Thanksgiving Dinner - Chinese Style

Thanksgiving is coming this weekend and for many of us it's the time to see family we may only see once or twice a year. I come from a really big Chinese family and the gatherings are always crowded, loud and a super good time!

And of course there is TONS of food. It is a tradition for us to have "two meals" at every holiday. We would have your typical turkey, stuffing and potato side dish. But then we would also have a big assortment of Chinese food. It may seem like an odd match to have turkey and potato salad on the same plate as fried rice and baby bok choy. But it always seemed to make total sense to us.

I don't think we are alone, I'm sure there are many Canadian families who are combining the past with the present or trying out many different types of cuisines. Food has a way of bringing people together and is a wonderful cultural symbol.

In the spirit of the upcoming holiday, add something different and try out this vegetarian friendly recipe from Kopali via Gourmet Sleuth.  It's an Asian style Wild Rice Stuffing to go with your turkey (or tofurkey). It's a great way to put a little twist on your usual Thanksgiving dinner!

Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

xo
penny

Perfect Birthday Cake

If ever there is a time that one should be allowed to eat cake for breakfast it would be on one's birthday, right? I think I have found my perfect birthday cake. Leave it to my girl crush Joy the Baker to have a chocolate beet cake. With beet cream cheese icing no less. I love beets. Really really love them. They're vibrant, earthy, sweet and rich, what's not to love? Luckily I have decided to celebrate my birthday well into the weekend so there will be plenty of time for someone to bake me this cake. I'll wait....

(photo: Joy the Baker)

Birthday Dress Love

It's my birthday eve! I am looking forward to a weekend of celebrating and frolicking with my nearest and dearest. It only seems appropriate that a birthday girl should be celebrating in a sweet party dress, doesn't it? Perhaps a super girlie frock with galloping horses? This delightful dress from Athropologie should fit the bill nicely.

Deep South Slaw

The long weekend is coming! Hopefully there are barbeques galore lined up. I made a delicious Deep South Coleslaw from Vegetarian Times the other day that was creamy, crunchy and had a little spicy kick. Perfect for any Canada Day barbeque this weekend.

Canadian Aprons for Canada Day

Canada Day is fast approaching and what better way to show some Canadian pride than by donning a Domistyle apron? Our aprons are a truly Canadian product from concept to finish, setting them apart from other aprons on the market. We are involved in the entire process and have made a conscious decision to support local suppliers. A Domistyle apron is as Canadian as hockey, toques and back bacon.

Speaking of bacon, did you know Peameal bacon originated in Canada? One more thing for us to be proud of as Canadians. Anyone who has gobbled up a signature Peameal bacon on a bun at Toronto's St. Lawerence Market can vouch for its addictive deliciousness. Our Feel Like Bacon Love apron couldn't be more appropriate for this holiday long weekend: Canadian made, red and white colours just like our flag and hailing the all mighty bacon.

This Canada day wear your true north pride loud and proud with a Canadian made Domistyle apron.

Last Minute Idea for Dad

 (photo Martha Stewart)

Father's Day is tomorrow! We are sure that you have his Domistyle men's apron all wrapped up by now, ensuring that you will remain his favourite offspring. If you want to make his gift even more special you can always add a little extra something something. I love Martha Stewart's quick clip art labels for Father's Day that you can find here. If dad is a Grill God, personalize his favourite barbeque sauce or marinade and nestle it is his apron. If he Will Cook For Beer you can get him a few bottles with personalized labels so he doesn't have to share his brews. Such a cute idea and so easy!

Don't Disappoint Dad!

You're not still hemming and hawing about what to get dear old dad are you? There's not a lot of hawing time left! Today is the last day to guarantee delivery of our fabulous men's aprons in time for Father's Day, (you have until Wednesday if you live in the GTA). How are you going to feel when dad gets a giant smear of barbecue sauce all over his Sunday best and you know that you could have prevented it, if only you'd ordered him an apron in time. Don't let dad be a Messy Marvin. Order him an apron for Father's Day. He'll thank you and so will your mom.

Stop Aftershave Abuse!

Let us confirm what we all know is a universal truth: DAD DOES NOT WANT MORE AFTERSHAVE! Sure he'll be charming when he receives yet another tie, and he'll fake a smile as he tucks that aftershave next to his collection of other unwanted items. Dad's are gracious like that. This Father's Day wouldn't you rather treat dad to something he'll use and actually enjoy? What could be better than a Domistyle men's apron? Let dad show off his culinary prowess with style. Our men's aprons are cheeky and fun, just like dad! They have a wider cut and adjustable straps ensuring a perfect fit for all of the men in your life. With a variety of styles to choose from you will be sure to find one that will be just right for dear old dad. Retire those tired old ties and give dad a gift he'll actually use this year. Hurry though, Father's Day is only a week and a half away!

Who Loves Your Momma?

Domistyle loves moms!  Mother's Day is May 13th. Show mom how much you love her by getting her a fun and modern Domistyle apron. Will she cook for shoes? Is she a baking beauty? Or is she a mircowave maven? We have something for every momma.

The best part is that many of your fave styles are now on SALE! Orders must be in by May 8th to get to mom for the big day!

Egg-squisite Eggs

(Embroidered eggs?! Are you kidding me? Design Sponge)

(I may have more of a chance with a sharpie over embroidery floss, but they still wouldn't be as fantastic as these eggs by Alisa Burke)

Wow. I thought I'd feel really accomplished if I managed to colour some Easter eggs using my rapidly rotting cabbage but then I stumbled across a line up of truly egg-straodinary eggs here. How on earth do people manage to create something so beautiful on a common delicate egg? I am amazed.

Naturally Dyed Eggs

(photo courtesy of The Kitchn)

I am dying to try this!

I saw this post about dying eggs naturally on The Kitchn and I was instantly inspired. They look so beautiful. I happen to have an excessive amount of tumeric and this would be a marvelous way to use my stash. For a while I kept thinking I was in need of tumeric and would buy more every time I was at the spice store in Kensington Market. Eventually I discovered baggies of tumeric littered around various cupboards. I had no idea I was a tumeric hoarder (I really need to reorganize my kitchen shelves). I also have a head of purple cabbage that has been giving me the stink-eye because the leaves are starting to wither and I have yet to do anything with it. What a great, guilt-free way to use up excessive stuff in the kitchen and make something beautiful at the same time.

Happy St.Patrick's Day!

Hope you are wearing something green and enjoying the spring-like weather. It has been kind of misty all day which makes it feel more like we are on the Emerald Isle. Good to know our Toronto weather is getting in the spirit of things as well.

To get in the mood I will sip a wheat grass smoothie. It's green! It's healthy! No hangover! Perhaps to round things out I will also make this Ale-braised Cabbage with Leeks from Vegetarian Times magazine. I think I will feel a lot better the morning after if I ingest my ale with some cabbage rather than downing pint after pint.

However you are spending this St.Paddy's Day, hope it's a good one!

(photo: Vegetarian Times)

Happy National Chip Day!

Who knew, right? I guess there is a day for everything and why not pay a salty homage to the potato chip? I try to limit my fatty intake and chips aren't my go-to snack but I know a lot of friends who have a weakness for those crispy little morsels. I am thinking of one friend in particular who mocks me whenever I feed her a vegan dessert or offer her a sprinkling of carob chips on some frozen yogurt. Yesterday we met at a friend's house for dinner and I brought vegan chocolate cupcakes made with mung beans. After a little bit of ribbing my friend ate a cupcake and had to admit that it was tasty. Yesterday a vegan cupcake, today a salt induced stupour. It is all about balance.

The Language of Love

Happy Valentine's Day! Hear "I love you" in various languages on the streets of London in this adorable video.

Video found here.

Hearts Abound!

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and there are hearts everywhere. Luckily I am a fan. I am particularly smitten with the delightful heart projects I have been seeing on various blogs. Love love love this heart sweater DIY project! I can't wait to transform an old ratty shirt, and then maybe if I want to overdo it I will felt some heart elbow patches as well. You can't really have too many hearts on Valentine's Day.

Easy Valentine's Day Craft

Valentine's day is exactly a week away and even if it is a Hallmark holiday/florist shop conspiracy, I can't help but get in the mood for some hearts, flowers and of course, chocolate. I saw this super easy idea on Martha Stewart for personalizing a teabag with a homemade heart bearing a romantic message. She recommends using a heart shaped punch but I think going freestyle and just cutting out a heart by hand is sufficient. So cute!

Happy World Nutella Day

Sunday, February 5th is World Nutella Day, the day to raise your spoon and honour this most noble of spreads. I am nuts about Nutella. My favourite is a classic Nutella crepe. Heaven. I am willing to expand my horizons, however, and the wise organizers of this auspicious day have amassed a roundup of Nutella recipes (700 of them!). Time to celebrate and get chocolatey!

Happy Groundhog Day!

Thank you dear Wiarton Willie. That lovable hairball didn't see his shadow today which means spring is just around the corner! Wiarton Willie wouldn't lie. Soon it will be time for long bike rides, picnics and flimsy frocks. Hurray!

National Chocolate Cake Day

Yesterday was National Chocolate Cake Day and I missed it! How could I have missed such an important event? Why wasn't I informed? Maybe it is only in the States because I would think if this was a worldwide event (and it should be), there would have been parades and celebrations galore. I can't think of a better holiday for the depths of winter. I am ashamed of myself for having missed such a special day and plan to make amends by eating chocolate cake today instead. I may be a day late but I will do my best to atone for my tardiness.

(Kitty image found here.)

What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?

Happy New Year's Eve everyone! Hope it is sparkly, fun and bright, whatever you do. To start things off on the right foot I leave you with more adorableness than one person can really stand. Zooey Deschanel, (Love her voice! And her cute outfits! And her doll eyes!) and Joseph Gordon-Levitt (love his dimples and his sweet smile that makes his eyes crinkle!) singing together. Too charming for words. I adored the two of them in 500 Days of Summer. When will they hook up in real life? May that be a wish come true in 2012!