around the town

happy heart day

love you, mister 

xo

bits + pieces of my week

photo-a-day challenge: january 16 - 31

around the town

Today, my afternoon was free and I kinda just felt like I needed a little pick-me-up. The weather was perfect for a nice walk, so I grabbed my boots and my camera and off I went... 

 

I love me a purdy door.

I went through the park (Trinity-Bellwoods) and along Dundas West

Stopped in Bookhou to pick up a gift for someone special

 

I ended up custom ordering myself one of Arounna's sweet small bags in her black and white triangle print... only $35 for handmade, screen-printed magic.

I continued along my way and stopped for something hot to drink at Ella's Uncle.
 I love this place. It's quaint and cosy and delicious.

I love this place. It's quaint and cosy and delicious.

I headed home along the side streets to enjoy the scenery

Then, along Queen, I stopped in some vintage shops where I found sooo many things I wanted to buy, but just had to say "no" to (with hopes they don't go quick, in case I change my mind).

It was such a pleasant afternoon, filled with tons of inspiration. I took tons of photos that will get posted here and over at Banter (the new Circa Lola blog). 

I love days like this; when I have nothing to do but enjoy some me time.

Enjoy your week!

farm hunting, newton road & the one that got away

so, you may or may not know that sonny and i have made the decision to take a leap with dog talk. in order for us to fully develop this business into what we've dreamed it to be, we need to leave the city. as much as we i love being here, it's just not feasible for our business goals. so house hunting it is. and not just any house, we're scouting out hobby farms (we need land) about 1 hour east of the city-- in northumberland county (cobourg/grafton area). it's absolutely beautiful here. rolling hills, lakes, greenery, forests, trails, etc. it's a nature loves paradise. 

it's going to be quite an adjustment, but if i'm not in the heart of the city i can only see myself out on a farm-- living a simple and serene life surrounded by dogs. the great thing about it to though, is i'll have space to build myself a studio where i can finally use and work on all the furniture and junk i've been collecting. i'm super-excited about the whole thing.

back in november, the search began and we were soooo close to purchasing a property that was pretty much a dream home to me... newton road... a 2.5 acre, private property situated on the oak ridges moraine (protected land in the green belt). 

here are some shots i took during our visits to newton road. it's magical, really.

it was a sort of "mod-cottage"... built in the late 70's, it had lines and elements that i've always coveted. 

everything was moving rather fast, we had an inspection booked, the well-water tested (what the hell do i do with a well?), and numerous trips back to the property to scope out our possible new digs. we ended up putting in two offers, but stopped in our tracks realizing we may be moving too fast. 

we continue to search, but my heart's been stuck on newton road. thankfully, and actually bittersweet, newton road was taken off the market earlier this week... sold... gone. 

so, as much as we loved this house, there were a few important details that stopped us in our tracks... one being a zoning bylaw that was a bit tricky for our business. 

oh well, it wasn't meant to be. we'll find something perfect and the timing will be just right.

... for now we need to wait for our stupid condo to register so we can sell it.