sometimes life can be overwhelming...

I've been feeling a little overwhelmed these past few weeks. Sometimes it's hard being a grown-up, especially an anxious one. 

It all started about three weeks ago when I received a phone call at work letting me know that my brother Ivi had been in a serious motorcycle accident. Since then, my heart has been perpetually stuck in my throat. And most recently, as if we didn't have enough on our plates, Scott and I had our cars vandalized, our garage broken into and a bunch of items stolen. 

I was feeling like I couldn't take one more piece of bad news and then I read this woman's advice on Humans of New York, which I follow fervently. It speaks so beautifully to the strength we carry with us.

"If you could give one piece of advice to a large group of people, what would it be?"
"When a wave comes, go deep."
"I think I’m going to need an explanation for that one."
"There’s three things you can do when life sends a wave at you. You can run from it, but then it’s going to catch up and knock you down. You can also fall back on your ego and try to stand your ground, but then it’s still going to clobber you. Or you can use it as an opportunity to go deep, and transform yourself to match the circumstances. And that’s how you get through the wave.”

So that's what I'm concentrating my energy on these days -- going deep -- while still trying to keep things in perspective.

How are you feeling lately--good, bad, ok? Does this advice resonate with you as much as it did with me?

P.S. After two surgeries, my brother, although still in the hospital, is on the path to recovery. As for the break in? Although it was completely and utterly unnerving, everything can be fixed or replaced. Upwards & onwards, I say!

Top photo from Secret Holiday.

my city is featured on design*sponge

Seeing Edmonton featured on Design*Sponge's City Guides today made me giddy. 

You can check out the comments section for some extra suggestions from me. I love this city so damn much I just had to get my two cents in. 

Not familiar with the City Guides? They're a super starting off point when researching travel destinations. I found the Charleston guide really helpful while planning our anniversary trip back in June. Now I need one for my trip to the motherland next summer!

Once you've read the Edmonton guide, I hope you'll consider visiting. We can hang out! 

style: 10 fall fashion finds

   

                                                                                                                                                               
1. Tippi sweater by J.Crew, 2. Wilfred scarf from Aritzia, 3. Necklace by J.Crew, 4. Cardigan by H&M,
5. Sweater from Old Navy, 6. Madewell leather-trim dress, 7. Tshirt from Aritzia, 8. Gap pleated leather skirt,
6. Bootie from Nine West, 9. Necklace by J. Crew, 10. Lola wallet from Chapters/Indigo.

Have you heard of the term schlurging? I read it in the tome that is the September issue of InStyle (716 pages of fall fashion!). It means you still get the urge to splurge on back-to-school clothes even if you haven't cracked open a school book in years, haha.

Strangely enough, I haven't really schlurged... yet. I did get the Lola wallet and this Anthropologie necklace is now mine, but that's about it so far. If you follow me on instagram you'll know that I tried on this beauty of a dress recently. And I walked away! Frankly, I'm showing some crazy good restraint, peeps.

What about you? Have you schlurged yet?

P.S. Eleventh on my list is anything from these crazy talented Canadian gals who get it right every time.

house refresh: new table & rug

When Scott and I first bought our 1950s semi-bungalow, it was meant to be a stop-gap until we found our forever home. Eight years later, we're still happy living here, but that doesn’t change the fact that some of our rooms are in need of a refresh (including our 60 year old kitchen which needs either a miracle or Scott McGillivray).

We had already done a lot to the house in our eight years of ownership, but when it comes to older homes there always seems to be something that warrants your attention.

I started with our main floor sitting room which had been missing a coffee table for a while. I had moved an animal print ottoman into the foyer for us to perch on while we put on our shoes which left a gap in the room (fantastic for spontaneous dance parties but challenging when you want to serve snacks and drinks to company).

I knew I wanted a glass table as soon as I spied some in the homes of Style at Home editor, Erin McLaughlin and Sarah Milne of daffodil design (both pictured above). Although, Sarah’s Urban Barn Thilde table is no longer available (it’s been replaced with this), I was able to find a similar one at Structube for quite a bit less.

I like that the table adds a modern edge to the room and helps to showcase the gorgeous patterned rug I found at Home Sense. I love that place. Who doesn't really?

Now that the table and rug are off the list, it's on to these to dos:

Sitting room

Purchase coffee table, side table,  rug (dog friendly!), drapes & sofa (this one's nice)

Front door
Paint door, mailbox & light fixture, switch out house numbers

Front entry

Find wallpaper & light fixture

Foyer
Find light fixture & assemble gallery wall

Kitchen
Entire redo including floors, cabinets, countertops & window

Main floor bathroom
Gut job!

Master bedroom and dressing room
New windows, drapes (ordered sample fabrics from Tonic Living) 

Dining room
Find vintage brass bar cart, new art

Basement
Paint guest room & add gallery wall to main area

I'm hoping that by posting this list I'll be kept accountable and actually get things done. Because having lots of ideas swimming in my head is not really working out for me.

Let me know what you think of the table and rug!

p.s. Trying to make out what books are on the table? It's Domino: The Book of Decorating, Design*Sponge at Home and Home by Novogratz. I got the latter two for a steal at Home Sense!

jasper bound!

We’re heading to Jasper today on an adventure weekend in the mountains with our friends Ryan and Angela (sans kids & dogs!). We’re doing this and this and making plenty of these so it should be a lot of fun.

I’ll be posting pics on instagram and facebook over the next few days, if you’d like to follow along on our travels.

Happy Friday, friends!

(Photo via.)

eat: mixed berry pavlova

If you invite me over for dinner, there's a good chance I'll arrive wearing an Anthro dress with a pavlova in hand.

Truthfully, I haven't met a pavlova I haven't liked yet. And the Barefoot Contessa’s Mixed Berry Pavlova is no exception. It's one of the easiest desserts to make yet it elicits the most oohhs and aahhs. I made it for my dad's birthday last week and for my appearance on Come Dine with Me Canada.

If you do give this recipe a go, make sure your egg whites are at room temperature and that your bowls/egg beaters are squeaky-clean. It also helps to sprinkle some cornstarch on the parchment paper to prevent the meringue from sticking (I found this out the hard way!). And don't fret if your meringue cracks, the whipped cream and fruit will cover it.

The first time I tasted pavlova was during a trip to Australia a few years back (pre-blog). I took my first bite of marshmallow'y soft meringue, rich cream, kiwi and passion fruit and was instantly hooked. Now it's your turn!

p.s. I'm tackling this dessert next. It's always been one of my favs to eat. Now it's time to make it (:

feeling the love

It's been an exciting few months for all kinds of lovely and I couldn't be more grateful, thanks to some major love from wonderful peeps I've met through blogging and instagram.

• Remember when Dyan, Toni and Jennifer of blah blah birds asked me to participate in my very first style guest post? That was so much fun!

• Modern Mama chose me as one of their Top 10 Instagram Moms. I'm the lone Aunty (:

• Sara of SaigeWisdom nominated me for an Instagrammie along with a bunch of other cool cats.
  
• My friend Christine of Just Bella shared our 10 for a happy marriage with her readers.
  
• And today I'm guest posting for Kerry over at First Time Fancy. Kerry is soon-to-be-married and asked me to share my thoughts on marriage. Pop on over and check it out!

If you haven't already, please be sure to visit all of these blogs. This group of ladies couldn't be more genuine, kind or sweet. And in this case, really effing funny.

Plus, kindness begets kindness, right?

Print via.

how to heritage festival

My favourite local event, the Heritage Festival, is this weekend! It's a multicultural extravaganza and encompasses everything I love about living in Edmonton. More than 85 cultures will be represented at 60 pavilions which means SO much delicious food (plus music, dance & art). 

Here are some tips if you plan on coming down to Hawrelak Park:

Before you go:

Download the free Festival app * Pre-buy tickets to avoid lineups * Peruse the menu * Familiarize yourself with the grounds * Plan your transportation

What to bring & wear:

Edmonton food bank donation (this is their biggest drive of the year!) * Water bottle * sunscreen * sunglasses * wet naps * hat * change for the bus * comfy flat shoes * 

My fav eats & drinks:
Roast lamb and chevapi at the Bosnia Pavilion * Iced hibiscus tea from the Egyptian Pavilion * Saffron ice cream at the Iran Pavilion * Mango and sticky rice at the Thailand Pavilion * Doughnut (lepinje) from the Croatia Pavilion * Pina colada from the Cuba Pavilion * Bannock from the Aboriginal Pavilion * Poffertjes from the Netherlands Pavilion * Nyanya salad from Borneo Pavilion *

Make sure to pop by the newest pavilion: Brazil/Colombia

Hours:
If you have little kids, I'd recommend coming in the morning. The grounds are not as busy.
Saturday, August 3: 12 (noon) to 9 p.m.

Sunday, August 4: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Monday, August 5: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Hope to see you there! I'll be the lady with the huge goofy grin whipping around Hawrelak Park on my trusty golf cart (:  And if you follow me on Instagram, get ready to drool 'cause I'll be posting tons of food pics.

Happy long weekend, friends!

P.S. Some of the scrumptious things I've eaten at previous Festivals.
Wondering about my official looking getup in the pics? For the past four years, I've been a volunteer on the Festival's Board of Directors. 

eat: latin ice cream sundaes

Doesn't this look mouthwateringly delicious? That's what happens when you combine Mexican chocolate fudge sauce, creamy dulce de leche sauce and a sprinkling of spicy peanuts on good quality vanilla ice cream. If that wasn't enough, I also decided to serve it in a waffle bowl. My family thought I was a genius.

You're going to love it, too. I promise. It's spicy, cool, crunchy and creamy - requires just a handful of simple ingredients and comes together in about 15 minutes. Who knew such a small commitment could yield such a grand prize?

Would be a slam dunk at your next bbq or dinner party.

Sold? Recipe's here.

p.s. You can find dulce de leche in most grocery stores now, look for it in the Latin food aisle. I bought mine at the Italian Centre Shop. It's sensational stuff and you may just find yourself eating it out the jar with a spoon. Like I did (:

drink: strawberry basil margaritas

Yesterday was one of the warmest days on record in Edmonton. It was piping hot! Too warm to even think about turning on the stove, but definitely not too warm to think about mixing up a pitcher of tasty strawberry basil margaritas. This not-too-sweet & herby recipe is summery, fresh and so delicious. I just know you're going to love it! 

It's ridiculously easy to make, crowd friendly and perfect for entertaining (make it, pop it in the fridge & pull it out when your guests arrive). The fresh basil really sets its apart from traditional margaritas and no one will ever know that it contains frozen limeade mix.

Shhh... (;

Here's what you need to make it...

1 can (12 ounces) frozen limeade concentrate
10 ripe strawberries (or 12 if you're using smaller ones from the farmer's market or your backyard)
8 basil leaves
2 to 2 1/2 cups tequila (alternatively, you could also use rum)

Empty the limeade concentrate into a pitcher. Add 2 1/2 cans of water and 1 1/2 cans of tequila (or a bit less, if you don't want your drinks to be quite as strong). I used 1 can of tequila and added 1/2 can of Pellegrino to make up the difference.

Hull the strawberries (the riper the better), slice lengthwise, and add to the pitcher. Crumple the basil a little in your hands (this will help the basil flavor release into the drink) and add it to the pitcher, too. Place the pitcher, covered, in the fridge overnight, or for at least four hours.

When you remove the pitcher from the fridge, your margaritas will be a lovely pale pink color. Now all you have to do is serve them and wait for the compliments to pour in. And boy, will they ever! I made these for Father's Day and my family just couldn't get enough. I want to keep everyone happy so I'm making a double batch for our family bbq this weekend.

Cheers! And an early Happy 4th of July to all of my American friends!

p.s. Thank you so very much for your sweet anniversary wishes! I loved reading your comments. We had a fantastic time in Charleston - it's the loveliest most photogenic city and I'm so excited to show you our pictures!