Merry Christmas!! It's a HOLIDAY SURPRISE....LEAFSNATION STANDS STRONG!

“I don’t want a lot for Christmas.  There is just one thing I need…All I want for Christmas is” (Mariah Carey) ………….. A Peter Kessel81 jersey LOL!!

Hello Everyone.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!  This is my last blog of the year and it is a very special one.  I am so thrilled I have an opportunity to share this story with all of you.  I am even more thrilled that it is a Toronto Maple Leafs story LOL!!

Dec 1^st I was on twitter and I noticed all these tweets going back and forth by people nominating their friends for Toronto Maple Leafs Jersey’s.   I need to be honest; I saw the contest by Real Sports but wasn’t really looking at the details. I just thought it would be funny to nominate @LeafsFan_93.  Nick, who is @LeafsFan_93, would always joke around with me for cupcakes and so I thought it would be funny to mention the cupcakes in my tweet to Real Sports. I never thought the next day; I would get a tweet by Real Sports saying I won. WHAT???!!!! SERIOUSLY!!

Here I am thrilled because I thought I won the LUPUL jersey that Nick nominated me for in return, but they tell me NO NO you’re getting the Kessel jersey to give to Nick. Say what?! LOL I just assumed that Real Sports would send the winner the jerseys directly, not send it to me???  Now, here’s the deal, I knew Nick but never met Nick.  I guess the universe decided that Nick and Niki we're meeting.  LOL.

I am glad that Nick got his jersey, he was thrilled.  After all, that is what Christmas is all about giving,  not receiving, although, I would not say no to a Lupul jersey (HINT).  Merry Christmas Nicholas. I hope you enjoy that jersey.  I feel better giving you the jersey now that you can remember my birthday LOL.  Nick, when’s my birthday?? Hahahahaaaa. 

I would like to wish all of you a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!  This is my last blog for 2014.  I am taking 2 weeks off but will be back in 2015 with some extra special surprises for you all.  I am so humbled to have the most amazing followers and I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!!!! May you all have health, happiness and lots and lots of goodies in 2015! AND PLEASE PLEASE sweet Jesus, let the LEAFS WIN A CUP!!!!!

Until next time boys and girls…”remember, to always just be yourself ...  It will eventually one day pay off...” ©justbeingmeluvuholts

I know, you want to see some pictures!!!!! 

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!

CHEERS!!! LEAFSNATION to 2015 BABY!! GO LEAFS GOOOOO!!

WINNING TWEET BOYS & GIRLS LOL.

I THINK I MADE NICK's CHRISTMAS LOL

One of a Kind Show, Toronto!! Happy HOLIDAYS!!!!!

“There’s something about Christmas time something about Christmas time that makes you wish it was Christmas everyday…” (Bryan Adams)

Hello Everyone,

Can you believe the holidays are almost here? The year just went so quickly! That only means that “The One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale” arrived with great speed! LOL.  Happy 40^th to the One of a Kind Show!!!!!

From November 27^th-Decemeber 7^{th 2014}, the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place, Toronto, turned into a magical holiday wonderland.  I was so thrilled to be able to join the media event on November 27^th, 2014.  We not only had the opportunity to preview this incredible show, but we had the pleasure of eating an incredible breakfast prepared for us by one of Top Chef Canada stars, Chef Rob Rossi.  This amazing cook, who owns, “Bestellen” restaurant in Toronto, prepared foods such as, Scones, Fresh Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, fried eggs, sausage, and I saved my favorites for last, INCREDIBLE Whipped cream with fried kale and potato pancakes!! YUM, YUM, YUM.  Let’s just say, that the most important meal of the day, was suburb on November 27^th.

After this amazing breakfast, I had an opportunity to walk around the show and speak with some of the vendors.  I understand why people love this show so much.  Everything is not only Canadian but the Artisans are handpicked from across Canada!  With approximately 800 Artisans available, you definitely need time and patience to walk around.  So, this was my first time experiencing this amazing event, and I unfortunately did not wear the appropriate foot wear.  Yes, my feet were throbbing after about an hour of walking.  Next year, this girl will be wearing comfy shoes. 

I did have a chance to meet some amazing Artisans.  My favorite vendor was Robert.  I’m starting to think the universe wants me around people named Robert. LOL.  This incredible Artisan made the coolest things.  I loved the Brain scratcher! Yes, I tried it and yes, I LOVED IT.  It felt so amazing.  I got Goosebumps.  I regret not buying one. Next year, he will be my first stop.

As always, I had food on my mind. LOL.  I know, I just had the best breakfast but I still was thinking of food.  Where did I end up?  Monkey Butter.  Flavored peanut butter! I bought a variety pack which included flavors such as, Dark Chocolate Cherry, White Chocolate Pretzel, White Chocolate Raspberry, Maple Bacon, Dark Chocolate Banana and Salted Caramel.  Yes, I tried all of them. LOL.  Believe it or not, my favorite of the group is Maple Bacon.  I know, it sounds like a weird flavor but I really enjoy it.

As I walked further and turned a corner, my eyes lit up like the Christmas tree at the show! I saw, WINE JELLY!!!!!  I cannot get enough of this stuff.  I had to buy a bottle. As I left the booth, the worst possible thing happened.  I dropped my jelly.  It shattered in pieces and I knew it was time for me to go home.  Next year, One of a Kind Show, I will be more prepared.

I am looking forward to the next One of a Kind Show.  Make sure ladies and gents, the next time it comes to town, to check this show out.

A special thank you, to the organizers of this show.  I really enjoyed my media day.

Until next time boys and girls; “Remember, to always just be yourself.  It will eventually one day, pay off…”

©justbeingmeluvuholts   PICTURES: 

OH CHRISTMAS TREE.....HAPPY HOLIDAYS

CHEF ROB ROSSI

YUMMY BREAKFAST

MONKEY BUTTER!!

BRAIN SCRATCHER, TEST DRIVE LOL

Door Stoppers





St Andrew Poultry FOODIE HEAVEN!! Chicken Anyone?!

“You know I like my chicken fried…” (Zac Brown Band)

Hello Everyone,

Who loves their chicken fried? I do, I do...LOL.  Let me tell you about this fantastic new foodie bar in the heart of Toronto.  St. Andrew Poultry located in Kensington Market has by far the BEST chicken I have tasted.  YUM!!! 

The redone butcher shop that re-opened a few months ago has the best JOY chicken ever.  Ok, I have never had joy chicken before that night but I have eaten a lot of chicken before and Chef Bernadette Calpito won not only my stomach but my heart as well. She is full of energy, friendly and knows her way around a kitchen.  Chef Calpito who trained under Massimo Capra (see, I know, you were waiting for the Italian mention, LOL) and Roger Mooking made us a feast of food at the media event.  We all ate two bite brisket burgers, Chicken and Beef pot pie, the best French fries I ever have had, JOY chicken, and yes, the Chef made us lasagna.  To quote Chef Calpito, “it’s just like nonna makes it.” There was so much food, that I could not eat another bite.  So, I missed out on the chicken shawarma.  It looked incredible.  I should have taken it to go...LOL.  I was so full, I couldn’t think. 

Jerry Jesin, who took over this poultry shop from his parents, is a dentist by trade.  The chicken dentist has created an incredible environment in this poultry shop.  With products such as the Neal brothers (yes, Peter Neal I think I am now officially your food stalker) and Vincenzo’s Pasta you will find something delicious to eat.

For 20$, Jesin created the supper club for returning customers.  You will get a lifetime membership with 20% off between the hours of 5-6:30pm on stickered items. What should you try first? JOY CHICKEN.  Chef Calpito, I am dreaming of your chicken girl!!  I want more!!!!!   

I was so blessed that St. Andrew Poultry gave each of us a fantastic goodie bag.  Everything in that goodie bag tasted like raindrops on roses.  I have no idea what raindrops on roses taste like, I just know, that the cookie bite trio, Cherry Tomato Vinaigrette and BBQ sauce are now a few of my favorite things.

If you ask me to use only one word to describe St. Andrew Poultry, I would have to say: “YUM”.  If you are in the Kensington Market area, make sure to stop in this incredible place and try some of Chef’s Calpito’s creations. 

Until next time boys and girls, “remember, to always just be yourself, it will eventually one day pay off…”  

©justbeingmeluvuholts

Check out the amazing FOOD from ST. ANDREW Poultry: YUM!!!


YUM YUM YUM #NIKIS New Foodie

CHEF BERNADETTE CALPITO

WHO WANTS JOY CHICKEN?!!?

"THE Chicken DENTIST"

I am officially "Neal Brothers" Food Stalker LOL

Chicken/Beef Pot Pies

GOODIE BAG!!

 Two Bite Burgers, Sliders!

Seasons Show!! Great way to start the Holiday Season!

“You better watch out.  You better not cry.  Better not pout.  I’m telling you why.  Santa Claus is coming to town…” (Haven Gillespie & John Fredrick Coots)

Hello Everyone,

My favorite time of year is CHRISTMAS!! I love the holiday season.  I love the music, the food, the decorations and I cannot forget SANTA!! When I heard about the Seasons Show, I knew I had to go and see what this show was all about. 

From November 21^st to 23^rd 2014, the seasons Christmas show was held at the International Centre.  With over 200 exhibits that include Christmas décor, unique gifts and yummy foods, the Seasons Show has something for everyone.  

It is always hard to know where to start at one of these shows.  You are overwhelmed with all the vendors and on how to find those goodies that will make you smile.  Like all good things, you need to have patience to attain them or you can have a blogger like me to tell you what was impressive. LOL. 

I was blessed to take a personal tour.  Thank you Colleen, for taking me around the show and introducing me to some great vendors!  I started at Toy Mountain.  This is a great program.  Donating an unwrapped toy to a child in need.  Every year, I have intentions of donating to Toy Mountain, and this year I finally had an opportunity to do so.  You can still donate to Toy Mountain, there are drop off locations all over the city.  Please, take a look at their website for a location. www.toronto.ctvnews.ca/more/toy-mountain

My eye caught this jewelry immediately.  I thought it was different and cool.  Jared designs his pieces with vintage cutlery. Just starting his business I obtained a business card from him.  The only information on the card is his Facebook page. Facebook.com/artifact silver.  I wish I had more information to give you but I urge you to take a look at my pictures to see his work.  It was really different and unique.

So, you know I always gravitate towards the food.  LOL.  Yes, I blame growing up Italian on my obsession with great tasting goodies.  I cannot help it, I love food. Ha-ha.  A spice above had some great dips.  They carry 20 different varieties of all natural gourmet spice mixtures.  You can use these products for spreads on a sandwich or in a taco; they are a great way to spice up your life. LOL.  Each package is gluten-free, MSG free and preservative free.  I was fortunate to take home 3 of these great products.  Thank you Julie for my treats.  My favorite flavors were Loaded Baked Potato, Tango Taco and Jumpin' Hot Jalapeno.  I recommend you follow the instructions and not do what I did with the first pack.  I did not use a whole cup of sour cream as recommended.  I was thinking, I did not want to make a huge amount.  Live and learn.  It is a great product and the other 2 dips I have will be made right.  Great product for fundraising! Check out their dips at www.aspiceabove.ca.

Now, everywhere I go, somewhere, somehow, that Italian product will catch my eye. It’s like a gravitational pull.  I gravitate towards it.  LOL.  Look, this was by far the best jelly I have tasted.  I LOVE GAIL’s gourmet jam.  This is homemade jam, ladies and gents.  I spoke with the owner Sal and he shared with me how he grows the hot peppers he uses in his jams in his yard!! I love it!!!!  I have been eating this jelly/jam every morning since I got it.  You have to try their chardonnay and merlot jelly. FANTASTIC!! www.gailsgourmetjams.com Thank you Sal Vitale for making my mornings a great one.

Finally, I had the tremendous opportunity to meet Anna Olsen the incredible baker on the Food Network and yes, yes, I met SANTA.  What more could a girl ask for? The Seasons Show was a great experience.  I want to thank everyone at the show for being so incredible.  I cannot wait for the holidays, this show put me in the best mood!

Until next time boys and girls..”Remember to always just be yourself, it will eventually one day pay off…” ©justbeingmeluvuholts

 

PICTURE TIME!!

I LOVE GAIL's HOMEMADE JAM/JELLY!

Seasons Show 2014

Great Jewelry

Great DIPS!!