Explore Toronto: Bathurst Station Gets Honest Ed-ified!

Honest Ed's Art Installation at TTC Bathurst Station Review

The building at the corner of Bloor and Bathurst Streets, covered in tacky bright lights and funny hand-painted signs, need no introduction - every Torontonian knows of the giant discount retail store Honest Ed's. Whether you love it or hate it, Honest Ed's has become a huge part of Toronto's landscape and found a place within the city's heart. The long lines to purchase one of the coveted hand-painted signs are a testament to how far people will go to get a piece of Honest Ed's.

As a tribute to the iconic landmark, the TTC has transformed Bathurst Station, into a 'Honest Ed's-style installation commemorating the retail store and its former owner Ed Mirvish, and the impact that they had on the community and the city of Toronto.

Exhibit: ROM's Chihuly is All Glory with No Guts!

ROM's Chihuly Exhibition Review

I frequently get asked why I love visiting art exhibits so much from people who think they have no understanding of art. My answer is always the same: It doesn't matter if you like or understand a piece of artwork, if it inspires conversation and dialogue and makes you see a different point of view or see something in a different light, it has accomplished it's goal. It is art and life would be so boring without it. I have been putting off visiting the ROM's latest giant exhibition, Chihuly, until I was ready.

Persian Trellis, 2016

The weather had turned gloomy and the skies grey in Toronto over the past few weeks, so I figured it was time for an art pick-me-up. Last week, I braced myself against the cold wind downtown Toronto and made my way to the ROM. It was exactly what I needed that cold Monday afternoon: bright, beautiful, uplifting, and superficial.

Exhibit: Transforming Art!

Gladstone Hotel's Hard Twist 11: Spin Exhibition Review

My life's path has morphed and transformed to something new and has taken a spin in a totally different direction then I originally planned. So I felt a strong affinity for Gladstone's Hotel newest textile art exhibition aptly named Hard Twist 11: Spin. Now in it's 11th installment, Hard Twist is one of my favourite annual exhibitions at Gladstone Hotel (I have written reviews for Hard Twist 8, Hard Twist 9 and Hard Twist 10).

Hairdress by Annabel Berthoff

One of the Gladstone Hotel's signature events, Hard Twist displays textile art, in its many forms, from a variety of established and up-and-coming artists, each with their own interpretation each year's theme. Spin is this years theme: "to spin is to transform. Whether it’s turning a fleece into yarn for a cozy sweater or rotating a dubious fact through angles of truth, spinning changes what you started with into something very different."

Exhibit: Playdead!

Stu Dead's Playdead 906 Exhibition Review

I can't think of a better way to celebrate Halloween than visiting Nuvango Gallery's newest art exhibit Playdead 906 by local Toronto artist Stu Dead. You may have seen Stu's artwork throughout the city, including the walls of The (soon to be closing) Hideout bar on Queen Street West and his retail store Playdead Cult, which has moved a few times over the years but now resides in Parkdale.

Stu Dead is a self-taught artist that has been creating art for over 25 years and counts Spanish Culture (including The Day of The Dead), music, and beautiful women among his inspirations.

Skincare Review: L'Oreal's Bright Reveal!

L'Oreal RevitaLift Bright Reveal Skincare Collection Review

I have a confession to make. From last March until September, I neglected my regular beauty routine and my skin wasn't looking too good. Because of some personal difficulties, I wasn't feeling too excited about several things in my life which including putting in alot of effort into my personal appearance. A few weeks ago I made some hard decisions in my life, which I'm pretty excited about and will share soon, and I decided it was time to get back to basics and start looking as good as I felt. It was at that time that I received L'Oreal's new RevitaLift Bright Reveal Collection free to test out and review, which I took as a sign that I made the right decisions!

The L'Oreal RevitaLift Bright Reveal Collection includes a Brightening Scrub Cleanser, Brightening Peel Pads, Brightening Dual Moisturizer, and Brightening Daily Lotion and are packed with anti-aging ingredients including Vitamin GC Acid, Hepes, Glycolic Acid (formulated with 10% - one of the highest amounts found in drugstores), Perlite, and Retinol. Which is great for someone who is closer to 40 than 30 (but still doesn't look it:).

Makeup Review: CoverGirl & Katy Perry Are A Purrfect Match!

CoverGirl Katy Perry Lipstick & Mascara Review

I'm always a little pessimistic with celebrity beauty collaborations but the recent Katy Perry collaboration with CoverGirl has made me an optimist! The Katy Kat makeup line blends two of my favourite things together - cats and makeup - and comes up with a fun and chic collection of mascaras and matte lipsticks with fabulous colour names like Magenta Minx and Maroon Meow.

I was approached by BzzAgent to review one of the Katy Perry CoverGirl Collections mascaras and lipsticks and chose the Perry Blue Mascara and Maroon Meow Matte Lipstick. I haven't worn a blue mascara since I was 13 years old and thought it would be fun to try it out and I fell in love with the Maroon Meow shade (and name) and just had to try it for myself!

Exhibits: That's So Gay & 10x10 Photography Project Returns To Gladstone Hotel!

That's So Gay: Come Together & 10x10 Photography Project Exhibition Review

Gladstone Hotel once again hosts their two annual LGBTQ themed art exhibitions - That's So Gay and 10x10 Photography Project, which run throughout Pride Toronto celebrations. And once again, both exhibits have impressed me with their unique and beautiful artwork.

10x10 Photography Project: Taken by Richard Rhyme

Every year, That's So Gay "explores themes around sexuality, gender and identity as they intersect with experiences of race, disability, class and multiple identities". This year's theme 'Come Together' refers to many things: the multiple atrocities against the LGBTTI2QQ communities, the rise of activism, and the need for artists to creatively band together and help further the engagement and activism.

Exhibit: Exploring the World of Tattoos at The ROM!

ROM's Tattoos: Ritual. Identity. Obsession. Art. Exhibition Review

Much to my parent's dismay, I have had a love affair with tattoos ever since I was a child. I've always wanted one and got my first tattoo at 16 years old, when not many girls had tattoos. It was a cherub on the inside of my left ankle and I got it done in a friend of a friend's basement. It turned out much larger than I initially thought it would be and hid it from my parents for as long as I could, until summer came and there was no hiding it anymore. My parents were of course angry, but accepted it and were much cooler than I thought they would be. Since then I got inked six more times (more if I could afford it:), but I still love my first one. So when I first heard about the Tattoos exhibit at the ROM, I was so excited to learn more about this world I entered naively at the tender age of 16 and couldn't wait to visit it.

I finally got chance to visit the exhibit recently and I absolutely loved it.

Happening Weekend: Toronto Opens Its Doors!

Toronto Weekend Events Listing for May 27 - 29, 2016

We finally have a hot weekend in our future and I for one am going to get out enjoy it. There are plenty of fun events happening around Toronto, including one of my favourite annual events - Doors Open!

Here are my top picks for fabulous events and happenings in Toronto this weekend:

Happening Weekend: Summer Has Unofficially Arrived!

Toronto Weekend Events Listing for Victoria Day Long Weekend 2016

It's finally here - Victoria Day Long Weekend! Even though the official first day of summer isn't until June, the long weekend in May is the 'unofficial' start to summer in Toronto and the rest of Canada. People cram into their cars for a traffic packed drive to cottages or jam onto an available patio that has any sun shining on it. And there are plenty of fabulous events happening across Toronto to help you celebrate not only the long weekend, but the unofficial start of the summer season!

Photo: Toronto.com

Here are my top picks for amazing events and happenings in Toronto this long weekend:

Exhibit: Extraordinary Everyday by Jake Sherman!

CONTACT Photography Festival: I'm New Here by Jake Sherman Exhibition Review

I love the month of May in Toronto. Not only does the weather (usually) become warmer but festivals both large and small start popping up all over the city, including the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival, which runs for the whole month of May! I try to go several CONTACT exhibits every year and 2016 is no exception.

Ossington

A few weeks ago I was privileged to attend the opening reception of Toronto photographer Jake Sherman's photography exhibit, I'm New Here, at the new Nuvango Gallery on Queen Street West.

Happening Weekend: Art, Booze & Dogs!

Toronto Weekend Events Listing for May 13 - 15, 2016

Yay! It's finally the weekend, and I for one am excited. Now that the weather has been getting warmer, the amount of amazing events happening around the city has grown and are going outside.

Photo by Jake Sherman from CONTACT Exhibit at Nuvango Gallery

Here are my top picks for fabulous events and happenings in Toronto this weekend:

My Style: Party Hardy!

Design Lab from Hudson's Bay Party Dress Outfit

Just over a year ago, Hudson's Bay introduced a new clothing line named Design Lab. It's made by the same 'in-house'  brand Lord & Taylor but for the younger generation. And I am in love this new clothing line. It has some great fashion forward pieces, as well as some classic staples with an added twist or print.

I finally bought my first piece from Design Lab several months ago, it was a party dress that I got on clearance, and I love it!

Happening Weekend: Exploring Toronto!

Toronto Weekend Events Listing for May 6 - 8, 2016

I'm so excited it's finally the weekend. And it looks like it's going to be (mostly) sunny the next two days. With so many fun and exciting events happening this weekend, it's the perfect time to get out and explore the amazing city of Toronto.

Image: Torontoist

Here are my top picks for events and happenings in Toronto this weekend:

Haircare Review: Finding Zen with Orofluido Asia!

Orofluido Asia Haircare Review

There's a Japanese saying that "the beauty of her hair alone, can a woman captivate a man". Well if that's true, my hair needs a serious beauty makeover because I'm not captivating anyone right now, let alone someone from the opposite sex. And with the weather finally heating up, my hair is starting to frizz and expand. The warmer it gets outside, the bigger my thick hair gets. So when I arrived home from my vacation in February, to box filled with the Orofluido Asia haircare line, I was beyond happy.

Orofluido Asia claims 'exceptional frizz control, elasticity and smoothness.' And I'm hoping it will also help me to captivate a man....

Exhibit: Getting Wild at Gladstone Hotel!

Gladstone Hotel's Urban Wild Exhibition Review

I love the Gladstone Hotel. I've never actually stayed there overnight, but I am constantly visiting their amazing art exhibitions and fabulous events. A few weeks ago, I visited the Gladstone Hotel to see the Tim Burton Group Show Tribute in the 2nd Floor Gallery. While I was there, I also got the chance to see the Urban Wild exhibit in the 4th Floor Gallery.

It is always great to wander the halls of the Gladstone and enjoy some amazing, and usually free, art.

Happening Weekend: Super Duper Spring Fun!

Toronto Weekend Events Listing for April 15 - 17, 2016

Finally it's starting to warm up a little in Toronto - and just in time for the weekend! If you are like me, you are itching to finally get out (without a winter coat on) and take part of some fun events happening across the city.

Photo: The Globe and Mail

Here are my top picks for events and happenings in Toronto this weekend:

Exhibit: My Tim Burton Fix!

Gladstone Hotel's Tim Burton Group Show Tribute Exhibition Review

Like many, I tend to feel my regular daily routine is a little static after an amazing trip. I have been feeling a little lack-lustre since I got back from South America over a month ago. And when I get like this, a Tim Burton movie marathon can be the only cure. The fantastical films are so amazing that they can add a little pep in my step after watching them. But instead of wasting away in front of the T.V. on Sunday, I braved the cold weather and made my way to The Gladstone Hotel to get my Tim Burton fix at the free Tim Burton: A Group Show Tribute exhibition.

Edward & Kim by Marion Manzo

And my world feels complete once again.

Exhibit: The Outsiders!

AGO's Outsiders: American Photography and Film, 1950s - 1980s Exhibition Review

People watching is one of my favourite past times, I think it's all the traveling I did when I was younger. I used to sit in the middle of a foreign city, grab a coffee and just watch the locals going about their daily lives and making up stories in my head about them (since I usually couldn't understand a single word they were saying:) Coming up with stories for your fellow passengers is also a great way to pass the time when waiting for yet another short turned streetcar here in Toronto. I think that's why I loved Outsiders: American Photography and Film 1950s -1980s so much.

Danny Lyon, Cal, Elkhorn, Wisconsin, 1966. Gelatin silver print, 40.6 × 50.8 cm (sheet). Promised gift, James Lahey and Brian Lahey, in honour of our mother Ellen Lahey. © 2015 Danny Lyon/Magnum Photos

The AGO has been celebrating The Year of Photography with special exhibitions and featured events since last summer. The celebration comes to a close soon but before it does, the AGO has two more photography exhibitions to show, including Outsiders, the largest photo exhibition since the AGO reopened in 2008.

Happening Weekend: Pillow Stories!

Toronto Weekend Events Listing for April 1 - 3, 2016

It's been a long week for me, so I'm very happy that the weekend is here. I've been fighting a cold this whole week, which is why I haven't posted anything lately (so sorry). But now that I'm feeling better I have plenty of choices of some great things happening in Toronto this weekend.

Photo: Globe and Mail

Here are my top picks for fabulous events and happenings in Toronto this weekend:

Happening Weekend: Happy Easter!

Toronto Weekend Events Listing For Easter Long Weekend 2016

It's that wonderful time again - Long Weekend! And even though the weather has turned cold again, there are many events and happenings across Toronto to celebrate one of Canadian's favourite moments - long weekends!

Here are my top picks for fabulous events and happenings happening in Toronto this weekend:

Haircare Review: Bringing My Coloured Hair Back to Life!

L’Oréal Hair Expertise Color Radiance Haircare Review

Don't you hate it when you just get your hair coloured and it looks absolutely amazing but then it starts to fade just after one or two washes?! Because I do. I have been colouring my hair for the past 20 years, experimenting with colour and brand, although the last few years, I have been dying my hair red. I have also been experimenting in hair products, trying to extend the glossy, deep "just-dyed" hair colour, so I was so happy to receive L’Oréal Paris Hair Expertise Color Radiance Shampoo, Conditioner, and Instant Miracle hair treatment complimentary from Influenster to sample and review.

I'm always on the look out for products that claim to protect colour treated hair from dryness and damage that constant colouring can do to hair. L'Oreal states that it Hair Expertise it helps with both these issues, so I put it to the test.

Exhibit: Bold & Timely!

The Power Plant Gallery's Winter Exhibitions Review

Even though winter has finally ended, The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery is still running their winter exhibitions, which opened just before I left on vacation almost two months ago. And finally, I get to share my review about the bold four exhibitions that are on now.

Patrick Bernatchez: Les Temps inachevés

Three of the four exhibits are new and all use a variety of media in their installations.

Happening Weekend: Spring Has Arrived!

Toronto Weekend Event Listing for March 18 - 20, 2016

This work week has been a tough one and I for one am so happy that the weekend is here. Celebrate the end of winter and say goodbye to March break this weekend with lots of fun and exciting events and happenings in Toronto.

Here are my top picks for fun events and happenings across the city this weekend:

Exhibit: Visiting Heaven & Hell!

Kofflery Gallery's Howard Podeswa: A Brief History Exhibition Review

Since I've been back home in Toronto, I have been trying to fit in all the art exhibits that started just before or during my vacation, which has been hard. But I finally got the chance to visit Koffler Gallery's Howard Podeswa: A Brief History, which was near the top of my must-see art exhibits.

A Study of Hell, 2013

I'm so glad I found the time to visit this amazing exhibit before it closes near the end of the month.

Happening Weekend: Spring Forward!

Toronto Weekend Events Listing for March 11 - 13, 2016

There is quite a lot happening this weekend in Toronto. It's the start of March Break for most of those with kids (and a warning for those without kids:) and the start of St. Patrick's Day Celebrations. So get ready for some fun this weekend!

Photo: Montreal Gazette

Here are my top picks for fabulous events and happenings in Toronto this weekend:

Exhibit: Poetry at Toronto's Beaches!

Winter Stations Design Competition 2016 Winners Exhibition Review

It's been hard trying to get back to my daily life in Toronto, not only because I miss the excitement of travel, but I miss the summer heat of South America, and my tan is fading fast here in Toronto. So I decided to beat the winter blues by visiting Toronto's beaches in the east end and the Winter Stations Art Installations that have transformed the abandoned lifeguard stations along Kew, Balmy and Woodbine beaches into stunning works of art.

Flow by Calvin Fung and Victor Huynh

Seven winning designs of the Second Annual Winter Stations Design Competition has brought some much needed heat and beauty to both the desolate Toronto Beaches and for at least for a little while, chased my post travel winter blues away.

Happening Weekend: Happy Birthday!

Toronto Weekend Events Listing for March 4 - 6, 2016

Not only is this the first weekend of March, but it's also the first weekend after my South American Adventure. And did I mention that today is also my birthday? So not only do I have some unpacking and laundry to do, I'm also going to go out and celebrate my Toronto homecoming as well as my birthday with some great events in the city.

Photo: Now Toronto

Here are my top picks for fabulous events and happenings in Toronto this weekend:

Explore South America: Life Lessons from Backpacking across South America!

Personal Insights Learned from Traveling in Peru, Bolivia & Argentina

I can't believe it's already March; February just flew by, especially since I spent most of it in South America, visiting some amazing places and meeting some fabulous people! I just got back a few days ago from my South American adventure and I'm so excited to share all my experiences, insights and travel tips I have learned along the way over the next several weeks. But first I have to get back into my regular, post trip routine, which has been proving extremely difficult.

Enjoying the view of Machu Picchu from the top of Wayna Picchu Mountain, Peru

For the past three weeks, I backpacked my way across three countries, Peru, Bolivia and Argentina, and I will share my adventures in each place with all of you as soon as I can put into words (and organize my pictures:) everything that I saw and experienced, but first I want to share some things I learned about myself and things I'm grateful about now that I'm back home in Canada.

Exhibit: Getting Lost in Song Dong's World at the AGO!

AGO's Song Dongs's Communal Courtyard Installation Review

A few weeks ago I got to preview the AGO's newest exhibit Song Dong's Communal Courtyard. It's an interesting interactive exhibit that I truly lost myself in.

Visitors are asked to wander through 100 vintage wardrobe doors, peeking through windows to see what's inside.

Personal Care Review: Period Pampering from Avalai!

Avalai Monthly Subscription Review

For the past couple of months I have been so crazy busy. Between working extra jobs, the holidays, planning for my epic vacation, and playing catch-up, it sometimes feels like I don't even have time to sleep, let alone time run to the drugstore to pick up some essentials like pads and tampons.

So when I heard about a service for women that delivers a box full of pads, tampons, bath products, and other treats to your door, I was intrigued.

Happening Weekend: It's an All-Star Long Weekend!

Toronto Weekend Events Listing For Family Day Long Weekend 2016

Happy Weekend! We have finally reached the first long weekend of 2016! And not only is it a long weekend, but it is also Valentine's Day on Sunday. I wish I could say I wish I was in Toronto to help celebrate this long weekend but today I'm climbing Machu Picchu in Peru! I'm in the first part of my South American adventure and it has been amazing! But you don't have to leave Toronto to have fun. There is lots to do around the city this weekend to help you celebrate this Family Day long weekend.

Here are some of my picks for fabulous events and happenings in Toronto this weekend:

My Style: Seeing Red!

California Moonrise Cardigan, Aldo Purse, & Town Shoes Boots Casual Valentine's Day Outfit

Valentine's Day is almost here! I'm not to excited about the actual day but I'm a big fan of dressing for the occasion/event/holiday. So if it's Valentine's Day, it's easy to celebrate the day by adding some splashes of red, without going overboard into 'lovey-dovey sappy' land.

I decided to embrace by inner love child and came up with a casual Valentine's Day look by adding a few key accessories in the bright red hue.

Explore The World: South America or Bust!

My South American Backpacking Trip Announcement

How many things have you crossed off your bucket list? Do you have more than one bucket list? I myself have several bucket lists - career, family and travel are just a few of my lists. My travel bucket list pretty much includes every place in the world but there are a few places near the top that I really want to visit. I traveled a lot in my twenties and some of the places have been crossed off like Antarctica and Rome, but I haven't left the country in almost ten years.

So that's why I'm so excited to be leaving on one of my bucketlist trips tomorrow! I'm leaving for a three week trek through South America! I fly into Lima, Peru Monday night and I fly out of Buenos Aires, Argentina on Saturday February 27! Did I mention I'm excited??!!

Happening Weekend: Happy at the Harbourfront!

Toronto Weekend Events Listing for February 5 - 7, 2016

The first weekend of February is shaping up to be a pretty nice weekend in Toronto. Unfortunately, this weekend is going to be crazy busy for me trying to get everything I need to get done before I fly out to South America on Monday! But for the rest of you, take advantage of the beautiful spring weather in the middle of winter and enjoy some great events in the city.

Here are my top picks for fabulous events and happenings in Toronto this weekend:

Toronto Artist Spolight: Talented Risk Taker with a Heart of Gold!

Canadian Fashion Designer Tanya Theberge Profile

Alexander McQueen once stated "You never move forward if you play it safe."  He could've been talking about the beautiful and talented Toronto fashion designer Tanya Theberge, who has been taking chances all her life. Tanya, a mother of two boys and a local entrepreneur, counts Alexander McQueen as just one of her many inspirations as she works to launch her debut haute couture collection showing at Fashion Art Toronto (F.A.T.) this April.

I first met Tanya at her final dress fitting as a finalist for the Toronto Fashion Incubator's New Labels Sponge Bob Dress competition last May. We hit it off right away. I loved her passion and love for fashion and the attention to detail she gives her designs.

Shopping: Through the Eyes of Men at LURAP!

LURAP Dress & Online Shopping Experience Review

Do you love what you're wearing? More often than not, the honest answer is: not always. Not because you don't like what you're wearing, but the fit isn't just perfect. I, like thousands of other women, have come to terms that I will rarely find a piece of clothing that fits my body in all the right places perfectly.

So when I was contacted by LURAP, an online custom clothing company, to choose a fashion piece from their site and review it for free, I got extremely excited to say the least. I had such a great experience reviewing eShakti, another online custom clothing company, over a year ago, that I decided for this review to put the fashion power in someone else's hands. Instead of me choosing the dress I was to try on and review, I asked my close MALE friend James to pick one for me.

Exhibit: Deliberately Ambiguous!

Harbourfront Centre's Winter/Spring 2016 Exhibitions: Deliberately Ambiguous Exhibition Review

A few weekends ago a friend and I made the trek down to the Harbourfront Centre to visit their Winter/Spring 2016 Visual Arts Exhibitions called Deliberately Ambiguous. It was an interesting afternoon and both my friend and I enjoyed the unique art.

Pages from my notebook (2016) by Marissa Alexander from Non-Objective

Five separate exhibits make up this large contemporary art exhibition by artists with, what I found, had an 'anything goes' motto and are: "highly aware and engaged in contemporary culture, these artists embrace it all." 

Happening Weekend: Art, Beer & Tea!

Toronto Weekend Events Listing for January 29 - 31, 2016

It's the last weekend of January and there is barely any snow on the ground in Toronto! It's a little unbelievable but I'm not complaining. And with the (not quite balmy) winter weather, it's the perfect time to get out and enjoy some great events happening in the city.

Here are my top picks for happenings and events across Toronto:

Haircare Review: 'Scentillating' Sweet as Honey Hair from Garnier Whole Blends!

Garnier Whole Blends Honey Treasures Shampoo & Conditioner Review

Now that the winter has finally arrived in Toronto, I'm starting to feel the drying effects on my skin and hair from the harsh winter cold. My hair suffers from serious dryness and frizziness in the winter time, and since I colour my hair frequently, my hair starts to look very lack luster and doesn't feel the greatest either.

So I was so happy to be sent the New Garnier Whole Blends Honey Treasures Shampoo and Conditioner to test out.

Exhibit: Lyn Carter Earns Her Stripes!

Textile Museum of Canada's Lyn Carter: 11th Line & Home Economics Exhibitions Review

I haven't been to The Textile Museum of Canada in a while, so I was glad I took the time out of my busy pre-vacation schedule to go visit Lyn Carter: 11th Line. This unique exhibition is part of  the Toronto Offsite Design Festival that took place last weekend, as was Come Up To My Room, which ended on Sunday.

Field, 2015

The exhibition title 11th Line comes from the name of her rural Ontario address where she lives and works, which is explored in her pieces.

Happening Weekend: Bedrooms, Freaks & Artists!

Toronto Weekend Events Listing for January 22 - 24, 2016

There's nothing like a happening Toronto weekend to help get you over the winter blues. Just make sure you layer up when you leave your home to get out there and enjoy the many fabulous events happening throughout the city this weekend. I, myself am braving the cold and enjoying some great art exhibits. Maybe I'll see you? If you see me, come say hi. I'm the girl in The Purple Scarf!:)

Here are my top picks for events and happenings in Toronto this weekend:

Exhibit: Lucky 13 for CUTMR!

Gladstone Hotel's Come Up To My Room 2016 Art & Design Event Review

Last night I was thrilled to attend Gladstone Hotel's Come Up To My Room (CUTMR) media opening reception. CUTMR is one of my favourite annual art exhibition events at one of my favourite places in Toronto.

Life Moves Fast (Ferris Bueller's Bedroom) by The Racket Club

I'm always excited to see the new and unique ways artists and designers have transformed the Gladstone Hotel's rooms, hallways and open spaces. And I certainly wasn't disappointed this year.

Exhibit: ¡Viva Mexico!

The ROM's ¡Viva Mexico! Clothing and Culture Exhibition Review

Mexico has taken over the Patrica Harris Gallery of Textiles and Costumes at The ROM to bring Toronto a stunning in-depth look at the country's amazing textiles. ¡Viva Mexico! Clothing and Culture is a vibrant and dynamic textile exhibition that is one of the largest in the world with many textiles never having been displayed before.

Tehuana Gala Ensembles

¡Viva Mexico! showcases over 150 historic and contemporary textiles, telling the rich story of Mexican culture that spans centuries reflecting both it's indigenous and colonial past. Highlights include complete costume ensembles, rebozos (women's shawls), sarapes (men's out garments or the Torontoian's picnic blanket), as well as some exquisite bead work and embroidery.

Happening Weekend: Chase the Winter Blues Away!

Toronto Weekend Events Listing for January 15 - 17, 2016

Winter may have finally arrived in all it's cold and dark fury, but there are still plenty of things to do in Toronto this weekend that will help chase those winter blues away.

Here are my top picks for fun events and happenings in the city this weekend:

Exhibit: Painting Set Free!

AGO's J.M.W. Turner Exhibition Review

A few weeks ago, I finally had some free time and enjoyed some much needed art therapy at The AGO and visited the large J.M.W.Turner: Painting Set Free exhibition. The (mostly) solo exhibition explores Turner's mature works of the last 15 years of his long and illustrious career.

Light and Colour (Goethe's Theory)- The Morning after the Deluge - Moses Writing The Book of Genesis, exhibited 1843

Featuring more than 50 painting and works from Tate Britain, I enjoyed my journey through Turner's late experimental years and got to know the artist a little more.

Happening Weekend: No Pants? No Problem!

Toronto Weekend Events Listing for January 8 - 10, 2016

This week was a rough one for me, trying to get back to my regular work and life schedule after the craziness of the past two months, was difficult to say the least. So this weekend I will be playing catch up with the long list of things I need to do. But I will have to get out and enjoy some of the fun events happening across Toronto.

Here are my top picks for happenings and events across the city this weekend:

Exhibit: Inside Andy Warhol's Silver Mind!

TIFF's Andy Warhol: Stars of the Silver Screen Exhibition Review

It's like the match was inevitable: Andy Warhol's beautiful film stars and TIFF, home of one of the world's largest film festivals, where modern day movie stars converge every year. Partnering with Pittsburgh's Andy Warhol Museum, TIFF brings together almost 1,000 pieces of Warhol's art and personal memorabilia to create Andy Warhol: Stars of the Silver Screen, TIFF's largest exhibition to date.

Andy Warhol: Stars of the Silver Screen explores Warhol's fascination of the famous and beautiful through a rare chance to view Warhol's large collection of collectibles, pictures, film stills, and more that he started amassing at a young age.

P.s!: Another Year, Another Adventure!

Happy New Year!:  2015 Roundup & 2016 Preview

Is it just or did 2015 pass by in a blink of an eye??!! I feel like I just celebrated 2015 and here it is 2016 already! Maybe it is old age (I hope not), but time flew by. And looking back on 2015, so much has happened in my life both professionally and personally.

After reading last year's yearly roundup and looking through some old posts, I'm pretty happy with the path I have taken with my blog which led to some great opportunities in my life.