Category: Lifestyle

Queen Margherita Pizza

I love me some pizza.

Not as much as I do gelato, but I love pizza. And unfortunately, my tastebuds have been a little spoiled because coming from an Italian background, I’ve had the privilege of visiting Italy and eating all the pizza my belly can handle.

So, every now and then, I get a craving for authenticity that needs attending to. Especially since I recently returned from a trip to Italy. Sadly, I’m not yet rich enough to fly across the world at the drop of a dime, every time I please. So I have been on the hunt to find a delicious stone oven pizza place here in the GTA. And luckily, earlier this year I came across this gem, Queen Margherita Pizza.

Queen Margherita Pizza in Leslieville

All you need is pizza! ❤

Initially, I wanted to find a place that is comparable to the ones in Italy. I was looking for something authentic and true to taste. However, after being disappointed numerous times, I knew I was going about it all wrong.
I learned not to compare the taste of pizza here to the pizza in Italy. Unless every single ingredient is imported, it’s never going to taste the same. And I’ve accepted that. Even pizza in Italy tastes different every region you go, from north to south. So it was a totally unreasonable goal.

I then decided to simplify.
Find a place that makes good tasting stone oven pizza.
Basic. And as I do with many new Instagram discoveries, I mention it to bae until he finally caves and takes me.

With Queen Margherita having three locations, we went to the one closest to the east, on Queen Street in Leslieville. We dined on a weekday afternoon to avoid crowds and, upon first sight, it looked like a pub. As you first step in, it’s a little small as there is only a bar, a staircase and a few tables. I was surprised, but didn’t want to jump to any conclusions or go in closed minded because I was there to eat pizza. So if I can grab a slice of 99cents pizza on a busy street corner in Manhattan with no tables, I can eat in the little corners of this restaurant.

Queen Margherita Pizza interior

Queen Margherita Pizza interior

After being greeted, we were then lead upstairs to our table and I was impressed when I saw a cool, loft style, open concept restaurant. It was complete with wooden benches, chairs & tables, a white painted brick wall and unfinished flooring. The factory style windows allowed for all the natural lighting to come in, which I love. Most importantly though, the food was delicious.

*Appetizers: (L) Eggplant, (R) Grilled Kale Salad

*Pizza: (L) Gio Oldschool, (R) Cinque Stagione

The portions were good and they have some interesting options for toppings, including kale and sunflower seeds. We got 2 appetizers and 2 pizzas between the both of us. The apps we devoured. We got a grilled kale salad which was so good. We’ve never had anything like it. It had this slight smokey taste and mixed with the cheese was absolutely scrumptious.
With that, I had high expectations for the pizza and they did not disappoint. We chose one white and one red sauce so we could try both styles. Topped with a glass of Brio, the pizza was super tasty and very filling. We even had enough leftovers to make a whole pie, which we took to go. I was hoping there would be a pesto option because that’s alway a favourite of mine, but maybe on a future menu.

In the end, I was very excited to come across Queen Margherita Pizza. The pizza tastes just as delicious as the photos look. (I’m drooling right now as I scroll their feed... And cue hunger).

This pizzeria is for sure a go to, if I’m ever craving thin crust, Italian style pizza. I’m due for a visit, since I haven’t had pizza in almost a month. So I definitely recommend you go check them out too!

xo
Stephanie

*Note: I visited Queen Margherita back in February 2017. Their online menu is slightly different so some items may no longer be available to order… which sucks if the grilled kale salad is gone. It was delicious!

June 8, 2017
High Park In Full Bloom

For the past 2 years I’ve missed out on seeing the Cherry Blossoms at High Park. I’ve either found out about the blossoms too late, or have been working. Because retail knows no days off.
And this year I was afraid I would miss out again since I will be in Italy around the time the trees usually bloom – Must say, it’s a pretty fair trade though.

Luckily enough, the cherry blossoms came early this year and I was able to catch it this past weekend! Good thing too, because it’s been rainy and gloomy the past few days so I was able to go on clear skies.

I asked bae to take me because I thought it would be a nice little day date. Taking a walk in the park and snapping some photos. Plus, I had been waiting for the perfect moment to wear my Air Max 1 Print sneakers this season.
And this was definitely the perfect time.
Enjoy!

It was only right to wear my Cherry Blossoms to go see the Cherry Blossoms!

They also had magnolias!.. which at first I thought were just a special type of cherry blossom. Either way, so pretty 😍

Sweater: Marquee Noir

Of course, I couldn’t leave without taking a shoefie!

I literally had to lay on the ground and kick my feet in the air, but hey! Anything to get the perfect shot, right?

Processed with VSCO with hb1 preset

Processed with VSCO with hb1 preset

If you’re thinking of going next year, I would suggest going during the early hours of the morning to avoid crowds. We got there in the late afternoon around 5pm. Had to drive around for a while to look for parking because the entrance we tried to go through was blocked off. Perhaps the lots were at full capacity? Didn’t mind so much though because we were finishing the first chapter of the S-Town podcast… because Ellen suggested to give it a listen. So we had to, duh!

I was super excited to see the Cherry Blossoms that day. I’m starting to love and admire flowers a lot, so I believe it’s most definitely worth the trek.

A tree of pure florals? And they’re pink?!
Enough said.

Such gorgeous blooms though. For sure, my future garden goals.
You win nature.

xo
Stephanie

*Note: Use coupon code ‘steph10’ for an extra 10% off your Marquee Noir purchase!

May 4, 2017
Chapter IV

About a week ago marked four years that my boyfriend officially asked me to be his girlfriend… for a second time. No we didn’t break up over the years, but I did turn him down the first time he asked. I know, b*tch right? I had my reasons and I stick by them, but that’s a whole other story for another day!

Before we got together, I used to roll my eyes and secretly make fun of couples who celebrated their anniversaries. Maybe because I was single and petty. Maybe because I was hiding my jealousy. Maybe I thought it was dumb and just didn’t understand the idea of celebrating dating anniversaries. I mean, you’re not married. So whoop dee doo, you’re still together.

But that’s just it. You’re still together.

A lot can happen in a day, in a week or month. So most definitely within a year there must have been some significant things to have happened within the relationship. Both positive and negative. And the fact that you’ve faced them together should be acknowledged.
So why not celebrate? It’s a milestone.

Every year is different. Every year you are faced with life’s challenges, both as individual people and as a couple. Some years will be better than others. And sometimes it may be a good or bad year for only one of you, but it’s about support and compromise.

There is no set formula to what makes a relationship strong. We’re all different as individuals. That’s why you have to figure out what works for you.

Here are four things I’ve learned during our four years together.

I. Communicate
Dialogue is important. When you’re happy, express your happiness. And when you’re upset, express you’re upset.
When bae is frustrated with me, he lets me know. When I’m upset with bae, I don’t tell him because I don’t like conflict. I keep it to myself and hope he’ll figure it out. Especially if he doesn’t notice what he’s done. What ends up happening though, is I take out my frustration on him in other ways. I end up giving him the silent treatment, or I become very sarcastic and insulting. Which then makes him upset. Then I get more upset because he shouldn’t be upset. Then he eventually aplogizes, but he still doesn’t really know what he did. So when he thinks he’s reconciling, I’m just bottling up my feelings for another day. All this can be avoided if I just speak up. It’s something I’m still working on, but I know for us, open communication is important.

II. Trust
Before I was in a committed relationship it was all about me, myself and I. Whatever choices I made only affected me, but I learned I had to change my selfish way of thinking.
Yes, I still make decisions for myself, but now my decisions affect another person. In the early stages of being together, past relationships and experiences come in to play. There is a lot of subconscious comparing and unintended jealousy, but it is expected.
For the two of us, the little things I didn’t think were a big deal, became a big deal and I felt like bae didn’t trust me. At one point, it seemed like every answer I gave wasn’t good enough and I realized that his trust in me wasn’t something I could reassure. I couldn’t earn his trust. It was something he needed to overcome for himself.
Being completely open and honest with each other helped our communication, building our foundation of trust. And now, we move forward each day with nothing to hide.

III. Active Listening
I’ve learned that I have to be an active listener, especially when it comes to important issues.
So that doesn’t mean pretending to listen while bae is talking, but I’m actually daydreaming about the time Colin Farrell and I locked eyes. It means listening and paying attention to how he’s feeling and reading his body language.
I like to have important conversations in private. Because if it gets heated or calls for waterworks, I don’t want people seeing me. So I save my talks for the bedroom. That’s my safe zone. Bae likes to do his talking in the car. Now, I usually daydream in car rides, but I’ve learned to be more attentive because that’s his safe zone. When he’s opening up on the drive home, I know I need to pay more attention because later he won’t want to continue the conversation when I’m ready to talk. He just wants to relax in his room. So whenever bae is talking serious matters, I don’t cut him off because I know now is the time he needs me to listen.

IV. Me Time
When in a relationship, you can become so invested in each other, that when you finally have time for you, you don’t know what to do with yourself. You’ve lost interest in being alone.
No matter how much time I want to spend with bae, I try to make sure I still make time for myself. Bae and I don’t live together and because of our work schedules, the most we go is one day without seeing each other. So when I have a day to myself I have to make sure it doesn’t go to waste. I try to get in touch with me again. And my interests and goals.
Building this blog has helped a lot. I have a project that I’m excited to work on and bae supports that. So it’s easier to schedule time for myself without feeling guilty or like I’m neglecting him.

I’m sure you’ve read multiple articles and advice on what makes a lasting relationship, so some of these points may be redundant. Again, I’m not saying these four points are what everyone must do, but it’s a reflection of what I’ve learned works for me and my relationship.

As for anniversaries, you don’t have to go all out spending lots of money on gifts and fine dining. If that’s how you choose to celebrate, then great! If you choose to spend the night in bumming around and binge watching shows, then that’s great too! Just make sure you take the time to reflect on your relationship. Know what worked and what didn’t work.
Perhaps with some aspects, you’ll realize it’s time for a change.

And don’t be afraid of that.
There’s always room to grow.

Here’s looking forward to Chapter V.

xo
Stephanie

March 8, 2017
Confidence Boost for the Dreaded Interview

I had an interview last month.
I hate interviews.

I think you’re either great at them, or you’re not. And I’m not, but I try to fake my level of comfort as much as I can. Where in reality, I just want to sink into my seat, slide out the door and make a run for it.

Maybe because with most of the jobs I’ve landed, the interviews were more casual so there wasn’t too much pressure. Plus, it was for serving banquets and catering – my chinchilla can hold a plate. Then I got in to background/extra work for film and television. There’s no interview with bg agencies. You just need to be available when they call. Which is any time of day. My first movie was Total Recall and I was an arm’s length from Colin Farrell. We made eye contact. No one believes me, but it happened. And it was magical.
*sigh*…
What was I talking about?
Oh, right. Interviews.

That basis of an interview is to be able to sell yourself. Verbally. Which is hard for me because I don’t like talking about myself to new people. I’m more of a listener than a talker. So one thing I like to prep is the ‘tell me about yourself’ or ‘why do you want to work here’ questions because those are a given you’ll be asked. Everything else I try to wing and sound confident with my answers. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. And when it doesn’t, I eat chocolate. Chocolate understands. It’s the best consoler of all time. Even better when it invites ice cream to join the pity party.

When I don’t land jobs I just have to remind myself not to take it personally. Which is very hard to do sometimes. It straight up sucks being turned down. Especially if it’s something you really, really want and think you’d learn a lot and excel in. Though, it is kind of like a casting call. They’re looking for someone that fits their certain requirements and I can’t hate on that if I’m not it. I can cry about it, sure. Though I give myself 24-48hrs to sulk… and maybe hate a little… then tell myself to grow a pair and move on.

Then there are the other moments where I’m super stubborn – maybe even stupid – and apply and interview with the same company four different times over a couple of years in hopes the next interview will be different. True story. The last time I landed a call back for a second interview and was super excited until the owner told me in front of his partner, 2 employees and 3 other candidates that I wasn’t getting the job and should register for their 8 week, $8000 class. Thanks.
Needless to say, I stopped applying.

One thing I make sure to do, no matter how I’m feeling, is look my best. Even if I’m nervous, I like to wear things that make me feel comfortable and confident. Because let’s face it – when you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, your mindset is more positive. And other people can definitely sense that.

So find your confidence boost. Accessories are my thing, so I make sure I’m wearing something that makes me feel like a billion bucks – because being a millionaire nowadays is overrated.
My showstopper necklace from Forever 21 is one of my favourite pieces I purchased in the last year. Some may find it tacky or loud, but it makes me feel bad and boujee when I wear it. In a good way.

I wore this to my last interview. And this was probably the most important interview I’ve had to date. It’s something I’ve been prepping for and patiently waiting over the past year. For a real full time job. That’s creative. With salary. Like adults have. Apparently, that’s still a real thing. Who knew?

So wish me luck! And I’ll keep you posted.

xo
Stephanie

Update: I did not get the job and I am currently in my Totoro onesie eating Boomchickapop because I ran out of chocolate and ice cream, but tomorrow’s a new day. On to the next venture!

February 21, 2017
Chihuly Magical

Red Reeds on Logs, 2016.

Everyone says art is very subjective. Two people can stand side by side, looking at the same piece, yet experience completely different emotions. They can form very different opinions from one another based on their personal reactions and thoughts. For example, some love the Mona Lisa and all the history and mystery behind her smile. While others, just look at her and the only thing they gather is that she has no eyebrows and ain’t even that pretty.

I do enjoy art and respect artists. I’m not a critic in the sense that I overanalyze or try to discover hidden meanings behind pieces. I don’t necessarily need to know what was in the artist’s head at the time. That’s for them to know. Sometimes I just like to look at art. Just because.

I was browsing Instagram when I took that survey where it asked me the types of ads I’d prefer to see. The ad for Chihuly kept popping up as an option and I was like, wtf is a Chihuly? A few google images later, I came across Persian Ceiling, saw it was in town and knew I wanted to experience that in person. Showcased at the Royal Ontario Museum, I was lucky enough to catch it on its last day.

Dale Chihuly (according to Wiki) is a glass sculptor from America. He learned the art of blowing glass, but after some injuries, due to a car and surfing accident, he was no longer able to hold the glass blowing pipe. And so he stepped back and became more of a choreographer and director, as he describes.

Here are a few pictures from my visit. I won’t dive in with descriptions and opinions. You can form your own. Enjoy!

Float Boat, 2014.

Blue and Purple Boat, 2006.

Laguna Torcello, 2012.

Laguna Torcello, 2012.

Icicle Towers, 2015.

Sapphire Neon Tumbleweeds, 2016.

Persian Trellis, 2016.

Persian Trellis, 2016.

Persian Ceiling, 2012.

Persian Ceiling, 2012.

I was happy I could see Chihuly’s work in person. Some of his pieces, like Icicle Towers, stand floor to ceiling and are so intricately woven into each other it was amazing to see up close. They were all strong and solidly built, but so delicate in the fact they were made of glass. One push and it could all smash into a million pieces – I wonder if that’s ever happened? Because that would suck to clean!
My favourites were Sapphire Neon Tumbleweeds and Persian Ceiling. The blue in Sapphire was so electric and the nice thing about Persian Ceiling was that they placed pillows and cushions on the floor so you could lay back and admire the glass above your head. Just like you would lay back in the grass and stare at the clouds. So mesmerizing.

All in all I had a nice time at the ROM. The only issue I had about my visit was the $5 can of coconut water my boyfriend made me buy in the cafeteria. Five dollars!? My grilled cheese sandwich was only $3.50. So $5 is a bit extreme for me, but they didn’t have sparkling water. He’s bougie like that.

Anywho, some of Chihuly’s sculptures are in public places, like in train stations or hotels. So if you ever get a chance to see one, I highly recommend stopping to take a moment. If not for the hard work and artistry that goes into his pieces, then simply for the beauty.

xo
Stephanie

January 29, 2017
La La Land

I’m pretty sure I was a Cali girl in a past life.
It’s a place for dreamers and it’s always been a dream of mine to move there.

People say, when you go there you either love it or you hate it. I’ve been to LA a few times now, and I love it. Each time a little more. Maybe it’s the sun, but there’s definitely something in the air.

My father is a realist. He’s not in to all the glitz and glam of Hollywood. Doesn’t impress him, but it makes my eyes light up. He’d always say it’s not our lifestyle, but why can’t it be? I’ve always dreamed of red carpets and attending award shows, as I’m sure a lot of you have. There’s nothing wrong with that. And there’s nothing wrong with dreaming. Your dreams make you. If you don’t dream, then what do you really strive for?

Last night I saw La La Land starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. I love musicals. Though, going into this movie I wasn’t sure what to think of the idea of a new style take on classic Hollywood. Must say, I was pleasantly surprised.

Note: may contain spoilers

The beginning was a little slow for me, and I honestly thought I was going to hate it. I really didn’t want to, so I tried to keep an open mind.
Until, I Ran.
That was my turning point. From then on, the story picked up and it was exactly what I was hoping it would be. And then… the ending happened. Not gonna lie, it made me mad. I admire the reality of it and that they gave us a sort of optional ending to imagine, but it still upset me. (I don’t want to divulge into detail, if you haven’t seen the movie, but I recommend it for you old school movie buffs).

After leaving the theatre, it got me thinking. Thinking of my dreams and what I hope to accomplish. Not just in my life, but this year alone. I’m trying to conquer 2017 with the attitude of, you never know unless you try.
Because seriously, you never know the outcome, unless you try. And if you don’t like the outcome, try and try again.

xo
Stephanie

January 15, 2017
Less Is More

I have been itching to travel.

It’s been a few years since I’ve been some place new. Last I was on a plane I was headed to Vegas and LA just over a year ago.. As much as I love trips to Cali, I’m in need of some fresh and inspiring scenery.

I blame my parents. They gave me the travel bug. And I’m pretty sure once you catch it, it’s not curable. My family has always been one to go on trips because my dad’s family lives in Italy. He’s the only one that moved abroad. So, every few years we’d go and visit and tour the country. It’s a gorgeous country. I’ve been privileged to experience it. Some may even call me spoiled because of it, but I don’t think so. It’s a second home.

I remember staying at my nonna’s with a friend when I was 17. It was our first time travelling without our parents. My cousins were there and we were arguing over who would do the dishes. I said my friend would do it, and my cousin said no, because she’s a guest. So I said, “well I’m a guest too!” and he said, “no. You live here.”
For some reason that was very comforting to hear.

It’s a totally different lifestyle in Europe. Way more relaxed and a less stressful. Maybe I think this way because I haven’t stayed for more than a month at a time, but the people seem to be more laid back and free spirited.
And I’m in need of a refreshment.
Less wifi, more history. Less PVR, more art. Less worrying about work, more exploring different cultures. Less worrying about weight, more eating delicious food. Mmmm gelato.

Tivoli, Italy

My boyfriend has this tradition on New Year’s Eve, where you pack a bag with your important belongings and at the stroke of midnight you run out the doors and go as far as you can. It’s supposed to signify many travels ahead for the new year.

So come on 2017. Let’s go explore.

xo
Stephanie

January 13, 2017
Happy New Year 2017!

Welcoming 2017 with my first post of the year!
Actually…
First post ever!

So I’ve decided to start a blog. It only took…*counting modestly* … 8 years to finally start one. Clearly, I was in no rush. Totes a lie.
Clearly, I was a procrastinator.
I was afraid.
Afraid that it would suck.
Afraid that no one would read it.
Afraid that people would make fun of me for starting one when blogs weren’t popular. Now, afraid that people will make fun of me since blogs are popular and career starters and that I’m just jumping on the bandwagon.
But you know what? F*ck. That.

I’ve always liked writing. It’s an outlet for my thoughts. And since I’m a quiet person, this is a better form of communication for me. Plus, I’m a visual person too. I like art. I like taking pictures. I like painting. I like creating.
So why not create?

The year’s end usually calls for some reflection. And at the end of a sucky 2016, I’ve noticed that I haven’t been focusing on who’s really important here, and that’s me. I need to pay more attention to myself and not ignore my voice. I’m always one to give others advice and encouragement, but in turn, I never listen to my own words. If I can inspire some sort of epiphany in others, well I should do so for myself too.

So, what is my blog going to be about? I haven’t exactly figured that out just yet, but I thought just starting was a good place to start. I’ll find my voice along the way.

In the meantime, you’re welcome to come along on my journey with me.
xo
Stephanie

January 13, 2017