The Simple Things...The Little Things...The Messy Things..

The little things.....The simple things...

Saturday morning lattes, cupcakes, magazines and fresh flowers....

Your day is made up of these simple, little moments and how often do you sit back and truly enjoy them?

Brunch with a friend....getting caught up on what's new and where life is going....

An evening walk with a 4 legged friend.....

Sunset over Lake of the Woods....brings back so many memories....

Sunday at the Aberfoyle Market...sooo many great finds and project inspirations! (P.S. that brass bed was only $85!!!!!!.....I'm kicking myself for not bringing it home)

Morning meetings by the water......

Sitting in and soaking up the sun....I think I may need to get him a pair of sunglasses...

Our lives can get away from us at times...Thank you to Sara of Top Knot Events for sending this through and reminding me that the messier that life is, the better! Leave your bed unmade, throw your hair in a top knot and get out and enjoy your "messy" life full of simple, little moments...take off your shoes and dip your toes in the lake, indulge in that yummy brunch or cupcake, squeeze that new project you found at the Market into the back of your vehicle...These "messes" (ie. wonderful moments) are what life truly is about....

P.S. If you'd like to order one of these "Messy" prints for yourself, go to Top Knot Weddings' Etsy Shop!

RR

The Barley Vine Rail Co.

A friend and I were famished and were looking for a great place to have a late lunch/early dinner while in Orangeville. We walked through the front door of The Barley Vine Rail Co and were met by this rustic bar, complete with a tin ceiling, industrial light fixtures, original wood, a wide variety of wine and a fantastic selection of beer on tap!

After a very thorough review of the menu (both food and cocktail versions), we decided on our meals and a pint. Next time I'm there, I'm definitely going to have the Derby Manhattan (I LOVE Manhattans and really enjoy trying them at different establishments).

We started with DEEP FRIED PICKLES to share.....Absolutely DELISH! (I could have eaten another entire order all on my own!)

Then these scrumptious mains arrived....I had the MADE FROM SCRATCH Perogies and Caesar Salad. Oh...My...Gosh..... Words cannot explain how fantastically great these perogies are (if they every decide to sell them, I'll be buying DOZENS). The Caesar salad was perfect! The house-made dressing was light and full of flavour (love the garlicy undertone) and the bacon pieces, croutons, parmesan and a squeeze of lemon just completed it! My friend had the Bison Burger (sans bun) with Fries cooked in duck fat..... My mouth is watering just thinking of these dishes!

We somehow still had some tummy space for these oh-so-yummy mini desserts (can you blame 2 gals that hadn't eaten since breakfast and it was now well past 5?)

Our meals were fabtabulous and I cannot wait to go back to try even more menu items (there were at least 5 or 6 that immediately jumped out at me, but every single item looked and sounded great!)

Not only was the food amazing, but the decor, design aesthetic and atmosphere was too!

Seeing as this was Orangeville's train/railway station at one point in the past, the building exuded history and charm, but also had a rustic and industrial edge to it as well. The original wood trim around the huge windows, mixed with the exposed HVAC and industrial light fixtures were the perfect decor combo!

Pieces of this restaurant's story and history were spread through the space.... There truly is something special about these small town Ontario railway stations and the historical value they bring to their communities!

The tall ceilings, dark walls, large windows, wood trim and metallic finishes all bring a certain kind of coziness and warmth to the space and allow for an incredibly welcoming atmosphere. It's the kind of space that you really don't want to leave!

The details are all there too.....Such as the paddle hanging over the bar, signed by everyone who attended their grand opening; that tin ceiling (*mwah*), those light fixtures (double *mwah*).....there are just so many to mention...I think you need to go have a look for yourself!

The custom sign by the bar catches your eye as soon as you walk in! The staff also all wear custom hoodies and T's with their extremely clever and eye catching logo (LOVED them!). Oh, and by the way, their branding is SPOT ON....note the beaver (BVR) in the front of the train (Railway station)! Brilliant!!

But what's even more brilliant is what this establishment has already brought to this town...and I don't just mean great food! They had an evening to raise funds for the local SPCA (a cause near and dear to my heart) and everyone who donated $50 received a personalized plaque (as above) that are fastened to the back of every bar stool and chair. What an absolutely AMAZING idea that not only warmed by heart, but also reminded me how so very important it is to give back, especially in a 'small town'. 

To me, a restaurant/bistro can have fantastic food, but if they don't have the staff to match, I won't go back!

Well let me tell you, the staff at Barley Vine Rail Co are reason enough to go to this bistro and the wonderful food, drink and atmosphere just make your experience there absolutely complete!

Ryan (the owner), Debbie and Megs were DA BOMB!!! Their enthusiasm is contagious and those smiles just show you how much they truly love this piece of their community they have created. I've said it previously and I'll say it again....You will not want to leave this establishment once you arrive, but, when you do have to finally go, I know you'll go back....often!

Thank you to you all for making our first time at your bistro/pub a wonderful experience, for all 5 of the senses!

The next time you're in Orangeville, you MUST plan to make a stop at The Barley Vine Rail Co! They're at 35 Armstrong St, just off of the main street. I cannot wait to go back for some more tres yummy food, to try that Manhattan and to see/socialize with the incredible staff!

I think a road trip is in order!

P.S. Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter to ensure you are kept aware of all of their upcoming events!

RR

A Weekend in the Country - Part Deux

The Friday and Saturday of the April long weekend involved running errands, decorating for Spring and some relaxation. 

After all that, a sunny Sunday meant only one thing...ROAD TRIP TO THE LAKE!!!

Mom, Charlie and I hopped in the truck (Char is never one to miss a good road trip, especially one that MAY include swimming - this one didn't as the lake was much too cold) and off to the lake we went. We started in Kincardine, along Lake Huron, and I just couldn't wait to put my feet in the sand!! As you can see, Charlie had his leash on and he was none too happy about that, but as you can also see, there are still chunks of ice in the water! Last thing we needed was a hypothermic pooch!!

How great did it feel to finally be able to wear flip flops and have our toes....and tail.....in the sand!?!

It wouldn't be a trip to the lake without ice cream!! An Oreo Blizzard for myself, ice cream cone for Charlie and a pineapple sundae for Mom! Feels like Summer has officially started (well....almost!).

Back into the truck for a drive along the shore..... So many new homes and 'cottages' have gone up over the past 5-10 years....The one above is one of my favourites on the drive between Kincardine and Point Clark.

The colours this time of year are unlike any other! You will rarely see the water this turquoise-blue in the summer. I can't get over how much ice there still was (and snow for that matter). It really was a perfect picture taking day!!

We then got on the road and headed home :(

Such a great day and so bittersweet to leave the water behind.... 

We arrived home to this sunset...Just stunning! The perfect end to the perfect day!

Monday morning arrived (last day of the long weekend) and I headed back to the city as I wanted to get my yard work done and the deck/patio set up!

As I got to the end of my parent's sideroad, this happened as the sun was rising....I absolutely had to get out and capture how incredibly beautiful it was! 

It was such a lovely Spring weekend in the country..... It completely re-energized me and as always, made me realize how lucky I am to live a Bucolic Lifestyle......

BB

SAVE vs splurge

I was having a lazy Sunday morning, lounging in bed and reading the newest issue of Style at Home mag, when Editor Erin McLaughlin's words leaped off the page at me!

• "In the past, having limited funds felt humbling and was something we kept under wraps. Now, we're proud of how little we spend - and how much bang we can get for our buck". - Erin McLaughlin

FINALLY!!! A mantra that I have been living for almost my entire life has become the 'new reality'....

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SPEND A FORTUNE TO CREATE THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS!!!! 

Saving money is now 'trendy' ...I HATE that term (trendy)...but it's true! Even those celebrities and extremely successful business folk (who could afford anything and everything they could ever imagine) are making a point to show off how little they spend on items to decorate their home!

I, on the other hand, have ALWAYS been proud of this! Don't get me wrong, I do splurge on items from time to time, but 95% of the time, if it is on sale, is a deal or a steal and I love it....I'm ALLLLL OVER IT! And in addition to being all over it, I enjoy sharing where and how to find these deals (like I will in this post).

This was my view Saturday morning as I was having my latte and ritual Saturday morning cupcake....

I'm sitting at my dining room table ($80) from the Hanover Market  that I gave a 'face lift' to last year; on one of my dining room chairs ($10 - | paid $40 for the set of 4 at an auction and they will soon be getting a face lift); looking at my sideboard/buffet ($325 - and it also has a mirror that I use in a different room) from Craigslist and almost every object on top of the table or sideboard are deals I have found in shops across Southern Ontario (including the $7.50 tulips from the Guelph Farmers Market), or were gifts from amazing family/friends.

Not too shabby for an entire room of furniture and decor items for well under $1000.00!! What I almost love more than the amazing deals is the fact that everything has been upcycled as they're quality, solid wood pieces that just needed a bit of freshening up (you can see why the chairs will soon be getting a face lift). You truly cannot find this type of quality furniture being made nowadays, unless you want to pay thousands of dollars for just one piece. I will have my sideboard forever! It is a classic and one of my favourite pieces in my home as it is THE perfect blank slate for so many design/decor options in the room!

Then there's my living room. How do you like my coffee table ($10)? A friend spotted it at a yard sale and thought of me, so she bought it for me. I then brought it home, gave it a fresh coat of paint and, VOILA! My club chairs ($20 each) were another Hanover Market find and after having them professionally re-upholstered with fabric from Tonic Living, they were still less than most chairs you would find in retail stores and the best part - they're custom!! 

My 'entertainment centre'.....After years of looking for a rustic and unique piece such as this, I finally found it in the small town of Neustadt at a shop called Refurbishment. It was WELL within budget (less than $275) and I LOVE IT!!! It was well worth taking the time to find it as I think it 'makes' the living room with it's raw edge and weathered appearance.

This corner of my home has also been years in the making....I have had some of the photos/art pieces on this console table ($125 - a clearance find at Home Outfitters) for over 12 years! Pieces like the apothocary jar ($7.00 at an annual clearance sale in a small town near my parents - I can't share ALL my secrets *wink*) are multi-functional and can be used in every season by placing season-specific items within it. The little black leather stool ($5) was an auction find (I got 2) and the silver tray on top ($2) was from another cute little shop in Neustadt. The white deer ($15) and the 'Family' pieces (between $8-$20) are from The Garage in Belmore.

This is my bed side table and....drum roll please.....it was FREE!! My Dad and I made it (which makes it even more special) from barn board from our old house (the one we lost in the fire) and a solid iron frame that was once used to hold a barrel of oil. It truly is a one of a kind piece and encompasses everything that making a house a home means to me!

How do you make your house a home on a budget??

• Buy/upcycle/make only what you absolutely love! You will be drawn to certain styles/items much more so than others. When you find 'your style' and you see a piece that fits into that style and that you LOVE, get it! Chances are, you will always find a way to incorporate it into your home for years to come!
• Don't be in a rush! Take your time and wait for those pieces that you love. It has taken me years of searching small town shops and boutiques to find just 'the perfect piece' and it was well worth it. If you're working with a budget, there's no sense buying something now for the sake of buying it, just to buy the same item in a year or 2 because you finally found what you're looking for.
• Buy multi-purpose pieces! The more versatile the piece, the more bang for your buck. The more you can rotate a piece through your home in different rooms and in all seasons, the more worthwhile is it to bring into your home!
• Shop locally and frequently! There's no better way to stay on budget than to become familiar with your local stores and boutiques, be-friend the owners, and shop there frequently! You will become familiar with their stock and what they tend to carry, they can add you to email lists regarding promos and sales and if you shop there regularly, you'll be the first to check out when items go on sale!
• Don't be afraid to DIY! Hop on Kijiji or Craigslist regularly too. When you see a piece you love, for a great deal, but it requires a bit of a face lift....go for it!! Purchase a test piece and try refinishing/re-painting it yourself. If you're not comfortable doing the refinishing, you can hire someone like myself to refresh your piece and even after paying for paint and the service, the piece will still likely be MUCH cheaper (and of better quality) than purchasing something brand new.

These are just a few tips to help with the ongoing transformation of making the house you own or live in your own!

If you would like more assistance with anything and everything related to your home, send me an email to rusticretrievals@gmail.com and we can work together on your project(s). 

I'm off to stock up on spray paint and make a visit to a local shop that has a piece I have been eyeing for some time now....Think I MAY just have to get it (it went on sale the other day)!! 

HAPPY SAVING!!!

RR

A Weekend in the Country...

I escaped to the country over the long weekend ... A weekend for family, being outside and welcoming Spring with outstretched arms!

As you can see in the photo above however, Winter was still lingering, but that did not deter Charlie from a swim in the pond. Every patch of snow he could find, he rolled in like there was no tomorrow. This time of year seems to be filled with thousands of new smells, at least from Charlie's perspective, and he stopped every few steps to take them allllll in!

I love to get outside this time of year (well anytime of year really) and take in all of the 'new'....the Spring flowers poking through the thawing soil, the birds that have returned form their winters in the south are chirping up a storm, the buds on the trees ready to pop open, where the sun is now rising and setting....It is an exciting time of year that reminds us of all of the potential that surrounds us!!

I also find it's a good time of year to reflect....as we start a new season, I also take the time to relax and look back on the events that have occurred the last few months....and also find myself perplexed as to how fast time seems to be flying by!

Our evening walk greeted us with this....

A sunny corner to curl up in, relax and reflect....

So fresh and bright...a true sign that Spring is right around the corner!

We aren't really a dessert family (I would rather have my cupcake/dessert for breakfast it would seem OR we have our 2am kitchen parties when we then feel the need to have our dessert), but how can you resist a Strawberry Shortcake!?

Another activity I realllllly enjoy this time of year is getting a jump start on the outdoor living season...ie. time to head to the local Garden Centre!!! My Mom and I (after getting my snow tires taken off), headed to one of my favourite landscaping supply stores just outside of Walkerton called Folmer Gardens.

I would have needed about 5 patios/decks and 5 acres for all of the furniture, urns, flowers and decor pieces I wanted to bring home with me, but in the end we decided on some hearty spring flowers to freshen up the planters/urns. I also got some flowers and new urns for my patio (more to come on those...let's just say, they're definitely going to add a "pop" to my back yard!  *wink wink*).

The photo above is the finished product of my parent's from porch....pansies, lanterns, willow branches (that I cut from their willow tree) and a handsome chocolate furry pooch (he just loves posing for pictures).

So....this was just Friday and Saturday of the long weekend.....stay tuned for the events of living a Bucolic Lifestyle on Sunday and Monday in an upcoming post!

BU·COL·IC

byo͞oˈkälik/

adjective

1. of or relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and country life.

   "the stone house is lovely for its bucolic setting"

   synonyms:rustic, rural, pastoral, country, countryside; 

RR

Market Goodness

Whenever I stay in town over the weekend, I really like to start my Saturday morning at the Guelph Farmers' Market. I had stocked up on meat from our local butcher on my last visit home to see my parents, so I was on the hunt for fresh veggies this morning. I also was keeping my fingers crossed for farm fresh eggs as our neighbours laying hens were 'on strike' last weekend and I couldn't bring any back with me. 

Did I ever hit a home run!! As you can see from the photo above, I have more than enough veggies to get me through the week! My bounty includes: brussel sprouts, zucchini, fingerling potatoes, red pepper, mixed greens, kale, asparagus, cucumber, garlic, onion, sweet potatoes, cremini mushrooms, green/yellow beans, bananas (for smoothies) and eggs! Yeah! And....The craziest part of this, is that all of this healthy goodness cost less than $30.00!!! It was $26.35 to be exact...and that's including the eggs!! WOW!!! Whoever says supporting your local farmers is more expensive is WRONG!

I rushed to get home so I could make myself breakfast with this wonderful, fresh produce. I decided on a Breakfast Scramble which included:

- 4 fingerling potatoes (thinly sliced); 2 cremini mushrooms; 1/3 of a red pepper; onion (use as little or as much as you'd like); 3 spears of asparagus, 2 eggs (scrambled);  feta cheese (to taste); S&P; oregano and garlic powder (all three of these are to taste).

In a preheated pan, I added EVOO, a bit of butter, oregano, onions and the potatoes. Put the lid on the pan to let the potatoes steam a bit to speed up the cooking time. Once the potatoes have gotten a good start, I added the red peppers, mushrooms, S&P and garlic powder. Keep stirring quite regularly and once the veggies have begun to soften, I then add the eggs that I have mixed in a bowl with milk, S&P and a bit of hot sauce (secret ingredient). I add in the asparagus at this time too. Keep stirring, allowing all ingredients to combine and continue cooking. About 2 minutes before I'm going to remove the Scramble from the heat, I add feta cheese for a 'lil somethin somethin'. 

And...Voila!

It may not be much to look at, but is it veryyyyy tasty.....the fresh ingredients take it up a notch too! You can absolutely tell the difference! 

I'm also going to do some cooking for the week and have been looking up some new recipes to try out. It's been a long winter and I'll completely admit, I've gained a few pounds and I can't wait to dive into fresh, local produce to help increase my energy and also assist in losing a few inches!

I found this Roasted Veggie Recipe on The Wednesday Chef website and I think they'd go amazingly well with fish or chicken! This is a bit of a twist on the typical roasted veggies and I'm looking forward to giving it a try.

I also found this "How to Roast Veggies" on the Better Homes and Gardens website which includes a really handy chart of roasting times for various veggies.

Those two websites should keep me busy this weekend to ensure some healthy goodness in my kitchen and fridge.

But.....after all that healthiness, what would Saturday morning be without a little treat too??

I had messaged Fairly Frosted Vegan Bakery yesterday, to make sure they'd be at the Market today and to see if they'd have their Coconut Lime Cupcakes in stock..... and I got great news, there were going to be there with my favs in tow! Sooooo....I had to bring 2 of them home...and some of their minis too! They're vegan, gluten free and absolutely delicious!!

I hope you have a great weekend! Cheers to healthy living and everything in moderation ;)

RR

State and Main Sunday Brunch

As you walk into State and Main, a new restaurant in the south end of Guelph (with Western Canada ties - so I was already a fan), you can't help but be drawn to these stunning light fixtures in the bar area.

Yes, the Guelph Blog Brunch Gals were there for brunch and were we ever hungry...but.... we couldn't help but walk around, take in the atmosphere and of course, take LOTS of pictures! (we bombarded every social media platform we possibly could that morning)

We sat in the bar area which was bright, open and airy but yet warm and rich at the same time due to the wood, stone and leather detail.

This was the view from the back of the dining room area to the front of the restaurant. The exposed duct work, the metal fixtures and the continued use of wood and leather brought a real rustic and industrial loft feel to the space.

This wooden insert within the glass partitions, complete with fleur de lis cutouts, was a very effective way to separate the dining area from the bar area, but still let light through, all with great attention to detail.

Then...once we had all arrived, it was time to sit down, have a look at the menu and decide on what we were having for brunch!!

But first, what to have for a beverage?! Coffee, tea, juice..??

Well...quite a few of us decided on Caesars (the 'other' Mimosa, which makes them completely acceptable for brunch purposes! *wink wink*) and all I can say was...GREAT choice! That had to have been one of the best Caesars I've had in quite some time (also, I had mine made with gin...and bonus points for our awesome server even offering that as an option!)

I didn't know what to get....I flip flopped between sweet and savoury...french toast or the breakfast burrito.... What to choose...What to choose?? 

Our server took our orders and at the very last minute, I decided on......

The Morning Glory.... I really felt like a true breakfast experience....eggs over easy (cooked perfectly!), bacon, sausage (that reminded me a lot of the sausage my family gets from our butcher...sooo good!), rye toast and tres yummy hashbrowns! I was extremely happy with my choice!

Some of the other gals got the Benny Bar and the Banana Bread French Toast....we even have some fellow Bloggers who are vegetarians and they were able to have dishes changed a wee bit to accommodate them.  Overall, we would have to say "two thumbs up"!!

I can't wait to go back again....the atmosphere was warm and welcoming with a great rustic/indutrial feel, the staff were fantastic...attentive, warm and super friendly, and the food/drinks were great!!

I already know what I'm going to have to start my meal...

Cheers to Sunday Brunch!!!

Thank you again for inviting us for Brunch State and Main....The Guelph Blog Gals had a wonderful time!

RR

Evening Walks....

When I moved into my 'cottage', little did I know what an amazing neighbourhood I was moving into! The wonderful people, the atmosphere.....It truly does 'feel' the most like home of all the places I have lived in quite some time.

Another fantastic thing about this neighbourhood is the green space it has within it and these spaces are a favourite for Charlie and I. They not only allow us to stretch our legs and escape from the city(while still being in the city) for a while, but they also allow for beautiful scenes like these....

As much as I appreciate and love getting out in my 'own back yard', I cannot wait for summer to arrive and to be able to get back to the lake, walk in the sand along the shore and enjoy sunsets like this..... Come on Spring (and Summer)!

RR

I'm FLOW Excited!!

I had posted some photos on Instagram about a book that has provided me unbelievable motivation, inspiration, direction and drive..... The Fire Starter Sessions (TFSS).

A few days later, I received an email from Catherine with the Dutch magazine, Flow. She was writing an article on TFSS and had seen my photos on Instagram. She wanted to ask me some questions for her article about what lessons I have learned from the book and how the book has helped me change, implement, focus on and continue to do the things that I do in my life!!!!!!!!!! .......... Pardon??  Lil old me!?!

I almost fell off my chair!

We emailed back and forth and she let me know that I would be included in the March 2014 Dutch issue!!

WOW .....WOW.....WOW!!!!!

I posted this (above) from TFSS on Instagram last night and ironically enough, I came home to this (below)  in my mailbox today..........

IT'S HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And it's BEAUTIFUL! What an absolutely gorgeous, artistic and thoughtful magazine! 

The 'die-cut-look' cover is stunning....it has an almost three dimensional quality to it!! 

I couldn't help but to look through it all in its entirety first, taking in the artwork, the layout, the fonts, the 'feel' and aesthetic of the magazine.... and then... anticipation building, I began the search for the article I was included in.

It is surreal to see your name in print in a magazine like this.....So absolutely surreal! Even though I can't read exactly what was written (can anyone translate for me??), I feel incredibly lucky to have been included in this article!! 

Then........................................

I saw THIS:

My name ....just below and included with Danielle LaPorte..... the author of TFSS..... OH MY GOSH!!!

To be included like this, with a woman whose work I admire so very much and that I know has changed the life of thousands of people for the better....... Wowwwwwwwww............... Speechless.......

Thank you so very, very much Caroline and Flow for including me in this issue, in an article that means a great deal to me. This issue is now available to order from Flow's website. 

Thank you Danielle LaPorte for writing this book, The Fire Starter Sessions, that has helped motivate me to re-focus my life, my career, my family and friends.... on what is truly important to who I am as an individual!

Wow................................you just never know what something as simple as an Instagram photo may bring to your life....... 

RR

Around My House...My Home...

My home is my sanctuary....My cottage in the city.......

My 9-5 career has me travelling quite a bit (which I love), but I also love getting home, putting my feet up, making myself a latte with my Nespresso, cozying up on the couch under a blanket and taking some time for me, looking through my new magazines that have arrived that week. I subscribe to quite a few mags (my guilty pleasure) and every time I come home to a new one in my mailbox, I can't wait to get inside and start flipping through it!

As I'm sitting on my couch, I look into my kitchen and on those weekend mornings as the sun is coming up (during the week, I'm generally out of the house before the sun is up) the light that pours into my home is magical!

I also like to surround myself with fresh flowers and greenery.....They add a sense of beauty and bring the outdoors in! Whether they are on my buffet, the coffee table or my bedside table, I always have them in my home.

But ... my house would not be a home without this guy..... my Charlie Bear! He turned 9 this past week and if there's anything that makes me feel the best about coming home, it's him!

RR