A Pinch of This, A Dash of That

Happy November!

2011-11-02T16:51:00.002-04:00

Happy November!

We've made it to the longest, most grey month in the calendar! (In my opinion of course!) But November crept up on me much like the rest of the year did.

The remaining days of October were great, though.

@Home with Marlene: Mid-October, I produced a special series with a local woman I met last year, Marlene MacPherson. @Home with Marlene is a 6 part series produced in Marlene's beautiful Bradford home. Marlene is an inspiring woman who not only battled breast cancer, but is currently facing a new challenge and doing so with so much grace. Among many, many other things, Marlene is the person who introduced me to Kale chips last summer!

Marlene MacPherson and Jakob

Marlene's series welcomes a special guest each week who has faced his/her own adversity. One of the superstar guests has got to be Jakob, a six-year-old boy who currently has ALL (Leukemia). He won all of our hearts that day.

@Home with Marlene will start airing on Rogers TV on November 14.

Celebrating Life, Celebrating Hope. On October 30, I had the great honour of being involved with the 23rd annual CIBC Celebration of Hope Luncheon in support of the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation.

Our great friend Allan Bell from MSH Foundation is the Creative Director of this annual event and it always brings out hundreds of men and women (mainly women) raising money for the Breast Health Centre at the Hospital.

I had the honour of wearing Canadian designer Franco Mirabelli, who was surprised to have to fit a belly this year!

The event was - once again - well received and honoured 4 breast cancer organizations, including the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, with a Hope Award.

Happy Halloween! I got to work on Halloween Day to my first trick - someone had mummified my chair!

My mummified chair

Me and Jac - preggo Halloween

The note - which I'm not sure you can see - says "Deal Julia, Heart you were going to be a mummy!" I found the culprit - a bunch of co-op students. Good times. Good kids.

Halloween @ Rogers TV was back with a vengence this year. I went with a more original costume and actually took home the prize for "Most Honest" Costume with my "Miss Conception" costume.

We also decked Rexy up for the night of trick-or-treaters. We recycled his costume from last year, but he didn't seem to mind!

J

And what a busy 3 months it has been...

2011-10-18T20:55:00.000-04:00

It's been an exciting three months - not only for the news I shared earlier, but for all the other events and festivities happening in life as well. Here's a short recap:

Celebrations

Over the last three months, we celebrated the marriage of some of our close friends. On September 3, Joe and Josie Vecchiarelli tied the knot and made it official. Donny and I were both honoured to in the bridal party and loved sharing their special day with them.

Me and Donny at Joe and Josie's Wedding

One month later, on October 1, Jennifer Harrison and Marc Peirce celebrated their marriage at Wellington Gallery. Jennifer and Marc actually met at our wedding at The Club at Bond Head, where Marc works! Such a wonderful twist of fate to bring these lovebirds together.

The lovely Jennifer Harrison

Accomplishments

October 2, 2011 was a big day for me - it was the 3rd annual Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure in York Region. As one of the volunteer Run Directors, it was really important for me to make this day successful and fun! It was absolutely FREEZING that morning, but thousands showed up to run or walk for this amazing cause. Our event raised more than $516K as of October 2 with the donations still coming in. I'm so grateful for my fellow committee members, especially my friends and family who were able to help support the team and me!

Me and Marliese outside the Survivor Tent

For a look at the wonderful photos Tunde from TNy Photography took, visit the Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.224511220935495.58883.149600548426563&type=3

Though not as monumental as raising more than half a million dollars for breast cancer research in Canada, my little peanut (my car) had a milestone last month.

It's the first time I've hit 300,000 kilometres with a vehicle. My little RAV4 basically grew up with me and has been with me through university and beyond; I'm going to miss the girl when she's gone, but she's served me well all these years. Tear.

Preserves

You can't finish a summer without making some preserves. Of course, that usually means tomato sauce, which I LOVE and it's a tradition for which I'm proud to continue. This year, we outdid ourselves and made 13 bushels of tomatoes, amounting in a few hundred jars of sauce for the year. So many people have abandoned this long-standing Italian tradition for using canned tomatoes, but it's not the same thing! It's one day of hard, hard work for a year's worth of saucy goodness.

Just a glimpse at some of our sauce for 2011

This year, for the first time, I decided to make pickles! My MIL makes them all the time, so I thought, why not? I also had some veggies, so I made a giardiniera, which is basically pickled veggies. I'm so happy I did because I'm a crazy person for pickles and pickled veggies. Last week, I also made hot banana pepper rings too!

Knitting

Lastly, the start of fall meant the official kick off of knitting season. I've been a busy bee knitter over the past few weeks and can't wait to start some baby stuff for me!

My new mustard hat

I was thrilled when I finished this slouchy hat in a beautiful mustard Malabrigo yarn. It's so soft and cosy and while it looks complicated, it wasn't!

Itty bitty mitten

I'm knitting a baby set for Jacqueline, who is due at the end of November. Here's a shot of the itty bitty baby mitten. I've also done a hat!

Phew! There we have it - the Reader's Digest version of what I've been up to lately. I promise to update more frequently and make the posts shorter! But so much to share!

J

3 months later...

2011-10-18T20:10:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I last updated, and unlike most months, a lot has happened! It's been a very busy few months, and I will update on what I've been working on. But first, the biggest news of the ahem...trimester:

I'm a little over 3 months pregnant! Donny and I will be welcoming our first bundle sometime in early April 2012. A spring baby, an Aries. I'm feeling great and enjoying the process so far. It's also been nice having some close friends who have a) just had a baby b) are pregnant c) are on the pregnancy bandwagon. It should be a fun 6.5 more months! At least I hope it will be!

For those wondering, baby is now about the size of an avocado. It's funny how baby books compare the size of the fetus to fruit: appleseed, plum, avocado, grapefruit and eventually, watermelon.

The image above is our first ultrasound, and no, we don't know what we're having - yet. We will find out the gender in about 6 weeks or so! Looking forward to sharing this experience with everyone!

J

Lentil Burgers....Julia style

2011-08-09T15:09:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, Donny was reading a running magazine about lentils and said to me, "We should really be eating more lentils." "Sure", I said. I do make a mean lentil soup in the fall and winter months, but adding more legumes to our diet couldn't be a bad thing.

Funny enough, earlier this week, my mom tells me she saw someone on TV making lentil burgers and they looked good. So, I thought, why not try this myself? I looked into a few recipes online; some incorporated carrots and celery, others used spices like cumin and curry. Donny didn't seem too enthralled with the thought of a lentil burger, but I thought I'd give it a go anyhow.

They didn't turn out too badly, for a made up recipe! I had two colleagues try the day old leftovers, and my burger still got a thumbs-up. I can already see the possible variations in the recipe, but for those who were asking, here is my original lentil burger recipe:

Julia's Lentil Burger

1 cup of dry Red lentils (I used red because that's what I had. Feel free to use other types)

1 egg

1/4 chopped onion

Breadcrumbs

Romano Cheese

1 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional)

Salt and Black Pepper to taste

Chopped Parsley

2 tbsps of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Cook the lentils and drain. Allow to sit in pot and cool. Using a potato masher, mush up about half of the lentils. Add egg, salt and pepper, chopped onion, cayenne pepper (optional), chopped parsley, a palmful of breadcrumbs and half a palmful of Romano cheese. Combine well. Add more breadcrumbs if the mix is still too soft.

Form patties with the lentil mixture and let stand in a plate. (Should make 4-5 medium sized patties)

Heat olive oil in a frying pan on medium heat. Cook 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.

Serve hot.

They're fast, they're cheap, they're great for you and they actually taste good too! If you make them, let me know how they turn out! Next time around, I may add other vegetables (carrots, celery) to the lentil mix, and instead of cayenne, I may opt for a more Indian flavour with ground cumin. We'll see!

More Bull

2011-07-21T16:20:00.000-04:00

I received an email from a person who attended the same bullfight as I in Madrid on Sunday night. I'm unable to reply directly to this person, but wanted to address his/her points here, on my blog. I was incorrect in saying there were three bulls that (participated) in the fights on Sunday, when in reality, 6 bulls were killed. According to the note, the first bull (the one I watched) was the tamest in the evening, and the 2nd and 3rd matadors were thrown by the bull and injured, respectively. I don't think I could have watched that, either.

This poster felt "the matadors don't deserve the unflattering portrait you paint of them (at least not for the reasons you highlight)". To address this point: in no way did I mean that I wanted the matadors to get hurt or injured, nor did I suggest the matadors couldn't get hurt in such a sport. Of course, a bull is a dangerous animal, and in bullfights, one that is made more dangerous by the confined spaces and taunting. Matadors have been gored and even killed in the ring - this is a fact.

My question of heroism remains, though. The matador may be brave in stepping into a ring with a bull, but in my opinion, he is not a hero. In response to the practice of bullfighting being a cultural tradition - I agree, which was the original reason for my attending. But, it is a sport that abuses an innocent animal. This practice would never be allowed with another animal, so why is a bull exempt? I am not suggesting the country erase their culture, but in this day and age, it does seem morally just to evolve the tradition and the mentality.

I thank this commenter for his/her thoughts and for reading my blog and providing their thoughts.

Back from Vacay!

2011-07-21T16:01:00.000-04:00

I'm baaaack! I haven't posted in the last few days because of Internet access, but now I'm home and trapped in the heat! I thought Madrid was bad at 36! Nothing compared to Toronto and area! Yikes!

Here's a recap of what we did on the last leg of our trip:

Sevilla:

Sevilla is a beautiful city with many, tiny, weaving roads and cobblestone paths. We spent our two days exploring the city: the parks, cathedral and castle.

We stayed at the most beautiful boutique hotel called Fontecruz Sevilla. Its nestled in the middle of the old town, literally at the base of the famous Giralda. It was a wonderful mix of modern and rustic (see the original wood beam at the top of the photo).

To the right, the main lobby. Tres chic.

Here's a photo of the Alcazar, which is the castle in Sevilla. It was originally an Arab castle, which was then inhabited by a Catholic king. As a result, the decor an interesting mix of Arab and Catholic designs and motifs.

Alcazar in Sevilla

At night, we did the tourist thing and booked tickets to see the popular Los Gallos Flamenco Show. It was fabulous. 2 hours of dancing, traditional singing and guitar. Earlier in the day we had gone to the Museum of Flamenco, which really helped us understand the history and style of the dance. Today, flamenco is danced all over the world and the style varies depending on where you go.

Here's me, playing with my fan before the show.

After two nights in Sevilla, we took the train to Madrid. Firstly, what a service. The modern train station is no comparison to our GO Train stations here. The two and a half hour ride was smooth and quick; we were in Madrid before we knew it.

In Madrid, we stayed at the glorious Madrid Palace Hotel, which was made into a hotel in the early 1900s. It was fairly central to the city's financial district and made travelling fairly simple. Madrid is a clean, quiet city. We felt safe walking the streets and on the subway. On Saturday night, all the plazas were filled with people having drinks, enjoying the music and tasting some wonderful tapas.

In our exploring, we came across the San Miguel market, which was literally a food lover's dream come true. Inside, exquisite jamon, an olive station, fresh homemade croquettes, a vodka and martini bar and so much more. We spent some time walking along the vendors and buying bits of food along the way.

The San Miguel Market in Madrid

To cap off our 2011 summer vacation, we decided to spend two nights in Paris. We had been to Paris once before, in 2005, but spent our days running from museum to church and barely saw the city. This time, we focused on Paris: the food, the people, the shops and really felt like we took it all in. We had Macarons on the Champs D'Elysees, a Croque Monsieur at a local Boulangerie, we took in Versailles and spent two hours watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle.

Our hotel, the Hotel du Londres Eiffel, was located in a fairly residential area, at the base of the Eiffel Tower. The service was very nice, and the view - spectacular. Have a look see.

This is the view from our hotel room

And so ends another vacation and another culture experience in Europe. I will always remember our jaunts in Spain, having learned so much about the people, the food, and the lifestyle of the beautiful country. I hope to return one day, definitely to sunny Marbella and beautiful Barcelona. As for Paris, it will always remain one of my most favourite cities in the world.

J

Who´s the Hero?

2011-07-17T17:22:00.000-04:00

I haven´t blogged in the last few days, and still plan to send my updates about Sevilla, a beautiful city, but tonight in Madrid I experienced a Spanish culture for which I´m not proud. We went to a bullfight.

When we first started planning our trip to Spain, it was understood we would attend a bullfight. Unfortunately, we were unable to get to San Fermin for the famous running of the bulls, so we decided to catch a bullfight in Spain´s capital city. I´ve read about the bullfights in fiction, in the news and online, so I had an idea of what to expect, and to tell you the truth, I had a feeling I wasn´t going to like it. I was curious more than anything, and thought it was important to partake in a rich Spanish tradition. My conclusion: it´s a gruesome sport that pairs innocent animal with cowardly matador.

We arrived at the Plaza de Toros in Madrid just before 8:30 p.m. The marquee indicated it was a night of Novillatas, or young matadors. Because of this promotion, tickets were only 5E per person. We took our seats on a long concrete bench and before long, the brass band welcomed about 12 young matadors, horses and older matadors. They walked proudly into the ring and bowed at an official in the Spanish box, near our seats. And then, they released the bull.

Full of power, the beast ran full force into the ring where about 6 matadors holding pink sheets taunted it and teased it. When the bull ran towards them, they hid behind a wooden door to protect themselves. What would protect the bull?

A few minutes go by and then the sound of trumpets welcomes horses with spears who strike the bull, causing it to bleed excessively. It still has fight in him, and as he goes barrelling at the matadors, another strike. They torture it and it gets weaker and weaker. Blood is spilling over its back and I can´t watch. Scanning the crowd, I notice there are all kinds at the fight: older men and their wives, many tourists, and even children.

When the bull looks noticably tired, only then, does the official matador appear with a red sheet. He´s a novillata, and from our seats, he looks no older than 20. And so he dances with this injured bull. The toro still moves swiftly, but he is waning. He´s dying. This dance goes on for minutes, but it feels like forever. I´m reminded of how we think of the matador - a strong, heroic figure, always praised for battling a wild animal. Only, from my angle, he´s not battling at all. The bull barely has a fight in him; the matador is playing with a dying animal. It´s far from heroic.

The bull gets slower as the dance progresses and finally the matador spears the bull with his sword. The thousands in the audience erupt with cheers and chants. Ole, ole, ole. Out come the remaining matadors and they corner the bull with their pink sheets until he has nothing left in him but to sit down. The matador jumps and waves and pumps his hands into the air. The crowd is going crazy. I feel like I´m in a bubble. They´re cheering on a young person who is making a career out of torturing - and eventually killing - an innocent animal. It´s surreal, and it´s not yet over. Within seconds, someone comes with a sharp dagger and with one blow to the head, the bull tips over. My stomach is turning and I´m ashamed to have paid to watch this. A final send off to the bull? The same horses come in and drag it - yes, drag it - around the ring before exciting. The crowd waves white: tissues, towels, t-shirts.

And so I question: who is the hero in the bullfight? The young matador who puts himself in the ring with a weak, injured bull, or the bull itself, who is fighting for his life, but doesn´t stand a chance?

It´s time for the next ¨match¨, only, I can´t bear to watch it twice more. And so we leave. Tonight in Madrid, three bulls died. Three bulls die every Sunday. This happens in all major cities in the country, except in the region of Catalonia, where bullfighting is outlawed. Somehow, they got a clue.

I appreciate culture, and I appreciate history. But at some point, history needs to change. Turn the bullrings into museums, teach the history, but save the torture of innocent animals. I apologize for the vivid description above, but if I had known entirely what to expect, I may not have gone to the bullring tonight.

J

And onto Jerez!

2011-07-13T14:58:00.001-04:00

We were up early this morning and ready to hit the cobblestone paths on route to Jerez de la Frontera.

I meant to mention, yesterday, we were staying at quite a unique hotel. It's called Enfrente Arte, and is decorated in a mish-mash of styles, mainly dating back to the 50s. Music from the main lobby played well into the night, and there were bright lights from the old-fashioned cars in the main entrance. Quite the difference from when you step out into the street of ancient, Arab Ronda. One major perk: a self-service bar stocked with wine, beer, soft drinks and water for all guests to use.

I should also mention that we were staying in the Tower Room, which isn't a unique name, for a renovated, 3-story Arab tower dating back to the 17th century. The bathroom was on the main floor, a rest area on the 2nd floor, and finally our bedroom on the top floor, with a terrace overlooking the city. It was unlike any other hotel we've stayed at before.

And so, we left Ronda to head to Jerez de la Frontera. Jerez, in Spanish, means "sherry" and this was the purpose of our stop here. It was a nice drive into Jerez and we made our way into the city easily. Getting around the town, now that's another story. If there was a record book for the number of times people can get lost - with a map! - I think we would hold it. Nevertheless, we found our way to two beautiful and big bodegas today: Gonsalez Byass - which produces the famous Tio Pepe sherry - and Williams Hubert.

At Williams Hubert, we had a private tour with Felipe Gomez, which was extensive and pretty cool. At Gonsalez Byass, a much bigger, more organized tour, featuring a look inside their sherry and brandy cellars. Both tours did a good job explaining how the jerez is made. Of course, we had to taste at the end of it all, and ended up buying a bottle, too.

Tonight, a light dinner. Tomorrow we're off to Sevilla.

~ J

Ronda!

2011-07-13T14:26:00.001-04:00

Yesterday we picked up our Europcar and started our drive from Marbella to Ronda. Ronda used to be an old stomping ground of Ernest Hemingway and Orson Wells. It's also the home of the oldest bullring in Spain, the Real Maestranza. It still functions as a bullring, but only showcases one tournament in September.

Hemingway became somewhat obsessed with bullfights and bullfighters in his time and such is the theme of one of my favourite books, The Sun Also Rises. I'm re-reading it during this trip.

I'm not so sure how I feel about the bullfights - I can appreciate it's a cultural tradition and part of Spain's history. According to the bullfight museum, this tradition and sport dates back hundreds of years ago. That being said, I also think it's an inhumane and cruel sport that faces a matador (the hero) with an angered bull, who will eventually meet its fate.

We're planning on going to a bullfight in Madrid, but I may not last the entire "show". We'll see. As always, I'm curious, but still don't understand how thousands can gather every week to see such a spectacle.

Today - to Jerez de la Frontera - and the land of Sherry.

~ J

Happy Anniversary to Us!

2011-07-11T14:41:00.000-04:00

Today we celebrate our 2nd anniversary!

After a beautiful day at Palm Beach in Marbella (Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith live a few hundred metres away), we got ready for our last dinner in Casco Antico (the old town).

Donny surprised me with reservations at skina, recommended by the lovely team at La Villa Marbella. This is our view at dinner:

We had a delicious tasting menu - about 7 courses - featuring everything from sea bass with fish eggs to lamb shoulder to Andalusian cheeses, and so on and so on.

I've mentioned the staff at La Villa Marbella in a prior post. Well, they not only surprised us with a glass of Cava at dinner, but when we arrived back from dinner, in our hotel room was a bottle of Tinto (red wine) and a bouquet of flowers with a personal note. Such a beautiful surprise from our wonderful hosts. I wouldn't think twice about staying at this hotel, or recommending to my family and friends.

Tomorrow - a drive up the mountain to Ronda.

Lastly, here we are - two years down, a million more to go. Love the sunkissed tan!

~ J

Beautiful Marbella

2011-07-09T17:47:00.002-04:00

Yesterday we arrived in Marbella - pronounced Mar-beya. It's a beautiful old town in the Costa del Sol, in Southern Spain.

After researching various hotels and resorts, we decided to stay these four days at a B&B that got fabulous reviews online: La Villa Marbella. The reviews didn't lie. We arrived to a stunning white stucco building with gorgeous pink flowers climbing it. It's in the centre of Casco Antico (the old town), which is complete with an ancient castle, cobblestone roads and paths and lots of colourful flowers and plantlife. Inside, the manager Marcos greeted us immediately, and Ben (who is coincidentally originally from Ottawa and super nice) took us to the terrace for coffee and to give us the lay of the land, so to speak. Check it out for yourself: www.lavillamarbella.com. We're staying in the Java Room, which is brand new.

We spent the afternoon wandering the streets and familiarizing ourselves with all the nooks and crannies Marbella has to offer. The beach is a five minute walk and stretches a few kilometres in each direction.

This morning, and every morning at LVM, breakfast is served on the terrace of the main building. It's like a sanctuary; water pouring from a fountain, warm morning breeze, sunshine spilling in. It's so tranquil and a perfect start to the day. We got to customize our breakfasts and had everything from croissants, Greek yogurt, hot ham and cheese sandwiches and pain au chocolat. Beats a continental breakfast anytime.

After breakfast, we packed up our things and headed for the beach, which, as I mentioned earlier is quite a few kilometres long. We found a quiet area called Playa de Casablanca and parked ourselves there for the day, taking a late lunch break to savour the freshly grilled sardines that were cooked on the beach bbq. Tomorrow, we're making the trek to Puerto Banus, an area of town once frequented by Hollywood's rich and famous. We'll check out the beach and the shops, of course.

Tonight, more great food, including churros! It's bascially fried dough that you can dip in hot chocolate sauce (bland and not too good) or plain white sugar. We ended up with the Large Churros - blame the language barrier - but we killed it! Definitely need to walk this off tomorrow!

Speaking of walking, Donny bought a pair of espadrilles! Tee hee. Here we are with our new Spanish zabatos!

~ J

Barcelona Day 4: shoes?

2011-07-08T10:05:00.001-04:00

We didn't have much planned for Barcelona Day 4, which was nice. We decided to simply walk around, shop, and soak in the Catalonian lifestyle.

We had a late start to the day with breakfast at Bar Lobo, just outside our hotel. I had the Don Quixote: a ciabatta bread smeared with tomato and topped with cured Andalusian sausage. Donny had the Churchill: bacon and scrambled eggs with grilled vine tomatos. Interesting names, but good food, nonetheless.

Then we shopped, shopped, shopped to our hearts content. What's amazing about Barcelona, well, a few things are, but ONE amazing thing is the number of shoe stores in this city! Not only that, but many of them are exactly the same! For example, we probably walked by at least 4 "Scala Dei" stores, and at least 5 "Padevi" stores! Some are even on the same street. As we were told, the shopping in Barcelona is pretty good, with reasonable prices.

We paused in the late afternoon for some tapas and cervesa on a patio. We could get used to this!

Dinner tonight was at Gresca, but it, too, deserves another post with photos. 8 courses of rustic, Spanish bliss.

~ J

Barcelona Day 2 & 3

2011-07-08T09:58:00.001-04:00

Our adventure continues!

Day 2 started bright and early with tours of both La Pedrera (Casa Mila) and La Sagrada Familia. Both are works of the genius Spanish architect, Antoni Gaudi.

Gaudi often found his inspiration in organic items and in nature. In the museum, you can see this is true. Arches similar to the spine of a python, spirals like shells, pinecone like structures. He designed his structures like a tree, with solid simple foundation (often a few columns) and branched out from there, much like branches on a tree.

La Pedrera is one of his most famous structures and it's the building many people have seen in tourist photos of Barcelona. Its curved and wavy facade was, again, designed with nature in mind. Gaudi specifically paid attention to the amount of windows and light that were allowed into the building.

La Sagrada Familia is a basilica Gaudi designed nearly a century ago. He knew he would never live to see the church's completion. In 2010 the inside was completed and blessed by Pope Benedict. Construction remains on the exterior of the building. The detail in the stone, stained glass, wrought iron is incredible in this church; it's ornate and elaborate on the exterior, yet vast and calming inside. A side note: when we arrived at La Sagrada Familia, the line was wrapped around the church, easily a 2-3 hour wait. Luckily, we went to the front of the line where an employee told us we could buy tickets at the ATM across the street and bypass the line. Nice hidden secret about this tourist hot spot.

Dinner on Day 2 was a 10 course meal at Cinc Sentits, but it deserves its own post with all our photos, so I'll add that later on.

Day 3 saw us travelling from Barcelona to Montserrat, a village in the mountains where the Virgin Mary appeared to shepherds. I was especially excited to visit as Mary of Montserrat is actually the patron saint of Vallelonga, where my grandparents are from in Italy. We call her Maria di Monserrato. The train ride from Barcelona (1 hour) was nothing too scenic, but the cable car ride into the mountain (5 minutes) was spectacular with lush, panoramic views. Millions of people from around the world pilgrimmage to Montserrat each year. There, there's not much to do but pay homage. We went to the basilica, saw the statue, checked out the museum and audiovisual guide.

Dinner on Day 3: Can Majo in the beachy area of Barceloneta. After insisting with the maitre'd that yes, we did have reservations, and yes, I can pull them up in my cell phone, we were seated on the terrace overlooking the sea. The owner, Enric, who was a very nice man, also came out to check on us, and to verify that yes, I had sent in a confirmation email (which apparently he did not receive). Can Majo is a reasonably priced spot with decent food and environment.

We had the Lobster Paella, which had rave reviews, and aside from being a bit salty, was fresh and good.

We started our meal with complimentary olives and tomato rubbed bread - a nice touch! - followed by garlic parsley clams.

These clams were probably the smallest little clams I had ever seen! They were tasty enough, but definitely left a bit of grit in your teeth. I would recommend this restaurant to others; good service, excellent view, tasty food and the price was right. Just make sure they have your reservation.

~ J

Day 1: Barcelona

2011-07-04T15:53:00.000-04:00

We're coming to the end of our first day in Spain, and our first night in Barcelona. What a fantastic city. I'm already in love with the architecture, culture and the look of Barcelona.

We landed from our Air Canada early this morning and made our way into the city via taxi, where we checked into our hotel directly on Barcelona's busiest streets, La Rambla. We've had warnings about La Rambla and the occurance of pickpocketers, so, needless to say we have our eyes peeled and our hands on our wallets! Rumours aside, Barcelona is a clean, historical city that seems to transcend its history. It's trendy yet ancient, with small, windy, cobblestone paths and beautiful squares (Placas) spotting the city. (And it hasn't even been 24 hours yet!)

After grabbing a quick snack (a jamon sandwich in artisan bread), we boarded our Hop On Hop Off Tour and rode that until the skies opened up so we couldn't sit up top. There's more bus tour tomorrow, we figured, so we wandered the streets in pursuit of the Museo Picasso. (We found the museum after a lengthy search - and it's closed on Mondays!) Highlights of our wandering today: The Cathedral (another Gaudi masterpiece) and the Mercat Boqueria, a food market selling everything from fresh fruit, smoothies, nuts, nougat and cured meats.

A charcuterie vendor at the Mercat Boqueria in Barcelona

There, we couldn't resist our urge to try the infamous Jamon Iberico, which lived up to its high praise. Take prosciutto in all its cured goodness, remove the salt content, and you have this jamon. It's smooth and a bit sweet, but it also comes off a bit smoky.

Jamon Iberico being sold by the leg in Barcelona

After wandering down to the pier, we made our way back to Barri Gotic and La Ciutat Vella and found a spot called MariscCO. (http://www.mariscco.com/) Donny had grilled sea bass, while I had grilled Dory and we split an order of Chanquete. Chanquete are teeny, tiny fish called "whitebait" that are deep fried and served with a dipping sauce much like Lea & Perrins. They don't taste like much, but the little fishes were a great start to our meal and our adventure here in Spain.

Chanquete at MariscCO in Barcelona

Tomorrow: We're gonna be gaga over Gaudi with tours of La Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera, plus an awesome dinner we booked at Cinc Sentis. Can't wait.

J (&D)

PAINTING YORK REGION PINK DURING “PAINT CANADA PINK” WEEK

2011-06-24T11:49:00.000-04:00

Here's my Press Release for Paint Canada Pink Week!

YORK REGION -- Are you ready to Paint Canada Pink? June 25th to July 2nd is Paint Canada Pink Week and marks 100 days until the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure!

In your community and across

Canada

, families, friends, and co-workers will be Painting Canada Pink to support creating a future without breast cancer. We are challenging you to be creative about what YOU can do help PAINT CANADA PINK and get others talking about and fundraising for the Run for the Cure.

In York Region, find a list of pink happenings in your community:

Sunday, June 26: Pink Your Pup! We will be set up at the Richmond Hill K-9 Club Pooch Party at Richmond Green Park, Richmond Hill, with pink pup gear on hand! Register on site! Your dog can join you on Run Day!

Monday, June 27: Pink Playday at Highgate Public School, Markham. Primary students will be creating a mural, which will be donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, York Region.

Tuesday, June 28: Pinking up ESM! Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure volunteers will be at East Side Mario’s in Aurora taking questions and live registrations.

Wednesday, June 29: It’s a Pink Rush! Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure volunteers will be set up at various busy intersections in York Region, creating a visual, pink rush! Key locations will be outside of Vaughan Mills, Vaughan and

Yonge Street/Wellington Street

in Aurora.

Thursday, June 30: Pink Produce? Catch our committee members at the Woodbridge Village Farmer’s Market from 3:30-7:30 p.m. The Woodbridge Village Farmer’s Market is located in the parking lot at Woodbridge Memorial Arena (Islington Avenue/Hwy 7).

Friday, July 1: Happy (Pink)

Canada

Day! Our committee members will be on hand through the Canada Day festivities at Richmond Green Park, ready to answer any questions, and hand out pink goodies! Also take advantage of the day and register live for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure!

All Week: Merchants through the Village of Richmond Hill will spread the PINK LOVE by decorating their store/restaurant fronts, PLUS, East Side Mario’s Aurora will also decorate their restaurant pink for the entire week, with servers and staff dressed in pink.

We invite all local media to capture Pink Canada Pink happenings in the community.

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure - York Region takes place at Richmond Green Park on October 2, 2011. In 2010, more than 2000 community members participated in the 2^nd annual event, raising nearly $600,000 for breast cancer research.

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is the leading national volunteer-based organization in

Canada

dedicated to creating a future without breast cancer. Our fundraising – through our annual Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, special events, corporate sponsorship and donations – has enabled the Foundation to allocate millions of dollars in grants for breast cancer projects and services since our inception in 1986.

On Sunday October 2nd, who are you running for?™

For More Information on Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure – York Region initiatives, contact
Julia Suppa, Volunteer Run Director
jsuppa@cbcfrun.org

www.twitter.com/cbcf_yorkregion

Restaurant Review: Bloom Restaurant

2011-06-07T16:26:00.000-04:00

Bloom Restaurant

2315 Bloor Street West, Toronto 416-767-1315

www.bloomrestaurant.com

@bloomrestaurant

Last week, I was given the opportunity to sample Bloom Restaurant's new menu, showcasing the culinary talents of its new Executive Chef, Pedro Quintanilla. Quintanilla hails from Cuba, where he worked at some of Havana's best restaurants, in addition to the French Embassy. To Bloom, he brings knowledge and some Latin flair to an already diverse menu.

Amuse: Cassava Frites with a Mojo dipping sauce

I was pleasantly surprised by the cassava frites. On their own, they were sweet and firm, with a slight crunch. The creamy dipping sauce provided an extra component of tang, which was equally nice. Although fried, the cassava retained its texture, without retaining the oil.

Cassava Frites with
Mojo Dipping Sauce

Appetizer: Ceviche. Mixed Sustainable Seafood cured in lime juice, Habanero Peppers and Cilantro.

When I was given the option of Ceviche on Chef Pedro's menu, the choice was simple. This signature Peruvian dish has been a favourite of mine for a while now. The Bloom version (with Cuban influences) sat atop a sliced sweet potato and provided a refreshing mix of lime juice, onion, parsley and cilantro with and a perfect hit of habanero. The halibut used in the dish is Sustainable, another bonus for eco-conscious diners. And while other versions of ceviche I've tried have been laden with MSG, there were no traces here. (from what I could tell)

Ceviche; Paired with Malivoire Pinot Gris 2009 Beamsille, ON

Main: Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Fillet with Smashed Crispy Baby Potatoes, Tofu-Wasabi Dressing, Roasted Mixed Vegetables

I'm an Ahi Tuna lover. Truth be told, if I see Ahi on a menu, it's really hard for me to pull away from it, so I was eager to try it at Bloom. Despite the Latin influences on the first two courses, the tuna was accompanied by a wasabi dressing and the plate scattered with wasabi peas, which was a bit off for me. I would have liked to see a citrus pairing to maintain the fresh feeling from the Ceviche appetizer. Nonetheless, the tuna was tasty, but I didn't feel the accompaniment matched. The crispy potatoes were indeed crispy, and super tasty, but didn't really add to the dish. All in all, this main felt rustic in nature, as opposed to the breezy, Latin flavour I was expecting.

Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Fillet; Paird with Malivoire, Pinot Noir, 2008 Beamsville

Dessert: Cuban Flan: Dulce de Leche & Thyme

A firmer version of the tradition Creme Caramel, this Cuban Flan was eggy and sweet with a savoury note of thyme. I especially liked the thin dulce de leche sauce that didn't overpower the flavour of the flan.

Cuban Flan, Paired with Malivoire, 2008 Icewine Riesling VQA

All in all, a fine evening out. It should be noted Bloom recently underwent a facelift and in addition to the new menu items, diners can retreat in a bright, fresh ambiance. I especially love the bright green wall and the large window overlooking Bloor West Village (this view will be nicer once the construction is complete!)

Executive Chef: Pedro Quintanilla

CBCF York Region is looking for volunteers!

2011-05-30T15:22:00.000-04:00

This weekend, we launched our event calendar for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure York Region! As a new Run Director, I want to make a big, huge pink splash in York Region this year!

We have planned events throughout the region all summer long! 9 malls, summer festivals, farmer's markets, street fairs and so much more!

Last year, about 2500 participated in the York Region Run and I know we can get so many more! If you know anyone who would like to help promote the event at local festivals, malls, events, please contact me at jsuppa@cbcfrun.org. For more information about the Run for the Cure, visit http://www.cbcf.org/.

Lastly, to donate to me, http://www.runforthecure.com/site/TR/RunfortheCure/CentralOffice?px=1751933&pg=personal&fr_id=1292

Julia

best.summer.ever

2011-05-06T14:48:00.000-04:00

Are you ready for the best.summer.ever? Well, according to Environment Canada, it's going to be a long, hot summer! Yippee!!

To get us kick started for my favourite season of the year, my favourite local paper - the Vaughan Citizen - will be hosting a best.summer.ever event at the Hilton Suites in Woodbridge. I'm hosting the event, filled with vendors, guest speakers, a rapper, lunch and prizes! Come out on Saturday, May 7 anytime from 10-5 to help you experience your best.summer.ever!

J

Here's me! On the front cover of the Vaughan Citizen

The Quest for Nonno's Coffee Cake

2011-05-05T11:51:00.000-04:00

When we were kids, most Saturday nights were reserved for dinner and coffee at Nonno's house, and each Saturday night, we'd share an Entenmann's Coffee Cake.

We'd usually have cheese filled, or lemon, and sometimes, we'd have a raspberry filled cake. (I remember not liking the raspberry so I always took the end of the cake so I didn't get any raspberry goo) The long, rectangular cakes were always drizzled with a white icing sugar and we ate it cold, with our coffee. Some dunked, others didn't. It was sweet - but not too sweet - and sugary and so, so good!

A few weeks ago, at Easter, all my aunts, uncles and cousins were at my house and we were reminiscing about the Nonno Coffee Cake.

All my cousins at my house! Missing: Alex!

So, there started the Quest for Nonno's Coffee Cake. The cake used to be purchased at Highland Farms in North York, but apparently, Highland Farms doesn't carry it anymore. We googled the company, my sister emailed them, I tweeted them. Still no reply. Below is a photo of the cake in question:

Entenmann's Cheese Danish Twist

It's called a Cheese Danish Twist, and it's made by Entenmann's. I haven't seen it at my neighbourhood Longo's for Fortino's, and sources (my aunts and uncles) tell us it's not available at Concord Foods or Highland Farms. If anyone knows where to find Nonno's Coffee Cake, please let me know!

J

Jewellery that Heals?

2011-05-02T17:20:00.001-04:00

You never know who you'll meet in the Twitterverse. A few days ago, a company called Tiny Devotions (@tinydevotions) started following me on twitter (@juliasuppa).

They are a Canadian-based company that makes mala beads. According to their website:

"Mala beads are sacred necklaces that have been worn for thousands of years in traditions of yoga, Buddhism and Hinduism. These necklaces are made with 108 (Plus one additional guru stone) beads being a very sacred or auspicious number. Known to bring good luck, good energy, healing, health and fortune to its wearers."

The prayer beads look similar to a rosary or even Greek komboloi and are traditionally used in mantra meditation. I'd never even heard of malas until e-meeting Tiny Devotions, but doing a quick Google search revealed a deep rooted history and tradition.

As for Tiny Devotions, their unique statement pieces are made in Canada, with sacred Rudraksha seeds from Bali combined with beautiful semi precious crystals and pearls. The company makes various malas, and each is made with a different intention. The mala receives and emits energy, and the company says it should be used every day for the first 40 days to sync with your personal energy.

Normally, I'm not one for sacred or spiritual jewellery, but the thought of wearing a piece of jewellery with so much significance is kind of cool, don't you think? And if they do have the power to bring strength, health, inspiration - I don't think that's a bad thing either. When I chatted with Personal Development Expert, Angela Dacey on In the Know, she told me my personality test revealed I scored lowest in the spiritual chakra. Was this destiny?

I have yet to purchase my own mala, but they do retail for just over $100 on their website. Here are my top three faves:

The Turquoise Ocean Mala

I was immediately drawn to this mala, as turquoise is one of my favourite stones. And lucky for me, I suppose. Turquoise promotes communication and healing, and it's a protective stone that provides solace for the spirit. It's also a purification stone promoting balance and alignment of your chakras.

The Black Onyx Mala

This mala is a beaut. It's striking and glam - and very me - with the black and white. Black Onyx, though, is a stone of strength and can provide self-confidence and mastering one's destiny.

The White Jade Highest Potential Mala

How beautiful is this one? According to Tiny Devotions, this mala will help you achieve your highest potential. It helps concentration and unwanted distractions, and aides in emotional balance.

Personally, I love the simple white stone. It's fresh and inspiring.

Don't they all sound special? Cleaning the malas is also very important, apparently, but these jewels need specific treatment, whether it be leaving the malas out in the sunshine or moonlight, or cleansing through vibration or reiki.

You never know who you'll meet - or what you'll learn - online.

J

Congrats Ricci and Stef!

2011-05-02T15:37:00.000-04:00

This weekend, we celebrated the wedding of one of my oldest friends - Mike Ricci - to another old friend Stefanie Tomei! Ricci and I have known each other for decades, having played tee ball together when we were like 6. Then we lost contact and re-connected in Grade 7 and have been friends ever since. Ricci was even our real estate agent when we bought our first home. Bless him - he took us through many, many reject homes before we found "the one".

I always love going to friend's weddings. True friends don't judge the food, or the flowers or the seating location. They're there to share in your special day, and of course, dance the night away - which is exactly what we did. It was a fabulous day for an awesome couple. The weather couldn't have been more glorious, the bride gleamed with happiness and I even had a special honour of reading at their ceremony. It's a wedding I won't soon forget.

Mike puts the ring on Steffi's finger

Me and DH on the dancefloor

The SJA friends: Steve, Marliese, Ricci, Matt, Dan and me

Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

2011-04-29T16:38:00.000-04:00

There are very few reasons I wake up before 7 a.m., but today, my alarm went off at 5 a.m., and although I did hit snooze for a bit, I popped out of bed before 6 a.m. to watch the nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

April 29, 2011: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wed

Many are critical of the Monarch and its purpose, but for me, I'm all for the history and tradition of the Pomp and Circumstance. When it comes to the Queen, she graces our money and gives us great holidays and can remain a figurehead for Canada. I'm fine with it. And today, I, and millions around the world, watched with great interest as the future heir to the throne married his commoner future-Queen. History was happening before my eyes.

Let's get one thing straight: there's nothing common about Kate. She is quite possibly one of the most beautiful women in popular culture today. She has become an automatic style icon and is without a doubt popular among Brits. Princess Di was known as the People's Princess, but Kate is the World's Princess. She has proven to all little girls that life can be like a fairy tale, and anyone can marry a prince.

And what a princess she is. She will not be called Princess, though, but Duchess of Cambridge. Today, she stepped out of her Rolls Royce in an elegant, understated lace appliqué gown designed by Sarah Burton for the House of McQueen. And she rocked it. She floated down the aisle of Westminster Abbey with her sister Pippa carrying her 2 metre train.

The ceremony was formal and shorter than I imagined, but filled with quirky moments: the bride and bridegroom sharing awkward smiles, the Queen looking on, Prince Harry smirking and some of the most hideous - and awesome! - hats and Fascinators I've ever seen.

Following the vows came the horse and carriage ride through London and to Buckingham Palace, and then, the kiss - traditionally held on the palace balcony. I'm not going to lie: the first kiss sucked. It was a puny peck not fit for a King, or Queen. Luckily, the second kiss (!) was much more relaxed and natural.

All in all, a glorious wedding and I actually feel like I was a part of it. Tomorrow it'll be all over, but at least I can say I remember watching when William married Kate.

The Royal Wedding by the Numbers

2 metres, 70 centres: The length of Kate's train
1936: The year the Cartier halo tiara was created; it was the Queen's tiara which was given to Kate
1900: The number of guests at the wedding
4 minutes: The length of time it took for Kate to walk down the aisle
650: The number of guests invited to the lunchtime reception, hosted by the Queen
85: The age of the Queen. Her husband is 89.
10,000: The approximate number of canapés made for the lunchtime reception
70 million: The approximate cost of the wedding

J

Our Kitchen is Almost Done!

2011-04-29T16:05:00.000-04:00

This month has been a whirlwind to say the least! On top of a handful of special projects, a bridal shower and a holiday, the upcoming Federal Election, my schedule and calendar have been packed!

We have been committed to finishing our kitchen, though. Despite a few weeks of no action in the kitchen, this week, we got our brand new Caesarstone counter top installed! It is beautiful! I'm so happy we did it. Next step: backsplash, and then finally, valance trim!

Caeser stone kitchen in "Buttermilk"

It looks like a totally different kitchen!

J

Have you seen us in SNAP?

2011-04-12T17:38:00.000-04:00

It looks like I can say I made the front page of the paper. SNAP Aurora snapped this great shot of the Rogers TV models (and sisters) at the Spring Fashion Show at Lemonberry in Aurora and low and behold, here we are!

You can always count on SNAP Newspaper for going to community events - large or small - and capturing great moments. It's a paper that makes you smile.

Also from the Lemonberry fashion show, the two sets of sisters! Notice the height difference and the hair colour! And yes, I am the shortest!

Laura, me, Kate and Jacqueline Betterton

New York City - two weeks late

2011-04-05T16:49:00.000-04:00

I realize I haven't updated my blog in almost three weeks. And when I look back at my calendar to see why I haven't posted, I notice it has been a busy, busy few weeks. In mid-March though, my mom, sister, aunt and I ventured to Manhattan for a weekend of Broadway, shopping, laughs and great food. We were blessed with awesome weather - 80 degrees in March! And what's not to love about the city that never sleeps?!

a) The Shows: When you have 4 artsy gals in one artsy city, the theatre - or should I say "theater" - is a must. We wanted two totally different experiences, which is what we got with American Idiot and Mary Poppins! American Idiot - the Green Day musical about media and pop culture - was loud and proud, with clever choreography and set. The raw story challenged modern day ideals and norms and left everyone in the crowd singing and cheering.

Me outside American Idiot at the St. James Theatre

Mary Poppins, by contrast was full of sugar and spice and everything nice. When Disney backs a show, you know it's going to be fantabulous - and Mary Poppins was nothing short of Supercalifragilisticexpialadocious! Inticate sets that move and change, stunning wardrobes and voices that soared. Mary was Practically Perfect in every way, and this show is a must for the entire family.

The four of us with Mary; New Amsterdam Theatre

b) The Tours: You can't go to NYC without sightseeing, of course. And while I've been to the city a handful of times, this was the first trip for my mom. One of her must-sees was Lady Liberty, and so we ventured to Liberty Island on a beautiful, albeit very windy, day. Tourists are finally able to get into the Lady Liberty's crown, but the waiting list is about 5 months long, so if you want up, you'll have to reserve in advance.

One experience I'd never had was a carriage ride through Central Park. So we boarded our very own Rusty (Seinfeld reference), and took the slow and steady stroll. Because it was so warm, the park was filled with kids playing and joggers, and even those playing beach vollyball!

c) The Food: New York City has some of the best restaurants in the world, and I'm sure you could live there forever and still not eat everything in this city. In four days, it was my mission to have just a sampling of what the city had to offer. I realize I could write an entire blog on the restaurants we went to, but here's a taste:

- Ceci Cela: It's touted as having the best croissants in the city, so when we found this French patisserie on Sunday morning in Soho, we immediately went in. The aroma of vanilla and butter filled the small pastry shop up front, and in the back, a sanctuary of mismatched chairs and small tables were huddled into the tiny space. I love stumbling upon gems, and this one definitely one of them.

Ceci Cela is a busy spot on a Sunday morning in SoHo

- Nizza: A friend of mine, who lives in Chelsea, recommended Nizza in Hell's Kitchen. By 6:30 p.m., this tiny Italian restaurant was packed with diners. I love looking for interesting items on an Italian menu, and I came across this appetizer: fried ravioli filled with a soft cheese, accompanied by tomato sauce to dip. Heavenly.

Appetizer at Nizza in Hell's Kitchen

- Dos Caminos: I had read so many great reviews about Dos Caminos before I left, I knew we had to try this Mexican hot spot. In my opinion, I could have spared the entire lunch and filled up on their delicious homemade guacamole and margaritas. I can't wait to try making the guac on my own.

Mom and I at Dos Caminos in SoHo

- Buddakan: Lastly, my favourite meal of the trip was at Buddakan. I had made reservations at Buddakan a month ahead of time and I was so excited to introduce my mom to Pan-Asian cuisine. It certainly did not disappoint. We took our server's suggestions and ordered about 10 different dishes to share: appetizers, entrées and sides. Between the raw tuna rolls, the spring rolls, the edamame dumplings and the chili chicken, we left feeling totally satisfied. I'm so proud of my mom for venturing out of her comfort level and trying a new cuisine - it was so worth it!

The four ladies after a great meal at Buddakan

And so, after four days of fun, it was time to say goodbye to Manhattan until next time. I don't think I could ever get sick of this city.

Three Birthday Meals

2011-03-15T19:21:00.000-04:00

It had been a while since I had gone out for a “nice” dinner, so, to celebrate my Birthday, I thought I’d take advantage and fill my week with memorable meals.

Thursday, March 3: Scarpetta at the Thompson Hotel, Toronto

550 Wellington Street West

www.thompsonhotels.com/hotels/toronto

In a word, wow. It’s rare that I get amazed by a dinner. Having eaten at hundreds of restaurants, and been in just as many kitchens, it takes quite a bit to impress me. Scarpetta impressed on pretty much every accord.

The décor: Dark and warm with a floor-to-ceiling wine bar on one side of the restaurant and glass windows on the other. I wish we were seated in one of the large, leather booths, but even from a generic table, the restaurant seemed vast, yet comfortable. It was dark enough to add ambiance, but not too dark I couldn’t see my husband or my food. I couldn’t believe how busy this restaurant was for a Thursday night – I felt like I was in New York City, definitely not Toronto.

The food: Where do I begin? Creamy polenta with mushroom truffle jus. Heavenly. Duck and fois gras ravioli with a marsala reduction. Decadent. Three cheese dessert. Comforting. Package it all up with a bottle of fantastic red and it made for a completely satisfying meal. I also loved the selection of breads that were brought to the table before we ordered, and alongside, three dips. The butter mascarpone was out of this world.

Duck and Fois Gras ravioli drizzled with marsala reduction. Bliss.

What surprised me: While I found the cost of dinner quite reasonable, the charge for parking (in the hotel parking lot) was a bit of a let-down.

Will I go again? Absolutely. I’ve already raved to many friends.

Friday, March 4: ki modern Japanese, Toronto

181 Bay Street

www.kijapanese.com

I kind of knew I was going to love ki just by its name: modern Japanese. I’ve often said that I love sushi more than Italian, and sometimes, that’s true. But with Scarpetta making such an impression the night before, ki had big shoes to fill. Again, I wasn’t disappointed.

The ambiance: Firstly, the restaurant is large, and we were even able to get a great seat, despite not having reservations on a Friday evening in the city. You have the option of dining in the bar, or in the quieter restaurant. I chose the restaurant, which came with smirks from my sister and best friend – my dates for the evening. In any case, comfortable booths, lots of action and warm crowd. The large sushi bar is a focal point, and I felt like I was trapped in an episode of Sex and the City while dining. Tres cool.

The food: It was really tough to make selections off this menu, and luckily our server was a huge help. We opted to share our meal, that way we could order about 7 dishes. We started with rock shrimp tempura, perfectly fried, followed by a sushi platter we customized. Tuna Kiwi Roll, Spicy Salmon Roll and my favourite, the Tempura Butterfish Roll: Alaskan King Crab, salmon, butterfish, avocado, cucumber and flying fish roe deep fried in tempura. It was like eating a warm ball of sweet butter. Well, better than that.

Our sushi platter. From the top: Spicy Salmon, Tuna Kiwi and Tempura Butterfish

What surprised me: On a patron’s birthday, the restaurant presents you with a red box with beautiful chocolate inside. A small touch, greatly appreciated.

My Red Birthday Box. Thank you ki.

Will I go again?: In a heartbeat. This is my kind of restaurant. Not too fancy or pretentious with fantastic and unique options.

Friday, March 11: A1 Autostrada, Vaughan

3255 Rutherford Road

a1autostrada.com

For my family birthday dinner, I decided to forego my traditional sushi selection and opted for a relatively new spot that opened in front of Vaughan Mills Mall a few months prior. I’ve been to A1 Autostrada in the past and have always had a great experience.

The mood: Trendy, bold and definitely something you don’t find in Vaughan. The black, white and red décor is set off nicely by a large curtain that hangs in the middle of the sunken dining area. On one wall of the restaurant, prosciutto, salumi and other cured meats hang, both purposely and decoratively.

The food: Solid Italian. It’s difficult to say that, even in a community that possibly has the most Italian restaurants outside of Rome. I started with a burrata – a soft, creamy cheese drizzled with olive oil. In Italian, “burro” means butter, and that’s the perfect way to describe this ripe beauty. Then, my favourite things on a pizza: arugala, gorgonzola, walnuts, truffle honey, poached pears, speck. To die for. And for dessert: a sampling of the restaurant’s best: panna cotta, zabaglione and my fave, the nutella panettone bread.

My pizza at A1 Autostrada

What surprised me: How busy this restaurant was. It’s not every day a suburban restaurant has a line up. Well done.

Will I go again?: For sure, and a hundred times over. It saves a ride to the city, and I’m guaranteed a meal just as good.

Happy Birthday to me. I started 29 off well, and with a full stomach.

Yippee! It looks like we have a kitchen again!

2011-03-01T15:33:00.000-05:00

So, it's been 6 weeks since our reno began (January 17 we started demolishing the backsplash) and finally, it looks like we knew what we were doing all along. To refresh everyone's memory, we started with - what I now refer to as - "honey-orange" wood cabinets, with a very traditional Cathedral style cabinet door.

Before: honey-orange cabinet door

After tearing out the backsplash, replacing drywall, taking down doors, sanding, priming and painting, it was finally time to put our doors back up. Many people were shocked when I decided to paint my honey-orange wood cabinets black, and some voiced their concerns quite openly, suggesting I opt with a more classic cream or white paint. Well, I'm lucky I trusted my gut (and the many designers who've written about black cabinetry of late), because the end result is simply glorious. We decided to go with Benjamin Moore's Jet Black, which is a softer and warmer black than the others.

Jet Black door going back up

The (somewhat) final look is exactly what I had in mind. Next steps include building, painting and installing a crown moulding and valance moulding, as well as a cool, modern backsplash and new furniture! We're on our way!

Luxury at Le Scandinave

2011-02-28T15:55:00.000-05:00

A couple of week's ago, we decided to take an extra long weekend and pamper ourselves (See New Year's Resolutions entry) with a day at Le Scandinave in Blue Mountain. I have been eager to try this spa for years; it's an outdoor Nordic experience, combining hot baths with cold plunges and relaxation solariums to rest and renew. It's an age old tradition that uses a concept called "hydrotherapy" to detoxify and cleanse your mind and body.

The outdoor thermal pools and Nordic baths. Courtesy of Le Scandinave.

We started the day bright and early and arrived at Blue Mountain by 9:00 a.m. for our 9:15 a.m. couples' massage. I have had many massages, and this one was by far, one of the best. It was the perfect start to the day and sufficiently helped to reduce the stress build up in my shoulders and lower back. Thank you, Rafael.

After the massage, it was time to venture out into the baths. Luckily, it happened to be a warm February day (8 degrees), so walking around in a bathing suit didn't seem too shocking. Following the steps is necessary to fully absorb the benefits of Le Scandinave, and the spa suggests repeating the steps a few times. The steps are simple: hot, cold, relax, repeat. First: you start with 15 minutes of heat: in an outdoor hot tub, a traditional Finnish sauna, or - my favourite - the eucalyptus steam room. The eucalyptus steam penetrates your skin and fills your body with freshness. I know this sounds like a Vicks commercial, but it's true. What's better: the steam is so thick, you can hardly see when you enter the room. Within minutes you're sweating and you can literally feel the toxins coming out of you. The Finnish Sauna, with a whopping temperature of 89 degrees Celsius provides dry heat that melts your body. And the hot tub, well, it's a hot tub, but it's so cool to be immersed in hot water with steam lifting all around you. After about 10-15 minutes of heat, it's time to quickly plunge in the Nordic bath. The spa suggests anywhere from 2 seconds, to 2 minutes. My first experience was shocking and short-lived - I barely lasted the 2 seconds. But by the second round, I was swimming around in the 13 degree pool for about 1-2 minutes and loving it. It was cold, yes, but the best part was coming out of the water. Believe it or not, you could actually feel your blood circulating. Step 2 of the Detox complete. The last step was easy: grab a magazine or a book, find a Muskoka chair and relax in the heated solariums or by the outdoor fires in silence.

A couple (not me and Donny) in the thermal pool. Courtesy of Le Scandinave.

What's most amazing about Le Scandinave is the feeling that you've travelled to a luxurious spa in the Alps, when in fact, you're at the base of Blue. When outdoors in the pools, you're surrounded by a natural forest and snow covered mountains; it's hard to believe you're just over an hour outside the city bustle.

I highly recommend Le Scandinave for a couple who wants a different approach to a "day at the spa", or to a group of ladies who want to relax in a natural surrounding and re-energize with water therapy. I can't wait 'til our next visit.

A Pinch of This, A Dash of That: Weekly Update - Reno Reno Reno

2011-02-10T16:53:00.000-05:00

A Pinch of This, A Dash of That: Weekly Update - Reno Reno Reno: "So, the renovation continues at my house. The drywalling is all done, as is the priming and wall painting. This is what the wall looked like..."

Weekly Update - Reno Reno Reno

2011-02-10T16:52:00.000-05:00

So, the renovation continues at my house. The drywalling is all done, as is the priming and wall painting. This is what the wall looked like last week at this time.

And on Saturday, we started rebuilding the kitchen, sort of. The under cabinet lighting was secured into place, cabinets were all cleaned up and counter was clear of drywall equipment, newspaper and most of all - dust!

Of course, that was short-lived. On Sunday morning, we took all the cabinet doors off in preparation for their make over. I haven't hidden my dislike for the honey-orange cabinets, and finally, they will get a splash of colour! Donny and I wouldn't be ourselves if we didn't properly label every cabinet door, to ensure we know exactly where they get put back!

Step 1 was to clean all surfaces with TSP. Then, came sanding, and priming. (We're still on this step, as we'll probably need two coats) Hopefully by the weekend, we'll be able to get a first coat of paint on these babies. We selected Benjamin Moore's Jet Black in a Pearl finish for the cabinet doors. I can't wait to see it all come together.

So, that's what we've been up to! More dust, more fuss, but it's all worth it - or it will be!

Another weekly post

2011-01-31T17:34:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday everyone!

I hope everyone is staying warm - another snowstorm is on its way, which makes me remember the wonderful snow days of yester-year. Drive safely and slowly.

It seems whenever I think about my favourite things about winter, it has to do with food. I'm not a snow-bunny or even a shovel-the-snow bunny. This weekend, my family and I made homemade sausages and salami.

They're not good for us, pack in tons of salt and fat, but hey, it's a tradition and there's something to be said about continuing on family traditions. So this Saturday, armed with string, a sewing needle, steady hands, good meat and casings, we took to making the 2011 batch.

We joke about this production each year. I usually have the job of the "pricker". Using the sewing needle, I pop out all the air so the salami and sausages cure. It's an integral part of the production line! This year, for whatever reason, I was promoted to meat presser and got to actually put the meat in the machine - a job my dad has held for many, many years. He tied the string, while my mom maintained quality control (no one does it better) and my sister has the prestigious role of holding the sausage. It's probably the most important and crucial job and she does it every year. Again, in terms of seniority, she jumped the line, but whatever.

After a few hours, we were left with about 20 salami and just as many sausages. Yesterday, we hung them - with care - in the cantina, where they will dry out and preserve. I can't wait to try them!

And that's what resolutions are for, right?

2011-01-24T17:26:00.000-05:00

So it's January 24 and I haven't made good on many of my New Year's Resolutions. Big surprise. But, it has been a busy few weeks - here's what I've been up to!

1. Producing and Hosting

In the Know is a new show that we've launched at Rogers TV - and I'm the host! Our first show was on Wednesday, January 19. The show is live each Wednesday evening from 6-7 p.m. Each week, we tackle a different topic and a different guest joins me to answer viewer questions. Our first guest was the lovely Angela Dacey, Personal Development Expert. Angela teaches about The Healing Power of Colour and how colour affects our lives and our moods. It was a very educational hour and I'm happy that my home and life are full of different colours. I hope yours are, too.

Me and Angela after our first show!

Next week, we welcome Naturopathic Doctor, formulator for VitaTree Nutritionals, and author of the bestselling book, The Healthy Millionaire - Dr. Janine Bowring. Janine and I will be discussing toxins, foods, cleanses, nutrition, organs and a whole lot more. Call in with your questions on Wednesday! 1-866-715-1010.
2. Knitting

It has been a busy few weeks of knitting for me! I bought some lovely yarns on Boxing Day at Unwind and have been eager to start knitting some cool projects. I finished my triangle scarf/shawl last week. It's beautiful and very warm - luxuriously so.

Me in my triangle scarf

Then, I wanted to try something different. I bought this great green yarn that's chunky and easy to knit with. I wanted to make a cowl, but this turned out to be an infinity scarf, which I'm happy about anyway! According to Angela Dacey (see above), green means harmony.

My celery green infinity scarf

3. Demolition

I didn't like our kitchen's backsplash. And I needed more light for when I was cooking. We don't have valance lighting, or crown moulding. And then there's that yucky backsplash. It's DIY time! Donny and I watch so much DIY, it was time to put all those hours of TV watching to good use.

So, the kitchen reno has begun. Last week, we started tearing out our ugly backsplash. Of course, we damaged the drywall underneath, so that evolved into replacing drywall as well.

After two hours at Lowe's on Saturday, we bought new drywall (to replace the old one), some electrical cable (to wire the new under cabinet lighting) and some electrical boxes (to house the new stainless steel switches). We worked all day yesterday, and were completely exhauted by the end of the day. Unfortunately, right now, it looks worse than when we started. Big mess everywhere, holes in the wall, no power and virtually no appliances. Luckily, we plan on having all the drywall fixed by this weekend, and then it's a trip to the handy Steeles Paint to get a lesson on how to paint our kitchen cabinets. And then FINALLY, we'll put the new backsplash in. I'll make sure to photojournal along the way. I swear, someone should make this into a show. Donny and I are trying to do most of it ourselves - and we're succeeding so far! I'm a mean drywall scraper - I'll tell you that!

4. Empire State of Mind

My sister and I are taking my mom to NYC this March for the first time, so I've been busy playing travel agent. Lots of stuff to see and do, food to eat, shows to see and shops to visit. I'm on it!

That's what I've been up to! Busy's an understatement, but enjoying every minute of it!

Ode to the Cachi/Kaki/Caqui aka the Persimmon

2011-01-12T17:17:00.000-05:00

Christmas has come and gone, and if you're like me, it's probably the highlight of your winter. I'm not a snowbunny by any means, and hate driving in it, too. But there are a few winter foods - traditionally eaten by Italians - that I treasure every single year. Unlike Christmas, you can get these delicious items for a month, at least. Today, I'll tell you about my favourite winter fruit.

The Cachi [KA-KEE]

If you are a non-Italian, you may notice your Italian friends or colleagues biting into what looks like an orange tomato, come late November through January. It's not an apple, it's not a tomato or an orange - it's a persimmon. And before you knock it, you gotta try it.

Persimmons, or Cachi, are enjoyed around the world

I decided to do some research on this yummy, juicy fruit I enjoy so much. It's proper name is Diospyros Kaki (which explains why we call it this!). It's also known as a Persimmon, Japanese Persimmon or Asian Persimmon. It's grown on trees and has been cultivated in Asia for centuries. In China, the fruit dates back about 2000 years. Apparently, there is an abundance of Kaki trees in Italy, and while Italians don't cook with the fruit, they do enjoy it through the winter months.

So what does it taste like? The fruit inside is jelly-like and soft. It's naturally very sweet and fibrous. As it ripens it gets softer and quite mushy. For some, the texture can be concerning, but I love the sweet soft taste and feel.

If you've never had a persimmon, beware! There are a few varieties that need to be explained. The species of persimmon (photographed above) is known as the astringent variety. The fruit has a high tannin content - which means - and here's the important part - you shouldn't eat it if it's not ripe. Do not bite into immature fruit! If you do eat a firm astringent persimmon, you will never, and I say never, want to pick up another one again. Such a disappointment. It will suck all the saliva out of your mouth and make your lips pucker and suck your inner cheeks together. It'll leave you tasting like you've eaten sawdust. (That's what my colleague told me when she decided to experiment with the fruit I told her I loved so much :)) Don't worry if you don't like it - it's not for everyone, and could be an acquired taste for some.

To ripen the cachi, you can store them in a paper bag with an apple in a cool, dark place. Once you eat a ripe persimmon, there's no going back. It's juicy like a mango, soft and tender like jello and sweet like honey.

Luckily, there are non-astringent persimmons on the market that are sweet and you can eat ripe or unripe. Meet, the Sharon Fruit, or as I call it, The Hard Cachi.

Sharon Fruit can be eaten like an apple. It's crunchy, yet sweet.

Sharon Fruit is a form of kaki from Israel, named after the Plain of Sharon. It's mild and apple-like and unlike the original Persimmon variety, doesn't contain the astringents, so you won't get that puckery, fuzzy taste in your mouth. When they're unripe, they're yellowy-orange in colour, but get brighter and more red as they ripen. Because it's a firmer variety, it's much easier to transport and won't turn to mush in your lunch bag. A definite plus. You can cut this one up into little slivers and share with your friends, or bite into it and enjoy it all for yourself.

And there you have it, folks. So the next time you see someone in the cubicle next to you sucking on an orange fruit, lean over and say "How's that Persimmon?" They will love it. And if you're game, try it. Has Italian food disappointed you before?

J

Alert! Alert! New show coming to Rogers TV!

2011-01-07T14:02:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone,

So....as you may already know, my beloved York Region Dining has been on hiatus for quite a while now. It's still in repeats, and you can enjoy some new restaurant finds each week on York Region Living (which I also produce). But, I'll be starting a new show this January (in 2 weeks!) which is very exciting!

The release is below:

ROGERS TV INTRODUCES NEW COMMUNITY

PROGRAMMING TO THE WINTER SCHEDULE

Friday, January 7, 2011 – [YORK REGION] – Thanks to new programs launching this month on Rogers TV, viewers in York Region will be seeing new faces, acquiring more knowledge and hearing fresh local opinions.

“The programming on Rogers TV reflects the people, places, issues and events of York Region so we’re particularly pleased to be introducing two new programs based on requests from members of our community,” says Station Manager Lisa McClean Stellick. “We are excited to be working directly with people from the community who want to share their stories, knowledge and experiences.”

In the Know

Starts Tuesday, January 19 at 6pm

Nutrition, seniors issues, policing, health - are you in the know? Join host Julia Suppa each week as she sits down with savvy guests from York Region. People will share their knowledge and savoir faire about their field of expertise providing a venue to discuss and share information. Get in the know on a local level with a different guest and different topic each week. In the Know airs Wednesdays at 6 p.m.

Hope you tune in to watch!

Happy New Year from the Bad Blogger

2011-01-06T16:55:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year - I know, it's already January 6. I'm such a bad blogger. My sister mentioned that to me over Christmas, that I'm a bad blogger. I don't blog for a week, and then I blog all at once. It's supposed to be a consistent diary, she tells me. Fine. So, make that new year's resolution #1. She also wanted to be off the distribution list - too bad.
How was everyone's New Year's Eve? We had a fabulous party at my house with lovely and trendy food, and of course, amazing friends. It'll be the last New Year's Eve without children - no, not me - but our friends are expecting in March, so that will be it!

Julia's version of The Keg's Mushrooms Neptune!

Carrot Ginger Soup served in test tubes!

Do you have New Year's Resolutions? I used to have them, and then I gave up on them, and now I think I'll come up with some for 2011:

1) Be a better blogger (as per above)
2) Volunteer, and help others. I had such a great time volunteering with Habitat for Humanity last year. And it really does make you feel good. Charlene and her family are in their home. So, now we wait until a new build is announced. I will also be the Run Director for the York Region Run for the Cure, so I guess I'm partially there.
3) Attempt to like yoga. I've tried yoga a few times, but never really gave it a real chance, I suppose.
4) Take more "me" days. I love these days and never get enough of them. Days to do nothing but lounge in your pjs, going shopping downtown on a weekday, spa days, random manicures or pedicures.
5) Finish our basement DIY style. I watch hours of DIY, time to put it to action. We have lots of plans for Donny's Man Cave.

I think 5 is a good start. Of course, there's always eating well and staying fit and succeeding at work, but those aren't really resolutions. That's what SHOULD be happening anyway.

And now, a look at some holiday 2010 memories:

Rex pre haircut, enjoying his Reindeer antlers

Rex, post hair cut. He learned how to jump on the kitchen chairs! Bugger!

Merry Christmas from the Bellissimo cousins! We're like the Brady Bunch!

I knit this!

Happy New Year!

Call me Ms. Run-Director!

2010-12-20T11:59:00.000-05:00

Many of you know that I have participated in the Run for the Cure for the last few years. Well, the other day, I was on Twitter (shocking, I know), and I noticed the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation was looking for Run-Directors for their York Region site. Long story short, I applied, went to the interview, and am happy and proud to annouce that I'm one of the new Co-Run Directors for 2011! It's a volunteer gig, and I'll still maintain my full time job. I'm sure it'll be a lot of work, but equally rewarding as well.

It's still early yet, but it's time to mark your calendars for Sunday, October 2, 2011 for the 3rd annual York Region Run. If you don't run, it's ok! Walkers are more than allowed, and last year, we brought Rex along for the walk too. It's a lot of fun, and for a great cause, of course. I challenge all my family and friends to gather a team and start fundraising. The YR run is still new and young, but it's time to raise the roof, and let people know where we are!

If you're a local business who would like to sponsor the event, let me know! What a great way to reach thousands of people at one great event!

Me, at the 2010 York Region Run for the Cure

Mark Dailey - a Toronto Icon is silenced

2010-12-07T15:37:00.000-05:00

For most, he was the "Voice" of Toronto. His signature "City TV Everywhere" has been heard on millions of televisions for the last thirty plus years. Yesterday, Mark Dailey, Crime Reporter and Anchor (CityNews), lost his battle with kidney and lung cancer. He was only 57 years old.

Mark Dailey, as a journalist, has been an inspiration to me for years - he always got to the centre of story, sticking to the facts. It was obvious to viewers that he also had an interesting sense of humour, with quick one-liners and funny quips. I always loved watching him anchor at 11 p.m. When I learned of his passing yesterday, it definitely hit me hard, and what's ironic, I don't even know him. But, really, when you think about it - he's been on television, in my living room, longer than I've been alive.

I was fortunate to meet Mark Dailey last year at the Celebration of Hope Luncheon. He was being honoured with a Hope Award, for his work against Prostate Cancer - a battle he won after being diagnosed in 2004. Since that time, he had become an advocate for prostate cancer, chronicling his journey for viewers and encouraging men all over to get tested. I heard on the news last night that he wanted to do the same thing for kidney cancer. Alas, he won't be able to.

My family has an interesting connection to Mark Dailey, too. My dad was interviewed by him in the early 80s - and we still have the VHS to prove it, labelled The Best of Vince Suppa. For many Torontoians, and those who live in the surrounding areas, Mark Dailey was a voice we turned to. We could count on his signature, baritone sound on Late Night Movie night or during commercial breaks. And now, the voice is silenced. I sincerely hope CityTV will continue to use Dailey's voice in the "Everwhere" campaign. It can't be replaced.

My condolences to the Dailey family and the Rogers/CityTV family. We will miss seeing him every night.

J

Another Knitted Success

2010-12-03T18:09:00.000-05:00

So, I've been trying to knit a slouchy hat for like, a year. I tried and tried and for some reason, they always came out as toques. Finally, last night, I finished my first slouchy hat!! Donny's modelling it - it's pretty hippie, and pretty cool.

Who'll get this one in their stocking? I wonder.

Christmas In My House

2010-12-03T17:43:00.002-05:00

I love the holidays. It's a time to eat, drink, be merry and spend time with family and friends. This year, I think everyone's a bit more in the holiday mood. The malls are busier than ever (and it's only December 3), Christmas carols are on the radio and I've already spoken to so many people who have completed their shopping for the season!

One of my favourite things to do before Christmas is to decorate my house. My Christmas Tree is beautiful - it's all white and silver with gorgeous, blingy decorations.

Here's Rex with our beautiful tree!

My new, modern, nativity set

Of course, decorating at my house isn't just about the tree - we have full on stockings, garland and exterior decor!

My holiday urns - I made them myself!

New Headshots!

2010-12-02T12:17:00.000-05:00

So, I decided it was time to update my headshots. Lucky for me, TeamBuy had a deal, recently, that included a full portrait session, photos on disc and ones that are stylized by the photographer. I was lucky enough to pick a wonderful photographer - johnbutlerphoto.com. We went down to Liberty Village, one of my favourite urban spots, and were able to capture the beautiful landscape!

He turned around the photos within hours and I think they look great! Here are some of my favourites:

Another Knit Project

2010-11-25T12:44:00.000-05:00

My latest knit project!

I'm particularly happy that I'm now trying new knitting patterns all on my own. A few weeks ago, I made booties, and just this week, I finished this great purple bobble hat. I initially thought it was going to be a slouchy hat (which I've been wanting to make for ages), but alas, it's a toque. But, it's pretty cute and knit up so quickly!

Now I'm onto other projects - a slouchy hat, maybe some more mitts and socks? Any requests?

J

Habitat for Humanity Build

2010-11-22T12:30:00.001-05:00

Well, the day finally arrived. Donny and I got up way too early for a Saturday to make it to Keswick for 8 a.m. When we arrived on site, we met Kari, the site-super and got to work!

Really, it's like we were a part of the family-build team. Donny and I started by making sure the wall to the roof was properly insulated. The home being built in Keswick is a LEED home, so it's environmentally friendly. We had to ensure the insulation was cut and inserted properly so no cold air could get through and no hot air could get out! I cut to size, Donny placed. Funny enough, I had to use a bread knife and the insulation cut like cake. Interesting!

Then it was onto electrical. We had to move a few electrical boxes, and tie down wires to prepare for drywall (which is happening this week). I was excited to use the drill - my first time! - and luckily, didn't take off my finger. After lunch and clean-up, the day wrapped at 2 p.m.. All in all, a wonderful experience and we're ready to plan our next volunteer day.

If you're interested in volunteering with Habitat York, you can visit their website at http://www.habitatyork.ca/.

J

New Mitts

2010-11-19T16:10:00.000-05:00

Here's another thing that has gotten me particularly excited lately. My knitting. I took up knitting a few years ago with some colleagues and just completed two courses this fall - one in sock knitting and the other, mittens. I find the activity very therapeutic and calming. I knit almost every night, a little bit at a time. I started with scarves, but got bored. Now I like to try more interesting projects - hence, my mittens.

I was actually able to knit both mittens at once, and chose this glorious cranberry red colour - perfect for the holidays. Here are my finished mitts! I actually impressed myself with this project!

Aren't they pretty? Special thanks to Sandra for teaching the class at Unwind Yarn House in Newmarket.

J

Building for Habitat for Humanity

2010-11-19T15:30:00.000-05:00

About 6 months ago, I was fortunate enough to host the first annual Habitat for Humanity, York Region Summer Social. I met some great people that evening, including Charlene Deschamps and her five daughters.

This winter, Charlene and her family are receiving a home from Habitat for Humanity in Keswick. I listened to Charlene's story, how she works two jobs, is a cancer-survivor, struggles with Rheumatoid Arthritis, has fostered 5 lovely girls, and still manages to fill her family with love. She hasn't had a home in a very long time, having to move from dwelling to dwelling, often living in atrocious conditions.

When I met Charlene, and listened to the folks at Habitat, I became inspired. That night, I went home and talked it over with Donny and we decided we wanted to volunteer. So, we're finally doing it! The build started this September, and in addition to producing a documentary on the build, I will literally be adding a few nails to Charlene's home.

I'm super excited for this opportunity, mainly because it's something I've never done before. On top of that, I get to help someone else, and spend time with Donny doing something other than watching TV or grocery shopping. Ironically, I'm not very handy - as in, I don't know how to lay drywall or sand or anything like that. But I can work wonders in the garden and am pretty good with a paintbrush. The rest? I'll learn. Anyone who knows me knows that if I'm determined and put my mind to something, I will do it.

Of course, we needed equipment to start volunteering with Habitat - another great excuse to do some shopping. Moxie Trades is a company that specializes in workware for women and they are the Home of the Original Pink Boot. A portion of their sales also goes back to Habitat for Humanity, so that was fitting - pardon the pun. I'm now the owner of a beautiful pair of PINK workboots. I know, but I had to.

Wish us luck tomorrow - it's a long day, but I'm so excited for it. I'll make sure to take photos and post them on here. If you'd like to donate to the build, you can visit Habitat's website. Good thing to know: all donations go DIRECTLY to the build - 100%.

J

Me and Santa

2010-11-16T17:09:00.002-05:00

I love the holidays. Christmas Carols, decorating, candy canes, get togethers and parties, and of course, Santa Claus! Sunday, for the 3rd year in a row, I co-hosted the Richmond Hill Santa Claus Parade. It's really a cute parade - it runs along Yonge Street in Richmond Hill, and while it doesn't get the same audience as say, Toronto's parade, it has a decent showing. This was also a special parade as it marked the 100th parade that our superstar director and colleague/friend of mine, Jim Anderson, has directed. Jim has been with Rogers for 25 years and he when it comes to Santa, he knows his stuff!!

Me, prepping for the start of the show

Keeping in mind it's only mid-November, it definitely didn't look like Christmas. It was rainy and wet, without a snowflake in site (safe for the fake ones coming out of Santa's sleigh). We brought Rex along and he loved playing in the rain and barking at the other canines in the parade.

Rex, sitting for a treat - all wet!

Each year, the Town of Richmond Hill participates in the organization of the parade. This year, my co-host was Graeme Maxwell from the beautiful Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. If you haven't been to York Region's newest theatre, you should check it out.

Me and my co-host, Graeme Maxwell, from the Town of Richmond Hill

The highlight of the parade was obviously the big man in red, but I personally love hearing from all the kiddies on what they want for Christmas. The consensus: Nintendo DS. The average age of these kids: 5. WOW.

The Richmond Hill Santa Claus Parade will be broadcast through the coming weeks on Rogers TV, York Region. Visit http://www.rogerstv.com/ for listings.

J

Blogurt Fest 2010

2010-11-14T13:26:00.009-05:00

I'm an ice cream junkie, but more than ice cream, I love frozen yogurt. Until now, there have only been a few retailers that offered this cool treat. Lucky for me - and Torontoians - the popular shoppe Menchies has moved in. They've opened two locations so far - one on Bloor Street (near Bathurst) in Toronto, and one in Thornhill. Double lucky for me: this weekend I was kindly invited to participate in Blogurt Fest 2010!

If you've never been to Menchies, the concept is simple. You choose your fro-yo, and you build your dessert - yes, you actually get to work the machine and try and make the frozen yogurt swirl properly! After you mix and match your flavours (I loved Cake Batter and Green Apple Tart), you move onto toppings. The selection is incredible - everything from walnuts, to chocolate chips, to mini-rolos and oreo pieces. It doesn't end there, though. Add fresh ingredients like strawberries, chocolate chip cookie dough (my fave), cherries and top it all off with a handful of sauces, some of which are available in sugar-free options.

If I had to be a critic (which I often am), it would be fabulous to incorporate some interesting toppings to the Menchies menu. I'd love to try a Chocolate Frozen Yogurt with Hot Chili Pepper, for example. Nonetheless, the selection is vast and I'm sure the offerings would satisfy any customer.

Customers form a line in front of the yogurt bar at Menchies on Bloor

For Blogurt Fest, about 20 bloggers from across the GTA gathered to design their own frozen yogurt masterpiece. Esteemed judges Adell Shneer, (Senior Food Specialist, Canadian Living Magazine) Annabelle Waugh, (Food Director, Canadian Living Magazine) and Joanne Yolles (Pasty Chef, Scaramouche) had the toughest job of tasting all the entries and grading the yogurt creations!! This interesting event was put on by the lovely-and-talented foodie and PR wonder, Mary Luz Mejia from Sizzling Communications.

I named my treat La Dolce Verde. I used a combination of Cake Batter and Green Apple Tart frozen yogurt, topped it with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Strawberries and Chocolate Sauce. I've learned from many chefs over the years, and while it did taste great, the presentation was great! Hey, your food needs to look good, right???

My frozen yogurt creation: La Dolce Verde

The competition was fierce! In the end, I didn't win, but did have a great time participating in the first ever Blogurt Fest. If you're near a Menchies, try it out for yourself and create your own icy masterpiece!!

The Menchies Mascot

Lest We Forget

2010-11-11T12:13:00.000-05:00

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders Fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields.
- John McCrae

Today we remember those who have fought, those who have given their lives, those who continue to fight. We honour and we pay tribute to the men and women who courageously give themselves in various parts of the world.

I would be lying if I said I support war, but I do support our troops - my heart goes to the families who suffer and who worry. A colleague of mine currently has a son fighting in Afghanistan, and I can't imagine what she thinks -and goes through - every day.

Take a moment today to recognize the 700,000 veterans in Canada, and all those who are currently serving. Please bring our soldiers home safely.

Julia

New Article on Suite 101!

2010-11-09T17:04:00.002-05:00

In my "spare" time, I've been doing some writing for an online magazine/site called Suite101.com. Go online to see my latest article - on finding that unique holiday item for the difficult person on your list.

http://www.suite101.com/content/holiday-gifts-without-the-holiday-stress-a306716

J

Celebrating Women

2010-11-08T13:42:00.002-05:00

I had a wonderful weekend of Celebrating Women, Celebrating Successes and Celebrating Hope. On Saturday, I was able to attend the National Women's Show at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Marliese and I used to go to this event every year when we were a bit younger, but it had been a few years since we'd been.

So we rounded the troupes: Marliese and I, my sis, mom, and two aunts and headed downtown for a day filled of laughs, samples and bonding. It's dubbed the Ultimate Girls' Day out, and boy, it certainly was.

When we got to MTCC at 9:45 a.m., there were probably 1,00,000,000 women in line. It was definitely EstrogenFest 2010. And inside, it was just as crazy - lines galore - and everyone looking for the greatest deal or the best freebie in the joint.

Of course, we stocked up on some obligatory jewellery from some of the vendors, and had a few yogurt and chip samples along the way. What's still amazing to me, is how so many women want to change themselves. Between the botox treatment, the lipo offers, the face creams, the diet pills, the anti-aging supplements, the hair straighteners, it's a wonder you can still sift through and find the bootcamps and the natural healing and the health food stores. Luckily, there does seem to be a push towards the organic/holistic products, and there was a lot of that at the show. I also came across two bootcamps that I'm most interested in trying: FitChicks and BootyCampFitness. Both offer classes nearby. Perhaps a New Year's Resolution???

Saturday night, I was fortunate to head to the Leafs Game. It was also the evening that celebrates the newest inductees to the Hockey Hall of Fame. This year, and for the first time ever, two women were inducted: Angela James and Cammie Granato. Women have been playing hockey for years, and it's about time they were recognized to the same degree as their male counterparts. The Leafs lost in a heartbreaker against the Buffalo Sabres, ah well.

Canadian Flag floats through the crowd at the ACC

Sunday was another fabulous day for me. I was honoured to be involved in the 22nd annual Celebration of Hope Luncheon in partnership with the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation. More than 1,000 people attended the affair, which was hosted by CHFI's Erin Davis and MSH's own Allan Bell. This year, all the proceeds from the event went directly to the Markham Stouffville Hospital's Breast Health Centre and the new Cancer Centre.

I was also honoured, this year, to wear a dress by Canadian designer, Franco Mirabelli. It was a simple black dress, with some cutouts in the back. I was pleasantly surprised that his clothes actually fit my frame! He and his wife are two of the nicest people and I can't wait to wear some of his designs again.

Julia

Bronze Yourself Up!

2010-11-05T22:00:00.001-04:00

While I love to melt away in the sun, I do know better - and anyone who knows me, knows I always wear a moisturizer with an SPF, use an SPF of at least 30 when I'm on vacay, and am totally against fake tanning. I've never done it and never will. Don't get me started on the "I'm getting a base tan" discussion.

All of this doesn't mean I don't like to look golden and bronzed, though! Finding a sunless tanner is no easy feat - firstly, the stench is enough to drive you (and your husband/boyfriend/live-in) mad, and if you miss a spot, you end up looking like a streaky mess. And of course, there's always the danger of over-tanning, leaving you tangerine-like and looking ridiculous.

I've tried many products on the market; some claim to be express tanners, others use a bit of tanning lotion within your regular body lotion. I've even tried one that actually makes your legs and arms sparkle. I'm now a fan of a new product and I'm letting everyone know. It's Clarins' Delectable Self-Tanning Mousse SPF 15.

Well, just the name sounds appetizing, and if you've ever used Clarins products before, you know they are quality goods. This particular product is infused with Mirabelle Oil, Aloe, Vitamin E, Safflower and Konjac root sugar, in addition to the self-tanning ingredients used to make your skin glow. On top of everything else, it also boasts an SPF 15, which is good, even in the winter time.

The mousse is silky and soft and feels really nice on your skin. It dries fairly quickly and the stench factor is definitely less than other self-tanning products. You still have to be wary of tan-sensitive areas: eyebrows, hairline, fingers, nails, elbows, knees and toes. Make sure you apply evenly and blend in completely. Of course, don't forget to wash your hands!

Happy "Self" Tanning!

Julia

Purdy's Chocolate Taste Tester!!

2010-11-02T13:39:00.004-04:00

About a week ago, I applied to be a Purdy's Chocolate Taste Tester - I know, so cool!

Then, I got an email:

"Congratulations! You are part of the chosen group out of the hundreds of emails we received! What can we say ~ your taste buds were very persuasive!

Over the next week, each of you will receive a box of our decadent Mayan Collection. This collection of milk, white and dark chocolate with a smooth centre and slight toffee crunch, was created in our factory kitchen in Vancouver, BC. Each Mayan has a distinct flavour – including a peanut butter centre, a pistachio centre, almond butter centre and a cappuccino centre. It has been a part of our offering for about a year and is quickly gaining popularity.

Along with your box of chocolates, you will receive a survey and a prepaid return envelope. We’d appreciate your honest feedback when answering the survey. Please complete the survey while enjoying your chocolates, so your taste buds don’t have to try and recall the tastes!"

And then yesterday, a small box was in my mailbox containing the new Mayan Collection from Purdy's Chocolates! Each chocolate is beautifully shaped. I didn't dig into them last night, but I'll have to start sampling soon. The chocolates don't have any preservatives in them, so the shelf life isn't as long as most chocolates. Fine by me. I have until November 19 to sample and survey! I'll let you know how they are as I start tasting!

Halloween!!

2010-11-01T12:00:00.001-04:00

After a great afternoon at the Flavours of Vaughan, it was time to prepare for Halloween!

First things first: it was time to decorate the pumpkins.

I designed the pumpkins and Donny carved while I roasted the pumpkin seeds! The pumpkin on the right was actually a sick pumpkin. The throw-up was added afterward :) Then it was time to get Rex into his costume! After a week of wearing a cone, he was game for another accessory!

Rex in his skeleton t-shirt

Despite the brisk cold weather, we had about 85 trick-or-treaters! Everything from pirates to princesses to rock stars and teddy bears. Rex also enjoyed greeting all the kiddies, too. Halloween night was also a busy one - in addition to answering the door - because I was able to finish my first pair of knit socks!

Me, modelling my socks!

I took my first sock knitting class a few weeks ago and voila! 2 charcoal grey wool socks.

They actually match!

They are super warm and pretty comfy. Now it's time to start some other projects, which is good, because on Tuesday night, I start my mittens class. I take all my classes at Unwind Yarn House in Newmarket.

Flavours of Vaughan a Huge Success

2010-10-31T16:10:00.007-04:00

One of my favourite parts of my job is going out into the community and meeting people. As a community television host, I frequently have this opportunity and love every second of it.

When the Vaughan Citizen approached me to guest host their inaugural Flavours of Vaughan event at the Hilton Garden Inn, I was incredibly honoured and flattered, really.

I’m a huge fan of our local paper and look forward to “flyer” nights, when I sit on the floor and sift through the pile of flyers and plan the weekend based on where the deals are. It’s sad, I know, but I love it.

So imagine my surprise a few weeks back when I caught my own face and bio in this bi-weekly paper. I’ve saved every copy with my “mug” plastered over it. Call me crazy but I still get excited about stuff like that.

And so, on October 31 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Vaughan, I guest hosted their 1^st annual event. I was thrilled by the support of community members; hundreds came out and sampled their way through various vendors and local restaurants. Situated at the main demo stage, I had the privilege to, once again, work alongside local chefs.

One of the highlights of the day: making pumpkin risotto with Executive Chef of the Hilton Garden Inn, Saverio Coppola. I’m a risotto lover and Saverio’s risotto was no exception. I can’t wait to try it at home.

Pumpkin Risotto courtesy of the Executive Chef at the Hilton Garden Inn

Of course, I’d be remiss without mentioning the amazing local talent that graced the stage mid-day. 18-year-old local singing sensation, Christopher Dallo, had the entire crowd glowing when his voice filled the room. Dallo is a past recipient of the YRMG’s Celebration of the Arts Bursary, a past multiple winner of the CNE’s Rising Star Competition and recently worked with David Foster in New Jersey. What a voice he has! I'm happy to have known him for about 5 years. He's a sweetheart and literally fills every room with his outstanding voice. He is a true budding star and it was amazing to have him in our midst.

Christopher Dallo performs "Knights in White Satin"

All in all, it was an honour to work with the folks from the Vaughan Citizen. Congrats to them for executing a wonderful and tasty event! They truly treated me like “one of the family” from the moment I stepped into the room and I hope we can collaborate again in the future.

There aren’t enough words to describe all the Flavours of Vaughan; we are blessed to have a city full of wonderful tastes and cultures. I’m glad so many were able to experience just a slice of these flavours and hope our local community is able to start visiting the sensational and savoury spots just around the corner.

And once again, special thanks to the Vaughan Citizen for plastering my face all over their paper! *blush*

Flavours of Vaughan

2010-10-29T12:01:00.000-04:00

If you're not too busy this weekend, come and visit me at the 1st annual Flavours of Vaughan on Sunday, October 31 from 11-3! The event is being put on by the good people at the Vaughan Citizen (my fave local paper) and I'm honoured to MC it. The location: the splendid Hilton Garden Inn on Hwy 7.

I know the organizers are hoping for a great turnout. There will be restaurants and food/beverage vendors from across the city participating. I'll be on the Main Demo stage, helping the chefs out and of course, sampling throughout the day! Pop by and check it out!

For more information on Flavours of Vaughan, visit http://www.yorkregion.com/.

J

Paintlounge Opening

2010-10-28T18:00:00.000-04:00

Today, York Region Living went to the grand opening of Paintlounge in Markham. What a cool concept.

Meet Samantha and Beverly - two University of Toronto Industrial Engineering graduates, who decided to let their entrepreneurial spirit come alive with this very creative café.

It's a café that specializes in loose leaf teas (which I love), French Press coffee (which I also love) and painting (which I enjoy, but am not good at!). Customers have the option of popping in for a drink or snack, or purchasing a canvas and painting on the spot. All paints and tools are included with the purchase of the canvas.

As a part of their grand opening celebrations, attendees were able to paint a
square and turn this canvas into a work of art.

This is my square! A little shout-out to YRL!

Neat idea, huh? Paintlounge is on Hwy 7 just West of Warden Avenue, across the street from the Markham Theatre. Why not follow them on twitter? www.twitter.com/paintlounge

For other photos from their grand opening:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/paintlounge/sets/72157625262973842/

Election Night at Rogers TV

2010-10-26T11:38:00.000-04:00

Last night was Municipal Election Night across Ontario. For me, it meant an evening of data entry, numbers and accuracy. I was one of the team leaders in charge of collecting election results and posting them to our server.

York Region is a huge region, with 9 municipalities and Bradford West Gwillimbury (which we also account for). In all, more than 250 candidates were running for a position on a particular council.

The night was wonderful - we produced 3.5 hours of live election programming, complete with up-to-date local results, a small panel and live hits throughout the region. It was also an evening of change, not just for my municipality of Vaughan, but across the region. I won't comment publicly on those elected to councils, but admit that any change could be a good thing if properly embraced by citizens.

What I am happy about is voter turnout: it seems to have increased throughout York Region and even Toronto. I often wonder if voting should be mandatory, but question if that would increase voter apathy and ignorance. I don't know. So long as citizens educate themselves on the issues and the candidates and actually go out to cast their vote, I'm happy.

For anyone who missed The Local Results, here's a list of where each candidate stood in York Region: http://www.rogerstv.com/page.aspx?lid=12&rid=17&sid=3758&tid=30329

J

Rex is a big boy now

2010-10-23T10:55:00.001-04:00

Our puppy is officially a big dog now. This week, he was neutered and the folks at the wonderful Kleinburg Veterinary Hospital were great taking care of him. The entire surgery only takes about an hour, and we upgraded to a laser surgery option, which is supposed to be better for the animal and allow for a speedier recovery.

He was a little sluggish at first, but now he's back to normal, jumping and dancing and being a happy puppy.

Rex on his way to the vet - all happy. He didn't know what was coming.

Rex relaxing at home with his cone, post-surgery.

Rex a few days later on a "trip" in the car.

Soup Fest!!

2010-10-17T23:04:00.000-04:00

It was the perfect day for soup. A beautiful sunny, fall day with a bit of chill. And thanks to my friend, Marlene MacPherson, I had a few VIP passes to SoupFest in Bradford.

Well, I wasn't the only one excited. Hundreds showed up to sample soups from homemakers, restaurants and students. We arrived around noon, just in time for the restaurants to start their sampling. And boy did we have our fill! Carrot soup, beet soup, consomme, potato, purple carrot soup! The main stipulation was that the ingredients used in the soup had to come from the Holland Marsh, so it was a truly local event, which I love.

In all, we probably sampled about 20 different soups. Each one had its own intricacies and flavours. My top favourites: the purple carrot soup (which was actually made by a homemaker - not a chef), the Borscht, and the Organic Tomato Soup with Chicken Mousse from The Club at Bond Head.

This was our Spooner mug! A mug with a spoon attached - brilliant!

Sampling some of Bradford's finest soup makers!

We were warm after our soup tasting!

A Knit in Time....Socks!

2010-10-16T22:42:00.000-04:00

Knitting season is back!! I started knitting 2 years ago with some friends from work and since then, have created many scarves and blankets and a few ill-shaped hats. This year, I've decided to take up socks and mittens! I'm a fan of Unwind Yarn House in Newmarket. Wendy is a doll and is very patient with all her students. They recently moved to a larger store on Main Street Newmarket (only one unit up from the previous location)

Last night, I had my first sock class. It needs to be noted that knitting socks also requires using double pointed needles, which is a feat in itself. Luckily for me, I started the sock just fine on my own, yippee!

The problem hit when I got to the class and I was messing up everywhere! I kept having to rip out work and start again - which, for a knitter is terribly frustrating. I finally got the knack of it and have a semi-complete sock. I have some more homework and next week, class number 2, where I learn how to shape the toe!

Start placing your Christmas orders!!

Farewell to a Colleague and Friend

2010-10-15T22:33:00.001-04:00

First of all, congratulations to one of my best pals at work, Steve Colterman, as he starts a new journey with A News in Victoria/Nanaimo. Steve is a wonderful friend and colleague. He's easy going and funny and can always make you smile, or provide an attentive ear if needed. He has made a huge impact at Rogers TV and in my life.

He will certainly be missed, but I know we'll see each other again soon. And I definitely have a place to stay in Nanaimo!!

What are you thankful for?

2010-10-11T20:00:00.002-04:00

It has been a beautiful weekend in the Greater Toronto Area. Soaring high temperatures, beautiful colours, tons of food and lots of family time.

Turkey isn't a traditionally Italian-Canadian meal, so when we eat it, we do it well! Nothing beats my mom's original rice stuffing. It's unlike anyone else's and I could eat a whole turkey's worth of stuffing alone!

And as if I didn't have enough pie at the Chudleigh's Apple Pie Fest, this weekend did me in for real. Homemade apple and pumpkin pie with all the fixings and trimmings - you can't go wrong.

When I was a kid I remember going around the circle at school (while we were all sitting cross-legged) sharing what we were thankful for? What are you thankful for?

I'm thankful for my family. My parents, my husband, my sister, my puppy, my in-laws, my brother-in-law, all my aunts and cousins. I'm thankful for a wonderful group of friends. They've been with me through so much, and they are gold. I'm thankful for health. My health, and the health of those around me. I'm thankful for a roof over my head, a home that I can call my own and a life that I continue to build. I'm thankful for a budding career that I enjoy going to every day.

And I'm thankful for love.

Strutting our Stuff for a good cause

2010-10-08T22:08:00.023-04:00

Probably some of the most fun I'd had in a while! Last night, a few of the Rogers TV ladies were the featured models in the Lemonberry Fall Fashion Show. The proceeds from the event went to the Canadian Breast Cancer Society, so that's an added bonus. We got all glammed up - hair and makeup - and rocked the runway.

Me, posing in my casual wear

The small store in Aurora was rammed with customers, some simply observing, others taking detailed notes! In all, each model showcased 5 looks ranging from denim to formal. I even rocked skinny jeans for the first time ever - and of course, bought them at the end of the evening.

I called this dress my "Jetson's" dress because of the silver piping and sharp design. It was truly a statement piece!

Follow Lemonberry on twitter @Lemonberry_CA; or visit them in person! They're in the St. Andrew's Village Plaza in Aurora.

My modelling debut!

2010-10-07T12:18:00.001-04:00

Tonight, I'll have my modelling debut! That's right - me, strutting the runway! A few of the Rogers TV gals will be burning up the floor at Lemonberry in Aurora. The Fall fashion show is a charity event with proceeds going to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, another cause dear to me.

For those who haven't been to Lemonberry - it is a York Region gem. The owner, Lisa, brings in fashions from all over, and literally has something for everyone. Bless her heart - she even got me in skinny jeans, which I will be proudly modelling this evening. Lemonberry was a famous spot on Main Street Newmarket, and recently moved to the beautiful St. Andrew's Village Plaza in Aurora.

I'll have some photos from tonight up soon! In the meantime, wish me luck! There MAY still be some tickets available, but you'll have to call the store to find out!

J

What a weekend!

2010-10-03T21:44:00.005-04:00

Tasty, busy, emotional, invigorating, fun, social - just a few words to describe the weekend I just had. I love jam-packed weekends that are full of hard work, success, friendship, love and laughs.

Pie Fest

Last week, I was asked by Chudleigh's Farms in Milton to judge their First Annual Pie Fest. Of course, I would! What an honour and what fun! So, on Saturday morning, Donny and Rex and I bundled ourselves up (it was FREEEEEEZING) and headed out to the farm! I had no idea what to expect, but Chudleigh's did a great job and the Pie Fest was very well organized.

Rex enjoying his time at Chudleigh's!

27 pies were entered into the competition and I (along with 5 other esteemed judges) had the opportunity and tough job of scaling those 27 down to 6.

I'm a classic apple pie gal - it doesn't have to look perfect (I like the rustic look), but the consistency, flavour and crust are so important to me.

Only a few of the 27 pies

A good, flaky crust with a soft - yet not too mushy - filling, plus sweet apples with some tart and cinnamon = perfection. It was a tough decision, but the top 3 were superb.

A huge thank you to Chudleigh's Farms for inviting me as a guest and to my fellow judges - it was such a pleasure meeting you all and working with you!

Some snaps of the day!

Hot Apple Cider on a cold day!

Caught mid-bite!

Working hard!

The Wonderful Judges!

Onto Sunday!

Today was another great day - as many people are aware, my mother-in-law is 1 year breast cancer free, and today, we had a team of 16 people walking and running in the CIBC Run for the Cure. Our team- Carmela's Angels - raised more than $3000 and showed wicked support and energy.

It's so inspiring hearing the stories of survivors and those who have faced this brutal disease. Today we heard a story from Gisela, who told us of her mastcetomy, and her journey. Her strength, sense of humour and determination had so many in the crowd in tears.

The Run for the Cure York Region raised $494,000 with donations still being accepted! In all, $33 million dollars was raised during this walk/run. Together we will find a cure for breast cancer. Thank you to everyone for their support. I'm still amazed how so many people can rally together - whether it be to walk, run or donate - for the cause. Despite the cold temperatures today, everyone had smiles on their faces; it was a refreshing morning.

A real man wears pink!

And so, I say, a wonderful weekend. Combine these two events with fantastic meals, great company from our closest friends and some much needed (and now completed!) housework - all in all, a GREAT weekend.

teenZtalk tonight

2010-09-29T14:14:00.000-04:00

So, it's Wednesday! Happy Hump Day! Wednesdays also mean an exciting day for me - it's teenztalk day!
Last week, Rogers TV launched teenZtalk York Region, a new show that I'm producing that has teens talking about issues most important to them. Each week, the teens have a new topic: sex, drugs, relationships, etc.

The show is LIVE every Wednesday, and we invite viewers to call in with questions or comments. You can also follow our twitter feed or facebook site and ask the teens questions through there. 1-877-222-5310.

Last week, we had 10 calls make it to air, and I'm thinking we'll double that tonight. Our topic is Social Media and we are welcoming teen web sensation, Cory Moldenhauer, to the show. Cory currently has more than 21,000 followers on twitter (I have 445), and more than 5,000 on YouTube.

Social media....it's where the world is.

J

Bread, Bread Everywhere Bread!

2010-09-28T21:41:00.000-04:00

This weekend, Donny and I were lucky enough to be invited to the 15th Anniversary of Fred's Bread at Beretta Organic Farms in King - what a wonderful afternoon.

We started with a horse-drawn hayride into the farm, followed by hors d'oeuvres, Steam Whistle beer, sugary nuts and great scenery.

Me at Beretta Farms

Donny and I on the hayride!

Cocktails and Canapés. Lunch was served in the barn.

Lunch was a 5 course meal featuring Fred's Bread. For those of you who have never had Fred's Bread, let me put it this way: bread has never tasted so good. It's all natural, artisan bread. My favourite of the day: the Red Fife bread sticks - dubbed joysticks - featuring Fred's Bread newest Red Fife collection. They're not even available in stores yet, but they will be soon enough, I'm told. They're slightly salty, with a great crunch. Perfect with Prosciutto (as they were served), on their own, or as dipping sticks.

It goes without saying that I cheated on my detox, but it was fully worth it. Beretta Farms made the most succulent Organic Stuffed Porchetta, and lunch was followed by a wonderful platter of local cheeses. Bliss.

Special thanks to Food Guru and PR person extraordinaire, Mary Luz Mejia, who invited me to this event AND recreated the Fred's Bread website. Also a big congratulations to Andrea Damon Gibson of Fred's Bread. Andrea, who is originally from Aurora, shared her inspiring story of starting the company with passion and her mom's lessons in baking. From borrowing space in friends' kitchens, she has grown the company to what it is now.

Cheers,

J

TGIF

2010-09-24T15:54:00.001-04:00

It's Friday! Welcome the weekend! I hope everyone enjoys what should be a beautiful fall weekend in the GTA. I have lots of plans, and hope to get most of it done this weekend.

First thing's first: I'm on Day 5 of the Detox and doing well. My energy is up and I'm not craving anything too much. I will have to break my detox for an afternoon at Beretta Farms, as I celebrate the 15th anniversary of Fred's Bread. I'm looking forward to it, and it'll be interesting to see what happens to me when I take in some bread!

As for the blogging, I think I'm getting the hang of it. I've been playing with Picasa and can't figure out how to upload a slideshow, but perhaps that'll be my weekend project.

Have a good one!

j

I'm in a Thursday state of mind

2010-09-23T12:39:00.002-04:00

It's Thursday, which is technically one of my favourite days of the week. I'm also Day 4 into my Hormone Diet Detox. It's been a bit tough giving up all my loves: coffee, sugar, milk, yogurt, cheese, bread. But I'm a survivor. Today I'm having Organic Butternut Squash Soup for lunch and for dinner, chicken perhaps. Everyone knows I'm a NOT a huge fan of chicken. What can I say? It always tastes the same!

In other news, I look forward to relaxing on the couch tonight for the season premiere of Grey's Anatomy. I have a pink boa scarf that I've been working on for the CBCF Run for the Cure. Hopefully I'll be able to finish it this weekend. I'll try and post pics tonight. For those who don't know, I'm walking for my mom-in-law who is breast cancer free! To sponsor our team: http://www.runforthecure.com/site/TR/RunfortheCure/Ontario?pg=team&fr_id=1080&team_id=10871

Have a great night - tomorrow is Friday!

j

My First Blog

2010-09-22T17:16:00.001-04:00

I'm a writer - even when I was a kid, I knew I wanted to be a writer, and well, here I am. Now, I'm a blogger; at least I'm trying to be.

Blogging is a totally foreign thing to me, but in typical Julia form, curiosity always gets the best of me. When I want to learn more about something, I do it. For example: knitting. I wanted to learn, so I took a class and bam! Now I'm hooked. Same goes for twitter, Indian food, and my latest adventure: detoxing.

More on the detox later, but I just wanted to say hello, and welcome. Whoever you are. And thanks for stopping by.