Jamesie's Almond Date Scones

Last weekend I woke up to my condo smelling like sweet cinnamon and baking; I knew James was up to something! He spent the morning baking these delicious almond date scones, a recipe he dreamed up and brought to life. We were both so pleased with how they turned out, we decided to make them again a couple of days ago!

I'd happily invite you over to come and share a batch with us, but they never last! These soft, buttery balls of baked dough are easy to make and an absolute treat to share with a group of friends.

Shopping & Sushi With Strum (+ contest)

Lately it seems that everyone has been strumming in the city! Strum is the world's first customer experience app (available on iOS and Android), where users can leave feedback and photos for local businesses including retailers, coffee shops, restaurants and more. There is a point system in place for each time you "strum" a company that can help you redeem auctions and prizes.

Earlier this week I had the chance to strum around Queen Street West for some shopping and sushi dinner with James. Keep reading to find out how you can win $50 gift card to H&M!

We started our evening at To-ne Sushi to satisfy our dynamite roll craving...

If you live in Toronto or are visiting, you MUST go to To-ne Sushi. I've eaten out a lot in my life (especially sushi) and can honestly say this is the best. Quality and quantity is consistent and delicious!

Our order is almost always the same: shrimp + vegetable tempura, salmon roll and dynamite roll. The chefs at To-ne Sushi are very talented.

After filling our tummies we strolled over to H&M. We both decided we need items for the beach and occasional picnics; looks like we came to the right place!

For less than $50 we were able two pairs of shoes (sandals for him, crochet flats for me) and a cute hat!

What do you think of our new purchases from H&M? Now, if only the rain would go away so we could actually put these items to use.

I was really happy with how my night turned out, so I strum'd and wrote positive notes for both H&M and To-ne Sushi on Queen Street West!

WIN $50 GIFT CARD TO H&M!

Strum has offered to give my readers the chance to win $50 Gift Card to H&M! To enter, all you have to do is download Strum on your phone, and start strumming at all the places you go to.

The more you strum and leave comments/reviews, the more points you earn! You can use these points to bid on the $50 Gift Card to H&M, as well as other amazing auctions.

Good luck! I look forward to seeing who the winner is. :)

This is a sponsored post.

1. and start using it. We’ve hooked it up to Twitter so our friends can see the feedback that we leave but you can just as easily leave private feedback.
2.  Start leaving feedback. Each comment will earn you point(s) that you can use towards your bid.
3.  Bid on anything that you like in the auction.

- See more at: http://chicdarling.com/strum-provide-feedback-and-win-prizes/#sthash.rkPhwSSF.dpuf

1. Strumapp.com and download the app.
2.  Sign in and start using it. We’ve hooked it up to Twitter so our friends can see the feedback that we leave but you can just as easily leave private feedback.
3.  Start leaving feedback. Each comment will earn you point(s) that you can use towards your bid.
4.  Bid on anything that you like in the auction.

- See more at: http://chicdarling.com/strum-provide-feedback-and-win-prizes/#sthash.rkPhwSSF.dpuf

1. Strumapp.com and download the app.
2.  Sign in and start using it. We’ve hooked it up to Twitter so our friends can see the feedback that we leave but you can just as easily leave private feedback.
3.  Start leaving feedback. Each comment will earn you point(s) that you can use towards your bid.
4.  Bid on anything that you like in the auction.

- See more at: http://chicdarling.com/strum-provide-feedback-and-win-prizes/#sthash.rkPhwSSF.dpuf

Welcoming 2013

 

 (Photos by James)

Every year I host a Pre-New Years Bash at my house and invite a small group of close girlfriends. We usually have a potluck and do Secret Santa, exchanging gifts after enjoying a nice dinner. I started this tradition back in 2010 as a way to see them one last time before the year ended, but now it seems we also manage to spend New Years Eve together as well - which is amazing.

This was the third year and I decided to take charge and make it a little different with a Mexican feast. I was able to make this happen thanks to James, also known as The Guerrilla Gourmet, who gave up his entire Sunday to help me cook the meal while I prepared the smaller items, set up the table and did other things around the house.

In the midst of entertaining and eating I tried to get a few photos of the evening to share with you!

 

This is what the table looked like. For appetizers we had homemade tortilla chips and different kinds of dips including salsa, spicy avocado dip (almost like guacamole), and a layered 3-cheese, salsa and sour cream baked dip.

 

A photo of my lovely girlfriends right before we devoured everything.

 

You can see the burritos on the top right - we had many different kinds! If you're looking for a recipe, try this one. They are super filling and really yummy.

 

I prepared the Mexican rice from scratch.

 

This is what the homemade salsa looked like, it was sweet, tangy and delicious!

 

The avocado dip was sour and spicy... I practically ate this as my meal, it was so so good. 

 

Another group photo right before everyone headed home.

I forgot to get photos of dessert, but I opted for apple crumble with vanilla ice cream, as we didn't have enough time to make churros.

I hope you all had an amazing holiday and have a fantastic year ahead of you. I'd love to know what your resolutions are for 2013!