Shopping at the One of a Kind and Whole Health Expo

A busy past few days - what with venturing up to Edo on Eglinton to hear Brenda Lewis with Tony Quarrington and Brendan Davis - nice cozy spot and yummy Japanese food. I love how "Zen" it is when you venture downstairs to the washroom - they have made a tranquil space/sitting area with chairs! How I would love to go to Japan! There are a number of veg options on the menu too which is great. Sadly, this type of excursion takes me an hour - I'm such a downtowner now - if I can't walk there in under 45 - I'm less interested.

I hope to venture out to the Old Mill tonight to hear Claire Martin - again the distance thing...plus it gets expensive to go and hear jazz in such a venue when you are kind of expected to order something to eat or drink - and not at Rex prices either. Speaking of which caught some of Danny Marks on Saturday afternoon while we were showing our old friend Al Stoski around town - he was here from Edmonton - having been working up in Kincardine for a number of months. Al was and is a valued member of the Edmonton Jazz Society - as a volunteer and board member...we went to the St. Lawrence and Kensington Markets - St. Lawrence is our friend Norma's neighbourhood market as Kensington is ours...

Last Friday night was a shopping overload at the "One of a Kind" Show - got another great dress from "Desserts and Skirts" - you can find her clothing at Fresh Collective here (she also designs "Precious Pink" jewellery which I also lurve). My dress is a funky print....it's a little hard to see the sleeves which are about 3/4 length - but it is made of a slinky comfy fabric.



While working at the Whole Health Expo I bought a cool cloth scarf necklace from Jalanna at Soul Symbols  - where I was assisting on Sunday...they came in black, grey, brown and beige - very Type 2!



And for the piece de resistance a gorgeous amethyst necklace from Jalanna as well - I had so many compliments while I was wearing it - that I had to purchase it! The photo doesn't do it justice...


 While walking around sampling food and checking out the vendors on my breaks I had a makeup touch up at Earth Lab Cosmetics - and got a lovely lipgloss - Sugar Plum which feels luxurious and mascara which is soft, doesn't smudge or flake - their line is mineral based. There were also some skin care products but I was rushing around trying to fit stuff in - including a green smoothie from Cruda and lunch from King's Cafe - I couldn't check out the entire line - but you can online....wwww.earthlabcosmetics.com.  There is also someone in town who cares the line - www.ecoexistence.ca - Kym Klapp is the proprietor.

While at St. Lawrence Market, Norma introduced me to some supersoft scarves and wraps which are woven by a women's co-operative in Guatemala..if that is the correct Central American country. Beautiful colours and feel velvety soft...I will have to return for those. The stall is on the south side of Front - smack dab near the entrance to the market.

Today I'm making some raw spring rolls from "Becoming Raw" and maybe a Mushroom Soup from "Garden of Vegan"...I made some kale chips earlier...still working on the raw thing but getting more inspired all the time.

Mike Field Jazz Quintet

As part of the Nu Jazz Festival, trumpeter and composer Mike Field and his quintet take the stage at Waterfalls Indian Tapas Restaurant in Kensington Market this Friday November 18th at 303 August Avenue. This venue serves up great Indian food and as a superb side dish some spicy jazz.

Mike is releasing his latest CD "Ashes" featuring traditional style jazz originals. Joining Mike are bassist Carlie Howell, Dave Chan on drums, Paul Metcalfe on tenor sax and Teri Parker on piano (Matt Newton is featured pianist on the recording).

He has been a fixture of the local scene and toured nationally and internationally. Check out www.mikefieldjazz.com for more info on his activities.

Also on this weekend - on Saturday February 19th - why not munch on some great pizza at the Magic Oven on Queen East and enjoy the trio of Archie Alleyne, Dave Young and one of my favourite trombone players - Chris Butcher. From 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. 360 Queen Street East.

It appears this is a series that Archie has put together - the following weekend is Kollage! November 26th.

Readers, I realize I have been lax with my blogging - I think it is the darkening days of autumn winter and need to get motivated and also to get more income to finance a growing wanderlust - that is to say if you know of anyone wanting to hire a creative, intelligent and diligent soul like me - please let me know!. Trying to work on my spiritual side these days by doing daily tarot readings and reading some inspiring people like Louise Hay and Wayne Dyer..also remembering to be grateful.

Speaking of grateful - why not call 1-800-811-2400 or go online at www.jazz.fm and support a great radio station? Plus have the opportunity to win fabulous prizes...someone won a trip to Cuba today...or you can just have a toasty feeling in your heart - either way you win!

I had my first outing to a Psychic Brunch on Sunday - they're usually held I think the 3rd Sunday of the month - for $29 - you can get a 15 minute reading from a choice of readers plus a $5 voucher for your meal - Jayne was very insightful for me - encouraged me to believe in my own gifts and have more faith in myself! Nourishment all around. They are held at Clinton's on Bloor and also in Cabbagetown - The Flying Beaver Pubaret - check out the details on www.psychicbrunch.ca

Cool Kids

I just got an email from Adam Fielding, Mohawk grad and former "Jazzology" guest about an upcoming gig this weekend. Saturday in fact at Mitzi's Sister on 1554 Queen West from 10 p.m. - 1 .a.m. $5 Cover

The band is covering Motown and R and B and features the fabulous vocals of Mary McKay (another "Jazzology" guest and Mohawk grad - plus Johnny McKay, Clark Johnston, Adam Fielding and special guests - sounds like a fun night in Parkdale.