Project time

Since being let go, (more on that when I can put it eloquently) I've had a lot of free time on my hands!  This of course has prompted me to get into home repairs.  I have done lots of great stuff around the apartment including, winterizing my planters, fixing dents and scratches in the walls and counters, and painting.  But the really big project is re-upholstering my couch.

The budget is tight so I am going to do the upholstery myself.  

While researching I found Bubba!

This one is going to be really useful for me

And this one is just my favourite.  Bubba is fantastic.

This morning I went down to Queen West and picked out some amazing off-white vinyl fabric at one of my favourite places on Vanauley St.  Total cost with two extra yards was $32 bucks.  Crystal is going to help me make pillow tomorrow with the extra yardage.

I also arranged to rent an upholstery staple gun from Stephenson's.  If you ever need trade equipment, big or small, and you don't want to buy it, Stephenson's is the place.  I was hoping to take it with me, but they didn't have the right staples. However, they promised to order them in first thing, and sure enough I got a call later today.  I am going to go pick everything up tomorrow midday.  The rental is gonna run me about $30 dollars as well, staples included.  They guys there were so helpful and service was exceptional.

I love this woman

American Thanksgiving

Went to Stamford, CT, for the annual Mattimore Family Thanksgiving

Everyone is gathering

Biscuits are almost ready, and the marshmallows are toasting.

Chefs Hazel and Trish are keeping the wolves at bay.

The buffet.

Haz has the perfect Thanksgiving accessories.

Black Friday dinner with Paul

And they let me back in!

Happy Holidays

Love you Bob Ross

Eighteen Eighty's film about SWToronto

Startup Weekend - Full from Eighteen Eighty on Vimeo.

Don't I look ethereal at the 13:58 mark?

"You Can See It's Worth It..

And so am I."

Thanks Jezebel

My latest anthem

Thanks Tom

I knew it!

Rosedale in the Fall

Prime real estate with great canopy coverage.

Mid-century modern.

Love the old-fashioned gate.

Could there be a more picture perfect street.

Love their pumpkins and fall foliage.

One of my favourites.

Beautiful modernism.

Simply divine.

Love the fiery red tree and the blue door, with white trim combo.

Perfection.

Great old windows.

Love a backyard gazebo.

Nice fall planters.

And gorgeous grasses.

Couldn't get a great angel on this unreal house near the base of the Don Ravine.

A bit of frost.

"If you dress smart your mind will surely follow."

the New Haven Math Club from Tenue de Nîmes on Vimeo.

Thanks Mud

San Francisco Votes

If you live or vote in San Francisco watch this.

La Perla Spa Review

Fall is a great time for reflection and preparation for the long winter to come. And that's why I was so excited when my friends at La Perla Salon and Spa insisted I come in for a facial. Its been a while since I've had the time and motivation, (read cash) to do any pampering. But as the air gets colder it is increasingly important to take the time to look after myself. My skin tends to show the effects of winter a lot, and can definitely contribute to symptoms of S.A.D.

Typically I have a decent complexion. I'm very fair, (pasty perhaps) but for the most part I take good care of my skin, and it looks pretty good. Bianca, my esthetician gave me a great evaluation and some pro tips for preserving my skin through the season ahead. Wear sun-block everyday, exfoliate, wash my face thoroughly with good quality cleansers, and moisturize regularly. But as the days grow shorter, even the most cared for skin can start to look dull. And, I find I'm more prone to breakouts, even though my skin feels tight and dry.

Bianca was especially emphatic that moisturising is the key. I always assumed that because I tend to breakout I needed a light moisturiser. But in fact, Bianca explained, my skin is prone to breakouts because it is dry, and the skin is reacting to dryness by producing more oils. A heavier moisturiser can actually alleviate breakouts.

She also recommended an at home routine to combat winter skin. Weekly at home steam treatments, Dermalogica Hydrating Masques, and Dynamic Skin Recovery Moisturiser with spf 30 for day, and Barrier Repair every night .

I am so grateful to the La Perla team, and Bianca in particular, for the great facial and awesome skin care advice. I appreciate that she had a glass of water ready at the end of the treatment, and gave gentle assistance as i sat up. It was a great way to kick start the fall.

My current favourite "good" bad song

Tell 'em Demarco

Beyonce "inspired" by Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker

The "inspiration" for Countdown.

Hahahahahaha

I know I shouldn't laugh but this definitely amused. Schadenfreude.

I'm Lovin' Countdown

The Glorious Bathing Caps of Yesteryears

Thanks Jezebel

Pretty Awesome

MUNDAKA 24H from aritzaranburu.com on Vimeo.

Another one from my new favourite Shitney

The 16 year old wife of "actor" Doug Wilson, Courtney Sodden, is my current favourite Shitney. And if Michael K can be trusted, and he can, these two will soon becoming to an idiot box near you. Stay tuned!

Happy Birthday to me: A Wishlist

Big shout out to Shel Silverstein for the above poem!

Last year I did a birthday wish list, which was so successful in annoying everyone that I thought I should do it again.

First on the list has to be: Shel's newest book. Now I know what you are thinking since Shel passed a few years back, but these are all previously unpublished poems by the man himself. The other items are pretty straightforward. Their might be some repeats from last year, but those are because I am still waiting for someone to give them to me! Here goes:

Every Thing On It (by Shel Siverstein)

tights or stockings

fireworks (ehem Max)

sailboat

fall puzzle

a tent

dinner at the cottage

cross country skis and boots

new bike :( - preferably from the jerk who stole my old one

subscription to Vanity Fair magazine

ticket to War Horse (ask Justin if you are confused)

fun stationary

flowers

a hug or kiss!

Origins Ginger Bath Scrub

Inspiration/Aspiration

Lauren and me in 30 years.

Startup Weekend Video Trailer

Look for me at 1:00 minute mark!

Maybe it's just swelling?

God I love Bangkok!

New meaning to the expression Shitney

Shitsnay!

"Check please!"

"'moke breaks... brah"

gotta love Fridays

Mason loves Fridays

Jammin'

"nice tan, brah."

Saturday with the sistas. By Sunday I was completely wiped out. But I did see the 49ers run all over Seattle.

Laughter and joy - the best way to remember.

Actually been thinking about 9/11 a lot today. Historic days do tend to stick out in the mind. It is difficult to find joy or laughter in that kind of terror, but Ab Fab did it well. Love and respect and God Bless America

Beauty Remastered

Hey Girl!

NFL Promo - Motha $^#%##

Can't wait for tonight!

Happy Fall Ya'll

Spent Labour Day with Iron and Wine. Hope you had a good one too!?

The Summer brought to you by Instagram

I haven't done any photo posts this summer, which is a shame. So I thought I'd get do a tribute to the summer of 2011. Hereby this summer shall be known as - The Return to Toronto.

Since I have been away the last two summers, and haven't been able to garden, I wanted to get an early start. Perhaps to early, since this shot is from April. Nothing in the above images survived.

The true start to summer - helping Emily move May 1st!

Sharon Jones at the Sound Academy

Here we go!

Took my first business trip to...

Kearney, Mo. YEA! Look a real water pump.

Got to see the Jays beat KC, while in town. Great stadium BTW.

Best BBQ ever

Heaven.

Nights out with friends and communists.

Flowers from the Brickworks' Farmers Market

Peonies are pretty.

We're grown' now

Breakfasts outside

Winter or Summer, it's time for Timmy's

Baseball, truly means it's Summer

At the game with the gals

Canada Day at Downsview Park. Can't get more Canadian than the Tragically Hip

Went to CT. for the 4th

Saw this hooker. Hi Paul!

Learned how to play corn hole.

Hung out at the pool.

Max and I played softball. Our team was amazing, especially since nobody ever showed up for practice.

Miracle of miracles, strawberries on the balcony.

Justy and I went to the free Sarah Harmer concert on the island.

Doesn't get better than this.

Does it?

There was a sing-a-long. Definitely a highlight

Dinner at Khao San Road, memories of Thailand

Long walks in the ravine.

Delfie came to the office.

Boys and their toys.

See previous caption.

Got to ride the new bullet!

August Long at the Cottage

Marsha! Thanks for being my surrogate Mum.

Great to see the old 'hood's still got it.

More great dinners with Justin.

Dear Sister at the Piston.

Flowers everywhere

What kind of summer in Toronto would it be without a trip to the CNE

Ain't she a beauty.

Ferris Wheel sunset.

Bit late on the summer puzzle, but if I finish it by Monday, I'll still be on track! All in all it's been amazing! See ya in the fall