Russell Hackney Ceramics – Booth Z19
http://russellhackneyceramics.com/
A new vendor at the show, Russell’s booth was actually one of the first I visited (I always do the show from right to left, or aisle Y though A). Given my love of matte white ceramic vases it’s unsurprising that his work caught my eye.  I need to figure out a way for this Bear cookie jar to grace my kitchen counter. Hopefully he’ll be back at the spring show and I can get myself a present.

C is for Clean – Booth I13
http://cisforclean.com/
I actually somehow missed this booth on my first pass through the show (I walk though once and make notes of gift ideas, who they might be for and note the booth name and location. Once I’ve seen everything I make my choices and go pack and purchase them), but spotted them as I was leaving. While I didn’t buy any this time, this is another booth I’ll be buying from in the spring (here’s hoping they’re there!) I love that they're all natural, and the four scents they have are all lovely.

Marjorie Camiré Céramiste – Booth W49
https://www.facebook.com/marjoriecamireceramiste
Marjorie’s booth was busy when I was walking by and it’s clear why. With lovely ceramic pieces rimmed in gold they are simple, beautiful pieces. she also had a teacup and saucer that made me want to start drinking tea on a regular basis

Julia Veenstra – Booth W52
http://www.juliaveenstra.com/
Julia’s art quite literally stopped me in my tracks. It’s bold and vibrant, and I love it. This is Julia’s first #OOAK show, and judging by the number of red stickers denoting sold pieces it’s been quite a success. I LOVED the above piece named ‘Evening on the lake’ - the person who purchases it will be very lucky.

If you haven't already gone to this season's One of a Kind show I hope you have a chance to go this weekend - it's well worth it.

• I live in Canada. Yes, there are stereotypes (no I don’t live in an igloo or ski to work), but the reality is it gets cold, and it snows. Good winter boots are a bit of a necessity for living in Canada – kinda like maple syrup.
• I hate the cold. Seriously. If I could figure out a way to only live in Canada during the spring, fall and summer I’d totally spend the winter months somewhere warmer.
• It’s an almost 1km walk from my house to the subway, so I’m spending a lot of time walking on snowy, slushy, wintery sidewalks for more months than I'd like.

Here are some of the contenders:

1. Cougar 39068 Original. My mom had these when I was little so these are a bit of a nostalgic choice. They’re also available in black, brown and red. Rated to -30 degrees. Waterproof $200
2. Keen Elsa Boot. These are a bit less bulky than some of the others. I like the black, but they’re available in a bunch of different colours. Tag on the inside says rated to -20 degrees. Waterproof $140
3. Cougar Puffy Zip. I really liked the idea of a zipped-up boot as they’re just easier to put on than the lace-up. I’m not sure the fur collar is quite ‘me’, but I think they’re rather fun. Rated to -30 degrees. Waterproof $195
4. Cougar Keaton. These have a really cute zipper up the back and are also available in blue and black. I love that these are taller, but they’re only rated to -10 degrees so they might be better suited for spring and fall. $120
5. Sorel 1964 Premium CVS. These are a classic too, and I like that the liner can come out to be washed. They’re available in black and army green, but I rather like the blue. Rated to -32 degrees $150
6. Cougar Cheyenne 2. These are all leather, and felt more like shoes when I tried them on. Also available in red, brown and tan. Rated to -30 degrees. Waterproof. $190

Now I just need to decide. What do you wear? Any suggestions?

(for American readers I’ve linked the above to Canadian websites – you can check out some of the boots on Amazon here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

Anyways, here are a few snapshots of what I've been up to in the past 12 months:

My ceiling caved in early January, which so soon after my bedroom adventures with plaster was not fun.

Nobody can ever make a ceiling caving in joke around me ever again. What a way to wake up. As an FYI, a plaster ceiling falling down makes one heck of a noise, and makes an unbelievable mess #Mondayssuck

A post shared by Michelle (@eamonnandjack) on Jan 19, 2015 at 5:36am PST

I was called for jury duty, which was beyond boring. After the first day of jury duty I went out for dinner with friends and ended up getting a ride in an ambulance when I fainted. That was a bit mortifying. As an FYI, in case you've never had the pleasure, you get a bill in the mail after you ride in an ambulance.

Got home from work to find actual mail in my mailbox (yay!). Sadly instead of being notified I somehow won $, I discovered I'm being called to go to court as a potential juror. Did you know that if you serve you don't get paid unless you serve for more than 10 days, and then it's $40 a day? And if it lasts longer than 50 days you get $100 a day?

A post shared by Michelle (@eamonnandjack) on Feb 26, 2015 at 5:45pm PST

I tried to get back into running, and actually ran three races this year: The Sporting life 10K, in support of Camp Ooch

Waiting for the start of the #SL10K #campooch #sportinglife

A post shared by Michelle (@eamonnandjack) on May 10, 2015 at 5:38am PDT

The Nike Women's 15k on the Toronto Island