Food, Friends & Fun

Yesterday it was promising to be another warm and sunny day and so we invited some friends over for an afternoon BBQ. In the morning however the fog that was supposed to lift to reveal the sun behind it didn't seem to be moving, so we decided instead to move everything inside. I decided to make some yummy Mexican-inspired food bringing the sunshine inside, including some guacamole, refried beans and pico de gallo. Mr.T picked up some cheese for those that could eat it, and I picked up some yellow corn tortillas from La Torterilla in the market (which were yummy). Everyone could make their own soft tacos making for a fun table. Ms.S and Ms.K came over, to be joined later by Mr.D and Mr.Z for a nice afternoon sitting, nibbling, catching up and chatting.

Changing it up

It has been a busy week. Ms.S arrived last Sunday from Philly and that has meant having someone around to play with during the days. Yesterday she was off visiting relatives and I decided to pull apart the shelves in the mudroom. Originally they were purchased for Mr.T's condo in chocolate brown to go with the masculine tones of the condo. However, in the mudroom they always seemed heavy and overbearing and I have wanted to lighten them. So yesterday I pulled everything out from the shelves, trying to reconfigure them into a unit that will in the end look like a built-in for the wall we share with a neighbour. I am hoping to rebuild them and to paint them giving the room a lighter, beachier-feel.

Very Pretty

These butterflies are crafted out of old beer cans by Paul Villinski in New York City. 

Thought for the Day

If you aren't cute, you may as well be clever.

David Sedaris

Train Travel

This funky pedal car can travel on railroad tracks. Designed by Davide Bonanni it is called the “O."

via Neatorama

Like Magic!

This beautiful little cloud was created by artist Berndnaut Smilde inside an art gallery. 

Via Geekologie

Very Pretty

via Wunderkammer

Memento Mori

Via Wunderkammer

The Trumpet of Spring

For a couple of weeks there has been nothing major on my agenda and then all of a sudden everything happens at the same time. The proofs for the collection I have been editing, seemingly forever, finally arrived yesterday from Mr.J, and today has been occupied with making sure everything is as it should be. Last night the Ms.S the CantorLady arrived from Philly and although she was going to stay with us she opted for a hotel to spare me any possible contagion.

Yesterday, turned out to be an unbelievably beautiful Spring-like day with temperatures reaching a record-breaking 17˚ in the city of TO. In the morning I decided to get out there, to soak up some of the warmth and the vitamin D of the sun by raking up some of the leaves and debris that was cluttering up our front garden. Poking through the leaves was our first crocus of the season, heralding in the Spring, a lone purple trumpet. After filling a couple of bags of leaves Mr.Z called inviting us out for a drive to the country to explore the flea/antique market on the 400 near Innisfil. Throwing off the shackles of the city we made our way north enjoying the rolling country. While the flea market is never that interesting the antique market always offers something of interest. Just wandering through the stalls laden with antiques, knick-knacks, memoralablia and old-time junk is always an adventure in nostalgia. I found a really fun swivel stool that looked like it came from an old Woolworth's but the price was too high and the dealer unwilling to negotiate. Mr.Z however found a box of old model trains and bought some to play with on my newly installed train track when he comes over. The highlight of the afternoon was the thickly cut, french fries from a french fry truck that had a long line-up. It was a delightful way to spend a wonderful early Spring day.

A Nice Long Walk

Yesterday after our Saturday morning foray to the market Mr.T and I decided to go for a walk. Although it was a cold day, there was no wind and a bright sun we walked down to the Eaton Centre and then along Queen Street. We found on Queen Street a store devoted to table linens and in there discovered a really, nice, simple white tablecloth for our oversized round dining table. It is surprising how difficult it is to find a plain cloth. So many of the ones we have seen have to much pattern, even when they are white. We made it as far as Trinity-Bellwoods park before the sun disappeared and we decided to make our way home. Once there we decided to order in dinner from our favourite Sri Lankan restaurant Rashnaa settling for a quiet night.

Very Pretty

Via Scientific Illustration

Snips and snails, and puppy dogs tails

These beautiful studies in masculinity are by Scott Treleaven.

Via Form is Void