What to Wear to a Hockey Game

When it comes to hockey games, I've certainly been to my fair share. Growing up playing hockey has given me the chance to see games of all levels, from recreational to college to professional, and at arenas all across the US and Canada. One thing that all these games have in common is that both girls and guys alike have concerns about dressing appropriately. Don't worry- I have just the answers for you!

Are you going on a date?

Dressing for a date night at a hockey game can be a pretty tough feat. Girls, you want to look cute but not like you're trying too hard. I've seen plenty of girls that dressed more for a club than a rink, and this never ends well. If you don't dress warm enough (it's an ice rink!) or if you wear your 4-inch stilettos, you're going to suffer. Go for your favorite skinny jeans, a fitted blazer, and an eye-catching top. I recommend wearing comfy shoes, because unless your date splurged for a box suite, you're going to be dealing with crowded aisles and lots of steps. Over-the-knee boots or comfy booties are always a great choice.

 

Boys, the same principles apply for you. You'll want to put your best foot forward, but not like you're trying too hard or dressing for the club. Opt for a button-down shirt and jeans that aren't torn or obnoxiously dyed. As far as shoes go, you guys have it pretty easy. Unless you're going out for drinks after the game, there's no dress code here. Just no running shoes or socks with sandals for that matter.... I think this rule is self-explanatory. This is also a great chance to show off your hockey knowledge or game experience- if you have a jersey or a hat, feel free to show it off!

Are you superfan or a rink regular?

A standard team jersey just will not do the trick for you. If you're a season ticket-holder or die-hard fan, you're going to want to step up your game a bit. Go for something that is conversation-worthy, like a jersey of a retired player that new fans might not recognize. Vintage sweaters are always a great option! I was pretty impressed with a few of the Clark jerseys I spotted at the Leafs game last night. As long as you know the story of the player, go for it!

Despite your reasons for being there or your fan status, the key to dressing for a hockey game is layering.   You'll likely be battling winter weather outside, so make sure your outer coat is one you don't mind throwing over a chair. If you're sitting way up top, it's going to be much warmer than seats by the glass, so be prepared to shed some of those layers. The most important thing to remember is to enjoy the game!

Cooking Class at Cirillio's Academy

Have you ever thought of cooking classes for a corporate event or team-building exercise? I hadn't! But Thursday evening, everyone from work went to Cirillio's Academy for some cooking tips and socializing outside of the office. I've always enjoyed cooking, but this was a blast! Cirillo's has state of the art cooking equipment and plenty of space for large groups to bond and mingle. As soon as we walked in the door, we were greeted by staff who took our coats and offered us a glass of wine. What a treat!

Our group of about 25 was split into 4 teams: the salad team, the risotto team, the meat team and the dessert team. It turned into a bit of friendly competition to see which team could produce the best dish. Despite the constant refills of our wine glasses, the meal turned out great! We were given step-by-step directions, and our progress by overseen by the chefs. I was on the dessert team and our dish was a mixed berry puff pastry. Follow the directions below if you want to recreate this yummy dish!

Ingredients

• 2 cups strawberries, chopped
• 2 cups blueberries
• 2 cups raspberries
• Phyllo dough
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 eggs
• powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions

• Combine chopped strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries in a large bowl. Add half the sugar, all the brown sugar, and the maple syrup. Mix until berries are coated.
• Cut Phyllo dough into squares and spread out on countertop. Place berry mixture in the middle and fold up the corners.
• Crack both eggs into small dish and stir with whisk. Brush egg wash over finished pastry and sprinkle with remaining sugar. 
• Bake until the pastry turns a golden brown color and dust with the powdered sugar. 
• Enjoy!

Donate Time, Not Money

Remember that book I mentioned at the start of my blog, 20 Something Manifesto by Christine Hassler? Every once in a while, I flip through it again for some inspiration. Well, it finally dawned on me that I have something else to share with you.

If you're feeling a bit lost (what 20-something young adult doesn't at times?), one way to conquer this is to get more involved with your community. Many people struggle to find meaning or fulfillment in their first jobs out of college. I recommend doing some volunteer work, however big or small, to help you reconnect.

When I finally got settled into my new apartment here in Toronto, I signed up to help coach a local girls hockey team. Not only does it allow me to get back on the ice a couple times a week, but it also helps me feel like I'm giving back in some way. Hockey has been a part of my life since I was about 6 years old, and it even helped guide me through college. Giving back to this sport has certainly helped me stay grounded here in my new environment.

How are you volunteering or doing any extra work in your life right now? If you're looking for ways to get started, there are plenty of resources available to you! I recently signed up for Jumo- give it a try and let me know what you think!

End your Workout Slump

We're well into February now, and I've noticed a big drop in the number of people at my local gym. Although I do enjoy the extra space and not having to wait for a cardio machine, it's a bit disheartening to see people giving up so soon on their New Year's Resolutions! Don't let this miserable winter weather slow your down. Here are a few tips to get you excited about working out again.

• Download some new songs to your iPod and create a new playlist for the gym
• Take a fitness class, like pilates or cycling
• Plan a summer getaway- this will help you achieve your goal weight!
• Do you work out every day? Take a day off, and you'll be eager to hit the gym for a long session the following day
• Get a gym buddy. Letting down someone else is much harder than making an excuse for why you can't go alone.
• Take your favorite fitness magazine, like Shape or Women's Fitness, along with you for some new workout ideas

Lauren Conrad Spring 2011 for Kohl's

I just can't get enough of these designer collaborations with h&m, forever21, and kohl's. After falling in love with Vera Wang for Kohl's, Lauren Conrad has followed suit in my eyes. Her Spring line certainly reflects her laid back California style, with a bit of class and sophistication mixed in too. Did you know that MTV pulled the plug on her newest show because there "wasn't enough drama"? Way to go, Lauren! And the fact that every item in her collection is under $100 just adds to my anticipation!

Here are a few of my favorites- can't wait to shop them!

Tiered Maxi Dress

Kohl's ($68)

Sunglasses

Kohl's

Silver Leaf Wrap Ring

Kohl's ($16)

Gold Bow Ring

Kohl's ($16)

Johanna Dress Heels

Kohl's ($60)

Red Velvet Cupcakes

When I think of Valentine's Day treats, one of the first things that comes to mind is a red velvet cupcake. This year, I decided I'd try and make them on my own! Though I've never attempted this before (unless you count the box recipe), I think they turned out pretty yummy. I was quite a bit shy with the red coloring... something about a bright red cake seems a bit unnatural. Mine turned out more like a burnt red, but feel free to boost the color if you like!

Red Velvet Cupcakes
Ingredients

• 1 cup flour (preferably cake flour)
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring (I only used about 1)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon white vinegar

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees; line your cupcake pan with paper liners
2. In medium sized bowl, measure cake flour, cocoa powder and salt. Stir with whisk.
3. In large bowl, combine oil and sugar until well-blended. Add egg and mixed until combine.
4. With mixer on low, add vanilla and food coloring.
5. Add flour mixture slowly, alternating with buttermilk in two batches. Be careful not to overmix.
6. In small dish, combine baking soda with vinegar. Add to batter and beat for another 10 seconds.
7. Spoon batter into cupcake pan and bake for about 20 minutes.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
• 3 tablespoons butter at room temperature
• 3 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 teaspoons clear vanilla extra

Directions

1. In large bowl, cream together cream cheese, shortening and butter until blended.
2. On a low speed, slowly add the confectioners' sugar until incorporated. 
3. Add vanilla and continue to mix until blended.

What to Wear on Valentine's Day

Date Night

Whether it's a first date or your 5th Valentine's Day together, don't be afraid to step up your game and go for something form-fitting and eye-catching! I love to embrace the red and black theme- let everybody know you have a date tonight!

Black Cocktail Dress

Singer22 ($119)

Enzo Angiolini Platform Pump

Nordstrom ($88.95)

Poppy Wristlet

Coach ($78)

Girls' Night

Whatever your plans with your girls, wear something that makes you feel fierce and fabulous. Don't worry about "dressing for guys"; this night is all about you.

MINKPINK Sheer Blouse

Nordstrom ($68)

Silence & Noise Leather Shorts

Urban Outfitters ($128)

SPANX "Bloom" Tights

Nordstrom ($28)

Juicy Couture Cocktail Ring

Nordstrom ($68)

Do You Still Buy Magazines?

Source: realbeauty.com

Sometimes I just can't resist picking up the latest issue of Vogue while I'm waiting in line at the grocery store. But since most magazines are posting the same content on the web, it seems pretty pointless to still spend $5 every month. I admit, it's way more fun to flip through a magazine than scroll through the web version, but I just can't justify the expense anymore. Now, I've resorted to skimming through as I wait, then going home to catch up on the rest!

After reading this article from Mashable about magazines trying to reach out to consumers via facebook and twitter, I am even more convinced that online is the way to go. Magazines like Lucky and Vogue even have interactive features that allow you to vote on content or add your own insight. Food publications like Cooking Light or Real Simple offer large databases of recipes, making it much easier to search online than try to find the exact issue laying around the house. Should I feel guilty about my switch? I hope this doesn't turn out to be a similar situation to the music industry...

Do you still subscribe to your favorite magazines, or do you prefer to follow them online?

Tote Bags for the Office

I know I'm always encouraging frugal shopping, but there are some purchases that are just meant to be splurged over. Key pieces of your wardrobe, like a great pair of jeans or a dressy winter coat, are perfect examples. One item that I have recently splurged for is my work tote. 

A large bag, either a tote or satchel shape, is absolutely ideal for the office. Go for something you can fit your laptop in, or at least file folders and paperwork. I promise it's a great investment! I bought a large Coach bag over the summer, and I've used it every day for work so far. Make sure to pick out a neutral color that will go with almost any outfit, and try to avoid any trendy colors or prints if you want your bag to last more than one season. 

Here are a few of my favorite picks- let me know what you think!

Fossil Cargo Tote

Piperlime ($168)

Coach Poppy Patent

Macy's ($378)

Hype Handbag

Macy's ($295, now $164.99)

Patent Pleated Satchel

Coach ($398)

Winter Sales- Stock Up Now!

While Toronto is experience yet another heavy snowfall, I am trying to look on the bright side of things! Even though that groundhog predicted an early spring, I don't see our cold weather lightening up any time soon. So what's a girl to do? I think I've found the perfect thing!

Browsing through h&m and Zara's new spring collections, I fell in love with all the florals and bright pops of color. But when am I really going to be able to wear these new skirts and tops? Not any time soon, I'm predicting. It finally dawned on me to take advantage of the changing of seasons (in the fashion world, that is) and stock up on some sale winter items!

With the new spring lines taking over most stores right now, a lot of the winter coats, sweaters and boots are now on sale! So if you've had your eye on something that you just couldn't rationalize splurging on, now is the time to reconsider.

Here are a few of the pieces I have my eye on right now:

Over-the-Knee Riding Boot

Aldo ($250, now $125.99)

Lace-Up Tread Bootie

Steve Madden ($159.95, now $111.95)

Sequin Epaulet Cardigan

Nordstrom ($198, now $88.90)

Wool Military Coat

French Connection ($368, now $131.99)

Beware of Lounging: Does Your Gym Time Cancel Out Your Couch Time?

Source: heartofthematteronline.com

One of the hardest adjustments to make from college life to working life has to be the long 9 to 5 days. College was so flexible, you can choose your classes and even choose whether or not to attend! Work is not quite the same. I love my job, but sometimes I just need to get up and run around! Maybe I'll get used to it, but I'm not quite sure I even want to. Prolonged sitting has been shown to have negative effects on your body, linked to heart disease and inflammation.

After reading this article in the New York Times, I became weary of my new lifestyle. Although I do try to make it to the gym every day (or at least 5 times a week), I can't help but wonder about those 9 hours I do spend chained to my desk. The article points out that while it's hard to improve your physical activity at work, you can at least try to get up and walk around every once in a while. And once you do get home, don't go straight to the couch! I am certainly guilty of this sometimes. 

So will you be changing your lounging habits? I'm sitting on the couch as I write this...

The Modern Day Perm-Beachy, Bed Head Hair

I admit that I've made some pretty impulsive changes to my hair over the years, like dying it red or chopping it off just to name a few. But one that I've never come to regret is the time I decided to get a perm. Sounds scary, right? When I think of the word perm, I generally think of the 80's and scrunchy socks, but it can certainly be much more trendy than you think!

My twin sister Megan, (before and after) who was brave enough to get a perm with me!

My hair has always been super straight and thin. While this means taking care of it is pretty easy, it wasn't long before I wanted to try something new. This perm was the answer to my prayers! Apparently, I'm not the only person that thinks so too. Check out this article in the New York Times, where author Hilary Howard reveals her first experience getting a perm. She claims that she was inspired by Anne Hathaway's character in "Love and Other Drugs." I hadn't seen the movie, so I just had to check it out! Here's her photo, in case you haven't seen it either.

Anne Hathaway in "Love and Other Drugs"

Source : FlicksandBits.com

I don't know about you, but I love it! This wavy, messy mane seems so effortless and chic. It's as if she woke up looking this gorgeous. And that's the best part about a perm- it's easy and carefree. I just rolled out of bed, maybe made some touch-ups with hairspray, then ran out the door.

Would you ever consider getting a perm? Let me know what you think!