one of my most treasured possessions

My mom's mother, my grandma, was such a wonderful lady - and definitely a big part of where I get my creativity and love of crafting from. She painted this vase, and I'm not sure how I lucked out with it in my possession but it is one of my favorite belongings. With spring and summer flowers in bloom, I've happily had it on display non-stop as of late.

Do you have any heirlooms or cherished belongings that have been passed down to you? I love having pieces that have such special meaning and a story to share too!

foodie photos

{ benefits of living across the street from a fresh market }

{ dinner @ richmond station to celebrate successful work weeks }

{ bridal shower dessert preparations }

{ store bought scones made infinitely better with homemade blueberry jam }

music monday

Mondays are always a little tough, getting rid of the weekend lazies. The threat of rain this morning left me riding the TTC but it was an opportunity to reflect on the weekend and my 'to-do' list for the week ahead, all while listening to some tunes. Here are a few songs to kick off your week...

Big Blue Wave by Key Ocean

Love Runs Out by One Republic

Sing by Ed Sheeran

Yin Yang by USS

tgif

This week has been absolutely exhausting at work and this t-shirt sums it all up perfectly. I actually LOL'd when I read it.

What fun do you have planned this weekend? D and I have a date night planned tonight! We planned it on Monday and it was an easy trick to help make it through a tough week knowing a romantic date awaited us on Friday, simple but fun right!? I'm hoping we might maybe end up here but will honestly be happy to unwind over a glass of wine together pretty much anywhere.
...Oh and I can't wait to sleep in til noon on Sunday!!!

Whatever you have planned, enjoy your weekend. xx

summer whites

I always feel that summer has officially arrived when my wardrobe pieces switch from basic blacks to breezy, fresh whites. I think I get it from my momma, but I just love wearing white. I was in awe of all the beautiful pieces from Emerson Frys Warm Spring 14 line. I love how the pieces seem easy to throw on and hang off the body so effortlessly. I'd love to add any of these lovely crisp white pieces to my wardrobe for the summer heat ahead.

Shop the collection here. xx

strawberry rhubarb muffins

D and I have been frequenting our local farmers market every Monday night and last week we picked up fresh rhubarb. While strawberry rhubarb crisp is one of my favorites but I wanted to try making something a little different. I googled this oatmeal muffin recipe and simply added in cut up strawberries and rhubarb that had been cooked with some sugar and lemon juice. 

Warm out of the oven, with some melted butter, I think these might have topped my list of homemade muffins!

music monday

I always love finding new music, here are a couple of the tunes that have been playing on my ipod these days...

Play It Again by Luke Bryan

Diamond Eyes by Boyz II Men

Tokyo Summer by Mounties

Snaggletooth by Vance Joy

Hoping you all had a good Monday. I've been seriously busy at work lately. I'm hoping things will settle down soon and allow me to get back at blogging regularly and just generally getting to be more creative! May your week be filled with happiness. xx

just because

These gorgeous Zara mules are finally mine. And I can now check these off my wishlist.

Bonus: They're sooo comfortable

{ Leather High Heel Mules }

strawberry salad

I remember first trying this salad when I first started dating D. Although we don't eat it often it is so sweet and salty and nutty - just plain delicious. When we remembered about it about a week ago, we emailed D's momma asking for the recipe. I picked up the ingredients and whipped up a huge bowl for Sunday nights dinner. Needless to say we couldn't get it in us quick enough, we hoover the biggest bowls of strawberry salad, and I think D even licked his bowl in between filling up for seconds.  

With strawberries in season this is a perfect dish to serve to friends or enjoy for a dinner outside in the summer heat.

How to Make: Strawberry Salad

2 cups strawberries sliced

romaine lettuce chopped

2 tbsp sesame seeds

1 tbsp poppy seeds

1/2 cup sugar

1 1/2 tsp minced dry onion

1/4 cup worcestershire sauce

1/4 tsp paprika

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Whisk, combine with strawberries and lettuce. Enjoy!

(dressing makes large amount, enough for left overs :)

bridal shower

I'm in my first bridal party this summer! Remembering growing up as little girls it seems surreal to realize that one of my oldest friends is getting married. We spent yesterday afternoon celebrating the beautiful bride and showering her with love. We have quite a few weddings this summer and after yesterdays shower I think I'm most looking forward to having the opportunity to spend time with great friends and family.... Up next - the bachelorette!