Spring

After a long (long!) winter, there's been some reprieve in St. John's this week. Greg and I enjoyed the most beautiful pink and gold sunset last evening (viewed from the corner window in our soon-to-be nursery!) and meandered throughout Churchill Park (stopping for dinner) and along Rennies River Trail tonight. I feel refreshed and revitalized. Isn't it funny how spring can be so therapeutic (even when it is still quite chilly outside)? Image of Rennies River by Peatkau.

Crocuses

Spring has finally arrived in St. John's. We have crocuses in our mini front stoop flower bed!

Ice Cream

These ice cream sandwiches would sure hit the spot on this sunny spring day. Recipe and photos at Twig & Thistle.

Mountains

A long weekend in the fantastic Jasper National Park requires no wordy recap; instead, here is our photo diary of Victoria Day Weekend 2009.

Jasper

Greg and I are off early tomorrow morning on an impromptu road trip to Jasper for the long weekend. We debated tents and backpacks and coolers and Coleman stoves; the low temps and possible flurries made a hotel more attractive. A fire ban banished dreams of teaching Greg to love marshmallows. We'll have a fantastic time nonetheless relaxing at the hot springs, drinking in the mountain air, taking day hikes and eating delicious dinners.

Merry wishes for a happy and safe long weekend.

Image via Ynusfogan Jack.

Patterns

I can sew on a button and darn a hole in a sock but my sewing abilities end there.

After finishing grad school, I found myself with ample time to explore hobbies. Unfortunately, my hobbies were writing and editing and highlighting text books in prep for in-class essays. In exploration of new creative outlets, my mother tried to teach me to knit. I was a horrible student. My failures were only amplified by the fact that my mother knits, sews, quilts, needle points and crochets. Even my younger brother was an expert corker when he was a kid. Nimble fingers I have not. I gave up on my kitting dreams after about three inches of a soft white scarf.

I would love to be able to follow a pattern though.

Over Easter, my friends and I selected fabric for the dresses we'll wear at our friend Lesley's wedding next summer. Lesley's mom and my aunt (Lesley's soon-to-be mother-in-law) will be making the dresses from this pattern (for those curious, each bridesmaid selected a different style. I'll be wearing 'C' - the boat neck). The fabric store was full of fantastic raw silks and jerseys, and fun buttons. If I was a seamstress, I don't know how I would have contained myself.

When I was fifteen, I spent a lot of time listening to Hole. Though I don't play guitar, I thought Courtney Love's Built by Wendy guitar straps were fantastic. I wanted a baby pink leather strap of my own.

Given my eye-opening experience at the fabric store this Easter and my long-time support for Wendy Mullin's work, her line of Built by You patterns for Simplicity excites me. Granted, I don't have the skills to bring these clothes to life. But I'd like to. And I'm sure some ladies, blessed with far better creative skills than I, will be sporting some fantastic outfits from the pattern line this spring.

Fans

Warmth has come to Edmonton. Our patio doors have been open all morning, and aside from some serious buzzing coming from the hospital next door, the day is lovely. This morning's edition of the Edmonton Journal included a booklet on things to do around Edmonton this summer. Needing no further motivation, Greg and I are preparing to head north a little to buy hostas at the large greenhouses outside the city and check out the town of Morinville.

With a slight (emphasis on slight) sun kissed look on my cheeks, I'm excited to announce the arrival of spring to Alberta. The season of fans propped in windows (for those of us without air conditioning in our shoebox apartments) has arrived. Speaking of fans, isn't the one above delightful? Image via Design to Inspire.

Bibs

Last evening I received a birthday present from my dear friend Amy in the mail. Inside was a fun book of games for adult parties, and vibrant blue stationary cards and a matching notebook both emblazoned with my initial - K. Upon opening the present, I sat down to write a spring shopping list on the first page of the blue notebook. After some brainstorming and considering the clothes I already have in my own closet, I decided my spring wardrobe will consist of full, airy skirts, long v-neck cardigans, fitted tank tops and belts cinched at the waist. Flats or strappy sandals suit underfoot. This J Crew model is my muse.

To purchase this outfit click here. Image via J Crew.

As frosting for this spring/summer wardrobe, I'm loving bib necklaces. My love of chunky jewelry is being satisfied at every turn at retailers such as J Crew, Banana Republic, Club Monaco, Anthropologie, Jacob and French Connection.

Here are some of my favourite interpretations of the bib:

J Crew's Primrose Garden Necklace.

Banana Republic's Adjustable Beaded Necklace.

J Crew's Sunray Necklace.


Anthropologie's Garnish Necklace.