Rest, Relaxation and Renos

I'm back from a fabulous family trip of cottaging, camping and family visits.  It was lovely and relaxing and a much needed time away from home.  We had the extremes of weather - high heat and humidity when I felt like I might actually be on fire - to strangely cool and rainy end.

We saw some fantastic wildlife some which I was able to capture on camera and others unfortunately that I must store in memory.  The most spectacular a moose calf eating lilies at the shoreline of Arrowhead Lake during the late morning while canoeing.  She just stood there eating and staring while we floated 40 feet from her. I will probably kick myself for a while for not bringing my camera that morning but there is also something nice about a memory that is just totally yours.

 We visited the falls at Bala with my girls and their cousins.  It's about a 20 minute drive from the cottage and one of my favourite places to visit each summer. It's the same place I used to visit with my friends in high school.   Bala brings back great memories. I still remember sitting on the wooden steps of the arcade one wet summer afternoon.  The Kee next door was blaring Phil Collins "In the Air Tonight" over their speakers and we were singing and air drumming.  Who would have guessed that boy sitting next to me would be my husband.

Turtle crossing.

 We even had wildlife in our canoe!

Guess who the dancer is in the family!

The obligatory seagull picture.

Now I'm getting back into the swing of things but not in a slow manner which I may have liked.  Last night I completed and mailed out a big custom order that I've been working on. Then we had to unload our entire master bath as our renovations start today (I can hear tile breaking as I write this).  I have to ask? Does everyone have as many bottles of half used shampoo and lotions as we managed to collect? 

On the weekend we were scrambling trying to locate a mirror.  Who would have known it would have been so difficult to find one we liked and was big enough.  We did finally manage to find one and order it and at least now when the electrician comes in on Thursday the rough ins for the lights can be placed properly.

I'll keep you posted on the renos.  I took some before shots yesterday so it will be fun to see the progress made.  

You will be Missed.

A sad day for us today but many happy memories to look back on.

Rest in Peace Stuart.  

You were Erica's but you were a great friend to all of us (especially me).

You will be missed. xoxo

April 2008 - July 29th, 2012.

Donut Stop

Last weekend Sydney made these sweet little donut cakes.  We were longing to make them after finding the recipe on this very lovely website, Sprinkle Bakes.  Interestingly enough I found out about Sprinkle Bakes while walking through our Chapter's bookstore a few weeks.  It was the cover of a book that caught my eye and the by line "Dessert Recipes to Inspire Your Inner Artist" that made me stop in my tracks. It made me think of my niece who is such an artistic and clever baker.  I was sold when I opened it up and saw the photos and recipes.  We gave it to her for her birthday.

While shopping for other things last week I happened upon the donut pan - an essential when making these donut cakes. Although the recipe used a mini donut pan ours was more in the line of medium sized.  They turned out great!

Wouldn't these be great for a birthday, shower or bakesale!

Recipe from SprinkleBakes.

******

I must say that I always think of my brother when I see a Do Not Stop sign on the highway.  I believe it was on our family trip out west from Toronto to Alberta with stops in between to visit family in Winnipeg and Saskatoon.  I was around 10 I think.  We packed up our station wagon - gold with faux wood trim - with our camping equipment, pillows and 8-track tapes - Benny Goodman, The Mills Brothers, John Denver, Carol King, Blood, Sweat and Tears and my own contribution - Barry Manilow.  (I'm sure it was great having a little sister.)  Anyways, many days and hours into the trip, when my brother saw a "Do Not Stop" sign on the highway (and there were many) he would yell "Donut Stop".  This would cause unnecessary braking and confusion from the front seat but somehow even with a stern word sent to the back we did manage to stop a couple of times for donut breaks on our travels. 

Milestone

I just posted my 300th item in my Etsy shop. Wow! What an achievement. I remember 4 years ago when I opened my shop I struggled just to get to 35 listings. Now I have a fabulous assortment of jewelry to choose from: earrings, necklaces and bracelets.

Beautiful cream and grey pearl necklace. A lovely modern twist on the traditional pearl necklace.

Thanks to all my customers for their encouragement and support over the years. It means so much to me that my designs are enjoyed around the world!

What's new this week.

Happy Monday friends.
I have some new lovelies to show you today.

Delicate charm necklaces with vintage inspired colours and petite charms.

A new vintage jewel to add to my collection.  These ones are a gorgeous, rich amethyst colour and larger than my regular teardrop earrings.

I can't say enough of how much I love these earrings. Love the gold scrolled details and the sparkle.

More vintage inspired necklaces.

I'll be adding more new inspirations over the week in my Etsy shop. Drop by for a visit!

Cottage Friends

We went to visit my parents up at the lake a couple of weeks ago and we were lucky enough to have my dad's new friends drop by while we there.  Actually they are a bit of a pretentious couple as they flew in for the visit but friendly nonetheless.

Typical in a couple one of them is more social than the other. I was able to sit quietly by and watch her.  

On the second day both dropped by together.

The quiet ones are most often misunderstood.  Somewhat reserved, possibly thought of as aloof but really he's just a shy guy.  Rather sweet too as I watched him having a nice chat with the garden frog earlier.

 "Thanks Gord. See you tomorrow!"

Summer time heat.

I am sitting here in my kitchen writing this in the comfort of our air conditioned house. (Thank goodness!)  Outside it is 31° C in the shade and it's pushing 40 with the humidex.  I have been bordering on a migraine today (but I now feel like I'm winning!) so I shall not venture out today except for required drop offs and pick ups. 


Here are some refreshing pictures from our recent trip to the lake and with this I say the summer has officially begun!

We started our summer holidays with a mother-daughter pedicure last Friday.
(A lovely Mother's Day present).

We all chose our favourite shade of pink!

My artsy bubble picture!

 Fun in the lake.

Guard dog.

As the temperatures continue to rise this week I hope you have a cool place to dip your feet in.