Sorelle & Co.

If you travel to Vaughan, a town just north of the city, and search out a petite, white, historic house with pastel blue awnings, you will find yourself immersed in a glamorous, golden, confectionery- loving world that offers the most delectable treats, light fare, and pantry goods for those with dietary restrictions, food allergies, and those who just want to indulge in a a healthier way.

Brownie, Chocolate Crispy Bar

Sorelle & Co. is the newest bake shoppe and café to open up in the area that offers gluten-free, soy-free, vegan, nut-free and preservative-free ingredients. As soon as I saw their Instagram feed-- pastel and pastry filled-- I knew I had to get there as soon as possible! While the exterior is dreamy and picturesque, the interior is even more swoon worthy. Two levels of white marble tables, upholstered arm chairs fit for a queen, gold accents (including a golden staircase), and all the treats you can imagine await you.

Motivated by a family with food allergies, Sorelle & Co. was dreamed up as a safe haven, as a place where you don't have to worry about what you're eating. Not only did I leave with such a warm and sophisticated experience, I also left feeling good about what I ate!

I went on a lady date to Sorelle & Co. with my mom. We ordered the Caprese Panini and Quinoa Tabouleh Salad to start, but really we couldn't wait until after the food arrived to dive into the Crinkle Chocolate Cookie. The girls at the shop proudly announced that cookie as a top seller so we knew we had to try it! It was more than what you would expect from a regular chocolate cookie. So moist, so fudge-y, so much flavour and oh-so delicious! A definite favourite from the day.

The food arrived shortly after we devoured our cookies, but really all I could think about was the other sweets! Gluten free bread and vegan cheese, and you really wouldn't have known. Food was partially consumed and it was back to the showstopping sweets.

Nanaimo Bar, Snickerdoodle, Chocolate 

Next up were the cupcakes. A Double Chocolate, and a Snickerdoodle. Again, extremely moist and full of flavour (the chocolate more so than the Snickerdoodle). The icing was light, fluffy and exactly what you want to top your cupcake.

Next up we try the Nanaimo Bar. The ladies at Sorelle & Co. identified this as their most popular treat right now, a constant sell-out, so we were excited. My mom loves Nanaimo Bars, and she was ready for it! This sweet was seriously divine! A chocolate/coconut base, a "cheesecake" centre (made with rice milk), and a chocolate top. So delicious. I can see why it's a top seller! While we did sample a few of their specialties, that have taken the bakers months to perfect, there are so many other goodies I need to get back to try. There's the Ginger Molasses Cookie, the Doughnuts, Cinnamon Buns, and Protein Balls! Just take a peak at there menu.

The Nananimo Bar

Sorelle & Co. also has a selection of pantry items to take home. Loaves of bread, roasted red pepper hummus, pesto, power seed cookies, biscotti, and more! They also offer two granolas--  Chia and Raisin, and Chocolate Chip and Banana. I was lucky enough to take home both and I have become slightly addicted to them! I don't want the bags to end.  This is partially because they are totally different styles of granola than what I have been making as of late. Their granola doesn't contain oats or nuts, and has ingredients such as buckwheat, amaranth, pumpkin seeds, raisins, brown rice crisps. It's a lighter and subtly sweet change-up from my nut and oat heavy recipe.

Crinkle Chocolate Cookie

I can't say enough positive things about my experience at Sorelle & Co. The sweets are amazing, the Kombucha is local, and the decor is stunning. They truly have created a fantasy land for not only those with food allergies and sensitivities, but for anyone who loves an indulgence. Make a trip out of it and stop in to try out all the goodness for yourself. They also make custom cakes, and have a large room upstairs which would make the perfect afternoon tea birthday or bridal party!

Sorelle & Co. is located at 1050 Rutherford Road, Vaughan, Ontario. While this post was not sponsored, a selection of the above mentioned items were given to me to try out and review. All opinions are my own, and those shared by my mother! Now, go visit!

Summer Highlighter: Save or Splurge

If you can believe it, highlighter is something I got into just this year! I'm so proud of myself for becoming less and less intimidated from trying out new make up and I have to say I have developed quite an obsession with beauty products! I've gotten to the point where I am scoping out Sephora regularly, asking my best friend (and beauty guru) what I need to be on the look for, and following along beauty various babes on Snapchat and Youtube. I even have been making trips to check out Ulta (a one-stop beauty shop) across the border just to pick up certain products that aren't available in Canada (like this amazing CC cream!).

SPLURGE

But back to the highlighters. When I first saw the limited edition Becca x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Collection Face Palette my chin dropped. It features "Champagne Pop" her famous white/pinky highlighter, and a new one called "Prosecco Pop", which actually looks like pure gold. The palette also includes one shimmery blush shade, "Rose Spritz", (anything that has the word rose in, I am all for), and two matte blushes, "Amaretto" (neutral), and "Pamplemousse" (pinky).  I can't tell you how perfect these shades are. They highlight the cheekbone so perfectly and the enriched pearls add a touch of shimmer to get that summer glow. I feel so luxe and radiant when I wear these shades and they last all day! You can customize your glow, add a touch of rose and even add a touch to your lips, eye shadow, or really anywhere for that shimmer effect. 

I usually prep my lips with this MOR Lip Macaron, in Peach Nectar, because it is so hydrating (contains vitamin E). Then I top off this look with Charlotte Tilbury's K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Lipstick in Bitch Perfect. 

Becca and Jaclyn Hill extended the limited edition collection and you can still get a bunch of the shades here. 

SAVE

Next up we have the Essence Pure Nude Highlighter. It's a prime example of why you can't judge a beauty product by it's price point or where it sits on the shelf. I hadn't heard much about Essence before trying this out and I was shocked at the results! It's my go-to for a quicky application because the results are flawless, subtle shimmer that blends so well. It's not overly concentrated and the colour is a delightful rose gold shade, which I am loving.  I brush this on my cheekbones, brow bone, in the inner corner of my eyes, and atop my cupid's bow (upper lip). It applies so naturally, and stays on all day, which was amazing to see! For the price point, I can't say enough good things about this highlighter, and it's great to leave in your bag when you need a quick fix. You'll want to head to your nearest Shoppers to give this a go.

I pair it with the Essence XXXL Nude Lipgloss in "Taste the Sweets", which also left me pleasantly surprised. As someone who hated lip glosses for the longest time, this non-sticky, ultra hydrating, light pinky-nude gloss boasts just the right amount of colour and shine to enhance the summer glow from the highlighter. Check it out too! Sometimes I dab a bit of powder on top, to mattify and press the gloss. 

Are you as into highlighters as I am as of late? Will you save or splurge on any of these?

Black Slit Sunday

Black, white, lace, a high slit…this outfit just screams drama (feel free to call me Angelina! After all, my middle name is Angela!) But seriously,  an outfit like this can only be fit for celebrating some big news! READY FOR IT…... 

After how many years, Brandon and I are finally moving in together! The discussion to move in together has been happening for a while now, but the opportunity to actually make the move came quick and everything just fell into place. While the house isn't technically "ours-ours", it's still a place we can call our own and start this next chapter of our lives. I've been so, so busy trying to get everything together, but wanted to finally share the exciting news! You've probably already started seeing some decor related Instagrams and Snapchats and will definitely be seeing more posts centered on interior design, so it was time to share why! 

No exciting news is complete without a celebration, and no celebration is complete without a fancy outfit. I am loving the high slit maxi skirts as of late. They are a nice change from all the mini dresses I've been sporting for summer. You still get that openness with the slit, but they provide a totally different vibe to the outfit, and still one that you can take from day to night. You saw my striped maxi day time look here, but with a few change ups this maxi is ready to take on the town, and a glass of bubbly! 

Once again, I'm acting as queen of the multi dimensional closet, and am sporting a romper underneath my skirt. I can't recommend doing this enough! First off, you totally re-purpose your pieces, you get so much more out of your wardrobe, and in the end you may just save money. You're buying less new pieces as you get more function out of your older ones! Or in my case it will just leave you with more to spend on things like pots and pans (how fun....)

What do you guys think of my second sassy little slit maxi? Enough mood for you? And let me know if you'd like to see more decor related posts. I can't wait for this design process and definitely want to take you along!

What I'm Wearing

c/o Tobi Still Love You Maxi Skirt

The Store on Queen romper (similar via Tobi)

Zara Thick Ankle Strap Heel (identical)

Tory Burch Britten Clutch

Check out Tobi for their great selection maxi skirts, rompers, and accessories! 

Summer Beauty- Face Care Protection

I could not be more stringent when it comes to skin protection in the summer, and facial protection is one of those things I just don't compromise on anymore. When I last discussed my skincare regime I had recently discovered I had rosacea and had totally changed up my products to more naturally and organically based. I also mentioned that I was on the hunt for an facial SPF for the summer. Since that post I have added three products to my routine and haven't looked back since. I am hooked on them all for different reasons. Two of them I wear together on laid back days and they go hand in hand-- one to protect and one to smoothen/blur any blemishes without colour. It's for the kind of days when I don't have major plans, or plan to go straight home after work and crawl into my PJS. The other product is a multi-tasking machine and is a solo application. It's for days when I want to glow and have more coverage but want to feel light, too. I wear it when I know I'm going to an event after work and want to ensure my make up will still be in tact come 6:00 PM. Here's a breakdown of exactly what they are and how I use them. 

Option 1: Low key days, lazy days, days spent on the beach/pool lounging.

Products: Kiehl's Super Fluid Mineral Defence UV Broad Spectrum SPF 50 paired with Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer 

What: SPF and Primer Duo. This Kiehl's SPF is perfect for sensitive skin/rosacea. It's 100% mineral based, and is fragrance free, chemical free and paraben free. It offers brilliant sun protection and doesn't feel heavy, like it's clogging the skin. I then use the Hydrablur Primer to smoothen the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Some days I just can't be bothered for face make up and this primer still allows me to have flawless skin. The primer is so fluffy and light, it actually feels whipped! It goes on smooth and completely non-greasy. I love that it challenges any oil on my face and leaves it feeling silky smooth and mattified. I actually started using the Hydrablur in November of last year! If you think this primer looks great without make-up, wait till you see it under make-up! It's great either way. 

Why: For days I don't want to wear any colour on my face but still want SPF protection and skin to look unblemished.

**Check out the photo below I took of my hand before and after applying the Hydrablur Primer. No photoshop was done to the photo. Focus in on the V area of my hand… V for victory!! 

Option 2: Everyday/evening wear for glowing coverage and SPF protection.

Product: It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream with SPF 50+ 

What: Literally "It" does it all; anti aging serum, full colour correcting formula, non chemical sun protection, and reverses look of wrinkles and fine lines over time. It's also paraben free and made with vitamins A,C,B and E. This little tube is the ultimate all in one beauty cream, leaves you glowing and leaves the skin looking extremely hydrated. There's only one problem… you can't get it in Canada! Next time you're in the States, stock up on this stuff! It provides such great coverage and actually reverses signs of aging. And it' hides the look of under eye discolouration like a boss. 

Why: I like things to be convenient and easy. This one cream does it all and more!

Do you have any summer face care secrets? What are you using to protect your skin but still look fab?

Left: Before applying Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer. Right: After one application of Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer. No photoshop/editing was done to this photo. Totally smoothens the look of fine line and wrinkles!

Striped Maxi and Floral Fate

Saturday morning I woke up early and made my way to the Toronto Flower Market to score what was left of the season's peonies. The Toronto Flower Market only runs once a month and for both May and June I had been trying to take my mom along with me. Each time did not work out as planned and she never got there. Finally this past weekend we made it happen! It's safe to say I get my love for fresh flowers and their intoxicating aroma from her. We walked up and down visiting each vendor scoping out the prettiest blooms, and yes, scooping up those most coveted peonies.

On our way back an elderly (ish?) lady tripped on the curb right in front of us. She gashed her head, probably broke an arm and was lying there on the pavement helplessly. We quickly rushed to her side, attempted to comfort her, called her daughter and waited for the paramedic to arrive. So many individuals from the neighboring shops rushed out to offer first aid kits, water bottles, towels and more for this lady. It was truly amazing to see. The whole time she kept asking if we were okay kneeling down for so long! How crazy is that!? I kept thinking... this women is so calm, her head is gashed open, and she is concerned with our well being. I was so amazed by the way my mom handled the situation-- wiping up her cuts, hugging her and allowing her to rest on her lap. This women was so grateful and it was a moment that I'll never forget. I can truly only hope that I have inherited some of my mother's traits, and part of me can't help but think that maybe we would have never been there to help her if we had made it to the May or June Flower Market. I guess it truly was fate. I know it's a random story, but I just thought I'd share. The compassion and kindness some people exude is truly inspirational.

Well, here we are once again in lights for summer. The weather had me dressing easy, breezy and weekend casual. I love how the blue stripes in the skirt complement this chambray off the shoulder top. Nothing like a high slit and showing some shoulder skin to get you feeling sassy! And the fact that I can play around with this slit location is even sassier! In the front? Sure. Off to the side? No problem! You can create the perfect amount of playfulness!  Tobi is seriously the perfect shop great, quality pieces that won't burn a hole in your wallet. Did you know that new customers can score 50% off their first order. Take advantage of their free shipping to Canada, too! Check out their selection of skirts, or their fab rompers. 

What I'm Wearing

Tobi Crushing Hearts Striped Skirt c/o
Forever 21 Chambray Off the Shoulder Top (similar, similar)

Ivanka Trump sandals (similar)

Forever 21 clutch (similar)

What I wore to June's Flower Market here

Boss Lady Jumpsuit

After breaking into the culotte trend here, I was totally ready for a more summer appropriate pair. Black is great for fall, but in the summer I'm all about the lights and whites. When I saw this white culotte jumper on Tobi, and also read that it was called "Boss Lady", I knew it had to make it's way into my closet. I love how streamlined and sophisticated it is paired with a belt, simple black sandals and a coral lipstick (this one is Coral Cat from the Cover Girl Katy Kat Matte line). It makes such a statement without being over the top or intrusive, and is perfect for date night/girl's night or any kind of night for that matter-- it's pretty much the perfect multi-functioning piece. And you know I've been all about that lately... getting all crazy and pairing all my rompers with skirts! But seriously, I love that this jumpsuit can easily transition into fall when thrown on under a leather coat, or paired with pointy toe pumps. But since it's white you can also play with more more summery accessories and colours for this season. It's going to be a serious repeat offender (no shame)!

Tobi is such a great online destination for all occasions, a one stop shop no matter the destination (beach, wedding, day trip, etc.). Tobi is offering free shipping to Canada, at no minimum and with 50% off your first order you really can't go wrong! Check out more of their long dresses, and blouses!

How do you feel about the culotte jumpsuit? Or just culottes for that matter?

What I'm Wearing

Tobi Boss Lady Culotte Jumpsuit (on sale!) c/o

Zara Thick Ankle Strap Heel (identical)

Tommy Hilfiger Skinny Calf Hair Belt (similar, similar)

Tory Burch Britten Clutch

Le Château Two-Tone Chevron Metal Stretch Bracelet 

Lovely photos taken by one of my fave blogger babes La Petite Noob

Floral Crop

Hot, summer date nights in the city are such a beautiful thing. For Brandon's birthday we decided to try out Buca Yorkville for the first time. Getting dressed up into something a little out of the norm is always fun. Crop tops and midi skirts are nothing new for me, but a crop and a tight pencil skirt? Hello, scandalous! I loved getting dressed up in this for a night on the town! I am absolutely obsessed with the colours in this crop, the floral pattern and I love how it screams summer paired with this periwinkle skirt. Valentino Rockstud's were the perfect compliment to this outfit. We had the most amazing dinner, then headed to Deq Terrace and Lounge for a toast to his special day. 

I think it's great to dress out of your norm every once in a while and shake it up. If you're feeling shy, a glass of bubbly always helps! Is this something you do often?

What I'm Wearing

Crop Top & Skirt- M for Mendocino

Valentino Rockstud Pointy Toe Pump

Rebecca Minkoff Micro Lexi Bucket Bag in white

Black Forest Cake

I always try and go out of my way to make something extra special for Brandon's birthday. He loved the Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecakes, and the DIY Ice Cream Sandwich Bar. but I knew I wanted to go for something a touch more grandiose for this birthday. He had mentioned his love for Black Forest Cake (which completely shocked me because I can't stand it) in passing a few times over the year and I made a mental note to save the idea for his birthday cake. Personally, it's not my thing! Give me a soft baked, chewy, chocolate chip cookie with some ice cream scooped on top and all the toppings and I am a happy girl. I had a hard time choosing a recipe because honestly the combination of cherries, fruit syrup and chocolate did not entice me.. at all. But it's not all about me! When I saw this recipe on Butter and Brioche had the inclusion of mascarpone cream frosting in the middle I knew it was a winner. I mean-- he  does take cheese lover to new heights.

It was a process to assemble this cake. I made the cakes the day prior to celebrating so they would be cooled and ready to be iced. I went with 2 cakes, because I only had two pans and decided I did not want to make 4 layers. You start with the cake, then the frosting, and then the cherries and cherry syrup. The dark chocolate ganache (my favourite part) tops the cake and then the fresh fruit is added to the top. It's definitely a dense, moist, decadent cake and perfect for special occasions. I love the look of the fresh fruit and a light dusting of icing sugar on the top. And most importantly, he loved it, especially the cheese frosting, so that's a win in my books!

Do you like black forest cake? Or am I just being crazy?

Recipe can be found here.

Tropical Eyelet

By now you all know that in trying to distance myself from buying all the floral/summer prints this year I've been keen on repurposing items in my closet (as you saw here, and here). I bought this romper probably last summer but it's been reserved for the hottest of days since it is light, totally open in the back, and short, short, short! But the print is too fun and I just had the urge to wear it! While skimming through my closet this white, eyelet skirt caught my attention and the outfit clicked. I love how this pairing can take me to the flower marker with a pair of sandals (as seen in Toronto Life), and then to a fancy affair with this classic pair of Christian Louboutin heels. Totally from one extreme to the other!

Back to the classic Louboutin pointy toe pump. My enchanting little babies almost three years old now and still as good as new! If you're wondering, no, I didn't cover or protect the soles and probably never will. Soles should be scratched, worn out and tell a tale, don't you think? Besides, I kind of like when the marks show as you step. It shows character and they allude to special days, fun nights, and perfect moments. Like the time I wore them for hours on end dancing at my cousins wedding. Or the time, Brandon and I went out for dinner to a favourite restaurant and I surprised him with Jack White tickets. I'm all about the realness and rawness, and my shoes should reflect that. Nothing is perfect, my red soles aren't either!

What do you think? Would you protect the bottom or embrace the wear, and let the true realities of life imperfections shine through?

What I'm Wearing

RW& CO eyelet skirt (similar, similar)

Forever 21 tropical romper (similar)

Christian Louboutin Pigalle Nude Pumps

Rebecca Minkoff Micro Lexi Bucket Bag in white