I’ve now been to Her Majesty’s Pleasure for two events and I feel I must share this unique concept with you.

Her Majesty’s Pleasure™ is a beautiful mix of sensory experiences in the heart of King West Village; There’s an enchanting café, juice-bar, retail boutique and lounge bar with wellness and spa services. Go see them and socialize over drinks, manicures, pedicures, blowouts or just great coffee, desserts and tunes.

As always, I like hanging around the bar AND the food!!

I also hung out and got my make up done and my hair blown out. I must say, I did NOT walk into the event looking like this AT ALL!

What’s also cool about this space is that they have been Voted Best Salon Design and Top 10 Global Interior Design by Azure Magazine, with interiors by renowned design firm +tongtong.

If you are looking for a unique space for a birthday party, or a corporate event, this space would be IDEAL.

For more information:

www.hermajestyspleasure.ca

Address: 556 King St W, Toronto, ON
Phone: (416) 546-4991

Twitter: @HMP_Toronto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HMPbeautybar/timeline/

 

As you know, I kind of keep my eye out for new restaurants, coffee shops and other interesting places! It’s just the way I roll.

Here’s two concepts that I recently discovered:

1. SQUISH Candies

This is a gourmet candy store (err, artisanal candy store) that just opened it’s first Ontario Store on the concourse level of the Bay (176 Yonge St). They have a roster of 100 different gummies, with flavour profiles to match any mood. Not to mention that these gummies are vegan, non GMO, organic, dairy free, and have no artificial flavour or colours!

I had the good fortune to chat with the lovely founder (Sarah Segal) who launched this idea in Montreal in 2014.

Sarah was the chief tea developer and head of product development for David’s Tea and it’s evident that SQUISH is going to have the same “marketing genius” that David’s Tea has.

2. MAMAN – Toronto:

Maman, is a New York City bakery and cafe that recently opened a second location at First Canadian Place on the Mezzanine Level (100 King St W). One of the owners is originally from Toronto so it made perfect sense to bring the concept back to her hometown.

This is what the bakery looks like on the outside (plus there’s a magnificent patio).

On the inside, there’s communal harvest tables and a very “European” feel to the space. What’s great about this bakery is that they also serve pretty awesome cocktails!! I like how they are mixing it up a bit and you can drop by for a coffee, breakfast, lunch, a cocktail or from cinq-a- sept. (5 to 7 pm).

Hours of operation are Monday to Wednesday from 7am to 7pm, and Thursday and Friday from 7am to 9pm for breakfast, lunch and cinq-á-sept. The café and bakery will be closed on weekends.

For more information:

SQUISH Candy: The Bay (176 Yonge St) – Concourse Level. Twitter: @SquishCandy, Instagram: @SquishCanady, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squishcandy

Maman Toronto: First Canadian Place (100 King St. W)  – Mezzanine Level, Twitter: @MamanToronto, Instagram: @_MamanToronto_; Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mamantoronto

A few years ago, I discovered Fluevog while walking thru the Distillery District.  I was instantly a fan. I knew that one day I would own a pair and guess what? This past week, I not only bought one pair but two pairs!!

I found out thru Social Media that they were opening up a new store at 686 Queen St and that there would be some additional savings over the weekend.  I’m all about savings so I put it in my calendar to drop by the new store.

Here’s what was in that gigantic Fluevog bag!! Note: If I were super savvy I would do a YouTube Unboxing Video. In the meantime, here’s some photos…LOL

I’m in love with the colour, the laces, and the entire design of the boot!

Seeing as I found a boot, I had to find a pair of shoes to purchase too. Don’t you love how I rationalize my shopping purchases?

I love the heel, the colour and basically everything about this shoe.

Here’s more about the Fluevog story: John Fluevog is an independent designer and retailer of forward thinking footwear, since 1970. There are Fluevog stores in Chicago, Boston, New York, Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa, Denver, Washington, San Francisco…and the list goes on!!

Not only am I a fan of his shoes but I adore his marketing too:

Happy Shopping!!

For more information:

Www.fluevog.com

Twitter; @fluevog

Instagram: @fluevog

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fluevog

Canada Day is soon approaching so here’s a few suggestions how to celebrate!

1. HOTEL TONIGHT
Cue the fireworks! This Canada Day, celebrate the nationwide party and then flop into bed, courtesy of Hotel Tonight. In honour of Canada’s 148th year, Hotel Tonight is offering hotel room deals at top hotels from $48 – $148 on June 30 and July 1. I just secured my room and I’m pumped. So download this app. Stat.

2. WHITTAMORE’S FARM

Nothing like going strawberry picking. Just make sure you don’t wear white. Trust me.

3. ATTEND A BASEBALL GAME

For baseball fans, the Toronto Blue Jays will be playing the Boston Red Sox at 1 p.m. July 1.

4. PLAY TOURIST.

Have you ever done this? Recently I went up the CN Tower…just for fun. I honestly couldn’t remember the last time I went up the CN Tower.  PS. You can buy a Toronto CityPass that will allow you to access 5 Toronto attractions. Click here for more information.

5. HEAD OUT OF TOWN.

A few weeks ago, I went to Elora for the day. It’s such a charming small town and worth checking out.  Next time, I hope to stay over night and really explore this city!!

 6. HOST A BBQ:

T’is the the perfect opportunity to celebrate Canada Day with a BBQ. Head to Walmart for great value on  OurFinest hamburgers, chips and drinks (plus many other products).  Add a salad or two. plus dessert and bingo you have you the perfect BBQ. For a full list of OurFinest products, please click here.

Wishing everyone a Happy Canada Day!!

Disclosure: Parts of this blog post were compensated or complimentary, however all opinions are my own.

Here’s a round up of a few new places to check out. After all…it’s summer so it’s the perfect time to get out there and embrace the warmer temperatures and introduce your taste buds to some new restaurants:

a) BareBurger: This is a hot hamburger chain in NYC that has recently opened their first franchise in North America. #luckytoronto. Bareburgers’ menu embraces vegan and vegetarian menus. Observers of paleo and glutenfree and low carb diets: and of course, lovers of meat, game and poultry! They are also committed to organics.

What to try? Any of their salads, a hamburger (of course) and save room for their the ice cream sandwich for dessert!!

b) Booyah Ice Cream Parlor: This new ice cream parlour just opened and it’s a few blocks from Dutch Dreams. So if you ever see 50 people in line and don’t have time to wait – you should really walk one more block and try one of their ice cream sandwiches. I tried a GRAPE NUT ice cream sandwich and was a happy camper!!

c) ZaPizzeria: This new pizza restaurant has my name all over it. I simply fell in love with their Oh Canada Pizza! (maple syrup, bacon and potato chips). This combination of sweet/salty and crunchy is exactly the type of combination that I adore. However I sampled their entire menu and seriously they were all equally tasty!!

Disclosure: I was invited to media events at BareBurger and ZaPizzeria however all opinions are my own.

For more information:

Bare Burger, 111 Dundas St. W, Toronto (647 345 2273)

Booyah Ice Cream Parlor, 16 Vaughan Road., Toronto  647-347-2001.

ZaPizzeria,, 402 Bloor St. W, 647 345-9292 

 

Last year, I attended Recipe for Change for my first time. In case you want to read about my experience at this outstanding event, please click here.

This year I would like to share a quick interview I had with the Executive Director of FoodShare, Debbie Field.

1. Can you tell me the history of this event and how it has evolved over the years? We wanted an event that could highlight the amazing work we do in schools bringing food literacy to students of all ages, and we wanted to raise the needed money for the staff who deliver the food literacy workshops. The event combines both goals.

2. How does this event differ from other events? It combines some of the best food in town, a great sense of elegance with a grounded reality of a multi-ages, more women chefs and more diverse chefs than any other event of its kind. It therefore has an optimistic sense to it that I think is rare in fundraising events. It is one night with great food that will hopefully inspire everyone to be active in the movement for food literacy.

3. Describe where the money goes to? Field to Table Schools work teaching kids how to cook and grow food and be food literate.

4. Any advice for first time attendees? The venue is fabulous, the food is incredible, and it really is FUN. You will meet great people as everyone is very friendly. FoodShare is often referred to as a big family and the event feels that way.

5. What’s the best part of the event? The feeling that we are building a movement together for food literacy.

Recipe for Change not only supports an important cause, but it’s also A PARTY you don’t want to miss. With 30 chefs reflecting Toronto’s diverse food scene, 2 craft brewers and 3 wineries, this will be the most delicious fun night of the year! The festivities take place on Thursday Feb 26th from 6 pm to 9 pm. at the St. Lawrence Market North Building. Grab a friend, buy your tickets and arrive promptly at 6 pm wearing your stretchy pants!

 

 

A few weeks ago, I was totally spoiled and had the opportunity to experience a Winterlicious lunch at the Four Seasons Hotel followed by a Winterlicious dinner the next day at the Toronto Hyatt Regency on King.

From January 30 to February 12, more than 200 of Toronto’s top restaurants are offering three-course prix fixe menus at one of three price categories:

Lunch:   $18  |  $23  |  $28

Dinner:   $25  |  $35  |  $45

There’s still time to pick up the phone and secure reservations of Winterlicious and I do hope that you would consider both of these restaurants!!

Here’s my (brief) review of my Four Seasons Winterlicious lunch at Cafe Boulud:

Cafe Boulud doesn’t disappoint when it comes to service, atmosphere or execution. For some reason, I had never been to the new Four Seasons before but I would certainly return!! I even dressed up for the occasion which is not something I usually do.

Please click on this link to check out their Winterlicious menu!

b) Toronto Hyatt Regency Winterlicious Dinner:

Again, I was treated to exceptional service. There’s no question there’s value in any Winterlicious meal at a hotel!! Please click on the link to read more about their Winterlicious menu.

Now – go pick up the phone and make a reservation.

Toronto Hyatt Regency:  370 King St. West, Toronto,  416-963-6000

Four Seasons – Cafe Boulud: 60 Yorkville Ave, Toronto 416 964-0411

Happy Winterlicious!!

Discloure: Both meals 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!

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.