vintage fix

Busy is the only way to describe my life right now! So until I can hack away the necessary minutes to put something longer here:

Get your vintage on! 

A Vintage Mart event is being held this weekend, starting tonight from 5-8. I love this group of vintage sellers - they always have a really great finds at really reasonable prices, and their studio is AMAZING.

If you're in the Mile End area, stop by 5445 De Gaspe, suite 600, and check it out.

I'm headed there tonight with some gal pals, come and join the fun!

Man, I seriously heart Fridays.

wheat-free baking adventures

As previously tweeted, yesterday I made a deal with myself that if I went for a run, I could spend the remainder of the night baking cookies and embroidering. I love embroidering because although it's technically work, I can do it in front of the Animation Show. 

So, 4 mile run completed, I set about making these cookies. 

I've been eating a wheat-free diet for about 3 months now, but this is my first foray into the world of baking for myself. I don't bake (or let's be honest, cook) very much in general, but about once a year I really crave home-baked goods.

I found all of the unusual ingredients at my local health-food store. The tapioca starch and guar gum weren't super cheap, but came in large quantities, so I'll always have some on hand if need be. 

They were super easy to whip up, even at my novice level and with a sketchy oven.

The results were pretty good. The rice crispies in these cookes definitely add some much-needed crunch (I omitted the peanuts, but think these would have helped as well), and the result reminds me of biting into little toffee bits.

On first bite, I find they taste a bit strange - almost powdery or baking soda-y. I can't tell if I'm just getting used to the taste, or if I really enjoy them, but I did proceed to polish off 4 of them in a row last night, so they're obviously not THAT bad. 

I find the most difficult thing about wheat and gluten-free products is the texture. I have yet to find a cookie or bread-like product that has the same light and flaky texture that flour lends. I've just accepted this as my new reality, so if anyone has any suggestions, do tell!

As an added bonus: J and I were snacking on some raclette cheese while I was eating a cookie, and found that they (oddly?) pair really well with this cheese. Who knew?

Wheat-free chocolate chip cookie raclette this weekend, anyone?

34

Friday marked my 34th Birthday. 

The weekend was a bit of a blur, and was made extra lovely by all of the wonderful friends who stopped by. In addition to seeing all my fantastic Montreal friends (both old and new), I was fortunate enough to hang out with 2 friends from my NYC days, and it was so great. 

As I was sitting at my desk yesterday, exhausted and a bit blurry from overindulging in everything (Another glass of wine? Sure! Popcorn and a giant bag of licorice at 5:00 a.m.? Why not!), it occurred to me how lucky I am. 

I am so lucky to have all of my amazing and incredibly supportive friends, who blow me away with their generosity.

I was raised in a family where I felt (and feel) loved every day. We were not without our issues, but in spite of everything, they raised me to believe that I could be anyone who I wanted to be. My parents didn't have the easiest of childhoods, and I know they made every effort to give me and my Brother everything they didn't have. As an adult, I realize what an incredibly selfless gift that is.

I'm part of a solid relationship with a person who I both love and respect, who is both like and unlike me in all the best ways, who I know will be there with me through all of the crap that life throws at you. 

I'm healthy (except for when I essentially pickle myself in gin for the weekend), happy, and self-sufficient. I'm not rich, but I'm not poor. I'm not perfect, but I know who I am. I am educated, well-traveled and open-minded. I've accomplished many of my goals, and know I can do anything that I really set my mind to. 

So, Happy Birthday to me and to everyone else who shared it with me. The best gifts I received this year are the ones I've always had.

Except for the Snuggie, but who can argue with that?

groundhogs

Print from Chris Piascik, available here. 

To those who celebrate, Happy Groundhog Day!