Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Currently

Adorable little transplants all ready to be planted

 Today I am:

Smelling homemade pizza, fresh from the oven
Hearing birds chirping through the open windows
Listening to some random foreign singer on repeat at work - it's beautiful
Smiling at my little basil growing slowly but surely
Feeling tired from longer work hours this week
Remembering the sweet intense eyes of my l'il Sam
Wishing I was still visiting my friends
Writing an e-mail to Heid
Wanting to get some time to read
Craving a scrapbooking night
Celebrating being able to send snail mail again
Preparing a package or two to send out
Sipping ice cold water from my water bottle all day  - so refreshing
Taking home more plants from the garden centre
Planning on going on the treadmill and getting back into a routine
Hoping that I make it to the treadmill :)
Deciding on what direction the blog is going to take over the summer

How about you?

Happy Tuesday!

Monday, June 27, 2011

Polyvore Loves

Yay!  Here comes another Polyvore Loves!

This weekend, I picked up this cute linen skirt at Old Navy. At a cool beans price of $7.99, I couldn't go wrong. I didn't take the time to try it on in-store, but luckily, it was the perfect fit! As soon as I found the skirt on Polyvore today, I knew that I had to base today's outfit around it. It's the sweetest coral pattern, and the length is perfect - just before the top of my knees. I have a funny feeling that it's going to be a summer staple of mine!

I paired the skirt with a gorgeous coral top - wish I could get my paws on that! The jean jacket is a great layering piece in case of a chilly morning or evening, and you can't go wrong with a nice dark wash. The sandals are one of my favourite brands - Seychelles - and they help bring a dash of classy navy into the ensemble. Add a couple of pretty gold toned accessories... who can go wrong with a little bow headband and a big flower statement ring? I think that the outfit would be perfect for a summer date night, or a lunch date with the girls. 

How would you rock this outfit?

summertime

Friday, June 24, 2011

Work Perks

I don't know about you, but I love little surprises... 

The other day when I was leaving work, my boss offered me a bouquet of flowers. No, that's not a super random act of kindness - I do work in a flower shop :) We had been working on prom corsages and boutonnieres all day  (I got to help!) and her floral supplier had sent extra flowers. I got a huge pack of yellow mums to take home! Yay!

Once I got home, I cleaned up each stem (if you need someone to prep your flowers, I've got it covered - it's my job every time we get a delivery at work) and divided them up. I had enough to fill five vases! I put a milk bottle full by the kitchen sink, a large vase of flowers on our kitchen table, and three milk glass vases filled with tiny blooms in our living room:


Someone asked me today if I get sick of looking at flowers. So far, I love spending time working with them. The fact that I don't know much about them yet makes the day fly by. I love learning names and how to take care of each type. We carry houseplants and cut flowers in the shop, and have a ginormous selection out in the garden centre. Each day I get to learn so much!

I'm off for the weekend - so a little break from work will be nice. No matter how much I like my job, it's still better to spend time with Daniel, family and friends! I hope that you get to spend some quality time with your loved ones this weekend.

Happy Friday!

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Weekend Adventure

Daniel and I did a little exploring a few evenings ago. We snagged his dad's Jeep, and took off on an adventure. Daniel was on call for work, so we had to stay within a half-hour or so of the hospital, but that left plenty of room for some off-roading. By off-roading, I mean random dirt roads that we haven't investigated before. 

Check out the beautiful evening sky! All of these photos are straight from the camera:


We saw three foxes over the course of the drive! Here's a super-zoomed-in, grainy photo of one: by the time we got the camera out, he had trotted down the road. He had the skinniest little legs:


The poor Jeep got a little muddy:


Had to get a reflection self-portrait:



We took a good couple of hours exploring, and then headed for home. I'll leave you with the coolest old barn ever:


Happy Wednesday!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Monday, June 20, 2011

Multitude Monday

Another week is beginning - so that means that it's time for Multitude Monday!

Each Monday, I like to list ten things that I am currently thankful for. It's a great way to start my week - we can all use reminders of things that are fun, exciting, or going well. Who needs a reminder of the yucky stuff?! Feel free to start a Multitude Monday of your own, or check out previous weeks by clicking on the multitude label on my sidebar or the bottom of this post. It's a whole lot of fun!

This week, I'm thankful for:


210 - dandelions, one of the boldest and cutest weeds ever. I know they're a bit invasive, but Mr. Dandelion, I don't mind if you take over my lawn.
211 - using up $60 worth of points at Shoppers Drug Mart today - yay for free splurges!
212 - freshly waxed eyebrows - and I think I found a replacement salon for the one that I went to before we moved! Took me almost 7 months, but now I'm all set.
213 - this b-e-a-u-tiful home tour on Design Sponge - I die.
214 - Kel's cute new do... looks chic and summery. Can't wait to see it in person :)
215 - a male-made supper... thanks for being my personal chef some nights, darling.
216 - my inlaws arriving safely back in Nova Scotia today. I was starting to get lonely!
217 - a half-price, half-price pretty summer sundress today - I love a good deal!
218 - fresh produce and groceries in our fridge... it looks so nice and full after a shopping trip.
219 - homemade lunches for work... nothing beats a yummy leftovers meal.

Happy Monday!

Friday, June 17, 2011

Cool Beans!

Image is via Etsy - click the photo to follow the link!

I just took a little peek at Etsy. On Etsy's Featured Seller today, it's DrikaB
I have one of her cute little bags! 
You will never guess where I bought it, but you can read the story here...

It's Friday!

Wowee! 

This week flew by! I seriously can't believe that it's Friday - although I'm working both Saturday and Sunday, so I don't know why I'm so excited :) I like my job a lot, but not that much. Daniel and I have got some big plans for the evenings, though...

Beautiful perennials at my work

Gardening, gardening, gardening! We need to weed some rows in our little veggie garden, plant the remaining seeds and onions, and water 'til the cows come home. Today's weather is gorgeous: nice and warm and sunny, so our little seedlings need their moisture before the glorious sun dries them out. We're also hunting for an old rhubarb patch that Daniel remembers from his childhood. Hopefully it still exists!

Pretty little zinnias


Do you have any big plans for the next few days?

I hope that you have the lovliest of weekends! Happy Friday!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Chickpea Salad

I don't know about you, but when it comes time to go to a potluck, I love trying out new recipes. I don't have any go-to recipes, I usually like to wing it. We were invited to a birthday party that was potluck supper tonight, and I wanted to bring something a little different. I had to work all day today, and the party started at 5:00, so I knew that it needed to be a recipe that could hang out in the fridge overnight. 

Last night, I was tossing ideas around for a quick and easy salad. I wanted to use ingredients that I had on hand, since it was too late to make a run to the grocery store. I came up with this recipe, and it's a bit of a dooooozy, if I do say so myself. :)

I grabbed a photo of the dish as we headed out the door tonight:


Here's the recipe: and remember, all of my measurements are estimated. You know me, I'm all about the guess-timation. I can't remember the last time I measured while cooking. Baking? Well, that's another story altogether. I know when I need to measure, and when improvisation is the best option. This recipe? I improvised. :P


Chickpea Salad

2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 large onion, finely chopped
1 tomato, diced
10 apricots, sliced thinly
1/4 c oil
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp sriracha hot sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp dehydrated chives
salt & pepper

Whisk together oil, honey, and hot sauce until combined (honey may need to be heated first). Add seasonings. Pour over chickpeas, onion, tomato, and apricots. Stir, and let sit refrigerated overnight. Before serving, chop a large handful of cilantro and toss in salad. Serve cold (preferably in vintage Pyrex!) - and enjoy!


Let me know if you give the recipe a go. I think you'll be pleased with the results!

Happy Thursday!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

A Teensy Bit of Cute


I was stuck, stuck, stuck when it came to blog post ideas for tonight. Ever hit one of those ruts? I wanted to make this week special here on the blog, but not being home during the day to work on projects and photograph them leaves my posts a little dry. I brainstormed photo ideas, recipes, decor tips, the works. Nothing. I was cruising around on Etsy, trying to create a treasury to post about, but nothing was flowing. I decided not to force it any just looked through the site for fun... isn't that when inspiration is supposed to hit?! When you aren't looking for it? That's what I thought, anyway.

I ended up coming across this adorable print on Etsy tonight and thought of my gal-pal, Heidi. Isn't the little turtle the cutest thing you've ever seen?!

Happy Tuesday!

Monday, June 13, 2011

Multitude Monday

It's time for Multitude Monday!

This week, I'm thankful for:


200 - Daniel's sweet discount at some drugstores - I get Colonial Candles at 40% off!
201 - a fun movie night tonight with my family - I can't wait for them to watch The Princess Bride :)
202 - a day off today: I cooked and prepped this afternoon so we can have lunches all week.
203 - my aunt's surgery going well on Friday.
204 - my cousin turning 17 yesterday... that means my bro's b-day is only two months away! Eeek!
205 - a fresh, clean quilt on our bed - and a tidy bedroom!
206 - a spiffy-looking car that D cleaned this weekend.
207 - dark grey nailpolish on my toes - so chic!
208 - a cardmaking morning this week, on my other day off. Yay!
209 - new products coming in to the shop at work this week!

What are you thankful for today?

Happy Monday!

Friday, June 10, 2011

Polyvore Loves

It's Polyvore Loves!

This week's edition is a special one: 

- One Way or Another - 
One Dress, Two Ways

I've chosen a super cute navy and white striped dress as our starting point. I'd love to rock this dress just about anywhere! It could totally be dressed up or down. It's classic, chic, and a whole lot of fun.

In the first look, I created a glam retro socialite style. The dreamy coral peep-toe sky-high pumps pick up the colour in the dress' attached belt. The gold detailing on the stylish white clutch itches to be paired with some serious bling. Big gold bow ring for a little fun factor, and an armful of bangles completes the outfit. Don't forget a little coral lip gloss before you head out the door!


The second look is a preppy yacht club style. I want that two toned tote with rope handles in my possession! The navy peep-toe wedges keep the look a little casual, and the funky bangles and anchor earrings scream of fun in the sun. Glossy red lip gloss is the perfect finishing touch to this adorable outfit!

Which look would you like to tackle?

Happy Friday - have a fabulous weekend!

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Little Bits.

A little peek into my Thursday:

Pretty, pretty moon last week

Hello sleeping in (GLORIOUS!)
Hello puppy snuggles.
Hello fresh chocolate chip cookie.
Hello long shower.
Hello clean laundry.
Hello tidy house.
Hello thrift trip.
Hello change room.
Hello thrifted shorts and top.
Hello snail mail!
Hello beautiful stationary.
Hello Mr. Fox.
Hello texting.
Hello chats with Mom.
Hello post office.
Hello grocery shopping.
Hello Father's Day.
Hello project planning.
Hello blog party.
Hello Polka Dot Soup brainstorming.
Hello blog post.
Hello gardening.
Hello Daniel!
Hello pretty outfit.
Hello celebratory supper.
Hello brother's high school awards ceremony.
Hello proud sister :)
Hello crashing on the couch.
Hello Lord of the Rings...
Hello sleepyhead.

Happy Thursday!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Black Thumb


Do you remember how I mentioned new houseplants yesterday? Well, here they are! I'm so excited to have these adorable plants in my possession. It's my first attempt at anything other than failed herbs and teensy aloe and cactus plants. Here goes nothing!

The larger plant in the back is a Jade plant - sometimes they can grow as big as three feet! When my boss informed me of that, I hesitated a bit while I was picking it up off the shelf... but she assured me that it would take years and years for it to get to that size. Fine by me - I'll be happy if it lasts a couple of months with me! I plunked it in a beautiful white glazed ceramic pot with embossing that I bought at my old job forever ago. I've been saving it for the perfect houseplant, and I think that it found its mate.

The tiny little plant in the front is a succulent. It's kind of like a cactus, in that it grows relatively slowly and doesn't need a whole lot of water. It was already in the teensy clay pot, so I knew that it needed to come home with me. I love me some clay pots! Classic and classy.

I hope these little guys last in my house. They're adorable - and houseplants are great air purifiers. Pretty and functional!

Happy Tuesday!

Monday, June 6, 2011

Multitude Monday

It's time for Multitude Monday!

This week, I'm thankful for:


190 - beautiful apple blossoms that were waiting for me in a milk bottle
when I got home from work last night
191 - a group of ladies that meet every Monday evening to encourage
each other to live healthier lives
192 - being part of the team that's starting our first local farmer's market!
193 - rhubarb season!
194 - new indoor plants that I bought and brought home today... can't wait to share!
195 - teamwork! Daniel made supper tonight while I put away laundry...
196 - the fact that THIS IS MY 400TH POST! Eeeekers!
197 - a few summer tops that I bought last year - I can't wait to wear them this year!
198 - my friends Janelle and Sam (!) coming this month :)
199 - Proverbs 3:5-6

What are you thankful for this week?

Happy Monday!

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Etsy Lovin'


 I bought this necklace a little while back... and I've been lovin' it ever since. I don't think that I've gotten to share it on here with you yet, so I though that tonight would be the night. Don't be jealous of my pretty jewellry, though - there's lots of beautiful items in Iluxo's shop!

I wanted a nice, clean, simple necklace that screamed summer - something shorter, that would help me not to feel so bare in summer dresses. You know the feeling? The transition from cardigans and scarves to sundresses and t-shirts always leave me feeling a little naked. I could blame it on pale winter skin, I guess, but that doesn't really change much throughout the year :) I'm used to living the paste-y life. Anyway, this necklace looked perfect. I'm so glad that I purchased it - it's exactly what I wanted and needed. I can see this being a summer staple for sure. Yay for warmer weather!

Happy Thursday!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Beach Day!


I'm going to make this summer the summer of photos. No more lacking in the memory department. This is going to be a memorable summer, and I'm going to document it every step of the way. So there. HA!

We spent the evening at the beach on Friday. It was the dreamiest time of the night, the sun was just about set, and we walked the whole length of the beach. All. by. ourselves. By the time we left, a few people had arrived, but while we were there, we were alone. It was so peaceful there. We sat on a big piece of driftwood at the end of the beach and just chilled there for a while. So relaxing. I can't wait to spend my evenings at the beach this summer. Perfection.

Daniel and I took a few photos while we were there and I thought that I'd share them with you today. 







Happy Wednesday!
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...