A Classic: Monogrammed Canvas Totes

This past weekend we drove up to Muskoka to visit Ian’s parents.  Now that Little C is on the scene, we have so much stuff to haul around.  I jammed everything she’d need into my Lands End canvas tote (complete with my monogram).  I just love this bag – it’s my go-to piece for throwing things together.  I love how durable it is, I love the classic look, and I can’t get over the price (talk about value – a small tote is just $17.50!).  Last year I got everyone in my family one for Christmas.

See all the Lands End tote bags here.  And come on, if you’re going to get one, you have to get it monogrammed.  Monograms are so old-fashioned and classy!

The Jones Library is my Magazine Stand

Public libraries are such a good idea. I know that sounds simplistic and kind of obvious, but think about it. If libraries (and the infrastructure for them) didn’t already exist, it would be nearly impossible to start up today, don’t you think?

Anyway, on to the point of the post. We have some really good public library branches in Toronto (S. Walter Stewart is my personal fave), and some that are just so-so. I used to think the Jones library (my local branch) wasn’t anything special, since it’s so small.

At first I would just go there to pick up my holds, and then leave. But then I noticed the magazine section at the Jones library. It’s as well stocked as a Chapters store. You can get the current issue of many titles, and you can actually check them out. I currently have the latest issue of Style At Home, and Ian has the latest Popular Mechanics. You can get House and Home, Toronto Life, Oprah, Real Simple, National Geographic, the New Yorker, the Atlantic, GQ… The list goes on and on.

The Jones library has become my personal magazine stand. I know I’m spoiling the secret by sharing it. So go have a look, but don’t take out too many issues, or I’ll have to fight you for them.

Wine Picks & Pairings App

I read about this iPhone app in the Globe and Mail last week.  It’s a guide to wines and wine pairing, which is really nothing new.  But what’s cool about this app is the barcode scanning function, which will definitely come in handy next time I’m standing in the LCBO staring at bottles, trying to pick one that’s not the same-old, same-old.  Just scan the barcode of a bottle and read reviews.  It will even tell you where the wine is in stock at LCBO locations.  Amazing!

Have a Lovely Long Weekend

Happy Victoria Day Weekend!  The “May Two-Four” weekend has always marked the beginning of summer (for me at least), so I’m happy to see it’s here.  Even if it’s still unseasonably cold and rainy.

Today is Ian’s birthday, so Little C and I will take him out for dinner tonight.  Then we’re just hanging out in the city for the rest of the weekend, except for Sunday, when we’ll drive up to Muskoka for the day to visit with Ian’s family.

I wish you a great long weekend, whatever you’re up to, and hopefully the weather will brighten up for all of us (after such a nasty week)!

[Victoria Day sparklers photo by Flickr user Metrix X]

Ad Hoc Chocolate Chip Cookies

Usually the only time you’ll find me in the kitchen is when I need to refill my glass of wine – Ian does all the cooking in our house.  But every once and a while I can bake something.

Yesterday I had a big time chocolate craving, and Clara was in the middle of a long nap, so I made chocolate chip cookies.  Not just any chocolate chip cookies – Thomas Keller’s Chocolate Chip Cookies from the Ad Hoc at Home cookbook.  They are the best.  I think the secret ingredient is an insane amount of butter.

If you feel like making them yourself (and I recommend you do – it’s so easy, even I can do it), you can find the recipe online here.

Dreaming of San Francisco

Seems everyone’s talking about San Francisco these days.  Two bloggers I follow, Joanna (of Cup of Jo in Manhattan) and Victoria (of sfgirlbybay in San Fran) are doing a house swap this week.  My pals Hilary and Tristan are planning a baseball-themed trip to San Francisco and LA this summer.  And now I see a “36 Hours In” article in the NY Times Travel section all about San Francisco.  Makes me want to jump on a plane!

Wanna Do A Road Trip…

…But you don’t have a car?  No worries, you can drive someone else’s.

If you’re a good driver with a clean record, you can sign up to drive someone else’s car from one location to another, and get paid for it.  Or at least get your flight home covered.  For example, think about all the snowbirds that need their fancy automobiles driven down to Florida for them each year.  Or the people that are moving across the country, but don’t want to drive their own cars (I guess because they’d rather fly).

Sound interesting?  There’s a Toronto company that’s always looking for new drivers: Toronto Drive-Away Service.  Or check out the US-based Auto Driveaway for opportunities in locations across America. Also check with any major car rental agency – they’re often offering one-way rentals at a steep discount.  For example, check out these one-way Florida specials from Avis.

If you want to do a really big road trip, consider driving an RV one-way.  The big RV rental companies need their vehicles moved around, and will often offer a big discount on the cost of a rental if you pick up the rig in one town, and drop it off in another.  Have a look at the one-way rental deals offered by Cruise Canada here.