As the year draws to a close and we near the fun and festivities of the Holiday Season, you start to really reminisce about Holiday visions and what each past Christmas has brought to your memory bank. Dating back to the days when paying mortgage bills and stressing about work deadlines were virtually non-existent and…
When I think back to memories of prepping for the Holidays way back when, the enticing scent of baked goods in my moms kitchen would instantly pop into my mind.Coupled with the sounds of Christmas Carols humming in the background, this is just one other reason why Christmas just happens to be my absolute favourite…
It’s almost here, my savvy shopaholic friends. It’s the day our American neighbours call “Black Friday”, you know, that day after American Thanksgiving when everything goes on a seriously amazing sale. It has grown significantly popular here in Canada as retailers offer savings in-store and online to entice Canadian shoppers. And you’re totally ready to jump…
You know the type.The one that you try to avoid shallow talk with by burying your head in your phone the moment she passes by because you’re so tired of hearing her boast and brag about her child’s brand new achievement yet talks down upon other children and their parents.Or the one that pretends to…
Someone once said to me that “a hug is the universal medicine” and I couldn’t agree more.Do you remember all the times, good and bad, in your life where you received a warm and genuine embrace from someone? The feeling of receiving a hug during a time you need it most is indescribable. It’s something…
I‘ve dyed, fried, rinsed and repeated. From when it was cool to have permed hair to stick-straight hair (the old-fashioned way using an iron and an ironing board – this was before awesome hair straighteners were on the market) to thick, chunky blonde highlights and then ombré, I have done it all.And all in the name…
Indulge in delectable delights, learn some tips on entertaining and cooking and meet a few of your favourite Food Network Celebrities and Chefs.Food Personalities include a few of my personal favourites such as David Rocco, Michael Smith and Chuck Hughes plus many more! Among the famous faces, there will be an array of exhibitors, booths…
Blending two different cultures when creating meals is quickly becoming the new craze in cooking. This is quite the norm with my cultural background as there is such a diversity with our dishes offering a usual mix of Chinese, Spanish and Filipino cuisine. Two of my favourites, Italian and Mexican, mingle to create a real…
Wine Lovers rejoice!One of the must-do events in Niagara-on-the-Lake for November is quickly approaching – Taste the Season. Celebrate the season’s bounty with locally inspired VQA wine and food pairings at each of Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s 27 member wineries. Here is an example of what’s to expect to delight your palate: INNISKILLIN WINES2011 Vidal IcewineInniskillin…
The world of air mattresses have come a very long way since the 80’s.I still have visions of losing my breath and taking breaks in between blowing up meager air mattresses during camping trips and let’s not forget the air mattresses you’d be lucky enough to score during sleepovers at friends or family members homes…
As an avid baker and cook, you can only imagine my elation when I received notice that I was selected as one of the newest Gay Lea Brand Ambassadors! Gay Lea has been a staple brand in our family kitchen for the longest time! I remember making many of my grilled cheese sandwiches during my…
The other day during a phone chat with my very pregnant sister, I listened, laughed and sympathized as she told me how difficult the easy day-to-day tasks were now that her tummy was the size of a small watermelon. I remembered very well what she felt like having only been in her position last year.These…
Nestled in the bustling streets of Queen St. West sits a humble yet favoured joint offering a delicious array of soul food at it’s finest. A family-runned business — the owner’s daughter was the one serving my table and another relative serving customers and bar-tending — from their smiles and constant friendly tones and the…
Intimate, Luxurious and warmly residential is how The Grand Hotel & Suites Toronto is described and I couldn’t think of anything better to define this hotel than that. If you’re looking to stay at a hotel that offers you elegance and luxurious charm yet practical and unpretentious — The Grand Hotel would be the perfect…
I remember the time when I was a 6 and my dad removed my training wheels for the first time.The feeling of riding freely on two wheels on my big girl bike on my very own was incredible.But when I fell off and scraped my knees and arms, I also remember the pain. Oh, the…
Carol Au Courant 