Paris in September

I was really hoping to change the color of our front door before autumn arrived. It's time for a change from its current warm chestnut brown color to a nice shade of soft black. However, temperatures have plummeted here and for the past three weeks we've had rain or wet snow most days. My door painting project will have to wait.

We've just returned from our trip to Paris. Lots of walking and so many beautiful sights to behold. The people were lovely and so patient with my rudimentary school-taught French. Dinner on the Eiffel Tower was a distinct highlight. Some pretty images of this cultured city as we say farewell to summer and embrace autumn...

 

 

 

 

~ It's Canadian Thanksgiving next weekend and I can't wait! ~

 

 

Early Autumn

 

 Another damp misty morning... Autumn has come so early his year. It's been rainy, wet and cold for the past week. There was even a dusting of snow! The garden seems unaffected and the trees don't mind. I admit I've enjoyed having the fireplace on regularly. We've already started on garden clean-up - lot's of work to do!

 

~ Do you look forward to Autumn's arrival each year? Or, do you dread it? ~

(With winter weather yet to come?!)

Two Thanksgivings

We were a bit spoiled this year with two Thanksgiving diners. My mom is out of town this weekend so she hosted a lovely family dinner last weekend, in a rustic French family style. This weekend Andrew and I prepared our own Thanksgiving dinner. Of course, I added my special accompaniment to the meal: Stove Top stuffing (Shhh! Don't tell my mom!). I know it's not the best, but I like it for some reason.

We took our time preparing our seasonal favorites while enjoying the fireplace and view of the outdoor surroundings. The color of our neighbors apple tree is so spectacular this time of year!

 

 ~ Wishing you a plentiful and restful Thanksgiving this year! ~

 

 

Fall Harvest

Yesterday was all about culinary indulgence. I kicked off the day with Executive Chef, Judy Wood, of 'Meez' and some others from the Meez gang at the by-invitation opening of Craft Beer Market at their new Southcentre location. They were featuring their brunch menu, so we each chose different dishes and passed them around the table (with Caesars and ciders in hand!). I think the 'chicken and waffles', and the 'avocado eggs benedict' were the favorites. Thank you, Craft!!

 

Next on the agenda was to help my mom remerchandise the harvest table at the Meez store in Willow Park Village. The ladies had already pulled all of their fall décor from storage. I had so much fun turning the table into a fall theme and playing around with different arrangements of items. In the end, they were very happy with the result. 

 

 

Have you been to Meez? The quality of their food is unsurpassed; it contains no preservatives and is prepared by professionals in their incredible off-site  commercial kitchen. The store is also brimming with gourmet treats and indulgences for entertaining. Give yourself a break and order their chef-prepared 'heat and serve' Thanksgiving dinner this year.

~ What are you planning for Thanksgiving? It's only two weeks away! ~

Summer's End



With leaves already starting to turn to deep yellows and shades of amber, paired with some cooler mornings, it's apparent that summer is coming to an end. It has been a long, hot, dry, crispy, smoky (forest fires) summer. I admit, I'm very much looking forward to cooler temperatures and some precipitation.

 

This guy will need to get used to going without his summer romps in the garden !

 

With all of the problems we've had with the William Baffin climbing rose being skeletonized by insects, we made the decision to move him into this corner. I did some research on insects and surrounded the rose with cat mint and sage. Some birch branches were also added to attract helpful insects. The final touch is this charming insect hut for garden friends to thrive.

So far, these changes have had a tremendous difference. Here's hoping that next year, the rose will be back to its former glory.

To welcome in the new season, I've switched our summer front door décor to something more late-summery, early-fall.  Are you ready for the new season ahead?

 

~~~

 



Snuggled

 

Have you been snuggled-up lately with our apparent October weather? Nothing beats the warm intimate glow of a fireplace this time of year. We had this one installed almost three years ago by Hearth and Home here in Calgary. We had an outstanding experience with this company and I highly recommend them if you are considering adding a fireplace to your home - either inside or out!

 

It's Halloween tomorrow! Our sweet cat Bertie is afraid of our decorations - so much for being a tough guy!

 

Have a Happy Halloween! 

Fall All Around

 

It's time! We've become surrounded by the beautiful colors of the autumn fall. Yesterday I took advantage of the mild weather and changed out my late summer planters with a more autumnal look. The fragrant air this time of year, blended with the scent of wood burning fireplaces is a delight.

 

 

 

~ Looking forward to Canadian Thanksgiving next weekend! ~

 

Trick or Treat!

 

We're all ready for Halloween at our house! We have a Halloween ritual of snacking on Italian antipasti and sipping red wine while we hand out treats. Can't wait to see the kids in our neighborhood wearing this year's costumes!  

 

I'm secretly hoping there are some Humpty Dumpty cheesies left over.... I used to eat these on my grandparents beach in the Quebec Laurentians when I was younger. (OK, I'll sneak a bag!) To see more of my Halloween posts over the years, click here.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!!

Thanksgiving Dinner

 

Today is Canadian Thanksgiving so we hosted a small family dinner last night. Thanks so my mom's business, MEEZ Cuisine and Catering, we enjoyed a delicious gourmet pre-cooked feast. All we had to do was 'heat and serve' courtesy of our pal, Chef Judy Wood, and her outstanding team at MEEZ.

I contributed a few snacks to nibble on before the meal. That's about the extent of my culinary talent.

I added a few of Purdy's foil chocolate leaves and a couple of their milk chocolate turkeys to the table for fun. Andrew selected some lovely autumnal flowers for the occasion.

For the grand finale, two heavenly desserts; a pumpkin praline tart and lemon curd tart from my favorite bakery, Brulee Patisserie. Many thanks, Jen!

 

~Wishing you all a very happy Thanksgiving!~