I was super excited to receive an invite to the opening of the UNIQLO at Eaton Centre on Sept 17th. This store has apparel with Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity. Not to mention that everything I’ve bought from this store is COMFORTABLE.

When I woke up that morning, I knew exactly what I was going to the wear to the event. It was a no brainer – I was going to wear the dress that I bought at the UNIQLO Flagship store in NYC on Labour Day Weekend!!

I was eager to see if the dress was going to be on the racks in Canada and I was super eager to see the price.

Indeed, I found the dress and guess what? It was only $10 more than what I bought it for in NYC.  Here’s proof of the tag.  How awesome is that?

I bought two more dresses that night that I cant stop wearing. I’m positively crazy about this brand. The prices are perfect and I love their fashionably products  – sweaters, scarves, blouses etc.

Not to mention I was this stores’ first customer!

I will continue to be a happy customer as they are opening at Yorkdale Shopping Centre on Oct 20th and I only live 7 minutes away. Hip Hip Hooray.

Happy Shopping!!

For more information: 

Website: www.uniqlo.com

Twitter: @Uniqlo_Canada

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UniqloCanada/

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My last blog post was about camping so I thought it would only be appropriate to do a blog post about GLAMPING. Here’s the definition of Glamping according to Wikipedia:

Glamping is a portmanteau of glamour and camping and describes a style of camping with amenitiesand, in some cases, resort-style services not usually associated with “traditional” camping. Glamping has become particularly popular with 21st century tourists seeking the luxuries of hotel accommodation alongside the escapism and adventure recreation of camping

My glamping experience this year, was at Langdon Hall as it fits my criteria when I want a QUICK escape. To be exact: It’s about an hour away from Yorkdale Shopping Centre.

I have been escaping to Langdon Hall for over a decade but only for a day trip (think Spa treatment and then hang out at the pool). But this trip I actually stayed overnight. What a treat!!

This meant I had time to play tennis, (twice!!) and go for a quick ride on a tandem bicycle. #FUN

We even took advantage of the complimentary Wine Tasting that was taught by one of the sommeliers on staff (there’s actually a few of them at Langdon Hall). It was a fun blind wine tasting and sure enough my fav wine was a 2010 Charles Baker Riesling from Stratus Vineyards in Niagara on the Lake.

During July and August, Langdon Hall offers a variety of complimentary activities for their guests: wine tastings, garden and history tours, cooking demonstrations and even a vegetable garden tour.

Naturally, we also relaxed by their exquisite pool.

What strikes me the most about this majestic property is their lush grounds and their spectacular vegetable garden. I couldn’t stop snapping photos of GREEN!!

The highlight of our trip was the chance to eat at Langdon Hall and to chat with Chef Jason Bangerter.  Notable achievements while at Langdon Hall include:

• Relais & Chateaux, Rising Chef Trophy 2015
• Five Diamond Restaurant Award by CAA/AAA 2014
• Gold Medal Plates, Toronto 2014 – Received the Bronze Medal, fundraising chefs competition for Canadian Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
• The Good Food Innovation Awards – Received Gold by Food Day Canada for the demonstration of an innovative Canadian menu.
• Relais & Chateaux, Gourmet Fest at Carmel by the Sea – selected as the only Canadian Chef to take part in this 60th anniversary celebration.

Sadly, we weren’t that hungry and only ordered two items from their dinner menu.

-East Coast oysters with rhubarb and green apricot mignonette, garden hot sauce.

-Potted chicken liver pate with elderberry and thyme jelly, spring vegetables and sourdough crisps.

I can’t wait to return and order more dishes from this talented Chef.

I also can’t wait to sleep on their beds again. I actually had to look to see what I was sleeping on and discovered it’s a feather bed. I also found out when I was leaving that you can buy it online.  I think I will be treating myself to an early birthday gift (err..about 8 months early. LOL)

Of course, the service we received EVERYWHERE was spectacular. Everyone we encountered had a smile on their face ..the bellman, the pool staff, our waitress at the bar, the front desk staff and cleaning staff too. It was truly a pleasure to stay at this Relais & Chateaux, designated hotel. Just so you know – there’s only two properties in Canada with this designation.

Other exciting news about this property is their expansion, which include a new spa and more event space. It’s scheduled to open in the Fall and I have no doubt that it’s going to be magnificent. Can’t wait to check it out. (note to self: put this in my calendar…NOW)

For more information:

Langdon Hall, 1 Langdon Drive, Cambridge, ON
Telephone: 519-740-2100
reservations@langdonhall.ca

Twitter: @Langdon_Hall

Instagram: @LangdonHall

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A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend the opening of the new food court at Square One Shopping Centre. Seeing as I was a Marketing Director at Yorkdale Shopping Centre decades ago, I was eager to see what this was all about. There’s still a small part of me that is interested to know what’s going on in the shopping centre industry!!

The event was hosted by James Cunningham from Food Networks’ Eat St., who actually grew up shopping at Square One. Pretty cool.

During the media preview, I learned that they invested $320 million dollars on 3 different initiatives. FOOD CENTRAL is the first milestone of this exciting new journey. Not only do guests have the opportunity to eat in a modern and sophisticated space but there are now 8 new food retailers as well.

What really impressed me…….. (drum roll please)……

Square One FOOD CENTRAL has just launched a food court with REAL PLATES and REAL CUTLERY. That’s right – no more styrofoam  plates and no more plastic cutlery. THIS IS HUGE NEWS.

Here’s what this really means:

• It will displace 5.6 million styrofoam plates, plastic cups and cutlery from landfills every year
• Reduces food court waste from 1,200 tons to 480 tons (60% reduction)
• Reduces water usage through an energy efficient dishwashing system

The new retailers in the food court include: Big Smoke Burger, Amaya Express, Cultures, Su&shi and Noodle Bar, Chipotle Mexican Grill and Shanghai 260, Burger King, Szechuan Express.

Other exciting news for Square One, include the opening of Ann Taylor, Top Shop, White House/Black market and LOFT.

For more information:

Square One 100 City Centre Drive, Mississauga (905) 270 7771

Twitter: @ShopSquareOne

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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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True Story:

In 1977,  I was 12 years old and was going to a new camp that summer called “Wabikon“.  Seeing as my dad owned a sports store in Ottawa called “Ritchies Sports Store“, I was decked out in a lot of clothes from Nike, Adidas, and Puma. In fact, one could say ALL my summer clothes came from my dad’s store.

But then I went to Wabikon and my entire cabin was wearing polo shirts with a little alligator on it. I soon learned the word: Lacoste!!

When I returned home, I started to slowly collect Lacoste tshirts and this trend continued till I was 16. I was a HUGE prep and was proud of it. Througout high school, I wore Lacoste tshirts, Levis jeans and Converse running shoes. Period.

Fast Forward to 2013!

A few weeks ago I received an invitation to attend a media night at the Lacoste store at Yorkdale and I quickly sent a reply back that I would love to attend.  At the event, there was a preview of “the Annivesary Capsule Collection – “Edition and Unexpected”. Did you know that Lacoste is celebrating their 80th Anniversary? I loved walking around the store saying to myself “want” “want” “need” “want”!!

I was all too happy to celebrate with them. It was like going down memory lane but so much better. I can’t remember owning Lacoste shoes – but now I own a a pair and I can’t stop wearing them!!

Happy Anniversary Lacoste! Thanks for including me.

P.S. A huge thank you to the store manager who really demonstrated amazing customer service skills.

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Seeing as I was at Yorkdale last week to check out their expansion, I thought it would only be fair to visit the Eaton Centre. I hadn’t been there in years and it was time for a visit.

So I hopped on a subway at St. Clair and before you knew it, I was there.

I knew from Twitter (@toeatoncentre) that the mall had some new stores to check out as well as some decorations to see.

Well ..the decorations were hard to miss. They were SPECTACULAR!!  It was not the typical type of decorations one would normally expect to see plus the SCALE of these decorations were amazing.

Impressive Reindeer.

Worth Visiting.

As for the store mix: No complaints. Everything was there that I wanted. ..not to mention “new and improved’ stores as well. I visited: Ann Taylor, Forever 21 (even though I am no where near the age of 21) H & M, American Eagle, and Williams Sonoma (as I’m searching for this essence that’s only available on Bloor….GRRRR). I also had a great time  in the Sony store, reclining in an amazing chair while enjoying an 84” TV. OMG. What a treat.

Sadly I didn’t go to the Eaton Centre to eat, but did notice that Mr. Greenjeans is celebrating 30 years!! I have such memories of visiting this restaurant when I was 16. It was the cool-est spot to hang out with your friends . (next to the Pickle Barrel, Toby’s, and Inn on the Park). #memorylane.

I also happen to visit The Body Shop for a quick complimentary make up session. I’ve always been fond of their products and can’t seem to resist dropping in to check out their moisturizers. Not to mention that they are having a Black Friday event (Monday Nov 19 to Friday Nov 23)  that I think is a genius idea. Click here for more details.

Nothing like a quick make over while shopping

By the way…just told my mom (in Ottawa) that I went to the Eaton Centre and was blogging about it. She said “you know dear, I’ve only been there ONCE”. I’m not kidding, my mom has been visiting me regularly since I moved here in 1989. Looks like I will be visiting the Eaton Centre with her on her next trip!!
For more info:

Eaton Centre, 218 Yonge St. (416) 598 8560

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Yorkdale  Shopping Centre is near and dear to me for the following reasons:

a. I actually worked there in the early 1990’s as the Marketing Director for 9 months

b. Since I moved to Toronto in 1988, I have always lived no more than 7 minutes away from Yorkdale.

c. I have nostalgic memories of Yorkdale: ie. I remember when there was a Miracle Food Mart where Holt Renfrew is now located

Yorkdale continues to strive to be the best shopping centre with a constant stream of new and amazing stores (and new restaurants too).

Here’s a few highlights of the new stores that you are going to see in the new wing.

ANN TAYLOR – that’s right Ann Taylor is now at Yorkdale and the collection is stunning.

Hello Ann Taylor!!

ANTHROPOLOGIE – don’t get me started about this store. Love. Love. Love.

This store is going to be super popular

TESLA MOTORS – I think it’s a genius idea to have a car showroom inside a shopping centre. Not something you see everyday but what a smart move.

Want. Electric. Car.

L’OCCITANE – this is their Canadian flaghship store and they didn’t hold back!! There’s even complimentary hand massages so you can check out their famous hand creams. Naturally I had one.

I will be back. LOL

LULULEMON– the store is spacious and bright and full of amazing merchandise. IVIVVA will now be located in their old space.

Other stores that caught my eye were Club Monaco, Lacoste, David’s Tea, Best Buy, Starbucks, and even a beautiful looking ScotiaBank.

Seeing as I’m a foodie, I had to check out Joey  (and you should too). This gorgeous looking restaurant is sure to be a hit with shoppers.

Sorry…didn’t use my Canon. GRRR. You get the idea right? It’s gorgeous.

Happy Shopping everyone. Hope you get a chance to see the expansion soon. You are going to be impressed. I promise.

More info:

Yorkdale Shopping Centre, 3401 Dufferin St. (416) 789 3261

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I’ve just returned from visiting a new pizza restaurant that has opened up at 386 Bloor St West. It’s called Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria and I have a good feeling that they are going to get a lot of love in Toronto.

Right in the Heart of the Annex

They are already a hit in Western Canada and they now have two locations here in Toronto (their first location is in the new Food Court at Yorkdale Shopping Centre).

I immediately liked  this blackboard  that you see when you walk in: (I am a sucker for clever marketing)

I am on a carb free diet so I was “good” and didn’t touch the pizza (sorry Famoso Pizzeria) but I certainly did enjoy the Gorgonzola Walnut Salad. It was exactly what I needed and the full size salad hit the spot ($12.50).

Perfect

I did however take a photo of their famous (and popular) Margherita Pizza. I mean who wouldn’ t want to dig into this?

Will have to return to try this one day soon when I’m no longer doing this crazy carb free thing.

What really grabbed my attention was the Nutella pizza. They take their authentic pizza crust and smother it in Nutella. I mean, seriously, could life get any better?

there is a Nutella banana version too!! ps I had a bite. I had to.

If you want to end your meal with something “lighter” – then try their authentic artisan-style gelato, which is handcrafted in small batches and has low levels of butterfat (4-6%) and made with no preservatives. Famoso Pizzeria has partnered with Fiasco Artisan Gelato and in my humble opinion, it’s a perfect match!!

I gravitated towards A SAMPLE of the blueberry basil (Wild BC blueberries macerated in fresh basil and cane sugar). …however other flavours include: salted caramel, burn sugar banana choccolate, zesty lemon and more!!

My carb free diet did not interfere with the opportunity to have a great meal at Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria. There is something for everyone!!

Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria:

1. Yorkdale Shopping Centre (full service restaurant in their new food court).

2. 386 Bloor St. West.

657-748-23333

@FamosoPizzeria

Hours: Sunday to Wednesday 11 a.m to 11 p.m, Thursday to Sunday 11 am to midnite

ps vegetarian friendly: Daiya Vegan cheese is available as a substitution for mozzarella at no extra cost

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Many decades ago, I was the Marketing Direcctor at Yorkdale Shopping Centre for a 9 month contract. Therefore, this shopping centre is near and dear to me. Not to mention I have always lived no more than 10 minutes away.

The other nite I went to see a movie (Prometheus) and had a bit of time to spare. I said “let’s check out the new food court!!” (like any good foodie would say). Off we went up this huge set of escalators. When we got to the top, I knew that this was no ordinary renovation. The space is stunning. Not to mention the  mix of new restaurants that they have introduced:

Restaurants like: Chipotle Mexican Grill, Amaya Express, Big Smoke Burger (which used to be Craft Burger), Shanghai 360, SU & SHI Noodle Bar, Famosa Neopolitan Pizzeria, La Paloma Gelateria and Cafe, Espressamente illy (which opens at 830 a.m. by the way) and more. I was super impressed with these options. Plus some of these options allow you to sit down in a full service restaurant that looks like it should be downtown and not in a food court. That’s how stunning these restaurants are.

Now let’s talk about the space. When I showed these photos to my friend she said (no joke) – “You are lying”. It was really funny. She could not believe that these photos were taken from a food court. Yorkdale thought of everything – an outdoor patio, a beautiful fireplace lounge area, nooks with flowers in it. I only had my iphone with me (forgive me) but these photos will give you an idea.

see what I mean?

want to see outside? right this way....

the interior decor of one of the restaurants

I hope you get to visit Yorkdale Shopping Centre soon to check out this new (fabulous) Food Court too. Sadly I didn’t eat (damn this carb free diet) but hopefully soon I will be eating at one of the above mentioned restaurants.

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Here’s three things to do this weekend:

a) Visit Maple Towne at Mountsberg Conservation. Hint: go as early as you can. I’ve been going for years and it’s one of my fav. activities. Spring wouldnt be the same without pancakes and maple syrup at a conservation area. If you don’t have a chance to go – I hear from @hypnoflair that Bisquick makes a mean pancake.

b) Visit the One of A Kind Spring Show and Sale at the Direct Energy Centre (March 30 to April 3rd). I went yesterday to the show and discovered a new food product. Does this surprise  you?  It looks like a candy apple but it’s not…it’s gourmet cheesecake on a stick and then rolled in a topping (over 15 different types). YUM. Hot Lollies are located in aisle C – Booth 38.

c) Visit Yorkdale. Thomas Sabo is opening his Ontario Flagship Store at Yorkdale on April 1st and this is amazing news. I own a little red heart necklace and everytime I wear it, I get tons of compliments.

d) Organize your cupboards..Just Kidding.

Enjoy your weekend. It’s going to be nice and sunny in Toronto …so celebrate.

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