Two p.m. lunches have become by favourite new trend in entertaining (although the Brits did it first). To pair with a seafood  and rabbit paella at a New Year's Day lunch, I'd serve the Passe-Tout-Grains (PTG) from Joie Farm, a classic Burgundian blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay. $24 www.joiefarm.com —Sarah Bancroft

Indulge in something a bit exotic as you toast to the New Year. Sakagura No Nigori Umeshu is a pressed plum wine that tastes absolutely heavenly after being chilled. The perfectly small bottles are excellent for toting to parties and for gifting to the hostess!  $25.99 at www.bin905.com —Kait Kucy

A visit to The Vibrant Vine is a real trip. And not just because it’s in Kelowna. Their psychedelic artwork covers almost every square inch of the winery (which I first discovered when I visited for this video series) and it also enwraps their signature pinot grigio. Vibrant Vine 2009 pinot grigio, $23.50 at Darby’s Cold Beer and Wine, 2001 Macdonald St., Vancouve. —Kelsey Dundon

For some of the season’s best boozy buys, we went to sommelière extraordinaire Jessica Harnois. "Most people know wines from the Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc but for the holidays, nothing beats a good Chenin Blanc. This rich, floral and well-rounded wine pairs beautifully with white meat (like turkey) and works as either an aperitif or served with the main course. I particularly like a French classic: Domaine FL Le Parc Savennières 2007, a prestigious appellation from the Loire region.” 23.60 at SAQ.

Not having a sweet tooth, I prefer a glass of red wine at the end of the meal. And when it is Township 7s 09 Merlot with its notes of Raspberry and Cocoa dust, well who needs desert? —SB $24.99 at www.township7.com

Boxing Day is made for three things: shopping, leftovers, and watching movies in our pajamas. To that end, our movie rental list (all available on iTunes) for a well-deserved couch potato day.

A sweet tooth isn’t the only thing we’re indulging during the holiday season: the sappy romantic in us needs a little love (and Jude Law) from our go-to movie The Holiday. —Christine Laroche

Between the soundtrack, the costumes and the locations, I could spend every day of the break watching Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette. The parties and bonbons feel very appropriate this time of year, don’t they? – Kelsey Dundon

It’s not Christmas without a classical musical from my childhood. This year it’s My Fair Lady that’s on continuous play. My daughter loves the scene when grimy flower girl Eliza Doolittle (Audrey Hepburn) is given a bath. —Athena Tsavliris

Moonrise Kingdom tells the hilarious and quirky story of two 1960s pre-teens on their quest for maturity and love. A Wes Anderson film, it is pretty much guaranteed that this film is chock-full of delicious costumes and props, beautiful panoramas, ridiculous wit and a big-name cast. —Kait Kucy

Sure you know what it's about (male strippers), but did you know Magic Mike was made for a relatively low-budget $7 million, catapulted Channing Tatum to A-list status and earned Matthew McConaughey a Best Supporting Actor  award from the the New York Film Critics Circle? Don't be surprised if this film bumps-and-grinds its way to an Oscar nomination. —Maria Tallarico

Get to know our cross-country team of editors, who have opened their purses, cupboards and closets to reveal their most essential everyday items. Today, our chic beauty editor Anya Georgijevic shares her favourite things.

Grace Coddington, the redhead wonder behind Vogue, has just released her memoir and it’s a juicy one. From her humble childhood in misty Wales, to glossy magazine pages, to the bedrooms of enviable men (you’ll be surprised!), to her undying love of cats, and her relationship with the Devil herself, Anna Wintour, you won’t be able to put it down. $45 at Indigo.ca

Ugh, winter dryness. Skin scrubs can be messy, but not this fine rice powder by Eminence. The Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant comes in a handy (and very handsome) shaker bottle and, when mixed with water, creates a silky smooth substance, gently exfoliating the skin. I use it everywhere. $48 at Spa Boutique.

I never thought I would love a sweatshirt so much, but then J.Crew came along. I found it in the men’s section and ended up buying two, one for me and one for my husband—twinsies! $72.50 at J.Crew.com

This has got to be the most stylish water bottle ever. Obakki’s splendid glass bottle with a red silicone sleeve not only looks slick, but 100% of its sale proceeds go towards drilling water wells in South Sudan. Win and win. $29 at Obakki.com

They were recently on GOOP, but I’m adamant I discovered them first (take that, Gwyneth). These charming handmade cards by Brown Paper hail from London, and are bound to make a delightful snail mail treat this holiday season. The gold reindeer are pretty cute, but I’ll be sending festive puppies this year. $6.99 each at Orling & Wu, 28 Water St., Vancouver, 604-568-6718, www.orlingandwu.com (also check out their pop-up shop at Holt Renfrew, Vancouver)

—Anya Georgijevic

Get to know our our cross-country team of editors, who have opened their purses, cupboards and closets to reveal their most essential everyday items. Today, our charming lifestyle editor Kelsey Dundon shares her favourite things.

Season three of Downton Abbey is about to hit the airwaves this side of the pond. To answer Lady Grantham’s question “What is a weekend?” Why, it’s for catching up on the first two seasons, of course. $36.99 at Amazon.ca

There’s a lot of sugar and spice in the air these days. Thankfully Diptyque’s Philosykos eau de parfum smells like neither of those things. In fact, its lightness is reminiscent of a dewy spring morning. $140 at http://www.diptyqueparis.com

Dark nights call for warm lights. This Delta table lamp from The Cross Design would set my living room aglow. $195 at http://thecrossdesign.com

I live my life by the motto “Warm feet are happy feet” and Padraig’s knit-in-Canada slippers ensure delightfully toasty tootsies. $76 at www.padraigcottage.com

Roll out the rolling pin. Anthropologie’s Toile Full Apron keeps my clothes spic and span during my semi-annual baking sessions. Cookie, anyone? $32 at www.anthropologie.com

Get to know our our cross-country team of editors, who have opened their purses, cupboards and closets to reveal their most essential everyday items. Today, our charming lifestyle editor Kelsey Dundon shares her favourite things.

Season three of Downton Abbey is about to hit the airwaves this side of the pond. To answer Lady Grantham’s question “What is a weekend?” Why, it’s for catching up on the first two seasons, of course. $36.99 at Amazon.ca

There’s a lot of sugar and spice in the air these days. Thankfully Diptyque’s Philosykos eau de parfum smells like neither of those things. In fact, its lightness is reminiscent of a dewy spring morning. $140 at http://www.diptyqueparis.com

Dark nights call for warm lights. This Delta table lamp from The Cross Design would set my living room aglow. $195 at http://thecrossdesign.com

I live my life by the motto “Warm feet are happy feet” and Padraig’s knit-in-Canada slippers ensure delightfully toasty tootsies. $76 at www.padraigcottage.com

Roll out the rolling pin. Anthropologie’s Toile Full Apron keeps my clothes spic and span during my semi-annual baking sessions. Cookie, anyone? $32 at www.anthropologie.com

With the last long weekend of summer fast approaching, we're hitting the beach with a bottle of SPF and a good book.

Anya Georgijevic, Beauty Editor
The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

I’ve been on a 1920s kick since... forever. This fictionalized story of a tumultuous relationship between the womanizing literary legend Ernest Hemingway and his first wife Hadley Richardson is just the right combination of romance and jazz age nostalgia. $19.76 at www.chapters.indigo.ca

Kelsey Dundon, Lifestyle Editor
Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

Leave it to HBO to get me so hooked on a series: I’ve turned into a full-on fantasy-lover. I couldn’t wait to watch the third season of Game of Thrones so I decided to do things the old-fashioned way: read my way through it. The series is light reading yet each book is thick perfect for stashing in your weekend bag. $21.97 at www.chapters.indigo.ca

Kait Kucy, Calgary Editor
Adventures in Solitude by Grant Lawrence

The CBC's Grant Lawrence recalls his long summers growing up in the misty and wet depth of British Columbia's Desolation Sound in this perfect Canadiana piece of literature. Excellent for long weekends at the lake or beach, this book will bring about new gratitude and love for your Canadian surroundings. $17.78 at www.chapters.indigo.ca

Athena Tsavliris, Toronto Editor
The Book of Marvels by Lorna Crozier

A friend dropped in for tea today with this book (and homemade jam tarts) in her bag. It looks utterly charming. The perfect escape from that 700-pager on the nightstand. $15.165 at www.chapters.indigo.ca

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce (Sponsored)

An ordinary walk to the corner mailbox sparks an extraordinary journey of self-discovery in this tender, touching and captivating new novel—the newest addition to Indigo Spotlight, a curated selection of outstanding reads. $19.76 at www.chapters.indigo.ca

Christine Laroche, Montreal Editor
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

The novel is dark, sneaky, and incredibly addictive, and Reese Witherspoon seems to agree: The actress has bought the book’s film rights. $16.47 at www.chapters.indigo.ca

Maria Tallarico, Managing Editor
Who Killed Mom? by Steve Burgess

Popular Vancouver writer Steve Burgess brings his trademark wit to this tale of familial bond. His love for his mother Joan shines through every quippy story, and his quest to both understand and honour the woman who shaped him is quite touching. And did I mention how funny he is? Very. $17.44 at www.chapters.indigo.ca

We asked the VitaminDaily.com moms to tell us about one baby or kid’s product that was an absolute necessity (and sanity saver). Herewith, our mommy must-haves!

Sarah Bancroft, Editor-in-Chief, Mother of Emmanuelle, 6 and Charlotte, 3.

Tara gave my daughter Charlotte a lime green Fatboy beanbag (starting at $198) for her first birthday and it has since become a favourite crash pad for kids of all ages. We use it in the yard, the playroom, watching movies. I've got my eye on the cool new printed versions I saw in the window of Vancouver Special. www.fatboycanada.com

Tara Parker Tait, Publisher, Mother of Alexander, almost 3.

Tegu wooden magnetic blocks small kits are the best for restaurants. I keep them in my bag and Alexander gets them when we go out to eat. Starting at $36 a set, available from Babybot, www.babybot.com

Katherine Holland, Toronto Contributor, Mother of Roxy, 2.

The aden + anais muslin wraps were my fave when Roxy was little. They're super stretchy, so you can burrito your baby into submission, and also prevents them scratching their faces when they're little. They wash well, they're soft, and they're lightweight, so the little ones won't overheat. They work great as sun protection over strollers or bouncy chairs in hot weather. All you could ask for in a receiving blanket. aden + anais Muslin Bamboo Single Layer Baby Swaddling Wrap set, $59.99 from Lusso Baby, www.lussobaby.ca

Maria Tallarico, Managing Editor, Mother of Jackson, almost 1.

A gift from the team (thanks ladies!), the canvas SYM Charlie Diaper Bag ($175) eschews infantile print for modern, unisex canvas. It comes with all the bells and whistles you'd expect (change pad, convertible straps, smart phone holder) and easily fits the essentials: wipes, diapers, extra clothing and my 13" Macbook Air. It works wonderfully as a travel bag and includes a cooler pocket and two insulated bottle pockets. $175 at Saf + Benjamin, www.safandbenjamin.com

Alexandra Suhner Isenberg, Fashion Editor, Mother of Viktor, 1.

The O-Ball is the best first toy for little ones, which came recommended to us by our physiotherapist. It is very lightweight and has lots of holes, which makes it very easy for baby to learn to grab and pick up. It is also soft, so when baby decides hit himself in the head with it (they love doing that), there’s no harm done.  This is good around 4-8 months, a short time frame, but one of the only toys you’ll need around then. O-Ball, starting at $8.95 at Saf + Benjamin, www.safandbenjamin.com

—Alexandra Suhner Isenberg

Our favourite undiscovered spots (till now!)

Luna Blue
Have shoes will travel to this 14th Street Southwest shoe store. The tiny boutique is halfway between trendy shopping districts Marda Loop and Uptown 17, but set outside of the main retail action. Luna Blue counts autobody shops and pizza delivery businesses as its neightbours. Look for its bold blue façade to find footwear and handbags including Lola Ramona boots and TSUBO pumps. Luna Blue, 2611 14 St. S.W., Calgary, 403-244-1644, www.lunablueshoes.com

Valta Bison Farms
Tucked into a 100-year old building in Ramsay, this shop is a throwback to the old farm stores with fresh deli sandwiches, sauces, dairy products and, of course, bison including steaks, roasts and sausages. Valta Bison Farms, 703 23 Ave. S.E., Calgary, 403-237-9667, www.valtabison.com

Frosst Books
The building used to be a bottle depot before the interior was renovated into artists’ studios and gallery space as well as a bookstore that carries art, architecture and design books and zines as well as artists’ prints. The exterior is almost entirely unchanged so if you are looking for the bookstore watch for the bottle depot sign. Frosst Books, 1018 Ninth Ave. S.E., Calgary, 403-265-2664, www.frosstbooks.com

Villa Firenze
Sitting comfortably under the radar but close to downtown, this Italian restaurant has been serving homemade pasta, sauces, pestos, sausages and foccacia for decades. It’s the kind of low light, long wine list restaurant where you want to settle in and stay awhile. Villa Firenze, 610 First Ave. N.E., Calgary, 403-264-4297.

Flora
Dutch-trained florist, Sarah Mayerson’s flower shop on Edmonton Trail is a chic backdrop for her custom arrangements and if you aren’t the market for centerpieces, bouquets or succulent plants, there is also jewelry and art by local artists for sale. Flora, 902 Edmonton Tr. N.E., Calgary, 403-457-1175, www.floracalgary.com —Jaelyn Molyneux

It is way too easy to spend money on your kids clothing, everything looks so much more funwhen it's small. Here are our favourite pieces from the fall/winter collections.

We love this Crewcuts doggie tee because it reminds us of Givenchy’s pitbull collection. But, of course, in this tiny size it's far cuter. Crewcuts Girls' long-sleeve 3-D doggie tee, $44. At J.Crew, www.jcrew.com 

H&M has just launched a collection with All for Children with 25 per cent of all sales going to UNICEF’s work for children in Bangladesh. We love the floral prints in the girls collection, and this little boys cardigan with elbow patches is perfect for the back to school “professor” look. Cardigan ($29.95) at H&M, Toronto Eaton Centre and Pacific Centre in Vancouver from September 22nd.

We know that Burberry is a little bit expensive, but who can resist this adorable quilted coat? Justify its purchase by promising you’ll hand it down, plus it works for a boy or a girl. Ocean Quilted Coat with check lining $335, from Lola Home & Apparel, 510 Beatty St., 604-633-5017, Vancouver, www.lolahomeandapparel.com

The only problem with Vancouver-based Red Fish’s party dresses is that they don’t make them in adult sizes. Let’s hope our girls get invited to a lot of parties so they have an excuse to wear this! Party dress, $75 at Wear Else, www.wearelse.com or Red Fish Kids Clothing, www.redfishkidsclothing.com

Checks were a runway trend, and since our little boys are too cool for school, we are going to put them in little check shirts with matching shoes. Running shoes ($19) and shirt ($12) at Joe Fresh, www.joefresh.com  —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg

Our editors had the extremely hard job (someone's got to do it!) of sampling some of the summer's best wines. Kick back, raise a glass and discover which vinos made this year's list.

Sarah Bancroft, Editor-in-chief
Township 7 Un-Oaked Chardonnay
Chardonnay is the LL Cool J of wines: "Don't call it a comeback, I've been here for years."  But these days, chard has shed its buttery, oaky rep for cleaner crisper granny smith apple and melon, characteristic of Oliver's vineyards. Mama said knock you out. $22.44 at Inglewood Wine Market, 1139 9th Ave. SE, Calgary, 403-262-4663, www.inglewoodwine.com

Kelsey Dundon, Lifestyle editor
Montecillo Rioja Reserva
A red in summer? Why not! Hot August days remind us of the warm Spanish sun, which is exactly what these grapes were grown under. $19.99 at Willowpark Wines, 4012 Worcester Dr. SW, Calgary, 403-777-123, www.willowpark.net

Dirty Laundry Gewurztraminer
Sweet but not too sweet, this BC wine is as light and fresh as our favourite summer days.  $29 at Inglewood Wine Market, 1139 9th Ave. SE, Calgary, 403-262-4663, www.inglewoodwine.com

Anya Georgijevic, Beauty editor
Cannonball Cabernet Sauvignon
This spicy Cabernet Sauvignon is just as free-spirited as its adorable label. It’s always a palette pleaser, especially when served with salami and cheese. $25.99 at Kensington Wine Market, 1257 Kensington Rd. NW, Calgary, www.kensingtonwinemarket.com

Joie Farm Noble Blend
Although I try many whites, I always go back to this delightful blend. It was served at my wedding reception last year so it holds a special place in my heart. $33.49 at Kensington Wine Market, 1257 Kensington Rd. NW, Calgary, www.kensingtonwinemarket.com