5 for 2011: The Third Check-Up

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Back in January I created five goals for myself and I have since posted two check-ups (first, second). Now it’s time for the third update of my progress.

1. Wear more rings. Lately I’ve been sporting this double ring that my sister sent me. I just love it!

2. Embrace the cold weather. Well, luckily it’s June and I don’t have to deal with this goal for a few more months. I am so happy about this!

3. Host more parties. Hmmm…I’ve sort of failed with this one. In the last few months I have done quite a bit of traveling which has left me little time for party planning. But – I did manage to squeeze in one party last month – a champagne party! Talk about fun!

Addison collection, Pottery Barn

4. Try new recipes. Yes! I made pinwheel cookies (recipe from my vintage Joy of Cooking cookbook). Easy and delicious. I burned a batch but that’s okay. The other batch turned out fine. Here they are ready to go into the oven:

photo by Jordana

I also made Smitten Kitchen’s cheese straws (a big hit!) and What Katie Ate’s delicious tomato and goat cheese canapés.

5. Learn more about London, Ontario. In the last little while I managed to get out to the East Village Coffeehouse for the first time (thanks Tonya for the introduction). What a lovely little spot. The food is yummy, the coffee is well-prepared and the music is perfect.

coffee with a twist, photo by Jordana

Other restaurants I’ve tried since my last update include Relish in Wortley Village and The Works on King. Both burger places and both delicious.

There are also lots of festivals in London during the summer so I’ve been trying to check them all out. Last weekend was the Car Free Festival, this week & weekend is London Fringe and soon SunFest is coming to town. Bring on the music!

There you have it – the third update of my goals.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend!

5 for 2011: The Second Check-Up

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Back in January – oh so long ago – I created a list of 5 personal goals for 2011 (click here to read it). Near the end of the month, I posted an update here. I thought it’s now time for a second review of my progress.

1. Wear rings. Yes – I’m trying. For the past several weeks I have worn mainly this silver triple ring that I have had since highschool:

I bought this black sparkler from Banana Republic and wore it a few times:

Keeping my nails polished has been especially encouraging for my ring wear.

2. Embrace the cold weather. It’s still winter. It’s still cold. Darn. Although the sun has been peeking out more (in between the rain) which gives me hope that spring is in fact on its way, even if it’s on the slow train. I have basically been living in my UGGs and Hunter boots this winter. Thank goodness for warm and dry feet!

UGG & Hunter boots

I have also been happily enjoying my Sunday afternoons of curling. There’s an energetic and lively bunch of people in the club and it’s such a social sport! I recently scored this vintage curling sweater which keeps me fully warm and I think it brings me some good luck too!

3. Host more parties. It’s been a decent month of hosting. In the past several weeks, I’ve hosted brunch, dinner and a weekend guest (Johanne!).

4. Try new recipes. I’ve tried to make progress with this goal. Honestly. For one dinner, I turned to David Rocco for some help. I made this oh-so-delicious lentil soup and rucola & pear salad.

I also made these sugar-free muffins for a meeting. Pretty darn good – they didn’t taste sugar-free. They were also super quick and easy to make.

5. Learn more about London, Ontario. I have quite a bit to report on for this goal. Near the beginning of February I attended a talk at London Museum. I’ve lived in this city for almost three years and I had yet to go inside this awesome building. I’m glad I finally did because white is everywhere!

staircase at Museum London

I also attended Ignite London at the Aeolian Hall. What an evening of creativity and inspiration. I’m already looking forward to the next event.

I went to see The Comos play at the Old Victorian Tavern. Sax + bass + old school tunes = an awesome night out! I’ve seen The Comos play a few times now but visiting the Old Vic was a new experience for me.

Another new place I visited was Call the Office to see Montreal band Plants & Animals perform. It was a friend’s birthday and so the night was full of fun!

via

Finally, I went to watch a curling game at the John Labatt Centre (JLC). Two firsts for me. The Brier (a.k.a. Canadian men’s curling championship) has been in London for the last week and being the amateur curler that I am, I had to go check it out. Watching professional curling for the first time was great! I had also never been to the JLC before and I thought this was the perfect occasion to see what it was all about Oh, the excitement! (And yes, of course I wore my curling sweater!)

The Brier at the JLC, London

Oh gosh – what a long post that was today. Lots of updates for everyone and maybe a new place or two to check out if you’re ever in London, Ontario!

5 for 2011: A Check-Up

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A couple of weeks ago I posted 5 goals for 2011. I thought I’d update you on my progress.

1. Wear rings. This has been a bit of a challenge for me, mostly because I’m not in the habit of wearing them and I forget to put them on when I’m getting ready in the morning. However, here are some that I have worn since I set this goal:

Jordana’s rings: Sparkle, sparkle!

(from Banana Republic & Forever21)

2. Embrace the cold weather. Second goal. Second challenge. I’m trying. My friend Kate knit me a gorgeous white scarf. I love it and it’s definitely helping to keep me warm (thanks Kate!).

scarf by Kate

Jordana with scarf

3. Host more parties. I’ve hosted one dinner party (for eight of my friends) since 2011 began. I think this is a decent start. I even managed to put together little flower arrangements for the occasion:

floral arrangements & photo by Jordana

4. Try new recipes. For said dinner party (see #3), I tried two new recipes: 1. Mushroom crostini (similar to this recipe) and 2. Pasta Alla Formiana (by Giada de Laurentiis). I kind of burnt the tomato topping. Oops.

5. Learn more about London, Ontario. I haven’t necessarily learned more but I have supported the arts community. I went to the Aeolian Hall to see (and listen to) performances by Julie Doiron, Sunbear and Castlemusic. Very entertaining. Great venue.

photo by Jordana

Well, there you have it, my first update on my 2011 goals. Goal number 6: to keep updated my progress.

Friday Five: 5 for 2011

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I feel like I’m one of those people who constantly make and revise resolutions.  When I feel like I need to change something to improve my life, I do. When I have achieved a goal, I set a new one. I think about short and long term goals all the time and I write them down. Sometimes I share them with people. This is one of those times. Here are five things that I’d like to do in 2011:

1. I’ll wear more rings. I used to wear them a lot and then I stopped for no apparent reason. I’ll start with a ring my sister gave me which looks similar to this one:

floral ring, $5.80

2. I’ll brave the cold this winter and get outside. I’ll wear more layers, I’ll put my boots to good use and I’ll try to stop complaining.

Lord scarf & cardigan, All Saints

3. I’ll host more parties. Getting together with friends and family is fun – why not do it more often?

balloons, Martha Stewart

4. I’ll try new recipes. And I’ll try not to limit myself to yummy desserts.

via Martha Stewart

5. I’ll learn more about the city I’m currently living in – London, Ontario. Museums, galleries, shops, concerts…I’m ready to explore and to feature my adventures on White Cabana!

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