Brunch at Fressen

For the most part this weekend was the perfect weekend. A couple of great classes at Core, a walk along a sunny Queen West with B, a brunch (or two!), some shopping (thank you Little Honey Bee!) and some drinks with friends. I find there is always one weekend toward the end of winter where you realize that summer is just around the corner – this was the weekend. 

The weekend’s highlight, though, had to be the blogger brunch I went to. For a while now I have been following the adventures of Oh She Glows. A couple of weeks ago she suggested a meet up in Toronto and I decided to put my name down as someone who would be interested in going. I have to admit I was a little nervous. I had never done something like this before – is kind of like going on a group blind date! You are worried about what the other people will be like, if they will like you and what to wear. 

Turns out I had nothing to be worried about. The other 16 ladies (!) who ended up going to this blogger brunch at Fressen were fantastic, interesting and down to earth. It was great to connect with a bunch of women and hear about their stories. Thank you Angela for taking the time to organize this! To get an idea of who I met check out their blogs! I know I’m looking forward to reading them!
 

• Life after bagels
• Julie Boyer
• An Opera Singer in the kitchen
• Kristin nibbles
• Revel
• Training to live
• Happy Go Lucky
• Mediterranean miss
• Stars in the City

 
On a final note, yesterday’s meeting reminded me how good (and healthy for you!) it is to put yourself into new situations. Lululemon really is right – it is good to do one thing a day that scares you.

Extension Method's ballet brunch

Each day I get a newsletter from Sweetspot.ca. which I admit I actually do enjoy – not because of its frequency but because it usually has some good information on what is happening in Toronto.

This week I found out about a ballet brunch event that is happening in early August which I thought was kind of a neat idea. It also sounds like the perfect event to gather up a bunch of girlfriends that you haven’t seen in a while.

So what is involved?

The first part of the event will be a one and half hour Extension Method class. The Extension Method is the brainchild of Jennifer Nichols and “combines classical ballet technique with contemporary athletic conditioning and is designed to impart the strength, posture, ease of movement, and sculpted physique of a dancer” (Extension Method website). According to the event coordinators you do not have to be a ballerina to join in and the class can easily be done by beginners. To learn more about what a class is like check out Canada.com’s recent article.

The next part of the event features guest speaker, spa giveaways and a very delicious sounding organic brunch. Things like a garden vegetable frittata, multigrain blueberry French toast and bowls of fresh berries are on the menu. Delicious!

The event takes place on August 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and costs are $55 if you come alone and $45 if you bring a friend! You can register via email at info@boutiquemarketing.ca

If you can’t make it to the ballet brunch (like I can’t due to marathon training) you can always check out Jennifer’s Extension Method Classes at a variety of locations. She teaches classes at the Yorkville Club Uptown, Lawrence Park Chiropractic and Physiotherapy and at a couple of Extreme Fitness locations.

Brunch @ Live Food Bar

For me food and workouts go together. I love nothing more than going to brunch after working out – especially on the weekends.

Lately, I have been trying to choose “healthier” brunch options, though. Gone are the days when I could eat my way through four pieces of buttered toast, a cheese filled omelet and potatoes without instantly gaining 5 lbs. So unfair.
One of my most recent finds (thanks to a friend) was Live Food bar near Davenport and Spadina. Described as Toronto’s “organic raw food restaurant” this place is sure to satisfy your healthy eating needs – and your non raw food needs as they have “cooked offerings”.

What was on my plate?

The Chef’s Seasonal Omelet made with tofu and asparagus.  Accompanied by a side of tempeh ‘bacon’, Ezekiel sprouted toast and even some potatoes. It was delicious and satisfying. Next time I go I’m going for dinner and trying out their “spaghetti” which is made with zucchini.

They also have a great patio where you can soak up the summer sunshine. Go there after a long Sunday run and you won’t be disappointed.