Get outside

Rated this place:

437 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5V2A5

casual and trendy shoes: This shoe store on Queen West is a safe bet if you're looking for the latest in casual footwear. If it's hot, this store will have it, but a lot of people know this so that means if you don't hurry up at the beginning of the season and grab what you're looking for it will likely be sold out (and I speak from experience as this has happened to me twice already at this store). Get Outside offers men's and women's styles, although I have a hard time telling them apart because the men's shoes are just as colourful and trendy. Major brands you'll find at this store include Vans, Converse, Hunter, Havaianas, Puma, Sorel, Rubber Duck, Clarks and Ben Sherman.

Pottery Barn

Rated this place:

100 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M5S 3L3

candles and home accessories: The main reason I go to Pottery Barn is for candles. You can find them in all shapes and sizes, scented and non-scented. There's an excellent selection of big pillar candles, and tapers and votives -- perfect for table setting. And there are plenty of decorative candleholders to choose from, including table lanterns. I also shop here for home accessories like throw pillows, stones for vases, decorative artificial flowers and seasonal items like Christmas ornaments, decorations and accents for entertaining like napkin holders and table runners. It's a store that has everything you need to make your home more inviting.

Criminal Records

Rated this place:

493 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON, M5V 2B4

rock n' roll tees: This music store has a good selection of band swag and T-shirts (from popular, indie and local artists). A lot of the stuff they have isn't easy to find either. For example, some tees that are exclusive to the store include Broken Social Scene, Jason Collett, The Constantines and The Stars. T-shirts and accessories like hats and belts are available for men and women, and the store also sells adorable onesies for babies with fun, rock n' roll inspired sayings. Also don't walk away without looking through the amazing music collection.

Umbra Concept Store

Rated this place:

165 John Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1X3

inexpensive stuff for your home: I head to this store when I'm looking for inexpensive things to brighten up a space in my home or when I'm in need of something as basic as a tooth brush holder. Almost everything you'll find at Umbra, whether it's for functional or decor purposes, has a unique and modern design element to it. Most of my vases and picture frames actually come from Umbra, because they are cheap yet stylish, not to mention good quality. I have also bought bamboo bathroom accessories from Umbra that have lasted for years. Check back every now and then because the store always introduces new colours and designs to reflect trends. I also own and love the canvas crunch laundry can -- it folds up and saves space when you’re not using it.

Shoppers Drug Mart

Rated this place:

388 King St. W., Toronto, ON, M5V 2G5

beauty boutique: Shoppers Drug Mart is addictive. The store has an impressive beauty section and it keeps improving every year. I shop here for makeup and skincare more than anywhere else because it's convenient. In addition to the cheaper drugstore brands, Shoppers also sells department store brands like Clinique, Benefit and one of my favourite makeup lines, Smashbox. The stores also carries high-end products like Dior and Shiseido. Best of all, you get points on everything you buy when you use your Shoppers Optimum Card, and that's great for me considering I already visit this store often to buy other personal care and household products. The prices are the same as anywhere for the higher-end brands, but if you already shop here a lot chances are you have enough points to buy that expensive face cream at no cost.

Calphalon Culinary Centre

Rated this place:

425 King St. W., Toronto, ON, M5V 1K4

cookware and kitchen supplies: Calphalon is well-known for selling high quality cookware and kitchen supplies. The Calphalon brand offers a variety of different lines including nonstick, stainless and copper. I find the stainless pots to be very durable and I love the silicone bakeware -- great for popping out muffins and cakes with ease. It’s also an enjoyable experience shopping here – the staff is super friendly and very knowledge about all the products. If you’re a novice chef, they can let you know exactly what you'll need and offer tips. The shop is also beautiful with lots of wood, high ceilings and windows. At this location they also offer cooking classes. I haven’t tried them yet but friends of mine received couple classes as a wedding gift and said they were a lot of fun and very informative.

Graydon Hall Manor

Rated this place:

185 Graydon Hall Dr, North York, ON, M3A3B4

wedding venue: I attended a wedding at the Graydon Hall Manor and was blown away by this location. The place is absolutely stunning, inside and out. The bride and groom had the ceremony and reception here and used the beautiful gardens for photos. The old world charm of this historical manor creates an intimate romantic atmosphere, perfect for weddings. The food was also delicious and the service was great – very attentive and professional. The staff attended to all the details, allowing the couple to enjoy their day.

Harbourfront Centre

Rated this place:

235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON, M5J 2G8

free events and festivals: Harbourfront Centre, located on the waterfront, hosts cultural festivals and events during the year and almost every weekend from June to September. Some of my favourite events here include The International Festival of Authors where I've attended readings and book signings of some of my favourite authors, the Hot & Spicy Food Festival that features celebrity chefs, local restaurants and vendors who come out to share tasty dishes and the Canada Day celebrations, where I've seen Canadian bands like Barenaked Ladies and Feist perform (for free). During the summer months there's also an outdoor marketplace where you'll find international jewelry and crafts from places like Africa, Asia and Brazil.

Royal Ontario Museum

Rated this place:

100 Queens Pk, Toronto, ON, M5S2C6

must-see attraction: The ROM is definitely one of the best attractions in Toronto. The recent addition of the ultra-modern Michael Lee-Chin Crystal building has locals and tourists flocking to the museum to see what all the hype is about. The new museum space features seven galleries, a five-star restaurant called C5 and the ROM store. This is the place to check out some of the best traveling exhibitions and natural history galleries. Don't forget: Friday nights 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. it's half price admission at the ROM.

Whole Foods Market

Rated this place:

87 Avenue Rd., Toronto, ON, M5R3R9

gourmet groceries: If you like to cook and try out new dishes head to Whole Foods to get the items on your shopping list, especially if you're following a gourmet chef's recipe. There's nothing worse than substituting all the ingredients with the cheapest ones that you can find! It won't taste the same, I promise. Everything is fresh and of high quality at Whole Foods, from the produce to the many varieties of cheeses to the fish and meats. I like to make rack of lamb and I usually come to Whole Foods to buy my lamb racks. There's also an excellent selection of already prepared foods and a gourmet cafe located inside, which is great if you live or work nearby.

High Park

Rated this place:

1873 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON, M5H 2N2

natural park within a city: Sometimes you have to leave this urban jungle and go somewhere a little more green. If you're not able to leave the city, I suggest you visit High Park. The park is about 400 acres so it's a nice escape from the traffic and crowds. You'll discover plenty of woodland, rolling hills, ponds, landscaped gardens and trails. Go for a hike, stroll, bike ride or picnic. For families, check out the playgrounds, zoo and historic Colborne Lodge -- all located inside the park. During the spring High Park looks so beautiful, when all the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom.

Heel Boy

Rated this place:

682 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M6J1E5

Shoe store: I have quite the love affair with Heel Boy. I cannot resist walking by this shop without popping in to see what's new in stock. The owners do such a great job at selecting the hottest styles and brands of the season. There's a variety of casual and dressy shoes including sneakers, pumps, wellies, flip flops and sandals. The handbags are also carefully picked to go with the shoes. Brands available at this shop include Rocket Dog, Miss Sixty, Nine West, Kenneth Cole, Fornarina and Hush Puppies, along with trendy lines that you won't find at bigger stores. Prices are not outrageous (between $50 and $400) and Heel Boy has a lot of great promotions and end-of-season sales where I have purchased shoes at 75% off.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Shoe store

ROM Museum Store

Rated this place:

100 Queen's Park, Toronto, ON, M5S 2C6

gifts, toys and more: You can get to the ROM's museum store on Bloor St. through the entrance to the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal. The store carries a huge variety of gifts, home decor and housewares, jewelry, toys and games, themed T-shirts and items (from various exhibitions), as well as books, DVDs and posters. It's fun to browse at this store and admire all the unique pieces. Everything is also separated and arranged by theme, such as Asian-inspired art, dinosaurs and medieval toys for kids, as well as beautiful ceramics and glass from around the world. A very interesting and beautifully laid out store. Adults and kids alike will love it.

Ritual Tanning Salon & Nail Bar

Rated this place:

793 King Street West, Toronto, ON, M5V 1N4

manicures, pedicures and tanning: I really like the conveniently combined services they offer at Ritual. I recently visited this place before a trip down south to get a manicure and pedicure and thought it was great that they also offered tanning services. It's perfect for Canadians like me that want to get a little colour before exposing their pasty white skin on the beach. Ritual is also fast when you're in a hurry. They offer express manicures for $20 and express pedicures for $27. I also like the environment, because it’s modern, bright, and clean (which is very important).

Made You Look

Rated this place:

1338 Queen St W, Toronto, ON, M6K1L4

a little gem in the city: Made You Look is one of the best places in the city to find unique jewelry. They have over a hundred local designers creating everything from beautiful diamond rings to fun fashion jewelry. Designers will also work with you to create your own original and custom-made piece. I love the variety and the prices. While some things are precious and will cost you, there's so much to choose from at this store that anyone can find something they like in their price range. Also, if you love artistic jewelry, this is the place to go.

Eye Spy

Rated this place:

1100 Queen St E, Toronto, ON, M4M1K8

unique gifts: At Eye Spy everything is fun to pick up because the shop is stocked with gifts, housewares, art, accessories and even baby items. I tend to stay on the west side of the city (close to home) when it comes to gift buying but this store is worth making the short trip to Leslieville. I like the funky lamps and fun gifts like the Stupid Sock Creatures (book and kit). There’s a little bit of everything basically, and it’s all unique and interesting to look at. If you can't make it the shop, check out their online store at eyespygifts.com

Fashion Crimes

Rated this place:

322 1/2 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON, M5V 2A2

cocktail dresses: You’ll find a very unique selection of feminine and cutting edge dresses by local designer Pam Chorley. Many of the dresses are made here in Toronto at Chorley’s studio so if you’re looking for something particular, she may be able to accommodate you. The staff is friendly and very helpful, and the boutique itself is packed with frilly, fun and whimsical designs. A sudden smile comes on your face when you walk into this place. Chorely creates dresses for girls and women, for all occasions including weddings.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Dress Shop

Red Pegasus

Rated this place:

628 College St, Toronto, ON, M6G1B4

gift/novelty shop: Red Pegasus might be a tiny shop but that doesn't mean that there isn't a ton of great gift ideas here. I love the stylish housewares including kitchen accessories and unique coffee mugs. There's also toys for kids and cuddly stuffed animals, accessories such as hats, scarves and handbags, and a great selection of sterling silver jewelry made in-house and brought in from local and well-known designers. They've expanded their assortment of bath and body products as well, including items from Burt's Bees and Dirty Girl. A variety of quality greeting cards are also available.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• gift/novelty shop

Robin Barker Hair Welspa

Rated this place:

84 Yorkville Ave #200, Toronto, ON, M5R1B9

amazing hairstylist: I recently started going to Robin Barker because my hairstylist Allyson began working at this salon a few months ago. She's amazing with cutting and styling hair, and always comes up with something that's modern and manageable. She knows all about the latest trends and is especially good at up-dos. I walk in with an idea of how I want my hair to look and she comes up with something way better every time. Anytime she styles my hair for a wedding or occasion I get compliments on it. I also really like the intimate and warm environment at Robin Barker. The staff is very friendly and helpful.

St. Lawrence Market

Rated this place:

92 Front St E, Toronto, ON, M5E1C4

fresh from the market: If you're visiting this city you must see St. Lawrence Market if you haven’t been there yet. The hard-to-miss building is historical (established in 1803), and there's a huge selection of fresh vegetables, meats, cheeses, pastas, breads, sweets, flowers...you name it. Shop for groceries or stop by one of the vendors to grab lunch, a snack or a cup of coffee. You'll be amazed at how cheap it is considering the quality of the food. I love the energy of the market. All your senses are stimulated and it's heaven for foodies.

Valhalla Cards & Gifts

Rated this place:

823 Queen St W, Toronto, ON, M6J 1G1

wide variety of gifts: A lazy Saturday afternoon for me usually involves meeting friends on Queen West for coffee or brunch, window shopping and walking into stores like Valhalla Cards & Gifts, where I stop to check out all the cool and fun items. You'll definitely find something that's suitable for almost every person you know. They carry a lot of grown up toys and games, candles, stationery, and gifts for all occasions including baby showers, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations etc. I really like their selection of unique cards and pretty journals and notebooks. The shop also has a good selection of the famous Quotable mugs.

Sephora

Rated this place:

220 Yonge Street (Eaton Centre), Toronto, ON, M5B2H1

beauty products: There's something instantly gratifying about buying new beauty products. For that, I head to a place that’s pure eye candy -- Sephora. While I’d love anything from this beauty haven, I’m currently craving something Tarte -- a makeup line with “skinvigorating” ingredients that improve the health of your skin. Sephora also carries Paul and Joe makeup, which I love, and there's just sooo much to choose from that you'll always find something you need or want. And if you need to stock up on makeup brushes or buy a new makeup bag, this is definitely the spot.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• shopping
• bath/beauty products

Pink Twig Floral Boutique

Rated this place:

711 College Street, Toronto, ON, M6G 1C2

floral boutique: Beautiful flowers and creative florists are at this charming little shop located in Little Italy, on College St. Pink Twig specializes in creative floral arrangements (for all occasions and weddings), gift baskets and gifts for the home. The shop is set up like a boutique where you can find stylish flower pots, candles and holders, door mats, pillows, throw blankets and other home decor items. All of the floral designs are fresh and modern -- perfect for an urban clientele. The prices aren’t that bad either.

StyleSense

Rated this place:

1 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Vaughan, ON, L4K 5N4

shoe heaven: Located inside Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre, StyleSense is a massive 15,000 square-foot store that sells designer and brand name shoes and accessories. Brands include Marc Jacobs, Burberry, Christian Lacroix, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, BCBG and more....and the selection of merchandise and brands is constantly changing (like Winners). It's easy for me to lose track of time in this store as a shoe lover. From the shoes to the handbags to the hundreds of sunglasses, there's such a huge variety. I recommend this store if you're in search of something particular or if you're just looking to get a great deal on yet another pair of designer shoes.

Neat

Rated this place:

628 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON, M6J 1E4

organize your space: This store is awesome for people that live in the city. Many downtown dwellers don’t have the luxury of space and a lot of the products you’ll find at Neat help create the illusion that you do have more square footage than you thought. I like to organize by nature so this place gets people like me excited. Some things I really like here are the flexible Flor carpet squares -- it’s carpet in a “tile” format, and the Shoebby, which is a transparent drawer-type shoe box that allows you to save closet room and easily find your shoes. Many of the products in this shop are also enviro-friendly.