Etsy pt 2.

I try to check my e-mails, I end up on Etsy. Try to write a blog, Etsy.  Try to do my work, again on Etsy. It's too easy and the fact that they remember my credit card information is dangerous. Help.

But honestly, how great is it. '' I want a homemade looking thing that I don't actually have to make''. Etsy. ''I want a piece of driftwood with assorted knobs to hang my necklaces''. Etsy. ''I want a geometric Deer Head to mount on my wall''. Etsy. ''I want triangle everything and monogram earrings''. Etsy.

Can someone please stop me?

Handmade Wooden Decorative Board

HobKnobbing Shop - Etsy

Triangle Necklace

Jewelry VV store - Etsy

Geometric Deer Head

DearestBambi Shop - Etsy

iPhone Case

icozycraft store - Etsy

treat YO self.

I am a recovering nail-biter who's currently experiencing a little bit of a relapse. I don't really know how it happened, but ever since my move to Toronto, I've been falling back to my old nail biting habits. It's not like they're delicious, au contraire it's actually really gross. BUT I CAN'T stop. This isn't a solution, but an excuse to get a manicure. It was a TREAT YO SELF day (inspired by Tom and Donna from P&R). Mani pedi? Yes please.

Stiletto Gel Manicure - 40$ - HardRock Nails - Toronto

I had wanted to try the stiletto nail trend (or Mountain Top as they call it here) for quite some time. It takes some getting used to, not gonna lie (typing is suddenly really hard). But overall, I am pretty pleased.

* disclaimer - FYI I don't bite my toenails.

Throwback Tacos.

Ric and I are 85% vegan. Well, he is. I have the occasional burg. We recently purchased a vegan cookbook called Isa Does It. I can't even get over how easy and amazing these recipes are. Plus, almost every recipe gives you gluten free alternatives. Highly recommend it. It has restored my absolute love for cooking. Yesterday evening I was in a really crabby (ha) mood and as soon as I started cooking, I felt better. I could have also just been really hangry. Who knows.

Obviously we made Tacos for dinner. I think I'm obsessed. We also had them for dinner Sunday. Oh and maybe even for lunch on Monday. Maybe. We've made the Ancho Lentil Tacos, Chipotle-Oyster Mushroom Tacos and Curry Tofu Tacos With Pintos & Kale Slaw and they are all amazing. You can find the recipe for the Acho Tacos below. Maybe you should buy the cookbook to find out the rest!

Ancho Lentil Tacos (adapted from Isa Does It)

2 teaspoons olive oil (I used Coconut Oil)
1 small onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 1/2 cups cooked lentils
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons hot sauce (I used Sriracha)
Spice mix:
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons ground chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt (or regular salt)


Instructions 
Combine all of the ingredients for the spice mix and set aside. You may need to add a bit of water as you cook.

Preheat a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Sautée the onion and garlic in the oil with a pinch of salt for about 3 minutes, until lightly browned. Add spices and toss them for 30 seconds or so to toast.

Lower heat to medium, add lentils, a few splashes of water, tomato paste and hot sauce; use a spatula or a masher to mash them a bit as they cook, until they hold together. Do this for about 5 minutes, adding splashes of water as necessary if it appears dry. Taste for salt and seasoning; you may want to add more spices or hot sauce.

To garnish, I made homemade salsa and guacamole (recipe below). You can also garnish with any kind leafy greens, we used arugula.

Salsa mix:
2 cups seeded, chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup of fresh cilantro (just the leaves, chopped)
6 cloves fresh chopped garlic
1/2 a yellow onion chopped
1 jalapeno, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
about 1 tablespoon lime juice
Preparation:
Mix all ingredients until well incorporated and refrigerate.

Guacamole mix:
1 avocado
3 cloves garlic
1-2 tsp of lemon juice
half a medium tomato
1 green onion
salt and pepper
Preparation:
Mix all together in a food processor. You may need to add more lemon juice, or salt and pepper. All depends on your taste palate!

On being an introvert.

I always considered myself as an extrovert - an easy, outgoing, adventurous person. Upon further reflection, I realise I am not. I am, if anything, the furthest thing from. I am just really good at hiding it.

Hello, my name is Emilie and I am an introvert. Here's why:

• I dislike talking on the phone. If there is an e-mail option available you can guarantee that I am all over it. This includes calling to make appointments, order food or even calling friends. I hate it. 
• I hate shopping with people. I would much prefer to be by myself. 
• I always pretend to text during awkward alone moments at gatherings. 
• I have to be completely alone after a weekend of socialising. I need to recharge that social battery.
• I don't like small talk. I don't really like talking when I don't have anything to say. I'm more of a sit back and listen type. The worst is when I go home and visit. I mostly hide out to avoid bumping into somebody that I used to know (cue music aha).
• I hate having to introduce myself at social gatherings, especially when there are icebreaker games involved. GASP.

This comic by Gemma Correll pretty much sums it up. 

I wish more people spent the time to do the research to fully understand the difference between being an extrovert and an introvert. Being an introvert is not being shy, quiet, awkward and indifferent. It's that we introverts gain our energy from within, while the extroverts are charged up by people, places and stimuli outside of them. Take a test. You might be surprised.

Time and time again.

I feel pretty badass wearing this watch. Too bad I can't really tell what time it is. As the women who sold it to me said "just look at your phone". Great sales lady.

Nixon Canon - Men's watch -175$