When I was in high school, my creative writing teacher gave me a piece of advice that now follows me wherever I go. When asked about where to find inspiration, she responded with "in a coffee shop"." There is now nothing I enjoy more than sitting in a coffee shop, alone or with a friend, a book or notepad in hand. The possibilities and conversations are endless. Now I know we are often told that eves dropping isn't very nice, but it secretly acts as the best inspiration source. The characters are endless, and so is the conversation. When I moved to Kingston to start my undergrad, I searched for the best coffee shop that could act as a new place of inspiration. Soon after I arrived, I stumbled upon Balzac's on Princess – which is the ultimate aesthetic and place for inspiration. Ever since being in Kingston, I have found joy in walking downtown in an outfit that makes me feel like I'm on top of the world. You know the outfit: one with your favourite cable knit sweater and most comfortable yet most flattering jeans, and a pair of shoes that occasionally squish your toes, but it doesn't matter. My housemates and I have made an ongoing effort to get out of the house for a walk, and this is the perfect occasion to do so as it allows you to be distanced and keep the people around you safe.The next time you need a coffee, a source of inspiration, or a place to feel grounded, walk yourself down to Balzac's on Princess. Maybe you'll go in a sweatsuit, or perhaps you'll be in a monochromatic outfit. Either way, finding what makes you happy at Balzac's will be a breeze. Now picture this: your favourite outfit and a feel-good attitude in pairing with the perfect cup of coffee to create the ultimate aesthetic. You're ready to take on the world!Balzac's new winter menu is out and we have taken the liberty to pair outfits to each winter drink creating the perfect winter aesthetic. Explore below the countless options and ways to pair your outfit and attitude to your daily Sunday cup of coffee. Enjoy!

OAT MILK COOKIE LATTE

Double shot espresso, a shot of oatmeal cookie syrup & steamed oat milk

WHITE CHOCOLATE MACADAMIA NUT LATTE

Double short or long FairTrade Organic Espresso shot pulled over pieces of Lindt White Chocolate with a generous amount of steamed Milkadamia milk and a thick layer of micro foam.

TOASTED ALMOND LATTE

Double short or long FairTrade Organic Espresso shot, a shot of toasted almond syrup with a generous amount of steamed almond milk and a thick layer of micro foam

CARAMEL APPLE CIDER

Steamed Filsinger's organic apple cider with a shot of caramel syrup & a dash of cinnamon on top

CINNAMON BUN LATTE

FTO Organic Espresso combined with locally made Rosen’s Cinnamon Bun Spread and finished with steamed milk.

As COVID-19 has created unexpected extenuating circumstances, businesses have found themselves finding it hard to stay on their feet. Thus, although the snow falls and the weather gets colder, as you adventure on your daily walk, consider stopping into one of the lovely businesses lining Princess Street.In particular, as you search for a drink to warm your hands and wake you up, check out Balzac's new winter menu. They are open every day for take out, and we can attest, their winter menu is well worth it!

HEADER SOURCE AND PHOTO CREDITS:

Green Apple Cider

Model: Arlette Ibrahim, @arlettei__