A Night to Remember
December 5, 2012 by Madeline Stephenson
Filed under Special Features
Local figures reveal their favourite New Year’s Eve memories.
Brad Smith
Bachelor Canada, Citytv
‘‘I started a tradition about five years ago where I would always go back home to my parent’s place in Montreal for New Year’s Eve and cook them dinner. So every year since then I’ve spent it subsequently with my brother, my sister and the kids, and we’d just have everybody over to celebrate. The most memorable one was 2009. I made six pounds of mussels in a spicy tomato marinara sauce, Swiss chard and collard greens with diced bacon, and goat cheese smashed sweet potatoes. We also had about seven bottles of wine. Whenever I go back to Montreal I love doing the same thing, which is just trying to get my entire family under one roof because we’re just absolute crazies! This year I think Bianka and I are actually going to be in Mississauga for New Year’s. We’re going to my parent’s from December 21st to the 25th and then we’ll head to her parent’s for Christmas night probably through to New Year’s.”
Read more
Changing Spots
December 5, 2012 by Madeline Stephenson
Filed under Fashion
Whether you’re standing under the mistletoe or the office glow, these outfits will ensure you’re always in the spotlight. One of the perks to imperfect weather is the plush, patterned fashion that tends to trend this time of the year. Add a little spice to your wardrobe with these haute holiday pieces.
1. Zippers, studs and houndstooth coats make the coldest winter months worth it.
www.soakedinluxury.com
2. This beaded miniskirt gives Tinseltown new meaning. An unexpected biker jacket kicks this look into full gear.
www.zara.com
3. Shake up the classic holiday ensemble by sporting a sequined, embroidered cardigan over an oriental print chiffon blouse. Slip into seamed jeans and go get your jollies.
www.zara.com
Read more
It’s a Vaughanderful Life
December 3, 2012 by Amanda Storey
Filed under Special Features
There’s no need to hibernate — oodles of winter activities are calling your name, and they’re all just around the bend.
Black Creek Pioneer Village
Step back in time and discover the rustic simplicity of a pioneer Christmas. Black Creek Pioneer Village invites you to celebrate with traditional candlelit dinners, Victorian-style ballroom dances, taffy pulls and more.
www.blackcreek.ca
Uplands Ski Centre
Hit the Alps — without leaving town! Uplands Ski Centre, Vaughan’s hidden winter wonderland, gives families a safe environment to make a day of dashing through the snow.
www.uplandsgolfandski.com
Supervised Outdoor Skating Rinks
It’s like a scene from The Bishop’s Wife: skates laced, scarf wrapped and hands clasped to your significant other’s. Give your holiday a playful spin by hitting the ice at Nathan Phillips Square or Woodbridge’s Chancellor Park.
www.toronto.ca
Read more
Dr. Mark Fava: Eyes above Toronto
December 3, 2012 by Advertorial
Filed under Special Features
There’s more to Dr. Mark Fava than meets the eye. Educated in prestigious universities across Canada and taking the road less travelled to the U.S. to further pursue his passion for eye health, the born-and-raised Vaughan native is now a leading authority in ophthalmology. And where better to cultivate his homegrown skills than the place where he first envisioned a future in medicine. “My roots are here,” explains Dr. Fava, who recently left Boston to debut an innovative, full-service practice in Vaughan. “Eyes Above Toronto represents my homecoming.”
Introducing a new generation of eye care to the city, Eyes Above Toronto fuses a patient-driven approach with state-of-the-art procedures. Fitted with the most advanced diagnostic equipment and medical technologies to treat the tertiary stage of eye disease, the clinic welcomes patients with friendly staff members and a warm, comforting environment. Among its star technologies is the iLASIK platform, a revolutionary bladeless procedure in laser vision correction that reshapes the cornea to correct your vision. Safe and painless, the sophisticated procedure is also efficient, requiring about 10 minutes per eye and one weekend of recovery time. “We’re giving patients not just the freedom from glasses, but the ability to see the world,” says Dr. Fava, who coedited Cornea and Refractive Atlas of Clinical Wisdom (2011), a medical book that shares invaluable clinical experience from authoritative voices in cornea and refractive surgery. “It’s quite an amazing experience to wake up in the morning and not scramble to find your glasses because you can now see.”
Read more
15th Annual Mane Event
December 3, 2012 by City Life Staff
Filed under People & Places
Solo Bace Salon, April Maloney Salon, Lift Salon and Bob and Paige Salon hosted this year’s Annual Mane Event fundraiser. Proceeds from hair care services, a raffle, silent auction and direct donations raised $32,000 for The Teresa Group, a community-based charitable organization serving children and their families affected by HIV or AIDS. Steve Roy, founder of the Mane Event and stylist at Solo Bace Salon, explains that the well-being of innocent children fuels his passion for the cause. “It’s for the kids,” he says.
Michael Luisi Couture Fashion Show
December 3, 2012 by City Life Staff
Filed under People & Places
On Nov. 18, 2012, more than 400 people filled Montecassino Banquet and Event Venue in Woodbridge for the Michael Luisi Fashion for a Cause on the Runway. Haute couture, live music and refreshing fare made the joys of giving back even more enjoyable. Hosted by Michael Luisi Couture, the event raised funds and awareness for the Children’s Wish Foundation of Cananda.
The Joy Of Aging 2012
December 3, 2012 by City Life Staff
Filed under People & Places
With over 350 attendees, The Joy of Aging 2012 raised funds for Mackenzie Health Foundation. Tina Tehranchian and Janine Purves were the co-chairs. Erin Davis was the master of ceremonies and Rona Maynard was the keynote speaker.
Believe Committee Gala For Sickkids
December 3, 2012 by City Life Staff
Filed under People & Places
On Nov. 9, 2012, the Believe committee hosted its 6th Annual Red Carpet Affair in support of SickKids Foundation at the Venetian Banquet Hall. Helping to raise $20,000, guests enjoyed entertainment by Enrico Gallante, Christian Boni and DJ Marco Del Biondi. The Believe committee would like to thank all guests for their continued support, and for believing in SickKids.
Covenant House “Sleep Out”
December 3, 2012 by City Life Staff
Filed under People & Places
Dragons’ Den’s Arlene Dickinson, Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair, Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke and other well-intentioned leaders slept out on the streets of downtown Toronto to raise awareness on homeless youth. The inaugural “Sleep Out” raised $530,000 for kids at Covenant House’s youth shelter.
The Big Give
December 3, 2012 by City Life Staff
Filed under People & Places
Elizabeth Grant Skin Care presented THE BIG GIVE on Nov. 7, 2012, at Toronto’s Berkeley Church. Hosting 650 young professionals and raising close to $30,000, the event supported Canadian cancer charity Look Good Feel Better. Delicious food and beverages were provided by Frozen Assets, Elle Cuisine, Qualifirst Foods, Cupcake Culture, Three Olives Vodka, Corona and Rosehall Run Vineyards as The Little Black Dress, The Apollo Effect, Black Mink and DJ Jody Litvack entertained guests.