My Favorite Things

Dog Lover with a taste for danger.

1. Tigra: This canister is from a leading cigarette brand in Belgium. I actually have an ex boyfriend whose apartment was themed 'vert Tigra'. That sure is a lot of green! I bought this at a street sale for 3 Euros in 2003.

2. Clock: Bought this clock for my London kitchen in 2004 at a store called 'Pussy' in Brighton, England that sadly no longer exists. It made the move across the Atlantic with me and is now in my kitchen here in Toronto.

3. Soviet Matryoshka/Babushka doll set: I got this at the antique market on King St in the theatre district just before Xmas last year. There's a Russian guy there who sells all sorts of authentic imported Russian stuff.  I liked this because Putin was the smallest ;). I also have a thing for communist propaganda.

4. Chairman Mao Incense Holder: Friend of mine got it for me for Xmas one year when I was in university. He's from Hong Kong and has since moved back there. Sparked my mini Chairman Ma collection (which lives with my Jesus and Mary collections). 

5. Red Fuzzy Claw: From the Gloomy Bears that you can get at Magic Pony. I like to claw people with it. So what? 

6. Custom Dunny: My good friend Esther's boyfriend customizes these as a hobby. I bugged him enough to make me a Mary one that it actually worked. I don't bug him anymore.  

7. My Tretorns: They're fucking Tretorns. They rock! Duh. 

8. My dog Leelu: (lying on the yellow and white sheets) I bought her from a pet store in Gent, Belgium in 2003. She has a Belgian passport. She is very smart and loves to eat raw vegetables. 

9. My dog Buster: (the other dog picture) Buster is a rescue dog I got from PetFinder.com in 2006. He's very pretty but a little slow on the uptake. Which is fine cause Leelu is his boss anyway. 

10. Gun Vase: My boyfriend got me this last year for Valentine's Day. It's a vase shaped like 3 guns, what's not to like? 

11. Freshjive Arizona Maravilla: Mexican gang pics taken by Wynn Miller in 1977 and released by Freshjive in a set of limited edition prints. Many of the subjects of these photos are now dead or in prison.

Trash to treasure
Finding ritual and order in found objects

1 Ships Book
This book was given to my dad by his best friend for Christmas in 1979 (at least that’s what the inscription leads me to believe). I like to think about it sitting on the coffee table in the apartment my parents lived in when I was born. It has this nice leathery cover and is filled with beautiful pictures of boats. My dad was a boat (and car) guy all around, and it reminds me of him.

2 Stella the Cat
Stella is a cat we found at the Humane Society. We got her when she was about a year old. I know nothing about her life before us, but I like to imagine she was delivering cat justice on the mean streets of Toronto. She is very small and snuggles with me almost every night. Her hobbies include throwing around her toy mouse then chasing it, looking out the window at birds, and trying to steal food off the table. She has been known to grab cookies and drag them under the couch to feast on.

3 Sangria Set
I picked up this punch/sangria set at an antique store. As soon as I saw it I imagined me and my girlfriends lounging on my balcony on a Sunday afternoon. There is nothing better than the aforementioned activity, which makes this set one of my favourite things. I also love the colours.

4 Ceramic Tiger
This tiger is named Shanaynay. She was found at a garage sale, and is a favourite of many guests to my place. Sometimes we put a headband on her, but she prefers to shine in her natural glory. She is nestled under a collage of photos that were taken on some of the many adventures of my boyfriend Stephen and I. She’s a star.

5 Moondance-Van Morrison
I love this record. It's pretty great. It was recorded 13 years before I was born. This one was a gift from my boyfriend, but my dad had it too. I even like his moustache on the cover. For a curmudgeon he sure makes pretty music.

6 Tea Cups
These tea cups have been sourced from various thrift shops and antique markets all over the place. My absolute favourite is the white one with the red rose, and a close runner up is the one with the lime and flowers on it. This one was a gift- it’s Wedgewood china, in the pattern of Sarah’s Garden. I have several other pieces from the set and I love those as well. I love a good tea, and drinking it from little tea cups makes it feel more ritualistic and special.

7 Owl Plaque
I found this plaque at a thrift store in Huntsville ON. I know owls are trendy and everything (how do animals become trends anyway?), but once upon a time one attacked my mom (making off with her hat), and then a member of my family got sick and died. They say that owls are omens of death, and I believe it. I keep them around as kind of a talisman I suppose. I have many many owl items, but this is by far my favourite.

8 Serbian Folk Plaque
This plaque features two people dressed in fine traditional Serbian outfits. One of my Serbian friends (of which there are several) pointed this out to me after I bought it. I just liked the pretty picture, you know? But Serbian people are cool too. They invite me to their Slavas (saints days) and I get to eat a lot and drink even more. Sometimes I get a strange urge to dance when I look at this thing.

9 Peacock Plate
This was a gift from one of my dad’s close friend's Mark. We called him Marky Mark because we are original and funny. He brought it back for me from Jerusalem. I’ve had it for years and years and it has moved around a lot. I always manage to find a special place for it.

10 Toiletry Bag
I bought this on a recent trip to NYC at the MOMA gift shop. I threw out the toiletry bag I was using as soon as we got back to where we were staying. Why would I use anything else? It’s the perfect size and is so beautiful. I wish I had bought two so that I could bust out the new one in 5 years when this one finally wears out. I’m sure I’ll still love it.

11 Heart Pendants
These were given to me when I was really little by my parents. They knew how much I treasured little pretty things - I’ve had these for probably just under 20 years. They really remind me of my childhood when I look at them, and it makes me feel warm in my heart.

12 Accessory Cornucopia
I love jewelry, I can’t get enough. I don’t wear that much of it - usually I go through phases where I have a few favourites. I love taking things apart and putting them back together. I was blessed with “nimble fingers” as my Dad would say and I’ve always loved crafting. This area holds so many things that are special to me - even the little plates that hold some of the stuff have their own little stories.

13 Painting
I got this painting at an antique show. I bargained the guy down, then had to wait for a van cab which did not show up, then had to squeeze it, my bike, myself, and all my other finds into a regular cab. It was freezing cold, windy, and a total hassle, but it was very much worth it. I love the colours, the feeling, everything. This painting trumps all other paintings. Sorry, but it does!

14 Angel Wing
This beautiful plant was grown from a wee clipping. On my birthday this year I knocked it over and broke the pot it was in, as well as many of the stems. Then some shelves fell on my head. It was not the best birthday. We quickly repotted it (in a larger pot) and it is much happier now. It has tons of new growth. It’s so lush and leafy. I wish we had a plant like this in every room.

Smart Things, Quirky Loveables and Much Loved Memories

1. Button purse

The purse actually came from winners... its' one of those "deceptively big for a small bag" purses... which is perfect, because I drag so much shit around with me all the time. The buttons have been collected over time, mostly from One Inch Punch shows. But i have reached the limit for this bag... if I add one, I have to take one away... otherwise, it ends up looking cheesy, instead of cute. 

2. Honey Nut Shampoo

I love this stuff... makes my hair smell so goooood.... and its so cheap... thank you Shoppers house brand! 

3. Trivial Pursuit

I cannot get enough of this game. Even if you are losing, the random stuff you can learn is mind boggling. In the summer, I organize games on the patio out back at the Cadillac Lounge. It’s the perfect compliment to warm nights and pitchers of beer and also fun for car rides and first dates. 

4. Poker Chips

I was a little girl, when my Nana passed away. I went with my dad to clean out her apartment and he let me pick one thing to keep...I chose the poker chips.

My nana was the best. She always had M&Ms in her purse. And she would take me to the movies my parents wouldn't let me see. She loved the track and the casino... and I think she would be proud that I used her chips to win all my beer money in university. 

5. Grandaddy and ME

Another grandparent memory... I have been so lucky to know my grandparents. And be really close with them. This is my favourite picture of me and my Papa. He taught me everything I know about storytelling, joke telling and... ahem... bending the truth. The man had me sneaking into the Ex before my tenth birthday. He was the most fun-loving guy, and when he passed away last year I spoke at his funeral, in front of 500 people. I was so proud to know that so many people loved this bullshitter as much as i did. 

6. Beringer Wine

This is the first wine I have ever found that I love, and that I can afford. Usually the only wines I like drinking are the ones my parents select in restaurants. But this bottle is under $20, and available at any LCBO. It’s a great, Cabernet Sauvignon. A little fruity, really rich. Yummmmm... I trry to keep consumption down to one bottle per week. 

7. Bette Midler Album

This is three of my favourite things rolled into one.

The fabulousness of Bette astounds me... I can't, I'm verklempt... Second, photos... I have so many.... so so so many. I only gave into the digital camera 'craze' 3 months ago. What can I say, I like having something in my hands, not just on my computer.... and well, the truth is, I ended up giving this to my sister for her birthday. And giving gifts is definitely one of my favourite things. The record/photo album came from Red Pegasus on College. only $30 

8. Blanket

I got it at the One of a Kind show last year.  It is made out of sweatshirt material, and its cozy, and the best napping blanket ever. 

9. Mo851 Purse

I got this as a birthday present. It’s the greatest bag ever... The leather... it's like buttah! Yet another one of those fantastic 'mary poppins' bags as it doesn't look so huge, but it can fit enough clothes for a weekend away.  m0851 is the new name for Rugby North America. They have a store across the street from the Windsor Arms, at Bay and Bloor.  

10. Books

My books are home to me. I love to underline passages and always read with a pen in hand to take notes... so my library is like one huge, multi-volume journal. I have lived in 10 places since I turned 13, and the first thing I unpack is my books. Right now they are in disarray, but they have, in the past, been arranged by title, author, genre and even, once, one REALLY boring weekend, by personal preference.... I can get pretty OCD with my books. Its like John Cusack and his records in HIGH FIDELITY.... mmmm ...John Cusack... another favourite thing. 

11. Green painting

A gift from my mother when I graduated University. My aunt, who is a professional photographer took this photo, it's an underwater polaroid. She has been doing weird things with polaroids forever (Barbaracole.com)And has gotten pretty successful with it. I love it because it’s underwater, looking up, but not like drowning but like how a kid would look at it. A completely new perspective on the world. 

12. Nunca Amaron

This is the first piece of 'grown-up art' I ever bought. I purchased it at a charity auction and had it framed. I love the colour and passion in the embrace. Then someone came over and told me that it meant "For Those who Never Loved"... whoops... I guess I should maybe check the title next time before buying. I still love it though... It’s not "Those who will never ever under any circumstances be lovable"... so I choose not to think of it as a bad omen. 

Film Programmer, Butterfly Lover and Rockstar

Pink Wellington Boots
They come from Aritzia circa 2004, and they remind me of splashin’ in puddles in drizzly ole England (where I spent my girlhood perpetually decked out in pink) and wearin' 'em incites quizzical looks on the TTC.

Nuit Blanche Ties
I got these secondhand at a clothing swap at the Textile Museum during Nuit Blanche ’07.

Fish Bowl
The former home of my beta fish Bowie (2005 – 200), maybe he RIP.  Got it at SUPER PET in Lawrence Village.  Bowie and Tania met serendipitously one winters day. She knew he was the one because he shimmered and glimmered more than the others - and the rest is history.  Those who met him found his quirky eccentricities endearing...that little fish had big soul!

Purse
Is it a basket? Is it a purse? It’s both!  The unique shape is a fashionista's fave kind of "Trompe L'Oeil" ~ everythin' but the kitchen sink fits in there!

Guitar
I dug up the world’s heaviest guitar at my cousin Christopher’s closet in Cobourg.  It sounds wicked, has this great lil' ledge to rest my right thumb on while I play - and it was free.  Can’t beat that!

Beck Album
A Beck Record that came with an original artwork. I have an original Beck finger painting! What's not to love?

Monsters
Meet Darryl and Dudley - First Edition of the Monster Farm by Monster Factory.  Don't they make an adorable couple? They also double as great neck pillows ~ and the tags are signed by one of the designers (my dear friend) Rhya Tamasauskas.

Portfolio – Nan Goldin
This German compendium of "The Best of" Nan's work is absolutely amazing!  The quality of the paper is gorgeous, the reproductions are huge...and the selection of images are simultaneously inspiring, elating, shocking and heart-wrenching.

Books
These shelves contain vast universes of art, life and love...they feed the mind and the soul...and their simple presence soothes.

French Doors
When I first saw an image of these doors on viewit.ca I just knew I was looking at my new home.

Blue Butterfly
This Morpho Butterfly is one of the first things I see when I return to my apartment at the end of a long day...for me it not only symbolizes freedom, but nature's eternal beauty. It is both calming and humbling.

Veggies in Bowl
A fresh fruit/veggie bowl is the quintessential heartbeat of any home kitchen ~ and these luscious colours just scream "create!".

“I hate taking pictures and having pictures taken of me.  I don’t have many photos, instead, I use clothing and accessories to hold on to memories.”

1. Rain Boots
I feel girly and playful in them, they’re the boots I never had as a kid.

2. Bathtub
It’s the absolute warmest place in the world! It’s my only quiet time – just me, the tub, and a good fashion magazine; I take up to three baths a day.

3. Black Pumps
I fell in love with these as soon as I saw them.  The only thing standing in my way an $800 price tag, so I waited till they went on sale!  I’m wearing them to my wedding reception; every girl needs a good pair of black pumps.

4. Vivienne Westwood Wallet
My husband found it for me in a vintage clothing store in Tokyo.  Prior to our trip, I wrote out a wishlist with all the things I wanted in Tokyo.  First on my list, I wanted the most beautiful wallet in the world – and I found it!

5. Burberry Scarf
It’s actually a kids scarf!  I found it in a kids boutique store and I love it because it’s so small and compliments every outfit.

6. Vintage Louis Vuitton Handbag
I found it at an antique store in the St Lawrence Market.  I was looking for this bag for the longest time, and it was just one of those things, you think about it so much, and it finally happens. The best part – it was $60!

7. Fur Jacket
I don’t wear it because I don’t believe in wearing fur, but its very dear to me.  I got it from my grandma before she passed away.  She wore it when she was my age, its very sentimental.

8. Disney T-shirt
This is my first original Disney tee. I bought if for 50 cents at a garage sale.  It came with the rips, and I love it because it looks so old and ruined.

9. Vintage Dress
I wore this dress to the first fashion show I ever organized!

10. Olive the Pug
Olive is the love of my life, she brings a smile to my face each morning, and is the absolute cutest girl in the world.  She loves her pink new teddy bear.

11. Marriage License
Hands down, the coolest thing I’ve gotten in my whole life. We decided to elope in Japan, but had no idea how hard it would be!  We got denied the first time because it was written in English, and there was a lot of back-and-forth to the Canadian Embassy before we finally found somebody who was willing to help us fill it out.

12. Vintage Fashion Magazines
I like to collect these – most of them came from antique markets around the GTA.  I like to look at the pictures for references and inspiration.  Who doesn’t love 1950’s glamour?

13. Assortment of Jewelry
I’ve had this jewelry box from when I was a little girl.  I never wear jewelry – ever – I just like collecting it, and putting it on friends when they come to my house and try on outfits.

Notorious packrat with a creative streak. 
  

1. There was a leak that left marks on my wall, so this is essentially a cover-up.  I painted it 5 years ago, unfinished or not, it covers the wall.

2. I won a neon pig at The EX a couple years ago.  I cut him up and transplanted his eyes into Evan Ankelman.  I think of him as my bastard son.  Everything about his is asymmetrical.  He’s got a skin disorder on his back, and he’s ill fittest in this world.  He’s dim-witted and loves everyone, but that also makes him very easy to take advantage of.  He calls me dad, but I’m really mean to him.

3. I like collections. I’m a packrat.

4. I silk-screened the t-shirt myself.  It’s Chop Chop Master Onion from PaRappa  the Rapper.

5. Every time I get a fortune I save it.  Why wouldn’t you?

6. I like collecting paper ephemera like language cards, anything I can incorporate into my illustration and design work.

7. These are my dad’s glasses. He grew up in South Africa.  He was never hip, but when he was younger he tried to be a little bit cool.

8. I lost the other of each pair, so I wear these together.  Since one is Irish and the other English, I think I’m helping resolve the conflict. Socks are all different,  but these just feel right, like they were meant to be worn together.

9. I took a sewing class and was unimpressed with all the girlie pin cushions, so I decided to make my own.  Also, sticking pins into a brain amuses me.

10. Part of my thrift shop collection of thin – to – skinny ties spanning decades.

11. A portrait of me I got from a friend for my birthday this past year.

12. I got these jet plane cufflinks from a church bazaar in Winnipeg for 25 cents!

Prickly small friends and precious vintage finds

1. CHAIR

I made my dad screech to a halt in his car and pick this baby up from a garage sale we were driving past.  My mother painted and completely reupholstered the chair all by herself.  How much do I love my family? 

When there’s a dearth of outdoor garage sales in the winter months, try craigslist.org for cheap old furniture 

2. BOOKS

Every time I’m in a used bookstore I compulsively search for out-of-print Richard Brautigan novels from the ‘60s and ‘70s, and then buy all the copies they have… even though I already own them.   The books have become these mysterious and lovely collectibles. 

A good source was always Seekers (509 Bloor W). 

3. BOTTLES

I also have a thing for antique glass medicine bottles.  I hunt them down on ebay, usually.  Sometimes they arrive with medicine still sealed inside. 

www.ebay.com 

4. BALLET SHOES

I bought two pairs of these when I first moved to New York; the designers hand-dye ballet slippers and paint song lyrics onto them.  This pair has the chorus from David Bowie’s “let’s dance.”  I used to wear them out on the street although I don’t think they were really designed for that (many tetanus close-calls, I’m sure). 

I think the company is now defunct but their website was www.lavoleuse.com 

5. HEDGEHOG

Little Paddington was a gift.  When he chooses to stop snuffling and come out of his self-imposed ball of spikes, his beady eyes and tiny feet win my heart every time. 

Inquire at PJ’s Pet Centres 

6. PHOTOS

I saw these portraits by German artist Loretta Lux at an art fair a couple years ago and HAD to have them.  They were $20,000 each.  So.  I tracked down a book of her photographs,  ripped my favourites right out and had them framed (they are even the same size as the originals). 

Loretta Lux book available on www.chapters.ca 

7. THE LEMONADER

That’s what it’s really called.  It is my penance for being too gauche to buy a regularly-sized and reasonably-priced brand-name juicer.  The Lemonader is an oversized beast of a machine with about 12 removable parts, and all it does is squeeze citrus.  I’ll never part with it because it brings others in my life so much amusement. 

Bought at an electronics store in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.  Probably not cleared for safety this side of the border. 

8. PLUG

I’ve had this water-reed plug kicking around for years and have never had a proper bathtub until now.  It’s cheery in the bathroom. 

9. BEAR OTTOMAN 

Like Jess Hersey (also once featured in ‘favourite things’) I too have a large furry bear that fully functions as an ottoman.  This seems too strange a coincidence, unless there is a secret army of grown-ups who own stuffed-animal furniture that I’m not aware of.  

I bought mine in the States; they can be ordered from www.sendfootstools.com 

10. CRYSTAL

Crystals are supposed to have healing powers and give off good energy.  I’m apt to believe these kinds of things so I keep a pretty pink-tinged one in my bedroom.  The artfully draped tangle is my favourite necklace. 

The crystal is from ABC Carpet & Home and the necklace was bought at Kenneth Cole, both in Manhattan.     

Erica takes cues from famed architect Henrietta Mouse when she decorates her place.

1. Cat Ashtray (Morba)

It’s less trashy than just an ashtray hanging about; butts are tastefully hidden behind the smirking kitty’s face.

2. E, E, E, E, E, E

Because E is for Erica. Best story is for the E keychain. Erica gave her mom, Dana, a D keychain, then mom made a gift counterattack with the E keychain. The elegant “E” embossed cutlery was inherited from family friend Ernesto.

3. Lithuanian Dance Dolls

While Erica never fulfilled her mother’s dream of becoming a Lithuanian dancer, she does have a pair of dancing dolls in her room, and that’s what counts.

4. Silver Ring

Erica received this ring 13 years ago from her parents when they returned from Cancun. She liked it better than the Navajo blanket gift, and that’s why it’s on her list.

5. House By Mouse

While Erica loved House by Mouse as a kid – a storybook about Henrietta, the mouse architect – she now appreciates it on many more levels. Like the illustration of an otter smoking a cigarette, and overworked Henrietta’s jaded attitude towards the nouveau riche pig’s “higgledy, piggeldy” mansion. In short, Henrietta’s a genius, and given the chance Erica would definitely hire her to design her place.

6. Izzy’s Hoodie (Yonge and Eg Centre’s PJ’s Pet Store)

Izzy’s resistance to it makes it hilarious.

7. Mysterious Baptism Present

When Erica received this baptism present from her godparents, she was puzzled, what does she do with it? Her picture captures the moment perfectly. Today she thinks it’s funny that her facial expression remains the same when she sees it: puzzlement.

8. Bear Salt and Pepper Shakers (St. Lawrence Market)

These vintage shakers from the 1950s were found at St. Lawrence Market by Erica’s Aunt Bill (not technically an Aunt, since he’s a man and a family friend, but I digress). She’s thinking of starting a shaker collection, and as her friend Ryan says, she already has the “bear necessities”. Tee hee.

9. Sock Monkey Slippers

O.K. in all honesty, Erica hadn’t thought to put these on her list. But when I arrived at her apartment and found her in them I deemed that they must be included. She received them as a present for Christmas this year.

She likes toys that are both evil and cute.

1. Kimono
I wish I could wear them in Toronto as much as I used to in Japan .  I just like them.  They're so pretty.  I'm proud to be Japanese.
( Kyoto , Japan )
 
2. Rosie (bear)
I got it a long time ago from a friend.  It was a present.  Look at her face.  She's so ugly, yet adorable.
(gift)
 
3. Cat and mouse
I found them in a magazine and at that time I just had to have them so I called the magazine and asked where I could get them.  They told me the name of the company so I called them and ordered the toys.  The cat's face is so evil.
( Japan )
 
4. E.T.
I got this souvenir so I could have E.T. by my side all the time.  You can even sleep on it.
(Universal Studio Japan - theme park in Osaka ) 

5. Famicom (Original Nintendo system) controller cushions
I found them in a UFO Catcher game [one of those 'claw-games', like in Toy Story] in a game center [arcade] and I fell in love with them so I asked my friend, who's good at these games, to get them.  I think I paid him 2000yen [$20] to do it.
( Japan )
 
6. Rice cooker
I can't live without it.  It's just that simple.
( Japan )
 
7. Red boots
They're so stinky but I can't stop wearing them. 
(Shoegasm, NYC)
 
8. 1000% Bearbrick
Don't you want to have a bear the size of 2-year-old kid in your room? 
( Osaka , Japan )
 
9. Earmuffs
I've never lived in a place with temperatures below 0.
(Winners, on Bloor)
 
10. Cupie figurines
I don't need to explain anything.  Just look at them.
( Japan )
 
11. Toothbrush
Canadian toothbrushes are too gigantic for me so whenever I go back to Japan I buy tons of toothbrushes and bring them back.  Otherwise I get cavities.
( Japan )
 
12. Mouse broach
My husband gave this to me as a birthday present recently.  Coincidentally this year is Year of the Mouse.
(Magic Pony, Toronto )

“I refuse to grow up.”

1. Lizzie the Grizzly Ottoman

The most original Christmas gift I’ve received in years. Lizzie the Grizzly is an actual functioning ottoman, perfect for any living room. She had to travel home in the trunk of our car and I was worried about her suffocating.

Friendly Footstools – Washington USA (available at www.stepstoolsforkids.com)

2. Bulldog Collage

It’s far better than the collage I made in grade 3.

Toronto International Art Fair – By Artist Peter Clark

3. Lighter with Scissors and Comb

Who the hell would put a plastic pair of scissors and a comb inside a lighter? Apparently the Dutch would. There were also more disturbing ones with milk bottles and pacifiers.

Kiosk – NYC (but the item was originally from Holland)

4. Golden Piggy Bank

Golden pigs are the best creatures to protect your leftover pocket change. They are extraordinary that way. Pigs of other colours are also pretty good at it too… but they’re not as bitey.

Ministry of the Interior - Toronto

5. Christmas Fafi (named Lucienne)

I think we’re all well aware of candy canes being the sexiest accessory of the holiday season. This painting speaks volumes to that.

sixspace Gallery - Los Angeles

6. Six Sided Antique Puzzle

The best find of our summer road trip through the Maritimes. It’s so delicate and old… and it makes me wonder about who used to play with it and whether it was their most cherished toy.

Antique Store in Nova Scotia - Made in Germany

7.Toy Fox

When you press his paw his stomach glows in 7 changing colours. Soft, peaceful, soothing. Made for children but ideal for crazies like me. I named him Blinky.

Scooter Girl - Toronto

8.Hawaii Sequin T-Shirt

I love this shirt. Not only does it have sequins but also one of those stringy details on the side to synch up like a ho-bag.

Frenchy’s - a used clothing chain found all through Eastern Canada

9. Fafi Nude (named Sylvie)

My bedroom’s Pièce de résistance! I had to drive across the Pearson tarmac to clear this Fafi through customs. I think I caused a security breach.

sixspace Gallery - Los Angeles

10. Rubber Rody Horses

They sell really big ones of these too, which I find quite funny. So far my Rodys have come in very handy as stagette props. I had to pelvic thrust one throughout an unimpressed audience at a Montreal bar a few years back.

Studio Brillantine (SB) - Toronto

11. To-Fu Oyako Collection

Yes, they’re tofu people. That’s right, I said tofu people. Looking at them and their silly expressions makes me laugh.

Kid Robot – NYC (designed by the Tokyo based company Devilrobots)

12. Plush Peeps Bunnies

Peeps hasn’t stopped at just Easter and Valentines marshmallows. No no. On they go with a series of adorable plush toys. There is even an online Peeps Fan Club which I might have to join.

Shoppers Drug Mart - Toronto