A Pretty Life In The Suburbs

Our Deck Makeover Part 1

Jo-Anna — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:25:47 +0000

Hi everyone! It feels like forever since I've posted! What on earth?! But there's been a lot going on over here, and I have a lot to share!

One of the most exciting things for us is all the work we've been doing to our deck. You might have already caught a peek if you follow me on Instagram.

Our deck has needed a makeover for a couple of years now, but the timing was just never right for us to tackle it. All the work that needed to be done just seemed SO daunting. And I'm not a big fan of painting, which is the majority of the work. I love the after effect of painting, but all the prep work and waiting - oh man, it bites. When it's all done though, it's so satisfying!

Click here and stop by to see the start of our deck transformation! xoxo

Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins

Jo-Anna — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:48:18 +0000

Rhubarb is an amazing fruit. It's tartness (and it is tart, whoa) pairs so well with strawberries. Last weekend, for Mother's Day I made a Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp that was gobbled up in 10 seconds flat. So delicious!

But one of my most favourite recipes to make with rhubarb are Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins.

Click here and come on over for the recipe! You'll be glad you did! ;) xoxo

Just in time for grilling: Reser’s Gourmet Deli Salads & A Coupon

Jo-Anna — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:30:05 +0000

Hi Everyone! Whew, we made it to May! And you know what that means right? It’s grilling season! That means burgers, hot dogs, s’mores, and potato salad! I think summer food is my favourite….mmmm Just in time for grilling season, Reser’s is introducing four new deli salads. These side dishes feature fresh, premium ingredients and [...]

Fixing Outdoor Rattan Furniture

Jo-Anna — Fri, 10 May 2013 20:42:17 +0000

I'm fixing our furniture, and loving how it's turned out!! Here's a super simple project that takes no time at all, and leaves you with brand new looking furniture!

Click here to find out how to fix your rattan furniture! It's life changing! ;)

Bruschetta Garden Gift For Mother’s Day

Jo-Anna — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:25:13 +0000

Good morning! I have a little last minute Mother's Day gift for you today!

I know I'm kind of squeaking this one in just before the deadline, but I thought it was too cute not to share! It was one of those ideas that I've had swirling around in my head for some time now, so after a recent trip to the greenhouse I just decided to make it happen!

Click here for the rest of this Mother's Day gift idea! xoxo

Summer Roll Salad Bar

Jo-Anna — Wed, 08 May 2013 13:35:39 +0000

The other day I had a hankering for Summer Rolls. I know, it's kind of a weird thing to have a hankering for, but for me this is quite a common thing. See, I love summer rolls. Everything about them...the peanut sauce, the hoisin sauce, the mint, the cilantro...mmmmm

But what I do not love about Summer Rolls, is painstakingly putting them together. They're tedious to make and take a bit of patience, which I don't always have around the dinner hour. Like most of you I'm sure, the hours between 3:30 - 6:00pm are hair-canary. Lots going on...dogs barking, kids fighting, kids crying, phone ringing, kids fighting, TV blaring, texts bonging...and me pulling out my hair. So needless to say, I need things to be easy to make and serve.

And what's easier than a serve-it-up-yourself dinner?

Let's have a Summer Roll Salad Bar!

Click here for a fun & flavourful dinner! xoxo

Cedar Planked Fruit & Wine Brie Bites

Jo-Anna — Mon, 06 May 2013 14:20:22 +0000

I have a love affair with cheese. I could eat it morning, noon and night...and Brie cheese?
Don't even get me started on its deliciousness.

I think a Brie wheel ends up at every one of our family get togethers, and we all stand over its melted gooeyness scooping it up with crackers. But I know, we're all wishing we were using spoons instead. And shovelling that goodness into our mouths without abandon. I know I am. Where did all this social grace and politeness come from anyway? Especially when it comes to food! ;)

Click here for this recipe! xoxo

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies {Wheat Free}

Jo-Anna — Fri, 03 May 2013 07:00:43 +0000

Hi everyone! Want some cookies & milk?
Is there a better snack I ask you? No really, is there? I think not. And you're in luck...I made you Chocolate Chip Cookies! ;)

Click here and come on by for some cookies and milk, mmmmkay? xoxo

9 Fresh & Delicious Mexican Inspired Recipes

Jo-Anna — Thu, 02 May 2013 03:21:11 +0000

So confession here…we don’t celebrate Cinco de Mayo. There I said it. Do you? Are there parties and margaritas involved? Can I come over? ;) We may not actually celebrate the day, but we do really love Mexican food. I think it’s my favourite food actually – everything about it – it’s all so fresh, [...]

Peanut Butter Baked Oatmeal

Jo-Anna — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:56:27 +0000

Good morning! Do I have the best breakfast for you! This one would be fantastic for Mother's Day...
Just picture this: Peanut Butter Baked Oatmeal...mmmmm
It's peanut buttery, soft and so delicious.

We absolutely love baked oatmeals in our house. They are a warm and hearty breakfast that everyone gobbles up. And I also love the fact that I can get breakfast ready the night before. This makes my mornings sooooo easy. Gotta love that!

Click here and come on over for a fabulous breakfast recipe! xoxo