Love at first sight

It's official we now have male mannequins for our Etsy shop! We've already named them Oliver and Clark {classic names for some classic devils}. I love the permanent tie-print that has been burned into them from years of sitting in a sun-filled, store window. These fellas have been looking dashing for ages {and now they're ours}!

I'm smitten!

Jackpot at the Penny Arcade

Inspiration strikes on a chilly Toronto afternoon!

We're staying in the fantastic Ossington / Dundas area. That's where we stumbled upon a gem of a vintage shop, Penny Arcade. The shop is run by a lovely girl named Rachel. This is a true passion project for her and I think that's why we felt the stroke of inspiration the second we walked in. The store itself feels like her 'home'. Every detail is personal and thought-out. From the cozy living room hang-out area to the old-school clothing racks featuring wood that she found in the space when she first moved in, every detail is Rachel. Details aside the girl has impeccable taste. This is one of the nicest vintage shops I've been to in a while. The clothing itself is well-thought out, tailored and cared for. She's truly curated every item in the store from the heart. Of course we had tons of questions for her. And she answered them as earnestly as she could. Her advice for us shop owners-to-be was gold. Thanks Rachel!

Burger Lips

Dear Toronto,

We wanted to thank you for all having the best burgers in the world. I don't even eat burgers and I have fully taken on the grass-fed, organic beef addiction. And boy have I been going to town with them. My fave so far: The Burger Shoppe in my beloved Leslieville....okay I ate the yam fries too! Yum!

xo A very full Ashi

I would just like to add a comment regarding Ashi's apparent non-consumption to burgers. I would like to remind her of a period in her joyous life when she was hospitalized due to over consumption of Whoppers. After eating at least 4 per day she had to be treated for making cow like noises and had to be banned from grazing in fields. Shoot me, the truth has to be told.

R

That doesn't count. I was 14!!!

As the world turns

I came across this awesome globe at a local garage sale where Ashi was trapped in conversation with some old nut who claimed to own Toronto and half of Montreal also. I ducked out of the crazy fools banter in search of some vintage treats. This little number will one day sit perfectly in our store and i might keep the globe as well.

Ever the avid photographer, i made it my mission to take a close up of local wildlife. This little pie thief stole my apple so i made it my new mission to make a squirrel purse. You will soon be able to purchase the aforementioned purse in our on-line vintage store, details soon to follow. And yes i got the apple back from this this little critter.

Toronto'n

Following an amazing trip to Montreal, it was off to Toronto. Our journey over there was courtesy of a Craigslist ride share {i know, i know how to show a woman a good time}. In the back of a van full of fellow gypsies, we sped to Toronto in the howling wind and rain. The driver was a hero of a man, who was still in good spirits despite some angry back seat driver {not Ashi}, who was willing him to go faster. 

We got there 7 hours later, tired but excited for our next adventure. 

After recieveing a mix report about Toronto; i was keen to find out how the city ran, what cool neighbourhoods it contained and with the help of my favorite sherpa i knew i would see it in its true colours.

Poor cat had to smell my tasty pits. It wanted to take him home with me, honestly, but i had to let him roam free. One day i will own a little fury monster called Phillius!! i await his arrival.

Ashi was enjoying a coffee in the sun at her favorite joint Dark Horse Coffee Shop. I didn't react too well to the caffeine calamity, my heart was jumping out of my chest and i was running up and down the streets mooing like a cow. Can't put that down to the coffee though sorry, i'm just a little strange.

Everlong

I flew back home to Vancouver today. 

It's so dark and rainy here.

I'm hiding under the covers waiting for {sunshine} to come home.

xoxo Ashi

All My Friends

Our lovely sojourn in La Belle Province is sadly coming to an end. 

Our time here couldn't have been more perfect. From the mind-blowing musical acts that we witnessed storm the stages of Montreal during POP to the many Baileys and hot chocolates {mmm} we've shared in some very romantic French bistros. 

Although, what has truly been the most heart-warming part of this trip has been all our gorgeous friends, who have opened up their homes to us and treated us like family. 

I'm welling up just thinking of all the love you've shown us.

Marc: Thanks for always laughing at my inappropriate jokes, giving the best advice and making Renegade that lovely birthday breakfast.

Selin: The girlfriend everyone wants to have. You are so supportive and a hell of a shopping buddy! Can't to collaborate and show the world women CAN do amazing things in media together

Marie: The muse. If only I could have an ounce of your confidence and flair. You are truly an original and probably one of the most grounded and stunning souls I've ever met

Marie France: My little rock star. From mace to love nests, you've always had my back. So proud of you! Sorry we almost burned your place down....{Renegade!}

xo

Renegade & Ashi

Montreal Eats {boy does it ever}

Dear Montreal, 

I want to thank you for all the great little restos and pubs you've offered us at every street corner. My jeans now fit much tighter and well... you know... when the jeans are busting at the seams there must be some good eating. 

Here's a couple of my favorite MTL delights for putting on the puff.

• The delish perogies, sausages, borscht and cabbage rolls at Euro-Deli Batory  on St.Viateur are the only way I could survive the Montreal winters. Pure Comfort Food.    
• 'La gondole' grilled chicken, avocado and pesto panini at La Croissanterie Figaro was quite possibly consumed three nights in a row by Renegade and I
• Grilled calamari and mini cornichons (pickles) and a nice home brew at Resevoir                         

Put a Hex on you

Interviewed the most adorable and talented Montreal couple for Winnie Cooper; high school sweethearts Edmund Lam and Heidi Donnelley. Together they make up the electro-pop act Hexes and Ohs.  These guys are incredibly natural, both on and off stage. They're also just the nicest people ever! They've been making music together for a long time. Heidi was telling me all about the joys of working with her 'partner in crime'. Makes me want to get things moving on Renegade and I's vintage shop. In fact, how awesome would it be to dress these two! Not that they need the help. The pictures explain it all. 

Magic Mountain

Montreal has always been home for me. I miss it every day {I really do}.

 It's been so nice to have Renegade here with me during POP Montreal to see, for himself, the magic that is this city. Today we took a break from the late-night, music madness and hit the famous Mount Royal for a little hike up to a gorgeous view. 

It was also a chance for the handsome Renegade to model some of the vintage threads that we'll be selling in our little vintage shop. That's right kids, that iconic, sheep-skin lined lumberjack vest will be up for grabs very soon!

Stay Tuned

xo Ashi

Koala Karma

Interviewed the turntable titan this afternoon. Montreal's adopted son, Kid Koala, has been scratching, sampling and spinning for over 20 years now. What blows my mind is how driven and charged he still is about his craft, all these years later. This time round he's created a hybrid band with a few ex-members from the rocking, down-under outfit, Wolfmother. The project is called The Slew. Think Rage Against The Machine meets Lee Scratch Perry. The result: the over-crowded, sweaty mass at La Tulipe fist pumping to a dirty beat. Unfortunately, for now, the killer show was a one-time deal, but Kid Koala hinted at some more studio time for this mash-up. My TV interview with the da Kid coming soon. 

In the meantime,  I wanted to share the tunes with ya. Download the entire Slew album here. 

{Enjoy!}

xo Ashi

Its my Birfday innit!!

As we prepare for the nights frivolities. That's not a lazy eye you see, its the air blowing in Ashi's face {honestly!}, the lazy eye comes later!

We bust into the Metropolis and catch the end of the performance from the mystical character that is Fever Ray. Well i think it was her, however being the shy character she is, the dark masked silhouette could have been a miming homeless guy.

Upon returning to our beautiful hotel room, complete with hot tub and much to our delight, a fully stocked bar and kitchen that was apparently stocked just for my birthday. We break out the bubbles and load ourselves with bailey and coffee. 

  Tequila, Ashiberry's favorite shot! Hold your nose, i'm going in!

{Happy birthday Mr President}

Thanks Ashi. I had a blast! x

Birthday Love

Happy Birthday my dear Renegade!!!

xoxo

Ashiberry

Sidewalk Sessions.

Renegade is joining me in my soul-town of Montreal for POP Montreal {one of the sweetest indie music festivals in  North America} This is my third year covering the festival as a music reporter. This year I'm rocking the furry microphone for the wicked music site, cleverly titled, Winnie Cooper.  My first interview is with these guys, Silly Kissers. The Montreal act performed an impromptu, take-away-style, number for us on the roof of one of the band mate's flats.

Just as the band was getting into a wicked cover of 'Where's your head at' by The Basement Jaxx, an angry neighbour decided to blow his whistle on the whole operation. Literally! Apparently we were disturbing his kids. 

Yeah, the music was disturbing, not their raging angry daddy with his militant whistle. 

Whatever. After managing to fish the amp cables out of their third-floor apartment windows and down to St. Laurent Street we set up for some impromptu busking. Most seemed to enjoy the afternoon jam, well...other than the angry pooch pampering business next door.

Safe to say we dealt with that. Ashi is not so innocent after all.

Of Montreal

I had intended to surprise Ashi by arriving in Montreal a few days early, but failed due to swine flu!!! Finally, after battling the H1N1 Renegade touches down in Montreal!! Pop Montreal baby!! Bagels baby!! 

What bands will be seen?? How much artery clogging meat will be ingested??  

First stop is a charming Persian breakfast joint called Byblos where the menu is unimportant as the owner decides what you want if you like it or not. She was right though, the most perfect dill and feta eggs you have ever eaten. The recipe unknown {for now}.

We stumble across this yard sale and Ashiberry tries on some much needed vintage specs.

A few treats were found including some big tunes on vinyl. And of course shoes.

Head to Old Montreal for a cruise. The architecture is breathtaking. It's a nice change from the glass and concrete condos of Vancouver. Sorry Van, I love you but you aint old enough to know the truth.

Umm.. first taste of French cuisine. Crazy French staff served up a treat to the sound of big traditional French tunes. I don't know what I ate but I know it was damn good.