6th Annual Lakeshore Mardi Gras

News care of www.thelakeshore.ca

I'm interested to see what this Mardi Gras event is all about... I'm off to Beer Fest that weekend, but I'll try to get down to this event to take some pics. I need some pics in my By the Lake Flickr Group! (hint, hint)

Here are the deets:

When: Fri, Aug 07 from 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm, Aug 8, 12 pm - 9 pm & Aug 9, 12 pm - 7 pm
Where: On the Assembly Hall Grounds

Presented by the Lakeshore Mardi Gras Committee

Lakeshore Mardi Gras is a unique family experience, bringing the sounds and tastes of the south to the Lakeshore. There's something for everyone & admission is free!

Please visit the Lakeshore Mardi Gras Committee website at www.lakeshoremardigras.ca, in the coming weeks, or call 416-251-1390, for more information on this event.

High Tech Nails

There was no doubt about it -- I was in desperate need of a pedicure. But being relatively new to the area I didn't really know where to go. In the old 'hood I was a regular at Sugar Moon Salon (which I loved) but I wasn't about to trek up to the Danforth for some pretty toe nails. So I did a search on the good 'ol net and found out about High Tech Nails.

High Tech Nails is your typical nail salon in the city. Cute little asian ladies take your toes and turn them into artful masterpieces. I had read that this place was clean and efficient and the fellow 'netters didn't lie.

I arrived at 7pm on a Tuesday and the place was packed. The Comedy Network blasted on the corner TV set and women read magazines or chatted with their technicians. The only downside to the place is that when you enter, you're pounded with the thickest wall of nail polish scent I've ever experienced and to be honest I almost left for fear of fainting. I'm not sure how the ladies do it day in and out. But I soon came to when it was my turn to hit the massage chair.

Over all my experience was excellent and the best pedicure I think I've ever had. My technician was super meticulous and gentle at the same time, and massaged my legs and feet with hot stones, which may seem a bit odd but it was welcomed.

The best part of High Tech Nails? It's about a two block walk from my house...

High Tech Nails
2755 Lake Shore Boulevard West
Etobicoke, ON, M8V 1H2
416-252-8988

body bustin' bootcamp

For the past 2.5 weeks I've been busting my butt at bootcamp in High Park and let me tell you... it hasn't been easy. They yell at ya; curse at ya; whip ya into shape (ok so they don't swear or whip but it makes it sound extra bad no? ;)) all in the name of a better bikini body. And I have to say I've loved every minute of it.

Here's a short video to show what they put us through (be warned, the video makes it look easier than it is)



If you're looking to do something that is outside the whole drone of going to the gym, check out Body Buster Bootcamp. The rates are very reasonable, the location is perfect (there are locations all over the city if you don't live near the Park) and the results are fantastic. Just after the short time I've been doing this, I've already noticed a difference.

Get more info here: http://www.bodybusterbootcamp.com/

I can't say you won't regret signing up after the first class, but you'll love it after the second! I'm hooked.

Farmers' Market Goodness

I've made a secret vow this summer to buy my fruits and veggies from local farmers' markets only. It's week three this week and so far so good. I'm a bit sad that there isn't really one close enough for me to walk to in the new 'hood but I shouldn't really complain because there are a few around just a short drive away that have bounties of goodness.

For the past three weeks I've been heading over to the Sherway Garden Farmers' Market located in the mall parking lot and there are so many things to choose from you really don't need to go to a regular grocery store to get much else (unless of course you love bananas like my husband -- unfortunately you can't get those local).

My typical purchases are cherries, blueberries, strawberries, and a bunch of veggies. Last week I couldn't resist the radishes -- just look at them! I immediately was brought back to childhood to the days when my grandmother would cut up radishes and put them in a pyrex in cold water in the fridge. When I got them home I sliced up a few to put on my salad and sliced the rest into cold water and into the fridge. And then they sat there, and sat there. And I thought "what do I do with these things?" I brought them to work one day as a snack; the same way I take carrots to work. I had had enough of the peppery veggie after one though.

Regardless of what you get, going to the Farmers' Market is a great experience: you get really tasty food that has travelled only a short distance; most times the food is pesticide free and you get to pay farmers directly for the food they work so hard to produce every week. How cool is that?

BlogTO has a great list of The Best Farmers' Markets in Toronto. Click here to find one near you.

(for some 'ravishing radish recipes' click here)