{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}

{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}

| 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 |

| 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.

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!

{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.}

{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?!

{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?!

{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!

{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!

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