Homemade Pumpkin Butter

As of yesterday, fall is officially upon us. And that means cooking and baking with my favourite fall ingredient: pumpkin. As soon as I saw this recipe for homemade pumpkin butter, I knew it’d be the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of the fall season. Thick, creamy and full of delicious pumpkin flavour, this pumpkin butter is nothing short of amazing. It is so deliriously good that I could eat this by the spoonful (which I did). It’s also delicious slathered on toast, on top of pancakes, as a dip for apple slices, and swirled into yogurt. Expect to see lots of pumpkin related recipes as the season progresses.

Fall Trend: Fashion Sweatshirts

When I think of sweatshirts, stylish certainly isn’t the first thing that comes to my mind. This fall, however, that’s all about to change as fashion sweatshirts are majorly trending. I was a bit weary of the trend at first; however, after perusing online I discovered many luxe sweatshirts that I adore. Sweatshirts are no longer frumpy and causal; they’re glammed up with embellishments like sequins and jewels, leather and quilted textures, and colourful prints and patterns. I love that you get the comfort and looseness from a sweatshirt, while being chic and modern. It’s also extremely versatile as you can wear it with pretty much anything. For a causal look, pair it with jeans or pants, or dress it up with a flouncy or pencil skirt.

1. All Saints Scratch Sweat  2. J.Crew Painted Jewel Sweatshirt  3. Topshop Knitted Quilted Sweat  4. R13 Leather Panel Sweatshirt  5. Kenzo Reptile-Jacquard Jersey Sweatshirt  6. Splendid Leopard Print Sweatshirt

London Love

Can't go to London without having some fish and chips

I’ve been documenting my London trip for the past little while and looking back through my many photos, it puts a smile on my face and makes me reminisce the adventures I had there. Although it is long over and went by way too quickly, it has created memories that I will never forget. Here are some of my favourite random photos from my trip.

I think everyone could benefit from having a mad hatters chair in their place

Beautiful view of Westminster Abbey

Gorgeous flowers in the College Gardens of Westminster Abbey

On my way to Hogwarts (I'm a Harry Potter nerd)

Amazing blueberry mojitos that I need to learn how to recreate 

Love the buildings there, especially when set behind a bed of flowers

Laduree macarons from Paris

The closest I'll probably ever get to David Beckham

TIFF 2013: Swarovski Fashion Suite

Last week I attended a preview of the exclusive Swarovski Fashion Suite at the Trump Hotel before it opened its doors for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The Fashion Suite glittered and glistened with jewelry and accessories that were absolutely stunning and luxurious. Some of the sparkling collections on display included: Catwalk (first shown during Paris Fashion Week), Red Carpet, Romeo and Juliet (inspired by the upcoming movie), Nirvana, Secret Treasures, and the Atelier Swarovski collaboration with designers such as Christopher Kane and Zaldy. 

Since TIFF began on September 5, the Fashion Suite is on hand to style celebrities and media personalities. Celebs are also gifted with Swarovski goodies from the Nirvana Collection, including the classic Nirvana ring which a giant replica was flown in from Cannes and stands proudly on display. There are way too many to be shown, but here's a look at some of the gorgeous pieces from the suite.

Pierre Herme Macarons

Macarons are one of my favourite guilty pleasures. I simply adore these cute little treats; you may even call it a slight obsession. I had heard Pierre Herme macarons are one of the best in the world (along with Laduree which I also had the pleasure of trying), and I couldn’t wait to sink my sweet tooth into them in London. With stores in Paris, London, Dubai, Tokyo and Hong Kong, they are known around the world for their unique flavour combinations.

The beautiful display at the London store was so pretty and colourful (unfortunately you're not allowed to take pictures of it). Deciding what flavors to get proved difficult as I wanted them all, but in the end I got a cute box of 7 macarons: salted butter caramel, apricot & pistachio, rose & rose petal, milk chocolate & passion fruit, rose, lychee & raspberry, lime & red berries, and yogurt & raspberry.

The verdict? It was love at first bite. They were simply the most delicious, mouthwatering macarons I’ve ever tasted (it's a tie with Laduree, I love both equally). Light, airy and crispy, they literally melted in my mouth and invigorated my taste buds with delightful swirls of sweet and intense flavours. The flavour combinations worked exceptionally well together and each bite of these beautiful little discs was pure perfection. I was in macaron heaven.

Fall Trend: Powder Pink

I can’t believe it’s September already and that means fall is quickly approaching. Another trend I’m loving this upcoming season is powder pink.  Pastels are typically reserved for spring, but this season this lovely muted pink is softening fall’s colour palette. I’m definitely a pink kind of girl but I especially love how pale and feminine this hue is. It’s a refreshing contrast to all the darker colours that fall is usually associated with. I can't wait to embrace my uber girly side this fall and be powder pink pretty.

1. Chloe Shift Dress  2. Valentino Double Handle Bag  3. Marni Pleated Sleeveless Blouse  4. Zara Wool Cardigan  5. Prada Bicolor Pointed-Toe Bow Flat  6. Valentino Rockstud Pump  7. Roksanda Ilincic Tilton Wool-Blend Crepe Skirt  8. Ted Baker Embellished Neck Jumper  9. Mango Jacquard Baggy Trousers