In Good Order Links

360 Cities – World Panoramic Photography

Heather — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:44:14 +0000

While researching a trip to Bogota, Colombia, I stumbled upon this wonderful site with beautiful, high-quality panoramic photography of hundreds of cities. Advanced software allows you to scan up, down, all around famous sites. – Heather

Blue Banana Market

Philippa — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:37:54 +0000

Just one of many stalls!

This place is my idea of heaven and my husband’s worst shopping nightmare! Nestled in the heart of Kensington Market , Blue Banana is a 2- story loft shopping extravaganza. Full to the brim, with unbelievable one-of-a-kind funky finds from the latest and hottest artisans, Blue Banana is truly a one-stop shop for everyone in your family. An added bonus – they have a cafe serving 3 types of Balzac coffee and yummy treats – great for those weary feet, and the perfect spot to park the husband! – Philippa

Sweet Flour

Philippa — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:34:43 +0000

Nia's favourite: mint chocolate chips & M&Ms

Cookies fresh from the oven….yummy. Nia, my six-year old daughter introduced me to Sweet Flour. A High Park local favourite, Sweet Flour offers custom made cookies baked in minutes right in front of you. Choose your dough and your toppings, which can be healthy or, if you’re like me, must include chocolate! Also available are customizable muffin tops, cookie sandwiches and home-made granola.

A great venue to hold a birthday party for the sweet tooth in your family, or maybe our next In Good Order team meeting. – Philippa

Bogs Boots

Philippa — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:28:02 +0000

My friend Katie and her little prankster daughter, Harper, in their Bogs

In the summertime it’s Crocs, and in the winter it’s Bogs. They are hands-down the best pair of winter boots my daughter has ever had. My friend Katie turned me onto Bogs – her husband is a rep! When the dreaded snow pant and winter boot season is upon us, these well designed kid friendly boots are number one on my list. Not only do they look great and come in a wide variety of patterns, they are super-easy for kids to pull on ensuring your child is not the last one in line for recess! What’s even better, Bogs are not just for kids. – Philippa

Artverb Fine Art Transportation & Installation

Christie — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 07:57:54 +0000

When a client needs art rehung after a move, there is one tall man we like to call on – Ryan Barrett of ArtVerb. Referred to us by a client, Ryan is an artist himself and good to work with. He arrives in his uniform and bright green truck. He hangs art, from Group of Seven originals to posters, to maximum effect. And is a good listener. And tall. – Christie

In Good Order and the Rick Mercer Report collide!

Philippa — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 02:34:04 +0000

(L-R) Terry (my RMR colleague and occasional IGO handyman) Christie, Lisa, Heather, myself and Judy on the set of the CBC's Rick Mercer Report

My two worlds have finally merged! When I’m not working with the girls from In Good Order, I work as a props buyer at the CBC on the Rick Mercer Report. Since Christie doesn’t even own a TV, this was my chance to introduce the gang to ‘TV Land’. What a great night that included a personalized tour, sitting in on the taping of the live show, and then a good gossip and drinks back in our props room! I think even Christie came away a little star struck. - Philippa

ECHOage Parties – Where Children Celebrate Giving

Philippa — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:19:59 +0000

Not another birthday party, not another plastic toy! For parents who find themselves in the toy store every other weekend searching for that special gift, this idea is a welcome relief!

ECHOage is a charity-driven website which invites birthday guests to make a secure online contribution towards the purchase of one special group gift and one charity cause chosen by the birthday girl or boy.

My daughter has recently been invited to two ECHOage parties, and I can’t tell you how much easier it makes the whole birthday party going experience. Now all I have to worry about is getting there early enough to snag a piece of birthday cake! - Philippa

Twice as Nice Consignment Store

Philippa — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 23:15:13 +0000

Owner Rosie with all her great stuff

Alright I’ll admit it, I’m a thrift store junkie. Second-hand chic is my style! Becoming a parent taught me that kids grow out of clothes fast, and that buying new expensive clothes all the time simply isn’t worth it. Enter Twice as Nice, my local children’s consignment store. A quick browse through the racks and you will be pleasantly surprised by all the great brand names and goodies you will find. Twice as Nice is always on my stop along St. Clair. – Philippa

Google Store

Heather — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:54:31 +0000

Just a handful of the Google gadgets found in Jeff's apartment

My brother works at Google, so when my sister and I went to California to visit, we were given the tour of the campus. We both were crazy for the Google Store – full of Google branded merchandise!

They carry many eco-friendly products (organic and bamboo fibres in most of the t-shirts), and it all makes for perfect geek-chic fashion!

The company allows all employees time to develop their own ideas – which may explain why they are taking over the (cyber) universe with tools In Good Order uses every day: Gmail, Google Maps, Google Calendar, Google Docs, Picasa, You Tube, Google Earth, Google Toolbar… – Heather

Bulldog Coffee

Heather — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:28:13 +0000

“Please don’t bother asking, just bring me an Americano” Christie told me early on. I understood as she and I make up the coffee lovers portion of In Good Order.

My days trekking to Ryerson’s Interior Design school introduced me to this Toronto’s boutique coffee shop tucked in a side-street off of Church.

Owner/barista Stuart Ross takes his coffee very seriously. I had my first art coffee here and I was hooked. The flavour doesn’t compare to a franchise coffee, it’s more complex, smooth, heavenly! Try the “Bulldog” or a Bavarian Chocolate Latte. – Heather