Saturday, April 30, 2011

Healthy Me Recipe

Hello bloglings! So for this crazy health kick, and my brand new crock pot mom bought me! I decided to try it out and make a super healthy recipe. It's like a minestrone soup, with just vegetables, but you can add what ever you want to it!



What you will need:

3 cups chicken stalk
2 cups tomato sauce
2 bay leave
Italian herbs (fresh or dried)
2 celery stalks
2 large carrots
2 onion
1/2 cabbage
3 potatoes

So pretty much after washing and chopping everything up, just add it all to the crock pot, then add salt and pepper to taste, leave it for about 5 or 6 hours until all of your vegetables are fully cooked through. If you want to add chucks on beef, that would work, or even little shell noddles, that would be good to, I also added a couple dashes of hot sauce for a kick. Once the soup was done, I sprinkled some grated cheese on top with the heat it all melted through out, delicious! This recipe is very versatile, so make it the way you like it, with you favourite ingredients!!! give it a try :)

peace.love.shoes.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Healthy me: First Week dieting.

So I started my new "diet" Tuesday. I think it's going well so far, I'm not use to eating so healthy, or even eating fruits and vegetables at all, so I have a lot more energy, and I feel a lot better about myself. I know it's only been 2 days, but I really do notice a difference. I went from eating fast food every single day, sometimes even twice a day! it was terrible, and I would constantly eat junk food. I think this diet is going to help me be more healthy, while dropping the pounds.



I also find my self experimenting with new recipes. Today for example, we really had no food in the house, all we had was this stu dad made last night with contained a lot of carbs. So what I did was take a few pieces of the beef out of the stu, for 1 serving of protein and warmed them up in a frying pan with no oil. I then took the beef out and fried up a pita bread with 1tsp olive oil until it became crisp on the outside, and soft in the middle. Then I added the beef, melted some cheese for dairy, then added lettuce tomato, fat free sour cream, and a dash of hot sauce. It was delicious! I recommend everyone to experiment with different recipes like this one, and share!

Well happy dieting days :)

peace.love.shoes.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

KITTENS!!!

So yesterday morning we got 2 new additions to our family! My little Luna had 2 little tiny kittens. We were so afraid because Luna is so small herself, we though that she would have complications with her birth, and there was a high risk that either her or her babies wouldn't survive, but luckily, they are all healthy, and she is a proud mommy.

The labour started Sunday evening, and with us not knowing anything about whats was going on and what to expect we consulted the web. I want to share this website with you, just in case you end up in my situation.

So she had the babies way in the back of our shoes closet, so I couldn't get that great of pictures right now because you are suppose to leave them alone for 2 days; so for now here is a sneak peak of my new additions:




So as you can see our whole family is thrilled about a new bundles of joy!!! I can't wait till we can play with them :) well ta ta for today!

peace.love.shoes.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Aspiring Role Model.


Vivien Leigh. The traditional southern bell raving the bit hits through the 1900s. My grandma and I used to get together every week and just have a movie marathon (and being my grandma, of course it was the oldies!) Gone With The Wind, my all time favourite movie, I must have seen this movie 50 times, there was so must history, love and passion, and of course with Scarlett O'Hara's (played by Vivien Leigh) beauty and charm stole the show.





peace.love.shoes.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Fashion Spotlight: H&M

It feels like I haven't done a fashion spotlight in forever, and with the spring and summer approaching fast, new collections are a must. Lately I've been seeing a ton of commercials on H&M, completely in love with there new summer collection. Hope you like it too :)




Have you seen any new Spring/Summer collections too absolutely die for???

peace.love.shoes.


Wednesday, April 20, 2011

The Healthy Me.

So this Monday I am going to get back on my new diet, I haven't been on it since October, but when I was on it, not only was I feeling more energetic and happy, I was losing a pound a day. Now this diet is designed to make you chose for the more healthy foods in life, no you don't have to count calories, or add up points, this diet is different. It's called the Herbal Magic Diet. Now, there are supplements that go along with this diet, but I ma not taking them, and I haven't taken them before, I was just following the meal plan a losing a pound a day!

So here is the just of the diet:
2 carbs
2 dairy servings ( a couple slices of cheese would be one serving, or a cup of milk)
2 protein
2 fruit servings
3 vegetable servings
2 fats (tbsp oil or tsp butter = 1 fat)
1 free exchange (this you can either have an extra serving of any of the above, or treat yourself to a light snack (crackers, 100 calorie snacks...etc)

*you must have 8 cups of water a day* and for other drinks, coffee and tea is unlimited.

Now the trick to this diet, is you have to eat everything in the menu, you can't skip out on a serving of vegetables, or no carbs, everything works together for he diet to work.

Also, when cooking you food DO NOT USE SALT. find replacements for salt, for example, use fresh herbs and spices, and when your shopping in the seasoning section check for things with low sodium intake (Ms. Dash is a good example)

To flavour your vegetable with a sauce, again look for sauces with low sodium intake, use a tbsp of olive oil and some fresh herbs, maybe a splash of hot sauce, that's a healthy way of spicing things up.

*** A SIDE NOTE: 1 banana = 2 fruit servings and 2 eggs = 1 protein serving.
Also, a way to cheat on your carbs, if you buy those weight watchers bread, 2 slices = 1 carb.

So Monday is the day I will be starting this diet, I will let you know my progress, and show you any healthy meal ideas I come up with. So if your going to join me on this diet, good luck! oh, I forgot to add 1 more thing, this meal plan is designed for my weight range, so anone between 130-170 can follow this meal plan, If you are in a different wegith range you do get some extra servings, so just message me and I will let you know what you will need.

peace.love.shoes.

Monday, April 18, 2011

A new happily ever after.

So on the weekend my work friend Lauren got engaged. I am so unbelievably excited for her. We would talk about it every day, shes been waiting for him to propose for a while now, so when he did it it was just a shock! I was so excited for her, I told everyone (even people that didn't know her) wedding's make me happy.



So this morning I told my mom the Lauren got engaged, she at least somewhat knows about her, because I talk about work people like crazy. When I told my mom, she said Lauren was stupid to get married. I got so enraged, I yelled and said "just because your marriage didn't work out, doesn't mean hers won't" all she had to say was she is too young, even though by the time she actually gets married will be 24, which I think is a reasonable age, and my mom got married at 20, and my gramma got married at 18, my grandparents have the happiest marriage in the world. I really hate when people are so opinionated. Why does everyone look at marriage like it's a trap? It's not, if you don't love someone, and you can't stand being with them don't get married for the sake of a title. THERE are actual people in LOVE out there. That will make a strong marriage. I guess there influences would come among how they were raised as well, parents surprisingly, have a big influence on the way there children portray life. I know my parents do, and lately it hasn't been a positive influence, sometimes you just have to learn, taking a stand is better, than listening to the "poison" of life, parents don't always know better. You have to make the decision, are they really giving me the right advice, or is it coming from a negative outlook on life that comes from bad decisions that they made in there past.

Just something to think about i guess.

peace.love.shoes.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Recipe: French Onion Mac N' Cheese

So this Recipe is for my cousin Ashley, she saw this episode of Rachael Ray, and immediately though of me, we often like the same shows and have the same taste for food, so I know I will love this recipe, and you will too!



Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 large onions, very thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon ground thyme
  • 1 teaspoon ground thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 pound penne rigate or whole wheat penne rigate pasta
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • Freshly grated nutmeg
  • 3/4 pound gruyère cheese, shredded

Directions:

  1. In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Stir in the onions, thyme and bay leaf for 5 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Lower the heat and cook until the onions are browned, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a plate and discard the bay leaf. Reserve the skillet.
  2. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
  3. In the reserved skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour for 1 minute, then whisk in the chicken stock and milk and bring to a boil; season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Lower the heat and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cheese until melted.
  4. Combine the onions and sauce with the pasta and toss well.
So what did you think?

peace.love.shoes.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

HAWT shows I can't live without.

So for this post I decided to show you what really keeps me entertained in the TV world. Now these shows kinda jump all over the place, from suspense, murder mysteries, talks shows, chick flicks, but if those of you that know me, I'm kinda all over he place myself. so I hope after seeing his you will give these shows a shot, rather than turning the channel when flipping through what to watch, I assure you they are non-the-less entertaining!


First off we have my absolute favourite...Criminal Minds, I am so into these murder mystry shows right now, but this really isn't you typical thriller, instead of figuring the murders out through clues, they go in the mindset of the killer, and try to figure out what the killer is thinking, and what his next move wouldbe, so they are always one step ahead. The main reason why I love this show is the unique characters.


Next we have CSI, last summer everyday between like 10 am to 4 pm CSI would be on non-stop, I lived on this show! But this show is really cool because it goes behind the scenes when solving a case, how they figure out all of the clues, when they find all the clues, it's completely science.


Gossip Girl, my Monday night entertainment.Upper-east siders elite. Full of scandals, love, and most of all gossip. every time I would watch this show, I couldn't wait for next weeks show to come, each episode something insane would happen, it really keep you in shock, and talking about it with friends and family afterwards.


The Ellen talk show, which might I add I'm currently watching right now. This I have to say is the talk show I enjoy the most, because Ellen is so real and down to earth, she really relates to her audience, and geez this girl is hilarious. I would definitely say this is my favourite talk show.


The Big Bang Theory, this show I just recently started watching, but am now addicted too, you may have to watch a few episodes to actually get into it, but the characters are hilarious, and they are a bunch of nerds just trying to go through life. I can't even explain this show, I would just suggest watching it. :)


So last, but definitely not least, we have Sex and the City. love love love this show. I started watching this, probably 5 years ago, this show has great advice to all ladies that need some help with me, because these 4 ladies have been through it all. Not only are the movies absolutely amazing, but every show goes into detail with every relationship or marriage, even children, things every woman will go through in life... oh an don't forget the New York Fashion! *5 starts*

peace.love.shoes

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Emotionless.

So lately my life has been so hectic, so many choices and I'm not sure what to do. School, it's the only thing on my mind right now, and I'm going to try everything possible to get there; only there's one problem I am short of the funds, so once I start my new shift at work I'm going to apply to bank appointments galor! and over the next few weeks instead of going to London for pleasure, I will be going for dedicated job searching.

I have been fighting with my parents and whole family non-stop because like I mentioned in previous posts, my family is completely against me going to London.



Also, there is a new programing launching at work, and hey just told us today that our launch date has been moved up 4 days, which we are not entirely prepared for, but I am going to take whatever is thrown at me. The only downfall is I only get one day off, then I work 7 days straight, so needless to say I'm going to be exhausted, and I now work afternoons so  won't be home til 1 am.

Lately everything has been making me angry and setting me off like a time bomb. So many things bother me. Sometimes I don't mean to go crazy bitch on people, but really there is a reason for it whether it was your fault or not, for this I apologize, MOST of the time, other times are just called for a major bitching.

So needless to say I am more stressed out that usual lately, so sorry to everyone if I'm a bit on the edge, just have a lot on my mind right now. I just hope everything will come together by our move date, June 1st.

So thanks for listening to my ranting, promise my next post will be on the happier side.

peace.love.shoes.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Shopping on the states side!

Saturday morning me, mom, justin, toni, and ashley, all set out to the states to do a little shopping. There is this amazing plaza by my cousins house has all of my favourite stores! We ended up going to Rue 21, which I got a new dress and a peacock feather headband from. Then we went to Kholes, which had everything 30-40% OFF! it was awesome, although I did see a few cute things I didn't end up getting anything. After those two stores we made a quick stop at..DSW of course! a women's shoe heaven <3 I love DSW I could spend a fortune in there...could really do some damage to the credit card, but thank goodness I didn't bring it! But I did end up buying a pair of multicolour zerbra print flatts, and a Kensie girl satchel (as shown in the picture below)

Once we were finished at those stores, we had lunch at Olive Garden! and as you all should know (in my about me page) Olive Garden is my favourite restaurant <3 I had my usual the Tour Of Italy, which include fetuccini alfredo, chicken parm, lasagna, and of course all of there entrees come with unlimited breadsticks and soup or salad (I had the soup).

After our delicious meal, we made a stop at TJ MAX, where I picked up some Saffron Tea, I needed to restock my tea collection, and not even realizing it till I got home, it turns out the tea I picked up is a vitality tea, It's a "happy tea" which means it is like an anti-depressant, It says on the box, drinking this tea is like have a Prozac, which I found pretty interesting, I had some this morning and I must say I found myself in a better mood. But not only is it an anti-depressant, It helps with acne, it's a cancer fighting agent, and an antioxidant- I call it miracle tea.

Last but not least, we headed over to Ulta, and those of you that have never been- it's just makeup! wonderful glorious makeup! I picked up some Mario Badescu products, I love there skin care line, everything is made with all natural ingredients, the face wash I use is a face scrub and the beads are actual chopped almonds, which is very good for your skin.

so this concludes my shopping adventure, I had tons of fun. let's hear about your recent purchases :)

peace.love.shoes.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Top 2 NEW hits i'm lovin right now

Rascal Flatts has been my ALL TIME FAVOURITE BAND for years now, I just love how unique there music sounds, I love when I turn on the radio an I know it's Rascal Flatts singing, even though I've never heard the song before. This song I think is one of my favoutires, it's such a powerful song, with so much emotion...check it out!



So next I'm sure this song has been flooding your radio, The Lazy Song, By Bruno Mars, the lyrics are so puny (and yes I meant that intentionally) and it just really upbeat, it immediately puts me in a good mood!  




I hope you enjoyed them both! which new hits are you lovin' right now?

peace.love.shoes.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

a new twist on grilled cheese.

So this recipe I came across watching Rachael Ray, these sandwiches describe a new level of delish. I would love for you all to try each one!!! AMAZING. 5 stars for sure!  

FRENCH ONION GRILLED CHEESE

Ingredients:
  • Sliced country white bread or inverted halved French bread
  • Softened butter
  • Ripe Camembert cheese
  • Caramelized onions: Caramelize 1 large onion per 2 sandwiches (thinly slice onions and season with ground thyme, salt and white pepper. Deglaze with a little white wine and add beef stock – use mushroom stock for vegetarian – to flavor, 1/4 cup per onion)
  • Grated Comté or Gruyère cheese
  • Cornichons, for garnish
  • Dijon mustard, to pass at table

Preparation:

Butter one side of the sliced bread or cut the side of 6-inch lengths of halved and inverted French bread.

Build the sandwiches with the buttered sides out; put Camembert, onions and shredded Comté or Gruyère cheese on top of one slice of bread, then cover with another slice. Place the sandwich in skillet over medium heat, cover with foil and grill for 7-8 minutes. Turn occasionally and press as the sandwich turns golden brown. Serve with cornichons and Dijon mustard

happy tasting!

peace.love.shoes.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Fashion Spotlight: Betsy Johnson


So Besty Johnson has been one of my favourite top designers for years now. She is always coming out with someting new and with a whole lot of spunk! I love her style, and the contrast she uses with all of the bright colours. Her collections are so beautiful, and really aimed for a fun, outgoing, spontaneous girl. Here is a small fashion splash of what I really love from this year's spring collection. and he last picture is of Besty in her gorgeous home!



peace.love.shoes.


Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Music HIT: LIGHTS-Second Go

love love loved this song and music video!!! had to re-post!!


peace.love.shoes.

How To: Catnip Pillow

So Mandi came up with this new project to make huge catnip pillows for my cat, so not only can they play with it, it's big enough for them to sleep on. Here is how to make them.

What you will need:

- Polyfill
- 2 pieces of 12x12 material (any pattern of your choice)
- sewing machine
- pinning needles
- catnip

Step 1:

Cut out 2 pieces of 12 x 12 fabric, and iron the pieces.

Step 2:

Pin the 2 fabrics along the outer edges with the inside facing outwards


Step 3:

Sew 3 of the outside edges together, and 1/2 of the last edge leaving 6 inches of open fabric (this is where we will need to fit the polyfil inside)

Step 4:

Turn the pillow inside out (so now the proper side of the fabric is showing)

Step5:

Stuff the pillow with the polyfill, and while doing that sprinkle the catnip inside all throughout the pillow.

Step 6:

Hand stitch the opening of the pillow together with tiny whip stitches.



And there you have the finished product! A beautifully sewn canip pillow that your animal will enjoy!

peace.love.shoes.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Weekend in London.

So saturday morning Sarah and I took off to London to explore our futures. First stop was Fanshawe college. Words cannot say how excited I am for this fashion design program. We had a 1 hour information session, I got to meet with my teachers and see what the program was really about. It seems like the teachers are devoted to the students, and I think the best part of everything is that we get a few months each school year to have a Co-op placement, that is paid for! and you get a certificate at the end of the programs with 1 years experience.

Some of the projects the teacher was describing was really awesome, they do this fundraiser for breast cancer where all of the students design a bra, and they have a gathering and auction off the bras and all of the money goes to cancer. But I think the greatest part yet was the courses start from the basics, one of the things my soon to be teacher said was "imagine, coming into the program and knowning nothing about sewing, pattern making, anything, and creating these beautiful gowns that are entere in the Toronto Fashion Week, or even Project Runway! (which one of Fasnshawe's former fashion design student was on!)

Here is a picture of one of my class rooms! Just sewing machines! :)


On second note! Apartment searching is coming along, we saw some aweful places, and we saw some really awesome places, but the pricing might not be right for us. I have applied to a few more today, and they seem more promising, we may go down to London again this weekend to finish our apartment viewings, maybe we will find our perfect place!! Anyways, if you have been house hunting recently, let's here your stories, good or bad!

peace.love.shoes.