Monday, August 26, 2013


Hurray for getaways!

Brad and I had a fabulous time in Toronto this weekend.
We went with no agenda except to enjoy our freedom from the barnacles and spend some time with friends.
We flew out on Porter at 5pm on Friday and arrived in TO 45 minutes, one glass of wine and two bags of mixed nuts later.
This, my friends, is the way to travel.

We hit the hotel and zipped right back out to visit our friend Melissa at her place.
Melissa lives in a converted loft in Kensington Market. Incidentally, it's the very same building Brad and I lived in when we first decided cohabitation was for us more than 10 years ago.
Her place is only slightly more fabulous and has a gorgeous rooftop patio.

Melissa writes a great design blog called The Sweet Escape and seizes every opportunity to bring design into her own life.
Stepping onto her patio on Friday night was exactly what it might be like to step into one of her blog posts. I felt like a queen. Also, a little like maybe I shouldn't touch anything.

She had planned a beautiful meal for us and the table was set to perfection.



Not a detail was missed from sweet birdie tumblers to the doily runner to the pineapple pitcher (which I can only assume was vintage because I don't think people design things that "so-ugly-it's-cute" anymore. Maybe Urban Outfitters.) to this...

 ...personalized, handwritten table settings. (I'm like...famous.)

The woman bent those forks herself yo!
It was like a DIY, vintage-inspired, design paradise. Also, it was delicious. That watermelon mint salad is going to be a new staple here at home.



On Saturday, when we were good and done sleeping in, we headed back to the market (old habits die hard) for a little breakfast and some shopping. 

Via
There are several shops in Kensington worthy of my love, but two of my favourites are Good Egg

I aspire to the coolness that exudes from these lovely shops.


As an anniversary gift to ourselves we decided to purchase this typographical map of our old stomping grounds. I've always wanted an ORK poster, but I haven't been enough worldly places to legitimately be able to call one my own.

Via

And now I'll just put it in the corner of our bedroom for 2 years until I get around to framing the bastard. Or accidentally take it to the Hub like I did with those bridesmaid dresses.
Whichever comes first.

When we were good and done with Kensington, we heel-toed it to Queen Street and just walked our little buns off taking in all the creative window displays and loving our freedom. 




Look how much he's enjoying that coffee. 
Who knew it was so much tastier hot!? 


We must do this again.
Really we must.

Friday, August 23, 2013


The hubs and I are heading on an adventure this weekend.
All the way to Toronto. Exotic!
This weekend marks our 6th wedding anniversary and it's time for a little escape.

I'll be leaving the shop in the ever-capable hands of Kayla and Laura, and returning Sunday with a renewed energy for...well everything hopefully.

No pressure Toronto.
Happy Anniversary indeed!



Thursday, August 22, 2013


What better excuse to begin blogging again than a rainy Thursday in August?
I needed a rainy day.

It's been go go go around here since May really.
What with the transition back to self-employment, renovating and opening up the shop and starting this whole shop girl thing all over again.
Also, parenting (time permitting).
Cozy shop on a drizzly day
I'm pumped.
There is nothing I enjoy more than retail.
Everything about it is my bag.
Buying, merchandising, marketing, exercising my social skills, taking your hard-earned money. With a smile.

It's been just over 3 weeks since I opened the doors here at 72 Mill Street.
I couldn't be more pleased to be back here with all of you.

-Em

ps. if you want to learn a little about my history as an Almonte shop owner, you can find my old blog here.


The view from here