weekend recap

So there were many things we had planned for this weekend including spending the day at the cottage with P's cousins but alas, this plan fell through and we were left with the day to ourselves. 

Instead we ..

-got Peter a hair cut

-went to the farmers market in town (which was AMAZING. I can't believe the bounty and low low prices of all the vendors) 

-the Zellers in Lindsay is closing and I was able to score a food processor for cheap cheap :) I have soooooo many new recipes to try now that I have this tool

-read my book

-read food magazines

-chased the sun around the lawn to catch some rays

-ran in a corn field 

-played with cats

-found an escaped cat under the neighbors porch (sneaky little thing) 

-made a bouquet with the flowers around the yard

-made fizzy drinks 

-walked by the river in the middle of the night 

-we both had a craving for homemade burgers so I whipped us up some with the fresh corn

-P found a milkshake maker in the basement and I just about died when he showed it to me and said we could keep it

-did four loads of laundry 

P's parents were out of town so it was really nice to just chill out in a beautiful house and see where the day takes you. 

it didn't take us far, and it was lovely. 

Friday Five

Photo taken and edit by yours truley. 

Its Fridayyyyyyyyyyy 

Don't you just love fridays? They are filled with so much potential. 

We saw the Batman movie last night... SO SO SO SO GOOD. I felt like it could be real? Like this could actually happen to a city? 

We are headed up to LNZ tonight. probably go and visit my mom and see the new house (she did a ton of renovations to the entire main floor) and then go to the bar peter used to work at for some wings and Somersby. Have you tried this beer yet? YOU NEED TO! it tastes like summer. don't miss out! 

Saturday will start out at the farmers market, then peter needs a haircut, and after we are taking his little cousins up to my cottage for the day :) Should be really fun. which reminds me I want to buy some bubbles and sparklers for them!! 

Sunday has no plans but I have a pretty serious suspicion the day will start at St. Daves for breakfast. best best best place ever. they remember me every time and BRING ME A DISH OF PICKLES. I don't even ask! as IF there is anything better then that. (there isn't)

Friday Five: 

Reading: Why are American Kids so Spoiled  - you don't need to have kids to find this really interesting. Definitely makes me want to instill independence and responsibility on my children from an early age. 

Watching: Ever wonder how they make paper cut out prints? Answer: with ridiculous amounts of patience. 

San Francisco from Simon Summerscales on Vimeo.

Listening: Heartless Bastards ...have you heard of this band? They are new to me and I am LOVING the sounds. Heres a great youtube playlist to throw on while you go about your blog reading this weekend.

Eating: Basil. so much basil on everything. I have loads of it from my little rooftop garden. 

Loving:  That peter and I are both working full time and still have weekends off together. Oh and I'm getting new glasses! Bonlook is having a summer sale, 2 pairs for $99. Amazing right?

HAPPY WEEKENDING!!!!

Take off both your shoes whatever chances you get especially when they're wet

Photo 1 | 2

I've been thinking a lot about how I treat people and how this is a reflection of my true self. 

I want to be better at showing the people I care deeply about that my feelings are genuine and limitless. 

I'm learning that a smile and a laugh go a long way to strengthen a relationship. 

I'm trying not to sweat the small stuff. 

I'm learning how to manage my expectations and care less about 'the best way' and value 'the way it is happening' 

I've realized that reaching out, speaking out, and taking a chance has brought so much happiness to my own life. 

I've realized I'm not shy, just afraid of rejection or awkwardness. 

I want to cultivate new and fulfilling friendships and show my existing relationships that they mean the world to me. 

simple things that make me happy

+ Bike rides +

+ white, yellow and grey +

+ fresh sheets +

+ slightly chilled water +

+ growing fresh herbs and putting them in everything +

+ white patio lights +

+ documenting little bits of life +

+ good coffee +

+ thinking about the future +

+ finding heart shaped rocks +

+ stretching +

+ minty toothpaste +

+ sunshowers +

inspired by 10 simple things to make you happier at home

15 Mason Jar DIY's

One of my favorite things to find at thrift stores are mason jars. They come in so many different sizes, shapes and designs. They are perfect for storing leftovers, keeping small items organized and SO SO SO many other things....which is why I've put together 15 DIY's with mason jars. These are all reletively easy things you can do and won't break the bank. Many of them would be great to give as gifts and an easy afternoon craft. 

You Can.....

make your own solar powered lights. from here 

make a place to store and light matches. from here 

make a soap dispenser! from here (and here is a way to make your own hand soap) 

this could also be great in the shower to hold shampoo and conditioner and look much nicer then a bunch of mixmatched bottles. 

make your own candles! From here

make an easy recipe for someone you love. from here 

cover the insides with fabric and create votive candle holders. from here

add a message in hot glue so when you paint them they look completely custom. A great idea to be combined with the next DIY or to have cookie mix inside it. from here 

adding multiple colour spray paint in a really neat design. from here. 

wrap yarn around them and spray paint for a really cool effect. from here. 

lacy mason jars from here

how about an easy air freshener? from here 

paint the outsides in great fun colours! from here

a cute little sewing kit and pin cushion. This would make a nice gift for someone going to school or moving away from home. from here 

make a herb gardens with them. love love love this idea! from here 

and finally! you could make your own mason jar tumbler lid! perfect for picnicks or kids :)

I hope that gave you some inspiration and I feel like it would be amazing to combine a few of these techniques to make low budget gifts and fun things for your home. 

a new path

Dearest Blog friends,

I have an exciting announcement!!!

In exactly one month from today I will be sitting at my desk, in my beautiful office, for the very last time.

A little history first - I've worked at my job for over two and a half years. I've seen a company grow from iddy bitty to international, from start up to a team of over 20. I've also grown in my role here. I started as just a Marketing Coordinator and then expanded to also take over all Sales as well. I currently run both departments.

I consider myself very lucky. I enjoy my job. I work with great people and have a genuine and inspiring boss. I have a huge private office with three windows and flexible hours. I have more then enough vacation time and am compensated well. There are always two sides to the coin, but I am not naive to the current job market, I am very lucky to have this job.

But there was something bothering me that I just couldn't quiet. I felt like I could be doing more. I want to create. To contribute. To make something original. I want to be the person who can make something from nothing. My passions lie in design, the internet, social media, making connections and supporting others. I want to be involved in those things daily, instead of just in spare moments.

I have decided to go back to school for a one year post grad program to expand my knowledge of Web Design. I am literally bursting to get started. I will be starting school in September at a campus about 25 minutes from my apartment. The program is considered the best web design program in Ontario by industry professionals.

I want to design beautiful spaces on the internet. I want to make it easier for bloggers to share great content. I want to help start ups and small business owners establish a presence online. I want to help companies interact with their target market through online engagement. I want to make the internet a more meaningful place for both brands and you, the customer.


And if we are throwing lofty goals out there, I'd LOVE to make online advertising not SUCK as much as it does. It doesn't have to be annoying, it doesn't have to be in your way, and for christs sake it shouldn't promise you an ipod.  
disclaimer: My first degree is in Creative Advertising. I really think there are big things on the horizon for online advertising. For some reason its not taken seriously yet and I think you will see that change over the next few years. I'd like to contribute to this revolution. 


So yes, big changes for me. I'm leaving the comfortable security of my desk job to search for bigger more fulfilling things. I'm over the moon excited. Quitting my stable job is pretty much the scariest thing I've ever done but I can't imagine not moving my life in this direction. 


I'd love to know what scares you the most and if you'd ever consider doing it? What would your dream job be? 

245 Days of Adventures...a video from my love

245 DAYS from Peter J Miller on Vimeo.

Okay guys..so you know how I said that peter is always doing really cute things for me and always makes me feel like the most special girl in the universe!?! 

WELL HE REALLY REALLY DOES

The video above is something he surprised me with for our 8 month anniversary!!!! I can't believe it! It makes me want to cry every time I see it and if I'm not crying then I at least have a huge goofy smile taking up half of my face. this guy is just the bestest! 

(I recommend viewing it in full screen, there are tons of little parts that even though I have watched it SOOOOO many times now I still see little things that are new) 

****

Have you watched it?! Do you love it?! I'm trying to convince Peter I can't be the only girl who melts when she sees cute videos of your relationship. Is this something you would be interested in? Do you know any couples getting married/engaged/just madly in love that might want a cool video to share? 

Send me an email at erin.e.ackerman (@) gmail.com if you want to know more! And his rates are SUPER DUPER reasonable, he's trying to build his portfolio right now so we can offer you an amazing deal. Seriously! 

(and he would work with you to create your very own special vision, so the video could be done any way you dream) 

Mint and Lime iced Tea...a recipe

you will need:

3 bags of mint tea

sugar

a lime

fresh herbs such a mint and/or basil 

Directions: 

Steep the tea in a large pitcher and put in the fridge to cool

To each glass add: 

1/2 teaspoon of sugar 

1 slice of lime and its juice

1 teaspoon(ish) of fresh herbs ( I used mostly mint from the garden and a little bit of basil) to the glass 

squeeze out the lime and throw it in the cup. add the sugar and herbs. use the handle of a wooden spoon (or mudler if you have one) to smash up the herbs, sugar and lime juice.  add ice and a straw and fill with the cold mint tea. 

This drink could be customized a million different ways by adding lemon or orange instead of lime, or instead of herbs some berries like raspberries or blueberries would be delicious and fruity. 

If you want to premake a pitcher of the drink I would suggest dissolving the sugar into the tea while it is still hot. adding the sugar individually to each cup allows you to add a little more of less depending on your taste. I find that mint tea doesn't need very much sugar compared to black teas. 

Let me know if you make this and what fun things you add!

xo have a happy Tuesday :) 

Happy July.. desktop background

So its July now.

whaaaaat the heck June? why you so quick! haha

Here is an amazing and FREE desktop background from Please Note. you can download the perfect size from her site.

this weekend was great. Friday night we had friends over for a BBQ, saturday we went for a bike ride and to the farmers market and then had a total chill out day the rest of the afternoon. we laid around, ate an amazing brunch, watched Shutter Island, I had a bath and painted my nails and then read on the patio. later on Peter had a few friends over to watch UFC and I rearranged the bedroom. Sunday I had a great visit with my friend Laura from school and we drank the most amazing drink that Peters dad invented called backporch lemonade. we ate bbq'd pork chops and I made this zucchini, potato and goat cheese gratin.

now I'm back at work but looking forward to a sushi dinner date with my friend melissa (who is living in Toronto again!!!!!) and Peter told me this morning we are going to make this the best week ever so who even knows what fun things that will bring!

looking for a pump up song to get you through the last bit of monday?? listen to this!!

TUM - Toronto underground market

This post is loooong over due but I couldn't let these pictures go without posting. Warning: you probably don't want to be hungry when you read this. extremely tasty looking food awaits you.

when my friend laura texted me that she could get tickets to a food truck show but I had to let her know within the next 20 minutes I honestly didn't even have to think twice. I texted peter out of courtesy for filling up our saturday night with plans but I already knew he would be stoked to go.

when we first walked through the gates I noticed a truck my friend mikey had started working with and sure enough he was inside playing grill master. It had been way too long since we had seen each other and he rushed out of the truck to give me the biggest hug.

we didn't really know what to expect and I think for the first 45 minutes we just walked around in such a daze, not sure where to begin, what lines lead where and there were so many options we couldn't decide on just one.

the event was PACKED and line ups went for as long as the eye could see but everything was TOTALLY worth the wait. 

and a word to anyone considering going. be aware you will have to wait in long lines but be prepared for that and make it part of the fun. its the perfect event to go to with friends you haven't seen in a long time, lots of time to catch up. 

thats mikey's truck above and the AMAZING food he fed us below. greek poutine i believe?!

corn nuts on a chocolate donut (heaven) 

wood fire pizza. it only takes 1 minute to cook its so hot in there! 

fresh maple bacon donuts. PHENOMENAL 

hahah bacon was a theme....spicy bacon popcorn 

and below is some kind of vegetarian taco that was impossible to eat without spilling but also very tasty. 

If you go with a group of people you can split up and each concur a line up and one person reserves a spot to eat. then when everyone has the food you can try a little of everything. we saw people doing this and i think its rather efficient, although i imagine your standing in line by youself for a lot of the night. 

if your looking for tickets they go on sale here. but act fast, they have been selling out in only one day! 

you can see a write up about the event in now magazine 

summer love...an etsy collection

Here is a small collection of the items I am lusting over on etsy.

1. Air plants and glass globes 
2. Art deco peacock feather print
3. Two tone gold zipper pouch
4. triangles necklace in gold
5. wonky stack rings in silver
6. Screen printed tote bag 'I heart'
7. Silver airplane charm necklace
8. Turquoise leather bracelet 

ps don't you love this font? Its available on font squirrel for free. The two different weights are called blackout midnight and blackout 2am. isn't that cute?

pps are you guys interested in free fonts/graphics/backgrounds/desktop wallpapers/printables/photoshop actions? I keep a collection on my pinterest board here but could easily feature the best ones.

eight months...and the story of how we met

I can't even believe I am typing this but Peter and I have been together for 8 months today! What a FAST, amazing, love filled time it has been. 

We met at a mutual friends party, in my (our) hometown of Lindsay. I didn't even know the girl who's birthday it was, but I knew the person throwing the party so my friend melissa and I just decided to check it out. I even almost stayed in the city that weekend. total fluke. 

we pulled up out front of the party to drop my brother off and peter was unloading something out the back of his van. I asked my friend 'WHO IS THAT!?' (I have a pretty specific type - bearded/tall/not skinny) he caught my eye the second I saw him! 

We went back to mels place to get ready and pre-drink a bit and I can't lie, I totally facebook creeped him hard. I wanted to know everything about him! 

Turns out what he was unloading from his van was a tequila jello lady (the front half of a lady mannequin torso filled with liquored jello) that was the highlight of the night. 

Mel and I were standing over it, admiring that someone had made this amazing, pretty crafty lady and Peter just walks up and starts talking to us. 

In my head I remember thinking, 'there was one person who I had an interest in getting to know tonight and what are the chances he just walks up and starts talking to me?!" It was butterflies from the start.

Honestly, that night was one of the best in my life. Peter made me laugh so hard. We danced allllll night. he kept spinning me around and around and I loved every minute of it. we looked like fools but love is blind, we didn't care. 

the party started to slow down and we decided to walk back to my parents house with mel and peters friend  (ps love you both for being the best wing-man/woman / friends ever) 

we were walking on the road and i remember we were walking much slower then our friends and he looked at me and smiled and I knew he was too much of a gentleman to kiss me but I wanted him too so I just stood on my tippy toes and kissed him! I think it caught him off guard but there is no denying we both wanted it. 

later, I remember sitting outside on a bench, looking up at the stars, talking talking talking the night away. We shared our dreams, our hopes and our hearts. 

I feel so lucky to have met this amazing man. he is such a romantic it just melts my heart. he is always surprising me and doing cute amazing things just to make me happy. 

(For example? he went back to the middle of the road where we had that first kiss and spray painted a heart right on that very spot)

He curates all the music on my iphone, is an amazing cook, a perfect room mate, the giver of amazing back cracks and piggy back rides and most importantly my perfect boyfriend. 

I am looking so forward to spending every day with you and learning and growing together. I can't wait until we can say years instead of months.  I can't imagine my life without you and all of the creative energy and support you give me. I want us to follow our dreams together and to live this life without holding anything back. You've brought out the very best in me and I love you for it.