When Donatello and I worked for a cruise line, our favourite ports were in the Mediterranean. With a short walk from the ship, we’d arrive at our choice mom-and-pop restaurant, mouths watering in anticipation for some of the best food ever. These small places would serve us the most simple but delectable fare piled high on rustic platters drizzled with […]
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DIY: Crocheted Coffee Cozy and Free Pattern
This coffee cozy is made from leftover yarn that couldn’t be made into any large significant project. I used a cheap acrylic that could be washed, as I knew this coffee cozy would eventually have coffee stains on it. This is a quick and simple project for a quiet afternoon indoors.
Canadian Design: St. Lawrence Luggage
When Tomiko and I went to the November Annex Flea, we found Stephanie Ibbitson’s St. Lawrence Luggage to be amazingly beautiful and useful. Crafted from Alberta buffalo hide, the barrel messenger bags we saw were buttery soft and supple yet made from extremely thick leather. The backpack was also made from Alberta buffalo hide, and the […]
Our New Year’s in Pretty River Valley
Every year for the past seven years, we have been spending our New Year’s Eves in Pretty River Valley in rural Ontario. As you can see, it’s in what’s called the ‘snow belt’ of Ontario. We snowshoe and visit the reindeer, horses and chickens, help make the appetizers, spend the evening playing Balderdash, and then […]
How to Study
Even though I’d love to spend all my time crafting and cooking, sometimes I need to study or at the minimum, concentrate better. To begin the new year as a more efficient and productive person, I’ve assembled my favourite study tips.









