14 Days of Valentines in RiversideTO – Day 8 #FebruaryMonthOfLove #GrammyAwards

One of the things we love in #FebruaryMonthOfLove is Awards Season.  Sunday Feb 8th, the Eighth day of Valentines  is the 57th Annual Grammy Awards.   Did you know that Riverside has a connection to this year’s Grammy’s – Rapper Drake  is nominated for 4 Grammy Awards.   Drake got his start as an actor on the TV Show “Degrassi the Next Generation”.  What is the connection to Riverside?…Well, this great East Toronto hood is home to home to the iconic Degrassi Street!

On February 8th, we continue our daily #FebruaryMonthOfLove blog as we cheer on Drake  strutting down the red carpet, while looking back in Love history on this day to a different type of musical performance ..the Italian premiere of the famous Opera Aida in 1872.

Love Happened in History on February 8, 1872
Aïda, the Italian opera by  Giuseppe Verdi  premiered in Italy at La Scala in Milanon this day in 1872.  Aida met with great acclaim almost 150 years ago,  and continues to be a staple of the standard operatic repertoire.  As of 2007, the Metropolitan Opera alone has given more than 1,100 performances of the opera, making it the second most frequently performed work by the company behind La bohème.  Doomed lovers! Shiny Egyptian costumes! Elephants! We’re talkin’ opera, love and great fashion statements!!

Make your own Love History on Feb 8th!

With Drake, The Grammy Awards Red Carpet, and the Italian Premier of Aida as our inspiration,  we continue  the 14 days of Valentine’s  song……

On the 8th day of Valentine’s my true love gave to me…

An Italian Dinner at the newly opened Il Ponte Restaurant at 625 Queen St E.  Speaking of Italian Premiere’s here is a sampling of an opening review from Yelp:

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 “the decor is beautiful and a nice attention to detail. I’m giving these guys 5 stars right off the bat simply for the outstanding friendly service. You feel welcomed and at home from the minute you walk in this place. The waiters and owners greet you, ask your name, shake your hand and generally make you feel like they really appreciate your business. That alone will keep me coming back as a regular and just what this area needs.   Now on to the food and drink. We ordered a bottle of wine, that was very reasonably priced and was great. And started with the Calamari which was perfect and I highly recommend. (Slightly too large a portion, which we couldn’t finish and if we had might not been able to eat anything more. But new places are still working on portion sizing so this is expected.)  For the main we shared the whole sea bream as we were not super hungry. The owner brought it out and served it to us table-side carefully separating the delicious fish from the bone. It was cooked to perfection,,,, “

And my true love also gave to me some  Red Carpet Worthy Duds, from Clothing shops in the Hood that inspired the famous TV Show Degrassi the Next Generation and Launched Drake’s Career.  Get  some vintage finds from Common Sort at 800 Queen St East (just West of Degrassi)  and some original items designed and tailored right in their Toronto Showroom across from Queen & Degrassi  at Bergstrom’s Originals at 781 Queen St East .

Common Sort is a great place to come browse for those that prefer pre-selected quality items when second hand shopping . Everything is in great shape and on point with style and vintage trends

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Bergstrom’s Originals s a line of clothing that has been designed with the real lives of our customers in mind. Made in Toronto, Canada, the line embraces colour, print, retro-modern design and quality tailoring. The result is unique and inspiring garments that make you feel like an ORIGINAL ! Designer Christina Bergström combines her civil engineering background with her native scandinavian roots to create quality, streamlined garments with a nordic flair. Christina’s inspirations include; midcentury modern architecture, interior design, and her customers. She believes in local Toronto production strategies, affordable prices, and clothes that are wearable. She has been designing and building her brand since 1998 – that’s 3 years before Drake got started on Degrassi The Next Generation!  And..if you can’t get to Queen & Degrassi – you can shop on-line at here – act now, there winter clearance is on, and there are savings of up to 50% on selected items.

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Be sure to check www.Riverside-to.com tomorrow – for Day 9 of #February Month of Love.In the mean-time – keep singing  …(you know the tune)On the First Day of Valentine’s my true love gave to me:  A love letter, framed by Dimensions FramingOn the Second Day of Valentine’s my true love gave to me: Fuzzy Soft socks from IDH , Massage Oil from Keep Me Posted and a love letter framed by Dimensions FramingOn the Third Day of Valentine’s my true love gave to me:  90’s Vinyl from  The Tiny Record Shop, swanky duds from Common Sort , cupcakes from  Desmond & Beatrice,  Fuzzy Soft socks from IDH , Massage Oil from Keep Me Posted and a love letter framed by Dimensions Framing

On the Fourth Day of Valentine’s my true love game to me:  an afternoon at Dreamy Beauty Bar  90’s Vinyl from  The Tiny Record Shop, swanky duds from Common Sort , cupcakes from  Desmond & Beatrice,  Fuzzy Soft socks from IDH , Massage Oil from Keep Me Posted and a love letter framed by Dimensions Framing.

On the Fifth Day of Valentine’s my true love game to me a Valentine’s card from     Keep Me Posted an afternoon at Dreamy Beauty Bar  90’s Vinyl from  The Tiny Record Shop, swanky duds from Common Sort , cupcakes from  Desmond & Beatrice,  Fuzzy Soft socks from IDH , Massage Oil from Keep Me Posted and a love letter framed by Dimensions Framing

On the Sixth Day of Valentine,s my true love gave to me:  an evening to Love myself atOMA Chiropractic, Children’s toys from Little PeepsBritish Swag from Empire By Bullet,  a Valentine’s card from     Keep Me Posted an afternoon at Dreamy Beauty Bar  90’s Vinyl from  The Tiny Record Shop, swanky duds from Common Sort , cupcakes from  Desmond & Beatrice,  Fuzzy Soft socks from IDH , Massage Oil from Keep Me Posted and a love letter framed by Dimensions Framing

On the Seventh Day of Valentine’s my true love gave to me: a free Tibetan Yoga class on Feb 14th atenergyXchange  an afternoon skating on the  Jimmy Simpson Outdoor Rink;  an evening to Love myself at OMA Chiropractic, Children’s toys from Little PeepsBritish Swag from Empire By Bullet,  a Valentine’s card from     Keep Me Posted an afternoon at Dreamy Beauty Bar  90’s Vinyl from  The Tiny Record Shop, swanky duds from Common Sort , cupcakes from  Desmond & Beatrice,  Fuzzy Soft socks from IDH , Massage Oil from Keep Me Posted and a love letter framed by Dimensions Framing

On the Eight Day of Valentine’s my true love game to me:  a romantic Italian dinner from Il Ponte, Red Carpet worthy Duds from Common Sort and Bergstrom’s Originals, a free Tibetan Yoga class on Feb 14th atenergyXchange  an afternoon skating on the  Jimmy Simpson Outdoor Rink;  an evening to Love myself at OMA Chiropractic, Children’s toys from Little PeepsBritish Swag from Empire By Bullet,  a Valentine’s card from     Keep Me Posted an afternoon at Dreamy Beauty Bar  90’s Vinyl from  The Tiny Record Shop, swanky duds from Common Sort , cupcakes from  Desmond & Beatrice,  Fuzzy Soft socks from IDH , Massage Oil from Keep Me Posted and a love letter framed by Dimensions Framing

14 Days of Valentines in RiversideTO – Day 7 #FebruaryMonthOfLove

We are now at the end of the first week of our FebruaryMonthofLove tribute, if you are a regular reader, you will know that we have been posting a  daily romantic reasons to get all kissy this month – we have taken our inspiration from special moments in history and current events.  This day in history is wrapped up in Spirituality….and…HOCKEY!!  Read on to find out all about it…

Spiritual Love happened in History on February 7 1891

On this day, in 1891  Swami Vivekananda, began his 2 year journey alone as a wandering Monk.  Swami was a key figure in the introduction of the Indian philosophies  Yoga to the Western world and author of the 15 Laws of Life, with #1 being Love is the Law of Love….  Hey, this is the dude who brought Yoga to North America!  Pretty spiritual and lovey stuff I’d say.

Now for some Hockey Love that happened in History – February 7, 1988

Toronto Maple Leaf Captain Darryl Sittler, centering a line with Lanny McDonald and Errol Thompson, scores 6 goals on Boston Bruins goalie Dave Reece. He adds 4 assists, in the 11-4 victory, for a record 10 points in one game, a feat unequaled in NHL history (even by Wayne Gretzky).  You gotta Love Canada’s Game, and one of the greatest Hockey Moments in History!!  Check it out!  (oh, don’t we wish we could do that in 2015!!)

Make your own Love History

With these  2 great historical inspirations  let’s continue with today’s verse for the 7th day of Valentines.  You know the tune with.

On the Seventh day of Valentine’s, my true love booked for me… a free Tibetan Yoga class at energyXchange  at 698  Queen St E on Feb 14th so I could merge my yoga with mindfulness and compassion to unlock my heart chakra. This yoga series  releases energetic knots surrounding the heart, to increase our warm-heartedness and dispel feelings of isolation. Using meditation, mantra, breath and asana, the practice sends a loved one everything they need for true happiness – in turn, planting seeds for our own happiness.

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And, let’s not forget about HOCKEY LOVE – before my Yoga Love Class , my true love also gave to me, an afternoon of skating on the Jimmy Simpson Outdoor Rink in RiversideTO,

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Be sure to check www.Riverside-to.com tomorrow – for Day 8 of #February Month of Love.

In the mean-time – keep singing  …(you know the tune)

On the First Day of Valentine’s my true love gave to me:  A love letter, framed by Dimensions Framing

On the Second Day of Valentine’s my true love gave to me: Fuzzy Soft socks from IDH , Massage Oil from Keep Me Posted and a love letter framed by Dimensions Framing

On the Third Day of Valentine’s my true love gave to me:  90’s Vinyl from  The Tiny Record Shop, swanky duds from Common Sort , cupcakes from  Desmond & Beatrice,  Fuzzy Soft socks from IDH , Massage Oil from Keep Me Posted and a love letter framed by Dimensions Framing

On the Fourth Day of Valentine’s my true love game to me:  an afternoon at Dreamy Beauty Bar  90’s Vinyl from  The Tiny Record Shop, swanky duds from Common Sort , cupcakes from  Desmond & Beatrice,  Fuzzy Soft socks from IDH , Massage Oil from Keep Me Posted and a love letter framed by Dimensions Framing.

On the Fifth Day of Valentine’s my true love game to me a Valentine’s card from     Keep Me Posted an afternoon at Dreamy Beauty Bar  90’s Vinyl from  The Tiny Record Shop, swanky duds from Common Sort , cupcakes from  Desmond & Beatrice,  Fuzzy Soft socks from IDH , Massage Oil from Keep Me Posted and a love letter framed by Dimensions Framing

On the Sixth Day of Valentine,s my true love gave to me:  an evening to Love myself at OMA Chiropractic, Children’s toys from Little PeepsBritish Swag from Empire By Bullet,  a Valentine’s card from     Keep Me Posted an afternoon at Dreamy Beauty Bar  90’s Vinyl from  The Tiny Record Shop, swanky duds from Common Sort , cupcakes from  Desmond & Beatrice,  Fuzzy Soft socks from IDH , Massage Oil from Keep Me Posted and a love letter framed by Dimensions Framing

 

On the Seventh Day of Valentine’s my true love gave to me: a free Tibetan Yoga class on Feb 14th atenergyXchange  an afternoon skating on the  Jimmy Simpson Outdoor Rink;  an evening to Love myself at OMA Chiropractic, Children’s toys from Little PeepsBritish Swag from Empire By Bullet,  a Valentine’s card from     Keep Me Posted an afternoon at Dreamy Beauty Bar  90’s Vinyl from  The Tiny Record Shop, swanky duds from Common Sort , cupcakes from  Desmond & Beatrice,  Fuzzy Soft socks from IDH , Massage Oil from Keep Me Posted and a love letter framed by Dimensions Framing

14 Days of Valentines in RiversideTO – Day 6 #FebruaryMonthOfLove

Continuing  with the RiversideTO FebruaryMonthOfLoveTo series,  on our  6th Day of Valentines we take  inspiration of love from  Bob Marley and Tokens 4 change as well as taking our  look back in time.

On the 6th day of February, for the past 24 years Toronto celebrates   Bob Marley Day and his message of Unity, Peace and Love .  It is also “Tokens for Change” day.   If you Ride the Rocket, chances are you will see a student volunteer asking for donations of TTC tokens  in support of  Youth Without Shelter, a shelter in Etobicoke that gives a home to 1,000 homeless youth a year.  Looking back in time to historical Love events……

Love  happened on February 6, 1952

George VI (Albert Frederick Arthur George; 14 December 1895 – 6 February 1952) was King of the United Kingdom  from December  11, 1936 until his death on this day in 1952.

As the second son of King George V, he was not expected to inherit the throne and spent his early life in the shadow of his elder brother,Edward .  King Edward VIII sat on the throne of England for less than a year when he revealed his love for and desire to marry the divorced American socialite Wallis Simpson. King Edward could not marry a divorced woman and remain king. Edward loved Wallace and so he abdicated the throne to marry Wallace,  George became King.

Make your own History February 6, 2015

So much Love to work with on this day as we continue with the Valentine’s  song.    We have Love and Peace, Love of Children and Royal Love

… On the 6th day of Valentine’s my true love gave to me…omaheart

An evening of Peace and  Love  of Myself from OMA Chiropractic!  Pre-register for a casual drop-in event to love ourselves as we connect to our self-care practices and have a little fun.  There will be refreshments,information on Skin Care, and special guests providing tarot card readings, special stamped love message jewelery, mini paintings and more.  Tickets are only $5 – and proceeds are in support of Nellie’s Shelter.  Please pre-register here.

love yourself poster 2015

Inspired by Love of Children my true love also game me some new toys for the kiddies  from Little Peeps 742 Queen St E .  Giving a child a toy  is the gift that gives twice.  Once for the Children, as they are so happy playing with their new toys and twice for the happy couple who can get busy with each other, while their kids are occupied!!

Little Peeps have  healthy, environmentally friendly products for Baby and kids ages 0 – 8 years old.  They are family owned  and sell Toys, Clothes, Footwear, Books, Artwork and Necessities.  They take care in choosing their products and their lines include Boon, Skip Hop, Tea Collection, Crocodile Creek and Dwell Kids (to name a few).  And, as an added bonus, they have they have a 30% off  sale on selected shoes and clothes now!  Check out their facebook here page for more news.

 

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And last, but certainly not least  we couldn’t do a blog post about King George without a shout out to Riverside Empire By Bullet at 724 1/2 Queen St East.

empirePop in to see Toronto’s best collection of All Things you love about Britian.  Chances are, you will see owner Creig behind the counter.  Creig proudly displays his love of Great Britain and excels in  “Bringing you all the things that make Britian Great” .  They have plenty of items for Valentine’s Day and the Month of Love.  Inspired by Champagne and Chocolate these Belgian Tapestry Pillows will make a statement in your home.  If you can’t get out on this wintry day, be sure to check out their facebook here for updates.  You can also shop on line  – visit their website here.    P.S – their Winter Collection is on sale now – they have special sales exclusively for their facebook followers!

empire drink champagne empire eat chocolate

 

 

Be sure to check www.Riverside-to.com tomorrow – for Day 7 of #February Month of Love.

In the mean-time – keep singing  …(you know the tune)

On the First Day of Valentine’s my true love gave to me:  A love letter, framed by Dimensions Framing

On the Second Day of Valentine’s my true love gave to me: Fuzzy Soft socks from IDH , Massage Oil from Keep Me Posted and a love letter framed by Dimensions Framing

On the Third Day of Valentine’s my true love gave to me:  90’s Vinyl from  The Tiny Record Shop, swanky duds from Common Sort , cupcakes from  Desmond & Beatrice,  Fuzzy Soft socks from IDH , Massage Oil from Keep Me Posted and a love letter framed by Dimensions Framing

On the Fourth Day of Valentine’s my true love game to me:  an afternoon at Dreamy Beauty Bar  90’s Vinyl from  The Tiny Record Shop, swanky duds from Common Sort , cupcakes from  Desmond & Beatrice,  Fuzzy Soft socks from IDH , Massage Oil from Keep Me Posted and a love letter framed by Dimensions Framing.

On the Fifth Day of Valentine’s my true love game to me a Valentine’s card from     Keep Me Posted an afternoon at Dreamy Beauty Bar  90’s Vinyl from  The Tiny Record Shop, swanky duds from Common Sort , cupcakes from  Desmond & Beatrice,  Fuzzy Soft socks from IDH , Massage Oil from Keep Me Posted and a love letter framed by Dimensions Framing

On the Sixth Day of Valentine,s my true love gave to me:  an evening to Love myself at OMA  Chiropractic, Children’s toys from Little PeepsBritish Swag from Empire By Bullet,  a Valentine’s card from     Keep Me Posted an afternoon at Dreamy Beauty Bar  90’s Vinyl from  The Tiny Record Shop, swanky duds from Common Sort , cupcakes from  Desmond & Beatrice,  Fuzzy Soft socks from IDH , Massage Oil from Keep Me Posted and a love letter framed by Dimensions Framing

 

14 Days of Valentines in RiversideTO – Day 5 #FebruaryMonthOfLove

Month of Love copyDay 5 of RiversideTO’s  #FebruaryMonthofLove series combines:  artists ,innovators,  entrepreneurs, paper and lace.  Lets begin by  looking  at  a love success story from the mid 1800s.

Love and Success happened on February 5, 1850

Esther Howland,was an artist and businesswoman who is responsible for popularizing Valentine’s Day greeting cards in America.  On this day in history, Esther placed the first ad for her innovation in a local newspaper in Worcester, MA.

Howland received an ornate English Valentine from a business associate of her father when she was 19 years old, and was intrigued with the idea of making similar Valentines.   She began her business importing paper lace and floral decorations from England.

Her father operated the largest book and stationery store in Worcester, Massachusetts, and ordered supplies for her project. She made a dozen samples which her salesman brother added to his inventory for his next sales trip.  Hoping for $200.00 worth of orders, she was elated when he returned with over $5,000 worth of business. Howland  developed a thriving business in Worcester, Massachusetts eventually grossing  over $100,000 per year, a considerable sum for that time.

Make Your own History on February 5, 2015

Riverside has our very own artist and businesswomen who is responsible for keeping the time honored tradition of greeting cards alive and well in this day of technology.  Meet Christine Stearne – the proprietor of Keep Me Posted at 724 1/2 Queen St E – Christine has a great sense of style and humour – she has a large selection of cheeky and fun cards as well as unique gifts and humorous items.  When you pop in to  Keep Me Posted ask Christine to  to help  design and create  your own special greeting card.

On the 5th Day of Valentines’s visit Keep Me Posted  ,pick out a Valentine’s Card for your True Love, and evoke the passion that the original Valentines Day Cards created back in the day.

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Be sure to check www.Riverside-to.com tomorrow – for Day 6 of #February Month of Love.

In the mean-time – keep singing  …(you know the tune)

On the First Day of Valentine’s my true love gave to me:  A love letter, framed by Dimensions Framing

On the Second Day of Valentine’s my true love gave to me: Fuzzy Soft socks from IDH , Massage Oil from Keep Me Posted and a love letter framed by Dimensions Framing

On the Third Day of Valentine’s my true love gave to me:  90’s Vinyl from  The Tiny Record Shop, swanky duds from Common Sort , cupcakes from  Desmond & Beatrice,  Fuzzy Soft socks from IDH , Massage Oil from Keep Me Posted and a love letter framed by Dimensions Framing

On the Fourth Day of Valentine’s my true love game to me:  an afternoon at Dreamy Beauty Bar  90’s Vinyl from  The Tiny Record Shop, swanky duds from Common Sort , cupcakes from  Desmond & Beatrice,  Fuzzy Soft socks from IDH , Massage Oil from Keep Me Posted and a love letter framed by Dimensions Framing.

On the Fifth Day of Valentine’s my true love game to me a Valentine’s card from     Keep Me Posted an afternoon at Dreamy Beauty Bar  90’s Vinyl from  The Tiny Record Shop, swanky duds from Common Sort , cupcakes from  Desmond & Beatrice,  Fuzzy Soft socks from IDH , Massage Oil from Keep Me Posted and a love letter framed by Dimensions Framing

14 Days of Valentines in RiversideTO – Day 4 #FebruaryMonthOfLove #SnowWhite #Entrepreneurs

Month of Love copyDay 4 in February Month of Love  recognizes  Walt Disney’s first full length feature production Snow White, which is  also a tribute to the entrepreneurs that run shops in Riverside and everyone.   Critics warned Walt, that audiences, especially adults, wouldn’t sit through a feature-length cartoon fantasy about dwarfs. But Disney put his future on the line, borrowing most of the $1.5 million that he used to make the film. When Snow White  was released to the public  on February 4, 1938, the film quickly grossed $8 million, a staggering sum during the Great Depression and the most made by any film up to that time.  Hats off to those who have a dream, believe and take risks. There are numerous small business owners in Riverside who have taken risks to open their dream shop, restaurant, business, pub etc… as Jimminey Cricket sings…Dreams do come true!

Now, back to celebrating FebruaryMonthOfLove..

Love  happened on February 4, 1938 – “some day my Prince will come..”

We said above that Walt released Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs .   In this film the Wicked Queen asks her magic mirror  “Who is the fairest one of all?” The mirror gives its fateful answer: Snow White, the queen’s young stepdaughter. Ordered by the queen to kill the young princess, the woodsman instead  hides in the forest.  Snowmeets a host of friendly animals, who lead her to a cottage inhabited by the Seven Dwarfs: Sleepy, Dopey, Doc, Sneezy, Grumpy, Bashful and Happy. Eventually, love conquers all as the dwarfs defeat the villainous queen and Snow White finds love with a handsome prince.

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Make your own History February 4, 2015

Make your dream come true and be even more beautiful than Snow White ! – on the 4th Day of Valentines, give yourself an afternoon at Dreamy Beauty Bar. Then WOW your true love with…You!    Lynda Quach is the owner of Dreamy Beauty Bar  at 717 Queen St E .   She is certified and passionate in the art of lash styling, permanent makeup, and waxing,  Lynda  is dedicated to treating each and every one of her clients like a Princess.   The Dreamy Beauty Bar experience is a balance of artistry and relaxation and  ever-evolving, too.  On the 4th day of Valentines, just like Snow White, be ready for Prince Charming – visit Dreamy Beauty Bar and give your true Love…you!

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Be sure to check www.Riverside-to.com tomorrow – for Day 5  of #February Month of Love.

In the mean-time – keep singing  …(you know the tune)

On the First Day of Valentine’s my true love gave to me:  A love letter, framed by Dimensions Framing

On the Second Day of Valentine’s my true love game to me: Fuzzy Soft socks from IDH , Massage Oil from Keep Me Posted and a love letter framed by Dimensions Framing

On the Third Day of Valentine’s my true love gave to me:  90’s Vinyl from  The Tiny Record Shop, swanky duds from Common Sort , cupcakes from  Desmond & Beatrice,  Fuzzy Soft socks from IDH , Massage Oil from Keep Me Posted and a love letter framed by Dimensions Framing.
On the Fourth Day of Valentine’s my true love game to me:  an afternoon at Dreamy Beauty Bar  90’s Vinyl from  The Tiny Record Shop, swanky duds from Common Sort , cupcakes from  Desmond & Beatrice,  Fuzzy Soft socks from IDH , Massage Oil from Keep Me Posted and a love letter framed by Dimensions Framing