Tuesday, November 29, 2011

5 ideas to help your creative spirit


Recently, I've hit a wall with my research and I've found that taking an active break has been really helpful. Rather than checking facebook, I've been trying to use my brain in other ways, such as solving a puzzle, drawing, playing a game, and tactile activities. Here are some ideas:

{1} Cubebot from Chapters/Indigo - Bend and shape cubebot in between your moments of inspiration.

{2} 24 colour pencils from DeSerres - I learn best when I underline and highlight with colours.

{3} Fingerstache Temporary Tattoo from Chapters/Indigo - (in honour of movember)

{4} Buckyballs - I love trying to create different shapes with these magnetic balls.

{5} X-750 Space Pen from Essence du Papier - Write your thoughts anywhere (-34C to 121C, through grease, underwater, and even upside down!)

Friday, November 25, 2011

sauce, noodles, cheese, repeat



On our most recent road trip, we tried to order the new "lasagna casserole" at three different Tim Hortons, but we were denied this culinary delight. I decided to whip up a real lasagna to satisfy this craving. [Recipe and more info after the jump.]

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

"It's a winter wonderland..."



Yesterday I was feeling a little down. I managed to go for a run, my first this year in subzero temperatures. Everything seemed so grey and bleak and the upcoming winter seemed to loom in the future without an end.

This morning we woke up to the first snowfall at our new place. I stayed in bed under the cozy duvet a little longer than normal watching the snowflakes fall. I felt the same excitement that I experienced each year growing up. There is nothing quite like the world transforming overnight.


It's amazing how something seemingly so small can change one's entire perspective. I'll try to capture some more shots today on my way to work. Happy winter everyone!

Monday, November 21, 2011

Shanks' pony



As the temperature plummets and the days get shorter and shorter, the last thing on your mind might be getting up close and personal with mother nature. I admit that I have been accused of being a fair-weather outdoorsmanonly making an effort to be active when it's sunny and warm. The question is: do we want to let our muscles atrophy and to look back on our lives with bitterness and regret?

[more after the jump...]

Friday, November 18, 2011

6 ways to infuse colour into your grey, November work

1. Ljusas Uvas blue table lamp from Ikea
2. Retro pen set from Chapters/Indigo
3. Bella leather mousepads from See Jane Work
4. Red-Feather canvas pencil case from Chapters/Indigo
5. Gaiam Tree of Life printed water bottle from Chapters/Indigo
6. On the Wing sticky notes from Anthropologie

I have been known to be a little bit afraid of bright and colourful things. One of my friends actually made me promise to stop buying grey clothing because I had such a problem! Lately, I've been trying to include pops of colour and I'm loving turning the mundane into whimsical fun. There are so many ways to brighten your workspace and your life.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

The lazy man's chocolate cake: good in a pinch



Have you heard of this mythical 5-minute chocolate cake? Yes, it does exist and it's not as bad as you might think. Last night I was having a particularly grueling time making graphs for an upcoming presentation. I turned to what has become one of my standard first-aid remedies for a chocolate craving: cake in a mug. Recipe and more info after the jump.

Photo credit

Monday, November 14, 2011

Brunch... need I say more?

Montrealers are serious about brunch.  I've witnessed people wait in line at a local diner for hours in the snow in the dead of winter. No joke!

Maybe you've had a friend ask if you want to go for brunch, but turned them down because you have too much to do, you're on a budget, or [insert excuse here]? Trust me, embrace the ritual. I promise you'll be even more productive afterwards and you won't have to take on another tutoring gig to pay for it.

My brunch buddy and I found out that a nearby cafe actually does a really decent brunch. The food was fantastic, quick, and reasonably priced. I felt rejuvenated from the socializing and great atmosphere. Check around to see if you have a hidden gem in your neighbourhood too!


Oatmeal with yogurt and cooked peaches

Poached eggs with jalapeno salsa and swiss cheese

Friday, November 11, 2011

6 practical (and chic) ideas for revamping your office

1. Gregor swivel chair from Ikea
2. Barometer work lamp from Ikea
3. Horn Oval Dish from Chapters/Indigo
4. Modern Geometry pencil holder from Sorting with Style
5. Grid small file base from EQ3
6. Lightening 7 Year Pen from Chapters/Indigo

No one said that your work zone had to be boring or that style couldn't also be functional. I work better with an uncluttered desk, especially when I'm surrounded by items that I love. Inspiration can come from anywhere!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

You can win friends with salad!

I have fond memories of my mother serving salad Niçoise for dinner in the heat of summer. It was filling, full of flavour, and contained lots of colours and textures. I always wondered if salad was an acceptable main in the non-summer seasons (I'm reminded of classic Simpsons and Seinfeld references).

Recently, my partner and I were sick of our regular meals and we wanted something healthy and quick. Et voilà!



Monday, November 7, 2011

Make your bedroom your sanctuary

We moved, along with the rest of Montreal, on July 1.  We love almost everything about the new place, but the bedroom colour really started to get to me.

Bedroom July 1
As the days started to get shorter and shorter, the dark green became more intense. The colour, aptly named "bovine fecal green" or "the armpit of despair" (yes, those are exact quotes), started to take on a life of its own. It haunted me in my dreams. [Click to read more]

Upgrade your pizza

We all have those cravings. Yes, those delivery pizza cravings. For me, I have a history of ordering either Pizza Pizza hawaiian with garlic dipping sause or Domino's supreme with a side-order of cheesy bread whenever I'm having one of those weeks, you know what I mean. My better half loves to keep frozen pizzas on hand and I often give in to the ease of the Delissio.

But this decadence comes at a cost. You are reduced to a bloated whale-like zombie, laying on the couch in a food coma with grease emitting through your pores. Trust me, we all deserve better.

Enter the homemade creation. You've earned this after hours of grading, editing, and readings. Yes, you have! [More after the jump]