THESE WE COVET

Local Eats & Local Treats: Nero Waffles

>> Tuesday, June 5, 2012 – food, Inspiration, Life

Nero Belgium Waffles {My Iphone}

Yummmmm.
If you have ever tried an authentic Belgium Waffle then you know exactly what I mean.

These waffles are so good. Really they should be outlawed. Especially because I have been trying to eat super healthy lately. But how could I resist the above?? And at least I shared it with the husband :)

This is a tiny little storefront and they have super cute wood paneling throughout the store. The owners are an adorable couple (at least they seemed like a couple..lol) who have recently moved here from Antwerp, Belgium (see map below). Their decor is rustic and original ...to the point of even looking vintage. And I was so happy to see a shelf in the corner that featured one of my all-time favorite board games: SETTLERS OF CATAN. That is a whole 'nother subject and I will not digress today.

They serve two types: Liege and another type I didn't bother to try because the Liege looked AMAZING! ..and let me tell you it was.

Fluffy, and chewy, and sort of caramalized on top. So good!
And with the nutella served in the cute side bowl with banana and ice cream.

It is definitely worth trying... a bit pricey but worth it for homemade goodness served at Nero Waffles on Robson Street (near the McDonalds). Actually, funny story about that. The husband wanted an ice cream cone from McD's and as I waited outside I was reading the Nero menu board. I actually went into McD's, grabbed him from the line-up, scolded him for wanting corporate junk and said he must eat waffles instead :)

Work in Progress

>> Saturday, June 2, 2012 – Animal Magnets, Art, Life

{Instagram via my Iphone : Pic of Mark working on our magnets}

This is proof that we often spend our evening and weekends painting little half animals...lol. It is a lot of fun though.. and I can definitely say that I am WAY more up-to-date on current movies and tv shows. And if you know me, I am always behind on movies.

Behind as in... 'I still haven't seen the last few Star Wars and Lord of Rings' kind of behind.

The embarrassing kind of behind...lol.

But all that is changing now that I paint animals every evening ;)

I'm not sure if these have become a standard everywhere, but in Canada we now have these little kiosks in Safeway (a supermarket) and 7-11. They are super handy, only $2 a night, and they even have new releases. Actually, now that I think of it, I remember seeing a kiosk like this in Seattle YEARS ago, so they are probably super common in the States. Anyways, now that all the movie rental stores have closed, it is handy to have these nearby when you want a better quality movie (not some sketchy download).

Enjoy your weekend :)

Tea with my ladies

>> Friday, May 18, 2012 – Beauty, food, Life, Review

{via my Iphone}

Last weekend I attended 'High Tea' at a beautiful new tea house called Adorabelle in Steveston. High Tea seems to be such a trend now. To be honest, I had never really heard of it until attending one at a Fairmont Hotel last year. It was a lot of fun... a bit stiff ...but sort of addicting at the same time.

You definitely get into the girly vibe and wear your most pretty spring dress. It was especially great because around twenty ladies/girls were invited, so there was a ton of laughter and new faces. We were split up at separate tables and I preffered this layout so that we were able to chat a bit more easily.

And really, the food. That's what it is all about right? Oh yah, and Tea. I LOVE devonshire cream. How was I never introduced to this before??? I feel like my parents failed in some way ;) The scones were all baked in house, and very lovely. There was also a lemony custard that I have never seen at other tea places. It was good, but not worth it compared to my sweet, sweet devonshire.

And look at how lovely they had our napkins folded ...as pretty pink roses! The tea I chose was a glorious herbal robois flavour (I don't have much caffeine usually). And of course our hostesses left us with a parting gift of some yummy jelly bellies...because we weren't already spoiled enough.

I also snuck in a scary elevatore photo of me while I was rushing not to be late ;)

200 sales in our first 3 months!

>> Wednesday, May 16, 2012 – Animal Magnets, Make it

It started with an idea, which we then turned into an ETSY SHOP, and just three months later we are extremely pleased with our 200th set sold!

A big THANK YOU to all of our customers who have purchased our animal magnets, as well as those who have featured us in their blog / treasury, or even just sent us some kind words - it is ALL very appreciated!

We have just recently launched a new set of animals that we have high hopes for - DOGS!

KEEP IN MIND we can do dogs in ANY colour you see in our shop!

www.originalanimalmagnet.etsy.com

Fish Tacos

>> Thursday, May 10, 2012 – food, Healthy Living

With the beautiful sunny weather that we have been getting lately in Vancouver, it feels like summer is pretty much here. When I think of food and summer I think of outdoor dining and fresh local ingredients...and one of the dishes that I start craving are FISH TACOS. They're easy to make and are much healthier than the battered, deep fried, and heavy sour cream laden ones you get in restaurants (but just as tasty).

The key is having your dressing and salsa fresca done first so when your fish is ready you can eat right away while it's still hot. I'll show you how easy they are...

What you'll need
Fresh fish (I like halibut)
Corn (or flour) tortillas
Undressed coleslaw (cut your own, or buy in a bag)
Ripe avocado
Salt & pepper

For the salsa fresca
Tomato
White onion
Garlic
Cilantro
Fresh squeezed lime juice

For the dressing
Plain 2% greek yogurt
Low salt taco seasoning
Fresh squeezed lime juice
Chipotle pepper in adobo (optional)
Low fat sour cream (optional)

1) Take your fish out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter to take the chill off in preparation of cooking.

2) Make your salsa fresca by finely dicing and combining some tomato, white onion, garlic, and cilantro. Add fresh squeezed lime juice, season with salt & pepper, and you're set. (Ratio of ingredients is up to your own taste). Also, cut up your avocado and set aside so it's ready to go when your fish is done and you start building your tacos. [TIP - to change the flavour profile completely try using a mango salsa in place of this tomato salsa fresca...both versions are delicious]

3) Make your dressing by combining a few good dollops of yogurt with a sprinkle of the taco seasoning, and a bit of fresh lime juice. To take it to another level add a bit of low fat sour cream and a minced chipotle pepper in adobo (Spicy! you can skip the pepper itself and just use the sauce if you don't want it too hot). Dress your coleslaw with enough of this so that it is lightly coated but not drenched. If you have left over dressing feel free to drizzle it directly on top of your tacos when you're building them as well.

4) Place a non stick skillet on medium heat and warm a bit of olive oil or coconut oil. Pat your fish dry, season with salt & pepper, and pan sear until cooked through (about 3-5 mins per side depending on the thickness of the fish). OPTIONAL: To add a bit of crunch to your fish, try crushing up some potato chips and rolling your fish in the crumbs before cooking them.

5) Warm your tortillas, pour yourself a beer or a refreshing crisp glass of white wine, build your tacos, enjoy! Serve with a side summer salad for a complete meal.

Most beautiful cake ever...

I am absolutely in LOVE with this cake. Something about the simplicity, yet boldness of the coral. LOVE IT! And the fine smattering of dots on each layer.....

Back from Mexico.....and BUSY!

After an amazing week in Mexico (Mayan Riviera to be precise), we are now back, re-opened our Etsy shop, and sales have been great!

Our blue Moose-Camel-Tiger-Rhino set was featured on an Etsy email this week. This is the third Etsy email we have been featured in since we launched our Original Animal Magnet shop just a few months ago. We have also been featured on the Etsy front page on multiple occasions as well!

Check out all of our listings at: www.originalanimalmagnet.etsy.com

The response so far since we opened this shop has been great (and worth all the hard work). Our cheeky animal magnets make a perfect gift, or a perfect addition to your very own fridge/office/kid's room/etc!

4 piece Dino - T-Rex and Bronto

http://www.etsy.com/listing/93264131/dinosaur-magnets-lime-4-piece-set-in

8 piece Farm - Dog, Goat, Sheep, and Pig

http://www.etsy.com/listing/93573520/gold-farm-animal-magnets-for

6 piece Horses

http://www.etsy.com/listing/93886220/horses-magnet-set-6-piece-set-black

All of our sets now come gift ready in drawstring muslin bags, stamped in ink with our logo.

We have some exciting plans in the works. Sets of DOGS and SEALIFE are on their way, so stay tuned!

SHOP: www.originalanimalmagnet.etsy.com

TWITTER: @thesewecovet

Chartreuse is the color of Spring

One of the things I love most about Etsy (if you havent been to this site yet...you must go now!) is when other members showcase your item in a Treasury. Basically, the collect 16 of their favorite items, that look beautiful together, and create a special grouping. Others can then browse these treasuries and click on any items they might like or want to buy.

Today we were featured in Chartreuse Pop by TheFineFeather...and let me tell you...was I ever blown away. She definitely has an eye for design as you can see below. Such a gorgeous color composition.

Thanks for featuring our Chartreuse Dinos!!

Wordless Wednesday - March 21st

>> Wednesday, March 21, 2012 – Art, food, photography, Wordless Wednesday

c/o Honeytree.etsy.com

c/o photography.pollysplayground.com

c/o mistymichellephotography.com

c/o emmagutteridge.com

c/o fokkomuller.wordpress.com

c/o dallaslillich.com

c/o melaniemenardarts.wordpress.com

Animal Magnets - Our newest Etsy Shop

>> Saturday, March 3, 2012 – Animal Magnets, Art, Craft, Design, Life

www.originalanimalmagnet.etsy.com featured on Etsy Front Page!!!

Woo ho...it is Friday. Definitely one of my favorite days. A few years ago, I actually purposed to not love the weekend so much. I figured it didn't make sense to rush the week and just live for weekends.

Really, live is short enough already; so you have to enjoy the whole week (not just Sat/Sun). I am pleased to report that my plan worked and eventually I found everyday to be exciting....lol.

But, I still have some loooong weeks where that weekend is like a shining star...an oasis in the desert ;)

I am very excited to report that our newest Etsy shop (wheww..how many do I have now!) has made it onto the FRONT PAGE not once...but TWICE. We have been open less than a month, and have had an amazing 30+ sales, two front pages, and featured in the Etsy emailer that is sent to thousands of people. This is such a blessing, and it feels so good to have craft hobbies on the side of my 'real' job.

For March, I am going to try and share photos of what we are currently working on. Our magnets are so fun and quirky. We are really hoping we can start selling them as unique farm wedding favors or birthday favors. Of course, I think the majority of people are getting them as office or home fridge/magnet board gifts. Either way, they are a great conversation piece and I think they always make people giggle.