Sometimes I’m so busy going to food events that I forget that there’s a whole other world out there! For example, I finally went to The Artist Project, which a Contemporary Art Fair and allows you to meet and buy directly from over 250 contemporary artists.

This spectacular event is now celebrating it’s 8th year and is taking place From Feb. 19- 22 at the Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place.

In my opinion this is a great INDOOR activity seeing as the weather is not ideal to really be enjoying any outdoor activities.

The show is really well laid out – and in a bright open space. I really appreciated the location that was chosen for this event.

I wandered thru each aisle and snapped a few (just a few) photos. Here’s some art that caught attention. This particular piece of art made laugh as I’m notorious for buying cheap shoes and then paying the price afterwards.

This piece of art also inspired me. I loved the use of wood and the simple “typical” Canadiana scene of a game of pick up hockey.

Take a peek at this piece of art which is made entirely out of corks! How genius. How intricate! (www.nachocartagena.com)

This artist used glass…

I even bumped into a fine art photographer that I haven’t seen since I was 16. How cool is that? (www.kevinviner.com)

This piece of colourful art caught my attention too.

Now all I need is wall space so I can purchase a piece of art!! Plus I would need to make a decision. LOL

For more information:

The Artist Project – www.artistproject.com, Better Living Centre, Exhibiton Place

Hours: Friday Feb 21, 11 am to 8 pm, Saturday Feb 22, 11 am to 8 pm and Sunday Feb 22, 11 am to 6 pm

Admission: $15 Adults, Seniors and Youth $10, Children under 12 are free

Twitter: @artistprojectto

Hashtag: #theartistproject

 

 

Last year, I attended Recipe for Change for my first time. In case you want to read about my experience at this outstanding event, please click here.

This year I would like to share a quick interview I had with the Executive Director of FoodShare, Debbie Field.

1. Can you tell me the history of this event and how it has evolved over the years? We wanted an event that could highlight the amazing work we do in schools bringing food literacy to students of all ages, and we wanted to raise the needed money for the staff who deliver the food literacy workshops. The event combines both goals.

2. How does this event differ from other events? It combines some of the best food in town, a great sense of elegance with a grounded reality of a multi-ages, more women chefs and more diverse chefs than any other event of its kind. It therefore has an optimistic sense to it that I think is rare in fundraising events. It is one night with great food that will hopefully inspire everyone to be active in the movement for food literacy.

3. Describe where the money goes to? Field to Table Schools work teaching kids how to cook and grow food and be food literate.

4. Any advice for first time attendees? The venue is fabulous, the food is incredible, and it really is FUN. You will meet great people as everyone is very friendly. FoodShare is often referred to as a big family and the event feels that way.

5. What’s the best part of the event? The feeling that we are building a movement together for food literacy.

Recipe for Change not only supports an important cause, but it’s also A PARTY you don’t want to miss. With 30 chefs reflecting Toronto’s diverse food scene, 2 craft brewers and 3 wineries, this will be the most delicious fun night of the year! The festivities take place on Thursday Feb 26th from 6 pm to 9 pm. at the St. Lawrence Market North Building. Grab a friend, buy your tickets and arrive promptly at 6 pm wearing your stretchy pants!

 

 

I wanted to relax on Valentine’s Day and I really (really) did accomplish my goal. How did I do this? I simply booked a Staycation at the Toronto Don Valley Hotel!!

I made it even better better by asking for an early check in (1 pm) and a late check out (6 pm). I was besides myself with happiness at the thought of doing NOTHING.

There was an “inner peace” as soon I entered their renovated lobby.

Then when I entered the room and saw the crisp fresh linens, I knew that I made the right decision!!

Life got even better after visiting the gym which was spacious and very bright! Momwhoruns needs to run even when she’s enjoying a staycation!!

Sadly I did not use their indoor pool however you can bet that I will return to use their outdoor pool in the summer. Yes…the Toronto Don Valley Hotel is one of the rare hotels in Toronto that has both an outdoor AND an indoor pool.

I relaxed by binge tv watching (like the rest of my friends) and it it felt great! If you haven’t checked out Shomi yet…well you should!!

My state of relaxation was so intense that I failed to make it to breakfast cause I couldn’t seem to get up on time and before you knew it, the breakfast buffet was over. However I would return to eat this Tuna Tataki Salad in the DV Bar Bistro in a heartbeat. Note to self: return in the summer to enjoy the outdoor pool and the DV Bar Bistro!

A Staycation on Valentine’s Day was perfect. Especially when it involved a  relaxing stay at the Toronto Don Valley Hotel, Veuve Clicquot and a box of Lindt Chocolates. What a great combo.

Yes #LifeisGood!!

Warm up this winter and book yourself a staycation at the Don Valley Hotel too!!

For more information:

Toronto Don Valley Hotel, 175 Wynford Dr, Toronto, (416) 449-4111

Twitter: @TorontoDVHotel

Disclosure: My hotel room and a 1 month subscription to Shomi, were complimentary however all opinions are my own.

I’m always trying to sneak in more protein into my diet seeing as I’ve tried to reduce my carb intake. Consuming more protein really makes me feel full. Here’s a few products that have caught my attention:

a) Maple Leaf Foods PROTINIS: 

PROTINIS Skewers, are a new line of over-roasted chicken snacks for the whole family. Snacks with complete protein, like chicken, contain 9 essential amino acids that the body needs to support physical activity and weight management. These skewers were perfect for me to take as a snack when I had a 4.5 hour drive to Ottawa!

b) Barilla Pasta

Barilla PLUS delivers 27% more protein than Barilla’s traditonal semolina pata. Each 85g serving of Barilla PLUS provides 14 grams of high quality protein. This high quality protein comes from ingredients like chickpeas, lentils and egg whites.

Even though I’m trying to cut carbs this is a pasta that I would choose on a “cheat day”!

PS did you know that celebrity Chef David Rocco recently partnered with Barilla?

c) Kellogg’s Special K Protein Shakes

Sometimes before I head on to the treadmill, I get a bit nervous that I didn’t have enough to drink or I didn’t consume enough food to get me thru my run (yes  – this is what you call “Runners Problems”). LOL. This convenient drink does the trick.

Kellogg’s Special K Protein Shakes are available in Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla, Café Latte and Mocha flavours to help shake off hunger without sacrificing taste.

What’s your favourite way to incorporate protein into your diet?

Disclosure: I received compensation and/or product however all my opinions are my own

A few weeks ago, I was totally spoiled and had the opportunity to experience a Winterlicious lunch at the Four Seasons Hotel followed by a Winterlicious dinner the next day at the Toronto Hyatt Regency on King.

From January 30 to February 12, more than 200 of Toronto’s top restaurants are offering three-course prix fixe menus at one of three price categories:

Lunch:   $18  |  $23  |  $28

Dinner:   $25  |  $35  |  $45

There’s still time to pick up the phone and secure reservations of Winterlicious and I do hope that you would consider both of these restaurants!!

Here’s my (brief) review of my Four Seasons Winterlicious lunch at Cafe Boulud:

Cafe Boulud doesn’t disappoint when it comes to service, atmosphere or execution. For some reason, I had never been to the new Four Seasons before but I would certainly return!! I even dressed up for the occasion which is not something I usually do.

Please click on this link to check out their Winterlicious menu!

b) Toronto Hyatt Regency Winterlicious Dinner:

Again, I was treated to exceptional service. There’s no question there’s value in any Winterlicious meal at a hotel!! Please click on the link to read more about their Winterlicious menu.

Now – go pick up the phone and make a reservation.

Toronto Hyatt Regency:  370 King St. West, Toronto,  416-963-6000

Four Seasons – Cafe Boulud: 60 Yorkville Ave, Toronto 416 964-0411

Happy Winterlicious!!

Discloure: Both meals were complimentary however all opinions are my own.

Here’s a recap of my day:

It started off at Mr. Mike’s Pizza (269 Morningside) so that I could inhale a slice of poutine pizza…

……and it ended off at Brookelynn Bistro (9300 Keele St) to help celebrate World Nutella Day.

In between those two events, I went to the gym and ran on the treadmill (I swear).

Seriously. Life is good. Here’s more information about why I consumed Poutine Pizza and Nutella on the same day!!

a) Poutine Week takes place from Feb 1 – 7th,  at 23 participating restaurants. I love the stuff….I’ve had it in sandwich, for brunch and now on a pizza.

b) World Nutella Day is on Feb 5th. I was happy to celebrate this special day  with Brookelynn Bistro, Fables & Foccaccia in collaboration with Continental Noodles and Wild Burger! The menu included Wild Boar Nutella Sliders, Plantain Nutella Springrolls, Nutella Arancini, a Nutella Spread Station, and a Nutella Dessert Station and more!! I was freaking out with happiness. One item was better than another! Kudos to www.sweetboutique.ca for their delicious nutella creations and Wild Burger too. I’m in a food coma!!

Le Sigh…..

ps many thanks to Fables and Focaccia for inviting me to help celebrate World Nutella Day. You really are Queen of Nutella.

A few weeks ago, I read about Archery District on BlogTO. I said to myself “hmm…that sounds like SO much fun”. (um, like 6,000 sqf of fun) So I picked up the phone and went to visit this unique space a few days later.

I found out that Archery District is a franchise that can be found in the States, but four friends from high school got together and brought the first franchise to Toronto.

When I arrived, I was given goggles and then headed over to a practice area for a few minutes of training.  Once my training was over, I was eager to see if I could hit the target. I actually hit it once and then that was the end of my “luck”. LOL

Even though Archery District just opened up a few weeks ago, they are already popular and groups were actively playing Archery dodgeball when i arrived.

Grab a bunch of friends and go. I have no doubt that everyone will have a blast.

For more information:

Website: www.archerydistrict.com 

Address: 770 Birchmount Rd, Unit 22

Phone:  647 955 3111

Hours: Mon-Thur: By booking only, Fri: 4pm-1am, Sat: 10am-1am,  Sun: 10am-10pm

This place is really worth checking out if you are looking for something fun to do!

My neighbour gave me a recipe from the Toronto Star that she thought might interest me.  I figured: “why not”? I was actually curious if this recipe would turn out and it did! Please note – this is a 2 step recipe that requires you to bake the potatoes and then stick them in the fridge overnight!

White Potato Nest Frittata (Star Tested – Toronto Star, Jan 3, 2015) written by Michele Henry

INGREDIENTS

2 large russet potatoes

6 eggs

salt and pepper

6 tbsp diced red pepper

6 tbsp diced shallot (I didn’t have any in my fridge…oops)

6 tbsp grated cheddar (I used OKA).

DIRECTIONS

1. Bake potatoes in preheated oven at 350 F for about an hour

2. Let cool for 20 minutes

3. Place in refrigerator overnight.

4. The next day – grate the potatoes over a bowl and then season with salt and pepper

5. Generously spray the muffin tin with PAM or grease with vegetable oil. Then pat the potatoe mixture into the muffin tin to form a well. Note; the two potatoes were exactly enough for a 12 piece muffin tray.

6. Bake in a preheated oven at 425 F for 15 to 20 minutes or till golden brown. (yes – the edges turned golden brown). I placed the muffin tray on the top rack!

7. Remove from the oven and then place a tiny amount of red pepper and cheese and shallot – into each potato nest.

8. Crack open an egg on top of each nest. I swear I thought they would overflow but they didn’t. PHEWW.

9. Bake in a pre heated oven at 400 F for 15 to 20 minutes.

FINAL PRODUCT

I then sprinkled each one with dried dill. Next time I would use add fresh dill or fresh parsley AFTER they were cooked

Again – I thought that they were going to spill over but everything worked out. Pheww!

Note to self…I really need to have company over for brunch one day soon.

 

 

There’s a new app on my phone that I would like to share with you!  See the icon that says “Nectar Flowers” ? Well I just installed it and then I used it to send flowers to my daughter over the weekend!

This app is truly unique and as you know I like anything unique!! Why did I like using this app so much? Here’s a few reasons..

a) I was able to record a video message instead of a note! Love this idea

b) It was super easy to use. After several clicks…my order was processed.

c) The app will even assist you if you don’t know the exact address

I love discovering new apps. Infact, I actually need to write an entire blog post about some of my new favorites so stay tuned.

Here’s the bouquet that was delivered which is called: Sun Bath Bouquet. Price ($39) ps vase not included.

 

Seeing as Valentines Day is around the corner, I thought I would share this special offer with you!

For more information: www.nectarflowers.com

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

You would think that I would get bored to attend the same event, year after year. But I’m not. Every time I attend the Interior Design Show I am blown away. There’s so much eye candy at this show…it’s not even funny.

Naturally the event starts off for me with the Opening Party. This is one party – I won’t miss. Of course I had to wear the right shoes! LOL.

Here are some beautifully designed pieces that caught my eye.

a) Don’t you just love this chair? Not sure if it’s comfortable, but I sure do like looking at it!

b)  This bathtub is just soooo elegant!

c) Believe it or not – this is a tile! What a statement..

d) One carpet is more beautiful than the next one.

e) This is one of my favorites…its simply a thick piece of black rope. I think this would look great in a family room or on a bedroom wall behind a bed.

e) Of course, I had to take advantage of the swings and goof around a bit!!

There is seriously so much to see at this show and I really hope you get a chance to visit this weekend.  As you know, I’m more of a foodie yet I truly adore this show.

For more information:

Website: www.interiordesignshow.com (worth buying your tickets online)

Hours: Saturday Jan 24, 10 am to 7 pm and Sunday Jan 25, 10 am  to 6 pm.

Location: Metro Convention Centre, North Building, Toronto