Rowena Recommends

Go Visit Giulietta

December 4, 2019
How does dining out relate to wellness? Many individuals feel like dieting= no delicious food. Once again, I’d to emphasize that a healthy lifestyle and/or to achieve wellness, it’s not a short term commitment; it’s a lifelong commitment. You can definitely enjoy good food over a meal out with friends; it’s all about the choices you make during that meal and how often you are choosing to dine out. It’s easier said than done sometimes given especially this time of year.

Keeping in mind that it is the busy holiday season, here’s my top 5 tips of how to control caloric intake:
1. It’s okay to not want to have a glass of wine or alcoholic beverage with your meal. Sparkling and/or still water is just as cool of a choice. 😉 Don’t feel like you are judged just because you say no to alcohol.
2. Many restaurants already have started to hold the bread basket but if the restaurant you choose still offers the bread basket to start, feel free to say no.
3. I always have room for dessert; however, if you are in a situation where you have multiple functions throughout the week, order a herbal tea to finish off your meal. I always love mint tea.
4. If you happen to like the bread basket to start, opt to order a double side portion of vegetables for your main. If you have a salad as your appetizer, always ask for dressing on the side. NEVER go to a function hungry. Make sure that you have a vegetable and protein rich meal beforehand so that you lower your chances of overeating at the function.
5. Weight gain may still happen even if you are conscious about your choices when dining out. It’s okay if this happens because know that these calories were ingested in good company. Having said that, make sure every bite is worth it. Be picky about your choices. Don’t just put anything in your mouth. Make sure it’s something you really really like. Holidays only come around once a year so it IS okay to indulge. Don’t feel guilty.
I know we are lucky to have so many delicious eats available in Toronto, Canada. Lately, I’ve been disappointed with a few of my dining out options but Giulietta certainly lived up to expectations.

I loved every aspect of this restaurant. The ambiance is nice and cozy. The service was excellent and the food is absolutely delicious! I went with my husband and I have to say, the portions were a decent size and between the 2 of us, 3 dishes plus dessert was very satisfying.

What did I try off the menu?
1. Missicanza di Bietola
Be still my heart. I could never say no to a salad that has pomegranates, roasted cauliflower and pistachios. Absolutely a divine combination. 🙂

2. Pappardelle al Ragu

This dish was definitely the star of the night. The pasta was cooked al dente (just the way I like it). Although the weather held up last night, the weather was still very “wintery” so the combination slow cooked ox tail and parmigianno is just perfect!! Comfort food at its best. 🙂

3. La Campagnola

For those who know me know that I love pizza. How can I go to an Italian restaurant and not try a pizza? I decided to try something other than a tomato based pizza. For those who know me also know that I absolutely adore mushrooms. 🙂 I also happen to recommend ricotta cheese for a lot of cheese lovers as it is naturally lower in fat and lower in salt. 😉 This pizza sounded like it was made for me.

Food For Thought: At a very reasonable price point, I think Giulietta is definitely a “must go” in Toronto. I seriously cannot wait to be back. Who wants to go with me next? 🙂 There are so many other dishes I’d love to try off that menu (i.e. burrata, calamari, branzino..the endless possibilities!!!)

Have you been to Giulietta? If so, what are your thoughts of this cute little restaurant? Let me know!!!!
Plant Friendly Sweet Potato Vegetarian Chili

November 21, 2019
We are experiencing a nice mild day here in Toronto but prior to today, we’ve been experiencing a cold spell. There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of chili with a nice slice of baguette.

I’ve shared a turkey chili recipe before but here is a delicious and easy vegetarian chili recipe that also incorporates sweet potato. A lot of individuals love sweet potato fries but often will opt for potatoes as part of his/her daily meals as opposed to sweet potatoes. Why not switch it up and incorporate a few sweet potatoes for an extra boost of Vitamin A? I’m featuring the orange sweet potato but there is no reason why you can’t choose to incorporate the purple sweet potato as well. The purple sweet potato would provide you a different antioxidant so it’s good to switch things up once in a while.

Sweet Potato Vegetarian Chili (4 servings)

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp grapeseed oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

2 tsp chili powder

2 dried red chilis (deseeded, stemmed and sliced thin) –> Optional (I did not add since I’m not a huge fan of spice)

1/2 tsp chili flakes (add more if you’d like more spice)

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

1 can diced tomatoes (I like the Aylmer’s Canned Diced Tomatoes with Italian Seasonings)

4 c no salt added vegetable broth

3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (for more texture/rustic taste, feel free to leave some skin on)

1 can (540 mL) black blacks (no salt added)

1 can (540 mL) chickpeas (no salt added)

1 box (227 g) cremini mushrooms (sliced)

1/2 c canned corn kernels (no salt added)

1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice

salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and a pinch of salt. Cook until translucent.
2. Add chili powder, chili flakes and sliced chiles (if desired) and stir. Cook until fragrant. Add vinegar, tomatoes, broth, sweet potato cubes, mushrooms and beans. Stir.
3. Simmer on low heat until sweet potatoes are tender.
4. Add corn. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
5. Add lime juice. Taste and adjust seasonings.
**Feel free to add dark green leafy green vegetables as a nice and colourful topping at the end when serving the finished product. Feel free to add some shredded cheese on top as well.

Food For Thought: This is a simple and delicious recipe which can be made into a large portion means you will have leftovers for the week. By making a recipe like this, it will take a little stress off this busy time of year so what are you waiting for? Switching up the toppings will keep the chili interesting. I opted to add a little avocado and some shredded cheese to my bowl of chili. Don’t forget a side of baguette as well. 🙂 Bon Appetit!
Have You Tried Innisfree?

November 17, 2019

I know I have not been blogging for a long time but I finally pulled myself together. I have definitely a new found respect for bloggers who blog full time. It’s not always easy to find daily inspirations for posts. I want to make sure that the posts I do are genuine and truly represent something I believe in.

As much as a I despise going to Yorkdale Mall in Toronto, ON, I did sneak in a visit to the newly opened Innisfree store soon after it opened its first store in Toronto.

I do believe Korean skincare products are well suited for the general public. I was very excited to try some of the products from the Green Tea line. Let’s go through a bit of the history from the Innisfree brand. Because products from the Innisfree brand is made from Jeju Island, this brand promises that its products are natural, eco-friendly and are of a good quality but as reasonable prices. All products are from Jeju Island. I’ve been to Seoul but Jeju Island is definitely on my “To Visit List”.

How cute is this packaging? To be able to try 4 Green Tea Seed Bestseller products at $35 is a great deal.

Need I remind you that Toronto, ON experienced our first major snowstorm of the season. It honestly came too soon. My husband and I definitely were not prepared as we both have yet to get our winter tires on. By the time we got on the phone to make an appointment, we both have to wait until next Thursday to be fully ready for winter.

Why is this piece of information relevant when discussing skincare? Although it’s technically still fall, it definitely is starting to feel like winter. With that being said, the skin needs an extra level of hydration to keep the skin healthy and happy.

Do I have any complaints of any products within this trial package? No! 🙂

I really do love how my skin feels after the use of each product be it the hydrating cleaning foam, intensive hydrating serum, intensive hydrating cream with green tea seed and/or the intensive hydrating eye cream with green tea seed. The feeling is not greasy and the smell of the product is not overpowering.

Food For Thought: Individuals always think skincare moves into a category when you’ve reached your mid 30s. If you’ve been proactive all along, you don’t need to change your basic skincare products all that much. The truth is I’m 33 for a few more weeks before I officially turn 34. I know that Innisfree is meant to be a line for younger skin but based on my own situation, I would highly recommend this line for anyone in my age. If you are my age and looking for a more intensive wrinkle prevention type treatment, there are other products more suitable for the purpose. If you have collagen rich skin and want a nice, non-greasy, clean hydration option at a very reasonable price point, Innisfree Green Tea Seed line is worth checking out. What are you waiting for?
Calling All Scone Lovers- Easy To Make Fresh Scone Recipe

October 12, 2019
Happy Thanksgiving weekend, my Canadian friends!

Thanksgiving is one of my favourite holidays! Why? Often times, Thanksgiving signifies the beginning of entertaining season. It won’t be long until we are all in the full holiday spirit with the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. I’m also biased to say that this part of the year is the best as my husband’s birthday, my sister’s birthday, and my birthday all fall within November and December. 😉

During Thanksgiving weekend, there really is nothing that can beat waking up to the smell of freshly made scones with homemade jam with chia seeds. Have some strawberries you’d like to use up? Here’s a simple 3 ingredient strawberry jam recipe:

Ingredients:

1 lb (~1 box) fresh strawberries (washed, hulled and sliced)

3 Tbsp honey (You are more than welcome to add 1 more Tbsp if you like your jam on the sweeter side. I like mine with a bit of tartness so I kept it at 3 Tbsp of honey)

2 Tbsp chia seeds (I happen to have white chia seeds at home but there really is no difference between black and white chia seeds)

Instructions:
1. Heat a medium sized saucepan over medium heat and add strawberries. Mix in honey. Continue to mix the strawberry and honey mixture over medium heat on the stove.
2. As the strawberries soften, the juices will come out. Continue to gently stir the strawberries, juices and honey together over medium heat.
3. At some point, the strawberries will become soft (i.e. they look like they are falling apart). Please use a fork to further break up the strawberries.
4. Once the strawberry and honey mixture come to a slow boil (i.e. you will see large bubbles at the surface), add the chia seeds. Continue to stir over low heat.
5. By adding the chia seeds, the mixture will develop a gelatinous texture.
6. Continue to stir the mixture over low heat for about 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the stove.
7. The jam is ready to be enjoyed. 🙂
Ready to make scones? Make sure you have a food scale handy. 🙂 With this recipe, I was able to make 8 scones.

Ingredients:

225 g self raising flour (i.e. cake/pastry flour)

40 grams of golden castor sugar (if you don’t have castor sugar at home, make sure you further blend cane sugar or brown sugar into super super refined pieces)

75 g butter (make sure it’s cold and not at room temperature)

50 g dried cranberries

1 large egg, beaten

6 Tbsp of milk to mix (I found this amount to be good for my dough. You may need more if you find the mixture too dry)

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 430oF.
2. Sift 225 grams of self raising flour into a bowl.
3. Add sugar and butter into the flour. Cut the butter with forks or knives so that the mixture develops a crumbly texture.
4. Add in the dried cranberries.
5. Add in the milk.
6. Start to mix the dough. If you find the dough is too dry, continue to add more milk. The dough should feel soft but not too sticky.
7. Roll the dough into a ball. Prepare a lightly floured working surface.
8. With a rolling pin, roll the dough so that the dough has a height and/or thickness of 3 cm (it’s very important you keep this level of thickness because the scones won’t be able to rise if the dough is rolled too thin).
9. Use a pastry cutter to cut the dough into individual scones.
10. Continue to roll the the leftover dough to the appropriate thickness to continue to cut the dough into individual scones.
11. When your tray of scones are ready to bake, throw them into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes.
12. Enjoy your scones! 🙂
No time to make scones? Don’t worry. Having 8 strawberries (1 serving) a day is a great satiating snack as it is a source of fibre and is also an excellent source of Vitamin C.

Want to jazz up your strawberries over the holiday weekend? Who says you can’t also enjoy some strawberries with some freshly made whipped cream with a little vanilla extract? So many ways to enjoy strawberries at any time during the holiday weekend.

To make basic freshly whipped cream, all you need is: 1 c of heavy cream (35% M.F), 2 Tbsp of sugar (honey, brown sugar, white sugar, etc) and 1 Tbsp of pure vanilla extract. Get ready to give your arm a good workout! 🙂 The result is absolutely delicious.
Back to Routine- Make Some Delicious Strawberry Coconut Bites

September 4, 2019
As we kiss summer goodbye and start getting back into routine, let’s not forget that strawberries can always be a part of life no matter how busy our schedules become. Strawberries can be eaten at any point in the day. Tired of your usual energy bite combination? Throw some strawberries into them for an extra burst of flavour, Vitamin C and fibre.

You have to try this recipe out. You won’t regret it!

Strawberry Coconut Bites (Serves 16)

Ingredients:

2 c sliced strawberries

1/2 c unsweetened shredded coconut

1 c raw pumpkin seedcs

1 Tbsp flax seeds (ground or whole)

4 medjool dates (pitted)

10 dried mission figs (stems removed)

1/4 c rolled oats

1 tsp lemon juice

pinch salt

1 c unsweetened toasted coconut for rolling

Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients (except toasted coconut for rolling) in a food processor. Pulse until all ingredients are combined well. Mixture should resemble the texture of cookie dough.
2. If the coconut for rolling has not toasted, heat a pan up over medium heat. Pour coconut in. While toasting the coconut, please do not leave pan unattended. Stir the coconut shreds around until all shreds are a nice golden brown colour.
3. Let the mixture sit for a few minute so that the oats can soak up some of the mixture. If you have the time, let the mixture stand overnight.
4. Use a tablespoon to scoop out balls of the mixture to form balls. Roll them in the toasted coconut flakes until well coated. They are ready to eat! 🙂 If you would like them to be of a firmer texture, you can always freeze them for an hour. Pull them out and they are ready to be enjoyed.
Food For Thought: How delicious do these little bites look? They are so easy and they are completely school friendly. What have you got to lose?
Have You Checked Out Impact Kitchen?

August 21, 2019

I still can’t get over how happy I am about the newest location of Impact Kitchen. The newish Yonge/Summerhill location is by far the most convenient location for me. I’ve been to the Adelaide St. W and King St. E location but both would be considered a meal option only if I was in the neighbourhood and/or running errands around the area.

I’m really glad to see that lighter option restaurants are popping up more and more throughout the city. It’s nice to go out to a restaurant with nice ambiance and eat delicious food but it’s also really nice to also go to hang out with friends and/or family in a more laid back environment where the focus is really to catch up with one another while nourishing your body. After a meal at Impact, you won’t feel overstuffed. You feel absolutely amazing!!

My usual go to option at Impact is Harvest Bowl with a piece of salmon. After more frequent get togethers with friends, I have also grown to be a big fan of the Zesty Mexican Bowl. From the brunch menu, I have stuck with the basic eggs plate but I have also tried their paleo waffles.

Yes- as part of the Harvest bowl, bacon is included. 🙂 Of course, you can always omit this option if bacon is not something you like and/or cannot eat.

Food For Thought: What is your favourite item off the menu at Impact Kitchen?
How Would You Rate Your Relationship With Food?

July 31, 2019

Do you find yourself often telling yourself you can’t have this food or you feel extremely guilty after consuming a specific food? Do you have a running list of a “to avoid” or “bad” food list? For the last little while, I have many clients who have identified that they have had a bad relationship with food. These clients recognize they need to improve their relationship with food but at the same time, this journey to bettering his/her relationship with food is not an easy one.

With the society we live in today, we have become desensitized to media messages telling us that there are forbidden foods and there are good foods. Because of the way that media shapes our minds, most of us to end up having a love/hate relationship with food. Unless you have celiac disease, a food sensitivity/allergy, gastrointestinal issues (e.g. diverticulitis, IBS) and/or chronic diseases (e.g. kidney disease), all foods can be enjoyed. No food should ever be considered forbidden.

I agree that one size does not fit all for all individuals in terms of nutrition needs. If you choose to follow a certain dietary lifestyle (i.e. vegan, lacto-ovo vegetarian, half vegetarian, pescatarian, flexitarian), you will need to make appropriate modifications to make sure all your dietary needs are met. If you need to tailor certain macronutrient levels (e.g. carbohydrate, protein and fat) to meet your individual needs, feel free to tweak; however, no food should ever be considered forbidden.

When the summer heat hit this year, it hit us. We’ve had quite a few heat waves since summer has started. No complaints as summer time is so short in Canada! 😉 There is nothing quite like having ice cream, froyo or gelato when it is hot outside!! If your body is telling you that you would like some ice cream, enjoy and savour every bite. There is no need to feel guilty afterwards. Many companies have tried to come out with “healthier” dessert options but does it give you the same level of satisfaction? This is where mindfulness comes into play. Eat what you want but listen to your body and know when your body is satisfied (i.e. this will help you to control your portion).

Many individuals consider burgers and/or hot dogs to be unhealthy but when individuals are at the cottage and/or if he/she is at a gathering with friends, burgers and hot dogs may be what is offered. Individuals will consume these items but may end up going home to complain about what bad food choices they had and how they’ve fallen off the bandwagon for healthy eating. Having a burger and/or a hot dog when paired up with a nice full plate of salad comprised of simple, fresh, local ingredients (e.g. cucumbers, tomato, spinach, etc.) is not the end of the world.

We demonize sugar but I know many individuals who believe in having something sweet after each meal. We have all heard that fruit is nature’s candy so there is nothing wrong with having a piece of fruit afterwards. When you really are craving a cookie, chocolate or a donut, listen to your body and go for it. Satisfy your body’s need.

Often times, the reason why people become “addicted” to certain foods is because they put restrictions on what they can and cannot have. The more a food is considered forbidden, the more an individual will want it.

Do you agree with my view or do you believe that there should always be a list of foods one should never touch? Let me know!!!

Food For Thought: Let’s put food in a more positive light. Let’s not feel guilty and/or bad after eating so called bad foods. Let’s aim to have a better relationship with food.
Flashfood- A New Way To Reduce Food Waste

July 24, 2019

Are you an individual who is very conscious of food waste but also likes to make small frequent trips to the grocery store throughout the week? Do you have a large family to feed where food disappears very quickly? Are you a budget savvy shopper? Do you love great deals?

The Flashfood app may be of interest to you. It recently launched in certain Loblaws throughout the Greater Toronto Area. The idea of this application is that the store will put soon to expire food items in the Flashfood fridge. The store may also put very ripe fruit and/or vegetables in the fridge as well. The produce items (e.g. fruits, vegetables and/or salads) are meant to be consumed very soon.

Here is what is available at my local Loblaw store:

What Are the Steps For You To Access Flashfood Inventory? You must download the Flashfood app to see what is available at the store. Once you have downloaded the app, sign in. You will pick the grocery store most convenient for you. You will then see what is available at that location. If you are interested in the item(s), you will click on the food item to put in the cart. You will find the items in the fridge upon arrival. You will then check out at customer service.

Food For Thought: Will this application allow you to do your full weekly grocery shop? No. It is a great way to reduce food waste and become more budget savvy. We all work hard for our money so why don’t we let our dollar stretch even further? Will you give Flashfood a try? 🙂
Have You Heard of San Pellegrino Essenza?

July 17, 2019

Which brand are you a fan of? Perrier or San Pellegrino? If you are a fan of San Pellegrino, have you seen and/or tried the Essenza line? This is San Pellegrino’s answer to giving you a beverage with refreshing taste without the extra sugar.

While I was away in Washington DC, my friend bought this product. Boy was I happy she did because it’s absolutely delicious! I think adding lemon zest is a genius idea! 🙂

Apparently, this product is also readily available in Canada. Apparently, I haven’t been looking close enough! I will have to keep my eyes peeled for the San Pellegrino Essenza options now. I tried the lemon zest flavour but I can’t wait to try the tangerine & wild strawberry flavour as well as the dark morello cherry & pomegranate option!

Food For Thought: Are you a still or sparkling water fan? If you are a still water fan, the San Pellegrino Essenza option may not excite you as much. If you are a loyal Perrier fan, San Pellegrino products may not appeal to you as well; however, if you are very flexible with the brand of carbonated water, I believe San Pellegrino Essenza is worth trying given the interesting and delicious flavour combinations to help you stay hydrated during the hot and sticky summer months. Remember to stay hydrated!!!
How Do You Pack for a Summer Weekend Getaway?

July 10, 2019

I don’t know about you but I can definitely feel the difference in terms of pace in the summer vs. the rest of the year. Are you going anywhere this summer? I don’t typically go away during the summer as summers are perfectly beautiful here in Toronto, Canada. Why not enjoy the beautiful weather at home? Having said that, I typically like to travel just before and/or after Labour Day weekend because this is when all the kids have to go back to school. 🙂 It’s still just my husband and I so we do have the luxury of having that time of year as a travel option. When we do have a child and/or children, I am sure my mindset will change. Another factor why we do like to travel around the Labour Day weekend is because that is when we got married. Why not celebrate our wedding anniversary abroad? 🙂

Truth: I used to be one of those individuals who would always have a checked luggage no matter how long or short my trip was. I used to pack so many extra outfits (just in case I changed my mind) and I used to pack up to 9 pairs of shoes. My biggest accomplishment was packing for my 15 day trip to Greece and France with only a carry on. I had different outfits for each day and even was able to pack a nicer outfit for my meal at Le Cinq. I even had room for all the skincare products and a pair of pants I bought in Paris! 😉

Traveling with a carry on is so much better so I am going to try my very best to travel with only a carry on from now on. I can’t guarantee if I can accomplish this when I go to Asia though! 😉

I’m going to be in Washington DC for the weekend for my friend’s pre-wedding celebrations. Having said that, I know that Washington DC is going to be hot, sticky and humid.

My general rule of thumb: For each day of the trip, I aim to prepare one outfit. I am also the type of person where I aim to minimize trips to and from the hotel during the day. Ideally, I’d only like to return to the hotel at night. Depending on the location in which we travel to, I may bend the rules. If it’s a food destination (i.e. Japan, France, New York, California, Hawaii, Chicago, Hong Kong, etc.), I would ideally like to change before dinner. Generally, I pick out staple pieces and build my outfit around those staple pieces. I may pack one or two extra tops and/or one or two extra bottoms just in case I need an outfit change due to the level I sweat during the day.

As you can see from above, I stick to dresses and/or skirts for a summer getaway. I am definitely not a last minute packer and am very much a planner. Truth: I regularly go with my closet to coordinate outfits so I don’t find myself scrambling at the last minute. Wouldn’t it be nice if we all had an outfit creator like the one featured in the movie “Clueless”? When I go shopping, I remember my key favourite staple pieces and try to add a new fresh top and/or bottom for a new twist. For this upcoming trip, I tried to go with the lighter white colour scheme; many individuals would say I wear colour very often but the truth is, I like to stick to colour combinations that work. Black and white and/or anything along that colour scheme (i.e. cool greys) can never go wrong. 😉 What is not pictured here is a pair of black flowy shorts. It will be my back up should the grey skirt get dirty.

What Shoes Do I Pack?

Because I do foresee a lot of walking while travel, here are some shoes I never leave without.

Mimosa

If someone told me they would be updating the style of the sandal made by Mimosa, I would have bought the entire stock in my size. I live in these shoes during the summer. They give me just enough height but continues to provide me comfort. I’m showing you the newer style so that it gives you a good sense of the size of heel on these sandals.

Cole Haan

Who else is a fan of Cole Haan Nantucket Loafers? I have a white pair and a navy blue pair. These are my staple shoes for summer. 😉

I find Cole Haan to be such a good brand as it is good quality and it is reasonably priced. If you haven’t tried these loafers, you have to get yourself a pair!!!

Food For Thought: Travel has been shown to be good for mental health and overall wellbeing. Some individuals believe that trips need to be of a certain length; however, the truth is, a weekend trip may be all that you need to get recharged. With that being said, are you an expert packer? Do you spend time regularly going through your closet to build outfits so that you don’t need to scramble last minute? Share your tips and tricks with me. 🙂