as tough love; that's not something that is easy to admit on a day dedicated to the women who bring us all into the world. But underneath all the complicatedness is a true love for my mom. Thinking of you Do-Bird.

(Handmade card found here).

Where to go in Sarnia: The beach @ Canatera Park

2010-05-08T15:16:00.002-04:00

Even on a rainy, windy Saturday, the beach @ Canatera Park is a lovely place to stop and relax for a few moments.

An ideal wardrobe: Shoes

2010-05-08T14:29:00.002-04:00

I guess I didn't get the memo that swim wear no longer seems to be stocked in-store and that stores like J.Crew and Anthropologie drive you to their websites to buy suits online. Unfortunately for a pear-bodied lady like myself, that is too much of a hassle - I can only imagine how many returns I would have to go through before finding the right suit.

So instead of bathing suits, I indulged in 'ideal' footwear: a pair of casual sneaks, dressed up thongs, and everyday kitten heel pumps. What a women 'needs.'

(From top to bottom: Classy Sneakers by New Balance for Nine West in light grey with green , Cole Haan Air Halsley Thongs in black and Oaks pumps in black by Nine West.)

An ideal wardrobe: Bathing suits

2010-05-06T20:05:00.005-04:00

My Sarnia Life Saver and I are heading State-side tomorrow for a day of shopping @ Sommerset Mall. On my ideal wardrobe list is a new one-piece bathing suit. A few from J.Crew and Anthropologie are potential contenders.

(From top to bottom: Solid Wrap Tank in cinnabar, J. Crew; Jersey Lomellina Cabana Tank in wild peony, J.Crew; New Heights one-piece, Anthropologie; Lake Ripples one-piece, Anthropologie)

Ritual

2010-05-05T21:33:00.003-04:00

Himalayan bath salts. Mint and cucumber bubble bath. A candle lit. A book or a magazine. Steam because the water is so hot and neck muscles relaxing. Tub time is me time is a ritual.

(Image via Poppytalk)

Three favourite things

2010-05-02T19:47:00.007-04:00

1. Our map. It hangs on the wall outside our bathroom. At night, while we are both brushing our teeth, we study where countries connect, where oceans collide, where the world is from.

2. Soap - of a pretty kind - continues to be my small indulgence.

3. L'Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Cream. Luxury.

Goal: To eat healthy snacks

2010-05-01T19:12:00.002-04:00

When the Hub and I were living and travelling in New Z., we met Anna and Roger Wilde, an outdoorsy couple behind Wild Health Food in Nelson on the South Island. I've made a number of their health, inspired recipes over the last few years, and I recently selected three snack and dessert recipes to kick start my goal of eating healthier snacks.

In the oven right now, Sugar Free Blueberry Muffins. Full of barley and spelt flour goodness and pops of blueberry (luckily I have still have a bag in the freezer from picking last summer).

Where to eat in Sarnia: Lola's Lounge

2010-05-01T10:42:00.004-04:00

Fine dining in Sarnia is ever so limited but the one consistent option is Lola's Lounge on Christina Street. It's a converted former dinner that's now a loudy decorated hot spot. The Hub and I, and our Sarnia lifesavers grabbed dinner and drinks there last night. Oh, and the homemade chocolate flourless torte for dessert. Resos recommended.

Travel daydreaming: Trancoso, Brazil

2010-05-01T10:31:00.004-04:00

A remote fishing village along Brazil's Bahia coast. A community green used for soccer games and parties. Hippies, explorers and Indian settlers. Artisan-influenced guest cottages. A southern-hemi holiday I could indulge in @ UXUA Casa Hotel.

(Found via Poppy Talk Handmade)

Bounce in your wedding dress

2010-05-01T10:26:00.002-04:00

I haven't posted a bounce photo in a while. This one makes me want to bounce on my bed in my pjs (because I didn't have a big, white, puffy wedding dress).

(Found via Snippet & Ink)

Cuteness

2010-05-01T10:22:00.003-04:00

Utterly cute. I think I'll send this image to my little sister.

(Found via Snippet & Ink)

Earth Day Goodness

2010-05-01T10:12:00.003-04:00

Last week was one of the most hectic this year as it was the official roll-out of this 14-month project I've been managing @ work. During the 14-hour days and despite a car collision, I had a sunshine moment: winning an organic fabric sample set from green crafting guru Betz White! A habit inherited from my mom, I 'secretly' enter contests - not the kind where you can win an all-expenses paid cruise from your grocery store but rather the small, simple kind. Like the one organized by Betz and 11-other organically-minded fabric designers. Can't wait until I receive the Indian Summer sample set. I think I'll make another bird mobile with it.

Where to eat in Sarnia: The Raj Mahal

2010-04-23T23:10:00.004-04:00

I've said this before. Stuff in Sarnia is hard to find. You don't walk downtown and pass ethnic food restaurants. You have to seek them out. Or your husband's barber has to pass him a photocopied take-out menu for the former pharmacist who now prepares authentic Indian food from his home kitchen: The 'Raj' Mahal because the former pharmacist is named Raj. Highly recommended if you aren't up for crushing your own spices. 24-hour advance notice required.

Toronto neighbourhoods

2010-04-21T21:43:00.004-04:00

While I bounced out of Toronto a number of years ago, the Hub and I go back so frequently that I think that maybe it's time for us to return? Well, Ork Posters has finally completed their Toronto Neighbourhood poster. I first came across Ork when we were in Chicago in 2008. It was the weekend the Hub proposed (in minus forty degree weather) so as momento, we bought the Chicago poster. Since then, we also purchased their mighty Great Lakes inspired one.

Favourite colours

2010-04-20T21:39:00.003-04:00

Textile designer Karen Barbe's lemon zest and soft taupe tiles are stunning...and a perfect match for two of my favourite colours.

An ideal wardrobe

2010-04-19T21:44:00.003-04:00

Oh, if I had an Euro-inspired budget for clothes, I would easily indulge in the sophisticated yet simple looks above.

(Found here and here)

Wish list

2010-04-19T21:38:00.003-04:00

Doesn't this brown leather weekender from Rowallan make you want to escape on a weekend getaway to a quaint country inn? I'd grab the Hub and head to the Benmiller Inn in Goderich, just up the shore from Sarnia.

Relax...into the week

2010-04-18T21:54:00.004-04:00

The weekend went so quickly but I am going to try to relax into the start of the week. And maybe day dream of relaxing in a lovely bed (grey of course) like the one above.

(Discovered via blue moss)

Where to shop in Sarnia: Modern Philosophy

2010-04-18T21:43:00.004-04:00

One of the few good boutiques in Sarnia is Modern Philosophy on Christina Street. I was in this week to pick up a silk, military green dress by Dept. The collections are thoughtful and well selected. As the owner is an interior designer by training, the boutique is relaxing to browse through. As is the case with most gems in Sarnia is that the store is a little hidden and could be easily missed. While it is downtown, it is just pass City Hall in a dark-brick, squat building that doesn't have great window display.

Aurora Joy

2010-04-18T21:32:00.004-04:00

In the T.O. this weekend for a baby shower for one of my Brushcuts. Four babies entertained us including the precious Aurora Joy.

Louise's knitting bag

2010-04-18T21:27:00.003-04:00

My first solo sewing project. With fabric from The Workroom, I replaced the tired floral pattern on my sister-in-law's knitting fold-out bag with this fresh, fun pattern. I was so proud of myself. The Hub said all I needed to do was practice and well, he was right.

Chalkboard inspiration

2010-04-18T21:25:00.002-04:00

Homemade wish list

2010-04-09T21:17:00.005-04:00

I'm pretending that I got a raise today and I've gone imaginary shopping over at Poppytalk Handmade.

1. Lovely wooden slate table by bookhou

2. Hand-knitted neck warmer by sandra juto

3. Let's Go Ride print by 1canoe2

Travel daydreaming: Livek, Slovenia

2010-04-07T21:29:00.003-04:00

What a delight to receive a sweet e-mail from Katja this morning. She's Nebesa's grand dame and she'll always have a special place in my heart as she picked the flowers for my wedding bouquet and was such a gracious hostess. No judgement of our somewhat unusual wedding.

In Katja's words:

"We had a hard but beautiful winter with a lot of snow. But just now Livek is like you can see in the photo. Nebesa not flooded by safron. You remember? We are specialized for grasses. It only started to grow but it promises."

Today, I wish I was in sitting in a cafe, sipping a kava, watching these hillside flowers.

Wish list

2010-04-07T21:19:00.003-04:00

Oh goodness. My desire for one of these is growing. Six months into our nuptial adventure and the baby pangs are intensifying. But, alas, I'm still in this funny place called Sarnia, hanging out in career limbo, a bounce on the horizon. So it will be a while yet...The Hub left after dinner tonight for Lansing, Michigan. I guess that's what happens when you live in a border city...you have to drive across that dang-thang and go to work meetings in funny places.

(Beautiful photo from rummey bears)

Chalkboard inspiration

2010-04-04T16:19:00.003-04:00

Travel daydreaming: Palm Springs

2010-04-03T09:15:00.003-04:00

The Ace Hotel and Swim Club looks like a 50s-infused getaway in hot Palm Springs. The kind of place you could drink horchata at the bar and laze about.

(Discovered via Cup of Jo)

Displaying photos

2010-04-03T09:08:00.005-04:00

Framed photos of our friends, family and travel are an important part of our home. I like how the photos above are all uniquely framed but come together is a clean, cohesive look due to the simple glass shelves.

(Image found via emmas designblogg)

I'd go to the Silver Screen

2010-04-03T08:45:00.005-04:00

Right up there alongside Le Petit Prince, Le Petit Nicholas was one of my favourite stories to read during high school French class. The antics of the young school boy and his classmates made me giggle. I doubt the movie will come to the theatre in Sarnia but it will be worth searching out in the T.O.

(Discovered via Lark About)

Longboarding

2010-04-03T08:38:00.003-04:00

With a forecast of fabulously warm weather for the next couple of weeks, I think skateboards will be part of our days. The Hub just got two new shortboards so I think I'll ride beside him on his longboard. A fun way to get around.

(DanielMoyerDesign longboard found via Apartment Therapy)

Me-time

2010-04-02T13:29:00.003-04:00

The Hub is home from Costa Rica - sunned and gleeful. It's an incredibly warm Good Friday and I'm sipping a cup of my new favourite earl gray tea. Browsing all of my favourite blogs that I've been away from during my me-holiday. It was nice to be offline for a while. Enjoy this day.

(Image via fields and woods)

Me-holiday: Day Five

2010-03-22T20:14:00.004-04:00

Hard to feel like I was really on a me-holiday today as it was Monday and back to work. Plus, last week's spring tease is over in the Sarn. Rain and grey skies pushed me toward autumnal comfort foods tonight. A massive pot of Farmhouse Butternut Squash Soup and a steaming mug of homemade chai masala. Pods of cardamon, fennel seeds, cinnamon sticks, white peppercorn, ginger. {hmmm}.

Six-month mark

2010-03-21T17:58:00.004-04:00

My wildflower bouquet. I miss the Hub.

Me-holiday: Days Three and Four

2010-03-21T17:48:00.006-04:00

A gong show of a weekend that involved lost keys, ladders and pick-up trucks. Seems I find myself in some jams without the Hub.
(Poster found via cup of jo )

Me-holiday: Day Two

2010-03-19T22:39:00.002-04:00

Sometimes, cleaning is like exercise. I got a jump on spring cleaning by taking down and washing all our curtains. The smell of freshly laundered cotton was comforting. Then a beer and a bubble bath.
(Image via petite sparrow)

Me-holiday: Day One

2010-03-18T20:41:00.006-04:00

Day One without the Hub. How did I enjoy this me-time? A 45-minute run in plus-10 degree weather. Sushi pizza and rainbow dragon roll picked up from Sarnia's only Japanese restaurant, Se Yo. The Canadian film One Week, starring Joshua Jackson. (Yes that Dawson Creek Joshua Jackson). It's a Canadian road trip movie and recommended by my own Canadian road trip best friend. In 1999, we packed up the Big White Buick LeSabre and put 23,000 on her over three months. The movie brought back many fond memories. Oh, and some great Canadian music.
(Image via hoktar)

Travel daydreaming: Anywhere

2010-03-14T14:13:00.007-04:00

The Hub leaves for his Costa Rica surf trip in four days. I opted not to go with because I didn't want to be the third wheel and that's what happens when he's with a surfboard. {giggle}. But I've got a strong itch to go away, even just for a weekend. I'm close to booking a Porter flight to Tremblant on Easter Weekend so that I can have brunch here with the dearest Franjours.

(Image via Cup of Jo)

Chalkboard inspiration

2010-03-14T14:11:00.004-04:00

Handmade wish list

2010-03-11T20:59:00.003-05:00

I just went imaginary shopping over @ Poppytalk Handmade, and this is what I bought with my imaginary money:

From top to bottom:

1. Silver Flower Cushion by be still.

2. Hello There greeting cards by Pistachio Press.

3. Airstream painting by Leah Giberson.

Travel daydreaming: Dinner in NYC

2010-03-10T22:03:00.004-05:00

Joanna mentioned that she dined @ a quaint restaurant in NYC called Hundred Acres. I'm always scouting for good places to go to in that massive city, and one look @ the menu, and I was drooling. If, if, if, I was dinning there tonight I would have eaten:

* the beer battered Rhode Island squid with shaved fennel, ruby grapefruit, black olives and aioli for an app followed by;

* the house-made semolina macaroni with butternut squash, currants, pine nuts, sage and savoury breadcrumbs!

Sounds so delectable, doesn't it?

And beautiful chalk

2010-03-10T21:51:00.005-05:00

Ohhh...60 sticks of chalk beautifully contained in a round paper holder. The label reminds me of elementary French class. This would be a wonderful accompaniment to the homemade chalkboards the Hub and I give as wedding gifts.

(Discovered via frolic)