Building an work wardrobe: Aritzia

Categories Selfie Sundays, Uncategorized, , , , 22 Comments on Building an work wardrobe: Aritzia

One of my biggest challenges has always been finding clothes I feel comfortable in, and that look appropriate for work – generally, I enjoy wearing yoga pants and graphic t-shirts.  But recently, I started a new job where I meet with other business professionals on a daily basis – and needles to say, I need nice fashion for work.

I can’t buy a whole new wardrobe at once, but if Stacey and Clinton (What Not to Wear) have taught me anything,  it’s to collect solid pieces, that you can mix and match. I hope you can join me as I work to develop my own style, and please leave your suggestions and related links.

My first new items of clothing include Aritzia’s Talula Exeter Blazer, dubbed a school boy blazer with a snug fit, and a couple of coloured T. Barton tanks, available for only $35 at Aritzia. They’re  perfect for layering under sweaters, shirts and evidently blazers.

aritzia (1 of 3) aritzia (2 of 3) aritzia (3 of 3)

340 days and counting

Categories Caturdays9 Comments on 340 days and counting

As an early Christmas gift, I got a Nikon V1.  It seems to have comparable features to my SLR, but much smaller, of course. The camera is so compact, fitting easily into my coat pocket. Additionally, my gifts included a Nikkor 18.5mm f/1.8 Lens – very similar to a 50mm, and I have been enjoying it thoroughly! Anywho, this was one of the first photos taken with my new cam; however, we used the kit lens for this particular image.

And did I mention, even though it just passed, I have already started my countdown until Christmas Day? It sounds a little crazy, but only 340 days left. Hurray!


JimmyDeanXmas

DIY Nail polish kit jar

Categories DIY, , 5 Comments on DIY Nail polish kit jar

If you’re looking to save money and want to create a cute gift, my suggestion is a nail polish kit jar. It’s really simple.

First off, you’ll want to stop by the dollar store, pick up a clear jar, or reuse an old jam-like jar. Tie a ribbon around it, and decorate the outside. I’ve used a glitter stick-on letter, which I picked up for 50 cents at the local supermarket.

Next, grab a couple of your favourite nail polishes. I recommend Essie or Opi, both a bit pricey, but go on great. Although if it doesn’t fit your budget, Shoppers Drug Mart just released a new line of fantastic nail polish called Essence. I’ve used that brand quite a few times, and it goes on just as well for less than half the price!

DIY Nail polish kit jar
DIY Nail polish kit jar, Essie nail polish

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DIY Chocolate Peanut-butter cup cake Recipe

Categories DIY, , , , , , , 14 Comments on DIY Chocolate Peanut-butter cup cake Recipe

Part of my New Year’s resolution is to learn more recipes, and really try my hand out at cooking. Although I can’t take credit for this particular cake, I can say I am inspired to try my hand out at baking. Stay tuned!

But until then, this is the Chocolate Peanut-butter Cup chunk cake I enjoyed as a part of my birthday celebrations. I’ve posted and linked the recipe below.


Chocolate Peanut-butter cup cake Recipe Chocolate Peanut-butter cup cake Recipe
Chocolate Peanut-butter cup cake Recipe
Ingredients for Cake
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
2 cups sugar
3/4 cups good cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup buttermilk, shaken
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee

Directions can be found here: Beatty’s Chocolate Cake.

Ingredients for Frosting
2 tablespoons flour
3/4 cup milk
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions
In a saucepan add a small amount of the milk to flour then stir to make a smooth paste. Add remaining milk. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat until mixture boils and thickens. Cool.Cream butter using medium speed of electric mixer. Gradually add sugar and salt; beat well. Add cooled milk mixture. Beat until light and fluffy; add vanilla. Frosts a two layer cake.

Once frosted, crumble peanut-butter cups throughout. Use as many as you’d like.

Pickering Village Jazzberry Tea House

Categories Localized, , , , 5 Comments on Pickering Village Jazzberry Tea House

Today, I was introduced to Pickering Village’s Jazzberry Tea House, a fantastic tea house located in the heart of Ajax. The small and quint shop offers High Tea in their private Victorian style room, and holds open mic and poetry nights. I enjoyed a perfect cup of Chocolate Mint tea … tasted great.

Just a note for parents, if you have little ones, the business’ website also says they offer a 90-minute Princess Tea, with Snow White, Cinderella, Jasmine, Belle, Ariel, Aurora, Tinkerbell, and Alice in Wonderland – how cute, right? The shop is a truly terrific local tea house to meet with friends, read a book (they offer free WiFi) or just stop by for a quick drink – and they offer quite an array! I highly recommend it.


Pickering Village Jazzberry Tea House Pickering Village Jazzberry Tea House