Happy

Just thought I would share some pieces of happy with you!



A hot cup of tea to help with homework

Fresh strawberries from the farmer's market

Homemade coconut macaroons

Blissful Browny taking a nap on the carpet

Lunch out with a friend

Little potted flowers

Blooming flowers on the side of the road

Fun nails inspired by Keiko Lynn

A fancy latte




Much love, Vivi

Vegetable Crush

Vegetables. Does anyone else think the same way I do about these? I love them. Really, I don't think I could get enough of them. Don't get me wrong, I'm no angel when it comes to healthy eating, and I cringe to admit how much chocolate I can consume in a few short minutes. But, hey, all the vegetables balance it out, right? Right?

Every time I eat some vegetables, I almost feel like I'm eating a piece of art, they are so colourful! Some people fear them, some embrace them. I, my friends, am a proud supporter of these brightly coloured beauties. Vegetables have always been my go to meal, although chocolate comes in at a close second! Whether its a plate of raw veggies with hummus, or a side salad with various toppings, any which way I'll gobble them down with joy. 

How about you? Do you have a vegetable crush? :) 

March Photo a Day Challenge

A new month has come, and I couldn't help but start the March photo a day challenge! I'm already three days in! You can check out my daily photos {here}, or click the link in the right sidebar. I encourage you to join in! and if you are, make sure to leave your link, I would love to see your photos! For some strange reason I can't wait for day 29... Is that odd? 

Much love, Vivi

Seven x Seven Blog Award

Hi friends! It was such a sweet surprise to see that Michelle from On The Adventure had awarded me with the SevenxSeven blog award! Thank you Michelle! Make sure you jump over to her blog, it's a beautiful space that will inspire you!  

 What is the SevenxSeven award, you say? It's an award to spread the love of fantastic blogs that inspire you and bring you joy! Pretty darn awesome idea, I'd say. :)

The Rules:

Link back to the blogger who nominated you- thank you  Michelle!

Share 7 facts about yourself

Share 7 blog posts that fit into 7 categories

Nominate 7 award-worthy blogs/bloggers, and leave a message letting them know!

 

Let's get started....

 

My all time favourite drink is a pumpkin spice latte. Just one of the reasons autumn is my favorite season... :)

 

 

 

 

I can't live without art. I drew this piece about five years ago and it sparked the flame of my love for color and design. No wonder I can't get off Pinterest.. :)

Salads are my go-to meal. It may be because I was a vegetarian for a few years, but mostly because they are so versatile! Salads can be made of so many diverse ingredients, and the possibilities are endless. The one above is one of my favorites: spinach with tomato, apple, cucumber, and chick peas. Mmm. Salad heaven.

I journal my thoughts everyday. Writing has always been a passion of mine, and has always been how I unwind and relax after a long day. Over the years I've gone through at least ten journals cover to cover. They are so much fun to find years later, and believe me, so entertaining! I think my Grade 4 journal could be turned into a movie it's so ridiculous.

I adore fresh flowers! Yellow roses are my very favorite... :) Alas, these weren't given to me, but were a gift from my dad to my mom on their anniversary!

 

 

And now for some non-photo facts...

I was born in South Africa and moved to Canada when I was four, and have been living here since!

I love the outdoors. Fresh air. Blue skies. Hiking. Rock climbing. My kind of Summer! 

7 Blog posts in 7 categories:

Photography: Reflections

DIY & crafts:  Heart Warmers

Happy Hair: The Four Strand braid

Style: The Saga of the Scarf

My goals: 2012 has begun

Vintage: Vintage Cameras

Favorite treat: Chocolate Macaroons  

7 fantastic blog friends:

Beetle Bailey 

Passenger seat perspectives 

Almost Britain 

Just tututiny 

Porcelain Complexion 

Thrifting through life 

Ol' green eyes 

Happy Friday!

Much love, Vivi

 

You say potato, I say potato

This past weekend, a few friends and I got together for a potato and ice cream night! This idea actually came from an Archie comic! Betty & Veronica really do have the best ideas.  Each person brought an ingredient to create the double stuffed potatoes and ice cream sundaes. We had sour cream, bacon bits, and cheese wonderfully stuffed into our potatoes, and then finished off the evening with a bowlful of ice cream and it's good friends chocolate sauce, strawberries, and a few nuts! Having everyone bring different ingredients is a really fun way to make new recipes and mix up a night in with friends. :)

Much love, Vivi

Five things to love



{wise words found on Pinterest}

{a baby deer about to munch on some leaves, so blessed to have this piece of nature right in my front yard}

{the most delicious chips all in one happy picture}

{Pretty henna and rainbow nails to brighten a rainy day}

 {the most beautiful tea bag every created! Thanks to mighty leaf for this gem}

Life is so great right now. I found a new artist, Kimbra, and can't stop listening to her music, she has the voice of an angel! And for once this year, I've had time to snuggle up on the couch and dive into a good book. I was hooked on Pride & Prejudice last year, so I picked up a copy of Persuasion. Jane Austen and green tea together is really my ideal afternoon. Throw in a good chat, some baking, and I'm one happy puppy. So good.  

Much love, Vivi

 

p.s. I've hit 94 followers already! Thank you to everyone who reads my blog and leaves a sweet comment, they really do brighten my day!

Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf

Lately I've been more than a little obsessed with lemons. Their vibrant colour and citrusy taste remind me so much of the approaching season of Spring. I made just one loaf on Saturday, and as always only a few crumbs were left on Sunday morning. So I thought, why not make another? The more lemon loaf the merrier! There I went, back to the recipe cupboard, and gathered the ingredients to make another. Trust me, you'll want to as well!   

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 egg

1 cup milk

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 tablespoon finely shredded lemon peel

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line the bottom of a loaf pan (mine is an 8x4x2 inch loaf pan) In a large bowl stir together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture and set aside.

2. In a separate bowl beat egg with a fork. Stir in mil, oil, lemon peel, lemon juice, and poppy seeds. Add the egg mixture all at once to the flour mixture. Stir until just moistened (batter should be lumpy)

3. Spoon batter into prepared loaf pan; spread evenly. Bake in preheated oven for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

4. Cool on a wire rack for ten minutes. You can either slice and enjoy right away, or wait until the loaf is completely cooled. Once loaf is completely cooled you can add a lemon glaze by combining icing sugar with a dash of hot water!

Happy baking!