Banff: Mountains and Memories

The mountains and evergreens of Banff welcomed my friends and I this summer. A day was spent treking through the small town, while we took in the daily life of those that live there. Pastry shops, sushi and local boutiques were all stops along the way.

Though not far away, it feels like entering a different time. Perhaps it's the pace. Banff, being a small tow, feels like stepping into a time period where you still knew the nieghbor, and the local bar knows your order by heart.

 When you live in a place so long, without really venturing out (that includes outside your own perspective), you forget what it may look like to someone else. The drive to Banff had it's postcard picturesque moments that left me in awe of my own Province.

The rains began to fall; the fog decended, and the scene took on a a mystic eerie feel, that made one both worried and yet inspired. It's the kind of scene that is beautiful to stare at from ones window, safe indoors, but creates feelings of deep caution when you have to drive in it.

The rains slide down the mighty mountains, unaffecting it's majesty, and slipped into the lake, making little ripples that carried on seemingly endlessly. The weather was gratifying. Not too hot, nor too cold. The rains brought out the mosquitos who enthusiastically followed us through our walk.

One of my favorite things about going somewhere else is trying new food. That's also the downside, since new favorite treats cannot easily be accessed. But it gives me an excuse to go there again. In Banff is a Pastry shop that sells ice cream and a dessert called "Beaver Tail." The Beaver is a big part of Alberta culture, so the name is fitting. The dessert comes in a varity of flavors, but my friends and I opted for Skor and cream cheese. It was delicious! The pastry itself is rich and kind of sweet, but the skor, frosting, and caramel...divine.
The sushi in Banff was also tasty and well priced considering that Banff food can be a bit pricey.

 
It's nice to get out of the city, even if you don't go very far. See other sights, engage in different activites, and give yor senses something new to take in. We saw muesum exhibits, horses pulling tourists down the street and locals going on with their ordinary days. And I wonder if they ever take the time to see their lovely little towne the way we outsiders do.

Kawaii Japan Food Erasers

I remember when I was kid, during back to school, there would always be that one kid that had the most adorable school gear. When I saw these kawaii food erasers, it took me back to those days when I wished I was the cool kid with the cute pencils and erasers (mind you I did and still do have some very kawaii writing utensils and notebooks)

These erasers are not the best quality. They're more for fun and play, but they are super cute to look at and a nice addition for ones kawaii stationary/writing collection. Or perhaps you know a little girl who is starting her first year of school. She'd definitely be the coolest kid in class.

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Review of Russell Stover S'mores Bar

Years ago, Hershey had a smores chocolate bar that was absolutely delicious. But alas it has been discontinued. Ever since then, I've been looking for something that comes close. Today, I stumbled across a smores bar from Russel Stover while in the dollar store. I wasn't sure if the wrapper picture and the actual product would be the same, but it is very much a what you see is what you get deal.

Russel Stover is known for having good tasting chocolate. But as someone who doesn't really like chocolate, I can't really back up that claim. What I can say is the smore is almost the same as having an actual smore.

The graham crackers are crumbly but tasty, the chocolate and marshmellow are good and I liked how the marshmellow gave the same effect as it would have if it were roasted.

Combined together, it gives you the feeling of eating a smore by the camp fire, except it's cold. Though I don't have a sweet tooth, I would purchase this again.

Review of Fats Burger Backyard Burger

 

Fats burger is a diner that serves burgers, fries, shakes and other classic diner foods. After getting some not so pleasant news one day, I decided that best way to digest the news was with junk food. 

I've eaten there before and have liked it, but this time I wanted to try something different. I opted for the backyard burger, which has bacon, two oinion rings, lettuce, mayo, BBQ sauce, moza cheese, and a tomato. I don't like tomatos so mine was without. 

I really hope this isn't simply an item for their summer menu because this is one of the best burgers I have ever had! In fact, so far, I can say it is the best 'diner' burger I've had. 

It's so bad for me, but I could eat one every day. I think it is the added BBQ sauce and the cheese they used. The combo is just delicous. I'm craving it as I write. 

Lovely Desserts For A Lovely Mother

I've already bought my darling mother a mother's day gift, since I dislike putting stuff like that off till the last minuet, but I came across these deliciously charming desserts on  Marion's Vintage Bakery. My mom does not have a sweet tooth, but I doubt she could resist appreciating how pretty these Mother's Day Petite fours are.
I wish I could make treats like this, but I have a frightful habit of setting my mom's kitchen on fire everytime I'm in it. I think with desserts as lovely as these, my mother would overlook her smoking kitchen

Thanks for stopping by,
Ta for now lovelies

All you can eat

We laughed, Amy and I, as we prepared ourselves for the stack of sushi we're about to consume at. All you can eat, suddenly felt like all I'd ever eat. Our tummies say no more, but our mouths water at the menu as we look for another compilation to torture ourselves with. I stuff sushi larger than either my mouth or belly in me, while Amy slurps noodles that have turned cold. It's the company, not the sushi I was craving.




The sparkling bubbles from ginger ale tickled my noise, while they soothed my over stuffed tummy. I would have gulped down this drink even if my belly was blissed, but the ache gives me an excuse. Ginger ale gives me the giggles. It's something sweet for a girl that usually prefers things spicy. There really isn't much ginger inside, not like homemade, but the dancing bubble and fizzy fun make me and my tummy and I happy.




The Rainbow Bakery, that's the name that hosts these desserts at a sweet price. My eyes consume desserts far more than my mouth. If I could, I'd have a glass cabinet full of delightful desserts Cupcakes, tarts, and little pastries look so lovely behind the glass counter at the bakery. I wish they would could keep forever. These ones were tasty, but I've never had a sweet tooth. I love desserts for their cute charm, and the way they can round off a perfect afternoon.

Tuesday Treasures

What a charming summer it's been--picnics, beautiful rainstorms, sweets and the sweetness of friends. I will miss it.

I wanted to share a few delights I recently received from near and far this summer.

Letter from my pen pal

Whenever I see something in the mail, handwritten and well thought out, I grin--inside and out. My pen pal from Algeria sent me not only a lovely letter, but a seashell and treasures from her life as well. This is just one of the reason why I love having a penpal. It's like having someone travel to you with their heart. She used a calender as an envelope and I think this is a very clever and stylish idea, one that I will be borrowing. Thank you again for the wonderful letter.

Cutest little cupcakes

 Yesterday, while I was out Downtown, I stumbled upon a cupcake shoppe called Buttercream cupcakes that has some deliciously cute cupcakes. The flavors here are french vanilla (purple frosting), strawberry shortcake (pink frosting) and red velvet (white frosting). They are rich, and full of flavor. Though I will admit they are pricey. This batch was over $9.00

Accessories and deals

BCBG had a promotion where if you tried on a pair of jeans you got $10 off your purchase of anything in the store. That's how this cute rabbit ring end up coming home with me. Say hello to Mr. Hello. His expression is bit bewildered but I think he's very cute. He's also quite large. I have long finger and Mr.hello takes a fair bit of room on them and he has some weight to him. He's not heavy, but you do notice him there the way you would with a cocktail ring.

Sushi and High Heels

 

I think we all have that one meal we crave often. For me, it's sushi. Walking past sushi restaurants is impossible for me. There is something about it--maybe the variety--that makes me opt for it whenever I'm hungry. Put me in a quiet corner, with nothing but sushi, and I'll consider it a makeshift heaven.

May 24 Moments of my day

In all honesty, I'm not in the mood to be crafty with my words. But all in all it was a good day. I had lunch with a friend. I ordered the fresh fruit waffle at Cora's, which was tasty but the highlight of my day was when I got a $34 mascara kit for only $5.70!!! I love deals and this one just blew my mind. The deal was a result of store points I had acculated. Apparently, my points added up to $60 dollars. However, I how I had to pay something for the item so I ended up getting $30 off, leaving me with only $5.70 after tax!!! Best bargain of the month!

On a side note: I also treated myself to some cheese cake, last week. It was good :)

Tuesday Treasures

It has been a while since I posted some treasures in my life. May has been keeping me busy. I always find May to be a month that `blossoms` me.

It somehow wants me to reach my full potential and will throw a mix match of challenges at me, forcing me to try harder; try something new and keep going. By June I`m ready for a real vacation.

Somewhere between working hard, and complaining about all the work I have to do, I found time to go thrifting.

I bought Ernest Hemingway`s writings and a wool hat. The book was $2 and the hat was $1.50. If I get the time I can read and sport my new hat. I also made a dessert by putting frozen yogurt into a cord pear. It is delicious! 

Tuesday Treasures

The shopping bug has bit me. I bought a new cellphone, some shoes, and Yesstyle is offering an EXTRA 15% off ALL shoes. Use the coupon code EXTRA15OFF at checkout to get the deal. I have to make sure I reign myself in. The end of March always brings sadness to my wallet because so many stores offer disounts.

J'ai fait des emplettes beaucoup. J'ai acheté un nouveau téléphone portable et les chaussures. YesStyle donne un rabais sur les chaussures. Le code est EXTRA15OFF. Je vais essayer de ne pas dépenser :)

Yesstyle shoe sale

Get an extra 15% off  on shoes until April 11.

Nexus S

Because of great promotion, I decided to get the Nexus S yesterday. So far I like it. It's easy to use, runs on android so it's very customizable and the camera/video are decent. On sale, it's a good purchase.

Cora's Surprise

Last weekend, my breakfast buddy and I went to Cora's again. Remember, we're going there until we try everything on the menu (excpet she ordered the same meal as last time). This time, I had Surprise! The meal is a ham, egg, and cheese sandwich on frenchtoast battered bread with a side, or rather mountain, of fruit. I was so hungry I gobbled it down quickly, but it was filling. The sandwich has a sweetness to it. Not too much, but you can notice it. Though it was not a great as some of the other options, it was tasty.

To bother or not to bother

Neither blogger nor Youtube are allowing me to share my video. If you would like to see it please visit the link. I actually really like the way the video turned out. The food looks delicious.

The Cora breakfast adventures continue. My friend Julie and I went out again to sample another item on the menu. I had to flip a coin for both of us to decide what we would devour. Still confused, I asked a young couple beside me if they had enjoyed their meal. The guy had ordered what I had intended and so I thought I'd get a direct review. They must have been surprised because the girl blushed and giggled with that, "why are you talking to us look."

 I personally don't find it odd to ask the next table for a quick yes or no answer to a question. I'm not one to fully interrupt their meal to make chit chat, but if I'm paying money for something and there happens to be someone beside me who has just bought the same item, I see no harm in asking, "would you recommend it?"

After they had left, an elderly woman sat in their place. She had bags with her and a newspaper. I presumed she was grabbing a bite to eat alone, while she caught her shopping breath. My friend continued chit chatting, but I noticed the woman glancing over at me occasionally. When she first arrived she looked over at my meal, and ordered the same thing. At first I assumed she was looking at me because I was filming Julie and I's hangout, which is not common to most people. But even after I put my camera away, she continued with the friendly glances. I smiled over and she smile back--a lovely smile. 

When I eat out alone, I often feel one of two ways: 1. Please don't bother me. 2. Please bother me. The general public cannot differentiate between the two demeanors, and so I'm usually bothered when I don't want to be or left alone when I'd like to be bothered. Possibly because I do eat out alone often I can tell the difference, and this woman wanted to be bothered. 

So I did.

My friend was discussing a root canal and I mentioned how it was one of my dreaded fears, looking over at the woman as I said it. She quickly joined the conversation and for the next half hour the three of us engaged in laughter and opinions. It was one of the best breakfasts I've had. My friend said she very much enjoyed talking to the woman and wished she could talk to strangers more often.

So often we ignore people when we are out. Possibly because we get the reaction the first couple gave me, which makes us feel bothersome. But even if you don't want to have a conversation, a friendly smile can make someone's day.

Pleased to eat you

Cora's 1990's Harvest

Brunch has to be one of my favorite meals. You can eat anything for brunch--fruit, icecream, toast, cinnamon buns, anything really. If I had it my way, I'd eat brunch everyday. But every weekend is good enough for now, which is what my friend and I have decided. Until we have tried everything on the menu of Chez Cora, we are pigging out on bacon, toast and mountains of fruit along with whatever else they have to offer. The 1990's Harvest gets two thumbs up from me. It comes with a heap of fruits, eggs, two cinnamon-raisin brioche dipped in French toast batter and bacon. It is a lot of food, but it isn't greasy so you feel pleasantly full instead greasy full.

Eggs Ben et Dictine

Above is my friend's meal. I didn't try it but she loved every bite of it.

Moments of my day February 15

 Ever wakeup knowing you're going to have a bad day, or least not a good one. That is how I felt when I woke up. I just didn't feel any enthusiasm for the day. I decided to shake off this feeling because I refused to give into a pessimistic attitude.
One of the reasons why I knew I wasn't going like the day was because I had to visit the denist and that always ruins my day. The trip there is unpleasant; the experience is unpleasnat; the feeling of walking out of there with a giant bill is...you guessed it...unpleasant.

To brighten up the day, I went to buy some left over Valentine's treats. On the top of the list were cupcakes. But the mall I was in didn't have any. Instead, I found myself in a new shop called Zexy Berries. It's I guess a dessert shop that sells chocolate covered fruits. But they also offer cookies and waffles. I've always wanted a waffle place in my city and to find one closer to my home was the best part of my day. I ordered a small one with strawberries and white chocolate. It was exactly what I needed to make the day go right.

I also bought some cookies from Zexy Berries. The service was wonderful and I know I'll be going there often. Sometimes you roll out of bed wishing the whole world would disappear. In those times, look for something, anything, in this big ol' world that makes being here worth it.

Lost in a moment

Life is simply a string of moments, some good...some bad. A string of moments that make us who we are and show us what we want. The beauty of life is sharing moments that you will cherish with someone else. My friend Amy is some who I always enjoy making moments of memories with. We have a habit of getting lost--lost in laughter, lost in conversation, lost in the moment.

We also get lost while adventuring around our city, and this of course leads to more memories. The feeling of being lost is usually one that disturbs me. I dislike not knowing where I am or what I'm doing, but when you're with a friend it's no longer the frighting feeling of being lost but instead the exlileration of exploration. We explored shops, explored the streets and paveways of our city and our tastebuds explored new flavors. It was a moment I can easily look back on; one that I don't believe will get lost in the shuffle of my many memories.

January Feast

I did a fair bit of eating out this month. This was out of the ordinary, since my family and I usually cook and eat at home.These were some of my favorite meals of January.

J'ai fait un peu juste de manger à l'extérieur de ce mois. Ce fut hors de l'ordinaire, car ma famille et j'ai l'habitude de cuisiner et de manger au home.These étaient certains de mes plats préférés de Janvier.

• Sushi boat
• Classic Italian Quizno sub 
• Spicy sate beef vermicelli soup
• Strawberry, pinapple (another fruit that I don't remember) bubble tea with juicy pearls
• Salad rolls

Tasty/Savoureux

The mouth waters for sweets and cake.
The mind says, "darling, take a break."
The eyes they feast. The heart it swells
The stomach says, "I don't feel so well."

My eyes more than my stomach want to devour all these tasties. I think I may post desserts regularly, since I rarely get to eat any. My family doesn't bake in bunches and when I go out to eat dessert doesn't seem to make it onto my bill (of course when I eat alone, it's always dessert first).

Moments of my day Jan 8

I feel I go months without seeing my friends. Perhaps that's why the opportunity arises to see them I jump on it. This was a day of shopping for my friend and I. We grabbed some sushi to kill the hungry pains and then it was back to shopping and walking around, while I clipped random into my camera, in case my memory let me down. I have a video where I share the items I bought on this day.

sushi boat at the sumo lounge

I have a thing for bicycles

What I wore

They were promoting a show, and gave my friend and I free tickets to see it.