Sobey's Retro Stamp Giveaway

I was happy and fortunate to earn 2 Jamie Oliver knives simply by shopping at Sobey's until mid February!  It wasn't hard to be honest.  I mostly shop there or Superstore anyways so it wasn't hard filling up a book and half of another to gain the Utility and Santoku knives.  Actually this isn't the first time we have received free items at Sobey's just for shopping there.  Dishes, cups, fruit, eggs and more were given to us at check out.  In this economy ever little bit counts in my eyes.

Sobey's also gives their customers Air Miles when they shop too.  It's a total win win situation.  I appreciate all the incentives to get us in the door, believe me.  With this crazy inflation thanks to falling oil prices and interest on interest on the country's debt imho the extras every company gives always does help!  Thanks Sobey's!  

I also have a points and card for President's Choice and that has earned me over $280 in free groceries.  We have even more points for another week of free groceries too.  Some people won't give their info for these things because they want total privacy and I do get that but I really don't mind if corps know what I am buying and where I am shopping to be honest as long as they don't hike up the prices because then I will stop using the cards and shop elsewhere.

My Love Of Sewing

I have been sewing since I was a child thanks to my father who was a tailor that trained in Italy in his brother's store that had a tailor shop.  He taught me so much and until this day too.  I remember when I was in grade 8, taking Home Ec (economics), he even showed me this awesome shop called Len's Mill where you could get a lot of great stuff at discounted prices and I still go there now by the way!

I was so fortunate to be given a vintage 70's SINGER 247 zig zag sewing machine with table from my father too!  It's a terrific little machine that I used a lot.

I also found another vintage 70's SINGER but it's a much better model from the UK.  It's the SINGER Stylist 513 sewing machine and table from Little Italy Toronto that was owned by a seamstress for only $45 Canadian this past year.  I couldn't resist because my latest was more solid and cherry and perfect for alterations, crafts and patterns but with a little more zoom!

It was missing those plastic thread holders so I just went to SewingWorld and picked them up and the felt for less than $10.00.  It's a tiny, tiny, wee, little shop but since the SINGER store shut down in Gerrard Square I kinda had to check it out.  It was okay but they don't honor refunds, only credit, so I won't be buying a brand new machine or anything major to be honest.  Walmart has some of those amazing new machines for way less and they have a terrific return policy too.

I especially love to sew miniature patterns for SKIPPER and the great thing is that it fits other 11.5" dolls too.  I found all of them on Ebay for a really great price.  Here is an example of one that I purchased:

I can't tell you how difficult it is to sew at times but I actually enjoy doing it very much and it's getting easier and easier to do so.  I am also in the process of even opening up my own Etsy shop too!

Here are my take on a couple of the Skipper inspired patterns I have made:

If and when my shop is established I might post a link to it.  

Well that's all for now.  Cheers!

A Little Christmas Miracle

I was visiting someone close to me in long term care and they had promised a friend of theirs Christmas lights for their little tree that had none.  I was going to the nearby mall after anyways and picked some up and brought them back the very same day.  I handed them to the recipient of these lights and their face was a bit confused so the person I was visiting said "Merry Christmas"!  Then their face lit up with instant joy and they began to open up the lights.  I had to leave shortly after but when I returned there on Christmas eve I noticed such a bright and lovely tree and it was hard to believe that it was the very same tree that was lacking that luster but was now owning such a warm glow!  I am so proud of the person I am close to for orchestrating this and I am so happy to have played a part in such a little Christmas Miracle!  Look at how beautiful it is!!

I hope everyone kind had such a lovely Christmas or holiday and all the best for the New Year!!

 

Decore J'adore

We purchased a circa 1929, 2 story, single detached, charming red brick home in Toronto years ago and decorating it has not been a challenge since art deco and vintage classic design styles 

are among my favorite.  The house itself is full of charm with it's stain glass windows, brass accents, solid cherry wood through out and solid design, as well.  Was not hard to find the perfect pieces for it.  I still want to replace the furniture in the living room but I want to have my basement redone first.  Hopefully soon.

I found this majestic vintage art deco brass peacock fireplace cover for a mere $40 Canadian on Kajiji.  It even has patina on it but since I will be keeping it I might polish her up.  Goes perfectly with the house.    

My husband and I were at the Don Valley Art Show at Todmorden Mills and picked up this beautiful painting by Judy Tarnofski called Mid-Summer Medley.

Here are my Bob Mackey of NY dining room table and chairs at the smaller setting.  I have another two chairs and 2 table inserts to make it even bigger.  It's very lovely and of okay quality.  With reproductions they are usually not solid.

One of my stain glass windows.  This one is located in the dining room.  It's such a beautiful piece that really brings such charm to the room and house.

98% of my doors have glass knobs and the rest are brass.  The home inspector mentioned how rare that was and was so impressed at how original our house was.  We were very lucky to say the least. 

My vanity was a lot of work.  There were carpets upstairs and ugly 80s light yellow particle board built in desk and walk in closet.  I ripped it all out and we were lucky to have had the original hardwood floors underneath all throughout the house in which we had the upstairs refinished and then the rooms painted.  

Our backyard is landscaped with Japanese plants and trees mostly.  It's very beautiful to say the least.

Even the door hardware is incredible.  

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!

So we haven't had much snow at all this year but that doesn't mean that there isn't any festive lights, glam and cheer!  I don't really get into the consumerism part of Christmas but I do enjoy the rest, especially giving to those in need.  I give a few modest gifts to the people I am the closest to and not ask for much just so that I can give to my local charities.  This year I also started making things and selling things in order to raise more. I also love taking pictures this time of year too.  Toronto is beaming with the Christmas and holiday spirit and it shows.

More on my Flickr album Christmas Time In Toronto!

I like to wish all the kind and good people a very Merry Christmas &/or Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year!  All the best to you and yours in 2016!

Warm Regards,

Anna Garasto

I Keep On Falling

I am so lucky to live in Toronto, especially central, near so many beautiful parks and trails.  It's so very lovely all year round but my favorite time is autumn.  The bright colored leaves and the brisk yet sunny days invite me to wear my favorite sweaters or flannel shirts and sip on yummy pumpkin spiced lattes.  Already this year we have visited some amazing places here in Toronto like Brick Works, Cryptopolis, Broadview Park and Trail and more!  I uploaded some of my pics to my flickr but here are a few of my favorite shots so far.

Here is a great article on the top 10 places to see fall foliage in Toronto.    There are a lot of other amazing places here too but if you are just visiting then try to see some of these listed in the article.  Also Hamilton, Ontario which is the capitol of waterfalls in the world is gorgeous any time of year but again I am really in awe of the stunning colors on top of the existing beauty!

It's also time to go to spooky parts that are rumored to be haunted like in the book guide Haunted Toronto by John Robert Colombo!  It's not only creepy but it's also historic and lots of fun too.  Some places seem so peaceful and innocent while others had a bit of a creep factor.  When The Bright Pearl was open I felt kind of uneasy there because it did seem to have a lot of energy in the air, almost like there was a spiraling, vibrant and cold forces mixed all together there.

Even the cup I had my pumpkin spiced latte served in was so pretty.  Yes, of course I took a picture of it too without the protector sleeve. :)

I just wanted to add a couple of my favorite Halloween pictures I took this year too!  It was a great one and I wanted to share them with all of you.  My husband pointed out the most perfect pumpkin at one of my favorite Old East York, Central Toronto, Circa 1920s solid red brick building in our area.  The next is a picture of my parents house that I helped decorate and it turned out really great.   

I also had some amazing experiences too.  Celebrating the Moon Festival and going to the Madonna concert opening night at the ACC.  I will post pictures of all that on my Flickr shortly.  I just wanted to add a couple pictures now that I took from my iPod.

The Secret To Being A Great Cook

There is a simple thing that I do that ensures my cooking always turns out great.  I actually taste it.  That's right.  You just have to taste what you make.  It's a big part of cooking.

I don't even really follow recipes when I cook because I mostly prepare Mediterranean meals that consist of easy and hearty meals, that in my opinion, hold a similar concept.  I learned to cook from my mother who is a phenomenal cook.  I watched  her make the traditional meals from where both my parents came from Italy and then started to do the same.  The technique involves great ingredients and caring.  I find that when you put your heart into the things you do it actually turns out so amazing.

My mom and I love to watch cooking shows together and we cook many different international meals on account of that too.  On top of the delicious Mediterranean meals, (Italian, French and Greek mostly), I can also do Butter Chicken, Japanese Teriyaki  and stir fries are some of my favorite meals from around the world that I make easily!

Rachael Ray has some pretty incredible and easy meals that she has on her website and the Food Network site.  I found some of her books at yard sales and thrift shops for a great price that are loaded with some great ideas.  I learned how to make the perfect boiled egg thanks to her on her show.  Bring water and eggs to a boil.  Cover.  Put on simmer.  Time for 10 minutes. Voila!  They are perfect!