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

Found it!!!

Since moving into my home almost 2 years ago, I have been looking for the 'perfect' piece to use as an entertainment centre.

I have a 10 foot length of wall that I wanted the piece to run the full space of and it had been a challenge finding exactly what I had envisioned.

My parent's neighbours are getting into the reclaimed wood business and I had planned on asking them to put something together for me....but....then Mom and I went on a shopping road trip to the town of Neustadt.

We frequent this small town quite a bit for their wonderful shops and the fantastic people who own/operate them. To our happy surprise, we found a new shop called Refurbishment and needless to say, I could have decorated my entire home with their reclaimed, up-cycled, refinished, refurbished and one-of-a-kind pieces!

I was walking around, letting it all soak in when I saw it...THE piece I had been looking for!!!

An 11foot length of aged, raw pine with gorgeous antique legs.....the word SOLD leaped out of my mouth so fast I couldn't believe it!

My heart almost broke when the shop owner said that another patron had been in earlier in the day and had asked her to 'hold' it until she could go home and do some measurements....

We left the shop, after giving he my contact information, with fingers and toes crossed that it would not fit in the other patron's home as I knew it would be perfect in mine....

About 45 minutes later I received a text....IT WAS MINE!!!! A short happy dance ensued and we set up a time for delivery (yes, she would deliver it to my home in Guelph....COULD THIS GET ANY BETTER?!?!)

After some major re-arranging at home....here it is installed! :)

I LOVE IT!!! 

These pictures were taken just shortly after getting it together and set up so I will likely still play with some of the styling and items located on/around it. We had to take a bit off the one end and I will turn that into a shelf, but other then that, it fit and works impeccably with the space!

Here's a close up of the raw, natural edge (I LOOOOVE, LOOOVE, LOOOVE it!), the unfinished wood and those gorgeous (and heavy) antique legs!

This piece has finally brought the room together and given it the look and feel I had been hoping for....it even makes the room and overall space seem bigger!

So...if you're on your way to lake Ontario from the GTA...detour through the cute lil town of Neustadt (just outside of Hanover)...it is WELL worth the trip!

RR

Mom's Day...Every Day!

I'm a wee bit late in posting this, but we had such a great Mom's Day weekend, I just had to share some of the photos!

Love you Mom!!

Succulent in a tea cup for Mom!

The perfect 'directors chairs' for a beachy feel from Chat Noir in Guelph.

Indoor plants for my home to freshen things up... From Sweet Violets in Guelph.

Gorgeous Tulips from my parent's garden!

We did a road trip to some local stores like we always do.....We found the cutest yet glam tea set from Gay Lea in Teeswater! LOVE the GOLD LIP PRINTS!

Mom and I went for a drive which included this gorgeous country lane....we both commented on how it would be a perfect wedding setting!

Another view of the lane...

I'm lucky enough to live close enough to visit my parent's on a more regular basis, making it easier to have "Mom's Day" on a much more regular basis!

RR

What a week..a great week :)

Or maybe I should say....what a month!

I have no idea where April went or how May 1st is next week.....

Life seems to get away from us sometimes, but this past Saturday I had the chance to put things on 'hold' and get together with my University Gal Pals here in Guelph. We had a great afternoon chatting, snacking, enjoying some vino...and just having a great time!

For the Gals' arrival, I had bought some tulips (just from the grocery store, nothing fancy) and became enamored with them (as evidenced by the photos below).

They still look great almost a week later.

Then, it was off to a 2 day conference in Simcoe with work. It was a chance to put our work on hold and let my co-workers and I get together from across the province for 2 days of sharing and learning.

We headed to Callahan's Beach House for dinner and enjoyed a gorgeous sunset, amazing fish and fantastic wine/spirits. 

The name just says it all..... ;)

This is going to be a busy weekend too...I'm doing the Spring Sprint for the Canadian Brain Tumour Foundation tomorrow, in memory of a great highschool friend.

What a week...what a great week! 

RR

Window Dressing...Not Required...

I've been looking through West Elm's FB page and noticed the number of round/circular windows they have been showcasing via other bloggers/websites.

I love the idea of a circular window and the somewhat unexpected line and aesthetic that it brings..

They are definitely a style of window that you would not want to cover up with any type of window dressing, so their application would likely be best in a room where privacy was not a concern.

I don't have a circular window in my home...but one that is very similar...I have a hexagon!

Autumn View

Winter View

It is found in my front entry way and its not a huge window by any means...but...it just adds that little something else...something special to my lil cottage. 

Next time you're doing a reno, or even of you were considering an opening in the wall between two rooms...consider a unique shaped window....They add architectural interest and can stand on their own as a design element.

RR

*Please just click on photos for credits*

Joie de Vivre!!

Life is what you make it....Life throws us curveballs...Life is a never ending roller coaster ride...Life is beautiful!

I'm taking some time today to reflect and be truly thankful for the life I have...the life I lead....and the life I have ahead of me.....

GO LIVE YOUR LIFE!!!!!

RR

Hamlet with a Heart!

I grew up just outside of a small village...or hamlet...called Belmore, Ontario.

At the ripe age of 3, I took my first unsure steps on the ice surface at the arena that would turn into my second home throughout my public school and highschool days.

I write a lot about how much I love small towns and I can tell you with 100% honesty, I would not be the woman I am today if it wasn't for this hamlet and the community that surrounds it.

From the hours spent on that ice surface trying to perfect an axel or double loop...to the time spent at my best friend's house by the campfire or in the horse barn....words can't truly express how lucky I feel to have been brought up in a community that relies solely on volunteers and what that sense of camaraderie and giving back has taught me and brought to my life.

This time of year means Maple Syrup Festival in Belmore and this was it's 46th year!

This entire 2 day event is run completely by volunteers....everything from the steering committee, to the people mixing batter in the kitchen, flipping sausages, serving tables, parking cars...the list goes on and on...but every single person is their, giving of their own time to support this  wonderful community and event.

 How many events can truly say this nowadays? It really is something to be experienced and to see the same people (and new faces) come out year after year, makes me smile but also makes me feel very proud and happy to be a part of it.

Here's a sense of the grocery list of some of the basics needed for the Festival....The maple syrup, sausages, milk etc are all sourced locally, from local farmers and butchers...That's another great part of growing up here....fresh, local produce directly from our neighbours and friends!

This is a picture of the arena floor...full of people who come from all across southern Ontario to enjoy a feast of fluffy pancakes, fresh maple syrup, and amazing sausage! Not only is the food fantastic, but there are also wonderful vendors (they fill an entire curling club and auditorium) with everything from quilts to pottery, jewellery, word working, local meats/cheeses etc etc...

The thing that I always look forward the most to on days like today is seeing all the of familiar, smiling faces of neighbours, friends, old skating comrades and being able to get 'caught up' just like we saw each other yesterday! You can't take more then 10 steps and hear a friendly, "Hello", "How are you?", "I just saw your Dad"...it goes on and on.



This year, we were the morning crew....I helped on the arena floor serving and clearing tables, my Dad was on sausage duty and my Mom was in the kitchen mixing batter....and of course, we aren't the only family there. There are some families that had 4 generations there either enjoying a yummy meal or working to help ensure a successful event. Again, words can't express how amazing it is to look around and see my friends with their grandparent's, their parents and their little ones, all sitting down to enjoy a meal together in the community we all grew up in.





I will never be able to express in words how grateful I am to this community and all the giving, caring and thoughtful people who I am lucky enough to call neighbours and friends. Speaking of friends and neighbours, the photo below is of a family friend/neighbour Bob, my Dad and our next door neighbour, 'Uncle Dave', hard at work, serving up scrumptious sausages.






Keep your calendars free in 2014, for the second weekend in April. Come on out to Belmore and enjoy some amazing food, small town hospitality and say "Hi"...I'll be there!

RR

Sunday Dreaming....

The weekend is flying by! As I'm having my latte and looking through Pinterest (yes, I should be doing the dishes or laundry or something...but Pinterest got me!), I saw this.....

Every single aspect of this/these rooms is the absolute essence of rustic elegance. There really are no words....

My dream home.......

The photo was credited to the Blog...PLANET DECO a homes world The blog is in French, but will allow to translate it. I must admit though, as you are enjoying this feast for the eyes, it almost makes is that much more a delicious experience to look through their gorgeous posts and stumble through the translation on your own..

Here are some more photos from their post on a cabin in Norway...

I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday and have a chance to take some time to relax and do some dreaming of your own!

RR

My 'Day Job'....Welcome to Regulation!

You all know how much I enjoy and have a passion for home decor/style...but my 9-5 (or a lot of the time 7-7) job and my first passion is in the Field of Kinesiology where I'm lucky enough to use my background and education every single day.

A lot of people ask, what is Kinesiology?? Well, Kinesiology is:

"the science of human movement, applying the latest evidenced-based research to improve function, health and wellness of people in all settings and populations.  

As university trained health professionals, Kinesiologists work with individuals, groups, families, caregivers and healthcare professionals to apply the principles of biomechanics, anatomy, physiology and psychomotor behaviour to improve health, function and performance. 

Kinesiologists are committed to enhancing quality of life through the promotion of physical activity and workplace health and safety, the prevention and management of injury and chronic disease, and the over all improvement of health and performance."

I'm a UWO grad (3rd generation), with an Hons in Kinesiology and my career path has been a wonderful journey since I graduated 11 years ago! 

UC Hill at UWO...

I had planned on doing my PhD in Geriatrics and 11 years later, I'm working in a completely different field, helping injured/ill/disabled individuals get back to work in a safe and timely manner. I still have a special place in my heart for Geriatrics and hope to work with the City of Guelph on their Older Adult Strategy to help keep Seniors/Older Adults in their homes/communities longer and live longer, fuller lives through exercise and good health!

A fellow R. Kin and I, Steph B, enjoying UWO Homecoming. 

Today is a HUGE day for Kins in Ontario...as of today, April 1, 2013, we have become regulated and to be able to call your self a Registered Kinesiologist (R.Kin) in this province, you must become a member of the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario.

 We as Kinesiologists in this province owe a HUGE thanks to the Ontario Kinesiology Association (OKA) and all of those fellow Kins who have spent countless hours, months and years helping us on our journey towards regulation...and...we can finally say...WE'RE HERE!!

This is a press release from the Ministry of Health and LTC about our regulation and what we as professionals can and will continue to bring to the Ontario Health Care system:

Ontario Bringing Oversight to Kinesiology Care

New Ontario Government Ensuring Access to Safe, Regulated Health Care

March 22, 2013 2:30 pm

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

Ontario is ensuring high standards of care for kinesiology services by establishing the new College of Kinesiologists of Ontario to oversee and regulate the profession.

Starting April 1, 2013, individuals who deliver kinesiology services will be required to register and be accountable to the college. Regulation of the profession ensures that kinesiologists adhere to a common set of professional standards, a code of ethics, and participate in ongoing professional development. The new College of Kinesiologists of Ontario is mandated to protect the public by holding its members accountable and by investigating any complaints.

Kinesiologists use exercise, ergonomic services and lifestyle management coaching to help people with sport, work and the activities of daily living by improving movement, supporting rehabilitation following an injury and managing chronic disease.

Ensuring safe, quality health care for the people of Ontario is part of the province's Action Plan for Health Care.

Quick Facts

• Kinesiologists often work in interdisciplinary teams alongside other health and sport professionals in a variety of settings, including cardiac rehabilitation, long-term care, hospitals and community health care.
• The government appointed a transitional council to develop the regulations, policies and by-laws that are required for the new College to be established and begin regulating the profession.
• Thirteen Ontario universities offer kinesiology programs at the baccalaureate level.

Quotes

 Kinesiologists are an important part of health care services in Ontario. The newly established College of Kinesiologists of Ontario brings greater public accountability to the work they do. Patients can be confident that no matter where they receive care, they are receiving high-quality care from trained professionals."

Deb Matthews

Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

 Our primary objective is to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and public safety in the kinesiology profession in Ontario. "

Brenda Kritzer

Registrar, Transitional Council of the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario

As you can tell, we're a very proud profession and we have been looking forward to this day for many years!

CHEERS to all of my fellow R. Kins....let's keep moving this profession onwards and upwards!

RR

Love Her Style!!

I was having a look through my Instagram feed the other day and saw these absolutely gorgeous painted antlers!

I opened up the Padgett Hoke Blog and immediately felt a connection to her style, both in her home and her own personal style!

I love these antlers and can't wait to try painting some that I have! 

The blog takes us through her building her beautiful and rustic home in Jackson Hole. If I were to ever build, I can safely say that I would mirror a lot of what she has done!

Look at the gorgeous face enjoying some relaxing time in front of this amazing fireplace....

And the bathrooms.....perfect!

Then there's this deck with that view...wow!!!

When I say I can relate to her style...I think I have everyone of those pieces in my closet/wardrobe!

I've never been to Wyoming, let alone Jackson Hole....her photos are inspiring me to plan a trip there sooner then later!

Stunning.....

Then...there's her Etsy shop! I've posted a few photos of my favourite pieces ....'click' on the photos below and they'll take you directly to the listing on Etsy!

This one may just be my favourite!

Or...maybe this one! I can't decide which one to get!

These earrings would be the perfect addition to my summer wardrobe!

As you can see, we share a lot of similarities in style and her Blog is a wonderful journey through what looks to be a very happy and successful approach to life!!

RR

*All photos are from the Padgett Hoke Blog*