5/31/10

Add a little colour to your day...

Who says everything has to be all matchy matchy.. it's your wedding day! Do what you like! I absolutely love how these brides have brought fun and colour into their day. Picking one colour and having your bridesmaids pick their own dresses in a hue of that colour is a fabulous way to bring the different personalities together.



If you're thinking you want to go with simple black or neutral coloured dresses, but want to liven things up a bit, consider having your girls wear some bright coloured or crazy patterned shoes!

Whatever you decide to go with, have fun with it! Sometimes the most non traditional way can be the most beautiful and creative!
Love Tam
xo

Tofino... truly one of my most favorite places to be

A few weekends ago some friends and I made the trip to Tofino for the day. A couple of the people that I went with had never been there before, so it was nice to be able to show them just how beautiful it really is. I think every surfer in the area was out that day. I've never tried it, but it looks like so much fun and is definately on the bucket list!

Our day was spent puttering around town, playing shutterbug on the beach, and just generally taking in the beauty of it all. I love our little piece of the world. :) These are a few of my favorite pics from the day...

{you never know what you'll discover in the little nooks and crannies}


{surf boards}


{going out to catch the waves}


{on the way back in}




Love to all,
Tam xo

5/28/10

Lemonade Cookies


I've been so busy lately, and I've been dying to try out this new recipe I found for Lemonade Cookies. I was pretty happy the other night when I was finally able to find some time. It's a brand new recipe for me and I had no idea how they were going to turn out. I had to try a few different temperatures and cooking times, but after my 3rd attempt I finally got it right :) My test crew at the office seemed to like them and gave me their seal of approval. Susan said they were really good because they're not too sweet and she could enjoy them with her cup of tea.

The key ingredient in them is the frozen lemonade, so really I think you could make them with any kind of frozen juice. I'm thinking that cranberry, or pineapple would be pretty tasty. When they're done they end up having a moist cake like texture to them and they puff up a bit when you bake them. It's really important to keep them the size that's specified in the recipe or you risk burning them, or not having them cooked completely in the middle. (Believe me... I know!) :) So here you are... I've done all the testing and tweaking for you. Just follow the recipe exactly and you should be good to go!

Lemonade Cookies

1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
3 cups all purpose flour, (make sure you sift the flour before measuring)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 small can of frozen lemonade from concentrate (or any other frozen juice you desire)
1 tsp grated lemon peel (optional)
granulated sugar

Cream butter and sugar until light, add eggs and beat until light and fluffy. Sift flour and baking soda. Add to the cream mixture alternating with a 1/2 cup of the frozen lemonade. Stir in grated lemon peel. Drop dough by the teaspoonfuls onto a cookie sheet and place 2 inches apart. Bake at 350 degrees for 5-6 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. When done, brush hot cookies with lemonade concentrate and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Remove cookies to cooling racks.
Hope you're all having a lovely evening.
Tam xo

5/19/10

Wobby Wednesday.... a true pina colada


It's Wobbly Wednesday! Get out the blender and treat your guests to a homemade Pina Colada.

What you need:

1 cup coconut milk
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup of run
4 teaspoons of sugar
8 cubes of ice

What to do:

Put all the ingredients into a blender and blend well. Pour into decorative glasses and garnish with fresh pineapple and a drink umbrella. Enjoy!

Love to all
Tam xo

5/18/10

Quilts, dresses and bloomers oh my!

My friend Kristine is the amazingly talented and ever so lovely woman behind Lillybelle Threads. Her and I are two peas in a pod when it comes to our love for vintage housewares and thrift stores. ;) I was first introduced to her work at a baby shower where she gave our friend Kim the most beautiful handmade quilt. Since then, she's been busy filling orders for everything from quilts and dresses to bloomers and aprons. Here are a few of my favorites...



{vintage camper apron}

{baby quilt}

{super cute toddler dresses}

{bloomers}





To view more examples of her work or to inquire about a custom order, click here...


Love to all
Tam xo

Things I love...

I've been feeling really girly lately, and love adding pretty little touches here and there. These are some things that I'm loving this week...


{trying out new cupcake recipes}


{vintage girly shoes}


{vintage owls}


{mismatched dishes}


{my lilac trees in my front yard}


{flower hair clips}


{fabulous homemade clutches from clutterbug on Etsy}

{vintage serving plates}


Hope you're all having a lovely week. xo




5/12/10

Wobbly Wednesday... Sangria... my favorite patio beverage


Spring has finally decided to arrive! The flowers are blooming, the sun is shining and patio season is in full swing! My friend Janice introduced me to this beverage, and ever since she made it, I've been hooked! Impress your friends at your next BBQ with this yummy Sangria recipe.

what you need:

2litres of your favorite red wine
1 litre of lemonade
4 table spoons of brandy
2 table spoons of sugar
1 orange, apple and lemon cut into thin slices
ice cubes and soda water to serve

what to do:

Put all the ingredients except the ice cubes and soda water into a large jug. Leave to macerate and chill for 2-3 hours. When ready to serve add a tray of ice cubes and soda water to taste. Now sit back in your lawn chair and enjoy!

Hope you all have a fantastic Wednesday!

Tam xo

5/11/10

Things I love...

I love the simple things in life. Anything that makes for a light, airy, and cozy atmosphere is my favorite. Here's a few pics of some things I'm loving this week...

{tasty homemade treats}


{cozy quilts}


{vintage linens}


{soft and cheery rooms}



Hope you all have a lovely evening
Tam xo

Fabric Party Garland...


Lately I've been obsessing over fabric garlands. I love their vintage and cheerful look. This charming fabric garland is perfect for a child's party, bridal or baby shower or could even be used at a wedding! This post links to The Purl Bee who shows you how to create this pretty garland all by yourself! Turns out it's not actually that hard at all and what better way to use all those fabric scraps. :)
Love to all,
Tam xo

5/8/10

DIY wedding...who says creativity has to be expensive



Sometimes having a tighter budget for your wedding can lead to a much more creative and unique event. It forces you to think a little more "outside the box" and the result can be absolutely stunning!

I love the lounge feel that this bride and groom have created with the couch and the strings of homemade flowers made from vintage fabrics that they've hung behind it. The ceiling is made from stringing twinkle lights and then hanging strips of paper just below them to create that cozy warm feel. Using large balloons in photos is actually one of my favorite things.

Too see more on this wedding and get all the details from the bride herself, check out Ruffled Blog. It's my very favorite place to go and get all kinds of ideas and inspirations, and the lady Amanda who owns it, is just as lovely. :)

Happy Saturday!
Tam xo

5/5/10

Wobbly Wednesday...the pink romper!


I've decided that since so many of you loved Jen's French 75 recipe so much, that I'd start Wobbly Wednesday! Each week I'll share a new and fun party beverage :) On the agenda this week?

The Pink Romper

What you need:

1 can of frozen pink lemonade
Vodka
1 beer (the cheaper the better, use a good old fashioned Canadian Lager)
Water

What to do:

Pour the can of lemonade and 1 can of water in to the punch bowl or pitcher. Fill the empty lemonade can with vodka and add to the bowl. Add the beer and mix well. Let it stand for 30 minutes. Little hint: the longer you leave it the better it tastes! Garnish with a spear of your favorite fruit and enjoy!

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Love to all,
Tam