A passing grade

I got a passing grade by my teacher, but even more important is the "two thumbs up" from Grandpa who is the master of apple pie making.  As always, the hardest part to make is the dough itself but I'm sure with practice it will be perfect by the time Thanksgiving comes around.  

Tim & Lou's Wedding Slideshow

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The Chef is back!

After taking a hiatus from cooking school (and from blogging, ahem) today was my first day of Baking Arts class that runs until December.  I enjoy cooking but most of you know my love for baked goods. I also started back at the gym only because I want to fully enjoy my weekly treats. Today was not a full cooking class but we did make our pie dough in preparation for our apple pies next week.  For those of you who want to try my creation, please make your way to Grandma's house next Sunday. And bring your own ice cream!

Lou & Tim get hitched!

Lou & Tim tied the knot at the Old Mill.  It was a lovely ceremony and the fact that it was only 30 minutes made it that much better.  After the ceremony we made our way outdoors for the butterfly release.  A few of us were given monarch butterflies in a box and on command we released them and watched them begin their journey to Mexico.  There were a few little stragglers that wanted to join the party so they parked their orange wings on some shoulders, flowers, heads, and even someone's breasts.  I made sure to keep moving so that it would not land on me - can you imagine if it did? You know how much I love caterpillars.  The reception was lovely as expected and I was lucky to get a front row seat to watch as the couple would kiss as we made kissy-kissy, smootchy-smootchy sounds.  Eventually the kiss turned into a french kiss and I turned my attention to see Seyla and Hannah hide behind their napkins. Once our captain Trae led us to the dance floor, it was party time.  There was lots of drinking - a little too much for some kids that didn't make it past 10, but all in all it was a great celebration of love, laughter and happily ever after.

Jenn & Sean's Wedding

When Jenn first told me she was getting married, she went straight to work and quickly put together her to-do list for her dream wedding.  It wasn't too long when she realized it demanded a lot of work and time and so she ditched the fairy tale wedding.  Instead, they went to Bora Bora where they pledged their undying love for each other.  After a week in paradise, they came back and celebrated with their parents, siblings and 30 of their closest friends at an Al Dente Italian restaurant. It was a simple, romantic and intimate reception.  Everything was perfect. But deep inside there was a part of me that wished we could have celebrated with them in Bora Bora.

Ev & Stu's Wedding

At last, the day everyone has been waiting for...Ev & Stu tied the knot on Saturday, August 23rd. First of all, she could not have asked for a better day.  The sun was shining so bright that you forgot about the rainy weekends past.  Our day started at 8am as we got our hair styled at Marc Anthony and got ready at the Four Seasons Hotel in Yorkville.  Just when we thought we were on the ball, time slipped away from us and ended up being half an hour late for the ceremony.  I bet Stuart was getting nervous but once the bus pulled up to the church, we all got in our places. It's showtime.  I got teary eyed as Ev walked down the aisle.  She looked so beautiful, so happy.  After the ceremony we all crammed on the coach which took the bridal party to the Distillery for pictures and took the UK visitors on a tour of TO.  After pictures we went inside the Fermenting Cellar and it took my breath away.  To see everything come together, to see all the details, to see all of Ev's hard work come alive. It was perfect. Everything was perfect.  Congratulations to Ev & Stu. Looking forward to a lifetime of WNDs with you both.

Pool Party

Norm and I usually have a knapsack packed away in the car that includes towels, flip flops and bathing suits for those emergency situations.  This weekend it came in handy as we were at my brother's place and we made a last minute decision to go to Petticoat Creek.  It was packed but that's expected on a long weekend and a sunny one at that.  Swimming and sunbathing were followed by a stop at DQ. Who can resist a Skor Blizzard or a strawberry sundae? The next day the fun continued at a pool party we were invited to.  It's always nice to know someone with a pool and even better when it's family because you can go there unannounced. Norm had a diving competition with the kids, making sure that all the plants and flowers surrounding the pool got a nice spray of pool water. Summer days by the pool...awesome. 

Handwash only

And so the saying goes "when it rains, it pours". It has been a couple of weeks now since we've noticed our washing machine leaking and now it's so loud that we need to turn the TV on full volume and talk to each other in sign language.  Our appliances came with our condo so we have determined that it is approximately 10 years old which is more than what I would ask for from a washing machine.  So off we went to do our research on different types of washers but because we needed a condo sized washer, it narrowed it down to only a few.  Otherwise I would go for the Whirlpool Duet. And if you're wondering about front loader vs top loader, do your research on the particular brand you are buying.  There are a lot of forums that complain about mold and mildew so when I asked the salesperson at Sears, he said all you have to do to avoid mold and mildew is to keep the washer door open to let the air circulate after each load. Other recommendations were to wash the washing machine with vinegar, bleach, or other home remedies.  Nonsense! So needless to say, we bought a simple old fashion top loader that will hopefully last another 10 years. I'll save my vinegar for when I eat chi-charon.

Ev's Stagette

Martha Stewart herself planned her Stagette so everything was perfect, just the way she likes it. She hired a Blackjack Dealer complete with table, chairs, chips and cards to teach us the tricks of the trade. Diana played a "How well do you know your other half? game" which got the drinks rolling.  The night ended with a dance marathon at Pravda where Ev rock-n-rolled until the wee hours of the morning.

Diana's Marathon Birthday

This week has been all about Diana since it's her Birthday week!  The week started off with a last minute dinner at our place where Norm had a chance to showcase his chicken curry. Tuesday night Diana had her WND Favourites on her rooftop patio where she served all of her favourites from Salad King and her favourite pastry from Kensington Market.  Festivities continued on Wednesday at Saadia & Raju's where they had an amazing spread: mini burgers, chicken crepes, chicken wings, portabello mushrooms, pasta salad and a bean salad.  Di is a big fan of games so Saadia gave us each some construction paper and markers where we had to write and draw an illustration of our 'favourite thing' about Diana.  Later we had a chance to sneak upstairs to try out the WiiFit.  As it turns out, my Wii age is 24! That's right...24! Must be the Yoga. The girls were a little upset because I lied and told the Wii I was 30 (instead of 32, my real age) but regardless, I doubt that would have made a difference to my Wii age.  The wonderful night ended with sparklers as we sang Happy Birthday to our dear Princess Diana.  My favourite thing about Diana is her birthday...can't wait until next year!

Go home Yankees!

Even without Rios we were able to beat up on the Yankees but then again, we had the Wild Child AJ Burnett who was solid and almost pitched a complete game.  It was a hot game (literally - Ev and I were burning up under the hot sun) but by the time the 7th inning stretch came along, the sun had given us a little break.  According to Norm, this was a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.  I'll have to cheers to that!

A day with California bound

Breakfast at Richtree, gelato at Solferino's, fish & chips at the market, butter tarts at the north market and shopping at Eaton Centre.  I know, my blogs are always centered around food but when you live where we live, how can it not?  We're surrounded by good food!  Had we walked down to the Harbourfront there would have been Peruvian, Indian and Jamaican just to name a few!  While the girls went to the Eaton Centre, the boys snuck away and got their feet massaged. I'm sure Eric will be revisiting this place everytime he comes off the plane but next time, I want in.   

Globe Bistro - Summerlicious

Trae's pick for summerlicious this year was a restaurant on the Danforth called Globe Bistro. Don't judge it from the outside because the inside is beautiful and spacious. It has three levels with a private dining room and a beautiful urban rooftop patio. Dinner was good but portions were small.  Tim paid $15 extra for a 15 oz ribeye, potato fries and salad. Norm's highlight of the night was the roasted pork belly.  My highlight was picking food off Tim's cutting board of a plate without him knowing.  Pig!

Summerlicious at Bistro 990

Summerlicious turned out to be a girls only outing - which I always enjoy.  Topics of conversation are always more interesting (not that anyone filters when Norm is around).  The evening started off with manicures and pedicures to start.  I was not lucky enough to join in this luxury but I did make it just in time to have my share of the 'good bread'.  Unlike other fancy restaurants, Bistro 990 had decent sized portions.  It was a lovely evening with foie gras spring rolls, rib eye steak and pavlova.  We ended the night with doggie bags...and some even scored some extra bread!

Let's go Blue Jays!

Chicken wings, beer and a baseball game... what better way to spend a Tuesday night.  The Jays are in a slump these days but we were optimistic.  In the 6th inning we were down 6-2 but with the bases loaded and Rios at bat...you just had a feeling that something great was just about to happen.  Turns out we tied it in the 7th inning and won the game in the 9th.  What a perfect way to end the night!  Go Jays Go!

Gone Fishing

There's something I like about fishing.  Maybe it's the adventure of experiencing different fishing sites and finding the perfect spot.  I also like to wake up early and head to the market to pick up items for our picnic lunch.  These days we are in love with fresh bread, fresh pastries and of course, cheese!  We had a few passengers with us - Princess Seyla, Kahlua and of course the princess herself, Diana.   The day was perfect - and we even had a chance to go to the big Apple.  

Happy Anniversary to us

The book says the traditional 6th year anniversary present is candy or iron.  I didn't have a chance to buy Norm candy but we raided Rocky Mountain at Niagara-on-the-lake and came out with chocolate covered pretzels, pralines and a caramel apple.  Close enough.  I also bought him a cast iron pan (although someone suggested to get him 'iron pills') which he is thoroughly enjoying.  You can't go wrong with a man who likes to cook.  And what did he get me, you ask?  Well, it came in a little blue box (which was good enough for me) but inside was a beautiful silver bracelet to add to my growing collection.  Our anniversary this year was spent at Niagara on the lake, Niagara Falls and we even managed to go to Rochester, NY and a pit stop to the Cheesecake Factory in Buffalo.  And who says the high gas prices will have an affect on our driving this summer?  Although we love our city, it's always nice to get away.  We love to just pick up and go. 

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.