The Great Indoors

Posted on January 23, 2018March 13, 2018 by Melissa Harrison

I as mentioned in a previous post, one of my favourite things about January is spending lazy days indoors. There’s no pressure to go outside and enjoy the weather when it’s -20 degrees Celsius and windy or the backyard is a swampy mess of melting snow and mud. We can stay inside and cuddle up to watch movies or read books all day without feeling like we missed out on anything. The puppy still needs lots of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, but she’s just starting to appreciate a good snuggle session – and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

Sweater ModCloth
Jeans ModCloth
Socks Roots
Earrings ModCloth
Ring Blue Ridge Notions

All photos by me.

Constellation Cupcakes

Posted on January 18, 2018March 13, 2018 by Melissa Harrison

I loved these little pearl sprinkles the moment I first saw them. I bought some not really knowing what I would do with them. I’ve used them here and there with other sprinkles, or on their own on white icing for a minimalist look, but never really found a great use for them.

That was until I was using them the other day, just to use them up, when I had a sudden realization that they looked a bit like stars. I had a cute idea that I couldn’t shake: use them on a dark blue icing background to make constellation cupcakes.

I made the icing colour by mixing black and sky blue gel icing colours until I got the night sky shade I wanted. I flavoured the icing with rosewater for a mysterious, “ooh, what’s that” vibe to go along with the curious colour and put it on chocolate cupcakes. I then used pearlescent white and metallic silver dragée ball sprinkles to form a real constellation on each cupcake.

All photos by me.

January Lull

Posted on January 16, 2018March 13, 2018 by Melissa Harrison

I always struggle to stay happy in January. When the magic and excitement of Christmas is gone but the nights are still long and cold, it can be hard to find something to look forward to everyday. We experienced quite the cold snap here recently, which brought with it several days without a second of sunshine. It was so cold, we had to take the puppy for her evening walks indoors at the dog-friendly pet store because we couldn’t safely be outside long enough to tire her out. I could feel the seasonal sadness building so I complied a list of all the things that make me happy in the winter – as well as some new things I would like to try.

Here’s what I came up with:

bright stars on long, clear nights
cuddle puddle movie nights
lazy weekends indoors because there’s no pressure to be outdoors
comfort food
tobogganing
ice skating
winter hiking & snowshoeing
tea & hot chocolate
cozy Scandinavian style
the quiet and calm that follows a fresh snowfall
snow days
thick wool socks
sweaters that are too warm to wear the rest of the year
spending time inside with friends
board games
sunny pub afternoons, because it’s too cold to walk home at night
dark beer
fireplaces
planning summer gardens and landscaping
snuggling under blankets on the couch
slow, soft sunrises
no mosquitoes!
tropical fruit is technically in season
getting familiar with local and seasonal foods and traditional preservation methods
playing with Pepper in the snow

Coat Old Navy
Pants ModCloth
Boots old
Sweater Gap
Hat ModCloth
Mittens Roots
Scarf thrift shop
Pepper’s Bandana Sophster-Toaster

All photos by Matt.

Winter White

Posted on January 11, 2018March 13, 2018 by Melissa Harrison

I never quite know what colours to love in winter. All the soft sundresses and bright blouses of spring and summer have been put away for the season. The deep, rich mustard, maroon, navy and emerald tones of fall are getting tired. Warm, winter clothes seem to only be made in dull, muddy colours that match the slush outside the door – and get boring so quickly.

It’s this time of year, that I always start to flirt with winter white and the first pastels of spring. It’s like hitting refresh on your wardrobe, starting back at the beginning and getting ready to begin sneaking the spring clothes back out.

Dress Sophster-Toaster
Tights ModCloth

All photos by me.