Dear Readers…

I hope this blog post finds you well and enjoying your summer. I’ve had a SUPER busy sumer. In fact it’s been so busy that I haven’t blogged for an entire month. This is the first time I’ve taken a “blogging break” since 2009….when I first started to blog.

Heres’3 reasons why I took a “Blog Break”:

a) I went to my boyfriends’ cottage from July 12 to July 27 and for some reason Rogers (my internet provider) doesn’t work up there. A neighbour suggested that I buy a Bell  pay-as-you-go-package and indeed it worked. YAY. I used it to work and occasionally update facebook and to reply to emails. However I have to admit – I just wanted to sit on the dock and do NOTHING (which is what I did).

b) I’m moving which means I’m drowning in boxes. It’s insane…. I have-so-much-stuff. I’m moving to a rental condo that is several hundred dollars cheaper and has 8 amenities. At the moment I live in an apartment with ZERO amenities and when my rent went up – I decided it was time to move. Despite the fact that I’m stressed with the move, I’m thrilled that I get to redecorate using CIL Paints. (stay tuned for a blog post)

c) I went to a family reunion in Ottawa from Aug 1-3. This meant I had ZERO time to blog. All we did was TALK and EAT. Repeat.

d) I also went to Montreal from Aug 3 to 13. See what I mean? I’ve been BUSY. I’ve never spent so much time in Montreal and can’t stop snapping photos ..this city is SO beautiful. (stay tuned for several blog posts..LOL).

I look forward to sharing lots of summer adventures with you – starting NOW. It feels good to be back on track blogging again.

Cheers,

Vicky

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Here’s a few events that are on my radar:

a) The Niagara Integrated Film Festival (Thursday June 19 to Sunday 22, 2014). This is a great chance to see some wonderful films AND drink wine! Not a bad combo at all. There’s a wide range of films (Canadian, Animated, Documentaries and more) and you will be watching these movies in a truly unique setting. Please visit their website for more info www.niagarafilmfest.com. 

b) Restaurantacular on Wed. June 25th from 4 – 9 pm. This is a great way to eat your way thru Mount Pleasant! There will be a variety of food from local restaurants that will only set you back a loonie or two or three!! LOVE IT. For more information please visit: www.mountpleasantvillage.ca

c) Night It Up 2014 Night Market takes place this year on Friday July 11th to July 13th. I’ve gone for the last two years and always find something that I’ve never tried before. For more information please check out their website www.nightitup.com

d) Summerlicious will be taking place July 4- 20th and I’m sure I will be checking out a restaurant or two. I’ve already make plans to visit Pukka for a $15 lunch with a bunch of friends. What great value. For more information – please visit their website www.toronto.ca

Take a peek at how many festivals are going on…there’s no way one can be bored during the summer.

PS many thanks to my friend @sackman66 for sending me this list!

Have a wonderful summer everyone!

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Newsflash: There’s a new appliance in my kitchen. It’s the Philips Airfyer. Take a peek… Isn’t she beautiful?

Besides being gorgeous, here’s a few other first impressions:

-It’s simple to use: i.e. one dial is the temperature control and the other dial is the timer. This could not get easier.

-The cord is in the back and slides beautifully into the appliance. No more dangling cords that need to be wrapped around an appliance!!

-You don’t need to use any OIL. (or if you do..it’s less than a tablespoon). The technology in this airfyer is genius.

-My kitchen didn’t heat up and I’m anticipating using the Philips Airfyer ALL SUMMER LONG.

So what did I make?

-baked potatoes (in 12 minutes)

-a piece of salmon (in 10 minutes exactly)

Voila…dinner!!

For more information:

 http://www.philips.ca/c/home-cooking/viva-collection-airfryer-with-rapid-air-technology-hd9220_26/prd/en/ 

Disclosure: The Philips Airfryer was provided to me however all opinions are my own.

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It’s almost the end of  summer. (sniff) But I’m trying to make the best of it. Here’s 7 ways I’m enjoying the last days of this amazing season.

1. I’m wearing these super comfy Crocs as much as possible. I simply can’t believe how comfortable these shoes are. No Joke.

2. I’m trying to get as much Vitamin D as possible. This means, that on a gorgeous sunny day, I went to the Sheraton to hang out at their outdoor pool. BLISS.

3. I’m enjoying summer treats, such as No Sugar Raspberry Froyo from Yogurty’s. This has been the PERFECT treat for my carb free diet!! I’m really hoping to see more no sugar flavours in the near future!

4. I’m wearing my summer clothes as much as possible. However stay tuned for a blog post about how excited I am to wear my Fall Clothes!!

5. I’m using my David’s Tea Travel Cup- as much as possible.  I purchased this cup for $9.99 at the beginning of the summer and the promotion lasts till till Sept 2nd.  This was THE MOST BRILLIANT promotion and I really hope they repeat it next year. (David – are you listening? I hope so).

6. I’m watching the US Open Tennis and trying hard not consume too many of these amazing MAPLE BACON kettle chips from Neal Brothers. I’m having a tough time. They are positively addictive.

 7. Im blowing bubbles. That’s right. Im a 48 year old woman but often think I’m a 10 year old kid.

How are you enjoying the last days of summer? As much as I’m going to miss summer – I’m super pumped to wear my fall clothes. Stay tuned for a blog post called: “I Will Miss You Summer. But I Can’t Wait to Wear These Fall Clothes”.

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True Story: the first time I went to a cottage I was in my mid 20’s. You see, I grew up going to summer camp every year and most of my friends did too. (like 98% of them). The first time I actually went to a cottage, I was in my mid 20’s!

This past weekend, I was invited to spend an entire weekend at a beautiful cottage  that was located just a few hours north of Toronto. Before heading up, I did a bit of prep in the my Toronto kitchen so I could truly enjoy the cottage and not have to spend time away from the dock!!

I also made a broccoli stir fry and picked up some prepared food from Ararat Foods (1800 Avenue Road). I picked up Labaneh, Hummus and Tabouleh…to be specific.

I spent Saturday and Sunday – either in the  boat touring the lake or on the deck eating. I should mention that both days started off with a quick dip into the lake. The biggest decision I had to make all weekend was to jump or dive in the lake. Actually for me – that was an easy decision. JUMP.

Life is good.

I also had the most stunning boat ride just at sunset. It was truly magical.

I enjoyed all my meals on the deck or the dock as the weather was perfect and I wanted to be outside as much as I could.

One of the highlights of my weekend at the cottage was the STEAM BATH. I forgot to take a picture of what the steam bath looked like on the inside but this is a pretty neat photo of the wood fire that heats it up. (which takes about an hour by the way). The process went like this: sit in the steam bath for 10 minutes and then run into the lake. Repeat. 3 times.

The other highlights of the weekend included: seeing 4 deer, 2 moose, several frogs, a family of ducks, many loons, and a gazillion stars. Nature rocks.

There is something peaceful about visiting a cottage. Sigh….I can’t wait go back.

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It’s summer….so let’s have some fun. Here’s some photos of some beaches and pools. See if you can identify them. Ready. Set. Go.

Beach #1 (hint: one hour east of Toronto)

 Beach #2: (hint: 40 min. west of Toronto)

 Beach #3: (hint: in the GTA)

Beach #4: (hint: 1.5 hours north of Toronto

 Beach #5: (hint: 1.5 hours NW of Toronto)

  Beach #6 (hint: 2.5 hours east of Toronto)

Ok..now for some pools

Pool #1 (hint: downtown Toronto)

Pool #2: (hint: 1.5 hour drive from Toronto)

Pool #3 (hint: Located in Vaughan)
Pool #4: (hint: a little over an hour east of Toronto)

Pool #5 (hint: it no longer exists but use to be located at Bathurst/Sheppard). I miss it SO much.

C

Can you tell that I love the summer and I love being around water?

Hope you are enjoying your summer as much I am.

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Summer is officially over. It’s sad. As much as I like the Spring and the Fall…there is nothing like sunny skies and warm temperatures. Not to mention there is just so much to do in the summer.

When I look back, I made the most of my summer and travelled to the following places:

-Niagara on the Lake, Pillar and Post

–Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountain

One of My Favorite Places to go for a Weekend.

–Arowhon Pines

Magnificent

-Canada Day in Ottawa

– Visiting Sandbacks Provincial Park

-Camping at Island Spirits

One of those perfect days.

-Montreal

-Buffalo

-Cobourg Beach (twice)

-Glen Kelso Conservation; (sadly I only went once this summer)

I also took advantage of “summer in the city” and went to use the pool at the Sheraton Centre three times!! I seriously can’t complain about Summer 2012.

But now I can start to look forward to all the wonderful things Fall represents:, the leaves changing, visiting Chudleighs, fall clothes, baking apple crisps, and making fall soups.

Here’s to an amazing FALL.

p.s I was suppose to post this on the last day of summer (which was on Friday Sept 21st but silly me…got distracted, for a change)

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