No Winter Lasts Forever...

"No winter lasts forever; no spring skips it's turn."- Hal Borland

Winter is on the minds of almost every East Coaster. We have been dumped on, frozen, thawed and dumped on again. Record amounts of snow has fallen (90+ cms) and many people are still struggling to dig out their homes and get back to their day-to-day lives. See terrifying pics of  how much snow that actually is here.

Spring is a short month away but with no end in sight, people are dreaming of southern vacations, spring time weather and even the giant mud puddles associated with a big thaw. 

Unfortunately for many of us, winter in it's harshest, most unforgiving glory is just a part of our lives on the East coast. We get warm summers, surrounded by the ocean and we enjoy fresh locally harvested, fished and farmed foods year round. We have some of the most beautiful summer scenery but we also get winter and winter isn't so bad. Sure, our backs hurt from shovelling, our cars are white with salt and we have each broken at least two shovels this year, alone. Our wool socks are becoming worn and the warm soups and hearty stews are wearing thin.

With hard winters, our sense of community grows, our good deeds and helpful demeanour's are showcased and we band together to survive till spring. Our netflix accounts are well loved and board games are taken off shelves and dusted off. Snow shoes and skis come out of hibernation and all of our beautiful summer scenery is delightfully enhanced by a clean coat of white snow. It's not so bad, and in a few short months we will be hearing all about how it is "too hot out".

Anton Chekhov once said "People don't notice if it is winter or summer when they are happy.". I don't disagree entirely but below are tips to beating those winter blues that have been slowly creeping in as the windchill continues to decrease. Happy winter adventuring all!
-m

 Tips to avoid the winter beat down...

Embrace the season- take up skiing, snow-shoeing or go sledding (seriously, when did you last go sledding?). Go skating, play pond hockey or go for a drive to see what your favourite beaches and haunts look like this time of year. Often beaches provide lovely, frozen winter walks. Have a bonfire in the back yard with hot chocolate (and Irish cream..).

Master a new skill- Maybe you always wanted to make a pie crust from scratch or maybe you want to take up yoga. Well then do it! What time is better than than in the dead of winter?

Clean house and finish projects- No one likes to organize crawl spaces and paint when it is 30 degrees out- take advantage of the weather and all of the time you are spending indoors.

Plan a trip- Maybe you can't afford it now but that doesn't mean your can't day dream about it!

Cook fresh foods and try to exercise- Prevent the stir-crazies, get moving and experiment in the kitchen with fresh ingredients. Farm markets are still teeming with fresh produce and nothing beats crisp greens when you have been eating soup and stew for months.

Adventure in your city- Just because there is four inches of ice and snow covering the sidewalks doesn't mean everything is frozen. Art galleries and museums are constantly changing their exhibits, the live music scene is very much alive and well in the middle of a flash freeze and many restaurants offer winter dine experiences, that feature their menus at discounted prices. If you live in Halifax, burger week will quickly be upon us!

To kick-start your surviving winter, here is a little recipe for fresh spring rolls that I mastered during the high of winter! I was shocked at how easy and fun they were to make, I always had assumed they would be a challenge! New skill mastered? Check.

Easy, fresh and delicious Spring Rolls

You will need:

• A bunch of bean sprouts
• Some julienned carrots
• Green onions sliced in long, thin slices
• Lettuce of your choice
• Cucumber sliced into thin, slices
• A bunch of fresh basil (or mint or cilantro whatever your jam is)
• Rice papers (found in the international isle, I used the small-medium ones)

Prepare all veggies, and thinly slice them into pieces about two inches long. Get a warm bowl of water and spread a clean tea-towel onto your work space (this will make it easier to roll!). Pile your veggies in a place that is easy to reach and place one rice paper into the water (ignore the directions on the package, this is far easier!). Let it sit for about thirty seconds or until it has softened into a flimsy, pliable sheet. Remove from water and spread onto tea towel- it will be circular. Take some of each of your veggies and place them in a neat pile on the top third of the paper. Fold the top over the veggies and roll tightly until half of the rice paper is rolled (the paper is fairly stretchy, you won't rip it if you pull a little tight!). Fold the left and right sides in onto the veggies and then roll the rest of the bottom half over your veggies. It will look like a little burrito. Each roll will get easier and tighter, and after five you will be a true master! If these directions are not helpful at all, you-tube it (that is how I learned!). Dip in a sauce of your choice! I mixed a little peanut butter, a little soy, a little hot sauce and some rice vinegar to make a tasty peanut sauce! Enjoy!

Cheers To a New Year...

"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right."

- Oprah Winfrey

With New Year's Day around the corner, resolutions have taken the place of sugar plums and are vigorously tap dancing their way through our heads. Workout wear has been moved to the front of stores and everyone is looking for a break from butter laden dishes and holiday overindulgence.

I have a feeling 2015 is going to be a big year for me. I will embark on a new adventure in the form of a new-to-me job (one that will take my career to new heights!). 2015 also means that I gain a new extended family and I will have the pleasure of watching four of my oldest and dearest friends walk down the isle. Like I said- a big year ! 

I hope that your holiday was warm, fuzzy and bubbly (and sweet like champagne). I also hope that 2015 allows you all to celebrate new beginnings and that you can enjoy making (and breaking) resolutions. 

To help you all kick-start your new year, I am including a super easy recipe that is sure to please at any gathering. My lovely friend Gina brought them to a party and I have now served them at least once to my family (with rave reviews!). The simple and flavourful ingredients combine together to make possibly, the perfect "finger food".

Happy New Year!!

-m

Fresh Basil and Apricot App

You will need....

-one small package of goat cheese (plain but you can use light!)

- 10 to 15 leaves of fresh basil 

- a package of dried apricots 

- raw almonds (enough to top each apricot ). 

Finely chop basil leaves and add to a small bowl with goat cheese. Mix well and set aside (this is extra good when allowed to set overnight for flavours to blend). Lay apricots out on a serving platter. Top with a small amount (maybe 1/2 a tsp.. see pictures) of goat cheese and then top with almond. Thaaah-dah! It is that easy and a totally amazing combination of flavours ! Enjoy ! 

I Am Sorry I Ruined Your Life..

"I am sorry I ruined your life and that I crammed eleven cookies into the VCR ."

-Buddy the Elf 

Christmas is 11 short days away. It was September and then I blinked and now it is December 14th. With just over a week left and several shifts standing between me and a Christmas break, I have practically no time to bake. 

Growing up, Christmas baking revolved around shortbread. Sure, my mom had many different sweets in her Christmas baking repertoire but to me, shortbread cookies were always the star. Maybe it's because they were only baked at Christmas. Maybe it's because she baked them early and froze them (they freeze remarkably well) or it could be because she had to bake another batch every single year because we ate them right out of the freezer (they are also remarkably delicious frozen). Maybe it's because we were allowed to help or it could be because were allowed to eat the browned edges once they were trimmed (one of the best tastes in the world, second to my nanny giving us a small piece of potato with butter and salt to "test" if they were cooked). It could be a culmination of all of the above but I still have lost no love for the simple, three ingredient cookie. In actuality, I have all the love for shortbread.

A quickie WIKI search tells me that shortbread has been around since the 12th century. Mary, Queen of Scots was a big fan, perfecting the simple combination of sugar, butter and flour by seasoning it with vanilla and caraway. As it is traditionally made with loads of butter (and butter is expensive), shortbread was generally a sweet reserved for the wealthy and for special occasions like Christmas and wedding celebrations. Over the years the cookie has remained popular and has evolved into many different varieties; some using powdered sugar, some iced, some whipped and all resulting in a very popular traditional cookie.

My favourite version is my mom's traditional Scottish shortbread. This is a dense, slightly crumbly, slightly chewy cookie that is sprinkled with sugar and baked on a sheet, later to be cut into fingers. Delicious, and time consuming. I would share the recipe but I would have to kill you (I kid. But no, I am still not sharing).

My second favourite would be a whipped shortbread cookie. Getting back to the first paragraph of this crazy cookie spiel, these are easy to make and they take little, to no time. In turn making them the perfect cookie for the time-crunching Christmas baker. You can get fancy and use a piping bag, or even fancier and use a cookie press but I prefer them as they are in their natural state. A basic, spoon dropped cookie with half of a red or green glacé cherry pushed into the middle. I am a lover of tradition, I can't help myself. The difference between whipped and regular short bread is the substitution of icing (or powdered) sugar for the traditional granulated sugar. They are also whipped within an inch of their life making the dough airy and light. This results in a sweet cookie that melts in your mouth. Only downside is they are crumbly, so handle them with care ! Some people add cornstarch as well. This makes them even more "melt-y"; there is a great debate as to what makes a better cookie. You can decide that for yourself!  All of you time stressed bakers can find my recipe below ! Happy baking and happy tradition making!

-m

Whipped Shortbread Cookies 

Preheat oven to 300.

You will need..

-one pound of butter 

-3 cups of all purpose flour

-one cup of icing sugar 

-**optional 1/2 cup of cornstarch

-sprinkle of salt

-teaspoon of good vanilla

-**optional red and green glacé cherries (or maraschino, just dry 'em off)

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream butter and add sugar and continue to cream until pale and fluffy. If you are using cornstarch, mix cornstarch into flour. Add flour (or flour cornstarch mix) to bowl along with vanilla and sprinkle of salt. Whip on high for ten minutes with a hand mixer or the paddle attachment to your stand mixer. It will not look like much at first but as it whips it will become light and airy! Drop with teaspoon onto an un-greased cookie sheet and top with half of a cherry. You can also pipe the cookies onto the sheet or use a cookie press. Your call- dropping is fast! Bake for 15-20 minutes until the bottoms are just very slightly browned at the edges. Enjoy with milk, coffee or tea- whatever your vice is. I am told Santa really enjoys these, as do coworkers, neighbours and party attendees. 

The Best Makeup On A Woman Is....

"The best makeup on a woman is passion but cosmetics are easier to buy."- Yves Saint-Laurent

In January I made a list compiled of my favourite new products from the year before (here). Some were cult classics and some were happy accidents that I luckily stumbled upon. This year I have compiled a new list and decided to share it before Christmas (just in case anyone out there is looking to improve their beauty regimen for the busy holiday season). Find my "New Favourite things" list below! Happy beautifying!
-m

A Few of my Favourite Things...2014 Edition

#1 Nars Blush

This product has changed the way I feel about blush. My friend Kailee introduced me to it a few months ago and I haven't looked back. I bought it the very day I took hers out for a test drive. Desire is the colour I am hooked on. It is a hyper-pigmented, bright pink that looks a little overwhelming at first (bright is an understatement). A little goes a long way and it lasts all damn day. Did I mention I get complimented every time I wear it? I have since bought it in orgasm, which is a cult classic among beauty buffs. It is a soft, shimmery, peach that is lovely in the winter months.

#2 Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade

I don't know how I lived without this product. It may seem dramatic but my eyebrows have never looked better. This product is similar to a gel eyeliner and it goes on easily with an angled brush. It not only darkens and defines my brows but because it is a pomade, it holds my less tame brow hairs in place. This is why it is far superior to powders and pencils. A little goes a very, very long way and it comes in eight different shades, making it easy to find the perfect match!

#3 CND Vinylux

I love nail polish. It is very rare for me to have naked nails but because my hands are always busy, nail polish doesn't last very long. I have tried shellac and gel nails, both of which ruined my nails for months after trying them (honestly, my nails are still peeling!). Nothing lasted until I found Vinylux. It's a two step process, two coats of a colourful base coat followed by one coat of the seven day top coat. It hardens almost instantly, it is shiny like shellac and it lasts for well over a week on my fingers (and weeks on my toes!). Best part is it comes off easily with regular nail polish remover and doesn't strip your nails. 

#4 ELF High Definition Powder

For a measly four dollars, this product is the perfect finishing powder. Lightly dust on your face after makeup applications for a flawless "airbrushed" finish. It hides fine lines and makes everything look smooth and even. All of that for the low price of a latte!

#5 Urban Decay 24/7 Liquid Eyeliner

I know, I featured a different eye liner last year. That one truly was my favourite, until I met this one. It comes in a massive array of colours, stays on perfectly until it is washed off and the brush is fine for perfect application. Trendy cat eyes are no sweat with this stuff. I own it in a few colours now but my all time fav. is a colour called smog, which is a green-gold that is positively stunning!

#6 MAC Lipstick in Rebel

I am convinced this colour looks great on everyone. It's a lovely deep colour that ranges between very blue red, plumb and a deep wine depending on your complexion and how heavily you apply it. For this reason, it is one of the most versatile lipsticks that can provide looks ranging from retro-glam to vampy-chic. Win, win, win!!!

#7Say Yes To Carrots Moisturiser

This is a drug store find that I accidentally stumbled upon. I still am obsessed with my face oil but this is fantastic on my dry, winter skin. My thirsty face thanks me in the morning by not peeling (peeling noses make you look like a crocodile-not attractive). Added bonus- it is 98% natural and paraben free. No clogged pores from this stuff!!

I Would Rather Have Flowers In My Hair..

"I would rather have flowers in my hair than diamonds around my neck." -Emma Goldman

Recently a few friends and I attended a flower crown workshop in the North End of Halifax. It was hosted by the ever adorable Nicole McInnis- founder and master mind behind Oh Dina! Oh Dina is an adorable little studio where Nicole hand crafts millinery and beautiful bridal accessories. Her pieces are feminine with a vintage feel and are known for elevating bridal looks all across North America.

You can find her products online and in boutiques across the Country. Her custom pieces are lovely and I haven't gone a weekend without seeing someone walking down the street, donning a beautiful flower crown courtesy of her shop or a flower crown workshop.

I wasn't sure what to expect when we signed up but not only was it a fun and entertaining way to spend an evening but it was a great way to meet new people and network a little in the Halifax community. It opened dialogue among people who probably would have never crossed paths and it allowed everyone to get their creative juices flowing. We drank wine and assembled beautiful head pieces out of the flowers we chose. Every crown created was unique and we all looked fabulous walking down Agricola street wearing our custom pieces, heading in the direction of more wine.  I highly recommend participating in a workshop or checking her out online- what a wonderful local artisan to have based in our city!

You can find Oh Dina ! on her website (here) and you can follow her on instagram (user name-OHDINA).You can also check out all of the flower crowns created in her workshops by searching the hashtag #flowercrownhfx !
Happy crowning all!
-m

Creativity....

"Creativity takes courage."-Henri Matisse

In the time since I last posted, Halloween and Thanksgiving have come and gone. My computer has all but died (no amount of resuscitation or intensive care seems to be enough) and I am knee deep in new certifications for the new-to-me job I will be starting in January.  I also made a very "adult" purchase today; I bought a new oven. Why did I have to buy a new one? As I was taking my perfectly browned, 15 pound turkey out of the oven for Thanksgiving dinner, my oven door fell right off. Crash, bang, boom. I saved the turkey but couldn't save the oven. Luckily the stove still worked and my pie had been baked in the morning. My guests didn't starve and all was well in the world. I am sure the waistlines of myself, and those belonging to my co-workers are the only to suffer through this oven-less ordeal. Sigh...

I have finally completed the "gallery wall" in my living room. I had been on the hunt for ages for pieces that both fit the space and spoke to me.  I am happy to say all of my gallery prints were purchased from local shops and/or are all printed printed locally and/or designed by local artists! I am proud to be from Atlantic Canada and am glad to continue to live in such a beautiful place so I may as well show it off !

Over five years I have collected or received these prints. As they are all unique and are all different styles I framed them in simple black gallery frames. Some frames were matted, others were not but the simple frames helped to keep the pieces uniform. I must admit, I was a little leery of traveling all of the way up to the ceiling in a fairly scattered way but I am glad I did! If you are interested in owning any of the above prints or checking out more local art and gift ware you can find them and much more in the links provided below! Happy decorating!
-m

Poster Boy - The Atlantic Canada print, and  many more of his fantastic screen printed and hand framed art can be found here.

The Girl From Away and English Muffin Print Shop- The lighthouse! You can find  it and other awesomeness here and here.

All others can be picked up at Dots and Loops (here), Kept (here) and Inkwell (here) which are some of my very favourite and adorably curated local shops! Check them out, you will not be disappointed!

Know Your Food...

"Know your food, know your farmers and know your kitchen."-Joel Salatin

I truly LOVE the farmers market and the fall is the best time to go. Veggies are fresh and the stands are positively teeming with ripe apples, peaches and plums. Roadside stands are full of variety and if you live anywhere with a decent farming industry, fresh and delicious produce is often just a few steps from your door. This time of year I go to the market weekly, whether it is the little stand on the bottom of my street, the Halifax Seaport market or any of the ones in the Valley. Plus, nothing beats a beer steamed sausage when you are hung over and can smell the wine from the night before seeping out of your pores. At least that is what I am told....

Last weekend I made hot pepper jelly. I refrained from setting my stove on fire this year (yay!) and managed to produce about fifty jars without any serious injury (apart from one burning eye, damn jalapenos!). I picked up the peppers for a song in the valley the day before and the entire process (minus the cost of the jars) cost about $20 and five hours of my Sunday. There is something fantastic about the "pop" the lids make as they seal. Yes, I sounds like a little old lady but canning is a dying art form and somebody has to carry the torch (honestly how many 20-somethings do you know making pickles, jams and jellies on their weekends?). Plus hot pepper jelly is the very best with a little goats cheese.

Want to make hot pepper jelly too? Find my recipe here. Happy marketing all and happy fall!
-m