Kate Spade Yorkville

Above are some pics of my visit to the "new" Kate Spade shop in Yorkville. Hana and I both loved the shop and wish we didn't have to leave empty handed! It's wonderful to see another store come to Canada and open up more shops (there's one at Yorkdale Mall). No need to shop online all the time now is there? I love the colourful world of Kate Spade especially the bangles and handbags. It was a fun experience checking out the shop. The store manager pictured with Hana above was more than welcoming and I'll definitely be popping in another time :) 

Arts Exploration: Ceramics

You may or may not know that I'm one of those creative people who always has one (maybe two or three) creative projects going at one time! Right now it's three sigh :) I love arts and crafts and like to challenge myself creatively. Unfortunately I don't get to do that in my everyday job so one of my dreams would be to have some sort of artsy business on the side one day. For now I'm just checking things out to see what I like and what I'm good at. I'd love to find my creative passion and I know that when I do I'll definitely do something with it. So ... I made it a goal of mine about a year ago to dip into  as many creative arenas as possible over the next year or two. I've taken an art class, learned and tried knitting for a while and most recently a ceramics workshop at the Gardiner Museum. I haven't had as much time in the past few months to try different things because of my job, wedding planning and life in general. One plus with the wedding planning is that the wedding business is full of all sorts of creative ideas and people so that's been interesting too and has given me food for thought. I've met with photographers, makeup artists, designers and bakers which has been really educational and inspiring for me.

I loved the ceramics workshop at the Gardiner last Friday night! I was a bit hesitant about going but in the end decided to just give it a shot. I met some really interesting people that night and also made two pieces. What I love about working with clay is that you can make anything you want. I decided to make a bowl and a cup and will return in a few weeks to paint and glaze them. I might even try my hand at the wheel to see how that feels. I think that I'd love to make a cake stand one day. I'm thinking silversmithing next ... we'll see!

Happy Wednesday!

~B 

Weekend Exploration: Merchants of Green Coffee

This past Sunday the fiance and I were out exploring in Riverdale. We both love this neighbourhood for its diverse cafe's, boutiques and parks You can often find us in Riverdale on the weekend riding our bikes, sitting in a cafe or having brunch. This past Sunday was a rainy day but we still felt like getting out for a walk and exploring. We came across Merchants of Green Coffee and took a peak. I love this space for it's high ceilings and its laid back atmosphere. There is plenty of seating for reading and chatting. The cafe offers a great selection of certified green arabica coffees. I helped myself to some of the Papua New Guinuea beans, got caught in the rain on the way home (we forgot our umbrellas) and made a cup of jo asap. The coffee was really tasty and I'm looking forward to trying some of their other beans and of course another weekend of exploring my city. 

Happy Wednesday!

~B

Sunday Antique Market Finds

Today's a lovely sunny but cold day in Toronto. I got up super late but made it to the antique market in time. I got lucky because I found a couple of things I've been looking for. I found a lovely silver antique cake/pie plate that will be lovely for our wedding. I also scored this antique camera that's dated 1902. I love photography and have been meaning to purchase one of these for a while now. It will also work with the vintage decor for our wedding. Right now it's sitting on my shelf and I love it!

I hope you are all having a wonderful Sunday. Mine is all now chores but maybe I'll have time for a DIY project that I can tell you about later.

~B

Lately ...

Sunday morning walk in the Distillery District

Enjoying the snow on the way to meet some friends

at the cottage this past weekend 

Also made some time for Scandinave Spa

We played lots of Wii

More snow!

Watching the fire makes me feel all xmassy!

I learned to knit last night and I think I may be hooked!

Hope you're all having a great week!

Hoi Bo

1/2/3/4/5/

I was browsing in the Distillery District the other day when I came across the new Hoi Bo storefront. I have always loved the cotton wax coated Hoi Bo bags simply because they are handmade in Toronto, from start to finish. The bags look and feel really durable and eventually develop a shiny finish with use (see last picture). I have a couple of clients that own these bags and so far the reviews are good.

If you visit the Distillery District you will likely see the lines owner and designer Sarra Tang working away in her factory, which is sometimes open to the public. It's pretty interesting to see her work ... I am always amazed by how much work and attention to detail goes into making something we often take for granted. If you want to take a peak, go visit the distillery or you can see Sarra working in this video.

The store is really nice and the staff are really friendly. I noticed that they have expanded the line to also include kangaroo leather pouches and lambskin bags (made to order). My favourite are the black cotton bags with the natural leather handles and straps that will patina over time.

Hope you're all having a wonderful Thursday. It's a pretty warm November day here in Toronto and the sun is really shining. I went spinning during my lunch break and am feeling really good :)

~B

Four Pics

Hey, I hope everyone has had a relaxing and fun weekend :) Here are some pics I have taken lately ...

My cousin Maria @ Orchard Bloom inspired me to make jalepeno grilled cheese. You can see her post here.

Getting some fresh bagels at the St. Lawrence Market last Saturday

Tuesday night rooftop bbq - beautiful view of my city

Fall is just around the corner peeps. I have started to wear scarves and sweaters and am loving it. I also bought some squash! 

Happy Weekend!

B~ 

Weekenders

The bf and I have been on a mission to enjoy every weekend there is left of this summer. We both love nature and have been spending a lot of time outdoors. Two weekends ago we headed up to the wonderful Millcroft Inn and Spa, located in Alton, Ontario. We spent the weekend eating delicious food, hiking, binging on what was left of the Olympics (we don't have a tv or cable) and of course relaxing and strolling around the wonderful estate.  Here I am stopping to do a really crappy Usain Bolt impression during a hike lol! What can I say? I love the track and field events and the relays are always the best!!

I also discovered some awesome salt and vinegar chips that are just right - not too much salt or vinegar that they don't make your lips hurt. If you know me you know that I love salt and vinegar chips. I may or may not have eaten three (SMALL) bags within the last ten days. I KNOW! I need to stop and am working on that  ....  I also had high tea at the Inn. It was so relaxing and yummy. 

This past weekend I spotted this crazy, awesome, hilarious running shoe in a window on Queen Street. I would love to see someone wear them with the teddy bear face bobbing up and down as they walk lol! I also went camping with the bf and two of our friends. This was a short camping trip but is was really relaxing and fun. I just love being outdoor with trees all around me. Looking up and seeing a sky full of stars makes it sooo worth the drive. 

I wish today was still the weekend so I threw in this pic taken on an evening stroll at Sugar Beach. 

Happy Monday!! 

B~

Art I'm Loving: "Play Me, I'm Yours"

I am completely in love with the Play Me, I'm Yours art project that is scattered throughout Toronto. It's so wonderful to be walking around the city and hear the tune of the piano. I have seen all sorts of people playing and gathering around these pianos and it always looks like they are having a great time. Even more awesome is that each piano is painted by an artist from the 41 countries participating in the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games. I was enjoying lunch in Trinity Bellwoods Park with a friend this afternoon when I decided to finally sit at a piano and give it a try. Unfortunately I don't know how to play but that doesn't mean I can't make a jingle and share some laughs!! I love interactive (street) art and wish we had more stuff like this to stumble upon everyday :)

Art I'm Loving: Being Scene

Three Figures in Autumn by Robin Jones

Everywhere a Sign by Peter Mulcair 

Utterance of Addiction by Utter Logic 

Delerium by Laura Laughren

Yesterday I went to the Workman Art's Being Scene exhibit at Hart House (University of Toronto). I really enjoyed this free exhibit that showcases the talent of individuals living with mental health and addiction issues. Above are my favourite pieces.

Check it out if you live in T.O.

I hope everyone is having a great week. I have been off the past two days and start a new job tomorrow. Will be back later in the week to continue my summer travel series :)

Saturday Brunch Obsession: Edward Levesque's Kitchen

Several weeks ago I had brunch at Edward Levesque's Kitchen, located in Queen East's Leslieville. The bf and I heard about this place from a friend, so of course we had to check it out. We met some friends there who were just as hungry and excited as we were. Here's what we saw while waiting in line ... 

These reviews made me even more hungry and excited to get inside, order and start eating. Unfortunately I cannot agree with all the reviews. I agree with the "simple, fresh, tasty" but completely disagree with the "best service" review. We ended up waiting in line for about 30 minutes and didn't get our food for about one hour. The reason we were given was that one cook was sick and another one was in training. I realize that this is likely an isolated incident (I hope) so will not base my whole review on this one aspect. 

On a more positive note, we had great conversation with our friends and shared many laughs, one including the text pictured below which was written at the bottom of the menu...

Please do not leave children!?! I guess this happens a lot at Edward Levesques?!?

Anyways, there's no question that the food was tasty. Feast your eyes on these yummy cheddar/chive biscuits served with apple butter. They seriously melt in your mouth. I (and three others) can attest to that!

I had the poached eggs with tomato/basil sauce, cornbread and Italian sausage. It was good!

Overall the food was great, but not amazing. The service was pretty crappy, but I think I will give this place another chance. What do you think? Would you go back?

Menu

Located at 1290 Queen Street East 

416-465-3600