Tuesday, January 31, 2012

It's a Chicken Parmigiana Kinda Night...


I whipped up some Chicken Parmigiana tonight on a whim... 

I've never made the real deal before.  

And by real deal, I mean coating it in an egg & bread crumb mixture, frying it in oil, and then baking it to perfection.  

I always take the half-assed route: put chicken in baking dish, pour tomato sauce over, sprinkle grated cheese & bake.

BOR-ing.

This time was gourmet though.

I coated and fried that chicken up 'till it was nice and golden and fatty, and then I baked.  Big hit.  Biiig hit.




And of course to keep things healthy, I threw in some broccoli on the side (and whole wheat pasta).

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Monday, January 30, 2012

Weekend (+ more) Recap: iPhone Snaps

1.  Tune & a make-shift lunch on Friday at work (tuna, arugula, hummus & feta wrapped up).
2.  Coy fish pond.
3.  Pretty, frozen trees.
4.  Home made beef nachos for Friday night dinner.
5.  Shawarma plate dinner after purchasing a used armoir and bringing it home (phew!).
6.  Saturday morning blueberry pancakes.
7.  Milk-bag utility bag made by seniors at my grandparent's residence (it takes 500 milk bags and approximately 198 hours to make one!).
8.  The mess after one of my shoe racks fell apart while trying to move it.
9.  A new maxi dress from Urban Planet ($20) that is actually long enough for me.
10.  My newest upgrade: 4S (so pumped!).

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Saturday, January 28, 2012

Put your feet up...


You don't mind if I just... put my feet up today?
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Friday, January 27, 2012

TGIF!

Joe Fresh dress, Qupid boots, American Eagle belt, uknonwn tights, Auslini bangle & Suzy necklace

So I finally put together an outfit so I can wear my new boots and what happens?  Fire alarm at work.  Ya.  I didn't even get to strap these puppies on since I wear a commute boot into work and change shoes when I get there (Canadian winters are harsh on shoes).  I got to work, fire alarm in full effect, so we are moved to another building... where we wait... for over an hour... to finally be told we can go home for the day.  Woohoo!! A real 'snow day' (it was snowing like crazy) which never happens but bummer because these shoes never saw the light of day.  Oh well, next time.

What are your plans for the weekend?  I plan to relax tonight, catch a movie tomorrow night and spend a whole lot of time relaxing.  Oh, and pancakes are on the menu for a Saturday morning breakfast (mmm, it's been a while).

Here are some fun links from around the web:


These closets are nuts.

I would love a pair of these flats in yellow.

Some great relationship tips anyone and everyone can apply.

People.  In love.

I know the holidays are over, but this ornament chandelier is simply awesome.


Have a great weekend! xo

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Thursday, January 26, 2012

Mini Refillable Perfume Tube


You know when you're out and about or especially going on a trip and you wish you had your perfume with you (but didn't want to lug the big bottle along for the trip)?  Well now you can!  

This little tool (called the Travelo) is around $12 bucks and gives you 65 sprays of your favourite perfume, and it's tiny.  You just take the cap off your perfume, attach the Travalo and pump until it fills.

The best part?  It's the size of a lip gloss and your big bottle of perfume remains safe (at home).  What a great idea!



* I am in no way affiliated with Travalo, just thought this was a great idea and wanted to share.
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Tuesday, January 24, 2012

This or That?

 F21 top, Mexx skirt (last seen here), Lilliana pumps (last seen here) / Aldo booties (last seen here), unknown belt, Givenchy fishnets, Suzy necklace & various bangles

I used to plan outfits around my shoes, but in the past year that has changed.  Now I tend to pick the shoes last (unless I have a new pair that I want to rock purposely) and sometimes I an indecisive; case in point, the outfit above.  

I couldn't decide on the girly ruffle pumps or the edgier wedge booties.  I ended up going with my plain black pumps (the ol' tried 'n' true) as I wanted something feminine and while I love those Lilliana pumps above, they don't stay on my feet very well when I'm walking around (which I do a fair amount of at work).

Which look do you prefer?
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Seriously?


I went to Dollarama last night for one thing: a paint brush.  

I left with five things: a paint brush and these four wicked rings.  

Yes, these rings are from the Dollarama and they were $2 bucks each.  What!  Run, don't walk, to your nearest and dearest Dollarama to score some (they had other colours too!).


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Monday, January 23, 2012

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps


My weekend was really good, it was filled with food (tons of it), a movie (Moneyball), sleeping in times two, late nights, more food, organizing, and spending time with favourite people.  Oh, and I got some laundry done; four of seven loads, which means there is still more.

1.  My sister's puppy is getting bigger.
2.  Late night snack sesh.
3.  &  4.  My grandparents gave me this gold mirror, I (spray) painted it silver.
5.  &  6.  Food at my sister's place for wedding DIY Saturday (her fiance made the caramel-covered-pretzels. What! I know.)
7.  Twinsies!  (total fluke)
8.  Putting my new lacquered boxes into action.

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Sunday, January 22, 2012

TAG: Blogger Q's


A cute tag is going around the blogosphere and while I haven't done one in a while, Danielle tagged me, so why not?

1. How did your parents come up with your name?  They had friends who had named their daughter that a few years earlier, never heard it before, and loved it.
2.Do you typically get your nails done or do them yourself?  I do them myself to save money but I love getting them done.
3. Do you leave the house without makeup on?  No.  Always some mascara, at the very least.
4. Silver or Gold?  Both but I tend toward silver more.
5. Where would you like to go on your next vacation?  Carribean, Europe or Thailand.
6. Name one thing on your bucket list.  Travel to Europe.
7. What is your favorite feature (eyes, smile, etc)?  Hmmm... teeth?
9. Do you use sarcasm a lot?  I frequently wish there was a sarcasm font.  Does that answer the question?
10. What is the first thing that you notice about someone?  Hair + shoes.
11. What is your favorite food and/or dessert?  Baked pasta, steak, buffalo chicken fingers and pie (hands down).


Anyone else want to join the fun?  Answer the same q's and link back in the comments so I can read your answers.

If you have other questions, my Formspring account is all ears.
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Saturday, January 21, 2012

Saturday MOH Duties

There's a ghost in my office... 

Today I'm heading to my sister's place.  She is getting married in September and I am the Maid of Honour (MOH).  

Today we will be working on the centre pieces.  Not sure if I'm allowed to divulge any information on here but they are a definite DIY and very time consuming.  

The other bridesmaids will be there and the bride-to-be has promised us copious amounts of wine and snacks to get through the night.  

Have a great Saturday!

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Friday, January 20, 2012

Losing Things

Jessica Simpson blazer, Jules & James tank, Smart Set cami, Old Navy pants (last seen here), Aldo heels (last seen here), Ardene & F21 necklaces, Charlotte Russe ring, Swarovski, Costa Blanca & F21 bangles

Do you ever lose things?

I have never lost things before but lately my good habit seems to be changing.  Blame it on moving a few too many times, or just being simply unorganized but it's happening.  And it's frustrating.

Namely, one of my favourite necklaces has been misplaced.  It could be in a few places, but if I knew which places, it wouldn't be missing!  It's frustrating because I was always so diligent with keeping track of things and now I can't seem to help it!
 

Are you the winner of the Towne & Reese earrings?  Find out here.
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Thursday, January 19, 2012

Covet


I'm obsessed and coveting (so badly) a pair of Isabel Marant's Willow high tops.  They came out in October 2011 and are difficult to get your hands on now (eBay has a few pairs left as does La Garconne in the amazing ivory colour) but would you believe the colour and size I want is available on eBay?!  I'm dying.  I wish I could buy these so badly!

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Wednesday, January 18, 2012

It's a Meatloaf Kinda Night...


It seems lately (or at least when I'm uninspired) my favourite question to my friends is, 'What are you having for dinner?' aka what am I having for dinner.

See how clever that is?

Anywho.  A friend suggested meatloaf tonight and sent me the recipe. 
  
I like easy, healthy stuff, and this fit the bill.

I made it and devoured it at 10pm... because I got home late, then had to make it, then it took an hour to cook... then I ate it.  And I have a (hot) lunch for tomorrow.  Woo.


Meatloaf:
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F

* 1 chopped onion
* 4 minced garlic cloves
* 1 pack of lean ground beef
* 1 cup of bread crumbs
* 1/2 cup of milk
* 1/2 cup of tomato sauce
* 1 egg
* 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

Mix everything together with your hands.  Line a loaf pan with tinfoil and 'fill' with your meatloaf mixture.  Bake for an hour.  Let cool 15 minutes before cutting.


I topped mine with a ketchup based sauce (1/3 cup ketchup, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1 tsp dried mustard).

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The Non-Purchase


Do you ever go shopping and find something you like but when you put it on it doesn't exactly like you?  You stand in the fitting room, himming-&-hawing over said item, in hopes it will magically start looking better, be more flattering, and simply scream, 'Take me home!'.  But alas such cries do not come, and you feel sort of, 'I like it but I wish...' (the sleeves were shorter, the stripes were a different colour, the cut wasn't so... etc.).

I like to live by the, 'If you don't love it, leave it' rule, yet I still get stuck sometimes.  Sometimes I just want to like something so bad, but the chemistry (like any good relationship) just isn't there.

Such is so with the top above.  A boxy striped Cynthia Rowley top (from Winners, $19.99) that I wanted to like so badly, but when I put it on, it was a big, 'I'm not sure' (aka, I didn't love it).  I tried it on frontwards (left) and backwards (right) in an attempt to convince myself it was super versatile and it was like having two shirts in one.  This still did not make me love it, and in the end, I left it.  Looking at the photos now, I kind of wished I'd bought it, but at the same time, I knew I'd feel that way and it probably would have sat in my closet for a while.

Do you go by the 'love it or leave it' rule?

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Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Vacation Outfit + Giveaway

 Urban Original dress, Diva Lounge wedges & Town & Reese earrings

I'm not sure if I'll be able to take a tropical vacation this winter (I sure hope so though because it was -34 yesterday!), but if I do, you can bet I'll be packing this dress, my new wedges and these summery earrings.  

Neutrals and pops of turquoise (my favourite colour) are my fave.  I only got the chance to wear this dress once last summer (for Canada day, with red shoes) because she sadly got into a bit of a fight with the washing machine. Turns out, if you don't want to be hand-stitching crocheted parts of a dress back together, you best get to hand washing.  

Moving on!


 Now for the fun part...
...is giving away these  earrings just for you!
(Wouldn't they be great to take with you on your winter holiday?!)

Entering is easy:
* Follow A.Co est. 1984
* Visit the Towne & Reese site
* Leave a comment telling me what your favourite piece is (+ your email address)


Winner will be announced this Friday!


Additional entries:
* Tweet about this give-away and include the link to the post + my twitter handle (@ACoest1984)

Leave an additional comment for each entry you make

___________________________________________________________________

The lucky winner is Lauren K!  Thanks to all for playing. xo

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Monday, January 16, 2012

Shit Girls Say


Have you seen this?  You've obviously seen this (over 10 million people have!)... and I'm posting it waaay later that I wish I was, but in all honestly, I was just turned onto this, so it's new for me. 

And hilarious.

If you're a girl.

I have watched this almost 10 times in less than a week.  

It's still funny.

There are two more episodes too!  (part 1 is my fave though)




Pssst!  Viv posted one about 'Shit Brides Say' and since I'm the MOH for my sister's upcoming wedding, I thought I'd share with you guys (and it's pretty funny too).

"Twinsies!"
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Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps


This weekend has sort of flown by, but at the same time, a lot has been accomplished.  On Friday night I had dinner with some friends (tacos!) and Saturday was a family day (after sleeping in till 1pm).  Sunday I ran errands and made meatballs for dinner and did not touch the laundry I should have done (oops).

1.  My first Persian tea
2.  A sweet treat
3.  Something I'm covetting
4.  New lacquered boxes for accessories (from Winners)
5.  Sunday breakfast
6.  A piece of art I have acquired that was created by my great-grandfather
7.  New make-up
8.  New shoes (with a much shorter heel than I'm used to)

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Sunday, January 15, 2012

Black Bean Salad with Feta


You know when you're eating something really, really yummy and (as I like to say) you don't want it to be over?  That's how I felt while eating this delicious bean salad.  A friend sparked the idea, I came up with the recipe. 

It's easy.  And healthy.  And filling.  And delicious. 


Don't like beans? 

You could use quinoa.


Hate tomatoes?

Avocados can be your friend.


Not a fan of feta?

Look, I'm not going to hold your hand.


See what I just did there?  I gave you options.  And that's what eating is all about.


Black Bean Salad
* 1 can of black beans
* 1/2 onion chopped
* 1/2 pint grape tomatoes
* Crumbled feta (as much as you like)
* Splash of lime juice
* Pepper to taste






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Thursday, January 12, 2012

New Friends

Quipid 'Miley'   |   Diva Lounge 'Jacoba'

New shoes are always fun to receive in the mail!  These just came in and I cannot wait to rock 'em.  Of course the espadrilles will have to wait till summer (or do they?) but I couldn't pass them up as I knew they'd sell out quick (plus my size, 10, always sells out pretty quick.  Update: they only have them in black now).

I'm still debating what I will pair the boots with.  To be honest, they are kind of outside of my fashion box but I always try to push myself and expand my limits when it comes to my style.  I consulted a friend and she made a couple suggestions (shorts+tights+blazer or coloured skinny jeans+neutral top) but I was looking for a way to dress the boots up, especially for work.  She suggested a flowy style dress with sleeves.  Perfect!  Love that idea (do you have suggestions?) and hopefully I'll be able to show you guys soon.

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Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Speechless

 Reitman's blazer (thrifted), Joe Fresh dress, unknown tights, Aldo boots (last seen here), Ardene watch, Mexx & F21 bracelets, Hot Diamonds, Suzy & Sirens rings
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Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Colour Blocked




Old Navy & Forever 21 are killing it with their affordable colour blocking tops out for Spring.  I couldn't decide which colour combo I liked best so I bought both (from F21). 

Clockwise from top left:
2.  Forever 21 colour block woven tank
3.  Forever 21 colour block woven tank
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Monday, January 9, 2012

Weekend Recap: iPhone Snaps

I took a quick trip to Toronto this past weekend for a family member's surprise 50th birthday party.  I drove there with my family on Saturday and came home Sunday (about a four hour drive).  A great bonus was since we were heading south, when we left for Toronto, it was about -11C and we had about a foot of snow.  The closer we got to TO, the warmer it got and the more snow disappeared.  By the time we arrived, it was above zero degrees and there wasn't a trace of snow (love that).

The party was held at a small pub and tons of people showed up.  The birthday boy was uber surprised and I got to catch up with family I haven't seen in quite some time.  While I'm not a huge fan of road trips (at all), it was so nice we were able to be there for the birthday and you could tell they were so happy we made the trip.

1.  Travelling on a beautiful, sunny day
2.  Travel attire (Joshua Perets hoodie, tank, pants & Uggs 'Bailey Button' in grey)
3.  Service station treat: hot chocolate
4.  No snow!
5.  A quick trip to my favourite store
6.  Greek chicken salad for dinner @ Kelsey's
7.  My party outfit (F21 top, H&M jeans, Auslini bangle, Pandora bracelet & Joe Fresh necklaces)
8.  Party decor
9.  Breakfast @ the Hilton (buffet! My fave!)
10.  Back to the snow/arriving home

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Friday, January 6, 2012

Easy

 Max Studio top (last seen here), H&M jeans (last seen here), Aldo wedges (last seen here), Suzy earrings, Costa Blanca bangles, Charlotte Russe & Sirens rings

This weekend I'm heading out of a town for a birthday celebration, but not before checking out a movie tonight and spending some good time relaxing.  It's been semi-good to get back to work this week (mind you, I do miss sleeping in) as far as the routine goes, but I'm still happy the weekend is here!  Have a wonderful weekend!

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