Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars

Oh no, they didn't! Cookie dough cheesecake bars? It is both genius and diabolical. Despite my vow to get bikini ready this combination is impossible to resist. Naturally, I baked these babies immediately.

From: My baking addiction (recipe here), via: where the sidewalk begins (damn you ladies!)

Man Aprons Coming!

Fear not manly chefs! I haven't forgotten the Burger Barons, the Sultans of the Stove and the Meat Maestros out there! Many of you have requested aprons for men and I have heard your call. I purchased fabric and began sketching designs last weekend when I was at the Barrie Jazz and Blues Festival. They are coming! They may not be ready until the end of summer but I have no doubt that the Grill Gods will still be barbecuing long into the autumn and beyond. Can't wait to welcome men into the Domistyle fold!

Top Shop Pop Up Store

Anglophile Fashionistas Unite!! This weekend The Bay will be hosting a Topshop pop up store at Queen and Soho. There will be DJ's, prizes and a chance to score Topshop goodies before the Yorkdale store officially opens in September. It is the perfect opportunity to channel your inner Kate Moss. Plus there will be free frozen yogurt! Sounds like the perfect weekend destination.

Apparently my financial guardian angels have intervened, as I will be in Barrie at the Jazz and Blues Festival. It will be easier on my pocketbook if I stay away, but I hope a few of my girlfriends will go so that I can live vicariously through them and maybe borrow some of their new fabulous Topshop finds.

Barrie Jazz and Blues Festival

I'm off for some music and outdoor fun at the Barrie Blues and Jazz Festival this weekend! I am going to pretend that I am on my way to a cottage during the drive to Barrie. I love seeing cars with canoes strapped to the roof or pulling boats behind them, it's such a summery image. (Mental note, find more friends with cottages!)

Domistyle will be part of the Vendor's Village during the festival. I am looking forward to meeting other vendors, music lovers and apron fans. I am also planning to soak up lots of sun while listening to tunes. It should be a fun summer's weekend!

Puff Success!

Our puffs were a smashing success at the wedding party celebration last weekend. my girlfriends and I were chuffed and spent a lot of time pointing out our handiwork to the other guests. Our efforts were met with oohs and aahs and I believe it was genuine and not just because people felt bullied by a posse of girls in high heels.

It was a wonderful night. The bride had a perma-grin all night, I experienced a lot of shoe envy, sampled way too many goodies from the dessert table and the staff at the venue all wore Domistyle aprons, bless 'em.

We danced the night away and later had midnight snacks of grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken wings and poutine. It was a perfect night filled with good vibes an overflowing love!

Pom Pom Puffs of Love

One of my besties married her soul mate last month. They have been together forever and decided to forgo a big splashy wedding and instead do a civil service with their immediate families. They managed to shock all of their friends with their announcement and I couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised. They are throwing a party for their friends at the beautiful Berkeley Church where the girls can put on pretty dresses (the groom and his buddies are wearing jeans) dance and celebrate. I can't think of a better reason to put on some high heels, paint my nails and wear bright red lipstick.

The other night some girlfriends gathered to make tissue paper pom poms to decorate the venue. The bride found the instructions on the Martha Stewart website, and after fortifying ourselves with Thai take out, we got to work, folding and fluffing. They turned out beautifully and we all felt like crafty superstars. The bride was happy, the girlies were thrilled to have a chance to contribute and we had an opportunity to discuss our shoe and dress choices. It was a lovely evening of crafting and love. Can't wait to see our creations at the venue!

No bake granola bars

I found these scrumptious looking granola bars on Kitchen Simplicity and decided I needed to make a batch immediately. I needed something tasty to munch on for the Love Local Show on Saturday and granola bars were a healthy and portable option. Really, they had me at "no bake". They were easy-peasy and I felt virtuous while I was nibbling and standing in a puddle (!!!) during the pouring rain.

Luckily the skies cleared in the afternoon and it turned out to be a great day and a fantastic venue. I enjoyed meeting some lovely apronistas and had fun, even with my somewhat damp feet.

Here is the recipe:

1. Toast 2.5 cups oats, 1.5 cups nuts and 1/4 cup shredded coconut in a large pan. Remove to a large bowl and toss with1/2 cup raisins. (I used dried cranberries, yummy!)
   
2. Place 6 tbsp butter, 1 cup brown sugar (I may use less next time), 1.5 tsp cinnamon, 6 tbsp honey and 2 tbsp molasses in a small saucepan. Cook until it comes to a boil. Remove from heat and stir into oat mixture until evenly coated.
   
3. Line a 7×11 inch pan with plastic wrap. Spoon mixture into pan, pressing it down evenly. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes. Remove from pan, peel away plastic wrap and slice into 16 bars.

Bike Works at Brick Works

Photo: Raffaella Loro Via: Hello Friend

One more reason to get excited about being at the Evergreen Brick Works on Saturday! As if the Love Local Show wasn't enough reason to venture out, it is also the grand opening of Bike Works. It is an opportunity to have your bike safety checked and enjoy a free pancake breakfast. Bikes + Pancakes = Bliss.

I love my bike. I'm a take my time, cruiser kind of cyclist. I love the freedom and the feeling of the breeze on my face. I am also super psyched that I can snag a pancake or two as well!