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!!

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The holidays are officially over. Sad but true. I don’t know about you but I tried my best to make the most of the holiday season. In retrospect, I kept pretty busy. Here’s a recap.

1. I saw three movies: American Hustle, Wolf on Wall Street and Dallas Buyers Club. All I can say is – I can’t wait for the Academy Awards to see who is going to win best actor!

2. I went to a fabulous Christmas event at Kortright Centre for Conservation, that was truly magical. They did an amazing job in regards to creating a perfect atmosphere. Sadly it rained buckets that night – but we still managed to enjoy the activities.

3. I went to see Venus in Fur. That’s right – I saw a PLAY. In fact I’ve seen several plays in the last few months: Les Miserables,  The Musical of Musicals (which has been extended till Jan 12) and Puppet it Up. I’m trying to diversify my interests besides just eating in restaurants!! Ps. The Musical of Musicals was BRILLIANT. I left the theatre with a smile on my face and continue to think about how much fun this production was to watch.

4. I hosted a wine/cheese party (or two). My love for Canadian Cheese continues. I served Celtic Blue Cheese (from Glengarry Fine Cheese), Smoked Cheddar (from Cow’s Creamery) and Louis d’Or (Fromagerie Presbytere). YUM!!

5. I went to the Richmond Hill Wave Pool for my first time. What took me so long? What a fun activity.

6. I made a new soup  with three ingredients: celeriac, celery and an onion. I did not use a recipe. Just winged it.

7. I finally used this organic pancake mix by Grainstorm, which I had been hoarding in my cupboard for a “special occasion”. It’s AMAZING.  Lesson Learned: Buy this product more often and use it regularly – not just on a special occasion.

8. I went to Hockley Valley to ski – err – spa.

9. I celebrated the Winter Solstice in Kensington Market on Sat. Dec 21st. It’s my third year attending this event and the third year that I wasn’t dressed warm enough! When will I learn?

10. I started to read – Open: An Autobiography: Andre Agassi. Can’t remember the last time I read a book (isn’t that sad?). This book has captured my attention…quickly.

It’s been a wonderful two weeks. It did not include palm trees or white sandy beaches – but I was happy – and busy!!

How was your vacation?

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As you know, planning a party isn’t an easy task. Theme or no theme? where will it be held? who to invite? what to serve? etc. etc.

I thought it might be fun to share the ingredients for an Epic Party that I recently put together:

Ingredients:

10 girls

cute eh?

10 pairs of feety pyjamas from Snugabye

no one is going to have cold feet tonite!!

2 suites at Great Wolf Lodge

love this room!!

13 water slides

beyond awesome!!

an assortment of potato chips, grilled cheese sandwiches, cheerios, pizza, juice, and coke.

Party Bus for transportation from Toronto to Great Wolf Lodge from Zoom Tours

Instructions:

1. Mix 10 happy girls in a small coach bus.
2. Chill.
3. Arrive at Great Wolf Lodge – eat pizza.
4. Get into bathing suits and explore the water park at Great Wolf Lodge.
5. Chill. (one more time)
6. Watch movies, go on facebook and give each other manicures with OPI nail polish.
7. Fold into beds, pullouts, and bunk beds.
8. Let Rest for several hours.

SECOND PART OF RECIPE:

1. In the morning – let the girls RISE.
2. Add Cheerios.
3. Get into bathing suits one more time.
4. Pack up.
5. CHILL  before serving 12 tired but happy girls back to their parents in Toronto.

I’m not kidding – this party was epic. The girls loved every aspect of this party and I loved putting it all together. I’ve known these girls since they were in nursery (they are now 12) and it’s been fun to watch them grow up. There is nothing like throwing parties with your good friends. I’m sure they will remember this party for many more years – I know I will remember it!!

Other parties I remember: taking 5 girls to have their hair blown dry, taking 3 girls to an all suite hotel, taking 5 boys to see those Monster Trucks, taking 5 girls to the CN tower, taking 5 girls for manicures and hiring a ballet student to teach 5 girls some ballet moves. Another fun party was at Kortright centre for a nature “harry potter” walk with 5 kids in January!! I always believed in small birthday parties and inviting the kids that my kids played with.

Here’s to many more years of parties. Cheers!!

Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Connector Program and I receive special perks as part of the affiliation with this group. The opinion on this blog are my own.

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