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You might have guessed by now - but we are full on obsessed with beautiful blankets that you can take outdoors. Blankets make any space cozier, instantly. We toss them on a sofa or chair and all of a sudden our homes are more inviting than ever. Same goes for outside.
Cozifying your outdoor space with blankets is a breeze when you mix different textures, colours and patterns. We love high contrast (black and white or light greys and dark greys) but you should have fun and combine whatever colours you love. Everything gets better when you snuggle up with a blanket or throw outdoors.
This past year we made sure to start everyday with coffee and breakfast outside on our deck. That's right - even through rain, wind and snow. As long as you are warm and dry - the benefits of a little extra vitamin D (from sunshine) and fresh air are unbeatable. By the way, even in winter we wear an SPF of at least 30!
Cotton blankets are a really popular choice because they are soft and breathable and there's nothing lovelier than having them brush against your skin. They are also easy to throw in the wash.
Woollen blankets are ideal when the weather gets colder - as wool is one of the warmest fabrics out there to keep out the cold and wind. Alpaca, merino, cashmere and lambswool are warm and soft to the touch. Cashmere is actually one of the warmest wools and the softest. If you have coarser woollen blankets at home - that’s great too - just make sure you layer them on top of your clothing so they don't make you itchy.
Getting outside is not about being perfect. It's about being comfortable and extending your living space as much as you can. Getting all wrapped up in blankets outdoors is as good for your heart as it is for keeping you snug and warm.
We use our blankets indoors and out but we store them inside. If you store them outside in a blanket box just make sure they are in a fully sealed container to protect them from the elements when not in use.
Take a few moments out of each day just for you. Grab a coffee and a blanket and don't forget to savour a moment in the beautiful outdoors!
Susan
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Ingredients:
Use fresh tomatoes - slice or chop them anyway you like. Add fresh basil leaves. Put the burrata in the centre of your dish and surround with the delicious fresh tomatoes (serve at room temperature). Drizzle the best olive oil you can afford over everything. Definitely extra virgin. Splurge on the olive oil. Trust me. Add salt and black pepper.
Serve with toasted garlic bread, crisp breads or my favourite - fresh sourdough!
Takes literally 5 minutes and tastes great. Serve alone as an appetizer or part of your charcuterie board or add to anything you are cooking on the BBQ.
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The McManis Cabernet Sauvignon is California dreamin' in a bottle. Easy drinking, crowd pleasing. Nothing pretentious here. A medium bodied red with notes of dark red berries, tobacco and leather while a hint of oak will blend in nicely with anything coming off the grill.
Looking for something more crisp and chilled? Consider Villa Maria's Sauvignon Blanc. Fresh, white, dry...this is what balance tastes like. A New Zealander that offers the palate a great blend of citrus, tropical fruits and minerality. All of this with just the right amount of acidity. A classic accompaniment to any of the soft cheeses off the charcuterie board or your favourite seafood, however prepared.
Both priced at around $20 CAD and available year round.
Just like the great outdoors.
@tuesday_night_wine
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THIS APPETIZER IS SO INCREDIBLE!
You'll need:
Peaches, Olive oil, Burrata, fresh Thyme, Basil, Rosemary (water soaked) , white balsamic and salt and pepper to taste.
Directions:
Cut the peaches into 4 or 5 pieces. Toss in olive oil, salt, pepper and fresh thyme. Grill on your BBQ for 3-4 mins and cover them in water-soaked rosemary. Take them off the grill and let cool. Place on a bed of micro greens and add basil, along with fresh burrata, and dress with olive oil, remnant peach juice + white balsamic.
Add prosciutto if you want more sustenance. Really yum!
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Our friend Sue is a whiz at finding the perfect cheese to compliment any charcuterie board!
"The trick" she says, "is finding a soft cheese, a salty hard cheese and a wonderful 'blue' styled cheese. People love a variety and having one of each covers everything you need for the perfect cheese tray".
So don't fuss around cheese boards. Pick three cheeses and you are done. You can add fig or red pepper jelly and natural honeycomb. You can buy any of these at any good cheese boutique. Voila!
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“Who says margaritas should be reserved for Mexican holidays? This refreshingly spicy version will have your friends forgoing palm trees for your private backyard Margaritaville!”
Our friend Laura found this recipe from Michael Symon and it's just incredible. Here's what you need:
]]>- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice- 1/2 cup white tequila- 1/2 C orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier)- 1/4 cup maple syrup (yes, you read that right!)- 4 thinly sliced cucumbers- 1 Jalapeno - halved lengthwise- Ice and salt for glass rim.Mix together the lime juice, tequila, orange liqueur, simple syrup, cucumber and jalapenos in a large pitcher. Chill for at least 1 hour (the longer the margarita sits, the more the cucumber and
jalapeno flavors infuse into the drink). Serve over ice in salt-rimmed glasses, if desired. Feel free to make one of these beauties for indoors too!