It’s been a busy month. Here’s what I mean:

-Bar Mitzva Aug 5th, Toronto

-Travelled from Aug 6 to 13 (blog post to follow)

-Wedding Aug 19, Niagara on the Lake

-Wedding Aug 27, London England plus a trip to Israel (blog post to follow)

The wedding in Niagara on the Lake was so spectacular that I feel the need to spread the word about the venue.

You see, the wedding was held at Kurtz Orchards in Niagara on the Lake. It was the perfect combination of an outdoor setting, fabulous food and great cousins. How could you go wrong!!

Oh ya – it helped that the weather was gorgeous too.

Now, I’ve been to my share of weddings, bar mitzvahs and other sit-down events but I’ve never seen food like this before.

After the ceremony, instead of passed hors d’oeuvres there was a massive table of the best fruit, cheese and meat. It was truly gorgeous.

When we sat down for the main meal there was an option of salmon, beef or vegetarian. Here’s what my plate looked like. Look at the size of the meat – it’s almost as big as the 12 inch plate that it was served on.

Plus there were two salads on a giant platter. Each salad was unique and had all the right combination of flavors and textures.

For dessert there was a baked pear (sorry no photo – the sun had set) and a sweet table. I’m generally not a “sweet” person (no pun intended) but I tried every single item and everything was freakin’ delicious. I must make a note to visit this bake shop on my next trip to Hamilton. Although at the moment I can’t remember the name of this bake shop #seniormoment

However at the end of the day, it was truly being surrounded by family that made this wedding so special.

No idea who I should give the credit to for this photo. However it’s a great shot, don’t you think?

Congratulations to Kim and Alex on their recent wedding. It was truly a memorable occasion.

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Long weekends are meant as an opportunity for a quick getaway (in my humble opinion. Seeing as I didn’t visit Niagara on- the-Lake last year, I decided that it would be an ideal destination.

We broke up the trip by stopping to pick our own cherries at Vanderburgh Farms (5511 Greenland, Beamsville, ON).It was on my bucket list and now I can cross it off! I have to say, the cherries were plentiful and delicious too. NOTE: the season is something like 3 weeks so don’t go in August!!

We headed into Niagara-on- the- Lake and got there just in time for the Canada Day parade…which is small. I mean really small. It consists of a marching band, a big cake and politicians. That’t it. But we got our flags and we were a happy bunch.

Then we visiting friends who made the most incredible strawberry ice-cream with a balsamic glaze. The best part of this ice cream was that it was made with a sugar alternative (that I must get my hands on).

On Saturday morning, we headed right to Balzac’s and then roamed around the park to soak in the beautiful scenery.

Of course, I stumbled upon the Exchange Brewery which is a new brewery and tasting room. I couldn’t resist and plunked myself down at the bar for a quick tasting.

On our way out of Niagara -on -the 0Lake, we stopped at Stratus Vineyards. Sadly I never have time for a tasting but snapped a few photos of their gorgeous space. One day I will make it a point to do more wine tastings in Niagara on the Lake. One day!!

Also stopped at The Pie Plate. Snapped up a savoury tart to take home but wish we would have had time to eat lunch on the premise. Again – One Day!!

There’s no shortage of things to do in Niagara- on -the -Lake. Usually I have time to drop into the Pillar and Post for a spa treatment and to enjoy their outdoor pool (the only hotel that has an outdoor pool in Niagara-on the -Lake #justsayin’) – but there was just not enough time!!

I guess this means that I should visit again and stay for two nights!! One day it will sink in, that going there for one night is nice but one more night would do the trick.

Hope you had a wonderful long weekend too!!

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On a recent day trip to Niagara On the Lake, I decided to quickly to jump over to Buffalo seeing I was SO close. When the border guy asked me “what’s the purpose of the trip”. The answer is always the same…”to go grocery shopping and to go to Target”.

Here’s what I bought at Tops (ps Im now a proud card member of Tops AND Wegmans). I must admit Tops has an advantage as it’s right next to Target on Niagara Falls Blvd.

1. Jell-O Party  Molds. It was free when you buy 6 small packets of Jell-O. How could I resist?

2. Jell-O so I could make the Cocktail Bites and use the mold. #staytuned. Can’t wait to serve these and find out which flavour is the best.

3. Heinz Ketchup with Balsamic. I’m all about flavour and curious to see how this tastes.

4. Snacks….can’t find these flavours here (I think. LOL). Actually I’m pretty sure I can’t find these here!

At Target I bought this flight of beer ($3 for the board, $1 for each glass). I’m going to sample 4 different bottles of Innis & Gunn STAT using this new server. I’ve been a long time fan of Innis & Gunn not to mention I love ordering flights of beer in restaurants. Now I can sample different beers in the comfort of  my own apartment.  #score.

 Fall shoes had also arrived at Target and I scooped up two pairs (of course). But will save that for another blog post about Fall Fashion!!

By the way, getting home was not pretty at each bridge. Oh well…it was still worth it.

Happy Shopping.

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Summer is officially over. It’s sad. As much as I like the Spring and the Fall…there is nothing like sunny skies and warm temperatures. Not to mention there is just so much to do in the summer.

When I look back, I made the most of my summer and travelled to the following places:

-Niagara on the Lake, Pillar and Post

–Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountain

One of My Favorite Places to go for a Weekend.

–Arowhon Pines

Magnificent

-Canada Day in Ottawa

– Visiting Sandbacks Provincial Park

-Camping at Island Spirits

One of those perfect days.

-Montreal

-Buffalo

-Cobourg Beach (twice)

-Glen Kelso Conservation; (sadly I only went once this summer)

I also took advantage of “summer in the city” and went to use the pool at the Sheraton Centre three times!! I seriously can’t complain about Summer 2012.

But now I can start to look forward to all the wonderful things Fall represents:, the leaves changing, visiting Chudleighs, fall clothes, baking apple crisps, and making fall soups.

Here’s to an amazing FALL.

p.s I was suppose to post this on the last day of summer (which was on Friday Sept 21st but silly me…got distracted, for a change)

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This is going to be a fun blog post as the theme will be a He Said/She Said perspective of our pedicures that we had at the Pillar and Post. I copied this idea from a wonderful food blog that I have been following that also has a he said/she said perspective called: Tips Are Included.

I think now would be a good time to ask you to please welcome my first guest blogger, Matt, as he shares with you his experience having his first spa pedicure at the Pillar and Post.

HE SAID:

My First Spa Experience (But Second Pedicure)

With little frame of reference, I have to say it was a great experience! Having my hot tired feet declawed, smoothed massaged and painted (clear – though I was offered a colour) was a great way to spend an hour on a lazy Sunday. Following a morning splash in  the Pillar and Post’s outside pool  – in the rain – and a half hour lying on a lounger when the sun returned, set me up for the guilty pleasure (for blokes anyway!) of a pedicure.

Never Been in One of These Robes Before!!

The seat had a built in massage ‘thing’, that I had never experienced before!  After a while, I turned it off and let the expert do her thing on my feet….. it was amazing. I’ll go back for sure!

SHE SAID:

I was delighted to enjoy a quick get away to Niagara on the Lake to  visit some relatives. Every year that I visit, I end up booking an appointment at the Pillar and Post as I’m in love with their outdoor pool. Just so you know, its the ONLY hotel property with an outdoor pool in Niagara on the Lake. This year, I was going to share the experience of the Pillar and Post with Matt, who had never been to a spa before. This was really going to be a special few hours!!

Sadly, the weather  was kinda crappy that day but that’s ok…we still enjoyed the pool WHILE IT WAS RAINING. I mean it……it was peaceful to be out there while it rained. We didn’t mind at ALL.

Look carefully and you can see the rain drops in the pool!!

After a dip in the pool, it was mandatory  to visit  the outdoor hot springs. I totally love this oasis that they have created. Not your average hot tub – that’s for sure.

Then we chilled in the “quiet room” as we waited for our matching pedicure session. It was interesting to note that there were lots of other couples relaxing in white robes as well. It was clear we weren’t the only couple enjoying a spa day!!

Finally it was our turn for our matching pedicure appointments. I was introduced to a new line of vegan friendly polish called “sparitual” and was given an extremely professional and thorough pedicure. No complaints at all.

FINAL RESULT: VERY HAPPY FEET.

As for the service at the Pillar and Post: I have to say that everyone we encountered was friendly and courteous. Special mention to their front desk manager, Shane Howard and Ludmila at the 100 Fountain Spa, who went out of their way for me. Plus the guy at the pool who brought us towels and even hid them under a lounge chair so they would be dry!

We will certainly be returning to the Pillar and Post again!! It was great to hang out with my boyfriend in a spa and enjoy a few hours of pure relaxation and pampering.

Pillar and Post, 48 John St. West, Niagara on the Lake, 1 888 669 5566

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On Wednesday I had the opportunity to spend an incredible day with Farmers Feed Cities. We started off the tour with a visit to Quiet Acre Farms in Niagara on the Lake, where we had an up close and personal visit with their peach orchards.

Peaches, Peaches, Peaches!!

But what caught my attention were these round zucchini at their roadside stall.

Bought Two. What was I thinking?

It was exactly the type of inspiration that I needed to get back me into the kitchen, seeing as I have done ZERO cooking for the last month. Have you noticed my blog posts (recently) have been about every topic except recipes? Well that has all changed. This trip really inspired me.

STUFFED ZUCCHINI RECIPE

Ingredients:

1 round zucchini

1/2 a container grape tomatoes, cut in half

small chunk of feta cheese

8 black olives (I like Unico ripe oil cured…in a jar)

1/2 onion, chopped finely

1 garlic clove, minced finely

Italian seasoning

METHOD

1. Slice the top off the zucchini and scoop out the inside.

step one

2. Fry the onions and garlic till aromatic . Then add the grape tomotoes, olives, italian seasoning till everything is kinda soft.

Oh So Good.

3. Stuff into the hollow space of the zucchini. Top with some crumbled feta. Bake on a baking sheet in a 375 degree oven for 30 minutes. Voila…dinner.

Perfect for My No Carb Diet

Please note that I’m on a no carb diet, otherwise I probably would have added some bread crumbs to this recipe.

If you see these round zucchinis at a farmers market – please pick some up!! You won’t find these in a grocery store. I promise you. For more information about farmers markets, please click here.

Upcoming Blog Post: Canning Peaches!! Stay tuned.

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Last week was my birthday and my BF spoiled me rotten by whisking me away to the Inn on the Twenty in Jordan, Ontario.

It was the perfect time to get away – it was off season (ie. NO CROWDS) and the weather was warming up. There’s something to be said about travelling when it’s off-season. I really think it’s the way to go!!

We left on Sunday at noon and got to Jordan just in time for a late lunch at the Jordan House. Our friendly waitress (Leah) informed us that the fish tacos were a new item on the menu so it was a no brainer for me to check them out!!  Plus we both ordered beers. (even though we were in a wine region).

Would order this again - in a heart beat

There is no doubt in my mind that the fish tacos will stay on the menu. They were perfect. Absolutely perfect.

After lunch we checked in. We were originally suppose to stay at the Jordan House but they upgraded us to a beautiful room at the Inn on the Twenty. We were thrilled to find out that the room was massive, complete with a sitting area and a fireplace  (it was Room #1 – just so you know). Not to mention that the bathroom was so big it could have been a room!!

Score!!

We had dinner reservations at 8 p.m and simply crossed the street to get to the restaurant. How convenient.

We ordered martinis (I know I know – we didnt have wine) to start off the evening. Then we proceeded to have our main dishes. I ordered a pasta dish that was pretty extremely tasty. i.e the plate was white when it was returned to the kitchen. Specifically I ordered the Upper Canada Ricotta Agnolotti. Described in the menu as “baby spinach and ricotta, winter squash puree, toasted pumpkin seeds and chardonnay foam.

Pretty.

Of course, we ordered another round of martinis to enjoy while we ate our dinner. (I know I know – we didn’t have wine)

Monday was my actual birthday – so we started it off in style with a gorgeous breakfast that we really really enjoyed.  Not that we needed it cause we were still full from the nite before, but we both managed. How could we say no?

Great way to start off my birthday

We were super impressed with this plate of goodies as well.

Then we took a drive into Niagara on the Lake (about 15 minutes away) for a brief stroll downtown and then stopped off at Stratus Winery on the way back to the 401. If you haven’t visited this winery, you really should. I finally got to meet the charming marketing manager that helped me run a contest TWO years ago. I was too full to sample a flight of wines but my BF certainly enjoyed the Malbec.

One final note: Special thanks to my BF who made sure my birthday was extra special this year.

For more info:

Inn on the Twenty, 3845 Main Street, Jordan Village 1 -800 701 8074

Jordan House: 2751 Main St, Jordan Village

Stratus Wines: 2059 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara on the Lake

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