SUMMER VACATION STARTS......

REMEMBER THIS??
5 years ago, I took a pilgrimage to Winnipeg to visit a friend....
Read THAT here:

http://robcroxford.blogspot.ca/2010/09/beware-beast.html

Then in 2011 I made another trip......

http://robcroxford.blogspot.ca/2011/09/wild-animals-hoeing-and-psychopath.html

(This one was a very well received -- so read that one too!)

Why read these old posts? Because I am gone RIGHT NOW....to WINNIPEG.......
YAAAAAAY VACATION!!!!!!!!!
...so yes, stay tuned for a photo report when I get back....

In the meantime, check me out on Instagram!!!

WW195: BEVERLEY HAWKSLEY, GBD, and The Cat-tanic........

Hey guys! Welcome back to Wonderful Wednesday!!!!
Here are 5 things that I enjoy this week....

1.) I always talk about art that I see that moves me. This week I thought I would feature an artist that I have shown with and whose work I really enjoy. You gotta check out Beverley Hawksley. 

I love how subversive and dark, yet how playful these pieces are. 

I thoroughly enjoy seeing her work around Toronto. I want YOU to learn more about her art....

Check out this video:

Beverley Hawksley - Maker Of Things from PowerOutlet Productions on Vimeo.

(or go here)

You should go to her WEBSITE here.... to find out where you can see her work LIVE, because it needs to be seen live to get the real feeling from it! Engaging and melancholy work....but not depressing.....just interesting and lovely!
Oh also you can follow her tweets!!

2.) Okay my cat loving readers.....there is this. I know this may seem like a lot to you, but I REALLY think you need to own it!!!! Deb? Cindy? Cheapay? Adrienne? Mark? COME ON!!!!

Yup! The Kitty Titanic Condo! Go to Hollywood Kitty Company to BUY BUY BUY this!

Just imagine reanimating the last 10 minutes of the Titanic movie -- EVERY DAY!

"I'LL NEVER LET GO MR WHISKERS!!!"

Watch this wonderful video.....to see how your cat(s) will LOVE IT! (but be pre warned - the video SHOULD have 'My Heart will go on" instead of the weird porn-like music.):

3.) Okay, as y'all know I went to Washington DC a couple weeks ago....and you know how Robbie loves his chicken and donuts? Well I researched and found GBD (Golden Brown Delicious)...

Seriously folks. You like donuts? You like chicken? YOU GOTTA LOVE THE LUTHER:

Fried Brioche Doughnut Glazed in Maple-Chicken Jus, with Buttered Pecans,
Slab Bacon and Fried Boneless Chicken Thigh + Side of Fries

OH

MAH

GAWD!

It was like heaven......maybe not for my arteries.....but still.....YUUUUUM!

I washed it down with this lovely punch......

This was the donut selection for the day....

Oh....also.....these deep fried brie bits......yes.....for reals......

Check out the menu HERE!

And if you are in Washington - DO NOT MISS IT!!!

YUUUUMMMMM!!!!!!!!

4.) My hubby sent this to me....it is really kinda interesting.........the evolution of the MGM logo...I thought it was really interesting. Check 'er:

or go here and see the evolution of the Disney and Dreamworks logos...
Also check out http://geektyrant.com for TONNES of nerdy great stuff!

5.) Oh Billy......this clip of David Letterman was wonderful (thanks Cindy):

and this clip with Michelle Obama and Big Bird.....also enjoyable!!!!

There you go! 5 things I enjoyed this week!!!!!
I hope you did too!

WW194: MILDRED'S TEMPLE KITCHEN, KIMMY SCHMIDT and Harry Potter Remixed....

Okay.....I KNOW that it is not Wednesday, but I just couldn't get this together fast enough.....so......here is TERRIFIC THURSDAY!!!

1.) Mildred's Temple Kitchen.

Okay, I went here for brunch a few years ago, and truthfully, the pancakes were not my favourite......but then we went back last week......for dinner and MAMA LIKE!! Here is why:

Buttermilk fried (boneless) chicken thigh with crisp rye waffles, rhubarb gastrique & sour cream. -- and a side of coleslaw!

OH

MAH

GAWD!

SO GOOOOOOD! And yea, all the meals that my companions ate that night were also DEEELISH!

It is a very chic urban vibe....if you like that kinda thing:

So, if you are looking for a nice treat, go and check it out in Liberty Village!
It isn't the cheapest dinner ever, but it was top notch nom nom nom!!!!!
Check ou their site - their tweets - and on the book of faces.

2.) Blossom Dearie. I keep hearing her at my chiropractor's office and each time - i love her!

Blossom Margrete Dearie (April 28, 1924 – February 7, 2009) was an American jazz singer and pianist, often performing in the bebop genre and remembered for her light and girlish voice. One of the last supper club performers, she performed regular engagements in London and New York City over many years.

The album I keep hearing is "May I Come In?" but they all seem to pretty awesome!!!! Check her out:

and this MEGA post of songs:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrklFJ25z2w

Great huh?

3.) Jeremy Miranda. Found him on the Jealous Curator. His work is haunting. Don't you think?

Ok...so his website tells you NOTHING about him, but you still need to GO CHECK IT OUT at:

http://jeremymiranda.com

or his blog at: http://jeremymiranda.blogspot.ca

4.) "The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" YES! It is race-y and yes it is quite inappropriate.....but I LOVE IT! If you liked 30 Rock....you're gonna love this one too!!! Bless Tina Fey!!

(or https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=34&v=mNKEKlXY3Z4 )

I love Ellie Kemper in this, and ALSO love Tituss Burgess, Carol Kane and Jane Krakowski! Great casting. Honestly, so good! AND I CANNOT GET THAT THEME SONG OUTT MY HEAD!!

(or go here if it doesn't load)

LOVE IT!!!

So get your Netflix tuned into this one!

SO DARN FUNNY!!!

5.) This is a suggestion from my hubby today......enjoy nerds......I especially like the use of the Harry Potter theme.....midway through the song.....

(or go here! - if you can't see it)

Check out the other parody songs from https://www.youtube.com/user/KFaceTV

WW193: STAR WARS BUDDAHS, INSIDE OUT, and daylight savings....

Guess what...I am away on vacation......but I still wanna share 5 things I love this week!
Welcome to Wonderful Wednesday!

1.) Okay nerds...check out this....you need one of these guys for your garden.....or your desk.......or wherever! Thanks to artist Chris Milnes. (Check out his Easy page here) you can enjoy your favourite 2"-6" Star Wars characters; Yoda, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, Boba Fett, etc....Each one is  depicted as a big fat Buddha, seated cross-legged with big round bellies:

ADORBS!!

 

Go get one on his store!!!

Here is that link again!

(via If it's hip it's here!)

2.) Of all the things that I really need in The Spacing Store, (and there is SOOOOOOO much there that is spectacular) I really NEED this butter dish:

NEEED!!! THANKS A LOT SPACING STORE!

Go out and see them....for all your big city needs!
401 Richmond St., Toronto

3.) Inside Out. THIS Pixar movie looks great.......

(Or use this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HFv47QHWJU )

4.) NOM NOM NOM. Try this recipe......or better yet...make it....and then invite ME for dinner:

 Yes...it got it off Pinterest........

But go to http://simply-delicious-food.com/2013/07/16/baked-gnocchi-with-bacon-tomato-and-mozzarella/ to get the recipe!!!
NOM NOM NOM!

5.) FINALLY.......I think my body has probably adjusted to Daylight Savings time.......Thanks to Last week tonight with John Oliver for this stunning exposé:

(go here is this video doesn't show)

WW192: VOODOO CHILD, LEGO TRAILERS, and the skull key tool

HEY AGAIN!
It's Wonderful Wednesday!!!
Five more things that I want you to LOVE!!!!
Let's do it.......

1.) Let's start with art. I'm putting the ART in start......Tom Burckhardt created a cardboard full-scale replica of an artist's studio. Yup - all cardboard - and glue and black paint. True, "Full Stop" (cardboard studio) was created back in 2004 -- but it is new to me!!!

“This walk-through environment is full of the clutter and paraphernalia of the modern painter, toiling in romantic obscurity against the existential void. Except he/she doesn't seem to be succeeding. A basic lack of ideas has crippled production despite having all the right materials: tools, art supplies, art books, and postcards of the past masters' work at hand."

AH-MAH-ZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can you believe it? I sure wish my studio looked that good!!!!!!
Make sure you check out what Tom Burckhardt has been up to lately!
(via Junkculture)

2.) Hey brunchers........here is something I COULD NOT WAIT to tell you about. Voodoo Child Coffee and Cocktail Bar is located at 388 College Street in Toronto (west of Spadina).

We have enjoyed brunch there before.....but last week was exceptionally YUMMERS......I give you
Lemon meringue pie French toast:

OH MAH GAWD!

Things you need to know.....it's a busy place, and it is tiny.......so be prepared...you may need to wait. Also, there is a very limited menu, and it seems to change......so check out the menu before you go! But what they serve is VERY good.....so good that I turned to husband after brunch to say "WOW, that French toast was amazing.....right?" -- until I realized that I did not even offer ONE BITE of my to him......mmmmmmmmmmmy bad.

Go there!!!!
And give them a little like on the Book of Faces!

3.) 12 of the best movie trailers ever created in Lego......A MUST see.....for example...

AND THIS FRAME BY FRMAE COMPARISON:

COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!
SO GOOD!
(link via husband via empire online )

4.) Okay.....here are two things that I NEED for my keychain.......from Cool Material:
     The middle finger key.... 

I feel like it pretty well speaks for itself.......and the other thing I need for my keychain is:

The Skull Key Tool

 "...a simple, key-shaped tools that attach to your key ring, so it's always at hand when you need them. This product's clever design incorporates each of the following functions: a file, a #2 flat-head screwdriver, a scoring point (great as a box cutter and for easily opening clamshell packages), a serrated edge (to saw through twine and clothing tags), and, finally, a bottle opener. Made of durable stainless steel."

 COME ON!!!!!!! My birthday is in September, but YOU need one too!!!! ;-)

5.) I know I am late...but Happy Woman's Day........I give you this....

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Pt1_VvVZVY -- if this didn't load for you!)

It made me laugh and laugh.......also go check out "Honest Trailers" and subscribe to Screen Junkies

WW191: MELISSA ARENDT, CAFE FIORENTINA, and muppets

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?
After MONTHS away, I give you Wonderful Wednesday!!!!!
Yes.....here are 5 things I love this week!
Sometimes these things are NEW NEW NEW and sometimes - these 5 things are just new to me, and I need to share them!
So, if they aren't new to you......sorry you're so DAMN informed.....GEESH!
(yikes - already a bit aggressive in this post...Buckle up!!!)

1.) Okay, it in NO SECRET that lately I have been feeling a bit down, and I have been looking for laughs in my television schedge (schedule in hipster). Unfortunately, "The Big Bang Theory", "Mom" and "Looking" have all had dead parent sub-plots THIS MONTH......and let's face it, there are NOT a lot of laughs on "The Walking Dead"....that is why I thank the Lord for:

Broad City. Season two...is so G.D. good!!!!!!!!



Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson are brilliantly funny! You must must MUST watch this show. It is so offensive and wonderful!!!!!  Catch up by watching it on demand - or on MUCH!

Here's a sneak peak of the (almost over) second season:

Big laughs.....EXACTLY what I am looking for!

NOT FOR KIDS. Seriously, yo.

2.) Remember when you were a kid, and your folks would take you to the Marks and Spencer store in the mall, and you would think....um......this store is so boring (yes, a lot of that had to do with being a 7 year old in ANY store that didn't sell toys).....BUT THIS IS NOT YOUR MOMMA'S MARKS AND SPENCER! I give you these MUST HAVE socks from M&S (yes....that is the new name...hip...right?):

MUPPET SOOOOOOOOOCCCCCCKKKS!!

(that was a squeal of joy - I got a set for Xmas, and I cannot wear them enough!)

Thanks Mark and Jeff and Marks and Spencer.
Go order something from them now....free shipping to the Colony!
;-)

3.) Have you missed my reviews of pancakes? Have you? Well last week I had some yummy brunch at Cafè Fiorentina......

Yes.......it's small.....but the food was yummy....as were the sweet treats we took home!!! Try them for dinner or lunch or YUM YUM brunch!

 Here are more deets:

Check them out on
Twitter and Facebook too!

4.) ....and now for something ART-Y........Melissa Arendt has delightful work that brings a smile to my face. It is nicely designed and DRAWN and painted and such!!!!! Go and check her art out....here are a couple that grabbed my eyes.......

Gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!
Check her site HERE...
Like her on the Book of Faces 
and buy her work!!! DO IT!

5.) FINALLY........this is so great. I LOVE Conan, and I also love Billy Eichner.......here is why....

(or go HERE if this didn't work)

WW190: BACON BRITTLE, ELLEN NOVEMBER, AND A GREMLIN SWEATER

Welcome to Wonderful Wednesday!!
Here are the top 5 things that I want you to LOVE this week…….

1.) You know me….loyal readers….I am a fan of the Sweet+Salty….Admittedly….I started drooling at this…….

It's Bourbon Bacon Brittle!!!!!
OH
MAH
GAWD!
Thanks to bakingthegoods.com for posting this recipe for brittle!!!!
(for the full recipe check THIS link!!!!)
YUMMMMMMMMMERS!

2.) Some things are so UGLY that I cannot help but LOVE LOVE LOVE them. Like these sweaters from Mondo Tees:

OH MAN I WANT THAT GREMLINS SWEATER!!!!!!!!!!!!
So awful - and so fantastic!!!
Go to MONDO TEES for more nerdy stuff!

3.) Speaking of awesome fabric work……I give you the work of Ellen November from California. She has combined her skills in illustration, photography, graphic design and fiber art to creat some really lovely work!!! Like these:

Commission Ellen or inquire about the pricing and availability at ellen.november@gmail.com
http://www.ellennovember.com/

(thanks to www.ifitshipitshere.com)

4.) Hey train lovers…..yes…I know you are out there! I am one of you!!! The future is coming……well….for the Brits at least……check out these driverless underground trains….the 250 new trains are being built and will be capable of fully automatic operation:

The design reflects the contemporary culture and architectural landmarks of the city but also stays true to the british transport’s style heritage.

See this video….it's CRAZY…...


(link to the video)
ALSO GO TO DESIGNBOOM to see the interior of the train!!!

5.) Finally…..I give you this. It makes me laugh every year…Thanks Ellen: