My Sweet Substitute
Posted by Karen Bishop | Leave a Comment
A little before Christmas, I started watching what I ate. Not dieting, just mentally taking note of what I put in my mouth. It doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy a Twix (my fav chocolate bar) or some ice cream occasionally. I’m simply more aware of what I eat now, than I have been in a while.
A major change to my diet was trying to find a healthy substitute to all the starchy foods that I like so much. You know; rice, bread, pasta etc. That’s when I found a life saver in sweet potatoes. Not only is it filled with an entire list of good stuff but it’s done wonders in helping me eliminate those fatty, starchy foods I like so much. Not to mention, it helps with my never ending sweet tooth cravings.
FACT: in every 100 grams of sweet potatoes you will find: 0.1 g of Fat, 337 mg of Potassium, 1.6 g of Protein and tons of Vitamin A, Vitamin B-6, Magnesium etc.
But really, eating sweet potatoes in place of just about anything starchy has helped me not only lose weight but maintain my current weight. And that my friend is a complete bonus!
HOW I EAT THEM: cut them in squares, add a little bit of extra virgin olive oil (or coconut oil), sprinkle some thyme, bake for about 30 minutes and tada! I have my rice, bread, pasta substitute for the week.
Sweet!
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Nuvango Art Gallery
Posted by Karen | Leave a Comment
They say sharing is caring so here it goes, the Nuvango Art Gallery and retail store is the brain-child of high-school friends Drew Downs and Jamie Pichora. The pair originally launched Gelaskins – a line of artist-designed iPod covers – where they combined their love for art and commerce. With the brand under its new name, they now sell anything from pillows to t-shirts. The team partners with local artist and features their works on various pieces of merchandise for sale. Being in the business for 8yrs, they have happily paid out over $2.5M (yes, you read correctly!) in royalties to the numerous artist they work with. If you’re looking to expand your brand. This might just be the place to visit.
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A Small Space Inspired by Solange
Posted by Karen | Leave a Comment
I’m in the process of lightening up my humble abode, I’m trying to add more colour throughout my space. I’m not one for too many pieces of furniture, the less the better. I don’t exactly mean I want to sleep on the floor but too much of anything….even home décor, can be a bit too much.
While searching for some inspiration, I stumbled upon a simple but vibrant layout that belonged to style maven, Solange Knowles. Her Brooklyn home (back in 2012) got my wheels turning for my own small space. I love the mixture of bright colours and print mixed with wood accents.
Over the years Solange has finally come into her own. It’s apparent that her sense of style and embracing her natural beauty has influenced her stylish pad – even way back then.
What will lighten up your home? Prints, solids or both?
Photo Courtesy: Beautyisdiverse
Read MoreWhat Time Is It? Bulova Time!
Posted by Karen Bishop | Leave a Comment
What time is it? Bulova time! Bulova recently launched their latest spring collection from their Caravelle line and guess who got an up close and personal sneak peek of the watches? Me!
Just received these babies (fresh outta the box) and I’m loving the pastel pink colour with a whole lotta bling! As luck would have it, I’m in desperate need of a good quality watch. Pulling out my cell phone to check the time, isn’t as cool as it use to be. Thanks to my iPhone I’ve been less and less inclined to wear a watch. But lately, a really cool looking classic piece (like their Rose Quartz women’s watch) is the perfect finishing touch to any everyday look.
Telling time the Caravelle way may set you back a few dollars but I guess being in business since 1875, says something for the brand.
Timeless!
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Jazz Cartier New Hip Hop Religion
Posted by Karen | Leave a Comment
I stumbled upon the new voice of Toronto hip hop, artist Jazz Cartier aka Jacuzzi La Fleur – rumoured to be the new darling of Toronto. Jazz Cartier (who once toyed with the idea of becoming a lawyer), received 7.3 on Pitchfork for his self-released mix-tape Marauding in Paradise.
“From everybody that’s been hitting me up and what I’ve seen online, people are saying it’s the best thing outta Canada.” JC
Do we agree?
Tracks I like: Feel Something, New Religion, Guardian Angel.
photo courtesy: Now Toronto
Read MoreCafe Medina
Posted by Karen | Leave a Comment
For all of my Vancouver food lovers, Café Medina now calls 780 Richards Street, home. The newly renovated location has a number of upgrades such as high ceilings and large, street-facing windows that allow for plenty of natural light (a subtle nod to Medina’s connotation of “radiant or enlightened city”). An expanded dining room will seat 65 guests, plus a 10-seat cocktail bar and an eight-seat coffee bar — anchored by a top-of-the-line La Marzocco FB/80 espresso machine — that will also serve connoisseur-savvy coffees to go.
If you visit, let us know how good the food really is!
Facebook: /medinacafe | Twitter: @CafeMedina | Instagram: @medinacafe | #TheNEWMedina
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Living Green In The City
Posted by Michelle Griffith | Leave a Comment
I finally attended the Green Living Show for the first time after years of promising to go. My initial reaction when I entered the Show was how big the event was. If you ever visited the Direct Energy Centre you may be familiar with the size of the building.
Frankly there was a lot to cover. The sections ranged from Health and Wellness to Home & Garden. There was something for everyone. As a self professed foodie, I instinctively gravitated towards the Food & Beverage section, and I was not disappointed!
Here are some highlights:
Ice Syrup – Naturally when you think of grapes specially grown in the wintertime at Niagara-on-the-Lake, ice wine comes to mind. What a pleasant surprise to learn that ice syrup is another option from this painstaking process. Culinary experts have integrated this product in various savory and semi-sweet dishes. I was impressed that people who have lost their appetite due to chemotherapy have been successfully able to digest this product. www.icesyrup.com
Evergreen Wheatgrass Juice – Wheatgrass may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but this product was quite refreshing. You’ll appreciate the way this product is produced without destroying the important vitamins and enzymes. www.evergreenjuices.com
Bunners – Who says vegan gluten-free desserts don’t taste good? Clearly they haven’t tried the tasty treats at Bunners. www.bunners.ca/
Styrian Gold Pumpkin Seed Oil – This versatile product stood out for me. When was the last time you drizzled oil on your yogurt? You can with this special Austrian pumpkin seed oil. The taste is nutty, but not overpowering. I was sold on this product, and the testimonials are interesting too. www.styriangold.ca
Overall, if you are interested in discovering new foods and curious about how they taste, the world is your oyster in that realm at the Green Living Show. You will not be disappointed.
In the short time I had to tour as much as I could, I did venture out of the food area and I have to give a special mention to Eli’s Body Shop. It’s a great source if you are looking for products such as black soap, shea and cocoa butter. And that’s just the start! They have other natural products too. www.elisbodyshop.com
www.greenlivingshow.ca
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Mr. Parker
Posted by Karen | Leave a Comment
Mr. Parker has been on repeat on my laptop. Kardinal Offishall & Nottz Raw released the video for the single, which features the soulful sounds of Shi Wisdom. The video compliments yet another hot single for Kardi. But new artist Shy Wisdom, is no slouch to hot singles either…remember “Love Speak“? Well if you don’t click here.The unruly classroom concept has been done before but it’s even more comical when you’re looking at a classroom filled with some of Toronto’s known artist. Mr. Parker features cameo’s by; Kreesha Turner, Silver (Solitair), A-Game, Luu Breeze and new artist, Haley Smallz.
Kardi ( a veteran in the game) does his thing, as the ring leader of the class. However, I have to send a special shout out to Shi Wisdom. Shi is another Toronto artist to seriously watch out for (I’ve said this many times). I had the opportunity to listen (and watch) her perform at the Gladstone a while back. I was taken by the close similarities to Chrisette Michelle and how effortless her singing approach was. So effortless, you try it at home and it doesn’t sound the same….trust me. Shi’s got something, I guess we have to wait and see, what it truly is.
I couldn’t leave without giving (my personal) LMFAO Award to one of the funniest men alive, Canadian Comedian Trixx. They couldn’t have found a better fool (I mean) person, to play the class room teacher. 🙂
Scarborough In Cape-Town, South Africa
Posted by Karen | Leave a Comment
Canadian Photographer Jalani Morgan experienced the opportunity of a lifetime. He recently visited the naturally breath taking Cape Town, South Africa. Where apparently, our city of Scarborough, Ontario is well represented…lol
Shout out to the City of Scarborough, you’re represented around the world.
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Dealuxe Turns 1yr Old
Posted by Karen | Leave a Comment
It’s fashion time….all over the city. With spring & summer upon us, all the sales are all a glow! Fashion online site Dealuxe, celebrated their 1st birthday this May, with an invite only “pop-up” shop. Attending these fashion sales, are always a death-trap, you don’t know what to buy or leave behind *shoulder shrugs*. The “pop-up” featured some of the hottest clothing and accessories from industry fashion leaders; Marc Jacobs, Ray Bans, Hunter, among others.
Dealuxe.ca (recently changed to eluxe.ca) is Canada’s online fashion magazine & merchandiser. Their company promise is to make Canadian women’s online shopping an easy experience. I’m very sure Dealuxe.ca will see many more birthdays. CEO & Co-Founder, Joanna Track, founded lifestyle site Sweetspot.ca (which recently sold to Rogers Publishing).
Okay so enough of my babbling, here’s a look of some of my best finds from the shop. My personal fav…Hunter Boots with a rubber wedge.
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