My love affair with salsa

I had the opportunity to supervise two University of Toronto Dance Classes - Salsa (Advanced) and Salsa (Intermediate II). In addition to administrative duties for the classes I also take the classes too.

A gif of our instructor dancing with a student.

Pizzas in a Blanket!

An easy and fun variation of Piggies in a Blanket!

Glazed Chicken Thighs from Oliv Tasting Room

I went on  a trip to Niagara on the Lake with some girlfriends in the summer to go for wine tasting. one of the little shops we passed by was an Olive Oil Tasting Boutique. They sold Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar in the most diverse flavours I had ever seen. I quickly bought a bottle of "Balsamic Vinegar" which has been amazing dressing and complement to my salads.

I received an email from them with a recipe from Glazed Chicken Thighs. I'm usually down to try any recipe as long as I have the ingredients. I had to attempt this recipe twice, as I decided that a quick 15 minute marinade was all I had time for. I decided to repeat the recipe, the result? Flavourful, tender chicken.

Preparation: 30 minutes
Serves 4 portions

Home made Sushi Rolls

For expert sushi eaters and amateur sushi makers like myself, sushi making is very challenging but delicious to eat afterwards. 

Bread Appetizer with Feta Cheese, Olives and Balsamic Vinegar

I was doing my regular shopping at Longos when I noticed a food sample booth sampling food for olives and olive oil they were selling. I decided to give it a shot and I was floored at how simple and delicious this dish was!

How To: Create Custom Facebook Photo Album Covers

I'm obsessed with organization and having things aesthetically pleasing both offline and online. The other day I was updating my Facebook Album for some recent NYE party when I had an idea about creating facebook album covers for each.

Dragonboat Practice Entry #4: Circuit training and Upper Body Strength

Since the new year the dragon boat team has been commencing its practices on a weekly basis for two hours on Sundays. I liken it to a bootcamp that occurs once a week. I have been trying to keep up with my own fitness workouts during the week (half an hour each day), and I'm realizing its not quite at the intensity I need to keep up with the dragon boat "bootcamp" practices. 

How it works is we usually do three circuits focusing on upper body, abs, core, back and some legs. We move from one circuit to the next in order to build up strength in the different areas. 

4 small luxuries I gave up to save hundreds a year

When I decided to move out from a rent-free situation with my parents to living in a downtown condominium with my brother, I knew I'd be facing more financial challenges. I was (and continue to be) determined to be financially secure and independent without going into debt.

Although media makes it seem aspirational to live glamourously, its just not sustainable for those of us that aren't making excessive amounts of money. Exercising delayed gratification a lot of the time is what the rest of us have to practice in order to afford the things we want without going into the red.

From cutting these four habits,
I have saved a total of $6,208 per year -
which goes straight into my savings! 

Its amazing going from living paycheque to paycheque to having a little bit more in my pocket to go towards things that are important to me - financial security now and into old age.

Giving up these luxuries - small or large has made me realize how much these "conveniences" add up, and how quickly!