Thursday, November 28, 2013

black friday

Are you braving the malls tomorrow for Black Friday? I don't know as I'll make it out tomorrow - but turns out cyber Black Friday takes part in most of the awesome sales too...

Incase you'd rather shop from the comfort of the office or home, here are some sales to check out!

Gap has 50% off the entire site (Old Navy too)

Shopbop has some great sales and up to 25% off



I've already done loads of Christmas shopping here - Chapters has some great deals online.


Nothing's better than scoring a sweet bargain! Happy shopping my fellow shopaholics. xx

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

gift idea: for him





For those guys who can be tricky to shop for - Gentleman's Hardware has some great gift ideas. Both these travel accessories are being wrapped up under the tree for D. The travel kit will replace his old, worn-out one and he will have all the tools needed to keep his nails trimmed and manicured. While it might not seem 'manly', this gift offers a type of necessary utility in a neat, stylish packaging. 



These soaps would also be a great add-on or stocking stuffer. The scents are so fresh and clean - wouldn't ocean or peppermint smell amazing?

Monday, November 25, 2013

warm mushroom salad


Salads can sometimes get repetitive and boring. With fresh, crisp lettuce I sometimes don't think of adding in cooked, warm ingredients but it's an especially nice addition in the cold weather.  For a easy, weeknight recipe, I topped mixed greens with warm sauteed mushrooms and goats cheese. The mushrooms took only a few minutes on the stove top, cooked down with olive oil, garlic and chili flakes. The slight heat from the chili flakes, combined with the tangy goats cheese was really delicious and, happily, was a big hit with my biggest critic - D :) 




music monday

This weeks music Monday is inspired by summer's past, music played live, enthusiastically, outdoors for large groups of people dancing and drinking beer. Can't wait for next summers music festivals... I've seen both Mumford and Sons and The Lumineers live before Osheaga this year, but I fell in love with some different songs seeing them live again. Enjoy...

Submarines by The Lumineers
Slow It Down by The Lumineers
Big Parade by The Lumineers
Below My Feet by Mumford and Sons
Lovers' Eyes by Mumford and Sons

Friday, November 22, 2013

foodie friday: hopgood's foodliner


Last Friday night was one of those nights where the fridge was empty, it had been a long week of visiting with family and friends and neither D or I felt like cooking. We decided to treat ourselves and headed across the street to Hopgood's Foodliner. We snagged two bar seats and wound down with a  crisp glass of white wine and a Manhattan cocktail.
We had been for dinner soon after moving in the summer and we weren't disappointed on our second visit. The staff is comprised of a bunch of east coasters, so the atmosphere is welcoming and friendly. The menu is interesting with loads of seafood and everything we've tried has been delicious. If you're looking for a spot for a special upcoming dinner - I would highly recommend Hopgood's Foodliner - I doubt you'll leave disappointed.

 
{ The restaurant pickles their own vegetables. The variety changes each time but they're so interesting and delicious, it's a must order as a snacky starter }
 
 
{ Halifax Donairs - D and I love them after spending so much time out East, and they're sort of like the East coasts version of a gyros. The difference is donair sauce - it's sweet and paired with the slight heat of the seasoning on the meat - it's an amazing combination }
 
 
{ Always save room for dessert. The chef makes a homemade Twix bar, and it's better than a real Twix bar. Whatever description I muster up with won't do it justice - just try it }

sale


 
If you're wanting to get a head start on your holiday shopping, Gap has 40% off all regular priced items today online. They have some great accessories and warm, cozy sweaters. I'd choose a new pair of pyjamas and this bright moto jacket to add some pizazz to a plain black dress.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

festive prints


I'm in love with SS Print Shop. We got one of her prints from Chapters Indigo that hangs in our living room and I've only become more obsessed after browsing her online shop. I think these festive prints would be so adorable to hang during the holidays. The only problem is trying to decide which ones I love most. 
Gift Idea: I picked one up at Chapters that I've put away as a Christmas gift for a girlfriend. I picked up an Ikea frame to put it in and I think it'll be a lovely, heartfelt gift. 

You can buy the prints online here, or check our your local Chapters Indigo store for their selection! 

Update: I couldn't resist adding some winter romance to the bedroom with the "Baby Its Cold Outside" print :)



Wednesday, November 20, 2013

wanderlust wednesday


After traveling for close to six months last year, I'm so excited to have another adventure booked. D and I are headed to California in March. A friend is getting married in Santa Barbara and then we're headed to meet D's parents at a house they've rented in Palm Desert. We're still in the stages of figuring out logistics but today D mentioned that on the Sunday drive back to L.A to meet his parents we can take the scenic drive along the Malibu coast. One of the trips on my "before we have kids" list is to drive the California coast together, so even if we don't get to drive from north to south, this should be a great start. I'm hoping for a sunny day and maybe even a convertible rental car :)





{ images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 }

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

sweater with a bow






This sweater from Club Monaco just shot to the top of my Christmas wishlist. A classic cut in the front, with a sweet girly detail in the back. The colors are so soft and beautiful and I can only imagine how cozy this sweater would be to cuddle up in on cold winter nights.

P.S. If you have someone that deserves spoiling this Christmas, check out Club Monaco's holiday gift guide for some great ideas!

Monday, November 18, 2013

christmas spirit


I held out long enough, we officially broke out the Christmas decorations yesterday. D and I picked up a few things at Ikea in the morning - they have a great selection of festive decor right now and as you could expect, its all very well priced. We combined our new things with what stuff we already had saved and our place is starting to look a lot like Christmas...  
 Having our own space to decorate has made it so much more exciting and I definitely want to go all out for the holidays. We plan on getting a small tree and there's a few DIYs that I have in mind... But more to come on that later. We snuggled up on the couch and enjoyed ending the weekend off relaxing in the candle light.
 






Sunday, November 17, 2013

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

paired up


Picked up this leather and copper bead wrap bracelet at Club Monaco over the weekend and I loved the look paired with my MK watch today.


Sorry for the lack of posts this week. My most loved people are taking up all my attention during their short visits. I have a fun restaurant post coming up on Friday, so be sure to check back before the weekend. xx

Friday, November 8, 2013

foodie friday: la cubana


We're no longer the newbies in the neighborhood. La Cubana opened up about a month ago just up the street. We had tried to go right after opening but were too hungry to wait it out. Last Friday Drew and I walked up and managed to score two seats at the bar, overlooking the kitchen. At first, the temptation of getting to check out all the food was almost too much - everything looked so darn good. But we got to ask what everything was and we got to watch the two young, hip chefs work it out all night long. I've never been to Cuba so I don't know if the diner-esque feel is in any way reminiscent of a real Cuban restaurant - all I know is the staff was super friendly, the food was awesome and I'm pumped to have such a great joint just up the street.



{ The mojito was strong and flavorful. Not too sweet }



{ We started with habanero calamari that was drenched in a honey sauce that had a delicious sweet heat. The coconut shrimp were not what I expected - but some of the best I've ever had. The batter-less shrimp instead highlighted the other ingredients on the plate - showing special attention to the coconut flavor }




{ We both tried sandwiches for our mains. I got the fish sandwich- the piece of fish was perfectly grilled and seasoned and complimented with nicely with pinapple salsa and avocado smash. D tried the Pressed Cubano Sandwich which was gooey and filled with flavor from the cheese and sauces }




{ Any restaurant that offers key lime pie is a restaurant that I can get behind. The sweet little jar did not disappoint and I had to stop myself from licking it clean. D enjoyed some Cuban caffeine with a smooth espresso }


Thursday, November 7, 2013

a little light reading

Incase you're in the mood for some blog reading this weekend, here are some links I enjoyed this week...

Don't say goodbye - going to have to try this during the holidays!

A fun DIY project - perfect for market shopping

I've already picked out some ideas for Xmas gifts from this list

My excitement is growing... a sneak peak before Isabel arrives on November 14

Next time I'm craving a sweet treat, I'm definitely making these

These designs have inspired me to get working on our 2014 holiday card - I'm thinking I might make them this year!

Lastly, another DIY that will help you have the most beautiful presents under the tree

have a wonderful weekend


Do you have anything fun planned for the weekend? My best friend is coming into town tonight and I can't wait to see her. She's a friend you can tell anything to and were almost constantly in hysterics when were together - and she hasn't seen our new place yet! My little sister is also arriving home from vacation in Australia tomorrow! I haven't seen her since February! Weekends don't get much better when all your favorite people are in one place :)

I hope your weekends are filled with people you love too! xx


coconut curry


Curry - one of those flavors that often produces mixed reactions when mentioned. I really couldn't say that I had a set opinion on it and while I'm not sure I'm a fan of intense curry flavors - I loved the sauce we tried for dinner earlier this week. It was a simple jarred sauce from the grocery store that you add to vegetables, chicken and rice. We followed the directions on the jar, added in a few extra vegetables and tried to add some nutritional value with brown rice. Dinner ended up being a warm, hearty meal with delicious bursts of flavor in each bite.