Popping it while it is hot

with the summer season comes summer treats, and this year i finally got my act together and used these adorable popsicle molds i bought at the end of season last summer on clearance. by far popsicles are an easy cooling off treat to make and something you can really basically do with anything. more often than not i just grab what i have in the fridge and squeeze or blend it into liquid form, add flavour (if needed), water, give it a good mix in the blender and then into the molds they go. this method is also very friendly to the  "i'm almost going to kick the can" looking fruit you might have before they get too rough. 

on a side note, since i'm trying to keep things healthy, i find i avoid adding sugar or honey. that is not to say you can't, but i personally tend to find by using fresh local fruit the sweetness i like is already there, so i'd rather just enjoy that.

here are two of my favourite homemade popsicles that i'm loving this season.

Vanilla Raspberry

- 1/2 cup raspberries, cooked on the stovetop for a few minutes just to soften up, then     

   popped into the blender to smooth

- 1/2 tsp lemon juice

- 1 tsp vanilla extract 

- 1 - 1/2 cup water 

this image via here

Lemon Lime

- 1/2 of a lemon juiced 

- 1 lime juiced

- 2 cups water

- 4 tablespoons of lemon and lime rind grabbed from the ones you just juiced and 

  dropped into the molds before they hit the freezer. 

A Seasonal Canning Calendar

image via here

this year i've done a much better job at getting myself way more organized for the current canning season. sometimes i swear i was born in the wrong era, because i relish and look forward to these old traditions. the feeling of accomplishment i get when i pack up fresh jars of jam or salsa into my cellar pantry space, the smell of cooking and the excitement for fresh ripe fruit in the middle of winter – nothing beats it.

i've only been really going hard at canning for a few years now, but i've learned a lot between when i started and now (with my fair share of mistakes too!). this year i got a good jump start on some varieties of jams already, and have taken the time to learn about what seasons are best time for what produce. i spent the last few years searching on the inter-webs for sample canning calendars, but sadly to no avail,  so this year I nipped that need in the butt and created my own seasonal canning calendar.

while it may not hit everything that you could possibly can in peak season, i've made sure to hit the highlights and the things i see as being the most popular items to consume!

* DOWNLOAD THIS CALENDAR HERE
**charted based on your average growing season in Ontario, Canada 

i hope this visual resource will give you a month-to-month guide to canning season considerations. there are so many options and ideas for things you can make and then store to enjoy through the winter months.  i've included a number of links below to some of my favourite recipes and helpful tips and resources for anyone looking to give this a shot, or just try a new take on an old recipe this time around.

Jam & Jelly

• Pear Vanilla Jam
• Blueberry Jam 
• Strawberry Basil Jam
• Peach Jelly 

Salsa

• Basic Salsa
• Roasted Corn Salsa
• Avocado Salsa Verde
• Peach Salsa
• Smokey Salsa

Pickles

• Bread and Butter Pickles
• Dill Pickles
• Vegetable Pickles

Vegetables

• Sweet Pepper Jelly
• Sauerkraut
• Pickled Beets

Resource Guides & Getting Started

• Canning 101 - The Basics
• Learning How to Can - Tips
• Canning Recipe Books
• Canning Starter Kit

Pop it Like It's Hot

nothing beats a heatwave like a gourmet ice pop, really. while doing some fruit shopping at the Nathan Phillips Square Farmers Market, held on Wednesday's in downtown Toronto from 8am-3pm, a friend and i happened across this peddling seller called The Pop Stand. the pop's claim to fame (aside from the owner's fantastically fun and friendly personality) are their Ontario market fresh ingredients and unique combination of flavours. your selection options range from things like Peach-Bourbon-Vanilla Ice-Tea to Ginger-Thyme-Basil, Strawberry-Mint and Caramalized Banana's with Cream. these guilt free pops are seriously to die for. i highly suggest a trip to the market to try them, or keep your eyes peeled at your own local farmer's market because this pop stand is starting to pop up all over the city.

Picnic Party

right now it is perfect picnic weather in the city. toronto has finally gotten a bit of a break from the melting heatwave making it actually enjoyable to frolic outside. this now makes me giddy for a picnic. the idea of dining alfresco with close friends, or my handsome better half, kicking off our shoes, eating brunch foods - which should always include glorious cheeses – while sitting under a tree sipping a minosa, is. the. best. i highly recommend making some picnic plans before the fall arrives. if you don't already have picnic fever, then here are a list of essentials to help you pull together the perfect picnic party. luckily you really don't need much and some of this you might already have. but,  if you want to do it in style, then here are a few pieces to get you feeling inspired.

1. Vintage Wicker Basket - Local Value Village

2. Tuffo Water- Resistant Indoor/Outdoor Blanket, Bed Bath & Beyond

3. Retro Fondue Plates, Etsy

4. Lighthouse Carafe, Drake General Store

5. Paper Straws, Urban Outfitters

6. Distinctly Home Printed Cloth Napkins, The Bay

7. Crosley Songbird Radio Speaker, Urban Outfitters

8. Colour Block Picnic Utensils, Anthropologie

Down ... and out.

I apologize for a serious lack of posts over the last week, but that is because I am majorly down and out. As it turns out my nasty head cold has warped into bronchitis and serious upset stomach. While I focus on downing tons of lemons, tea, ginger and the meds from the good Dr I promise to be back soon. For now I need to put my social media down for a bit and focus on healing. Don't we all hate being sick in the summer? I sure do. I promise when I am back to posts some updated home reno's we've been working on, a spicy new recipe and travel tales from the honeymoon. Stay healthy and have a great long weekend (for the Canadian's out there!). xoxo

Summertime

via

summer. sunshine. pool side. big straw hats. flip flop tans. open windows. drive-in movies. bbq's. sweet summer cocktails. bendy straws. plastic cups. badminton. long weekends. marshmellow roasting. picnics. time with friends and family. hello summer, we welcome you back yet again. xoxo. 

Vanilla Iced Tea

 

A perfect park lunch date recently with two lovely ladies stirred up an old love for homemade iced tea. Needed: big mixing bowl, 4-5 cups of hot water, 2 tbsp honey (I like local honey as it helps with my allergies), 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, 5-6 slices of peach (a few extra for serving), 2-3 tablespoons of loose leaf vanilla tea and a strainer.

How To: Grab a small pot and boil the cups of water until it is nice and hot. Then remove from heat and add your loose leaf tea stirring only gently once or twice. Let the tea steep for about 2-3 minutes, or depending on how strong you like the flavour. Take your bowl and either place or hold your strainer over top while pouring the pot of warm tea over straining out the loose leaf. While the water is warm stir in your honey. Next add your lemon juice and peach slices. Allow the mixture to cool on the counter for a little while. If you are making this last minute, you can add a few ice cubes to help it cool faster. Once it has cooled pour into a glass jar and store in the fridge. When ready, pull it out, pour over ice cubes in a glass and garnish with an extra peach slice. 

O' Canada, Eh!

Why not add a little Canadian patriotism feel to your wardrobe this weekend to show a little love for Canada Day. Here are a few excellent fashion finds to help you do just that, paired with perfect accessories to boot. Red Safari Shirt by Zara, Amazing Grace Eau de Parfum Spray by Philosophy at Sephora, Etsy - Small White Silk Knot Bracelet by Brinkle, Lomography La Sardina Flash DXL Analogue Camera at Urban Outfitters, Etsy - White Silk Chunky Pyramid Necklace by Brinkle, Chanel Rouge Allure Excessive Lipstick, Pique Short by Zara, Shepard Fairey X Incase iPad Case at HomeOutfitters and Kaari Dress by Marimekko. Enjoy whatever you may get up to this weekend, whether it's camping, glamping, bbq's, beach time, fireworks or some much needed quiet r & r! xoxox.

A Watermelon Keg

Full photo credit and idea comes from: http://prudentbaby.com/2012/06/entertaining-food/how-to-make-a-watermelon-keg-and-agua-fresca-too/

Sometimes you come across an idea that makes you literally fall off your chair, and this one is one of them. The second I saw this concept I had to share it, and immediately started to pen down other large fruits, and even some vegetables, to try. The possibilities appear to be endless. With that being said, full credit for this entire post goes to the lovely ladies of the Prudent Baby blog. Even the photos used are entirely theirs (I just added my own captions on top). With the Canada Day long weekend approaching most why not plan a little backyard party just to test out and throw this delicious idea into the mix. Wow your guests and play around with different drink mixes that work with the watermelon flavour. It even makes an interesting party table decor should you need to bring the good times indoors for any reason. For a full step-by-step how-to of this project visit the Prudent Baby Watermelon Keg post. If anyone does try this, please post a comment or share a photo!

Beautiful Beach Ready Hair

With hot and sticky summer days a head, the last thing anyone wants to do is turn on a hair dryer. If you are looking for an easy do with a little extra volume then try a no fuss beach wavy hairstyle.  Start by grabbing a quick cold shower (to cool off before bed) and clean hair. Then spritz a little mist of detangler all over your towel dried hair. Right now I'm loving Aveda's Styling Curessence Spray Detangler with morikue protein. It's great for beating the extra tangles and also smells fantastic. Then, run your fingers through hair to help work through the applied product. After that, add a small amount of volumizer to your roots, scrunching hair as you go, to help lift and add texture to the hair when all is said and done. For this step I like to use Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray. Next I recommend letting your hair air dry for about 5-10 minutes. Following this short relaxing rest divide hair into three sections, (keeping in mind your hair's natural part when dividing), and complete a french braid down the back of your head very loosely. Then hit the sack for a goodnight of sleep ... zzzzz. In the morning, get up and undo your braid. Use your fingers to move through the hair gently. Add a few shots of hairspray to help hold certain strands in place and voila, off you go!

Top 10 : Summer Lovin'

Today the weather is dreamy. Perfectly puffy still summer clouds, warm fresh breeze through thin curtains and bright soft sunshine shining down. Now that it is officially summer (though with the heatwave it has felt like summer for weeks), I am craving a mash of bold bright patterns, textures and shapes, both inside the home and on the body. Oh ... and beach hair. That pure fresh out of the water, towel scrunched, air dried, wavy hair – pure bliss! With all those desires in mind for this season, here are my top 10 summer style recommends.  1.  Watercolour fashion print 2. Missoni pillow 3. Watercolour art by Chantel de Sousa   4. Bold and beautiful wallpaper  5. Zara's pretty polka dot silk top   6. O'Clock white watch  7. Statement stemware  8. Antropologie Atom Art bowls  9. Missoni blanket  10. Soraam Big Bow pillow. Enjoy the weekend ahead! Me and the fiance are off to celebrate at our engagement party with family! xoxo.

The Dirty Dozen

It's farmer's market time in the city and typically for me that means not buying produce from my regular grocer for the next few months. I love this time of year for all the shopping in the sun, chatting with local farmers and enjoying real fresh off the farm flavours. There are so many benefits to eating local and organic foods plucked straight from the farm. Fresh items that you know weren't sitting in boxes for days, shipped across the globe, man handled once again, and where you know that no real harsh pesticides and chemical fertilizers were used. It's getting back to basics. So, what is the best to buy at these pop up markets? 

Use this handy illustration guide, created by designer Heidi Kenny of My Paper Crane, to help you. The sad looking foods are referred to as "the dirty dozen", which means they are the fruits and vegetables most likely to hold residue from pesticides (if used), so try and always buy these at the organic market where they focus on no chemicals during the growing season. The happy looking ones are the low pesticide foods that you can worry less about buying from your local grocer. Ever also wonder what time of year you should be buying certain fruits? 

Well, worry no more. This very modern style calendar by Chasing Delicious, was designed to help with that. It also belongs as part of a print series including seasonable vegetables and herbs. Not only useful for food planning, but what a stunning print to purchase, frame and hang in a kitchen as art.

Day in the Life: Echo Beach

 

A few weeks ago, Mike surprised me with tickets for an upcoming Counting Crows concert. With everything we have had going on lately between buying a house and getting design projects ready (and also feeling very excited) for our engagement party, we were both very much looking forward to a little downtime. Friday night was one of the BEST date nights! I couldn't have asked for more than just hanging out on the sand at Echo Beach, watching the sunset and listening to one of my fav bands - no better way to get a little much needed R&R. What did you all get up to on the weekend? 

p.s. I am still working away on the redesign of the blog hoping to add a little more life & style. Let me know your thoughts and feelings, by posting a comment! Also, what would you like to see more of or feel free to post about recommended topic suggestions.

Day in the Life: Niagara, house, bigups, bbq & euro cup

The past few days have been a whirlwind of a weekend. Very long, exciting, overwhelming, stressful and relaxing days all at the same time! On Friday, I kicked off the early weekend with event site inspections down in Niagara Falls. That was followed by super good news that the fiance and I successfully closed the deal and bought our very first home! Much needed call for celebrations! Saturday morning brought a little sleeping in (such a treat these days), then it was off to engagement party planning, proceeded by an evening with friends for korean bbq, chopstick cheers and an amazing concert by TheBigUps at the Horseshoe Tavern. Sunday was an early rising day with some exercise to help try and wake up and a quick meeting with the mum. Then it was off to a mouth watering backyard bbq with more friends and some much anticipated euro cup soccer! Hope everyone had a great weekend! Happy Monday! xoxox.  Ps. Please all bare with me over the next few weeks as I try and make changes/upgrades to the format of the site. I am still learning as I go so things may look a little unprofessional.

D i Y: Summer fresh buds

Now that summer has basically arrived (hello mr. heat), it is time to add a little more vibrant colour to our living our spaces. I recently took an old 25 cent bud vase from a second hand shop and added some new razzle dazzle to it. I love the result. It is much more colourful and an item that can be used to house flowers on a table, make-up brushes in a bathroom or pens at the office.

What You Will Need: A glass vase of any size (personally I like to collect lots of little bud to have around the house), acrylic paints, masking tape, ice cube tray,  two paint brushes, small amount of mod podge.

The Process: Start by cleaning your glass vase so it is nice and fresh and rid of dust. Next decide on the pattern you want to paint and mark it off with tape. If you are doing lines, be sure to try and get them as evenly spaced as possible. You can also try cutting out dots, or various shapes on paper and then tape the paper to the vase much like a stencil. Next decide on your colour choice, or try mixing various colours and shades. I like using ice cube trays when pouring and mixing paints. It keeps the colours seperate from mixing and are very easy to clean afterwards. Once you have your colour being to paint and be sure to put a nice thick layer. While the paint is still wet pull off the tape slowly to ensure nice clean lines. Then set aside and let the vase dry (I recommend leaving it over night). Once it is fully dry take a little mod podge and apply a thin coat over the painted area by hand to give it a  final seal.  Then just add your items or flowers like these homemade craspedia.