The Colour Grey (or is it Gray?)

 I was feeling very unmotivated and really just like a lazy bum yesterday so I decided to head outside and try to find the beauty in the grey winter day.  Here's what I got:

 

I just love how there is so much detail in everything.  Some of it looks like a boring novel cover for "50 Shades of Grey"; but as I began my walk with my eyes open trying to find beauty somewhere, I realized it was everywhere, just waiting to be discovered! 

Peace

I had a wonderful peaceful moment with Hubbers the other night; he was upstairs watching Breaking Bad in bed with his earphones in, I was hosting a small group event so I came upstairs later and laid down with my head on his stomach and he wrapped his arm around me and I continued reading my book.  There's nothing like disappearing into the poetic world of F. Scott Fitzgerald in the arms of a loved one. 

It's kind of amusing because I was (*spoiler alert*) at the part of my book where the protagonist and his all time love break up, so it wasn't seriously uplifting; but the emotion of the words was like a delicious warm hot chocolate soothing me after a long day. 
Here are some snippets for your enjoyment:

Amory: What power we have of hurting each other.

Rosalind [commencing to sob again]: It's been so perfect - you and I. So like a  dream that I longed for but never thought I'd find.   The first real unselfishness I've ever felt in my life. And I can't see it fade out in a colourless atmosphere!

Amory: It won't - It won't!

Rosalind:I'd rather keep it as a beautiful memory - tucked away in my heart.

Amory: Yes, women can do that - but not men. I'd remember always, not the beauty of it while it lasted, but just the bitterness, the long bitterness.

Rosalind: Don't!

Amory: All the years never to see you, never to kiss you, just a gate shut and barred - you don't dare be my wife. 

Rosalind: No - No - I'm taking the hardest course, the strongest course. Marrying you would be a failure and I never fail - if you don't stop walking up and down I'll scream!

Oh dear Francis Scott, much joy you bring me!

Vanilla Time

I love the idea of using fresh vanilla beans, there seem to be a lot of lovers of the 'real deal' out there.  When I was at Provisions I picked up some vanilla beans (roughly 5 for 5 bucks!  Best deal I've seen around...)  I decided to try making my own vanilla, then I can use the pods to make vanilla sugar after.  I still have a few weeks to wait before it has 'simmered' enough, but it already looks adorable.

I started out with a little glass jar from the dollarama, you can use one with a thinner neck, but I like the idea of being able to scoop vanilla out rather than pour it as needed.
Insert the five vanilla beans, fill with 35% vodka (or stronger)  and seal 'er up!  Apparantly you can use other types of alcohols, but I figured I would try the classic first.
Crazy, I had no idea that vanilla was basically just booze!  I will keep you posted with the homemade goodness and how it turns out...

Valentine's Dinner

Happy Valentine's Day!  It's one of those days that I consider super ridiculous, but then when I'm driving home from work and see these guys out walking with bunches of flowers I think "how nice".  I mean why not have a day to make us stop and focus on the ones we love?  It can be tough to keep it from getting too commercial, but that makes it interesting :D
The hubbers and I are celebrating our second Valentines together as a married couple and we had a blast!  We decided to stay home and cook some crab and mashed potatoes and pop the bubbly then have a relaxing evening watching movies and TV shows on the couch.  It was much needed!  The crab made for a quick, delicious, and special meal that we only share on rare occasions.  We enjoyed a night full of laughs, particularly when we were watching a PVR'd TV show; Hubbers was fast-forwarding through the commercials I started freaking out because I saw a person dressed as an owl in the background.  Naturally I made him rewind it and fast-forward and back-and-forth until we found it again - sure enough - an owl!  It was so random I couldn't stop laughing.  Ahhhh, good times.

Hubbers V-day gift

Our Dessert for two

Our dinner set-up - I love my dutch oven!

Cheers!

 

Saturday Inspirations

So my mom and I had the best Saturday. No really, I recall me saying over and over "This is the best day!" Maybe it's because I haven't seen her in awhile, maybe it's because we were doing something slightly out of the ordinary, either way - it was a blast!

We started out at around 1 pm and drove down to 124th Street.  There are so many adorable and boutique style shops down in that area and we spent a couple hours wandering up and down alleys and old staircases discovering the ins and outs of the heart of that community.

Some of my favourites:

Provisions by Duchess Bakery - so many wonderful baking items, I had to pick up some Vanilla beans and brown sugar... oh yes - and a cookie cutter shaped like the Eiffel Tower!

The Pear Tree - an absolutely gorgeous coat hooked itself to my arm and begged me to take it home.  Thankfully my wonderful mother granted its wish for my birthday.

The Tin Box - Hubbers gets a cute Valentines present and Mom and I get to enjoy a half hour perusing beautiful household items. 

Paddy's International Cheese Market Ltd. - Picked up some 'Four pepper goat cheese' for snacks and 'Cave Aged Gruyere' for an upcoming wine and cheese night. There's something about purchasing cheese from a 'Market' that makes you believe in the joys of fine foods.

So many inspiring and creative ideas abound here - I can't wait to go back!

Paddy's International Cheese Market

Let's bring some colour home!  Also... why are there holes in these spoons?

Some super cute consignment shoes

Some bling from The Pear Tree

Some goodies displayed at The Tin Box