"Funny Girls and Dynamic Divas" Get your tickets now - May 26th!

Hello my fellow readers,

Last year I helped volunteer for this event when I got laid off and this year I'm sitting on the event committee. It is such a fun and amazing event but more importantly, for a great cause. It is the Gala Fundraiser Funny Girls and Dynamic Diva's. Our annual host Elvira Kurt is phenomenal (Google her if you are not familiar with her) and the rest of the talent are always awesome, local Toronto Diva's.

You will nibble on delicious hor's d'oevres, you will laugh, there is a fabulous silent auction and really the best spent $75 around.
Best of all, you will be supporting and raising money for Sistering and directly supporting the 1000's of homeless, under housed, and socially isolated women who attend our Drop-In's.

Please come and bring a friend!!
Looking forward to seeing you there.

You can get tickets directly through me. If you're interested, please let me know.

You can also get tickets by ordering through the St. Lawrence Centre box office at (416) 366-7723, www.stlc.com or at the Sistering office
(416)926-9762 ext. 243.

A tribute, the gaga icon of style: Alexander McQueen will live on.

It makes me so sad whenever I hear about a suicide. A life is precious, no matter whose it is.  Most recently the fashion icon and designer Alexander McQueen found hanging in his apartment in London, February 11th, 2010.

I was first acquainted with such a horrible (first hand) experience when I was sixteen. One of my summer camp friends, the sweetest funniest guy in the world, decided to take his own life. An experience I don't care to recollect and the largest funeral I have ever been to in my life, to date.  It is something that stays with you forever.  I can only imagine how all of Alexander's friends, family, and the many people whose lives he touched during his own short lived one.

It is difficult to see the positive in such a dreary situation as this, however I will at least make mention to the fact that the McQueen did leave a legend behind him and a huge fan base that will long remember and love him. As we all know Sarah Jessica Parker was a massive fan.

along with Victoria Beckham, Rihanna, Nicole Kidman, Drew Barrymore and of course Lady Gaga.

  Sarah was often seen in his lovely fantastical creations as perhaps Lady Gaga was his personal muse and recently used his work in her latest video "Bad Romance".

He is as synonymous as Louboutin & Manolo Blanik was to Sex and the City.  I hope the latest movie this summer pays a tribute to his work.  He will be missed.

Back to the classics... thanks for the inspiration Audrey!

I'm not sure what it is but I wouldn't call it the "February Blues" just yet. That usually comes towards the end of the month right around the time of my birthday and the really bitchin bad ass weather! I shouldn't really complain since we have barely seen snow and there have been some lovely sunny days in between the grey. But it's still winter and let's face it we eat heavier comfort foods, feel the need to sleep much more and generally dread having to go most places when we don't have to. (Or at least that's how I've often feel about winter).  At the end of the day, I just haven't been banging out my posts like I thought I would.  I have been super busy  preoccupied as of late with quite a few projects (not to mention going back to the classics Audrey Hepburn & Jane Eyre who have provided a litte inspiration of their own) and just haven't felt the pressing need to say anything to the world blogosphere (just yet).  I do however have in my possession many lovely pictures of the food I've been cooking over the last couple months.  So! I do have material that I have been working on... and let me tell you, that part was quite exciting (as well as the eating). Somehow I know the next step isn't just to 'load them up on the wagon' so-to-speak, but to put some thought in to what the hell it was all about (the gluttony).  So, perhaps it's not that I've "lost that lovin' feelin'" but rather that I've neglected my little blog-wagon just long enough for it to be "out of sight, out of mind".  I will make a special effort to get my ass in gear and keep on, keepin on. Hope the neglect is not a sign of the times, no matter how busy I am. The world of blogging, still has a place near to my heart... even if it echo's back only to me. :) I just need a little boost to reclaim myself.  "People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone". Audrey Hepburn

Peace, of Art.

Lately I've been inspired to paint again. It's something that comes and go's and I can never put myself  'in the mood' when I really want to do it, so it's a bit frustrating. So now I just do it when it comes to me (and hopefully I'm in a place that allows me to do that).  I never really know what's going to come out of it - much like when I'm cooking. I start off with an idea or feel of what I want and then it turns into it's own creation. This happens mostly when I'm working on an abstract. My style and process is constantly evolving.  It's a healing experience for me, so I just let whatever it is come out. This is my peace, the art.

Anyway, this last one was actually quick and fun.  I was inspired by a photograph I took on a trip to the dreamy Dominican. When I look at it, I feel a sense of peace. I wanted to capture that feeling. 
I wanted it to be slightly surreal and yet maintaining the overall feel of the photo.  All my last few paintings have been abstract and more about texture and color so this was a stretch but also a look back into my past style of painting years ago.
This trip was a needed vacation and so it stands out in my mind as a healing place. It was the perfect combination of chilling out surrounded by gorgeous beaches and the excitement of exploration in all things new.
The setting was idyllic, breathtaking and out of this world.  It also reminds me that there is beauty all around.  When I'm having a dark day, sometimes the reminder of this, even a photograph or painting is enough for me.  And sometimes I just want to be there.  When that happens I try to remember that happiness often comes peace, which has to come from within.

There's something so relaxing and magical about the natural beauty there.

It's hard to imagine that just on the other side of the same Island, poor Haiti has suffered for so long and now with the horrendous earthquake is suffering even more bitterly. It puts things in perspective when I listen to myself complain or others about such petty things.  However, there is so much hope.  Hope is important and thanks to many organizations, governments and supportive people around the world, hope and help is on the way.  (To inquire about one of the ways you can help, click on the link above where it says "Haiti").

I particularly like this saying by John Hayward-  "Many hands make light work".

I'm going to dedicate this piece of work in spirit to those who are suffering.
That is my peace, of art and may they find their peace soon.

2010: Cool & Strong. CHEERS to the power of that!

Ah, yes another year has come and gone.
So, CHEERS to all of you!

Last year was the most TIPSY, mind blowing combination of events, revelations, up and downs and a quest for all things *me* (which I seemed to have forgotten along the way somehow) not just what I "should" be doing (whatever that meant).
I went from moving out on my own for the first time (despite the fact that we were in the middle of a recession), to ending up in the hospital on my birthday of all times, to a magical vacation in Brazil, to getting laid off, dealing with many matters of the heart (including finding out who my friends really are), to getting up the courage to start my own blog about my passions, which in turn triggered a series of events and a mental awareness that has led me to where I am NOW. Where am I? ...On my tippy toes, reaching for the sky! So CHEERS again to that and ALL the good things I know it will bring!

*tipsy toes* something else to toast to -

keep it cool, don't water it down folks!

Check out these new "Tipsy Toes" I found and fell in love with last year.
You can get them online for only 6 bucks. It's a blast from the past, but a welcome blast.
Martinis stay cool and strong, the way they should.
Yes people, cool and strong. Just the way I like it.
This is my motto for 2010.

I am happy it's a new year and I'm ready to start it with a different perspective, even if it isn't new. I mean, why not?

It's all in the power of now. For me anyway. lol

Even though I've had this book for a couple years, sometimes it just takes time for something under your nose to mean anything at all to you.

I suppose that is true of many things in life.

The sky is the limit!

Christmas cookies.... MMM

This year I decided to make bake my gifts.

Nigella inspired me, and once I started... I really couldn't stop.

This is her Nigella Christmas edition. *LOVE* love, love!

 
So, I took it all the way, right down to the hand made labels, boxes, tissue paper and christmas tins.
I made Nigella's chritsmas cookies (below) and added crushed peppermint on top.
The traditional sugar cookies, some vintage lavender shortbread (recipe given to me from the lady at "The Vintage Gardener" in the distillary), Nigella's cream cheese brownies (p. 194 "How to be a Domestic Goddess" and you will be if you make these, they are to die for), the most amazing Christmas Granola ever (Nigella's recipe again, of course), the lovely Nigella's "Peanut Brittle with Art and Soul" (I substituted maple syrup for golden syrup and I added almonds and cranberries at the end), and for Christmas Eve I made my first triffle. It was naturally, Nigella Lawson's "Boozy British Triffle" and it was quite lovely!

Would I do it again? Yes... despite the appearence of a bomb blowing up in my flour bag and creating a man-made quake in my tiny kitchen, with a bit more planning and some more recipes under my belt I will forge ahead. It was fun and people seemed to genuinely appreciate and enjoy the treats. So, I will bravely attempt this again... next year.

The grand finale!

Triffle, boozy baby!

Ti's the season... show a little HEART.

No, it's not a joke... it's a tradition.
"Honest Ed's" is giving away free Turkey's this weekend! (Click on the link) Isn't that nice. Heck, just the thought says a lot. Sharing is caring.
They say Ti's the season to be giving but how many of us really do it?
That's a lot of love for a world that needs a little warmth.

I saw a homeless man pay for his own coffee the other day .
For a split second I thought he was begging but he reached into his pocket and poured the coins on the counter. I was in my own world, consumed by my own personal crisis and it wasn't until after I walked out that it "clicked"... I could have helped him out. My eyes welled up with tears. I wonder how many times something like that happens and no one even thinks twice. We all have busy lives and our own concerns and issues, don't we? But what's it to really GIVE?

To Give: To present voluntarily and without expecting compensation.

I realize that when people hear the word "give" they assume that it means "money" but that's not true. Believe it or not a SMILE can go a long way for someone having a rough day. Or just an "I LOVE YOU" to someone you care about. Our HEARTS are bigger than we think.

my book "heart" from me to you!

There are many things we can do FOR FREE that can brighten someones day: just lend a helping hand, a hug to a loved one, volunteer an afternoon or lunch hour to help out a charity, offer to shovel snow for the little lady next door or rake the leaves, or just offer your seat to someone else on the subway/bus/streetcar. Your time is the greatest gift, why not give a little? Make the time, to give the time of day to someone.

I guess you don't need a season to actually do this. It's much easier than we think.

Just open your HEART. :)

Jimmy Choo at H&M... begs the question "how gaga are you for cheap Choo's"?

pics: nitrolicious.com

I must admit, mastermind Tamara Mellon of Jimmy Choo working with creative advisor Margareta van den Bosch of H&M has a great strategy tie-in for enhancing their merchandise by capitalizing on the "fashionably-cheap" concept especially during recessionary times, very apropos. While already on their roster of Haute includes Stella McCartney, Viktor & Rolf, Karl Largerfeld and Roberto Cavalli we now have the first shoe designer in toe. With Jimmy Choo in the lineup this holiday season, it is yet another example of how to enable people, brilliantly in a time where most are thinking twice before splurging! Apparently teenage girls are at the top of this list. Good place to start.

So Stiletto lovers, what do we think? Anything for a Choo? There are reports of salivating, insane line ups of 'sex-and-the-city' aspirers waiting patiently for their turn to indulge as easliy as Carrie could hop over to Prada or Gucci and pick up something fun for the night or to cheer her up after a rough day. Given the buildup it's no real suprise that people are in love with this notion. Just look at the interesting bevy of celebrities showing support, these fabulous smoking 'hot couture' pics (as I like to refer to it) have been plastered everywhere, not to mention the hype globally surrounding it all like a cat in heat!

I'm more than curious to see if the "name" supersedes the quality. By that I mean, what percentage of people will sacrifice quality for quantity once they actually get the goodies home and on their personal real-life runway. My guess is, a lot. I love what H&M can do for fashion. Everyone gets to look cool. While I'm not overly excited about the quality of the designers changing dramatically to do this, it's a smart move when you think about the mass marketing opportunities and how many demographics are now open to trying it out because of the exposure. I'm already seeing visions of "Reitmans vs. Haute Couture" Ad's with amusing and live new material dished out, straight off the streets.

While I ponder all of this, at the end of day for 150 smackeroos or a lot less for some, you can flash your hot new Choo's-du-jour under the table without having to file for bankrptcy! Enticing as that sounds, it begs the question "are people so hungry they will settle for fast-food-shoes"? Is doing the Choo at H&M indulging in a cheap fling causing the cycle of fashion addiction to fall to new levels of obesity? Is Choo to H&M what salads are to McDonalds? Fake trickery? Or is it simply fun for all?

While I know I would not personally wait around for hours in crowds to get the Choo's, to be honest it's mostly because I hate lineups. Also, for argument's sake if I knew I could get the real deal at Winners for example, for the same price as H&M but twice the comfort, that would be my first choice. I'd rather wait. I know that most people probably don't care when you consider the fact that Nine West and other regular brands are already in that price range. When given the choice, why not get a pair of Jimmy's for a fraction of the price. It's the holidays afterall!

Another stilletto confession of mine is that I'm a believer in quality over quantity even when it comes to the hottest fashion. That being said, anything can be overdone when abused. Being a shoe addict I can tell you, the truth hurts. It hasn't stopped me from wearing stilettos of course it's just that I'm more aware of going down the road of "is the pain worth it"? But don't take my word for it, even Posh is supposedly getting "foot surgery" to remove bunions caused from years of stiletto abuse. And we all know what she wears - the good stuff! So can you imagine what the ones made in China will do to your feet? I'm just saying. Think about it. And with surgery comes quite a few unecessary & unwanted "stiletto -free" days. So, balance even for the addicts is probably necessary. I'm living that one. "Holiday shoes" are sounding more and more appealing. Live in the moment for the moment just remember to alternate those hot spikes!

Were in changing times and this may only be the begining of a new expression "Let them wear Choo's" since it's becoming more and more evident through the various collaborations which in turn are 'improvements' to main stream shopping - we can have our cake and eat it too! Will your tootsies hate you long after you've settled for cheap? Or does it just make the real duds worth the doe? Perhaps this is the groundwork for the millions of budding shoe addicts still emerging and this will be the encouragement they need to go for the gold one day. :)

Tell me, how gaga are you for cheap Choo's?

'Tis the season...where should one shop?? Fabulous Recessionista ideas on how & where to save money.

Picture from Martha Stewart website.

Every year it's a dilemma for many... "I don't have time to shop" and "where do I begin?"

But this year I'm sure many people are also contemplating how they can also save money. Here are some simple tips that work for me and perhaps it will save you some time and cash this year. :) "Recessionista" friendly people!

Make it simple - make a budget and a list:

1). First thing is to make a list of all the people you want to get something for.

2). Second thing is to decide on a total budget you want to spend on everyone.

Divide evenly so you have an average per person and if you know that you want to spend more on certain people put that amount beside their name and then subtract that from your total so you know how much you have left for everyone else. So, now that you have your list and dollar amount you can begin!

For some simple suggestions for those in the $20-50 range these are my suggestions:

1). For the avid readers - shop or pick up a Gift Certificate (GC) at Chapters - can't go wrong here, people will have tons to choose from especially once things go on sale... right after Christmas!

2). For the all-things-girly - shop or grab a GC at Sephora - if you can't find something yourself that you think they'll like.

3). For the "newly moved in" or always looking for something for their place pick up GC at IKEA, Pier One or Winners (yes they have a home section too).

4). For those who love pampering - GC for a manicure or spa treatment- great for all the holiday parties and family gatherings for any girl or perhaps a massage?

*The great thing about GC's is that you can get lots online or if you do decide to go out, go on weekdays when it's less busy avoid the big line ups! Plus, surprisingly sometimes no matter how well you know someone, sometimes a GC is a better way of truly making someone happy and giving them the choice, not give you the "oh. this is a great pair of snowman socks again. Gee thanks" response.

Other suggestions to save money. My favorite, stay at home and start from scratch:

Picture from Martha Stewart website.

1). Bake sugar cookies, coconut macaroons, seasonal Christmas muffins or baked goods of your choice and wrap them up in cute bags with ribbon to give away.

Picture from Nigella's website

2). Make your own personalized vodka and gift bag it. ( suggestion - check out Nigella Lawson's recipes for chili and pomegranate vodka in her Nigella Christmas edition. Also try making lemon or chocolate vodka).

3). Make homemade mulled wine or apple cider. So easy!

This is when getting the "cheaper" stronger wine is not an offense it does make the best mulled wine. ha ha! I like simple recipes from Jamie Oliver or Williams-Sonoma as suggested in the links above MMMmmmmmm.... sooo good! That will warm you right up and if you're making it, you get to taste!

Picture from Williams-Sonoma website.

4). Send out homemade cards. You can get simple ones from your local craft store that you can paint, draw and decorate yourself or use photographs!

5). Use natural "green" ingredients for decorations - pine cones, berry wreaths, seasonal flowers like poinsettias and amaryllis as well as holiday greenery for table, mantle piece and staircase decorations. The smell will be fantastic!


Picture from Martha Stewart website.

And last but not least for a little inspiration - watch Nigella's Christmas Kitchen if you want something easy and fun to make for your girlfriends and there's no swapping of gifts.

So hopefully this year this might have helped a little and instead of the dreaded shopping and what to do, it will be happy shopping, baking and all that jazz!
I'm putting on the carols and heading to the kitchen myself. :)
Good luck!

Pastries & Cupcake heaven!

Montréal is the city of L'amour... which to me, means Hot fashion but also Delish food!

One of my personal little favorites I like to go each and every time I am there is "Premier Moisson" the boulangerie that makes your mouth water, even if you just ate! Apart from the smell of freshly baked croissants, flaky pastries, french bread, pecan tarts, pain au chocolat & rich tiramisu to name a few... it did not disapoint... I assure you.

Looking back at the pictures alone make me want to move back and spend every morning being first in line with coffee and paper in hand. Also duly noted cute little cupcake shop we stumbled across beside the Notre Dame church in Old Montréal called "Les Glaceurs" Glaces & cupcakes. YUM!!!!

So beautiful you didn't want to eat them! They also have freshly made gelato all natural ingredients but the cupcakes stole my heart. I had to have the Red Velvet with Marscapone/cream cheese icing which I was informed was their best seller. People come in and buy a dozen at a time. I could have just ate the icing by itself! MMM....delish!!

Ah, Montréal I will be back. On gloomy days, these little delights are a feast even for the eyes!

Ah, the "Joie de vivre"... if you can't get there anytime soon check out reviews for "ten best cupcakes" in Toronto, in the meantime at least you can feast your eyes here mes amis!