Ho Hey...I'm back!!

Yes it's true I have been missing in action for what seems like a zillion years and I apologize for my disappearing act, life gets busy and you just don't know where the time goes...but baby I'm back!! (I swear it's for real this time, I know I've been saying this for months...I'm really back I promise!!) Ok, so to start things back up I'm going to ease into it with a song...an olive branch if you will for being on this long hiatus! I heard this catchy tune on the radio the other day when I was driving in my car and by the second chorus I couldn't help but sing along..it's called 'Ho Hey' by The Lumineers. Check it out...

filling the shoe void

In preperation for an upcoming trip to Portland I am currently on a self imposed shopping ban and food cleanse. I'm not going to sugar coat things, it's tough and I'm going to get cranky, I've already warned my co-workers. In the meantime, while avoiding food blogs becuase they remind me how wonderful salt tastes, I have been continously perusing fashion finds online.

AEO Elastic Strap - $34.49

Lo and behold to my surprise, American Eagle Outfitters has really picked up the game in the shoe department! (I have a love/hate relationship with this store due to several university years employed there folding t-shirts all day). But these summer appropriate foot wear have my full love!...and the low prices don't hurt ;)

 AEO Artisan Wedge - $49.49

 AEO Cutout Jazz - $39.49

Sam Edelman for AEO Gladiator - $49.49

xo J

take a step back

Over the last few months my apartment has slowly but surely become my perfect little home and over the next little while I hope to share some of the little corners that make it all my own. One of the things I knew I wanted was some vintage suitcases, I had seen them all around the web being used as side tables, storage, design features, you name it!



Stepback in Vancouver was the first and only place on my list of places to find some fabulous vintage suitcases. They have such a magical collection of old home and garden pieces that transport you instantly and their adorable shop is packed to the rafters.

I found myself two great suitcases that serve as the perfect bed side table and do doable duty for storage of off season accessories (right now my bathing suits and sandals are anxiously waiting to be freed and replaced by my toques and scarfs....come on spring, show you face!)

Images via Stepback and Me

xo J

orzo with proscuitto + asparagus

If it wasn't detrimental to my petite frame I could eat pasta everyday of the week! The combinations are endless. By far one of my favorite pastas is Orzo, especially if I am lucky enough to hunt down some Greek orzo. For the most part, Italians do it better but when it comes to Orzo those Greeks know how to do it right!

I came across this recipe and knew I had to give it a try...asparagus...check!...Proscuitto...check check!.....taste?....Amazeballs!

Cooking the orzo slowly with the broth is ultimate punch of savoury flavour!

And with a glass of wine on the side it was absolutely delicious! I had to stop myself from eating what I had put aside for the next days lunch.

xo J

a lil bit country + a lil bit rock n' roll

During my recent online purchasing spree which included this pretty little thing I also ended my long hunt for the perfect clutch when I stumbled across Toronto's GraceDesigns Stella Clutch.

The combination of the linen and gold make it super versatile, easily dressed down and dressed up, perfect with jeans and sandals or a fun summer dress and heels.

And it looks like it arrived just in time for some spring weather! Happy Friday everyone!

xo J

Best Bite #10 - Chocolate Banana Cake from Ganache

So I was cruising through the Best Bite list to cross off here when lo and behold I came across a Best Bite we didn't even realize we had tasted!

Ganache Chocolate Banana cake was generously provided by Jenny for me and my other ami's birthday celebration. As you can tell by the above picture it looked fantastic!...and it tasted fantastic to boot! The bottom was a lovely crispy banana cake with layers of a chocolate cake, banana compote and chocolate mousse. It was heavenly! It was the perfect balance of flavour and texture. I liked that the banana was subtle and the chocolate dark and rich.

You can buy them buy the slice but hell you could easily go through a whole cake!


xo J

Oh hey Mr. Postman

Nine times out of ten the most exciting thing I find in the mail besides bills and junk is the flyer for the grocery store telling me my favorite cereal is on sale so imagine my joy when not only did the post man bless me with one little treat tucked in my mailbox yesterday but three!

Along with RestorationHardware's MASSIVE spring 2012 catalogue and my personalized gold StarbucksRewards card (woot) I also recieved this lovely necklace from local designer WolfCircus .

I was perusing the website last week and as soon as I saw this chevron necklace I decided that I needed to treat myself (you had me at chevron!). Not only did it arrive super fast (I think I ordered it less than 5 business days ago) it also came with a hand written note from the designer which I thought was a great little touch.

Check out all the great Wolf Circus Jewelry here as well as designer Fiona Morrison's blog for some great style inspiration.

xo J