Every year, this community festival becomes more and more vibrant. With part of Parliament Street closed off to cars and Riverdale Park as the main hub for artists and vendors, there is so much to see, listen to, and taste.
Keep your eyes peeled for lots of food, performers, unique art pieces, jewellery, home furnishings, artisanal goods, and natural products. (www.cabbagetownfestival.org)
Some of my favourite finds from this year’s festival include:
With hand-painted recreations of famous artists’ works, Adryan Manasan offers incredibly unique totes and canvas box lamps, at a very affordable price. He will also take special orders. My favourite lamp on display showed Picasso’s “The Old Guitarist”. I’m torn between that one or getting a special order with Modigliani’s painting, “Adrienne (Woman with Bangs)”. Table lamps go for $50 CDN, floor lamps will run around $140, and totes around $25. (www.echodesign.ca)
Guilt Free Chocolate 4 You: Xoçai
Have you ever heard of healthy chocolate? The lovely independent distributor hosting the booth explained that these chocolate products are made with unprocessed cocoa powder. They are sweetened with cane juices and are combined with Açai berries and blueberries. These chocolates are lower in calories and have an abundance of antioxidants. We tried the “Xobiotic Squares”, which contain two probiotic strains, with a total of 1 billion per three 11 gram squares. I wasn't sure what that meant, but apparently its beneficial: the “Xobiotic Squares” are great for enhancing digestive health, and, at least to me, are MUCH tastier than a plain yogurt. (www.guiltfreechocolate4you.com)
This two-person show had the most extravagant, affordable throw cushions on display ($25 for one or two for $40). One cushion cover made of ruched satin had a belt around its centre, another, which I fell in love with, was faced with black velvet and had five thin gold chains running from top to bottom on its left side. Talk about conversation starters. In addition to these custom cushions, the duo also do interior design, painting services, colour consults, home staging, and home organization. (www.freemyinterior.com)
“Skin nutrition” at its finest. A family friend swears by their shampoo/soap bar, saying it lasts forever and her skin can’t do without it. If you saw her skin, you’d know she’s not lying. Earth to Body makes all natural, “plant based, organic, fair-trade, vegan and gluten free” products from scratch. From creams and salves, to oils and sprays, and even Earth to Baby products, they offer items to help customers lead a naturally beautiful life. I decided to try the facial toner for my sensitive skin. It’s made of distilled water, rosewater, range-flower water, vitamin c, lavender, sweet orange, lemon and lemon seed extract, and not only is it refreshing, it smells lovely. (www.natural.ca)
Now I'm inspired to get creative...
