Looking to buy a wedding dress and want a great deal? This Saturday March 6th at the Sheraton Centre, the Wedding Bliss show is just what you need! Supported by the New Beginnings Support Program, this is a charity event that offers big names (like Vera Wang and Christian Dior) with huge discounts on wedding dresses at this one of a kind show! Dresses start at $99 up to $350 that normally retails from $1000-9000! Check out the Wedding Bliss website: weddingblisssale.com and also be sure to check out New Beginnings as it’s an awesome charity helping women and their children who need it most. Check the video below for our visit to the New Beginnings office in Toronto!

Daters who do not want their admirers to be disappointed this season should…

1. …remember bits of conversation.
In doing so, one may recall certain items a partner said he or she liked or wanted to own. Such concepts make good potential gifts;
or
2. …surprise them.
If one’s romantic companion has not mentioned anything he or she needs or desires, a gift associated with this partner’s interests and tastes may please him or her;
or
3. …ask their friends.
If certain daters are absolutely stumped about what to get their honeys this season, seeking the advice of their significant others’ friends may be useful. These people may suggest ideas one had never considered, or, depending on the length of the relationship, may know one’s partner more thoroughly than his/her mate does.
or
4. …avoid the typical.
If one does not want to give the regular game console or designer purse this year, purchase or make something that one would not ordinarily consider. Some ideas include a trip to the spa, a photo shoot with or without one’s mate, a getaway, or tickets to a concert;
or
5. …try something sentimental.
A present that encompasses warm memories with one’s mate may delight him or her. Examples of such gifts are: a photo album of priceless times together, a collage, a painting of one’s significant other or of the duo together, a scrapbook of meaningful objects and memories, and so forth;
or
6. …treat their mates.
Another enjoyable gesture one could possibly present a significant other is pampering. Such romantic gifts encompass back rubs, foot rubs, home-made dinners, facials, and the like.

Gift-giving to a partner is only as difficult as one makes it. Creative, thoughtful thinking is really all that’s required for one’s significant other to be pleased with his or her holiday present. No over-thinking is necessary. If some mates are insatiable when it comes to presents this holiday season, however, at least they will realize their flames put thought into their gifts.

Gelato photo by: Samuraijohnny

Some of the best gelato in the city can be found at Hollywood Gelato over at 1640 Bayview Avenue.  My bebe and I had the chocolate mint chip gelato (i used t love Baskin Robins, but this is the new winner) and fruity ice shavings (which STILL tasted creamy!?).  I think the biggest surprise was that the ice shavings had a creamy texture to it that you may not immediately recognize like you would a Slushy at 7-Eleven.  Great place for a pick-me-up and snack while you go out for a walk or after a movie.

Check out Toronto Life’s website for more details on Hollywood Gelato.

The Pacific Mall

Have you heard of the Pacific Mall up in Markham Ontario?  It’s a bit north of the city, but if you’re into having the latest cell phone (and ones you can’t buy here), car parts, Hong Kong fashions, Anime and Videogame paraphernalia or authentic Chinese Tea, this is the place to go!  Actually, I’ve also had my playstations modded in here before, and there’s always tons of Toronto Star articles about this place getting busted for importing illegal movies (not that I’m condoning this or supporting this fact, it is what it is).

So this weekend, if you’ve got a car or in need of a new cell phone, head on up to Pacific mall and consider staying to for some food too.  This is a very all-in-one place that’s different than China town and resembles Hong Kong very closely.  A disclaimer though:  this place is VERY BUSY on the weekends, so parking may be a long walk.

Great Date Idea:  There are restaurants all around the mall (outside) that are authentic and incredibly popular.  Go on Saturday or Sunday’s at about 10:30am for Dim Sum and beat the MASSIVE crowds.  Sit down and enjoy the food while being in awe at the big wait that will form quickly at about 11:30am.

Address: 4300 Steeles Ave E. Markham, ON, Canada
Phone:  905.470.8785
Email:  admin@pacificmalltoronto.com
Website:  http://www.pacificmalltoronto.com
Parking: Free above and underground parking available.
What’s nearby: Consider a short drive to Unionville’s main street off of HWY 7. It’s a great boutique and walk in a small town.
Why you should go: Authentic and hugely popular Chinese mall in Canada. On the weekends, it’s as busy as being in China during a holiday.
Agrandir le plan

Pusateri's Fine Foods

Here’s something VERY unique for gift giving.  Are you going out to visit the parents for the first time?  Need something special to mark an anniversary?  Take a trip to Pusateri’s for a rare look at some very fine food products like white truffles, Kopi Luwak Coffee, Blue Mountain Coffee from Jamaica (I absolutely love this coffee), and of course, caviar.  Be confident knowing that the products here are not easily found within Toronto malls or boutiques.  Instead, Pusateri’s carefully selects the products that make them unique to the store and to Toronto.

Check out Pusateri’s website for other unique gift ideas.

A Mango Kiwi Festival™ with Dipped Bananas, Edible Arrangement

Forget those flowers that you were thinking about and send her something unique like an Edible Arrangement.  Edible Arrangements are unlike the common flowers you’d send to someone, instead, they’re like fruit baskets and cutely arranged goodies that you can send to your loved one.  He or she would be THRILLED to have something delicious and shareable in the office or at home.  This is a gift that will certainly bring your loved one some attention!

Check out Edible Arrangement’s website by clicking here.

Lollicakes

Guys, there’s no secret that women like to be surprised – OFTEN. So here’s an inexpensive and sweet way to say “I Love You”. Check out Lollicakes, located at 559 Mount Pleasant Road, just south of Eglinton Ave. This place has a ton of creatively designed cupcakes for your significant other as well as some very nice special occasion ideas. Go on, try a few cupcakes to “make sure” that she’ll love them. If she asks how you spoiled your dinner, you can just tell her you did it for her.

Address: 559 Mount Pleasant Road Toronto, ON M4S 2M5
Phone: 416 482 2253 (CAKE)
Email: info@lollicakes.ca
Website: www.lollicakes.ca
Parking: street parking available
Why you should go: delicious and moist cupcakes. Are you in the dog house? Not with these cakes you’re not
Agrandir le plan

Fresh from the Farm

Buying from Whole Foods and other organic local grocers are becoming very popular amongst Torontonians, so much so that my partner and I thought – “why not just buy it from the farmers”?

So, there we went, shopping over at Fresh From the Farm located at 350 Donlands Ave, north of the Danforth, ready to buy a big slab of bacon and a trolley full of eggs.  As we arrived, we had lots of selection to choose from in such a small shop:  meats, dairy, bakery and non-parishables.  Although, there’s a wider selection and better guarantee of products if you call ahead.  Their website has all of the items with prices listed as well as a nice FAQ for those who’re curious to know more about the animals that they’re eating and how they’re treated.

Cared for by a Schmucker family, their vision to bring Mennonite values and fresh produce to Toronto is a hit and a welcome change from big supermarket chains.  Leaving happily with 2 dozen extra large eggs, a 2lb bacon slab and some Elk pepperettes  for the walk home, I left looking forward to serving an all-day breakfast to my bebe and I.

Address:  350 Donlands Ave.  Toronto ON
Phone:    416-422-FARM (3276)
Email:    info@freshfromthefarm.ca
Website:  www.freshfromthefarm.ca
Parking:  street parking available
What’s nearby:  the danforth is about 1.5Kms south of here
Why you should go:  fresh foods, some very good pricing too!

Agrandir le plan

I like the whole fingerprint experience to opening the doors and it could make coming in with a huge load of groceries a lot easier by slipping my finger by the sensor than fighting a set of keys.  I still think this is a cool device that I’d consider for the side door of my house to test out on.

Check out homedepot.ca’s website for pricing (about $209) and lots of reviews.

It's the BYO Bed!

Sleeping over tonight and need a quick and portable solution?  Here’s a great idea from Canadian Tire:  The BYO BED!  It comes in a variety of sizes for easy transport and comfort.  The model shown here is a Queen size, sells for $269.99 and comes with the following features:

• Heavy-duty PVC airbed with I-beam design
• Telescopic steel frame unfolds in seconds
• Detachable and washable mattress cover
• Rugged wheeled luggage bag for easy portability
• Includes built-in AC pump, two pillows and comforter with bed skirt
• Detachable, washable mattress cover
• Includes two pillows and comforter
• Spacious Queen size design holds up to 500 lbs (250 lbs per side)
• 58 x 78 x 22″ (147 x 198 x 56 cm)

Great date idea: Also purchase a tent to support this bed and you’ll have a unique and comfortable outdoor camping experience right in the backyard!  Check out Canadian Tire for other beds, tents and camping equipment!