Shopping for a Hat in Toronto : Goorin Bros.

* * * UPDATE : This shop, on Queen Street West in Toronto, has closed permanently. * * *My man Nick has recently become a fedora wearing guy, after buying a summer weight one while on vacation on the Island of St. Martin a little over a year ago. (You can see him moments after getting that new hat here.) Being a hat wearer myself, this came long after my suggesting that he try out that style to keep the sun off his head and face.Anyway, as much as I suggested a fedora, the idea really had to be his own, and that it was when he picked out his hat while out on a shopping trip in this sunny locale.Then he proceeded to really get into it, and wore it a lot in Toronto over the summer. (You can see him in it here, here and here).So when he was still popping that hat onto his head come November, I knew exactly what I was going to get him for Christmas. I was on the look out for a nice winter weight fedora and I knew the store I was going to check out to find it. That was Goorin Hat Shop, at 320 Queen Street West, (just east of Spadina on the north side). Having opened there a year and a half ago, I'd seen this neat looking store from the outside and was very keen to have a look inside.And what a fine hat emporium it proved to be. These pictures, that I asked permission to take, will do the talking, but oh my goodness, does this place have character. And a mind boggling selection of very nice hats, for both men and women.

Bits and Pieces : December 2013

Hi! Here is the monthly post where I put the photos that I took during the previous month, which didn't find a home in any other post. I try to choose them carefully so that they're interesting. I hope you like December's selection which admittedly is somewhat Christmas-centric, but alas, that was what was to be had in Toronto at this time of year.

↑↑ No Flyers Please : I guess this household didn't want Santa and his reindeer coming by (hardee har har). I love the colour of this door and the simple wreath. You've seen this same door in a "Bits and Pieces" post before, from October when they had a pumpkin out, here.

Top 10 Most Viewed in 2013

Since 9 of the 10 posts in the 'Top 10 Most Viewed on My Blog in 2013' were actually written in a previous year, before very many people were actually reading here, there is a very high likelihood that you haven't seen this content, so I thought I'd give you a rundown.

Before I proceed though I must say that I consider my blog to be still in its rookie phase, being a little over 2 years old, so in the big scheme of things on the internet the hits to these posts are modest. That said, I am happy with where I am on this blogging journey and am grateful for every single visit made to my site.

Beginning with the most viewed post in 2013 ...

( 1) It's No Hassle to Make a Tassel

Originally Posted: November 22, 2011 Here

This tutorial on how to make two types of tassels, one using a skein of embroidery floss and the second using yarn, was written after I had completed a crocheted scarf and wanted to trim the ends with big yarn tassels.

This was the first time that I did a step-by-step photo instructions and I think people liked being able to see everything laid out like that. The post gained further popularity after it was linked to here as part of a gift wrapping tutorial.

Update : The embroidery thread tassel I made in the tutorial is still decorating the cabinet in our kitchen, and the scarf has become one of my favourites because it is so long, soft and warm, and because the tassels add a shot of good cheer in winter's gloom.

( 2) An Old Blanket Gets a New Life

Originally Posted: November 30, 2011 Here

Caturday Goes to the Dogs … Umm, Sort of

I must admit that I got a little choked up with love when I came upon Eddie taking a nap like this the other day. My heart goes out to that little lump under the blanket, and to the kind man who covered him up.No doubt that it has been mighty cold in these parts lately, so I'm sure the blanket was a welcome comfort. We've actually been talking about maybe getting him a little sweater like dogs wear, as he is getting on in years and seems to appreciate warmth more than he used to.

New Year’s Eve 2014 – Dancing at The Velvet Underground

After a few years of hearing live music on New Year's Eve, this year we decided to go dancing instead and our choice of place to do that was The Velvet Underground.

It's a spot that has been open for what seems like forever, which is quite a feat in Toronto's dance club scene, where there has been a lot of change and turnover. I've spent my fair share of time on dance floors and while I've tried out many of the clubs, The Velvet, with its bent towards Alternative Rock music, has always been my favourite. Nick and I spent a number of our first dates there, so there is a bit of sentiment attached to going there too.

So we knew what we we were in for in planning a night out at The Velvet Underground. And it did not disappoint in the least. We had a blast.

It's a friendly, cool and comfortable place to go, where people are generally happy and nice and on this particular night, cheerfully wishing friends and strangers alike a happy new year.

Our buddy George came along too, and though he isn't really a dancer, was right up there on the dance floor with us.

It is very dark in there and I got home to a bunch of very blurry pictures, these being the best of the lot. I try to use my flash as little as possible, but that was one night that I wish that I had thought to turn it on so that I could have gotten some decent shots of us. I especially would have loved one of Nick wearing the festive party hat.