At the end of May, I was lucky enough to qualify for a scholarship at the beautiful Hollyhock Wellness Retreat, where I spent 3 amazing nights with a group of 8 beautiful, amazing and talented women for the Mama Renew Retreat. The environment was rustic, magical and invigorating...
During last year's retreat, I created the prayer flags that still adorn my doorway - a shout out for energy, commitment and (lots of) patience.
This year, I came home rested, inspired and, well, RENEWED. My intent for the year is to BLOOM, and so I've been working hard to put the things in place to make it happen.
The first thing on my list was to share the experience with my husband, so after a teeny bit of persuading (clothing-optional beachfront hot tub! fresh raw oysters on the beach!), Jason and I decided to take the financial plunge for our 5th year wedding anniversary to attend the 5-night Couples Retreat at Hollyhock. So after cashing in a few RRSPs (sorry, retirement) and talking Grandma Wolff into taking our kids AND dog (thanks Grandma!), we are on our way! We were told to bring massage oil for one of the workshops - I can't wait!
The second thing on my list was to hire a housekeeper to come in for a few hours every few weeks. It's in the works for September. Luxury? Maybe. But I can't wait!
As you can see, the things on my list are all pretty great.
The last thing, but certainly not least, was to get into my craft room a bit more. With the huge pile of fabric from Grammelina and her underutilized overlock machine, I've managed to craft a few of these great reversible pinafores for the girls from the Sew Baby pattern (thanks SouleMama).
A few more for Fall are in the works, and I got crafty with some old Ikea fabric and double-sided interfacing on the French corduroy, so soft!
Also, less fun, but certainly much-needed were a new set of chair covers for my kitchen using some recycled upholstery material. Thank GOD my old Bernina put up with me through these...
And of course, there's always gardening. For now... Garlic scape pesto. Brand new Yukon Golds run amok. Vivid green broccoli and sweet sweet peas.
And a sign of things to come! Homemade tomato sauce.
Blueberry muffins.
Roasted red peppers.
Basil pesto.
And cheese, thanks to Sarah S. for her goat cheese inspiration on the ferry to Hollyhock! This is the most action my husband's climbing equipment has seen in years, and it certainly did the trick to hang the cheese perfectly, right over the sink drain! So yummy!
Did I tell you that we've become cabinkeepers for a family that's relocated for a few years? It's on Valdes, the island where Jason and I started our relationship, honeymooned, hunted successfully... so dear to our relationship and so exciting to bring our family there!
Happy Summer to you all!
