My Kind of I Do

Sweet Southern Nuptials

I've loved weddings ever since I was a very little girl, the more weddings in a summer, the more blissed out I am, especially when they're this beautiful. Something about celebrating someone's love along with a gorgeous collage of their inner most soul is...simply magical to witness.

That's what a call a fabulous entrance.

The photographer got the lighting

just perfect in these gorgeous shots.

I'm not sure what I love more,

her dress or horse? Stunning.

I love this picture so much.

The groom looks wholesome

enough to eat, or maybe that's the rooster.

The ballet slippers-

soft and simplistic perfection.

The old cat curled up in the passenger seat- poetry.

The bow-tie and wedding car whispers timeless

romance and a bit of sweet corkiness too.

Yes, carry me away to a land that is

always this dreamy.

Picture perfect. I hope your marriage

is as precious as your wedding.

Photo Credits: Kiss the Groom

The Moveable Feast

There are splendid rewards for she who delights in the ceremony of a picnic. I just love that picnics take place on the ground. An old soft blanket under your tush feels just right when nibbling on something homemade and delicious, like soft flaky biscuits drizzled with organic honey.

Women often sight wistfully, I wish my life could look like it was out of a magazine, just once." Well, it can, occasionally, and a picnic is one of those times.
Where shall we go? Somewhere a little away from the routine that's picturesque, quaint or charming. Some place where you've often thought, "That would be a lovely place for a picnic."

Perhaps, a fair balance between sun and shade. I love a place where an ancient tree anchors the setting, and leaning back against it feels wonderful. Creating the hamper is such a joyous act of thoughtfulness, but make sure to pick snacks that fair well in the heat.

Who wouldn't want to indulge in this beautiful cake by the lovely Martha Stewart, with their nearest and dearest companion?

"I loafe and invite my soul; I lean and loafe at my ease, observing a spear of summer grass," Walt Whitman temps us with an invitation too irresistible to refuse. "Loafe with me on the grass..." 'Done'.

If there is a BBQ around, there's nothing better than a classic burger, dressed up with a little blue cheese, homemade relish, or corn on the cob on the side. Mmmmmm, mmmmm.

Romancing the salad. Fresh, savoury and delicious.

Love the gorgeous platter too.

Something about old-fashioned pop at a picnic. Sweet, a little sinful and super refreshing. Especially chilling in a bed of ice. Don't forget plenty of fresh fruit, water, and a pocket knife. Oh, and the lemon cake.

Snow White

White therapy....

So, I have this love affair with all-white right now. Something about it clears my mind and makes space in my heart. There's nothing more pure, clean or dreamy than heavenly white. Realistic? Of coarse not. Absolutely gorgeous? Oh, yes.

This alpaca could sleep in my bed (no, I don't mean as a throe). I'd name her Penelope. My birthday is coming up....

Click to make this quilt of pics larger and see all of the lovely details. I think we can associate too much white with being a bit sterile. But these pics above show that using a lot of white can be magnificent. First off, there are a billion shades of white. Second, pairing it with mint green, pale pink, yellow or sky blue can add that extra softness that white may need to exude more warmth. Oh, and texture, texture, texture.

These next 4 pics are from July's issue of Style at Home. They inspire a light and airy energy that I could sail away in.

The texture of these lamps- sumptuous.

There is something so peaceful and silent about white.

It actually makes me want to breathe deeper and slower.

This rocking chair is also super cute.

I'm on a hunt for vintage chairs. They're great for photography and statement pieces in your home. The crown is a lovely compliment to this pretty chair too.

Photo Credits: 1,2- Kiss the Groom, 3,4,5,6 Style at Home, 7- Kiss the Groom

And a lovely paradox to all this white...

Not Meant to Share Mouse

YOU WILL NEED:

2 ounces (2 squares) semisweet baking chocolate

2 teaspoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon Kahlua or prepared coffee

1 egg, separated

Pinch of salt

1. In small double boiler over hot but not boiling water, melt the chocolate and butter, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Whisk in the liqueur or coffee, and the egg yolk. Remove from flame.

2. In small bowl, beat the egg white until soft peaks form, sprinkle in salt, and continue beating until stiff but not dry. Fold, a spoonful at a time, into the chocolate mixture.

3. Evenly distribute the mouse between two vintage teacups or wineglasses. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Enjoy with your sweet amour.

La la la Lake

I spent the weekend at the lake with Brydon's family... all 35 of them. The weather was smokin hot, so it was the perfect place to be. We spent Saturday afternoon at Jennifer's camping shower sipping wine spritzers, lemonade and nibbling on gooey rice crispy squares along with other yummy sweets and treats.

Morgan motored around in the grass and soaked in the sun. She also agreed to keep her bonnet on for the first time too, which made mommy very happy. We also celebrated Auntie Karen's 60th birthday. I've gotten used to the heaps of people around and find it quite relaxing now. Brydon loves it so much, that I can't help but see the best in it too.

She doesn't leave the house these days without her favourite rose quartz and amazonite necklace on. The stones are known to attract love and serenity. The girl knows a good thing. Click the pic to make larger, the stones are even prettier up close.

Watch out ladybugs, she's on the move!

Tired and hungry monkeypants.

Admiring Nana's pretty earrings.

She is so into jewelry already.

I'm training her well.

Not too sure about the frog pool yet,

but maybe a nap first would be nice mom.

Ribbit.

This was the best part of the whole weekend. I was so excited to share this with you. During a long walk at dusk, Brydon and I stumbled upon a lovely Robin's nest, perched on top of old sheets of plywood at the side of our shed. When we leaned in to get a closer look, we were delighted to spot two gorgeous turquoise eggs inside. I snuck a quick shot before mama bird (who I referred to as Ruthie darling) could swoop in and peck my eye out.

Here they are- snug as a bug. Aren't they beautiful? I'm naming them Bobby-Jo and Lila Jean, two little country bumpkins. 'Keep warm and and well little ones. I look forward to hearing you sing, sing, sing.'

The Rabbit Hole

I think about the times in my life when I have been most present, and I can truly say they were the happiest times of my life. Since I am such a planner at heart, I tend to fantasize about the future... a lot. I know, I know, 'live in the now'. But I see, smell and feel the future so well. I'm a futuristic gal. There's a fine balance between going with flow and making life happen. Its always a lovely day to shape your dreams.

I'm a nut for visualizing how my life will unfold, which has served me well since much of it has manifested before my eyes, but its not always the ticket for just enjoying the moment. I'm thankful for EVERYTHING, but sometimes my restless heart just can't help but hurl itself down the rabbit hole. Want to come with me for a sec?

This sign is a real beauty. And a great reminder to just stop and enjoy each passing second. The making it beautiful part, I think I've got that part down to a science!

Photo Credit: Ritzy Bee

Speaking of making things beautiful, check out this gorgeous, sentimental table runner. The musicians in the background are a perfect compliment to its feel good chicness. I dig those chocolate plank floor boards too. Ooooh, and the stacked suitcases home to a mini garden. Who thinks of this shit? This world is bursting with heaps creative people. I can't help but find inspiration in every corner.

Can anyone build me this book shelf, please? I love it! Why are the UK peeps so much cooler than we are? Love the subway white brick in the background too. Those damn Brits always got it going on for effortless style.

As much as the present moment is all we really have, I gotta admit, I'm pretty happy dreamin too. I can have my cake and eat it too, right!