As if we needed another reason to dream of a Parisian escape, photographer and breakfast blogger Jennifer Causey has released a new book, Simply Paris: A Photographic Journey (US$24.95).

In the tome, the Brooklyn-based photographer documents a recent trip to the City of Lights through photos of her favourite places, people and things. We love the intense flea market shots and rundown bookstand pics. Naturally, a number of mouthwatering Parisian breakfast shots also made the cut.

Sadly, for now, homemade crepes will have to do.

At Blurb.com

The West just got a lot more luxe with the opening of Hôtel Le Germain Calgary.

The 143-room boutique hotel has the same modern esthetic as its sister locations in Toronto and Quebec, with volcanic stone floors, wood paneling, soft leathers and plenty of natural light throughout the downtown space. Admire the dramatic spiral wooden staircase leading to the conference area, get touchy with the felt wall by artist Kathryn Walter, and finally, have a seat at the Central 899 lounge where champers is served by the flute.

And the rooms—spacious and warm with high-end amenities and possibly the largest rain shower heads known to man—are laid-back luxury at its finest.

We’re booking in for a staycation.

From $279 ($199 intro special until the end of March), Hôtel Le Germain, 899 Centre St. SW, Calgary, 403-264-8990, www.germaincalgary.com

If your green thumb is itching to get out, get a head start at this weekend’s Calgary Home + Garden Show. Starting today, the biannual event is once again packed with ideas for both your abode and your garden.

New this year, the Garden Marketplace is a one-stop shop for all your gardening needs and after you pick up the goods, head to the Garden Stage where you can get your hands dirty learning to plan perennials or create flower arrangements.

And if you’re worried about missing that gold medal hockey game Sunday, the aLounge will be screening the event starting at 12:15 p.m.

Calgary Home and Garden Show, February 25-28, BMO Centre, Stampede Park, www.calgaryhomeshow.com

The greenest city in the U.S. is a perfect mix of laid-back cool and thrilling buzz. An ideal weekend getaway, here are our picks for the City of Roses.

sleep
The Nines is a chic space with an impressive modern art collection.You may find yourself sharing the elevator with one of the L.A. Lakers at this downtown hotel that’s popular among the It crowd. From $159 per night. The Nines, 525 SW Morrison, Portland, 1-877-229-9995, www.thenines.com

shop
A graduate of the Parsons School of Design, Portland-based Modi Soondarotok worked for Peter Som, Donna Karan and Armani before launching Idom, her line of colourful, vintage-inspired pieces. We swooned over every dress at her charming boutique.  Idom, 827 NW 23rd Ave. Portland, 503-477-6818, www.idomdesigns.com

eat
Named as one of the “Top 10 Best New Restaurants in America” by GQ, Ping lives up to the hype. Its menu is packed with mouth-watering “multi-Asian” fare. Start with a selection of the skewers (from $2) and you'll be dreaming about the laksa nonya coconut noodle soup ($12) long after the last bite. Ping, 102 NW Fourth Ave., Portland, 503-229-7464, www.pingpdx.com

sip
Portland is known for its coffee fanaticism and Stumptown Coffee Roasters indeed serves one of the best cups we’ve ever had. Stumptown Coffee Roasters, www.stumptowncoffee.com

swirl
When it’s time for a stronger bevy, head to the Doug Fir Lounge where you’ll find hipsters of all ages listening to live acts like Sloan or St. Vincent while enjoying local brews. Doug Fir Lounge, 830 East Burnside, Portland, 503-231-9663, www.dougfirlounge.com

Confusion is the name of the game these days when it comes to carry-on luggage, so opt for the Lug Side-Kick Excursion Pack ($42).

Small enough to fit the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority guidelines on what is an acceptable small purse, the pack has a removable zippered pouch for cash inside and pockets on the front, back and side to store your smaller items.

There are inner pockets for electronics and the side of the pack has a hidden water bottle pocket for the H2O you purchase post-security, of course. The adjustable strap can be worn across your body or around your waist like a fanny pack.

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

At Land and Sea, 317 Seventh Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-264-9866, www.landandseagifts.com

Dynamic duos: Peanut butter and jelly, Bonnie and Clyde, bread and butter, Dolce and Gabbana, and now, home furnishings and art.

Ellipses Design has just shacked up with DaDe Art and Design Lab in one large space to offer a must-stop shop for all your home décor desires.

For art, large abstract canvases by artists such as Danielle Bartlette and Darcy Lundgren are on the roster and new addition Bee Kingdom’s colourful glass designs.

Home furnishings include large leather adjustable sofas by Bullfrog, one-of-a-kind tables from reclaimed wood and stunning stainless steel pieces from Beijing. 

Some couples were just meant to be.

DaDe Art and Design Lab, 1327 Ninth Ave. SE, Calgary, 403-454-0243, www.dadegallery.com

Sure we’ve got the Olympic Oval to practice our open axels but when the sun shines on a cool day, there’s nothing better than heading to the Bowness Park Lagoon Rink for an outdoor spin.

The skating rink opens yearly in late December and now that the mass exodus of little people on school holidays has disappeared, it’s the perfect time to hit the ice. The tall trees provide a magical setting with a central fire pit to warm up after a few laps. Skate rentals are available from $5 a pair (half price from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.) and with no time limit, you can skate to your heart’s content.

Bowness Park Lagoon Rink, 8900 48th Ave. NW, Calgary, 403-268-2300, open 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily.

Sometimes charm trumps square footage. Herewith, our favourite boutique hotels.

With gold-leaf mahogany beds, French tapestries and Louis XV-glam, it’s impossible not to get the lovey doveys at Auberge Pierre du Calvet. Built in 1725, celeb fans include Aidan Quinn and Benjamin Franklin. From $295, www.pierreducalvet.ca
Marianne Wisenthal, Montreal editor

The perfect hotel for party people and culture vultures, Toronto’s Drake Hotel hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. In fact, it’s hipper than ever with ‘What’s in the Box,’ a Boxing Week music festival that celebrates the best of 2009. Five bands, five nights, five bucks. From $189, www.thedrakehotel.ca
Athena Tsavliris, Toronto editor

The 15-room Hotel Deseo in Playa Del Carmen is beachy minimalism at its best. And it’s the little touches that make it magical, like classic Mexican movies projected on the exterior wall and the phrase ‘away from you’ that reflects up from the bottom of the pool. From US$178, www.hoteldeseo.com
Joy Pecknold, Vancouver editor

For understated luxury check into the Hotel Raya on Italy’s Aeolian Islands. Playing briscola and sipping Campari on a whitewashed terrace at sunset is pure bliss. From $450, www.hotelraya.it
Athena Tsavliris, Toronto editor

For its warm ambiance and fine design, Le Petite Hotel is an ideal spot to hide away and forget about the world with your man. From $140, www.petithotelmontreal.com
Elsa Vecchi, Montreal editor

Every year, when the cards start coming, you promise to send out your own well wishes the following December. And every year, the 24th creeps up a little too quickly.

But this year, good intentions will be fulfilled as you make your way to The Social Page. The stationery and giftware shop has just moved from their small 17th Avenue store to a much larger space packed with cards, paper, gifts and gadgets.

Work with in-house designers to create your own unique holiday greeting or pick up stationery for tackling DIY projects at home. For those who prefer baby steps, the shop also carries a variety of cards that are ready to be signed, sealed and delivered.

The Social Page, 1010 Eighth St. SW, Calgary, 403-245-8868, www.thesocialpage.ca

Trade winter’s chills for sunny thrills with our luxe (for less bucks) itinerary.

stay
With up to 1,900 square feet, a new private villa at The Hyatt Grand Champions may be bigger than your apartment—only it's got butler service, an outdoor Jaccuzzi, and mountain views. Two bedroom villa from $409, www.grandchampions.hyatt.com

eat
Explore the romantic grounds of La Quinta, a 1920s health ranch turned hotel (note the casita where Frank Capra wrote You Can’t Take It With You). Sit outside at the authentic Mexican Adobe Grill and sip one of their famous organic margaritas. It’s good for you, really. www.laquintaresort.com

spa
Plan to spend the whole day at the Spa at Desert Springs, with its own outdoor saltwater lap pool and loungers overlooking the golf course and mountains. Listen to classical music and order a light lunch from the spa restaurant between trips to the two steam rooms and spa treatments using local dates and cacti. www.spa.desertspringsresort.com

do
Grab the girls and attend one of the daily $20 golf clinics at the soothing and scenic Westin Mission Hills. The strapping pros have the patience of Job as you hit dead air or divot their green, but it’s amazing how quickly you can improve with their simple pointers. www.westinmissionhillsgolf.com

Looking for more luxe for less bucks? Check out our recent Palm Springs itinerary.