Muggy MUnday

So I guess I do sleep breathing through my nose...Unfortunately I found this out the hard way. These past few days I have been fighting a cold; however, someone has to lose in the end...and that happened to be me.

I spent the night tossing and turning as I couldn't breathe --- a vital part in sleeping...heck, even in living. When I would finally fall asleep, I would wake up exactly an hour later! I can hold my breath for an hour...impressive, no?

However, when it was finally time to actually wake up I was not adaquately rested. Coffee and breakfast was the key to moving this morning.

For breakfast I had toast...it's quick and I don't have anything to put on my oats so there was no point in stewing up a pot.

I rushed out the door to class as we were starting early today in order to write, film, and edit our reports before going on air at 5.

It was an exhausting day to say the least, but our first live newscast turned out well! Only two more to go before the end of the year...

(In between filming and editing, we grabbed something to eat...I had a veggie pita from Opa! I hadn't had one in so long and forgot how good they were. There is the option of whole wheat pitas now too and it was fab...)

When I got home I entertained myself with 9 minutes of entertainment thanks to the other Axe contestants...Our original music videos are up now! Check them out --- They're all pretty impressive to say the least...Oh and please, please vote for me as there are only 3 days left to do so!

Then I made some dinner...I would have been lost for dinner options if it wasn't for BK's brilliant idea to make peanut sauce stir fry (so vote for him too! He'll take you on a date that you won't believe...It was hot over texting, I couldn't imagine it in realy life!)

I really experimented with the peanut sauce as I only had a select few ingredients on hand.

To a boiling mixture of about 1 tbsp of spelt flour and 1/2 cup of milk, I added about 2 tbsp. of spicy peanut butter ...Then I added some soy sauce and fish sauce to taste. It turned out pretty unreal.

I stir-fried red onion, garlic, ginger, broccoli, zucchini, carrots, and mushrooms and then mixed in the peanut sauce.

The stir-fry was accompanied with some curry-induced quinoa and spinach.

Well I am going to head to bed now...But check out my interview with HeyDoYou to promote myself for the Axe competion!

Unsettling Sunday

Sundays are supposed to be relaxing; however, the minute you're thrown a curve ball, that can all change. Well that was my Sunday from the get-go!

Going about my usual Sunday rituals, I was suddenly caught off guard when I noticed a certain someone sleeping on my floor...We won't go into details in order to avoid confusion, but let's just say it really put me out of whack!

Not only that...but my house happened to smell like stale beer and BO as my roommates decided to throw back a few while I was at work the night before. Thank god I had some axe on hand to rid the place of overwhelming stenches.

After washing up, getting ready, and scarfing down breakfast, I headed out to work...

That was when I ran into our realtor who just so happened to be showing our place to three sketchy looking folk --- Let's just say I am so glad I was already enroute!

You'd think that my Sunday couldn't get worse...Oh, it did. I guess you could say I was caught up in the mornings events as after waiting at the bus stop for far too long, I mindlessly got on to the wrong bus.

Thankfully, it didn't take me completely off route and only a few transfers were needed.

Well, work was work.

When I got home I made myself lunch/dinner...

I had a sexy sandwich as that is always a satisfying meal!

I loaded my sangy with blue cheese, tomato, cucumber, red onion, spinach, Dijon mustard, mayo..and of course, sriracha.

I hung out for a bit and then headed over to my friend's condo for a hot tub sesh...a much needed sesh at that as it was raining all day and I felt like goo.

A Dark Horse

Overflowing bins of oranges, melons, peppers, bok choy---you name it--- line the constantly bustling street of Spadina. You find yourself trying to avoid shoving the people carefully selecting their weeks worth of produce...After blocks of this similar occurence, it's hard to fathom that you'll eventually encounter a coffee shop catering to those doing the exact opposite; people lounging about enjoying a rich smooth brew --- crafted to his own preference.

Well that's where I found myself--- Dark Horse to be exact--- on Saturday afternoon. Not only was I in dire need of the perfect soy late, I was also needed for a second interview to promote myself for the Axe competition.

I met with Gloria from Urbane Block at a large wooden table that could potentially house 12 coffee-obsessed people...While sipping on our coffees, she asked me an array of questions! We covered a lot of ground...everything from my favourite vegetarian meal to what a hot date with me would look like!

After a good hour long Q&A sesh, Gloria snapped a few photos --- We made sure to get a few shots of me in the bustling China Town to capture the contrasting surroundings of the laid back coffee house.

Then I headed home for a quick lunch before work.

For lunch I had a salad --- How could I not after walking by wooden tubs of produce on the way home?! For some protein, I had a soy burger which I topped with some blue cheese and aged white cheddar. (I picked up some blue cheese the other day after weeks of trying to satisfy my addiction with low quality crap from No Frills!)

It was a darn good salad complete with a balsamic vinegar/seedy Dijon mustard dressing.

After lunch, I trekked out in the chill to the bone weather to work.

City of Blinding Lights

Even though there isn't a mountain within a 100 mile radius of Toronto, my BC blood isn't affected when I find myself 15 stories high overlooking the city. I was in heaven last night; electrical man-made heaven, that is! After a Friday that seemed to drag on (I showered twice yesterday --- that means my mind was feeling a two day split...) I headed over to my girlfriend's place for a night of wine and pizza. Nothing can get better than that, right?

Ooh but it can...while indulging into pure goodness, the city lights shone through the huge bay windows. I never thought that I would enjoy a "condo-lifestyle," but after experiencing a birds eyeview of the city I think I am ready for that luxury...

A girl's night wouldn't be a girl's night without comfort food, sappy movies, and bottles of wine...Let's just say there was more than enough wine flowin'. I ended up sleeping on the couch to avoid the urge of spending money on a cab home---no body likes to wait for city transit when you're cold and slightly tipsy...

I woke up pretty early due to the morning light shining through...but it's always better to wake up early than late when there are things to do. I headed home to get some breaky and get ready for another interview regarding Axe...Today Urbane Bloc is interviewing me. (Yesterday Hey Do You did an interview...that will be up soon on the site!)

For breakfast I just had some toast (Capeseed loaf from Cobs--- mmmmm) and an apple...

I spread almond butter and pomegranite jam on the one while the other one got topped with almond butter and agave nectar...It's important to switch it up to avoid sheer boredom.

But I am off to the interview now...Remember there are only four days left to vote for me in the Axe Summer Gig! That means there are only four days left for all of you men to show your support by taking a photograph with my sign! Thank you so much for taking time over these past few months to vote!

Puffy Eyes and Foggy Head

It's only March and it's already starting to feel like summer --- No, it's not the weather; in fact, it was only 7 degrees today and once again, I had to bust out the winter jacket. The reason it's feeling as though we have entered July a few months too soon is due to the on-going rush at the restaurant. Last night it was absolutely packed from the second I stepped through the glass doors to the time that I left from them...

Usually I wouldn't complain about that; I mean more people tends to mean more money...but these people were downright miserable. I am sorry if you come to dine on a Saturday night with 10 other people on your team; you are NOT getting a table, for at least 2 hours.

That little fact didn't seem to register with a single person who walked through the doors...in stead they all decided to pile their complaints on me. At first, it was fine...I covered my stress with a fake smile, but that expression could only be held for so long. After about 15 accounts of people yelling at me, I eventually broke down --- I know, immature and unprofessional; BUT I couldn't help it. Luckily I got to the kitchen before my tears turned into hyperventilation.

Let's just say I was OVER relieved when the clock struck 12 and I was given the go-ahead to peace that scene.

Okay --- so that little rant brings us to my state this morning; foggy head and puffy eyes all over (I wish I could say it was from being hung over!)

In the hopes of making me appear alert, I chugged down a few cups of coffee. But that had little to no success, so I whipped up my usual bowl of oats.

I topped them with chopped Macintosh apple, plain yogurt, raisins, flax meal, All-Bran, and AB!

After breakfast I headed down to my second home: Mill St Brew Pub for a second go at the weekend crowd.

Thankfully, Sunday wasn't a usual Sunday...Those who decided to venture out of their homes for a hearty brunch were not doing it just because they felt they had too. I think (from what I experienced) they actually wanted the presence of good company and food around them. Thank you to the March 21 brunchees!

Another bonus was that I didn't have to be there all night...I was let go at a reasonable time; I even got to eat lunch at an almost acceptable hour (4 pm??)

For lunch I made myself a sandwich with tofu, mozarella cheese, red pepper, tomato, spinach, Dijon mustard and pesto mayo --- it was quite satisfying to say the least.

After lunch, I did some readings for school...but after reading the same line over and over again and noticing that my eyes were uncontrollably closing, I decided to have a nap.

Mmmm...sometimes a little siesta is the key to feeling that much better. I went for a walk after my nap and did a little grocery run as I decided that I was in need of starch: potatoes.

For dinner I made myself homemade baked french fries, breaded halibut, and peas.

After peeling and cutting the potato to my preference, I drizzled some olive oil and sprinkled some S&P on top. Those went into a 400 degree preheated over for about 45 minutes. I flipped them occassionaly to make sure they got evenly browned on all sides.

I zipped up the peas by sprinkling some cinnamon on top --- A nice little touch.

For a dipping sauce, I made a curry sauce which consisted of mayo and curry powder...It was actually downright amazing.

Minus baking the french fries for a littttle too long (some were just far too crunchy) it was a darn good dish...If only there was a beer to wash down that meal, it would have been a perfect Sunday dinner!

Tofu Tuesday

I woke up at around six this morning and convinced myself that it was too early to get up...On top of it being too early, I was just too lazy to get out of bed --- SO I kept on sleeping!

I should have known that that would result in me neverrrr getting up... I ended up arising at around 11 --- I should have just got up at six...I hate when I sleep in!

After getting out of my morning grogginess, I made myself some breaky!

Today I made myself a good ol' oatmeal pancake because it was almost lunch and I was 2X as hungry as I would be at a regular breakfast hour!

Unfortunately, I had some problems with that bloody pancake...Apparently, I didn't grease the pan enough. So when I went to flip her, she started breaking like no other! I ended up having to cut it in quarters so that it wouldn't fall apart completely... I mean, in the end it's all about what it looks like on camera, right?

However, just like make-up, I was able to make it look quite nice...Toppings can fix anything!

I put some chopped apples, yogurt, almond butter, cherry jam and agave nectar on it! Minus the broken mess, it was quite delicious.

After breakfast I headed out to the gym for a quick workout before class. I should have gone earlier, but I spent too much time doing nothing...

When I got home I quickly showered and scarfed down a spinach salad with tomato, red pepper, carrot, onion, ginger, tuna, pesto, and balsamic vinegrette.

Even though I didn't photograph it, I also chowed down on some crackers and cheese after my salad...

I headed out to my four hour evening class after getting ready..and chowing down!

We had a newsfeed test tonight --- What that means, well I don't know...Look at my test mark.

Okay, no. Over the time span of an hour, we were given new news on a certain topic every fifteen minutes and had to write a story for each segment...While getting all this information, we had to make sure we weren't assuming info that was "supposedly" reported. There was some serious adrenaline flowin' by the end of it!

When I got home, I immediately cracked open a beer.

For dinner I whipped up something hearty!

I had a "tofu flank" with ginger, garlic, and onion. Alongside I had mashed sweet potato...I added the ginger, garlic, and onion from the tofu fry to the sweet potatoes when I mashed them!

I also had some steamed broccoli and peas.

It was quite good...However, I should have added a little more flavour to the tofu as it didn't soak up enough flavour from just sauteing in the three ingredients!

For dessert I had some ice cream...Mocha Almond Fudge, baby!

One Hit Wonder

Even though I have a lot to do today, I love Thursday as it is actually my Saturday...Or the beginning to a long weekend EVERY weekend. I guess you could say I have it kind of easy as soon as Wednesday hits 4pm.

This morning I switched back to my breakfast routine as another piece of toast would turn me into one!

I topped my banana oats with plain yogurt, apple sauce, chopped apples, sliced strawberries, raisins, flax meal AND a spoonful of AB.

I also had a cup of coffee.

After breakfast I finished some work for my broadcast class as I wasn't going to have any other time to do it.

I headed out to the gym immediately after finishing my work...It was so beautiful out today; I could have ran outside but for some reason I prefer being in the confines of a gym. It may be the "lovely" atmosphere the gym offers --- or the sweaty eye candy which is spotted sometimes, but when it is you don't want to miss it!

I rushed home after a good bike, run, and row --- Thanks to some helpful tips on the rowing machine, my arms and bum were killingg all throughout the day. I love burning.

When I got home I quickly showered and whipped up some lunch. I created an incredible chipotle tuna sandwich. I started by sauteing some red onion and garlic --- then I added a chunk of frozen chipotle which eventually melted and saturated the whole pan. I added the tuna to that for a little added warmth!

A toasted piece of whole grain bread dressed with havarti cheese, tomato, spinach, and Dijon mustard, was complete with the heated tuna chipotle.

It was actually sooo amazing!!! The chipotle added a smokey flavour throughout.

I had my Axe conference call just before I had to run out the door to write and record my music video --- a bonus challenge for the Axe competion

Even though it got really cold filming outside and we worked until 3 in the morning, it was definately an experience. I can't say I have EVER in my life attempted to do what I did, but it turned out pretty well (one hit wonder material....)...So if you stay on top of the competition for the last couple of weeks, you'll be able to catch a one-time Tatomme!

It wasn't until 10 pm that we realized we still hadn't eaten dinner so we headed out to the Rhino for some grub and a beer (a much needed Guinness...mmmm) I had a grilled vegetarian pizza --- Let's just say it didn't make me feel like I was in Italy...nor my own home. I probably could have made a better pizza on a hamburger bun. BUT I was famished so I was willing to eat ANYTHING!

After a bite to eat, I headed back home to finish editing!

Sex Ed. with Sue

I guess you could say I jumped the gun when I busted out my flip-flops...This morning I was faced with grey skies and wind; it felt like November!

For breakfast I had an over easy egg and toast...Is it wierd to like the combination of egg and peanut butter? After seeing Sarah do it multiple times, I was just itching to try it! The verdict: a little bizarre...but if you force yourself to block out the idea, it's really not so bad!

After breaky, I caught up on some current events a la The View...I love a good sesh political bashing ideas...

In the midst of watching Sue Johanson, I am now going to try to get some work done before I may or may not have to go to work...Being on call is such a nice addition to the day; really makes room for spontaneity...

Monster Mash

My loaf of bread is coming to an end...which is kind of good as there is only so much sourdough you can do before you're right sick of it! For breakfast today I had yet another piece of toast with peanut butter and a delicious cherry spread...which I stole from my roommate...

I also had a cup of coffee and some fruit alongside!

After breakfast, I lazed around for a bit and then went out to enjoy the sun before my evening class. It was so beautiful again today...I can't wait for it to stay sunny!!

For lunch I had an open-faced cracker --- I can't do sourdough twice in a day.

I topped her off with a slice of veggie "meat", some roasted red peppers, fried red onion, an egg, and a dollop of salsa.

It was quite difficult to eat due to the numerous layers and the fragile base...but I managed.

I also had some speenach.

After lunch I headed out to class...Four hours of everlasting boredom. What more could you ask for in a Tuesday evening?

When I got home I immediately made dinner as it was 8pm and I was ready to eat a horse.

While I made dinner, I sipped on a blueberry raspberry spritzer...It really seemed to take the edge off...

For dinner I had a baked sweet potato which I topped with peas, fresh tomato, and miso gravy. I also had some spinach for an added texture...

It kind of looks like a monster...but it was delish. I love my oven --- it bakes things soo quickly (I think that's due to the fact that it's broken...it continues to heat past the "requested" temperature which may mean explosion is in the near future) I baked that little potato in like 10 minutes...

After dinner, my roommate and I went out for one solid night: a beer and gossip.

Monday Morning You Sure Look Fine

There's is something a little more appealing about sleeping in than learning about the invention of the wheel...or what this thing called the "internet" is...That's why I have neglected that monday morning lecture a few times now in order to get my beauty sleep. I mean, I would rather be fully awake for my broadcasting class in the afternoon than look somewhat like a zombie...

So today after a little sleep in --- 10 am is sufficient --- I made myself some eggs and toast! Nothin' like making a monday feel like a saturday.

I bought this incredible walnut sourdough loaf from Brickstreet Bakery. Since then, it has been incorporated into all of my meals so that I finish her up before she goes bad on me --- I may look like a sourdough by the end of it...

I also had some apple to add a little fruity nutrients to the mix...

After breakfast, I did some work and then headed out to my afternoon class.

It was suchh a beautiful day; I don't remember the last time I was able to wear a sweater outside and be warm. I may have been jumping the gun just a LITTLE bit, but I am quite sick of dressing like the michelin man everyday.

After watching some nescasts from students last week, we headed out to do our second newstory..as much work as they are, I lovee them.

We finished just in the nick of time --- thank god for that! I was about to eat my arm off by the end of class. I did have a raisin bran muffin and a muffin to hold me over for a bit though.

I quickly put together dinner when I got home because I had to rush off to volleyball.

For dinner I baked a lemon and herb breaded fish fillet and sauted a medly of onions, beans, carrots, and tomatoes (a strange last ingredient but I had to use it up before it turned into mush.)
I also had some spinaach salad.

I was a little late to vball because of the oh-so reliable street car...I love how when you're in a hurry it chooses to come in the necessary direction every twenty minutes...

At least I showed up though...they almost got disqualified for not having a girl!

Nonetheless, we killed both teams...if I am following it right, I believe we're in the finals now!!

When I got home I had some yogurt and fruit --- garnished with some flax and nuts.

I spent the rest of the evening searching for bachelorETTE pads as I will be homeless as of May 1 --- getting a littttle nervous...

We Do Burgers.

It's not that I have refrained from eating for the past two weeks; it's just that I haven't really indulged into anything too exciting. As a result, I didn't want to bore you with another explanation of my bowl of oats...

However, let us step back a couple of days to bring us to Saturday as that was the day that I was oh so fortunate to dine with Garth, a visiting friend from BC, before I had to rush off to work.

I love going out to eat with "tourists" because I try to bring them to places that I haven't yet eaten at but have been dyying to try. This is quite a difficult task for me as once I find a place I like I tend not to venture beyond that...It's hard not bringing everyone and their mothers to Fresh.

So on Saturday after strolling around Kensington Market enjoying one of Toronto's first days of Spring (or what it felt like --- it has been soo bloody beautiful lately: an instant mood booster), we stepped into the Burger Bar. This decision was made soon after we ruled out The Grilled Cheese... I mean, at the time I didn't really feel like a grilled cheese and after reading the menu there I realized that oooh, it ONLY does grilled cheese.

So why not go to a place that ONLY does burgers...

Okay, it wasn't that select...They did do brunch as well..Breakfast burger anyone?

It being a Saturday afternoon, I opted for the brunch menu as I hadn't had breakfast and it was just feelin' like a brunch day --- (I never have weekends off work so whenever I can take advantage of brunch I do!)

Along with my sexy caesar (complete with parsely and garlic --- a lot of garlic at that) I had the Azul Eggs --- A nice long slice of toast topped with dijonaise, wilted spinach, poached eggs, and smoked salmon.


The dish usually comes smothered in hollandaise sauce, but I asked for mine on the side so I could actually taste the "sandwich."

It was accompanied with a fresh arugula salad and sweet potato fries. The fries were soo good as they were coated with rock salt --- mmm...salt...

As much as Garth wanted eggs, he felt that it only seemed appropriate to get what the place apparently specializes in: burgers...

With so many burger toppings to choose from, he went for the Market Burger blended with chipotle which came equipped with arugula pesto, goat cheese, blue cheese, and some kind of green for aesthetic appeal...

It would have been nice if the bun didn't look like it had been sitting out on the counter for the past week...or if the burger lived up to its name. Garth didn't seem too impressed with his choice...but he ate it nonetheless.

For a place that calls itself the bar of burgers, it really should work on its claim to fame.

I was satisfied with my pick --- I guess you just have to venture away from the burgers in order to be impressed --- and regardless, I was satisfied with my lunch date!