Keeping Traditions

Traditions are what I live for during the holidays. I get nostalgic and giddy just thinking about them. My family has been doing some of the same things since I was little and then there's some that were added in once my sister and I were older. I love the idea of keeping traditions going strong but I also love creating new ones. My boyfriend and I will be celebrating our second Christmas together in our place and I'm so excited to keep the traditions going. Some of the things I'm looking forward to most:

- My mom and I blasting the holiday tunes, dragging the boxes and boxes of ornaments from the basement, and spending a day decorating the tree.
- A night of cocktails and building the best gingerbread house ever!
- Champagne, ice cold shrimp, blueberry teas and gathering around the fireplace on Christmas Eve.
- My dad always leaves his shopping and wrapping to the very last second so I spend Christmas Eve being his little elf wrapping all the gifts (even the ones from "Santa").
- Waking up super early on Christmas day and running downstairs to check out the loot before anyone else is awake.
- Toasting mimosas, warm cinnamon bread, and listening to classic Christmas carols while my family opens our stockings.
- Opening gifts one at a time, we're a family that takes our time opening gifts and it's all about the giving and seeing each reaction.
- Once the family time is done it's time to head on over to my BFF's to visit her family and see all her loot. Then we go back to my parent's place so she can visit my family.
- Endless hours of cuddling with dogs in front of the fireplace.
- An extended Christmas for my b/f and I to open each other's gifts and stockings.

Have a wonderful holiday!

{Photos © Laura Clarke Photography - shot with my Canon G9}  

Welcome Back Fall

Today was one of those days that you could sense fall. Yes, it had to do with the cold and high winds but there was that crisp freshness in the air that comes with fall. I have a full on love affair with fall, it is by far my most favorite season and without fail, it always brings a smile to my face.

I love the colours on the trees and how they contrast against the bright blue skies. How everywhere you look it seems like you're in a painting by Tom Thomson. The warm coziness that a cup of tea can bring to a cool day. That crunch under your feet when you walk through the leaves. Or that excited feeling of celebrations to come. I love turning the air conditioner off. Not melting when you step outside. And then of course, I love the layers of comfy sweaters, beautiful coats and tall leather boots.

Ahhh fall, welcome back!


{Photos © Laura Clarke Photography - shot with my Canon G9} 

On Being Brave

“If you are brave enough to leave behind everything familiar and comforting - which can be anything from your house to your bitter old resentments - and set out on a truth-seeking journey - either externally or internally - and if you are truly willing to regard everything that happens to you on that journey as a clue, and if you accept everyone you meet along the way as a teacher, and if you are prepared – most of all – to face, and forgive, some very difficult realities about yourself….then truth will not be withheld from you. Or so I’ve come to believe.”

- Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat Pray Love.

{Photo © Laura Clarke Photography - shot with my Canon G9} 

Summer in Brighton

I spent this past weekend in Brighton, ON swimming, kayaking, canoeing and relaxing. It was great to spend an entire weekend outside and completely unplugged (no internet or cell phone for me).

A beautiful silver tray at an antique shop

 An endless beach

The mother of all soft serve ice cream cones!

 Feeding a family of swans

Calm waters while canoeing

{Photo © Laura Clarke Photography - shot with my Canon G9}  

My Sister Gets Married!

Last weekend was my big sister's wedding. The day was amazing and filled with memorable details and touches that brought it all together.

My sister had four bridesmaids and we each wore a different styled dress but in the same fabric and colour; dark gray. The dresses were great and so nice that we could each pick one that was our own - mine had pockets in it!  To add some pop we all wore sapphire blue shoes that matched the electric blue orchids in our bouquets.

My sister wore a fitted, silk, ivory dress from McCaffery's in Ottawa. It had Swarovski crystal detailing with a modest train that wasn't too poofy or overbearing. It fit her perfectly! It was the perfect dress for her personality and she looked stunning in it.

We traveled to the ceremony in style on a boat! We all wore sailor hats, aviators, some funny water wings and my sister and her husband both rocked the captain hats. The beach ball didn't last long and we had a few mishaps with timing, bridges and melting in the heat but everything came together in the end; lots of champagne helped too!

My beautiful parents - celebrated their 40th year of marriage this year!

At the venue blue orchids, candles, and mirrors added beautiful colour to each table. The food was incredible as well. In addition to the most delicious cupcakes, we also had chocolate mousse cakes. YUM! At midnight the usual midnight snack bar was brought out - a build your own poutine buffet!!! Amazing!

All in all, it was a great day and I was happy to rest my feet at the end of the night early morning. I was one proud sister and was so happy to be a part of such a special day.

{Photos © Laura Clarke Photography - shot with my Canon G9. Some photos also from my Aunt}

Oh Bella

I was writing away the other day working on my maid of honor speech. I was having a serious case of writers block unsure of what tone to take - Do I make it funny? Sappy? Sweet? Or how do I combine it all and keep everyone's interest - when Miss Bella came up on the couch where I was writing and laid down with her head in my lap. She gave me the sweetest look and I gave her some kisses and cuddles.

It's amazing how a dog cuddle can make you feel so loved and happy and that everything will work out.

{Photo © Laura Clarke Photography - shot with my Canon G9}