Sea Jewels & Wimbledon Update #7

"Sea Jewels" Treat!

It’s almost Canada Day and I am back at Grand Bend for the weekend festivities! It’s a great chance to lie on the beach, soak up some rays, relax, and have cookouts and bonfires! (Yes, I will be making smores while watching the fireworks on the beach)! However, I will be making a trip into town to see one of my favorite stores in Grand Bend… Sea Jewels!

Most of my artwork at home comes from Sea Jewels. One of my favorite finds from Sea Jewels, is a large African mask wheel that takes up an entire wall- (it’s all hand carved out of a giant piece of wood). They make the most interesting jewelry, home decor, accessories, and clothing. Everything is shipped from overseas and they always have a great selection of masks, mirrors, and vases. And if you’re into burning a lot of incense (as I do), you can stock up on your Nag Champa! If you are in town, look for the store with the giant Buddha out front- and you know you are at Sea Jewels! I tell you one thing; it’s a store you will never leave empty handed! 

Wimbledon Update #7

Another great day for tennis! Sharapova pulled out a win over Lisicki 6-4, 6-3. I’m happy to see her in the final. Sharapova will play Kvitova tomorrow who defeated Asarenka in 3 sets 6-1, (3-6), 6-2. Tomorrow we will get to watch Nadal play British hopeful Murray and Tsonga play Djokovic. I predict that Tsonga may just get into the final- but we will have to wait and see! 

Image Source: http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/buddha-face-wall-hanging-wood , http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/news/photos/2011-06-30/201106301309449822071.html

Toronto Jazz Festival & Wimbledon Update #6

Jazzy Treats!

If you enjoy listening to the cool sounds of jazz- this week in Toronto is for you! Everyday/night this week you can find ticketed and free venues to satisfy any jazz craving you may have. According to Downtown Toronto Jazz, the Festival attracts, “in excess of 500,000 loyal patrons annually over 10 days. Attractions include more than 350 performances with over 1,500 musicians performing at approximately 40 locations around Toronto”. Many of the events are free of charge so it’s an easy bet to find a great location near you! Looking at the schedule of events leading into the weekend- there are many musicians that I would like to hear. Musicians that are playing this week (that makes me feel at home) are Philly’s own, The Roots- now I know they will put on a great show!

Wimbledon Update #6

Were you watching the match between Federer and Tsonga? Tsonga came out with the win in 5 sets! What a match!! Nadal and Fish will be underway soon, and I think that will be an epic battle between them. (I would love to see Murray vs. Fish in the Semi’s)! Djokovic squeezed out the win against Tomic today, but for a minute there, I thought he was going to loose his ground! Many more points to play, but the Quarter Final matches are off to a great start!

Image Source: http://diakidirena.blogspot.com/2010/09/100-great-jazz-songs-of-all-time.html, http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/news/photos/2011-06-29/201106291309356856873.html

The CN Tower & Wimbledon Update #5

“Fear of Heights”

I’m in Toronto and one of the most recognizable structures in the skyline is the CN Tower. According to Toronto Place, The CN Tower “is the world's tallest building as well as Canada's most recognizable icon. At a height of 1,815 ft., 5 inches, the tower is the centre of tourism in Toronto”. I’m just going to throw it out there now- I will not be going anytime soon, because I’m afraid of heights! This ominous looking tower is a reminder to me that potentially one day I will overcome this fear and look out from the top of the structure. Well, maybe.

Two features that I would be very scared to try would be the glass floor and the “Edge Walk”. The glass floor is located at the top of the structure and you can literally see all the way down to the ground when standing upon it. I could never do that! If you are reading this and have already been up this tower- I am quite impressed! The second heart stopping new feature to the CN tower is the “Edge Walk”. It is the first of it’s kind in all of North America, but you can purchase tickets to literally walk around the outside of the tower (via a trolley and harness system)! Just thinking about this makes me nauseous! I’m sure that if you are a thrill seeker this is the perfect opportunity for you. For people that are just trying to look out the window from the top without freaking out (like me) this sounds crazy! If I can gather enough courage, one day CN Tower, I will face my fear of heights and get to the top.

Wimbledon Update #5

Wimbledon is starting out to be an epic day (ladies Quarter Finals). Lisicki and Bartoli battled it out in a 3 set match but Lisicki came out with the win 6-4, (7-6), 6-1. Upcoming matches today include Sharapova and Pironkova as well. If you are interested in doubles, it’s great to see Lisa Raymond still competing in doubles. (I have met her and her family multiple times since I was early teens playing tennis). She knows the game and is playing Wimbledon in mixed doubles with Dick Norman (BEL). Good for you Lisa! 

Image Source: http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/news/log/20110628.html

I’m back in Canada- Great Weekend Eh?!

 

Canoe

Where do I start?! Thursday night I had an amazing evening with the NHL officiating department at Oliver & Bonacini Restaurant, Canoe. If you are looking for a space for a private event, I highly suggest you check out the O&B restaurants. It was an evening filled with wonderful stories from the league (from the officiating team), laughter and exquisite food. I was also able to dine with the NHL's Senior VP and Director of Officiating, Terry Gregson, and I must say he is delightful!

Family Treats!

DK, Me and GK! 

On Friday, I flew back to the US for my cousin’s wedding! The ceremony was held at Musket Ridge golf course with an outdoor ceremony that took my breath away. Reverend DK held an amazing ceremony that had the family smiling, laughing and tearing up at perfect moments. Music was played by a classical guitarist- but when you can incorporate The Beatles music into the mix- you know the evening was off to a great night. The food was delish and the atmosphere was filled with the love of (bride and groom)- Casey and Greg. To top off a great night, the ceremony ended with a 20-minute firework show that not only took us by surprise, but also was the perfect ending to a perfect day. The family wasn’t about to stop there- so we ended up taking the 3 family buses back to Casey’s Bar where we stayed until the early morning.

Wimbledon Update #5

 Pironkova

If you have been keeping up with Wimbledon- today has been filled with upsets! Fish is the only remaining American in the mix, as the Williams sisters are officially out of the tournament. Pironkova had an amazing match (above) winning 6-2, 6-3 over Venus Williams. Federer and Nadal are still playing at his point, but it’s such a great day to watch all the remaining matches! 

Image Source: http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/news/photos/2011-06-27/201106271309186562312.html , http://www.oliverbonacini.com/Gallery.aspx

Funny Money & Wimbledon Update #4!

“Plastic Bills” New Treat

I have gotten used to using the very colorful paper bills and coins (for Canadian currency) over the years I have been visiting here. However, using it everyday I have gotten used to paying with “loonies” and "toonies" (two loonies) for things like my coffee each morning. The term "loonie" was adapted after the loon that was seen on the original dollar bill! I must mention here that I have yet to see a loon- but I am on the lookout for one! 

I have acquired a lot of change the past few weeks in which I deposit into a dish by the door. The nice thing about the “change dish” is that eventually you realize that you may have $12 sitting there in change without realizing it! Yeah! I know I’ve said it before, but it really does feel like I took out the Monopoly board game money when I open my wallet to the colorful array of purple, blue and green bills. But looking at all the same green currency of US money I really do like the different colors!


It seems as though I will have to get used to another change in currency here as the Canadian Government is going to switch to plastic bills next year (to replace the paper money) I have just become accustomed to! Just another new "Canadian thing" for this girl to get used to!

Wimbledon Update #4

Time for another update from Wimbledon! The Americans are falling off the draw as we only have a few left in this tournament. S. Williams pulled through this morning with a win against Halep in straight sets (3-6), 6-2, 6-1. The young hopeful with McHale (USA) lost in straight sets against Paszek (AUT) (4-6), (1-6). However, there is still hope for S. & V. Williams, Harrison, Isner and Roddick. If you're inclined to keep an eye on doubles matches, today is also jammed packed with first round matches. Another great day for tennis (I hope the rain holds out)! 

Image Source: http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/news/photos/2011-06-23/201106231308834106799.html,http://www.revnyou.com/Making_Money_in_Real_Estate_is_as_Easy_as_1-2-3.html

Weather in Toronto & Wimbledon Update #3

 “Unpredictable, Random T-Storms” Rainy Treat

I have noticed the weather in Toronto is often unpredictable, random, and rolls off the lake engulfing the city. There have been many times that I woke up in the middle of the night to thunderous lightening and heavy rain- often jolting me awake. However, just as the rain starts to pour down in the city, the sun often shows itself within 10-15 minutes. It’s a very new concept for me to have the lake effect take place around me, but each time I look out my window anticipating the dark cloud and lightening coming my way. I have a feeling that when it’s winter- I will be updating this blog about the heavy snow that randomly comes to Toronto too! Check out my picture above about the storm that rolled in- you can literally see the darkness taking over! 

Wimbledon Update #3

It was a great match for Venus Williams who defeated Date-Krumm. The real story was the fact that Date-Krumm came back to Wimbledon at the age of 41 after over a decade being out of the game! The last time she played Wimbledon was in 1989 and 36 of the women currently in this championship today were not even born yet! She played an amazing match and had a feel of an old school grass court game by consistently serving and volleying (which is by no means an easy feat vs. Williams). Venus ended up winning, 6-7, 6-3, 8-6.

Sad news for Canadian Raonic today- he obtained an injury that left Muller with the win as he retired from the match after slipping on the grass.  However, Rebecca Marino can still pull out a win for the Canadians as she is playing Roberta Vinci (ITA) now. As I’m following the Americans in this tournament it was a great win for Fish to pull out his match vs. Istomin. Roddick and Isner are also going to play today so we will have to see if they can come through this round with an easy win. I would love to see McHale, (but due to the rain and re-scheduling), it seems as though she has been canceled today and hopefully will play tomorrow. It’s a great day for tennis lovers! 

Image Source: http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/news/photos/2011-06-22/201106221308746775652.html

O&B Canteen and Wimbledon Update!

"OB Canteen" New Treat!

Last night I was at the entertainment district in Toronto at a delicious restaurant called, Oliver & Bonacini Canteen (located in the TIFF Bell Lightbox). If you want a fresh market café and bakery as well as a space for delicious menu items, I highly recommend this restaurant! For a Monday night it was full of people, and I must say the food was delish! 

Wimbledon Update #2

This week I am also following Wimbledon (I hope you have read my blog update from yesterday!) and day two is jammed packed with amazing matches. First of all, it’s great to see S. Williams (USA) who played today in an emotional first round win against Rezai (FRA). I was hoping that she would come back (after being off an entire year due to some major health issues) with a win at Wimbledon. The other American with a good match today was Roddick who played Beck and breezed through the first round. (His serve was on fire)! Currently, Isner and Mahut are playing again in this much-anticipated match (as they had the longest match in tennis history last year at Wimbledon) but I’m wondering if they will finish it entirely today! Tennis fans will just have to wait. 

Image Sources: http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/news/photos/2011-06-21/201106211308659951881.html , http://www.oliverbonacini.com/OurRestaurants/Canteen/Gallery.aspx

Wimbledon!

“40-Love” New Treat!

Today is the first day of Wimbledon, and tennis fans around the world are not disappointed! The day still continues now (the roof is out because of the rain) but out of 14 Americans playing we have a 5-5 record thus far (more matches are still left to play). It has been a great first round for Venus Williams, Fish, and Sweeting; and still high hopes for Roddick, King, and Glatch.

A great match to start the day was 19-year-old Jersey girl, McHale (USA), who defeated 28^th seed Makarova (RUS). I watched the match and happy to see McHale pull this one out. Just to add to the flavor of this blog there is also a first round match coming up with Falconi (USA) playing Dubois (CAN) today. I hope they show some highlights of this match!

But the surprising story in Wimbledon is the match up between Isner and Mahut! Do you remember watching the longest match in tennis history (played on court 18) last year? Well, if you don’t, it was an intense match and a test of human endurance and mental toughness that spanned 3 days and took 11 hours and 5 minutes over 5 sets! It was an 183-game match 6-4 3-6 6-7 7-6 70-68 with Isner taking the win. Mahut served the first ball of the match at 6.13 p.m. local time on Tuesday June 22. It finally reached its conclusion at 4.48 p.m. on Thursday June 24. Can you believe it?! Well, against all the odds these opponents play again in what will be an epic match that at least will stir up some nostalgia from last year. The question everyone seems to be asking is will they play on Court 18 again or move to a larger court (like Centre Court, Court One, or the new Court Three)? Lots of tennis left to play but this first day is living up to be a great start to the week! 

Image Source: http://a.espncdn.com/media/motion/2010/0624/scencore.jpg

Grand Bend & The Starlite Drive-In!

 "Grand Bend Ontario" New Treat!

As I write this blog I am spending a wonderful weekend in Grand Bend, Ontario. It’s about a two hour drive from Toronto, and it is a great spot to get away from the city for the weekend. It has beautiful beaches and sunsets that are one of the best in the world. There are hotels, a golf course, and a downtown strip (with restaurants, bars, mini golf, ice cream and surf shops). If you’re inclined to stay at a bed and breakfast I highly recommend the, Hardt of Huron! (Those that know me know why of course)!

After soaking up some rays and taking a long walk around the water it’s time to sink into the beach chair and watch that sunset. Tonight heading to see a movie at, The Starlight Drive-In Theatre! They show two movies at a great price and tonight we are off to see, The Green Lantern and the Hangover Part II. Grand Bend is the only place I have ever had a full drive-in experience but I tell you what, I absolutely love it! It’s a great night out for people of all ages! Walk outside to the store to get your popcorn and candy and spend the evening comphy in your car- I love it! Drive-Ins should make a comeback!

The Ossington with 95 Live!

“The Ossington” New Treat!

Happy Friday Everyone- TGIF! If you are stuck with nothing to do tonight, The Ossington is the place to be! Located in the Queen West neighborhood in Toronto, this bar/café is located on the renowned, Ossington Avenue. This area is known for all the hipster joints with unique shops and eateries galore. If you are looking for a really chill vibe with unique sound then The Ossington is where it’s at!

I recently went there for the first time and heard an amazing female DJ (didn’t catch her name) who played an awesome set (think Suburbs of Goa if you listen to Somafm). Tonight will be a great night for hip-hop jams from the 90s with “95 Live” from 10pm-2am. It’s going to be a fantastic night for music (with a lot of “Oh Yeah- I remember that song!!) You bet I’ll be there! 

Image Source: http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/toronto/ossingtonsign.jpg

Patios in the T.Dot!

"Outside Patio" New Treat!

Outside patios are marketed here at every restaurant and bar around the city. I have come to learn that when you spend your winter cooped up in doors (as I have yet to go through a winter myself) you will want to spend as much time outdoors while you can. So Toronto has a nickname of the “Patio City”.

A very casual and cozy patio place in Queen West is a little bar called, The Done Right Inn. It’s one of the first places that I went to (when I first got to Toronto) and it is a must see! The patio outside is arranged around a big tree that spreads its roots underneath all of the tables. It’s a great atmosphere to sit with friends and chill (underneath the leaves of the enormous tree). It makes you feel as though you aren't in the middle of the city while you are there! You can even grab a game of Jenga to play!

The next patio I found myself at was, Jack Astors. We were watching game 7 of the playoffs and this place was jammed packed with people! It had two large patio spaces where everyone could enjoy the game with their numerous TVs or on an outside projected screen. Long tables filled the patio area, so it’s an easy place to please a large crowd of people. I was able to see they have a great bar menu with piled high cheesy nachos and a delicious chocolate cookie banana dessert. Yum! I’m going to be on the lookout for more fabulous patios in Toronto this summer! 

Image Source: http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2010/05/toronto_patio_guide_west_queen_west/

North by Northeast Music Festival

“NXNE” New Treat!

I didn’t realize what was coming to Toronto at first- but I noticed huge stages being built off of Yonge Street and kept hearing music late into the night outside- well now I’m finally clued in… It’s the North by Northeast Music Festival and Conference (NXNE)!

Toronto is the place to be this week for music! Just like our SXSW (South by Southwest) festival known in the US, this week is the NXNE (North by Northeast) guaranteed to showcase original music and some amazing upcoming bands. There are 50 panels, 40 films, and 650 bands that are participating- so if you don’t have your itinerary planned yet- better step outside because you’ll hear bands playing almost everywhere you go! This festival showcases, “indie favorites, unsigned bands, and major- headlining artists alike”. With an estimated 280,000 people attending this week- I'm excited to be a part of the festivities too!

Image Source: http://nxne.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Black-Lips1.jpg

Mochas & Lattes

"Coffee" New Treat!

Maybe you overdid it yesterday watching the playoffs and need a good cup of coffee today? Finding the right coffee spot in Toronto can be a fun adventure but if you want a coffee chain (that tastes good) skip the Starbucks and go to Second Cup or Tim Hortons! I am an avid coffee drinker but I am used to the trips to Dunkin or WaWa- so these two spots are a wonderful substitution for my coffee cravings. To support our local coffee scene in Queen West, I also highly suggest Le Gourmand!

I have to say that when I was putting in my thoughts about where to live in Toronto, one of the reasons I liked where I am now was because there’s a Tim Hortons a block away! I’m not kidding. They have an expansive menu now but I love some Timbits to share (bite sized donut holes) with my coffee. Yum! I see people everywhere holding a Tims in the morning!

The next coffee shop to try is Second Cup. I can honestly say that they have the best Hazelnut Latte I have ever tasted! They also serve Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee, which helps, "improve the lives, lands, and livelihoods of coffee-growing communities". So while your drinking your cup of coffee you can feel good you are helping to support this cause. They also have great specials each week!

Le Gourmand is a coffee shop located in Queen West. Not only can you choose from many different coffees and lattes but also they have the biggest cookies you have ever seen! Literally, they are as big as your head. So whatever  “Cup of Joe” you prefer- you can find some great spots in Toronto! 

Image Source: http://www.theallareequal.com/2009/11/art-in-latte.html

Hockey & Playoffs!

"NHL" New Treat!

For me hockey wasn’t something that I grew up watching. My brothers are avid sports fans and we watched sports teams like the Celtics, Patriots, Eagles, Phillies, Nuggets, 76ers, and even Syracuse University Men’s Lacrosse (shout out to my brother here)! I was also brought up in a tennis household and we never missed watching the four Majors (also called the Grand Slams). However, it was not until college when I was really introduced to hockey and the NHL. When I lived in Washington, DC (for obvious reasons for those who know me) I became a Washington Capitals fan and loved attending live games.

Well, currently it’s playoff time in the NHL and tonight the Vancouver Canucks play the Boston Bruins. I must say it is the topic for discussion amongst many Canadians around me here in Toronto. The top news story often starts with hockey news here (as it was often barely shown within the first 10 minutes of a newscast in the States). What really intrigues me (while I'm watching this playoff series)- is when a goal is made, you can hear random cheers around town and honking of horns from cars in the streets! I’m wondering if every TV in Canada will be tuned in tonight to see if the Canucks can clinch the coveted Stanley Cup!

Image Source: www.sports-logos-screensavers.com/NHLLogo.html

“Take Me Out to the Ballgame”

"Baseball & Beer" New Treat!

I have officially learned what a typical baseball “game day routine” may look like for me. After a quick stop at the LCBO we were ready to get the night started! I have been to the LCBO before but this is where you can buy your alcoholic beverages (such as hard liquor, beer and wine) in Ontario. No more running down the street to your local grocery store to pick up your beverages as I could before! Beer is also sold by, The Beer Store, which is owned by Molson Coors, Anheuser-Bush InBev and Sapporo Brewery. Great name right?! If you end up going there- you order your case like a fast food restaurant and pick it up at the counter. With over 350 beer selections to choose from, everyone is bound to leave happy!

After getting everything together it was time to head to my first Jays game! Let me first state that I will always be a Phillies fan, but I want to cheer on my new “home” team while here in Toronto too. (Except when the Phillies come of course)! I went to see the Jays play the Red Sox and I was not disappointed! First, the stadium has a retractable roof and I loved that they have a hotel connected to the outfield of the Rogers Centre SkyDome! Literally, you could see people in the windows of the Renaissance Toronto Downtown Hotel, put up signs and cheer from their hotel rooms. I love that idea! 

One thing that took me off guard was they didn't immediately play "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" in the 9th inning! Everyone stood up and they played a song called "OK...Blue Jays (Let's Play Ball)"! I didn't know what was going on! My favorite (and funniest) part of that song is when people sing: "Is that a fly ball? Or is it a seagull? Coming in from the lake, Just to catch the game"! However, the next song they played was "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and that made it feel like home! What a great night out- I can’t wait to see more games this summer!

Vita & Vino!

I love my new neighborhood! I’m in Queen West and it’s just the vibe I like! Think hip underground indie scene, amazing boutique shops, and delish local restaurants that can fulfill any culinary desire. So get on your skinny jeans, Ray-Ban's and TOMS get ready to hit the town! If you don't know what I am talking about yet-  you better check these shoes out! For every purchase, TOMS will give a new pair of shoes to a child in need! One for One. So you can feel good when you put on these classic kicks.

Ok, so back to this amazing neighborhood! Immediately, I already found: A "Delizioso" New Treat!!

Are you in Queen West neighborhood and feeling like some authentic mouth watering Italian? Well, I was and was introduced to an amazing restaurant called, Terroni. The wine is imported from Italy and the homemade sauces are magnificent! A delicious treat is their Tagliatelle alla Bolognese (with Parmigiano Reggiano) and Ravioli Di Zucca (homemade ravioli stuffed with a roasted butternut squash). Yum right?! Not feeling pasta? They have pizza, panini’s and some very unique apristomaco dishes. Another thing that I like about Terroni is what they call their- “Strano Ma Vero”! They have a menu that is filled with Italian dishes that have been prepared for generations and they state, “out of respect for Italian gastronomy- and our grandparents- we maintain a no modifications, no substitutions policy”. Staying true to their dishes- I like that! I have a feeling that I will be back here again. It’s a great spot to take my family when they come to visit!

Image Source Page: http://www.myarea.ca/Queen_West