Summer Days

This summer I have been fortunate to visit many great Ontario summer spots. This is Muskoka, where we went on a boat trip and we saw the most amazing places, they call "cottages".

This is a tree that is growing upside down into the rock face.

A perfect view from our balcony of the lake.

This was taken in Haliburton. This year there seems to be an abundance of dragon flies. I loved the colouring of the rock and the bug together.

I took this shot because it is the perfect "y". I thought of those photographs where they spell out words using natural elements.

This is in Haliburton where you can sit in the river all day or float down it in a tube.

This was a perfect summer's eve on Lake Simcoe.

Pizza, Mmmmmm

This summer I have made some really amazing pizzas. This BBQ Chicken pizza was especially delicious. I used a whole wheat dough, and barbequed a couple chicken breasts (with bone in - they have much more flavour than boneless) with a bit of your favourite bbq sauce, as well as I carmelized an Vidella onion ( which I did on a the bbq on a tray, slice your onion super thin toss with a bit of oil and when they are translucent add a tbsp or two of sugar and continue until they are golden). I cut up my chicken and tossed it in a bowl with bbq sauce until nice and coated. I used president choice's Smokin Habanero sauce. Spread the chicken over the dough and add the carmelized onions and top with grated mozzeralla and provolone. Bake at 425 until done. I have also made them directly on the bbq grill ( you bbq your dough first in smaller rounds and then top them with the ingredients and put them back directly on the grill to bake the cheese.)

Graduation

My son graduated from high school this week. We had a wonderful family party on the weekend for him. I made him this chocolate cake shaped in a grad cap. It was a hit.

Summer Blooms

I designed this one of a kind clutch for a bride who will be getting married in Turks and Caicos. The clutch is made from a beautiful creamy white bridal satin. The bouquet of white and cream flowers are handmade and accented with Swarovski crystals and organza leaves. I love to design these bouquet bags because each one is entirely different from the next. Every bride needs a custom piece for their one of a kind day.

A Visit to Chicago

Chicago is a beautiful city with it's mix of old and new architecture. There is lots to see and do in this wonderful city. It was our first visit to the windy city and yes it was windy and cold!

We took the architectural boat cruise along the river and saw some great buildings. One of my favourites was the Carbon and Carbide building. It was built in the 1920's. Some say it was inspired by a champagne bottle. What made it so unique was it's greenish, grey colour and gold top. An example of the 1920's art deco movement. It now houses the Hard Rock Hotel.

The trains make their way around the city, snaking over the streets.

This is part of the gorgeous Wrigley Building.

On Saturday we took in the famous Chicago Blues Festival at Grant Park where we listened to some great bands.

This was the Duwayne Burnside Band, who were from Mississippi.

New Spring Wristlets

I saw a wristlet at Winners the other day that had a vinyl flower on it, so I decided to add them to my wristlets for some summertime fun! They turned out really cute.

The wristlets are great for any time you do not want to bring a big purse with you. It fits your phone, your lipstick, money and keys.

And it never has to leave your wrist, perfect for those summertime patio bars!

Spring Is Somewhere In Air

It's been a long cold winter. I should have been sewing more but the old creative juices were not flowing too readily. Now that spring is in the air (is it?), I have started to produce some spring and summer bags. These are my Happy Eco Bags that I make with all my remnants. I have tons of scraps that would normally end up in the garbage, so I decided to use them wisely. Someone once called these bags Happy because they are so bright and fresh.

This brown bag is made with a colourful polka dot fabric and embellished with a rainbow of buttons. A fun summertime bag.

This bouquet clutch is made from a boiled black wool with a garden of handmade flowers and Swarovski crystals. It has a detachable chain handle. I am entering this bag in a contest with In Style Magazine. What the heck.

Featured Artist of the Month

My bags are now available at Meta4 Gallery in Port Perry. It is a beautiful gallery featuring local artisans and their work. They also offer workshops in their back studio.

For the month of March, I am the featured artist of the month. They did a fantastic job of diplaying my bags in their window display.

If you find yourself in Port Perry, be sure to drop in to the gallery and check out the work.

Weekend in Myrtle Beach

I went down to Myrtle Beach, SC to visit my mom and dad who were down there for the month of February. It wasn't the warmest but it was nicer than here. Some crazy kid, (my nephew) went for a dip in the 50 degree ocean (and air temp). He carried on the Canuck tradition.

Myrtle Beach hasn't changed all that much since we were kids, just more hotels and restaurants. They built a nice boardwalk down near the pier. It was a nice escape from winter.

Great New Restaurant

My husband and I went to a new restaurant last night for Valentine's called Sarpa. The food was great as well as the service and atmosphere. We started with grilled calamari with sweet peas and fried pancetta, then I had pumpkin and veal ravioli with sage, pistachios and truffle oil, my husband had eggplant and zucchini stacked parmesan. It was all so delicious, finally another decent restaurant in York region.