post-holiday shopping: Hermes, the Greek Messenger flats

Flats with wings, by Jeremy Scott. Available at the Adidas store on Queen.

These are a dream. It feels like you can fly, like Hermes the Greek Messenger.

Just something different to pick up while you enjoy post-holiday sales (Let's all admit quietly that this is one of the best sales seasons of the year. And that you avoid buying stuff all year just to get the price cuts around this time. So you can avoid feeling guilty for indulgent purchases. Just saying.)

Hope you're having a wonderful holiday season *with people you love, 

Jen.

little nickie's cafe: nutella hot chocolate

Even though Toronto won't experience a white Christmas, hot chocolate is still so delicious on a cold day.

The long-story short: Nutella flavored hot chocolate - damn it's good.

The long story: Nutella flavored hot chocolate is a delicious holiday drink perfect after you freeze your toes off skating at Nathan Philips Square.

(from Little Nicke's cafe at Queen Street West. Awesome for a coffee break while shopping.)

 

 

leona's birthday dinner in chinatown

I had a lot of trouble thinking up a title for this post. I originally thought the whole night could be summed up with the phrase: 'a birthday dinner - can we say 'fried rice?'' But that would be offensive because we also had crepes! Ish, Leona and I met up for an intimate birthday dinner in Chinatown. Leona's awesome because she's the one we turn to for a sane opinion when things take a weird turn (ie. Kate, another friend, and I have colorful discourse on a variety of topics (boyfriends, work, health benefits of lard, etc). And we'd always be like "Okay! This has gone too far. ... Leona?"

While waiting for our food, we got her a pearly hoop earrings.

 

 

Ish introduced us to this delicious chicken-sweet corn soup (who would've thought.) (Also, don't you like her new hair cut?)

This is the fried rice I was referring to earlier:

 To top off the night, we shared nutella crepes with strawberries and ice cream. Yes, it is as good as it tastes.

Overall - awesomeness. 

a casual stroll on Queen Street

I recently moved downtown, which I can definitely say is one of the best decisions of my life. There's the short proximity to the clubbing district (which begins literally, the next building over) and shopping and delicious coffee... I'm proud that I haven't lost it from overindulgence (But it's only been a few months, so let's not get too excited.) In the middle of all of that, there are a few peaceful things about the area that I'd like to highlight, which can be found on a quiet weekday evening.

This is Jon, wondering about ... y'know, such and such.

 OCAD legs

One of the last flowers to bloom before winter hits

Lots of old-school brick buildings...

... right across from interesting graffiti.

Jen.

Swarovski Christmas Tree - Eaton's Centre

I was in the Eaton's Centre and saw the annual Swarofski Crystal Christmas Tree unveiling in early November. It was a huge production, with live performances by Deborah Cox and a count down revealing the sparkly tree.

It's was an early preview of the Christmas spirit. The best part was that it really brought a lot of people (huge crowds!) together in one place. It is quite spectacular, and reminds me of New Years (lots of people, music, count down, sparkly item unveiled.)

 In a way, it brings new meaning to celebrating Christmas at the mall. But let's be honest - we all love the holidays- time with family and friends (which usually involves giving and receiving gifts.)

the days are getting darker ft. coronation park

I got off work early one day and decided I needed to see the horizon (after being surrounded by sky scrapers). The sunset is still stunning late in the year in Coronation Park, which is one of the best parks along the Waterfront. Harbourfront can be underwhelming at times for those who live in the city, but if you go far enough along the Martin Goodman trail (west towards Oakville), you can find what you're craving.

 Awesomeness, 

Jen.

Cakes Galore -The Delicious Food Show Part II

Alright, so now it's time to talk about all the eye candy.
St. Philips made increddddible wedding cakes. I was so blown away.

My favorite - a stunning flowers and macaron cake by Ruelo Patisserie

 

Chocolate sculpture by ChocoStyle

I can't remember the vendor (if anyone knows please message) but it's wonderfully retro:

And something kind of cute to go with the cakes from DomiStyle.com:

Yes, awesome, no?

Yum.

Jen.