Eat Your Feelings - Homemade Pizza

Sometime over the past six months, I stopped cooking.

Whether it was getting back into an office routine, or summer being the epitome of eating outdoors, I became a "grab and go" kind of girl.

I used to be the type of person who always packed a lunch for work, and made homemade dinners 80% of the time. This summer, I found myself too tired to cook, and too lazy to make lunch. Fast-forward to the fall season, and I've wasted an exorbitant amount of money on food and I don't feel as great.

Recently, after another boring meal, I climbed my two-step ladder and grabbed some of my cookbooks collecting dust. I chose a recipe from one of my favourite food blogs, Smitten Kitchen, and set a lofty goal to make homemade pizza dough.

Friends in Blog Places - When Tory Meets Ralph

I'll admit that I have some pretty talented friends. From photographers to writers to event planners, I love to give a shout-out to people doing creative things.

One of my closest friends and co-workers, Jennifer Choy (or Jennybear) as I like to call her recently launched her very own styling blog. If there is one closet I'd love to raid it's hers. When I first met Jenny I told her that if Tory Burch and Ralph Lauren adopted a Chinese baby - it would be her.

Before I took off for the summer, I used to help her photograph her personal shoots and she recently featured me in a goodbye post. I already miss our weekly sushi dinners and iced coffee breaks but I know she's just a text message away when I need advice on what to match with cobalt blue suede flats or how to skillfully decipher a cryptic message from the opposite sex.

To check out some more great outfit posts and to get in touch with Jen check out: jenniferchoy.ca

 

For Yulanda

I was deeply saddened to read the news that Yulanda Yee, a great photographer, blogger and friend of mine lost her second battle to lymphoma cancer this past week. She was 28 years old.

A couple of months ago I wrote a post about gaining perspective. I read that Yulanda was battling cancer and it made me evaluate the trivial nonsense I was spending my energy on. I mentioned that I met Yulanda a couple summers ago while interning at FASHION Magazine. She was the photography intern and I was the beauty intern. She was very shy but I could see that she had a kind, rare heart. Sometimes it is the people who don't always blab their opinions or gush about their life, wealth and accomplishments that make the most impact on others.

I haven't physically seen her since that summer but we regained contact when I discovered her blog. It is interesting how relationships can be renewed through finding something in common with someone creatively, as well as online. Beyond blogging and tweeting, I remember she loved these brownies I made on my last day at FASHION so I sent her a care package with the mix over the holidays.

Yulanda was also featured on the fashion inspiration website Lookbook. I was intrigued and asked her about her postings on the site. She invited me to join the network and said she hoped I would post a look. I never really had the courage to post anything or join based on insecurities. Today, I realize there is no point in hiding behind any sort of fear and I will post a look for her. 

I encourage you to check out her blog Little Thoughts and read the latest post written by her father. By reading her blog it is apparent just how many people loved her photography, style and work. 

She will be missed. 

 

READ THE LOVE

As a fairly beginner blogger, I'm constantly on the lookout for other blog talent to satisfy my thirsty eyeballs. Whether the people are friends, aquaintances or strangers I'm happy to be part of the blogging community where people openly share thoughts, ideas and opinons.

Here are a few blogs that I'm looking at right now: 

For the Couture Craft Maker:

P.S I Made This features one girl's quest to re-create amazing pieces from wreaths to chandelier earrings. She's eco-friendly, artsy and amazing. You'll be inspired to grab some glue and get started.

For the Magazine Enthusiast:

Life is Glossy for Erica whose blog features valuable tips on internships, feature writing and her desire to make it into the magazine masthead.

For the Nutritious Newbie:

Diary of a Nutritionista features tips from Naturally Raya a Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RHN) who is currently studying PR. Her posts provide a balanced approach to wellness.

For the Soul Searching Photography Lover:
I've been reading Dallas' Passionate Rationality blog for 5 years! This was the first blog that ever inspired me to become a blogger. (it only took me 4 years to grab some gumption) Her photography is stunning and her life musings are noteworthy.

I also have some PR lovelies who have all started blogging so I will have a new list soon! xo

Happy Reading!