Vitamin Daily

Barre and adult ballet classes are popping up all over town, but nsure your tender tootsies have the right gear before pirouetting in.

The black microsuede Emma elasticized Ballerina (US$115) is the perfect go-to slipper to keep you steady in the studio and also looking chic in your dancer ensemble. The line is on good footing thanks to Blake Brody, a Pilates, barre and yoga aficionado who wanted to design a shoe that was not only practical and comfortable but also still allowed feet and ankles to have full range of motion.

While we’ll be snatching up a couple pairs of these as we prep for dance class, we're still debating the tutu. —Kait Kucy

www.blakebrody.com

Nothing signals a new season quite like a new scent. Consider these three new fragrances for summer- and maybe even a matching bottle for mom on Sunday.

Jaïpur Bracelet Eau de Toilette

Known for their luxurious brand, the latest Jaipur fragrance ($122) is beautiful and floral. With touches of mandarin, current and lily of the valley, this elegant daytime perfume is perfect for the lady who lunches. At The Bay, http://www.thebay.com/

Burberry Classic Summer Edition

Always a classic, Burberry does prepster perfume to a T. The limited summer edition ($79) is fresh and light with juicy top notes of pomegranate and mandarin. A gorgeous daily wear that will take you from work to a leisurely bike ride to date night. At The Bay, http://www.thebay.com/

Victoria Secret’s Fabulous Eau de Parfum

The latest VS fragrance ($72) to emerge from the frothy girly vault is Fabulous. Definitely for the woman who loves absolute sweetness, this fragrance is filled with wafts of  pink freesia, osmanthus blossom and currant. At Victoria's Secret Chinook Centre, www.victoriassecret.com

Parents of boys know that there is a harsh inequality when it comes to baby clothes. Girls have a vast collection of separates, dresses, and accessories to choose from, while boys have to contend with basic onesies, jeans, and the odd sweater.

We think Winter Water Factory is trying to even things out. Its collection of organic printed baby clothes features a goldmine of boys’ items. The tools romper ($40) and construction onesie ($36.50, pictured) will certainly excite the heavy machinery fans in your family, and the high seas gown ($36) is perfect for any pirate-in-the-making.

May as well dress our girls in these too, in hopes they’ll take an early interest in power tools. That toddler bed isn't going to assemble itself. —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg

At Hip Baby, 2110 W. Fourth Ave., Vancouver, 604-736-8020 and online at www.hipbaby.com

Just East of the Stampede grounds, Crossroads Market has revitalized with over 25 fresh and delicious local vendors. 

Healthy Funky Foods caught our eye with their incredible menu of 100 per cent raw vegan and gluten-free meals, snacks and recipes. We sampled their version of a Nanaimo Bar and left wanting more. They also have great options for a dinner party like the Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms ($16/dozen) which taste deceivingly un-vegan. Yum.

More meat-free goodness can be found at Happy Kitchen Express courtesy of the Queen of Happy Cuisine herself, Saronn Pov who is serving up the most amazing salad rolls you might ever have. Jampacked with 18 veggies, these ultra healthy rolls are dipped in a flavourful citrus sauce for a little extra kick.

Our idea of summer involves a lot of lemonade. Luckily, Pearson’s Berry Farm carries all of our favourite flavours in concentrate just ready to be topped up with water and ice. You can’t go wrong with the Black Currant lemonade – serve with gin and you’ll be in heaven! —Kait Kucy

Crossroads Market, 1235 26th Ave SE, 403-291-5208
www.crossroadsmarket.ca

This laidback California beach community combines boho chic and an artsy vibe. Here’s our must-see, must-do itinerary.

picnic

The newly refurbished Heisler Park winds up above the beach offering pretty views and great picnic spots. Fill your beach basket at nearby Whole Foods.

shop

Want to dress like the locals? Ultra-soft T-shirts, drawstring pajama pants, Isabel Marant booties and baskets of gorgeous, Turkish hammam towels abound at Laguna Supply. 210 Beach St., Laguna Beach, CA, 949-497-8850, http://pinterest.com/lagunasupply

 

beach

The Pacific Edge Hotel has just renovated its five beachfront cabanas, which can be rented daily for up to 10 people each. Massages, bottle service, pedicures, and even photography are on offer. Each one has been designed by a different creative group or store, with one resembling a surf shop with Hoby surfboard pictures, another with a fan made from sailboat sails, and another stocked with kids books and a chalkboard table. Each has a private deck with loungers and direct beach access. Rates vary by season/day. VIP cabana Host, 949-281-5720, www.pacificedgehotel.com

eat

A refined surf-shack that is part of the California chainlet, Umami Burger is the go-to spot to refuel after surf and sand. Check out the plank walls, folding chairs and vintage surf posters, and order the Umami Burger with shiitake mushrooms and a parmesan crisp. Umami Burger, 620 Pacific Highway, 949-342-1210, www.umami.com

—Sarah Bancroft
 

Is your-legged BFF is due for some pampering? Herewith, three treats to get your pup's tail wagging.

Your uber-smart sophisticate pup will be looking sharp in this pet bow tie designed by Canadians Loyal Luxe. They’ll never want to go back to a regular collar ever again. Loyal Luxe Pet Bow Tie, $11.80, www.suck.uk.com

Petcurean’s Go! series of dog food was created specifically for the daily health of your canine friend. We spend a lot of time figuring out our diets and meals, why wouldn’t you do the same for Fluffy? This kibble contains only one meat protein – lamb and has absolutely zero beef, corn or wheat meaning you can rest at ease that your pet is getting the best nutrition ever. Go! Natural Petcurean Dog Food, $23.99, www.petcurean.com

The all-Canadian dog will jump high for these preppy colourful tennis balls from HBC. Not only will they be a hit in the backyard but they are also made using 100% azo-free dyes. Now go fetch! Hudson Bay Company Rubber Tennis Balls, $12, www.thebay.com

Music and bicycles just seem to be inseparable these days.

Even more so for entrepreneur Zak Pashak, the founder behind the ever-popular indie music fest Sled Island and former owner of Broken City Social Club in Calgary and The Biltmore Cabaret in Vancouver. As part of the wave of creatives making their way to Detroit to create new projects, Pashak has founded Detroit Bikes. Utilizing an old factory and manufacturing a classically designed city bicycle, Detroit Bikes is making a connection to the history of the city like no other product could.

And if you want a little piece of the Detroit action you can order your own wheels today. Ride on. —Kait Kucy

The Bike, US$550 (plus shipping), http://detroitbikes.com

On the go primping is the name of our game once the busy summer patio season has made its warm welcome.

Air drying locks for those breezy and beachy locks has been revolutionized by (Malin + Goetz) Sage Styling Cream, which quickly smoothes out any frizz or flyaways. It won’t weigh down your hair meaning more casual yet calculated hair flips as you make your way across the patio. —Kait Kucy

Malin & Goetz Apothecary Sage Styling Cream, $20 at Luke’s Drug Mart, 112 4 St. NE, Calgary,, 403-266-4142, www.lukesdrugmart.com

OK, so the ride may still have training wheels, but that's no reason why it can't make some noise.

There's a Dring Dring bike bell, created by Montreal artist Annie Legroulx, for every type of kid.

For the sportster, there's a soccer ball, for the budding DJ, a vinyl record, and for the animal lover, a turtle.

Now just mind your language when she tries to cut you off.  

$24 at Walrus, 3408 Cambie St., 604-874-9770 or shop online at www.dringdring.ca

Nestled right in the design mecca of Calgary, District is an ideal spot for settling down after a day of gallery-hopping and hitting up mid-century modern furniture shops.

With a chef who regularly sources local products to add to the menu on a moment’s notice and dishes that will almost certainly include bacon, this place is certainly the spot for a satiated appetite. First and foremost a brewhouse, District has pick-up Thursdays where you can fill a growler full of their house brew for only $15.

As the saying goes, it's 5 o'clock somewhere. —Kait Kucy

Design District Urban Tavern, 607 11 Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-233-2433 www.calgarytavern.com