One of the things I love the most about summer is going to the farmer’s market.  We are lucky to have a beautiful and big market close-by in Montreal, in the heart of the Little Italy district, it makes for a perfect outing.  Food, coffee, cannolis, it can’t get any better!  Of course there are many smaller markets you can enjoy too, but this one is a landmark.  The abundance of fresh, local fruits and veggies offered at the market is overwhelming.  So many to choose from and we couldn’t possibly eat all we’re craving for.  Prices are much cheaper than the same products bought from the supermarket, and you get local produce, which is still something we need to fight for if we want local produce in the supermarket stands. They tend to go for mass imported produce.

Our family vacation this summer started with a trip to Cuba.  Could be worse, really.  I’ve always loved Cuba.  Love the place, love the people.  Of course, the white sand beaches, turquoise sea and bright sun makes it a perfect destination too.
Our vacation was spent on the resort, which doesn’t give you a taste of what Cuba is really about but makes for great family time.  I thought the kids were still a bit too young to go out under the 45C sun all day discovering the city without whining.  That was the choice I made this time, but the next time, I’ll make sure to immerse the kids in the real Cuba.  If you’re going without kids there are plenty of day trips and outings you can plan.

What does summer taste like to you?  If you close your eyes and imagine yourself bathed in sunshine, a warm breeze messing your hair, and with your feet in water, what would be the best thing to go with it? I think of cherries.  And strawberries, warm from the sun, freshly picked in the garden.  I think of rosé too.  Or mojito.  Yes, mint and lime… Everything seems to taste better in the sunlight.  The more summer goes on, its taste changes.  There’s ripe tomatoes, corn on the cob and basil.  Blueberries and blackberries. My mind gets carried away with all the thoughts of fresh food I can enjoy in the summer.  I’ve always preferred fresh dishes over roasts, soups or stews, the more autumnal or wintery dishes.  What food is your favorite, and what does the season taste like to you?  Do tell.

It’s fair to say I have a major crush on peonies.  Some may call it an obsession, but you got to capture these ephemeral beauties while they last.  A rainy day, a little wind, and poof!  They’re gone!  What’s a girl to do then?  Shoot with a passion and make the most of them.  That’s what I did.  Every spring, when the peonies are about to bloom, the first thing I do in the morning, even before coffee, is to go in the garden and check on them, are they ready yet?  As soon as I see the first bloom, fever hits.  I cut and create bouquets, from which I will select the flowers for my photos.  I protect them from the nasty weather and treat them like precious babies.  I’m always on the lookout too for new peonies to add to the garden, maybe next year I’ll have yellow ones, fingers crossed X

It’s not breaking news if I tell you I’ve been enjoying shooting with my iPhone lately.  Since I use it so much, I went ahead and ordered a waterproof case so I can take photos underwater this summer.  I got the Nuud case by Lifeproof.  I was terribly excited to get my hands on that case, but when I opened the box, doubt crept in…  The case looked sturdy enough but it doesn’t cover the screen!  I could not imagine using a case that leaves so much of my precious device open to elements.  I made the test with the dummy phone provided, no leaks.  I still wasn’t feeling very confident about it so I took another test, that time leaving the dummy underwater for a long time, I went to run errands and forgot about it.  When I came back, everything inside was dry as a bone.