Happy Easter!

Have a wonderful day full of family and friends! I will be back tomorrow with the recipe for these Lemon Coconut Cupcakes! 

Cheers

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Here's to a new year filled with Joy, Love and Laughter. 

I wish everyone the very best in 2014. This year is OUR year! 

Must Watch Christmas Movies

I love Christmas Movies. I love spending an entire Saturday watching those cheesy but oh so good made for TV Christmas movies. It is one of my favourite things about the holidays. I am happy to watch any Christmas movie that comes on and if there is a love story involved even better! Everyone has their own list of must watch movies at Christmas time. 

Here's mine:

Probably my favourite Christmas movie. The original is my favourite but I like the remake as well. I have to watch this movie at least once every Christmas (usually more).  

 

A modern Christmas tale. A big fun loving family not without its fair share of dramas. You will laugh and you will cry and you will occasionally cringe at SJPs character. 

I think this one speaks for itself.

One of those sad but oh so good Christmas movies. 

This was one of my favourites as a kid. Such a fun concept and the sequels aren't horrible either.

Perfect movie to put you in a good happy holiday mood. 

I just found this movie recently. Its not your typical Christmas movie but it starts out around the holidays so I am saying it counts. For sure a new favourite.  

Not really on my list, but top of the boyfriend's for sure. So I will be watching it. 

What Christmas movies are on your must watch list? 

Jaclyn

Winter Bucket List

I love the idea of an activity advent calendar, but with exams and unpredictable schedules it just didn't seem like it would work. I decided to make a Winter Bucket List instead with some fun dates included. I used the template provided by Sugar and Spice to create my own bucket list on a fun background. All I had to add was the text! I plan on putting together some envelopes to go with some of the dates like a Starbucks gift card for the hot chocolate date, a new Christmas Music CD to listen too, the cookie dough tea and baileys, so that everything is ready to go before hand for when we decide to complete them. This way we can complete things when it works best for our schedules in between exams and studying. I think it will be a fun way to bring some holiday cheer to exam season.

Whats on your winter bucket list? 

Jaclyn

Remembrance Day

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

- John McCrae

How To: Make a Cupcake Costume

I am known for my cupcakes. So I thought it would only be fitting to be a cupcake for halloween. After much googling I found a few different techniques for making a cupcake costume. I really liked All Things Alisa's tutorial and used it as a base for building my own cupcake. I used a round laundry basket instead of a larger bin and used a slightly different technique for making my frosting. I loved how my costume turned out and I cannot wait to wear it!

Project difficulty: Medium (I would recommend having a friend to help)
Time: 1.5 Hours

Materials:
- Round laundry Basket
- 3-4 coloured Bristol board (I used hot pink)
- hot glue and glue gun
- batting (I got mine from walmart)
- Wide Ribbon
- Feather boa
- Glitter Styrofoam balls (or pompoms)
- Headband
- Cupcake plushy (Keychain from Dollarstore)

Directions:
1. Cut bottom off of laundry basket
2. Cut bristol board to desired length, I made mine about 5-10 cms longer then the basket. Fold accordion style

3. Glue folded Bristol board around laundry basket. We cut a tab on each side of our bristol board to glue under the "lip" of the laundry basket. It took about 2 and a half of the bristol boards to fully cover the laundry basket.

4. Measure ribbon "suspenders" at height where you want the cupcake to be and glue ribbon onto laundry basket. I would make the straps a bit longer then you think you will need. You can always cut and tie the ribbon in a bow on your shoulder after. I would recommend a friend help you with this step.
5. Fold batting in four into a square slightly larger then your basket. (There should be four layers of batting).  Make sure you tuck your straps into the laundry basket before you glue on the batting!

6. Glue small sections of laundry basket and tuck batting up and under so it forms a pouf and "muffin top" edge around the laundry basket. Glue all the way around laundry basket in small sections securing batting as you go.
7. Attach feather boa with hot glue around the edge of the laundry basket between the paper and the batting.
8. Use the hot glue to add "sprinkles" around the edge your cupcake. I used glitter Styrofoam balls that I found at the dollar store but pompoms would work well.

9. Cut a small X in the centre of the batting on your cupcake. Use your hands to stretch the batting into a big enough hole for you to fit through.

10. For the head piece: I used a headband from the dollar store and hot glued a plushy cupcake from a keychain onto the headband.

I am planning on wearing it with a white t shirt and shorts underneath. I think it will look great once I do my makeup all sparkly and glittery and wear my favourite pink heels! 

Can't wait! 

What are you being for halloween? 

Jaclyn

Weekend Snaps

Gift for the besties birthday. So exited Chapters is now carrying Kate Spade!  

All wrapped up in my signature wrapping (all the friends have gotten this bag at some point or other) 

Studying for miderms :(  

Study Snacks 

Perfect end to a turkey dinner. 

Jaclyn

Thankful

I have spent the past couple of hours baking multiple pies for Thanksgiving this weekend. Over the past week I have made three apple pies and a pumpkin pie. Thanksgiving is probably my favourite holiday. I love it even more now that I am away at school. It is usually the first time I come home after being back at school for the month and I love being able to see all of my friends and family. All the delicious food doesn't hurt.  I am thankful to be home, surrounded by all the people I love, enjoying wonderful food. 

Happy Thanksgiving to all you Canadians out there! 

What are you thankful for? 

Jaclyn

Canada Day

Happy Canada Day everyone! I am spending the day at the ball game and will hopefully be enjoying a hot dog while you are reading this! 

Happy Valentines Day

Happy Valentines Day 

Valentines Day Wish List

Shirt. Boxers. Love Charm. Philosophy Grace Gift Set. David's Tea Chocolate box. 

What's on your Valentine's Day Wish List? 

Jaclyn

Valentines Day Date Ideas

 I am a sucker for anything with a theme so it is only natural that I love Valentines Day. I also love St. Patty's Day and Thanksgiving basically any holiday that I get to dress up and bake treats I am all in!
Here are some fun date ideas for you and your special someone:

Flourless Chocolate Walnut Cookies

I decided to make something different this year for the holidays and went with these Flourless Chocolate Walnut cookies (centre of photo). They were fairly easy to make. The only thing I was scared of was over beating the egg whites. The recipe called for 4 egg whites but my batter only needed 3 and others have said they have only used 2. My advice would be too add the egg whites one at a time mixing after each one. The batter is quite thick and resembles a brownie batter. Overall I was happy with the way they turned out and they tasted wonderful. The recipe is available here.

Toast 2 3/4 cups of walnuts at 350 F for 9 mins 

Mix together 3 cups of Powered Sugar with 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons of coco powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir in walnuts once they have cooled slightly. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Then add 2-4 egg whites (add egg whites one at a time and mix between each addition. Continue adding whites until dry ingredients are just incorporated. Be careful not to over mix).

Drop tablespoons of batter onto parchment lined baking sheets.  

Bake for 14-16 minutes at 320F until tops are glossy and slightly cracked. 

These were a huge hit this year and I got many requests for the recipe. There were a quick cookie to add to my cookie lineup and they provided something different then what I normally make around the holidays. Plus they are perfect for any time of the year. 

Enjoy! 

Jaclyn

13 Things for 2013

I thought rather then doing a typical New Year's Resolutions (which I never actually keep up with anyways) I would do a list of 13 things I would like to do or do more of in 2013.

1. Run a race (either 5K or 10K)

2. Bake more cake pops

3. Make a meal only from things bought at the farmers market.

4. Get a summer job in my field

5. Read a Jane Austin novel

6. Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity one Saturday

7. Take a cooking class

8. Make a recipe book with family favourites

9. Go on a trip/vacation

10. Make my own tea blend

11. Blog at least 1x per week

12. Have a board game night

13. Give hot yoga another try

Whats on your list for 2013? 

Jaclyn

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful time ringing in the New Year! Cannot wait to see what 2013 brings! 

Love, 

Jaclyn

Week 4: 24 Days of Tea

Another tea I have wanted to try for a while. While I don't know if it has any real health benefits I am enjoying drinking it. The first infusion was good but the second infusion was GREAT! So much smoother. I will probably end up purchasing some of this tea I have been wanted to add an oolong to my collection for a while now.

I wish I could comment on this tea but when I opened my door for the 23rd gogi pop was sitting there instead of Vanilla Oolong. I was very upset by this discovery because I wanted to try another oolong after having such success with The Skinny yesterday. Oh well.

What a perfect way to end the 24 days of tea. Santa's secret was nice and Christmassy. I loved the cute little candy canes in it. It had a slight minty fresh flavour to it and I really enjoyed it. I am really sad that the calendar has come to an end I have been enjoying trying all the different teas everyday and I now have a growing list of teas that I have to pick up from David's. Cannot wait to go on a mini (or not so mini) tea shopping spree.

What were your favourites from the calendar if you participated? And if you didn't what are your favourite teas? 

Jaclyn

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Everyone! Hope you have a wonderful holiday filled with fun, family and friends.

Gift Guide: For the Fitness Junkie

Have a fitness lover to buy for on your list this year? Here a few suggestions of what to get them. 

Lululemon Bag - I have had my lulu bag for over 5 years now and it is still going strong. It can hold a ton of stuff and looks great in and out of the gym. Perfect for your stylish friend who enjoys working out. 

Water bottle - This water bottle is perfect for gym lovers and non gym lovers alike. It looks great and is easy to carry so you can always have water with you where ever you go. Plus reusable water bottles help to save the planet. 

Nike Runners - These running shoes are stylish and functional. Nike has a great range of shoes for any fitness level. I love all of the bright colours that they come in. 

Garmin - Know someone who is a tech-y and crazy about running? This is the perfect gift for them. It tracks your runs so you can see all of the your stats and routes. It helps keep track of and improve your training. 

Ipod Shuffle - The perfect running companion. This mini ipod clips on so its hands free and you are ready to hit the road for a jog. It comes in a variety of colours as well! 

24 Days of Tea: Week 2

 I have been wanting to try David's organic breakfast for a while now. I love black teas and I am often looking for something that is not flavoured. Personally I found it tasted like any english breakfast tea and was hoping it would be a bit smoother. I don't think that this will be replacing my favourite, Cream Earl Grey, as my everyday tea but I still enjoyed it. 

I was really excited to see that it was a green tea. It's about time. I was disappointed when I turned it over to see that it was hot lips. I have sampled this in store before and I did not like it. Hot is right. It is supposed to taste like cinnamon hears which I am not a huge fan of.

This is one of the teas I was most excited to try. I have only read about it on steepster and wasn't sure if it would actually work. The reviews were also mixed on this one about its taste so I have always been a little hesitant to try. I hated the smell of it. It was awful. I think it was the berries but I am not sure. I didn't mind the taste. It started to grow on me. The longer I let it sit and cool the better it got. I enjoyed it room temperature.  It also helped to settle my stomach so I think it is something I would purchase. It would probably make for a great after dinner tea. 

Its lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.... I had this song stuck in my head ALL day, from the moment I opened the calendar and saw what tea it was. I was so excited to see a Christmas tea (fitting as we are 2 weeks from Christmas at this point).  I really enjoyed this tea. My favourite this week so far.  It just tasted like Christmas should. It was stuffed full of yummy-ness. 

Okay so I know that this is one of David's Tea best sellers but I am not its biggest fan. Every time I go in they pull it off the shelf and I'm like yaaa but do you have something else. I tried it a long time ago and I really didn't enjoy it but I am giving it another chance. It smells great before you steep it and I love that there is apple in it. It kind of tastes like apple pie to me and I think I might be starting to like it. I am not loving the after taste of cinnamon (I think I am starting to sense a pattern of not liking cinnamon heavy teas).  

This tea lived up to its name. It was fruity and delicious. It was light on the taste but it would make the perfect afternoon or evening tea. I think this may be the rooibos I end up buying. 

This is my favourite herbal tea at David's. It is so delicious and fruity. I drank it iced every day this summer. It is the perfect iced tea but I also enjoy it hot. If you haven't tried this tea yet then you should. Probably one of my top five favourites at David's.

This week: 6/7 

To see week one click here