casa de what?

Arms Pyramid

2012-02-13T09:16:00.001-05:00

Keeping accountable through journaling J Hopefully it will help.

Dearrrrr journal,

Bootycall today was: treadmill warm up followed by ARMS PYRAMID!

The Tone It Up Arms Pyramid is amazing!

- 10 push up’s

- 20 tricep dips

- 30 curls

- 40 second plank hold

- 50 tummy tucks

- 40 second plank hold

- 30 curls

- 20 tricep dips

- 10 push up’s

I love all of the pyramids equally but decided that my arms needed it today. I want to be able to walk for Valentine’s Day. I might not be able to lift a glass of wine but that’s what straws are for.

Tonight, I will probably run on the treadmill! Touch base later J

Sage-y Baked Falafels, 5 Grain Tabbouleh & Spinach!

2012-02-12T19:55:00.001-05:00

This Sunday I took the time to make an awesome lunch for tomorrow! Spinach salad, topped with homemade falafels, tabbouleh and a mix of super seeds. I got the recipes all from the Fresh Vegan Cookbook.

For the falafels, I swapped mint with sage. For the tabbouleh, I swapped quinoa with quinoa/amaranth/lentils/brown rice/I forget the 5th one! I topped it with a blend of chia/sesame/pumpkin and flax seeds :)
This is from my favourite resto, I just got their newest cookbook & am innnn love! The other day I made a phenomenal soup from it which I'll make again in the coming days!

I also made Eggless Egg Salad. Now even if I wasn't a vegan, I wouldn't be an egg salad kinda lady but this is unnnnnreal!

Adios

Apple Cider Vinegar for Clear Skin

2012-02-12T19:11:00.001-05:00

I'm not quite sure where to go with my skin here. Almost 27 and it is muy confused. It thinks it's 14, but then again, I'm still getting carded then met with a look of surprise. Blush. Oh. Shit. Maybe it ties into these blemishes I've been having... Something to think about.

I've just discovered apple cider vinegar AS A TONER/MASK in addition to being great for your skin if you DRINK it!

TONER
There are two ways. Put it on a cotton swab and wipe over your face. Wash off after ten minutes. Do this once weekly.

A few days later, do the
MASK
Add a couple of drops of ACV to your favourite clay mask and apply as regular. Do this once to twice weekly.

DRINK
There are absolutely brilliant reviews on ACV with water (2 tbsp in a big glass of water, twice daily). In two weeks, you're supposed to see a huge difference and see pretty much zero new breakouts.

I started this on February 8. I will be checking back on February 22 with the update!
So far, what I can say is that on the 8th I had 3 breakouts from a bad weekend of sleepovers/left on cosmetics. I've since had one new one that was already brewing! Since then, nada.

My neighbor is doing it with me, so I will have double the results!

Ex. Oh.

Starting Tone It Up (again)

2012-02-02T19:43:00.000-05:00

Being a bridesmaid doesn't mean the spotlight is on us, it does mean we're like a little picture frame for the gorgeous little bride though. April is the shower, May is the bachelorette in Vegas, and June is the wedding. I'll be donning dresses & bikinis & stomachs & legs & arms & I am really excited to look my best.

- Bootycall was a 20 minute walk
- Meal 1 was 2 toasts with almond butter & a coffee
- Meal 2 was blackberries & blueberries
- Meal 3 was a vegan tofu saag + 1/4 cup brown rice/lentil mix (tofu saag recipe from Skinny Bitch Cookbook) & some veg/lentil stew
- Meal 4 was veggies & hummus
- Meal 5 was roasted peppers & tomatoes & tomatoes (spiced) & more tofu saag again
- Evening workout was the Tone It Up arms Youtube video + 30 minutes cardio
- I'm going to add a 10 minute walk soon to makeup for the unfinished bootycall

Love the support, need the support, let's share the fkn support!
MQ [Sent from my BB]

Quinoa Chili

2012-01-08T20:15:00.002-05:00

I was going to make the St. Yves ground round chili but I discovered it may contain eggs so I decided to whip up a quinoa one instead! First time, it went sooo well.

INGREDIENTS
- 1 tbs coconut oil
- 1 clove crushed or chopped garlic
- 1 white onion (sized medium)
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (1 yellow, 1 green), chopped into larger chunks

NOW PUT THE ABOVE TO SAUTEE FOR 6 MINUTES.

INGREDIENTS CONT'D
- 1 tbs cumin
- 1 tbs cacao powder (superfood)
- 2 tbs chia seeds
- pinch cayenne
- pinch sea salt
- 1 tbs oregano
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 4 cups of water
- 1 package of organic quinoa (approx 1.5 cups, 340g)
- juice from 1 lime

Cook for 25 minutes, covered. Keep your eye on it so the bottom doesn't burn (like mine did!) & keep stirring!

It tastes absolutely amazing guys! & we all know how good quinoa is. I've been eating lots of beans lately & wanted to have a little bean break lol.

Enjoy.

What I Made Today

2011-11-15T20:00:00.002-05:00

Watermelon / Apple Cider Vinegar Iced Tea
. Not a drop of sugar
. Water, tea, apple cider vinegar

Lean Green Beans
. Green beans, olive oil, sea salt, pepper, garlic, chili pepper flakes

Wheatgrass Shots

2011-11-13T21:31:00.002-05:00

Shots of vodka and tequila rose, followed by shot of wheatgrass (the next day!). So I just stocked up on refrigerated wheatgrass shots thinking I could use the detoxing action after last night.

WHAT IT IS
Wheatgrass is a young sprouted wheat berries. It should be grown in nutrient rich soil, this results in a more potent product. Think back, way back. Remember the word chlorophyll? It's what makes the plants green but it also has many benefits for you, like...

BENEFITS
. It'll help keep you young with its many anti aging properties
. Enhances the immune system
. Contains 103 vitamins and minerals and amino acids (thus enriching the blood)
. Is the equivalent of eating 2.5pounds of vegetables (in just a tiny little one oz shot!)
. Cleanses the blood and says sayonara to toxins accumulated throughout the day
. Detoxifies the liver and kidneys
. Cleanses tissues and colon

Woohoo! Excited yet? I don't have wheatgrass all of the time, but I am running a week long cycle to help cleanse me from mouth to liver to everywhere in between.

Ex oh

benefits of ginger

2011-11-11T10:11:00.000-05:00

Eat more ginger. I hear it on a regular from my dad. By regular, I mean daily. I have tendonitis flare ups, I blame it on the Blackberry. I'm 26, doesn't that just seem wrong?

Ginger is a huge anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is the bodies natural response when there is tissue damage, injury or infection. We all need to consume more foods with anti-inflammatory properties, it's so important. It also has anti-pain agents, making it the perfect cup of tea for menstrual cramps. Alleve, who? Ginger tea is all you need! It also helps the body to digest better.

I'm really just going to point you in the direction of this link, since I can't cover it all! They say it much better:
http://www.boost-immune-system-naturally.com/health-benefits-of-ginger.html

Ways to increase your ginger intake:
- Cut off a sliver and eat a bite every few bites of food (it actually makes the meal taste soooo much better, especially something like brown rice and lentils with vegetables)
- Homemade ginger tea
- I use these crystalized ginger packets when I'm at work (from Prince of Peace, which I get at the Asian supermarket)

- Crystalized ginger candy

Attitude Adjustment

2011-11-09T19:58:00.000-05:00

Just making yourself aware of a goal can make it that much more attainable. November, I've said, is dedicated to attitude. So today, after driving 30km through ridiculous traffic, rain, construction and dopey drivers, it was natural to be rattled. I didn't want my day to continue with that suit. So I remembered my goal, and I told myself to snap out of it. Funny, it worked.

Creamy Shrooms

2011-11-09T19:04:00.002-05:00

I asked for inspiration, what to do with these portobello mushrooms? My friend gave me this recipe. Just tried and ate it and loved it so much that I have to share! The pictures do NOT do it justice but I'll post anyways! It's all I'm the flavour.

INGREDIENTS
. 4 baby portobello mushrooms
. Tofutti garlic n herb cream cheese
. Spices of your choice

METHOD
. Take off the caps of the mushrooms and scrape the gills too
. Bake on 250F for 10 minutes
. Blend some cream cheese with the mushroom caps and gills with spices
. Take the mushroom caps out of the oven and out the mixture into the scooped part
. Bake again on 300F for 15 minutes
. Eat!

instant gratification has long term consequences

2011-11-08T12:14:00.000-05:00

It's something that's often said to me at work when I say "I feel like fries!"... "Help yourself to happiness!". Well, I love it. But do fries really make me happy? Yeah, totally, for the 10 minutes that I'm eating them. Then for the rest of the day I'm regretting it.

How about we DO help ourselves to happiness? Instead of a 10 minute happiness, let's go for the long term happiness that lasts throughout the next day? Take yesterday for example. After waking up at 4:30am with a sick dog (poor Talula!), I stayed awake and went to work. Got back at 5:30pm then did the dishes, fed the dogs, fish and myself. THEN I took on a major 3+ hour challenge of my kitchen and pantry and cupboards. Nightmare on Hoarder St. It felt great, but DURING, I kept saying "Whyyyyy did I decide to do this now?!?!". After this was done, and everything had a new and lovely home - I decided to workout with kettlebells and the treadmill to work up a massive sweat (and it had to be about 9:45 by the time I started).

I helped the shit out of myself to happiness! And it's a great feeling. The greatest things in life aren't usually found through instant gratification. They're found through hard work.

What will you do to help yourself to happiness? Figure it out, and do it tonight.

The BEST House Salad Dressing EVER!

2011-11-06T21:57:00.002-05:00

I wanted to use flax oil to up my omega fatty acid intake. I'm on a mission to get to my absolute best health!

BENEFITS
- boost immunity
- alleviate depression
- improve skin
- boost brain power
- improve colon health
- improve heart health

When buying flax oil, always buy the small bottle! Despite what the expiry date says, you should throw it away after 8 weeks because it goes rancid.

INGREDIENTS
- 1/4 cup filtered water
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp raw sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 3/4 tsp black pepper
- 3/5 tsp tamari
- 1/4 tsp mustard powder
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/4 cup flax oil
- 3/4 cup grapeseed oil

Now blend til its all mixed & refrigerate in a bottle, dark preferably to keep the flax oil safe (which I didn't... Oops! :)

This recipe is from "refresh" cookbook by Ruth Tal (from my absolute favourite restaurant - Fresh in Toronto). You can get the book online. There are recipes for juices, rice & noodle bowls, desserts, dressings, condiments, veggie burgers, spring rolls & soooo much more! All vegan - but all my carnivore friends beg me to go to Fresh to eat with them cuz they're addicted like I am! You don't have to be a veg to eat like one :)

Microdermabrasion

2011-11-06T15:12:00.002-05:00

Because I've suffered from some breakouts the past couple of years, I've been left with dark marks on my face. I hate to go out without covering them up & so along with taking oil supplements, I bought a Groupon for microdermabrasion. 1 years worth (you can go once a month) for under $200.

Its supposed to get lessen the appearance of pores & take away sun spots along with uneven skin appearance.

Honestly, if I could get my skin back, I'd be thrilled! Sometimes I feel awkward about my skin & self cautious. I'm just not used to this! Its a new thing I'm having to deal with. Gr.

So I'll let you know how it goes as my journey progresses. Its my first appt. in less than 2 hours!

Omega 3-6-9

2011-11-06T15:06:00.003-05:00

So I don't eat meat, fish, eggs or dairy. I am going to start a cycle of Omega 3-6-9 though. Apparently the 3 most important things to ones well being are: greens, probiotics and oils. I am also going to up the juice intake and probiotics as well.

But, it does come as a shock to me that I'm starting this Omega cycle because it contains fish product which I've NEVER consumed since I was 10 or 11 yrs old. My skin seems to be crying out for help the last few years & I must be lacking. I'm 26 & have an excellent skin care regime. Why else would I have breakouts?

BENEFITS OF OMEGA 3-6-9's
- brain health (since our brains are made of primarily fat)
- skin health
- heart health & keeping arteries clear
- it acts as an anti-inflammatory

As always, use with medical supervision - especially if you are pregnant (some oils should be avoided while pregnant).

More about these oils at a later time.

Happiness Project: November: ATTITUDE

2011-11-01T21:59:00.002-04:00

For my happiness project, month 3 - I'm working on ATTITUDE. How can I be a more positive person to be around?

Some ways that the book suggests are:
- laugh out loud
- use good manners
- give positive reviews
- find an area of refuge

So I'll translate that to:
- laugh & sing & dance as much as possible
- speak highly of people to others & to them (which means taking the higher road sometimes)
- surround myself with things that make me happy & ditch the things that make me uneasy & crabby
- eat lots of foods that are proven to be "happiness foods"
- go to hot yoga (my refuse) & take time to read more!

Say thank you to November everybody.

i spy with my little eye a Hello Kitty!

2011-10-31T14:26:00.002-04:00

I decided to dress my eye up for Halloween. Cute, right???

Happy Halloween lovers.

My new favourite salad

2011-10-31T14:22:00.000-04:00

For meatless Monday, I bring to you my new favourite salad.

Ingredients
. Either arugula or baby spinach, two cups
. A couple of handfuls of vegan mozzarella cheese
. One to two handfuls of alfalfa sprouts
. One handful of almond slivers
. Your favourite homemade salad dressing, preferably a vinaigrette

Method
. Put the dressing on as soon as you are going to eat it and shake, shake, shake!

Just so you know, alfalfa sprouts are going to make me look younger. So even if you aren't yet a fan, become one! More benefits of eating alfalfa sprouts here: http://www.nurtureyourown.com/Sprouts/19/10-great-benefits-to-eating-alfalfa-sprouts/

I write this to you while enjoying a dopio espresso with soy milk. Yum! Delicious pick me up after a rough weekend. I don't have my salad dressing recipe on me but I will update the post later to include the recipe I used!

What is Lemon Verbena?

2011-10-30T20:04:00.002-04:00

On Thanksgiving, I fell in love with the tea my family made. They sent us home with some of the herbs in the garden. I'd never heard of it or had it before. It tastes like lemon but better cuz its not just like... Hot lemon water. No no. You'll like

BENEFITS
- soothing effect
- lifts moods and depressive feelings
- increases energy
- sharpen concentration
- aids in digestion

METHOD
- put leaves into a pot with water and bring to boil, pour in mug

So let's all grow some! There are many other things you can make besides tea with lemon verbena including ICED tea!

Grapefruits and Birth Control

2011-10-23T18:44:00.003-04:00

Hearing all the benefits of grapefruits has really got me hooked on them! But you may have heard that they don't mix with medications. A few googles later and it turns out that any estrogen based birth control is definitely not advised to be combined with the grapefruit lifestyle.

Grapefruit inhibits the breakdown of estrogen and so it can actually form into blood clots, as if that wasn't already a risk! Also, the risk of breast cancer can also be increased with this combination.

According to livestrong.com it is not likely that a random grapefruit here and there will have an impact.

But just please keep this in mind, to the ladies that are on birth control or any other medications for that matter. Do your research to avoid any interactions!

Lady in Red

2011-10-23T18:11:00.001-04:00

Went out for a friends birthday last night, dinner (arugula, walnut and cinnamoned baked pear), some Pinot grigio, and vodka sodas with lime then finished the mint off strong with A LOT of water which I'm sure saved my life. I was in the mood for some sexy sophistication when I was getting ready. So I picked this up at Marciano, and I absolutely love it. The colour was just right too with my dark hair which I wore waved and tossled.

Shades of the Night

2011-10-18T22:18:00.002-04:00

Looking through dresses and skirts, my loves no matter how chilly it gets.

I like this dress because it would display my new back tattoo which is backwards slithering script running along the length of my back, on the left the spine. It would hide the others, keeping it tasteful, in my opinion.

I'm also headed in the direction of this maxi skirt which I think accent the waist if worn properly. For an hour glass shape, that's muy importante.

Add a dash of body con art...

I promise you my wardrobe is anything but shades of the night. You should see the tops I want to pair these up with!

All from Marciano collection

Point me North

2011-10-18T21:56:00.001-04:00

It's really disappointing when we let people into our lives and we are... Well... Disappointed. It's so easy to think with the "happily ever after" part of our brains. And it's just as easy to put up a giant wall. My personal method involves combining the two. First wall, then fall then try to put the pieces where they ought to go.

Flash forward.

So now I'm left wondering what part of myself I should listen to... And will very part of me ever point me in the right direction?

Coconut Water / Juice / Water Fast!

2011-10-12T21:42:00.002-04:00

Contemplating a juice fast. Tried it once. It was supposed to last one week. It lasted three hours. I started feeling shaky, no likes.

Fast forward a few months, I will attempt a coconut water / juice / water fast for one day. I think that day will be Friday.

A Place of Yes

2011-10-12T21:31:00.001-04:00

Joined the online #tiubookclub. Definitely missed the first meeting, and to be honest ladies, I didn't get to finish it! It's been one of those months where I have more on my plate than... Well... Ever before. I should be taking more time to read like at lunchtime and before bed. I DID schedule the time on my not so trusty Blackberry (I want to convert to an iPhone!) but pressed "dismiss" time and time again.

Dirty Dozen

2011-10-12T19:41:00.002-04:00

While I would love to buy all of my produce organic, it doesn't always happen that way (mostly due to convenience). There are certain foods that I will go out of my way to get organic, these are their stories.

This list goes in order from the highest pesticide use to the lowest (keep in mind that when I say lowest, it really is high!).

- peaches

- apples

- yellow, red and green peppers

- celery

- nectarines

- strawberries

- cherries

- kale (ahhhhhh!)

- lettuce

- grapes

- carrots

- pears

Print this and take it shopping with you. Your first challenge into healthy eating is to back off these bad boys (unless they're organic, of course).

updating my ipod

2011-10-12T18:53:00.003-04:00

In desperate need of updating my iPod, here are my picks...

Atlas Genius -Trojans

Teddybears - Cobrastyle

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - 40 Day Dream

Avicii - Levels

Tantric - Coming Undone

Funeral Party - NYC Moves to the Sound of LA

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - Home

Coconut Records - Microphone

Green Papaya Salad

2011-10-11T22:29:00.003-04:00

Went to the store today to stock up on the usuals including grapefruit, sprouts and spinach. Decided to add green papaya into the arsenal. Not a papaya, a green papaya. What to do with it?

INGREDIENTS
. Half of a green papaya
. Two tbsp. Cashews (chopped)
. Two tbsp. Soy sauce (I use Liquid Braggs)
. Two handfuls of alfalfa sprouts
. Half of a large tomato (chopped or sliced)
. Some tiny little multi colour tomatoes to add some fun (chopped)
. One tsp. Honey
. Juice of half a lime
. One tsp. Olive oil
. Half tsp. Hot chili flakes (add slowly, yours might be hotter than mine!)

Peel it with a peeler.

Make sure the seeds are white (this means that it is not ripe... Which is the entire point). Scoop them.

Since I'm not too good with a knife and don't entirely trust myself, I ribboned half of it and put it into a bowl. Add alfalfa sprouts, chopped cashews, soy sauce, hot chili flakes, honey, lime, olive oil and tomato. (which I added after taking this pic!).

Finito. Pretty quick and super full of health benefits. Super. Like duper.

These green vegetables that you are lucky to find (I grabbed mine at an Asian supermarket) are beneficial to your digestive system. This is probably the most important aspect to many people, as a vast amount of people have some woes! It will help relieve indigestion, diarrhea and the opposite... Constipation. This is all because of papain, the active digestive enzyme.

I also want to point out other important health benefits. It can help lower your blood pressure and boost your cardiovascular health! It's a food to eat when you are feeling run down, as it helps to your immune system. Yay. So it really is the perfect time to get a hold of these medium sized miracles. Also, they have anti cancer properties.

I'm going to make this for all of my loved ones because I want them to be healthy.

Yes friends

2011-10-11T12:35:00.002-04:00

Keeping in line with October being for my friends - I said yes. I said yes, let's go to the market. I said yes, let's play flag football even though I'm not a team sports individual. I said yes, let's go to dinner. I said yes, let's go downtown to some random nightclub even though I'm not convinced, I know we will have fun. I gave extra thought and care to the needs of my friends. I put in more effort to show that I care, with concerned texts. Authenticity, it is. But it's more of a concentrated effort. And all I can hope is that I am the kind of friend that I love having in my life.

PS. I only slept for like 3 hours last night and then had work so... Weird sentences? Forgive.

Eggplants

2011-10-10T22:16:00.001-04:00

I love me a good eggplant recipe! Came across this one on Smitten Kitchen and decided to make it vegan.

My favourite thing about eggplants is the taste but let's not forget that they are super antioxidants and therefore help the brain stay fresh and plaque free. They also help to reduce cholesterol which is so important in meat eaters. Yet another reason to go meat free this Monday!

Let's dive right in...

1 to 2 tablespoons plus 4 teaspoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds eggplant (about 2 medium), in 3/4- to 1-inch slices
2 tablespoons capers, drained
1/3 cup finely diced red onion
3 seeded, diced medium tomatoes (1 1/2 cups)
3 tablespoons minced fresh mint leaves
2 teaspoon red wine vinegar
Freshly ground black pepper.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Coat a large baking sheet generously with olive oil, about 1 to 2 tablespoons. Arrange eggplant rounds in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roast, without disturbing, for 15 to 20 minutes. Carefully flip each piece: the undersides should be blistery, dark and a bit puffy and should release from the pan with no effort. If they're not, let it cook longer. Once flipped, sprinkle them with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper and return the pan to the oven for another 10 to 12 minutes or so, until the undersides match the tops.

[Alternatively, on the grill: Brush eggplant slices with oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill eggplant slices until slightly charred and tender when pierced with knife, about 5 to 7 minutes per side.]

Meanwhile, mix your capers, onion, tomatoes, mint, vinegar and remaining 4 teaspoons olive oil in a small bowl. Taste for seasoning. Add more vinegar, if desired. Add freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

When the eggplant discs are done, arrange them on a serving platter. Scoop a spoonful of the salad over each round. Eat immediately.

Smitten Kitchen does have some great recipes that can easily be veganized (or not). I can't get over how good these are! I used to have a dish like this at my favourite restaurant til they removed it from the menu except the bottom was crusted and it was more of a mango/kalmata olive topping. You have to try that too actually. I think it's even better now that I think about it. The unusual mixture of flavours is what will get you.

Yes, scratch the above, go straight to the mango/kalmata.

Sayonara.

Long Weekend

2011-10-10T12:08:00.002-04:00

This weekend was amazing. Especially considering what a rough time it's been and that I felt I had so much time to fill up to avoid thinking about things.

On Friday, I went out with my cousins to my absolute favourite resto and had plantain cakes, mushroom filo pastry, spinach blinis, unbelievably perfectly spiced corned pasta with broccoli and artichoke, and some amazing wine that I forgot the name of already. We sat there for about 3 hours just chatting and eating away. It was a great night.

Waking up to such beautiful weather on Saturday was reason enough to head to the St. Lawrence Market. I picked up some fresh kalmata hummus and flatbread for dipping. So many fresh vegetables and old books and awesome kitchy decor. I finished off with a fresh carrot, apple, beet juice before we headed to the patio for a cold beer as we sat in the sun.

That night, I got all dressed up and put on my tallest shoes and an outfit that made me feel wonderful. I went out for some drinks at a new nightclub I'd never been to. It wasn't so much a dancing night as it was a socializing night. I really had a great Saturday.

On Sunday I was really tired. I wanted to do things, but I literally couldn't. The thought of "wow I'm no spring chicken" popped into my head as I lay on the bed unable to get up or fall asleep. I finally got up in time to go for my family dinner which had so many vegan options. My plate was full, and so was my stomach. I came home and watched a movie on the couch after. Ahhhhh.

Today is my free Monday and so far I've done nothing except hang out with my dogs and think about what I'm going to do, over breakfast and espresso. It's so beautiful out, I dont want to waste the day cleaning like had planned to!

Hope you had a great long weekend to. I couldn't have asked for better!

Vegan Eats Turkey

2011-10-10T11:47:00.001-04:00

So this Thanksgiving, after 16 years of being a vegetarian, I cracked. I ate a turkey!

My cousin, the cupcake guru, made these cupcakes with the vegan cupcake recipe I sent her (which I've featured on the blog).

Its a mini cupcake on top of a cupcake with a little cracker for the tail. And peanut butter icing! Totally vegan, because she wanted me to eat some. How sweet!

I challenge you to eat this kind of turkey on your upcoming Holiday!

Veggie Thanksgiving Pilaf

2011-10-02T10:23:00.001-04:00

Thinking ahead to Thanksgiving (next week in Canada) & I think I should make a Pilaf. Mmmm pilaf, its been awhile and everybody loves rice. Especially pops. It's not the same with brown rice, so I'll be making it the traditional way with wild rice (the healthiest kind I can find).

INGREDIENTS
- 1/2c wild rice
- 2-3/4c vegetable broth
- 3/4c brown rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2tbsp olive oil
- 3c mushrooms, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1/2tsp sage
- salt & pepper
- 1/3c chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2c black olives, diced
- 1/2c peas
- 1/2c sliced carrots

METHOD
- boil the broth in a large saucepan and add the wild rice. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, then add brown rice. Cover & cook for 45 minutes (or til rice is done cooking).
- in a large pan, sautee the onions & garlic with the olive oil until they're soft & onions are carmelized (8-10 minutes). Add mushrooms, celery, spices, carrots & cook for 5 more minutes. Add more broth if you need to.
- cook the peas
- add the cooked rice, fresh parsley, olives & peas + the veggie mixture. Stir really well!

I took this recipe from about.com and made a few changes to it. I think its perfect now! For events & dinners, double or triple. It wouldn't totally suck to have leftovers!

I'll be a happy stuffed veggie this Thanksgiving, no need to ask me a million times if I'm full!

Snake eyes

2011-10-01T18:26:00.002-04:00

Lately, I've been talking about having snake eyes. It's the only way I can describe the look in my eyes when I'm about to fkn rock it. Its when I hear a song that makes me feel strong, like "headstrong" by Trapt, I think. Its when I look in the mirror and see my tattoo that says "nothing is heavy to those who have wings" but in Latin and written reflected so when I look in the mirror I can see it, and I am reminded. It's when I'm kick boxing and get that extra pow in my punch. It's when you'd better not fk with me.

Snake eyes are how I know I will be okay. Soon.

L'Octobre is for amigos

2011-10-01T18:21:00.002-04:00

I feel like I have got much energy out of the month of September. Some days more than others, naturally so. It was a highly stressful month but I am glad that I made it through the month with snake eyes.

So I guess I will just say it. My dearest aunt is dying and has been for the past bit. My mom is sick, really bad, much of the time and she won't go get help to find out why. My boyfriend and I have just split. Even if you know that it's the right thing to do, it just doesn't seem like appropriate timing. It's a lot to handle at once.

October was going to be the month of my relationship but I don't have one anymore, so I'm going to dedicate it to friendship.

. See my friends more often... During the week and weekend
. Ask them how they are doing more regularly, and listen (I'm really good at that)
. My dogs are my friends too, so I plan to enjoy more time with them as well
. Help two gf's plan their weddings!

I start the month by going to see a concert with some girlfriends tonight, followed by Nuit Blanche... Or a bite to eat and catching up.

Cheers to the girlfriends in my life and yours. What would we do without them?

Blue plus green equals yellow

2011-09-26T18:46:00.001-04:00

Going through a rough patch right now with quite a few areas of life. My guess is that we all feel like this from time to time. Instead of dwelling on the negatives, it is my choice to do everything I can to turn it around or at least look from a different perspective and take something from the situ's.

Spinach, being rich in iron, is known to be a mood enhancer (not to be confused with the bubblegum pink drink served beachside in Negril - which also lived up to the name).

So tomorrow, I'm making a spinach juice because I could use the lift.. 2 celery stalks, 3 handfuls of spinach, 1 large cucumber. Squeeze some lemon juice after. Juice in order, I always like juicing in the non juicy veggies bewtween super juicy vegetables.

Tofu Sesame Snacks for your #meatlessmonday

2011-09-26T12:31:00.001-04:00

Even if you don't love the idea of tofu, try this out. I promise you that it will make a lova lova out of you. Each them on their own or stick them in a whole what wrap with spinach, celery and some hot sauce!

Note: Bragg Liquid Aminos, Non-fermented Bragg Liquid Aminos tastes like soy sauce, but with much less sodium.Plus this gluten- free liquid protein concentrate is certified GMO-free and safe for Candida diets.I purchase it from many health food stores.

Ingredients :

1 pkg. Tofu ,extra firm pressed

3 Tbsp. Bragg Liquid Aminos

3 Tbsp. Toasted Sesame Oil

3 Tbsp. Sesame Seeds

1 tsp. Cumin ,ground

1/2 tsp. Freshly ground black pepper

Method :

Preheat oven to 350 degrees .Slice tofu into sticks and toss with remaining ingredients .

Allow to marinate for 30 minutes or overnight .

Place tofu on baking sheet tray and bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown .

Remove from oven and enjoy hot or cold .

Yields 24 sticks .

Recipe from Planet Organic Market Cookbook 2009

Mashed Fauxtatoes

2011-09-21T19:31:00.001-04:00

So I've been hearing about mashed potatoes made with cauliflowers instead of potatoes. Ok! Im all for that. I googled it a few times and saw some with some cream cheese and some with butter. Where da vegan mashed cauli at?

Found it! At www.eatrawvegan.com

Changed a few things, it now consists of:
. 3 cups of cauliflower florets
. 2 cloves of garlic
. 1/8 cup of lemon
. Some shakes of red chili pepper and sea salt
. 1.5 tbs olive oil

Slapped it's shit up in the food processor for a few THEN came my favourite part...

I brought some veggie stock to a boil, then poured it over top of the mashed cauli and added some freshly chopped green onions and stirred, baby, stirred. Delish little raw soup! I impress myself.

Cauliflower is a super anti oxidant and full of vitamin C. It's also an anti inflammatory which I am desperate for because of my knee pain and tendonitis. It's excellent for the digestive system and helps to eliminate toxins and waste.

This is definitely going to be one of my winter go to recipes. Raw food sustains the nutrients that are often killed when cooking (especially microwaving, so please stop microwaving peeps!). I found a raw cook book in my basement from when my dad and I turned veg in the 90s so I'm going to browse through there and also this new awesome website!

Doctor Tomato

2011-09-19T22:53:00.001-04:00

This is my rendition of my favourite juice that Fresh discontinued :(

First, why is it called Doctor Tomato?

I assume its because of the healing properties within the lycopene of the tomato. Its a mega anti-oxidant which means it helps fight aging as well as having ur back the day after you kick your own butt by eating badly/having drinks/smoking/taking medicine/using unnatural products on & in your body. Its also known to fight cancer, diabetes, heart disease, cholesterol & cataracts! Your chances of these diseases are said to vastly decrease with a vegetarian lifestyle BUT a little Doctor Tomato safety net never hurt nobody :)

- 2 or 3 medium tomatoes
- 1/2" chunk of ginger
- 2 stalks of celery
- 1 or 2 carrot
- 1 clove of garlic (if I don't care that I smell garlicky)
- handful of cilantro

I like to put the garlic & ginger (unjuicables) between the juicier bits (like 2 tomatoes) to get it flowing.

It kind of tastes like V8 but without all of that sodium. Hmmm, vision. Vodka, tobasco & pepper? Maybe... Who says you can't detox while you drink?

Testing

2011-09-16T08:57:00.002-04:00

One week from now, I am going for my every so often blood test to check my vitamin levels.

Its important to know all levels are adequate. I've recently learned that a B12 deficiency takes about ten years to develop. I haven't had a test since I've hit that mark about six or seven years ago. Hope I'm not going to be paying for skipping vitamins as a child. My energy has been low the past few months so I'd like to take Blood Builder by Mega Foods which contains iron but its dangerous to take iron supplements without medical supervision!

Those are my two main reasons for getting my blood checked, and you should too if you are a veg, vegan or meat eater! A lot of us lack adequate levels because of decreased nutrient levels in food. Whether it be our lack of diversity on our plates or monocropping (the practice of planting the same crop in the same spot of oil repeatedly causing the soil to be deficient of particular vitamins because the same ones are used over & over!... Aka. The soil is shit).

So get it done my loves, food aint what it used to be!

Snacker

2011-09-15T19:57:00.001-04:00

I'm a big time snacker. I got these from Planet Organic then had to buy the cookbook when discovered this recipe was in it. Wowzers.

Ingredients

1 pkg. Tofu ,extra firm pressed
3 Tbsp. Bragg Liquid Aminos
3 Tbsp. Toasted Sesame Oil
3 Tbsp. Sesame Seeds
1 tsp. Cumin ,ground
1/2 tsp. Freshly ground black pepper

Method

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Slice tofu into sticks and toss with remaining ingredients.
Allow to marinate for 30 minutes or overnight.
Place tofu on baking sheet tray and bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from oven and enjoy hot or cold.... I say room temperature is my

Bring them in a zip lock bag with you and snack in the car, at work, at school, at the mall... You get it.

Proactive immunity for #tastyjuicetuesday

2011-09-13T19:53:00.001-04:00

Not feeling too hot tonight, feeling a coldy flu thing come on, so I'll keep this one short. This recipe is from Fresh for Life. Fresh is my favourite cookbook for juicing. It explains everything & has a juice for every occasion!

Immune Boost Elixir

Ingredients

. 1/2 inch ginger root
. 1 small beet, scrubbed
. 2 medium red apples
. 2 medium carrots
. 1/2 tsp. Vitamin C powder (I don't have this but I popped a VitaC pill!)
. 20 drops echinacea

Method

Juice ginger first. Follow with beet & apples. Carrots last. Stir in VitaC powder. Add drops.

Repeat a few days in a row if you feel like moi.

Effin jäger bombs

2011-09-12T01:15:00.001-04:00

My journey of September energy is well underway. My body clock has seemed regulated for all but today (which just proves late night engagement parties with too many jäger bombs spells disaster).

Waking up early is amazing when I can squeeze in a good workout. Tomorrow I'm going to sleep in til 645am cuz I am having massive insomnia, thanks nap.

The engagement party was amazing even though I am paying for it today and tomorrow. Had to send my bf home to change. He looked so hot in his t, vest, jeans and high tops but.... It was a formal affair. I had to explain to everybody that he would be back... When he came back in his silver grey tux, with pink dress shirt and brown shoes, we actually had a circle of ladies going on and in about his style. Proud lady, yep! Didn't see that circle for anybody else!

I ate white spaghetti with marinara sauce, asparagus risotto, salad and a gelato! Plus the copious amounts of white wine and jäger. I am the maid of honor after all!

My body has just been starting to thin up again so I hate to skip a morning cardio session but I will make up for it with jumping jacks each time I go to the washroom.

It's so late my eyes are starting to get heavy but not heavy enough for a Sunday night! Tomorrow is a really busy day at work, I will bring some soy milk to work. Im sure I will have extra caffeine!

The best soup you'll ever have in life! Hint: black bean soup

2011-09-11T22:57:00.001-04:00

Are you ready for the absolute best soup you've ever had in your life?

First, let's quickly go through the benefits of black beans. 1 cup has 60% of your dietary fiber requirement, and only 227 calories! This means it helps your lower digestive tract working at it's best. Weird, right? It causes gas, but it's actually helping to alleviate the burden on any one part of the digestive tract. This results in lowered instances of colon cancer (among other types).

Stabilizing blood sugar levels is just another perk of these noir beans. Good! Cuz when it's not stabilized, we get fat, and massive ups and downs in our energy levels. They also work to prevent type two diabetes, and have mucho antioxidants!

Recipe time!!!! Word.

Ingredients

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, sliced
1 carrot, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
8 cups low salt vegetable stock
2 cans (15 or 16 oz each) black beans, rinsed & drained
1 tsp ground coriander
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 bunch cilantro leaves, chopped

Directions.

Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat
Add onion; cook 5 mins - stir occasionally.
Add garlic, carrot & celery; cook til soft (approx. 5 mins)
Add stock, beans, coriander & cayenne; simmer uncovered 10 minutes.
Stir in vinegar
Transfer to blender or food processor; process to desired consistency.
Reheat if necessary
Garnish with cilantro.

You are going to want to double this recipe, trust! Let me know how it turns out, and if you are anything like me..... Careful with the blending part!

This recipe is from You on a Diet.

6-1036

2011-09-08T22:37:00.002-04:00

6: jump on trampoline & run on treadmill
630: get pretty for work (tradeshow today!!)
715: make one of the tiu shakes & add two shots of espresso. Throw in a larabar for tradeshow!
8: drink the shake! & pumped some tunes on the way in to work!
10: I'm hungry!!! I eat a bite of the white coconut larabar and haaate it. Ew its like a bounty bar!!! So I eat a noodle tofu soup (all natural & organic at least..)
11: at the tradeshow. I totally have 3 werthers soft candies. I was under the influence. Of other ladies!!!
230: grab a vegetable soup from the coffee shop and.... A little donut ball :) chocolate glazed. Grrr self.
330: eat my other larabar, the good one! Its brown & says coconut but its really more chocolatey!!
530: another noodle soup! Mmmmm bad me!
6: salad with homemade dressing
7: tea!
8: tracy anderson dance (didn't like it sooo only 7 minutes) then did HIIT HARD! Go me, cardio endurance increasing.
9: dad makes me try steamed cabbage / funky mushrooms. Mmmm snack tomorrow!
930: prepped shake ingredients in bullet for tomorrow am!
1036: goodnight :)

#tastyjuicetuesday

2011-09-05T21:31:00.001-04:00

I slept way too long sleeping this weekend and didn't get a whole lot done (for me). This was a weekend spent living on other people. I gave all of my energy to it, but by the end of the nights I wasn't afraid to say "I'm tired." and have my butt driven home to get into sleep, whilst barely making it to wash off my make up and brush my teeth. Actually, after an awesome wedding last night, I came home to find 27 Dresses just starting on tv! So... I didn't QUITE fall asleep that quickly.

Something I will do for myself? Juice.

Tasty Juice Tuesday is a tradition I'd like to start, not just for my but for my family and others too. Tomorrows TJT will bring what the Fresh for Life cookbook calls Einsteins Theory Energy Elixir.

Ingredients
3 medium yellow or green pears
2 oranges
1 banana
1 vial of gingko biloba

Instructions
Juice pears first, them oranges. Transfer to blender, add banana. Blend for a minute and then drop in the gingko. I like my juice over ice cubes.

Gingko biloba increases blood flow to the brain, and circulation around the body. Be careful, as I know my mother said that her heart rate sped up back when she tried gingko, which made her uncomfortable. She said it was a bit irregular, which I've since learned is one of the side effects. I've googled the benefits and the possible dangers so that I'm fully aware. Also, I've taken it before and my bottle is half full in my fridge. I've had great experiences with it increasing my focus.

My dad used to make me juice every single day when I was young. Plain, warm carrot juice. Once, he grounded me for not drinking it. His response? I make juice for you because I love you, it is my way of showing you that I care. You rejecting the juice I made for you is like me rejecting a card that you made for me.

Make your loved ones a juice this Tuesday, and tell them you care :)

#meatlessmonday

2011-09-05T11:36:00.001-04:00

One of the staples in a veggie kitchen is a good burger! This recipe is one of the quickest (I've seen three hour long recipes... Not worth it!). I use spelt breadcrumbs btw. This is full of protein and you can add whatever other vegetables you are in the mood for, see my suggestions at the bottom.
Ingredients...
1 can black beans
1 onion
3 garlic cloves
1 cup bread crumbs
1 cup chopped cilantro
3 mushrooms (optional)
1 table spoon soy sauce
2-3 tablespoons jerk sauce

Instructions...

Mash black beans with a fork in a bowl first, then add rest of ingredients.
Mix together, then using hands squeeze contents into a ball.
Break of chucks and flatten into patties.
Put some oil in a pan, with salt and pepper. Heat on medium for a few minutes on each side

Note: you can also add mushrooms and roasted red pepper, mmmm. I usually eat these without buns, topped with onion, mustard, alfalfa sprouts and avocado. These will last you three days, keep the uncooked patties in the fridge!

Enjoy

Sleeper Agent

2011-09-01T14:06:00.002-04:00

Good band, Sleeper Agent. Im pretty sure I could be a band member, if only because I too am an agent of sleep. I could sleep 14 hours. I did when I was getting sick, but on daytime neocitran. I could sleep 14 hours right now, healthy as a horse. I don't know why I sleep so much or find it to be so difficult to wake up in the morning. I have two little dogs that are in my bed ready to give me hugs and kisses every morning, I have a BioBrite Alarm Clock that lights up like the sun for those dark mornings (mostly in winter). But I'm a snoozer. I hate it! Sleeping between 6.5 and 7.5 is ideal, as per recent article in Time. Over 8 and under 6.5 has been shown to shorten lifespan. Well wasnt I surprised to hear sleeping almost 9 is more harmful to health than sleeping less than 6. Seriously, I've got to change something here. The reason I want to wake up early is to jumpstart my..... Furnace... Each day. Body stays warmer, body burns more calories each day. That's the point! Oh no wait, the point is to gain more energy so that I can workout later in the day. Well, it will help wake me up for work and make me more alert too. Bitch, I wish I had an issue falling asleep. This lady cannot get the eff up. Burn.

not fkn cool phillip

2011-09-01T09:56:00.000-04:00

so as i'm browsing for some sexy iPad2 covers, i come across this 3.1 Phillip Lim rabbit fur case. was there really a point in using real fur as opposed to fake fur? it's fkn blue! at $750, i have to say it's not worth a little rabbit's life.

what's next? cats?!

protest on phillip begins ahora.

Stick me

2011-09-01T07:02:00.001-04:00

I didn't wake up early before work to get in a workout. Wow, fail on day 1!

Sitting at a desk all day means a lowered metabolism and an average weight gain of 8 lb's within one year. It took me longer than a year but I got there.

Ways to increase metabolism:
- raise heart rate in morning
- get up & walk around every hour
- walk instead of emailing or calling (to deliver little hand written msgs to co-workers, in case that wasn't clear ha!)
- stand up while talking on the phone
- add a touch of apple cider vinegar to your water (I've been doing this on & off for a couple of yrs now, & it tastes good now)
- fall in love with spicy foods
- eat whole foods & limit your processed junk to one or two meals on the wknd
- don't drink pop, even Diet!
- take your omega oil supplements
- drink green & black teas
- drink lotsa wata
- washroom jumping jacks!

Lunch time walk at work, I swear lil gunny, don't shoot. Please don't rain.

Long Weekend

2011-08-31T20:41:00.001-04:00

Ok so... Besides dedicating myself to the month of September, I'm...

. Helping my bfffffffever move into her new casa
. Going to a Jewish wedding, my first ever, can't wait to see the traditions involved
. Working out again if my t(humb)endonitis has gotten over itself
. Having arugula salad con coconut curry tempeh and vegan cheese!

and

hiking beyond my comfort zone

Septembre, L'Energy

2011-08-31T20:13:00.001-04:00

Dear September,

You are the month of...
. Sleeping early
. Checking my vitamin levels, iron specifically
. Taking my multivitamins and b12 and oil supplements
. Juicing once per week, at least
. Waking up early to walk with the dogs or run
. Working out five to six days per week
. Drinking coconut water daily
. Acting as if I have more energy so I just... Do!
. Cranking my music just a little louder ;)

Head Traffic

2011-08-31T20:05:00.000-04:00

There's something strange happening. We are all overwhelmed. Where has the zen gone? The days when we had time to hang out all night. When we could shop without guilt? When our heart beat quite a bit slower?
There was a day when we would have drinks for fun. Never would we have a drink to forget. We didn't want to forget.

Gulp. Yes, we gulp. Our eyes widen. We have slight panic attacks when we realize we have yet another event to attend, another gift to buy, our jeans are feeling tight.

This year, starting September 1st, I am dedicating myself to a little Happiness Project of my own (inspiring book, btw). Each month will be dedicated to a different area of my life - and in the end, I will love my happiness, love my zen, and share with my friends and family.

Back to school-slash-work-slash-basics-slash-zen!

Coconut Wata

2011-08-23T19:01:00.000-04:00

Jamaican me thirsty mon!

Back in May I went to Negril, we practiced our 'maican accents endlessly. I tried a coconut, my first time having it in non Bounty form (which I hate) and loved it. I went on a rampage to find some good coconut flesh. Had some bad experiences. Insert grossed out face here, times two. And it's not easy to open a coconut. Ugh.

So I picked up Taste of Nirvana, made in Thailand. With pulp. It is now my seventy five calorie snack on the go or at the office. I initially picked it up because I was on the verge of falling asleep everyday, mucho fatigue-o, by the time four o'clock came around. I sipped some outside the store with my little stoner eyes and felt alive by the time I made a quick phone call. Went back and bought a case!

Since then, my traditional eating style mother has become addicted by researching the many benefits this shit be boasting.

Benefits... Should I just forward you the emails my mom sent me?

. Boosts immune system
. Assists with weight loss
. Hydrates like crazy with it's electrolyte action
. Keep skin elastic
. Doesn't make you look younger but if you drink it when you're young, it will KEEP you looking young!
. Increases circulation

Things to watch out for...
. Weight gain if you drink too much and you're not an athlete. Better warn mother goose! I'm sure you all know about simple carbs already. Well apparently they're in coconut wata.
. It's diuretic effect.
. May eff with your blood sugar levels

Most likely if you don't consume too much, and aren't diabetic or have issues with your blood sugar, you'll be okay.

Digestive teas

2011-08-20T11:32:00.000-04:00

So I told you that we'd talk digestive teas, then I totally bailed on you.

Mint tea
When you are having crippling gas pains, hurry the eff up and make a mint tea. It seems to disolve the gas. It is also used to treat constipation, heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome, flatulence and... Female cramping! I always keep some mint tea bags on hand ready to be brewed at five minutes notice. You'll also want to bring this one traveling if you are anything like me! I've got a box in my suitcase, and bags in my purse, ready to go at all times.

I hear it also helps with nausea but when I'm feeling nauseous I'd rather sip on chamomile tea.

Chamomile tea
For the longest time I was calling this mancinia (spelling) because that's what my south American father would always call it. If you've got a hangover kind of tummy, please have some. It helps me to slow down or eliminate vomiting. Yes, it's another staple in my arsenal. There are times when you eat way. Too. Much. And your stomach is bulging out, you look minimum six months pregnant. Enter chamomile. It helps kickstart the digestion process. Yay.

My favourite mix is chamomile and mint. Undalay, this makes me feel like a million bucks.

Ginger tea
This one is a bit spicy but I love it when combined with honey. It has a unique flavour and this tea is the easiest to make at home.
Grate a tablespoon of ginger, or if I'm in a rush I just cut off less than an inch. Put it in a pot with enough water to make a cup of tea. Bring to boil. Add honey now, yes, do it! This tea will help the digestive enzymes do their job. And if you add so e app,e cider vinegar, it can help bring your ph levels down.

I guess we should talk about ph levels, we will get to that another day.

At my face tea shop, Davids Tea, they have one called Digestive Tea. I don't have it on me but I do recall it having mint, anisse, chamomile, catnip and orange peel in it. These are all ingredients that were used in ancient times as soothes for the stomach. It works, I bring it with me places. To the point where I have currently lost it. Sad face.

Going to go for a run before the day gets started. Love.

cupcakes

2011-07-28T15:21:00.000-04:00

me: "would you like a cupcake?"
dude friend: "nooo thanks, i'm okay"
me: "there's no dairy in them! :)"
him: eyes light up "i haven't had a cupcake in 11 years!!!!!"

no need to be deprived, even if you can't bake kiddos. boyfriends birthday, had no time to do anything but dial a number and pick up a stash of cupcakes from Vegan Danish Bakery in Richmond Hill, ON (on Yonge Street). wish i took a picture, but i was lushing all weekend. with three happy vegetarians and three handfuls of unsuspecting non-veg's later (until i did a little dance and surprised them that - look ma! no dairy!). check out the link if you are in the area - i just did, and i am ALL over that pizza.

i had one that tasted like a creamsicle (i knew exactly who picked up a creamsicle flavoured one by observing people's eyes get big as they bit in), lime, coffee and chocolate. 4. no shame. kinda shame. i want more now.

if you're into baking, here's a cupcake recipe that even i can make. and is JUST as good, just not as pretty *wink: http://shmooedfood.blogspot.com/2006/01/fluffy-white-cupcakes.html

Vegan vouching

2011-07-10T13:16:00.000-04:00

Bf: I want a steak. I haven't had one in so long. It's ok... I'll go with my friends... I sett sad face here.

Enter surprise Summerlicious meal at Watusi!

After a long day of looking for a friends lost dog in the heat, then browsing the vintage shops on Kensington! It was the perfect wind down dinner to the day.

He had no idea what to expect with their trippy yellow and orange tinted windows. And neither did I. I'm not even quite sure what I ate but I do know it was vegan and I do know my boyfriend got his steak on and was all smiles. I highly recommend it for anyone thats party needs to accommodate the veg and the steak crowd.

Watusi, contact saved.

Hunting for Tickle Me Elmo du 2011

2011-06-27T22:21:00.000-04:00

What feels like the hunt from hell for Tickle Me Elmo? Finding the iPad2 you want. What's worse? Not realizing the ipad2 is still vicious. I'm typing on it now, so you can see the story ends well. Smile.

What I'm up to in the next few posts? iPad Whole Foods app review for vegan cooking. The Workout app review with the stopwatch icon. Coconut wata. Running early in the morning. Digestive teas.

See you soon dollface.

Veil Review

2011-06-27T22:06:00.001-04:00

Luscious and smooth. Flawless as I could get. Feels as amazing on my face as it does on my fingers. My only critique? The applicator could be better. It comes with a wand. A wand that you don't want to put on your face because you want to keep it clean. Come on people. Exterior packaging is sexy and very much what we are paying for. But seriously, I can't stop thinking about the wand, who does that? Product amazing and vegan.

Go Hourglass Veil. Drape my face sexy.

From my fridge to my belly

2011-06-27T21:52:00.001-04:00

Found a cabbage in my fridge. I lie, there were two. I have about fifteen minutes before I throw some black dye on my hair and call it a night.

vegan does set menu @ ki

2011-06-19T22:23:00.001-04:00

Outstanding service & excellent job on the creative veg dishes @ ki. Some of these tantalizing dishes are on the menu, some were custom whipped. I'd go back for the seaweed salad alone. I can't believe the texture of the seaweed! I can still feel it in my mouth if I close my eyes and clamp my teeth shut. Sea vegetables have 20x the minerals & nutrients than land vegetables. I really need to get into this!

Champagne & wine. Yes please. Even though I had some strep coming on. Medicinal purposes of course!

2/2 for vegan does set menu! Toronto, I'm impressed.

Ok but seriously, archery tired me the eff out, night.

unexpected beauty

2011-06-19T22:14:00.001-04:00

A magazine, a jewelry store, the makeup ladies at sephora. Your lovers eyes, your puppies paw, a sunny day at the beach. Expected. Busting through cement on the side of a small highway. Unexpected. Stop & take a picture. Notice that beauty does come when its least expected. Remember during the hard times of life.

Ever after, the end.

archery ain't easy

2011-06-19T22:08:00.001-04:00

Apparently we take my dad to do activities he's never done before. Every time there's a special occasion. Snow mobiling. Go karting. Archery.

Archery was an awesome way to enjoy the sunshine this fathers day. 430 calories burned in 2 hrs, not bad. I'd say try it! Its relaxing & helps build focusing skills.

P to the S! My brother hit his arm with the string thing when it was snapping the arrow forward, geez, careful bro-ster. Be sure to keep a distance by bending at the front arm elbow. Do it.

archery & bbq's

2011-06-17T10:08:00.000-04:00

this weekend i'm...
...going to watch a movie at my boyfriends.
...buying dad some new kicks for fathers day
...get the BEST primer ever, Hourglass Veil
...scoring this tea aficionado kit from david's for my dad
...going to watch bridesmaids with my girlfriends and eat frozen yogurt
...going to have cafe w/ a new friend! she's actually the waitress at my absolute favourite vegan resto
...going to a bbq birthday, complete w/ psychic and drinks - one of my oldest friends is back from teaching in nicaragua, can't wait to hear the stories!
...having some vino at my boyfriends after
...waking up and going to... archery for fathers day? sure! ok... first time for everything!

The Care Package that Wasn't

2011-06-14T21:32:00.001-04:00

I have a bf. He know I'm sick. He DIDN'T put together this care package, but if he did, I'm sure I wouldn't be "too sick to".
- Anything from my last post
- The softest tissues, splurge for the lotion enriched ones!
- A trashy magazine like Hello(mindless reading, even I enjoy it when I'm down for the count!)
- Glamour magazine
- A funny movie, like Meet the Little Fockers (or whatever the new one is called)
- A new nail polish colour, like "Caught with my Khakis Down" from Sephora by OPI (find it at Sephora)
- Strepsils if her throat is sore
- Chamomile tea
- Slippers or a night shirt
- Chapstick
- A nice big mug so she can fill it with Chamomile. Or Neo Citran :)
Mix & match mister, & hand over the plastic bag, no need to get fancy.

Sick.

2011-06-14T20:42:00.001-04:00

Sick with a cold & almost strep throat in *gulp* June? Here's what I do to get better FAST.

- Secret Weapon from David's Tea
- 16 hours of sleep, minimum, helps build the body build up immunity
- 6-12 drops of echinacea under the tongue, 2-3 times a day (I go for as long as I can without sipping water... Then take the tiniest sip)
- Eat oatmeal with honey (it helps soothe the throat)
- Oil of oregano (5-6 drops under the tongue up to 5 times per day) to act as an anti-bacterial in the throat
- Vitamin C!
- If you're desperate, Neo Citran (I'm a bit of a closet lover... Can't be hippie all the time. Word.)
And now for the Witches Brew... A recipe passed on from my darling cousin:
It's ginger, 1 clove of crushed garlic, two stems of thyme, drop of rosemary oil, lemon. Steep for 10 min, then pour contents through sifter into other cup.
Umm, enjoy.

(my) kind (of) fashion

2011-06-09T10:29:00.000-04:00

stella rocks. she brings awareness of "kind fashion" to a world of cruelty. changing perceptions of vegan garb from uncomfortable hippie shit to luxe deev. shit i love:

and since i'm a CLASHER BY NATURE, there is no matchy matchy of the purse to the dress where this lady lives. kind fashion. get on it.

will the real veg shady please stand up?

2011-06-08T16:28:00.000-04:00

bbq birthday on saturday. i'm not one for slapping corn on the meaty bbq and calling it vegan. option 1: bring my own portable grill system. option 2: devour this tasty shee-at

INGREDIENTS

Vegetable oil cooking spray
2 cans (15.5 oz each) navy beans, rinsed and drained
1 lb plum tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup basil, chopped, plus 15 leaves for garnish
10 oz crumbled feta, divided (ummm, i'll be leaving out the feta, although for you non-vegans it probably makes it THAT much better)
1 tube (18 oz) prepared polenta, cut into 16 slices
1 lb zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch slices
2 bottles (7 oz each) roasted red peppers, drained

PREPARATION

Heat grill. Fold four 18-inch-long pieces of foil in half; unfold and coat inside with cooking spray. Combine beans, tomatoes, chopped basil and 5 oz feta in a bowl. Place 1/4 of bean mixture in center of 1 half of each piece of foil. Working 1 packet at a time, place 4 slices polenta in an overlapping circle over beans. Top with 1/4 of zucchini slices, 1/4 of red peppers and 1/4 of remaining 5 oz feta. Fold foil to close and crimp edges to seal packets; place on grill; close lid; cook until packets are fully puffed, 10 minutes. Carefully cut foil to open and garnish with basil leaves. Serve.

doin it and doin it and doin it well (done).

Menu, set, go!

2011-06-08T11:16:00.001-04:00

Had a birthday at marino's on the wknd. Set menu. Vegan. Effe emme elle. Or not? My friend announced there would & a vegan present. Effe chef's elle? Not even though. He was pleased to whip together an amazing & innovative vegan dish even though I'm told I was the first they've had (cheffy boy later disclosed he'd worked at the fairmont in Toronto, as well as seniors homes with my kind). The result? Plenty of grilled veggies. A white cheeseless pizza. Drizzled with jalepeno oil. A faux pasta made with veggies and the best part - a zucchini halved & stuffed with chickpea stew! Hot damn. And I thought I'd & snacking on wine the entire time. Ok. Fine. I did.

This weekend, going to Ki in Toronto for another set menu dinner. Will I have any luck? Come back next week!

before i'm 30

2011-05-26T11:05:00.000-04:00

- become an RHN (registered holistic nutritionist) or CNC (certified nutritional consultant) or both... letters after my name, paint me special
- since i'm part latin, learn spanish
- buy a home
- keep tidy
- quit smoking
- start a business related to health / perhaps women

how am I going to achieve this? well, i'm currently taking correspondence classes to become an RHN and when I complete this i'll be able to dedicate my time to learning Spanish (I don't want to take on too much at once, I still need time for leisure reading and exercising and social shit). i hear great things about Rosetta Stone. i need to start taking my finances seriously so that I can actually buy a home and once I have one, i'll keep tidy! starting a business... fuck... well once i become an RHN or CNC, i'm on my way to a new industry. since i have a background in marketing for all different types of businesses already, a crossover between marketing and holistic health would be ideal.

go go gadget future.

despicable, studious me

2011-05-18T11:43:00.000-04:00

studying creative advertising didn't exactly involve reading too many text books. flash forward. studying homeopathic nutrition. it's something that has been preached since i was 10 or less, and now something that i want to learn for myself. i'm taking courses and have 3 weeks to cram about 400 pages in. can i point out that this is biology based and is not exactly my forte? i don't love reading about the structure of fats. i really don't. i googled "how to study better", and this is what came up:

1) manage your time
2) study in 20-50 minute chunks
3) find a good study spot (under the gazebo works for me, if only the cold rain would go away!)
4) clear your mind
5) snack smart while you study
6) re-write your notes at home
7) learn the most important facts first
8) make flash cards (really? cute. i'm 26)
9) make associations
10) this one, i'm adding - PUT AWAY THE BLACKBERRY!

for more deets, check out the link to this post.

teatini

2011-05-18T09:23:00.000-04:00

detoxing while drinking are a few of my favourite things. this long weekend i intend to do both.

what you'll need:

- your favourite blend of tea (i love it with 'read my lips'... and am going to try 'papayarama', and 'luscious watermelon'
- ice ice baby
- a martini shaker
- vodka (i like sky or grey goose)
- a kettle
- a steeper, or steep bags
- organic agave nectar or honey

what to do:

- boil the water
- steep the tea (hot) in the steep bags or steeper, with the recommended instructions
- put a shot or five (if its one of those days, but beware it won't taste good!) into your shaker with a fist full of ice
- once the tea has been steeped, pour it in the shaker
- add agave nectar or honey to taste!

drink up ladies' & fabs

paint it black

2011-05-18T08:51:00.000-04:00

walking down queen st. to my favourite vegan resto, stumbled upon a window with some desperate cries for help, by far the sexiest dark artwork i had seen, i had to have it. the store was closed, but my mista lova surprised me the very next day. they now hang in this order on my wall. meet canadian artist, angelina wrona, you should know her.

p.s. wow, i need to have this, so let my guy know k?

i fkn tried

2011-05-17T21:59:00.000-04:00

i followed along to kandee's video and this is the result. smoother than my hair has ever been without a straightener, now all i need is my trusty chi.

didn't use the exact products kandee recommends, used argan oil, mousse then serum. brushes were a large ass paddle brush, bristle medium round brush. maybe i'll shop tomorrow for some bumble & bumbles, must master this shit!

this post brought to you by gigi, birthday girl, aged 5

2011-05-17T20:56:00.000-04:00


nail colour with a tan? auto bounce to "opi on collins ave."

i want to point out that the picture talks shit, it's more orangey than it lets on.

fit for a vegan (or not)

2011-05-17T19:28:00.000-04:00

boy and i will make a meal on friday. or else.

thai coconut soup, artichoke heart avocado salad w/ garlic parmesan dressing & either veg calzones or a chilli pepper / garlic white wine pasta. all of these recipes are from the Skinny Bitch cookbook, which truly is the ultimate. go get it bitches.

i might make it all on thursday and just bring it over... i kind of despise cooking with people.

lists on a plane

2011-05-17T16:30:00.000-04:00

watch 'water for elephants'
complete nutrition course (undalay, i'm so behind and the completion date is soon!)
have a tea-tini party
learn how to blow dry my hair properly
learn what products to put in my hair to keep it smooth, salon worthy
do a facial steamer once a week and swipe lemon and sugar over it for clarity/astringent
perfect the side swept hair a la 90's (try it w/ some natural wave)
take a massage class
use my yoga tree groupon
use my salsa dance class groupon
take a sewing class (Easy Alterations, yes, yes)

absence makes boys...

2011-05-17T15:26:00.000-04:00

Putty in my hands.

I did the Booze Cruise (Wild Thing, naturally), swam through the deep ocean from the boat to Rick's Cafe's cliffs while cliff divers narrowly missed me, won a scavenger hunt for leaves, socks & men's shirts at Margaritaville and had my very first beach side massage. I received texts from the guy, wondering if I was being good and it felt a little el scorcho for my liking. I pacified him and did not text back any irritated emoticons. I've now come back to what seems like a brand new guy. I recommend leaving your man at home to everybody. It be irie.

what's on my book shelf? take 1 of 7

2011-05-02T18:58:00.000-04:00

1) Fargo Rock City by Chuck Klosterman
2) Killing Yourself to Live by Chuck Klosterman
3) The Rebel Sell by Joseph Heath & Andrew Potter
4) Life by Keith Ricards
5) a few training guides from shoppers that i couldn't fit on my health & wellness shelf
6) My Booky Wooky 2 by Russell Brand
7) The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein
8) The Beauty Bible by Begouin.

my un-staged book shelf (1 of 7+)

you can see that i didn't stage this up to impress you (the beauty bible is in there... is at least 12 years old). if i did want to impress you, i may have strategically placed the bible somewhere in between russell brand and keith richards, right where it belongs.

i'm packing heat

2011-05-02T10:16:00.001-04:00

packing for jamaica. note to self so i don't forget my vitals...

click to make me bigger

wildred: emmanuelle dress
aldo: arbour purse
big it up: straw fedora
rag & bones: flow skirt
luggage identifier
too faced tanning bed in a tube
mac mineralize skin finish natural: medium dark
mac wonder woman nail polish: obey me
bigelow: cozy chamomile
aldo spiney wedges
book 1: once is not enough - jacqueline susann
book 2: life - keith richards
aldo earrings
wildred sabine dress
aldo orianne shoes

and because i'd rather not skinny dip, don't forget the bathing suits below.

reply all

2011-04-27T17:27:00.000-04:00

unless you're being sweet as pie, don't click it. you never know which million dollar account you just sent your nasty note to. trust me, the recall button does not work. ps. t'wasn't me.

jamaica x 34's

2011-04-26T23:22:00.000-04:00

going back to negril in a week w/ a girlfriend. the exact same hotel i stayed at with my ex, oddly enough. my boobs grew, so i needed a plan for the 34dd's.

execution:

victoria's secret: houses my lovers in a tres bdsm way (which i kinda really dig)

body glove: wore it swimming on saturday and i think i saw a hard on.

the wildest ocean i've ever seen, with tiny stingrays and strange jelly egg things creeping up to shore. i'm going to float that ocean, dd's and all.

love machine

2011-04-26T22:59:00.000-04:00

i'll never call you the love machine. something about that term locks up my chastity belt (even if you splurge for the $16/glass vino with a side of dinner). i bet it sounded filthy in '69 when Susann wrote the book on it. i'm only 1/3 way through but i can say that susann writes of things we still in '11 dare not say (well... i dare, but i doubt you do). sex, amphetamine (where are the cocoa puffs, huh klosterman?). yeah. i think i just compared jacqueline susann to chuck klosterman and i'm pretty sure i'm not taking it back.

read it. then believe it (that P.R. agents only made $150/week! maybe the US dollar was higher...).

April's No Fool

2011-04-04T18:17:00.000-04:00

any book by Jacquelin Susann

done Valley of the Dolls, reading the Love Machine, next: Once is Not Enough

Song I Heart So Much That I Played Out
Stare into the Sun - Graffiti6

haiku du vision

2011-01-05T18:12:00.000-05:00

shit. broken glasses.
utterly crushed. got new ones.
burberry geek. rad.

paint me cheeky

2011-01-03T00:34:00.000-05:00

pinched watermelon cheeks looked so good on the girl at the tea shop that i decided it'd look great on you and i too. Dainty from Mac. it layers on so as not to look raunchy but just fkn perfect. put it on your face soon.

i heart T

2011-01-03T00:25:00.000-05:00

Teas to help me with my resolutions:

Zen Thyself: Forever Nuts, Read My Lips
Thin Thyself: Skinny
Energize Thyself: Electric Lemon, Jumpy Monkey, Coffee Pu'erh, Chai Guarana
Anti-Oxidize Thyself: Organic Strawberry White

David's makes tea so hurt it hips. Sip your way to a better you, from stress ditching to bad breath battling. To learn more about the benefits of tea, click the mouse:
http://www.davidstea.com/health-and-tea

2011 Resolutions

2011-01-03T00:18:00.000-05:00

must.have.zen....please?

Making 30 resolutions has been my consistent resolution each and every year. feeling reminiscent, i'm going to look back on the last resolutions and see how far i've come..

- join a book club (chick lit vs. brutally honest pop-culture)
- yoga every week (in lieu of chill pills)
- run 5 times / week (dare i say 1000 km in a year?!?!)
- strength train 3 times / week
- put down the fork ( i hear there's this new thing called portion control that you have to start practicing when you turn 25.)
- learn to swing dance or latin dance (aiiii paint me hot)
- diversify my musical taste (update the ipod/add some jazz into the alt rock scene)
- beach vacation on my birthday (club birthdays can shove it)
- learn 1 new vegan meal per week (and cook with the bf instead of going to dinners always
(books i'm learning from: Skinny Bitch Cook Book, reFresh, The Vegan Table, Planet Organic Cookbook)
- walk with my dogs at least 3 times per week
- do an outdoor activity like ski, snow shoe, hike, run @ least once a week
- keep tidy! i'm about to tell you something... i'm really messy... clothes everywhere... somebody stop me... that there? ya, it was a cry for help.
- gain more energy instead of just crashing after dinner after work! caf tea seems to help that
- quit latte, convert to tea (random thought: open a David's Tea Shop!)

Bucket List me Scottie!!!

i'm back

2010-10-12T15:40:00.000-04:00

just wanted to let you know, i'm back to rock the casadewhat? let's talk...

miss u bangkok

2008-03-11T23:14:00.000-04:00

didn't realize just how hot it really was, good the calmness felt, much the flight was worth it, much i had to see, i didn't get to see enough, much longer than 2 weeks i needed, missing the plane home just by one day wasn't enough. floating market, so native to their land and exhilarating to my day. sure i was ripped off, it was my first day to spend money and i didn't know how much the money was worth. purchasing 2 necklaces and a half is what i chose to do to be treated like a tourist.

Heatherette makes babies with MAC

2008-03-10T18:48:00.000-04:00

everybody's favourite ice capade artiste and cowboy extraordinaire has taken his creative knack to the face! Heatherette teaming up with edgy campaign vulture MAC to make a beautiful baby to add to your otherwise complete makeup bureau.

I'm stabbing pink cheeks (like Fafi) and lips (like Lustering) play a big role, spritzed with some light leafy greens and shimmer! Launching on the 27th of March, 2008, I'll be there the 28th to get my face done bold. I'd better make plans, because a Heatherette face does not sit at home on a Saturday night... Hmm.. That could totally be Heatherette's next series theme? All Glitzed Up and Nowhere to Go!

colours do we love

2008-02-17T21:53:00.001-05:00

got the tights, they're so lush! thick, vibrant, and i chose the perfect colours to spruce up any jersey dress. with a pair of booties, moon boots, knee high wedges, or... shoes? oh yes, and some wedge sandals! once the snow melts away, the cold can stay, so i can throw on the sandals and winterize the look, screaming sex!

cheeky

2008-02-17T21:37:00.000-05:00

can... can i be a fafinette too? i won't steal your heart, you can keep it there on your cheek...

all... all i want is that cheeky look, i've got cheeks to kill and i'll rock the look and make fafi proud... pass me the Fashion Frenzy, i've got some brushing to do!

the cheeks are on, and NOW you can consider me anime, rocking my yellow leg covers n mini... can you pass me my makeup case? it's in hello kitty, no no, not the kitty.. just pass me the backpack!

let's go to bubble tea

pic me

2008-01-24T18:24:00.001-05:00

just picked up a new cam! good points are it's aesthetic appeal, long lasting battery, colour options, ease of use and my favourite is it's ability to enable me to take pictures FAST when a candid moment appears! and now to the one and only con... i am thankful that i transfered my photos within the first week of getting my camera to my computer, as just after i transfered and chose to keep my pics on my cam also, i went to browse through my pics on the cam and it says there are file errors and the screen is blue! eek! this frightens me.. so now i transfer my pics quite often as i don't want to randomly lose them!

loving it,

elle

cashmere mafia

2008-01-06T22:35:00.001-05:00

what what!

shows like these that inspire women to aspire for more and push to the limit of what we can be - career wise. i've been in massive thinking mode as to what direction i want to take with my life. when i tv on, i usually just daze out and relax from my racing mind, but this show just keeps it on racing. how can i get to be one of these women? how can i attain their status? i'll leave their problems in the screen w/ them, i've got my own... just the good stuff please!

i've been cruising careercruising.com and have browsed about every occupation, and it seems the best option for me to just stay in the marketing industry. i crave more though. i suppose it's an easy branch off too PR, event planning, or purchasing (as i'm currently working in purchasing/sales/branding field). i'm also feeling an entrepreneurial bug which i never did feel, although i'm not sure what either. the year of 22 has gone by in a blur, i'm almost 23 and still in the same spot. at least i have a savings account now! that... and more drive than before.

xoM

gothic nothing!

2008-01-06T21:16:00.001-05:00

inside, my outfit is smiling with my mustard blocks. outside, it's smiling with the gloves. don't mistake me for an emo. my mascara won't budge. it's called water proof fools!

monday. to. work.

green green green!

2008-01-06T21:08:00.000-05:00

looked hot with black tights, military Wilfred coat, and knee high scrunched calf wedges.

wore this out for a haircut then a night out with my boyfriend.

touch it. leave it

2008-01-06T20:01:00.000-05:00

personally i couldn't stand the lg prada phone. played with it in thailand and decided it was a waste of money and that i should leave it behind! reviews out there are correct, the touch response is not what it should be.

i'm a drive n chatter damnit, this shit will not cut it for my "look ma no eyes" dialing technique!

for you who take public transportation... go for it! all eyes on you!

we love colors

2008-01-06T18:30:00.000-05:00

As an avid Daily Candy reader, i hopped right over to welovecolours.com to spruce up my very own legs!

They look like they feel so smooth, I can't wait. Because I'm a M/L, I have to wait 3 weeks for them to ship. This, I find to be weird... But check out the colours of my rainbow! Gold, red, violet, black, royal, grey, turquoise.

I can't wait to spruce up my otherwise "funeral attire" of black dresses and boots. Sometimes a mustard coloured necklace just doesn't stop your boyfriend from telling you that you look like you're going to a funeral!

i'm still green even though i quit

2008-01-06T18:21:00.001-05:00

even better than the I Am Not a Plastic Bag bag is this hot new number from Beau Soleil available at Shopbop.com. Pockets are the only thing IANAPB was missing (my LG Shine got scratched like this :( ) The only downfall is that it's imported, like every other thing. Sure, I'm all for trade, but it has it's downfall...

I know the IANAPB moment may be over, but the message lives on. Is there a reason we're mindless to the little things that help ruin our planet? Sure! We're all about convenience. It's not like we're asking you to suffer here, just pick up a bag, a cheap old tote bag, a fashionable one as featured, we don't care! And re-use! I'm loving this trend.

smooth skin

2008-01-06T18:03:00.000-05:00

Every winter my face develops a new and differently located patch of dry skin. No amount of moisturizer or exfoliation can rid my face of this month long dilemma. what makes matters worse is that I'm apt to putting some MAC Moistureblend on my face to cover up redness. It only enhances this patch (although the rest looks wonderfully delicious! This past year, part of my OM List was to perfect my skin regime. I picked up St. Ive's Apricot Cleaners (exfoliating / anti-imperfections). Not only does it smell like apricots and oatmeal (mmm) it prepares my skin so well for my Moistureblend, so it just glides on flawlessly. Mild enough for everyday usage (day and night!).

Because I have little red dots, I just started using Physicians Formula's green/concealer combo for my face to lessen the red prior to applying MAC Moistureblend. After my foundation goes on, I then apply MAC concealer in liquid format underneath my eyes and any other redness that wasn't covered. Sometimes, I apply some powder to set... Then is an NC25's best friend.. MAC Blushcreme in Sweet William! I've got ladies' hooked on this shit! It's a killer pink that gives such a fresh and dewy look to polish off your face and start the day. Even if you don't have time for anything else. Sweet William ladies, he is a very sweet boy!