I  recently read a blog post by A Peek Inside the Fishbowl about apps that she is loving. I then decided it was a good idea to share the newest apps that I’m loving too. I hope you don’t mind @missfish!!

In a nutshell. There are four apps that I discovered lately and I must say – I’m loving them. Apps are fun and Apps are useful. Simple as that.

1. Vine: This is going to be the next biggest thing. Well so everyone says. I believe them though. It’s like a mini mini youtube. Have you tried it? What do you think?

2. Flyer Flo: Most people like to save a buck but a lot of us don’t like collecting flyers! This app allows you put in your postal code and find flyers that’s in your hood!! My blue box is now void of paper flyers. LOVE IT. Happy Savings Everyone!!!

3. Checkout 51. Again, a cost saving app that allows you to save money on your groceries. I get an email from them every week and if those items are on my list, then I can SCAN the receipt, upload it and one day I will get a cheque in the mail. No need to bring coupons to the store. BRILLIANT.

4. Airbnb: Found out about this app while watching App Central. This  app shows properties from around the world that are for rent. For those of you who prefer not to stay in a hotel and love to have a kitchen when you travel…this is the app for you. I also just looking at the decor of each property.  I am certainly using this app when I travel to Barcelona. No doubt in my mind. Not to mention the properties are often way cheaper than a hotel.

What apps have you discovered? Please share.

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As you know, Valentines Day is in just a few days. It’s one of those holidays where  you celebrate it in a “big way” (ie cards and gifts), celebrate it in a “medium way” (ie a card with flowers or chocolates) or celebrate it in a little way (ie a card).

In the event you celebrate this day in a “big” way – here are some suggestions:

1. What about a gift certificate for some pampering at Body Blitz. I’ve been a huge fan of their water therapy for many many years.

2.  Head to Bar Chef for unbelievable unique cocktails. My personal fav is the molecular mojito. No one in the city makes a drink like this.

3. Valentines Dinner and Nature Walk at Kortright Centre on Saturday Feb 16th from 7 – pm

This event sounds divine.  Think candlelit dinner and then a twilight stroll through the beautiful and pristine forest at Kortright. Advance tickets are required  416-667-6295

5.  Give a Samba Days Gift Experience: a unique gift experience that allows the recipient to choose from a huge range of experiences (gourmet getaways to helicopter rides…no shortage of options)

6.  Pick up some lobster at City Fish (they will cook it for you for the same price). Then light some candles, pop open a bottle of wine and bingo you have yourself a pretty fab Valentines Day meal. ps no website – but they are located at 2929 Duferin St. 416 256 7373

7. Um, what about Dirty Bingo on Saturday Feb 16th at the Paintbox Bistro. Bingo starts at 9 pm. #justanidea

8. May I suggest a heart shaped pizza from Boston Pizza, followed by some skating?
$1 from each pizza sold goes to support the Boston Pizza Foundation – I totally love this idea.

9. Head to the Korean Family Sauna – which is open 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

$20 gives you 8 different saunas to chose from!

10. Visit Moroco Chocolat in Yorkville for some heavenly chocolate fondue.

Happy Valentines Day!!

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Toronto Roller Derby: Real Women. Real Hits. Real Heart.

 I knew that Toronto Roller Derby existed (thanks to Twitter)  but what I didn’t know is that between 300 and 1300 people show up to watch these amazing women compete!! This past Saturday night, I finally had a chance to  go to Downsview Park to watch LIVE Roller Derby! You see, back in the 1970’s I remember watching it only on TV. It was pretty popular, back in the “day”. LOL.

I watched the Bay Street Bruisers compete against Killamazoo and it was indeed entertaining. Way better than watching it on TV!! I would certainly go back.

No shortage of excitement!!

The crowds (well part of the crowd)

Fans!!

For More Information:

Toronto Roller Derby

$12 in advance

$18 at the door

Twitter: @TOROLLERDERBY

Facebook: www.facebook.com/torontorollerderby (which has over 7,000 “likes” – impressive)

Tickets available; Rotate This, Skate Co., Noise, Soundscape, The Purple Purl, or online at TorotoRollerDerby.com

Season Calendar: March 2, March 23, April 13, May 11, May 25, June 15 (Championship),

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The 2013 Interior Design Show  is written down in my calendar MONTHS before it takes place. I seriously never want to miss this show. Even though my passion is food, I go ga-ga at this show. Tonite was the opening night party…which means I got my hair done at Evoke Salon, put on my party dress and my high heels.

Trust me, I could be snapping photos all night long because everything has a “wow factor” but I don’t want to bore you!! Therefore I will only show you a few photos K?

1. This unique chair from Caviar 20 

A real conversation piece!!

2. This bamboo sink from Stone Forest! 

Love this.

3. What about this amazing modern fireplace from Acquaefuoco?

Want

4. I really loved this lamp from The David & Chico Show. For me – it was a piece of art. A true statement piece.

Available in all colors

5. Carpets (from Reznick Carpets) are like art too.

Hope you get a chance to visit this amazing show. You won’t be bored!!

Show Info:

Interior Design Show, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto

Saturday Jan 26 from 10 am to 7 pm Online Tickets $19 Onsite $22

Sunday Jan 27 from 10 am to 6 p.m Online Tickets $19 Onsite $22

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Seeing as it’s the beginning of a new year, I’ve been reflecting on some of the amazing events I’ve had the opportunity to attend in 2012. Not only were the events incredible but I met some people amazing people too.

Here’s a few examples:

a) I was invited to attend the 9th Annual Hockey Canada Foundation Gala dinner at the ACC. as a guest of Samsung.  In attendance: Prime Minster Stephen Harper, Wayne Gretzky and a slew of famous hockey players. Not to mention close to 1000 guests for a sit down dinner. It was a pretty special event.

momwhoruns with Mr. Gretzky

b) Attending the Grate  Canadian Grilled Cheese Cook Off. I’m not kidding I had this event in my calendar for MONTHS in advance. I met some special chefs and ate some wicked grilled cheese sandwiches. Kudos to the Dairy Farmers of Canada for organizing such an amazing contest.

From Left to Right: Chef Jason Bangerter, Chef Ned Bell, Chef Liana Robberecht, Chef Michael Howell

c) I was also invited to attend the taping of “You Gotta Eat Here Next” by the owners of Dr. Laffa. They wanted customers to be interviewed for the show and I was all too happy to express my love for their food!! This is a picture of the host and I. PS the show will air sometime in mid January. Stay tuned

d) Attending a Samsung event that provided me the unique opportunity  to hold the OLYMPIC torch, learn more about Samsung products and meet some special people.

e) Meeting Marc Saltzman. I’ve been reading his column in Costco Magazine for years and have always admired his knowledge of technology. My friend put me in touch with him and Marc was all too happy to meet with me despite his super hectic schedule.

There were more memories but I won’t bore you!! All I can say is that 2012 was a great year filled with some amazing opportunities. I am ever so grateful to all the publicists and fellow bloggers that I have met over the year who have provided me with these opportunities.

Looking forward to creating more memories in 2013

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Last week I went to check out “Bond Martini Thursdays” at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. How could I refuse? Martinis AND the James Bond exhibit…what a great combination.  I was so going to this event!!

Bond Martini Thursdays is on now till  Jan 17th. If you order a special Bond inspired martini from a participating restaurant then you receive 20% off admission to Designing 007: Fifty Years of Bond Style.  Sounds like the perfect date (except I needed a date…oops did I just say that?).

I started off the evening with a MONEY PENNY Martini. It was exactly what I needed on a Thursday nite after a long day at work.

Hello. Martini. I’m Vicky

While sipping on my martini, I had the opportunity to nibble on some Bond inspired appetizers that Chef Bangerter  had created for this special evening. Could not stop eating these eggs topped with caviar!

Love the tray.

After completing my martini and inhaling a lot of amazing appetizers, I headed into the exhibit. I’m a Bond fan so I knew that this exhibit would speak to me and it did.

A very James Bond-like entrance.

The fashion section, the travel section, and the weapon section were all highlights for me. Not to mention the photo exhibit of all the actors who had the privilege of playing James Bond (um..eye candy). I probably spend a few extra minutes at this section. LOL No photography was allowed so I have no photos to share with you except the entrance.

This is definitely a GNO (great night out).

For More Info:

TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St East. (416) 968 3456

Bond Martini Thursdays…click here for participating restuuarants.

The exhibit is free for TIFF members.

Tickets on sale here.

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I’ve been getting my hair straightened for “occasions” over the last 10 years. Anytime I had  a wedding to go to, or a bar mitzva, or a party…I seem to have been booking an appointment to get my hair “smoothed out”.  I love the feel of having straight hair and try not to wash my hair for 3-4  days after getting my hair straightened so I can enjoy it to the max!!

In mid September, I had my hair straightened and took the following photo.

Ottawa – Sept 17

It’s such a different look than this photo that I took earlier in September.

Montreal – Sept 1

During the month of September I complimented two friends about their STRAIGHT hair. Both women told me they had a keratin treatment and now have straight hair for 5 months. I was impressed.

One  of those women told me to call  Natural Solutions at the Promenade Mall and to book an appointment with Massimo. I did just that.

Here’s what happend:

They shampooed my hair using a special keratin shampoo.

the magical potion!!

My hair was then dried.

My hair was then flat ironed. (a lot!!)

Two hours later, I left the salon with STICK STRAIGHT HAIR and was told not to get it wet for 48 hours and not to put it in clips or a pony tail.

After 48 hours I washed my hair, went to bed and woke up with PRETTY STRAIGHT HAIR. I flat ironed it a bit and bingo – straight hair.

Now l look like this and will continue to look like this for the next 5 months.

WHY DID I NOT DO THIS A LONG TIME AGO? that’s the big question!!

For more info:

Natural Solutions, 1 Promenade Circle, Promenade Mall (near Sears)

(905) 889-3300

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Oh how I love these conferences for Digitally Connected women!!  Five years ago, I would have never have thought that I would one day be “Digitally Connected” !! I barely knew how to download photos let alone to blog.

This is now my third conference in three years and every year I’m excited to attend. I start to follow the twitter feed  @SCConference and #SCCTO and before you know it, I’m starting to plan.

Here’s whats going thru my mind as I prepare for Shes Connected 2012:

a)  Plan my outfit. I know it will be something comfortable. Not to fancy but not to casual.  I might even get my hair straightened. That is – if I could find a spare 30 minutes.

What to wear? Decisions..Decisions..Decisions

b) Wear my Twitter Necklace that I bought for myself from Blend Creations a few years ago.

The perfect necklace to wear to this event.

c) Bring Phone Chargers and the Computer Charger: This year, I’m going to label my names on those items (me. smart).

d) Bring business cards. (Even if they have the wrong info on them – don’t ask)

e) Bring this bag. Seriously…I have learned my lesson. Notice it’s on wheels and it has a handle to pull?

The best bag ever for my Mac, Kobo, Ipad etc. Bought it at Costco years ago

f) Take the TTC to get there. It’s indeed the better way.

g) SMILE and CONNECT with other fabulous participants as much as I can. That’s what it’s all about.

h) LEARN. Yes – I need to learn. Even after 3 years of blogging – I need more skills.

i) RELAX AND HAVE FUN.

Only a few days left till the conference begins and I’m super stoked.

For more info:

Shes Connected, Oct 19 & 20th, Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

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I’ve been a fan of Body Blitz for as long as I can remember. The first time I went to Body Blitz was DIRECTLY after completing the Mississauga Half Marathon (many years ago.) In fact after each half marathon that I have completed (4)..I went right there, all dressed in my shvitzy clothes with my Visa in my pocket. It was the best move, as I was never sore the next day and I give credit to Body Blitz for helping my body recover after running for 2 plus plus hours.

On Wednesday nite, I got a sneak preview of their new location that will soon be opening at 497 King St. East. (lucky lucky me)

I’m in love with their water therapy, which consiits of a Dead Sea salt pool, an epsom salt pool, a cold plunge pool, an infrared sauna and a eucalyptus sauna.

Dead Sea Salt Pool

You do a circuit, (see photo below) and then you can simply chill while reading a magazine and sipping a juice/protein shake/tea. Then you do the circuit again and again. It’s bliss to go there on a cold winter day. TRUST ME. I should mention that there are spa services available at Body Blitz too not just water therapy!

The Circuit!!

Congratulations to Rena and Laura on opening a second location. This is great news for women in Toronto!!

Rena (on the left) and Laura (on the right) surrounded by Synchronized Swimmers at the Opening Party

For further info:

Body Blitz – 471 Adelaide St. w (416) 364 0400

Body Blitz East – 497 King St. East (which isn’t open yet -but is now taking reservations!!)

Follow them on Twitter: @BodyBlitzSpa or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/bodyblitzspa

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Hot? Want to know how to “cool down”? Then head to the Sheraton Centre. For $30 you can access the pool and the fitness centre!!

Here’s what my day looked like on Monday:

10:00 a.m to noon: I worked on my laptop in one of these comfortable chairs in the lobby.  (see photo) Not a bad setting to work eh? Sure beats my local Starbucks!! The Sheraton Centre loves building a”community” feeling and encourages their guests to play chess, sit at a community table, or enjoy the LINK work stations.

Got A Lot Of Work Done Here!!

12:30 to 1:00 p.m I was getting hungry and went to check out the recently opened BnB restaurant that is located in the lobby as well. It’s really new…ie a month old. Seeing as I’m on a diet I couldn’t enjoy the burgers and the fries that they are known for. (sniff). However I was pretty satisfied with my Wedge Salad. I’m a blue cheese addict and can’t seem to get enough of this salad.

Carb Free Friendly

I also enjoyed some deep fried pickles that had the perfect combo of batter and the perfect pickles. Shame I couldn’t have a beer with it. But this diet is really working for me, so I can’t complain.

I Love Deep Fried Pickles. Period.

1:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m I sat at the pool with my Kobo. I was in heaven. Talk about feeling like I left the city but I didn’t!! Here I was right downtown on the 3rd level of the Sheraton Centre surrounded by beautiful landscaping and staring at a gorgeous outdoor pool.

Eventually (notice how I said “eventually”) I got off my lounge chair to check out the Sheraton Centres’ recently renovated fitness centre. Seeing as I’m “momwhoruns” , I thought it was only appropriate that I put on my running shoes and go for a quick run. OK..very quick. I was super impressed with the size of this new Fitness Centre..it’s massive. I counted 8 stairmasters and 8 treadmills! Plus room for weights, stretching etc.  This is not the tiny little (sad) looking fitness centre that one usually sees in a hotel.

momwhoruns is running!! Well kind ofu.

7:30 p.m Bye Bye Sheraton…it was exactly what I needed to escape from the heat and I will be back. Promise.

Please note that the Sheraton Centre is offering amazing activities for kids on the weekends. Please click here for more information.

Sheraton Centre Toronto,  123 Queen Street West, 416 361 1000

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