deer feed

around this time of year, 

i visit the garden centres to peek at their collection of spring bulbs.

surprisingly, they seem to be very late this year...

has the deer overpopulation affected the bulb market in victoria????

 earlier this week, they were finally here !

and without hesitation i bought several bags 
of my favourite (as of last spring) tulips.

these species of tulips are gorgeous.

when in bloom, they open up thick with petals 

that they look more like peonies than tulips.

and the shades of the blooms are spectacular:  

oranges, yellows and variegated between.

i think i might have gone overboard with the purchase... 

and as i was cashing out at the till, 

i was already asking myself if all i was buying was spring deer feed?

the deer population inside our city has soared.

they are crossing very busy arteries to feed on the blooms.

also, we have a resident doe and fawn 
in an empty lot just a few houses away from us.

thank goodness for my very own deer patrol.

now i just have to get those bulbs in the ground !!!

erica

xoxo

moment 09/26/14

a moment
a friday ritual, a single photo, no words, capturing a moment from the week
a simple, special, extraordinary moment
i want to pause, savour and 
remember.

erica

xoxo

the art of ramen

what i love best about toronto is its ethnic vibe:

different view points, different skin, different music, different food.

it is multicultural to the max...

this past weekend, i discovered the art of ramen.

ramen noodles that is... 

at the kinton ramen restaurant on queen street west

after a full day of touring the big city and then visiting with a long time friend, 

it was nine p.m. by the time my sister and i headed out for supper 

(it's ok because it was only 6 pm victoria time)

 by the time we arrived at the tiny noodle house,

 it was packed...

the only seats left were at the bar 

front row centre... directly across from all the cooking action.

(f.y.i.:  if you don't see it... there is a clear glass panel separating us)

we watched as these two amazing ramen masters performed their dance.

first, there was the preparation of the noodles.

then comes the steaming and shaking....  

and oh... there was a lot of steaming and vigorous shaking.

it was a work out just watching them.

then came the blow torching, 

yes... blow torching

apparently, a special technique to add caramelized flavor to the meat.

and finally, finishing with the simple toppings:  

nori; seaweed; bean sprouts; scallions; sweet corn; seasoned eggs; 

scallions; jalapeno; swiss cheese

approximately twenty minutes after ordering,

we were feasting on the most scrumptious bowls of noodles...

they were so yummmmmy !!!

two thumbs up !!!

definitely a 4.5 star rating !!!

erica

xoxo

thrifted threads: sweater weather

its another what i wore wednesday... 

and i'm joining in the fun with lindsey at the pleated poppy.

i've pulled out one of my favourite thrifted sweaters

for this beginning of autumn 2014.

the air has changed,

the crispness is invigorating !!

when i watch people, they are walking more briskly, and with more vitality.

autumn is undoubtedly my favourite season.

and cozy, fall sweaters are definitely my favourite attire.

 i love this one in particular because the fabric is so comfortable on bare skin.

made with 100% acrylic, it allows me to wear tank tops or t-shirts underneath,

(just in case the temperature decides to soar mid-day).

what's brilliant ...is that the extra ribbing in the collar and lapel 

gives the one wearing it the same extra warmth of a scarf.

 the teal green colour is gorgeous with denim 

(yes, you've seen these shorts before).

there is no need for accessories,  
because the three huge buttons does the trick !!!

the shorts /sweater combination is perfect for early autumn in the west coast.

the temperature is still hovering above 15 degrees celsius.

yes my friends, sweater weather is here... 

i wish you all a cozy wonderful wednesday !!!

erica

xoxo

first day of highschool

hurrah, the strike is over !!

after 13 weeks of a never-ending summer... 

the long awaited first day of HIGHschool was finally here.

the day started out with a little drizzle,

but even if it poured it wouldn't have dampened these excited little souls.

classrooms will be designated 

and schedules will be distributed when they get there

so all fingers and toes are crossed that they will be in each other's classes.

where did the time fly???

suddenly they are so grown up.

but they sure are ready... for this big adventure of their lives.

erica

xoxo

flying solo

just got back from the big city.

it was a whirlwind weekend filled with family, ramen, and more family.

(stay tuned for my ramen noodle post)

the flight was long from victoria to toronto and even longer coming home.

this country is way toooo big !!

i flew solo this time, a first in a very long time.

my kids were getting ready for their first day of high school...

finally the strike is over!!!

 ian and harlow were also staying to supervise (haha...)

it feels so different to travel on my own, without my clan.

because i brought a pair of earplugs and forgot to bring my earbuds,

 i decided to treat all my time at the airport and on the plane 

as a semi-silent retreat... 

besides ordering my drinks and food, 

i did no talking, no movie watching,

not even small chitchat..ing with my travelling neighbours (so not like me...)

it was just me and mark nepo's beautiful the book of awakening .

my semi-silent retreat was wonderful, 

but it sure is nice to be home to my noisy clan cave !!!

erica

xoxo

coffee/tea anyone?

we hadn't seen each other since july, where did the time go?

so when an email titled "coffee/tea anyone?", 

of course, we immediately set a time and place.

this week, my friends and i met at crumsby's ,

 our local cupcake cafe.

 the place is great...

the walls are painted bright colours

and lots of seating, even when the afternoon rush comes through.

 the best part is the children's play area...

with its basket of toys, train sets, chalk board, reading corner,

there is plenty to keep children occupied 

so tired mommies can get to sit and visit and catch up.

and of course the piece de resistance... the crumsby cupcakes,

with frosty, creamy toppings almost larger than the tops.

and for the little people, 

or those watching our buddha bellies, 

there are mini cupcakes, 

whose frostings are definitely just as large as the cake themselves.

 it's so nice to see each other again.

to sit and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and

to catch up and hear adventures taken over the summer and plans for the fall.

girlfriends are so much fun !!!

erica

xoxo

p.s.  thanks cathy for the gorgeous flowers (xoxoxoxo)