A Few Views of TO

This is a post that has been waiting to be published for awhile.  I had hoped to include more pictures before I moved but time just slipped away (as it often does).  I had contemplated just deleting this post but these three buildings are just too great for that.



There are so many great houses and buildings in Toronto.  Just like any large city, the best way to appreciate the diversity of architecture is to just start walking.  I loved exploring my neighbourhood Riverside/Leslieville/South Riverdale as there are some really lovely Victorian houses and buildings.

Wrigley Lofts (yes, they made gum there) - view from Boston Avenue

Across from the Wrigley Lofts an old firehouse - Boston Avenue

I saw this home every time I took the 501 Steetcar from my neighbourhood and I had always wanted to take a closer look.  It is a gorgeous, modern home.  I also discovered interior photos which can be found at www.8trefann.com.  Definitely worth a look as the inside is full of mid-century modern pieces.

Trefann St. - The main floor is an artist's studio

Trefann St. - The staircase can be viewed from outside and extends all the way up the 5-storey home

Store Love - Old Stathcona Antique Mall

During one of my first weekends back in Alberta, I had a chance to visit one of my favourite antique malls with my mom and sister-in-law.  The Old Strathcona Antique Mall (10323 - 78th Ave, Edmonton) has 300+ booths spread out within a 27,000 sq. ft building.  All of the merchandise is priced and staff roam the aisles to help carry items to the front so you can keep your hands free to search for more treasures.  There is a great eclectic mix of items and it's rare not to find something to take home (I found a fabulous grate on this particular visit which will be fantastic to hang on a wall).

Eclectic mix of goods 

Lots of lovely coloured bottles

Pretty polka dots

Love the typeface on this vintage alarm clock 

So many sweet sets to mix and match 

Dishes, dishes and more dishes

Lots of Canadiana

Gorgeous case with oodles of drawers

Great pop of colour on these old wagon wheels

Love this sign

Remember to breathe

This video by Travel Alberta sums up the beauty found here.  I am so glad to be home.

I also love the title of this series - Remember to breathe.  We live in a fast-paced world and it's important to slow down and just enjoy the moment.  As the Mighty Opes says "Breathe.  Let go.  And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure."

Maps

I love maps. I think it's because they let you dream of the places you want to visit and remind you of all the wonderful places you've already seen.  Summer is also one of the best times of year to take some time off and explore a new neighbourhood, city or country and I have a big collection of travel guides and driving maps suited just for that.  No huge travel plans this year as I'm taking some time to reacquaint myself to life in Calgary and explore a little closer to my new home.

Toronto neighbourhoods - Ork Posters

The Toronto poster above was hung in my own living room and I love the different sizes of fonts used.  It's now a perfect memento of my time living in TO.

Prettymaps (Paris) by Aaron Straup Cope

I love that this isn't an obvious map and the colour combination is really unique and graphic.

NYC Globee available from Pylones

These single-city globes would make a great souvenir.  Other available cities include:  Venice, Rome, London, Los Angeles, Sydney, etc.  I could see someone amassing a collection of different cities for a home office.

Tokyo handkerchief from Muji

It's rare to find such a chic handkerchief.

Room designed by Grace Home Design, Inc. Map available at World Maps Online.

I think this is such a great idea for a kid's room.  Maps are a perfect wall covering to fuel their imagination.