Vegan Chocolate Coconut Cupcakes

I have been obsessing over this KitchenAid mixer for a little while now. 

I finally caved in and bought it last week and made some birthday cupcakes over the weekend. I found this great vegan chocolate cupcake recipe. It has no butter or eggs in it but it makes the moistest cake ever! Still not as great as cupcakes with tons of butter and eggs but WAY healthier! 

I added a coconut milk buttercream topped with toasted coconuts. 

Chocolate Cupcake Recipe: 

1 cup coconut milk

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

1/3 cup olive oil

3/4 cup sugar 

1-2 tsp vanilla extract 

1 cup flour 

1/3 cup cocoa powder 

1/2 tsp baking powder

3/4 tsp baking soda 

1/4 tsp salt 

1. Preheat oven to 350⁰C
2. Mix vinegar and milk together and let sit for about 5 minutes
3. Whisk milk and vinegar mixture with oil, sugar and vanilla 
4. In another large bowl, add all dry ingredients together 
5. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until smooth
6. Ladle the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them about two-thirds of the way full. Place in oven and bake for 25 minutes, until a bamboo skewer or tooth pick inserted in the center comes out clean. 
7. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove from pan and let cool on rack. Once cool, you can coat with frosting. 

Coconut Milk Frosting:

3/4 cup coconut milk

1 tbsp flour 

3/4 cup butter 

3/4 cup sugar

1/4 tsp coconut extract 

coconut flakes

1. In the cup you measure your coconut milk in, slowly add the flour while mixing.
2. In a small sauce pan, bring your milk and flour mixture to a boil over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes or until thickened. 
3. Remove from heat and allow it to cool until room temperature. 
4. In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. 
5. Add the milk mixture and extract beating on a high speed until it is the texture of whipped cream. 
6. OPTIONAL: add coconut flakes to your frosting. 

Toasted Coconut Flakes: 

1. Separate half of your coconut flakes 
2. In a pan covered with aluminum foil, sprinkle a thin layer of coconut flakes 
3. On low heat slowly toast coconut flakes until slightly golden
4. Add the toasted coconut flakes to your untoasted coconut flakes and mix 
5. Sprinkle on top of frosted cupcakes

ENJOY!

Happy Halloween!!

Our first time carving pumpkins! Turned out pretty well! 

Have a Fun and Safe Halloween!! 

Isa Knox Pore Sebum Mask Review

Sorry I have no picture of this, I forgot to take it before I threw the package out.

I have never heard of this mask nor the brand before but it was on sale in Korea, so I bought it. When i took it out, it wasn't juicy enough. The mask did fit well to my face, and it had those eye cover things, which I cut off and put on the areas where the mask didn't cover. I left the mask on for about 20 minutes. After removing I didn't really notice any result that wowed me. I went to sleep and the next morning, skin still looked and felt the same. I used the serum that was left over in the package (cuz I'm cheap that way) and mixed it with a bit of salt (you can use sugar, but I use salt as an antiseptic) and made a scrub out of it. I scrubbed my face down with this mixture for about 30-60 seconds. Rinsed it off with warm water and my face was baby smooth!! I think the mask itself did nothing for my skin but the left over serum in the package is great for making a diy scrub!

How to tie your Sperry Topsiders

1. Take one side of your shoe lace
2. Make a loop 
3. Take the strand on your right side and take it and hoop it around so it is back on the right side 
4. Continue doing this till you have 5-6 loops around your original strand. 
5. When you have 5-6 loops, put the end through the hoop 
6. Pull the whole curled part up until its tight. 
7. Once both sides of your shoe laces are curled, tie in a knot. 

Rose Gold Sperry Topsiders

After walking all over Europe, I found out I don't have a pair of comfy shoes that I can travel in. I decided to get a pair of Sperry Topsiders after trying them on. They remind me of my grandma and my mom because when I was little these were what they wore. In my opinion, these boat shoes are not the most fashionable but they sure are comfy! I choose the rose gold ones as I find rose gold matches a lot of the things in my wardrobe and it doesn't feel as old school. What do you think? What shoes do you travel in?

Chanel Reissue 2.55

After a long time, I finally decided to take the plunge and get a medium Reissue 2.55. I bought it while I was visiting France in the spring. I was going to get it early this year prior to their price increase in February, but I just missed it by a day :(. My Chanel store had already increased the prices so I waited till France to get it. I can't quite remember the price now that I've spent the money, but I believe it was about 3450 Euros plus a 400 US$ tax refund. So it turned out to be much cheaper than getting it in Canada. It took me a long time to decide if i wanted the Reissue or the Classic flap as it was quite a bit of money to spend. I finally decided on the Reissue 2.55 because the classic flap just looked like I borrowed someone's bag. Its a beautiful bag and I said I wasn't going to buy any more for a while, but I really want a WOC in a fun color :P!!! Here are pictures of me opening it!! Enjoy!

The pretty packaging! 

:)! 

   

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man

A couple of friends at work were talking about a book called "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man" by Steve Harvey. I don't think I have had troubles with men, maybe because I don't think or act enough like a lady. I am very simple and actually don’t think very much. I was curious, so I started reading this book. Here's an excerpt from Harvey (2009) that made me think about my relationship and the relationships around me.   

Nothing on this planet can compare with a woman's love - it is kind and compassionate patient and nurturing, generous and sweet and unconditional. Pure. If you are her man, she will walk on water and through a mountain for you, too, no matter how you've acted out, no matter what crazy thing you've done, no matter the time or demand. If you are her man, she will talk to you until there just aren't any more words left to say, encourage you when you're at rock bottom and think there just isn't any way out, hold you in her arms when you're sick, and laugh with you when you're up. And if you're her man and that woman loves you - I mean really loves you? - she will shine you up when you're dusty, encourage you when you're down, defend you even when she's not so sure you were right, and hang on our every word, even when you're not saying anything worth listening to. And no matter what you do, no matter how many times her friends say you're no good, no matter how many times you slam the door on the relationship, she will give you her very best and then some, and keep right on trying to win over your heart, even when you act like everything she's done to convince you she's The One just isn't good enough.
That's a woman's love - it stands the test of time, logic, and all circumstance.
And this is exactly how you all expect us men to love you in return. Ask any woman what kind of love she wants from a man, and it will sound something like this: I want him to be humble and smart, fun and romantic, sensitive and gentle, and, above all, supportive. I want him to look in my eyes and tell me I'm beautiful and that I complete him. I want a man who is vulnerable enough to cry when he's hurting, who will introduce me to his mother with a smile on his face, who loves children and animals, and who is willing to change diapers and wash dishes and do it all without me having to ask. And if he has a nice body and a lot of money and expensive shoes without scuffs, that would be great, too. Amen. 

Well, I'm here to tell you that expecting that kind of love - that perfection - from a man is unrealistic. That's right, I said it - it's not gonna happen, no way, no how. Because a man's love isn't like a woman's love.

Don't get it confused, now - I'm not saying that we're not capable of loving. I'm just saying that a man's love is different - much more simple, direct, and probably a little harder to come by. I'll tell you this much: a man who is in love with you is probably not going to call you every half hour and give you an update on how much more he loves you at 5:30 P.M. then he did at 5:00 P.M.; he's not going to sit around stroking your hair and wiping your brow with cold compresses while you sip hot tea and nurse yourself back to health.

His love is still love, though.

It's just different from the love that women give and, in a lot of cases, want.
I argue that if you simple recognize how, exactly, a man loves, you might find that the man standing in front of you is, indeed, giving you his all and then some. 

Honestly, I am probably exactly the opposite type of woman he described in the beginning. However, reading this little excerpt has made me realize that even though I am not that woman, I have found a man who has done most of the things Harvey says a man isn’t going to do for a woman.  And if your man hasn’t done those things, I think you really need to “simple recognize…[that] indeed, [he is] giving you his all and then some.”

What type of woman are you? and what man are you looking for?

Reference: 

Harvey, S. (2009). Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man. New York: Harper Collins Publisher. 

Wedding Month!

Korres Lip Butter Review

I know I have reviewed this product before, but I found a pack of these for an AMAZING deal! I found 3 lip butters for $8! So i snatched it right up as my Jasmine lip butter was almost out! This time I picked up Jasmine, Wild Rose and Mango. 

Right to Left: Jasmine Mango, Wild Rose

I purchased Jasmine again because it was so moisturizing and I sometimes use it on my cuticles and my super dry nose.  The two new ones are Mango and Wild Rose. I love both! I have been using Wild Rose a lot because it gives a "just bitten" color to my lips. And Mango! the smell is delicious! I could sniff that stuff all day! 


So below is a summary of what the lip butter is courtesy of Sephora.com


"What it is:
A rich, buttery lip balm that melts on the lips and offers a shiny, tinted finish. 

What it does:This rich butter leaves lips deeply moisturized, supple, and kissably soft. Korres Lip Butters are formulated with natural oils and extracts to soothe and condition lips. Shea butter and rice wax provide lasting hydration and softness. This shiny, juicy pop of color comes in an array of "flavors" and is ideal for dry lips. 

What it is formulated WITHOUT:- Parabens- Sulfates- Synthetic Fragrances- Petrochemicals- Phthalates- GMOs- Triclosan"

Wild Rose: 
Has a faint smell of rose. Gives a nice "just bitten" color to you lips. Great for giving a bit of color to you face. I use it sometimes as a blusher too if I forget mine. Texture is very moisturizing and not sticky. 


Mango: 
YUMMI would be how I describe the scent. Honestly, it doesn't really smell like Mango, but it has a very fruity smell that isnt too sweet. The color pay off is just right for me. It's sheer but has a pretty coral tint to it. 


Who would like these? 
If you are not usually a lip stick wearer. Someone who doesn't want a really opaque color on their lips. Someone who wants super soft moist lips! 

Have you tried Korres lip butters? Which is your favorite??

Leopard Print

Black T-shirt: Gap 

Army Green Cargo Jeggings: American Eagle

Leather Jacket: Hong Kong 

Vintage Chanel Button Necklaces: Florence

Calf Hair Leopard Flats: Banana Republic similar one here

Rebecca Minkoff Leopard Mac similar one here

Sneak Peak!

Here is a sneak peak of what I purchased in Paris!

Paris (Picture Heavy!)

As I told you guys yesterday, I traveled to Paris, London, and parts of Italy. Out of all those places, Paris was my favorite. I loved their food and culture and architecture. Just wanted to share some of the pictures I took while in Paris.

Duck Confit 

Best Croissant EVER! 

Notre Dame Cathedral Paris

Inside Notre Dame

Louvre Paris

Arc de Triomphe Paris

Galeries Lafayette

Laduree! After this, I don't think I will ever find any other macaroons that taste the same! :)!!! 

Escargots

No wonder why I got fat! I had this for breakfast! 

Mom and I at the Eiffel Tower

Louis Vuitton, didnt buy anything though. 

Best buckwheat crepe ever! @ Breizh Cafe 

Have you been to Paris? What was your favorite part? 

Tomato Bruschetta

So after a trip to Italy, I was inspired to make my own tomato bruschetta. It looked relatively straight forward and after Google-ing some recipes online, I created my own (as I didn't have any basil at home).

Here is what I used: 
Makes 2 pieces
1 hot house tomato
Small piece of garlic (minced/mashed)
Fresh or dried parsley and thyme (as much as you desire)
2 pieces of light rye
Salt
Olive Oil
Butter

How to make it: 
1. Chop your tomato into small pieces
2. Using a garlic press, mash up your garlic
3. Combine tomatoes, garlic, parsley and thyme together
4. Add a sprinkle of salt
5. Toast your two pieces of rye
6. Lightly butter
7. Spoon tomato mixture on bread
8. Drizzle small amount of olive oil over toast
9. Enjoy!

Europe Haul!

So if you red some of my previous posts, you would of figured out I was in Europe. I traveled to Paris, London, Venice, Milan, Florence, Pisa, and Rome. It was absolutely amazing! Shopping was mainly pretty expensive, however I did pick up some stuff! Heres my haul! 

In Paris, I picked up something from Chanel, and some skincare products (I will reveal what I bought at Chanel soon!) Paris had some great deals on skincare products! I bought my usual Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum for 40 euro ($51 Cdn!). Sephora sells the exact same serum for 90$ in Canada! I also picked up some Bioderma moisturizers which are not sold in Canada. 

In London, I bought my favorite Earl Gray tea No.42 from Harrods and the Cath Kidston mug was gifted from my lovely cousin. 

Florence, I found some great deals at Prada which I will reveal in another post as well and the vintage Chanel button necklaces which I have shown in a previous post!    

Hope you liked my haul!! 

Cheers! 

Rome

Cute cops in Rome! 

What I'm wearing: 

Joe Fresh Black Baggy T-shirt 

Marc by Marc Jacobs rose gold watch 

Ray Ban Aviators 

Vintage Chanel necklaces

Vintage Chanel

Yesterday I told you guys I found some unique things in Florence. Here it is!! I am in love with these two pieces!! I found them at this little vintage boutique by the Ponte Vecchio Bridge in Florence. Both necklaces are made from authentic vintage Chanel buttons! I am especially in love with the black one, which has a gradient effect and a patterned CC. I wanted to buy all her pieces, but just didn't have enough money to do so :(! But I will definitely drop by the little boutique next time I'm in Florence. For those who are interested, here is her address: 

Boutique Nadine 

Lungarno Acciaiuoli 22r 

50123 Firenze 

She also sells very cute headbands, bracelets and earrings all made from vintage Chanel and YSL buttons.

 

Ponte Vecchio

From the beautiful Ponte Vecchio Bridge in Florence, Italy
Tank: American Eagle 
Sunglasses: RayBan 

Hi! Sorry, I haven't posted anything for a really long time as I have been working and travelling a lot. Currently in Florence, Italy, where I'm burning in the sun! I am definitely going to turn "bun bun" when I get home. 

Did some shopping at the outlet and around town. Found some good deals and very unique pieces that I will share soon!! 

Cheers :)! 

Hello from Milan!

Duomo, Milan
Absolutely breathtaking

Polka Dots

Zara Polka Dot Shirt 

Black Tights Korea

Black Leather Jacket HK

Tiffany Necklace 

Rose Gold Marc Jacobs Watch

Dr. Martin Boots

Vintage Red Scarf 

This song makes me happy

Reverse French

Revlon Gray Suede 

Skinfood Pedicure Sparkle #01 Sparkling Gold as the reverse french
OPI Top Coat

Hello Kitty OOTD!

 I am in love with these Hello Kitty Glasses! I normally wouldn't buy glasses without frames but I couldn't resist as they have whiskers and a red bow just like HK!  

I  paired these glasses with a 

Burberry scarf 

Uniqlo Toggle Coat

Black tights from Korea

Dr. Martins

L thinks theyre silly but I think they're adorable! What do you think? 

Quick and Easy Cold Soba

Were trying to save some money recently, so were cooking a bit more at home. We love eating Japanese soba, but its about $15 for a small bowl at restaurants. A small bowl couldn't even act as a mini snack for L, so we decided to make our own! It wasn't hard to make and took about 15-20 minutes. Total cost $15 but we have TONS left over for the next couple meals. 

Ingredients:
Soba (we bought a big back at Superstore for $5) 
Green onions, 5-6 
Wasabi 
Nori Seaweed
Soba Sauce (we bought super concentrated 1.3L from T&T) 


How to: 
Servings: 2
1. Boil soba (400g) for about 5-6 minutes or until soft
2. Finely chop green onions, approx 1 small bowl 
3. Finely cut seaweed, I find using scissors was the best 
4. Drain noodles into colander
5. Rinse noodles with cold water until water runs clear
6. Let noodles drain
7. Add 1:1 concentrated soba sauce with cold water 
8. Combine all ingredients together and enjoy! 


We also pan seared some shrimp for some meat! You can use any meat you like! 
Hope you enjoyed this recipe! 

    

The Body Shop Deal

Just saw this on smartcanucks! Get one cleanser, toner AND moisturizer for $30! Pretty good deal considering one moisturizer is about $20! Offer valid online thebodyshop.ca and in stores from March 8-11, 2012!