I’m back from the wilds of Canada and re-adjusting to the Texas temperatures. We ended up splitting our trip in Toronto between a 5 day canoe trip into the Temagami wilderness area (an area I have visited many times during my summers at camp and leading canoe trips), visiting friends and family, and eating our way through the big city of T.O.

Highlights included eating at Taboule on Queen East, Grand Electric for the fish tacos, and the ice cream sandwiches at Bakerbots [above]. FYI: Field Guided’s Toronto guide was very, very helpful!

I also got to meet the delightful Lisa of Sweet Woodruff and talk shop — I really love getting the chance to talk with fellow florists and designers and find common ground, frustrations, success, and outlook. In short, these ladies are my colleagues, and it goes without saying that I appreciate the chance to meet and develop friendships with them.

Now that I’m back in the studio and working, here’s my weekly round up of goodies: House Hunting // It seems like everyone I know is in the house hunting, buying, furnishing, dreaming these days! Some of the ladies within The Nouveau Romantics are in the process of doing the same, meaning that we’re all keeping an eye out for amazing furniture finds, and pinning up a storm. That said, Jordan’s Tips for Finding Great Craigslist Furniture are spot on, and I’ve also been following Max and Daniel’s house renovation on Manhattan Nest for tips and tricks.

Flowers Wild // Kate Holt of Flowerwild is among the ladies that I truly admire and am continually amazed at her work. Her flower workshops are on my radar, and I know that some of my fellow flower ladies were lucky to go this year. Oncewed featured her students bridal bouquets and styling, and everything is so spot on.

Wedding of the Year // Sean Parker’s much talked about Lord of the Rings-inspired wedding is up on Vanity Fair, complete with images. Beyond the cost, and the environmental impact, I immediately think of how many people it took to create this. Wow.

Detox // Vacations with my family are always surrounded by food [see above Toronto listings] and so I’m back in Texas and looking forward to getting back to lighter, cleaner eating, and Camille Style’s Chia Breakfast Pudding looks right up my alley!

Lots of venue visits coming up this week! More soon.