With Thanksgiving right around the corner, what better time to share a turkey recipe .  If you're wanting to try a new recipe for roasting your turkey, or if you've never attempted to cook your own, this Lemon and Thyme Roast Turkey with White Wine Gravy recipe is hands down a must try!

When we first moved out, one of the things I looked forward to the most was hosting a holiday dinner, with a roasted turkey being the main course.   Well, we did and it was a complete and I mean complete fail!  Oh goodness.  So I totally get the pressure that comes with hosting a holiday dinner with a turkey being the highlight and the struggle to find the perfect recipe!

Rest assured that this recipe is not only easy to follow, requiring few steps, but it was so unbelievably delicious!  My eldest son said, and I quote "Mum, I don't know what you did differently, but whatever it was, you nailed it".  The steps were close to those that I normally follow when cooking a turkey, but the subtle changes that I made to follow this recipe made an unbelievable difference in a fantastic way!

After rinsing the turkey, you add some thyme and garlic into the cavity.  Be sure to go with fresh thyme!

You then combined some softened butter, thyme, lemon zest, salt and pepper to create a mixture which you rub onto the turkey.  Messy, yes, but well worth the mess.  So get your hands dirty!

That's the prep!  That's.it.

Cook the turkey at a low temp 325F (160C).  After the turkey is in the oven, there isn't much left to do other than baste it every 45mins and wait! (I did have to add some extra chicken stock to the bottom of my pan to keep the juices from burning).

This is the perfect time to throw some stuffing together, which I always cook in my slow cooker.  I put it on high for a few hours, and then turn the temperature down to low for the last little bit.

A few hours later and you have this glorious and absolutely delicious result:

Now, the turkey needs to sit for about 30 mins.  This is gives you time to make your gravy.....from scratch!  If you're anything like me, you tuck a few pre-made gravy mixes away as a precautionary measure.  I always worry that I'm going to mess up the gravy, and what's a turkey dinner without gravy?!

You'll love this white wine gravy recipe, honestly!  Be sure to get all of those delicious bits that are left at the bottom of your pan, because they hold a slew of flavour and you want them in your gravy.

For us, a delicious turkey is a staple for most holiday dinners.  We love it, we look forward to it and it's a tradition that we plan on keeping.  I have to admit that I won't be going back to my old turkey recipe, this one is 100% a keeper and will be my go to from now on.

You can find the recipe here, on the Canadian Living website.  If you give it a try (I highly recommend that you do!) please be sure to let me know what you think!

Cheers,

*sponsored post.  but all opinions are my own

BlogPodium 2014 - Another Amazing Event

image source - Flow Photo

BlogPodium was well over a week ago.  I find myself still typing and deleting, typing and deleting, trying to recap my experience.  All in all, it was yet again, an amazing day, full of inspiring seminars, speeches and it's always fantastic getting to meet and connect with fellow bloggers.

This year was especially amazing as I was part of the BlogPodium team, what an absolute honour.  I spent the day sharing tidbits from the seminars on social media on behalf of BlogPodium, so I didn't take in entire seminars, but I still enjoyed every.single.minute.

image source - Flow Photo

I did have the opportunity to listen to the Keynote Speaker, Donna Williams from Funky Junk Interiors.  Her story is proof that determination, hard work and the simple belief that you are doing what you are meant to do was so unbelievably touching and inspiring.  Donna recently left her secure, 9-5 to pursue her dreams as a blogger.  Amazing.

image source - Flow Photo

I also took in the Keynote Panel.  Scott McGillivray, Jennifer Flores and Monika Hibbs each brought something different to the panel, making it one not to miss.  Scott's "to the point" approach was the truth that many of us needed to hear.  To "make it" takes dedication, understanding and the ability to give without necessarily seeing an instant return....delayed gratification.  All points that have helped him to succeed.  Jen reassured those listening that it's okay to lean on others, and in fact, that may be what gets you to the next level.  Monika, who has seen so much success in the blogging world shared her tips on how to use affiliates to your advantage and the importance of finding your "style" (she is so well known for her gorgeous, bright white instagram photos).

image source - Flow Photo

The connection with fellow bloggers is what I love love love the most.  The panels and seminars are amazing too and will leave you buzzing with ideas and energy to pursue whatever blogging goals you may have, but the face to face connections is what I love.  Blogging can at times feel very lonely....none of my friends or family members blog, so they don't really get what it's all about and that's not their fault, in fact, it's perfectly understandable.  I just wish I could have met every single person who was there.  The minutes go by so very quickly!

As I went from seminar to seminar to capture photos and tidbits to tweet, two tips stuck with me.  Lucy from Craftberry Bush spoke about creating standout DIY's.  She mentioned to "not be afraid of the mess" that comes with creating a DIY tutorials, because that mess is what usually gives your tutorial an authentic look.  The second tip came from Brittany who spoke about vlogging.  She said to "not take yourself too seriously".  And it's so true, right?  She mentioned to think of when you're out with your friends having coffee, laughing, chatting, having fun, that's the feel/vibe that you should aim for when creating a Vlog (something that I have yet to do).  Both such great tips!

image source - Flow Photo

I left BlogPodium with new found energy and excitement for blogging, which to me, is priceless.  I do love blogging, I love talking about what's inspiring me in the fashion and decor world and what's making me smile from ear to ear!  I love the connection, I love the friendships, I love the opportunities.  BlogPodium has without a doubt, changed my life.  There are no words.  The last year has been amazing and I am SO looking forward to this next year of blogging.

image source - Flow Photo

One huge takeaway....I was one of two winners of the HGTV giveaway! Ahhh!  I get to visit Scott McGillivray on the HGTV set of Income Property and I also get a behind-the-scenes tour of the show!  I mean, chance of a lifetime!  Thank you HGTV and Scott!  Now, what to wear?! ha!

CONNECTION | CONVERSATION | COLLABORATION

Those three words - that's what BlogPodium is all about and I simply love it.

Cheers,

Weekend Comfy-Casual Outfit

We had a weekend full of birthday parties and catching up on house chores, my go-to look for these sorts of days is comfy-casual.  I've had this cardigan for years....I should honestly start to look for a back up for the day that this one calls it quits and it starts unravel! ha!  I picked up these espadrilles on clearance at Old Navy and honestly love them!  Run, don't walk to Old Navy to see if you can nab a pair and while you're at it, their flip flops are fabulous and on sale as well!

jeans, tshirt (similar), espadrilles (same but different colour)

I am still trying to recoup from my weekend in Toronto.  I'm exhausted both physically and mentally, but it's all good stuff, so I'm trying to not complain.  None the less, exhaustion is exhaustion, no matter what the cause, so I enjoyed taking a casual approach to the weekend.

I promise I am going to get to recapping BlogPodium.  I'm finding it so hard to write everything out...hoping for an "aha" moment and then done and done.

What did you get up to this past weekend?

Cheers,

Braid It....To the Side.

It's funny, I'm beginning to really notice that I'm not very adventurous when it comes to how I style my hair or when choosing outfits.  It doesn't really bother me, for the most part, but there are times when I do think "why haven't I ever tried that".

Enter the side-braid.  I know the side-braid isn't anything new, but I never even thought of trying this hairstyle.  Perhaps it's because my hair was never long enough, but for whatever reason, I'd never considered it as a option when doing my locks.

Then I spotted Holly's gorgeous side-braid and then Kelsea's, and that was it, I had to give it a try.

My locks aren't nearly as long as theirs, but oh-my-goodness, this is 100000% going to be my new didn't-wash-my-hair/curls-not-working-with-me/no-time-to-do-my-hair, do!

So, do you rock the side-braid?  I'm guessing yes, but give it to me anyhow by leaving a comment below!

Cheers,

BlogPodium 2014 - What I'm Looking Forward To

I can hardly believe that BlogPodium is next week!  This will be my second time attending Canada's only conference for Design and Lifestyle Bloggers.  I'm so excited to be back in Toronto for this wonderful, inspiring and super fun conference....I can't wait!  I just hope that these allergy eyes are a thing of the past by then! ha!

The tentative schedule is looking mighty fine and I'm pretty sure I know which seminars I'd like to attend, but who knows what will end up happening the day of!  I'm so so so looking forward to meeting new friends and reuniting with some of the amazing ladies that I've already met.

I'm also really really really looking forward to listening to the Keynote Panel speak.  Just look at the amazing trio:

image source

Scott McGillivray, Monika Hibbs and BlogPodium's Co-Founder, Jennifer Flores.  I mean, seriously, that is a whole lot of talent!  I have no doubt that these three along with the absolutely hilarious moderator, Leigh-Ann Perrault, will have the room completely inspired and ready to tackle any blogging dream(s) they have once they are done speaking.

Of course, I am taking full advantage of being back in the big city!  I hope to get in some shopping, some meetings and some sight seeing.  Always fun visiting Toronto!

Are you going?

Cheers,

Go To Outfits and Backyard Ponds

Hey friends and hey September! Say what?! Oh man, this summer flew by didn't it?

Sorry for going MIA.  Last week was a doozy, and I needed the time away.  Thankfully things are getting back on track and there's quite a bit to look forward to this month.  Including, BlogPodium!  Goodness, I can hardly believe that it's next weekend!  More on that later.  Are you going?

For today, a little recap of what's been happening here!

summer fashion on repeat. Gap tee, and American Eagle shorts, always.

working isn't so bad when you have a hot cup of coffee and homemade apple crisp!

hoping for at least one more beach day so that I can wear my new Triangl swimsuit!

quiet time in this room will never get old. well.......

now that we have a small pond in our backyard, living room moments may now become backyard, sitting by the pond moments. I love love love the sound of the water falling down the rocks.

Thanks for putting up with my infrequent and all over the place posts this month, friends.  Getting back on track in September.  Exciting stuff!

How was your Labour Day weekend?  Did you shop?  Go to the cottage?  Hang out with family & friends?

Cheers,