Triple Treat

While I've talked about the negative side of being a cafe reviewer, I thought I'd share with Not A Model readers some of the things I love about being a caffeinated grasshopper.

Some of my reviews can be classified as "mini adventures." They take a lot of coordinating, planning, moving and shaking to make it all come together.  First and foremost, I couldn't do any of it without my photography partners in crime Stefania & Cory. 

We go through the awkward mix-ups (Is this the right address? Where is the entrance?) the haphazard travelling (they deserve awards for putting up with my Mario Cart driving) and the grueling decision making process (should we try a double chocolate cherry or oatmeal banana cookie?) together.

I've learned to remember their idiosyncrasies such as that Stef loves lattes, preferably vanilla or green tea, and while Cory dislikes hot coffee he will drink iced coffee if he can add 45 spoonfuls of sugar. They've learned to put up with my bossiness (shoot this, send me those photos by this time) and my old school grandmother ways (you eat the last bite, here take this for the road).

Most of all they both make me laugh and we always walk away with a story. Afterwards, I'm positively buzzing long after the caffeine is out of my system. So here are three of our most recent blogTO reviews; enjoy even if you don't live in Toronto:

Little Nicky's Coffee (375 Queen St. W) 

Two words: Mini Donuts. The smell alone will get you and I bet Homer Simpson would be a regular. Can you spot me in action writing in my notebook? I'm dressed for business because we had to fit this in on our lunch breaks. Success. [credit: Cory VanderPloeg]

Ella's Uncle (916 Dundas St. W)

Walk in and ask for the "Crack Cookie," they'll know what you're talking about. Chocolate, toffee, caramel, need I say more? [credit: Stefania Sgambelluri]

Dutch Dreams (78 Vaughan Rd)
We took a break from caffeine and hit up the most unusual, claustrophobic, fun-house of an ice cream shop. Try the famous grape-nut flavour (left) it won't disappoint. [Credit: Cory VanderPloeg]

So thank you Sgams & CV, I'm not sure how much longer we'll be on this journey together but so far it's been pretty darn sweet. (pun intended)

My World is Full of Colour, My Roots Are Shining Through

People can get really heated about coffee. (no pun intended)

It has been awhile since I've posted about cafe reviews. Recently, one of my reviews was received with some very intense comments and things got personal. I'm hesitant to admit that I was really hurt and affected by some of the stuff written. I'm not the type of person who likes to let others dictate my mood.

Everyone told me to ignore it. They said, "You have to toughen up if you want to be a writer." Easier said than done. I've once said that blogging, or writing is like peeling off a layer of skin and hoping no one throws a bucket of vinegar on you. Writing to me is personal, so it's hard not to get attached or worked up about it.

I'm currently reading Valerie Bertinelli's memoir Losing It, and this quote resonated with me:"You can get a thousand compliments, but it's the one criticism that will stick with you."

Needless to say I was pretty down about the whole thing, until I went to my latest review at Petit Thuet (244 King St E). The entire visit I was reminded why I enjoy doing these reviews. The people were so accommodating and the food and desserts were lovely. So check it out on blogTO with photography by Stefania Sgams. The macarons were insanely good.

Colour brightens up anyone's world right?

Lastly, I want to say that I do appreciate criticism and feedback, it can be very valuable. However, when people start equating my writing with my hair colour (yes the dumb blonde comments came about) I don't really have the patience for you. Instead of attaching a link to that review, here's a photo of me at the review taken by Cory.

My expression is a bit off. I guess this is my best, "Please don't interrupt me while I'm twirling" or my "Why did I agree to getting my photo taken voluntarily?" look. Stereotype me all you want, but I dare anyone to beat me in a quick quip contest. Double dog dare.

Lipstain & Foam Hearts

Cafe reviewing is good for my soul and bad for my waistline.

I love meeting the people who started these places up on a whim or because of a dream. Upon entering these cafes, I immediately feel better and more relaxed. After sitting with some good company and enjoying some treats and coffee, everything else seems to come naturally. 

My most recent blogTO cafe review for The Good Neighbour was my favourite cafe yet. I know I rave about them all, but this one was one for the books. From the spacious and artsy location to the little foam heart floating around in my espresso, I fell in love. 

[photo credit Stefania Sgambelluri]

At the review, I was wearing one of my favourite new beauty products: Covergirl Outlast Lipstain in "Flirty Nude". If you haven't tried a lipstain, I highly recommend it. I love the no-fuss and lasting colour effects without the cakey lipstick look.

 

Is it a pen? A bird? A plane? No it's a lipstain! Okay that was cheesy, but if you dare to try it out I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Sugar, Sugar

Leah's on St. Clair W. is the sweetest of cafe bakeries. It is worth the trip just to try her famous biscotti.

I was dressed in dorky business attire during the review, so there is no outfit post this week. Instead I leave you with some fun lollipop sugar cookies. Yum!

Check out my review & Cory's photos on BlogTO

[photo credit: Cory VanderPloeg]

 Happy Monday!

Just Enough Time for a Review

I'm back from Miami!

I had the most amazing experience and I'm back in great spirits. I will post a full article on my CGIU experience as well as a birthday update! Thanks to everyone for their well-wishes, tweets, messages and calls! Love you all.

While you wait, check out my latest blogTO review for Belljar cafe with photography by Stefania.

As for the fashion post, this photo isn't the greatest indication of what I'm wearing, but showcases the cafe nicely. My trench is Zara and I'm rocking my grandpa loafers (as I like to call them) that I bought at some department store awhile back.

Right now it's back to internship hunting and catching up on the surplus of assignments and tests I have this week. I have tons of updates and some extraordinary nail polish to review, I just need to get through my to-do list. Until then, enjoy the sunshine. xo

Cappuccinos & Boat Shoes

[photocredit: Cory VanderPloeg]

It's time for another behind-the-scenes cafe photo! I joked with Cory that I'm so pale in this photo I'm practically blending into the wall. I guess this picture was a foreshadowing of how sick I would become in the next couple of days, hence my delay in blogging. But as I previously stated, looking like a glamazon is not a requirement to be a writer, thank goodness! 

However, I am proud of my Sperry plaid boat shoes, they're just the perfect amount of prep meets nerd. Other items include: H&M shirt from The Garden Collection & jeans from Urban Outfitters. I'm thinking of combining these cafe posts each week with a fashion/outfit post. Thoughts?

Anyways, The Tampered Press (256 Crawford St) was my favourite cafe yet. They offer more than just coffee with a focus on health and wellness.

Check out the full review and more of Cory's photos on blogTO.

My Pen & A Cup of Coffee

Sitting in a cafe with a hot beverage and writing in my notebook is one of my favourite things to do. There is just something about coffee shops that bring people together while providing some time for unwinding and relaxation.

Therefore, I'm super excited to be contributing to the talented blogTO team as a cafe/restaurant reviewer!! I will be scoping out the latest Toronto eateries and writing about my delicious discoveries. I am also happy to have two ridiculously cool photographers (who have been all over my blog) Stefania Sgambelluri (photo credit above) and Cory Vanderploeg to take photos of the delectable treats along the way.

So check out my first blogTO review of Cafe Bernate with Cory's fantastic photos right here.