A weekend with kids...

While Norm was 'sightseeing' in Boston, I got to experience life at my brother's house.  They were expecting me right after work on Friday night but Ev twisted my arm to stay downtown for some shopping and dinner with Di.  Early Saturday morning I made my way to Meadowvale where Flo had breakfast ready (I can get used to this).  Jeremy was awake so I was lucky to spend some alone time with him as he tricked me into taking me out of his exersaucer.  Most of my time there was spent carrying this 28lb little boy. I think I may need a hip replacement now. Soon after, Hazel heard the chatter downstairs and quickly got out of bed to see me.  She so sweetly cleaned her room from top to bottom just for me.  Flo says I should come over more often since she has never seen Hazel's room so clean.  And then there's my little man, Hayden.  As soon as he saw me he asked, "Tita Mel, what took you so long?".  Apparently his mother made the mistake in telling him I 'might' come over as early as Friday night. There's no such thing as 'might' in a child's vocabulary and so he stayed up until 3 am waiting for me.  So what's a girl to do with three kids and a sister in law? Two words: Vaughan Mills.  I took Hayden to the racetracks, Hazel shopping and pushed Jeremy around the mall.  A few hours later we made our way home, ordered Frederick's and called it a night.  Life with kids is definitely a challenge but anything is possible when you have a brother who picks up food, moves my car at night to avoid a ticket and Flo's famous chocolate chip cookies that followed me all the way home. 

And now, it's back to reality...

Ev's favourite things

As per Sally's blog, Ev invited us over for her birthday dinner.  Just to name a few, she received Glen's favourite toilet paper, oregano oil which is Di's favourite home remedy, sun screen from her favourite Pharmacist and Pocky from her most favourite, fobulous friend.  It makes shopping a lot easier when you shop for what you like versus what you think the receiver will like.  Although it is always hard to buy something for Ev (as we all know she has everything) it was a lot easier this year.  I walked into my favourite store, Banana Republic, and purchased a bracelet I absolutely would have loved for myself.  I was thankful there was a sale but I still went over the $25 limit. Ev, buy me a coffee and I'll call it even. 

Another road closure

Looks like I have a theme going. I am happy to report any road closures this summer in and around the city.  This weekend College St was closed for the Taste of Little Italy.  Everyone seemed to be enjoying the patios but we were on the look out for something "different".  They had rows and rows of BBQ's that were serving chicken and beef kabobs, burgers, and of course corn.  What caught my eye (and my appetite) was a bakery called Riveria.  We had something called "arancini" which is a rice ball with peas, onions, cheese and ground beef.  It resembles an orange (hence the name) once it is rolled in a ball and fried until golden.  We also treated ourselves to some pastries filled with sweet ricotta cheese.  Thank goodness we went to gym.  In fact, it may have been still within the 'power hour' time limit.  At that same bakery, we heard a few people ordering ice cream sandwiches.  I figured it must be good since so many people were ordering them.  To my surpise, they were actual sandwiches - kaiser bun with ice cream inside.  I actually remember my Grandma making me these same ice cream sandwiches with plain white bread.  How could I have forgotten something that was so good?  After we strolled over to Augusta/Kensington Market and had a late lunch at El Trumpo.  Norm had a craving for mexican so we enjoyed 5 beef tacos, nachos and guacamole.  As usual we opted for the patio seating where we people watched and enjoyed the beautiful weather.  After lunch we decided to walk off all the food and ended our day off at Spadina.   I feel lucky and privileged to live in a city so diverse and full of culture.   

Happy Birthday Twins (kinda)

First let me explain my title - my brother and my sister share the same birthday but they are one year apart.  They have always shared birthday parties, shared cakes, and maybe even shared gifts. 

This year my brother decided to leave the kids at home so we headed to Terroni's  where we had pizza, pasta, belini's and red wine.  And what's a birthday without cake so we ended dinner on a sweet note with an array of desserts - tirimisu, creme caramel, and chocolate torte.

After dinner we headed over to Pravda for some birthday drinks.  Norm's choice of drink was a espresso martini, Has went the James Bond route, and Flo & I enjoyed the lychee martini.  It was our first time in their new location which was bigger and more beautiful. They have Happy Hour Monday to Friday from 5- 7pm.  Half price martini's. Good to know.  

 

Another closure

Tonight Yonge Street was closed for the NHL Awards.  I was hoping to see some of my favourite hockey goons but had no luck.  The red carpet was already being rolled away as everyone was already inside the building.  We continued our walk along Yonge street in our quest for a good pad se ew.  I have not found something comparable to the one in SFO and even tonight did not quite compare.  Still, it was a beautiful evening to dine on a patio.  As we walked back home we found the NHL award ceremony had ended and to our surprise we ran into Jarome Iginla.  Iggy!  

Woofstock, North Pole and Sex in the City

It's always nice to start the summer with road closures and street parties.  This weekend they closed Front Street for Woofstock, the biggest dog party ever.  Most dogs were prepared for the hot weather as they were wearing visors and sunglasses.  Those that needed to cool off jumped into the pool (yes, there was a canine pool party) while those that were tired retreated to their doggy strollers.  After some fun at Woofstock, we made the trek to the North Pole for some burgers and beer on the newly, finished deck. What a beautiful day to spend outside with the small kids, the big kids and the young at heart kids.  My last stop was at Milestones where I met my girlfriends for dinner and ended the night with a late Sex In the City show.  Don't worry, I won't divulge any information for those who have yet to watch it so I will end this entry here before I slip...

A few of my Favourite Things

This year we will be buying each other a few of our favourite things.  I know, it's seems odd that you wouldn't buy the celebrant what they want but in doing this, we might learn more about each other and find something new on your own favourite list.  This year I bought Sally a lululemon headband that came with a lululemon bag.  I like this headband because it actually stays in place and neatly tucks away my growing bangs.  I also scored Sally a big lululemon bag which is great for grocery shopping or in her case, lugging 'drawer worthy' things back and forth to Ron's house. Inside the bag was a booklet that includes all Yoga studios in the GTA.  I am hoping Sally will give it a try so that I have someone to do the downward dog with. I also included a pair of Gap socks.  I love these socks because they are soft and thick and they have a nice padding for the soles of your feet.  Lastly, I bought Sally a waterbottle that is not plastic.  This was initiated because I saw a few plastic water bottles in Sally's car.  I guess the theme of my gifts surrounded the idea of staying healthy and to think green!