A while ago, (Oct 24th to be exact)  I received an invite to attend an event called the Strut Tour.  Here’s what the invite said.

Join us at the inaugural STRUT TOUR driven by BUICK; a unique professional event for leading influencers.

This interactive holiday extravaganza will hit the streets of Toronto on:

Tuesday, November 26th from 1:30pm-5pm

At each stop we promise you access to industry experts and leading brands in the social space.

Cocktail reception, 5-7pm

I checked my schedule and RSVP’ed right away.

Several weeks later I received another email with more details about the event. I was even more excited. Here’s a recap of the Strut Tour.

At 130 pm: I checked in and was super impressed that all sorts of info was on the back my name tag! I was also pretty happy that I was going to be driven around in a RED Buick with 5 other bloggers!!

The first workshop was held at the Jazz Cellar and the topic was: How Well Do You Know Your Brand. The panel included:

Duri Alajrami – VP Social Strategy North America, BlastRadius Andrea Dart – VP Weber Shandwick / GoldinHarris, Rachael Faucett – Founder, Handmade Charlotte Michele Bosc, Director of Marketing, Chateau des Charmes, Jennifer Cruxton – Manager, Business Development, Media Relations Rating Point (MRP)

Sadly we arrived late and missed most of the discussion however I did enjoy 2 glasses of amazing wine!

Workshop #2. Was held on the set of the Marilyn Dennis show. The topic was:

Think you’ve got what it takes to pitch a leading producer or be a spokesperson? 

The panel included Michelle Crespi – Executive Producer, The Social & Marilyn Denis Show , Lis Travers – Executive Producer, Canada AM. Mary Ann Zoellner – Producer, TODAY Show, Alicia Ybaro – Producer, TODAY Show,Sandra Martin – Editor-in-Chief, Walmart Live Better Magazine

P.S. I was pretty proud of myself and pitched a story. Stay tuned. LOL.

Workshop #3: We proceeded to HomeSense for yet one last interesting panel discussion. The topic: How Creative is Your Content. The panel of experts included –

Jen Reynolds – Canadian Living Editor-in-Chief  Nadine Silverthorne – Today’s Parent Managing Editor Tamara Robbins – PR Manager, HomeSense

I had to dash at 5 pm and missed the cocktail reception, but I know I would have enjoyed it! Nothing beats chatting one on one with other bloggers and brand representatives.

Many thanks to ImpressionsPR and WeeWelcome for the invitation!! It was a wonderful day that included a lot of learning and networking. Looking forward to Strut 2014.

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I was invited to an event where each guest would receive an Avocado Hand Mask followed by a manicure at Tips Nail Bar. How could I say no? I love manicures and I love Avocados. It was a no brainer. I was SO going to this event. (I’m decisive. Did you know that about me?)

The evening started off with some amazing appetizers featuring Mexican Avocados. Naturally I tried each and every appetizer on this table!

Then I sat down and enjoyed an Avocado Hand Treatment.

That’s my hands. Promise.

Here are the ingredients: 

1/4 fully ripened avocado from Mexico

1 egg white

2 tablespoons rolled oats

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions: In a shallow bowl, mash avocado till smooth. Add egg white, oats and lemon juice.

I loved  the colour  that the Nail Polish Blogger (@everaftrlacquer) beside me selected. How appropriate for the event!!

As you know, I usually hang out with food bloggers but on this particular evening, I had the chance to hang out with lifestyle and beauty bloggers. It was truly a lot of fun.

I think this event was a genius idea. Now I can enjoy Mexican Avocados in my food AND on my skin!! Other applications include using Mexican Avocados as an Enriching Hair Mask, or as a Moisturizing Face Mask.

Many thanks to Tips Nail Bar for hosting such a fabulous evening. Their space, staff and selection of colors and brands, is a a notch above most nail salons. I even took the business card of their designer who made this unique mural!

The mural was featured on the WHOLE length of the wall. This is just a very small segment that I liked.

For more information:

Please visit : www.missavacado.ca

Tips Nail Bar: 848 Danforth Ave, 416 405 8477

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GoodLife Fitness opened a beautiful 10,000 square foot facility at Toronto Pearson Airport yesterday. This is great news for the 30,000 employees who work at the airport and the 32 million passengers who pass thru the airport as well!!

I love the concept that you can rent workout clothing as well at this location, as well as they have partnered with Reebok.  What a great idea in the event that you forgot to bring your workout  clothes or don’t have room to pack them.

They thought of everything. Even oversized lockers.

You wouldn’t want to miss your flight so these schedule boards were installed inside the gym too. Smart.

An opening party wouldn’t be the same without a VIP guest so Darryl Sittler was present at the opening party. Naturally I made sure I took a photo with this hockey legend.

Congratulations to Goodlife Fitness. I have no doubt that this is going to be one very very busy location.

For more information:

Goodlife Fitness, Terminal 1, Arrival Level, Toronto Pearson Airport, 905 671 3721

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There is something about the Toronto Garlic Festival that I love. Perhaps it’s the aroma that I can detect from the parking lot. HA HA. (sorry….but it’s true).

This is my third year that I’ve attended the Toronto Garlic Festival, and I swear  each year it keeps getting better and better.

I had a ton of fun sampling a variety of delicious food, craft beer, and even managed to participate in a free garlic shot. Here’s proof!!

I ate the whole thing!!

I discovered a few new vendors as well. In particular, one called Smoked & Cracked. I had a spoon of their soup that will have me running to their restaurant in no time at all. (516 Mt. Pleasant Rd). 

I also discovered some unique key chains that would make the perfect gift for foodies! I’m now the proud owner of one of these beautiful key chains. ps u can email your order to: uaddloveandstir@hotmail.com)

Another favourite event taking place in the near future is Soupalicious. Sadly I’m unable to attend but trust me I would be there the minute it opened if I was in town!!

More events that I would be trying to squeeze in next weekend include:

Toronto Underground Market for their two year Anniversary Party on Sept 28th. For more info, please click here

Abbey’s Kitchen Stadium for Battle Three on Sunday Sept 29th from 1-4 pm. For more info, please click here 

Oktoberfest at the Bier Market (running until Oct 20) For more info, please click here.  Nothing beats, drinking beer, eating great food, listening to live music with some friends!

(from left to right) @clickflickca @th3hungrycat @beachrockinc.

Enjoy!

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Several times a year I get an email inviting me to an event that is truly a unique experience and  the reply is always:  “COUNT ME IN”. This was the case when I received an email inviting me to the media day for  the Canadian International Air Show. I had never been to this annual event before so I figured it was about time!!

I must admit that it was pretty cool to be able to be so close to these magnificent aircraft.

See what I mean?

The second part of the media day included a chance to actually go up in a plane. Let me put this into perspective for you about my fear….I don’t even go on the Kiddie Rides at Wonderland.  However all the lovely staff (errr…Colleen) reassured me that I would be perfectly safe.

I specifically asked for the “SAFE HORSE”..not the one that bucked. Therefore I was put in the capable hands of Paul, who took me up in this tow plane which is used for the air cadet program. Yup – I was SAFE.  Before you knew it, I was strapped in and off we went….Up, Up and Away!!

My view:

Some of my twitter friends like YYZ Events, went up on a plane that did stunts. Who knows, I might try that next year!! Note the word “might”.

After such an experience, I went to the CNE for the very first time (but not my last time)  to watch the the Canadian International Air Show do it’s stuff. I found a lovely log to sit on and watched the show along with many other air show enthusiasts.

The Canadian International Air Show takes places on Sunday Sept 1 and Monday Sept 2 from 1 to 4:30 pm. (location: at the waterfront, south of South of Bandshell Park). If you want to know who will be performing, this link will help you out.

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It’s summer….so let’s have some fun. Here’s some photos of some beaches and pools. See if you can identify them. Ready. Set. Go.

Beach #1 (hint: one hour east of Toronto)

 Beach #2: (hint: 40 min. west of Toronto)

 Beach #3: (hint: in the GTA)

Beach #4: (hint: 1.5 hours north of Toronto

 Beach #5: (hint: 1.5 hours NW of Toronto)

  Beach #6 (hint: 2.5 hours east of Toronto)

Ok..now for some pools

Pool #1 (hint: downtown Toronto)

Pool #2: (hint: 1.5 hour drive from Toronto)

Pool #3 (hint: Located in Vaughan)
Pool #4: (hint: a little over an hour east of Toronto)

Pool #5 (hint: it no longer exists but use to be located at Bathurst/Sheppard). I miss it SO much.

C

Can you tell that I love the summer and I love being around water?

Hope you are enjoying your summer as much I am.

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My Dad lives in Ottawa so I will be visiting next week  in order to celebrate Father’s Day with him.

BUT if he was in Toronto,  this is what I would be doing with him!

1. We would head to Yorkdale Shopping Centre to visit L’OCCITANE En Provence so my dad could have one of those old-school shaves. (errr…hot towel, shaving cream, brush, etc). I know he would love it.  They are actually offering this service for FREE this coming weekend. Make sure you call (416) 782-0005 to RSVP. PS saw on their facebook page that there’s mini facials for women too!!

This service is being offered: Friday, June 7^th, 7-9pm, Saturday  June 8th 1-5 pm, and Sunday June 9th 1-5 pm!!

While you are in the store, take a peek at their selection of gift sets for Father’s Day in the Cade and Verdon lines! #justsayin’

1. We would also head to Montreal Deli & Greek Grill (115 York Blvd, Unit #7, Richmond Hill, ON) for a freakin’ unbelievable (yes – Freakin’ UNBELIEVABLE) smoked meat sandwich. I’ve just discovered this restaurant (thanks M!) and I was blown away. I even asked for a tape measure to measure this sandwich. PS I submitted this photo to Gastropost as they are hosting a Fathers Day Mission and my dad taught me all about good smoked meat!!

3.  We would end the day with a trip to Holy Chuck (1450 Yonge St)  to try one of their epic milkshakes. We both like flavour and unusual combinations so I know he would love the milkshakes here.

Can you tell my Dad is a bit of a foodie and a shopper too? I am so lucky to have a Dad like him. I’m sure we will find foodie adventures in Ottawa too. Stay tuned!!

What have you planned for Father’s Day?

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Last week, I had the opportunity to drive a 2013 Hyndai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T  for a week of luxurious, stress-free driving. (the “T” stands for Turbo!).

I was so sad when I had to return it. Look at my sad face!

There were many things I was sad about when the week ended.  I truly enjoyed taking this car on road trips to Langdon Hall and Hockley Valley Resort. This car was NOT going to sit parked in my garage…I seriously became @momwhodrives.

Specifically I was going to miss many features of this car. Here’s my list of EXACTLY what I sad about.

a) The MASSIVE sun roof. What a difference this made to have so much sunlight streaming into my car.

b) the MASSIVE amount of storage space. It was endless.

c) the hot/cold button that could warm up ALL THE SEATS…even in the back.

d) the CLEAR dashboard. It even showed me a list of near by gas stations when I was low on gas. (without asking..how brilliant).

e) this radar so I wouldn’t hit anything!! Oh my – how I needed this feature when I was on the road as a sales rep for 5 years!

It turns out that one of my friends just bought this car and when I asked her why she bought the Hyunda Santa Fe  2.0T 2013 – she replied “it fit all her needs”.

I couuldn’t agree more. There is a reason the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0T earned the title of “2013 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year”, one the country’s highest automotive honour.

Happy Driving

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O.K…I’m just going to spit it out.

MomWhoRuns…has NOT BEEN RUNNING. Phewww….I feel better already.  Seriously, I should switch the name of my blog to MomWhoEats.

I ran the Toronto Half Marathon on May 6, 2012 and have not put on my running shoes since that date.

No Zumba..No Body Pump... No GoodLife Membership….No Triathlons.….No treadmill. No NOTHING.  Bye Bye wet suits, bikes, Lululemon, and more!!

Oh how I miss cross training!!

Why did I stop exercising? I figured that it was time for a sabbatical after working out for 7 years. Not to mention that I had gained some serious weight in April/May 2012 and in June 2012. decided to make major changes to my diet (another blog post – I promise).

Here are the pros/cons regarding my decision to stop working out.

PROS:

-I have a LOT more free time

-I lost two sizes and more than 20 pounds

CONS:

-I miss all of it…the races, challenging my body and reaching fitness goals.

Therefore, in late April I had the opportunity to visit the InsideOut  Studio  (210 Laird Dr, Toronto) for a work out. I loved it. I truly did. It felt great to move again and I loved the one-on-one private training session.

Sadly, I have NOT put on my running shoes since that visit.

I thought that on May 6, 2013 I would put on my running shoes and start to run again. Sadly, this has not happen.

Any advice?

PS Many thanks to the InsideOut Studio for reaching out to me! For further information about this boutique studio, please contact them at (416) 849-4765 or visit their website.

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Lately I’ve been in the mood to share more personal information about myself, and not just recipes or new food products that I love!!

Here’s another true story:

I’m a 47 year old woman who has been to three (that’s right : t-h-r-e-e-) concerts in her life.

1. I went to see the Bay City Rollers with my parents and my sister, in the late 1970’s.

2. I went to see Dire Straits in Israel in mid 1980’s with my good friend, Suzi.

3.  I went to see Rod Stewart with my mom in the late 1980’s

That’s it. Oh I saw Sonny and Cher  as well,  but that wasn’t really a concert and I was probably 8 yrs old so Im not including it.

Going to see a concert was on my bucket list in 2012 and was one of two items that I did not cross off my list.  Till now that is. ! Finally on Feb 16th, 2013, I went to see a concert. Are you doing a happy dance for me? I hope so!! I can now proudly say I’ve been to FOUR concerts in my life!!

I went to see the spectacular Bon Jovi at the ACC – thanks to a tweet from @meredithheron.   She had two extra tickets that I was all too happy to buy (in a nano second).

My friend and I loved the concert. Indeed he’s an amazing performer and a talented singer too. (ok he’s a qt as well – I’ll just throw that in).

I hope it’s not another two decades before I see another concert!!

PS what  concert do you think I should go see next?

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