bluegrass brunch

This past Saturday we went to Bluegrass Brunch at the Dakota Tavern for a friends birthday. I had never been to the Dakota (not really sure how, given Ossington is my favorite bar strip) but was excited to check it out. It was moody and dark and the band was illuminated by the prettiest glow. The bar has a great western theme with whiskey barrel bar seats and wooden accents everywhere. The brunch menu was simple and served family style - we feasted on scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage and roasted potatoes and even got seconds! I had a Ceasar with loads of horseradish in it and the Bluegrass Punch was delicious. They accommodated a big group with ease and take reservations - it was a great way to start the weekend. Returning for cocktails to enjoy an evening show is now a top priority.

hello weekend

{ bluebird day in the country } 

TGIF. Do you have anything fun planned for the weekend? D and I are going to Bluegrass Brunch at the Dakota Tavern tomorrow for a friend's birthday. Then on Sunday, I have bridesmaid duties at a bridal shower. I'm looking forward to sipping bubbly and celebrating the beautiful bride.

What ever you have planned, enjoy yourself. xx

PS. Take a moment to read this article. I love how bold and daring this CEO is, truly grabbing life by the horns! You go girl.

{ Mr. Tetsu's Cheesecake }

{ the exit sign at Home of the Brave }

aloha

D's parents are in Hawaii for three weeks and have been sending us the greatest photos of private beaches and skyping us from their sunny balcony at happy hour. I woke up to this photo in my inbox this morning and couldn't wipe the smile off my face. The loveliest way to start a Friday.

me before you

via

I went to the movies this week with a girlfriend, and we got there early in time to see the previews. I wasn't aware they had made the book into a movie but was excited when I realized the plot of the trailer was from the book Me Before You by Jojo Meyers.
When reading the book, I don't remember enjoying the characters as well as they have been cast and portrayed in the film. It actually seems like it might be a rare case where the movie is even better then the book.
My friend and I both had tears streaming down my face by the end of the 3 minute trailer and I can't wait to see it when it comes out. Watch the trailer here.

a local

Something funny happened this weekend that left me with such a satisfied confirmation that I am now officially a  Roncy 'local'.

Saturday morning D and I had massages booked. Our masseuse works out of her home, so I drive over first, then return home for D to make his appointment. I had arrived home, kissed him goodbye and decided to go for a walk to grab a coffee at our favorite shop Extra Butter. It's one of my favorite weekend rituals, walking down, usually hand-in-hand with D to get a coffee and croissant.

Cassie, the owner, greeted me in her normal friendly way and I ordered a cappuccino, berry croissant and a pound of the house medium blend for weekday morning coffees. I waited patiently as my cappuccino was prepared and my coffee ground. As the barista passed my coffee across the counter, I picked it up, croissant in my other hand, and headed home to relax and shower.

I had a passing thought as I went to hop in the shower about how I didn't remember carrying the coffee home but didn't think much more of it. Low and behold, Cassie emailed me later that night, asking if it was at possible I left my coffee on the counter. Of course, it was mine! I apologized explaining that my brain is fueled solely by caffeine.

The fact that she took note of our interaction, enough to remember that the pound of ground coffee left behind was mine, was such a great feeling. (We've used Extra Butter for some catering needs in the past year, which explains the coffee shop having my email address.) When we moved into Roncesvalles we knew nothing of the neighborhood. We've enjoyed settling in and it really is a wonderful area to call home. We have our favorite coffee shop, boutique where we pick up gifts and our favorite bar to unwind with a pint. It truly feels like we're officially Roncy locals.

happy weekend

{ purple wildflowers keeping our bedroom fresh }

I've kicked the weekend off early with a day of skiing in Collingwood - doesn't get much better! Thankfully I have a massage booked for Saturday morning to help ease the pain of a day in ski boots. I have zero other plans and can't wait to sleep in and take it easy. Whatever you have planned, I hope you enjoy your weekend. xx

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Here are a few links from around the web...

A pale pink bag that would be lovely for everyday wear

Tips for ordering wine at a restaurant

I'm dying to catch up on this show

A beautiful DIY project I'd love to try

White leather sneakers perfect for spring and summer

Adorable cacti that I wouldn't be able to kill ;)

Spring fashion trends from a bonafide New Yorker

My abs hurt just watching these GIFs

A peek inside Oprah's 'office' closet 

{ my little sister celebrated her 26th this week! }

{ pappardelle with chicken bolognese }

just because

You can never go wrong with a classic black shoe, 

especially when it ties up your leg...

{ high heel leather lace-up sandals }

{ studded roman sandals }

{ lace-up pointed high heel }

colorful accessories

{ metallic detail leather cross body bag }

Not surprisingly, Zara's spring accessory game is on point. These purses would all make beautiful colourful jewels to pair with neutral whites and greys. I really love the small discrete size too, just enough for the essentials. 

{ mini city bag }

{ pineapple minaudière }

{ contrast material city bag }

happy monday

{ cross country skiing (even with the lack of snow) }

We spent this past weekend at a family friends cottage on Lake Eugenia in the Grey Highlands (close-ish to Collingwood). It was a great group of close friends and we played games, spent time outside and enjoyed wonderful meals. There was also an adorable baby girl and the two cutest dogs who knew the best tricks, which just sweetened the pot. The cottage had an amazing steam room, sauna and hot tub which totally helped with unwinding and relaxing. Here are a few photos if you care to take a look...

{ baby Lauren :) }

{ a simple and impressive dessert }

{ Skeena & Kona - doing the 'best friend' trick }

wishlist

{ meyer ring by alexa leigh $800 }

I've loved this ring ever since spotting it on Instagram. It's classic and modern and I would love wearing it every single day. With the hefty price tag, it's a piece I will continue to lust over, but hey a girl can dream, right?