A Tease From The Earth: Fool's Gold

I held the chunk of iron pyrite, or Fool's Gold, in Queen Street West's latest store: Gifts From The Earth. There is so much to explore in a rather compact space. As soon as I walked in, I noticed an eye-catching wall of plants. Plus, the dinosaur skull is also pretty cool.

The store sells jewelry, gifts, and other interesting mineral-based items that I haven't seen since I've been to the science as a kid. The store featured raw quartz and minerals: 

This is topaz, the birthstone for November babies.

These balls are not fastened to each other in any way. They can be pulled out in a string because they're magnetic!

There were also polished crystals dangled near books on stone-related therapies:

Some items took my breathe away, like this eagle carved from quartz that was flown in from Brazil

 

A well-made, polished Buddha shows off the layers of rock was very interesting:

And the decor was well styled. It would be stunning as a table setting:

They also sold jewelry from Toronto artisans and OCAD students:

This was my favorite feature. A gentleman who helped design the store found the tree stump up north, carved it out, and set the quartz in the hallowed space.

The store was a collaborative effort by people who envisioned a centre for a city. Gifts from the Earth also offers yoga and meditation classes, as well as children's programs.There's a lot to think about when you enter the space. The staff is extremely friendly and open to discussing any questions or thoughts you might have. At the very least, you'll be gifted with a better understanding of the earth's natural beauty.

my favorite fall (tea) latte

I went to Moonbean early in the morning as the owner was unloading sacks of fresh coffee beans from a truck. On the way there, I passed tons of coffee drink advertisements that featured caramel-this and pumpkin-that. (I've tried six of them so far, so the ads are probably working.. Curses.) My drink at Moonbean, an unpretentious cafe in Kensington, has been the best drink of the fall season. It had a subtle flavor, and the sweet steamed milk warmed me right up.

It's one of those things you just have to go and try. 

I walked past the patio in the front of Moonbean. There were some birds being birds - picking at muffin crumbs.

I took a seat, and one bird initiated a stare down for my delicious treat: 

 

But I was all like, back off - get your own "rugelach" (aka mini croissant)

 

Finally, I enjoyed the delicious chai caramel tea latte:

Yum, 

Jen

coverage of the Toronto International Burlesque Festival

 

No show has been as memorable as the Toronto Burlesque Festival. This is its 4th year and I have never missed it. Every year, it gives me so much to think about with all the themes explored in every act and all the different ways of self expression. It’s a rollercoaster ride that makes me fall in love with Burlesque even more.
Burlesque has seen a serious revival since the 1990’s and now, Toronto has become one it’s most fantastical playgrounds. It’s made me think about how it came to be what it is today. Burlesque, in the 1860’s, originally began as a troupe that produced a parody of the popular theatre play on at the time, with women playing the men’s roles. Since then, it has assimilated music, comedy, striptease and cabaret and evolved into the pin-up girl type shows popular in the 1940’s and 1950’s. Following its 1990’s resurgence, it now includes an eclectic range of performance styles.

From the hilarious performers to the talented ones, from the drop-dead gorgeous women to the very eccentric characters, or a perfect blend of all of the above. Basically it has always been the art form that incorporates other art forms and continues to push the envelope. It is the place where creative minds come together and think about the different elements they can bring together to create a show that is completely unique.

Jen's thoughts were:
Ishy convinced me  to go to the World Burlesque Festival in Toronto this past summer. Normally, when someone pitches the idea of going to a show with half-dressed women, I'm usually not one to jump in line. But this show was extraordinary.


I admire that the artists not afraid to be so open on stage, which many of us consider to be one of the most private aspects of our lives. It was a mind-blowing collage of music from techno to Andrea Bocelli, costumes (owls, butterflies, birds, it's like the Lion King and then some) themes performed by tons of different body types.


This is one of the songs I can recollect: Ooh La La by Goldfrapp


As for the pics by Jen:

Ottawa’s Bambi Van Boom brought together the best of ballet and fan dance as she performed her entire striptease en pointe to the nostalgic, French sound of Edith Piaf.

Toronto’s Charlotte Webber and Dew Lily (of The Coquettes) sensually undressed each other while performing acrobatics on a spinning aerial hoop. I proclaim this moment to have been the most mouth-watering of the show, I felt like I had been let in on a juicy secret.

Fast-paced, sizzling, salsa inspired Burlesque by Toronto’s Frenchie Fatale(of Glamour Puss Burlesque) and Carlos Caliente.

Toronto’s Mahogany storm might just be sexier than Prince. Strutting around in heels and a magnificent body, his moves could put Beyonce to shame.

Les Coquette’s Billie Black, tied up with red rope in the Japanese bondage art style, performs her aerial silks act. I loved the contrast of the free flowing silks wrapped around her body and the rope binding.

I’m going to let the Evil-Hate Monkey speak for himself. En pointe.

No show is complete without a little bit of political humour!

Toronto’s Coco Framboise is the queen of tease. Her luxurious costumes are like props that come off little by little. She is known to captivate her audience just using her alluring eyes.

Melody Mangler left me dreamy with her surreal, wind blown tease. Complete with butterflies that flew out of her clothes.

One of the most spectacular performances. To the sounds of opera, Chicago’s Jett adore contemplates and expresses the dance of the peacock. Alternating between strutting his peacock feathers and strutting his sexy self hidden underneath, he used his entire body to become one with his peacock alter-ego.

Roxi Dlite, also known as the Drinkin’, Smokin’, Strippin’ Machine, plays an exquisite creature of the jungle.


Burlesque is about loving ourselves exactly as we are and having a ton of fun with it. You set the standard. Which is why the audience is a diverse mix of people from all ages and backgrounds. And have a huge participating role in cheering on the performers and arriving dressed up their sexiest.

Which is why next year, you should go. Another great reason is that it is produced by Toronto’s own Burlesque community (Members of Skin Tight Outta Sight, Coco Framboise and more!). See http://www.torontoburlesque.com/ for more yummy pics.

Sultry glances,

Ish

happy thanksgiving!

Enjoy the long weekend, everyone =) The weather is suppose to be great for the rest of the weekend in Toronto.