bits and pieces

[Originally posted at: http://iheartmuseums.posterous.com/2011-365-365-sleepy-new-year ]

Only one more photo left! Gasp.

[Originally posted at: http://iheartmuseums.posterous.com/2011-365-364-faces ]

I was waiting for the streetcar downtown today, across from this backpacker’s hotel. This was the first place I ever stayed the first time I came to Toronto, way back in 2004. (It wasn’t really a super great hostel, but that’s beside the point.) It’s hard to believe it’s been that long! The city seemed so huge and overwhelming to me back then - I remember hauling myself and my backpack over from the subway.. that’s so ludicrous! Haha, foolish past-Nicole. Anyhow, it’s strange standing across the street from this place now, having made this city my home instead of a stopping point. 

[View on Flickr]

[Originally posted at: http://iheartmuseums.posterous.com/2011-365-363-global-village ]

[Originally posted at: http://iheartmuseums.posterous.com/2011-365-362-drake ]

[Originally posted at: http://iheartmuseums.posterous.com/2011-365-361-3 ]

[Originally posted at: http://iheartmuseums.posterous.com/2011-365-360-1000 ]

See the full gallery on Posterous

[Originally posted at: http://iheartmuseums.posterous.com/2011-365-359-dino-escape ]

[Originally posted at: http://iheartmuseums.posterous.com/2011-365-358-noggin ]

[Originally posted at: http://iheartmuseums.posterous.com/2011-365-356-tinker-tailor-soldier-spy ]

When I was in Winnipeg during the summer, I tried Boon Burger’s terrific “Thanksgiving” burger, with all the flavours and suchlike of this time of year. I love themed food like that, in a form you sort of least expect it in. So when I tried the “holiday leftovers” burrito at Hot Beans today, I was excited to find it was as awesome as expected. A bit of soy “turkey”, some roasted veg, stuffing, gravy and a cranberry sauce all wrapped up in a tortilla satchel of awesome. HOLIDAYS IN MY MOUTH. Oof. If every day being xmas meant a burrito like that, I think i’d be okay with it. I doubt anything I create pre or post leftovers will match its deliciousness. Check out this hot mess: 

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[Originally posted at: http://iheartmuseums.posterous.com/2011-365-355-a-holiday-leftover-meal-before-t ]

[Originally posted at: http://iheartmuseums.posterous.com/2011-365-354-so-close ]

[Originally posted at: http://iheartmuseums.posterous.com/2011-365-353-monday-hangouts ]

I’d never experienced a holiday cookie exchange before moving to North America. The first time I participated in one, I wasn’t sure of what it exactly entailed. Not realising you brought along, say, half a dozen cookies for each person participating and in return you get half a dozen from each of then, I just turned up with a tupperware container with small batch of cookies. At least we had something to snack on while we chuckled at my misunderstanding :) This time around I got it so totally right, PLUS everything was vegan and amazing so I came home hopped up on sugar and so happy with my goodies! Mmmm. So many different flavours, shapes and textures - choc chips, oatmeals, thumbprints, shortbread, peanut butter balls, Mexican wedding cookies, oh my! I guess now would be a great time to come visit me for a cup of tea and a cookie.

[Originally posted at: http://iheartmuseums.posterous.com/2011-365-352-cookie-monster ]

[Originally posted at: http://iheartmuseums.posterous.com/2011-365-351-leaf-seat ]

[Originally posted at: http://iheartmuseums.posterous.com/2011-365-350-be-specific ]