Shopping Local in Peterborough, Ontario
06/1/2012
It’s been a busy few weeks around here. Settling into our new home and getting the gardens and outdoors ready for Summer. The weather has been beautiful and has me missing in action on the blog. I haven’t done a cake for a few weeks, which is strangely odd but always a nice break. I am looking forward to this weekend as I will be teaching a special birthday girl how to decorate and assemble cupcakes and a cake. Every once in awhile I do a little lesson like this and it’s so much fun to teach!
One of the perks of moving to Peterborough has been the abundant activity and support of their downtown network. The surrounding communities have excellent shops and restaurants, there is always something to do. Being that I had some time off I felt it was only my duty to shop local and support the downtown areas.
Every Wednesday I try to make the market, last week I picked up some fresh organic asparagus and some beautiful mushrooms, my husband and I cooked them up that very night. I loved that we knew exactly where it came from and it tasted so fresh! A few pictures of our delicious dinner. Roasting asparagus is so much easier for me than steaming. I always get it wrong, but 10 minutes in the oven with a little bit of fat free lactose free cheese and a sprinkle of balsamic vinegar – yum!
My first retail stop post-market was some antique shopping near Norwood, where I picked up this beautiful picture to adorn one of the walls in my home. I knew when I saw it, it was something special. I kind of teared up a little, I felt like I was meant to find it. I loaded it into the back of my truck along with a few other pieces and continued on my journey.
I was on a mission for cake plates originally, so when I discovered this beautiful vibrant blue cake plate in an antique shop, I had to have it. It wasn’t the only cake plate I purchased that day, I also found a beautiful clear etched glass dessert tray. It reminded me of my Mum and Nan, how they made us special tea parties with the good china, depression glass serving trays and cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off. There is a reason I go antique shopping, not just for the stuff but for the feeling. It reminds me of my Nanny, my parents, my siblings and I all crammed into the station wagon driving through the states to visit my Aunt in New Brunswick. (We liked to take the long way) My parents stopped often, at antique shops and picked up little gems. Every piece has something special about it, I wonder who it belonged to, what they used it for. Was it considered a useless wedding gift? Was it something they used often at parties surrounded by family and friends? Was it their most cherished item that got mixed up in an estate sale?
I also got myself a few glass frogs. Ever heard of them? I think Martha Stewart has brought them back, but my mother had a few and they were so handy for making floral arrangements. At $3-10. they are a bargain and fit into most vases and dishes. A great little steal!
After I left my first antique shop my heart felt big. I daydreamed about owning my own cake shop, my pretty finds on display. I turned up the music and headed back into town and towards Lakefield to see what else I could score on such a beautifully sun shine filled day.
I stopped in at tragically hip and bought a dress, a skirt and some beautiful new turquoise earrings. I chatted with the ladies from Celtic Cross (they are moving into the space and Tragically Hip is moving to the big blue house). I strolled down the street and went to one of my all time favorite shops…Trinkets & Treasures. I found this place a couple of years ago and started purchasing earrings, christmas ornaments, and various gifts. I went back every month and what I discovered is that the shop is always changing, and I LOVE IT. I’m addicted in the worst way. On this particular trip I was able to find some great little summer items. Like these blue ceramic planters (which will soon be filled with chocolate mint and basil)…
This beautiful cake plate (I don’t think I can ever own enough of these)…
And my absolutely favorite pair of earrings that I’ve worn almost everyday since. Hand crafted by a local designer. I only wish there was a matching necklace. I requested a pair of cherries, crossing my fingers they might be there on my next visit! Aren’t they cute? I think a strawberry inspired cake needs to happen…(also my hair is done by Rebecca at Bloodline on Water Street – she’s pretty amazing! We became friends in grade eight and she is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met)
My little shopping spree continued online a few days later. I couldn’t help myself, who can resist receiving a box of sprinkles and pretty cake things like this?
I also ordered yet another candy/sugar book (and it’s great although lacking the photos I desire to drool over), and a learn to speak Italian box set. That’s right, I’m off to Italy in September and I am so thrilled to be able to do something like this!!! I will be going solo with a womens group I met this past weekend. I cannot believe I’m going so far away and for 10 whole days. I feel so blessed and so excited to get to do something so big. I have wanted to travel overseas for as long as I can remember. It is just the type of trip to inspire me all winter long. I have a feeling Italy and I are going to become very good friends!
I try to shop local as much as possible and support my fellow business owners, but I also love supporting working mothers. When my friend Brooke mentioned she sold Scentsy I of course had to smell every sample and get some of my own. I ordered some pretty cute warmers but this one was my favorite, the scent bar? Birthday Cake of course! You can contact Brooke here. Since I have little ones, these are perfect because they operate on lightbulbs, not candles. And they smell delicious!
My house smells awesome, my little trinkets are sparkling in the sun, my picture of Mother Mary is resting in my room where I can see her every day when I wake up. I also had the pleasure of making up some samples for local businesses, chocolate fudge cupcakes with lavender chocolate buttercream.
And the hubs all time fav, Bananarama Yum Yum with Swiss Meringue Vanilla Buttercream…
It was a week full of pleasant surprises, sunshine and lots of laughter. Enjoy your week and have a sweet day! A few parting photos of one particularly sunny afternoon….
Big sister and little brother enjoying their plasma cars (seriously one of the best investments we ever made, our kids love them!)
They really do love each other, I promise! Little sister bossing around the bigger sister. Wait until they’re both teenagers.
My youngest girl flashing the peace sign, she asked me right after what it meant. She’s too cute.
It doesn’t get better then retail therapy!!!
I went on shopping spree as well last week. Vintage door knobs, double dutch door and a chandalier. Vintage items have way more character then modern. Glad you’re girls like the plasma car. I want to get Jillian one for her birthday. May purchase 3 so I don’t have to listen to them argue over it.