Moutarde.

I've never been a big fan of mustard. Mustard to me equals dieting - aka not being able to put the good stuff (mayo) on my sub because of its nutritional content.  You could say I grew an aversion to Mustard....as if I would write an entry about a condiment, seriously. I'm going somewhere with this...

Yesterday we received a new collection at work (see where I'm going now) and the dominant color is ironically mustard. First, we received the Sloan slim ankle pants with a cropped leg. These are amazing because they sit lower on the waist than your typical high waisted trousers and they have "power stretch" fabric which gives this pant amazing stretch and recovery.

Spicy Mustard- 110$ - Also available in other colors (navy, maroon, grey, black, brown, tan...)

Glitz & Glam.

Collar tips, studded collar, bibli collar. All this to say that I have a problem with collar appliques. I'm not usually drawn to glitz and glam but I really enjoy the look of it. I like details - gold buttons on a plain shirt, subtle lace appliques, random zippers.. it adds a little extra to an outfit, without even trying.

  

                                        

  

First from the left : Winners -20$ - Vero Moda (complements to the lovely Mel Fawcett) - RW & CO - 50$ - Winners - 24$.

Happy humpday!

Heartbreak hotel.

Built up castles made of sand. They may fall, but memories remain.

How the Grinch uses retail therapy to survive Christmas.

I've been distracted all week. Talking to myself and nodding my head like a real crazy person. While trying to find an ugly sweater for this years many ugly sweater parties, I got side tracked and ordered a pretty sweater. Distracted indeed. Let's face it, I'm a bit of a Grinch around Christmas time. I don't like decorating or Christmas music. Let's say this purchase is a subconscious representation of my feelings towards Xmas.

Urban Outfitters - Sparkle & Fade Crisscross Back Sweater - $59.00

 At least it's green... right?

On a lighter note, I have been hard at work trying to put together my best of 2012. While patiently waiting for my list, I suggest you check out Pretty Much Amazing's best of 2012. Not as good as mine, but it should tide you over until Christmas.

You color-blocked me.

Two words: color blocking. Color blocking is taking bold opposites on the color wheel and putting them together for the widest contrast possible. To be honest, I had no idea what color blocking was before starting my retail job at Banana Republic. With all the fashion blogs I read, I never stopped to Google what this style was.  Confessions of a real amateur, I know.

While aimlessly browsing through the BR Factory store, I noticed this little gem. Who would have thought to put grey and beige together (I would not - I am SUCH a safe matcher and seriously need to invest in a color wheel) but somehow it works. Pair it with a nice black wool headband and black leather gloves and you're all set for the early winter months.



Coat - Banana Republic Factory Store 179$ 
Burgundy Slim Leg Trousers -  RW&CO 40$
Shoes - Aldo Leather Loafers - 90$

The coat has a large wrap-around collar which almost acts as a scarf. Two in one? Yes please. With the wool exterior and the lining, I should be able to wear this until Christmas (33 days). Quite excited about this purchase.

Gravy is the enemy.

I hate when my food touches. I hate when the gravy goes all over my green beans, or when my vegetables touch my meat. Buffet's are my worst nightmare - Christmas dinners as well. I blame it on my mother for using those compartment plates - she stopped using them when I was too old (says my Psych degree).  As a result, you can probably decipher that lasagnas, spaghetti, or anything resembling a mash up of food is out of the question. Thankfully, I grew out of most of my food aversions.

ANYWAY, that was my shpeal. On to the good stuff. As part of my zero carbs, zero fun, zero anything lifestyle, I have to be creative with my meals.  As part of my road to recovery from my weird food aversions, I decided to try making a lasagna for the first time. I've made this recipe a few times now and it is simply divine. Lasagnas are usually a big no no for me due to the noodles, ground beef and cheese, but by replacing the noodles with eggplant and limiting the amount of cheese, it ain't all that bad!

Eggplant Lasagna                 *Disclaimer, I eat meat now.*

"Mock Noodles"

• 1 large eggplants, sliced lengthwise into 1/4 inch noodle-like strips

Meat Sauce

• 1 1/2 lbs ground turkey breast (1 package)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1tbsp garlic puree
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• 1 orange pepper, chopped
• 1 (16 ounce) package sliced mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, basil and thyme)
• salt and pepper
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you dare!) (optional)
• 1 (28 ounce) can tomato sauce (or large jar sugar free sauce if you can find it)
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes (for less sugar, 3 chopped roma tomatoes)

 

Cheese Mixture

• Low-fat ricotta cheese (I used PC blue menu)
• Shredded low fat old cheddar cheese (blue menu)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Spray cookie sheet, arrange eggplant slices and season with Italian spices
3. Cook slices 5 minutes on each side.
4. Lower oven temp to 375.
5. Brown meat, onion and garlic until meat is fully cooked
6. Add red pepper and mushrooms, and cook 5-10 minutes.
7. Tomato sauce and spices - simmer for 5-10 minutes.
8. Spread meat sauce in bottom of 9” x 13” glass pan.
9. Layer ½ eggplant slices, ½ ricotta
10. Repeat.
11. Add last layer of sauce, then add the cheddar cheese on top (
12. Cover with foil and bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.
13. Remove foil and broil another 5 minutes or until cheese is browned.
14. Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing, if you can wait that long!

 

 

Servings: 1 • Serving Size: 6 • Calories: 250 • Fat: 6 g • Carb: 15 g • Protein: 25

 

Enjoy!

Blonde highlights and rottweiller dresses.

When I was young there was a trading post in my hometown. In this rustic wooden building, one could find native inspired clothing -Tie-dye wolf t-shirts with an eagle, or my all time favourite, a harras of horses galloping in the wind. Although I never owned one of these gems, it was on my wish list (a ski-doo winter jacket was also on this list). I could simply not justify purchasing this item and my sister probably forbade such thing. She was the expert, after all.

So how do we feel about these items now? They're all over lookbook and they're not as...tie-died? Below is a Rottweiler dress I found on J'adore Fashion. I don't think I could personally pull it off and I'm not 100% sure how I feel about it. Perhaps I should ask the expert - the one who told me to stop getting highlights.

10 years †.

This morning I woke up, got ready and went to work. Nothing was out of the ordinary, same thing, different day. I hit the snooze button one time too many and I burnt my hand as per usual. I biked to work in the cold and had breakfast at my desk. It was only when I opened my agenda that I noticed my memo of the day " 10 years †".

I forgot...

What else am I forgetting? After 10 years, you forget what their laugh sounds like, how they smell, how their hugs felt. You forget what they did to cheer you up or the tone of their voice when you did something wrong. You forget the small stuff. One thing you don't forget is how much you miss them, every day.

My dad passed away 10 years ago, a decade. I was 13 when he passed away and as any normal teenager would do, I ran. I didn't want to deal with his death and I did a pretty good job at repressing it. I remember thinking, right after his death "he'll never get to see the second Harry Potter".  It took me a long time to forgive 13 year old me, but I did. That doesn't mean that I don't often find myself a little bitter that he never got to see me grow up. He would have been so proud.

I like to think I'm like him in many ways, my dad jokes for one. But I'm also very proud to be a lot like my mother - the strongest person I know. Our family is spending the weekend together - we will reminisce, laugh, cry... but most importantly, we will be together.

A decade... I can't believe it.

Tu me manques, ta Gribouille.

Impulsions repeat themselves.

I have been feeling incredibly impulsive this week. On Monday I was on my way to buying a dog and yesterday I was looking into buying a car. These are not small purchases, they are in fact big decisions that require a lot of thinking. Blame it on the moon? Or Halloween? Maybe.

All in all, I'm happy I don't act out on all my impulsion's. I know (a little bit) how to control them and I do understand where they are coming from. SO, instead of buying a Yorkie-Poo and a 2002 BMW, I decided to do something a little less drastic. At this point, I know you're all dying to see what I succumbed to...

The good ol' ombré is back.

Really not that exciting or permanent, but it was exactly what I needed to calm down....until next time.

Time and Indian Curry.

They say time flies when you're having fun. You wake up one day and it's October 16th and summer seems like years ago. The older you get, the faster the days go by - University flew by and I'm already approaching my one year mark at work.
 
I guess the reason I felt inspired to write today is because I'm a little overwhelmed. I remember in school having "no time" for homework and keeping things til the very last hour. Now I'm feeling a new wave of anxiety caused by lack of time. I almost feel like there's this force pulling me in every direction and the outcome is out of my control.
 
You wonder, how can this time obsessed person (I'm extremely punctual, hold a great concept of time and I'm a scheduled eater) can run out of time. Well, it happens. Truth is, I've come to realize (but not accept) that I can't do everything or please everyone. I may need to schedule appointments for friends and family but I also need to schedule me time, which is really important.
 
Friends, family - I apologize. I guess somethings gotta give; haven't quite figured out what yet.
 
HOWEVER, I did have time to make myself a great meal last night. Recipe and nutritional information below.
 
Indian Tilapia Curry




1 large or two small tilapia fillets
A sprinkle of extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion
2 tbsp of garlic paste
1 tbsp ginger paste
4 tbsp tomato puree
2/3 cup cauliflower
1/2 cup broccoli
2/3rd cup water
Salt to taste

Spices :
1tsp white cumin seeds
1tsp turmeric powder
1tsp garam masala powder

• Cut the fish into medium-sized pieces.
• Pan fry the fish pieces gently for 5 minutes each side. Remove from pan and set aside
• Steam broccoli and cauliflower for approximately 6 minutes - set aside.
• Chop one half of the onion finely and grind the other one (I used a hand blender)
• Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook until golden
• Add all spices and cook stirring - add water to help dilute the spices 
• Now add the grounded onion, garlic, ginger and tomato puree to the onions and spices. Stir at medium heat for a few minutes.
• Add the water, steamed broccoli and cauliflower. Bring the mixture to the boil and add the salt.
• Add the fish pieces. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
• Serve the Indian fish curry hot - rice is optional.

 
Nutritional Information:

Servings: 1 • Serving Size: 1 bowl • Calories: 227 • Fat: 3 g • Carb: 15 g • Protein: 26 g

Cold shopping.

I'm sick. I don't do sick very well. I'm not a ''sit around and do nothing'' type of gal. I get restless, bored - then I overanalyze every single aspect of my life. The sick cycle I go through is enough to cause me a headache - on top of the already existing headache caused by my cold. Hurrah.

After watching every new sitcom recently aired, cleaning my already clean room and re-painting my nails, there isn't much else to do, or is there? Online shopping got the best of me. Again. Sigh.

I behaved and only purchased one item - a lovely pair of ankle boots that were a mere 79$, shipping included.

Ecote Carolyn Chelsea Ankle Boot - Urban Outfitters - 69$ 

I need to feel better soon.

Shambles.

Shambles. That is the word of the day. My life is in shambles. Okay, I'm being a little melodramatic, but you get the idea.

I have a little confession to make. I'm a busy person. I have a full-time 9-5 job, a part-time retail job, a personal trainer, friends, family and hobbies. Do you see the picture I am so carefully painting? I do not have a lot of ME time. I haven't read a book in forever and I have resorted to re-applying nail polish instead of starting fresh. Blasphemy, I know. In these busy times, I have also neglected my room, more specifically I haven't done my laundry in forever. Yes, I'm leading into my confession... While I have enough undergarments to last me a decade, I can't say the same for pants and shirts. THEREFORE, I have pulled a major Cristina (Grey's fans will understand) and I have started buying new clothes instead of washing my own. I have accumulated a ridiculous amount of new clothes in the last few weeks. Clothes that I don't even necessarily like, but I need. This is affecting my checking AND savings account. Help, I plea!

I know I need to simply take a night to myself and do what will probably be 10 loads, but it's a necessity. Monday night laundry night? I guess it has a nice ring to it.

Sounds like a date, Ryan.

sorrow.

I'm at a total loss for words after such an emotional weekend. My eyes burn, my head is elsewhere and my heart aches for my dear friend. For everyone else, life goes on today, but for her, she is living the hardest moments of her life.

To say it hit close to home is an understatement. Losing a parent is something I am unfortunately familiar with. Whether it's 10 years or 1 week, the void is there and forever will be. I hope I can be an example, an example that it does get easier. Laughing won't always be accompanied by guilt, talking about the loss won't always be followed with tears; the pain eases.

There is nothing to understand, it doesn't make sense. None of it does. But have this event remind you to live your life to the fullest and love with all your heart. Life is fragile.

Fall'in.

It's not a poncho, nor is it a cape. I call it a wool poncho cape with a hood. It's perfect for the fall, it's lined, has pockets and some pretty sweet buttons. Best part? It was only 25$ at Marshall's as opposed to 70$ original retail price.

 

 

My only dilemma is, can I wear this every day as a coat? Haha oh the problems of a wannabe fashionista.

Glass half-full.

I've recently started to keep a journal. I write my thoughts, my goals, my adventures, my life...etc. I've discovered through writing that I have a pattern - negativity. Most of my entries talk about what's unfulfilled, unaccomplished, unattained. Why? Why am I not writing when good things happen? The reality is that my reflections often coincide with events that have negative outcomes. Human nature, I guess.  So this morning I decide to write a completely irrelevant positive entry:

Yesterday was a shitty day. Today will be much better. Why? Because I said so.

 

 

Trying this whole "master of your own domain" thing. I also indulged in a little retail therapy last night, which always makes me feel a little better. Hurray for instant gratification. Here are my purchases.

 

Chance by Chanel - The Bay - 90$

 

Essie - Angora Cardi - 8.95$

 

I acknowledge and understand that retail therapy is a band-aid solution.



Yet again.

Grizzly Bear is coming out with a new CD, need I say more? I have been looking forward to this since the release of Veckatimest back in 2009. Shield is supposed to hit the shelves on September 17th, but you can purchase Yet again and Sleeping Ute on iTunes now.

I'm scared to be disappointed - we shall see.

Green with envy.

I have been eyeing a pair of forest green jeans from American Apparel for over a year. Call me cheap, but I am unable to justify spending 90$ on an item that isn't very versatile (that, and the fact that my pant size keeps changing).  I've tried them on AT LEAST 10 times, but have yet to purchase them.

I think my dilemma is now over. I would like to take this time to thank Gap Inc for creating an exact replica (minus the high-waist, these are mid-rise) of these fall must haves (in my book).  Call me overly-passionate, I don't care.

Gap - 80$ (Mouahah, 40$ for me) - available in 7 different colors.

They have a jegging feel with a jean look. They also have a nice zip detail at the ankle. Go ahead, copy me!  It's a secret worth sharing. 


Sigh, retail therapy ftw.

R.U.T

I haven't blogged in almost a month. I need to feel motivated to write and I haven't felt inspired in a while. You could say I'm in a little bit of a rut. My iPod hasn't been updated in months, my closet remains the absolute same, my nails are suffering from a lack of color variety and my recipes? Well, let's just say I've been eating the same thing for the past 3 weeks.

R - eally
U - n-cool
T - imes

At least my "lifestyle" change is still going well. In fact, I was able to fit in my victory skirt this morning. 

Good hump day indeed. 

So chic.

Free shipping? What's not to love about (insert name of website I will not name because I wish to keep this goldmine to myself). Thanks to Meagan, I have discovered what may be the reason to file for bankruptcy.

Here is my latest online purchase. Cannot wait to receive them!

If I like you, I'll tell you where I got them.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Tuesday Favorites.

1. Exercise of the day - Side Plank

It hurts, and it'll hurt even more the next day (worth it though).

2. Song of the day

3. Recipe of the day  - Curried Chickpeas and Kale

À la paneer

4. Makeup of the day - Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks

Bobbi Brown is absolutely great. I love multi-purpose products. I bought mine in Calypso Coral for the summer.

5. Hair style of the day - Sock Bun

I've been doing this almost every day. Humidity + rain = SOCK BUN DAY.

6. Summer accessory of the day - Charlie Chaplin Hat

Forever 21- 15$ - May I just add that this entire outfit is just great.

Well folks, that's it for now! Enjoy.  

Friday Favorites.

1. Orange you glad I didn't say banana? This seasons hottest color and coincidentally my current favorite color is ORANGE.

Urban Outfitters 58.99 or Gap Khakis 59.95

  

2.  New favorite purchase - Maxi skirt. Even better than maxi dresses.  

I found this one at Dynamite. Surprising I know. Only 29.99 too!

3. Trying to save money = cutting back on OPI. Through this process, I discovered my new favorite shade!

Peachy- Revlon - 7.99$

4.Favorite Product - M.A.C Paint Pot in Painterly

Great Product. I use it as eye as my eyeshadow primer primarily,
 but it can also be used as a concealer if you have fair skin.

 5. Favorite remix - KO KO - Float  (Polaris At Noon Remix)

6. Favorite recipe - Cumin Quinoa Salad 

Healthy AND delicious. Recipe here.

Happy weekend everyone!

Journey.

Before starting this health/fitness/weight loss journey, I had never really spent much time thinking about things such as sodium intake or whether or not I was drinking enough water etc. To be honest, I was a careless eater, and my mood and physique reflected just that. My skin wasn't great, I was losing my hair and my self-esteem was well, pretty much nonexistent. Now I've seen great improvements, mentally, physically and emotionally.

Being a student, it's pretty hard to make time for a healthy lifestyle. You have so much more to think about that often times, your health takes the back burner. Now that I have my career lined up and a more stable routine, I was able to put my priorities in order.

First, I decided to become a vegetarian. Not eating meat for me was an easy choice to make since I already opted for vegetarian options before. Second, I did a month cleanse. I stopped drinking alcohol and stuck to a very strict diet that included protein shakes and low calorie meals. Third, I got a personal trainer. It was either that or a car, and I decided the car can wait another year.

As for my success, since August 2010, I have lost 50lbs. In August 2010, after facing my biggest fear (the scale) and seeing 185, I knew I needed to do something. Weight Watchers helped me to lose the first 30 and the trainer and gym helped me with the remaining 20.

I work hard. I go to the gym every day and I see my trainer three times a week. I can't eat everything I want anymore, but that's a lifestyle choice I WANT to make. I read blogs, find healthy recipes and give myself treats to stay focused. My biggest thing right now are blueberry muffins, which I allow myself to eat once every two weeks.

 Few tips:

• Eating healthy is half the battle. Exercising is key to losing/maintaining weight.
• Cottage cheese. It's an excellent source of protein, especially for us vegetarians
• Kale. I know I've blogged about it before but I can't get enough
• Buying a new vegetable every week and finding different ways to cook it.
• My FitnessPal - keeping track of what you eat makes you realise how most of us over-eat
• Eating only wholegrain products. I don't eat much bread, but when I do, I love the Bavarian Bread.
• Staying out of the aisle in the grocery store.
• Drinking LOTS of water. They say you can often confuse hunger with thirst. Next time you're hungry, try drinking a tall glass of water and wait 30 minutes.
• Bringing my lunch to work.
• And the obvious, veggies, fruits etc etc..

Now I'm sitting at 135lbs and I'm proud to say I've almost reached my goal. I still have another 10lbs  to lose and I plan to keep my trainer for another year. I will wear a bikini this summer. I am determined. Making this public, I feel like I now HAVE to stick to it (which I had already planned to do).

Special thanks to Nathalie Lebeau for inspiring me to write about my journey (my blog is usually about fashion and beauty; I figured one post about my personal life can't hurt).  Keep it up girl!

 September 2010- 170lbs    ------  February 2012 - 145lbs

Confessions of a nail polish addict pt2.

I have made my nail polish addiction quite public. The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. Well, no recovery for this girl. Misa has recently come out with a spring/summer limited edition line called Precious Moments.

NEED, WANT, MUST HAVE.

You're probably thinking "you have all these colors already". Sure, I probably do, but who's really keeping track? Anyway, I decided against buying the entire collection right off the bat. I will do it gradually this time. Well, I'm off to rehab again. Sigh.

Kale. Say what?

I say Kale, you say who? Kale is a form of cabbage and one of the healthiest leafy vegetable out there. While trying to find snack alternatives, I fell upon an easy kale chips recipe. It takes 20 minutes to make and about 1 minute to eat (they are that delicious).

What you will need:
- 2 cups of kale
- 1 tsp of extra virgin olive oil (varies depending on how much kale you're using)
- 1 pinch of sea salt  (I tried a batch with cumin powder for an extra kick, it was very good!)

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F, wash about two cups of kale with a salad spinner and lay out the dry kale on a cookie sheet.  Drizzle olive oil and salt on the kale (or mix everything in a bowl if you don't mind more dishes).  Bake for approx. 15-20 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Remove from oven and let them cool.

(A cup of kale has approx 36 calories so don't feel guilty about "not eating just one").

Here you have it folks! A healthy snack alternative. I even brought some to the movies this week. (Make sure you check your teeth after savouring these).

Tracker helper.

Now that I am entering a new workout phase with my trainer, I'm required to bring in a food diary for nutrition counselling. How on earth am I supposed to keep track of everything? Well, thank goodness for Smartphones.

My fitnesspal is probably the best app for weight management. It keeps track of my food intake AND my exercise circuits (while telling me that the cupcake I ate was not the ideal choice).  It gives you daily reports and lets you add in your own recipes ( may I add it calculates the nutritional info FOR YOU).

For those in the same boat as me, have a look! It's easy to navigate and extremely helpful. Customise it however you wish and update it daily from either your Smartphone or your computer.

Interface example, not my diary.

I see Etsy.

Finally got my Etsy purchase.

Came in the cutest box.

OPI - Hot & Spicy (new fave)

Esty Handmade Jewelry- 20$ - Sterling Silver

Happy shopping!

Pandora's box.

No, this post will not be about creating evil that cannot be undone. This post will be about jewelry. You're probably thinking "oh no, here she goes again with her bling"- well, you're right.

This weekend was my birthday, and my friends split on a wonderful gift - a Pandora charm bracelet. Although the hipster in me prefers to stray away from mainstream trends, I have to say, I really love it.

So far, I have two "stoppers" and two charms. I got the "E" with the bracelet and I recently purchased the Journey Charm which represents all the bumps in the road.

As I was leaving the store, I told the sales lady "I'll be back" (there's a retailer right next door...at both jobs).  I may need to start going to SA meetings.

Bling Bug.

Golds and silvers and bronze oh my! And I'm not referring to the Olympics. Lately I am all about the bling. A ring on every finger? Why not. Mixing up chromes? Sure. The sky is the limit. (Use your own judgement, I'm sure in some cases "less is more"...)

Below are a few looks I absolutely love:

Nothing says spring like pastels!

A little DIY project perhaps?

oh so fab.

A little close to the fine line..maybe a little much.

Orange/coral is supposed to be this years biggest color.

lovely.

I think you catch my drift.