ROASTED ASPARAGUS WITH LEMON

  

The other night, I got home from class (to which I brought no food--usually I'm the queen of packed snacks and tupperware dinners) starving/famished/in need of something quick, (healthy), and delicious.

I had just picked up a fresh bunch of asparagus at the market a couple days prior, so for a quick, healthy, and delicious snack, I roasted them. And ate them. All of them.

Roasted Asparagus with Lemon

1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed
juice of 1/2 lemon
extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper
1 tbsp. shaved parmesan cheese (optional)

1. Adjust the oven racks, so that one rack is at the very top. Set broiler to high heat.

2. In a shallow baking pan, lay flat the asparagus spears. Drizzle asparagus with olive oil, just enough to lightly coat. Follow wihth lemon juice and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

3. Broil asparagus for 7 to 10 minutes, until asparagus are just tender. If desired, sprinkle with parmesan cheese right before serving.

Serves 2 generously.

(or 1, whatever--I was hungry)

Sadly, that was my dinner.


image via simply recipes

BRING ON THE HEAT

"The summer heat is here," is what R replied last night, sitting on our couch post-True Blood premiere. Honestly, I was totally fine, but we don't have air conditioning, so I could understand where he was coming from. Within minutes, R has cranked on the ceiling fan, opened the windows to let in the cool(er) evening air and taken another fan out of storage and set it up in the bedroom.

I guess he is right. Summer is here and with it comes the summer heat. Last week marked the official start of summer, which also means that there will be a change or two around here.

First, you may be seeing a couple fewer blog posts from me per week. With the summer heat comes more time spent outside enjoying it, more time spent adventuring, sitting on patios enjoying an ice cold bevvy, catching up on home projects, trying new recipes, and you know, just laying in a field staring at the sky (oh, and can't forget, investing in some retail therapy).

Second, well, you may be getting a flood of recipe posts in the next little while--that's okay, right? Truth is, I've had tons of my favourite recipes that I've been wanting to share for quite some time, but then just never got around to taking pictures of anything (sometimes it's nicer to just enjoy the cooking process without having to document it, you know?), and let's face it, it's not the same when you use other people's pictures...even if it's similar to what yours might have looked like. But I've caved, and so you'll probably being seeing a lot more recipes in the coming weeks with a lot more photos that aren't mine. 

On a livelier note, it's officially summer! I have one more week of classes, one more month of school work, and then I can raise a glass and relax a little. Ah, me.

Brights are so in this season and I'm definitely in need of some.

Brights + glitter? Yes, please!

Grilled Honey Lime Chicken by The Enchanted Cook--who also just did
a post on fish tacos (my fave).

Nothing better than home-brewed iced tea (plus, you control the sweetness)!

Strawberry shortcake in a jar: I've got mini Mason jars, the perfect cake recipe, cream,
and fresh strawberries...all I need are taste-testers!

How cute is this? A chalkboard cheese board--totally doing this.

Happy (sunny)  Monday, folks!

images via pinterest, the enchanted cook, tiny white daisies and serious eats 

WE LOVE

Fish tacos a la Wahoo's--it's been six years

since I had my first (and only) experience at

Wahoo's Fish Taco in Santa Monica, California.

But the flavours, the taste, the yum is burned

into my memory like nothing else. Ooh what I would

do for some famous Wahoo's right now (stay

tuned for my very own fish taco recipe!).

Neon nails (drool).

And what the hell, neon pants, too.

The rain--so long as I'm inside or if outside, have

no place to be (and for special moments like this).

Dancing in our underwear--don't act like you

don't love doing this.

And mustn't we forget, the late Paul

Newman--what a hunk..yeah..um.

...

Now, enough of that. I'm off to do some research for my thesis.

Happy weekend, lovelies!

images via google and pinterest

KENDRA SCOTT

From top to bottom: 1/ Ali Organic Cherry Blossom Hoop Earrings in Gold, $100
2/ Jeanine Dangle Earrings in Watermelon, $75 3/ Danielle Earrings in Mint, $48
4/ Abena Cuff Bracelet in Chalcedony, $105 5/ Otylia Cocktail Ring in Crush, $75
6/ Daphiney Earrings in Yellow Jade, $100 7/ Grayce Statement Necklace in Wink, $245

I recently stumbled across the goregous Austin-based jewelry line, Kendra Scott by none other than Kendra herself. With just $500 and out of the extra bedroom of her home, Kendra combined her love of fashion with her creative talents to create this fun, glamorous and unique line of jewelry. While she has a huge selection of earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings, Kendra also does custom jewelry--perfect if you're looking for something extra special for say, that special day or even just a night out with the girls!

images via kendra scott jewelry

CHICKEN, THY SAVIOUR

Lately, I've been busy. No, like really busy (actually, probably not as busy as some people--I'm such a complainer). But...I've been so busy that I haven't been able to prepare proper meals--(gasp!) which for me is a pretty big deal. Without proper meals prepared, it's difficult to eat right, which again, is a big no-no in my books. So, I turn to my good friend: the store-bought rotisserie chicken.

It's no home-roasted chicken, but it certainly is quick and delicious. Growing up, my family (there's six of us) was always super busy with school, hockey practice, figure skating, painting lessons, piano lessons, karate, swimming lessons--the list goes on and on--but my Mom (Super Mom is a more appropriate title) always managed to provide her family with well-balanced and healthy meals--often in a tupperware or Thermos, but nonetheless, hot, healthy, and delicious food. She's amazing.

So, ever since I was a kid, I've been familiar with these rotisserie chickens and have loved them. Now when I'm in a bunch and don't have time to cook a proper meal for myself and R, I head to the grocery store and pick myself up a bird.

Enjoy chicken for dinner one night, then use the rest for lunches the next day! Some of my favourite ways to use leftover rotisserie chicken are in whole grain wraps, sandwiches, or on top of a veggie-packed salad. Or try Asian chicken lettuce wraps, chicken tacos, or quesadillas.

image via life of polarn per

BODIE AND FOU

I've fallen in love with BODIE and FOU--they've got everything from home decor to unique (and sometimes quirky) gifts. I've already featured two items that they carry in their fashion department: the oversized clutch by Clare Vivier and the La Tropezienne leather tote bag, also by Clare Vivier.

But how about what I'm currently drooling over? Here's a taste:

Check out Bodie and Fou's blog also!

images via bodie and fou

WRITING ON THE WALL

If only this was my To Do list right now:

Overwhelmed. Tired. This is how I'm feeling today. Don't mind me--I'll be back tomorrow with something better.

In the meantime, relax and find a moment--just two minutes--where all you do is breathe.

image via flickr

WE LOVE

Blazer and shorts combos for simple, yet pulled-together summer looks.

What do you think? Are you more a sparkles or patterns girl? Brights or neutrals?



images via anthropologie, see jane, the glitter guide, and jessica gomez

LONNYMAG

Here's what's new in Lonny magazine (and what I'm clearly in love with at the moment):

Start with a neutral foundation and the possibilities

are endless: add hints of colours and textures with

artwork, cushions, and glasswares.

Rose-coloured accents with deep blues are

pretty and inviting (want that rug, by the way).

Crisp white walls with detailing, dark wood floors,

and bright textiles? Perfection.

Easy chic with mixed patterns, textures, and a pop of

colour--I could do this.

Taking the indoors out, lamps and all. Love the striped

tent--for a similar product, see Z Gallerie.

images via lonny mag

LIQUID MEALS

I'm not one who enjoys drinking my meals--in fact, I'm anything but. What I enjoy is a complete meal, something to tear into, munch on, and savour. However, when life gets busy--which is always--it can be difficult to get a proper meal in, especially when you're on a tight schedule to say, slip in a workout in between appointments or other commitments (I don't like to workout on a full stomach, do you?).

So, as it goes, sometimes we have to drink our meals (or eat something small that will hold us over for a few hours. Take today, for instance: usually, I'm very organized and have all my meals (roughly) planned out for the entire week. This was not the case for lunch today, though. I'll often take a tupperware of quinoa with chopped veggies or a salad with chicken or tuna to class with me, but my lack of organization left me with hummus and a baggie full of peppers. Not a bad snack, but I definitely needed something by the end of class. 

Then comes my later-than-usual arrival home (I went to the library to do some research and get some textbooks out) and I'm closer to the time I have to leave to sneak in a short run before I head off to footy practice. Here's where the whole liquid meal comes into play. 

I needed something quick, something that was going to satisfy me, and that something that I could digest easily before going for a run. I give you, the power shake:

Green Power Shake

1 cup soy milk
1 small banana, sliced
1/2 cup fresh berries (or frozen)
1 scoop whey protein powder
1-2 handfuls spinach

1. In a blender, combine all ingredients. Blend until smooth.

Try This: Be generous when adding spinach and fruit--all will provide you with loads of nutrients. Depending on how much produce you use, you may have to add more liquid. Try adding honey, to taste.

Keep in mind that this shake shouldn't necessarily start to replace your meals, but it is a great quick and nutritious way to get something in your system. I knew I was going to be burning a lot of calories on my run and at footy practice, so I also ate a small breakfast pita with my shake so that I had some extra carbohydrates to provide me with that necessary energy I'll be exerting.

Off to run now--Happy (gorgeous) Wednesday!

image via marcus samuelsson

FROM BEGINNERS TO SOMEWHERE

So many movies, so little time. Here's a peak at some films--new, not so new, and not yet released--that I'm itching to see.

Beginners (2011), starring Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer,

and Melanie Laurent. The cast alone makes me want to see this film--

but this description, too: "A young man is rocked by two announcements

from his elderly father: that he has terminal cancer and that he has a

young male lover. Christopher Plummer and this synopsis--what's not to love?

Bridesmaids (2011) with Kristin Wiig, Maya Rudolph, and Rose Byrne.

Anyone who mentions this film to me does so with a flare of constant

giggling. That's gotta mean something.

Midnight in Paris, starring Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, and

directed by Woody Allen. I haven't heard a whole lot about this film, but it

seems like something that would be right up my alley--a romantic comedy set

 in Paris, Rachel McAdams, Mr. Allen. It's worth a shot.

Somewhere (2010) stars Stephen Dorff and Elle Fanning (yep, Dakota's

baby sister) in this heartfelt film about "a hard-living Hollywood actor who

re-examines his life after his 11-year-old daughter surprises him with a

visit". Written and directed by Sophia Coppola.

Tree of Life (2011) features Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, and newcomer,

Jessica Chastain in a story that centers around a family with three

boys in the 1950s (I imagine it's a coming-of-age story about innocence).

The preview makes it look good, and I'm looking forward to seeing

what Chastain brings to the table.

What flicks are you dying to see this summer? (or have seen, for that matter?)



videos via youtube

GET READY. GET RUFFLED.

One of the hottest swimsuit trends this season? Ruffles. And I'm okay with that.

Eden  Mini Tube & Hipster Pant with Frill, Sea Folly $150 

Beach Sexy Ruffle-Trim Triangle Top & Cheeky Bottom, Victoria's Secret $38 /
La Bella Bustier Bra & Mini Hipster Pant, Sea Folly $147

Spring Carnival Fixed Moulded Tri & Rumba Ruffle Pant, Sea Folly $145



English Rose Bustier Bra & Vintage Skirted Bottom, Sea Folly $165 /
Blue Ruffle Suit, source: Pinterest




Victoria's Secret has always had smokin' hot swimsuits that pretty much any girl can rock. But I recently discovered Sea Folly, an Australian clothing brand with the cutest swimsuits all adorned with ruffles! Ooh ah!! 

That said, I think I'll be sticking to the suits at VS. Take a look at the difference in prices between VS and SF. The suits at Sea Folly are just a tad out of my price range.

But for now, there's no harm in looking.

images via sea folly, pinterest, and victoria's secret

WE LOVE

An empty notebook.

Old wood crates.

Soda water with lemon (or lime).

A good ab workout.

The Seychelles Chant Wedge Heel...

...paired with bright minis.

Road trips to nowhere.

What do you love?

images via moleskine, modern hepburn, j jump jennifer, fitspo, shoe bacca, and adella avenue

(BEFORE) & AFTER

I lie. It's not a true 'before and after'. There's no 'before' picture. That said, I do have long overdue pictures of my new and improved bathroom. Take a look!

When R and I first moved into our apartment--over a year ago now!--the bathroom was a little drab looking. The walls weren't white--more an off-white. Things were a little rusty, kind of dirty. It was in need of a facelift.

Since we're only renting our apartment, we kept the walls white. We both love colour (including on the walls), but we thought this would minimize the amount of work we'd have to do when we chose to end our lease. So, we painted everything a clean white--to match the white brick. Then, I chose a monochromatic theme for the bathroom's room decor and selected white picture frames (and spray-painted any that weren't white to begin with) and greyscale artwork, with the exception of the one frame I chose to leave empty.

I (roughly) re-painted an old IKEA dresser black and replaced the wood knobs with a variety of knobs purchased from Anthropologie. As for the smaller bits of decor, the various pieces were found at either the local dollar store, Home Sense, or via thrifting.

I know it's difficult to get an idea of the transformation without 'before' photos, but what do you think?

APPLE CASHEW OATMEAL

For a delicious and nutritious breakfast--or even a mid-afternoon snack--I love to cook up some oatmeal. I used to opt for large flake oats, but now I enjoy steel cut oats. No matter which oats you like, try to make sure they're not 'quick-cook'. While they will cook in just a few minutes, rather than the usual 20-25 minutes that it takes to cook large flake or steel cut oats, (the reason is...) they're stripped of valuable nutrients. It's the same difference between white and brown rice. Brown rice takes longer to cook than white, because the cooking process has to penetrate through that thick outer (but super healthy) coat that a brown rice grain has and a white rice grain has been robbed of.

Another reason why I love oatmeal is because it's versatile. It can be consumed sweet or savoury, with fruit, veggies, milk, yogurt, nuts, spices...the possibilities are endless. In fact, when I was a kid, my mom used to make what she would call 'beefy cereal'. Okay, it sounds sort of gross, but it was delicious! My mom would make a huge pot of oatmeal, add ground beef, and season with salt--so simple, but so yummy. Nowadays, I usually go for a sweet(er) oatmeal. I usually add some fruit, either soy milk or non-fat plain yogurt, and some nuts/cinnamon.

Here's a recipe for one of my favourites:

Apple Cashew Oatmeal

1 cup prepared oatmeal
1/2 apple, chopped
1/2 cup non-fat plain yogurt
1-2 tbsp. raw cashews halves
maple syrup, to taste
cinnamon, optional

1. Prepare oatmeal according to package--whether you're using large flake, steel cut, or quick-cook oats, the cooking process and time will vary.

2. To the prepared oatmeal, add apple. Drizzle with desired amount of maple syrup (you can also add the maple syrup directly into the pan when your oatmeal is cooking). Top with non-fat plain yogurt--or try this--and cashews. If desired, sprinkle with cinnamon and enjoy!

Makes 1 serving.

Other delicious ways to enjoy your oatmeal?

• banana, natural peanut butter, honey, ground flaxseed
• mango, kiwi, non-fat plain yogurt, agave nectar
• berries, soy milk, agave nectar, raw almonds
• canned pumpkin, soy milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, honey
• dried cranberries, apple, cinnamon, walnuts, honey
• pineapple, non-fat plain yogurt, unsweetened coconut, agave nectar

PLAY BALL (AND TACKLE TOO)

If you've been following my fitness log, you'll know that I recently started playing Australian Rules! football (or footy). You'll also know that since starting, I've been getting my butt kicked in a way I never saw coming.

Footy is tough shit.

I run, swim, box, cycle. I've done cross-fit. I've tried muay thai. I'm no stranger to plyometrics training. But even I find this sport to be challenging. And I'm not talking about skill-wise, like throwing the ball properly or booting a solid kick. I mean in terms of fitness (holy moly, does this sport ever get your ticker going). 

The Lady Roos (yes, that's our team name) warming up.

 I'm second from the right, all ape-like.

Teammates, A and T, along with me, reaching for the footy, but losing
in the process. Boo honk.

I've only been to two practices so far, but already I can feel an improvement from the first to second practice. I also played my first game this past Saturday, which was...muddy, to say the least. That said, while it was a wet day on the field, it was a ton of fun.

I think what I like most about footy so far, though, is the team-component. I'm so used to playing sports or staying active independently (you might recall that as a kid I did karate, gymnastics, swimming, figure skating...soccer was the only team sport I ever played), so I'm finding the element of team to be a really fun addition to my usual 'stay active' regimen. And of course, the game is just wicked fun! It's full-contact--which is another first for me--but oh wow is it ever exciting.

Have you tried any new sports lately? What are you doing this summer to keep active and stay fit?

images via ontario australian football league

BUSY BEES

Always buzzing, always busy.

You know the sound that bees make? That bzzzz that never stops? That keeps on no matter what? It's not just like bees are talking to one another and they have a natural pause here and there. If they are talking to each other, they never stop. They're like that one aunt that doesn't shut up (or friend/sibling/parent/etc).

Yeah, okay. Well that's what I feel is going on inside of my head right now. The buzzing. It won't stop. I'm in a constant state of busy.

Truth: I'd rather be busy than bored. But honey, I'd really just like a day. One day.

Can you tell I had a busy weekend? 

Happy Monday, y'all!

WEEKEND SALUTE

It's starting to feel a lot like summer.

Time to (finally) get the bike out and give it a good clean-up.

Time to just kick back and relax.

Time to tie up our long locks and spend a day in the sun.



Time to try some new summer pizza recipes.

 

Time to pretend we're 8 again--with the ones we love most.



This weekend marks my first footy game ever--eee! I'm excited, but a little nervous, too. I bought a mouth guard today and I'm going to a mens' footy game tonight to get an idea of how the game works, but I'm wondering ...maybe I should've purchased some other armour, too?

Otherwise this weekend, I'm looking forward to spending some quality time with R--maybe a patio and a drink? Maybe our patio and a drink? A little time in the sun? Maybe a day at the park? A picnic? Ahh, a romantic picnic.



Here's to a warm and sunny weekend!

images via we heart it, cannelle et vanille, urban outfitters, design sponge, and it's time to get paid