food – Stylishly Zen

Five Faves

Published on October 9, 2019October 9, 2019 by soreiyaLeave a comment

Hi Everyone!

How is your fall going so far? With the leaves changing, stunning sunsets (like the one above that I captured yesterday) and fabulous fall fashion, I am loving the new season so far! Here are my five favourite faves for the month:

With the cooler temps I am craving warming foods and getting creative in the kitchen every chance that I get. This grilled zucchini with stracciatella looks simple enough to make yet delicious enough to want to enjoy on a regular basis as a health side dish.

I recently ordered this coffee table book and I am loving it! As you know travelling and decor are two things that I love so the combination that this book provides is perfect for me. I find myself escaping into it whenever I get the chance, love it!

Fall fashion is always my favourite and this season is no exception. I am especially loving pairing blazers with everything from a full suit to jeans, leggings or even a dress. Here are three outfits that I am currently pulling inspiration from and my causal version for days when I am rushing but still want to look put together.

I often find myself feeling really stressed out and it’s often difficult to change the way I think about stress. I found the above image on Instagram (via @mindbodygreen) and I have decided to change my narrative. Here’s hoping that I birth something great due to my narrative shift!

I am overwhelmed with decorating decision for my condo which means that I have done very little. I found this image for a bedroom recently in my home design file (via @coveteur) and it perfectly captures the vibe that I was hoping for in my new place. It is now front and centre on my vision board as I move forward with my home decor project – wish me luck!

I hope that you are having a wonderful October so far, let me know what you are currently loving in the comments below. I hope that you have wonderful day! XXS

Five Faves

Published on September 3, 2019September 2, 2019 by soreiyaLeave a comment

Happy September Everyone!

I cannot believe that the summer is over! Truth be told though, I have every intention of keeping the warm weather attitude alive as long as I can. So that means, that while I will soon be bundled up in boots and coats and cozy cardigans, the happy light weight attitude of summer will remain for as long as I am able to hold on to it. How are you celebrating the new season (yes I realize that the calendar still gives us a couple of weeks until this actually happens – work with a girl please!)? Let me know in the comments below!

Here are five things that I am currently loving:

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It’s nothing new, but I am seriously loving the pairing of sporty clothing with something more sexy. I am especially into outfits like this one that pairs basic sweatshirts with a cute mini skirt and some fabulous heels. Until I need to seriously cover up and put on some boots I will happily be rocking this trend.

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I am currently on vacation in Madrid where I recently tried this dish – sautéed shrimp with mango and avocado and it was delicious! It is so good and simple to make that I will be recreating it once I get back to Montreal in an effort to keep the summer spark alive!

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I am completely hooked on Money Heist aka La Casa de Papel. I found the first couple of episodes a little challenging to get into, but ever since I am a woman obsessed. I am currently watching season three for the second time and I cannot wait until season four drops (any ideas on when that will be???). If you are looking for a phenomenal show on Netflix to watch (and you are okay with Subtitles unless you are fluent in Spanish), Money Heist is worthwhile checking out.

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Fall is the season for leather, and while I will happily be incorporating a bit of leather into my outfits I am especially loving the idea of accenting my home with it. This chair in particular matched with a jute rug has me on the hunt for a similar version. Love, love, love!

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I came across this on Instagram today felt the need to share. I loved this post because it reminded me that I do have control over somethings, and that I owe it to myself to put effort into them in order to show up as my best self. Therefore, once I am back from vacation I will be putting in the effort in all of these areas of my life in order to be the best version of myself, I owe myself that much as do you!

Thank you for tuning into todays post and I hope that you have a fabulous day! XXS

photo credit: @mrsrodial, @soreiya, http://www.fotograma.com, @happilygreyhome, @thelawofattraction

Five Faves

Published on July 11, 2019July 11, 2019 by soreiyaLeave a comment

It’s hard to believe that we are half way thru 2019, but I am so happy to finally enjoy my favourite season of the year. I absolutely LOVE the summer season, and while lately I feel like time is just moving too quickly, my goal for this summer is to take some time to slow down, just breathe and enjoy the things that make me happy as often as possible. Here are five things that are currently making me very happy:

This watermelon and halloumi salad is a summer staple in my diet during the warmer months. While watermelon and feta seems so be a little more common, I love the salty bite that halloumi adds to the mix.

E70A11C1-F74D-4781-833B-36C7B9D5B46F I love to enjoy a chilled drink on the balcony when the weather is warm and sunny. My two favourites being an april spritz or a glass of rose. Le Pive was recommended to me a few years ago when I was on the hunt for a good but not too expensive rose and it has been one of my favourites ever since. This year, I am loving it even more as it is now certified organic. Clean, fresh and not overly sweet, Le Pive is the perfect wine to sit back and relax with during the warmer months.

A15506F9-3DF5-41B0-A4A0-631CB82FE79C I have not yet read the book but I got hooked on Big Little Lies last year. Despite the fact that it was produced as a limited series, it is back for a second season and it is sooooo good! Just when I thought that the cast couldn’t get any better, they add Meryl Streep to the mix and as always she is fabulous! If you have yet to watch Big Little Lies, there is no time like the present. It is the perfect excuse to head indoors and enjoy a bit of air conditioning while you get lost in the lives of the Monterey Five. B5DEF063-20CF-4BB4-BB62-EEB6757C1A20 If you have not yet watched Brene Brown’s Netflix special A Call to Courage you are missing out. Motivating and insightful, it is a must watch. I am currently reading her latest book Dare to Lead which carries on the message that we need to learn how (and when) to be vulnerable and how to successfully work with and lead others. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in self improvement, impactful leadership and collaboration.

CE3FDA9C-45BE-477F-8C67-27235E02FBA4 I hate wearing socks and closed toe shoes, so as soon as the weather starts to warm up I happily pull out all of my sandals. While normally I alternate between high heels and leather flats, lately all I seem to want to wear are my Brikenstocks. They are comfy, cute and they go with many outfits (or so that’s what I have been telling myself). It may even be time to invest in a new pair! While the new Birkenstock Valentino version is not in my budget, I plan to admire them from afar as I add a new pair to my shoe collection.

Thank you for stopping by Stylishly Zen today! I would love to hear what you are currently loving this month – let me know in the comments section!

I hope that you have a beautiful day! XXS

Big Little Lies photo credit http://www.hbo.com, Birkenstock photo credit http://www.birkenstock.com

My Top 4 Winter Beauty Boosters

Published on December 14, 2017December 13, 2017 by soreiyaLeave a comment

Winter weather can cause a myriad of beauty woes. Even the most well intentioned beauty aficionado can get caught easily with hat head, static cling and parched skin. While updating your beauty routine for the cold weather is a necessity in many parts of the world, you may also want to consider adding in a few nutritional beauty busters to help maintain your glow all year long. As I have mentioned (many times) before, I love to eat for skin health. Here are a few of the food that I reach for when the temperature drops:

Miso

Beauty and good health begin in the belly and miso is a perfect winter warming food. Made from soy beans, this fermented food is very popular for it’s many benefits. Miso has been consumed for centuries in Japan and China and many regard it as the secret to the luminous skin that many Japanese women are known for. It is jam packed with antioxidants that help to address the signs of aging and bacteria (the good kind) which helps to balance the gut flora. Packed with antioxidants such as isoflavones helps to address the signs of aging and contains beneficial bacteria that helps to balance the gut and in turn aids in keeping the skin clear. Miso is alkalizing for the body and also helps to strengthen the immune system making it the perfect food to indulge in during flu season.

Tips:

Make sure that you use hot but not boiling water when making your own miso soup as you don’t want to kill the good bacteria
In a rush? Enjoy a simple cup of miso soup by creaming a teaspoon of miso in a 1/4 cup of hot water until completely dissolved. Top with 3/4 of hot water and a few drops of chilli oil if you like it spicy and enjoy!

Mushrooms

I love mushrooms so I don’t need an excuse to indulge but, knowing that they are a fabulous beauty booster makes them taste even better. Mushrooms are the only vegetables that make Vitamin D from sunlight which is essential for healthy skin and bones. Vitamin D also helps to regulate the turnover of skin cells which will keep you looking beautiful. Mushrooms are also a source of zinc which is well known as a acne fighting mineral. Mushrooms are a total skin clearing winner in my book!

Tip:

Try showing mushrooms in to stir fries, pastas, curries and anything else you can think of. The subtle earthy flavour will add a new tasty dimension to most dishes

Red Cabbage

Most people reach for Vitamin C during the winter months, especially when they feel a cold going on. While oranges are a great source of it, there are other foods that are rich in Vitamin C as well and red cabbage is definitely on that list.

Red cabbage is said to have twice the amount of Vitamin C then green cabbage making it a smarter vegetable to reach for. Rich in fibre and antioxidants and low in calories, red cabbage is an amazing but underrated vegetable. The collagen boosting properties of Vitamin C will help to keep your skin smooth and clear while red cabbage’s anti-inflammatory properties (the carotenoids) help to fight inflammation based skin problems like eczema and psoriasis.

Tip:

Roasted red cabbage is simple to make and seriously delicious. Drizzle thick slices or wedges of red cabbage with olive oil (on both sides), sea salt, pepper and minced garlic and roast for 15 – 20 mins at 450F for an easy vegetable dish

Rosemary

I read a study a few years ago that touted the longevity benefits of rosemary. Since then I frequently reach for this fragrant herb. Naturally astringent and filled chockfull of anti-inflammatory properties, rosemary is a powerhouse in the world of herbs. Helpful in reducing redness and puffiness, rosemary even works to address breakouts due to excess sebum. Rosemary’s ability to help stimulate the body’s circulation make it a great warming herb that helps you to achieve beautiful glowing skin.

Rosemary’s scent is said to help improve one’s mood, enhance brain function and boost energy – perfect for jump starting those sluggish winter days. Many people swear by rosemary oil – applying it topically is said to help with indigestion and mental disorders.

Tip:

Not sure what to cook with rosemary? Try a simple rosemary tea, simply steep a sprig or two of rosemary in hot water for 5 mins. Remove sprigs and add honey to taste, and sip your way to a glowing complexion!

I hope that you have a beautiful winter season! XXS

3 Reasons To Start Adding Cardamom to Your Diet

Published on September 21, 2017September 20, 2017 by soreiya1 Comment

I use to hate cardamom. Growing up it was sporadically used in certain dishes, and for some reason I would always end up biting into a cardamom pod while enjoying my food. The bold flavour of this pod always turned such a minor incident into a traumatizing experience and would always ruin the entire meal for me. While calling this experience with cardamom pods traumatic may be considered an overreaction for some, when you enjoy food as much as I do anything that ruins a meal gains an automatic spot on my hate list.

For many years I avoided cardamom determined to not experience the trauma I had offered suffered while I was younger. Then a few years ago, I was trying out a new cake recipe that required ground cardamom and I decided to give this exotic spice a second chance. Thankfully, the cake turned out delicious and the cardamom enhanced both the flavour and the fragrance of the cake. This led me to start adding ground cardamom to other dishes, my favourites being my golden milk recipe and warm chia pudding. The spice that I had hated for so long was suddenly a spice rack staple that I couldn’t live without.

For those of you that are not familiar with cardamom, it is a member of the ginger family and is well known spice from India. It is often considered a warming spice with a beautiful fragrance making it an ideal spice to use in desserts, tea and coffee. There are two types of cardamom – green cardamom and brown cardamom. Green cardamom is the more superior form of cardamom, is available in both pod or powder form and can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. Brown cardamom is only used in savoury dishes, it is an essential ingredient in Garam Masala which is a popular Indian spice mix and it is also known for its medicinal properties. There are many reasons to include cardamom into your diet but I have narrowed it down to my top three:

It is filled with antioxidants. Many of the vitamins and minerals in cardamom act as antioxidants within the body. These antioxidants help to clean up any free radicals and helps to prevent cellular aging.
Bad breath – a great and natural way to freshen your breath is to chew on a couple of pods. The antibacterial properties in cardomom help to fight germs and may also be helpful when dealing with mouth ulcers and infections.
Alleviates digestive issues – many people reach for cardamom to help with any digestive issues that they may be struggling with. Used in a warm tonic, cardamom can help when you have over eaten, or are dealing with indigestion and flatulence issues.

Try using cardamom in desserts, tea or coffee to add flavour and to reap the benefits of this wonderful spice. What’s your favourite way to use cardamom? Let me know in the comments below👇🏼

I hope that you have a beautiful day! XXS

Please Note: This blog post is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to serve as a substitute for a consultation or medical treatment from a qualified physician or healthcare practitioner.