guides.

IT'S HERE!

IT'S HERE!

I'm pleased to present the official Sunrise Junction Holiday Gift Guide, 2011.

The irony in all of this is that my family and I actually gave up giving gifts a few years ago.

Since I'm in Toronto and my brothers were both away on international exchanges in 2009, we missed the holidays together and decided it was best to celebrate the season just as family. No gifts, no pressure.

However, there are a few things that I think would make fabulous presents for the family that we are adopting this holiday season. My mother taught us at an early age that we are all the same, so why is it the less privileged didn't get to eat sugary cereal too? In that, I always brought Fruit Loops on food collection days during elementary school.

Similarly to Christmas, what would be something really special to get, even within a reasonable price range?

Whether it be for your mother, sister, friend or a stranger - these are a few of my picks that can be individualized and personalized for whomever is on your list.

An Ork Poster of Your Home City.

I dream of one day having San Francisco, Toronto and Vancouver each framed in my living room.

Cost: $22 each, Ork Posters

Social Experiment Cocktail Ring

I recently stumbled upon Vancouver-based designer Georgia Heraty's Etsy site by chance and fell in love with her pieces. All her jewelry is inspired by the west coast, ocean, and nature - very homey to me after growing up in California and British Columbia.

My favourite piece is this starfish ring. Simple, elegant and sweet.

Cost: Prices vary, Social Experiment Etsy

Anthropologie Monogrammed Mug.

Being the child of very few personalized merchandise (I was always finding Patricia, not Portia) I love the idea of having something a little bit unique. There's something very special about opening up the cupboard in the morning and getting the cup that is yours, and only yours. No one else has your name here.

Cost: $8, Anthropolgie


Lingerie: The Evolution of Seduction Book.

Passing through the bookstore the other day I noticed the iconic picture used for the cover of this book and couldn't resist flipping through the pages. I've always loved the detailing of classic French corsets, lace and little details - this book is a treat for the eyes!

Cost: Approximently $20, Chapters/Indigo Books

Brass Moustache Bottle Opener.

This the spurge of the list - I have seen simpler versions of this corkscrew/bottle opener in black at various boutiques and nick knack stores (I believe Urban Outfitters may also carry a version) but fell in love with the gold colour of this one.

However, you have two options here:
1. Buy the nearly $100 version and have it for life. It's a fun staple to classic bar that some of us are starting to set up in our homes (gah we are getting old!)
2. Find the more inexpensive black plastic version and spray paint gold. Similar effect, less cash.

Cost: $98, Jonathan Adler

Cupcake Chardonay and/or Red Velvet Wine.

This is a treat of a wine to bring to a gathering. I had the pleasure of sharing the bottle of Red Velvet with some lovely ladies - it's sweet, perfect with simple cheeses and crackers.

Cost: $14.95 plus time with your friends.

A Special Breakfast.

I'm a big believer that sharing time with family and friends can be one of the greatest gifts of all. With our busy schedules, who has time to catch up besides a quick email or Facebook message? When we actually get together, that time is so precious.

Even better, who doesn't love brunch? I found these pancakes on my new favourite food blog, Raspberri Cupcakes, and had to share. I would recommend a breakfast date to make these pancakes, which are peppermint . Yum, yum, yum.

Cost: Time and ingredients.

Hope this helped, inspired or maybe gave you an idea for any last minute gifts!

In a pinch, a simple card with a personalized message is always the best gift to give. We don't use our kind words enough - compliments are free, give a few away today.

Happy Holidays!

bubbly.

There are life events that are monumental - weddings, first kisses, breakups, legal drinking age birthdays and graduations are just a few.

We celebrate these events with an abundance of positivity and time with the ones we love, accompanied by good wine and friends.

But what about when things are a little rough? What about those seemingly "normal" days that seem to require a little something for us to celebrate?

In a yoga class a few weeks ago a teacher said that in a the huge question of "what is the meaning of life?" that perhaps we are put here to simply enjoy what life is.

"Don't fear getting older, for it's a privilege denied to many."

I stumbled upon this sequence of little videos the other day that reflect all these philosophies - common days, celebrating events, and enjoying the day to the hilt. It also helps that most of us have been though one or a few of these events, making them more realistic.

Celebrating with new friends:


Crying with the old:


And taking time for yourself.


All this has got me wanting to try a red bubbly champagne - New Years Eve perhaps?

PS speaking of all this enjoyment, although my family is adopting a family for Christmas and not buying each other presents, I will still be releasing my gift guide of some things I've come across that are lovely for hostesses, mothers or a good friend that you want to get a little something for. Stay tuned!

contest.

Happy Sunday!

My giveaway contest officially starts today and I will announce the winner next Tuesday (because of Thanksgiving and such), October 11.

Why is she doing this?

Well, I gotta admit that I'm still pretty pumped that I made it to over 20,000 views and want to celebrate some new projects/features that will be coming up this autumn.

Funny enough, my Twitter account will also have reached 2,000 tweets soon, so this seems like the perfect time to celebrate and connect both of these milestones (can I say that?)

So what's in it for me?

Oh this is a good prize. It's going to be more female-influenced with some fashion, beauty products and music items...

What do I have to do?

Easy peasy lemon squeezy, although you will need a Twitter or email account.

If you have Twitter:DM me with your name and what your favourite post is/was from 2011. If you have feedback and want to put it in under 140 characters (positive or negative, it's all good) go for it!

My Twitter is www.twitter.com/PortiaLoretta

If you have only email: E-mail me your name and what your favourite post is/was from 2011 at plfavro@yahoo.com

I'll put all the names in a generator which will select the name of the winner. All you have to do it message/email me once, and your name goes into the hat! Feel free to spread it along friends, family, etc.

Thanks again for all your support and let the games begin!

salad.

Instead of meeting up for one too many coffees, a few of my friends and I have started a new weekly ritual: girls yoga.

I must say, it was such a nice way to start the day - stretching, sharing workout tips and getting some catchup time.

Post-Om, we decided to congregate back in my apartment for lunch (healthy of course). One lady brought salad dressing, one brought corn and arugla, and together, we put together a green salad and also what I'll call Yogi salad. Yogi salad could be perfect just on its own, but definitely good mixed with the greens as well. It's light, fresh and good for you.

Much like my mother, I cook with a mix of ingredients and measurements. Some people find it insane, but I love to work with the food - if I feel like it needs more of this or that, I make it up and mix until things taste right. Personally, I like my food to have a kick of spice, zest, hot or sweet, so adjust your dish accordingly. The leftovers pack up nicely for lunch the next day too!

Yogi Salad

1 can of chickpeas
1/2 red onion
1/2 cucumber
1-2 cobs of corn (preferably fresh)
1 clove of garlic
1-2 tb olive oil
lemon juice
balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper (to taste)

Drain chickpeas and pour into a bowl. Chop red onion and garlic each coarsely, cube the cucumber.

If you are cooking a fresh ear of corn, do so and then cut the kernels off the cob.

Add the ingredients together and mix.

Depending on the size of your salad, add about one to two tablespoons of olive oil, a dash of lemon juice and a drip of balsamic. This is where you can really customize the salad based on yours and/or your guests taste preferences. Season with salt and pepper and enjoy!

What are you favourite post-workout recipes?

limes.

It's officially my summer break and I'm excited to start ticking things off my to-do and to-see list of activities, book and movies. One of the other things that I'm playing with are summer drink recipes that are easy to make (more time to be out loving the sun and socializing) and yummy. Lately, I've been obsessed with pink lemonade - here's my latest concoction.

Portia' Pink Lemonade:
- fill up a glass with pink lemonade
- top off with a touch of raspberry vodka
- add the juice of half a lime
- ice

Stir well and enjoy! This is very much determined on how strong you want it to be - it's very refreshing in the afternoon! I also threw in a couple of sliced strawberries and put it in a Mason jar for my finesse.

Happy Weekend!

spinach.

While talking to a friend back home last night, se was making dinner and l trying to focus on talking to me and cook. Needless to say, it was a one-man show, and I adore her to death. I could hear her yummies sizzling in the background and her banter on how the yam fries were being weird.

She got me thinking, and I've realized that I've had a lack of entertainment/how-to posts as of late. After racking my brain, I found the best recipe and fun activity for you and your friends one night.

After one too many romantic infractions and so-so dates, sometimes the best thing to have is an evening in with your friends. Back in January, a friend and decided on yet another impromptu dinner night - she brought the wine and chicken, and we split the cost of some of the other ingredients. Two girls trying to make crepes for dinner? Let the laughter begin.

underground.

It's that time of the year - yes, Christmas is upon (the red cups are already out at Starbucks!) but rather for students, professionals and other work-related functions, our final projects, term papers and reports are all due in a matter of weeks. The best thing to remember is to relax and know that you've done everything that you can, and if you're still working on it, get your butt off the couch and get it done as opposed to whining!

Along with it being busy academically, this is also the prime social event time of the year. When I log onto Facebook every morning, I have a plethora of events in Kelowna, BC and Toronto and people have invited me to. Christmas parties, girls nights, boyfriend's band concerts, etc. After talking to my dear friend on the phone yesterday and remembering that I have not slept or eaten in about three days due to social engagements, she replied "That's fabulous, but you should eat something."

It got me thinking about the opportunities. Here I was, whining that I got to go to a glamorous girls night over the weekend, and I'm finding that amiss all my schoolwork, I'm trying to take advantage of the city and enjoy the season more so this year than ever before. It's really true - older colleagues, parents and friends have all said that life just gets busier as you grow up, but it's fun. Yes, schoolwork takes the top spot in my life, but with that amount more homework, there's always a party to counterbalance it. It's the classic (excuse my cliche, please) "work hard, play harder" idea.

Keep your eyes peeled, I'll be posting my first review in awhile for The Take Media in the next few days - as a sneak peak, if you're not going to the Drake Hotel for Elvis Mondays, you're missing out.

Off to write, essay and study. What a fun evening, but I'm attending two shows, dancing and have a Christmas party this weekend. Whens a girl to sleep when life has so much light? I have great friends who support and sparkle beside me everyday to help make this all happen.

dayofbirth.

I love October 23rd. I'm finally 21 and feel so old - but amiss all the homework I have to do, I'm going out to celebrate this evening and loving life so much right now. I'm beyond blessed to have so many magical and caring people in my life who remembered to send a card, a thought, a text, or say happy birthday. Seriously, it's not even noon on my birthday and I'm already on cloud nine.

So today's post is dedicated to celebration and indulgence for your one day. Mine is going to be filled with all things girly, fun, yoga, and (yay!) sunshine finally.

1. A lovely breakfast (at Tiffany's perhaps?)2. Indulge in some of your favourite things.

3.Make cupcakes.
4.Plan a lovely evening. I like dancing.
5.Gather your friends, don a lovely dress and celebrate.
6. Have your best friend by your side.
PS shall have pictures from my party tonight - I have a wicked theme that I'm really excited about!

impromptu.

Sunday mornings are one of my favourite times of the week - sleeping in, too much coffee, recounting last night's festivities and perhaps a bit homework (not my first choice, but c'est la vie) but nighttime is always my hater time of the week. I look over all my work to be done, events and work schedule, have a freak out and then get my cool back.

How about combating that with an impromptu girls dinner night?

This week, I spent the afternoon at my lovely friend Hayley's workplace, The Clay Room on the Danforth, painting a teapot and enjoying the Greek sunshine. Afterwards, she popped by my apartment and we amalgamated different ingredients each of us had to make dinner. It was extremely home-y and got my mind off the crazy week ahead.

How to do impromptu:

look: in your cupboard/fridge and see what you have (of course): If one of you has a good base of ingredients, such as lettuce/romaine, pasta, etc. take it as a jumping off point

delegate: Hayley picked up some nice bread, sun-dried tomatoes and salad fixings. The other two of us used what we had in our own collection and spread things out to see what would work

appies: are fantastic. My roommate Alicia donated her brie cheese, which we baked in the oven with sun-dried tomatoes (her recipe from home) and enjoyed it with crackers while assembling the main dish
She spread the tomatoes on it and baked it in the oven for about 30 minutes.

time: I believe in enjoying your food, so take the time to taste and savour (wow I sound cheesy) and visit with your dinner companions.

assemble: I put together the salad while the other girls chatted. Maybe it's the domestic diva in me, but I love it.

mange:You worked hard and enjoy your creations! Ours was spring salad greens with romaine, sliced grape tomatoes, purple/red onion and homemade red wine vinaigrette. Alongside was some toasted bread, mason jars for water glasses and watching Sister Wives on TLC after.
Desert: It's me, so of course I made cupcakes. Did I take a picture? I forgot and they all got eaten. Next time!

Bored? Have friends? I say have an impromptu dinner. It makes things more interesting and you get social time out of it.

PS happy October! (my favourite month of the year)

vino.

I like to think of this blog as my little ode to things that cross my path that I find lovely. Currently, it appears to be wine and interesting ways of entertaining...I hope you enjoy another post on something fantastic to enjoy!

Bear Flag Wine caught my eye with it's interesting bottle label. The white is fantastic, a mix of chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, symphony, French colombard, and muscat wines. It's complex, as you're not quite sure what type of white you are having at first - but after serving it at my party, everyone was happy.

The labels are so personal looking, and I've taken my bottle and am using it in my room as a vase. After some more digging, I found out that the artist is Eduardo Bertone, whose personal website has a large portfolio of his work. His work is unique, and brings back more original and interesting works of art compared to the multimedia/digital design that we are seeing in so many forms today. Below are more examples of his work.

Make sure you pick up a bottle of Bear Flag the next time you're getting together with friends - let me know what you think!

fête.

There are few things better than relaxing on your back deck with a glass of wine in hand and a good friend by your side. With many of my friends leaving to head back to university, I decided to mix things up a little bit. I made my gathering an open house, to allow people more flexibility with their Saturday night plans. My first guests arrived around 5pm, and continuously came and went over the next few hours, until we took the gathering downtown. I wasn't stressed, had no prep work to do while guests arrived, and was hosting about four people at a time, which made it more comfortable for connections to be made. Isn't it fantastic when things work out and you didn't plan it that way?

PINK SANGRIA

I love the idea of having a signature drink that all guests can have (hint for other students - this was also inexpensive!) My drink of choice is always rosé wine, and after I found this recipe in Chatelaine Magazine, but put my own spin on it.
(picture via my lovely friend Tyler-Rae!)
Chop:
1 firm peach into small pieces
1 cup of watermelon

Half 5 large strawberries

1 handful of raspberries and 1 handful of blackberries

1 bottle of rosé wine (750-mL)

2 cups of white grape juice.

Put all the fruit into a large pitcher. Add the white grape juice and one 750-mL bottle of rosé wine (I used Beringer's White Zinfandel) Mix together carefully with a large wooden spoon. Cove and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or longer. When serving, add a can of soda water to the pitcher and pour over a few pieces of ice.

This was the most requested recipe from the evening - enjoy enjoy enjoy. Here's a few more pictures of the garden theme...




More entertainment posts to come! Let me know what you think!
*Photography by Portia Favro.