With my birthday just days away, I thought it would be fun to put together a list of the things I am currently coveting. The things I'm showing here are all things money can buy, but the only true wish I have for my birthday is to enjoy the year surrounded by my lovely family, and my friends. I am more than thankful for everything, and I count my blessing every moment of every day. The only gift I need, I already have—my two children.
But... on my fantasy birthday wish list, here are some of things that I'd love:
UGG boots: Winter is coming, (yes, I know it's not even fall yet, but I'm getting prepared early) and the only thing that's making me not fall into a deep depression is the fact that I can go shopping for cute boots that'll keep me warm. I am in love with these UGG boots. Yes, UGGS. They don't only come in one style, you know!
Louis Vuitton Neverfull: I consider my LV Speedy purse my number one fashion accessory. I use this purse almost every single day. It's been through a lot with me over the years, and has even survived a broken eggs explosion inside. Although I'll always love my Speedy, I have been loving the Neverfull a lot lately. It's just so roomy... and beautiful.
California Closets: I am dreaming of a closet re-org in a bad way! I try so hard to stay organized with my clothes, and I do well changing things up every season, but after a few days, I find clothes in piles on my floor and I get so mad at myself. If I had a dream closet like this, surely I'd have an easier time keeping everything neat and organized, right?
Valentino Shoes: What is it about shoes that we love so much? Perhaps we love them so much because there are so many stunning pairs to choose from, and they're always, always the perfect fit! Aren't these Valentino shoes perfection? Sigh...
Capri for two: I'd love to get on a plane and head to Europe with my husband. The last time we were in Europe together, we went to Santorini—the world's most breathtaking island. This was, of course, before we had children. Although we have plans on going overseas with our children soon, (we wanted to wait until they were old enough to get the most out of a trip like that) I'd love to take a vacation with my hubby to Capri, Italy for a few days. Or Paris. Or Monaco. You get the idea.
What's on your fantasy wish list?
Yorkville is my favourite place to be. A trip to Toronto without staying in Yorkville is not a possibility for me.
Yorkville has so much to offer tourists and locals, from the amazing high-end stores like Chanel, Hermes Gucci and Holt Renfrew, to the more affordable stores like H&M, Club Monaco, and Gap. Of course, stores are not all Yorkville is about, although shopping in Yorkville is a highlight for me; there is also the Royal Ontario Museum and the many fine restaurants and coffee shops lining the streets.
My family and I were very fortunate to experience a stay at Yorkville's number one hotel, the Park Hyatt, recently. I have been in love with Hyatt hotels and resorts since my stay at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida. Staying at the Hyatt is a truly luxurious experience, from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave.
The Park Hyatt Toronto is pure elegance. It's modern and clean, and has everything I look for when deciding where to stay when I'm traveling. It's right across the street from the Royal Ontario Museum, and across the street from Louis Vuitton.
We arrived to the hotel and were greeted right away by the friendly staff, and my children were offered fresh baked cookies. This was a great way to put a smile on a child's face, especially after a five hour drive.
After we settled into our very spacious room and relaxed in the comfortable beds, we went downstairs and were treated to a lovely dinner at Annona, Park Hyatt's popular restaurant. We often eat out at restaurants with our children, but we don't always get amazing service. Annona was the exception—my children were treated so well, and the service really was exceptional. Annona has a great menu selection, including a new sharing menu created by mini-master chefs, which was full of healthy meal options for the family. My filet mignon was perfection, and I know where I'll be going for dinner the next time I'm in the city. We had the most delicious dinner.
When we returned to our room to get ready for the Toronto Argonauts game, there was a bottle of wine and a cheese plate for my husband and I, and a special treat for the kids, too... personalized cookies! They were very impressed. (And yes—the cookies tasted as good as they look!)
Our room was perfect, of course—spacious, clean, and bright. I have always loved the lobby of the Park Hyatt Toronto, too, and the beautiful flower arrangements throughout the hotel.
Of course, the famous Stillwater Spa is also located in the Park Hyatt. The Stillwater Spa is Toronto's premiere day spa, and it is the only spa in Eastern Ontario to receive the prestigious Mobil four-star rating for the fifth-year in a row. I didn't have a chance to test out the many services offered at the spa, but I'll be back—very soon.
The legendary Roof Lounge on the 18th floor of the Park Hyatt is a popular spot to people-watch, too, and the perfect way to end your night during your stay. The views can't be beat, either—simply breathtaking! With TIFF just around the corner, the Roof Lounge will definitely be the place to be to catch a glimpse of some of the celebrities that will be in town.
If you're looking for a place to stay in Toronto's most fashionable neighbourhood, look no more—the Park Hyatt has it all. I know I'll be back.
Thank you for the wonderful stay, Park Hyatt Toronto!
Believe me, I'm not ready to part with my flip flops quite yet, although I am certainly getting excited for fall.. and all the shopping! Especially for all the new shoes and booties I'm seeing right now.
Here are few of my fall favourites:
Nordstrom bootie: I love these rounded-toe booties, and at under $150.00, I think these are perfectly priced for a new pair of booties that'll be worn all fall—and possibly winter, too. Even though there is no Nordstrom in Canada YET, they do offer free shipping and free returns for your online shopping, just in case it's not the perfect fit. This bootie comes in brown, too—which is the one I'd probably buy!
Leopard bootie: I'm in love with these! I love the zipper and the print, and I think these would look fabulous with black tights and a little black dress. They'd be perfect with a pair of jeans and cream coloured sweater, too. These are selling for $167.71 at Nordstrom.
Aldo booties: These booties are the ones I know I'd wear the most, especially when I'm with the kids. They're stylish, yet practical and comfortable. They come in black, too, and sell for $140.00.
Frye booties: I love Frye booties so much, but still don't own a pair! I have friends who adore their Frye booties, though, so I know when I do buy a pair, I'll love them as well. These one are a little pricey, but when you're paying for something like this, it's sure to last for a long time, you know? Worth the $450.00!
J. Crew Ankle boots: I love everything J.Crew, even the shoes and boots. These are totally my style, and they are a pair I know I'd wear year after year. These retail for $348.00.
I'm still on the look-out for boots that are good quality and totally affordable, too—so make sure to check back here soon for everything you and your children might need for fall!
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