Summer Elements: #2 The Ped Egg

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Hello lovely summer and the season of pretty sandals.  A few years ago I went to a high end salon back in Ireland and was quite surprised that the beautician used a Ped Egg to smooth out my feet.  Ever since then I have used this infomercial genuis inbetween pedicures to keep my feet smooth and looking pretty.  

Have you ever used one before?
xo

ps. you can find it here

Have a Lovely Weekend...

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We're traveling next week so it's a bit of prep for me this weekend.  I'll be catching up on all the things I didn't get a chance to get to just yet. A little birthday cake for Colum on Saturday and I am hoping to visit the strawberry fields at some point.  Time seems to be disappearing for me lately so I am really looking forward to a few days of a lighter load.  Have a really lovely weekend! xo

 a few things...

The French like books

tips for packing

love this space

a little review

how Ella does 'French'

this song is still...

squirrel flavored ice cream

a dozen ways to serve stone fruit

in case you missed it

'Call Me Maybe'

I have had this song on the brain ever since I tweeted the video last week.  Jimmy Fallon always seems to get it right and this video made me smile!  I love the 'elementary instruments' The Roots grabbed to chime in with Carly Rae Jepson and Jimmy.  I just may have all of them at our house bar the kazoo but by the end of summer I'm sure one just might make an appearance! (you can watch late night with Jimmy Fallon here ).

xo 

ps. this might be the reason I'm having trouble getting it out of my head and the Harvard baseball team

Hello Summer!

It's been super hot these past few days and since we moved into our townhouse four months ago air conditioning wasn't exactly high on the priority list.  Now that summer has officially kicked in sleeping at night is sticky and uncomfortable and trying to keep two small toddlers somewhat cool is not an easy task.

I really do get the conserve energy, high electricity bill and is it really necessary discussion but I will throw my hands up and say yes, I will use the central air system when I need it most...  I spent many a days in Thailand during the Peace Corps dreaming when I would not have to feel uncomfortable in such heat.  Those days are fond and laughable but I don't think Ella and Finnian find the humor in the heat just yet.

So I came across this post and might have to give a few things a try over the next few days.  The AC man comes on Saturday thank goodness!

xo
this video

Niagra Gorge: Nick and the Tightrope

On Friday night Nick Wallenda used a tightrope to walk over the Niagra Falls Gorge.  He used a 2 inch rope to slide his feet over the misty falls.  You can watch him filmed live here.  It was really nerve wracking to watch especially when they started asking him questions right in the middle of it all! 

Have you ever seen anyone walk a tightrope? Would you do it? People do some crazy stuff! I would love to hear...

xo

ps. more Niagra Falls dare devils

Take Me to the Islands

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So this past weekend we took my mom 'to the islands' here in Toronto.  It always amazes me when people see things for the first time.  I remember the first time we took the ferry over to Centre Island with Ella and Finnian last summer and I was blown away.  Toronto is such an amazing city to begin with and then you add the water element to it and it bumps up its wow factor!  I thought I would share a few pictures where urban meets the sand and while this small town girl loves the city, my heart belongs to the salty air so its a perfect match when the two meet in the middle.  Kind of like when I met Colum.

Finnian really loves the trolley cars and even noticed this one was new. 

The radio flyer barely leaves our side on days out.

 

Then you hop on the ferry boats with tons of life jackets everywhere.

And when you hop off you can spread your picnic blanket anywhere there's a lovely spot.

And let us not forget the sandy beach.  Here's Ella & Finnian really soaking up the sun (this requires lots of mineral block on their fair skin!).

 

My mom and I are posing and the kiddos were starting to get tuckered out at this point.  

Thank goodness for the red flyer.  Ella prefers to sit top deck.

Have you ever been to the Toronto Islands? I highly recommend them. If you have visited them which one is your favorite? I would love to hear your thoughts...

xo

ps. great wagon for the subway or any type of traveling.
pps. more photos on instagram.

Fresh Vegetables in June

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Hello June! There's about a week and half left of spring and soon the lazy days and summer sun are official.  Here's what to expect from the farmer's market this month.  June really is the month of lovely summer fruits but don't pass over the fresh corn on the tables! (this is what my mom refers to as the 'early' corn)  One of  Ella and Finnian's favorite thing about this time of year is corn on the cob. They love to see it dripping with a bit of butter on their plates and for some reason no matter how old you are I think eating with your hands is so much fun!  We had some fresh corn yesturday and it was super delicious and extra sweet. The list may be short but don't underestimate the potential!

June Vegetables: 

Corn
Lettuce

xo

ps.  how to grill like a lady and Colum wants to try this!

Have a Cool Weekend!

The weather this weekend looks fantastic! Pick your own strawberries are right around the corner and I can not wait to get Ella and Finnian's hands stained red with juicy berries! This weekend (my mama's still here :) we might do some exploring around the city.  We kind of stick to what we know because everything is still so new (after almost a year here) but its always a great excuse when someone comes to visit to try something different.  I think Colum and I just might relax with a few beers. I have been working on a project out of an office this week and such is the reason for the light posts but all being well everything should be finished up in a week or so and I can put some more time in here. Horray! Thank you so much for stopping by!

Have a really Cool weekend!! xo
 
The ferry tickets have gone up in price

cool rucksack

bangs are back

summer shopping list

article

grill like a lady

a little round up

have you read this book

Summer Elements: #1 Tea Tree Oil

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I recently discovered Tea Tree Oil.  I was talking to a friend about Ella and Finnian's extremely sensitive skin and she said I should use tea tree oil. And I am hooked! So I'm putting it in my Summer Elements list because I absolutely love it!  The smell is pretty 'earthy' if you know what I mean so it's always used sparingly as a little really does go a really long way.  The way I use it most is for a natural mosquito repellant.  I love the easy feeling when summer starts to roll in but I really can't stand the bugs.  Ella gets the biggest lumps I have ever seen when a bug bites her but the tea tree oil seems to be doing the trick!

If your like me than you like to really pay attention to what goes on your skin (and your babies skin too ;) so I always put this on in the morning and through out the day when we're outside (which in summer is pretty much all the time).  I usually just dab a bit here and there because unlike the chemical repellents it can be applied to uncovered skin.  You can dilute it with some water (2:1 ratio) and put it in a spray bottle too!

Have you ever tried tea tree oil? Do you think you will? I would love to hear your thoughts... xo


ps. possible side effects of chemical mosquito repellent.

'Les Miserables'

Have you seen this trailer yet?  The film isn't set to be released until December 2012 but the trailer looks amazing and I had to share!  Director Tom Hooper looks like he has done an amazing job by the looks of things.  Les Miserables is a based on the 1862 French Novel by Victor Hugo (more about the French here). The film stars Hugh Jackman, Russel Crowe, Anne Hathaway and Sacha Baron Cohen to name a few. The musical is currently the longest running on the West End and recently celebrated its 25th year anniversary.  I always think its incredible how things stand the test of time and really need to be applauded! (like here too!) 

Have you ever seen Les Miserables the musical?  Do you think you'll see the movie? I would love to hear your thoughts...

xo

Have an Exciting Weekend!

     This week I have been a bit light on the posts (sorry).  Have you ever had a couple of sad days right in a row?  It takes me a bit to get back on my feet but here I am! :) It all gets a little overwhelming sometimes but I wouldn't have it any other way.  Thank goodness for a really awesome family! And we got a visitor yesturday! My mum is here to stay with us for a few weeks, ya! I'm really looking forward to the company and the best part is that it was a surprise for the wanes.  Ella and Finnian were so excited when she rang the doorbell it was the cutest thing ever!  I love surprises and I can tell that Ella might be just like her 'mama' because the look on her face was priceless.  I hope everyone has a really exciting weekend!

Here are a couple of links from this week if you are in the blogging mood! Cheers everyone and I'll be back full swing next week ;)

an interesting article

sign dining

would like to be here for a little while

for summer!

next on my reading list

Wow! Have you seen this trailer?

You can find more of my posts here starting next week! ;)


ps. thanks so much for stopping by xo