The Hip & Urban Girl's Guide

Our Winterlicious Dinner @ The Wine Bar, Toronto

2012-02-13T16:55:00.000-05:00

A sponsored hip + urban girl post.

Wendy and I hosted 30 of our friends and blog readers for a very special Winterlicious Dinner at The Wine Bar last week. Joining us at our table were Sharon from The Backseat Stylers, Nelia from Style Blog, Tamika from Shop Socials and Gail from Real Sports.

When fashion bloggers get hungry

Winterlicious, presented by American Express, celebrated its tenth anniversary this year with prix-fixe menus at 175 of Toronto’s top restaurants. The event was held over two weeks from January 27 to February 9, and we were lucky to have a big blowout dinner on closing night.

The most popular first course seemed to be the Grilled Calamari (above), served with a toasted baguette, citrus greens & tzaziki that was devoured instantly upon arrival. The main entrée was a choice of Braised Beef Cheeks, Spicy Shrimp Risotto or a Wild Mushroom Polenta.

To finish the night on a sweet note, we all shared our Maple Crème Brulee, Bread & Butter Pudding and Egg Nog with Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies with the table. The food was so delicious that we all fought over the French Fries and made it through a couple bottles of wine!

The three-course dinner that night was only $25 and the perfect excuse to catch up with friends inside a cozy wine bar on a -20 kind of night.

Our guests were also surprised with a complimentary glass of wine upon arrival – courtesy of The Wine Bar. And even before Winterlicious started, American Express Cardmembers were also given Front of the Line access to an exclusive early reservation period, making sure they got their top pick of restaurants.

Missed our hugTO Winterlicious Dinner? Here’s the highlight reel of our big night out and our interview with Chef Bryan of The Wine Bar.

Tweet us! Follow along @hipurbangirl and on the event hashtag #DineWithAmex

More Photos! Come on over to our Facebook page to see more photos from our Winterlicious Dinner at The Wine Bar. Want in? To learn of the latest perks Amex is offering its Cardmembers, check out their Facebook page.

Did you eat anywhere during Winterlicious? Where did you go and what did you have?

Hip Hotel - ARC The.Hotel, Ottawa

2012-02-13T09:00:00.002-05:00

Next time you find yourself in Ottawa looking for a chic independent boutique hotel, check-in to ARC.The Hotel. The service is friendly, personal and the clientele is a mix of couples and business people due to its close proximity to Ottawa's financial district. It's a bit more intimate then your typical big box hotel chain, with only 112 guestrooms.

We stopped in for a two night stay during our recent visit to Winterlude and enjoyed how close it was to everything. Rideau Centre and the Byward Market District are less than a 15-minute walk away. It makes a huge difference and saves you a ton in cab fare.

Coming home to turndown service after a long day of skating was absolutely perfect. Jazz music was playing from the CD player and housekeeping left me an apple, chocolate, bottled water and got my warm and cozy bed all ready. It was easy to slip right into one of their bathrobes and relax into the evening. The mini-fridge in my room was empty, so I could fill it with whatever I wanted. The room is also equipped with a safe and a huge closet.

Modern renovated bathroom with marble countertops, subway tiles & a tub/shower combo

The restaurant and lounge are also a hot hangout for Ottawa locals

A lovely surprise and welcome gift in my room! Champagne upon check-in at the front desk was also a nice touch. We can't wait to visit you in Ottawa again.

ARC.The Hotel - 140 Slater Street, Ottawa ON Canada

www.arcthehotel.com

(613) 238-2888

Photo credits: ARC.The Hotel

The Under 35 Work/Holiday Visa For Canadians

2012-02-13T08:00:00.001-05:00

In a life rut? Hate your job? Feel like you're missing out on something?

I had always dreamed that I would live in a foreign country at some point in my life. So far, it hasn't happened for me. I've been on some long vacations and backpacking trips, but nothing epic like a year abroad. Having lived in Toronto and Mississauga for most of my life, I can't picture not trying something outside of my comfort zone before I reach the working holiday visa age limit of 35.

The Canadian Government has a bunch of partnerships with other countries to make a one-year working holiday visa easy for you. In most cases, it's a way to supplement your income while travelling in countries like Costa Rica, Australia, France, Japan, Spain and more.

If you're looking for something to happen to you - stop waiting for a job or situation to pick you. I have finally learned that it's all about taking small action steps to make your big goal come true. I'm working towards a way to live six months abroad in 2013. I got my eye on Amsterdam right now, since I'm over 30 but still under 35. The options are a bit more limited but still exciting! It's also a great opportunity to get some international experience on your resume.

To learn more visit: International Experience Canada via The Foreign Affairs & International Trade Ministry of Canada

HUG and The City

2012-02-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

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!

Tweetgasm - Lovefools Edition
> It is time to kick off Social Media Week and confess your love to your social media crushes! Enjoy some old school valentine fun and cocktails with your fellow tweeps.
Date: Mon, Feb 13
Venue: Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen St W)

Love It or Leave It Valentine's
> Got a date? Fill your night with flirtations, champagne and Chef GQ Pan's savoury creations, all to the soundtrack of soulful grooves provided by Guest Musician "Isax" or gather the girls and leave love behind! We've got champagne at the door and an array of sweet surprises to kick off your celebration.
Date: Tues, Feb 14
Venue: Blowfish Restaurants (668 King St W / 333 Bay St)

The Black Ball
> Toronto's first Black Ball! 3 rooms of partying, 2000 people and an amazing assembly of music talent and more. Dress code is sophisticated black of course.
Date: Sat, Feb 18
Venue: The Fountain Blu Entertainment Complex (200 Princess' Blvd)

Our 1000th Post!

2012-02-12T23:12:00.000-05:00

Wow we started this blog in January 2010 and it has now grownup to become a women's lifestyle website. Cheers to two years later and hitting our 1000th posts! Thanks for all your support... keep reading and we'll keep writing.

xoxo The HUG Family

Spring Cleaning Fashion Swap Event

2012-02-12T11:00:00.000-05:00

A night of networking, fashion and fun!

Date: Monday, February 27
Time: 6-9pm
Venue: Rent Frock Repeat Showroom @ 35 Golden Avenue, Unit #102

Cost: $5, with proceeds donated to Nellie's Women's Shelter.

Check out RFR's new 2012 spring collection and we'll also have complimentary treats, beverages, style consultations and a $150 door prize from La Roche-Posay!

Cheers to our Product Sponsor, Fruli!

Think beer can’t be healthy? Then you haven’t discovered Fruli! Fruli is an all natural, Belgian strawberry wheat beer made with a blend of coriander, orange peel, and pure strawberries. It’s high in B-complex vitamins, low glycemic and free of any additives- including sugar, or preservatives. It’s not even pasteurized! And at just 125 calories this flavour- packed strawberry wheat beer will convert any self proclaimed non-beer drinker. You can find Fruli at the Beer Store and LCBO.

Clothing Swap Rules:

Bring along minimum of 5 items, maximum of 10. Accessories are welcome but no shoes, please!
Clothing should be in good condition - nothing badly worn, torn or stained.
Bring your clothes on hangers if possible - once you arrive, arrange your items by category. We'll have tables, racks and fitting rooms available.
Swap! Go home with the number of items you came with.
All remaining items will be donated to charity.

Purchase a $5 ticket (donation) HERE to guarantee your spot! Limited spaces available.

Make This! Valentine's Day Cocktails

2012-02-10T16:39:00.000-05:00

We wanted to feature another blast from the past. A blog post from last year, that maybe you can put to good use this weekend - enjoy!

Looks like it’s going to be a chilly V-Day, so warm up your celebration by mixing and impressing your date with some boozy cocktail recipes. No need to head to the bar or break the bank, these cocktails will make you look like a pro mixologist using what you’ve already got around the house.

Brandy Alexander

Let’s start off with a 1930’s cocktail bound to impress your valentine by channelling a classic and mixing with some hard liquor with Mad Men-like skills. Feist sings that “it goes down easy” and it should... a luxurious combination of cognac and creamy chocolate, a Brandy Alexander is like grown up chocolate milk that’s easy to make and just as easy to drink!

1 part fancy cognac (go ahead and dust off that Courvoisier)
1 part chocolate liqueur (like dark crème de cacao or Godiva chocolate)
1 part fresh cream (yes, cream not milk)

Shake all three ingredients with fresh ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Grate a sprinkling of fresh nutmeg over the frothy top. Garnish festively with fresh or brandied cherries or chocolate shavings.

Chocolata Agave

If you’re looking for something a little more contemporary, try adding a little spice by boozing up an after-dinner favourite. But this recipe isn’t your childhood skating rink hot chocolate...it’s a surefire way to make your Valentine’s hot and spicy!

2 parts prepared unsweetened hot cocoa (rich dark chocolate like Green & Blacks is recommended)
1 part gold tequila
1 part coffee liqueur
1 squeeze agave nectar (or honey)
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 pinch cinnamon

Mix together the agave, cayenne pepper and cinnamon to make a spiced honey (it also doubles as an incredible glaze on nuts and fruit salad). Prepare your hot cocoa as directed and pour over a shot each of tequila and coffee liqueur in a mug. Stir in the spiced honey to taste for sweetness and spiciness.

Homemade Grenadine

Store-bought grenadine is gross and sugary, yet we usually keep a bottle around for the occasional Shirley Temple and nothing else. But make your own and you’ll want to use it for everything: making pink lemonade, to sweeten iced tea, homemade cream soda, fruit salad syrup and can also be used to brighten marinades.

Real grenadine is made from the juice of heart-healthy pomegranates. Here’s how to make a batch of the red goodness for Valentine’s but keep it on hand year-round for a variety of uses.

2 cups POM pomegranate juice

2 cups organic sugar

¼ oz orange flower water

1 oz vodka

Heat up the pomegranate juice in a sauce pan over medium heat – warm enough to dissolve the sugar but do not allow it to boil. Slowly stir in sugar and turn down the heat and allow it to simmer slightly to thicken the mixture. Turn off the heat and add the orange flower water (which can be found at your local market or ethnic grocery store). Allow it to cool and add a shot of vodka to help preserve the mixture. Bottle the syrup and store in the fridge.

Cheers to a boozy and romantic Valentine’s Day! --- Michelle Tham

Hip + Urban Store - Trustfund, Ottawa

2012-02-10T16:14:00.001-05:00

I was in Ottawa last weekend to check out Winterlude and extended my stay to do a little extra wandering and of course, shopping. I was walking around the Byward Market district, killing some time before meeting my friend Denise for dinner at Play Food & Wine. In the dark, cold winter night, Trustfund was like a shiny warm beacon tucked around the corner from the restaurant I was headed to. I was easily lured in by all the colourful pieces inside this independently-owned Ottawa boutique and walked out with a cream and green printed blouse.

The staff are extremely friendly and helpful. I dealt with Robyn and it felt like I was shopping with a friend. She gave great style advice and feedback without being pushy at all. Trustfund carries unique labels and quality pieces that you wouldn't necessarily find if you were shopping inside a suburban mall. A lot of the spring pieces had a slouchy California cool, especially when I spotted the Brandy Melville line that they carry. If your feet need a pick-me-up, Trustfund carries a whole slew of Happy Socks and Hunter Boots.

Jewellery with a vintage style

Lots of bright, flowy and flirty pieces for Spring.

Tees for Men featuring retro book covers. Our favourite - The Hardy Boys!

Trustfund carries a well-curated selection of menswear including puffy parkas, hip plaids, designer denim and Happy Socks.

Trustfund - 493 Sussex Drive, Ottawa ON (near the Byward Market district)

(613) 562-0999

www.trustfundboutique.com

Photo Credit

What are you favourite boutiques to shop in Ottawa?

Going to Ottawa? Read more from our Travel Series to the nation's capital!

Make sure to also check out the store, Roadtrip in Ottawa. It's owned by the same people, but they do carry different stock. Happy shopping!

Valentine's Day Ideas That Won’t Break The Bank

2012-02-10T12:13:00.000-05:00

We’ve made it to February which to some people is tremendous because at least we’re through January. To others, with February comes Valentine’s Day which can mean heartbreak for the bank account. In order to keep your pennies in check, why not try some of these alternatives to a traditional Valentine’s Day.

1) Choose Another Day - So much of the hurt to your wallet on Valentines Day is caused by trying desperately to fit everything in on February 14th. Because of the law of supply and demand, if everyone wants something (demand) and there is only one day (supply) it can be granted then that prices will be much higher. If you celebrate on February 15th or 16th, retailers are trying to get rid of their Valentine-themed merchandise, flowers shop are liquidating roses and restaurants are trying to get people back in the door. Why not pick up everything you would normally buy on the 14th for half price?

Photo Credit

2) Celebrate Tuesday! Because Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, take advantage of the Telus Tuesday movie night. All through Canada, a night at the movies can be as little as half price. Be sure to check your local theater for details.

3) Re-define 'Celebrating Your Love' - Where does it say Valentine’s Day must be about couples? Redefine what 'celebrating your love' means on Valentine’s Day and include your children. Give them the task of creating the most frugally fabulous Valentine’s they can. Not only will you get a different Valentine’s Day night than if you and your spouse planned it but you will also be making budgeting a fun project for your kids!

4) Enjoy A Day For You - So much of Valentine’s Day marketing is spent focusing on couples. If you’re single, why not relish it? If you can afford the time, book a day off work and take advantage of all the great Tuesday discounted spa deals. If you don’t want to head out, why not have a home spa complete with a scented bath and facial. We all know how much money can be spent on beauty so a discounted spa day or day at home means more money in the bank for you.

Tiffany Mealia is the Editor-in-Chief of She's So Savvy. Visit her blog for more money-saving ideas!

A Snowy Getaway To Winterlude In Ottawa!

2012-02-09T09:00:00.001-05:00

A sponsored hip + urban girl post.

Wendy and I have a big, fun announcement to make….

Skating on the Rideau Canal with The Amex Ambassador Team

We are thrilled to reveal that we have been chosen to be one of four Ambassadors for American Express Canada for 2012! Our first assignment? Fly to Ottawa for the weekend and report back from Winterlude. Amex has been a proud sponsor of Winterlude for the past seven years, and wanted us to experience all the unique culinary experiences Winterlude had to offer. So off we went via Porter Airlines for a snappy 27-minute flight to the nation’s capital where we were picked up and chauffeured to our central digs at the Westin Ottawa.

Once we were all settled in, the team hopped on a luxury coach bus for a gala at the Museum of Civilization with Chef Lynn Crawford! I told her in person how much I love her store in Toronto, Ruby Eats. This Winterlude kick-off dinner (above) included a four-course meal with wine pairings and access to a VIP viewing area for the opening night fireworks. We oohed and ahhhed into the dark winter sky, and all the locals said these fireworks were even better than the ones on Canada Day.

Dinner with our fellow Amex Ambassadors - Jen from She Does The City, Me, Catriona from Coco & Cowe, Tyrone from 1LoveTO

The gala is one of the many culinary experiences that are part of Taste of Winterlude, presented by The National Capital Commission (NCC) and American Express. Amex Cardmembers are also given Front of the Line access to ticket sales and reservations for Taste of Winterlude. For those who are unfamiliar, Winterlude is an annual festival that takes place in Ottawa, Ontario and Gatineau, Quebec, featuring an array of unique culinary experiences and fun winter activities.

Our second Taste of Winterlude night led us to The Courtyard Restaurant for a five-course Fire and Ice Dinner with wine pairings, complete with an outdoor Fire Weavers performance. Chef Michael Hay’s menu played on the fire and ice theme with dishes like ‘First Snow Scallops,’ Ice Wine and a 'Cold Smoking BBQ' (above).

Get Yourself to Winterlude! The winter festival is happening now until Feb. 20, and is an easy girls’ getaway or a romantic weekend in the snow. Hold hands with your besties and skate along the Rideau Canal, eat a Beaver Tail, see an ice-carving competition, slide down the ice slides and shop the cute stores in the Byward Market.

Make sure to stop in at the American Express Lounge – set up along the ice – for some free hot chocolate and some snaps of your experience in the Amex Photo Booth. Stay for a cooking demo from La Cite Collegiale, a local culinary school that made us tasty samples of quail right on the Rideau!

An Ottawa must-eat!

What We Love About Amex! Both Wendy and I have the Gold Rewards Card that we use religiously to earn points for our travel adventures. The first question people usually ask us is how we travel so much. This Card is one of our secret weapons. (Pssst! Each Amex Membership Reward point transfers at a 1:1 ratio for Aeroplan points.)

Tweet Me! Follow our adventures on Twitter @hipurbangirl and with the hashtag #AmexAmbassador. As American Express Ambassadors, we will be reporting from all sorts of interesting festivals, events, dinners and concerts as we bring you the Front of the Line experience.

To learn more, visit American Express Canada.

See more photos from our Winterlude adventure on our Facebook Page!

Wear The Love: Valentine's Style Guide

2012-02-09T07:00:00.007-05:00

HUGs and smooches ladies! V-day is just around the corner. Whether you're single, taken, or undecided, you can still take cupid's lead by dressing the part.

Here are 5 easy options to get you in the mood for love, no matter how you're celebrating.

1. Rom com night with the girls?
Be comfy and cliche. Wear TopShop Heart Crop tee, $26 at The Bay.

2. Creating an at home spa?
Swipe on a glittery pink. Wear OPI Polish in Excusez Moi, $12 at nailpolishcanada.com.

3. Going from work to drinks?
Play sophisticated but not too serious with hint of l'amour. Wear DVF Valencia printed silk-crepe scarf, $195 at net-a-porter.com.

4. Hot date on the town?
Show a little leg. Wear MOTEL Meredith Dress, $89 at Sunday Valentine.

5. Romantic evening in with him?
Send a message without saying a word. Wear Ban.do LOVE barette, $25 at Bicyclette.

Whether you're going sappy, sexy or just a little bit sweet, have fun with your wardrobe on February 14th!

-- Tamika Auwai is a fashion junkie, splurge-a-holic and founder of Shop Socials.

Image credits: TopShop, NailPolishCanada.com, Net-a-Porter, Sunday Valentine, Ban.do

Hip + Urban Girl of the Week: Karen Cleveland

2012-02-08T14:28:00.001-05:00

This week we with chat with Karen Cleveland, who writes the oh-so-excellent etiquette column, Finishing School with our friends over at She Does The City (great blog - check it out stat). By day, Karen is the Senior Marketing and Communications Manager at St. Joseph Media, on magazines like FASHION, Weddingbells, Toronto Life, Canadian Family and Glow. We check-in with Karen to find out how she got her start and her answers to our etiquette questions!

How did you become so fascinated with the rules of etiquette?

I grew up with a dusty 1957 edition of Emily Post's Etiquette in our house. In my late teens and early 20's, I discovered Judith Martin and books like The Fabulous Girl's Guide to Decorum (by Toronto's own etiquette originators Ceri Marsh and Kim Izzo). From there, I just fell into it. I had been freelance writing for a few years when I started Finishing School ─ etiquette was just a topic I kept coming back to, purely out of interest. I never tire of the subject.

We have etiquette questions!

What do you think is an appropriate amount to contribute as a wedding gift? Is there a 'going rate' these days?

It would so much easier if there was a "going rate" for a wedding gift, but it doesn't exist. Giving a gift is an intimate act, and moreover, weddings are intimate occasions. But if anyone is really in a jam, I'd be happy to try and help over a coffee. I love vicariously shopping for gifts.

What's the best way to break up with a friend that you no longer see eye-to-eye with?

Break ups of any type, romantic or otherwise, are sad. The best way to break things off with a friend is the exact same way that you would want to have your heart broken: gently, respectfully, honestly and privately.

I'm looking at my place setting at a fancy dinner and all I see is jumble of forks, spoons and knives. What are the rules of engagement here?

The tiny fork on your left is for grains. The largest spoon on the right is for oysters, but only for those more than 4 inches in diameter. Kidding. The safest bet is to start from the outside and work your way in, course by course. If you are feeling intimidated, buy yourself some time by sipping some water or commenting to the person beside you how incredible the meal looks, and then stealthily observe what utensils your dinner companions have reached for.

Your biggest pet peeve?

Snobbery.

Karen (left) strolling in Madrid on another travel adventure

What did you study in College/University? Is there anything you would do differently or advise others about?

When I started university I intended to study theatre and changed my mind shortly into it. I switched provinces, universities and majors, ending up with an honours from York University, double majoring in Women's Studies and Communications. I was encouraged to study what I was interested in, rather than studying with a particular job in mind. I would offer that same advice.

My only regret academically was fast-tracking my degree. I relished my program and because I whipped through it so quickly, I fear I might have missed out here and there.

What is your typical day like?

No two days are alike, which is fantastic as I have the attention span of a flea. I wake up around 6:45am to head to the gym. By the time I get to my office, I have had a few coffees and am caught up on emails and updates in the news. From there, my day is a happy whirlwind of writing, meetings, strategy planning, brainstorms and an awful lot of emails. The best part of my day, hands down, is the clever people I work with.

I am usually home by 7:30pm and evenings go either one of two ways ─either a quiet night of running errands, chipping away at some writing, reading, cooking, etc. Or, checking out an event, grabbing dinner with friends, hosting at my place....

On the TFGI Discussion Panel

Who do you draw inspiration from?

I find inspiration in the people around me: my family, friends, colleagues - and sometimes watching strangers, especially when I’m travelling. I’m a greedy reader, forever juggling a stack of books and magazines.

Where are your favourite places to hang out in Toronto?

I never tire of strolling around my West end neighbourhood ─ it always feels new to me, even though I’ve lived there for a few years. I'm really fickle so don’t have regular spots, but I’m a sucker for any sun-filled patio, spring through fall. When I get sulky or full of vacation nostalgia, there are some great Central American restaurants on Bloor. White Squirrel Cafe and Balzac's are like satellite offices for me ─ they are my favourite places to write.

I love the Thompson Collection of model ships at the A.G.O. It is one of my favourite places in Toronto. I love everything about it ─the display cases themselves are showpieces.

Where would you go on your dream vacation?

I don't have so much of a destination in mind as much as I do a setting. A perfect vacation would be all of my friends and family from all over the world, together in one place. We would be on a beach somewhere fantastic. There would be long, languorous meals that stretch for hours, surfing, piles of books, fires on the beach at night and not a clock in sight.

Karen with Jen McNeely, Editor of She Does The City

What would you tell your 20 year-old self?

Please. Slow. Down.

What life advice do you have for hip + urban girls out there trying to figure out what they want to do?

Travel. Don't put pressure on yourself to have it all figured it all out. Keep your integrity. Do work that you're proud of, with people you're proud to work with. Surround yourself with good friends and look after each other. Be mindful of your words and actions affect the people around you. Stay open to opportunities - if you are too focused on what you think you want, you might miss out on what else is out there.

Follow Karen on Twitter @SchoolFinishing and tweet her your etiquette questions.

Loved This? Meet a few other Hip + Urban Girls of the Week!

Lux Spa Opens A Second Location

2012-02-08T09:50:00.000-05:00

Busy city workers now have a new place to destress and retreat. Lux Spa opens its second location at 211 Yonge Street, conveniently located near the Eaton Centre.

In a hurry? Their express mani-LUX with scrub and massage ($38) will help you unwind in no time. It's the perfect escape during lunch hour and will get you back into your office chair feeling extra confident and beautiful. Not in a hurry? Stop by after work or on the weekend and reward yourself with their signature choco-LUX decadent treatment ($48 mani/$68 pedi). Antioxidant-rich cocoa extracts are used to nourish and hydrate thirsty hands and feet.

We stopped by last week after running around the city from one meeting to another and indulged our tired and aching feet in their hydra-LUX treatment ($78). The paraffin-based masque was warm and soothing and the tropical tea-tree oil massage had us floating in a heavenly bliss. We also got our nails done and I found the perfect shade of grey - OPI French Quarter for your Thoughts!

There’s plenty of room for bridal showers or girls’ nights as well and you know with Owner, Cathy Crispo and her team, you will be in good hands!

Check out last year's HUG Spa Day at their Yorkville location.

Lux Spa Downtown
211 Yonge Street, Mezzanine Level
Tel: (416) 367-8414
Tweet: @LuxSpa

Cruelty In Love & War @ The Canadian Stage Co.

2012-02-07T11:15:00.000-05:00

Atom Egoyan is the director of a rich body of intellectually stimulating work. The critically acclaimed filmmaker gravitates towards directing films and operas that are provocative in subject matter. Therefore, his choosing to direct Cruel and Tender was not surprising. Written by British playwright Martin Crimp, Cruel and Tender is a modern play based on the ancient Greek tragedy, Trachiniae by Sophocles.

Egoyan has created a bizarrely, heightened world, in which he invites us to examine the atrocities of war and the disintegration of a marriage. The forlorn and scorned Amelia is played sorrowfully by Arsinée Khanjian who anticipates her husband’s return from war in Africa. Amelia doesn’t expect her husband, known as The General, to send his lover Laela and a small child to their home; a lover for which he annihilated an entire city.

Desperate to win back her husband, Amelia concocts a plan involving a potion, which consequently backfires on her and sets the tragedy in motion. Khanjian needed more of an acerbic edge to play the role of the jilted woman.

Members of the chorus cleverly tried to distract Amelia from spiralling into a world of despair. A handful of moments of comic relief are delivered by the modern chorus singing karaoke off-key. The standout performances were that of Daniel Kash as the maniacal General and Abena Malika as the bold mistress, Laela. Kash is a veritable powerhouse and played the role of the psychologically traumatized General perfectly with capricious intensity. Malika's command of the stage is impressive and she gets the opportunity to show off her rich singing voice.

With its stark white, massive walls, the sterile set designed by Debra Hanson resembled that of an airplane hangar and a large storage space. 1/3 of the stage was completely bare, which was an interesting artistic choice.

Breaking glass was a repetitive motif signifying fragility, which resonated with the shattered marriage and broken home. There is nothing tender about a play that deals with the politics of war and the harsh realities wherein violence permeates into the private sphere.

Written by: Martin Crimp
Directed by: Atom Egoyan
Starring: Arsinée Khanjian

Cruel and Tender plays at the Bluma Appel Theatre until February 18. --- Alison Silveira

Photo Credit: Bruce Zinger

The Hip + Urban Girl's Guide To Bangkok, Thailand

2012-02-07T07:00:00.001-05:00

Getting There

Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport is an international hub, so the options are endless. I got a flight for $1200 roundtrip on Finnair, an airline that offered excellent service and a free stopover in Helsinki. Check Air Asia for budget prices if you’re connecting from another country. Bangkok Air is also an excellent option for flying within and outside of Thailand.

Where to Stay

We stayed at the Lamphu Tree House (above), a boutique hotel in the Old City with a pool and rooftop garden. For $45/night, I got a private room with air conditioning and a bathroom. The buffet breakfast was delicious! For on the cheap, backpackers can get a basic room (no a/c, no hot water) for $10/night on Khao San Road. Be warned: this area is really fun but it’s like an outdoor nightclub that never sleeps. And neither will you without earplugs!

What to Do

The Grand Palace - The official residence of the monarchy since 1782 is absolutely stunning (above). One of the temples houses the Emerald Buddha – the most sacred Buddha image of Thailand. A strict dress code applies, so make sure you wear clothes that cover your arms, legs, and shoulders. Plan on spending at least half a day and rent the audio guide to get the full experience.

Monks at The Grand Palace

Wat Pho - One of the largest and oldest wats in Bangkok. It houses the world's largest reclining Buddha image (left). I couldn’t even get a full picture of this massive Buddha!

Fortune telling at Wat Pho - $20 will buy some insight into your spiritual identity and life path. I had an eerily accurate reading – he accurately guessed my profession, health conditions, relationship issues, and general interests. Many people in Thailand take fortune-telling very seriously. Some couples even break off their engagements if a fortune teller says they’re incompatible!

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) - We visited this temple at night when it was closed, and got lucky – the security guards let us take a few pictures of the illuminated temples. Very cool!

Khao San Road - Don’t miss this famous street for its cheap eats, bargain shopping and partying all night long. If you want to buy a cell phone or cheap clothes, get it here. I overdosed on chocolate banana pancakes and spring rolls from the food carts.

Meditation - The International Buddhist Meditation Centre at Wat Mahathat offers free meditation classes three times a day. If you want to have a quiet moment with your inner spirit, go for it!

Pampering - For $6, you can afford all the fixings at the spa! There are tons of massage and mani-pedi places on Khao San Road.

Side trip to Ayutthaya - Not to be missed, if you can swing it! Hop the train to Ayutthaya (below), the former capital city until it was burnt to the ground in 1767. Now it’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its ancient ruins scattered across the city. It’s impossible to see everything in one day, so choose your sites carefully and take a tuk tuk from point to point. We stayed overnight at the Luang Chumni Village (above), a traditional Thai teakhouse that was so relaxing and beautiful! Afterwards, continue your journey on the overnight train from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai.

There are millions of other things to do and see – these are just some of the highlights. Enjoy!

10 Random But Essential Tips for Visiting Bangkok

1. Talk to a travel doctor before you leave about vaccines and practical information on how to stay healthy. The Travel Medicine Centre at Bay and Gerrard offered as the cheapest service I could find.

2. When visiting the Grand Palace and other temples, wear clothes that cover your arms, shoulders, and legs. Otherwise, you may be denied entry for showing disrespect.

3. Watch out for scams. As a “farang” (foreigner), you’re a walking target! If your tuk tuk driver takes you to a store, DO NOT go inside – it’s a rip off! NEVER engage with people who approach you with offers or advice. Girls, don’t be afraid to be assertive! Initially, I felt guilty about being so abrupt, but I quickly got over it after an attempted scam by a “friendly” tuk tuk driver. Trust your gut – if you think it’s a scam, it probably is.

4. Ask tuk tuk drivers “Kii baht?” (How much?). They’ll think you’re a savvy traveller, and be less likely to rip you off.

5. Watch what you eat and drink. Only drink bottled water, and be cautious about street food that’s been sitting in 40 degree heat.

6. Go sightseeing early to avoid crowds and mid-afternoon heat.

7. Sun tips – drink lots of bottled water, wear a hat and sunscreen, and stay out of the sun. Hit the pool or take a siesta between 12pm and 3pm to avoid the stifling hot time of day.

8. Watch out for traffic – vehicles will run over pedestrians!

9. Toilet tips – paper goes in the garbage can, not in the toilet. Be prepared, but not afraid, to use squat toilets in public spaces. Sometimes the flush toilets are dirtier! Lastly, wet naps are a girl’s best friend.

10. Don’t spend more than three days in Bangkok. It’s a fabulous city, but there’s so much to see outside of it!

Catch Lisa J’s video of Khao San Road and riding around Bangkok in a tuk tuk.

-- Lisa Jackson

We Heart Winterlicious - Toronto

2012-02-06T09:00:00.032-05:00

A sponsored hip + urban girl post.

It’s hard to drag me out of the house when it’s cold and dark outside.

But Winterlicious is usually the one thing that gets my social life back on track with amazing prix fixe dining deals offered at 175 of Toronto’s top restaurants. It has been proven time and time again that I will get out of jammies and leave the house for delicious food and catch-up time with friends. All those promises I made at Christmas about getting together with my fave people in the New Year? I usually realize by February that I really have to find the time to make those things happen.

If you don’t know by now, Winterlicious, presented by American Express Canada, is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, running from Jan. 27 – Feb. 9. Remember those 175 restaurants I mentioned? Well, they’re all offering affordable three course, prix fixe menus of $15, $20 and $25 for lunch and $25, $35 and $45 for dinner. Amex has always been a proud supporter of the Toronto culinary scene and we’re excited to be taking part in this very special Winterlicious, too.

So join Wendy and me as we host a Winterlicious dinner THIS Thursday, Feb. 9, at The Wine Bar starting at 6:30 PM. After all, it’s your last chance! Seats are still available by contacting the restaurant directly at (416) 504-9463. Please ask to be seated in the same section as the Hip + Urban Girl party. You might even be treated to a special little *extra* from the restaurant that night.

The Wine Bar’s three-course dinner is only $25 during Winterlicious (what a steal!) and here’s what’s on the menu. We have a vegetarian option that night, too.

Share your Winterlicious experience on Twitter! We’ll be tweeting that night with the hashtag #DineWithAmex

Are you an American Express Cardmember? Sign up at DineWithAmex.ca and visit two participating Winterlicious restaurants and pay with your card. You could win $2,000 in Amex Gift Cards and a surprise VIP Concert Experience for you and seven friends.

Learn more on the American Express Canada Winterlicious Facebook page and get yourself all signed up.

See you at The Wine Bar!

Valentine's Gift Guide

2012-02-06T01:00:00.000-05:00

1) iSkin aura2 Happy Friends - Your hip + geek girl will stand out in a crowd with this colorful montage of personified cheekiness for her iPhone and/or iPad. Exclusively designed by Brazil's Cako Martin, the Japanese inspired print is mounted on a robust canvas finish and all too cute - just like her. ($34.99 - 99.99)

2) Baker Street - Nothing says "I Love You" like these sweets! Send her a Valentine's Dessert-Gram made from love of course - chose from Black & White Truffle or Chocolate Truffle cakes or Love At First Bite cupakes. ($1.99 - 14.99)

3) Pandora - Provide a little a arm candy and style her own Pandora bracelet with beautifully hand-finished charms in 14-karat gold, sterling silver and accented with precious gemstones. A gift from the heart and a keepsake she'll treasure forever. (Starting at $30)

4) DAVIDsTEA - Let The Sweetheart Collection do the sweet talking for you with these heartfelt teas. That is five different ways to say I love you: Love Tea #7, Doctor Chocolate, Honeybee, Peppermint Amour and Hot Lips. ($25.50)

5) Lush Love Potion - Give your love a little rub and cast a spell with this sensual massage bar. Scented with the fragrance of Love perfume this heart stopper is sure to put you, and keep you, in the mood. Gift it with the sweetheart soap, million kisses lip balm and other Valentine's goodies found in the store. (Starting at $7)

6) Hotels.com - Sweep her off her feet without making a clean sweep of your wallet! Whisk her away on a romantic getaway and save up to 30% with Hotels.com whether you chose to cuddle up at a cozy B&B or wine & dine her at a luxury 5-star hotel.

1) Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Kits - Survival of the fittest! Depending on type of kit, there is everything from a screwdriver, nose pliers, hand saw and of course, a bottle opener so he can make it through the apocalypse... or Toronto's rat race. ($20 - 70)

2) Hot Shave - Gently hint that Movember was over 3 months ago and give him the ultimate treatment - the Gentlemen's Straight Razor Shave is 45 mins of pampering and he'll come out smooth and oh so kissable! ($65)

3) Tassimo - The perfect cup for the perfect man! The brewer’s barcode technology reads every T DISC individually, adjusting for temperature, water volume, brew time and ensures each coffee, tea, latte and cappuccino is made exactly the way it’s meant to be – perfect, in about a minute. ($159 - 269)

4) Whisky Rocks - These natural soapstone are perfect for the refined gentlemen who has everything. Teroforma's Whisky Stones are flavourless, non-porous cubes that will chill your drink without watering it down. ($25)

5) Freshly Baked Tees - Say it with love! You think it, they ink your personal lettering, graphics and photos on a t-shirt in 5 minutes. (Starting at $25 and that includes the shirt.)

6) John Varvatos fragrance - Give your classic and casual guy John Varvatos Star USA. A fragrance ushered through clean and bright notes, it's spiked with an unusual encounter of red ginger and vetyvert and comes in the coolest bottle! ($55 - 70)

HUG and The City

2012-02-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day Sweets & Chocolates Tour
> Take a leisurely stroll through the lovely Kensington Market and sample a smorgasbord of sweets, from Valentine's Day favourites to everyday goodies.
Date: Sat, Feb 11
Venue: Kensington Market

Love a Heart
> Bid for the city's hottest Bachelor & Bachelorette with proceeds going to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. In between the auctions you'll be treated to a performance by indie week champion, Tiny Danza! If you missed it last year, you don't want to miss it again!
Date: Thurs, Feb 9
Venue: The Hideout (484 Queen St W)

HUG Winterlicious Dinner
> We've partnered up with American Express #DineWithAmex to host a night out with good company and great food! $25 for a 3 course meal. Guys and girls are welcome!
Date: Thurs, Feb 9
Venue: The Wine Bar (9 Church St)

Hip + Urban Mom: You Can Have A Social Life

2012-02-03T07:00:00.005-05:00

Being a parent means a lot of late nights, but not in that too-many-tequila-shots-was-dancing-so-hard-my-feet-kill kind of way. Nooooo - it's the polar opposite.

Don’t worry, you still CAN have a social life if you have a baby. My secret to keeping social is to plan lots of small gatherings.

It means being able to spend quality time with small groups of friends and being able to see a variety of people from different parts of your life. Whether it's your work friends, high school besties or family members - it's nice to have a get together to look forward to.

Flickr - Photo Credit

Having a couple of friends over while your baby is at home with you is an easy way to have some adult social time. These events can involve dinner and movies at home or a special theme night - whatever floats your boat. Too tired to cook? Order in from your favourite restaurant and eat off paper plates to keep things easy. You can make a big deal of entertaining or you can keep it casual so that everyone can feel comfortable.

Having small group gatherings allows you to keep in touch with important people in your life, when you don't have the time to plan larger events. It was an adjustment learning how to be social with family and friends and vice-versa. If it's tough to even get out of the house, an easy night-in with friends could just be the social event you need.

It's also an excuse to get a babysitter for a few hours as well. Dinner, a movie, coffee date or going out for a few drinks are all shorter, more intimate gatherings that you can plan. Just take the time to plan them.

Hip + Urban Girl of the Week: Lauren McMillan

2012-02-02T11:42:00.029-05:00

This week we chat with Lauren McMillan who is not only a full-time nurse at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto, she also has the time to run her own jewellery line, Lauren Elan Collections. Say hello to Lauren everybody!

How did you get interested in jewellery and how did you get your own line off the ground?

I’ve always been obsessed with jewellery. It’s such a great item to pick up when travelling, or receive as a gift as each piece can tell a story, and have great significance. I never set out to start a jewellery line, or company for that matter (as I obviously have my hands full working full time at SickKids as a nurse). When I sustained a major knee injury and was forced to take a long time off work, I found myself keeping busy creating pieces for friends and family, and personal events.

The evolution into an online boutique felt pretty natural as I had people asking me to create custom pieces fairly frequently and figured I may as well set up a venue. It was a great way to turn a negative into a positive. From there I suppose it grew organically as I took each new challenge as it came and the next thing I knew I had orders coming in from across the world. The internet is a wonderful place!

Where are your pieces sold?

I mostly sell from our online boutique as this allows me to sell both locally and Internationally. Select items from our line are also carried in a few boutiques throughout North America, as well as a small amount in International locations. In Toronto, I work closely with Paige Boersma of Bicyclette Boutique (880 Queen West) to keep a good stock of items at her shop.

Who do you draw style inspiration from?

There are so many amazing sources of fashion inspiration these days both online and on the street. Between a magnitude of fabulous fashion blogs, Instagram and pinterest images, as well as seeing people on the street in Toronto... I’m sure to get a daily fix of fashion eye candy.

You're also a nurse at Sick Kids! What made you choose nursing?

I was really interested in science and biology in high school and was eager to study in a field that would give me an opportunity to learn more. Nursing has been a great job for me; I love the opportunity to give back to my community, and there is a constant need in this profession to learn the latest information and be challenged by new scenarios and situations. My mom is also a nurse, and I feel that the medical knowledge she has (and I now have) is something so valuable to have as you go through life. Funny enough, the skills I’ve learned through nursing such as self-direction, problem solving, strong communication, and prioritizing, have translated directly into skills that I use everyday in business.

What department do you work in? Is it hard to see children who are sick everyday?

I work on a post-surgical floor where we care for kids that have a range of common childhood issues from broken bones to tonsillectomies. Most often we see the transition from post-surgery grogginess to walking out the door happy to go home. It’s actually a really fun place as the team I work with is super positive and energetic, and we do our best to cheer the kids up and keep the families involved and informed.

How do you balance nursing and your jewellery line?

Nursing is the perfect profession to be in if you don’t want to be working all week long. My schedule is pretty flexible with 12 hour shifts that I can group together, giving me about 2-3 days in the studio each week. So far it’s been pretty hectic, but I’ve just taken on 2 interns (who are amazing) and will soon give me 2-3 days off per week since we get the work done faster. I guess I will see how long I can keep both up for. For now, I love them both enough that I don’t want to give either up!

What is your typical day like?

There is definitely no typical day. A weekday can range from wearing scrubs and working 12 hours, to wearing a fun outfit and an armparty while visiting various suppliers. When I’m not at the hospital, I’m at our Queen West studio answering emails, designing new pieces, and mostly filling online orders.

Where are your favourite places to hang out in Toronto?

I live in the King West area and am constantly finding great spots to visit in our own hood. For coffee - always Jimmy’s Coffee (the best americano in the city if you ask me); Bar Wellington for a great brunch and awesome service; Le Select Bistro for a lovely dinner with my hubbie; and Blowfish, Thompson rooftop, or our kitchen and/or outdoor terrace if hanging with girlfriends.

Favourites places to find great clothes?

I can’t stand malls, and rarely have time to go shopping, so I usually find myself shopping online (The Outnet, Net-a-Porter, eBay, and ShopBop are favourites), when on vacation, or at boutiques on Queen West coming and going from work.

Where would you go on your dream vacation?

My husband and I went to Maui on our honeymoon and it was as close to paradise as I can imagine. I’m a bit of a travel junkie, so I’ve gone to most of my dream spots... but next on the wishlist would be either Iceland, New Zealand, or Peru.

What did you study in College/University? Is there anything you would do differently or advise others about?

I completed my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Although most people would tell you to get a job in a field that you love, I went to school for something that would guarantee me a job. That way I would have the income to support myself, and then fill my free time with hobbies and experiences that I love. I guess it worked out as I was able to build things from the ground up (with a ton of hard work) into a business.

What would you tell your 20 year-old self?

You will have plenty of time later in life to be tied down to a house or a job. Get outside, experience life, have fun, meet new people, travel the world, and you’ll be better off for it.

What life advice do you have for hip + urban girls out there trying to figure out what they want to do?

Throw yourself into experiences and situations that force you to be challenged and questioned. I think that those are the opportunities that you really learn your interests, limitations, and passions. Take a random specialty class, get your hands dirty, travel to a place that isn’t familiar, ask questions, if it’s mildly uncomfortable, and you leave feeling like you tackled something new, you will definitely have gained from the experience :)

Web: www.laurenelan.com
Tweet: @lauren_elan
Facebook: Lauren Elan Collections

Loved this? Meet a few of our other Hip + Urban Girls of the Week!

CB2 Opens on Queen West, Toronto

2012-02-02T07:00:00.053-05:00

Construction barely complete, CB2 finally opens the doors to its first international location on the corner of Queen & Bathurst in downtown Toronto. Condo and loft dwellers rejoice! There's finally an affordable option for hip urban decor.

Hello, Toronto! It's Crate & Barrel's destination store for affordable modern decor.

The store is set up with series of vignettes which are great for ideas and inspiration.

All the decor is modern and minimalist but far from boring.

Even the plates are fun!

The vibe is very youthful but their pieces do work well for a range of decor styles.

and it's a great spot to get organized with personality.

Or snag interesting art at a fraction of the price of a cool original.

Plus, they frequently work with local artisans to bring in limited edition pieces.

Bottom line? Even if you aren't a city dweller, it's worth the drive to check out CB2 if you're in the market for modern decor or quirky home accessories. Visit the store in Toronto at 651 Queen Street West (at Bathurst - the old Big Bop) or shop online at www.cb2.ca.

-- Tamika Auwai is a fashion junkie, splurge-a-holic, and founder of Shop Socials.

Weekend Brunch @ The Gladstone Hotel, Toronto

2012-02-01T11:58:00.000-05:00

We love us a good brunch. I'm usually sick of mini-wheats by the time the weekend rolls around, that I end up treating myself to a gourmet breakfast - that someone else has made. Have you ever tried making Eggs Benedict at home? I have a hangover just thinking about it. So we leave these things to the experts at The Gladstone Hotel Cafe on Queen West, just at the edge of Parkdale.

Brunch is served from 8am to 4pm on both Saturdays and Sundays on a first come, first served basis. We prefer the cafe side as things are a little bit quieter. If you are brunching with kids, the Melody Bar often has a live jamboree band and family brunch. Kids are welcome and an easy place to hang with your niece or nephew. The menu is still the same on both sides. The Cafe also offers free high-speed WiFi and is a lovely place to work during the week as the room gets a lot of sunlight.

The Fruit Salad is always a nice healthy way to start ($6.95) and forces me to eat something healthy before all the fried goodness arrives. My pick is always the Huevos Rancheros ($11.95) made two eggs over easy on a cheddar and goat cheese quesadilla with veggie chili and tomato salsa fresca. It's not as spicy as I would like, but that can be fixed with a bit of hot sauce. I also like the fact that the chili is vegetarian, so you don't leave feeling like how you started the day - heavy and sleepy. The roasted potatoes are plump and crispy with a nice light seasoning.

The Eggs Benedict ($12.95) is usually my second choice and The Gladstone keeps it simple with two poached eggs and grilled peameal bacon on a toasted English muffin topped with hollandaise sauce. The kitchen is all about local sustainable food and feature products from Toronto favourites like Ying Yang Soy Foods and Tealish tea blends.

The coffees are fair trade and served with organic milk. All the take-out containers, napkins and bags are biodegradable and the hotel also makes a point to use non-toxic and biodegradable cleaners. The Gladstone Cafe is a hip + urban win for Toronto and I love living so close to this gem.

Nothing like starting a Sunday with a sweet Mimosa

Wanna brunch at The Gladstone Cafe? WIN Brunch for Two (includes two entrees) at this hip historical hotel care of the Hip + Urban Girl. Here's How:

1) Like Us on Facebook and then...

2) Comment in the Gladstone Brunch Contest string and tell us, what's your favourite thing to eat at Sunday brunch?

We pick a winner at random on Monday - good luck!

Activity-A-Week: Go Rock Climbing!

2012-02-01T07:00:00.002-05:00

Lisa Jackson is our guest blogger this week for our activity-a-week column as I recover from a cold. Hope it's a source of active inspiration and gets you out to try something new.

This week, I headed to Rock Oasis, an indoor rock climbing gym located in Toronto’s east end. There’s no better way to spend a Saturday morning than scaling a wall. This was the most fun I’ve had exercising in…well…pretty much ever!

To start out, I took the introductory lesson with Noel, a certified climbing instructor at Rock Oasis. At first, I was really nervous about climbing since I’m such a klutz. But Rock Oasis puts a huge emphasis on safety. Climbing partners constantly perform checks on each other to ensure their harnesses are secured and the safety rope is tied properly. With guidance from Noel, I got the hang of climbing in less than an hour and a half.

For the first part of the lesson, I learned how to put on a harness, tie into the safety rope, belay (manage the safety rope), and perform a safety check on my climbing partner.

Then, we took turns belaying and climbing. Climbing is done in pairs: one person climbs and one belays (manages the safety rope) and then switch. Soon I was hooked!

For me, the biggest challenge was letting go of the wall. When I got to the top of the wall, I was supposed to release my grip and sit back – and basically put my life into the hands of my partner, who was belaying below. Talk about getting over trust issues! But with Noel’s encouragement and reassurance that I wouldn’t plummet to my death, I let go and slowly descended to the ground. It was a THRILLING experience. I felt so empowered.

Rock climbing is a fab muscle builder. My body was sore from pulling myself up the wall. It also exercises the mind – part of the challenge was figuring out my next move.

Don’t miss trying out the automatic belaying machine – it drops you a bit faster, and gives you a major adrenaline rush!

New climbers must take the introductory lesson, which is $35 and includes all the equipment. Afterwards, you can stay and climb as much as you like.

For the Hip and Urban Mom, rock climbing is a perfect family activity. Kids of all ages can climb, and I saw four-year-olds scrambling up the walls like Spiderman. Rock Oasis also hosts birthday parties as well as climbing camps during the March Break and the summer.

Wear loose gym clothes and dress in layers, as it can get quite hot climbing and cooler if you’re belaying. Rock Oasis rents climbing shoes for $6. Lockers are available, and you can bring your own Dudley lock.

Overall, this was an awesome experience with a great mental and physical workout.

Contact information:
Suite 204 - 388 Carlaw Ave.,
Toronto, Ontario, M4M 2T4
(416) 703-3434 – call for bookings.

Open 365 days a year, and regular hours are 9AM to 11PM.

TTC: Fastest way from the downtown core is to take the #506 Carlton Streetcar and get off at Carlaw. Walk south for 2 minutes.

Links:

Rock Oasis: http://www.rockoasis.com

Climbing gear at Mountain Equipment: http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Climbing.jsp

Lisa J tries the automatic belayer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzHe48KI9e0

Harry Rosen Spring 2012 Preview

2012-01-31T09:00:00.003-05:00

Ok hip + urban guys, we heard you were crying out for some love on our website and some hip tips as well. So we stopped by the Harry Rosen Spring 2012 Preview to get schooled in style for yourself or your man.

Adam Martin, a buyer at Harry Rosen says it's all about a soft muted palette like blue and seafoam that are a little bit washed. Mix and match them with vibrant oranges, cranberry or wine colours and let them work together for a fresh spring look. Adam shared with us his Top 5 Trends for Spring 2012 for Hip + Urban Guys:

Whimsical tie with mini pink scooters

Guys, when you're shopping for your new spring wardrobe, keep a couple of these ideas in mind:

1) Coloured Denim or Washed Cotton Trousers

2) Printed Sport Shirts

3) Footwear - Coloured desert boots or a driving shoe

4) Sport Jackets

5) Techinical Outerwear - think sleek raincoat

Boat shoes worn with no socks or a low-cut no-show sock is back for another season (above). If your hip + urban guy is all flip-flops all the time, this is an easy slip-on alternative that makes everything just a little dressier.

If you're buying your first suit for your first job, Adam recommends going with one that is dark blue or charcoal in colour. It's easy to match both with black or brown shoes and belts, whereas with a black suit, you're stuck with only black shoes.

A fresh look for Spring (left) and desert boots (right)

If your man is still running around the city with a backpack on, consider upgrading his university style for something more mature, but not too serious - like a canvas laptop bag. If you're still really lost, don't be afraid to ask one of the sales reps to help style you. Sometimes, you just need a pro. The Spring 2012 Collection is in Harry Rosen stores now.

We Are Loving: The TIFF Bell Lightbox

2012-01-31T07:00:00.001-05:00

Tired of your usual movie going experience? We are loving the TIFF Bell Lightbox at the corner of King & John. They offer a variety of activities for a true arts and film buff of any age.

Photo Credit - Biz Bash

What To Expect:

Screenings of Canadian, International and classic feature films, shorts and new releases. Explore this winter’s programming such as the Ongoing Series “Late Night: Bangkok Dangerous: The Cinema of Nicolas Cage”. Between January and April, revisit some of the Academy Award winning actor’s memorable cinematic roles.

Films are screened in small and intimate cinemas making for a very personal experience - although I found the leg room to be a little tight. If you are craving munchies, traditional theatre snacks such as popcorn, candy and beverages are all available for purchase on the second floor.

Unique Special Events:

TIFF hosts unique series like “In Conversation With”, which feature conversations with guests from the film industry such as Guillermo del Toro, Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis. Sit back in cozy red theatre chairs while taking in thoughtful, dynamic and interactive discussions onstage. As an audience member, it feels like having a pass to a personal and informal get together and to gain thoughtful insight. Upcoming engagements include In-Conversation with the 32nd Genie Award Nominees, and author George R.R Martin will speak about the Game of Thrones and its adaptation to an HBO series.

“Sing-a-Long” screenings are available for guests who love to belt out to their favourite musical tunes. Now you can do so without receiving any questioning looks. This winter, from February 24-26, grab some friends and sing-along with Danny Zuko, Rizzo and the rest of the gang from Grease. See tiff.net for screening times.

Upcoming Events + What to Watch For:

TIFF Cinematheque will be celebrating Black History Month during the month of February and will showcase programming created by young filmmakers from North America, Africa and the Caribbean. Delve into stories, documentaries and recreations of the past and present. Be sure to purchase tickets before they sell out.

TIFF Kids
Did you know that TIFF has an annual Film Festival dedicated to youth? Do you have a young family member or student who loves movies? If so, TIFF is seeking youth between the ages of 8-12 to participate in a film jury panel during the annual TIFF Kids International Film Festival (April 10-22, 2012).

Regular adult tickets for screenings, premium screenings, In Conversation With and exhibits for non-members range from $12-20. Visit www.tiff.net for details and to explore “What’s On” at the Bell Lightbox.

Natalia Dziubaniwsky is a lover of life, avid traveller, animal lover, movie buff, volunteer, budding writer and is always seeking a new adventure. Interact with or simply follow her footsteps through her blog.

Top 7 Ways to Hibernate this Winter

2012-01-30T12:25:00.001-05:00

We're sharing a blast from the past today. It's a post that we published last year, but totally still useful in keeping busy over the cold and long winter months in Toronto. Enjoy!

Canada is a hiber-nation. When it's dark at 5 o'clock and your toes are freezing, the last thing you want to do is hang outside all day. So here are the hip + urban girl's suggestions for fun activities to do inside:

Photo Credit

1) Go for Indian Food - The hot, hot heat of spicy Indian flavours will keep the fires warm, not to mention your sinuses clear. Round up your besties and make it a girls night out. The spices in curry are full of antioxidants and good for you. A great place in Toronto is Siddhartha in Little India. Their dishes are not too spicy for those with a sensitive palette and it's buffet-style for lunch and dinner, so you can try a little bit of everything. Little India Restaurant on Queen West is also a favourite with a la carte style at dinner and buffet at lunch. Finish your meal off with a refreshing and healthy mango lassi - a yogurt based smoothie.

2) Try Hot Yoga - If you've never tried sweating it out in a variety of poses, maybe the cold weather is a good time to inspire you. Warm-up and workout at the same time! Now that's multi-tasking at its finest. The release of all those toxins through sweating will leave you feeling refreshed and you'll sleep like a baby. Make sure to drink lots of water and stay hydrated. Try Tula Hot Yoga in Toronto, it's only $10 for your first class and your second one is free. A great deal for anyone unsure on whether or not they will like this.

3) Hit the Spa - Sometimes the best way to unwind, besides lying on the couch all day - is lying on a massage table and having a professional work out all your knots. When was the last time you treated yourself to a massage? It could even almost free in cost if you have massage therapy benefits which covers a treatment by an RMT. Your best bet is to book an appointment at a spa that has a sauna, steam room and water therapy facilities. The hip + urban girl is a big fan of Body Blitz in Toronto, which offers a whole water spa detox and massage therapy in one. Read about our visit here. A nice long soak in a salt water hot tub can solve some winter apathy. Read on for more tips!

4) Take a Cooking Class - Even if you're a great cook, go out and learn something new about food and make something you'venever tried before. I always feel a million times more adventurous after a cooking class. No idea how to cook? Winter is a great time to experiment with soups and stews and learn how to finally put your kitchen to work. Check out your local grocery store, community centre and catering company for classes. Dish Cooking Studio in Toronto offers a fantastic variety of classes for different levels.

5) Go for Pho - The intoxicating smell of a complex beef broth with basil leaves, fresh squeezed lime juice, coriander and a bit of onion is hard to resist. Add slippery rice noodles, crunchy bean sprouts and thinly sliced rare beef (that finishes cooking in the hot bowl of soup) and you have a piece of some quality Vietnamese comfort food. Head over to your favourite Pho place and order yourself a super bowl. Pho shizzle. Toronto hipsters swear by Rua Vang Golden Turtle Restaurant at only $6-8 for a bowl!

6) Drink Lots of Herbal Tea - Steep yourself a nice gourmet pot of high-quality loose-leaf herbal tea and curl up with a good book from our Winter Reading List. Stock up on a variety of favourites like chamomile or green tea and try some new flavours with a visit to a local tea shoppe. Tea varieties go so much further than what you can find at a grocery store. We love Tealish in Toronto and their Toasty Almond Tea which is a bestseller blend that reminds us of a warm caramel apple. I love to warm up with a caffeine-free tea on a snowy winter evening after dinner. It's great for digestion and an easy pick-me-up.

7) Catch up on Movies - Were you working your butt off all Christmas and missed every great movie that came out? Hit the movie theatre or set up shop on your couch with a couple new DVDs. Try our recipe for easy homemade microwave popcorn.

What are your favourite things to do when you want to hang indoors and hibernate?

Vegetarian Ideas For A Meatless Monday

2012-01-30T09:00:00.042-05:00

Meatless Monday is an international campaign to help people reduce their meat consumption by 15% and to improve personal health along with the health of the planet. It's an easy way to do your part and it makes meal planning for the week easy peasy!

What are some of the benefits of eating less meat?

1) For heart health - vegetarian proteins have less saturated fat than meat and more fibre

2) For preventing cancer - high meat diets have been linked to increased risk of certain types of cancers like colon cancer

3) For the environment - producing meat is expensive and uses up a lot of energy and water. It takes 1,800 - 2,500 gallons of water to make 1 lb of beef

4) For your pocket book - vegetarian alternatives like beans, soy and tofu often cost less than meat

Going meatless is easy. Here are some ideas to get you going:

•Swap meat burgers for homemade bean burgers

•Stir fry tofu and veggies and add to brown rice for a quick supper. Tip: Buy extra firm tofu and cook just like you would chicken

Photo Credit

•Enjoy a simple yet satisfying dinner of whole grain crackers & cheese, veggies & hummus and fresh fruit

•Add chopped walnuts, dried cranberries & shredded carrots to cooked quinoa or brown rice

•Try PC’s meatless chicken strips—a sure hit with kids too!

•Ask for a veggies burger when you go out—Harvey’s has a great one

•Add chickpeas and sunflower seeds to your favorite salad. Tip: use canned chickpeas for convenience, just remember to rinse them first

•Have a peanut butter sandwich for lunch—it’s tried and true

•Pick up some vegetarian sushi at your local grocery store

•Make lentil tacos or bean burritos, just substitute the ground meat for your favorite bean and flavor with low sodium taco seasoning

•Have some vegetarian lasagna

•Enjoy some high protein Greek yogurt, fruit and whole grain cereal for breakfast

•Skip the meat in chili for a filling supper or leftover lunch the next day

•Make vegetarian pizzas with whole pita pitas, tomato sauce, cheese, and any vegetable. Try roasting the veggies first with some garlic to add flavor

•Try a vegetarian Indian curry like channa masala

How do you go meatless on Mondays?

The GetRealGurls are dietitians backed by science and experience. They share their honest thoughts and opinions about food, diet myths, and all things nutrition on their website: www.getrealgurlsnutrition.com.

Follow them on Twitter @getrealgurls.

HUG and The City

2012-01-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

The 11th Annual Motionball
> A must attend event for young professionals. Support the Special Olympics and enjoy the Under Armour Underwear Fashion Show, dancing, a decadent chocolate dessert buffet, silent auction and more!
Date: Sat, Feb 3
Venue: The Carlu (444 Yonge St)

Guilty Pleasures
> Toronto's favourite fashion brunch is back! Enjoy a celebration of food + fashion with the Toronto Fashion Incubator. Browse the racks of one-of-a-kind Canadian fashion designers and indulge in a delicious brunch and treats.
Date: Sat, Feb 4
Venue: The Drake Hotel (1150 Queen St W)

Grindhouse Comedy Launch Party
> Get ready to LOL! Swing by and enjoy healthy burgers, hilarious comedy with Ali Hassan and scrumptious drinks!
Date: Sat, Feb 4 Venue: Grindhouse Burger Bar (365 King St W)

What Are Your Travel Plans For 2012?

2012-01-27T07:00:00.001-05:00

Hiking through the Rainforest in Costa Rica

A sponsored hip + urban girl post.

What are your travel plans for 2012?

2011 was a big year of travel for Wendy and I. The two of us were rotating through a different destination every other month, ending up here and here.

It’s now a brand new year with a whole lot of possibility. The BEST thing you can do for yourself is to pull out your calendar and plan now. List all the places you REALLY want to travel to. Don’t book a trip to a place you only sort of want to visit because it’s cheap. Aim high and think big. Slot the potential time into your calendar and start planning trip-by-trip so you can vacation instead of having a default staycation.

Maybe this is the year you celebrate Oktoberfest in Munich, fly to Peru and hike Machu Picchu, drive down the coast in California or even take a cooking class and eat noodles in Thailand.

California Dreamin' in Santa Barbara

We know you’re not made of money and neither are we. So how do you pay for all this?

Wendy and I have partnered up with American Express Canada and their Gold Rewards Card because it lets us earn points faster. We then convert them into Aeroplan points at a 1:1 ratio, redeem them for merchandise or use the TripFlex option to pay off travel we have already completed. We charge everything that we possibly can to our cards so we can take our next vacation sooner. Earn two points for every dollar (that you are probably going to spend anyway) at grocery stores, gas stations, drug stores and travel outlets. Earn one point for all other purchases made on your card.

The first year of membership is free ($150 value) and I received a welcome bonus of 15,000 points once I charged my first $500 in purchases to my card within the first three months. It’s almost like getting a free round-trip ticket to NYC.

My travel plans for 2012 include visits to Tokyo, Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia and New York City. Of course, we’ll be bringing you lots of travel stories and ideas here on the blog.

So go ahead. Get inspired. What are your travels plans for 2012?

Learn more about the American Express Gold Rewards Card.

Postcards from the Bahamas Baby!

2012-01-27T06:59:00.001-05:00

Last week I introduced a new series on our site called The Before Baby Project which will document my LAST YEAR of being baby-free and the journey to becoming a hip + urban mom. I'm almost finished making my list of all the things I hope to do before starting a family and I can't wait to share my experiences with you!

On the top of my list is going on a family vacation to the Bahamas with my In-Laws... no, I haven't gone crazy and yes, not only did I endure it but I thoroughly enjoyed it! They all live in the West Coast and I don't see them very often so seriously, this was a real treat.

#hugTO in Bahamas baby!

Heard it's snowing back in TO... here's a dose of sunshine to brighten up your day.

Home sweet home! Now this is a true haven of tranquility - villas with perfectly manicured gardens and your own pool!

Vegan pizza cooked in a wood-burning oven right on the beach.

Island food here is presented like art! It's served fresh and all day long.

Sandals has its own private island called Sandals Cay. The sand is like baby powder and the ocean is a breathtaking blend of blues and greens...

I went snorkeling for the first time and I'm addicted!!

The Red Lane Spa offers massages in oceanfront cabanas with the waves crashing in.

Totally bliss.

Lots of pretty peacocks roaming the island.

Shrimp cocktail served under the stars and over the sea @ Gordon's On The Pier.

Kudos to Chef Cedric! This Surf n' Turf tastes as good as it looks.

Before Baby Project #1: family vacation in the Bahamas. Checked!

Square Tacos @ Amigos - Key West, Florida

2012-01-27T06:59:00.000-05:00

Amigos Tortilla Bar is home of the square taco and the next stop in our travel series to Key West, Florida. Now I've never met a tortilla - round or square that I didn't like OR eat. The corn tortillas here are made from scratch at the front of the restaurant behind a glass wall. I ordered a Three Taco Platter ($10.99) served with rice and beans (above). They let you mix up the combination so you can try all the different meats.

The food itself is fast, fresh and delicious. The portions are huge - so be prepared to share. Amigos is open until midnight or later everyday, so it's the perfect stop after the bar with its location right off Duval Street. Have serious munchies? Start with an order of their Guacamole & Chips ($4.99) which also come with a side of pico de gallo. Amigos serves imported Mexican Coke ($2.25) that's made with cane sugar and not corn syrup and it tastes completely different. Almost fizzier and less sweet.

Where the magic happens. The tortilla bar (above).

Not starving? Single Tacos are available from $2.99 or $3.99 each with options like shredded beef, chicken, carnitas, chorizo potatoes, bean or veggie. Premium fillings include short ribs, carne asada, fish, shrimp or philly cheesesteak. All tacos are served with lettuce, cheese, cilantro and salsa. If you're not big on tacos, Amigos has a big selection of burritos, taco salads, nachos, soups and fajitas.

Hot sauce city! If you're a fan, there's a huge selection available for your own personal taste test. Amigos is a cheap, delicious and easy night out. Grab a bar stool with a view of the party on Duval street and stay awhile. Make sure to stop in next time you're in Key West.

Amigos Key West - Home of the only square taco in the USA

www.amigoskeywest.com

425 Greene Street, Key West, FL (305) 292-2009

Open until midnight or later

Activity-A-Week: Go Zumba!

2012-01-26T14:01:00.001-05:00

I'm usually in a bad mood when I know I have to exercise. I walked into City Dance Corps last week expecting to take a hip hop class. As fate would have it, hip hop was sold out and my only other choice at that time was Zumba.

Zum-wha?

All I know is that I committed to trying a different activity-a-week for one whole year and I'm sure I would have to face Zumba eventually.

So Zumba it was.

So what happened? I couldn't stop smiling through the one hour class and it's because of the energy radiating from Zumba instructor, Jessica Bowman (right). She makes the class with her sense of humour and passion that pushes us outside of our comfort zone.

Yelling at us over the music, "Is you hair in a ponytail? Take it out ladies!' says Jessica as she proceeds to whip her hair back and forth getting us to let loose with a mix of latin, Bollywood, salsa, soca dance moves. Expect a lot of booty shakes that you'll laugh through.

Think you look an idiot? It doesn't matter in this class. It's about having fun, feeling silly while getting a workout. Sure, I'm not the type of person to shout positive affirmations and high-five the other girls in my class - but I did. I had a long crappy day and it was nice to not take everything so seriously for once. Ever since the new year, I have been stressed about eating perfectly and working out consistently - exercising was no longer fun. It had become another errand that I felt guilty about. Zumba was sort of the thing I needed.

I left feeling 100 times better after than I felt going in. I'm actually a really outgoing and funny person (ha, ok in my opinion), Zumba really fits me. I become too serious sometimes when it comes to working out or just work in general, that I lose my sense of humour about the whole thing. I'm too concentrated in being perfect (overrated!) when I'm trying to workout on my own.

If you're not an extrovert, it's good practice anyway to get yourself out of your shell in a non-judgemental environment. Zumba is like dance meets aerobics. Our final blowout routine of the night was singing along to Proud Mary at the top of our lungs while doing the Tina Turner dance and we killed it.

Give Zumba a go, it's not possible to come out without a smile.

Zumba at City Dance Corps with Jessica Bowman runs on Wednesdays @ 6pm and Thursdays @ 5pm. Drop-in anytime - one hour is $15.25

Book Review: My Little Paris

2012-01-26T10:02:00.000-05:00

If this is the year you take your dream trip to Paris, then you'll want to pick up this gem of a guide book. My Little Paris shares the secrets of real Parisian woman and lucky for us, it has been translated into English.

The website of the same name was started by two sisters and evolved into a robust little guide for the hip + urban girl living in Paris. The site has now become a book full of insider addresses and tips that are useful to any visitor.

This non-typical guide book shares fun and often hilarious insight on where to aqua bike, get a fish pedicure, eat fresh made noodles and even shares the best top secret shopping outlets in the city of lights.

We also love the adorable illustrations throughout the book, done by Japanese artist, Kanako Kuno.

My Little Paris

Authors: Fany Péchiodat, Amandine Péchiodat, Anne-Flore Brunet, Catherine Taret, Kanako Kuno, Mademoiselle Lilly, Ana Webanck & Céline Orjubin ($19.95) retail, available on Amazon.

Peep These! Extensions from Flirt Custom Lash

2012-01-26T07:00:00.072-05:00

Owner, Sommer, (at centre) with Flirt Custom Lash lovers

I am absolutely a lash lover. Yes, my natural lashes are definitely satisfactory, but I still I have a tendency to collect mascaras of all brands to create the perfect length, volume, and thickness and have gladly sported fake lashes for special occasions.

My wedding falsies, for example, had me more doe-eyed than Bambi. Unfortunately, I'm a hopeless case when it comes to applying those myself, and truthfully, mascara and contact lenses are total frenemies.

I've always been super curious about lash extensions and was pretty stoked when my pal Sommer Dunsmuir of Flirt Custom Lash asked me to play "model" while she applied them for a crowd during a demo at L.A. Fitness earlier this week.

Before Lash Extensions

Prior to the application, Sommer took a good look at my eyes asked me about my expectations including how I thought my lashes would look when applied and lifestyle such as whether or not I wear a lot of make-up. With that info she created a custom look for me. I was so impressed by that part of the session since I kind of thought everybody got lashed the same.

Everybody's falsies are the same, right? It turns out a certified professional is taught to assess the size and shape of your eye and add length based on your physical features and preferences.

I learned that there are a lot of things that Sommer does differently because she has been certified by Xtreme Lashes including lashing only adult lashes so you don't damage new lashes, using hypo allergenic, medical grade adhesive to eliminate reactions and speaking truthfully about the difference between silk and mink extensions.

The latter are often a rip-off. I completely value my eye sight and bank account and so should you! Please make sure you do your homework if you're considering an application.

After Lash Extensions

I listened to Sommer educate her audience, and feeling confident I was in the hands of a pro, spent the next hour trying so hard not to doze off. It really is quite relaxing. After the big reveal I was dancing!

My new lashes look totally natural but are still noticeable and 24 hours later I can shower and work-out without any worries. If I want to maintain my lashes I'll visit her in 2 - 3 weeks where she'll lash the "teenage" lashes that will by then become adults and if not, the current extensions will all shed as my natural lashes do in about 5 weeks.

Starting at $75 for a half set and $50 to re-lash, lash extensions are a bit of an investment. That being said, I'm having so much fun waking up every morning to my wider eyed look that I can see how so many women easily become addicted -- besides, how much is your favourite department store mascara?

If you're still looking for an excuse to make pretty a priority, extensions are super convenient for vacation and are such a natural look for special occasions -- hello brides!

Flirt Custom Lash Studio has locations in Burlington, Brampton and just recently added a Toronto location at Queen & John. Check Flirt out and tell them I sent ya ;)

-- Tamika Auwai is a fashion junkie, splurge-a-holic, and founder of Shop Socials.

The Hip + Urban Girl's Guide To Key West, Florida

2012-01-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

If you're looking for a dreamy beach getaway, look no further than Key West, Florida. It's the sort of place where roosters run wild (no seriously, they do) and where you can park your car for the weekend and roam this cute little beach town by bike. Our rental car never moved from its parking spot and we scored bike rentals for around $18/day.

Getting Around - I felt like I was 12 again, locking my bike up every time we stopped in front of a village of shops, to lookout at the ocean, for tacos or to stop in at a bar (ok that I didn't do when I was 12). It's hilarious yelling back, "Right...er...left!" while we navigated the streets on a breezy summer night. It's the best way to explore this town. Roads are generally flat and the speed limit for cars is 40 km/h, so you'll feel safe. Colourful Key West is full of charming shops (above) and a laid-back island attitude. You won't run out of things to do.

Happy Hour - is practically a religion here and best paired with Peel 'n Eat Florida Pink Shrimp. We had good luck with the food and drinks at Alonzo Berlin's Lobster House right by the water.

Steamed Clams with butter and bread

I highly recommend the Ginger Mojito, mixed with ginger ale and muddled mint with lime

Where to Swim - The water is warm like bathwater in the spring and summer months. You'll have no problem diving right on. It's not like tiptoeing into a cold lake. Cuba is only 90 miles away so the weather is tropical magic.

The Southernmost Beach Cafe and Bar rents out lounger chairs and umbrellas by the day. Washrooms, drinks and food are handily available through the restaurant.

Biking around town on my rental (above). If you do experience a flat tire - like I did, just call up the rental service and they'll show up in 15 minutes with a new bike for you. We used Eaton Bikes through our contact at The Key Lime Inn (below).

Where To Stay - If you're looking for a swishy resort where you can relax and not have to lift a finger, check our post on the Casa Marina Resort. The Key Lime Inn is an affordable alternative with clean and modern rooms, continental breakfast included, free WiFi and an outdoor pool. It's also only a 10-minute bike ride to the middle of town.

Shop + Explore - On your way to the famous Key West Sunset Celebration, shop for fun souvenirs at Mallory Square. It's a collection of eclectic gift shops like the Sponge Market.

I couldn't resist. I bought a bath sponge.

Where The Party At - When the sun finally sets, the crowds head out to the bars and restaurants of Duval Street where you can drink, dance or watch a parade go by. It's like Main Street, USA with a side of party.

Dinnertime! - Finish the day off with some Old Fashioned Fried Chicken ($18.75 for three pieces, Sundays only) on the patio at Sarabeth's. It's down home American cooking with a James Beard Award in the heart of Old Town. It's the same Sarabeth's as the New York City original.

Lump Crabmeat and Key West Pink Shrimp Cakes ($22.50) are cornmeal crusted and sautéed, and served over baby greens tossed with jicama, mango and pineapple slaw.

If you're still looking for some fun and a few more drinks, check out one of the many drag shows on the strip. Good times were had at Life's A Drag at Aqua Nightclub (above) where there are two nightly shows. Just make sure to pack lots of dollar bills for tips.

Loved This? Read more from our Key West Travel Series!

Raising Our Eyebrows @ The Chella Brow Bar

2012-01-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

Celebrity make up artist, DeeDee Marcelli stopped by The Bay, Yonge & Bloor last week as the new spokesperson for brow and lash line, Chella.

The collection will be exclusive to the Canadian retailer and includes brow stencils, conditioning treatments, lash gels, eye masks and brow tools ($15-95).

DeeDee had a good look at my sparse brows and filled them in with two different pencils ($18) and a stencil ($15). A clean up came via a mini razor (it didn't hurt), tweezers and scissors. I emerged with dark, bold eyebrows which was very exciting because it was not something I would normally choose.

The counter does not currently offer brow waxing, but plans to in the future. In the meantime you can stop by for a brow consultation and have a look through the products in the collection.

Getting my brow make over from Ms. DeeDee. We spoke about our mutual love for California, where she is visiting from. Cheryl Hickey from ET Canada even stopped by to chat brows. So why are brows so important for a make up artist like DeeDee? She talked about how having beautifully groomed brows can make your face look 'done' without having to go into a whole make up routine. It can give your face an effortless lift.

Eye masks ($12/each) that are soaked in a collagen mix to reduce saggy bags

Wendy has her eye make up removed before the application of a pure collagen under eye mask. It stayed on for about 20 minutes while she had her brows done.

For more info visit The Chella Brow Bar - The Bay Bloor Street, Toronto

www.Chella.com

Make This! Better Microwave Popcorn

2012-01-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

If you're still blowing $4 on three bags of microwave popcorn, you can save bit of cash and DIY yourself a healthy snack without the artificial flavouring and chemicals like diacetyl or PFA.

Get yourself a brown paper lunch bag

Add 2-3 tablespoons of popcorn kernels and scrunch/fold over the top

Microwave for 2-3 minutes and listen for when the kernels stop popping rapidly

Add your own butter and salt for easy, natural microwave popcorn

Loved this? Look for more of our easy Make This! recipes

Winter Reads To Keep You Warm

2012-01-24T07:00:00.001-05:00

As the season of shorter days and self-imposed hibernation, winter is the perfect time to catch up on your reading list. For those nights of staying in with nothing good on TV, put on your lulu’s and curl up on the couch with one of these great reads.

The Company We Keep - By: Robert and Dayna Baer

Rife with exotic countries and foreign languages, secret ops and clandestine training camps; this book is chick-lit incognito. This is the true-life story of how CIA spies Robert and Dayna Baer met, fell in love and tackled the obstacle of doing recognizance on suspected terrorists while trying to plan a date.

Orange is the New Black - By: Piper Kerman

What I’ve come to call “Eat, Pray Love goes to Prison,” author Piper Kerman tells the story of how she was convicted 10 years after committing an international drug smuggling crime. Sentenced to 14 months in a federal penitentiary, Kerman’s insights about her time inside and the women she meets are razor sharp and at times downright hilarious.

The Girl Who Chased the Moon - By: Sarah Addison Allen

This story is set in North Carolina where people can visibly see the sweetness of cakes wafting in the air and strange floating lights roaming the town’s forests at night. Filled with town secrets and whimsical concepts, this book is the perfect blend of real-life depth and just a touch of magic.

The Intimate Adventures Of A London Call Girl - By: Belle de Jour

Meet Belle, a normal, well-educated woman in her late 20s who finds herself working as a high-class prostitute in London. Looking to supplement her meager 9-5 income Belle writes under an alias about getting into the biz and her, ahem – interesting requests from clients. This true story is X-rated.

---Laura Burling is a freelance writer based in Toronto. Follow her blog at www.laurasfictionaddiction.blogspot.com

A Sunset Celebration + Conch Fritters In Key West

2012-01-23T11:00:00.039-05:00

We're kicking off our travel series to sunny Key West, Florida this week. If you can steal away to Florida this winter, we recommend grabbing a flight into Miami and renting a car to make the scenic 3.5 hour drive into the Florida Keys. Key West is the last stop as you cruise past crystal blue waters on either side of Highway One. The nightly Sunset Celebration in Mallory Square starts two hours before sunset and was our first stop. It's a free outdoor street party that's not to be missed.

Buskers and street performers entertaining the crowds waiting for the sunset. Craft vendors and artists also set up their wares if you're on the hunt for a unique souvenir.

Food carts selling interesting things like pastry rolls, frozen lemonade, hot dogs, beef patties and smoothies.

Classic Key West, The Westin Hotel (above) is a nice place to stroll along the boardwalk. Small stores at the base of the building lead the way with lots of patios to choose from offering happy hour specials.

Watching the sunset from one of the most southernmost points of the USA, only 90 miles to Cuba from here. The sunset is a celebration everybody can get behind.

Hot, deep-fried conch fritters have the texture of a hush puppy with a seafood surprise

Make sure to look for the Key West Original Conch Fritters stand that is dockside at the Sunset Celebration. Pair it with a Key Lime Ice Tea.

Chopped green peppers on the inside

Delicious conch buried in golden fried batter. It's a little bit like a chicken ball, but all kinds of delicious. Go with ketchup or mustard for dipping. Conch fritters are a happy nugget of an appetizer before you head out to dinner after the sunset. Enjoy!

Stay tuned for more blog posts in our Key West Travel Series. We'll be featuring it all week.

Thinking of visiting? Read MORE from our adventures in Key West, Florida

Beauty Review: Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System

2012-01-23T09:00:00.001-05:00

You never go to bed without removing your makeup and you’re adamant about cleansing, scrubbing and moisturizing on the regular, but despite your best efforts you seldom feel like you’re skin is as good as it could be.

I too shared in your skincare plight before I discovered what I deem to be my best beauty investment of the year: the Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing System.

The Product: The Clarisonic is basically a giant electric toothbrush for your face (it was made by the same people behind the Sonicare Toothbrush). It’s a hand-held cordless face cleanser that uses a sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to vibrate the dirt and makeup off your skin. Clarisonic has four cleansing products – the Mia, Mia2, Classic and Plus models which vary in size, features and colours.

Brush heads are available in normal, sensitive, delicate, deep pore and body to accommodate a range of skin types. They should be replaced every three months, just like an electric toothbrush. Currently all but the Mia2 are available in Canada at Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart, Holt Renfew and various spas and dermatology clinics. Prices Range from $119 to $225 depending on the model.

The Promise: The Clarisonic claims it is six times more effective at cleansing and removing makeup in 60 seconds than manual cleansing. Used once a week or once a day, it will gently massage away impurities from pores for cleaner skin. It will also help serums and moisturisers applied after cleansing penetrate into the skin better, as dead skin cells, oil and makeup particles won’t be in the way.

The Verdict: I’ve been using my Clarisonic once a day with my favourite cleanser for a little over a month now, and I can already see a big difference in my skin. The flaky and dehydrated patches I was used to getting in the cold weather haven’t come back, and the blackheads and large pores on my nose and cheeks that I thought would be there forever are becoming less noticeable by the day. My makeup goes on so much better and stays on better too, and the afternoon T-zone oil shine is almost a thing of the past.

The device itself is simple to use and tells you when to switch to other parts of your face with a pulse and shuts off after the 60 second cycle so you won’t over cleanse. The initial investment might be more than what you’re used to spending on your skincare regimen, but I’m convinced it will reduce the amount of money spent on facials, deep cleansing products and makeup in the long run.

What do you think? Have you ever tried this product?

Daniela DiStefano is a Toronto writer, editor and blogger. Follow her on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/ddeestefano and her blog http://www.danieladistefano.com

HUG and The City

2012-01-23T01:00:00.000-05:00

Cool Hand Toque Tweetgasm
> Enjoy potent potables, play games, network, mingle, and win some prizes too. Entry is free, but you gotta wear your snazziest toque if you want to get in.
Date: Mon, Jan 23
Venue: Gladstone Hotel (1214 Queen St W)

Ad Ball Shaken & Stirred
> Ready to live a little dangerously? The third annual Ad Ball unveils an evening of espionage where agents from top industry headquarters will be mixing and mingling on an assignment that’ll be one for the books.
Date: Thurs, Jan 26
Venue: Maison (15 Mercer St)

IDS12 - Interior Design Show
> Canada’s largest contemporary design fair with over 500,000 design professionals, design savvy consumers and media.
Date: Thurs, Jan 26 to Sun, Jan 29
Venue: MTCC North Bldg (255 Front St W)

Happy Lunar New Year

2012-01-22T17:00:00.000-05:00

If you are a dragon, you're everything and this year brings change and hope for everyone. The dragon years include those born in 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988 and 2000.
We wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous Chinese New Year!

No Boundaries, No Budget, No Baby?

2012-01-20T13:38:00.000-05:00

← When I saw that baby in the super cute turtle knits my heart melted.

Then I remembered watching a show on Kilimenjaro - the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain on earth. It is crowned by an eternal snow-cap and any climber knows it's a demanding and challenging feat but well worth it when you reach the top. That's kind of what I think parenting will be like.

With our careers and travel schedules, Geoff and I have been hitting that snooze button on the biological clock for some time now but really, is there ever a "right time" to trade sleeping-in for diaper calls? I can't help but feel like my life ends when I give life but many have corrected me in saying it really is a new beginning to all things wonderful...

With that said, I've created the Before Baby Project and decided I'm going to work on being less of a workaholic and really embrace this last year sans mini-Wendy/Geoff, just me with my husband.

HELP WANTED!!!

Since I'm the type of person that wants to do it all and not miss a beat... I'd love to get some advice from hip + urban moms and dads on what do you wish you had done before starting a family? Even if you aren't in baby-mode yet, it'll be great if you can share your list of things to do before 30 or 35.

No boundaries, no budget and no baby... what would you do? And maybe I'll do it too!

Italian Food Heaven @ Alimento - King West, Toronto

2012-01-20T12:12:00.002-05:00

The family behind Grande Cheese have opened up the beautiful Alimento Fine Food Emporium on King West in Toronto. It's a little slice of Italian food heaven, with each authentic item specially curated for the store. The site has sat vacant for over a year and it's a pleasure to see how the space has translated into a specialty food store. Alimento's interior is surrounded in exposed brick walls, supporting beams and rustic hardwood.

If you do plan a visit, make sure to pick up a bottle of their house label olive oil for only $11. You can even bring the empty bottle back for a refill and you'll only be charged $9.50. I'm trying to make the switch to higher quality olive oil as I am told that you can't be sure what other oils that cheaper versions have been mixed with.

Getting our fill

Fell in love at first sight with their Italian cookie and biscotti bar. Mix and match a bunch as hostess gifts or to serve with a strong coffee for dessert next time you have guests.

The amaretti cookie was soft on the inside, crispy on the outside and my top choice. It deserves to be savoured.

Desserts-to-go in a handy jar are $5/each and make a great little birthday present for a co-worker or individual desserts that your guests can pick and choose from. Layered beautifully were the Tiramisu and Italian Birthday Cake.

Of course, being owned by Grande Cheese - expect a fancy cheese counter. They plan on making fresh mozzarella on-site soon. Since I moved from the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood to the west side, this will be my destination for charcuterie. Bread is also baked in-house.

We found a wide variety of prosciutto, salami and mortadella at their deli counter.

Olive and antipasto bar (above). The fresh pasta is also made specifically for Alimento, to meet their high standards for what they think pasta should be. At $3.49 a package, it was not any more expensive than your average grocery store.

Imported olive oils and vinegars

Alimento doesn't have a fresh produce section, but they do carry some basics like potatoes and in-season fruit.

Attached to the store is a the Mozza Bar with cheese tastings, charcuterie, pasta, pizza and aperitvo for the King West set.

The restaurant gets lots of bright light and a long marble communal table runs along the side. Alimento Fine Food Emporium, Toronto - www.Alimento.ca. 522 King Street West, metered street parking in front. (416) 362-0123.

Hip + Urban Mom: Getting Your Baby To Sleep

2012-01-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

When my husband and I had our son just over a year ago, we quickly had to adjust to the lack of sleep.

Fortunately, we managed to get him to sleep through the night two months after he was born. It took a lot of work and some small tricks to get the baby to fall asleep and to stay asleep.

Like most parents we did the whole walking and rocking thing, but that can be a bit of a bad habit to get into because babies can get used to that treatment. We didn’t want to be one of the horror stories that we heard about - babies that would need hours of walking before falling asleep.

The other issue with walking is that his crib is not as warm as my body and doesn’t rock, so as soon as we would put him down he would be awake again. My sister was the one who first suggested using a heating pad in his bed before we put him down so that there would be less of a temperature change. This worked really well.

My mother also suggested getting him used to his crib when he was awake so that he would learn that his crib is a happy and safe place to be. I did this by putting him in his crib while I got his bath ready, or had a quick chore to attend to.

When he got a little older and didn’t need to be fed or changed as often, we started to experiment with the ten minute rule. This meant that if the baby woke up and cried or cried as soon as we put him in the crib, we would wait ten minutes before we went to comfort him. This sounds a bit like torture to new parents (us included) but we were glad once we started to see results. The ten minute rule works on the basis that the baby will cry consistently for ten minutes if there was an actual issue. If it was inconsistent or lasted for less than ten minutes it was just a matter of wanting attention. We did make sure that our son had been fed recently and was changed right before bed so that we could cut down on the possible issues that could bother him.

This was probably the best parenting trick that we've used to date. Ferberizing a baby works in a similar way to the ten minute rule. It’s when you let your child cry themselves to sleep. This is to try and allow your child to learn to self sooth, whether it be by sucking their thumb or using a pacifier or just getting their energy out through the crying.

Our son is now over a year old and sleeps from 8pm to 7am without crying during the night. So my husband and I have our evenings back to work on being a couple and better parents.

How do you get your baby to sleep? Any tricks to share with fellow hip + urban moms?

Hip and Urban Girl of the Week: Laura Serra

2012-01-19T09:30:00.000-05:00

Our HUG of the Week is a well connected young professional in Toronto who reports for the Society Page of the Globe and Mail and she's also the Founder of Paws for the Cause.

Reporting for The Globe and Mail is already awesome enough but you also get to cover the hottest parties and events in the city! How did you land that dream job?

Luck and a smile. I worked at The Globe on the Advertising and dabbled in freelance writing for the Style and T.O. sections. One night, the society columnist couldn’t make her gig so I filled in on a whim. It’s been mine ever since.

What is a typical day in the life of Laura Serra?

Spend the day talking strategy for lifestyle brands at Narrative, which is the PR arm of super-fly agency Bensimon Byrne. I work with a crazy creative team so blue-sky brainstorming sessions are our speciality. After work, I usually hit up Totum Life Science, walk my beautiful Chihuahua Chloe, then either cover an event or meet friends for dinner.

What are some events that you attended in the past that really stood out? (Feel free to talk about the cool people you've met, embarrassing moments, juicy gossip, etc!)

TIFF is always a time to meet interesting people – at the 2010 Vanity Fair party I spent a few key moments with James Franco, which was pretty unforgettable for obvious reasons. The big charity galas are always impressive like the Bell Celebrity Gala, the Venetian Ball, and Scotiabank Innovator’s Ball. Last year’s Suzanne Rogers/Marchesa event was pretty swishy, too, and of course the monthly department store cocktails (Holt Renfrew, The Bay) always bring out a fun crowd and lots of friends – Anna Dello Russo at The Room was definitely one of the biggest of 2011.

Tell us more about your charity, Paws for the Cause!

Paws is a dream come true. I always wanted to do something for animals and to give back and poof! It just happened. My team of 17 and I arrange various events throughout Toronto to raise money for animal-related charities. In 2011, we raised money for the Ontario Veterinary College’s Pet Trust Fund via three events: a weekly lemonade stand in the summer, a dog-wash in Trinity Bellwoods, and our big gala in October.

What did you study in University/College? Would you have done anything differently?

I went to York and studied English Literature. I went to York because all my friends from high school went there. Looking back, I wish I followed my original plans to go to U of T. I think I would have enjoyed the experience more. I don’t regret taking English Literature, but do wish I did some sort of post-grad program for extra merit.

Favourite places to shop in the city?

Clothes/Shoes: Jonathan and Olivia, Holt Renfrew, The Bay white space and The Room
Food: Loblaws, Queen and Portland and Fresh and Wild
Stuff: Drake General Store and Teatro Verde
Art/Home décor: Vintage shops along Queen at Roncesvalles

Tell us about your neighbourhoods and what you like best about it.

I live/work in King West and hang out in Queen West. I like the separation so I feel like I live in two neighbourhoods, really. King West, where I live, is very quiet and residential, which I love. My office is on Wellington so I enjoy the walk to work, have tons of friends who work in the neighbourhood, and there is a wide selection of great lunch spots, which is important. Queen West is my hood for everything else. It’s where I get my morning coffee on the weekends (White Squirrel), stroll through (Trinity Bellwoods), shop (Ossingtion to Spadina strip) and usually dine at night (Terroni, The Beaconsfield, and The Swan are regular spots).

What advice do you have for hip + urban girls out there trying to break into reporting and covering Toronto's social scene?

Pitch. And pitch more. If you have ideas, get them in the hands of the right people, don’t be afraid of rejection. A successful blog, a sound social media voice, and being good with a camera can’t hurt too. A lot of the media covering events these days are bloggers, freelance photographers, and freelance writers. Be aware of what’s going on in the city and have a unique take on how to report on it.

Call It Spring Lookbook - Spring/Summer 2012

2012-01-19T07:00:00.013-05:00

Grey winter days (like today) are the worst but Call It Spring's spring / summer 2012 look book offered me a little escape. The upcoming collection features tons of colour tempered with nudes, splashy prints and a few neutral pieces to balance out all that bright.

Here are six of my favourite pieces from the look book and how I'll wear them once the slush is long gone.

1. The Hillanbrand pump in tangerine and nude will find ways to work themselves into almost every outfit imaginable. They can liven up a dull work ensemble and still be fun at night.

2. I love the structured silhouette of the Bobbitt handbag and the fact that this neutral version would be at peace with my wardrobe as I transition from winter to spring.

3. Penez boat shoes with hot pink accents are such fun flats! I'm a little ballet slippered out and these would be perfect with cuffed boyfriend jeans.

4. The Kaylo scarf is so spring with its butterfly print. I love adding a little touch of femme to outfits with girly accessories.

5. The Tatom wedge made the list because I really love the heel height and navy as a neutral. Platforms with sky high heels are amazing, but everything in moderation ladies.

6. The Moerman bib necklace makes a statement and combines bright colours with metallic accents. That's my personal recipe for a fabulous piece so I can't wait to pair it with white or a really mod silhouette.

The best part about Call It Spring is that their shoes and accessories are super affordable. Pumps are usually around $60 and accessories under $25. I've never seen anything in-store that's over $100. The spring / summer 2012 collection is slowly making its way into stores. Find these pieces online or in one of their Greater Toronto Area stores over the next few months.

-- Tamika Auwai is a fashion junkie, splurge-a-holic, and founder of Shop Socials.

Image credits: Call It Spring

We're Hosting A Winterlicious Dinner

2012-01-18T17:12:00.002-05:00

Wendy and I have partnered up with American Express Canada to host a Winterlicious Dinner! The event is open to girls and guys and we would love for everyone to join us for a delicious night out on Thursday February 9th starting at 6:30 PM at The Wine Bar.

A three-course dinner is only $25 during Winterlicious and here's what's on the menu. We also have a vegetarian option!

Bring your friends and book a table. Reservations are filling up quickly, so we recommend that you call the restaurant at (416) 504-9463 to secure your spot. Please ask to be seated in the same section as the Hip + Urban Girl party. You might even be treated to a special little *extra* from the restaurant that night.

We hope to see you there!

Photo Credit: Jo Dickins

Activity-A-Week: Go Play Ping Pong!

2012-01-18T14:17:00.003-05:00

Our Activity-A-Week series continues! We are trying a new way to stay active outside of the gym every week for one whole year. This week we headed to SPIN Toronto, a new ping pong lounge that opened up on King West last fall. I was actually surprised to learn that the average woman can burn around 230 calories/hour playing ping pong. Which for me, beats trying to burn that on a treadmill. Ok, I know, I know - ping pong is a pretty low-impact sport...BUT it's still better than me sitting in front of the TV eating nacho chips and scooping up salsa. I'm an advocate of anything that gets you moving, because every little bit counts.

I skipped the Caesar this time around...but it looked oh-so-good. Instead, I opted for a cranberry soda (trying to keep things light). Drinks at SPIN are served up in these awesome BALL (ha-ha) jars. For those looking to kick back, the bar is fully loaded with lots of interesting beers on tap. Susan Sarandon even approves of my new activity. She's a co-owner of the SPIN empire and Toronto is the first Canadian franchise.

You don't need mad skillz to enjoy playing ping pong. After about five minutes or so, I started to get the hang of it and your heart rate really gets going from focusing on that ball. All the hours you may have spent playing ping pong at camp, in a church basement or at some kid's house will come flooding back to you.

Court rates are pretty reasonable, especially when you compare it to bowling (no shoe rentals!). At SPIN Toronto, you're looking at $20/hour before 5 PM if you're a non-member. Just make sure you call ahead to book a table - they fill up fast. After 5 PM, the rate goes up to $28/hour, so bring friends. It's more fun that way. Ladies also note - this place is boy hangout central!!! Ping pong is the new pool table, but a little geekier and OK by us.

The retro menu by Executive Chef, Jon Lovett, includes comfort food favourites like Deviled Eggs ($5) with chili, chives and crispy shallots (above). We also spotted lobster rolls, sliders, grilled cheese, tacos, pretzels and sloppy joes on the menu. SPIN also does a fun snack menu at $3/each or $8/three choices that includes BBQ Popcorn, Crunchy Chickpeas, Crispy Onion Stack, Honey Roasted Almonds and my favourite, Bourbon and Bacon Caramel Corn.

Finally getting a bit better and delivering some serious ping pong smackdowns. I was actually really surprised at how much fun I had, plus I squeezed in a bit of activity.

They sure are.

SPIN Toronto - A Ping-Pong Lounge

Open seven days a week from 11 AM until late! Call for a booking (416) 599-7746

461 King Street West, Toronto

www.toronto.spingalactic.com

Looking for creative ways to stay active? Get inspired from our 'Activity-A-Week' series!

We Get Our Jamba Juice On - Toronto, Canada

2012-01-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

I first came across Jamba Juice when I was living in California in 2000. It was an easy place for me to get my smoothie fix without having to whip out my own blender and go shopping for fruit. After returning to Canada, there was no equivalent until Booster Juice finally went widespread across the country. Now almost 12 years after my first encounter, Jamba Juice has opened a location in The Annex, Toronto and I'm ecstatic about them finally coming to Canada.

The smoothies are made with real whole fruit and without preservatives, high-fructose corn syrup and trans fat. Each location is individually franchised in Canada and the smoothie empire has over 750 stores internationally.

For your first visit, try a smoothie off the classic menu like Banana Berry or Aloha Pineapple that's made with real juice, whole fruit, sherbert, sorbet or frozen yogurt. Banana Berry tastes like a strawberry banana smoothie - so if that's your usual go to, you might want to start here. If you're lactose-intolerant or vegan, try an all-fruit smoothie which comes in at under 250 calories. The Jamba Light menu is made with Splenda or you could go with just straight up freshly-squeezed juice. You're looking at around $5/pop for a 16 oz smoothie.

Space to chill out and study if you're not a coffee or tea drinker

Keepin' it simple when you order. I sometimes get a protein or vitamin shot in my smoothie if I'm replacing a meal or looking for a filling snack.

A second Jamba Juice location will be opening inside Yorkdale Mall March 2012, with another location opening on Avenue Road the week after. A third location is planned for Main Street, Milton.

We will back to work our way through the menu! Get your smoothie fix at Jamba Juice - 495 Bloor Street West (in The Annex) Toronto, Canada

www.JambaJuice.ca

Where do you go for your smoothie fix in Toronto?

Missoni's Resort Chic @ Intermix

2012-01-17T07:00:00.002-05:00

We spotted these dreamy beach looks from Intermix's Resort Report 2012 yesterday. The beachy blues and purples have us yearning for an oceanfront view and a frozen pina colada in hand. Pair these hues with Missoni's beautiful iconic knit pattern and a giant pair sunglasses and you have an easy look for lazing around on the beach.

Collage Credit: Intermix

OPI Holland Collection Giveaway!

2012-01-16T09:00:00.005-05:00

***CONTEST is Now Closed*** We're already over the bleh of winter and the -20 weather. Looking ahead, hot nail shades for Spring 2012 include bright pinks, muted blues and bold purples. Bring it on, we say...

The Holland Collection by OPI offers 12 shades with a mixture of sophisticated neutrals and highly-pigmented bright hues. Of course, you can't miss the funny names like Thanks a WindMillion, A Roll in the Hague and Vampsterdam. OPI nail lacquer shades contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. The above shades will be available February 8, 2012, at Professional Salons and Spas ($10.95 each).

You can WIN this ENTIRE collection here from The Hip + Urban Girl's Guide! Just follow these two easy steps:

1) SUBSCRIBE to our bi-weekly newsletter, so you can get all the latest hug updates.

2) COMMENT below with your full name & let us know you've completed the above!

Already subscribed? Just skip to step two and leave your FULL NAME in the comments so we can find you and get in touch. Good luck! Open to Canadian residents only.

We Are Loving: Wallpaper* City Guides

2012-01-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

The first travel guide I always pick up right after I book a trip is a Wallpaper* City Guide. They are a steal at $11.95 each and produced by the Editors of the ultra-hip Wallpaper* Magazine. These mini pocket books are a great starting point for prioritizing cool architectural sites, mod hotels, stores, spas, day trips, restaurants and bars. It cuts through all the usual travel guide fluff and I use them to supplement a bigger guide book from Lonely Planet or Frommers. You also get lots of full-colour photos for each recommendation.

Over 80 city guides are now published by Phaidon. 10 cities are available via an iPhone app for $5 via iTunes. Pick one up for your next trip and get down to business when you don't have the time to read a 400-page guide book. You can find the Wallpaper* City Guides online on Amazon.

HUG and The City

2012-01-16T01:07:00.002-05:00

First Women's Only Tournament
> Open to all women (members and non-members). Table tennis whites are the "mandatory" uniform. For details or signup by emailing carrie@toronto.spingalactic.com
Date: Fri, Jan 20
Venue: SPiN Toronto (461 King St W)

CIBC LunarFest
> It's the Year of the Dragon! Come celebrate Chinese New Year with amazing Asian culinary delights, lantern making, skating under the moon and more.
Date: Fri, Jan 20 to Tues, Jan 24
Venue: Harbourfront

Le Brunch
> Come for a delicious prix fix brunch and stay for the party. Reservations required.
Date: Sun, Jan 22
Venue: Brassii (461 King St W)