tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60787277325987198402024-02-18T21:16:02.076-08:00Coco&BearHealthy Living ~ Vintage StyleCoco&Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01929974540657835884noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078727732598719840.post-7080525833068778792015-06-05T07:55:00.000-07:002015-06-05T07:55:31.824-07:00My favorite natural skin care products<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisf_v0vYZEUt4ZNAOXS4cTJMOlet356cle5Rd9EU_Djiwjoji_iRJ_bC8vH1CjJEwvBS1gd2WAn7_EQy7uNBNHF9Q8EKhDwsufIuNm-EFenWEUilDMfPRnhOKhzxV11oYUJPVfEvE0kuo/s1600/IMG_20150605_104225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisf_v0vYZEUt4ZNAOXS4cTJMOlet356cle5Rd9EU_Djiwjoji_iRJ_bC8vH1CjJEwvBS1gd2WAn7_EQy7uNBNHF9Q8EKhDwsufIuNm-EFenWEUilDMfPRnhOKhzxV11oYUJPVfEvE0kuo/s400/IMG_20150605_104225.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For the past two years, I've been slowly transitioning from my usual skin care products (full of toxins and parabens) to more natural, organic based cosmetics and skin care. I've always battled skin issues like acne, eczema and rosacea but in the past few years, those issues have only gotten worse. I've worked on my health by eliminating dairy and gluten and feel a whole lot better, but I still battle my skin issues. I knew that finding a natural skin care regime would help my skin to heal and would reduce my symptoms. It is definitely a work in progress - I'm always trying new products to see what works best with my fussy skin. I wanted to share some of the products that I've fallen in love with and have helped to transform my skin from being red, dry and irritated to plump, dewy and bright.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVXKX4SO0GLyzQ28HpZ9SQ6wRWHWHUctAP51529qmgMIoihJVoKOu9gplBsOQ8t1td6odJCEmO9LS73_fk4pHWjiDht4-MOFBTUP-bsrGfke2TlhyphenhyphenfBZxuANe38g8obPl6fY_Mxz16aC0/s1600/1699-228x228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVXKX4SO0GLyzQ28HpZ9SQ6wRWHWHUctAP51529qmgMIoihJVoKOu9gplBsOQ8t1td6odJCEmO9LS73_fk4pHWjiDht4-MOFBTUP-bsrGfke2TlhyphenhyphenfBZxuANe38g8obPl6fY_Mxz16aC0/s200/1699-228x228.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1. <a href="https://www.pureandsimple.ca/puresimple-sensitive-skin-cleansing-milk-200ml.html?search=milk">Pure & Simple Sensitive Cleansing Milk</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Finding a cleanser that removed all of my makeup at the end of a long day but did not strip the oils from my skin and irritate my sensitive skin was hard to find. This is hands down my favorite skin cleanser. It is so gentle yet cleans so much dirt and makeup from my face. After a long day, my skin feels so soft and clean after using this cleanser. You don't need to use a lot - a small amount goes a long way. I use this twice a day to keep my skin clean and fresh.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMBbB4G8nKwOB8JwvXy35RvHFRNAcBrGJTu8XLGb9yC30CwjQklKaSv8ajW5FwRHAjdacP7m1Ss6JDBVQkw6R7gt0Ttq5_4cnC9GdEbY0RwgGtVLkajr7C-zyUL4kHc9o_WkIWPM7dVo/s1600/Putty_6230a9b5-91fa-4e7e-85ed-46af748b9089_grande.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMBbB4G8nKwOB8JwvXy35RvHFRNAcBrGJTu8XLGb9yC30CwjQklKaSv8ajW5FwRHAjdacP7m1Ss6JDBVQkw6R7gt0Ttq5_4cnC9GdEbY0RwgGtVLkajr7C-zyUL4kHc9o_WkIWPM7dVo/s200/Putty_6230a9b5-91fa-4e7e-85ed-46af748b9089_grande.jpg" width="64" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2. <a href="http://clinicalluxurybynature.com/products/putty-face">Graydon Clinical Luxury's The Putty </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The name of this product says it all - super soothing skin stuff. That's exactly what it is! I've struggled with irritated and dry skin and this cream is always a go to for me. It turns any dry patch or eczema flare into calm, soft skin almost overnight. You don't need a lot - just a little bit goes a long way. It's also great on dry winter hands and summer feet. I cannot live without this stuff!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OTIJBfO4lOQ5tbJOKYAIXpcWOFGWWDBKUb249oFwCGMbhBfvFpceslz-52ytptyCuG9qK3vGqtg0ImC-gFg2rT1Fa2UQ9H6ov87t4GikA3KClrFQ-OJqi7LYFbqh3wRYqvuG-TKvMFU/s1600/L_Rouge_01.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OTIJBfO4lOQ5tbJOKYAIXpcWOFGWWDBKUb249oFwCGMbhBfvFpceslz-52ytptyCuG9qK3vGqtg0ImC-gFg2rT1Fa2UQ9H6ov87t4GikA3KClrFQ-OJqi7LYFbqh3wRYqvuG-TKvMFU/s200/L_Rouge_01.png" width="151" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3. <a href="http://logona-cosmetics.co.uk/40-logona-blushes">Logona Naturkosmetik Blush</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Finding natural cosmetics has been a challenge for me. I heard about this beautiful, natural blush from skin guru, Joy McCarthy. I purchased it online and have since fallen in love with it. I use it almost everyday to compliment my fair skin. It goes on beautifully and does not irritate my skin. Other blushes would leave my skin dry and filled with little bumps. This blush feels great going on, lasts all day and comes in 3 lovely colours. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhToMAETfa10g0swJUIRHYMP4JyX9outPj4_6lj75deyQaJo0mq4vkcQWE-iyCfu9YwSZaCpw21xzA8tIVxfYYi85c1sgZjyB4IDYjn1Sc9ZJeMJn3arS9Sb726N2tFmL_NKQyaw3m50/s1600/hv-comforting-camellia-oil-100ml_s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhToMAETfa10g0swJUIRHYMP4JyX9outPj4_6lj75deyQaJo0mq4vkcQWE-iyCfu9YwSZaCpw21xzA8tIVxfYYi85c1sgZjyB4IDYjn1Sc9ZJeMJn3arS9Sb726N2tFmL_NKQyaw3m50/s200/hv-comforting-camellia-oil-100ml_s.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">4. <a href="https://www.pureandsimple.ca/rosacea-care-comforting-camellia-oil.html?search=camellia">Holistic Vanity's Comforting Camellia Oil</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As a sufferer of rosacea, I often find it difficult to find products that won't irritate my already sensitive skin. Holistic Vanity has come out with an entire line dedicated to rosacea skin! My favorite product from this line is their Comforting Camellia Oil. I use it everynight to help moisturize and soothe my skin. It smells great, and my skin loves it! It sinks in and overnight, transforms my skin - calming it and bringing down any redness that I might have. This is my must have before bed! Love this oil! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfmqK6__vtFn8PCKNh7-kJkzQigznvk_TeWHBj-mD-WMQ8yB1ogA8NSUSk4UkI04jMG2iCd6qVlIjG3lPMDRzH0WqKgVf4x4CQYRPyfDUJurq04oTWmQeR4kmm_I4jbsVMmso8FxuLhI/s1600/purifying-french-clay-mask-50ml_web-228x228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfmqK6__vtFn8PCKNh7-kJkzQigznvk_TeWHBj-mD-WMQ8yB1ogA8NSUSk4UkI04jMG2iCd6qVlIjG3lPMDRzH0WqKgVf4x4CQYRPyfDUJurq04oTWmQeR4kmm_I4jbsVMmso8FxuLhI/s200/purifying-french-clay-mask-50ml_web-228x228.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">5. <a href="https://www.pureandsimple.ca/puresimple-purifying-french-clay-mask-50ml.html?search=clay">Pure & Simple Purifying French Clay Mask</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Just thinking about this mask makes my skin happy. I use this nutrient rich clay mask at least once a week to help purify my skin, reduce oiliness and help with blemishes. Once I've washed my face at night, I will put a good layer of this mask on and just let it sit for 10-15 minutes. After I wash it off, my skin looks calmer and clearer - it's just happier. If I have a nasty pimple, I will put just a dab of this mask on the spot before going to bed and when I wake up, the spot is noticeably smaller and less red and puffy. Do yourself a favor and spoil your skin with this amazing mask.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I can't say that the battle with my skin has ended, but these products really do help keep my major issues at bay. I feel good knowing that I'm putting natural, organic products on my skin. I used to suffer from such dry skin but now I feel like my skin is dewy, soft and glows from the inside. Switching to more natural products is not an overnight task - it takes time. Try switching one product at a time and see how your skin likes it. Not every product is right for everyone so you really need to listen to your skin and find the products that will make your skin sparkle!</span>Coco&Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01929974540657835884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078727732598719840.post-85439925585616450242015-05-28T13:01:00.001-07:002015-05-30T11:19:39.530-07:00Why didn't mom ever tell us about miscarriages?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ok, so I know this is a bit of a heavy topic, but it's something that I really felt like I needed to write about. This past holiday season, my husband and I were crushed by a miscarriage. I can't begin to describe all of the emotions that go along with that - disbelief, shock, immense sadness, anger, frustration, sheer devastation... the list goes on. When we got pregnant back in October, we knew the risks - we knew that a miscarriage was possible but as we all often think, it won't happen to us. We just were not prepared for what was to come - like, not even close. When it hit - when the news hit that we had lost the baby - we didn't know what to think, who to blame, how we should feel and what was going to happen next. I had never felt so unprepared for anything in my entire life. I was an educated woman, in her 30's, pregnant and ready to be a mom - how did I know nothing about what comes with a miscarriage? Why had I not talked about this with my girlfriends who had experienced it before, why did I not even know that many of my closest friends and family had been through this... but said nothing.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmczWlBLPVjGGfMsYIxGWK-D6iz9G2cImGFwg-1h6OFUkwxTbiAT53VreFG03Q3CqfXrNwdIgUJSeP_lidmyy9BqsR0uICtdpsTypvZ6SPBjkR80vwuhTM3oxBifTFIXVyuN_nWhsKfVY/s1600/unnamed+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmczWlBLPVjGGfMsYIxGWK-D6iz9G2cImGFwg-1h6OFUkwxTbiAT53VreFG03Q3CqfXrNwdIgUJSeP_lidmyy9BqsR0uICtdpsTypvZ6SPBjkR80vwuhTM3oxBifTFIXVyuN_nWhsKfVY/s400/unnamed+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When the news hit us, we did what felt natural to us - we reached out to our friends and family. We were on the phone all night talking, crying, sharing in our pain. We were not embarrassed or ashamed - we were honestly confused and scared and looking for as much support as we could get as we moved forward into this enormous unknown. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As the days went by, I was shocked at how many friends, co-workers, friends of friends approached us and told us stories about their miscarriages. It was like we had suddenly become a part of an elite club - for members only - and we were inundated with stories and heartbreak. Why hadn't I heard about these stories before now? Why didn't our friends tell us what was going on with them? I just couldn't understand this part. Knowing that others had gone through the same thing was helpful - made us feel less alone and honestly, less responsible - we didn't blame ourselves as much. But all I could think about was that I could have used this information <i>before </i> all of this happened. Why did everyone remain so quiet about their struggle when my husband and I were here ready to shout it off the rooftops. We wanted to talk about it and we needed to talk about it. Did that make us weird? We felt a little weird .... many people we talked to were very uncomfortable with the news and really didn't know what to say. Many people tried to avoid the topic and wanted to talk to us about the weather or the upcoming holiday season. What? We just had a miscarriage - why the hell do I want to talk about your stupid holiday plans. Miscarriages make people feel uncomfortable - that's a fact. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I remember feeling very hurt that people were not reaching out to us. They heard the news and obviously felt badly for us, but because of whatever reason - I assumed it was their own discomfort with the topic - they never followed up with us to ask how we were doing. Did they think that we didn't want to talk about it? Or by bringing it up, it would just make us remember it and feel worse? I wanted nothing more than for this to feel normal - like a death - it happens and we do have to move on - but I felt so avoided. No one wanted to acknowledge the life that we had lost and I simply couldn't understand that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sadly, a couple of months after our first miscarriage, we were struck down by miscarriage #2. At this point, I just looked to the sky and said "seriously... two in a row?" But, once again, we rallied together and found our own way to grieve and accept what was happening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As little girls and young women, we learn all about what it means to be a mom and the joys and turmoils that come with being pregnant and delivering a baby. I have watched my sister and my close friends all have babies and I can say with confidence that I know a lot about being pregnant, the delivery process and what it takes to care of a new born baby, but sadly, I knew nothing about what happens when that baby is taken from you. Mom never told me about that.... no one did. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I don't have any answers to most of these questions that I've posed here... these are just my thoughts that I felt I needed to put down on paper or out into the universe. I know that its hard to ever be prepared for a death in any way - there is no 'how to' manual for dealing with a miscarriage (well.. maybe there is). Everyone has to deal with it in their own way I guess. For us, what has helped the most, is talking about it - we have not buried it away in our hearts and put smiles on our faces pretending it never happened. Our hearts are still broken but mending a little more everyday around that scar that will never fade and our smiles are real as we face the reality of our situation and are hopeful for our future. I'm going to keep sharing my story with others not only because it helps me in my grieving process but because I hope that in some small way, it might help another couple sharing the same experience. </span>Coco&Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01929974540657835884noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078727732598719840.post-83095307388344720762015-02-20T11:49:00.001-08:002015-02-20T11:50:08.915-08:00Ok, so maybe the bride didn't wear vintage...<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I thought I should post a follow-up to one of my most popular article from back in <a href="http://cocoandbear.blogspot.ca/2013/09/should-bride-wear-vintage.html">September of 2013 </a>when I wrote about whether or not a bride should consider wearing a vintage dress. Back when I was planning my summer 2014 wedding, my goal was to incorporate as much vintage - real and faux - as I possibly could without pushing my husbands modern taste over the edge. I wrote this article because I was on the look out for a vintage dress and figured there had to be other ladies out there in the same boat that I was in - turns out there were! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In the end however, I was unsuccessful in my search. I just could not find a vintage dress that really made me go 'wow, this is it!'. I decided at that point to shift my search. I started looking for a modern dress that was designed with a vintage feel - it would be soft and romantic, with lace and a full skirt. Every store I went into, that is the description that I gave. If I thought finding a real vintage dress was hard, well, finding a look-a-like is not a walk in the park either. I visited many shops that had beautiful dresses, but - alas - they just didn't have what I was looking for. I don't think I even knew what I was looking for, I just knew that it would find me and it would be my gown. I was beginning to lose hope however...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After months of searching and quite honestly coming very close to not getting a dress in time, I finally found it! A wedding dress that checked all of the boxes. I chose an ivory, off the shoulder, lace <a href="http://www.jlmcouture.com/Tara-Keely/Bridal/Additional/Style-2358">Tara Keely</a> gown (it also came in blush, but that just seemed like a stretch to me)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 19.2600002288818px;">This dress stole the show! It is all I heard about for days and weeks following my wedding. Friends and family still comment on the day and always go back to that dress. I think what made this dress so memorable (besides how great I wore it) was that it was unique. It wasn't anything like other brides we wearing and it really stood out - and that is exactly what I wanted. I didn't want to look like every other bride - I really wanted the dress to be 'me' and to look like it was made just for me. I think I succeeded :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 19.2600002288818px;">In the end, the bride did not wear vintage, but she did live happily ever after...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Photos thanks to <a href="http://www.alyssaalkema.com/">Alyssa Alkema</a></i></span></div>
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Coco&Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01929974540657835884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078727732598719840.post-14893556451225423652015-02-01T18:49:00.001-08:002015-02-01T19:06:51.011-08:00My New Year Cleanse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After the holidays, I always feel the need to detox! All of the overeating and indulging finally seems to catch up with me in January - my pants no longer fit and I find myself pulling my sweaters a little lower over my newly forming 'muffin top' - that's when I say, enough is enough. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I always get back to the same detox program. It is one that was introduced to me by my wonderfully brilliant <a href="http://newellnd.ca/">Naturopath</a>. When I tell most people that I am doing a detox, they often assume that I'm going on a juice only or no carbs, no fat type of 'diet'. Oh, they could not be more wrong. I often get criticized because many people simply don't believe in detoxes and quite frankly, I don't blame them. There are some seriously crazy detox programs out there. When I talk about a detox, I'm talking about a clean eating blitz - I'm not robbing myself of food or only letting myself eat liquids or smoothies. This is real food, real eating, no starving or crazy supplements.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> <i><b>IT'S NOT A DIET...</b></i></span></h3>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> IT'S NOT A PHASE...</span></b></i></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i><b> IT'S A PERMANENT LIFESTYLE CHANGE</b></i> </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here are the basics that I follow:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><u>Foods that I avoid or limit:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1. red meat or pork: I simply don't digest these foods very well<br />2. cow's milk dairy products: I am dairy intolerant, but removing this is something that everyone should try!! Don't get me started on why everyone should cut out cow's milk!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3. wheat/gluten: I also gluten intolerant, but here is another item which I think everyone should take a break from - permanently if they can handle it!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">4. alcohol: now, I don't drink as it is, so this one is easy for me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">5. sugar/sweeteners: now this one I find the most challenging because I do often have a sweet tooth. I do allow myself organic honey, organic maple syrup, and coconut sugar. Allowing these seem to get me through</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">6. coffee: I remove it all together, but you could reduce yourself to one cup a day, but remember - no sugar and no milk added!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">7. artificially processed foods: pretty much most things that come from a box or can. If it doesn't have natural ingredients, I stay away from it. Fresh is key!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So, you might be saying... 'what is left to eat?!?!'. Trust me, there is a lot left to enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><u>Foods that I indulge in:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1. Fruit: strawberries, apples, raspberries, blueberries... these are just some of my favorites. Eat as many as you'd like! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2. Dark leafy greens and other vegetables: this time of year, enjoy beets, sweet potatoes, squash. I love cucumbers, kale, radicchio, peppers, carrots. The list goes on! Cook them up or eat them raw - I prefer mine cooked as much as possible as they are easier to digest</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3. Lean proteins: chicken, turkey, fish or eggs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">4. Gluten-free whole grains: millet, amaranth, quinoa, brown rice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">5. Beans, lentils and legumes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">6. Raw, unsalted nuts and seeds</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">7. Healthy fats: avocados, coconut oil, olive oil</span><br />
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<br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I do this cleanse probably 2-3 times a year. What I love about it is that it has really taught me a lot about food, why I crave certain foods and just how amazing I can feel when I'm eating right. While I am not 'detoxing', to be honest, I usually follow the same rules. I cheat from time to time only because I can, but for the large majority of the time, I eat clean. From the first time I tried this cleanse, it has completely turned my life around - it has changed how I see food, how I eat and how I manage my feelings around food. I don't eat 'emotionally' like I used to. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If 3 weeks sounds like an eternity to you, then just start with 1 week, or even just a few days if you can do it. Start there and work your way up. Change doesn't take place overnight - do what you can in your own time. It has taken me a few years to finally figure out what my body needs to feel its best. This cleanse allows your body:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">- to reduce inflammation</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">- to heal the digestive tract</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">- to reduce bloating</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">- to promote a healthy body weight</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">- to develop a healthier relationship with your food!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Well, my detox starts tomorrow! I will try to post some updates throughout the cleanse as well as share some of my favorite recipes. My body is so excited for this healthy change!</span>Coco&Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01929974540657835884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078727732598719840.post-37758291059715626282015-01-25T17:07:00.002-08:002015-01-25T17:09:20.944-08:00Apple Beet Carrot Slaw<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">After the holidays, I was really looking forward to getting back on track and eating healthy! I definitely overindulged this season. Last year, for my wedding shower, a friend gave me a cookbook that I just love. It is called <a href="http://www.joyoushealth.com/joyous-health-book/">Joyous Health: Eat & Live Well without Dieting</a> and is written by a Toronto based Holistic Nutritionist, <a href="http://www.joyoushealth.com/">Joy McCarthy</a>. I have made several of her recipes and I always return to this book for new ideas!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">One of my favorite recipes in her book is the Apple Beet Carrot Slaw with Honey Dressing. I'm a HUGE fan of beets and probably eat them every single day. I'm also in love with apples and never go a day without one of those either. So when I see a recipe that blends two of my favorite foods, I knew I had to try it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This recipe is very easy to make and is so full of flavor! The best part about this recipe is that it is so healthy so you can enjoy as many bowls of it as you want and you won't feel guilty. Don't forget that it's vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><u>Apple Beet Carrot Slaw with Honey Dressing</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2 apples (unpeeled if organic), chopped in bite-size pieces</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">4 carrots, grated</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3 small beets, trimmed and grated</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2 tbsp honey</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2 tbsp cider vinegar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/2 tsp sea salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1. I started by grating my carrots and beets into a bowl.<br />Tip: I like to use the honeycrisp apples. I find they go best with this recipe. Just sweet enough for not too bitter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2. I then added in my wet ingredients to make the dressing<br />Tip: I used organic maple syrup instead of honey. I honestly just didn't have any honey in the house and actually prefer the taste of real maple syrup. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3. I then cut up my apples and added them in to the mixture. I stirred it up and it was ready to go! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Tip: If you were serving this for a party or event and didn't want your apples to turn purple from the beets, simply add them just before serving. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">That's about it! This recipe is so easy to make! I love taking it for my lunch at work. It's sweet but tarte and is full of healthy ingredients that help to get me through my day. I think the next time I make it, I might add some candied pecans just as an added treat!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Enjoy!</span></b></div>
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<br />Coco&Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01929974540657835884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078727732598719840.post-1614665756515133692014-05-20T15:16:00.001-07:002014-05-20T15:16:13.013-07:00The Vintage Flower Girl<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Okay folks, only a few weeks left to go until the big day! Eek! I can't get over how quickly time has passed. We have a fairly large wedding party and are blessed to have in it, our two beautiful nieces who will be playing the rolls of junior bridesmaids (a.k.a flower girls). We chose not to call them flower girls because they are both above the age of 10 and just thought they deserved the mightier title (and also, there would be no flowers strewn about).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">With a vintage themed wedding, dressing these little girls seemed like a bit of a challenge. But with some luck and a lot of inspiration, I think they are going to look amazing! Here are some of my most favorite inspiration pics!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1. Flower Headbands</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I can remember being a little girl and standing in my aunt's wedding. I wore a beautiful flower wreath in my hair and I looked so pretty. I simply adore this look. When I was choosing my flowers for the wedding, my florist asked what types of bouquets I wanted for the little girls. I really didn't know. I honestly did not see them wanting to carry them and envisioned them being destroyed or left accidentally on a chair somewhere as they ran off to the party. I opted against a bouquet for them and instead, they will be wearing their flowers in their hair. Nothing says vintage elegance and youthful innocence like these amazing floral wreaths. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2. Bohemian Style Dress</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As I shopped for my wedding gown, I always peeked at the little girls dresses and although I always oohed and awed at the big, puffy Cinderella type dresses, I knew that I wanted something different. I wanted the girls to carry the vintage vibe as well as find them a dress that they could wear again. I was out shopping and came across a Bohemian style girls dress that I just fell in love with. The dresses are simple and romantic.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3. A Little Girl in Pearls</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well now comes the hard part... well at least for me anyways. I'm horrible when it comes to accessorizing. I just wasn't born with that gene. I tried to think about what type of jewelry would match the girls dresses and would also match the theme of the wedding..... pearls! Pearls are classic and beautiful and will almost make it look as though the girls are playing dress up with their mothers jewelry!</span></div>
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Coco&Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01929974540657835884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078727732598719840.post-90209308819020836602014-05-08T17:16:00.001-07:002014-05-08T17:16:58.420-07:00My Green Smoothie<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">In the past few months, I've realized the amazing benefits that can come from adding a delicious green smoothie to your diet. Although I have a very healthy diet and eat lots of veggies and fruit, I still found that I was missing some essential minerals. Especially on busy days, I noticed that I wasn't getting all of the nutrients that I needed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">On the advice of my naturopath, I decided to try adding a green smoothie into my daily routine and since doing so, cannot imagine a day without it! I have more energy, my IBS symptoms are less frequent, my mood has improved, and I'm less hungry throughout the day helping me to maintain a healthy weight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><u>Kim's Green Smoothie</u></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDRZk1wqF_fSdE_JBaai9Gcy3QYkrHmEe-JNoXpEmfvZJ8iaIAwdzTkr9gFTrLccke8Cz_2YmuLZ1Mk_YV9qgYuTXROzQeL_OvBQt9sHmukoScx5uJGdSJbkro0eNdT1ftMuna3XRRig/s1600/IMG_20140508_193031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDRZk1wqF_fSdE_JBaai9Gcy3QYkrHmEe-JNoXpEmfvZJ8iaIAwdzTkr9gFTrLccke8Cz_2YmuLZ1Mk_YV9qgYuTXROzQeL_OvBQt9sHmukoScx5uJGdSJbkro0eNdT1ftMuna3XRRig/s1600/IMG_20140508_193031.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"> <u> </u><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><u>Ingredients</u> </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/4 cup of gluten-free oats</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/4 cup of whole flax (not ground)</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">handful of raw cocoa nibs</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/2 ripe avocado</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/2 cup of frozen or fresh fruit (your choice!)<br />1 tbsp organic honey</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/4 cup coconut yogurt (dairy free)</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/4 cup fresh spinach</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/4 cup fresh green kale</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">4-5 slices of cucumber </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 cup of vanilla almond milk (dairy free)</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">**Additional items that I sometimes add depending on what's in my fridge or fresh at the grocery store/market: red beets, watercress, parsley, aloe juice (unsweetened) almonds, red kale </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I throw everything together into a blender and mix! Now, my blender is nothing special. It is actually quite old and I believe it belonged to my grandmother. So don't feel like you need to go out and buy some fancy juicer or blender in order to enjoy green smoothies - you really can make them at home with a very basic blender. Add more or less milk depending on how thick you want your smoothie to be. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnahNhySK1a0GEr6JRrgCiUKPR40fARDIWMBk1AEP-E3EDC6RKFyOWaQyHkLSBOn8mOByiJLEztlXGmhL2qEQBnV0uPVVUbIjjB1SM52PWhIwCqrG-Uq_EK-mnRDYeSS-wqNcrZisdq1E/s1600/IMG_20140508_193127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnahNhySK1a0GEr6JRrgCiUKPR40fARDIWMBk1AEP-E3EDC6RKFyOWaQyHkLSBOn8mOByiJLEztlXGmhL2qEQBnV0uPVVUbIjjB1SM52PWhIwCqrG-Uq_EK-mnRDYeSS-wqNcrZisdq1E/s1600/IMG_20140508_193127.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She sure isn't pretty... but she gets the job done!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />Once everything is well blended, I add in about 2 tbsp of chia seeds (not ground) to the bottom of my cup and then pour in the wonderful green yummy mixture! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i>Why chia seeds? and why add them after blending?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">First of all, chia seeds are a great source of healthy omega-3 fats and fibre. They are tasteless and so easy to add to any meal of the day - especially a smoothie. I got introduced to chia seeds over a year ago by my naturopath as a way to help treat my IBS symptoms. If you know anything about IBS or celiac disease, you'll know that it comes with a lot of stomach cramping due to foods that simply will not pass through your digestive system. Chia seeds came into my life and literally transformed my everyday bowel movements (sorry for the details) and I rarely suffer from stomach cramps anymore.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here is how they work! If you've never eaten a chia seed before, I encourage you take one and place it in your mouth. Let it sit there for a little while and soon enough you'll start to feel a gel like coating around the seed. Chia seeds when emersed in a liquid take on a gelatinous like coating. Imagine taking in hundreds of those seeds with their wonderful gooey coating on the outside. As they sit in your stomach, they begin to coat the rest of the food and allow it to more easily pass through your digestive track. The food literally glides through and out! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />The reason for adding them <i>after </i>the blending is because you want them to be whole so that they will get gooey on the outside and give you all of those wonderful digestive benefits. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here is my smoothy all ready to eat!</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I simply cannot live without this smoothie as a part of my everyday diet. I usually have a light breakfast and lunch and fit the smoothie in somewhere around 2pm which keeps me nice and full until dinner. This smoothie could also be a great way to start off your day rather than having a bowl of cereal or let's face it.. a cup of coffee! Make the smoothie, place it in a travel mug and drink it on your way to work. I even once had a colleague years ago who would make her smoothie in the morning, put it in a mason jar, bring it to work and drink it at lunch. Back then, I thought it was gross, but now wish I had started doing it sooner! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It can take a few tries to get the right combintation of tastes that you're going to like. I don't mind tasting the greens at all while some of you might prefer to taste more of the fruit so might need to load in more of that. You could also replace the almond milk with a juice like orange or apple for added taste.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bottoms up!</span></div>
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<br />Coco&Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01929974540657835884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078727732598719840.post-22159505055113420052014-03-17T12:56:00.000-07:002014-03-17T12:56:19.994-07:00Book Review: Wheat Belly<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As a devoted gluten-free eater and unfortunate sufferer of IBS, I'm always interested in learning more about gluten, how it affects my condition and how I can keep myself as healthy as possible. A few months ago, I heard about a book called "Wheat Belly" by Dr. William Davis. I thought the title was funny and decided it might be a good read for me. It might be nice to read about gluten from a doctor's perspective.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I grabbed the book at my local Chapters and got reading!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span>Wheat
Belly</span></i><span> is a
provocative look at how eliminating wheat-even so-called healthy whole grain
wheat-from our diets is the key to permanent weight loss and can offer relief
from a broad spectrum of health and digestive problems.</span><span></span><span style="font-size: small;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span>Drawing
on decades of clinical studies and the extraordinary results he has observed
after putting thousands of his patients on wheat-free regimens, Dr. William
Davis makes a compelling case against this ubiquitous ingredient. A wheat-free
diet has been associated with significant benefits, including the following:</span><span></span></span></div>
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<ul type="disc"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35HvKvuTyOlvq-Vd7njK8sD_VKN0p893pzJCKfuIc2j39_QNt9tBssrTuqmv8jz8bKKhM4XKhW_wQ1nj88EjUH4JEG7Q0sujO-wgThS3t5zLm2eALlTK2QNt15KoBmifftzIU6txpKrI/s1600/wheat-belly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35HvKvuTyOlvq-Vd7njK8sD_VKN0p893pzJCKfuIc2j39_QNt9tBssrTuqmv8jz8bKKhM4XKhW_wQ1nj88EjUH4JEG7Q0sujO-wgThS3t5zLm2eALlTK2QNt15KoBmifftzIU6txpKrI/s1600/wheat-belly.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span>Weight loss of twenty,
thirty, even fifty pounds in the first few months</span></i><span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span>Alleviation of metabolic
syndrome and type 2 diabetes</span></i><span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span>Recovery from intestinal
woes, like ulcerative colitis and celiac disease</span></i><span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span>Marked improvement in
overall cholesterol and LDL counts</span></i><span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span>Improvement in bone density
and reversal of osteoporosis</span></i><span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span>Cessation of skin conditions
from psoriasis to oral ulcers and hair loss</span></i><span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span>Reduction of inflammation
and rheumatoid arthritis pain</span></i><span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span>Readable,
thought-provoking and carefully researched, <i>Wheat Belly</i> offers a new and
vitally important perspective on the most critical health concerns of our time.</span></div>
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<span><br /><b><i>What I thought about this book..... </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>I
definitely jumped into this book with both feet (or should I say both hands?
eyes?) This is the first book that I've read that talked about being
gluten-free and I was really excited about learning more about what it means to
be gluten-free and why it is so important.</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></span></div>
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<br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">From the
very beginning of the book, it is extremely apparent that Dr. Davis is serious
about the issue of gluten and has had many experiences with patients who have greatly
benefited from removing gluten from their diets. He is honest (brutally honest
at times), knowledgeable, aggressive in his viewpoints and filled with sincere
disgust for gluten. He in no way tries to sugar coat how harmful and health
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In my
opinion, this book is best suited for those who are already living a
gluten-free <span>lifestyle.
There is <i>a lot</i> of information presented in this book - some very
technical and from a scientific perspective and others from a more experience
based perspective. If you are new to the idea of going gluten-free, this book may
not be the best place to start. </span><span></span>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span>I figured
that since I was already living a gluten-free diet, that I would be able to
read this book guilt free and probably feel pretty proud of the lifestyle
changes that I've made. I went into this book believing that I already knew
quite a bit about the dangers of gluten and how it can affect my body. Well, I
quickly realized that I had a lot to learn. Dr. Davis covers the effects of
gluten not just on the gut, but goes into great detail about:</span><span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span>wheat's destructive effects
on the skin</span><span></span></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span>how it affects our brains
including dementia and autism</span><span></span></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span>wheat's role in heart
disease and overall heart health</span><span></span></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span>the role is plays in aging
including cataracts and wrinkles</span><span></span></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span>how it affects diabetes and
insulin resistance</span><span></span></span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I would sit in bed at night reading this book and on so many occasions
found myself saying out loud "Oh my God.. that's so true!" or "I
feel like that sometimes, I never realized that it could be due to the
gluten". I would stop my fiancee from watching tv to read to him the
newest insightful passage I had just read. This book literally blew my mind. It
made so many personal connections for me as someone who has suffered so many of
the unfortunate side effects of gluten for so many years.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In the end,
although this was a heavy read (a lot of technical information to take in), I
really enjoyed the book and ended it feeling so happy that I had removed gluten
from my diet. It really helped me to link so many of the health issues that I
had struggled with for so long to gluten. I wish that I had realized it sooner,
but without gluten now, feel amazing and am living a very healthy and happy
life.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"></span></div>
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Coco&Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01929974540657835884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078727732598719840.post-19429472619381208252014-02-18T06:18:00.001-08:002014-02-18T06:23:40.297-08:00My Love Affair with Meditation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkT-uSvelXJ_agTh4JlMIxQxnFSJmOthlcjufywAkGnf9dwvDD90kENnRdeNV-p9z0GIABw1khmmYvhYpYiO7itQrLN82UgRA7mb-JzpJQ7_ok-EYTwCfvl9doPIUW5FOfTu6eksXpcQ/s1600/Meditation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkT-uSvelXJ_agTh4JlMIxQxnFSJmOthlcjufywAkGnf9dwvDD90kENnRdeNV-p9z0GIABw1khmmYvhYpYiO7itQrLN82UgRA7mb-JzpJQ7_ok-EYTwCfvl9doPIUW5FOfTu6eksXpcQ/s1600/Meditation.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For many years, I've practiced yoga and enjoyed the many health benefits that come with it - both physically and mentally. In my yoga practice, I've always incorporated a short meditation session to end my practice. Meditation has not been an easy practice for me. I always found it to be very difficult to quiet my mind and just focus on my body and my breathing. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Recently, I've found myself bogged down with a great deal of stress which yoga simply could not alleviate. My stress continued to grow into anxiety and well, things only got worse from there. My Naturopath suggested that I try meditation. I figured, why not give it a try again and see if I can master my extremely busy mind.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">With a little practice, and a self-guided meditation video, I've been enjoying the amazing benefits of meditation. I realize that this practice is not for everyone and many of you may roll your eyes at the thought of practicing what some see as silly fluff. I'm here to tell you that with only a few short minutes every day, you can really begin to control your stress, better your health and have an overall more positive life! (yes, meditation can really do that!)</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you can find even just 5 minutes to sneak away in a day, then you have time to meditate!</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Meditation has been shown to not only decrease stress, but has also been linked to several other health benefits. Daily meditation has become such a big part of my life and I can honestly say that it changes my mood, my ability to handle stressful situations and my overall sense of well being.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><b>"But I don't have time to meditate!"</b></i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I know you might be thinking, "Kim, are you crazy? I've got kids, work, a house to keep up, I don't have time to step away and meditate." </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Meditation doesn't have to take long. Even if you can manage to step
away and find a quiet space (or use headphones) for 5 minutes, you can
begin to feel some great benefits from meditation. Quiet your mind, breath deeply and enjoy a relaxing moment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Tip</i>: Don't have time to meditate when you get home from work? Many workplaces have meditation or quiet rooms that you can use to take time for yourself. Step away for 10 minutes, breath deeply and you'll come out of the room ready to take on whatever your boss has to throw at you. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <i><b>"I've never meditated before"</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">No problem! Aside from very short meditation during my yoga practice, I had never meditated either - especially not in my home without the guide of my yoga teacher. To the internet I went! I went on to YouTube and searched 'self guided meditation' and found many different types of meditation videos - some for anxiety, relationships, stress or simple relaxation. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Find a
video you like, shut yourself away in a quiet room, seat yourself on a
comfortable chair
supported by cushions (or you could lay down on a couch or bed), plug
your earphones in, close your eyes and do your best to shut off your
mind and follow the guided meditation. You'll awaken 30 minutes later
refreshed, with a quiet mind and calm spirit. You might even feel a
little sleepy! Here is a link to my current <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKBu0YRxtBA">favorite video</a> by <a href="http://www.brainsync.com/about-us/about-kelly-howell.html">Kelly Howell</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Everyone has a different reason for meditating: reducing stress, quieting the inner chatter, helping with sleep, reducing anxiety, or just because you enjoy it! No matter why you do it, remember some of the amazing health benefits that these quiet moments can bring you:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>1. It lowers stress (really!)</b><br />I have found that with continued meditation, I can feel existing stress melt away and my ability to prevent new stresses from taking a toll on me getting stronger. I feel calmer, more clear headed and more able to take on life's daily stresses.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>2. Your body will thank you</b><br />There are so many physiological benefits that come with meditation. The moment I've completed a session, I can feel that my heart rate is lowered, I have little to no tension or pain in my body, I feel more positive and uplifted and suddenly feel full of energy (who needs Red Bull!). </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- lowers high blood pressure<br />- lowers the levels of blood lactate, reducing anxiety attacks<br />- decreases any tension-related pain, such as, tension headaches, ulcers, insomnia, muscle and joint problems<br />- increases serotonin production that improves mood and behavior<br />- improves the immune system </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- increases the energy level, as you gain an inner source of energy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>3. Break the mental fog</b><br />Before I started meditating, my overwhelmingly stressed out brain felt like it was constantly in a fog. I was very forgetful, found it so difficult to focus, lacked creativity and the ability to critically think through situations. Because of this fog, I found myself reacting to simple situations and just simply unable to handle minimal stress. Meditation has really helped me clear my mind and I feel so much more focused and clear headed - I can remember what I have to do in a day, I get tasks completed and can actually think through a situation before becoming overwhelmed and potentially overacting. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- anxiety decreases</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- emotional stability improves</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- creativity increases<br />- happiness increases</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- intuition develops</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- gain clarity and peace of mind</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- problems become smaller</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">These are just some of the amazing benefits that you can expect through meditation. I know that after only a few short weeks of dedicated practice, that I'm already enjoying so many of these benefits. Meditation isn't a cure all - but it really is such a great step to take to bring yourself into a quieter and happier place. Try it - at first, you might find it challenging to turn off your mind, but stick with it and in a short time you'll find yourself more able to relax and enjoy the benefits of meditation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I hope that you'll give it a try or in the words of Sheldon Cooper, you might still believe that "meditation is nothing by hokum".</span><br />
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<br />Coco&Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01929974540657835884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078727732598719840.post-67191954834698077442014-02-03T11:30:00.000-08:002014-02-03T11:38:05.708-08:00Finding Vintage Items for your Wedding<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We are reaching the 5 months mark to our big day! (eek!) Where has the time gone..? Since the moment I started planning my wedding, I knew that I wanted to incorporate as many vintage pieces as I could, while still keeping my 'modern man' happy. For months now, I've been searching far and wide for great vintage details that I could add in to my special day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This process has proved to be a little more difficult than I originally thought it would be - especially considering that I own a vintage business myself. After many months, I do have most of my items in place, but I continue to search for more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you're also looking to add in some vintage touches, here are my top 4 places to search!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Stop #1: Estate Sales / Garage Sales</b></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23p5OrS3D63Z-eK8-RP2VlDU2KgBgZnu_SklNanhyhsh8TPG9B4tUeHFwW5U7KZdnKEDu4XzQgYqDcf2qIpT-vsDTLY0e0O4coprrUtx2GXZQkFsrGlIlp4cBjD9KOoN79gzjqDawdY4/s1600/estate+sale+finds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23p5OrS3D63Z-eK8-RP2VlDU2KgBgZnu_SklNanhyhsh8TPG9B4tUeHFwW5U7KZdnKEDu4XzQgYqDcf2qIpT-vsDTLY0e0O4coprrUtx2GXZQkFsrGlIlp4cBjD9KOoN79gzjqDawdY4/s1600/estate+sale+finds.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hauls from a great estate sale!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is where I started my search. Each weekend, I can usually be found driving around stopping at every yard sale I see or standing in line at 7am for a great estate sale. Now, you may hit a few of these and find nothing, but all it takes is that one great find to make it all worth while. Garage sales and estate sales are a great place to find unique pieces at a fabulous price! Every week, I search through our local newspapers, online ads and specific estate sale companies that I like to see what sales are happening that weekend. Most will provide descriptions and even pictures so you can choose to go to the ones that offer items you're interested in. Don't forget to bring cash and your patience! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Stop #2: Vintage Shops or Thrift Stores</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have several amazing vintage shops that I frequent - both online and in store. Look online for shops that might be in your neighborhood. Staff are so knowledgeable and can help you find what you are looking for - even if they don't have it in stock. The great thing about buying from most vintage shops is that you can still barter no matter what the sticker price is. Buying multiple items? See if they'll give you a package price! Some vintage stores will even let you rent the pieces rather than buy them. I also like to hit up my local thrift stores for some great deals! Don't forgot to look online! <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">Etsy</a> has some amazing vintage shops that offer unique finds that might just be perfect for your special day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Stop #3: Vintage Rental Companies</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">These companies have been growing in abundance of the past few years as more and more brides are going 'vintage'. Some offer decor services on top of the vintage rentals and others offer simply an opportunity to rent their pieces. These companies can make your life a lot easier! Simply go through their catalog or visit their in person studio, pick out what you want, pay for it and that's it! You don't have to rummage through garage sales or online ads - they do it all for you!<b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Stop #4: Friends & Family</b></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedg4gvIgKsp8Vg2JJObXbSxfz7GA2GYyYhDlYtpFYO7CAIsDt33SmHS4l8KxAaBZslyV50HxL1CfunyNiqn0ZCEW2dPXZI741VgNNNWefcXyl-_ZL-WfXDagugOcoj0iLdcsmmRTcbmQ/s1600/Mississauga-20140121-00563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedg4gvIgKsp8Vg2JJObXbSxfz7GA2GYyYhDlYtpFYO7CAIsDt33SmHS4l8KxAaBZslyV50HxL1CfunyNiqn0ZCEW2dPXZI741VgNNNWefcXyl-_ZL-WfXDagugOcoj0iLdcsmmRTcbmQ/s1600/Mississauga-20140121-00563.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mothers beautiful milk glass!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">One of my first stops was my mother's kitchen cupboards because I knew she had some amazing vintage milk glass bottles. I immediately stole them! Yoink! Ask around with friends and family - especially grandmothers and aunts. They might have some great pieces that could just add a really special touch to your day like an old vintage frame or dish. You can't beat free<b> </b>and it would be nice to feature some family heirlooms. </span><br />
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<br />Coco&Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01929974540657835884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078727732598719840.post-29368628866075966252014-01-03T12:06:00.003-08:002014-01-03T12:08:42.533-08:00How to Create a Vintage Inspired Reception<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We are now just over 6 months away from our wedding date! In a previous post, I featured some of my favorite vintage style ideas for our <a href="http://www.cocoandbear.blogspot.ca/2013/11/how-to-create-vintage-style-ceremony.html" target="_blank">wedding ceremony</a>. I've pulled most of those details together, so I'm now starting to focus on how to carry that vintage style into our wedding reception. I've once again used my Pinterest addiction to help me find some amazing ideas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Our wedding reception venue in no way offers any kind of vintage or rustic feel. Instead, it boasts beautiful high ceilings, wall to wall glass which overlooks beautiful landscaping and an overall modern decor. My job is to carefully weave in some vintage details! Here are some of my favorite ideas for creating a vintage style at my upcoming summer wedding reception.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Must have #1: A vintage inspired welcome table</b></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.billyknox.com/Everafter/Hailey-Robert/18442088_5sKW5N#!i=1425694776&k=bfnHpgp" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.billyknox.com/Everafter/Hailey-Robert/18442088_5sKW5N#!i=1425694776&k=bfnHpgp" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimANVg1i7tLrESVDJjWhuvSO5_5kcf-iLPMmI1tPo12-gsA0rmFupEg1mCIZe5_VDRMroZrksGn5cNL7dvF5uPMDXZKyY4o83UVlHTwu_7XcDzl7Myb8Q5FvS3cIKwjmPFaNfNVZTAIUU/s1600/cc0134331f8a9d27f335c9afe0e1e561.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When my guests enter my reception hall, one of the first things they will see is our welcome tables. A place where they can put gifts, view family pictures and sign our guest book. I love this simple, rustic white wood table complete with vintage frames and pictures of our parents and grandparents on their wedding day. Ideally, I'd like to find a couple of these and have them placed side by side. I would probably also add a lovely lace or burlap runner to give the tables just a little extra 'pretty'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Must have #2: A unique guest book</b></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/320233/real-weddings-jessica-and-greg-winter-park-colorado/@center/272446/real-weddings#316552" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/320233/real-weddings-jessica-and-greg-winter-park-colorado/@center/272446/real-weddings#316552" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34n6T9a_0A7a-0RUOCRjP-o7tJY30Ypyv_k3O5FWNL-TvbWFMK7JncEZql8KfLcPVL-4dnpA2WVhwUfAA75ze0cYbFj1bojdjpU7g_q5PK8NTK5wUDpkJZGBaqBwVPkOIm8Qs3YaNKEY/s1600/29085e52da8d953c29f4171d7e30feb3.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have struggled to find a unique and quite frankly, useful, way to have a guest book at our wedding. I really didn't want to simply have a guest book out that our friends and family would sign - I knew that we would probably end up putting it away after the wedding and never look at it again. Instead, I have fallen in love with this vintage inspired guest book using vintage postcards. Our guests will take a postcard and write a personal note to us on the back. When they are done, we'll ask them to put it in a vintage mailbox or suitcase and then give them to my Maid of Honor at the end of the night. Over the course of our first year of marriage, she will randomly pop them in the mail for us. It's going to be great to get these in the mail - constant reminders of our fabulous wedding and all of our friends and family who shared it with us. I will be spending the next 6 months scouring vintage shops for beautiful postcards!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Must have #3: Vintage inspired signage</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://blog.samuellecouture.com/2012/07/"><img alt="http://blog.samuellecouture.com/2012/07/" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNfA_VLUA90oGsxezo3UBrRsfCOi7H57vuGH-tGYTrl_AK7VK_ZPSPGBpqIdaUXdaYumIND6LWcEGvOReTf1rVdB5mBX139QWQfVwkAWewX9LFPkRCNtWS_Ts7V7TUnRinwHZeyWAwkE/s1600/69dd6457dee9b4668d810926ef3c1561.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a><a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/gallery/picture/817091/"><img alt="http://www.stylemepretty.com/gallery/picture/817091/" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggP0MTLA0FkeLbc4wuVuM50HdpQjjqAa8VNEGbt6rCcDuA2Hu0tD9jyXZtsGF-KR5vqijbyPM9v6FLzbl-052OGhahGeslEacMFokxcpAvRuJaKXgUOGg-DKhtJ2R_TPDqTCXDzILURTs/s1600/d9842a548f70ee02dcaec8ab9a0011a6.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><span id="goog_1856933030"></span><span id="goog_1856933031"></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Vintage styled frames and artwork are a must for my upcoming wedding. I really love the idea of putting a chalkboard in a vintage frame and using it to welcome your guests, list your signature drinks, or introduce your wedding party. I plan to incorporate a few of these into our reception decor. I also love these mini frames to be used as place cards for your guests. Now, if I could only find these mini frames... </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Must have #4: Amazing head table</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.colincowieweddings.com/member/michelahattabaugh/235936"><img alt="http://www.colincowieweddings.com/member/michelahattabaugh/235936" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroQZX7JCx-Imfle8H6sN82xb4ezdrjOvYHHdLrnAN2Ai9utYzy_cPKxMkEsHCCeo97gHYf1SDddL83cwvSN9eT9dj1Eoyptw0Mn70huINmbPShsi2Yr4p6fk9nd0kOxeNo_W3_ZeAfJU/s1600/aa0543888f9575936ef0908e08a5517e.jpg" height="640" width="467" /><span id="goog_1856933046"></span></a><span id="goog_1856933047"></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I really think this look is what could make my reception stand out and really help to give our modern space a very warm, romantic and timeless feel. I wish I could offer this seating to all of my guests, but unfortunately that's just not in the budget! I think this seating is going to be really great as our head table. I'm currently working on finding just the right combination of vintage chairs and rustic tables.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Must have #5: Unique table settings</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span>Love the idea of having vintage plates! Each guest would have a unique plate that would add some colour and let's face it, a wow factor! There are so many companies that rent these out so it makes them very easy to find. Ugh, I just love this...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">These are just some of my favorite ideas! If you want to see more, be sure to check out my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/CocoandBear/wedding-stuff/">Pinterest board</a>. Would love to have any experiences that you might have with creating a vintage style for your wedding reception!</span></span><br />
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Coco&Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01929974540657835884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078727732598719840.post-83714137831290163922013-12-04T16:18:00.001-08:002013-12-04T16:19:06.636-08:00Gluten-Free Apple Crisp<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My fiancee has been craving apple crisp lately, so today I thought I would treat him to one of his favorite deserts. The recipe that I usually use is filled with gluten, so I went on the search for a gluten-free alternative that would please us both. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This simple but tasty recipe will most definitely be making its way into my regular cook book. The ingredients were easy to find - I had all of it in my pantry already and I liked that it didn't call for cups of sugar (usually makes it too sweet and high on the calorie count). The recipe was sweet, but not too sweet, which I loved. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Gluten-Free Apple Crisp</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Filling Ingredients:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 teaspoon cinnamon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2 tablespoons honey</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 teaspoon lemon juice </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Topping Ingredients:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/2 cup almond flour</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/2 cup gluten-free rolled oats</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/4 teaspoon salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 teaspoon cinnamon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/4 cup honey</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3 tablespoons unsalted butter</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Cooking Instructions:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1. Preheat your over to 375 degrees F.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2. In a bowl, combine your apples, cinnamon, honey, and lemon juice. Stir everything together until apples are coated evenly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, oats, salt, and cinnamon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">4. Use a fork (or your fingers) to mix in the honey and butter, until the topping has a crumbly consistency.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">5. Arrange the apples into a pie or baking dish. Cover with the crumble topping.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">6. Bake in the over for 30 - 35 minutes - depending on how dark you like your topping to be. (I only left mine in for 30 minutes)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Cooking notes:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I used small red apples. They were a little old and soft, so the apples were not too bitter. I used a Manuka honey because I really love the flavor. If you wanted to add some crunch to this recipe, you could also add in some pecans (1/4 cup chopped). I think what was missing for me was a huge scoop of ice cream! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This recipe is so simple and fast to make! The dish is already half empty and I'm sure won't last through tomorrow - we love it! Try it today!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> Bon Appetit!</span></div>
Coco&Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01929974540657835884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078727732598719840.post-34575158231290735722013-11-24T12:38:00.000-08:002013-11-24T12:39:03.105-08:00My Christmas Gift Guide<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well, it is almost time to think about Christmas shopping! For many of you, this may have already begun, but for the rest of us, we'll be running around for most of the month of December trying to find the perfect gifts. Since next week is Black Friday / Cyber Monday, and when I plan to do a big chunk of my holiday shopping, I thought I would pull together a list of some of my favorite holiday gifts for this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Last year, I tried my best to buy as much as I could from local artisans and Etsy shop owners and actually purchased most of my gifts online. Saved me from having the headache of entering the shopping mall which I absolutely loved! This year, my goal again is to try and purchase most of my gifts online - which is why I love Cyber Monday oh so much!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here are the items that are topping my shopping list this year</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1. Infinity Scarf from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/EcoShag" target="_blank"><i>EcoShag</i></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I absolutely love Tania's scarves. I own several myself and think they make the perfect gift for any women on your shopping list. I wear my scarves almost everyday! Tania offers amazing colour choices, beautifully soft fabrics and if you watch her site, she is always offering great sales!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2. Leg Warmers from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/GraceandLaceCo#" target="_blank"><i>GraceandLaceCo</i></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have secretly been admiring these leg warmers for months and I think they are also finding their way onto my personal holiday wish list. They would look amazing on their own with a great pair of tights or jeans and just add the right touch to a great pair of boots. Fabulous for the picky teenager or college student.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3. Handmade Cheese Markers by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/nelledesign" target="_blank"><i>nelledesign</i></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you have someone on your holiday list who loves to host a great party, then these are an absolute must. I fell in love with these handmade cheese markers a few weeks ago and just knew that they would be a great gift. They are unique, one of kind and handmade - a really amazing gift for a boss, co-worker or that fabulous chef in your family!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> 4. Handcrafted Vegan Bath Set by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/HerbivoreBotanicals" target="_blank"><i>Herbivore Botanicals</i></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Every woman loves to take time to pamper themselves (and if they don't, they need to start!) This shop offers a beautiful selection of handmade, natural plant based products that smell amazing and make you feel fabulous. This gift set is a no brainer!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">5. Beautiful Holiday Decorations from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/smilemercantile" target="_blank"><i>Smile Mercantile</i></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This shop offers the most unique and beautiful gifts for the holiday lover on your list. Everything is handmade with care and comes beautifully packaged. I simply adore her creations! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">6. Gourmet BBQ rub kit from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/purposedesign" target="_blank"><i>purpose design</i></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For the man in your life or the griller in your house, this makes for a wonderful gift. These rubs are fabulous and taste amazing. This Montreal based shop also offers salts, spice kits and organic teas. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Phew! These are just but a few of my favorites and I hope you'll check them out. As always, for the vintage lover in your life, you can find unique gift ideas in my shop - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/CocoAndBear" target="_blank">Coco&Bear Vintage</a>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you haven't tried shopping online for the holidays, I strongly suggest you try it this year! Cyber Monday is fast approaching and you can find amazing deals from some fabulous shops. I'll be wearing my pj's for most of my holiday shopping this year - no malls for me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Happy Shopping and please share some of your favorite holiday gift ideas! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i> </i></span>Coco&Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01929974540657835884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078727732598719840.post-87293008596444327022013-11-11T17:17:00.000-08:002013-11-11T17:17:55.727-08:00Gluten Free Product Review #1<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Purely Bulk Gluten Free Pizza Crust Mix </span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Being a gluten free foodie means that I am always on the look out for new and tasty products. Not all gluten free products are alike and some definitely taste better than others. It has taken me quite some time to find the products that I like the most but am always up for trying something new. I get very excited when I see a new gluten free product at the grocery store.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A few weeks ago, my fiancee brought home some new products kindly given to him by a colleague of his whom he had told that I was gluten free. One of those products was the Purely Bulk Gluten Free Pizza Crust Mix. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Since receiving the product a few weeks ago, we have used it three times. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1 - we made pizza</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2 - we made flat bread</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3 - we made donuts</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Needless to say, we have absolutely fallen in love with this product. It is very simple to make - you only need a few additional ingredients besides what is in the package. What I love most about this product is that it produces a really flavorful and moist dough. If you have ever had gluten free bread, you may have noticed that many of them are dense and do not always have a lot of flavour, so this is why we really loved this product.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We also loved it because it was so versatile! Just follow the directions on the package to make a great pizza crust - just add your own toppings and go. We learned very easily that the dough was so tasty that you could serve it as flat bread. Instead of making pizza with the dough, just pull it apart and use it as bread for a meal or to serve with dips or salsa.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Lastly, we also made donuts with the dough. My fiancee's mother is known for making fantastic little donuts out of pizza dough. We thought we would give it a try with this pizza dough and it turned out amazing! Here is how we did it:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Step 1.</span> </b>Start by making the pizza dough just as it is directed on the package. You will get a nice runny (not too thick) batter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Step 2.</b> Get a frying pan on the stove. Pour in a good amount of cooking oil and get it nice and hot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Step 3. </b>When the oil is hot, use a spoon or a small measuring cup and scoop up donut sized amounts of batter and pour them into the hot oil. Try not to overcrowd them - just do a few at a time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Step 4. </b>Flip them over once until both sides are nice and brown then remove them from the oil.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">5. In a separate bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar together. Pour this over the hot donuts to season them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...... Enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I would most definitely recommend this product. We will definitely continue to keep it in stock at our house!</span>Coco&Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01929974540657835884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078727732598719840.post-7081870789538210702013-11-01T14:14:00.000-07:002013-11-01T14:15:15.229-07:00How to Create a Vintage Style Ceremony<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So, we are officially just under 8 months away from the wedding (Yikes!) Since the very beginning of this process, I knew that I wanted to bring in as much vintage style as I could to this wedding without making my modern and sleek fiancee cringe. I've been searching far and wide for ideas and pictures that will help me figure out how to perfectly blend in a vintage feel to a modern, yet romantic wedding style.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Right now, I'm really focused on my ceremony. I think there are a lot of very simple and beautiful vintage details that can be added to a ceremony. Lucky for us, we're getting married outdoors at a beautiful castle so some of these vintage touches are going to be perfect! Here are some of the ideas that I've narrowed down as my top 'must haves' for my upcoming summer wedding. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Must have #1: A romantic signing table</span> </b></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/wedding-trends-sweetheart-tables/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/wedding-trends-sweetheart-tables/" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxx74bcMiqGo73OlQoJc7phBM58TVph_Erb6NV2lJLp83_-T0Prt6kL3xndevjxF4dEvB-AnyUC-Nx73OBwWUMELogi6fG9NbtiXfOSZy4KEE3xzv75l-0R4fZiIlC8cecImTeLD_2mSA/s1600/ad2f4e8cdc3dd8f8068aae82d6257c4f.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
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don't know about you, but I've seen my share of not so pretty signing
tables & chairs. I often feel like this is something we just don't
think about or simply leave up to the hall or ceremony location to put
together... I mean, after all, it is just a table that you sit at for a
few minutes to sign your official wedding document.. so no big deal
right? Wrong!<b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Take
this opportunity to add some vintage flair to your ceremony by adding a
beautiful rustic table along with some high back vintage chairs. You
will feel like royalty and your guests will be impressed! Remember, this
is a great photo opportunity! Wouldn't you rather see yourselves
sitting in something like this rather than some old plastic table with
plastic chairs (scary.. but yes, I've seen it). This set up looks like
it just belongs in the outdoors.. like Mother Nature herself created it!
I want it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Must have #2: A stunning backdrop</b></span></span> </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://southernweddings.com/real-wedding/angelica-colby/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://southernweddings.com/real-wedding/angelica-colby/" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUaakGBDudj1i5mAFNIsGAVZ_7Odre8HLrisGG23uHQ3Ws5LcbjNMr4Kyig3Kwe6MvYW4U3Pvjof5ZeFNtEuyWZraAVf0CcAXOro5Xf9DBSEtiNLp4koMzoFakh7tJbyoeqRytaA-b9w/s1600/cd59c6c28717d7d0f045f63455d1ac41.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This ceremony decor makes the setting feel so romantic and warm. It is very similar to what my location looks like. At the end of the aisle, there is a bit of green space and then there is a huge cliff (seriously!). I really feel as though I need to decorate that space so it feels more closed in and inviting. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I love the use of a vintage style dresser or table as a backdrop for the ceremony. I realize that it will probably be blocked for most of the ceremony seeing as though we will be standing in front of it, but it really helps to close off the space and gives your guests a beautiful view while they wait for the ceremony to begin. It probably isn't within my budget to use that many flowers, so I would probably go with some flowers and fill the rest of the space with other vintage decor pieces.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Must have #3 - Vintage signage</b></span></span> </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://wistfulweddings.tumblr.com/post/41671540484" target="_blank"><img alt="http://wistfulweddings.tumblr.com/post/41671540484" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDj1brvCd_Jaztflf6yNeZSiiYtzf3hrDbAyHEm6mrrvgvJUje8jwkixHCXGU8lkyBgWSAZ-hgoGvAFsOarDd1DEg0N_xgtpxY88vEd62SUHE4dHEmUk6yz95a7W6FLtZH4cScMw5Oxw/s1600/5c22506e19a7334f3865ac27fb03f913.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The thought of spending any part of our wedding budget on printing programs, which in my opinion, are skimmed over and rarely ever kept (mine usually end up at the bottom of my car or scrunched up in my purse) makes me very unhappy. I do think it is nice to have something that people can read which tells them a little about what they can expect from the ceremony, but let's be honest.. a ceremony is a ceremony.. what do you really need to know? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I love this simple yet beautiful idea! Write all you need on a chalkboard and put it in a lovely vintage frame. Even if you don't use a chalkboard, there are many amazing companies which will print something similar out for you and you can just put that in a frame. Place it at the front where everyone will enter.. and that's it! No paper, no big printing costs and let's face it, less waste! We're saving the planet here folks!</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.weddingchicks.com/2012/01/24/winter-wedding/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.weddingchicks.com/2012/01/24/winter-wedding/" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsnc2xrLBb8CLcAjyPgQ3BAY22wy1GH2ynUdDFCISolBjfC_uleNP3X4Q9xQHqhsPVLW4tve_Xfe_ExFxhIft9U0TXRahkWcd-YIrsmxAQ2VzDouP08p8sidnRxomLmgPX_nHturMz9Y/s1600/778ff8204055b57b5dd8ab7385066a6d.jpg" height="640" width="464" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So this may not be a true 'vintage' inspiration, but there is something about this sign that feels very old fashioned to me. This little boys outfit also makes it feel timeless and sweet. We are blessed to have our two little nieces acting as jr. bridesmaids in our wedding and we were struggling with finding something that they could do for the ceremony and I think I may have found it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I love the idea of having a little one walk this sign down the aisle just before you come out. The burlap is very simple and gives it a very rustic feel - perfect for the outdoors. I'm lucky there are two ends to this stick so the girls won't have to fight over who gets to carry it down the aisle! They can just hold either end and hopefully walk (without fighting) down the aisle! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For more vintage style wedding ideas, be sure to check out my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/CocoandBear/wedding-stuff/" target="_blank">Pinterest board</a>! </span></span></div>
Coco&Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01929974540657835884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078727732598719840.post-65782291969675372212013-10-22T12:07:00.001-07:002013-11-01T12:13:15.353-07:00Celebrating Halloween Vintage Style<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Halloween is fast approaching and who says that you can't celebrate it vintage style?! I have to admit that Halloween has never been my favorite holiday. As a child, I could just never really get in to the whole dressing up thing... what's wrong with me?! As an adult, I cringe when I hear 'costumer party'. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I do however LOVE sitting at home with a bowl full of candy and hearing those adorable little voices at my door saying 'Trick or Treat'. That's the best part of Halloween for me. For all of you Halloween lovers, here are just some of my personal spooky favorites from some of my most favorite Etsy shops!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9Cc_GQYkDq3d5kHEHACmEsGYZ5IrpWB5kHtCn-8i1EJhtNkRJgY4a3w0K-ckdwH8BQmyL_Bzj3AR8ZB58CfaMQMXRI6fYqAa0j146003D1u5jgDcAboIKlzr2u-QFCu9mxcmRPRr-KE/s1600/Halloween+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9Cc_GQYkDq3d5kHEHACmEsGYZ5IrpWB5kHtCn-8i1EJhtNkRJgY4a3w0K-ckdwH8BQmyL_Bzj3AR8ZB58CfaMQMXRI6fYqAa0j146003D1u5jgDcAboIKlzr2u-QFCu9mxcmRPRr-KE/s640/Halloween+Collage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b>1. Antique Cast Iron Cauldron</b> from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/164567741/antique-cast-iron-cauldron-halloween-pot?ref=favs_view_2" target="_blank"><i>wretchedshekels</i></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>2. Vintage Wall Mirror with Wood Frame </b>from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/159050689/spooky-halloween-decor-vintage-wall?ref=favs_view_1" target="_blank"><i>robertagrove</i></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>3. Vintage Glass Apothecary Bottl<i>e </i></b>from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/164326621/vintage-glass-apothecary-bottle-with?ref=favs_view_5" target="_blank"><i>thirdshift</i></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>4. French Maid Mini Dress </b>from <i><a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/163658403/french-maid-mini-dress-oui-oui-sil-vous?ref=favs_view_3" target="_blank">dotto</a> </i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>5. Antique Bisque Legs</b> from <i><a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/161087787/straight-from-the-grave-antique-bisque?ref=sr_gallery_12&ga_search_query=halloween+doll+legs&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=halloween+doll+legs" target="_blank">becaruns</a> </i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>6. Antique Celluloid Doll </b>from <i><a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/161093759/cute-and-creepy-antique-celluloid-doll?ref=favs_view_5" target="_blank">becaruns</a> </i></span> </span></span></div>
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Coco&Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01929974540657835884noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078727732598719840.post-58639908549180972812013-09-25T17:59:00.000-07:002015-02-20T11:51:27.894-08:00Should the Bride Wear Vintage?<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well it has been almost two months since I last posted (eek!) I got engaged and well, it has been a whirlwind of activities and of course, my blog fell to the side. I'm sorry!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm knee deep in wedding planning! We've got the venues booked, photographer chosen, wedding party selected and we even found our reverend. Next... finding me a wedding dress! Oh dear. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I think the question I have received the most since being engaged is "Are you going to wear vintage?" Because I run my own vintage shop, most would assume that my wedding would have a lot of vintage inspired pieces... and it will... just not sure that I want it to be my dress. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There are a lot of pros to wearing vintage! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>1</b></span> - Make a statement: Wearing vintage can really let you get creative and will definitely help you to make a statement on your wedding day. The fabrics are unique and the styles are iconic. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>2</b></span> - Show your personal style: Because vintage dresses cover so many decades of amazing styles and trends, you can easily find a dress that matches your personal style and the theme of your wedding. Maybe you're a fan of the 1920's flapper style cap veil or love the retro feel of the 70s. I personally love the post-war inspired lace!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3</b></span>- Save on your budget: Vintage dresses can also be very affordable so it might be just the thing you need to help with that tight wedding budget. You might just find your perfect dress in your mothers closet! If not, shop at a thrift store; check your local paper for estate sales or garage sales; or shop online! There are many <a href="http://www.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Etsy</a> shops that offer beautiful vintage dresses at a great price!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />In the end, your wedding dress needs to not only be a representation of who you are, but you need to feel beautiful and comfortable in it. If you're thinking of going vintage, get out there and find some local shops where you can try some on. You really cannot find a better made dress and the styles... well, they speak for themselves. As for me, well, I can't tell you what I'm going to do and even when I do pick my dress, I still can't tell you what I decided. For now, I'll leave you with some of my favorite vintage dresses that I will most definitely be looking for during my shopping trips!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love everything about this outfit - the birdcage, the tea length dress and those shoes!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMMtGkO3T_fQaz65mAXV0dCcGJhhTZ81yZWP5Pf0HTr-B_9EBzjFQW5tFJudvxca6ynQFtjZU8JGnsEGGsyXFtQ4FOiUUDCIb_1XrzxPCdc7if_FyJ8BfXKT0tY_eZrkboZJQJDNXQs0/s1600/46197aacf042b3555ffc78c613e0667a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMMtGkO3T_fQaz65mAXV0dCcGJhhTZ81yZWP5Pf0HTr-B_9EBzjFQW5tFJudvxca6ynQFtjZU8JGnsEGGsyXFtQ4FOiUUDCIb_1XrzxPCdc7if_FyJ8BfXKT0tY_eZrkboZJQJDNXQs0/s640/46197aacf042b3555ffc78c613e0667a.jpg" height="640" width="498" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I would feel like Grace Kelly in this dress. Timeless and so beautiful!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiNNKZ6lEJwmiLnXC8QT1MObHdmS7c6iYX74xu4_KNJwNGXs3xThwntzGbYrZIX9gsoEk2_ey5fjd6eAiPvstl1UbJDT0ntzfveMKzvwTWz-7b89BcRcMvz8kbsvUs18tIJNaAIdW_C8/s1600/b7273a8211da46f5277ea53ff83f7aed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiNNKZ6lEJwmiLnXC8QT1MObHdmS7c6iYX74xu4_KNJwNGXs3xThwntzGbYrZIX9gsoEk2_ey5fjd6eAiPvstl1UbJDT0ntzfveMKzvwTWz-7b89BcRcMvz8kbsvUs18tIJNaAIdW_C8/s640/b7273a8211da46f5277ea53ff83f7aed.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">There is something so sexy, yet classic about this look. Simply jaw dropping...</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yCfZaI6TC2LSdeAgKLbrmA61MAOOBi8nad3BmFfY3KVxjWjA5bNrEqnppjI6zerHcNRl-yPUK_cl89egr7VUemZDrM4P4KaBG1ET1yi6RHCsy9w1H9CFuslzQeNuhjoPgcZKTMUdO0Q/s1600/dba4664d154abde46d9423896db8d2f4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yCfZaI6TC2LSdeAgKLbrmA61MAOOBi8nad3BmFfY3KVxjWjA5bNrEqnppjI6zerHcNRl-yPUK_cl89egr7VUemZDrM4P4KaBG1ET1yi6RHCsy9w1H9CFuslzQeNuhjoPgcZKTMUdO0Q/s640/dba4664d154abde46d9423896db8d2f4.jpg" height="640" width="408" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Love this tea length classic. Adore the lace and the bow.</span></td></tr>
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UPDATE: Want to see what the bride ended up wearing? Check out this <a href="http://cocoandbear.blogspot.ca/2015/02/ok-so-maybe-bride-didnt-wear-vintage.html">updated post!</a><br />
<br />Coco&Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01929974540657835884noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078727732598719840.post-5610595033664068452013-07-30T17:06:00.001-07:002013-11-01T12:15:16.540-07:00Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free Mini Donuts!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxZTR6JL6T3n5856E6ouC5IJ8ur8TSFC_qgS0sL8HD0S0BQvdC-RAaxn88DJubOeZR3aR2R4uBHmY9vB1D0PNmF0IH1jl7DfO0eYG-aRSLxEKVolv4Bh-rckGbhoIHS9j5EXPL2OdWw0/s1600/20130612_154707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxZTR6JL6T3n5856E6ouC5IJ8ur8TSFC_qgS0sL8HD0S0BQvdC-RAaxn88DJubOeZR3aR2R4uBHmY9vB1D0PNmF0IH1jl7DfO0eYG-aRSLxEKVolv4Bh-rckGbhoIHS9j5EXPL2OdWw0/s640/20130612_154707.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I found this recipe a few months back when I was desperately seeking something sweet to eat. Being dairy and gluten-free definitely has its challenges, especially when you have a sweet tooth. I stumbled across this recipe on Pinterest and thought I would give it a try one night. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">These delicious little bundles of joy were so easy to make and were so tasty that I had to make them the following week for my monthly girls night. I figured they would be honest and tell me if these were just another yucky gluten-free recipe that I was trying to pass off as being good. (I do that a lot) I was so happy when they all said they liked them! Now, let's be honest - they won't pass for a Tim Hortons timbit or anything but, for what they are, I thought they were pretty tasty! These are definitely worth a try!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><u>Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Mini Donuts</u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b> </b>1 cup of water</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">6 tbsp dairy free butter</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">10 drops of vanilla stevia or tsp sugar</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1/2 cup brown rice flour</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1/2 cup gluten free all purpose flour</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1/4 tsp baking powder</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3 eggs</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">cooking oil (preferably vegetable oil)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1 1/2 cup powder sugar</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2-3 tbsp of water</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Directions:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Combine water, butter, and stevia (or sugar) in a saucepan. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bring to a boil, stir to combine.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When butter is dissolved, add the flours and baking soda. Stir it all together to bring it into a ball.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Turn off the heat and allow the dough ball to sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Add eggs one at a time to the dough ball and stir to combine completely before adding the next egg.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Pour cooking oil into a pan. Make sure you add enough oil so that when you drop your mini donuts into the oil, it will cover them. Heat the oil to 375 degrees.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I used a small spoon to make these. You will scoop about 2 tbsp of dough into the oil. Do this in batches, but don't overcrowd the pot. Turn the donuts over when they begin to brown. Keep the moving until they appear crispy on the outside. Remove and place on a paper towel to soak up the oil. Leave them to cool slightly. Continue until you've used up all of your batter.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While the donuts are cooling, combine the powder sugar with the water - but only add one tbsp of water at a time and stir. You want the glaze to be thick so it will stick to the donuts. When ready, dip the donuts into the glaze and let them sit to cool completely. Then... enjoy!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Tip 1: </b>After making these the first time, I decided to add some cinnamon to the mixture. This gave them a little more sweetness which I loved. The next time I make these, I was going to try adding raisins as well. Heck - you could even coat these in chocolate!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Tip 2: </b>If you are at all like me and have no real experience frying donuts, my tip would be to leave them in just a little bit longer than you think they should stay in. I really didn't know how long they would need. At first, I would remove one and open it to see if it was cooked enough. Trial and error - you'll figure it out!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have to give credit to the original author of this recipe! Check out the <a href="http://www.thenondairyqueen.com/2012/08/time-to-make-doughnuts.html" target="_blank">Non-Dairy Queen</a> for this and other excellent recipes!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Enjoy folks! </span></span></div>
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<br />Coco&Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01929974540657835884noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078727732598719840.post-66199306784098967242013-07-18T13:21:00.001-07:002013-11-01T12:16:19.933-07:00Creating a Vintage Inspired Planter Box<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So it has been a while since my last post... wedding planning has well, taken up most of my free time! Who ever said that planning a wedding was easy has either never planned one or drank a lot during the process! I hope to post more about wedding plans as I have more to share.. stay tuned!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For now, I wanted to share with you some cleaver ways to create a vintage planter for your yard or inside your home. I was inspired to do this post because a few weeks ago my fiancee pulled me into the backyard to show me something he had done. When I got back there, I found this adorable planter filled with some of his favorite hot pepper plants. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMhbMzxraY3voajW_2vB0r7WbYKLk5s-rR-z9CULcy9ec4aFA75RwtrwLfWOr4RteWsSpZ9v5_DffVIJVsw1UwLX_nuOJDmZMNxcvwZupAkHSdw3fBxOEtrw1IkL3FZ_nhdsDWIoLh3Q/s1600/IMG_20130718_152106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMhbMzxraY3voajW_2vB0r7WbYKLk5s-rR-z9CULcy9ec4aFA75RwtrwLfWOr4RteWsSpZ9v5_DffVIJVsw1UwLX_nuOJDmZMNxcvwZupAkHSdw3fBxOEtrw1IkL3FZ_nhdsDWIoLh3Q/s640/IMG_20130718_152106.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Let me give you a little bit of back story for how this came to be. Earlier this year, my mother gave me her great grandmothers vintage Singer Sewing Machine complete with its original stand and table top. I decided that the entire piece was just too big to store in the house (and too heavy!) so my mother and I took apart the table portion and are just keeping the legs and the machine itself. I gave my fiancee the left over wood table and wood cover which we were going to throw away. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1u6f1SxaI2sZTXNXSBJaBrf4JOzVyNuxd64WAaXOAaVLiB2F_kHobjzoLZz_2Po5yJKRtakKmdUtSa5EzJAaBPL6PE7Ft_jP855mRMIHJzp_v3C-EHqVknqyhqIrOXj2qfz-RP3nRrk/s1600/IMG_20130718_152147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1u6f1SxaI2sZTXNXSBJaBrf4JOzVyNuxd64WAaXOAaVLiB2F_kHobjzoLZz_2Po5yJKRtakKmdUtSa5EzJAaBPL6PE7Ft_jP855mRMIHJzp_v3C-EHqVknqyhqIrOXj2qfz-RP3nRrk/s640/IMG_20130718_152147.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm going to take a little bit of credit here and assume that it is because of my influence that he saw that wood cover and immediately knew that it could be used for something great. He brought it out back, filled it with soil and planted his favorite peppers in it. What a great use for an old piece that would have just ended up at the curb!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When he showed me it, I was elated! I was so proud that he had thought to make something out of it and was also just pleased to see that my great, great grandmother's sewing machine cover was still going to be around and we could enjoy it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here are some other simple and crafty ways to create your very own vintage planter box. Next time you hit a yard sale or a second hand store, keep your eyes open for some of these unique pieces!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>1</b></span> - <i>Vintage Crates</i><br />I'm obsessed with vintage crates. I use them all over my home and am always looking for new ways to transform them into something great. </span><br />
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<a href="http://indulgy.com/post/ohRLaVCf41/planter" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8z-cep-7xVg_erZWfyDA6hyphenhyphenhIiFFi_GrHO7hFL4fh3fllvVKv30a1bDzB1-IBHYxJi8h0jomw8UqNHPfBuhOVXVB_6GF5ts-6jys38UWQo1X26G6WH6EZqZSR3Sk7rOVAaCHJioSEws/s320/858505daf5a65d1cbe26f34726af9f1f.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/gallery/picture/905144/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3Nd1QlnvMAyoRcCOTg4p4C_THZaXV35yUm0N1bF8Hal655b9iNiQ7AuajNXx42xQebsyRRBE47gnDnAUdYwlaKMyArk0464md_ilRXxemk_aXIw05YdFtRqWuFfWPQuNfxpwdv5AKY0/s320/3deb8f6721f22019d9e4e4ac1b5415d5.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>2</b> - <i>Vintage Toy Cars</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I love vintage toys and it isn't that hard to come by some old Tonka trunks that you can re-purpose into beautiful planters! Might be a great decor item in your child's bedroom.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.plowhearth.com/metal-vintage-truck-planters_p1007642.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHBDzRSa7Df6pnXBPFHfFTb2ADhqNHAwXSQxN0IjTBWkd6sKVaxW6MV6Ecqk1MHmay4hzXtDzJWyO3fpFaNq_kRafjOcqBbdNQonSbMq4DiYs61kb7rE9eyI5DDzjT5fBoTgitJzwajw/s400/9d2f4d5109aa2d2a806d22499ced7494.jpg" height="400" width="363" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok, these aren't exactly vintage, but you get the idea!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>3</b> - <i>Vintage Car Parts</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My parents are always finding old, rusted car parts on the side of the road and can never resist picking them up. What is great about that is you can transform them into something original like this!</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.northerncottage.net/2012/06/gardening-at-cottage.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTRk6H1bjlRCZqcnkInVNKZPzZhrp3sh_iE1nAIOLxU10Pc-omhVDAyNUGhTrNCiOxu_CfaILIVytKibiSyOICFf3Qr-wrM9gvRUwk_s9paoBFlnEVxHxaSH4LaJqBEOvAjLV_qvRHAQ/s400/02640ec4d6b57065fd66798b122f7393.jpg" height="400" width="303" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>4</b> - <i>Vintage Pots</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I can never resist these beautiful french inspired pots. They make beautiful centerpieces for your table and now even better planters!</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/94313421/french-enamel-vintage-planter-to-hang?utm_campaign=Share&utm_medium=PageTools" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVbz5loIrK9oJHmRkCtdoxoZd7NgLlHZtkMI4wm6xvMLZ0N78hNqwAkj5jgTk4ieq6QmoKOud2t4aLayRK3WfxwCUyaNHvYCd-EpRvLgiQ9o3ab6tPGcBgjeHHvNR7aRO9cJJqNzlb3c/s640/019ad9d7108234932db7f206dc50ac72.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
Coco&Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01929974540657835884noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078727732598719840.post-58597506625711405692013-06-21T19:15:00.000-07:002013-11-01T12:17:21.616-07:00Saying "I Do" in Vintage StyleI'm so excited to announce that on June 6th, my boyfriend proposed! And... I said YES! <br />
Yes, I'm finally ENGAGED! I say finally because.... well, I'm not in my 20s anymore and we've been together for three wonderful years, it is just about time for me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpl0EHDzAwtzS8O_AlX0O1ellOGX5AYYikhJ-MuuKCL2pNCXf-jNw2ijbkCUKvdKVljPLbdeyPH8F00OS4yJeHSYotNVvLJhZMidtwvBLwKENv0UwBAZ4_LIUiKmi2rFKTvTyRRebJ6A/s1600/947134_10150300096659955_51683424_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpl0EHDzAwtzS8O_AlX0O1ellOGX5AYYikhJ-MuuKCL2pNCXf-jNw2ijbkCUKvdKVljPLbdeyPH8F00OS4yJeHSYotNVvLJhZMidtwvBLwKENv0UwBAZ4_LIUiKmi2rFKTvTyRRebJ6A/s1600/947134_10150300096659955_51683424_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Soooo much champagne!</span></span></td></tr>
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He took me out to a great restaurant in the Distillery District in downtown Toronto. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! Through my tears, I managed to say yes and have been blissfully happy (and on the verge of tears) ever since.<br />
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The best part (of course) is the amazing engagement ring he gave me. It is always about the ring!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bZphkCWovh0Urp6ylYfEubyz_vutuw5g3iyDghRVEZqMiq9tEor1-DSyKKWpVZhyphenhyphenPUZoZQE9buurwf3a7dhDEalqfdtTNB8d5Z0wALIYe9LdQE8tMpc6jnNTsf3_1TSq3bdvEJt4SE4/s1600/20130608_172122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bZphkCWovh0Urp6ylYfEubyz_vutuw5g3iyDghRVEZqMiq9tEor1-DSyKKWpVZhyphenhyphenPUZoZQE9buurwf3a7dhDEalqfdtTNB8d5Z0wALIYe9LdQE8tMpc6jnNTsf3_1TSq3bdvEJt4SE4/s1600/20130608_172122.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My vintage Juliet 1930's Art Deco engagement ring</span></span></td></tr>
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When we first started talking about getting engaged last year, he asked me what kind of ring I wanted. Well, of course, I said I wanted a vintage ring. It was such a simple and easy decision for me to make. I knew that I didn't want a giant, mass produced, what every other girl has, type of ring. I wanted something unique and that when you looked at it, you would say 'oh, that's totally Kim'.<br />
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My boyfriend very quickly realized that finding a vintage ring wasn't all that easy. We started browsing online and found a lot of great shops... but they were in New York, not Toronto. Buying a ring online just didn't seem like a good idea and taking a trip to New York just wasn't in the cards. So... we kept searching and were so lucky to have discovered <a href="http://www.torontoantiquesonking.com/" target="_blank">Antiques on King</a> right here in downtown Toronto. We went in and were amazed to see that they had hundreds of stunning vintage engagement rings for us to choose from - it was quite overwhelming for me! We sat down, and my boyfriend (who has amazing taste) quickly found one that caught his eye and asked if we could try it on. That was the ring... the very first one he picked out. We tried on many others, but always found ourselves coming back to that same ring. It was just perfect and fit me like a glove. It was meant to be.<br />
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So, now begins the planning. My fiancee is very modern, while I'm more on the vintage side. We plan to create a wedding that beautifully combines both of those elements. Here are some of my inspiration pictures that I've pinned on Pinterest.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Find these and more vintage wedding inspiration photos on my Pinterest account</span></span></td></tr>
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I'm so excited about this next year! Not only do I get to marry the man of my dreams, but I get to plan the party of a lifetime. Coco&Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01929974540657835884noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078727732598719840.post-12040532835800608362013-06-03T05:49:00.002-07:002013-06-03T05:49:46.943-07:00How to Create a Successful Vintage Etsy Shop<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This past week, my shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/cocoandbear" target="_blank">Coco&Bear</a> celebrated its 1 year anniversary. I cannot get over how quickly this year has gone by. I opened by vintage Etsy shop because I love vintage, I was ready to try something that was just my own and I wasn't afraid to take a chance. I took a huge leap of faith, opened my shop with really no idea how Etsy worked, had only a small stock of vintage to start and off I went. I am by no means an expert at this. I learn something new almost everyday and have found this experience to be one of the most rewarding things I have done in my entire life. I'm going to share with you just a few of the many important and fundamental lessons that I have learned during my first year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1</span></span></span> - <b>When it comes to vintage, knowledge is key</b>. <br />Although I had always had an interest in vintage, I could not say that I knew a lot about the different types and could not date an item simply by looking at it. In order to buy good items for the shop, I had to become more knowledgeable... and fast! The question was.. how?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- <i>Ask your sellers!</i> The people that you are buying from probably know quite a bit about the vintage item you are purchasing from them. Ask them where they got it? Do they know much about the product/item? They can often tell you so much and help you to learn more about what you are selling. Don't be afraid to not know the answer!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- <i>Take advantage of the Etsy community</i>. There are so many wonderful sellers on Etsy. When I was just starting my shop, I browsed through Etsy to locate other vintage shops that I admired. I would contact the owners to let them know that I was new and ask any questions that I might have. I got some great tips and met some great people - many of whom I am still in contact with. You are not alone in this, there is a great community of people out there to help. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2</span></span></span> - <b>Don't be afraid to spend. </b><br />As the old saying goes, you need to spend money to make money. In order to build your shop, you need to get out there and buy great vintage items. Customers need to find your shop, so having a good variety of great vintage items will draw them in. Be ready with a solid budget that you can spend. You will probably not start seeing a profit straight away, but be patient and give yourself and your shop the time it needs to stand on its on two feet. As with any good business, it takes time to build a client base so be patient with yourself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">3</span></span></span>- <b>Learn the art of photography.</b><br />I am always flattered when people ask me who takes the photos for the items in my shop - because the answer is that it is me and they are usually surprised and follow up with "are you a photographer?" Photography has been a key component to my success this past year. I am not a photographer and you don't have to be either! Just start shooting...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- <i>Find your style</i>. I learned very early on that finding a style of photography for your shop is very important. I stalked many vintage shops that I loved and over many months tried different techniques and mimicked different styles until I finally found a style of photography that worked for me. I use natural light and a simple white background with a rustic white table (which I built with the help of a few friends). The goal is to find a style that reflects the type of items you are selling and one which you feel is beautiful. Don't hesitate to keep trying new styles until you find one you like and ask other sellers what they are doing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- <i>Start shooting</i>. You do not need to run out to the store and buy the most expensive camera you can find. For the better part of this past year, (I can't believe I'm about to reveal this) I used my Samsung tablet to take all of my photos. This is by no means a 'fancy' camera. I would then use a Photoshop program that was already on my computer to adjust the lighting and shading of the photos and that was it. You don't always need fancy equipment to take a beautiful photo. Try different angles, take more shots than you think you need and don't be afraid to play with props - I love props! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/cocoandbear" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWDiBTgSOXtxqvL77ZNmLdosctkuah3iTFXXOCh2kI8dwhMwb09cUpdfDr7nXtW59YqpsNDdsEDBlZcRuEiDmD2sqzuyWuK8Z-Ymq9ohb_IHQTXIPPtYhw27DOkG250GyPIt1URCOQXg/s1600/Coco&Bear.jpg" height="640" width="448" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have encountered many people throughout this past year who have said to me "you own an Etsy shop? oh, that's so cool, I've always wanted to do that". I quickly ask them why they haven't. We all make so many excuses for not chasing after the things that really make us happy. So if you are one of those people who have always dreamed, but never taken the leap, I hope that some of these suggestions will help to make that first step just a little easier. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This has
been an amazing year. My goal was to sell 100 items and I surpassed
that, selling 150 items just in time for my 1 year anniversary. I've met
some amazing people and had some very loyal and friendly customers. My
goal for this next year is to make it to 400 sales (a pretty big goal.. I
know!) I want to continue to offer my clients unique and beautiful
vintage finds! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So what I'm trying to say is that you don't have to be an expert! Starting with a love for vintage is what really counts. You simply learn as you go! </span>Coco&Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01929974540657835884noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078727732598719840.post-53072087285234983342013-05-23T17:12:00.000-07:002015-03-16T06:45:26.722-07:00My Favorite Gluten-Free Chocolate Granola Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio048EJiMGYvAPuHQLfvUxmw7trS6pITbHiSw12KJUyr4QXRcFpqvFwIN7gp9vhyPcL3Pyf5pW6yXeN2sM4AtXEkFFLv6L0tnLSXMN9cyIZUXvKcUHNamwYVNpgi1CFYkR9ZrzWACLRJ0/s1600/Chocolate+Granola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio048EJiMGYvAPuHQLfvUxmw7trS6pITbHiSw12KJUyr4QXRcFpqvFwIN7gp9vhyPcL3Pyf5pW6yXeN2sM4AtXEkFFLv6L0tnLSXMN9cyIZUXvKcUHNamwYVNpgi1CFYkR9ZrzWACLRJ0/s1600/Chocolate+Granola.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This recipe is by far one of my favorites. The reason I love it so much is because first of all, it is SO easy to make and secondly, it is so good! When I eat it, it makes me feel like I'm cheating - like I'm having a candy bar - but I'm not! I got this amazingly tasty recipe from my 'can't live without' Naturopath, <a href="http://newellnd.ca/" target="_blank">Jen Newell</a>. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She is always sharing amazing recipes with me (I'm so lucky!). Well.. here it is!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><u>Gluten-Free Chocolate Granola</u></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients:</b><br />2 cups gluten-free rolled oats</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1/2 cup chopped almonds</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1/4 cup raw cacao powder</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1/2 cup raw honey or maple syrup</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1/2 tsp vanilla extract</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Directions:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Preheat the over to 250°C</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Mix all ingredients together in a bowl</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Then spread the mixture out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bake in the over for 35 - 40 minutes or until the granola is dry and crunchy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Tip 1:</b> I use the Only Oats brand of gluten-free oats. I featured this product in a previous <a href="http://cocoandbear.blogspot.ca/2013/04/my-gluten-free-favorites.html" target="_blank">blog post</a>. I buy it at BulkBarn - that is where I have found it to be the cheapest and they always seem to have it in stock. You can most likely find it at any health food store. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Tip 2: </b>I find the unsweetened, shredded coconut at Whole Foods in the bulk aisle. I really find that buying the unsweetened variety makes a big difference in this recipe. If you were to use a sweetened coconut, the granola would be way too sweet and the coconut would just overpower the chocolate. I would stick with an unsweetened brand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Tip 3: </b>I don't buy chopped almonds - I just take whole almonds, throw them in my Magic Bullet and give them a good grinding. If you would like to have larger chunks of almonds in your granola, don't grind them then and just break them into smaller pieces. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Tip 4: </b>The type of honey you use can really make a big difference in how sweet the granola turns out. This is just something that you have to try out for yourself to see which kind you like best. I've settled on using the President's Choice (Canadian brand) regular honey. When it comes to honey, just make sure that you're using an organic, natural honey that has no additional sugar added. **I recently started replacing the honey with organic maple syrup and I love it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Tip 5: </b>When it comes to baking time, this all depends on whether you want your granola to be soft and gooey or hard and crunchy. If you want it softer, don't leave it in as long. The longer you leave it in, the harder it will get.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I usually find myself making at least one batch of this granola each week. I use it as cereal (just add milk.. well, almond milk for me!), I pack it as a snack when I'm on the road, and it really helps whenever I'm having a chocolate craving or just need something sweet. I guarantee that if you have kids, they will love this! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You can always feel free to add any other ingredients that you want! Maybe some other kind of nuts, raisins or dried fruit. You really can't mess this up.. it's always good!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Enjoy! </span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUrMZrjsTXtY4xcp2kU_XF_1m9437Ak3CP5IwONKG7pAACMQJcSPgg1ljYfVd07FDq_ZJVgxJELcO6jtiqPBGpIc-aUWDFZGmqzJ7BI3QGGOyHiDXd5BRMWzKODd258dXZtRCRIv81Ew/s1600/IMG_20130523_101155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUrMZrjsTXtY4xcp2kU_XF_1m9437Ak3CP5IwONKG7pAACMQJcSPgg1ljYfVd07FDq_ZJVgxJELcO6jtiqPBGpIc-aUWDFZGmqzJ7BI3QGGOyHiDXd5BRMWzKODd258dXZtRCRIv81Ew/s1600/IMG_20130523_101155.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Check out more recipe's from Jen and more information about her services at <a href="http://www.newellnd.ca/">www.newellnd.ca</a> </span></div>
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Coco&Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01929974540657835884noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078727732598719840.post-62506000816780300432013-05-16T11:10:00.001-07:002013-05-16T11:10:39.425-07:005 Ways to Repurpose a Vintage Pallet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Last year, we decided to
renovate our backyard and it was my job to search for some furniture. As I left
my home one early morning on my way to a meeting, I noticed a rough but
beautifully vintage pallet sitting at the end of one of my neighbours driveways.
I had no idea what I would do with it, but I knew I had to have it. I quickly
called my boyfriend and told him to get out there with the truck and pick it
up! Thankfully he did...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When I finally got a look at
it, I realized that it was a great old pallet from the Royal Canadian Mint in
Winnipeg, Ontario, Canada. It was rugged and a little rough around the edges,
but that's why I liked it. I decided that it would be our coffee
table. We quickly grabbed four casters and placed them on the bottom
of the pallet... and well, we had a coffee table! We really didn't do another
thing - it was that easy!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUIyLEgt1VAEph_UQABR0y5ExXjg_Miv9H0fLOU6ZpjOBIewreutjfP2KHjoXRXHBXZCQz6s9iFvT149LltURqvTeiPXwpABQ2jjMHis6fM8PCP8yFdhvXUq5pGob8TqNxgqECe4Vxoc/s1600/IMG_1299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUIyLEgt1VAEph_UQABR0y5ExXjg_Miv9H0fLOU6ZpjOBIewreutjfP2KHjoXRXHBXZCQz6s9iFvT149LltURqvTeiPXwpABQ2jjMHis6fM8PCP8yFdhvXUq5pGob8TqNxgqECe4Vxoc/s1600/IMG_1299.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm determined to find a new (and maybe more
challenging) pallet project for this summer. Pallets are great to work with -
you can find them almost everywhere, they are pretty sturdy and they are
usually free! Here are 5 great pallet projects that you can try this
summer!</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFlwSkr7-ioUxNiGHlWeF71a_yy8ZktoSXNE3MKJJQQwFk9eV4TM5-Jn7PF6Azka23La02cOcbVwxqnvzjLyDWLr7nOs3clt5LWTWQvqynRDpDkC3S9ykQ5GGpjWsNcktlQ1qTPhTXPY/s1600/a46184793ddc546de2cbf8cf7a64a378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFlwSkr7-ioUxNiGHlWeF71a_yy8ZktoSXNE3MKJJQQwFk9eV4TM5-Jn7PF6Azka23La02cOcbVwxqnvzjLyDWLr7nOs3clt5LWTWQvqynRDpDkC3S9ykQ5GGpjWsNcktlQ1qTPhTXPY/s1600/a46184793ddc546de2cbf8cf7a64a378.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br /><a href="http://ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.ca/2011/10/rustic-pallet-bench.html" target="_blank">Pallet Bench</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_NDcbG-2XIfP9EP5yXgoeINXvN4d16Cx0Xs2raQUQ-2jAjSRtkhTC-4DcrTblcvDC6Ywj6o6w7-QMVe7THj-iuRC2i0bJrDez1d20H74qwz1gWo7He7HhG_h00AZms7E5pevjC5_WD4/s1600/c8625d46f0952f6aedf5b3674dca94fa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_NDcbG-2XIfP9EP5yXgoeINXvN4d16Cx0Xs2raQUQ-2jAjSRtkhTC-4DcrTblcvDC6Ywj6o6w7-QMVe7THj-iuRC2i0bJrDez1d20H74qwz1gWo7He7HhG_h00AZms7E5pevjC5_WD4/s1600/c8625d46f0952f6aedf5b3674dca94fa.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.blueeyedyonder.com/diy/diy-pallet-sign.html" target="_blank">Pallet Sign</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7n4IBZvexG71AOTs64ORmTatU1Z-POOj8rPlcJfDTfMJd5MtFQqPu4cZ7FntrEn_KQ5qBNtrbIj7lNI2zX-wKdr5dAXFLCStqKBLF9RJl5Kb2eKXnyLOv7VEtLvmO5rLBS4jJdT45e4/s1600/Picture+26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7n4IBZvexG71AOTs64ORmTatU1Z-POOj8rPlcJfDTfMJd5MtFQqPu4cZ7FntrEn_KQ5qBNtrbIj7lNI2zX-wKdr5dAXFLCStqKBLF9RJl5Kb2eKXnyLOv7VEtLvmO5rLBS4jJdT45e4/s1600/Picture+26.jpg" height="640" width="492" /></a><br /><a href="http://mollyallen.blogspot.ca/2011/07/diy-pallet-shelves.html" target="_blank">Pallet Shelves</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnOxBqoE-oiTgTsAiBCL5-dcPnJC90VPE2aOHXqzaebcltWB61nDA3AROcRA2KqY7rljP0Bz2vJPQ7_gCmygSC3uzor12wHC-hY6p6nehfychPD1v5vd2Q5ajdklnMq-eu4LW8Edjjuc/s1600/IMG_5032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnOxBqoE-oiTgTsAiBCL5-dcPnJC90VPE2aOHXqzaebcltWB61nDA3AROcRA2KqY7rljP0Bz2vJPQ7_gCmygSC3uzor12wHC-hY6p6nehfychPD1v5vd2Q5ajdklnMq-eu4LW8Edjjuc/s1600/IMG_5032.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a><br /><a href="http://blog.stylizimo.com/2011/03/diy-headboard.html" target="_blank">Pallet Headboard</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKuO_NCaTMzwTgoy1MYONh3oLdTFTOd1Bw2pYXjEhD5EC5H6Bt4-Yys6lVblFRyjKD-3ghASJagrv92jaU3ADTqRVKCWZ1fOVlquUy0Xx4VJ3cEM9Btk4KuqNMS6D7FEfQ7i1NEnN2SQ/s1600/IMG_3787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKuO_NCaTMzwTgoy1MYONh3oLdTFTOd1Bw2pYXjEhD5EC5H6Bt4-Yys6lVblFRyjKD-3ghASJagrv92jaU3ADTqRVKCWZ1fOVlquUy0Xx4VJ3cEM9Btk4KuqNMS6D7FEfQ7i1NEnN2SQ/s1600/IMG_3787.JPG" height="640" width="425" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.migonishome.com/2012/04/diy-pallet-flower-box.html" target="_blank">Pallet Flower Box</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_NDcbG-2XIfP9EP5yXgoeINXvN4d16Cx0Xs2raQUQ-2jAjSRtkhTC-4DcrTblcvDC6Ywj6o6w7-QMVe7THj-iuRC2i0bJrDez1d20H74qwz1gWo7He7HhG_h00AZms7E5pevjC5_WD4/s1600/c8625d46f0952f6aedf5b3674dca94fa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />Coco&Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01929974540657835884noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078727732598719840.post-42751813886282321822013-05-05T19:07:00.000-07:002013-05-05T19:07:09.126-07:00Tips for How to Host a Successful Vintage Display <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This weekend, I had the enormous pleasure to be a vendor at the <a href="http://www.binbrookagriculturalsociety.org/" target="_blank">Binbrook Country Home & Garden Show</a> in the lovely small town of Binbrook - just west of Hamilton, Ontario. This was a two day show which also featured great home décor, lawn and garden care, craft and food vendors. It was a very successful weekend and I had the opportunity to meet so many vintage collectors and admirers. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29Irz6by-7LE5DG-ogUcFfst4xs1fLEb6_CBvgIAh0it0_bgu4sSn06xJvbMgH0v_mGKovQpY22iVQC28xKZF2_1-kR6uLNiUVjVUYvXpQsDf4h0MarkOrbw-d0VI7sDfALQHVOtaSTU/s1600/IMG_20130504_093627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29Irz6by-7LE5DG-ogUcFfst4xs1fLEb6_CBvgIAh0it0_bgu4sSn06xJvbMgH0v_mGKovQpY22iVQC28xKZF2_1-kR6uLNiUVjVUYvXpQsDf4h0MarkOrbw-d0VI7sDfALQHVOtaSTU/s1600/IMG_20130504_093627.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My display at this weekend's show! I had stuff everywhere!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My success really came down to a few key tips that I'd like to share with you:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 - <strong>If you don't have it, you can find it</strong>: A great part of being a vintage curator is that you get to bring amazing items to people who appreciate them and will give them a new life. Unfortunately, I may not always have what they are looking for. So, instead of simply saying "sorry, I don't have that", I take that opportunity to ask them to write down their name and contact information and I let them know that I will keep my eye out for that item and will contact them when and if I am able to find it. I keep this list with me (as it gets bigger and bigger!) and always keep my eye out for those special items that my customers are looking for. Customers will appreciate that you're taking the extra time to search for a special item that is important to them. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2 - <strong>Variety is the key</strong>: My shop is made up of so many different items and when I attend a show, I always try to bring items that I think will suit the customers I expect to see. For example, this weekend's show featured an antique car show and swap meet, so I made sure to bring any car related items I had and a whole lot of tools and industrial pieces. Those sold like hot cakes! The key is that I didn't just stick to those - I made sure to bring a lot of other unique items like kitchen pieces, books, furniture and even some kids toys. It is important to know who your audience will be and to make sure that you bring a lot of what they will like, but don't forget to keep a good variety!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3 - <strong>Go from a seller to a picker: </strong>I see a lot of customers who really appreciate all of the vintage pieces in the shop and explain that they have many of the same in their home. I never miss this opportunity to let them know that not only do I sell, but I buy vintage as well. I give them my card and encourage them to think of me if they ever decide to downsize or sell some of their pieces. Although not all customers may be buyers, quite a few may be sellers who can add some amazing items to your shop!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">These are just a few of my tips - I hope that you find them helpful!</span> <br />
<br />
Coco&Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01929974540657835884noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6078727732598719840.post-25114458548712714142013-05-01T16:13:00.001-07:002013-05-02T04:53:46.713-07:00Gluten-Free Marketplace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This past Sunday, my gluten-free bestie Megan and I went to
the Gluten-Free Garage at the beautiful and rustic <a href="http://www.torontoartscape.org/artscape-wychwood-barns" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Artscape Wychwood Barns</span></a>
in downtown Toronto – one of my favorite venues in the city! This former
streetcar facility is filled with rustic charm and industrial accents. It is
one of the most unique venues in the city and I love it.</span> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLCg-S8EGoRvgpU_tQCJ5mtYKgexp2nJ58sekY1xqxVOpGdRsLN89GIzrJZKz-yPK-yDa5oErac6rumC1AOxMLGPz8yuhqKkCY0vtT-u8ZBL-NNK767Glr_4RAlFx0jWwVjolQ2yMmMY/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLCg-S8EGoRvgpU_tQCJ5mtYKgexp2nJ58sekY1xqxVOpGdRsLN89GIzrJZKz-yPK-yDa5oErac6rumC1AOxMLGPz8yuhqKkCY0vtT-u8ZBL-NNK767Glr_4RAlFx0jWwVjolQ2yMmMY/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This marketplace event was put together by the wonderful crew
at <a href="http://glutenfreegarage.ca/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: #76a5af;">Gluten-Free Garage</span></a>. The marketplace featured dozens of local gluten-free
and vegan shops, bakeries and restaurants. Let me tell you, it was a good thing
that I showed up hungry because everyone was handing out samples and they were
soooo good! When you are gluten-free, it can sometimes be hard to find new and
yummy foods, so having this many vendors in one space was really exciting for
us!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSd2QESRGQwBi5lnf-OxU6W1jPeGeXdVQ1ROHxnaDJNsoGvCBwAAXiMKJhN-u6whF-j18BV3v-fK4gS5-W0UU7Q9F3MP2h0xKeHb2jXo1eA6saELuEaUHAoh9DbpoF3__rkhvsgC8I88/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSd2QESRGQwBi5lnf-OxU6W1jPeGeXdVQ1ROHxnaDJNsoGvCBwAAXiMKJhN-u6whF-j18BV3v-fK4gS5-W0UU7Q9F3MP2h0xKeHb2jXo1eA6saELuEaUHAoh9DbpoF3__rkhvsgC8I88/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage1.jpg" height="640" width="448" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We met some amazing vendors who offered some very tasty
gluten-free options including soups, cakes, spices, dressings, crackers and
yes… even a cinnamon bun!! Of course, I HAD to have one and man, was it ever
good.</span> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiyUwIMn-NGnmzqhyphenhyphen3AcqlBA-jFrJaKBmpv5z7SPKk9ClI0SB4BzolZ1i-kpSv-MHjQjX6S6Cz9qx8kB5P1fIK2tr9W_V9zVpzXjZC5Kr3ptqxO1eYhHd96bMIcCP5t8fL9zUH_0jrw8/s1600/IMG_1212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiyUwIMn-NGnmzqhyphenhyphen3AcqlBA-jFrJaKBmpv5z7SPKk9ClI0SB4BzolZ1i-kpSv-MHjQjX6S6Cz9qx8kB5P1fIK2tr9W_V9zVpzXjZC5Kr3ptqxO1eYhHd96bMIcCP5t8fL9zUH_0jrw8/s1600/IMG_1212.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I thought I would share with you some of our favorite
vendors from this event!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1) <a href="http://www.tonicakombucha.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Tonica</span></a> – Kombucha Juice<br />
For many of us who are gluten-free, we suffer from digestive issues which can
keep us from enjoying many delicious foods. A year ago, my brilliant naturopath
suggested that I try drinking Kombucha juice – a raw, organic drink - as a way
to strengthen my digestive system. It has now become a daily drink for me and
one which I crave because it taste so good! Megan and I both tried Tonica’s
Mango Passion Kombucha drink and loved it! You can find this refreshing drink
at many health food stores across Canada.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2) <a href="http://www.madmexican.ca/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Mad Mexican</span></a> – Fresh Salsa<br />
Megan and I recently took a girls vacation to Mexico. Almost every day we found
ourselves pigging out on fresh salsa – made that morning with fresh tomatoes,
onions and of course, a whole lot of cilantro and lime juice. We have been
craving it since we came home and find that the jar varieties just aren’t as
good. Once we tried the Mad Mexican’s salsa which is all natural, handmade,
preservative free and of course, gluten-free, we were immediately brought back
to Mexico and just had to buy some. I promise you won’t regret this purchase!
Mad Mexican salsa can be found at many health food stores in Southern Ontario
or at their location in downtown Toronto.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3) <a href="http://www.bunners.ca/shop/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Bunner’s</span></a> – Breads & Goodies<br />
When we walked up to this booth, all Megan and I could say to each other was
“there is no way all of these treats can be gluten-free”. We were convinced
that the gewwy, sticky, icing lathered, mouth watering cinnamon buns HAD to be
made with wheat and the icing with milk. Well, I was so happy when they said
that they were 100% gluten and dairy free (O-M-G). This stop made the whole
trip worthwhile – yes, that is how good this cinnamon bun was – as you can see
in the picture above as I’m stuffing it in my mouth. Bunner’s is a 100% vegan
and gluten-free bakery in Toronto. You must try it!</span></div>
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The list could go on for a while! This was a great event and a great opportunity to feature some amazing gluten-free foodies from across Toronto! Now... I just have to get my hands on more of those cinnamon buns...</div>
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Coco&Bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01929974540657835884noreply@blogger.com4