The June Edit

Monotype printmaking, three great summer reads, velvet-slippered gondoliers, and strawberry meringue.

The Monthly Edits are a casual curation of my consumptions from the past few weeks including: books I read, delicious eats, fun finds, and personal experiences. Buon appetito!

three great books, and camped in the backyard—boring girl summer is well underway. It’s been a fun month of trying new things, challenging myself creatively, and starting to enjoy the bounty that surrounds us. Summer is the season of abundance after all, and I’m endlessly grateful for the variety of goodness it provides. Like the big pink pom poms in my garden (above), silently cheering me on from the backyard.

It’s Canada Day long weekend over here! We’ll be beating the heat with fresh fruit and drinkable shrubs (more on that below). Adding things like mint, cucumber, and cherries to the mix. I made a batch of this pesto and it didn’t last long—looks like I’ll be making more this weekend. Seasonal eating is something I would like to be more intentional about moving forward. I’ve struggled with my fair share of digestive issues and wonder if staying more in rhythm with my environment might help to ease my system. I’ll keep you posted, and if you’re interested to know what’s currently in season in your area, I found this regional guide really helpful.

Alright, here’s how the month went:

• The backyard is officially my favourite campground. There’s something about having a fancy duvet all exposed to the elements that feels so….right.

• Have you tried shrubs (aka drinking-vinegars) yet? I came across these a few weeks ago and they might just be the most refreshing beverage I’ve ever had! They’re a concentrated and very simple combination of vinegar, fruit, herbs, and (sometimes) honey. You can use them at a 1-to-6 ratio with sparkling water for a delicious mocktail, or mix them with olive oil for salad dressings and marinades. I’m in love with this peach and cardamom shrub that’s made here in Victoria. Sideyard Shrubs (for those of you in the US) also looks yummy.

June was a cake themed month.

• Earlier this month I put together a digital art gallery based on layered cakes and buttercream ruffles. I also mentioned I would be baking my husband Scott a devil’s food cake for his birthday. This fudgy coffee-filled delight with cream cheese frosting and fresh blackberries turned out even better than I imagined! We feasted like kings and played a new board game—sitting around the table laughing like children. A couple friends texted me the next day asking for the cake recipe—I used this one, which you might want to bookmark.

Fantastic TED Talk: Let Your Garden Grow Wild
Lemon bars with strawberry meringue.
Salvador Dalí’s rarely seen floral works.