in pictures

{Valley Girl of the Annapolis variety}

This weekend was full of fresh blueberries and fresh babies. I took pictures of the blueberries, but I was too busy ogling to take even one snapshot of either the two beautiful baby girls I snuggled on Friday and Saturday. Speaking of babies, with the amount of corn and blueberries Violet consumed in the last two days I am truly grateful we are out of the diaper phase!

Because it is literally too humid to type (my old computer is heating up my lap and making me sweat in an unladylike fashion), I will share some of my favourite pictures from this weekend with you.

xo

em

warm summer nights

{any excuse to have a picnic}

I am still in denial that my vacation is over so in an attempt to feel "vacation-esque" we decided to dine al fresco this evening. Okay it was just an ordinary picnic, but al fresco sounds so continental I couldn't resist! We dined at a local playground, which is not very continental at all, but Violet had fun running through the sprinkler while Jeff and I hung out in the shade.

I picked up a new picnic blanket while I was in PEI. My mum, Violet and I stopped by a yard sale in an old log cabin on our way to the ferry -- it cost a whopping five dollars! Just another reason I love that little island.

The breeze was refreshing, supper tasted better because we ate outside and Violet went to sleep so easily because she had skipped, galloped and run out all her giggles at the playground. If I must work (gosh I wish I was a member of the aristocracy), then this is not a bad way to pretend like I am on an extended holiday. There really are a lot of hours after work, I just never know where they go!

xo

Em

{so easily pumped about almost anything: awesome}

{mixed prints}

{pretty cute for five bucks, huh?}

{dinner conversation -- don't mind the quinoa!}

holidays

{excited, but a little nervous at the movies}

I am on vacation!

As I sit and write this it is the middle of the day and a cool breeze is blowing in our living room window. Sweet Violet is sound asleep on the couch beside me. We brought Jeff a picnic lunch and checked out the tall ships. Holy crowds. The ships are breathtaking; Violet was particularly taken with the Halifax-Dartmouth ferry ;) In her defence it did have festive flags festooning its upper-deck. In a matter of hours we will be off to PEI for a week. A whole week. I haven't had a summer vacation in years! I am very excited. I have my fingers crossed for sun, sun and more sun.

The great thing about PEI beaches is how warm the water is. If you are a member of the Harris clan, another great thing is that you get to go home to a fabulous meal prepared by Nanny and Pop -- they live in PEI and they never go to the beach. I don't get it! But, I will eat that lobster roll ;)

Given the number of emoticons in this post, can you tell I am just a little excited.

Cute Violet story before I leave you for a whole week. (Whatever will you do ;) She and I went to see the new Madagascar movie last night. It was our first time at the theatre together. Jeff has taken Violet to a few matinees, but this was her first evening show. She liked it, but assured me she wouldn't watch the scary parts again. (There were no scary parts.)

On our way out of the movie Violet saw a Spiderman poster and said, "there is Spiderman." I have no idea how she knows who Spiderman is. Does that make me a bad mum!? Anyway, there was a huge line up of teenagers waiting to see the new Batman movie, as we were walking past them Violet said, "look mum, "Black-man". I was obviously mortified. Thankfully she was pointing at the Batman poster. Then she looked and me and said, "I love Black-man." Oh Violet.

I explained to her that the superhero is called Batman, but she refused to believe me. "No mum, it is Black-man, just like, you know, Purple-Girl. I love Black-man and Purple-Girl".

Whatever floats your boat Vi.

Have a great week. Hopefully when I check in again I will be a much browner version of myself.

xo

Em

go jump in a lake

{this is hard to beat}

When I left work on Friday I thought I was heading into a weekend of thunderstorms and drizzle. Not so, apparently. I'm definitely not complaining! Today was a perfect day to head inland and swim in a lake. My friend recently described herself as an "ocean person" and I tend to categorize myself the same way. Given the choice, I would much rather head to one of our gorgeous local beaches than visit a little old lake. (It isn't fair comparing lakes to the Atlantic ocean is it? It is like comparing a really nice backyard garden to a national park or something.)

There are some notable exceptions to my general "ocean trumps lakes" rule. If the forecasted temperature for the day is in the low-to mid-twenties a lake beats the ocean every time. It is always at least three or four (some times ten) degrees colder by the ocean, which can make for pretty nippy beach time! I have sat on beaches huddled together with my family enough times to know better.

Grand Lake, in Oakfield provincial park, is one of our favourite places to visit in the summer. We have been going since Violet was a baby. There is a huge grassy hill where kids can play and parents can serve sand free lunches (major bonus for borderline OCD mums everywhere). Here are a couple of my favourite pictures from our visit. Way better than sitting on a beach in a hoodie!

xo

Em

{checking out the scene}

{verdict: the scene is awesome}

{this is my man repellant bathing suit**}

{bubbles in the grass}

{brave girl, there is a lot less to be scared of in a lake}

** I am not being self deprecating. Apparently "man repelling" is a when you dress for yourself/ because you think something is stylish as opposed to dressing for a man. This bathing suit is not one of Jeff's favourites. I have a few other items in my closet that I really like, but that always get the thumbs down from my sweet husband (a maxi dress that has been described as "too little house on the Prairie", for instance). Who is up for a girls night where we all wear our most "man repellant"  outfit? What a stylish group we would be!

Check out more on man repelling here: http://www.refinery29.com/the-man-repeller

summertime and the living is easy

It finally feels like summer! It finally is summer! We celebrated by heading down to the waterfront after supper. We are lucky to have Jeff's mum visiting us this week. Violet is smitten. She told us she, "needs this time to really get to know her out-of-town nanny". Those were her words I swear!

It is funny how we only do "Hali-famous" things when we have visitors. Are you the same way? I can't remember the last time I went to Peggy's Cove and it has been years since I've had a Keiths. It is kind of funny how we show our visitors parts of the city that we rarely frequent as locals.

For the first time in ages we had Cows ice cream. It isn't as good as Dee Dees (sorry Island roots, it is true), but we got to watch tanned people in sailboats which you definitely don't see on Bauer St!

Here's to a perfect start to another great summer. May this be a summer of Graceland listening, twizzler eating, soccer ball kicking, early morning running, salt stained toe dancing, and ocean wave splashing. Sounds like heaven to me.

xo

{silly faces are best}

{Canada's Ocean Playground}

{the Ponds}

{post ice cream bliss}

{post ice cream sillies} 

PEE-oh-nee

{the prettiest of the flowers}

If I was to get married again (to the same man, obviously) I think I would plan my wedding around peony season. I can't think of a prettier flower. They are sweet without being precious, exotic without being weird, and delicate without being wimpy. I would like to be described in that way come to think of it! I was devastated to learn that it would be impossible to have them at our late summer nuptials last year.

For the past few summers my mother and I have waited with bated breath for the week when peonies arrive at the market. We have a supplier -- we bring extra cash -- a deal is made -- a centrepiece is born. If we are lucky our peony man will have his wares for three weeks. He warned us that if it gets too warm this will be it -- peonies for one of fifty two weeks. I guess they are pretty particular about their living conditions. When you are as awesome as a peony you can be demanding.

I've been enjoying our bouquet since Saturday and judging by the cool temperatures so far I think we will be in luck for another week of floral bliss.

Quick question: do you say PEE-oh-nee or pe-OH-nee.

I am a PEE-oh-nee girl myself.

Yup I am...

Hard hitting journalism on the old blog tonight. I'm never afraid to ask the tough questions.

I see a Pulitzer in my future if I keep this up...

xo

Em

date night

{we get to go out, we get to go out}

{picture for the jacket of his first novel?}

Why don't we do this more often?

My parents love having Violet. Violet loves staying with my parents.

Are we crazy? We should definitely do this more often...

My parents invited Violet for a sleepover last night and that meant Jeff and I got to hit the town. By hit the town of course I mean check out our favourite antique store, putter around Chapters and grab burgers at the Brooklyn Warehouse. If you haven't already done so, get yourself down to that restaurant. They get their beef from the farmer's market so you don't have to worry about eating stomach turning pink slime. If I am endorsing the eating of meat, you know it has to be good!

Date nights are the best for remembering: I do look better with more make-up (even though I tell Violet make-up doesn't make you pretty, it makes you sparkle -- I am clearly bending the truth); I do still get butterflies when I see Jeff (especially on date night); and I am so grateful to live in the same city as my parents (in whose care Violet is safer and happier than in our own!).

I read somewhere about a couple who plan to meet each other at a restaurant whenever they go on a date. The idea is that if you get ready separately it reminds you of when you are dating and builds the excitement. Isn't that a good idea idea (although it poses some logistical challenges)? Maybe next time we'll give that a try (hey Jeff -- I call shotgun on our only vehicle!).

xo

Em

food, flowers and that face

How was your weekend?

Too short?

Me too.

We managed to have lots of fun even though the weather did not cooperate at all. I know I've been talking about it a lot lately, but seriously what is with this weather? When I lived in Calgary I totally romanticized East Coast weather. I thought the rain was refreshing, the fog romantic and the mist revitalizing. I longed for those quintessential Halifax nights where the fog hovers just above the harbour. I missed how healthy my skin felt and how moisturizing was optional, not mandatory for keeping your skin on. Now that I am back I remember: towels don't dry between showers, the distinct smell of mildew is omnipresent this time of year, and that humidity is good for skin, but really bad for hair. (I actually never forgot how bad this climate is for hair, I just blocked it out of my mind.)

There are, however, things to do in the rain and this weekend they included: ogling brand new babies, baking, running outside when the rain subsided to shake the giggles out of the wee one, and planting a few more flowers (and then feeling smug about how hardcore a gardener I've become even though all I did is put geraniums in a planter. But it was raining really hard and I didn't even wear gloves which is something). 

I hope you managed to keep dry this weekend. Fingers cross for a Vitamin D enriched week!

xo

Em

{just another hipster at the market}

{now that is a cute face}

{pink, pink and red -- guess who choose these?}

{nothing says new baby like a caramelized garlic tart}

{I am so happy to have my slippers back, thanks Alex!}

{a rhodo, a Violet and a mama}

{I just can't get enough of this face!}

{chasing bubbles = burning energy = good sleep? fingers crossed!}

best news ever

{cheers to being Haligonians}

Guess what? Jeff got a job in Halifax! YAY!

I am so happy we get to stay here in this house, neighbourhood and city that we love so so much. I am so happy we don't have to leave our family or our friends who are so important to us.

Halifax, you came through for us. We'll make it up to you, I promise.

What a great start to the weekend. I have literally been squealing with delight.

Now you'll have to excuse me, I think a celebratory drink is in order.

xo

Em

Easter Round-up

Why does a three-day weekend feel like such a treat? I think it is the long-weekend state of mind; everyone feels like they can really relax. And relax we did. Despite the less than desirable weather we managed to have a fun weekend that included lots of family, food, and a few glasses of wine.

Here are a few pictures that capture some of the fun things we got up to this weekend:

{egg dying with Violet}

{neighbourhood egg hunt on Good Friday}

{Ellen's morning glory muffins, recipe via Ms. Anna Kennie}

{a nice long walk through Hemlock Ravine with Nana & Papa}

{somebody gave Violet sorbet at the market...*cough*...Nana!!!}

{someone can't wait to show daddy her loot (and her tonsils...sorry)}

{handmade Easter "basket" purchased at the East Coast Mama fair}

{Jeff and I hosted Easter with dinner, sadly I forgot to take pictures of our beautiful lamb}

{last minute addition to Easter dinner, macarons & cheese cake didn't seem very fun for a three year old: enter sprinkles!}

{dancing to Hyden in honour of Auntie Lou}

The highlight of the weekend was dinner, hosted by the Ponds, with four generations of Harrises. Heaven help my poor Nanny, Mother and Jeff - we Harrises can be quite a handful, or so I am told.

What did you do this weekend?

xo

Em

To Halifax with Love

{we love you Halifax}

I am feeling a little melancholic, a mood that does not suit the weather. You see, my sweet husband and I would really love to live and work in our fair city, Halifax. I guess technically we do both of those things, but despite valiant effort (not an exaggeration I assure you), neither of us have permanent positions in the fields of our choosing.

Come on Halifax, we are young, educated and we actually want to stay here. What gives? You think you can do better? Not to toot our horn but we are the type of people you want here. We are energetic, creative, compassionate, and we want to make this city a better place to live and raise kids. Seriously, we do.

I guess you could say we are feeling a little rejected. Why not us Halifax? Is it something we said or did?

Like any spurned lover or bestower of unrequited love we are starting to feel a little bitter.

You know what happens next Halifax? Have you ever seen a romantic comedy?

We are going to come to the realization that we are worthy, that we do have something to offer and we are going to move on – literally and figuratively.

If I was my own best friend I would suggest that I, 1) go get a pedicure 2) have a glass of wine (or three) and 3) get over it. And by it I mean you Halifax.

There is only so much a girl, or in this case a couple, can take.

Consider yourself duly warned Halifax. I have had it up to here (opps…quick change from spurned lover voice to mum voice…awkward…)

Grrrr

Em