Toronto Island: The City's Cottage Getaway!

This past weekend was what we Canadians like to call "The Canada Day Long Weekend". What do Canadians do during the long weekend? They go to their cottages, adventure into the wilderness, go out for bike ride and BBQ all week long. So what are Torontonians supposed to do if they're stuck between buildings and streetcars? Go to Toronto Island of course!

Toronto Island is Toronto's escape, its getaway. It's a haven for those wishing to go for bike rides with the kids, or those wanting to "go to the beach" without having to see a skyscraper. Even though we all know Lake Ontario is not suitable for swimming, there are occasions when the water is swimmable. Especially once you're on the island. I hear that if you go to the far side of the island than you should be alright. Obviously always look out for reports and what kind of cautions they are reporting that day.

To start off, the Toronto Island Ferry docks are located at the end of Bay Street and Queen's Quay. You can take a streetcar there (510 or 509) from Union Station or anywhere else on the streetcar's route. If you walk along Harbourfront, you'll eventually find it!

Now, once you pay and get through the gates, make sure to pick up a schedule and don't begin any sort of line up. You don't need to line up to get on the ferry. Everyone will get in. There is no "better spot" on the boat (that is if you don't mind what view you have when going across). But just understand that there will be this strange looking woman yelling at you to stop forming a line up. So just don't do it. If you want to go to the Centre Island amusement park, etc, then go to Centre Island. However, you'll notice that tons and tons of people are waiting and getting on the Centre Island ferry. Especially people with kids. So don't do it. Go with either Wards or Hanlan's Point. Those are less crowded! But, you can decide where you want to go!

Once you're on the island you can do whatever you'd like! I explored very little since it was my first time, and just wanted to get the basic feel of the place. But there are trails, and beaches (even a nude beach!) to see!

Also, the ferry ride is half the fun, so enjoy it! Enjoy the Toronto skyline!

It's a wonderful get-a-way, and you'd be surprised at how much of a "cottage" feel it has!

Till next time!

Keep smiling,

Monica

Pregnant? Got a Dog? Visit Leslieville!

Hello Everyone!

The other day I decided to head on over to a little community in Toronto called "Leslieville". It's located in the Queen Street East area, after the trains tracks but before Coxwell Ave. Follow me?

I decided to take the streetcar over, and I must say, it was pretty interesting! I was able to watch Queen street transform from trendy fancy feel to small town feel in just about 15 mins.

It's filled with cute environmentally friendly coffee shops, bakeries and boutiques. If you're pregnant, it's very family friendly, so I recommend! Also, if you're a dog lover, you'll find loads of stores that specialize in making your best friend look at his or her finest!

I also found this burger shop:

Double D's eh!?

Maybe I'll try it out nice time I visit! I didn't stop into any coffee shops while I was there, but there was lots of cute places to visit for sure!

keep smilin',

Monica

Get me some Moonbean!

I thought today I would "spotlight" my favourite coffee shop in all of Toronto. It's nestled in the Kensington Market area, and is rather special to me. It's a place that I love to go on "coffee dates" and somewhere I like to sit and journal. It's a place where people come together to talk about music, art, life, and love. This place is called 'Moonbean Coffee Company'.

Moonbean offers a variety of fair-trade coffee flavours, different types of smoothies, and hot drinks. But what I go for is this...

Doesn't that look good?! Sometimes it even comes with colourful sprinkles :) Now I can't think of the name off the top of my head, but there is an excellent winter drink that you should try. It's made with fresh lemon, ginger and honey. It's a warm drink that's perfect for any sore throat or cold.

So if you're ever in the Kensington Market area, and don't know where to go and sit down for a nice drink, check out Moonbean on 30 St. Andrew's Street. You won't regret it!

keep smilin',

Monica

NxNE in Toronto!

If you've never been to Toronto during a music or film festival, you should. It's the best way to get to know a city.

I had the pleasure of adventuring around Toronto for the North by North East festival in downtown Toronto, and I visited so many awesome venues! I'll be sure to post some links and such in the "Music Venues" category on the side there. I wish I could have gone to more of them, but there's only so much time!

For now, here's a video of my adventures around Toronto and the festival with some of my special friends!

Enjoy!




Monica

Are You Manic About Coffee?

It's been awhile eh?
Well, today I'd like to share with you a little coffee shop that I discovered with a friend while walking down College street. It's called 'Manic Coffee' and is located on 426 College Street. Cute little place. Looks like lots of the "young" people enjoy spending their time there, journaling, people watching and sipping on their double espresso. I can only imagine what it would be like during exam week.

Anywho,  I enjoyed a green tea as always. Not to pricey. Around $2.62 I believe? But the green tea isn't the only thing that makes this place a "go-to" coffee shop, it's the community that it has joined called "The Toronto Coffee Conspiracy". Here's a blurb from their site:

"Harking back to when the word conspiracy meant a group of righteous people trying to topple an evil power, The Coffee Conspiracy consists of seven, independently-owned coffee shops in the Toronto area – all dedicated to the highest level of the coffee-brewing art.  The Conspiracy believes every coffee lover deserves the best coffee for their money and not just another water-downed cup or over-manufactured mixed drink from the megalithic franchises and corporations." -- http://www.maniccoffee.com/disloyalty-card/

Pretty cool eh?
So they have something called the Disloyalty Card which looks like so on the other side:

You pick up the card at one of the shops, then go around to the others to get stamps and then return to the original shop to get a free drink! I think it's a brilliant idea. This way you're encouraged to visit and try different coffee shops around the city. I love it, and I highly recommend you participate!

So without further adieu, here's some snap shots of the drinks my friend and I had. I like the way the tea is served. Real tea leaves, and in a separate filter. I like it.

If you find yourself in any of the locations listed on the Disloyalty Card, make sure to go in and pick up a card. Go out and discover some local Toronto favourites!


keep smilin'

Monica

The Phoenix Has Risen with a Fun Night of Music!

Last Friday I had the opportunity to see Basia Bulat (plus The Wilderness of Manitoba and Julie Doiron) at The Phoenix Night Club in Toronto.

Now, I had never been The Phoenix, let alone been in that neightbourhood, but thankfully with my new TTC monthly pass (yes I caved) it was alright for me to get lost. I could always hop on to some form of public transportation and I'd be alright.

Anywho, I did have to phone a friend when I got off the subway, which I am gracious for my roommates help :) Thanks Carina :)

The Phoenix is located off Carlton Street on Sherbourne Street. Pretty alright looking part of the city. There was a wide varitey of people there. Young and old, men and women, (a girl with a fake ID which apparently since her Dad was with her was able to get in?). As I made my way in I couldn't help but feel like I was in a mini version of The Sound Academy. Personally, I enjoy smaller venues where the stage is lower and not so high up (ie. The Horseshoe Tavern). Alas, The Phoenix's stage is a bit higher but I'm alright with that.

The Wilderness of Manitoba were great. Really reminded me of Fleet Foxes.

Brixton Sessions #008 - The Wilderness of Manitoba 'November' from Blindeye | Films on Vimeo.

I'm not the biggest Julie Doiron fan, but she did put on a great show, and I could feel that the crowd really loved her and had a great time. I did as well, but I was more looking forward to some Basia. :)

Basia is awesome. Full of sweetness and talent, and a great smile. I highly recommending seeing this gal when she comes to your town. Full of energy and spank. Very good show!

Here's a little clip of her performance:



I would post some pictures, but they honestly all really suck. Therefore, the video will have to do :)

Anywho, The Phoenix was a pretty good concert venue. Fits a large amount of people, the bathrooms are decent, there's a bar if need be. Personally I love smaller venues, but when you want to see your favourite play then you have to make the sacrifice!

Cheers for now!

Monica

ps. hope you're smilin' :)

Dancin at the Supermarket

Hello Hello Hello,

How was everyone's weekend?
Mine was quite lovely, filled with drinks, cheese and lots and lots of cupcakes. It was my roommates' fella's birthday weekend, so there was lots of fun to be had.

Now, I would have to say that the most interesting part about Saturday night was not the fact that I was stuff with delicious cupcakes, but the fact that I went to my first ever club. Yup, you read that correctly. My first club. I've never gone to a 'dance' club. It was just never my sort of thing. I know what you're thinking.... "Monica? The best dancer in the world hasn't gone dancing to a club?". I know. It's pretty sad. But I finally did!

The birthday boy decided on a place called "Supermarket" in Kensington Market. It was $8 to get in after 11pm, and there was a lovely line up in the rain before we got in. At least we didn't have to bribe the doorman with $40 to let us in like some people did later on in the evening.

It was an interesting group of people. It was apparently "funk/hip hop" night, but I just didn't really feel that it was. I mean, yes it was, but I wanted a little more. I know... I shouldn't be picky... but I just wanted some more tunes that I knew. They did play some TLC 'Waterfalls' so that was good times! In terms of the bar, I was told the beers weren't that good and they were overpriced. Therefore, beware of the bar.

In all I had a great time. Filled with dancing, drink spillage on my dress, butt grabbing, oh and did I mention I was given a compliment on my dancing? I was just sitting there minding my own business, and this girl walks by, and says "I was totally watching you dance to Aretha and you were great"... as she walked away I could help but wonder if she mixed me up with someone. I swear I was sitting during that song while doing some "chair dancing". I'll just have to go ahead and assume she was lovin' my chair dancing skills. My skills are pretty hot stuff. You've been warned.

That's all for now so keep smilin' everyone!


Monica