A True World

May we all have great luck in the year of the dragon...

2012-01-29T19:57:00.001-05:00

52 Suburbs is working her magic again...this time she is traveling the world!

2012-01-23T20:19:00.004-05:00

2012-01-23T20:19:00.000-05:00

You'll come down from the lurch.

2012-01-22T09:37:00.001-05:00

Take me here.

2012-01-21T16:19:00.001-05:00

I could get lost Tumblr...Arielle Rose has some really incredible work, wow!

Excellent brunch spot in Liberty Village...prepare to wait in line.

2012-01-21T16:01:00.010-05:00

School in Liberty Village! Try the whoopie pies!

Great weekend in Boston! Union beats Harvard at Fenway!

2012-01-21T15:41:00.004-05:00

Ahhhhhhhhh can't wait!

2012-01-16T21:05:00.002-05:00

Simple act of beauty. rediscovered this photo today that I took in India in the summer of 2009. During a simple act and monotonous chore, there is real beauty in this moment.

2012-01-07T14:34:00.013-05:00

Little Paris Paintings. By Paul Ferney.

2012-01-07T13:56:00.004-05:00

Restaurant de Fruits de Mer by Paul Ferney.

What a gorgeous series of paintings - this is one of my favourites.

January is a great month to sit down with a good book.

2012-01-03T21:37:00.003-05:00

David Hockney rocks.

Image download courtesy of ROM.

Happy New Year.

2012-01-01T21:08:00.008-05:00

A great Christmas!

2011-12-27T20:31:00.006-05:00

"A couple of wild and crazy guys..."

After a -20C run.

Happy ugly holiday sweater week!

2011-12-20T17:40:00.006-05:00

Love locks.

2011-12-11T19:53:00.003-05:00

I was delighted to find out about these "love locks" on the Humber Bridge, more here. Over the last decade, thousands of lovebirds have flocked to city bridges and fences across Europe to declare their eternal love for each other with engraved padlocks in hand. And now they've been found on the prettiest bridge on one of my running routes. Makes me very happy.

Have a beautiful and festive Saturday afternoon.

2011-12-10T15:21:00.004-05:00

Photo by the talented photographer Elle Moss

"It's hard to find it when you knew it." -Bon Iver

2011-12-07T21:41:00.004-05:00

I've been listening to Bon Iver since early 2009 and I totally understand why the whole mainstream world (or so it seems) is now jumping on the bandwagon. Hello...grammy's?!?! Their music is oddly cryptic, atmospheric and somehow sentimental. I love it. It was an absolute dream to see these guys play such an epic and dramatic show at Massey Hall last night. There were two drummers, as many as four horn players, two violinists (amazing), who also played guitars, and Vernon himself.

As a Toronto Sun music critic wrote today, believe the hype.

2011-12-04T20:49:00.002-05:00

"We’re all the same people we were when we were children, we’re just bigger, and pretend that we’re not."

2011-12-03T21:13:00.004-05:00

Handmade Portraits: Rob Ryan from Etsy on Vimeo.

2011-11-27T16:25:00.005-05:00

from guremike

Romeo and Juliet by The National Ballet of Canada

2011-11-25T10:06:00.002-05:00

Absolutely stunning performance. Wow.

The National Ballet of Canada blew me away.
I also just loved being inside the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.
It is such an incredible venue.

Made some yummy stew.

2011-11-23T20:45:00.001-05:00

Picked up this recipe from Smith & Ratliff blog this week. Such an easy meal and great on a November evening. In my version I substituted the couscous for quinoa. Enjoy!

I freakin' LOVE this.

2011-11-23T20:37:00.000-05:00

from Random Objects

Words from Yann Martel.

2011-11-20T20:06:00.012-05:00

Yann Martel hasn't updated his website http://www.whatisstephenharperreading.ca/ in nearly a year but I still love to read through it every now and then. I found his last letter particularly appropriate considering the recent top stories making news across North America

"What I’ve been trying to do in this long epistolary dead-end with you, beyond the plying of irony, is to make the following point: that the books available in bookstores and libraries throughout Canada, that the exhibits to be seen in this nation’s galleries and museums, that the movies coming out of this country, that the plays and dance pieces seen on its stages, that the music heard in its concert venues, be they bars or orchestra halls, that the clothes that come from our designers, the cuisine from our best restaurants, and so on and so forth with every creative act of Canadians, that all these cultural manifestations are not mere entertainment, something to pass the time and relax the mind after the “serious” business of the day is over with, the earning of money—no, no, no. In fact, these manifestations are the various elements that add up to the sum total of Canadian civilization. Take these away and nothing worthwhile remains of Canadian civilization. Corporations come and go, leaving hardly any trace, while art endures.

Yet it is corporations and their voracious demands that regulate our lives nowadays, far more than theatres, bookstores and museums. Why is that? Why is it that people work so crazily hard these days, at the expense of family, health, and happiness? Have we not perhaps forgotten that work is a means to an end, that we work so that we might live, and not the other way round? We’ve become slaves to our work and have forgotten that it’s in moments of leisure and stillness, when we’re free from working with a hoe or at a keyboard, that we can contemplate life and become fully ourselves. We work, work, work, but what mark do we leave, what point do we make? People who are too beholden to work become like erasers: as they move forward, they leave in their wake no trace of themselves. And so that has been the point of my fruitless book-gifting to you: to raise my voice against Canada becoming a nation of erasers." - Yann Martel

Lovely films. For the romantic in all of us.

2011-11-19T20:46:00.002-05:00

Don’t miss the team photo.

2011-11-13T23:00:00.007-05:00

BAD NEWS. “Not Pictured” is no way to go through life.

Stolen to be shared from one of my favourite blogs...http://rulesformyunbornson.tumblr.com/ ...take some time to read through this blog. It will make you happy.

When the miles pay off...and many thanks to the Angels.

2011-11-13T21:29:00.011-05:00

While much of my blog has been about traveling, music and art...I have to write about another passion of mine for a post. Running. After one great summer and fall of training and racing - the racing season came to an end for the Angels last weekend. After a defeating marathon experience in Montreal in September - all of the training finally paid off in two recent races - 3rd in an 8km (http://www.towomensruns.com/index.html) and 2nd in a half marathon (http://hamiltonmarathon.ca/) - yippee!

The Angels are a group of driven elite and developmental female athletes coached by Nicole Stevenson (http://www.nicolestevenson.ca/), all of whom have incredible athletic goals. Nicole is such a phenomenal coach and friend to all of us - we couldn't ask for more from her in terms of inspiration and support. I'll speak for the entire team in saying that we all aspire "to be like Nicole".

These ladies have become great friends to me (and Jon for that matter) and they have pushed me to achieve personal best race times in the past six months - 3:07:57 in the full marathon, 1:22:33 in the half marathon. The photos above were taken at the Toronto Women's 8km Run two weeks ago with a handful of Angels leading the race from the start and a few of the Angels at the finish of the Hamilton Marathon.

The remainder of year will be spent running less mileage, gaining strength and speed moving into the 2012 race season…it is phenomenal to train with such outstanding individuals - who share the same drive to run, to race, to improve…I'm already excited.

Benny and Ali tear through Toronto.

2011-10-09T21:50:00.004-04:00

Moksha yoga (http://mokshayogadowntown.com/).

TRX at Get Spun (http://www.getspun.ca/).

Brunch at Saving Grace.

St. Lawrence Market.

Distillery District.

SOMA gelato.

Awolnation at the Sound Academy (http://awolnationmusic.com/).

The Drake Hotel.

Nota Bene (AH-mazing!) (http://notabenerestaurant.com/). Lemon and sugar crepes. Wide Open. Tennis. Running. Brunch at Easy Breakfast (yummy!). Queen Street West. Superstars of Comedy at The Comedy Bar (hilariously awesome).

Sushi on Bloor (incredible).

Cirque du Soleil last show in Toronto of Totem (spectacular)(http://www.cirquedesoleil.com/).

30th birthday party for Natalie in Vancouver

2011-10-02T22:49:00.004-04:00

The birthday party was held at Raw Canvas (http://www.rawcanvas.com/) – wine bar and painting!

Great times with Sabine and Andrew (as always) and Christine (who braved two long travel days to be there from Atlanta)!

Delicious meals were devoured at Lupo (http://www.luporestaurant.ca/) and Medina (http://www.medinacafe.com/) –totally worth the wait in the monster lines!

Ferry to Granville Island. Long run around Stanley Park and the Olympic Village. Hookah. Walk through Gastown. Champagne. And Saturday morning yoga!

Beautiful city. Great friends. Fun weekend.

BIXI bike redezvous in Toronto with Colleen and my parents.

2011-09-28T11:18:00.003-04:00

Montreal Marathon

2011-09-28T10:02:00.004-04:00

Friday night dinner in Vieux Montreal at The Holder.

Race morning.

At 17km.

Coach at 42km. 4th place finish!

At 42km holding on to my 10th place finish.

Marathon finishers with support crew from Angels team!

Queen West Art Crawl

2011-09-19T19:01:00.000-04:00

Nothing like a good outdoor art festival to cap off a great Sunday!

The ninth annual Queen West Art Crawl (QWAC) took place this weekend with a host of live performances, artist talks, and, of course, a huge open-air art show in Trinity Bellwoods Park. I took the 501 streetcar down to Roncesvalles and marched my merry way back east along Queen taking it all in.

Overall the art was impressive and it was terrific to see so many people out enjoying the beautiful September day in the park appreciating art!

TIFF Screening #3 - Moneyball.

2011-09-18T08:55:00.004-04:00

Who doesn't love a great sports film?

I was slightly put off by all of the marketing efforts around this film using the promotion of Brad Pitt's name as the selling point, wow, was I ever wrong.

This is the best film about a sports team that I've seen in a long time.

The Toronto International Film Festival has come to a close. For anyone planning a trip to the city in the next year, this is a great time to visit. It's all about autumn, when the city's dense canopy explodes into a rainbow of colours along leafy boulevards and in plentiful parks, and the sticky summer heat is banished with crisp evenings that blow in a fresh, cooling energy.

Tip for September. Buy some art.

2011-09-14T19:38:00.002-04:00

I bought the first print below in Asheville, North Carolina recently.

"A Harlem Hand, A Harlem Heart

25"x19" Four Color Screen Print, Edition of 50"

The artist is James Flames - http://www.jamesflames.com/

He is so talented and his artwork is very affordable. I've posted a few of my other favourites from his site. I have a thing for skulls so I'm especially fond of his use of them in his artwork.

TIFF Premiere #2 - Neil Young Journeys

2011-09-13T19:40:00.001-04:00

"Neil Young received multiple standing ovations as his new concert film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.

He was in the right place Monday, as an adoring audience packed the Princess of Wales Theatre to watch his latest collaboration with Jonathan Demme, the Academy Award-winning director of "Silence of the Lambs" and "Philadelphia."

"Neil Young Journeys" is Demme's third film about the grizzled rock hero.

"Journeys," meanwhile, was recorded this past May, with Young bringing his solo tour to a close in Toronto's historic Massey Hall in a gig that offered the full sonic range."

We were lucky enough to attend that live show at Massey Hall so it was obviously really incredible to see Demme's film last night.

TIFF is a ton of fun if you plan ahead and buy tickets in advance...movies can be so much fun!

Toronto International Film Festival Gala Presentation of Killer Elite for my birthday!

2011-09-10T18:42:00.003-04:00

We were very lucky to receive tickets to the Gala Presentation of Killer Elite at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto today!

The buzz around the film festival is so contagious.

It was quite exciting to see a red carpet, attend screening and see the actors inside the theatre. Robert De Niro is still as cool as ever and Clive Owen was very handsome.

The festival is truly glamorous and exciting, definitely something to experience in Toronto and something for the city to be very proud of!

Labour Day Weekend - Four States. Lots of Driving. Hot Weather. Great Ol' Southern Time!

2011-09-05T10:58:00.000-04:00

The weekend started out with a bust when we missed our flight from Buffalo. We finally arrived in Atlanta after two and a half years away on Friday morning. Summary of the trip...

Visit in Atlanta with old friends. Patio at Tin Lizzy's. Dinner in Decatur. LONG run in Greenville, South Carolina on Swamp Rabbit Trail. Clemson University football game and tailgating (whoa culture shock). Zip-lining in Asheville, North Carolina. Street festival downtown Asheville (hippy central...much love for that place). Dinner in Greenville, South Carolina and ice cream at Spill the Beans (thanks for the referral Greta)! Lots of running and driving and eating. Great weekend!

2011-08-29T20:59:00.000-04:00

Off to Atlanta, Georgia and Greenville, South Carolina this week for one last summer holiday. Channeling my inner Parisien (du blog Prêt à Voyager).

Midnight in Paris...and what era would you go back to?

2011-08-28T18:36:00.001-04:00

We FINALLY made our way to the TIFF Bell Lightbox this weekend to see Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris. I've had an obsession with Paris for a number of years, me and a billion others on earth. It was a truly delightful film with a sophisticated, witty script. The film provokes an interesting question, if you could go back in time, what era or time or day would you go to? I would love to spend the day in San Francisco on November 25, 1976 and OF COURSE attend the very famous show "The Last Waltz" as all my musical icons were present and performed that day. Wishful thinking but a good conversation starter for sure.

If you've not been to Bathurst lately (between King and Front streets)...

2011-08-28T18:19:00.000-04:00

...there quite a few funs places to check out listed on this block party poster!

I'm most excited for Cheesewerks to open. I sampled their grilled cheese yesterday at the party, so amazing! I am still a huge fan of Thor and of course CYKL!

Never quite like Mom's

2011-08-28T18:02:00.004-04:00

Have you ever attempted to make one of your Mom's specialties? Seriously, it is basically impossible to top her. You put in your very best effort and really dedicate an entire Sunday afternoon to mastering the recipe but you better set realistic goals, nothing will ever taste like Mom's. Here is my documented attempt at a very scrumptious (guilty pleasure) recipe and a very healthy recipe with my Mom's direction - recipe and words are her own. To all those young people yearning for a taste of home, all the very best luck trying to master your families recipes, may we never stop trying.

The not-so-healthy but SUPER yummy option! Justifiable after 103km weekly mileage, ha.

Rich Oat Cookies (Dad's favourites)

1/2 cup shortening (I use Tenderflake)

1/2 cup butter (if you don't have tenderflake, just use 1 cup butter)

1 1/4 cups brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
2 Tbsp boiling water

1 1/2 cups flour (I sometimes use 1/2 white and 1/2 whole wheat-you could use all wholewheat)

1/2 tsp salt
2 cups rolled oats (Oatmeal-I like the large flakes best)

Chocolate chips (I don't measure, just add lots in!!)

Cream butter, shortening and sugar. Add vanilla. Dissolve soda in boiling water and add to creamed mixture. Add flour and salt, mix well. Add oatmeal and mix well. Add chocolate chips.

Roll into balls on cookie sheet. Flatten with a fork.
Bake 350 deg. F. 8- 10 minutes until golden.

The VERY healthy and VERY yummy option!

Tabbouleh

This middle eastern salad is excellent with fresh summer ripe tomatoes. The mint makes it authentic.

3 cups cooked Quinoa (cook according to package-my recipe says 1 cup water to 1 cup Quinoa)

The following vegetables chopped:
1 large tomato

1 large cucumber

1 cup fresh parsley chopped
1 green pepper
2 Tbsp fresh mint
1/2 cup green onions or finely diced red onion
Dressing

1/2 cup lemon juice (fresh lemon juice is best but bottled will work too)

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tsp. minced garlic (I use the garlic minced in the jar)
1 tsp pepper and salt
Combine Quinoa with pepper, parsley and onion. Mix dressing ingredients together in separate bowl.
Add to Quinoa mixture. Add tomato and cucumber. Let sit for 30 minutes to allow flavour to blend.

ENJOY!!

Also, is Quinoa really the perfect food? My friends, it is pretty close. I think that is so exciting!

Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) has been grown for thousands of years in the Andes mountains in South America.

Quinoa has a structure similar to wheat or rice. But unlike a lot of grains, it is not stripped of it's bran and germ when it is processed as a food source.

Contains all nine essential amino acids. There are 20 amino acids that the body needs to form protein, but it can only manufacture 11 of these. The other nine, which are called essential amino acids, must come from food. Quinoa and soy are the only plant-based foods that contains all nine essential amino acids.

Digests slowly. Quinoa is a complex carbohydrate that digests slowly and will not cause blood sugar levels and insulin levels to spike. It's also an excellent source of energy.

Is high in fiber. One cup of cooked quinoa contains five grams of fiber. Fiber helps keep your colon and arteries clean and healthy.

Induces satiety. The protein and fiber in quinoa induce satiety, which is a feeling of fullness and satisfaction.

Is high in vitamins and minerals. Quinoa is higher in calcium, B vitamins, vitamin E, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, manganese, and zinc than most grains.

Contains phytonutrients. Quinoa contains phytonutrients (also known as phytochemicals), which are chemical compounds that help reduce the risk of heart disease and some forms of cancer.

Acts as a prebiotic. Quinoa acts as a prebiotic that feeds the microflora (good bacteria) in your intestines.

Is gluten free. Quinoa is gluten free and safe for those with gluten intolerance.

Trail running in Gatineau Park.

2011-08-25T19:51:00.001-04:00

I was fortunate enough to be invited on a trail run in Gatineau Park while working in Ottawa. I'd been cross-country skiing here before but it was absolutely amazing to be out on the trails at 6AM following rainfall.

It was also an interesting week to be in Ottawa after the passing of Jack Layton.

I truly loved his last letter to the country and was thinking about these words while running through the trails this morning...

"And finally, to all Canadians: Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world’s environment. We can restore our good name in the world. We can do all of these things because we finally have a party system at the national level where there are real choices; where your vote matters; where working for change can actually bring about change.

My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.

All my very best,

Jack Layton"

(read the entire letter here)

AMAZING "EASY" BRUNCH IN TORONTO!

2011-08-21T15:52:00.000-04:00

If you are a brunch lover, head straight for Easy Restaurant at King/Roncesvalles - not sure how we've missed this place before but WOW, it is incredible!

Beginners.

2011-08-19T21:57:00.002-04:00

A very sweet and thoughtful film. I highly recommend it.

We attended Open Roof Fest for the fourth time this summer to view this film, it is an incredible way to spend a warm summer Thursday night.

Be inspired.

2011-08-19T21:48:00.002-04:00

If you look closely.

2011-08-19T21:22:00.000-04:00

I love this photo. From brandonwickens "If you look closely, at the right time, there is beauty in the heart of a city."

Fight back...believe in the place where you live.

Read this article about #unfriendlytoronto and how city dwellers are reacting.

The Angels!

2011-08-17T20:14:00.001-04:00

In May I started running with an amazing group of women, coached by Nicole Stevenson (http://www.nicolestevenson.ca/) and it has been so inspiring - these gals are so positive and they work very hard at each and every workout. They also know how to have fun. It has been so refreshing to be a part of a team again. Last weekend a few of us ran the Acura 10-Miler here in Toronto...check out Angel Jane's 5th place finish and my 8th place finish! Sweet! Big thanks for super fan and amazing friend Maeve for coming out to support me...she is simply the best!

Gentrification

2011-08-13T15:12:00.002-04:00

On a somewhat idle Saturday, I ventured out with four bags of old clothes to drop off at the Sally-Ann. I knew of one particular drop off location in Parkdale, only a short drive or streetcar ride from my apartment. Before pulling into my final destination, I decided to try my luck at trading in my clothes at one of the hip vintage stores, Common Sort (http://www.commonsort.com/), you know the old “buy, sell, trade” idea. Sure enough, I ended up with $31 worth of trade credit that I put towards a skirt and sweater, not too shabby. I then proceeded to drop off the rest of my things...

While visiting Parkdale, I noticed a number of interesting quirks about the neighbourhood and after grabbing a blogTO brochure about Parkdale, neighbouring Roncesvalles and The Junction…and conducting some online research about the area I discovered there is much more going on within those city streets that I could ever fully understand.

The most common terms that I continually came across – gentrification, gentrified, up-and-coming, “Parkdale—now trimmed with sweet cafés, bars and vintage boutiques—cleans up good. Your guide to a thriving bohemia” from a Torontolife.com article (http://www.torontolife.com/features/block-parkdale/) OR “South Parkdale is a unique, beautiful, and troubled neighbourhood, currently riven with conflict between incoming gentrifiers and artists, and a long-standing population of poor and marginalized residents.” from http://www.urbancentre.utoronto.ca/pdfs/researchbulletins/CUCS-RB-28-Slater-Parkd.pdf.

And from http://www.myhood.ca/section/view/wces/115/

“Parkdale with its combination of impressively restored old houses, high rises, rooming houses and single family homes has attracted a diversity of immigrant peoples and given it flavour and character. However, Parkdale has a relatively high crime rate and is sometimes nicknamed “Crackdale”, or “Crookdale”. Parkdale is rife with substandard rental apartment buildings (a large percentage of Parkdale residents are renters) run by landlords coined “slumlords” by many area residents. Nevertheless, Parkdale is seeing increasing signs of gentrification, as Queen Street West's sphere of influence extends further westward. This includes new cafes, lounges, restaurants, condos, lofts, shops and art galleries cropping up rapidly, and former old dive hotels The Drake and The Gladstone being recently bought out and renovated to become very trendy and chic. Local taverns have begun receiving new patronage from artists and urbanites seeking refuge from the fashion boutiques further east on Queen Street West. In recent years, young professionals have gentrified this section and have raised property values there as well. Many of the old Polish shops have been closed and new restaurants, bars and shops have opened.”

Someone from the University of Bristol in the UK conducted a study on the area titled “Toronto’s South Parkdale Neighbourhood - A Brief History of Development, Disinvestment, and Gentrification” that was published in The Canadian Geographer, Fall 2004. It is quite interesting if you have the time to read it (http://www.urbancentre.utoronto.ca/pdfs/researchbulletins/CUCS-RB-28-Slater-Parkd.pdf).

And now I’ve been obsessing over the idea of gentrification – two discrete, sociologic theories explain and justify gentrification as an economic process (production-side theory) and as a social process (consumption-side theory) that occurs when the suburban gentry tire of the automobile-dependent urban sprawl style of life; thus, professionals, empty nest aged parents, and recent university graduates perceive the attractiveness of the city center — especially if the poor community possesses a transport hub and its architecture sustains the pedestrian traffic that allows the proper human relations impeded by (sub)urban sprawl.

The community-network approach (London and Palen, 1984) - this views the community as an "interactive social group." Two perspectives are noted: community lost and community saved. The community lost perspective argues that the role of the neighborhood is becoming more limited due to technological advances in transportation and communication. This means that the small-scale, local community is being replaced with more large-scale, political and social organizations (Greer, 1962). The opposing side, the community saved side, argues that community activity increases when neighborhoods are gentrified because these neighborhoods are being revitalized.

Which perspective do you have? Community lost or saved?…good question, go pay Parkdale a visit yourself to decide.

Project Nim

2011-08-07T10:00:00.001-04:00

"Equal parts hilarious, poignant, and heartbreaking, Project Nim not only tells a compelling story masterfully, but also raises the flag on the darker side of human nature."

I'd read raving reviews about Project Nim from a film-making perspective but what is true of all excellent documentaries and art for that matter - the viewer is challenged to make opinions and decisions on the story for themselves. Don't we all want to be challenged and pushed out of our everyday norms and comfort levels? Yes, this film and scientific study (or lack thereof) has many injustices but it was compelling and engaging at the same time.

One message that I particularly loved, apparently a chimpanzee can see through humans true character and only when someone is "true of heart" do they fully trust them or respect them. Amazing, isn't it?

I've had friends travel to Peru to study primates which is just so profoundly incredible, read about their story on their blog.

2011-08-06T15:27:00.001-04:00

photo from http://ohhappyday.com/

Home for August long.

2011-07-29T20:41:00.000-04:00

48 hours in Las Vegas.

2011-07-29T20:37:00.000-04:00

Exactly what I expected. Heat. Lights. Gambling. Saw David Hasselhoff at Blush. Ran the strip. Witnessed the water show at the Bellagio. Ate at Paris. Gawked at enormity of everyone and everything. Quite a strange place. If you ever need a Vegas fix, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas in perfect.

San Francisco Street Art

2011-07-29T00:18:00.001-04:00

Very fun weekend in San Francisco with my Mom!

2011-07-28T23:32:00.001-04:00

2011-07-28T22:34:00.001-04:00

SAN FRANCISCO EATS

Before we went to San Francisco I conducted some research on where to eat. Supposedly the food is one of the best things about that city...and now I can say that it truly is.

Here are some of Oh Happy Day’s (text stolen from her blog!) San Francisco Food Bucket List picks that we ate at!

Photos by yours truly.

1. The Sentinel. This place is such a gem. For $8 you can get a gourmet meal. Go for the Corned Beef Sandwich even if you aren’t a huge fan, it’s life changing. It’s in the financial district so its only open Monday-Friday for lunch.

2. Tartine. Go for breakfast. Get the morning buns and something hot to drink make the person you are with try something else like bread pudding. Avoid the sandwiches, the bread hurts your mouth.

3. Pizzeria Delfina*. Don’t get fancy, just get the Margherita. And get the brussel sprouts if they have them. Heaven. There are two locations. No reservations, just go and wait.

4. Bi Rite Ice Cream. There are other specialty ice cream stores but BiRite is still my favorite. Even if there is a line ask to try a couple kinds. Then buy some. Salted Caramel rules all.

5. Nopa*. Impossible to get in at the last minute. You have to get reservations way in advance or show up ten minutes before it opens and sit at the bar.

6. The Ferry Building*. Where do I start with this wonderful place? This topic needs a whole post of its own on how to do it right. Go Hungry, bring money, don’t be cheap, ask questions and be in an adventurous and experimental mood. If it is a day the farmers market is running (Tue, Thu, Sat) take some time to go around the booths. Try every sample that is offered to you. Ask the farmers questions.
-Salted Caramels from Recchiuti (ask the employee to recommend 1 or 2 other kinds to purchase.)
-Boulette’s Larder ask the shopgirl to recommend some of their custom spice mixes. I love the African salt for Pizza. Do not leave the Ferry Building without buying at least one.
-Stonehouse Olive Oil + McEvoy Olive Oil Don’t be shy and try every single kind. If you love it buy a bottle. I had never tasted real olive oil before these guys.
-Boccalone Ask for recommendations for “Tasty Salted Pig Parts”
-Cowgirl Creamery Ask the shop keeper to recommend a few kinds. Try taste tests of several. Then buy some.
-Acme Bread Ask the employee to recommend a few kinds. Buy some.
-Miette I like their macaroons the best. Buy one for each person in your party.
-Blue Bottle Coffee Best coffee in SF.

Then go out back and have a picnic with all your treasures in front of the Bay Bridge. If it’s crowded walk a block over to Pier 7. Find a bench and eat some really good food.

Seriously! When are we moving to France?

2011-07-16T23:37:00.000-04:00

From Oh Happy Day's Blog Post.

2011-07-16T22:59:00.001-04:00

A highlight of summer in Toronto!

So far I've taken advantage of three of Toronto's top restaurants and their exclusive three-course prix fixe menus offered. Fun way to dine and try a new spot!

Looking for summer.

2011-07-16T22:50:00.001-04:00

In the spirit of summer we trekked out to Cherry Beach today for a swim.

Photo from Mark Blinch Photography.

We attended Open Roof Fest again to watch the National Parks Project.

Escape from the city...beach day at Ward's Island. A small piece of perfection.

2011-07-03T21:25:00.003-04:00

View from ferry on our way to Ward's Island. I went for a nice long swim in the icy waters of Lake Ontario. The beach was busy but pleasant. I highly recommend this trip to anyone who needs to escape the city for a day. After Ward's Island make sure to check out Centre Island - eclectic, "carnival-like" and very interesting.

Happy Pride Parade Day!

2011-07-03T09:05:00.004-04:00

via this blog

Great day for a soccer game! Yeah TFC!

2011-07-02T18:22:00.001-04:00

A long Saturday run through High Park and up along Humber River. Lovely.

2011-07-02T18:19:00.003-04:00

Photo from http://www.torontopictures.org/

Happy Canada Day at the Jays Game and Trinity Bellwoods. Topped off with dinner at Terroni.

2011-07-02T18:15:00.004-04:00

Chill way to spend an afternoon.

Oh so GOOD!

photo by mauriciojcalero

A Beauty Day at Open Roof Fest

2011-07-01T12:48:00.000-04:00

Amazing way to spend a Thursday evening in the city - Open Roof Fest at Amsterdam Brewery.

2011-06-28T21:00:00.000-04:00

"They danced down the streets like dingledodies, and I shambled after as I've been doing all my life after people who interest me, because the only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones that never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like roman candels across the night..."

- Jack Kerouac, On the Road, Part 1, Ch. 1

Taste of Little Italy.

2011-06-18T15:56:00.004-04:00

Drinks (finally found ourselves in the same neighbourhood!) with Lindsey from Cape Breton. Isn't she cool?!

America's Finest City for the weekend. San Diego & La Jolla, California!

2011-06-07T16:04:00.002-04:00

Ate some Mexican food. Walked along the boardwalk in La Jolla. Ran through Balboa Park. Enjoyed the fine dining on 5th in the Gaslamp District. Saw Katelyn run the half marathon!

Delayed post...had the chance to go to Ottawa two weeks ago, that city always feels so peaceful!

2011-06-07T15:49:00.000-04:00

Sometimes we need to laugh.

2011-05-30T20:22:00.002-04:00

MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON from Dean Fleischer-Camp on Vimeo.

Pawley's Island for Myriam and Jay's Wedding in the sweetest little area of South Carolina.

2011-05-24T21:43:00.000-04:00

Chapel.

2011-05-17T23:06:00.002-04:00

2011-05-16T23:15:00.005-04:00

"Why do I like running?
Because it’s there, I suppose."
Adam Van Koeverden

Neil Young at Massey Hall.

2011-05-12T11:05:00.000-04:00

Review from The National Post

The result was an intimate, almost nostalgic show, that exposed the vulnerability of a man looking back on his life through the rearview mirror.

As he sang on Love and War, “There have been songs about love. I sang songs about war. Since the backstreets of Toronto. I sang for justice and I hit a bad chord. But I still try to sing about love and war.”

Judging by the four standing ovations he received Tuesday night, including one when he took the stage, that has been more than enough.

Verdict: You’d be foolish to miss the Legend himself in such a legendary venue

Set List

Hey Hey, My My [Into the Black]

Tell Me Why

Helpless

You Never Call

Peaceful Valley Boulevard

Love and War

Down By the River

Hitchhiker

Ohio

Sign of Love

Leia

After the Gold Rush

I Believe in You

Rumblin’

Cortez the Killer

Cinnamon Girl

Encore

Walk With Me

Another powerful documentary from Hot Docs in Toronto. I was absolutely floored by this film. Take note it is extremely emotional.

2011-05-08T15:14:00.000-04:00

Family Portrait in Black and White

Witnessed a "no no". Pretty cool.

2011-05-08T15:02:00.001-04:00

52 Suburbs.

2011-05-06T19:00:00.000-04:00

I've followed the 52 Suburbs blog since October 2009 when we first landed in Sydney. The author takes an indepth look at Sydney's suburbs. Now there is a book being published from it! After many rainy weeks of Spring in Toronto, I can't help but dream of a sunny park in Sydney. We loved that city and the three months we stayed there. Here are a few reasons why.

Go on a walk with Jane.

2011-05-05T22:11:00.000-04:00

Learn more here.

Jane Jacobs was an American-born Canadian activist who devoted her life to studying cities. Her passion for public space and urban planning led her to write 7 books, halt the gentrification of many local neighbourhoods in New York and Toronto, influence the withdrawal of expressway construction and aid in the success of housing projects. She saw cities as individual ecosystems that had their own dynamic energy which would change according to who occupied them and how they were used.

On my walk home from work - a band playing "All These Things I Have Done" by The Killers. Awesome.

2011-05-05T21:48:00.000-04:00

HOT DOCS IS BACK PEOPLE.

2011-05-05T21:43:00.002-04:00

TORONTO NIGHT. GET OUT AND SEE AN AMAZING DOCUMENTARY.

We waited in the RUSH line to see Hell and Back Again. It was very powerful. We loved it.

I feel like this is what Toronto has looked like lately at night with all of the rain...get here soon summer.

2011-04-27T21:33:00.002-04:00

via earlybird

I forgot how much I love theatre...ballet...dancing...singing!

2011-04-27T21:29:00.000-04:00

Thanks for the fantastic tickets Mom! What a treat that was!

Happened to glance out the window after yoga this morning and witnessed the Toronto Sikh Parade.

2011-04-24T19:10:00.000-04:00

More information on CBC.

Amazing day on "the farm" in Drumbo, Ontario - we even saw a cow give birth! Incredible! Big thanks to Auntie Carol and Uncle Ken.

2011-04-24T17:44:00.001-04:00

2011-04-16T18:35:00.003-04:00

On a random Friday night exploring The Annex...we found Nepali food!

2011-04-16T11:03:00.000-04:00

Saturday on Queen Street rolled into Sunday at CYKL which rolled into a beautiful Sunday evening on Queens Quay. Great weekend.

2011-04-11T20:05:00.005-04:00

Public protest at Yonge Dundas Square. Gab pretending to protest. Kensington Market. Boys gear up for Habs versus Leafs game. First beautiful spring day!

2011-04-09T19:54:00.000-04:00

Crab at Rodney's with our good ol' friend Patrick and of course, Maeve...

2011-04-09T19:37:00.002-04:00

One of a Kind Show.

2011-04-09T19:24:00.000-04:00

If it comes to your city or a city that you're visiting, go to the One of Kind Show.

Nota Bene. Take Note. Delicious!

2011-04-02T21:06:00.002-04:00

Everything we had here was terrific!

Canoe. A beautiful way to spend an evening in Toronto. Must see view.

2011-04-02T21:01:00.003-04:00

The adventures of Peggy and Kate.

2011-04-02T20:52:00.001-04:00

Baked by Melissa. Found this place by Grand Central. HAD TO STOP!

2011-03-23T20:13:00.001-04:00

Find more here!

My new hero.

2011-03-23T20:11:00.000-04:00

I'm a tad late for the party but I've found a new hero in Marilyn Bell. What an amazing gal!

Porter.

2011-03-23T20:04:00.003-04:00

When was the last time you actually said you loved an airline? Porter is just so fantastic that I have been telling everyone who will listen to jump on the band wagon and fly with them soon - free wine and beer people! Their branding is equally notable. Here are some highlights.

I love looking at route maps designed by airlines. Love it.

What I learned about Ontario from Porter's in-flight literature.

Capital: Toronto

Demonym: Ontarian

Nickname: “The Heartland Province”

Bird: Common loon

Name origins: This province likely draws its name from the word Onitariio, which translates to “beautiful lake” or “sparkling water,” and was first used to name Lake Ontario.

Motto: Ut incepit fidelis sic permanet (Loyal She Began, Loyal She Remains)

Yeah!

New York, New York with Dana for the weekend.

2011-03-20T12:47:00.007-04:00

2011-03-12T22:18:00.005-05:00

Read an article. Checked out the joint. Loved it.

2011-03-12T22:09:00.002-05:00

It's nice when reviews are accurate! Agave y Aguacate is a must-try in Kensington Market.

Very rainy Saturday.

2011-03-05T20:14:00.000-05:00

Photo by wen zheng

This weekend in Toronto.

2011-03-04T23:08:00.002-05:00

You have to see Zane Turners wax art...