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The Valentine’s Day Countdown is on – 4 days to go  – let’s keep celebrating all the love in Riverside during  #FebruaryMonthofLove.  For today’s tribute, we are inspired by sending singing messages to your loved ones!!

February 10, 1933
Looking back in history, on this day in 1933 the Singing Telegram was born!   A group of underemployed baritones and mezzo-sopranos found work as the Postal Telegram Co. of New York introduces the first singing telegram.

Make your own Love History on Feb 10th!

Make sure you send a special message to your loved one – and say it with Flowers from Quince Flowers at 650 Queen St E in Riverside.  Quince has got you covered with unusually sassy rose and mixed spring flower bouquets. Hand-tied and beautifully wrapped, your beloved deserves the best.

Mention this “I love Riverside” promo and get 15% more flowers! Available on delivery or pick-up. 416.594.1414.”

Be sure to check www.Riverside-to.com tomorrow – for Day 11 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 atOMA Chiropractic, Children’s toys from Little Peeps, British 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 Peeps, British 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 Peeps, British 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 Ninth Day of Valentine’s my true love gave to me:  Authentic British Cadbury Chocolate from Empire by Bullet , 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 Peeps, British 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 tenth day of Valentine’s, my true love gave to me:  Flowers from Quince Flowers, Authentic British Cadbury Chocolate from Empire by Bullet , 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 Peeps, British 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

It’s less than a week away to Valentine’s day, and there is so much love to celebrate in #FebruaryMonthofLove.  For today’s tribute, we are inspired by the British Invasion.  Let’s start with a look back to 51 years ago.

Love happened on February 9, 1964
The Beatles make their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. A nation swoons as Beatlemania takes over. On this date, 51 years ago, at 8pm  the live broadcast of the first Ed Sullivan Show was aired with the full Beatle line-up. The boys from Britian belted out  five LOVE songs (All My Loving, Till There Was You, She Loves You, I Saw Her Standing There and I Want To Hold Your Hand) and made broadcasting history. Seventy-three million people were reported to have watched the first show. It is still supposed to be one of the largest viewing audiences ever in the States.  On that same show  three other British acts completed the show’s schedule – ‘The British Invasion’ was now well under way.

Make your own Love History on Feb 9th!

With The British Invasion happening in History we begin our Valentine’s tune thinking of treats from across the pond…

On the 9th day of Valentine’s my true love gave to me…

Authentic Cadbury Chocolates imported from Britain at Empire by Bullet at 724 1/2 Queen St E . Empire by bullet is inspired by all things British.

They  import the large majority of  merchandise from the UK were it is also made.Cadbury Chocolates, Walkers Crisps, Marks & Spencer Teas & Biscuits, Thorntons, Rose’s Chocolates, just to name a few.  There is a large range of everyday foods, Yorkshire Tea, Barry’s Irish Tea, Marmitte, Vegemite, Hobnobs, McVities.   Don’t stop a food…check out their  large range of home decor items made in England – Pillows, Candles, Soaps and  Pottery by Emma Bridgewater.   You can pick up the Beatles Union Jack Pillow, pictured at the top of the blog.  Check out other items at their on-line store here. To finish that off the style furniture pieces to complete the feel of British home.  They have couple of cheats as well and have sold these items for many years.  Lampe Berger and Canadian Made Sid Dickens Memory Blocks.

Be sure to check www.Riverside-to.com tomorrow – for Day 10 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 atOMA Chiropractic, Children’s toys from Little Peeps, British 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 Peeps, British 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 Peeps, British 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 Ninth Day of Valentine’s my true love gave to me:  Authentic British Cadbury Chocolate from Empire by Bullet , 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 Peeps, British 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

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:

 “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

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.

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.

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,

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 Peeps, British 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 Peeps, British 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