Hi friends, I had a bit of an adventure today. Instead of getting on the subway and heading to the office, I caught a streetcar down to the One of a Kind Show. No, I wasn't there to shop (just yet) – I was judging a competition. Once there, I joined my fellow judges, Arren Williams and Ashley (representing contest sponsor Tetley), and we spent some time perusing the displays. The artisans who were appearing at the show had been invited to enter an item that showcased their interpretation of the word "green." Contest entries ran the gamut from clothes to books to household items, including a set of bowls made of paper-thin slices of vegetables. Fascinating. Eventually we narrowed down our choices, deliberated about the winners over a cup of coffee, and then, decisions made, headed off in different directions. It was time to shop! It took some time to wander the aisles – there's always so much to see at the show. A few things that caught my eye:

• Clever accessories from Avril Loreti. (You know how much moustaches make me laugh.)
• Great kid's costumes from Fancy Pants Kids.
• Fabric from repeat studio, including several freshly pressed designs. I think that a simple quilt made of a selection of their fat quarters would be just lovely.
• The mugs and bowls from Not Made in China were simple and attractive – and would make a great gift for that made-in-Canada stickler in your life!
• I'm in the market for a new purse, and I was drawn to the bags at U.S.E.D. – made of recycled seatbelts. They were big (and strong) enough to hold everything-and-the-kitchen sink.

Have a great night. See you here again tomorrow!