My visit to Bobbette & Belle artisanal pastry shop!

Yesterday was probably the coldest morning I have ever encountered to date. Since it was so cold, my husband and I decided to warm up and check out Bobbette & Belle artisanal pastry shop.

 

They have 2 locations in Toronto. One is in the heart of Leslieville, and the other one is in the Yonge Lawrence Village area, which is the one we went to. 

 

This place is my new favourite hang out. Not only do the food and drinks taste so good, its the prettiest pastry shop I have ever seen. It's gorgeous!

 

 

 

 

 

I ordered their famous homemade hot chocolate with toasted marshmallow and it was to die for! Probably the best hot chocolate I have ever had! My husband got a Cappuccino and we each had 2 of their famous French macarons. We chose the Pistachio and Raspberry. So delicious! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I absolutely love the atmosphere and décor at this location. So elegant, yet very comfortable and relaxed. They have cute little tables for two, or a larger sitting area with a couch and upholstered chairs for a bigger group. They also have free WIFI if you decide to come alone and catch up on some work, or to browse your phone with friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You will go crazy over all the baked goods. Everything is made from scratch. From their French macarons, cookies, cupcakes, scones, tarts and croissants, you'll find it very hard to choose.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They also have an assortment of pre packaged baked goods such as caramel corn, English toffee, cookies, handmade marshmallows, meringues and their famous hot chocolate mix (I grabbed 2 mixes to go! )

They also sell cute cake stands and aprons if you are looking for a little hostess gift! 

 

Bobbette & Belle artisanal pasty shop also does custom luxury wedding cakes, mini cakes, special occasion cakes and French macaron towers.
 

 

 

If you have never been to either location, it's definitely worth the visit, you will not be disappointed - I PROMISE!

 

For more information check out their website HERE. Also, follow them on twiter and instragram too!

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Valentine's Day!

 

 

 

Valentine's Day is considered the most romantic day of the year so, the team at Yorkdale Shopping Centre surveyed 3,000 women and 500 men to see what their expectations were for the special day. What was interesting is that survey revealed that both sexes have a good understand of what their partners would most appreciate this Valentine's Day.

 

 

Here are the results:

 

·         41 per cent of women surveyed would like to receive jewelry this Valentine’s Day  

·         26 per cent consider the gift of time to be the ideal gift

·         51 per cent of men and women want to spend a romantic evening at a restaurant

·         35 per cent of women plan on wearing something stylish and chic

o   Only 13 per cent plan to wear something sexy

·         36 per cent of women are likely to spend the evening with family or friends if they don’t have special plans

·         37 per cent male and 39 per cent of respondents picked Jennifer Aniston as the most attractive female valentine

·         27 per cent of men chose Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the most attractive male celebrity

o   38 per cent of women chose Chris Pratt

 

 

I am happy to have teamed up with Yorkdale Shopping Centre to make sure you’re prepared for the big day with their unique gift ideas. 

All the Single Ladies

 

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples. Put on your dancing shoes and grab your girls for a night out on the town. No outfit is complete without some bling so buy yourself something fancy, like a statement necklace, to complete your ensemble. 

 

 

Get it at Yorkdale: Kate Spade, Sweetheart Scallops Necklace, $148

 

 

 

 

Wanna Be Startin’ Something

When you’re in a new relationship, the first Valentine’s Day can be tricky. If you find yourself battling between chocolate, flowers or something more, always go with something more. No woman has ever gotten mad for receiving a beautiful and thoughtful bracelet. 

 

 

 Get it at Yorkdale: Thomas Sabo, Karma Beads Valentine’s Day Set 2015, $75

 

 

 

 

 

Can’t Help Falling In Love

Ah, love. When you find it, you’ll want to shout it out from the top of your lungs. Show the world how much you’re loved every single day. The short chain can be layered or worn on its own to highlight your décolletage. 

 

 

Get it at Yorkdale: TOUS Jewellers, Vermeil TOUS Love necklace, $239

 


 

 

 

 

 

Burning an Eternal Flame

Cartier’s Love collection is a universal symbol of love and commitment. This timeless piece has been in style since the ‘70s and can be worn for all occasions. Go the extra mile and add three or six diamonds for an extra sparkle.

 

 

Get it at Yorkdale: Cartier, Circle of Love necklace 3 diamonds, $4,600  

 

 

 

 

Endless Love

On the most romantic day of the year, make her heart skip a beat by taking the next step in your relationship. Nothing will compare to her reaction when she sees the classic Tiffany Blue Box in your hand.

 

 

 Get it at Yorkdale: Tiffany & Co., The Tiffany Setting, starting at $13,400  

 

 

 

 

Time After Time

In the age of iPhones and Androids, uninterrupted face time is becoming obsolete. The same can be said for a watch. But a watch is more than a time keeper. Buying a quality watch is a worthwhile investment because it speaks to a man’s character, style and sophistication. Wearing a watch might also help you put your phone away and focus on the person beside you. 

 

 

 

Get it at Yorkdale: Montblanc, Homage to Nicolas Rieussec, starting at $11,000

 

  

 

The Way You Look Tonight

Help your man look dapper on your Valentine’s Day date by adding to his wardrobe. Whether it’s something as simple as a pair of socks or a fresh new shirt, he will be confident knowing you think he looks good. Remember, accessories aren’t just for women. Get him a new wallet or something else he uses daily so he’ll think of you every time he uses it.

 

 

Get it at Yorkdale: Ted Baker, Munkie Socks, $16.50

 





 

 

Get it at Yorkdale: All Saints, Redondo Shirt, $160

 






 

 

Get it at Yorkdale: RUDSAK, Burk leather magic card holder, $40

 

 

 

 

Wacky Hair Day using Joico ICE Spiker Colorz Styling Glue

 

On Thursday, my son had his 1st Wacky Hair Day at Preschool. He was so excited to do something fun, and made sure earlier in the week that whatever we did needed to be super cool.

 

I came across this product that Joico makes, it's called Joico ICE Spiker Colorz Styling Glue. I found these little packs which are 9ml. They are great for a 1 time thing if you wanted to have a little fun and experiment with different colours. They come in 5 different colours- Blue, Red, White, Metallic Green and Metallic Gold.

 

 

We didn't want to go the Metallic route so we opted for the Blue, Red and White.

 

 

 

 

 

First, I added a tiny bit of gel to his whole head, and got most of his hair to stick up so it would be easier to apply the styling glue.

 

 

 

 

Starting with one colour first, I squeezed a small amount at a time into the palm of my hand, rubbed my hands together and applied it to sections of his hair twisting his hair up to make spikes.  Once I thought I had enough of that one colour on his hair I moved to the next colour.

 

My son's hair is a dark blonde so all the colours showed up very well in his hair. If your child has darker hair you can use the white glue first to make the other colours more vibrant.

 



 

 

 

It can get pretty messy applying it so I would do this in your bathroom or kitchen. You also need to let it dry which takes approximately 10-15 minutes so make sure you child is occupied. I had my son eat breakfast while his was drying since we had to do it in the morning before preschool.  You could also get your child to colour a picture or do a craft while they wait.

Once it's dry, the hair is pretty hard and will not move until you wash it out with shampoo.

 

 

My son loved the finished look! When he went to school all his friends wanted their hair just like his- he was the talk of the class! I am very happy with the way it turned out as well, and I would definitely use this product again. 

 

 

 



Ashlynn's 6 Month Photo Shoot

 

I have probably mentioned this before but I'll say it again. I am crazy when it comes to photos.  Since my son was born I always had a photographer do his newborn, 6 month and yearly shots. I love looking back on how he has changed and think it's a great keepsake for not only myself, but for him as well.  

 

So, when I had my daughter it was important to me that I do the same.

 

I had 2 themes in mind for this shoot. A vintage girly theme that included pearls and a Paris Theme. Later on after we finished, we had some fun and did some shots of just her naked.

 

A cute sentimental touch is that I have her wearing my mother in laws pearls which she wore at our wedding and a set of my pearls that I wore to my prom. :-)

 

 Photos were taken by Ashley Topping Photography