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Kate Spade Valentine's Day Gifts



Can you believe it's almost February? One of the reasons I love this month is because, 

a) there's a reason to bake goodies such as macarons, cake pops, the list goes on
b) it's totally acceptable to pair pink and red together every day 
c) you can buy yourself, friends or loved one cute Kate Spade items!

Here's a few of my favourites that any gal in your life will love to receive:


be mine
{Wallet} {Earrings} {Purse}

Enjoy!

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Rosalyn Gambhir
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Bread & Butter Bakery | Healthy Thursdays


Diets and resolutions are a common subject after New Years but when it comes to food and being health conscious, it is a lifestyle that you have to conform to. This is why Bread & Butter Bakery has hopped on the healthy bandwagon offering better suited options to its customers. 

Let me tell you, these so called 'healthy' options made up of a seasonal menu and baked goods, are darn good. Known for their butter tarts, lemon blueberry sticky buns, buttercream cakes and oh so much more, each Thursday they'll be baking up a storm with healthy alternative with fewer calories and no ingredient substitutions.

From soups and stews, muffins, salads and breads, customers will be exposed to high in fibre, low in fat and full of flavourful meals as well as snacks like spiced chickpeas. Perfect for individuals, couples, families on the go and especially kids, tapping into the well-being market is a wise choice by Bread & Butter Bakery!

{Store Front}

A few examples of what was offered at the Bakery last week:

I am such a muffin girl as it is easy to grab in the morning when in a rush or the perfect snack after work. Bonus, these muffins are quite unique and mighty healthy with the addition of quinoa, oat bran and lemon juice.

My favourite: Tuscan Lemon and homemade Applesauce Muffins.

Quinoa Chocolate Chip Muffin
Unbleached flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, butter, eggs, brown sugar, milk, orange zest, quinoa, chocolate chips.

{Quinoa Chocolate Chip Muffin}

{Quinoa Chocolate Chip Muffin}

Tuscan Lemon Muffins
Unbleached flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, ricotta cheese, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice (fresh), egg.

{Tuscan Lemon Muffins}

Oat Bran - Applesauce Muffins
Homemade applesauce (no sugar added), dates, bran, buttermilk, egg, honey, ginger, vanilla, whole wheat flour, flaxseed, baking soda, salt, allspice, old fashioned oats

{Oat Bran - Applesauce Muffins}

{Oat Bran - Applesauce Muffins}

Quinoa Chocolate Chip Cookie
Butter, brown sugar, sugar, egg, vanilla, whole wheat flour, unbleached flour, baking soda, salt, rolled oats, quinoa, chocolate chips.

{Quinoa Chocolate Chip Cookie}

 Oat Cran Cookie
Large flake oats, bran, whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, brown sugar, butter, orange juice (fresh), egg white, vanilla, orange zest,  dried cranberries.

{Oat Cran Cookie}

The perfect dunking bun for soups!

{Harvest Grain Bun}

Creamy Broccoli Soup
Butter, broccoli, onion, garlic, dry mustard powder, cayenne pepper, baking soda, baby spinach, asiago cheese, parmesan cheese, cream, salt & pepper to taste.

{Creamy Broccoli Soup}

A great savoury ethnic option for vegetarians:

{Lentil Dahl}

 They also offer a variety of other different soups such as Carrot and Ginger. Who knew this combination would be so savoury yet extremely flavourful with both components subtly complementing one another. 

Carrot Ginger Soup
Olive oil, onion, garlic, ginger, carrots, salt & pepper to taste.

Don't forget about their Valentine's Dinner for two, take home style.

Be sure to stop by to see what new items have been added to the Healthy Thursday menu!

Today's Menu | January 23, 2014
Roasted Greek Chicken & Bulghur
Miso Coconut Bulghur Salad
Root Vegetable Slaw
Ratatouille Gratin
Saffron Tomato Broth
Carrot Ginger Soup
Chicken & Brown Rice Soup

Muffins/Loafs
Vegan Sweet Potato Raisin & Pecan Loaf
Quinoa Blackberry Apple Muffins
Millet & Cranberry Muffins
Tuscan Lemon Muffins
Cornmeal Muffins

Where: 1530 Bath Road, Kingston, Ontario

Visit www.breadandbutter.ca for more information.

Enjoy!

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Bread & Butter Bakery and Fine Pastries on Urbanspoon
Rosalyn Gambhir
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Varekai | Cirque du Soleil | Kingston Show


Ladies and Gentlemen, Children of All Ages, Cirque du Soleil has come to downtown Kingston!

A magical forest has been set up within the walls of the Rogers K-Rock Centre. Varekai, meaning "whatever" in the Romany language of the gypsies, spectators can feast on an adventure of sequenced acrobatics and stunts, brightly hued costume designs and thunderously executed music performances.

The story of Varekai begins with elements of Greek mythology as the sky lets go of a solitary young man just as Icarus, son of Daedalus, who dared to fly too close to the sun and loses his wings. Though instead of plunging to his death in the sea, he embarks on a journey of transformation and rebirth into the shadows of a wild mysterious hideaway with fantastical creatures. 

As Icarus ventures into this foreign land, creatures emerge from the forest to perform a variety of skilled choreographed circus acts; juggling, hand-balancing on canes, Georgian dancing, Russian swings, aerial hoop and straps and more. The shire strength and flexibility of Cirque performers takes your breath away and astounds you with every new move that pushes their bodies to the next level.

An emotional story combined with contemporary circus acts, Varekai brings to surface a world beat soundtrack conjuring up different cultures and magnificently crafted costumes by costume designer Eiko Ishioka. An uncharted territory for her, she gives new shapes to the traditional Lycra bodysuit. Vibrant, flamboyant colours and unusual shapes can be expected. Through needle and thread, Ishioka design creations are Cirque's diligent cultivation of ideas that brings together the story of Varekai. The costumes themselves are a reflection of the movement, the characters and innovative music.

Characters:

Icarus
Innocent and vulnerable, he finds himself wounded in an unknown world. His desire to live and overcome his fears will drive him to new heights and an eventual rebirth.

The Betrothed
An exotic creature who enraptures Icarus with her sensual beauty. She will be his guiding light and he, in turn, will be the catalyst for her metamorphosis.

The Guide
Weathered by the sun of many centuries, he’s like a kindly, fragile great-grandfather—a wise old man whose mission is to inspire and bring about change.

The Skywatcher
Mad scientist and ingenious inventor, collector of the world’s memories and interpreter of signs, this is a man who receives signals, transforms sounds and forewarns of trials and tribulations.

{Hand-balancing on Canes Act}

{Slippery Surface Act}

  With seductive hand-balancing acts showing astonishing grace and delicate equilibrium, aerobats creating an illusion of skating on a 'slippery surface' darting and intertwining to human bodies becoming catapults and catchers in elaborate agile presentations, there is true dash of culture, defying gravity stunts and rare circus arts in view. Cirque has embraced unique ways to incorporate different talents and showcasing them with admiration from crowds. Performers captivate your attention as they feed off the crowds energy, your heart thumps as the music beats.

The most daring and alluring acts of Varekai is the Russian Swings. Acrobats are propelled high into the air, performing aerial flips and twists to land in one of two suspended canvas panels or even soar from one moving swing to the other. 

 Director Dominic Champagne has remarkably paid tribute to the universal wanders and to the art of circus tradition. Cirque has truly gone back to what it is known for, bringing wonder and delight to spectators as a travelling troupe.

A must see show for a romantic date, families and friends.

Behind-the-scenes look at Cirque du Soleil's Varekai production at the Rogers K-Rock Centre:
















January 17 | 4pm and 7h30pm
January 18 | 4pm and 7h30pm
January 19 | 1h30pm and 5pm
January 20 | 7h30pm

Rogers K-Rock Centre
Downtown Kingston

What are you waiting for? Get your tickets now!

-xoxo
Rosalyn Gambhir
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Taste of Kingston | Farewell to Luke's Gastronomy


A 'culinary artist' is a title I would bestow upon Luke Hayes-Alexander, executive chef of Luke's Gastronomy. This past week Luke and his family closed their doors to a restaurant like no other in the city of Kingston, to set upon new adventures in Toronto. With their last dinner service on January 7th, 2013, I took it upon myself to visit the restaurant for a second and last time to experience it on a more intimate level without distractions.

The warm atmosphere was accompanied with soothing but upbeat music and candles lit at each table. On a white canvas, each dish was simply plated with pleasant aromas.  But oh my, the first dish of Sexy Noodles topped with a soft-cooked egg was the icing on the cake. As you gently ruptured the egg, yolk gently oozed out covering the cylindrical shaped noodles and into the sesame-ginger base. I really just wanted to pick up the noodles and dunk into the thick forming sauce. Though, I resorted to my fork and my lady-like manners took over just a tad as I twirled my noodles, slurping and took big gulps to devour the asian inspired dish.

Proceeded by dessert, I may have not known what the menu description meant but you only live once, so I gave it a shot and was surprised at every bite. Flavours infused into each component on the plate seemed to exude a popping sensation in my mouth. My taste buds were out of whack as they were unfamiliar to each savoury bite and even combined, the myriad of edible wonderfulness was pleasing. The hot and cold of the dessert was well played and unexpected which leads me to the following.

Luke's Gastronomy is not your typical dining establishment. You come with the expectation of mind blowing flavours, foreign textures and appreciation towards the artwork presented to you. Luke has true commitment to his craft shown through flavourful and innovative dishes. Aspiring to be a culinary artist from the age of 11, Luke is not your typical chef. He is a one man show in his kitchen; cooking, prepping, plating and everything in between.

Over the top ambiance and appeal is an aspect that is not highly important to Luke, as what lacks in space and decor, the food creations certainly make up for at the restaurant. Attracting foodies from out of town and country, some Kingstonians have walked by this quirky but small restaurant on Princess Street without notice, which is such a shame. At only 22 years of age, Luke rose in the ranks of the culinary world quickly with his bright mind and chef philosophy. The move to Toronto, brings new opportunities and perhaps a different approach to cooking. Rather than sticking to fine dining, Luke may branch out to street and comfort food, who knows the future will tell. With word of an underground supper club, lots of excitement and a fresh start are in the horizon for Luke.

Adieu for now.

In an intimate restaurant such as Luke's Gastronomy, discrete photographic indulgence is required and respect for fellow diners. For that reason the following pictures were captured using a Moto X instead of a bulky DSLR camera. Make sure to check back for a food photography etiquette blog post!

My accompanying friend enjoyed this dish: 

Fields of Jamnagar
Lentil, coconut, tomato, mango, curry, lassi, rasam, sambhar, rice, lime pickle.

{Fields of Jamnagar}

Sexy Noodles
Sesame-ginger, soft-cooked egg, scallions.

{Sexy Noodles}


{Sexy Noodles}

Estrogen
Mandarin, bergamot, chocolate "truffle", jasmine,  spiced pear, frankincense.


{Estrogen}


{Estrogen}


{Estrogen}

A neat but short documentary of Luke's passion for the kitchen.



All photos were taken with a Moto X courtesy of Rogers.

Visit www.lukechef.com for more information.

Enjoy!

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Luke's on Urbanspoon
Rosalyn Gambhir
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Homemade Fluffy Pancakes



The best part about the weekend is sleeping in and making brunch, but nothing says the weekend than making a batch of homemade pancakes. The best part is that this weekend favourite of mine takes less than 20 minutes. How fabulous is that?! In addition, they are light and fluffy, perfect to satisfy anyones craving. No need for Aunt Jemima pancake mix when you can make the real deal from scratch.


Ingredients:

1 cup all purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Steps:

Preheat a non stick pan or griddle over medium.

In small bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In another medium sized bowl, whisk together milk, butter, and egg. Add dry ingredients to milk mixture but with a wooden spoon, stir the batter until it is smooth. Do not over mix.

Final Step:

Spoon out 2-3 tablespoons of batter onto preheated skillet. Remember to keep them on the smaller side as they are easier to flip. Cook until surface of pancakes are evenly covered with bubbles, usually takes 1 to 2 minutes. Then flip carefully with a spatula and cook until browned on the underside, another minute.

Transfer to plate and cover loosely with aluminum foil in a warm oven. Voila! Serve warm and with lots of maple syrup or desired toppings. 

Makes 7-8 pancakes.

Enjoy!

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Rosalyn Gambhir
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Lilly Pulitzer Sale



With the funky weather that is going on, enjoy a day off and stay dry. While you do that, why not take a quick peak at Lily Pulitzer's New Year Cheer sale live right now! The prices are too good to be true.

My favourite print has to be Mambo Pink Amuse Bouche and so I may be purchasing a Clove Dress along with this Dune Top that Caitlin from Southern Curls & Pearls is wearing. Isn't she is just stunning?




Happy Shopping!

PS Please start shipping internationally!

Canadian location
181 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville, Ontario

and

Muskoka

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Rosalyn Gambhir
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Brand Marketing



It's rare that a video from a brand will spark any real emotion or if brands can actually become compelling storytellers. But try watching these videos and you might just change your mind. 

Brands are now creating experiences through real time marketing, trust, and accountability. 2013 has been a stellar year with digital identity of brands developing through online personalities and brands engaging with their audience with clever and bite sized content.

Let's see what 2014 will shine a light on...







Enjoy!

Keep up with RG {Twitter} - {Facebook} - {Pinterest}
Rosalyn Gambhir
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[name=Rosalyn Gambhir] [img=https://i.imgur.com/9rNiMGU.jpg] [description=Rosalyn Gambhir is the gal behind the blog The Staycationer. Whether it's exploring the local food scene with her foodie partner-in-crime or taking in the view from her favourite cafe, Rosalyn is always a tourist, looking for the next exciting adventure within Kingston, Ontario and beyond. The Staycationer allows you to rediscover hidden gems in your very own backyard.] (facebook=https://www.facebook.com/thestaycationer) (twitter=https://twitter.com/rosalyngambhir) (instagram=https://www.instagram.com/rosalyngambhir/)

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