Nothing like wearing a good pair of jeans

...especially when it is for a good cause! Today is Jean's Day and it's not too late to donate! Technically, I am only suppose to wear jeans to work on Fridays (dang office dress code), but I figure there is no better reason to break the rules then helping BC Children's Hospital continue to make sick kids better.

Simply go online and donate now and wear those jeans proudly:

http://www.bcchf.ca/main/index.php?donateNow

xo J

When the moon hits the sky like a big pizza pie....

In one months time I will be escaping to Italy for two weeks, I am currently on a diet so that once there I don't have to say no to a single scoop of gelato, any plate of pasta, one more glass of wine or any delicious bubbling paper thin disc of pizza. If you are, a) not on a stupid diet or b) not lucky enough to run off to italy I suggest taking your own trip to Nicli Antica Pizzeria in Gastown, but get there early because this place is really making a name for itself and the crowds are flocking to it.

A few weeks ago I went with some girlfriends and had the pleasure of devouring my very own margarita pizza. I am a sucker for the simple tomatoe, basil and fresh mozzarella classic and it did not let me down, but what even put it over the top is that each table is provided with a bottle of their red chili pepper and rosemary infused olive oils which I happily dragged my leftover crusts through. They don't take reservations but if you are not in a rush go in and put your name down, they will take your phone number and give you a call when your table is ready giving you the opportunity to build up an appetite by roaming around Gastown, do some window shopping or grab a pre-meal drink at one of the many other hip hang outs nearby but save your appetite!

xo J

Ready for The Weeknd

no not this weekend, The Weeknd! This is my week to post about music apparently, but this one is too good for me to wait to post.

Garnering some major, major buzz is 20 year old Abel Tesfaye from Toronto. After having listened to his entire album House of Balloons (which by the way you can download for FREE here ) I can see why. I kind of have a major crush on these smooth, sexy tunes. Having just been released on March 21, 2011 The Weeknd has recieved big endorsements from fellow Torontonian Drake and also reviewed by Rolling Stone magazine as an artist to watch out for.

The Weeknd is not just R&B slow jams though, his influences range from Aliyah and The Dream to Souxsie and The Banshees to who knows what else, all combined House of Balloons is dark, mysterious, lush and sexy...like you are going to want to put this on and run and find someone to make out with kind of sexy....I'm addicted.

xo J

Summer Reads: Killers or Comedy

Hey mes amis,

With Summer on the horizon (supposedly) - it's time to get some laying by the pool reading material together. I just finished 2 books that both fit the bill.

Numero Uno:  "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" by Steig Larsson

Yes this who-done-it, the first of a series of 3, has been around a while, but if you haven't read it - you just might want to. Be warned: this is one of those books where you have to fight through the first part. But if you can hang in there and keep walking down the dark corridor, then, like a mysterious killer sneak person - this book suddenly grabs you and you just need to give in, and refuse to sleep, eat or shower until you've read it all. (ok you should shower).

Pros: A mis-matched and unlikely crime discovering duo that you have to root for.

Cons: Lots of Swedish words (just glaze over them), and a family tree that's pretty extensive (again, just gloss over)


Numero Dos: "Bossypants" by Tina Fey

As the cover illustrates - this autobiography by ubber funny chica Tina Fey, is 1 part bio and 3 parts hilarity. If you want a serious autobiography go elsewhere, in this book you get to hear about Tina's life, but through her funny girl lens. In other words, Tina's words actually, it's no "sweeps episode of Dateline" full of dark drama and heartfelt revelations.

You will laugh when you're reading, a lot. And sometimes it's those sudden spit-your-drink-out laughs, so maybe don't read this book in a staff meeting or something.

Pros: A fast and funny read, with a good dose of girl power. Tina Fey is relatable, dorky and self-deprecating.

Cons: The funny of the book sometimes feels like a shield, at times I wanted just a little more heart.

So run out and pick out one or both of these books. As one of the reviewers of Tina Fey's books says:
"Totally worth it" ~ Trees

Do you wanna dance?!

…with The Human Jukebox over at The Flashdance . Whenever it is a quiet day in the office and I need some way to stay motivated I throw on my ear phones, pump the volume a couple notches and check out what’s new by The Human Jukebox, a Los Angeles based DJ who sure knows how to mix his music. I was sold as soon as I heard how he mixed in old Motown jams, funky 80’s hits and current hits.

Now, you can have your own “grimy unedited nutbag danceparty mix” for only $5.00, order your own copy of The Bangs! here. The six minute sample will leave you wanting more.

Images via The Flashdance

xo J

Las Vegas Bites

Hey Mes Amis!

Last week I went to the sunny land of Las Vegas - and my goodness did the sun feel good! Besides the oxygenated casino floors, towering construction and 24 hour fun, the food was deeeeeeliscious!

Here's a few highlights:

Tried bone marrow for the first time - super rich, soft, meaty and surprisingly yummy!

Ok this was in Seattle on our way home, and yes it was before 11am, but I never say no to an oyster shooter.  Holla to my briny bivalve lovers out there - I feel ya!

The world's most over-the-top sundae: yup the cup pictured is as big as a pint glass and includes fudge, caramel, sprinkles, nuts, cereal treats, vanilla ice cream, chocolate ice cream, whip cream and 2 gummy cherries on top. Whew! As my guy said, it's like they let a little kid loose in the ice cream shop and the kid went wild!

Even the sugar was over the top!

So there it is - a wee taste of the week's adventures. What was your best vacation meal?

xo

Jenny C

Re-focus, Re-visit - Relax!

I’ve been having a tough time finding inspiration lately (what? did the lack of posts tip you off). I’ve had a lot of things on my mind, upcoming review at work, the anxiety of trying to sell our house, love life issues, turning 30!!, that I admit my devotion to Amis Are We has faltered. NOT that I am in a blue mood about it all, far from it, I’m actually highly positive about all above stated issues, but that doesn’t stop them from being stressful and somehow getting sucked in to blogs where beautiful young women with impeccable style, a glamorous job in a perpetually sunny locale and the most devoted bf/fiancé/husband gush about their fabulous existence is not always the most helpful. Therefore, I’m trying to refocus on what makes MY life awesome and learning fun things about your own city is a start. Three new additions to my reading list are:

http://vancouverisawesome.com/ - A community based, non-profit organization dedicated to the study, promotion and preservation of Vancouver Arts & Culture, with a positive spin.

http://vitamindaily.com/vancouver - Your daily dose of timely tips on fashion, food, lifestyle and nightlife in your hometown. Besides Vancouver they also have Calgary, Montreal and Toronto pages.

http://www.vancouverslop.com/ - An Almost daily food blog of fund food events and places to explore in Vancouver.

What drew me to these sites is that all have a very different focus and perspective on Vancouver and between the three there really is something for everyone!

xo J