Democracy Coffee House. (Hamilton)

*Hello there, what you are about to read is my super awkward and formal rating of this Brunch spot. I only decided to create this series of posts because I thought it would be something that I would actually use while trying to pick a place for brunch (I have terribly indecisive friends that have ruined me forever). In other words, I thought it would be useful. Please keep in mind that these are simply my opinions, I do not have any professional training in the area.. I also have little to no say in the amount of customers that come into any given establishment (Neither I, nor my blog, are that popular). *

What did I order?

Perogi Pizza

Taste: 5/5

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OK. THIS. WAS. AMAZING. The cheese sauce was garlicky and creamy. I am personally a huge fan of diaya, so I found the amount perfect. The coconut bacon, chives and cashew cream were the perfect toppings. I took half of the pizza home and it even tasted amazing cold. One of the best things I have had to date.

Price: 4/5

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At 14$ it was a little expensive for a pizza. Given the taste, I would pay that price again. But I find the biggest complaint about vegan food is that people think it is so much more expensive than "normal food" (this is ONLY true if you are eating out). So when I think about the fact that I could get more for my money at Little Caesars or Dominoes it is a little disappointing. But you pay for quality. 

Atmosphere/Presentation: 4/5

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Democracy for sure has a "coffee house" vibe to it. The walls are chalkboards and you order at the bar. It is a cool place. After I posted a picture of this meal on snapchat and instagram I had a LOT of people asking me what that was/where i got it. So the presentation speaks for itself.

Overall Rating 4/5

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The staff are all very friendly and helpful. The food was delicious! Will for sure be coming back for the pizza, and I would love to try the cauliflower wings! 

BRUNCH: The Cannon Coffee Co. (Hamilton)

The Cannon Coffee Co. (Hamilton)

*Hello there, what you are about to read is my super awkward and formal rating of this Brunch spot. I only decided to create this series of posts because I thought it would be something that I would actually use while trying to pick a place for brunch (I have terribly indecisive friends that have ruined me forever). In other words, I thought it would be useful. Please keep in mind that these are simply my opinions, I do not have any professional training in the area.. I also have little to no say in the amount of customers that come into any given establishment (Neither I, nor my blog, are that popular). *

What did I order?

I ordered a waffle made vegan with a side of seasonal berries.

Taste: 5/5

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I'm not really one for sweets, I usually tend to lean towards the more savoury side. But these waffles were AWESOME. They were fluffy and warm and they give you enough maple syrup to cover the whole thing. The waffles did have more of a "whole food" taste to them, but I like that a lot. I think it was due to the flax seeds in the waffles they use to replace the eggs..

Price: 5/5

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The price was really good for what you get! The waffle itself was only about 5$ and then the add on's cost extra. My whole meal was only about 7$. I liked that there was no difference in price between the vegan/gf option and the regular option. Usually vegan/gf food comes at a higher price or you have to pay just as much even when you are sub-ing out the animal products. 

Atmosphere/Presentation: 4/5

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The whole place had a really cozy feel to it. I wish there was more places to sit to avoid the inevitable wait time for a table, but it wasn't too bad. The windows at the front lit the whole restaurant and you could see directly into the kitchen. The chairs and tables were stylishly mix matched, and it all came together really nicely. The staff were super helpful and friendly. The meal also was beautifully presented when it came to us!

Overall Rating 4.5/5

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Although I have to been in the mood for a sweeter breakfast before coming here, I would definitely return for the atmosphere alone. The meal was light and not overwhelming, I always like to feel good and energetic while walking out of a restaurant... especially after brunch. Ready to take on a busy Saturday of errands. We will for sure be back here!

BRUNCH: Saint James (Hamilton)

Saint James (Hamilton)

* Hello there, what you are about to read is my super awkward and formal rating of this Brunch spot. I only decided to create this series of posts because I thought it would be something that I would actually use while trying to pick a place for brunch (I have terribly indecisive friends that have ruined me forever). In other words, I thought it would be useful. Please keep in mind that these are simply my opinions, I do not have any professional training in the area.. I also have little to no say in the amount of customers that come into any given establishment (Neither I, nor my blog, are that popular). *

What did I order?

The menu was written in large letters on a brown paper scroll hanging from the wall, which was pretty cool! I ordered the avocado on toast made vegan (without the cheese and egg).

Taste: 5/5

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I have to say, I have always loved avocado on toast! The combination of the pesto, lentils and roasted red peppers really gave this one a unique flavour. It almost had an Italian feel to it. It was AWESOME. Both me and my boyfriend knew we would be back again. 

Price: 3/5

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The price was pretty reasonable. If I remember correctly it was about 11$ for my meal. The only reason I gave it a mark off was because my meal was the same price as the non-vegan version. I got less food, but still had to pay the same price... They even give me a discount at subway because I don't order the cheese. ;)

Atmosphere/Presentation: 4/5

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The restaurant was brightly lit from the big windows at the font and beautifully decorated in a minimalist fashion. I am always a fan of bright and neutral spaces. It did feel a little cramped, due to lack of space. But that was the only concern in this department. The food was decently presented, no complaints here!

Overall Rating 4/5

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The taste really won me over and I loved the graphics on the take-away cups. Although it was a little cramped in the restaurant, it didn't take away from the overall comfort of my meal. I will be back for sure.

What I've Been Eating (Healthy)

I have actually been making an effort to eat healthier lately (gasp). On Monday I was inspired to go on my first health kick in months (maybe even a year). I've been feeling so fabulous and loosing weight. So I figured I would share with you all my little recipe(s) for success. ;)

For Breakfast I like to start off my day with either:
a) A smoothie (usually 3-4 bananas, spinach or another type of fruit)
b) Oats: I cook them with water or plant milk (soy or almond) and some frozen fruit (mangoes, bananas, or berries) - after i put some maple syrup on top and BAM! AMAZING.

For Lunch/Dinner I have
a) Rice and Steamed Veggies (Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, and Spinach)
b) Chana Masala (I use the OhSheGlows recipe!)
c) Baked Potato and Salad (Dressing I use is 1 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp lemon or lime juice and 2 tbsp soy sauce/liquid aminos-- it is BOMB, try it)
d) Potato Boats- I chop up potatoes and bake the bits at 345 for 30 mins (flipping every 10 mins) and then wrap them in lettuce - I usually eat these with ketchup and mustard!
e) Sushi Bowls- 1 part rice, 1 part spring mix, chopped veggies, sometimes tofu and soy sauce/liquid aminos

Nothing too exciting - but definitely yummy, healthy and satisfying!
Here are some pictures of some of my foods ::

September Goals

Ok, so... technically it is the second week of September. But today marks the beginning of my school year, so I count today as the beginning. This is a relatively short post. I am just sharing my personal goals for the month of September (not my professional goals, because that is a whooooole other can of worms). Feel free to take the image I made below and use it for yourself if you wish! My main goals are to become more relaxed around my eating (I don't ALWAYS have to eat healthy) and to move my body more. I want my appearance to become the least of my worries... For the last month or so I have tried to distance myself from using food and exercise to alter my appearance (eating and working out to loose weight). I have become much more relaxed and I am feeling more myself than ever, and I am working to keep the ball rolling on that front. I am also striving to be more grateful and present in my everyday life. I hope you all have similar goals and possibly see something in mine that you can relate to! I make these lists often and I find the best way to achieve the tasks I set out for myself is to create small/attainable goals that I know I can reach. 

Anyways, I am done rambling. Cya.

Whistler, BC

9:00 pm and I am starting my post on my trip to BC. I came back 3 weeks ago. :)

One of my best friends in the entire world packed up and moved her entire life to Whistler a few months back. Of course I had to go see her, and it was definitely worth it.

I've decided to make this post more of a photo diary with a few comments because I have slacked so hard on it.

Mart and Kris took us up to the top of whistler mountain on our first day there.

Us, being super touristy at the top. 

Us, being cool at the top.

A picture for our mothers.

A picture for the gram. 

Our first meal out, a lentil burger at SPLITZ. It was bomb.

Me, not very impressed on our hike on the second morning.

Us three on the hike to Blackcomb lake.

Me and Maggie at the top.

Maggi hiking. 

Hanging out on a beach in Squamish. 

Alexander Falls.

Pulled over for a mid roadie picture.

Tacos at La Cantina.

Fishermans Park in Squamish.

Fresh vegan empanadas from the farmers market.

Farmers Market Love.

Seriously, I love farmers markets.

Hiking the Rainbow Trail.

Take from the middle of the Gin & Tonic Suspension Bridge.

Farmers Market peaches for a snack at the top.

Us at rainbow lake.

Mountain Flowers.

Rainbow Lake.

Chillin at the top.

Hiking back down (thank god)

Me, on my phone ;)

Ok, so pure bread. A MUST GO. AMAZING. Vegan Coconut Banana Loaf and Vegan Scones were UNREAL.

Brandy Wine falls. 

A better picture of Brandy Wine Falls.

Mart taking us down to the secret swim spot.

Secret Swim Spot.

Luna, the only one brave enough to hang out in the glacier water.

The first lake at Joffre Lakes.

Me and Mart at Upper Joffre Lake. 

Upper Joffre Lake.

Vibrant Mountain Florals.

Foggy scene at Middle Joffre Lake.

Foggy Trees.

It was super eerie, loved it.

another pic of me and Mart being mountain babes.

Nat takes sweeeet pics.

Us three girls after a killer hike to the upper lake.

All of us <3

Girls at the middle lake.

My favourite picture of mountain flowers.

Me at the upper lake.

Exploring the upper lake.

More fog shots.

And again.

... and again.

Vibrant upper lake.

VEGAN PIZZA AT CREEK BREAD. 

Well earned after an intense day hiking around the Joffre lakes.

Vegan Scones at pure bread ... <3

Biking around Stanley Park in Vancouver.

Beach in Vancouver.

Momo sushi in Vancouver.

Banana Nicecream at MELU :)

Green juice from MELU

Walks around Lost Lake with Maggi

Green Moustache was bomb.

Seriously good.

The river runs through it trail.

Alta Lake.

River runs through it. 

Lunch at El Furnie ;)

Hiking the Chekamus Lake Trail 

At the lake

Fail at a group picture

Hanging out at the lake.

hai.

Bridge near the train wreck trail

hai mart

Beauty Views everywhere

ran out of poses.

the trinity at the lake

so nice

blessing the lake

camp coffee 

AFTER THAT WE WENT HOME :) 

It was such a great trip. I had over 10 days to spend with old friends and see Martyna's new life in a beautiful place. I will be back for sure.

Cya next time I can't sleep friends.