A Romantic Getaway

Last Saturday, Ryan and I flew out for what's become a yearly getaway for the two of us - the President's Circle trip.

This year, much to our excitement, the trip began in Boston, toured through Vermont and ended in Old Montreal. While there are a few things we do as a group, there is always lots of time for the two of us to go exploring.

Having just flown in this afternoon, I'm too tired to do more than show a few highlights.

The first full morning in Boston was their annual meeting, so it meant I had the morning to myself. After an early breakfast in bed (the only time we are allowed to indulge in this), I made my way uptown to the Boston Common Gardens.

They were beautiful. So many of the gardens were in bloom, the swan boats were touring about, there were some musicians playing classical music that you could hear throughout the park, and it was the perfect way to start the morning.

Next I headed to the other end of the gardens and walked up to Beacon Hill, the quaint older part of Boston. There were dozens of charming shops and cafes.

I then walked the cobblestone streets of the Gaslight District and parts of the Freedom Trail.

One of my favourite parts was touring the gardens in this part of town. They really have no gardening space, so seeing how they utilize what little space they do have is so fascinating to me! This was actually quite a large, and very old, private garden. The rest are tiny front plots, window boxes and urns on their front steps. They've mastered the art of making a big statement with a small amount of space.

That afternoon, we boarded a beautiful old boat and enjoyed a lunch tour of the Boston Harbour. It was the most relaxing way to spend a sunny afternoon.

We had some time to waste before dinner, and felt like touring the city a little more, so we went back out to Beacon Hill and I showed Ryan some of the beautiful little spots I had stumbled across earlier that morning.

We always stay in beautiful hotels, which is an experience in itself; plush robes, choosing what we want for room service the next morning, luxurious beds with a million pillows, and always a great view. And the food... it's quite ridiculous. It's beyond indulgent.

The next morning we headed out early for the driving portion of our trip, which would take us to Burlington, Vermont, by way of Quechee. One of the perks is that each couple receives a 2016 convertible to "test drive".

We couldn't have had a better day to drive through the mountains.

Lunch was in an old mill from the 1700's, which is now a working glass blowing gallery and museum.

From there, we headed out to Burlington, for a tradition clambake and a stay overlooking Lake Champlain. On the way, we stopped at each antique shop to quickly browse. I even managed to find a few things I could tuck away in my suitcase!

The next day we left early again, and continued driving from Burlington, through Quebec to Montreal. We went by way of the islands on Lake Champlain, and stopped for lunch at a spa and sat on the patio and watched a huge thunderstorm roll in.

Our final evening was spent in Old Montreal at a beautiful hotel. Unfortunately though, by the time we arrived in town, there wasn't much time left to tour.

We did however wake up early to quickly walk around a little before heading to the airport this morning. Even in just the few blocks around the hotel, there was plenty to see.

And now we're home again with our beautiful boys, who we missed so much. But really, we were so spoiled, and it was so lovely to get away, just the two of us it seemed like, for a few days.

A Surprise Package

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I came across this sweet bakery, Butter, in the pages of an old issue of Canadian Home and Country. (I wish they still published that magazine...)

It was the most charming looking store, with it's vintage-feeling rose wallpaper, pastel colours and stacks of delicious treats piled high on antique cake stands.

I just loved her attention to detail so much. Of course, owner Rosie Daykin is an interior designer turned baker, so it all makes perfect sense really.

Then, a year ago, I came across the most charming cookbook in Home Sense, and wouldn't you know, it was her very own cookbook - Butter Baked Goods. As soon as I started flipping through the pages I was reminded of that article, and realized that it was the same shop.

The only unfortunate part was that her lovely bakery was in Vancouver, and I'm not.

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Did I mention that one of her signature items are her homemade marshmallows? These giant pillowy delights come in different flavours like mint, chocolate, raspberry, coconut and coffee.

Another is this gigantic sandwich cookie called a "You-Know-What". It's the homemade version of an orea. According to her, they nearly made Oprah's list of good things! They're called You-Know-What's now, instead of Oreos, after a certain letter from a certain Mr. Christie.

Fast forward to today.

My youngest sister, Erica, is currently on the West Coast, studying cake and pastry in Vancouver. To my surprise, (well, almost my surprise... she was too excited to keep to herself that "something" was coming) a lovely little package arrived for me in the mail yesterday.

She sent each of us girls a mug from the store, which she visited the other Saturday for lunch. She also sent us each one french macaron. You're probably thinking that the idea of sending a couple cookies by mail is quite ridiculous... They're French Macarons. Anyone who gets that, gets it. When she learned to make them in school, I received an entire batch of trial macarons in a few different flavours. It only takes a few days to ship them, and because they're macarons, they ship fairly easily, She just has to wrap them well.

Of course, the idea of taking a photo of the macaron came into my head after I had already indulged in it. It was yummy - Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin. To be honest though, I thought hers were just as delicious.

We're four girls, and we're quite close, and having her across the country has been quite hard. We skype often. but it's not the same. Fortunately, she's nearing the end of her program - she comes home in March! And with her, she brings her fancy white hat and will be a proper cake and pastry chef. I'm quite excited about this, though for reasons purely selfish. I just can't wait to get into the kitchen with her and learn to make a few things I've been wanting to know how to make.

French macarons, chocolate croissants, crusty baguettes...

Thank you, Erica!

A Shop Tour - Stitch

 

I'm of the opinion that a beautiful shop should invite it's visitors in, instantly making them feel at home, and usher them out feeling wonderfully inspired.

 

Welcome to Stitch.

 

This "sanctuary for knitters, quilters and needle artists" does just that.

 

Owner Jocelyn Chamberlain has pulled together the most inspiring collection of materials and displayed them amongst a stunning collection of vintage treasures. The moment you walk into her shop, housed perfectly in a quaint old cottage, you can't help but want to do nothing more than make yourself a cup of tea, retreat in one of the many inviting chairs, and stitch happily away.

 

She's located in Jordan Village and worth a lovely afternoon out.

 

 

 

Her shop exudes personality. Everywhere you look, your eye falls on something unique and colourful and inspiring.

 

 

 

The back of her shop houses a bright, comfortable sitting area that provides the perfect retreat for a group that meets weekly to chat and work on their projects. Opposite this is a gorgeous harvest table, perfect for quilting projects and lessons. And in the middle is a massive brick fireplace that makes the entire area so perfectly cozy.

 

 

 

She even has a tiny kitchen off the back complete with tin ceilings and open cabinets stocked with pretty red and white dishware. It's like a little English cottage kitchen.

 

 

 

 

 

The front of the shop is filled with every shade of yarn, every pattern of fabric and anything else you could possible need for whatever you project might be working on. And it's all so beautifully displayed. Old cabinets house yarn and material. Vintage notions are tucked here and there amongst rustic antiques. Even the shop itself is stunning with it's exposed beams, brick walls, bright old windows and worn old floors.

 

 

 

 

 

Stop in and find something beautiful to work on during these next few winter months - the projects are endless.