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ZUCCHINI & GRAPE TOMATOES

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This is good stuff right here. Zucchini & grape tomato.. pasta? Is this considered pasta? It’s not a salad, it’s technically not pasta and it can’t be a pasta salad.. I don’t know what it’s called, but this spiralled zucchini dish is simple, fresh and mega delicious so like, the name = minor details.

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Ingredients:

1/2 tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 cup of grape tomatoes, cut in half
Salt and pepper
2 medium-sized zucchinis, spiralled with thicker blade
Dash of parmesan cheese

Directions:

In a large non-stick pan, heat the oil. Add the garlic and cook until golden, approx 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes,and season with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low. Simmer, covered, until the tomatoes soften, approx 15 minutes. Put a little parmesan on top and BAM, you have dinner in under half hour.

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FLEETING MOMENTS

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We are composed, defined and captivated by fleeting moments.
Holding onto nights, places and feelings we wish we could stash in a locket and open up from time to time, only to reminisce about that first glance or first conversation.
These moments flash before our eyes.
It seems selfish to want something to last for more than the time we are given.
To be able to pause and soak in the incredible feelings that startle and amaze you.
The familiarity of smells and sights.

Listen to your senses, be in the moment and acknowledge when your heart feels happy.

Fleeting moments come and go, just like memories and the people you meet.
See, feel, touch, catch and release.
The wonders of our life can be documented with pictures and video but the best memories are stored in a place where every so often, typically in quiet moments, you remember what it’s like to love and be loved.
It’s yours to capture, every fleeting moment.

JUNE BEAUTY FAVOURITES 2015

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I can’t believe it’s July! With the patches of gloomy weather we’ve been having in Toronto, it doesn’t even feel like summer. The muggyness has my hair in perma-frizz and to be honest, I haven’t even bothered to brush through it (think Mia Thermopolis pre-makeover). My bitterness about the weather and semi-unkempt nature aside, I do have beauty products I used constantly last month that picked up my beauty slack, including a new drugstore mascara, a bomb face cleanser and .. a bust cream? Yup, that’s a thing. Read more below!numbers

1. Olay Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Moisturizer 
I’m a big fan of Olay moisturizers in general but, this one from their Luminous collection has been a game changer for my skin. The cream itself is thicker than most moisturizers, which makes dryness not even a concern for a solid 24 hours and has been helping to fade away dark-spots, leaving a natural don’t-even-need-to-wear-makeup glow. The best kind of glow, amirite?

2. Maybelline Lash Sensational
For three years, Maybelline’s Falsies has been my holy grail mascara. I would not buy any other lash apparatus since nothing compared to its greatness, until now. Maybelline’s Lash Sensational mascara was recommended by KellyLovesBeauty1 on YouTube. She swore by the formula and her lashes were out of this world so, I decided to give it a try. The wand is slightly curved and layers of small bristles fan lashes out while providing volume, length and separates. Yes, it’s does everything a great mascara should do, including rarely smudging onto my lid. Ya need to get it girl.

3. 803 Sam H Cream
I got this product in my Memebox a few months ago and am devastated it’s on its last leg. I use this cream on my bust each time I get out of the shower which, I don’t think is how you use it? I apply the cream there because it smells clean, is made with shea butter and firms/plumps all the areas your want it to firm/plump ifyouknowwhatImean.

4. bareMinerals bronzer in Faux Tan
I first discovered this bronzer a few years ago when I noticed my friend was a glowing goddess, every time the light hit her face a certain way she illuminated the room. I literally couldn’t stop staring at how her skin (creeper status?). She told me her best kept secret was this bareMinerals bronzer. Since it is a loose powder I pour a little product on a tissue, dab with a bronzing brush, tap off excess product and sweep onto my cheekbones and toward the temples of my forehead. Beautiful, radiant skin can be so simple.

5. Lancome Energie De Vie Micro Foam Cleanser
I sloppily slab this Lancome cleanser all over my face after a long day and it easily takes off my makeup (including eye makeup), leaving my skin feeling hydrated and clean. It smells slightly like a cheap mens cologne, but it removes dead skin cells and actively revives my skin to prepare it for the next day so, I let the man stank slide.

6. Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream
When you don’t want to apply heavy foundation but you still want to cover any imperfections, you need CC (colour correcting) cream all up in your life. This one by Smashbox evens out complexion, is super lightweight and has SPF 30 – perfect for summer since it protects and does not melt away. If I could recommend trying ONE product from my June favourites, it’s this one. You’ll love it, I promise.

I SHOULD BE FOLDING LAUNDRY

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Hey friends!

It is 10:35PM, which means it’s well past my bedtime. I should’ve been tucked in awhile ago but I have yet to shower, need to finish work that’s due in the morning (haven’t started) and my unfolded laundry has been staring at me in judgement for an hour now. At least it’s clean. Small win.

Needless to say, I’ve been busy.

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I stopped daily vlogs last week because I was up in my neck with dozens of projects, tasks and events I had to manage and (of course) they were all due within days of each other. The above photo is me at our Triumph event! That was a fun day, but I barely had time to eat that week, which is terrible and horrifying because we all know when I was stressed and forget to eat last time, this happened: My shing-a-ling experience

Don’t worry! I’m doing fine, but I wanted to step back from the busy state that is my life and just start writing. I wrote in my journal a couple hours ago and I went on for pages and pages – had a lot more to say than I thought. As a writer, I feel my emotions build up and I get anxiety if I can’t creatively express myself so, I wrote personally for myself and now I am writing for you, because I miss you.

Time check: 10:49PM. I’m giving myself 5 more minutes then I need to at least fold a t-shirt to make myself feel better knowing I have started to put my laundry away.

Side note, have you ever been to Freshii? There is one across my work and whenever I forget to pack a lunch, my go-to is their Teriyaki Twist (thank you to my co-worker Daliah for introducing). It contains brown rice, broccoli, carrots, edamame, cucumber, green onions, sesame seeds, crispy wontons, teriyaki sauce and I usually get it with tofu or falafel. SO. GOOD. I’ll eat this around 1:30PM and I’m not hungry again until 7:30PM, which makes it ideal for the days I have soccer right after work. Delicious, healthy and filling. Win-win-win.

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Time is up, I wish I could write you a novel but reality is calling me back. On Canada Day (this Wednesday) I am having a crazy, insane adventure on a yacht so, I’ll be sure to vlog and share some good ol’ fun times with you. Can’t wait!

xo

Jessica

#OOTD: JESSICA MOY, SENIOR ACCOUNT COORDINATOR

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If you ever wondered what in the world I do at my job or what influences my personal style, check out the Q&A I did with the Lotus Leaf Style Blog!

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1. What does a typical day look like for you?

I’m typically the first one at the office (keener status) so, getting my coffee or making breakfast is always priority #1. After that, day-to-day tasks vary. I oversee Lotus Leaf’s social pages, the blog (heh heh), communicate with media, often providing product info or hi-res images as well as assist when it comes to activation on various accounts (media list building, monthly reports or research). We also throw amazing events at Lotus Leaf and I’ll help with the planning and execution, which is one of my favourite parts of the job!

2. What do you love most about your career at Lotus Leaf?

My position as Senior Account Coordinator combines creative writing, editing, media relations, event planning, social media, styling and it’s all within the realm of fashion & beauty. How could I not love it? I’m the type of gal who needs to be creative in order to feel fulfilled and my position provides that platform. I’m also lucky to work with a young, dynamic team who loves going out for mac and cheese lunches as much as I do.

3. What advice would you give to those looking to work in the fashion industry?

There’s the typical advice, “Work hard, be passionate, network,” which is fine and dandy but I think having a sense of humour is one of the greatest qualities you can have while working in the fashion industry. Between dedicating long hours and constantly being on your feet, you have to be able to laugh at yourself from time to time.

4. Which #GIRLBOSS do you look up to, and why?

Eva Chen. Hands down. I first fell in love with her work while she was the Beauty Editor at Teen Vogue and have since followed her career. She’s down-to-earth, loves being interactive with her followers on social media (her SnapChat stories are top notch) and her writing style is one I hope to emulate – raw, relatable, honest, fun. Not to mention her fashion sense is impeccable. One time I wrote an email to Eva telling her how awesome she is and to my surprise, she responded! She’s the cool aunt I wish I had.

5. You were a beauty intern with FASHION magazine, what are the best beauty tricks you’ve learned?

I loved my internship at FASHION! What I learned isn’t so much as tricks, but an expansion of my beauty knowledge. I suddenly became hyper-aware of the ingredients contained within the beauty products I was using such as parabens, lead, formaldehyde, etc. As a result, my beauty collection is mostly organic or toxic-free.

6. Tell us one thing about yourself that people may not expect. 

I can ride a unicycle. ;)

7. You’re super sporty, what tips do you have for busy girls trying to stay fit?

Create a schedule, i.e. every Monday & Wednesday you go for a 30 minute run and every Sunday you do an hour of Pilates. Also, do an activity you like, not something you think you have to do. Yeah, I get it, you’re busy, but you’re never that busy that you can’t take a couple of hours out of your week to do some sort of activity. Get that beach bod going! No excuses girlfriend!

8. What’s on your summer bucket list?

HAHA! Funny you ask, I actually have a summer goals list EVERY summer and challenge myself to complete it by September. I’ve completed a few already, such as horseback riding and running the Ottawa half-marathon, but ones I haven’t completed yet include eat dinner on a fancy rooftop (does anyone have suggestions?), write a completed book of short stories (and somehow get them published, eventually), join a dance class and try out henna tattoos.

9. What influences your personal style? 

Lookbook.com is my dictionary for all fashion outfit ideas. If I want to wear fringe shorts but don’t know how to put an entire outfit together with them, I type “fringe shorts” into search on lookbook.com and hundreds of ideas pop up! It’s how I chose my #OOTD today (shh!).

10. Tell us about your outfit today. 

As I said, it was influenced from an outfit I saw on lookbook.com ;). It’s summer-esque, comfortable and I honestly don’t know how I haven’t spilt or stained anything on those white pants yet.

Shirt: Similar found at GUESS / Jeans: Similar found at GUESS / Belt: Similar found at GUESS / Watch: Skagen / Wrap Bracelet: ALEX AND ANI/ Shoes: Similar found at GUESS / Earrings: Hillberg & Berk

CURRIED CHICKEN & CHICKPEA SALAD

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Summer calls for firing up the BBQ and adding cilantro to pretty much, everything. In this case, I found a recipe on Canadian Living where I spiced up some chicken, tossed together a light, creamy chickpea salad and VOILA! A super quick meal (tops a half hour to prep and cook) that tastes good and good for ya.

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Ingredients

Curried Chicken:

2 tbsp plain Balkan-style yogurt
1 tbsp mild curry paste
2 cloves garlic, finely grated
pinch salt
chicken drumsticks

Chickpea Salad:

1/4 cup Balkan-style yogurt and light mayonnaise
1-1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 small clove garlic, finely grated
pinch each salt and pepper
1 can chickpeas, drained, rinsed and patted dry
1 cup finely chopped cucumber
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 green onions, sliced
1 rib celery, diced

Directions

Curried Chicken:

In bowl, stir together yogurt, curry paste, garlic and salt; add chicken and stir to coat. Place drumsticks on grill over medium-high heat; close lid and grill, turning once, until no longer pink inside, about 10-15 minutes.

Chickpea Salad:

In bowl, whisk together yogurt, mayonnaise, ginger, garlic, salt and pepper. Add chickpeas, cucumber, cilantro, green onions and celery; stir to coat. Serve with chicken.

OTTAWA HALF-MARATHON

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Last weekend I completed the Ottawa half-marathon in (personal) record time: 2hrs 7mins!! If you remember reading about my first half-marathon in Toronto, I mentioned I’d be heading to our Nation’s Capital to once again run the 21.1K trek.

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On Saturday morning I ventured to Ottawa all by my lonesome, staying at the Hi-Ottawa Jail Hostel. Let me repeat, I STAYED IN A JAIL HOSTEL!

Despite it once being a maximum security institution from 1862 to 1972 and known for its public executions and inhumane conditions, the hostel offered free wi-fi and breakfast so like, who can complain.

The night before my race I felt extremely nervous. I paced back and forth in the hostel hallways and walked around the block a few times to calm my nerves. I found it impossible to sit still. When you watch my vlog I’m peppy and excited but to be completely honest, I was terrified. I felt anxious being in Ottawa by myself, sharing a room with 5 strangers (that were supposed to be all girls but, ended up being co-ed..LOL) and I didn’t feel trained enough to confidently run an entire half-marathon in the morning. I was uptight, had no one there to talk about how I was feeling and pretty sure I called my mom a dozen times in the span of 24 hours to chill the eff out.

The day of my race wasn’t any better. When I was on the phone with my mom (..again) before my race she asked, “are you nervous?” I could’ve cried if I let myself because DUH, OF COURSE I WAS! For a slight second that morning I thought of quitting and going home, that’s how anxious I felt. Then I reminded myself (as cheesy as it sounds) we are defined by how you come back from a set back. I knew my nerves were natural and was certain once the race started I’d feel familiar and everything will be fine. I was right.

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Ottawa was beautiful on race day. Warm, but still a slight morning breeze to cool you down. The bustle on the streets were indescribable; energy was lively, music was blaring and cheering can be heard for miles.

The best part of any marathon are the hilarious handmade signs people held along the race. Special shout-outs to the ones holding “you run better than the government,” “pain is just french for bread” and “this is the worst parade ever.”

Want to see me run the Ottawa half-marathon? Watch my vlog below!

If you’ve been debating whether you should run a marathon, half-marathon, 10K, 5K or a 2K – DO IT! You don’t NEED to have someone run with you, go by yourself! Do it for yourself! This is me telling you that you can.

You’ll feel a 100 different emotions (scared, excited, anxious, motivated, contemplating why on earth you paid to do this, etc), but once you cross that finish line you can say, and rub in all the faces of your doubters, “I did it.” Or, “I think I’m going to throw up,” which is what I said to a first-aid woman once I crossed the finish line, but then someone handed me a cold chocolate milkshake and all was well in the world.

DATERGY BALLS

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When you need an quick energy fix, these bite-sized snacks are easy to bring to school or work (they don’t need to be refrigerated). Apricots are rich in Vitamin A, meaning it’s full of anti-oxidants to strengthen your immune system, dates have natural sugars to perk you up when feeling sluggish and cherries are high in potassium which regulates heart and blood pressure. YAY, HEALTH!

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Ingredients:
50g dried apricots
100g soft dried dates
50g dried cherries
2 tsp coconut oil
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions:
Finely chop apricots, dates and cherries. Pour into bowl and work the coconut oil into the mixture. Shape the mix into little meatballs (or Timbits, if you’re Canadian). Then roll them in sesame seeds.

I BELIEVE IN YOU

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“When I got to college and met Larry Sacharow, who ran the theatre department [at Fordham University in NYC], he was the first person to say ‘I believe in you.’ At that point, I just needed someone to say ‘I see you, I get you, let’s go.’ It’s an amazing thing to borrow someone else’s confidence in you; it can change your life.”

– Taylor Schilling

EXPECTATIONS OF BEAUTY

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I recently went on a date a man who said women need to wear makeup in order to be beautiful.

Thought he was kidding, until we went out and wouldn’t even look at me because I didn’t reach his ‘expectations.’ His ‘expectations’ was for me to resemble the 1,258 air-brushed women in bikinis he follows on Instagram. His ‘expectations’ was for me to wear tight dresses, 6-inch heels, have tanned skin, and spend time on my appearance as to not embarrass him.

He concluded because I was a tomboy, his ridiculous standard of beauty could never be reached.

I play sports, wear loose t-shirts bought at the men’s section of H&M and am not afraid to get a little dirt in my hair and you know what? I am damn beautiful, because beauty is defined by respecting your body, kindness, intelligence, and strength NOT pencil skirts, heels, and a heavy hand of makeup.

I know his words and actions had nothing to do with me, and everything to do with his own insecurities.

To all of the women who may go out with him in the future, I hope you have a rational sense of mind and understand that you should never, ever beat yourselves down over your appearance just to validate this little boy’s unrealistic ‘expectations’ of beauty.

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