PICKS OF THE MONTH: LONDON

Café: The Hummingbird Bakery

133 Portobello Road, Notting Hill, www.hummingbirdbakery.com/
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What makes Notting Hill so charming and hip? It just may be the adorable Hummingbird Bakery, which makes some of the best cupcakes in Britain. Let's just say they don't skimp on the icing and the cake is moist enough to inspire waterfalls. Fill up a small box with various flavours and head to Kensington Park for a little picnic for one - trust me, you won't want to share!


Outdoor activity: Hyde Park

Central London, http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde_park/

Should you be so lucky to actually be in London when the sun is shining, I suggest that you spend as much time as possible in the great outdoors. One of my favorite things to do on a sunny day is to head to Hyde Park with a snack, good book and spend a few hours relaxing , working on my tan and people watching. Sit on the grass or rent a chaise for a few pounds. You may be in the middle of a big city but you couldn't feel more at peace.


Culture: Apsley House

149 Piccadilly, Hyde Park Corner, http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.12679

Being the heiress (or heir) that you are, you've undoubtedly grown up in stately homes and chateaus with frescoes, antique furniture, grand staircases and old masters on every wall. But suppose you hadn't. Where could one go to spend an afternoon to get a glimpse of this world? The answer is Apsley House, the home of the first Duke of Wellington and his descendants. Located in the centre of London, its just across the road from the Wellington Arch, on the edge of Hyde Park. Rooms after room is filled with celebrated masterpieces, old armour and brightly coloured fabric-covered walls. Stroll through the place like you own it and make yourself at home. For a day this lifestyle can be yours...just keep your hands off the furniture and don't expecnt any servants to come running when you ring that little gold bell.


Shop: Topshop

216 Oxford Street, www.topshop.co.uk/

What do socialites, movie stars, supermodels and you (of course!) have in common? A dramatic love life, a passion of couture....? Well probably, but how about the fact that you can't resist a stop a Topshop whenever you come to London. This Massive fashion sanctuary on Oxford Street carries the latest trends in apparel, shoes and accessories for both ladies and gents. Scarlett Johanson can't go i without spending at least 3 hours there and Kate Moss recently debued her own designs at the store with rave revues. They sells jeans in a large variety of styles, colours, waist sizes and let lengths, so chances are you will find a pair that fit you like a glove. Check out what all the fuss is about and visit Topshop - go on, I dare you!


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PICKS OF THE MONTH: LONDON

Restaurant: Belgo Centraal

50 Earlham Street, Covent Garden, http://www.belgo-restaurants.com/

Who said eating in London had to be expensive? Next time you would like a unique and exciting lunch experience without blowing your budget, head to Belgo. Belgo Centraal is a large Belgian restaurant, with an atmosphere that combines medieval Europe with the 21st century. Situated mainly underground, the place is filled with post-industrial glass, stainless steel, and a large open kitchen. Guests are seated at large tables with benches and are served by waiters dressed as Belgian monks. The restaurant boasts one of the largest selections of beer in England, with a wide variety of lager, fruit-flavored beers and anything else you can think up.

For between 6.50-8.50 pounds you can get a hearty lunch, such as steak frites or a bowl of mussels, and a lager, glass of wine or soft drink. Other meals, particularly at dinner time, will cost you more, but nothing unreasonable. The food is very tasty and is definitely good value for your money. Also to note: the bathrooms are very original (and unisex) so don't forget to pay them a visit and children eat for free!

Shop: Karen Millen

Various locations around London, www.karenmillen.com/

Cosmopolitan fashionistas head to Karen Millen for simple yet elegant citywear with a slight edge. Carrying both casual and dressy outfits, the clothing is well-fitted, made of rich fabrics and tailed to hug the female body. With middle of the range prices (think Banana Republic), this label is great for buying a few key pieces, such as a great coat, a pair of capris or an evening dress.

Culture: Wicked (The Musical)

Apollo Victoria Theatre, located between Wilton Road and Vauxhall Bridge Road, http://www.wickedthemusical.co.uk/

Did you ever wonder what happened to the wicked Witch of the West to make her so darn wicked? Well, maybe not...but here's your chance to find out. Wicked is the Tony award-winning musical about the "good" witch and the "bad" witch from the Wizard of Oz. Funny, original, and extremely well-done, it'll have you humming its catchy tunes for at least the next few weeks. The music is fantastic so save some space on your ipod. The theatre is right by Victoria station, which should make getting to and from the show a breeze. If you see one musical on your next trip to London, without a doubt it should be this one!

PICKS OF THE MONTH - JUNE

LONDON

Restaurant/Cafe: Sketch

9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, http://www.sketch.uk.com/

This restaurant/bar/cafe also happens to be an art gallery. An incredibly original venue, it has become known as a destination for art, music, food and drinks. Sketch is definitely one of my favorite places to go whenever I am in London. Although some of the dishes are quite pricey, a delicious little afternoon tea in "the parlour" can fit into anyone's budget at around £7.50 per person. P.S. the toilets in themselves are worth the visit.

Club/Lounge/Bar: Boujis

43 Thurole Street, South Kensington,
http://www.boujis.com/

Frequented by the in-crowd and the latest socialites, this venue is bound to give you a taste of the lives of Britain's rich and famous.


Shop: French Sole

6 Ellis Street, Sloane Square, Chelsea,
http://www.frenchsole.com/

As a self-proclaimed ballerina-slipper-aholic with several pairs of my own, I can say that French Sole are by far the nicest, most comfortable, good quality ballerina shoes out there. Forget Repetto and all the other big names, with super soft leather and every style imaginable, it is no wonder that they are also a favorite of Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, Mischa Barton, Lindsay Lohan, Joss Stone....and the list goes on.


Cultural Visit: The Wallace Collection

Hertford House, Manchester Square, http://www.wallacecollection.org/newsite/public/.
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The museum's website describes the Wallace Collection as "a national museum in an historic London town house. In 25 galleries are unsurpassed displays of French 18th century painting, furniture and porcelain with superb Old Master paintings and a world class armoury." My personal favorites are the several large paintings by roccoco painter François Boucher. There is also a lovely restaurant in a covered courtyard at the centre of the house.



PARIS

Restaurant: L'Épi Dupin

11, Rue Dupin, 75006,

http://www.economist.com/cities/displayobject.cfm?obj_id=1575462&city_id=PAR.
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Possibly the best value in town, this friendly little restaurant serves up a creative, delicious three-course meal for 30 euros per person. Packed nightly with both locals and tourists, I definitely recommend making a reservation at least a few days in advance.

Cafe: Cafe de Flore

172, boulevard St. Germain, 75006, www.cafe-de-flore.com/indexa.htm

Contrary to common belief, this internationally renowned cafe is not just populated by hoards of tourists; it is also a favourite hangout of Parisians. Famous for its past patrons, such as Sartre and de Beauvoir, it is great for people watching, reading a good book or meeting up with old friends. If you are lucky you may even catch a glimse of Karl Lagerfeld, who has been known to go there for a late coffee or an early breakfast.

Club/Lounge/Bar: Mandala Ray

34, rue Marbeuf, 75008, http://www.mandalaray.com/

This restaurant, and lounge-turned-club at night, is known for good food, its hip decor modeled after a buddhist temple and its fashionable crowd. It costs around 20 euros to get in once it switches into a club, but if you are already inside for dinner or a drink, then you do not have to pay a cover charge.

Shop: Tara Jarmon

Locations throughout Paris,
http://www.tarajarmon.com/

Created by a Canadian designer and her entrepreneur husband, this young, elegant, flirtatious label creates classic pieces with a modern twist. No french girl's wardrobe is complete without a few pieces from this designer (and neither is mine). Tara Jarmon outfits also cost significantly less in France than they do in many other boutiques abroad, especially in North America.

Cultural Visit: the Paris Ballet at Opera Garnier

Place de l'Opéra, 75009, http://www.operadeparis.fr/

Opera Garnier is probably my most beloved place in all of Paris. I like to walk up its grand staircase and through its ornate corridors as if I were back in the 19th century, surrounded by women in layered ballgowns and gentlemen in tophats. The ballet and opera here are world-class and definitely worth seeing, but if you aren't able to attend, visitors are still able to tour the opera house. Students can often purchase rush tickets right before a show for very cheap. They usually are for seats with limited visibility, but they still provide the opportunity to hear incredible music in a superb location. The Paris opera also happens to be the inspiration for the Phantom of the Opera, so keep an eye out for any hints of its mysterious past as you explore the interiors.

VANCOUVER

Restaurant/Cafe: Sciué

110-800 Pender St. at Howe,
http://sciue.ca/home.php

In my opinion the best pizza in town. I might even dare to say some of the best pizza I have tasted outside of Italy. Traditionally-made, quick yet delicious food makes Sciue a favorite among the trendy downtown business crowd as well as anyone else who ventures in. It also makes a great capuccino and has an large outdoor patio for eating in the summer.


Club/Lounge/Bar: Bar None

1222 Hamilton Street, Yaletown,

http://www.clubzone.com/c/Vancouver/Nightclub/Bar_None.html
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Definitely one of Vancouver's nicest clubs/lounges, Bar None attracts a slightly more upscale crowd than many of the city's other nightclubs. Dress nicely, order some cocktails from the bar and hit the dancefloor.


Shop: Holt Renfrew

633 Granville St, http://www.holtrenfrew.com

The revamped new Holt Renfrew just reopened its doors to Vancouver's fashionistas at the beginning of June. With modern blown-glass installations and a bright atrium at the center of the store, this retailer has created a backdrop for its designer labels that would rival any of its competitors on the international scene. Carrying lines ranging from Chanel to Prada to Tory Burch, "Holts" has established itself as the city's premiere provider of designer fashions. And soon they will be opening a beautiful roof-top restaurant as well so we fashion-aholics will have absolutely no excuse for having to leave the shop for a quick bite to eat.

Cultural Visit: a Shakespearean play at Bard on the Beach

Under the tents in Vanier Park,
http://www.bardonthebeach.org/

Bard on the Beach has now been running for 18 years and every year is better than the last. Set in theatre tents in a park alongside the ocean, the plays here are world-class to say the least. Produced under the watchful eye of founder, artistic director and altogether brilliant showman Christopher Gaze (who has become somewhat of a local celebrity of the years), the productions are original, show great attention to detail and radiate with talent. I would recommend this year's The Taming of the Shrew, which just happens to be set in the wild west - the entire crowd roared with laughter from beginning to end and so will you.

Travel Tip of the Month:

Always keep your purse or bag zipped shut, keeping the zipper pull in front of you so that it stays in your line of sight. If you carry a backpack, fanny pack or open bag/purse, you are making yourself a target for pit pockets. Don't be fooled by nice surroundings and fancy neighborhoods - you can never be too careful!

My personal favorite for traveling (and for at home) is my medium-sized Pliage purse from Longchamp. It goes with everything and is suitable during almost any occasion, it can fit all your belonging required for a day of sightseeing, it is easy to keep clean and it folds small for in your suitcase. Mine has paid for itself a dozen times over. It also just happens to be the perpetual it-bag for the modern french woman.