Here is the other half of my two-part blog post, highlighting a few of my favourite things, from hostess gifts to places that I went this Summer.
Benjamin Bridges Nova 7
'Tis the season for Holiday parties! I don't like to show up anywhere empty-handed and it can be tricky to find an appropriate hostess gift. I always recommend something consumable, particularly if you don't know the hostess that well. You can find many wonderful things that come beautifully packaged at the Italian Centre Shop in Edmonton. I recommend a special jar of jam, a box of chocolates, or an aged balsamic vinegar. A bottle of sparkling wine is also an excellent gift and the one that I will be bringing along is Benjamin Bridges Nova 7. Made in the province of Nova Scotia, this wine is lightly bubbly, fruity, and floral. It also comes in a beautiful orange-salmon coloured bottle.
MyPackage - BN3TH
With the parties, comes the gift-giving. If you are looking for something for the man in your life, one of my favourite brands, formerly known as MyPackage, now BN3TH, makes the best underwear and pyjamas. Garments made by BN3TH are made of Tencel™ Modal which is soft, breathable, and more environmentally sustainable than cotton. BN3TH was started in Vancouver, BC and is known for its pouch technology. Check them out here.
The Merit Suite - Inn on the Twenty
I was fortunate enough to have some weddings in Ontario this past year and through one of them I stumbled upon the Inn on Twenty in Jordan Ontario. Tucked away in Ontario's Wine Country is this beautiful boutique hotel that has 28 unique rooms. Each room is tastefully decorated and has a special feature. I stayed in the Merit Suite which was not only incredibly spacious but had its own private garden. Beyond the beauty of the property itself, the staff go out of their way to make you comfortable and cater to your needs. This is an excellent hotel for a wedding, an engagement, or weekend away. I can't wait to go back.
Coach Bag - Tanger Outlet in Ottawa
While in Ontario, my bag that has served me well for nearly a decade broke. Luckily, I found myself not far from the Tanger Outlets in Ottawa, and with some browsing around I discovered the Coach store. I have always admired Coach for their classic designs and high quality products but I have never owned anything Coach. With the help of the sales staff who seemed to know what I needed before I even told them, I found my new bag. Classic black, well made, lots of pockets; I am hopeful it will stand the test of time the way my other bag had.
Thierry Mugler: Couturissime
I couldn't go as far as Ottawa without hopping in a car and driving to Montreal for the Thierry Mugler: Couturissime exhibition at the Montreal Museum of Fine Art. This exhibit was an absolute WOW! With more than 150 pieces displayed, fashion is art. Stunning is an understatement as you are taken through 40 years of costumes and couture. Those of you who know me, know that I appreciate fashion, design, construction, and extravagance. This exhibit checked all of those boxes for me.