Category Archives: Events

The Best Halloween Costume Shops In Toronto

1st October 2017

Halloween Costumes

Malabar – go early to avoid lineups! This place is the grand daddy one stop shop for all your favourite costumes and accessories in downtown TO. They have very knowledgeable staff and carry an extensive array of pre-packaged costumes, rentals, professional makeup, wigs, hats, masks and everything else your little devil’s heart desires.

Spirit Halloween – city slicker ghosts and goblins can now conveniently shop at this popup on Queen Street West. Costumes for the whole family, props and decorations can all be found here. Get 20% off online orders $60+ and free shipping over $75 here.

Creepers – located in Oakville, they call themselves Canada’s creepiest and sexiest Halloween superstore and rightfully so because they’ve got everything! The staff even dress up as their favourite characters. Their “Pop Culture” section is pretty cool with costumes from Harley Quinn, The Walking Dead, Transformers and popular video game heroes.

Halloween Costume Shop

Exile Vintage  – remember Mr. Dressup’s trunk? Well this place in Kensington Market reminds me of it. There are racks and racks of second-hand clothing and vintage pieces that make excellent costumes if you’ve got the creativity.

 

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MomsTO Very Mommy Wine Festival

28th August 2017

MomTO

When CJ was born I found a fabulous tribe of new moms who lived downtown but there was definitely no wine served at our playdates.

And that’s what makes this event extra unique. MomsTO invite you and your babe to their inaugural Very Mommy Wine Festival on September 13 at the Artscape Wychwood Barns.

Join 500 other women to laugh, vent and celebrate the life changing experience of motherhood.

Your $65 ticket includes a swag bag, wine + canapes. And yes, it’s all you can drink and eat ladies!

 

Let’s Go To The Ex 2017

3rd August 2017

CNE The Ex

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) or The Ex opens August 18 to September 4 – a bittersweet reminder that summer is officially coming to an end.

My parents brought me in a bassinet when I was a wee little baby (2 months old!) and it’s been my favourite family tradition that I’m now carrying on with CJ. I’m particularly excited this year because he is three and over 3ft tall which means he can start going on some of the midway rides!

I’m also hoping to get a glimpse of the solar eclipse. There will be a viewing party on the CNE grounds Aug 21. Which also happens to be Kids Twoonie Monday so there will be ride specials.

Bacon Nation

And of course there is all the wacky carnival food!

The menu has just been revealed! So we can expect Canadian classics like the cake poutine chased down with Tim Horton’s Fireworks Chill. Bacon will obviously be slathered on everything, from pancake tacos to salty breakfast bowls. Snack cravers will enjoy the Peanut Butter Sriracha Bites and Spaghetti Donut Balls while the more daring foodie can indulge in Bug Bistro’s vanilla softserve topped with crispy roasted crickets!

Eative even created a Dragon’s Breathe Crepe that claims to produces a fog-like gas that you can blow through your nose and mouth! And yikes, there are rumours of deep fried chicken feet!

Tim Hortons Fireworks Chill

The inaugural East Coast Kitchen Party will be hosted Aug 19-20 and the Craft Beer Fest + Food Truck Frenzy will be back for it’s second year on Aug 25-27.

What are you looking forward to the most at CNE this year?

Check out the full schedule and ticket info here.

 

More Summer Events In The 6ix

1st August 2017

Toronto summer 2017

Slather on that sunscreen and check out these fun events in The 6ix before summer flies by…

June 1 to Aug 18 – Adelaide Eats has extended to mid-month. Check out the food porn!

Aug 4 to 7 – Toronto Food Truck Festival is meals on wheels on another level.

Aug 11 to 13 – indulge in pan Asian food (including the stinky tofu if you dare) and explore the midway at the Waterfront Night Market.

Aug 12 – run with giant unicorns through cloud foam at the Colour Run 5k.

Aug 18 to Sept 4 – Let’s go to The Ex! A family tradition I’m now passing on to my little one.

Aug 19 to 20 – grab a lobster bib for the inaugural East Coast Kitchen Party at CNE.

 

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Summer Events In The 6ix

9th June 2017

Summer 2017 Events

My favourite time of the year is here! Let’s make this summer deliciously magical starting with these fun events…

May 20 to Oct 7 – take a stroll along the harbour and check out the 75+ vendors at the Waterfront Artisan Market. This event happens every Saturday.

June 13 & 14 – The Stop’s Night Market is an all-you-can-eat fundraiser for night owls.

June 15 to 18 – Taste of Toronto is the ultimate foodie festival for friends who feast.

June 15 – Give Me Liberty After Work Party hosted by Liberty Village BIA.

June 16 to 18 – indulge in tacos, guacamole, churros, tequila, hot sauce and everything Mexican at the Taco Fest.

 

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11 Spring Events Worth Coming Out Of Hibernation For

8th March 2017

Spring 2017 Events Toronto

Hey Toronto, hibernation is over! Get outside and let’s play…

March 18 – Harry Potter Yoga ummm yes this is a real thing!

March 22 – Wakeup, workout + dance party at Daybreaker TO Spring Equinox.

March 29 to April 2 – Support artisans and the handmade revolution at the One of a Kind Show. Win a pair of tix here.

March 27 (and ongoing last Fridays of every month) – LegoLand Discovery Centre is not just for kids, but they have an Adults Night for the young at heart.

March 30 to April 2 – Toronto Yoga Conference will host 100,000 downward dogs, de-stressing workshops and mindful community building. Namaste!

 

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Cool Things To Do To Embrace Winter

11th January 2017

Blue Mountain

I’m totally not a winter person. Just ask my poor husband who knows all too well that as temperatures drop, my grumpiness soars. This year instead of bitching in my Goose I’m going to try to embrace it like a true Canadian!

Here are a few things I’ve planned… 

Guided night time snowshoe hiking at Scenic Caves.

A weekend getaway to Blue Mountain including a visit to Scandinave Spa, of course.

Lots of hot pot, steamy noodle soups and hot chocolate 10 ways!

Taking my son tubing for the first time!

Cozying up at one of these new hidden bars and restaurants.

Checking out Ice Breakers, a series of giant art installations along the waterfront.

Winterlicious with friends (Jan 27 to Feb 9) – Fring’s, Leña and Cluny is on our list.

Do you know there is an inaugural Italian Restaurant Week happening Jan 26 to Feb 5?!

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Camp Tech Blogging & Marketing Workshops

5th January 2017

Camp Tech

6 summers ago The Hip + Urban Girl’s Guide was born. What started as a hobby blog quickly turned into an “accidental business” and is now a popular women’s lifestyle website that covers food, travel, style and events in Toronto. I’ve had the privilege of working with many local businesses as well as big brands including American Express, Microsoft, Telus, Pringles, Hudson’s Bay, Toyota, etc.

I continue to contribute to HUG but at the same time, have started this blog. A more refined grown-up version of all the good things in life that are now important to me as a late-30’s career mom navigating the concrete jungle.

Sooooo…

I’ve learned a lot during this time about content development, editorial schedules, pulling rank on Google, working with PR agencies, and the ins and outs of what to do and specifically what not to do when it comes to blogging!

I’m delighted to be offering these workshops to help you grow your business and find your own unique voice in the blogesphere.

The Content Marketing Workshop is perfect if you’re blogging on behalf of a business or if you are an entrepreneur.

Date: Wednesday, Jan 18 | 1-4pm

Topics include: content development, seo and setting up an editorial schedule that is actually manageable. Understand how to recruit and work with the best guest bloggers and top influencers, how to host contests and giveaways, and measuring your success.

My Business of Blogging Workshop is for hobby bloggers who want to take it to the next level and monetize their websites.

Date: Tuesday, Feb 7 | 1-4pm

Topics include: creating content that drives traffic fast, social media, affiliate marketing, pitching brands, preparing a media kit AND the million dollar question… how do I get more than just free products, and actually make money from my blog?

Both workshops take place at the Burroughes Building in Queen West and will be 3 hours of practical instruction, interactive with small class sizes, and lots of fun!

Hello Winter Break

26th December 2016

Yoga Train

My son’s winter break started this past Friday. It’s a mixture of excitement and nervousness as we have to think of creative ways to keep this little monkey entertained while not turning our condo upside down. We have two full weeks to fill with trains, yoga, adventures and lots of Starbucks Holiday Spice Flat Whites for momma!

The Little Mermaid

To kick off the festive season, our family was invited to Disney On Ice at the Rogers Centre. This is CJ’s first introduction to the world of Disney! We also just bought him skates (he lasted a whole 30 seconds in the rink) so I’m hoping after seeing Frozen, Tinker Bell and friends gliding across the ice, he’ll see just how much fun skating can be.

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Holiday Events In The 6ix

15th November 2016

Distillery Xmas Market

The festive season kicks off this weekend in Toronto and there is no shortage of fun things to do to put you and yours in a holly jolly spirit!

12 Trees | Nov 18 to Jan 8

The Gardiner Museum gets all decked out with their signature fundraising exhibition and its central gala event, the G Party. $15

Holiday Magic in Yorkville | Nov 19

Don’t miss this spectacular lighting ceremony and free, open-air concert with Shawn Desmond.

Toronto Christmas Market @ The Distillery | Nov 19 to Dec 22

This market is ranked one of the top in the world! Sip on mulled wine, sample a Hot Toddie, take a ride on the ferris wheel, visit Santa and enjoy all the sights and sounds of a traditional 1940’s Christmas. Free weekdays, $6 weekends.

Holly Jolly Fun Run | Nov 20

A holiday tradition, this festive 5k takes you along the same route as the Santa Claus Parade. $50

The Great Hall Christmas Market | Nov 20

This event is back for its 3rd year! Shop 90+ vendors, take a break at the cash bar and check out the live art demos. Don’t forget to donate a toy/food! Stroller parking available. $5-8

HoHoTo | Dec 1

Party with the finest folks from Toronto’s digital community at The Mod Club while raising money for YWCA Toronto’s Girls’ Centre. Starting at $25.

Evergreen’s Winter Village | Dec 10-31

Find unique gifts at the Makers Market and take home fresh groceries from the Farmers Market. Hike, skate and play outdoors all throughout December.

The Nutcracker | Dec 10-31

Presented by the National Ballet of Canada, plan a date night with your sugar plum fairy and celebrate the magic and wonder of the festive season together. Tickets start at $89.

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