Fridays Favorite - Spookies

Halloween is one of our favorite times around here. The boys asking non-stop when the 'spookies' are coming, the decorations slowly going up, all of the adorable neighborhood children screaming 'TRICK OR TREAT' at the top of their lungs, and the endless amount of candy that I can sneak from that the boys bring home (come on, you know you do too). 

We are getting started on the pumpkins and exterior decorating today, not sure who is more excited, Rob or the boys. Here is a glimpse of what we did last year, there are a few strobe lights, a few smoke machines, and of course loud scary music blaring from the garage.

This Sunday I will have one Superman and one penguin in the house, a big change from the frog-man I had last year seen below. We will also be spending time with some wonderful friends and their little ones who's costumes I am looking forward to gushing over.

The night also deserves a special drink, so nothing better than Spiked Hot Apple Cider to keep us big kids on our toes throughout the evening. Here is the recipe...

 

Spiked Hot Apple Cider

6 oz Hot Apple Cider

1 oz Sourpuss Apple

1 oz Butterscotch Ripple Schnapps

Cinnamon Stick to garnish

Trust me it is great...and it will keep you warm.

Have a safe and wonderful time trick or treating, passing out the goods, or just enjoying the excitement that the little ones will have this weekend. Happy Halloween!!! Mel xo

Knock Knock - A wooded retreat

If we are ever lucky enough to own a wooded retreat along the coast I would want something like this home that is listed by Moira Holley...

With is as the path that leads you to our front door...

And stairs like these that take you to the deck that is carved into the mountain side...

The perfect spot for a cup of tea on a cold day...

No, wait, this is the perfect spot on a cold day, but a glass of wine please...

 

A gathering place where we can soak up the view...

I would love to sit by the fire under the stars...

Or maybe we can just hang out here and discuss the wonderful life we live...

All images via Moira Holley

Still on mellow Tofnio mode, it was comparable to a 48 hour yoga class, nice and relaxing. Now time to get back to reality, so I am off to start selections for the plumbing on our home...fun yet stressful, I will fill you in later on that. Mel xo

I will love doing laundry here...

Can I tell you how thrilled I am with my selections for our next laundry room?

Here is the beyond amazing tile I am wanting to use for the floor. It is compiled of slices of white & green marble, it my friends, is amazing. Now with the hefty price of $75 Sq. Ft. (yes yes, ridiculous I know) I am having our supplier source out some other options that have the same look and colors.

With this I am thinking of a few options for the countertop, a laminate of some sort, may it be green or that awesome pearly white on the right?? I am leaning towards the one on the right, it is called White Pearl Wood by Arborite and it is oh so pretty.

 

Here is one flooring alternate that we have found so far, this one is the same material but there would be grout between all of the tiles, something I might be able to live with since this beauty is only $45 Sq. Ft.

Crisp white cabinet are a must, I want an airy feel. Simple and shaker style. And speaking of shaker style, I am already starting to charm our finisher into giving me some shaker style wainscoting in the laundry room, you know, as a house warming gift of course!

The lighting, hummm, I did have this little number in mind, but that might will have to change with the cost of the floor tile.

Image via Curry & Co

Possibly something along the lines of these...

 Images via Landmark Lighting

Or this...

Image via Horchow

Maybe this one...

Image via Circa Lighting

My sister-in-law thought I was crazy for being so excited about our next laundry room, but she is coming around and now dreams of her own pretty space one day. It is a room that I do spend a good amount of time in, so I might as well be surrounded by beautiful things, right? Mel xo

Back from...

So the hubs surprised me with a trip to Tofino, a favorite spot of ours located on the west coast of Vancouver Island. I have talked about my love for Tofino HERE in the past, it truly is an amazing, magical, relaxing, and tranquil place.

We flew from Calgary into Comox, and since we were without children and not on a schedule we decided to walk around the town and grab a bite to eat. Our first stop was Atlas Cafe, a must go to spot if you are ever going to be in that area, the food was beyond amazing and got our weekend started off on the right foot.

After a beautiful lunch we decided to walk up 5th & 6th streets and stumbled upon Hot Chocolates...the best chocolate ever, seriously, I am just glad it was a 3 hour drive from our hotel or we might have gone back.

A jaunt by a wonderful student art exhibit...

A quick stop in Tab Imports down the street from Hot Chocolates led us to our new kitchen table that I am excited about. It is constructed from reclaimed teak & it has a wax finish. It is massive, it is solid, the boys will not be able to destroy it.

Finally we were on the road for the 3 hour drive to Tofino. It is a long and windy but beautiful drive that curves all around the mountains, along the coast, and through old growth forest with towering trees. 

Once we arrived we checked into The Long Beach Lodge, a beautiful hotel that is small and intimate with an amazing restaurant, there really is no reason to leave. The view from our suite was breathtaking, here is a short video for you...

We did get out and explore a bit, while on Cox Bay we decided to venture up this little rock area that you can see to the right of Rob.

Yeah, we through we were going to be there for quiet a bit, as we made our way to the top the tide came in which flooded out the path we used, this was my honest reaction to seeing the ocean storm in...not fun. Good thing we were able to make a quick dash for the shore once the waves went back out, we did soaked, but it was all done with lots of laughter.

Here are a few more pics from the weekend. It was wonderful to be in an area with limited cell reception, no computers, no little ones needing something right.this.very.second., and most of all my husband who pulled off quiet the surprise.

 

 

I did miss my boys and I was so happy to come home to lots of kisses and hugs. Now it is back to reality...lots going on this week, can't wait to share it all with you! Mel xo

Number 6

Rob & I are celebrating our 6th anniversary this weekend.

 Mr. Romantic is taking me away for a few days, I have yet to know the location, whether we are driving or flying...I really know nothing. He has been taunting me with this for the past month and he is enjoying it a bit too much if you ask me. I don't mind though, I like being kept on my toes and it is just another reason why I love the man.

Oh what I would give to get married again...to Rob of course! The entire day, the planing, the details, everything. Here are a few faves from our special day.

All images by the talented and amazing Joanna Kleine

It is hard to believe that 6 years ago I became his wife. I look forward to the next 60 and all the adventures that await us! Love you my husband. xoxo