Vanilla & Lace

Quinoa Salad

2012-06-26T19:43:00.000-07:00

Post Softball game at the usual hangout the Bimini I opted for something different and ordered the Quinoa Salad. Of course, I was made fun of for pronoucing it incorrectly, that never seems to fail! Besides learning how to say Quinoa, I also learnt that I really love this grain which inspired me to give it a go at home with a lil twist of my own. Healthy, yummy and perfect for leftovers and lunch, the only complaint I heard from my man was ... where's the meat? So this one is for all you vegetarians out there! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Quinoa Salad

- 225g Quinoa Grains
- 1 cup chopped Almonds
- 1 cup chopped Feta
- 1 cup chopped Cucumber
- 1 cup chopped Grape Tomatoes

Dressing

- 3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 3 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1-2 cloves minced Garlic
- Handful of fresh Parsley
- Pinch of Salt
- Pepper to taste

Cook Quinoa in rice cooker with 2 1/2 cups water.
Once cooked wait for quinoa to cool.
Add chopped almonds, feta, cucumber and grape tomatoes.
Mix the dressing and pour over Quinoa mixture.
Serve cold.

Double the Trouble Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

2012-04-30T18:32:00.000-07:00

These cookies are trouble! Getting through not eating the cookie dough is hard enough. A lil tip is to make sure to only cook them for tops 10 mins. When you pull them out they may not look done but once pulled off the baking sheet and allowed time to cool they become the perfect texture. Crispy on the outside and gooey good on the inside. The addition of walnuts adds a tasty crunch and these my friend are one of my go to cookie recipes. Double the chocolate and double the yum.

Double Trouble Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

- 1 Stick Butter

- 3/4 Cup Sugar

- 1/4 Tsp Salt

- 1 Tsp Vanilla

- 1/3 Cup Cocoa Powder

- 1 Large Egg

- 1 Cup All Purpose Flour

- 1/2 Tsp Baking Soda

- 1 Cup Chocolate Chips

- 1 Cup Chopped Walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix the butter, sugar, salt, vanilla, cocoa, and egg together.

Add the flour, baking soda, chocolate chips and nuts and mix well.

Roll out cookie dough and flatten on an oiled cookie sheet.

Bake for 10 minutes.

Spring Fever

2012-04-09T22:55:00.010-07:00

After a great long Easter weekend with beautiful weather here in Van City, I have Spring fever. I spotted #7 at the Bay and fell in love however the $375 price tag did not entice me. I'm thrilled to say I ordered them online for $190 all in! I love the aztec detail in the mid shaft and I am stoked they are leather and not suede. Spring is in full force and I am loving all the coloured denim out there. Here is two looks I put together to go with coral jeans.

1. Topshop Cropped Denim Shirt $56

2. J Brand 811 Mid Rise Twill in Coral $170
3. Topshop Pleat and Scallop Crop Shell $56
4. Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses $145
5. UrbanOutfitters Paciic Drift Earring $34
6. Tory Burch Emmy Flat Thing Sandal $195
7. Cynthia Vincent Garner Bootie ~~$325~~ $190.99
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Trend: Pajama Inspired Pants

2012-03-22T08:35:00.020-07:00

Pajama inspired pants make an elegant exit straight from the bedroom. Loving the trend seen everywhere in luxe fabrics and vibrant colours. Dress them up for a night on the town with a pair of ankle booties or dress them down with some strappy sandals and a jean jacket for a comfy but chic outfit on a Spring day. These will be my go to pants this Spring and Summer. Ugh now if only it would warm up Vancouver!

1. Topshop Tailored Joggers by Boutique $130
2. Wilfred Marais Pant $125
3. Sass & Bide It Keeps Going Pants $245
4. Wilfred Lille Pant $110
5. H&M Trouser $29.95
6. Zara Trousers with Pleat Front $79.90
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Baked Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese

2012-03-21T15:49:00.001-07:00

They say it's Spring but how can one tell when snow, hail, rain and sun all happen in one day? Here in Raincouver what started out to be a beaut of a day has long gone and the clouds have rolled in. Still getting over a cold that has been lingering for the last couple of weeks I'm craving nothing but comfort. A stand out from last weeks dinner recipes is a good old Mac n' Cheese. Baked with broccoli and topped with bread crumbs and parmesan cheese, this one is light, still tasty and comfort at it's finest.

Swim Wear 2012

2012-03-13T21:43:00.004-07:00

You ask and you shall receive. My girlfriend Care at Fun n' Finance requested a swimsuit post last night and voila. Well to be honest I was already ahead of the game and this post was already in the works. I purchased a new swimsuit last October from Victoria Secret and another one in February from Vix. If you looked in my swimsuit drawer you might think I have a swimsuit fetish :) I used to stock up with swim suits galore from Victoria Secret with their online sales however now I am lusting over the overly priced Vix Swimwear. After finding their swimsuits on sale at 6pm.com which some are 68% off I could not resist and of course for those of you interested I had to share my online deal :) Now that Spring Break is here Summer is soon to follow and that makes me one happy camper!

1. H&M Floral Bandeau Bra $17.95 & Tanga Bottom $14.95

2. Victoria Secret Pushup Bandeau Top $42 & Foldover Low Rise Bottom $32

3. Topshop Laguna Strip Bandeau Bikini $55

4. H&M Floral Bandeau Bra $17.95 & Tie Tanga Bottom $14.95

5. Vix Odette Bia Tube Top $55.99 & Bia Tube Bottom $55.99

6. Topshop Aztec Bandeau Bikini $52

7. Victoria Secret Abbie Triangle Top $ 20 & Double String Bottom $18

8. Zara Crossed Band Bikini Top $25.90 & Gathered Bikini Briefs $25.90

9. Vix Bia Logo Tube Bikini Top $52.99 & Bia Logo Tube Full Bottom $52.99

10. H&M Halterneck Bra $17.95 & Tie Tanga Bottom $14.95

Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Cupcakes

2012-03-12T09:33:00.000-07:00

Hands down my new favourite cupcake combination - Oreos and Cheesecake. I used this recipe and the results were amazing. A new twist on Cupcakes. Though I'm not the biggest fan of cheesecake, these completely changed my mind. The chunky Oreo chunks mixed into the cheesecake made it not too rich and the perfect texture. Inexpensive and easy to make. Yum yum yum, I will definitely be making these again.

Barre Fitness

2012-03-08T21:15:00.009-08:00

Image One Source http://www.barrefitness.com Image Two Source http://www.lululemon.com

The best part of living in Van City is having an assortment of workouts to choose from. The endless options of Yoga, Pilates, Dance, Cross Fit, Boot Camp, are every where and having such a wide variety allows to find something that works with any schedule. If you have not heard of it before I introduce to you Barre Fitness in Yaletown. The Ballet barre based workout is a one hour invigorating class that will tone and shape your body. I have taken two classes so far and reserved a spot for the Sat am class. My dream of finding a challenging yet exciting class that caters to the female body by lengthening, toning, and lifting to awesome music (of course) is closer to reality! Check out the link above to get more info. For all you dancers out there this class brings it all back home to the ballet barre where we were first acquainted with a love for movement.

Have you done it before? Did you like it? Or been anywhere similar? Feel free to drop me a line or comment below. I would love to hear from you.
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This n That: Currently Makin Me Smile

2012-03-05T08:17:00.001-08:00

{My ideal Saturday morning: online shopping and coffee and bailey's}

Marching into March with no hangovers makes the days seem longer and more productive. This past week was spent with lots of family time. It was great to have a relaxing weekend getting up early enjoying walks on the seawall and getting organized at home. Now that March is here I feel more energetic as I anticipate brighter, longer, sunnier days ahead. Here's a few things that are currently making me smile. Hope you all have a wonderful week better yet month; atlas Spring is soon upon us.

{V-Day Orchids my favourite flower}

{New sign for the living room wall purchased at Urban Barn}

{Getting my closet prep'd for Spring}

{Delicious fruity shots that taste like candy}

Trend: Pretty in Pastel

2012-02-29T22:57:00.004-08:00

Over Winter? Me too! Regardless of a lil snow here and there it's March 1st and I must admit I am anxiously awaiting Spring. Making the wait for warm weather seem a lil less painful I compiled a list of pretty pastels that pleasantly await brighter days. Seeing alot of floral prints in stores done in a soft colour palette: washed down pastels and sorbet hues are pretty yet suddle. Looking forward to layering down with lighter airier pieces and soaking up longer lighter days.

1. TNA Boracay Shorts in Batik Floral $45
2. TNA Kadavu T Shirt $45
3. Free People Milenium Cropped Coloured Skinny Jeans $88
4. Topshop Stripe Burnout Midi Dress $
5. Rag & Bone Vintage Legging in Biscay $210
6. Tahula Kent Blazer in Floral Bouquet $95
7. Urban Outfitters Zig Zag Bead Bracelet $24

A Man's World

2012-02-15T21:53:00.000-08:00

While shopping for V Day for my Man I realized there were few stores that specialized in great Man products, until I found a fine gift and cigars boutique in Yaletown. Revolucion Boutique is my newest greatest find for those hard to come by products for the man who has everything..aka Matt Bryson ;) Listed above are a few great items that caught my eye which are a blend of classy and manly. With the huge scotch and whiskey craze that is happening I love the whiskey stones. I love the cool factor of the old fashioned shaver set and the ash tray is our newest addition to our liquor cabinet seen here. After searching for a good month for a unique ash tray that not only catered to cigarette smokers but cigar as well, he loved it, needless to say, I think I nailed it.

1. Quality Importers Crystal Cigar Ash Tray $49
2. Whiskey Stones Set of Nine $19.95
3. Edward Jagger Shaving Sets $94
4. Edward Jagger Shaving Cream $23
5. M. Clip Monet Clip $239.95

Will You Be My Valentine?

2012-02-03T08:56:00.000-08:00

It wasn't until I spotted the J Brand Skinny Leg in Lipstick that I was inspired to write a V Day post. Spotted at The Bay for $220 I found them 20% less online. I am beginning to wonder what I would do without online shopping! Mid Feb I find myself itching for new Spring apparel and got overly excited while shopping when I saw the fun vibrant material flashing my eyes from a mile away. These are #1 on my Spring list.

Valentines Day is just around the corner and Men if you are reading ... here are some great V Day inspired gifts. You can go big by purchasing a lovely new watch, currently loving this one by Marc by Marc Jacobs in Rose Gold or you can go inexpensive with a box of yummy chocolates and a new nail colour. More important then gifts is spending time with the ones you cherish. What better way then saying I love you then time embracing eachother's company. Hope you all have a lovely weekend!

1. Urban Outfitters Acid Etched Letter $10
2. Urban Outfitters Greeting Card Set $10
3. Felix Ray Kissy Face Make Up Bag $65
4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Large Blade Chrono Watch Rose Gold $275
5. J Brand 811 Mid Rise Skinny Leg in Lipstick $176
6. Fallon Jewellery Small Love ID Cuff $112
7. OPI Nailpolish Gettin' Miss Piggy Wit It &9
8. Forever 21 Ruffled Hearts Flannel PJ Short $6.80
9. Tiffany & Co. I Love You Pendent $140

Liquor Cabinet

2012-01-30T18:46:00.000-08:00

Since moving to Yaletown we have continually added to our liquor cabinet. Over the past couple of years I have been collecting bottles of booze. Anything that strikes my eye I usually purchase and lug it back whether it be wine from the Okanagan, or tequila from Mexico. We both have a love for entertaining and since moving downtown we have added to our bar. Never completed we are pleased with a few of our latest additions.

Details:

Lenox Crystal Wine Decanter: Macy's $39.99

Ice Bucket & Tongs: Urban Barn

Crystal Glasses: Ralph Lauren $37.50

Cigar Humidor: Vintage

Scotch Crystal Decanter: Ralph Lauren $90

Vinturi Red Wine Aerator: Costco $26.99

Karen Branch Table Lamp: Urban Barn $69

Liquor Cabinet: Ikea

Smoked Salmon BLT

2012-01-30T15:23:00.000-08:00

Stumped with what to do with a freezer full of smoked salmon....hmm... don't get me wrong I enjoy a bagel with cream cheese and lox every once in awhile but I'm finding it hard to use up especially because I have over 6 frozen packages of it. My bf took in half his catch to have smoked and candied at the end of last Summer and we just picked it up before the holidays. So I made it a mission last week to open a package and use it up through out the week with several recipes so that it did not go to waste. If you love a BLT as much as me this recipe is great to help switch it up a lil. The mix of bacon and smoked salmon was different but the blend of lemon, dill mayo made it flavourful.

Accessories for Less

2012-01-23T23:28:00.000-08:00

I'm back from Mexico where I spent a week in a fun surfer/hippie town called Sayulita. The street side boutiques were filled with a Bohemian blend of tops and dresses, leather handbags and of course the usual Mexican souvenirs. Inspired by the hippie chic look I share with you a post with a few accessories where the only difference between the two is the price tag! Accessories are one thing I hate spending money on. So in my searching I have found similar items but without the overwhelming price. I've always loved big earrings and adore the fun, fringe, leather look. Whether it be a pair of earrings, a belt, a bag or ankle bootie, I want more fringe. With January being a time to cut back after the holidays here's truth you can find the designer look for less.

1. Soo Ihn Kim Dyer 2 Earrings $60
2. Urban Outfitters Long Leather Tassel Earring $18

3. Jennifer Zeuner Thin Chocker Necklace $245

4. H&M Necklace $14.95

5. Marce by Marc Jacobs PaveHeart Ring $128

6. Forever 21 Rhinestone Cluster Ring $6.80

7. Jules Smith Marakesh Cupid Necklace $50

8. Urban Outfitters Delicate Arrow Necklace $19

9. B-Low The Belt Skinny Tassel Belt $105

10. Forever 21 Leatherette Tassel Belt $7.80

Resort Wear

2012-01-09T23:45:00.000-08:00

Image One Source (Fedora Hat): Shopbop.com Image Two Source (Swimsuit Model): Victoriasecret.com

On Saturday I am on route to Mexico. Nothing makes my heart happier then a beer in hand while soaking up some rays in the hot sun. With a hot holiday on mind I was inspired to create this post on key pieces to take with on Vacation. I am the worst for wearing a hat in the sun and have learned the hard way, they are a must have item if you are like me and plan on spending all day having fun in the sun. Bikini cover ups, silk shirts and dresses that are light and comfortable are a must for hot temperatures. Be easy equipped for nights out on the town with a small wallet to fit the necessities: c/c, id, money, and lip gloss. Most looking forward to bringing out the white MK watch, white skinnies, and after a couple days tanned hands.

1. Sonia Rykiel Fedora Hat $115
2. Marc by Marc Jacobs Side Stripe Sunglasses $110
3. T.Bataton Tinsley Blouse "Bright Iris" $98 Check Store
4. Sam Edelman Gigi Cork T Strap Sandal $65
5. OPI Nail Polish "Are We There Yet?" $8.50
6. Vix Odette Bandeau Long Dress $165
7. Urban Outfitters Metal Spike Fan Necklace $38
8. Current/Elliot Girlfriend Short $168
9. Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Key Pouch $98
10. Victoria Secret Abbie Swimsuit $22 each

This n That: Currently Makin Me Smile

2012-01-09T00:12:00.000-08:00

{A walk home from work on a rainy night}

One of my New Years resolutions this year is to walk/run home from work. It is not far from South Granville to downtown but the thing that gets me is the weather. So to get the worst out of the way, I walked home in the windy pouring rain last week. Besides my umbrella breaking and flipping inside out I made it home in 30 mins. The only thing that kept me smiling was the view over the Granville Street Bridge. Even on a dark cold rainy night, Van City sure is beautiful. Happy Monday everyone, I hope your week is filled with something new and exciting even if its as little as a walk in the rain.

{A gift from my bf: a woven scarf I thought I didn't like but have worn everyday}

{Snow covered trees in the mountains}

{My collection of OPI nail polish that is slowly ever growing}

{New foliage for the dining table purchased half price at Urban Barn}

Trend: Cable Knit Sweaters

2012-01-05T23:36:00.000-08:00

Looking for something warm and fashionable to wear this Winter? Yes, it is sad to say Winter has just begun and we still have a dreadful couple months ahead. Dreadful as in, there is nothing worse then being uncomfortably cold at this time of year! Don't get me wrong, I love Winter and its outdoor leisure but I will not permit the cold to ruin my fun. I've seen lots of cable knit sweaters in stores and now is the time to snag a deal and purchase one on sale. A great way to stay warm and look cute while doing whatever is that you do in the months of January and February.

1. TNA Galaway Sweater $~~120~~ Check Store
2. H&M Sweater $34.95
3. Madewell Cable Crewneck Sweater $98 $68.60
4. Club Monaco Dylan Sweater $129.50
5. Wilfred Oxbridge Sweater $~~125~~ Check Store
6. Rebecca Taylor Cable Knit Sweater $350
7. T. Bataton Huge Crewneck Sweater $~~135~~ Check Store

Consider This

2011-12-30T08:23:00.000-08:00

Image One Source: wherethesidewalkbegins.blog Image Two Source: loveyourquotes.tumblir.com Image Three Source: helloagaingitls.com Image Four Source: shannoneileenblog.typepad.com Image Five Source: weheartit.com Image Six Source: maryruffle.tumblir.com Image Seven Source: weheartit.com

Countdown to 2012 is upon us. I like to amp up for the year ahead with setting goals for the following year. I usually break it down into 2 lists which are kept on my iphone, one personal and one work related. Anything that comes to mind I jot down and throughout the year I occasionally check in and see what I have accomplished. I made a collage with these pins to get inspired. What are your goals for 2012?

Hittin the Slopes

2011-12-26T17:00:00.000-08:00

Source Ski Lift Image: projectwedding.com

I can not be more excited about a trip to Silver Star this week. Besides a full week off work I also get to indulge in everything this beautiful mountain has to offer for 4 full days. I think we can all admit the best part about hitting the slopes is the apres! Nothing beats a cold beer after a day of riding. As I sit amongst the window overlooking the snow covered cabins watching snowflakes fall from the sky, I could not be more relaxed. Everything seems to get a lil quieter when the snow falls. Over the next few days I plan to over indulge in baileys and coffee, fresh cold beers, hot tubbing, painting nails, ice skating, trekking around the village in my new sorels, and of course strapping into my boots and breathing in some fresh B.C mountain air. I hope you all find the time to relax and indulge in something that you love before the new year commences, after all 2012 is quickly upon us.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T20:05:00.000-08:00

Source: Unknown Artist found on Pinterest

I wish each and every one of you a wonderful Christmas spent with the ones you love! May you carry on the holiday spirit through the following year and continue to embrace others with the biggest gift of all, yourself. Spreading the holiday love from my family to yours ... Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night.

Holiday Cocktails

2011-12-20T21:47:00.000-08:00

Source: Photo via themeadowbrookblog.blogspot.com

Tis the Season to be tipsy. Now is the time to indulge in yummy drinks and sweet treats. Heres a few ideas to change it up from the regular rum and eggnog. Can't believe we are down to the final 4 nights before Christmas morning. Boy did it ever come fast this year! Oh and Santa if you are listening... there is no Christmas like a Christmas with snow... so get on that will ya!

Ingredients:

1 oz Vanilla Vodka

1 oz Hazelnut liqueur

1/2 oz Butterscotch Schnapps

2 oz Ginger Beer

Cinnamon stick

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a shaker and shake over ice. Pour over ice into a rocks glass and garnish with Cinnamon stick.

Ingredients:

2 1-2 oz Eggnog
1 oz Van Gogh Vanilla Vodka
¾ oz Amaretto
Directions:
Combine ingredients in shaker and shake over ice. Strain into chilled martini glass. Dust with freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon.

Ingredients:
2 oz Van Gogh Vanilla Vodka
1 oz White crème de cacao
2 oz White chocolate liqueur
1 oz Cream
½ Teaspoon of coconut flakes
1 White chocolate wafer stick

Directions:
Add the vanilla vodka, white chocolate liqueur, crème de cacao and cream into a shaker and shake over ice. Strain martini into a martini glass and add half a teaspoon of coconut flakes. Stir martini gently with white chocolate wafer stick to create a blizzard!

Vanilla Snowmen Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting

2011-12-19T08:36:00.000-08:00

I spotted these adorable snowmen cupcakes on Skinnytaste and knew I had to make them. Perfect timing for a potluck for an Ugly Christmas Sweater party on Saturday night. I do admit it was very time consuming to decorate all 24 of them but doing something different and fun with cupcakes was well worth it. I used red sprinkles and marshallows for the toque, Reese's Pieces for the eyes, both Candy Corn and Jelly Bellies for the nose and Chocolate Chips for the mouth. These are a great idea for the kids to have fun with, and not only are they super cute but yummy too. I also have to mention that the vanilla icing recipe on this website was nothing short of perfect. It had the right thickness so the candies would stick and I would definitely use it again for anything else that calls for a sweet vanilla frosting.

Hot Cocoa Bar

2011-12-16T08:02:00.000-08:00

Nothing beats a night in with the girls! This week I hosted our girls annual Secret Santa. We cooked dins in, and lingered around the table over a few bottles of wine and appies. Before opening gifts we indulged in the Hot Cocoa bar for dessert. My bf as clever as he is recommended using the coffee maker to make the hot cocoa. I used water instead of milk and added hot chocolate powder to the pot. Once water heats up and filters through, stir and serve immediately. Easy as a flick of a switch and once ready we had many delights to choose from to fill our cup of cheer. See the ones I used listed below.

Baileys

Kahlua

Shaved Chocolate

Vanilla, Chocolate, Cappuccino Pirouettes

Marshallows

Cinnamon Sticks

Oreo Chocolate Sticks

Chocolate Covered Peanuts

White Chocolate Dipped Candy Canes with Sprinkles

Whipping Cream

Officially 10 days left till Christmas and nothing melts my heart more then time spent with the ones we love. Hope you all have a fun filled festive weekend doing whatever it is that makes you smile. XO, B

PS The mugs in the pics were purchased at POSHSHOP in Whiterock. Given one as a gift I had to have 3 more to complete a set. They also just launched their new website online so please check out the link above to get more info. A great place to pick up hostess gifts or anything left on the Christmas gift list this Holiday Season, happy shopping!

Baked Chicken Parmesan

2011-12-14T07:59:00.000-08:00

Yum yum yum is all I have to say about Baked Chicken Parmesan. I would have never thought to prepare chicken with bread crumbs, parmesan, pasta sauce and mozzarella cheese but mix the four together and you get something delicious. I used this recipe with garlic bread and caesar salad from the Skinnytaste website which is my new go to. If you have not seen my post on homemade garlic bread yet, make sure to check it out here. Great lil meal and nice to change it up abit. Bon appetit!