Thursday 28 March 2013

hello birthday!

Dajo

I'm turning 38 today! And you know what? It feels pretty dang good (I seriously always thought old people just said that to feel better about life, but no, it's really true!). I�ve enjoyed each year of my thirties - even the challenging ones. I think it�s because I feel more settled in who I am and am more confident, secure, and creative than I ever was in my twenties. There are still plenty of things to figure out in your thirties, but it seems like there is less uncertainty and turmoil. And who doesn�t like that?

So how am I celebrating today? I took the day off from work, am getting my hair done (someone else shampooing your hair is the best gift!), will probably visit this place for a wee bit (ha!), and then I�m off to dinner at Sabor Divino with some of my favourite peeps. Choco-cayenne mousse, here I come!

Flowers for mom

I'm also looking forward to having lunch with my mom. Thanks to a great idea from my fav blog, A Cup of Joe, I'm bringing her flowers. She deserves it. After all, it was a life changing day for her, too.

Here's to another great year of thirties bliss! I have to make these last two count, y'know (:

p.s. Happy Easter weekend, friends!

Friday 15 March 2013

loving... zara's online shopping


Did you hear the collective squeal of delight across Canada last week when Zara introduced online shopping? That was the sound of a bunch of very happy Canadians! And frankly, it's about time. There isn�t anything more annoying than finding something you really like online only to realize that shipping to Canada isn�t an option (this happens far too often, I think).

I've always loved Zara and am most excited about being able to buy shoes online (I already have a couple of pairs & couldn't be happier with how comfy & chic they are). I'm also not a huge fan of shopping in store. The larger shoe sizes always seem to fly off the shelves first and is it only me, or are their change rooms mini-sized?

Here are some of the things that made it into my first shopping cart:

Zara 1Zara 2

Zara 3Zara 4

Zara 8Zara 7

Zara 9Zara 10
Zara 5Zara 6

If you haven't already heard, the prices are the same as in stores, there's free delivery if you spend $50+ (with eco-friendly packaging, no less) and you can make returns within a month at local stores or, and this is so cool, have them picked up from your digs at no charge. Plus, there�s a new app, too, so shopping on your smartphone or tablet is even more streamlined.

Have you shopped online with Zara yet? What did you think?

p.s. Happy weekend!!

Wednesday 13 March 2013


VALENTINE is pleased to present
Photographs 
By Chris Verene and Tom Sullens 
Featuring 
The New Family Chapters
By Chris Verene












and
GONE 
By Tom Sullens








Opening Friday March 22
from 6-9
through Sunday April 14
Hours are Friday � Sunday 1:00 � 6:00
valentineridgewood@gmail.com
valentinegallery.blogspot.com

Tuesday 5 March 2013

holiday photos: banff & canmore

Sometimes a lady needs to leave the city for a short jaunt to the mountains with her husband. And really, who doesn't enjoy a jaunt that feels far-flung but actually doesn't require a plane ticket?

So, off we went last weekend on a three-day mini-getaway/road trip to Canmore and Banff. It was exactly what we needed (�cause last week was a doozy, friends). The fresh mountain air was refreshing and revitalizing, and that never ending list of should, could & must dos from home instantly disappeared from my mind.

We rented a condo at the Falcoln Crest Lodge - explored Canmore and Banff, took long walks, rode the gondola at Sulphur Mountain (so fun!), ate good food, snuggled by the fire and relished in our time together... away from it all.

Here are a few photos of our trip, if you'd like to see...

Bow River in Canmore


Gondola

Scott and Dajana at top of Sulphur Mountain

Overlooking Banff Springs Hotel

View from above

Oh deerDajana standing at Bow ValleyRavenTree

Dajana at Bow Falls

Trees through car windows

?


Scotty in Banff

Dajana at Banff Springs

Alpine birdDajana inspired by Original 10 Cent

Mountain

Food

Bow River

gondola 2View from condoBridgeBanff Springs Hotel

More mountains

The majestic scenery takes your breath away, doesn't it? We love this part of Alberta and can't wait to come back. During our trip, I secretly pretended we lived there. I'm such a dreamer (and a nerd).

Have you ever visited Canmore? Or Banff? Either way, here are some suggestions...

A mini travelogue:
  • Ride the Sulphur Mountain gondola. It offers insane & exhilirating views of six mountain ranges.
  • Eat at Bella Crusta. This Canmore eatery makes THE best focaccia chicken salad sandwiches.
  • Try the smoked sweet potato cheesecake at Iron Goat in Canmore. Smoky sweet & delish!
  • Have a beaver tail pastry smothered in nutella at Beaver Tails in Banff. So dang good.
  • Visit Bow Falls. Just don't walk out onto the ice like I did. Poor Scott kept calling me back.  
  • The gorgeous Banff Springs Hotel is definitely worth a look. Even if you're not staying there.  
  • Keep your eyes open for wildlife. The deer, elk, birds and rabbits are all around you!
  • Got a sweet tooth? Stop by the Banff Sweet Shoppe for all sorts of candies & fudge.
  • Go dog sledding! Our tour was cancelled because of avalanche blasting. Drat! But we'll be back.
  • Hike the Grassi Lakes Trail. An easy 4 km hike that leads to two stunning aquamarine lakes.
  • And if you're in the mood for sharing, try Canmore's Tapas Restaurant. It's delicious & romantic (; 

Saturday 2 March 2013

eat: peanut butter & jam muffins

Muffins 2

Peanut buttery muffins topped with sweet jam. This classic combo pretty much equals baked goods bliss in my brain. Seriously, this is grab-and-go breakfast at its finest (although I could eat them for breakfast, lunch and dinner!).

I made these tasty gems three times last week 'cause I�m kind of crazy like that. My family and friends loved them! And I'm pretty sure you and your family will too. The pb flavour isn�t overpowering at all - for those of you who aren't huge fans of the stuff.

This recipe hails from Rose Reisman's book, Family Favourites, just like the mini lasagna rolls I made here. Rose's cookbook has quickly become my new favourite. Highly recommend!

Here�s what you need to make them�

3 Tbsp vegetable oil
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large ripe banana (about 1/2 cup)
3 Tbsp smooth natural peanut butter (I used Adam's)
1 large egg
2/3 cup low-fat sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
pinch of salt
3 Tbsp raspberry jam or jelly (I used a local raspberry/blackberry jam)
  • Preheat oven to 350�F. Lightly coat a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
  • Using a whisk or electric beaters, combine the oil, sugar, banana, peanut butter, egg, sour cream and vanilla in a large bowl. Beat until smooth.
  • In another bowl, combine both flours, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt with a wooden spoon. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients gradually and stir until the dry ingredients are just moistened.
  • Divide the mixture among the prepared muffin cups. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the middle of a muffin comes out clean. Press gently in the center of each muffin to make an indent and place a small amount of the jam inside. And enjoy!

Hope you're having a great Friday, friends! And if not, I promise these muffins will cheer you right up (:

p.s. Are you a pb lover? Check out this fancy stuff.