Traditions....

I'm a huge fan of traditions.....

When we were kids, every year at Christmas time we'd load up a sleigh with all the neighbours and go for a night time sleigh ride, pulled by two Clydesdales, with us all bundled up in snow suits and under blankets, looking at the stars and hoping we'd see Santa fly over. Every Fall, I make a point of going back to my alma mater, the University of Western Ontario/Western University, for the Homecoming football game and festivities...I still can't believe it's been 12 years since graduation.

One of my favourite traditions though, is the annual trip to the beach with my gal pal Kristy for our birthdays. She's one day older than me and we've been celebrating together since we met in grade 9. I'll never forget our 16th birthday....we arrived home to my house to a Pacer...yes, a car that was older than both she and I at the time, and we proceeded to do everything in our power to get that car stuck in the muck, somewhere on the 50 acres...and get it stuck we did!! 

As we've gotten older, we no longer try to get cars stuck (though we still have between then and now...gotta love Country Gals) and we definitely don't get to see each other nearly enough....so when we do, we make the most out of every minute!

This year, for a bit of a milestone birthday for us both, we headed up to Port Elgin (another town that holds lots of memories for us as that was one of our 'go to' lake towns growing up) and Southampton to spend the day with our toes in the sand and the sun on our face. We had breakfast down on the water at a little resto that's been in the Port Elgin Harbour as long as I've been going there (ie. well over 30 years), we wandered out the break wall, down the beach and just relished the time re-living and remembering almost 20 years of friendship!

Port Elgin Harbour...

Port Elgin Break Wall

Get Kristy and I together, even after months of not seeing each other, and it's like we just saw each other yesterday. We are quite a pair of Gemini 'twins', always encouraging one another to dive right into life and get our feet wet!

She has such cute, tiny feet!!

We then headed over to Southampton, driving the lake road between the two towns. It truly was THE perfect summer day to be at the lake.....

Southampton Beach...

Cheers to great friends, Cheers to traditions and Cheers to the memories that those friends and traditions bring into our lives!

RR

Half Way Point....

I arrived at the office this morning shortly after 7am, flipped the calendar to July and sat back and thought, "Wow....where has 2014 gone!?". I can't believe that it was six months ago that I sat in front of this chalkboard and pulled together a variety of words that I wanted to represent my 2014. As I look back through the last 6 months I would have to say that life has brought me some wonderful memories; reminded me that less is in fact more and that we need to always, always keep believing....

JANUARY..................

Ancora Imparo... still I am learning.

I am learning that there are few things in life that cannot be figured out over a good cup of tea...or coffee...with chocolates and a friend! I have always cherished those afternoons with great friends, with a hot beverage in hand, solving alllll the/our world's problems!

I am learning....and am continually reminding myself to .... KEEP NOT SETTLING!

FEBRUARY.........................

Tout Sera Incoyables...everything is amazing!

Standing on top of a ski hill with the sun shining and the air freshingly crisp......the great outdoors is amazing!

This four legged furry guy...... AMAZZZZZZING!!!!

MARCH..............................

Orenda......the invocation of the power of human will to change the world around us. It is set up to be the opposing force to fate or destiny. If powerful forces beyond your control are trying to force you one way, orenda is a kind of voiced summoning of personal strength to change fate.

After A LOT of thought, contemplation and even tears....I decided to change my fate...change my course and summon my orenda.... I began a new job/career the end of March that has allowed me to build on my past 12 years of work and begin to learn an entirely new skill set. Scary and exciting all at the same time!

"If you knew that your art would support your life, how would you live?" - Danielle Laporte, Fire Starter Sessions....  Who knew fate would bring Flow Magazine to my Instagram feed and I would be published in their March Dutch issue..... Wow....

Seize the day....Seize the night...... Fate works in unexplainable, heart wrenching ways at times... There are times that all the personal strength in the world cannot change fate...Make sure you get out and live, no matter what life puts in front of you....My old friend...May you be at peace....

APRIL...................

Sophrosyne.....moderation, discretion, prudence.

Less is More......Quality not Quantity.

Save vs Splurge ....

• "In the past, having limited funds felt humbling and was something we kept under wraps. Now, we're proud of how little we spend - and how much bang we can get for our buck". - Erin McLaughlin, Editor of Style at Home Magazine

$22 worth of Guelph Farmer's Market bounty....one of the rare times that quality and quantity coincide!

MAY....................................

Kick Ass....Strong.....Less Fear!!

The Messier The BETTER!!

Go out and try that New Kick Ass restaurant in town...or a neighbouring town!

JUNE..............

Bucolic: of or relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and country life. 

Living the Bucolic Life Style in my Backyard.....as featured by Ruralist! I feel so very lucky to have been included on this website, devoted to the Rural Ontario Life and Style!

Lake Life..... Living the rural lifestyle at the lake....Celebrating a milestone birthday this year with one of my besties! More to come soon on our traditional trip to the beach to celebrate our b-days!

I still can`t believe that we are at the half way point of 2014! So far, it has been quite a ride....Cheers to the past six months and I look forward to the next 6 that lie ahead!

RR

The Abbey

A friend and I were on our way, lattes in hand, to spend our Sunday morning at the Aberfoyle Antique  Market when we noticed a new shoppe had opened just north of it. Of course, we had to stop in and have a look at this chic new boutique!

The Abbey Interiors & Boutique is a breath of fresh air in the Guelph area and is just the type of home decor boutique we have been wanting/craving/needing!!

You enter through the glossy black doors to a bright, open, beautiful entry way, flanked on both sides by wooden staircases. The cathedral ceiling and chandelier also found in the entry take your breath away!

As you walk up one of the stair cases, you are greeted by the space in the photo above and you can't help but stand there an take it all in! The hanging light fixtures/chandeliers draw your eye up, that harvest table with all the amazing decor pieces pulls you towards it, the nook in the back corner with the contrasting corner shelves (again filled with the perfect decor pieces) invites you towards the back of the boutique....Literally every square foot is inspiring! 

I purchased a few pieces and could have taken even more home with me!  I will DEFINITELY be back in soon and I have my eye on those cloches on the harvest table (along with many more items). This boutique appeals to all home decor styles and they carry pieces that will stand the test of time. 

This brushed silver and mirrored round tray is one of the items I brought home with me. I combined it with some vintage oil cans I also got at the Market that morning, along with some other items I already had at home, to make this vignette in my office.  This is such a versatile and timeless piece....I can already think of sooooo many uses for it!

This beautiful shoppe (which also has a women's boutique on the second floor!)  is located at 39 Brock Rd South, Guelph ON, N1H 6H9. Be sure to also have a look at The Abbey Interiors & Boutique's website, and all of their social media accounts: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. 

I'm really looking forward to going back and getting inspired!

RR

Petit Spaces

Small Spaces are DA BOMB!! 

And for soooo many reasons!

Sure ....things like lower utility costs, less square footage to clean, lower mortgages (generally) etc....the list goes on and on. This is where my Save vs Splurge post ties in (yes, I can definitely be thrifty at times).

As most of you know, I have my cottage in the city....my almost 800 square foot place I call home............

I LOVE every single inch of it, because in a space that size, you LIVE in every single square inch and utilize it to it's full advantage! I will admit, I also have a basement that houses my laundry, workshop area and storage and I utilize literally every millimeter of space down there too.

It's just Charlie and I...how much room do I/we really need?

I'm sure you have seen on Pinterest or Instagram the saying, "LESS HOUSE - MORE HOME" and I know you have 'heard' me use it before in other posts....

In this society of absolute excess, of over-the-top everything, of people living well beyond their means, why do we feel we need 6000, 7000, 10 000 square foot homes for families of 4?? To each their own I suppose, but what I will say is, when you lose that home to something like a fire (heaven forbid), it's not how big that house was...the number of stair cases, fireplaces, bathrooms etc.....it's about what that house contained to make it your home. The memories of Christmas stockings on a mantle and decorating the tree, birthday candles being blown out at the kitchen table, movie nights curled up on the couch, family pictures hanging on the wall, Gramma's antique wash stand in the bedroom.......

If a  10 000 square foot home doesn't contain and hold memories, it's nothing but a shell people sleep and exist in. How do you make memories, spend time with eachother etc when each family member has their own 'wing' and you communicate over intercom??

To me...this photo above is home...

A Saturday morning cupcake and a latte, reading mail from a friend, enjoying being surrounded by fresh flowers at my dining room table. I'm much more inclined to remember and enjoy rituals like this than remembering how many stairs were in the back stair case or how many cars were in the 8 door garage....It's not about 'how many' or how much', it's simply about 'how'....

How do you spend your time in your home, how (in 100 words or less) would you explain your home to a complete stranger using only emotions and feelings vs material expressions or examples..... and most importantly..... how do you make your house a home?

Magazines like Style at Home and House and Home are fantastic resources, full of practical and clever ideas about where to start with decorating a small space and how to truly utilize every bit of area you have. Remember....take your space...whether it's 500 square feet or 2000....and make it yours! Only bring in items you feel are a reflection of you...because the less space you have, the more important it is that you truly, truly love what you bring into it!

Apartment Therapy  sure does get it right too, especially if you feel you may want to add on a wee bit more space to your already small space. I'll admit, I'm looking into the possibility of 'adding up' into my attic space, like the Apartment Therapy article speaks to. The thought of a master retreat sounds heavenly...and it would also then allow for a true guest room for my out of town friends/family to visit with their kids. Am I happy with my space right now... 100%! Would a master retreat add to the value of my home, for more than purely re-sale value, yes......Do I absolutely need one...no. Again, it's just something I'm investigating....and I'll let you know what my final decision is! ;)

RR

The Simple Things...The Little Things...The Messy Things..

The little things.....The simple things...

Saturday morning lattes, cupcakes, magazines and fresh flowers....

Your day is made up of these simple, little moments and how often do you sit back and truly enjoy them?

Brunch with a friend....getting caught up on what's new and where life is going....

An evening walk with a 4 legged friend.....

Sunset over Lake of the Woods....brings back so many memories....

Sunday at the Aberfoyle Market...sooo many great finds and project inspirations! (P.S. that brass bed was only $85!!!!!!.....I'm kicking myself for not bringing it home)

Morning meetings by the water......

Sitting in and soaking up the sun....I think I may need to get him a pair of sunglasses...

Our lives can get away from us at times...Thank you to Sara of Top Knot Events for sending this through and reminding me that the messier that life is, the better! Leave your bed unmade, throw your hair in a top knot and get out and enjoy your "messy" life full of simple, little moments...take off your shoes and dip your toes in the lake, indulge in that yummy brunch or cupcake, squeeze that new project you found at the Market into the back of your vehicle...These "messes" (ie. wonderful moments) are what life truly is about....

P.S. If you'd like to order one of these "Messy" prints for yourself, go to Top Knot Weddings' Etsy Shop!

RR

The Barley Vine Rail Co.

A friend and I were famished and were looking for a great place to have a late lunch/early dinner while in Orangeville. We walked through the front door of The Barley Vine Rail Co and were met by this rustic bar, complete with a tin ceiling, industrial light fixtures, original wood, a wide variety of wine and a fantastic selection of beer on tap!

After a very thorough review of the menu (both food and cocktail versions), we decided on our meals and a pint. Next time I'm there, I'm definitely going to have the Derby Manhattan (I LOVE Manhattans and really enjoy trying them at different establishments).

We started with DEEP FRIED PICKLES to share.....Absolutely DELISH! (I could have eaten another entire order all on my own!)

Then these scrumptious mains arrived....I had the MADE FROM SCRATCH Perogies and Caesar Salad. Oh...My...Gosh..... Words cannot explain how fantastically great these perogies are (if they every decide to sell them, I'll be buying DOZENS). The Caesar salad was perfect! The house-made dressing was light and full of flavour (love the garlicy undertone) and the bacon pieces, croutons, parmesan and a squeeze of lemon just completed it! My friend had the Bison Burger (sans bun) with Fries cooked in duck fat..... My mouth is watering just thinking of these dishes!

We somehow still had some tummy space for these oh-so-yummy mini desserts (can you blame 2 gals that hadn't eaten since breakfast and it was now well past 5?)

Our meals were fabtabulous and I cannot wait to go back to try even more menu items (there were at least 5 or 6 that immediately jumped out at me, but every single item looked and sounded great!)

Not only was the food amazing, but the decor, design aesthetic and atmosphere was too!

Seeing as this was Orangeville's train/railway station at one point in the past, the building exuded history and charm, but also had a rustic and industrial edge to it as well. The original wood trim around the huge windows, mixed with the exposed HVAC and industrial light fixtures were the perfect decor combo!

Pieces of this restaurant's story and history were spread through the space.... There truly is something special about these small town Ontario railway stations and the historical value they bring to their communities!

The tall ceilings, dark walls, large windows, wood trim and metallic finishes all bring a certain kind of coziness and warmth to the space and allow for an incredibly welcoming atmosphere. It's the kind of space that you really don't want to leave!

The details are all there too.....Such as the paddle hanging over the bar, signed by everyone who attended their grand opening; that tin ceiling (*mwah*), those light fixtures (double *mwah*).....there are just so many to mention...I think you need to go have a look for yourself!

The custom sign by the bar catches your eye as soon as you walk in! The staff also all wear custom hoodies and T's with their extremely clever and eye catching logo (LOVED them!). Oh, and by the way, their branding is SPOT ON....note the beaver (BVR) in the front of the train (Railway station)! Brilliant!!

But what's even more brilliant is what this establishment has already brought to this town...and I don't just mean great food! They had an evening to raise funds for the local SPCA (a cause near and dear to my heart) and everyone who donated $50 received a personalized plaque (as above) that are fastened to the back of every bar stool and chair. What an absolutely AMAZING idea that not only warmed by heart, but also reminded me how so very important it is to give back, especially in a 'small town'. 

To me, a restaurant/bistro can have fantastic food, but if they don't have the staff to match, I won't go back!

Well let me tell you, the staff at Barley Vine Rail Co are reason enough to go to this bistro and the wonderful food, drink and atmosphere just make your experience there absolutely complete!

Ryan (the owner), Debbie and Megs were DA BOMB!!! Their enthusiasm is contagious and those smiles just show you how much they truly love this piece of their community they have created. I've said it previously and I'll say it again....You will not want to leave this establishment once you arrive, but, when you do have to finally go, I know you'll go back....often!

Thank you to you all for making our first time at your bistro/pub a wonderful experience, for all 5 of the senses!

The next time you're in Orangeville, you MUST plan to make a stop at The Barley Vine Rail Co! They're at 35 Armstrong St, just off of the main street. I cannot wait to go back for some more tres yummy food, to try that Manhattan and to see/socialize with the incredible staff!

I think a road trip is in order!

P.S. Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter to ensure you are kept aware of all of their upcoming events!

RR

A Weekend in the Country - Part Deux

The Friday and Saturday of the April long weekend involved running errands, decorating for Spring and some relaxation. 

After all that, a sunny Sunday meant only one thing...ROAD TRIP TO THE LAKE!!!

Mom, Charlie and I hopped in the truck (Char is never one to miss a good road trip, especially one that MAY include swimming - this one didn't as the lake was much too cold) and off to the lake we went. We started in Kincardine, along Lake Huron, and I just couldn't wait to put my feet in the sand!! As you can see, Charlie had his leash on and he was none too happy about that, but as you can also see, there are still chunks of ice in the water! Last thing we needed was a hypothermic pooch!!

How great did it feel to finally be able to wear flip flops and have our toes....and tail.....in the sand!?!

It wouldn't be a trip to the lake without ice cream!! An Oreo Blizzard for myself, ice cream cone for Charlie and a pineapple sundae for Mom! Feels like Summer has officially started (well....almost!).

Back into the truck for a drive along the shore..... So many new homes and 'cottages' have gone up over the past 5-10 years....The one above is one of my favourites on the drive between Kincardine and Point Clark.

The colours this time of year are unlike any other! You will rarely see the water this turquoise-blue in the summer. I can't get over how much ice there still was (and snow for that matter). It really was a perfect picture taking day!!

We then got on the road and headed home :(

Such a great day and so bittersweet to leave the water behind.... 

We arrived home to this sunset...Just stunning! The perfect end to the perfect day!

Monday morning arrived (last day of the long weekend) and I headed back to the city as I wanted to get my yard work done and the deck/patio set up!

As I got to the end of my parent's sideroad, this happened as the sun was rising....I absolutely had to get out and capture how incredibly beautiful it was! 

It was such a lovely Spring weekend in the country..... It completely re-energized me and as always, made me realize how lucky I am to live a Bucolic Lifestyle......

BB

SAVE vs splurge

I was having a lazy Sunday morning, lounging in bed and reading the newest issue of Style at Home mag, when Editor Erin McLaughlin's words leaped off the page at me!

• "In the past, having limited funds felt humbling and was something we kept under wraps. Now, we're proud of how little we spend - and how much bang we can get for our buck". - Erin McLaughlin

FINALLY!!! A mantra that I have been living for almost my entire life has become the 'new reality'....

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SPEND A FORTUNE TO CREATE THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS!!!! 

Saving money is now 'trendy' ...I HATE that term (trendy)...but it's true! Even those celebrities and extremely successful business folk (who could afford anything and everything they could ever imagine) are making a point to show off how little they spend on items to decorate their home!

I, on the other hand, have ALWAYS been proud of this! Don't get me wrong, I do splurge on items from time to time, but 95% of the time, if it is on sale, is a deal or a steal and I love it....I'm ALLLLL OVER IT! And in addition to being all over it, I enjoy sharing where and how to find these deals (like I will in this post).

This was my view Saturday morning as I was having my latte and ritual Saturday morning cupcake....

I'm sitting at my dining room table ($80) from the Hanover Market  that I gave a 'face lift' to last year; on one of my dining room chairs ($10 - | paid $40 for the set of 4 at an auction and they will soon be getting a face lift); looking at my sideboard/buffet ($325 - and it also has a mirror that I use in a different room) from Craigslist and almost every object on top of the table or sideboard are deals I have found in shops across Southern Ontario (including the $7.50 tulips from the Guelph Farmers Market), or were gifts from amazing family/friends.

Not too shabby for an entire room of furniture and decor items for well under $1000.00!! What I almost love more than the amazing deals is the fact that everything has been upcycled as they're quality, solid wood pieces that just needed a bit of freshening up (you can see why the chairs will soon be getting a face lift). You truly cannot find this type of quality furniture being made nowadays, unless you want to pay thousands of dollars for just one piece. I will have my sideboard forever! It is a classic and one of my favourite pieces in my home as it is THE perfect blank slate for so many design/decor options in the room!

Then there's my living room. How do you like my coffee table ($10)? A friend spotted it at a yard sale and thought of me, so she bought it for me. I then brought it home, gave it a fresh coat of paint and, VOILA! My club chairs ($20 each) were another Hanover Market find and after having them professionally re-upholstered with fabric from Tonic Living, they were still less than most chairs you would find in retail stores and the best part - they're custom!! 

My 'entertainment centre'.....After years of looking for a rustic and unique piece such as this, I finally found it in the small town of Neustadt at a shop called Refurbishment. It was WELL within budget (less than $275) and I LOVE IT!!! It was well worth taking the time to find it as I think it 'makes' the living room with it's raw edge and weathered appearance.

This corner of my home has also been years in the making....I have had some of the photos/art pieces on this console table ($125 - a clearance find at Home Outfitters) for over 12 years! Pieces like the apothocary jar ($7.00 at an annual clearance sale in a small town near my parents - I can't share ALL my secrets *wink*) are multi-functional and can be used in every season by placing season-specific items within it. The little black leather stool ($5) was an auction find (I got 2) and the silver tray on top ($2) was from another cute little shop in Neustadt. The white deer ($15) and the 'Family' pieces (between $8-$20) are from The Garage in Belmore.

This is my bed side table and....drum roll please.....it was FREE!! My Dad and I made it (which makes it even more special) from barn board from our old house (the one we lost in the fire) and a solid iron frame that was once used to hold a barrel of oil. It truly is a one of a kind piece and encompasses everything that making a house a home means to me!

How do you make your house a home on a budget??

• Buy/upcycle/make only what you absolutely love! You will be drawn to certain styles/items much more so than others. When you find 'your style' and you see a piece that fits into that style and that you LOVE, get it! Chances are, you will always find a way to incorporate it into your home for years to come!
• Don't be in a rush! Take your time and wait for those pieces that you love. It has taken me years of searching small town shops and boutiques to find just 'the perfect piece' and it was well worth it. If you're working with a budget, there's no sense buying something now for the sake of buying it, just to buy the same item in a year or 2 because you finally found what you're looking for.
• Buy multi-purpose pieces! The more versatile the piece, the more bang for your buck. The more you can rotate a piece through your home in different rooms and in all seasons, the more worthwhile is it to bring into your home!
• Shop locally and frequently! There's no better way to stay on budget than to become familiar with your local stores and boutiques, be-friend the owners, and shop there frequently! You will become familiar with their stock and what they tend to carry, they can add you to email lists regarding promos and sales and if you shop there regularly, you'll be the first to check out when items go on sale!
• Don't be afraid to DIY! Hop on Kijiji or Craigslist regularly too. When you see a piece you love, for a great deal, but it requires a bit of a face lift....go for it!! Purchase a test piece and try refinishing/re-painting it yourself. If you're not comfortable doing the refinishing, you can hire someone like myself to refresh your piece and even after paying for paint and the service, the piece will still likely be MUCH cheaper (and of better quality) than purchasing something brand new.

These are just a few tips to help with the ongoing transformation of making the house you own or live in your own!

If you would like more assistance with anything and everything related to your home, send me an email to rusticretrievals@gmail.com and we can work together on your project(s). 

I'm off to stock up on spray paint and make a visit to a local shop that has a piece I have been eyeing for some time now....Think I MAY just have to get it (it went on sale the other day)!! 

HAPPY SAVING!!!

RR

A Weekend in the Country...

I escaped to the country over the long weekend ... A weekend for family, being outside and welcoming Spring with outstretched arms!

As you can see in the photo above however, Winter was still lingering, but that did not deter Charlie from a swim in the pond. Every patch of snow he could find, he rolled in like there was no tomorrow. This time of year seems to be filled with thousands of new smells, at least from Charlie's perspective, and he stopped every few steps to take them allllll in!

I love to get outside this time of year (well anytime of year really) and take in all of the 'new'....the Spring flowers poking through the thawing soil, the birds that have returned form their winters in the south are chirping up a storm, the buds on the trees ready to pop open, where the sun is now rising and setting....It is an exciting time of year that reminds us of all of the potential that surrounds us!!

I also find it's a good time of year to reflect....as we start a new season, I also take the time to relax and look back on the events that have occurred the last few months....and also find myself perplexed as to how fast time seems to be flying by!

Our evening walk greeted us with this....

A sunny corner to curl up in, relax and reflect....

So fresh and bright...a true sign that Spring is right around the corner!

We aren't really a dessert family (I would rather have my cupcake/dessert for breakfast it would seem OR we have our 2am kitchen parties when we then feel the need to have our dessert), but how can you resist a Strawberry Shortcake!?

Another activity I realllllly enjoy this time of year is getting a jump start on the outdoor living season...ie. time to head to the local Garden Centre!!! My Mom and I (after getting my snow tires taken off), headed to one of my favourite landscaping supply stores just outside of Walkerton called Folmer Gardens.

I would have needed about 5 patios/decks and 5 acres for all of the furniture, urns, flowers and decor pieces I wanted to bring home with me, but in the end we decided on some hearty spring flowers to freshen up the planters/urns. I also got some flowers and new urns for my patio (more to come on those...let's just say, they're definitely going to add a "pop" to my back yard!  *wink wink*).

The photo above is the finished product of my parent's from porch....pansies, lanterns, willow branches (that I cut from their willow tree) and a handsome chocolate furry pooch (he just loves posing for pictures).

So....this was just Friday and Saturday of the long weekend.....stay tuned for the events of living a Bucolic Lifestyle on Sunday and Monday in an upcoming post!

BU·COL·IC

byo͞oˈkälik/

adjective

1. of or relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and country life.

   "the stone house is lovely for its bucolic setting"

   synonyms:rustic, rural, pastoral, country, countryside; 

RR

Market Goodness

Whenever I stay in town over the weekend, I really like to start my Saturday morning at the Guelph Farmers' Market. I had stocked up on meat from our local butcher on my last visit home to see my parents, so I was on the hunt for fresh veggies this morning. I also was keeping my fingers crossed for farm fresh eggs as our neighbours laying hens were 'on strike' last weekend and I couldn't bring any back with me. 

Did I ever hit a home run!! As you can see from the photo above, I have more than enough veggies to get me through the week! My bounty includes: brussel sprouts, zucchini, fingerling potatoes, red pepper, mixed greens, kale, asparagus, cucumber, garlic, onion, sweet potatoes, cremini mushrooms, green/yellow beans, bananas (for smoothies) and eggs! Yeah! And....The craziest part of this, is that all of this healthy goodness cost less than $30.00!!! It was $26.35 to be exact...and that's including the eggs!! WOW!!! Whoever says supporting your local farmers is more expensive is WRONG!

I rushed to get home so I could make myself breakfast with this wonderful, fresh produce. I decided on a Breakfast Scramble which included:

- 4 fingerling potatoes (thinly sliced); 2 cremini mushrooms; 1/3 of a red pepper; onion (use as little or as much as you'd like); 3 spears of asparagus, 2 eggs (scrambled);  feta cheese (to taste); S&P; oregano and garlic powder (all three of these are to taste).

In a preheated pan, I added EVOO, a bit of butter, oregano, onions and the potatoes. Put the lid on the pan to let the potatoes steam a bit to speed up the cooking time. Once the potatoes have gotten a good start, I added the red peppers, mushrooms, S&P and garlic powder. Keep stirring quite regularly and once the veggies have begun to soften, I then add the eggs that I have mixed in a bowl with milk, S&P and a bit of hot sauce (secret ingredient). I add in the asparagus at this time too. Keep stirring, allowing all ingredients to combine and continue cooking. About 2 minutes before I'm going to remove the Scramble from the heat, I add feta cheese for a 'lil somethin somethin'. 

And...Voila!

It may not be much to look at, but is it veryyyyy tasty.....the fresh ingredients take it up a notch too! You can absolutely tell the difference! 

I'm also going to do some cooking for the week and have been looking up some new recipes to try out. It's been a long winter and I'll completely admit, I've gained a few pounds and I can't wait to dive into fresh, local produce to help increase my energy and also assist in losing a few inches!

I found this Roasted Veggie Recipe on The Wednesday Chef website and I think they'd go amazingly well with fish or chicken! This is a bit of a twist on the typical roasted veggies and I'm looking forward to giving it a try.

I also found this "How to Roast Veggies" on the Better Homes and Gardens website which includes a really handy chart of roasting times for various veggies.

Those two websites should keep me busy this weekend to ensure some healthy goodness in my kitchen and fridge.

But.....after all that healthiness, what would Saturday morning be without a little treat too??

I had messaged Fairly Frosted Vegan Bakery yesterday, to make sure they'd be at the Market today and to see if they'd have their Coconut Lime Cupcakes in stock..... and I got great news, there were going to be there with my favs in tow! Sooooo....I had to bring 2 of them home...and some of their minis too! They're vegan, gluten free and absolutely delicious!!

I hope you have a great weekend! Cheers to healthy living and everything in moderation ;)

RR