my first trip to gatineau

This past weekend, my hubby and I were on a search for Gouda! My family is coming up to Ottawa this weekend for Easter and instead of the typical Easter chocolate eggs, I thought it would be fun to shower them with cheese (and some good old fashion maple syrup I found at Farm Boy!). So what better place to go for cheese then across the border to Quebec! Really...there isn't a border, just beautiful tiny bridges all over Ottawa connect the two cities.

We didn't find any Gouda but we did look around and I must say, Gatineau is just wonderful! So much nature, and fresh air, I felt so alive! We stopped by the Marina in Aylmer to chillax with a fresh baguette and a coffee we got at the little tiny cafe and just had an AH HA moment. I can't wait until the summer to check out Gatineau Park! Now...if only I had a cottage!

Pics taken at the Marina

How cute is this Timmy's? So cozy!

my week-day in montreal

Oh, Montreal. It was nice to be back for a couple of days. Knowing you only have 2 days to hit up your favourite restos takes some planning.

We arrived in the city Monday night, only a short drive away from Ottawa. The most delicious pizza that I have ever tasted is in this little apportez votre vin house on Dante Street in the heart of Little Italy called Pizzeria Napoletana

Check this out...

So yummy!

We took a short weekday trip to Montreal to see a Black Keys concert. It was unbelievable! It was amazing to see just two guys from Ohio put on this crazy show.

And of course, we couldn't forget to stop by the Distillerie for Happy Hour!

It's always nice to take a couple of days to get away from life! 

my trip to the farmer's market last weekend

I am new to this english environment again. After living in Montreal for the past 5 years, not knowing too much french has made me forget what it is like to live in a community you understand and feeling a part of something is the most amazing feeling in the world when you have been isolated for the past 5 years.

So, to my surprise, the Christmas Farmers Market indoor party was just awesome. To see and meet so many nice people selling their local produce, xmas crafts and goodies just made my weekend. And it also made me miss my family - a 9 hour drive down the long 401 :*(

I just wanted to share some pics of the sense of community this lovely city offers. BTW, I have been so giddy and happy to be back in my English hood again, in Ontario!

The raspberry scones are the best scones I ever had! From Art is In Bakery

in and around the plateau

I have to admit, my neighbourhood is pretty funky. Every time I take Roxy for a walk, I see something new, or something crazy. It never seems to disappoint me! Too bad the people here are not the friendliest people on earth, but we get by.

The summer months are the best months in the plateau. There is so much green, zen, bubbly flowers spilling out over window boxes, and all around the neighbourhood. Roxy just loves her walks, and always stops to sniff the flowers. Ah, the little things in life!

Montreal is filled with graffiti, everywhere! I am not joking! EVERYWHERE! The city looses its charm after awhile because they don't keep it up. It's dirty, and there is garbage everywhere. But the worst part is the amount graffiti in this city, it's just unbelievable. Most of it I can't understand, just a bunch of gibberish on the sides and doors of every building. But... I like to make the best out of things, so I took some pics of what I think is some pretty funky art:

  

Finally, along our Saturday morning walk, we ran into this little kitty. So different and what a cutie, I just had to post her. She is a newbie to the world and still doesn't have a name yet. (which I think should be Tiger!)

Oh, and yesterday afternoon was full of sunshine and sangrias (rose style!) Gotta love the weekends!

Cheers!

one fantabulous black keys concert!

Last night, my hubby and I headed over to the Bell Center to see The Black Keys perform. My hubby turned 29 back in February and he finally got his bday present last night! BOTH our ears are still ringing!!


Of course, I had to get us floor seats (the closer the better is my motto!) and we crawled our way to the front of the stage. (**Tip: wear ear plugs if you get this close! I am scared the ringing won't stop!!). The crowd was a mix of tweenie bops, hippies, and european fabios...a bit odd since we are use to going to concerts in Detroit (way back in the day! And much better by the way). But with just two dudes on stage, one on the drums banging his heart out and the other singing while jammin on his electric guitar lit up a crowd of 8,300 people last night. They were real, soulful, and played their hearts out, and that is all the mattered last night. Though a bit short, and we had to wait (which seem like forever) after the opening band for The Black Keys to come on stage, it was worth it! And by the way, I got a 'best birthday present ever kiss' after the concert!


Check out some videos of the concert last night:

By the way, one of the highlights of the show was when they came back out for the encore in HABS (yes HABS!!!) jerseys! Not only was it disgustingly hot, but it must have been so hard to rock out at the end of the show in jerseys. I thought that was so respectful, not only to the team, but to Montreal. BUT... of course (in some french guy's opinion) they were quote, from montrealconcerts.com: 

"What band still puts on a sweater of the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre to ignite the crowd during the recall? The Black Keys did last night in front of almost 8,300 fans, and this lack of taste came close to spoiling the cool factor of the show. Moreover, since a couple of his songs was used for a beer ad, it was found that the jocks have taken the duo of Akron in Ohio, which does nothing to enhance the reputation of the group. Anyway, enough of snobbery, the Keys gave a great concertlast night, though short (only 75 minutes, recall included)."

I just can't believe it! How wrong and selfish can one be!?? 

The Black Keys rocked my night!! 

the Chelsea Market is a MUST see in NYC

The Chelsea Market was a first for me when I went to NYC last weekend. I can't believe I waited this long to visit the market. IT IS AWESOME! There was so much fresh gormet food, and of course, one of my fav hotspots, Anthropologie! I always have to get something cute for my loft when I find one of these stores in my travels since we don't have it yet in Canada (hint hint).

The building has so much history and when you get to the middle of the market, stop and relax with a coffee from their gormet coffee kiask. They have excellent sushi, roasted brussel sprouts, and lots of fresh soup and sandwiches.

Almost bought this at Anthropoligie but couldn't think of where to put it :)

I am a big fan of Giada and Bobby! I also love them on the NFS - this show is addicting!!

The best part (for me!) was the fresh homemade bread and cupcakes. If you stop by, you MUST try a brownie or a lemon square (or two!) at Fat Witch. 

I love you New York!