california, here we come. right back where we started from.

As the weather turns disgusting and I feel like huddling inside the covers like a little bug, I think of California. Single handedly my favorite place on earth for so many reasons. Mainly, the lack of seasons, and therefore lack of any real winter. The copious amounts of beautiful, shirtless men, potential for star spotting, and some of the best restaurants and nightlife aren't exactly points against them.

I could have stayed there forever. One for the beautiful sunshine, which just makes everyone radiate from within, and the other for the ocean. There is nothing better for your hair and skin, and ultimately, your soul, than the warm breeze that comes off the ocean. Besides, any place where the weather permits mini dresses and high heels 365 days a year is always number one in my books.

If there is any way for me to do my Masters in Santa Monica, believe me I will. I loved the way the Pier was always bustling with vendors and tourists, and the way the air smelled like a combination of vendor food and salt water. I've never felt so alive, nor have I ever seen so much liveliness and excitement in one place.

In my opinion, some of the best places to hang out:

Restaurant: Ketchup- Featured on MTV's reality show, The Hills, this red and white eatery on Sunset serves a trio of fries, skinny fries, sweet potato fries and yukon gold fries with 5 of their signature ketchup flavors. I liked the wasabi best, but for those who don't like spice, you have the option of mango, chipotle, dill and maple. The decor was cool with red lacquer tables and white leather banquettes, and silver chandeliers. It's definitely not a place to miss out on!

Club: H-Wood- A Hollywood hotspot, located in the heart of Hollywood itself. This club was massive. The concept was cool too. It was designed in a half inside, half outside style so you could enjoy the California sun, drink in hand, or dance the night away indoors, upstairs. The crowd was young and stylish, but the drinks were a little overpriced.

Store: Fred Segal- I know, way too out of my price range. Or most people's for that matter, but it's still worth checking out. From the cool shoe section, to the uber trendy patio cafe, the store has definitely hit the trendy mark, spot on. I picked up a cool pair of legging jeans, by Current Elliott, which I love. They have the feel of leggings, but are actually made out of denim, so even non jean wearers like myself can enjoy them. Fred Segal also has really cool selection of guy's clothes. I could have shopped all day for my brother.

Beach: Manhattan Beach- Santa Monica was beautiful, with its bustling pier, but Manhattan Beach had so much character. The cobblestone streets were lined with mexican restaurants, sports bars, surf shops and hand-made jewellery stores. The girls and I enjoyed $4 margaritas and fish tacos, and could literally smell the salt water because we were so close to the ocean. I could have stayed there forever. I would have, had I had the funds to support my ridiculous spending.

California, you've stolen my heart.

Above are a couple pictures from our girl's trip back in july.

hey, i know you!

This little package arrives tomorrow! Can't wait to reunite with my love over vodka, dance parties and shopping!

Toronto is no match for this hot mama.

bit off more than they can choo.

On Tuesday, I finally got an opportunity to check out Jimmy Choo's line for H&M. I headed over to the Eaton's Centre on my lunch break to get my bangs trimmed, and popped in to see what all the hype was about. The Bloor W store, which is the one I frequent, is either already sold out of the Choo, or they just never carried it to begin with so this was the first time I got to see it.

To be honest, I was a little bit disappointed. The price point is a little steep, and the clothes aren't really that special. A studded sheath dress goes for $99.99, while most of the shoes are upwards of $139. A steal by Choo standards, but I thought the point of celebrity designers creating lines for H&M was to help broke college students like myself afford designer pieces.

Being a shoe girl, I figured I would love this collaboration, but sadly, my expectations exceeded the outcome.

Better luck next time, H&M.

a single girl's shoes.

friendship and footwear: two of the best things in life.

holt's happy.

You know how when you get super stressed out and someone tells you to "find your happy place"? Well I have definitely found mine. This Christmas, happiness for me, comes in the form of the Holt Renfrew holiday window display. Designed by creative director John Gerhardt, the theme for this year's display, is "resonate and animate". They have definitely hit their mark. Holt's is never one to disappoint when it comes to visual appeal, but I have to say this season, they have particularly outdone themselves.

The focus of each of the windows are 7 words, each prodominantly displayed: joy, warmth, beauty, magic, wonder, sharing and love. Perfect for describing this wonderful time of year.

The words are surrounded by tulle, sequins, gold, and snow scenes, including a carolling snowman, (or 'snow-woman' to be socially correct), that in my opinion bears striking resemblance to Vogue's Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour. (There's another one that looks a lot like Sex and the City costume designer, Patricia Fields, with her wild, fire engine red mane).

It's like Galliano meets the Nutcracker Ballet. Throw in some hot chocolate, and christmas carols, and you've got your very own winter wonderland, perfect for those times of much needed bliss.

Happy Holidays!

The holidays are coming, and as mentioned in my previous post, so are the holiday cocktail parties. The Martha Stewart in me, loves the holiday season. And the party girl in me, loves a good cocktail party, complete with appetizers so you don't get too tipsy.

Here's a recipe for one of my favorite recipes, that never disappoints. EVER.

Baked Brie with Grand Marnier:

- 450 g wheel of Brie cheese (really, it could be any size it doesn't matter. I usually think about how many people will be at the party, and then go from there)

- 1 3 oz bottle of Grand Marnier ( you know the sample size, from the liquor store)

- 1/2 c of Orange Marmalade

Cut top of brie wheel off. Spread the marmalade over the cheesy middle part, and then pour over the Grand Marnier. Place top half of brie wheel back on and place on a cookie sheet. I highly recommend putting some parchment paper underneath, as it can be pretty messy. I actually received a special ceramic brie cheese baker for my birthday last year, because my friends know how often I make this appetizer, but it's not necessary to have it.

Bake the cheese at 350 degrees, for about 10 minutes. Check it, and it may need longer, you basically want it to be like a melting pot. Serve hot, with crackers or nice bread.

Trust me, your friends will thank you. There's nothing better than a warm, runny mixture of soft cheese, liquor and a hint of orange zest to keep you toasty during the holiday season.

sparkling, like champagne.

As the weather gets colder, it can really only mean one thing: (besides crowded streetcars, and fuzzy mittens, that is) holiday cocktail parties. My favorite stores are already stocking up on hot attire perfect for any holiday soiree. This season, I am noticing sequins are a big trend. Whether it be blazers, leggings, dresses, mini skirts, or even handbags and shoes, designers are glitzing up their holiday wear in a really big way. I just picked up a pair of black sequined leggings from Forever 21, and I am going to scour the vintage racks next week for a sequined blazer, or mini dress to add my collection.

Here are a few of my favorite, must have holiday pieces from designer to discount to help make your spirits bright:

Diane von Furstenburg vest $349, H&M sequined blazer $99, Forever21 mini skirt $21.80