Family = Friend

It has been said that friends are family you choose for yourself. My cousin Bradey is family that I would have chosen as my friend.

We have lived our lives at opposite ends of the province (she's in the North - Kenora to be exact) and I'm here in the South. When we were younger, we spent our summers together at the Camp (our family cottage) on Clearwater Bay/Lake of the Woods and those are the days I will remember forever!


From Barbies and learning how to water ski, to where we are today....we sure have come a long way and I know that if we didn't live 23 hours away from each other, we'd be a 'dangerous' combo (in a very good way!)!


Bradey has the entrepreneurial spirit most of us only dream of. Her genuine love of life and positive outlook are infectious! And...to top it all off...she lives on a lake, in a log home her hubby built for her and her four boys...Talk about Super Mom!




Yes...this is her home...handcut logs, wrought iron and a bridge/walkway between the 2 upper areas/lofts.


Bradey with 3 of her 4 boys spending a day on the lake...

Bradey wrote this on her FB page today and it really does give you a snapshot of the amazing woman she is....

1. All four of my kids have the same blood type - A+. Same as their dad, NOT same as me (I'm A-). Go figure 


2. My top FOUR front teeth are veneers. And those of you who've been around long enough will remember the sad sad night of Pick It Up. Sigh.

3. I actually don't need vodka/wine/beer to tell me I can dance. I can and do at will....just do it 

4. I have started running. Again, those of you "in the know" will know this is some sort of voodoo magic. And I'm speedy 

5. I graduated as an Ontario Scholar and was nominated for Valedictorian the year I graduated. Which will remain a quiet, unnamed year in history.... 

6. I ALWAYS wanted 4 kids. Didn't matter what kind - despite the VAST myriad of people to assume otherwise - and I'm so blessed to have the ones I've been gifted.

7. I have been in love with my husband since I was 17 years old.

8. I collect aprons. Antique, vintage, new....I love aprons. And I wear them all the time 

9. I am content: with my life, my family and even myself.

10. For someone who talks a LOT, this was really a challenge. Apparently I must not talk about myself too much, because I had to THINK about most of this!!!



Number 6, 7 and 9 bring the biggest smile to my face... she just rocks!

I mentioned her entrepreneurial spirit as she has/had a home based business, making amazingly delicious home-cooked meals and selling them to the local community (ie. fresh, from scratch, wholesome, yummy and ready for you when you were home from work). She has put this business on-hold for now, but she still cooks and bakes everyday for her family and the pictures she posts make my mouth water every, single time!

There are just a few:









So if this doesn't have you salivating yet, this recipe will! 

I was looking for a tried, tested and true banana muffin recipe a while back and of course I turned to Bradey. This recipe that she sent me is FABTASTIC! It turns out every time and the muffins are absolutely delicious! I took a batch into work (ie. to a group of 12 guys) and they were gone before they headed out to the field for the day.

Bradey's Banana Muffin Recipe!
1 3/4 cups of flour (straight white or a mix of  3/4 cup whole wheat and 1 cup white)
1tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter or margarine (can also use coconut oil - I usually do 1/4 cup butter &1/4 cup coconut oil)
1 1/4 cups sugar (can use all white or a mix of white and brown)
2 eggs
1/4 cup sour cream (or yogurt)
3 medium bananas
Chocolate chips, coconut...whatever extras you'd like to add
I also put a tiny bit of vanilla extract in too 


In a large bowl, whip butter/marg and sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Mix in (by hand or on low speed) sour cream and mashed up bananas. 
In a separate bowl, mix all the other dry ingredients together. If you're adding choc chips or coconut, add them in with the dry ingredients.
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients (by hand!) and then put into the prepared pan/muffin cups (ie. spray pans or use liners prior to adding batter).
Bake at 350 for muffins or a 9 x 13 pan or 325 for a loaf or bundt pan. Muffins or the 9 x 13 take about 25 minutes. Loaf/bundt take about 45-50. Test with a toothpick and if it's clean, you're good to go!!


There we go...I made a batch this morning and needless to say, they were breakfast (still hot, just out of the oven with the butter melting into them...yummmmm). Oh...they were lunch too!

Tomorrow is Bradey's birthday (Nov.17)...soo HAPPY BIRTHDAY LADY! Cheers to another year and thank you for being the wonderful woman you are! Miss you lots and can't wait till we can get together again.

RR

Slight Change In Plans....

So...we had a cottage booked for a weeks vacation that my friend, her kids and I had planned for almost 2 months...or...at least we thought we did. When she called to confirm pick up of the keys, she got the news....we had been double booked and the people who they had also booked were already there ....
Needless to say...after our anger subsided (we do have a free weekend coming our way though after this complete mess up on their part) we hopped online to see what else we could find.

Most cottages were already booked for the week (of course) but I did find this great cottage rental website via Cottage Life.... I also found some cottages in the Bayfield area that I would realllly like to go to this Fall!

My friend and I are outdoorsy types so we decided to have a look at some of the Provincial Parks to see what they had available for campsites...





Well...we were in luck! I had heard about how some of the Parks have permanent camping structures called Yurts and we were able to reserve one for 2 nights at MacGregor Point, just south of Port Elgin (and literally right around the corner from the cottage we were to have rented)!! I enjoy tent camping as well, but the thought of having a bed, electricity and a solid structure overhead helped to soften the blow of going from a week at a cottage to a few days of camping. 




As you can see, the Yurts are PERFECT for winter camping too  as they're quite well insulated (no, it did not snow while we were there) and we plan on going back for a weekend of cross country skiing and snowshoeing. 

The change in plans also meant a trip to Canadian Tire for some camping supplies...and the great thing about this time of year is that a lot of the gear is on sale!! I'm a BIG fan of Coleman products (they even have a Lantern App for your smartphone) and my new set of pots and pans sure came in handy!

Coleman


So we packed up the vehicles and off we went. First stop in Port was for lunch down by the lake, a walk around the harbour (see below) and then for groceries that needed to be kept cold...and ice! 




Then,.. off to the Park to check in, get our permits and get set up! Once we were set up, we set off on a hike around a wetland called the Tower Trail.


 

There was literally a tower we could climb and take pictures of the beautiful and serene setting...we saw turtles, a variety of birds, frogs etc... The kids loved it!

Then, it was back to the site to get dinner ready...I was a camp counsellor 'back in the day' and those fire making skills came in handy!



Camping food porn!!

We settled in for the night and kept cozy around the fire.....





The next day was filled with more hiking (we did the 6km Old Shore Road Trail) and we also headed to the beach for some relaxation (I also had a conference call from the shore as well).


We had a picnic here while hiking the Old Shore Road Trail....


My friend and her kids...


Amazing views and scenery...



The Beach....the Lake.....Time to just relax...


We took what could have been a very upsetting situation and turned it into an adventure...We have also started a great new tradition...let alone finding all of these new places to explore and come back to!!

I'm thinking maybe Algonquin next summer......

Hope you all had a great long weekend and if you're on vacation this week like I am...ENJOY!!!

RR

Long Weekends = Weekends Outdoors

I take every excuse I can to get outdoors (if you're a regular reader of my blog you already know this), but even more so on a summer long weekend.

Whether it's walking the beach at sunset, rollerblading a lakeside trail, horseback riding through the forest, or sitting on a patio having drinks with friends we really do need to take advantage of the short summer season we have!

We can't all get away for the weekend or a holiday and  taking that into account, why not turn your back yard into your own retreat?

Lonny Magazine has an amazing gallery of patio, deck and outdoor spaces. I have included some of my favorite and hope these inspire you to turn your home/space into your own holiday getaway space..that you get to enjoy everyday!

Patio - A gathering of chaises and a white umbrella beside a pool
LOVE everything about this space...literally EVERYTHING!

Patio - Four outdoor chairs gathered around a fire pit beside a brick wall
The chairs, the brick wall, the coziness....and of course the Hermes blankets!

Patio - French doors leading to a patio with a wicker couch and a zebra hide
Love the idea of using tall shutters for privacy....and the wicker/rattan furniture, animal print rug & french doors....


Patio - A rectangular pool with an umbrella and chaises
That pool....


Patio - Sunny outdoor living beside a pool
An outdoor fireplace!


Patio
The greenery, the brick patio and the huge expanse of windows to let the outdoors in...


Patio
Rustic stonework...


Patio
Wow....I could just wander and lounge in this atmosphere all day....


Patio
So fresh and lush....



Patio
Beachy....can almost hear the waves crashing!


Patio
A great day to night setting....


Patio
The modern pergola - like structure mixed in with the rustic details like the brick shed....


Patio
Have a seat and enjoy a latte while reading the morning paper...


Patio
Modern, Cali style....that enormous daybed!


Patio
Another perfect place for the perfect cup of coffee!


Patio
Literally a melding of the indoors and outdoors...feels like a Tuscan villa.

Cheers to a long weekend....I'm off to the lake and I hope you have the opportunity to get outdoors, relax and enjoy yourself!

RR

Sunny...

I was flipping through the thesaurus, looking for synonyms for the word "Happy"...

Words like 'contented', 'joyous', 'blissful', 'sparkling', 'jubilant', 'delighted' and 'elated' jumped off the page.

The word 'sunny' was also on the list and I felt that it really is the perfect word to use in place of 'happy'....

Sunny = Happy

As I think of things that bring me happiness, sunshine filled days are very close to the top of the list.....

When one feels happy, you exude your own sunshine.

What brings sunshine or happiness to your life??

...


For me....it's the little things....that fleeting moment...that natural element...anything that brings "that" smile or grin to my face and adds that sunshine to my day...


A sunrise through the trees...



Moments of inspiration....



Nature's beauty...



Sunsets at the lake....



..and more sunsets..




Quiet moments with this guy...



Candlelight and nights spent under the stars wrapped up in blankets..



Evenings spent with friends over a good bottle of wine...



Living in a part of the world where we can enjoy all 4 seasons....



Memories of dancing at Camp...



Sand between my toes....



Mountain air and views....



Quiet time at the lake...


Remember to....



Wishing you sunshine and happiness always...

RR

A Day in the Mountains..


I have just returned home from a trip to Calgary to visit friends. To say I LOVE the West would be an understatement and this trip only added to my love affair with the Western lifestyle, especially the mountains.

My friend Antonio, his lovely 18 month old daughter Isabella and I took a day trip out to Kananaskis Country to hike at Upper Kananaskis Lake with the goal to get to Rawson Lake. It was an amazing day, with the temperature perfect for a hike. There was only a bit of rain from time to time and the sun peaked out through the clouds  all day long.

When you drove into the parking lot...this was the scene that greeted you....


A section of 'beach'...


Out flow of a gorgeous waterfall....we had lunch lakeside just left of this outlet.


The waterfall...


Close up of the waterfall from the footbridge...Isabella had a great view from the pack on her Dad's back.


Where we had lunch...


I could have sat there for hours just taking it all in....



As we climbed the Rawson Lake Trail, you could still see Upper Kananaskis Lake from time to time through the trees



As we climbed higher (past 6000 feet above sea level) the snow pack hadn't really started to melt (hence why the lakes were so low). The snow to the side of the 'hard packed' trail was well above our waist level as we found as as we fell through from time to time. 


We could hear this fast flowing creek as we climbed the Rawson Trail....we went off the path, in snow up to our waist, to see if we could find it.
The snow kept getting deeper the higher we climbed so we did not quite make it to Rawson Lake. It was a difficult climb, not only through snow, but also in steepness and the change in elevation...this Ontario Gal got quite a workout at almost 6 times my normal sea level elevation at home.


 Panorama shot from the Upper Lake trail...


Isabella and I enjoying one last look at the lake before we headed back to Calgary.




I had an amazing trip and can't wait to get out again and finish that trail hike!

RR

Cottage Dreamin'

If you haven't gotten a copy of House and Home's April Edition...Go...Get one...Right now! You WILL NOT be disappointed! 





Whether it's the Frenchie with the Sunshine Yellow Bentwood Bench or the articles on 'The French Translation' and 'Pretty Organized', this volume is full of great ideas and pops of colour for Spring!


It also has an article that completely stopped me in my tracks and literally made me say, "Wow" out loud....The article is "Fresh & Wild".

It's about "a young couple who reinvigorate a lakeside cottage with nature-inspired finishes and exotic flourishes".

To me this is THE perfect cottage....the stone fireplace, exposed beams, the open-airy feel, the decor, colours, textures, layout, living space, the lot, the lake, the deck, the dock, the cedar shakes on the exterior...the list goes on and on about what I love and I literally would not change a thing!

They did a great job of mixing rustic, antique, weathered pieces with fresh new pieces. The 'beachy' colour palette helps keep the airy feel throughout, in combination with the tall ceilings and so, so many windows!

I love the owner's quote..."Cottages need a bit of whimsy...I love the relaxed vibe created when pieces from a million different places come together." I couldn't agree more!! The article talks about how this cottage has been a work in progress for quite some time and to me, that's exactly what a cottage should be...a never ending project that allows you to transform it into a place that is truly you...









If you are a regular reader of my Blog, you know that my goal is to own a cottage in the next 3-5 years....this is just the kind of article that helps me keep focused to keep on track to my goal of cottage ownership!

Happy Sunday!

RR

Busy, Busy, Busy...


The past few weeks have been super busy.....at times it just feels like there are not enough hours in the day!
 
Time is flying by, but I am making sure to live every minute....every moment....
 
These pictures are just a few of the moments of my life over the past few weeks...


 Sunset at Emma's Backporch in Burlington on Lake Ontario....Retirement party for my amazing boss....We're really going to miss him and I will be forever grateful to him for everything he taught me, the opportunities he afforded me...and for him just being the truly wonderful person he is!
 
 
 Charlie and my Dad...having a a very in depth conversation....note the crossed paws :)
 
 
I was looking through old pictures of Charlie...those big brown eyes....that pouty lower lip....he had my heart since the first time I laid eyes on him!
 
 
Sunset on my flight into Thunder Bay... 
 
 
 Clouds.......flying at sunset is my favorite time of day...
 
 
 Looks like cotton balls....
 
  
 My outdoor holiday decor....ready and waiting to be displayed....The leaves have been raked, outdoor furniture has been put away, the gardens have been tended to....bring on Winter!
 
 
 A cozy corner in my home.....this was taken as I was lounging on the couch, glass of wine in hand just enjoying being home and enjoying the coziness of Fall...
 
 

Candlelight makes everything better! Romantic, warm, cozy....perfect ambiance...




As I look back on the past few weeks...past few months in fact...this statement couldn't be more true but it also reminds me to not waste a second and really get out there and live!

RR

Back to reality...

The summer long weekend....a chance to get away to the lake, enjoy time with friends in the sun...and escape the 'real world'.


One of my best gal pals was heading to the cottage with her kids (2 of the best kids you will ever meet!) and I was lucky enough to join them for a few days....


The shores of Lake Huron bring back many childhood memories and many more were made this weekend...


Needless to say, this weekend reinforced my goal to move towards cottage ownership...There is something about the water, waves, sand, rocks and sun that takes every ounce of stress and melts it away...


No other sunset can compare to a Lake Huron sunset...



Of course there was home decor involved this weekend...along with a few cold beverages...This issue of Dwell is fantastic!....The home from the province of Friesland in the Netherlands is the perfect combination of the rustic modern aesthetic...When the time comes for me to design a cottage, I could take a lot of inspiration from this home!

poetryworld house kitchen



poetryworld house dining living room



poetryworld house studio

Hope all of my friends had a great long weekend!

RR

Lake Life...

Spring is now here (well almost...no more snow please!) and it will be May next week. Before we know it, summer will be upon us and I am determined to not let it fly by like it did last year! There will be beach days, cottages, lakes, boats, sand, etc etc this summer....

Growing up in Southern Ontario, we were lucky enough to have ready access to the Great Lakes, more specifically Lake Huron, and I also spent many summers in Northern Ontario on Lake of the Woods. There is just something about being near water..I can spend hours just sitting on the rocks, listening, smelling, and watching all of the the sounds, smells and movement of the lake. The sunrises, the sunsets...they're literally unmatched anywhere else!

I'm still working on a plan to one day own a cottage....and looking at these pictures keeps me focused on that goal!


Charlie enjoying a Port Elgin Sunset
Port Elgin Harbour


Lake Huron Sunset near Goderich



Out for a walk after sunset - Port Elgin



Point Clark - St. Patrick's Day 2012



One final Lake Huron Sunset.....



Storm Bay Road - Lake of the Woods



Nothing really compares to a Northern Ontario Lake...


Make sure you take the time to get outside and enjoy. There is so much inspiration to draw from the outdoors...but especially from being by the lake!

RR