FILL UP WITH CARGO @ CARGOH!!

A very hip, very local online social marketplace came onto my radar recently called Cargoh. It’s a marketplace for art, design and culture made by local DIY artists, musicians and designers. The owner–operators of Cargoh are a very fun-loving, international husband and wife duo who have made Vancouver their home and were inspired to support vibrant, upcoming artists in the area and provide them with an avenue to sell their wares. Very much in line with Etsy, Cargoh is yet another great platform (and a Canadian one at that!) for artists to get their names and products out there in the world. An online market, what an awesome concept!!

So if you’re looking for one of kind items from jewelry and apparel to toys and home goods, and you like to shop online, check it out. It’s also a great way to familiarize yourself with artists and their work and get in contact with them directly. And with purchases through Cargoh you’ll be supporting your local community and economy, along with infusing more energy into our art scene which is always a positive thing! Go get some cargo at Cargoh and share the Cargoh love!!

Flying Solo - New Starts

Bonjour amis!

Happy Friday! This week has been a busy one - my internship at a local radio station is all kinds of awesome. I got to write some fun copy this week, and give some deserving kids instruments that our listeners donated - heart warming stuff.

Tonight's plans are yummy Indian fare and a wicked concert. If you're in the Vancouver area - come out and do the same! Burnaby's Bombay Bhel is understated and tasty - but it's changing hands next week - which might be okay considering this is one of 4 locations, but why risk it - for guaranteed excellence, go in before then if you can.

If you feel like some Friday night rocking out - Shore 104.3 (shameless plug) is presenting Leeroy Stagger & The Wilflowers with Zaac Pick at St. James Hall tonight at 8pm. Tix are only $20 and it'll be fun!

Other possible plans on the weekend agenda include further exploring of Granville Island (industrial zone turned food/craft wonderland) and maybe testing a Giada De Laurentiis recipe - I'll post it next week if all turns out well.

What are your plans for the weekend?
Maybe try seeing a familiar place in a new light - you might catch some fun surprises!

Here's to surprises, and love - because why not?

Bon weekend
xo
Jenny C

House for Sale!

As of today my lovely little townhouse that I have shared for the last three years with two of my besties is officially on the market. It has been a fabulous three years in our mini sorority house but I suppose it is time for us to really really grow up and live all by our lonesomes...or with a new hubby in Sonia's case.

However, it is not all sad, I am so excited to decorate a space all my own and I have been saving images galore as inspiration.

I am noting a bit of a trend though: white walls with lots of pops of colour! Lots of lovely colour!






I apologize, I am a bad blogger, and can not remember where I pulled all these images from al though my best guess would be www.designspongeonline.com

xo J

Baby Trashes Bar in Las Palmas

Hi Peeps!

Cute, funny, maybe a little wrong - what's not to love about this video? Check it out below :)

xo
Jenny C

Adele - 21

I am mesmerized by Adele. She has such an immense talent, one of the most captivating out there right now, yet she seems to genuine and humbled by all the praise. Her new album, 21, was released today, and if you enjoyed her last album then I would be highly surprised if you did not fall head over heels in love with this one.

Here she is performing "Someone Like You" at the Brit Awards. Enjoy!




xo J

A taste of paradise in February

San Diego has become somewhat of a meeting place for my Dad's side of he family since everyone is spread out all over, this year it was the biggest turn out ever. Since my Dad was born and raised in California I always consider myself somewhat of a "California Girl" and this city in particular will always hold special meaning.

Here are some of my favorite places and images from my little escape to the sunny sands of San Diego:

If you want an old school beach experience stay at The Beach Cottages, they've been around since 1948 and the location can not be beat, right on Mission Beach.

Walking along Pacific Beach

Surfs up at Pacific Beach

Ocean Beach at sunrise, well worth the early wake up call, and a place with alot of meaning for my family.

Classic diner breakfast in Ocean Beach

Munchkins in cute toques

Afternoon family beer pong tournament

As featured on the food network's Diners, Drive In's & Dives (possibly one of my favorite shows), El Indio, since 1940

Carnitas tacos with fresh homemade tortillas....Vanouver just doesn't have stuff this good!

Another amazing sunset, with a heart shaped cloud just for valentine's day!

xo J

Haters Gonna Hate

You can't help but smile at this chubby little guy.

He's also a good reminder to keep it real and do your own thing. You strut little man!

Print available here at These Are Things, which also sells really cool n colourful maps.

xo
Jen

Bonus: Lovers gonna love - dog lovers check out this Best in Breed slideshow from the Westminister Dog Show here

I promise I am still alive!

After five glorious days in the sun and one night of terrible travel (delayed flights, missed connection, Seattle airport hotel with paper thin walls, 2 hours sleep, 5:00 am wake up call...you get the picture) I am back in a very rainy and cold Vancouver. Missing the beach so badly!

I will have a more extensive post for you once I get my photos loaded but all I can say is that San Diego is by far one of my favorite cities, I love the relaxed beach life, the plethora of delicious mexican and the all the dudes with surfer attitudes.

xo J

Fashion Finds - This Sale is Off the Wall!

Off the Wall is closing it’s doors on all it’s locations across Canada in the next few months and a closing out sale is currently underway! Everything in store is currently 50% off and sales will continue to grow until they get rid of all of their merchandise. From hoodies and jeans, to tees and winter sports jackets, they currently have a ton of apparel and some great brands like Element, Roxy, Billabong, Hurley, Levis, Burton and Bench. If you’re looking for some sporty, funky wear definitely take advantage of this inventory close-out sale! In the Lower Mainland there are locations at Metrotown, on Burrard at Robson, Willobrook Mall and Richmond Centre. I just got an awesome Billabong t-shirt for $5! I'm stoked!

Too Sweet For Words

How flippin' cute is this cake? Ok it's probably impossible to make, but have faith! What's the worst that can happen? Leftover cake? That's still delicious!

Find how-to instructions here

Send us a photo if you give it a try!!
xo
Jenny C

(found via Swiss Miss)

Sundried Tomato Stuffed Mushroom Caps

When I am asked to provide an appetizer for a get together I sometimes have a hard time finding a non-carb loaded appie that’s not just veggies and dip. Besides the breadcrumbs for binding these mushroom caps fit the bill pretty well. I’ve used this recipe ; my only suggestion would be to add the entire egg not just the yolk, as I found the stuffing a bit dry. Otherwise, the tip of pre-baking to get rid of the excess moisture is genius!

Little mushroom bites all lined up in a row.

xo J

"You are a certified 7"

Just a funny video for you all on a Friday afternoon...what number are you certified as?

Flying Solo - Week ending Feb 4 aka It's Raining Goodness!

Happy Friday Everyone!

Wow what a day, what a week!

After a drought in the voice world over the winter, the last few weeks have really turned around. I've met with a bunch of folks in the radio industry (who are the nicest people on the planet!), got some contract work with old friends and just voiced a whole handful of commercials today.

It's raining goodness!

Oh yes, and it's Friday! Woo hoo!

This solo-entrepreneur thing is definitely not for the faint of heart, what with all the emotional rollarcoasters. But man, these highs really feel good.

What highlights went down in your world this week? Maybe something fun/exciting/relaxing/awesome this weekend?

Wherever you are, whatever your plans, do something to get your heart racing - it's good for you.

Bon weekend mes amis!
xo Jenny C

Banana Bread

Banana bread is one of my all time favourite baked goods, especially during the winter months. It’s flavourful sponginess and brown sugary goodness envelopes you in a warm, cozy feeling, and it just dunks so well in milk, coffee or tea! The main ingredient, ripe bananas, can always be stored in the freezer for a later date (I’ve been going a little overboard with this lately and have like 25 bananas in my freezer! Note to self: make some banana bread!) So for all you fellow banana bread lovers out there here is my basic banana bread recipe (and I say double it up and make 2 loaves at a time, it works well, goes fast and is great to share!) :

Banana Bread Recipe

Preparation Time: ½ hour

Baking Time: 1 hour & 5 minutes

Ingredients:

2 cups of flour
1 teaspoon of baking soda
¼ teaspoon of salt
½ cup of butter (soft)
¾ cup of brown sugar
2 eggs beaten
Allspice or cinnamon to taste
Vanilla to taste
2 to 3 ripe bananas mashed (depending on how large the bananas are or how dry/moist you’d like the bread to be)
You can also add nuts, raisins, dried cranberries or chocolate chips to take it to the next level.

Preparation:

1. Mix dry ingredients together in a bowl – flour, baking soda, salt, spices
2. Mix wet ingredients in a bowl or stand mixer – butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, ripe bananas mashed
3. Mix dry ingredients slowly into wet ingredients while stirring steadily until completely mixed and smooth in texture
4. At this point you can stir in some nuts, dried fruit or chocolate if you so desire
5. Lightly butter 9” or so loaf pan and pour in banana bread mixture
6. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
7. Bake for 1 hour and 5 minutes
8. Remove from loaf pan and let rest for a few minutes before diving in!
9. Enjoy the goodness of good ol’ fashion banana bread!!

Design Problem? Put a Bird On It!

Hey Peeps!

You know birds are everywhere in design these days, so that means it's the perfect time to make fun of it!

So for your viewing pleasure here a sketch from SNL's Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein's upcoming show "Portlandia". Portland is everywhere too!

Enjoy!
xo Jenny C

Surreal Le Sigh

Paris, 1963. No photoshop, just the imagination and industriousness of famed photog Melvin Sokolsky.

Let's just soak in the coolness shall we?

Le Sigh
xo Jenny C
(images via Black Eiffel)

2 things...I got done this weekend

Hey, 2 out of 5 is better then none!

So despite my best intentions I didn't quite knock everything off my list, I did catch up with an old friend I haven't seen in years over a lovely brunch and my photo bug is in full swing thanks to my new obsession, the Hipstamatic App on my new itouch.

If you have an iphone or the new itouch that has a camera this app is well worth the $1.99. The basic hipstamatic package comes with three types of film, three lenses and two flashes, each creating unique effects to your photos. I. am. obsessed! And there are a slew of hipstapacks for $0.99 that offer even more lenses and films. This is the perfect alternative for when I don't feel like slugging my actual camera around. I have a pretty busy month coming up so stay tuned for more pics...and I'll try not to take too many of my cat!



xo J