Have a fabulous time ringing in the New Year. I'm off to a cottage with my boys to meet up with a bunch of friends. See you in 2012! xo
1. pistachio covered goat cheese & tomato basil skewers | 2. Mexican Tortilla Stack | 3. Black Forest Cupcakes
Best Recipes of 2011
I love cooking and baking but somehow the time this year slipped away and I didn't get to test out as many new recipes as I would have liked. My goal for 2012 is to get in the kitchen more often and start trying out some new food ideas. Stay tuned, but in the meantime here is a round up of the most popular recipes I did in 2011.
1. pistachio covered goat cheese & tomato basil skewers | 2. Mexican Tortilla Stack | 3. Black Forest Cupcakes
1. pistachio covered goat cheese & tomato basil skewers | 2. Mexican Tortilla Stack | 3. Black Forest Cupcakes
Best DIY's of 2011
I'm a sucker for a great DIY project and I love coming up with fun new DIY's. Here is a round-up of the most popular DIY projects I did in 2011. Looking forward to another year of DIYing!
1. fabric covered notebooks | 2. jewellery frame | 3. magnetic frames | 4. crate shelves
1. fabric covered notebooks | 2. jewellery frame | 3. magnetic frames | 4. crate shelves
Best Style Ideas of 2011
I hope you're enjoying the holidays and indulging in lots of wine, chocolate and fun!
Fashion is my background and is something that will always be near and dear to me. As young as I can remember I wanted to be a Fashion Designer and as I got older I decided to focus more on the business side of the industry. I went to Humber College for their Fashion Arts program and worked in the fashion industry for 8 years as a Stylist (for a couple of years) and Wholesale Sales Agent (for 7 years).
To me great style means finding a look that you feel comfortable in that expresses your personality. Have fun with it! Here is a round up of the most popular Style Idea posts from 2011. Enjoy!
Fashion is my background and is something that will always be near and dear to me. As young as I can remember I wanted to be a Fashion Designer and as I got older I decided to focus more on the business side of the industry. I went to Humber College for their Fashion Arts program and worked in the fashion industry for 8 years as a Stylist (for a couple of years) and Wholesale Sales Agent (for 7 years).
To me great style means finding a look that you feel comfortable in that expresses your personality. Have fun with it! Here is a round up of the most popular Style Idea posts from 2011. Enjoy!
Happy Holidays
Wishing you all a very happy holiday season filled with family, friends and fun. I'll have a few 'best of' posts next week and then I'll be back to the regular schedule in 2012. xo
DIY: Birch Candle
I love a rustic touch around the holiday season. It gives your holiday décor a sense of tradition and hominess. Group these birch tea light candle holders together to make a centre piece to add a special touch to your holiday table!
What you’ll need:
Birch tree branches – about 4 inches in diameter
Saw
Drill with a hole saw bit
Chisel (or alternatively you can use a hammer and a flat head screw driver}
Tea lights
Twine
1. Cut your branches to size.
2. Use the drill with the hole saw bit to cut out a large hole in the centre of the branch.
3. Chisel out the centre of the circle so that it is hollow.
4. Bundle the branches together and wrap twine around the bundle.
What you’ll need:
Birch tree branches – about 4 inches in diameter
Saw
Drill with a hole saw bit
Chisel (or alternatively you can use a hammer and a flat head screw driver}
Tea lights
Twine
1. Cut your branches to size.
2. Use the drill with the hole saw bit to cut out a large hole in the centre of the branch.
3. Chisel out the centre of the circle so that it is hollow.
4. Bundle the branches together and wrap twine around the bundle.
DIY: Gift Wrapping Ideas
I'm obsessed with cute packaging so it's no surprise that I have a thing for wrapping gifts. I love using non traditional items to make my gifts look fun and unique. So grab some buttons, yarn and a hot glue gun and go to town on some wrapping this season!
And for some more ideas that I did last year click here.
And for some more ideas that I did last year click here.
Recipe: Chocolate Dipped Pretzels
Christmas is just a few days away and if you're in need of some festive treats, these pretzels take no time at all!
Ingredients:
Long pretzel sticks
Milk chocolate chips or wafers
Coloured white chocolate wafers and or finely chopped nuts
Baking sheet covered with parchment paper
Chocolate Dipped Pretzels Drizzled with White Chocolate:
1. Melt the milk chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave using a microwave soft bowl.
2. Dip one half of a pretzel into the melted chocolate. Give it a swirl to make sure both sides are covered. Place the chocolate dipped pretzel on the baking sheet. Repeat until the baking sheet is full of pretzels.
3. Place the baking sheet into the refrigerator until chocolate has hardened.
4. Meanwhile, melt the coloured chocolate the same way you melted the milk chocolate.
5. Take the pretzels out of the refrigerator and using a spoon, drizzle the coloured chocolate over the milk chocolate.
6. Place the baking sheet into the refrigerator until chocolate has hardened.
Chocolate Dipped Pretzels with Nuts:
1. Repeat above steps one and two.
2. Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the melted chocolate.
3. Place the baking sheet into the refrigerator until chocolate has hardened.
Packaging:
Box:
Line a cute box with parchment paper and place the pretzels inside. Finish the box off with some ribbon and a gift tag
Bags:
1. Place 2 pretzels into a long clear bag.
2. Cut a piece of coloured or printed paper 4"x 2".
3. Use scissors with a scalloped edge on each of the ends on the shorter side of the paper. Fold paper in half.
4. Use a festive stamp and stamp the front side of the folded paper.
5. Place the top of the pretzel bag between the piece of paper and secure with a stapler.
Ingredients:
Long pretzel sticks
Milk chocolate chips or wafers
Coloured white chocolate wafers and or finely chopped nuts
Baking sheet covered with parchment paper
Chocolate Dipped Pretzels Drizzled with White Chocolate:
1. Melt the milk chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave using a microwave soft bowl.
2. Dip one half of a pretzel into the melted chocolate. Give it a swirl to make sure both sides are covered. Place the chocolate dipped pretzel on the baking sheet. Repeat until the baking sheet is full of pretzels.
3. Place the baking sheet into the refrigerator until chocolate has hardened.
4. Meanwhile, melt the coloured chocolate the same way you melted the milk chocolate.
5. Take the pretzels out of the refrigerator and using a spoon, drizzle the coloured chocolate over the milk chocolate.
6. Place the baking sheet into the refrigerator until chocolate has hardened.
Chocolate Dipped Pretzels with Nuts:
1. Repeat above steps one and two.
2. Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the melted chocolate.
3. Place the baking sheet into the refrigerator until chocolate has hardened.
Packaging:
Box:
Line a cute box with parchment paper and place the pretzels inside. Finish the box off with some ribbon and a gift tag
Bags:
1. Place 2 pretzels into a long clear bag.
2. Cut a piece of coloured or printed paper 4"x 2".
3. Use scissors with a scalloped edge on each of the ends on the shorter side of the paper. Fold paper in half.
4. Use a festive stamp and stamp the front side of the folded paper.
5. Place the top of the pretzel bag between the piece of paper and secure with a stapler.
DIY: Yarn Ornament
There's nothing like a little handmade touch when it comes to tree ornaments! Have you made any ornaments this year?
What you'll need:
yarn in at least 2 different colours
small wood letter (mine is 4.5" tall)
screw hook
tape or hot glue
1. Wrap the yarn around the wood letter twisting in all different directions. Secure the loose ends with tape or hot glue.
2. Twist the screw hook into the top of the wood letter. Loop yarn through the hook and hang on the tree.
What you'll need:
yarn in at least 2 different colours
small wood letter (mine is 4.5" tall)
screw hook
tape or hot glue
1. Wrap the yarn around the wood letter twisting in all different directions. Secure the loose ends with tape or hot glue.
2. Twist the screw hook into the top of the wood letter. Loop yarn through the hook and hang on the tree.
Cool Shit: Handmade Gift Tags
The holiday season can be very hectic and sometimes you don't always have time to add that little handmade touch to your gifts. These two products are seriously amazing and will save you a lot of time with your gift tags AND will give you that homemade touch!
1. Personal embosser - William Sonoma | 2. Yellow Owl stamp kit - Drake General Store
1. Personal embosser - William Sonoma | 2. Yellow Owl stamp kit - Drake General Store
Current Obsession: Sequins
I'll admit that I'm not much of a sequins girl. I've mentioned before that I'm not big into diamonds so maybe I'm just not into sparkly things. But for whatever reason around the holiday season, I love a little sparkle! Here are some great sequined options for those of you that want to go all out with sparkle (a dress) or for those who shy away from them (hair clip):
1. dress - French Connection | 2. Ban.do hair clips - Bicyclette | 3. jacket - Urban Outfitters | 4. ballet flats - Steve Madden | 5. blouse - Anthropologie | 6. blouse - Nasty Gal
1. dress - French Connection | 2. Ban.do hair clips - Bicyclette | 3. jacket - Urban Outfitters | 4. ballet flats - Steve Madden | 5. blouse - Anthropologie | 6. blouse - Nasty Gal
Style Idea: Perfect Holiday Outfit
I spend a lot of time around Christmas visiting family so I like to be as comfortable as possible. I still want to look festive but my outfit needs to be comfy AND can't be restricting (I need to make room for lots of food!). This outfit is my perfect Christmas outfit - over-sized sweater with bead detailing, statement necklace, tights and booties.
DIY: Holiday Ideas
Here is a round-up of some holiday DIY ideas that I completed last year for some inspiration:
Happy Monday!
I had a crazy weekend full of friends, food, drinks (lots of drinks!) and Christmas shopping. I've been planning to do some holiday baking but I'm a bit behind, so this week my focus is to make a few batches of cookies and maybe some other yummy treats. I also need to do all of my wrapping. Eeks how did Christmas sneak up on us so quickly?
Weekly Round-Up (holiday edition)
{via Poppytalk}
Adorable DIY adorned & glittered clothespin gift topper from Creature Comforts.
Yummy looking Oreo Cookie Chocolate Bark along with free printables from My Daily
Randomness.
The perfect holiday desktop wallpaper via Poppytalk.
Creative holiday wrapping ideas from Stylizimo.
I have a weekend full of holiday festivities along with some last minute gift hunting and wrapping. Have a good one!
A very chic black Christmas tree from Coco + Kelly.
Yummy looking Oreo Cookie Chocolate Bark along with free printables from My Daily
Randomness.
The perfect holiday desktop wallpaper via Poppytalk.
Creative holiday wrapping ideas from Stylizimo.
I have a weekend full of holiday festivities along with some last minute gift hunting and wrapping. Have a good one!
A very chic black Christmas tree from Coco + Kelly.
DIY: Holiday Garland
I love adding a little sparkle and a punch of colour to my holiday décor. This holiday garland can be customize to fit in with any holiday theme and can be used in a variety of different ways.
What you’ll need:
Coloured paper
Large circle craft punch
Sewing machine
1. Use the craft punch to make large circles with your paper.
2. Sew a straight line along one of the circles. Keep feeding circles through the machine so that they are all attached and there is one continuous line through all the circles.
*This garland can be used on a Christmas tree, vertically hung in the window in a series of them or draped along a buffet or dessert table.
What you’ll need:
Coloured paper
Large circle craft punch
Sewing machine
1. Use the craft punch to make large circles with your paper.
2. Sew a straight line along one of the circles. Keep feeding circles through the machine so that they are all attached and there is one continuous line through all the circles.
*This garland can be used on a Christmas tree, vertically hung in the window in a series of them or draped along a buffet or dessert table.
DIY: Newspaper Wreath
I needed something festive in my apartment so I decided to make a wreath using newspaper. It seriously was a super easy project and cost next to nothing!
Supplies:
wreath base
newspaper
scissors
string
1. My wreath base is 12" in diameter so I quartered each newspaper page (the full page with the fold). Next, stack 3 pieces of the cut newspaper together, fold in half and scrunch it up.
2. Wrap the folded and scrunched pile around the wreath base and tie tightly with string.
3. Repeat step 2 until the entire wreath base is covered with newspaper.
Supplies:
wreath base
newspaper
scissors
string
1. My wreath base is 12" in diameter so I quartered each newspaper page (the full page with the fold). Next, stack 3 pieces of the cut newspaper together, fold in half and scrunch it up.
2. Wrap the folded and scrunched pile around the wreath base and tie tightly with string.
3. Repeat step 2 until the entire wreath base is covered with newspaper.
Gift Guide: The Foodie
Even though I'm not a huge fan of the word I would consider myself a foodie. I love everything about food: eating it (especially eating it), cooking it, baking it, looking at it, displaying it. What can I say - I love food! If you have someone in your life that is anything like me, this foodie gift guide will definitely give you some helpful hints this holiday season.
1. recipe cards - Rifle Paper Co. | 2. salsa set - William Sonoma | 3. 2 in 1 cutting board - Ricardo | 4. My Father's Daughter cookbook - Indigo | 5. handcrafted marshmallows - William Sonoma | 6. recipe book - Anthropologie | 7. apron - Anthropologie |8. cupcake kit - ModCloth | 9. gum ball cookie jar - Urban Outfitters | 10. cake stand - Amazon | 11. measuring cups - Anthropologie | 12. farmer's baskets - Anthropologie
1. recipe cards - Rifle Paper Co. | 2. salsa set - William Sonoma | 3. 2 in 1 cutting board - Ricardo | 4. My Father's Daughter cookbook - Indigo | 5. handcrafted marshmallows - William Sonoma | 6. recipe book - Anthropologie | 7. apron - Anthropologie |8. cupcake kit - ModCloth | 9. gum ball cookie jar - Urban Outfitters | 10. cake stand - Amazon | 11. measuring cups - Anthropologie | 12. farmer's baskets - Anthropologie
DIY: Sweater Sleeve Wine Bag
As you know I love DIY projects, but my favourite ones are the projects you can give as gifts. This sweater sleeve wine bag is the perfect gift for this holiday season!
Supplies:
old sweater
scissors
sewing machine or needle and thread
ribbon
1. Cut one sleeve off of your sweater.
2. Measure the length of the wine bottle and cut the sweater sleeve to size.
3. Turn the sleeve inside out. The cuff will be the top of your bottle, so sew shut the opposite side with a quick straight stitch.
4. Turn the bag right side out and place your wine bottle inside the bag.
5. Finish off with a pretty ribbon.
Supplies:
old sweater
scissors
sewing machine or needle and thread
ribbon
1. Cut one sleeve off of your sweater.
2. Measure the length of the wine bottle and cut the sweater sleeve to size.
3. Turn the sleeve inside out. The cuff will be the top of your bottle, so sew shut the opposite side with a quick straight stitch.
4. Turn the bag right side out and place your wine bottle inside the bag.
5. Finish off with a pretty ribbon.
Style Ideas: Holiday Decorating
I love holiday decorating although I'll admit I haven't done a single ounce of decorating around my apartment. I came up with a few holiday decor themes for a recent project that I thought I would share with you.
Gift Guide: The Fashionista
Everyone has a fashion whore in their life (I fully admit to being one in addition to being a food whore, home decor whore, antique whore, etc.) and it can be quite tricky trying to decide what to get them as a gift. My advice is to stick to accessories - you generally can't mess up any sizing and who doesn't love a fun little add on accessory? Here are my top picks:
1. Eugenia Kim - Shopbop | 2. Biko | 3. Mia - Bicyclette | 4. Aporta | 5. House of Harlow 1960 - Dealuxe | 6. Brave | 7. Billykirk - Need Supply
1. Eugenia Kim - Shopbop | 2. Biko | 3. Mia - Bicyclette | 4. Aporta | 5. House of Harlow 1960 - Dealuxe | 6. Brave | 7. Billykirk - Need Supply
Style Ideas: Holiday Hair
I'm pretty boring when it comes to styling my hair. I either go with poker straight or use the curling iron for some wave. I really would love to try to experiment with different looks to mix things up a bit. I love this easy hair style from The Beauty Department!
Holiday Recipes
As promised here are the recipes for the delicious food I tasted last week at CBC.
Best Recipes Ever with Kary Osmond:
Layered Blueberry Pie
Pastry
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
3 / 4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into small cubes
1 / 4 cup milk, room temperature
1 egg yolk
Layered Filling
8 cups fresh blueberries
2 1 / 2 cup sugar
1 cup cream cheese
2 cups whipping cream (35%)
1 tsp. vanilla
Lemon zest, for garnish (optional)
Pastry
In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour, sugar and salt. Cut the butter into the flour mixture with your finger tips or a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal. Combine the milk and egg yolk. Stir it into the flour and butter mixture until pastry dough comes together. Form dough into a ball and flatten into round disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Lightly flour your work surface. Roll the dough 1 / 4-inch thick. Transfer the pastry to a 9-inch tart pan and trim off the excess around the edges. Dock the bottom of the pastry all over with a fork. Line pie with parchment paper or foil. Fill pie with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove weights and parchment and continue to bake until pastry is cooked through, lightly golden and crisp, about 5 to 10 minutes more.
Layered Filling
Add 7 cups blueberries and 2 cups sugar to a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until mixture reaches a jam-like consistency, stirring occasionally, about 20 to 25 minutes. Set aside to cool. Once the blueberry mixture has cooled, combine the remaining 1 cup of fresh blueberries. Set aside.
Soften the cream cheese at room temperature or heat in microwave until it is soft enough to spread. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl, whip cream with vanilla and the remaining ½ cup sugar until soft peaks form.
To layer the filling into the pie: Spread cream cheese over the pastry. Then spread blueberry mixture on top of the cream cheese layer. Finish pie with whipped cream. Let set in refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with lemon zest, if desired. Enjoy!
Yield: 6 to 8 servings.
Best Recipes Ever with Kary Osmond:
Sparkling Tangerine Punch - soooo tasty!
Walnut, brie and grape salsa tartlets - perfect one bite hors d'oeuvres. Love the sweet and savory combo!
Honestly one of the best desserts I've ever had!
Layered Blueberry Pie
Pastry
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
3 / 4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into small cubes
1 / 4 cup milk, room temperature
1 egg yolk
Layered Filling
8 cups fresh blueberries
2 1 / 2 cup sugar
1 cup cream cheese
2 cups whipping cream (35%)
1 tsp. vanilla
Lemon zest, for garnish (optional)
Pastry
In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour, sugar and salt. Cut the butter into the flour mixture with your finger tips or a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal. Combine the milk and egg yolk. Stir it into the flour and butter mixture until pastry dough comes together. Form dough into a ball and flatten into round disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Lightly flour your work surface. Roll the dough 1 / 4-inch thick. Transfer the pastry to a 9-inch tart pan and trim off the excess around the edges. Dock the bottom of the pastry all over with a fork. Line pie with parchment paper or foil. Fill pie with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove weights and parchment and continue to bake until pastry is cooked through, lightly golden and crisp, about 5 to 10 minutes more.
Layered Filling
Add 7 cups blueberries and 2 cups sugar to a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until mixture reaches a jam-like consistency, stirring occasionally, about 20 to 25 minutes. Set aside to cool. Once the blueberry mixture has cooled, combine the remaining 1 cup of fresh blueberries. Set aside.
Soften the cream cheese at room temperature or heat in microwave until it is soft enough to spread. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl, whip cream with vanilla and the remaining ½ cup sugar until soft peaks form.
To layer the filling into the pie: Spread cream cheese over the pastry. Then spread blueberry mixture on top of the cream cheese layer. Finish pie with whipped cream. Let set in refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with lemon zest, if desired. Enjoy!
Yield: 6 to 8 servings.
DIY: Holiday Ideas
Last week I was invited to tour the holiday sets of three CBC shows and had an absolute blast (and ate some delicious food!). I met with In the Kitchen's Stefano Faita, Best Recipes Ever's Kary Osmond and with Steven & Chris.
Visiting the Steven and Chris set was last on the tour and a full table of food and cocktails were waiting for us - needless to say I was in pure heaven. All the recipes for their full holiday dinner will be up on their website this week and I really recommend trying them out - especially the beef wellington. As you know I'm a total DIY whore so Steven took me around the set showing me all of his DIY projects. He is one creative dude!
Up this afternoon are amazing recipes from In the Kitchen and Best Recipes Ever!!
ps. And yes I was wearing heels in that picture with Steven and Chris - I'm a tad bit on the short side.
Visiting the Steven and Chris set was last on the tour and a full table of food and cocktails were waiting for us - needless to say I was in pure heaven. All the recipes for their full holiday dinner will be up on their website this week and I really recommend trying them out - especially the beef wellington. As you know I'm a total DIY whore so Steven took me around the set showing me all of his DIY projects. He is one creative dude!
Up this afternoon are amazing recipes from In the Kitchen and Best Recipes Ever!!
ps. And yes I was wearing heels in that picture with Steven and Chris - I'm a tad bit on the short side.
Tis The Season
{photography by Lucy Snowe}
I cannot even believe that Christmas is less than 2 weeks away. It's time to get my butt in gear and start getting ready. Perhaps I should get my tree up already...eeks!
I'm dedicating the next two weeks to everything holiday related - recipes, entertaining ideas, gift ideas and of course lots of DIY projects. It's going to be fun!
Hope you had a fab weekend! xo
Weekly Round-Up (Toronto Edition)
{via Sarah.Wandering}
The perfect holiday gift guide from Bicyclette.
Great tips on what to wear this holiday season from Seven Dollar Pants.
Delish looking cocoa-nut meringues from Sarah.Wandering.
Love this round-up of winter activities to keep you busy in Toronto from She Does The City.
The perfect gift wrapping tips via The Hip & Urban Girl's Guide.
DIY: Recycled Knit Stocking
I made this stocking using recycled knit sweaters and I loved the way it turned out. You can head over to my Handmade with Style blog on Sweetspot to learn how I made it.
I'm also teaching how to make this stocking at a workshop next week on December 14th at Re: Style Studio. Click here to sign up.
Boutique Spotlight: The Mercantile
All of my senses went crazy as soon as I set foot in The Mercantile earlier this week. It's one of those stores you can spend hours browsing in checking out all the amazing goodies. The Mercantile has a huge assortment of dips, sauces and salsas along with every chocolate imaginable - even chocolate with bacon! In addition to all the food, you can also find soaps, cookie decorating supplies, tea, gift wrapping, cards, gift packaging and the most amazing pepper mills. I will most definitely be back!
The most delicious smelling tea made by the owner Shannon Doyle.
This is an amazing chocolate line filled with flavours like chocolate gingerbread toffee and chocolate bacon. This brand also has a chocolate chip bacon pancake mix that you can also purchase at The Mercantile.
The most delicious smelling tea made by the owner Shannon Doyle.
This is an amazing chocolate line filled with flavours like chocolate gingerbread toffee and chocolate bacon. This brand also has a chocolate chip bacon pancake mix that you can also purchase at The Mercantile.
Love the faux bois wrapping paper!
Huge selection of tea!
This is the best hostess gift: 4 bricks of chocolate that are to be paired with certain types of wines.
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