We’ve rounded up the best places to get donuts in Toronto for when your sweet tooth hits. From organic, vegan bakeries offering an array of gourmet goodies to a blush pink donut shop specializing in a simplistic approach to your favourite treat, you’re not going to want to miss these Toronto donut spots!
Here are places to get the best donuts in Toronto.
Glory Hole Doughnuts
When it comes to doughnuts, it doesn’t get much better than Glory Hole. Serving up gourmet handmade doughnuts made fresh every day, Glory Hole’s menu changes seasonally to ensure they use only the best local product. From Ferrero Rocher to London Fog, Hibiscus Glaze and Vanilla Sprinkle, there are plenty of intoxicating flavours to choose from at Glory Hole!
Tori’s Bakeshop
With two locations (the Beaches and the Canary District), Tori’s Bakeshop offers organic, vegan baked goods, including their melt-in-your-mouth doughnuts. Committed to creating delicious goodies with whole foods and toxic-free products, you can rest assured that you’re eating clean when it comes to your afternoon treat. With options like Lavender London Fog, S’Mores, and their famous pink sprinkle Vanilla, you’re sure to find a doughnut (or three) you love!
Cops Doughnuts
Cleverly named, Cops is a simplistic blush-coloured spot serving up mini doughnuts and drip coffee. Launched by the same people behind Baddies, and open every day but Sunday, you can get house-made Tiny Toms style donuts in two varieties: Cinnamon sugar and glaze. All doughnuts are topped with a pinch of Himalayan pink sea salt for a little extra huzzah.
Von Doughnuts
Offering fresh, handmade gourmet doughnuts, and a selection of coffee and organic teas, Von Doughnuts is the place to be when you have a sugar craving. With new doughnuts available every day of the week, choose from such options as the Homer Simpson, Sangria, Caramel Salt N’ Pepa and Raspberry Rush. Along with their doughnuts, all of their icings, fillings, custards, and jams are made in-house from scratch, so you can feel good while you indulge!
Bloomers
Another vegan bakery taking Toronto by storm, Bloomers is never in short supply of mouth-watering doughnuts. Also available in other locations across the city (Fresh, The Cold Pressery and Quantum Coffee to name a few), you can find a Bloomers doughnut whenever a craving hits. And don’t forget to try some of their coconut doughnut holes or a slice of their doughnut bread pudding!
MACHINO DONUTS
Machino Donuts are made from plant-based ingredients as well as fried in 100% vegetable oil. Everything at this shop is vegan while still being super fluffy and delicious.
The Rolling Pin
Winners of the Food Network’s “Donut Showdown” The Rolling Pin is known for their delicious made-from-scratch gourmet doughnuts. Using only the highest quality ingredients, you can try everything from the Berry Hungover to the Sweet Baby Back Bacon to the Nutella, and don’t forget to check if they have the Chef’s Special, a funnel cake doughnut they bring out from time to time!
Donut Hive
You’re going to want to grab a bunch of these! Donut Hive offers a variety of filled donuts with flavours like brownie, apple pie, salted caramel, and more! Plus, if you’re not into the filled centers, you can choose from the handful of non-filled treats.
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One of the best parts of adulting is outfitting your apartment in gorgeous home decor and accessories. You know you’re getting older when spending your money on things like throw pillows and macrame wall hangings suddenly become more important than your next liquor run. Everyone wants a space that feels like home and also has guests in awe when they step inside.
If you’re tired of the typical home decor spots, check out these underrated places to shop home decor online.
BRIKA
If you’re in the market for unique, well-crafted pieces by lesser-known artisans, you’re going to love BRIKA. With two brick-and-mortar stores that display a handful of their artists, online you can find the full gamut of whimsical home items. Offering everything from beautiful ceramic mugs to organic cotton throw pillows and colourful dinner plates, BRIKA offers a beautiful and affordable place to outfit your apartment.
Cambie Design
Cambie Design offers well-made home goods sourced from Peru, Morocco, and Canada. Their emphasis is on environmentally conscious and affordable materials that are made into beautiful designs for the home. From their custom-made signature blankets to stunning handmade cushion covers, intention candles, and more, there are plenty of home decor pieces to fall in love with.
Umbra
While Umbra is internationally known, the home decor and furniture brand started right here in Canada. Many of the pieces you’ll find at Umbra are actually designed at the flagship store in Toronto. Online, you’ll find the brand’s entire selection of functional, sleek, and modern home accessories, including jewelry displays, organization, mirrors, frames, and much more. If you’re looking for standout pieces that won’t cost a fortune, this is the online store to visit.
Structube
If you love the look of modern home furniture but are usually thrown off by the price tag, Structube has you covered. Offering contemporary and modern furniture and accessories, you can find couches for under $600, pendant lighting under $50 (and some even under $20), and wall art and paintings at competitive costs. A step up from IKEA, without a major price jump, make Structube your new go-to.
H&M Home
H&M has been a go-to fashion hub for as long as we can remember, but after they launched their home line in 2014 and made all their products available online in 2016, it was like all our shopping wishes came true. H&M’s affordable prices carry through from their fashion line to their home collection. You can find gorgeous patterned rugs for under $50 and plenty of kitchenware and glassware that looks upscale but won’t break the bank.
Spruce
Sourcing home items from North America, as well as cool vintage products, Spruce is an offline and online shop where you can find beautiful and unique home pieces. From velvet table runners to palm tree candle holders, macrame wall hangings, and so much more, it’s the perfect place to get a treat for your apartment.
Indigo
Indigo may be Canada’s largest bookstore, but it also sells amazing home decor pieces, all of which you can find online. With an entire home section filled with everything from picture frames to entertaining pieces to furniture and storage solutions, Indigo is a one-stop home shop!
Wayfair
When Wayfair hit the scene, the entire home decor game changed. Not only is it one of the first online-only home decor stores, they have home goods for all styles and budgets, making it easy for everyone to find something they love. Not to mention, you get free shipping when you spend over $75.
Black Rooster Decor
Black Rooster Decor is a Toronto-based store run by a husband and wife team. The store offers unique and eye-catching contemporary lighting, home accessories, wall art, rugs, and so much more. Each piece you’ll find online is thoughtfully curated and you’ll also find the Jonathan Adler collection, which Black Rooster is the exclusive Canadian dealer for.
Bouclair
For over 50 years, the family business, Bouclair, has proudly helped countless Canadians decorate their homes with the latest styles at affordable prices. The team of in-house designers in Montreal constantly develops collections of stylish furnishings and home accents that are available in-stores and online.
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Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to save more money this year? The best way to save is to plan ahead! Take a look at how to maximize your savings this year by buying your favourite items at prime times.
Here’s a guide to the best things to buy every month of the year.
January
Fitness equipment
Fitness equipment often goes on sale in January since retailers are very aware of people’s New Year’s resolutions to get healthy and fit.
Linens
January is one of the best months to buy new linens as white sales are a tradition the first month of the year.
February
Winter apparel
With the winter coming to an end, in February you’ll find that seasonal apparel is discounted as retailers are getting their shelves ready for spring apparel. Canadian winters last at least another month, so it’s the perfect time to take advantages of the sales!
TVs
TVs are also known to go on sale in February, so if you need a new Netflix player, now is the time to buy.
March
Tax software
With tax day coming up at the end of April, you can find discounted tax software and tax-prep items in March to prepare for busy tax season.
Luggage
Have any trips planned this year? March is the time to buy luggage since it goes on sale due to spring break and people traveling south to get out of the cold.
April
Summer air travel
April is the prime time to get your hands on discounted summer air travel. If you plan to take a trip this summer, wait until April to get the best deals!
Vacuums
April is also the first full month of spring, which means items like vacuums and other household cleaning items get discounted with spring cleaning sales!
May
Appliances
Big appliances like refrigerators usually go on sale in May in preparation of new models being released come summertime.
Mattresses
By the end of April, new mattress models have typically hit the stores, which means you can score deals on an older model.
June
Gym memberships
If you’re looking to get a new gym membership, June may be the best month to do so. Since many people opt to work out outside in the summer, you’ll find gyms giving discounts to drive up their sales.
Lingerie
Victoria’s Secret holds their semi-annual sale in June, so it’s a good month to stock up on your lingerie!
July
Summer apparel
Summer apparel clearance sales start happening in July since retailers start bringing their fall collections out in August. Plan ahead for next year or any warm winter travels you have in the books!
Home decor and furniture
New furniture models are usually released in August, so you can get your hands on discounted last season items in July. As the season changes to fall, you’ll also find “summer” home decor items going on sale.
August
Swimsuits
With August being the final month of summer, swimsuits always go on sale. Stock up for next summer now, you’ll be so happy you did!
Laptops, computers and office supplies
You don’t have to be going back to school to take advantage of the awesome sales on laptops, computers and office supplies that happen in August!
September
Apple products
New Apple products (especially iPhones) are known to be released in September. Although you may not get a discount on the new products, many retailers are looking to offer deals to make the sale. Plus, current items drop in price, so if you’re good with an older model, get your hands on one in September.
Denim
Denim is a quintessential fall staple, and with so many retailers launching denim for fall, many put their denim on sale in September to stay ahead of the game.
October
Patio furniture
Patio season is coming to a close, so naturally, patio furniture is discounted. If your patio needs some love, outfit it in October.
Off-season travel
October is one of the cheapest times to travel because it’s the off-season. If you’re in need of a getaway and are on a budget, travel in October!
November
Electronics and big ticket items
You know what November means. That’s right, Black Friday, the biggest sale of the year. If you’re in the market for new electronics or other big ticket items, wait until Black Friday deals to make your purchases.
Halloween costumes, candy and decorations
Post-Halloween you can get all your spooky goodies for next year. Except for the candy. Eat the candy now.
December
Christmas decorations, wrapping paper, holiday cards, etc.
Everything from Christmas decorations to trees to wrapping paper drops in price on December 24.
Treat yourself on boxing day
On Boxing Day, retailers offer deals on everything from apparel and furniture to shoes and cameras. If you’ve had your eye on something for yourself after the busy gifting season of December, Boxing Day is your day!
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Winter blues got you down? We’ve got just the remedy – six to be exact! We’ve rounded up the dreamiest Ontario getaways to cheer you up this season. Just because the temperature has dropped and the days get dark so early, doesn’t mean you should hibernate in your apartment. The winter can be a magical time if you spend it in the right place!
Whether you’re craving a completely restful vacay or are looking for an adventurous winter escape, these six Ontario getaways are sure to cure your winter blues.
And if you’ve already checked these six off your list, check out these 10 winter wonderland getaways. Happy travels!
Wine Country Experience at Inn on The Twenty
Instagram/ @fernwehsociety
Escape to Ontario’s premier wine country and enjoy a stay at Inn on the Twenty in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Each guest room features a fireplace and soaker tub so you can relax after a day of wine tasting and exploring. With over 20 wineries, two distilleries and several craft breweries, plus plenty of boutiques, markets and restaurants, Twenty Valley is the ideal winter getaway spot. The inn itself houses its own restaurant as well as a spa for all your rejuvenation needs.
Location: Niagara-on-the-Lake
Hours from Toronto: 1 hour 15 min
Prices: Rooms start at $169 plus tax and service
Get Cozy at the Northridge Inn
Instagram/ @thenorthridgeinn
Bustled in the heart of Muskoka, Northridge Inn and Spa is known for its picturesque views and cozy accommodations. Choose from lakeside chalets and charming suites, each one with a wood burning fireplace so you can unwind with a glass of vino. Muskoka is an amazing winter destination, offering activities ranging from snowshoeing to cross-country skiing. After a day in the snow, you can have a drink at the inn’s Copper Fox Lounge before retreating to your toasty oasis.
Location: Muskoka
Hours from Toronto: 3 hours
Prices: Rooms start at $200 plus tax and service
Go Quaint at The Edward
Instagram/ @theedwardpec
With just three luxury suites in the inn, The Edward in Prince Edward County is perfect if you’re looking for a quiet and quaint getaway. Each room was designed for relaxation so you can sleep peacefully and wake up to a gourmet breakfast, made fresh daily. During the day you can explore all Prince Edward County has to offer, from wineries to Sandbanks to Picton’s main street filled with cafes, restaurants and shops. Head to The Vic Cafe for lunch and the Drake Devonshire Inn for dinner for some truly delicious eats.
Location: Picton, Prince Edward County
Hours from Toronto: 2 hours 40 min
Prices: Rooms start at $205 plus tax and service
Ski Getaway at Crest View Chalet (Airbnb)
Image: Aribnb
Looking to get away with a group of friends? This luxury Scandinavian log home will help you escape in style. Close to Calabogie Peaks ski hill and looking over Calabogie lake, you can spend your time skiing, snowboarding, ice fishing or snowmobiling and retreat to the chalet to warm up by the fire. Calabogie Village is a tiny picturesque town that you can explore by foot if skiing and ice fishing aren’t your thing.
Location: Calabogie
Hours from Toronto: 4 hours 20 mins
Prices: Rooms start at $265 plus services fees
Ultimate Relaxation at Craigleith Manor Bed & Breakfast
Instagram/ @scarfonephoto
Rated as one of the top 25 B&Bs in Canada, Craigleith Manor is nestled between Georgian Bay and the Blue Mountains, offering plenty of outdoor winter activities for your stay. The boutique bed and breakfast has only three rooms, so you can be sure your getaway will be as private and relaxing as can be. They’re a preferred accommodation partner of Scandinave Spa, a quick 5-minute drive away, so you can make the most of your R&R.
Location: Collingwood
Hours from Toronto: 2 hours
Prices: Rooms start at $200 plus tax and service
Winter Wonderland at Elora Mill Hotel & Spa
Instagram/ @elora_mill
The town of Elora is one of Ontario’s most beautiful villages, perched on the edge of a stunning gorge and sitting along the banks of the Grand and Irvine river. Any nature-lover will be enchanted by Elora’s natural beauty and old world charm. Century-old buildings have been transformed into restaurants, galleries and gift shops, so you can explore the town before coming back to your restful, luxury suite at the Elora Mill hotel. With winter packages available through March 31st, you can cozy up in your room or head to the spa for a seriously blissful experience.
Location: Elora
Hours from Toronto: 2 hours
Prices: Rooms start at $450 plus tax and service
Featured image: Instagram/ @thenorthridgeinn
There’s no shortage of culinary marvels in Toronto. Multicultural, varying price points, and completely mouth-watering, Toronto’s food scene doesn’t disappoint. And in 2018, we were graced with even more amazing restaurants to add to our roster. Enough with the intro, let’s get to the good stuff.
Here are the top 7 Toronto restaurant openings this year.
Sara
Instagram/ @fooddudes
The newest restaurant by The Food Dudes, Sara opened its doors in October 2018. The 60-seat sister restaurant to Rasa sits on Portland near Adelaide in the heart of the King West district. Inspired by Japanese simplicity (Sara means “little plates” in Japanese,) and created with only the finest locally-sourced ingredients, Sara’s plates have already made their mark in the city. Jalapeno cucumber hamachi bites, Shanghai pork dumplings, and Pei aged rib eye offer just a glimpse of Sara’s delicious menu.
Seoul Shakers
Instagram/ @seoulshakersclub
A South American snack bar in the Bloordale area, Seoul Shakers is Leemo Han’s newest venture. The menu boasts Korean dishes with South American flair. Think Beef tartare topped with mongo squid sashimi and fried eggplant in a spicy sweet soy glaze. Open Monday through Saturday from 6 pm to 2 am, it’s the place to go for a feel-good dinner or a post-bar late night snack.
Alobar
Instagram/@elitegenmag
Created by the same people behind Alo and Aloette, Alobar is more than just a bar. The restaurant and cocktail bar, which is situated in Yorkville, offers an array of classically-inspired cocktails, brandies, wines, as well as classic upscale dining. On the menu, visitors will find mouth-watering options like torched hamachi, beef shortrib, Ontario lamb, and more, as well as Alo’s much-raved about Parker House rolls.
Le Swan
Instagram/@leswanfrenchdiner
Reimagined by Toronto restauranteur Jen Agg, this French diner, located at 892 Queen St. West, features some of the best comfort food in town. The menu boasts bistro classics and French-inspired dishes like French onion soup, beef (cheek) bourguignon, steak frites, mashed potatoes, meatloaf, and more.
Giulietta
Instagram/@giulietta972
If you’re looking for an upscale Italian eatery, look no further than Giulietta. Offerings include fresh pasta, pizza, meat and seafood dishes, all created by celebrated chef Rob Rossi. And diners can look forward to showstoppers like grilled octopus with white beans and herbed olive oil and sardinian culurgiones. Find Giulietta, which was recently named one of Canada’s top new restaurants, nestled at 972 College St.
Momofuku K?jin
Instagram/@hrhshayray
Located on the third floor of Momofuku (190 University Ave.), Kojin is the latest addition to David Chang’s family. But unlike Noodle Bar and the now-defunct Daisho and Shoto, Kojin offers diners a Latin American-inspired menu, which highlights Ontario’s finest seasonal ingredients. While the menu changes daily, here you can expect to nosh on shareable plates like the house made corn flatbread (which is paired with a variety of different accoutrements), or splurge on Ontario-sourced steaks (pictured in the featured image) and made-in-house sausage.
Featured image: Instagram/@momofukutoronto
If you’re planning a big night out on New Year’s eve, you better be making brunch plans for New Year’s day. While some restaurants close their doors for the holidays, others stay open with NYE hangovers in mind. Why make yourself food when you can lazily get out of bed and make your way over to one of these awesome places instead?
Here are 8 brunch restaurants open on New Years 2019 in Toronto. You’re welcome.
Pray Tell
Instagram/@praytellbar
From 11am to 3pm, you can enjoy Pray Tell’s brunch menu on January 1st. Choose from dishes like French toast topped with raspberries and hazelnuts, pork belly eggs Benedict, and salmon and eggs. You can also get sides of hash browns, a slice of French toast, or maple belly if you’re feeling extra hungry.
Lady Marmalade
Instagram/@muishu
One of Toronto’s most-loved brunch restaurants, you’ll be happy to know Lady Marmalade is open for brunch until 3 pm on New Year’s day. Their menu boasts hangover-friendly plates like A.M. poutine made with home fries, huevo rancheritos, and cheddar and spinach waffles. And if you’re feeling an eggs Benedict, you can get their signature eggs benny or you can build your own.
Mildred’s Temple Kitchen
Instagram/@dreasfooddiary
From now to January 1st, Mildred’s Temple Kitchen hosts their 7 days of brunchmas where you can enjoy their brunch menu from 9am to 3pm every day. Keep in mind, there’s no reservations, but you can be sure it will be worth the wait. From their famous blueberry buttermilk pancakes, to the big brunch skillet with spicy pulled pork, black beans and potato hash with eggs sunny, it’s a brunch you don’t want to miss!
7 West Cafe
Instagram/@7west_to
Open 24/7 365 days a year, you can count on 7 West Cafe to be your NYE hangover cure. Depending on what you’re feeling the day of, you can opt for a ham and egg bagel, an omelette or a classic breakfast with eggs, home fries, sausage, and toast. And if you’re up for something more hearty, they have an array of pastas, pizzas, and sandwiches to enjoy all day.
The Good Fork
Instagram/@torontofoodvampire
If you’re into brunch dishes like red velvet pancakes, steak n’ duck eggs, and smoke salmon eggs benny, you’re going to want to head to The Good Fork on January 1st. Open until 3 pm, make your way over with a group of friends to reminisce about the night before. Oh, and they also have an epic caesar if you believe in the hair of the dog.
The Lakeview
Instagram/@rach.dacosta
Serving up your favourite greasy meals all day long, The Lakeview is a Toronto classic. Choose from a Montreal bagel with butter, jam or peanut butter, freedom toast with peameal bacon, brie and havarti, eggs benny, and so much more. They have 24 hour brunch, so you can get your fix whenever you finally roll out of bed.
Dirty Food
Instagram/@dirtyfoodto
From 10am to 4pm, you can get Dirty Food’s “Hangover Brunch,” and as one of Toronto’s premiere brunch restaurants, would you really expect any less? All brunch items are served with fries, home fries, spicy fries or greens, and you have your pick of everything from chicken n’ waffles to fried green tomato grilled cheese.
The Hollandaise Diner
Instagram/@hollandaisediner
The Hollandaise Diner knows how to do brunch, and luckily for us, they’re open from 9am to 3pm on New Year’s day. No surprise here, their menu is chock full of eggs bennies layered with their signature hollandaise sauce, plus other brunch favourites like pancakes, breakfast poutines and frittatas.
Featured image: Instagram/@linglam_eats
We always want to end the year with a bang, but if you’re not careful, you can end up spending an arm and a leg on one night of New Year’s Eve fun. If you’re determined to head into 2019 with some cash in your pocket, a free NYE event is the way to go! Luckily, there are a bunch of Toronto events that have kept your wallet in mind.
From DJ skating parties to a beautiful winter light exhibition, dance parties, fireworks and more, there are tons of free events on New Year’s Eve.
Winter at Ontario Place
Instagram/ @ontarioplace
In the winter, Ontario Place turns into a winter wonderland. A stroll through their various exhibitions and activities is the ideal way to have a no-spend NYE. Make sure to plan your time accordingly as you can enjoy skating, the snack shop and the bonfire until 9 pm, and then you can enjoy the winter light exhibition and fairy lights as you welcome the New Year!
DJ Skate Night at Harbourfront Centre
Instagram/ @harbourfrontcentre
Harbourfront is known for their amazing DJ skate nights and New Year’s Eve is no exception. Admission is free, and skate and helmet rentals are available if you don’t have your own. This year’s NYE skating party will feature tunes by DJ Titan of Nth Degree Entertainment Group. What could be more fun than ringing in the new year on ice? On NYE, skate night goes until 1 am.
NYE at Nathan Phillips Square
Instagram/ @nathanphillipssquare
From 8 pm to midnight, you can enjoy an array of winter activities at Nathan Phillips Square. From DJ skating parties, to live musical performances, and a fireworks show, you can ring in the New Year in style. The DJ acts for the night include DJ Money Jane and DJ Mel Boogie, and the musical performers are LIZA, Cadence Weapon and DJ NDN. As always, there will be an epic countdown at midnight, featuring a magical fireworks display.
The Ballroom NYE
Instagram/ @foreigncitymusicto
Head to The Ballroom on New Year’s Eve for free entry and spins by DJ Thugli. With two levels of pub/club fun, you can head to the dance floor, hang at the bar, play some pool, or book a lane to bowl. Bowling will cost you though, so if you want a totally free NYE, stick to the dance floor!
NYE at Swan Dive
Instagram/ @swandiveto
If you want to dance the night away on New Year’s Eve, head to Swan Dive on Dundas Street West for no cover, cheap drinks and music all night long. Boogie to tunes by DJ Shirley Tempo, who will be playing everything from pop to soul and of course, a few guilty pleasures. This is a banger you don’t want to miss.
3030 Dundas Street West
Instagram/ @3030dundaswest
3030 Dundas Street West knows how to throw a party, and on New Year’s Eve admission is free and DJ Corey Dawkins will be spinning starting at 10:30 pm and bringing guests into the New Year! If you’re into hip-hop, reggae and RnB, this is the place to be for NYE!
NYE After Party at Weslodge
Instagram/ @weslodge
Need somewhere to ring in the new year after your dinner plans? Head to Weslodge to enjoy the countdown with live entertainment, complimentary bubbles at midnight, and more! With a ticket, you’re guaranteed access to the party, but not a reserved table, so get there early if you want a place to sit!
Featured image: Instagram/ @nathanphillipssquare
There may be no better place to step up your Instagram game than the city of Toronto. From pretty restaurants to trendy cafes and streets full of architecture reminiscent of Europe, Toronto is the epitome of an Instagrammable city. Not to mention unique and gorgeous stores that are nearly impossible not to snap photos at.
From Peace Collective on Ossington to The Apartment on Gerrard, take a look at the most Instagrammable stores in Toronto!
Peace Collective (Ossington)
Instagram/ @peacetreatsco
It’s no secret that everyone in Toronto is proud AF to live here. With that in mind, Peace Collective’s flagship store on Ossington created a bright, colourful and completely Instagrammable space inspired by Toronto. With murals of Toronto-born rappers, Drake and The Weeknd and a neon “Home is Toronto” sign, it’s staked its claim as one of the city’s favourite stores. Not to mention, they have a very Instagrammable dessert bar serving up super extra milkshakes.
Crown Flora Studio
Instagram/ @janiejliu
Crown Flora may be known as one of Toronto’s premier flower shops, but it’s also the perfect place to snap a photo. With a pink brick exterior wall lined with the most gorgeous plants, it’s hard not to stop and pose for the ‘gram.
Restoration Hardware
Instagram/ @thebikiniboss
Restoration Hardware has been flooding Torontonians’ Instagram feeds since it opened, and it’s no wonder why. Located in Yorkdale shopping mall, the Restoration Hardware gallery commands four levels and 70,000 square feet in total. So yes, there are lots of spots to get gorgeous photos. Filled with beautifully decorated showrooms, a courtyard cafe, and a rooftop park and conservatory, you could easily spend a whole day taking photos here.
John Fluevog (Queen Street)
Instagram/ @denizyy
Not only is John Fluevog known for their unique shoe designs, but they also have one of the most Instagrammable stores in Toronto. Starting off with a location on Queen Street, they opened a second shop in the Distillery District in 2013 to keep up with demand. Their Queen Street store is a former bank vault which they transformed into the world’s first ever gravity-defying Vog Vault (a replica of a vintage photo of John that’s found in every store), that Fluevogers can make their own
Everything is Ease
Instagram/ @kathrynmac
A shop focusing on modern womenswear, Everything is Ease has a magical pastel interior and so many beautiful products inside. From colourful sunglasses and pretty vases to gorgeous succulents and candles, there are tons of photo ops to take advantage of around the store!
The Apartment
Instagram/ @lapetitenoob
The Apartment offers gorgeous photo ops inside and out. Located on Gerrard Street East, it sells vintage boho furniture and decor. Snap a few shots on their seating areas inside, and take advantage of their pretty exterior storefront. And make sure to pick up a few new things for your apartment while you’re there!
Cocktail Emporium (Kensington)
Instagram/ @thetravellingtrendsetter
The pretty pink exterior of the Cocktail Emporium in Kensington has become a Toronto staple on Instagram. The paint may be chipped but the noteworthy “Cocktail Emporium” sign, pretty white trim and gold cocktail stand totally make up for it.
May Flowers
Instagram/ @lipstickandmuffingirl
May Flowers is a flower shop and cafe that offers locally-sourced flowers and Vietnamese coffee. The exterior of the shop is decorated with lush greenery and a charming little seating area, so be sure to snap a few photos when you get there or when you’re leaving with your beautiful bouquet.
Featured image: Instagram/ @thebikiniboss
Wondering what to get the foodie on your list? We’ve rounded up 11 awesome items, perfect to gift your favourite food-loving friend.
Whether they’re a foodie who loves to entertain and cook for others, is obsessed with trying out new, delicious recipes, or is looking for new fun kitchen accessories, we’ve covered it all!
The person on your list is going to love these 11 amazing gifts for foodies!
Personalized Engraved Cutting Board
Image: Etsy
A custom engraved cutting board is one of the most perfect gifts for any food lover on your list. This handmade board is made of natural wood and is engraved with a beautiful design of your choice for a gorgeous cutting board that will make anyone swoon. Gift it to a foodie who loves to entertain so they can make a beautiful statement cutting and chopping on this charcuterie board!
OCNi Seasoning Sticks
Image: AGO
A handy pack of seasoning sticks, this bundle is perfect for foodies who are looking to add some delicious flavouring to their dishes. With flavours including lime, ginger and black garlic, plus a sharpener, it’s an ideal and thoughtful gift! Just make sure they invite you over when they use them!
Half Baked Harvest Cookbook
Image: Chapters
Some foodies love to try out new restaurants, while others love to whip up their own meals at home. If you’re gifting to the latter, the Half Baked Harvest cookbook is sure to earn you brownie points. There’s a recipe for everyone in this soul-satisfying, comfort food cookbook, and with striking photography accompanying every recipe, it’s the cookbook of a food-lover’s dream.
“Weekends are for Waffles” Tee
Image: Modcloth
If you’re foodie friend lives for weekend brunch, this tee is the perfect gift for them! Everyone deserves some waffles on the weekend after a productive work week, so make sure your friend knows it by gifting them this fun tee.
Food Puns Wooden Spoons
Image: Etsy
These wood-burned spoons are cute as can be, and ideal for anyone who loves to cook and bake! With puns like “Taking my Thyme” and “Life is Short, Like the Spoon”, they’ll make the perfect addition to any foodie’s kitchen!
Cabin Plaid Apron
Image: Indigo
An apron is a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves spending time in the kitchen! This cabin plaid apron is generously sized for a comfortable fit and features a large pocket at the front for all your baking needs. Every foodie needs a good apron, and this one is top notch!
Cacao 70 Chocolate Dips
Image: Cacao70
Chocolate dips are ideal for your chocolate-loving friend who loves having people over for fun times. They can treat their guests with unique dip flavours like Chai, Maple, Earl Grey and Peanut Butter. Get them at a location near you!
“After This, We’re Getting Tacos” Yoga Mat
Do you have a taco and yoga-lover on your list? You have to get them this yoga mat! It will provide some serious motivation for when they’re working out, plus it’s super comfortable for all their yogi needs.
Anthropologie Helena Cheese Knives
Image: Anthropologie
If you know a foodie who loves to entertain and is constantly hosting wine and cheese nights, we’ve found the perfect gift for you to give! These gorgeous cheese knives are hand-painted and would make the prettiest addition to any cheese board platter!
What the F*@# Should I Make for Dinner? Cookbook
Image: Chapters
Even foodies wonder what to make for dinner each night. Help them answer the question with this awesome cookbook. Providing quick and easy dinner solutions for every night of the week, there are 50 meal ideas for meat-lovers and vegetarians alike. Think: Red flannel hash, scallop ceviche and vegetarian cassoulet.
Casillero del Diablo Reserva Privada
Courtesy of Casillero del Diablo
Available at the LCBO, this fine wine makes the perfect pairing for an upcoming holiday dinner. The Cabernet Sauvignon is exclusively available in Ontario and less than $20, so it’s an excellent choice for wine connoisseurs and out-of-towners.
Featured image: Instagram/@cacao70
‘Tis the season for online shopping!
With the holidays on our heels and malls getting busier by the day, shopping online can be a serious saving grace. Rather than braving the busy crowds, loud music, and pushy shoppers, you can shop cuddled up on the comfort of your couch. And did you know that with a few handy websites, you can actually get cash back when you shop online?
That’s right. Forget about about spending money with nothing in return. With these sites, you earn when you spend, making online shopping that much more enjoyable. Plus, they’re all free to sign up for or download. It may sound too good to be true, but there’s no hidden costs for these sites.
Take a look at how to get cash back online shopping!
Ebates
Instagram/@modmoney_
Ebates is a cash-back shopping site that’s partnered with 750+ stores on their Canadian site, ranging from ASOS to Lancôme to Amazon. They offer up to 40% cash back, so you can shop at your most-loved stores with the benefit of getting paid to shop.
All you have to do is follow the links on their site, and once you make a purchase, money is added to your account depending on the percent the store offers to Ebates customers. Every quarter, you get your earnings through cheque or Paypal payment. Easy as that!
Shop.com
Instagram/@shopcom
Shop.com is one of the best ways to get paid for shopping you’re already doing anyways. Similar to Ebates, they’re partnered with thousands of your favourite stores — like H&M, Indigo, Expedia and Groupon — to give you cash back (between 2% to 55%) when you shop online. You can redeem your rewards anytime it goes above $9.99 USD, and it’s deposited directly into your bank account.
Along with cash back, they also offer other cool features such as comparison shopping (search anything in their search tab and see what store sells it at the lowest price), gift registries, price alerts, and e-gifts (you can email a list of items to the giftee, they choose one, you get the bill, and the item is sent directly to them!).
Oh, and if you sign up for a Shop.com cash-back account, make sure you download Shop Buddy, a handy widget that “follows you” while you do all your online shopping. Since they’re partnered with so many stores, it’s pretty much impossible to remember them all.
Let’s say you go to aldoshoes.com, and you didn’t know it was a partner store. Shop Buddy will pop up and remind you to sign in to your account so you get your reward! It also shows you a list of all the deals around the web, so you never miss out on getting the best price for all your online shopping.
Honey Chrome Extension
Instagram/@honey
If you’re a die hard online shopper, you know how frustrating it can be to try to find coupon codes around the web. Not to mention, the ones you do find may be expired when you go to use them.
The Honey Chrome extension takes out all the guesswork, so you never have to search for a code again. Install it to your Chrome browser and shop like you normally would online, letting the extension do all the work.
With the Honey Chrome extension, the best, most relevant code is automatically applied to your shopping cart, ensuring you get the best deal out there! Save at thousands of stores, from clothes to pizza, and allow the Honey Chrome extension to do the coupon-hunting for you.
From free shipping to little-known family and friend discounts, Honey finds them all! So, while you’re not actually making money, you are saving money.
Featured Image: Instagram/@hellosylviaa