Here’s a few shows that should be on your radar!

1. Green Living Show

March 27 – 29, 2015 at the Metro Convention Centre. (255 Front St W)

Love this incentive: FREE ADMISSION WITH E-WASTE, courtesy of Solve For Tomorrow & Samsung.

2. One of a Kind Spring Show and Sale:
 This show features over 450 artisans and is truly one of my favourite shows.

Dates:  March 25 – 29, 2015 (5 days) Place:  Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd., Hours:  Weekdays & Saturdays: 10am – 9pm; Sundays: 10am – 6pm;  Late Night Shopping: March 26, 9am – 11pm.

If you are a foodie like me, then you will want to read this blog post by Yum Yum Factor called: What’s Cooking at This Year’s Spring One of a Kind Show- My Ten Favourite Food Treats.

3. Toronto Food + Drink Market …April 10 -12, Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place.

As always, no shortage of fun activities to do in Toronto.

Share this:

Here’s a list of upcoming events on my radar for the next six weeks!  Thought I might share some of them with you BEFORE I go, rather than blog about them afterwards! Here we go…

1. Green Living Show. April 25-27th at the Direct Energy Centre.  A show that I won’t miss….I admit that I head to the Local Food exhibitors first and then I stroll thru the rest of the show. Nothing wrong with that, right?

2. The Toronto Jewish Film Festival (May 1-11th). Again – a festival that I won’t miss.  This is one of the largest festivals of its kind in the world, with films from 23 countries that reflect aspects of Jewish Identity and diversity with universal themes.  For full programming schedule and details, check out http://www.tjff.com.

2. Four Winds Kite Festival at Kortright.  May 3 & 4th (10 am to 4 pm). This is the place to BE to watch spectacular professional kite flying. Seriously this is a unique experience.

3. Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa, May 9 – 19th. I simply can’t wait to wake up early in the morning and snap a gazillion photos of the tulips. It’s really special. Then I’m going to spend the rest of my time, eating my way thru Ottawa!! (for a change).

3. Crave TO: Friday May 30, from 5 pm to 11 pm at Wychwood Barns.  Ignite your senses and launch patio season with Toronto’s premier street food and craft beer creators all to the soundtrack of Toronto DJs. Sounds like a place I want to be!!

Looks like I’m going to be busy for the next 6 weeks. Throw in a weekend to the cottage as well which will include test driving a Hyundai. Can’t wait.

Hey May – I’m ready for ya!!

Share this:

I went to the Green Living Show last year and knew that I would be returning. No question, the environment has becoming more and more important in our every day lives. Infact, I just got rid of my gas guzzling mini van and can’t wait to drive my far more fuel efficient Nissan Versa. But let’s get back to the Green Living Show – it’s a show you don’t want to miss. They have it all.

• a green beauty bar
• an electric vehicle show
• live bird demonstrations
• an eco music movie swap
• a farmers market
• the sweaty equity  yoga pavilion
• the organic council of Ontario pavillion
• Toronto Fair Trade Town
• and lots more!!

Naturally I spent a lot of time at the FARM FRESH FARE. (perhaps too much time) It didn’t take me too long to find a few salads to take pictures of. I mean how gorgeous are these salads?

Chef Christopher Palk of L’Eat Catering created this beauty of a salad:

Ontario Chopped Salad with Pickled Ramp Buttermilk Ranch, House Made Red Wine Vinegar and Mustard Vinaigrette or Green Apple, Herb and Cider Vinegar Dressing

The chef was happy to show me the list of ingredients that went into this “All Ontario Chopped Salad”. I was blown away.

This salad created by Chef John from Table 17 also caught my attention. He created a pea shoot and peanut salad with an Ontario Peanut Dressing.

Here’s another stunning salad that was created by the Garbardine Restaurant: Smoked and cured Ontario Pickerel with red fife bagels, baby lettuce and creme fraiche .

I also made a point of visiting my favorite exhibitor….Island Spirits. I met Trudy last year, and went up to stay at her fantastic, unique property in May 2011. I actually told her that next year, I would volunteer in her booth to give a “live testimonial”. (by the way, Trudy…I am serious about that offer)

I strongly encourage  you to head down to the Direct Energy Centre this weekend and check out this great consumer show.

Hours: Saturday April 14 from 10- 9 and Sunday April 15 from 10-5.

Hint: If you bring e-waste you can receive FREE admission, compliments of Samsung.

Share this:

In April, I attended the Green Living Show for my first time. I had never been and had really no idea what to expect. What I didn’t expect was to stumble upon a booth called Island Spirits that featured three unique Eco Cabins on Rice Lake. I stopped to chat with the owner and her son and listened to them tell me more about this unique holiday experience.

A few weeks later, I received an email from TJ (the owner) asking me if I would like to come up for a night. I gladly accepted as I knew it was on my way to Ottawa and I was visiting soon.

Here’s a brief description of our adventure.

4:00 p.m  Left Toronto

5:00 p.m. Exited at Cobourg and then drove another 30 minutes exactly.

5:30 Greeted by TJ and loaded our belongings on the ferry.

Our adventure begins!

5:50 p.m Arrive at Grasshopper Island and we are beaming. We unload and have a quick dinner of party sandwiches. Then we  immediately start to explore the island. We have 25 acres of an island to explore and we can’t wait. This is what we see.

The Stunning Eco Cabin

the outdoor shower

canoes/kayaks

marshmallows - here we come!!

Im sure this swimming barge is used A LOT in the summer

Giant Checkboard!

Our ECO CABIN looks like this and we are SO impressed:

Six Hotel Quality Beds on the second floor

Fully stocked kitchen on the first floor with a futon for 2 more guests

8:45 p.m. Sunset time..(more or less)

Sunset

9:00 pm We are tucked inside our sleeping bags. The kids are making shadows on the walls while I tried to read on my kobo but fell asleep within minutes.

10:00 p.m The kids fall asleep (so they told me).

NEXT DAY

9:00 a.m. Kids enjoyed chocolate cheerios for breakfast. We then pack up and take one last tour of the island.

11:45 a.m. TJ helps us unload our stuff back on the ferry and by noon we are back on land and we head to Ottawa.

We are sad but we know we will be back.

Please visit the Island Spirits website and please book early so you aren’t disappointed!!

Share this: