the melt

play that funky music

Put on some short shorts, hop in the car, roll down the windows and rock out to Ida Maria's 'I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked" all summer long.

ondine of the sea

I'm notorious for picking out awful movie (heard of 'Perfume' anyone?) so when I stumbled on this modern myth movie I wasn't expecting too much and was pleasantly surprised. I took a Greek and Roman mythology class in University and have loved myth and lore ever since so 'Ondine' was a perfect pick. Here's a brief synopsis:

"Set in a small fishing village on the Irish coast, the film tells the story of an Irish fisherman named Syracuse (Colin Farrell), who one day brings up a woman (Alicja Bachleda) in his fishing net. She is evasive about herself and will only tell him her name is Ondine, meaning "of the sea". Her songs aboard the boat seem to bring Syracuse unusual luck in his fishing; from this and the way she was found, Syracuse's young daughter Annie (Alison Barry) concludes Ondine must be a selkie, a seal lady creature of Celtic myth who may temporarily become human by removing her seal coat, but must later return to the sea.

Ondine moves in with Syracuse, and though smitten he is cynical enough, through long experience, not to let himself take anything about her for granted. When a mysterious man arrives in town looking for her, it soon becomes apparent that Syracuse's fairy tale run of luck has a price."

summer favourites

urban outfitters crop tops and jean shorts - ideal for beach days


sheer & silk aritzia top - beautiful with bright lips


aritzia multi-layered silk dress - lovely with a high, messy bun & big rings

mirror mirror...

I bought a cute set of glasses on my recent vacation in the Okanagan.
Here are a couple fun photos I snapped in my backyard!
Can you spot the raven in the last photo?

sips: blueberry thymes collins

There was still a heap of snow on the ground when my sister treated me to this amazingly little drink but it's ideal for summer sipping. The thyme offers an unusual pop of taste that makes this concoction stand out among the rest. Shake up a batch for your next garden get-together or poolside soirée!

Ingredients
1 1/3 cups apple-thyme simple syrup, recipe follows
1 cup gin (recommended: Bombay Sapphire)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
Ice
1/4 cup blueberry jam
Club soda, chilled
Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs

Directions
In a pitcher, combine the syrup, gin and lemon juice. Refrigerate for 2 hours. To serve, add ice and half of the gin mixture to a martini shaker. Add 2 tablespoons of blueberry jam. Shake well and pour into ice-filled Collins glasses. Add a splash of club soda and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Apple-Thyme Simple Syrup
20 (4-inch) long sprigs fresh thyme
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups 100 percent apple juice (recommended: Martinelli's)
Gently crush the thyme sprigs and put them in a small saucepan. Add the sugar and apple juice. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool, about 30 minutes. Strain before using.

elements of style: aryn

Elements of Aryn's style: big bling, belted silky fabrics, structured blazer, bright polish, bedhead hair and a big smile