When it comes to tackling house duties, 48 hours is hardly a lot of time.
My browsing partner would be slated to return for a short-lived stay, and there were a number of preparations required in advance to ensure unobstructed execution of tasks.
My browsing partner would be slated to return for a short-lived stay, and there were a number of preparations required in advance to ensure unobstructed execution of tasks.
Non-negotiable was the assembly of shelves. Leading up to the weekend, I had undertaken a number of virtual (and physical!) visits to IKEA to finalize my shopping list. The Swedish furniture store is aggravating in that not all products are eligible for shipping. Moreover, merchandise availability varies across the GTA and Click & Collect incurs an addition five-dollar fee. Up until Friday evening, I had resolved to obtain all items on my list from the North York store - that is, until one of them sold out.
The unforeseen decline in stock had elicited a last-minute change of plans: IKEA Etobicoke would assume the first stop of my itinerary instead.
The unforeseen decline in stock had elicited a last-minute change of plans: IKEA Etobicoke would assume the first stop of my itinerary instead.
 |  |
Departing at 9 AM, I hit all the reds venturing along my regular route to the GO station. The trip was swift via the QEW, albeit stressful given sudden narrowing of lanes and needlessly assailing behaviour from surrounding drivers. Pulling in around 9:30 AM, I was surprised to witness high visitor volumes in the surface lot. The covered parking area was comparatively quieter, but exceedingly busy for the first hour of store opening.
Thankfully, more visitors were interested in browsing the showroom and hadn't yet made their way to the merchandise areas. The washrooms were also of decent cleanliness in the early hours, though the same commentary could not be validated at my time of departure.
Thankfully, more visitors were interested in browsing the showroom and hadn't yet made their way to the merchandise areas. The washrooms were also of decent cleanliness in the early hours, though the same commentary could not be validated at my time of departure.
 |  |
Navigating the aisles was a breeze, save the horrible cart with wheels full of hair. With time, wielding the dysfunctional apparatus and arranging the weighty items would lead to fatigue. I hadn't realized that the warehouse and common items (storage cases, plates, etc.) were stored separately either. Although I had managed to procure all articles of interest - and a few extras - the solo expedition on a schedule was not amusing in the slightest. And I'd envision the trip to be even more stressful during peak hours. People were already speeding through the aisles in the covered parking area!
A Cinnamon Roll with Icing would serve as my reward. The base of the bun was barely cinnamon-y, but passable. Horrendously tacky and cloying were the centimetre-thick squiggles of icing, being comprised of just icing sugar and water as opposed to cream cheese. The concoction would be wholly better without it.
 |  |
Around 10:20 AM, I'd climb back into the car, head throbbing but ready for my next schedule. The touch-up appointment with Kettle had been arranged several weeks ago, with the location being a relatively new studio in the Yonge-Lawrence area.
 |  |
BRINGMEYOURSKIN was located about five minutes south of Auberge du Pommier, just a short drive away from York Mills station. Street parking would be enforced along Yonge Street, thus I took to the nearby side streets. Posted signage confirmed that one hour parking was permitted Monday - Saturday between 8 AM - 6 PM.
I walked past the studio without realizing, as the second-level storefront did not really attract attention. Despite being denoted as "Open", the metal door did not budge. I hovered about for at least five minutes before realizing that it was, indeed, open, but just too heavy to shift with a light tug.
Climbing the steep stairwell, I was immediately welcomed by a member of staff. "I have an appointment." I voice trialed off while scanning my surroundings for Kettle. The space was compact, with a coat rack and tattoo chairs positioned near the landing area. Admittedly, it was odd to find the studio's waiting area and reception desk further away from the entry path than the servicing grounds. The constant inflow of customers posed somewhat of a distracting presence to artists and clients alike.
Climbing the steep stairwell, I was immediately welcomed by a member of staff. "I have an appointment." I voice trialed off while scanning my surroundings for Kettle. The space was compact, with a coat rack and tattoo chairs positioned near the landing area. Admittedly, it was odd to find the studio's waiting area and reception desk further away from the entry path than the servicing grounds. The constant inflow of customers posed somewhat of a distracting presence to artists and clients alike.
Kettle would emerge from her station by the window, then gesture towards the waiting area at the rear of the unit. Similar to La Maison, a waiver would be required of me before proceeding with the appointment. Situated on the stout coffee table was a double-sided menu stand: one side featured the QR code for PMU (permanent makeup) for brows, while the other for tattoos. The listed clauses were near identical to the Vancouver parlour, but did not require proof of ID to be attached to the form.
Located in the corridor between the waiting area and servicing chairs was a cramped single stall washroom with grimy shower stall (used for storage). The layout was astoundingly typical of Toronto, being both poorly maintained and difficult for guests to move about comfortably. Given the downstairs neighbour of My Roti Place/My Dosa Place, greasy fumes laced with Indian spices wafting upwards were also inevitable.
BRINGMEYOURSKIN was roughly one fifth the size of La Maison, if at all. That said, the studio was located in a much, much nicer area than Hastings, as Kettle would agree.
Since our first encounter in the sketchiest section of downtown Vancouver, she had been travelling the world - and also received hair extensions. Having visited Bali and other parts of the nation (Banff, Montréal), I was eager to ask of her Canada travels briefly. She noted preference for Toronto over Montréal due to the availability of Korean food, and also expressed relief towards the cleaner, calmer neighbourhood of Yonge-Lawrence, understandably.
Located in the corridor between the waiting area and servicing chairs was a cramped single stall washroom with grimy shower stall (used for storage). The layout was astoundingly typical of Toronto, being both poorly maintained and difficult for guests to move about comfortably. Given the downstairs neighbour of My Roti Place/My Dosa Place, greasy fumes laced with Indian spices wafting upwards were also inevitable.
BRINGMEYOURSKIN was roughly one fifth the size of La Maison, if at all. That said, the studio was located in a much, much nicer area than Hastings, as Kettle would agree.
Since our first encounter in the sketchiest section of downtown Vancouver, she had been travelling the world - and also received hair extensions. Having visited Bali and other parts of the nation (Banff, Montréal), I was eager to ask of her Canada travels briefly. She noted preference for Toronto over Montréal due to the availability of Korean food, and also expressed relief towards the cleaner, calmer neighbourhood of Yonge-Lawrence, understandably.
 |  |
The touch-up was remarkably quick, just as the original tattoo had been. With the reference image beside her, she retraced the ahgase outline, etching the shape in darker, bolder lines.
At the end of my visit, I extended a number of recommendations for coffee:
At the end of my visit, I extended a number of recommendations for coffee:
- Don't Yell At Me for lattes, namely the Brown Sugar Coffee Latte, Sea Salt Caramel Coffee Latte, and Osmanthus Coffee Latte
- Third Wave Coffee for black coffee, namely the Cold Brew
- Hazukido for americanos, namely my beloved Orange Americano
The same care instructions previously provided would apply for the touch-up, though this time she had recommended Aquaphor instead of Vaseline.
 |  |
Bidding Kettle farewell, I resumed exploration of the BIA district.
The infamous names of Shoushin and Bobbette and Belle were difficult to miss. Alas, the textured stone storefront of the dinner service omakase establishment and utterly basic, overpriced baked goods of the self-proclaimed artisanal pastry shop failed to pique my interest.
Droplets would fall intermittently as I roamed up and down Yonge. During this period, just one homeless observance was made.
 |  |
An eye-catching bubble gum pink against coppery brick facades, Sweetie Pie lured me within with an ongoing promotion of 2 Savoury Pies and 1 Sweet Pie for $27.99. The cashier incorrectly charged me $36.13, though I hadn't realized until much later. Either way, each pie averaged around $12, which was still acceptable.
5-inch rounds of Strawberry Rhubarb Pie, Braised Beef Short Rib Pie, and Southern Barbeque Pork Pie had been selected for enjoying at home. The latter two were intended to be requested frozen, though I had forgotten the specification in my half-awake daze.
5-inch rounds of Strawberry Rhubarb Pie, Braised Beef Short Rib Pie, and Southern Barbeque Pork Pie had been selected for enjoying at home. The latter two were intended to be requested frozen, though I had forgotten the specification in my half-awake daze.
 |  |
The Strawberry Rhubarb was indeed much tastier than the measly McDonald's attempt of the previous afternoon.
Meanwhile, the Southern Barbeque Pork was flavourful - yet mild, just as promised! - and brimming with delectable strands of pulled pork. Consistent with the previous two experiences, Braised Beef Short Rib was positively scrumptious.
Meanwhile, the Southern Barbeque Pork was flavourful - yet mild, just as promised! - and brimming with delectable strands of pulled pork. Consistent with the previous two experiences, Braised Beef Short Rib was positively scrumptious.
 |  |
With nothing else of interest, I promptly departed for North York. Originally, I had debated conserving funds by heading home for lunch. Overcome with newfound peace from completing the day's fixed schedules though, I resolved to reward myself with a cup of Don't Yell At Me.
Parking was found at the foot of a condo building with dazzling new concrete walkways. Canterbury Place was unsigned, enabling a handful of drivers, including myself, to park without qualms.
Parking was found at the foot of a condo building with dazzling new concrete walkways. Canterbury Place was unsigned, enabling a handful of drivers, including myself, to park without qualms.
With the temporary removal of the Brown Sugar Coffee Latte from the menu, an Osmanthus Coffee Latte with Oat Milk would be secured through the dedicated DYAM app. The bubble tea shop has earned quite a loyal following from its delectable assortment, persuading not only myself but my browsing partner as well - one notoriously known to frown upon "overpriced, sugary drinks". Further contributing their success is a fuss-free mobile app, amicable customer service, availability of clean indoor plumbing facilities, and a unique, eclectic seating area.
After the intense IKEA damage, I immediately turned to brainstorming quick, budget eats in the area. Dining areas were near nonexistent, nor had I intended to stick around for congestion levels to surge.
Two new tteokbokki outlets and a gyudon eatery by the name of Akabekoya were observed, but handheld items would be my best bet for meeting the objective at hand. Egg Club has assumed a spot on my radar for some time now, though there was little incentive given that the retailer had recently opened within Square One's The Food District. Starsnpigs' go-to of Maki Mart was also noted to offer a variety of hand rolls in portable, convenient packaging. Alas, I couldn't shake the impression that Sushi Bong (326) would grant me the greatest value.
The sit-down location at World on Yonge had shuttered for some time now, leaving just the takeout spot at Northtown Way. A few patrons hovered outside in wait of their orders. I bypassed them, peering at the menu posted near the entrance of the establishment. The prices were arguably steeper than recalled, for meal combos were no longer confined within the single digits.
Two new tteokbokki outlets and a gyudon eatery by the name of Akabekoya were observed, but handheld items would be my best bet for meeting the objective at hand. Egg Club has assumed a spot on my radar for some time now, though there was little incentive given that the retailer had recently opened within Square One's The Food District. Starsnpigs' go-to of Maki Mart was also noted to offer a variety of hand rolls in portable, convenient packaging. Alas, I couldn't shake the impression that Sushi Bong (326) would grant me the greatest value.
The sit-down location at World on Yonge had shuttered for some time now, leaving just the takeout spot at Northtown Way. A few patrons hovered outside in wait of their orders. I bypassed them, peering at the menu posted near the entrance of the establishment. The prices were arguably steeper than recalled, for meal combos were no longer confined within the single digits.
 |  |
Most popular was the eight-piece set of California Rolls for $5.99. Desiring a more robust option, I sought out the Salmon Roll at $7.52. My single order would come to $8.50 after tax. I handed a fifty dollar bill to the cashier, for a nearby sign noted cash and debit as the sole forms of acceptable payment. The daughter of the mom-and-pop shop was responsible for receiving payment for walk-in customers whilst taking calls, and advised me that change was limited as the restaurant had just opened for the day. Reluctant to break the fifty, she suggested payment by debit, though ultimately handed a small stack tens and fives to me to prevent losing business. Had she not done so, I likely would have cancelled the order and headed elsewhere.
A small biodegradable box was presented to me within a matter of minutes, placed into a complimentary plastic bag but devoid of napkins, chopsticks, and soy sauce. These articles would require acquisition on a self-serve basis from the adjacent condiment station.
The box's contents were revealed once back in the car. To my utter dismay, the Salmon Roll was strictly just salmon and rice! While accompanied by a squeeze wasabi and pickled yellow ginger, there were no further constituents: purely the fundamental elements of sushi rice and nori - not even cucumber or avocado! The salmon chunks were of a decent portion and the toasted sesame seeds crunchy and fragrant, though neither could justify the associated cost. with their premium assortment of sashimi, Maki Mart would have likely been better, faster, and probably accept Visa too.
A small biodegradable box was presented to me within a matter of minutes, placed into a complimentary plastic bag but devoid of napkins, chopsticks, and soy sauce. These articles would require acquisition on a self-serve basis from the adjacent condiment station.
The box's contents were revealed once back in the car. To my utter dismay, the Salmon Roll was strictly just salmon and rice! While accompanied by a squeeze wasabi and pickled yellow ginger, there were no further constituents: purely the fundamental elements of sushi rice and nori - not even cucumber or avocado! The salmon chunks were of a decent portion and the toasted sesame seeds crunchy and fragrant, though neither could justify the associated cost. with their premium assortment of sashimi, Maki Mart would have likely been better, faster, and probably accept Visa too.
After lamenting over the poor choice, I departed the district for home. There wasn't much congestion, thankfully, though a striking number of aggressive weekend drivers were encountered, for no apparent reason either. The typical array of slow and uncertain vehicle operators were unmistakably present, but so were outwardly hostile ones on the 401 and local streets.
Upon my return, I set out to tackle chores and house duties.
Upon my return, I set out to tackle chores and house duties.
First up was the unexpected emergence of grease spots from a couple who decided to dally on my driveway for an unsolicited ten minutes after picking up an item. Circular spots had been deposited on my property precisely in the shape of their vehicle.
In the absence of cat litter and WD-40, Google suggested using baking soda to extract the grease. My supply was running low, and even after spooning the entirety of my remaining inventory, the chemical compound did not succeed in purging the surface completely.
Yellowing of the baking soda patches would indicate partial extraction of the underlying grease, though twenty minutes had not sufficed in complete eradication. A sudden spurt of precipitation had also not helped my case, for the antacid would be washed away before sufficient exposure time had passed.
In the absence of cat litter and WD-40, Google suggested using baking soda to extract the grease. My supply was running low, and even after spooning the entirety of my remaining inventory, the chemical compound did not succeed in purging the surface completely.
Yellowing of the baking soda patches would indicate partial extraction of the underlying grease, though twenty minutes had not sufficed in complete eradication. A sudden spurt of precipitation had also not helped my case, for the antacid would be washed away before sufficient exposure time had passed.
 |  |
Scrubbing with a deteriorating kitchen sponge only helped a bit, but mainly soaked the sponge in brown liquid without eliminating the erratic eyesore.
With a glance at my now-vacant baking soda jar, I heaved a frustrated sigh. Subsequent chores would entail a trip to The Beer Store for beer and sake deposit returns, where the unexpected sighting of an NYC cab was made.
The remainder of the day would see assembly of an IKEA utility cart (by myself!!) and clean-up procedures for new purchases. It would dawn on me then that, while taking measurements of my items had ensured compatible bin sizes, it hadn't necessarily equated to compatibility with intended storage areas. The new fixtures were ultimately wider and deeper than any of my closet cavities.
The remainder of the day would see assembly of an IKEA utility cart (by myself!!) and clean-up procedures for new purchases. It would dawn on me then that, while taking measurements of my items had ensured compatible bin sizes, it hadn't necessarily equated to compatibility with intended storage areas. The new fixtures were ultimately wider and deeper than any of my closet cavities.
 |  |
In an attempt to clear out barely-used drawers, I discovered old jewellery dating back at least a decade. Handling of a beaded bracelet immediately led to breakage of a frail elastic cord, consequently, appending another task to my already lengthy list of chores.
The opportunity was used to revamp the bracelet with the addition of other beads salvaged from DIY days of my responsibility-free youth. Throughout the repair process, it was undeniable that my eyesight had faltered over the years. The thumbs were also not as nimble; not even tweezers could be used to hold tiny beads without slippage.
The opportunity was used to revamp the bracelet with the addition of other beads salvaged from DIY days of my responsibility-free youth. Throughout the repair process, it was undeniable that my eyesight had faltered over the years. The thumbs were also not as nimble; not even tweezers could be used to hold tiny beads without slippage.
Simple crystal necklaces that had once assumed regular rotation in my wardrobe resurfaced as well. These were preserved in their original case, while pieces more reflective of my current style would be updated with a new chain.
 |  |
And, with that, another weekend of adulting concludes.
RSS Feed