Strawberry Fields Forever

I hope all my fellow Canadians had a wonderful Canada Day and are enjoying the long weekend!  Last weekend my sister went strawberry picking and came home with two huge basketfuls of berries.  After sharing some with family and friends we froze a tray but still had a lot left.  I started looking for recipes other than ones for strawberry jam (we already had too much jam in our house and these berries were too good for canning in my opinon).  So here's what we made:

   

Strawberry Watermelon Agua Fresca- Simply Recipes                                    Strawberry Cake- Martha Stewart 

I am in LOVE with this drink!  It's so refreshing and easy to make :) And the cake was so good that we ate most of it before I remembered to take a picture!

Strawberry Sorbet  

I've always wanted to try making sorbet, but I've hesitated since I don't have an ice cream maker at home.  However, after a little research on the internet I came up with this recipe, which had a great balance between creamy and tart.  It turned out to be quite easy so I thought I'd share it with you all!

Ingredients: 

• 1 pint frozen strawberries 
• 1/4 cup honey (add more to your liking)
• Juice from half a lemon
• 1 tbsp red wine (can be substituted with vodka, the alcohol slows down the freezing)

Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.  Transfer the mixture into an ice cube tray or a shallow dish and freeze for at least six hours or until solid.  Remove from tray and reblend until smooth.  You can it serve right away or store it in an airtight container in the freezer.  Serves four.

What's your favourite strawberry recipe?

Loving Strawberries Lately,

Amy

Timely Style

A watch can be the perfect accessory to complete any outfit.  Whether it adds that pop of colour or sparkle, a watch gives you some serious arm candy.  As a result of the arm party trend there is now a wide range of watches available.  From the classic gold tone to bright neon and in a variety of price points, there is a watch for every style.  

I, myself have been on the lookout for a new watch since Christmas of last year.  Since it will be an investment piece I have been taking my time in picking out a watch.  Below are some of my favourites.  

1. Betsey Johnson   2. Fossil Flight   3. Fossil Stella   4. Fossil Stella Glitz  

5.  Tommy Hilfiger Kelsey   6.  Michael Kors Runway

Although I now have a Shop! giftcard  to spend towards a new watch I have been keeping my limit at ~ $150.  So while Michael Kors' watches are some of my favourites they are out of reach for now.   Not to mention they have been seen on way too many bloggers lately.  Right now my criteria is: 

• Stainless steel and preferably rose gold tone
• Under $150
• Large but not oversize or boyfriend sized - my wrist is tiny!
• Numbers and no bling preferred 

While the Fossil flight was my orginal favourite it looked too big for my wrist when I tried it on.  So right now I'm leaning towards the Tommy Hilfiger Kelsey but recently 1&2 have caught my eye.  

Which of the above is your favorite watch or do you have any other suggestions? And finally what watch are you currently wearing?

Loving Watches Lately,
Amy

Craving: Blue + A touch of Gold

Those who know me, know that I wear a lot of blue.  It's something that I've inherited from my dad.  So while I've been incorporating other colors to my wardrobe over the years, blue is still my go to color.  There's something so classic about blue and it can be a great neutral to pair with other colors.  Right now I'm loving the combination of blue with gold accessories.  Here are some of my picks for the summer.

From top left: Forever 21 Hi-Low Skirt, Joe Silk Tank, Rachel Roy Love Mice Ring (and here), Stella and Dot Renegade Bracelet, Zara Cashmere Blouse, Zara Blouse, H&M Bag, Joe Belted Dress, J.Crew Bracelet, Fiori Bag, Zara Dress

  What is your current favourite color combination?

Loving Blue With A Touch of Gold Lately,

Amy

Victoria Day Shopping Haul

It is usually hard to get back into the swing of things after a long weekend.  And in my case, I was greeted to a pile of marking and a multitude of problems on Tuesday morning.  So I couldn't be happier that it's already Friday, thank goodness for the short week!


If you've been following me on instagram (@amy_lovinglately)  then you already know I spent my weekend cross border shopping.  Here's what's inside the bag:

 

Ann Taylor Skirt, Hollister Plaid Shirt, and Banana Republic Dress.

H&M Blazer and Sleeveless Shirtdress

Total Retail Value for all 5 items: $259.38
What I paid: $92.34
That's a total savings of ~64%! Not to0 shabby :)


I was super excited to find that sleeveless shirtdress in my size.  I have wanted it ever since Jean and Elle posted about it but unfortunately I don't have an H&M in my city.  And it was a bonus that H&M had this coupon for 35% off one item :)  The rest of the items (skirt, blazer & shirt)  were great basics  that I was lacking and the other dress is perfect for summer weddings that I'll be attending!


You might have noticed that none of the items are from LOFT despite the logo on the bag, that's because I couldn't find anything in my size.  However there were some great deals at the LOFT outlet (extra 30%) that my mom and sister picked up.


I also posted this pic about some $0.30 deals at target.  I'm always on the lookout for clearance sections and target always has some great deals at the front of the stores.  

Have a great long weekend my American friends, now it's your turn :)

Loving Long Weekend Shopping Lately,

Amy

A shopaholic's dream come true

What would you buy if you won a $500 shopping spree?  Well that's what I'm asking myself right now :)  I was lucky enough to win a $500 giftcard from Cadillac Fairview which owns some of Canada's premier shopping malls (Toronto Eaton Centre, Rideau Centre and Pacific Centre to name a few).   My dad knows I'm a shopaholic so the first thing he said to me was, "Don't burn through it too quickly!".  So while it's tempting to use the giftcard towards an expensive designer item I typically wouldn't buy, I think I'll take my dad's advice and make sure I spend my giftcard wisely.  


You might be wondering if I've bought anythig with the gift card already? If so what was my first purchse? Well yes, I did make 1 purchase thus far....but not for myself :)  I bought my sister these lovely shoes for her birthday.  She has been longing for a pair of Sperry's for awhile and these were 50% so it was perfect timing.  

Other than the shoes I don't think I'll be spending the rest of the gift card for awhile.  I think I'll hold off until summer sales but who knows? hehe

So readers, what would you buy with a $500 shopping spree?

Loving Cadillac Fairview Lately,

Amy