Nick Carter – That All American Boy

Whenever Nick Carter comes to town, I immediately turn into my 12-year-old self.  Seeing him always makes me giddy in a way that only a fat kid in a candy store can probably relate to. I try to plan out conversation starters, things I would ask or talk to him about ahead of time; however, all reasoning and logic seems to go out the window whenever I come face to face with the man I’ve been “in love with” pretty much my entire life.

With the release of his third solo album entitled “All American”, Nick embarked on a tour across North America. This time around, I was having an intimate lunch with him before his Toronto concert (along with 60 other fans, but that’s just a minor detail). He approaches me with a big smile on his face, says “Hi beautiful”, and gives me a nice, long hug and kisses my right cheek. I play it cool, like Nick Carter kisses me on a daily occurrence, even shamelessly flirting with him in what I can only recall as a complete embarrassment on my part. But I can’t help myself whenever I’m in his presence. He gazes at me like he’s looking right into my soul, and smiles at me in a tantalizing way that makes me feel like I’m the only person in the room. We chat for a bit as he asks how I’m doing and whether I’m going to any of his other shows. Then we pose cutely for photos before he leaves to greet other fans, but not before pulling me in for another embrace and kissing me again.

I melt into my chair, floating away on cloud Nick as he makes his way around the room to the other peasants fans. He glances at me occasionally, smiling, and my heart pitter-patters. He then performs an acoustic set and reveals that the Backstreet Boys will be doing a short Vegas residency next year (Vegas trip anyone?). More photos are taken with everyone again and I wait until the very end for my turn because, well, save the best for last right? He flashes that enticing smile of his as I approach him, and gives me another big hug and kiss. We cozy up again for our photo shoot, because really, with the number of photos we took, it may as well have been one. Then sadly, it was time to say our goodbyes as he pulls me in for the final time and plants a perfectly soft kiss on my cheek. As he makes his way to the door, he smiles and winks at me. And then he’s gone.

Now, I’ve been to my fair share of Backstreet Boys concerts, but there was something about this All American show that was unlike any other. Many fans have dubbed this tour the best one yet, and I can say that I unequivocally agree with them. Nick undoubtedly gave it his all, poured his heart and sweat into it, and rocked the hell out of the show. Raw and infectious, his passion and energy is simply undeniable – he is a true performer. With a good mix of material from his new album, a few from his past ones, and a lot of Backstreet Boys throwbacks, the concert was nothing short of exhilarating. I was left wanting, needing, craving more – and seriously contemplated jumping onto Nick’s tour bus (to go to his next show of course). But alas, I’m reeling with major withdrawals and consoling myself by replaying our magical moments together on a continuous loop. 

Thank you Nick for such an incredible tour and for taking the time to make your fans and I feel loved and special. You are truly a class act.

Spring Neutrals

Spring, are you there? It’s me, Tiffany. Although it certainly doesn’t feel like it, spring has officially sprung. But for us Torontonians, we have freezing rain and below zero temperatures to deal with in the coming days. Suffice to say, this dreary weather has me dreaming of lighter, airier clothes in soft and dreamy palettes. So in the meantime, I’ve compiled some of my favourite pieces I’m lusting after this season that combine the perfect blend of comfy and chic. The result is a fresh and simple look that elevates your basic neutrals with a super soft palate. Now if only Mother Nature would cooperate and bestow some sun and warmer weather to us soon, please and thank you.

1. H&M Off-the-Shoulder Blouse | 2. Phase 3 Rivet Fedora | 3. Givenchy Antigona Tote | 

4. Paige Skyline Ankle Peg Jeans | 5. Vans Tazie in Charlotte Stone

Rice Krispie Lollipop Hearts

For the past few weeks my Instagram feed has been inundated with hearts, hearts, and more hearts. Which can only mean one thing: Valentine’s Day must be right around the corner.  I ultimately caved, reluctantly happily stopped scoffing, and decided to jump on the Valentine bandwagon last minute. And what speaks to my heart more than cute, little heart-shaped sweets? These Rice Krispie lollipop hearts are the perfect last minute treat that’s fun, easy to make, and oh-so-adorable. Whether for that special someone or your best girlfriends, these tasty little treats will show anyone just how much you care.

Rice Krispie Lollipop Hearts (makes around 15):

Adapted from this recipe here.

Ingredients:

• 45 large marshmallows
• 5 tbsp butter
• 6 cups Rice Krispie cereal
• 1 tsp red food colouring
• 2 cups candy melts (vanilla flavoured or white chocolate)
• 1 cup heart sprinkles
• lollipop sticks
• heart-shaped cookie cutter

Directions:

1. Place butter and marshmallows in a very large bowl and heat on high in the microwave for 2 minutes. Remove, stir, and heat for another 2 minutes.
2. Remove from microwave and stir well with a spatula until marshmallows and butter are fully combined.
3. Add food coloring to the mixture and mix well. Stir in Rice Krispies and quickly mix until fully combined.
4. On a baking sheet lined with wax paper, spread the Rice Krispie mixture on, about 9x13x½ inch thick. Let cool slightly, then cut out heart shapes with a cookie cutter and set aside.
5. Place the sprinkles in a wide flat bowl and set aside.
6. Place the candy melts in a bowl and heat in the microwave for 1 minute at 50% power or defrost setting. Remove, stir, then place back in microwave and heat for another minute at 50% power or defrost setting. Stir well until completely melted.
7. Dunk the Rice Krispie hearts in the melted candy melts, coating a thin layer on both sides. Use a knife to spread the coating evenly.
8. Coat the hearts generously with the sprinkles on both sides.
9. Insert lollipop sticks in the bottom of each heart.

Happy Valentine’s Day! <3  

Nutella Stuffed Gingerbread Brownie Cookie

I'm pretty much obsessed with everything gingerbread. To me, it's the quintessential holiday treat, although I could eat it anytime of the year. With Christmas only a week away, I’ve been craving all things gingerbread, but wanted something different than the usual gingerbread cookies. Enter the Nutella stuffed gingerbread brownie cookie. It really is as glorious as it sounds and is basically a giant gingerbread cookie on crack. Crispy on the outside, ooey gooey on the inside, it's the perfect fudgey brownie delight. Each bite delivers a heavenly medley of cozy gingerbread flavours, with the Nutella and chocolate oozing out to create one big Christmas party in your mouth. This is true indulgence at its finest and my taste buds couldn't be happier.

Nutella Stuffed Gingerbread Brownie Cookie (Serves 7-8):

Modified slightly from a recipe by Cafe Delites

Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cup butter
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour or whole wheat pastry flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 2 tsp ground cloves
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
•  ¼ cup coconut sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup molasses
• ¾ cup dark chocolate chips (I used Ghirardelli’s)
• ½ cup melted Nutella

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 8-inch round cake pan or cast iron skillet with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Melt the butter in a small saucepan on medium high until it rises and begins to froth. Reduce heat and let simmer while occasionally stirring until it turns golden brown. Remove from heat and let cool down to room temperature.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

4. In a medium bowl, whisk the cooled butter, coconut and brown sugar until smooth and combined. Whisk in the egg and molasses.

5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing slowly with a wooden spoon until just combined. Using a spatula, fold in ½ cup of the chocolate chips.

6. Spoon half of the brownie dough onto the pan and smooth out on top with the back of a spoon. Pour the melted Nutella over.

7. Add the remaining dough over the Nutella, pressing down gently until the Nutella is completely and evenly covered. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top.

8. Place in oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out semi-clean. Because the brownie is gooey inside, the toothpick may come out a little dirty.

9. Let cool a little before serving, and if you're feeling extra indulgent, top with a generous scoop of ice cream (I used a candy cane one from President's Choice), or whipped cream.

Happy Holidays!

Krispy Kreme's Day of the Dozens 12.12

I am all about a good deal, especially when it involves sweet, heavenly delights. Last week, I ate my weight in doughnuts because when Krispy Kreme presents you with delicious doughnut after delicious doughnut after delicious doughnut, you really can't say no. Well, you can try, but you’d fail miserably.

This Saturday, December 12^th (12/12), Krispy Kreme is celebrating the Day of the Dozens, where when you purchase a dozen of their Original Glazed doughnuts, you receive a second dozen for free! And who doesn’t love free doughnuts? Although all their doughnuts are incredibly scrumptious, nothing beats their original glazed. When warmed up in the microwave at the perfect 8 seconds, something magical occurs in all its ooey gooey melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Before you run to your nearest Krispy Kreme on Saturday, don’t forget to present the coupon below. If you’re itching to get other flavours as well, some notable favourites of mine include Red Velvet, Caramel Kreme Crunch, and Chocolate Ice Cream Filled. Because let’s be honest, who can resist when there’s so many options? Day of the Dozens is being celebrated in both the U.S. and Canada, with the Canadian locations listed below.

Ontario locations:

Toronto (downtown) - 164 McCaul St.

Toronto (downtown) - 215 Harbord St.

Mississauga – 5920 Mavis Rd.

Quebec locations:

Montreal (Greenfield Park) – 600 Auguste St.

Quebec City – 1560 LeBourgneuf Blvd.

Don’t forget to use the hashtag #DayoftheDozens when capturing your drool-worthy shots.