Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Wedding Wednesday- Flower Power Part 2

 

Happy Wednesday everyone! Half way through the week again! Weekend is quickly approaching.

Today on Wedding Wednesday I’d like to continue with the flower talk. Last week, we covered mine, my bridesmaids and flower girls bouquets.

The boys (groom, groomsmen, fathers and grandfathers) have to adorn some special flowers as well. They are a big aspect of the wedding and deserve to stand out with some special boutonniere’s! 

I’d like to stay with the yellow, Gerber daisy style but nothing overly large or feminine! I’m LOVING this sample and my florist said it would be easy to reproduce!

groom boutinnere

I think all the men will look so handsome with their colorful boutonniere's!

Mother’s and Grandmothers also need to have some beautiful flowers to make them stand out! My AWESOME photographer, Julie, made the very wise suggestion of getting them all to be wrist corsages!

The reasoning is some dress materials wouldn’t be able to support the weight of a pinned on flower corsage. You don’t want the flowers droopy, it makes so much sense!

Wrist corsage

Of course I’d like to incorporate the same flowers as the other flower arrangements. Not to mention the same yellow color as everything else. Luckily, yellow is a color that can easily go with many outfits colors!

There, now everyone who needs flowers is looked after! I have to say it was a very easy decision to make. Last flower decisions to make, church and centerpieces!

Happy Wednesday!

xo

Monday, August 29, 2011

Congrats Whit and Matt!

Happy Monday everyone! The weekend passed by with lots of activity yet again!

On Friday afternoon, after work, Ryan and I loaded up the Jeep and headed west for Markham, Ontario (just outside of Toronto). We settled into our hotel room a little after 9 PM and went straight to bed! It was going to be a fun Saturday and we needed to catch up on some sleep from the busy work week!

Saturday morning we got ready, had breakfast and hit the road again. If we were near Toronto, we HAD to stop at Ryan’s favorite store, Royal Distributing.

Whitney and Matt's Wedding 001

Quickly, Ryan’s excitement vanished when he realized that the store didn’t have any snowmobile merchandise in store yet! He left, empty handed and very sad.

It was back to the hotel after lunch to start get ready for the big festivities, what we traveled to Markham for, Whitney and Matt’s wedding!

Whitney and I met first through the turf farm business. Her family has a family owned turf farm in Markham. My brother met her one year at a tradeshow and learnt that she would also be taking the turf program the same year as me.

We were instantly friends and decided the next year we would live together. It was me, Rebekka and Whitney, we were the three amigo’s. Whitney and I spent everyday, night and sometimes weekends together!

three amigos

On my 19th birthday night a young man by the name of Matt came along for my birthday festivities. He was friends and co-worker with my then boyfriend. Well, Matt was hooked on Whit the moment he saw her! She on the other hand wasn’t quite sure but after some encouragement went on date with him and the rest is history!

Matt Gauthier

The wedding was as beautiful as the bride! Everything was done so nicely and I later learnt that the bride and her girls did all the flowers themselves. Everything was perfect!

Whitney and Matt's Wedding 003

Whitney and Matt's Wedding 004

My highlight was seeing Whitney. It had been way too long since we had seen each other and it was so nice to chat with her!

Whitney and Matt's Wedding 008

The wedding was a blast and the party really got started by DJ Casanova! ha ha!

Whitney and Matt's Wedding 010

Sunday morning was bittersweet. It was sad to be going home but it was so worth every mile of drive to go out and celebrate their wedding!

Congrats again, Matt and Whit!

xo

Friday, August 26, 2011

A Pickle For A Nickel

Happy Friday everyone! This has been another interesting week that I am sure glad to see end! I think I’m just so happy to see the end of each week because that means I’m one week closer to holidays! 1 whole week off, Ryan and I both need the break.

Today I’m gonna spoil you with a family favorite recipe. This dill pickle recipe was made by my Mom and now it’s made by me. This recipe actually originates from a small store in Carleton Place, Ontario where they actually had a big pickle barrel that they made themselves to sell to customers.

The best part about this “preserving” recipe is that they is no need for a canner.

So, without further adieu here is our families favorite dill pickle recipe…..

Ingredients:

1 quart of vinegar (4 cups)

1 1/2 quarts of water (6 cups)

3/4 cups of pickling salt 

Garlic cloves

Dill seed

Fresh dill weed

Alum

Pickles 003

Directions:

1. Sanitize your jars and lids in either the dishwasher or boiling water.

Pickles 001

2. Mix together the vinegar, water and salt in a big pot. Let it boil.

Pickles 004

3. In the bottom of each jar put 1 garlic clove, 1 tbsp of dill seed, 1 head of dill weed and 1/8 tsp (what you can fit on a dime) of Alum.

Pickles 006

4. Prick each (fresh and cleaned) pickling cucumber with a fork before putting it in the jar.

Pickles 012

If some cucumbers are too big I sometimes cut them in quarters.

Pickles 008

5. Pack those jars TIGHT. When you think it’s full put another one in there. You’ll be surprised as to how many can fit.

Pickles 010

6. CAREFULLY pour the hot brine over cucumbers until there is only about 1/4 inch left at the top of the jar.

Pickles 014

7. Place the lids on tight as you can then loosen them a little. Leave for about an hour. You will begin hearing “popping” sounds. This means that the jars have sealed and they are ready to be stored.

Pickles 017

*You will also see when you first screw on the lid that you can still push the middle lid up and down. After they have sat and popped it will no longer be able to move.

8. Store for about 2 months before eating.

9. Enjoy!

Why yes, that is the easiest canning recipe ever! I know! :-)

You can buy buy your pickling cucumbers and dill weed but seriously if you have a garden, they are SO easy to grow by seed!

It really is a super simple recipe for someone who has never canned before and if you are a little intimidated about trying it. Not to mention these dills are amazingly crunchy and tasty! I hope your family enjoys them as much as mine has!

Happy Friday!

xo

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Wedding Wednesday – Flower Power – The Bouquets

Happy Wednesday everyone! The week is already half over! Today on Wedding Wednesday I’d like to talk about one of my favorite things, flowers!

Yes, as much as I love grass (as in the lawn!) I have another passion….flowers! I think they are like tiny miracles. To think that something so magnificent, colorful and bright can be grown from one little seed. My favorite flower specifically, Gerber Daisies.

Gerber Daisy 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think Gerber Daisies are just such a happy flower. It’s like their bright,colorful petals and big centre are smiling! They come in so many beautiful colors.

Gerber Daisy 2

It was without a doubt that I knew that I wanted to incorporate Gerber Daisy’s into the bridal bouquet of flowers.

Already having set my mind to my colors, I knew that I wanted nice bright yellow flowers for mine and my girls bouquets. The one thing I DIDN’T want was any touch of blue flowers! No offense to any blue flower lovers out there, it’s just not me.

Blue flower bouquet

I love the “round” look of bouquets that is in style versus the long cascading kind. I want the stem of my bouquet to be wrapped in soft satin ribbon as well.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

There will be 6 bouquets in total. A bigger one for me and a smaller version for the bridesmaids.

Instead of traditional baskets with flower petals for the flower girls they will have small bouquets to hold instead.

Flower girl bouquet 

Finally, I would love to have a melody of flowers revolving around Gerber Daisies. Roses, Calla Lilies and other! All of my favorite flowers!

Bouquet 

Love this but in yellow of course!

All the above probably seems pretty picky…I mean their just flowers right? Well yes, they are and in the grand scheme it really doesn’t matter. However, I can tell you the one thing I am looking forward to is wrapping my hands around that heavy yet soft fragrant bouquet and holding onto it tight as I walk down the aisle with my Dad.

Happy Wednesday!

xo

Monday, August 22, 2011

Another Weekend Gone!

I was so looking forward to this weekend! It had been a busy week and I honestly couldn’t wait for some down time and maybe even catch up on sleep. Luckily, I got to do both!

Friday evening started the weekend out right!!! Neighbors and good friends, Sharon and Wayne, invited us over for a BBQ supper and bon fire! The supper was so good. It has handmade (huge!) burgers with all the fixings!

Bonfire and Bridesmaids dresses 002

Dinner at Sharon and Wayne’s farm with a view of the mountain’s.

It was beginning to get a little dark so Jill, Sharon and I ventured off to find some marshmallow roasting sticks! It was quite the adventure stomping through long (snake infested, I’m sure) grass, hang out with some cows, and Jill got electrocuted by the fence and kicked the drink right out of my hand! ha ha!

The adventure was successful and we brought back the sticks for everyone to enjoy marshmallows around the fire! It was a chilly (almost fall like) evening. Perfect for sitting around the fire, chatting with good friends!

Bonfire and Bridesmaids dresses 007

Thanks for the great night Sharon and Wayne

Bonfire and Bridesmaids dresses 006

Happy Birthday Wayne!!

I have been looking forward to Saturday for sometime! My lovely MOH and bridesmaids were getting together again! It had been way too long since we all had been together!

We were going on a mission to find bridesmaids dresses!! So, early Saturday morning my mom and all the girls ventured out to Renfrew for our first stop on the quest to find the perfect dresses!

We had quite a bit of success there and had one contender!

After trying on all those dresses on we were ready for lunch! We stopped at The Staye House in Arnprior.

Staye House

It was the first time a few of us had ever been there! Let me tell you…it was so delicious and has now been added to my list of favorite restaurants! It was like pub food but with some cool twists! So yummy!

After a long a leisurely lunch we set off to our second bridal salon to try on more dresses! This store seemed to have more of what we were looking for because dress after dress was getting a good reaction from all of us!

The decision ended up being pretty easy as Amanda tried on another dress one last time for comparison. We had the dress and I think all the girls are happy with it.

Bonfire and Bridesmaids dresses 009

Not the dress but one of the contenders! Rebekka modeling!

Saturday was so much fun laughing, shopping and visiting with Jilly, Rebekka and Amanda. Plus, it feels great to add another check mark to the to-do list!

Sunday morning Ryan and I headed to church to see our Minister Nancy who had been away at school all summer!

After church, we all headed over to my brother’s and SIL for BBQ hot dogs for lunch! Ryan and I got to play with the kiddies and have a yummy lunch with my family.

Bonfire and Bridesmaids dresses 018

Clark

Bonfire and Bridesmaids dresses 020

Faith

For the rest of Sunday it was time to relax, rest and get ready for another big week ahead of us.

How was your weekend?

xo

Friday, August 19, 2011

Happy Birthday Mom!

 

Yesterday a very special lady celebrated her 36th birthday, again! Mom, I’m catching up in age to ya!

My mother has a big heart. She really would do a lot for mostly anyone. We are kind of similar in certain ways. One in particular, we’re both a little odd.

November 2009 003

*Yup, I don’t mind admitting I’m an oddball at all! I think it makes me kind of unique/quirky. *

One week I told Mom that I was REALLY craving her spaghetti sauce (another good trait). It was kind of my way of hinting that I wanted her to invite Ryan and I over for supper.

Sure enough, a short while later, we were on our way over for a yummy spaghetti supper at “Chez Mama Susanna’s” (said in a heavy Italian accent) which was what the “restaurant” sign said on their door.

Ryan and I walked into a house decorated like an Italian restaurant filled with the aroma of garlic!

Mama Susana's 001

“Italian” windowsill wine.

Mama Susana's 002

Grapevines hanging in the dining room.

Mama Susana's 003

And of course a red and white checkered “tablecloth”! I felt like I was in movie The Lady and The Tramp.

Now, I’m sure the average person who doesn’t know our families humor would find this strange. For me, It’s endearing. I think it is both funny and sweet that Mom would go through all the effort (I mean she colored those grapes with crayons people!) to make an ordinary week night supper extra special.

So today, Mama Susanna, I’d like to dedicate this post to you.

Happy Birthday Mom! Love you.

xo

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Wedding Wednesday – To Veil Or Not To Veil….

Hey guys! Sorry for the delay! A family emergency came up and I never had time to post this, even though it was ready. Happy Thursday!

__________________________________________

Happy Wednesday everyone! Mundane Wednesday use to make me a little blue but not anymore! I actually look forward to the middle of the week because it allows me to share with you another aspect of the wedding.

As you can probably guess by the title today I’m talking about the veil! It has been a question that was lingering in my mind. To veil or not to veil that is the question.

The veil tradition is said to have begun in ancient Rome. People in that era believed that evil spirits would be attracted to the bride, so they would cover her face with a veil in order to conceal her features and confuse them.

It is also said that in the medieval times, the veil was used to protect the bride from the “evil eye” and was a symbol of purity, chastity and modesty. 

Today the veil is worn more as bridal fashion then symbolizing any traditions.  At times, today’s brides opt for no veil at all. Which was what I thought I wanted.

hair down bride

When I first thought about my appearance for the wedding day I thought that my hair would be down and I would throw the veil tradition out the door! I wanted to be a more relaxed modern bride.

How quickly that changed when I started trying on wedding dresses. I realized I wasn’t a fashion forward bride (or girl in general) and doing something “funky” just wouldn’t be me.

One of the first bridal magazines that I read had a section for traditions. Under veil the editor wrote, “Wear a veil! It is the one time in your life that you can and you may grow to regret it through the years if you don’t.”

That really struck a cord for me and I realized that if I didn’t have a veil I would probably regret it. In my opinion a veil isn’t something that is going to go out of style like puffy sleeves on a dress!

il_fullxfull_94071820

So, how does a bride-to-be choose a veil length? Easy, you google, “how to choose veil length?” I love google! :-)

It brings you too this super easy chart that describes the different length’s for you! I must be pretty clueless because most of these lengths I was oblivious to!

veil_length_chart_1

After staring at this diagram long enough I have come to the conclusion that I would like either a Waltz length or Ankle length which I think will add to the romantic look my dress give's off. <--- A little dress hint. But for that final decision I will have to wait until “the” dress comes in!

Now for some input ladies! If you are married, did you wear a veil? If you are not married, would you wear a veil? What length appeals to you? I’d love to hear how we all differ or are alike! (Survey at the top of the page)

Have a great day!

xo

Monday, August 15, 2011

Explosive Weekend!

 

Happy Monday everyone! This weekend sure did fly right by! Almost too fast! I’d love another day just just to accomplish a list long worth of small jobs around the house! Isn’t that always the way?

My appreciation for where I live really grew this past weekend! I have the best of both worlds! I live in a quiet and peaceful area (the country) yet within an hour’s drive I can be in Canada’s capital, Ottawa. Amazing!

Friday evening Ryan headed off with friends Ricky and Graham for a round of golf after supper. I hate to admit this but sometimes it’s nice to have an evening to myself. It’s not that I don’t like hanging out with Ry, I do. But sometimes it’s nice to hog the T.V with girlie shows and putter around the house all by myself!

Saturday morning we were up with the birds and back in our work uniform to head to the city.

UPI and Fireworks 001

Morning ferry ride!

As some of you have read before, Ryan and I work for my families sod farm. However, what you may not know is that we do a lot more then just grow sod. One of the biggest things we do is look after sports fields in the city. This would involve aerating, overseeding, fertilizing and etc of different sports fields. One of our biggest fields, Ottawa’s own Ultimate Frisbee Association.

This weekend specifically Ottawa was hosting the national Ultimate Frisbee tournament. Teams from across Canada (1,500 players, wow!) were all playing on sports fields that we help to look after! It was a pretty proud moment for me and fun to sit and watch this intense sport!

UPI and Fireworks 003

I wish I was as coordinated as these players! It is a very intense sport and all the athletes are very in shape!! Looked like a pile of fun though too!

UPI and Fireworks 009

We ducked out of the city around lunch time, grabbed some groceries and headed home. We had a couple of hours to rest so we both settled in front of the T.V. Within minutes we were both fast asleep.

It was a good thing for that little nap because we were well rested for an evening celebrating my parents anniversary (and mom’s birthday). Ryan and I decided to surprise Mom and Dad with supper and a fireworks show at Lac Leamy!

UPI and Fireworks 018

First we started out with some drinks and then sat down for our AMAZING buffet dinner! It was all under a beautiful tent and the food was out of this world! We stuffed our faces and toasted Mom and Dad after 34 years of marriage.

UPI and Fireworks 014

After supper we took our seats for the over 2000 tons of fireworks! This was the first time Ryan or I had ever been to this event. It’s basically a competition between countries (we were watching Canada) to coordinate fireworks to music. Thousands of people come out to watch the spectacular show!

UPI and Fireworks 020

Canada’s theme this year was CBC shows. There were the theme songs to Hockey Night In Canada, Mr.Dressup and many other Canadian shows. For each theme song they had a fireworks display to go with it! It really was amazing! I had never seen so many fireworks in my life. 

UPI and Fireworks 021

After such an amazing time at the Ultimate Frisbee and Fireworks we were spent! We actually slept in till 9 AM on Sunday which is unheard of!

The rest of our weekend we puttered around the house, had lunch with my cousin Shannon and her boy Casey and relaxed!!

As I mentioned above I live in an amazing place! Not only can Ryan and I snuggle into the comfortable country of our home but we can escape every once in awhile to the exciting city where spectacular events happen all the time!

How was your weekend?

xo

Friday, August 12, 2011

Free Sample Gone Wrong

 

Happy Friday everyone! As always, I am so glad that the weekend is here!!!

As some of you may know I am a little on the frugal side! I love the excitement of saving a little money! Something else I love? Getting mail! Yup, one of my most favorite things is the sight of something in the mail addressed to me!

So, what do you get when you combine the too? Free samples, in the mail!

There are so many websites where you can receive free products in the mail to try! I love it! So far, I haven’t had to buy any of those little shampoos when Ryan and I go away because I have some from the mail!

The goodies are usually something we can use…..shampoo, cereal and dish soap! I’ve been very pleased with everything I’ve gotten so far.

It’s gotten to the point that if the title says “free sample” I’m signing up without even seeing what the product is.

A couple of weeks ago a pretty little package arrived in the mail for me! I knew instantly it had to be some sort of free sample! I was so excited!

Hike With Sharon 008

I brought the box home at the end of the day and pretty much ripped into it with excitement! I couldn’t wait to see what goodie had arrived for me!

One look inside and….I had no freakin’ clue as to what it was!? It looked soft and white! Then it hit me! Surely this must be the protective packing for something!

So, I pulled the “package” out of the box slowly where a note fell out thanking me for signing up for my free sample of……

TENA BLADDER PROTECTION UNDERWEAR!

Tena

Oh…My….Goodness…..They sent me an adult diaper, in the mail! Really?!?! I couldn’t help but burst out into hysterical laughter thinking it served me right, signing up for things without reading carefully. Lesson learnt!

Free Sample Gods – 1

Lindsay – 0 

Have a great weekend!

xo

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Wedding Wednesday – The Guest List

 

Happy Wednesday everyone! This August week has brought about a some cooler temperatures and has me thinking about fall! Visions of pumpkins, apple pies and colored leaves are dancing around in my head! Isn’t that awful? It’s not that I’m wishing the summer away, it’s just that I love the beginning of each new season!

Today on Wedding Wednesday I’m going to get real with the hardest aspect of wedding planning (in my opinion)! The guest list!

guest-list1

The guest list is vital in planning a wedding. I mean you want people there to celebrate with you right? The only problem, no matter how hard you try the list gets so long, so quickly.

It truly is a blessing to have so many wonderful people in your life that you want with you on one of the most important days of your life. However, there is a question of space and money!

One of the first things Ryan, myself and our parents did was make the “rough draft” list. This was a no limit list of family and friends. I have a large family and Ryan and I are blessed with so many friends so the list was getting high in numbers quickly.

We knew we had to make a drastic decision quickly. How do we reduce numbers? Our number was 150 people for wedding/dinner.

We shot around a few ideas until we finally came to the decision, no children (aside from flower girls and first cousins). This was one of the hardest decisions we had to make. We are blessed with so many little ones in our lives that we love dearly! And it broke my heart to come to this conclusion but it had to be done.

I know many people have told me not to worry about people’s reaction, it is our day after all but that is a lot easier said then done.

Something else you might not know is that I’m a people pleaser. It can be a good thing and bad so the last thing I wanted to do was hurt anyone but the decision has been made!

I’m sure some people who know me in real life is reading this piece of information for the first time. And, if there are any feelings hurt I am sorry. It was not mine or Ryan’s intentions.

As I mentioned above one of most vital parts of wedding planning, the guest list, which can bring about a lot of tension and worry for the couple and families. However, after the list is complete it is as though a weight has been lifted off of your shoulders!

I am so pleased to say, our wedding guest list is complete!

Happy Wednesday!

xo

Monday, August 8, 2011

Weekend On Wheels

 

Happy Monday everyone! This weekend passed WAY too quickly! Kind of like any weekend in the summer where you are having tons of fun!

This weekend started out on Friday afternoon packing up the Jeep after work to head to Pembroke to visit Ryan’s parents where they were camping at Riverside park. We joined them and his Aunt Shirley, cousin Katelyn and nephew Nathan.

Motocross 004

We had a yummy supper, a competitive game of Yahtzee and a good time visiting with everyone around the camp fire. We bunked into the trailer for a good nights sleep.

Motocross 002

In the morning, after breakfast, Ryan and I headed back home. He cut the grass at his own house while I worked on my new flower beds. In the afternoon, Ryan headed off to go golfing and I had an amazing time puttering around the house and hogging the T.V! I made supper for myself and watched a whole bunch of useless television….Real Housewives, Love It or List It, Say Yes To The Dress…..The list can go on! :-)

Sunday morning I successfully slept in till 8:00 AM! Woo hoo! Somebody else was up early eager to get the day started. We were going to Motocross racing!

Motocross 008

We packed up again and headed to Richmond, Ontario to the Sand Del Lee race track to watch the CMRC Pro Nationals.

I have to admit I was SO not looking forward to going. In fact, Ryan pretty much bribed me with supper to go! But, once I got there I was impressed. These guys (and girls) are really amazing athletes! They are physically in great shape and they have to be mentally prepared for all the shape corners and huge jumps!

Motocross 015

The day was so hot but it was fun to watch something new and gain respect for a new sport. My bribery supper afterwards was pretty good too!!

How was your weekend?

Happy Monday!

xo