We'll be baack!

Hello! Ish and Jen are going to be posting again in July. There are tons of exciting projects and goodies to show you later in the summer, so it'll just keep getting hotter around here. (Omg, it was suppose to be 37 degrees yesterday in June, but it also showered hail. Wtf.)

So meanwhile:
- You can check out the action on the right bar.
- If you want to know when we're posting next, you can sign up for the email notification. (I don't spam you - pinky swear.)
- You can leave a message here if there's stuff you want to see more of. Like, more Ish, or more Jen, or more Toronto, or more specific people. Or more art. Or less is more and we're doing okay.

Have a great start to the summer!

Alan's Tattoos

I was checking out the Contact photography festival with friends when I noticed Alan's tattoos. He has three. The compass, inspired by the NASA daily images, is tattooed onto his wrists. He also has the coordinate location of his home etched onto his left and right arm pinpointing to Toronto.

 These are some of the most clever tattoos I've seen in a while. When we were shooting at Grange Park, he sang a few samples of from his theater lessons on request and was open to anything. My kind of photoshoot.

Some cool stuff for a Monday morning,

Jen.

Graffiti: Ode to dogs

This is painted onto a wall somewhere on the west side of downtown. (If anyone knows the exact location, please comment.) It's an incredible ode to the dog-human connection. It's difficult for me to really understand that someone planned this, doodled, and then decided to paint this on a random wall. But oh well, this is why street art is awesome.

photo taken from my phone

Have a good weekend! I hear the weather's suppose to be great.

Jen

Joys of Summer: Pedestrian Sundays at Kensington Market

One of my favorite things about summer: Pedestrian Sundays at Kensington Market. I love being there! Not only is it a moment for pedestrians to kick out smoggy cars and reclaim their streets but the streets themselves come alive. With the snow melted away, all of Toronto’s treasures come together in one place: Great musicians, talented buskers, delicious food from all over the world, gorgeous women from all over the world (yes, I’ve always claimed this is Toronto’s single greatest treasure) and cool ideas well executed. Music, Food, Eye candy, where else would a hedonist be?!

There were many cameras flashing, but here is what I captured:

A soft spot to chill out and take in your surroundings. Aka The Garden Car, which an anti-car advocacy group helped put together in 2006. I’m relieved to see it when it comes out every year considering the lovely planter has run into a few parking issues lately Music to soothe the soul.

This husband-wife team blew my mind away. Unique sound that put everyone around me in awe.

Life size Scrabble board! For literary geeks, this is a dream come true! I even got to hear some arguments… Guy 1: That’s not a word!! Guy 2: In English, it is.

When the drums start coming down the street, I always sense everyone loosening up and starting to sway. This is Maracatu Baque de Bamba. Best cause for impromptu dance sessions and many smiles.

This is Mathieu McFadden of ChocoSol, a fair trade ,organic chocolate company based in Toronto that focuses on community and creating chocolate that is good for you. In all honesty, I had no idea that I was about to eat the most delicious piece of chocolate I have ever had. I don’t take that lightly.

They host events throughout the year with lots of their chocolate goodies. Check them out Raw delicious ingredients that elevate your mood. Very Sinful indeed.

I love a good busker! This guy was not only extremely talented(He juggled with fire up there) but had quite the witty sense of humour and nailed the art of captivating an audience.  Busker Lovin’: Getting higher.

And finally, this is what its all about! <3 Make sure you make it out at least one Pedestrian Sunday this summer. They are such a great experience. And don’t forget, come with empty stomachs and lots of change to tip your buskers!!!

Community Lovin',

Ish

The Clothing Show Part 1

When I set my mind to go to the Clothing Show, I told myself "Do not buy anything." Which was inherently silly. It's like going to a buffet and not eating anything. So that lasted for about 10 minutes. I purchased the products of the three women below who were my highlights of the show.

Priya Means Love
Priya makes an extensive line of handmade, 100% natural bath and body products made in the Annex. This Ginger Mint Foot Soother actually works great on the feet after an evening of tennis. It smells so good, I kind of want to eat my feet. Please make an ice cream flavor out of this to save me from myself. More on her esty page.

Dear Sukie
These are hand made wallets by Kristy. They come in tons of patterns, and the wallet has enough room for cards, and a zipper pouch for change (great). Kristy makes them in Toronto on her sewing machine. She also showed off her stuff on the Martha Stewart show. More on her etsy site.

My wallet by Dear Sukie

Subject II Change
This was my favorite booth at the show. There was so much eye candy here from cameo rings, beading, charms, leather with zebra carpet and a mini taj mahal. AJ, the designer, makes these great items in Toronto by hand. She certainly has a brilliant eye for style. Available on her etsy site.

AJ

Much appreciation to talented artisans,

Jen.