These are a few of my favourite things

It’s been a while since I did a “favourite things” post. Here are some of the things I’m loving…

Purple & cowhide & rhinos, oh my!

This may be my most favourite kitchen. Ever. Mark & Duncan & Dale designed this amazing kitchen on The Block All Stars. The lower cabinets and island are glossy augergine. BEYOND COOL!

The cowhide backsplash is so funky and unique (although I would have used a cowhide print, not the real thing).

And this rhino art is awesome! I also love the combination of the old wood church pew with the modern glass table and Eames Eiffel chairs.

Images via e & s trading, Jeld-Wen, The Block Shop

Australians know how to do kitchens right!

Artist Christina Baker

I love discovering new-to-me artists – Christina Baker is my latest art crush. She’s located in Tennessee, and she paints gorgeous abstracts in the most beautiful soft colours…

Basket of Kisses

 Cake Batter Ice Cream

 Blue Rain

Lipstick Love

  Suntan Lotion

All images are from Christina's Facebook page. She also writes a blog.

Dog people

Yesterday afternoon, I saw this picture & caption on Facebook:

Being put down today.

This cute guy was at the vet clinic waiting to be euthanized. Why? There was no space for him. My heart just sank, as did many other hearts – the flurry of messages that followed was just incredible. People offered to transport him to safety, to donate money for boarding, anything they could to do help save this dog. And after what was a very stressful afternoon for everyone involved, Gloria at Catahoula Rescue Ontario, Susan in Ohio, and Marshall County Animal Shelter in Kentucky worked out a way to save him.

This boy is one of the lucky ones – there are soooooooo many sweet dogs out there who aren’t saved. If you can volunteer at a local shelter, foster, transport, or make a donation to a local shelter or rescue group, you’ll be helping to save lives. And believe me, there’s no better feeling in the world.

Image via Cactus Thorns

Current food addition – veggie wraps & hummus

I came across this recipe for nori veggie wraps at A House in the Hills and had to try it – hummus and veggies all rolled up together into a neat little package, how could you go wrong?!

I didn’t have nori on hand the first time I made these rolls, but I was totally psyched to try them so I used rice paper instead. And they were YUMMY! I bought nori and used it the second time, but I decided that I prefer the rolls made with rice paper – nori has a fishy taste & smell that I didn’t like with the veggie flavours.

Click here to check out my go-to hummus recipe from Zahra at Edible Moments (who I just now realized is in Ottawa too!)

FYI, these rolls are also good with refried beans instead of hummus – you know, in case you have leftover refried beans from your Mexican meal the night before ;-)