Friday 29 April 2011

WEEKEND SALUTE


Did you wake up bright and early this morning to watch the Royal Wedding? Or did you stay cuddled up in your warm bed, constantly pressing the snooze button, even when you were supposed to be getting up for work?

Me? The latter. I watched the highlights later on, as I was waiting to head into an audition.

For those who did watch it, what did you think? Was it worth getting up so early? Were you blown away? Did it exceed your expectations? Did you have expectations?

For those who missed it, you can check out the official Royal Wedding website here for pictures, highlights, updates, everything.  

Personally, the highlights for me were the Queen's yellow get-up (I love yellow, she made a damn good choice) and an appearance by Sir Elton John. Although, I'm a little disappointed that he didn't get up during the ceremony and sing 'Rocket Man'. I guess I'll have to get him to do that for my wedding.


Yep, I haven't been following the Royal Wedding hype and I didn't really have a preference as to whether I saw it televised or not. But the obvious, of course:

Kate looked/looks gorgeous--her dress? Beautiful.

Harry is looking awfully cute these days. Will, on the other hand,
needs some Rogaine. But for now he should just focus on his new wife.

The decor/food/guest list/la la la. Yeah, it's intense--it's royalty, what
do you expect?

Best picture ever.
Congrats to the newlyweds!

...

In other news, it's Friday. My folks are in town visiting and have rented a cabin for the weekend, so it looks like R and I will be spending some quality time with Mum and Dad in the country. Fishing and antiquing it is!--hope you all have an amazing weekend.

Cheers!


images via google and the atlantic

Thursday 28 April 2011

WE LOVE


Gwyneth Paltrow--okay, ever since my friend, Christina, introduced me to Gwyneth's blog, GOOP, I've become a superfan. I don't know what it is, but every time I find out something about a celebrity that's 'normal', so to speak--that's not so 'celebrity'--I get really excited. Really, really excited. 

As an actor myself, I find that a lot of the actors I know are only acting. And while there is nothing wrong with this, it's refreshing to meet actors who have alternative interests. Personally, I have so many other things on my plate besides acting, it's sometimes difficult to balance everything--but we make it work, and that's what I love so much about actors who do have other interests. They're busy, too--trying to make a living and hone their craft--but like Gwyneth for instance, they make time to travel, cook, entertain and be entertained, spend time with their families...the list goes on.

So, as it stands, I'm (a little) Gwyneth-obsessed.

First, I love, love, love her blog. If you aren't familiar with GOOP, go now! It's a lifestyle blog that has everything from travel guides and home organization tips to fitness advice and recipes. One of my favourite recipes that Gwyneth shares is for bibimbap--so delicious.

Second, Gwyneth's first cookbook just hit stores. It's called My Father's Daughter and pays tribute to her father through family and family-inspired recipes. I've already ordered a copy on Amazon.com--you should do the same.

Third, in addition to cooking and sharing fantastic recipes, the Oscar-winning mama sings!--check her out in Country Strongin which she plays a fallen country star trying to make a comeback. Or take a looksie at the video below to see Gwyneth on Glee (love).




Other celebs I'm a big fan of because they aren't all acting, all the time? James Franco and Natalie Portman. I love both as actors, but I also look up to them a lot insofar as they have both attained degrees of higher-education (while working as actors)--as I'm trying to do right now (I'm sure there are other celebs who have, too, but these are all I've got...).


Natalie went to Harvard for psychology while she was filming Stars Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace. This past February, she won an Oscar for the her role in Black Swan.

James received his MFA from Colombia in 2010 and is currently working on his PhD in English at Yale University. On top of hosting the Oscars this year, he was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in 127 Hours. He's also a film director, producer, screenwriter, author, and painter--code for: he does way too much. 

So, as an actor and a masters student (and cupcake artist / fitness fanatic / entrepreneur / blogger / girlfriend), I often get down on myself for being in school and not focusing on my acting as much as I'd like to be--and of course, not having enough time for everything else. But that's why I love Gwyneth, Natalie, and James. They inspire me to keep pushing forward. They inspire me to do all the things that I want to do. To get an education, to be an artist, to have dreams as a careerwoman.

Don't get me wrong. People in my everyday life inspire me to  push forward and be the best person I can be, too--ahem, my parents, my boyfriend? They're always inspiring me.

It doesn't have to be everything about one person that inspires you. Maybe you're inspired by a particular person's style, their mantra, their talent, their way of life.
Who is currently inspiring you? 

images and video via google and youtube

Wednesday 27 April 2011

MAGIC FRUIT

If avocado were a person, she'd be a superbabe. Avocado is such an amazing fruit. When at its freshest, it's arguably one of the most delicious additions to any meal (I say), plus it packs great benefits for your health.

Here are some basic Q&A regarding avocado, some essential tips, what makes it a superfood, and why we should be eating more of it:

What's the best way to store avocadoes?
Avocadoes are perishable and will brown fairly quickly after being exposed to air and undergoing oxidation. Thus, it's best to use the entire avocado. Otherwise, for unused avocado, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate it immediately.

Does avocado have greater health benefits when consumed with other foods or on its own?
Recent research has shown that the absorption of two key carotenoid antioxidants--lycopene and beta-carotene--increases significantly when paired with fresh avocado. So, add avocado to that salad of yours to reap the benefits of all those healthy nutrients found in your veggies!

What's the best way to peel an avocado?
The method you use to peel an avocado can make a difference to your health. Research has shown that the greatest concentration of carotenoids in avocado occurs in the dark green flesh that lies just beneath the skin. You don't want to slice into the dark green portion any more than necessary when you are peeling an avocado--thus, the best method is what the California Avocado Commission calls the "nick and peel", where you actually end up peeling the avocado with your hands in the same way that you would peel a banana.

What are other health benefits for eating avocado?
An avocado is packed full of carotenoids--what most people tend to think as most concentrated in bright orange or red vegetables like carrots or tomatoes--giving it anti-inflammatory properties.

Are avocadoes going to make me fat?
While avocadoes have sometimes been criticized for being too high in fat, and while it is true--about 85% of its calories come from fat--the fat contained in avocado is good fat. First, phytosterols that account for a major portion of avocado fats, are key supporters for our inflammatory system and help to keep inflammation under control. The anti-inflammatory benefits of these fats are particularly well-documented with problems involving arthritis. Second, the polyhydroxylated fatty alcohols (PFAs) also provide us with anti-inflammatory benefits. Finally, avocadoes have an unusually high amount of a fatty acid called oleic acid. Over half of the total fat in avocado is provided in the form of oleic acid. Oleic acid helps our digestive tract to form transport molecules for fat that can increase our absorption of fat-soluble nutrients, such as carotenoids. Also, as a monounsaturated fatty acid, it has also been shown to lower the risk of heart disease.

...

I like to add avocado to pasta or quinoa salads, rice bowls, and of course, sandwiches. I also like to use it on toast in place of butter. Don't get me wrong, I love butter (the real stuff), but avocado makes for a much healthier, heart-friendly alternative.


My favourite way to enjoy avocado, though--and probably the most obvious--is in a fresh guacamole. Here's my recipe, enjoyed most with my basa tacos on Ezekiel corn tortillas:

2 avocadoes, peeled and diced
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
a handful chopped cilantro
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp. finely chopped jalapeno pepper
juice of 1/2 lemon or 2 small limes
salt and pepper, to taste

1. In a bowl, combine avocado, onion, cilantro, garlic, and jalapeno. Using a fork, mix all ingredients together, slightly mashing avocado--I like my guacamole to be slightly chunky, so my rule of thumb is to mash about half of the avocado.

2. Add lemon or lime juice. Season with salt and pepper according to taste, and mix well.

3. Cover guacamole with plastic wrap and let chill in the refrigerate for up to two hours.
4. Serve with homemade tortilla chips, crudités, or tacos--my personal favourite.

Try This: if you’re worried about your guacamole oxidizing and turning brown while in the refrigerator, add extra lemon juice to the mix. The acidity in lemons will help to slow the oxidation process. Right before serving, season the guacamole so that it's not so tart (unless you like it that way, of course). 

Your guacamole shouldn’t brown before you eat it, though--if it does, try not making it so far in advance. Make it fresh!
  
information provided by world's healthiest foods

images via google

Tuesday 26 April 2011

KNOCK YOU OUT

If you've never tried boxing, you really ought to. In addition to being a fantastic cardio workout, it's also great for muscle toning. I only began boxing a few months ago, but I'm totally hooked. I box about three--sometimes four--times a week, breaking up the workouts with a spin or zumba class.

What I love most about boxing is how strong it makes me feel. Some might argue that boxing is primarily a cardiovascular workout, and while it's great to get the heart pumping, by throwing in some conditioning exercises, it becomes a full-body workout.

The gym I go to offers hour-long boxing classes everyday that are always some combination of boxing on the bag and other cardio and conditioning exercises--from running laps and skippining rope to squats, lunges, push-ups, plank, and other exercises that target the legs, butt, core, and arms. It's an hour of boxing and conditioning drills that will leave your arms (and the rest of your body) feeling like gold--or jello.

Here's a rough example of what a typical class at my gym might look like:

1. 5-10 minute warm-up, include skipping rope, jumping jacks, knee-up jumps.
2. Gloves on. Boxing on the bag for 15 minutes with a combination of different
   punches, tempos, and even throwing some squats and jumping jacks into the mix.
3. Gloves off. Leg exercises, including squats, jump squats, squat pulses, lunges.
4. Gloves on. Boxing for another 15 minutes or so.
5. Gloves off. Upper body exercises, including shoulder press, lateral raises, tricep
   kickbacks, and push-ups.
6. Gloves on. Boxing for 5-10 minutes more.
7. Gloves off. Core exercises until the end of class (about 10 minutes).
8. Stretch. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.



Inspiration? Hilary's 'Million Dollar Baby' body--not that we're ever
going to look like this, but you can click here to read about Hilary's
boxing, training, and diet regimen for the role that won her an Oscar.

If you can't find a boxing gym nearby, you can always get your own punching bag and practice at home. Mind you, for me, a big part of what makes boxing such an adrenaline rush is being in a class and having others around to keep energy levels high and to motivate one another.

But remember, everyone has different ways of enjoying being active. Maybe you do better in a class-setting, maybe on your own at home. Maybe you work better with a gym buddy.

...

For gym rats, let's make it our goal this week to up the ante and work harder than we did last week. Let's sweat more. My goal: to not take breaks during conditioning exercises, no matter how much it burns.

For newcomers--those maybe just starting out at the gym or in boxing--make it your goal this week to identify how you might enjoy being active. Determine whether you work better on your own or with a friend, in the privacy of your home or in a public space, and what kind of exercise inspires you. Let's also sweat more.

What do you want to accomplish this week that will make you feel (physically) stronger? Is it an early morning walk with a loved one? A 10K run? Trying a new sport?

Let's take baby steps together. Exercise is personal. Make it your own.

images via google

Monday 25 April 2011

SEEING STRIPES

I just decided I need more stripes in my wardrobe.


Initially, I was against the whole stripes thing--not in general, just for me. I was worried they'd make my boyish figure look even more 'boyish'. Or just plain wide.

Now, I can't get enough. More stripes, please!

What patterns are you eyeing for your spring wardrobe?

IT'S KIND OF HOW I FEEL

School. Stressed. Ugh. Me. Oh. My. And it's only Monday--holiday Monday for some.

Here's a short clip from It's Kind of A Funny Story that (sort of) reflects whats going on in my head right now--tambourines, animal-print pleather, glitter, and everything.




On a more positive note, I'm feeling productive today--unlike the past few days, when all I've wanted to do is eat cake and nap with my cat.

So, let's do this. Let's do some research, write a paper, and maybe eat cake, too.

What are your plans for this fine Monday?

video via youtube

Friday 22 April 2011

WEEKEND SALUTE

Despite it being Easter weekend, I'll be dedicating the majority of my time to research (or so that's the plan). While I just submitted a research paper today, I have yet another to research and write before I can officially celebrate the end of term. The topic? Domesticity and gender representation in Mr. Clean ads from the '60s versus today. The timeline? One week. Ugh.



Mr. Clean--retro styles.

On the bright side, I'll be spending part of the weekend with R's family, which is always a lot of fun! Every year for Easter, we have a great big dinner by R's dad (who is an amazing cook), I often bring some sort of dessert (ahem, cupcakes), and there's usually some inappropriate family talk at the table. Oh, but that's the best part!

Happy Easter from Tomfoolery and Bright! xx
What do you have planned for the holiday weekend?

images and video via youtube, google, and tip junkie 

WE LOVE


image via virrr

LAYERS OF LOVE

I'm totally digging these multi-coloured cakes right now. Definitely see something like this working its way into my kitchen soon--and belly, for that matter. Om nom nom.




To my delight, I stumbled across the blog, i am baker, from which I gathered four of the six above snapshots. The site is run as a blog, but guests can also order cakes, cookies, and other sweet treats, along with find recipes--I highly recommend you visit. Some of these cakes will knock your socks off.

images via i am bakerdenny's food & recipes and google 

Thursday 21 April 2011

BEDROOM BLUES

R and I have lived in our apartment for over a year now, and we still haven't really decorated the bedroom--sigh, how bad are we?

The major point of focus, the bed, is our primary concern at this point. Currently, it's laden with a sloppy grey comforter, which we love, but is starting to look a little 'unkept'.

So, I'm on the hunt for the perfect bedding. I think one's bed should be the most comfortable place in the home--it is, after all, where I try to spend at least seven hours of every day. Whether that means purchasing a high-quality duvet or the pretty things to go with it (I'm a big fan of decorative pillows), I believe that the bedroom is not a room that should be neglected.

Over the next month, I will venture the city for my most desired bedding, realizing--or re-realizing--the decorating potential of our sleepy time haven.

In the meantime, here are a few bedrooms that are currently inspring me:

Stripes are my first choice, especially these grey ones from
DwellStudios.


We tried crisp whites--my inky pen ruined them when I
fell asleep writing in bed. On a positive note, our bed
must be really comfy!


We like lots of pillows.

Never would I make R sleep in a pretty bed like this--but
wouldn't it be cute for a young lady (me/you) or even a
guest room?

images via design*sponge

Wednesday 20 April 2011

SUPERFOODS

All eyes on: Quinoa (pronounced ke-NO-ah or sometimes, KEEN-wah). Yes, we've seen it around a lot in the past couple of years, but let me tell you why. It's a superfood. It's tiny and cute and packed full of awesome!

Red quinoa is slightly crunchier than the standard cream coloured
quinoa and has a bit more of a bitter flavour.

Quinoa, while most commonly considered a grain, is actually a relative of leafy green vegetables like spinach and Swiss chard (bonus: it's gluten-free!). A rediscovered ancient “grain” native to South America, quinoa is a complete protein, meaning that it includes all nine essential amino acids. Not only is quinoa’s amino acid profile well balanced, making it a great choice for vegans concerned about adequate protein intake, but quinoa is especially well-endowed with the amino acid lysine, which is essential for tissue growth and repair. Eating quinoa has a range of other health benefits. As a good source of manganese, as well as magnesium, iron, copper, and phosphorus, quinoa may be especially beneficial for people who suffer from migraine headaches, diabetes, and atherosclerosis.

With its mild, nutty flavour, quinoa is as versatile as rice, but packs that extra punch with its high protein content and loads of other nutrients. It can be prepared like rice and it only takes about 15 minutes to cook. What's not to like?

...

I'll serve quinoa with dinner about once a week for R and I--since we're both very active people, we love having quinoa after a particularly hard workout. It's a great way to get some protein, in addition to some other lean protein source of course.

Try This: quinoa with toasted raw sunflower seeds, fresh cilantro, and lemon juice

Quinoa is also fantastic as left overs. Just add some your favourite chopped veggies, fresh herbs, and season with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper, and voila! Quinoa salad. For even more flavour and/or extra protein, try adding any of low-fat feta cheese, black beans, or my personal favourite, avocado.

Finally: quinoa as a breakfast food. Not going to lie, it took me a few attempts to actually like this one, but trust me--it works. It's not weird at all. Just think of quinoa like you would your morning oatmeal, and the possibilities are endless!


Sarah Britton over at My New Roots shares a recipe that combines quinoa and millet. With a few tweaks, I tested her recipe--and let me tell you: de-licious. It's just the right amount of sweetness and spice. Definitely a keeper in my books.

If you've ever had quinoa as a savory dish, I can understand why this whole quinoa-as-an-oatmeal-substitute might sound a little ick, but also true: you won't know until you try.

So go get yourself some quinoa--most big chain grocery stores sell it, but you can always shop at your local health food store--have a quinoa cooking party, and tell me what you think!

information provided by nytimes and world's healthiest foods 

images via nytimes and my new roots

Tuesday 19 April 2011

FIJI DREAMS

I want to go here. And eat this. And see that.


I adore the tropics. Oh, the gorgeous hues, the exotic delicacies, the exciting culture, and we mustn't forget, the wonderfully warm temperatures. Ahhh.

One-way ticket, please.

images via Google

FITNESS PRELUDE

As a kid I was always involved in some kind of sport: karate, gymnastics, soccer, swimming, figure skating. Thing is, I was never any good at any of them. I wasn’t flexible. I was (am) clumsy. All I really wanted to do was wear the cool outfits:

karate - coloured belts
gymnastics - spandex
soccer - shin pads
swimming - spandex
figure skating - spandex and sequins

That said, I was a competitive swimmer all throughout high school—again, I sucked, but I kept with it. And I’m glad I did, as those five years are probably the best shape I've ever been in.

Once I moved away from home to go to university, however, I needed to find other ways to stay in shape. I joined a gym and became a cheerleader—duh, cheerleaders have ripped bods, right? At least on TV they do. Bonus: cute outfits!!

I cheered for two years. And it was around the same time that I tried spinning for the first time. I became a spinning addict, cycling 4-5 times a week.

...

Now, nearly three years later, I split my time between spinning and boxing. Both: fantastic cardio workouts. Both: make me feel stronger every time I practice them.

Crushing on pink.
I love the rush I get when I do sprints on a bike. I actually just recently received my spin instructor certification, and am looking forward to teaching my first class. As for boxing, I really like having something to hit. Yep. Uhuh. It’s the best stress reliever ever! Next to bubble baths and chocolate. Don’t hit your spouse. Just get a punching bag. Pillows at home work, too.

...

I currently attend a gym that offers both spin and boxing classes and I couldn’t be happier! In addition, the gym offers zumba, hip hop, and body conditioning classes—it’s really the whole package.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing some of the classes I take at this gym, why I love them, and what makes them so great.

As the weather warms, I’ll also be making my way outside to start running again. This summer, I’m going to start training for my first half-marathon, so keep an eye out for training tips and schedules. 

Overall, though, my fitness-related blog posts will cover everything from exercising and ways to stay active, to nutrition, workout playlists, and even special features on those who inspire me to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle in the first place.

What are your favourite ways to be active and stay fit? What makes you feel strong?

images via google and fit and happy

Monday 18 April 2011

EMERSONMADE

My latest muse? EmersonMade. Fresh, quirky classic chic, with a little spin of retro. Love.


The best part? Emerson (pictured above) is the brains and beauty behind EmersonMade. Together with her hubby, she does all the photography, styling, design, and content associated with the super cute brand. Talk about teamwork! 

images via Emerson Made
                   
     
     

WE'RE DOING THIS

It's official. I'm blogging. Again.

The last time I kept a blog was nearly three summers ago. This is also the same time I decided to like cupcakes--no, like really like cupcakes--and wanted to (maybe) pursue a cupcake business.

And so it goes: out of sheer boredom I bake some cupcakes, take them to work the next day, get rave reviews, and then one thing just leads to the next... That summer, I challenged myself to bake at least one new flavour of cupcakes every week--of course, blogging about it along the way. This challenge led into the fall, the winter, and now, when friends think of cupcakes, they think of me (or so I like to believe).

             

Now, as I sit down to re-realize my blogging skills (or lack thereof), my intentions are different. Whereas my former blog was born out of lazy summer days and a need for something to do, this blog is my way of staying sane (as if I needed more things to do) throughout the rest of my masters degree--and maybe thereafter.

I'm two-fifths of the way to completing my masters degree (sounds like nothing). And while I'm enjoying the program--the courses, the professors, yada yada--my poor brain needs a rest every now and then (so I look at pretty things on the internet--Pinterest, anyone?).

Aside from being a full-time student in the city of Toronto, I am an actor and fitness buff (or at least pretend to be). I share an apartment midtown with my amazing boyfriend, R, and our glutton of a kitty, Zoey (Lucky, Boo, Nu Nu...she's had like seven names). I love interior design, spending time in my kitchen, eating what I've made in my kitchen, and I take delight in trying to be fashionable.

As you'll notice on the right, there is a list of some of my favourite blogs/websites, all of which--along with my own everyday musings--have inspired this blog. Expect to see everything from healthy recipes and fitness and nutrition advice to DIY projects for the home, fashion recommendations, and anything else that happens to be putting a smile on my face. This site is a place for me to share with you the haps and mishaps of my life: the tender, the loving, the brutal, and the boring.

Please bear with me as I get this little baby up and running!

Oh, and as for the cupcake business? Due to graduate studies, it's (sort of) been put on hold until further notice. Yeah, I know, tell me about it.

images via design*sponge and flickr

For more on Tomfoolery and Bright, check out About. 

Sunday 10 April 2011

ROASTED ASPARAGUS WITH LEMON


  


The other night, I got home from class (to which I brought no food--usually I'm the queen of packed snacks and tupperware dinners) starving/famished/in need of something quick, (healthy), and delicious.

I had just picked up a fresh bunch of asparagus at the market a couple days prior, so for a quick, healthy, and delicious snack, I roasted them. And ate them. All of them.

Roasted Asparagus with Lemon

1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed
juice of 1/2 lemon
extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper
1 tbsp. shaved parmesan cheese (optional)

1. Adjust the oven racks, so that one rack is at the very top. Set broiler to high heat.

2. In a shallow baking pan, lay flat the asparagus spears. Drizzle asparagus with olive oil, just enough to lightly coat. Follow wihth lemon juice and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

3. Broil asparagus for 7 to 10 minutes, until asparagus are just tender. If desired, sprinkle with parmesan cheese right before serving.

Serves 2 generously.

(or 1, whatever--I was hungry)

Sadly, that was my dinner.


image via simply recipes