boo!

Saturdays Halloween costume party was great fun. One of my old neighbors borrowed a tutu from their old ballet studio and I felt like a princess getting to dance around in a real ballerina tutu all night. It's always fun to let loose with friends and dance around all night.

We're headed out to celebrate a friends birthday tonight (at this Mexican joint, yum!) but I'm hoping we may get a few trick-or-treaters before we head out. This is our first time on our own so we made sure to pick up some candy last night for any little ones that make it to our door.... But hopefully not too many though, because I mean really, who gets mad at leftover candy? Not this girl. 

Hope everyone has a happy and safe Halloween!

those three words

Out. Of. Stock... Breaks my heart every time 

happy weekend

Do you have any Halloween plans? I'm going to a costume party with girlfriends Saturday night. I'm usually not a huge fan of dressing up, but once I thought of an idea and started pulling things together - it sort of became a creative challenge. I decided to dress as a ballerina and a neighbor actually borrowed a real tutu from their dance studio! I found a pretty knit wrap sweater and put my sewing skills to the test last night by adding ribbon to some slippers that I'll wear as ballet shoes.

I'm excited to see what ideas other people at the party came up with! One of my friends just put the finishing touches on her piñata costume - can't wait to see it!

Whatever plans you have - I hope you enjoy your weekend! xx

skirting the issue

{ Zara Skirt with Asymmetrical Frill }

 

 

 

I picked this skirt up earlier in the week from Zara. I love how the flirty hem adds an element of fun to an otherwise plain navy skirt. I also love the monocramatic look of the skirt with the same color knit - very chic.

holiday party clothes

{ Striped Bow Crew - Banana Republic $110 }

Wouldn't this be a fun sweater to wear to a cocktail holiday party? I love the black and white paired with a bright pant for a fun, festive flare.

Shopping Tip: Banana Republic has some cute holiday wear already. If you sign up for their emails, they often send discount codes (up to 40% off) for in store and online purchases! And if you order online and don't like it you can return it to your nearest store.

... Oh, and yes, I know it's only October and I'm already talking about Christmas. I can't help it, it's my favorite time of the year. Plus there's only 61 sleeps until the big day!...

all tied up

{ J.Crew camo scarf }

I think we'd all be in agreeance that the cold weather officially arrived this week. I brought out a cozy, long coat for the commute to work and even searched our apartment for a hat and mitts before my bike ride yesterday morning. This scarf tie-ing video tutorial will be sure to teach you some new ways to stay stylish and warm without feeling frumpy in this cold weather. 

{ 10 ways to tie a scarf by Holts Muse}

P.S.. Be prepared for some major scarf envy...

philip lim x target

When it comes to fashion I'm all about combining high priced items with bargain finds, recreating the look of something old with a new accessory, all while trying to stay on budget and on trend. While I appreciate the beauty of expensive bags, I'm not in the position to pull the trigger on an investment right now - enter Philip Lim's collaboration with Target. There's no denying Philip Lim's 3.1 is a gorgeous bag, but it also come with a hefty price tag. His collection for Target priced all bags no higher than $60 and I scored mine for an affordable $35! ( Funny story: a girlfriend and I got up early, pretending to be/being crazy, obsessed shoppers - and when we got to Target 20 minutes after opening, every single purse was snatched off the shelves! Luckily for me, another friend has an American aunt who appreciates our love of bargain designer buys and shipped us each a bag! :)
I originally wanted a black bag but the grey has been great for the fall and goes with practically everything. It's bigger-than-a-clutch size allows me to fit everything I want in it, and has been my go-to bag ever since I got it.

Next up: Isabel Marant for H&M in November... who's with me!

the proposal

My friend showed me this video this weekend and if you haven't watched it yet, it's definitely worth the thirty minute distraction. While it's a little over the top, it's still an adorable story to watch :) Such a special moment in a relationship.

Justin and Emily: The Proposal

mitzi's cafe

It's a rare treat, but brunch on a Monday is just about the best treat ever. D and I took full advantage of the Thanksgiving holiday and enjoyed a tasty brunch after a late sleep-in. We rode our bikes to Mitzi's Cafe. It's sandwiched between houses within the residential streets of Parkdale/Roncesvalles and it's worthy of being searched out. For the holiday they had a simple chalk board sign with five dishes to choose from. D and I both went for the poached eggs on mushroom risotto with pesto and bacon - so decadent, and so very delicious. 

Given it's location, I think Mitzi's would classify as a hidden gem. I don't know what you have planned this weekend but Mitzi's would definitely be a wonderful spot to start your morning off at. 

Have a wonderful weekend. xx

pumped up kicks

I've mentioned how much I love Zane before, and when I stopped by to pick up a birthday gift this week I picked up these fun pink camo laces to add a bit of color to my black Nike Free Runs. My Free Runs are definitely a comfy go-to choice of footwear and after seeing fashionable ladies around town wearing them for everyday outings, I feel these laces will give just that extra touch to convince me to lace them up more often.

{ Customize your own pair of Nike Free Run 5.0's HERE }

thanksgiving in the country

Our Thanksgiving weekend was spent enjoying the picturesque fall countryside. It was too beautiful not to share some photos. Hope your weekends were filled with good food, friends and family!

spinach salad

I sometimes find it hard to put together healthy lunches, let alone a lunch at all, when rushing out the door for work in the morning. Last week I tried to prep myself for the days ahead and took the time to make D and I awesome spinach salads. Cooking the egg and bacon takes a bit of time, but the effort was worth it the next day as I enjoyed my flavorful, fresh lunch.

{ How to Make: Spinach Salad }

3 cups of baby spinach

1 hard boiled egg

crispy bacon pieces

mushrooms

red onion

orange vinaigrette:

2 tbsp orange juice or orange concentrate

minced garlic

salt & pepper

4 tbsp olive oil

Wisk together and serve immediately.

happy { long } weekend!

 

{ Happy Thanksgiving! }

 

I hope you all enjoy your weekend, stuffing yourself silly with turkey and pumpkin pie.

 

I'm thankful for all your love and support that helps make Love Me Simply so special to me.

 

Have a happy weekend and remember to be thankful for your blessings. xx

replacement time

 

{ Graphic Image Desk Diary }

 

Lately, as I go to note things in my agenda, I'm made aware of how quickly the end of 2013 is approaching. While it feels a little weird with it only being October, one of my favorite things about this time of year is getting to pick a new agenda! Most people might have switched to relying on their phones, but I prefer having a physical reminder of daily events. I'm really digging the modern look of this metallic phython design - but I do always want to explore my options! I am going to carry it with me for a whole year afterall!

sweet potato, pear & coconut soup

It didn't take much, I warned y'all..... I'm officially addicted to making soup! This weeks recipe started off with the exact same base as last week (garlic, onion, celery, carrot) but the added flavor came with the sweet potatoes that we had left over from last weeks trip to the farmers market. The pear added a natural sweetness, while the coconut milk added a lovely creaminess. The end result was a rich, hearty Monday night dinner.

How to Make: Sweet Potato, Pear & Coconut Soup

{ Serves 6 }

1 white onion

2 garlic cloves

5-7 carrots

5 sticks of celery

2 bartlett pears

4 sweet potatoes

carton of low sodium vegetable stock

1 can of light coconut milk

1 tbsp butter, olive oil

salt & pepper

2 tbsp maple syrup

1. Cut the sweet potatoes into large pieces and place on a cookie sheet. Roast in oven for 20 minutes at 400 degrees, turning often.

2. Chop your vegetables (onion, garlic, carrots, celery) and pears into small pieces.

3. Saute the onions and garlic in the butter and olive oil in a large pot, then add in celery, carrots and pears. Continue to cook on low-medium heat until softened.

4. Add in sweet potatoes, vegetable stock and coconut milk. 

5. Add in maple syrup, and season as desired (salt & pepper)

6. Place lid on pot and let simmer for 20 minutes.

7. Spoon into blender and blend until smooth. Transfer back into pot to stay warm. (if you have a hand blender, you can blend it right in the pot until smooth)

Serve & Enjoy!

night-a-mins

I forget what commercial it was that got to me, but last week I realized it was about time I begin really taking better care of my skin. With that said, hoping to prevent signs of aging, I have started using Origin's Night-a-Mins. It's a rich night cream that provides loads of moisture without feeling heavy. It feels so good to lather on before bed and it smells amazing.

I'm curious, do you have a daily skin routine? Do you use any anti-aging products?

{ Origins Night-A-Mins $49 }

change of tune

You know that song, that comes on the radio, and you love it so much - you can just picture sharing the first dance at your wedding, being twirled around the dance floor by your new husband. I had chosen that song in my mind, happy with my choice, looking forward when that day would come.

Sadly, my friend texted me this morning telling me that CBC reported it's the most popular wedding song in North America! Apparently I'm not the only one imaginging Ray LaMontagne's dreamy vocals serenading me on my wedding day...

The common use of the song will probably leave me in search of a new tune - but luckily it's not exactly a pressing issue. In honor of Ray's musical genius, I hope you will join me in starting Monday off with a great tune....

 

You Are the Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne

happy weekend

{ Vintage silver dish, Squash from local grocer }

I am ready and waiting for fall. This extended warm weather is wonderful but I'm ready for jacket weather and all that it entails. We've been burning deliciously scented candled nightly, I've enjoyed a few pumpkin spice lattes (and consuming anything with pumpkin for that matter), wrapping up in cozy scarves for my morning bike rides, enjoying hearty soups and getting into fall with some fun decor touches.

We're off to go apple picking tomorrow and heading north on Sunday - I'm hoping to enjoy the beautiful colors of the leaves changing.

Have a lovely weekend. xx

{ Mulled Cider Candle $8/$24 from Chapters }

easy artwork

D and I picked up a fun, new print at Chapters this past weekend. We're in the process of forming a small art collage in our living room (more frames to be hung - with final photos after(!)) and it was a perfect edition to the collection. The sentiment reads "I'm Lucky I'm In Love With My Best Friend" and while it might be a little sappy but we truly feel lucky to have found each other and I enjoy having an artsy little reminder. There were lots of prints to choose from and it was hard to pick just one - I would love this one as a friendly greeting for our front hall.

If you're looking for a fun way to decorate your place check out Chapters.ca - home goods are 15% off with free shipping until Sunday! (Chapters also has a great and affordable selection of frames!)

apple & butternut squash soup

I associate October with fall, and I continue to do so even if it was 24 degrees out today. So regardless of the weather, and in celebration of one of my favorite seasons, I decided today was the day to make my first soup. I have to say, as a first timer, I'm pretty darn impressed with myself. I'm also somewhat curious if soup is simply really straight forward to make...? I'm going to just continue on thinking I'm one.smart.cookie... Kidding aside, this soup was deliciously creamy with a hint of sweetness from the apples. I liked tasting  the vegetables, fruit and spices all combined into smooth bursts of flavor with each spoonful. I have to say I'm sort of disappointed I waited so long to make soup! - my mind is running wild with flavor combinations I want to try next.

How to Make : Apple & Butternut Squash Soup

{ Serves 4 }

1 white onion 

2 garlic cloves 

5-7 carrots 

2 sticks of celery

2 macintosh apples

1 butternut squash

carton low sodium vegetable stock

1 tbsp butter, olive oil

salt & pepper

1/2 tsp garam masala

2 tsp maple syrup

1. Cut the butternut squash in half and place on cookie sheet. Roast in over for 45 minutes at 350 degrees. 

2. Chop your vegetables (onion, garlic, carrots, celery)  and apples into small pieces. The pieces don't have to be super small, you end up pureeing everything at the end. 

3. Sauté the onions and garlic in the butter and olive oil, then add in celery, carrots and apples. Continue to cook on low-medium heat until softened.

4. Spoon in soft, roasted squash. 

5. Pour in vegetable stock, maple syrup and garam masala.

6. Let simmer for 20 minutes.

7. Spoon into blender and blend until smooth. Transfer back into pot to stay warm. (if you have a hand blender, you can blend it right in the pot until smooth)

Serve & Enjoy!

 { Tip: We added in some blue cheese for a creamy tang }