Take Me to the Islands

credit

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

credit

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

credit

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

'Supermodel Pets'

Richard Phibbs

     Ella has been wanting a dog ever since she could say the word 'puppy'.  At this point Colum and I kind of think that there is actually no 'perfect' time for a pet and she has been patiently waiting for (almost 5 years) and well it just might be time to take the leap and add an addition to our mix.

After researching, reading and researching some more I have come across great information and funny stories and then I came across this.  A photographer's work was influencing how often sheltered animals were getting adopted.  The story goes on to talk about how professional portraits changed how people saw the animals entirely and she was encouraging other photographer's to adopt a shelter so their work could help save lives too.
 
Would you consider adopting a pet?  I'd love to hear your thoughts...

xo

ps. Richard Phibbs, an accomplished celebrity and fashion photographer donated his amazing skills to HSNY photographing pets that need homes. Check out the amazing result here!