Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Ode to Toronto


Sooner or later you knew it was coming. I can't help it...I live in LA now, a world class city, but I still can't get the big T out of my mind. This always happens when I come back for a visit, see my friends and family, and hang out in my favourite area - Yorkville. For those of you who haven't been, go. This is just a general shout out to a piece of the world that puts a smile on my face, and those of you who are there that I miss so much. Go Leafs Go!

EAT: Smoked Meat @ Schwartz's


Rich and I had a lovely weekend getaway in Montreal...lucky for us my friend Yasmin got married so we had an excuse to feast on the most juicy and delicious pastrami I've ever had. Montreal is a world class city with an endless supply of gourmet and high class fare. Apparently that was not an important fact as Rich made a bee-line to the smoked meat within an hour of our arrival in the lovely french city. I tell you it was worth the trip - warm rye bread, perfect deli mustard, and super juicy sumptuous smoked meat...mmmmmm. Its excellent with some pickles, coleslaw and french fries. Ok, not so healthy but wow, it was worth every calorie :)

Schwartz's Montreal Hebrew Delicatessen
3895 Saint-Laurent Blvd
Montreal, Quebec
www.schwartzsdeli.com

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

GET: Smythson of Bond Street


In honour of my upcoming travels, I decided to feature an exquisite manufacturer of delightful travel goods (among other lovely things!). Smythson began creating luxury leather goods and stationery in 1887 in London. I came across this lovely brand for the first time not too long ago when I was taking a stroll along Via Rodeo. I was flabbergasted when I walked in - someone obsessed with stationery and leather goods should be careful in there! Imagine personalized leather notebooks that say things like "wine memoranda", "brunches, lunches, suppers, dinners" and "yummy mummy". Imagine incredible stationery made of the finest paper my fingers have ever touched. You should know that Smythson's clients have included the likes of Queen Victoria and Grace Kelly. But what gets me the most is their travel wallet - it comes in delightful colours such as peppermint and coral and has leather dividers for all your travel needs - tickets, passport, documents and other. It makes me crazy to even talk about it!

Smythson of Bond Street
In Los Angeles:
222 N. Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
www.smythson.com

WHAT?!

This is the new title I will use when I have an amazing DISCOUNT for my readers!! This is officially my first special offer, courtesy of lovely Dana who performed a perfect lash extension on me today! So here it is - if any of you are interested in magnifying the beauty of your lashes, print out this article, bring it to Verabella, and get 10% off! How lucky are we! Send this to all your friends and go get some gorgeousness! You're welcome!!



Verabella (ask for Dana - she's the only one who does the lashes)
301 N. Canon Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
www.verabella.com

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

GET: Anne Fontaine

There are few words to describe the love I have for Madame Fontaine and her designs. She is a genius of grand proportions. Walking into the small store, most are not impressed at first glance. But, once you put on a perfectly tailored white shirt, it just takes your breath away. Anne Fontaine is a master creator of ladies' blouses. Some are simple, others are so fantabulous with frills, flowers, ribbons and various other doodads that you can just freak out. She also has a variety of accessories such as belts, cufflinks and sometimes even surprise items like frilly collars and corsets. Its a wonderland of fashion - see for yourself. I love the boutique in Beverly Hills...and Vegas (in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace :)

Anne Fontaine
9525 Brighton Way
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
www.annefontaine.com

GET: The Scrub of a Lifetime


Luckily, there is no shortage of Korean spas in Los Angeles. This experience, while delightful for some, is not for the faint of heart. The Korean spa is a very special place - the scrub and massage combination is delightful. The ladies scrub the &%$* out of you, give you a serious massage, wash your hair with delightfully smelling goo, and la piece de resistance - a mask of chopped fresh cucumber! As wondrous as this all sounds, you have to be cool with walking around in your birthday suit in front of a whole bunch of people. Not only that, you need to be cool with getting your lala and other private areas scrubbed in front of the other patrons (all the scrub/massage clients get their services in one big open room). If you can get over yourself, you can truly experience a very delightful spa treatment. Boys - there is also a men's spa and sorry, no peeking!

Aroma Spa and Sports
3680 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90010
213.387.2111

GET: Calling Cards for Kids

This is an example of a business card belonging to a 2 year old. It must be all the omega-3 that kids are ingesting these days that makes them entrepreneurial at such a young age. But really. I am a slightly ridiculous person so I think these are adorable. Its a wonder I have not ordered these for my little poopsie yet. In reality, I do see how they would be wonderful for moms who don't have a lot of mommy friends, so when you do meet someone cool enough to actually have a playdate with, what better way to make a fabbie impression than to present a social card on behalf of your toddler?? Here are some excellent sites where these lovely kiddie social cards can be ordered:

www.crane.com

www.felixdoolittle.com (Thank you Hillary!)

www.amyadele.com

Kate Spade makes adorable ones too...click here