Summer Reading List

I find I rarely have time to read during the year until summer vacation and it's a shame because I don't always realize how much I miss it. Reading is so soothing and therapeutic for so many people, especially for people with anxiety. Simply being at the bookstore for me is calming and grounding. I personally find is such a great way to spend time. I generally like "Heather's Picks" at Chapters and find that most of her reads are quite similar to my own taste. I am totally open to suggestions and would love to hear what YOU are reading this summer!

Here are my summer reads so far:
-Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
-Miracles Now by Gabby Bernstein
-#Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso
-The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
-Tears of the Desert by Halima Bashir

Feature Artist: Junghwa by Amy Stewart

- Jungwha "Be Free" 14k gold hand stamped necklace -

Not too long ago, I purchased a beautiful necklace on Etsy from Amy Stewart's etsy boutique, Junghwa. I wanted to share my great find with all of you internet surfers because I just love how wearable and dainty her jewelry is. Her brand's motto is "simple everyday pretty ™" and describes her gorgeous handmade pieces perfectly. Her hand stamped 14k gold jewelry embraces the beauty in simplicity and transcends the idea that we can find those simple moments that we so rarely embrace in our hectic daily lives. Her quirky and sometimes sassy jewelry reminds us to take the time out of our busy schedules for a little fun and adventure! This wonderful artist has been featured in Lucky Magazine and also creates custom pieces! 

I was so thrilled with my purchase and her orders come beautifully packaged in a brand stamped linen bag with an anti-tarnishing wipe and gift box. You can visit her on etsy at: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/junghwa or her personal website at:  http://junghwabyamystewart.com

In the Kitchen: Lemon Squares

As you may have guessed by this post, FOOD speaks to me.. durrhh. Who doesn't like a delicious piece of pizza, milkshake, greasy hamburger and for those of you who are more on the sophisticated side of the foodie spectrum; a nice latte, blueberry chutney or LEMON SQUARES 

Yup, I found a recipe for those awesome lemon squares you've been craving. 

Two words people: freakin' delicious

You're welcome. 

 This recipe is fool proof so let go, relax and make your momma proud with your newfound baking skills. 

Lemon Squares

Bake time: 50 min 
Makes 24 squares 

Base
-1 cup (250 mL) all purpose flour 
-1 cup (250 mL) sweetened shredded coconut
-1/2 cup (125 mL) sifted icing sugar 
-1/2 cup (125 L) unsalted butter, at room temperature

Filling
-6 eggs
-1 cup (125 mL) fresh squeezed lemon juice from about 5 lemons
-1/2 cup (125 mL) all purpose flour 
-2 3/4 (675 mL) granulated sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Blend the base flour, shredded coconut and icing sugar in a medium mixing bowl. With your hands, break the butter into the mixing bowl and blend until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Spread evenly on the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch pan. Bake in centre of oven until crust starts to golden. Check after 15 min but depending on your oven, it may take 20-22 min. Set on heatproof surface. Reduce oven to 325 degrees F. 

2. Whisk eggs with lemon juice in medium mixing bowl. Mix all purpose flour and granulated sugar in separate mixing bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the egg-lemon mixture. Pour over hot baked crust. Bake until the filling no longer jingles in the top of the pan. This should take 30-32 min. Cool on rack and refrigerate. 

SERVE COLD