BILLY AT YOCO FROYO

Billy at Yoco Froyo

Although TIFF 2012 preparations are occupying much of my time these days, I took a moment to bring Billy on a late night stroll through Yorkville, deciding to give him his first taste of Frozen Yogurt.  Just look at the excitement on his face. Scoop by scoop, he murdered it.  

Needless to say, we'll be back soon at Yoco Froyo - a fave of Lily Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower and Chloë Moretz while filming in Toronto.  

Surely he'll be dragging me towards it on our walks, whether I'm in a Froyo mood or not!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

BILLY & “TED”

Billy & Bear

It seems as though Billy is channeling his inner-Mark Wahlberg in Ted, opting to sleep with his own Teddy Bear.  In fact, I caught him cuddling with it this morning in my bed!

I just finally saw the Seth MacFarlane Adult Comedy finally tonight after holding-off for a few weeks and must say I rather adored it.  It is everything: Action, Drama, Comedy and Thriller. I confess that I balled my eyes out as it genuinely is visceral at moments, despite the raunchy laughs. Wahlberg is Boss. Kunis is mesmerizing. MacFarlane is on another level.  Ribisi is terrifying; yes, he made me scream out loud in one scene. He`s that scary and he`s that good.

If you haven`t seen Ted still, please do! It`s a Charmer and quite possibly my favourite Film so far of 2012.

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(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

MCBILLY.

McBilly

For those of you complaining there's not enough Billy on this Blog of late, I'd like to introduce you to McBilly.

I randomly saw these Bibs at McDonald's the other night and could not resist playing Dress-up. Please note I am in no way condoning the feeding Fast Food to your Pets. I am however encouraging you to send over some McFlurries my way if you like!

xW&b

HIGH PARK CHERRY BLOSSOM WALK

Cherry Blossoms & More in High Park - April 2012

Enjoying a rare Wednesday off, Billy and I took-off to High Park to enjoy the Cherry Blossoms, or what is known also as Sakura Hanami. The Viewing of Cherry Blossoms takes place only a short duration every year from late April through early May.

In 1959, the Japanese Ambassador to Canada Toru-Hagiwara gifted Toronto with Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Trees on behalf of the Citizens of Tokyo and since then in 1984, 2001 and 2006, additional Trees have been added to High Park. They are absolutely breathtaking and what better way to spread their Beauty than to share some Photos of our Adventure today?

For more details on the High Park Cherry Blossom Walk, click here.

Enjoy.

xMRWILLW & billy

HAPPY 9TH, BILLY!

Billy - March 24, 2012

With the help of some Friends on Twitter, we picked out the perfect Birthday Gift for Billy interactively today. It was a close match between a couple options, but I think we picked the right one, a Union Jack collar.

 Happy 9th Birthday, Billy! You'll always be Daddy's Little Champ, Honeybear. ♥

xDADDY

ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN

Billy, Khloe, Kobe, Bee & Mr. Will-W.

What a fun day Billy, my dear Friend Bee, her Dog Kobe and me had up North today visiting Billy's Daughter Khloe. Yes, as in Kardashian.  She's the one with the black patches on her face and she turns two in just two days, along with her Sister Willow, whom we last visited over Christmas.  

It was big smiles all around as we watched them all play together in the snow, bark at each other and beg for Cheese from us. 

All Dogs go to Heaven.  I swear.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

HAPPY YEAR OF THE DRAGON

FESTIVE WILLOW

Willow

Now that's a beautiful Girl!  My Nephew recently took Billy's Daughter Willow out for a glamorous Christmas Photo Shoot and here's one of the Snaps he sent over.  Isn't she just festive?  Good to see little Miss Willow carrying her Daddy's great lineage!

MILLA JOVOVICH & BILLY

Milla Jovovich & Billy

While taking Billy for a walk today, I stumbled upon the beautiful Milla Jovovich taking a quick Cigarette Break during filming from Resident Evil: Retribution in her SUV. At first I wasn't convinced and had to go back and do a double-take.  It was her.  Yup.

After being spotted in-and-around Yorkville with her Family on Sunday watching the Santa Claus Parade together, she returned back to the area for Work as filming took place at Bay Station's abandoned Platform. As per her Twitter, today they were filming a Russian Metro scene.

Bundled-up in her winter coat, wearing some crazy cool boots, Jovovich rocked her iconic Alice hair with a cute clip in-place.  She was sweet enough to invite Billy into her SUV, posing for a  couple quick Photos.  "He's so adorable and clean!", she noted.  I'm so jealous - I don't think I've even been in a Suburban yet and Billy has!

Have you seen Jovovich's 2012 Campari Calendar yet?  Stun-gun.

Jovovich will be here for exactly another month today. Keep those eyes peeled...

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

KEVIN DURAND & BILLY

Kevin Durand & Billy

As if his day wasn't awesome enough already meeting Milla Jovovich, Billy not only got to meet one of Canada's most recognizable Actors Kevin Durand, he got a big smooch from him! 

Durand dressed in a red leather vest - biceps unhidden - was chatting on his Cell Phone during a break from filming Resident Evil: Retribution and noticed me on the other side of the baffle. All smiles, he came over and said, "Hey, I know you!".  Looking down on the floor he noticed Billy, asking me "And who's this?".  Durand who although is from Thunder Bay originally, now lives in Los Angeles with his Wife Sandra.  "I miss my Dog so much" he admits, telling me about his eight month-old German Sheppard.  "He takes care of my Wife for me while I'm gone".

The handsome Durand who was sporting a bit of unintentional Movember, started getting a lot of attention from Rush Hour Commuters who stood and asked, "Hey, are you a Movie Star?". Durand of course is no stranger to Toronto, spending most of last Summer here filming David Cronenberg's Cosmopolis starring Robert Pattinson.  He also was here for TIFF in September for Edwin Boyd and afterward for the Canadian Premiere of Real Steel.

Before heading off to take some Photos with his new Fans, he picked Billy up, leaned-in and gave him a big kiss, telling him "It's nice to meet you Buddy.  Nice jacket!".  How can you not love him?   

Upon inquiring a couple weeks ago, Cosmopolis unfortunately still does not have a confirmed release date as per eOne Films. TIFF 2012, perhaps?

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

"THE RED BILLY" - DRINK RECIPE

The Red Billy

I was invited to concoct my own Summer Libation and I did it!  This one's named after my Dog Billy.  So try this, Mavenati! A slight hint of bitterness, a bit of sweetness and a whole lot of refreshment.

 Take:

1 Tablespoon of Grenadine

237 millilitres of Chilled Ginger Ale

2 oz. Aperol

2 Peach Slices

1 Maraschino Cherry

Directions:

Soak Peach Slices and Cherry in Aperol and Grenadine for 10 minutes.  Add Chilled Ginger Ale.  Stir gently. Enjoy!

You must be of legal drinking age in your Country of Residence to enjoy Aperol.  Learn more about it here.

Thank you NKPR.

HAPPY PRIDE, MAVENATI!

Billy & Mr. Will-W.

Be proud.

xW&b

DAME HELEN MIRREN IN TORONTO FOR BLACKCREEK MUSIC FESTIVAL

Dame Helen Mirren, Prince Billy of Yorkville & Mr. Will-W.

Yes!  A meeting of the Royals! The Queen herself meets Prince Billy of Yorkville at long last!  Oscar, Golden Globe, SAG and Emmy Award-winning Actress Dame Helen Mirren arrived in Toronto yesterday along with fellow Thespian Jeremy Irons for the Black Creek Music Festival's presentation of Music Inspired by Shakespeare which took place this evening at Rexall Centre.

Taking my Dog Billy out for an evening stroll, I received word that Mirren would be arriving back at her Yorkville Hotel shortly and before we knew it, we saw her coming out of her Town Car.  And there she was - a vision of elegance - her hair like Platinum and skin sun-kissed, coming out to sign a couple Autographs and pose for a couple Photos.  Seen accompanying Mirren was her sister Kate.

Asking for her permission to take a Photo together, she obliged kindly, rather smitten by Billy as he had leaned in for a kiss.  Mirren pet his head - all smiles after a long day at work - telling him, "Billy, you're just beautiful!".

Earlier in the day, Mirren was spotted out and about shopping in Yorkville and even popped by Banana Republic on Bloor St. to peruse their Fashions before heading off for one final Rehearsal at Rexall Centre.

Mirren can next be seen in the riveting Thriller The Debt, in theatres August 31, 201 via Alliance Films.  Read my Review of it here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

PRINCE BILLY OF YORKVILLE & LADY ELOISE OF ROSEDALE POSE FOR FANS AND PUPARAZZI

Prince Billy & Lady Eloise

Prince Billy of Yorkville was spotted with Lady Eloise of Rosedale today, posing for Fans and Puparazzi alike in a rare Photo Opportunity.  Prince Billy was all smiles for the Camera, rocking a stylish studded leather Collar. Lady Eloise obliged despite being rushed off to her next engagement, although  looking rather elegant in a pink Harness, equally sporty as it is regal. 

Is a Romance looming among these members of Toronto's Canine Royalty?  The Pupbloids and Dloggers are going mad with speculation!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

MAVENATI MAIL - APRIL 2011

Billy

On behalf of Billy, I want to thank all of you for your kindhearted messages and support whether it be in-person, through E-mail, Twitter or on Facebook.  I've pretty much been preoccupied these past few weeks nursing him better as he contracted a v. serious Infection.  After not responding so well to his Antibiotics, which actually made him really ill, I was well, left in tears.  He's been getting better by-the-day and is now receiving daily Intravenous treatments.  I'm pleased to say he's more back to his feisty eight year-old self, Bandage and all.  

Anyone who's ever raised a Pet will know that the bond you experience with Him/Her is like that of a Parent and a Child. I adore the little Guy more than anything and sometimes when it feels as though the World is against you or when those I cared about have disappointed me, Billy has always been there for me reminding me that I always have a home.  Thank you. 

With love,

Mr. Will-W.

Public Relations Officer

Billy Inc.

_______________________________________________

And now for Business Matters (LOL), I will take time to reply to some Mavenati Mail, which I've been meaning to get around to.  I appreciate it when someone takes the time to drop a line whether it be to  send a Tip, correct something I've posted (Yep, I'm not always right!) or to just send their appreciation.  Even though I don't reply to each and every message I get, I try my v. best.  It's not me being a Diva, trust me. 

SNOW DAY IN TORONTO

Billy

It was a beautiful snowy day in the City, waking up to a surprise Blizzard covering the streets  of Toronto in a thick, cozy blanket of white.  And if it's gonna snow, you might as well enjoy it, right?  Billy and I had a wonderful leash-free run at the Park today - no cars or people in sight.  Somebody had fun as you can see!

MY FIRST ATTEMPT AT "CAKE POPS"

Mr. Will-W.'s Cake Pop Bells

Inspired by Bakerella's Toronto visit last week, I decided to try my hand at her signature Cake Pops - Candy-coated balls of Cake mounted on Lollipop Sticks. They're all the rage now.

I had a bit of a struggle finding shops Downtown which carried Candy Coating Wafers - an essential part of the Cake Pop - so I turned to the help of my friends on Facebook. I wound up venturing north of the City to Michaels Craft Store, which surprisingly has a large section devoted to Cake Decorating and Baking.  Luckily, Candy Coating Wafers from Weston were on sale, so I stocked-up hardcore!

I decided to make a Red Velvet Cake base for my Cake Pops, which would be shaped into Bells hence, Cake Bells.  After having found some amazing glittery silver Decorative Sugar at Williams & Sonoma yesterday, I was anxious to put some of that to use.  Silver Bells -  how festive, right?

I actually had enough Cake left over to freeze perhaps for another batch on Christmas. In a nutshell, this is how I went about making these Confectionary sensations:

GOOD GENES

Billy (L), Willow (R)

Long before Willow Smith made a splash with her Hair and Singing Career, my Sister-in-Law Sandie named one of the Puppies from my Dog Billy's February litter "Willow".  This weekend she e-mailed a whole slew of Willow Video Clips and Photos and my jaw dropped at how much alike Billy and his daughter look! 

Above on the left is Billy at five months old (2003) and to the right is Willow at eight months old (2010).  Wonderful to see good genes are running in the Family!  Yay!

MONTREAL-BASED JAZZ ARTIST FLORENCE K IN TORONTO

Singer/Songwriter Florence K and Billy

Montreal-based Jazz Singer/Songwriter Florence K stopped by Toronto today to do a round of promotion for her new Holiday album Havana Angels, which is already selling out at retailers like HMV and Amazon within one week of release.  She made a last-minute visit to Indigo Manulife Centre earlier this evening playing a five-song set, greeting Fans afterwards.  

There to meet my good friend Josh for Dinner, Florence K spotted my Dog Billy across the room and had to come over to say "hi".  Her Manager also came over to greet Billy, telling me how much she missed her own Westie back home.

Florence K, whose profile has been raised considerably through performances at the Vancouver Olympics 2010 in addition to the the Montreal Jazz Festival, writes and sings in English, French, Spanish, Portugese and Italian.  And to think most of us are struggling with the English language alone!  

You can "Like" Florence K on Facebook here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

FROM THE DESK OF BILLY....

For those of you Billy fans who have missed him here on my Blog, here's a new snap of him from earlier today.  As I lay in my Pajamas on my Couch watching Television, I peered over to my Bedroom and all I could see was Billy outright stalking me!  How cute.  

Billy, Age 7

Of course, Thanksgiving Weekend has already shaped up to be dramatic for Billy as yesterday while walking him, we encountered a drunk homeless man who asked me if he could be inappropriate with my Dog.  He then started making lewd gestures in a thrusting motion at Billy and grabbed him, to which I replied calmly "Please put my Dog back down."  Before he had a chance, I snatched Billy out of his hands and a crisis was averted.  God bless that man, as I hope he finds help soon.