Quest for the perfect earrings

Everybody who knows me knows I don’t wear much jewelry. I did go through phases — long necklaces, huge earrings, funky rings, silver jewelry, gold jewelry — but I gave or threw away most of a my pieces a little while back, wishing to stick only to the essentials. I now have one or two pairs of earrings for special occasions, and a skinny gold ring I wear daily. Lately I’ve been wanting to acquire a basic, elegant pair of earrings to wear daily. So I’ve been scouring the web in search for the perfect ones. I didn’t want overly simple round diamonds studs, yet I didn’t want them to be too eccentric either as they had to complement all my outfits. I’ve finally found what I wanted: Herkimer diamonds.

Herkimer diamonds are double-terminated crystals and are thankfully often retained in their raw shape in most jewelry pieces I’ve seen online. They are elegant yet not as a common as other cut diamonds. Knowing what type of rock I wanted, I started window shopping.


When looking for jewelry, I like to turn to Etsy for unique pieces. Pinterest is a great place to look as well since there could be a lot of pins linking to sites I’ve never visited before. Here are some of my favourite finds.


Pade Vavra and Scarlett Gypsy


LuaMae Jewelry and Catbird


Concrete Polish and Katie Diamond

As seen above, the broad description of what I wanted was a gold stud with a Herkimer diamond. My favourite among the above ones are the Pade Vavra, but they are really, really expensive. Though an investment, I didn’t wish to shell out more than $200 on this pair of earrings (college student here, hey). Thankfully, I’ve found something similar and at a cost easier to swallow. The Herkimer gold stud earrings by Better Late Than Never are ultimately what I’m going to purchase, I think.


Better Late Than Never

(Header picture credit to Una)

May 20th, 2012 | no comments

Maddie on Things



I’m kind of late here, but if you haven’t checked out the blog Maddie the Coonhound yet, go now! It’s an ongoing daily photo project by Atlanta-based photographer Theron Humphrey. He is travelling all 50 states with his dog, Maddie, whom he balances on top of a variety of things, creating both hilarious and endearing images. It never fails to make me smile!

April 23rd, 2012 | 2 comments

Escape to San Francisco, Part Trois

Here we are, my last entry about my San Francisco trip from a month ago! I felt like we had taken a lot of pictures, but looking at the lot now, there aren’t that many. I think we were too busy having fun and admiring with our own eyes. I won’t complain, of course, but I have to keep in mind to snap more photos on my future trips.

One of the many tourist attractions available in San Francisco is the Aquarium of the Bay, located at Fisherman’s Wharf. We headed there on our fourth day in the city, and spent maybe an hour and a half inside. It was surprisingly a very short attraction, I was a little disappointed. It’s not a place I’d necessarily go back to, and I think it was also very much geared towards children. Still, there was a lot of pretty things to look at and it was a fun way to pass the time. Marine creatures are quite fascinating. I always love admiring jellyfish (who are very photogenic, by the way!) and salt water fish.


I felt like a little kid when I saw the salt water fish tank, in fact. Quite obviously, they had a clownfish and a regal tang! They looked exactly like Nemo and Dory (from Finding Nemo, duh). The clownfish looked a little angry, nothing like Nemo or Marlin, haha.




Sometimes, nature brings us hilarious things… This big guy made me laugh each time he swam above us.



The aquarium also had other, non-marine animals for the public to see. I also got to touch a starfish, you can see how I was so wary and only used a single finger, hah!

The more I think about this trip, the more I want to go back. There are still a lot of things we haven’t visited, like the Golden Gate Park, which I hear is beautiful, or the Muir Woods! But right now, I want to see other places. There are just so many cities and countries to visit!

April 5th, 2012 | 2 comments

Street Food-Inspired Tapas at Cartel

Summer hit our province unexpectedly early… On the official first day of spring we were greeted with 25ºC weather. Well, who’s going to complain? It’s going to cool down a little bit in the next few days, but I am just really, really glad that the snow has melted. I’ve already tucked away my winter boots and zipped up my woolen coat in its garment bag and I don’t intend in any way to bring them out again!

My boyfriend and I took advantage of the nice temperature to try out Cartel Street Food Bar, a restaurant on Crescent St. I’ve been hearing about a lot in the last few days. Mostly, we had researched where to eat oysters in the city and a lot of people had mentioned that Cartel had $1 oysters on Wednesdays. Slightly lower than retail price, brushed and shucked oysters? That was a big enough incentive to eat there, along with the fact that the reviews for the restaurant fare were generally good.


The concept of Cartel is tapas-like plates inspired from street foods around the world. Well, around the world being North America and Asia, really. I hear they are looking for new tapas ideas, so here’s hoping they will add other cuisines to their menu. The latter is not very extensive — the whole thing is listed on a single page — but everything sounds quite delicious when you first look at it. Mexican fares included a variety of tacos as well as guacamole. Satay skewers, chicken yakitori and karaage were among the Asian plates, and the American portion of the menu consisted of a variety of burgers and hot dogs, along with lobster rolls and crab cakes. One great thing about Cartel is that they use organic products whenever possible!

We started off the evening with some delicious guacamole, served with homemade tortilla chips, as seen above. The guacamole was just the right texture and not too salty, very delicious. The tortilla chips were nice as well, but I tend to prefer softer chips, so I preferred eating the guacamole by the spoonful!


My boyfriend got a grilled steak taco. It was about 10cm in diameter, very cute. The steak was juicy and went very well with the guacamole and sauces. I think I would have liked to try more of their tacos! I had ordered one with pulled pork towards the end of our meal, and it never came, but I was already full so I dismissed it. Next time, I’m definitely trying them out.

We also got some beef satay skewers, which were good, but nothing memorable. I don’t even have a proper photo for those!


One of the reasons I wanted to go there was to try their poutine — Cartel offers to add duck, pulled pork or short ribs to your fries and gravy! I was quick to order one with duck. I love poutine and I love duck, and yet I never thought of putting the two together! Their poutine is topped with American-style white gravy, which is creamier than what is normally used. The fries were nice and crispy, and the duck was perfect. My only complaint was that it was cut a little too big, but it was not really a big deal. I am a very indulgent customer, can you tell? While the other plates in the menu were small in portion, this poutine could definitely be a single meal in itself, it was really filling. Consequently, we didn’t have much else from the menu.


But the real reason we were unable to eat anymore was because of these. OYSTEEEEEEEEEEEERS! We ordered 18 of these suckers, pun unintended, to share and damn they were delicious. Fresh and filled with saltwater, and with a single added drop of tabasco sauce, they were perfect. My first slurp brought back memories of San Francisco, where I ate oysters for the first time, and it made me cry a little inside (I just want to spend my life travelling, you know?). I want to go back every Wednesday just to have these. I mean, they are $1 each! You can’t go wrong. Ahh I want more…

Cartel also had a card of drinks, but I am not a big drinker so I can’t judge how it is. I did get a Passionfruit Caipirinha (cachaça, passionfruit juice and organic cane sugar) though, and it was delicious, I at least know that much.

The prices are really fair, with most plate being around $3-$5. Considering that they are small in size though, the bill goes up pretty fast as you order more food. Still, even with the drinks and all the oysters we ate, the total bill for tonight was only $90 including tip, for two, which is quite reasonable. Highly recommended — I, myself, can’t wait to go back to try the other tapas! I do hope they will add more to their menu in the future though.

Cartel Street Food Bar
1433-A Crescent St.
514-985-8887

March 22nd, 2012 | 8 comments

Escape to San Francisco, Part Deux

It’s almost a requirement for first-time visitors in San Francisco to cross the Golden Gate Bridge. We decided to make a whole day trip of it by walking from our rental apartment near Union Square all the way up to the bridge.

Once we had crossed the bridge and had nothing else to do, we kept on walking until we reached downtown Sausalito. Let me tell you: that is a lot of walking! I believe the whole trip took us around 5 hours with a few breaks here and there. Needless to say, my lack of exercising in the last few years made the next few days a little difficult for me, as I had to deal with the aftermath of straining my legs for hours. We avoided any method of transportation until the moment we left Sausalito when we took the ferry back to San Francisco Ferry Building. It was all worth it though! The scenery was absolutely delightful and I am sure we would not have been able to enjoy it as much had we taken any buses.


I can never start a day without a good breakfast. Organic food is not really always readily available at grocery stores in Montreal. You have to go to markets which often require a little bit of travelling if you don’t have a car. I was really amazed by the amount of organic products offered in SF, and love the idea of Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. I wished we had something similar over here! On our first day in the city, we walked to Trader Joe’s and stocked up on food so we could have a healthy, filling breakfast every morning. As much as I love eating breakfast and brunch at restaurants, I also love starting off my day at my own pace and not have to be rushed by servers or customers waiting in line.






I think my favourite part of the day was when we were strolling along Bridgeway in Sausalito. The particular area where we sat down was devoid of people despite the sunny afternoon, it was so quiet and pretty. We sat down on the rocks to rest and talk, it was absolutely lovely, though we only stayed a short amount of time.



So many pretty dwellings in Sausalito, a lot of them nestled in the hills like this, at least near Bridgeway. I feel like this would be a wonderful place to reside, it’s so quaint and calm.


Sculptor and performance artist Bill Dan was making some of his famous balancing rocks sculptures near the Ferry Terminal in Sausalito. He meticulously places rock atop each other and finds the right balance point to have them stand up right like this. He uses no glue or anything like that — impressive!

March 21st, 2012 | 6 comments

Wishlist Wednesday No. 2

1. Stella McCartney Maria Bouncing Lace and Mesh Bustier Bra & Satin Briefs / 2. 479º Popcorn Black Truffle + White Cheddar Organic Popcorn / 3. MANGO Loose-fit Asymmetric Dress / 4. Sam Edelman Trina Sandals in Whiskey Leather

The awkward moment when a box of gourmet popcorn takes center stage on your wishlist collage… But I’ve had this delicious snack at the airport on the way to San Francisco from Minnesota and I’m kicking myself for not bringing back some more!

March 21st, 2012 | 5 comments

Escape to San Francisco

Back in September, my boyfriend and I scored an awesome deal on round trip tickets to San Francisco so we decided, practically on a whim, to book a trip for Spring Break. So while Montreal was being hit by a snowstorm, we were enjoying the mild, sunny weather in the Bay Area. It was my first time on the West Coast, and only my second plane ride. Needless to say, I was pretty excited at the prospect of making a bigger trip than usual, and with my boyfriend, to boot! We spent 5 days in the city, walking around and admiring everything, and just overall enjoying our stay.

San Francisco is extremely charming, with its architecture composed of coloured buildings and detailed mouldings, the delightful proximity to water and the amazing (albeit exhausting!) hilly streets. I’m pretty sure if I were to move there and walk every day, I’d end up with a pretty attractive butt after a few months… I will post the photos we took here, starting with the first two days!










March 13th, 2012 | 8 comments

Review: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer

With the influx of new BB creams released by non-Asian companies, it’s hard not to jump on the bandwagon. Personally, I had never tried BB cream as I had always found the shades on the Asian ones too grey or too pink for my skintone, but with all the hype surrounding the American/European ones, I caved in and purchased a Skin79 VIP Gold BB cream. I initially loved the product – it was easy to apply and the moisturizing properties were appealing. Using BB cream instead of my usual NARS Sheer Glow foundation on my acne-prone, dehydrated combination skin really helped in diminishing the appearance of flaky skin around my blemishes.

The colour match was less than ideal, however, and the oil control was honestly just alright. Despite that, I was ready to give up and stick to this BB cream. I was just going to fool everyone’s eyes with blush and blot my face once or twice a day.


And then I heard about NARS’ new Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer. Since I was quite a fan of NARS products (Sheer Glow still looks great in the summer and their blushes are great), I researched this new tinted moisturizer and was surprised to see so many positive reviews. I ran to the NARS counter at The Bay as soon as I could, only to find out that they were being released here in Canada only a week and half later. In turns out in fact that they were a Nordstrom exclusive for the time being. Thankfully, I was headed to San Francisco a few days later (more on that wonderful trip in a later entry!), and I ran to the Nordstrom location in Union Square the first chance I had and purchased this tinted moisturizer.

Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer is touted as an oil-free, sun-protecting foundation alternative that provides sheer coverage. It claims to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, probably thanks to the SPF30 and PA++ components. It’s also packed with naturally derived ingredients to provide adequate hydration. Sounds great, right?

The NARS sales assistant tried both Alaska and Finland on my jaw, and the difference between the two shades wasn’t really grand. I wanted to buy Finland but they were out of stock so I got Alaska, their second lightest shade. Once applied on my whole face, I realized this shade is a little warmer than what I’m used to, since my usual foundation is slightly lighter. I usually wear NARS Sheer Glow in Deauville in the winter and Alaska seemed closer to my summer Punjab shade. It’s not a dramatic difference however, so it doesn’t bother me. If anything, I look a little more healthy! But I would probably purchase Finland once I’m done with this tube.

As to how this tinted moisturizer performs, I have to say it is superb. It’s everything I wanted Sheer Glow to be, but better! The coverage is light to medium, and according to some other reviews I’ve read, is better than Laura Mercier’s or Stila’s tinted moisturizers. I definitely need to put concealer due to my problem skin, but there is nothing that will ever cover everything perfectly without making me look caked up. I apply it with a flat top brush from Everyday Minerals, it’s really quick and doesn’t require too much blending. There is no primer needed, though if you feel it is required there is nothing stopping you from applying some beforehand. The finish is smooth and matte satin, and the tinted moisturizer does not feel heavy at all. It feels like second skin – second skin that just has a perfect healthy glow.

Much to my delight, the level of oil control is also outstanding. I barely have to blot, maybe only once a day because I have a particularly shiny nose. I pat some finishing powder on top for safe measure, but compared to other foundations I’ve used, this one is the best in keeping the shine away.

When I was in San Francisco, I found that I did not need to put moisturizer underneath this TM, but back here in Montreal, where the winter is cold and dreary, I definitely have to layer some. Though not a big deal, curse you winter!

All in all, a wonderful product that is totally worth my money. I will definitely repurchase. I am now completely sold on the idea of tinted moisturizer + concealer, as opposed to full coverage, caked on foundation!

March 4th, 2012 | 6 comments

Wishlist Wednesday No. 1


1. Mango Suede Pumps / 2. IKEA SMYCKA Artificial Peonies / 3. Gabriela Artigas 14K Single Diamond Yellow Gold Ring / 4. Forever21 Belted Shirtdress / 5. 14K Gold Tapered Cuff Bracelet / 6. Bamboo Trays / 7. Salvatore Ferragamo Vara Pumps / 8. Diptyque Mini Candles / 9. Philosophy The Microdelivery Peel

February 8th, 2012 | 3 comments

Sunday Morning Brunch at Chez Chose

Grilled cheese with pulled duckOn this beautiful Sunday morning, I went to eat brunch with two of my foodie friends at Chez Chose, a lovely family restaurant on the Plateau. My friend had been telling me about this place for a little while now, and had always wanted to try their brunch. So on the occasion of my other friend’s birthday, all three of us woke up way too early in the morning for my tastes, and drove down there.

Chez Chose is a family-owned business where the father and mother take care of the service and the daughter, I believe, is the main chef. Their menu, which consists of cuisine du terroir (Quebec local cuisine), changes periodically, always offering something new. All made with local produce, their plates include specialties such as candied rabbit poutine or pigeon. I had only ate rabbit meat once before, and my boyfriend had insisted on showing me cute bunny photos on his cellphone while I was eating, so let’s just say I wasn’t planning on touching that again.


I was still curious about this restaurant and their undoubtedly intriguing menu. Upon our entry, we were warmly greeted by the mother, who sat us at the table. Then the father, immensely pleasant and friendly, came and explained to us the menu a little bit. I chose to go ahead and take the grilled cheese with pulled duck, as seen above. I have to apologize, I don’t remember the exact names of the plates or their components, and the menu uploaded on the website currently is inaccurate. I will try my best to describe them.

Poached eggs with shiitake sauce and foie grasPoached eggs with shiitake sauce and foie gras

Matane shrimps omeletteMatane shrimps omelette

Each plate came accompanied with a small salad, two roasted potatoes and some fruits. Those sides were forgettable, in all honesty, but the main meal is so good you can forgive the rest. My friend’s poached eggs were especially delicious and I am hoping the next time I eat there, they will have something similar. The final bill was alright — $30 per person for a more high-end meal is acceptable. The food you find at Chez Chose is definitely not something you can find everywhere, so it was worth every penny. I am hoping to come back soon to try their evening menu!

Now I like to talk about food, but I am no expert in reviewing restaurants. As such, I can mostly tell you that the food was delicious and that I highly recommend the restaurant. I also apologize for my sub-par cellphone pictures. I had apparently forgotten that I had thrown my point-and-shoot in my handbag last week to remind myself to take more pictures for this blog. Clearly I’m still not used to this!

Chez Chose
4621, Saint-Denis St.
514-843-2152

January 29th, 2012 | 8 comments
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