Great finds at this year's Cabbagetown Festival

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:

ECHO Arts and Design

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)

Free My Interior

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)

Earth to Body 

“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...

Death Boat moors at the Bovine on September 5th

I’m going away for the weekend to uphold my end of an annual tradition watching a Guns N’ Roses cover band in Kawartha Lakes, but I’m going to be missing an incredible show in the city.  So, if you like the unruly, and if you happen to be in Toronto over Labour Day weekend, check out Death Boat at the Bovine Sex Club on Saturday, September 5th.  

Viewer discretion is advised (sorry mom!), but you won’t be let down by this nine-piece pirate metal act from Montréal.   Their debut album, The Trilogy of the Mystic Stone, tells the incestuous, humiliating, facetious tales of life on dark waters aboard the 'Death Boat' and the 'S.S. Sex Offender'.  It’ll be a sight to see them rock out on the boat.   

To listen and learn more, check out http://www.myspace.com/deathboat666

Eggs à la...Paris

I haven’t written for a while and I have a laundry list of excuses, but let’s just say, I’ve been busy and perhaps, uninspired.

After spending this weekend couch-ridden with a flu and infection, I had a bit of time in between feverish naps and movie watching, to do some of the other things I love, like write and draw.  

With my usual appetite returning this morning, I felt it necessary to make one of my favourite breakfast foods, inspired by Paris, a foreign film I watched last night.  This super easy version of scrambled eggs, which I discovered in Paris a couple of years ago, seemed to be a hit last weekend with my house guests (three hungry musicians who were on tour).

 

This isn’t a 'proper' recipe, but try it out your own way, and I promise it’ll add some exciting flavour to just plain old scrambled eggs.  

(The ingredients below serve two people; adjust accordingly for smaller/larger servings) 

Break 3-4 eggs in a bowl

Sprinkle garlic powder over the eggs

Sprinkle about a teaspoon of ‘herbes de Provence’ over the eggs

Add the cheese of your choice: 

Grate cheddar; slice Brie or goat Brie (without the rind); or break up herb/peppercorn goat cheese or feta

Add fresh ground sea salt and pepper (or regular salt and pepper)

Whisk eggs and ingredients together

Melt butter/margarine in a pan over medium heat, add the eggs and scramble away.  Serve with the sides of your choice.  My favourite sides: maple bacon and home fries.

Bon appétit!

Room to Read

I just began reading John Wood's novel Leaving Microsoft to Change the World.  I'll get into how that came about, but first I'd like to reflect on my own love of reading.

In his second chapter, Wood reminisces of his childhood love for reading.

His reflection brought memories of my own childhood rushing back: the Sunday mornings I spent reading the comics, while my parents read the news of the world; the nights I hid a flashlight or a reading light beside my bed and stayed up reading storybooks, then Nancy Drew novels, National Geographic magazines and a variety of other novels, way past my bedtime.

It's when I think back to those times, which were critical to my development, that it breaks my heart to learn that over 700 million people worldwide are illiterate, and especially that over two-thirds of these are women.

I only learned those astonishing facts of illiteracy yesterday, because the head of Room to Read's Toronto chapter came to my work to talk about this charitable organization dedicated to educating the world's children.  

As our presenter mentioned, and as John Wood remarks in his book, women are typically the caregivers, the teachers - "if the mother is educated, it is much more likely that education will be passed on to the next generation."

John Wood is the man behind Room to Read.  His vision began after visiting a school in Nepal and learning their library consisted only of a locked cabinet. The cabinet held books backpackers had left behind, but these books were completely inappropriate for children, like old Danielle Steele romance novels and backpackers' guides to Mongolia.

The presentation yesterday and already the first two chapters of Wood's book have struck a chord within me.  My friends and family know I've been talking for some time now about how I'd like to make a difference in someone's life, or in the world, and do something that satisfies my soul.  It may take days, months or even years to do it, but  I'm going to start by educating myself, so I can educate others.  Hopefully, I'll start by helping out with Room to Read in some capacity, and by passing on some of my life experience to help others.

I will write more about Wood's book, maybe as I read or maybe once I've finished.  I'll also keep you posted on any events Room to Read holds to raise money for building schools, 'reading rooms' (their term for libraries), sponsoring young girls' educations, and publishing local/dual language books for children in developing countries.

John Wood expressed my feeling perfectly when he wrote, "...I simply could not imagine a childhood without books."  So, why then, should so many children live without this necessity?

If you want to learn more: http://www.roomtoread.org.

People You Know

Hailing from mean streets of the village, People You Know's own infectious brand of indie pop-rock gets everyone on the floor.  They've inspired me to bust out a tune or two, dance like no one is watching, and put some bottled-up lyrics down in ink.

Whether you're standing in front of the stage nodding your head, or dancing up a storm wherever there's room, People You Know understand what makes their fans tick.

With Iman Kninja on drums, you won't miss a beat.  Iman is one drummer that you just have to see in action.

Devon Clarke gives meaning to the word groove with her soulful bass lines. And belting out harmonic back up vocals, Devon rocks out like it's nobody's business.

And then there was Aimee Bessada.  Well, the girl can definitely play guitar. With a unique raspy quality to her voice, Aimee belts out PYK’s upbeat tunes and lovely ballads in a way that makes you believe her words are meant for you alone.

This threesome is definitely worth checking out.

Check out PYK on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/peopleyouknowmusic. 

Places to go on Queen St. West

I was out for drinks with a friend who was visiting from Montreal last night, and I must have chosen my spots well, because I think he enjoyed.  So, I figured why not put together a list of just a few of the watering holes that stand out in my mind on Queen St. West. If you’re looking for a VERY chill, somewhat artsy atmosphere, where everyone fits in, with or without piercings, tats, hats and/or wayfarer shades, you might enjoy these spots.

The places we went:

Java House, 537 Queen Street West

If you’re looking for an über casual patio with plastic tables and chairs, this is the perfect spot.

Inside, you’ll find a small bar and two rooms with old wooden booths, tables and chairs. 

Java has a relaxed feel, awesome (and cheap) sangria, by the pint or the pitcher, some good sandwiches, okay breakfast (for those that are hungover from the previous night’s sangria), and great cappuccinos. 

My choices:

To drink: Sangria

To eat: Dinner: Pad Thai, Breakfast: Bacon, Eggs and Homefries with a side of fruit salad

Czehoski, 678 Queen Street West

This former Polish butcher shop and deli that has called this Queen Street West building home for over 75 years has a great contemporary ambiance. 

With two and a half floors of tables, a bar on each floor, a small menu, Czehoski caters to urban young professionals and trend-setting artists of the city. 

An old favourite of mine, the rooftop garden patio is a cozy spot for drinks with friends.  With an extensive list of cocktails, wines and beers (if they haven’t run out of your beer choice, which happened to my friend twice), the bar list can suit anyone’s taste buds, but depending on your drink of choice, it may not suit the starving artist’s wallet.    

My Choices:  

To drink: A pint of Pilsner Urquell

To eat: Frites       

http://www.czehoski.com/

Squirly’s, 807 Queen Street West

Squirly’s is the perfect spot for casual drinks.  They’ve got about six (maybe more) good beers on tap, a martini list that looked delectable, and food specials for different nights of the week…I’m going for fajitas next time.  

The vinyl siding and antique diner style in the front room almost makes me feel like I should be singing 'Grease Lightning' when I walk in; and I mean that in the best way – I love the styles of that era, (that style that, really, has never died - think guys in the classic white t-shirts, leather jackets and jeans...can you say 'hot'?)    

The back room has a different vibe, but is just as chill.  With some pink and black leopard print bench seats, straw detailing on the ceiling and upper walls to make it look like a darkened beach hut, it has doors that open completely to the cozy backyard patio.  It made me feel as though there should have been a BBQ, and my friends sitting around playing guitar.

The staff are very nonchalant, and seemed like “whatever” types, but are quite nice.

My choices:

To drink: Cameron's Cream Ale, or Amsterdam Blonde

To eat: Fajitas (Haven't had them yet, but I've heard good things)

 

Other places to try:

Terroni, 720 Queen Street West 

If you like pizza, pasta, carpaccio (yummy), nice wines, coffee, or anything from southern Italy, this is the place to go.  The Terroni's on Queen has been there for many years, and you almost feel as though you're at a big Italian dinner with family.

The food is fairly priced and absolutely incredible. They have the best, lightest Gnocchi I've ever had, and pizza that actually rivals those I had in Rome.

http://www.terroni.com/

The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West

If you're looking for a nice light lunch, a good morning coffee, or a strong weekend drink, the Gladstone has it.  Whether you’re in the Ballroom Café or the Melody Bar, you’re guaranteed good food, good drinks, and a sophisticated, antique atmosphere.

If you're stopping in, you should check out the hotel rooms - each one is different, designed/decorated by various artists.  They also have great spaces for holding events (meetings, seminars, gallery exhibits, shows, etc.)

http://www.gladstonehotel.com/

Cadillac Lounge, 1300 Queen Street West

Do you like karaoke?  If so, try and catch Karaoke here.  Otherwise, Cadillac Lounge hosts a range of different acts any given night of the week.  

The back room, which opens up along one side to an expansive patio, made me feel like I was in a friend's garage drinking beers.  

You'll see people from all walks of life.  Regardless how you're dressed, how old you are, or what “scene” you hail from, it's an easygoing space.

http://cadillaclounge.net/

Any place that makes me feel at home, is a place I will try to frequent.  There are plenty of great places to name on this strip, but these are my top choices, so far.

Life Changes...

Precious time is all we have. And we never know when our time will come. Like they always say, “Live life to the fullest”. I’ve been inspired this weekend to make some changes, to work at not holding back, to laugh in Fear's face and do the things I've always wanted to do, regardless of how terrified I am, and to try and spend as much precious time as I can with people that make me happy.

I’m going to tell people how I feel, when I’m feeling it. If I’m thinking about you, you’ll know because I’ll tell you so. If I want to hear your voice, you should expect a call. If I want to see you, I’ll find a way to see you, and hopefully you’ll want to see me too! If I suddenly pick everything up and move to Timbuktu, please understand, that I need to explore the world to find my happiness. Life can change in the blink of an eye, so why not be who, or what, you've always wanted to be?

In memory of K.J. and G.M.Q.