recipe: the kitchen sink salad

Posted on February 16, 2012

one of my go-to meals is what i call ‘the kitchen sink salad’, meaning ‘use what you have’ and ‘create a masterpiece’. what i love about this version is the mix of flavours and textures, the simplicity and unpretentious approach. not to mention it’s filling and nutritious!

my version is dressed with a drizzle of balsamic crema… yum!

as you’ll see, it’s as simple as chopping up a few things and tossing them in. one knife, one bowl, one cutting board. swap out one ingredient for another, play with balance and make it your own.

p.s: i’ve started a recipe index where you can find all of my recipes in a snap. visit and bookmark it! {the sparkle} recipe box

red soles: christian louboutin shoes

Posted on February 15, 2012

last night, it was all about the red. it is the colour of love, afterall! my boyfriend gifted me my first (and only) pair of louboutins for christmas a few years ago, and i’ve only taken them out of the box a few times. although louboutins are definitely more mainstream now, for me, they are special and thus strictly reserved for special occasions. slipping these babies on for dinner (as mentioned here) was such a treat, and paired with mac ‘ruby woo’ red lippy, i felt super ‘sparkly’!

she’s fancy: hot heels

Posted on February 14, 2012

when my boyfriend told me he had planned a special evening out for valentines, not only was my first thought ‘what should i wear?’ but actually ‘what shoes am i going to wear’? isn’t that what we always ask ourselves… or is it just me?! (disclaimer: we’ve known each other for 8 yrs so he’s downright giddy when i throw on a pair of heels for an outing… sad!)

these sweet, sexy and trendy picks are what i’d love on my feet this year for a romantic night out with my sweetheart. which ones define your personal style?

1 // 2 // 3 // 4

p.s: do you like this post? treat the social buttons below like my ‘tip jar’ or comment to show some love! xo

giveaway: gold vintage perfume print CLOSED

Posted on February 13, 2012

WINNER: congrats to kristin from fancythingsblog.com! this gorge print is yours! (chosen via random.org)

thank you to everyone who entered. more fun giveaways coming up!

—

about a month ago, i found the amazing I See Noise on etsy and immediately fell in love. i couldn’t press the ‘buy’ button fast enough. within days, i received my very own glossy, 24k print and it’s a fave addition to my space! since then, the brand new line scored a spot at lynn steven boutique in vancouver. these prints are H-O-T!

each gorgeous fashion inspired print is handmade by vancouver blogger, randa salloum – talk about talented. she’s also generous, because she’s offered a giveaway for {the sparkle} readers!

the prize:

this lovely 8.5 x 11 vintage perfume bottle one of a kind print

how to enter (for up to two entries):

one entry:

comment below to confirm how many entries and include your twitter screen name

follow {the sparkle} and I See Noise on twitter and post the following on twitter:
RT and follow to enter to win a vintage perfume print from @erincg & @ISeeNoisePrints #iseenoisegoldprint http://wp.me/p20Mgk-pf

AND/OR

second entry:

like {the sparkle} and randa of ‘I See Noise’ on facebook and leave a little “hello” on each page

contest ends:

monday, february 20th, 2012 at 9am PST
the winner will be announced here on this page shortly afterwards.

GOOD LUCK, ladies!
*contest open WORLDWIDE!!!

p.s: I See Noise also does custom prints upon request!

instagram sparkles

Posted on February 13, 2012

life can be full of stressful and serious times, it’s all about finding those little sparkles: moments, things or experiences that make us happy! last week was a really social one – dinners out with girlfriends, family and associates. sitting outside on saturday night over cocktails was defo a highlight of my week. enjoy finding your sparkles this week, lovelies! x

getting my v-day nails ready // a saturday morning walk with my morkie, ava // cocktails at ‘the keg’ in yaletown with my bf and his cousin & brother – i drink a cliche cosmo! // some tough looking arm party // sunday afternoon indulgence with my bf at ‘milano’ in gastown // still loving my neon t – pairing it with turquoise in hopes of spring

valentines day: jewelry to love

Posted on February 12, 2012

what girl doesn’t want a pretty piece of jewelry for valentines day? it doesn’t have to be flashy kim k. sized diamonds, it just has to be thoughtful. to me, thoughtfulness is the definition of romance; these are the cutest little baubles many of which can be engraved!

now, link this post to your sweetheart or leave the laptop open on the coffee table. he’ll get the hint…

kate spade ‘mrs’ studs // baublebar nameplate necklace // tiffany & co. 1837 cuff // tiffany & co. return to tiffany tag // max & chloe engraved necklace // ginette ny diamond ring // jennifer zeuner love bracelet

{every girl deserves to open a beautiful blue box at least once in her life… or so i say!}

weekend sparkles

Posted on February 10, 2012

i’m in such a love haze this valentine season so i’m dedicating this weeks ‘weekend sparkles’ to love, love, love. squeeze your loved ones a little tighter this weekend and tell them you love them – it’s what life is all about! x

this is what to make your sweetheart on valentines morning

imagine capturing a loved ones face at a moment of pure surprise – so heartwarming

if you’re feeling as lovey dovey as i am, this video may make you tear up – sweet love!

now THIS is a v-day hot chocolate; red velvet style, baby!

photo credit: pinterest