The Interior Design Show has been in my calendar for months! It truly is an event that I look forward to even though it’s not really my world at all. As you know I usually go to FOOD events, however there’s something about this show that I’m drawn too. ..the colours, textures, creativity, etc. (just like in a recipe. LOL),

On Thursday night I attended the opening party (lucky me) and here’s a few highlights.

1. This beautiful carpet caught my eye. Isn’t it gorgeous?
2. I also liked this fixture.  So interesting!
3. This faucet would be a real conversation piece. 
4. These fancy bathtubs #WANT
5. Samsung had a presence this year at the Interior Design Show and I think it was a great strategy. They have “design” features in a few appliances that are just brilliant. See this Samsung washing machine? Well it features a top section that is designed just for ONE OR TWO items. This solves the problem we all face when we don’t want to run a full load for that one item!
6. See this Samsung Fridge? Well it has 3 cameras inside, as well as a white board and so many other clever design features. It really deserves a dedicated blog post (#onmylist).  The three cameras solve the problem when you are driving home from work and wonder if you have milk or eggs in the fridge. All you have to do is tap into your app and bingo – you will find the answer!

Hope you get a chance to visit the Interior Design Show on the weekend. Seeing as there is no sun outside these days – this show will certainly brighten up your weekend!

For further information:

Interior Design Show, Metro Convention Centre, North Building, 255 Front St, Toronto

Hours: Saturday, January 21, 10am-7pm: Sunday, January 22, 10am-6pm

To Buy Tickets: Click Here

I’ve lived minutes away from Yorkdale, since I moved to Toronto in 1988! Not to mention, I was once the Marketing Director for Yorkdale on a 9 month contract in the early 199o’s.

It’s been a lot of fun to keep watching this shopping centre expand and expand.

Their latest expansion which opened last week includes Nordstrom and 18 new stores.

Seriously, this shopping centre is nothing short of fabulous. I can’t stop telling all my friends to GO!

It’s simply stunning and the new range of stores are pretty spectacular too.

For example:

UNIQLO has now opened at Yorkdale and this is going to make a lot of people happy (including myself).

Muji is another another Japanese retailer that features not only clothing, but housewares, stationary and bedding too! Worth checking out.

Naturally I couldn’t resist these diffusers and bought one! It was a little treat to myself and my condo (which is now spelling of Lemongrass).

Please let it be known that Canada Goose has opened it’s first retail store at Yorkdale. Another great reason to visit this new expansion.

Other stores that caught my attention – this Birks store which is particularly stunning.

 After touring the new expansion, make sure you treat yourself to something sweet at Nadege.

Other stores that have opened in this expansion include: Samsung (which also makes me every so happy that they are now at Yorkdale), ARC’TERYX, Wolford, Mage, Strellson, Reiss, Spareparts, The Face Shop, Saje, NYX Cosmetics, Mackage, Oak + Fort

Yes – Yorkdale has STYLE.

Happy Shopping!

Website: www.yorkdale.com

Address: 3401 Dufferin St. Toronto

Phone: 416-789-3261

Twitter: @YorkdaleStyle

Here’s a few ideas for you and I hope you like them. I really tried to be creative. #justsayin

1. Give mom the gift of a one-on -one computer lesson.

Here’s a photo of my mom using my old iPhone 5. Bye Bye Flip Phone! She had one on one lessons with a friend who specializes in teaching seniors how to use smartphones/facebook/tablets etc. BEST GIFT.

2. Give Mom a calendar with 12 of your favourite photos.

I’m in the process of doing this RIGHT now using the new Kodak App. Oh how I love technology.

3. Give mom a new appliance from Breville.

I’m in love with all my Breville appliances and she will be too!

4. Give mom the gift of Technology. Take a peek at what Samsung has to offer these days. See this wireless charger? I know I would be one happy mom if I got one of these. LOL

 

5.. Give mom a subscription: May I suggest a subscription to Netflix, or Texture? (I’m a fan of both)

6..  If you have old letters that she sent to you at camp…. bring them out and read them to her. Seriously, this is so much fun.

7. Head over to Etsy. There’s no shortage of unique gifts on this website.

Hope these ideas were useful and have a wonderful day.

I discovered a few new things last week, which I would like to share with you.

1. JURASSIC WORLD: This is the perfect summer movie. I’m not saying its going to win any Academy Awards but it will certainly entertain you. After the movie, make sure you head to Dairy Queen to grab a Jurassic Smash Blizzard.  (Peanut Butter Cookies, chocolate chip cookie dough, peanut butter, and choco chunks blended with creamy vanilla soft serve)

2. HONDA INDY TORONTO: I had never been to a racing event of any nature before, but now I know why people love attending this event. All I can say is “see you next year at the races” (with ear plugs). LOL

3. BEAN AND BAKER MALT SHOP: (327 Harbord St.) This adorable shop just opened a few weeks ago and is Toronto’s only fountain soda malt shop! I had a spectacular cherry pie but I know I will be returning for a float one day soon and/or one of their milkshakes.

4. SAMSUNG SUHDTV just launched a new TV with 60 x more colour. Seriously, this TV is brilliant (sorry for the pun) and delivers “colour” like never before. PS this photo was taken with my new Samsung S6 #justsayin’

5. Lastly, I discovered that I really like “plating” food!

Do you have any “discoveries” you would like to share? Please do!

With Father’s Day right around the corner, enter to win your dad or husband the go-to tablet for his family’s digital needs  – the Samsung GALAXY Tab A. (app value $429)

• Thanks to the 4:3 screen ratio, the 9.7-inch screen offers a better viewing experience so your Dad can can create, consume and connect to his favourite content – sports, movies or magazines.
• Another great family feature is Multi-User, which allows for up to six unique profiles to be that everyone can enjoy the device with a personalized experience.
• The impressive multi-tasking capabilities will allow dad to read, email or use social media simultaneously.

I recently received a Samsung TAB S and quickly ditched my Ipad Mini.  I absolutely adore how quickly I can download apps WITHOUT remembering another password. Not to mention it’s going to sync with my Samsung Galaxy S5 phone. #ohhowIlovetechnology.

All you have to do to enter this contest is answer this question:

Why would you would like to win a SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A? 

Just click on the REPLY button and leave a comment!!

Other important details:

-this contest is open to all Canadian Residents

-this contest will close on Monday June 15th, 2015 at midnite.

-if the winner does not get back to me by Wednesday June 18th at midnite – another winner will be selected

Happy Father’s Day!!

 

 

Here’s a few shows that should be on your radar!

1. Green Living Show

March 27 – 29, 2015 at the Metro Convention Centre. (255 Front St W)

Friday, March 27:	12 P.M. – 8 P.M.
Saturday, March 28:	10 A.M. – 8 P.M.
Sunday, March 29:	10 A.M. – 5 P.M.

Love this incentive: FREE ADMISSION WITH E-WASTE, courtesy of Solve For Tomorrow & Samsung.

2. One of a Kind Spring Show and Sale:
 This show features over 450 artisans and is truly one of my favourite shows.

Dates:  March 25 – 29, 2015 (5 days) Place:  Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd., Hours:  Weekdays & Saturdays: 10am – 9pm; Sundays: 10am – 6pm;  Late Night Shopping: March 26, 9am – 11pm.

If you are a foodie like me, then you will want to read this blog post by Yum Yum Factor called: What’s Cooking at This Year’s Spring One of a Kind Show- My Ten Favourite Food Treats.

3. Toronto Food + Drink Market …April 10 -12, Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place.

As always, no shortage of fun activities to do in Toronto.

 

 

Mother’s Day is around the corner!! If you haven’t bought a gift yet, here’ a few ideas.

1. FOR THE MOM WHO…….Who Loves To Be Pampered.

A getaway to Ste. Anne’s Spa is the answer! Please take a peek at their amazing website which now offers auctions (which I think is a really cool idea). I’ve never been there for an overnight however a day trip certainly does the trick for me!!

2. FOR THE MOM…Who Loves Yoga

Buy her the B Mat. Why? Because  its exceptionally grippy texture, its eco-friendly and its durable. Not to mention it’s NEW, NEW, NEW…it recently launched in February 2014!!

3. FOR THE MOM…Who Runs!!

The Samsung Gear Fit is the perfect gift.

Oh what a treat for someone who loves technology and running. I’m now the proud owner of this watch and can’t wait to get off the dreadmill and use it. I’ve already signed up for a one on one lesson with Telus to learn every possible feature about this watch.

4. FOR THE MOM…Who Has Everything

Head to the AGO Gift Store. I swear you will find SOMETHING. This store really does carry unique (and beautiful) products.

5. FOR THE MOM….Who Loves to Entertain.

I promise you will find something for her at Loblaws!. Once again,  President’s Choice has a STUNNING SPRING line! ps I’ve already bought the napkins (on the left) for my paper napkin collection. Yes – that’s right – I have a paper napkin. (yes..I’m normal)

6. FOR THE MOM…Who Loves Tea

Consider buying Tea from Lemon Lily which offers a beautiful range of organic teas!

7. FOR THE MOM….Who LOVES Handmade Creations.

Head over to ETSY.  Seriously.

8.FOR THE MOM…Who Loves to Read.

I would suggest buying her a Kobo. I’ve been a proud owner of a Kobo since 2010 and can’t say enough about their customer service.

9. FOR THE MOM…Who’s FOODIE

OMG..this is a hard one for me to answer!! In fact I don’t know where to start. A cookbook? a certificate to her favorite restaurant? a cheese box from Taste of Cheese? a cooking class? 18 kg gold chocolate bar from Baroness Chocolates? a food crawl to all her favorite spots? a fresh truffle?

Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day!!

Disclosure: A variety of these companies provided me with product, however all opinions are my own.

 

SO much is going on in April, that I don’t know where to start!! I guess at the beginning…LOL. Here’s a few April events that are on my radar and of course I wanted to share them with you.

1. The Good Food Festival – April 5th to April 7th at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place. I’ve always loved this show and infact I use to sell booth space for this show- that’s how much I loved it. Grab some cash (to take advantage of the “Show Specials”), put on your flat shoes and take advantage of the many samples and live cooking demonstrations.

2. The Cookbook Store  (850 Yonge St) is celebrating 30 years in business with an Anniversary Open House on Saturday, April 6th from 11am to 4 pm. This is truly one unique store. (that also happens to have a great newsletter too).

2. The Green Living Show – April 12-14th at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place. I’ve only gone for the last two years but it’s a show I won’t miss. You will find me most likely hanging around the “Farm Fresh Share” or the Farmers Market!!

  Please note: the Green Living Show, proud sponsor Samsung Canada, and RBC challenge GTA residents to round up old and unwanted electronic waste (e-waste) gathering dust and bring them in for recycling. For each piece of e-waste recycled at the Green Living Show, or at six participating RBC branches, participants will receive a free ticket ($16 value) to the Green Living Show (April 12-14). The Passion for E-Recycling School Challenge offers up $20,000 in Samsung Hope for Children Smart School grants to GTA schools that collect the most e-waste.

Besides eating “farm fresh” food at the show, you will find me staring at Electric Cars.

3. The Toronto Jewish Film Festival – April 11 -21. I went last year for my first time (can you believe?) and saw four films. I plan on seeing at least that many this year!! I’ve already started to “study” the guide but it’s taking longer than I would like to actually make decisions. So many choices…so little time.  Tickets on sale now! 416-324-2121.

4. Slurpfest – April 2oth. I didn’t make it to the first Slurpfest but maybe I will make it to round #2!! Clearly it was a successful event.

What:  SLURP Noodlefest v2
Where:  Glass Factory, 99 Sudbury (Map)
When:  Saturday April 20th, 12 pm – 4 pm
Tickets are $10 and are now available online at http://bit.ly/XXzmVe.

5. The Ontario Brewing Awards Ceremony . I’ve never gone before but April 30th is marked down in my calendar!! This event is open to brewers, consumers and the media.
This year random brewers will have their product paired with food at stations throughout the event space for consumers and media to sample during the event. (YUM).

The event will take place on Tuesday,  April 30 from 5-8pm at The Gladstone Hotel 1214 Queen Street West  Toronto, ON
Book your tickets early at https://secure1.gettickets.ca/Redeem/Regular/Default.aspx?id=93fac481-c9c5-4d4e-b701-05788fd0d2b5&locale=en-CA

Pretty good month – don’t you think?

On Monday March 18th, I reached 5,000 followers on Twitter. This is a big deal for me. Really. Therefore, I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who reads my blog via facebook or twitter or email. I started my blog in October 2010 and it’s been an incredible journey. In fact Samsung saw my passion for blogging  (and my zest for life ) and selected me and a handful of others to attend an event last year that was truly inspirational.

I was sincerely touched that Samsung had reached out to me. They even offered me a Samsung Notebook Series 9  to give away to one of my readers!! Guess what? The time has come to say thank you and run this “thank you contest”.

Contest Rules

The contest will be open to anyone in Canada and will run from March 19 and will end at noon on April 2nd.  (which is a great way to celebrate my birthday – with gratitude). The winner will have another 7 days to contact me via email, otherwise I will select another winner. I will use www.random.org to select the winner.

All you have to do is answer the following question:  How many computers are in your household? Just leave a comment on my blog!!

Wishing everyone the best of luck and once again….THANK YOU for supporting @momwhoruns

For More Information:

Twitter: @SamsungCanada

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SamsungCanada

Website: Samsung.com/ca

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.

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.

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