Summer is quickly passing us by and sometimes I can’t believe that September is just around the corner. I don’t know about you but there’s something about summer where I strive to eat more fruit and salads.

I’ve also tried to take advantage of this fitness track which is 100 ft from me.

At the same time, I must admit that some not-so-good habits have occurred. For example, I definitely ate way more than I should have at a recent cottage weekend, (but it was worth it). I also know that while watching The French Open and Wimbledon, I snacked even though I wasn’t hungry at all. #argghh.

The good news is that we can all refocus and get back on track!! September offers a fresh start and a chance to get back to healthy living. This can sound like a daunting task, but I’ve got a few tips to share that I know are going to help me form some healthy habits. Hope they help you too!!!

1. SLEEP: I don’t know about you but i’m always pushing the limit and going to bed about an hour too late. I know that I function better with the right amount of sleep so I really have to make this a priority.

2. VITAMINS: Trying to select the right vitamins and supplements for a healthier lifestyle can be overwhelming. However Jamieson Essentials makes it easy by identifying four products that best meet the health needs of Canadians.

With over 100 years of experience, Jamieson’s team of experts have done the work for you and have identified Multivitamin, Omega-3, Probiotics and Vitamin D as the four products Canadians should take EVERY DAY as a foundation for a healthier living. I couldn’t agree more and really do believe this.

3. EATING HABITS: I have to be more mindful of “why” I’m eating and “what” I’m choosing. I must. It’s not easy but It can be done, right?

4. EXERCISE: I’ve been wearing my Samsung Gearfit and I can’t believe how much I’m enjoying it. This watch really does remind me how active I am or how inactive I am. (which happens!!)

Here’s to a healthier Fall Season. Let’s embrace the colours, cooler temperatures and the seasonal produce as well!!

For more information:

Website; www.Jamiesonvitamins.com

Spring is here. (I think)

Last week, I was checking out beautiful cherry blossom trees.

But today I wore a winter jacket. (no photo – its just too upsetting). However when you walk into Lowe’s – you definitely know its Spring!!

The Style & Trends team has prepared a wonderful Spring/Summer line of spring outdoor decorating solutions. I’m all for spending more time OUTDOORS than INDOORS when it comes to these two seasons.

This year, Style and Trends Director Cindy Jardim, has designed four collections which are exclusive to Lowe’s Canada. (Gracious Living, Cuban Cool, Renewed Formality, Metro Modern).

Each collection was created with the goals of empowering consumer creativity and increasing comfort levels with design.

Lowe’s has also  introduced melamine serving and dishware this year! This serving dish makes me smile and would certainly be a conversation piece around a table.

I don’t know what it is about melamine dishwater but I’m always drawn towards it. P

Seriously, Lowe’s has you covered when it comes to Spring/Summer outdoor living.

Happy Shopping!!

For more information: 

Website: www.lowes.ca

Instagram and Twitter: @Lowes_Canada

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/LowesCanada/

Disclosure: Lowe’s provided me with a gift card however all opinions are my own

 

I’ve heard of a Man Cave before but I’ve never heard of a She-Shed till I attended the Lowes Spring/Summer Media Preview.

The concept of a She-Shed is nothing short of brilliant. A relaxing shed designed for women – complete with soothing colours, comfy pillows and magazines.

It took me a nano second to jump into the she-shed and make myself comfortable.

At the preview I noticed a few other items that are now on my “dream-list”. For example, this rectangular fireplace caught my attention.

Also, this fire pit which is perfect for making amores.  #want

Not to mention this STUNNING cabana.

Patio trends for the 2016 season include: Nautical, Natural Beauty, Culture Trek and Recolonial. Please click on this link here to find out more about Patio Trends at Lowe’s.

Also feel free to follow them on social media!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lowes_Canada

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lowes_canada/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LowesCanada/

Hashtag: #EscapetoLowes

 

I think Spring is around the corner! 🙂  There’s evidence that the snow is melting and this makes me smile!!

I’m also happy to report that Spring has arrived at Loblaws too! Soon you will see these gorgeous Spring items on the shelves. I don’t know about you but I really think PC, Life at Home and Everyday Essential products, nail it when it comes to price point and design.

I have a feeling know I will be purchasing these items, very very soon!

Here’s a few items that are on my wish list:

a) Yes – these plates have my name on them!  Sooo pretty. Soooo colourful.

b) See this black table? Well it’s $69 and the perfect size for my balcony. Not to mention it will come in handy as a buffet when I entertain.

c) This water bottle is the perfect size for me to DRINK MORE WATER. I love the handle, the size of it, the giant straw and the fact that it will keep my water cool too.

d) Last but not least, I adore this platter. It’s perfect for taco night.  Each container will soon be filled with sour cream, chopped lettuce, salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese and black beans.

Hope you have as much fun shopping for PC products or Life at Home products as I will.

See you at the Real Canadian Superstore!!

 

 

 

This Sample Sale only opens to the public twice a year and it’s well worth visiting. Seriously.

Advantages:

1. You get the chance to buy your clothes 6 months in advance. This means, when I go to the sample sale in November, I’m buying my Spring clothes and when Spring (finally) arrives….I’m set to go.

2. You save $$$. Lots of it. Sample Sale prices are  wholesale.

3. You will always look unique as there is only ONE of each item at the Sample Sale. I have only bumped into two people in 8 years who were wearing the same piece I had bought at the sample sale (sadly…they bought it retail at a very different price).

4. It’s held in a showroom where the staff are super friendly and knowledgeable. I love asking them for advice and they have never steered me wrong.

Disadvantages:

1. Sample Sales are best suited if you are a size 6, 8, or a 10.

2. A lot of people can’t get their head around the fact that they are buying Spring Clothes in the Winter or their Winter Clothes in the Spring. I have no problem with this. (clearly)

Here’s a small example of SOME of the clothes I purchased in November 2011. (click here for more photos of what I purchased)

Here’s a few of the WINTER merchandise I bought in April 2012. It’s hard to see the details of these blouses and sweaters but trust me….there’s detail. I bought another 6 pieces but I didn’t want to take too many selfies and I didn’t want to bore you.

This years sample sale is taking place on Monday Nov. 11th, Tuesday Nov. 12,  & Wednesday Nov 13. All the details you need to know can be found on the flyer below.

I will be there on Monday morning at 10 am sharp. Hope to see you there too.

 

I’ve decided NOT to post about a recipe or a restaurant or even what I ate in Buffalo. I know you are in shock. But you see…I’m fed up with the rain. I have a bunch of outfits that I bought in November that I really, really, really, want to wear! However the weather is SIMPLY not cooperating.

Remember that sample sale that I go to twice a year for the last 8 years? Well these outfits are from that famous sample sale!!

So allow me to be a fashion blogger …just this once. LOL.

More..

And more…

There’s more outfits  but I didn’t want to bore you. Plus it was exhausting trying on all these outfits.

The May sample sale will soon be coming up in May and of course I will let you know the dates K?

Must sign off. I need to study the weather patterns for the next week in the event I can wear one of the above outfits!!

It’s Spring(well at least sometimes it feels like Spring) and I’m in the mood to cook with bright green vegetables!! This recipe is based on a standard pesto recipe but instead of JUST using basil, the recipe includes a cup of green peas. I was intrigued so I tried it. You will notice that it’s  slightly sweeter and has a different texture. I think it’s a keeper. (not all recipes are keepers by the way).

GREEN PEA PESTO (from AllRecipes.com)

 

As I was running the Toronto Half Marathon, I couldn’t help but notice (when I wasn’t staring at the pavement), that everything was a spectacular color of green. The trees, the shrubs, the grass…do you know what I mean? It really is pretty out there at the moment.

Looking at all those shades of green for over 2 hours, made me want to make something green. So I did.

Here’s a quick and easy recipe for Pea and Basil Soup that I found on the the Food Network website.

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

1 small onion, diced

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper

4 1/2 cups frozen peas

3/4 cup chopped basil leaves

2 cups chicken broth (I used  1 cup fresh vegetable stock and 1 cup water)

2 cups cream (I chose not to add cream seeing as I’m lactose intolerant)

4-6 very thin slices of fresh mozzarella cheese (oops didnt have this on hand)

1/4 cups diced roasted red bell peppers (jarred is fine…oops didnt have this either).

Directions:

Place a medium soup pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil, butter, onions, garlic, salt and pepper.

Cook until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the peas and basil and heat until the peas are thawed.

Place the pea mixture in a blender. (I used a Cuisinart). Add one cup of the chicken broth and pulse until pureed, adding more broth if necessary.

Return the pureed mixture to the pot. Stir in the remaining chicken broth and cream. Return the pan to pan medium heat and cook until hot but not boiling. Garnish with mozarella and the roasted red peppers. (I chose to eliminate this step).

I love soups that are vibrant green (like this soup) to serve in the spring or the summer.

I bet it would be delicious served cold too.

Are you cooking green foods at the moments? fiddle heads perhaps? or asparagus? Do share.

Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Connector Program and I receive special perks as part of the affiliation with this group. The opinion on this blog our my own.

We all know that spring is around the corner, despite the rain, the snow and the freezing rain that we have had over the weekend!! I’m pleased to announce that Taste of Cheese has offered to sponsor my next contest to get us ready for Spring!!

I’m thrilled…as CHEESE is a huge part of my life. I can pass an ice cream store, I can pass a chocolate store but I simply can’t pass a cheese store. I have even gone to  cheese classes!! (beer and cheese always being a fav. class)  and checked out a variety of grilled cheese sandwiches in Toronto.

Now let’s talk about Taste of Cheese!

Taste of Cheese is awesome for any cheese lover . Each month, they select 5 exciting and unique cheeses that are included in a Monthly Taster Box. Plus you will receive cheese descriptions and tasting notes! All this gets delivered right to your doorstep. Isn’t that the best?

When I saw that Taste of Cheese participated in Wagjag– I bought two coupons immediately.  This type of coupon will certainly come in handy as a birthday present for some friends I have who love cheese.

Please take a peek at their website by clicking here: Taste of Cheese. They have an awesome blog and you can read more about their fantastic corporate gift boxes, charcuterie, and more.  You can also follow them on twitter: @tasteofcheese.

Here’s the Contest Rules:

a) The contest is simple. All you have to do is answer the following question: what is your favorite cheese?

b) The winner will receive a custom designed taster box, which has 3 cheeses, a box of crackers and fig spread. YUM. (app. value..$50)

c) The contest will run from March 6th and will close at midnite on March 20th, 2011.  This contest is open to any Canadian resident and one lucky winner will be selected using www.random.org.

d) The winner has one week to reply to me with their complete name/address. If I don’t hear from the winner, another winner will be selected.

Hope this contest helps the next two weeks go by …till its actually Spring. Can’t wait.