an extra special date night

What are your plans for Valentines? The day is quickly sneaking up on us, and if you don't already, it's time to get a reservation booked to enjoy a meal with your loved one.
D surprised me early with news that he had snagged a reservation here. I've literally dreamed of going for years.. so I'm pretty darn excited.

Here's some inspiration with BlogTO's ten most romantic restaurant suggestions.

Of the listed spots I've only been to one - Campagnolo. I remember it as a beautifully decorated space (which totally adds to the experience) with creative, delicious food (the burrata with roasted grapes is truly amazing).

I've heard very good things about Actinolite and have curiously ridden by the candlelit Midfield many a time.

Do you have anything fun planned? Do you enjoy going out or prefer a nice home cooked meal? We've made fancy home cooked meals every Valentine's I can remember, so I'm especially looking forward to  going out this year.

lip sync battle

Today was tough, it was a long day at the office and I just couldn't wait to get home. As I was browsing social media on the streetcar home I came across this video. Have you ever seen Jimmy Fallon's lip sync battles? They're pretty great. Even better - add in Will Farrell, Kevin Hart and one of my favorite Beyonce songs. Needless to say, I was giggling all the way home and felt sufficiently better from all the funny.

Incase you need cheering up, or if you just want a good laugh, click here.

a gift hunt

I was tasked with a very important mission this afternoon - help my sister find a watch for her birthday. As a piece you wear daily, function should combine with an attractive face and band for a watch that you're happy to wear with anything. There are a lot of great, affordable watches on the market, but it should also be a piece you invest in, because spending a bit of money is worth it when you wear it everyday. My sister narrowed down my search by sharing that she's looking for a silver metal watch. Here are some of my top picks...

{ Kate Spade }

{ Nixon }

{ Marc Jacobs }

{ Michael Kors }

{ Larsson & Jennings (my new Christmas present)}

it's the weekend!

What are you up to this weekend? We have plans to go for a big walk in High Park tomorrow and are entertaining D's aunt and uncle in Roncesvalles on Sunday. Looking forward to catching up with friends and family and maybe curling up on the couch and watching a movie. 

Whatever you have planned, stay warm, and have fun! xx

{ this week's flavors from Ed's: caramel nut crunch & raspberry sorbet }

{ being serenaded by Sam Smith }

{ sunset country drives }

 { boyfriend skills - dollar pancakes }

{ getting ready for valentine's day }

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Tricks to freshen up the look of your apartment when you get bored .

 How cozy would these fireplaces be to escape the cold?

A beautiful sweater.

These would add some fun sass to an everyday ponytail. 

A spice rack I would actually be into displaying.

I'd love a pair of simple gold hoop earrings, these are beautiful.

Cute summer sunnies.

A recipe I'm determined to master.

kitchen compromise

{ dishtowels }

Aren't these dishtowels adorable? I totally lucked out with a boyfriend who was taught that the boys do the dishes, and even luckier, he loves cooking with me! Even though these don't truthfully portray how things work in our house, still cute to hang off the oven door. 

j.crew sale (!)

There's nothing better than a really good sale, especially at J.Crew! There's 40-50% off sale items and there is a lot of good picking! My wishlist is a tad excessive, here are some of my top picks...

{ ring }

{ cuff }

{ oversized cardigan }

{ boyfriend sweater }

{ swing coat }

{ braid cuff }

{ cocoon coat }

just because

I'm dreaming of summer, sunshine, bike rides, crisp white wine, dinners on candlelit patios, picnics in the park and strappy, sexy sandals...

{ Stuart Weitzman }

{ L.A.M.B }

{ Rebecca Minkoff }

{ Rachel Zoe }

{Alexandre Birman }

gnocchi with zucchini & lamb sausage

You know those winter days that feel especially cold and long? Today was one of those days. I was happy to get home and put on a pair of slippers and all I was craving was comfort food. Gnocchi has got to be one of my favorite indulgences and sweet potato gnocchi somehow makes me feel a little less guilty. I pan fried some lamb sausage from our local butcher in mushroom butter, also from our local butcher, and used our mandoline to cut fresh zucchini into ribbons. When all combined in a simple homemade tomato sauce, it was impossible not to go back for seconds. 

tunes

Now that I've finished the Serial podcast (have you listened to it yet?!) I'm back to listening to music on my streetcar commute. I've downloaded some great new music and have found myself humming out loud long after I've taken my headphones out and the music is off. Here are a few of the songs stuck in my head these days...

Rather Be by New Eyes ft. Jess Glynne

When I Get My Hands On You by The New Basement Tapes

Wonderland by Taylor Swift 

Something in the Water by Carrie Underwood

Hold Back the River by James Bay

Waves by Mr. Probz

happy weekend

{ stopped by Target after news of their closing }

{ personalized treats }

{ a cozy hot water bottle to keep me warm at my desk }

{ seasonal ice cream }

How was your week and what fun do you have planned for the weekend? I got to get out of the office and spend the day on the ski hill today, so my weekend is off to an early and wonderful start. I have afternoon yoga planned and dinner at Nuit Social with two girlfriends tomorrow, followed by a Sunday spent on the couch with D watching Oscar nominated movies. 

Whatever you're up to, have yourself a great weekend. xx

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

A quirky winter trend that I happen to love

I'm not so secretly hoping for a weekend getaway here

It's hard to know which products work but I want to try this

Five things to always keep around for last minute get togethers

I've heard great things and can't wait to watch this movie

My favorite wardrobe go-to is an easy to wear dress. Look at all these options! 

In the midst of the chilly winter days, these recipes are now bookmarked. 

My lips feel constantly chapped, I plan on picking one of these up this weekend.