We are crushing on summer pretty hard this week, so we are declaring it summer. Clearly, we have all had enough of winter. Spring is enjoyable enough with its green grass, budding trees and tulips, but we are ready for the year’s main event. We want the carefree feeling of long summer days spent outside in the sun and evenings filled with friends and fancy beverages. Who cares if there are still 33 days before summer officially starts? Whatever meteorological science! That’s it. We are moving on. Here is where the contributors are currently aiming their summer lovin’.
Nicole MacPherson – Do you like Piña Coladas? Getting caught in the rain? Well, actually, I like neither of those things, but I am coveting this adorable pineapple glass from Anthropologie. I feel like this would be a fun addition to our summertime backyard barbecues, and it would be the perfect receptacle for a Pineapple Margarita. Okay, it would also be perfect for a Piña Colada, if you’re into that kind of thing. The world is a patchwork quilt of people; you say Piña Colada, I say Pineapple Margarita, we can still live in harmony!
Sandy Allen – It’s almost summer! Warmer temperatures, longer days, buds on the trees – all things that make me start to think about bugs! Ladybugs to be precise. My love affair with these beautiful little bugs goes way back. Not only do ladybugs symbolize good luck, but they take me back to my childhood when summers were full of happiness, delight, carefree days, and all kinds of pretty red ladybugs at the family cottage. Ever since a summer visit to Nova Scotia a number of years ago, I’ve coveted the idea of purchasing a few pieces of the whimsical ladybug pottery made by Ladybug Haven Pottery and sold at Jennifer’s of Nova Scotia. I don’t know what it is about this particular pottery, but those cute little painted bugs just make me smile. They may not go with my existing pottery and decor but, I still want one of those sweet pieces. And yes, these are the only bugs I ever want to find on my plate!
Maija Craig – It’s no surprise that I love Canada and Canadiana, so when I saw this Souvenir Paddle Keychain at the checkout while shopping at The Bay, I had to buy it. This wooden keychain called “The Grand Portage” is reminiscent of the original voyageurs. It celebrates Canada’s 150th birthday, is symbolic of The Hudson Bay Company’s history and named for the route along the Trans Canada Trail. At only $5, this little piece of Canadiana is cute and affordable. (Bonus: $2.50 from each keychain goes towards connecting the 24,000 kms of the Trans Canada Trail – an amazing undertaking that passes through every province and territory.) Maybe I’ll be better at not losing my keys on our epic road trips now… one can only hope!
Jennifer Pitt – We finally got our rotted deck replaced at the end of last summer, just in time for the weather to turn too cold for us to enjoy it. (womp womp) This year I am excited about jazzing it up with some deck lights and plants! I have been coveting this trellis screen from Lowe’s. It costs a pretty penny, but it would serve SO many purposes for me. It would help deflect some heat from a brick wall that sees the sun for 9 hours a day, it would cover a fireplace exhaust vent, and lastly, but most importantly, it provides a lovely place to plant.
Laureen MacDonald Farnam – I have been longing for a frozen Margarita for weeks now. I can’t find one in local restaurants as they all seemed to have signed some agreement about never having the fancy beverage I want. So, the time has come for me to take matters into my own hands. This Jimmy Buffett Anniversary Edition Key West™ Frozen Concoction Maker® is just what the doctor ordered. I have been crushing on these magical ice-crushing Margarita makers since they first arrived on the scene 10 years ago. I think I have waited long enough. If I must wait 33 more days for summer’s official arrival, then I definitely need a frozen concoction to help me hang on.
Making Cottage Life Easier With Arm + Hammer
We’ve had one of the Margaritaville machines for oh.. 5 years now at the cottage. Pretty much since they came up to Canada (thanks Costco). It is a wonderful and dangerous machine (also plastic margarita glasses are a must if you’re going to have more than one)