::Country Sunset::

Wow.

::The Zone::

The Zone was a kitchen and decor store I frequented on a regular basis when I lived downtown. They have such unique products. Some are prohibitively priced. But others are a bargain. For example, they sell funky, chunky jewellery for $12.00-$20.00.

::Beautiful Compost::

Tip from mom in-law: To keep the smell and mess down, keep your household compost open to the air, and in a small plastic container, like a yogurt or margarine tub. It fills quickly, but this forces you to go dump it frequently. If you don't want to stare at a yogurt tub all day, hide it inside something pretty.

::BBQ Chops done Dad's way::

The way we've done them for years.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

*Recipe HERE*

::Prince Cottage Extravaganza 2008::

This is a place I have visited since teenage years. Late nights::50 foot cliffs::Jumping off them::Shoving wars on the raft::Adolescent insecurities::First water ski::First nearly-fatal tube ride::Local drive-in movies::Games::Youth. . .

Now, 15 years later, I came with my husband, my little girl and my baby boy. My sister sat with a far-away look in her eyes as she waited to feel the baby in her stomach move. We communed with friends, some of whom were here with me from the beginning. Most, of whom, were not; married into this lovely inheritance of tradition.

Caelah taught herself how to swim!
Watch the progression:

::Safe in her yellow jacket::
::Shedding her fears::
::Testing the waters::
::There she goes! Doggy-paddling away with her cheeks puffed out::
::Into my arms::

::Where I tell her how deeply proud of her I am::

::Wish List: "Martha Stewart's Hors D'Oeuvres Handbook"::

• 
• CLASSIC CRAB CAKES WITH CHILI-LIME AIOLI
• SPICY YELLOW DHAL DIP WITH INDIAN-SPICED PITA TOASTS
• HOMEMADE COCKTAIL STICKS WITH ASSORTED COMPOUND BUTTERS
• SEASONED NUTS
• ICEBOX CRACKERS EX. GRUYERE THYME
• SAVOURY BISCOTTI EX. BROWN-BUTTER, LEMON & CAPER
  

I am completely enthralled by the photos and the promises of beautiful goodness.

The first half of the book is pure photography. Food in all of it's professionally-captured splendour. Each photo, then, has a corresponding page number which leads you to the recipe found in the back portion of the book. Very user-friendly.
I want it.

*Martha Stewart's HORS D'OEUVRES Handbook*

::"L" is for Leah::

"L" is for Leah.

1. I was scheduled to have her and her little brother stay with us anyways. 2. Realized her birthday fell a day earlier on the calendar. 3. I adore her mom, who has been more than generous to me on many occasions. So. . . I offered to host a party. 11 kids, 7 adults, craziness, cake and one pinata later, we have returned to normalcy around here. {Minus a rested body and mind.} But apart from fatigue, what remains is the blessing of having had a mob of people here we only see in our home a few times a year. "Thank you for having a birthday Leah," Aidan said. I second that. This delightful little girl has brought us all together in more ways than one.

{::Sarah's birthday present: Recipe Album::}

{::Flower Cupcakes for the Kids::}

{::Poppy Seed Layer Cake for US::}

See recipe *HERE*

A few pictures from the kids' stay:

::Sweet Potato Chip Wagon!::

Ok. So most of us have a wicked passion for chip wagons. {Some indulge more than others, perhaps.} The best chips are thick and crispy and loaded with flavour. But there is always a variation on any theme, and The Sweet Potato seriously sweetens up the original fry. Today I ordered a LARGE Sweet Potato Fries with a side of "Homemade Chipotle Dip" for $4.75. A humble serving size for the price, but that's for the best, right? And these were GOOD. Crisp & spicy and well paired with the creamy dip. The owners have done a wonderful job of cleaning up the greasy image of the traditional wagon by offering delicious sounding salads alongside the less healthy fare, as well as placing potted plants, a dining tent and picnic tables around the property.

*The Sweet Potato*
Go get some, if you can.

::Wishlist: Afternoon Tea at XO::

Tea

As of 2:30 p.m. with Bach, Mozart or perhaps Nathalie Cole, tea is served at the St-James. A blend of refinement, of chic and of elegance. Scones, blood orange marmalade, petits fours, fresh berries, and of course the world's best teas are available. Tea at the St-James is a unique and an unforgettable experience.

2:30 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.

LE THÉ CLASSIQUE

Choice of teas from Mariage Frères, Paris

MINI-SANDWICHES

Pear and blue cheese delight on seven-grain bread with cream cheese, chopped roasted nuts

Smoked salmon, lemon, lettuce, soft "viennois"style bread

Feuillantine of white bread with crispy cucumber

SCONES

English style scones with Devonshire cream and homemade jam

PETITS FOURS

I once experienced a "High Tea" with a friend in Toronto. It was so fun. I felt incredibly frumpy and bovine around so much delicate food and decor: Lacey doilies. Teensy tiny sandwiches stacked on a fancy three-tiered stand. But it was an experience I would love to repeat.
Next Girls trip?

Afternoon Tea Service
AT
Hotel St. James

::Pinatas should never smile back::

More broadly, they should never be shaped like a living thing.

I recently attended a party where this poor thing was beaten to a pulp:

First, her dainty little feet were bashed clean off. Then her neck began to go, ever so slowly, until her smiling face was facing backwards while the rest of her faced forward. All the while the smile on her face remained unmarred as she literally fell to pieces. Things went from bad to worse when the kids began taunting her; "You wanna piece of me?" "Here's a piece of me." WHACK. As though she had done something to offend them! {I am pleased to report that Caelah seemed overwhelmed by the over-enthusiasm the other kids were exhibiting, and seemed more fixated on the candy than the wounded fairy.}

No. Nothing with a face should have it's likeness made into a pinata.

::Weedy Jungle::

{CLICK on image to enlarge}

I sent the kids out to play, and I found them head high in weeds! I discovered my four year-old fighting his way through a dense jungle. No one would get away with such poor property management in the city...

Found these too. If they are also weeds, they are lovely ones.
Anyone one know what these are?

P.S. Ragweed will be the DEATH OF ME!
I am miserable: itchy throat, eyes, nose, sneezing, sleepy. Ugh!
I went on a hunt. Ripped out a pile, but to no affect. Sigh.

::Peach Tarts::

This is the Summer twist to an old recipe.
Last Fall I posted *THESE*
When Fall gives you Apples, make Apple Tarts.
When Summer gives you Peaches, make Peach Tarts!

{See delicious recipe *HERE*}

::Green Things Growing::

To a seasoned gardener, these tiny green things are expected. But to me they are delightful little miracles. One day they were only leafy green shoots. The next? THESE. Wow.