My Travel Bucket List

I'm exceptionally excited today, because it's the last day of March, and next month I'm taking a pretty exciting trip.

At the end of April, Kris and I are joining some of his friends for a yachting trip around the British Virgin Islands! 

Strawberry Champagne Cocktail

Spring is here and with it, Spring shindigs!

Baby Showers, Bridal Showers, Engagement Parties... As we launch into warmer weather there seems to be no end to celebrations.

So having a good cocktail recipe on hand that celebrates spring is a must have.

I present to you, the every simple and VERY delicious Strawberry Champagne Cocktail!

Friday Wine Down

Happy Friday everyone!

It's the Easter long weekend, and I for one am looking forward to a productive Friday off work so that I can have a lazy Saturday and Sunday with family.

We've got a dinner and an afternoon lunch coming up with our families this weekend, it's been a while since we've seen everyone so I'm very much looking forward to it (and also my Easter outfits!)

So let's get to the Wine Down so that we can enjoy the long weekend!

Spring Instagram Roundup!

It's Spring! It's Spring! It's Spring!

I'm a little excited...

Unfortunately, Spring in the Toronto area means it's still only about 3 degrees Celsius outside and I'm wearing my winter coat. 

So on Sunday to perk myself up, I bought some gorgeous daisies and then skipped over to Instagram to enjoy all the first day of Spring posts on my feed.

Colours, florals, fashion and food! Here's a roundup of my favourite First Day of Spring Instagram Posts!

Friday Wine Down!

Guys! I'm writing a Friday Wine Down! 

I haven't written a Friday Wine Down in MONTHS!

Ok, deep breaths, I'm so excited to Wine Down this week and get the weekend started (for some belated St. Patrick's Day celebrations!) so let's get to it!

Going Live at The Social

Last week, I got to do something I have always wanted to do: sit in the audience at a live day time talk show!

Sweet and Tangy Mustard Chicken

Lately I've been having fun with marinades in the kitchen.

One of the things I've learned about living with boys is that they LOVE to buy condiments. What is that about? There are always about 4 things of barbecue sauce in my fridge,and usually more than one ketchup and mustard bottle.

The upside of this weird habit, is that I can mix and match flavours to create delicious sensations for my taste buds. If you're looking to shake up a standard chicken or fish dinner, my Sweet and Tangy Mustard marinade might be the answer you're looking for!

Building a Workout Plan

Recently, I've been trying to kick my regular work out up a notch to prepare for a really exciting vacation I have planned for the end of April.

More on that in a future post... just know that it is imperative I can rock a bikini!

I'm sure many of you can relate to how I'm feeling right now, which is that my workout routine, as is, is more about maintenance. Allowing for my indulgences (wine), my occasionally excessive calorie consumption (wine), and generally making sure that in spite of my habits (wine) I stay healthy.

But now, I've needed to kick it up a notch.

Whether you're just starting out, or a seasoned gym rat looking to beef up your workout, the amount of information out there can be really daunting. But, if you know where to look and how to sift through it, you can find what works for you! 

Here are some of the things I've found help when creating a workout plan that works.

Spicy, Pan Fried, Calamari!

I don't know what it is, but lately I've been craving sea food!

shrimp, muscles, salmon, tuna, clams... if it comes from the ocean I want it on my plate. But above all, I've been craving delicious calamari!

I love calamari. I love it grilled, fried, served with capers, or veggies, or cocktail sauce. I especially love it when it has a bit of kick!

New Boots and Spring Closet Purge!

Spring is so close I can almost taste it!

We've had an unseasonably warm winter in the Toronto Area this year (with a few notable exceptions) so I'm already starting in on my Spring Cleaning. The hope being that by the time Spring actually arrives I'll be ready to just enjoy it.

One of my favourite things to do at the start of a new season (yep, 4 times a year) is a big closet purge! Last week I went through my Fall & Winter wardrobe and took out anything I hadn't worn since October 1st.

"Laura, October 1st is still Fall" you say... "Canada" is my response.

Clutter Box Clean Up!

If you're a person, living on planet Earth, chances are you have a junk drawer.

Even the most organized of neat freaks has a hidden cubby (shelf, cupboard... all three) where they stash things that don't seem to belong anywhere.

In an effort to de-clutter my life, throw out some useless junk, and find a proper home for some of my belongings, I've started using a technique called the "Clutter Box Clean Up"