Reasons Why I've Fallen in Love with Toronto

1. These two people are even more wonderful than you imagined.

I cannot put into words how happy Luke and I were to meet such kind and welcoming people.

Believe me, I tried.

(and I hope they don't mind my sneaky picture.)

2. There is an adorable cupcake shop in Eglinton that sells traditional butter cupcakes with old fashioned confectioner's sugar icing. We tried marble and vanilla with chocolate icing. Yum!
3. The cutest sewing and craft shop you ever did see. We had the good fortune of catching one of their trunk shows. The friendliest people in Toronto hang out there, I'm sure of it. Karyn and all the other staff members I met were so kind. I cannot wait to take a class!

4. Robber. Is. Awesome. So is the co-owner Erin, she is so friendly (and a fellow blogger).

I really really wanted to buy the Mociun Tie-Front Dress and they had my size, but my ever so logical boyfriend convinced me that I should probably save some money for the big move and instead pointed out the t-shirt option. Which, on that note, is no compromise, as it is the softest t-shirt I have ever worn.

5. I visited my new university and it is beautiful and at least ten times the size of my old one.

I now know four people who have made it through the program successfully and it gives me hope.

6. Luke has found four(!) wonderful comic book stores and has assured me that he now fully approves of the city. Whew!

7. There are a number of bloggers I didn't meet this time around, but am excited to meet in the future.

There are numerous other reasons. Mostly, I am excited for something new. This will be my first time away from home, commencing in August, and I know I will be terribly homesick for awhile and call home every night. However, a wonderful group of people, especially Anabela, Geoff, and Jason (the wonderful fellow we stayed with) have welcomed Luke and I with open arms. I truly cannot wait to start my new adventure with Luke and with Toronto!

Printing, finally

Roses, originally uploaded by erica_knits.

So I'm pretty excited about this project that I finally completed. It has been in the works for awhile, but I finally got around to making a project from Lena's fabulous and easy to follow book, Printing By Hand. I screen printed the rose pattern from her book onto some plain canvas fabric on Saturday night and whipped it up into a bag on Sunday. It was so easy I can't believe I didn't try it sooner.

Cures for boredom at your local library

Finally I've had some time for summer reading. Here's two of my recommendations for your own summer reading lists.

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen -
An elderly man, named Jacob, struggles with his own aging process and remembers his circus adventures during the Depression Era. Jacob's tales revolve around the evil manager of the menagerie, a lovely circus performer, and an understanding nursing home caregiver.

Captain Correlli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres-
A tale of forbidden love between an Italian captain and the Greek daughter of the local doctor during the Italian occupation of Greece during the Second World War. An expert tale of love and of the bitterness of war. De Bernières echoes the fanciful writing style of Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

Munch munch munch

Munch munch munch, originally uploaded by erica_knits.

I've always wanted to make a layer cake. I bought the book Sky High: Irresistible Triple-Layer Cakes, and I think I've flickr favorited twenty or so examples of layer cakes to attempt on my own, yet, I never seemed to get around to it.

That is, until yesterday on my extra day off. After many batches of from scratch cupcakes under my belt I finally felt confident enough to attempt the big one. You know what I discovered? Layer cakes are quite simple and yet they look so impressive!

I used a recipe from Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook, but it is also online here. The recipe makes enough batter for three layers, but I made the leftovers into cupcakes (just in case) and I also halved the icing recipe.

Happy Mother's Day

(Picture credit Saipua)

Happy Mother's Day!

Here are some flowers.

Don't forget to call your Mom or spend some time with her!

Old Vogues

I listed some older copies of Vogues from Britain, Paris, and Spain up on Ebay this week. It's hard to part with them, but I can't take them all with me when I move so I thought it would be nice if they went to loving new homes.
Click on the photos for the listing links.

Candy Store Collective

I really like the dress selection at the Candy Store Collective (via Oh Joy!)
I'm so eager to buy some spring/summer clothes but nice ones are so hard to find in small towns.
I wish a local store stocked these!