Property

RIP Etta James

2012-01-20T12:55:00.000-05:00

What an incredible voice featured here in, "I'd Rather Go Blind" - Etta James 1938 - 2012. Ms. James died of complications from Lukemia.

Bill Lee is the man

2012-01-20T09:56:00.002-05:00

Deadspin re-printed a wicked High Times article from the 80's featuring the former Expos pitcher, Bill Lee. This guy had a pretty decent career, but it was his alternative lifestyle and intellect that made him remarkable. An open drug user, Bill Lee might seem salacious but in actuality this guy was really bright and his irreverence towards the baseball powers-that-be, is pretty amazing. Check it out.

Project time

2011-12-14T19:35:00.000-05:00

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

2011-12-07T09:59:00.001-05:00

American Thanksgiving

2011-12-03T10:28:00.004-05:00

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

2011-11-23T15:40:00.000-05:00

Love you Bob Ross

Eighteen Eighty's film about SWToronto

2011-11-21T12:33:00.001-05:00

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..

2011-11-15T13:05:00.003-05:00

And so am I."

Thanks Jezebel

My latest anthem

2011-11-10T18:59:00.001-05:00

Thanks Tom

I knew it!

2011-11-07T13:00:00.000-05:00

Rosedale in the Fall

2011-11-04T11:13:00.005-04:00

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."

2011-11-03T17:44:00.001-04:00

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

Thanks Mud

San Francisco Votes

2011-11-02T15:23:00.003-04:00

If you live or vote in San Francisco watch this.

La Perla Spa Review

2011-10-25T09:22:00.005-04:00

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

2011-10-20T11:09:00.001-04:00

Tell 'em Demarco

Beyonce "inspired" by Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker

2011-10-17T11:39:00.002-04:00

The "inspiration" for Countdown.

Hahahahahaha

2011-10-11T16:18:00.001-04:00

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

I'm Lovin' Countdown

2011-10-07T10:29:00.000-04:00

The Glorious Bathing Caps of Yesteryears

2011-10-04T15:37:00.000-04:00

Thanks Jezebel

Pretty Awesome

2011-09-22T13:24:00.000-04:00

MUNDAKA 24H from aritzaranburu.com on Vimeo.

Another one from my new favourite Shitney

2011-09-21T16:40:00.002-04:00

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

2011-09-21T13:19:00.003-04:00

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

2011-09-21T13:04:00.001-04:00

Lauren and me in 30 years.

Startup Weekend Video Trailer

2011-09-20T16:26:00.001-04:00

Look for me at 1:00 minute mark!

Maybe it's just swelling?

2011-09-20T15:43:00.002-04:00

God I love Bangkok!

New meaning to the expression Shitney

2011-09-14T16:13:00.000-04:00

Shitsnay!

"Check please!"

2011-09-12T20:47:00.004-04:00

"'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.

2011-09-11T17:13:00.002-04:00

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

2011-09-08T13:47:00.000-04:00

Hey Girl!

NFL Promo - Motha $^#%##

2011-09-08T09:37:00.000-04:00

Can't wait for tonight!

Happy Fall Ya'll

2011-09-06T11:30:00.003-04:00

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

The Summer brought to you by Instagram

2011-09-02T15:04:00.013-04:00

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

Top 5 - Good Bad Songs

2011-09-02T14:35:00.005-04:00

I was talking to Paul yesterday and we were laughing about all of our favourite bad songs. I got to thinking that it would be a shame not to share them with all of you!

So here we go:

Number 5

Evacuate the Dance Floor by Cascade

Stop the beat is killing me...

Number 4

Yankin' by Lady

Especially beloved for the I-N-' (apostrophe) in the title.

Number 3

Tik Tok by Ke$ha

The patriotic hipster is my favourite part of Ke$sha's first video, elevating this otherwise average, good, bad song to the top 5. And who doesn't want to wake up feeling like P Diddy

Number 2

Bad Chick by Webbie and Trina

Love that they utilize the omnipresent empty mansion. An important rap staple

And

the

NUMBER 1

Good Bad Song is....

Gimme More By Britney - OBVIOUSLY

You might disagree with 5-2 but there is no way anyone can deny that Gimme More is THE number 1 "Good Bad Song"

Feel free to disagree in the comments (Paul.)

Bicycle Film Festival is Back

2011-08-11T15:01:00.002-04:00

Several years ago I attended the first Bicycle Film Festival, held in Toronto. I haven't seen or heard much about the festival since then, but while perusing some local goings-on I saw that the Festival is back this weekend. I really enjoyed the art parties last time around, and I am sure the festival has only grown since then.

Check out the Torontoist article about the BFF events around town this weekend.

Cindy Sherman for MAC

2011-07-28T13:36:00.001-04:00

God this woman is a genius

This is gonna be my everyday look

Light makeup

Special occasions for sure.

This Bitch

2011-07-27T15:42:00.003-04:00

Martha's Skylands property in Maine.

This is pre-renovation. There are not a lot of other exterior property shots, but check out the video Martha did for Oprah.

Thank God for Martha

"Skylands," is a 35,000 square-foot (yup) mansion that was built by Edsel Ford. Son of Henry.

This show better come to Canada

2011-06-22T11:57:00.001-04:00

Reality nails yes!

Shittney Stodden - Actual name Courtney

2011-06-21T14:50:00.002-04:00

I am so happy that this "16 year old's" name is so easily nicked (as in named). Shitney ain't just for Britney no mo. Of course "Courtney's" real claim to fame is that she married a geriatric former actor. But I am pretty confused because I thought she wanted to be a country singer. Oh well, she is still amazing!

Robyn - Thanks Girl

2011-06-19T19:12:00.000-04:00

Rioting sucks, but this is awesome

2011-06-16T12:23:00.000-04:00

Sure is Bill, sure is.

2011-06-15T12:22:00.002-04:00

Conan's Dartmouth commencement speech

2011-06-14T14:47:00.001-04:00

Almost as amazing as Robin William's Hastings commencement - trust me you wont find that one online.

Bird Shoes

2011-06-08T19:07:00.002-04:00

Talk about man repeller. I want the Mallard Shoes so bad...

Kansas City here I come...

2011-06-06T05:22:00.002-04:00

two words -

Burnt ends

Not My Hero

2011-06-02T16:24:00.002-04:00

Unlike The Super Awesome Mom who caught the fly ball with her small baby attached to her chest, this idiot not only drops his kid, he doesn't even catch the ball. Way to go dummy.

New Rhianna - get outcha gun

2011-06-02T16:12:00.001-04:00

The song is meh. (Read - no Brick and Lace.) But I think the video is fire. And one of my favourite hookers makes a guest appearance at the 1:40 mark. Yea Coconut Water!

My New Obsession

2011-05-28T10:05:00.001-04:00

Watch live streaming video from nytnestcam at livestream.com

HAWK CAM

Pussy Yankin' - Summer Jam

2011-05-24T14:26:00.001-04:00

I can't even lie, fuck betta when I'm drankin'

Cascade - San Francisco

2011-05-24T09:28:00.002-04:00

Our favourite German Shitney is back with a track that obviously pulls at my heartstrings! Also random Broadway references WTF? Love it!

My Hero

2011-05-19T15:54:00.002-04:00

This mom is a boss. Nice catch!

This is what the world is coming to

2011-05-04T10:37:00.001-04:00

Finger-nose stylus for touchscreen technology from Dominic Wilcox on Vimeo.

Might also be good on the bicycle, although that nose thing might interfere with breathing.

Fondue for Two

2011-05-04T09:14:00.001-04:00

"Combining my two favourite things, hot cheese and talking to people."

Ladies and Gentleman...

2011-05-02T15:33:00.002-04:00

Brooks Brothers Spring 2011

2011-04-25T15:20:00.001-04:00

It's Britney Bitch

2011-04-06T11:40:00.001-04:00

She is still not dancing enough, but this throw back to the glory days of Slave ... is really doin' it for me.

Amazing

2011-04-06T10:45:00.001-04:00

R.I.P Lizzy T

2011-03-23T09:24:00.000-04:00

From the man himself

2011-03-18T10:31:00.000-04:00

Hope you had a good one!

Happy St. Paddy's Day

2011-03-17T10:27:00.001-04:00

How did we ever survive without this...

2011-03-02T11:13:00.002-05:00

Kim Kardashian has taken a page out of the Britney Spears hook book. The fewer words the better.

Bringing it!

2011-02-27T20:29:00.001-05:00

Solid hair porn.

"Dramatization. Filmed with lash inserts."

2011-02-20T17:55:00.006-05:00

Wait, what? Beyonce's eyelashes are not naturally bejeweled? Prove it biatches. And who is that other yappie bitch? She needs to go.

Beyonce is bringing it with her unfalsifiable lashes, hawking the Double Extend Eye Illuminator Mascara. For Loreal

Because you're worth it

That's a whole lot of white people

2011-02-18T12:14:00.003-05:00

President Obama, Steve Jobs et el, meeting in San Francisco to discuss ways to boost America's technology industry.

Britney, I will hold it against you

2011-02-18T10:10:00.002-05:00

Not my favourite Britney video ever. But the Plenty of Fish references are hilarious. How very "Dakota" of her.

Fianlly

2011-02-16T10:38:00.006-05:00

Sexy Period Panties. Great another opportunity to sexify a basic bodily function that is NOT sexy.

PS. "chocolate indulgence time," better be about actual chocolate, cause that's questionable as a marketing angle.

Thanks Maureen, you are always looking out.

This is Bananas

2011-02-15T16:25:00.001-05:00

Trust the choices you make

2011-02-15T09:17:00.001-05:00

http://thewildernessdowntown.com/

Get Sappy, Nobody's watching

2011-02-14T14:16:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T13:57:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Hooker

2011-02-11T17:24:00.001-05:00

For my best friend and President of my life - Justy

People in Norway are Nuts

2011-02-08T16:02:00.002-05:00

Last night in Toronto...

2011-02-02T12:05:00.001-05:00

Snow!

Wish list

2011-01-27T15:28:00.000-05:00

Christmas 2011 - Keep it in mind

This time last year

2011-01-22T14:28:00.007-05:00

well it is quite a different skyline

Agonda, Goa

yea, that was nice

property

yum

pre-tan

one of Justin's personal favourites. On our seven hour boat trip.

Just us

India's Next Top Model

dinner on the beach

hand modelling

The Cathedral in Goa

Indian Catholicism = epic

AVATAR

quite a crowd

You tell 'em Naomi

2011-01-21T14:59:00.001-05:00

Pretty terrifying

Epic Shitney

2011-01-20T22:53:00.003-05:00

Natalia KILLS me

Smart girls have more fun

2011-01-17T16:05:00.001-05:00

I really appreciated Aaron Sorkin's comments during his acceptance speech at last nights Golden Globes

Mercedes Benz, Jon Hamm - Debate

2011-01-15T13:44:00.001-05:00

It isn't the best quality, but it is Don Draper, "the best or nothing.," Mercedes Benz.

Someday I will be on Ted TV

2011-01-11T10:54:00.002-05:00

Sheryl Sandberg, of Facebook, talks about women in the workforce.

Do it well - Sugar and Gold

2011-01-07T23:57:00.001-05:00

I'm fierce, and you're not. So... bye

Log Driver's Waltz

2011-01-07T09:21:00.002-05:00

I wish I had grown up with this, like you all did. Thanks Max

Let's get him on the horn

2011-01-04T13:20:00.000-05:00

Cwazy

2011-01-04T11:52:00.002-05:00

Reminds me of wake surfing, only colder.

For the less athletically inclined viewers

Fall Days and Holidays

2011-01-03T20:51:00.014-05:00

A good start

An early Christmas present.

breakfast for one

Sarah Harmer at Massey Hall - could have used more dancing.

Then off to New York City for American Thanksgiving.

Central Park strolls with Paul

Gorgeous!

Obviously

Dinner with Sasha and Paul, and impromptu karaoke.

Dim Sum in Queens

Street fur, just like street meat but more durable.

I'm so sad. The photo I took of the Yacht Club's, Thanksgiving Day, Bloody Mary bar, is blurry.

Dinner with the Connecticut Mattimore's - delish!

Cheers Virginia.

Rockefeller Christmas

clowning around with Joey B

Back at the office.

Festive times with Max

very festive!

First real snow.

Time to hit the slopes

Boxing Day was beautiful

perfect

solitude

The money shot

New Year's Eve

Max and Paul

Happy Holidays!

Paul looking quite dapper at Crystal's birthday brunch

Emily-Rose and the birthday girl!

Trendy

2010-12-23T11:59:00.007-05:00

The New York Times has done their year in pictures online today.

Tom Waits- Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis

2010-12-20T16:21:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas

So this is Christmas

2010-12-19T00:00:00.003-05:00

Definitely, take a bow

2010-12-10T18:58:00.002-05:00

God, it is just too good. Karl Lagerfeld's favourite boy toy Baptiste Giabiconi's is a whole 'nother level of Shitney. So glad the boys can play this game.

When I think about John Lennon I think Celine Dion.

2010-12-10T10:29:00.003-05:00

It is worth listening to this interview just to get to hear Celine burst out in song. Also her goodbye is epic, and practically never ending. "Larry, Rene and I we love you, we thank you. Have a happy holiday and bless you. Bless everyone. Goodbye. All my love.... Celine." (Read in French Canadian style)

"Put that in your pipe, you left wing kooks"

2010-12-09T14:13:00.004-05:00

If you haven't heard it yet, you simply must click here to listen to Don Cherry's speech from the swearing in ceremony of newly elected Toronto mayor, Rob Ford. It is a thing of comic beauty, and a little bit scary. The Sun would approve. Welcome to the Mayor's office Mr. Greedly.

And thanks Don, nothing expresses a collaborative attitude quite like calling everyone pinkos and lambasting the left. That is the way to motivate urbanities and get them behind the new administration.

You know what would be fun, and might also help to eliminate bullshit bureaucracy in Toronto? Getting Don Cherry and Rob Ford to go down to Metro and pay off some parking violations. Good times.

Everyone's a Winner, Especially Me.

2010-12-06T21:58:00.002-05:00

It took me a while to figure out what bothered me about this commercial. I just couldn't quite put my finger on it. And then it dawned on me...

Missed you

2010-11-30T07:41:00.002-05:00

Highlights from New York coming this week to the Property spot.

Lake Shore - proving that people from all over the world come here...

2010-11-16T15:47:00.001-05:00

so their children can become assholes

And the worst part is that I have actually met Tommy Hollywood

Love the name

2010-11-14T13:33:00.003-05:00

who is with me?

I want one

2010-11-13T09:39:00.005-05:00

Do you think I could get one of these for my place?

Amazing, I want this as my bedside lamp

the long shot

Sara B at the Phoenix

2010-11-13T09:22:00.005-05:00

Wait, isn't this the ladies room?

I was so confused that I waited by the door until an actual lady came out, just to be sure.

Yeaaaaaa!

She is so fierce

encore!

encore

Fall to pieces

2010-11-13T09:16:00.004-05:00

My birthday gift from Max

Day 1 - gotta start with the edges

Day 2 - divide into colour sections

Day 3- get the beaver and the birds done

With a little help from friends - we're all done

Saturday Morning Jam

2010-11-13T09:10:00.001-05:00

Oooooo I am gonna take you there....

Mum and Pop

2010-11-13T08:55:00.002-05:00

When I was in elementary school at Commodore Sloat Elementary, my nautical obsession started early, we had a school fundraiser that included a karaoke booth. This was the coolest karaoke booth because it featured, almost exclusively, Motown song options. But that is not even the best part. The best part was that they made you a cassette of your recording after you were finished. My parents choose to sing the above track Earth Angel. And man did they butcher it. My father was flat the entire song, and my mother sang it it three octaves to high. That cassette was possibly the funniest thing I had ever heard. As my brother and I grew up we would occasionally put it on to humiliate our parents. If you timed it right you could interrupt a heated argument or sombre discussion with the ear piercing sound of my mother and father sharing their love for one another in song. It always effectively altered the mood mood and made everyone burst out laughing. I think the tape is long gone now that my parents have moved across the globe but I can still hear it in my mind. You are lucky that you can't.

"I'd rather be out here, being free"

2010-11-11T21:55:00.002-05:00

Did you know TLC used to be the learning channel? O well, this is gonna be super entertaining.