The Maison Edit: SLOW LIVING, FAST SUMMER (Mid August Edition)

ByChristopher Posted on Updated on

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Honestly, how is it already August? Wasn’t it June like… five business days ago? I blinked, grilled a few things, watered the garden a few times, and suddenly summer is sprinting toward fall.

And now, everyone’s already talking about back to school and I’m over here getting triggered like I just heard the bell ring for homeroom. Does anyone else still get that weird summer-is-ending dread? Like, the adult version of the Sunday Scaries, but with absolutely no logical reason? I don’t even go to school anymore, and yet here I am, spiralling over backpacks at Costco. Deep breaths. We’re fine.

Despite the speed of it all, I have to say, this summer has been one for the books. Between a cross-province trip to visit my hometown, market strolls, and one wildly unsuccessful attempt at homemade pasta (more on that later), I’m embracing the season, chaos and all.

Welcome to the first The Maison Edit (do we like the name, or nah?)! So let’s catch up, shall we?

Table of Contents

A Quebec City Kind of Summer

Recently, I went back home to Quebec City for a few weeks, and honestly, it was pure magic. The cobblestone streets, the old-world charm, the cheese. Mon dieu. Every time I go back now (especially since my mom moved back there), I realize how much I didn’t appreciate it growing up. But now? I walk around like a full-on tourist, taking photos of doors (lol), and soaking up all the European vibes.

We even took the Via Rail to Montreal, which I now believe is the only civilized way to travel. No traffic, no TSA pat-downs, just vibes, scenery, a few classics of wine and some pretty decent tasting food (trust me, business class is the way to go, and it’s not even a splurge). After a pit stop in Montreal, we headed to Toronto for a wedding, where I was reminded that I love people-watching… but I really love coming home to Calgary and my slower pace of life.

Sundays Are My Love Language

I get asked a lot about our Sunday routine because, yes, I post about it constantly and romanticize it.

But here’s the thing: it’s not just about aesthetics. Our Sunday ritual is how we reset. It’s our way of slowing down and intentionally easing into the week ahead. Gently, beautifully, and with purpose.

Here’s what our Summer Sunday Ritual™ looks like, in all its slow-paced glory

Morning coffee in the garden


If the weather’s kind (which, in Calgary, is never a guarantee), I bring my mug outside and settle in. Sometimes I’ll flip through a magazine, but most times, I just sit in silence. It’s the kind of peaceful quiet that feels rare: birds chirping, the rustle of the trees, or squirrels doing that really odd sound that they do (seriously, what is that?). It’s become a little meditation, a small moment where I’m not doing, just being. And yes, I’ve fully become that person. No regrets.

Plant watering and partner teamwork


After coffee, I do my rounds in the garden. Pull out a few weeds, deadhead a few bloomed flowers. Then I start checking in on the indoor plants, our many (ugh) Birds of Paradise plants, the wildly dramatic fiddle leaf fig that needs constant emotional support. Meanwhile, Gordon vacuums the house (bless him). I’ve had a life-long vendetta against the sound of vacuums. So we’ve created a peaceful division of labour. He vacuums, I tend to the green things. Domestic harmony at its finest.

Fresh sheets, always


There’s something sacred about fresh sheets on a Sunday. It’s like a reset button in fabric form. We toss them in the wash in the morning and by late afternoon, the bed is remade and smells like lavender, sunshine, and productivity. Crawling into it later that night feels like a reward.

Farmers’ market stroll


Midday, we head to one of Calgary’s amazing farmers’ markets. It’s part grocery run, part creative brainstorm. I love chatting with the local growers and makers, seeing what’s in season, and getting inspired for the week ahead. Whether it’s new blog recipes, client content, or just what to make for dinner on Tuesday. We almost always come home with something unexpected (obscure cheeses, garlic dip from the Mediterranean market, more bread than we need), and I’m not mad about it.

Afternoon drinks + local wandering


After the market, we usually pop into one of our favourite spots. Maybe Bar Rocca for a glass of bubbles and beef tartare, or Sound Room for a crisp beer and some vinyl-spun ambiance. It’s our version of daytime date night. We catch up, we laugh, we dream a little about what we want next. These slow, sunny afternoons always remind me that joy lives in the in-between moments.

Gentle evening wind-down


Back home, we’ll prep a simple dinner, something cozy but unfussy. Then, take a few minutes to map out the week ahead. I’ll jot down recipe ideas or plan shoots, and then we’ll curl up with a show.

It’s not revolutionary. It’s not curated for content (though, yes, it makes for great content). It’s just ours . Our little Sunday ritual that keeps us grounded, intentional, and in sync. If you’ve been craving more calm in your weekends, I highly recommend building your own version of this. Not because life demands perfection, but because it deserves a little harmony.

Reconnecting with Old Friends (and Myself)

Here’s a thought I’ve been sitting with lately, and I’m channelling my inner Carrie Bradshaw for this one:

“Why is it that I can go years without seeing an old childhood friend, and yet when we reconnect, it feels so natural… but with people I see all the time, conversation can feel forced?”

During my time in Quebec City, I caught up with friends I hadn’t seen in forever, and it was effortless. No awkward pauses, no overthinking. Just real conversation. And it made me wonder…are the friendships we maintain more out of proximity than intention? Or maybe those who’ve known us the longest still see the truest version of ourselves.

Either way, it’s got me rethinking what meaningful connection actually looks like. Ok, GOODBYE!

Dinner party disasters

We recently hosted one and decided to make homemade pasta. A mistake. It was a floury mess and ended with us just using store-bought pasta from the pantry and laughing at our attempt at being Italian nonnas. Moral of the story? Some things are better store bought, but nothing an Aperol Sprtiz (or three won’t fix).

But also, HOST THE DINNER PARTY.

There is nothing better than connecting with friends over food! Even if it’s store bought! 😏

Calgary Things We’re Loving Lately

Calgary friends, this one’s for you.

Spruce Meadows horse jumping

Surprisingly fun, chic, and not expensive. 10/10 recommend. Wear a cute fit and pretend you’re in a Ralph Lauren ad.

Broadway Across Canada

We saw The Lion King and it was nostalgic, stunning, and had me nearly sobbing during “Circle of Life” and “He Lives in You”. Check out Broadway Across Canada for upcoming shows. You won’t regret it and it makes for the BEST weeknight date night!

Wordfest at the Calgary Library

We attended their 30 Years of Wordfest event and it was such a lovely, inspiring evening. If you’re not familiar, Wordfest hosts live literary experiences with celebrated authors and thinkers. It’s like TED Talk meets book club, but made it Calgary cool.

Bar Rocca

Great wine, excellent beef tartare, and the kind of vibe where you can show up in linen and not be judged.

Sound Room by Ol’ Beautiful

Since the main taproom closed due to a fire, this concept space has become our new go-to for chill drinks and vibey evenings with records playing in the background. Perfect for one-on-one chats and catch-ups.

Recipe Corner

You didn’t think I’d not talk about food, did you?

Stay tuned for some delicious new recipes coming to the blog this month, including some end-of-summer recipes that are the perfect weeknight dinners, and a new easy late-summer dessert you’ll want to make on repeat.

But here are some new recipes I’m OBSESSED with:

Also, I encourage you to check back every week since I drop new recipes EVERY SINGLE WEEK and some of them don’t even make it to social media. So, keep checking back!

Sidenote, I’ve been testing oat flour like nobody’s business. Turns out it’s easy to make, works beautifully in muffins, and gives me an excuse to use up the ten pounds of oats in my pantry. If you want to give that a try, check out this post where I show you how to make it and tips to use it!

Until Next Time…

Thank you for being here and taking the time to read my FIRST newsletter post, The Maison Edit. Truly. I’m so excited to share more lifestyle content with you in this longer format, because as much as I love a good recipe, I love sharing what makes daily life feel beautiful and joyful just as much.

I’m sure this format will evolve over time and I’m also open to your suggestions! Let me know what you want to hear more about or anything you’d like me to include in these posts.

Whether it’s a dreamy Sunday routine, a glass of wine at Bar Rocca, or laughing over failed homemade pasta, I hope this inspires you to embrace slow living, intentional moments, and plenty of Parmesan.

More soon,


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