Colours of Summer

re-purposing glass soda bottles into homes for pretty daisies

I've been going smoothie crazy this Summer! Throw in some blueberries, spinach, almond milk into a blender and you have a refreshing snack/meal/dessert.

Does this even need a caption? ;) Even the hottest of weather can't keep me from baking ooey gooey sprinkle covered brownies.

I scored that pink mug for about three dollars! I love it when Chapters has sales.

Aaaand our apple tree is starting to grow some beauties. Apple pie, anyone? ;)

Blueberry Galette

Last Summer I fell in love with galettes. Fresh berries, rich pastry; I couldn't resist. I ended up making two galettes using two different recipes. They were nice and turned out quite well, but both lacked that certain something that this recipe nails absolutely perfectly! I followed the instructions step by step, and even made the pastry the way she suggests, and the result was a crisp, flaky, rich crust beat by none. I also sprinkled a bit of lemon juice and extra sugar before they went in the oven for some added sweetness.

 Happy Baking!

Maxi

This dress is the result of a birthday shopping trip with my brother. After trying on ten different dresses, the very last one was the perfect fit. Isn't it always the case that the last one is the best one? :) Props to Wes for being the picture of patience... Haha! I added a thin belt to cinch the middle and a long stone necklace for a relaxed feel. I love maxi dresses because they're light and flowy, perfect for this hot hot weather! Want to know what I just changed out of? A sticky, drool covered VBS camp leader tee! I know you would just love to see an outfit post of that stylish get-up, but some outfits are just too classy to post. ;) 

Much love, Vivi

this morning

This morning as I chopped fruit for my breakfast smoothie, I remembered the raspberries that were overloading the few stalks we have in our yard. So, still in my Christmas pajamas (I wear them year-round... :) I walked across the dew-covered grass to pick a few of the sweet red gems. There were SO many more than I thought! After picking for only ten minutes and walking into multiple spider webs, I ended up filling an entire bowlful! The morning light was so beautiful and the berries looked so fresh that I ran back inside for my camera...

Much love, Vivi

DIY card making

I'm a believer in a simple, thoughtful gift, and a handmade greeting card is a creative way to let someone know you appreciate them. I love to give these cards to friends for birthdays, thank-yous, or just to say hello. These are a few that I designed and made the other day. I hope they will inspire you to get out your scissors and glue and get crafty. ;)

I used card stock from a local craft shop and stamp cutters to create elegant edges. The little bows on the right card I free handed with a pair of scissors, and I used a circle cutter for the circle on the left.

When it comes to making cards, there are no rules. As long as it comes from the heart, anything goes. :) Happy crafting!

 

 

 

Much love, Vivi

Hiking to China

Okay. So we didn't hike to China. But it felt like we did. 
Nature is so beautiful. 
Even when stinging nettle really likes you and you get lost for an hour.
No biggie. 

^A little picnic for two very hungry hikers^ In honor of my birthday Laurel bought me a donut and lit a candle in the middle! She's the sweetest. :) 


Much love, Vivi

that time I turned 18

Yesterday I turned 18! What a crazy thought; most of the time I feel five or seventy! Haha ;) It included going to my favourite coffee shop, delicious meat pies, two precious little cakes, and the people that mean everything to me, my family. It was a beautiful day with endless sunshine and cool breezes and feeling so special from the moment I woke up to the moment I closed my eyes to fall asleep and say goodbye to this beautiful, I'm-technically-an-adult-now birthday. Wait, an adult? 

Much love, Vivi

a little bit of lately

// I can't get enough of these roses. they smell amazing, and the prettiest little birds are coming to our deck more and more because of them!

// bike riding with a friend to get some frozen yogurt. Typical me, exercise followed by a treat... ;)

// getting deep into this book. One of my absolute favorite books ever.

// eating lots and lots of interesting salads. this one consists of endive, cucumber, mango, baby tomatoes, spinach and peanuts. An adventure for the taste buds. ;)

 I hope your Summer has been full of sunshine, time with loved ones and delicious food! 

Happy Monday!

Much love, Vivi

five for today

//an incredibly heart-felt present from my friend  Shelby, a book full of our seasonal photo shoots.

// getting used to this short hair // some pretty flowers in an old coffee syrup jar

// earl grey vanilla starting the day off right

// wild flowers in full bloom (they will never be weeds to me)

early summer days

The past few days have brought Summer to us in all its glory, with sizzling temperatures calling for iced tea and coffees, and rosebuds bursting into beautiful flowers. I've spent much of my time in front of a fan, reading outside on a blanket, or going for (short & sun-screen slathered) walks. I've been learning to rest. For me, the business of the school year calls for a slower paced Summer, filled with rest and renewal in the sun. Also, blueberry season is coming! I couldn't be more excited. When blueberry season arrives, oh, we attack it by force. Our entire freezer gets filled with enough berries for smoothies, pies, and frozen snacks until blueberry season rolls around the next year. 
And how could I forget... Today is Canada Day! Happy Birthday Canada!! You are one beautiful country. 

Much love, Vivi