I have not been this excited for a drop in a little while! However, this Americana fabric bow collection from Grace & Grandeur is what summer dreams are made of! My nautical-loving heart is in bow heaven at the moment. This collection is so good, I debated getting the entire thing! I'm so happy to get more Velma bow options because I'm loving wearing this smaller bow style this spring and summer. They are lightweight and the perfect finishing touch to everyday looks. That being said, I'm more excited about the new Sarah silhouette - named after the one an only Sarah, brand creator! The size and shape of this bow is a smaller version of the Judy and I ended up getting it in three colours (garnet, navy gingham and strawberry red gingham). I plan on wearing my new bows for Canada Day, all of my mariner looks going forward, and at every picnic and BBQ in sight! Seriously, don't sleep on this drop - it's that good!
TWO // Marguerite : le feu
I'm continuing my learning journey with regard to Indigenous Peoples in Canada. On the last meet-up of the book club, my colleague lent me this play - Marguerite : le feu. I didn't even take a break and read the entire thing the next day. I'll admit, it was a slightly easier read than some of the recent books. The play format was a different pace and I welcomed the change. I appreciated that the book contained not only the play, but an entire section on the referenced historical facts and a detailed timeline for more context. While I suspected that Indigenous Peoples had been enslaved in Canada, I knew very little on the topic. This play has really been a reality check. On the whole, slavery in Canada is not learned about in schools, let alone talked specifically of the impacts on the Indigenous Peoples. This play focuses on Marguerite Duplessis, an enslaved Indigenous woman who was the first to fight for her freedom in the courts of New France in 1740. Her story is heartbreaking and poignant, and but only one example that survived in the archives. I was so taken with this play that I immediately listened to the accompanying podcast in which the author details her journey through time to try and give Marguerite her voice back. Luckily for me, the play is being performed for two nights this week. I was able to snag a ticket for tonight's presentation. How's that for lucky timing? I feel like I will have absorbed this story in every possible format - written, audio and performance. I'm bracing for a performance that is sure to be high in emotion.
THREE // Book Club Gift
When book club ended, I knew I'd have to give back the books as they were simply borrowed. I have no problem with that because I'd read them! Besides, if I have to reference them again, I can always buy them myself or borrow then from the library. That being said, I was not expecting to receive the most generous parting gift. The organizer had put together these gift bags filled with goodies from Indigenous creators. I was blown away by the generous act! The reusable tote bag contained a Louis Riel graphic t-shirt from CreeAtive MixeDesigns, a ceramic travel mug with the Indigenous Resource Centre's logo, a handmade deer leather bookmark from Makatew, a Three Sisters lip balm and a gorgeous reversible infinity scarf from Mini Tipi. It was such a thoughtful end to a truly rewarding journey. I already miss our biweekly book club meetings, but I'm hoping participate in other iterations soon enough.
FOUR // Sailor Shorts
I have such a soft spot for the nautical style that I can't help myself but to get sailor pants. The button design gets me every single time! While I have at least two pairs of sailor pants, I can think of from the top of my head, I know I've got a handful of shorts in this style. There's just something classic and timeless to me. Also, I find the sailor style makes your shorts look instantly dressier and more elevated. My recent addition to the sailor short collection is this denim pair. More casual in nature, they still somehow elevate the basic jean short. It's a win-win if you ask me!
FIVE // Lemon Blueberry Bread
I got creative this week and decided to make a lemon-blueberry bread on a whim. I thought I'd use the same recipe as for my recent cheddar-jalapeño bread but making it sweeter and changing up the inclusions. Before even mixing the bread dough, I decided to make my lemon sugar. It's simple, just zest an entire lemon and mix the zest with granulated sugar. I set aside to let the lemon oil infuse the sugar. Once my dough had risen, it was time to laminate and shape. I stretched out the dough on my countertop and sprinkled about half my lemon sugar and blueberries. I then folded the left side over, added inclusions; folded the right side over, used up the rest of the inclusions then rolled up the dough and shaped it into a ball. I scored and baked like normal and it turned out great! My score cuts might have been a bit too deep and the inclusions could have been better dispersed but other than that, the bread is delicious! Vibrant with bursts of blueberry flavour - seriously decadent! I can totally see this bread making amazing French toast. My creative spurt paid off this time and I will be doing this one again. I fear I may never escape the baking rabbit hole through which I've fallen...
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