Happy Canada Day + Happy Long Weekend

{via Modern Country Designs}

Wishing everyone a Happy Canada Day long weekend!

Recipes: Schneiders Smoked Sausage

There's nothing better than grilling up some tasty meats during the summer! Barbeque king Ted Reader recently teamed up with Schneiders to create recipes that are a spin off traditional summer time family favourites.I'll definitely be testing out these recipes this summer!

 

Ingredients:

5 Schneiders® Grill’ems® Fully Cooked Smoked Sausage Cheddar, each cut into 4-5 chunks

¼ cup (60 mL)  Cream cheese

1 cup (250 mL) Shredded Cheddar cheese

24 Large green jalapeno peppers, seeded

24 Schneiders® Pepperettes Original Sausage

24 Slices Schneiders® Bacon

24 Tooth picks, soaked in cold water for at least 30 minutes.

24 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) Square sheets of aluminum foil

2 tsp (10 mL) Ted’s World Famous BBQ Bone Dust BBQ Seasoning or your favourite BBQ seasoning

Directions:

PLACE Grill’ems® sausages in food processor and pulse until finely chopped.  Add cream cheese and cheddar cheese and blend until well mixed.  Transfer mixture to a bowl, cover and refrigerate.

RINSE hollowed out jalapenos under cold running water to remove any remaining seeds. Stand peppers cut side down on paper towelling to drain.

USING a small spoon, stuff each jalapeno with the sausage/cheese mixture pressing gently to fill the jalapeno.  Using the handle of a very small wooden spoon or a chopstick, push it into the center of the stuffed jalapeno to make a hole.   Insert a Pepperette into the center of the stuffed jalapeno to make a meat stick jalapeno stuffed lollipop.  Repeat with remaining jalapenos.

LAY a slice of bacon on a flat work surface and run your fingers across the entire length of the bacon to stretch it by almost one third.  Wrap each smoked sausage stuffed jalapeno lollipop tightly with the stretched slice of bacon making sure to cover the entire surface of the jalapeno, leaving the Pepperette stick exposed.  Start by wrapping the bacon at the base of the Pepperette, where it meets the jalapeno, and wrap down to the tip of the jalapeno. Secure with a toothpick ensuring pepperette and bacon are both pierced.  Repeat with remaining stuffed jalapenos and refrigerate covered for at least 1 hour.

SET grill up for indirect cooking (1 burner not turned on) and preheat remaining burners to approx. 400°F (200°C), about medium to medium high heat.

WRAP a piece of aluminum foil around the end of the Pepperette end of the lollipops, nice and tight. This will keep the Pepperettes from burning and drying out on the grill. Place over the unlit burner, close lid and cook for 10 minutes.  Turn jalapenos, close lid and continue to cook for another 15-18 minutes to allow the bacon to begin to crisp. Once the bacon just starts to crisp, move the lollipops over a lit burner and grill, turning gently and frequently, for about 15 minutes until the bacon is fully cooked and crisp and the jalapenos are tender and the stuffing is hot.

SEASON lollipops with a little BBQ seasoning.  Remove from grill and allow to rest for 5 minutes.  Serve with your favourite BBQ sauce for dipping. Yeah Baby!  It’s a meat stick heaven!

Ingredients:

1 Large white onion, peeled and cut in 6 or 8 wedges

2 Medium sweet red bell peppers

1 Green onion, finely chopped

½ tsp (2 mL) Chopped fresh thyme

Drizzle olive oil, about 2 tsp (10 mL)

2 tsp (10 mL) White balsamic vinegar

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

4  Schneiders® Grill’ems® Smoked Sausage

2 Pieces pre-baked flat bread, about 4-6 oz (125-170 g) each 

2 tbsp (30 mL) Olive oil

2 tsp (10 mL) Smoked paprika

1½ cups (375 mL) Grated smoked Provolone or Mozzarella cheese

Directions:

PREHEAT BBQ to medium-high, about 400°F (200°C). Grill onion wedges for 10-15 minutes, turning frequently until lightly charred and tender.   Remove from grill and allow to cool for 10 minutes.  Slice onions into thin strips, place in a bowl and set aside.

GRILL whole red peppers until skin is blackened and blistered, about 15 minutes, turning the pepper to char on all sides.  Place hot roasted peppers in a bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap and let stand covered for 10 minutes. This will allow the skin to be removed more easily from the flesh.  Carefully peel pepper, remove seeds, and discard skin and seeds. Slice the roasted red pepper into ¼-inch (1 mL) thick strips and add to grilled sliced onions. Add green onion and thyme and drizzle with a little olive oil and white balsamic vinegar.  Season to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.  Set aside and keep warm.

GRILL the smoked sausages for 10-12 minutes turning occasionally being careful not to have them split.  Remove and slice into ¼-inch (1 cm) thick pieces.

COMBINE olive oil and smoked paprika together and stir well.  Brush top side of flat bread evenly with smoked paprika olive oil mixture.  Grill flat breads for 1-3 minutes per side until golden brown and lightly crisp. Slice into small wedges, about 12-15 pieces per flat bread, and arrange in an even layer, smoked-paprika-oiled side up on a cookie sheet. 

PLACE a slice of smoked sausage on one piece of flat bread.  Top with 1 tsp (5 mL) d onion pepper mixture and a small amount shredded  cheese.  Repeat with remaining flat bread pieces.

WARM on grill 2-3minutes or until cheese melts.  Serve immediately. Tips: Substitute flatbread with Naan or Pita.  These both work great.

Party Ideas: S'mores Table

For my parent's vow renewal celebration in August, my mom and I already planned on making s'mores packages for the guests during the party. I also really love the idea of doing an entire s'mores bar like this one from Cookie Creatives.

{via Oh Party}

Party Time!

When planning a party I'm all about the details. Of course delicious food and fun drinks must be involved but there's nothing like handmade decor and a personal touch. One of my fave colour combos is pink and gold, so if I were to plan my own birthday party I think a few of these items and decor ideas would be involved. What are you favourite party colours?

{one - Geronimo | two - Design Within Reach | three - Glorious Treats | four - Somewhere Splendid | five - Omiyage | six - Style Cookie | seven - Confetti System}

Twenty-Nine

{image via ediTORIal}

Today is my twenty-ninth birthday. I'd be lying if I said I'm not a bit sad that this will be my final year of my twenties (I'll no longer be able to say I'm a twenty something year old!). But I'm excited for fresh beginnings and all the opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead. I'm looking forward to celebrating tonight with a BBQ with my close friends!

Crush: The Vault

For years I've always worn dainty simple jewellery (which I still love), but over the past couple of years I've really been into chunky pieces that make a statement.

I 'met' Gaby through the blogging world (she has a great fashion + design blog called The Vault Files) and only recently did I discover her jewellery collection The Vault Jewels. I fell in love with the vintage glass beads, use of colour and the mix of chains and metals. The pieces have a little bit of a vintage touch and a little bit of a modern touch - the end result is gorgeous!

I'm also in need for some jewellery for the wedding I'm in next week. I thankfully have a pair of shoes that work - my pewter snake print Calvin Klein Mary-Jane's. The bridal party is wearing the grey Henkaa convertible wrap dress and the wedding colours are coral and grey, so I thought the middle pair of earrings would work perfect - what do you think?

Inspiration 6.26.12

Art by All The Luck in The World

Sometimes...

When life gets too hectic and insane, you need to step back, take a deep breath and know that everything will get done and will be ok.

Weekly Round-Up

{via Such Pretty Things}

The most perfect Swedish home via Design Love Fest.

Delish looking balsamic and brown sugar strawberry recipe from A Lovely Escape.

Super simple cupcakes in a jar tutorial from Such Pretty Things.

Pretty DIY necklace from Cupcakes and Cashmere.

Yummy popsicle round up via Design Crush.

Today is moving day for me! Nate and I are taking the next step and moving in together. Our new place is in The Junction and as sad as I am to leave Parkdale, I'm looking forward to discovering a new neighbourhood. I'm going to take Monday off from blogging to get settled in but I'll be back on Tuesday with regular postings. Have a great weekend!

If you live in or around Toronto I'm selling my treadmill and stainless steel restaurant kitchen unit - click on the links or email me if you're interested in purchasing them.

Sponsor Love: The Fooding Company

I'm so excited about one of my new sponsors The Fooding Company. Now everyone knows I'm a huge lover of all food and if you're like me then you're going to love this company! The Fooding Company is based in Toronto and is run by Jaime Verk who is passionate about food. She offers private cooking classes and cooking parties in the comfort of your home. There are a ton of class options such as Grill & Chill, Sexy Dishes Deux, Best of Brunch, Meatless Mondays, 30 Minute Meals, Throwing Your First Dinner Party and a whole bunch more. I don't even know how I would pick just one!

The Fooding Company is also available for demos, personal chef services, catering and weekly meal deliveries. And if that's not enough check out Jaime's blog The Tomato Snob for healthy fresh simple recipes.

Current Obsession: Vertical Gardens

I couldn't be more excited to have a backyard at my new apartment. It'll be the first backyard I've had in 4 years! I've been brainstorming fun ideas to spruce up the space that are both easy to do and easy on the wallet. I'm really digging the look of a vertical garden. What do you think?

images via - Shelterness, The Inspired Room, Apartment Therapy, Shelterness, Home Depot, Happy Sleeper

DIY: Lace Insert Shorts

I love this DIY idea from My Vintage Secret! Take a pair of old denim, cut them into shorts and sew in a piece of lace.

I heart...

...Fitzroy's brand new online boutique! Gorgeous pieces AND all under $200! Happy shopping!

Crush: Boy-Girl Tees

Boy-Girl Tees are known for their silk screening (on tees, dish towels, bags, placemats etc), but I have to admit my absolute favourite items in their shop are these animal planters. Each planter is made from a re-purposed toy and has been primed, painted and sealed. The planters come shipped with an air plant (for US customers only). How fun and quirky are these? Love!

Happy Monday!

{photography by 123 Photography}

I'm feeling pooped after a busy weekend and I'm wishing I was up at the cottage sitting by the lake. I'm really looking forward to some relaxing weekends away soon!

Weekly Round Up

{via Beaux Mondes}

Yummy looking jalapeno popper twice baked potatoes from Ginger Rose.

Coveting every single piece from this Oh Joy! round-up.

Gorgeous studio tour via Beaux Mondes.

Perfect father's day free printables from Joy Ever After.

Loving this pink abstract work via Shimmer Like Gold.

I have a crazy busy weekend ahead with a full day of painting my new apartment (more on that later) and a few friend's birthdays to celebrate. Have a fab weekend!

Party Ideas: Ginger's Closet

I'm loving these images from the wedding photoshoot Ginger's Closet did recently. How gorgeous is the table decor?

Ginger's Closet is a luxe bridal consignment boutique located just west of Toronto. The once loved gowns are in great condition and sell for nearly half of the original retail price! Or if you're interested in selling you're bridal gown this is the place to go to.

Photoshoot credits:

Styling and Coordination: Lynzie Kent of Love by Lynzie www.lovebylynzie.com

Photography: Elizabeth Kaye www.elizabethinlove.com

Gowns: Emmeline by Vera Wang/ Primrose by Christos/ Sierra by Amsale/ RK230 by Romona Keveza/ Bee by Melissa Sweet/ Estelle by Kenneth Pool/ Dahlia by Amsale/Lorena by Christos

Flowers: Lisa De Rose of De Rose Designs and Floral Boutique www.derosedesigns.ca

Hair and Makeup: Jackie Gideon Bridal Artists: Arabella Trasca (Make up), Mira Botrous (Hair), Ladylyn Gool (Hair), Dawna Boot (Make up) www.jackiegideon.com

Lashes: Ardell

Venue: The Berkeley Church Field House www.berkeleyevents.com

Stationery: Sarah Spano of Hip Ink http://www.hipink.com/

Models: Rachelle Ganesh, Rachel Allison, Jacklyn Warmington

Accessory Styling: Alysha Greco of The Fash House

Dinnerware: Versace, Maxwell Williams (Chargers)

Flatware: Oneida

Shellac Nails: French Nails and Co. www.frenchnails.ca

Accessories: Haute Bride, Desla Couture, Sara Gabriel, Stella and Dot, Headpieces by Angela Mikhail and The Fash House

Cool Shit: Black & White Bridesmaid Dresses

Totally digging this.

{via 100 Layer dress}

Recent Project: Body Blue Window

I spent the last few days at Body Blue's Queen W re-merchandising the store and working on new displays. I also created new window displays for them. I went through 8 bottles of spray paint and painted 20 picture frames! I wanted to do a window display that they can keep for a few months and one where they can update themselves by putting new merchandise in the window.

Being in a boutique for the last three days has me dreaming of pretty clothes and accessories. They honestly have some amazing pieces in the store right now - summer dresses, silky tops, great shoes and killer jewellery and bags. I could of brought home half the store with me!

Big thank you to my handyman boyfriend Nate who was a huge trooper these past few days working some long hours with me! xo

Current Obsession: Cute Swimsuits

Summer weather has definitely arrived in Toronto and it has me thinking about cute swimsuits. Shopping for swimsuits is never fun but at least these ones put a smile on my face!

{1. Mara Hoffman - Shopbop | 2. Tara Matthews - Net-a-Porter | 3. Topshop | 4. Fiorella - Nastygal | 5. Insight - Urban Outfitters | 6. Noelle - Net-a-Porter | 7. Topshop}

I heart....

...the jewellery collaboration with one of my fave fashion blogger's Karla Deras and Roman Luxe. Sculptural, clean, classic, geometric, gorgeous.

Crush: Love Sexton

How rad are these pieces from Love Sexton? The collection is made from faux leather and everything is made and painted by hand. I love how unique this collection is and how each piece is one of a kind. I love the bright colours, the touch of glitter and of course I love me some floral!

Inspiration 6.11.12

{via Daily Positive Quotes}

Love this quote.

Hope you had a fabulous weekend!

Weekly Round-Up

{found via Creature Comforts and from Flax & Twine}

Drooling over this pretzel hotdog recipe from Cupcakes & Cashmere.

Obsessing over this embroidered screen door via Poppytalk.

Love this gorgeous DIY gold ring necklace from Flax & Twine.

Perfect mix of prints and textures in this outfit from A Lovely Escape.

Coveting this eclectic home tour via Design*Sponge.

I'm going to be spending a chunk of this weekend doing work projects but I can't complain because it involves wedding crafting and store merchandising - love my job sometimes! Have a great weekend!

Party Ideas: Vow Renewal

This summer marks my parent's 35th wedding anniversary.They decided they would like to renew their vows and to have a backyard celebration with friends and family. I'm helping my mom with all the planning and decor which is great because we have very similar taste. We're doing this on a budget so there will be lots of DIY projects involved. The theme will be elegant, casual, rustic and vintage. I dug up a little inspiration....

{table setting - Eat Drink Chic | arch - Exquisite | cake - Ruffled | Paper flowers - Ruffled | bottle vases - 100 Layer Cake}

Current Obsession: Popsicles

There's nothing better than a tasty popsicle on a super hot summer day. I purchased these popsicle molds a few weeks ago and I cannot wait to start whipping up some yummy flavours! And more often than not, I'm certain I'll be adding some drops of alcohol to my pops!

1. Samoa Popsicle - My Baking Addiction | 2. Watermelon Jalapeno Pops - My Recipes | 3. Ice Cream & Blueberry Pops - Martha Stewart | 4. Fruit Punch Pops - Bakers Royale | 5. Mojito Popsicle - Random Creative | 6. Triple Decker Citrus Pops - My Recipes

Before & After: Ola's House

One of my besties just finished her 4th major home renovation and I'm beyond proud of her. This project was full of ups and downs and many teary eyed meltdowns. In the end her strength, determination and friends + family helped her get through it. Out of all of her projects this one is my absolute fave! I love the open concept, exposed brick, the open staircase with cable railings, the vaulted ceilings and the kitchen. Congrats Ola you did an incredible job! xo

For more images, visit Ola's blog here.

You may even recognize a few of the pieces of furniture I've made over for her!

{images by Joseph K Muscat}

Recent Project: mini mioche Beach Window

I completed the most recent mini mioche window last week and I decided to go with a beach theme. I reused the wood from the dock from the previous window and made a sand box to create a beach vibe. I then took a large canvas and painted it blue ombre to make it look like the ocean and sky. I added a few props, dressed up the kiddie mannequins and voila a simple summer window!

Style Ideas: 1 Dress, 2 Looks

Being on a tight budget this last year has made me really appreciate the pieces in my closet that are versatile. I live in dresses in the summer and love when I come across one that can be dressed up or dressed down. This soft neutral coloured silk dress by Laugh Cry Repeat can easily be dressed down and paired with natural elements or it can be dressed up with bursts of brights as shown below.

Other options for this dress:
Classic look - black tuxedo jacket with a basic black pump
Summer relaxed look - flat sandal and over sized brimmed straw hat
Transition to fall/winter - black opaque tights, chunky grey sweater, black belt and booties

DIY: Neon Looped Necklace

When I received the package Marisa from Omiyage sent me full of neon goodies, I was super stoked!  She asked me to make a DIY jewellery piece so I decided to make this thread looped necklace which is way easier to make than it looks. Head over to the Omiyage blog for all the instructions.

Crush: Ax + Apple

I'm big time coveting Ax + Apple's jewellery collection. They use a mix of vintage findings such as world coins, men's pocket watch chains and pen knives and combine them with modern elements. I love the geometric shapes, raw look to the metals and the touch of sparkle.

Inspiration 6.4.12

{card by Ashley Pahl}

A year ago today I picked up Harper and brought him home when he was 10 weeks old. A year ago yesterday Nate and I went on our first date and had the most amazing first date anyone could have. The last year has been full of ups and downs but mostly full of great times. This card says it all: live, love, feel good.

Weekly Round Up (BlogPodium Edition)

Last Saturday marked the 2nd BlogPodium event. I had my friend's wedding shower to attend so I unfortunately missed out on this one. I love these kind of events because not only do you get to meet face to face with other Bloggers (ones you know and ones you meet for the first time), but you learn so much! I was super disappointed, but I'm also thankful for the very thorough recaps from a few of the Blogger's that attended. It sounded like an amazing event and I cannot wait until the next one!

For images, details about the discussion from the panel speakers, info about the sponsers etc visit these blogs for their amazing recaps:
Rambling Renovators
My Daily Randomness
Add the Finishing Touch
KJ and Co
The Sweetest Digs

I have a really fun weekend ahead - double date tonight, bachelorette party tomorrow day/night and then a BBQ at my parent's on Sunday! Have a good one!