Food Finds - Persimmons and Cranberries

So it is coming down to Christmas vacation and as a result lots of deadlines and projects are due - I am busy but loving each project.

As a result of my increased workload - I have bought quick, easy food (granola bars, soups, etc.) but I did buy two new items from the fruit section.

1. Persimmons - strange orange tomatoes that are apparently sweet. I am yet to try them but all I know is I would like to try this persimmon and ricotta scone recipe. But I think I should just slice and dice and put them on my morning greek yogurt because they are full of good stuff like vitamin C, copper, potassium, vitamin B etc. (nutritional benefits found: here).  

Then I bought fresh cranberries.

I decided to eat one as soon as I came home - one that was fresh and crisp and boy was it sour sour sour. My face was definitely priceless with this tiny berry in my mouth.

So I threw the cranberries in the freezer to prolong their sour life until I knew what to do them.

On Friday the answer came to me in my inbox. A blog I follow had just baked a cranberry and maple cornbread. It looked good.

So this morning I baked myself some cornbread and gobbled up a sizable square of it for a late breakfast. Get the recipe: here.

I have leftover cranberries in the freezer and envision them in a glass of sparkling wine keeping it cool and adding some colour - so might just have to go buy a bottle.

Happy December :)

Engagement Photography - back in June

So back in June I promised to show you some of the photos I took of my good buddy and her fiance (at the time). It was my wedding gift to the couple.

I told you about the photo shoot: HERE

So just six months later here are some of my favourite photographs from the shoot for you to see. Hope you enjoy them.

Food Shopping Adventures

I love to eat and cook food.

And due to this love affair, I consequently love the grocery store, food markets, restaurant going, experimenting with new ingredients, following food blogs, and currently my most active Pinterest board is my "Recipes to Try".

Now I have been racking my brain as to what series I can do on this blog. I use to do "Last Week's Likes" and "Fun Photo Friday" but I find those posts hard to commit to. And my everyday is a bit routine now with school.

Then I had this brilliant idea of telling you about my food shopping adventures. I think it is brilliant because I grocery shop every week and I definitely throw things into my cart that are purely experimental.

Will I like everything - probably not - but at least I will find out.

And who knows - maybe you will be inspired to pick up the food item next time you head to the grocery store.

So last week along with my usual purchases I bought:

- Bosc pears

- Raw and unsalted pumpkin seeds

I bought the pears because they looked like they would be fun to photograph and back in Barbados you never just eat a pear (they are imported and are usual over ripe and mushy when they reach the tropics). So I decided to give them a shot. 

Overall I liked them... don't need to buy them again anytime soon... prefer eating an apple... and avocado pear still remains my favourite (in Barbados avocado is called pear).

Still many types of pears to try.

The next adventurous food purchase was raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds.

I chose this particular seed because my taxi driver to Halifax airport was a raw foodist and mentioned the amazing nutritional value of raw nuts and seeds. She made special mention of pumpkin seeds and how much zinc they have in them and apparently zinc makes your skin glow (but the seed has to be raw because once cooked it loses most of its zinc.... this is all according to a 3-yr raw foodist whose credentials I did not personal see). Nonetheless my ears perked up at this tidbit - so when I saw the seeds there was no questioning this purchase.

Every girl wants their skin to glow... no?

Success - I love them. I have had them as just a snack here and there to curve hunger between meals and I have sprinkled them on my morning greek yogurt with fruit and other goodness. So I definitely recommend!

And on a side note pumpkin seeds are really good for you - especially you fellows. Check out info about the pumpkin seed: HERE.

Christmas is around the corner

Is Christmas really in a month?

Woah!!!!

In the last 10 days I have seen Christmas Trees being sold, heard carols in the mall, ohhed and ahhed at shiny decorations, watched "Love Actually" and am currently being serenaded by Bing Crosby's infamous "White Christmas"... clearly I am feeling the Christmas vibes.

Now I need to start my Christmas shopping, maybe decorate my little apartment (twinkle lights are a must) and get excited about returning home to family, friends and home cooking.

Are you in the Christmas mood yet? Or is it too soon?

Halifax highlights

Last weekend I was lucky to be able to jet off to Halifax.
I was also lucky because the weather was superb. One day we were even able to play tennis outside without a sweatshirt. For Halifax in November that = AMAZING!

If you ever plan to go to Halifax at this time of year (ie. the colder months) look into the following activities. These are a few things we did and I enjoyed each one:

A walk through Point Pleasant Park.

This park is huge and has numerous paths for leisurely strolls (or I guess you could go take a jog). It has views of the ocean and in autumn there are lots of great colours and scenic shots. As far as I know there is no coffee shop in the park - so I suggest picking up your refreshments before you go.

 

Go see a play at the Neptune Theatre.

Neptune Theatre is a small and cozy theatre right down town Halifax. We went to see the cutest comedy about a middle age man who 3 years after his divorce decides to get an online dating account to meet some ladies. The play was extremely well done and very entertaining. I do not think it is on now but they are going to start showing ELF which will surely get you in the holiday spirit.

Dinner at Five Fishermen.

The Five Fishermen Grill (downstairs) is an Oyster and Wine Bar that is very warm and inviting. This restaurant is perfect for those looking to eat oysters at a reasonable price because between 4pm-6pm it is oyster happy hour - happy dance. 

We had two different oysters: one was from Rocky Bay and the other was from Sober Bay. If you like oysters then definitely get Rocky Bay (they were juicy and fatty, scrumptious and are pictured above). If you are trying oysters for the first time or not the biggest fan then get Sober Bay because they are smaller and not overwhelming.

Live music at Rock Bottom

It is always nice to go to a bar that has live music. We went to Rock Bottom two nights in a row. You can check out their weekly lineup on the website.

And then there is always the Saturday/Sunday Market. I already wrote it and other activities: HERE

All photos in this post were taken with the new iPhone 5.

favourite healthy quick breakfast at the moment...

Lately I have been enjoying the following for my healthy go-to breakfast:

Oat bran hot porridge
Greek yogurt
Half of a juicy peach
and a sprinkle of brown sugar (because clearly I am not sweet enough)

What has been your go-to healthy fall breakfast?

falling in love with autumn colours

So despite the fact that the warm weather is leaving the northern hemisphere we have been lucky to have a superb autumn season here in Canada.

We did have a ton of rainy days (so maybe describing it as "superb" is a bit over the top) but the sun came out yesterday and everything rainy has been forgiven.

As I mentioned before - I am enjoying taking photos of this vibrant, colour-explosion of a season.

Here are some shots taken right in my neighbourhood.

Enjoy!!

I am off to Halifax this weekend!

So so so excited :)

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

decisions decisions...

We make decisions everyday.

To sleep in or not to sleep in.
To eat the french fries or to substitute it with salad.
To go out for Italian or Greek.
To watch a RomCom or Drama.

Some decisions are bigger than others.

Like today is a big decision day in the US.
Let us hope that everyone is making an informed decision today (I hope they didn't decide to skip breakfast or worse skip the polls).

Over the weekend my mum and I went out on a MODA date (MOther & DAughter). We watched a movie and went for dinner. Making the decision about what movie to watch was easy... we saw "The Intouchables" at the Kingsway Theatre (because once we saw the trailer we had to see it despite the subtitles... you will see what I mean). After the cinema we decided to go to a french bistro called Merlot. The decision was made based on proximity to the theatre (it was very chilly outside). The restaurant was superb!

So back to the movie... if you are looking for a real feel-good movie to watch - I highly recommend: The Intouchables (2011). Check out the trailer... soooo good!

But if you are headed to the theatre check out: The Sessions (now playing). I am planning to see it this weekend and dare I say I am more excited to see it than 007.

Now the movies are both about quadriplegic men and both movies are based on true stories.

What a coincidence!

The Intouchable (The Sessions I think will be) is such an uplifting movie that reminds you about the value and beauty of life and relationships.

So hopefully I made your movie decision making a little easier this week.

Donate your wedding dress to a good cause...

Happy Monday!

This morning I sent my mum off to the airport in a white Escalade (the airport limo company sent him = quite over-the-top really!). At least it was roomy and comfortable.

While my mum was visiting we finally unearthed her wedding dress that was happily cooling out in my grandmother's storage room for a mere 28 years.

It was time.

My mum had the dress professionally cleaned and boxed up after her wedding day but before the big reveal (28 years later) we had no idea what it was going to look like. Yellow?? Holey?? 

We are happy to report that the dress is in immaculate condition and only has wrinkles to show for its time in exile storage.

We are also happy to report that the dress will be given to an amazing cause (and no longer waiting in vain). 

My mum stumbled upon The Brides' Project: a Toronto based organization that collects wedding dress donations, sells the dresses to new brides and all profits go to cancer research. 

How amazing is that?

Before we gave it away - we had to play dress up. It was a little surreal to try on my mum's wedding dress and have it relatively fit. 

As much as I would love to say I wore my mum's wedding dress - I am happy to know it is going to a good cause and hopefully will be there for the start of another successful union.

Also the puffy sleeves and satin finish are not my taste. I will cross that bridge when I get there.

Has anyone wore or would like to wear their mum's wedding dress?

Or are you storing your wedding dress for a rainy day?

a lazy morning...

What is your lazy morning routine?

I have a few ideal lazy mornings. Some mornings it is lying in bed with a book, making a large breakfast, or sitting and watching some television.

But nearly all lazy mornings include a frothy latte and eggs (either fried, scrambled or poached).

Today was a bonus lazy morning this week (class was cancelled due to the hurricane Sandy). I spent the morning with the company of my mum and gran, a frothy coffee, a big breakfast and the November issue of Canadian House & Home magazine (it is all about the holidays - eek!).

Hope everyone out there is safe and enjoying their rainy morning as much as I am. Here are some snippets from lazy mornings.

Always cherish your lazy mornings!

Do you do a deep clean before your mum visits?

My mum has come up for a visit.

She has flown to foggy Toronto to spend time with her children and family... but this time is a little different - she is coming to stay in my apartment.


In the past she has visited me at boarding school or my university house (that I shared with others) but now she is staying in my apartment and ...

My very own apartment = direct reflection on me (AHHHH!!!)

So I tried to clean - make the place look spiffy! But I didn't end up doing a super deep clean... more like a surface tidy up and put away.

I did however make sure we had a bottle of wine ready and open when she returned.

As you can probably tell by the photo above (taken in a photo booth at the Diamond Jubilee):

A little dust = No big deal

No wine to drink first night of mum's vacation = BIG DEAL

So I was curious if you deep clean before your mum comes?

why hello there

How do you come back to your blog after 4 months?

I am not exactly sure.

I have been trying to return for the last couple weeks.

And finally here I am.

I feel as though I am reconnecting with an old friend.

A friend I was once close with but overtime we simply fell out of contact with each other.

We did not have a falling out or anything... but so much time has passed that all of a sudden it has become awkward and unnatural.

This is exactly how it feels.

Regardless - I miss my old friend blog.

So I am back.

My updates are:

I have returned to school in Canada.

I am doing a certificate in Graphic Design.

I forgot how time consuming homework can be but I am enjoying my projects so far.

I am thoroughly enjoying autumn - especially because I get to photograph it. (Reminder - I am from the Caribbean and we do not experience the four seasons . Also the last time I was in Canada I was not the amateur photographer that I am today.)

So heres to blogging, autumn, lattes and happiness.

Happy Monday!!

Last Week's Likes - It has been a while

So my Last Month's Week's Likes have been piling up... and up... and up!
It was a really fun, busy, emotional month of May for me.
My spare time was minimal... but now I have found time this week to edit photos... and consequently do this post even though it is a Friday!

Before I begin I need to say...
DISCLAIMER: I most definitely have not been able to fit all my likes into this post — but here are some highlights that I also have photos of! Enjoy!

Going to the Drive-Inn
Barbados has a drive-inn.
A few week's ago I went on a little date with David there.
I loved it.
We ate burgers, I drank vodka & grapefruit and we camped out in the back of his pick up.
All of this was after I attempted yet another panorama shot (photo below)... and as you can see my attempt was quite successful.
This is by far my favourite place in Barbados to go watch a movie.

Weekend at a Beach House

Now life in Barbados is a "beach".
We have phenomenal beaches which are easy to get to... but despite the beaches being close by — there is something quite special about waking up by the sea.
A few weekends ago we got to stay in a beach apartment.
It was the best weekend.
We got to wake up to the sound of waves, drink our coffee by the sea, take early morning walks and swims and do some entertaining.
A big shout out to Jacksprat for letting us stay there :) xx

View from the apartment - not too shabby!

Homemade Sushi
I can officially say that "I have made sushi"... a whole bento box of sushi goodness.
A couple Sundays ago, I decided to challenge myself and make us some sushi and other asian goodies (with help from David).
For first timers - WE ROCKED! (I am really trying hard not to be cheesy and say that in fact - WE ROLLED! *too late*).
After two hours of joyful labour, we had ourselves two bento boxes (plus leftovers) filled with tempura shrimp, bbq pork buns, tuna rolls, salmon rolls, tempura shrimp rolls, edamame, a beer and a glass of wine.
It was sooooo yummy.

Bachelorette/Hen Party
Two weeks ago Dominique's bridesmaids put on a bachelorette party on for our good buddy (the one with the pink contraption on her head.
Hen parties are fun because you can be silly, inappropriate, drink tons and play games.
One activity we did was a photo booth and below is Dom with all her bridesmaids being extra silly in all the dress up bits and bobs.

Seeing David meet Di Matteo
So David is a huge Chelsea fan... and I am talking BIG!! (Football/Soccer for those who do not know)
Two weekends ago he got the chance to meet Roberto Di Matteo at a Football Legends Tournament put on by British Airways in Barbados... and I got a chance to see him meet Di Matteo.
For all those who do not know - Di Matteo is Chelsea's interim coach and while he was their coach they won Champions League... BIG DEAL!!!
So ...
Big fan David
+
shaking Di Matteo's hand
+
getting him to sign his Chelsea flag
=
the face of a child on Christmas morning x 100

Paddle tennis/tennis
The week before David went back up to Canada we started playing paddle tennis on the beach.
It is so much fun
And the best part is you get a workout and a tan while playing.
Not only did we play paddle tennis but we went on a double date played tennis with some friends that happen to be a couple.
We played doubles against them - and won ;)
I use to play tennis and forgot how much I enjoyed it... maybe this will get me back at it.
Fingers crossed!

Well have a great weekend!
Might Will be back on Monday!!

Helpful Links
How to make sushi in 11 easy steps: HERE
A site that has tons of ideas for Bachelorette/Hen party games: HERE
Information about the British Airways Football Legends Tournament: HERE
For those who are not too sure what paddle tennis is... it kind of looks like: THIS

Last Week's Likes multiplied by TWO

I have been MIA for two weeks... but at least I have still been taking photos :-)

So for anyone who is interested... here is what I have been up to the last 14 days. Hence — Last Week's Likes multiplied by two! :-)

Dinner at Cafe Luna
Cafe Luna is a magical little restaurant that is perched on top of a boutique hotel - Little Arches. As you can see from the picture below it is a rooftop terrace complete with twinkle lights, star lanterns and whimsical vines — all helping create a romantic mood (and bonus — the food is great!!)
Little Arches (Cafe Luna) is located in the south of island near to Oistins.

My First Panorama
Now a panorama is a series of photos that have been stitched together (using Photoshop/other program) to form one photo.
The photo below is of the boyfriend's parent's patio.
Now for my first attempt at a panorama — I impressed even myself.
I used 9 photos (if I remember correctly) to achieve the photo below and now all I want to do is take panorama shots where ever I go.

Drinks on the Boardwalk for Super Moon
Last week Saturday, we made a trip down to the boardwalk to watch the super moon rise.
Unfortunately we missed the actual rising of the moon (which according to other photographers was 'spectacular' — go figure) because we were ordering our drinks from the bar.
You can now see what our priorities really are — busted!
Nonetheless I took some shots.
Apparently I looked like a homeless person while taking the second shot. It was a long exposure shot and to avoid camera shake I used my knees as a tripod. I must have looked quite odd hunched over and not really making any movements.

Breakfast on the Weekends

Now if you haven't been able to figure out by now — I am a breakfast person. Well, actually I am a food person... but every morning I rise from bed for my much anticipated breakfast... whatever it might be.

And for the last two weekends — I have been treated and concocted some noteworthy breakfasts.

1st photo: Banana pancakes garnished with fresh bananas, toasted walnuts and syrup.

2nd photo: Toasted wholewheat pita bread topped with goat cheese, arugula, bacon, roasted tomato and poached eggs.

Yummy!! 

First Engagement (Couple's) Photo shoot

Last weekend I offered/strongly suggested that I take engagement photos of my friend Dominique (lady in white) and her fiance Justin (not pictured). As much as I wanted them to have nice photos as a happy couple, I wanted the challenge of photographing them.

And oh boy was that a challenge :P

Another friend — Cathy (lady in blue holding the reflector) came along to keep us company.

I still need to edit the photos — will show you the good ones... once I get bride and groom's approval.

Mother's Day lunch at The Cove Restaurant

On Sunday I went to The Cove for a Mother's day lunch buffet with my mum and dad.

It was lovely.

The restaurant served up some classic Bajan food and the three of us left well stuffed.

The restaurant itself is very rustic, unpretentious and has a beautiful view of the East Coast. It was idyllic.

Great suggestion Mum!

Helpful Links

Find our more about Cafe Luna: HERE

and Little Arches: HERE

Information on The Cove according to TripAdvisor: HERE