Get into the Groove.

Back into the Groove by Jenny B featuring wrap bracelets

My Famous Quinoa Salad.

Hokay, so I have been asked by a number of people now to share my fabulously delish quinoa salad recipe. Truth is, I stole it from Women's Health (well kind of), but pretend you didn't hear that.

Here is the magical recipe for a quinoa salad that is flavourful and packed with nutrients. Best part? It will help you lose/control weight because of it's high protein and fibre content in relation to it's lower carbohydrate composition. The original recipe below calls for bulgur (another fave of mine, and what is actually pictured in the image above), but substitute quinoa for bulgur and let your taste buds water. See my modifications below the recipe for added yum.


Shrimp, Cucumber Salad with Feta

This Greek salad is a great source of vitamin K and omega-3

2/3 c medium-grind bulgur (next to the rice in most supermarkets)
1 2/3 c water
1/3 c fresh lemon juice
12 oz precooked peeled or thawed frozen shrimp, coarsely chopped
3/8 tsp black pepper
1 c diced cucumber
1 pint grape tomoatoes
1/2 c chopped parsley
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 c (2oz) crumbled feta cheese
1/4 tsp salt

1. In a saucepan, combine bulgur, water, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice; bring to a boil. Cover and simmer until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and let cool.
2. Place shrimp in large serving bowl. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Let stand for 5 minutes. 
3. Stir in cucumber, tomatoes, onion, parsley, oil, and cheese. Add salt, remaining lemon juice, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper and toss. 
4. Stir in cooled bulgur. Divide evenly into four salad bowls.

Makes four servings. Per serving: 301 calories, 12 g fat (3.5 g saturated), 513 mg sodium, 27 g carbs, 6 g fiber, 24 g protein


My modifications to this recipe: 

• As mentioned, use quinoa instead of bulgur. Last time, I also boiled one cup of black rice and added it to the mix for extra antioxidant power.
• Substitute regular olive oil for the President Choice garlic olive oil (available at Loblaws) - this is key.
• Use low-fat feta instead of regular feta. The flavour doesn't suffer and you lower the fat content. 
• I usually opt-out of the use of salt, I find the feta does the trick.

Bon appetit & drop me a comment on how it turns out or what you think!

xoxo

JB

Black Swan Movie Review.

Darren Aronofsky, famed director of 'The Wrestler', hit the nail on the head yet again with Black Swan.

All I have to say is Natalie Portman, meet Oscar. Oscar, you best be meeting Natalie P this year. I just loved Nat's raw and vulnerable performance along with Mila Kunis' supporting dark angel portrayal. Wow. This 'thriller' was fast paced, layered, intense and beautifully deranged. I mean that in the best of ways. I'll admit, some scenes had me pulling my peacoat over my head (gruesome) and some had me laughing at the uncomfort that was oozing out of everyone (aka coworkers) during some, ehem, shall we say 'explicit' scenes; even so I have to give this film the credit it's due.

Black Swan speaks to the 'inner daemon' that resides in us all and what happens when that daemon is allowed the permission to take over in one's life. Such a wonderful portrayal of the struggle which occurs within, as one ballerina journeys in finding her darker side for her onstage persona. This inevitably evokes weakness and unbalance of her mind, body and soul.

Having been a competitive dancer for some 13 odd years, I found Black Swan definitively convincing and unapologetically real. The fears, sadness, defeat and disappointment balanced with the excitement, joy, thrill and euphoric moments which result from performing on stage, were all showcased brilliantly. These feelings and emotions are not only familiar to the performers of the world, but can be related to by anyone under pressure or having to live up to overwhelming expectations.

That's all I wanted to say here as I really didn't want to give much away. If you appreciate creative films which hold deeper meaning and tell a tale of the human condition, then don't think twice about seeing Black Swan. Run out and see it now. Loved, loved, loved it. That is all.

5 out of 5 heels.

1 Day in Paris.

When I was told I was going to go to Germany for a digital workshop, I automatically thought, "Ok, that's like super close to Paris - my favourite place on the planet." I couldn't resist asking for a homebound flight out of France instead of Germany, to which the company agreed (ummm amazing?!). Well, it was cheaper so it made my argument easier.

I arrived in Paris on Friday night, around 10:30 pm at Charles de Gaulle airport. After two failed attempts of getting a taxi into the city (the first guy didn't have a meter or a taxi sign on the car - HUGE red flags, run away- and the second asked me for 75 € for a 20 min drive!! Mmm... how about no), I finally opted for the Metro into Paris.

Tip #1 - Plan your route into the city beforehand. Thankfully my French is up to par so I had no issues communicating and reading signs/maps.

After asking the friendly girls at the auto rental booth, I determined my route - RER C to Metro #11, then transfer to Metro #3. I was looking for the Gambetta stop in the 20th Arrondissement. I found this little hotel online and have to say that for the price, I would totally recommend this place for a single traveller or a couple. La Palma, 2 *.

Tip #2 - Look at the running times of the RER & Metro before your trip, you might be surprised at how early they finish running. Always wait 30 min before the routes close to be sure you catch one.


Tip #3 - Book online and outside of the main tourist areas for better hotel prices. Just be sure it's near a Metro stop. Check Trip Advisor for hotel reviews - I've found them to be quite accurate.

Checking in was fine, 24 hours concierge is a must. The room was small and cute (like most in Paris) and it was nice and clean. The next morning I slept in a bit, I do not recommend this for a one day trip but c'est la vie, I was coming off of an intense 2 day workshop so I forgive myself. Out of the room by 1 (don't judge me, I know I really slept in), I began my adventure.

Tip #4 - A wake-up call, camera and map are key to a successful day.

I started off walking on a path near Père Lachaise Cemetery. Too bad I didn't stumble upon the entrance to this, it would have been very interesting to see (burials for Chopin, Mossini, Jim Morrison etc.), but I settled for the scenery around the cemetery walls. I followed my nose and the signs towards Bastille, where I eventually found myself in the middle of some sort of mini-festival.

I walked through the 3rd and 4th Arrondissements for the majority of the day where I enjoyed some Parisian boutique shopping and delicious treats. Enter macaroons, chocolate tart and artisan chocolates. That was lunch, shh don't tell mom, it wasn't very nutritious. After spending FAR too much money, and being bombarded by pushy sales people in the clothing stores (they actually kept opening the door as I was in the middle of changing - without knocking - to give me more clothes to try on... so odd), I found myself yearning to see the magical Eiffel Tower... again.

I continued my walk until I found myself on the Île-de-France in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral - just in time for the chiming of the bells. I took in the sights and sounds and decided to keep on keepin' on... to the other side of the Seine river - the Latin quarter (5th Arrondissement). There I got caught in the rain and headed into a souvenir shop while it passed. Fiiiiiine I bought like 60 € worth of gifts. I couldn't help it, I have an addiction. Noticing it could potentially rain even more, I decided it would be best to take the RER/Metro to the Eiffel Tower.

Tip #5 - When grabbing the Metro, be sure to have a bundle of change on you at all times so that you are never caught not being able to purchase a 1.70 € ticket. One ticket gives you an unlimited one way trip.

I made it to the Tower - it never stops being beautiful. I swear, when you are there in front of this mass of metal you become absolutely obsessed with it. You WILL take an obnoxious amount of pictures of it. I stayed, watched it light up for the evening from Place du Trocadero (across the street from the Tower - best view). It was surprisingly windy and cold in Paris at this time - I had a jacket but could have used a couple more layers underneath. At this point I realized I had been out and about for approximately 7 hours and I should probably eat something.

I decided to head to Champs-Élysées avenue, and the Arc de Triomphe, to find a restaurant. I made it there just as my stomach started to rumble. I found a cute resto one street parallel to Champs. 'Table for one please' - hah - quite possibly one of the most embarrassing sentences in the human language. Of course they put me right by the glass window outside where everyone could observe my dinner alone. It was ok though, I did have a good people-watching view.

Escargot, red wine, duck, crème brûlée and a latte later, I was done for and ready for sleep. Though the offer to go dancing with the maître d’ was veryyyy tempting (cough), I decided to call it a night. Instead of taking the Metro this time, I opted for Bus #31. I figured it might be a more scenic method of travel.

Tip #6 - Take the bus when you can to see more of the city. A great, cheap way to cover more ground!

I made it back to my room at around 11 pm. Just enough time to pack all of my new belongings into the one small suitcase I brought along.

Tip #7 - When possible, travel with carry-on luggage only. It makes travelling faster, manoeuvring up and down stairs easier, and flying on small planes cheaper. 10 kg is the usual limit plus one purse for ladies.

I took the Metro/RER the next day back to Charles de Gaulle airport. Give yourself about 1.5 hours to travel there. This is an extreme overshot on travel time but the RER is very unreliable with departure times. Just a forewarning. I was happy, I was sad, I knew I would be back. But THAT, my friends, is how you do Paris in 24 hrs!

Additional stops to consider (if time permits): The Louvre, Seine River cruise, Basilica... and obvious night life!

Tip #8 - Have fun, be safe, eat as much as you can. I promise, you will fall in love with Paris too!

Roughing It in the City.

Glam Rock by Jenny B featuring a snake ring

Music of the Night.

New & Old. These songs get me and my ladies pumped - just try not dancing, I dare you.

Stereo Love - Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina
Like a G6 - Far East Movement
We No Speak Americano - Yolanda Be Cool
Dirty Talk - Wynter Gordon feat. David Guetta
Who Wants To Be Alone - Tiësto feat. Nelly Furtado
Alors On Dance - Stromae Ft. Kanye West & Gilbere Forte
I like It - Enrique Iglesias
DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love - Usher Ft. Pitbull
Pursuit of Happiness [Steve Aoki Remix] - Kid Cudi (feat. MGMT & Ratatat)
Ghosts N Stuff - deadmau5 feat. Rob Swire
All The Lovers - Kylie Minogue
Loca - Shakira F. Dizzee Rascal
Fight For This Love (Cahill Mix) - Cheryl Cole
When Love Takes Over (FeatKelly Rowland)- David Guetta
Bang Bang Bang - Mark Ronson & The Business Intl
Eliza Doolittle - Pack Up

Static Revenger & Richard Vission ft. LUCIANA 'I Like That'
Medina - You & I (Deadmau5 Remix)

Schmoozing Under the Stars

Look hot for a summer's eve in a socialite-inspired outfit. Whatever you do - go big or go home. No, really, go home.

Schmoozing by Jenny B featuring Quontum dresses

Bon Jovi : The Experience LIVE

Last Tuesday, July 20 the sky opened up and I was taken mind, body and soul to heaven. Let me set the scene; women with hair teased to the sky, spandex a-plenty, jeans that hit too high and sunk in to the wrong spots, red lipstick, leopard print, shrieks and hollers in C₅. Sounding a lot like hell so far? Just wait... There, among the cougars, lions and cheetahs, I was greeted by one long haired, white t-shirt wearing, skinny Kid with a goatee and one tight jean wearing, pearly white bearing, shaggy haired rockin-rollin-country man: The Jon Bon Jovi 'The Circle' Tour, opening with Kid Rock.

Admittedly, I have been to the last three Bon Jovi concerts (including this one). Every time I go, not only am I not disappointed, I am always amazed at how crazy the show is. You would think that these guys who have been touring for 23 plus years would have lost some of their lustre, some of their "mojo", so to speak... NUH-UGH! - Disclaimer to my dad for what I am about to write, sorry pops - Not only have they not lost any of their "it" factor, they are just as smokin and delicious as they were back in the 80's. And that's not an easy feat. (See exhibits A through D below)

        A.   

B.

C.

D.

Now see our two superstars from the JBJ clan - mmmhayyy:

Back to the point. The concert was phenomenal. The energy was high, the songs were just right (not to mention they sang all my favourites: Bed of Roses, In These Arms and Always), and the crowd was reciprocating the joy and thrill that the band was giving off. It's no secret that Toronto is one of JBJ's favourite cities to play. I mean, come on, we ARE the coolest. But they always attest to the fact that Toronto has a soft spot in their hearts (from their early days), and it really shows when they play here.



Though Bonners had injured his ankle before this show, and was therefore not as mobile as usual, he still managed to swing his hips, throw his hands in the air and make the stadium roar in unison to "You Give Love a Bad Name".  I was up dancing and singing throughout the entire show - even the opening with good 'ol Kid Rock, who surprised me with his mad skills. He scratched some beats, played the piano, guitar, drums and even came out for a duet with Bonners later on. At the end of the night, as Jon stepped off stage after the usual encore performance, he walked backwards and waved to his Toronto fans with tears in his eyes.

All-in-all an amazing show. If you haven't seen these guys live yet and enjoy their music, please do yourself the favour and go see them while they are still playing - they'll have you banging and singing just like the Rolling Stones (anyone get that reference, anyone?... no?).

5 out of 5 heels.

Robin Hood Movie Review.

This evening I went with some co-workers and agency friends to a VIP screening of Robin Hood, courtesy of OMD. (Thanks!) I'll say this much, the free drinks and snacks were welcomed and the small private theatre with comfy seating at Varsity Cinema was enjoyable. The movie, however, was not. It was so slow, in fact, that I actually fell asleep... 3 times! I missed the majority of the middle of the movie but it didn't seem to matter because I was not lost by the time I woke up for the ending. My short and sweet opinion is that, although we may all enjoy a little Russel Crowe action, this movie was slow, lacked substance and strong character building. Not really one of the finest - it would make a better bed-time story!

1.5 out of 5 heels.

Breakeven

Hi folks. It's been a while, hello. Much has happened in the past month for me and I do admit that I have been failing you in blog content. The good news is that I am back at it and you can expect some great posts in the near future - so look out and come back ya'hear?!

Now, let's get to the good stuff. As I already mentioned, this past month has been a busy one. Due to a breakup. Yes, I am going there. At first I was reluctant to write anything about this topic but then I thought that if I could help anyone through this post it would be worth it.



Let me paint the picture: (Press play above - it makes this all so very dramatic).

Four years. Love. Happiness. Laughs. Memories. Then- CRASH BANG POW! It's all erased in a second. You walk in to find your other half with someone else - behind your back. You find out how many there have been. You want to throw up. It's been a year of lying, deceiving, manipulation, hidden unhappiness and pretending. The heart breaks. It burns. It cries. Time to let yourself go. Cry. Scream. Pain. Then the numbness drapes you. That wears off soon enough...

Though everyone's situations may differ and reasons as to why it must end may change, the choice always remains, do I stay or do I go? Can we work it out? In my case, the trust was lost and without trust, there is nothing. Ladies and gentlemen alike, if your mate ever decides it is ok to deceive you - there, at THAT moment - that is when they decide they do not care about you anymore and that you and the relationship are not worth their time, effort or commitment. That is when you must begin the process of separation and healing.

The process is not pleasant. There is a lot of back and forth. There is a lot of doubt and realization. But it must take its course. Everyone experiences it differently. Here was my course (I am guessing on 9 & 10 at this point, but I can only assume).

1) shock
2) disbelief
3) blame
4) sadness
5) hope
6) anger
7) revenge
8) acceptance
9) loneliness
10) moving on (aka happiness)

The best thing to know is that you are not alone. This has happened many times in the course of this earth's history. To millions. Billions even. People have made a living solely on it (your listening to one of them sing). You will survive. You will live. You will learn. You will become wiser and stronger, even though it may seem as though your life and world has fallen apart. You will fall to pieces but you will also find the strength to pick yourself back up and put yourself back together. You will find the strength to move on.

Surround yourself with family, friends and positivity. Do things for YOU and make sure you satisfy yourself from the inside out. Go on a vacation. Blow some of your savings. Have some fun and live on the edge. Enjoy the freedom. But please, please make sure you know how much you are worth and what you deserve. You deserve better than this. You deserve unconditional love, trust, happiness, a love and life with abandon. Life is too short to waste on negativity, depression and self pity. YOU ARE PERFECT FOR SOMEONE OUT THERE. You just haven't found them quite yet. Have faith.

It may take a few weeks, months or even years but the wound will mend and heal and you will find yourself happy again. I promise. And I don't break promises.

So, in conclusion, though this is not a fun thing to go through, you would be surprised how many people have gone through this already and have survived. Sometimes twice, I would know. Keep the faith alive, think positively, love yourself and good things will come.

xo
JB