The Hip & Urban Girl's Guide

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

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!

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)

Home Decor and Accessories Shops

2012-01-13T10:21:00.000-05:00

A year ago we wrote about Condo-Sized Furniture and it has remained one of our top posts. Both Lisa and I have since moved so the quest to furnish and doll up our condos continues. This time around, I scoured the city for home decor + accessory shops that cater to small living spaces and here's what I found. All are conveniently located in and around downtown Toronto. So let's go shopping and make our homes fabulous and functional!

Neat: the name says it all... this store carries neat pieces that will help you cook better, work more efficiently, travel with ease, and keep you organized. Think of it as "stuff for the minimalist", lots of whites and items fit perfectly for condos going after the trendy hotel look. $$

Bergo Designs: when you walk into this showroom at the Distillery District, you won't know what to look at first! They carry over 15,000 amazing items - everything from Alessi and Bodum kitchenware to wall mounted fireplaces to Chilewich mats and quirky gifts and toys for tots. $$

Living Lighting: located in King West this is the destination for brilliantly fashionable lighting - we're talking track lights, chandeliers, floor/table lamps, wall scones, ceiling fans and more. $$$

CB2: a modern destination from Crate and Barrel that will furnish every room in your modern apartment, loft or home without too much denting in your wallet. Coming soon to Queen West. $$

Chatelet Home: if you love the look of French Country, Shabby Chic or Hollywood Glam, you’ll love these quaint shops - one on the West Side and one on the East Side of Queen. They carry a trove of vintage treasures, refurbished flea-market finds and carefully chosen reproductions. $$$

Fresh Home & Garden: even if you don't have a backyard, we believe the outside of your condo balcony should look as good as the inside so you'll find all your premium euro-style patio and garden-inspired products here. $$$

Bungalow: have a taste for modern styles and retro classics? Head to Kensington Market and check out their collection of vintage furniture, light fixtures, housewares and second-hand clothes that will send you back to the 70's. $$$

Morba: this place reminds me of a wicked flea market where you can find a mixture of old and new, all sorts of lighting, interesting furniture pieces and everything in between (except maybe the kitchen sink). $$$

Rolo: this little shop tucked away in Yorkville is like a grown-up dorm room stocked full of eclectic and colourful home accessories, gadgets, products with cartoons on it (hello kitty!) and gag gifts all at very reasonable prices. $$

Teatro Verde: get ready to be wowed and want everything in this Yorkville store! The founders, Shawn and Michael travel the world searching for the most original and beautiful things to bring to your home. The merchandise is organized perfectly in mini-themed areas so you can really get carried away with ideas and they have a gorgeous floral boutique inside the store as well. $$$

Kitchen Stuff Plus: this is one of those places where you go in for two things and walk out with five! Staff is friendly and I'm pretty certain you'll find all your home decor needs, cookware, bathroom accessories and hostess gifts all under one roof (and the prices are unbeatable)! $$

Quasi Modo: if high end furnishings is your thing, they've got lights that look like sculptures, beautiful garbage cans, designer chairs and many other cool things in eye-popping colours. $$$$

Magic Pony: there are no ponies here but just an artsy toy store for adults with limited edition prints, books, gadgets and lots of mini figurines like Kid Robot and other geeky stuff. $$

Hip + Urban Girl of the Week: Lauren Howe

2012-01-12T11:33:00.000-05:00

Every so often we chat with a hip + urban girl of the week who has an interesting job, life story and who we think is inspiring. This week we chat with Lauren Howe, a McGill student who balances school and her role as Miss Teen Canada World 2011.

Which myths do you want to de-bunk about pageants?

It honestly bothers me a little bit when people tell me that I don’t seem like your “typical pageant girl”. When I ask them what they mean by this, they don’t really have a thorough explanation and once I heard the term “blonde bimbo” used. This has to be one of the biggest myths that I want to debunk about pageants. Every single girl that I have met at a pageant is brilliant and beautiful. Whether they are a straight-A student or if they have an amazing heart with huge aspirations to help change the world. Sure there are a few viral YouTube videos about on stage pageant answers but come on, who wouldn’t get nervous on a stage being judged on what they are saying?

How long have you been competing?

I actually entered the pageant “scene” about a week before the Miss Teen Ontario competition in November 2010. I read about an article on CNN about pageants and how there are scholarship opportunities. I figured there would be no harm in trying out and I am beyond ecstatic that I took a chance!

What was it like to win Miss Teen Canada World?

Shocking! Really though. A year ago, if someone told me I was going to be Miss Teen Canada-World I probably would have laughed and not believed them. The order they announce the winner is by first announcing the runner up. I remember it took me a few seconds to realize what was happening because I was clapping for my friend.

Tell us about the job responsibilities and perks that come with the title!

One of the biggest responsibilities with this position, to me, is to make as much as an impact as a role model to children as I can. The way some kids look at me when I wear the sash and crown is overwhelming. I mean, some of the young girls’ eyes just light up and to think that I can make a difference - any difference, is huge for me.

I am not going the lie, the perks that come with the title are awesome! I am honored to be helping out with Free The Children, a non-profit organization that helps children throughout the world through education. They also hold “Me To We” Service projects that I am privileged to travel on for about three weeks. I also receive a $4,000 cash prize that is going towards my university, a photo-shoot with Richard Sibbald and a bunch of other things.

Is the crown heavy? What is it made out of?

I am not entirely sure what the crown is made out of but I can definitely tell you that it is heavy. I actually didn’t secure it enough to my head one day and it slipped forward onto my face. I had a bruised nose for a week.

Do all of the competitors get along and hang out together?

Oh my goodness, after about a week you feel as though you are a family with the girls you met at the pageant. Many of them are my good friends to this day. It’s amazing the similarities in the girls, the stories they hold and just how much bonding between all the girls can happen in such a short period of time. I can honestly say these are friendships that are going to last a lifetime for me.

What are you studying in college/university and any career ideas for the future?

At the moment, I am enrolled in the Biomedical Science program at McGill University. I am still kind of confused and trying to figure out what I want to do with my life, but I am thinking I want to either graduate with a degree in Biomedical Engineering or Human Genetics/Biotechnology with a minor in business. I’ve always kind of been a science nerd haha.

In all honesty, I love acting and that is a passion I would love to pursue but I believe that it is so important to have a degree behind you.

Is there anything you would have done differently or advise others about?

I believe that everything happens for a reason in life and I don’t think I could imagine my life being any different than it is today. Obviously there are the ups and downs in life, but how would we learn from our mistakes if we could just erase them?
What is your typical day like?

I’m not going to lie, my typical day at university is pretty boring. I wake up, work out or go to practice, study in the library, eat and sleep. I just finished my season of Varsity Field Hockey so now I am hoping to spend my spare time volunteering at homeless shelters in Montreal and any other places that I can help out.

Where would you go on your dream vacation?

I’ve fallen in love with anything to do with Australia, especially surfing or scuba diving. I am also a big fan of visiting the locals within a country. A dream vacation for me is mostly visiting the parts of the country that are away from all the tourism hot spots and to see where real people live. To see what life is really like in that particular country and to hear the unique stories is so appealing to me, it’s not really an emotion I can put into words.

What life advice do you have for hip + urban girls out there trying to figure out their passion?

Live with no fear and no regrets. You should never be afraid to take a risk and try something new because you never know if you will end up loving it. When you find what you are passionate about, you will just know. It is not something you can describe but it is more a feeling you get that you just can’t ignore. Don’t ever give up on trying to find that because it is so worth it when you do.

Website: www.missteencanadaworld.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MissTeenCanadaWorld
Twitter: @MissTeenCanada1

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

Photo Credits: Miss Teen Canada - World

Toronto's Best Bridesmaid Dress Boutiques

2012-01-12T07:00:00.012-05:00

Yes, it is all about the bride but pretty maids in a row also deserve to look the part too. In this case "pretty" means chic and preferably wearable beyond their bestie's big day. Lucky for hip urban girls, Toronto is filled with fantastic bridesmaid boutiques. If your bridal party's on the hunt, check out these great shops:

Henkaa is a safe bet for dresses that are sure to be worn again. Their convertible frocks can be styled in dozens of different ways to suit everyone's taste and they look flattering on many body types. They're also available in long and short versions in over 25 different colours to work with almost any wedding palette. Ordering online is super easy with "one size fits all" sizing or call 647-708-6522 to book at appointment at their new North York boutique located at 5 Northtown Way where you'll get hands on instruction on how to style.

If the bridal party is concerned about getting the perfect fit, visit Champagne & Cupcakes at 1114 Queen Street West to commission a custom tailored creation. Choose (or mix and match) amongst 33 silhouettes in the catalogue and end up with a gorgeous dress that fits each gal like a glove. Select pieces can also be purchased off the rack during regular store hours of Tuesday to Sunday, 11 - 6. Call 416-553-CAKE for appointments

Though our Yorkdale flagship sadly came without the bridal boutique that select US locations offer, J.Crew carries an impressive selection of contemporary bridesmaids dresses that can be ordered through their online store. Their new flat rate shipping makes this an even better proposition, particularly for bridal parties who live across Canada.

J. Crew Dresses - Photo Credit, The Knot

In Bloor West Village Jealous Bridesmaids has a great selection of well-known bridal labels including The Dessy Group and Bill Levkoff. Book an hour long appointment at the boutique by calling 416-915-1654, or complete their online form to secure a dress trial for your group.

Head to Two Birds Bridesmaids located at 927 Queen Street West for a more fancy take on the convertible dress. In addition to basic styles, they have options to accent the skirt with hand sewn rossettes for a romantic touch. Matching ties can be ordered for groomsmen to ensure full on colour coordination. Order online or book an appointment to visit the studio by calling 647-352-2473.

West of the city in Mississauga or in the east in Scarborough, David's Bridal is Canada's new go-to store for ridiculously affordable bridesmaid dresses and bridal gowns too for that matter. Their crowing jewel is the slightly fashion forward White by Vera Wang bridal collection exclusive to their stores. It's a must-see for any bride seeking to create a designer day on a department store budget. Book an appointment online or call 1-877-851-2743.

Good luck! Here's hoping they scream "YES!" to the dresses.

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

Image credits: Henkaa

Cheap Eats Under $15 in Toronto - Part ONE

2012-01-11T13:03:00.001-05:00

Photo Credit

Trying to live large on a post-holiday budget? We love eating out, but we can't splurge on a $50 meal every time we go out.

So here are a few places in Toronto with great cheap eats that you can eat-in at dinner time for under $15 (before taxes).

Khao San Road - Order the street-style Pad Thai with chicken, beef or tofu. It's a steal for what I think is the BEST Pad Thai in the city ($12). Most dishes on the menu are under $15 and there's always a line-up out the door. The secret's out.

Cheesewerks - Gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches for under $10 'nuff said.

Photo Credit

Tacos El Asador - Who woulda thunk that some of the most delicious tacos in Toronto would be found in Koreatown? Crispy tacos are $3.25 each and soft tacos $2.75 - three usually makes it a meal for me. The pork al pastor taco is a must-order. Wash it all down with a Mexican coke made with cane sugar instead of corn syrup.

Arepa Cafe - An arepa is a Venezuelan cornbread sandwich that is grilled and stuffed with all sorts of delicious things. Very filling and around $8-9/each. Try the Llanera with beef tenderloin, avocado, fresco cheese and a tomato.

HoSu Bistro - I'm personally a big fan of their Bi Bim Bap. A hearty hot stone bowl of beef bulgogi, rice, glass noodles and vegetables ($9.95). The sushi is fresh and cheap, bento boxes, noodle soups and Japanese entrees are under $15.

Photo courtesy of Salad King

Salad King - Every Ryerson student knows about the big bowls of golden yellow curry, pineapple fried rice and the Phud Thai. The portions are generous, the menu is under $10 and the modern space is always full and noisy. Students and alumni can't seem to get enough.

Messini's - The authentic gyro here is the sandwich of champions. Chicken, pork or both are shaved off a spit and stuffed into a pita along with crispy french fries, onions, tomatoes and spread with a layer of tzaziki. It's the hamburger of Greece and you can get it until 4 AM on Fridays and Saturdays when there's a drunken line-up out the door. $5 for a gyro here people!

Photo Credit - Metro News

Ravi Soups - When you just don't have the time to make a soup from scratch, let Ravi do it for you. His soups are five-start restaurant quality full of flavour detail and care. I always order the Chicken Hot Pot Broth with big juicy chunks of chicken in a coconut milk and Kaffir lime broth, sprinkled with fried onions on top ($9). Soups are served with a homemade biscuit with red pepper jelly and eats like a meal. Soup and half wrap combo at lunch for $10. Try the beef wrap with roasted yams and mango pineapple salsa - you won't regret it.

Whole Foods Market - The secret is not to go crazy scooping up a full plate of heavy mac & cheese. Balance your plate at this salad bar by weight by adding lots of veggies and a salad. Usually around $15 and incredible when you want to eat a healthy variety. The buffet spread is a great pick especially if you're a vegetarian.

Piola Pizza - Most pizzas here are under $15 and there's a three-course prix-fixe for the same price at lunch. Really hungry? show up on the 29th of each month for all-you-can-eat gnocchi ($14.99).

Siddhartha - Delicious Indian food and a wide selection from their all-you-can-eat dinner buffet ($14.95). We love the butter chicken, aloo ghobi and paneer dishes here. Sop it all up with a hot piece of naan bread. Nothing is burn-your-tongue spicy and the service is friendly at this Little India gem.

Check back soon for Part Two - Cheap Eats Under $15 in Toronto!

MORE Suggestions from our Twitter feed @hipurbangirl:

@christineestima- Try Grapefruit Moon

@sexytypewriter - House of Soon Tofu. Delicious!

@KevinSeto - Khmer Thai

@SITAMAA - Moti Mahal on Gerard St. #trueindianfood. Great price.

@kurchenko - The Lakeview on Dundas!

@SeptembreA - Swatow at 309 Spadina St. Delicious Chinese food. I've been eating there for over a decade!

@randymatheson - I like Z-teca on King West... tasty burrito & drink for $11-12.

@andreakw my picks are Ahn Dao on Spadina, African Palace on Bloor and Roti Palace on Dupont.

@erikajacobs_The prix fixe lunch at Pizzaria Libretto is always a fave.

@drysdaleandco Bread & Greens at Broadview/Danforth. Healthy, delicious and great people

@blarkness Reggie's Sandwiches? The deep fried Mac and Cheese is delish!

@Shes_Baking the county general, sushi couture, chitos pizza....

@debgee a burger and fries @thestockyards, all brunch items @thedrakehotel and lots of pizzas from @PiolaToronto are $15 or under!

@cheriewhiteman Sushi & Salad at Dundas and Centre Street

@geofferson Have you tried the tasty/healthy $9 sandwiches at Urban Herbivore in Kensington Market?

Do you have a favourite spot in Toronto that serves great food for under $15?

Activity-A-Week: Go Cross Country Skiing!

2012-01-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

If you can stand up, hold two poles and move like you're on the elliptical machine at the gym, then you my friend CAN cross country ski. As part of our latest column to try an 'Activity-A-Week', we headed up to Horseshoe Resort just north of Barrie to get ourselves moving without spending all our time inside at the gym. We were lucky to visit on a sunny day and the weather was +5 outside, but did have to make the drive 90 minutes out of Toronto to find snow. Since you're in Horseshoe Valley, there's hardly any wind pushing you around, making this a nice leisurely way to be active outdoors and to enjoy winter.

Skiing along the gorgeous trails (above) never got boring. There were lots of streams, rivers and trees to keep us occupied. Dress comfortably and warmly, but you will work up an easy sweat moving along the groomed snow. I recommend leggings or long underwear and then snow pants in case you take a spill. The beginner trails offer some incline, but you are mainly on flat terrain and it will unlikely be heading downhill.

Ski Rentals are $22 and include your boots, poles and skis. A Trail Pass is an additional $22.

Here's what you can expect from the trail map above. It's easy to start with the yellow 3.8 KM beginner trail first. Once I got more comfortable, I merged along to the blue intermediate trail before looping back to the cross country chalet. The whole trek took around two hours and I was definitely sore the next day. Make a weekend out of it or visit during one of their Moonlight Ski nights where the trails are lit by lanterns, there's hot apple cider and a bonfire to keep you warm.

For more information visit: www.horseshoeresort.com

Image Credits: Horseshoe Resort, Ontario

Make This! Spaghetti & Bacon Meatballs

2012-01-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

Trying to eat out less and cook at home more? We're trying to do the same thing. Christmas really took a toll on our wallets, so now we're trying to lay off the $12 cocktails and replace them with wholesome comfort food that stretches into leftovers the next day. This recipe from Real Simple features meatballs that have an amazing smokey flavour and moistness from the bacon fat.

To start, preheat your broiler for the meatballs and boil a large pot of water for your pasta.

Chop up your parsley and garlic

Mix with chopped onion

Cook your spaghetti. We used a thicker bucatini so it did take a bit longer.

Coarsely chop up three slices of bacon

Combine ground beef, bacon, onion mixture, egg, breadcrumbs, salt & pepper

Make meatballs & broil, turning once for 10-12 minutes

Cook pasta to al dente and drain

Heat the marinara sauce over medium for 2-3 minutes and mix in with the pasta

Add the meatballs and toss gently in the sauce to coat, sprinkle with cheese. Serve hot and devour immediately. Add to a side salad or steamed broccoli to get your green intake. Here's the complete recipe from Real Simple magazine. Enjoy!

Book Review: Bob Green's Best Life Diet - Phase One

2012-01-10T07:00:00.001-05:00

After all the gorging during the holiday festivities in December, I'm trying to take a step back and get my health and diet back on track. I haven't been paying attention to what I eat or how often I move. So I am testing out Bob Green's Best Life Diet. Green is Oprah's weight loss guru and he's written a plain and simple book explaining how weight loss works.

I was drawn to this book because it's not really a diet, but about living your best life in a healthy way that is sustainable. It's not a crash diet where you go crazy eliminating all these foods, but a gradual plan with small changes. I just finished phase one, which lasted four weeks.

The Main Objectives - Phase One

*Eliminate Alcohol - It slows down your metabolism and you often eat more after a couple drinks. Once I eliminated alcohol I realized how many drinks I actually had per week at 200 calories a pop.

*Increase Your Activity Level - I'm attempting to move more, go to yoga and lift weights twice a week. Let's face it, I work at my desk all day and have let going to the gym and working out slide over the holidays.

*Stay Hydrated - Drink more water. I need to stop drinking so much pop and juice.

*Stop Eating Two Hours Before Bedtime - Things don't digest the way they are supposed to when you eat and sleep.

*Eat Three Meals + One Snack/Day - I did not realize how late I was eating breakfast or when I was skipping it entirely. I now try to eat a healthy breakfast at least one hour after waking up.

So far the book has helped me re-install some good lifestyle habits and Green does a great job explaining in everyday terms why your body does what it does. He even addresses the issue of emotional eating as a major factor in how this habit can cause weight gain. Things like stress, boredom and even celebration can lead us all to eat poorly.

I'm a fan of the gradual and small lifestyle changes. They don't feel overwhelming. I also appreciate the meal plans and recipes at the back of the book. I'll keep you posted on how Phase Two goes.

You can get the book for $12 on Amazon - Bob Green's Best Life Diet

What are the tricks you use to get your health back on track after the holidays?

The Hip + Urban Girl's Guide To Venice, Italy

2012-01-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

Buongiorno!

Welcome to one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Venice’s unique dream-like setting allows the average traveller to feel like a Venetian Princess. Not a good photographer? No problem. The scenic backdrop allows anyone to take a perfect picture. From your arrival at Marco Polo Airport or Venice’s Santa Lucia train station until the moment of your departure, Venice will in a phrase, change your life.

How to afford such a beautiful place? Consider going to the floating city on “off times”. Despite Venice receiving a minimum of 7 million tourists a year, it is a lot less crowded in March. Prices in top notch hotels in Saint Mark’s Square can have incredible deals (sometimes slashing prices 75%) and the weather is about 15 degrees (at the end of March) with the occasional light rain.

Getting Around
Getting around Venice in itself is an experience. For those with deeper pockets, hail a water taxi to take you right to your hotel! Enjoy being a part of the organized chaos of the Grand Canal as you zip through the waterways of Venice. For the thriftier traveller, ride the water bus for a fair price and see the sites of the outdoor frescos and scurrying tourists. You also get a great tour of the city, for a fraction of the price.

Things To Do
Once you arrive in your hotel obey the Venetian cardinal rule for any tourist: get lost! Follow the twisted alleyways of Venice and window shop. Look for the Ferrari Store in St. Mark’s Square or the Dali inspired shops which feature melting clocks in the window. See the glass blown animals and insects, each are hand crafted and a unique piece for a collection. Despite clichés, admire the lace and the masks of Venice that the city is known for. Take a gondola ride around the canals or be very creative and take gondola lessons in Venice. At the end of your trek, treat yourself to a gelato.

It’s the Little Things…

St. Mark’s Square is a marvel. The Rialto Bridge is beautiful and its history is immense. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is heaven for any modern art appreciator. However, it is the little things that make Venice so great. Walk along the narrow passage ways of residential Venice and look up. See the laundry hanging from the multi-story homes. It’s a great way to understand how the few Venetian residents still live and have a perfect photo opportunity.

Trying to stay active? Wake up early to jog along St. Mark’s Square in Venice. Trace the winding path along the water and watch as the many gondolas and boats come in with the days products available for purchase. There are no cars in this city so it is interesting to see such small boats hold such huge cranes while repairs happen on the Venetian seaway.

If you have a few extra days in Venice, take the water taxi to Lido or to some of the other nearby islands. These picturesque places are perfect to escape touristy Venice and to get to know some of the locals. It’s an opportunity to also practice your Italian.

Venice can be expensive, but picking a time right before tourist season allows you to visit an enchanting city for a fraction of the price.

Grace Ste.Croix is an international writer, author and owner of a Events/Promotions/Catering company, La Vigne Chantante, located in Toronto and Montreal.

What To Eat When You're Sick

2012-01-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

Photo Credit

Tis’ the season..for getting sick! When you’re not feeling your 100% fab self, it can be hard to eat right. Luckily for us, there are a few foods that can actually help you feel better sooner and make sure your recovery doesn’t take much longer than necessary.

1. Popsicles – Can’t imagine the idea of solid food? Try the cooling sensation of popsicles to get you some fluid, taste and as a bonus, some cheerful colours. Compare labels when you go to the store and shun the ones with a whack of sugar. Pick a variety made with some actual fruit.

2. Vegetable Juice – For a boost of antioxidants, hydration and some sodium (which can be a good thing when you’re visiting the bathroom often), grab a glass of vegetable juice. Lower sodium varieties (350mg of sodium per cup), that still taste decent like the one from Compliments by Sobeys, will do just fine.

3. Meal Replacement Drinks – Feeling hungry but don’t feel like solid food? Meal replacements can come in handy in this case. Look for lactose-free drinks with at least six grams of protein and that are lower than 10 grams of sugar like Ensure’s High Protein variety.

4. Chicken Soup – The old standard stays strong. Chicken noodle soup delivers the soothing hot broth we all love and a dose of carb our body craves during times of stress, like infections. Boost the nutritional status by adding some chickpeas into the soup.

Photo Credit

5. Turkey Sandwich – When you start to feel like eating solid food, try turkey. High in protein and other nutrients such as vitamins B6 and B12, selenium and zinc, which will help boost your immune system.

6. Garlic – With powerful antimicrobial, immune-stimulating properties and a potential relief from congestion, garlic is a must.

7. Ginger – Have a stomach ache and nausea? Ginger is often used to soothe these symptoms and it may help fight inflammation. Try adding it freshly grated or in powdered form to other foods or drinking flat ginger ale (bonus for hydration!).

Photo Credit

8. Grapefruit/Citrus Fruits - Such as oranges, lemons and limes, contain anti-inflammatory compounds called bioflavenoids, helping to give your body a boost when fighting a virus.

9. Watermelon – High in water content to help with your re-hydration efforts, this nutritional powerhouse has a pulp that contains a powerful antioxidant, glutathione, that helps curb cell damage.

Photo Credit

10. Non-Sugary Fluids – You may have to forgo bubbly drinks to reduce any further upset tummy issues. Other than than that, when you’re sick (especially with a fever) you need to replace some fluids lost. So go for herbal teas or cold tea like Steaz.

Remember: when you’re sick, the nutritional choices you make become even more important as your body attempts to get better so be picky about what you take in!

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

2012-01-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

Lean Startup Machine Toronto (Pre-show)
> Join the #LSMToronto mentors for drinks and good company before the actual Lean Startup Machine conference.
Date: Wed, Jan 11
Venue: Big Bang Technology (401 - 642 King St W)

The Golden GRILLED Awards
> Take a bite out of Hollywood and celebrate the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards with us. Enjoy red-carpet Grilled Cheese, Sweets & Champagne!
Date: Sun, Jan 15
Venue: Cheesewerks (58 Bathurst St)

Return to Your Roots Burlesque Brunch
> Start the New Year off with a bump 'n grind kind of brunch. From Great Canadian Burlesque: Fionna Flauntit, MsChaos Divine, Aviva the Mirage and Val Cano.
Date: Sun, Jan 15
Venue: Cadillac Lounge (1296 Queen St W)

Our Top 10 Unique Wedding Venues - Toronto

2012-01-06T08:00:00.002-05:00

During my seven-year career as a DJ, I had the chance to work and attend 300+ weddings all over Toronto and the GTA. I'm always paying close attention to the food, service and how well I am treated (even as a staff member - these are the people who will sing your praises). A few of them stand out in mind, so I'm sharing my most favourite and unique wedding venues in Toronto as an industry-insider:

Photo Credit - Pink Pearl Images, Toronto

1) Steam Whistle Brewery - Host your wedding in the historic roundhouse with features like exposed wood beams, warm red brick, huge windows with views of the city skyline and 30-foot ceilings. It's the opposite of a sterile window-less banquet hall. Best part? Fresh Steam Whistle on tap! Guests can take tours of the brewery during cocktail hour or hang on the huge, newly renovated back patio. The gallery space (bar) can be rented for cocktail hour and there's even a classic photo booth on-site. It's one of our favourite venues in the city. AV works with a built-in house system - you bring the band of DJ. Choice of exclusive caterers, event furniture/decor would have to be brought in.

2) The Berkeley Field House - The clean white space can be left minimal or jazzed up with as much decor as you want. Think South Beach interior, big greenhouse windows, a lovely garden patio and outdoor tent option. Even comes with its very own treehouse and eclectic dressing room for the wedding party. I once attended a family-style Thanksgiving wedding here and the food was phenomenal. The chef is extremely flexible and open to ideas - no rubber chicken or typical steak and potatoes here.

3) The Berkeley Church - The old church has been converted into an event venue and is more edgy than the Field House next door. The space has a large stage (perfect for a live band), exposed cement walls, stained glass windows and a mezzanine upstairs to host your ceremony or cocktail hour. If you're thinking cocktail reception, this would be an excellent space as well. Lots of capacity here for a large wedding.

4) Casa Loma - We love all the different spaces available for use in this castle-like mansion. Host your ceremony in the gorgeous glass conservatory, move into the great hall (with 60-foot ceilings) for cocktails and then into the library for dinner. The picturesque gardens make for great pictures and guests will love lounging on the expansive patio too. The catering is done exclusively by Pegasus Group and I've been to four weddings here. The food is consistent and excellent. The staff are on the ball and even connected over headsets to execute the service of meals perfectly. Book in the late spring or early fall here, the space is not air-conditioned.

5) The Royal Conservatory of Music - Your guests will feel like they are in a floating glass box in the trees in the newly-built The Leslie and Anna Dan Galleries inside the RCM Telus Centre on Bloor Street. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlook the quiet Philosopher's Walk. The Upper-Level Gallery or the Conservatory Theatre can be rented for the ceremony. Bring your own caterer & furniture/decor - exclusive suppliers list.

6) Palais Royale - If you're set on having your wedding on the water, the 4,000 square foot, two-tiered patio at Palais Royale is the best in the city. This 86 year-old dance hall has undergone a major restoration with an art deco vibe, stage and a dance floor to host regular Big Band Dances. The bartenders are trained in flare and will even set the bar on fire!

7) Enoch Turner Schoolhouse - Interestingly enough, the majority of weddings that I have attended here have been for teachers. This charming little schoolhouse even has a working classroom, where you can host your ceremony. Choice of exclusive caterers and furniture would have to be brought in. Bonus: you can stock your own bar from the LCBO by purchasing a Special Occasion Permit. Huge savings here.

8) St. Lawrence Hall - This hidden gem is a city-owned property and the old town hall/event space sits on the third floor of this historic building. Think gold accents, an ornamental ceiling, gas-lit chandeliers all in a crazy pink room. The pictures don't always do it justice, you have to see it in-person. Bonus: Gold Chivari Chairs are included in the rental price. Saves you $10/piece in rental fees. Bring in your own caterer and furniture. You can even stock your own bar with an SOP.

9) The Distillery District - Lots of interesting spaces here including restaurants, art galleries and cafes that can be rented for an event. We recommend that you check out The Fermenting Cellar, Archeo, Balzac's, Arta Gallery, The Boiler House and The Thompson Landry Co-operage Gallery.

10) The Gardiner Museum - Catering is done in-house by Chef Jamie Kennedy and it is hands-down one of the best wedding meals I have ever had. Do the late-night french fry cones, you will not regret it. It's a modern minimalist space with lots of natural light and a view of Queen's Park.

Last but not least, book early. The typical engagement period is 18 months with prime Saturdays being snapped up as soon as you say YES! Don't forget to feed your staff members (DJ, photographer, wedding planner) - it's awkward and tacky if you don't.

Congratulations on your engagement!

Where was the *best* wedding you've ever been to?

Hip + Urban Mom: Asking For Help

2012-01-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

When my husband and I had our son we were the first on both sides of our families to have a baby. This means that our son is never short of aunts, uncles and grandparents who are very willing to babysit. We have been extremely lucky in this respect.

We learned quickly that it is completely OK to ask for help from family members especially when you need someone to babysit. You don't need to 'do it all' or even pretend that having a new baby is no big deal and that you are managing perfectly.

It is important that you get some time away to be social or just to even get your errands done. Your family members will be able to develop close relationships with your baby and you get some time to yourself.

Family members who are not very used to babies have the chance to learn how to be comfortable with your child. Your baby gets to develop relationships with your family and will learn not to be completely dependent on mom and dad.

You can also feel free to ask friends for help. It is something that they can do for you that you can reciprocate. This can also aid in the relationship that you have with your friends because both of you will appreciate the help that you have given each other.

It is not a bad thing to ask for help. You do not have to feel like you are being a bad parent for asking people to watch your baby while you go out and have some adult time. It is OK to want a break from stretching yourself thin with work, family and friends. Having so many baby sitters can only make you and your child feel very loved and I'm grateful for that.

Who do you ask to babysit? Is there a person you rely on?

--- Lisa Wlodarski is a new Mom and runs Starrified Cards

Cheesewerks Opens in King West

2012-01-05T12:32:00.000-05:00

The best thing since sliced bread has come to NOLA (North of Lakeshore Ave)! Cheesewerks, Canada's first and only restaurant dedicated to cheese is now opened. The owners, Kevin Durkee and Tom Douangmixay source only the top-notch Canadian fromage and ingredients and use a panini press to create a super-crispy outside complimented by a smooth melts-in-your mouth filling inside.

Each scrumptious sandwich is cleverly named after cities that Kevin and Tom have visited and loved. Now you don't have to go all the way to China to get a taste of "Beijing" - Asiago, BBQ Pork, Hoisin, slivered Green Onion grilled on signature Green Onion Potato Bread. Want to eat like a rock star? Just order the "Los Angeles" - Havarti, Smashed Avocado, Arugula, Citrus Compote, grilled on Angeligus Sourdough. Love New York? Then you'll love the grilled Whole-Grain Rye stuffed with Swiss, Spiced Pastrami, Pickled Red Cabbage and Grainy Mustard. Our personal favourite is coincidentally named after our home sweet home "Toronto"! What's extra special about this one is you get to choose 2 toppings: Koreatown | Gruyere + Kimchi or The Danforth | Aged Goat Cheddar + Olive Tapenade or Little Italy | Buffalo Mozzarella, Tomato + Basil. Love it!

Photo credit: TorontoLife

Cheesed out yet? Well that's not all! On Kitchen Sink Sundays, get warm and cozy with this crazy tasting 8-Artisan Cheese Turkey Strata.

Cheesewerks is a true labour of love, stemming from Kevin’s inherent joy in getting someone to try something for the first time. “Food is what fundamentally connects us all. Easy to understand, easy to enjoy, and incredibly satisfying.” We can't agree more as we grabbed a seat at the communal table and eagerly awaited our ooey gooey goodness to be served up with a hot bowl of homemade tomato soup.

CHEESEWERKS
56 Bathurst Street, Toronto
Tel: (416) 243-3327
Twitter @cheesewerks

Kevin, Taylor and Tom

Closet Confidential: How I Organize My Wardrobe

2012-01-05T07:00:00.057-05:00

These days my closet is, how shall we say, a hot mess. It happened completely by accident. Normally, the weather gets cold, snow falls, and I quickly usher my summer wardrobe away in exchange for its winter counterpart. Blame the unseasonably warm fall, the flurry of pre-holiday events, the crazy that is my life and well, there you have it, an enter at your own risk closet filled with multiple seasons of unfolded pieces and disorganized accessories. I considered sharing a picture...but quite frankly, my mother would be disappointed.

The good news is, I have a pretty fail safe system for shipping my closet back into shape. If you have organization listed high on your new years resolution list, pay close attention: here's how I tackle my closet step-by-step.

Step 1: Scrutinize And Sort
I take everything (yes EVERYTHING) out of my closet and pile it on the bed. This usually induces a mini panic attack. Don't be intimidated and remember, wine helps. Once everything is in plain sight, I go through the pile piece by piece and evaluate whether each item is something to keep or purge, separating my closet into two piles. Keepers are items that have been worn in the last 6 - 12 months or are new items that I'm pretty sure I will wear in the next 3 - 6 months. Purge items are those won't realistically be worn in the next 6 - 12 months because they're too small, off trend, or just no longer excite me.

Step 2: Organize The Space
Taking stock of my keepers, I figure out whether or not I still have the right "tools" to keep my closet in check. No drills required unless you're going high tech and installing custom shelving which is totally awesome but not necessary. Scout home decor websites and blogs for ideas and head to Ikea for affordable hangers, storage bins, shelving etc. to get the job done. I am by no means a professional but I prefer wooden hangers to plastic or wire because they space clothing nicely so I can see everything in view. I'm a big fan of organizing by colour so it's easy to find items plus I fold and stack sweaters on easy to reach shelves, and place lesser worn items up high out of the way. I do have a separate closet for bags and shoes which I store in clear plastic boxes (poor hubby stores his clothes in the guest room). If you're short on space or have a spouse who cares about closet space, check out over the door cubbies for accessories.

Step 3: Refill Your Closet, With Caution
Next I start putting everything back in it's place folding neatly, organizing smaller items into storage containers and so on, but I also take this opportunity to do another edit of what I've chosen to keep. Sometimes, I'll even take a minute to create some new looks to prove that an item will carry it's weight in the months to come. If I can't figure out at least two ways I'll wear something, it's quickly banished to the purge list.

Step 4: Find A New Home For the Misfits
Now I quickly remove the purge pile from my house. Do not underestimate the ability of cast offs to wiggle their way back into your closet the longer they stay at home! The day closet order is restored, I make a call to my charity of choice to arrange pick-up or an appointment to drop-off of items I want to donate. If you have valuable designer duds to purge, try consignment shops or clothes swaps, where you can get cash or new pre-loved treasures in exchange for your gently worn pieces.

Depending on the size of your closet and your addiction to fashion this process can take as little as a few hours, or as long as a couple days. If you're short on time, or really suffering from an overstuffed closet, you may want to consider working with an image consultant to help you figure out what to keep, or professional organizer to help you figure out how to get the best use of the space. A stylish friend who you can pay with chocolate also works if you're on a budget. Closet overhauls are a chore, but don't tackle it by yourself if you truly need help!

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

Image credit: Ikea

Salads That Don't Suck

2012-01-04T08:00:00.001-05:00

Look around you. Is everyone eating salad at the office? You know it's January when this happens.

Gone are the holiday tins of chocolate cookies and big fat shortbreads. It's been replaced with things like balsamic vinegar and jars of almonds. We know that you don't win friends with salad, but your health will be winning with these salads that don't suck:

Chicken & Turkey Bacon Cobb Salad - Whole Living

Shrimp Caesar Salad - Everyday Food

Tuna Nicoise Salad - Simply Recipes

Curried Chicken Salad With Apple & Raisins - Cooking Light

Do you have a favourite salad recipe to share with us? Please add it to our Comments Section here on the blog.

For more healthy living tips, check out past blog posts from our friends at GetRealGurls Nutrition. Don't forget to drink lots of water!

Gourmet Goodies @ Ruby Eats in Leslieville, Toronto

2012-01-04T07:00:00.013-05:00

Superstar chef and Food Network TV star, Lynn Crawford and her partners have opened up this gem of a grocery store in Toronto's Leslieville neighbourhood. Ruby Eats is located just a couple doors down from Crawford's restaurant, Ruby Watch Co. on Queen Street East. The store is a foodie delight with mason jars filled with homemade jam, preserves, soups and dressings throughout the store. The Ruby Eats house brand is mixed in with other curated favourites. It's also the perfect place to stock up on hostess gifts or gourmet chef tools for yourself.

I spied some plump homemade cherry jam (above) but ended up picking up some darling honey with vanilla bean ($7) for my tea and toast. I also couldn't resist the buttery chive and cheese biscuits at the cash either (6 for $9). Ruby Eats is full of simple, small pleasures for the everyday food lover.

Perfect fruit (left) and kitchen gadgets (right)

Co-owners include Ruby Watch Co chef - Lora Kirk, HGTV designer - Cherie Stinson (from Restaurant Makeover) and Joey Skeir. The open space lends itself easily for regular chef demos and is bright and warm. Stop in for a quiche or sandwich off the Ruby lunch menu - there's also a small eat-in counter facing Queen Street. The lunch menu is posted daily on the Ruby Eats blog with $4 soups and salads, $8.50 for sandwiches like grilled cheese with cheddar, brie and grainy mustard.

Wouldn't you like to get your hands on some Bacon & Onion Jam (above)? Just think of spreading it on some hot toast before making an egg sandwich - I am right now. Other interesting products to check out include the flavoured butters, the homemade dill pickles and the poached pears.

Get out to Leslieville soon and see how much the neighbourhood has changed!

We recommend starting at Lady Marmalade for brunch, visiting Bobbette & Belle for pastries and then TeAro for some dark coffee. Wander your way over to Ruby Eats and head even further east towards Greenwood for the charming home decor at Love the Design and shop for some new threads at Any Direct Flight.

Ruby Eats, Toronto 742 Queen Street East
(416) 901-3355 www.RubyEats.com

Activity-A-Week: Go Skating!

2012-01-03T09:00:00.014-05:00

My New Year's Resolution was to live more actively this year. I wish I could be one of those people that *loves* going to the gym. I get bored really easily and need a break from my everyday gym routine. Sooo welcome to our newest column, 'Activity-A-Week' where we will be featuring a fun way to get active without pumping those weights all the damn time. This week we suggest you embrace winter and go skating!

If skating in -20 degree weather is not exactly your idea of a fun day out, take advantage of the public skate times at one of the many indoor rinks operated by the City of Toronto. It'll take the stress out of skating in the bitter cold and you can relax and skate leisurely in a sweater while working up a sweat. Grab yourself a thermos of hot chocolate + Baileys! Ok, maybe not the Bailey's...skating can burn you up to 400 calories/hour. Here are our top picks for outdoor skating...

Unique Places to Go Skating in Toronto & The GTA:

Photo Credit - CityRinks.ca

Colonel Samuel Smith Skate Trail (Etobicoke) - An outdoor rink shaped in a large figure-eight that makes skating in circles look boring. No skate rentals, but there are change rooms and washrooms at this city-run skate trail. Free admission.

Photo Credit - Smart Destinations

Natrel Rink - Harbourfront Centre (Toronto) - Don't miss the DJ Skate Nights every Saturday at this waterfront ice rink. Bundle up because it does get cold right by the lake. We suggest making a day of it and going for Dim Sum first at Pearl Harbourfront inside Queen's Quay Terminal next door. Burn off all those delicious calories with a leisurely skate in the sun. Skate rentals, sharpening and hot chocolate on-site. Free admission.

Photo Credit - The Star

Dufferin Grove Park (Toronto) - Go on a Thursday between 3-7 PM and you can also hit up the year-round Farmers Market inside the rink house. One side of this outdoor rink is usually dedicated to public skating, the other side to shinny. Check the current schedule for the most up-to-date times. Skate lending is available for only $2! Try the homemade pizza, fair-trade coffee or organic hot chocolate care of the kick-ass Zamboni Kitchen. Free admission.

Photo Credit - National Post

Nathan Phillips Square (Toronto) - A Toronto classic, that can get a bit crowded on the weekends. So time your visit accordingly. I grew up skating at this fountain-turned ice rink right in front of City Hall with all the Christmas lights a-twinkling. The city just built new change rooms, skate rental shop and snack bar to replace the old cement one. However skate rentals can take up to 20 minutes due to crowds, so show up early! Admission is free and Green P parking is right underground. Free admission.

Photo Credit - Waterfront Toronto

Sherbourne Common (Toronto) - A brand new rink has just opened next to Sugar Beach, on top of the water treatment facility right next to the lake. It's a smaller skating pad, but much less busy than Harbourfront. Washrooms are available on-site, but no skate rentals - so BYOS. Free admission.

Gus Sarino Photography

The Skating Oval (Toronto) - The Shops at Don Mills is an outdoor mall that's similar in style to The Grove in LA. They have cleverly installed a skating oval in the centre of this shopping pavilion and it's back again this year having just opened on January 2nd. The skating oval is FREE and open during mall hours, weather permitting. No skate rentals.

Evergreen Brickworks (Toronto) - A skating trail right in the city inside an old industrial brick factory! Weather permitting, skate rentals are $5 or PWYC. Call ahead to make sure they are open (416) 596-7670. A year-round Farmers Market also runs every Saturday until 1 pm. Free admission.

Photo Credit - Yonge St Media

Gage Trail (Brampton) - Skate through the trees in this pretty Brampton park until 10 pm everyday, weather permitting. Lots of Christmas lights brightens this lovely trail. Skate rentals and sharpening available from the shoe clinic nearby. Free Admission.

Cedarena (Markham) - A vintage camp/old-fashioned natural ice rink built in 1913. Ok puppies this one is a bit of a hike, but skating next to old cedar trees to old-timey music is totally worth it. A hot wood-burning stove inside is the perfect place to warm up between laps. No skate rentals here, but there's plenty of hot chocolate and warm donuts.

Where do you like to go skating? Do you have a unique outdoor or indoor rink you think we should check out? Tell us in our comments section!

Win Tickets to the Wedding Co. Show 2012

2012-01-03T08:45:00.002-05:00

He popped the question or maybe you did... now let the wedding planning fun begin!

We'd love to send you to The Wedding Co. Show next weekend so tell us about the proposal in our comments section below and you could win a pair of tickets!
(Contest closes Sunday, January 8 at 11:59pm)

Date: January 13 - 15
Location: The Carlu, 444 Yonge Street
Tickets: $20 each

The Wedding Co. Show features a collection of 125 hand-selected and trusted wedding professionals, all at one illustrious, easily accessible location for 3 full days. Vendors will include the Four Seasons Hotel, Cake Opera Co., White Toronto and, new this year, Mimosa Flower Studio, Tell Me A Love Story and Au Lit Fine Linen.

While browsing past the gorgeous gowns, scrumptious dessert options and a myriad of decor ideas, guests will have a chance to ask etiquette questions at the first-ever The Wedding Co. Show’s Etiquette Booth, hosted by expert Stephanie Wright. Wright will guide guests through modern-day etiquette questions to help make any bride’s day more enjoyable and calm.

Guests will also be invited to have their names beautifully handwritten on personalized envelopes by calligrapher Rajiv Surendra.

Hip + Urban Store - Consonant Skincare

2012-01-03T07:00:00.037-05:00

If you’re like me you keep hearing the talk about harsh and irritating ingredients commonly found in our favourite beauty products that can lead to serious health concerns, but are hard-pressed to find good alternatives.

Enter Toronto’s newest beauty emporium, Consonant Skincare, and there’s no way you’ll be able to ignore the ingredients in your body lotion again.

The Space: First glance into the three-year-old Canadian label’s flagship location at Yonge and Eglinton and you’ll be wondering if it’s a hip urban spa or a dermatology clinic. The space is clean, sleek and cheery, almost demanding you sit and stay for some skin TLC.

On my visit I was lucky enough to be served by the man behind the brand himself, President Bill Baker, who shared with me Consonant’s birth story as he gave me a crash course in the benefits of organic skincare, and helped me choose a customized skincare regimen.

Cleverly build into the product display is a large mirror and sink inviting customers to test drive products, as if they were in the comfort of their own bathroom, before making a commitment.

Consonant is very focused on customer education, and in-store seminars are held monthly by holistic nutritionists and natural beauty product experts sharing advice with expectant mothers, and other customers young and old interested in healthy skincare.

The Goods: Consonant favours ingredients created in nature over ingredients concocted in a lab, and products are formulated right here in Toronto with things such as Grape Seed Oil, Vitamin B3, Tamanu and Aloe Vera to heal, smooth and protect skin.

As a new client I was encouraged to test out the brand’s most notable organic products, including their Foaming Face Wash ($18), Body Lotion ($22), Ultra Moisturizing Face Cream ($54) and Ultra Firming Eye Cream ($36). Consonant realizes their products may not be right for everyone, and they are happy to give customers a full refund if an item isn’t working out for their skin.

The Result: After 30+ days of use, I’ve definitely found my favourites. The Clay Exfoliating Cleansing Bar ($18) is full of minerals that have kept my skin smooth and hydrated, and I’m no longer paranoid about “eating” my lip balm since replacing my old ones with the 100% natural and organic Moisturizing Lip Conditioner ($12). I have to say it took a while for me to get used to the smell of some of the products, probably because I wasn’t used to using moisturizers and washes containing natural plant-derived ingredients. Overall Consonant is a excellent option for anyone looking to introduce natural and organic products into their beauty routine without having to sacrifice quality and performance.

Consonant Body Organic Skin Care

2479 Yonge Street, Toronto
(416) 925-2855

www.consonantskincare.com

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

Yoga In A Gorgeous Loft @ The Yoga Lounge

2012-01-02T10:00:00.001-05:00

I once got crammed into a Sunday morning yoga class in a room the size of a closet with 25 other people. After almost doing a sun salutation into somebody's feet and having my neighbour splash sweat on me, I decided that this was likely the most unrelaxing way to spend your weekend. Maybe there was a group buy that week or Sundays are just a popular day to yoga. But the space was hot, claustrophobic, we were all facing a different direction and the instructor kept the door closed which made it feel even more suffocating.

Lucky for me, I came across the gorgeous loft space that is The Yoga Lounge and have never been back to that other studio since. The sunny open room is one of two studios on the third floor, above the Golden Thai Restaurant at the corner of Church and Richmond. Classes rarely feel cramped and the studio is incredibly zen and relaxing. The Yoga Lounge recently added Warm Yoga (29.5 C) which is a great way to detoxify and a nice refuge from the stormy weather outside.

Yoga mats are available to borrow if you don't have one or if you forget. There is a shower in the women's change room if you plan on heading back to work after a warm yoga class. Owner Susan Emery keeps lots of plants spread throughout the studio as a source of fresh oxygen for all that heavy breathing that you'll be doing.

My goal is to attend a yoga or pilates twice a week as part of my New Year's resolution to live a more active lifestyle. I will definitely be adding the Yogalates Class (a mix of the two) that Carlyn teaches at The Yoga Lounge into my rotation. I feel a million times better just taking an hour and a half to myself to just stop, breathe and stretch. I'm always asking myself why don't do I this more often!?! There's no deadline more important than taking care of myself. I'm usually one of those people that sign up for a gym membership at the start of January and go MIA by the middle March. This year, I'm forgoing the gym membership altogether and will use the cash for yoga classes and free weights instead. Classes are $18/each with discount packages available.

What are you doing to keep fit? Tell us in our comments section - help a hip + urban girl out.

The Yoga Lounge, Toronto

103 Church Street, 3rd Floor (416) 864-1973

www.theyogalounge.net

Photo Credits: The Yoga Lounge

Follow Us @hipurbangirl

Make This! Citron Presse: Sparkling French Lemonade

2012-01-02T09:00:00.001-05:00

Drinking too much pop? I'm just as addicted to the taste of sweet carbonation, but the calories start to quickly add up. As part of my New Year's resolution to eat healthier, liquid calories are on the way out this month. So what to do?

Photo Credit

A citron presse or homemade sparkling French lemonade is an easy way to start cutting back. This simple drink is a cafe classic and super easy to make:

*Juice of 1/2 Lemon
*Sparkling Water
*Ice
*Sugar or Honey
*(Optional) Muddled Mint Leaves, Strawberries, Raspberries or Blueberries

Cut a lemon in half, squeeze the juice in a tall glass filled with ice. Add sparkling water and sugar or honey to taste. Throw the lemon in there if there's room in your glass. Voila! Save the other half of your lemon for another fresh glass tomorrow.

For an even fancier glass of lemonade, muddle fresh mint leaves or berries with the lemon juice at the bottom of your glass before adding ice and sparkling water.

Bon Appetit!

HUG and The City

2012-01-02T00:01:00.001-05:00

AYCE Chili for Charity Fundraiser
> A suggested donation of $10 gets you all-you-can-eat vegan chili and chips with proceeds going towards the Oasis Animal Rescue and Education Center.
Date: Tues, Jan 3
Venue: Sadie's Diner (504 Adelaide St W)

Free DivaGirl Winter Orientation
> If you are interested in becoming a DivaGirl Licensee or Member, becoming a part of our growing D-VIP, participating in our community or just to find out what exactly we do & why we have fun doing it, this is your perfect opportunity!
Date: Thurs, Jan 5
Venue: ING Direct Cafe (221 Yonge St)

Strip Spelling Bee
> The game is played a lot like strip poker, but it's a spelling bee, and it's played in front of a live audience of hooters, hollerers and hecklers who want to see some smart and sexy skin!
Date: Fri, Jan 6
Venue: Buddies in Bad Times Theatre (12 Alexander St)

Happy New Year!

2011-12-30T11:54:00.000-05:00

Photo Credit

Happy New Year's from all of us over at The Hip & Urban Girl's Guide.

Still no plans? Check our Top Party Picks for New Year's Eve 2012 in Toronto.

Find some inspiration for the new year from the success stories of our Hip + Urban Girl of the Week.

Kick start your healthy eating goals with a few of these tips.

Follow us @hipurbangirl and on Facebook.

HUG's New Years Resolutions

2011-12-30T09:50:00.000-05:00

It's almost the New Year and we're starting a new column at HUG!

Each month we'll be asking a question that gets up close and personal with Lisa and I and our lovely contributors. So to kick start 2012, we're asking the team what their New Year's Resolution is...

Lisa N, Co-Founder and Editor-In-Chief

Every year I make the same New Year's Resolution - to lose those last five pounds. Now it's turned into - to lose those last eight pounds. Clearly last year's resolution didn't go anywhere...well except up. So I'm going to stop making the same resolution that sets me up for failure every year. Instead, I'm going to commit to living a more active lifestyle. Which means going for a walk everyday, taking regular yoga classes, riding my bike and not putting work first. It's important to make sure that I go to the gym or do whatever sort of activity that gets me moving. There are times when work and life are so busy that you just get sucked right in and a trip to the gym pales in comparison to a night on the couch, eating Cheetos and watching Ringer. Well I've decided that though I love my job, it's not worth gaining weight for. Living actively has to come first, work has to come second. Easy to say, but hard to always remember. What are your tricks to living actively?

Wendy, Co-Founder, Behind-The-Scenes Web Girl and Advertising

I'm proud to say I've actually kept my 2011 New Year's Resolution of going to the gym twice a week and eating more healthy but one thing I've got to really work on is my attention span... which probably stays focused for 30 secs before I'm off daydreaming about my next vacation, opening another window on my computer, checking stats on Google Analytics but ending up online shopping or attending to the beeps and pings of my iPhone, Blackberry and MSN Chat. Hmmmm now where was I? Right, so this year I'm making a commitment to finish what I start, stay focused on priority tasks and actually work on more media and less social!

Tamika, Fashion & Style Contributor

Since I started working from home, I've become way too sedentary and it doesn't help that I've never been a huge fan of hitting the gym. This year I plan to develop a healthy addiction to exercise by finding workouts that are fun and focusing on how great I feel after all that sweat.

Daniela, Contributor of All Things Cool

I want to read more books in 2012. I spend all day looking and screens and typing on keyboards, so more quality time with printed words is a must. To facilitate my goal I recently established a monthly book club with a few girlfriends, so I’ll be counting on them to help me stick to my plan and fuel my reading list. I’ll be keeping track of all of my reading on goodreads.com and I encourage you to create your own bookshelf there too.

Lisa W, Mommy Contributor

My new years resolution is to start an exercise routine that I will actually stick to. I was always active growing up when I was dancing competitively or walking a lot during university. But now that I have had my first child and don't have as much time to get out and walk or take classes, it has become more difficult to stay active. Hopefully I can find something that is a bit easier like using yoga videos or finding time to use the gym in my office. Fingers crossed!

What are your New Year's Resolutions and any tips to help us keep ours?

Three Looks For New Year's Eve Style

2011-12-29T07:00:00.014-05:00

Hurrah lovelies! We're only two sleeps away from New Year's Eve festivities. This also means we're just two sleeps away from mass "I have nothing to wear" hysteria. Before the panic ensues, here are a few ideas to inspire the ultimate look to ring in 2012 no matter where you'll be celebrating.

Scene #1: Club Dance Party

Rather than going for a traditional cocktail dress, try something you can really move in like this cowl neck sequinned romper from French Connection. I fell in love with this piece a few weeks ago while Christmas shopping and it was on sale! Consider adding a contrasting skinny metallic belt to amp up the shine factor or opt for sparkly shorts if you're a fan of separates vs. all-in-ones.

Scene #2: Grand Ballroom

A more formal affair calls for a full length gown, but who wants to splurge on a dress you probably won't wear again in the new year? Try a rental, like this violet Badgley Mischka dress complete with a stunning macrame cinch from Rent Frock Repeat. It rents for just $150 and you can visit their Roncesvalles area studio to try on in person through til 4 PM on December 31st.

Scene #3: Your Living Room

Entertaining at home calls for comfortable style that doesn't break the bank. Try a free flowing cocktail dress like this silver pleated frock from Forever 21. Wear it tunic style over leggings with heels or top with a soft cardi and ballet flats for a relaxed but polished look.

Above all, go for an outfit that makes you feel confident and gorgeous. You want to spend the night celebrating, not worrying about a wardrobe malfunction. Cheers to finding the perfect look and to having a fabulous New Years Eve!

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

Image credits: French Connection, Rent Frock Repeat, Forever 21.