Monday, June 27, 2011

look I'm loving: day clutch

I love the clutch - for so long it has been the perfect 'evening' accessory. As society becomes increasingly more efficient with all-in one devices, the oversized tote is getting left in the dust and has been replaced with the chic & elegant oversized day clutch. I'm all in favour of this trend if it means I can stop schlepping around the bottom of my bag to try to find my lipgloss. 








{all images pinterest}

Saturday, June 25, 2011

love this idea: backyard movie night

I absolutely love the idea of having a backyard movie night. How fun would it be to have a bunch of friends over for a backyard screening of a fun 80s movie, or a classic James Bond flick?
The new online lifestyle mag Prairie Hive was full of some awesome inspiration for a DIY movie night.

It would be so easy to put together a popcorn & candy bar. We could get everyone to bring a blanket or lawn chair (but have spare blankets tied up with raffia, just in case & just because it looks so cute). We could string mini lights and make a tassel garland, which I have been dying for an excuse to make. 

I like the idea of Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Casino Royale, Old School...something fun, that everyone can watch!
This party is definitely happening - probably a kick off to the end of summer, so I have lots of time to plan!

SURPRISE!

So Marcus turned the big 3-0 on June 18, and I decided to throw him a little surprise party. Keeping it a secret was one of the hardest things I had to do, but by the look on his face in this picture he was pretty surprised & excited to see everyone that kept it a secret!

Blowing out his candles...had the fire station on speed dial. 


My mom made all of these cupcakes. She is so talented and everyone keeps telling her she should go into business!

 neighbours!

 Marcus & his mom





I really wish we could have got more photos because these few didn't even capture half of the people that made it out. We had an awesome evening, and it was so much fun planning it all!

Friday, June 17, 2011

our new bbq!

Our amazing family and friends pitched in to get us a new bbq at our engagement party. We were so excited!! We used it the first night we got it on the patio!

These were the easiest veggies to make - snap peas, broccoli florets, red & green peppers, cherry tomatoes, asparagus & red onion - basically any veggies you want. I marinated them in the fridge all day in yummy rendezvous greek dressing, and then grilled them in a grill basket for just under 10 minutes. Then I topped them off with feta before we dove in!

Monday, June 6, 2011

Europe Part II: Paris

We arrived in Paris on a beautiful sunny day! Our hotel was in a great location, very close to the galleries lafayette and in a great spot to hop on to the bus tour we did around Paris. The tour was in an open-top bus that allowed you to "hop-on and hop-off" at any important location or monument. Below is our hotel patio, you can see the very tip of the eiffel in the background!


We had breakfast everyday at the Illy cafe right outside our bus stop. The most delicious espresso machiato's a girl could dream of and chocolate raspberry croissants delivered from the heavens. 



View from the eiffel tower - I was amazed at how far the city reaches



This picture was taken about 20 mins before we got engaged! Marcus said we should find a place to sit, so we found a bench with a view of the eiffel tower, and then he popped the question!


My beautiful ring :)



So not only did I get engaged, I got to visit the eiffel tower and eat raspberry macaroons at the Laduree all in one day. Best day to date!


I wish I could have taken some of this ribbon home!




Outside the Louvre - the sun was so bright that the glare coming off the pyramid made it hard to get a good photo.  




Outside Notre Dame

Arc de Triomphe

Moulin rouge!

Goodbye Paris! I was okay with leaving because we were coming home to tell friends & family about our engagement!
I'm going to be starting a countdown for our next european adventure!