A timely inspiration and GRC Week 10: Salsa-Stuffed Muffin Meatloaf

When was the last time you were truly inspired by someone?  Have you sat across from someone lately who goes about their life and career with such passion and care that it just oozes out of them?

I've been off the wagon a bit over the past few weeks.  It's been difficult to be focused and to figure out what I need to be working toward in the not-to-distant future.  It may sound strange but I really look up to people who have their shit together.  Luckily, I don't know too many people my age who really have it all figured out but that's what your 20's are for right?!  That whole decade (or at least a good chunk) is a time to make mistakes, stay out too late, get day drunk, cry in public washrooms and just figure out where you fit.

Today I met for coffee with a woman who is the epitome of shit-togetherness.  A work colleague introduced us to chat about some potential professional development opportunities and I walked away feeling like a new person.  She has been in her profession for more years than I but she was so insightful and lovely to hang out with.  As cliche as it sounds, she really opened my eyes to the fact that I'm putting myself in a much smaller box than I should be.  I've started to believe that what I do now is simply what I should continue doing but that's not at all true.

So what's next?  I have no idea.  I was too captivated by my coffee date's loveliness and I forgot to beg her to tell me what to do now.  I'll start with picking up Life of Pi and see where that takes me.

As I head to the kitchen to make some dinner, I will leave you with this flavour (and protein!) filled Salsa-Stuffed Muffin Meatloaves from CBC's Best Recipes Ever.  I love this recipe because you could easily substitute the beef for any other ground meat or meat substitute.  Using salsa as a sauce instead of something with a lot of sugar is a great way to make a meal a bit healthier.  Pair it with some cooked carrots or green beans and you're set!

Please send along your comments, suggestions, recipes or life-changing moments in the comment section below or on Twitter @darbyvt

I think Taylor Swift was at my 23rd Birthday... My Favorite Things about February and GRC Week 8: Baked Grapefruit

Well, it's Justin Bieber's birthday which can only mean one thing...  February is oooova!!!  I am welcoming March with open arms.  Not only do the winter months turn me into a total hermit but the past month has been stacked with appointments, wires, bandages and overall gloom.  I'm certainly looking forward to longer days, better weather and (hopefully!) far fewer doctors.

February wasn't all bad though as I got to spend some time some time in the kitchen, organize some finances (am I the only one who likes doing taxes?!) and catch up on some books and music.

Here are a few of my favoriiiiiiiiiite thiiiiiiiiings from the past few weeks:

Favorite pre-made food item:  Organic Creamy Butternut Squash Soup by Imagine

This soup is just souper (get it?!).  It comes in an easy-to-pour carton (kind of like a giant juice box)
and is yummy yummy yummy.  I found it a bit bland my first couple of tries but I now add curry powder, ground nutmeg, fresh ground pepper and cinnamon when the soup is starting to get hot and that does the trick.  Most of their soups are also dairy free, gluten free and kosher!  I've only been able to find this brand at Metro but I'm sure the company would be more than happy to tell you where else they sell.  This soup is really thick and would be delicious to use as a sauce for veggies or proteins.  

Favorite album:  Red by Taylor Swift

Don't judge!!  Taylor Swift is friggin' awesome.  I don't care if you think her Grammy speeches are annoying or if you're still mad about the whole John Mayer break up.  This girl can write one heck of a song.  I've been weeping over this new album for the past two weeks.  If you don't love her Top 40 songs, take a listen to some of her other tunes because she's such a great storyteller.  I wish T-Swift hadn't have been in elementary school when I was starting high school or else I would have learned so much from her precautionary tales and probably begged my parents to send me to an all girls' school if those would have existed where I'm from.

Some of my favorite non-Top 40 tracks- "22", "Treacherous" and the real on-the-floor-in-fetal-position-crying-my-eyes-out-flashbacks-to-my-23rd-birthday kicker "The Moment I Knew" which is found on the bonus disc 2.  

Favorite Cosmetics product:  Conceal FX Camouflage Concealer by Cover FX 

Wait... what?!  A cosmetics product?!  I know, I know.  I'm certainly no beauty expert and my typical make up routine consists of eye liner, mascara and some powder.  But that's only if I'm going to a public place where sweat pants are not appropriate (obviously the grocery store and McD's are places I do not wear make up).  I asked the advice of my lovely and talented esthetician friend, Kendra on how to cover up some scar action.  She recommended the Conceal FX and it's awesome.  It not only completely hides my scars but it helps with general redness and dark under-eye circles.  They sell the Cover FX line at Shopper's which is super convenient.  The worst part?  I had to buy Xtra Light.  I need a vacation...

Favorite (healthy) snack:  Baked Grapefruit (GRC Week #7)
When I saw a friend's Instagram pic of a baked grapefruit, I was intrigued.  I've had baked apples and dried fruit but had never considered heating up the oven and popping a citrus fruit inside.  I hadn't had grapefruit since I was a little kid so I decided to give it a go.  Initially, after a quick google search, I topped the grapefruit with honey and cinnamon before baking.  I didn't love the consistency of the honey on the finished product.  After consulting with my friend, she told me she uses brown sugar.  Ding ding ding.  We have a wiiiiinnnnner.  Sprinkle a bit of brown sugar and cinnamon on this puppy. Put it in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes and you've got yourself a tasty, refreshing and healthy treat.




Do you have any recipes or favorite products that you want the rest of the world to know about?  Comment in the section below or tweet me @darbyvt.

Is that a heart monitor or are you just happy to see me?! GRC Week 6- Cheesecake for Two

Well...  we did it!  We all survived another Valentine's Day.  I don't think it's as bad as most people do.  In fact, I spent my whole day yesterday feeling very loved without a single flower, corny card or box of chocolates.  And I'm happy about it!!  I think February 14th is a great excuse to reach out to friends and family and wish them a great day.  Sure sure...  I doooo have a significant other but we never make a big deal out of things.  We went for dinner after work and hung out for the evening at home.  No embarrassing at-work flower deliveries or PDA.  But now it's the 15th and we can all go back to texting at the table and putting on our sweats the minute we get in the door at night.

Speaking of hearts, I have this little gem strapped to me 24/7 for 14 days:

It's a very stylish and oh-so comfortable heart monitor that is (hopefully) the last step in clearing me for any kind of medical concern since my fainting incident a few weeks ago.  It's like having a light weight baby that you don't have to feed.  I'm getting pretty good at dressing to disguise it but running out of options for being in public.  I'm a bit of a cyborg.  T came up with the idea that, if I put the monitor on my back, I'll look like the people on reality TV with mic packs.  Truuuue...  I still have to wear a scarf when leaving the house to cover up the electrodes on both collar bones.  I don't know how T keeps his hands off me...  Did I mention that the vast majority of people are allergic to the jelly on the electrodes so I'll likely have massive red circular welts all over me for the next month??  Hot stuff coming through.


With all of my time hiding inside like the Hunchback of Notre Dame and love being in the air, I decided to try a dessert this week for the Great Recipe Challenge (Week 6).  I'm not a huge dessert lover but I wanted to give it a go for a special occasion.  I made Cheesecake for Two from the Weekend Gourmande.

I've been under the impression that cheesecake is really complicated and time consuming but this wasn't at all!  I purchased two pyrex oven-safe bowls (2 cups each) at the grocery store.  I added in chocolate chips after mixing everything together as the recipe suggests.  This was definitely more than enough for two people.  In fact, T and I split one and couldn't even finish it.  It could easily be divided into four smaller portions.  Great for impressing dinner guests!  I made the hearts on top by placing a small heart-shaped cookie cutter on top of the cooled cheesecakes then dusted cocoa powder through my tea infuser onto the cut-out.  So cute!  We give this a D&T stamp of approval with an 8/10.  It's not life changing cheesecake but it's really yummy and easy to make.  There are lots of variations with fruit toppings or lemon filling.

Have a great weekend and keep that love flowing!  Comment below or tweet me your suggestions or recipe ideas!  @darbyvt

I guess this is growing up! GRC Week 5

Maybe it's the getting-close-to-30 in me but has anyone else recently been slapped in the face with how much things can change in a matter of a year or two?  Granted, it's been almost seven years since I graduated university and almost five since I picked up and moved away from my university town but, lately, I've realized that my 23-year-old-self would be shocked and appalled to see my life now.  The strangest part- I'm completely ok with that!

I guess this is the feeling of being settled.  I've had a busy work week with a bit of travel and, although it's great to go away for a day or two and see friends in other cities, I always so look forward to coming home.  T and I used to celebrate everything by going out.  Payday Friday?  Payday Pizza!  Long day at work?  Let's go out to eat!  Thirsty?  We'll spend $75 at a pub down the street.  Lately, we've been able to enjoy being home a lot more.  Since I've been getting more into cooking and baking, I find it a lot of fun to go grocery shopping (big shout out to T for braving No Frills by himself on Saturday afternoon while I was at work), research recipes, read food blogs and spend time creating in the kitchen.  The weird thing?  Even meals I've been making for years have started to taste better.  It must be true that you can taste the love and passion that goes into making food.  

Since I was only home one night last week, we decided to have a date night in with dinner and hanging out.  Luckily, earlier in the week, our friend Meaghan had sent a NEW RECIPE!!! our way.  She and her bf (who happens to be T's bff) traveled to New Orleans last year (jealous!) and must have been missing that Southern flavour.  The GRC Week 5 recipe was Bourbon Street Chicken by Big Oven. 

Bourbon Street Chicken

I am all about one pan meals!  I liked making Bourbon Street Chicken because everything could be done in one large frying pan with very little mess and very few dishes afterwards.  A good weeknight meal.  You could even cook the chicken ahead of time then throw the sauce together with things in your fridge and pantry.  I added onions and peppers for a bit of flavour and color as well as a spoon full of chili sauce I had in the cupboard but followed the recipe exactly otherwise.  The end result was good!  I found it a bit saucy but next time I'll just put less sauce on my serving.  I've made similar-tasting stir-frys before.  This one just has a bit more of a ginger and spice kick to it.  We give it a 7/10 and would recommend it for a "what am I going to make tonight?  I have chicken and a bunch of things in the pantry" weeknight meal.  Thanks, Meaghan, for forwarding it our way :)

Please forward any recipe suggestions my way in the comment section below or follow me on Twitter @darby

A few of my favorite thiiiiiiings (and GRC Week 4)

Who says Oprah is the only one who can have a list of favorite things?  If "favorite things" has some sort of a copyright, please don't sue me Oprah or staff!!

Since the month is coming to a close, I wanted to share a few favorite things I've been smelling/using/eating/drinking/watching so that you can enjoy them too!

Favorite Candle:  Cinnamon Frosting by Bath & Body Works
Vanilla, cloves and buttermilk all melted together in a waxy ball of goodness.  I love love love BBW 3 wick candles as they last for so long and have really lovely scents that aren't too perfumey or over powering.

Cinnamon Frosting Candle by BBW

Favorite Shower Gel:  Sea Island Cotton by Bath & Body Works
I maaaaaayyyyyy have a total of 15 BBW shower gels in my linen closet right now.  I'm a wee bit particular with which scents correspond with which seasons.  One can't walk around smelling like a Japanese Cherry Blossom in October!!  For instance, I have one scent, Bali Mango, that I will only use during the summer and when I'm in the Caribbean for work or on vacation.  The gels are arranged by season in the closet.  The same is true for my 11 bottles of BBW hand soap.

Sea Island Cotton Shower Gel by BBW

I keep three scents in my shower at all times and I switch them out, whether they are empty or not, depending on the weather.  One is my going out gel which is always a scent I really love and don't want to use up too quickly.  The second is one I use if I have a a work event or some sort of social occasion and wanted to smell nice but not going-out-nice.  Then, the third, is more of an everyday just-around-the-house or got-back-from-the-gym soap that isn't anything too special but that I still really enjoy.  Sea Island Cotton is the perfect third soap because it smells like... well... soap!  It has a nice light scent and reminds me a bit of fresh clean laundry.  Mmmmmmm...

Favorite Tea:  Earl's Garden by David's Tea
If you like (or love) Earl Grey tea, you will like (or love) Earl's Garden.  I bought a bag for a friend one time and she loved it so she got me hooked on it.  I then got my mother hooked on it and I just recommended it to another friend this morning.  It has the coziness of Earl Grey but with hints of strawberries, raspberries and black currant.

Earl's Garden Tea by David's Tea

Favorite TV Personality:  Parker Schnabel from Gold Rush Alaska
Judge away but T and I spend our Sunday nights watching shows about gold mining.  Gold Rush Alaska followed by Bering Sea Gold followed by, our personal favorite, Jungle Gold.  Despite the fact that George and Scott on Jungle Gold are completely jacked badass hotties who run around Ghana putting armed men in chokeholds, Parker Schabel completely warms my heart.

Parker Schnabel from Gold Rush Alaska

He's this adorable teenage kid who works so hard to continue the gold mining legacy of his 93-year-old grandfather, John.  He's so sweet and I just love him.

Favorite Recipe:  No-Bake Energy Bites by Gimme Some Oven
You didn't think I'd end this without including my GRC Week 4 recipe did you?!  I never have difficulty finding good dinner ideas but I struggle with breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the week.  This little nuggets are great to have in the fridge to grab whenever you need a boost.  They took about 30 seconds to throw together and will stay fresh in the fridge for about a week.  I used Banana Nut instant oatmeal by Quaker.

No-Bake Energy Bites by Gimme Some Oven

What are some of your favorite products and recipes?  Comment below or tweet me @darbyvt.

The Great Recipe Challenge (Week 2): Oven-Roasted Pulled Pork

Spice rub, coleslaw, pork & beans.

Despite a slight medical set back yesterday morning resulting in six beautiful stitches in my chin, The Great Recipe Challenge must go on.

This week's meal: Oven-Roasted Pulled Pork with Spicy Slaw from The Food Network.  I've always been really intimidated by pulled pork because it takes so long and I thought it would be easy to screw up.  If I could execute this dish yesterday, you can execute it any day.

The key to this recipe is time.  You need lots and lots of it.  But the best part is that the majority of time requires little to no effort.  Heck- you don't even need to be awake for more than 20 or so minutes of preparation.  Perfect for a Sunday!

I was a bit overwhelmed by the number of ingredients used in all of the different components of this dish.   Upon taking a closer look, most items are things that I had (or should have had) in my cupboards already.  I was able to purchase any spices I didn't have for about $0.50 at bulk barn.  Even the pork shoulder itself was less than $10.

I put the rub on the pork around dinner time Saturday night, covered it with plastic wrap and threw it in the fridge.  Then, on Sunday around noon, I pre-heated the oven, put the meat in and came back at 5:30pm to take it out.  So so so easy.

Bake for 5.5-6h on 300 degrees.
Just out of the oven.

In the meantime, I mixed up the coleslaw a few hours before eating so that it had time to sit and thicken up a bit.

While putting together the "BBQ" sauce, keep in mind that it is not supposed to be a thick, sweet sauce like you have in the fridge.  It will taste as though there is far too much vinegar but I promise that it compliments the pork perfectly when mixed together.  I tossed the pork in the sauce before serving instead of pouring the sauce onto the sandwich to avoid the buns getting too soggy.

Cider Vinegar BBQ Sauce.
Don't let the vinegar flavour scare you.  It will be D-E-licious on the pork.

The coleslaw wasn't great.  A bit too tangy and "mustard-y" for my liking.  I planned on making homemade beans but just didn't have it in me that day so I cracked open a can of baked beans in molasses and it did the trick.

The pork was AMAZING.  So tender.  The bone in the meat literally fell out when I went to move it.  The bark on the outside is so tasty and just overall goooooood.

So juicy & tender.

We give this the absolute D&T stamp of approval.  Next time, I will try my own beans and a different coleslaw but the pork itself made up for absolutely any short comings in the side dishes.  The whole dish cost about $13 to make.  The Oven-Roasted Pulled Pork receives a whooping 9.5/10 on the yummy scale.  There was lots left for lunches the next day or would be great for feeding company.  I will definitely be making this again.  Who wants to come over?!

Send me your comments or recipe ideas!  Tweet me @darbyvt

Well that wasn't on my Bucket List...

I've never created a before-I-turn-30 Bucket List but if I had, there are two things that I would not have put on it.

1) go back to school

2) work toward becoming a Tea Sommelier

But, alas, I am George Brown College's newest student and, on Monday, I will start an eight-course certificate program to become a certified Tea Sommelier.  

I've developed a really keen interest in food and drink through my own experimentation and the exploration of the blogging world.  T had suggested that I try to find an evening course on social media or blogging.  He came across the Continuing Education courses in Hospitality & Culinary Arts at George Brown and the Tea Sommelier certification jumped out at me right away.  Artisan Bread Baking was a close second.

Although I'm not jumping ship on my current career to run off into the tea gardens and will only be going to class at night, I'm excited to dabble in something just because it interests me.  

I think it's completely weird and out there and I have no idea what to expect but I'm putting myself out there into the tea-iverse to try something new.  The class is either going to be filled with Queen West hipsters or 70 year olds.  

Now excuse me while I go buy Staples out of coil notebooks and new pens.  What am I going to wear on my first day?!?  Geeky cool?  Artsy fartsy?  Modern hippy?  

By the way, you're all getting tea for your birthday, Christmas and any other gift-giving occasion. 

Tweet me!  @darbyvt

I'm a (wo)man of simple pleasures...

Lately, in my attempt to be a better me, I've been focusing on making some changes to my everyday life.  The changes that I thought would make the most difference in my mood, energy levels and overall well being is getting a gym membership and making a conscious effort to eat better.  I'm really surprised at how much I've taken to going to the gym.  Most days now, I actually crave getting over there and burning off some steam.

My biggest obstacle is the nutrition side of things.  I enjoy incorporating more fruits and vegetables into my diet and haven't missed my large portions of pasta... and garlic bread... and chips... at all (okay... maybe a little bit).  One thing that could stand in my way of maintaining a better diet is my lack of food knowledge and creativity to add a lot of variety to my meals.  Spinach salad is getting a bit old.  I also think I may not be eating enough calories.  Eat more?!  Yes please!

I plan my meals for the week before I go grocery shopping but I rarely account for snacks or good lunches.  Working from home is great because I'm not tempted to grab something quick and greasy on the run but I'm often left standing with the refrigerator door open wondering what I can throw together to get me through the rest of my day plus an after-work workout.  Any helpful recipes or websites from my nutrition smart friends would be much appreciated.

On a not-overly-nutritious but very-delicious note, I had a successful "try something new" outing over the weekend and it inspired me.  I was going to a BBQ on Sunday night and wanted to take just a couple of drinks with me (I was the driver).  I visited my neighbourhood liquor store and noticed how many specialty beers are around in the summer time from small breweries all over the province.  I looked for the most interesting looking bottle and bought it.  Huge success.  My choice was Summer Weiss from Muskoka Brewery .

So go indulge in a simple pleasure this week.  Whether that's adding some fresh veggies to your meal or picking the prettiest bottle in the liquor store- do something kind for yourself.  And listen to this feel-good summer song reminding us all to enjoy the simple things.

Follow me on Twitter:  darbyvt