Happy Easter 2015: My Easter Traditions...

Happy Easter everyone! I hope you have enjoyed a day of love, joy and laughter with family and friends, delicious meals, yummy desserts and Easter surprises! I've always been one to get really festive during the holidays. I love the excitement of decorating the house, baking treats, sharing and reminiscing memories and stories with relatives. My family is really big on holiday traditions and I thought I'd share them with you!

While my sister and I are fast asleep, the Easter bunny hops a visit to our house and leaves some Easter surprises on our kitchen table for Easter morning. He also hides some baskets around the house that we get to search around for. After we've found our presents, we sit and have our lovely Easter breakfast of eggs, toast and maybe a little bit of chocolate.

Daisies are always a cute spring flower to have on the table and they are also my favourite type of flowers (take note boys.) And you can't have an Easter table without a wicker basket filled with Easter eggs!

We decorate eggs every year and have them as a part of our Easter breakfast! Left overs are used to make egg salad sandwiches which are my favourite at the moment.

I made an Easter cake this year because if you know me I am very much a fanatic baker! I split the batter into three and used food colouring to dye it pretty Easter colours! I used food colouring in the icing as well and mixed in black sprinkles to make it look like a robin's egg. For decoration I used chopped up chocolate to make a bird's nest, and added Cadbury mini eggs for colour! Yummy!

Our lovely dessert table featuring my robin's egg cake, my mom's apple cake and some colourful Easter eggs! We also make a bowl of fresh whip cream to put on our cakes and a little to top off on coffee (my favourite!)

What makes your Easter holiday special? What traditions do you have? Leave me a comment! Happy Easter!

I Am a Girl and I Love It: International Women's Day Post...

March 8th, 2015. International Women's Day | I am a girl and I love it...

Despite all of the gender indifferences, inequalities and insensitivities present in this busy and extraordinary world we live in today, in honour of "International Women's Day", I decided to celebrate by telling the world how wonderful it is to be female and how much I love being a twenty year old girl, or as the world refers to it, a "basic white girl."

I love the colour pink, I love painting my nails, I love fall and wearing leggings with oversized sweaters and brown ankle Ugg boots to go with them. I adore Starbucks on a cold winter's day and I too guiltily enjoy 'instagraming' my drink with my name written upon my cup, most likely incorrect to how I spell it (and yes I order a Pumpkin Spice Late as soon as they are available!) I am not too fond of working out at the gym, but when I do I'll be sure to tweet about it so everyone knows I am. Of course I watch Pretty Little Liars every Tuesday at 8PM.. and there's no doubt about it I continuously complain about the longevity of the secret identity of 'A' (but I obviously NEVER want it to end.) I own endless amounts of Victoria's Secret and Pink workout clothes, because they say Angels on the bum and my leg inspiration is Alessandra Ambrosio. I can quote any scene of Mean Girls at any time, any place and I am sure to post on social media EVERY October 3rd. I have a tumblr and a pinterest account where I repost inspirational quotes about life and reblog my favourite scenes from Friends. 

I worry about my make-up, hair and outfit daily and when I look my best I post an 'outfit of the day' picture with the hashtag #OOTD. And yes, from time to time I "can't", I "literally can't" and on a rare occasion, I "literally can't even." I am obsessed with having perfect eyebrows and my day is made when someone comments on my photo with "eyebrows" followed by the 'okay' hand sign emoji. I own way too many red lipsticks but continue to buy more because I certainly don't have this shade of scarlet red! I enjoy baking and most importantly photographing my finished products so everyone can see how cute I decorated my cupcakes. I use the world 'did' following 'hair' or 'nails' to let everyone know what changes I've made to myself that day. I have an obsession with Netflix and I'd much rather spend a date binge watching a show in my PJs with pizza than going out to a restaurant. I take thousands of selfies and spend hours choosing the perfect filter that will make me look the best until I finally post one to Instagram. I use the phrase "oh my God stoooop" when something is funny, the phrase "I can't breathe" when something is really funny and when something is exceptionally hilarious, my response is "dead." I will most likely comment with "classic" if you tell me a clever story. If you tell me something I can relate to, I will tell you that that's the "story of my life." And there's no doubt that I'll be in my bikini, on a lounge chair on the first day of summer with my headphones in, "getting my tan on" which quickly turns into the worst burn ever!

I am not ashamed to say that I do all of these things, and while they used to be a way for us girls to bond over, they are now considered the typical "basic white girl rituals" to society. Who cares if I want everyone to know I'm at the gym? Who cares if love my daily Starbucks coffee and enjoy posting about it? Who cares if I take the time to make sure my appearance is to my standards and will give me confidence?

We are bombarded with speeches and lectures on television, the radio and films about the importance of being yourself. The importance of being confident, strong and the ability to express ourselves. The habits above don't make me typical. They don't make me ordinary, similar or the same as every other girl that enjoys the same things as me. I have a voice, I have a mind, I have hands that have the ability to do extraordinary things. I can press 'post' on my Facebook page, but I can also help a friend in a time of need. I can memorize Kevin Gnapoor's 'Kevin G' rap, but I can also memorize the steps of CPR to save a life. I can use my flat iron to give myself perfect beachy waves, but I can also use my pen to vote for equality. I can bake the most delicious Christmas cookies in festive Santa and snowflake shapes, but I can also feed the hungry. I can take pictures of my puppy dressed up in cute little doggy outfits, but I can also raise a family. I can be inspired by the bodies of Victoria's Secret Angels but I can inspire the world with my strong voice. 


If those "basic white girl" things make me a "typical girl" then so be it. I am more than my habits, likes and dislikes. I am more than my clothing choices and the brands that I wear. I am more than my Pumpkin Spice Late with extra foam topped with cinnamon.  I am a women, I am a female, I am a girl, and I love it.

Top Ten Hottest Men - In Honour of Valentine's Day...

  






 Happy Valentine's Day my fellow readers! Last year I counted down my choice top ten hottest men    in honour of Valentine's Day, so I shall keep the tradition going by counting down my updated list of                                                        hunky hotties! You are welcome...

10 Dylan O'Brien 

          Age: 23

          Zodiac Sign: Virgo

                      Status: Single       

         

                I have loved Dylan O'brien since his Teen Wolf beginnings as the goofy, clumsy and hilarious side kick, 'Stiles Stilinski.' It also helps that he is obsessed with Selena Gomez and I am obsessed with Selena Gomez.. so if we ever date there's our ice breaker.. am I right? He seems to be single at the moment so grab him while he's available ladies!

         

   

9 Ansel Elgort

   Age: 20

        Zodiac Sign: Pisces

    Status: Taken

Who doesn't think Ansel Elgort is adorable? As Augustus Waters in The Fault in Our Stars you fell in love with his "metaphorical smoking ways", puppy dog eyes and smile. He broke our hearts in the end, made us fall head over heals for the fictional character.. and Ansel himself of course. He just got back together with his girlfriend so hold off on this one ladies (all though his girlfriend and him are so cute together!) 

8 Channing Tatum

      Age: 34

      Zodiac Sign: Taurus

      Status: Married

Channing Tatum is the perfect guy because he can dance, act, (comedy, action, romance, drama - you name it) and apparently cook us the sexiest eggs on this planet! I love a guy who can make me a scrumptious over-easy with a side of toast breakfast! The trailer for Magic Mike XXL just came out and I could not tell you what the main plot of the film is... but Channing Tatum is in it.. SUN'S OUT GUN'S OUT! 

7 Shia Labeouf 

  Age: 28

      Zodiac Sign: Gemini

         Status: Taken

I've had a serious crush on Shia since his Even Stevens days as the mischievous Louis Stevens who always liked to bug Ren. Then I loved him even more when he was in my first ever scary movie I watched, Disturbia which I could not sleep for days after I saw.. He may have his weird 'Joaquin Phoenix' moments but he's an artistic genius with a good looking face/body and that's works for me. I was notified that he was dating a model.. until I get a name he's still fair game, okay? 

6 Evan Peters

   Age: 28

      Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

      Status: Engaged 

If you are an American Horror Story fan you'll understand why this guy is such a heartthrob. Whether he's Tate Langdon, Kit Walker, Kyle Spencer or most recently Jimmy Darling, this guy captures your heart. Here's a little fun fact: he was in the movie Sleepover with Alexa Vega (from Spy Kids.) He played Russell, the one obsessed with the picture of himself in a coma.. MIND BLOWN or what?  Unfortunately he is engaged to co-star Emma Roberts but the vows haven't been said yet so nothing's OFFICIAL... Game on, Emma. Game on. 

5 Harry Styles

   Age: 21

       Zodiac Sign: Aquarius 

   Status: Single  

        WHO DOESN'T LOVE HARRY STYLES? I think everyone! (Okay, maybe not the boyfriends/husbands of girls in love with him, but I'd say even they have a slight crush on him.) Look at those cute dimples.. and that smile.. and that hair (which I may add now can be put into a full man bun!) What makes him even more hot besides being a Brit? He can sing! No on can resist a british singing guy with dimples and a man bun.. just try to..

     

                            4 Travis Fimmel                      

                                                                                                Age: 35                       

                                                                                      Zodiac Sign: Cancer

                                                                                          Status: Single

If you've never seen the show Vikings then go on Netflix right now and watch the first two seasons before the third one starts (on History channel: February 19th at 10pm.) Travis Fimmel will make you wish you lived in the vikings era. You won't even be bothered that showers were scarce, there was no cutlery and most likely no toothpaste.. Who cares, look at that Aussie smile! All Hail King Ragnar! (This series is based off the real life vikings that lived and voyaged.. Ragnar Lothbrok was a real person! Let's hope he was as good looking as Travis!) 

 3 Chris Hemsworth

  Age: 31

     Zodiac Sign: Leo

      Status: Married 

Another Aussie hottie is just what my heart needs! And let's not forget that he was People Magazine's Hottest Man Alive of 2014. Agreed, agreed, agreed. Mr. Thor wins my vote at my favourite superhero because, I mean, look at him.. Blond hair, blue eyes, tan skin, and another man bun contestant! Those get me every time.. Mr. Hemsworth is sadly married with a baby but he's so adorable as a father that I'll let this one slide... I guess. 

                        2 Ryan Gosling                           

                                                                        Age: 34                                                                           

                                                                                Zodac Sign: Scorpio

                                                                                       Status: Taken 

CANADIAN... Yes that makes him 100% hotter. We are proud to call this hottie our own and don't let ANYONE forget that. He can sing, play guitar, (is in a band called Dead Man's Bones) can play a bad ass, ladies man and basically any role he gets and can still have you sobbing because he isn't yours. Ryan Gosling has been a cutie since his Mickey Mouse Club days and doesn't that make him a little more attractive? I honestly don't know why he's holding a vodka bottle that is lit on fire but really who's looking at that? Sadly, Ryan is taken and has recently become a dad and this really upsets me because I wrote him 365 letters.. WHY DIDN'T YOU WRITE ME RYAN? WHY?  

and my number 1 hottest hunk is... 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

1 Charlie Hunnam

Age: 34

Zodiac Sign: Aries 

Status: *sigh..* Taken 

 

If you know me, you already guessed that Charlie Hunnam was my number one from the beginning.. The FIRST Christian Grey (which I would have been lined up to see that movie a month before it came out if he was still taking on the role) and forever Jax Teller. You can't resist loving this guy no matter what you do. He is currently taken so sorry about that ladies but we do make such a cute couple.. (okay.. just kidding he has a girlfriend that ISN'T me.) He's the president of an MC, a criminal and a bad boy. A convict that can shoot a gun and make a good illegal business deal only make him ten times sexier am I right? If you don't think he's anything but perfect I suggest you watch one episode of Sons of Anarchy and try NOT to fall for him. But just remember that he's mine.. Good luck, darlin'. 

Sorry, you've reached the end of the list.. until next year..

Fashion Friday: Prints Edition...

This Fashion Friday it's all about prints.. Prints are an easy way to add a little edge, funk or pop to your outfit without having to go too crazy with accessories or make-up! Whether you are going with a vintage floral, daring aztec or cute polka dot, prints are a great way to send all eyes in your direction on a night out! Here are some of my favourite printed looks this week...

Alessandra Ambrosio

 Victoria Secret Model Alessandra Ambrosio always looks sexy and classy - she looks gorgeous in an olive green Emilio Pucci printed skirt, paired with brown patched top and gold pumps. Angel is right! 

Lily Collins 

 Lily Collins looks cute in this vintage floral print Rachel Zoe dress. The dress is is extremely loud and busy but Lily knows how to accessorize lightly with minimal jewellery and simple black pumps. 

Sarah Hyland

 The Modern Family star looks classy chic in white - her Paper London crop top and ivory DVF snake skin printed skirt are two different shades of white, but work great together. Paired with tan alice + olivia pumps and a black and gold purse, Sarah looks as if she came right off the pages of Vogue.

Ashley Madekwe 

 I am in love with Ashley Madekwe in this teal Elie Saab two-piece pantsuit! The Revenge actress shows everyone how to make bold look trendy - the bright teal colour gives enough pop that heavy accessories aren't needed. The slight sheer and printed cut-out adds a bit of edge to this elegant ensemble. 

My favourite printed look goes to...

Lupita Nyong'o 

Nothing beats Lupita Nyong'o in this gorgeous cerulean Jonathan Cohen printed dress. The actress knows how to rock a monochromatic look perfectly! Her dress looks fabulous with a pair of cobalt blue pumps. Throw in a purple coat over the shoulder and a smart CH Carolina Herrera bag and Lupita makes walking down the sidewalk look like a high-fashion runway! 

Low Fat Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins...

How many of you are trying to eat healthy? *Raises hand* How many of you are trying to stay away from sugar? *Raises hand* How many of you have a sweet tooth that won't give it a rest until it's fulfilled and satisfied? *Raises both hands, feet and all possible ligaments* Well I have some really good news.. Weight Watchers has a recipe for low fat chocolate chip banana muffins and they are delicious, light and satisfying for your late night munchy cravings! Here's the recipe...

Banana Chocolate-Chip Mini Muffins

_______________________________________

prep: 20 min | bake: 18 min | serves: 36  

• Cooking spray 
• 250ml (1 cup) light vanilla yogurt
• 125ml (1/2 cup) skim milk
• 125ml (1/2 cup) uncooked quick oats           
• 2ml (1/2 tsp) vanilla extract
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 large banana, mashed
• 310ml (1 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) unpacked brown sugar
• 10ml (2 tsp) baking powder
• 2ml (1/2 tsp) baking soda 
• 2ml (1/2 tsp) salt
• 125ml (1/2 cup) mini chocolate chips, divided 

Preheat oven to 190*C (375*F). Coat mini muffin tray with cooking 

spray.

In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, milk oats, vanilla extract

and egg; set aside 5 minutes for oats to soften and then stir in banana.

In a separate bowl, stir together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking

soda and salt. Stir flour mixture into yogurt mixture to moisten ingredients

(do not beat - the batter will be very thick). Reserve 15ml (1 Tbsp) chips;

stir in remaining chips.

Spoon batter by heaping tablespoons into prepared muffin tray; sprinkle

each with a few reserved chocolate chips. Bake until golden brown and

a tester inserted in centre of a muffin comes out clean, 15 to 18 minutes.

(For fun, I added in some white chocolate chips too!) Bon Apetite! 

Dress To Impress: Emma Watson Edition...

Emma Watson continues to shine in the fashion world: on red carpets, photo shoots, interviews, even when she has a day off - she is always on her top game when it comes to style. Growing up in the public eye, Emma jump-started her knowledge of beauty and fashion at the young age of eleven. This year she was presented a British Style Award which was very much deserved. I consider her an inspiration and I'm sure that in many years to come she will be known as an icon in the fashion world. I want to highlight just some of her many stylish looks she presented us with in the past year... 

Award Shows

                           |British Style Awards|   |Academy Awards|     |Golden Globes| 

Emma shines no matter what red carpet or award show she attends - and she always takes home the trophy even when she isn't nominated. Her red carpet style choices are always bold, elegant and classy, making all eyes fall on her. At the British Style Awards, she dazzled in a gorgeous white Misha NoNoo jumpsuit. Emma, rightfully so, was presented with a British Style Award at the event. She rocked a simple yet amazing Vera Wang Gown at the Academy Awards which placed her on the best dressed list. She even wowed critics in a daring yet classy Dior Couture half dress and pant ensemble at the Golden Globes. 

Premieres

                           |David Letterman|   |Noah Premiere: London|   |Noah Premiere: Berlin|

             
When Emma is promoting movies - late shows or actual premieres, she dazzles the camera with her on-point fashion choices. Each look is different, yet she manages to pull off basically anything. Emma looked chic in a modern tailored suit by Yves Saint Laurent. She paired it with a blouse and bold lip for a pop of white and red that you can never go wrong with. Emma kept hitting the mark at each of her Noah film premieres. In London, she looked classy and elegant in a white Ralph Lauren gown that was simple yet stunning. She struck gold again in Berlin, wearing a beautiful navy blue Wes Gordon gown and slicked back hair.             

Events

|Instyle Golden Globes After Party||Windsor Castle Charity Gala||Vogue Paris Foundation Party| 

No matter what event Emma attends, eyes, cameras, and spotlights are always on her. She never misses an opportunity to glow. Emma attended the Instyle Golden Globes after party and looked elegant in a sheer and lacy Christian Dior Couture dress. She dressed classy for the royals at the Windsor Castle Charity Gala. Emma paired a crisp white blouse with a grey Ralph Lauren floor length skirt - and finished the look off with a dark led lip. Royal or not, all would have bowed down to Ms. Watson. Emma looked stunning in a sleek black Givenchy pantsuit - nothing beats a pantsuit, am I right?  

Down Time

                 |Heathrow Airport|           |Madrid, Spain|              |Attending University|

Emma is busy girl, constantly appearing at events, flying from country to country, filming movies and attending photo shoots. Between all that, it's amazing she still finds time for some R&R. Yet, whether she's traveling, going for coffee or shopping, she still looks fabulous! At Heathrow Airport, Emma looked trendy in all black, sporting a beanie, ripped jeans, blazer and a sheer and lace top. Comfy and simple, but still sharp. While enjoying some downtime in Madrid, Emma looked cozy in a pair of stretch-denim overalls. She added a pop of white with a classy blouse underneath. And without a doubt, the most fascinating thing about Emma Watson is that between her busy schedule in the world of Hollywood and her downtime, she still managed to go to University to get an education. Not only is she fashionable, she is intelligent too! She looks modern, simple, natural, yet still stands out from the crowd with her fall scarf and coat ensemble. She endures the two most important "S's".. "Smarts" and "Style". 

Top Five Stylish Hollywood Mamas...

We know that in Hollywood, fashion never sleeps, rests or dies - and it certainly never takes a nine month break so one can grow a human being! Fashion moves so fast that if you blink, a trend can go from in to out. Celebrity moms-to-be are no exception! I've picked my top five of the most stylish and trendy Hollywood Mamas...

5 Emily Blunt

Certainly, Ms. Miranda Priestly's personal and most loyal assistant Emily, would never skip out on wearing Prada just because she's preggers! Whether she's sporting a cute sun dress, a casual jean and t-shirt ensemble or looking chic at a photo shoot - Emily Blunt can surely rock a baby bump. She looks ready to hit Paris fashion week without skipping a million meals and binging on a cube of cheese! 

4 Olivia Wilde 

Olivia Wilde looks classy and glamorous every where she goes - red carpets, interviews, leaving the gym or even when she makes a casual Starbucks run for some coffee fuel. Although, who knew that with a baby on the way and that natural pregnancy glow, she could look even more beautiful? She surely drives every other baby mama wilde with her spot on fashion choices and bold looks, but really, who could hate?  

3 Kristen Bell

Gossip Girl here - and I have the latest on Kristen Bell's maternity wear: adorable! K really knows how to dress to impress with a baby G on the way. Sun dresses, leather jackets, cute heels and jumpsuits - K looks ready to smile for the cameras and paps at any given moment. S and B have nothing on K with her cute patterns and flowy gowns - and moi cannot resist updating my readers with her perfect outfit choices that no doubt inspire all! Until next time, xoxo. 

2 Hilary Duff

I can feel Kate Sanders' eye roll and scoff as Lizzie walks down the street dressed like the hottest Italian pop star in the world! Ms. Duff works those pumps and doesn't show an ounce of lower back pain - how does she do it? The mom-to-be always looks super stylish with the greatest accessory ever: a baby bump. No outfit repeater here, sorry Kate! 

and our number one stylish hollywood mama is...

1 Blake Lively

I don't know about you but Blake Lively has it all: beauty, talent, status, class, a hot husband (Ryan Reynolds, yum) and now, a soon to be product of said hottest man and gorgeous self. Her character Serena van der Woodsen ruled the upper east side with the latest fashion in hair, beauty, accessories and top brand name clothing, and now she herself rules Hollywood in her amazing outfits and ensembles that catch the eye of every spectator that passes by. I absolutely love seeing the different looks Blake comes up with before and throughout her pregnancy.. and I'm sure baby Lively/Reynolds will take after mama in the fashion department!

Who are your favourite fashionable Hollywood Mamas? Is there anyone I missed that you think rocks  the runway? Leave me a comment!