I had the good fortune to spend a day hanging out in a Land Rover. For some reason, I’ve never been inside one of these beautiful cars before but trust me, I was all too happy to spend a full day in one of these beautiful cars. Specifically I hung out in a Range Rover Evoque.

Here’s a few details about this stunning car:

• Choice of coupe and five-door models
• 240hp turbocharged, direct injected 2-litre 4-cylinder engine and 9-speed  automatic transmission
• Active Driveline 4WD with Torque Biasing and Torque Vectoring²
• All-weather, multi-terrain capability with Terrain Response^®, which features driver selectable programs to suit terrain conditions2
• Suspension configured for dynamic and agile handling across varied terrain, available with Adaptive Dynamics featuring MagneRide™ magneto- rheological damper technology
• Standard Meridian™ premium audio in all models

I was impressed to find out that anyone who buys a Land Lover is invited to participate in a driving school that’s located at Le Chateau Montebello. What a perk!

Land Rover has also launched a great campaign called #hibernot which encourages Canadians to “get out there” and enjoy winter activities. Therefore the day included a trip to Horseshoe Resort and an opportunity for me to snow shoe with fellow bloggers and writers.

Naturally we were spoiled with amazing food too! Take a peek at the elaborate table that we ate at.

What a fabulous day! The skies were blue, the roads were clear and the Range Rover allowed me to enjoy it thru this massive sunroof. #howawesome

Many thanks to the Land Rover for the invitation. I truly had a fantastic day and a unique experience.

For more information:

Website: www.landrover.ca

Twitter; @LandRoverCanada

Instagram: @LandRoverCanada

In another life I would like to be a florist. I truly love flowers. Therefore Canada Blooms is a show that I really appreciate and adore.

I think I like flowers as much as food! I simply could not stop taking photos even though I don’t have a backyard to landscape or furnish. It’s still good to dream, right?

Yes – I’m a dreamer. Just a wee bit of a dreamer.

I also dream about growing plants that survive. Believe it or not,  I do not own one green plant in my apartment. Why is that? Oh right – it won’t survive more than 2 months. However I’m convinced that this summer my patio will have multiple containers that will thrive. Stay tuned.

Seeing as I’m mostly a food blogger, it was only appropriate for me to pick up some delicious Ontario Honey with Lemon. (from the Toronto Botanical Garden booth) I swear this stuff isn’t even going to make it onto a piece of toast. Its going from the tablespoon – right into my mouth! Who needs toast?

I hope you consider visiting Canada Blooms. There are beautiful exhibits, speakers, workshops and more!!

For more information:

Website: www.canadablooms.com, March 13-22, 2015, Direct Energy Centre, Exhibiton Place

Hours: Monday – Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday, March 15 10am-6pm, Sunday, March 22 10am-5pm

Twitter: @CanadaBlooms

Instagram: @CanadaBlooms

Sometimes I’m so busy going to food events that I forget that there’s a whole other world out there! For example, I finally went to The Artist Project, which a Contemporary Art Fair and allows you to meet and buy directly from over 250 contemporary artists.

This spectacular event is now celebrating it’s 8th year and is taking place From Feb. 19- 22 at the Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place.

In my opinion this is a great INDOOR activity seeing as the weather is not ideal to really be enjoying any outdoor activities.

The show is really well laid out – and in a bright open space. I really appreciated the location that was chosen for this event.

I wandered thru each aisle and snapped a few (just a few) photos. Here’s some art that caught attention. This particular piece of art made laugh as I’m notorious for buying cheap shoes and then paying the price afterwards.

This piece of art also inspired me. I loved the use of wood and the simple “typical” Canadiana scene of a game of pick up hockey.

Take a peek at this piece of art which is made entirely out of corks! How genius. How intricate! (www.nachocartagena.com)

This artist used glass…

I even bumped into a fine art photographer that I haven’t seen since I was 16. How cool is that? (www.kevinviner.com)

This piece of colourful art caught my attention too.

Now all I need is wall space so I can purchase a piece of art!! Plus I would need to make a decision. LOL

For more information:

The Artist Project – www.artistproject.com, Better Living Centre, Exhibiton Place

Hours: Friday Feb 21, 11 am to 8 pm, Saturday Feb 22, 11 am to 8 pm and Sunday Feb 22, 11 am to 6 pm

Admission: $15 Adults, Seniors and Youth $10, Children under 12 are free

Twitter: @artistprojectto

Hashtag: #theartistproject

 

 

I wanted to relax on Valentine’s Day and I really (really) did accomplish my goal. How did I do this? I simply booked a Staycation at the Toronto Don Valley Hotel!!

I made it even better better by asking for an early check in (1 pm) and a late check out (6 pm). I was besides myself with happiness at the thought of doing NOTHING.

There was an “inner peace” as soon I entered their renovated lobby.

Then when I entered the room and saw the crisp fresh linens, I knew that I made the right decision!!

Life got even better after visiting the gym which was spacious and very bright! Momwhoruns needs to run even when she’s enjoying a staycation!!

Sadly I did not use their indoor pool however you can bet that I will return to use their outdoor pool in the summer. Yes…the Toronto Don Valley Hotel is one of the rare hotels in Toronto that has both an outdoor AND an indoor pool.

I relaxed by binge tv watching (like the rest of my friends) and it it felt great! If you haven’t checked out Shomi yet…well you should!!

My state of relaxation was so intense that I failed to make it to breakfast cause I couldn’t seem to get up on time and before you knew it, the breakfast buffet was over. However I would return to eat this Tuna Tataki Salad in the DV Bar Bistro in a heartbeat. Note to self: return in the summer to enjoy the outdoor pool and the DV Bar Bistro!

A Staycation on Valentine’s Day was perfect. Especially when it involved a  relaxing stay at the Toronto Don Valley Hotel, Veuve Clicquot and a box of Lindt Chocolates. What a great combo.

Yes #LifeisGood!!

Warm up this winter and book yourself a staycation at the Don Valley Hotel too!!

For more information:

Toronto Don Valley Hotel, 175 Wynford Dr, Toronto, (416) 449-4111

Twitter: @TorontoDVHotel

Disclosure: My hotel room and a 1 month subscription to Shomi, were complimentary however all opinions are my own.

A few weeks ago, I read about Archery District on BlogTO. I said to myself “hmm…that sounds like SO much fun”. (um, like 6,000 sqf of fun) So I picked up the phone and went to visit this unique space a few days later.

I found out that Archery District is a franchise that can be found in the States, but four friends from high school got together and brought the first franchise to Toronto.

When I arrived, I was given goggles and then headed over to a practice area for a few minutes of training.  Once my training was over, I was eager to see if I could hit the target. I actually hit it once and then that was the end of my “luck”. LOL

Even though Archery District just opened up a few weeks ago, they are already popular and groups were actively playing Archery dodgeball when i arrived.

Grab a bunch of friends and go. I have no doubt that everyone will have a blast.

For more information:

Website: www.archerydistrict.com 

Address: 770 Birchmount Rd, Unit 22

Phone:  647 955 3111

Hours: Mon-Thur: By booking only, Fri: 4pm-1am, Sat: 10am-1am,  Sun: 10am-10pm

This place is really worth checking out if you are looking for something fun to do!

There’s a new app on my phone that I would like to share with you!  See the icon that says “Nectar Flowers” ? Well I just installed it and then I used it to send flowers to my daughter over the weekend!

This app is truly unique and as you know I like anything unique!! Why did I like using this app so much? Here’s a few reasons..

a) I was able to record a video message instead of a note! Love this idea

b) It was super easy to use. After several clicks…my order was processed.

c) The app will even assist you if you don’t know the exact address

I love discovering new apps. Infact, I actually need to write an entire blog post about some of my new favorites so stay tuned.

Here’s the bouquet that was delivered which is called: Sun Bath Bouquet. Price ($39) ps vase not included.

 

Seeing as Valentines Day is around the corner, I thought I would share this special offer with you!

For more information: www.nectarflowers.com

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

You would think that I would get bored to attend the same event, year after year. But I’m not. Every time I attend the Interior Design Show I am blown away. There’s so much eye candy at this show…it’s not even funny.

Naturally the event starts off for me with the Opening Party. This is one party – I won’t miss. Of course I had to wear the right shoes! LOL.

Here are some beautifully designed pieces that caught my eye.

a) Don’t you just love this chair? Not sure if it’s comfortable, but I sure do like looking at it!

b)  This bathtub is just soooo elegant!

c) Believe it or not – this is a tile! What a statement..

d) One carpet is more beautiful than the next one.

e) This is one of my favorites…its simply a thick piece of black rope. I think this would look great in a family room or on a bedroom wall behind a bed.

e) Of course, I had to take advantage of the swings and goof around a bit!!

There is seriously so much to see at this show and I really hope you get a chance to visit this weekend.  As you know, I’m more of a foodie yet I truly adore this show.

For more information:

Website: www.interiordesignshow.com (worth buying your tickets online)

Hours: Saturday Jan 24, 10 am to 7 pm and Sunday Jan 25, 10 am  to 6 pm.

Location: Metro Convention Centre, North Building, Toronto

 

 

Planet Fitness has over 900 locations throughout the States and can now boast that they have a location in Canada. Back in December, they opened their first location at 1245 Dupont St. (inside Dufferin Mall)

I was invited to take a tour and eagerly said “yes” as I wanted to compare it to Fit 4 Less. You see, I use to be a member of Goodlife (since 2007) but when I moved in August it no longer made sense as there is a Fit 4 Less,  less than a kilometre away from where I now live.

Here’s my first impressions about Planet Fitness:

-They  offer a $10 a month fee as well as a Black Card membership ($19.99/month). The basic membership allows you to use the machines, change rooms, showers.

-The  Planet Fitness Black Card membership allows you to bring a GUEST at anytime and use the hydromassage table (which I had to try..LOL) plus there’s other small perks.

 

-There’s an actual change room with showers and a water fountain too! This might be a given to see both items at a gym but keep reading…

-There’s plenty of staff

Here’s my first impressions about Fit 4 Less:

-It’s bright and clean.

-They also offer a $10 a month fee and a $20 a month fee. However the more expensive membership doesn’t allow you any perks, it simply gives you the option to cancel your membership.

-There’s NO change rooms. No Showers. Not even a water fountain.  But for $10 a month I’m not complaining. I really just need a few weights and a treadmill and I’m good to go. Plus it’s open 24 hours a day. (even though I’m NEVER going to use a gym at 2 am).

-There’s few staff members to assist you. In fact you need a FOB to get in and to get out as there’s not always a staff member on premise.

However for me, it makes sense for me to join Fit 4 Less as it’s so close to where I live.

What’s nice to see is that the fitness industry is making gym memberships affordable!!

For More information:

Website: www.planetfitness.ca

Twitter: @planetfitness

Phone: 416 537 2957

Planet Fitness is located at 1245 Dupont St and will be opening a second location in Brampton in the near future.

 

I’m not sure how I found out about FFWD: Advertising and Marketing Week, but it’s been on my radar for a long time. This year – IM GOING. Can you tell that I’m excited? Well I am! I thought it would be fun to share a quick email interview that I had with Gillian Graham, who is the CEO of Institute of Communication Agencies.

1.    How long has AD WEEK been taking place?

The week was launched in 2009 as “Advertising Week”, so this will be our 7^th year! It was renamed

“FFWD: Advertising and Marketing Week” two years ago, reflecting its relevance to the entire marketing and communications industry.

2.    What are the most anticipated sessions?

All the sessions are highly anticipated, because they cover the broad spectrum of issues facing our industry, such as data, brand influence, multiplatform consumers, native advertising, mobile marketing, becoming an entrepreneur/starting a start-up, etc.  There will also be a screening of award winning global commercials from the 2014 Cannes “Festival of Creativity”. There are a few sessions that should definitely spark interest and conversation, such as the debate between Mitch Joel and Andrew Keen on “Is the Internet the Answer?”, the presentation by Olympic champions Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, and the insights from global advertising icon Shelly Lazarus of Ogilvy & Mather, New York. The Ad Ball on Thursday night Jan. 29^th is always a very well attended and fun party!

3.    How has AD WEEK changed over the last few years?

Like our industry, the week has evolved dramatically over the last several years.  It has grown from under 10 events in its first year, to over 40 events in 2015, and is now Canada’s largest and most diverse annual gathering for the advertising, marketing and communications industry. Last year we added a “Morning Master Series”, featuring esteemed marketing professors from various universities.  In 2015 for the first time, we will hold an exciting “Battle of the Bands” event, featuring bands from various Toronto agencies. This year we will also be welcoming presentations from several new and exciting sponsors, such as Twitter.

4.    Who should attend?

Anyone who has an inquiring mind about our changing world, or who wants to network with others in the communications industry (Starbucks coffee is supplied, providing ample opportunity to spark conversations and make new friends). If you are interested in creativity, innovation and new ideas, this is perfect for you!

5.    What should I wear?

For most sessions, wear comfortable clothes and bring your laptop or tablet to take lots of notes!  For the Ad Ball, wear bold, colourful dress to fit with the “Graffiti” theme.

6.    How do I register?

Go to www.advertisingweek.ca (best to do it soon – sessions have limited space and will start to sell out shortly)

7.    Where is it taking place?

Most presentations will be held at TIFF Bell Lightbox, but a few are in other downtown Toronto locations.  All details are on the www.advertisingweek.ca website

8.    Are student prices available?

Yes, we are very keen to have students join us, and additionally we will host our much anticipated “Next Generation Day” on Wednesday, January 28^th.

9.    Any other tips for attendees?

FFWD: Advertising and Marketing Week highlights upcoming trends, opportunities and challenges facing Canadian businesses. It will feed your mind and provide new connections.  Jobs have been secured, careers have been kick-started, and businesses have been started/grown because of the contacts made and the speakers viewed during the week. And, we know of at least one marriage and baby that resulted from

Ad Week! 😉

I’ve been composing a bucket list for the last few years. To be exact, I wrote one in 2012, and 2013.  For some reason I skipped 2014 – go figger.

Here’s my bucket list for 2015!

1) Complete a 10 km race: I haven’t run a race for a few years and I kind of miss it. (notice the word “Kind of”). So it’s time for me to sign up for a race…even though I don’t wear a watch when I run. However one thing has nothing to do with the other. Right?

2) Buy a road bike: It’s been a few years since I’ve been on a bike and I miss that too. It’s a time suck to go out for a long ride but it really feels great afterwards. Sadly I’m lazy to do the research and would like the bike to just magically appear. #inmydreams

On a side note: if I bike, run and go swimming too – then maybe I can sign up for a Sprint triathlon. Time will tell!

3) Travel to Italy: This is GOING to happen and I’m too excited for words.

4) Print my photos: I use to be so good at this and for the last for years I got lazy. Now that I’ve discovered the Black’s App I should be able to complete this goal!

5) Eat My Way thru Hamilton and Barrie: I’ve never done a food crawl in these two cities but I know I need to!

6) Buy a Fresh Truffle: I’ve bought Truffle oil before and Truffle Butter – but it’s time for me to buy the real thing.

7) Buy a pillow that lasts. Why oh Why am I buying cheap pillows? This must change.

8) Take a class at George Brown: I have a friend who took a Bread Making Course and loved her facebook updates about her classes. I should do it, right?

9) Try Container Gardening: I finally have a balcony and I’m convinced that I can have a balcony full of beautiful flowers this Spring/Summer. I’ve had moderate success with a herb pot so wish me luck keeping flowers alive!

10) Volunteer: I want to give back. I’ve been so fortunate in my life and it’s time for me to give back. Simple as that.

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year.