Inspiration for living a luxuriously and balanced life

Thursday, December 29, 2016

48 Hours to De-stress and Refocus on YOU!!



Are you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed from the holiday festivities? Did your self care move to the bottom of your priority list because you were busy taking care of everyone else? It's time to put you back on the top of your priority list and jump start your daily self care READ MORE...

You are the curator of your life so live it luxuriously ,

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Wednesday, December 21, 2016

La Société ~ a little bit of Paris in Toronto

I have been wanting to try La Société for some time and this past weekend 
Mr. G. treated me to a birthday dinner there.
 La Société is tucked in on the second floor of the Colonnade ...
right in the heart of mink mile. From the decor, the massive stained glass ceiling and
lively ambiance  you feel like you've just stepped into a restaurant in Paris.

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Christmas Tea at the Park Hyatt Toronto ...


I have enjoyed some wonderful experiences (the spa) at The Park Hyatt Toronto and shared some of these experiences in past posts:  Girls Just Gotta Relax ; the amazing view from the roof lounge - I shared here Summer in the City and the amazing winterlicious dinner I had in the Annona restaurant shared here Two Weeks of Highlights in pictures. Most recently I learned they also offer afternoon tea on weekends - and until December 23, 2016 - they are serving a Festive Tea. So, as a birthday treat to myself I quickly made a reservation. 
Of course no birthday celebration is complete without a glass of bubbly ...
Champagne tea - please ...
and what a delight that it was my fav - Veuve Clicquot !! 
  
For my teacup loving readers ... 
I remembered to capture the manufacturer of this darling and joyous teacup. The colours were perfect! The butterfly and humming birds drifted my thoughts from the gloomy, over cast slushy winter day outside - to memories of the warm summer in the garden.
Cheers ... 



The tea sandwiches were a symphony of flavours ... and each bite was perfection! Christmas Tree Cucumber, Ham & Havarti on Pumpernickel Turkey & Cranberry Walnut Cream Cheese on Egg Bread; The Crispy Cone of Boursin, Mushroom & Chive and Smoked Salmon, Dillweed & Cream Cheese Crepe Cube were my absolute favs!!
Also served was a Chicken Salad & Pomegranate Bouche with Five Spice Boy - not being fond of chicken salad - I requested it be substituted - which they happily accommodated. I did get to enjoy the bouche with five spice boy - and let me tell you it was flaky and tasty ... I can only imagine the harmony of the egg salad served upon it (unfortunately I'm not an egg salad person - but if you are I'm certain you will be impressed!) 
Since I was celebrating my birthday the - Celebration Medley
by Sloane tea seem most appropriate. A South-African Red Rooibos sings with the natural sweetness of Apple, Orange and Rose, creating the perfect concert of flavours with spice notes. Ladies let me tell you - it was everything and more as described. I know I'll be looking for it on my next tea restocking shopping trip. 


When the dessert tower arrived ... I was in heaven!! 
Long time readers of HHL already know I have a "bit" of a sweet tooth! and these delights did not disappoint: Currant, Orange & Cream Scones with Classic Clotted Cream & Fruit Preserves; Dark Chocolate Mint Petit Four; Snow Man Sugar Cookie; Cranberry Lemon Checkerboard Tea Cake; Orange Spice Madeleines; Chocolate Candied Ginger Tart; Celebration Tea Macaron. 


no words required! 
The checkboard tea cake was an explosion of delight in my mouth!  
Did I mention how juicy and sweet the strawberries were? 
in winter - this was a definite treat!!! 

The staff were most welcoming and friendly - and the service was spot on. 
Thank you for making my birthday celebration to myself extra special!

Ladies, I know afternoon tea with the girls is fun (it's one of my fav outings with my besties) - but I have to say it's a wonderful experience to be on your own with your thoughts. Lots of reflecting and planning happened during this afternoon tea, on my own. The Festive Tea is on until December 23 - so if you are in the Toronto area - I highly suggest making the time to experience it! - Solo or with the girls and even that special male friend.

Tea is served in the elegantly decorated Annona restaurant within the hotel. For full menu details click here.

The Park Hyatt Toronto is located just off Mink Mile on the outer edge of Yorkville at 4 Avenue Road Toronto, ON, M5R 2E8 tel:: 416- 925- 1234 or visit the website: Parkhyatttoronto.com

SIDE NOTE: While the Festive Tea is only being served until December 23 - I understand regular afternoon tea is served on weekends. I know I'll be enjoying a cup of tea here again!


 You are the curator of your life so live it luxuriously ,

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Friday, November 25, 2016

Teacups and Crowns - in the heart of little Italy

When my sister messaged me, in October, about this unexpected gem in the heart of  Windsor's Little Italy, I knew that on my next visit to my family I would be taking my mother there for some mother and daughter time.
From the moment we walked in I knew this wasn't just another cafe offering tea. We were greeted with a warm and friendly welcome from a charming gal, whom I assumed to be the owner - as we chatted (like we had known each other forever) I learned Bianca was the daughter of the owner, Sylvia Alongi, who had stepped out to replenish some of the tasty treats. Assisting Bianca was her darling daughter Shauna ... who helps out on the weekends. On this particular week day Shauna was spending her PA day helping out mom and grandmother at the cafe.

Along with serving up a luxurious selection of specialty teas and coffees, scrumptious treats (scones with jam and yummy short bread cookies were on the menu this day), the cafe is decked out with exquisite fashion jewelry by Cryst-i Collections - earrings, necklaces, bangles and bracelets; stunning scarves, hand bags, shawls, and a wonderful selection of evening and wedding accessories sure to make any fashionatista swoon. If you are in search of a unique gift for someone special (and remember you are special too!) chances are you will find it here. I spotted some beautiful Faberge inspired eggs - that I'm regretting not having inquired more about - on my list for my next visit. 
The shop also offers beautiful floral arrangements made to order. If I recall correctly you can have an arrangement made in a teacup - how great of an idea for the tea connoisseur on your list; when the flowers expire - they will have a beautiful teacup to enjoy.



Whether you cozy up on this settee and inviting side chairs, sit at one of the cafe tables or take a seat at the counter ... the atmosphere beckons you to relax your shoulders, and let the day's cares drift away as you unwind sipping a hot beverage and a tasty treat (you know I'm all about the sweets too!). 


Before ordering you get to choose the teacup that your tea will be served in, from a most lovely selection of fine bone china teacups.
How darling is this Royal Albert - Buckingham Series teacup, my mother chose?
This Royal Stafford teacup is quite regal with it's purple and gold - and the thumb rest handle.
Mom went for the scone with jam, while I went for the shortbred cookie.  
Thank you Bianca and Shauna for a memorable afternoon with my mother.
See you next visit.

Teacups and Crowns is the perfect destination for catching up with your girls friends, taking yourself out on a date, or spending some quality time with family. And ladies the men in your life will also enjoy this little gem of a cafe with it's welcoming and relaxing atmosphere - after all they could use a break in their day too!

If you live or visit the Windsor area I highly suggest you check out Teacups and Crowns, located at 591 Erie Street East. You can check them out on their facebook page HERE.

You are the curator of your life so make it luxurious,

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