I have meant to stop by Aromachology but our timing has been off. Aromachology is a personalized perfume shop that allows the customer to create their own special scent. They also have candles that make great gifts. The idea of creating my own personal scent is very appealing and daunting. I like so many things and trying to put myself in one box is never going to work. I look at my fragrance collection and it’s all over the place, women’s, men’s, floral, oriental or musky. Aromachology had a pop up store at the Four Seasons during TIFF and I stopped by to check it out.
Basically there are 5 base scents to choose from: Sophisticated & Sensual Floral, a Totally Edible Gourmand, an Exotic Spicy Oriental, a Clean & Fresh or a Bold & Brisk Woodsy. Then you make a choice between 15 top notes to add to the base: Creative – Juniper Berry and Carnation; Inspiring – Orange and Lemon; Spontaneous – Tuberose and Citrus; Graceful – Jasmine and Egyptian Musk; Courageous – Frankincense and Ginger; Confident – Frankincense, Jasmine, Cedarwood and Boysenberry; Empowering – Juniper Berry and Jasmine; Comforting – Geranium; Sexy – Amber, Jasmine, Rose and Vanilla; Open minded – Orange Blossom and Vanilla; Optimistic – Neroli, Orange Blossom and Lemon; Sensual – Jasmine, Ylang ylang, tuberose, musk; Seductive – Ylang ylang, rose; Uplifting – Basil and Clary Sage; Peaceful – Chamomile and Lavender.
My personal scent was Sophisticated & Sensual as a base with Empowering, creative and sensual as top notes.
In Toronto, you can make an appointment to The Perfume Bar Studio at Avenue and Davenport where you can make your own customized scent. Otherwise you can order online.
Update (Nov 29, 2010): I’ve discovered you can create a customized scent at Jacob & Sebastian at 622 Queen Street West, Toronto
The coolest lounge I visited was the Diesel Lounge in the Intercontinental Toronto Yorkville Hotel. It wasn’t a super swagged out gifting lounge like many of the others I visited. Talent was gifted jeans and then had a portrait taken by Raphael Mazzucco. This was the extent of the swag but the lounge itself was a nice place for people to get away, grab some food and a drink. The Diesel Lounge had a fully stocked bar and table full of food for guests. During the evenings they barbecued on the gorgeous balcony that overlooks the Intercontinental’s courtyard restaurant.
The decor was made up of items from Diesel’s home decor/interior line. Some of these items are available at the flagship shop in Yorkville.
Monday morning, I returned to the Diesel Lounge and was treated to Champagne Brunch while we watched the web broadcast of the Diesel Black Gold Spring-Summer 2011 collection in New York. I finally was able to take advantage of the bar and food. It was a nice way to start the week, especially after going hard at the Ubisoft party the night before. Samples of the Diesel Black Gold Spring 2011 collection on hand for up close and personal inspection.
The 6th annual Tastemakers Lounge has returned to the Intercontinental Toronto Yorkville Hotel for the Toronto International Film Festival. Rock-It Promotions Inc produces this gifting suite and this year’s theme is Fresh Goods. Toronto design firm Marla Brown Events took care of the decor of the suite. Rawlicious, Toronto only raw food restaurant provided lunch boxes to guest and a super tasty Cocoon Macaroon. Sponsors of the Tastemakers Lounge included: MMCrystal, Bamjamz, Damn Heels, Guats Active. Life. Style., Indeed Laboratories Inc., Jessica Jensen, Joe Fresh Beauty, Keep Leaf, Mattel Inc., Wescan Optical and Me + You. It’s good to see the Tastemakers Lounge supporting local talent and majority of the sponsors were Canadian. It was strange to see the new Mattel games, they are so much more advanced now even Pictionary, it’s a man.
The Tastemakers Lounge had talent like Edward Norton, Colin Firth, David Schwimmer, Minnie Driver, Peter Fonda, Martin Sheen, Emilio Estevez, Josh Hartnett and Geoffrey Rush come through. Many of them signed Mattel games that will be auctioned off and a portion of the proceeds will go to SickKids Foundation. The auction will run from Tuesday, September 21 to Friday, October 1 at vonality.com/mattel.
This lounge was my first exposure to TIFF make up and nail stations. Tastemakers had Joe Fresh Beauty running things. It was TIFF and I was on vacation so I said hell yes. This began a four-day binge of makeup indulgence. I had some dramatic teal/green eye makeup with a neutral lip. I’m impressed with the make up, it lasted all night and I got a lot of compliments. I went for Jade nail polish that was applied by of The Ten Spot owners.
I had green on the brain when I talked to the experts at Wescan Optical who help me choose a set of stylish frames from Fysh. I don’t wear glasses even though I’m slightly nearsighted but the idea of having some frames to switch up my look is implanted in my brain now. This was the perfect opportunity to try it out. Every time I look in the mirror I’m reminded of my mother though, ha ha.
Tastemakers Lounge Gift Bag favourites (These are products I found interesting. In some cases I’ve tried them and in others I’ve excited to try them):
Joe Fresh Beauty – I love the nail polish and I can’t wait to try the mascara and lip gloss.
Fysh Eyewear from Wescan Optical – I can’t wait to get some lens in these babies.
bamjamz nightdress – I reviewed bamjamz before and I love their bamboo offerings. They make for a comfortable sleep with its moisture wicking properties.
Loopz – It’s the electronic version of Simon says but without button pushing. I feel old just looking at it, but it seems kinda fun
My cat Sally Sally loved sitting all cute like in the large Me and You reusable bag
Media arrived at The Fairmont Royal York’s Prime Minister’s Suite to preview the products that are available in the Bask-It-Style gift bags. They were then distributed to visiting Toronto International Film Festival talent including Mickey Rourke and Megan Fox. Jsquared2 Public Relations produces Bask-It-Style and has returned for its second year. Media and magazine sponsors for the lounge included FrontRowMag.com and Polysh Magazine. Pink Twig Floral Boutique decorated the Prime Minister’s Suite with beautiful flowers.
Gifting lounges have a standard format, you go around to each booth, talk to a rep and move on. Sometimes you get product at the booth and other times it’s all contained in a bag you leave with. The Prime Minister’s Suite is a nice but seem a bit dated compared to the newer and slicker hotel offerings out there.
When I got up Monday morning I appreciated the SoCal sun. It doesn’t usually come out till after noon so you can sleep in and not feel guilty about missing the day. The weather by the ocean was overcast with clear breaks. When it’s sunny, it’s fantastic and you fall in love. Hell, when it’s overcast you fall in love; it doesn’t rain. I decided to check out the shopping at the 3rd Street Promenade. It was very close to the ocean. I first stopped at the Le Pain Quotidien and had Organic Red Quinoa salad with arugula, chickpeas and artichoke. Paul and Lauren’s original choice for breakfast/lunch was closed. This lunch put me on a quinoa kick and I’m making salad often at home using both regular and red quinoa.
3rd Street Promenade is pretty much all chain stores. That is something I noticed a lot of in my travels. I didn’t make a list of cool shops to visit before I left and I regret that. I really want to see what independent clothing retailers are doing. I went into J.Crew to see what the fuss was about. It just reminded me of Banana Republic. I’m not getting the hype but think the jewellery is interesting.
I finally made my way to the pier. It was overcast at first but then the sun came out and it was glorious. I couldn’t have asked for a better final day. I hung out on the pier and watched the people fishing. I managed to snap a man pulling up a skate he caught. I didn’t get a snap of the solitary sea-lion that bobbed his way under the pier and out the other side. It’s very touristy but the crowd size is manageable during the week. You can get your picture taken with cheap cutouts of celebrities or your name written on rice. There were all sorts of entertainers from musicians to guys in suits. The pier musicians filled the air with their music which was creepy and beautiful at the same time. Hopefully, this video I took can convey that.
The most curious thing for me was watching Batman, Catwoman and The Joker from the pier. It was a trio of three people in very good suits standing around and interacting with people. I expected their to be money involved but they happily posed for photos without requiring payment. This was bizarre to me, who the hell spends their day in costume at the beach. Welcome to LA, this is what goes down. I spent a lot of time on Santa Monica pier on Monday. It’s so weird seeing it get destroyed in movies now. I get the same feeling with when I see that Randy’s Donuts place just outside LAX too.
I walked north along the beach to check out the oceanside property. Wow, there are some great homes along the shore. They all had balconies and enclosed backyards facing the ocean. The only problem is that they are right up against the bike paths which are high traffic areas. I’m curious how loud it can get at night but it seems the cops patrol the trails frequently on ATVs. I grabbed a seat and finished reading my book. Heaven is a book and the beach. I really could get used to this lifestyle.
I was very anti-LA before my trip. I never wanted to visit. Paul, my friend in Santa Monica, uses to live in San Fran and I wanted to go there. I was a bit gutted when he told me he moved to LA. This trip has turned me into a LA (well,Santa Monica really) convert. This trip prompted me to learn more about just what parts of southern California make up LA country and city. Santa Monica is its own city but it’s surrounded by the city LA, that had confused me. It’s all LA county which adds to more confusion.
LA trends I noticed: the covered sandal gets way more attention here than in Toronto. I was indifference to these ugly sandals in Toronto to hating them by the end of the trip. Every female has long hair. I guess it’s the Californian girl look. My short hair got looks and the occasional rude comment. SoCal has a look that I don’t fit into. I was always wondering if it was the hair or the neon green Prada sunglasses people where staring at. Anyways, being ignored by men in California is fine with me as I’m ignored in Toronto and I’d rather have LA weather and ocean. I’d totally revert back to my old sporty self and I could easily assimilated into the West Coast lifestyle. My last dinner was at Sushi Roku. I was told that LA has good sushi but Paul says San Fran is better.
I took the red-eye home and the flight was uneventful (thank god). Still hate the headrest on the seats and didn’t get a very good sleep. I was very thankful I took Tuesday off from work so I didn’t have to walk into the office from the airport suitcase in hand. I love LA and plan to return again soon.
Some people have an immediate positive effect on me that usual end up with me having a huge crush. They can be men and women because it’s about the energy they radiate, the knowledge they hold and most importantly their passion. Ray Civello is one of those people. He is the President of Aveda Canada and has salons, spas and stores across the country.
I visited the new Aveda Experience Centre at 155 Cumberland Avenue. It carries the full range of lifestyle products, makeup, hair and skin care. Aveda is a line that is plant derived and natural. They’ve been around for 30 years and employ the top scientists in plant-based cosmetics to come up with their products. Guests are welcome to complimentary hand and scalp massages and makeup touch-ups. I had a hand massage and it was quite relaxing.
“We chose Yorkville because it is the epicentre of errand-running and multi-tasking for busy urbanites; our Experience Centre provides a refuge from the hustle and bustle with an opportunity to be nurtured and revitalized.â€, says Ray Civello about the choice of location for this new Experience Centre.
The store is beautiful and uses reclaimed wood from a bowling alley in Toronto and a late 19th century (c.1880) barn in Cleveland. Lighting is stunning and features hand-blown pendants from designer Jeremy Pyles of Niche Modern in New York. They are a focal point hanging from the 14 foot ceilings.
I had the pleasure of speaking to Ray for about 45 minutes about Aveda and its history. I nerded out when he talked about the top scientists and the labs where Aveda formulas are created. I gravitate to smart, engaging people. There is nothing sexier than confidence with the smarts and personality to back it up.
Aveda created the TIFF Survival Kit which contains Blue Oil Balancing Concentrate, Hand Relief and Lip Saver, Peppymint for battling long TIFF days and nights. It retails for $39 and it’s a $52 value.
Aveda Experience Gift Bag favourites (These are products I found interesting. In some cases I’ve tried them and in others I’ve excited to try them):
Peppymint breath refresher – Place a few drops of this peppermint and anise mixture on your tongue for fresh breath.
Sunday started out with brunch in Malibu at Moonshadows (20356 Pacific Coast Highway). This restaurant is the most beautiful place I’ve ever eaten at. It overlooks the ocean and it takes your breath away. We were dive bombed by very large seagulls at times but it was totally worth it. This spot really solidified the need of oceans and mountains in my life. Moonshadows is called one of the world’s best beach bars and I can understand why.
The west coast is calling me big time. I didn’t expect to love southern California but it was becoming apparent that I was drinking the koolaid hard and fast. I love desert weather, Las Vegas exposed me to it and LA perfected it. Santa Monica is a beautiful place with tree-lined streets and non cookie cutter homes. That was something I noticed a lot, homes with individual personalities. I learned there are no basements and wood dwellings are hard to come by. This is apparently because of earthquakes, termites and cockroaches.
After brunch it was a trip into Hollywood. Paul took me to the Griffith Observatory where one of my favourite movies of all time was filmed, Rebel Without a Cause. There is even a bust of James Dean on the property. The Observatory sits 1,134 feet above sea level on the southern side of Mount Hollywood in Griffth Park. You get great views of LA. The Observatory is very popular for tourists and hikers as there are trails that allow you to explore the hillside in Griffth Park.
The Griffth Observatory has some great features like the statues to Astronomy’s fathers which I totally nerded out over. There is a sundial, that of course, keeps excellent time.
After the observatory it was time to take a trip down Hollywood Blvd and check out the Kodak and Chinese Theater. The entertainment aspect of Hollywood is the only thing that turns me off of the place. Hollywood Blvd was a great example of that. It was chocked full of tourists and typical cheesy stuff like getting your own star on the walk of fame. It was interesting to the see the hand and footprints from celebs though. I was most interested in old Hollywood and cringed whenever I heard “Who is that?” from some ignorant tourist. Who is that to Rosalind Russell, are you KIDDING ME!!!
The ride back to Santa Monica had a few sights: Fairfax high school where the Red Hot Chili Peppers met (This is important to the teenage RHCP fan me listening to Fight Like a Brave and professing my love for Anthony Kiedis); Melrose Ave which I didn’t stroll down :(, the diner from Pulp Fiction and the CBS studios. The night was low-key as Paul and Lauren were working the next day. It was Monday after all. So we had dinner at a very excellent organic vegan restaurant called Real Food Daily. I had the Ceasar salad with Tempeh bacon and a Red Hed Juice (Beet, carrot, celery, apple, ginger). I’m told the desserts are also very good here. I spend the rest of the night tearing through The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I became hooked after reading the first chapter one morning. It was sitting on the coffee table and I was wondering about the hype. My review: Good book but not a great book. I liked the characters a lot and the ending was twisty enough that I didn’t discover the whole plot before the reveal. Monday would be my last full day in California and I was going to spend it at the beach.
It’s film festival time and I’m kinda going crazy right now. I’m also on vacation. Posts are a little light right now because I’ve been out a lot. However I got lots of stuff to report on: FT 25th, TIFF Gifting suites and TIFF parties. It’s been fun and I had a couple celeb sightings and interactions.
The Distillery District turned into a free concert venue for a weekend when Lexus debuted the CT 200h to the public. The Lexus CT 200h is their entry into the hybrid market with this sporty coup design. They claim it’s the world’s first luxury compact hybrid car. It also used recycled material for parts like the seats. The car reminded me of my friend in Santa Monica, Paul. He has a hybrid car and tells me he fills up once a month. LA memories and desires were still fresh at this time and everything reminded me that I needed to go back.
I attended a little cocktail before the performance of The Stills at The Boiler House which is a gorgeous looking restaurant. I had dinner there a long time ago, probably like 5 years. I’ve been back for the occasional party though. The Still were very good. This was my first exposure to them and I was told they were so four years ago. Who knew! I don’t follow music much at all.
I felt like sharing a few of my favourite shots with the Olympus E-PL1 with you.
This watch was my first foray into sample pulling. Coyne PR sent me this Vivid Baby-G Square watch by Casio to review for a month. I wore it around for a bit, pairing it with my bright orange Toy Watch. Eventually, I took these macro shots with the trusty Olympus E-PL1 for this post.
I like the Vivid Baby-G Square. It’s a good looking watch with dual analog and digital display. It comes in a variety of bright colours like blue and neon green. I love that all watch companies are following this trend. It’s an easy way to incorporate a pop of colour into your life. It has most of the features you expect from a Casio watch: stop watch, alarm, world clock with 28 time zones, countdown timer and calendar. The analog arms of the watch glow in the dark but I’m not a big fan of the LED light. It doesn’t do that great of a job illuminating the digital face. The analog arms can get in the way of stopwatch and countdown usage depending on the time of the day.
The Vivid Baby-G Square retails for $99 and you can find it online at Casio.com
