just because

{ it's not everyday that you find a intact moose skull sitting on a log }

goals

As I've mentioned before, the days of traveling are over and the job search has officially started. While I am so excited to get started on this new chapter of my life, it is totally intimidating. I haven't been on the job search in a long time and I was having a tough time pinpointing a starting point. Toronto is a big city with endless opportunity, I just didn't know how to grasp it in a way that benefits me. I was browsing Pinterest last night and came across a goal list and it was an idea that really clicked with me. I stopped by Michaels for a few supplies today and came up with what you see below. The idea of setting both weekly and monthly goals seems do-able. Another part of making my goal lists that I think is important to mention, is setting goals that are attainable. I set goals that are realistic and that I feel I can accomplish in the timelines chosen. While the idea of living at home, unemployed doesn't seem too great, I don't think I'd be feeling any better about things if I wasn't able to accomplish any of the goals I set. The job search is daunting but I think I've found a way to start off that will hopefully lead to success!

Do you set goals for yourself? Would you ever make a goal list? 

fish tacos

While we were out West we had friends from Vancouver to the house and decided to give a go at homemade fish tacos. Being on the West coast we sourced some amazing fresh pacific cod which worked perfectly in tacos - but any mild fish would work. We sorta guessed at the toppings and chose fresh ingredients that would taste good with the fish. We had avocado mixed with feta cheese, purple cabbage, a homemade aioli, salsa and tons of fresh lime. With a little prep, this meal was super easy to throw together with guests and fun to eat.  Being dubbed "the best fish tacos I've ever had" by one of our guests, these have definitely become one of our favorite meals! 

{ salsa (sooo yummy): mango, red onion, jalepeno, red pepper, cilantro }

cleanse update: day 5

Well, we've made it to day 5! I've had my moments of doubting why the heck we chose to do a seven cleanse (which might have included a little whining - sorry D) but overall, I'm feeling good. In five days I've lost six and a half pounds and feel lighter, healthier and just feel better. I'm not the best with sticking to diets and eating restrictions and I've had a couple slip ups, (the worst being the fresh pumpkin donut I had at a farm today.... by the way - totally worth it!) but D has been such a great motivator. I don't think I could ever successfully complete a cleanse on my own. We have two more days to go and have stocked up on fresh fruits and veggies to make it through. At some points of the week the food has felt somewhat bland and boring but when it comes down to it, it's how we should be eating. The food plan promotes healthy, clean eating and we've just become too accustomed to eating unhealthily. We don't plan on sticking to as strict of an eating plan come Monday but we do plan on making healthy, natural choices and practicing more self control! I sort of feared it would be a week full of salad but it hasn't been the case at all. Incase you're curious, here are a few of my instagram meal shots from this week!

{ rice noodles, ground chicken and fresh tomatoes }

 { arugula, spinach, pear, scallops }

{ tilapia, basmati rice, asparagus, broccoli }

cleanse

This morning, D and I started a seven day cleanse. After Europe (seven weeks of wine, cheese and prosciutto), camp (ten weeks of fried, unhealthy, bland, repetitive foods) and B.C (four weeks of seafood drowned in butter) we felt the need to flush our bodies of the excesses we've been indulging in. It's our first cleanse and we decided on one from GNC that was recommended for first timers - as it is not too intense (the one we're doing is on sale here). 

There's a food guide that has an itemized eating plan and a list of foods to eat. We loaded up on fresh fruit and veggies as well as lean meat and fish. After finishing day 1, I'm not hungry and am satisfied with what we got to eat - which is usually where I lose interest with diets and cleanses! 

Each day, you take nine pills(plus a daily multi vitamin- separate from the cleanse) plus a packet of fibre mixed with water or fresh juice.  

I was a little worried I wasn't going to be very motivated to stick with this, but having someone to encourage me throughout the week - I think we'll have a successful week! I'll update you later on in the week.

I'm curious, have you done a cleanse before? How long was it? What were you allowed to eat and drink?! DId you lose any weight? Would you do another one?

happy weekend

{ Image of Algonquin Park }

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! I am so thankful for your support and encouragement with the blog, I so do appreciate it :)
And if you have any room left after stuffing yourself silly with turkey, give William Sonoma's Spiced Pecan Pumpkin Bread with Pecan Pumpkin Butter a try - it's my favorite fall treat!

beauty tip: mascara

{ Dior Diorshow Mascara }

When I realized I was getting close to the end of the tube of my favorite mascara - Diorshow, I remembered a tip that I had previously heard. If you heat up the bottle, it thins out what's left in the tube and makes the application must smoother. I've been running mine under hot water for about 45 seconds before applying and it's resulted in thick, long black lashes!

Once this bottle runs dry I have decided to give Maybelline Volum'Express a try! If it's good enough for the make-up artists of New York Fashion week, it's god enough for me!

Do you have a specific brand of mascara you swear by? Are you into trying different colors of mascara?
I've been wanting to try blue mascara! Oh, and not together but maybe even this glittery liquid liner?!

chocolate cake

As I've said before, birthdays are special and deserve to be celebrated. What better way to celebrate than with chocolate cake right!? And a five tiered chocolate cake at that! It's D's moms birthday and we figured what better occasion to get back into baking. I haven't baked anything in so long and it felt really great to be back in the kitchen with a familiar recipe and to get that feeling of satisfaction with such yummy results. I followed this cake recipe that I've shared previously  (seriously, if you haven't made this cake, just do it already - it really is so moist and amazing); and this frosting recipe - I added extra powdered cocoa and a little bit of milk to thin it out - I think it tastes like chocolate soft serve :)

ready for fall: polished tips

sole mate by essie

Yesterday, I found my go-to fall polish color. essie's "sole mate" has the perfect warm richness for the cool autumn days ahead! I'm loving all the deep, darker polish shades that seem to be on trend this fall!

Also take a look at the cute breast cancer awareness celebration essie has come up with - 31 Days of Pink!

beauty & grace

{ Mrs. Kennedy and Me by Clint Hill }

I just finished reading Mrs. Kennedy and Me and am in love with the beauty and grace that Jackie Kennedy seemed to exude. I have a fascination with old school glamour, fashion and celebrity and this book satisfied all of the above. Clint Hill was assigned to protect Mrs. Kennedy specifically when JFK became president and his telling of their time together clearly shows his fondness for the first lady. In reading, you can't help but get wrapped up in the joy the Kennedy family shared in spending time together as a family and the devastation that swept the entire world on that sad day in Dallas. I could barely put it down - a read I highly recommend!