What matters to mel : Lifestyle

Showing posts with label Lifestyle. Show all posts

1.12.15

Getting Crafty with Mason Jars: Holiday Edition

Hello lovelies!

What better way to kick of December, than a good old DIY! I love Mason Jars and I think that there is so much you can do with them. I have an exciting post for you today: how to get crafty with mason jars for the holiday season. Enjoy :)

1) A Jar of Hot Chocolate Mix: This is the perfect gift Idea for your friends, family, or even co-workers. You can customize this however you so please. I decided to put in some Carnation hot chocolate mix, along with some mini marshmallows. I also decided to add some crushed candy cane bits to make my hot chocolate mix all the more festive! Finish you mason jar with a cute little gift tag and a plaid ribbon, and you are all set!

As an alternative, you can also put some of your favourite pre-packaged hot-chocolate mixes and/or teas that you enjoy for the holiday season. This would also make a great gift!

2) A Jar of Joy: fill your decorated mason jar with things you accomplished in the new year. Then once it is full, you can look back on all the wonderful things you have done over this past year. Each note is a little memory that you can keep with you <3 Feel free to also include some of your favourite pics from 2016! Can't wait to look back and see what I have done in 2016.

3) A Candle Holder: Everyone loves a good candle. I have decided to use my mason jar as a candle holder. You could go simple and decorate the outside of my mason jar, and then put a tea light in the bottom of it. This makes for the perfect custom Holiday candle. I think it would be cool to get some spray on snow (available at Michaels) and spray the outside of your mason jar, to give is a winter effect. You could top it off my adding a bow and some mini mistletoe for decoration.

You can take it a step further and make your own candle! I am not that outgoing, but I would love to try it one day. You would need melting jar wax, a wick, a scent, a pot, and a thermometer. The materials for to make your own candle are a bit more expensive, and I am doing this based off a student budget....therefore, I picked the simpler route! It's simple, yet festive!

4) A Candy Jar: Candy is a must have during the holiday season, and why not store your favourite sweet treats in a mason jar! The mason jar makes for the perfect storage solution, and your candies will look so festive! I chose to fill mine with my holiday fave: Candy Canes!!

5) Mason Jar Mug: I have seen this done at a few trendy restaurant, and I think it is such a cute idea! Instead of serving drinks in normal glasses, or cups, serve them in a mason jar. To customize each mason jar mug, you can buy little chalkboard stickers and stick them on the mason jars so your guests can write their names on their mug. Now no one will forget who's mug is who's. This is perfect for holiday house parties! Don't be afraid to mix it up!

6) Have S'more Fun!: I love this idea, especially if you have a fire place. Include in your mason jar, all your favourite s'mores ingredients! I put in milk chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, and some graham crackers. It looks so festive and makes for a great gift if you are going over to a friends, or family's house. This would also make a great idea for a secret santa present on a budget! It's festive, delicious, and fun!

Where I found my materials:

Michaels: ribbon, mason jars, bows, straws, jar decorations
Grocery Store: Candy Canes, graham crackers, chocolate, marshmallows
Bath and Body Works: candle (the scent I picked was called "Flannel")

I hope you enjoyed this Holiday post on getting crafty with mason jars! Let me know if you re-create any of them!

18.11.15

10 Ways to Spread Holiday Cheer and Kindness this Year!

Hello lovelies!

As Christmas, and the holiday season is fast approaching, everyone is super excited about giving gifts, getting together with family, and

As the holiday season is fast approaching, everyone is decorating, baking, wrapping presents, and bringing forth their holiday spirit! I believe it is important to spread kindness and cheer throughout the holidays as well. Spreading kindness and cheer can definitely brighten someone's day, and can even brighten your day!

Here are 10 ways you can spread holiday kindness and cheer this year:

This was me singing Christmas carols with my school's Chamber Chorus to raise money for the Arts Program.

1) Volunteer:
I always think it is important to give back and volunteer, especially during the holidays. Volunteering can range from helping at a food bank, to volunteering at the salvation army. This act of kindness will hopefully help in brightening someone's day! It's time that we give back and provide for people who really need it. It's time to pay it forward!

2) Write Personalized Holiday Cards for your Friends and Family
I love the idea of wishing your loved ones well, and what better way to do this than a personalized holiday card?! This little act of cheer goes a long way. This lets your friends and family know that you are thinking of them this holiday. Spread some cheer and write a card!

3) Buy Food for Someone Homeless
I can say from experience that this is one of the best way to spread kindness. One time, my dad and I saw someone on the side of the street downtown and he looked miserable. My dad decided to stop and get him slice of pizza. They joy in his face was priceless. Little gestures make a huge difference.

4) Send a Care Package to Someone in Need
I have done this one in the past and it makes the Christmas season that much more special. I have sent some Christmas boxes across the world through Operation Christmas Child, and knowing that I've helped a little boy or girl by bringing joy to their lives, fills me with joy. Again, it's a simple gesture, but it really means a lot to the children you are sending it to.

5) Buy Coffee for a Stranger
I have wanted to do this for so long....I don't know why I haven't done it! When you go to pay for your coffee and muffin, pay for the next person's order. This will make their busy morning all the better, and will put a smile on their face!

6) Bake Christmas Cookies for Your Neighbours and Friends
This treat will add a little sweat to someone's day. It might make them feel appreciated and loved. You could do all sorts of cookies: gingerbread, sugar cookies...whatever floats your boat! Bring on the Christmas baking!!!!

7) "Singing Loud for All to Hear" - Buddy the Elf
In the wise words of my favourite elf, "sing loud for all to hear". Nothing says Christmas and the Holidays like some festive tunes and jingles. Don't be afraid to sing like no one's listening! I love a good Christmas song or carol. I am definitely one of those people who sing Christmas songs all the time during the holiday season, whether that be on the radio, in my car, or around my house! "Have a holly jolly christmas....."

8) Shovel a Neighbour's Driveway
I know that this is extremely helpful, considering I live in Canada (way too much snow....). I am over the moon when one of my neighbours shovels my driveway without me knowing. It is an awesome little present to see your driveway all shovelled when you come home from school. I know my parents appreciate it too. I definitely want to try and do this more often this year for my neighbours. It is one less thing for them to have to worry about!

9) Decorate Your House!
I am a sucker for decorating not only the inside of my house, but the outside! The feeling you get when you house is decked out christmas lights, and decorations, makes me so happy during the holiday season. Maybe even help decorate a friend's house! It leaves you with that extra little bit of Christmas cheer.

10) Host a Dinner for your Family
I love doing this for my family. Preparing meal for them would show how much you care about them and how much you appreciate everything they do for you. It is also a nice surprise for them, to come home to a home-cooked meal. The dinner can be as simple or complex as you want. If I were making a holiday dinner, I would maybe do some roasted chicken and potatoes. I would pair it with a nice spinach salad. Do whatever you enjoy cooking!

20.10.15

Food for Thought: Roasted Chickpeas

Hello lovelies!

I have a great recipe for you today. It's simple, healthy, and really say to make! Roasted chickpeas make a great snack or even a side dish.

Here is how to make this delicious treat:

Ingredients:
- 1 can of chickpeas
- 2 Tsp of Garlic Powder
- 2 Tsp of Italian Spice Blend
- 1 1/2 Tbsp of Roasted Garlic Olive Oil
- Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste

Cookware Needed:
- 1 baking tray
- two medium sized bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Colander
- Whisk

Step 1:

Start by preheating your oven to 450 degrees. Next, open your can of chickpeas and pour them into the colander. Rinse well, then put the washed chickpeas into one of your bowls. Then put the bowl
aside.

Step 2:

Next, take your garlic powder, Italian spice blend, roasted garlic olive oil, and lemon, and whisk them in your other bowl. It should look something like this. **Keep in mind, you can substitute for other spices. I know that thyme, and paprika work well too!

Step 3:

Then, take your chickpeas and pour them into the mix from step number 2. Make sure the chickpeas are coated well. They should look like this. **Keep in mind, you can add more spices or lemon if you feel it is lacking in flavour. This is just my preference.

Step 4:

Place your coated chickpeas on a baking tray and place in the oven for 30-40 minutes, depending on how crispy you want them. I usually put mine in for 35 minutes, so they are still slightly soft, but have nice outer crunch!

Step 5:

Add salt and black pepper to taste! Do this as soon as they come out of the oven. This way, the salt and pepper absorb into the hot chickpeas.

And last but not least..... ENJOY!!!!!

I hope you've enjoyed this quick little recipe. Fast, easy, simple......what's not to love!

20.7.15

Food for Thought: Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

Hello lovelies!

This has to be one of my all time favourite recipes. "Greek Style" Lemon chicken and potatoes are a staple in my household and is the perfect meal for anytime of the year! It's really easy, requires minimum prep and tastes delicious.

Let's get started!

Ingredients:

- Small bowl of mini golden potatoes
- 4 Chicken Breasts
- 1/2 Cup Olive Oil
- 1/4 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/2 Cup of Water
- 1 1/2 Teaspoons of Oregano
- Salt to taste
- Black Pepper to taste

Utensils:

- Large caserole dish
- Cutting Board
- Small mixing bowl
- Knife to cut potatoes
- Knife to cut the chicken breasts
- Measuring cups
- Teaspoon

Step 1:

Before starting, you can set your oven to 475 degrees celsius so it can preheat while you prep your ingredients.

To begin, start by washing your potatoes.

Once you wash them you can move them onto a cutting board and cut them into halves. This helps them cook more evenly and they are end up being more bite-sized.

Step 2:

Next, take you four chicken breasts and cut off any excess fat, and cut each breast in half, so you end up with eight smaller pieces. This helps when distributing the portions when it is fully cooked.

Step 3:

Put your chicken and potatoes into the large casserole dish, and spread them out evenly.

It should look something like this:

Step 4:

Set aside your casserole dish and bring out your small mixing bowl. In this bowl, put your olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and salt. Stir well.

Next pour your mixture onto your chicken and potatoes. Make sure that they are evenly coated. Once you coat your chicken and potatoes, grind a pinch of fresh black pepper as the finishing touch!

Step 5:

Bake in the oven covered for 1 hour and 20 minutes. Then remove the lid from your casserole dish and continue baking in oven for 10 min.

The final product should look like this:

I love to eat my lemon chicken and potatoes with a side salad. I just did a very simple vinaigrette that consisted of oil and vinegar, and I put some dried onion croutons to top it off!

This is honestly one of the most delicious dishes ever and is great for family get togethers, parties, and everyday dinners! This dish was inspired by the Three Greek Sisters! They make amazing food and you should definitely consider purchasing one of their cookbooks if you want to learn more about greek cooking.

Hope you enjoyed this food for thought, and I will talk to you soon! Let me know in the comments if you try out this dish!

7.6.15

My New TV Show Obsession: The Mindy Project

Hello lovelies!

We all love watching TV! There is something for everyone, and I have a new obsession with one particular show.....THE MINDY PROJECT!!!!

This is not a new show, but it is new to me. I came across it, when I got Netflix (bad decision...I spend way too much time on it :P) and I was instantly hooked.

The Mindy Project is about Mindy Lahiri, an OB/GYN who works with several other doctors in their practice. The show basically follows her life, boy dilemmas, fashion crazes and never leaves you without a laugh!

I am in love with Mindy as a character, and outside of the show. Mindy Kaling plays the role of Mindy Lahiri and she is one of my idols. Mindy is a fashion goddess, a comic genius, and down right amazing in every way. (I don't know if you can tell....but I love her!)

Let me know who you're favourite character is from The Mindy Project! If you haven't watched it yet, you should 100% give it a try!

12.4.15

My Big Fat Greek Easter 2015!

Hello lovelies!

So today I celebrated my Greek Orthodox Easter! It was such a great time spent with my Family and it was a nice way to spend my Sunday afternoon. The weather was perfect, the food was delicious, and the laughs never ended!

Here are some photos from my Big Fat Greek Easter!