Terra Cotta Cookie Company!!!

“C is for cookie, that’s good enough for me...OH, cookie, cookie, cookie starts with C. “(Sesame Street)

Hello Everyone,

On May 13^th 2014, I had the best experience.  I got to tour a cookie company and got to see how cookies are made.  Not only did this great company allow me to tour their facilities, I got to EAT COOKIES!!! LOL.  I need to begin my post with thanking Terra Cotta Cookies for welcoming me and would like to thank one of my amazing followers on twitter @candlemom3 who suggested I try these great cookies!

There is so much work involved in packaging and making cookies.  The atmosphere at Terra Cotta Cookies was like one big happy family.  Everyone has a specific job, and everyone works in harmony. Did you know that cookies need to be weighed? They even need to make sure they are proportional when designed before baking.  Get this guys and gals, they need to go through a metal detector after packaging! Yup, I saw the metal detector! SOOOOO COOL!!! I felt like I was on an episode of Rosanne, when they had to assemble products. Ha-ha. My favorite part was trying the cookies. Desiree is product developer at Terra Cotta Cookies.  She gets to taste cookies to make sure, they taste just right.  I even got to try a few and give them my input. LOL.  I have no idea if she liked my suggestions but I will be waiting for my World Cup cookie!! (Wink)

This is a great company who does so much work with fundraising activities.  If you are looking for a cookie company to help you raise money for your event, you need to give Kym a shout.  She can give you so much information on how to raise funds for your school, charity or your tummy! LOL. 

I know, you want to know if Terra Cotta Cookies has Gluten Free products. Yes, yes GLUTEN FREE products are available!! They have more than cookies, they have cookie dough, muffins, cakes, cupcakes, and so much more!  This is a peanut and nut free environment boys and girls and they are H.A.C.C.P certified.  They also sell dough drops.  Dough drops are for people like me, who just want to act like they “baked” LOL.  Place the drop of dough on the baking pan and bake away!! Perfect, for busy moms! They are open to the public!! For any other information on this great company, please visit their website at www.terracottacookies.com

Thank you Kym and the Terra Cotta Cookie Family for having me. I enjoyed eating all those cookies! My family enjoyed all your cookies!  I cannot wait to see my World Cup cookie and to see your yummy seasonal holiday designs.

Until next time boys and girls remember, “ to always just be yourself, it will eventually pay off.” ©justbeingmeluvuholts

For more of my posts check out my website at www.justbeingmeluvuholts.blogspot.ca.

Here are my pictures from this fantastic day!!!!!

 

Frank's Pizza House!! Italian Pizza!! Italian Food!!

“I fell in love with the pizza girl.  Now I eat pizza everyday…” (Jonas Brothers)

 

Hello Everyone,

Frank’s Pizza House located on St. Clair Ave West is a family owned business with some great Italian food.  It is a small but quaint place that has the feel of home.  The old school nature and feel is immediately felt when you walk through the doors.

I have been to quite a few restaurants in the city.   What’s different about this one is that you really feel like you are part of the family when eating here.  The pizza is good.  We ordered two, the Diavola and the Nicolino.  I had to order the Nicolino; I mean my full name is Nicoletta.  It was like eating a pizza sort of named after me. I hope someday I get a pizza named after me, anyone willing to do that? LOL I asked Giorgio his inspiration for the name of that pizza, as it is not usually something you see on menus.  He told me, he named it after his son.  In fact, all his 4 kids have pizzas named after them.  How cool is that?  You all know, I had to meet his son. LOL.  He kind of has my name. Ha-ha

What’s the one thing at this restaurant that keeps me wanting more? THE CALZONE!!  WOW! Giorgio, you made me one fantastic calzone.  I took my calzone to go.  I wanted to share with my family my experience but when I got home, I swallowed it whole. LOL. You have to go try the calzone at this place! INCREDIBLE! How incredible is it? Well, as we were eating, John Catucci from the TV show, “you gotta eat here”, walks in to pick up his order. I’m sorry John, that I missed you coming back in to say hello to me. 

I want to thank Giorgio at Frank’s Pizza House for the great food, amazing conversation and for making me one fantastic calzone! LOL.  Now, I wish I took 2 home.  I would also like to thank St. Clair Ave West Eats for giving me a 20$ gift card to Frank’s Pizza House.

 For more information, you can visit their site at www.frankspizzahouse.com.

I hope you all get to go try the food at this charming restaurant soon! Until next time boys and girls, “remember, to always just be yourself, it will eventually one day, pay off.” © justbeingmeluvuholts

For more of my blog posts, please visit my site at www.justbeingmeluvuholts.blogspot.ca.

Now, here are my pictures of my adventure at the pizza place!!

 

Toula Restaurant at the top of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel!!!

“Se bastasse una bella canzone…A far piovere amore. Si potrebbe cantarla un millione. Un millione di volte…” (Eros Rammazzotti)

Hello Everyone,

I am one lucky girl.  I got to have dinner at one of the most amazing restaurants in Toronto.  I sat at the most amazing table and looked out at the best view of this city.  I got to eat at Toula.  Toula restaurant is located at the top of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. 

As soon as you get off the elevators on the 38^th floor, you immediately hear the Italian music.  My immediate reaction was, is Toula an Italian restaurant? From the name, I always thought it was a Greek restaurant but to my surprise, it is Italian.  In fact, the owner Luca is straight from Italy. LOL

Not only does the food taste like real Italian food but the service is a delight.  I felt like a queen. LOL.  I had so much champagne and limoncello shots that I forgot I was in a restaurant. I felt like I was celebrating an Italian world cup victory. Ha-ha.

We started dinner with the Grand Tagliere Misto, which consisted of mix meats, cheese, and a small panzerotto.  The presentation and taste of the meats and cheese was amaaazzinnng!! You must try this appetizer and when you do, make sure to have a limoncello shot with your meal. LOL.  I LOVE THOSE SHOTS!!

I then ordered Risotto and of course I had to have the Tiramisu for dessert. What can I say? It was delicious.   The food was fresh and hot.  The service was prompt and the view of the city was outstanding. This place is a must try.  A little birdy told me that Toula usually participates in the Summerlicious program. Make sure to check out their website for further information. www.toularestaurant.com.

I would like to thank everyone at TOULA for making my dinner special.  Thank you Baldo, the manager, for your great hospitality and for making me feel like part of the family.  I cannot wait to come back. I have a serious craving for pasta and yes, of course, hook me up with those LIMONCELLO shots!!!

For more of my posts, please visit my blog at www.justbeingmeluvuholts.blogspot.ca.

You have to see the pictures of the view I had!!!!

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

©justbeingmeluvuholts

 

Cops For Cancer, Toronto Ontario

“Bad boys bad boys, watcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do when they come for you…” (Inner Circle)

Hello Everyone,

In a world that can be scary and cruel at times, some amazing people got together to donate their energy and hair for a great charity.  Cops for Cancer, raised $85,000 for the Canadian Cancer society.  These amazing policemen and women came out on April 12^th 2014 to the Yorkdale shopping center, to shave their heads for people who are suffering with this horrible illness.

Deputy Chief Federico and Sargent Dave Rydzik were the first two cops to get their heads shaven.  I have always had great admiration for police officers.  They risk their lives every day to protect us.  They deal with enormous stress and to see them come together and give their time and hair to charity, makes me proud.  Ashley stole my heart as she took that razor to shave her Dad’s hair.  Officer Rydzik, you are a brave man to let your daughter shave you.  I know, my father would never let me touch his razor, let alone let me shave him. LOL. 

I had an amazing time meeting Sargent Chris Boddy, Jamie Gutfreund from CP24 and ETF officers who took it upon themselves to attach my purse to their robot friend.  I can tell you guys that those robots are not easy to maneuver.   My favorite thing was sitting on that police bike.  I think I need to ride one now. LOL.   If “Elvis” would let me ride one day on his bike, I’m in!!  Thank you for showing me your bike!!! I now have dreams of chasing bad guys on that bike.  Ha-ha

Grace, I wanted to say I LOVE MY COPS FOR CANCER tee shirt! When I wear it, I feel proud that we have such amazing men and women who are protecting and serving us.  Thank you officers, for all that you do.    

If you get the opportunity, you must support this great cause.   Another event for Cops for Cancer is taking place on April 26^th at Square One Shopping Center.  Go support Peel Regional Police, as they shave their heads for Cops for Cancer!! Buy a tee shirt, donate on line, or see if you can check out one of those bikes.  Just don’t leave your purse lying around, it might end up attached to a robot. LOL.

Thank you Toronto Police Officers.  You raised a lot of money for a great charity.

Until next time boys and girls, “ remember, to always just be yourself, it will eventually pay off…” You have to see my pictures from the event!!!! SO MUCH FUN!!! CONGRATS, on a job well done officers!!!

For more of my posts, please visit my blog at www.justbeingmeluvuholts.blogspot.ca.

©justbeingmeluvuholts

 

Toronto Maple Leafs. LeafsNation, you are amazing!!!

“Hello out there, we’re on the air, it’s ‘Hockey Night’ tonight.  Tension grows, the whistle blows, and the puck goes down the ice. “(Stompkin’Tom Connors)

Hello Everyone,

I began my love for the Toronto Maple Leafs when I was 13 years old.  The first time I saw Russ Courtnall, I knew I was going to become a Leafs fan. LOL.  I followed this team through good times and bad.  I slept outside for tickets in front of Maple Leaf Gardens to get greys so I could watch my buds play.  I saved my birthday and Christmas money.  I begged for jerseys and hoped I would get TML gifts.  I am a Maple Leafs Fan.

Last night, I got to see the boys in blue play.  I sat there thinking that this maybe their last shot at getting into the 2014 playoffs.  I had flashbacks to all the games I went to.  I thought of all the people I argued with on how my team was amazing.  All I want is to see this team win a Stanley Cup.  I want to go to a parade. I want to scream from the top of my roof, “We are the champions.” I want to go CRAZY!!! I crave this so bad, that at night I hear those words: “GO LEAFS GO” in my head. LOL. My boys gave me hope one last time, that maybe, just maybe, they will make it to the playoffs.  They beat the Calgary Flames.

Everyone, tells me to forget it.  Stop cheering for these guys, they keep disappointing you.  I cannot stop.  Maybe, it’s the Calabrese stubbornness in my blood or maybe, I just want to BELEAF.  Either way, I want them to win.  The thought of them not making it to the playoffs hurts.  Does Leafs nation give up or do we continue to hope?  As I tell everyone, would you stop playing that lottery? Do you stop hoping you will find true love? Do you feel like you will one day make it rich? We all dream and we all have hopes.  I may be crazy but I cannot give up on Lupul and the boys.

Lupul, you always make me happy.  You have played great this season.  I am thrilled you are part of this team.  I will not give up until I meet you in person. LOL.  Just like, I will not give up hoping, I will be with my true love one day.  I will become famous and my Toronto Maple Leafs will win a Stanley Cup in my lifetime.   Leaf Nation, if it’s not this year and it’s not next year, it will come.  It has to, right? LOL.  They do say “good things come to those who wait.” We are the greatest fans around, and I am proud to be a part of this city and of LEAFSNATION.  I LOVE MY TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS. GO LEAFS GOOO!!!

Until next time boys and girls...” remember, to always just be yourself, it will eventually pay off...”

For more of my posts, please check out my website at www.justbeingmeluvuholts.blogspot.ca.

As always, I leave you with some pictures! ©justbeingmeluvuholts

Milestones Restaurant..Which location is the best one?

“Pour some sugar on me. Ooh, in the name of love. Pour some sugar on me...” (Def. Leppard)

 

Hello Everyone,

I decided for this blog post to do something I have never done before in my posts.  I went to 3 different Milestones restaurants, to see which one would give me the most exciting experience.  I know that Milestones is a very popular chain of restaurants and they all serve the same menu, therefore, which one won my heart?

Milestones Yorkdale, Milestones Vaughan and Milestones Queensway were the 3 locations I visited. I have to say, that despite the fact all 3 have the same menu, the service was completely different.  Yorkdale, by far won my heart.  They were polite, on point, and were the busiest restaurant of the three locations.  It amazed me how the busiest restaurant had the most attentive and caring server. Not only was the service the best at this location but the food was also the winner. 

Stephanie, you were an incredible server.  My friend and I enjoyed your company and the knowledge you had for the menu.  You made our experience at Milestones Yorkdale incredible and I will definitely come back to visit soon.  I am not just saying all of this because of those amazing Bellinis you provided us. LOL.  Did you know you could get an extra shot of vodka to put in your Bellini?? Yes, they come in different flavors.  I had blueberry vodka, and my friend poured strawberry vodka on her drink.  It was amazing!  You must try this extra shot.  If you go to Milestones on a Tuesday it is “BELLINI” night!! Yahoo!!!  You get those drinks at a reduced cost. 

I am in love with their new appetizer the Chorizo Mozzarella Fritters.  They were incredible.  I also have to say the cheesecake at this restaurant is not too shabby. LOL. I want to thank Milestones Yorkdale for the great service and hope, to see all of you soon!

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

POUR that extra shot of vodka on your Bellini guys and gals; you will not regret it... LOL.

For more of my posts, please visit my blog at www.justbeingmeluvuholts.blogspot.ca.

Here are some pictures from my night at Milestones Yorkdale:

©justbeingmeluvuholts

 

 

Westin Harbour Castle Hotel, Toronto Ontario

“This is how we do it.  It’s Friday night, and I feel all right…” (Montell Jordan)

Hello Everyone,

I have to start by saying that the Westin Harbour Castle hotel in Toronto is such a beautiful place.  I fell in love with this place, as soon as I walked in.  I was having a rough day before I got there, and somehow, everyone in this hotel made my weekend amazing.

When I arrived on the Friday night, I immediately met Yura. She is one sweet girl.  She came over to me, as I was talking to myself and dropping all of my things. LOL.  She probably thought I was nuts but the girl was incredible.  She offered to help me and then she sent me the most amazing note to my room!! She already had won my heart in the lobby, so the fact that she sent me wine and cheese too, made me LOVE HER even more!!! THANK YOU YURA!!!!! You started my stay at the Westin with class.

The whole staff is amazing! I made the craziest request at midnight, and they actually came through for me!! I LOVE THE WESTIN HARBOUR CASTLE! I needed a hand held shower attachment.  I know, I’m difficult sometimes, LOL.  So, thank you Mayor for coming up to install that attachment for me.  I am so blown away by the staff and their hospitality.

Bin, Mark, and Jason are all part of this incredible staff.  They all welcomed me and made me feel like a Queen.  I mean, the premier was there that weekend, I MET DOUG GILMOUR in the LOBBY, and this staff made me feel like the special guest.  I can see why a lot of celebrities stay at this hotel.  It is a must try for everyone.  The bed in the room was like sleeping on a cloud!!! I miss that bed!!!

The thing I loved the most was the staff has amazing energy and their name tags are the cutest things.  Instead of having their title under their names, they have their passions displayed.  Mark LOVES HOCKEY!! HAHA... GO LEAFS GO!! Even though, Jason loves the Habs, I have to say thank you to him for the great tour and for showing me that wonderful view.   Bin, you were also a delight to speak too.  Bin’s passion is cricket. LOL. We are in Canada Bin; you need to cheer for the Leafs!! Thank you Bin, for being so kind and courteous.

I miss this hotel. I really miss the staff. I hope to come back soon.  Maybe, I’ll see Lupul there soon??!! Ha-ha. Stay tuned everyone, as I will be talking about the restaurant Toula soon. It is located at the top of this amazing hotel!!!!!

For more of my posts, please visit my blog at www.justbeingmeluvuholts.blogspot.ca.

Until next time boys and girls...” remember, to always just be yourself, it will eventually pay off…” DID I MENTION I met DOUG GILMOUR at the Westin Harbour castle!!?! LOL. ©justbeingmeluvuholts      CHECK out my pictures from my stay at the Westin: