the little canadian company that could...

...is Lululemon lying now??? According to this New York Times story their VitaSea fabric is not at all so! Lab tests show the fabric contains none of the seaweed fibres that the company claims. They buy the fabric from a European supplier and apparently never bothered to test it themselves to ensure it contained the seaweed -- like good Canadians, they took their word for it. Oh Lululemon, say it ain't so! I still love your $90 yoga pants though....call me crazy. I'm a sucker for ridiculously comfie pants...

it's time! it's time!

Today is Beaujolais Nouveau day at the LCBO!!! Yippee!!! Some aren't into it (Dan I'm talking to you) because, yes it's true, you never really know what you're going to get. It's young wine and sometimes it can be pretty bad. But that's half the fun! Marc's going at lunch to buy me something jammy and delicious. Mmmmm.......jammy.....

a clean pet is a happy pet

Kaili tipped me off to some new Mrs.Meyers products -- I'm all over their line of pet stuff (hint for Bailey's Santa)! Organic and natural? Bailey can smell like sage? I love it! Gentle wipes and freshening spray all around! I can take or leave their lavender stuff though -- personally I can't stand the smell. But Gingerbread cleaners? Now you're speaking my language...

the art of music placement and why mary louise parker is great

I love "Weeds" and I have a girl-crush on Mary Louise Parker and think she is one of the most underrated actresses out there. I am thrilled she seems to have finally found her way to being noticed. On the first season of Weeds there was an episode ending that just about killed me and illustrates 1) why M.L.P is outstanding and 2) how vital the right song can be to a scene. In this scene Nancy, whose husband recently passed, is watching an old tape they had made of them being intimate. The way her faces changes from laughter to utter longing for the past kills me. The song is Leona Naess' "Ballerina" and I can't imagine a better song for this scene. It's what missing someone sounds like. Watching this scene breaks my heart everytime and makes me want to grab Marc and never ever let him go.

Click here for the clip. You won't be sorry.

i love that guy...

Kudos to the man I passed on my way to work this morning, happily sitting in his minivan with his handlebar mustache blasting Billy Idol's "White Wedding." Thanks for making me giggle to myself.

northern taste?

Is it because I live in Northern Ontario that I think these new Sorel boots with their herringbone pattern are adorable???

I secretly want to just order them right now.....

decadent beyond decadent

I'd like to introduce you to my holiday party outfit. I'll be the one draped head to toe in a cashmere gown all for the bargain price of $1800.00. You may touch me if you so desire. Oh J Crew, why do you taunt me so?

bike of my dreams

Jane over at her site blogged about her Christmas wish list and this amazing Skeppshult bike was on it and I gotta say -- wow a million times over! Can't you just picture yourself in a polka dot dress (cuz it's got a skirt-guard) biking your way home from the bakery with a basket full of pastries? I'm so in love with its shape and delicious vanilla colour -- I don't even want to think about how much it must cost...

bailey status...

As mentioned earlier, Bailey the dog is having some issues. Mainly getting us up insanely early to go outside repeatedly and he's had a couple of accidents during the day while we're at work. But god love him, at least he's making the effort and peeing in the unfinished basement and not on the rugs. The vet yesterday said all his tests came back clean. Good news is no diabetes, kidney failure or any other ugly things. Bad news is that without anything physically wrong with him, this just may be his new routine. After all, he is 10 years old. I'll probably have to go to the bathroom a lot too when I get to be his age. As for accidents during the day, he just might have to start going to Gramma daycare. And something tells me he'll be more than okay with that....

bed sweet bed...

I'd really like to get a new bed for our guest room and I think when the time comes this Pottery Barn one will be it. I'm pretty set on just a headboard as I think it will help the room look larger and this one comes up pretty high which will help take up some wall space too. Not to mention I just love the look of this one, all seagrassy and natural. Any duvet would look good with it and I think it would look great against the dark orange wall colour that's in there too. And for $400? That's completely reasonable.

Treadmills: People who know stuff vs people who don't

I mentioned in my weekend round-up that Marc and I went window shopping for a new treadmill on Saturday. Being responsible consumers, we decided to check out both spending options: department store treadmill vs. fitness store treadmill. This proved to be a very illuminating experience resulting in me deciding to never buy such an important purchase from someone who also sells sweaters with cats on them.

Keep in mind that while Marc and I are not hardcore runners, we are also not novelty exercisers. Marc especially. This treadmill will get used and used often. The idea behind this purchase is so that we can both cancel our gym memberships and outfit our bonus room as a home-gym and perhaps save us some bucks down the road. I loved the treadmills at the gym and legitimately miss my lunchtime runs.

First we went to Akfit -- a reputable fitness expert store. We spoke with a very informed gentleman for quite a long time about various machines, belt & motors, features, warranties etc. They carry high-end brands with medical quality support and features. We left there feeling very secure and happy about the Body Guard model we had moreorless decided to buy. It's a bit expensive but well worth it. When dealing with your body and bones -- best not to cheap out I say.

Second we decide to go to Sears just to see what the competition is like. Of course they have quite a selection at many pricepoints from bargain basement to upwards of $2000. After what felt like forever we are finally helped by a young girl who also happens to be working the Christmas department as well as the fitness department. After about 10 minutes, she realizes the reason the machines aren't working for us is because they aren't plugged in. This realization comes after many trips back to her station to fetch different magnets of varying strength that should turn the machines on. I also got almost a complete view of her G-string panties as she got down on all fours to plug the treadmill in. Dirty I know.

Anyway, they had machines there with way more bells and whistles than the model we were looking at at Akfit. Things like built-in fans, plug-ins for your music, speakers and other things that beep and light up. The model we liked at Akfit had none of these things for a higher price. Hmm you say? Well, that is how the manufacturers get you. By offering way more "things" than the higher end brands do, hopefully you won't notice that the machines at Sears come with a 5 minute warranty and a 10 minute parts and labour guarantee. Akfit offers lifetime warranties and 10 year parts and labour. ?????? You're really going to pick 2 crappy built-in fans over a lifetime warranty that doesn't cost anything? These machines are all belts and motors -- of course stuff is going to need fixing and tuning! All those bells and whistles offer is more things that can break and no warranty to fix them. I don't understand the logic. Not to mention that the girl answering your questions is also selling tinsel to an old lady on the other side of the aisle.

Web reviews and research aside, thank you Sears for helping to make this important and pricey decision SO much easier.

Weekend round-up

One more weekend down on the way to Christmas and I am happy to report the holiday shopping is in full swing at Casa Tara. I did SO much online shopping over the last 3 days that I'm feeling pretty darn confident about the holidays so far. My goal is to have all shopping done by December 1st so I can take my time this year and maybe get the house closer to the holiday image in my head.

As mentioned last week, this weekend was The Lost Weekend at the Townehouse here in the big city of Sudbury. Proud to report, I toughed it out for all 3 nights and had a great time with zero hangovers to boot! Friday started with The Sadies who are always awfully fun to see. This horribly boring band called Young Rival opened up for them (formerly called The Ride Theory) who had the unfortunate luck of opening for a band that is better than they will ever be. Such is the bad side of opening for a big band -- play with smaller bands more in your league and you have the chance of besting them and maybe getting noticed, play with a band like The Sadies and they just make you look like kids playing with their dads' instruments. Sorry guys, you tried though. Happy to report my merch buying problem carried on as I walked home with a fun new Sadies hoodie and their new disc. Yay merch!

Saturday started on a low point as Marc had me in the yard raking leaves. Boo to nature and her untidy ways. But he made up for it by after taking me for a surprise snack at Ti Amo, a new-ish little cafe/bakery that opened up with amazing pastries, espresso and yummy panini sandwiches. He even bought me a little travel bag of pastries for the road. Raking forgotten! Onwards to window shop for a new treadmill (separate post to follow on the joys of that) and then home to prep for another night out. The night brought a housewarming party for Marc's cousin Kristina,the arrival of Big City Kelly (yay B.C.K!)and the always unforgetable White Cowbell Oklahoma. I first saw them in 2001 and they have never failed to both rock my world, gross me out, and generally make me wary of being too close to the stage. On the WCO menu for that night was a metal grinder, chainsawing a pile of toilet paper, a guy in a clown mask and underpants, a stage full of dancing ladies, a massive inflatable mummy that literally took up the entire stage and of course, hardcore ass-kicking southern rock at its finest. If you ever get the chance to see these guys, please do not miss it. It's the most fun you'll ever have at a bar show.

Sunday was pretty low-key but started poorly with yet more shenanigans from our old man Bailey. Thank god he has his vet appointment on Monday cuz something is clearly not right with our poochie face. Lately he likes to wake us up as early as humanly possible demanding to be let out about 5 times and barking incessantly every time you try and go back to bed. We are perplexed. And tired as a result of his new routine. Sunday night we managed to haul our sleepy butts out one last time for the Bionic show. Unfortunately, the promise of an early show was broken and to put salt in the wound, we then had to sit through the opening band which was so not my thing it was almost painful. Trigger Effect, I'm sure you're great at what you do but I'm far too old for whatever that thing is. So loud on my tiny ears. Bionic (finally) was great though and played a short set thus getting me home before 1am.

Lost Weekend 2007 + Tara + no Rememberance Day holiday + bladder-challenged dog = one sleepy little lady.

card display stress...

So after years of getting tons of holiday cards, I've realized that they do not fit on the mantle or anywhere else for that matter. I am now on the search for some type of card display unit -- preferably one that is not stupid looking or all country-kitsch not do I want to cover a juice can with yarn. I think I like this one from Pottery Barn but I guess I'm wary of buying something that has to be nailed up. I suppose I could leave it up all year and put photos in it etc. Does anyone have any other ideas? I know you people are crafty and I am so not. Perhaps I can throw myself on the mercy of all you Martha Stewart lovers out there....

Hot Bunny Radio: The Show That Never Was

So my attempts at a show last night were thrwarted by a malfunctioning swipe card. Not being able to get into the station means having to turn around and drive home. For those of you who are devastated at missing my show, my intention was to do a Weakerthans in review show. But fear not, I'll just do it next week cuz my playlist is already made. There was much setlist consultation between myself and Kaili to ensure we didn't miss anything from the show. So tune in next week for this stellar line-up of the best of The Weakerthans.

But because I couldn't do my show, I also couldn't talk about The Lost Weekend happening at the Townehouse this weekend. Holy crap! 4 nights of crazy music! It started last night and carries through until Sunday. On the music menu -- tonight The Sadies and the Wildbirds, tomorrow White Cowbell Oklahoma (naked men and chainsaws?? I'm so there!) and Bionic on Sunday. For $25!!! Fun! And everyone's favourite Big City Kelly is coming into town so I'm super pumped about that. Yay Kelly!! This weekend will result in tired Tara on Monday morning. While everyone else is off for Rememberance Day, I'll be at my desk most likely comatose wishing I worked for the government. I'll be remembering my bed...

Taking a proud aunt moment....

Seriously, look at this picture of my niece Emily (on the left) and her little friend from up the street. Have you ever seen cuter kids???? These kids belong on a greeting card or in a production of "Annie" or something.

tis the season!!

This is the view from my office window as of 8:49 this morning. Dare I say it's officially "that" season? It was almost too cold for my Converse sneakers this morning but I wore them anyway.

Finally something I can hang my....

...necklaces on! For way too long all my necklaces have been draped precariously over a lampshade that I hate on my dresser and everytime I take on off they all inevitably slide off and I vow to find an alternate solution immediately and I never do. Then today as if by magic Abbey posts not one, but many pretty solutions to my quest for necklace management.
Check out her post -- I'm partial to the blue tree one myself. And maybe the white tree one... I believe she found them at Urban Outfitters.

Art in the City

Last week Marc and I were invited to an art show that David Wiewel was having -- we've both known him for a long time and he does amazing work with photo manipulation and takes some fantastic live photographs of just about every musician that has come through town. He's started using some new techniques and Marc and I bought a gorgeous piece called "Water Goddess" which is an altered photograph of a mural painted in the underpass. We both walk past it everyday on our way to and from work and never have I seen it look so good. His new stuff is beautiful and is on display at the Laughing Buddha for the rest of the month for those of you who might be interested.

You must have been a beautiful baby....

...look how gorgeous the new Kaufman family is!! Any woman should be so lucky to look as beautiful as Erin minutes after delivering. Welcome to the world Nikka Jaylyne Kaufman! We can't wait to see you. Especially with that wink -- you got that fun look about ya!!

Weekend round-up: One Great City!

Phew!! I'm almost too tired to even write this blog entry! What a weekend! As mentioned last week, I spent the weekend in Ottawa for both a family party and a Weakerthans concert and some general hanging-out-itude with my cousin Kaili and her husband Lawrence. Boy did we ever do that and then some! This is going to be a blog-post heavily laden with photos, videos and lots of explanation so don't say I didn't warn you.
Friday I only worked part of the day so that we could get an early start on the drive and of course, all hell decided to break loose giving me a less than cool start to my fun weekend. Last minute packing, picking up our housewarming gift for the cuz, grocery getting and booze getting and then on the road! Many hours later we crashed Kaili and LB's party safely in Ottawa. The night carried on and then someone had the bright idea to open another bottle of wine at 2am. That was definitely a bad idea resulting in an extremely painful Saturday morning.


Saturday Marc, Kaili and I started out into the world of party planning while LB bravely went to work at some ungodly hour while we were all still sleeping off the drunk. You're a brave soldier LB. We braved the Ottawa Costco and I feared for my life. I thought someone was going to try and steal my kidney and put it in their huge cart. Party-time itself was quite fun -- it was a surprise party for my aunt's 65th birthday. She really had no idea about the party and was so cute and happy and wore her B-day tiara like a good party-goer.

Sunday was thankfully way less hectic and we probably could not have done lovelier things. We had a lazy morning with the best pumpkin scones ever from some crazy Ottawa scone place. Holy mama they were good. Clean and fresh-faced, we headed ut into the world. We shopped for pretty things, bought some of them, loaded up on yummies from the market and spent hours in Nicastro's oogling over the cheeses and general Italian greatness. We ate sandwiches as big as our heads and seriously considered just moving right into Nicastro's and never leaving. Post face-stuffing, we headed over to see The Darjeeling Ltd (grocery laden wagon and all). What a stunning film. No they can't all be Rushmore but even Wes Anderson's lesser films are still better than most films out there period. That man sure knows how to find a good cinematographer and stick with it. It was beautiful to look at, was impecably scored with music from Indian films, and was heartbreaking and hilarious all at the same time. It was also nice to realize not only does Natalie Portman have my exact haircut but that under all her clothes, Natalie Portman has cellulite like the rest of us. She's not perfect!!! Redemption!! If you have a luggage addiction -- this is also the film for you.

Sunday night is almost too good to even talk about. We saw The Weakerthans and all was right with the world. In all my years of seeing them live, this was the first time I've seen them indoors. One of Canada's greatest bands, these guys have never, ever disappointed live. Marc said last night that unlike some concerts when during the last few songs you kind of want it to be over and you start thinking about leaving, that never happens with the Weakerthans. You never want it to be over. They suck you into this world of sadness and nostalgia for old friends, old lovers and old cities, your chest hurts and you never want it to end. Oh Weakerthans, how do you do it?? We laughed, we cried and we bought merch. AND Jenn Grant opened for them who I love and am thrilled I got a chance to see her since I missed her Sudbury show. Tinkly piano and a squeaky girl voice? I never stood a chance....

Here are some highlights of the evening. First we have an illegal video of "Virtute the Cat Explains Her Departure" the saddest song in the history of time (on a side note, much to the dismay of many it's actually pronounced 'ver-two-tay' and is taken from the latin motto from the city of Winnipeg 'Unum Cum Virtute Multorum' and means "one with the strength of many" --just a little bit of musical trivia for you). The black thing swaying in and out of the shot is the big stupid head of Mr. Sensitive Ponytail Man who almost wrecked the show for everyone. You know the guy. He's at every concert.




Here's a picture of Kaili and "the other man" John K. Samson. Don't worry Kaili, your secret is safe with me.
And here's just some general shots of the band (yes that's Jim Bryson playing with them!). I'll post all of them (and all the videos) over on my Facebook page for those who are interested.



All in all, a great weekend with great hospitality from our Ottawa family. Monday was all about breakfast at Stoneface Dolly's (much thanks brown molasses french toast for being so yummy) and a painfully long drive home. Thanks to The Bean Cafe in Deep River for the cappucino that saved my life and a big thumbs-down for whoever ordered the rain in time for our drive home.