For someone who loves flowers as much as I do, it feels like a bold statement to say California Poppies are my favourite, but they easily are. I love how they seem to be so many things all at once, and how many of those qualities are contradictory. They are delicate yet wild, cheery and bright while also having calming properties that help reduce anxiety. Actually, whenever I am feeling anxious, my husband tells me, "you're just a poppy in the wind." You might feel like you're loosing control or all over the place but you are rooted and will be just fine. Fittingly enough, when we arrived to the poppy reserve, the winds picked up, the poppies danced and we wandered around the orange fields completely smitten by the sweetest flower.
Hackwith Basics
I've been following along and wearing the beautiful work of Hackwith Design for a few years now. I love the simplicity of their pieces, the quality of their fabrics and that they are made to order by a team of amazing women in Minnesota. So, I was beyond excited when they asked me to take some photos of a piece from their new basics line.
This top is lightweight, loose, and just so comfortable. My new spring/summer staple.
I recommend taking a look at the rest of the collection here.
winter on the farm
Winter Warmth Part I
GATHER
In preparation for the Winter Warmth dinner at HOLD prepared by Tonya of The Well Woman, we spent an afternoon picking greenery in the snow, visiting a local farm to gather ginger, sweet potatoes and cabbage and (just for fun) had a quick visit with the endearing alpacas over at Hinterland.
As a native to Toronto, it was fun taking Tonya to some of my favourite spots on the coast. She was also able to experience the island in a way few visitors do, with a fresh blanket of snow.
Abeego
An image for the recently rebranded Abeego, a reusable food wrap made from beeswax.
winter solstice
the returning of the light. winter solstice is one of my favourite things to celebrate. it signals that we've made it through the darkest days. it feels like an accomplishment of some sort. a small victory to help us get through the winter and a reminder that warmer days are ahead.
this year, we had a small gathering with close friends in our home. I wanted to bring as much of the outdoors in and fill our home with the natural beauty of cedar, hemlock, pinecones and beeswax. a local grocery store was disposing a box of oranges which I happily took home to turn into something beautiful. this simple little garland filled our home with so much cheer. I am so grateful for this time of year, for a chance to slow down and appreciate the subtle shifts from the darkness to lightness.