Tea in the Sahara

I’ve already gulped down several coffees today. And being an avid coffee enthusiast, I’ve enjoyed them all. Immensely. However, as I sit at Red Rocket Coffee—my local coffee shop—I am compelled to pass on the second Americano and get a pot of piping hot tea.

I’m definitely in luck here, because Red Rocket’s tea of choice (and mine) is from Toronto-based Tea in the Sahara. My favorite is 100 Mysteries, a delicious blend of coconut, ginger and cinnamon, but I am currently drinking Busy Being Blue—blue flowers and berries—and I must say it’s one of those rare occasions in tea drinking where the brewed tea tastes as delicious as it smells. Kudos to Tea in the Sahara.

For a full line up of their offerings, visit www.teainthesahara.ca

Check out my local Leslieville coffee shop—and Tea in the Sahara seller— at www.redrocketcoffee.com

p.s. a selection of these teas, which come in beautiful tin boxes, and a bag of Tea in the Sahara’s pretty silk tea bags makes a thoughtful and chic hostess gift. Or, at least I think it does. G, did you like it?

Everybody looks good in white!

I’d like to devote this post to a wonderful charity that I think my readers should be aware of. It seems that every year a major catastrophe makes us sit up and take notice of how fragile the world is. In 2004 it was the tsunami in Thailand and this year the earthquake in Haiti. As a Canadian sitting back in the comfort of a middle-class existence, sometimes it’s hard to empathize. Sympathy comes much easier.

As you give generously to the relief efforts in Haiti, please consider another charity that will affect people much closer to home — Wear White 4 Windfall. 

Each year this anti-poverty and public awareness campaign collects and delivers NEW clothes and essential items and delivers them to people in the Greater Toronto Area who need them most. I’m sure there’s no need to mention that poverty affects people all over the world, but maybe we need to be reminded that could be affecting your neighbour or friend.

On January 28, Wear White 4 Windfall encourages all Torontonians to wear white and donate $4 dollars to the charity. It’s a small way to make a big difference to people in need. 

There are several other ways to show your support. Daniel Espinosa designed an exquisite sterling silver charm especially for this year’s campaign. 

It can be purchased for $24 and is available at the Daniel Espinosa store at 21 Avenue Road or at ww4w.ca.

If you’re wondering what piece of white clothing you could wear on January 28, Canadian designer Franco Mirabelli provides a fitting option — a chic white tee-shirt.

Here’s a picture of Jonathan and me at the poster and charm launch party at the Daniel Espinosa boutique in Yorkville. 

I thought it would be fitting to wear white for the occasion. And, of course, nobody else did. I’ve also cropped the photo because even after all these years of having my picture taken at events, I still don’t know how to pose. I stood with my hands hanging like dead weights facing the camera dead on. But this isn’t about me... it’s about WW4W!

For more information please visit ww4w.ca

New Years Resolutions

Every year at this time I — like so many others — think up several new years resolutions. Let’s face it, we hardly ever keep them, but they sure are fun to make. It’s like creating an avatar, this perfect person you wish you could be. Well I’ve never been on to shy away from blurring reality and fantasy, so here are a few of my resolutions for the NEW YEAR:

1. Read more. I’m one of those pseudo well-read people whose knowledge of literature exceeds my actual list of books read. So, to combat this, I vow to read more this year — and every year. This year I’d like to tackle more of the Canadian lit canon, delve into American classics and tackle at least one great Russian novel. Here are a few ideas:

The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood — My favorite author of all time. Can’t wait to read this one!

The Stone Angel Margaret Lawrence — I only pretended to read this in high school, but since then Margaret Lawrence has become one of my favorite authors.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald — Never have read this... but I feel it’s my duty because I love the fashions of the era so much.

Where Angels Fear to Tread by E.M. Forster — I’ve started this book almost as many times at Pride and Prejudice. It’s one of my brother’s favorites and based on that I vow to read it this year! (Oh yeah, I want to read lots of British classics, too!)

War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy — Just to throw some light reading in there...

I’ve often thought of obtaining a reputable list of the top 100 novels of all time and systematically reading through it. I think my mom did that. She’s read every great novel. Man, I’m so behind the fold.

Does anyone want to start a book club? I’ve desperately wanted to start one for years. It seems so civilized to read a book and discuss it over wine. Anyone?

2. Drink more/accept more party invitations. Yes, this may seem like an odd thing to resolve to do, but I think my life could use a bit more alcohol, especially red wine and old-fashioned cocktails. I do admit that I resolved to say yes to more invitations last year and it probably turned out to be my most social year on record. I want more.

On a side note, I would like to have more wine on hand at my home at all times. Like this one:

Lillypilly Cabernet Sauvignon. I tried this at the Holt Renfrew party I attended before Christmas and it was delicious. And it's cheap enough to keep several bottles on hand.

3. Eat less. Or at least eat more good food and less of the bad stuff.

4. Edit my wardrobe. My brother and I invaded my mom’s closet and cleared out hundreds of old items that she was holding onto for no apparent reason. I think I now need a dose of my own medicine. It’s time to go into my closet and get rid of lots of things I’ll never wear — even if it’s hard to do! Actually, my whole house could use an edit. There’s nothing nicer than the feeling of a lighter load in life.

5. Less T.V./more movies. And that means more movies at the movie theatre.

6. Make personalized stationary and calling cards.

7. Travel more.

8. Buy a good camera. I have my eyes on this one:

9. Start studying French and Excel.... and all programs made by Adobe.

10. Continue and grow my blog. I really love writing this blog. I’m going to continue to finesse it and find a clearer voice. Stay tuned for good things to come.

Twenty-five days of Christmas: Day #15

Vitamins

Well things are picking up for me and I find myself getting very busy — I should have seen it coming! I vow to continue my countdown to Christmas. The posts might be short and sweet, but do you have time to read these anyway?

Today I’d like to impart my little vitamin regimen that I swear fends off all sorts of ailments, including flus, colds, stress and aboulia: Korean (or Canadian) ginseng, echinacea and Tylenol.

The second I feel like I’m “coming down with something,” I take two ginseng tablets, a dose of echinacea (in any form, see below) and a couple Tylenols. Basically I’m concocting a poor man’s Cold FX (with an added all-around painkiller). While Cold FX claims to be a proprietary formula, I’m skeptical. I looked at the ingredient list and it’s just good-quality ginseng and echinacea, so I decided to buy them separately — way cheaper and just as good in my medical opinion.

I am somewhat loyal to Jamieson vitamins, but I’m sure most any brand is quite good unless you’re buying them at the dollar store. The only word of advice I have is don’t buy Siberian ginseng — it’s quality isn’t as high as the Korean or Canadian varieties. Don’t ask me how I know this, I just DO. It’s a lot cheaper, so that should tell you something right there.

As for the echinacea, the stuff tastes terrible. I made the mistake of buying the chewable form once and never again! I wince at the thought. I’ve found a swallowable Jamieson product with echinacea, ginger and garlic. It might be overkill, but hey, those added ingredients can’t hurt, can they? (Shopper’s Drug Mart makes a cherry-flavoured echinacea tincture that is pretty good, too.)

My BFF N. always takes Tylenol when she’s getting sick and always seems to beat it, so I’ve I’ve adopted this ritual too, not knowing why, really.

Dosage: Take two capsuled each of ginseng and echinacea three times a day for two or three days and then reduce to one capsule of each three times a day until you’re the picture of health. Believe it will work, and it will work. 

(p.s. it’s ok to get sick once in a while, though. We need to fight sickness once in a while to regulate our immune systems, right? More sound medical advice.)

www.jamiesonvitamins.com

Twenty-five days of Christmas: Day #14

Luggage

I love the feeling of looking chic while I’m traveling. I make it a point to dress up a bit — you never know who you’ll see. For instance, I once saw Ron Sexsmith at Terminal 1 in Toronto. That was life changing, indeed:

I also like to carry nice luggage. I used to use an Air Canada set in hunter green that I received from my parents when I graduated from high school. It looked good for many years, but then — as all luggage should — it started to show its age. I replaced the rather large pieces with a much smaller carry on hard-shell by Heys. It’s the perfect stand in until the day I can afford a set of Tumi.

To compliment the set, I have two leather and nylon bags from Club Monaco that can pass for Prada any day (to the far-and-near sighted). There is nothing like the feeling of walking into the Principe di Savoia in Milan and feeling like you belong. As my good friend Karenista always says, “Good clothes [and in this case luggage] open all doors.”

Which brings me to today’s entry on my countdown to Christmas. Consider buying someone you love a piece of luggage or a travel accessory. Here are a few of my suggestions:

Heys 4WD 20” Spinner Carry-On

Face it, we tend to over pack. Encourage healthy travel habits, and quick getaways from the airport with this ever-so-chic luggage essential. I’ve traveled around the world with this piece and it’s deceptively roomy — more than enough for a week away. It can be done! Best part is the price — $99. 

Club Monaco Weekender Bag

I have the nylon version of the bag pictured above, and I love it! Club Monaco does a version of it every year and it’s definitely worth checking out. It’s the perfect size for a short getaway or as a second carry-on. I never travel without it.

Louis Vuitton Toiletry Pouch 19 in Monogram Canvas

I would travel with all Louis Vuitton luggage if I could afford it. Unfortunately I can’t, but if I were to inject some luxury into my existing line up, I’d choose this toiletry pouch. And at around $300, it’s not verging on splurge territory.

Any of the Klein Tool Bags

These amazing canvas, leather and vinyl tool bags moonlight as ridiculously chic weekender bags. I want one in every colour and size. They’re built to carry hammers and wrenches, so I’m quite confident they’ll handle my jeans and t-shirts for years to come. Any stylish man or woman would love this one (and they’re only around the $80 range). I can only imagine they get better looking with age.

Don’t forget to stock up on their cute canvas envelops, perfect for pictures, documents, books and toiletries ($10-$20!!!)

Mulberry MacBook Sleeves

My style-savvy friend G. (as she’ll now be called on this blog) alerted me to the fabulous line of MacBook cases Mulberry has rolled out this year. Aren’t they great? I’d imagine most people travel with their computer — why not sheath it in luxury? It’s all in the details. Imagine you’re sitting beside a potential client or employer? These things matter my friends. (They’re pricey and sold out around the world, so this is just for inspiration anyway.)

Cris Notti Sleeping Masks

I’m not 100% sure I could pull this off (I’ll stick to my blue one from KLM), but I really do think it’s essential to travel with a sleeping mask. Along with a set of ear plugs, blocking the light in the cabin makes for a restful sleep (perhaps too restful — I’m terrified of what I probably do when I’m sleeping in public). I think these silk masks from designer Cris Notti are very chic. Perfect for a traveler’s stocking. 

p.s. It's ok to be eccentric while traveling, as long as you're stylish.

www.heys.ca

www.clubmonaco.com

www.louisvuitton.com

www.kleinconnection.com

www.mulberry.com

www.crisnotti.com

Twenty-five days of Christmas: Day #13

Dainties

Every year my mom would ask her three wise boys what their favorite Christmas treats were. I would always request her wonderful butterscotch marshmallow squares. They are so simple and so amazing. As I grew older I garnered an appreciation for her shortbread as well — they are whipped and melt in your mouth! I’ve decided to share her recipes with you (there are two other ones included here, a yummy popcorn cake and no bake date cookies). In Saskatchewan we call the following recipes dainties. They’re not quite desserts, yet more than merely snacks. They’re dainties. These recipes would make even Jean Pare blush.

Butterscotch Marshmallow Squares

1/4 cup marg or butter

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 cup butterscotch chips 

1 bag small coloured marshmallows 

Melt butter and peanut butter in a large saucepan over low heat. stir in chips until melted. Cool until you can hold your hand on the bottom of pot. Add marshmallows and stir until coated. Pack in 9x9 pan lined with wax paper. Refrigerate to set.

Whipped Shortbread

1 lb butter

1/2 cup cornstarch

3 cups flour

1 cup icing sugar

1 tsp vanilla

Cream butter well with electric mixer, add vanilla. Mix in sugar, flour and cornstarch. Continue to beat with until the consistency of whipped cream. Drop from teaspoon onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 12 minutes — but watch them carefully because they will burn easily.

Fantasy Cake

1 cup butter

1 bag marshmallows

2 quarts popped corn (place in a deep baking dish and keep warm in 250 oven until ready to use)

1 cup peanuts

1 cup m&m's or smarties (I prefer smarties)

1 cup gumdrops

In large saucepan, melt butter and marshmallows together over low heat (be careful not to overheat). In deep bowl, mix all dry ingredients together. Pour marshmallow mixture over ingredients. Stir well. Pack in an 8 inch square baking dish, cool and cut in squares.

Frying Pan Cookies

2 eggs

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup dates

1/2 cup walnuts

1/2 cup coconut, 1 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp almond flavouring

Mix in order given and place in a well-greased frying pan. Cook for 20 minutes, until thick. Remove from heat and add 2 cups Rice Krispies. Cool and roll into balls, then in coconut.

These are simple crowd pleaser. This year my mom and I are going to make them all and take them to Vernon to have on hand as we visit my brother and his family. I want my niece and nephew to garner an appreciation for these time-tested family favorites. What dainty (you have to use the terminology) do you most crave at Christmas?

p.s. I’ll post pictures of our results.

Twenty-five days of Christmas: Day #12

Diabetic’s Christmas

In honour of my popular Christmas chocolate blog, I would like to post a song my friend Cecile Butt and I wrote about the angst of having type one diabetes during the holidays (she has it, not me). If anyone is baffled at the arrangement I dreamt up one chilly night in a Garageband haze, it is made to sound like I’m accompanying Cecile on my childhood Yamaha Electone Organ.

Here are the lyrics:

Christmastime is just around the bend

Time for gathering with family and friends

They stop by with candies and cakes

With hopes that everyone will partake

But there’s one thing they should know for my sake

Candy canes and Christmas puddings are fun

But not when your glycemic index is 12.1

Stockings really lose their appeal

When the candy inside isn’t real

I’d watch my sister eating Ferrero Rochers

And I’d get the Planters Peanuts and a bag of Lays

Give sugar plum faeries and gingerbread men

Made with Splenda, you’ll lose all your friends

I had a dream that I was just like any other girl

I ate some chocolate cake and washed it down with chocolate milk

And polished off a candy apple

Then I ate a box of Fudgee Os

Then I downed a pint of Häagen-Dazs

It was caramel cone explosion.

Candy. Sugar. Chocolate. I want candy

I get up it’s almost three I realize I have to pee

I’m cranky and I’m so thirsty

The night light’s on, what do I see?

It’s old St. Nick in front of me saying, 

“Watch your sugars, my dear Cece!”

Sixteen years have passed since that fateful night

I’m beginning to think that something wasn’t right

That man I saw wasn’t Mr. Claus

It was just my dad pointing out all my flaws

If you are a guest this Christmas Eve.

Take my advice and save yourself lots of grief

Before you pack all those sugary treat

Please check if your hostess has diabetes

Ahh, now we can all sit down and eat in peace