sweat for sweets

Hey, you! How is your week going so far?

I’m not sure what the weather is like where you are, but I will tell you that here in Toronto we have jumped right from summer to winter. Over the weekend, I was happily gallivanting around in a sundress & today I was shivering in the rain with a trench coat on. Miss Mother Nature is very unsure of things, that’s for sure!

I always find I get sick when the temperature suddenly changes like that. Anyone else out there? I think I’m a little “sensitive”. I should probably just go live in a little bubble right now. Hahah!

So, it’s been a while, and I had a fantastic weekend that I would like to share Here is some photographic evidence:

*Friday night at Grand Electric. This place came out of nowhere & blew up a few months ago (I think..). The tacos are rumoured to be the best in Toronto (and Toronto KNOWS tacos now apparently) and its just one of those cool, hipstery places that is a must try. The only problem: they don’t take reservations (too cool for school) & the waits are often 2+ hours. Oh well, it was Friday and I was among good friends and was willing to have a few liquid appetizers before the real deal

We tried the baja fish taco (the best, IMO), beef belly + some “scramble” mix (not on the blackboard). All were delicious, but by far the best FISH taco I’ve ever had!

*Saturday night was spent checking out the Queen West Art Crawl. The highlight: getting to try Gourmet Bitches (excuse my French!). Gourmet Bitches is a food truck I had been wanting to try for months but could never seem to track them down! So happy we finally found each other after all this time <3

EVEN MORE tacos! Yum! And literally the.best.nachos.I’ve.ever.had. Bergamont and vanilla-infused beef tacos with lime, tomato, mango + papaya salsa. The chips were gluten-free (HEAVEN) and tasted sweet and crunchy and amazing and I just want moreeeeee. Nowwww. Okay no more whining. But really, they were so so good.

Also, a funny I just have to share:

Organic cotton candy. I wonder if they sell that at Whole Foods? I thought organic ice cream was ridiculous. But this.. this.. just reaches new heights!

*My mom’s birthday was on Sunday and was celebrated with ample amounts of delicious food + cake. HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY MAMA! xoxoxo. How cute is she?!

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Phew. I had been waiting to share all that fun with you for the past few days, but everything has been so busy! Tonight I went for a “short” interval run (9.5k, which, in my normal non-half-marathon-training book would really be a long run). I unfortunately ran after dinner, which I HATE. I feel totally nasty right now and just want to crawl into bed, which, will be happening shortly

BUT, before I go, I promised to share a fun, new salad idea with you: Sweet ‘n’  Sour Salad!

In the mix: chicken breast, arugula, diced mango, mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, cherry tomatoes + grapes

Home-made dressing: 2/3 c. orange juice, 1 tsp. soy sauce, 1 tbsp. rice vinegar, 1 tsp. honey, 2 tbsp. sesame oil, 1 tbsp. fresh grated ginger + 1 tbsp. sesame seeds.

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I also made an incredible Plum Fall Salad a while ago that I totally forgot to share & unfortunately can’t find a photo of! Whooops.

In the mix: mixed greens, plums, dried cranberries, quinoa + lentils

Home-made dressing: 1/2 c. lime juice, 2 tbsp white balsalmic vinegar, 1/3 c. olive oil, 2 tsp. sugar, 1 tbsp. chopped fresh mint + dash of salt and pepper.

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What are some of your favourite combos for salads? I absolutely love thinking of new, creative mixes that I can easily take to lunch at work. Please do share!

And now, it’s time for me to deal with the sweaty mess that is my face/hair/body and then get my booty to bed! Night night world. Xo

Love,

A xo