Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Summer Salad Series: Ricardo Larivee's Crab & Strawberry Salad


So here's today's summer salad:



Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
Flesh of 2 avocados, cut in 1" cubes
1 English cucumber, peeled, seeded and cut in 1" cubes
1-1/2 cups fresh strawberries, quartered
3/4 lb. snow crab meat
Juice of 2 limes
3 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper


Instructions:
Step 1: In a bowl, gently toss all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.


Recipe courtesy of Ricardo Larrivée's Ricardo: Meals for Every Occasion (2009 Whitecap Books).


Sincerely,

The Covet LifeStyle

Saturday, July 28, 2012

DIY: Nail Art Blogs

If you've choosen today to go to the nail shop to get your nails done then check out these 5 nail designs.  If you have the tools of the trade and a steady hand you can DIY. 

1.


2.

3.

4.

5.

I'm really feeling #1 it's simple yet striking (plus I got pumps that will match the neon pink).  I'm going to DIY later I'll post how it turns out. I would have to go to a nail salon to get #4 (hoping it could be replicated) done which is my next fave design. 

If you try any one of these designs post a pic so that I can see.  I covet comments!


Sincerely,

The Covet LifeStyle


Friday, July 27, 2012

Dwyane Wade + Essence Atkins lunch

Is he going to pop the question?





Today, Dwyane Wade along with Essence Atkins (good friend to Gabrielle Union) and her husband lunched sans Gabrielle Union at Mr.Chow.  Could this be that meeting when Dwyane wants to pop the question but needs to ask the good friend what type of ring he should get?  We'll see!  I'll definitely keep you posted.

Let me know what you think?  I covet your comments!

Sincerely,

The Covet LifeStyle

Freestyle Fridays:

Welcome to Freestyle Fridays.....




1. Mc Q Alexander McQueen Tweed
2. Haute Hippie leather shorts
3. Alexander Mc Queen black knee high wedges
4. Emilio Pucci brass onyx ring
5. Monica Vinader Pave stud earring
6. Versace small bag in black

.... say anything, do anything, be anything - no holds barred.  I start this friday with some pieces I would put together on  a day I was just feeling over-the-top. I built this outfit around the wedges and since Alexander McQueen is known for his eccentric fashions I thought a blazer from his Mc Q line would be a perfect pairing.  It's a bit dark but it would definitely represent. I hope I've achieved this.  I would wear this outfit for an evening of drinks with my friends + then zip off to a club to dance the night away. 

Let me know which pieces you like, I covet your comments!


Sincerely,

The Covet LifeStyle


Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Beauty with MAC: Heavenly Creature



MAC Cosmetics latest collection is Heavenly Creature; a gorgeous galaxy of supernova shades that will give that stunning celestial effect.  


COLLECTION PRODUCTS:


Lipstick

  $17.50 CAD
Colour plus texture for the lips. Stands out on the runway...
Cusp of Dawn
Pleasureseeker

Cut a Caper

Venus
Fire Sign

Creme Sheen Glass

  $22.50 CAD
A lip finish that fuses the creamy, sheen-filled nature of...


Celestial Kiss

Strictly Plutonic

Meteoric
 



Mineralize Blush


$28.00 CAD
Baked minerals refined into a powder formula to provide...
Ring of Saturn

Solar Ray

Supernova

Stratus

Mineralize SkinFinish
$34.00
A luxurious velvet-soft powder with high-frost metallic finish...

Light Year

Center of the Universe

Star Wonder

Earthshine
 
 
188 Small Duo Fibre Face Brush

$41.00 CAD
A flat-topped, full circular brush used for lightweight...


 187 Duo Fibre Face Brush

$50.50 CAD
A large full circular brush used for lightweight application and...
 
 
Will you be getting an item from the Heavenly Creature Collection?   Let me know I covet your comments!
 
 
Sincerely,
The Covet LifeStyle

B calling Jay Z during the Duracell Powermat Commercial


He's doing it again he never seizes when it comes to investing.  This time it's with Duracell Powermat. Watch the new commercial and catch when B calls him on his iphone.  Can't stop this power couple! Next we'll see all three of them in a commercial. 



Let me know what you think of the commercial I covet comments!
Sincerely,

The Covet LifeStyle

All White Bridal Shower


 
My friend had her All White Bridal Shower recently and it was a great opportunity to see the bridal party and socialize. 

Bridal Shower History:

Bridal showers are a gift-giving party to bless the soon to be husband and wife with necessities they will need to start their new life together. 
The custom can be traced back to stemming from the early dowry practices.  It urbanized around 1890 and was celebrated amongst the upper middle class.



Are you having a bridal shower soon?  Do you have a theme?  If so, what is it?

I covet your comments!


Sincerely,

The Covet LifeStyle

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Summer Salad Series: Grilled Halloumi & Little Gem Salad


Every Tuesday starting today I'm going to post a Summer Salad Series recipe that you can prepare and enjoy while maintaining a "healthy lifestyle".  So stay tuned you don't want to miss out! Also, share your comments I covet feedback.  




Halloumi is a firm cheese that originated in Cypress but is increasingly made domestically. Its claim to fame is that it holds its shape when grilled or fried. Preserved lemon, more intense in flavor than fresh lemon, is available in specialty food shops or can be made at home.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz. halloumi cheese, cut into slices
  • 6 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
  • 3 Tbs. oregano leaves, chopped
  • 2 Tbs. sherry vinegar
  • 1 preserved lemon, cut into slices
  • 2 or 3 heads Little Gem lettuce, or 2 romaine hearts, halved lengthwise
Directions:

Arrange the cheese slices in a shallow baking dish and drizzle with 1 1/2 Tbs. of the olive oil, 1/4 tsp. of the salt, 3/4 tsp. of the pepper and 1 1/2 Tbs. of the oregano. Let marinate for 1 hour.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine 3 1/2 Tbs. of the olive oil, the vinegar, the remaining 1/4 tsp. salt, 3/4 tsp. pepper and 1 1/2 Tbs. oregano. Whisk well to make a vinaigrette. Reserve a few of the preserved lemon slices and finely chop the remaining slices. Add the chopped lemons to the vinaigrette, stir well and set aside.

Prepare a medium-hot fire in a grill.

Remove the cheese slices from the marinade, place them on the grill rack, and cook until the edges soften, the interior is warm and grill marks appear underneath, about 2 minutes. Turn the slices over and grill until lightly golden on the other side, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Brush the lettuce halves with the remaining 1 Tbs. olive oil and place, cut sides down, on the grill rack. Cook until grill marks appear underneath, about 2 minutes, then transfer the lettuce to a serving platter. Top with the warm cheese and drizzle the lettuce and cheese with the vinaigrette. Garnish with the reserved lemon slices and serve immediately. Serves 4 to 6.


Recipe courtesy of Williams-Sonoma

Sincerely,

The Covet LifeStyle

R.i.P Sherman Hemsley aka George Jefferson


Sherman Hemsley (George Jefferson) has passed away today at the age of 74.  He was found in his El Paso home in Texas. His cause of death is currently unknown. 


Here's a clip of the dance that will forever remain in our hearts....






Sincerely,

The CovetLifeStyle

iPhone 5


Rumour has it......

Apple will be launching Friday September 21, 2012 the iPhone 5 featuring a larger screen and a 19-pin dock connector.

Has your phone carrier recently notified you that you qualify for a phone upgrade?  Are you like me who is waiting for the next "BIG" and "better" phone before committing to what's out there now?  If so, and if the rumour is true you, only have a few more weeks.  I'll keep you updated.

Sincerely,

The CovetLifeStyle


Saturday, July 21, 2012

RIP Klie Glover




A mother's worst nightmare made real, Tameka Raymond had to remove her son Klie from life support. 

My condolences and may God give you sand your family strength and comfort during this time.


Sincerley,

The Covet LifeStyle

The Covet LifeStyle






Sincerely,

The Covet LifeStyle

Friday, July 20, 2012

#StoptheViolence




Just on the heels of the Danzig shootings another unfortunate incident occurs inside of a Colorado movie theatre on the early release of Dark Knight Rising.  A devastation that took 12 lives and injured 59  http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/1229218--colorado-theatre-shooting-14-dead-after-gunman-opens-fire-on-the-dark-knight-rises-audience

The youngest victim being a 4 month old who has been released from treatment.  I wonder if Michael De Adder will make another editorial cartoon advising parents what to expect in the first 4 months?
Will Antonia Zerbisias tomorrow give lyrics from rock & roll songs telling us how beer or scotch or maybe whiskey had a major influence on this tragedy?  I think not!

(Colorado survivor)

The same misfortune happens in a predominately white community and it's published as a tragedy with no slights or undertones to the race involved.

(Colorado father looking for his son)

I'm curious if a reporter will speak about how a similar tragedy took place in Colorado at Coloumbine High School the 20th of April in 1999 approximately 24km away from Aurora Colorado.  I wonder if they would say there is a correlation or maybe even a norm.... 

How soon would there be a public apology once that hit the fan? 

Again, my deepest condolences to EACH and EVERY person that was directly and indirectly affected.  May you find peace in the midst of your storm.

Sincerely,

The Covet LifeStyle

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Peek-A-Boo



Isn't she beautiful?  Beyonce and Blue Ivy.  I'm not sure if I'm feeling the blonde braids what do you think?

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival aka Caribana



It's that time of year when the city bursts with colour, extravagant costumes, a diversity of people, it explodes with sounds of the Caribbean and flavors that will knock your sandals off. 

If you never been to the Caribbean you'll experience it right here in Toronto.  The festivities officially launch today July 17- August 12 and can be found by clicking on the below link. 
North America's largest and most anticipated carnival parade will showecase on August 4, 2012 so get ready to jump + wave.


P.S.  Don't forget your flag and remember to drink plenty of water or make that coconut water.


http://torontocaribbeancarnival.com

Summerlicious



It all ends July 22, have you participated yet?

Check it out here: http://www.toronto.ca/special_events/summerlicious/2012/index.htm

Ever wanted to experience the many different restaurants that Toronto has to offer but didn't want to break the bank?  Well, Summerlicious is that opportunity to get a 3 course sample from specialized menus starting at $15. Make sure to book a reservation to ensure seating  but this is the perfect time to come out of your comfort zone and try that restaurant you've been hearing so much about at the fraction of the cost.

Today I lunched out with a longtime friend and this is what we had:

1st
Grilled Whole Calamari
diced tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice
Insalata Cesare
croutons, bacon, parmigiano, lemon, extra virgin olive oil

2nd
Penne in pink vodka cream sauce with pancetta

3rd
Tiramisu – a Venetian classic

I would recommend this restaurant.



 

The Peacemaker




Dear Gun Violence,


So people call you a peacekeeper or a peacemaker but what peace do you give? You don't comfort the mother who was told that her child, the flesh of her flesh lay cold somewhere while the blood of her blood drains and saturates the ground.  Do you see the tears of the father who renders himself useless and ponders his possible impact on the situation?  And what about those who were bystanders or witnesses who no longer want ANY of your peace but fear you will bring upon them the same fate that you've shared with so many.

I think if you could comprehend eternity you'd "Peace out".  Unfortunately, no one can, inanimate or animate.  Therefore, you'll continue to be loaded with hate & pain and discharged with revenge. 

My deep affection and condelences to those who were directly and indirectly involved in the incident of last night. 

Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves - Confucius 



Yours Truly,

The Covet LifeStyle

Sparklng Pomegranate Cranberry Moscato Punch

Cheers to Thirsty Tuesday!


Ingredients
  • 16 oz Pomegranate Juice
  • 46 oz Pineapple Juice (Do Not Get Unsweetened)
  • 1 (750 ml) Bottle Moscato
  • 3 1/2 Cups Cranberry Cocktail Juice
  • 1/2 – 1 Cup Triple Sec (Optional)
  • Frozen fruit, for garnish & to keep punch cold
Instructions
  1. Add all ingredients except for the fruit in a large pitcher.
  2. Stir and chill.
  3. Cut fruit and freeze.
  4. Serve punch and garnish with frozen fruit.

Recipe courtesy of Divas Can Cook

Mattijs for United Nude

No better feeling then to be named "one of the most promising young designers" (British Vogue).  See why?  Do you agree? Will you be wearing these?

Thursday, July 12, 2012

1 Love TO

Welcome to Toronto



If you've never been to Toronto this picture I took while waiting at the street light in my car captures it in it's essence. There's the CN Tower, one of the world's tallest free-standing structure. If you've heard about riding the rocket the streetcar is a great representation of one of the types of Toronto transportation methods by the Toronto Transit Commission aka TTC aka the rocket. The local liquer store is called the LCBO it's not on every corner but you will definitely recognize it on the corner. The high rises the low rises the diversity the substance of a place I call home.  If you're from Toronto, can you tell me what corner this is?

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Tonights the Night


A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step - Lao Tzu

........Tonight, I launch out, I begin my journey of sharing my thoughts, ideas, my likes and dislikes from fashion, to music, about art + pop culture, travelling, architecture and lastly what's to eat?

I hope you enjoy my journey's as a take a single step into my thousand miles.......