If you like beads and you haven’t been to The Beadery you are missing out! Claude, the owner, is a jewellery designer with a fantastic eye. He collects all kinds of interesting beads and jewellery supplies from around the world. You’ll find exquisite beads here that are hard to find anywhere else. The Beadery is on the north side of Queen west of Spadina.

Technorati Tags: Artisan, beads, Craft, jewellery, Queen St. W

A charming neighbourhood coffee shop just opened up on Dundas St West near Dufferin. Zoots Cafe is a great little space that has an amazing vibe. It feels like you are visiting a funky friend’s place who’s a good cook. They offer lovely baked goods and sandwiches as well as some nice coffee options. This creative space has a vintage shop in the back only open on weekends. It also has a decent collection of board games and free wifi. What a great addition to the neighbourhood.

Technorati Tags: Cafe, coffee, cozy, delicious, Dundas Street , local business, pastries, wifi

I don’t know about you, but this time of year I have a real desire to get organized. In my current circumstance of having a little one on my hands it’s hard to do, so I take all the help I can get. “Neat” is a store that has all kinds of containers and devices to help you get organized. They also have some general stuff for your home that is kinda ‘neat’ (as in cool) and has nothing to do with organization. A fun little store if you are into some new beginnings for your home. It’s located on Queen St. W, west of Bathurst.

Technorati Tags: Queen St. W, Toronto

Saving Gigi is an eclectic little cafe on the corner of Bloor and Roxton. As you may have guessed the cafe is half owned by the owner of ‘Saving Grace’. This is precisely why the baked goods are so tasty: they are baked each morning at Saving Grace. It is a great place to go for a grilled sandwich, a coffee and some reading. They also have wifi. Elementary, my dear Gigi!

Technorati Tags: sandwiches, restaurant, Toronto, wifi