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How many thrillers, fillers and spillers does it take to craft the perfect planter? We put this horticultural humdinger to the test when we were invited by ECM Media and President’s Choice to attend a gardening workshop at our local Atlantic Superstore.  It was the perfect sunny evening to roll up our sleeves, pull on our gloves and get our hands dirty at the President’s Choice Garden Centre. While we were excited to dig into our own DIY projects, perhaps our favourite part of the evening was hearing from Judy of Forest Glen Greenhouses Ltd.. Just as we love to know the farmers and growers who provide us with our food, it was lovely to hear that President’s Choice works with a local nursery to stock their garden centres full of beautiful blooms. Judy was a bounty of information and after giving us a few tips, we were put to work to make our own living creation.  First things first. The centre of our planters feature one thriller (insert Michael Jackson dance moves here). A thriller is a plant that makes a statement and catches the eye. It usually stands tall and upright. Next up were three fillers. Geraniums, begonias and herbs are all excellent fillers. Lastly, we completed our planters with two spillers. These cascade beautifully over the edges and anchor the pot. When choosing your selections, just keep in mind where you’ll be displaying your planter. Full sun, partial shade or a completely shaded area will require corresponding blooms.   We had such a great evening at the President’s Choice garden workshop, and while we’re not claiming green thumbs just yet, we feel a little more confident going into this year’s gardening season.  15% Off Site Wide at ILY Couture with code FAMILY15. Ends 7/1/18. **This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on our links.
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***This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on our links. This past weekend we celebrated our first Mother’s Day. To mark the occasion, our family gathered at Lindsay’s house for an oh-so-scrumptious afternoon tea! With the Royal Wedding just days away, it also seemed like the perfect opportunity to raise our pinkies and break into some blueberry scones. Whether you’ll be planning an early morning viewing party, or are just looking for fun ideas when you gather with your girls, check out a few features from our Mother’s Day afternoon tea. Everything on the table We love that everything devoured during a afternoon tea is on the table all at once. While it is common to start with scones, then sandwiches, and then finish with dessert, there are no hard and fast rules as to the order of consumption. Dessert first? Why not! Top everything off with a scone? Go for it! Some rules were meant to be broken.  Pick your tea From herbal blends to an organic green, the options are endless. Our guests were provided with a tray of tea selections before sitting down to dine. It’s a fun way to kick off the occasion and also allows your guests to try a brew they’ve never had before. Twists on tradition Our afternoon tea broke away from the cucumber sandwich mold as guests enjoyed three different small bites (and only one was an actual sandwich). Following hearty scones, you may want to cut back on the bread intake and think outside the sandwich box. Tartlets, open faced nibbles, and cucumber as a base are all delectable ways to switch out the bread ( we promise your guests won’t even miss it!).  Our menu Blueberry-lemon scones Clotted cream Red fruit jam Marinated grilled steak sandwiches with a garlic oil mayo on fresh croissants Cucumber, smoked salmon and dill bites Chicken, asparagus, tomato and spinach puff pastry tarts Brownies Ice cream (we couldn’t resist adding HALO TOP ice cream to the menu!) Besides coffee with a side of coffee, what will you be munching when you watch Meghan and Harry tie the royal knot?   Photo Credit: Welcome Arms Photography. There ain’t no hood like motherhood! As we approach our very first Mother’s Day and almost a year with our little ones, we’re feeling über nostalgic about all of the special moments we’ve experienced in such a short amount of time. We recently had a chat about motherhood and thought we’d share some of our thoughts with you!
What did you wish you knew while you were pregnant? Jacqueline: I wish there was a way to fully understand the love I was about to feel. I felt very connected to my baby when I was pregnant, but it doesn’t come close to the feelings I have for him now that he is here. There truly is nothing better! What has surprised you most about motherhood? Lindsay: How little sleep I actually need to function from day-to-day! Before Georgia arrived on the scene, if I was tired, then that was that: I would stop, drop, and snooze. But as a momma, a random nap, sleep-in, or lazy day just aren’t in the cards anymore, and I’m amazed by the energy I somehow muster after a sleepless night just by looking at her adorable face. What’s the most challenging part of motherhood? Jacqueline: For me, the most challenging part of motherhood has been making a decision that I feel is best for my child when others may disagree. There are lots of opinions out there about how to raise a child. From sleep training, to baby-led weaning, everyone has an opinion. The most challenging part is to do what I feel is right for my baby and then stick to it. I’ve had to learn that it is OK if people disagree with me or even judge me. What’s the best part of motherhood? Lindsay: This sounds cheesy, but I’ve really loved every aspect of motherhood. If I had to focus on one aspect however, I guess it would be the amazing bond I already feel with my little girl. Every day I fall more and more in love with her. I love the pride I feel in saying the word “daughter” or “my child” and it melts my heart when she reaches out to me and wants to cuddle just a little longer. What’s your best advice for expectant mothers? Jacqueline: If you are pregnant or a first-time mom, you may have fear of the unknown. Everything about motherhood was new to me. And when I was pregnant, I would worry if I was equipped to handle the challenges that were about to come. The best advice I could give is to trust your maternal instincts. You have the tools to be able to take care of your children, even if you’re not aware of them now. We just need to trust ourselves. When your child is born, every day is a learning experience. You will figure out what works for you. Do not worry! What are you most looking forward to? Lindsay: It’s been amazing to see Georgia blossom into this little girl with so much personality and spunk. She has a million face expressions and I can’t wait for her to add words and sentences to those raised eyebrows or cheeky grin. When she said “ma” for the first time, I may have teared up a little bit (or a lot), so who knows what emotions will come when she starts having a firm grasp of the English language. Happy Mother’s Day!  We love guacamole. It's one of those foods that, when done right, just never gets old.
It will come as no surprise that Chef Craig Flinn, of Chives Canadian Bistro, 2 Doors Down, and 2 Doors Down Bar and Bites, makes the best guacamole. Seriously, give us a bowl of his guac, some salty tortilla chips, a spicy marg and we are set! Well, today is your lucky day! Craig is sharing his guacamole recipe with us. Just in time for Cinco de Mayo! Yields 2 cups Ingredients 3 avocados 2 tbsp red onion minced 2 tbsp red pepper minced 1 clove finely pureed garlic Juice of 1 lime Handful chopped cilantro Pinch of cumin Dash of Tabasco to taste Salt and pepper 1 to 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Directions 1. Cut the avocados in half and make a fine crosshatched pattern using a butter knife. 2. Scoop out the flesh into a medium sized bowl. 3. Add all other ingredients. 4. Stir with a fork, not mashing, but just until the pieces break up slightly. (Be sure to leave lots of little chucks of avocado in the mix.) Serve alongside your favourite tacos or enjoy with tortilla chips and crudités. For more great recipes and food pics, follow Craig on instagram: @chefcraigflinn What's your go-to snack food? |
AuthorJacqueline and Lindsay are sisters and new moms living on the East Coast of Canada. |
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