unsolicited opinions on random things
I love me some fun socks, so I was delighted to see this in Toronto Life: a new Queen West store devoted entirely to socks. It’s just around the corner from where I teach Camp Tech classes, so next time I’m over there, I will most definitely be stopping in.
[photos via Toronto Life]
We’re going to be away for a week this summer (the week leading up to and including the August long weekend), so we’re renting out our house. With our recently finished basement renovation, it’s pretty awesome, if I do say so myself. Spend some time in Toronto this summer!
I love a good garage sale, don’t you? The Danforth East Community Association has coordinated a giant garage sale day for this Saturday, June 1. There are almost 100 households participating, 4 street sales, and 1 rummage sale planned. Read all the details and see a map of participants here.
[photo of matchbox cars at a garage sale by Daniel Spils]
It’s super hot and humid in Toronto today… perfect weather for skipping out on work a little early and hitting a patio. Check out blogTO’s Patio Guide (there’s a website and also an app for iOS and Android). So many patios for such a short season!
I love Allen’s (classic), House on Parliament (great food and great vibe) and the Ceili Cottage (it’s at the end of my street – doesn’t get more convenient than that). And if you’ve never been to Roof Lounge at the Park Hyatt, it’s a must. The views of the city are breathtaking.
Last summer we checked out Against the Grain, by Sugar Beach. I love the idea of a lakeside patio, and it’s certainly gorgeous… but I couldn’t get into the vibe. This year I want to check out the Drake Sky Yard, Papillon on the Park (I’ve been inside, but never on the patio) and my pal Jenny told me that F’Amelia in Cabbagetown is a lovely resto.
What’s your favourite patio in the city?
(image of Ceili Cottage patio via blogTO)
Whoa. There’s half a house on St. Patrick Street, totally intact. Read the history of the “half-house” on blogTO.
[images via Chris Bateman]
The TTC is selling some of its vintage posters (a subway map circa 1958 and a promo poster circa 1966). They’re super cool and only $15 (!!!). I’m going to get one of each. Too bad you can’t order online though – you have to go to the TTC Customer Service Centre above Davisville Station, during business hours.
There’s a new series of prints available at Telegramme (the awesome graphic arts shop in Leslieville), and they’re by none other than my bestest pal, Kinnon Elliott. The prints are from her Toronto’s My Home and Toronto Library series. I think I need one of each. Kinnon, I am so proud of you!
[image from Telegramme’s Facebook page]
I am SO happy to share my newest discovery for baby stuff in Toronto with you – Merrily Merrily. It’s a website run by Leslieville mom Moxie Garrett, and you can shop a great selection of gently used and nearly-new baby and kids’ gear on her charming website. You can choose to have items shipped to you, or you can opt for free pickup in Leslieville.
Moxie also takes your used gear off your hands, and sells it on the website on consignment. I dropped off a bunch of stuff for her this week, and she sells it in record time. I’m so happy I found out about Merrily Merrily!
It’s Friday. It’s cold outside. I am looking forward to relaxing later on, with a pint of craft beer or a glass of wine, in front of my fireplace.
But what if you don’t have a fireplace? Check out this perfectly timed article from Torontoist, featuring 11 awesome Toronto pubs where you can imbibe, fireside.
Cheers!
[image of the Drake Sky Yard rooftop patio from their website]
Do you often lose your TTC tokens? Mine fall out of my wallet all the time. And the ones I don’t lose are often confused with dimes, or just misplaced.
Check out this awesome TTC token holder, made by Spacing Magazine. It holds 10 tokens, and still fits in your pocket or your purse. Brilliant! I bought a bunch of them before Christmas and gave them to friends and family as stocking stuffers.
You can get yours at the Spacing store, and they’ll ship one to you (approx. $2.50 for shipping).