The Hell Gate Bridge at Astoria New York

The Hell Gate Bridge crosses the Hell Gate, a strait of the East River, between Astoria in Queens and Randall and Wards Islands in Manhattan.  It is a railway bridge constructed 100 years ago in 1917,  It got it's name from the corruption of the Dutch phrase Helle Gadt which could mean either bright strait or clear opening and was originally applied to the entirety of the East River!!!

My Favourite Fall 2017 Fashions

Getting my fall wardrobe ready is a lot of fun for me!!!  I am looking forward to cozy sweaters and comfortable ponchos!!!  The first thing I do is put away all of my summer clothes and assess what I already have in my wardrobe that fits into this years's look!  My must haves are a selection of cashmere sweaters, a leather jacket, a basic black dress that I can wear under jackets, ponchos, leggings and skirts to go with sweaters, jeans, and ankle and knee boots.  The only item that I needed to buy this year was a bergundy cashmere sweater to round out my look! I find that buying classic styles of the best quality that I can afford, I save money in the long run and always feel good in what I wear!111

Rustic Peach Pie With Ontario Peaches !!!!

Whether you call it rustic peach pie or peach galette, a free form pie is the fastest route to a wonderful autumn pie!!!  Just use your favourite pie dough recipe and top with fresh peaches mixed with a little flour, sugar and cinnamon for a quick family favourite! This recipe also works well with plums and apples and the best part is they are all in season now! Bake one for now and freeze another for later when these fresh fruits are no longer available!  Enjoy!!!

Armen's Cafe, Southampton...You Gotta Eat Here!!!!!

If you visit the Saugeen Shores (Port Elgin or Southampton) Armen's Cafe is the place to go for amazing food!!!  We had the grilled veggie melt on homemade focaccia bread with an iced expresso that was absolutely delicious.  Armen is the chef and everything on the blackboard menu was well thought out and reasonably priced.  They have a cute rooftop patio and the waitress was very friendly!  Rent a cottage in the Saugeen Shores and go to Armen's for lunch and be amazed!!!!!

Homemade Hummus.....A Delicious Heathy Snack

Homemade hummus is so easy, especially when you use a hand held immersion blender.  Just mix 1 can of drained chickpeas with garlic, olive oil and tahini ( you can delete tahini or substitute peanut butter) season to taste with salt & pepper and if you like add 1 tsp. cumin until smooth.  It is great served with raw veggies or pita bread at a fraction of the cost of store bought!!!!!!!!

Zoodles and Salmon (a healthy favourite)

Zoodles  ( zucchini noodles made with a spiralizer ) are a delicious alternative to pasta.  Using a spiralizer is just like using a pencil sharpener, making delicious noodles in a matter of seconds.  I like to sauté mine in garlic and olive oil for about 5 minutes and then top with a little parmesan and  a piece of salmon or chicken!!!!

Avocado and Shrimp ( A Favourite Summer Treat )

I love the flavours of avocado and shrimp with fresh lime juice!!!!  Such an easy appetizer or snack, especially when you have Vincenzo's downstairs to supply all the amazing fresh ingredients!!!!