Leaves.

Soon will have this (via Forty Sixth at Grace), but for now I want to share with you some pictures I took in the park this fall. My very first fall of red, big squirrels, and blankets of leaves.

Knitting some socks.

I'm doing this new thing where I actually follow through on the ideas I post in the Things that are Inspiring Me Right Now posts. I made those pumpkin cupcakes and now I'm whipping up some wool socks. I'm using a pattern called Absolute Beginner Socks that I purchased years ago at Romni Wools here in Toronto. I tried to find it online to no avail, however, Anna posted a great compilation of sock knitting links. I swore I wasn't going to become a crazy sock knitter, but I think I've changed my mind.

Things Inspiring Me Right Now

(via The Thinking Tank, original source unknown)

1. This knitting pattern (sent to me by Miss Print). Perhaps, finally a good start to go about making this.
2. The DV by Dolce Vita Blast Boot. (via Kate at For Me-For You) I may have just bought some practical winter boots, but now I'm obsessed with this pair.
3. The Lula Scrapbook.
4. Kate Miss's Mini Pies.
5. Knitting up some cosy wool socks. I'd love to knit up something as elaborate as the cabled socks in the above picture, but for a more immediate result I'll probably knit up a simple pair.
6. Pumpkin Cupcakes! (via A Cup of Jo)
7. Cute post on Selbu Mittens with a Troll!
8. What I Wore Today Flickr group.

Winter Boots

I've spent most of my life rebelling against winter in the province that finds itself under 4ft of snow and weeks of -40 Celsius temperatures (I think that's -30 Fahrenheit). I drove everywhere in winter and wore high heeled boots to my heart's content (no, really!). This year I live in a much milder climate (so they tell me), but without a car to drive me to and fro. So, I finally made my parents proud and bought myself a pair of real winter boots. I bought the Timberland Mount Holly Earthkeepers from Get Outside. The sole is rubber that won't freeze and become slippery in low temperatures and they're lined with fleece. I'll admit my number one aversion to practical winter wear is always that it looks, well, practical. But, these boots had just enough cute to win me over.

If I still lived in Manitoba I'd be under a foot of snow right now. But whenever winter does come to Toronto, this time, I'll be ready for it!

The Pie Shack

(all pictures via BlogTO, where I discovered the Pie Shack in the first place)

So the dessert party was a success, thank you all for your input! Of course, I was so silly and forgot to take any pictures of the event, my deepest apologies.
I now have a fridge full of leftover desserts, never a bad thing I suppose. :)
I just wanted to tell you a little bit about a lovely bakery I ordered the apple pie from, called the Pie Shack. It took me about an hour to get there by streetcar from my apartment, but oh boy was it worth it in the end! From the outside the pie shack has an adorable sign with a pie cooling on the windowsill, a little doghouse and a bike with a basket. On the inside are large wooden tables to sit down with friends and share a slice or two.
The store was packed on the Saturday before Canadian Thanksgiving and I patiently waited in line behind a few people who ordered some pumpkin pies to go. The owner Tim is so welcoming to everyone in the shop, he made sure to call everyone by name and shook many hands as groups were leaving. Tim and the other gentleman working to the time to make sure each customer was given personalized service and their undivided attention.


When it was my turn I proudly announced I was there to pick up an apple pie to go. Tim made sure to give me exact instructions on how to serve my pie that evening and when I was finished paying he brought my receipt around the counter in person to give me my handshake. He even asked if I needed help carrying it anywhere. However, I politely declined, saying I had a long way to go and that I would be fine. When I told him where I was coming from he said "Wow, thanks so much for coming all this way and I hope you have a happy Thanksgiving."

For a homesick girl on Thanksgiving weekend a pie from the Pie Shack was just what I needed.
I hope my guests enjoyed that pie as much as I did.

All said and done, my trip to the Pie Shack was a lovely reminder that nothing beats shopping and supporting local businesses.

Thanksgiving Dessert Party

peach sugar tarts.. from scratch folks, originally uploaded by morninglightlamb.

Dear readers,

This weekend I'll be hosting a little Thanksgiving dessert party. There will be pumpkin and apple pie, for sure. But I'm having a problem figuring out what else to make, so I need your help.

What are your favorite desserts? For fall or anytime.

Thanks.

Erica

Things for my table

The kitchen table is my favorite piece of furniture and the place where I spend all my time (especially now that it also serves as my desk). I think these two things would be perfect additions.
I wanted this one, but I wasn't quick enough.


(via 46th at grace)