WIN a Nexus 4 Smart Phone from TELUS!

Getting sick of your old smart phone? The new Nexus 4 has a high-resolution display, intuitive voice command and one of the longest-lasting batteries on the market. This smart phone runs Android 4.2 which uses the latest and fastest version of Google’s mobile operating system and is currently available from Telus on a new two-year rate plan. 

Want Style on a Budget? Visit Dufferin Mall.

I pride myself on knowing all the shopping hot spots in the city but I have to admit it, Dufferin Mall was totally off my radar. If you're from the area, you're probably smirking. That's because, for quite some time, Dufferin Mall didn't have a reason to be on anyone's radar. 

Well lovelies, times have changed!

Stillwater Spa Giveaway

Stillwater Spa is located at one of the busiest intersections in downtown Toronto (Bloor & Avenue Road) but you'll quickly forget about all the hustle and bustle as soon as you step into this urban oasis. I recently checked in for a 60 minutes massage to release some tensions and to just bliss-out. The first thing I noticed upon my arrival was the aromatherapy smells that enveloped the spa and the sounds of tranquil waterfalls. My mind was at ease already!

While lineups are one of my pet peeve, this time I actually didn't mind waiting for my turn - there is a steam room, sauna and whirlpool for relaxing before your treatment and the lounge was cozy and had comfy seats. Guests are encouraged to treat themselves to complimentary coffee, tea, apples and biscotti while they wait. Now onto my treatment! My therapist was very accommodating and definitely knew what she was doing as she took note and worked her magic on the areas that needed the most attention. At the end of my massage, I left feeling refreshed, relaxed and ready to take on the city again!

I had such a wonderful time at Stillwater Spa that I'll love for you to experience it yourself! So we've got one Bestie & Me Treatment up for grabs. This package includes massages, manicures and pedicures... and the best part? We want you to enjoy it side-by-side with your favourite BFF (whether that is a girl friend, sis or your mom)!

All you have to do is comment below and tell us who your Bestie is and why! Don't forget to include your name and email or Twitter so we can contact you. We'll be picking one lucky winner and pampering her and her plus one so enter before 11pm EST on Sunday, May 19.

Follow Stillwater Spa on Twitter and visit their website for a complete list of services they offer.

How-To Get Bold & Beautiful Brows

I’m obsessed with eyebrows. I flip through magazines scrutinizing the brows on the models and celebrities barley glancing at the clothes, and I analyze the shape of my friends’ when they post selfies on Instagram.  

In recent months it’s been the bold and bushy brows of ladies like Lily Collins and Cara Delevingne that have left this sparsely-browed girl particularly jealous. Luckily I discovered an eyebrow expert, Mary Dang - brow groomer extraordinaire and owner of Toronto’s Eye Love Brow Bar, to help me emulate the power brows that Mother Nature did not bless me with. 

In a few steps and with a few key products Mary has shown me how to get the fierce bold brows I desire, and now I’m sharing the wealth with you.

WIN Tickets to the CBC Music Festival!

The FIRST ever CBC Music Festival kicks off this month at Toronto's Echo Beach on Saturday May 25th. I'm super stoked because it's my first official outdoor concert of the year. The last time I caught Icelandic group, Of Monsters and Men was at the K-ROQ Christmas and they had horrible technical issues during their short 30-minute set. So I'm excited to have the chance to see them play live again.

My two Canadian favourites, Sam Roberts Band and SLOAN will also be playing that day. Doors open at 2 PM and the day promises to be filled with great music and hopefully beautiful weather.

I want to send ONE lucky winner to the concert with me! I have a pair of tickets to giveaway and will pick a name before this Friday May 17th. Just tell me in the comments below which band you are looking forward to seeing from the above line-up. Make sure to also leave your email address so I can get a hold of you if you win. 

General admission tickets are also available online for $59.50.

Good luck!

Hug and The City

Each week we filter through many events to bring you a shortlist of unique things to do in and around the city. So check back each Monday and we'll make sure you always have something to look forward to throughout the week!

Food Truck Revolution
> Escape from the office or take a break from running errands and join the team from President’s Choice. Four food trucks will feature tasty food themed by regions across Canada – and it’s on us!
When: Wed, May 15 (11am - 1pm)
Where: Dundas Square

“Rattle & Roll” Foosball
> The Table has been popping up at various bars across Toronto hosting foosball doubles tournaments. Join us as we collaborate with 2nd Floor on a brand new event called “Rattle & Roll”.
When: Thurs, May 16
Where: 2nd Floor (461 King St W)

Style Faux Pas Pop-up Shop
> Shop till you drop this long weekend at sfp's first pop-up.
When: Sat, May 18 to Sun, May 19
Where: The Office Pub (117 John St)

The Queen's Trunk Pop-up
> Created by Canadian/British actress, singer and songwrite, Karen David, come celebrate British High Street Fashion, vintage and designer clothes, accessories and shoes.
When: Sun, May 19 to Mon, May 20
Where: Misfit Studios (694B Backalley Queen St W)

How to Wear helloberry’s Newest Collection + Giveaway

We're so excited to add some new, colourful and easy to wear designs to helloberry's fun offerings. To introduce the Threaded Bliss collection, we're going to show you three looks for the most popular activities you'll likely be doing all spring and summer long!

The minute the temperatures start creeping up past 0 degrees in Toronto, you’ll catch people on a patio enjoying a bevvy. Once the temperatures hop, skip and jump over 20 degrees, you’ll see the happiest people on earth gathering for pitchers of beers & sangria. And why the heck not, right!

Well this look is for the patio partiers who love to see and be seen! This gorgeous, tribal printed dress with ultra hot cut outs pairs perfectly with our daring new Spike & Cord necklace as well as our Threaded Wrap Smoothie cuff bracelet. We’ve tossed sparkle with our Luxe Ball Drop earrings and finish the look with a fresh mint clutch purse and hot pink sandals. Fellow patio patrons, watch out! Full outfit details here.

Urban Eats @ Charcut Roast House

Chef Connie DeSousa of Charcut & Lisa Ng

If you have time to eat at only ONE restaurant in Calgary, then it has to be at Charcut Roast House inside the luxurious Hotel Le Germain.

First of all, I have to comment on how cool and friendly Chef Connie DeSousa is. She is this tiny female chef with a wide smile that is making meat awesome as a culinary ambassador for Calgary. Connie took the time to ask about my visit and even suggested a lovely fondue restaurant for my first trip up to Banff. My first encounter with Charcut was during the Paul Hardy 10th Anniversary Party where I came across these homemade sticks of pork jerky wrapped in cute little bundles with butcher's twine. It was very inventive and different from the usual cocktail party fare. I kept coming back to the station over and over again and vowed to make a stop at Charcut during my next visit to Calgary.

Since my dining companion, Michael Morrison of Mike's Bloggity Blog were both driving that night - the bartender made us these mocktails that were sweet and sour with an underlying strawberry note. Mike and I have been friends since we both traveled to Spain to see Coldplay and whenever I visit Calgary, he acts as my personal tour guide and is such a lovely host for the city. I'm really lucky to have a friend like Mike.

CHAR stands for the custom built rotisserie and charbroiler and CUT for the vintage-style slicer and hand-crafted charcuterie bar. The menu strives to be as local as possible working with artisan farmers and ranchers. We started with a salad of Slow Roasted Heirloom Beets ($9, above) with house-made organic cheese. The beets were perfectly cooked and paired simply with mint and basil.

3 Classic Coats For Your Spring Wardrobe

Even when the weather's getting warmer, it's still quite cool at night. Of course you can wear a cardi or a wrap to layer up but you're just not going to feel as warm, dry or put together unless you're wearing coat at this time of year. Having the right array of jackets to top various spring looks is essential to pulling it all together effortlessly so here are 3 classic must-haves for every hip urban girl's spring wardrobe:

Zara Short Trench, $119. 

1. The Trench:   Perfect for the rainy season, often belted to accentuate curves and conservative enough to wear to the office or at evening soirees, the trench is function and sophistication at it's best. Choose classic tan or try navy for a more formal look. If you're lucky enough to find a breathable version that flares and hits just above the knee, try sporting it as a dress for a different look. Très chic!

How I Finally Found Happiness

A sponsored hip + urban girl post.

I think I’ve discovered the secret to happiness.

Over the past three years I have shifted my focus and spending on to experiences instead of lots of ‘things’. Sure, I still love ‘things’ and I buy them all the time, but I don’t wrack my brain thinking about buying a new TV for my den or a patio set for my backyard. Instead, I’ve been prioritizing travel, food, concerts, genuine experiences, spending time outdoors, being active, learning new things and making lots of time for friends and family. I have become SO much happier because of this change and I feel like a real-life ‘Potentialist’.

My old house on the Danforth

So what did I do? I quit my job as a special events and wedding DJ, sold my house and most of my furniture, started renting a small condo and used the extra time and money to realize my potential and my dreams. My goal was to travel and I had put it off for way too long. Travel became part of my new job and I strived to have a mobile career.

I launched this blog with Wendy in June 2010 and started writing and freelancing for a living as well. YES, this was hard and yes, I was making less money. But I was doing what I loved for a living and I was determined to make it work. I am also a big believer that if you think big and put 150% into everything you do, people will notice and that can lead to big things.