Partying like we are 12 again...

This Saturday I had the pleasure of attending my girl friend Jill's Birthday Party. She wanted to do something different so she organized a session at a "paint-it-yourself ceramic" studio. The studio, The Clay Room (http://www.theclayroom.ca), is located on the Danforth (under 5 minutes from the Chester Subway Station).  You simply drop in, pick a ceramic item and paint it. Then they glaze it and fire it in their kiln. You come back a week later and voila you have a new plate, cookie jar, vase, etc. 

I decided to do a deal they offer where you purchase three ceramic items and you pay a flat fee for your studio time. It allows you to visit as often as you like to finish off the three items!  For my three ceramics, I chose a vase (featured below), a set of coasters and a condiment tray. 

The birthday party was wicked and we couldn't believe how much fun we had. We reminisced about how we felt like we were 12 again! The birthday girl was kind enough to supply us with party sandwiches and non-alcoholic beverages ( some non-alcoholic champagne which was delicious!) and us girls surprised the birthday girl with some cupcakes from Dlish (http://www.dlishcupcakes.com/). I ate the Coconut cupcakes (super tasty!) and the ladies enjoyed the Salty Caramel flavour. All and all, it was a great afternoon - probably the most fun I have had at a birthday party lately. We shared laughs, caught up on each others' lives and got to try something different. 

I highly recommend this activity for a date, a chill afternoon, a birthday party, quality time with your kid(s), etc. 

  

Some ceramic items you can choose from

My vase which will look different after it has been glazed and fired - I will upload a picture of the finished product later

Cheers'ing with our non-alcoholic champagne!

 The cupcakes from Dlish 

The Studio

Me popping the "champagne"!

Our workstation

It's been awhile...

I would like to apologize for not updating my blog in weeks - it is the key to a successful blog. My life went through many changes in a short period of time and thus I decided to take the time to figure my life out. But now I am back!

Painting...

Painting has always been a passion of mine. I can't say that I have ever been great at it but there's something about painting that makes my heart flutter. Painting has always been an outlet to me - a way to relax and feel comfortable in my skin. During my CA exams, I painted a lot to de-stress and get lost in something creative; however work got in the way thereafter and it had been a couple of years...until tonight!

I have a bucket list that I update regularly and I make sure that I cross a few things off a year. Some items I have completed to date are: travelling to Europe, going sky diving, living abroad (only LA but still counts!) and running a marathon. I urge each of you to create a bucket list. You don't have to be old to make one (like how the movies portray them).

So to bring this back to painting - painting was on my bucket list. I am a member at the Art Gallery of Ontario so when I was sent an email about their new education/training centre, I knew it was the right time. So I enrolled and tonight was my first class. I am on such a high! I was smiling ear to ear the entire class and felt wicked when I left the building and still do. I knew the moment that I left the building that I needed to share my incredible inner feelings with you in hope that you will agree to my task for each of you.

I urge each of you to take the time over the next week to create a bucket list. Write down any goals, ambitions, dreams or just simply something you've always wanted to do/try. The list will keep you accountable and keep your eyes on the prize. Trust me once you start crossing them off the list - you will thank me!

P.S. I would love for you to share any items from your list in the comments section if you feel comfortable.

Thanks for reading, Gem xo

First Post!

How exciting - I have finally set in motion my goal of creating a blog! I am excited to begin posting about Toronto - the food, the sights and what it special in each neighbourhood. One of my favourite things to do in the city is explore - find new hidden gems, eat delicious food, sit in a random park, basically anything that suits my fancy. I hope you enjoy what I have to offer!