Etsy LOVE!

I haven't done an Etsy LOVE post in a while due to some health issues which have kept me rather occupied. In June I shall be taking some much required time off and closing the shop for a couple of weeks. Before then, I'd like to showcase some of my favorite recent finds on Etsy. Enjoy!

Sunday Afternoon in the Garden

On Sunday afternoon, Jake and his friend were playing badminton in the back yard. We were pretending it was the French Open of Badminton (not that it really exists!) and I was the paparazzi with my camera. After taking tons of photos and nearly getting my lens hit with a badminton racket, I moved on to photographing plants (my favorite).

Whilst poking around the garden, I happened upon a robin's nest high up on the drainpipe of the house under the eaves. A perfect spot that is sheltered and that the squirrels and raccoons can't reach. It looks like the initial nest fell sideways and then they built another on top.

Hope to see some little baby birds sometime soon.

Quinoa The Everyday Superfood

I know I haven't been blogging much lately. I've had a lot on my plate. Those of you who know me well, know that I have been struggling with chronic back pain for several years.  A few weeks ago I started a non invasive low level laser therapy to help ease the pain and nerve issues. I have to go three times a week which takes quite a chunk out of my day. So far, I've had 10 sessions and not a huge improvement but I will persevere for a little while longer. Just to complicate things, I hurt my knee recently. It swelled up like a football and has really put an end to my daily walking!  So as you can see, my reasons for not blogging are quite legit - I just haven't had time!

Today though, I wanted to tell you about a cookbook that I have been using. My mom bought it for me as I'm gluten intolerant and so do not eat wheat. Quinoa is actually a protein and so incredibly good for you. I've made dozens of recipes out of this book and I wanted to let others know about it. It's by far the best collection of gluten free recipes I've come across. Not all the recipes are gluten free but a large majority are. Even if you eat wheat, quinoa is still a really healthy, tasty alternative.

Yesterday I popped in ay my parents' house and had a delicious slice of moist chocolate cake made from this book. It was yummy and I'm in the process of making it for my family right now!

The name of the book is Quinoa 365 and definitely worth ever penny.

I'll let you know what the family think of the chocolate cake.

A Spring Walk Along The Bronte Waterfront

  

 On Tuesday, a couple of friends and I went for a stroll along the Bronte waterfront in Oakville. Armed with cameras, we took tons of shots along the way. The previous day was Victoria Day in Canada so the beach was littered with the remains of lots of fireworks and beach fires. Along the way, we saw swans and baby Canada geese.  In one of the shots, you can see the Toronto skyline - no smog that day. It was a lovely morning out, not too cool and not too hot. Perfect!

 

 

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There's lots of new additions to the shop, so drop by and take a look.

Tulips From My Garden

The rain was weighing down all the flowers so I decided to pick a few and brighten up the kitchen. Within an house they had opened up to reveal gorgeous centers. Enjoy!

 

Magnolias In Bloom

After a few weeks of dull, wet weather, the sun has finally decided to make an entrance. Every Spring I look forward to the glorious magnolia in our front yard flowering. I must say I was worried that this year we'd be watching in from inside the house while the rain came down.

But it's in bloom this week and as beautiful as ever!

It's my favorite plant in the garden, followed by my peony.

What's your cherished plant in your garden?

Happy Mother's Day!

To all the Mom's out there....have a fantastic Mother's Day!

 

 

From left to right... my grandmother, younger sister, me, Mom and older sister..... this was taken a long time ago!

Etsy LOVE!

The bulbs are starting to flower in my garden this week and finally the sun is out. I've been poking around in the beds checking to see what's coming up. I have shades of purple and yellow in the front garden.

Today I'm featuring my Etsy faves from the last week..all in shades of glorious green!