music monday

I don't know if you've heard but the city closed a both an eastbound and westbound lane of the Gardiner Expressway. As a main artery in and out of the city, it no doubt will mean other routes will fill up - so while drivers will be most affected, I am quite positive I will notice a lengthier streetcar trip. That being said and there being absolutely nothing I can do about it, I'm just going to have to add some songs to my daily playlist! Here's some of what I've been listening to lately:

Riptide by Vance Joy

Magic by Coldplay

9 Crimes by Damien Rice

And in honor of this upcoming concert... Drunk In Love by Beyonce feat. Jay-Z

(My sole goal this week is to manage to get tickets! Wish me luck!)

happy weekend

After a tough, long week at work, I opened 5p.m. with arms wide open. D and I plan to unwind with a couple cold beers, a baked pasta dish (recipe on the blog next week) and the Raptors game... Are you a sports fan? I'm not a die hard basketball fan but it's so fun getting into it and supporting the team with the rest of Toronto!

We have a friends birthday dinner tomorrow night and are going to try to seed our lawn tomorrow. Our backyard was mostly dirt last year so we're on a mission to grow a green grassy yard for this summer! (wish us luck...)

Whatever plans you have, enjoy yourself! TGIF xx

foodie friday: the workshop

The Toronto food scene is always growing and lucky for us Roncesvalles, our neighborhood, has some great restaurant options. When we got home from work last night we were both pooped, and decided to try the new kid on the block and walked across the street to The Workshop by Latitude. Turns out it's a restaurant focused around CHEESE! Jackpot! We enjoyed a delicious cheese plate with a trio of Quebec cheeses. The rest of the food menu has a variety of smaller sharable dishes. We tried the lamb burger and frisee salad - which both had great depth and fresh flavors. The wine and beer list was put together with the plan that all options pair nicely with the cheeses and small food menu, which takes the pressure out of choosing.
If you're looking for a tasty new restaurant to try this weekend, I would definitely suggest coming on over to Roncy and visit The Workshop by Latitude.

chick flick

{ via }

I'm not saying it's an Oscar contender, but a good chick flick just fills a certain desire. The Other Woman comes out tomorrow night and I am most definitely hoping for a girls date night.

Watch the trailer here.

two years ago today

It's hard to believe, but two years ago today D and I hopped on a plane and flew to Europe. We spent the next seven weeks travelling to 13 different countries, having the absolute best time. That trip will forever remain a highlight of our relationship for me and it truly strengthened my love for him and traveling as a life passion. We made a hardcover picture book that sits on our coffee table and I always love looking through and reminiscing. If you care to take a browse, here are some photos from our trip (it was really difficult to pick out of the album of 1300).

"the world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page" - st.  augustine 

hump day

{ via }

Happy hump day. I woke up this morning feeling like I needed to go straight back to bed. One of those sleepy, groggy mornings. My coffee is in front of me and I'm trying to get it into me as quickly as I can. I've been looking at some new blogs and keeping up with some old favorites - thought I would share some fun links from around the web.

I painted my nails with this polish and am still on the fence as to whether I'm a fan. 

I've been listening to this remix of radio hits over and over lately. 

The anatomy of a pillow combo is already bookmarked to my favorites for later reference.

10 salads in 20 minutes - summer weeknight savior!

I laughed when I saw this - I totally wore an outfit exactly the same this weekend.

I'm eating here tonight with girlfriends and always have the hardest time picking which pie to choose!

This would be perfect to serve for a brunch with friends when it's warm enough to eat on the patio. 

This urban greenhouse is the coolest! It'd be great to grow fresh veg and fruit.

What April trends are you into? I'd love a pair of breezy linen pants for hot summer nights. 

This rug would be an awesome jumping off point for a bedroom or living space - I love the combo of the black with the pink and blue.

Let's all try this cheap and healthy lunch menu next week!

Have yourself a great Wednesday! xx

spring wishlist

I went shopping on Bloor Street a few weekends ago with a girlfriend and we spent a solid hour in the Club Monaco store browsing around. The store is a heritage building and had so much architectural appeal - let alone being filled with such beautiful clothing. I'm really loving the blue hues this spring, and am desperately in search of a pair of mules and well, I'm a sucker for any grey sweater. We have quite a few wedding events this summer so I might just have a reason to return sometime soon :)

{Joyce Scallop Dress }

{ Lauren Fringe Wrap }

{ Kiena Silk Jumper }

{ Peep-Toe Mule }

home crush

{ via design sponge }

Thoughts of weekends at the lake and lounging on the dock are beginning to swirl in my mind. This peek inside this beautiful, rustic California cottage only has my day dreams running more rampant.  

hoppy easter

Amongst tedious work weeks, long weekends always seem to arrive just at the right time. The extra day is something to look forward to and feels like a mini vacation. Waking up Saturday morning, it feeling like Sunday and then realizing you get another morning to sleep in! Such sweet victory!

We started the weekend off with a sushi date Thursday night and caught up with friends last night.  Hoping to do spend tomorrow relaxing and maybe even catch a glimpse of the easter bunny.

Happy Easter, hope you enjoy your long weekend! xx

{ These photos are from a tulip garden we visited in Amsterdam }

spring salad

We're always looking for creative dinners with loads of flavors that help keep week nights from feeling boring. I had a craving for shrimp earlier this week and decided on the rest of these salad ingredients on the spot when I walked into the local fruit and veg market on my way home from work. The creamy avocado, juicy mango, sharp red onion and warm shrimp combined for a interesting and tasty week night dinner. 

Do you have any favorite, easy weeknight night recipes? I'd love to hear some ideas!