Out & About #204 | Collective February Visuals

This month has been a whirlwind of unpredictable weather, and it doesn't appear as if the barometric trend – or rather, lack thereof - is veering away from the GTA any time soon.

Not extraordinarily fond of the phase "Monthly Favourites", I prefer to display the highlights of the past four weeks in quick, low-res snaps off my aging smartphone camera (alternatively rendered in better quality formats if time permitted). Those following this space shall find a semi-drastic change in morning coffee routines and a higher number of scenic shots captured along the daily commute (prolonged daylight hours are just lovely!).

1. Merry Cookie Hand Cream from Bath and Body Works
Have you ever furrowed your brows in utter confusion when a self-proclaimed dessert junkie shudders in disgust at the whiff of stickily sweet, cotton candy-like scents? Well, I'll have you know that it's a thing. I find artificial fragrances like Pink Sugar to be ever gag-worthy, but enjoy particular BBW creams oddly enough.
With the temperatures constantly teetering between low positives and ten bellows, Merry Cookie has been a lifesaver.

2. Turkey Havarti Sandwich from Starbucks
3. Sausage and (extra-firm) ddeokbokki skewer from toronto a la cart on Yonge Street

4. Mocha from Tim Hortons
I found myself in a relatively unfamiliar area of North York one day, and due to a lack of McD's in the general vicinity, my only option for caffeine was Timmy's across the street. Truth be told: their Mocha wasn't half bad! As it was a mixture of brewed coffee and hot chocolate from a drink dispenser, the beverage unfortunately did not allow for milk customization. (I've been told that the Mocha was likely a better choice than plain Hot Chocolate, which proved to be sickeningly sweet.)

The annual Roll Up the Rim contest had already commenced for a few weeks at this point, but I never really bothered to get in on this hype. The chances of winning are apparently 1 in 40; obtaining a Free Coffee win on my first purchase of the season happened to be position me in the lucky 2.5% rankings.
 
I redeemed an extra-large Mocha with my winning tab, simply because I could (and flavour shots would induce additional cost), but wasn't as lucky the second time around.

My luck resurfaced afterwards though, as I ended up winning a donut on my second mocha purchase. (I mean, what are the chances?!) Unfortunately, and predictably, my third cup wasn't as lucky as the previous two rolls.

5. Hokkaido Milk Tea w/ Brown Sugar from Green Grotto
If you've been dedicated to reading my ramblings long enough, you'd know that this is my Holy Grail drink from the franchise.

6. Smoked Butterscotch Latte from Starbucks, which was later discovered to be a vastly disappointing splurge

7. Shots captured over Credit River while leaving Port Credit GO
8. Homemade Waffles w/ Caramelized Bananas

9. Sunday Munches: Homemade Jasmine Green Tea Latte, lunch leftovers, and Haagen-Dazs

10. Adorable things spotted popping up for Easter (and Valentine's Day merchandise going on sale)
11. Strawberry Sunshine from Booster Juice

12. The snowstorm of the season ("Please come back, s'winter!!")

13. Lazy lunch: Avocado Toast w/ Pork Floss and Raisins
​14. DAVIDsTEA's Matcha Discovery Collection - Meet Your Matcha

15. Lindt Chocolate Shop
Mississauga is totally deprived of standalone locations of this famed chocolatier (I can't believe the closest one is in Milton!). Along with mountains of varying dark, milk, and white chocolate flavours to choose from, Lindt also features pre-assembled seasonal gift baskets with a vast dose of visual appeal. This version in the PATH also served up absolutely indulgent hot/iced chocolate and mochas brimming with chocolatey goodness.

The 10 oz cups are reasonably priced - $3.49 for a Lindt Chocoate Drink (aka hot/iced chocolate) and $3.99 for a Lindt Chocolate Mocha. In addition, customization options are aplenty: one can choose between varying levels of chocolatey intensity for both beverages (Classic Milk, Intense Dark, Medium Dark, and Creamy White) and three types of milk (3.25%/homo milk, 1% skim milk, and lactose-free milk - at no extra charge!).

I took to trying out their Intense Dark Hot Chocolate, as my hankering had demanded an intense injection of the sweet, indulgent substance into my bloodstream. After submitting the order through Ritual, a pastry-chef-attire-clad member of staff approached me to ask if she could be of any assistance. I informed her that I had just submitted an order via the app, to which she responded by promptly checking the order and concocting the drink.
An extremely generous portion of steamed Intense Dark Chocolate and skim milk, topped with dry foam and chocolate shavings, emerged before my eyes in a matter of mere minutes.

It was absolute heaven: the Hot Chocolate was creamy without excessive richness and exuded chocolate allure of incredible depth. Bonus points were earned for being presented at the ideal drinking temperature​ (I've been scalded much too many times by Starbucks....) The staff member also gifted me with a sample of their dark chocolate ball from Lindor, which was equally delectable.

16. The mission to obtain taiyaki and hoddeok (I must admit, K-Town is notably better.)

17. After trekking 3 km through the mud over the mild weekend, sunset shots were captured along the Credit River

18. Complimentary Tea of the Day from DAVIDsTEA in celebration of #SteepYear
Between Mom's Apple Pie and Strawberry Rhubarb Parfait, I chose the latter: a fruity mix with a hint of tanginess.

19. The skies are gradually brightening up during my morning commute (Yay!)
20. Pomegranate Passion Smoothie from Booster Juice

Candid confession: I'm desperately looking forward to Easter Weekend. (And really, can you blame me? This weather is downright disgusting.) Being showered in Mini Eggs and fluffy bunny/baby chick plushies while sleeping in past 5AM - that, my friend, is the dream.

21. Larger-than-life-sized Easter plushies at Loblaws!

---