After spending the last few days up at the cottage, I am totally feeling this country home. Ellen and Portia can basically do no wrong in my books, but as far as I’m concerned they totally hit it out of the park with this one. It comes complete with that rustic, carefully curated, collected throughout the ages, cool factor that you simply can’t beat. Plus, it’s quite safe to say that this is the first time I’ve ever been legitimately jealous of a horses digs (did you SEE that barn?)

Images found on Elle Decor via Savor Home

{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.

2-1/2 cups water
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers
2-1/2 cups cold water
1 cup lemon juice
Ice cubes

1. In a large saucepan, bring water and sugar to a boil.

2. Remove from the heat; add lavender. Cover and let stand for 1 hour.

3. Strain, discarding lavender.

4. Stir in cold water and lemon juice. Serve over ice.

Yields: 6 servings

Original Recipe

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…

::A random fact::
Cotton farming has been in my family for over 150 years. I also love driving barefoot because it makes me feel like I’m back on the farm.

::Your go-to recipe::
My go to drink recipe is a beer Margarita. It’s quick, easy and gets everyone in party mode asap.

::You can’t live without::
Carmex. It’s the only thing that cures my lips when they are chapped!

::Currently coveting::
I’m currently saving up for the Cartier Juste un Clou bracelet in white gold. Pulling the trigger on expensive items is really tough, but the best thing to invest in is always jewelry. I’m also dying over the Saint Lauren cross body.

::Your daily reads::
Pinterest, Instagram & USA Today … oh yes, and Damsel in Dior

::Your favourite quote::
My Granny used to say “Only boring people get bored”

::On your night stand::
Water & my iPhone4s

::Your favourite designer::
Frank Llyod Wright, Dawna Jones, Angie Hranowsky, Janice Parker, Céline

::Your dream home::
The design of the home will be clean, modern, open. Think: concrete floors with layered rugs; a beautiful open bathroom with a huge tub in the middle & walk in closet off to the side. The kitchen is the heart & soul to every home so in my dream home I’d love a gigantic island that also serves as a table with cozy sofette’s & all white marble countertops and white cabinets. However, my dream home will house myself, my loving husband, our 2 amazing bulldogs and future family…lots and lots of kids {one day!}. I want the kids swimming in the backyard, grandparents enjoying the outdoor sitting area and brothers and sisters helping out on the grill. A full house is a happy house. The more chaotic, the better!

::Your happy place::
When the whole family is together in Concan, Texas, floating the Frio River in an inner tube with a cool one in my hand.