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To give is beautiful
Events

To Give Is Beautiful – Shoppers Drug Mart – beautyBOUTIQUE [EVENTS]

holidays at shoppers drug mart

It’s that time of the year when to give is beautiful. This weekend I had the pleasure of attending a holiday event at Vaughan Mills shopping center as a Fragrance expert. I took people who attended (open to public) through a fragrance experience that peaked all of their senses! All fragrances I spoke about are available at Shoppers Drug Mart’s beauty boutiques.  In case you missed this event, don’t worry! The next one is happening at the Eaton Center, Dec 2nd and 3rd from mall opening to close hours.

 

to give

To Give Is Beautiful – Shoppers Drug Mart – beautyBOUTIQUE

So here’s what went down: You’re greeted by some beautiful ladies, who go through a summary of the experience you’ll have. Then directed to the fragrance station. Here I asked people what fragrances they were most drawn too. Based on their answer that gave me an idea of which ones I should start off with showing. We discussed different scents, notes in the fragrance and before testing the fragrance some tips on how to best apply it. In a nut shell, beautyBOUTIQUE wants Canadians to step into the holidays with this year’s must-haves in fragrance from beautyBOUTIQUE by Shoppers Drug Mart.

beauty boutique

beauty boutique event

Based on their fragrance choice there was a mocktail to match!

mocktails

mocktail

While enjoying their mocktails; they waited their turn to get a make-up application.

complimentary make up application

Once done with their make-up, everyone received a gift that had a make-up bag, a Christmas tree beauty blender and a 20x points + $10 gift card to be used at beauty boutiques.

There was also this super fun glitter wall that everyone took pictures in front. The lovely beautyBOUTIQUE ladies were taking polaroids of those who got their make-up done.

to give is beautiful - shoppers drug martTo give is beautiful

Those who made a purchase at the beauty boutique that day could bring it to the calligraphy station. To receive a tree ornament customized, 3 deluxe samples, $10 gift card – all beautiful wrapped in a silver box. Check out Mandy on Instagram who was doing beautiful calligraphy. Here.

So lock it in your calendars, the next event is happening at the Eaton Center, Dec 2nd and 3rd from mall opening to close hours. If you post your images or videos online, be sure to use the hashtag #ToGiveIsBeautiful.

This blog post was sponsored by beautyBOUTIQUE by Shoppers Drug Mart but the opinions are all my own.

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cafe toronto
Food

Cafe Cancan Toronto Review: No strollers allowed. [FOOD]

Cafe Cancan is a fairly new cafe that opened up on Harbord Street in Toronto. Harbord street is a nostalgic area for me because I went to high school near there. The night before going to Cafe Cancan I did some research about the place and went on to their website to do some light reading about the cafe, the owners and anything I needed to know before I went there.

cafe cancan
Patio lights

I love the fact that this cafe is actually designed by Tiffany Pratt. I love her happy go lucky style and everything she touches with her sense of design is incredible!

toronto cafecafe cancan

If you decide to visit this place, keep in mind that parking is a little bit hard to find in this area. We were fortunate enough to find a spot in the residential area, a block from the cafe. I was so excited to check this place out I didn’t mind the walk, although it was really hot. So I got Baby Z cozy in her stroller and we were on our way! So anyways, we get to the cafe and the front view of this place is just so pretty! If you know me, I have this thing with coloured doors. And a pink one! I died. It’s so cute! Immediately I thought, photo opp!

cafe cancan toronto
toronto food

There are a few steps to enter into the cafe, but that’s no problem with the jogger stroller I have.

cafe cancan

As soon as we entered Cafe Cancan we were welcomed by a lady and I asked for a booth for two by the door so I can tuck my stroller away. She looked at me and said “Okay, just a second.” and walked away. A few minutes later..

another lady came over. She leaned forward and said “Sorry, there are no strollers allowed here.” You can imagine I was taken aback and baffled. I had never been to a place, no where in Toronto and even in all of our travels with our stroller (Italy, Mexico, Niagara Falls *lol*) did anyone ever say to me, no strollers allowed. I guess I was at a loss of words so I was just staring blank at her and my brother who was with me also didn’t know what to say either. Then, and I don’t know why I said this… “I guess I could just leave my stroller outside and try to watch it from this booth?” And she replied, “sure.” I walked outside, and then of course after baby brain stopped kicking in, I realized, no way. I’m not leaving my $1000 stroller outside!

cafe cancan

I started to think, forget it. I’m not staying here. Let’s just go home and eat whatever we can grab. But as we started walking back I thought, I shouldn’t change my plans because of one road block. I should find a way around it and do what I wanted to do. Why have this ruin my excitement to go there and enjoy the food and ambiance? So we walked back to the car, dropped off the stroller, I put a hat on Baby Z and we walked back in the heat.
cafe torontoIt makes me sad to think that what if I was a new mom and this was my very first day coming out of my house and treating myself to a nice lunch with my little one and then to have them say to me “no strollers allowed.” I know for sure I’d go back to my car, go home and cry. Thinking perhaps moms shouldn’t go to cute places. Or maybe, baby and I don’t belong in a restaurant. But truth is, that’s ridiculous. And if a restaurant doesn’t allow strollers, then they should do their due diligence to write that on their website or by the door. Because I did mine by going on and checking to make sure it was a big enough facility. There was lots of space there for me to fold my stroller and tuck away. It wasn’t even busy the entire time I was there, there was a total of 3 tables being served and 2 people came in to get coffee to go. There’s also a decent long hallway to the patio in the back of the cafe. 

We ordered burgers. I got the veggie burger and it came with a side of fries. I was really happy with the amount of avocado they used in this burger. I love avocado. It was nice. If I were to go back I would try something different as I wasn’t in love with it. It’s a messy burger so I cut mine in half. The soda was really good, but it’s $6. I’d love to go back for lattes and dessert.
toronto foodThe owners of the cafe were there and they were super nice. I didn’t mention what had happened. Would I recommend this place to others? Sure. Would I go again? Maybe. Only because the owners are nice, food was good and the place is so damn pretty!

toronto pink door

P.S Later that same day we went to Lavelle and they were super accommodating. I folded up the stroller and put it against a wall that was pretty out of sight. Lavelle is a restaurant/lounge on a roof top on King St.

Have you ever gone somewhere and you felt not welcomed or discriminated?

 

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evas original chimneys
Food

Eva’s Original Chimneys in Toronto

The weather has been incredible this Family Day long weekend! As soon as it gets warm outside, I want to be out in the sun, catching some rays and having ice cream! I was cruising the web when I accidentally saw an image of Eva’s original chimneys cones. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m pregnant or just my usual ice-cream crazy self, but I just HAD to have it.

Drove from Mississauga to downtown, so we could try Eva’s original chimneys. I actually remember trying a chimney from their food truck at a festival in Scarborough, and it was the perfect combination of sweet and salty. The best way to describe it is a doughnut ice-cream cone.

I went for the peanut butter pretzel parfait; the inside of the cone was lined with peanut butter and the outside had graham cracker crumbs. The soft-serve ice cream is honestly the best I’ve ever had. It’s thick and almost tastes like mousse or I guess even a milkshake. Daanish got the Berrylicious cone and when he got to the end of it there was a pleasant surprise, a Lindor ball! Our friend went for the dream cone and I’m totally getting it next time! These cones are dessert meals so bring your appetite.

eva's original chimneys

There are so many Eva’s original chimneys options to choose from, but I love that the menu isn’t overwhelming either. the menu offers you a reason to go back and try other combinations.

chimney cones Toronto - eva's original chimneys menu

See the full EVA’S ORIGINAL CHIMNEYS menu here.

eva's original chimneys the donut cones being baked in store

Also, if you get thirsty after the ice-cream they have complimentary water to quench your thirst. If you want to sit indoors there is a fair amount of seating area in the back. Some booths and a large size table for a group sitting.

the interior decor of a restaurant that sells ice cream. On bloor street. There are bottles of water and disposable cups for customers

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toronto brunch
Food

Holts Cafe Brunch [REVIEW]

brunch at holts cafe

Catching up over good food is my favourite thing to do with my girlfriends. We usually opt for places we’ve tried before but this time I suggested something new and it worked out! We all met up at Yorkdale, did some shopping and window shopping and then headed on over to Holt Renfrew.

The Holts Cafe is on the main floor of Holt Renfrew and if you haven’t been there before ask for directions.

I could see it being missed easily. One of the sales associates there walked us all the way to the entrance of the cafe. So kind of him. The entrance is decorated simply but very nice.

holts cafe toronto

We loved the seating area. You have the choice of sitting on chairs or booth and chairs. We always go for booths, as you get a lot more space for jackets/purses and we love to talk for hours, so coziness factor is important.

holt renfrew yorkdale

Keep in mind their brunch hours are SATURDAY, 9:30AM TO 4PM and SUNDAY, 11AM TO 4PM. Also, try to make reservations for an earlier time to ensure they’re not our of their more popular dishes like the apple crumble french toast. Alll portions are perfect and all the ingredients are super fresh! Compliments to the chef.

toronto brunch

Here’s what we had from the brunch menu:

Apple Crumble French Toast – This actually felt like you’re having dessert but very filling. Tastes amazing! I had this and another dish. Finished I would say at least half of it and shared the rest.

french toast at holts cafe

 

SHAKSHUKA – Two eggs baked in Moroccan tomato sauce, sautéed kale, grilled bread.This was perfection.

Moroccan breakfast

 

Cafe Menu:

INDIAN SPICED CHICKEN: Grilled scallion yogurt, sautéed kale, currants, marcona almond, fingerling potato. Chicken was cooked to perfection, kale was fresh, delicious due to the awesome sauce it was sauteed in. Probably had something to do with the yogurt mix. 

Sweet Potato Fries: I’d totally order them again. Also give you two sides of sauces to dip in.

LOBSTER SANDWICH: It was superb, but I can’t find it on the menu anymore.

holts cafe

 

Holts Cafe at Yorkdale:

3401 Dufferin Street
Toronto, ON
M6A 2T9

Monday to Friday 10AM -9PM
Saturday 9:30AM – 9PM
Sunday 11AM – 7PM

Contact: 416-789-6644

 

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persimmons
Food

Roast Chicken with Persimmons and Olives with Persimon®

Let’s first get my confession out of the way before we start. I had never tried persimmons before and this was my first time! I always wondered what they tasted like but never saw them being sold in singles, only by the case. (Update: Singles sold in Chinatown or Harvest Wagon) Persimmons are sweet and sort of taste like cantaloupes, peaches or mangoes. The ones I bought are ready to eat as soon as you purchase them. Even better, they’re seedless, pit-less and you don’t have to peel the skin off! Persimon® are available November through January, if they last! I called 3 Sobeys and a Foodland. They were all sold out (End of November), so they are clearly high in demand. At the end I found a box at Metro! Yay!

persimon

This particular brand Persimon ®, are ripe and ready to eat, while other brands you may have to wait for them to turn soft and ripen. They’re grown exclusively in the Ribera del Xúquer valley near Valencia, Spain.

persimmons farm

Roast Chicken with Persimmons and Olives with Persimon®

 

What you’ll need:

1 Whole Chicken (3-1/2 pounds) cut into 8 pieces and breasts halved crosswise
(I used two large chicken breasts with no skin to feed two people. But you can get with skin and use a whole chicken for serving 6)
1 tbsp (15 ml) Paprika
(I used a paprika/lime mix, see below images)
1 tsp (5 ml) Salt
1/4 tsp (1 ml) Pepper
2 tbsp (30 ml) Chopped Parsley
1 Persimon®, topped and cut into 1/2-inch (1cm) wedges
(I used 1 and a half and ate the other half while it baked!) 🙂
1 fennel bulb topped and cut into 1/2-inch (1cm) wedges
(I didn’t use fennel bulb. But it’s a great option)
1/2 cup (125 ml) Cracked green olives, pitted and halved
1 tbsp (15 ml) Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper for seasoning

Method

Preheat your oven to 425 F (220 C)

Line a rimmed baking pan/sheet with parchment paper. I love this parchment paper because it’s strong compared to some other brands I’ve used.

art of cooking parchment paper

Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl. Add the paprika, salt, pepper and half of the parsley; toss to coat. Place the chicken in the pan and bake for 20 minutes.

paprika mix

parsley
I love the smell of fresh cut parsley

paprika chicken

[Tweet “#DidYouKnow a Persimon® with freckles=extra sweetness? #PersimonSays”]

paprika chicken

Place the Persimon® wedges, olives and remaining parsley in a separate bowl. Add olive oil, season with salt and pepper; toss to coat.

Persimon® wedges

Persimon® wedges

After the 20 minute mark turn the chicken pieces over. Add the Persimon®, olives, parsley mix to the bake sheet and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through. Bake until the chicken is cooked through. You can serve this with rice, salad or even on its own. You can also use persimmons in pretty much anything! Whatever you would add fruit too. I have some persimmons left, maybe I’ll make something sweet with it!

Persimon® wedges

Voila! Your classic baked chicken recipe with a touch of Mediterranean flair. Yum 🙂

Persimon® wedges

persimmons

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tyrrells chips
Events

Tyrrells Chips – Launch Party

An evening of innovative food infused with Tyrrells chips, live tweeting, games and meeting with bloggers.

There’s some new chip flavours in town! Sweet Potato & Smoked Chili (my fave), Beetroot, Parsnip & Potato with Sea Salt & Sweet Potato, Carrot with Sea Salt.

[Tweet “Tyrrells chips are all natural, home grown & hand cooked! #Foodie”]

I’ve never been to the RASA restaurant before this event so it was nice to scope it out. Located at 196 Robert St it’s a small dark space in the same neighborhood where I went to high school.(Harbord) On the menu were appetizers infused with Tyrrells chips. YUM. These appetizers are great easy ideas next time you’re entertaining people at home. 

rasa restaurant

Exhibit A: Fish & Chips – Deep fried Halibut, tartar, crispy capers, served with Tyrrells Sweet Potato, Carrot with Sea Salt chips. 

fish and chips

Exhibit B: Lamb Neck – with hummus, feta tabbouleh, pickled jicama and tzatziki, served on top Tyrrells Beetroot, Parsnip & Potato Sea Salt chips


Exhibit C: Tuna Tartare – Yellowfin Tun, yuzu chili aioli, apple slaw and ponzu glaze served on top of a Tyrrells Beetroot, Parsnip & Potato Sea Salt chip

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Other apps include: Mini Muffins, Steak Sliders,Truffle Arancini & The Chopped Salad.

tyrrells chips
IMG_8449

Getting caught up in the digital world is so easy. Making online friends (followers) is easy, but being in the present and meeting your online friends in the flesh is important but not as easy. At least not for me since I have the habit of getting so caught up with capturing the event for the blog, live tweeting, snapchatting etc. On that note It was refreshing to stop and acknowledge these lovely bloggers at the event: M Fab, @dee_sik & a familiar face @zamlos!

Toronto bloggers

To conclude the evening here’s my OOTN (outfit of the night)

harbord toronto
we wood watch
harbord toronto
harbord toronto
harbord toronto
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