A Different Kind of Gardening

A couple of weekends ago, we took the boys into Toronto's Kensington Market on a Saturday morning. It's a fun place to shop, have breakfast and people watch. The boys always find something interesting to look at and it's such a change from the sterility of the suburbs.

This particular Saturday we were intrigued by the vehicular reclamation project. I couldn't walk past without whipping my camera out. Decorating that car and planting the scrubs looks like it must have been incredible fun. Despite the fact that Ian's car is pretty old, I'll have to suppress the urge to cover it with graffiti - he still has to get to work.

My Sweet Peas

Several years ago I planted sweet peas in my near my vegetable garden. I assumed they were annuals. However, every year since then, they have come back and thrived. In fact, I have to cut them back or they would completely take over. Sweet peas have always been a favorite. My Granny always had them in her garden and they are a reminder of my childhood holidays spent at her house.

Here are some photos of this year's flowers..

A Successful Homemade Pasta Meal

If you read my previous post, you'll know I was trying my best to make some homemade pasta. Nothing too fancy, just fettuccine.

It worked out really well. I ended up making a pesto sauce for it and it tasted so good.

I wish I had the time to make pasta more often but it took me quite a while so I'm afraid my family will have to settle for homemade pasta only once in a while.

Trying My Hand At Pasta Making

After visiting Italy recently and tasting the delicious fresh pasta, my children have been after me to make some. I bought a pasta maker about 20 years ago and the last time I used it was about 20 years ago!

I couldn't find my original recipe so I found one in one of my Jamie Oliver cookbooks. After some trial and tribulation, we managed to make some semi-presentable fettuccine. It's busy drying right now but we're planning on cooking it for dinner tonight.

Keeping my fingers crossed that it's edible otherwise it's grilled cheese for dinner for everyone :)

Etsy LOVE! Pool Party

In this hot and humid weather, what better way to spend the day than enjoying the fun of a pool party. I've found so many delightful products in various Etsy shops that are perfect for summertime pool parties. Enjoy!

Mid Summer Clearance Sale at Jacaranda Designs

Looking for that perfect piece of jewelry to complement a summer outfit? Are you super organized and already scouting around for interesting holiday gifts? Whatever the reason, it's a great time to shop at Jacaranda Designs.

I have having a mid summer clearance sale and everything is 25% off. The prices in the shop have already been adjusted so no need to worry about coupons codes.

Many items are end of line so if there's a piece you have your eye on, don't delay.

My Current Vice, Cappuccino

I have this love hate relationship with coffee. I love a cappuccino or cafe latte mid morning. The downside is that when I don't have my daily fix, I get a roaring headache.

My coffee addition had been tamed just before we went to Italy and then I discovered some of the best coffees I've ever had. Sunday morning, the day after our return to Canada was a rude awakening with no cappuccino to satisfy my craving. I grabbed a pair of shorts and t-shirt and drove to our nearest Italian bakery and bought a cappuccino.

All week I've been trying to wean myself off but now I'm just facing the fact that I really enjoy coffee and I'm giving in. The problem is I don't have an expresso machine at home and doubt if I'll be getting one anytime soon?

What's your vice?

Back from Our Italian Vacation

We just returned from a two week vacation to Italy. Neither Ian or myself had ever been to Italy before so this was a real treat. We stayed for two weeks. We spent the first 5 days in Rome. Then we rented a car and drove to Tuscany where we spent 5 more days. After that we drove to an area just north of Venice, close to the Dolomites for 4 nights and then flew home out of Venice.

The boys loved their Italian experience also. They're both history lovers so there was much to interest them, especially in Rome.

The food was so tasty, the vino perfect and the weather beautifully hot. I think we had rain once, during the night.

We saw so much during our travels and took tons of photos. I've downloaded them but it's going to take me a while to sort through them! You'll be seeing a lot of them over the next few weeks.

Also, Jacaranda Designs is open once again. I closed the shop while I was away and it was lovely not feeling that commitment to staying connected.

Hope you're having a lovely summer!