roasted sweet potato quinoa

I often throw together green salads for lunch, but every once in a while will make a quinoa or chick pea salad for a little variety. This quinoa salad has simple and fresh ingredients that have a hearty richness. The roasted sweet potato is sweet and pairs nicely with the tangy dried cranberries.  Keep reading for recipe directions...

How to Make: Roasted Sweet Potato Quinoa

2 sweet potatoes chopped (I bought the package of pre-cut)

2 cups of thinly sliced kale

1 cup cooked quinoa

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup diced feta

salt & pepper

For the dressing: 

juice of a lemon

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tbsp diced garlic

1 tsp garlic salt

Mix everything together and enjoy!

jamaica, yeh mon

... And we're back! We arrived home from Jamaica on Saturday night and so enjoyed our week away. We had hot, sun-shiney weather and swam in the ocean every day. The Jamaican people are so welcoming and friendly and truly seem to have not a care in the world. We were constantly reassured with casual 'no problem mon' and 'respect mon' (accompanied by a first bump) all week long. We cooled down with Red Stripe beers on the beach and sipped champagne before dinner every night at the lobby bar. One of the days we escaped from the resort on a catamaran tour of the west side of Jamaica and went snorkeling and cliff jumping. It was great to spend a week with D relaxing and unwinding, a much needed break from the real world.  

Here are some photos from our trip if you care to see...

{ we stopped and had a beer at Wayne's Bar }

happiest weekend

{ grapefruit margaritas at a girlfriends }

How has your week been? I've been anxiously working at getting everything done in the office and at home before we leave on vacation. During the hectic rush that sets in when preparing for a trip, I took time to enjoy two dinners with some girlfriends. It was so lovely taking the time to unwind and catch up. Oh, and I know I'm the last one to the party, but I got Uber! 

Well, we finally leave for Jamaica tomorrow! We will finish packing tonight and be on our way in the morning. 

Whatever you are up to, have a great weekend. And as of today, Happy Spring!

{ beautiful turquoise earrings }

{ sunday nights sausage fest at the saint tavern }

{ my valentine's day card that hangs over my bedside table }

{ last friday night, unwinding at bellwoods }

a note for my future self

Parenting - one of those topics that everyone seems to have something to say or has advice to contribute, whether you have a brood of little ones or your a single gal currently without any kids at all.
During my daily commute or reading of blogs or recalling of childhood memories, I'll make mental notes to myself - reminding myself of a kind way in which a mother communicated to her child or noting something that didn't seem so positive. I do recognize and respect that parenting is one of those responsibilities where everything changes when it becomes a reality.

While I still have lots of time to work on my parenting approach, I do hope I remember this idea for when we have a little one. The cutest, the fancy attire is my favorite part.

happy st. patrick's day

In honor of the holiday that supports the consumption of green beer and the search for four leaf clovers... Some beautiful green accessories for today and the upcoming spring months.

happy weekend

{ smokey s'mores at the People's Eatery }

After a busy week, I'm looking forward to this weekend. We're headed to the Eaton's Centre tomorrow to pick-up some last minute trip necessities - I'm somewhat embarrassed to admit that I've already started laying out clothes for packing. Saturday night we plan on staying in and cooking dinner with friends, drinking wine and playing games. Then on Sunday we're taking D's little cousins to see Cinderella and I'm secretly really looking forward to it - there's something about Disney magic that never gets old.

What ever you have planned, I hope you have a great weekend! xx

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Here are a few fun links from the web...

The cutest pink one piece

Beautiful vacation photos from Hawaii

Could it be true?!...Healthy peanut butter cups

A lovely Toronto condo

I'm planning on picking up this hair-saving cream for post-ocean swims

This would make an adorable desk lamp

Super useful tool for cooking and following new recipes

Fresh white sheets with a fun pop of color

{ new books to read on the beach }

{ trying to decide what shoes to pack }

{ homemade pistachio + coconut + cranberry bark }

{ a candle with a scent that reminds me of summer }

{ 'beats by bentley' }

a pretty dress

{ Damask - Embroidered Sheath Dress - $35.90 }

More frequently then not, Forever 21 surprises me with awesome pieces that are incredibly affordable. I'm all for investing in the key wardrobe pieces that are going to get a constant workout, but I'm also in favor of having stylish options that allow me to frequently change up my look.  

How beautiful is this simple, lacy, sheath dress? With a simple necklace and nude pump I think it could easily look like a more expensive piece. I'm hoping to hunt it down this weekend and plan on pairing it with a tan one night while we're away.