My Blissful Facial at the Annex Spa

My first experience at The Annex Spa is a successful one that leaves me relaxed and looking rested.the_annex_spaWhen I get an email notification for my 60 minute customized facial, I say to my husband, “what can she possibly do to my face for an entire hour?”

I have been invited by one of The Annex Spa’s aesthetician’s Heidi for a facial and I am pretty excited. Who doesn’t love a spa treatment? Continue reading

Kingston Christmas Gift Guide: For the Princess

‘Tis the season to hit the stores for all sorts of gifts – whether it be for kids, friends, colleagues or bosses – we’re all searching for the perfect present. Thoughtful but not trying and affordable but not cheap. What better way to celebrate Kingston’s wonderful local businesses than by allowing them help you finish your holiday shopping.

I’ve picked a few of my favourite places in town and listed them under categories for Christmas shopping inspiration.

This edition is for the friend who’s life motto is “treat yourself.” Treat them to a photo shoot, a trip to the spa, a hair appointment (who doesn’t love those scalp massages?) or a shiny new piece of locally-made jewelry.

See more local gift ideas!

Continue reading

Kingston Christmas Gift Guide: For the Decor Lover

‘Tis the season to hit the stores for all sorts of gifts – whether it be for kids, friends, colleagues or bosses – we’re all searching for the perfect present. Thoughtful but not trying and affordable but not cheap. What better way to celebrate Kingston’s wonderful local businesses than by allowing them help you finish your holiday shopping.

I’ve picked a few of my favourite places in town and listed them under categories for Christmas shopping inspiration.

This edition is for the friend who loves to fill their home with unique pieces, one of these spots will have something for them. Whether it be a fur lamp shade, studded picture frame or one-of-a-kind decorative mirror – there will be something that will make you say, “oh that is so (insert name here)!”

See more local gift ideas!
Continue reading

Kingston Christmas Gift Guide: For the Foodie

‘Tis the season to hit the stores for all sorts of gifts – whether it be for kids, friends, colleagues or bosses – we’re all searching for the perfect present. Thoughtful but not trying and affordable but not cheap. What better way to celebrate Kingston’s wonderful local businesses than by allowing them help you finish your holiday shopping.

I’ve picked a few of my favourite places in town and listed them under categories for Christmas shopping inspiration.

This edition is for the Foodie in your life, the friend who appreciates cooking or enjoying a great meal. Gifts from these spots are bound to impress! Continue reading

Bread 101 at Riva Restaurant

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

This week I was pleasantly surprised with the most thoughtful birthday treat by two very close friends. They told me to set aside my Tuesday night with no details of the plans.

After work we drive east on the 401 get off at Joyceville and continue on Highway 2. I have absolutely no clue where we are headed until I see the “Welcome to Gananoque” sign. Then I think, “Riva?” Riva is one of Gananoque’s greatest foodie attractions – I’ve heard amazing things! Continue reading

Fuel Up

When I get into a good workout routine, I automatically shift into health mode. “No, I don’t want that egg mcmuffin. I’d rather sip on a kale smoothie” I convince myself.

Well, recently one Sunday morning after spin class  I have a hankering for some real nutrients and I am starving. I remember walking by a smoothie spot just a week before and I am curious. As I stroll up Princess street I spy the sign, “Fuel.” “Fitting name, that’s exactly what I need!” I think. I walk into the very sleek looking locally-owned juice/smoothie bar and I am greeted by a very friendly face. Continue reading

Have You Tried Sally’s Roti Shop?

Curry. Delicious curry. When I moved from Toronto friends would inquire, “How are you going to get your curry fix?” I’ll admit that I was a little concerned as Kingston has quite a few Thai/Cambodian restaurants and a couple of Indian restaurants that offer fantastic curry dishes but one of my favourite types of curry dishes is in the west-indian category. Specifically, the Trinidadian kind – roti. Continue reading

Why Bella Bistro’s Burgers are the Best

Screen shot 2015-11-01 at 1.49.00 PM
Bella Bistro
. This understated, west-end restaurant found on the corner of Collins Bay and Bath road is one of the most unassuming, down-to-earth spaces I’ve ever eaten in but the food is beyond delicious and thoughtfully prepared. If you’re going to use that old motto your mother taught you, “don’t judge a book by its cover” Use it here. Bella Bistro keeps it simple in the decor department and goes above and beyond when it comes to food preparation. When you think about it, that’s the way it should be, right? Continue reading

15 TIPS TO SURVIVE QUEEN’S HOMECOMING

Queen’s Homecoming. It means different things to different Kingstonians. Some roll their eyes at the chaos that is about to ensue, others can’t wait to cheer from the stands Saturday afternoon.

For the freshmen who have just settled into student life, the words “Queen’s Homecoming” mean lots of anticipation for what to expect from  the weekend that has made headlines around the world. Who remembers the infamous flipped car? Continue reading

How Do You Like Dem Apples? My Trip to Waddell

Crisp mornings, layered clothing and pumpkin-flavoured everything – Fall is in the air! Although it doesn’t officially begin until September 23, it only feels natural to start the new season with a trip to the apple orchard.

Friends and I head north on a cool – but sunny – Sunday morning towards Wadell Apples off Hwy 15. Their orchard has quite a few visitors when we arrive in the early afternoon but there’s enough space that it doesn’t feel crowded. After a quick rundown of the types of available apples – MacIntosh, Lobo and a few Redcourt – we are handed a bag that generally holds ten pounds of apples and we’re on our way. They only have bags, so if you prefer a basket – bring your own. Continue reading