Here in Canada it’s the first long-weekend of the warm weather season and I don’t think we could be any more thrilled about it! After a winter that lasted like six months we are ready to embrace all of our favourite summer things. Thanks to the super warm weather we’ve been experiencing, backyard barbecues, late nights roasting s’mores, dinners from the garden, running through the sprinkler, and soaking up the sunshine are all kicking off this weekend! Even though we try our best to slow things down when Saturday and Sunday roll around each week, long weekends in particular need to be savored and that’s exactly what we plan on doing!
No.1
When warm weather invites al fresco dining and dinners, I immediately begin craving fresh vegetables and lighter meals. I typically serve up a rotation of colourful salads and veggies night after night for dinner and try to take whatever I can from our own gardens. The Forest Feast Gatherings by Erin Gleeson is the most stunning and inspiring cookbook, it lives in my kitchen throughout the warmer seasons. Cucumber Melon Sangria and Peach Panzanella are two of my favourite recipes to serve for friends and family during backyard barbecue season.
No.2
Has there ever been a more fitting tee for a long weekend?! I don’t think so. I am loving this tee from Cara Loren still that I picked up last summer and plan on pairing it with my favourite denim cutoffs for those casual backyard evenings (s’mores in hand of course).
No.3
I’ve always wanted to try Trader Joe’s infamous “Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend” but with no Trader Joe’s in sight here in Canada (that’s right, we live life without Trader Joe’s and Target, so unfair), I have yet to do so. I recently stumbled on this recipe for a homemade everything bagel seasoning and I plan on making a batch in a mason jar to keep with my spice blends. I’ve heard from so many that it’s delish sprinkled on many foods but I can’t wait to try in with an avocado, one of my favourite go-to breakfast ingredients.
No.4
You guys know I love my books, but I’m also a lover of movies (I have so many favourites, I can never narrow it down). I’ve been saying for a few months now that I need to begin setting aside time each week to read for pleasure and I think I might have finally found my motivation. 8 Books to Read Before You Watch the Movie in 2018 from The Every Girl is the perfect approach, combining my love of books and cinema alike. “Bonjour Bliss Bookclub” anyone?
No.5
After travelling to Cuba for our family holiday, flying out to Banff for a few days with Vichy, 4 days in New York with Mackenzie Childs and then this long weekend thrown in the mix, to say our family’s day-to-day schedule has been thrown off would be an understatement. Sometimes getting back into the swing of things is hard for everyone, but I’ve always found it especially difficult to send Ella off to school when we’ve been apart or if we’ve had a longer than usual stretch of time at home all together. I love these adorable little lunchbox note cards and always find myself slipping them into her lunch box on the days that I’m struggling being away from her.
No.6
This greenhouse stopped me dead in my tracks. I mean – I can’t even handle it, I’m full-fledged swooning over here. Aside from spending time in the backyard barefoot and with s’mores in hand, this weekend Craig and I need to start focusing our attention on our plans to overhaul parts of the backyard. We’ve daydreamed so many possibilities, an outdoor pizza oven, a large fenced-in vegetable garden, a small basketball court, the list really does go on… but you guys, a white and weathered green house has just made its way to the top of my wish list.
Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend ahead, and if you’re here in Canada, I hope you enjoy indulging in the first long weekend of summer! Of course I’m planning to steal away some time to watch the royal wedding with girlfriends (I literally can. not. wait. to see Meghan’s dress!) but other than that you’ll find me unplugged and relishing in the early signs of summer! As always, reach out and let me know what’s currently on your own personal “Bliss List;” I’m curious to know what your favourite go-to recipes are for backyard gatherings, if you’ve ever been part of (or would ever consider joining )a book club, and how you stay feeling connected to your little ones when life takes it inevitable chaotic paths.
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