My Wish List...

I don't know about you, but I love this time of year! Family, friends, lights, traditions, decorations, snow, yummy food....the list of fun, good times and frivolity goes on and on!

 

However, the one thing that does make me a bit uncomfortable about this time of year is making "THE List".....a Christmas List. I'm one of those people that would much rather give than receive. It's a catch 22 ...I want to be sure that what I give to someone is something they want, but that it is also something unique and relates to my relationship with that person.

 

The catch 22 is that when people ask me for my list, I have a difficult time putting things on paper...I really don't need anything....and as for wants....well...there really aren't many things I yearn for...BUT......if someone would like to put a Range Rover in my driveway, I wouldn't complain ;)

 

 

All that being said....I am going to try and put a bit of a list together....a list of things that I would like to receive because they aren't just 'things' but are reminders of life events, memories, would help me make more memories, are practical (most of them) and just remind me of me....of who I am.

 

1. Sorel Conquest Carly

 

 

As you know, I have a wonderful 4 legged pooch and we do a lot of walking in all 4 seasons. A boot like this is perfect for those sub zero walks in the snow at 6am!

 

2. Classy T-Shirt and Lab Sweatshirt

 

 

This just makes me smile.....and is SOOOO true!

Perfect for our walks, the gym or for lounging!

 

3. Starbucks and Dean and Deluca

 

 

My guilty pleasures....They're my 'security blanket'...My "Sunday morning in my comfies on the couch" beverage/treat of choice! D&D...you NEED to start shipping to Canada or open a store here ASAP!



4. Travel Guides/Journals

 

Ireland - have never been and can't wait to go!



NYC - MUST go back again this year!



Alberta/Lake Louise - Can't wait for my annual trip out!

5.  Burberry



I think it speaks for itself...GORGEOUS and CLASSIC!

6. ANYTHING from Blush!







The perfect LBD, the Oxblood Pom Pom Beanie, the Button Hand Warmers, and the Buckle Cuff ...Yes Please!

7. Giftcards






.....Homesense, Etsy, Borealis Grill (my fav local resto), Williams Sonoma  etc...for those days when a gal needs to treat herself to a lil something.

But...most of all...what I REALLY want for Christmas is to be able to continue living the very blessed life I lead, that my friends and family stay healthy & happy and that the year ahead holds a lot of fun and many adventures!

RR


 

For the Love of Lonny!

Every month when I receive the email that the new issue of Lonny is live, I wish I could stop, put everything that's going on around me on hold and dive right into this amazing online magazine!

 

I LOVE this magazine!

 

To say that it is inspirational is the worlds biggest understatement! From fashion, to home decor, to restaurants, gift ideas....it never ends! And.....what takes it even a step further is that it is interactive! Just click on the pages and the magazine links you to the website of the sources on the page...DOUBLE LOVE!!!

 

Here are some of my favs from the past few months...and if this little tease doesn't make you want to subscribe..well....I just don't know what to say/do!

 

 

December's issue is full of amazing gift ideas!!

 

 

November's issue has some amazing workspaces and drool worthy rustic decor!

 

 

 

 

The great outdoors was celebrated in the September issue...and the featured East Hamptom home is my dream...

 



 

 

So now that you can't wait to dive in just as much as I can't, get yourself a glass of wine or a cup of tea, put on a fire, get a cozy blanket and curl up on the couch to look through the December issue....and all the archives too!!

 

Cheers to Lonny!

 

RR

Christmas is just around the corner...

So I think a contest is in order! 

Families tend to congregate in kitchens this time of year...baking, cooking, drinking, laughing...making memories!

The contest is simple....choose which kitchen you think is my favourite from The Top 10 Kitchens of 2012 from House Beautiful and win a Rustic Holiday Ornament. Just comment on this post or go to my Facebook page and list your guess under this blog entry post or the link I posted yesterday!

Here are just a few...my fav may or may not be posted below! ;)

Happy Guessing....and Happy December 1st!

RR

Take a few moments...

When it rains...it monsoons!....My Aunt and I coined this phrase with everything going on in our lives lately....These past few years have 'tested'my family and other families around me beyond what I could ever imagine and have also made me ask..."Why do so many bad...horrible things happen to good...very good people?!"

We will persevere...we have persevered...and most importantly, we will continue to live our lives and make every single second count!
 

My Instagram page captures my life's moments...and believe me, I am living every moment! Here's a snapshot....




A New Day = A Gift




Some quiet time to look through House and Home magazine and fell in love with this Woodland Retreat!




I was also sharing my quiet time with this guy on the couch beside me...





"Be daring!"





The first snowfall....Charlie LOVED it!





Branches dusted with fresh snow.....





Saw this brooch wreath inspiration on Pinterest and there is also one on the cover of Chatelaine this month...and....




....with all of these baubles of my Great Aunt's, I will make my own! A great way to display sentimental jewellery this holiday season or even all year round!




Sunset...it had been a gorgeous, sunny Fall day....a perfect ending....

Take a few moments......go for a walk in the snow, curl up on the couch with a good book/magazine, surround yourself with things that inspire you and that you love....and most importantly...be daring and enjoy the gift you are given every day!

RR

 

Christmas Countdown....

 

Now that Halloween is over (whew), let the countdown to Christmas begin! I have been out and about this week and love how the transition has been made to holiday decor in the stores (especially our small business owners...SHOP LOCAL!!!)....

 I can't wait to begin to start the transtion in and around my own home....

 

A mix of a rustic tree made of branches and the sparkle of a wreath covered in glitter!
 

 

Driftwood ornaments.... Rustic and Beachy all in one...
 

 

LOVE all of the trees on this table....yes, I seem to have a thing for trees (as you know if you're a regular reader of my blog).



 

My Holiday Workshop is coming together...getting organized and taking inventory!





Sparkle, Sparkle and more Sparkle!




Oh the possibilities....my mind is racing with decor ideas!

 

 

Gold, shimmering orchids for a custom order wreath! Can't wait to get started on it!


 

This burlap covered frame was painted white....wait till you see what I'll be doing with it!! The antlers add a rustic touch...





A simple yet effective grapevine wreath.....it lets the natural elements shine through....





My version of "Rustic Lux" (thanks Kitchen Cousins for that term).

Both of these wreaths are available in my Etsy shop and I also accept custom orders. Just email me at rusticretrievals@gmail.com.

 

Busy, Busy, Busy...

The past few weeks have been super busy.....at times it just feels like there are not enough hours in the day!

 

Time is flying by, but I am making sure to live every minute....every moment....

 

These pictures are just a few of the moments of my life over the past few weeks...

 Sunset at Emma's Backporch in Burlington on Lake Ontario....Retirement party for my amazing boss....We're really going to miss him and I will be forever grateful to him for everything he taught me, the opportunities he afforded me...and for him just being the truly wonderful person he is!
 

 

 Charlie and my Dad...having a a very in depth conversation....note the crossed paws :)
 

 

I was looking through old pictures of Charlie...those big brown eyes....that pouty lower lip....he had my heart since the first time I laid eyes on him!
 

 

Sunset on my flight into Thunder Bay... 

 

 

 Clouds.......flying at sunset is my favorite time of day...

 

 

 Looks like cotton balls....

 

  

 My outdoor holiday decor....ready and waiting to be displayed....The leaves have been raked, outdoor furniture has been put away, the gardens have been tended to....bring on Winter!

 

 

 A cozy corner in my home.....this was taken as I was lounging on the couch, glass of wine in hand just enjoying being home and enjoying the coziness of Fall...

 

 

Candlelight makes everything better! Romantic, warm, cozy....perfect ambiance...




As I look back on the past few weeks...past few months in fact...this statement couldn't be more true but it also reminds me to not waste a second and really get out there and live!

RR

Life is too short...

The world lost an amazing man this week......an old friend who could make you smile in any situation, who knew just when you needed that hug, someone that you could laugh out loud with....an always generous soul who drew people to him with his charisma and his always positive outlook on life!

 

His life was cut much too short...he had so much more to live for...but...one thing I can say about Adam...he lived every second that he had and he sure loved life!

 

 

As I look through pictures from the good ol'days, I think back to how at that point in our lives we felt that we have the world at our feet...that anything and everything was possible.......This week reminded me to always continue to think that way...life is all about perspective, how you approach it and how you throw yourself into it and live every single moment.

 

Adam....thank you for your friendship....thank you for what you brought not only to my life but to lives of many, many others....

The thought of your smile will always bring a smile to my face...

Your kindness will never ever be forgotten....you..will never be forgotten...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adam....we love you and you will be with us always.....

 

  

 

RR

Natural Beauty....

Oranges, reds, yellows, falling leaves, harvested crops, firewood, crisp blue skies, pumpkins, bare tree limbs, final Farmer's Markets, walks through the forest......

 

All of these pictures were taken close to home....I feel very lucky to live where we can experience all 4 seasons...but especially Autumn....

 





 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 










RR

Giving Thanks...



Happy Thanksgiving!

 

This is the time of year we gather together to give our thanks to family, friends, community and for all that we are lucky enough to have in our lives...

 

I am eternally thankful and appreciative for everything in my life....and sometimes it's the 'small stuff'...the 'everyday' events we can take for granted and forget to be thankful for.

 

Things like.......

 



 

... the simple pleasures of a long walk with a friend

 

 



 

..... the sun rising against the trees

 



 

.... the memories of loved ones lost

 

 

 

 

......nature's bounty

 

 

 

 

....sunsets and storm clouds

 

 

 

 

........the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow

 

 

 

 

........a warm cup of comfort

 

 



 

 

Hope you have a wonderful long weekend!

 

 

RR

First Weekend of Fall....

 

This is my favorite time of year....

 

Mother Nature plays a big part in why I love Fall and these photos help to explain why....

 

 

 

You can't find colours so deep any true any other place but in nature...

 

 

The tones, the shades, the light.....

 

 

The clouds at sunset....looked like a storm was rolling in....

 

 

Whites, greys, yellows...

 

 

 

Orange, green, more grey and white...

 

 

Front entryway...welcome...

 

 

Mini Island in the kitchen...vintage tin signs, pie stand, wooden cheese box, apples.....

 

 

Curled up on the couch looking through Style at Home ....

 

 

I couldn't believe my eyes....a double rainbow....'make a wish'...and I did! ;)

 

 

The rainbow was guiding me home....but, the elusive pot of gold could not be found...

 

 

My front steps....pumpkins, gourds, grasses, antlers, drfit wood....

 

 

 

The base arrangement is from The Garage in Belmore, ON and I have just added to it....

 

 Bring on the frost, the raking of the leaves, the hot chocolate, the bonfires...the list could go on and on....

Happy Fall!