A three-minute whiz around the block is doing nothing to reduce your dog’s love handles, nor is it is curbing his chew-on-anything-including-the-postman habit. 

Pooch needs exercise, fresh air and time to mingle with his fellow canines. Julie Posluns at Rover Achiever leads her packs ($16/$18 a walk) to the city’s best parks and ravines for hours of frolicking, puddle splashing and rolling around in the mud.

With her two doggie-loving assistants in tow, Posluns’ team will make sure your four-legged pal is wiped for the rest of the day.

Just don’t be surprised if you come home to find him snoozing on the Eames lounger. —AT

http://roverachiever.com

“You can take the girl out of Chelsea, but you can’t take Chelsea out of the girl.”

It’s been a while since our Toronto editor, Athena Tsavliris, ventured home. Here, she shares some favourite haunts from her old London neighbourhood.

The Shop at Bluebird
This fashion/lifestyle store keeps getting better and better. You’ll find big labels like Moschino and Marni, as well as lesser-known gems like Peter Jensen and Osman. John Derian plates, Isabel Marant shoes, Cire Trudon candles and Vanessa Bruno bags all hang out in this super cool space. 350 King’s Rd., London, www.theshopatbluebird.com

French Sole
This is the only ballet flat we wear. (They’re quite spendy, but worth every penny.) The newest store is packed with every colour, finish and print imaginable. Look for the Harriet in cherry red leather or metallic sparkles. 323 King's Rd., London, 0207-351-1634, www.frenchsole.com

The Chelsea Physic Garden
One of Chelsea’s best kept secrets, this beautiful garden is lovely for lazy lunches and sweet scented strolls. Lunch is served in what feels like a school hall and is quintessentially English. Think bangers followed by treacle tart and cream. 66 Royal Hospital Rd., London, 0207-352-5646, www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

Ad Hoc
We raided this place as teenagers, and it’s still a go-to if we're ever in need of a tutu, lace stockings, a neon wig or some fun faux baubles. 153 King's Rd., London, 0207-376-8829, www.adhoclondon.co.uk

Picasso
This Chelsea mainstay is our secret hangover spot. Bob Geldof and Eric Clapton were regulars, and even though the waitresses are moody and the food mediocre, there’s something about Picasso that has lasting appeal. 127 King's Rd., London, 0207-352-4921.

The Pig’s Ear
This pub has a great atmosphere and the food is pretty good too. In warmer months, punters spill out on to the street, it’s so popular. Try the steak tartare or one of the lovely seasonal risottos. 35 Old Church St., London, 0207-352 2908, http://www.thepigsear.info

Manolo Blahnik
The store is like a little shoe museum, with some of the most daring styles Blahnik designs. Many amazing pairs have been scored at its annual mega sale. Manolo Blahnik, 49-51 Old Church St., London, 0207-352-3863, www.manoloblahnik.com

No cottage invitation for the August long weekend? Take matters into your own hands with a day trip to the Sandbanks.

What? Sandbanks Provincial Park.

Where? Prince Edward County, just over two hours from downtown Toronto. Check out our suggested summer tracks for your road trip mix.

Why? Idyllic beaches, white sand dunes, and cool fresh water. Popular with families but not totally overrun with children.

How Much? Daily fees range from $10-$18.

Bring: The usual—picnic, Frisbee, umbrella, trashy mags and SPF 30. Pick up some fresh fruit from the roadside stalls along the way.

Sandbanks Provincial Park (open year round), www.ontarioparks.com

Monkeybars? That’s sooooo 1984.

A new million dollar playground by Space2Place design firm in Richmond, BC, offers the poshest place for playdates.

It’s got red licorice forests, an amphitheatre, water wheels, thousand-year-old tree stumps, Kindergarten consultants…and a design worthy of Dwell magazine.

But gum on your bum and sand in your shoes? Those are timeless.

See video of the Garden City playground in Richmond, BC, here.

Fall into autumn with a gourmet getaway to Prince Edward County.

stay
More charm than chintz, the Devonshire Inn sits perched lakeside in the village of Wellington. A lovingly renovated Victorian, the house features eight intimate rooms, an elegant restaurant and two guest lounges fully outfitted with fireplace, books and board games galore.
24 Wharf St., Wellington, 1-800-554-9937. www.devonshire-inn.com

do
Take a walk along the endless sandy beaches of the Sandbanks Provincial Park followed by a tour, tasting and light lunch at Huff Estates winery, www.huffestates.ca

eat
Savour the county’s finest ingredients at the Bloomfield Carriage House. Helmed by Scott Kapitan and Jacqui Vickers, the charcuterie plate ($14) – elk, air-dried boar salami, Bayonne ham and cornichon served with chutney and country pâté – sent our taste buds soaring.
260 Main St., Bloomfield, 613-393-1087, www.bloomfieldcarriagehouse.com

shop
From shabby chic armoires to vintage oddities, the county is brimming with antiques. Check out Dead People’s Stuff for an eclectic mix of cool retro and country bric-a-brac. www.deadpeoplesstuff.ca