// It's September... ;)

>> Some things are no-brainers... 'feel good' music is one of them:

Satin Jackets - You Make Me Feel Good (Original Mix)

And they're off... The first group of our third millennial children (those children born in the year 2000 - 2999) begins high school today in Toronto! Many watchful eyes continue to track these new high schoolers and what trends will become a part of their lives over the next four years. I realized this when past grade level teachers who had retired or moved on to other elementary schools showed up for their middle school graduation back in June to celebrate their achievement and we were able to kick back and chat for a few as they took group photos, danced, and enjoyed an evening of pizza, special cakes, and tons of extra treats! They are full of energy, spirit, very protective of each other, and pretty decisive in what works for them and what doesn't. And they are sticking to it! :) They have a passion for technology and staying 'in the know' with developing software and social media. They have a fierce entrepreneurial makeup and for the most part have already mapped a creative framework as part of their career path. I'm psyched and excited for what's to come too... ;)

On the home front... Meet our newest family member: Jasper Elizabeth... a male ginger-coat tabby cat that my youngest sister adopted from one of the Toronto Animal Rescue Missions for my niece Xena. Don't ask me why Elizabeth... it still makes me laugh! Good thing I'm also the resident family therapist! Jasper is described as a shy little boy who's a bit 'stand-offish'. During his first week in his new home, he would hide a lot (under beds)... Fast forward two weeks later, he's relaxed and living large with his own favorite blanket, window seat spot on the couch, a lengthy ledge to walk (perhaps even model) along and enjoy some outdoor sightseeing as desired, his own special executive-styled serveware, and as much gentle stroking as he can handle when he wants to cuddle up. Jaspy is nocturnal (as most cats are), so is often up enjoying whatever we are watching late at nights too! It got me thinking..., when I 'go', I want to 'come back' as a mermaid, cat! It's a cat's life! meow* ;)

Creating some family time... We all work varied hours, often scattered, and all over the city now, that we were rarely enjoying some quiet and relaxed down time together, so I started a Saturday Suppers family get-together a couple months ago to keep some simple connectivity, and lay low bonding afloat, when we are all in the same city. One of the fun things about it, is trying new simple eateries that we've never been to before. I'm learning a lot about places these days... Last weekend, we hopped over to The Fish Store & YuNes' Sandwiches, a very rustic, outdoor-styled fish spot where you select the type of fish you'd like (black cod, salmon, tilapia, snapper, haddock etc... and even shrimp) cooked and served in a wrap of your choice, or with rice and beans, or a salad-- avocadoes included! Xena is a very picky eater so I have to make sure wherever I select has something she enjoys... she loves shrimp, but chose the tilapia tacos above and is still raving about it! I had the salmon wrap with avocadoes, lots of romaine lettuce and a tangy wine vinegar sauce-- another tasty choice!

The Fish Store & YuNes' Sandwiches | 657 College Street | Toronto, Ontario | (416) 533 2822

And of course some September treats to welcome fall's arrival this month... Two weeks ago I spotted a photo in one of our local newspapers that showed what fall would be all about: a woman rollerblading in a peach color-block bikini while walking her doggy... not much of a chill in the air for a while yet. But, fall will arrive on schedule cooler or not officially this month, making it another great time for some pampering treats. :) These are all gifts I'm currently enjoying and gratefully happy for as they are all so amazingly wonderful to take us from dawn into dusk! You've got to try them too... Left to right: Dr. Bronner's Baby-Mild Pure-Castile Liquid Soap, also available at our Whole Foods Market and Noah's Natural Foods (a gentle, clean and refreshing body wash), Marc Jacobs' Daisy Dream Fragrance (the name says it all-- lush dreams and happiness in his beautifully crafted, signature daisy-petalled bottle... love it!), and wow this Pumpkin Caramel Latte Mason Jar Candle from Bath & Body Works turned our bedroom into a decadent French bakery within minutes of being lit! Definitely a bedside table staple for fall. ;)

Inspired... A well-timed, colorfully creative find for our new school year from The Sweet Escape... The vibrant splash of colors caught my eye while surfing the net a few weeks ago, and well, the words by Tina Fey make it even more powerful. I always say we gain maximum momentum during the fall with our cooler and more energized weather... thumbs up to all things good, healthy, happy and positive in our often busy, sometimes frantic too daily lives...