Getting Right Into the Film at TIFF’s Virtual Reality Experience

Last month, our friend Meghan invited us to a Virtual Reality Experience, and although we didn't really understand what we were going to see, we agreed to meet her at the TIFF Lightbox Theatre at an appointed time -- 2pm on a Friday.

The event was called POP 02 -- the POP part because it is a pop-up installation and the 02 part because it was the second one (of three). Meghan had been to POP 01, so she was an experienced POPper.

First we lined up to sign a waiver confirming that we were entering at our own risk. We laughed nervously and put our names on the line.

A Delicious Lunch at Corrado’s – Update : CLOSED

Searching Yelp for a restaurant suggestion last spring, I couldn't help but notice the listing for a place called "Corrado's", considering they had the absolute highest rating of all the restaurants in Toronto. Of course, I had to click through and immediately recognized it based on the picture ... it was the "We Got Balls" place on John Street, that I'd passed many times.

The balls in question are Sicilian Rice Balls called Arincini, and according to Yelp, Corrado's were amazing. Reviewers thought that everything on the menu was excellent, but were drawn to the place not only for the food, but also for the remarkably friendly service.

I put it at the top of the "must try" file in my head and looked forward to the chance to go.

So, when Andrea and I recently found ourselves on John Street, after taking a long walk and wanting something to eat, I knew just the place.

We were warmly greeted by the owner himself, Corrado, who cheerfully explained the choices to us. They offer so many delicious sounding things, but I knew I needed to try one of the rice balls. He kindly offered us one of those to share on the house, and encouraged us to choose something else, so we both went for a sandwich -- one veal and one meatball, and a couple of Italian sodas.

Handmade Birthday Card : Coloured Embroidery on Black

ass="aligncenter size-full wp-image-33148 blk-brdr" src="http://www.loulou.to/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/how-to-make-a-birthday-card-embroidery-on-paper.jpg" alt="how-to-make-a-birthday-card-embroidery-on-paper" width="640" height="480">This handmade card was inspired by a black t-shirt I once had, that had some brightly coloured embroidered flowers around the collar. The embroidered flowers are called Lazy Daisies, and appear to almost glow against the black background!Here's what you need to make one:- A black card base, either handmade or store bought and an envelope. I got mine pre-made from Michael's Craft Store.- A black label -- these are meant to be written on with chalk and used to identify jars. I got them at Michael's too.- A piece of card-stock that matches the inside of your card.- A white gel pen.- Some brightly coloured embroidery thread.- Something to poke holes in the card. I have an awl but a tack would work too.- Two sided tape, a needle, a needle threader (optional) and some scissors.

Empanadas and Storytelling in Kensington Market

c="http://www.loulou.to/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/pressgang-storytelling-toronto-fringe-festival-at-handlebar-kensington-market.jpg" alt="pressgang-storytelling-toronto-fringe-festival-at-handlebar-kensington-market" width="640" height="480" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-33124 blk-brdr">Have you ever been to a show where people step up to the microphone and tell a story? These are true stories, meant for adult ears only?I ask because, until recently, I had not. Sure, I've heard stories told by friends and family, through lyrics by musicians, read by poets, recited by actors in plays, and expressed through jokes, but this show that Nick and I saw recently, at the invitation of our friend Meghan, was a type of entertainment that was new to me. And I totally loved it.It was part of the Toronto Fringe Festival and was held at Handlebar at 159 Augusta in Kensington Market.But first, let's talk about the delicious dinner we had before the show ...We ate at Jumbo Empanadas at 245 Augusta. Ok, so this turned out to be an evening of firsts for me, as I'd never had an empanada before either. But, I've always wanted to try one, so the restaurant was my choice. Meghan had been there before, so gladly agreed, and Nick had also never tried them so was keen as well. From what I understand, there are few places better to have them in Toronto than at this place.

Great Looking Gifts at the Art Gallery : The Lawren Harris Exhibit Pop-Up Shop

A few weeks ago, in this post, I wrote about the beautiful exhibit curated by comedian and actor Steve Martin, showcasing the work of Canadian painter Lawren Harris, that is hanging at the AGO this summer until September 18th, 2016.

Today I thought I'd show you the excellent pop-up gift shop the gallery set up to accompany the exhibit.

The colours and textures of the decor and items available reflect Lawren Harris' paintings so well.