let it snow!

21 Wednesday Dec 2011

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Though we’re lacking in snow here in Toronto and much of Canada, we can still enjoy gently falling flurries and frosty windows on which to write messages to ourselves. Just google the phrase let it snow in Firefox, and watch the snowflakes fall across your screen, then be amused as your screen fogs up with frost. Write whatever bon mots you want on your now-frosty “window,” and defrost when you’re done. How cool is that? (Yeh, I said it.)

A ho-ho-ho-holiday cheer on a faux frosty morning put a smile on this snowbird’s face.

winter solstice (or let’s skate, toronto)

20 Tuesday Dec 2011

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My first skate of the season! OK, so I'm not actually in this pic, as I was behind the cam, but I was having just as much fun as those people gliding across the ice, trying not to fall.

Sadly, I’m spending the holidays here in Toronto. No, no, it’s not so bad. Spending the holidays last year in Costa Rica was divine, but as I’ve said before, I missed all the fun and family time in the Great White North while I was hiking great wild jungles in the south. But this year, we’re sorely lacking in snow here in T.O. Though it has been unseasonably warm (Toronto’s warmer than Texas and L.A.!), that hasn’t stopped peeps from having winter fun. Witness the families speeding around the rink at Nathan Phillips Square this past weekend. Somewhere in that crowd is the lovely lady who nearly gave me a black eye and bloody nose when she suddenly threw her arms out, whacking me in the face as she tried to catch her balance. And, yes, I was laughing along with her, cracking a joke that I don’t really need these glasses to see….

My goal for the holidays, aside from spending as much time with my family as possible, is to hit the rink every day. By no means am I a good skater, mind you. On Saturday, I had to ask a kind gentleman to hold my hand so I could step down onto the ice! And I had a few near collisions too – as the collidee, not the collider. But it’s always a hoot to try not to fall while feigning graceful glides (in my mind, I resemble a speed skater), and watching others fall funny or make every attempt not to fall is def good for a giggle.

So a-skating I will go before I head over to Kensington Market on Wednesday, Dec. 21, with my lantern in hand, ready to join the annual winter solstice parade. Winter solstice, symbolic of rebirth, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, when the sun’s maximum elevation is at its lowest. Organized by Red Pepper Spectacle Arts, the parade in Kensington is a tradition, and many participants come prepared with a lantern made at Red Pepper’s PWYC lantern-making workshop the weekend before winter solstice. Be warned, this isn’t a parade that you watch from the sidelines – the route is usually so packed and the parade moves so slow, there’s really no room for folks to merely watch. And unless you’ve snagged yourself a prime rooftop perch, it’s ever more fun to join in the parade and light up the night!

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What: Kensington Market Winter Solstice parade
Where: Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The parade starts at the corner of Oxford Street and Augusta Avenue, proceeding through the market and ending in Alexandra Park at 8 p.m.
When: Wednesday, December 21, 2012, 6:30 p.m.
Bonus: Bring your lanterns and noisemakers.
Dress in colourful costume. Go with the flow!

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Ohh! Fire! Take a look at
how vibrant the parade
was in person…
Winter Solstice Parade
Explodes with Excitement

Check out Nathan Phillips Square
at night…
Skating in the Rain

holiday wreaths

19 Monday Dec 2011

Posted by in crafts, decor, diy

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Admittedly, I’m not a fan of red. I’m much more of a pink and purple kinda gal. And for the holidays, the decorations I’m drawn to embody that pretty palette: lilac and pear green or turquoise and apple green Christmas balls; a glittery faux silver eucalyptus wreath; hot pink or apple green bows on doorknobs; white twinkly lights; and someday, my cotton candy pink Christmas tree!

Last year I intended to make this easy-peasy feather boa wreath from Sarah Richardson’s 2009 holiday party episode. I even stocked up on five fuchsia feather boas post-Halloween! But I got lazy with the execution, which in reality consists only of wrapping a boa or two around an LED wire wreath form. Maybe I’m just too frugal to buy an LED wreath – I have been trying to figure out how to repurpose an old wire hanger as a wreath form. And now that it’s only 6 days till Christmas, I’ve given up on this crafty pursuit…maybe next year!

And it should be of no surprise that I’ve also been hoping to make this butterfly wreath – what’s more girly than ethereal white wings? As with my pink tree, it graced the pages of Blueprint’s November/December 2007 holiday issue. But delicate faux butterflies aren’t the easiest to find, so this project also has to wait till next year. (If you sense a theme of procrastination, good on you!)

However, it should be a surprise that I LOVE this 24-inch red poinsettia wreath ($39.99) from Canadian Tire. That’s right. I said it: red. Sure, it’s got traditional red poinsettias scattered all over it (plush velvet, natch), but it also has loads of baubles that resemble rhinestone brooches!

Behold, here is my existing wreath, the silvery eucalyptus beauty mentioned above. The photo doesn’t quite capture the glitter scattered all over the sprigs, but this wreath sparkles. And makes me smile!

For more holiday inspiration, take a peek at my crafty card idea and the Christmas tree I’ve been coveting since 2007. 

best purchase ever no. 2

15 Thursday Dec 2011

Posted by in bike, fashion, gear, travel

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Last month I wrote about my favourite travel shirt. Now let me introduce you to my favourite lightweight travel shirt: the Icebreaker Meridian, shown here in Jungle, a lovely mossy green. (Let me confess that I also own this top in Mystic, a bold shade of cobalt I adore, and Fiesta, a true bright pink. I just bought the latter on a Black Friday online shopping spree. Yay!)

My new go-to shirt – year round – is Icebreaker's Meridian Superfine 150.

I originally wanted to buy this T-shirt for a family camping trip to Algonquin in early July, but couldn’t commit to the hefty $70 price tag. I could justify spending 60 euros on my beloved SmartWool tee because it was versatile – a heavier weight with long sleeves and a zipper – and, heck, I bought it in Spain when desperate for an extra layer of warmth at night in the uninsulated pilgrims’ hostels on the Camino. But $70 for a short-sleeve shirt seemed ridiculous. Yet still newly in love with merino wool and all its benefits, I scored the Meridian for a midsummer cycling trip along Ontario’s Lake Huron. Again, in case you missed the head: Best. Purchase. Ever. No. 2.

The Meridian is surprisingly perfect for summer’s humidity, as merino wool is breathable and has natural wicking properties. Though lightweight (Superfine 150), it’s also quite warm in cool conditions, ideal for chilly summer nights. Believe me, I wore it under my SmartWool every night, and it kept me warm as a base layer. And being merino, it didn’t smell from continuous use, and it dried in an hour when I did wash it. With a feminine cut, deep V neck and short raglan sleeves, the Meridian is flattering on a petite gal with curves, as the hem sits just under the hip bones and is slightly longer in back.

One caveat: The fit of my first Meridian T-shirt is better than my more recent purchases. Rumour has it that Icebreaker switched manufacturers, so this year’s Meridians fit looser than the 2010 ones. That would explain why my Jungle tee is shorter and more fitted than my Mystic and Fiesta ones, though they’re all supposedly the same size. Keep that in mind if you’re it ordering online. I can’t wait to see what juicy new colours Icebreaker rolls out next year!

And in the meantime, check out my Best Purchase Ever No. 1, a shirt I’ve worn through spring, summer, fall and now winter.

Another advantage of merino is that it packs small. The Way of the Lightweight Backpacker reveals how, thanks to merino, I’ve narrowed down my packing list to 18 things.


live green toronto

11 Sunday Dec 2011

Posted by in bike, eco, food

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As much as I adore travelling, I love living in Toronto. And I love living green. That’s why I like Live Green Toronto, a program launched in 2007 as part of the city’s Climate Change, Clean Air and Sustainable Energy Action Plan to encourage Torontonians to live green and reduce energy use at home, at work and on the go. The website shares energy- and water-saving resources, rebates and incentives, plus tips to help residents and businesses reduce emissions and green their lives. It’s chock full of gardening info, from maintaining a low-water lawn to backyard composting and container gardening for balconies. There’s even advice on eating local, such as growing your own food, finding farmers’ markets and sourcing restaurants that serve local food. And the On The Go section is has info on cycling, bikes routes and the city’s newest bikeshare program, Bixi Toronto. (One caveat: the site fails to mention Zipcar and AutoShare, which are excellent autoshare programs for urbanites who go carless day to day but need a vehicle for day-long or weekend trips.)

And if you like to shop (who doesn’t?), it pays to get a free Live Green Toronto Membership card. It’s easy to sign up online, and members get discounts and exclusive offers on eco-friendly products and services from 336 (and growing!) local businesses. I reap membership rewards at restos like Fresh, a vegan hotspot with three locations, but you can also get discounts on home and garden items, clothes, health and beauty products, even exhibits at the Royal Ontario Museum! I never leave home without my card. Neither should you!

xoxo
jen

P.S. Recently received an e about a sweet new deal from Evergreen Brick Works: until Dec. 23, Live Green Toronto members get 10% off sustainably harvested, local Christmas trees, gift baskets of local food treats, and clean-air plants. Plus, members get 2-for-1 skate rentals at the Brick Works ice rink, starting Dec. 17!

’cause i love my brain, i want a nutcase helmet

09 Friday Dec 2011

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i want my head in a nutcase helmet

This Nutcase helmet in particular: the Gen2 Dots. It has pretty polkadots, and the adjustable spin dial in the back makes for a comfy fit. Plus, there’s the anti-pinch magnetic buckle, which is easy to open or close with one hand – even a warm mittened hand, just perfect for winter riding, lest you forget my B-icicle challenge! And did I mention the playful polka-dots? They make the helmet way visible during the day, and night-time drivers should spot (get it?) the reflective logos on the front, back and sides. The colourful array of other Nutcase designs caught my eye when I was buying my dear bell Federico at Cycle Couture, but Dots is The One, and I hope they get it in stock soon.

but i also like me a bern berkley zipmold helmet

Now, because I’m a slave to fashion (not really) and hate riding with a chilly neck and ears (really), I’ve also had my eye on the striking Bern Berkley Zipmold foam helmet in Matte Cyan, with an optional cold-weather knit you can snap into it for winter warmth. I’m getting toasty just thinking about it! Annnd turquoise is my favourite colour. Really, it is! It’s cheerful and looks great against a glowing tan in summer…and pops against the white stuff in winter. I want the Bern Berkley. It’s mine.

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Looking for other stylin’ bike gear? Check out…
Girly Gear to Light Up Your Ride
Ring My Bell: Ciao Bello to My Public Bike Bell, Federico! 
Simi Mini Dots Nutcase Bike Helmet Fit for
Minnie Mouse
Use Your Knog(gin): Ride with a Bright Bike Light
I Heart My TV Sucks Ride Your Bike Bumper Sticker

b-icicle: bring it on!

07 Wednesday Dec 2011

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I’m always up for a challenge, especially when it’s on my bike. Bike touring? Yup. Duathlon racing? You betcha. Winter riding? Of course! That’s why I’m ringing my beautiful bell in support of the B-icicle challenge. Emily D’Ath and Monica Tan, two Americans living in Beijing, have challenged cyclists around the world to continue riding through winter. They’ve even set up a blog and a Facebook page so you can follow their winter-riding adventures and post your own stories, tips and photos to share with all-season cyclists worldwide.

I love riding too much to put my commuter in storage just because the temperature drops. Sure, there’s the odd time when it’s too icy to be safe, but that’s when Bixi comes to the rescue (I’m lucky to live near a docking station, and Bixi Toronto recently relocated some stations outside the original zone, which will make reaching Little Italy and The Distillery much easier by bike share). And true, there are times when I’ll use public transportation to travel to the suburbs to visit Mom. But for the most part, I’ll be leaving my apartment on bike this winter because riding is a part of me – it feels unnatural to not be clipped in. Even in the middle of a snowstorm!

cheap & chic: flowers

05 Monday Dec 2011

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Please, sir, can I have some more? Flowers, that is! I can never have enough blooms scattered throughout my apartment: peonies and snapdragons and tulips, oh my! And cymbidium orchids…sigh. Lucky gal that I am, I live mere steps from Ave and Dav, home of Toronto’s top flower markets, and often pop into the series of small shops lining Avenue Road (south of Davenport Road) for fresh flowers on the cheap. But this girly girl can’t always splurge on the real deal, so she’s learned to embrace the everlasting.

And what tops my list of fabulous faux flowers? Urban Barn’s über-realistic Phalaenopsis orchids in a luscious deep fuchsia they call purple (it’s so me!). In such a spectacular shade – which conveniently complements the chic charcoal grey cushion I’m currently coveting from Urban Barn – a potted single stem ($40) or a few loose stems ($14 each) will go a long way, injecting instant impact into any style of space without blowing your budget. Plus, the slender stems are flexible, so you can shape the loose ones to suit a variety of vases, or even bend the bottoms completely to fit a compact container. True, they cost a bit more than the flowers at your local market, but remember, these beautiful blooms are a hardy species – they’ll last years beyond the two weeks you might get from freshly cut ones. And you’ll never have to water or feed them!

Available potted (28-inch stem, shown, $40; 16-inch stem, $35) or as loose stems ($14 each), this everlasting orchid is a perennial favourite from Urban Barn. It's an affordable way to add some pretty to a space.

Photo courtesy of Elevator Communications Inc.

all i want for christmas

04 Sunday Dec 2011

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So I was listening to CBC’s Radio One on Friday, and they were talking about Canada Post’s annual Letters to Santa program. In its 26th year, the program is praised for keeping childhood innocence alive and introducing children to old-fashioned letter writing: more than one million kids worldwide write letters to Santa, with over 11,000 Postal Elves (current and retired Canada Post employee volunteers!) ensuring that every letter gets a reply in the language in which the letter was written. That’s over one million replies in 30 different languages, including Braille (only letters that include a return address will receive a reply; emails are answered in English or French). I love the spirit of the program, and though I’ve never written to Santa and or realized he actually replies, I’ve always thought Santa’s addy was cute (it’s the jolly postal code):

Santa Claus
North Pole HOH OHO
Canada

Now, what piqued my interest in Letters to Santa this year was the letter read on that CBC program. It was from a little girl whose only wish for Christmas is to spend more time with her dad (because he works so much). I actually started crying while listening to the letter. Granted, I’m a sap for anything sentimental, but the idea of wanting more time with someone is something we all can relate to. This child didn’t ask for the latest trendy toy – all she wants for Christmas is more time with her family.

I second that. This time last year, instead of spending December with my family, I jetted off to Costa Rica for the month. After arriving in Drake Bay in a private 9-seater plane, I was ready to chill in a hammock in my own beachside bungalow in the jungle. I spent a week and a bit at Pirate Cove, which is situated beside the Drake River and on an isolated 2 km stretch of beach, far from “downtown” Drake Bay to the north (which consists of the airstrip, a school, a church and a soda stand) and the overrun-with-accommodations village of Agujitas to the south. I loved the solitude and also the adventures of the area, mainly hiking Corcovado National Park, as well as snorkelling, birdwatching, horseback riding, kayaking, and mucking about the mangroves on a night tour (all of which I essentially did solo or accompanied by a private guide, because that’s how off the tourist map Drake Bay is).

But as much as I loved exploring Drake Bay and making my way up to Fortuna for whitewater rafting, hiking and spa time, and then settling in Santa Elena to do a home stay while volunteering at the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, I missed the whole lead-in to the holidays. The only Christmas carols I heard last year were played by the marching school bands performing in a parade one night in Fortuna. I didn’t get to decorate the tree with my mom or bake shortbread for my dad. No fighting with my brother over watching It’s a Wonderful Life and The Sound of Music. No Christmas shopping, even (except for the hammocks I bought at an arts co-op in Monteverde and the 12 bags of coffee I stocked up on in Santa Elena).

In fact, not only did I miss the holiday preamble, I nearly missed Christmas altogether. Finding out my flight was cancelled and waiting 7 hours standby for the next flight from Atlanta to Toronto was not how I’d envisioned spending Christmas Eve. Neither was arriving at the Atlanta Sheraton at midnight with a bunch of fellow passengers grateful for the comfy comp’d bed but desperate to wake up at 6 a.m. Christmas Day to guarantee themselves a seat on the first flight out. (Consider us fortunate, as almost every other flight was cancelled due to a freak snowstorm that hit the southwest that morning. Had I missed that flight, I would have been stranded in Atlanta for 4 more days!)

It’s not that I’ve never spent the holidays away from home, but “home” is with my family, and I’d never spent Christmas away from them. Booking my return flight for Christmas Eve was a no-brainer because it shaved $600 off my flight, but I’d chosen that flight specifically because it was cheaper and I’d be home in time for Christmas Eve with my loved ones. Spending time with strangers at an airport instead of with my family really sent home the message that more than anything my family is the most important thing in my life.

And even though we’re only a few days into December and people are already starting to stress about the season, I want to wish everyone an early happy holidays with loved ones. Don’t forget to pause and cherish the time you have with those close to you. That’s all I want this Christmas.

xoxo
jen