There are a lot of events going on in the city and across the nation. But it’s important to remember that being mindful of Earth’s environment should be done 365 days a year.

I’m happy to see so much positive change when it comes to environmental promotion, less consuming, recycling, and reusing. But there’s so many things that could still be done. I’m going to try to to my part to help conserve and keep Earth as green as possible, whether it means opting for public transit over driving, turning off unnecessary lights, or by carefully recycling all that I can.

Be sure to do your part. Get involved. Keep in mind that this planet is the only one we have, and we need to sustain it.

Find out more about Earth Day events in your city (including taking the Brita® FilterForGood pledge at Yonge-Dundas Square to reduce bottled water waste) by visiting earthday.ca. If you’re free this weekend and would like to attend a fun and educational eco-consumer show, visit the Green Living Show at Exhibition Place in Toronto. Check out the details at greenlivingonline.ca

It’s that time of year again. The Canadian National Exhibition opened last Friday, and I finally made my way down there yesterday. Great crowd (esp. because of the Canada vs. Jamaica soccer/football game at BMO Field). Of course my first stop was the Food Building, since I was starving. Had a potato roti (no, I couldn’t afford the one with meat… lol), shared some fries & gravy with my friend and then we rolled out of there after we overate.

It’s a good thing the Olympic Exhibits are right outside the food building. After seeing some awesome trampoline work by some athletes, my friend and I tried wheelchair basketball which was a cool experience (check out my form ).

Then it was off to shop in the warehouse outlets housed in the Direct Energy Centre… got myself some nice deals at Stitches (can’t go wrong with $2.50 for a graphic T-shirt).

We missed a part of the Grand Illusion & Escape Artist show (featuring Kevin Ridgeway and Kristen Johnson), but we did manage to see her get submerged into a tank of water and escape from locked chains which was cool.

As the sun went down, we managed to sneak in a bit of the game by watching the giant screen just outside BMO Field (ended up in a tie game). Then it was time to call it a day.

I’ll probably be going again next week to get more Tiny Tom donuts.

Yesterday was Toronto’s popular Caribana parade, the highlight of the two-week celebration that brings a huge amount of tourism and Caribbean flavour to the city.

It was a gorgeous day on Saturday (after the morning rain let up at least), so I decided to make a last minute trip and head down to see the parade. I think I spent more time on transit than I actually did at the parade itself! Getting from any of the subways stations down to the Exhibition grounds was crazy. My friend and I were lucky enough to get a seat on the way down there and on the way back (makes a huge different walking to the previous stop). The bus was packed and there was a lot of traffic on the road heading down to to the parade.

Once along the Lakeshore, we were greated by wonderful sounds of steel pans, soca music and the smell of delicious Caribbean food. There were so many people, many of which were adorned in in a flag from their retrospective Caribbean nation, in costume (I guess they got all tired out from playing mas), or wearing as little as possible/dressed to impress. What sucked though that all the ‘real’ Caribbean food was on the lake-side of the parade, and there were fences sectioning off the parade from the other side that we were on: I couldn’t find a way to get the roti I was craving! Plus my friend had to head to work, so we walked around for a bit, took some photos, grabbed the most DELIOUS, sweet-tasting corn-on-the-cob ever (which was the most ‘Caribbean’ option available over hamburgers, fries, hot dogs and cotton candy) and headed home.

All in all, it was a fun day (especially the people-watching… if only we were fashion police). I was planning to go to Olympic Island today for the Island Festival, but I think I’m too late to buy tickets. Next year I’ll make better plans though, and make sure I get there early!

If you want to see the skies light up and are looking for a place in the GTA to watch them from try Ashbridges Bay, Canada’s Wonderland, Ontario Place, Milliken Park, Downsview Park or Mel Lastman’s Square.

The National Women’s Show offers a fantastic day out with girlfriends that you can’t find anywhere else! With everything from food and wine sampling to fashion and beauty; there will be celebrity guest speakers, fashion shows, free makeovers, tips for staying healthy, home décor and entertaining ideas, travel options plus career advice and over 425 exhibitors!

Make a day of it; bring your friends and be entertained. Enjoy great bargains and show specials, shop for well known brands or find a unique piece of clothing or jewelry at many of our boutique exhibits.

Experiment with a ‘new look’, ask the experts for advice on hairstyles, make-up and fitness. Take a sneak peak at what fashions are in store for the spring during our Fashion Shows plus enjoy cooking demonstrations all weekend.

Arrive early for your free Goodie Bag full of with great samples, plus information on amazing promotions and giveaways available only at the show! (While quantities last)

From sunset at 7:03 pm on Saturday, September 29, to sunrise at 7:14 am on Sunday, September 30, 2007, Toronto will be bustling with activity as thousands experience a full night of contemporary art and performance in three zones across the city.

After a stunning and triumphant launch in September 2006, the widespread appeal for Scotiabank Nuit Blanche to return in 2007 was overwhelming. On May 10, 2007, Toronto Mayor David Miller officially announced that Scotiabank Nuit Blanche had become an annual signature event for the City of Toronto, and he invited everyone to rediscover Toronto through this free, all-night celebration of contemporary art.

Visit the official ScotiaBank Nuit Blache site for details. Don’t forget to read their Survival Guide before heading out tonight.

Alas, ever since I got a “real” job, I couldn’t find enough time to devote to the festival, especially since they now require all volunteers to work a minimum of four shifts. But I enjoyed it while it lasted.

Being a self-professes shop-a-holic, I obviously ran out of funds to purchase advance ticket packages. I didn’t realize that tickets were almost $20 a pop! Regardless, I am going to have to fork over some cash to buy tickets to the Midnight Madness screening of Wilson Yip’s Flash Point starring Donnie Yen (Hero, Iron Monkey).

There’s also several must-see films such as Across The Universe, Michael Clayton, Elizabeth: The Golden Age and Ang Lee’s Lust, Caution, but for me these screenings can wait several weeks until they’re publicly released in theatres for 60% of the TIFF ticket price.

Visit the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival website for a list of all films, schedules and box office info. If you don’t have the funds to watch any screenings, you could always head down to Yorkville or the Galas to catch a glimpse of your favourite celebrity.

Now in it’s 129th year, the Canadian National Exhibition once again brings loads of fun, food and entertainment to the entire family. Ferris wheels, midway games and roller coasters have kicked off at the Exhibition grounds in Toronto and will be there until September 3rd (Labour Day).

With over a million visitors each year, The Ex is sure to provide a wide selection of events for everyone. My visit today consisted of a trip to the Food Building (first and foremost of course). This large establishment is definitely not for the calorie-conscious… so make sure you eat a large, healthy breakfast before you leave your house, so you won’t be tempted to gorge out on fair food the entire day. I had myself a nice mixed veggie roti from one of the Caribbean booths in the multicultural Food Building and a mango bubble tea to wash it down. My cousin, who’s up visiting from Jamaica, got some tasty Chinese food. The Food Building is certainly one of a kind with over 90 vendors.

Of course I had to stop at the infamous Tiny Tom Donuts on the way out of the building. $4 for a dozen of the most delectable morsels of dough… you can’t go wrong! Then it was off to the Warehouse Outlet in the Direct Energy Centre to tackle some shopping. Boy was I glad that I went… I picked up the Scene It DVD game that I was looking for–70% less than the regular price! I also scored some nice deals on summer clothes from BlueNotes and Sirens (Bikini bottoms, 3 for $5!).

Nearby was The Farm which houses every farm animal imaginable, including some adorable piglets and chicks. Watching street performers the Aquarêves walk down Princes’ Boulevard was cool (I wish I knew how to skip and bounce with giant pogo sticks attached to my feet). The Canadian Forces Display was very interesting. I got a chance to put my head through an army tank and sit in the cockpit of a fighter plane! We passed through the midway, being very good not to spend our hard-earned dollars trying to win a 5″ tall stuffed animal. I was tempted to purchase a deep-fried chocolate bar, but then I remembered how many calories and saturated fat I’d be consuming so I passed (and the fact that it cost $6). Also walked by the corndog stand, as much as I wanted one.

I wish I had more time (and energy) to visit the rest of the grounds, but there’s so much to see and do. Perhaps, next time I visit I’ll tackle climbing the rock wall they have up, or try my luck at the Casino. I’d also like to see the International Air Show. I’ll be back for sure before Summer comes to an end. After all I have to meet the stars from The Young and the Restless.

Make sure you visit on one of the 17 remaining days left this year. You won’t be disappointed. Tickets can be purchased online at the official site of The Ex, or on site for $14 (adult) $10 (children/senior). The gates are open from 10am to 10pm daily, with the exception of labour day (10am-7pm).

The Danforth was PACKED. I should’ve worn my runners because I got my toes stepped on a couple times, and nearly slipped on a watermelon peel with my sandals. The food was absolutely delicious. I had a chicken gyro, some pork shiskabob, stuffed vine-leaves and some super-sweet loukoumades (honey balls) for dessert. I’m tempted to reach down there again today, but I have a family BBQ to attend.

I’m sorry that I didn’t take any photos to post, but my hands were kind of full with food.

You can watch Mexican Chef Sergio Remolina Sanchez cook up a spicy meal, purchase some bottled hot pepper sauce and spices at the “Red Hot Market” or watch a demo on Indian cooking. What I’m really looking forwad to though is the 4th Annual Hot and Spicy Iron Chef Competition finals! I love spicy food, so this is an event that I can’t miss. Be sure to check out the schedule of events.

I’m seriously going to have to bring some tupperware with me this weekend.