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Monogram Necklace | Chapters Indigo



 It has been forever since I've been eyeing monogram necklaces though with a hefty price tag, I couldn't justify purchasing one (yes I'm not a shopaholic like some). The main reason would be that this gal does not have a middle name, I know shocking right! So getting a three initial monogram necklace is kind of impossible. 

BUT!

 as I was at Chapters Indigo in my area swooning over the new Kate Spade arrival, I noticed it! A beautifully engraved pendant on a delicate gold chain with a simple cursive 'R'. It was perfect and only $25. Awesome deal right?! I have been wearing it everyday rather than my statement necklaces.

I quite like wearing dainty necklaces as they are classic and can be worn everyday alone or layered.

Don't you just love it!

{Monogram Necklace - 16" Long | Old Navy Striped Peplum Top}

Image was taken with a Nikon D3100.

Enjoy!

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Rosalyn Gambhir
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The Claire Closet Runway Show


You're invited!

If you haven't heard of The Claire Closet, you'll be in for quite a delight. 

"Celebrating Girls' Awesomeness through Eco Art and Fashion!"

The Start
It all started with an old dress up box, lots of wonderful women and the chance to come together and share our creative awesomeness and style with the world.

Philosophy
Empowering Girls through Eco Art and Fashion in order to be strong leaders and entrepreneurs in our community.

Work 
Creative collaboration online and offline in order to empower and celebrate all the women in our lives while we create, design and share.


Enjoy!

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Rosalyn Gambhir
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What Would You Wear On A Night Out To A Casino?



Whether you're celebrating your 18th birthday or 21st birthday, going out with the girls or on vacation, heading to the casino can be an experience in itself.

There has been a massive rise in interest in casinos. It could be down to the rise in online casino which has enabled people to have access to slot machines (or pokies in Australia) at sites such as LuckyNuggetCasino.com/au/online-pokies where they might never have otherwise come across that environment. Nowadays going to a casino is a much more casual affair then it used to be, and lots of people go to have great nights out. While there, they can enjoy not only gambling, but also food and musical entertainment too. The clothing that you wear to a casino doesn't have to be couture-you can leave that to the Bond girls. 

 Realistically, there's probably something in your wardrobe that will be perfect. If you're not sure about the kind of clientele the casino has, you can phone ahead or check the casinos website to double check what the dress code. If you still aren't sure, stick with smart casual and you can't go wrong. If you want to look classy and cool, a little black dress is always a good choice. You can dress it up with great shoes and jewellery for some wow factor. It's best to stick to mid length dresses as some casinos are quite picky about how much flesh their patrons are revealing and prefer to keep it classy. Bear I mind comfort if you are planning to spend the whole evening there as you might be on your feet a lot. If it's hot, you can wear a summer dress, but again make sure it's not too low in the front and the hemline is at the appropriate length. Generally flip flops are a no no, but strappy heels will be fine. 

{Dynamite Lace Dress, Joe Fresh Necklace}

In the cold weather you could wear a shift dress or blouse and trouser combo and perhaps let your coat do the talking. A warm but stylish blazer or even a longer coat are fine to keep on as long as they look dressy.

{H&M Dress, Stella & Dot Bloom Necklace, Forever 21 Blazer}

All images were taken with a Nikon D3100.

Enjoy!

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Rosalyn Gambhir
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National Cupcake Day


Today is a glorious day to indulge in treats as it is National Cupcake Day for SPCAs and Humane Societies. Cupcakes bought today will help give a surrendered puppy a home, provide emergency surgery to an injured kitten and save thousands of lives.

Some of my favourite go-to cupcake places in Kingston:


Card's Bakery

{Bread & Butter Bakery}

Isn't this the sweetest day of the year?

For more information:

Kingston Humane Society
1 Binningston Court Kingston, Ontario | 613-546-1291

Enjoy!

-xoxo
Rosalyn Gambhir
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Lancome | Dual Finish Versatile Powder



Let's start this of by stating that I have had the same make up routine for a good couple of years now. I have used the so called make up 'essentials' to look 'presentable' every morning in under 10 minutes. Shocked? This girl uses only 5 products on her everyday face, starting with a primer, tinted moisturizer, under eye concealer, dual finish powder and blush, bam! That's all. The item though that has remained consistent over the years, has been the brand, Lancome and its Dual Finish Versatile Powder.

Lancome was the first ever beauty brand I tried and have stuck with it ever since. Hence why I chose to remain loyal with the dual finish powder. Why? I've been using it since grade 11 and it has been a life saver as it provides incredible coverage and the right amount of matteness during the day. It conceals and is light weight.

 I usually get complemented on my flawless skin most often and have the dual finish powder to thank.
It truly gives you a natural finish every time, leaving your skin soft and supple.

Thanks Lancome!

  {Dual Finish | Matte Nu III}

All neatly packaged, the sleek black compact case comes with a thin powder puff for light coverage and a thick soft sponge for more full coverage. It is rather convenient and perfect in size as it can be put in a purse for touch ups through out the day.

 {Dual Finish | Matte Nu III}

All images were taken with a Nikon D3100.

Enjoy!

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Rosalyn Gambhir
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Battledish Kingston Winners | Congratulations


As Battledish Kingston has come to an end and local winners were announced, nationally across North America after all the votes were tallied, drum roll please...

 Congratulations to Chef Arden MacLean of Milestones Kingston on nationally winning Best Modern dish with her Marinated Winter Sirloin and being the Battledish Kingston Winner !

Also to recap!

Congratulations to Chef Arden MacLean of Milestones Kingston
on locally winning Most Delicious, Most Delicious and Best Modern dish!

PS Loving the headbands Arden! They're her signature look!


{Arden MacLean}

 Congratulations to Chef Genevieve Patenaude of Geneva Crepe Cafe on locally winning Most Authentic dish and Best Cocktail for her Bombay Crepe and Bacon Chocoholic drink!

{Chef Genevieve Patenaude}

-xoxo
Rosalyn Gambhir
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Old Navy | Quilted Vest



As a prep, it is somewhat of a requirement to own a vest or be obsessed with J.Crew but as the nearest J.Crew store is 3 hours away and delayed shipping times on popular items, it just made sense to go investigate the other alternative, Old Navy. A store that will not hurt your bank account. Though not a fan for years, Old Navy has truly stepped up their game lately. Their merchandise has improved significantly as I have loved every single item I've bought from them recently. 

The most liked item would be the quilted barn vest as it has been a great layering piece for outfits, from sweaters, oxfords and basic long sleeve shirts. Originally I was going to purchase the excursion quilted vest online from J.Crew but the price tag was a tad high and the most discouraging part, was the one month expected delivery date. Refusing to buy or wait, somehow Old Navy came to the rescue! Immediately, I went in store and purchased the hot pink quilted vest and a week after purchased the black version online, where in both cases I saved about $100. 

Light in material, I've worn the Old Navy quilted vests more often than I would have been to wear the J.Crew vest. They have truly become a staple in my wardrobe. I now regret though not getting the olive or beige colored vests but no mediums left in store or online:(

{Hot Pink Quilted Barn Vest}

Yes I do love my striped Vero Moda shirt!

{Black Quilted Barn Vest}

BTW! Old Navy always has great deals and sales online, so be sure to visit: www.oldnavy.ca 

I got the following sweaters for Spring for less than $100 along with a pair of flats and athletic wear for my partner, thanks to the sale section and 30% off! Now that's how you save! 


{Recent Purchases}

All images taken with Moto X thanks to Rogers.

Enjoy!

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Rosalyn Gambhir
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Battledish Kingston | The Experience



On the weekend on February 9th, I took part in Battledish Kingston as a judge and it was quite the foodie experience as six local chefs competed.

What is Battledish?
Battledish is the largest culinary chef competition taking place in cities across North America. Local chefs compete by presenting their creations and having the public cast their vote on who will be crowned King.

What was the Battledish event like?
Think of it as a walking adventure through downtown restaurants where chefs are waiting with their creations. At check-in, you receive a map and a menu of the Battledish. It is then up to you to decide who to vote for based on five categories, Most Delicious, Most Creative, Best Modern, Most Authentic and Best Cocktail. Battlegrounds are open for four hours. Everything is within walking distance.

{Menu and Map}

So let's proceed! After months of planning by Christine McCullough, the day arrived were the chefs would impress the public with their culinary skills.

The event started early afternoon with check-in at Monty's located next to Tir Nan Nog. Welcomed by a row of registration volunteers at the front handing out goodie bags to VIPs and menus/maps, to the sides, proud partners stood as well: University Hospitals Kingston Foundation, Sustainable Kingston and Barley Days Brews.

With food/drink tickets in hand and a route planned out to each restaurant, the first stop of the afternoon was Jack Astor's across from Market Square and all the festivities of Feb Fest. Greeted by a volunteer, we were seated at a table and were brought a Sunday Caesar and to my dismay, this was my first one ever, with bacon might I add. Whoa nelly was there a kick to it, though with salted rim, the drink did blend well. I still don't understand why this drink is associated with Sundays, do you know? Please do share!

Next the Beauty and the Beef dish by Chef Aaron was plated. With lots of 'beauty' going on, points were given for presentation and originality. The pin wheeled meat was tender as it laid over what seemed to be like sautéed mushrooms. The lightly battered onion to the side was done nicely as there was a good ratio between crunch and flavour. However the balsamic reduction drizzle around the plate could have been brought in a bit closer to the main attraction as it wasn't just for decor, it was actually quite nice paired with the goat cheese garlic spread and risotto which for some odd reason had a slight pink tinge.
Chef Aaron Johnson

Dish: Beauty and the Beef
Seasoned beef over mushroom risotto, coined with a goat cheese and garlic spread, roasted red peppers and soft asparagus. Finished with a balsamic reduction and lightly dusted onion rings.

{Beauty and the Beef}

Drink: Battle of the Bacon: Sunday Caesar
Whether you like bold or blonde, when you put them head to head something spicy is bound to happen. Enjoy a Sunday Caesar with a little wake up kick to the mix with a coffee bacon and vodka twist.

{Sunday Caesar}

With the first meal of the day in our tummies (we made sure to come hungry!), we proceeded to Milestones located at the corner of Ontario St and Princess St, two blocks away. As snowflakes came down and the wind picked up, scarves were tied tighter, hoods were pulled over our heads and sunglasses were put on. Gotta love good old Canadian weather!

At Milestones, I was darn happy they had a Mexican Hot Toddy to warm us up, though not a fan of rum, it was quite pleasant. As for the second drink option of pomegranate martini, holy moly I could feel it. After a few sips, we were presented with Chef Arden's winter marinated sirloin dish. The meat was cooked perfected and by far the most flavourful dish. The beans were crisp and underneath laid a butternut parsnip & horseradish puree though not completely smooth, that blended very nicely with the au jus. Once you hit the bottom of the dish, the au jus became a mess of deliciousness as you swirled your fork with the puree and piece of sirloin.

Chef Arden MacLean

Dish: Winter Marinated Sirloin 
Marinated sirloin with a red wine (pinot noir) and shallot au-jus on top of a butternut parsnip & horseradish puree and green beans with sweet potato crisps.

{Winter Marinated Sirloin}

Drink: Pomegranate Martini
Smirnoff vodka, triple sec, pomegranate juice.

Drink: Mexican Hot Toddy
Don Julio Blanco Tequila, Grand Manier, hot apple cider, cinnamon stick and orange wedge.

{Pomegranate Martini & Mexican Hot Toddy}

After Milestones, we walked a block and found ourselves at Sipps Coffee & Dessert Bar or shall I call it dessert heaven. Chef Sarah's dish was a carrot cheesecake with caramel drizzle on the plate minus walnuts due to my tree nut allergy. Each bite taken was savoured and I could have had another piece. The icing had a nice whip to it and when combined with the layers of the cake, your mouth just was amazed with sweetness. I'm crossing my fingers they add this to their cake display! I know where my next coffee date will be!

Chef Sarah Whitehead

Dish: Carrot Cheesecake
Traditional carrot cake combined with a delicious white cheesecake.

{Carrot Cheesecake}

With dessert done, we decided to make our way up Princess St to Windmills. Seated close to the bar, we exchanged a ticket for a drink.

Not a big fan of alcohol to begin with as well as pop, the Soho Lychee Martin had carbonation that had my stomach tossing and turning as it was something it had not encountered for a while. Having had a few sips, I was excited for Chef Adam's dish of escargot and let me tell you, my first time trying escargot was at Amadeus and was quite surprised at how amazing it tasted with a garlic butter. Though at Windmills, no butter was needed as a lovely creamy mushroom chorizo sauce laced the escargot, which also proved to be perfect to scope up with the crostini. If you hesitate on ever getting escargot, be adventurous! You won't know you like it until you've tried it and with events like Battledish and Dishcrawl, it sure does get you out of your foodie comfort zone! This dish was truly authentic.

Windmills Casual Fine Dining & Catering
Chef Adam Martin

Dish: Sautéed Chorizo and Mushroom Escargot 
Escargot in a garlic, chorizo and mushroom cream sauce, served with grilled crostini.

 {Sautéed Chorizo and Mushroom Escargot} 

Drink: Soho Lychee Martini
Gin, soho lychee liqueur, grapefruit juice & soda water, garnished with lime.

{Soho Lychee Martini}

A walk up the street, led us to Geneva Crepe Cafe, known for its crepes, fondues and speciality coffees.  Here, a bacon chocoholic drink and their signature Bombay crepe awaited us. Given the drink first, it surely was the most unique of the day as it was made with liquid smoke, chocolate ganache and toped with bacon bits. Ah hello, chocolate and bacon.. amazing! Some may think of it as odd but take sweet and savoury, and you'll be surprised. Talking about bacon, you should try bacon and cheddar, on waffles with maple syrup. Trust me, you'll love it!

As for the dish by Chef Genevieve, it was inspired by Indian cuisine with a curry chicken salad but with healthy alternatives of grapes and celery, giving it a crunch. With each bite, the ganache provided on the plate was well complemented with the curry filling.

Chef Genevieve Patenaud

Dish: Bombay Crepe 
Handmade crepes with mild curry, chicken, grapes and celery.

{Bombay Crepe}

Drink: Bacon Chocoholic
Chocolate ganache, maple smoked bacon bits, cointreau, cinnamon, fresh nutmeg & whipped cream.

{Bacon Chocoholic}

As we finally made it to our last stop, The Grizzly Grill and two tickets in hands, we were somewhat full but made it a mission to try all six restaurants and good thing we shared every dish.

The lamb chops by Chef Ryan were delicate, tender and juicy. A simple yet tasty dish combined with wild rice. As for the Tawny Apple drink, yum! The apple flavour was distinct in taste and wasn't overpowered with soda water i.e fizz.

Chef Ryan Pitt

Dish: Maple Glazed Lamb Chops
A maple pecan crusted rack of lamb roasted to a perfect medium rare. Sitting on a fluffy bed of granny smith and butternut squash wild rice. Served with golden beets and asparagus. Finished off with a beautiful drizzle of Port-Honey reduction.

{Maple Glazed Lamb Chops}

Drink: Tawny Apple
2 ounces of Taylor Flagpole Port, pure apple juice, a spritz of soda water, sprigs of mint and to tie it all together an apple slice for garnish.

  {Tawny Apple}

All images were taken with a Nikon D3100.

Stay tuned for a post on food photography based on Battledish Kingston using the Samsung Galaxy Camera thanks to Rogers!

Congratulations,
Chef Arden Maclean for winning Most Delicious, Most Creative and Best Modern within Kingston!

Chef Genevieve Patenaude for winning Most Authentic and Best Cocktail within Kingston!

Finally Congratulations,
Chef Arden Maclean for nationally winning Best Modern dish across North America!

Great job to all the chefs who participated!

Enjoy!

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Rosalyn Gambhir
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Battledish Kingston | Culinary Competition



This weekend is home to several activities in downtown Kingston, among them being Feb Fest but an international culinary competition will also be taking place as well. Battledish Kingston by Dishcrawl in support of the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation is a self guided event as you hop from one restaurant to the other eating, drinking and judging on the best dish/drink!


6 Kingston chefs compete but only one will emerge King of Battledish! 

YOU DEDICE!


Sunday, February 9, 2014 | 2-6pm
Downtown Kingston

Admission: $15
Each dish/drink: $5

Buy your admission and tickets online here or at the check in location at Montey's at Tir Nan Nog from 2pm-4pm, then be on your merry way.

At check in, you will get your food and drink tickets, map and ballots to vote for best chef!


The competitors and their dishes/drinks that will be served on Sunday afternoon:

Which one will you have?

Chef Genevieve Patenaud

Dish: Bombay Crepe 

Drink: Bacon Chocoholic

{Bombay Crepe}

{Bacon Chocoholic}

Windmills Casual Fine Dining & Catering
Chef Adam Martin

Dish: Sautéed Chorizo and Mushroom Escargot 

Drink: Soho Lychee Martini


 {Sautéed Chorizo and Mushroom Escargot} 


{Soho Lychee Martini}

Jack Astor's Bar & Grill
Chef Aaron Johnson

Dish: Beauty and the Beef

Drink: Battle of the Bacon: Sunday Caesar

{Beauty and the Beef}

{Sunday Caesar}

Milestones Kingston
Chef Arden MacLean

Dish: Winter Marinated Sirloin 

Drink: Pomegranate Martini
Mexican Hot Toddy

{Winter Marinated Sirloin}


{Pomegranate Martini + Mexican Hot Toddy}

The Grizzly Grill
Chef Ryan Pitt

Dish: Maple Glazed Lamb Chops

Drink: Tawny Apple
Chef Sarah Whitehead

Dish: Carrot Cheesecake

{Carrot Cheesecake}

Photos by Eb Photography.

Use promo code {rosalynBDdiscount} for $10 off or don't pay admissions with {freeadmissions}.
That's two free dish or drink! Woo!

p.s.
Buy your admission and tickets here or at the check in location at Montey's at Tir Nan Nog from 2pm-4pm, then be on your merry way.

 Note: Dishes will be smaller and appetizer sized than featured in pictures.

Enjoy!
Rosalyn Gambhir
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Taste of Kingston | Milestones



A transformation indeed of the old S&R department store in downtown Kingston, this location has now been home to Milestones since 2011. With major changes, the beautifully renovated space has an inviting atmosphere and is quite stylish with contemporary decor - well suited for Milestones Kingston under the Cara Corporation as it is known for upscale casual dining.

Upon first entering the restaurant, historic reminisce of the limestone brick walls scale the interior giving this restaurant a very chic and big city feel. The bar area to the left consists of tables with high stools and mounted TVs perfect for a quick lunch or sport goers. Diners also have the option of seating in a more intimate area to the right at the back of the restaurant, suitable for a date, business meeting (free wifi woot woot!), party or birthday celebrations.

This place gets quite busy around dinner, so reservations is key! 



A late afternoon meal at Milestones Kingston:

Seated by the windows looking out onto Princess Street, the bar stool chairs were perfect for a short person like myself, as I didn't have to hunch over a table that was too high. Yes, this is a surprisingly an issue that occurs quite often, #shortpeopleproblem! As dinner service approached, the lights dimmed instantaneously and smiles were shared all around by staff and diners alike.

Our server, Desmond was attentive, pleasant and had quite the Irish accent. Service was prompt and meals were delivered within a reasonable time frame as well as dishes were all well explained with much enthusiasm. For dinner, it was quite a challenge to order as A, I'm indecisive and B, everything on the menu sounded fabulous. With a decision made, my partner and I settled on a shared appetizer of the roasted garlic caesar salad and Sicilian mussels, followed by the fire-grilled salmon and the prime rib. Dessert? Just a tad full.

The starters were decent but my concept, don't order a salad if you go out. You are meant to indulge but it doesn't hurt to see what chefs come up with. The reggiano and asiago cheeses paired with the house-made croutons made it quite good. The mussels were soft and tender yet sweet from the tomato juices. It is only when the side of garlic bread was used to mop up the juices that a subtle hint of spice was tasted. Girls (and guys), don't be shy to slurp up the remaining of the juices from a mussel dish with the shells as mini tongs. Ding ding, genius right! Or common sense I guess.

The mains, well they were just top notch and true to portion. The fire-grilled salmon's presentation was full of colour and texture. The salmon was cooked medium rare just as requested and fell apart nicely. It was topped with a sweet refreshing pineapple and pepper salsa that had a kick to it. The quinoa pilaf concealed beneath was divine and this coming from a gal who only tried it a week prior in a muffin. It was light and fluffy. The side salad to this dish had a slight twist to it with a healthy kick of avocado and butternut squash. Odd combo? Nope it showcased the innovative fusion of flavours. Two thumbs up! Though the prime rib was not consumed by myself, my partner a big fan of 'meaty' dishes was quite satisfied. Portions were just right and done to his specifications. He commented on how the steak horseradish was the perfect complement and that the butternut squash, a seasonal vegetable Milestones has been using during the Winter season, was a good mix with the creamy garlic mash. Couple approved!

Tummies full, it was settled that dessert was not happening but if you are a couple, make sure to swing by on Wednesdays for Milestones Date Night Special to get the Break-Up Tub. I know, I know the name is 'funny' but oh my word, it is an individual tub of cookie dough ice cream heaven, caramel and chunks of double chocolate cookie, all made in house and perfect for taking home.

Themed Menus:

Girls' Night Out! | Mondays
4 fancy bellinis. 4 appetizers. $40

Celebrate Date Night | Wednesdays
Dinner for 2 for $50.
Choice of one shareable appetizer.
Choice of two entrées.
Choice of one shareable dessert.

The Inspired Chefs' Menu
One starter, one entrée and one dessert for $40.

Mimosas Anyone?
Brunch offered every Saturday and Sundays.
Stay tuned for a brand new brunch menu!

P.S. Milestones Kingston also has a gluten free menu and vegetarian/vegan dishes are also available.

BAM! How awesome is that!

{Menu}

Roasted Garlic Caesar Salad Starter
Double-smoked bacon, reggiano and asiago cheeses, house-made croutons, house caesar dressing.

{Roasted Garlic Caesar Salad Starter}

Sicilian Mussels
Tomatoes, red onions, fresh basil in a white wine cream broth.

{Sicilian Mussels}

Fire-Grilled Salmon
Sweet pineapple and pepper salsa, quinoa pilaf, seasonal vegetables.

{Fire-Grilled Salmon}

{Fire-Grilled Salmon}

Slow-Roasted AAA Prime Rib
Signature seasonings, roasting garlic au jus, crisp onion strings.

{Slow-Roasted AAA Prime Rib}

Next dishes to try:

Beef Iomo saltado, smoked Gouda cheese, salsa verda, mini warm flour tortillas.

Spanish inspired. 7 small rounds tossed in panko breading, stuffed with chorizo sausage, pizza mozzarella cheese, garlic and parsley. Dusted with reggiano cheese, served with smoky paprika aioli for dipping.

Mini versions of their 5 favourite desserts:
Key lime pie, caramel gingered apple crisp, break-up tub, Ganache torte and Milestones' famous white chocolate cheesecake.

Visit www.milestonesrestaurants.com for more information.

Where: 27 Princess St, Kingston, Ontario

Enjoy!

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Milestones on Urbanspoon
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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