Travel

Afternoon Tea @ The King Edward Hotel

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Categories: Lifestyle,Entertainment,Lifestyle,Food,Lifestyle

If you’re looking for a classic afternoon tea experience, you may just find what you’re looking for at the King Edward Hotel in downtown Toronto. I recently invited a girlfriend to join me for afternoon tea at the King Eddy and it was a perfectly posh Saturday afternoon in the city!

The King Edward Hotel

Afternoon tea at The King Edward Hotel is a Toronto social ritual 110 years in the making. You can’t go wrong with that kind of expertise! We arrived at 3pm on a Saturday and were promptly seated in the open-concept dining area within the main lobby next to Victoria’s Restaurant. Tea is also served inside the restaurant, but I loved the option to dine in the lobby. It’s epic – high ceilings, well appointed columns, breathtaking views to upstairs, luxurious decor and marble EVERYWHERE – it’s hard not to channel royalty here!

Keep reading for your chance to WIN tea for two!

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HAILO: The Toronto Taxi App

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Categories: Lifestyle
HailoHello HAILO! I’ve spent quite a bit of money on taxicabs over the years. Don’t get me wrong, I take the TTC too (sometimes regretfully), but living downtown with a penchant for dainty means that I often treat myself to a less intrusive method of transportation. There have been a variety of excuses over the years – bad weather, heavy shopping bags, sore feet, sleeping in, late nights and a little laziness too.

It’s a costly convenience, but I know myself, so I’ve budgeted for it. Needless to say, with so many cab rides in my rear view mirror (pun intended), I’ve also had my fair share of bad experiences:

  • Hoping to hail one only to wish I’d stayed indoors and called ahead
  • Waiting MUCH longer than the quoted time-frame
  • Under-budgeting and not having enough cash to pay
  • Then getting a guilt trip from the driver who refuses to take debit/credit

I’ve had cab drivers offer to take me to an ATM over taking plastic and this enrages me.  As the internet and smartphones revolutionize pretty much everything – I knew it was only a matter of time until there was an app for that.

Hailo

Low and behold, after much success in London and Dublin, HAILO launched in Toronto on September 26, 2012 (and more cities around the world since). With the weather we’ve had lately and a busy schedule, I decided to give it a try and I’m so glad I did. I downloaded the free app for my iPhone (also available for Google Android devices and coming soon for BlackBerry) and within a couple of minutes, my first HAILO taxi was en route!

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Psalms 91:1 Zimele Collection + Event!

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Categories: Fashion,Accessories

Meet Psalms 91:1 Accessories. A unique brand of handcrafted jewellery founded in Canada with an international celebrity following, including Michelle Williams and Nina Dobrev. Psalms 91:1 routinely graces the runways of Fashion Week and has been featured in various high-profile fashion publications throughout North America.

Psalms 91:1
My favourite Psalms 91:1 pieces – Drop of Gold, Precious, Abide and Armour

I first discovered Psalms 91:1 and met Founder & Designer Sally Han last month at her SS’13 media preview and shopping event. I instantly fell for Sally’s collection of artistic and affordable hand-crafted accessories, but beyond the jewellery, I was truly captivated by her inspirations and philanthropic missions. There really is a story behind every creation and Psalms 91:1 is a jewellery company with a commitment to making a difference around the world.

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Relaxing Weekend @ Deerhurst Resort

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Categories: Lifestyle,Travel

My hubby and I recently escaped from the city for a couple of days up north at Deerhurst Resort in Muskoka (near Huntsville, ON). We’ve decided not to take a tropical vacation this winter so our mini weekend getaway was a great way to unwind in the midst of our busy city lives and the “most depressing” time of year.

Deerhurst Resort

We chose Deerhurst Resort not only because of its picturesque rural location and stellar reputation, but because they have affordable winter pricing and pet-friendly rooms too! Whenever we think about going away, there’s the added complexity of finding someone to dog-sit, so it was great to be able to bring Pixel with us!

We first discovered Deerhurst Resort a few years ago (pre-G8 Summit fame) and we’ve visited a few times since through various seasons. Guests enjoy a sandy beach, outdoor pools, boating, fishing, golf, tennis and water sports in the summer and skiing, snowboarding, ice-skating, snowmobiling, dog-sledding, sleigh rides and more in the winter! No matter what time of year you visit, there are activities for everyone including a brand new games room that made my hubby regress to his 12-year-old self for a few minutes.

Deerhurst Resort

Deerhurst Resort is also home to the Shizen Spa, delicious dining, cozy bars and LIVE at Deerhurst – Canada’s longest running musical variety stage production. There really is something for everyone – and for us, this time around – all we wanted was our room, the spa and some good eats!

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Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting

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Categories: Lifestyle,Entertainment,Lifestyle,Food,Fashion,Shopping,Lifestyle,Travel

Last week my hubby and I took a much-needed break from the city and our new puppy responsibilities for a romantic and relaxing day in Niagara-on-the-Lake (“NOTL” Ontario).

Just a 90 minute drive from downtown Toronto, it’s an easy escape from our busy city lives…and there’s wine, so it’s instantly great in my books!

Beautifully rebuilt after the War of 1812, this stunning lakefront town oozes historical charm that accentuates its British heritage. Throw in world-class theatre at the Shaw Festival, fine dining, historic hotels, shopping, farmer’s markets and famous estate wineries – and it’s no wonder Niagara-on-the-Lake is nicknamed The Loveliest Town in Canada!

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