rosemary parmesan roasted potatoes

Not just your average potato, and I can pretty much guarantee you won't be able to get enough of these little jewels. This simple recipe brings your basic potato side dish to a whole new level. The cheese crisps up and the rosemary gives such a fragrant richness - these are definitely a new favorite at this house.

Ingredients

3 tbsp olive oil

3/4 tsp chopped garlic

1 tbsp rosemary

1/2 cup finely grated parmesan 

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp coarse sea salt

Instructions

Cut potatoes in half, boil for 3 minutes. Combine ingredients and toss boiled potatoes until they are all coated. Lay flat on a baking tray and roast in 425 degree oven for 20 minutes. Take out every 5 minutes and toss/flip on pan. 

(* serving suggestion: try these on top of a lightly dressed mixed greens salad. The warm rich flavor of the potato paired with the freshness of the crisp salad is truly delicious! * )

wishlisted

I've been coveting Alexander Wang bags for a while and as I was walking through Holt Renfrew today I was reminded of their buttery, beautiful leather and edgy studded detailing. This red Diego Bucket Bag would be perfectly appropriate as a Valentine gift... hint, hint. 

a treat for your sweetheart

I'm all about reminding the special people in your life how much you love them and what better way to do it then with homemade treats!? I mean really, does it get any better than buttery rice krispie squares...? I thought I'd share two of my tips for making the best rice krispie squares - 

1. ) always use real butter, margarine just doesn't cut it 

2.) use the bottom of a glass to press the krispies into the pan 

To make the treats extra special, I wrapped them up in parchment and tied them off with pink string. 

{ I cut the rounded sides off to create perfect edged squares }

{ All you need is parchment paper, scissors and string/yarn }

{ Roll down the parchment and wrap it down and under like a present }

{ I cut three pieces of string for each parcel }

{ End result... Delicious little treats for your Valentine! }

{ And no one here is complaining about the left overs... }

I do have to share my feelings on Valentine's Day... I think it's a wonderful holiday, any day that celebrates love and special people is a good day in my books. With that said, I don't think the commercialized aspect (read: expensive presents, extravagant dinners, etc) of what the day has become is what it should all be about. So, I encourage and urge you to focus on spending time with people who matter and making sure they feel extra loved come the 14th! (and maybe I've inspired you to do that with homemade treats!)

blood orange cocktail

I will never turn down a cold beer or nice glass of wine, but sometimes a cocktail really hits the spot. The liquor provides a different flavor profile and whatever is mixed in usually adds all sorts of depth to the drink. Superbowl Sunday called for something a little bit more exciting that the regular 'ol can of beer and we had been intrigued by the commercials for PC's Blood Orange Gin Fizz. The ingredients were simple and the flavors big. Definitely best served ice cold, I can't wait to serve this to friends when the warm weather sets in!

(Tip: Try cocktails when you're out for meals! It's a great way to introduce yourself to liquors you might not otherwise get the chance to try. And chances are, if they're being served on a menu they are going to be mega tasty! - I recently fell in love with the orange blossom cocktail from here.) 

just because

Haven't posted a fancy shoe in a while. How cute would these neon snake sandals look come summer? Strappy and sexy, and they're on sale... Oh dear

stand up to cancer

February 4th is World Cancer Day. Join me today in the global movement and stand up against a disease that has in some way affected us all. 

Marky Mark is Mark Dempsey, my best friends father and there's not a day that goes by that I don't think of how much he is missed and how much cancer changed everything. I not only remember him today, but I remember the fathers, mothers, grandparents, friends and family members who left us much too soon. 

Print out your place card HERE and SHOW THE WORLD WHO YOU STAND UP FOR.

homemade valentine cards

The month of love is upon us! February is here and that means Valentine's Day is less than two weeks away. I love that I get to celebrate the day with D but I also like taking the opportunity to remind friends and family how special they are to me; and as always, I think snail mail is one of the nicest ways to do that. Last year I sent out these cards, and this year I decided to do a new homemade design. Anything v-day related should always contain pink and red hearts, but I like the addition of X&O's and a little glitz with the gold and silver. And just because you don't have a partner, doesn't mean that you can't celebrate the day for the other ways in which love fills your life on the daily!

I will remind you all again, but while I'm on the topic - to all you wonderful LMS readers - 

I LOVE YOU!  

{ Have a lovely weekend darlings! xo }

pretty girls and their closets

Does anyone else browse the blog The Covetuer? I love the entire website but my favorite part is the behind the scenes, sneak peak's inside closets. There are some pretty amazing and awesome closets and homes... the clothes, shoes, purses, decor - inspiring to say the least.
Here are some of my favorite bloggin' ladies, Leandra, Rumi and Emily (when she was staying at the Ritz in Toronto for her Holts appearance!).  ...Amazing right?

Oh, and I share TC's views on candles. There's no easier way to transform a room, than by simply lighting a candle.

valentine red

Beauty review is in. Joe Fresh's $4 nail polish is worth buying. I am somewhat of a self proclaimed polish connoisseur. I constantly have my tips painted, and I'm always looking for fun new colors and brands to try. Joe Fresh is always on point with colors, following trends closely. And at $4 each or 3 for $10,  you can afford to buy into trends and join the nail party. The polish covers well and dries quickly - you must go and give it a try!

a better snooze

image source

D and I have been on our yoga kick for about two weeks now and we're really enjoying it. It's been more physically straining than I expected, but am totally on board with and it's just such a relaxing way to unwind regardless of the time of day. We recently did a honey flow class and I so enjoyed the "honey" part of the class, where we spent 30 minutes falling into a deep state of relaxation, learning to 'let go'.
That being said, last night as I was hitting the sheets, my mind was whirling with anxiety about a job interview coming up. I went to bed and was unable to unwind and ended up barely catching any Z's. I was excited to come across these yoga poses you can do in bed. Will definitely have to try these the next time I'm trying to relax and reach that deep sleep.

Do you have trouble sleeping? Any secret tips or trusted methods that help you fall into a deep sleep?