Playing catch-up

How was everyone’s Thanksgiving?  I am not late on this post due to death-by-turkey.  More like death-by-dessert!  There were about 8 dessert options at both (yes there were 2) Thanksgiving dinners Derek and I attended.  And since I didn’t want to hurt any of the hard working chefs’ feelings, I had to try them all! 

We had an amazing Thanksgiving weekend, aside from Derek and both having a slight cold.  We enjoyed the outdoors and beautiful fall colours by hiking the Luskville Falls Trail, I visited the Vanier Farmer’s Market, and we spent time with our wonderful family and friends.  Thanksgiving may be one of my favourite holidays.

Here are some pics we took during our hike.  I don't think I've seen the colours so vibrant!

Like I mentioned a couple weeks ago, I really wanted to get our home feeling seasonal, and I am happy to say I accomplished just that!  

Project #1: frame leaves
Project #2: yarn wreath

It is easy to be inspired by our beautiful view.

Friday, on my way home from work I collected leaves like a 7 year old in the park across from our condo.  This was a lot of fun, actually; choosing the most pretty colours and patterns.  Then, once Derek left for a late hockey game I got my crafting on.  To make myself feel better for staying home, doing crafts on a Friday night, I made sure to enjoy a couple Coors Lights.  This may or may not have increased production time...

I drew inspiration for my wreath colours from this really pretty piece of scrap booking paper I found at Michael's.  With all the yarn and felt choices available (there are seriously aisles and aisles at Michael's!) I think having a pattern helps decide on a colour scheme.  

Following the lead of Tanya, Danielle and Yvonne I wrapped (and wrapped and wrapped) yarn and spun my little pieces of felt to create my wreath.  I would love to add a welcome bunting using stencils and pretty fabric one day like Myra.

At the beginning my wreath was looking just like Ashley's wedding colours!

It took a while to get the hang of creating these little rosettes.  But once I made a few they started looking more like flower buds.    

I strung my wreath up using twine I had on hand.  One condo-living bonus: I don't need to worry about my door décor being damaged by the outdoor elements.  Downfall: jack o'lanterns don't really work. 

Our door is looking extra nice compared to our neighbour's accross the hall!  Maybe it's the beginning of their Halloween décor?  Just kidding...no one has moved in yet - it's still under construction.

I also framed my own pressed leaves and put together a little fall vignette in our entrance.  When Derek got home around 1:30am I was just finishing up.  The yarn wreath took a while!  But it was totally worth it.  I would love to create one for every season and maybe give them as gifts to my craft-loving friends and family members.

Also - I've decided that our little microwave cart near the entrance is going to be like the mantel we'll never have.  We can dress it up depending on the season.  One day I think I will paint it.  Maybe stain the top so it's nice and glossy and paint the base white?

I am also thinking of painting that wall in black chalk board paint.  I think I mentioned this before.  I would be able to add to the seasonal décor with messages and chalk drawings.  I'm still mulling it over...

Framing the leaves was a lot of fun too (and they are still looking fresh!)  I used scrap booking paper as background.

And here's a little gebera daisy in my honey tin on our dining table.

Are you into seasonal decorating?  I love bringing the outside in, especially in the fall.  And I loved making my wreath so much I'm already looking forward to doing one for Christmas, which really is not that far off!  Which means either is the wedding!  EEEK, I better get to the gym!  Kidding, it's Friday, that's not happening...

Happy weekend!!!

The most lovely bridal shower

This past Sunday was my bridal shower, and it was better than I ever could have imagined.  My bridesmaids, maid of honour, family and friends did such a wonderful job organizing this event, not just for me, but for all the guests who attended.  I heard from more than one person that it was the best shower they've attended!  (I must say, in all fairness, they did not attended Ashley's shower which I organized.  Just kidding!  hehe)

The theme was Perfect Pairings of Wine and Food.  I'm not sure if these were the exact words they used, but this is the theme I took away from the event.

My mother's BFF, Marie-France, is a Sommelier, and played a huge role in the shower.  With the help of my and bridal party, she lead my guests and I through a fun, interactive and informative wine tasting.

Each wine was paired with the perfect appetizer which included cheeses, smoked salmon baguettes, bruschetta, mushroom tarts, fruits and nuts.  All the food was homemade with lots of love.  And even though we were pairing our wines with quite fancy appetizers, Marie-France said we should really just eat whatever we like with our wine.  Even if it's potato chips and champagne!

Here are some of the people who made my day so special:

Ashley, my MOH, and the ring leader of this fabulous event, with Jenny and Lisa my bridesmaids

A nice group shot, with Sacha my sister in law to the right

Here I am with June, Derek's mama

And receiving a nice toast from my own mama

I am lucky enough to have a second mother in law - here's Heather with my cousin Dean

The work put into all the little details was so sweet.  Upon arriving, guests were greeted by an nontraditional guest book.  Everyone wrote an encouraging message on a piece of paper and slipped it into this wine bottle which is meant to be opened by Derek and I on our 1-year anniversary.  So sweet!

Here are the adorable wine charms Ashley made by hand.  On the reverse was a number which was used to draw a prize.

There were also 2 quizzes for guests to participate in.  One was based on the information we learned throughout the wine tastings.  And the other was how well everyone knew me. 

Dessert was delicious: lemon and lime cheese cake tarts, fresh fruit and cake.  All home made and to die for.

It was an overwhelming day filled with my favourite people, delicious food and so many generous gifts.  I know everyone had a really great time, and I did too.  What it did make me realize is how fast time flies when you are the guest of honour at these types of events.  It's something I hear time and time again from brides about their wedding day, and I experienced it a little bit at my shower.  I couldn't believe how exhausted I was by the end of the day, even though I felt like I hardly did anything.  Socializing is hard work I guess!?

So again, a big thank you to everyone who attended and all the work everyone did.  I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart!

xoxo

Autumn inspiration

Fall has arrived!  That glorious season that catches me by surprise every year, and then leaves (pun intended) much too quickly.

I love fall for many reasons.  Fall fashion for starters, is awesome.  Boots, scarves, sweaters, tweed, leather and rich colours.  I always have a craving to shop for new clothing this time of year.  

The weather is also the bomb.  That perfect feeling when the air is crisp, but not enough to see your breath, and the sun is still warm on your face.  It makes for the ideal afternoon patio weather to sit an enjoy a pint of beer or a pumpkin spiced lattée.

And speaking of PSLs, I have yet to enjoy one this year.  I usually indulge in only one, and it has to be the most perfect setting.  A perfect fall afternoon (hopefully it's the weekend), ideally with my bff out for a day of shopping in the market, and it helps if I'm wearing a cute fall outfit to complete the experience.

As a lover of décor blogs, I have been enjoying seeing how everyone has been infusing fall into their homes.  There is nothing more charming than a front door seasonally decorated to greet guests, or a lovely mantel re-done in fall colours.  

Here are some of my favourites....

Kate, from Centsational Girl, hits the mark every time, and didn't miss when sprucing up her mantel for the season.  See, it's as easy as clipping a few stems to bring the beauty inside.

My girl, Sherry, from Young House Love has also displayed some fall foliage to give her dining tablet that fall feeling.

I love the idea of decorating with dried, pressed leaves.  I remember hunting for the perfect maple leaf to press and save when I was a kid - so much fun.  Apartment Therapy shares some ideas and the easy steps to doing it yourself.  My favourite is the leaf garland.  

Better Homes and Gardens reminds us that fall decorating can be as easy as filling up a bowl full of apples!

If you prefer to streamline your fall décor with the rest of your home, take Suzie Harris' cue by spray painting faux (or real) gourds and pumpkins to match your colour scheme!  Très chic.

Stay trendy and take some inspiration from Pantone's Fashion Colour Report for fall 2012 when adding a new throw blanket or accent pillow to your home.

Loving this pillow from etsy.

And these pretty throws by West Elm.

Now lets head outdoors...

Last year Ryan and Laura from Smith & Ratliff featured some fun seasonal front steps from their West Village neighbourhood in Manhattan.  I'm so jealous.

I love the DIY yarn wreath trend that's been popping up.  Living in a condo doesn't allow for that charming front step decor, so I may have to give this a go.  Tonya from Love of Family shows us how nice it can look and includes a tutorial too.

So, have you begun your fall decorating yet?  So far, I’ve only been inspired, and have yet to actually DO anything.  However with the month of October (and Thanksgiving!) quickly approaching I’m determined to make the first fall in our new condo a beautiful one, and I’m happy too, that I’ve come across a few free ideas!

My goal is to share a post next weekend showing you all my hard work, and also how our amazing view is changing colours!

Happy autumn everyone!

On my way to wedding day shape!

There are one hundred and ten days remaining until I marry the man of my dreams!  Slash until I have to look super hot because a million pictures will be taken of me which will last a life time.  

Yippeee!!!  Slash EEEEK!!!

I am beginning to look forward to all the different tasks and events that will surround our wedding, including getting into wedding day (and honeymoon) shape.

As I've mentioned, I've had quite a busy summer, which has unfortunately led to my diet and exercise being placed on the back burner.  

I was not completely stagnant; I did play soccer twice per week and volleyball once a week, but this exercise schedule combined with over celebrating (i.e. over drinking and eating too much party food) didn't cut it.

So, with the new month of September came my search for a new fitness program. 

We do have a gym and a pool in our new condo, I have a bike and running shoes and we are surrounded by nice paths.  The practical and economical choice would be to make use of my surroundings and condo fees.  But I just. can’t. motivate. myself.  I’m seriously like the WORST!  I have to either play a sport where my teammates are counting on me to show up to games, or I have to spend money on a membership which pushes me to attend in order to get my money’s worth.

Here’s what I was looking for in a fitness facility/program:

• Motivation – I love classes, loud music and someone who can really pump me up!
• Good location – the location needed to be within walking or cycling distance from work/home
• Convenient schedule – I like working out right after work or early in the morning if it’s close enough to home
• Personal and friendly – I hate that feeling of being intimidated or really feeling like the “newbie” in class
• Affordability – I still have fees for soccer to pay for and I am not a millionaire, so I needed to find a gym around $75/month (my goal is to attend 4 classes per week, which works out to under $5/class – dynamo!)
• Results – obviously!  I like to participate in a good combination of strength training, cardio and stretching classes to keep my body and muscles from getting familiar

So, do I sound picky or what?  I thought I did, but lo and behold, through my research I was able to find the most PERECT fitness facility: The Fitness Fusion Studio!!!

The Fitness Fusion Studio basically met ALL of my criteria!

Jackie Gravel, the Owner and Manager, is the most lovely lady I’ve ever met.  She is so friendly, but when it comes to instructing classes she kicks it up a notch and definitely doesn’t let you “cheat” your way through.  She has the ability to make a workout extremely challenging yet fun at the same time.  Also, I feel like I gain muscle just by looking at her – her body is ripped!

• They offer, on average 4 different classes per evening between the hours of 4PM and 9PM.
•  Their location is basically right in the middle of my home and office, making it a convenient stop on the way home from work.
• The variety of their classes is amazing!  You can do anything from Zumba, Pilates, Kick Boxing, Kettlebell, Yoga, Boot Camp (which is outdoors until November!) and other classes with names like "Sculpt Your Body" (ummm, yes please!) and "Total Core Conditioning" which is a quick 30 minute class that focuses on strengthening your abs and lower back!  There are even some outdoor classes which are as simple as a 5km speed walk across the bridge to Quebec and back.
• A major bonus, the cost is $199 (plus tax) for 3-months of unlimited classes.  Right in my budget!  

I registered for their 3-month program last week and so far I’ve totally loved it.  Everyone there is super friendly and encouraging.  I do kind of feel like the new girl, but not in a bad way.  People recognize that I haven’t been to a class before and offer suggestions, personal experience and help me with things like choosing the best size of weight for a certain exercise. 

After attending only 4 classes I can feel a difference.  Jackie was excited to hear that I will be getting married this NYE and I trust that with her kick-ass classes I will wear my wedding dress confidently. 

But more importantly I would love to rock a bikini in Hawaii!

So for anyone looking for a new fitness program, I would definitely recommend The Fitness Fusion Studio.  It's located on Cumberland at York in the ByWard Market.

Soaking in the last drops of summer

I hope all of you enjoyed your final summer long-weekend!  Derek and I did our best to soak up as much summer as we could.  And I think that knowing cooler temperatures and busy weekends are on their way helped us appreciate it a bit more.

We kicked-off the weekend by participating in The Canadian, Saturday at Mooney's Bay.  It was a jam packed day full of various types of races and events.  Derek ran an 8km and I did my first try-a-tri.  We both really enjoyed ourselves, did pretty well for first-timers, and will definitely participate again.

Here's a photo of Derek stretching it out before his race.

And here I am prepping for the first leg of my tri: the swim!  Super attractive, I know...and this is before the nose plug and goggles!

On Sunday we spent the day at Lac La Peche in the Gatineau Park.  Derek had read an article earlier in the summer about this specific lake and how it was not as busy as others in Gatineau Park.  It is an awesome lake and beach, but a little farther from the city, so I can see why people may not make it all the way out there.  

The lake is really big, with a nice cordoned off swimming area with lifeguards.  You can rent kayaks and canoes for a reasonable price, parking is only $10 per car for the day, and I don't think it's ever very busy!  

It was the perfect setting for a relaxing Sunday.  We enjoyed a picnic, some wine, canoed around the lake and discovered little private beaches.

That's me!  The water was so warm, and I loved it after having craved a swim in a fresh water lake all summer.  

Completing our little Canadiana outing, was the discovery of a huge beaver dam and a pair of loons!  

Derek and I will most definitely be taking another trip back to Lac La Peche, maybe even this autumn to take in all the changing colours from a canoe!  Seeing as it is only about 40 minutes from downtown Ottawa, it is the perfect day trip destination for family outings, romantic picnics or a get-together with a bunch of friends.  

What did you guys do over the long-weekend?  Anyone participate in a race or other type of outdoor activity?