Exploring the City via TTC - a year in review

When I made the decision to start spending more time in the city at the end of 2014, I also promised myself that I would embrace "true" city living. This meant using the car less and actually giving public transit a chance. Well it's been an interesting adventure...

My first TTC adventure took place a little over a year ago,  in  the middle of a snow storm in Toronto, just before Christmas in 2014. I was a little nervous, a little scared with a whole lot of anxiety. But, as luck would have it - everyone I encountered was very pleasant and happy to direct me in the right direction from which train, to which stop. So with tokens in hand I headed to the Bay/Bloor area.

When I ventured out from below ground ... this is what I encountered ....BRRRRR temperatures ... sloshing side walks 

let's just say it didn't take long for me to discover that I could actually maneuver my way underground to various shops and what a discovery of shops below street level... Who knew?

While most of my TTC outings in 2015 were getting comfortable using the Bloor line - it didn't take long for me to start experiencing with the Yonge line, University line, street cars and I even take the 2-3 minute bus ride to get to my local subway station. For the most part the subway often gets me closer to where I'm going than driving and parking would. Once you learn the below street level PATH and where to pop out (I'm still learning its huge) - you can save yourself from the elements on cold, rainy, snowy or hot days. 

Most of my friends still can't believe that I - Ms. High Heeled am taking the TTC, and I'll be honest I sometimes can't believe it myself ... shhhh. When family and friends come to visit from out of city or from the burbs, I always suggest that we leave the cars parked and take the TTC. From the young to the young at heart and everyone in between it's a fun adventure. I highly suggest giving your out of city visitors a TTC experience. 

My outings on the TTC in 2015 have included Harbourfront; City Hall; CN Tower; St. Lawrence Market; The CNE; meeting friends at Shangri La and Windsor Arms for tea, The Ritz for Sunday brunch. These are places I would not have considered TTC - but to my surprise the subway got me closer than parking and I've saved a bundle on valet and parking fees and also been able to enjoy a glass or two of  vino/bubbly - that driving would have prevented. 

Over all my experiences with the TTC have been good. And yes, I have experienced it during rush hour; delays for track clearing or mechanical problems; the occasional rude or inconsiderate passenger and the odd unfriendly and unhelpful TTC attendant. There have been times when I've ran late for an appointment because of delays - but then I remind myself, an accident on the 401, DVP or Gardnier could have delayed me a lot longer and I would be stuck in stop and go traffic. While on the subway I can read, chat with fellow passengers or just use the time to be in the moment.

This year I've taken my commitment to "true" city living up a notch and am investing in monthly passes.
Let the TTC adventures begin!!

Do you take the Metro where you live? Would love to hear about your experiences - share your thoughts in the comments.

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What I Wore to Sunday Brunch and High Park

The day started out damp and cool with possibility of rain - so I decided to go for this down filled tan jacket purchased a few years ago, as it has a hood in case rain made an appearance. Instead of fighting the possible drizzle I left my hair au natural - curly. My Gucci Soho  has been the go to handbag since my birthday last December.

This necklace was a handcrafted gift I received from my blog friend Mary - of Hopefilled Living last year - and one I wear often.

Additional accessories diamond studs, treasured necklace from Mary, Gucci watch, and Hermès orange enamel bracelet .

Love the detail on the sleeve of my Free the People shirt  from Honey in Yorkdale Mall.

 Rediscovering city living took us to Kalendar  on College street for Sunday brunch. Once inside the memories of brunch and lunch meet ups with friends came flooding - the decor is a shabby chic, the service amazing and the food the highest quality. Definitely check out if you are in Toronto.

I enjoyed my fav French Toast with roasted herb potatoes and honey glazed ham. Mr. G. enjoyed an omelette with bacon, Asiago cheese, red onions a side of toast and roasted herb potatoes. And yes he ate the fruit garnish!

After brunch the rain made its appearance but the temps were definitely warmer. So my Pasotti umbrella came out and my jacket removed. Though I did keep my scarf on. as we strolled through High Park.

My Pasotti is the Purple  Dahlia Double Canopy which makes rainy days a lot less gloomy. 

The Christmas tree at Grenadier Restaurant in the park was brilliant ...

Mr. Snowman was holding up well despite the rain...

High Park is Toronto's largest public park featuring many hiking trails, sports facilities, diverse vegetation, a beautiful lakefront, convenient parking, easy public transit access, a dog park, a zoo, playgrounds for children, a couple of eateries (the Grenadier serves $2.99 breakfast Mon-Fri excluding holidays - and is open 7 days a week), greenhouses, picnic areas, various events are held throughout the year.

High Park is like NYC's Central Park ....

Of course ... we had to stop by and see how Santa's transportation helpers were doing. The Reindeer looked like they are ready for flight.

The High Park Zoo was founded in 1893 - and almost closed in June 2012 because the city eliminated it from its budget. Can you imagine??? Fortunately thanks to overwhelming public support, Friends of High Park Zoo volunteers have raised funds to keep the Zoo open in 2012 and for part of 2013.

While there today we spoke with one of the volunteers who was preparing for a fundraising event at the Grenadier restaurant and learned about ways to help.

To volunteer - contact : friendsofhighparkzoo@gmail.com

To Donate online: https://torontoparksandtrees.org/high-park-zoo

If visiting Toronto be sure to visit High Park - Admission is Free.

To learn more about the Park and events visit their website at http://www.highpark.org/

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