Month: January 2016

Marshmallow Popcorn Treats

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Marshmallow Popcorn Squares
Marshmallow Popcorn Squares

Do you have a favorite treat from when you were a kid?  I have lots because I have a very sweet tooth!  One that I remember making a lot is Marshmallow Treats. ‘Rice Krispies Squares’ or ‘Marshmallow Squares’ are other names for these delicious snacks.  Whatever the name, these treats remind me of my childhood and simpler times.

Invented by Mildred Day, an employee at Kellogg’s, and her co-worker Malitta Jensen in 1939, Marshmallow Treats’ popularity grew when they were suggested in response to a fundraising request to Kellogg’s.  By 1940, the recipe was advertised by Kellogg’s and has been a big hit ever since.  And, by the 1990’s, these bars were a packaged good widely available on grocery store shelves.

Marshmallow Popcorn Squares
Marshmallow Popcorn Squares

When I was in grade school, I took a cooking activity where we made these easy and yummy Marshmallow Treats.  I remember asking my parents to buy marshmallow creme and marshmallows all the time so I could make these whenever I wanted.

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Navy Suede Ankle Boots By Paul Smith

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Paul Smith Kendall Boot
Navy Suede Boots by Paul Smith

In my last post, I introduced you to one of my favorite shoe stores in Toronto, Studio D Shoe Boutique.

Today I’m showing you the cool ankle boots that I got there.

I’ve been looking for a pair of navy casual boots for some time now, but the color navy is hard to find.  Usually you are looking at a sea of black and brown boots when you go shopping, although navy has become more popular over the last couple of years.  It was really big this past fall.  And, it’s usually big in the spring.

Paul Smith Kendall Boot
Navy Suede Boots With Orange Grips
Paul Smith Kendall Boot

These Paul Smith ankle boots are so stylish that even my kids complimented me the first time I wore them.  I’m not sure if it’s the in-set stacked heel, the height of the boot, the suede/leather combo, or the cool orange grips on the sole.  If you live in the land of snow and ice, these grips also add a safety element.

Paul Smith is a British designer known for designing ‘classics with a twist’, meaning taking classic styles and infusing them with some quirkly details.  For example, this could mean taking a classic tweed material and making it with unexpected colors.

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Studio D Shoe Boutique: Europe in Toronto

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Studio D Shoe Boutique
Shoe Wall at Studio D Shoe Boutique

By now, you probably know that I love the color navy, celebrating with family and friends, baking, and shopping.  What you may not know is that I especially love shoes.  I’m always looking for stores that carry high quality shoes and exclusive brands.

Studio D Shoe Boutique in Toronto is one of these boutiques.

Derrick Adams, the owner and visionary behind the store, opened Studio D in the Spring of 2015 in the north Toronto neighborhood of Yonge and Eglinton.  Nestled among boutiques where many local residents walk to pick up coffee, groceries, stationery, clothing, and pet food, Studio D is a shoe lover’s dream.

Studio D Shoe Boutique at Yonge & Eglinton in Toronto
Studio D Shoe Boutique

Upon entering Studio D, you feel like you are in a peaceful place.  The floors are a light beige hardwood, the walls blue, and the shelving mainly glass or suspended.  There are featured paintings (for sale by the artist) on the walls and a sitting area in the back, with a couch, chairs, a coffee table, and an espresso machine.  You feel like you can stay a while, chat with Derrick, try on shoes, admire the art, and sip your coffee.

Derrick opened Studio D after more than 20 years in the shoe business including time at Zola Shoes and Holt Renfrew.  As the owner, every day is different and offers the chance to be involved in all aspects of the business, from the buying trips to the merchandising and from the business side to building client relationships. Continue reading →

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Mixing Things Up With A Sweater Vest

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Sweater Vest
Mixing Things Up With A Sweater Vest

Ever get tired of wearing sweaters all winter long?  Have you tried a sweater vest to mix things up?

I own a couple of sweater vests and I love them because they can be worn in many ways: on their own, over a tucked shirt, or over an untucked shirt.  They can be worn with pants, jeans, leggings, skirts, and even dresses. Sometimes you just want to see more variety in what you wear, right?

Sweater VestSleeveless or short-sleeved sweater vests are a simple and great addition to a winter wardrobe.  Here’s what vests can do for your wardrobe:

  • Add color, texture, elegance, and interest
  • Add warmth and layering without the bulk of a sweater
  • Can easily be taken off if one gets too warm
  • Be thin enough to wear under a suit jacket
  • Make packing easier by providing an extra outfit option during travel
  • Change the look of a pant or skirt outfit
  • Be worn on their own if short-sleeved

In these photos, I’m wearing a short-sleeved sweater vest over a jersey oxford shirt, making it easier for the vest to lie smooth.  The purple color of the vest adds interest to an otherwise plain white shirt.  And, the vest is wool and cashmere, which adds warmth. Continue reading →

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Frozen Fruit Smoothies – Even in Winter!

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Frozen Fruit Smoothie
Frozen Fruit Smoothie

In my post on New Year’s resolutions, I said that I’d publish a post on frozen fruit smoothies.  Here it is!  Because eating more fruit is one of my resolutions, fruit smoothies are an easy way to meet this goal.

This time of year in Canada it can be hard to get fresh fruit that tastes good and is reasonably priced.  Of course, to keep your diet varied, you treat yourself to your favorite fruits from time to time.  Mine are pineapples and mangoes.

But, if you don’t buy as many fruits in the winter, or you find yourself not finishing what you’ve bought, then consider the option of freezing leftover fruits and making smoothies.  You can buy frozen fruits at the store but, by freezing unused fruits, I’m trying to accomplish another resolution, which is to waste less food.

Fresh Fruit to be Frozen in Glass Dish
Loosen Frozen Fruit with a Knife
Frozen Fruit

Here’s what I do.

Any fresh fruit that hasn’t been eaten within a few days of being ripe gets cut up and put in a glass dish in the freezer overnight.  I seem to have ripe bananas, pineapples, and strawberries left over the most. When I take the fruit out, I let it sit for a few minutes, then use a knife to loosen the fruit and store it in a freezer bag.  Voila: unwasted fruit and fresh smoothie material!

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A Leather Jacket – Finally!

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IMG_3117
Navy leather jacket

Leather jackets have always been an interesting clothing option for me, mainly because I’m always cold and I didn’t think I could wear one for more than a few days a year here in Canada.

But, I changed my mind when I finally found a leather jacket that I loved.  It’s navy, of course, and it’s pretty classic and simple.  I think most people own one leather jacket that they love and keep for years.  I plan on keeping mine for a long time.

So far this fall and winter, it’s been relatively mild and people continue to wear their leather jackets well into the season.

Here’s what I like about mine:

  • It can be dressed up and worn out to dinner
  • Or, it can be dressed down and worn to a sports event or concert
  • The jacket looks great with jeans and a plain t-shirt underneath – that quickly put-together, relaxed look
  • The jacket can be worn all year round with either a t-shirt, an oxford, or a light sweater
  • The classic look of this jacket will be in style for years to come

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My New Year’s Resolutions for 2016

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New Year's Resolutions
New Year’s Resolutions

Happy New Year!!

The beginning of a new year is when many people set New Year’s resolutions.

Admittedly, I don’t usually set resolutions on New Year’s Day because I make resolutions all year long.  Maybe that’s a good thing, maybe not.  Either way, January is as good a time as any to think about positive changes.

Here are 5 New Year’s resolutions that will make a difference for me:

New Year's Resolutions
New Year’s Resolutions

Get More Sleep
I used to sleep from 10pm to 6am every night.  That’s a solid 8 hours.  I felt great because I could get more done in the early hours of the day when it was quiet at home and on the roads. Since my second child was born, I haven’t been very successful and am lucky to get 6 hours.

I’m sure you have heard about many studies and statistics on getting more sleep.  I like Dr. Oz’s tips and website.  I know that getting more sleep will make me a more patient mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend.  My biggest challenge will come with getting to bed as early as possible because I seem to get up around 5:30 no matter how hard I try to sleep in later than that. If I had to choose only one New Year’s resolution, it would be to sleep. Continue reading →

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