Easter Eats: Bunny Bark

After scouring Bulk Barn and coming home with pretty much every pastel coloured candy, I knew it was time to try out this Easter Bark that has been floating around Pinterest for quite some time. I found far too many variations, so combining them all seemed like the best idea. I mean why would anyone want to choose between Golden Oreos, Mini Eggs, M&M's (peanut and chocolate), pretzels and marshmallows? I based my version on the Bunny Cookie Bark found here, but went off in my own pastel candy frenzy. Ready for the best part? There is no bake time! The result was the most amazing (and pretty looking) combination off all the classic candy favourites! This is must have for any Easter gathering.

What I used for the base:

• 12 Golden Oreos
• Handfull of broken pretzels 
• 1 cup Mini Eggs
• 1 cup M&M's (peanut)
• 1 cup Jet Puff marshmallows

1. Lay out all above ingredients in a parchment lined 11" x 7" baking dish
2. Melt 1 pound of white chocolate (or melts) in microwave, stirring constantly
3. Pour melted chocolate over candy mixture evenly
4. Top with regular M&M's (and any other candy you feel like!)
5. Refrigerate for 1 hour
6. Break apart with knife

You can pretty much modify the toppings to your liking, and for any holiday! But seriously, so delicious. 

Coral Crush

Growing up I stayed as far away as I could from wearing any item on the pink and red colour spectrum. I hated how the colours clashed with my hair! But lately I have been noticing my closet is filling up with blush pink and coral coloured items, such as this blazer. This Spring I am embracing unexpected colours, and for me this shade of coral is definitely one of them. Equally as unexpected is this pair of floral pants, I love how they are not the typically floral pattern, and just scream jungle! And paired with a bright blazer, and killer-point toe pumps I headed out to enjoy the first weekend of Spring.

{Pants & Belt- RW, Blazer- Smart Set, Vintage Clutch, Pumps-Aldo}

Meet Me On the Equinox

Today is the first day of Spring.. officially. What I had had in mind for today and it's reality are not two of the same. I envisioned a bright sun, blue skies and pastel pants. However, here I am today, it's -2 and snowing. Can you hear my enthusiasm for mother natures last hurrah of a snowfall? This weekend's weather is looking promising and I'm hoping to enjoy a sunny sky and just maybe put away my winter boots for good. In the meantime, I am bundling up and finishing off some crafts for Lovestruck, all while hoping this will be one of the last snowfalls we see until next Winter! 

Going Green

Although this Saint Patrick's Day did not consist of dressing up in goofy attire and drinking green beer from midday to midnight, I was perfectly content with brunch and parade watching on Bloor. It may not have been as warm as I had hoped but the sun was shining and my green Kate Spade mini and salmon stripped sweater sure heightened my spirits. This was the first time since high school that I could bring myself to wear knee high socks, and their frilly tops paired with a chiffon skirt was the only thing that helped to relieve some just painful uniform memories. I swear some parade watchers thought I was going to jump right in with the bag pipe players, but at least I was festive! 

{Kate Spade bag, Juicy Couture jacket, Central Park West skirt, Joe sweater}

Polish Up

I used to throw all my nail polishes into an old box, but since my collection has substantially grown over the past few years, I felt their pretty colours deserved to be on display (instead of putting the box under my washroom sink). I found this apothecary jar on sale at Homesense and since then it has done a wonderful job showcasing some of my favourites! Do you display your nail polish?

Cheesecake Confusion

If you are often unable to decide whether your dessert of choice will be a piece of cheesecake or a gooey brownie, I now give to you the perfect solution: The Cheesecake Brownie (aka Black & White Brownie Cupcakes). Does it get any better than this? This delectable dessert combines the goodness of both sweets and leaves you feeling the upmost satisfied (not to mention how easy they are: the preparation time probably took all of 10 minutes)! I made these for a friend's birthday celebration this weekend in Blue Mountain and I am almost certain there will be none left over! Enjoy! 

Ingredients:

• 1, 20 oz packaged brownie mix
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup (8oz) cream cheese, softened
•  1/3 cup sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
2. In medium bowl stir together brownie mix, 1 egg, milk, and oil until moistened
3. Spoon batter into paper lined muffin tin, filling 2/3 full
4. Using an electic mixture, mix cream cheese and sugar on medium speed until smooth
5. Add 1 egg and continue to mix
6. For each cupcake place a rounded tablespoon of cream cheese mixture on top of batter
7. Bake 28-32 minutes

{How cute are these flower cupcakes liners? Spring anyone?}

{You could also add icing; I like the two-tone look and chose to leave them plain}

Lovestruck Preview

Interning with the talented Mercedes Papalia of Darling & Daisy  has been such a wonderful experience. We recently shot the promo video for the upcoming Lovestruck Wedding and Sassy Events Expo, which will be held on April 7th at The 2nd Floor in Toronto, and I can't believe how quickly the date is approaching! Lovestruck is an exciting non-trade show for weddings and special events, where all the services are being showcased in a refreshing way to give party goers a first hand and personal experience. Even if you're not planning an event there will be tons of drinks, treats and even burlesque (which makes for a great party any day)! In between takes I whipped out my camera and these were my favourite shots of the day. Hope to see you April 7th!  

Check us out on facebook and enter our giveaway contests for your chance to win some fabulous prizes! 

Off to See the Wizard

I can vividly remember the day I received The Wizard of Oz on VHS. I was about three or four years old and from that day onward I became obsessed. I would make everyone that visited our home watch it with me from beginning to end (not to mention restart it every time a new visiter entered the room). Although I did upgrade to DVD, I try to watch it sparingly to preserve the feeling I get every time the MGM lion roars just before the opening credits. 

That being said, I am very excited that March is finally here! Not only does Oz: The Great and Powerful come to the big screen this weekend, but I am also going to see Andrew Lloyd Webber's production of The Wizard of Oz next weekend. Yay! In light of these upcoming events I put together modern Dorothy, Glinda and Elphaba inspired looks from the classic movie. Which leading lady's style are you most drawn too? 

Dorothy

1. Kate Spade Kelley Dress in Polka Dot

2. Christian Louboutin No Prive Glitter Slingback 

3. Blaze Peplum Skirt

4. 7 For All Mankind Skinny High-Shine Gummy Jeans

5. Forever 21 Laser Cut Collar Shirt 

6. Tory Burch Woven Wicker & Patent Clutch

7. OPI Gettin' Miss Piggy With It

8. Forever 21 Lacquered Rose Stud Set 

9. Bop Basics Solid Bold Hair Tie Set 

Glinda
1. Forever 21 Pleated Chiffon Skirt
2. Gorjana Kaia Single Drop Earrings
3. Champagne Soiree Dress 
4. Blushing Belle Dress
5. Kate Spade I Kissed A Frog Clutch 
6. Brian Atwood Loreto Crystal Sandals 
7. Valentino Low Wedge Sandal 
8. Free People Scalloped Edge Crop Top 
9. Bop Bijoux
10. Coach New Garden Flower Bib Necklace

Elphaba 
1. Alexander McQueen Knuckle-Duster Leather Box Clutch
2. Haute Hippie Mini
3. Madrid Wool Hat 
4. Kenneth Jay Lane Necklace
5. House of Harlow Stormy Metal Pumps 
6. Shoshanna Long Sleeve Shift Dress
7. Witching Hour Dress
8. Beaded Envelope Clutch bag 
9. Lattice Tail Top 
10.Elizabeth and James Bird Claw Ring 
11. Siouxsie Crop Top 

Chocolate Chip Cookie Perfection

If you prefer a crispy crunchy Chips Ahoy type cookie this recipe is not for you. But, if you're like me and have been in search for the perfect chocolate chip cookie that's light, fluffy and chewy on the inside make these now! The only issue I had with this recipe is that I couldn't stop myself from eating half of dozen in one sitting. But seriously, when made right chocolate chip cookies are one of my all-time favourites and I have been looking for the perfect recipe for quite some time. These cookies are so far at the top of my perfect cookie list and I urge you to test them out! 

When I came across this recipe I was skeptical to add the cornstarch, but I'm happy I didn't omit it, as the end results were a chewy inside. My adaption of the recipe is as follows:

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup softened salted butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F
2. Mix butter and both sugars together until creamy, add egg and vanilla 
3. Mix flour, cornstarch, baking soda and salt in a separate bowl, then add to the sugar/butter mixture 
4. Stir in chocolate chips
5. Spoon onto non-stick baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are golden brown