Welcome! For those who don’t know me, my name is Tammy and I am so glad that you stumbled across my site. My intent with this platform is to combine my passion for photography, cooking, gardening, family time and of course WINE to a place that I can share with all of you! Mostly, I wanted to create a space to swap recipes, learn new cooking and baking techniques, share all things garden, photography and wine. I thought this would be a great way for me to learn more in the kitchen, the garden and well, life! I will share what works for me, what doesn’t or whatever might be on my mind. Stay tuned and let’s see where this journey takes us!
As I sit on my porch this sunny December day, I reflect on this past year. I cannot help but think, ‘wow,, was that a shit show or what?!!’ and ‘Thank goodness that’s over!’ Covid aside, 2020 presented many challenges however there are so many other things to be grateful for. For one, our health is good. Thankfully, our family did not suffer the wrath of COVID however I won’t dismiss the fact that perhaps our mental health took a hit every once and awhile. I think about those who might have lost someone too early because of this wicked virus or who had suffered because of the isolation restrictions….my heart pours out to each and every one of them because this year was NO JOKE. I cannot wait until we are free and can hug you all again, watch out! I’m coming for you!
2020 was a year that allowed me to connect more with close friends, distant friends, new friends and family. It became abundantly clear to me that out of anything in my life, these people are most important. Many of them had supported me, listened to me, laughed with me and also pulled me out of some pretty dark places. To all of you, thank you. You will be getting one of those big hugs when this is over because I miss seeing you in person! The gift of friendship and family was certainly a highlight of my year.
My kids. Wow, aren’t you the most resilient little creatures I have ever met! In the midst of drastic change, we threw an unprecedented pandemic at them that stripped them of their friends, family, school and activities away from them. They navigated home schooling, constant masking and the art of staying 6 feet apart from others. You handled it like champs and I couldn’t be more proud. You blessed me with your smiling faces and your lightheartedness. You are the true gift, thank you.
This next year is going to be good, I feel it in my bones. I know it will have a rocky start however I feel that once all of the kinks are worked out and we will be on the road to normalcy. I have hope, faith and determination that 2021 will kick ass…no matter what happens!
Happy New Year my Wino’s! I wish nothing but the best to you and your family. If you ever need to share a virtual wine, you know where to find me. I’m here for you!
I cannot believe that Summer is officially over and we hit the first day of Fall…is anyone else grieving??? Because, I certainly am! Don’t get me wrong, I love my Fall colours, pumpkin spice lattes and boots however there is so much freedom in the Summer months that you just cannot get the rest of the year. I can walk outside barefoot at anytime, open the windows and wear all the pretty summer dresses! Oh Summer….oh how I love you!
To the garden….
It was a different year for me to grow in garden boxes as I usually just plant in good ole’ earth dirt, so there was some learning curves for me. My tomatoes rotted at the bottom, my cucumbers didn’t get enough sun but wholly heck, did I get some green peppers, beans, kale and peas this year! Honestly, I don’t think I know what I’m doing half of the time…I just plant some seeds, water and hope for the best! I do have to lean on my Sister in Law Tracy more often though, she knows her gardening and maybe she can help give some tips on gardening for next year. So what I’m actually saying….is that I have nothing to really offer you right now but my pretty pictures and what actually grew for me with little effort this year. Ha! Sorry…I will do better.
I will have to say that this garden has given me peace. I watered this baby almost everyday and there was usually a glass of wine in hand with some tunes, because what the hell…it’s 2020 and this year is a strugggggggle! NO JUDGMENT! I was alone with my thoughts and of course, I solved all the problems…well not really, but there was always hope!
Here’s to next summer and the next garden. If you have any foolproof tips and tricks, I would love to hear about them in the comments below. Help a struggling gardener out, would you?
It has taken me a really long time to sit down and write this post. With so much transition in life and well…COVID, I haven’t been myself this year as I figure things out. I love my cute little blog but so much has changed. Perhaps now that life has started to slow down and we are all figuring out this new normal…I’m getting the bug again. To cook again, to try new recipes and share some really cool things that are happening. I’m ready to share my new garden and to get some advice from others on how to get rid of those pesky white moths that are eating my broccoli!
So I feel I’m back. I’m not sure what that means yet. Ha ha….so non-committal! But perhaps this post will allow me to get my butt in gear to get creative again. Look at me trying to keep myself accountable?
My good friend Jen has been killing it with her instagram and soon to be blog, so we have been busy with photo sessions to create content for her. It was my turn, however I didn’t have much purpose for the blog yet but I knew I just wanted to look and feel good. It was the first time in quite a long time that I have felt ‘confident, strong’….isn’t that awful? Ugh, cue the violin. I think I got inside my head too much. Anyways, she always has a way of creating such beautiful imagery and I am incredibly grateful for her because I needed this right now. Below are a few of the photos that she snapped…thank you Jen.
I think I wrote a post last year about how September is my month for renewal…it’s kind of like New Years to me and I think it’s because I relate it to going back to school. Speaking of which….who is stressing about this whole back to school situation??? I’m here screaming….ME!
Small post and a little scattered, but that is all I have in me tonight….I’m committing to more soon!
Such an incredibly special time in new Mother’s life and even to this day, I treasure my own maternity portraits. It’s special for the kiddo’s to see Mom while they were still growing in their belly, so sweet! I usually encourage new Mom’s to bring a couple different wardrobe choices and we will usually visit a couple locations.
Capturing a graduates day, in my opinion, is the most perfect time to hire a photographer! I mean, the dress, the suit, the hair, the make -up and perhaps the family has all come to celebrate! Some grads will set up a shoot on a day prior to the big day when they have either a hair or make up trial so they don’t have to rush during the bustle of Graduation Day. However, capturing family portraits on the big day is also just important. Let’s connect to talk about different options!
My hope when photographing families is to capture those special moments that will look beautiful up on your walls or on your desk. I always keep things light and relaxed. It’s important for the kiddos to not stress and it’s okay for them to run around, I will still be able to capture them. Sometimes just letting them explore is the best way to get that perfect photo! I prefer to set up sessions in the evening when the light is sweeter, however a cloudy day is always perfect too! Don’t expect my sessions to run too long, kids and hubbies are typically done with me and the camera at the 30 minute mark. π
Engagement photography is hands down, one of my favourite types of sessions. I try my very best to keep them relaxed and not a huge, long ordeal. The best time to shoot is in the golden light of day, which is typically the last few hours of sunset. So be prepared to go a bit later to catch that sweet sun!
I love weddings. The anticipation, the love, the family and the tears always make it such a special day and I consider it a privilege to be part of my couple’s most treasured moments. I have probably photographed over 60 weddings over the course of the years, near and far! If you are interested in discussing your big day, please reach out. I will only accept a small amount of weddings a year. Contact me at sweetthymeandwine@outlook.com for additional information!
This time of year is always a little rough as we impatiently wait for Spring to arrive so we don’t have to bundle up and we can spend more time outside. The sun is starting to be up for much longer in a day which is a wonderful sign that we are getting closer. Thank goodness! Nothing better than making a fresh loaf of bread to pair with some soup or delicious oils to cozy up and embrace each others company while we wait!
Recently, our family visited Banff, Alberta for a hockey tournament. Such a fun weekend watching the kids take 1st place in the tournament, we really do have an amazing team! Of course, we took to the shops on main street to kill time between games and I was so excited to come across a beautiful oil and vinegar store that lured me in at first sight. I probably could have spent an hour in the store but the kids were ready to get going. If you ever get a chance to try out Evoolution Canada – Luxury Oils and Vinegars, I highly recommend it as these products really kick up your salads, cooking and pair beautifully with breads.
Kids loved this bread (especially poking holes into the dough!) and it’s best served right out of the oven, it’s a perfect comfort food! Enjoy!
1 tbsp - Chopped Fresh Rosemary (or 1 tsp dried) - Extra to sprinkle on top
1 1/3 cup - Warm Water (about 120Β°F)
1/4 cup - Extra virgin Olive Oil (Extra for drizzling afterwards)
Instructions
1
Using a stand mixer with the dough hook, add warm water and sugar together and stir until combined
2
Sprinkle yeast on top of water and then give a stir. Let sit for about 10 minutes until the mixture looks foamy
3
Using a low speed, gradually add the flour, olive oil, rosemary, thyme and salt. Increase speed to medium and stir for an additional 5 minutes. If you find that the dough is a bit too sticky and not pulling away from the sides of the bowl, you can add a little bit of flour. I usually just use one tablespoon at a time.
4
Remove dough from the bowl and form into a ball. Grease the mixing bowl with olive oil and place the ball of dough back in and let it rest for about an hour in a warm spot with a damp towel covering the bowl. It should double in size.
5
On a floured surface, turn out bread and roll out into a circle with a thickness of about 1/2 inch. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for an additional 20 minutes.
6
Preheat oven to 400Β° F.
7
Transfer dough onto a baking sheet and then dimple the bread by pressing your fingers right through until you hit the pan. Drizzle with olive oil, salt and fresh rosemary.
8
Bake for 20 minutes or until nice and lightly brown
9
Best served immediately however you can also refrigerate to enjoy later. I usually will warm it before serving.
I’m all about the sales and the deals…especially when it comes to wine! Nothing better than browsing the wine aisles for that glowing wine that has the sweet little ‘marked down’ price tag. Sometimes I can be pretty risk averse especially when I’m trying a new wine…what if I buy this really great expensive wine and it taste’s terrible????!!! Trust me, it’s happened before so now I’m a bit more cautious.
I picked this wine up and interestingly enough, when I went to do a search on it online…there was NOTHING! All good though, I will not steer you wrong, this was a great one! The store said it was above 90 points and that means it must be a superior or classic wine. Cabernet Sauvignon berries are small and circular with dark, thick and very tough skin. It is also one of the world’s most widely recognized red wine grape varieties
So, next time you are out and about, pick up a bottle and give it a try yourself! I would love to hear your feedback!
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