Vitamin Daily

Cocktail parties and mistletoe balls are right around the corner and ‘tis the season to shine.

Be sure to sparkle all season with help from Cargo Cosmetics new Hands of Hope eye shadow collection ($29).

The nine shadows come in a sleek kit, adorned with a gold Hamsa hand (a symbol for warding off the evil eye). Inside, shadows come in hues from neutral pink (for the office party), gunmetal grey (for your bf’s mistletoe gathering) and vibrant purple (post-party dancing).

At Sephora, 6455 MacLeod Trail SW, Calgary, 403-355-3500, www.sephora.com

True to its name, the newly opened Lounge Burger boasts more than a dozen signature burgers on its menu.

We’re already hooked on the Portobello ($13) but there’s still the Pacific salmon ($14.50) and an organic beef burger with blue cheese and caramelized onions ($12.50) to keep in mind. As a side, try sweet potato fries or indulgent poutine.

For lighter fare, the miso chicken salad with lychee ginger dressing ($14.50) is lovely and leave room for the dessert burger: a pastry filled with layer of sweet stuff served with fries and a strawberry dipping sauce ($8).

Now if only we could get them to switch from the sports network to The City on all of the individual TVs (there’s one in each booth), our lounging would be perfect.

Lounge Burger, 210 14th Ave. SE, Calgary, 403-250-2747, www.loungeburger.com

If your tot asks “Why? Why? Why?” more than a fourth year Philosophy major, give her something to really ponder with the creatively crafty This Is Not A Book by Kerry Smith.

Unlike traditional “connect the dot” activities, this illustrated guide requires imagination and input from little minds, with brain-tingling tasks like recording time travel and using the book to make an original action sculpture.

You may not have the answer to life’s eternal questions, but now you’ll always have a response to “I’m bored.”

This is Not a Book, from $11.68 at Amazon.ca

Reusable totes are as essential to a food stop as a grocery list, so when we came across the Toronto-based bag line Jack and Marjorie, it was all we could do not to grab a few to pack our produce.

Made from recycled and military surplus materials, each bag tells a story of decades past (it’s not unusual that a handwritten nametag can still be found on pieces of the material).

As an ode to our Toronto pals, our pick is the Ossington ($295) made from organic and reclaimed leather with a snap top made from military surplus cotton tent canvas.

If only the bag could talk when we can’t find our keys.

At Community Natural Foods, 1304 10th Ave SW, Calgary, 403-229-2383, http://communitynaturalfoods.com

An Indonesian woman gave birth to a 19-pound baby last month, but that’s nothing compared to artist Ron Mueck’s 800-pound newborn, A Girl.

The Glenbow Museum's Real Life: Ron Mueck and Guy Ben-Ner brings the two artists together in an exhibit about life, death and everything in between. In addition to Mueck’s extraordinary sculptures, three of Ben-Ner’s video installations will be shown, including Stealing Beauty where the artist discusses theft and private property with his kids while hanging out in IKEA room displays.

Exhibit runs until January 24, 2010 at the Glenbow Museum, 130 Ninth Ave. SE, Calgary, 403-268-4119, www.glenbow.org

We're no drama queen, but a royal closet is something we could get used to.

At the new Queen Boutique at least we can layer like the Brits with tweed caps by Goorin Bros., reworked wool sweaters by Preloved, and studded dresses by Mink Pink.

With another location in B.C., the boutique also boasts a laidback vibe with classic Levi’s, organic cotton scarves by Lilë Design and colourful St. Christopher surf medals.

All hail your new wardrobe.

Queen Boutique, 1109A Kensington Rd. NW, Calgary, 403-283-2227.

The sudden arrival of winter has us picturing warm nights at home curled up with a good book and steaming bowl of soup—it’s officially nesting season.

Stock up on all the essentials for hibernating (think: cozy blankets, big pillows and soft linens) at the new Crate and Barrel.

First on our domesticated wish list is a set of bright Parker bowls ($49.95 for set of five, pictured) we can use to bake pies (maybe) or feast on snacks (definitely).

We're feeling more Nigella-esque already.

Crate and Barrel, Southcentre Mall, 353-100 Anderson Rd. SE, Calgary, 403-278-7020, www.crateandbarrel.ca

The newly revamped Vendôme Café is catering to caffeine-loving Sunnysiders once again.

Brought to you by the folks at Teatro, the café’s hearty menu is perfect for a cold day and includes delectable goodies like goat cheese and beet salad, rich butternut squash or tomato soup ($9.95 for the combo) or a ham and cheese croissant with gruyere and emmenthal ($6.95).

But it’s the stunning black-and-white photos adorning the walls that add the right amount of edge and modernity to the historical space. Photographed by Jason Eng with art direction by Shea Kerwood, the three photos on the right wall are of the lovely Calgary model Ania B. (centre) and her equally stunning parents.

We can’t promise you’ll look as chic as them sipping your java but at least you can try.

Vendôme Café, 940 Second Ave. NW, Calgary, 403-453-1140.

Finding your tot among a group of Muddy Buddy-clad kids is a test of playground patience.

Give them a stand-apart pop of colour with a bright and cheery umbrella (17.99) and waterproof raincoat ($19.99) (with fun prints like blue fairies and orange giraffes) from Organically Hatched. Consider it their puddle-jumping and mud-pie-baking uniform.

Rain, rain, no need to go away.

www.organicallyhatched.com

With its hot climate and even hotter club nights, we had no problem getting friendly with Miami Beach.

stay
Clad in red, white and baby blue, a stylish suite at the Townhouse Hotel puts you steps from South Beach at a sweet price. Its cool touches like mini beach balls on the beds, bicycle rentals and a spacious rooftop terrace for daytime sunning and nighttime revelry make it a hot home base. From $95 a night, Townhouse Hotel, 150 20th St., Miami Beach, 305-534-3800, www.townhousehotel.com

eat
Once you’re done lounging up top, simply head downstairs to the BondSt Lounge. The Miami outpost of the lauded Manhattan resto by the same name serves up sushi and sashimi, like lobster tempura with yellow tomato dressing and chive oil, to satisfy your sea cravings. BondSt, 150 20th St., Miami Beach, 305-398-1806, www.townhousehotel.com/bond.asp

shop
With an abundance of design stores, we’d advise bringing back something to adorn your own townhouse. At Jonathan Adler, one of our faves, score whimsical white pottery, or a witty pink piece from his new Barbie-inspired collection. Jonathan Adler, 1024 Lincoln Road Mall, Miami Beach, 305-534-5600, www.jonathanadler.com

do
Jump headfirst into the city’s opulent, glamorous nightlife at The Florida Room. The modern-day piano lounge designed by Lenny Kravitz, which boasts a Lucite Grand (a replica of the one Lenny has at home) and a roster of international DJs, kept us dancing till the wee hours of the morn (4 a.m. to be exact). The Florida Room at the Delano Hotel, 1685 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-674-6152, www.delano-hotel.com