Sutton!!!!! Way better than Mont Tremblant!

Yeah, you heard me! Mont Tremblant is over rated! Why? Because it's quite expensive, you're packed in like sardines and everybody goes there.

Salem and I wanted a quiet, relaxing and romantic couple of days out of town during the holidays. After searching all over the place, we decided to head for the Eastern Townships - affordable, quiet, quaint and welcoming.

On our way in, we drove through St-Jean-sur-Richelieu. I'd love to come back through there sometime in the summer to take more pictures along the waterfront.

On the other side of the river, looking towards St-Jean-sur-Richelieu.

My habibi!

A beautiful place to take pictures.

The happy couple - along with the darn Maximum 50 sign that kept creeping into our pictures. I just had to throw this one in here!

Most of the Eastern Townships are characterized by flat patches of land (hello agriculture!) with hills off in the distance here and there. Actually, it reminds me of my childhood visits to see my Pépé. It's a bit bittersweet honestly - the good memories but also the reminder of just how much I miss him.

A typical winter view outside the car window while driving through the Eastern Townships.

Our arrival in Sutton was nice - you see more hills in the background. We arrived later on in the day so we were gunning to make it to the B&B before darkness was fully upon us. We made it!

Sutton at our arrival - you can see the hills in the distance.

The house was amazing, the hostess was super nice and the room - OH MY!!! A picture is worth a thousand words, so here are a couple thousand words! We'll definitely be going back to Les Caprices de Victoria!

Our room as we come in. A magnificent, old, metal bed, amazing old wood floors and the ceiling beams just added so much charm to the room. I think I could've spent the rest of my life living out of that room alone.

From the window: Our bed, the sink and the washroom hidden away.

The couch by the window and fireplace. So romantic. 

I love the sink and the little details that went into everything in the room and the house itself. 

My favorite part of the room!!!! And yes, the bath fits two!

Here's a note to you all: to add a bit of romance to a room, never under-estimate the power of light dimmers!

And because Les Caprices de Victoria is a B&B, well there has to be an amazing breakfast, right? Well, this place certainly didn't disappoint! Every breakfast started with fresh juice, a patisserie, a starter (usually dairy and fruits) and the main course along with plenty of coffee and tea. They also offered a dessert but Salem and I were always too full by then. Here's some of what we stuffed ourselves silly with (boy was it ever gooooooooood!!!)

A mixed berry juice with berry skewer on top. So cute!

A mandarine and fruit juice with a "cerise de terre". Very sophisticated!

I fell in love with this berry and cheese pastry.

Salem thoroughly enjoyed his almond and crème anglaise pastry. 

One of the starters: a soft cheese with some berries in a light dairy sauce. 

A fruit kabob over yogurt in a light honey sauce, sprinkled with lavender. Yum!

A new twist on eggs Benedict: mini pie crusts topped with smoked salmon, poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce, served next to a soft cheese and tomatoes. Where does this woman get her ideas? Spectacular!

The dinning room. 

The wonderfully decorated living room.

We relaxed, walked around the village, did some cross-country skiing - to which I forgot to bring my camera, but perhaps it wasn't such a bad thing after all considering all the falling we were doing. Honestly, the cross-country skiing was almost therapeutic for me: it was a bit cool but my body warmed up quickly, the trails weren't crowded so we could take our time, etc. I recall one spot where I actually felt the first bit of utter piece I have felt in a very long time (years maybe?). I was standing there, at the top of a small hill, waiting for Salem to get a bit further ahead so I wouldn't run right into him at the bottom (I can't stop yet). I looked up at the trees and their branches covered in snow, listened and heard nothing, took the time to breathe the fresh air and enjoy the rays of poking through the branches here and there. It was as if the world had stopped. I wish I could go back. Alhamdullilah, I think Allah gave me a glimpse of what heaven could be like.

The trees! The Snow! Breathtaking!

Just an idea of what the trees looked like with the snow stuck on their branches. I love this part of winter.

Salem and I drove back up the hill at Sutton on the day we left. Here are a few pictures of the storm we drove in (we got stock once or twice - I helped push the car out at one point). We made our way to Lac Brome and then took our time making our way back home.

Salem cleaning off the car playing in the snow while I take pictures. Bwahahahaha!

Going up Mont Sutton. There's some snow falling.

Near the top of Mont Sutton.

At the top of Mont Sutton - Holy Snow!!!

Of course, we just had to take a picture! I can't just be quiet for a minute. 

On the way back down! To the village!!!!

My hot husband. 

Sutton - the Village. Really cute! Checklist: chocolate, patisseries! Done and Done! 

I love shopping!

On our way to Lac Brome - I love the winding roads. I also love that my husband knows how to drive in this kind of weather. :-)

A few pictures of the daytime (winter) skyline of our beautiful city. It's only in the last couple of years that my love has truly grown for the beautiful city I call home. Don't get me wrong, Montréal has it's pros and cons, just like any other city, but any time I travel and go to another place, I end up missing this city and looking forward to just walking its streets again. It really is one of a kind.

Downtown Montréal from Pont Champlain - click the image for a bigger picture.

Pont Jacques-Cartier, the top of the Stade Olympique and part of Île Sainte-Hélène (Expo 67) from Pont Champlain - click the image for a bigger picture.

Look at all that snow! - en Français "T'chèque moi la neige!!!! Ayoye!!!"

Well, it's been a while (surprise, surprise) and I haven't much to update people on for the time being. It seems the last few weeks have kept me busy with work, the gym and shopping for the apartment. Salem and I have yet to pick up a new table for the kitchen/dining room, but it's coming soon. Actually, I was somewhat hoping to pick it up this week but considering the snow coming down, I don't think the driving situation will be all that great for the next few days at the least.

At the train station this morning

 We celebrated Mom's birthday last week. Upon her request, I made a Pâté Chinois but since I'm none too crazy about the traditional version, I switched mine up a bit adding some merguez to the ground beef along with cumin and chili powder along with the browned onions and some chopped tomatoes. The corn had a few tomatoes added in too and the mashed potatoes had some herbs added in. Layers made (meat, corn, mashed potatoes), I sprinkled some aged cheddar on the top and set it in the oven on broil for a few minutes. It turned out quite well but I shall be adding in even more merguez and spices next time.

Dessert was fairly simple - I bought a brownie mix and baked it the night before. I then made a light chocolate mousse and layered the two with a hint of Dad's home-made strawberry jam. Yummm!

A simple but still yummy birthday cake for Mom.

Since Mom's birthday was during the week, we took her out the Sunday before to a resto to celebrate. We picked a place that specializes in grilling and that happens to be nearby. Griglia D'Oro is on Newman, just a few blocks from Lapierre in Lasalle. The prices were on par for the quality of the food we got. The service was amazing and the decor was very nice. I'd certainly go back! Now, lets make way for the food porn!!!!!

A VIRGIN ceasar - quite tasty

Too busy stuffing our faces to take a picture of the wonderful sauces that came with the warm olive bread.

The love of my life

The birthday girl and I

Some of the best calamari I've ever had (made with tempura) served with a tasty sauce

Mom's main course: a seafood risotto

Salem's main course: a swordfish steak (please note that the fish itself is quite consistent and more dense than salmon)

Salem and I's shared dessert - a lava cake and vanilla ice cream

Mom's crème brulée with 3 different flavours (one was lime!)

Bonne fête Mom, on t'aime très fort!

Holiday!!!!! Celebrate!!!!!

If I were not at my desk right now, I would get up and do a little happy dance.I just booked a two night stay at an amazing looking B&B in the Eastern Townships (just maybe a 1.5-2 hour drive from Montreal). We'll be staying just at the entrance of the town of Sutton. We'll be going there for rest, relaxation, sightseeing, romance and... cross country skiing!!! I can't wait! Plus, how lucky are we, we got the best room in the joint! Wooohoo!!! Alhamdullillah!!!! *does little happy dance at desk*

The B&B is called Les Caprices de Victoria and the room is the Victoria (equipped with a large clawfoot tub right in front of a round window and a fireplace). The place also has a hot tub and sauna. Check it out!!!!
Les Caprices de Victoria

Quick and healthy snack - am I losing the little sanity I have left?

Well, I just wanted to make a quick post about the snack I just tested out on myself:

0% greek yogurt (130g) a  +   1/2 scoop of mango peach Breezer protein powder

Makes for a very orangey looking yogurt. How did it taste? Not bad but I think I will be putting maybe 1/3 of a scoop next time and maybe actually put in a bit of real fruit (my mind is still searching for the missing fruit). I must admit though that it wouldn't be for everyone. Picture to come soon.

Currently stuck in my head: Daft Punk's Harder Better Faster Stronger. I could at least dance to it if I were at the studio but my current desk is too visible - I rather my co-workers not look at me oddly just yet. 

I've done it again!

Yes, I've done it again! I've neglected a blog. It's quite a vicious circle isn't it? Create blog with the best of intentions, post a few times, get tangled up in life, blog is left floating in cyberspace, feel guilty, start again!

I will be posting more often though as life has been starting to slow down a bit more in the last little while. Salem's mom is gone to Lebanon in hopes of escaping Old Man Winter. I kinda wish I had that option too - I am just not ready for winter this year, I don't really know why.

In other news, I completely gave up on the gym and training since a little before the wedding. I caught up to me, I gained about 10 lbs and I got depressed on top of being a bit mentally overloaded by other things and I had a mini breakdown. I'm currently working on changing my thought process in order to become more objective and positive about myself and not be so darn negative and such an anal perfectionist. I need to stop this behaviour for my own good, and for the sake of those closest to me. I mean honestly, I have let my constant comparisons to others, negative self-talk and constant self-doubt take way too much control over my life and emotions. FINI!!!! Wish me luck! Thankfully though, Salem and I have started back at the gym (and we've been very good so far), my eating is pretty much back on track, I'm feeling motivated and I've even started training to run (and I'm actually sticking to it) - thank you C25K!

What do I hope to accomplish? Well, I have a certain type of physique and a general ballpark weight I'd like to get to, but I'll just see how things go along the road. Salem's also training hard to gain weight and put on more muscle. I'm thinking I'll be doing status updates here, maybe post up small goals we have and celebrate virtually when the goals are attained! Hey, everybody deserve a small pat on the back when there's a job well done, no?

Other big events this week - Salem's birthday is on Friday! I've already gotten him a few gifts, I may get him something else but I'm not sure yet. There's definitely supper and dessert planned. MMMMM yummy sweets!!!!! *nom, nom, nom, nom* I shared the recipe name with my good co-worker, Kat, to which she told me that she'd be glad to help finish-off the dessert if there's too much left for us! Considering the size of it, I think there will be some left to share a bit with others.

Pictures will be slower in coming though! Work seems to have blocked Flickr, so noon and after-work picture posting will not be possible - boooooooo!!!!

Ok, that's it for now! I hope to post something in the next few days.

Pictures of ARUBA!!!!

After many months of putting this off, I have decided to finally sit down for a few minutes and post some pictures from our honeymoon for you all.

We went to Aruba for our one-week honeymoon and boy was it a great decision to go there! The beach was amazing and the place was so relaxing. Mmmmm I wish I were there now! We stayed at the Bucuti (it included breakfast only) but that was fine as there are many restaurants to choose from.

Alright, lets get this picture show on the road!!!

Salem enjoying the sun and sand on day #2 in Aruba!

The beautiful sunset on the beach!

Salem walking off into the sunset.

Day 3: Just past the capital of Orangestadt while on our island safari. My suggestion to you: a half day is plenty! And please reconsider this tour if you easily get car sick or are scared of Jeeps rolling over. We had a blast!

A hungry resident at the donkey sanctuary. Hearing them bray is funny, seeing them bray is hillarious!! They throw their whole bodies into it.

The windward (east) coast right next to the Natural Bridge. The colour is amazing but the waves are very violent. I also got sucked out to sea at the nearby Natural Pool.

Along the east coast - last stop on our safari. Don't mind the hair!! Aruba is a very windy island!

One of our breakfast buddies: these guys are major leaches! They swoop in the second you turn away!

Amazing beach!!! This is in the middle of the day - hello fellow beach neighbours, far, far away!

Our view of the water from where we often settled on the beach. Can I just teleport there now?

Night out in the high rise hotel district. Look at home clean it is!!!!

Dinner was so yummy, the service was excellent and the view onto the main boulevard in the high rise district was great!

The high rise hotels as viewed from our quiet beach. Enjoy your dirty beach over-crowded tourists! We'll just stay here where it's nice and quiet!

Me enjoying the wonderful water! After this, the beaches here don't even come close! :-(

A view of our hotel from the water. The restaurant there is made to look like a beached pirate ship - it's called the Pirate's Nest. Great food, very friendly service - breakfast was served there. We ate like pigs!

The tanned happy couple on their last night out!