This city and its little treasures- v.1

Do we not all agree to call rapid thought and noble impulse by the name of inspiration?
George Eliot

There is truth in the notion that just when you think you've seen it all, a whole new door opens and leaves you a bit reawakened.

Well that's what happened yesterday night as I greeted my friend Sufia, who arrived back from her Europe trip.

As we got together for dinner, we headed to a place where it was inevitable to grab comfort food- Futures. Suffice to say, our dinner was literally all carbs, but at this point, who seemed to care about such things when there's the love of perogies, mashed potatoes, wings, fries and pasta salad?

It was there that we caught up on each other's life and it felt great... it was those sort of conversations that was long overdue and the type that was just the embodiment of what life was about- collaboration of great company and the instant excitement and bliss of what was going on in our lives.

We then decided to explore our love for the Annex, and as we went further down Bloor Street, it was then I found out the amazing areas waiting in store.

We arrived at Markham St, where my friend remarked about how there's all these little interesting restaurants and shops. Never the one to turn down such opportunities, I then ventured forth.

As we walked down, I found this delightful shop called Coal Miner's Daughter (587 Markham Street) that greeted my eye, and like little girls that we are, we half-skipped, half-ran towards the door.

As we entered inside, we were embraced with interesting light tunes and a room where it literally seemed like something I would construct out of my head.

As we wondered through, glancing at the clothes and accessories, I found a particular one which really caught my eye: beautiful headband accessories with MAJOR floral patterns on top! Of course I couldn't help myself but to try on each one and on top of that, tried the ones with beautiful feathers...who doesn't love feathers and floral!

What a great way to reuse old tapes, but to turn them into coin purses! I picked one up and on one of the tapes, was a Mike Jagger. It was too ingenious.

Great vintage-inspired dresses were at bay, and as I headed towards the jewelry display, I found out from one of the owners of this store (who was super nice) informed me that this store welcomes a collaboration of all designers from everywhere. With the necklaces (which there was a line of them that she had actually made) there were designers everywhere from Halifax to Winnipeg.

Personally I thought it was more than amazing how here was an example of a great community coming together and for me, this is why I love doing what I do- to really reach out and touch this city in a way that I can attempt to bring out the inspiration and extraordinary within.

I shall most definitely return to this magical store. I didn't think that we would have such stores like this in the city, but it has surged my love more for Toronto.

Even as you step back out, the atmosphere around this street is nothing short of fantastical.

I have a fond love of old houses and interesting architecture. It was here that I found my eyes wide with wonder at the collaboration of unique houses. As we went across the street, we found more stores and as we stopped to glance at one, my friend instantly jumped and exclaimed that there was an old typewriter in store.

You must know that there is nothing more that I would love than to get my hands on an old typewriter. I need to go find the perfect one and it is from there, I think my days would be just a wee bit brighter.
Of course, the inevitable lights and display of Honest Ed's were abound.

Even better, we passed by this small alleyway between the store that were strung with lights all the way down. We then strolled onwards, and it was there that they had such interesting old-world signs that were really amusing to read out loud.

Shortly afterwards, a dash to grab hot chocolate and a mocha at Aroma was in session. It was there that in between chats, as I looked out the window seeing people, predominantly students, walking by, I couldn't help feel that there is nowhere else I would rather be but here. I mean, I keep writing how I love the St. Lawrence and all its grandeur, but now there's another little love.

And that's all for now, ciao!