The Belt Bag

I dig it and always have! 🙂

Although, not always functional, it is definitely a situational wear when you are looking to go hands free. Belt bags are super convenient and now there are some serious chic options out there! I adore how SJP rocks this Chanel.

Chanel Belt Bag SJPAnd here are some of my other top picks!

louis

Louis Vuitton Nasty GalNasty Gal

Celine Bum BagCeline

xx!

Understand Ayahuasca

What sparked my interest in Ayahuasca, a medicinal plant found in the Amazon was the experience of Michael Sanders, who ventured to Peru to experience the healing effects of this psychedelic plant. In light of the launch of the crowdfunding campaign for his book Ayahuasca: An Executive’s Enlightenment, I thought I’d share some information on this medicinal plant + some insight of what you can expect from his upcoming book.

For centuries, South American shamans have been using Ayahuasca, a psychedelic plant medicine to heal people physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Treating conditions ranging from depression to cancer, it is often referred to as “30 years of psychotherapy in a cup.”

Ayahuasca also known as “Vine of the Soul” has shown a powerful effect on one’s spiritual process and can enable, healing, awakening, and understanding. This medicinal brew triggers a release of negative energy and emotions that can lead to a spiritual awakening, relating to one’s purpose, the true nature of the universe, higher spiritual dimensions and how to better oneself as a person. Additionally, there are many ways Ayahuasca has helped individuals heal physically. It has been shown to aid in the cure of depression, addiction, chronic fatigue, anxiety, pain, trauma, and disease.

Now Ayahuasca is not suited for everyone, but it is an alternative form of healing that is gaining more attention in Western culture, opening eyes to the renewing properties of the unconscious mind. It is fascinating experiences like Michael’s that will transform your way of thinking.

I was fortunate enough to take pleasure in reading a sample chapter from Michael’s, Ayahuasca: An Executive’s Enlightenment.  With a taste of 31 pages referencing his first of three shamanistic ceremonies, I was engaged with fascination and wonderment. His words are instantly entrancing, his details are poetic in nature; the pages combined offer a read that flows without effort, leaving the mind at ease to explore a world unknown. Knowing Michael personally I had high expectations of the eloquence to be displayed in his book, and in this short chapter I can surely say that he exceeded my expectation and his writing is in company with the likes of great literature.

Each word exudes pure brilliance as Michael dives into the details about his journey to Peru on the quest for clarity and enlightenment. Deep in the Amazon jungle, he partakes in three shamanistic ceremonies with the psychedelic plant medicine known as Ayahuasca. What Michael experiences shatters the paradigm of reality in which he formerly operated and opens his mind to new, wonderful ways of thinking about life and the universe.

I predict that this book will be nothing short of magical and inspiring to people around the world.

I highly recommend you jump on the support wagon and pre-order your copy of Ayahuasca: An Executive’s Enlightenment, I guarantee you will not be disappointed as you get lost in his words and left awestruck. Plus, by backing the project, you will save up to $1,200 on an Ayahuasca retreat in the Amazon jungle. 🙂

Ayahuasca An Executive's EnlightenmentBe Enlightened. xx

The Prophet

The Prophet- Kahil Gibran

Published in 1923 and translated into more than twenty languages, this book is truly a timeless masterpiece and in my opinion should be the universal bible. A must read for all.

Each sentence is undoubtedly magical in its words and massages your soul with satisfaction and yearn for more. It’s one of those books that flows so beautifully that it is hard to put down, yet each verse explodes with profound insight that you need to break and absorb the brilliance.

Gibran’s philosophy on life is poetic, lucid, and a classic for all to live by for all time. He gracefully touches on 26 of the most important aspects of life and his words are powerfully intense. Touching on love, giving, work, joy and sorrow, freedom, pain, friendship, time, and more, there is no point that’s overlooked. These 96 pages are an all-consuming read, filled with enlightenment and wonder. You will not be disappointed.

The Prophet certainly tops my lists for a must read, must have, and a must live. Please treat yourself and get lost in the eloquent words of Mr. Kahil Gibran.

The Prophet

 Just Read. xx

Race Recap- Toronto Yonge Street 10K

Now that was refreshing! And not because I opted for shorts and a t-shirt in cooler than expected temps. Refreshing because 10K was a walk in the park compared to the memories that linger from ATB’s 30K.

I was really looking forward to running a 10K race and relishing in the ease of a shorter distance compared to what I had been clocking in long runs, leading up to ATB. This race was for pure fun with no serious expectation on hitting a certain time. I knew I would beat anything prior thanks to a flat and downhill route and was banking on finishing around 52:00. The last 10K race I ran was the Women’s Set the Pace in August, at 55:16 and I crushed that time with 50:36! I was all smiles post race and my recovery was a dream, I felt/feel so great!

race results

I’m running the Sporting Life 10K in less than 3 weeks, I’m hoping I can clock a sub 50 this time, which I’m quite hopeful for. Let’s hope there aren’t crazy winds like there was on Sunday, although the cold temps may have given me that extra push to hit the next block of sunshine on the shadow covered streets.

Will keep you posted on how it goes!

TYS10KGet Running! xx

Herb Crusted Salmon

This recipe is a new household favourite and if looking to entertain, this one will be sure to impress your guests. I’m still impressed each time I whip it together, it is just so good! I have decided it will be my new go to dish for when friendships join for dinner- who’s coming over!? 🙂 It is simple in its preparation and  explodes with flavour, the perfect dish to kick off the spring season.

salmon ingredientsI have only tried it with salmon, but this herb crust would be absolutely amazing on just about anything. I stumbled across this tasty dish on one of my favourite food blogs, Freshness GF, followed it to point (per filet) and it was perfect.

Now for the accompanying salad. This may look a bit familiar (see here) however I adapted it for a more spring-like pop of flavour. Omitting the salty variable and adding cucumber and pomegranates to freshen it up! Again this colourful, flavourful mix is a great addition to just about any protein and leftovers make a great salad topper.

salad ingredientsHerb Crusted Salmon (yields 3 servings)

  • 3 salmon filet
  • salt and pepper
  • 3 tsp mustard
  • 3 tsp honey
  • 6 Tbsp fresh herbs (cilantro or parsley or both) – I use both!
  • 3 Tbsp gluten free bread crumbs
  • 3 clove garlic
  • 3 tsp olive oil
  • 3 Tbsp walnuts
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Lay salmon in baking dish.  Season with salt and pepper.  Mix honey and mustard together, spoon over salmon, coating it evenly. Think of it as the glue.
  2. In a food processor, combine herbs, bread crumbs, garlic, oil and walnuts.  Chop until finely blended.  Spoon over salmon evenly including the sides.
  3. Bake for 12-15 minutes. When you start to see white oozy parts, it’s done.

Pomegranate, Corn, Pepper Salad

  • 2 cups corn
  • seeds from 1 pomegranate
  • 1/2 a cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 a red pepper, diced
  • 1/2 an orange pepper, diced
  • 1/2 a red onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup of heirloom tomatoes, diced
  • 2 cups arugula

This recipe is a quick one to whip together, and you really can add as much or as little as you like of each ingredient. The flavours will still pop.

  1. Soften onion and peppers in a frying pan for about 8-12 minutes.
  2. Remove from skillet and cool.
  3. Stir in tomatoes, cucumber, and pomegranate.
  4. Serve on a bed of arugula with herb crusted salmon, and a squeeze of lime.

herb crusted salmonEnjoy! xx