Alright, Tim Hortons nothwithstanding, there are tons of places to get great coffee in the west end of the city. Here's a sample!

Sunday afternoons are my favourite for wandering our marvelous city. Here's where my mood is today: 1. Get an americano misto at Crema 2. Wander over to Cornerstone to look at amazing furniture 3. Grab a pastry at OMG (sit in a park and eat it) 4. Play with the hats at Lilliput 5. Try on dresses at Girl Friday

There are so many great things to inject into your bodies to get through flu season! Colourful organic produce, high grade homeopathics and vitamins (especially D), Coconut Water, Manuka Honey, Teas and much more! These Toronto stores have everything you need...plus lots of great advice that may give you a new perspective!

Since Prince Charles dines on fresh from his Royal Garden, where can he dine in Toronto? The Harbord Room, True, JK or Veritas, but Marni Wasserman could deliver the best private royal meal or The Healthy Butcher would be the source for all - produce and cheeses fit for a king! Hopefully he savours and enjoys our local eats!

Yummy Thai restaurants I've tried in my area.

As a pescetarian (a vegetarian who eats fish) I tend to eat a lot of tuna sandwiches. These are a few of my top picks!

Get your spook on - check out these 10 best haunted attractions in Toronto.

According to my son, quite the young foodie, the burger at the Harbord Room narrowly beats the one at the Drake, and The Healthy Butcher are the best to grill at home...we'll be adding to this list as burgers are sampled around the city...only local, sustainable burgers need apply! Bonus points when the ketchup is not filled with modified ingredients...you know who we are looking at!

Living an organic life while dealing with nut & peanut allergies is quite the challenge! The list of safe snacks with that nut-free symbol are expanding - New Moon Kitchen Cookies, Mapleton's Ice Creams, Sha Sha breads & cookies & products like Sweets from the Earth are available at health food markets and via delivery companies like Mama Earth Organics. So read the label everytime & snack safely!

Charming restaurants worthy of that special saturday night dinner status.

Whether you need shoes, outfits for the budding ballerina or books for your children (or even something for those birthday party gifts), we have some great ideas that will make your back to school shopping easier.

Great places to shop and find deals!

places that support imagemynation

This list is only a small cross section of what you'll find in the Distillery District in Toronto - the pedestrain area supports culture & arts, offers great drinks & dining as well as boutique shopping. For tourists and all Torontonians - daytime and nightime, check for festivals and events. They claim that the Distillery is the "hippest address in town", and it's hard to disagree!

I don't have the holiday time - or the budget - to take a round-the-world trip right now. But, the best part of living in a multicultural city is the culture and cuisine that we find all over.

Craving a sweet treat in Toronto? You just want to grab and go & fast food isn't normally healthy for our bodies or our planet. These spots offer the decadence, and aren't all "healthy" (read: not low cal), but, it's worth indulging ! try the lemon tart at LPK, scones from St. John's, vegan biscotti from Wild Earth, ice cream from Delight or Rawlicious or an organic treat from a farmer's market.

Looking for better-than-average Italian food? Here's your list.

There are a ton of things to do and places to see around T.O. that can be enjoyed for free (or only the price of a drink), and certainly should not be overlooked. TripAtlas.com brings you 7 treasures of Toronto that shouldn't be missed. Find out what Toronto travel attractions made this Toronto list!

Look through what you already have before you buy (again!). These stores carry books, specialty supplies & reusables (bottles, containers, snacks & IDEAS too) to pack school (or work for that matter)...LUNCHES! Are you aware that taking or buying a disposable lunch to school or work each day creates a total of 30 kilograms of waste every year? (fyi - that's about the weight of a grade 2 student)

To beat the heat in Toronto, here are some great ice cream palours the whole family will enjoy.

These places don't dig a hole in your wallet, whether your looking for cheap drinks or a cheap night out for some fun.

Brunch is one of my favourite meals. I am always a glutton when it comes to anything bacon and egg related, but I’m also a sucker for sweet treats like pancakes and French toast. Here are some of my favourite places for the coveted weekend meal:

I set out on another shopping trip, this time to Ossington. I found four clothing stores for men and women, one current store- Jonathan + Olivia and three vintage stores- Badlands Vintage, I Miss You, and Vintage 1. All four of these stores have some amazing finds (often for good prices) and are definitely worth the trip!

Things and places I love in Toronto

Planning a wedding while juggling a life can be exhausting. Luckily Toronto has some great places that make it easy to get into shape, even for the busiest bride-to-be. From body sculpting to brow shaping, these spots are bound to help you look and feel great before (and after) your big day.

Queen West always has a great variety of stores that stock all the latest styles as well as unusual and interesting finds. I've picked four stores that stock fashions for men and women: Heel Boy, Five on Queen, Yaya & Friends (women only), and Buckler (men only) . There are a lot of great deals mixed in with more expensive items which tend to be so irresistible they're worth a splurge!

Places to find it, see it & get it...

Just because you don't get paid again until next Friday doesn't mean that you have to stay at home. You can have an even better time than usual if you're creative and hit the right places on the right nights.

When it's nice out, it's nice to stay out! The Drake, True + Vertias have 3 completely varied but great patios...you'll like each for different reasons, but you can enjoy local and organic food and drink at all. Rawlicious has a great outdoor spot. Brick Street, Delight, Green Barn all offer "to go" in an area worth strolling around (works off calories!) or have a place to sit and take a load off.

Cute, quirky, and all-around fun places to have some drinks when you're really not in the mood for getting wild and crazy (but still pretty buzzed). These are my "default" hangouts that I keep coming back to again and again.

These spots can tempt anyone into living a raw and vegan lifestyle. ANYONE. Once you've tried lasagna at Rawlicious, Marni Wasserman's desserts, nachos at Live, sipped raw chocolate at a market, stared into the dessert display at LPK and considered planting your own garden with help from Urban Harvest, you'll be impressed. Warning, NOT for those with nut allergies!

Along the way we've found many Toronto Wedding vendors that create custom and stylish weddings while still emphasizing eco-friendly options that suit budgets of all ranges.

If you are looking for a comfy atmosphere where you can hang low-key, these are a few of my favourite spots in the city. What I love about the Fox and Fiddle is that there are 20 of them yet each one is a little unique in its own little way. I have noticed several of them popping up in the city...yum!

If I was (or you were) lucky enough to take Michael Pollan (author of Omnivore's Dilemma + In Defence of Food, cast in important films like Food Inc. and Fresh) out in Toronto, I would strongly recommend these spots - healthy actual food is served, these establilshments also would not consider serving us 'food product.' So, with or without Michael on your arm, try eating real food from these spots

With wedding season well underway, here is a bride-to-be's own take on where to find the perfect bridal shower gifts in Toronto...

Toronto's city strike closed down many Canada Day festivities tomorrow, but there are still plenty of things to do to celebrate the True North Strong and (especially) Free. Take a look at my top six spots for the best deals and events on our fave statutory holiday...Special note: TTC offers a $9 Day pass for up to six people, as well as discounted admission to TO attractions for Metropass holders.

These are just a few of the greatest event facilities in the city of Toronto! The Palais Royale is exquisite and will marvel any taste! Casa Loma is magical and enchanting and is now run by a the group who run the Palais Royale. The Yorkland Hotel is in North York and caters to many tastes. It’s a fantastic spot for Corporate Events and functions that are budget conscious.

These are a few of my favourite spots to enjoy in the city! Delicious food, beautiful atmospheres and so much more.

It's Father's day - and my dad loves spicy foods. I must have got that gene from him, because there are only a few places in town that make their meals hot enough. The next time he comes downtown, I'll take him to one of these places and see if they get his stamp of approval.

When you want nothing but the best for your wedding day ... these are the people you should make friends with!

More than about a million people gather at the Church-Wellesley Village during the month of June as Pride Festivities - one of the largest cultural festivals in the city - touches down upon us. Several free stages are set up within the area with many big name local and international acts including recording artist Deborah Cox, Ultra Nate and more entertain revellers soaking up the love.

He's fixed your bike and spoiled you with candy when Mom wasn't looking. He even smiled every year you gave him yet another new tie. But whether you're a tiny tyke or all grown up, the best gift you'll ever give at any age is some quality time with Dad. Show him how much he matters 364 other days of the year by frequenting these spots.

Make Dad feel like the king he is, even on a tight budget. Treat him to a feast at some deliciously cheap Asian noodle houses or southern BBQ spots before taking him on a mini shopping spree at Joe Fresh, or take an affordable stroll through T.O.'s great parks and bookstores...

Don't get Dad a pipe or a tie! Here's a list of fun things to do with or for a downtown kind of dad this Father's Day.

The Off the Beaten Path Series attempts to take you to places you probably haven't been to before. Whether it be hidden gems that serve up some of the most delicious food you've never eaten, or the places that sell the best pair of denim you never thought you'd find.

The truth is it is really hard to find gifts for dad. He doesn't like to shop as it is ... so you kinda have to guess where to go. This is my list of "go to" places where I can purchase memberships, gift certificates or gadgets that dad will enjoy!

Surprise Dad with something good to eat. You know he eats big, so here are some fun, budget-friendly, places to eat where Dad can enjoy a meal ...

This Father's Day, give Dad what he really wants on his special day: a good sleep, a little love (from us and the kids), a lot of peace and quiet and an outing with the guys. Get him out on a free pass to play golf (even indoors) or organize a fun family outing to one of his fave restaurants. Either way, you are guaranteed to make his day.

Family is the.best gift...so, plan him an eco-clever and fun-filled day! Brunch at the Drake on the patio, ice cream at Delight, a man-pedicure at Aliviar (or tour Mill Street Brewery if pedi is vetoed), dinner + music at the Gladstone or pick up his faves at Healthy Butcher & make a homecooked meal together! How about a Buddha Dog eating contest? Happy Local Father's Day!

Finding a great spot for drinks can often be an exhausting and fruitless task. Luckily, I've spent many weekends (and weeknights) unearthing some perfect drink spots that fit the bill for all group sizes, from two's to twenty.

Great local service providers for everything from cleaning your BBQ and car to organizing your garage.

A round-up of the best tried-and-true drinking spots in the city, from sophisticated to skeezy, carefully and meticulously scouted by http://www.shedoesthecity.com

Key places to hit up when in search for outdoor furniture and exterior accents.

If you've picked up a shelter mag than you've undoubtedly seen one of these stores in the sourcing pages.. Thought not exactly for the budget-savvy, there are tons of amazing finds in one convenient strip.

I am an americano junkie - here's a quick roundup of some of my favorite coffee shops in the city

My boyfriend and I have watched way too much Kitchen Nightmares. We often wonder what Gordon Ramsey would think of some of our favourite places. Unlike the disasters you'd find in the kitchen of Massimo's and Sushi on Bloor, this list is the places that I think are doing things right - using quality ingredients and focusing on just doing a few things and making sure they're done right.

It's that time of year again. The weather is too warm for all my new winter clothes, and my summer stuff from last year doesn't have me as excited as I used to. These are the places I'm shopping this week for some new summer dresses.

Love pie? Here are some top spots to get a great pie.

When you're east of the DVP, here are some shops worth poking your head into..especially if you're into vintage!

Interested in climbing, but don't know where to start? Grab your funnest friends and check out one of these local climbing gyms for an introduction to the sport.

After many years of studying yoga, I've developed a set of criteria for a studio I'll come back to: friendly, welcoming staff; a serene practice space with plenty of props; a convenient location; and, of course, teachers who know what they're doing, treat students with respect and create fulfilling classes. Here are a few of my faves in Toronto.

Looking for original, fun and fashionable jewelry? Check out these gems in the city.

Most places tend to offer pastries or ice creams for dessert, so when I discover a standout spot that actually offers crepes, my heart sings a little. Here are a few picks that I've frequented so far that offer a range of crepe creations that can be fit for any meal from dusk to dawn.

Find out where to find the best noodle soup dishes in Spadina-Dundas Chinatown. Hearty, cheap, steaming and always delicious - you can't go wrong with noodle soup.

Only the best

There is nothing better than knowing where to eat quick...while eating great, healthy, energizing, real food...grab and go!

it's not just about the experience or hearing from an expert...it's about learning for yourself! great people and places and services that give you the time and have the knowledge will have your inspired and confident! get to it!

Smoothies have become super popular, but what in one place is a healthy snack or even meal is a mis-named milkshake in another. If healthy's what you're after, always check the ingredients (you don't need sugar, ice cream or even frozen yogurt) and try these downtown hot spots for a fix.

I can never have enough shoes and I'm sure many of you would agree. I hit these shops when I'm looking for the season's best looks.

My weekends in the city always include brunch. This list highlights diner-style restos, local hangouts and foodie favourites.

While we do love brunch, it's a titch over played as a mother's day thing to do. Here is our list of some mother's day experiences that are just a bit wilder than eggs benny and every bit as as flavourful as fresh squeezed O.J.

Great spots I've discovered for families in the GTA and beyond.

The Yonge and Bloor neighbourhood has an almost European quality in the sense that there are lots of hidden-away gems on side streets (and underground). I'm still discovering the area but these are some of my new favourite lunch spots.

Sunday is Mother's Day, and what she really wants is your time. Take Mom out for a healthy brunch or lunch this weekend and she'll be ever so proud of your excellent judgement. (Flowers earn bonus points.)

Eating local may seem impossible when you shop at big-name supermarkets, but pick the right places to shop and you'll be surprised at what you find. And you don't have to visit the farmers' market (although it's a good place to start) - there are several grocery stores in Toronto that specialize in local, too. It's worth the effort for your taste buds and for your health.

Aside from my own urban edible garden, these top 3 Toronto spots offers you the freshest food. Organic farmer's markets should always be first (if you haven't yet tried this way of shopping, careful, you'll never go back!), and next local AND organic produce from stores..these stores will help you choose to eat with the seasons.

To make this list, each restaurant had to please my entire family. Keep in mind that my kids have never ordered off of a kids menu and are adventurous eaters. The restaurants and their staff have been friendly, and the menus at each support local, organic and sustainable foods. More to come!

Today, May 1st, is Buy Indie Day. Support your local independent bookshops by purchasing any book - softcover, hardcover, or audiobook. Here are a few of my favorites.

Remember, each time you "check out" you are voting. Buying a smart product is telling the company, “Way to go! Please make more”. Buying a poor product does the exact opposite. Whether you need to shop for the eco-est cleaning products, or organic ice cream, these stores have what you need.

She gave you life, so a bouquet of flowers just won't cut it. Make the extra effort to spend more quality time with Mom at places that are NOT restaurants.

Okay, with inflation, it's more than a dime. Toronto bars - follow their lead! Everyone loves playing DJ, and if you stock a good jukebox, it will be hard for patrons to hit a wrong note.

My list is a little bit of me. I'm a native of this great city and the places I choose to eat at, the shops I like to browse through, and the cafes I like to linger in, are an integral part of my day to day life. I have a weakness for ice cream, chocolate and wood oven pizza so there may be a theme here...

Great Places in Oakville to eat, shop, visit.

cool spots to check out when decking out your home

Grab your friends and take them out to one of these popular places to enjoy something sweet and decadent.

The Off the Beaten Path Series attempts to take you to places you probably haven't been to before. Whether it be hidden gems that serve up some of the most delicious food you've never eaten, or the places that sell the best pair of denim you never thought you'd find.

There are so many things to do around the city, it's mind-boggling! That said, here are my fave places to relax, listen to music and play.

Get a fresh gourmet lunch, to stay or to go, at these cafes and restaurants in the city.

As a small business owner, it's up to me to keep my supply closet stocked and my office organized ... here are the places I frequent for everything form stationary to computer programs!

Decorating? Re-decorating? Splurge at some places, save at others. This is where I find myself when I want to add something new to my home decor!

Where crafters should go when they need supplies for their projects. This list ranges from extremely affordable to highend!

A list of places to go when you want to have fun, but don't necessarily want to do the whole club scene thing ...