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.

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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!!

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I’d like to tell you about Valentine’s Day 2013. I wasn’t dating anyone but knew that I wanted to celebrate the “day” and not just sit on my couch in my apartment!  So I did something brilliant. I booked a massage at Body Blitz late in the afternoon. I remember walking in and immediately noticed how quiet it was – as everyone was ON A DATE!! I didn’t mind the peace and quiet. ….TRUST ME. It was like having the whole place to myself! After the massage, I took advantage of the water therapy, showered and changed.

Then I walked around the block and went to Scotiabank Theatre. I can’t remember what I saw -but I do remember that the movie theatre was pretty empty. Again, everyone was probably out having Valentine’s Day Dinner.

After the movie, I proceeded to celebrate Valentine’s Day and went Bar Chef to have a molecular mojito. Again – Bar Chef was pretty empty!! I got home around 11 pm . I have to admit that I felt pretty relaxed and loved the choices I made.

Now let’s talk about Valentine’s Day 2014. I’m dating someone so Valentine’s Day is going to be different than 2013. We are going to celebrate with a special dinner at home and I’ve got a special gift to give to him as well. I can’t reveal anymore details cause he reads my blog!!

What inspired me in 2014 for Valentine’s Day….. is the stuff I’m finding on Pinterest!!  Here’s some of my favorites.

Love this simple idea too…

Wishing everyone a happy Valentine’s Day!!

For more information:

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The other night I was lucky (yes, very lucky) to have received an invite to attend an event at the Suits® Lobby Lounge in the Trump  International Hotel & Tower. The event included all the right elements:

1. A Stunning Venue
2. Scotch and Cognac
3. Valrhona Chocolate Fondue

I’m a total sucker for a gorgeous venue (especially since I had never been to the Trump Hotel). I’m also TOTALLY into an event that includes Scotch and Chocolate.

It was dark – forgive me for the bad photos?

I actually sent out a tweet while I was at the event that said “PINCH ME. I’m in Scotch Heaven”.

The atmosphere of the Suits® Lobby Lounge is just the perfect size for someone like me, who prefers a more intimate environment. I also liked the fact that there was a TV which means it will be the ideal place for me to return so I can catch the French Open in March. (can u believe I don’t get TSN at home?).

As for the scotch. I spent a lot of time hanging around the Macallan 18!!

My BFF.

As for the chocolate – indeed Scotch and dark Varhona chocolate make an ideal pair. Smart. Move.

Perfect Pair.

Seriously, if you are looking for a lobby lounge for drinks before dinner, after dinner, or just after work – please check out this magnificent lounge. You won’t be disappointed. The new Amber Liquor Program and Valrhona Chocolate fondue menu is certainly worth checking out! Um, perfect for Valentines. #justsayin’

For More Info: 

Trump International Hotel & Tower, 325 Bay St, Toronto, (416) 306 5800

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I’ve just returned from a fun night out at Cheesewerks (56 Bathurst St). You see, they are hosting these “Food Fight Trivia Nights” and they are selling out….that’s how much fun they are.

Every detail was thought of!!

For $2 you are guaranteed to laugh, to think, to hang out with your friends and eat some fabulous food. The restaurant was packed.

Full house

So here’s how it works. You grab a few friends (teams are four are suggested), name your team ie. team goudalicious, show up from 7 pm – 9 pm and contribute $2. The questions are either: name that tune, multiple choice, WTF (identify obscure food photos), and a pop quiz.

There’s prizes to be won and I swear the video we watched had me doubled over laughing my guts out. It was a Nigella Lawson video that had been edited and was absolutely hysterical. Actually I hope someone puts it on YouTube so I can watch it over and over again.

More events are coming up – so make sure you follow them on twitter or on facebook. That way you won’t miss a thing!!

Lots going on!! #Brilliant

If you are struggling what to do on Valentines – here’s an idea: I think this is the PNO (perfect night out).

What a great idea!

Seriously, this restaurant can be describes as having the total package: great owners, a cool vibe, an amazing social media presence, plus amazing food.

For More Info:

Cheesewerks 56 Bathurst St. (416) 243-3327

Twitter: @Cheesewerks

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cheesewerks

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I have a feeling there are two camps for this holiday…the camp that dislikes this holiday and the camp that likes this holiday.

Personally, I like this holiday. This year, I am celebrating in style. Here’s what I will be doing.

a) I am going to the Cayman Islands. Thats right – by 3:30 p.m on Feb 14th – I will be on Seven mile beach. I went there last year, and had such a relaxing vacation, that I am going back to the same strip of sandy gorgeousness!!

Ideal Scenery for Feb 14th

b) I will be applying Body Shop  Shower Cream from their Chocomania collection, after a day in the sun as my skin will really need it. Trust me, I do nothing but lie on the beach. I know, I know…lying in the sun all day is not good for me but I promise I use a really good sunscreen. PS If you need a last minute gift – run to The Body Shop to buy any product from this Chocomania collection.

c) I will be eating my Neuhaus Chocolate. I buy myself ONE chocolate from Pusateris every year. True Story: I use to sell Neuhaus when I worked in the gourmet department at Holt Renfrew as a teenager.  I can still remember having a line up of dozens of men, waiting to by chocolates.

My Special Treat to Myself

d) I will be reading from my beloved Kobo ALL WEEK (not just on the 14th). I downloaded…Hillarity Ensues by Tucker Max (please don’t judge me), Bossy Pants by Tina Fey and Dreams of Joy by Lisa See. Probably in that order.

I love my Kobo!!

I simply can’t wait to celebrate Valentines this year…for many reasons.

Stay tuned for more blog posts from sunny Cayman Islands!!

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