We’re slightly reluctant to spill some of these secrets, especially if it means longer waits or bigger crowds, but these hidden gems are too good to keep to ourselves.

On a good day we think of our brows as naturally Brooke Shields-esque. On a bad day they remind us of Maggie Simpson’s nemesis, the One-Eyebrowed Baby. We wouldn’t go to anyone other than arch-expert Zeina Ghattas at O Coiffure and Spa to keep our “windows to the soul” well-framed. O Coiffure and Spa, 4th floor, 1307 Ste. Catherine St. W., Montreal, 514-287-8996, www.ocoiffurespa.com

It’s not open evenings or weekends, so if you don’t work in Old Montreal you may not have had a chance to try the bright and airy Cluny Artbar in the Darling Foundry. There’s a lunch special that changes daily (lucky you if you’re there for chilli day!), but the customers keep coming back for the scrumptious sandwiches, excellent antipasti platter and decadent desserts. Cluny Artbar, 257 Prince St., Montreal, 514-866-1213, www.cluny.info

We’ve heard about secret menu items at McDonalds (google the McGangBang) and Starbucks (order a Crunch Berry Frappuccino), but some Montreal restaurants also keep their best dishes under wraps, including the not-on-the-menu meatballs at the Westmount Square Taverne and a hush-hush wine list at l’Express.

It’s rare for Montrealers to hit hotel bars in their own town, but if you want to sip and snack at the same time, head to Les Voyageurs in the Queen Elizabeth Hotel to get a tower of treats to nibble on while you sip your martini and pretend to be a spy. Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel, 900 Rene Levesque Blvd. W., Montreal, 514-861-3511, www.fairmont.com/queenelizabeth

We walked by Razberry Boutique and its sister-store, Boutique 1861 for years without going in. When we finally did, we fell in love with the adorable dresses, but it was the piles and piles of memorable statement accessories at very reasonable prices that stole our hearts. We always go there first when looking for blingy baubles. Razberry Boutique, 1841 & 1861 St. Catherine St. W., Montreal, 514-908-1861, www.razberry.ca —Jennifer Nachshen

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

Lights, camera, couch! Herewith, four DVD picks for a night of home entertainment.

Kick-Ass
If you’re feeling frumpy after too many holiday treats, pick up Kick-Ass to get yourself feeling more like a superhero. Aaron Johnson and Nicolas Cage do a pretty good job of defending the world from villains, but it’s Chloë Moretz’s portrayal of Hit Girl that will get you practicing your knife skills and high kicks.
Jennifer Nachshen, Montreal editor (English edition)

Heartbreaker
What’s better than a rom-com? A French rom-com complete with a tribute to Dirty Dancings and some Wham thrown into the mix. Starring the ultra cool Vanessa Paradis and handsome Parisian Romain Duris, Heartbreaker is the story of Alex, a professional Lothario who loses his cool when his latest assignment gets a tad too personal.
Malwina Gudowska, Calgary editor

Winter’s Bone
Justin Bieber isn’t the only teen phenom headlining a film these days. Actress Jennifer Lawrence was 18 when she starred in this book adaptation about twisted family ties in the Ozarks. Her performance already has a Golden Globe nom and the same is sure to come from Oscar.
Joy Pecknold, Vancouver editor

Smash His Camera
Artist, stalker, scumbag—photographer Ron Gallela has been called all of the above, and more. The documentary, spanning decades in the career of the man who was sued by Jackie Kennedy, socked in the jaw by Marlon Brando and adored by Andy Warhol, is a nostalgic and insightful look into the life of a celebrity paparazzo.
Maria Tallarico, Managing editor

The reggae vibe of UB40’s ode to our favourite winter-quaff elicits thoughts of warm beaches, but we all know that when the white stuff starts to fall, we’re better off red. (Click on the links for availability at SAQ stores.)

The perfect wine to pair with pizza? You heard it here: Lambrusco Concerto Reggiano 2009 ($16.15) is a floral and fruity sparkling red wine that takes take-out out of the ordinary.

Yellowtail’s 2009 Reserve Shiraz ($16.80) has just hit shelves with flavours of ripe berries and black cherries as well as hints of chocolate and mocha. We detected a little hint of spiciness, just right for a winter warm-up.

Amethystos 2008 vin de pays de Drama ($24.80) from Greek wine producer Domaine Costa Lazaridi is a no-brainer to bring to a BYO Greek restaurant, but also pairs perfectly with steak.

Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino 2004 suggests subtly spicy tones of coffee and tobacco adding depth to classic plum and dark cherry fruits, pairing deliciously with Italian foods and roasted game meats.

Napa Valley’s Stag’s Leap 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon ($55) is the perfect red to take you through the winter months. With flavours of blackberry, espresso and black truffle, this wine is rich enough to be drunk with food, but easily enjoyed on its own. Although, you don’t have to be on your own.

Just in time for back-to-school, we've compiled a list of our favourite words and catchphrases—this round is sure to make Oxford's next edition.

Eat Pray Loved (v.): The act of leaving one's spouse to embark on an Oprah-approved journey of self-enlightment (may include an independence party, book club and ashram)
Usage: Did you hear about Sally and Paul? She eat, pray, loved him!

Tweethearts (n.): Couples who are infatuated with each other over Twitter but whose relationship would never exist in real life.
Usage: I hope my boyfriend doesn’t mind that I’m spending all weekend flirting with my tweetheart.

The jardigan (n.): When a jacket and cardigan meet—surely more staying power than jeggings?
Usage: If his jardigan weren’t cashmere I wouldn’t have taken it. But I just can’t resist good Scottish cashmere.

Bagacitis (n.): A reoccurring inflammation of the shoulder and upper arm area as a result of carrying a heavy handbag.
Usage: Just the thought of the It Bag being back in style has made my bagacitis flare up.

For more Vitamin Daily coinage, click here.

Need a long weekend beach read? Herewith, our editors' favourite summer page turners.

Summer Sisters by Judy Blume
If Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret was your pre-teen bible, pick up Blume's more mature novel, Summer Sisters. It follows two best friends from grade school to their 30s and blends adolescent whimsy and angst with some very grown up topics. (PS: Check out Judy Blume on Twitter). $10 at Amazon.ca
Maria Tallarico, Managing editor

Angelina: An Unauthorized Biography by Andrew Morton
Members of Team Jennifer will enjoy sinking their teeth into. But we’d never diss Angie—why mess with a gal with a knife collection? $16 at Amazon.ca
Marianne Wisenthal, Montreal editor

The Recessionista by Alexandra Lebenthal
"Too Big to Fail Goes to the Beach," is how New York Magazine's Jessica Pressler described Alexandra Lebenthal's hot summer debut novel, The Recessionistas. A fabulously juicy read. $19 at Amazon.ca
Athena Tsavliris, Toronto editor

Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby
From the author of High Fidelity and About a Boy, Nick Hornby’s Juliet, Naked is the author’s latest look at what happens when love, parenting and relationships get in the way of life. The story of a washed-up musician also deals with one of Hornby’s favourite subjects: music. $21 at Amazon.ca
Malwina Gudowska, Calgary editor

One Day by David Nicholls
Expressed in snapshots of the same day spanning twenty years, this tale of two opposites, Dex and Em, who connect just before graduation, go their separate ways, yet stay in touch, sucked us in right from the start (perhaps because it begins with the pair bantering and snogging). $13 at Amazon.ca
Joy Pecknold, Vancouver editor

Steven Keaton, Heathcliff Huxtable, Phil Dunphy—they’ve got nothing on our dad. Here’s our round-up of great Father’s Day gifts, from $10 to splurge.

With the right tools, Dad’s a whiz in the kitchen. Made in Quebec, Littledeer paddles and spoons are hand-sanded from a single piece of maple wood and come in left- or right-hand models. From $10, La Guilde Culinaire, 6381 St-Laurent Blvd., Montreal, 514-750-6050, www.laguildeculinaire.com

Our Pop has been sporting bow ties since before Zac Efron was born. He’ll (finally) look hot and hip in this raw Japanese denim number from Montreal designer Naked & Famous.  $25, Three Monkeys, #207-1455 Peel St., Montreal, 514-284-1333, www.threemonkeys.ca

Give him a taste of the good old days (when he was the only man in your life) with a pair of stainless steel cufflinks featuring photos of you, age two. $90, Magenta Photo Studio, Rockland Centre, 2305 Rockland, T.M.R., 514-739-9966, www.magentaphoto.com

He introduced you to Kerouac and Fitzgerald, now return the favour. The new Kobo eReader comes filled with 100 literary classics (and room for 900 more). $150, Indigo Place Montreal Trust, 1500 McGill College, 514-281-5549, www.chapters.indigo.ca

All work and no play makes Dad a dull boy. Hire a Vacation Valet to custom-design the trip of his dreams. You’ll win Best Daughter prize by sending him on the Ferrari driving tour of Italy. Buon viaggio, Papà! $1835/day, www.kensingtontours.com

We’ve all made sacrifices for the environment (like chipping our nails bringing out the recycling). Have a laid-back Earth Day with our editors' tips.  

Simple Shoes (you probably wore a pair in the early ’90s) are still kicking, but now the brand makes footwear that’s eco-friendly to the nth degree. This season they introduced their BIO-D collection, which will actually biodegrade after they hit the landfill. www.simpleshoes.com
Joy Pecknold, Vancouver editor

Make your own dryer sheets by adding a few drops of essential oil to a damp cloth. Toss in the dryer, and voila! You’ve beaten global warming and static cling in one fell swoop.
Marianne Wisenthal, Montreal editor

Now that carrying a plastic bag is an even bigger faux pas than toting a fake Louis, notable totables are a must. Pack your veggies in this set of three organic cotton drawstring produce bags ($23). www.lavishandlime.com
Maria Tallarico, Managing editor

Kim Mitchell’s “Patio Lanterns” may be a radio station deal breaker for some, but Ikea’s new outdoor Solig solar-powered lighting collection (from $9.99) has us wanting to spruce up the garden, make lemonade, and cue the 1986 hit.
Malwina Gudowska, Calgary editor

Why not opt for natural cleaning products straight from the pantry? Lemon juice makes a great copper polish and a decent bleach alternative, too. Vinegar removes mildew, cuts grease and removes coffee stains and wax build-up. Cornstarch is super on windows, carpets and rugs. A shot of vodka cures all ills, and it even cleans chrome and porcelain.
Athena Tsavliris, Toronto editor
 

Grab a glass of wine and a spot by the fireplace—these are winter reads worth staying in for.

Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelseaby Chelsea Handler
Comedian Chelsea Handler’s star has risen this year, and her hilarious and outrageous collection of personal essays has her deadpan delivery of intelligence, wit and bawdiness—it’s a perfect dose of Chelsea for those who can’t stay up late enough to watch her talk show. At Amazon.ca.
Maria Tallarico, managing editor

The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss
It sounds like the ultimate Slacker’s Handbook, but it’s a great, practical guide for the self-employed (or would-be self-employed) on how to run a more efficient and profitable business while you work hard-on your tan! At Chapters.ca
Sarah Bancroft, editor-in-chief

Foam on the Daze by Boris Vian
A moving tale of unrequited love—simply sublime! Published in 1947, one of the Parisian author's only translated books. At Amazon.ca. Elsa Vecchi, Montreal editor, French edition

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Set aside a weekend for this book. From celebrated Swedish crime writer Stieg Larsson, it is so gripping you won’t be able to put it down. At Chapters.ca
Athena Tsaviliris, Toronto editor

Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger
Niffenegger’s spooky sophomore novel is a meaty ghost story about sisters, twinship, love and loss. Perfect for tucking up under the duvet on a cold winter’s night. At Amazon.ca.
Marianne Wisenthal, Montreal editor

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith
In this literary mash-up, Austen’s beloved cast of characters is faced with an outbreak of undead (politely referred to as “unmentionables”) in addition to the usual courtship and classism. Natalie Portman just signed on to produce and star in the film adaption. At Chapters.ca.
Joy Pecknold, Vancouver editor

The Private Lives of Pippa Lee
by Rebecca Miller
Stuck between her former self and the woman she created, the protagonist is forced to examine her life and decide how to move forward. Miller, the daughter of the famed playwright and wife of our favourite butcher (Daniel Day-Lewis) adapted the novel into a star-studded movie this year but it’s a case of read-the-book-before-you-see-the-movie. At Amazon.ca.
Malwina Gudowska, Calgary editor