I can't remember where I learned this or whether it was my own original thought, LOL. But somewhere along the way, I realized that guests might not know what they want, but they are certainly very aware of not having something at hand that they desire. I have had the salt house for 12 years now, and rented my own house before that. And one of the first things I decided was that any time a guest asked whether I had something they were looking for and I did not, I would immediately add it to the house's collection. Because if one person were looking for a shoehorn, ten people would be looking for a shoehorn. I have also added, over the years, a small online shop, stocking small souvenirs and extras of the products we use at The Salt House, as I get inquiries about purchasing some of the things we carry. If I get it together to learn how to create a QR code for my ShopMy page, I will add this to the mix so guests can instantly purchase almost anything we use and have it delivered to their home. And then there are the moments of shared joy. I have purchased WAY too much Jo Malone perfume over the years. And truthfully, I rarely wear perfume, and when I do, I have two favourites. So I put all the bottles of rarely used scents in the bathroom. I feel it's less wasteful and kinda fun. When I am on holiday, I am tickled to find and enjoy new products and scents, especially in lovely hotels, so why wouldn't my guests feel the same? One recent guest was so in love with a particular scent, and though she hadn't worn any scent in forty years, she was going to get herself a bottle. Finally, a comfort. Good food, easily enjoyed in-house. I stock a few heat-and-serve items in the freezer so that if staying in and staying cosy is called for, a lovely meal is easily at hand, with minimal effort. Usually, there is a lobster carbonara sauce, an artichoke dip, comforting soups, and sweets. Seasonally, there might be fresh lemonade syrup or homemade ice cream. I think the comfort items are the ones that I gravitate towards the most - robes of many descriptions, sitting suits for the cooler nights out by the fire, woolen blankets to snuggle into, and pillows for every taste, as well as hot cocoa and now fresh herb tea! Is there anything you have had or would have liked to have had in a rental that you would like to share with me?

Funny you ask! With summer peeking around the corner, we're dusting off our summer must-haves. I have so many romantic notions about what I want to do in summer, but then the bugs bite, the sand chafes, and there's grit in my sandwich. So let's get ready to make the best of summer with the least number of inconveniences. The Beach List - Starting with the most basic of basics, sunscreen. Reef-friendly and not hard to apply, I really like Blue Lizard. A beach day isn't a beach day without a covetable beach tote. This mesh one is essentially packable as well, so great for your winter vacation. I first discovered my absolute favorite beach towel while on vacation in Turks and Caicos. 100% recycled and quick-dry, this is another product that I pack and take with me on vacation in the winter. I've just purchased these shoes for water sports. I have yet to try them, but I love the idea that they can be worn in or out of the water and are classically stylish. And how sweetly classical is this swimsuit - two-piece, as I no longer tolerate struggling to get my wet swimmers up and down! Also, slightly obsessed with this cover-up too! Essential sunglasses at a great price from my favourite eyeglass company. A dog-ear-worthy book for slow afternoons. And finally a luxurious face cooling mist that makes you feel so so so good! It's time! Bring on the summer beach days.

If you've ever slid into my DMs asking about the cushion in the hot tub, the candle on the sauna bench, or the linen throw draped over the chair on the screened porch, this post is for you. I've been wanting to write this for a while because I get asked frequently: " Where did you find that? And for a long time, my answer was a chaotic mix of story replies, saved drafts, and honestly just... forgetting where I bought things. Not great. So let me tell you about ShopMy: what it is, how I use it, and why it's become one of my favourite parts of running this little corner of the internet. Why I Started Using ShopMy Running Chéticamp Salt House means I'm always being asked about the stuff. The products that make the space feel the way it feels. The robe hanging by the sauna. The exact mug. The thing guests photograph without even realizing they're photographing it. Sometimes I'd answer the same questions over and over in DMs, or I'd post a story link that expired 24 hours later and then spend the next week re-sending it to people who missed it. It meant the things I genuinely loved weren't reaching the people who would genuinely love them too. ShopMy fixed that. It's essentially a curated digital storefront, my own little shop, where everything I use, love, and recommend lives in one organized place. No expired links. No digging through old posts. Just a clean, browsable page full of things I've actually tested, actually use, and actually stand behind. How It Works I build collections I organize everything into categories so it's easy to find what you're looking for. Slow living essentials. Things I use at the Salt House. Coastal wardrobe staples. What I pack when I travel with my mum. Whatever makes sense for the season or the question I keep getting asked. Think of it like shopping on my Instagram, except you don't have to scroll through two years of posts to find the thing from October. I link what I genuinely love This part matters to me. If something didn't earn its place in my actual life, if I wouldn't spend my own money on it, it doesn't go on the page. Not for commission, not for convenience, not for anything. The whole point of this space is trust, and I won't trade that for a few dollars. You click and shop directly When you find something you love on my ShopMy page, you click it, and it takes you straight to the retailer. No app download. No extra steps. Same price you'd pay if you went directly to the brand's website, I get a small thank-you from the store for the recommendation. On Commissions and Transparency I want to be completely clear about this because I think it matters. When you shop through my ShopMy links, you pay the same price you'd pay anywhere else, no hidden fees. I earn a small percentage from the retailer, that's it. It's their way of saying thank you for the word-of-mouth, and it supports the time that goes into creating this content. What it doesn't do is change what I recommend. I've been wearing certain brands for 25 years before they ever knew I existed. I bought my hot tub in the founding year of the company because I believed in it. The things on my page are there because they belong in my life; the commission is just a nice side effect of sharing things I was going to share anyway. Why This Works for Me, And Might Work for You At 53, living a piecemeal, intentional life on the Atlantic coast, I've gotten pretty good at curating. Knowing what's worth the space. What earns a place and what doesn't. ShopMy is just an extension of that. Everything in one place, easy to find, honest about what it is. If you've ever wanted to know where something in my world came from, the answer is probably there now. And if you're a creator yourself, even a small one, even just starting, it's worth looking into. The barrier to entry is low, the tools are genuinely good, and it's a much more organized way to share the things you love than hoping your Stories don't expire before the right person sees them. Have questions about how ShopMy works or what's in my shop? Drop them below. I read everything.

Well, for one, I was born in Edmonton. I also spent a lot of my young years visiting beloved grandparents there. Now one of my best friends and her family lives in Edmonton, and so I have taken a couple of wee trips to visit, once again. Amazingly, they live spitting distance from where my grandparents lived. Too cool! 40 years later, my memories were revived, and I have been able to tap into all kinds of forgotten joys. And so I am beginning to feel confident to recommend a few choice spots to you, if you find yourselves in this "progressive island" in a sea of rural conservatism. If you are a lover of ramen, I had a pretty spectacular bowl of ramen at Menya Mori. It was truthfully my second favourite bowl of ramen EVER... and I have had a LOT of ramen! On my latest trip, I was unexpectedly filled with a load of sentimentality for Albera. I have been feeling this a little lately, and as the big skies came into view as our plane landed, it hit me full force. So I was very taken by this fantastic tile art at the Alberta Art Gallery and Shop. It's by Voyager Art and Tile Sadly, I am currently trying to live on a budget, but I can see asking my friends to pick this up for me soon. (If I don't go back for it right away...) BFF pointed out how happy the grain elevators look, and I can't unsee it now! LOL. There were so many incredible artists represented at the gallery. Lately, I have been following Indigenous artists who tuft caribou hair into spectacular earrings, and the gallery had some wonderful purses with tufted hair. If you have not seen this art, check it out! And then.... I was introduced to a superb bakery, Dutchess Bake Shop. Uhm...there were shortbread with caramel & yuzu, fresh orange & basil sorbet, as well as lovely teas and cherry blossom Matcha lattes... But the MOST AMAZING find was......... A PRINCESS CAKE! (Well...a Dutchess Cake by their design.) BFF took a trip with me to London last summer in pursuit of a Princess cake instead of making one for my birthday. A fair trade, I think! I was also charmed by the fact that mid-afternoon on a Wednesday, the place was full of Yummy Mommies, 1k strollers, and this joyous fellow, in flannels, suspenders, and sporting a love of great French pastries. It's no wonder I am feeling nostalgic. I had just spent time admiring a great display of Pysanka. Oh. Alberta. Well played! On a snowy day (there are a few to be had), an hour or two of relaxation at Modern Gravity is pretty cool. Thier slogan is - Get Naked, Relax & Float. How lovely is that? Just Float. (A personal reminder from a favourite movie) In need of a great coffee after all that relaxation? Local roasters The Columbian Coffee Bar & Roastery And finally for a lovely end of the the day take in the inventive Dim Sum at Fu's Repair Shop. Edmonton is underrated, in my opinion. It's full of art, creativity and fun, especially in the summer, with fantastic green spaces and lots to enjoy.

Embracing the Dinner Party Renaissance Forget everything you think you know about hosting. The dinner party isn't about recreating a Martha Stewart fever dream with hand-pressed linens and seven-course meals. (Man, she messed with Baby Boomers and Gen X!) It's about creating genuine connections in a world that's forgotten how to sit still together. Those leading this renaissance understand something crucial: people don't remember whether your napkins matched your centerpiece. They remember how you made them feel when they walked through your door. Food bloggers like Kim Roberts of Feed My Friends have championed this approach, focusing on bringing people together rather than creating perfect tablescapes. The Loneliness Epidemic This shift matters because we're living through what experts are calling a loneliness epidemic. Despite being more "connected" than ever through social media, genuine face-to-face interaction has become surprisingly rare. The surgeon general has prescribed dinner parties as medicine for social isolation. (Isn't that EXCELLENT?) When top health officials tell us to gather around food, maybe it's time to listen. There's something magical that happens when you invite people into your actual space. It's not just about the money saved (though that's nice). It's about the intimacy created when someone trusts you enough to prepare their food. Conversations can stretch long past the last call, though my friends were shoved out recently when midnight rounded the hour. LOL. The Difference Between Takeout and Home-Cooked Meals Cooking for others is fundamentally different from grabbing takeout together. It's a gesture that says: I spent my time thinking about you. I planned because you matter. I'm sharing not just my food but my space, my effort, and my attention. That's the secret ingredient missing from restaurant meetups. No matter how great the ambiance, you're still performing politeness for strangers, racing against closing time, and competing with neighboring tables' conversations. Though eavesdropping can be a lot of fun too. Thank God one of the biggest trends driving the dinner party comeback is the embrace of themes! Hip-hip hooray. I love a reason to gather—après ski fondue nights in February, Kentucky Derby gatherings in May, and spooky meals in October. Themed Parties: A Fun Approach These aren't Pinterest-pressure situations. They're permission slips to have fun. Themed parties also solve the dreaded "what should I bring?" question. Derby party? Mint juleps are obvious. Fondue night? Someone's bringing bread, and someone else handles the cheese, right Krista (wink)? Start small. Seriously. Your first dinner party doesn't need to seat twelve people or feature hand-rolled pasta. Invite four friends—my current favorite number at the table is six. Make one thing you're confident about. Scoop ice cream for dessert. Creating Space for Connection The goal isn't to prove you're the perfect host. It's to create space for real connection, the kind that happens when people feel welcomed rather than impressed. Here's what elevates an evening for me: good lighting (candles always feel special), comfortable seating, and food that can mostly be prepared ahead. If you're stirring risotto while your guests make small talk in the kitchen, you're doing it wrong. Hosting experts like Akilah Releford Gould, who shares practical tips on TikTok, emphasize that simple preparation beats elaborate execution every time. The Power of Vulnerability The reason dinner parties work is vulnerability. When you invite people into your home, you're showing them your real life. Your slightly cluttered counters, your mismatched dishes, your dog who begs at the table. This authenticity permits everyone else to drop their guard too. You're not performing for other diners or rushing through courses. You're just being human together in a space that feels real. That means letting go of the idea that every gathering needs to be an event. Some nights, it's okay to serve soup and good bread. Some parties can be potluck. Some themes can be as simple as "everyone brings something orange." Celebrity chef Alison Roman popularized this "nothing fancy" approach in her cookbook and newsletter, proving that low-key hosting can be just as memorable as elaborate productions. What Makes a Dinner Party Memorable? When people talk about their favorite dinner party memories, a pattern emerges. Nobody mentions the perfectly plated appetizers or the expensive wine. They talk about the house where everyone feels genuinely welcome. (Just not past midnight...hahahah.) Planning Your First Dinner Party Start planning your first one. I'll help! Here's what I made this week, and how it went: Whipped Goat Cheese with Bacon & Dates (8/10) I added all the honey, and it was too thin. I then added more goat cheese to try to thicken it up; it didn't help much. I could have probably put it in the fridge to firm up but didn't think of that at the time. Harumph. But it was tasty, and I would make it again, watching the thickness of the dish as I went. Salmon with Warm Basil Tomato Oil (9/10) This has been a favorite way of mine to prepare salmon for many years. Sometimes I get a little tired of it, but I always circle back, especially when the summer produce is so flavorful. A Zingy Caesar Inspired Potato Salad Cucumber Crunch Salad with Curried Cashews (7/10) My friends liked this; I thought it was a little uninspiring...and the cashews were bitter, probably because my curry was bitter. Brown Sugar & Espresso Panna Cotta (10/10) We all loved this dessert. I recommend that you scoop with a very large spoon if you made it in a large dish or make traditional individual dishes. It fell apart when scooped with a small spoon. Let me know if you try any of these recipes! - H

With the flights from Halifax to London currently being scheduled at the best times for a quick getaway, spending 72 hours in London is super easy and lots of fun. You’ll feel like you’ve been away for two weeks! Here is a detailed 72-hour itinerary to make the most of your trip. Day 1: Arrival and Exploration Fly the noon flight from Halifax to Heathrow. This gets you on the ground in England just after 8 PM. Stay in the English style, above a pub , so you can grab a pint and a snack before bed. Don’t forget to enjoy an English Breakfast on Day 1! Morning in Hyde Park Start your day with a refreshing walk in Hyde Park. You can even swim in the Serpentine if the weather permits. Enjoy some summer berries as you stroll. Make sure to grab a Knickerbocker Glory at Fortnum & Mason . This delightful dessert will give you the energy you need for the day ahead. Afternoon Treats Stop for Princess Cake at Bageriet. This charming spot is perfect for a sweet afternoon treat. Afterward, sip Champagne and slurp oysters at Balthazar. While you’re out, don’t forget to sip Pimms Cups anywhere you can while soaking in the sunshine. In the evening, catch a spectacular play—perhaps Giant ? Day 2: Discovering Hackney On Day 2, find a great neighborhood to explore. Hackney is a fun area with plenty to offer. Cocktails and Sunday Roast Have THE BEST cocktail at Equal Parts while enjoying their vinyl collection, one album at a time. Afterward, fill your belly with a Sunday roast across the street at Marksman Public House . Evening Relaxation Finish the evening relaxing at an Elizabethan pub on the banks of the Thames. Don’t mind the hangman's post on the beach! If you're feeling adventurous, you might even encounter one of the ghosts of the hanged at the Prospect of Whitby . Day 3: Culture and Departure On Day 3, take in some culture by visiting a museum. The V & A has a wonderful Cartier exhibit this summer. It’s a great size, offering a lot in a compact space. Make sure you grab the required Fish & Chips along the way! A Relaxing Return The nicest way to quietly return to Halifax is via a night in King Henry VIII's hunting lodge , only 15 minutes from Heathrow. Enjoy scones and tea, a Michelin restaurant, and 50 acres of gardens before taking a superb night's rest for a noon flight home. East coast living at its best, when a flight to London is easier than a drive to Yarmouth! This itinerary ensures you experience the best of London in just 72 hours. Enjoy your trip!

{ "# Exploring Nova Scotia's Culinary Delights ": "", "## A Journey Through Flavors": "", "Why, yes. Yes, I do have ideas. ! First time in Nova Scotia (or getting out and about)? Travel blogger Sarah from East Coast Mermaid has an excellent guide for first-time travelers to Maritime travel planning. From world-class fine dining establishments that rival any major city to beloved local joints serving up maritime comfort food, Nova Scotia offers extraordinary food experiences at every level. Whether you're planning a luxury food tour or seeking the best value for your money, this province delivers a flavor experience.\n\nFood blogger Jennifer from Taste of Nova Scotia has documented an incredible Atlantic Canada food trail that covers the region's best eats. In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover everything from Michelin-worthy restaurants to street food gems.\n\nNova Scotia's culinary identity is built on several key advantages that create a unique dining scene. With ocean-to-table freshness available year-round, local fishermen work tirelessly. Many restaurants buy directly from their local fishermen, maintaining long-standing relationships. This also applies to the now-trendy farm-to-table movement. In Cape Breton, it has been part of the tradition, now refreshed by new generations.\n\nThe Annapolis Valley produces some of Canada's finest apples, wine grapes, and vegetables, making it a hub for local cheese makers, craft brewers, and specialty food producers for a long time.\n\nWine enthusiast blogger Mike from Wine Country Atlantic provides excellent coverage of the Annapolis Valley wine scene, perfect for pairing with restaurant visits. \n\n## Iconic Flavors of Nova Scotia\n### What to Try:\n\nBefore diving into specific restaurants, here are the iconic Nova Scotia flavors you absolutely cannot miss:\n\n 🦞 Lobster - The Maritime Crown Jewel, in peak season May - December. Try your hand at home and make a superb lobster roll. ! \n\n 🥙 Halifax Donair - The Official Street Food of Halifax. Local food writer Flavour Network has written extensively about the donair's fascinating significance in the city.\n\n 🫐 Wild Blueberries - Seen EVERYWHERE! Nova Scotia's Provincial Berry from July through September. The wild variety offers a flavor you've never experienced. Befriend a local, and they might share their picking spots with you.\n\n## Where to Eat in Halifax\n\nHalifax is a culinary hotspot. Here are my top restaurant recommendations:\n\n Bar Kismet is a well-regarded small family-owned restaurant and cocktail bar in Halifax's North End. They serve inventive cocktails, thoughtfully curated wine, fresh seafood, and handmade pasta. The menu is inspired by Mediterranean and French cuisines, with food, wine, and cocktail menus updated weekly. Rated at 4.6 out of 5 on TripAdvisor, Bar Kismet was recently named one of Canada's best restaurants.\n\n The Highwayman offers a Spanish-inspired menu, focusing on shared plates. This downtown Halifax eatery provides a cozy yet lively atmosphere. They are known for their tapas and cocktails, making guests feel at home.\n\n Lou Pecou is an intimate pizza restaurant famous for its made-to-order thin-crust European-style pizzas. Known for organic ingredients and artisanal preparation, it’s perfect for family dinners or date nights.\n\n Oxalis is a new European farm-to-table restaurant in Dartmouth, focusing on local produce. Opened by Sophia Gruber and Chef Andy Preuss, the restaurant reflects their European roots through its culinary offerings.\n\n The Bicycle Thief combines North American food with Italian soul. Located at Bishop's Landing, it's a coastal restaurant offering a fun, casual atmosphere with waterfront views. Their enjoyable dishes promise to steal your heart.\n\nMy favorite pub is The Narrows Public House . This traditional Nova Scotian pub is located in Halifax's North End and boasts comfort food that is sure to please. The bologna and fish sandwiches are highly recommended!\n\nA weekend visit to the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market is a great way to find fresh local produce and artisanal foods.\n\n## Exploring the Annapolis Valley\n### Must-Try Restaurants\n\nThe Annapolis Valley offers diverse dining options:\n\n Juniper Bistro is known for its farm-to-fork approach, celebrating local ingredients.\n\n The Noodle Guy offers unique dishes that delight noodle lovers.\n\n The Port Pub specializes in local fare and craft beers, making it a great place to enjoy a relaxed meal.\n\n### Dining on Cape Breton Island\n\nFor an unforgettable experience, visit:\n\n L'Abri Restaurant & Bar for exquisite dishes with an emphasis on local flavor.\n\n The Lobster Galley serves up the freshest seafood with a beautiful view.\n\n Big Spruce/Rose's Burgers combines local craft beer with delicious burgers.\n\nCape Breton travel expert Lisa from Celtic Heart Adventures has detailed Cabot Trail dining recommendations that you'll want to explore while taking in the natural beauty.\n\n## Hidden Treasures of the South Shore\n\nDon’t miss these hidden gems:\n\n The Emerald Light Cafe (Shelburne) serves creative dishes with locally sourced ingredients.\n\n LaHave Bakery is a must-visit for freshly baked goods and delicious pastries.\n\n Salt Shakers Deli (Lunenburg) is known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious sandwiches.\n\nFood and travel writer Rebecca from South Shore Stories knows all about the hidden culinary gems of South Shore Nova Scotia.\n\n## Craft Breweries and Food Pairings\n\nNova Scotia boasts several craft breweries:\n\n Garrison Brewing Company features a fantastic lineup of local brews.\n\n Good Robot Brewing is known for its inclusive atmosphere and inventive brews.\n\n Compass Distillers offers unique spirits that can be paired perfectly with local eats.\n\n## Seasonal Dining Tips\n\n### Spring (March-May)\n- Ramp season : Wild leeks appear on menus across the province.\n- Early seafood : Enjoy the first lobster catches of the year.\n- Restaurant openings : Seasonal spots reopen.\n\n### Summer (June-August)\n- Peak tourist season : Make reservations at popular restaurants.\n- Farmers market bounty : Enjoy the best selection and prices.\n- Patio season : Outdoor dining at its best.\n\n### Fall (September-November)\n- Apple harvest : Restaurants showcase local fruit.\n- Comfort food focus : Perfect fall dining weather.\n- Festival season : Enjoy multiple food events.\n\n### Winter (December-February)\n- Hearty cuisine : Comfort food dominates menus during colder months.\n- Scallop season : Fresh scallops are plentiful.\n- Local dining : Easier reservations with fewer tourists.\n\nFor more information on seasonal travel, check out Nova Scotia .\n\nHave you visited any of these Nova Scotia restaurants? Share your experiences in the comments below, or connect with us on social media to share your Nova Scotia food adventures!" }

Something remarkable is happening in our homes and kitchens, and I like it! After years of chasing minimalist perfection and Instagram-worthy aesthetics, we're finally embracing something more honest: Authentic living that nourishes both our bodies and souls. This started for me with a reduction in my workload, a chance to slow down even more than moving to a rural island did. Gone are the days when "international cuisine" meant choosing between Italian or Chinese takeout. However, what's truly exciting is that the shift toward plant-based living has matured. Instead of trying to replicate meat, innovative chefs are celebrating vegetables for what they are. Food bloggers like Minimalist Baker   and Rainbow Plant Life   are leading this movement, showing us that nutrient-dense foods can take center stage without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Photo: Rainbow Plant Life Meanwhile, our living spaces are undergoing a revolution. The stark white walls and cold minimalism that dominated the past decade are giving way to something warmer, something that invites you to stay. Rich colors are making a comeback in a big way. Deep navy blues, warm olive greens, and sophisticated burgundy tones are replacing the endless sea of beige and gray. These aren't just color choices – they're creating environments that support our mental health and well-being. (Though I still love my cozy dark grey walls...) The return of darker woods like walnut signals something deeper than just aesthetic preference. Home design influencers like Studio McGee   and Amber Lewis   are championing these materials because they bring stories into our homes. They age gracefully, develop character, and remind us that beauty doesn't always mean brand new. Photo: Studio McGee Perhaps most importantly, both food and home trends are finding that sustainability sweet spot we've been searching for. This isn't about deprivation or sacrifice anymore. It's about making choices that feel good in every sense of the word, just like slowing down in recent years has been an awakening for many. In our kitchens, this means embracing whole foods, supporting local producers, and reducing waste without compromising on flavor or enjoyment. Food sustainability advocates like Zero Waste Chef   and Jess Damuck   are showing us practical ways to make this work in real life. In our homes, designers like Emily Henderson  are promoting materials that last, furniture that adapts to our changing needs, and design elements that won't feel dated in five years. Modular furniture is leading this charge. Pieces that can be reconfigured, repurposed, or passed down aren't just environmentally smart – they're practically brilliant for our increasingly flexible lifestyles. Remember Mrs. Pezzi and her ways of buying the best she could afford and taking care of what you chose to keep for a lifetime? Photo: Jess Damuck What ties all these trends together is a focus on genuine well-being. We're not just decorating spaces or preparing meals – we're creating environments that support our physical and mental health. I spent too many years worrying about the perceived "perfection" of a Martha Stewart home and table. Now I thrill at serving the easiest of dinners: An icy martini, a great steak and baked potato and a pint of ice cream. Basta. The rise of at-home spa concepts, (LOVE my Goodland hot tub!) in interior design isn't about luxury for luxury's sake. Interior design bloggers like Erin Gates   and Young House Love   are showing us that it's about recognizing our homes should be sanctuaries. Similarly, wellness-focused food creators like Glow Pops   emphasize that nutrient-dense, globally-inspired foods aren't just about following trends – they're about feeding ourselves in ways that nourish. Photo: Goodland The beauty of these trends is their accessibility. You don't need a complete home renovation or a complete dietary overhaul to participate. Start with one accent wall in a rich, warm color. Try cooking with one new spice blend each month. Choose furniture pieces that can grow with your life. The key is authenticity over perfection. Your home should reflect who you are, not what you think it should look like. Your meals should bring you joy, not stress about following the latest fad. Relax, Summer is coming, and a swim and the joy of connecting is so joyous when we are all out and about together. - H

Yesterday it was summer, today it is....well...chilly. The wood stove has chased the chill from the house, but I am ready for more outdoor time. What about you? In the meantime, a few links from around the web are serving as my inspiration this weekend! New to our house menu is this totally fabulous mezza dish ( Yogurty beans with pistachio dukkha )! It is super easy and incredibly delicious, as well as legume-healthy! Doon't be put off by the beans. Something magical happens here and the dish is the kind you want to eat until you're too too too full! This dress has the heather tones of fall but is made of linen. I think it will be an excellent three-season piece and is perfect for adding leggings and a sweater when the weather is so changeable. Therefore, it comes out well in a CPW calculation. If rain chills the air and you need to warm the cockles of your heart, a Baked Tomato Feta Soup with orzo, using cherry tomatoes is a flavour bomb. It's hearty enough to be supper, with a bit of bread. Having moved to a coastal town, with more grey days than sunny in the winter. (A total contrast to the 333 days of sun that Alberta gets) I suspect my obsession with a yard full of yellow daffodils is a crutch to get me through April showers. I don't remember planting these sweet varieties, but am delighted they are cheerfully greeting me each day. This astrology app makes me smile every day with its Do's and Don'ts. Linking with your friends is super fun, you can measure their moods and have fun with them too! How to arrange daffodils. And an excellent half-made/homemade lemon cake. Enjoy the weekend in tones of sunshine yellow, even if you have to find the sunshine yourself!

The absolute joy of summer is upon us as the long weekend closes. I have been cooking, eating, and drinking for you all (in the interest of science, of course) throughout the spring. Today, I have for you three wins and one loss. Delicious Summer Treats Many of you may have seen this sexy beast on my social media. I am declaring it a winner! It’s Banana Pudding Cake. I had to substitute the Nilla wafers because they were not available. Instead, I used Biscoff cookies, and it turned out great! If you love the classic Southern banana pudding, then this cake will make you very happy. It's made with a cake mix, so it is easy-peasy! (Now that I look at the photo, I realize why I had so many crumbs left over... I guess the outside edge was supposed to be covered! Oops!) A New Favorite I have never been a fan of scalloped potatoes (potato scallop for THOSE friends). I think it might be because it was the one dish that came from a box during my childhood visits to my grandparents. However, many of my East Coast friends are wild for them. So, for Easter Dinner, I decided to make a version, and I am now a convert! It was the star of the meal! The recipe was from Serious Eats and will be a "family" favorite from now on. Just look at these glorious bastards! They were creamy, crunchy, and cheesy perfection! A Flavorful Crab Dip Rounding out our series of accidentally brown food postings is a crab dip from Mumbai . I first saw it on Somebody Feed Phil. This very simple, very rich crab dip surprised everyone when it became the star of a recent meal. The most delightful aspect of this dip is how it showcases the sweetness of the crab. It is quite rare for an expensive and delicate flavor, like crab, to not be lost in a prepared dish. This was absolutely unexpected and much-loved by everyone. I can't believe it isn't viral! A Missed Opportunity And finally, a miss... on so many fronts. Some of these issues were not the recipe's fault. This was a whipped honey espresso martini. There are several recipes out there. This one had a LOT of espresso powder in it. Plus, it included coffee liqueur. The end result was bitter. I used a lot of expensive honey, and I full-disclosure: I batched the drink, so I felt it would be a waste not to finish it. Unfortunately, I ended up feeling hyper from caffeine rather than tipsy. Oops! Gross. Maybe don’t try this one. Stick to the classics; they are usually classics for a reason. Enjoy the Summer Sunshine! As we wrap up this long weekend, I hope you enjoy the last rays of sunshine! Don't forget to try these recipes, especially the delicious crab dip and the Banana Pudding Cake. Happy cooking! I look forward to sharing more recipes and culinary experiences with you soon. Happy eating!

Iiiiiiit's FRIDAY! And ever in pursuit of fun, here are the recipes we have been testing to serve at our tables this summer. A Turkish Delight Martini .....Yeh...like a Cosmo with a floral kick. Soooooo good! A Nonalcoholic Dirty Lemon Tonic stands in for a dirty martini for me in a pinch. And it is super refreshing and not at all disappointing, like many a "mocktail" Photo: Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews. A Sake Caesar! Also fun for shaking up the classic Vodka drink is the award-winning Le Shogun ! Speaking of Caesars.....how super is this Caesar Board? Sunday is calling! Who are you inviting for omelets and Caesars? And finally - I am enjoying this super well-priced fizz - La Bella Prosecco from Bishop's Cellar. Did you know that Bishop's Cellar delivers in 24 hours to our wee town? How super is THAT? Each day this week has called for rain, and yet we are enjoying day on day of sunshine. Here's hoping that the golden rays continue to bless the weekend! Enjoy.

I ABSOLUTELY love Sundays. I did not suffer from Sunday Scaries as a child as school was a refuge and a joy. I love that I have been inoculated by my age, not church, to see Sunday as a day of rest as I grew up in an age when shops and services were closed on Sunday. Sundays are for PBS Mystery, and roast dinner; early roast dinner. Sundays when I lived in NYC were for long boozy brunches that washed away Saturday night. Brunches full of scandal and filling in the blanks of the night before, licking wounds and quieting down. Now all of those past experiences come together to make Sundays sacred, special, and a time to continue to gather. I like to host either brunch, or a "family supper" - or both! I try to take time to be creative on Sundays. I ignore chores and anything unpleasant. I rest. The fact that I work an everchanging schedule means that I don't get every Sunday off, and that makes the ones I am free ever better! It's just pleasant enough to sit out with coffee in the sun, but not so warm that cooking a big meal seems insane. This makes Spring and Autumn dinners the best, in my opinion. This week the menu is for dinner. It's a bit of a pick-and-pluck, as well as an opportunity to do a "fridge cleaner." We are having a Thai-inspired Salmon Sashimi Salad , Blueberry Baked Brie, Crab Cakes with an Apple Slaw, Summer Legumes Frites, Tahini Ceaser Salad, and Lemon Tart. Yeh...it doesn't all go together, but that's just what needs to be embraced with a Fridge Cleaner Supper. Most of the recipes this week are from Candian House & Home.