CHOCOLATE CHIP OATMEAL COOKIES

I've always wanted to open a bakery/coffee shop since high school. There is something about the atmosphere about walking into a small bakery filled with heavenly scents of fresh baked goodness. I remember my parents use to make their own bread on the weekends and there is nothing better than walking up the smell of freshly made bread. We live in a fast pace society that we forget to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life like good home cooked food. Every time I come home I make my favourite chocolate chip oatmeal cookies which I have perfected over the years.

Time: 25 minutes | Yield: 3 dozen

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 c. flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 c. butter
• 1/2 c. granulated sugar
• 1/2 c. brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3 cups old fashioned oats
• 3/4 c. dark chocolate chips + 2 squares of white Baker's chocolate chopped up

Method

• In a bowl combine flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon 
• In a mixer cream butter softened at room temperature, sugars and eggs together
• Gradually beat in flour mixture until blended
• Stir in oats and chocolate chips
• Drop dough by tablespoon (I used an ice-cream scooper to keep the size consistent) onto an ungreased pan
• Bake at 375°F for 8 minutes for chewy cookies or 10 minutes for crisp cookies

Enjoy!

-A

FRAMED INSPIRATION WALL

Hi,

So lately I have been feeling uninspired.  The weather sucks in Winnipeg (as I am writing this blog post it is snowing out, yes I ask myself this all the time... WHY DO I LIVE HERE and YES IT'S MAY!) and since my bedroom is situated in the basement there is hardly any natural light that comes in.  For the longest time my desk was facing a blank wall.  Very uninspiring.

*Cue - Unintentional shopping spree to IKEA*

I have always wanted a framed walled similar to this picture below

PHOTO: http://nijihomedesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Ideas-Wall-Decor-Design-with-Art-Picture-Framed.jpg

Believe it or not IKEA has a very small "AS-IS" section with many items blown out for ridiculous prices.  I saw several 5 X 7 black frames on sale for $1 and knew I could use them to make an inspiration wall. 

SUPPLIES:

• 2 pkgs - 3M Frame Picture Tape (Here is a coupon)
• 9 - 5 X 7 Frames of your choice I used these by IKEA 
• Level App
• 9 of your favourite photos 5 X 7 
• Laser Jet printer

INSTRUCTIONS:

I highly suggest planning the frame configuration before you start sticking things onto the wall.  You can stagger your picture frames to your liking but I kept mine very simple and did a 3 X 3 square.  I also wanted to create drama by printing 7/9 photos in black and white (using Photoshop) and 2/9 of the photos in colour.  Using a laser jet printer is an inexpensive way to print high quality images. Below is the configuration I came up with.

1. Place photos into picture frames
2. Place 3M tape on the back of the photo (preferably on the top, centered.  Follow the instructions on the packaging)
3. Using the mobile level app make sure the image is level to the wall
4. Repeat until the desired configuration is achieved)

This is such a quick and inexpensive way to turn a wall into a personalized art installation.  I am so happy with how it turned out!  I would love to hear your thoughts on this little project in the comment section below.

-M

HEART & STROKE

Hi,

A month ago I attended a CPR course geared toward healthcare providers.  To be honest I was putting off doing the training, but was forced since it is a requirement for my course of study.  I was pleasantly surprised on how informative this course was.  

I took the course at The Canadian First Aid Training Centre in Winnipeg.  The instructor was very funny and honed in on the important aspects we needed to know.  Many of the students I sat in with were nurses, doctors and paramedics so it was nice to see their take on healthcare.  The material was delivered by the The Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation.  Through video demonstrations I was able to perform CPR and utilize an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) on dummies (infant and adult).  Being part of the healthcare field we were also taught how to preform Basic Life Support (BLS) in groups of two.  

It was a very informative 8 hours session, I thoroughly enjoyed it! Here are some pictures I was able to "sneak" in during break sessions;

I highly suggest taking this course.  You never know when you can save a life!!!

-M

WATER SNOB

Confession, I am a huge water snob. I don't like drinking tap water because I think it taste funny, but I don't have a water filtering system in my apartment and I think buying bottled is a waste of money because the plastic bottles are wasteful and water should be a free commodity, right? I usually boil my water and drink it with slices of lemon but lately I've noticed the water started to taste funny and I could see white specs floating around in my cup. When I looked at the bottom of my kettle it was covered with limescale (limescale is a white deposit commonly found on the inside of pipes, pots and kettles, caused by the leeching of minerals from water) and you won't believe how easy it is to clean!

Supplies

• 1/4c white vinegar

Method

• Pour vinegar into the kettle and fill it with water to the "max" line on the kettle and boil it
• After boiling is complete, empty the contents and fill the kettle with water and boil once more to get rid of an excess vinegar residue

Try this trick, it's quick and easy and your water will taste much better afterwards. You might have to repeat this every 3-4 months depending on how hard your water is. To avoid limescale from building up don't leave water sitting in your kettle. You can pour any excess water you didn't use into a glass jug or mason jar to drink later or water your plants with.

-A

APPS

Sorry about the staggered posted we have just been so busy with school and blogging kinda took a backseat.  Anyway you probably don't care and just want to get to the meat and potatoes of this post. We just want to share some of our favourite apps on our iPhones.

If it is one thing we cannot live without it would be our phones as it connects us wherever we are.  Aside from the amazing features that come with the iPhone already, ie. FaceTime and iMessage we would like to share our top 5 apps we use on a regular basis. Also stay tuned to the end of the post as we have EXCITING news to tell you!

Ashley's Picks

1. PuddingCam - It allows you to take a variety of pictures by choosing various old school cameras and different film types
2. 8 Tracks - If you're a lover of music this app allows you to enjoy a wide spectrum of music genres and pre-made playlists

Mark's Picks

1. Shazam - Have you ever walked into a store and wondered what song was playing? This app allows you find the artist and song currently playing with the tap of a button
2. Nike+ Running This app allows you to map out your run, it syncs to the Nike Fuel Band, and tells you all the statistics you need to know about your run (distance ran, pace, calories, etc.)

Mark and Ashley's Picks

Viber - Newly redesigned.  This app allows you to use your data or wifi to call and text anywhere in the world, free of charge!

We really hope that you enjoy the applications we listed.  At this time we would like to share some exciting news with you.  We are officially launching our Facebook and Instagram pages! Please like and follow us!

-M&A

CARTOON

Hey Guys,

Just wanted to share an illustration that Mark's cousin Jaime sent us.  She is a writer for Eat. Geek. Play and an illustrator out of Los Angeles.  We were so flattered when she reached out and illustrated us for her tumblr page, check her out here: jamierosaurus.

The Spring Couple. We love it Jaime! 

- A&M

CONTAGIOUS CONFIDENCE

"Confidence is silent. Insecurities are loud" - Kushandwizdom

As I was walking down the hallway to class last week I passed 2 students and a staff member walking in the opposite direction as me. I kept looking up and was going to give them a pleasant morning smile, but every single one of them walked by with their heads down. I know it can be awkward when you are walking down a long hallway and someone else is walking toward you and you don't know where to look or how long to smile for, but I think it's much better to keep your head held high and just smile at the people passing by you.  I don't know why I was so bothered by the fact that no one looked up. I didn't know any of them, but it's always nice when a stranger passing by smiles and says hello. I feel that people nowadays either are socially awkward, are too consumed by their cellphones, or just lack confidence and don't want to be noticed by others.

I know this may sound creepy, but I enjoy people watching and just observing the behaviours of others, and the individuals that I remember the most are those that walk around with confidence.  I think confidence can leave a lasting impression on anyone and is a difficult thing to master. To me confidence is accepting your flaws, embracing your failures and loving who you are. It's not something you are given, but something you build overtime and no one can take it away but yourself.

-A

OOTD - SPRING LAYERING

Hello Everyone!

PHOTO: Winnipeg 6 Day forecast - Yes we are still in the negative but it is better than -50. I'm not complaining.

Spring has finally sprung in Winnipeg (let's not talk about the possibility of flurries this weekend)! Having lived in Winnipeg most of my life, this winter tops the worst it has ever been.  But let's not be such Debbie Downers, the bright side to living in the Prairies is enjoying all the seasons nature has to offer.  

Moreover, Spring and Fall are definitely the two seasons I look forward to every year. Why you ask? Well for the sheer fact that you can layer!  I am a firm believer in investment pieces, which are classic staple pieces that are a little more in price point, but are justified by its sheer practicality and use - Ashley can vouch for me on this.  I like to mix and match not only investment pieces, but pieces that can carry me through season to season.  This post is dedicated to what I would typically wear on a spring day out to run errands or meet up with friends for some beers.

An awesome investment piece I have used over the years is a jean jacket by Levi's, it truly transforms any outfit.  My style tip is to get one that is tailored to your body type. Levi's are coming out with new designs of their classic jean jacket only this time with slimmer fits, great for you hipsters out there. I chose this "U" neck t-shirt from JOE FRESH to layer underneath the jean jacket, inexpensive and a subtle change from the "crew neck" or "v-neck".  For bottoms, slim fit chinos have been in my spring lineup for many seasons now. These chinos are from TOPMAN and I style them rolled up.  I know you guys are wondering why I chose these shoes, and the reason being that Double Monk strap shoes are such a classic style and dates back to the British Aristocrats from the 70s. This shoe from ALDO features brown suede exterior and a crepe sole, perfect for a spring shoe (did I mention it is on SALE)! These shoes could easily be worn with dark denim jeans.  I usually wear these as is with no socks (think Parisian)! These shoes take a simple outfit and adds an unexpected twist.  

One thing that I do skimp on are accessories.  I like to keep it simple and practical.  Every man needs a good time piece.  I would highly suggest this Casio watch in gold, it pairs off with many outfits including this one.   Digital watches have been very trendy lately and has been featured in GQ on many occasions.  Since it does get quite sunny in Winnipeg during the spring I usually wear this Boston Red Sox Baseball cap.

To recap, spring doesn't need to be such a drab, try layering your outfits!  Invest in pieces that will last.  Tailored items are key for a professional and well put together look.  Tell us what your person style story is in the comment section below.  

PHOTO: Boston Red Sox Baseball Cap - Foot Locker,  Slim Fit Trucker Jean Jacket - Urban Outfitters, U Neck T-shirt - JOE FRESH, Slim Fit Chinos - TOPMAN, Gold Timepiece - American Apparel, Double Monk Straps - ALDO

-M

THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES

I don't think Mark and I knew what we were getting ourselves into when we decided to pursue a long distance relationship. There wasn't much time for us to figure things out because I was originally wait listed for school, and found out the second week of July that I was officially accepted.  I had two weeks to get approved for a loan, move my entire life, find a place to live, figure out how I was going to get around because I wasn't bringing a car, and at this point we had only been dating for 6 or 7 months. Although we are both terrified of the unknown we were determined to try to make our relationship work. We have definitely had our ups and downs and continually work on effective communication because most of our "fights" revolve around a lack of communication or just miscommunication. I think a lot of our miscommunication comes from not understanding each other fully.

I recently started reading this short book called, "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman and it has given me new insight on how others communicate their love. Both Mark and I have different love languages and I now understand why Mark does and does not do certain things.

The book describes five different love languages which are:

1. Words of Affirmation
2. Quality Time
3. Receiving Gifts
4. Acts of Service
5. Physical Touch

I express my love through acts of service but appreciate it when someone displays their love for me with quality time. Mark on the other hand, expresses love through acts of service, but prefers to receive love through words of affirmation (you always have to tell him he looks good ;) I still get upset with him when we are Facetiming and he's on his phone because I truly appreciate when he spends quality time with me. I think I use to unintentionally equate how much quality time he spends with me to how much he loves me, but I now know how unfair that is because he simply expresses love in a different way.

It's interesting how we each have our own unique love language and encourage every couple to read the book. I bought this book used for $1.94 from a site called Dealoz. It's a 'search engine' that searches online markets and bookstores for new and used books and gives you the best prices. I've bought a lot of my textbooks from this site and haven't had a problem thus far.

Let us know what you're love language is <3

-A

NATURAL SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

Have you ever wondered what happens to the cream you apply on your body? It doesn't magically disappear, so where does it go? It gets absorbed into your body. Let's think about this for a minute, most of us have heard of nicotine patches, right. You apply a patch to your skin and the medication is absorbed into the body then into the bloodstream and distributed to other parts of your body. A similar things happens with products that you apply to your skin. Your skin absorbs approximately 60% of what it is exposed to (ie. air/pollution, location, water etc.) so why do we nourish our skin with things such as: Sodium Polyacrylate, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Dimethiconol, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Blue 1? I bet you don't even know what these are or why they are in your body lotion. These are just a few examples of ingredients use in a lotion commonly bought in stores. If I don't know what an ingredient is or the effects it will have on my body I try to avoid it.  Instead I try nourish and cleanse my skin with natural products.  

Face
I started using Juice Beauty 3 months ago and have noticed a drastic difference in my skin. I break out a lot less, my skin is less oily and my acne scars are slowly disappearing. Their products consist of natural organic fruit, vegetables, leaf extracts and oils and leave out the harsh chemicals. I am currently using their Blemish Clearing line and the Stem Cellular Eye Treatment which has actually reduced the wrinkles under my eyes. The product is really expensive but I highly recommend the Blemish Clearing Cleanser and the Green Apple Blemish Clearing Peel. I gave my mom a sample of the face peel and we both noticed her skin was smoother and clearer after one application. 

Body Cleansers 
1. Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps 18-1 Hemp Almond Pure Castile Soap 
This stuff really cleans your skin while nourishing it at the same time. It's the only product that I have found that truly removes deodorant from my underarms leaving them fresh and clean :P You can also use this product as shampoo but the water in Chicago is hard and leaves a film coating on my hair, but this doesn't happen in Winnipeg since the water is softer. 

2.  Arbonne "Awaken" Sea Salt Scrub (if anyone is in Winnipeg I can give you the name of my friend who sells this product - it makes your skin so soft)


Body Moisturizers 
1. Macadamia Oil
After I jump out of the shower I apply cold pressed macadamia oil. I like using this oil because it absorbs quickly into the skin without feeling greasy and my skin still feels moisturized the next day. Macadamia oil is suppose to have anti-aging properties by promoting the production of  of palmitoleic acid naturally found in the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help sooth irritated or sunburnt skin. 

2. Coconut oil
I don't use this often on my skin because it's very greasy and takes a long time to be absorbed. I only use this before bed when my feet are really dry and cover them with cotton socks to help keep the moisture in.

3. Dr. Bronner's Magic All-One Lip Balm
This is my favourite organic lip balm! My favourite flavours are "lemon lime" and "orange ginger." I have really chapped lips and this is the only product that has worked for me. In the past, I have tried Blister, Carmex, Burt's Bees, Coconut Oil, Vaseline and nothing has worked as well as Dr. Bronner's lip balm.

I encourage all of you to read the ingredients of your favourite products and find a more natural option, that in my opinion is more beneficial to your body. A lot of store bought products have added chemicals that aren't necessarily nourishing your body.

-A