Christmas at Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto, ON

I walked to downtown this afternoon and spent some time at Nathan Phillips Square (just south of our city hall).

It has been so nicely decorated for the holidays and the TORONTO sign from the Pan Am games is there.

I went on the roof level of where they rent skates.

Book ~ "Dog Tags" (2011) David Rosenfelt

From Goodreads ~ For six years Noah Galloway has lived with a horrible secret and the fear that his rebuilt life could be shattered at any moment. Now his dread has become a certainty and he has been arrested for the arson murder of twenty-six people.

What he needs now is defense lawyer Andy Carpenter, who most definitely is not in the market for a new client. So Noah plays his hole card: a shared love for Andy’s golden retriever, Tara, and the knowledge of what her life was like before Andy rescued her. Because Andy wasn’t her first owner - Noah rescued Tara first, and when he wasn’t able to care for her any longer, he did everything in his power to make sure that she was placed in the right home: Andy’s.

With that knowledge, Andy has little choice but to take Noah on, and he soon learns that the long-ago event that may destroy Noah’s life is only the beginning of an ongoing conspiracy that grows more deadly by the day. 

Noah has been hiding a horrible secret and is relieved on the day he is arrested ... six years ago when he was a drug addict, he burned down a house, killing 26 people.  He is sad what it will do to his wife and son but he is prepared to go to prison as a consequence of his crime.

Andy is a wealthy lawyer who would rather work in the dog rescue that he and Willie have established.  He has no desire to take on the case of an admittedly guilty man ... until he finds out that Tara, his dog he had rescued years ago, was originally Noah's.  Noah had found Tara (then Hannah) hurt by the side of the road and had her fixed.  He could barely take care of himself at the time so he put her up for adoption hoping she'd have a better life.  As Andy starts to investigate, he starts to believe in Noah's innocence even when Noah doesn't.

This is the ninth book I've read by this author and I thought it was okay.  I liked the writing style as it was funny, sarcastic and amusing.  It was written in first person perspective in Andy's voice but at times it was also written in third person perspective.  It is the ninth in the Andy Carpenter series (and the ninth I've read) and it works as a stand alone (so you don't need to have read the ones before it to know what is going on).

I like Andy.  He loves his dog, Tara, and thinks she's the most wonderful dog in the whole wide world.  Laurie, Andy's love interest, is living with him and working as his investigator.  Hike is Andy's associate and is the most depressed and downer person ever.  Sam, his accountant who is also a computer hacker, helped with the case and recruits an interesting team to help out.  In addition, he is looking forward to getting more physically involved in the case since he now has a gun.  Marcus, an investigator with persuasive reasoning skills, rounds out the team.

There were quite of few other characters and at times I had a bit of a hard time keeping track who they were.  I didn't find the "why" everything was happening overly interesting.

Boomerluxe Box - December 2015

At the beginning of December, I read about Boomerluxe boxes in the Toronto Star.

A Boomerluxe subscription box is a package of unique, fun and quality retail products sent directly to you on a recurring, monthly basis. 

The value of your Boomerluxe box is a far greater value than the cost of your subscription. 

A Boomerluxe box will always include five products, one from each of their themed categories (a fashion gift, a beauty gift, a sexuality gift, a wellness gift and a technology gift).

I like getting subscription boxes and I'm 50+ so I got myself a six month subscription.  My first Boomerluxe box arrived today.

I ignored the "Don't Open Yet!" sticker ... ha!

Here's what was in it ...

Book ~ "Drink Dirt Eat Stone" (2015) Kyle Fleishman

From Goodreads ~ Former Native Syndicate hitman and Gulf War hero Tristan Stonehorse walks out of Stony Mountain Penitentiary a free man for the first time in fourteen years. 

But Tristan owes. Kill one last man and he can put his violent past behind him and possibly mend the relationship with his grown daughter. If only things were that simple. 

When the job goes sideways, his would-be killers are dead and Tristan finds himself on the run with a group of highly skilled, anonymous killers trying to put him down for good. As he traverses the country he must do the one thing he hates most. Explore his own past.

Tristan has just been released from prison.  He wants to put his life back together and hopefully reconnect with his now adult daughter.  Tristan just has to kill one more person and he can move on.  But things get complicated when he is being stalked and many are trying to kill him ... he has to figure out why and who is behind it.

I liked the writing style and story.  Tristan didn't have a nice upbringing so did what he had to do what he had to do to survive.  He ended up becoming a hitman, eventually eliminating most of the members of the Hell's Angels when they tried to take over Vancouver.  With not a lot of options, he joins the military and because of his unique skills, he becomes a war hero.  When he returns home, he has revenge in mind for things done to him when he was a child, which is what lands him in prison.

The book jumps back and forth from the present to the past.  I found it confusing at first until I picked up on the rhythm ... the present is written in present tense and the past is written in past tense.  I'm assuming the author did this to build suspense as nothing is revealed right away.  It is written in third person perspective with a focus on Tristan.  As a head's up, there is a lot of swearing and brutal violence and some adult activity.

This is the debut novel from this author and I look forward to reading more in the future.

The Trinity Bellwoods Flea, Toronto, ON

The Trinity Bellwoods Flea is happening today and tomorrow.

Skip the lines and the crowds this holiday season and find the special gift for that special someone on your list all in one place. Join us Decemeber 19th & 20th 11am-6pm for a truly one of a kind holiday shopping experince. We brought back all your favorite handmade, local, art and vintage vendors and artisans to bring you a diverse and truly gift worthy selection of goods. Sure to please everyone on your list! Two days, two spectacular line-ups of vendors all for one truly local holiday market.

Save yourself the stress of the mall and shop local this holiday season. Enjoy the all the classic Christmas songs you love while you browse. Nibble on some locally made holiday treats and take a load off an enjoy a seasonal beverage at the bar.

Take the stress out of holiday shopping and put the fun back in. Shop local and give local this holiday season.

It's in our 'hood (824 Dundas Street W, just west of Bathurst) so I walked there this afternoon.

Admission is free and between today and tomorrow, there are 75 of Toronto best local handmade fashion, vintage, baby, jewelry, candle and beauty vendors.

beautybox five - December 2015

My December beautybox five arrived today.  The theme is Have Yourself a Smoky Holiday Season.

Beauty Box 5 is a subscription-based, beauty sampling service that delivers 5 deluxe samples and full-sized products right to your door every month.

Subscriptions are $12US a month or $99US for a year.  Shipping is free.

Here's what was in it ...

• OFRA Shimmer Eye Shadow (Foil) - full size - $13.50 value
• So Fresh So Clean Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes - full size - $2.99 value - they clean okay but I'm not crazy about the texture of the towelettes as they don't glide across my face
• The Beauty Crop Glamazon Stick - full size - $22 value
• Prestige Cosmetics Total Intensity Eyeliner - full size - $5.95 value
• Blender Brush - full size - $10 value

Value = $54.44US

Book ~ "Dog Tags" (2010) David Rosenfelt

From Goodreads ~ A German Shepherd police dog witnesses a murder and if his owner - an Iraq war vet and former cop-turned-thief - is convicted of the crime, the dog could be put down. Few rival Andy Carpenter's affection for dogs and he decides to represent the poor canine. 

As Andy struggles to convince a judge that this dog should be set free, he discovers that the dog and his owner have become involved unwittingly in a case of much greater proportions than the one they've been charged with. Andy will have to call upon the unique abilities of this ex-police dog to help solve the crime and prevent a catastrophic event from taking place.

Billy is an ex-cop and Iraq war vet, who lost his leg in a bombing.  Since he has been back in the States, he hasn't been able to get a job so turns to stealing along with his ex-partner, his dog Milo.  One night, Billy's ex-boss in Iraq is murdered and Billy is found next to the body and his fingerprints are on the gun.  No one believes Billy when he says he had tried to save the victim and he is arrested.  Milo had run off and was put in a shelter when he was found.

Andy is a dog-loving lawyer.  His friend, Pete, who is a cop, asks him to help his friend, Billy.  Andy manages to get Milo released from the shelter and into his custody.  In addition, Billy hires him to defend him against the murder charge.

This is the eighth book I've read by this author and I thought it was okay.  I found it a bit confusing because there were so many characters (ex-soldiers from Iraq, the FBI, generals in the military, financiers, hit men, etc.) and I had a hard time keeping them straight.  Plus I found the subject matter involving a teenage suicide bomber in Iraq a heavy topic.

I liked the writing style, though, as it was funny, sarcastic and amusing.  It was written in first person perspective in Andy's voice but at times it was also written in third person perspective.  It is the eighth in the Andy Carpenter series (and the eighth I've read) and it works as a stand alone (so you don't need to have read the first one to know what is going on).

I like Andy.  He loves his dog, Tara, and thinks she's the most wonderful dog in the whole wide world.  Laurie, Andy's love interest, is back full-time and living with him.  Kevin, Andy's hypochondriac associate, has gotten married and moved away so this introduced a new character named Hike to the series as Andy's associate ... different personality so a different dynamic (he's a funny guy).  Sam, his accountant who is also a computer hacker, helped with the case but didn't add as much humour as usual.  And there wasn't enough of Marcus, an investigator with persuasive reasoning skills.

Island Foods, Toronto, ON (King Street W)

I had lunch today at Island Foods (Dufferin Street/King Street W).  I've been going there since 1998 and it's my favourite place to get a chicken roti.

I got there about noon, just at the front end of the lunchtime rush.

I got what I always get ... a boneless chicken roti.  As usual, it was delicious!

The line-up was out the door when I left.

Book ~ "The Big Bucket List Book: 133 Experiences of a Lifetime" (2016) Gin Sander

From Goodreads ~ Everyone has an extensive, daunting bucket list of things to complete “before you die.” But it’s time to stop listing and start living. 

"The Big Bucket List Book" will change the way you look at the world and empower you to reach for all of the big and little things you want to achieve. 

Gin Sander offers 133 fresh ideas for infusing your life with a bit of glamour, adventure and style - whatever your budget. Learn to make your next chapter the most enriching and personally fulfilling of them all ... and maybe change the world while you’re at it! 

Gin Sanders offers you ideas at any point in your life (starting out, midway through a career or winding down workwise) if you want a challenge, a touch of glamour, and a sense of satisfaction, enjoyment and accomplishment in your pursuit of a well-live life.

There are a variety of ideas to check out and they are organized in categories:

• Galas, parties and get-togethers:  marvelous ways to mix, mingle and meet new friends
• Thrill your taste buds:  food and wine experiences
• Make your mark:  irresistibly fun DIY activities and skills
• Life is learning:  must-know new skills
• Create and inspire:  art, film, theatre and more
• Giving back:  make your mark
• Off the beaten path:  one-of-a-kind travel experiences
• Epic experiences
• Glamorous goals and getaways

In the table of contents, there is a dollar sign next to the ideas so you'll have an idea of what's inexpensive and what's higher in cost.

Depending on your circumstance, some of ideas are doable and others may provide you with a goal to work towards.  The author offers some tips in achieving some of your goals such as asking your friends to join so you can split the cost, put money away in a special account, volunteer, etc.

meowbox - December 2015

Morgan and Crumpet's December meowbox arrived today.

meowbox is a cat subscription box full of surprises, delivered to your door every month. Your meowbox is brimming with yummy cat treats and fun cat toys, specially selected for quality and uniqueness, to cater to your cat’s discriminating taste. 

We carefully research and select items that are high quality and unique. We pick food and treats that are either made with natural ingredients, are tasty, nutritious, grain-free, organic or locally made. You won’t find just the regular run-of-the-mill stuff in your meowbox. Our goal is to excite kitty and put a smile on your face. 

The cost ranges from $22.95 to $32.95 a month, depending on the plan, and shipping is free.

We believe that if we have the opportunity to give, then we should share what we have. This philosophy comes packaged neatly within the heart of every meowbox. For every meowbox you buy, we give a can of food to a shelter cat on your behalf. One box can make a difference.

Our can of food is en route to the BC SPCA Vancouver Branch in Vancouver, BC.

The kitties were excited!

Morgan checked it out first

Then Crumpet checked it out

Here's what was inside ...

Ipsy Glam Bag - December 2015

I received my December Ipsy Glam Bag today ... the theme is Beauty Blast.

• 4 to 5 beauty products in a collectible makeup bag 
• Monthly videos showing you how to get the Look 
• Win free products in contests and giveaways

Subscriptions are $10US a month or $110US for a year.  Shipping is free in the U.S. and $4.95US per month to Canada.  It works out to $212.85CN for the year ($17.74CN a month).

Here's what was in it:

• Make-up bag
• RickyCare by Ricky's NYC Classic 3D Blender - $10 value
• Pacifica Power Of Love Natural Lipstick (Nudie Red) - $10 value - smells funny and doesn't have a smooth texture
• tarte cosmetics smooth operato Amazonian clay finishing powder - 0.07oz - $9.15 value
• ACURE Cell Stimulating Face Mask - 1oz - $7.42 value
• Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye Shadow Primer - 0.17oz - $9.71 value

Total value: $46.28US

Toronto Raptors 96 - Philadelphia 76ers 76

I went to the Toronto Raptors game this evening.  The company I work for has a box and we had invited some clients and their guests.

The Raptors were playing the 76ers.

Here's the view from the box about an hour before the game started before everyone started coming in.

The players came out and started warming up.

Some kids sang the national anthems.

12 Beers of Christmas, Gladstone Hotel, Toronto, ON

This evening, Gord and I went to the 12 Beers of Christmas at the Gladstone Hotel, which is in our 'hood.  It was sold out (so about 475 tickets)

12 Beers of Xmas is back! Don your ugliest Xmas sweater and cozy up with a beer (or 12) at December's biggest party.

We've gathered a long list of our favourite craft breweries who will all descend on the Gladstone Hotel on Saturday December 12th, where they'll be pouring glasses of good cheer in the form of beer!

Tickets are $25, but once you're inside you're free to taste all you want.

Rock out to live performances by Toronto's best local DJs and bands. The event will finish at 9:30pm, but stick around because at 10pm you'll definitely feel bubbly enough to take on the stage with your mates for some Shameless Karaoke!

The breweries included:

• Longslice Brewery 
• Mill Street Brewery 
• Steam Whistle Brewing 
• Big Rig Kitchen and Brewery 
• Side Launch Brewing Company 
• Beau’s All Natural Brewing Co. 
• Sweetgrass Brewing 
• Somersby Cider 
• Brooklyn Brewery 
• Junction Craft Brewing 
• Goose Island Brewery 
• Alexander Keith’s Brewery

I had ...

Steam Whistle

Alexander Keith's (my beer of choice)

Mill Street Organic

There was a fun crowd.