3 treats

Sharing a decadent dessert (fried waffle with ice cream and caramel syrup) with 2 lovely ladies

Seeing happiness and inspiration in unexpected places

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A place for everything and everything in its place

1) OXO utensil organizer from the Bay
2) LUNS writing/magnetic board from Ikea
3) SLOM jar with lid from Ikea
4) Drinn wall mounted cell phone holder from Zone
5) Knape & Vogt spice drawer insert from Home Depot

I wanted to do a post showing before and after photos of some organizational projects I have on the go. Right now, the extent of the post would be before and midway. I'm having a little trouble... Unlike one of the bloggers I read, I cannot simply hire a personal organizer to tackle some of these issues. [Click to read more]

Kid food for adults: macaroni and cheese

Today is your lucky day because I've decided to share one of my prized recipes. When I moved out of residence for my second year of university, I asked my mom for some of her recipes and her homemade macaroni and cheese was on the top of the list. Over the years I've adapted it a little bit, but its essence is retained; it's comforting, wholesome, and delicious. [Click to read more]

Cabernets and Pinots and Malbecs! Oh my!

When choosing wines last week for a birthday dinner, I realized that I've reached that important stage in one's life when one ought to know a few things about wine. I believe my first education on the subject occurred while while watching "Sideways," see clip here (and, consciously or not, I've never bought Merlot since then). There's definitely room for improvement!

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Rub a dub dub

It's been such a busy week! My back was sore from all of the hours spent baking and cleaning. I just started a pretty intense exercise regimen, but I've also been spending a lot of time in front of the computer. Needless to say, I was feeling pretty tired this weekend. I've been searching for a spa or massage package from Groupon, but unless you are looking for botox injections, cellulite reductions, or helicopter rides (seriously, what is going on?), it really isn't much help!

I decided that I could make my own little spa getaway, right in the comfort of my own home. Welcome to the oasis. [Click to read more]

Let them eat cake! (updated)

Unfortunately, this won't be a post about how I made this magnificent cake pictured above. My experience baking yesterday should serve as a useful example of what you should *not* do on your quest to treat yourself and those nearest and dearest to you.

For every success in the kitchen, I probably have 3-5 near disasters.  My problem is usually 3 fold: [read on]

Inspiration boards

Lately I've been organizing my ideas with inspiration boards. Using websites like pinterest, one can create a "virtual pinboard," which is kind of like a scrapbook or bulletin board with digital photos instead of magazine clippings. I love being able to compile all of the beautiful images I've collected from web searching and share with family and friends.

Here are two colour schemes for our fall wedding that I've been considering. I've also been making inspiration boards for decorating ideas, home projects, and even recipes. I've really been inspired by the community of "pinners,"especially their pins of bold colours and contrasting textures.

This creative organization of my hobbies has influenced my approach to graduate research as well and I feel refreshed for the work ahead. Awesome.

Photo credits: here and here

Happy New Year

Winter is finally here, the holidays are over, and 2012 is in full swing! I'm excited about all of the events upcoming this year. We have some big birthdays coming up, my fiance is finishing his degree, and we have a wedding to plan. What a fantastic year ahead. Stay tuned!