organic brew

After a recommendation from my neighourhood LCBO store manager, I picked up a 6 pack of Mill St's Organic Beer.  It was so good, let me pass along the recommendation.  If you're looking for a light summer beer with no after taste that goes down far too easily - this is your beer.  And you're supporting our local brewery in Toronto - you know I love that! [PS Mill Street was also named Canadian Brewery of the Year]

summer

It's coming to an end.  You can feel it.  The EX opens tonight here in Toronto on the CNE Grounds, it's always the precursur to the end of summer.    But I hope to fully enjoy the summer, warm temperatures and relaxed atmosphere [which includes my flip flops, tanks and shorts and this Missoni inspired friendship bracelet - when did these come back?] for as long as I can.  What are your plans for the rest of the season?

red sky in the morning

Fortunately, despite the nursery rhyme, this day turned out beautifully.

yellow & blue

Crazy storm clouds that I captured last week.

beachy days

With the summer heat wave upon us, I've been spending the better part of each weekend down in the Beaches with friends.  The breeze, blue skies and water is a welcome relief to the stiffling thick air of the city.  And beach life is the epitome of a summer weekend.  Happy weekend everyone!

the life of a designer/project manager

Is not always glamourous.

The headwear is neither flattering nor my colour....

and the footwear leaves little to be desired.

But on the plus side, you get to spend some time outside

and progress really makes your day.

Another project by Eurodale.

notes on a weekend

There are certain things about summer weekends that make me wish I lived somewhere tropical and warm on a regular basis.

A hot beach, cool lake breeze and a book = best way to spend an afternoon.

Tanned feet and freshly painted toes = easy summer accessories.

Potted tropical plant = indoor landscaping.

Early evening sun, a magazine and a sneaky dog who just got into the ice cream = perfection.

bild race for humanity

Yesterday I took part with team Eurodale in the 2nd annual BILD Race for Humanity.  21 teams competed in the Amazing Race style charity event, running all over downtown Toronto raising money for Habitat for Humanity. Although we didn't finish first, we did win the Spirit Award for our enthusiasm, cheering, charisma - and to a certain degree - our drinking capabilities.  And our LEED Certified Green Birdhouse wasn't half bad either.  For more on the event, you can visit the Eurodale Developments Blog and Facebook Page.

simple landscaping

Did you realize such a statement can be made with paired down landscaping?  One of my neighbours displays one of the nicest front yards in the area with simple boxwoods, small spruces, some white impatients, hostas, a splash of purple alliums and well manicured edges.  Gorgeous.

my neighbourhood favourites

I absolutely love living and an old historic neighbourhood.  Although my architectural preferences lean more towards the modern end of the spectrum, there is something about old Edwardian homes that I can not get enough of.  This home just around the corner from me is my favourite by far.  I can just imagine the house at the turn of the century hosting lively parties and welcoming it's wealthy owners home.  Despite it's simple form and shape, the house is quite detailed with intricate stone and wood accents and the scale and mass of the home are simply impressive.

This is not from the home above, but another one just down the street.  This is the window detail - they just don't make homes like this anymore.

a hidden gem of wilderness

I voiced before my love of Toronto's Discovery Walks - a series and network of paths and trails that cut through the urban jungle that is TO.  Well last week, opting for a walk through my neighbourhood instead of the Belt Line Trail as is the norm for Lucy and I, we happened upon an unmarked trail right at the base of the my street that lead down into a ravine that cuts through between Eglinton and St.Clair.  After a few minutes of a wooded wonderland we emerged in a swampy meadow, open air, cattails and grass.  We passed under Bathurst Street Bridge and the graffiti was the only thing that acted as a reminder of the fact that we were in the city.  About 10 minutes further down the trail, it opened up onto parkland, expanses of green grass, hilly trails and even an off leash for Lucy to run around.  Absolutely a hidden gem in the city and were Lucy and I will be walking the rest of the season.