anniversary evening

Nathan's outfit - Top: J.Crew // Dress pants: Gotstyle // Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

My outfit - Dress: J.Crew // Purse: Cole Haan

Nathan and I celebrated our anniversary the other evening in Toronto! Last year I was away travelling on our anniversary so I called a pizza company in Toronto all the way from Portugal to delivery a pizza to Nathan's office. I guess this is our little tradition now because I did it again this year! Pizzaiolo were so awesome and beautifully decorated the pizza with toppings in the shape of a heart.

I gave Nathan pizza for lunch and he gave me wine, calamari and pizza for dinner at Terroni on Adelaide! This is one of our favourite restaurants in Toronto.

xo sara

for those chilly nights

Summer has pretty well arrived up here in Canada but we still get hit with those chilly nights. I think it's time to transform my all black wardrobe to some summery colours!

Hat: H&M // Jacket: Vince {similar} // Top: Forever 21 // Skirt: H&M // Shoes: Miz Mooz

xo sara

snowy winter adventures

We have had one of the snowiest (that's a word right?) winters ever! From the beginning of December up until now, the ground has been covered in white snow. My friends and I were able to take advantage of this snow. We spent the day trekking in our snowshoes soaking in the winter white wonderland up here in Canada.

So happy I was able to spend the day with my cousin Rebecca - She has been quite the world traveller spending the past year in school abroad. It was nice spending a winter day with you!

My Grandparents were very fond of travelling so they wanted to mimic their favourite places at our chalet. There are about 14 massive Mexican tin masks all over the walls and gorgeous area rugs. It's our little "Spanish Oasis". 

My snowshoeing outfit

Sweater - North Face // Boots - Sorel // Vest - North Face // Mittens - The Bay

xo sara

organic + vegan stir fry

I go through these phases where I transfer over to the vegetarian lifestyle and I think this time it might stick. It partially has to do with half my family is vegan and gluten free so I am surrounded by the lifestyle. Honestly, eating like this does have its advantages - all the food is super nutritious, I feel energized and light after a meal and it's forced me to get creative. Below is a delicious organic and vegan stir fry, enjoy!

Ingredients:

- Red, yellow, orange peppers

- Chickpeas 

- Eggplant 

- Apples (the natural sweet + sour flavour)

- Brocoli

- Kale

- Tofu

- Canola oil

xo sara

shout out in house and home

I use Twitter quite often and have found that the more you use it, the more beneficial it becomes. You can find out breaking news, see what's exciting in your industry and let the world know your thoughts now and again. It's also fun to see if you can get a full thought out in 140 characters or less.

After attending the House and Home trends breakfast in December, I got to hear first hand what was hot for 2014. Suzanne Dimma and style editors Stacey Smithers and Joel Bray went through the trends and let us know how we can stay trendy for the year. I have to say that I was impressed with a lot of the tricks for this year and of course couldn't stop tweeting about them. Looks like my tweets were being heard by the team over at House and Home!

This tweet was featured on their RSVP page in the February tablet issue. I have recently been getting the House and Home magazines on my iPad and really love it. There are more features and it lets you actually interact with the copy and images. One of my friends from my graphic design course has been working for House and Home for a bit now in the DPS and tablet department - way to go on another great issue Lianne!

Thanks for the shout it!

xo sara

staple + statement fashion pieces

I was told that you need to have good staples and statement pieces in your closet which can be dressed up or down. What does this mean? If you wear one statement piece like a chunky necklace for instance, then it can be worn with a cute pair of booties, jeans and simple top. Your staples don't have to cost a lot either, they just need to be a classic basic that can set off your statement pieces. Statement pieces are often tricky to buy because they can be expensive but if you spend a little bit of time looking, you might find that perfect item.

My mom always knows how to cheer up my day. She came home with these stunning earrings a few days ago from Kate Spade. They look heavy and sophisticated but are actually as light as a feather! I bought this chunky necklace at Aldo Accessories for $30. I'm serious, $30! People actually stop to ask where I bought it. Goes to show you that you don't always have to spend a lot to get a good statement piece! 

Holt Renfrew always manages to have the best holiday displays 

Did you know that Cole Haan has the comfort technology of a nike running shoe? They placed it inside their loafers so they are super comfy. Needless to say, its like crack for your feet (I guess these are Rob Ford's favourite shoes).

ps - Cole Haan likes this picture on my Instagram!

xo sara

spring in canada

It snowed here in Toronto yesterday. A lot. We had a few warm days and the flowers were beginning to poke out from the ground which gave us some hope that spring was finally here! Since it's April, there has been lots of rain - then fluffy snowflakes all day yesterday?! This Canuck has no idea what mother nature is thinking. 

* note to self - never say goodbye to your winter parka until at least the end of . . . April? 

{Image by Sara}

cheers to a mexican easter

Before each holiday, my mom always asks the family what we would like to eat. The menu is usually lamb, roast beef, turkey, etc. This year, I have been coveting tacos and can't seem to get enough. I asked my mom if we could have fish tacos for Easter dinner (thinking she would laugh and we would have something else). She lit up, smiled and said, "yes!"

My mom is a wizard in the kitchen and can make anything. She has never made fish tacos before so she looked up a recipe, we went to the grocery store and she made absolutely everything from scratch! 

Tip: Put a few rasberries in the salsa before you blend it together - it adds a sweet delicious kick!

Here's to a new tradition . . . Cheers to a Mexican Easter! Hope you and your family's had a delicious one!

{Images taken by Sara Russell Interiors}

:: For more Easter posts, please view here ::

xo sara

colourful easter brunch

Easter is one of my favourite times of the year. Spring has just begun and the flowers have almost sprung!

My family is a big fan of Easter brunch so below are some ideas on how to make your Easter table vibrant! The key ingredient to making an inviting table is colour so use it where ever you can. I always adore the mixture of vintage and new china and glassware. Our table is mixed with items my mom and I have found at antique markets and items that were passed down from generation to generation. It is always fun to reflect on these fond memories!

Use different textures, shapes and colour with food and beverages and be sure to scatter them around the table. Don't worry about keeping food with food and drinks with drinks - it's more interesting when there isn't a pattern!

See this post featured at Style at Home and see some other great blogger Easter ideas!

Since it's Easter, fill the table with eggs! 

Place a bundle of them on a decorative paper napkin 

(I purchased all of mine from the Jacaranda Tree on Mt. Pleasant in Toronto) in a chunky glass bowl. 

At each place setting is a vintage liquor glass and a few stacked plates adding a nice height to each place!

This yummy lemon loaf cake is from The Flaky Tart

{All images taken by Sara Russell Interiors}

Click the picture below to see the post at Style at Home!

I wish you and your family's a very Happy Easter!

xo sara

velvet + fluffy pillows

At home we made our sofa look comfy and cozy with some neutral colours and soft fabrics.

Fluffy white pillow - Jacaranda Tree 

Cozy white pillow - Pottery Barn

Marvelous Mocha velvet - Pottery Barn

{All images taken by Sara Russell Interiors}

first snowfall of the season

On my way home from a Christmas party last night, I couldn't help but twirl around in the streets across the dusting of white fluffy snow!

{one, two}

decorating your home with greenery for christmas

Cover the outside of your home with lots of greenery this Christmas!

[one, two, three, four, five] 

ivy & piper | interior motives

The charming Australian magazine, Ivy & Piper, have kindly featured myself and what I am currently coveting in their September/October issue. Some things include; my vintage LV purse, MIU MIU navy velvet loafers I have been dying to purchase and my favourite earrings from Jacaranda Tree in Toronto.

To view the entire issue of Ivy & Piper, please visit here for more lovely interior inspiration! 

Below are some teasers...

lox on a bagel

Go to your local farmers market and pick up fresh produce to create a tasty sensation. The watercress is so flavourful with the sliced organic tomatoes, soft white cream cheese and thin pieces of lox. To complete, squeeze a fresh lemon overtop!

{Image by Sara Russell Interiors}

xo sara

happy father's day

After a long week at work, why not treat your father to a wine and cheese party on the deck. You have all summer to barbeque. Surprise your Dad with the unexpected.

When entertaining think about what you are serving and what you are serving it on. Less can be more so what ever you do, make it special for dad. A light and easy appetizer can be cheese and crackers. Get a fresh French stick from a local bakery and his favorite cheese. When serving cheese, it is recommended to leave it out a few hours before serving so the cheese is ripe.  Serve with a splash of colour, a glass of wine and a smile on your face.

Happy Father’s Day Dad!

All images taken by Sara Russell Interiors