forty-sixth at grace

2012-01-13T10:24:00.000-05:00

a new home, an update and a birthday giveaway!

2011-12-16T02:11:00.002-05:00

hello friends, happy holidays!

i've got LOTS of news to share, LOTS.

first things first though, i've MOVED.

after many wonderful years here

forty-sixth at grace has a new home. eeep!

and i couldn't be happier with the way it turned out!

a BIG THANKS to fritz, jeremy and mathew at OMFG

for my beautiful new blog.

please update your feeds and links and things and join me over there.

and thank you

for visiting me here.

it's a time and place i'll always hold dear.

and it just wouldn't

have been the same without you.

xo, nikole

ps: HG turned three + we're updating the shop today!

a little on my lately

2011-10-21T08:28:00.019-04:00

hello!

just stopping in to say a quick hi,

how are things?

i've been traveling a little lately
not far from home
but just far enough somehow.

it's been the kind
that opens your eyes.
the kind that reminds you
to sit up and to take notice.

the kind that says,
hey look, look how beautiful life can be.
look how wonderful a meal can be.
look how amazing
someplace new can be.

we put our cameras away to eat (most times)

and we turned off our phones.

we spent hours enjoying the spectacle
of just how perfect, a meal can be.

we walked across a bridge

we stood in the rain

and we ate at neighborhood kind of places.

it was amazing,

amazing in a way that is difficult to explain.

amazing in a way that weeks later, still lingers.

we left new york on a sunday

spent monday in toronto

then set off for the maritimes the very next day.

we saw towns with
nearly no people,
we ate chowder from old worn bowls.
we broke biscuits,
and had butter local to there.

we saw foxes
and lobsters
and one very large moose.

we saw an ocean, many rivers
and lakes by the sea.

it was, i'll say
the kind of travel that opens your eyes.

the kind that makes you love the city
and the countryside
near equally the same.
the kind that fills your sails
with all the possibility out there,
all the good.

happy trails friends,

i hope things are swell.

xo, n.

___

HG NEWS

we're updating next week, join the list!
and a wee video for anthology magazine by thayer allyson gowdy
+ we're in martha stewart weddings this month

____

the first few photos were taken here
and the fourth, here

this bag

this apron
recently read
this review and the accompanying slide show
the illustrations from melinda's new book

salt and pepper boats

paper cups

the dream kitchen (via)

glasses

this dustpan
the maltby street market
i wish this were mine

photos: michael graydon

ps: look at the little girl's eyes in the door of the bottom photo, adorable!

on apple pie and the feeling of fall

2011-09-29T14:01:00.014-04:00

hello,

happy fall.

\\\\\

it seems crazy to me

that it's arrived so soon.

as though i blinked

and that season we call summer,
vanished out the back door.

i've got plans for autumn though.

big. grand. plans.

i'm going to pick the apples and brew tea
and i'm going to make pie.

and you know what,
there's something innately
satisfying in that.
something innately satisfying
in the pleasures of the season upon us.

there's something to rolling pastry

and peeling apples.

something about butter and

nutmeg and cinnamon and spice.
something about perfecting an old fashioned crust.

for me pie is a rustic affair.
something like a weekend cake,
country in its style and easy in its making.
and to me, a good pie is meant to be shared
and so, a good pie is fit to travel.

\\\

wishing you the happiest of seasons.

xo, n.

HG NEWS

we're in the latest issues of
whole living
and canadian family magazines, hip hip!

+
our ongoing items are back in stock:
rustic porcelain pedestals
fine and regular rolling pins
cloud cookie cutters
porcelain bowls
and a few more things here.

we're updating again mid-october

join the list

and because it's what i do:

photos: michael graydon

food + props: me

a tutorial: ice cream clouds!

2011-08-22T13:35:00.020-04:00

hi there,
happy monday.

i'm just popping in to say a quick hello,

and to share a recipe download

for what i think

is just about a perfect

midday summertime snack!

illustrated by the lovely melinda josie
and from us to you
ice cream clouds!
click on the recipe below to download

hope your week is swell.
xo, n.

ps:
if you like add a pinch of salt to the recipe,
i forgot that bit!

pps:
i'm in the september issue of food & wine magazine!
find it on newsstands now or online here.
i teamed up with my friends and super talented folks
john cullen and martine blackhurst for this one, such fun.

ppps:
if you don't have a cloud cutter any shape will do
but if you'd like one, you can find them here

____

pleated string lights

the colour of this dress

____

a little on my lately

2011-08-12T11:24:00.012-04:00

___

hi friends

how are things?

all is swell here,

i've been embracing

the beauty that is
the last month of summer.

and at the same time,
i've been feeling that familiar tug of fall.

i've been steaming fish

and peeling prawns.

i've been paddling boats
and wearing bare feet.
i've been dreaming

of west coast stars

and trips by car.
of campfire nights
and seaside days.

things are good.
we're taking a road trip next week
and i've got a feeling it's going
to be great.

until next time.
happy friday y'all
hope your weekend is great.
xo, n

these earrings
this necklace (via)

this blog

these photographs

the top photo in this post (+ this blog) (via)

these blankets

these wooden trivets (via)

this picnic set

this photograph

this book

these cable knit shorts

this site

this pool

these pillows

and i'm looking forward to this shop

_______

IN HG NEWS

we're planning a small update for early next week
our rustic porcelain pedestals will be back in stock soon
we've got new tea towel and napkin designs in the works
find our ongoing items here
and finally, join our list here

on moments

2011-07-25T12:39:00.009-04:00

hello!

happy midsummer

this past weekend i spent

away from the sea.

smack in the middle
of our ontario summer.

i had one of those weekends
where summer feels
almost like a dream
as though it's here now

but could be gone tomorrow.

the kind of weekend where
you come to appreciate moments
for what they really are,
fleeting and precious and so very grand.

i'm sure you know the kind i mean.

those filled with good friends

and good food.
the kind where memories
are easily built.

and moments

easily remembered.

the kind when
you eat ice cream from cones

and corn from cobs.

when you drink beer from mugs

and listen to music
from the grass.

the kind when
all the small moments
piled together
really come to matter.

and you know what
it reminded me

that life is, in large part,

just a collection of moments.

a collection of moments

that lead to a collection of events

that then lead to the stories
that make up our lives.
and while that's a simple thought
i still think it's pretty grand.

the photos you see here
are from a weekend just like that.
one that has passed now

but where we sat by the sea.

where we drank tequila

and rowed boats.

where we ate great food

and had a good lot of laughs.

and where most of all

we had those kinda of moments

that turn so easily to memories.

the kind that i

and i think it fair to say, we all

come to cherish.

that's all for today friends.

BIG THANKS for all your NYC recommendations, keep 'em coming!

xo, n

this photo (via)

the prettiest catch
this is awesome (via)

this kitten

this window

i love grocery stores

this place looks cute

this sign
this video is pretty fun

this blueberry photo

one - nikole herriott (that's me!)

two thru four - michael graydon

and number five - marguerite herriott

kinfolk magazine and new york city!

2011-07-18T12:17:00.012-04:00

hi friends!
how are things?

all is great here
~~it's lovely and warm~~
it's crazy hot!
but it's a welcome change
compared to the chilly,
but near perfect nights
we spent on the west coast.

i've got lots to share from that too
but today i wanted to chat
with you a little about
a project i got to working
on before we left.

it's a collaboration with
tara of seven spoons fame
for the new and super great
kinfolk magazine!
we chat about it a little more below
but before we do on an unrelated note,
i need your help!

i'm off to new york later this summer!
(a surprise trip i only learned of this morning, eeep!)
our hotel and flight are booked
but i have questions for you.

where to eat? what to eat?
where to go?

i'd love suggestions for
restaurants, cafes, coffee shops,
delis, diners, and food trucks.
for bakeries, pastry shops
and grocery stores
for butchers, fish mongers
and places to get lost.
can you help?

___

A few words from Tara and me.

The magazine is all about the magic of the small gathering;
the coming together of those we cherish the most
in celebrations big and little,
or in the passing of simple hours in their company,
and the everyday moments that charm.
It was an idea close to our hearts and right up our alley,
and we were thrilled at the opportunity to be a part of it.

In an added bonus,
it gave us the perfect excuse for a collaboration
we’ve long wanted to do.
We wrote a story about two friends getting together
for breakfast or lunch on a weekday, eaten outside.
We sat on the steps in the sun
and laughed over cookies and bubbles,
messy sandwiches and berries,
and it was all pretty grand.
We hope you like it, we’re happy to share it with you.

Nathan brought together a stellar group for the project.
The magazine is both a print and online endeavour;
while the paper edition’s already sold out (!!)
fingers are crossed for a second run,
and here’s to enjoying the beauty of its pages on their site.
So thanks to everyone for their hard work,
we’re beaming to be a part of such a community.
Here’s to days like these and the many issues to come.

Kinfolk Magazine, issue one. Hip, hip.

xo, n

::::::::::::

snow cones

ice cream cones

drying fish
cauliflowers and cabbages

a good read

excited about this
cargo
fish

and for me
there's just something
about sweets:

one
two
three
four

photos from the farm and an HG update!

2011-07-01T18:06:00.003-04:00

a quick hello
some photos from the farm
and a note that we've updated over at HG
happy weekend, friends
hope it's swell!

xo, n

photos:

one & three: michael graydon

the rest: me

and a pretty wall

on early summer and sweets at breakfast

2011-06-23T15:19:00.017-04:00

well hello

happy summer!

::::::::::::::

i like sweets for breakfast

more than at any other meal in fact.

it's a habit i picked up

in my apprenticeship days.

an assigned task

that led to a lasting affection.

back then
when we were finished

baking the breakfast pastries

and set to start on afternoon tea

we'd stop for morning coffee.

i was the newest on the team then

and it was my job to sort our break.

it was easy to remember,
it was always the same.

day after day, morning after morning
chocolate and butter sandwiches

and small cups of coffee.

i'd take warm white buns

straight from the rack,
the kind with little hats on top.

i'd rip them horizontally

and place a thick slice

of cold unsalted butter inside

atop that, two chocolate batons.

and i'll tell you what,

it was delicious

ALL CAPS DELICIOUS EVEN.

we'd stand to eat them

rushed by the clock ticking,

eager to get on with our day.

it's a memory akin to
the one i talk about here.

it was a little bit of perfection for my then, twenty year old self.

with that though, let's get back to today.

i like early summer almost as much as i like sweets at breakfast.
i like the start to the season.

i'm particularly taken with
the colours of roses
and the round heavy of peonies.

i like other people's gardens
their pretty scents

and their look-at-me beautiful.

i'm fascinated with how
trees turn from willowy silhouettes,
to tall kind of, minarets of green.

i like how grass,
that seemingly days before
wasn't there
now stands
near four feet tall.

i like that along the train tracks

beside the place where i sometimes live

there's a strip of wild like that.
apparently one day bare

then the next all sorts of green.

there's a perfect spot for my table there

alongside a white bush that blooms.

and you know what
there's a special kind of beauty
in watching the

city wake up from that place.

sheltered in that little spot of green

right in the centre and untended of it all,

yet right in the middle of the city.

there's magic in that

magic in eating sweets for breakfast there.

magic in the company

i keep there.

toodles friends.
xo, n

photos: michael graydon

props & styling: me

:::::

a story about HG in the latest issue

of anthology magazine

you can purchase a copy here

a new collaboration with my good friend

tara of seven spoons.

find out more here.

eeep!

+
birthday wishes to my sweet and super talented friend celine today!

+
if all goes well, we'll be updating HG on monday.

::::::::::::::

this scarf

brian's italy photos.

the colours in this post

this ice cream sandwich

this necklace (via)

these slip ons

this lion
this green in sorrento

this nan in the making

this swing

this cake stand

:::::::

PS:

curious about the recipe?

i'll be including more recipes here soon

but for now, here's

a quick run down of my process.

the pavlova we ate that morning

was one made with a recipe really

similar to this one.

it had brown sugar plus white

and was topped with a tart grapefruit moussaline.

(that's about 50% curd and 50% whipped cream give or take)

we topped that with early summer fruits

macerated in a tiny bit of homemade raspberry jam,

vanilla bean, water and lemon zest

that we let stand in a covered bottle for just over an hour.

:::

the saturday sandwich - one worth crossing the street for

2011-04-23T12:35:00.013-04:00

happy weekend y'all
happy very near to the start of may.

____

i'm big on sandwiches

super keen on

the flake of a croissant

and the texture of bread.

smitten about proper cheese

and well-grilled meat.

truth be told

i could just about fill
the pages of a book

with the the merits

of the little bready gems.

garden tomatoes

and crisp greens.

and stacks of things

layered just so.

and thus, via special request

my first ever attempt at
a steak and egg.

for me,

it's one last kick at that wintery can.

it's a farewell to cold

and a bright hello to spring.

and for all intents and purposes
it's super easy.

it has a fried egg,
sunny side up

the yellow of yolk oozing still.

it has tarragon and lemon

and good lot of crème fraîche.

it has avocado
and butter and pan-fried bread.

it's got bali pepper (!!) and sel gris,

and perfect pieces of strip loin.

it's the kinda sandwich

you'd cross the street for,

i can all but promise.

talk soon

xox, n

plus,

a tentative plan for the coming week:

a story about juice
a whole lot of cake

and a wee shop update too!

hooray to all of it.

__________

world kitchen in new york
a recent gift. kinda lucky.

pink shorts

new shoes
a pretty ring
a teacup and saucer
a rigger belt
and a tea pot

photos: michael graydon

prop and food styling: me

props from: martine blackhurst

_____

the first four:

a chicken salad sandwich

a spot prawn croissant

yorkshires and beef and little beet greens

a spicy crab brioche

a steak sandwich worth crossing the street for

the process

make the tarragon and lemon crème fraîche, refrigerate

wash and dry the greens, set aside

slice and butter the bread, set aside

season and grill or pan fry the steak

allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes

pan fry both sides of 4 slices of bread that has been buttered on both side

fry two eggs, season with sel gris and bali pepper

slice the steak

mash the avocado with the back of a spoon

get ready to assemble

ingredients

1/4 loaf of country white bread, sliced

unsalted butter, room temperature

1 strip loin steak, seared or grilled

2 eggs, seasoned and fried sunny side up

1/2 a ripe avocado, roughly mashed

a couple handfuls of fresh arugula

a few dollops of tarragon and lemon crème fraîche

a small bit of cloth bound cheddar, shaved*

long bali peppercorns, cracked

fleur de sel

tarragon and lemon crème fraîche

1/4 cup crème fraîche

the juice of half a lemon, strained

2 1/2 teaspoons kozliks triple crunch mustard

1/4 of a small shallot, finely diced

a large handful of fresh tarragon leaves, lightly chopped

a couple pinches bali long peppercorns, freshly cracked

a couple pinches sel gris

wash and dry the tarragon, remove the leaves, discard the stems, chop and set aside

with a mortar and pestle grind a couple long bali peppercorns, set aside
juice and strain half a lemon and chop the shallots
in a small bowl mix the crème fraîche and lemon juice

add the mustard and shallots and mix in the tarragon

season to taste, cover and refrigerate

to assemble

spread the avocado on the bottom slice of each sandwich

arrange the arugula atop the avocado

divide the steak between the two sandwiches

add a couple dollops of the tarragon and lemon crème fraiche

season with fleur de sel and bali pepper

gingerly place the sunny side up egg atop there

shave a liberal portion of cloth bound cheddar on each

place the remaining pieces of bread
squish down a little and that's it, you're all done.
yum!

*i like cloth bound cheddar in this sandwich but any white cheddar will do just fine

on childhood wonder and clouds made from dough.

2011-04-14T15:49:00.016-04:00

hi!

how are things?

it feels like ages since we've chatted

i miss you guys!

i've just a moment

but let's talk a little about wonder
the whimsical childlike sort.

___

i can pinpoint the moment i first felt it, wonder that is.
it was spring and i was four, maybe five.

i remember it like it happened last week.
like the way you remember the first time you had bread
warm from the oven.

i sat crouched on the green grass
in the lower field
to the front of my grandparent's home.
there were two fields there
a top and a bottom
the pitch of both starting north
and bending just slightly
south, edged in fences of worn wood
and divided through the center
with a rickety gate.

there was a barn that sat to the left side
and up on the hill, my grandparent's home.

there was swimming pool behind it
and a deck that wrapped right the way 'round.
there was a garage and a fish pond
and place where an old truck sat.

i wasn't alone there
my cousin sat near to me
with my great grandfather
between us two.
he was a man
i can't explain to you now
i don't know the colour of his hair
or the shade of his eyes.
i don't remember the lilt of his voice
nor the way he walked.
i only remember his hands.
like it were yesterday
i remember those hands.

he was kneeling down beside me
his elbows bent and his hands cupped
filled with small violets
he had plucked
from between shards of green grass.
his fingers cracked,
dry around the edges
worn with age.
but his heart tender i think,
showing us two little girls
those tiny wild flowers.

i can see the stems
the green and fresh that they were.
the watery kind of string that seemed
to fall from their ends.

and i'll tell you,
it was those violets that got me to wonder.
it was the tiny specs of white
that seemed to hover

near the deep dark of their centers.
it was the shape of their petals
how uniformly together
they seemed to be.

it was the fascination
that such pretty little things
were in a field, growing

where the horses came to eat.

it's kinda beautiful, that.

even today

wonder wakes me each morning.

and at night all that thought,
it puts me back to sleep.

for me, wonder is the root of magic

and i think that's pretty great.

that's all for now friends
see you next week.

xox, n

and because it's what i do:

this lace

this hair
this place

this jacket

this drink
to live (via)

this hill

this krenit bowl in black

these bedding shots (via)

this pillow

this talk

this rainbow

this necklace
these ceramic cans

this article

hakone mountaineering

me over on oh joy

and for just a little silly

on the sweetness of simple and chocolate cake.

2011-02-15T10:28:00.011-05:00

hello!
happy tuesday.
happy middle of february.
i'll admit i had a story in mind for you today.
but instead
i think we should just talk cake.

i like the idea of mixing by hand,
of cocoa powder and flour
and of sugar and fat.
of pudding pans and cake tins
and tiny oval molds.

of weighty centres
of dense layers
and of pink buttercream.

of mixing bowls
and spatulas
and vintage wire racks.

of hearty slices

of pewter plates

and of frosting just so.

it's the sweetness of simple
by way of cake
and i like that.

that's all for now, friends.
happy trails and chocolate cake.
xox, n.

..............

from above:

photos: john cullen

props: martine blackhurst & me

..............

for fun:

come on spring i want to
collect shells by the sea.

but since it's winter still

dark greens, deep purples,
and the shapes of trees.

this valentino dress. (via)
these stables.

these black necklaces, all four.

the pretty of evil vending machine.

a boy sweatshirt. and a quote.

.........

and in other news:

my lunch, over on oh joy!

a sweet mention from lisa congdon

in the SF gate, thanks lisa and big congrats.

we're updating HG this week!

we'll write to let you know when,

join the list.

........

a little hello, a desktop calender & our birthday winner!

2011-02-01T15:13:00.008-05:00

hi y'all.

it's been a while. how are things?

all is swell here, two thousand and eleven

is quite the year so far. eeep!

i've got a couple things for you today.

number one:
a desktop calender for february!
(find download directions and various sizes, here)

it's one that shanna & i dreamt up together.

and part of a little something she does each and every month.

she's all peaches that shanna.
a great friend
and such a pleasure to work with.
big thanks, s! your illustrations are beautiful.
i so love those little arrows.

and number two:
we've got a winner to announce!

thanks to everyone who entered our HG birthday giveaway.
we read each and every one of your lovely comments

and then at random chose one lucky winner,

and it's keiko from the beautiful nordljus.

yay, keiko!

that's all for now friends,
i've got a story or two to tell,
i'll be back with them soon.

until then, happy trails.
xox, n.

|||

and just because:

a bed beside a window.

a striped three quarter tee.

a spring boyfriend shirt.

a whale tea towel.

a pool i could get used to.

|||

find directions and various sizes of our desktop calender here

and we're TWO! (+ a wee birthday giveaway)

2011-01-11T17:31:00.015-05:00

hi there,
happy tuesday!

````````

i made a cake yesterday.
i whisked eggs,
i cooked sugar
and i greased pretty old pans.

i made custard
and i cooled it on the machine.
a habit i picked up years ago now,
but still use just the same.

i like the texture it brings
the smooth and velvety
that yolks and milk and sugar
when cooked together
and cooled in motion, make.

i cut layers from bouncy sponge
i filled them with the smooth of custard
and the fresh of raspberries.
pretty yellow speckled
with black and dotted with red.

i placed one layer atop the next
and i stacked them until
every bit of six were filled.

i made buttercream
i piped swirls,
i lit the wicks of two tiny candles and i did it all because
back on a windy day in november,

herriott grace turned two.

and we're so pleased about that.
and so from both my father and i,
and from the very bottom
of our hearts, thank you.
thank you for being here with us,
for supporting us,
and for understanding what it is we do.
we feel lucky and grateful
and pretty darn happy about it.

and so from us to you,
leave a comment on this post
before january 18th
and we'll send a package
to one of you that includes:

a cloud cookie cutter,

a feather kitchen linen,

the cake plate in this photo,

a bottle of HG spoon salve,

+ a pack of beeswax birthday candles.

big thanks.

xox, n.

and my photo, michael graydon.

````````

just because:

pink milk

the crockery cupboard, kinda dreamy.

pretty light:
untitled (clams!)

pretty dresses:

three

`````````

ps: we're updating HG again really soon, join the list.

````````

a new year's hello.

2011-01-04T10:46:00.012-05:00

hello!

happy new year. happy 2011.

how are things?

things are swell with me,

my holidays were filled with

little bits of magic
rolled together into days.

i saw pastel skies
and winter roads.
i saw twinkly lights
and heavy snow.

i saw the oceans
and skies
and mountains with trees.

i saw savannah

and charleston

and victoria, bc.

i saw sunshine

and shadows

and beaches with shells.

i saw family and friends

and i shared meals
that matter.

i saw antique shops

and corner shops

and quaint little inns.

i saw celebration

and happy

and all kinds of fun.

it was, by all accounts
a brilliant end to a brilliant year.
i hope yours was much the same.

wishing you happy trails, delicious coffee,
and delightful sweets.
and of course a very happy 2011.
xox, n.

\\\\\\\\\

plus a few things i like:

decade.
this bag in natural or tan

this vest.

these boots.

a cosmic wonder change purse in cream. melt.

this fur vest.

this photo.
cloud cookies.
my favourite snack of the moment.
and
wintervention.

\\\\\

on summer days and winter months.

2010-12-15T12:26:00.008-05:00

hi there!
how are you?
it's been months,
i miss you guys!

all is good on my side

things over at HG are trucking right along.

we're getting ready for
one last update before the holidays.

|||||||

the photos here
are from months ago now

but the sky this morning
is a similar sort of blue.

the sun a similar sort of bright

and the day, a similar sort of good.

the perfection of summer days
long behind us now
the beautiful and crisp of the winter months

fit snug in their place.

i like the tradition that brings,

i like its glitter and fuss.

i like that icicles hang from eavestroughs

and that snow covers my boots.

i like the way dinners are different

and i like how the seasons change food.

i like that nights are cozier.

and days are sometimes lazier.

i like the idea of home for the holidays

and presents beneath the tree.

i like the idea of winter visits

and of twinkly lights.

i like that there's time for vacation

and equally so
that there's travel toward sun.

i've got lots to tell you
i'll be back with it soon.

until then,
happy trails.

xox, n.

||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

to stay.

to decorate.

to stand in, pretty light.

to carry. to play.

to do.

to attend.

and to giggle at.

holiday hair. love.

i like this.

the details of lanvin spring 2011
make me weak in the knees.

to wear if you're a boy.

my in the kitchen with

over on design*sponge.

plus, simply color on d*s.

||||||||||

and from a while back,

and in the midst of winter

shanna murray and my collaboration

wee wedding cakes for once wed

reminds me a good lot

of the simple of summer. nice.

*find the beautifully illustrated downloadable directions here!

HG LATELY

CANADIAN HOUSE&HOME
SHOP TERRAIN!

NEIMAN MARCUS
ANTHOLOGY MAG

on magic.

2010-10-19T13:41:00.007-04:00

hello there, it feels like ages again.

i'm trying to change that, promise.

for today though, let's talk magic.

right this second,

i can smell the smoke of a crackling fire

the woody scent of trees long lived

the warm aroma of a proper wood stove.

and by all accounts,

i think that's magic.

i can see too

that fall has snuggled right in.

the long days of sun,

now often short days of grey.

the leaves still green
but fluttering a little.

the apples shiny and red
and all but ready for pie.

the dahlias withering in places

giving in, to the season upon us.

the grass wetter now,

puddles frequent again.
nights chilly
and mornings crisper than before.

and you know, i think
there's magic in all of that too.

in fact the more i think about it
the more i think that
magic is nestled in the everyday.

squished between waking happy
and morning coffee.

stuck in the afternoon,
just after lunch.
and sitting there, just before dinner.
resting in the light before it gets dark.

and you know,

while i think lots of times you have to wait,
wait on the good things,
maybe even wait on the big-things-kinda-magic.

i think in other ways
that everyday magic is always just there.
always waiting to be seen.

hovering like a white winged gull

tottering there like the season ahead

tiptoeing in when you very least expect it might.

and for all of that i'm happy.

yesterday when i looked out over the ocean

i realized it's in all kinds of places

and it's all kinds of beautiful.

i realized that, in fact
magic is just beautiful and happy stirred together.
and that's pretty great.

hope things are swell on your side.
i'll be back again soon.
xox, n.

|||||||

black boots.

grey boots.

i like the colour of this watch.

this necklace is pretty.

a flower print.

white shoes.

florida like this looks nice.

open windows and green trees.

||||||

on birthdays and beautiful and all kinds of happy.

2010-09-27T14:15:00.009-04:00

hi! hi!

mondays are all kinds of happy for me.
this one especially though,
today's my dad's birthday.
hip hip. happy birthday dad.
join my wishing him a great day, won't you.

i think you probably know this
but let me just say it once more,
he's both the hands and the inspiration behind HG.

without him, without his talent
without his dedication
and without his aptitude for beautiful
none of what we do at HG would be possible.

so thank you dad
and happiest of happy birthdays to you.
our little collaboration
makes me over the moon happy.

happy trails y'all.

xox, n.

oh and ps: a new photo tutorial soon, FLAG COOKIES! eep!
and pps: a wee thank you to my mom too, she's likely the force behind it all.

~~~~

and just because:

cotton candy

light

butterfly

tarte au citron

fuzzy face

flowers in newsprint

~~~~~~

photo credit: all me, except the last, that goes to gillian davidson

~~~~~

the saturday sandwich - a spicy crab brioche!

2010-09-24T22:38:00.009-04:00

hi there. hello. how are you?

and yes, finally, here i am with it

a saturday sandwich letftover from summer,

a spicy crab brioche. yum.

|||||

it felt like a hot summer day here today.
kinda tricky in the midst of fall.
i feel like wool skirts
and nubbly sweaters
and there i was in a button-up dress and leather flips.
no matter, it was kinda fun anyway.

it was that kinda day
when the breeze is warm
and the skies are blue.

the kind where you take your sunglasses from the shelf
and sunscreen from the cupboard.

the kind when you have ice cream in the park
and walks in the sun.

the kind that allows you to slip right back
into the season just before.

the kind when a summer sandwich is just the thing.

i like a braise, i do.

i like a roast chicken and i particularly like a pumpkin pie.

but today i ate for summer
and i loved every bit of it.
so with no further ado

a simple summer sandwich

and number FOUR in my saturday sandwich series.
good stuff.

a spicy crab brioche!

a sandwich all about the season just past.

here's my process:

pop into your local bakery and pick up some small brioche buns.
or the day before make a brioche dough, then bake it off, day of.
i like the way they look braided and washed with egg but simple buns are cute too.
i made the ones in the photos here since homemade brioche is always a favourite.
either way i figure you can't really go wrong.

cook, cool, and shell two or three whole crab

make the sauce and fold in the prepared crab

slice the bread

gather your peashoots (or at this time of year, your lettuce greens) and wash
toast the bread
slice an advocado

assemble
enjoy!

for the crab mixture:

3 tablespoons homemade mayonnaise
(store brand would also be fine here, but the fresh flavour of homemade is better)

2 teaspoons grain mustard

1 teaspoon chopped parsley
the juice of 1/2 a lemon, strained

1 serrano pepper, finely chopped

1/2 a scallion, chopped

3 teaspoons tarragon vinegar
2 teaspoons capers
3/4 cup fresh crab (give or take)
pink australian salt to taste

cracked black pepper to taste

mix all ingredients together and fold in the crab

to assemble:
slice brioche lengthwise and toast
place a small handful of pea shoots or salad greens on toasted base
slice avocado and place atop that
scoop a few spoonfuls of the crab mix
place the top of the braided bread on top that
finish with a touch of sea salt if need be
and that's it, you're done
super simple stuff and super tasty

anyway, i'll be back next week, until then

happy weekend y'all, hope it's swell.

xox, n.

|||

i got a new dress and i'm kinda in love.

piggy banks.

polish for fall.

a chambray shirt.

mind meet heart.

speaking of sandwiches for summer.

i like kanye and i especially like GOOD fridays. (via)

this little dude is cute.

pink and black is pretty.

i tweeted this today, but i keep coming back. love.

gah, somedays i'd really like a puppy.

that is all. toodles.

|||

september, september.

2010-09-22T14:36:00.006-04:00

hi y'all!

i can't believe it's late september already.

wowza, so fast!

things are ~~good here~~ super great here.

i've so so much to tell you.

before that though, i wanted to show you

the second part of our collaboration with the wild unknown!

eeep!
HG KITCHEN LINENS.

oh and the ice cream scoops are coming soon to HG too!

aren't they amazing.

i'm speechless a little, dad. love.

anyway, hope life is treating you well.

let's chat again really soon.

xox, n.

::::

new for fall. love.
this pie made me smile.
do i ever love this photo.

:::

a fine flock: feathered pistachio cookies!

2010-09-08T07:53:00.004-04:00

hi there,

happy wednesday!

just popping in for a quick hello
and and a little surprise,
one i've been really excited to share with you!
well, it's actually not a surprise per se
but a tiny downloadable gift.
ack!

the first bit of a
two part collaboration
with kim from the wild unknown.

and number three in my

recipe download series.

so with no further ado

from me to you, with all sorts of happy.
recipe download number three:

a fine flock: feathered pistachio cookies!

download and print your own copy here.

or simply click on kim's illustration (scroll down)
to be taken right there.
plus, find numbers one and two here and here.

and since this little download is only part one.

watch for part two to release over at HG in the coming weeks, eeep!

and a big thank you to kim whose work i simply adore.

hope your week is brilliant so far.

i'll be back again soon.

until then.

happy trails.

xox, n.

||||||

and the perfection of light.

plus, a perfumed locket.

this image makes me melt somehow. love.

i could use a vacation for swimming.

love.

a post for abby.

||||

ps:
the HG feather cutters are sold out now,

but we'll have more really soon!

if you haven't already,

join our list and we'll write when they're back.

pps:
if your dough seems a little wet,
don't hesitate to add a couple extra handfuls of flour.

on days at the lake and sunsets past nine.

2010-08-09T09:07:00.006-04:00

well hello!

how are things on this fine feathered day?

`````

you know, lately i've been thinking,

if you told me summer was to last forever
i'd almost believe you,
i'd almost wish it so.

if you told me the days wouldn't end
where i could wear my bathing suit 'til dusk,
and watch the sunset past nine.
if you told me that farmer's markets would stay open
and figs would stay ripe.

if you told me we could leave off the heat
and get prepared for more summer,

i'd smile a little but i think i'd miss autumn.

i like its feeling of bounty

its brown sugar loaves.
i like its golden turkeys and cast iron pans.

i like its smokey fires and mid morning chills.
i like that there's things made from apple
and all sorts of roast veg.

i like that there's charcoal knits

and thick woolen tights.

i like that there's heels with closed toes
and socks with slight slouch.

i like fall for its worn leather satchels
and its penchant for layers.

i'm still keen on summer though, still happy it's here.
happy for the stripes on my feet

the sun in my hair and the freckles on my nose.

happy there's rosé to drink
and lakes in which to swim.

i'll say though, i'm quietly dreaming

of milkshakes with pumpkin
and that season called fall.
how about you,
are your thoughts much the same?

happy august to you friends,

no matter the season

no matter the weather.

xox, n.

``````

i'm stuck on this blouse

a pouch necklace and a pouch belt

watermelon love

a buckleless belt

dream kitchen, dream bedroom, dream house
and a sweater for the coming season

````

bits of summer so far.

2010-07-20T10:42:00.005-04:00

hello!
just checking in,
hope things are swell.
xox, n.

1. up next: the saturday sandwich - spicy crab brioche.
2. a shop update this friday, we're getting ready. hello there golden raspberries.
3. and market fries with friends. hi k!

:::::

whatever happened to mystery?

brimfield in the summertime. awesome.

inventory magazine.

a memory of my great grandmother.
and the dress in my chatelaine feature, it's duskin. love.

:::

the saturday sandwich: yorkshires and beef and little beet greens

2010-07-14T13:05:00.013-04:00

hiya!

summer is in full swing in these parts

i've been doing hot weather things
drinking from glasses with huge cubes of ice

and eating all sorts of things
meant just for the weather.

oh and spending lots of time outside,
my wee apartment is pretty darn warm these days,
i'll say that for sure.

the time outside is good though,
it's made for some pretty incrediable food moments. truly.

there's been caramel cones and champagne on my stoop.

prosecco and salad and fish from the sea.

black cherry cocktails with my girls,
and giggles abound.

there's been kettle chips and beer and mayonnaise for dipping.

and there's been celebration of course

and that's all sorts of good.

plus, i've got a new series for you it's called

the sunday sips
and it's coming soon.

think summer drinks inspired by friends

of evenings on rooftops and days at the beach

of twinkly lights and of the season of sun.

it's going to be good.

anyway, with no further ado
the next in my saturday sandwich series,

yorkshires and beef and little beet greens

xox, n.

::::::::::::::

a mini clam plate, sign me up.

twinkly lights.

a dog with black spots.

yay, summer

but a quick step back to spring.

and an HG update july 23, 5pm est. hells yes.

oh and did you see this huge fish my brother caught. wowza.

::::::::::::::

yorkshires and beef and little beet greens

it's an assemble your own sorta dinner, fun and simple, perfect for hot summer nights!

here's my process:

grill the scapes on the barbecue

[i think although a wood fired barbecue is often best, it's rarely possible. we used one in these photos with leftover HG plum wood which, was great but a charcoal or gas barbecue works perfectly too.]

make the yorkshire pudding mix

put the steak on the grill

mix the aioli (i have the mayonnaise ready in the fridge)

pop the yorkshires in the oven

remove the steak, let rest, then slice against the grain

wash the small greens

carry everything outside (including a little block of hard cheese and a peeler for slicing, i used reggiano here)

for the scape aoili:

1/4 cup homemade mayonnaise (store brand would also be fine here, but the fresh flavour of homemade lends itself well)

2 tablespoons garlic scapes, grilled and coarsely chopped

2 teaspoons grain mustard

2 teaspoons caper juice

salt to taste

i think homemade mayonnaise is best here, the kick of lemon compliments well, the garlic scapes and the smooth eggy feel sits nicely with the caper juice. so, if you've the time, make it fresh, you'll be happy you did. i don't really use a recipe, but you can find one here and if you're first time a little video here.

otherwise this bit is super simple

grill the garlic scapes, let cool and blend coarsley to chop

to make it easy, just drop them into a blender and pulse

next mix the grilled scapes with all other ingrediants and set aside

for the steak:

1 or 2 well marbled strip loins (marinated or not)

salt and pepper to taste

if not marinated i take the steak out of the package 6 hours or the night before to let it dry a little

before grilling i rub with a touch of oil and season with salt and pepper

if marinated i do so the night before, for the sandwich in the photo i used

a mix of apple cider vinegar, homemade garlic salt, pepper, and a speck of honey [my dad's recipe]

for the yorkshires puddings:

(the recipe originally from martha, i think)

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups milk

2 tablespoons oil

1 cup all purpose flour

a pinch of salt

+ a bit of veg oil for the muffin pan

preheat the oven to 450

mix all the wet ingredients together and whisk in the flour, let stand for 10 minutes or so

add about a teaspoon of vegetable oil to the bottom of each tin

once the oven is ready pop the oiled pan in and allow it to remain there until the oil is hot and bubbly carefully remove from the oven and fill each tin 1/3-1/2 full

return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until perfectly golden and big

carefully remove each pudding and place on a wire rack
i sometimes make a double batch, if so, repeat

to assemble:
tear warm puddings apart a little to add the filling
place a handful of beet or other fresh small greens
add a 3-5 slices of sliced striploin
add a dollop of the scape aoili and a small pile of cheese
a touch of sea salt and you're done

a simple summer sandwich and number three in my saturday sandwich series. hooray, that!

for the month of july!

2010-07-01T12:52:00.016-04:00

hello!

happy first of july, happy canada day!

i had words all mapped out for you today.

thoughts on canadian summers

on oceans and lakes and days at the beach.

on trips to the cabin and nights by the fire.
on red skies at night and on sailor's delights.
but instead, here i am with something much more fun!

something new for your desktop!
from shanna and me, to little ol' you
a calender for july, all shiny and new.
or find the download here.

i was so honoured when she
asked me to take part in a little project for july. truly.
i'm a long time fan of her work
of her aesthetic and all round, just of her.
so thank you, miss shanna! you've made my month.

there you go,
over and out and happy july!
xox, n.

<>><><><<><<><>

notes on summer.

brian's greens post spoke to me this morning.

[i think that book a must]

plus, a little winter sale.

i've got fall in mind.

but since it's summer, i'm having ice cream instead.

and a little bit of pretty.

<><><>>><><>

sunday sort of light - the west coast edition!

2010-06-29T00:57:00.003-04:00

well, hello there!

how are you?

it feels kinda like ages,

i miss you guys!

i hope things are swell on your end.

things are good on mine.

in the last few days i've stopped longer for coffee

i've eaten chicken from the farm

and i've snacked on crab straight from the sea.

i've felt soft grass under my feet,

i've laughed and giggled,

and i've slept for long hours in big comfy beds.

and you know what,
it's all been pretty great.

hope your days are filled with equally nice bits of happy.
oh and i've got a saturday sandwich on deck

and a surprise or two in the works, so let's chat soon.

until then, happy trails!

xox, n.

===

jeana's summer day.

and a view from above.
and this double buckle belt looks good.

====

thoughts on summer and other such things.

2010-06-21T08:17:00.006-04:00

hello!

happy monday y'all!

i've been thinking these days about things that inspire.

of everyday things that get me to smile.

i like how the trees change from naked in the winter

to hearty and clothed for the summer months.

from flowerless at the start of spring

to blossomed and pungent nearing the end.

i like that on summer nights the birds,

seem in endless conversation.

chattering amongst a light evening breeze.

i like how gardens overflow with green

and how we eat dinner outside.

and how everyday, is pretty much an ice cream day.

i like that there's summer vacations
and trips to the cabin.
and i like that there's one for me,
later this week.

one that will have me dip my toes in the salty sea.

roast marshmallows on a crackling fire

and pick berries straight from the vine.

one that will have me spend evenings on rooftops,
telling jokes among friends.
and have me at the market, early morning

and on patios for lunch.

one that will remind me for sure,

that summer is here.

hope your week is tops.

i'll be around again.

i've got a story in the works.

until then,

xox, n.

"""""""""""""

in HG news

a shop update today, 5pm est.

join our list here.

plus, there are exciting things in the works over at HG!

coming soon, bundles of cake flags,

a new cookie cutter (see the first here),

and some very exciting collaborations too!
{if you need your flags sooner, you're in luck!

starting today, we're accepting custom orders. email us for more details.}

""""""""

alison morton tea towels

cable shorts (via)

paper robots are cute!

a jersey oven dish set.

a dress for the cottage.

a beige necklace.

"""""""

sunday sort of light - the at home edition!

2010-06-08T15:57:00.006-04:00

hiya!

here i am again.

how are you?

my week is pretty swell so far,

i hope yours is much the same.

a little while ago celine came over

and we took some photos for my sneak peek over at design sponge.

we ate ice cream sandwiches and fruit salad.
and we took a photo, sorta by accident
of ourselves in the the mirror. i kinda love it.

xox, n.

***

ice cream.

last year's sunday sort of light - ice cream!
i love cotton candy. so much.
and i think this is pretty.

plus, a new recipe download soon.

find my first two, here and here.

photos in this post:

celine: 1 + 2 + 4

me: 3 + 5

***

the saturday sandwich - a spot prawn croissant.

2010-06-07T12:48:00.007-04:00

hi there,
happy monday!

i think mondays can be endearing, the bright and fresh of a new week.

the busy of the weekend firmly behind us.

the trees near my windows are weighty with blossoms now.

their petals, heavy with scent that catches in the wind.

like the plumeria in fiji and the jasmine in thailand.

they remind me of trips i've taken, of moments past.

of smiles so big, they're not easily hid.

and so my saturday sandwich today,

is inspired by that, of moments past.
the prawns were caught by my brother

and are perfectly pink in their crustacean kind of way.

the sandwich has roots with my first trip to thailand

and it reminds me of sitting poolside there.
of a sandwich i had alongside green mango salad,
my feet dipped in the pool.

it reminds me of the first place i stayed while there,
a hotel that for me is infused with part
mystical and part old world, in the very best sort of way.

it reminds me of hours by that pool
and of drinks at dusk.
of a little bit of magic smack in the heart of the city.

for sure a favourite of mine.

butlers on the floors and porters with
chalkboards and bells.
and so, like last week it's a bit like summer in a sandwich.

anyway, i've got to get going on my day,

so, here we go, the second in my new series

the saturday sandwich, number two:

a spot prawn croissant with lemon and dill.

there are pretty salad greens
and sweet spot prawns.
[find more info here]

there are little bits of dill,
and light leaves of celery.
there are small slivers of cucumber
and there are two toasted croissants.

there are flakes of pink salt

and just a touch of black pepper

and there's the feeling i think
that spring is now summer.

find the recipe below.

xox, n.

\\\\\\\\//\\\\

oh and in hg news!

i'm doing a shop update on june 21, 5pm est.
eeeep, and it will include cake flags, hooray!
oh and more cookie cutters too.
[and we have a new cutter shape coming soon!]
plus, there's a lot of really exciting stuff happening at HG,
i can't wait to fill you in.

//////\\///

a collection.

i miss the water.

but, i'm visiting here in just 18 days. yippee!

i'd like to seen the green of ireland,
even though i don't think this is ireland,
i imagine it this way.
i like this.

i love a photo in a mirror.

\\\\\\//\\\\\\

the saturday sandwich - a spot prawn croissant!

for the prawn salad:

24 medium sized spot prawns, cooked and peeled
5 tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon dijon mustard

the juice of half a lemon, strained

2.5 teaspoons fresh dill, finely chopped
2 pinches pink australian salt

1 pinch coarsely ground pepper

bring a pot of water to a rolling boil

drop in the prawns with the shells on still

allow to cook for 4-5 minutes, give or take

let cool and peel

in a separate bowl mix together sour cream and dijon

let out with the lemon juice and add the dill and salt and pepper
fold in the cooked, cooled and peeled shrimp
cover and refrigerate for at least an hour

for the croissants:

2 day old croissants

fresh is fine of course, but i like the structure for sandwiches a day later

i've always thought: day-of croissants are perfect for breakfast, whereas day-olds are perfect for lunch

slice in half and toast under the broiler until golden

for the sandwiches: (yield 2)

a couple handfuls of local salad greens
about 10 interior celery leaves, the small tender ones

1 japanese cucumber, thinly sliced

to assemble:

in a small bowl toss together the salad green and celery leaves
divide evenly among the bottom halves of each sandwich
divide your prawn mixture between the two, about 12 each

place thinly sliced cucumber amongst the prawns
season to taste
and then place atop the top of your croissant
squish down a little and there you are!

hooray!