Toronto

  • July 29th, 2010

    In the Swing of Things

    We always thought “no swinging” was the number one rule of weight training. Then we tried Kettlebell.

    Founded in Russia and centuries old, Kettlebell is all about the swing. The instructor makes it look easy as she guides you through familiar moves (lunges and presses) and brand new ones like the “snatch” and “clean” (no joke) with small cannonball-esque weights in 10, 15 or 17.5lb denominations. At first, we felt awkward, a bit like Jennifer Coolidge trying to “bend and snap” in Legally Blonde, but gradually we got into the flow. Kettlebell worked our glutes, quads, hamstrings, and core. The key is balance and control so don’t fret about keeping up with the regulars and do plant yourself in the first row by the instructor. 

    Classes at Energia Athletics are 45 sweaty minutes long and get booked quickly in advance ($18/class).

    Energia Athletics, 
164 Danforth Ave., Toronto, 
416-406-6664
, www.energiaathletics.com

     

  • July 28th, 2010

    Jersey Girl

    Maybe it’s the heat but we’ve missed those MTV misfits.

    While waiting for Jersey Shore to hit Miami revisit favorite moments from Season One ($13.99 on iTunes). Get fashion tips from J-Woww, see Snooki’s self-defense moves, and learn the fine art of creeping from The Situation. And if that isn’t enough to feed your fix, the Jersey Shore Soundtrack ($9.99 on iTunes) features singles by Enrique Iglesias, Ludacris and Pauly D himself.

    Just don’t forget to switch over to Mad Men when your pals come calling or you’ll become a social grenade.

    Jersey Shore Season 2 premieres July 29 (7 p.m. PDT/10 p.m. EDT) on MTV Canada, www.mtv.ca

  • July 27th, 2010

    Mauve on the Stove

    We love French cookware company Le Creuset because its cast iron wares are indestructible and oh-so-pretty.

    It boasts over 70 cool colours like Elysee yellow, Cherry red and its just-launched Cassis, a regal shade of purple that’s right on point with fall fashion. Collect the entire enameled set including the Round French Oven (from $255) and Iron Handle Skillet ($175), or mix and match with classic hues like Kiwi or Dijon.

    Now our kitchen will be aflame with colour (as opposed to actual flames, we hope).

    For retail locations, click here.

     

  • July 26th, 2010

    Made you Blush

    We love our collection of glosses, balms and blushes, but that doesn’t mean we don’t heart it when our makeup does double duty.

    The new Instant Blush Magic Colour ($28) by Clarins is made for the cheeks but can also be used on the lips to enhance their natural hue.

    The pale pink, glossy texture goes on clear and is activated by the skin’s acidity and heat, adjusting to your skin tone. The result is an instant natural-looking rosy glow and a light pink lip.

    Double trouble.

    At Shoppers Drug Mart.

  • July 23rd, 2010

    Let's go Al Fresco

    Once he realized we were raiding his wine cellar, a friend’s father began to label the bottles “Drink this,” “Not this” and, “This is your inheritance.” We had so much to learn.

    Enter Enoteca Sociale from the creators of Pizzeria Libretto. Here, nearly every one of the over 80 wines is available for tasting so you can sample your heart away (from $4).

    Order food a la carte or try the tasting menu ($45). We recommend starting with the lightly battered zucchini flowers and pea shoots, topped with shaved ricotta ($11)—a seasonal dish, so pounce while you have a chance. The flavourful pappardelle and braised rabbit ($13) and the spicy bucatini all'amatriciana ($12) also hit the spot but necessitate a sweet finale. Try the zeppole with hazelnut pastry cream ($8). It is molto light and lovely.

    Top tip? Ask to sit on tree-covered patio, just off bustling Dundas, for the best atmosphere.

    Enoteca Sociale, 1288 Dundas St. W., Toronto, 416-534-1200, http://www.sociale.ca