Weekends are for...

 Jelly doughnuts in south kensington.

Rainforest salad on Kings Road

Branded empanadas from the same market on Kings Road. Other offerings include flutes of champagne, oysters, beef pies with gravy, fresh sushi...never mind all the shops located conveniently just steps away. Perfect Saturday? I think so. 

A Family Affair

Just last month I had the chance to go home for pretty special couple's wedding . When I say home, I mean my parents house which they managed to convert in a beautiful wedding venue. The garden was on top form & people in top spirits. 

The day was made even more special by the presence of so many friends & family. From the guests themselves to the caterers & parking directors everyone had a personal connection. A weekend I don't think I or the bride & groom, will ever forget.

First things first-up the CN tower to give the non-Torontonians a glimpse of the city

Wedding day!! & perfect weather

Barn & Heather's beautiful dried hydrangea mobile made by her!

Bride & her beautiful bouquet

Looking goooood

Makeup artist & bff (oh & delicious locally sourced food!)

Couple's first dance. Certainly not the last. 

Welcome to the family Martin!! 

Welcome to London: Place-Columbia Road Flower Market, East LDN

Columbia Road Flower Market: 

Located in East London, just a ten minute walk from Brick Lane and Shoreditch, for anyone who likes a nice bouquet of flowers Columbia Road is a must-see. After learning about it through a friend's sister, it exceeded my expectations. When my dad and sister (both avid gardeners) visited a month ago I found it the perfect occasion to make the trek...

It originally started as a Saturday market, but as the Jewish population developed it moved to Sundays and the flower market developed. Some vendors still selling their flowers today have been established at the market since 1949!

Peonies! "One bunch for a fiver"

Open from 8am-~3 Sundays

A visit is not complete without stopping for lunch in one of the winding alleys lined with cafes & antique stalls. Above: a salt beef sandwich on bagel w/ pickle.

In fact I liked it so much I just had to go back. Above: with a chorizo sausage, grilled pepper, rocket & olive oil. More info on The Columbia Road Flower Market. 

While we're on the topic of flowers...

Kiehls Calendula Extract Toner. I bought a bottle a couple weeks ago when it recommended to me for soothing red skin & it was on sale! So I thought I would give it a go! If you have sensitive skin & don't like the burning alcohol feel of most toners, give this one a shot. Find it here.

Next time: the product(s) of my visits to Columbia Road!

Starting Now...

Ok I have failed at updating this as I promised.

But I have made it to London, attended the royal wedding (well actually just made it to west minster at 5am, until jet lag hit at 8am and I went back to bed as the guests were arriving. Minor failure, major to some)

I have decided to make this primarily photo blog from now on. I am more of a photo person, so will see how that approach works.

Last day in Halifax waiting for the air porter

Back home to a lovely Easter Sunday tea party. Deco courtesy of Sister Heather :) 

Tea Party Clan (minus a few) Was such a great day. 

Sheridan faves! 

Ok eyes are shutting & hotel internet is fading. 

London photos soon! xx

Great Article in this Morning Globe & Mail, Happy Saturday!

A really good article on how luxury brands, such as Hermes, Chanel & Tod's, are creating value for customers through exposing them to the artisans behind their brands. 

Bonne Anniversaire Juline! (About 8 years of french classes encompassed right there)

I finally was able to track down heart shaped balloons! I don't think I have been this excited in a while. I should have bought more. 

Juline popping her champagne birthday champagne. 

Midterm tomorrow so I better be off to bed. Goodnight!

Hey Snow!

I woke up early this morning, went to the gym, came home & made a pot of coffee and breakfast and then went to my econ class. It snowed a good 10cm in halifax last night and I knew they were calling for another hit  from the storm. By 12:30 classes had been cancelled. So here I am with an afternoon off...

My room feels like a snow globe right now.

I am attempting to knit my first sweater. Goal:to have it done by February 19th. So far: Back & 1/2 of front done....can I do it?

I made Curry last night. Turned out surprisingly well! I don't like all the richness of coconut milk you usually find in curries, so I used soya milk. Was good because it added some sweetness to counter the spice. Find the recipe here! Although I made some slight modifications (i didnt have red pepper seasoning). 

Juline's Birthday on Saturday! We are having a french themed potluck. Caaan't wait!