Calgary

  • September 3rd, 2010

    Word on the Street: The 2nd Annual Vitamin Victionary

    Just in time for back-to-school, we've compiled a list of our favourite words and catchphrases—this round is sure to make Oxford's next edition.

    Eat Pray Loved (v.): The act of leaving one's spouse to embark on an Oprah-approved journey of self-enlightment (may include an independence party, book club and ashram)
    Usage: Did you hear about Sally and Paul? She eat, pray, loved him!

    Tweethearts (n.): Couples who are infatuated with each other over Twitter but whose relationship would never exist in real life.
    Usage: I hope my boyfriend doesn’t mind that I’m spending all weekend flirting with my tweetheart.

    The jardigan (n.): When a jacket and cardigan meet—surely more staying power than jeggings?
    Usage: If his jardigan weren’t cashmere I wouldn’t have taken it. But I just can’t resist good Scottish cashmere.

    Bagacitis (n.): A reoccurring inflammation of the shoulder and upper arm area as a result of carrying a heavy handbag.
    Usage: Just the thought of the It Bag being back in style has made my bagacitis flare up.

    For more Vitamin Daily coinage, click here.

     

  • September 3rd, 2010

    All Dolled Up

    Sure she’s daddy’s little girl, but it’s your closet that Little Miss Dress Up raids come playtime.

    Spare the Loeffler Randall sandals, but spoil her inner Rachel Zoe, with Dace Paper Dolls. A collaboration with Philadelphia fashion illustrator Dallas Shaw, the doll and the fall 2010 Dace fashions to dress it with are a free download. The first look featuring a knit dress, ankle booties and a billowy jacket is now online, and more will follow in the next couple of months.

    Suddenly saying “cut that out” sounds so obliging.

    www.dace.ca

  • September 2nd, 2010

    C is for Cookie

    Inspired by his favourite treat, the Cookie Monster creates poems about his beloved cookies.

    At the new Inglewood bakery Cookie Mama, the prose turns to music with nearly two dozen types of cookies, each inspired by a classic tune.

    Our favourites include Sweetest Taboo (sunflower and sesame seeds, oatmeal, wheat germ and coconut), Good Vibrations (dark chocolate and Skor chips) and the gluten-free Cocomo, a coconut macaroon with chocolate drizzle ($2.50 each). There are also egg-, dairy- and butter-free cookie options and cupcakes such as the Rocket Man (cookies and cream with chocolate oreo butter cream icing, $3 each).

    “On-nom-nom-nom.”

    Cookie Mama, 1420 Ninth Ave. SE, Calgary, 403-266-5431, www.cookiemamacalgary.com

  • September 1st, 2010

    Take a Number

    Before serving the meal at your next dinner party, ask your guests to take a number.

    A numbered seat, that is.

    Designed by Dade Art and Design Lab, the sleek elm chairs are numbered 1 through 10 and are available as a set ($3,000) or individually ($380). Great conversation starters, they can also offer amusement if the dinner conversation is a little dry—switch numbers everyone!

    And if handsome guest number 2 pulls out your chair and pours the wine, it could be your lucky number. 

    Dade Art and Design Lab, 1327 Ninth Ave. SE, Calgary, 403-454-0243, www.dadeartanddesignlab.com

     

  • August 31st, 2010

    Dream a Restaurant Dream

    The fantasy of opening up one’s very own quaint bistro or cute café can all too often come crashing down when reality sets in.

    Celebrity chef and restaurant consultant David Adjey comes to the rescue in his new show The Opener, debuting tonight on the Food Network.

    Each episode sees the charming, and surprisingly calm, Adjey (pictured) working with rookie restaurateurs just days before their grand openings.

    The result is a fascinating look into how much goes into opening a restaurant and how little some dreamers really know before jumping in.

    We think we'll stick with making reservations.

    Tuesdays at 9 p.m., Food Network Canada, www.foodnetwork.ca