Wednesday, August 31, 2016

What's up Wednesday, August 2016.

It's the last week at home before school starts here in Canada and here's what's up on this Wednesday!


What we're eating this week?
Weekend leftovers, soups, sandwiches--- lots of easy and just a few summer snacks. Come September, there will be some serious clean eating in this house but this week , we're enjoying a few summer treats. This week, homemade vanilla ice-cream!

What I'm reminiscing about
A wonderful summer past.... how did the time fly so?!


What I'm loving
LOTS! 
The last few lazy summer days with pool time, TV watching, play dates and summer evening impromptu get togethers
 All the Napa pictures I'm sifting through to post. 
That my kids are swimming much better since summer's start. Our 17 yo swimming instructor rocks!!


What we've been up to…
After Napa and NYC, we're enjoying a few home days before the routine starts again. Playdates, pool days, TV wind down time time outside and lots of fun!!! We also camped out with our friends in the backyard this past weekend.... I used the word 'camp' very loosely as we had both dinner and breakfast back at the house. We basically, built a fire, snacked and slept outdoors. 




This week, D has started waking the girls up earlier so that they can slowly adjust to school timing--- he might have to start waking me up too ;-)

 
What I'm dreading…
Even though I think it's about time to start back that routine, I'm going to miss my babies and with routine means balanced school lunches (now I pack three)  and back to school activities. And this island girl loves the warm weather so I'm not looking forward to cooler temps too much!

What I'm working on
Getting the girls organised for school while squeezing out droplets of fun out of the last days of summer.

 

What I'm excited about…
Not a whole lot to be honest... Don't get me wrong, life is wonderful but nothing too exciting coming up!


What I'm watching/reading…
I've read tons this summer and need to get a book recap done soon. I'm currently rereading What Remains by Carole Radziwill for my new neighbourhood book-club. And I'm very guiltily watching BIP... oh and  Friday Night Lights when I'm cleaning.


What I'm listening to..
Cheap Thrills  or as my four year old calls it -- fontena (fun tonight).

What I'm wearing…
Swing dresses have been my go-to this summer... oh and workout clothes. Even though I'm not going to the gym while the girls are home, I'm forcing myself to put on my exercise gear first thing in the am to force myself to do a quick workout.


What I'm doing this weekend…
D has the day off on Friday so we're heading off to the Sandbanks (a beautiful Ontario beach) to overnight at a cottage his cousin rented.  We come back on Saturday and may grab dinner in the city. Sunday, we have family/friends over for a pool day and Monday we have our back to school dinner!

What I'm looking forward to next month..
Starting back a more intense workout schedule. I need to get stronger again!!
A few more pool days before the temperatures cool down
With the girls back in school, many of the rooms in this house need a total overhaul. Week by week, project by project all the while Friday Night Lights playing in the background :-) 


What else is new?
I did my final appointment at the fracture clinic this week and guess what? I seems like I'm healed. He's very pleased with how things are looking and I don't have to go back! Yay, me and my bones!!!


What are your favourite fall transitional pieces?
I love summer dresses that I can just throw a blazer or a cardigan over! And a cloth scarf is always good to warm up my neck even with sleeveless tops or short sleeve outfits. 


(PS. some of the amazing photos are from my friend Andrea, a new photographer. If you're in the GTA, she's your girl) 


 Linking up with the lovely Mel, Shay and Shaeffer

Friday, August 26, 2016

Friday Favourites- 20 hours in San Francisco


I'm back!! Well at least for a recap of Part 1 of our trip. My kids have one last week at home next week so we're soaking up the summer sweetness for just a few more days and blogging will take a backseat most likely!

We started off our anniversary trip  with less than 24 hours in San Francisco. Since we flew into that airport, at the very last minute we switched up some stuff to spend a little time there before heading to Wine Country. It did not disappoint!

After a 5.5 hour flight during which I slept like a baby (with no babies), we arrived. We stayed at Hotel Zeppelin, a beautiful boutique hotel and they upgraded us to a penthouse suite as treat-- people here love anniversaries! The art deco look, funky artwork and sleek furniture were right up our alley.

It was after five o'clock ( or eight o'clock est) so we were starving and we headed out to get some grub. We landed at E & O Kitchen and did a few tastings and split a salad. It was an eclectic little chinese fusion place with some really different offerings-- like some absolutely delicious squash dumplings in a curry sauce, tuna tartare,  and this asian shrimp salad that I'm still thinking about.

We spent the rest of the evening ambling around Chinatown (the largest Chinatown outside Asia, btw) and Union Square where this random lady hit me across the middle with her duffel bag saying it was all my fault-- so weird!  After a quick drink at the hotel bar, we called it a night.


 The next morning, we got up bright eyed and bushy tailed, spoke to our girls and headed out to check out the city. It was a brisk walk as it was a little chilly.So much to see and such a weird and wonderful mixture of old world, modern and mediterranean architecture.


 
Lombard Street was a must see stop-- a famously crooked and fancy street with a 5 mph speeding limit. We did the pedestrian walkway on the side. The picture doesn't do it justice, it was so beautiful!!!!

We had a late breakfast at this tiny brazilian cafe for some savory pastry and caffeine. It was almost lunch time so we added a cassava cake to the mix as a special treat. #vacayeats


 Fishermans' Wharf was our next stop-- so beautiful, even on a foggy day. I really wish we had more time to spend there!  You can see the Golden Gate Bridge if you really look in the distance!
And of course, Ghiradelli Square.

On the Bay Bridge heading out.

Next stop, Napa!

Happy Friday, friends!

 
Linking up with 
AndreaErika and Narci for Favourites on Friday
  and Amanda for Friday Favourites


Friday, August 19, 2016

Happy # 10, my love!




Happy 10th anniversary to my most special boy! The one who stole my heart, is my pure, true love and became my family. Here's hoping for many, many, many more, sweets!






All my love!! 


Friday, August 12, 2016

Friday Favourites: Blogger Buying Blame- Part 2

It's been awhile since one of these have been done. Here are just a few of my favourite random purchases I've made after reading the rave reviews from my blogging friends.


I used to have oily skin and then my thirties brought dry skin and occasional breakouts... awesome. I totally love this overnight mask that Biana wrote about one day. It really does the job of moisturizing without being oily and I love that brand with its lack of addictives.  Especially great in the winter time with dry skin but I'm even using it off and on in the summer.


I tried this one after Shay posted about it. My nail polish always chips after a couple days and a gel manicure totally damages my nails as I pick on them too much. This top coat leaves a shiny finish that doesn't chip too much.


I haven't tried this one yet and I'm not a fan of in wash boosters but one thing I totally miss is the smell of Dreft now that my kids are older. Not sold in Canada, but you can bet I'm getting some of these that Andrea  wrote about when I get to do some cross border shopping.

Target beach bag


I fell in love with this as soon as Amanda posted about it so I snapped tjhis picture on my phone and sent it to my mom who rushed to Target to get it for me (it was after all an emergency). This hold SO much (like 4 sets of swimsuits, 4 beach towels, beach stuff and puddlejumpers)and I love the tassel.


This one had me totally intrigued  after Cassie spoke about it and based on the thousands of rave reviews, I'm not the only one. Your skin virtually peels off in layers  (and layers) and  you're left with soft smooth skin. Only thing, wait for the winter time to do it and not in the beginning of summer like I did.... oh and don't google images of baby foot peel unless you want to lose your lunch.


Both Shay and Cassie wrote about these and they are one of my very, very faves! So light and versatile. Can be dressed up at night with a chunky necklace and used in the daytime too. This one never goes on sale unfortunately! It's also so forgiving even if you go on a Disney cruise and ate cake like it's your job.... not that I know anything about that.


These Gorjana hoops were purchased in the #nsale of 2015 after Sheaffer's recommendation and they are awesome! I think everyone needs a good basic pair of gold hoops and these are SO light. 


You can check out Part 1 here.
What about you? Any blogger buying blame to assign?

Have a wonderful weekend lovelies. I won't be here next week as I'll be off on a little ten year anniversary celebration with my very, very favourite boy!

 
Linking up with 
AndreaErika and Narci for Favourites on Friday
Amy for Hey Friday
  and Amanda for Friday Favourites


Thursday, August 11, 2016

10 on 10

Ten random pictures on the tenth day of the month....

All packed up and ready to go to their last summer camp (C had 3 and A had 2). This week it's gymnastics.



I'm slowly making my way back to the gym after I broke my collarbone and when it's spin day, I take my cycling shoes too--- once you get cycling shoes, wearing regular runners for spin class feels like you're running barefoot.


Headed out to do a couple errands and stopped into the LCBO. My neighbour and I are splitting a case of one of our favourite wines as it's $3 per bottle. #winosunite


My old manager and I met up for a lovely lunch. We see each other about once a year and it's always a good time and great conversation. My arm is in the back of me but in the shadows so I look twice my size-- eeekk!!

Ontario corn is in full swing so I picked up a few for dinner tomorrow. #cornonthecobkiddies

A skips naps when she goes to camp so she is NOT happy and often very cranky. This was after asking for milk, apples and cookies and being told no, it's too close to dinner.


Daddy's welcome when he comes home is always epic!

Summer's ending so we are squeezing as much pool time as possible. Today was a scorcher.



And then some popcorn, apples and apple cider for my peeps while watching the Olympics. Just because.....



 
Linking up with Annie and Amanda.




Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Caprese Pasta Salad

Don't you just love those make ahead, light, easy summer meals? This one filled with the fresh tangy flavours of summer and bursting with balsamic goodness was a huge hit at our last get together.

Caprese Orzo Pasta-- my version adapted from multiple recipes online

Ingredients:


1 lb or 450 g of orzo pasta (cooked in salted water)
1 pint of cherry or grape tomatoes
1/2 pound of mini bocconcini balls or good quality mozzarella cut into 1" cubes
20 basil leaves
1/2 cup of olive oil
1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
2 cloves of garlic grated
2 teaspoons of dijon mustard
2 teaspoons of honey
salt and pepper to taste
fresh parmesan shavings (optional)
 
 

Method:

1- Set the pasta to cook according to package instructions. Remove stems and cut tomatoes in half. I also cut my bocconcini in halves but I won't do that next time. 


2- Mix the oil, vinegar, mustard, grated garlic, honey, salt and pepper together until dissolved.

3- When the pasta is cool, add the dressing and then the tomatoes, cheese and basil together. 


4- Put in the fridge for at least two hours or overnight. Top with parmesan cheese if you wish before serving.

We served ours with some summer corn, grilled sausages and a garden salad but it's great on its own as a light lunch as well. This also serves lots of people so it is a great dish to make  to bring to a potluck. Any way you have it, it's delicious!

Have a wonderful day!


Linking up with  
Beth and some other lovelies for Tuesday Talk
 Kristen for Handmade TuesdaySusan for Love From the Kitchen

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