This weekend the talent comes to the table. Make that the 48 tables and six galleries at Market Collective.

The monthly showcase of local, independent artists and artisans is February 4 and 5. It is already a lovefest with shoppers chatting with the talented creators as they trade cash for everything from artwork to jewellery, but this month it gets a little gushier with the All You Need is Love theme. While you shop listen to a rotating schedule of live bands. Sundays showcase features an all female music line-up.

Shopping local doesn’t get much easier. —Jaelyn Molyneux

Admission is $3 or a food bank donation. 148 10 St. N.W., Calgary, www.marketcollective.ca

A workout involving inspiration instead of perspiration? Sign me up!

Skoah has opened its second skin gym in Calgary. This Vancouver-based company is best known for its customized skin care “workouts” and, in addition to Chinook Centre, Calgarians can now flex their faces in Kensington. The Skoah experts are personal trainers for the face, offering Power Hour Treatments and Facialicious facials —all ranging from $70 to $100. Kensington is also the perfect location to pop in and receive a brow or makeup fix before heading into the core for a night on the town. —Kristin Hursh

Skoah, 116 10th St. NW., Calgary, 403-264-0203, www.skoah.com

You’ve got the cycling around town in style down, but peddling while you’re packing the work bag, gym bag and a baguette and wine of course, is another story.

It’s time to take the load off with a nifty, and sturdy rear basket from Axiom.

Our pick is the wicker Covered Pannier Bagsket (get it?) that is easy to put-on, and take-off your bike and has a hinged lid to keep all things secure and in place. It also comes with a shoulder strap that can be attached and used to carry your belongings, including picnic goodies, to and from the bike. 

$129.99 at Ridley’s Cycle, 223 10th St. NW, Calgary, 403-283-1421, www.ridleys.com

A natural summer glow seems so close, yet sometimes, still feels still so far away. But at least we can get our warm-weather skin prep going at the new Kensington location of Vancouver’s Skoah.

If you’re a Skoah virgin, pop into the store/spa for a complimentary 10-minute Glow N Go facial to get you started. If you’re a regular, expect all of the same fab services (the Power Hour facial is our fave, $70), products including the Chiiki Munki make-up line and a few new surprises. Come next month, the Kensington location will launch Calgary’s first Chiiki Brow Bar.

Bring on summer.

Skoah, 116 10th St. NW, Calgary, 403-203-0200, www.skoah.com

It’s a Kensington conquest: the owners of Muse and Wine Bar have just opened up another hot spot in the hood, Brasserie Kensington.

True to its name, it's a mix of a laid-back feel with an upscale setting, focusing on fun and fabulous brews. We loved the his-and-hers Croque Monsieur (mustard, gruyère and ciabata, $12.50) and the Croque Madame (gruyère and a fried egg $13.75). The Nicoise salad with Albacore tuna confit ($16) is a lunch favourite and the foie gras potato skins with herbs, shaved gruyère, lardons and black truffle essence ($15.50) are a must-have.

It might be time to move to the neighbourhood. —MG

Brasserie Kensington, 100, 1131 Kensington Rd. NW, Calgary, 403-457-4148, www.brasseriekensington.com

It’s the day before Christmas and if like Frank Constanza, you’re “Serenity Now” is ten decibels louder than it should be, it’s time for tea.

For last minute gifts, final stocking stuffers and some R&R for yourself, head to The Naked Leaf. The tea emporium stocks hundreds of different teas—may we suggest the Happy Day blend today—and an amazing assortment of teaware including handcrafted pots, mugs and quirky combinations like the toaster teapot (pictured, from $65).

After a cuppa, you’ll be refreshed and ready to brave the upcoming madness.

Happy Holidays to you and yours, from Vitamin Daily Calgary.

The Naked Leaf, 305 10th St. NW, Calgary, 403-283-3555, www.thenakedleaf.ca

Sometimes, change is sweet.

The candy emporium rechristened The Candy Kid and Red Bush Tea and Coffee Company has opened a spacious storefront in Kensington filled to the rafters with sweet things and delicious bevvies. Barrels of salt-water taffy line the door, and hard-to-find candies, old-fashioned favourites, and varieties from all around the world fill the bins throughout the shop.

Enjoy fresh fudge and Turkish delight with a hot cup of coffee, or tea and let the sugar high set in.

The Candy Kid and Red Bush Tea and Coffee Company, 225 10th St. NW, Calgary, 403-804-4311.

With its bright green décor and cozy set-up, the new Wake Bistro in Kensington is a welcome addition to our favourite brunch haunts and a lovely way to wake up.

For weekday breakfast try the Wake’n Bacon sandwich ($10.95) or the Veggie Lover burrito ($10.95), but the weekend brunch is the main event (think: ham-, egg- and cheese-stuffed crepes, $10.95).

And if you’re a late riser, lunch is also served.

Wake Bistro, 207 10th St. NW, Calgary, 403-264-4425.

Famous for its Kensington who’s who and hipster crowd, Higher Ground Café is always buzzing with caffeine-induced neighbourhood folk.

In the evenings, it’s also the place to grab a glass of wine and now, a three-course meal ($19). With Anahata Foods, the café’s Global Vegetarian Nights happen every Wednesday. Next week nosh on spinach ricotta balls with basil aioli, cashew and tofu stuffed cabbage rolls with tomato basil sauce and basmati pilaf, and pumpkin cake with chocolate-hazelnut ganache and organic cinnamon coffee sauce.

Start with your morning coffee and stay for dinner.

Dinner service starts at 5:30 p.m., reservations recommended. Higher Ground Café, 1126 Kensington Rd. NW, Calgary, 403-270-3780, www.highergroundcafe.ca

Last we heard through gossip king and National Post columnist Shinan Govani’s tweets, designer Paul Hardy was sewing a dress on the Rocky Mountaineer. And the Calgary-based designer hasn’t slowed down since.

His all white and cream Spring collection is flying off the shelves at his Kensington boutique, and when we stopped by last week, he was down to the wire, putting the final touches on his Fall line. Hardy shows tonight in Toronto but before he jetted off, we got a sneak peek of what’s in store for next season. Hint: Opposites attract.

Paul Hardy Atelier, 1126 Kensington Rd. NW, Calgary, 403-242-4794, www.paulhardydesign.com

See photos from our atelier visit on today's Editors' Diary.