Cottage Living

Thank goodness it's Friday! This week has been long. Our pup was neutered on Wednesday so I've spent the last couple days tending to him while working full time. I'm ready for the weekend.

Tonight I'm heading north with my girl friends for our annual cottage weekend. No we're not going to go for long hikes around the lake or enjoy the beautiful scenary cottage country in the fall has the offer. We're going to be sitting inside around the fire place, talking until our jaws hurt, eating junk food and drinking too much wine. Well I'll be skipping out on the wine part, but you get the idea.

I figure in honour of the fabulous girls weekend I have in store I'd share with you a gorgeous cottage in the Muskokas. No we're not staying here but that doesn't mean a girl can't dream.

Check this place out. This 7,000 sq ft cottage over looks Lake Muskoka, has a wine cellar, a gourmet kitchen, 5 bathrooms and 5 bedrooms. Do you really need much more?

Is this not amazing! Could you not see yourself spending the summer rest of your life in his stunning cottage!

For more images and info click here.

 

 

Have a great weekend!

Happy Summer!

With the heat wave we're having here in Toronto I think this is something everyone can enjoy!

How amazing would this Strawberry Margarita Popsicle taste on a hot day like today!


Click here for the how-to.

Stay cool :)

Sunnies!

With the amazing, unseasonly warm weather we've been having in Toronto I thought I'd touch on a summer must-have, sunnies! I'm always on the look out for a great pair of sunnies. I have a fabulous pair but a girl can never have too many pairs, right?

I've found these and have fallen in love. Tell me what you think.



Via

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Via

What type of sun-glasses person are you? Do you have a favourite brand or style?

Summer Cocktails

I can't believe it's already Thursday, not that I'm complaining, trust me! I hope everyone has been having a good week.

I came across this and fell in love. How great would this be at an outdoor wedding, shower, birthday party.... basically anything outside, in the summer, on a beautiful day!

I'm picturing it with a chalk board next to it informing people what type of drink is in each jar.

Via

What do you think, something you'd try this summer? What's your favourite summer cocktail?

Pina Colada Pops

I know it's only February and the idea of eating a frozen treat now seems crazy but spring will be here before we know it!



VIAThe Reality Of Skinny



Blend and freeze the following ingredients (don’t forget the sticks!): (Makes 6 servings)

• 1 can pineapple chunks, in juice
• 1 banana
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Calories: 117 per pop



Up For Corn on the Cob?

I know this recipe Friday post isn't very fitting with the season we're in but I figured, what the heck, something to look forward to for next year.

I'm a big lover of corn on the cob. I'll only eat corn if it's on the cob, without a cob I have no time for it. Weird, I know.

VIA Hostess With The Mostess

How great would this be at a summer bbq or served late night at an outdoor wedding? All of the food looks delicious but the corn is what caught my attention.

Have a great weekend!



Fruit Cones

Ever thought about jazzing up the fruit you're going to serve at your next event? I found this picture on Pinterest and just love it! I hope to incorporate this idea into a few parties this summer!

Super cute, right? Do you have any fun food or drink ideas for your summer events?

Enjoy the Party,

Nicole :)

Cottage Rentals

I don't know about you but I am in dire need of a weekend at a cottage. Myself, Michael and two friends of ours decided on Sunday night that we want to rent a cottage next weekend - August long weekend. Needless to say I have been emailing and posting ads like a crazy women! We have two cottages on hold right now; we're just confirming numbers on our end, seeing if any other friends will be joining us.

When it comes to booking a cottage last minute you can't be overly picking but there are things that I/we won't compromise on.
1) Waterfront: I need a dock and a lake at my fingers tips!
2) Dog friendly: Our friends have a dog they're bringing.
3) At least double beds in the rooms - single beds just won't do!
4) Electricity and an indoor toilet. If I wanted to go camping I would.

What are things you won't compromise on when cottaging?

Via Pinterest

Enjoy the Party,

Nicole :)

Be safe when it comes to the SUN!

Everyone these days needs to be careful when in the sun. I myself, at 25 have noticed sun spots and it freaks me out! Here are some great sun blocks recommened by The Kit Magazine to help protect your body.

1) Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Daily Face Sunscreen SPF 60.
2) Clarins UV Plus SPF 40.
3) Nivea Sun SPF 30 Lip Balm.



Stay safe from the sun everyone!

Enjoy the Party,

Nicole

It's Cottage Season

I love heading north to a cottage a couple times a year. Unfortunately my family doesn't own a cottage and I'm not super close with anyone who does but I love it nonetheless. I thought I'd share some gorgeous cottage pictures to get us in the summer spirit!

Do you have a cottage or a friend who you can tag along with frequently? Have you done a neat reno on the cottage?? I'd love to hear about it!

Enjoy the Party,

Nicole :)

Recipe Friday....Champagne Peach Punch

Need a punch recipe for the BBQ you're hosting this weekend? Look no further, here's a yummy champagne peach punch recipe just for you from All Recipes.

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/2 cup peach brandy

1/4 cup grenadine syrup

1 (32 fluid ounce) bottle carbonated water

3 (750 milliliter) bottles champagne

3 (11.5 ounce) cans peach nectar

1 (6 ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate

Directions:

Chill all ingredients. In a large punch bowl combine peach nectar, concentrated orange juice, lemon juice, brandy and grenadine. Mix well and pour in the carbonated water and champagne.               

I hope you all have a wonderful long weekend. Stay safe!

Enjoy the Party,

Nicole :)

Patio Cocktails

Saturday afternoon my girlfriends and I had a fabulous time enjoying the great weekend weather sitting on the patio at the Black Bull on Queen Street.  Sitting on the patio had me thinking about healthier cocktail options for the summer that I want to share with you.

1. Champagne: I know this may not be your first choice on a hot summer's day on a patio but a glass of champagne only has 60 calories.
2. Vodka, Soda & Lime: This may be more up your alley while sitting on the patio and it's only 57 calories.
3. Molson 67: Why not enjoy a cold beer and not worry about all the calories your guzzling. Molson 67 is only 67 calories.

Enjoy the Party,

Nicole :)

Summer bbq ideas!

While everyone is wishing for the warm summer weather I thought I'd give us all some hope with some delicious bbq ideas. Instead of throwing a bland hamburger or hot dog on the grill while not spice it up this summer!

1. Rosemary Lamb Chops: I'm a big fan of lamb chops. They're delicious, fun and you don't require a knife and fork (a big deal to me when hosting). This recipe calls for them to be broiled, however you can definitely throw them on the bbq too.
2. Grilled Lamb, Beef or Chicken Spiducci: Trying to please the men in your life, why not bbq some delicious meat on a stick. Again, it's easy to eat and everyone will enjoy it.
3. Grilled Corn on the Cob: One of my favourite summer foods is corn on the cob. I don't like corn when it's not on the cob, weird right! Instead of cooking it on the stove why not grill it on the bbq, adds a delicious flare to any meal.

Hope these put you in the summer spirit!

Enjoy the Party,

Nicole :)

Something New to Try

Happy Friday!

I've decided that every Friday I'm going to post a recipe I love or a new recipe I've stumbled upon.  Since it's sunny and warm weather should be right around the corner, the recipe I'm posting today is the Berry Blast cocktail from the Women's Health Mag post I mentioned earlier this week.

Pour 1 1/2oz berry acai vodka over ice
Add 1oz selter and your choice of fresh berries (I'd use raspberries and black berries)
Mix all ingredients... and magic, you have a delicious summery cocktail! I'd serve this cocktail in a martini glass or pretty rocks glass, your choice.  This would be a great addition to a ladies night, wedding shower or backyard bbq. Let me know if you try it, I'd love to hear some feedback.

Have a great weekend, hopefully the weather warms up a bit.

Enjoy the party,

Nicole :)