Finding Light in Darkness

In many ways, hitting rock bottom is the best place to be.  It really matters that you recognise you've reached your lowest point and its okay that you're there.  It's alright to feel a little lost, whether you: don't know what your passion is, know what your passion is but don't know how to get there, working hard but nothing is adding up.  Whatever the case is, know that an individual is always unique in their struggle and any negativity/depression that you feel is valid.

That being said, the most important part about all this is what you do next.  J. K. Rowling gave the commencement address at Harvard University (you might have heard of that university, maybe, its a small little thing :P) in which she said 'and so, rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.'  From my experiences, altering perspective to look at failure as an opportunity for development instead of a disappointment is the best way to be the best version of yourself.

This is why I wanted to write this post, to recognise the importance of failure in growth and to establish the key role that grown plays in reinvention.  To me, growth is like magic.  It's not the type of magic that comes in the form of spells and potions, blessings and saviours nor is it anything like love.  It's that one day you'll look at yourself in the mirror and not recognise who you are, the moment will take you by surprise, and you will realise that you're not who you used to be.  You haven't changed in your fundamental personality or character, you've simply grown as an individual.

As a pick me up, I'll do my next post in this series about growth but I did want to emphasise that once you find light in your struggle, it's just the beginning.

Foodie Travels | Oliver & Bonacini

Having good food and wine is really important to me.  Growing up, i've never been one for partying or clubbing but authentic and well made food and good quality wine has always been exciting to me.  And so, this is how my travels as a 'foodie' began.

One of the most talked about restaurants to visit in Toronto has been the Oliver & Bonacini Cafe Grill.  It is owned by the Oliver & Bonacini Restauraunts Company and was founded by Peter Oliver and Michael Bonacini.  They are responsible for amazing restaurants such as Canoe and Auberge Du Promier.  These restaurants have been providing excellent and celebrated dining experiences in the GTA for over 25 years and have helped secure Toronto's name in being one of the best cities for an outstanding culinary experience.

While their other restaurants are fine dining, the Oliver & Bonacini Cafe Grill is a mid-range yet gourmet restaurant.  The location I went to is in downtown Toronto on Yonge and Front.  It's in the heart of the downtown core and the atmosphere inside reflects the extravagance of city life.  The ambience is clean, white (in chairs and tables), and the innovative architecture is catered toward the trendy professionals that most certainly frequent the restaraunt.  I love it so much, I've been back twice already!

The service i've experienced there have been nothing short of outstanding: very helpful, informed about the menu, and friendly.  On one occasion, I was sick when I went and the waiter that assisted us was so attentive and repeatedly inquired if i'd like tea or anything else to rid me of my flue.  I really appreciated that!

The menu has something for everyone no matter if you're vegetarian or a meat eater.  They also have a thoroughly researched wine menu. (I really appreciated that)  If you're just getting into wine, this restaurant would be a good place to start for great recommendations.

The heart of this restaurant company though isn't in their accomplishments, it's in their food.  Here's a few dishes that either i've had or my family/friends.

Chefs Special - I believe it was Spiced and marinated Lamb on a bed of Spinach and Potato Puree

Pizza Margherita - It was delicious!

Classic Vanilla Bean Creme Brule

Shrimp and Scallop Linguine

Butternut Squash Ravioli

Style Inspiration | Emma Watson

Emma Watson is a style inspiration to me because her sense of fashion is usually classic and clean, and yet she takes risks with fashion.  She also never tries to look too perfect, which I love.  The most important aspect of her fashion sense to me is that it can be quintessentially British.  She has been promoting her new movie Noah so a lot of the looks are recent.  Here's a few that i'll most certainly try to incorporate into my wardrobe.

This was Emma arriving at the Ed Sullivan Theatre for her interview with David Lettermen.  I think that this outfit has to be a staple in everyone's wardrobe because it will never go out of style.  It's clean and put together and I love the feminine take with the red lips on a men's tux.  Plus, fifty years from now, if you walk into a party, a meeting, or any social gathering wearing this, no one will say 'Wow, thats a disgusting outfit.'  This will always be a classic.

The above was Emma at the London premier of her movie Noah.  I love this whole ensemble because it is fresh and clean.  This is a good example of the woman wearing the dress as opposed to the dress wearing the woman.  If there isn't an occasion to wear a floor length Ralph Lauren like Emma is, a good alternative would be to use the all white (including the shoes) idea and/or to buy a top with the same neckline as this.  Another great part of this look is her makeup; I like that it hasn't been caked on.  The summery lip colour with the modern gold bracelets tie the outfit together nicely.

Emma attended the Madrid premier of Noah in this wonderfully timeless white blouse with black trousers look.  The neckline of the blouse is something that I think will be on trend for a lot of blouses this spring.  I'm a sucker for timeless style.  I do like that she spiced the look up with a bold berry lipstick.  The whole combination sans the lipstick would be perfect for a date night, and the whole outfit with the lipstick would be great for girls night.  It's a great look no matter what.  The best part of all the three looks so far is that she's worn closed toe pumps; I think this is great because it is classy.

I don't think I can get away with not mentioning what Emma wore at the Golden Globes this year.  This whole ensemble was beyond amazing and I think she ended up on every possible best dressed list.        This is what I meant when I said that she takes risks!  What I love most about this look is that that it's backless as well the colour combination between the poppy orange, black and navy blue heels.  If orange is not your thing, finding a top in a bright cherry red would flatter any skin tone and last you through to the holiday season!  I also adore navy heels, they are a great alternative to black coloured shoes and is definitely on my shopping list.  Another inspiration we can pull from this look is that her skin look was flawless, playing it safe with a smokey eye and a pop of colour on the lips.  

Overall, I love Emma Watson's style because its not hard to incorporate into one's wardrobe and it is always timeless and sophisticated.

All Images from - emma-watson.net