Eamonn & Jack: Toronto

New Favourites at the One of a Kind Show - Winter 2015

December 04, 2015

It’s that time of year again – the one where I wrack my brain for gift ideas for the people on my list and pretty much always come up empty. The trouble is, whenever I ask what they might like, the invariable answer is that they don’t need or want anything. This makes gift giving VERY difficult. Handily this time of year coincides with the Winter One of a Kind Show.

I’ve blogged about the show in the past- it’s always helped me find gifts for at least some of the people on my list, and this year was no different. I went Thursday evening after work to take advantage of their later hours, and I’m pleased to say I think my gift list is now about 90% complete.

I bought my ticket online (after finding a $1 off coupon via google) and printed it out before going. Best $12 I’ve spent in a while – no battling through malls which always seems to make me grumpy. While busy, the show wasn’t really crowded until I got to the aisle with all the food vendors who were giving out all the tasty samples. I ~~might have~~ definitely indulged in way too many samples, but it was worth it .

I thought I’d share a few of the ‘New to me’ vendors I found this time at the show just in case you’ll be visiting this weekend (the show closes Dec 6). (The pictures I’m sharing are mostly via the vendor’s websites as sadly my cell phone doesn’t take the greatest pictures)

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.

Life Lately

Scenes from my Weekend - EdgeWalk

September 30, 2014

A few weeks ago a friend messaged me and asked if I'd be interested in doing the EdgeWalk atop the CN tower here in Toronto in celebration of her husband's birthday. Without hesitating I said yes despite it never having been on my bucket list of things I must do. In fact, I'm fairly certain that when the EdgeWalk opened in 2011 I said it was something I would never do.

For weeks every time I thought about what I had agreed to do I got butterflies in my stomach the size of pterodactyls, but this past Saturday I rode an elevator up 116 stories and stepped outside 356m (1,168ft) above Toronto and took a little stroll.

I can say now that it was fun, but while I was up there I have no problem admitting I was a bit scared. Heck - you can see it in the video - at points I wasn't sure I'd be able to do the 'activities'. I'm not generally afraid of heights, but there's something about peering over the edge at that altitude with just a couple of ropes to hold you up that's a bit terrifying.

Now that I've done it I can honestly say it's an adventure I'd recommend. Walking around on the outside of a building at that height is completely crazy and totally nuts, so therefor it's something you should try if you can ;)

I did learn one thing from this adventure - I'll never go bungee jumping. It's one thing to peer over the edge at that height - it's another thing completely to leap off. Never going to happen.

General

Look Up

May 05, 2014

Have you seen this video yet? It showed up a couple of times on my Facebook feed today and it struck a chord with me – it made me wonder how much time I spend sitting in front of a screen everyday instead or interacting with real people. The answer is easy - too much (and no, the irony of learning about this video via Facebook does not escape me).

On Sunday I was up WAY too early, so I did something I haven’t done in ages – I went for a walk. Not just a small walk – I was out for hours. Yes I took my phone, and yes I took pictures of the interesting things I saw as I went and shared them via social media, but here’s the thing – the only reason I was able to see different/interesting/beautiful things was I was looking up – I didn’t have my head down as I madly tweeted about whatever random thing that just popped into my head. And I liked it.

I did a sort of meandering loop from my place, and in all I probably walked about 10km. In that time I saw some things I likely wouldn’t have seen in my everyday life, and I know I never would have seen if I’d been looking down. What I did find really interesting however is that when I tried to make eye contact with some of the people I passed and say ‘hi’ more often than not I was ignored or given a strange look.

Are we so used to communicating electronically that simple face to face interaction between strangers is completely foreign? We think nothing of interacting with complete strangers over social media – is doing the same thing in person really all that different?

Maybe it’s a Toronto thing? My mom says that she finds a huge difference when she comes to visit – but she lives in a town that’s significantly smaller. Is it the pace of life in the ‘Big City’ that makes us all slaves to technology?

No matter the reason I’m going to set myself a bit of a 30 day social challenge (if you’re on social media of any sort these days you’ll know that 30 (or 100) day challenges are all the rage – there’s the 30x30 nature challenge or the 100 Happy Days challenge, and any number of fitness and diet related challenges, so really I’m just following the trend). Anyways, starting tomorrow (May 6) I’m going to look up and try to say ‘Hello’ or ‘good morning’ or something similar to at least one stranger a day, and maybe, if I’m very lucky, they’ll also be looking up and will say hello back.

By the way - here are some of the interesting things I spotted on my walk while I was looking up:

Happy street art

If you look up while wandering through Summerhill you'll spot this Tin Man and his family

The Eaton family crypt in Mount Pleasant Cemetery

Spring is Finally here!

Furniture

The Four Seasons Toronto - An Auction

May 30, 2012

For those of us who live in Toronto and to many who have visited this city, the Four Seasons Hotel in Yorkville was for many years synonymous with luxury. Opened 35 years ago it has played host to many events and celebrities over the years.

The hotel closed in March of this year as the Four Seasons plans to open its new hotel and private residences just around the corner in the fall. The new owners of the old Four Seasons building at 21 Avenue Rd will be converting the 380 hotel rooms and suites into 490 condo units, but not before they sell off everything in the building. And I mean everything. The furniture, the crystal chandeliers, art, marble bathrooms, dinnerware, industrial kitchen equipment, and even the bed linens, drapes, carpets and a 20 foot onyx marble bar will all be sold by auction. There are more than 15,000 items up for sale.

Four Season's Toronto crystal chandelier

Any interest in a pay-phone bank?

Four Season's Toronto lamp and bedside table

I rather liked these lamps

Four Season's Toronto bathroom stall doors

You too can own a bathroom stall door from the Four Season's

Even the plant is up for auction

Four Season's Toronto TV console with Greek key motif

Have something to celebrate?? You'll need a champagne bucket

Four Season's Toronto bamboo motif TV console

Everyone needs a 20-ft. onyx bar right?

The auction will take place on Thursday May 31st, Friday June 1st, and Saturday the 2nd. I went yesterday to take a look at some of the items up for sale.

There is another preview today (May 30th) from 9 until 4pm. I'd love to attend the auction of Friday when they're selling all the furniture, if only to see what some of the items go for. Would you buy any of the items above? Any plans on attending the auction?

For more information about the auction click here.

BlogPodium

BlogPodium: The Business of Blogging

May 29, 2012

On Saturday I had the amazing opportunity to attend the 2nd edition of BlogPodium (you can read about the first here) which was held at the beautiful Arcadian Loft in Downtown Toronto. BlogPodium was started by two Toronto design bloggers (Lindsay of Little House blog, and Jen of Rambling Renovators) as a way to share information with other Canadian bloggers about how to make their blogs better.

This topic of this edition of BlogPodium was the Business of Blogging, and Nicole Balch, the lovely and talented lady behind the blog 'Making it Lovely' was the keynote speaker. Like the first edition I learned tonnes - so much that my head is still spinning with ideas and inspiration.

Nicole Balch of Making it Lovely giving her keynote speech

As the topic for BlogPodium was the Business of Blogging both Nicole's talk, and the panel discussion after focused mostly on if it's possible to make a little money from what most of us see as a hobby.

There are generally three types of advertisements on blogs:

Small ads (Etsy, and other blogs - 125x125 pixels)
Large ads that are generally sold via an ad network (300x250 pixels or leader board ads, all above the fold)
Sponsored posts.

When to start advertising:

This is up to you. Nicole started at 10,000 views a month.
When starting consider giving away your ads for free to encourage others to inquire about advertising with you.
As your traffic grows increase your rates.
Offer a discount for those who advertise for longer than 1 month (15% for 3 months, 20% for 4)
Determining rates: $1.25 CPM for the smaller ads, $3 CPM for the larger ones.

How to attract readers and sponsors:

Be yourself, and put yourself out there. Try to write like you would speak to your friends.
Comment on other blogs
Giveaways are a great way to get readers.
Make sure your blog is well-balanced - is it about original content or sponsored posts?
Want to work with a specific brand? Ask. You might be surprised and they'll say yes to your proposal - the worst that can happen is they'll say no.
Have a detailed profile page - you are the brand
Do guest posts on other blogs
Sponsors are looking for 4 things in a blog they'll work with: Engagement, Authority, Content and Reach.

At the conclusion of the panel discussion we all had the opportunity to mix and mingle. I got to meet some of the bloggers I read on a regular basis (it's nice to put a face to a blog or twitter handle!) There was some marvellous food, and we got to chat with the wonderful brands that helped make BlogPodium a success.

BlogPodium will be returning in the fall, so if you're interested in attending make sure to sign up for the newsletter here. Hope to see you there!

All Images by Mango Studios

One of a Kind Show

The One of A Kind Show - Spring 2012 - Part 2

April 03, 2012

Alright, firstly I need to apologise. I fully intended to write-up part two of my favorite things from the One of a Kind show on Saturday morning, but I got a little busy. First I went with a few friends to a Pysanka workshop, and later Saturday evening we went to see Gotye live in concert. Kimbra was the opening act, so it was an excellent show. On Sunday, D and I went to see the stage production of War Horse at the Princess of Wales Theater here in Toronto, and I have to say I don't think I can remember ever seeing a play that I appreciated more. If you have the opportunity to see it please do - you won't regret it.

Anyways, without further ado, here is the second part of my favorite things from the Spring 2012 One of a Kind Show (if you missed it - here is part 1).

Ceramics

One of a Kind Show - Heyday Designs

Heyday Designs (Booth E-29) is a line of vintage inspired ceramics made by Claire Madill. The ceramic jars created from molds of vintage mason jars were particular favorites of mine. Sm Dominion jar $38, Sm Imperial jar $48. heydaydesign.ca/

One of a Kind Show - Eikcam Handmade Ceramicwares

Eikcam Handmade Ceramicwares (Booth N-8) are created by Grace Lee. I really liked the little kidney-shaped plates ($28) and the small vase with gold detailing is lovely ($155). eikcam.com Eikcam on Etsy

One of a Kind Show - Porcelaines Bousquet

Porcelaines Bousquet (Booth E-22) are created by Louise Bousquet and are beautiful in their simplicity. I absolutely adored the serving bowls above - my photo doesn't do them justice. Salad Bowl (large) $144, Fruit bowl (Medium) $120, Vegetable bowl (small) $76 porcelainesbousquet.com

Furniture

One of a Kind Show - Merganzer Furniture

Merganzer Furniture (Booth O-09) is designed by Brett Lundy. He creates one of a kind furniture pieces are incredibly interesting. The coffee table above is $700. merganzer.com

One of a Kind Show - Studio Liscious

Studio Liscious (Booth I-32) is run by Patrick Lajoie (His wife, Mara Minuzzo was featured in Part 1) and he creates wonderful furniture and wood accessories. I came 'this' close to buying those neat little wood blocks ($115 for the set - priced individually) The bench is stunning ($1500) and the twig coat peg racks are neat too (Various prices). liscious.com Studio Liscious on Etsy

Other

One of a Kind Show - Tat Chao Design

Tat Chao Design (Booth E-5) was an incredibly interesting booth. The candle holders above are made entirely of up-cycled glass which was found at garage sales and thrift stores ($80 each) tatchao.com

One of a Kind Show - Larch Wood

Larch Wood (Booth L-44) is from Nova Scotia, and they create stunning cutting boards out of the Larch Tree. These cutting boards are so beautiful they made me want to become a better cook so I could justify buying myself one. The rectangle board was $160. larchwoodcanada.com

One of a Kind Show - Monster Factory

Monster Factory (Booth P-5) I've always been a little partial to stuffed animals, so these adorable monsters had me hooked as soon as I saw them. They each have a name, and come with a character card telling you about the monster (clockwise from top) - Wendy, Mr. Jefferson, and Clarence. Clarence is scared of needles (I have a strong aversion) so he and I bonded a little. The Monsters ranged in price from $35-50. monsterfactory.net

There were over 400 artisans at the Spring 2012 One of A Kind show, so I've shown you just a tiny little sample of the incredibly talented people who were there. If you didn't get to go to the Spring show the Christmas One of A Kind show will run from November 22 through December 2 at the Direct Energy Center. I know I'll be going.

One of a Kind Show

The One of A Kind Show - Spring 2012 - Part 1

March 30, 2012

This week I had the opportunity to explore the One of a Kind Show here in Toronto which is running through Sunday, April 1st at Exhibition Place. The One of a Kind Show is held twice a year - once in the spring, and once before Christmas. I've only ever been to the show once, and it was a few years ago, so this was something a little bit new for me and I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I really enjoyed my time exploring (so much so I went back on a second day), and I can see why it a spring tradition for many people in the Greater Toronto Area to attend the show.

One of a Kind Show - Spring 2012

If you don't have the opportunity to attend I've rounded up a few of my favorites from the show to share with you. Most of the artists have websites, so I'll include them to you can take a look at more of their work. If you're heading to the show this weekend I hope you'll take a peek at the below to help you plan which of the many booths to explore (I've included the booth numbers).

Art

One of a Kind Show - Kerry Walford

Kerry Walford (Booth P-27) is an artist specializing in oil painting. The cute little 'Bird with red Scarf' above are $120 and I was rather tempted by them. She has prints and note cards available with her work as well if an oil original is outside your budget. www.kerrywalford.com

One of Kind Show - Pebble Art of Nova Scotia

Pebble Art of Nova Scotia (Booth L-31) is created by Sharon Nowlan. All of the pebbles are collected on the beaches near her home. The picture above, entitled 'Spring' is $119 (my apologies for the photo which doesn't do her work justice) pebbleart.ca Pebble Art on Etsy

One of a Kind Show - Mara Minuzzo

Mara Minuzzo (Booth I-36) is an artist whose work I've seen before (most recently at The Artist Project). Her art blocks of Play Mobile figurines never fail to make me smile. ($35). Her art blocks of mid-century furniture items are great, and her paintings of people and scenery are wonderful . maraminuzzo.com Blue Trike on Etsy

Jewelry

One of a Kind Show - Moonrox

MoonRox (Booth Q-32) is jewelry and accessories made by Monique Chan. I love the colours and the combination of the metal and cord. The lovely entwined bracelets above are $65. moonrox.ca Moonrox on Etsy

One of a Kind Show - She Smiled and Ran

She Smiled and Ran (Booth N-44) is a contemporary jewelry line created by Annie Tung. The Wave ring ($320) above fits over two fingers, and made me wish my birthday hadn't just passed. shesmiledandran.com

Textiles

One of a Kind Show - Nicole Tarasick

Nicole Tarasick (Booth G-35) creates handmade screen printed items. The Canadian airport codes were what first drew my attention to her booth, and I love that what she had displayed all had a distinct Canadian angle. Small pillow: $65, Large: $95 (both with feather fill) Nicoletarasick.com Nicole Tarasick on Etsy

One of a Kind Show - Bookhou

Bookhou (Booth K-09) had a number of different products featured, but it was their textiles that drew my eye. I love these tea towels ($16) and the Moose onesie ($25) made me smile. Bookhou.com Bookhou on Etsy

One of a Kind Show - Jenna Rose

Jenna Rose (Booth I-16) is a textile studio where all the designs are initially hand drawn by Jenna Fenwick before being screen printed using water-based pigments. I honestly couldn't tell you which of Jenna's designs I liked the best - they're all gorgeous. Blankets $98, Tea towels $15, Pillows $60. Jennarose.ca Jenna Rose on Etsy

One of a Kind Show - Avril Loreti

Avril Loreti (Booth L-05) is a textile designer whose use of vibrant colour and pattern is amazing. The tea towels above are $25 and I can't decide which of them I like best (I keep changing my mind). Avrilloreti.com Avril Loreti on Etsy

I'm going to give your scrolling finger a rest and end this post here. I'll post some more favorites later, but in the meantime, if you're heading to the One of a Kind show this weekend make sure you visit the booths of the artist above, or take a peak at their websites.

Pages

New Favourites at the One of a Kind Show - Winter 2015

Scenes from my Weekend - EdgeWalk

Look Up

The Four Seasons Toronto - An Auction

BlogPodium: The Business of Blogging

There are generally three types of advertisements on blogs:

When to start advertising:

Sponsored posts:

How to attract readers and sponsors:

All Images by Mango Studios

The One of A Kind Show - Spring 2012 - Part 2

Ceramics

Furniture

Other

The One of A Kind Show - Spring 2012 - Part 1

Art

Jewelry

Textiles

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