Favorite Seasons + Throwback Thursday

After two very hot and humid days here in Ottawa, it looks like things will finally be cooling off a bit thanks to some much needed rain! I love summer, don't get me wrong, but it's actually not my favorite season. If I had to rank them all in order, I would say my favorite is spring, followed by fall, then summer, and finally winter. I know it's early, but I am kind of looking forward to fall already! Since I'm such a visual person, I think spring and fall appeal to me so much because they are such visually stunning seasons. In spring, buds and blossoms appear, and an otherwise dreary landscape becomes full of life again. Comparatively, in fall, the leaves change color from green to shades of yellow and red, and the air becomes cool and crisp. What's not to love? 

In any case, I can't believe tomorrow is the last day of July! We still have a whole sunny month of summer left, but it's already starting to feel like it's slipping away so quickly! I remember when I was a child, how much I used to hate how summer seemed to go by too fast. Even though I was fairly good at my studies, I never much cared for school, so as you can imagine, I lived for long summer days! 

I'm sure a lot of my nostalgia for summer comes from the fact that it usually meant some kind of vacation (since my mum is a teacher with the summer months off from work), and I LOVE vacations. Who doesn't!? Anyway, for today's Throwback Thursday photo, I picked one of me and my mum in a swan boat at Rainbow Valley in P.E.I. As I mentioned in a previous post, we actually went to P.E.I on two separate occasions, and I loved it both times!  

Potted Plants

Yesterday was an incredibly hot day, and today is more of the same here in Ottawa. Summers here can get very hot and humid, so it's important to keep cool and stay hydrated. Most delicate flowers have already come and gone by now, but the heat hasn't affected the success of the lilies in the city! While I was walking yesterday, it got me thinking about what plants and flowers do the best in the hottest of the summer months here in Ontario. I certainly don't claim to be an expert, as my knowledge is basic at most when it comes to plants and flowers, but I have always really enjoyed being outside surrounded by trees and greenery. Once we eventually get our own home, I am very much looking forward to growing my own little garden! 

In any case, since that probably won't be a reality for at least another few years, I've been putting some thought into how to make our apartment a bit, well, greener! I personally love roses and peonies, but keeping fresh flowers like those in the house can be expensive, since they don't last forever and need to be replaced fairly frequently. 

What's really been getting my attention lately have been potted plants! When I was growing up, my grandparents always had a collection of cacti in their dinning room that always fascinated me. Lately, I've been really interested in getting a small cactus (or two!) and a few succulents to decorate our next apartment. They look so fresh and exotic and compared to most flowers, and are fairly low maintenance. I still have to figure out where in Ottawa I'll be able to find some of these little gems! If you've got any suggestions, please go ahead and post in the comments section below! Once I get some, I'll be sure to do a post all about how they look in our apartment and even more importantly, how to keep them alive! 

Summer Hairstyles

Continuing on with talking about hair, I thought I would write a quick post about my favorite summer hairstyles. Depending on where you live and the type of hair that you have, certain styles may work better for you than others. Since it's too hot to blow-dry my hair every single day (although most days I can handle it), I tend to opt for a few no-heat styles to make my life easier!

My Favorite Down Hairstyles

Arguably the epitome of summer hair, beachy waves are always a great option! Luckily, my hair has a natural wave to it, so all I tend to need is a bit of serum to fight frizz. Another great option, is a side braid or clipped back bangs. I tend to like my hair down, so in order to keep cool, I like being able to pin some hair away from my face. Finally, if your naturally dried hair needs some help, I've found that braiding (dutch works better than french for this) a few sections of your hair gives it a nice wavy style. You can always use a flat iron on low heat to add a bit of curl to your ends. 



My Favorite Braids

Braids are always a fun way to style your hair. Because of my layers, I tend to gravitate towards side braids. The beauty of a braid is that it tends to look best when it's been a bit tousled and has a few pieces of hair out of place. If I'm in a rush, a simple side braid is my go-to style, while a half crown side braid and bun are reserved for if I've got a bit more time on my hands!



My Favorite Ponytails 

When it gets really hot outside, styling your hair into a ponytail can often be the best way to stay cool and still look polished. You can keep your hair's natural texture in the ponytail itself, while using a bit of serum and/or hairspray to slick down any unruly pieces. Adding a bit of volume at the crown is a great way to add a bit of glamour to a simple ponytail.






My Favorite Buns
Finally, there are buns! What I love about a bun, is that even though it's a fairly simple style, it can be customized and adjusted to suit whatever your style may be. Low, soft, messy buns can look effortless and chic, while I slicked back ballerina bun looks sophisticated and pulled-together. Top-knots are a great go-to for easy, on the go hair, although they can also be dressed up with the right outfit, makeup, and accessories!







If you're looking for inspiration, I highly recommend checking out these two blogs! They are both really great at teaching step-by-step braiding techniques! You can access them HERE and HERE.

Healthy Summer Meals

There's just something about summer that completely changes my cooking habits. Of course, the change from fall and winter, to spring and summer always means different fruits and veggies are in season, but there are other factors involved too, like the weather or how hot you're willing to get in your kitchen. 

Unless you've got a really amazing central cooling system in your home, you're probably not going to be too psyched about cooking something like turkey and mashed potatoes! A great solution to hot kitchens in the summer, is to simply move things outside and use a grill or BBQ. If you think the grill is something reserved only for backyard parties with hamburgers and hot dogs, you are quite mistaken. In fact, you can grill everything from chicken and steak, to corn on the cob and zucchini!

Even without a grill, there are plenty of great summer food options out there to suit a variety of tastes. Eating in the summer doesn't have to mean sticking with salads and sandwiches! There are plenty of ways to spice things up in the kitchen without breaking the bank or using too many rare and exotic ingredients. Of course, all of the recipes listed below are customizable, so feel free to add, subtract, or substitute ingredients to create a dish you truly love!


1. Moroccan Quinoa Salad

This salad is amazing! It's the perfect blend of flavors and textures and will absolutely fill you up! You can get the recipe here!

2. Grilled Asian Chicken Wraps 

These wraps are both tasty and refreshing! I love cooking with sesame flavors, and these wraps are packed with plenty of flavor. You can get the recipe here!

3. Grilled Shrimp and Couscous 

This recipe is so delicious! I personally love shrimp, whether they are grilled or served cold! The mint, feta, and garlic add a whole lot of really great flavor, while the couscous and zucchini anchor the meal. You can get the recipe here!

4. Pork & Noodle Stir-Fry 

A stir-fry is one of the easiest and most delicious things anyone can cook in my opinion. The beauty of a stir-fry is that it's completely customizable! The sweetness of the pork works perfectly with the heat from the chili, while the vermicelli noodles are nice and light for summer. You can get the recipe here!

5. No Bake Granola Bars 

I personally love to bake, but sometimes it is just too hot in our apartment (we do not have central air unfortunately). So naturally, anything that has "no-bake" in front of it, instantly catches my eye! These granola bars are so tasty and as a bonus, also happen to be quite good for you too! You can get the recipe here!

6. Fresh Fruit & Smoothies 

Of course, one of the most refreshing things you can enjoy quilt-free throughout the summer is fresh fruit. You can either enjoy it in its natural state, or blend a few different fruits together in order to make a smoothie. If you're interested in a few smoothie recipes, I've got two great ones here!

What To Wear: Rainy Summer Days

Rain. Most of the time, people tend to think of rain as an inconvenience or something that makes their whole day seem dreary. I can't lie and say I haven't woken up to a rainy day and wished I could stay under the covers until it passed. For all its 'inconveniences', rain really is a beautiful thing. It's a necessity of life and without it, we would be in serious trouble!
In the winter, dressing for a rainy day involves bundling up and carrying around an umbrella. In the summer, it's too hot to be all bundled up, so dressing for rainy summer days can be a bit tricky. You want to stay dry, but you don't want to feel hot and sticky with too many layers on in the warm, humid air. 

Dressing for rainy summer days generally consists of working with two basic pieces; an umbrella and wellies (or any kind of waterproof boot). These can be dressed up or down, depending on your style and the desired functionality of your outfit. 

For example, a simple dress in a modern print works as an effortless and chic look for a rainy summer day when paired with boots and a monochromatic umbrella. The outfit consists of only a few basic items, which all compliment each other to strike the perfect balance between style and functionality. 

Another great piece that tends to make an appearance on rainy summer days is the trench coat. This is a great, lightweight alternative to heavier coats, and can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion. As something that is both functional and fashionable, a trench coat works as the perfect topper to any outfit on a rainy summer day.

River Walk

The other day, my fiancée (I love being able to say that now!) and I went for a walk along the river by our apartment. It was beautifully warm and sunny, so we headed out just before lunch to walk along the path by the river. 

I can definitely be a bit of a romantic at times, so I wanted to walk by the spot where he proposed to me last Saturday. Ryan was happy to oblige me, so we set off to return to our special spot on the path by the river. What I didn't expect, was that we would be lucky enough to see the swans again! This time though, we had our camera ready to snap a few photos of them! 

Beauty, Grace, and Love

I know it might sound a bit silly, but I can't help but think that seeing those swans on both occasions that we went to that specific spot, has got to be some kind of good luck or blessing of some sort! Of course, it's probably just a nice coincidence, but we still enjoyed it none the less. 

They weren't shy about swimming right beside us!

What To Wear: BBQ Party Edition

Good morning! For everyone south of the border, I realize this post is a little late now that Memorial Day weekend has come and gone, although I'm hoping it will serve as inspiration for any future celebrations this summer. 

Summer is a great time to both host, and attend BBQ parties. Aside from the easy, breezy, simplicity of throwing on a dress, I thought I would put together a couple outfit suggestions that could serve as alternatives.

Outfit No. 1

The first look consists of a bright, relaxed-fit, sleeveless blouse, paired with denim shorts, a gold statement necklace, and bronze wedge sandals. This ensemble works textures (silk chiffon and denim) effortlessly, while allowing for movement and comfort. Some people are completely opposed to mixing metals, but I think it's perfectly fine as long as it's done right. In this case, the gold necklace and the bronze wedges compliment each other by giving the outfit a more dressed-up vibe, without looking too fancy. 

*Hair and Makeup: tousled waves and a coral lip.

Outfit No. 2

The second look consists of a brightly colored, patterned top, white jeans, a gold statement necklace (my repeat favorite!), and a bright bag. This ensemble plays a bit more with color, while keeping things fresh and cool with a pair of crisp white jeans. If you're looking for a more effortless, easy-going vibe, I would suggest rolling up the cuffs of your jeans to show a little ankle. In terms of footwear, I always suggest wedge sandals for outdoor events since you won't have to worry about getting your heels stuck in the grass.

*Hair and Makeup: side braid and bright fuchsia lips.

Feature Destination: Prince Edward Island

It won't be long until summer is finally here, and along with it, sunny days and warm weather! For some families, summer also means vacation time, as kids aren't in classes all day long. Since my mother is a teacher, we were very fortunate to be able to take a number of lovely trips most summers. One of my favorite trips, was when my parents rented out a beach-front cottage in Prince Edward Island.

We actually visited PEI on two separate occasions, the first time being in August 1999, and then again four years later in 2003. The first year we were there, we stayed in French River. I remember we took the scenic route by taking the train to Moncton, and then renting a car the rest of the way. My brother and I were amazed at how incredible Confederation Bridge was! While in PEI, we visited Kensington, Cavendish, Summerside, Tignish, and Charlottetown. One of my favorite memories from our trip was when we happened upon Rainbow Valley, in Cavendish. Unfortunately, it's since been closed, but I still remember how much fun we had at the family theme park. 

My parents took us to Dalvay By the Sea, the hotel where Road to Avonleigh was shot. The hotel is a beautiful Queen Anne-style Victorian, with a grand tea room that overlooks the water. We also went to a smaller, but quite charming tea room called The Blue Winds, as well as the Kitchen Witch Tea Room, where my parents had their tea leaves read. 

While we were staying in Summerside, my parents bought both me and my brothers "PEI Dirt Shirts", which have a distinct color from the red earth soil of Prince Edward Island. Having never seen anything quite like it, I remember being fascinated by the red earth! I think my brother and I thought we had gone to Mars! 

Aside from the various attractions (Anne of Green Gables being a major one that I really couldn't leave out!), PEI is a natural beauty with lovely scenery and quiet beaches. The people are kind and friendly, and the atmosphere is welcoming. It's been quite some time since I've last been, but I certainly hope to visit again! 

It's Almost Patio Season

After what's felt like an interminably long winter, I've been inspired to write about decorating your patio since it's finally getting warm enough to actually sit outside. Here in Ottawa, the sun is out and the temperature is above 15 degrees, which essentially translates to t-shirt and shorts weather for most people. In addition to picnics and days at the beach, warmer temperatures also signal the beginning of patio and backyard BBQ season. Considering how much time you'll (hopefully) be spending outside, it's absolutely worthwhile making your outdoor spaces pleasant and enjoyable. 

Most patios and decks are fairly open and exposed to the elements, so it's important to take that into account when decorating. Generally speaking, it's always smarter to decorate your outdoor space with pieces that won't be completely ruined if they were to say, accidentally be forgotten outside overnight and unexpectedly rained on.  

Aside from that, the two main points to keep in mind when you're decorating your patio are to 1. Keep in cool, and 2. Keep it comfy.  

1. Keeping it cool

Considering how hot and humid it can get in the summer, it's incredibly important to make sure your outdoor space provides a sanctuary of cool, refreshing shade. You don't have to completely block out the sun entirely, but you're probably going to want to designate at least one section of your patio as a "sun free zone". After all, if your patio gets too hot and bright, you're not going to want to spend nearly as much time enjoying it. Generally speaking, either you'll be lucky enough to have a patio in an area that is naturally shaded, or you'll have to invest in creating your own shade. There are a number of ways you can do that, with the most obvious and popular option being patio umbrellas. These are always a great choice and are easy to move around depending on where you want the most shade. Alternatively, trees provide a natural shade, and are a beautiful addition to any garden patio. 

2. Keeping it comfy

The second thing you're going to want to remember when you're decorating your patio is to make your living space as comfortable as possible. A patio is a place for you to relax and enjoy the outdoors, but it can always be a place to entertain guests, so you're going to want to make it comfortable. Think about it..hot plastic chairs don't exactly sound like something you would willingly want to sit on in shorts right? Instead, opt for the wooden ones and use soft pillow covers to make a seat worth sitting on. When it comes to what fabrics to use, you're going to want to keep it light and airy. Think linens, gauze, and cotton in refreshing colours like cool blue. Finally, it's important to make your patio feel like your own personal sanctuary, so feel free to add your own personal touches to make it feel like your own.