A few months ago, I was walking along the Danforth and noticed a storefront that said “H2O Float Spa….Opening Soon”. When I got home I looked them up and added them to my facebook feed so I could follow their updates. (a smart move).

Over the last months, I was intrigued with what I was seeing on their facebook page.

After months of anticipation, they finally opened their doors on April 11th. Naturally I wanted  to try it  – STAT. So on Sunday, I had the opportunity to try it. Lucky me!!

Here’s what I experienced:

a) I walked in and was warmly greeted by Shelley (who is the owner). I was given a pair of shower shoes and then we proceeded into the change room where I was given a fluffy robe and 2  towels as well as a locker and a key.

b) We then went in the room where the pod was located. I was instructed to shower (including washing my hair) before entering the pod. Once I was in the pod, I could shut the pod door whenever I wanted. There was also a call button in the pod in the event I had a question etc.

As soon as I was alone, I went into the pod and shut the door. I did not feel claustrophobic at all, as their was a glowing blue light. (which I had the option of turning on or off) I floated for an hour – and felt totally relaxed. I swear I don’t know where time passed. Perhaps I slept. I could not tell you. LOL.

ps if you aren’t inclined to try the pod then there is a massive open bath where you can float – as an alternative.

c) the jets kick in after an hour – and this indicates that my “float” is over. Sniff.

d) I then showered and got back into clothes. Sniff.

e) a bottle of water and sliced orange awaits you after your float – which I welcomed!!

Here’s a few suggestions for your visit:

-If you wear contact lenses..either bring your glasses or your contact lens case. However I would strongly suggest NOT to wear you contact lenses during the float. Inevitably the salt water is going to drip into your eye and it’s not going to feel pleasant

-Bring a washcloth/handcloth/towel – INTO the pod with you. Again, back to the salt water that is inevitably going to get into your eye.

-Don’t forget your hairbrush, make up etc.

Conclusion: Would I do it again? In a heart beat. Was it relaxing? YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.

Would I give a gift certificate to a friend? Totally.

For prices and more information, please visit their website: www.h20floatspa.com

For more information:

H2O Float Spa 138 Danforth Avenue, Toronto ON  647-349-0426

Twitter: @H2OFloatSpa

Facebook: www.facebook.com/H2OFloatSpa

Disclosure: My float was complimentary however all opinions are my own.

I’ve been a huge fan of Mother’s Dumplings since their original location was on Huron. Then they  moved to a much (much) bigger space at 421 Spadina and just recently they opened a second location at 840 Danforth East. I was eager (curious?) to check out this location even though the Spadina location is closer to me. So I grabbed a friend (who had never been to Mother’s Dumplings) and off we went.

The outside of the restaurant (on Danforth) looks like this and looks pretty similar to the Spadina location (except smaller)

The inside of the restaurant looks very different than the location on Spadina. i.e exposed brick wall and booths and smaller.

As always, I ordered their wonton soup. I’d like to announce that I like their wonton soup better than ramen or pho. I’d also like to announce that I like their wonton soup better than the dumplings!! There is something special about this wonton soup. It has all sorts of dried things floating around, seaweed and more. Not to mention that it’s CHEAP. A large bowl for 2 costs only $5.70.  I have recently introduced this soup to two friends and both friends loved it.

We also ordered an order of dozen steamed  shrimp, chive and egg dumplings. (B3). Like their location on Spadina, you can watch the dumplings being made.

The bill came out to $16.27 for two people. Not bad eh?

I seriously hope that this location will get as much love as their Spadina location.

For More Information:

Mother’s Dumplings, 804 Danforth Ave. Toronto 647 350 8988

As you know there are no shortage of events in Toronto. Here are a few events that are on my radar.

1. The Toronto Maple Leafs will hold a team practice outdoors at the newly covered rink at Toronto’s Greenwood Park on Friday, Feb. 21 at 10 a.m., and the public is encouraged to attend. I went two years ago and I must say – it was pretty fun to watch them outdoors.

2. Croissunday at Nadège Patisserie is taking place on Sunday Feb 23rd at both locations (780 Queen St. W and 1099 Yonge St. If you are a croissant fan, then this event is for you as there is going to be a wide range of unusual flavours. Im SO going to this event.

3. .Recipe for Change: Feb 27, 2014, St. Lawrence Market from 6 to 9 pm. In its fifth delicious year, FoodShare’s Recipe for Change event will bring 400 guests together for a bountiful feast of the very best this city has to offer. This important event supports healthy food and food literacy education in our schools. Tickets are $125.

4. C’est What    (67 Front St. W) is holding a Bacon and Beer Night on Tuesday March 4th. How can you go wrong with an event that involves Beer and Bacon? It’s a 4 course meal that will be paired with 4 beers. Dinner is at 7 pm., Show at 730 pm. Tickets are $57-$60

5. Macaron Day will be taking place on March 20th at a variety of location throughout the GTA. Mark your calendars!! ps I took this photo of Macarons at La Bamboche. (1712 Avenue Road) and it’s one of my all time favorite photos!

6. Canada Blooms. I adore this show and you will too. Seriously. It will take place this year from March 14 – March 23rd at the Direct Energy Centre and I will be there!!

One more thing that I’m eagerly anticipating is the opening of Mother’s Dumpling on the Danforth. I’m too excited for words regarding their second location to be open.

 

Von Doughnuts has recently opened on the Danforth (713 to be exact) and of course I had to go visit after my workout! Life is all about “balance” – right?

There are two types of doughnuts: Raised and Cake.  Plus there are a few varieties that are spiked, and some that are savoury. All I can say is “BRING IT ON”.

Here are some examples of their flavours:

Peanut Butter Jelly Time, The Sappy Pig, Chica Cherry Cola, Drunken Night, Curry Coconut etc. I counted 22 flavours on their printed menu but not all of them are available at the counter. I can see myself checking them out in future on Facebook so I can make sure that the flavour I want is available!

This morning, I tried a few! (does this surprise you?). Top Left: Dill-Dough, Bottom Left: Caramel Salt N Pepa, Top Right: Porky Monkey , Bottom Right: Cap ‘N Jack. Clearly someone has a sense of humour when naming these doughnuts.

Verdict: I love the flavour profiles and I love the fact that there’s two different types of doughnuts (cake and raised). My favourite was the Caramel Salt N Peppa. They were all excellent though and I look forward to trying more in the future. This is definitely a place that would be ideal for a tweet up so we could share a whole bunch of flavours. What do you think?

For more info:

Von Doughnuts, 713 Danforth Ave, Toronto ON 416 901 VOND (8663)

Twitter: @vondoughnuts

Facebook: www.facebook.com/vondoughnuts

 

 

 

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.

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!

 

For more information:

Please visit : www.missavacado.ca

Tips Nail Bar: 848 Danforth Ave, 416 405 8477

For some reason, I don’t spend a lot of time visiting the Danforth even though I really should. It’s a wonderful neighborhood full of great patios, grocery stores, clothing stores and FOOD. (ha…my favorite subject).

This past weekend, I was determined to make the most of my visit to the Danforth and visit some old favorites and check out some new restaurants too. Here’s three spots that I visited:

1. ATHENS BAKERY: It’s always the first place I visit when I go to the Danforth. It’s not new, but there are still plenty of people out there who have not discovered LOUKOUMADES and you really should. The chalkboard menu describes them as “honey coated balls of dough”. I describe them as HEAVEN. Seriously…please go get a half dozen and sprinkle them with cinnamon. You can thank me later.

 

2. THE FUZZ BOX: I seriously googled “new danforth” and this restaurant appeared. Like a good foodie – I went. First, I called the restaurant to see if they had anything for vegetarians. The owner was super friendly on the phone and told me that they were just testing out a donair with tofu and even though it wasn’t on the menu yet,  he would be happy for me to try it.

I have never had a donair before, never knew the history about donairs, never knew about the special sauce or the special seasoning – but the owner patiently explained everything to me while I was waiting for my donair.

What’s important to know is that The Fuzz Box is the ONLY Toronto restaurant who specializes in Donairs. I’m seriously thinking about organizing a tweet up at this restaurant. Who’s in?

3. The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro: This is a new restaurant on the Danforth but I’ve been eating at the Works in Ottawa for over a decade. So I’m super familiar with their tower of rings and their massive menu which offers a huge variety of hamburger creations. (seriously..someone has a good job creating all those hamburger names).

Here’s an old photo I dug out:

For Further Info:

Athens Pastires, 509 Danforth Ave, (416) 463 5144

The Fuzz Box 1246 Danforth Ave, (416) 769 1432

The Works Gourmet Burger 888 Danforth Ave. (647) 748 4455