Anything and Everywhere

The Winter Blues...

2012-02-22T08:55:00.000-05:00

The winter blues...its February, it's cold, dark by 6pm and you are in a down mood. If that sounds like you, you're not alone. Lately I have been feeling unmotivated and been trying to think of ways to get out of it. So came up with a couple ways to keep busy and turnaround my mood so as not to fall victim to the winter blues.

Here are a few thought starters, but would like this to be an expanding list so please add your thoughts and ideas on how you try and cope with the winter blues.

1. Expand your mind
Take a course or class in something that interests you. Having a regular commitment keeps you out and about and off the couch.

2. Take a vacation, mini or major.
Whether its a weekend in Niagara or a week in Cuba, get away for a change of scenary.

3. Get up and do something...around the house!
If you have been meaning to paint that room or check something off your reno to do list, get it done. nothing like the sense of accomplishment from completing tasks.

4. Have some friends over.
Have a game or movie at your house. serve some appetizers or do a potluck.

How do you get through the winter? Share your ideas and lets get through this winter in a good mood.

Manly, Australia

2012-02-20T15:06:00.000-05:00

Day 10
January 17, 2012

The last day of my stretch in Sydney is quickly approaching. It's weird how it snuck up so fast. We decided to spend the day over in Manly and take the ferry across. You can grab the ferry from Circular Quay over to Manly and its not too expensive at all (it was under $8). The ferry runs pretty regularly, which was great because we were really looking forward to heading over.

Down at the Sydney Harbour, there are tons of different places to see and visit. It really is a spectacular harbour. On the way to Manly, we got a beautiful view of the Harbour and went on a few stops along the way.

Once we got to Manly, I was definitely impressed. Was such a nice place and really had that laid back, beach feel. We checked out the shops, and there were tons of nice things to get I dont think we could get enough of it... and good deals too! I got a pair of shoes for $20 so I was happy. The beach is beautiful! Wasn't as packed as Bondi, which I really liked (although Bondi is beautiful as well), but just felt a bit more relaxed. After enjoying the beach, we headed to the beachfront restaurants and cafes for a drink and a bite to eat. There were so many nice places we just loved it, and the view was magnificant. Definitely one of the highlights of the week.

PADI Scuba Diving Certification in Sydney

2012-02-19T23:52:00.003-05:00

January 16, 2012
Day 10

So after taking a break for a few days, I was ready to try Scuba diving again. When I first got to Sydney, I went for my first open water dive and was having a lot of troubles with my ears. I think it must of had something to do with the pressure from the plane and then the pressure underwater. I just got off a plane and then within a couple hours, right into dive training. Although they had said it was ok to have it so close together, my ears felt another way. I still had trouble with my ears the day after. The ears, as well as the long wait and weather conditions made my first experience not the greatest. However rather then give up, I decided to give it another shot...and here I am.

This experience proved to be a lot better. The weather was nice, the water calm and I had the pleasure of one-on-one training with a dive master...very cool and a vast improvement from my first day.

The training went well. The first very smooth, the second ok and then on the third I think I was getting too much water and pressure on my ears and was ready to call it a day. Was a bit unfortunate because I was doing so well at all the skills and everything, was just having trouble with equalization on my ears. However, at the end of it all... I am now a Certified PADI Scuba Diver. Course complete and i'm ready for the Great Barrier Reef...

Longrain Restaurant & Bar in Sydney

2012-02-16T08:46:00.000-05:00

January 15, 2012
Day 8 - Longrains in Sydney

After yesterday, today was going to be a chillaxing day. Which consisted of a bit of shopping and a bit of sightseeing. Today the highlight for me would definitely be dinner. We dressed up and went for dinner at this place called Longrains. I have to say the food was incredible.

It was a fancy Thai fusion and since I'm not much of a foodie (I just eat the food not critic it) the only way I can explain it is that it was extremely flavorful and delicious. Our starter was a mint leaf with some veggies and suchin it,which apparently opened up the palette. So good! And then for the food itself... Wow! We ordered a dish that had egg net, beansproats, and shrimp...as well as a curry dish. Was so delicious and flavourful it's hard to explain unless you taste it. A bit pricey, but we would definitely recommend it.

http://longrain.com/

Hunter Valley, Australia

2012-02-15T22:33:00.000-05:00

January 14, 2012
Day 7 - Hunter Valley, Australia

So today we woke up early to go on a hunter valley wine tour. Had received numerous recommendations to check it out and definitely had to add it to itinerary. Although we had to wake up early, it was definitely worth it. The wine tour we went on took us to several places, and the servings were VERY generous. All the wineries we visited were great and the hosts very knowledgeable. We visited several wineries and the view and wine was absolutely magnificent. Took tons of pictures and enjoyed several glasses of wine... Think I learned a thing or two about wine as well. Imagine that! My friend and I bought a few bottles to take home for enjoyment which will hopefully tie us over for the remaining of the trip. At the end of the excursion, we also got to go for cheese and chocolate tasting. A great way to end a beautiful day!

Once I got home, I was exhausted! I think a day of sun and wine really tires one out. Although the thought of getting in my yoga pants and curling up on the couch sounded appealing, I knew I had to get up and enjoy a Saturday night in Sydney. We had a blast checking out some of the local pubs and clubs, and once we got home I can safely say I was done for the night.

Valentines Day in Niagara Falls

2012-02-15T21:41:00.000-05:00

This Valentines Day, my boyfriend and I along with some friends headed out to Niagara Falls for a romantic night on the day of love and romance. We had got a deal on a room/dinner package so thought it would be a great idea and an excuse to get away for the night.

We had a great night with great company, a wonderful dinner at the Keg overlooking the falls, a falls view hotel room... very nice! However, I was a bit disappointed with the lack of things going on in Niagara Falls on Valentines Day. Niagara is often known as a romantic place for couples, however on a day that is "supposed" to be one of the most romantic ones of the year, there really wasn't much going on there. The falls weren't lit up (would of been great to light them up red), none of the nightclubs were open (I called in advance and they said they wouldnt be open). We ended up having a great night together, was just a bit surprised the city doesnt take advantage of the day, especailly when all the hotels were marketing and giving deals. Theres so many things they could of done to take advantage of the day (chocolate workshops, the falls lit up, theme night at the nightclubs/bars, etc) Just feels like a missed opportunity. We still had a wonderful time regardless and will be back soon enough... maybe just on another day :-)

Bondi Beach... and UGG Hunt

2012-02-08T08:33:00.000-05:00

January 13, 2012
Day 6 - Bondi Beach... and UGG Hunt

So today I was feeling a bit rough, I guess that's what a few drinks and a night of dancing can do to you. My plan today... no plan. We woke up and decided to play it by ear. As we slowly got ourselves together and organized and adding some food into the equation, thought it would be a perfect day for shopping and the beach.

We first headed down to the CBD (Central Business District) which was a short walk from my friend's place in Surrey Hills. As we browsed through the stores, I was on a mission... UGGS. Must get UGGS. The selection of UGGS was crazy! Where to start? How to find the perfect style I want? How much to spend? I was too tired to make such decisions, so did a bit of window shopping and then off to the beach.

We headed on the bus to Bondi Beach and as soon as I saw the beach, I felt rejuvenated. I couldn't wait to jump in the water and lay on the sand. The water was beautiful, and the beach was packed. One side for swimmers, the other for surfers. When I saw the people surfing, I thought "that would be awesome to try". However, maybe not today. and maybe when I get a bit of practice. Those waves were pretty crazy. The water was so nice I can't even describe how good it felt. After a swim, and laying on the beach it's crazy how quickly time flies. About 5 hours later and I was super tanned and totally relaxed. I think everyone needs a good beach day every so often.

Later that night we were supposed to meet friends at Opera Bar. Unfortunately we took so long at the beach and were so relaxed by the time we got there they left. However, I have to admit that the Opera House looks beautiful at night.

Taronga Zoo and Sydney Nightlife

2012-02-07T08:57:00.000-05:00

January 12, 2012
Day 5 - Taronga Zoo and a night out in Sydney

Woke up today and my ears were still bothering me from the day before. I had hesitations about diving the same day I landed but went ahead after I was reassured by the dive shop I could. Unfortunately was a bit too much for the ears and the following day my ears were feeling very uncomfortable. Thinking about the safety of my ears, I had to cancel the full day of diving (which was a bit disappointing), but decided to head to Taronga Zoo.

After a bit of figuring out and exploring, I took the ferry over to the zoo from Darling Harbour. The ferry ride was great and you get to see so much of the harbour. Sydney has a spectacular harbour and have to say I have never seen anything like it. For $50 with Captain Cook Cruises I got a ferry ticket and admission to Taronga Zoo. I could of went without the attitude from the sales woman (who didn't seem very happy to be working), but with that aside it was a very nice ferry ride. I was able to explore the harbour and learn a thing or two about the islands.

The zoo was great. A lot of walking and definitely bring a map. I got to have a "koala encounter" which was cool but not quite worth the money. Basically you get to meet a koala and take pictures...the only thing is it cost $20 and apparently it's against the law in New South Wales to touch them so you just stand beside it. Plus it was sleeping! $20 to get a picture taken and doesn't even have to be up... I think he's got it pretty good!

All in all though the zoo was a good experience. I saw so many animals including going into a pen with wallabies. Such a different experience from going to the zoo in Toronto where everything is in cages. Whereas here you can get a bit closer to the animals.

Once my friend got off work we headed to a BBQ at one of her coworkers house. It was nice getting to hangout with some Australians over some food and a couple drinks. After eating we played board games over some drinks, then my friend and I headed out for a night on the town and what a night it was! We headed out to a couple local night spots for drinks and dancing. Was hard to find a good place at first as everything was a bit scattered around... and it was a Thursday night. However, ended up being an awesome unexpectednight out with dinner and dancing! Although I couldn't help but compare the nightlife scene to that of Toronto and would have to say (without being biases) that the Toronto scene rocks. A lot more dancers and open a lot later... So I tried to represent for Toronto.

Day 4 - Australia, i'm here!

2012-02-07T08:55:00.000-05:00

January 10, 2012/ January 11, 2012

So it's day 4... Well I think it's day 4, with all the changes in time I don't even know what time it is anymore.

I'm in Sydney and can't believe I'm finally here. I don't think it's actually kicked in yet. So where to begin.... The flight was comfortable but long. This was by far the longest flight I've been on, plus the largest plane - an Airbus A380. A pretty cool plane I have to admit. I have to give Quantas credit because they really tried to make the flight as comfortable as possible. Blankets, pillows and headphones to start, not to mention the all the food and drinks. Was great! I was so impressed with the customer service and care I received from the attendants on that flight. Was definitely the best airline experience to date. I tried to nap on the plane and was able to get about 8 hours on and off of sleep in. It's pretty hard to sleep when your on a plane and in your head have the anticipation of the trip to come. Not to mention, I think Im all caught up on movies for awhile. Once I landed, then it kicked in...im not in North America anymore. The heat that blasted me as I left the airport was a far cry from the cold winter jacket I was use to back home.

When I arrived to my friends house, I was so happy to see her. It has been almost a year since she moved here and talking via email and Skype just isn't the same. After some catching up and orienting myself, she headed off to work and I to scuba diving training. With 4 open waters to go until PADI certification I was eager to get it started.

Now I'm not going to lie, exploring Sydney on my own only a couple hours into the trip was a bit intimidating and although I did get a bit lost, I made it.

So my first open water experience in Sydney didn't go as well as expected. Once I got there, they told me they were running a bit late and it would be a 2 hour wait (ended up being more like a 3 hour wait). But with that aside, it was the dive itself which wasn't exactly what I was expecting. Climbing down rocks with all my scuba equipment on a windy day, with poor visibity, wasnt exactly what I was looking forward to, but I still went along with it. Once it was over I was glad to get home. As I nursed sore ears as a result of the plane and diving, and a bit of jet lag I looked forward to catching up with my friend over a couple glasses of wine.

Day 3 - Chilling and California Farewells

2012-01-19T10:08:00.000-05:00

Jan 9, 2012

So my last day in California and it was a lazy day. Spent the day chillin around the house on the Internet and checking out the ranch.

My aunt and uncle have a beautiful ranch in the hills with tons of animals. I explored a bit and decided to meet the "locals". The animals were all very curious about me, who I was, and came up to greet me. There were some horses including some wild stallions, llamas, goats, chickens...you get the picture. I really took a liking to "Wildfire", a dark brown and black horse who was very friendly and curious. She came up so I could pet her. I found out later she was a wild horse who had a lot of training. Couldn't tell from her gentle personality.

I then met the llamas. There was one in particular who wanted to follow my ever moment and was very lovable. She gave me a little kiss on my hand as did the goats. Just loved the animals and their gentle personalities. You could tell that my aunt and uncle absolutely love them and give them tons of TLC.

Later that afternoon, my aunt and I headed for shopping at Ross. Let me tell you that I definitely found a lot of stuff I liked... Let the shopping begin!

Then after the shopping, comes the finale. The reality that my time in California is coming to an end and I must prepare for my next journey... to Australia! My aunt and uncle drove me to the airport and as I bid them farewell and walked into LAX I came to the realization, this is it. The next part of this journey I must do on my own and a feeling of loneliness came over me. LAX is such a big place and I'm a needle in a hay stack.

So now here I sit in a airport lounge with a glass of wine waiting for the next leg of my adventure to begin....am I ready? Let's find out...

Day 2 - California cruising

2012-01-19T09:56:00.000-05:00

Jan 8, 2012

Officially my first full day of vacation. We woke up early for a van cruise. My uncle is really onto cars and does a lot of customized work on vans and cars. They look absolutely fantastic . The cruise started around 730am where we met up with a few cars from Wheels of Confusion and drove through the Palos Verdes Peninsula on our way to Rotondo Beach.

We took the most beautiful scenic tour around the coast and by the time we got to the end of the road, we were at the most beautiful lookout overlooking the ocean. The vans all opened their back trunks and 70s rock could be heard from the stereos. I loved it!

There's even a video of it at: http://vimeo.com/35062065

After the cruise was done and the sun setting, we head back to the ranch for some down time. Was nice sitting down with my aunt and uncle having a glass of wine in my pjs. Made me feel at home.

Day 1 - Saying Goodbye

2012-01-19T09:23:00.000-05:00

January 7, 2012

So here I sit at the airport waiting for my flight. Been an interesting start to the trip so far. My flights been delayed an hour so far so here I sit in the bar killing time with a Rickards red (actually not a bad way to kill time now that I think if it lol)

My boyfriend dropped me off at the airport and it's weird because I was fine until we got to the airport and I saw all the signs for the terminals and I realized wow this is really happening! As he dropped me off and we said our goodbyes, I started to get sentimental. I kissed him good bye and he reassured me that I was going to have an amazing time. We said I love you and as I walked away I couldn't help but keep looking back to see his car, which stayed for a bit before it drove away. It is at that point I realized this is really happening.

As I walk towards the Air Canada check-in I'm greeted by a lineup of hundreds of people all waiting to check luggage... A far cry from the somewhat romantic departure I just experienced. I waited in line behind the hundreds of people before me and then the weirdest thing happened. A guy from Air Canada comes up and says "where you going" I respond Los Angeles. He asked me if I had my boarding pass and I did, then he's like come with me... For a second I thought oh oh, I haven't even started this trip don't tell me I'm in trouble already. He takes me to another counter to the front of the line! Couldn't believe it.

So I'm all checked in, and now comes the fun part...customs..yay! (I'm being sarcastic by the way). So here I go ready to line up for another one and I line up behind this pretty girl my age who strikes up a conversation with me. We ended up chatting for about 45 mins needless to say the line up felt a lot shorter with someone to talk to. Then my turn comes up. Now is it just me or does customs ask very random questions? What do I do? Where am I going? When do I go back to work? Oh and my favorite "did you bring gifts for your family? When I answered no he looked at me like I was some kind of jerk and sent me along my way...

So here I sit still killing time with my iPad and a beer...not bad.

An Adventure to Oz

2012-01-19T09:19:00.000-05:00

Day 1: Jan 7, 2012

Today I embark on a new adventure... I start my travels to Australia! This is just the first in several daily entries I will write on my travels. I've never been to Australia before so i'm excited about facing the unknown and going on a bit of an adventure, writing about the experience along the way.

It's funny because before you go on a vacation, especially one for an extended period of time, there is so much preparation. It becomes a bit daunting and stressful at times, but as they say...keep your eyes on the prize. As I sit here, pretty much all packed waiting for my flight I think about how much I will miss the ones close to me... and my dog. However look forward to bringing back pictures and stories, and in the process finding myself. I think often you get so caught up in life, you need to take a break every once and awhile and figure out the things that are important. I'm hoping this trip will give me what I need to rejuvenate myself and my thinking.

Now, off to finishing my packing...first stop along the way? Los Angeles for a couple days.

Write to you soon!

Labour Day in the City

2011-09-01T12:43:00.000-04:00

Labour Day is almost upon and I have to say, its bit bitter sweet for me. On one end, it means long weekend and an extra day off work (woohoo!), on the other it marks the last long weekend of the summer (*cries).
So with this in mind, how do we make the best of Labour Day? If you're in Toronto, here's how:

Canadian National Exhibition (a.k.a CNE or "The Ex")
http://www.theex.com/
Last weekend for the CNE is this weekend, so if you haven't gone yet, it's a good opportunity to check it out. Plus, this weekend is the airshow!

Canada's Wonderland
http://www.canadaswonderland.com/
Open until October, it's definitely a good option if you're looking for something to do this weekend.
Centre Island
Hop on the Ferry and head over to Centre Island. Bring a lunch and have a nice picnic. Bring your bike or rollarblades and ride the paths, or bring the kiddies to Centreville.

Woodbine Beach
Take a stroll on the boardwalk, relax on the sand or get into a game of volleyball!

Hot and Spicy Food Festival
www.harbourfrontcentre.com/summer/hotandspicy/index.cfm?ref=fp
If you like spicy food, you got to check this out. Head down to the Harbourfront and get your taste of spicy and hot treats.

Cirque du Soleil Totem
Cirque du Soleil is in town and if you have been to one of the shows before, then you know its an eye-popping. If you haven't, find out what everyones talking about.

Toronto's Hispanic Fiesta
Celebrate hispanic culture with food, dancing and more at Mel Lastman Square in North York.

Enjoy you're long weekend. Be safe and have fun!

CNE Time!

2011-08-22T23:21:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year again... the CNE is back! It's a bit bittersweet for me. On one side I always look forward to it every year, at the same time it also marks the end of summer. However with all thats going on this year at the CNE, your bound to forget that summer is almost over (well, almost).

Thinking about checking out the CNE this year? A couple things to get you there...

When:
August 19 - September 5, 2011

Admission:
General Admission (Adult) - $16
Seniors and Children - $12
Children under 4 - FREE

Saving on admission:

Mon, Tues, Wed & Thurs after 5pm is only $5 to get in
You can also redeem for CNE tickets through AIR MILES®

How to get there:

The CNE is accessible by car, ttc and go train

For more information, check out the CNE web site: http://theex.com/plan-your-visit/getting-here/
or http://www.ttc.ca/

What to do:

Rides
Attractions
Special Events
Shopping
Games
Casino
Shows
and more

Also, don't forget to check out the Air Show Saturday Sept 3-Monday Sept 5, 2011 from 12:30-4:30pm

For more information about the CNE, make sure to check out their web site: http://theex.com/

Now "let's go to the Ex"!

Cyprus Lake - Feels like Paradise

2011-08-22T22:38:00.000-04:00

On the way back from Tobermory, we stopped off at Cyprus Lake to check out the Grotto. We heard it was amazing, but until you see it for yourself it doesn't quite kick in.

A 20 minute walk through the the Bruce Peninsula and you're there. The walk itself was beautiful and relaxing, such nice scenary within the woods.

Once we got there, we were greeted with turquoise blue water, caves and rock cliffs. Swimming in waters that look like they are from a caribean vacation. I just couldn't believe a spot like this existed in Ontario. It reminded me of Tulum, Mexico (minus the mayan ruins). There are so many places like this in Ontario that are just absolutely amazing waiting to be discovered. However, I have to say out of all the places I have seen in Ontario, this spot was just breathtaking.

To see more pictures of Cyprus Lake, visit my photostream on Flickr

Tobermory

2011-08-17T00:39:00.000-04:00

I had never heard about Tobermory before, however came across one of those travel magazines through Ontario Tourism and instantly became intrigued.

The drive up is a few hours (even longer if you take the waterfall route, but well worth it). However it is such a scenic drive, you are going to want to take your time and enjoy it.

On our way up, we checked out some of the waterfalls, and I was just amazed how many waterfalls are on the way up there. Definitely worth checking out... and bring your camera!

A few hours later, we got to Tobermory, which is a small, quaint town with a lot of charm. Located right at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula, it is right in between Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. Its location makes it home to a unique geographic landscape and a historic past.

WHAT TO DO

DIVING & SHIP WRECKS

One of the popular things to do there is diving. Many people head up there to get their diving certification. There’s some great diving spots and about 25 sunken ship wrecks in the area you can check out.

SUNSETS

We stayed at the Bruce Anchor Motel, which boasts the best sunset view. They have a deck right on the lake and it was gorgeous! Looking over the water with a beautiful sunset is just so relaxing.

FERRY TO MANTOULIN ISLANDS

Tobermory is also where you get the car ferry over to Manitoulin Islands. We saw some of the ferries come in and they were huge!

SEAFOOD...mmmm

The area boasts Whitefish and they have every reason to. They fish was sooo good! I ordered fish and chips from one of the several restaurants along the harbour and it was delicious! There was more fish then batter and just so tasty.

FLOWERPOT ISLAND

There are boat tours you can take across to Flowerpot Island, and one where you can check out 2 sunken ship wrecks on the way. Although a bit pricey ($35 a person), its a great place to do some exploring and enjoy the scenery. If you have some time, bring a lunch and sit along the lake to take it all in.

Tobermory is definitely a hidden treasure and a great place to explore. Nature lovers will not be disappointed. Take time to take it all in and enjoy. I'm looking forward to going back next year!

A Multicultural Fest Called The Taste of Lawrence

2011-07-11T23:32:00.000-04:00

So I have to admit, before this year, I had never heard of the Taste of Lawrence. Didn't know what to expect.

So this year, I was checking out pulse24.com and came across some information about it. I kinda wasn't in the mood to venture downtown too much. It was a sunday, it was hot... something that was easy to get to and not too far was what I was thinking, so I thought I would check it out.

I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised.

Some of the many food vendors

It's not a big festival by any means. Just spanning the distance from Warden and Lawrence to Birchmount and Lawrence. What a liked about it though was it was fairly low key and there was a lot of interesting stuff going on there. Now I have passed by that area before and there are tons of small food shops, some of which look a bit sketchy, some I barely notice or have no clue what they are. However, here all the shops came out offering their food and I have to saw, wow there’s a lot of delicious stuff out there. All flavours too! There was Chinese food, Malaysian, Halal, Caribbean, Thai, you name it.

There were also tons of stands selling jewelry and small goods for cheap. I got a necklace for $3! They also had rides and games for the kids and rock climbing.

Oka performing

However, the part I liked best were the performances.

I was a bit disappointed I missed the Bollywood dancers, however I got there just in time to see Oka perform. They are an Austrailian band performing across Canada right now. And they were absolutely amazing. I don’t know how to describe them expect for a new age jazz.

So while Taste of Lawrence isnt something to dedicate a weekend too, you should definitely pass by and check it out. All in all a good time!

Honda Indy..Vrroooom - FREE FRIDAYS

2011-07-06T23:15:00.000-04:00

Well its that time of year again... it's Indy time in Toronto! If you're looking for the following: watching fast cars, beers, freebies and more of watching fast cars... this is the place to be.

This year they are doing something a bit different. On Friday, they are offering FREE admission. No this is not a typo... FREE. I mean sure it's just the practice races, but still! If you're looking for something to do on a Friday on a budget, its worth checking out.

If you don't get a chance to go Friday, you can still get tickets for Saturday and Sunday (for a cost of course :-) ).

Also, this year Paul Tracy is racing for a really good cause - Make-a-Wish Canada. I'm cheering for Paul... Go Paul Go!!!

For more information, you can check out the Hondy Indy Web Site:
http://www.hondaindytoronto.com/

Now off to the races...

Canada Day in Ottawa

2011-07-05T23:22:00.000-04:00

I just had the amazing experience of spending this Canada Day in Ottawa. What an experience!

I got to say, they know how to celebrate.

We got there on Canada day itself, let me tell you if you plan on going book in advance! We tried finding something a couple days before and everything was sold out. And if it wasn’t, it was super expensive. We were lucky to find a last minute availability at the Lord Eglin Hotel right downtown. I have to say, this place was amazing! Within walking distance to everything and the service was fantastic.

We woke up early to drive from Toronto to Ottawa. Took a bit longer then expected and ended up there right in the heart of the Canada Day festivities. There were some road closures because of the events (and also because Will and Kate were there).

As soon as we finally got to our hotel (which took about an hour within downtown Ottawa becuase of road closures), it was a huge sigh of relief.

We quickly rushed to get ready so we could partake in the festivities and maybe get a glimpse of Will and Kate.

Heading downtown, IT WAS PACKED! I don’t think I have ever seen so many people in on place in my life. But I have to say, it was amazing!

The energy was great! Even though it was crazy packed, everyone was in a fantastic mood!

After Will and Kate did their thing, the crowd started to clear (for what was a bit of a break to the streets and patios). And we got to hangout in front of parliament while the bagpipes were going.

There were tons of patios on Stark St. Its right down in the downtown “government” district. Some really good places!

I would also check out Rideau and Elgin if you're looking for places to go out drinking.

At night we stayed for the bands and the fireworks. They were amazing!

After that, went down to Rideau for a few drinks and the rest is history.

As we walked back to our hotel, there were TONS of workers cleaning up the streets from all the mess.
The next day, was completly quiet. Was actually really weird compared to the day before. Such a contrast. We went to a small breakfast place on Stark ($4.99, can't go wrong with that) and headed home.

All in all, a fabulous trip. See you soon Ottawa!

Canadian Flag "Cake" recipe at Kraftcanada.com

2011-06-29T22:51:00.000-04:00

This looks soooo good!

Canadian Flag "Cake"
Canadian Flag "Cake" recipe at Kraftcanada.com

Canada Day on a Budget

2011-06-28T17:38:00.001-04:00

July is almost here, the long weekend is approaching. The weather is nice and you have an extra day off of work… however not extra money in your wallet. How do you have a great long weekend without breaking your budget? Try some of these ideas:

Have a BBQ

- Invite some friends over and have a BBQ at your place (or a friends place if it works out better). Make it a potluck, so everyone brings a dish to share! That way everyone pitches in and you get to try out everyone’s tasty treats.

Drive to the Beach

- Load up the car with a cooler and some snacks and take a day trip to the beach. Whether it be checking out Wasaga Beach (which is about 1.5 hour drive from Toronto) or one a bit farther like SandBanks or Grand Bend (approx. 2.5-3 hours from Toronto).

Go to the Harbourfront

- If you are in (or close to) Toronto, head down to the harbourfront and see whats going on. There are often tons of free festivals/events going on to check out.

Go to the Drive-In

- Yes those still exist. Pack a carload of friends and head to the drive-in in Oakville or down to the Docks Drive-in near Polson Pier (Toronto)

Check out a Festival

- Find out what festivals are going on in your area (or a short drive away) and head there for the day! A lot of them are free and can be a lot of fun.

Looking for events in Toronto?

Just a few things going on Canada Day weekend:

- Corso Italia Festival (July 2 & 3) www.torontofiesta.com

- Canada Day at Mel Lastman Square, North York (July 1) www.toronto.ca/special_events/canada/2011/index.htm

- Toronto Ribfest, Centennial Park (June 30-July 3) www.torontoribfest.com

- Pride Parade (July 3) www.pridetoronto.com

- Fireworks at Canada’s Wonderland (July 1)

Long Weekend!

2011-06-27T21:21:00.000-04:00

... and the countdown begins!! Canada day is almost here, and for my American friends, Independence Day. No matter which one you celebrate, I think we are all excited about celebrating our country, being patriotic and getting a well deserved break from our everyday routines.

Family, Friends, BBQ, Fireworks, an extra day off work...and good weather (*crossing fingers*). The long weekend is almost here and I don't know about you but I can't wait. Even if you don't have plans, it's nice to know you have that extra day in the summer to sleep in and do whatever you want. So here comes the big question... how to spend it?? I'll be spending this week answering that exact question.

But with that aside, do you know why we celebrate Canada Day and the Independence Day?

Canada Day, simply put is Canada's birthday. On July 1st 1867, british colonies united to form Canada, which was formerly known as Dominion Day. It wasn't until 1982, when it was renamed Canada Day.

Independence Day (also known as The Fourth of July ) was the day in 1776 that the declaration of independence was signed, declaring independence from Britian... and the country became the United States of America!

Want more information about both holidays?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada_Day
http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/canada/canada-day
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(United_States)

With that in mind, have a wonderful Canada Day and Independence Day!

Camping at the Pinery (Grand Bend)

2011-06-24T00:45:00.000-04:00

Grand Bend is just beautiful!

2011-06-24T00:28:00.000-04:00

Took this picture on our way to Grand Bend. In Arkona, if you go to the park at Rock Glen you can see these really cool waterfalls. You can even take a picture fairly close to it!

Waterfalls in Arkona (Near Grand Bend)

Camping: Getting Started

2011-06-23T09:47:00.000-04:00

Camping is a fun experience and a great way to get out of the city and rediscover nature.

If you have never been camping or with only little experience, its easy to get started.

Find a Place:The first thing is find a place. Figure out where you want to go and what kind of camping experience you are after. There are a number of web sites out there where you can find campsites depending on what area you want to explore.

Depending on where you live, you can quite often find links to camp sites on tourism sites for the place you want to visit.

For camping in Ontario, you can check out:

www.ontarioparks.com

www.campgrounds.org

Price Edward Island:

www.tourismpei.com/camping

Nova Scotia:

www.novascotia.com/en/home/accommodations/campgrounds.aspx

United States:

www.gocampingamerica.com

A few popular places worth checking out in ontario:
- Sauble Beach
- Bruce Peninsula
- Grand Bend
- Sandbanks
- Ottawa region

The Camping Experience:
An important thing to keep in mind when researching a possible camp grounds is what kind of camping is it. Some offer camping just for families, some cater to the younger university/college crowd and some are great for couples.

Also how intense do you want your camping experience? Do you want a campgrounds with cottages? Do you want camping more secluded or within a grounds with several other sites? Are you up for really "roughing it"?

Its important to figure this stuff out before you go to make sure you have the best possible experience.

When to go:
Depending on the area you are going camping, you may want to be aware of the best times for camping in your region. In Ontario, the camping season runs from late May (Victoria Day weekend) until mid/end of September. After that, camping may be a bit chilly - especially at night.

Packing List:
Now that you picked your campsite, time to start packing. Here's a packing list to help you get started:

Sleeping

Tent

Sleeping Bag

Air Mattress (Optional)

Pillow (Optional)

Eating

Food (stuff that can easily be cooked on a grill or firepit)

Hand Grill (You can usually pick these up cheap, I’ve even seen them at the Dollar Store. Great for Cooking over a fit pit)

Utensils, Plates, Drinking Cups

Marshmallows (what’s camping without these??)

Water

Clothing

Bathing Suit (if there is a beach in the area)

Towel

Day Clothes (eg. T-shirt, Tank, Shorts, etc.)

Night Clothes (eg. sweater, long pants, etc.)

And more

Matches

Small Knife (for odd camping jobs, etc.)

Bug Repellent

Flash Lights

Paper Towel

Garbage Bags

And for the most important part...enjoy! Camping is what you make of it so have a great time, enjoy the sites and scenary and rediscover the great outdoors.

Travel Review: Las Vegas

2011-03-02T00:04:00.000-05:00

Las Vegas... the sin city. Or as I like to call it, Disney World for Adults. In Vegas, anything goes. Theres so much to see and do, its almost overwhelming.

Here are 10 tips and tricks for a great Vegas vacation:

1. Set aside a day to wander the strip.

One can spend an entire day going up and down the strip checking out the hotels and attract

ions. Each hotel is themed and has something unique to check out. Make sure to bring your camera and a good pair of walking shoes.

2. Check out a Vegas show, especially one of the Cirque du Soleil Shows.

I went to my first one in vegas and it was absolutely amazing! Before getting tickets, check around and see if you can get discounts. Sometimes you can get coupons from the casino if they have one of the shows on-site. You can also find places on the strip that sell discounted tickets. But be careful. Make sure whoever you buy them off of is a legitimate business.

3. Shopping

In Vegas, you can pretty much find any store you are looking for to shop... and then some.

Depending on your tastes (and your budget) you can check out the Fashion Show Mall if you have a medium-small sized budget or The Outlets (which are a bit off the strip) if you are looking for a deal. If you have money to burn and are looking for some of the higher end stores like Prada, Gucci and so forth, check out Miracle Mile Shops or the Forum Shops. The Forum Shops is also good for sightseeing, as they have a shop which goes on once an hour and a hu

ge aquarium.

4. See the Canal at the Venetian and the Bellagio Water Show.

The Canal goes through through the Venetian hotel, and is beautiful. You can also go for a canal ride, but I believe its about $30 a person.

The Bellagio Water Show is spectacular! Definitely a must see, plus its free to watch.

5. Rent a car and explore

Renting a car is fairly reasonably priced. If you get one for the day, definitely go for a drive to one of the beautiful sight-seeing spots in the area.

Within about 1-1.5 hours away you can see Red Rock, The Valley of Fire, Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. Although, give yourself the day as you will probably want to take more time taking pictures and really taking in the areas. If you are feeling really adventurous, Grand Canyon is a 4.5 hour + drive away.

Some pictures of Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, the Lake Mead Area and the Valley of Fire are available on my Flickr Page.

6. Cheap drinks are everywhere

When you're gambling, expect to be approached by waitresses offering free drinks. Also, look around because there are a lot of places on the strip that offer beers for $1-3 each, as well as cheap mixed drinks. You can also get cans of beer at the convenience stores for about $1-$2 each and bring them around with you. In Vegas, you can bring your drinks with you as you walk the strip.

7. Make sure to bring tip money

One thing we found, was that everything cost you a tip. You get a drink - tip. You want passes - tip. You want your luggage from the hotel storage - tip. Just make sure to bring lots of dollar bills.

8. Casinos are EVERYWHERE.

There is definitely no shortage of casinos in Vegas and they are open 24/7. The majority of hotels have a casino in the lobby, which is like a maze of slot machines and card tables when you're trying to get in and out of the hotel.

9. Check out the nightlife

Cover at some of the hipper clubs can get expensive. If you plan on going out, check out the guys giving out the club passes on the street. It may cost you a tip of $2-$5, but will save you $20 plus in the long run. There are tons of great clubs in Vegas. Tao is a great place, especially if you want a chance as spotting some celebs. Eva Longoria's club Eve was also really good. The service there are was amazing!

10. Enjoy the food

There's tons of places to eat. Buffets are everywhere and lots of nice restaurants. Scope out all your opinions. Some of the places on the strip can be a bit pricey, but the food is really good ( in most cases). The Cheese Factory in the Forum Shops is great! The service was excellent, the food amazing and as a bonus you are right next to the aquarium and the show! If you want to save a bit on food, if you go off the strip you can often find some cheaper options.

The most important tip though... enjoy! Vegas is a fantastic city with tons to see and do, so enjoy ever minute of it.