Fork Farm

A few weeks back we ventured to our new farm in the Okanagan an hour outside of Osoyoos in Grand Forks. In the middle of October there were still apples on the trees. We got as many as we could on move in weekend but wow, can't wait to head back up in the Spring to plant the veggie garden. Can you believe my mum-in-law at almost 93? And how cute is little C? Seriously!

Off-grid Mountain Somewhere Final part Four

Farewell off-grid mountain dream. Sweet dreams. x

Off-grid Mountain Somewhere Part three

Off-Grid Mountain Somewhere Part two

More of the amazing property

Off-grid Mountain Somewhere

So Keith and I have been travelling in search of our Mountain retreat in BC or Alberta. There have been many pretty spots but none that compare to this setting. We love this place. Unfortunately they did not accept our offer :( It is everything I had envisioned and more. Five acres by a lake 5 minutes from town. Convenient but completely away from it all. Have it in my head how I would create upon it. Whites, creams, simple and rustic yet extremely considered. A very well maintained log home, an amazing fishing pond and gazeebo for outdoor dining, a chicken coup, a guest cottage, ultimate privacy, a clothes hanger, porches, and the most beautiful barn I have ever seen. The people that own this property have so much house pride and have created something amazing. Swoon.

Proud Parents

it was such a nice surprise just now to find Christian's First Year captured on Sweet Heirloom's blog. Tanya and Meghan do such an amazing job of the little, intangible, special moments. My mind is racing on what we can create next together. How I would love to have them join us on our road trip! Maybe Mexico? Oooohhh now we're talking!

Impromptu girls weekend on the Coast

My girlfriend Cassandra dropped by on Friday night and well, hasn't left yet. Good conversation lead to a sleepover and a Saturday afternoon of snacking on baguette, pate, cheese and of course a nice bottle of Cabernet Merlot from Mission Hill. Inspired by my new favourite cookbook, Donna Hay Seasons, we made crunchy pork cutlets with winter slaw and parsnip mash. Dessert was warm, home baked, cinnamon rolled, maple apple cakes that we can't take any of the credit for. Our Nanny Maricel did an amazing job! After dinner we watched the Social Network (crazy!) and woke to a beautiful winter wonderland, climbed in the hot tub and took my little boy into his first experience of snow. Like that wasn't just all amazing, I am writing this now recovering from brunch of soft poached Vitala eggs on top of home made crab cakes, pan fried potatoes and hollandaise. So yum! You probably get by now that Cass is my favourite foodie friend (of almost 21 years!) Love impromptu weekends on the Coast.

Sweet Sunrise

Little C and I catching the Sunrise from our deck. Love.

Happy Birthday Little One

This past weekend we celebrated Christian's first birthday in Vancouver. We rented a penthouse suite in the old school Sylvia Hotel. An ancient landmark on the Beach in English Bay. (This place oooozes potential for an exquisite boutique hotel. LIke the Wedgewood but in a waaaay better location!) We baked cookies and served yummy and healthy Vitala Milk. Here are a few teaser pics Sweet Heirloom just sent me. Happy Birthday today Christian. Mama and Dadda love you.

Date Night

Keith and I had our first date night in a while. Didn't go far but we didn't really have to. Basically pulled up some loungers, sat out on the deck and ordered a movie off itunes and enjoyed a big huge bowl of cherries our neighbour brought us back from the Okanagan. Oh yes, and the view. Sweet summer moment. Why we love the Coast.

A pinch me moment

The other evening our neighbour and good friends, Brad and Bette Sterling invited us to dinner. Our combined homes are really just one big home. They are actually why Keith and I moved to Coast in the first place. Keith and Bette used to work together and we would visit them often. They have the most amazing orchard. It was a pinch me moment it was so beautiful. The top picture is the view taken from the middle of it. The plum tree has gone crazy. Bette and I looked up a bunch of yummy plum recipes to get us inspired. I'm trying to convince her to join the Fiddlehead Farmer's Market with me and bring her fruit. We also got brainstorming as they too operate a bed & breakfast called the Ocean Ridge Retreat. Combined we can accommodate 5 couples so we will probably do some joint marketing. I am so inspired right now.

Yes, more herbs

Ok so I got a little flack from my friend Darci who commented on the fact I did an herb garden post the other day but failed to mention the amazing Mother's Day brunch (my first as a mother) we had at a BC herb garden this year called Limbert Mountain Farms. She's right. It's the most lovely spot close to Harrison Hot Springs on the Circle Farm Tour. We took our Mum's to the 12 o'clock seating and savoured amazing chicken tarragon crepes and herbal teas. The setting is very pretty with food service taking place in a yellow barn. It's also where I got all my herbs I potted as centre pieces for our wedding. I told you I was into herbs!