Fancy Folk (Feature Finale) / MERMAIDENS

Have you met Kailey?

If you haven't you're missing out! She is the pastel loving cute girl that blogs over at Mermaidens about mermaids, her personal style & favourite films. 

Have you crossed anything of your 2013 to-do-list?
I do actually have a super exciting, top secret project in the works for 2014 - can't wait to blab all about it!

Describe your style
Playful, pastel, and ever changing!

What would your menu be for a dinner party that you're hosting?
Ooh an excellent question! Maybe some sort of decadent fettuccine alfredo pasta with fruit and a bunch of different ice cream flavors for dessert!

If you were a cat who would you follow all day in the hope that they would look after you?
Nicki Minaj - no question!

Your perfect day would be..
Filled with delicious breakfast food, prancing around with my friends at Sephora and MAC, playing with kitties, and watching a movie with my family <3

>> The busy time of year is fast approaching,

so 'Fancy Folk' will be having a break.

Thank you to all of the fancy bloggers that featured

over the last couple of months. 

Fancy Folk / Paper Umbrella

Have you met Ella?

What lovely things have you crossed off of your 2013 to-do-list?

So far, 2013 has been a crazy year of changes and adventures for me. Right before the year started I graduated from college and started my real adult life (if you can call it that...!) - I've had my first real adult job, co-founded a company in an area I never thought I'd be interested in, left my first adult job, and made big decisions about where I'm going next.  But, I'd say the best thing I crossed off my list this year was traveling around Europe with my boyfriend. It was perfect and now we dream about moving into a tiny apartment in Paris :) Oh, and I finally got around to doing the blog redesign I've been putting off for ages!

Describe your style

My style can be a bit all over the place...I'm still trying to figure it out! During the Summer I can usually be found in a girly dress or skirt with my hair pinned back by a homemade bow. In the Winter my uniform is a comfy knit sweater, jeans and ankle boots. I used to wear mostly black, white, grey and brown, but lately I've been loving wearing neutral outfits with pops of color. I always say that if I could have one store be my closet it would be Urban Outfitters...a girl can dream, right?

What would your menu be for a dinner party that you're hosting?

I think it would be super fun to host an Indian feast where everyone cooks together. To start, we would make some vegetable pakora and drinks to snack on while we cook. It would be fun to come up with a cocktail based on a mango lassi or other flavors commonly found in Indian food. Then, we would make my favorite chickpea and spinach curry and butter chicken curry with rice and fresh roti. For desert we would have a yummy fruit salad.

If you were a cat who would you follow all day in the hope that they would look after you?

It would be fun to sneak around, meeting lots of people and peeking into their lives. But, honestly, at the end of the day I would probably end up back at home. My housemate, Sydney, desperately wants a cat and would give me endless treats and attention.

Your perfect day would be...

My perfect day starts with waking up early on a warm Summer day. My boyfriend and I would walk to our favorite tea shop down the street, grab some bubble tea, and then maybe go sit in the park and do a little reading/writing.  Then we would go into town to do some exploring, and of course stop at food carts for lunch. After exploring we would go to my favorite happy hour and spend the rest of the night laughing with all of my closest friends (who all magically came for a visit at the same time from all over the country/world).

>> Check out Ella's blog,

she has some really cute DIY's

Fancy Folk / Pretty Lovely

Have you met Jordyn?

What lovely things have you crossed off of your 2013 to-do-list?

Creating my blog, Pretty Lovely!! This is something I have been wanting to do for a VERY long time, but for some reason just never did it. I decided in December, that come the start of the year I would have a blog. I am so glad I did and just kicking myself for not starting it sooner! Blogging has been so much fun and so rewarding in more ways than I can count. Another thing I crossed off my lovely list was graduate college. Yep. That happened! Go Cougs!

Describe your style

I would describe my style as changing daily but always feminine and girly. I dress to my mood or my surroundings that day. I can never go wrong with a nice flowy dress. Always. If its lace, even better. 

What would your menu be for a dinner party that you're hosting?

My dinner party would take place in the middle of a field underneath a large shade tree with lanterns hanging from it. A bit ambitious but I'm up for the task. It would begin with a fresh salad and the main course would include chicken marinated in italian dressing, garlic mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. We would end the night enjoying a bowl of frozen yogurt and an array of toppings to choose from. So who wants to come to my dinner party?? 

If you were a cat who would you follow all day in the hope that they would look after you?

Well, I wouldnt want to be a cat. Sorry cat lovers but I'm a dog person. So if I were a dog I would follow around Kate Middleton. Her story is a real life fairytale and who wouldn't want to be a part of that magic? 

Your perfect day would be..

My perfect day would be in the fall and include a storm outside that lasts all day long. A fire going in the fireplace, a book I cant put down and a comfy couch facing a window. After reading my book for the morning, I would want to do something productive in the afternoon like open up an Etsy shop and work on my blog. Once I accomplished my tasks, its back to the couch, storm still in full swing outside. 

>>Check out Jordyn's blog

Fancy Folk / This Lovely Little Day

Have you met Lena?

What lovely things have you crossed off of your 2013 to-do-list?

Oh 2013 how wonderful you have been to me so far! I don't have an official list for the year but I started the year celebrating with good friends, got accepted into my teaching program, got an amazing leadership position for the summer, met a nice boy, and was offered a research assistantship by the head of my academic department! Not to mention all of the wonderful weekend trips around the state and beach days with my best friends this year!

Case in point: I'm and extremely lucky girl! :)

Describe your style

My style is pretty transitional but I am certainly inspired by nerdy/hip/bohemian trends! I wear lots of dresses and tons of cardigans! And the one piece I cannot leave the house without is my earrings. I adore earrings! 

I am starting my student teaching experience this semester so I might start a "work style" challenge series as well! I think making the transition to a young professional wardrobe might be a challenge for a lot of us!

What would your menu be for a dinner party you're hosting?

International! Each course would be small and from a different country of origin! As we moved through the courses it would be like a little trip around the world!

(I'm always suffering from the travel bug!)

If you were a cat who would you follow all day in the hope that they would look after you?

Either my boyfriend Will or my best friend Abby... Because they both LOVE cats! But probably Abby because she would take my picture and post it all over Instagram all day long! Haha (I would also spend the whole day with my cat, little Amelia!)

Your perfect day would be...

A day spent with good friends outside... Perhaps we would go on a morning hike or to Lake Michigan! We'd have a picnic and laugh and hangout all day! Afterward we would maybe go for a swim and have a bon fire! S'mores, stargazing, and good company... That's how the night would end!

As long as I would be with all the people I love and care about than it would be the perfect day! :)

>> Check out Lena's blog

Fancy Folk / We Live Upstairs

Have you met Leah?

What lovely things have you crossed off of your 2013 to-do-list?

The biggest thing I've crossed off this year has to be getting married : ) Not that it was necessarily "on the list" for this year before he asked me, but, now that I've planned one, I'd say putting on a celebration of that size in 8 months is quite the accomplishment : ) You can see more about my wedding here.

Describe your style

I would say that my style is pretty eclectic. I like a bohemian feel sometimes, grunge some days, and the occasional uber feminine ensemble makes its way out of my closet. One thing I pretty much always do, however, is mix and match. For example, if I've got a flowy, feminine top on, I'll try to edge-it-up with a more masculine feel on the bottom half. I find that keeps things interesting and balanced. You can see my outfits here. 

What would your menu be for a dinner party that you're hosting?

I'm a vegetarian, but my husband is not, so we don't usually cook meat at home (he gets it when we go out). However, we do have a couple of vegetarian specialties we make that tend to impress ; ). The main course would probably be our potato tacos, with our homemade guacamole and blue corn chips. We also have a special seasoning process we use to grill our corn on the cob, which is also quite good. 

Another thing we love doing is making drinks for people...and the way this dinner is going, I think margaritas would be in order. Matt, (husband) makes a mean one. We like to keep things lively and casual when we have people over, so I think this meal would be the spark to a great atmosphere.

If you were a cat who would you follow all day in the hope that they would look after you? 

If I were a cat, I'd probably try to find the nearest "cat lady" and stick by her. She's sure to take care of me, yeah?

Your perfect day would be...

Being as Matt and I just moved 13 hours away from virtually all of our family/friends, I'd say my perfect day right now would be hanging with my ladies, doing a little shopping (it's been so long for me!), grabbing a bite to eat (& drinks) and catching up. Nothing super crazy, but I miss my girls.

Also, I'd love to get a hot air balloon ride in there somewhere : ) 

>> Check out Leah's blog

Fancy Folk / Room 334

Have you met Elana?

Have you crossed anything of your 2013 to-do-list?

You know, I make daily to-do lists almost religiously, but I can't say that I made one for the year. I guess it would be surviving my first semester of editor-in-chief of my campus newspaper, finishing junior year, and interning with a celebrity stylist this summer. I guess in retrospect, this has been a fairly productive year so far.

Describe your style

My style is very feminine and classic. I live in skirts and dresses, but I'm also a college student so everything I wear is fairly comfortable. Fit and flare dresses, collars, pleats, and polka dots are my best friends.

What would your menu be for a dinner party that you're hosting?

I like the idea of a coffee and dessert party, rather than dinner. It would just be cupcakes, crepes, cookies, etc. And plenty of coffee, since I'm an addict. Mmm..I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Can someone (who's better at planning things) plan a party like this ASAP and invite me please?

If you were a cat who would you follow all day in the hope that they would look after you?

Bryan Cranston. No explanation necessary. 

Your perfect day would be..

Sitting at a cute little coffee shop and exploring new vintage shops with close friends sounds just about perfect to me!

>> Check out Elana's blog 

Fancy Folk / Sincerely, Cam

Have you met Sincerely, Cam?

Have you crossed anything off your 2013 to-do-list?

Joe and I have been wanting to go to Disneyland together ever since we met, and March of this year we were finally able to do so. We had the best time ever, plus got engaged while there, so it was that much more magical! This year we also adopted a dog, and I finally started blogging. I'm pretty happy with how this year has gone!

Describe your style

I would describe my style as very girly with a vintage flare. I am obsessed with all kinds of dresses, and rarely wear jeans. When it's cold out, I will wear jeans and sweaters occasionally, but I really prefer a dress with tights and a cardigan. A few of my favorite stores are Anthropologie, ModCloth, Urban Outfitters, and Asos. I also am in love with patterns. I usually with go for anything striped or polka dotted!

What would your menu be for a dinner party that you're hosting?

I am honestly not the best cook. However, I have been told I make good Italian food. So probably some kind of pasta with LOTS of cheese, Italian salad, and gelato for dessert. Yum!

If you were a cat who would you follow all day in the hope that they would look after you?

I would follow someone around who allowed me to hang out at their business with them. Like maybe at a tattoo parlor or boutique. That way I'd have the opportunity to meet a lot of different people and they would all want to pet and hold me :)

Your perfect day would be...

My perfect day would be sleeping in late. It would be chilly out, middle of Fall maybe. Joe and I would hang out at home all day in our pajamas with nothing to do and nowhere to be. We would light a fire, bake a pie, pig out on delicious food, sing and dance around the house. Then later we would wrap up in a blanket with our dog and watch all the Harry Potter movies in a row until we fall asleep on the couch.

>> Check out Cam's blog

as she lives the lovely simple life

in style.

Fancy Folk / My Life As A Teacup

Have you crossed anything off your 2013 to-do-list?

Quite a bit actually - I went to a blog conference, which I've been dying to do; I just signed up for my first 5K after finally getting into the habit of working out regularly; I'm in the process of learning French; and I've been taking steps to make my blog more of what I love; amongst other things :) Overall, I'm pretty pleased with what I've accomplished so far this year! Then again, as soon as I cross something off, another task, goal, or to do takes it's place. I'm in a perpetual state of doing (which, I'm not so sure I'm happy about, to be honest!)

Describe your style

Classic and comfortable more or less governs my style, with lots of flowy fabrics, cozy cardigans, and timeless mauves, navy, and grey that all look somewhat librarian chic. I do, however, have a penchant for pairing girly, twirly dresses with apocalyptic-ready buckled boots. A friend of mine once described it as "punk rock ballerina", though I admit, I have to inject some more edginess into my style to live up to that claim.

What would your menu be for a dinner party that you're hosting?

Is it weird that I actually have this jotted down for just the occasion? Baked Brie for starters, and wine - lots! Walnut-crusted halibut and a simple yet rich mushroom orzo. Not to mention coffee, tea, and cinnamon pear dumplings for after dinner :)

If you were a cat who would you follow all day in the hope that they would look after you?

As much as I would love to rove about and attempt to locate lost superheroes a la Luna from Sailor Moon, I would very much like to find someone who is, quite simply, kind. Whether human of cat, I need to pal around with someone who's willing to cuddle and slip me snacks every now and then, but will respect my alone time and not coddle me to death.

Your perfect day would be.. 

a slightly chilly autumn day with the rain drizzling outside. Lots of blankets, books, and vanilla tea would be involved as I curl up inside the fluffiest sweater imaginable while inside my blanket fort. And maybe I'd invite my DS into my fort for some quality Pokemon time :)

>> Make yourself a cup of tea

and head over to Kristin's blog

Fancy Folk / The Happy Type

Have you met Crystal from The Happy Type? 

Have you crossed anything of your 2013 to-do-list?

Oh, yea! I have been rocking it like nobodies business and so far I'm well on my way to obliterating it. Here's some things I've been up to this year:

• Traveled to the Philippines
• Earned my Black Belt in Taekwondo
• Got in to graduate school at the University of Alabama
• Moved back to America
• Found a new house
• Started my new blog and have been pretty successful at creating a thriving community ;)

Describe your style.

Hmmm...I think my style is a blend of old and new. I really love vintage clothing, art, furniture, ect., but I love to embrace trends that are of the moment so I like to blend the two. Also, COLOR, TONS OF COLOR! I am not afraid of color and the bolder the better.

What would your menu be for a dinner party that you're hosting?

Is Everything an acceptable answer? I like to throw feasts and so when you get a dinner invite for me you come hungry and ready to get down.  My husband gets on to me about taking on too much because he'll come home and find me slaving away over an 8 course meal for a dinner party. Yes, I am that woman who couldn't be happier in the kitchen.

If you were a cat who would you follow all day in the hope that they would look after you?

My mother-in-law! While I was away in Korea my in-laws were taking care of my dog and let me tell you something...she is spoiled rotten now! I'd hope that they would take me in because then my every kitty desire would be sure to come true.

Your perfect day would be..

My perfect day would be spent with my husband and just him. We are apart right now since I have come back to America to go to graduate school and just one day with him would be perfect for me right now.

>>Check out Crystal's blog 

and be the happy type too!

Fancy Folk / Time After Tea

This weeks FF is Megan who writes a lovely life and style blog, Time After Tea.

Have you crossed anything off your 2013 to-do list or fulfilled any of your new years resolutions?

Such a good question! I have actually crossed off a really big goal from my list and that was buying my first home! We have been in for a little over a month now and we really love having our own space.

Describe your style.

Eclectic is probably most fitting – it changes from day to day depending on what mood I am in. It might be bright bold colours or more classic monochromes, floaty boho or silhouette enhancing outfits – I try not to prescribe to one particular look.

Is there one thing you have bought that you think might turn into a family heirloom?

The things I really treasure from my mum and grandma is jewellery. It’s such an easy thing to slip on and remind myself of them and also adds a personal element to an outfit. I hope that one day my Tiffany’s bracelet that Brendan bought me for my 21^st birthday will be a treasured heirloom by one of our children or great grandchildren – not just because I love the design but because it has a great story attached to it.

What is one of your favourite combinations? (food, colours, fashion, etc)

When it comes to fashion I love bright bold colours combined together, I think colour blocking and mixing clashing colours is really fun and stands out – I like loud clothes and a mash of colours is the easiest way to do that. I think Bittersweet Colours and Gary Pepper Girl do it best.

Your perfect day would be...

Any good day for me starts with a sleep in and then out for breakfast with Brendan. Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day so I love it even more when someone else cooks. I would then hope to do something relaxing like a facial or get a massage and then maybe a spot of shopping. I would then want to get dressed up in the evening and go out for dinner and drinks with friends or family.  The most important things in my life are my friends, family and food so it makes sense that my perfect day would revolve around that!

>> Go Say Hello!

Fancy Folk / The Life Of A Cupcake

I'm really excited to share this week's Fancy Folk feature because Jules,

the jubilant voice of The Life Of A Cupcake is just a delight to read.

If you like to see the glass as half full, then Jules is your girl!

Have you crossed anything off your 2013 to-do list or fulfilled any of your new years resolutions?

Yes! So far I have been doing pretty good at getting things done in 2013 :) I really wanted to focus on my creative side and taking more time to make things and do some crafting. I am really excited because I have a new adventure coming up soon! I am going to start freelance crafting for parties, weddings, showers etc! It will take some time to get everything up and going, but the thought of this happening excites and inspires me very much! And some of the little things I have done - buy more fresh flowers, compliment strangers more, drink more water, shop at local markets more often, take more DSLR photos. I make a lot of goals/to-do-lists, here is my 2013 goal list!

Describe your style

I love wearing dresses. No really, like I don't wear pants. Ever. I own over 200 dresses and I wear them all year long! My go-to style is polka dots and lots of colour! I often rock headbands and accessories and I always ALWAYS have red lips! I change things up from time to time, but I think it's mostly pretty cutesy and girly. Some days I go with more of a hippy/bohemian vibe but no matter what I wearing it's always got a bit of pizzaz. If I am wearing something that I feel is a bit dull or lacking colour, I always add a headband, a flower pinned to my shirt, a big colourful necklace or something!

Is there one thing you have bought that think might turn into a family heirloom?

I can't think of one specific thing. I am a total knick knack queen though! I love cute, little fun things around my place (it drives my bf crazy! haha!) I think the closest thing I have would be all the things from my travels. I am quite the traveller and have been to a lot of different places over the years. I always get something fun and sweet to remind me of the place I visited. These are little things that I feel I would never want to throw away because they hold so many memories!

What is one of your favourite combinations? (food, colours, fashion etc)

Mint green and red! Whaaat? These two colours together are magic. I love pastel colours with a really bright bold colour! Also avocado and cucumber, because YUM. And polka dots and bows because well....come on! CUTE! :)

Your perfect day would be...

Wake up to a vase full of fresh flowers, enjoy a delicious latte on my balcony, while reading a wonderful book. Bacon and eggs for breaky! Go of a walk around the city with my camera, go to Kensington market to go shopping! Come home, make some pretty things while listening to The Beatles, go out to an awesome restaurant and enjoy a glass of wine on the patio. Come home and get on my favourite dress (that I just bought!), have my be sties over for drinks (I looove being a hostess!), and then go out dancing to oldies! Finish the night off with snuggles from my babe!

>> Pop over to Jules' blog

& say hello!

Fancy Folk / Hello, Mr Rabbit

Lindsey of Hello, Mr Rabbit is one of the cutest bloggers online and I am so excited to share her with you all today! She is a vintage collecting, animal loving, quirky lady with a fantastic dress collection. You would only be doing yourself a favour to check this lovely lady out!

Have you crossed anything off your 2013 to-do list or fulfilled any of your new years resolutions?

I always make a 'New Year's Goals" list at the beginning of the first day of the new year, it is such a great way to track your progress throughout the months. Successfully I have ate more home-cooked meals, traveled to new campgrounds, photographed more with film, and become smoke-free. I have yet to expand my online shop and keep up with a regular yoga schedule, but I still have six months left of the year!

Describe your style

I suppose I would describe my personal style as classic, comfy, and modest... but also somewhat kitschy (I think I'm growing out of that thought!). I draw most of my inspiration from 1950's & 1960's fashion icons; such as Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Jackie O, and Edie Sedgwick. I used to not be picky about what I wore and I would try to wear anything someone had given me, but I am starting to become more particular about my pieces. I don't know, I think my personal style is maturing as of this past 6 months or so.

Is there one thing you have bought that you think might turn into a family heirloom?

I would hope I can turn off of my quality, vintage dressed into a family heirloom for a future caught or grand-daughter. I do not really hold that much value to "things" though. I have quite a few old cameras that I hope to hold on too and pass down when I no longer am able to use them. 

What is one of your favourite combinations?

I am going to base all of these on the season of summer. For food, cold lemon sun tea paired with fresh veggies from the farmers market. For colours, a creamy off-white with dark brown. For fashion, a comfy sun dress and sandals with a colourful scarf around my neck.

Your perfect day would be...

My perfect day would be a Sunday, where my boyfriend and I are so early to the farmers market, that we are the first customers there. We later walk to a local coffee shop right by the market, eat some produce in the nearby park, and stroll around by the river. My boyfriend would cook us a giant late-lunch with everything that we bought, while I bake a pie for dessert or sew something pretty. We'd spend the rest of the evening watching a film, playing with our cats and going to bed early. 

>>>To read about Lindsey's small adventures,

check out her blog

Fancy Folk / Stars In Jars

After a little hiatus, Fancy Folk is back! This is a weekly feature that highlights a different blogger each week with a handful of questions. Its a great way to discover new blogs, is Stars In Jars your new favourite?

Do you have any big plans for 2013?

I've only recently returned to my parents home in Ireland after spending three years teaching English to little kiddos in South Korea. My main goal for this year is simple; relax, reconnect with my family, take great big lungfuls of fresh country air and just be.

Describe your style

My style is constantly evolving... I love colour and texture and pattern. I dress for my body shape over what is currently fashionable (a lesson I learn WAY too late!!). Long dresses, maxi skirts, slouchy sweaters and moccasins are the order of the day ^.^

Is there one thing you have bought that you think might turn into a family heirloom?

I bought this beautiful hand-made Indian headdress for my Dad when travelling through Thailand. I'm in love with this piece~ the colours, the feathers and craftsmanship. I hope it's something that we can preserve and keep for my own little squaws one day!

What is one of your favourite combinations?

Avocado, strawberries and dark chocolate with sea salt.

Your perfect day would be...

Sitting Indian-style on the floor, mug of hot tea in one hand and getting crafty with a pen/paintbrush/scissors in the other. Rain pounding the windows, logs on the fire and Dylan spinning on the old Linn player. 

>> Like what you see? 

Click here to read along!

Fancy Folk - Gypsy In Jasper

Ahoy there, Tastes Like Love readers. 

I'm so honoured to be here today as one of Lauren's Fancy Folk. I mean, who knew I was fancy!? I sure didn't. But, I will gladly take the compliment.

1. Do you have any big plans for 2013?
I don't know that any of my plans are big, per se, but I do plan to do a lot this year. With spring peaking her gorgeous little sunshining face out from behind the snowy mountains, I'm just dying to go hiking and camping and rafting. I really hope to make this the spring/summer of outdoor adventures. I live in a national park, after all. There's no excuse for staying inside. I also hope to road trip like crazy this summer. Last year, Ian and I had so much fun spontaneously jumping in the car to visit friends and family in British Columbia and in the city. I would love to do a butt-tonne (technical term!) of that. I don't even care if it's a trip to a small village an hour away or to a ghost town or to a city hours and hours away. I just want to explore and enjoy this beautiful area I live in. (If all goes well, I might also be heading out on a longer adventure all the way down to Utah in the fall! Fingers crossed.) So, big plans, no. But plans, oh! I have plans. 

2. Describe your style.
Oi. Um. Well, I like colour. No. Scratch that. I LOVE colour. I don't shy from it. I mean, there are definitely some black items in my closet, but those aren't generally the ones I reach for. Even in the dead of winter you'll catch me in a bright yellow top, trying to shine some life into the dark, cold days. In the last year, I've also been a big fan of the skinny jean. It just took finding a pair that fit my short little legs to convert me. Now, instead of wearing all the skirts and dresses in my closet (which was all I was wearing before I discovered skinnies), I seem to always reach for pants. If you do catch me in a dress or a skirt, though, it usually has a big pattern or, again, a bright colour. 

**Note: although I post my outfits in my What to Wear series, I don't consider myself a fashionista. I like clothes, but I don't know anything about them. I don't know what's in style at any given moment and I don't generally follow the "rules." I just wear what I like and feel comfortable in. 

3. Is there one thing you have bought that you think might turn into a family heirloom?
My goodness, Lauren, these questions!! You're really making the creaky wheels turn in my rusty ol' head. I'd love to think that every crocheted item I have ever created has the potential of becoming an heirloom, but I know that's asking a bit much. But honestly, this is a tough question for me because, aside from my clothes, I don't have many things that I hold dear or that I would want to carry on. I don't buy a lot of "things." I have crafts and art that I've created that I'd be totally honoured if my family kept or treasured. But, otherwise, I can't think of one thing. (How lame am I!?)

4. What is one of your favourite combinations? (food, colours, fashion, etc.)
Obviously I'm going to choose the food option here, because if I know anything, I know I love food and I know just what kind of food I love. One of my favourite combinations is Ian's fried chicken on top of his mom's waffles with syrup, ketchup and sriracha. Nom nom nom. I thought this was a really weird meal when Ian suggested we make it one day, but then I tried it and my mind was BLOWN. Like, wow. If you've never had chicken and waffles, you need to get on that. No joke, it's a party for your taste buds.

5. Your perfect day would be...
This all depends on the season. But, assuming it's spring, I'd say my perfect day would be waking up around 10 a.m. to the smell of bacon and coffee in the kitchen. I would then, of course, eat the bacon and drink the coffee. And, I would do that on the patio with the warm spring sun keeping me warm in my PJs. After breakfast, I'd clean myself up and head out for a hike and picnic in the mountains. I'd preferably eat my sandwich, while looking out on a gorgeous lake or mountain vista. (By the way, I'd either be enjoying such a day while surrounded by my pals or just Ian.) Following our hike, we'd head home for a BBQ and a beer. Then we'd have our friends over for games before checking out live tunes at the Jasper Legion, where we would dance the night away. The day would be topped of with (you guessed it, more food) an early morning corn dog and some Gatorade. Yup, a lot of my perfect day revolves around the perfect foods. There's no denying my love for a tasty morsel.

>>> To read more about Nicole

& her Jasper adventures,

check out her blog!