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Travel: Paul Hardy Spring 2013 Show in Calgary

calgary-paul-hardy-spring-2013

When one receives an invitation to attend Paul Hardy’s ten year anniversary fashion show in Calgary, one absolutely cannot say no. I mean, that would just be rude! So when I got my invite, I did a victory lap around my living room, threw some clothes into my Heys carry-on, and RSVP’d “Will be in attendance with bells on”. Common sense, right?

Luckily, I wasn’t the only one. Some of my fave Toronto bloggers also accepted the invitation to spend the weekend of food, fashion, and fun in Calgary…so off we went!

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More after the jump!

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Ladurée is Coming to Toronto!!!

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That’s right, lovelies! According to National Post’s Shinan Govani, the most adorable of Parisian patisseries Ladurée is coming to Toronto next year, and I couldn’t be happier!!! Though we’ve had our macaron fix here in Toronto filled by our local dessert shops, in my mind, nothing compares to Ladurée’s sweet goodness.

I’ll make sure to update the whens and the wheres once that info becomes available…but in the meantime…HOORAY for Ladurée!!!

Photo Credits: Ladurée

Travel: JACOB’s Live Chic Guide to Toronto

JACOB-Live-Chic-Blogger-Toronto-City-Guide

A couple of months ago, Canadian retailer JACOB approached me with an exciting project, which I’m finally able to share with you – JACOB’S Live Chic Guide to Toronto!

In this city guide Anita, Sharon, Stefania, Sarah, and I share our favorite places to eat, hang out, and shop, and whether you’re a visitor or a local, this guide will be sure to introduce you to some hidden Toronto gems. What I loved most about this guide is how different our fave spots are. And we didn’t even have to coordinate! I also love the way this guide looks…tres chic, non?

On my list of must-visit Toronto places are Barque Smokehouse in Roncesvalles, High Park, and Tom’s Dairy Freeze – places I visit weekly each summer, and slightly less often the rest of the year. If you’d like to read up on these, as well as my fellow bloggers’ top picks, please head on over to JACOB’s website, and explore the Toronto we know and love!

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Diet Coke by Jean Paul Gaultier Ads

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I don’t know about you, but I adore these cheeky Diet Coke by Jean Paul Gaultier ads! Took me a second to realize what was going on, but after a second look, I couldn’t stop smiling at the silliness of these ads. Gaultier-designed limited edition Diet Coke bottles have got to be my fave since the Missoni print last year, and I love that JPG had a good sense of humour to pose for these ads. Who knew he had such great gams!?

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WedLuxe Wedding Show 2012

Earlier this month, I attended the first annual WedLuxe Wedding Show at Toronto’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Actually, it was my first wedding show ever, and I think after this one…all other shows would pale in comparison. From the entrance, adorned with a curtain of roses, to the beautifully decorated and displayed vendor “booths”, to the Kate Spade-inspired (complimentary) high-tea room, to the Mad Men-inspired groom’s lounge, to “The WedLuxe Beauty Boutique”, filled to the brim with swag and free beauty treatments…I could stay there all day long.

And if you’re a bride, planning a wedding, there’s no better place to meet with potential vendors, and get some awesome ideas for your big day. Some of my fave booths included, Cake Opera (macaron cake, anyone?), Cakes by Konstadin (gorgeous Russian doll cakes), cute Paper and Poste invitations, Patricia’s Cake Creations’ lovely cupcakes and beautiful cakes, Cake Museum’s artfully designed edible creations, Truffle Cake and Pastry’s everything, Whimsical Wedding Cakes’ err…whimsical wedding cakes…and so many more. Obviously, I was mostly drawn to the edible booths…and how could I not be? Those cakes, cupcakes, and other deserts were so exquisite…that it actually made me doubt my own decision to get married abroad.

This year’s WedLuxe Wedding Show was packed to the brim with excited brides, wedding ideas galore, and only the best of Toronto’s wedding vendors. And considering that this was WedLuxe’s very first show, I can imagine that their future events will be even more luxurious and fun.

Have you attended the first annual WedLuxe Wedding Show this month? What did you think? Share in the comments.

See more photos on our Facebook Page.

Travel: The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Hotel

I don’t know about you, but my usual hotel policy for travelling is this: don’t overspend, because you will likely spend way more time exploring outside of your room. This obviously doesn’t apply to honeymoons, and tropical vacays in general. So when looking for accomodation for our Vegas trip, le bf and I were trying to be economical, but I just could not get the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas out of my mind. Everyone kept recommending it, and it sure did look nice…so in the end, we decided to go for it, and boy, were we happy that we’d tried something new! Ever since we got back from our vacay, we’ve been gushing and raving about Cosmo to everyone who will listen, and here are some of the reasons why.

Rates: Truth be told, you could probably find a more affordable hotel on the strip. But the value that Cosmo offers (at their prices) simply cannot be beat! Plus, they do not charge the $20 per day resort fees, that most hotels add to your bill at the end of your stay, which helps cut the costs.

Check-in: Smooth and quick, with courteous reception attendants. We did have to wait in line for about 10-15 minutes when we arrived, but that was expected.

Location: On the strip, connected to Crystals shopping centre (aka the Holy Grail for shopaholics), smack dab in the middle of all the action. Paris and Planet Hollywood are both across the street, and Bellagio is just next door. It doesn’t get much better.

Room: Large and spacious, with amazing extras such as a hot tub, large standing glassed-in shower, double sinks, two flat-screen TVs, mini kitchenette, artsy Fornasetti wallpaper, and one of the best features ever – a balcony. Cosmo is the only hotel with views this incredible. Want to take a look at the Eiffel Tower? There it is! Bellagio fountains? Right in front of you. I really doubt you’d be able to find a better Vegas view anywhere.

Bed: SO damn comfortable…one of the best I’ve ever slept in. True story. Turn-down service in the evening added an extra bit of luxury to our stay.

Hotel: Brand spanking new, and gorgeous to boot. Both le boyfriend and I loved it! The entire place is designed in such a way, that you really don’t want to leave the resort – with amazing restaurants like Wicked Spoon (superb buffet), Holsteins (milkshakes, burgers, and lobster rolls…oh yeah!), China Poblano, and so many more – you really are in for a treat. And the gorgeous Chandelier Bar? Just stunning.

Casino: Can’t comment on the casino too much, because the only thing we did there was play slots…and lose. Wah-wah. But if you do sign up for their Identity Cards, you’ll get $10 of free play, which if you’re lucky, can turn into $1000 at the spin the wheel thing (a promo), but make sure to look for it before you spend your free play money.

Speaking of Identity Cards, you earn points on every dollar you spend at the hotel/casino. So if you have brunch at the Wicked Spoon, for example (highly recommended BTW), you earn points, if you play slots, you earn points, if you stay at the hotel, you earn points. And once you’ve collected 1500 points, you can use it as cash! Cha-ching!

Pools: Ok, so we’ve only been to the Bamboo pool, but I really enjoyed it, despite the 50 degree heat. There are a lot of loungers to go around, and the pool area has a nice, relaxing atmosphere. The music isn’t too loud or distracting. Perfect for soaking up the sun. And the rooftop views are just beyond!

Overall, I must admit, I really loved Cosmopolitan Las Vegas – it had everything I needed and so much more – great food, amazing rooms, gorgeous views, kick-ass location…you name it. After our 3 nights were up, we literally did not want to leave. Needless to say, this will be my Vegas base for any future trips. I simply can’t wait to go back!

More photos after the jump!

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What I Wore: EXpress Yourself

Wore this little number to The Ex this year – comfortable and cute, just the way (aha, aha) I like it! Also wore my newest favorite piece of jewelry from Caroline Néron. The detailing on this exquisite necklace is so intricate…I have been wearing it with everything to everything, and get nothing but compliments. In case you didn’t know, Caroline is a Canadian actress turned jewelry designer. If you haven’t seen her pieces before, make sure to check out her website Bijoux Caroline Néron.

This year’s visit to The Ex was a lot of fun…as expected. We tried some fried cola (tastes like coke-flavored funnel cake), played lots of games (le bf won a pink Blah for me), and gorged on Tiny Tim’s Tom’s donuts. It’s amazing how much fun one can have shooting cork bullets at cans (fact: I have good aim), or pelting rubber chickens into pots.

Have you gone to The Ex this year? You still have a few days to get in on the EXcitement! Fried butter, anyone?

I Wore: Dress – Forever21; Clutch – Prada; Shoes – Marc (Imelda); Necklace – c/o Caroline Néron

Foodie: Le Select Bistro

Today’s Foodie post was kindly provided by a guest blogger (and fellow foodie) – Lisa Ng, of The Hip & Urban Girl’s Guide! Enjoy.

Le Select Bistro
432 Wellington St. West, Toronto
416-596-6405
Perfect For: Brunch, Date Night

If you’re looking for an elegant brunch to nurse a long week at work, throw off your PJs and head on over to Le Select Bistro in Toronto. This charming French resto is tucked away on a quiet street right in the heart of the downtown. The main dining room is warm and cozy with dark burgundy banquettes, bentwood chairs and a long bar made of zinc. Around back there is a bright and open atelier and in the summer months, make sure you indulge in a dark coffee on their gorgeous front patio filled with rattan chairs that make you feel like you’re in France.

Le Select is one of those fabulous places that serves up brunch on Saturday AND Sunday. Chef Albert Ponzo uses free-range eggs and the majority of his ingredients are now organic or sustainable. The food is fresh, with no snooty attitudes.  The staff are welcoming, helpful and friendly. It’s an easy place to meet up with family or a large group of friends.  The restaurant has a large capacity, takes reservations for brunch and is busy enough without a half hour wait out the door.

I ordered the Oeufs Forestiers ($15.95) with two poached eggs over  a bed of sauteed mixed mushrooms and served with seared polenta, tomato jam and roasted root vegetables.  All the flavours were buttery and melt-in-your mouth with a little taste of everything.  I didn’t leave feeling greasy or overstuffed. If you’re looking for something heartier, try their juicy Ontario Lamb Burger ($15.95) with Morroccan spices and their crispy frites. My choice for next time would definitely be the Oeufs et Saucisses Fermieres ($13.95) with two eggs, homemade breakfast sausages and Rosti potatoes. It looked like the typical Sunday breakfast of champions with a French twist.  Make sure you top it all off with a Bellini ($7.75) made with sparkling white wine and peach nectar – I mean it’s the weekend after all.  If you’re starving before you even order, grab a freshly baked croissant ($1.95) to tie you over.  They are rated some of the best in Toronto.

Le Select Bistro is easily one of my favourite places in Toronto due to its charm, décor, friendly staff and heavenly food.  It’s a little French escape from the hustle and bustle of Toronto.  I highly recommend it for brunch or even for grabbing lunch by yourself with a good book.  Bon appetit!

Lisa Ng is a lover of great food and sunny destinations. She is also the Editor-in-Chief of The Hip & Urban Girl’s Guide (http://www.hipurbangirl.com)

More photos after the jump!

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Windows 7 Royal Tea

Last month, the lovely Jen of She Does The City, hosted a Royal-Wedding-themed tea party at Windsor Arms. Between the yummy scones, the whimsical hats, the delicious tea, and the Wills+Kate hoopla talk, we watched a Windows 7 presentation, showcasing some cool new features that we, as bloggers, could definitely put to good use.

One of my favorites was the Windows 7 + Windows Live Photo Editor, which allows for quick and easy editing of photos (which I have to do on a daily basis), one click photo sharing from Windows Live photo gallery to Facebook, Flickr, or SkyDrive, and of course, the no-Photoshop-needed crop feature (which helps fuse several photos together to create one perfect image, without much effort). Basically, the tools we were shown are for the lazy bums/busy bees out there…the ones that can’t be bothered (or have no time) to spend too much time editing photos, or uploading them. And as I definitely fall into one of those categories, Windows 7 + Windows Live photo editing will definitely come in handy.

Have you tried Windows 7 + Windows Live tools yet? What are your faves? Share in the comments.

Foodie: The Slow Room

The Slow Room
874 College St
Toronto, ON

Foamy macchiatos, yummy muffins, truffle oil pizzettes, and Saturday-only Porchetta sandwiches are only a few reasons why you must visit The Slow Room…and I am kicking myself for not finding it sooner.

As most awesome discoveries, my intro to The Slow Roomwas purely coincidental. Having to kill 30 mins waiting for Phil’s BBQ to open for dinner, le boyfriend and I found ourselves hiding from the rain, deciding to run up to the nearby Starbucks, then passing by The Slow Room, and running in to give it a try instead.

Not a huge lover of muffins, I ordered the Nutella-Banana one on a whim, and it was seriously THE best muffin I’ve tried in my entire life – creamy, chocolatey, and banana-y…more like a cupcake with no frosting than a muffin. Le boyfriend’s Lemon-Ricotta was equally delicious. And the best part is – they are made in-house! Our coffees were pretty amazing too. My macchiatto was smooth and foamy, without the too-bitter taste, and complimented my chocolatey muffin incredibly well.

Another thing that The Slow Room has going for it, is the staff, which is very friendly. As we were finishing our coffees, two plates were brought to us – pizzas, on the house! It was almost closing time, and they didn’t want the food to go to waste. This is definitely the kind of an inviting neighbourhood spot anyone would want to live near.

I’ve already planned my next visit…and it won’t be for quick pre-meal coffees (a little backwards, I know). Next time I’m trying their Eggplant Meat(less) Ball Sandwich…with a Nutella-Banana muffin for desert. My mouth is watering already.

The Slow Room on Urbanspoon

WHAT I WORE

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