Blogmas | Christmas lights in the city

Posted on December 10, 2022 by Bhanu Misra Marya

We just got back from a little family adventure downtown to check out some of the free festive set ups! We started with an early dinner (our first choice was Spaghetti Factory, but the wait was wayyyy too long) at a long time favourite with the kids Jack Astors. Unfortunately didn’t get any shots of enjoying the time there, but we had a corner booth and the food was just amazing!

We immediately headed out to see the Fairmount Hotel windows – which were surprisingly cute!

While we made our way to Yorkville, S needed to drop off some of her meal bags (she’s working on a badge for girl guides) so we drove around in circles but could only find 1 person to drop them off at (we ended up leaving them in front of a church).

At Yorkville the kids were more amused by the big mountain 😆 which left me tons of time to enjoy the light display!

Want more? Follow my Blogmas 2022 journey here!

Blogmas | Free & Cheap festive things to do in TO

Posted on December 4, 2022 by Bhanu Misra Marya

Toronto is a great city and there are no end to the fun, festive and free things to do around the city during the holiday season! Be sure to bundle up and be sure to check out the list below on some ideas on how to enjoy the season (on a budget)!

*NOTE* images are not mine and have been referenced below.

Distillery District

The last time I went to the Winter Village was 2019, and the photographer in me wants to re-create this magic through my lens! This place is full of beautiful sights (every corner is perfect for a selfie) and tastes (thank you coffee and chocolate)! Entrance is free on weeknights before Dec 27th + children under 9 are free of charge!

Holiday Yorkville Village

Yorkville is beautiful any time of year, but having it all lit up makes it amazing. The best photo op would be in the light tunnel! And the christmas tree totally gives Rockefeller Center vibes!

Skating at Nathan Phillips Square

This rink is ALWAYS jam packed so keep the little ones close to you and on the edge of the rink. The best part about skating here (other than – it’s FREE as long as you bring your own skates and snacks) is the MUSIC. Whether it’s 90s christmas pop or top 40, you’ll have a great time whipping across :)

Hudson’s Bay & Fairmount Royal York Hotel Windows

Miniature displays and twinkling lights? Sign me up! I’ve yet to check our the Royal York windows but I’ve heard that they are enchanting. Grab your mocha or hot chocolate and enjoy the stroll past these beautiful displays!

Want more? Follow my Blogmas 2022 journey here!

Healthy Double Chocolate Cookies & Our Christmas Decor

Posted on December 29, 2018 by Bhanu Misra Marya

The days leading up to Christmas, all I wanted to do is wrap gifts (it’s a very calming activity), do christmas crafts and bake cookies. Well in my case they are healthy cookies (like this, this or this)!

I’ve come to realize that eating sugar and butter filled sweets does not make me feel good. I don’t get any satisfaction from them and end up over eating them in hopes of feeling that ahhh moment – which never does happen. But when I eat something that I’ve made that only has a few healthy ingredients, it just tastes better and I feel satisfied by the “indulgence”.

Anywhooo, back to this easy recipe. Definitely more than a 5 ingredients, but super easy to make all you need is a blender (I used my Nutri Bullet) and maybe some helpful kiddo hands :)

What you need:

1 cup of oat flour

1/2 cup of almond meal

1/6 cup of cacao

1 ripe banana

1 egg substitue

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/6 cup of maple syrup

1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips

splash of vanilla extract

pinch of salt

What you’ll do:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Blend the oats and almonds (to make oat flour and almond meal respectively) and combine all dry ingredients. Mix well. In a separate bowl, add all wet ingredients (except the chocolate chips). Mix well then add dry ingredients and mix again. Once the mixture has a wet gooey consistency, fold in the chocolate chips. Place tablespoon full portions 2 inches apart on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cookies are cooked / spring back from the centre. Cool for 5 minutes before enjoying!

*If you are feeling extra indulgent, add some almond butter, some coconut whip and chocolate curls!!

Holiday Wish List 2018

Posted on December 12, 2018 by Bhanu Misra Marya

It’s funny as I get older, I either want less stuff or just keep my eye on things long enough so I can get them when they go on sale 😛

Vegan long puffer jacket: I have a long maternity jacket from Old Navy (yes – I still wear it) and a short Mackage jacket (soo warm and cozy). Both are great and serve their purpose but I need a winter jacket that combines length and the ability to keep my entire body protected from the cold. Being socially conscious is a plus point for sure!
Long sleeve running top: Give me all the workout clothes. Right now I am in need of a black long sleeve tee!
Runners: I love my Nike Zoom Structure runners. And these are the next version (22 I think). I prefer neutral colours in sneaks especially as I use the same pair for training and running.
Sheet Masks: I love using sheet masks. I love using them on Sundays. And I love how easy they are to use when I need to take some time out for myself.
Mini Food Processors: In our 22nd century world where everyone has a vitamix, I’m over here trying to get to to the 21st century because I still need a good old fashion food processor.
3 Little Wonders: Trying to incorporate anti-aging and vit C into my skin care routine. Hoping this mini version gives me the boost I need!
Electronic Toothbrush: Totally a want that I’ve wanted for years!
A new planner for 2019: I live and breath with my planner. I do all the usual stuff, record events, birthdays, anniversaries, set goals and tasks as well as habit track. The right planner makes me feel organized and it’s an absolute necessity for me.
Jade facial roller: Jumping on the IG bandwagon here and really want to try it out.

Christmas Movies to Watch (when the kids are in bed)

Posted on December 21, 2017 by Bhanu Misra Marya

I am really not a RomCom kinda of girl. I used to be all about he scary movies – but then I became an adult and couldn’t take them any more lol. Thankfully the Hubz and I have the same taste in movies which is either sci-fi, political drama or unbelievably inappropriate comedy. And thats what this list is about. These movies are the perfect thing to watch when you need to add an extra shot (or 3) of Baileys to your hot coco. Or who am I kidding, maybe it’s straight up whiskey LOL. They are movies to watch when you magically go the kids to bed (at the same time). When you want to watch something light but still partake in the Christmas feels. This list is for you (and for me because… let’s be real). So whip up a batch of these healthy-ish cookies and turn on your movie streaming network of choice :)

3 EASY Festive (Non) Baking Ideas + Our Christmas Decor

Posted on December 6, 2017 by Bhanu Misra Marya

It’s that time of year where all I want to do is eat all of the sweet treats and go to all the potlucks. One day I would love the idea of being one of those mom’s that adores baking and cooking up a storm…buuuttt I already know that I am DEFINITELY one of those women who eats EVERYTHING on the dessert table so I really have to keep my sweet treat making in check! Aaaannnd I am always nervous I’ll mess up the recipe so I love the idea of #Bakinghacks :)

Stockings | Evergreen Garland | Floral Clip Ornaments

I do have some lunch and dinners planned with friends and family before Christmas, so I figured it would be a great option for me to flex my creative (non) baking muscle without worrying that I’ll eat everything on my own. I found some awesome options for faux-baking/pre-made cookie decorating LOL.

Fairy Lights | Garland | Frame

Pom Pom Garland

Elf on the Shelf

Floating Shelf | Mini Wicker Baskets (Similar) | Frames | Mason Jar

Ok so on to the no-bake-treats and cookie decorating ideas. I saw these and thought I would love to add a Christmas touch to our beloved peanut butter cookies. We literally make these cookies all year round. They are more or less guilt free and have no white sugar or flour. Just dip them in some melted dark chocolate and sprinkle some red, white and green sprinkles and they are a perfect holiday treat.

The Hubz loves turtles so these would be for him (I am not a fan of caramel) these are super easy and take literally 10 minutes. I can’t believe I’ve never made them before. I am just not sure if I should used salted or unsalted pretzels?

Lastly I have to at least attempt to make these DIY thin mints. I love girl guide cookies and being able to make these at Christmas (or even all year round would be brilliant).

Check out our christmas decorations from last year!