{lilac lined streets}

We just returned from our cottage in Prince Edward County where we took advantage of the Victoria day long weekend. This time of year is always particularly beautiful as the country streets are lined with towering cherry blossoms and lilac bushes in full bloom – it makes the three hour drive infinitely more pleasant. During our three sweatpant-clad days we, admittedly, barely left the confines of our property. On Sunday, however, we reluctantly put real clothes on (sort of), as we headed out to visit some family friends, at The County Cider; purveyors of the most delicious peach cider in the entire world (truly. A big thank you to Grant and Jennifer!) Paired with views for days and warm summer-like breezes it was a wonderful welcome to the upcoming season.

{fun with sparklers (photo credit to my brother’s girlfriend, Sara!)}

{we get the most insane sunsets}

{afternoon pit-stop at The County Cider}

{views from The County Cider}

In exactly one weeks time Justin and I will be hopping on a plane to the Amalfi Coast! Excited doesn’t even BEGIN to cover it. We found a crazy, insane, wicked good deal (obsessively checking travel sites sometimes pays off) and jumped at the opportunity.  We’ll be staying in the small town of Maiori, just 10 minutes east of Amalfi. From what I understand, there isn’t a ton happening on in Maiori but it will act as a jumping off point for day trips (Capri, Positano, Sorrento, Pompeii…) Everything happened relatively quickly and we’ve yet to do any legitimate research, so I’m here to ask for advice!  One of my biggest pet peeves is spending money on sub-par food so restaurant recommendations are especially in order.  Please do send anything and everything this way! 

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So this is kind of awkward, but I actually picked up these pretty purple glasses over two years ago thinking “these will be PERFECT for a lavender lemonade post”. And though they’ve been well used and loved ever since, there they sat unfulfilling their rightful duty. Until now! Because I finally tried this recipe that I’ve been eyeing forever, and I’m so glad that I did. It basically tastes like summer in liquid format, and that excites me to no end.

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I’m breaking the get the look fast I’ve been on with this incredible bedroom that I kind of, sort of am dying to make my own. Furry throw, oodles of pillows, with a sophisticated yet fun vibe? Feel free to count me in twice!

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 This bright and cheery Toronto abode strikes that perfect balance between playful and sophisticated, which is no easy feat. It’s incredibly well appointed, yet doesn’t take itself too seriously with the use of fun brights sprinkled sporadically throughout. If you know me at all, you’ll know that I love a well designed home that feels well lived and loved. I do believe that this place is just the ticket!

Images from Style At Home

{My favourite park in Toronto}

I’m thinking that Mother Nature and I have to have a bit of a chat because the weather this weekend was absolutely abysmal. It was cold and rainy and all sorts of miserable practically the entire time. Instead of fighting it, I did my best to find this silver linen: the chance to catch up on some leisurely reading, watch more than my fair share of movies, and not feel guilty when the entirety of Mother’s Day was spent indoors sipping tea and stuffing ourselves with crepes. But seriously though – Mother Nature? Smarten up!
 
{Cookies for two}

{we hosted Mother’s Day brunch}

{the best Mother’s Day card, ever}

{crepe fixins’}

{my mom, brother and I post-brunch}

We recently put together a Mother’s Day backyard brunch over on Style Me Pretty Living and I simply couldn’t resist sharing it here too. Because, honestly, is it not the prettiest thing that you ever did see? Our resident event planner is seriously a styling genius – I am constantly blown away by all of the things she whips up in no time flat. Have a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend my dears!

Styling: Style Me Pretty Living | Photography: KT Merry

I’m hosting a Mother’s day brunch this Sunday and while planning my menu I stumbled upon Martha Stewarts recipe for blueberry blintzes. Being impatient by nature, I felt as if it was my duty to give them a test run. You know, just  to be safe. So I made my girlfriend come over a few days ago to be the official tester. And can I just tell you that they were revolutionary? Seriously. Sweet, but not too sweet. Filling, but not roll me home filling. And, as an added bonus, they just looked so gosh darn pretty atop my robins egg blue dishes (this is important you know). From here on out, Sunday brunch will never be the same. (Tip: pair them with a mimosa. You’ll thank me later.)

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I pretty much adore Jacey, from Damsel in Dior. If I’m being totally honest, I only discovered her blog within the past few months, but it has very quickly risen to the top of my morning go-to’s. Cute videos, amazing fashion and delicious recipe – she’s got em’ all covered, and in serious style. So it was especially fun to learn a little bit more about the girl behind my new favourite blog…

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I couldn’t let Mother’s day come and go without a brief nod to the women who have helped shaped me throughout the years. Though we all know that, ultimately, gifts aren’t what’s important here, a little token of affection never really hurt anyone (and said tokens of affection are kind of my favourite). And let’s be honest, you really don’t have to drop a boat load of money to make someone feel special. Here’s a quick little round up of a few pretty little things I have my eye on for all of the wonderful mothers in my life (my own, especially!)

1. J. Crew Linen Scarf | 2. Anthropologie Recipe Cards | 3. Rifle Paper Co. Iphone Case | 4. Indigo Divine Cream Tea | 5. Indigo Grilling Salt | 6. Pradman Monogrammed Necklace | 7. Anthropologie Rolling Pin | 8. Indigo Herb Tins | 9. Indigo Hanging Tea Light Holder | 10. Anthropologie Perfume | 11. Anthropologie Blockprinted Napkins

| Ed’s chocolate toffee ice cream |

Apart from an (amazing) industry party on Friday night (which ended in bowls of mimosas at 2 am), I had virtually no concrete plans the past two days and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. We meandered the city at will, mani-pedis were had, take-out Thai was thoroughly enjoyed, and Sunday afternoon was spent on the beach, ice cream in hand. It was exactly what the doctor ordered and I am now fully equipped to tackle the week ahead. Monday? Bring it!

| cool fixtures at Klaus |

| a brand new neighbourhood coffee joint – aka my new office |

| I inherited a hamster – his name is Miguel & he really likes cheerios |

| Sunday afternoon on the beach |

I think it’s safe to say that April was a good month. Not only did I wrap up a fab mini family vacation in Florida, I also finished writing that dang NCIDQ exam (one of these days I’ll refrain from bringing it up in a sentence), a dear friend of mine has returned from a whirlwind 9 month long stint in South America, and the weather is finally behaving. This newfound freedom has me all sorts of excited and I can’t wait to see what May brings along with it!

Ps – If you care to follow along on further Instagram adventures, my username is: larkandlinen.

Happy weekend my dears. XO

I recently stumbled upon this recipe for flourless fudge cookies and I simply couldn’t resist sharing the goods. With just a handful of ingredients, it’s virtually foolproof (and can be made in a quick minute – which is relatively dangerous if you’ve met sweet tooth and I at any point during our existence). The results are ridiculously chocolate-y with a satisfying balance between crispy, chewy and soft (aka magic). Pair it with a tall glass of cold milk and you’ve got yourself a party.

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Remember my bits & pieces series? It somehow got left in the dust the past little while but it’s back with a vengeance and I couldn’t be more excited! And I’m breaking the drought in the finest of fashions with the adorable Anabela from Fieldguided. As a fellow Toronto blogger, I constantly find myself getting lost within her beautiful pages. And as cheesy as it may sound, it’s kind of become my version of heaven. Read on to find out more about the girl behind this fabulous blog…

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As a general rule of thumb, I consider myself to be a city girl. Bright lights, big city, and all that jazz. But when I stumble upon homes the likes of this one, I begin to question my city girl ways. Land as far as the eye can see, waves crashing against the shore in the distance, and an outdoor shower have more of an effect on me than I’ve been willing to let on. If only there were a way to combine the two… (this is when boat loads of money would come in handy.)

Casa Sanchia via Coco + Kelley

| Bellwoods Brewery |

| A birthday gift for a friend (though I might need to treat myself too) |

| Brunch at L’Ouvrier |

| My new favourite spot: La Merceria |

| My weekend uniform: this necklace & a soft, flowy blouse |

I kind of went a little buck nutty this weekend and I don’t regret it for a second. Seeing as it was my first weekend of freedom post-exam, I felt as if I had a lot of lost time to make up for. And so I did. With spa dates, and brunch dates, and drinks with friends (twice!)… I somehow even found myself meandering the High Park Zoo, ice cream cone in hand, late Sunday afternoon. Though I’m not exactly rested as I kick off the week, it was by far the best weekend I’ve had in some time! Freedom? I could totally get used to this.

Clockwise from top left: Jose Villa | Drizzle & Dip | Jose Villa | Kurt Boomer

Simply ending the week on a pretty note – because sometimes, all you need is a little eye candy. Happy weekend you guys!

Our condo has been sorely neglected the past few months, simply due to other priorities. As a bit of an organizational freak by nature, it’s admittedly slowly been killing me. At one point I actually uttered “I’m most excited to organize my closet as soon as this damn exam is over!*” I’ve been forced to turn a blind eye to our overflowing closets and dusty baseboards for days on end and I’m so thrilled to now have the time to tackle the silly little nothings that have been keeping me awake at night. Issues? Most likely. But a spic & span, crisp & clean home is one that simply makes me inordinately happy. So until I actually get down to scrubbing those baseboards and donating half of my closet, I’ll live vicariously through gorgeous images of stunning (clean! organized!) homes, much like these ones right here.

Images from: Lonny Magazine | Photographed by: Patrick Cline

*Thank you to everyone who tweeted, commented and emailed positive vibes and good luck wishes the other day! How annoying was I the last few weeks?! I can’t even begin to tell you how happy I am that those bad boys are behind me (well, 2 out of 3 anyway.) To be completely honest, I’m not entirely sure how well I did. They were pretty brutal, and not at all what I was expecting. You know what’s worse than dirty homes? Multiple choice questions where all of the answers are right, and you have to select the one that’s MOST right. I curse those questions! I officially find out in twelve weeks if I’m that much closer to becoming a licensed designer. And now, back to lark & linens regular posting schedule – and no more whining, I swear.

It’s a big day around here! Not only am I writing my licensing exam (potentially, as you’re reading these very words – gah! Send good juju, please and thank you) but lark & linen turns three today! To be completely honest, I never really knew what I was getting into when I started this journey three years ago, and never in my life could I have imagined what a positive outlet it’s been for me in so, so many ways. Thank you all for following along – I couldn’t imagine sharing it all with kinder human beings. Here’s to many more years! And to celebrate? A virtual sprinkles party (but of course).

Designed, Styled & Photographed by Style Me Pretty Living

Yep. This about sums it up! I officially write two out of three of my licensing exams tomorrow and, though I’m slightly terrified, I also couldn’t be more excited. Having a life oncemore? Here I come!

I feel like I’m cheating since we’re almost through with April (what!?) but I thought I’d take a quick peek back at the month of March, as told by my Instagram feed. I thought for sure this month would be pretty pathetic since it feels as if I never. left. my. couch, but apparently I did do some fun things! Follow along @larkandlinen and have a wonderful weekend. XO!

I’ve mentioned my best friend Jessica a few times on these pages before (in fact, my trip to Ireland was specifically for a Jess visit). But I’m not sure that I’ve ever shared that she’s an amazing chef. Because she is. The best even (and though I may be biased, it is 100%, unequivocally, undeniably true). So when she sends me links recipes, I just KNOW they’re going to be good. Like this one. This Nigel Slater lemon and thyme loaf might very well blow your mind. It’s moist, it’s spongey, it’s pretty much foolproof and it may just be the best thing you’ve ever eaten. Ever! Bonus: there’s lemon in it which totally makes it acceptable to eat for breakfast (at least that’s how I’ve justified it).

Tea Towel c/o Celina Mancurti

This shoot combines a handful of my favourite things: beautiful interiors, delicious food, and Leah (how stinking cute is she?!) Though I’ve never been to LA myself, I’ve long heard about this fabulousness that is Bottega Louie. So when I came across the opportunity to have it photographed for Style Me Pretty Living I couldn’t have been more excited. And when I finally laid eyes on the photos myself, it was simply better than I could have even imagined.

Photographed by Bryce Covey | Via SMP Living | Featuring Freutcake

Truth be told, I had an entirely different house envy post all set up and ready to go for this morning. But when I stumbled upon this guy on Rue Daily last night, all bets were off.

Though the decor & furnishings themselves are lovely in that timeless, classic sense, I just can’t stop staring at the interior detailing. Did you notice those ceilings?? The crown mouldings?! The fireplace?!! Seriously though. Take it all in. I’ll give you a moment. That right there is the stuff that dreams are made of.

source: Elle Interior, Sweden | via: Rue Daily  | photography: Petra Bindel

Though I’ve been back for just under a week now, I inadvertently took an additional few days off from this ol’ blog here. Is it alright for me to blame the Florida sun? I just couldn’t get my act together last week no matter how hard I tried. But I’m back! And I’ve missed you guys! So in case you were wondering what has kept me away, here’s a little preview in photography format.

Despite the fact that I was working the majority of the time I was gone (once-more, working from “home” proves its worth!), I still managed to squeeze in a bit of fun in the sun (this might be evident from this collection of photos). If I’m being completely honest, this mini getaway could not have come at a better time. Between long hours at “the office”, attempting 3-4 hours of studying each evening, and trying to manage some semblance of a social life (ha!), I had long been burning the candle at both ends (I legitimately thought I might lose it a handful of times there.) But they say that the cure to all ailments is salt water – sweat, tears, or the sea, and such statement has never felt more true. So if you’re ever feeling more than overwhelmed, may I suggest the beach? It really does do great things for one’s soul.

I’m off to Florida for the next week! Though it doesn’t technically count as a vacation since I’ll still be working, I do plan on ensuring that I get my fair share of sun, surf and sand. I’m going to be taking the next week or so off from posting so that I can really soak it all in – but not to worry, I’ll be back with lots more goodies in no time! I know. Phew. Right?

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Have a fabulous week my dears
Oh, and a happy early Easter!
xoxo

cupcakes | cinnamon buns | place cards | tulips | egg cup | easter eggs

With Easter just around the corner I thought it’d be fun to round up some of my very favourite festive posts from around the web. How clever are these guys!? They make me embarassingly happy

Justin is currently holding down the fort over on Vmac + Cheese.
Check it out!

I can’t even begin to tell you how enamored I am with this shoot from the newest Kinfolk magazine. It’s weird in the best kind of way. It simply embodies my feelings surrounding upcoming seasons and has instantly given me that kick in the pants to will winter out the door. Spring, I am so ready for you!

source & photography | Kinfolk

Look you guys! Colour! The whole change of seasons is doing all SORTS of funky things to me. Things like sucking in me in to bright and colourful Victorian homes. After a dark and dreary winter, this Toronto abode is completely screaming my name. It feels well loved and lived in yet you’d never guess that three kids and a big old dog lived within the confines of these walls. Classic pieces paired with indestructible ones not only give this space a unique, eclectic vibe, it also makes for the perfect family friendly home.

source | photography

{Easter in candy format}

Though I did accomplish a great deal of studying, I also made sure to knock a bunch of necessary items off of my to-do list. Things like get a new bathing suit for Florida (check!) and indulge in cheese plates and paella at Patria with some lady friends (check, check!) Work hard, play hard was in full effect! Suffice to say, a good weekend was had around these parts. How was yours

{stocked up on summer necessities for my upcoming trip. T-minus 5 days!}

{sushi take-out & study sessions}

{tulips in bloom}

{mini-cheese plates. necessary.}

{this pillow, from Black Rooster}

{these cupcake liners, from the dollar store no less}

{these graphic matchbooks, from Illume}

{red velvet cupcakes, from my kitchen}

{this iPhone case, from Iconemesis}

Happy weekend my dears!

xo.

Honestly, I’m pretty confident that this post need not any introduction. Nutella banana swirl muffins pretty much sums it up. All you need is this recipe, and about half an hour of spare time. I kid you not, these rank amongst my top five favourite things I’ve ever made. And if I have to be honest, I ate three. THREE. Right out of the oven. I couldn’t stop! The nutella becomes kind of crispy crunchy in the most satisfying way and… I’ve said too much. Go. Bake. Now! You won’t regret it.

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I’m heading to Florida with my family in a week and a half and I honestly could NOT be more excited. Though it won’t technically be a vacation as I’ll still be working throughout the week, (and studying in the evenings/weekends), the thought of sunshine and palm trees is making me giddy. The way I see it, studying on the beach and working in a solarium beats my dining room ANY day (and I happen to really like my dining room!)

While preparing for this upcoming trip I quickly realized that I do not own a beach bag. Yep, over the years I’ve become that girl who tosses her crap in her friends bag, or lugs her black leather one poolside. I decided that this needed to be rectified and set out on a hunt. Call me oblivious, but I had no idea how expensive these bad boys could be. $300 for something that runs the risk of getting sand-filled and chlorine-soaked? No thank you! So here you go – after a serious, all encompassing search, I’ve rounded up a few of my very favourite beach bag finds, all for under $50*.

 *the Jcrew straw guy is technically $57 Canadian, but it’s one of my favourites and runs under $50 American so it totally made the cut. Forgive me?

Though this home is slightly more traditional than I’m typically drawn to, I can’t help but feel as if it completely embodies the upcoming season. The soft hues, the warm light pouring through each window and the abundance of fresh florals is giving me a serious case of spring fever, and for that I’m a fan.

source | via

{st. patty’s day outfit (necklace c/o RedEnvelope)}

{fabulously blue skies}

{brunch with the family}

{bringing spring home}

I put this post together last night after an INCREDIBLY full weekend and I couldn’t even being to string more than a few words together. So now I’m back, with a fresh(ish) mind, ready to tackle some text. I’ve honestly been working on overdrive lately. I woke up on Friday with a raging headache and a sore throat that wouldn’t quit and knew I needed to cut myself some slack for fear of burning out. Between long days at work, studying for 3-4 hours every evening and trying to maintain even the smallest semblance of a personal life, I am completely wiped out. Though I did tackle a ton of studying this weekend, I also made sure to take Saturday off completely – celebrating St. Patricks day with some of my favourite people, and working on a fun project that I’ll be able to share with you a bit later. It felt good to let go, for just a little!  How was your weekend? Any St. Patty’s day shenanigans I should know about?!

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Seeing green on this particularly lovely friday. Happy early St. Patrick’s Day my dears! Have a fabulous weekend

xox

The thought of roasting a chicken of barbecuing a steak still intimidates me to no end. But Thai food? That I can tackle. I know – logic at its best. This particular recipe for coconut curried chicpeas is one I stumbled upon years ago (if you click on the link you can see I commented on it back in 2010 – crazy!) and have been making consistently ever since. It’s one of those guys I’ve been meaning to share with you forever. Well shame on me for taking so long! It’s a good one, I assure you. We make it bi-weekly around here and usually throw together enough to last us a few days (we’re lazy like that ;). It’s quite healthy, ridiculously flavourful and so easy you could essentially do it with your eyes closed.

I’m no stranger to wanderlust. A gorgeous image here and a restaurant review there is all it takes for me to want to pack my bags and head off on an adventure. It’s only during particularly strong moments that I’m able to take in  gorgeous photography of a far away place without googling flight prices. We recently launched Style Me Pretty Living (woohoo!!), and I have to say that this post on Le Marais, Paris has since become my very favourite. Heidi & Maggie made their way there some time ago and came back with full bellies and this INSANELY gorgeous series of images; I just couldn’t help but share. Head over to the original post on Style Me Pretty Living if you’re looking for some tips on where to go and what to do. I know for sure that my bucket list has grown exponentially ever since.

photography | source

Though there are tons of fabulous online shelter magazines out there, Lonny has quickly become my go-to. Their style is always so incredibly on point and each and every home they post consistently makes me swoon. Designed by Lonny editor Michelle Adams, this gorgeous upper west side Manhattan pad is no exception. If you’re looking for me, I’ll be over here, jaw agape, taking in all the beauty

photographer | images source

{red velvet (the best)}

{party prepping}

{Elle Decor, illume & study fuel}

{brunch at brasaii}

{chicken & waffles – I get it now.}

I’m pretty impressed with myself, I have to say. Not only did I manage to tackle a good chunk of studying, I also celebrated TWO birthdays, and left the bubble that is my neighbourhood TWICE this weekend. These days, I’m lucky if I make it as far as my best friends place, a mere 10 minute walk away. The route from my condo door to our local coffee shop on the other hand is a path I’ve become very familiar with. Two adventures in two days. We’re moving mountains people! How was your weekend?!

February 2013 will forever be remembered as the month before exams started taking over my life. All of these activities feel like they happened So. Long. Ago. In case you care to see what my March is looking like on the daily, you could totally follow along (username: larkandlinen)

Happy weekend friends!

xo.

ps – you might want to head on over to Kisha’s blog to check out a little series I helped her kick off!

First of all, a big, warm thank you to everyone who left comments, tweets & emails regarding yesterdays post. You guys warmed my heart and I so loved learning more about you. The best readers in the world? Quite possibly. You’ve inspired me to be real more often.

And now on to the goods: these breakfast cookies. Because they are DAMN good. And healthy! I really didn’t even know that the combination was possible. I originally found the recipe here, but couldn’t track down dried blueberries (my local bulkbarn shut down and I’ve since wandered around like a lost puppy when looking for unconventional ingredients). I have to say though that the cranberries were a nice touch though. I recommend it. I do! Not only are these guys flavourful, but they’re chock full of nutrients and definitely keep me full until lunch. Plus, they make for the perfect thing to grab when I stumble into the kitchen with my eyes half closed first thing in the morning (morning person, I am not).  Check out my take on it below.

I don’t typically fall victim to the meme type posts that tend to float around blogland in waves. But this recent topic, often entitled five things, has intrigued me. I typically try to keep things pretty light around here because, let’s face it, life can be heavy enough at times, and if I can help shine a little bit of bright, light prettiness on an otherwise shitty day, I consider my job well-done. But I can’t help but feel like there’s so much more to me that none of you have ever really been privy to. Though this only begins to scratch the surface, I thought it’d be fun to take part.

1// Justin and I met online well before it was considered acceptable to do such a thing. What began as simple back and forth banter over a website (similar to Facebook, well before its invention. Crazy!), turned into something really special. We spoke on msn (ha.) and then via text message semi-regularly for almost a year with no intention on pursuing anything on either of our parts. When we both realized we were nearby (at separate bars, no less) late one Thursday evening, we decided an impromptu meet up was in order. We ended up spending the entire weekend together and made it officially official three days later. We haven’t once looked back.

2// When my parents were looking to purchase their first home back in the 80′s, they put a serious offer on the home that Justin’s parents currently live in (they didn’t live there at the time). The term small world comes to mind.

3// My parents split up when I was 4 or 5. It was both the most traumatic (I was old enough to know something was wrong but too young to comprehend) and the best thing that’s ever happened to my brother and I. We’re now blessed with a huge, I mean crazy-huge, extended family (step parents, step sister, half-sister, more grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins than I know what to do with!). All of whom I am so insanely grateful for I could cry.

4// I speak french fluently. In the twelfth grade I switched to an english school and almost flunked as I didn’t understand the math or physics terms in english. I promptly switched back and all was right in the world again.

5// Though things may appear perfect around here, I can assure you they are not. It is incredibly easy to make life seem like angels and butterflies in 5 pictures & 200 words a day. I too fall victim to the “I’m not good enough, smart enough, stylish enough” thoughts that often plague this world I’ve grown to love (and hate, at times!) I cry, I fight, I feel lonely, I fall, I pick myself up and I try again. And again. I OFTEN worry that this little spot I’ve carved out for myself here, filled with light and pretty things on the regular, makes someone feel less-than. Please don’t. And if you do, message me! I can tell you my woes as well ;)

Now you go! I would so love to hear a little tidbit of yours. Yes you, you silent blog lurker you.

ps. Apparently I’m now supposed to tag five people to do the same. I tag Victoria, Tobe, Leah, Samantha, Molly & Sally.

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Ok, so I’m well aware that there’s been a serious case of all white homes in this series the past few weeks (as seen here, here, here. oh and here… and… you get the picture). I told myself that this week I would find a bright and fun home to please the colour-lovers in the crowd. But while doing my daily perusal, I came across this home and right away, all bets were off. I know it’s grey. I know it’s white. But look how pretty!

{afternoon walks}

{his & hers chai}

{rainbow brunch}

{views from lunch}

{a new favourite local coffee shop (& a new iphone case)}

Truth be told, I was a bit of a coffee-house rat this weekend. I am officially into the thick of studying for my licensing exam and find that my best work takes place when the scent of espresso permeates the air, I’m surrounded by soft chatter, and my fellow study buddy is close by. Now that I work from home, it’s nice to have a reason to get out of the house for a while, even if it means that I’m hopped up on caffeinated beverages for 48 hours straight. I’m forewarning you, there is a distinct possibility that this is what my weekends will look like until April. Apologies in advance!

It’s funny, if you look at my “currently coveting” history (right here) you’ll note that many of the items are some form of dishware. There’s something about beautiful pottery that simply sings to me. And when they’re presented in the form of soft, feminine shades, topped off with gold tips? It’s simply pretty overload and I just can’t help myself. But let’s be honest here, can you blame me? One day I’ll venture out of my ceramic comfort zone, but until then, let’s just take a moment to oogle these goods. Because they’re so, so good.

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I’ve had this recipe for Greek baked eggs pinned for longer than I can even remember. Every once in a while, it’d cross my mind and I would make a mental note to try it already. When my friend and I arranged a study/brunch date last weekend, I figured it was a great excuse to bust this guy out. My only regret is that it took so long to finally get to it. It was ridiculously easy, chock full of flavour, and provided the perfect fuel for us to get our study on. Let me just finish by saying that I know what YOU should be doing this weekend.

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This might be my favourite Get the Look post I’ve put together to date. We’ve got a sheepskin stool here people – serious business is afoot. This space is classy and feminine, but doesn’t take itself too seriously. What’s not to love?

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Though I’m typically drawn to bright white spaces, Justin tends to land in the opposite camp. He prefers dark, masculine, moody ones that beg to be curled up in after a long day. When we first moved in together, it became a bit of a challenge for me to incorporate both of our styles into one cohesive space. It’s been two years now, and we’ve finally managed to strike the perfect balance between both of our aesthetics. Black and white, with texture thrown in for some much needed warmth. It doesn’t happen ALL too often, but I’m pretty sure we’d both agree that this space fits the bill.

{girls’ night, complete with Nadege macarons & tarragon cocktails}

{high tea @ the ritz}

{so. many. sweets @ high tea}

{mini manicures}

{at home Sunday brunch & study sessions}

You wouldn’t know it from this series of photos, but the majority of my weekend was spent with my nose deep in the books. I don’t believe I’ve mentioned it thusfar on this here blog, but I’m currently knee-deep in all things Interior Design related as I study for my licensing exam. Luckily, a handful of my very favourite friends are in the same boat which definitely alleviates some of the pain (study sessions paired with friends and fun treats are infinitely better than the alternative).

On Friday, I did manage to take a bit of a break as I squeezed in a low-key girls’ night for a friend in town from Montreal. Obviously we watched the Beyoncé documentary. And Saturday I totally snuck away for high tea & catch-ups with the lovely ladies that make up my family. Work hard, play hard, right? Despite knowingly starting this week with a fried brain, I have to admit it was a pretty fantastic weekend over all. How was yours? I’d love to know!

 {fruit loops; because they taste like childhood}

{ my gorgeous Sweet Woodruff Valentines day bouquet }

{ having a temporary study buddy }

{ piles of old fashioned candy }

Happy weekend lovelies. xoxo

When Rachel linked to this recipe* last week, my interest was immediately piqued. Having only recently discovered my adoration for gin cocktails, I’ve been on the hunt to add to my teeny, tiny arsenal of concoctions. The results were beyond what I could have ever imagined. If you only ever make one of “my”** recipes, please, please let this one be it. It received a virtually unheard of four thumbs up in our household and it’s more than safe to say that they’ll be on heavy rotation in the coming months. Do I smell a party anyone?!

*The sweet tooth within me rimmed our glasses with brown sugar. One of the better decisions I’ve made in my lifetime.

**I use the term “my” loosely. Clearly I’m simply a recipe thief!

I have to tell you, it takes an awful lot of willpower not to simply re-blog everything that Sarah posts. When she shared this kitchen last week, I simply couldn’t resist. You got it. I caved. Because when a kitchen floor looks like that? Well that’s just what you do. It comes as no surprise that the rest of the home is just as stunning. But let’s all just focus on those floors for one more moment. They’re the stuff that dreams are made of if you ask me.

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It’s funny, the older I get, the more I realize that my parents are legitimately cool (don’t tell my fourteen year old self). These days, I find myself craving family time more than ever before. There’s just something about surrounding yourself with a group of people who have to adore you in every shape and form that leaves one feeling more than fulfilled.

Seeing as this weekend was deemed the family day long weekend, I decided to fully capitalize. Between family spa days, slumber parties and board games at my aunts adorable country cottage, embarrassingly long naps, and gorgeous wintry family hikes, we definitely took advantage of each and every day. It turns out that this season isn’t so bad after-all.

{ gorgeous florals from Coriander Girl }

I mentioned the Junction Flea Market briefly in my SFMW round-up on Monday, but I thought I’d take a moment to touch on it a little bit further. Occurring the first Sunday of every month, The Great Hall in Toronto gets completely taken over by vendors of all varieties. Coffee stands, jewelry makers, and vintage stores alike all delight in a day filled to the brim with flea marketing. Justin and I waddled our way over to check it out post-brunch last Sunday and we were delighted by our findings. I definitely recommend it if you’re ever in the area! Here’s a quick peek at some of my favourite discoveries…

{ a coffee pit-stop }

{ teeny succulents in vintage jars }

{ brass letters }

{ pretty milk glass vases }

{ old skates & other cool finds}

{ fabulous hand-made jewelry }

{ the coolest vintage apothecary bottles }

Note: this is NOT a sponsored posts. I simply love showing off the goods within my city! To see other “around here” posts click here!

I feel as if it’s no coincidence that Pancake Tuesday and Valentine’s day happened to fall within the same week. And if that’s not reason to celebrate with some delectable goods, well I simply don’t know what is. This recipe for heart-shaped red-velvet pancakes just so happens to kill two celebratory birds with one stone. They’re light, they’re fluffy and gosh-darnit they’re adorable! Happy Valentine’s Day my loves! Make yourself some festive pancakes why dontcha.

Ps: I picked up my teeny heart-shaped frying pan at the dollar store. Best $2 I think I’ve ever spent. Also? I didn’t use the sweet cream cheese butter mentioned in the recipe. I probably should have because doesn’t that sound amazing? But I had a hankering for some real maple syrup. Also, also? There is NOTHING wrong with making yourself some heart-shaped red velvet pancakes. I did it. And I’ll do it again.

You might have seen this party on Style Me Pretty at Home not long ago, but I just couldn’t help but share it here as well. As far as I’m concerned it’s just far too lovely to not have its fair share of time in the spotlight! Inspired by all things copper, pink, and white, our resident DIY’er and crafter extraordinaire threw together this fantastic Valentines day inspired party  (go Jess!). Whether you’re celebrating Valentines day this year with your man friend, girl friends, or very favourite aunt, this makes for the perfect fete for all involved. I don’t know about you, but just thinking about it makes me all shades of happy.

design and styling & photography

source photographed by Emily Johnston Anderson

Caitlin, from the beloved Sacramento Street, never ceases to amaze me with her impeccable style and eye for all-things-gorgeous. Her timeless approach to every room she tackles is consistently spot on. It almost feels as if each piece she selects was made for that exact spot. As if it’s simply been there forever. The girl has talent – let me tell you. Her own San Fransisco apartment still ranks amongst my favourites to date, but I have to admit that this new abode just might be taking the cake (and running away with it!).

braving nemo for the sake of a fresh baguette (worth it, of course)
hunkering down with floor beds & cookies
surely I’m not the only one who eats breakfast in the bath…
heart garland at the Junction Flea & brunch at Luna cafe

It turns out that snowstorms make for wonderfully relaxing weekends. All of this down time has left me feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and more than equipped to tackle the week ahead! Also? Our floor bed is still in place – I’m kind of thinking we should keep it that way for a while.

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It seems as if I have inadvertently begun collecting throw blankets. It wasn’t something I had intentionally planned, yet over the years my collection has grown to an embarrassing number. My cute wooden bin is now overflowing with the softest, coziest throws in all the land and I couldn’t be happier about it. In light of the snowstorm that is promising to make its way to us today, I thought it’d be fun to round up some of my favourites. Don’t you feel warmer already?!

Happy weekend my loves! Thanks for being so wonderful <3

Though it may seem like all I ingest is food of the sugary variety, I can assure you that it isn’t the case. I fully subscribe to the notion of everything in moderation and do my best to apply it to every day life. The way I see it, you should eat that dang cookie and don’t you dare feel guilty about it, but perhaps just stop at one. So far in this lifetime, this notion has worked well for me.

On a typical day, I try my best to reach for healthier meals. No, you probably won’t see me choking down a spirulina and kale smoothie, but I am conscious about what I put in my body. One of my go-to winter dinners (especially after a long day at work) is soup. It’s one of those meals that consists of a bunch of ingredients thrown into a pot, is typically relatively healthy, and simply requires a little wait time as the stove works its magic. It’s my kind of recipe – that’s for sure. This spinach, tomato & barley soup is a combination of ingredients that Justin and I have “perfected” by grabbing inspiration from a multitude of soup recipes that we’ve tried and loved in the past. It has quickly become one of our very favourites, and we always ensure to have a batch or two frozen for those last-minute meals. (See below for our recipe!)

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It’s been a little while since I’ve put together one of my inspiration posts, and what better way to break the cycle than with some insanely gorgeous bedrooms.

If you remember my easy as pie DIY from some time ago, you’ll know that I’m no stranger to unconventional nightstands. Whether it’s an adorable stool, stacked vintage suitcases, a repurposed ladder, or $3 wooden wine crates in my case, there’s no shortage of things you could experiment with in lieu of a traditional nightstand.

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I’m kind of obsessed with this Swedish home. The incredible mouldings and herringbone flooring alone are enough to push me over the edge, but I particularly love the fact that it feels as if people legitimately live here. It hasn’t been over styled, with props placed just so – the bed is slightly unmade, the pouf has recently been lounged in and the kitchen clearly sees some action. I could easily envision myself moving in and making myself right at home.  It’s a quality that isn’t easily achievable, but is always once I strive for when designing spaces myself.

prepping for J’s birthday dinner | banana cream pie, in bed
an adorable birthday card | fancy desserts | a couple of breakfast muffins

This weekend was primarily spent helping one of my favourite people in the entire world celebrate his birthday. It isn’t often that ones birthday falls on a Saturday, and so we made sure to enjoy it in proper fashion. Dessert was had in abundance, unnecessarily fancy dinners were splurged on*, surprise drinks were enjoyed with friends, and Sundays were spent lounging (ahem. recuperating.) I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect way to spend the past couple of days. And one more OFFICIAL Happy Birthday to my love, Justin. You know. For good measure.

*Justin is a through and through meat & potatoes kind of guy. I saved up my pennies and treated him to, what I’ve been told, the best steak in the city at Jacobs & Co. We felt ridiculously fancy and had way too much fun. The bill came with take-away muffins to enjoy for breakfast the next day. Amazing. We highly recommend.

Are you guys totally getting sick of seeing pictures of my mug of tea yet? I’m telling you – things have been pretty slow around here! Most days I’m lucky if I get changed into something that doesn’t resemble that of yoga pants or cotton sweats. It’s not terribly pretty around here ;)

Happy weekend lovelies!

ps. find me on instagram here. My username is larkandlinen.

pps. I’ve totally jumped on the Vine wagon as well. I’m still pretty convinced that the whole thing is a hot mess, but it IS pretty fun to play around with!

Though they’re incredibly dangerous, I’m a huge fan of recipes that make just enough goodies for a single (albeit large) serving. When I first stumbled upon the recipe for single serve chocolate cake that I blogged about some time ago, I thought I had hit the jackpot. It had never occurred to me that a similar version could be found for chocolate chip cookies. Though this recipe is INSANELY good (like, maybe the best chocolate chip cookies I’ve ever made type good), I almost wish I didn’t know it existed. Since its discovery two weeks ago, I feel like I have to confess that I’ve made it three separate times. And had I not of recently run out of chocolate chips, I’m sure that number would have continued to climb. So here you have it: a dangerously delicious recipe that makes chocolate chip cookies for one (or two, if you’re feeling share-y. Though if you don’t feel like sharing I totally won’t tell).

| Made out of hair. It was disturbingly entertaining |

Each year, The Gladstone Hotel empties its rooms to make way for artists and designers alike to come in and transform each space. The event is entitled Come Up To My Room and it has quickly become one of my favourite yearly traditions. From deep and meaningful installations to silly, quirky and interactive displays it’s the perfect way to spend a thoughtful Sunday. Last weekend, I headed over to the west end of the city to take a look at what was in store and I couldn’t have been more impressed. Here’s just a glimpse of a few fantastic pieces that took over each surface of the hotel this year.

|yarn, strung every which way|

|one of my favourite pieces – entitled “dwell”|

|an oversized wreath made out of cut up yogurt containers|

|a wall filled with spools of thread|

|mixed media installation using wax & string|

|thousands of tiny pieces of paper, folded|

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You might think that once you’ve seen one neutral home, you’ve seen them all. But I am here to prove to you that this is not the case. Not even in the slightest! This particular Antwerpian home plays with the use of scale and texture to create a neutral, natural space that is anything but boring. And if you know me at all by now, you’ll know that I’m totally, completely, 100% on board.

a snowy stroll | happiness | pretty things at the Interior Design Show
15,000 rosaries at the Gladstone Hotel | a stack of pancakes at the Drake

Each year I find myself looking forward to this particular weekend. If you haven’t been able to tell from my relatively lame Monday posts these days, for the most part wintry weekends are pretty low key in our household. We typically make it out for brunch, and perhaps the odd movie, but apart from that we tend to stay within the confines of our cozy condo. But this one is a always little different. Not only does the Interior Design show grace us with its presence, but the Gladstone Hotel holds its annual art installation: Come Up To My Room. It’s a weekend filled with art and design and inspiration of the very best kind. It always leaves me feeling incredibly inspired and ready to take on the week ahead. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, art does fabulous things for ones soul.

1. An outdoor winter picnic
2. A french pear martini
3. The most adorable 1st birthday party
4. A guide for how to prepare your cheese board (it came in really handy when I was preparing mine last weekend!)
5. Travel diaries through Milos, Greece
6. A beautiful reunion
7. A delicious goat cheese apple tart

Just a glimpse at a few of the things we’ve been up to over on Style Me Pretty at Home. Have I mentioned already that I have the best job in the world? Seriously. I’m a month in and still can’t get over the fact that I get to oogle all of this pretty for a living!

Happy weekend lovelies <3

Though I don’t eat breakfast on a daily basis (I know, I know, it’s terrible), I still stand by the fact that it’s my very favourite meal. Not only does it involve eggs, bacon and mimosas (never forget mimosas!), but it’s also considered perfectly acceptable to eat something sugary before 9 am. And let’s face it, any excuse to indulge in delicious treats will always be aces in my book. Last week I woke up with a hankering for something sweet. I began perusing through some of my favourite food blogs and stumbled upon this recipe for blueberry breakfast fritters. As luck would have it, I just so happened to have all of the ingredients on hand. I quickly whipped them up and was extremely satisfied with the results. The only issue? I may have overdone it just a touch when it came to devouring the bounty. I officially file this one under crazy delicious, but reserved for special occasions (and don’t leave me alone with them. Please.)

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As a designer, art is the thing one thing I often find the most troublesome. Not only can it absolutely make or break a space, it’s such a personal experience and one that cannot be forced. As they say, art needs to find you (which can be frustrating at times, let me tell you!)  In general, it takes me a while to connect with a piece, and though there is no denying the incredible talent that exists in this world, there aren’t many pieces that have completely moved me to date. When I stumbled upon Florian Nicolles illustrations I stopped dead in my tracks. I feel very attached to each and every one of these pieces and I officially NEED to find a way to make them mine.

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When I was a little girl, I lived down the road from a big pink house with a bright purple door, and forest green trim. While my mom thought it was abysmal, it thrilled me to no end and I was completely convinced that it would become my future home. Though my taste has, thankfully,  improved since then, the little girl within me will never tire of an ode to pink when it comes to decor. This particular home does a fantastic job of appeasing that small child, all while satisfying the adult I’ve since become. The pink fridge is the stuff that dreams are made of while the rustic and vintage touches throughout help balance what could quickly become a case of pink overload.

simple blooms  | my happy place at the St. Lawrence Market
pretty packaging | entertaining friends | a candlelit bubble bath

While weekends in general are always welcomed with open arms in our household, this one was particularly wonderful. On Friday evening a handful of girlfriends and I made our way to the west end of the city to check out Rock Lobster. Caesars (with lobster tails!) were had, wine (on tap!) was guzzled and laughter was abundant. Oh, and the food was pretty great as well. There’s just something about girl time that always leaves me feeling incredibly rejuvenated.

On Saturday Justin and I invited some friends over to watch the first Leaf game of the season. Obviously I put together a cheese plate – because hockey, cheese and figs are a natural pairing, if you ask me. And Sunday was spent catching up with a dear friend over brunch (if you’re in Toronto, check out Rose & Sons. It just opened, the staff are incredible – one of them was wearing an ascot. AN ASCOT! It’s kind of the best) and the food was fabulous in a simple, unfussy, fancy-diner kind of way. All in all, a great weekend indeed. How was yours? I’d love to know!

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Covering all the bases today with a pretty little round up of a few of my recent findings.

Happy weekend lovelies <3

Late last week, my family came over in celebration on my moms birthday. It was my very first time planning a legitimate, grown-up, sit down dinner party for a decent number of people and I’m happy to say that it went off without a hitch. Though the main course is naturally important, if you ask me, dessert is always the star of the show, and with that the pressure was on. I wanted to present something classic and sophisticated, preferably individually portioned for quick and easy delivery and (even quicker clean up). In came this recipe for pear and cinnamon frangipane tartlets. The results were as delicious as they are beautiful, and it’s safe to say that my mom was one very happy lady.

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I seriously cannot get enough of this dining room. I’ve found myself going back to it again and again, just to stare inappropriately. As it turns out, it doesn’t take a ton to replicate the look myself. Bonus: this is one of those rooms that will remain completely timeless for years to come.

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It should come as no surprise that Camilla Freeman-Toppers home is absolutely stunning. As a talented fashion designer, I expected nothing less. Though the hints of pink throughout add an undeniable feminine flare, I wouldn’t go insofar as to say that this space screams girl. That said, if someone could send tips on how to convince Justin that pink needs to make its way into our own abode I would be eternally grateful.

| around the house | pho friday (and later, Django) |
| the end of an incredibly beautiful day | afternoon naps |
| requisite Sunday brunch |

Though we’re in the middle of January (which typically classifies as my least favourite month), the temperatures are on the rise and with it, my spirits. This weekend was exactly what the doctor ordered. A perfect balance between leisurely and loungy, and hopping around town in not much more than a light sweater. Though the ridiculously high temperatures at this time of the year are unquestionably alarming, I’ll take what I can and roll with it for now. How was your weekend?! I’d love to know!

| these incredible earrings |

| really awesome friends |

| this plate |

| waffle knit tops & sweatpants
(a new uniform since I started working from home) |

| discovering that Montreal-style bagels are just a 10 minute walk away |

Now you go!

Happy weekend noodles <3

For the past few years, I’ve been put in charge of our Christmas Eve dessert. It’s a task that I’ve completely and wholeheartedly embraced in the past, and this year was no exception. While brainstorming ideas that I felt would please the masses, I came across this recipe for wine-soaked cherry eton mess. Intrigued by the meringue snowflake topper and individually portioned jars, I felt like it’d be a fun addition to our Christmas Eve meal. It turns out I was right – an instant hit ensued! Though it was slightly more labour intensive than your typical treat, I would still gladly recommend it for any and all future events you may come across.

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Lately I’ve found that the older I get, the more Monica Geller I become. I like to blame it on the fact that we live in a teeny condo and if each and every item doesn’t have its specific home, chaos is bound to ensue (trust me!) That being said, you can imagine how excited I was when I stumbled upon this kitchen. It’s so organized – so lovely – so picture perfect that it could almost give Martha Stewart a run for her money (hey, I said almost). It makes me embarrassingly happy in so many ways. And now I know for a fact that there will be a dedicated tea drawer in my future.

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Though I’m typically drawn to crisp, white homes, every once in a while I find a rich, moody one that sets my heart aflutter. This one in particular feels riddled with charm and history. It feels lived in and loved in the very best way. It could be my mindset these days (I am absolutely, unquestionably still in hibernation mode, meaning dark and cozy is my jam), but this rustic French-inspired home is all shades of sexy if you ask me.

gorgeous blooms | an organized desk | Sunday morning reads
the Frida exhibition | the famous staircase at the AGO

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I don’t know about you, but I’ve come down with a serious case of the post-holiday blues. The past few days it has taken every ounce of me to not hibernate within the confines of my home. If I’m being honest, the thought of curling up in front of a roaring fire is the only thing that appeals to me at the moment. Hot tea, flannel pyjamas and all-things-cozy is just what the doctor ordered. This mini fireplace round up is helping, if only just a touch – don’t you think?

I know that this probably isn’t the most creative post on the planet, but I  always enjoy looking back on the past year. I’ve been deeply inspired by everyones 2012 posts and felt compelled to throw my own together.  It’s a great reminder of everything that occured over the last 365 days, both good and bad, and it really helps put things into perspective. 2012 was, overall, a great year filled with a ton of ups – from my grandpas 90th birthday, to the launch of my new blog design, to a fabulous trip to Scotland and Ireland finished by an exciting job opportunity. For the first time in my life I can honestly say that I have zero complaints. Not a one. And I feel as if I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. That’s pretty amazing if you ask me! I have a feeling that 2013 is going to bring some pretty great things and I really can’t wait to see what’s to come. Onwards and upwards I say! And a very Happy New Year to each and every one of you – thanks for joining me on this crazy ride. xx

Justin surprised me with this gorgeous wintry bouquet

my moms cat, Hazel, got cozy

we spent mornings perusing the St. Lawrence market,
peameal bacon sandwiches in hand

tea was enjoyed in bed

waffle breakfasts were had with aunts & moms

 & New Years was celebrated in proper fashion

I’m back in action and I’ve missed you guys sincerely! Though I technically still worked last week, it was nice to take a little step away from this here blog to get re-energized and re-inspired. Here’s a quick peak and what I’ve been up to for the last week or so.  I hope that the holidays treated you well and can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2013!

photos are my own

I’m going to take a mini blog break over the holidays, but I’ll be back with lots more goodies next week! Before I go, I just wanted to take a moment to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and all the very best in the new year. If the holiday season happens to bring about heavy hearts for any of you, please know that you are in my thoughts this year.

ps: Thank you all for your wonderful words on my announcement last week. You sure do know how to make a girl feel special

With love,
Jacquelyn

I’m feeling a little guilty as I’ve been holding out on you guys. I’m not entirely sure why it’s taken me this long to confess, but a part of me believes that I wanted to make sure that everything came together before making the announcement. I’ve had pinch-me moment after pinch-me moment over the course of the last few weeks; it’s all just been too good to be true. But alas, it’s time!

I’m so thrilled to announce that I quit my day job and I’ve been hired to blog for Style Me Pretty at Home full time. As in, I get paid to stare at beautiful things day in and day out (pinch me). I can’t even believe that I get to oogle goodies the likes of what you see below while lounging in yoga pants each and every day. It’s been a crazy transition but I have honestly been grinning from ear to ear since I started on Monday. It’s hard to imagine that this is real life!

In case you haven’t heard, Style Me Pretty has recently announced the launch of their new blog, Style Me Pretty at Home. While we wait for our new site to get all set up and prettified, my new co-workers and I are holding down shop on the SMP wedding blog each and every Sunday, so be sure to check it out! And thank you all for being so supportive during the last 2.5 years. It’s been a whirlwind and without you none of this would have been possible.

Have the very, very best weekend my dears. xx

1st image: my own
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While browsing the interwebs for Christmas baking inspiration, I somehow stumbled upon on a few recipes for cardamom sugar cookies. Though I typically abide by the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” rule of thumb (in other words: classic sugar cookies remain classic for a reason), my gut told me to take the plunge and give it a try (am I living on the edge or what?) I ended up using this recipe and the results were absolutely glorious (glorious!) The hint of spice further elevated the otherwise simple treat and, dare I say it, I truly believe that they’re even more seasonally appropriate than the classic variety. Forget tradition, I’m totally sold.

PS: Today’s the last day to enter the Illume giveaway (a $100 value!) It closes at midnight tonight!

I’ve mentioned in the past that when it comes to wrapping presents I do not mess around. People have since come to expect their Christmas gift to be clad in something crafty (the pressure!) After scouring multiple paper stores around Toronto I’ve come up with a theme: winter mint with a twist (indulge me, won’t you?) The combination of red, white & mint keeps things feeling festive while straying from the a-typical.

Once I wrapped my first present I took a step back and decided that something was missing. The washi tape, twine and polka-dotted gift tags were all well and good, but it needed a bit of pizzazz. After all, I had to compete with that year I swapped wrapping paper for tin foil (some ideas are better than others by the way). So in came the pompom! Once the template was created and cut out the process went pretty quickly (and the template lasted for the 15 others I’ve since made). I’m beyond thrilled with how the entire ensemble came together and cant wait to distribute my gifts come Christmas morning.

Step 1: Trace two small circles onto thick cardstock (or cardboard). As a rule – the smaller your circle, the smaller your pompom. I used a shot glass for this step (keepin’ it classy)

Step 2: Place a smaller template (in my case, a nickel) in the center of your first circle and trace around it

Step 3: Carefully cut your circle templates out (this does not need to be perfect)

Step 4: Place both circle templates together and tie a long length of wool around them

Step 5: Wrap the wool around the templates

Step 6: Keep wrapping…

Step 7: … until it looks something like this. If your length of wool runs out, not to worry, simply tie a new length  on and keep going – nobody will know. (Note: the more times you wrap the string, the denser your pompom will become. This pompom ended up being QUITE full)

Step 8: Holding the wrapped templates between your index finger and thumb, carefully cut the wool using thin, sharp scissors…

Step 9: … until it starts to look something like this

Step 10: Once you’ve cut all around the template, spread the two cardstock pieces apart

Step 11: Thread a short length of wool in between the two cardstock templates and tie it in a tight knot. Then, carefully pull the cardstock templates off at either side. (note: your pompom may need a bit of a trim if he’s looking a little uneven)

Ta da!! Now tie it on to your gift using a ribbon (or twine in my case!)

PS – there’s still a few days to enter the Illume giveaway (a $100 value!) if you havent yet

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Time and time again I turn to Scandinavian design for inspiration (especially when it comes to Christmas). It just really seems like they’re doing it right! A simple, timeless, a tasteful ode to my very favourite holiday.

Sue’s gorgeous apartment | morning tea | Montreal bagels in the making
birthday celebrations at Garde Manger | birthday brunch

On Friday evening my girlfriend and I hopped on a train to Montreal to visit our friend. What ensued was a weekend filled with birthday celebrations of the very best kind. Celebrating friends has, no question, become my new favourite pastime. Warm Montreal bagels were enjoyed over tea with grandmothers (theirs, not mine, but I kind of wish she belonged to me), afternoons were spent manicuring (it’s a verb) and after many failed attempts over the last year, we finally managed to score a reservation at Chuck Hughes Garde Manger for a fabulous dinner (it did not disappoint). If there’s one thing I know for sure it’s that I’ve really mastered the art of a good birthday celebration (the secret: a beautiful city, outstanding food and amazing friends).

Congratulations to Kelsey Smith, our giveaway winner!

Illumes products have actually been blogged about a few times in the last few weeks for they have recently become somewhat of an addiction in our household. Their packaging is lovely, their scents are glorious (seriously, I’ve said it before, but the woodfire line? Heaven!) and they’re marked at an extremely reasonable price point.

That said, you could only imagine my excitement when I was asked to participate in a giveaway. I’m feeling extra give-y these days, what can I say ;) Enter below to win a $100 gift card to go towards any Illume product of your choice (did I mention the woodfire scent yet??)

To enter:
.Head on over to Illume’s site and let me know which scent strikes your fancy
.Like lark & linen on Facebook
.Like Illume on Facebook
.Tweet this giveaway (How about: “Did you know that @jacquelynclark and @ILLUMEcandles are giving away $100? http://tinyurl.com/d323qrj”)

Make sure you leave a separate comment for each entry!

A winner will be chosen at random and announced here on Friday, December 21^st, between 10:00am-12:00pm EST.

The serious stuff: No purchase or payment necessary. Open internationally. Prize is valued at $100. The giveaway will close on December 20th at 11:59pm EST. random.org will be used to select the winner. The winner will be contacted privately via e-mail and announced on Lark & Linen on December 21st. 

Do not let the sound of white chocolate peppermint popcorn deter you, for I’m confident that it might just be the best thing you’ll ingest all season. It legitimately looks and tastes like Christmas in the very best way and would make the perfect little gift to hand out this to loved ones in the coming days.

I originally enjoyed a handful (give or take) of a grocery-store version at a holiday party a few weeks ago and haven’t been able to get it out of my mind since. At the time, I made sure to indulge in more than my fair share (for research purposes of course) knowing full well my plans to recreate the dish at home.

Just before embarking on our Christmas baking last weekend, I whipped up a batch (using the recipe below) for the girls to enjoy throughout the day. I won’t even begin to tell you how quickly it disappeared, which is generally a pretty good sign. As it turns out, I’m  not the only one enamored with this delectable combination. It’s a hit, I promise you that.

Recipe below

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| a simple pine wreath transforms our door |

As I mentioned yesterday, I much prefer understated decor when it comes to getting ready for Christmas. In lieu of knick-knacks and tchotchkes strewn about, we’ve opted to go for a natural vibe using white and green as our palette with hints of red thrown in for good measure. Here are just a few things Justin and I have done to ensure our condo is holiday-ready.

| faux-fur sheepskins set a cosy vibe (and are only $12 at Ikea) |

| a wooden bowl filled with seasonal fruit
(because clementines totally smell like Christmas) |

| we didn’t forget to show the washroom some love |

| a handful of simple snowflake ornaments
(picked up at the dollar store of all places) on our tree |

| Guinness coasters (from Ireland) & a cupboard filled with Christmas mugs
show festiveness in unexpected places |

| tree trimming remnants in a “cable-knit” vase adorn our table
and a mulled wine candle helps set the mood |

tip: when picking up your tree, ask them if they have any tree trimmings they’re willing to part with. I ended up leaving with far more than I knew what to do with – all for free! We have vases filled all over the place and the scent is intoxicating.

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With the amount of gushing I do regarding this particular holiday season you’d think I’d be the type to appreciate over-the-top Christmas decor. In fact, just the opposite seems to be true. I much prefer a classy, understated look when it comes to getting ready for the big day. Swimwear designer Marysia Dobranska has done a fabulous job transforming her New York pad into a miniature winter wonderland. I’m now more convinced than ever that a few twinkly lights, a gingerbread ornament or two, and some rich, green garland is all you really need.

stacks of Christmas movies | making cookies
cinnamon shortbread | a festive kitty | the fruits of our labour

Each year a handful of us head to my moms for a day full of Christmas cookie baking (Santa hats and all). This year my step-sister and I decided to take the tradition up a notch and crash my moms place for the entire weekend. What ensued was a festive few days with some of my favourite people that will forever be hard to top. I surely ingested more sugar (and tea) than any human ever should, and have made a pretty serious dent in my Christmas-movie-watching-to-do-list. If that doesn’t depict my type of weekend, well I just don’t know what does.

1 Champagne Glass ($33)
2 Art ($26)
3 Lamp ($108)
4 Bangles ($130)
5 Stationery ($16)
6 Throw Pillow ($30)
7 Notebook ($13)
8 Ceramic Bowl ($18)
9 Bracelet ($30)
10 Earrings ($30)
11 Tray ($33)

It’s possible that I saved my personal favourite gift guide for last…

Happy weekend you guys!

1 Felt Basket ($148)
2 Scarf ($56)
3 Bamboo & Charcoal Soap ($6)
4 Travel Bag ($175)
5 Spoon Rest ($16)
6 Ceramic Mason Jar ($85)
7 Concrete Planter ($32)
8 Coasters ($25)
9 Necklace ($19)
10 Clutch ($54)
11 Throw ($460)

Because I totally appreciate one of a kind objects made with love (and I know I’m not alone!)

ps Today is the last day to enter the Minted Giveaway (a $135 value!) if you haven’t yet. Hurry!

1 Recipe Card Keeper ($44)
2 Polka Dotted Slippers ($24.95)
3  Nylons ($13.50)
4 iPhone case ($40)
5 Tea Towel ($21)
6 Undies ($12.50)
7 Scarf ($39)
8 Blouse (on sale for $108!)
9 Sparkly Flats ($24.90)
10 Sweater (on sale for $39.99)
11 Notebook ($9)
12 Makeup Case ($25)
13 Handmade Mug ($26)

Because everyone needs some polka dots in their lives

ps don’t forget to enter the Minted Giveaway (a $135 value!) if you haven’t yet. It closes on Friday!

1 Bookends ($198)
2 Desk Accessory ($65)
3 Terrarium ($39)
4 Snood ($30) (you can see it on me here)
5 Candle ($28)
6 Ceramic Bowls ($75)
7 Blood Orange Lip Balm ($5)
8 Hanging Planter ($35)
9 Bottle Openers ($28)
10 Cookbook ($40)
11 Votive Holder ($32) 

…for your nature-loving friends

1 Cloud Brooch ($10)
2 Macaron Box ($10)
3 Bath Salts ($10)
4 Birch Bark Straws ($8)
5 Tea Steeper ($5)
6 Flask ($22)
7 Moose Mug ($9.50)
8 Cinnamon Tea ($10)
9 Soap ($6)
10 Porcelaine Walnut Shells ($16)
11 Glass Water Bottle ($36)
12 Amazing Truffles ($25)
13 Notebook ($14)

I thought it’d be fun to kick of the month of December with a week full of gift guides. Finding that perfect little something for that special someone always excites me to no end and I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed putting these guides together. As an added bonus, I’m almost done my own gift-purchasing as a result (it’s a Christmas miracle!) I’ve kept price point in mind, sourcing out inexpensive finds for the most part, while throwing in a “splurgy” piece here and there. I’ve also tried to place my focus on small shops and handmade finds – s0 be sure to keep an eye out for them as well.

To start: stocking stuffers!

For as long as I can remember, stockings have always been my favourite thing to open come Christmas morning. They’re chalk full of great, personalized little goodies that can’t wait to be torn open. Here are a handful of inexpensive items that I, for one, would be happy to find stuffed in my stocking.

Update: Vanessa from 7jaded is our winner! Thanks for playing!

new bed sheets (because they make for the best nights sleep)

this wall of “granny-knit” socks

this collection of goodies lining my dresser

a to-go mug all dressed up for winter (obviously)

the prettiest paper bags to package tasty gifts for friends

For more in this series click here

ps: today is the last day to enter the Plum Pretty Sugar giveaway! Hurry!

clothespined gifts | boxed treats | a decorated window pane
24 days of tea | shadow boxed ornaments
a burlap sack filled with surprises

With December around the corner I’ve got advent calendars on the brain. That’s right. I am twenty-seven years old and I still look forward to advents. Each year my parents gift* my brother and I with one and I sincerely hope they never stop, no matter our age. Whether in the form of a shadow-box ornament display, a sweet surprise, or simply painted on ones window theres no shortage of ways to creatively count down the days.

*This year my mom picked up the David’s Tea 24 days of tea advent calendar for us and it might explain my over-eagerness for December to finally arrive. 24 days of different holiday-inspired tea? Why I never! And as an aside? If you’re feeling gluttonous, you could grab the oversized heavenly Lindt one. The thing is almost as big as I am. It’s fantastic!

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If it wasn’t there before, you can rest assured that faux-rhino taxidermy has now been added to the list of future home must-haves. A touch of whimsy in an otherwise sophisticated space is always well received in my books. Just me?

ps: you still have a few days to enter the robe & sham giveaway (valued at $100!) Click Here!

overdosing on sugar | holiday necessities | goodies at William Ashley
piles of wreaths | our condo-sized tree (we named him Desmond)

As you can see, we’re pretty serious about Christmas around here. The weekend was spent almost entirely preparing for the upcoming festivities and I couldn’t be happier. How was yours?!

UPDATE: Brittany from Gallery No. Eight is our winner!

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We’ve been waking up to eerie foggy mornings lately which is making it all the more difficult to drag myself out of bed. These days, with the cooler temperatures on their way, all I dream about are roaring fires, spicy meals and all things comfy cosy.

ps: Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends! Though we already celebrated up here in Canada, I do want to take a moment to say how thankful I am for all of you. I just love you’s so!

pps: That candle up there? It’s called woodfire and it smells like my childhood. Like a cedar sauna and a late-night campfire at the cottage. It is so wonderful and I highly recommend it. Illume sent one to me as a gift but I can promise you that I would not be posting about it if I did not adore it in every way.

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Though I no longer have the desire to be a princess in any shape or form, somewhere deep within me is a little girl whose dream to live in a castle remains. When I stumbled upon this renovated Danish castle a few days ago that little person emerged ever so slightly. The Cinderella staircase leading up to the immaculate front door is what dreams are made of while the streamlined accents keep the space from feeling expected. Blending the past and present in the most beautiful way, I would happily live within the confines of these walls.

a low-key date night at home
Christmas snippets (at Anthropologie)
shopping for gift wrap | goodies at Elte‘s warehouse sale
SANTA!! (at the Santa Claus parade)

This weekend was unarguably a good one. The Santa Claus parade took place on Sunday and, in my opinion, it’s one of those not-to-miss yearly events. In my mind, it officially marks the kick-off to the Christmas season and this excites me to no-end. If you’ve read lark & linen for any length of time you’ll know that Christmas is taken very seriously around here. I’ve tried to keep all-things-Christmas at bay the last few weeks as I know there are more than a handful of you that don’t appreciate premature festivities, but I have to admit it’s been tough!  I promise to let my American friends enjoy their Thanksgiving this week, but after that I do believe it’s fair game! Expect things to get very Buddy-the-Elf-like around here in the coming weeks.

ps: In case you missed it, check out how to easily make those votive holders above for yourself: click here!

work here:

cook here:

drink this:                                                     in this:

and sip it here:

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Just a few things I’d like to be doing right now.

Happy weekend kumquats!

I can’t take full credit for this DIY as I’ve seen it floating around the interwebs in the past, but it’s a goodie and one that I’ve long wanted to duplicate myself. If I must admit, I had originally planned this post last fall but I just never got around to it. The sticks were gathered (this is no easy task when you live in a condo downtown Toronto), the glass votives were purchased and they’ve hung around all lonely-like ever since.

When I woke up last Saturday morning, I felt the urge to get crafty so that’s just what I did. It was so simple that I almost feel silly writing out the steps, but what kind of “DIY’er” would I be then? So here it goes:
What you’ll need:
-a hot glue gun
-some twine
-a sharp exacto knife
-a handful of (straight) sticks
-glass votives (I picked mine up at Ikea for $2.99/pack of 12)
-tealights

Step 1:
using the exacto knife, carefully cut the stick to your desired length (mine were approximately 3″ long)
Step 2:
repeat with remaining sticks until they’re all similar in length
Step 3:
add a dollop of hot glue to the bottom of the stick
Step 4:
hold it firmly against the votive until the glue dries
Step 5:
repeat until the entire votive is covered
Step 6:
wrap twine around the base, using hot glue to secure it in place, for a more “finished” look.

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Have you had the chance to make Kirby’s acquaintance yet? If you haven’t, you should take a second and head on over to introduce yourself. I’m fairly certain that she’ll welcome you with open arms, and likely offer you a cup of tea while she’s at it. From the moment I started reading her blog, The Short & the Sweet of it*, I knew it was one I’d return to again and again. Her sunny personality shines through her posts and you are almost always guaranteed a pick-me-up, often in the form of pretty things. I’m thrilled to have her here today sharing a bit more with us…

*It should be noted that it’s shared with the equally lovely Alexa
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A late night at the office yesterday has left my brain-parts over-worked and pretty fried. I don’t have many clever quips or brilliant lines to entertain you with at this time, so let’s just take a moment to oogle all the pretty, shall we? When in doubt – it’s just the right thing to do.

quiet mornings | a bit of shopping | keepin’ cosy
chalkboard affections | a nutella cupcake

A lovely weekend indeed. My belly is full, our fridge is spik & span (I seriously scrubbed that baby – I feel so adult), and we even managed to throw in a bit of fun*. How was yours?!

*you MUST see Samsara. Don’t let the “wordless documentary” scare you away. It was absolute brilliance.

ps: I’ve been informed that those of you who subscribed to my blog via email received a whack of old emails late last week. I believe I was hacked. I’ve been assured that the problem has been rectified and want to apologize – I can only imagine how annoying that was! If any of you are still getting them please do let me know!

Let’s just say that October was good to me.

Happy weekend you guys!

Much to my dismay, my winter jacket emerged from the closet for the first time yesterday morning. The weather has quickly turned from somewhat bearable to completely frigid and I’m not quite mentally prepared. While I’m never entirely happy when the winter months begin to show their true colours, there’s something to be said about hunkering down indoors with a piping hot bowl of soup as the wind howls outside. On a particularly frosty day recently, Justin and I took this recipe out for a spin. The flavours are rich and intense in the best possible way and I was surprised at how simple it was to throw together on a whim*. Chef Michael Smith is always a hit in our household and I can pretty much guarantee that this soup will be on heavy rotation in the coming months.

*I realize that lemongrass, coconut milk and lime leaves aren’t staples in most people’s homes, but we are big Thai food fans over here. In fact, I’ve never in my life roasted a chicken, cooked a steak or baked a pork chop – but Thai? Thai I can do with my eyes closed.

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Just a few things I wish would magically find their way into my closet this season.

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It appears as if I’m on my black & white kick again. But with a space like this, can you really blame me? Who would have thought that a space practically devoid of colour could be so enticing. The plethora of textures found throughout make up where colour lacks and I am totally on board.

signs of blue skies after a week of rain | brunch with friends
a triple caramel chocolate doughnut from Glory Hole
neighbourhood walks | oversized scarves & hot chai lattes

a good mail day (c/o glossybox)

“tough” decisions at brunch

flowers from my mom

fall baking

getting things done around here
(like finally finding & hanging that cabinet in our foyer)

Happy weekend poptarts!

psst… for other posts in this series, click here

Between my recent vacation (where calories don’t count) and Halloween, it’s pretty safe to say that my diet as of late has been lacking in all forms. Heavy meals, too much beer and sugar-ladden treats have quickly replaced anything of value and have made me feel laggy and less than stellar.

With that in mind, I’ve been on the hunt for meals that are easy to throw together, full of flavour and leave me wanting more. When I stumbled upon this recipe for middle eastern stuffed acorn squash*, I knew I had to give it a shot. Not only does is scream fall, but the flavours are intense and delicious and taste anything but healthy.

*It should be noted that I doubled the amount of cinnamon, cardamom & mint the recipe calls for. Additionally, I added a teaspoon of cumin, turmeric and coriander to boost the flavours even more. I am a spice advocate through and through

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Who ever said that Halloween needed to be tacky? Though fake spider webs and caution tape have their respective time and place, a simple black and white approach to the holiday is a surefire way to get it done in style. I’ve never really been a fan of orange anyway.

Happy Halloween you guys!

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All too often I stumble upon homes that have been polished and shined until they’re an unrecognizable version of their former selves. When John Derian took possession of this East Village apartment in New York City back in 1994, he made it his mission to “restore” it to its intended charm. A makeunder, if you will. Smoke stained ceilings (the former tenant, a sculptor, was a heavy smoker), chipped paint, original “patina” and all became part of the decor. A truly refreshing space that further solidifies the notion of ”if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.

(ps. I recommend the New York Times article about this particular property. It’s a good read!)

pizza & friends | a Halloween staple (though I find them repulsive)
so much rain | we went for minimal decor this year
decked out for a Halloween party! (my best friend and I were sashimi)

I spent very little time at home this weekend which, as you may have noticed in the past, is quite unlike me. I felt as if my former-university self was out in full force and it was nice to have her back! I bar hopped with friends (stopping for mid-evening pizza at North of Brooklyn – I highly recommend it), attended multiple Halloween parties, and didn’t get home until almost three am on more than one occasion. It was a nice change of pace from my usual routine. Because lets face it, sometimes you just need to leave the dishes in the sink, the laundry piled high and let loose with good friends.

Just a few things I got up to last month via Instagram (yes, I’ve joined the bandwagon)

Follow along here (username: @larkandlinen)!

Happy weekend you guys <3

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chair | line drawing | oil painting | ipod dock | lamp | desk | bin

mummies | cupcakes | spider | ear wax | candy | cookies

Every year I convince myself that I’m going to throw a Halloween “feast” of sorts. An excuse for my friends and I to gorge on inappropriate amounts of candy and drink questionable beverages out of oversized goblets. And each year, without fail, Halloween manages to sneak up on me.

This year is no exception. With travel and life and work and… these days, I’ve once again run out of time. If I were to throw said party however, you’d better believe that my treat table would resemble something the likes of what you see here. Oreos disguised as mummies, dangerous looking cupcakes* and licorice spiders make for the perfect accessories to my make believe party.

*I’m fully aware that sounds ridiculous. I use the word dangerous lightly.

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Truth be told, I was a little nervous to present a home in this series today. It’s officially been over a month since the last one and I felt as if I had to find something outstanding to break the fast. That’s a lot of pressure you know!

Lucky for me I stumbled upon this beauty just the other day. With all of the over-stylized spaces you find throughout blogland, it’s sometimes refreshing to find one that people legitimately spend time in. Laughter is heard, dinners are cooked, books are read… Though I’m not oblivious to the fact that even that perfectly messy bed has been somewhat stylized for this shoot, it still allows me to envision a real life within these walls. Life, love & things of beauty. For that, I am smitten.

|pumpkin scones | corn mazes|
|pumpkin patching | Häagen-Dazs (thanks mom!) | some fresh air|

I had minor surgery last Wednesday (nothing to worry about!) and as a result, ended up more or less bed ridden for three days. Added to my list of things that had never occurred to me: people totally spoil you when surgery is involved. Chocolates are brought, moms make pumpkin scones (and turkey soup!), breakfasts are made, dinners are delivered and many an episode of breaking bad is watched. Not a bad deal, if you ask me.

On Saturday I woke up feeling a bit more myself and felt the sudden urge to get out of my pyjamas. Not able to partake in any strenuous activity, we obviously headed north to the pumpkin patch. Some fresh air,  bright yellow leaves, a new pumpkin and a few buttertart squares later and I was (almost) back in business. It turns out, love, sweets & some seasonal activities are exactly what the doctor ordered.

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Between my travel break and travel recap the last few weeks, my blog has been seriously lacking in seasonal appeal. And if you know me at all, you know that I revel in all things festive. Since fall is probably my favourite (though don’t hate me if I say the same about winter or summer when they arrive once more), I thought it necessary to rectify this situation. An ode to fall, in collage form.

There. I feel better now.

Happy weekend you guys!

We couldn’t leave Ireland without experiencing some of the countryside it has to offer. One day, just before heading home, both Jess and Ian had to head into work which left Justin and I alone to explore. Having wanted to experience The Cliffs of Moher for longer than I can remember, we opted to take a day trip out that way. The drive up was absolutely outstanding; exactly what you’d imagine when envisioning the Irish countryside. At one point we passed a herd of wild miniature horses running through a field and I began to question whether or not the entire journey was even real.

The morning was bright and sunny but in true Ireland form the skies opened up and poured down on us just as we arrived cliff side (of course it waited for us to get far enough away from any form of shelter before hitting torrential downpour status). Though we were soaked through and through, there was very little that could get our spirits down at that point. One of the natural wonders of the world, the cliffs are simply one of those things you have to see to understand. Their grandeur and beauty is difficult to explain in words.

We took a different route home, driving alongside the Galway bay and stopping briefly to take in The Burren Landscape. With a few hours before we needed to head back to Dublin, we made a brief stop in Galway. A small bohemian town, it’s here you’ll find residents littered with talent. Artists, musicians, singers and the like, three hours was not enough to take it all in. I definitely want to make a point to spend more time here in the future.
All in all, an exceptional two weeks.

| pretty architecture |

| a sneaky shot of the Trinity College Library. (spotted all over Pinterest) |

| Trinity College campus |

| the river Liffey after a storm |

| views from The Gravity Bar |

| colourful doors are a bit of a thing in Dublin |

| best friends since the 7th grade |

If you ask me, it doesn’t get much better than visiting friends abroad. Especially if said friends have been a part of your life for the better part of fourteen years (holy!). Having “locals” give you a personal tour ultimately means you get to see the very best of the city without a ton of prep-work.

Having almost an entire week with virtually no plans was a nice departure from the go-go-go of the Scottish leg of our trip. We were able to take in the city at a leisurely pace, stopping often for tea and pints of Guinness.

While we naturally took part in some of the must-do activities (the Guinness brewery & high-tea at the Shelbourne obviously being on that list), we also had the opportunity to experience the lesser-known tidbits that Dublin has to offer. Things like incredible restaurants (hello 777 & The Pig’s Ear for starters), vintage shopping and adorable local pubs tucked in back alleys. Jess and Ian graciously put us up in their apartment for the week which not only helped us stay on budget, but brought back memories of childhood sleepover and proved to be a ton of fun. I’ll let them know if any of you need future personal tour guides, knowing them they’d be happy to oblige ;)

As mentioned, the primary reason behind this particular trip was so that Justin and I could visit our friends who currently reside in Dublin. We had a fabulous time and  Jess and Ian proved to be fantastic hosts.

Though we spent the majority of the week in Dublin, enjoying the company of our friends, we did manage to head out for two day-trips throughout the week. The first  consisted of a quick ride on the Dart to the cute little town of Dun Laoghaire (pronounced Dun-Leery – don’t ask me how. Crazy Gaelic language!) Both Jess and Ian are (fabulous) chefs and I won’t lie, our primary reasoning behind this mini-trip was to take in the food market that takes over the park every Sunday. We gorged on fantastic food, walked the old Victorian pier, and treated ourselves to ten minute chair massages for $5 in a nearby tent (best idea all week, let me tell you). It was the perfect start to our Irish adventure.

|a mid-day snack break|

| the best birthday card. ever. |

| tea & presents in bed |

| dinner with (amazing) friends |

| my moms homemade birthday cake! |

For as long as I can remember, I’ve claimed October as my birth month. Justin likes to kindly remind me that I’m supposed to get a day (maybe a weekend) but I’m generally relatively quick to correct him. I’ve never struggled to find a reason to celebrate life, and I simply like to believe that October is mine for the taking (though I’m willing to share with the rest of you October babies). Over the years I’ve gotten quite good at extending the festivities throughout the month*. Somehow, however, every event pertaining to this years birthday happened to fall within the confines of this past weekend. Three dinners, two brunches and drinks with friends in 2.25 days. A birthday extravaganza of the very best kind. To say that I was spoiled would be the understatement of the century. You all managed to make me feel so very special and I can’t thank you enough. So far 27 is off to a really great start.

*Cute side story: my aunt feels the same way as I do in regards to birthdays. She has always jokingly, yet openly, considered may to be her birth month, ensuring to schedule lunches and pedicures sporadically throughout. For her fiftieth birthday my uncle and cousins decided to get together and give her exactly what she’d always wanted: an entire month of birthday celebrations. They put together a calendar, called her friends and family, and had everyone take over one day of the month. In effect: celebrating her birthday in one way or another each and every day of may. Every evening before bed she was presented with a truffle and a poem explaining what she’d be doing and with whom the next day. She was left totally in the dark on her daily plans until the night before. How adorable is that?! That story will forever bring a smile to my face.

After we left Stirling, we made our way west to our last stop: Oban. To be honest, this is the portion of the trip I had been looking forward to the most while in the planning process and it did not disappoint. The route takes you through the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park as well as the Argyll Forest which are both incredibly stunning. Three hours of bright green rolling hills, lochs, highland cows (my new favourite animal) and sheep in every other direction. Basically exactly what you’d imagine Scotland to resemble.

We arrived in Oban on Thursday evening, pleasantly surprised at where we were terminating the Scottish portion of our vacation. As a little fisherman’s town right on the coast, it’s here you’ll find some of the best fish and chips in the country. We ended up staying at Heatherfield House,  a sweet little bed and breakfast that I could not recommend more. Gary and Sues home was so well-appointed that they could have given Martha Stewart a run for her money. Our room was impeccable, beautifully decorated in soft shades of grey and yellow, with views of the ocean to boot. Our bathtub had a row of rubber ducks to greet us, their soaps and shampoos had come from a local organic supplier and we found chocolate bars tucked into our robes upon arrival. Not to mention the grounds lined with chickens, providing us farm fresh eggs for breakfast each morning. I’m telling you, a dream.

Though we stayed for two nights, we only had one full day to explore the small town. We decided to take the ferry over to the Isle of Mull to check out the Donegan castle and take in the area by boat. In addition to our mini day trip, not being a scotch drinker myself, I did accompany Justin on the Oban Scotch distillery tour, which ended up being a lot of fun. Naturally, we topped off the day enjoying (the freshest) fish and chips in a little pine cottage overlooking the harbour. Yes, Scotland was good to us.

As a total aside, I realize that these travel posts aren’t usually my standard material. Are you guys getting sick of reading about these journeys yet? I was going to come back next week and share a few posts on Ireland but I wanted to make sure it’s something you guys are interested in! I absolutely adore sharing these things as it’s a nice recount for my own personal memories, but I understand that lots of you come here for the interior design portion of my program. A show of hands and I’ll gladly continue!

Admittedly, both Justin and I were just a little disappointed when we arrived in Stirling. Though there’s no denying the city had its own particular charm, we both felt it paled in comparison to Edinburgh and St. Andrews. We may have been quick to judge considering we were barely there for twenty-four hours, however we both agreed it lacked the familiar vibe that emanated through the previous two cities. We felt Stirling Castle was too pristine, too restored and re-touched, and each and every pub and restaurant was filled to the brim with tourists. While travelling, we like to make a point of trying to find a local watering hole just off the beaten path. It’s possible that we were simply missing the mark that day, but we just couldn’t seem to track anything suitable down!

That being said we, of course, still managed to enjoy our limited time in Stirling. Our hotel was located just steps away from the castle, with views of rolling hills for miles when we awoke in the morning. Built in 1787, it was originally intended as an all-boys school which has since been converted into rooms to rest ones weary head. If you did want to experience this city for yourself, I would definitely recommend this spot as a place to crash.

One thing that had always been on my (laughably long) bucket list was to take a road trip through Scotland. So that’s just what we did.

We rented a car for four jam-packed days in an effort to see as much of the country as possible. What with Justin being an avid golfer, our first stop was naturally the town of St. Andrews where the game was essentially invented. While doing our research we realized that to golf The Old Course (which has been in use for 600 years) you had two options: book your round a year in advance, or show up solo, cross your fingers and hope that a trio will allow you to tag along on their round. Having friends who have, in the past, attempted the latter unsuccessfully, we were not entirely hopeful. We knew that if all else failed there would be a seaside town in which we’d be to able explore for a day. Not a bad deal, really.

Alas, the stars aligned or the gods shined down or something of the sort and Justin got on the course a mere hour after we arrived. This, in return, meant that I was left with ample time to spend at my leisure. I perused the town, treated myself to ice cream, drank tea on the beach (what? it was cold!) and hit up both the St. Andrews Castle ruins and The Cathedral before heading back. There was something magical about being completely disconnected from absolutely everyone and everything, simply touring a foreign place entirely on my own. It’s an activity I will definitely attempt on any and all future trips.

the Royal Mile |Holyrood Palace Gardens | Holyrood Abbey
amazing old buildings/architecture | hiking Arthur’s Seat
sneaking kisses | an adorable pub

Both Scotland and Ireland are places that, while I’ve always been intrigued by, have never been high on my must-visit list. When my best friend relocated to Ireland with her boyfriend some time ago, I knew that it was the perfect opportunity to plan a trip out for a visit (and tack on Scotland for the ultimate getaway). With that being our primary reasoning behind this particular voyage, I was shocked at how much I adored both countries and would now easily move them to the top of that list.

The first leg of our trip brought us to Edinburgh where we spent three glorious days doing all of the typical touristy activities (Edinburgh castle, hiking Arthur’s Seat, touring Holyrood Palace and maybe a pub hop or two). Justin and I both fell head over heels in love with this particular city from the get go and, one evening over a pint of Guinness, spoke at length at how we could realistically relocate there for a year. It’s one of those magical cities that manages to combine the past and the present in a seamless manner. We ate like kings (celebrating our anniversary at The Honours, and treating ourselves to an incredible three course lunch at the Grain Store) and cannot wait to make our way back to explore what we didn’t manage to see. Three days was absolutely not enough and I do see it being a part of my future in one way or another.

I’m back and posting on a Sunday, no less – that’s how much I’ve missed you guys! I have to say, the last two weeks have been exceptional – even better than I could have imagined. There’s even been talks of relocating to Scotland for the long haul, but we’ll see ;) I just wanted to pop in to share a few sneak peeks of whats to come in the coming days (so. many. pictures. apologies in advance). And I wanted to wish my Canadian friends a happy Thanksgiving!

xx & thanks for hanging in there during my absence

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I’m off to Scotland and Ireland! We leave tomorrow evening for two glorious weeks. I shall be back with some more goods (and lots and lots of photos). Hold tight!

xoxo

I’m thrilled to have been a contributor in this months Xquisit Magazine sharing one of my favourite fall recipes: goat cheese stuffed beet ravioli in a brown butter shallot sauce. Definitely not low-cal – but really delicious, and bright pink! It doesn’t get much better than that. You can find the recipe on page 68 here.

ps a sweet interview, an ombre inspired guest post and some notes to myself. It’s been an active month over here!

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I can’t really explain it, but I have a strange infatuation with dinnerware (mugs especially). And now that you probably think I’m sufficiently weird, I will keep going. When I first stumbled upon this new line of dishes I literally gasped at my desk. It has my name written all over it. It’s probably a blessing in disguise that we’re stuck with a teeny condo kitchen (that’s already packed to the gills) otherwise I’d find myself spending all my hard-earned money on place settings.

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This Danish home embodies everything I adore about Scandinavian design: void of unnecessary clutter with a focus on modern, practical aesthetic. Home owners, Thomas and Heidi Dinesen, have done a fabulous job at transforming this incredible home into a modern retreat.

a (very) low-key friday | some mid-day shopping
last minute trip planning | the view from a friends cottage

Justin and I leave next Saturday for our trip to Scotland and Ireland and I honestly cannot wait! Though a chunk of the weekend was spent tying up loose ends, finalizing trip plans and running some errands, we did manage to find some time to relax. A well-balanced weekend is always a bonus in my eyes.

Last Saturday, Justin and I headed to the Christie Antique Show to waste away the day (in the best kind of way). Happening only twice a year, this event consists of 10 acres of delicious antique market goodness. We ended up leaving with a handful of cool trinkets for unbelievable prices (my favourite being the vintage wooden shoe forms – Justin thinks they’re weird but that’s kind of why I love them).  It was my first time perusing the bounty and it will definitely not be my last. Here’s a peek at the goodies we brought home with us. If you’re ever in the area, I highly recommend it!

For reasons I’m unable to explain, I had been finding it difficult to say goodbye to summer. By late-August  most years I’m more than ready for cooler temperatures, cosy knits and knee-high boots but not this time. While it feels unseasonably warm mid-day, there’s an undeniable crispness in the air during my morning bike rides to work which was leaving me less than impressed. Instead of fighting the inevitable, I’ve made an effort to embrace what’s to come. On Sunday morning I woke up early with the urge to bake. I promptly put on some music, flung open the windows and got to it, donning flannel pjs and all. Using this recipe, our condo quickly transformed into a fall-like haven: crisp gold cupcake foils, and wafting scents of pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg filled our home, and those familiar autumn urges came rushing in. It was just what I needed to get me into the fall spirit once more. And further proof that cupcakes make all of the things right in the world.

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I’m nearly positive that {this is glamorous} need not an introduction, but just in case I urge you to go and take a peek. Filled to the brim with stunning photos, it’s my go-to when I need a pick-me-up of the fabulous variety. Gilded and sparkling and glamour galore, there is absolutely no shortage of eye candy on Rosélines blog. Having been a fan for years now, I was thrilled when she agreed to participate in this series. Here are some bits and pieces of Roséline…

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How beautiful is this home? It’s taking all of me to not pack up and move to France right now… Could you imagine waking up here every day?

polka dots & plaid | ramen & Sapporos at Kinton
getting lost in the country | goodies at the Christie Antique Market
incredible fireworks from our balcony

Justin was working evenings last week (ie: he would leave for work at 5:30 and I’d arrive home at 6) which meant we were literally on opposite schedules for days on end. Feeling slightly disconnected as a result, we made an effort to spend the entire weekend together to make up for lost time. We managed to accomplish a number of activities that had been on our to do list including taking in a Tiff film (no star sightings though – unless George Stroumboulopoulos counts?), visiting the Christie antique market and dinner at a ramen noodle bar that I’d been eager to try. On Saturday evening, after a long day, we decided to keep it low-key and hang out in our pjs with a movie. Midway through the movie, fireworks began going off right outside our window. We quickly headed out to the balcony, blanket in hand, and spent a solid twenty minutes taking in what was easily one of the most amazing firework display I’ve ever seen. We’re still unsure where they came from and what they were for (Tiff maybe?) but it only further solidified our love for this incredible city.

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Ending the week on a pretty note. Happy weekend you guys!

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Which do you prefer? I seriously can’t decide… But I do know that I need a mint green  velvet sofa in my life.

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Would you have guessed that this home belongs to Ellen Degeneres? I won’t lie – I really didn’t think she had it in her! Silly yet stylish? She just grew leaps and bounds in my eyes.

in the country | antiquing | afternoon refreshments | views from the boat
too many ice cream options (I opted for chocolate truffle)

Labor day weekend is always bitter sweet. While I no longer attend school, in my mind it will forever mark the official end to summer. On Friday afternoon, a few girlfriends and I packed up and headed up to my cottage in order to take advantage of the last few ounces of sunshine (and that extra weekend-day). The rules were as stated: no makeup, no hair products, and if your clothing items aren’t made of the softest cotton, they aren’t allowed to make their way into your luggage. Everyone abided with no complaints, which resulted in a very relaxing, wonderfully fulfilling, and successful send off to one of my favourite seasons.

I finally jumped on the Instagram bandwagon and couldn’t be more thrilled. Follow me @larkandlinen if you want to be bombarded with pictures of my life on the daily (I warn you, I’m slightly obsessed). And if you don’t have Instagram, you can still check-out the goods. I’ve added a fancy little Instagram button on my sidebar.

Have a great weekend!!

On Sunday a couple of girlfriends and I trekked down to The Beaches to visit the just-opened Moo Milk Bar. Because when a bar that offers milk and cookies opens their doors, well that’s just what you do. Expecting it to be a bit hokey, I was pleasantly surprised when we arrived. The space is bright and light and their graphics are exactly on point. Owned and operated by the sweetest husband and wife duo, their cookies are made with all natural ingredients and cooked to perfection (crispy on the edges, and chewy in the centre). Chase the classic, oversized, chocolate chip cookie with their vanilla bean almond milk and you’re left with a pretty perfect afternoon.

Address: 1918A Queen St. E., Toronto, Ontario

full disclosure: this is not a sponsored post. I simply want to share a few of my favourite finds within the Toronto area

Click to see other “around here” posts 

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I know that many of us succumb to the urge to spring clean as the weather warms up, but am I alone in feeling the same compulsion come fall? Though I’ve been out of school for over five years now, once September rolls around I still feel as if new beginnings are on the horizon. A fresh start, if you will. And with that comes the desire to purge my belongings, organize my boxes and bins, tuck away all my warm-weather clothes, and dust off that label maker hiding within the depths of my closet. Without realizing it, lately I’ve been unintentionally pinning a handful of organized spaces that are only further fueling this fire. Here are a few great ideas that I can’t wait to incorporate into my own home some day. In the meantime, I’ll be busy figuring out a way to impermanently affix some hooks onto the innards of our cupboards in our (rented) condo (see the first image, above. How clever is that?!)

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While I’ve always been a girly girl at heart, the notion of all things princess (tulle, tiaras and the like) irks me to no end. Give me some pink, MAYBE a sequin or two, but for the love of all that is holy do not call me a princess.

When it comes to interior design, there’s no question that I’m drawn to that of a feminine aesthetic. That said, there is a fine line between pretty in pink and Cinderella threw up. All to often I see spaces in which that line has been crossed. But this one? Well, this one is an exception. The perfect example of girly done right. A hint of pink here and there, just the tiniest bit of sparkle, and worn wood to ground it all. Yes, yes and a little more yes.

our view while biking to The Ex | date night | brunch with friends
Saturday at the St. Lawrence Market | market goodies

If you can’t tell from the pictures above, a pretty wonderful weekend was had around these here parts. Instead of dwelling over the fact that the season is coming to an end, I’ve decided to embrace what’s left and really soak it all in. Between a surprisingly romantic date night at The Ex (including gondola rides and gourmet food truck dinners), multiple al fresco brunches, catching up with some girlfriends, and a handful of hours spent relaxing on the couch with my feet propped up, I’d say I made the most of it. How was yours? I’d love to know!

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If there’s one thing that is getting me in the autumn spirit it’s these moody spaces photographed by Emily Johnston. Just LOOK at all that talent! It’s making my eyes all kinds of happy.

Have a wonderful weekend sunshines!

While this has been a wonderful summer thus far, there’s no denying that it’s been a busy one. With some sort of unavoidable commitment each weekend, it’s been challenging to get away for any length of time. I’ve had to forgo our yearly family camping trip and have only made it up to the cottage once (in which there was a fire ban due to a dry spell in the County). With this in mind, there is one thing that has been omitted from my seasonal to-do list: a campfire. And more importantly: s’mores – a necessary summer staple. Instead of dwelling on my misfortunes (I know, it’s a rough life) I decided to take matters into my own hands. Enter: the s’mores square. Made up of essentially the same ingredients as your standard s’more, these things could almost pass as the real deal. Though I’m unable to trick myself into believing that they were made over an open flame while wearing an oversized sweatshirt, they are undeniably delicious and make for a great alternative to your usual marshmallowy treat.

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It’s in and around this time that I usually begin to crave the shift in seasons. Crisp mornings, rich foliage and big mugs of steeping hot cider are generally the things my dreams are made of. For reasons unbeknownst to me, this year I’m just not quite ready yet. While my fellow bloggers have begun shifting their focus from light and bright to rich and moody, I’ll be over here soaking up just a few more moments of summer. There’s still plenty of time for ice cream outings and backyard barbecues, if you ask me.

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I mentioned last week that one of the most difficult things to do as a designer is to design for yourself. There is just so much pretty out there that I find I need to be very cognisant of my purchases so my own space doesn’t turn into a mash up of objects from eras of all kinds. While I admire the eclectic look and feel and know for certainty there is a time and a place for it, I have recently established that it’s just not for me. On the other hand, if there’s one thing I dislike to the umpteenth degree, it’s a space that has been so heavily curated that it feels as if its unlivable. Matchy-matchy, and over-done is never a good thing.

I’ve been on the lookout for a space that embodies everything that I envision for myself: a fine line between painstakingly predetermined and haphazardly thrown together. I feel confident when I say that this just might be it. Estee Stanley has done an impeccable job at transforming these rooms into a home. The combination of old and new, feminine and masculine, modern and rustic is no easy feat, and is one I strive for myself on the regular. This house, what with its glorious furnishings, arched entryways and other such architectural details, will from here on out be considered my muse.

new lip shades | my wedding ensemble | a favourite clutch
the boys, looking dapper | wedding details | popcorn and movies in bed

This weekend was one in which my family and I have anticipated for months to come. After eight years of dating, my dear cousin and her wonderful now-husband tied the knot! Though Billy has always been considered a part of the family, we were able to make it officially official with one of the best weddings (ahem, parties, really) I’ve ever had the pleasure of attending. She’s the first of nine Clark cousins to do the deed and has most definitely set the bar high for the rest of us. Family, food, champagne galore and more love than you could ever imagine – I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect weekend. Needless to say, Sunday was spent ENTIRELY in our pyjamas and I don’t regret a single second of it.

Though it may not be for everybody, frequenting farmers markets is one of my very favourite weekend activities. There’s something about a lazy Sunday spent perusing fruit, veggie and flower stalls with a warm cup of to-go tea in hand. While there are many fabulous farmers markets within the Toronto core (like this and this, for example), my hands-down favourite happens to lie not  far from my cottage. If you ever happen to find yourself in Prince Edward county, Hagerman Farms is a must-visit. At over 100 years old, these guys have the history and the wherewithal to know what’s up. Here you’ll find oodles of local, seasonal produce, jams, jellies and pastries galore that will easily get you through the week ahead.

Address: County Rd 33, Picton, Ontario

I often get emails requesting advice with regards to where to go and what to do in and around Toronto. In the past, I’ve rounded up some of my very favourite locales (here, here, here & here), but I thought it’d be fun to start a new series in which I showcase some of my regular haunts. These are not sponsored posts, they are just places that I truly believe deserve their time to shine.

Make these:

To put on here:

Relax there:

Sleep here:

Start each day there:

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We recently managed to score this incredible campaign style dresser off of Craigslist for $100. A steal if you ask me! He’s solid wood, has beautiful brass details and has made himself right at home in our bedroom (goodbye Ikea dresser!) Oh, and we named him Tanner, in case you were wondering. A name that is quite suiting for a thing of his stature.

But here within lies the problem. He’s quite orange in person and if there’s one colour I do not like, it’s orange. He needs a bit of help, but after staring at him for the last few days I’m at a complete loss at what to do. They say that, as a designer, the most difficult person to design for is yourself and I couldn’t agree more. I just love each option for their own reason. So, much like the art wall debacle of ’11, I thought I’d leave it up to a vote. You loyal, stylish, wonderful readers you, which do you prefer:

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I refuse to admit that the summer season is winding down. Has anyone else jumped onto the denial bandwagon? I haven’t even made a dent in showcasing all of the fabulous summery homes I have stored up for the season! It cannot end. I simply refuse.

This summery space in particular embodies everything that I adore when it comes to interior design: casual, unfussy, livable, usable spaces. Visually stunning, perfectly balanced, yet not stuffy or even close to overdone. Perfection.

street art of the pink variety | new stripes | puppies & board games
necessities | Sunday brunch

I haven’t been feeling 100% lately and decided to take it somewhat easy this weekend. Apart from a fabulous dinner at The Black Hoof (seriously. so good) with a dear friend, the rest was pretty low key. Lots of lounging in pjs, and tea of different varieties; board games with family, and snuggling with puppies. And it was all topped off with a Sunday date-day: a leisurely trip to Ikea and a fabulous brunch at Keriwa Cafe. All in all, a wonderful few days.

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When it comes to interior design, I generally subscribe to the notion of using neutral elements for your fixed pieces (tiles, countertops and the like), and bring in colour through accessories that can be easily switched out to suit your mood. That is, until I spotted these beauties. Sometimes you just need to toss out all of your rules and paste your walls in bright pink flowers.

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Aesop has always had a history of coming up with brilliant retail stores and this London location is no exception. The way the product shelving has been designed turns the items into veritable works of art, without making you feel as if they’re untouchable or shoved down your throat. It’s a space I would gladly spend time casually perusing. A job very well done, if you ask me.

Rachel’s blog, Heart of Light, is one of my go-to blogs for good reason. It focuses on the little details in life, depicts awesome recipes (hello basil mojito), and always manages to remain real and down to earth (which is especially refreshing when it comes to the stylized lives often found within the blog-world). Plus, as a biologist, the girl clearly has brains to top it all off. A force to be reckoned with, if you ask me! I just know you’ll adore her as much as I do: (more…)

| sunsets | evening swims | little sisters & top knots |
| fresh produce | wet braids & boat rides | banana-chocolate cones |

Let me just say that ones cottage does really good things for ones soul. I’m currently trying to get out of relaxation/mini-vacation mode and it’s proving to be difficult. Excuse me while I pretend I’m still there.
I hope your {long} weekend was swell!

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I am dying over these Gray Malin photographs of aerial beach views (taken from a helicopter no less!) Not only do I want to blow them up and hang them, well, everywhere, but I’m so tempted to dive right in and join all the fun.

I’m headed up to the cottage for the long weekend, but I’ll be back on Tuesday with more goodies! Have a good one, guys. xx

This isn’t the first time I’ve admitted to becoming lazy during the warmer months. With the sun shining bright outside, the last thing I want to do is be cooped up in the kitchen trying to come up with some sort of feast. While scones and muffins are the perfect quick & easy breakfast alternative during fall and winter, come summer I am undeniably on the hunt for cold meals that can be thrown together in a pinch. When I was introduced to this breakfast concoction, I knew it would be the perfect recipe to help get me through the early humid mornings. The mild and creamy cheese paired with the homemade granola and sweet blueberries is surprisingly satisfying, and definitely keeps me full well until lunch.

Click to see the recipe: (more…)

I’m over here participating in Jess’ “Design Your Life” guest series. Check it out!

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There’s no question that my design aesthetic flip flops between that of the rustic variety and that of the contemporary, clean and modern one (with some Scandinavian thrown in for good measure, obviously). When I find a space that seamlessly merges all my design preferences together, it makes my innards all warm and fuzzy. This rustic-modern farmhouse is the perfect combination of all things I love. Glamorous and well thought-out without feeling museum like and untouchable. Yum!

after work snacks | a family friends glorious backyard | hair did
rooftop views | and summery drinks

I am now more convinced than ever that life would be that much sweeter should summer stick around forever. It has been a good one so far, and this weekend was no exception. Between late night pizza dates with my favourite boy, lounging in the sun with friends and family, barbecued steaks and more patio beers than I should admit to, I am one happy little camper.

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My co-worker and I joke about our ability to, without fail, find the most exorbitantly priced products in existence when searching for our clients homes. So it doesn’t come as a surprise that I fell in love with a $18,900.00 light fixture (the very first one up top). Stunning, yet unrealistic per usual. Please allow me to take a moment to gawk, at the very least! These babies make my eyes incredible happy, even if they don’t fit into any budget for the time being.

My very favourite blogging duo, the adorable Molly and Sally, have asked me to be a part of their awesome series: She Wishes She Was Wearing. Hop on over to A Piece of Toast to check it out! This anti-fashionista happens to have some pretty sage advice ;)

It could be the type-A (ahem, control freak) that lives within me, but I love the idea of making anything and everything from scratch. It’s always nice to know exactly where your food is coming from and I can’t help but enjoy being in charge of the items I fuel my body with on any given day. Up until somewhat recently, I would purchase bags full of sugar-laden granola to add to my morning yogurt, ingesting unnecessary calories and questionable ingredients to boot. Upon discovering how simple (and delicious!) it is to make my own, I vow to never go back to the grocery-store variety, and I’m convinced you’ll make the switch yourself if you give it a shot. The results are crunchy, in that satisfying kind of way, and make for the perfect snack at any time of the day*. Plus, if you’re feeling fancy, you’re free to add and take away ingredients as you see fit (walnuts? chia seeds? dried apricots? the choices are abound!)

*I love unintentional rhymes

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Truth be told, I had an entirely different post lined up for today – until I stumbled on this beauty. And when you find a place like this? Well you change your plans, of course.  I never thought a place outfitted entirely in white (or variations of it) could somehow read as warm and welcoming. Alas, I’ve been proven wrong.

a bottle of wine with my family | salade niçoise | my cousins kitty
the asian street food festival | unapologetically stuffing our faces | out and about

What are a few things that made you smile lately? I’d love to know!

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How incredible are these bowls, vases and vessels? I haven’t been able to get them out of my mind ever since spotting them a  few days ago. Inspired by erupted volcanos, the artist, Tabuchi Taro, has created these true works of art made entirely out of porcelain.

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While I love design in all forms, there’s no question that Scandinavian design marks the top of my list. Catherine’s blog, Nordic Design, tops my list of favourite blogs for that reason. Chalk full of eye candy of the very best kind, you might want to ensure that you have some time to waste before visiting, as you will surely get sucked right in.

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Perhaps it’s the heat wave we’ve been experiencing the last little while, but lately I’ve found that I’m drawn to the summeriest of summery homes. Windows flung open, a bright blue pool glistening in the background, and casual, unfussy fabrics create the perfect backdrop for one of my very favourite seasons.

pre-wedding cupcakes | hair did | the beautiful bride (and me!)
the bouquet | the ceremony | the bridal party

I’ve never had this much trouble narrowing down my weekend pictures. This one in particular was filled with so many incredible moments, all of which were beautifully captured; a handful of moments, frozen in time. As mentioned, a few girlfriends and I took Thursday and Friday off to spend some time together, and celebrate one of our dearest friends weddings. We hopped from pool, to spa, to patio and back again all while jokingly referring to ourselves as ladies of leisure. It was an indulgent few days, and my wallet and I are no longer on speaking terms, but I can’t deny I had a ton of fun (and will be on a spending hiatus indefinitely).

On Saturday, my friend of twenty years married the love of her life. It was an intensely beautiful ceremony and I could not be happier for both of them. She is the first of our friends to tie the knot, and my first time as a bridesmaid. It was such a wonderful feeling being able to stand up and vouch for two incredible people, and I can’t wait to watch them grow into this next phase in their lives.

It’s safe to say that these past few days will be very tough to top.

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Just so you know, that is a legitimate lake in Senegal, made pink due to a chemical reaction between its high mineral content and high salt content. New mission: swim in the pink lake.

Happy weekend sunshines!

Much like my discovery with popcorn and bread, I’ve recently discovered that you don’t require a specific machine (I’m looking at you ice cream maker) to make one of my favourite frozen treats. I’m telling you, minds are being blown in my kitchen on the daily. It turns out, all you need are a few key ingredients, a freezer, and a little bit of patience (waiting is truly the hardest part). I found this particular recipe in one of my newest cookbooks, and I can confidently say that it’s AMAZING. I would even go so far as to announce that the results taste almost entirely like Haagen Daz coffee ice cream. I know. Right?  If you haven’t already run out to the store to buy a litre of heavy cream, I’m not sure we can continue this friendship. That’s how serious I am about this recipe.

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I’m seriously loving these sweet illustrations. Painted by Katie Rogers as an exploration on viewing objects in a different light, they really strike a chord with me. I just adore the idea of a few conventional items stripped down to their bare bones.  How great would they be framed in a nursery?

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While there is no denying the abundance of beautiful spaces out there, I have to admit that it takes a special kind to stop me dead in my tracks. Located in South Beach, Florida, Kelly Klein’s sanctuary is the stuff that dreams are made of. The neutral colour palette, use of texture and exquisite materials (marble counters? wooden ceiling?) will ensure that this place remains timeless. I don’t often say this, but there is literally not a single thing I would change about this home. It’s perfection in my books.

sock buns & birthday parties | post-bar poutine | brunch
ceasars on Saturday | lunch with the girls | Sunday in the city

I’ve taken Thursday and Friday off of work this week in order to spend some time with my best friend who has just arrived from Ireland for our friends wedding. Despite the fact that I still have three work days to power through, I’ve found that I’ve already managed to submerge myself into what I refer to as “vacation-mode” where calories and alcoholic intake are of no concern (photos above as evidence). I know I’ve said it nineteen times too many, but I so love summer and all of the glorious things that come along with it. This weekend was a good one – made even better with the excitement surrounding the next few days. I apologize in advance if posting is light this week. There’s a chance I’m off playing with my friends!

Live here…

Swim here…

Relax here…

Bathe here…

Shop here…

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Have a wonderful weekend! xo

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Forgive me folks, for lately I have patios on the brain. But when spaces like this exist, can you really blame me? Living in a condo doesn’t allow us to take advantage of the great out doors on many occasions, so I’m all about sprucing up the teeny little exterior space I AM able to call my own. This image would be a great jumping off point, don’t you think?! With just a few key elements, I could easily update the 20 square feet of exterior space we have on our hands.

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That’s it. I’m officially moving to Cape Town. I mean, have you SEEN this place?!

ps. Happy 4th of July to my American friends!

bachelorette parties | sangria on a patio | en-route to the island
Center Island swan rides! | Chelsea beach
sweatpants & fudgesicles at the drive-in | mini-canada day celebrations

If you could see our condo right now you would know for certainty that we have put all of our responsibilities on the back-burner in order to enjoy this past weekend – and it was, undoubtedly, worth it. Our place borderlines on disaster, I will unquestionably  have to sift through a pile of dirty laundry in order to find something to wear this week and we have no food in the house. Zero (seriously). But I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Saturday was dedicated to my dear friend Noémie, who has been a wonderful part of my life for the last 19 years and who’s tying the knot  in just a few short weeks. We began our day on a friends rooftop pool, attempting to soak in just a touch of colour before the big day. As a surprise, we hired a psychic to come and do each of our individual readings. While I’ve always been open to the idea of psychics, sixth senses and the like, I was surprised at how accurate the whole ordeal was and I can’t wait to see if her predictions will play out. I have to say, right off the bat she knew some pretty intense things that had me reeling from the start. It was a really interesting experience, to say the least.

The evening followed with a lavish dinner at Susur Lee’s restaurant, Lee. It was easily the best meal I’ve ever had in my entire life, and urge anyone and everyone to make their way there*. We finished off at Pravda with the requisite booth, bottle and good old-fashioned girl time.

As an attempt to recover from my first ever bachelorette party experience, on Sunday a handful of friends and I made our way the island for a bit more fun in the sun. Following our beach day, Justin and I donned our comfiest sweats, loaded up on cold treats, and made our way to the drive-in in to top it all off. All in all, it was an exceptional weekend. What did you get up to!? I’d love to know!

*if you do happen to find yourself at Lee’s, get the slaw. Made up of 18 ingredients with a dressing that takes no less than 3 days to make, it was, by far, the best thing I’ve ever eaten. Ever.

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Patio season is in full swing and I could not imagine a more perfect place to spend my summer evenings. If they looked anything like these guys I would be hard pressed to ever leave.

Happy weekend guys!

Don’t be surprised if you see an abundance of strawberry recipes on the blog over the next few weeks as I can’t seem to stop craving them in all forms. Now that strawberry season is upon us, they have become my go-to snack, and have even replaced dessert on several occasions. Though I’ve been making strawberry smoothies since I can remember, I thought it’d be fun to kick it up a notch with just a touch of cream cheese – transforming my go-to smoothie into a cheesecake one. The additional ingredient gives this recipe just a little bite, and pairs perfectly with your back porch after a long day at work.

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I’m thrilled to share my contribution to this months Xquisit magazine. For this issue, I’ve put together a wonderfully simple tutorial that takes you through the steps necessary for creating your own necklace tree, for just a few dollars. If you have a second, pop over and check it out (it can be found on page 87 here)!

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They say that the cure to anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea – and I don’t believe that truer words have ever been spoken. The moment in which I feel most at peace is when I’m surrounded by water, which might explain my attraction to this Cape Town bungalow. While I’d never turn down any variation of a bright white space, it’s these views in particular that are really drawing me in.  Void of any unnecessary clutter, stripped down to its bones, allowing the views to speak for themselves, I can’t imagine a more tranquil space to pass my time.

rainbow sprinkles (because I’m 4) | a weekend morning ritual
a playful puppy | sparkly shoes | the beach

If this past weekend is any foreshadowing for what’s to come this summer, I know that I’m in for a treat. It was the first one in a very long time in which I really took advantage of the warm weather in all its glory, spending every spare moment possible outdoors. Between blended mojitos, dinner dates with new friends, (more than one) ice cream trips and strolls along the beach, it was the absolute perfect way to kick off what is sure to be a wonderful season. Summer, you are aces in my books.

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I believe that my favourite thing about summer is that you truly don’t need all that much to really enjoy it. The blazing sun, a cute swimsuit, something to protect your skin and a functioning bicycle is all I need to get me through the next few months.

Happy (first of summer) weekend friends!

While there’s no denying my love for all things food related, the last thing I want to do come summer is spend my time indoors in front of a hot stove. With backyard barbeques, potlucks and picnics galore, I constantly find myself on the hunt for quick and easy snacks that I can throw together in a pinch. Giada’s pea pesto crostini recipe fulfils all of my requirements and then some and I have no doubt that it will become my go-to recipe during the warm summer months. Not only do they taste absurdly delicious, but they’re pretty to look at (which, to me, is equally as important), barely require any stove action (apart from a light toasting of the baguette) and are a healthier alternative than your standard barbecue fare.

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When I imagine a bakery of any kind, the first thing that comes to mind is a space that’s light, bright, and jovial. I never would have dreamed of marrying pastries with drama – it’s just not an adjective I’d use when deliberating on how to display such delicate treats.

I recently stumbled upon this pastry shop, Sweet Alchemy, whose design aesthetic quickly challenged all of my preconceived notions of what a bakery should be. The play of light and dark in this particular space is incredibly unexpected, which makes it all the more appealing. It’s often the path less travelled that leads to the most interest when it comes to design. And it’s spaces like these that give me the confidence to question my first instincts when working with my own clients.

the wine & spirits festival at sugar beach | father’s day gifts |
snuggling in my moms bed
celebratory dinners at Lemeac | my brothers graduation | family feet

Apologies for not being around yesterday to share my weekend with you, but I was away with my family in celebration of my brothers graduation. While the weekend started off at a slow and leisurely pace, it quickly picked up on Sunday morning when we made our way to Montreal. Making the six-hour drive (one way) to visit a place for just under twenty-four hours is not for the faint of heart, you can rest assured. It was a whirlwind of a trip and now that I’ve returned it doesn’t really feel like I was gone at all. But it was a special one, filled with celebrations and laughter and lots of bubbly wine. Short and sweet, in the best possible way. We’re all so very proud of my little brother (who currently holds a University degree in his hands), and we cannot wait to see what great things he’ll get up to next!

Now you go!

Happy weekend friends! xxx

I’ve never had the privilege of visiting Miette Bakery in San Fransisco, but based on their incredibly pretty cookbook and this insanely delicious recipe I feel confident when I say it’s a place I’m sure I’d enjoy. I’ve had their cookbook sitting on my shelves for some time now, but this is the first recipe I’ve attempted and I can promise you that it will not be the last. If you’re looking for a soft and chewy cookie, this recipe is not the one. It produces a confection that somehow bridges the gap between dense and crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth. Imagine shortbread and peanut butter colliding (a nice thought, isn’t it?) It results in a divine classic and is by far my favourite peanut butter cookie recipe to date.

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outfit: tee | shorts

Come find me over on Madison’s blog, The White Ruffle!

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It’s no secret that I have a weakness for interiors decked out in neutral palettes. And I’m well aware that this isn’t the first time that I’ve gushed over ones perfection – claiming that this time, really and truly, I’ve found my dream home. I suppose I should go on record and say that there is just so much talent out there and I’m not sure I’ll ever really, truly be able to narrow down my very favourite. I’m constantly overwhelmed by the beauty that exists in this world and this home is no exception. I never thought a space void of colour of any kind could exude a sense of warmth and welcome, yet this home manages to do just that. The combination of black and white utilized in this particular space is refreshingly crisp while the mixed wooden accents make this house feel like a home.

a wonderful city | pool parties
fulfilling clichés: bike baskets & baguettes | summer attire | family events

Just a little peek at my new business cards that recently arrived on my doorstep. They make me embarrassingly happy, and I finally feel legitimate! If you see a crazy lady on the streets madly handing out her cards, it’s probably me.

Happy weekend poptarts!

I’m constantly on the hunt for recipes I can create entirely from scratch. Theres something about taking a few simple ingredients and having them transform into a hearty meal with your own two hands. The idea of making gnocchi from scratch had always intrigued me, but I’ve always assumed the process to be daunting and time consuming. When I found this recipe for a cheater version, I just had to give it a shot. The combination of ricotta, mint and spinach was one I had never considered, and I was pleasantly surprised by how the flavours enhanced one another. The process was relatively quick (basically: mix, roll and boil) and resulted in light as a cloud little dumplings that taste (almost) like the real thing, without all the hassle.

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Caitlin’s blog, Sacramento Street, has been a long time favourite of mine and I can’t describe to you how excited I am to have her here today. Chances are, you’ve seen her stunning San Fransisco apartment throughout the blogosphere by now as it has definitely made its rounds, and for good reason. The girl is simply bubbling over with style. Here are some bits & pieces of Caitlin…

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Today’s house envy post can be found on Victorias blog.
Hop on over if you so please!

a cold & rainy few days | around the house
fireworks, in the rain, from our balcony
a wee shopping spree | a lazy sunday

I really don’t have much to report about this particular weekend as I accomplished virtually nothing of significant value. Justin headed to the cottage (golfing with the fam!) and I opted to stay back and get a few things done around here (these things still remain quite un-done, mind you). The weather has taken a SERIOUS turn for the worst (holy freezing and off and on rain!) which prompted me to spend the majority of my time indoors – more often than not, wrapped in blankets, tea in hand. I managed to sneak out on Saturday to treat myself to a mini shopping spree (my summer wardrobe was in dire need of a facelift). And as I write this, I’ve dragged my duvet to the couch and Teletoon retro is on TV (inspector gadget is not quite as exciting as when I was 8, but it’s bringing back some serious memories). It was unquestionably one of those weekends, and I am not complaining one bit. How was yours? I’d love to know!

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These days I find myself craving an outdoor soiree, complete with fantastic table settings and buttloads of friends. (Yes, buttloads). I’m convinced that warm evenings were made for this very reason.

Happy weekend guys! I hope it’s a good one!

While you’d never guess based on my list of recipes I’ve conjured up on this here blog thus far, I do try my best to reach for healthier alternatives on a regular basis. Admittedly, it’s not always easy when cheese filled pastas and thick juicy steaks are there for the taking, but recipes like this one definitely help. The combination of pearl barley, peas and shrimp with just a hint of lemon will have you convinced from the first bite. Pair this dish with a glass of riesling on your back porch (or condo balcony if you’re anything like us) and you’ve got yourself a superb summer meal.

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I’ve gotten a number of questions regarding my new site design and I thought that it’d be fun to do a little round up of images that originally inspired the new look. I, of course, cannot take credit for the re-design as I worked with a wonderful graphic artist who not only prettified every last little bit (including but not limiting to hand drawing my logo), but also helped me wade through all the madness that came along with coding and the like. When we first began the process, Aprile asked me to send her a handful of images that evoked the feeling I wanted to create. Above are a few that made the cut. A collection of lovely things juxtaposed with just a hint of edge, and a soft yet spirited palette of colours that has been translated into a space that is so very me. I honestly could not be more pleased.

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I’m particularly drawn to the character that emanates from this San Fransisco home. Designer Antonio Martins has done an impecable job of transforming this flat into a place I would gladly call home. Between the incredible mouldings to the fabric-laden bedroom walls to the backyard oasis it wouldn’t take much for me to pack my bags and move right in.

a new purse | a day at the races | fancy hats
a balcony garden | Sunday afternoon 

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When it comes to the field of interior design, often it’s the most obvious solution that ends up being the most beautiful.

Happy weekend sunshines!

There’s just something about long weekends that beg for long, leisurely breakfasts (that generally begin just after noon). On Monday morning, Justin and I awoke with absolutely zero plans. We putted around the house in our pyjamas before whipping up these bad boys to fill our bellies. While scones are not typically the first thing I gravitate to (something about their dry crumbliness isn’t generally my schtick), this recipe is definitely one I’d use again and again. The results are dense (yet surprisingly moist), quite easy  to prepare, and made for the ultimate breakfast treat.

white wine sangria & board games | maple bacon ice cream
early mornings at Brickworks | jays games | flowers picked by Justin

For the most part, my rule of thumb is to escape the city whenever a long weekend hits. After a ton of running around the past few weeks, Justin and I decided that we would forgo cottage plans (we did not miss the traffic, let me tell you) and meander the city as we saw fit. Having no concrete plans whatsoever allowed us to host a last minute party (complete with sangria and board games), take in a jays game (which eventually led to a backyard barbeque) and wander the streets in search of ice cream and warm patios. The weather could not have been more perfect and the weekend in it’s entirety ended up being exactly what the doctor ordered.

Psst! You may have noticed a few changes around these here parts. I deemed this blog redesign as cursed months ago and I wasn’t even sure we’d make it here. But with the help of my trusty sidekick (slash designer) Aprile (who pulled serious strings for me. Oh how I love her) we finally made it! There are still a few wonky things and bits that need to be updated (hello sidebar that is still the same as it used to be) but we’re so so close! I hope you like it!

Important: the weblink has changed from http://www.jacquelynnicole.wordpress.com to http://www.jacquelynclark.com. You may want to update your bookmarks if you want to keep up with your daily dose of l&l!

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… we’re working on a few changes over here! I shall be back as soon as I’m able. Hold tight for now!

I used to entitle these posts “happiness is” but it never quite felt right claiming that the secret to happiness is a cute set of salt and pepper shakers or brand new boots. Every time I would hit publish something would churn in my stomach for I felt I was sending the wrong message. When I originally started this sometimes series, I did it with the intention of placing the focus on the little bits, those small moments that make your day just that much sweeter. I’m a firm believer in finding the light, the silver linings and appreciating the little things and that’s exactly what I’m trying to convey. From here on out, I will be referring to this series as “made me smile” for it feels more fitting. Yes, finding that dress you’ve lusted over on sale is something to smile about, as is making your way home without ever having to stop at a red light or purchasing a bag filled primarily with brown m&m’s (they taste the best, I swear it!) Little tidbits of my days that, in the grand scheme of things, are superfluous, potentially superficial and not necessarily the secret to happiness, but do deserve some recognition in their own right. What are a few notable things that made you smile lately? I’d love to know!

Happy long weekend sunshines (oh look, another reason to smile)!

Once in a while, I get the sudden urge for chocolate cake. If you’re anything like me, you know that when this urge strikes, it isn’t easily satisfiable. There isn’t much that can compare to a big slice of warm chocolatey goodness, and don’t try to tell me that a cookie or a chocolate bar will do the trick. I assure you, it will not.

Not wanting to commit to baking an entire cake for these dire moments of need (because if I have an entire cake I will eat an entire cake), I knew that there had to be a solution. It turns out, I wasn’t alone in this thought and have since found a multitude of recipes that result in just enough batter to make one decent portion of ooey gooey deliciousness. A single, personal sized chocolate cake, if you will. After testing out a few versions I came up with what I believe to be the perfect recipe (see below). The combination of ingredients results in a cake that’s not too sweet, not too dense, and just chocolatey enough to fulfil any and all cravings.

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I can more or less guarantee that todays guest need not an introduction for she is well known and loved throughout the blog world. Sarah’s blog, Haute Design, is one of the very first that I ever laid eyes on and to date is one of the few that I still follow from that time in my life. Her posts are always artfully written, eloquently executed and frequently showcases images I have not yet seen anywhere else (no easy feat in the world of blogging and pinterest). It’s been so lovely getting to know a little bit more about Sarah…

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Is it any shock that this Swedish home has made its way onto my radar? The combination of raw materials paired with unexpected bits (like those Moroccan inspired tiled floors, the golden washroom fixtures and the custom kitchen pendant) is a look I won’t soon tire of. And would you have ever guessed that the kitchen is (more or less) from Ikea? It just goes to show that champagne taste can be achieved on a bud light budget.

saturday morning | baseball in the park | siblings
crabapple trees | mothers day pedicures 

This weekend marked one of the first in which it really and truly felt like spring. Mother nature must have read my strongly worded letters for the weather has finally taken a turn for the best. Between a birthday baseball game for my big sister, drinks on her boyfriends back porch and brunch al fresco for mother’s day, we definitely spent as much time as we could enjoying it. I am now more excited than ever for the warmer months ahead!

I’m gust posting over on The Girls of Lincoln Park today! Go take a peek

ps: we’re having some technical difficulties getting my new blog up and running. Hold tight! We’re working on it.

Happy weekend, lovelies!

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I’m not sure I’d be allowed to call myself a true Canadian if I didn’t enjoy some occasional camping. Something about surrounding yourself with nature, makeupless (and, more often than not, showerless) is extremely invigorating. Good for the soul, if you will.

While I feel the escape does great things for the psyche, I won’t deny that I do enjoy my luxuries. Sleeping on the ground is never something I’ll claim to enjoy and while bacon and eggs taste infinitely better when prepared over an open fire, they also take four times as long to cook (and are usually ingested with dirty fingers. Yum!)

Enter Shelter Co. Not only will they go ahead of time to set up your camp (consisting of an actual bed, 400 count sheets, down duvets, Pendleton blankets and s’more fixins’), but they will also go so far as to prepare your meals and organize your activities, should you so please.

How much fun would this be for a bachelorette party or for your guests after an outdoor wedding? It certainly has my name written all over it.

If you’ve spent any time on Pinterest, chances are you’ve seen some of Erin’s amazing tutorials floating around. I know that I, myself, have big plans to tackle a number of them (most specifically: this one). What I’m getting at is the girl is talented, and it is clearly reflected in her blog House of Earnest. It was so much fun getting to know a bit more about Erin, and I just know you’ll love her as much as I do: (more…)

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As mentioned, I’ve recently made an effort to pare down our condo so that it includes the things we really, truly love. This apartment (in Paris, no less) is the perfect example of the less is more approach to design. A few carefully curated pieces is all you really need to make a statement – and a beautiful one at that.

drinks with the girls | spring in the city | my new bike!
pesto scrambled eggs at Frankly | treats at Bobette & Belle 

Have you ever had one of those insanely productive weekends that, looking back, make you wonder how on earth you managed to squeeze it all in? Well that’s what just happened. The spring cleaning bug has recently hit me (hard) and our place has never looked better. Each cupboard, each drawer, each item has been diligently cleaned, sorted, organized (or tossed) and it feels oh so good. On top of clean fest 2012, I managed to indulge in a serious girls night (including but not limited to dinner, thyme infused beverages, and avocado face masks), visit my grandmother and help celebrate Justin’s moms 50th birthday. The best part? I found a bike! A really cute bike for a mere $45 (his name is Leopold and he marks me officially spring-ready). I would be lying if I said I feel rested; in fact, I may need a weekend from my weekend, but I definitely feel fulfilled.

Ps lark & linen is getting a bit of a facelift of sorts. If things seem a little wonky over the next few days please bear with me! Things are about to get a whole lot prettier over here.

Today I’m over on Katrina’s blog, Dot Dot Dash.
Click here to see what I’m talking about!

As I’ve mentioned in the past, I’m constantly on the lookout for quick breakfast solutions that I can grab and eat en route to work (me? morning person? ha!) While this recipe may not be as healthy as the breakfast loaf I’ve been known to make, it does make for a wonderful alternative. The addition of oats and walnuts not only give it a satisfying texture, but they add that little bit of something that keeps you fuller longer than your every day muffin might. Whip em’ up on a Sunday and you’ll have enough to last you (and your roommate/coworker/significant other – yes, muffins DO make friends) all week-long.

Adjustments: the amount of sugar this particular recipe calls for seemed excessive to me turning this so-called muffin into what I would describe as a cupcake. Instead, I used half the amount of white sugar, unsweetened coconut in lieu of the sweetened kind, steel-cut oats instead of granola and added a small handful of chocolate chips (because, obviously). 

Today I’m thrilled to introduce to you one of my very favourite blogs: Reading my Tea Leaves. I’ve been following Erin for a long while now and her blog is one of the few that always seems to remain fresh, focused, informative and entertaining all at the same time (no easy feat!) Her eye for beauty is incredibly refreshing, her photography is stunning, often showcasing objects I would easily overlook. Her work has, without a doubt, influenced my own as she has encouraged me to look for beauty in unexpected places. Plus, anyone that can sing twinkle twinkle little star in Latin is someone I can get on board with. Without further ado, here are some bits and pieces of Erin… (more…)

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If I were a shop, this is what I’d (hope to) look like. If there’s anything I appreciate as much as I do design its food – particularly: good food, if I’m being honest. And when the two commingle - well you can probably just imagine the grin on my face. Joan’s on Third, a stunning food boutique located in Los Angeles, has seamlessly joined my two favourites into one cohesive unit. Within its walls you’ll find a cheese shop, a gelato stop and a bakery, not to mention sweet little dining areas encouraging you to sit and stay a while. It’s probably in my best interest that this doesn’t exist in Toronto for I would be hard pressed to ever leave.

dinner at Defina | organizing our friends new condo | post-move beverages
his & hers tea | organizing our own cupboards 

The fact that we were recruited to help our friends move on Saturday (at 8:30 am no less) meant that we were given a free pass to do absolutely nothing of serious value the rest of the weekend. And so that’s just what happened. All of the unpacking and arranging that ensued on Saturday encouraged us to get our own apartment in shape (which to me is the equivalent of a good time. I love me some organizing). We, of course, made sure this was balanced out with a delicious dinner out (me) a Jays game (Justin), a nap of epic proportions (for the both of us) and a silly movie (The Five Year Engagement: hilarious!) All in all, a really great weekend. How was yours?

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This past Monday, lark & linen turned two. I thought it would be fun to take a quick look back at a few things that I’ve managed to accomplish in the past year. From India, to New York City to five-year anniversaries with a certain boy I like – it’s definitely been a good one. I can’t even begin to explain how this blog has changed my life, made me appreciate the little things and stimulate my creativity in ways I never could have imagined. It’s been so much fun and I can’t imagine I’d be doing it if it weren’t for you. I just wanted to take a quick moment to thank you for joining me, supporting me, and encouraging me over the last two years. You guys are pretty great and I wish I could give each and every one of you a big ol’ hug. I get the sense that it’s only going to get better from here on out.

What with all of the food blogs, Pinterest boards and links I’ve hoarded throughout my internet travels, I don’t often recreate the same recipe more than once or twice. I love experimenting with food and have found that testing a new recipe is a great way to hone in on my skills all the while keeping things fresh and interesting in the kitchen. Of course, like anyone, I have a number of go-to favourites that I always fall back on (like this, this and this), but when it comes to desserts, there are very few that I’ve deemed worthy of multiple attempts. This recipe for tiramisu cupcakes is one of the few exceptions and I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to share it with all of you. The process is definitely more time-consuming than many and it must be followed exactly for best results, but I promise you it is entirely worth all of the additional effort. I’ve made them on more than my fair share of occasions and they never fail to please the crowd.

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Now that the temperatures are on the rise (at least they should be – come on mother nature!), I thought it’d be fun to round-up a few spring-like pieces I’m lusting after. I don’t generally blog about fashion, and will never (ever) claim to be an expert on the matter, but I do know what I like: classic, versatile pieces that will last for years to come.

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I always find it refreshing when a beach house avoids the use of soft blues, sheer curtains and seashell accessories. This one in particular is especially pleasing. Designer Amelia Handegan has done an exceptional job at transforming this 1940′s seaside home into a vacation retreat that feels relaxed and uncontrived, the way a vacation home is intended, all the while staying away from all things anchor and boat related.

date night at Guu | leopard & coral | my cousins wedding shower
birthday gifts for a friend | catching up with the girls

I will never tire of weekends that strike that perfect balance between on the go and nowhere important to be.

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I’ve never felt more inclined to own my own home than I do now, if only because I feel the sudden urge to decorate its façade in gorgeous flowers and lush greenery. Since that’s not in the cards for the time being, these images will have to suffice.

Happy weekend lovelies!

In an effort to add more greens to my diet, I’ve been attempting to create big, tasty salads to pair with dinner. Inspired by this recipe for grilled zucchini ribbon salad,  I made my own variation to suit my preferred taste. I switched out the arugula for baby spinach, the hazelnuts for pine nuts (since I had them on hand), and the parmesan for feta. The combination of the zucchini paired with the toasted pine nuts, and fresh feta made this dish anything but boring and I would gladly add it to my meal rotation. The results are as pretty as they are tasty (which is always a bonus in my eyes), and it definitely looks like a lot of effort was executed when in reality it only took a few minutes.

I’m thrilled to have Sarah from Note to Self here today sharing a few little tidbits with us. I’m sure that many of you have visited her wonderful space, but if you have yet to do so I urge you to rectify this immediately. I just know that you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Her posts are the definition of eye candy and I constantly find myself getting lost amongst her pages. The girl has an eye for pretty, a way with words, and a refreshing way of executing her ideas. Here are some bits and pieces of Sarah…

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umbrella | trench | scarf | tea cup | salt | throw
boots | notebooks | books | tea | candle

We are officially well into spring (though mother-nature here in Toronto hasn’t quite got the message *ahem*), which often brings about grey, drizzly days. The first few can seem exciting – I mean, April showers brings May flowers after all – but after a while it becomes difficult to stay optimistic. Early on I decided that life is exactly what you make of it and by golly* I’m going to do my best to enjoy every bit of it. With that in mind, I’ve taken the time to round-up a few quick fixes to cure those rainy day blues. Whether it’s cuddling up with a cozy blanket and a good read, or (should it be required), heading out well-equipped, I’ve got you covered.

ps. The MoMA is celebrating it’s 20 year anniversary and has generously agreed to offer a 20% discount on the Sky Umbrella (shown). Simply enter “SKY20″ at checkout to receive the discount.

Full Disclosure: the MoMA has sent me a sky umbrella of my own to review – I would never endorse anything I do not fully support/would not use myself. I feel confident when I say that it really does make rainy days just a little bit brighter!

all packed | en-route | Saturday morning
Grandpa & I | keeping warm

On Friday evening my family in its entirety flew to (the oh-so-glamorous) Thunder Bay to help my grandpa celebrate his 90th birthday. Being surrounded by loved ones for an entire weekend is something that I’ll never tire of – especially when there’s a legitimate excuse to celebrate. And so we did. We celebrated the man who worked 80 hour weeks to ensure all four of his kids could go to college. Who breaks into dance when the room bursts into a rendition of “happy birthday”. Who is never short of jokes (even if my grandma thinks they’re crude). Who, to this day, curls three times a week, each and every week (and can out-lunge me any day). Who still insists he hand out ice cream money (yes, I’m 26). And who, at ninety years of age, never hesitates to climb onto his roof during a storm to shovel snow off of it for fear of it collapsing under the weight. My grandpa has led an extraordinary life and it was so amazing to see the outpouring of love for him on Saturday.  There is no one like him in this world and let me go on record when I say that I hope I inherited his genes.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

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I just can’t seem to get enough of this colour palette. The warmth of the ochre set against the freshness of the pink creates a wonderful balance. The perfect spring combination methinks!

Happy weekend lovies!

 When Justin and I first moved into our condo we picked up a few discarded wine boxes at the LCBO for a dollar a piece, unsure of what exactly we’d do with them. For the last year they’ve sat stacked next to our bed as a nightstand placeholder until we could afford those we really wanted. Though they were unfinished, their rough and tumbleness began to grow on me. When operation get-bedroom-finished came into full swing not long ago, I decided they could stick around (dang budget) but they needed to step it up. Enter: stain. After two quick coats (and three days of air drying on the balcony), I brought them in and couldn’t believe the immediate difference. The result feels rustic and well-loved, bringing about an immediate sense of warmth. Extra bonus: you would never even guess that the entire project cost a mere three dollars (plus a can of stain, which I happened to have on hand). I think I’ll keep them around, for a while at least.

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As a fellow Interior Designer, I am particularly drawn to Jessica’s blog Life’s Little Jems. Filled to the brim with inspiration of the interior, fashion and food variety (hello!), it’s definitely on my must-read list. Here are some bits and pieces of Jessica:

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There’s no denying that my taste in decor alters as the seasons shift. In the winter months, I gravitate towards dimly lit rooms, neutral palettes, extra-fluffy throw pillows and roaring fires. Come Spring, I crave fresh, bright spaces, flowers adorning table tops and windows flung open (allowing floral scented breezes to make their way in, of course). This house in particular fits my current mood and then some. While not totally necessary for spring (it’s still a tad crisp out there), I wouldn’t complain about that sun-soaked patio either.

spring | happy puppies | decorating easter eggs
nature walks | easter dinner 

Is it just me, or do miniature things taste better than those of the full-sized variety? I recently stumbled upon this recipe for mini strawberry éclairs and couldn’t wait for an excuse to whip them up (that excuse being “it’s Sunday and it’s spring!” Totally legit). Apart from the fact that you have to focus on three separate steps (the pastry, the macerated berries and the cream filling), they were shockingly easy to make and I really enjoyed the process. The results were light, fresh, not overly sweet and would make the perfect dessert atop your Easter table (or any table, if I’m being honest). Plus, their miniature size means you can enjoy two or three without feeling guilty – logic at it’s best.