Happy Birthday Jess!

As you likely know, Jess is our music guru, the one who will notice a restaurant’s playlist before reaching for the menu, who can name a 60s songstress just as well as an up-and-coming band, and often utters the words “there’s this song that reminds me of you”. She dedicates hours to interviewing musicians for Ottawa Life Magazine, her music blog in the round, and our very own in a nutshell, and will never complain about her early mornings and long evenings spent typing away, because writing really is what makes her heart sing.

Observant beyond belief, her writing skills transcend her every word, gifting us with a friend who knows which questions to ask and when, and just what to say while she’s passionately supporting you through life’s obstacles and triumphs. If you know Jess (and many of our readers do), you’ll nod when I say that she is the best listener a girl (or guy) could ask for. She wants to hear about every little detail whether it’s a small anecdote from your day, or a long-winded story that takes about 2 bottles of vino to get through. Beyond the music, the stunning style, those perfect ombré locks and her warm smile, Jess is a friend first, and that’s why we can’t live without her.

Today happens to be our lovely Jess’ birthday! You wouldn’t guess it, but Jess is the youngest of the nuts, turning 24 today – officially one year away from the quarter life crisis (which she surely won’t have). Being a Christmas baby can have its down sides (like Santa wrapping paper, birthday gifts resting under the tree and friends far away with their families), but Jess deserves way more than a combo Christmas birthday, so we’ve broken down the ways to best celebrate her 24th year with style, a few cocktails, some delicious new recipes and tunes that make her shimmy…

On the MUSIC, Meghan says…

With our Birthday girl being our ultimate music mama, trying to put together a playlist for her is definitely the most daunting part of this Birthday tribute. Jess’ appreciation and love for music runs deep and so does her love for every musical genre. Always the type to find out what is playing in the background when walking through shops or enjoying a meal, this girl’s musical knowledge goes further than I can even attempt to explain. But, we do know a few of her favourites…

To take us through a Birthday meal, Jess would love to be serenaded by some folk and indie-inspired artists like The Black Keys. She would want her Toronto anthem “Radio” by Lana Del Rey playing, and would have to have one of her favourite artists, Cat Power, mixed in as well. To amp up the party, Jess would turn to Toronto native, Drake and his Young Money pal, Nikki Minaj to bring the heat. We can’t forget her newest obsession, “Diamonds” by Rihanna that she only stumbled upon a few weeks ago or tracks by Skrillex, to remind her of one of her favourite Bluesfest experiences. Finally, we can’t ignore the music man she fell in love with while still in diapers, The Boss himself, Bruce Springsteen. Put on some Bruce and you’ll make all of Jess’ Birthday wishes come true!

1. The Lumineers – Ho Hey
2. The Black Keys –  The Only One
3. Mumford and Sons – Below My Feet
4. Cat Power – Nothin’ But Time
5. Lana Del Rey – Radio
6. Drake – Take Care
7. Nikki Minaj – Beez in the Trap
8. Skrillex – Cinema
9. Rihanna – Diamonds
10. Bruce Springsteen – Dancing in the Dark

On the STYLE, Kaylee says…

It’s safe to say that Jess’ passion for music often overshadows her clear passion for fashion. In daily life though, her style does not go unnoticed, as she always looks polished, with a swipe of berry lipstick, her signature locks pinned to the side, her boyfriend watch and a collection of lust-worthy dangling accessories. Jess loves a good pattern, from graphic, to leopard, polka dots, stripes or plaid, she sports it all with a twist that is purely Jess. For her birthday, I see her sporting those thin, gold and always on-trend rings, a new statement necklace, a figure-flattering and eye-catching beaded skirt, with opaque tights, bootie heels and a loose-fitting top. Chic with a side of comfort and cool, and always perfectly put together from a fresh coat of polish to a swipe of liner. Gorgeous, as always!

Mango Crystals Necklace, H&M Boots, Topshop Oversized Top, Mango Metal Beads Mini Skirt, Gorjana Hammered Stud Earrings, Etsy Open Thin Gold Ring, Jennifer Meyer Thin Bar Ring, Hue Opaque Tights

On the DRINKS, Catherine says…

Fun fact about Jess: she’s a vegetarian. In fact, for almost a year, our beloved friend was a strict vegan. And while she dutifully made alterations to her meals, got creative in the kitchen and explored a whole new world of food options, she had only ONE cheat: Caesars. A little bit of clam juice wasn’t enough to stop Jess from indulging in one of the nuts’ collectively favourite breakfast accompaniments. Moving on to the day’s main meal, wine will be Jess’ drink of choice for any happy hour, pot luck or delicious dinner with friends. Depending on her mood she may go for red or white, so whether it’s a nice bottle of Kim Crawford Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc, or Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc, this leading lady is easy to please, and is even more likely to show up with the biggest bottle she can find. For post dinner drinks, Jess would more likely choose a classy cocktail over a beer. Something simple, like a gin and tonic. In fact, she’s known to drink tonic on it’s own at home, THAT’s how much she likes it. And to round off a wild birthday celebration, you don’t have to twist her arm too much to take back a few shots with her girlfriends. But don’t order her a shot of jack or straight vodka unless you want to see her use a maxi dress as a nightie later on. You’re more likely to please the birthday girl with a mix of sweet and just the right amount of kick. Try a Burt Reynolds. Bet ya she’ll sing you the entire soundtrack to Boogie Nights while she sips it.

On the FOOD, Kate says…

Happy Birthday you siamese-loving, bird-fearing, veggie-eating, undie-sporting, green-living, stunning, nut!