The Shopping Addict’s Redemption

When I was young, my mother was infamous for her habit of constantly buying and returning things. I sometimes answered the door when the man from our local department store made his weekly call to pick up packages. Once, when I didn’t know where the package was he told me, “she keeps them in the hall closet on the top shelf.” (He was right.) Later in life, my mother graduated to returning condominiums – putting down deposits one week and collecting them the next before the cancellation deadline. At the time, this compulsion of hers was simply puzzling. But as is the case with so many facets of our parents’ lives, we begin to understand them better over time and sometimes even find ourselves falling into the same idiosyncratic patterns we ridiculed as children. Consider the following: Read more

Give Cheer

‘Tis the season to forget all about the stresses of gift giving. This Holiday, dip into Santa’s goodie bag to discover what’s on everyone’s list. Read more

Gifts from the Heart

Christmas isn’t just about presents and decorations; it’s about love and family. So try to give to those who are in need – and remember: your money won’t be just another present to them, but a symbol of love and compassion. Here are some places where you can get started: Read more

The Venetian lives up to expectations

Not many banquet halls are quite like The Venetian, where you can look around and admire huge mosaics and glance up at a ceiling decorated with inspiring paintings and mouldings. The lobbies feature double tiers of gold, off-white and beige. The light reflects on the colours, juxtaposed with those of the mosaics and paintings to create an architectural masterpiece – a hall that not only displays art but is, in itself, a work of art.

The Venetian accommodates a variety of events, cultures and needs. It hosts everything from bachelor parties and showers to sacraments and weddings, including bar and bat mitzvahs and can cater to a wide variety of cuisines including Kosher, European, Chinese and Middle Eastern. Clients can also opt for a more traditional menu. “We pride ourselves on the diverse selection of food and services offered,” says owner Joseph Mete. Read more

Her Wish List

TIMEX Women’s watch
Harnessing the brilliance of Swarovski crystals, the TIMEX Women’s Crystal Collection delivers sparkling elegance. www.timex.ca

SILVER-PLATED JULEP CUP
Give a personalized flowerpot for a one-of-a-kind gift.  www.potterybarn.com

CHIWAWA DOG CLOCK
Cherish every loving moment with your furry friend. www.teatroverde.com

COCO CHANEL PILLOW
Touch a fashionista’s heart with this Coco Chanel hand-painted pillow by Priscilla Mae. Read more

His Wish List

DRESS TO IMPRESS Keep him warm with this great coat. www.mackage.com

BLACK ROYAL TYPEWRITER Type up your best work with this vintage typewriter. www.etsy.com

ORGANIZE AND RECHARGE That’s what you can do for his most-used gadgets. www.potterybarn.com

BULLDOG OPENER Savour every get-together with a wall-mountable bottle opener. www.potterybarn.com

NIKE BIG NIKE HI Turn heads with this white-and-red number. www.athletesworld.com Read more

Fork and Bottle

Explore the world of artisan cheese and authentic virgin olive oils.

MY MOTHER’S OLIVES AND OILS
Imported directly from Peter Eliopoulos’ hometown in Greece, these items can act as a delicacy for you or as an ideal hostess gift. www.peterandpaulsbaskets.com

FIFTH TOWN CHEESE
This company’s Bagel Chevre, which incorporates lemon thyme, cracked black pepper and goat milk, has a soft, creamy texture. When you chew into the firm Isabella cheese you can taste the nut, the goat cheese and the briny overtones. The Cape Vessey cheese’s chewy washed rind, salt, 100 per cent fresh goat’s milk and creamy palate makes for an intriguing combination. Read more

Let’s do Lunch — December 2009

“Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper.” – Adelle Davis (1904-1974)

1. La Reserve
www.mariovena.ca, www.lareserve.ca |  905.881.0477
For a true Italian dining experience, try La Reserve’s signature dishes by master chef Mario Vena, and a wide selection of contemporary wines. Entertaining? Have some savoury delicacies brought to your home or workplace this Holiday season with Catering by Mario. Salute!

2. Giorgio D. Ristorante
www.giorgiod.com | 416.661.8989
Since 1976, the Sampogna family has been inviting critics and guests alike to indulge in their delicious dishes Read more

Sound for the Soul

Their sounds may differ, but the gripping voices of soul singer Jarvis Church, soprano Michelle Danese, Ben Harper and Vanessa da Mata give their emotionally involved audiences chills with equally moving performances.

Jarvis Church
In his self-produced CD The Long Way Home, Juno Award-winning, Grammy-nominated Gerald Eaton, a.k.a. Jarvis Church (a name he derived from living between two parallel streets in Toronto) drives a rhythmic, sexy pop-soul vibe. “My lyrics are very personal, they are little windows into what’s going on in my life. When you’re writing about something that you honestly feel, the words come a lot quicker.” Read more

Calendar of Events

SECOND ANNUAL YOGA IN MOTION FOR A CURE
On April 25, 2010, at Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex, a double-fitness marathon of yoga and Zumba will unite women, men and breast cancer survivors for an event benefiting breast cancer research at the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital. In order to participate, you will need to raise a minimum of $250. Register as an individual or form a team and enjoy a double-fitness marathon of yoga and Zumba – in motion for a cure! Read more

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