Recipes | Gingerbread Cookie Dough Truffles

Earlier this month, I was searching for some new Christmas cookie recipes to try this season and I came across these gingerbread cookie dough truffles on Love and Olive Oil. They are super sweet, I can only eat one at a time, but they are ridiculously good. I gave some to Matt as another advent gift and left the rest of the batch at home for my family to snack on. These take a bit of time to make, but definitely worth it! 

While I was making these, my sister and I kept eating the dough because it was just so good. The recipe does not use any eggs, so it's safe to eat the dough raw. 

Gingerbread Cookie Dough Truffles

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 8 oz white chocolate candy coating 
• Sprinkles or edible glitter (optional)

Directions:

In a large bowl, beat the butter, molasses and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy - about 2 minutes. 

Stir in the vanilla. 

Then add the flour, allspice, cinnamon, ginger and salt. Mix on low until it's all incorporated. 

Cover and place in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes or until the dough is firm. 

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 

Form dough into 1 inch balls and place on the baking sheet.

Place the dough balls in the freezer for at least 15 minutes. 

While the dough is in the freezer, melt the chocolate candy coating either in the microwave or in a double boiler on the stove. 

Using a fork, or dipping tool if you have one, dip the truffles one at a time into the chocolate until the truffle is covered. Shake off the excess chocolate and put the truffles back on the baking sheet. 

If you would like, before the chocolate dries, quickly top with sprinkles or edible glitter to look like fresh, sparkling snow. 

Once the truffles are dry, put them in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. 

DIY | Golf Ball Ornaments

As another advent present, I made some Christmas ornaments out of golf balls. Matt likes to golf, so I thought they'd be the perfect gift. He loved them, but who wouldn't!? They're absolutely adorable!! My favourite is the little penguin - he's just so cute!

These were really easy to make. I painted each golf ball white (you don't have to, but the ones I had, had a lot of logos and writing all over them so I wanted to cover that up).

Once the paint was dry, I took little eye hooks (you can find them at your local hardware store) and screwed one into the top of each golf ball. I just pushed down hard and screwed them in using my hands. It did hurt a little and took a bit of time, so you may want to wrap a towel around your hands so it doesn't hurt so much. 

I then painted on the faces. I chose to do a penguin, snowman, and Santa Clause, but you can be creative - snowflake? Christmas tree? Reindeer? Use your imagination! For the "Oh Christmas Tee" one, I wrote the letters on in pencil to make sure it was centered and I liked the look and then I painted over them. I painted a tee to look like a candy cane and hot glued it to the bottom of the golf ball. The Santa hat is made out of red felt and a cut up cotton ball. 

Once the paint was dry, I covered each golf ball with an even coat of Mod Podge (I used the matte kind - you can find this at Michael's or any craft store). It goes on a kind of milky white colour but dries clear. This seals in the paint so it won't chip or rub off and gives each golf ball a smooth finish. 

Lastly, I tied a ribbon through each eye hook so the golf balls can be hung on the Christmas tree as ornaments. 

Lifestyle | Toronto Christmas Market

This past weekend, Matt and I decided to have a little date night and headed to the Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery District. One of my favourite things when I lived in Europe was going to the various Christmas Markets throughout England. I was even lucky enough to visit one in Berlin, Germany - where these markets originated! When I found out that Toronto had one I was so excited to go. 

We didn't make it down until the last night and unfortunately it was pretty cold out but we had a great time. The atmosphere was so charming and it really got me in the festive spirit. We ate some sausages, drank some hot apple cider (my favourite!), listened to the carolers and explored all the little huts and boutiques selling food and gifts. 

The market had a nice showcase of local businesses selling their handcrafted products. I love small, independent businesses as they're a great way to support the local economy so having these at the market made it feel really personal and was a great way to introduce people to Ontario craftspeople as well as international artisans. 

Some things you can find at the market include: knitted scarves, hats and mittens; Canadian beeswax candles; glassblown ornaments; wooden ornaments and figurines; star Christmas lights; candy; homemade cards and stationary; maple products; chocolate dipped bacon; mustards, jams, shortbread cookies, fudge - the list is endless!

One stall that really caught my eye was "Winterbourne Alpaca". They sell products made from organic alpaca fleece.This business is "A collaborative effort between Canadian designers and traditional method artisans and craftspeople in Ecudaor." My sister is currently living and studying in Ecuador and learning about how the citizens sustain themselves through their different crafts, so I had a personal interest in this business.

DIY | Christmas Advent Calendar

Since this is mine and Matt's first Christmas together I decided to be a cutesy girlfriend and make him an advent calendar. Growing up, my sisters and I never had the store-bought chocolate advents, instead we got little presents to open every day leading up to Christmas morning. I decided to do the same type of thing for Matt. 

This project was really easy. I found an old piece of plywood laying around that happened to be the perfect size and I painted it white. I then painted 24 clothespins red and glued them onto the plywood. Once the glue dried, I labelled each peg with a number. Since I'm not very artistic, I bought a "Merry Christmas" sign and just glued it on the wood as decoration, but you could always paint your decorations on as well. Lastly, I wrapped my gifts and hung them on the clothespins with ribbon. 

And voila!! 

Need some advent present inspiration? Here are a few ideas for men or women:

• Lego
• Gift cards - Tim Horton's, Starbucks, Subway, Amazon, iTunes, etc. 
• Lip chap (I love Burt's Bees)
• A chocolate bar
• A key chain 
• Coffee or tea
• A travel mug
• A deck of cards
• Dominoes
• A Hacky Sack 
• Candy
• Socks
• A toque
• Rubik's Cube
• Toothbrush
• Batteries
• Chocolate / yogurt covered almonds / fruit
• Christmas tree ornaments
• Homemade DIY projects
• Lottery tickets / scratch cards 
• Handwarmers
• A book or magazine
• Sudoku puzzle book or other brain games (crossword, word search, riddles, etc.)
• Mini first aid kit for the car
• Pocket knife
• Compass
• BBQ sauce
• Mini flashlight
• Scented candles 
• Bath salts / oils
• Hand cream 
• Shower gel
• Nail polish
• USB stick
• Seeds for growing herbs / vegetables / flowers
• Winter gloves 
• Earbud headphones
• Jewelry 
• A notebook 

Just be creative and think of what the recipient could use and tailor your gifts to their interests. Matt's gifts included some practical things that he needed but was unlikely to go out and buy for himself, some joke gifts that only we would understand, some personal and thoughtful things, some homemade cooking / baking and some DIY projects that I thought he would really like. The possibilities are really endless!! 

Have you ever made an advent calendar for anyone? What type of gifts did you include? 

Fashion | Gearing Up For Winter With SOREL

As a Canadian girl who loves to be outdoors and does a lot of skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in the winter to keep active, I need boots that can keep me warm and dry and that are also durable enough to live up to my adventurous lifestyle. That's why I love SOREL.

www.sorelfootwear.ca

SOREL was founded in Canada in 1962 and it has since become popular all over the world. I think SOREL's popularity is due in large part to the fact that its products are fashion-forward while also being very practical. I've had many winter boots over the years that look nice but as soon as the snow touches them, the material gets soaking wet, causing my feet to become wet and cold. Likewise I've had rubber boots that keep the water out, but don't look very appealing. SOREL however, combines fancy materials and craftsmanship with insulated waterproof rubber or suede to create a unique boot that I can feel stylish and confident in while also staying warm and dry.

With my birthday and Christmas both soon approaching, I have a couple of SOREL products on my wish list.

I'm loving the Conquest Carly Short Boot (bonus points since it has my name!) I like how versatile this boot is. It's great for both Fall and Winter conditions. These can be worn while doing errands around town but they also have some traction so I can wear them to the slopes! The Conquest Carly comes in a number of styles and colours so there's sure to be something to suit everyone. Plus, who wouldn't want to wear the same boot as Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire!? Unfortunately, my choice of colour, Autumn Bronze, is sold out online. So I've been running around trying to find a store with these in stock in my size. If anyone knows where I can find these in the Toronto area pleeeeease let me know! 

Also on my wish list is the Nakiska Slide Slipper in Dark Earth Curry, or Incense. The wool lining paired with the outer suede makes these slippers perfect for staying cozy and stylish all year round. 

My boyfriend has been hinting that he needs some new slippers as well. I love the men's Falcon Ridge Slipper in Marsh or Bark. Who knows, maybe there will be a pair waiting for Matt under the tree this year! 

What's your favourite SOREL product? Will you be sporting them this winter? 

Recipes | Granola

I love breakfast! I could eat breakfast all day long. One of my favourite breakfast foods is granola. I love to mix it with yogurt, or sometimes just pour some milk over it and eat it like cereal. 

My problem though, is that I have a lot of allergies. I'm really allergic to nuts/peanuts, so that means I have a hard time finding a granola I can eat in the grocery store. That's why I usually make my own. This way I can put in it what I want and it's a much healthier alternative. 

I don't really have a set recipe that I follow. I just use whatever I want and put in as much or as little as I want. This recipe is a guideline and all measurements are approximate. 

I usually cut the recipe in half and make two batches so I can have two different flavours of granola. This time I made one with honey, cranberries, and slivered almonds and the second with maple syrup, sultanas, and almond slices. 

Sometimes I also like to add in some flax or chia seeds as well. In this case, the oatmeal I used contained oat bran, wheat bran, and flax seeds so I didn't have to add any extra.

Granola

Ingredients:

• 4 cups oats (not quick cook)
• 3 cups seeds/nuts (of your choice)
• 2/3 cup oil
• 2/3 cup maple syrup or honey
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• a pinch or two of nutmeg 
• a pinch or two of ginger
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 cup dried fruit (of your choice)

(This makes quite a large batch - 10-12 servings. So cut the recipe in half if you want less).

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 

In a bowl, mix the oats and the nuts/seeds. Add in the oil and the honey/maple syrup. Stir to combine. 

Mix in the salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. 

Add in the vanilla and mix well. 

Pour onto a baking sheet covered in parchment paper and spread out evenly. 

Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes. 

Make sure to stir the granola every 10 minutes so it cooks evenly and doesn't burn. 

Add in the dried fruit for the last 5-10 minutes of the baking time. 

Lifestyle | 7 Fun Date Ideas for Fall

As mentioned in my previous post, my favourite time of the year is definitely Fall. I just love how beautiful the scenery is, how it's not too hot but not too cold, and how I can wear all the over-sized knitwear that has been stored in the back of my closet all summer. 

Since my boyfriend works a very hectic schedule, it's hard to fit in any time for the two of us to spend together, so I thought I'd try to come up with a few simple date ideas that we could enjoy this season. 

7 Fall Date Ideas:

• Grab a pumpkin spice latte and a freshly baked pumpkin muffin and go for a hike. There's always lots of trails around to explore and it's a great way to enjoy the colourful leaves.

• Head to a Farmer's Market and buy a few gourds and homemade crafts to decorate your home. Don't forget to grab a hot apple cider to sip on while you walk around!

• Curl up on the couch and watch TV. Lots of new series start in the Fall, so find one that you both like and watch it together. This can then become a weekly thing!

• Carve pumpkins! Try coming up with a creative idea instead of the typical scary face. You could each carve your own, or work on one together. 

• Enjoy a meal at an outdoor cafe before it gets too cold to sit outside. Order butternut squash or sweet potato soup to keep you warm and a pumpkin ale to stick to the Autumn theme. 

• Pick some apples at a local orchard or buy some at the Farmer's Market and spend an afternoon baking a home-made apple pie. Then why not make it a romantic night by sitting on a blanket under the stars and sharing your pie by candlelight. 

• If you're into sports, then go to a football or hockey game. Or, if you can't afford it, buy a six-pack, order in some pizza and wings, and just enjoy a relaxing evening at home watching the game on your big screen.

What are some of your favourite things to do in the Fall? Have any Autumn-inspired date ideas you'd like to share? Leave them in the comments! 

Lifestyle | Indian Summer

My favourite season is definitely autumn! Although in Canada, it doesn't seem to last that long, only 2 months, if that, it is certainly the 2 best months of the year. The temperature is perfect - warm with a cool breeze, the landscape is beautiful with all the leaves changing colour, and let's not forget about pumpkin flavoured everything! As soon as the season started, my Instagram was filled with pictures of Starbucks coffee cups with the description "first #pumpkinspicelatte of the year".

The past week however has been absolutely gorgeous. We've had some perfect Fall days and also a few days where summer seems to have made another appearance.

Last weekend was one of these perfect autumn days and my boyfriend and I decided to take a walk along the boardwalk down at the Scarborough Beaches. I had made some pumpkin cupcakes (recipe to follow in another post) and we went and grabbed some pumpkin spice lattes and headed down to the beach. I'm a beach gal through and through. I grew up on the beach and have lived there the majority of my life, but I had never been to the Beaches in Toronto. I was absolutely shocked to discover such a breathtakingly beautiful place in the city. There is something so romantic about walking hand-in-hand with the man of your dreams along the waterfront in the middle of autumn. I couldn't have asked for a better date. Just the simplicity of it all - staring out at the endless lake until the water meets the horizon, feeling the cool breeze as your man holds you close to keep you warm and just enjoying a meaningful conversation - it was perfect.

Yesterday was another beautiful day, this time it felt like summer (I think it was about 20 degrees). I'm staying at my boyfriend's house for a few weeks and since he was away working a 15+ hour day and I had nothing to do, I jumped at the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather. I packed up my book and my notebook, grabbed a Starbucks, and headed back down the beach. There's nothing I enjoy more than just laying at the beach, by myself, relaxing and spending some quality time with my own thoughts. It's so peaceful and just allows me time to de-stress and remind myself what's important in life. I spent about 3 hours just sitting by the water, thinking.

I know some people find going for walks to be extremely boring, but now is the perfect time to get outside before winter hits and we all want to spend the next 6 months curled up on the sofa. There's so many beautiful places to discover. I suggest everyone spend some time, whether it be by yourself, with your boyfriend, your best friend, your mom, whoever, and just take a stroll outside and enjoy the beautiful weather while it's still around :)

Time For A Change

I just wanted to apologize to all my lovely readers for not having written a post in the past month or so. To be honest, my life has been quite hectic but also extremely boring at the same time. My summer was pretty uneventful and so I haven't had much to blog about. But I've also been struggling with some personal issues so I just took a bit of 'me' time to sort myself out. 

This time off has also allowed me to decide what direction I want this blog to head in. For the past year I've been really confused with all aspects of my life and I've kind of been jumping around from interest to interest but not really focusing on anything that makes me truly happy. I think it's good to try different things, that's the only way you'll know if you like something. That been said, I've found recently that after a lot of uncertainty, I've finally started getting back in touch with what is important to me in life. For me, that is experiences. 

Now, you might be asking what I mean by experiences?

Like many women, I like fashion. I like to express my personality through the way I dress. But unlike many women, I don't obsess over this. I'm not a fashionista, I don't follow what's in trend, I just dress appropriately for the occasion, wear what I feel comfortable in, and if there's a day that I really can't be bothered to get all done up, than I'm perfectly happy to just chill out in my sweats. Likewise, when it comes to make up, I love it and I hate it. I like to splurge on expensive make up every now and then, I like to get all dolled up from time-to-time. But again, unlike many women, I don't obsess over this and I am quite content to leave the house without any make up on. This past summer I've completely embraced my natural beauty. I've only worn make up a handful of times and it's actually surprised me how comfortable I've felt without it on. 

So, although this was originally established as a 'fashion, beauty, and lifestyle' blog, I have decided that I will be focusing mainly on the lifestyle aspect of it because that is what I am most interested in. I get more joy in life by spending my time outside, experiencing the world and doing as many activities and trying as many new things as possible, as opposed to spending all my time in front of the mirror. I like to travel, and bake, and explore; that's what's most important to me. So while this blog will of course still include fashion and beauty related posts, it will focus mainly on the happenings of my life; giving you many recipes to try, music reviews, and events and experiences that I enjoy that I think may be of interest to everyone else as well. 

Music | Shawn Tavenier & Silver Creek

Two weekends ago I headed to Perth for my friend's Stag and Doe (congrats Melissa and Nigel). I was only planning on staying the one night, but the following day, I decided to go to Ottawa with my best friend Broghan, her sister Shannon, and her brother Eric. Now I know the last time I talked about Ottawa and the Byward Market I promised that the next time I went I'd bring my camera so I could share some photos with you. Well ... I went to the Byward, again, and I forgot my camera, again. But in my defense it was a completely unplanned trip, so please don't hate me! 

We spent the afternoon just roaming through the stalls, indulging in Beavertails, and watching some crazy Aussie street performer. Surprisingly the Beavertails didn't fill us so we decided to stop for a proper meal at The Aulde Dubliner before heading home. After debating about whether it was going to rain or not, we took our chances and chose a table outside. It ended up being the perfect spot as we had a direct view of the live music set that was going on. 

The man singing was Shawn Tavenier and he has got the most beautiful voice I have ever heard! His voice is so strong and there's so much soul to it - as I joked to my friends, as soon as he opened his mouth, I fell in love, it's impossible not to! I think all four of us were in awe at how good he was. The poor guy was probably creeped out because I swear I just stared at him all night (sorry not sorry) but I couldn't help myself, I was just mesmerized; so amazed by his talent! We sat there for probably two hours listening to him and singing along, and in Eric's case, Googling the words to all the songs he wasn't sure about. 

Reluctantly we left after a couple hours since we were all starting to freeze and had to get home. For whatever reason I had the brilliant idea to go to Menchie's for some frozen yogurt but it meant I was able to head back and watch Shawn play a few more songs while the girls went to Sugar Mountain and Eric became bff with some homeless guy who played the spoons. 

Princes and Kings

On the drive back to Perth I decided to put my creeper skills to the test and see if I could find out who this Shawn guy was so I could look up his music. (I promise I'm not THAT big of a creeper - his name was on the pub website). Turns out he's part of a band called Silver Creek which originates from Ottawa. Now, how I lived in Ottawa for four years and never heard of these guys is beyond me, but I'm sure glad I've stumbled across them now because they're simply incredible.

Another reviewer described Silver Creek as similar to 'The Band, The Allman Brothers and Neil Young' and I'd have to say that's a pretty accurate description. They certainly have rock and roll roots but you also get a little soul and blues, and even little country thrown in there at times too. 

I can't give you a proper review at the moment, as I've yet to hear the band play live, but I can tell you that after hearing front man Shawn's solo set, I know Silver Creek is a band not to be missed! Their music is just so refreshing - it's original and honest and you can't help but become a fan. And rest assured, they're playing at the Kinmount Fair on August 31st so you can bet I'll be there!! I expect to see all you other 705ers there as well. I promise you won't be disappointed. If you can't make their Kinmount appearance, Silver Creek is also playing at the Burlington Ribfest on September 1st. 

You can check out Silver Creek at: 

• Website - www.silvercreekmusic.ca
• Twitter - www.twitter.com/silvercreekrock
• Facebook - www.facebook.com/silvercreekmusic
• YouTube - www.youtube.com/user/silvercreekmusic

You can buy Silver Creek's debut album "About Time" and their third record "Princes and Kings" on iTunes (I suggest you all go do that right now!)

Who else is a fan of Silver Creek? Have you ever seen them play or do you have plans to in the next few months? Also, if you know where I can buy their second release "Follow the Sun", pleeeease let me know! I can't find it on iTunes :( 

Baking | Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf

The other day I was in the baking mood so decided to try out this recipe I had found while browsing online for some yummy eats. You can find the original recipe at Sweet Pea's Kitchen. This Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf is now my absolute favourite thing ever! It's moist with a lovely zingy taste, but also a little sweet due to the lemon syrup and glaze. This loaf was eaten within two days and now my family won't stop bugging me to make it again - I guess I know what I'll be doing tomorrow! 

I ate this loaf for breakfast but since it is a tad on the sweeter side I preferred to have a slice or two with my afternoon tea (yes, living in England for two years has turned me a tad British).

If you want to make this delicious loaf for yourself (I suggest you all do so asap!) then here is the recipe:

Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Loaf

Ingredients:

For the Loaf: 

• 1 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose floor, divided
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen, thawed and rinsed)

For the Lemon Syrup:

• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/3 cup sugar

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup confectioners sugar, sifted
• 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Directions:

Preheat the over to 350 degrees F. Grease bottom and sides of one 9 x 5 inch loaf pan, dust with flour and tap out the excess

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. 

In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, vanilla, and oil. 

Slowly whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. 

In a separate bowl, mix the blueberries with the remaining tablespoon of flour and fold them gently into the batter. 

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and back 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the loaf comes out clean. 

Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing the loaf to a wire rack on top of a baking sheet. 

While the loaf is cooling, making the lemon syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir together the lemon juice and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once dissolved, continue to cook for 3 more minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside. 

Use a toothpick to poke holes in the top and sides of the warm loaf.

Brush the top and sides of the loaf with the lemon syrup. Let the syrup soak into the loaf and then brush again. Let the loaf cool completely. 

To make the lemon glaze, in a small bowl, whisk together the confections sugar and 2 to 3 tablespoons of the lemon juice. The mixture should be thick but pourable. Add up to another tablespoon of lemon juice if the mixture is too stiff. 

Pour the lemon glaze over the top of the loaf and let it drip down the sides. 

Let the lemon glaze harden, about 15 minutes, before serving. 

Christina from Sweet Pea's Kitchen also suggests making these as muffins which would be great for breakfasts or taking with you to work for a snack. 

Enjoy!

If you try out this recipe let me know what you think.

Fashion | Rice Necklace From Byward Market, Ottawa

A couple of weeks ago my best friend Broghan and myself took a trip to the Byward Market in Ottawa. We both used to live in Ottawa during university so the Byward Market is certainly one of my favourite places to be in the summer. I unfortunately forgot my camera so I regret having no photos of the Market itself to share with you (next time I'll be sure to have my camera with me!) But if you've never been I definitely suggest you go. 

Situated in downtown Ottawa, right across the street from the Rideau Centre, the Byward Market is filled with stalls selling fresh produce, Canadian souvenirs, homemade arts and crafts, loads of maple syrup and other maple goodies, and of course Beavertails! You're not a true Canadian if you've never had a Beavertail. You've not lived, if you've never had a Beavertail! Beavertails are just deep fried pastries with different toppings - my favourite is the classic cinnamon and sugar but I'm also a fan of the Killaloe Sunrise, which is just the cinnamon and sugar with a bit of lemon squeezed on top. 

But...this post is unfortunately not about Beavertails. 

One of my favourite stalls in the market is Jammy Yang's Rice Engraving stall. This man is unbelievable. He can literally paint anything you want on a tiny grain of rice! He's even been featured in Ripley's Believe It Or Not for a crazy detailed piece he painted. I can't explain the image, you'll have to look him up and see for yourself, but it's so intricate you need a magnifying glass to see it. 

I absolutely love these necklaces, this is the 3rd one I've bought from Jammy.There are a number of designs you can choose from to have engraved on your grain of rice, or you can make it more personal by creating your own. I got my name on one side and then a pretty pink flower on the other (thanks Broghan for letting me steal your flower design). The rice is then put into a capsule (different shapes and sizes are available) which is then filled with a clear liquid and attached to a black necklace cord (I wanted mine to look a little more dainty so when I got home I took it off the black cord and put it on a spare gold chain I had laying around). 

For only $15, these necklaces are perfect to buy as a little treat to yourself, a gift for someone you love, as bff necklaces, or as I have done in the past, as couple necklaces for you and your significant other.

If you're interested, I suggest you check out the Byward Market, or you can email Jammy at: jammy.engraver@sympatico.ca

Do you love rice necklaces as much as I do? Do you have one? What design do you have on yours? 

And The Story Begins ... An Introduction

"As we drive along this road called life, occasionally a gal will find herself a little lost. And when that happens, I guess she has to let go of the coulda, woulda, shoulda, buckle up, and just keep going." -- Carrie Bradshaw (Sex and the City).

Like so many before me, and probably those who come after me as well, my passion for writing and fashion stems from none other than the beautiful Carrie Bradshaw. Despite being only a character on our TV screens, Carrie was just the right balance between real life and fiction. 

No doubt there are just as many of you out there who don't approve of Sex and the City as there are devoted fans, but not to worry! This blog is not about Carrie and her friends, as that story has already been told. Having spent the last week watching every episode from season one straight through 'til the end merely gave me the inspiration to pick up my pen again and start writing. The idea seems so simple, but after years and years of writing nothing but essays and exams all revolving around the legal system, I forgot what pure joy I got from writing just for myself. 

So here it goes. A fashion, beauty and lifestyle blog, likely speckled with other tid bits that reflect me and my personality. I hope you enjoy reading this blog as much as I enjoy writing it.