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Kiehl's Samples

I feel like Christopher Columbus. I’ve made an incredible discovery. Albeit  one that’s undoubtedly already been made, I’m going to take all the credit.  The discovery in question? Kiehl’s.

“What is Kiehl’s?” you ask? Why, I’ll tell you: At present Kiehl’s is one of Toronto’s best kept secrets, a supplier of “attainable luxury” personal care products, that has actually been in business for over 150 years. Kiehl’s was initially established as a homeopathic pharmacy, in other words an apothecary, which this reviewer thinks is the coolest history a product line could possibly have. It reminds me of the Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde, but this has a happier ending.

Originating in New York, Kiehl’s presently has two locations here in Toronto: uptown and downtown (2518 Yonge Street near Yonge and Eglinton & 407 Queen Street West near Queen and Spadina). Lisa, the congenial Store Manager of their Yonge Street location, tells me Kiehl’s will be expanding.  After sampling some of their products I am not at all surprised.
It would’ve been neat to see the aesthetic evolution of Kiehl’s from pharmacy to retail shop. After visiting the latter(visiting the former would involve a time machine I’m not clever enough to build) my impression wasn’t of retail at all but of a dermatology clinic or high-end unisex spa minus the mani-pedi stations and those little rooms so many of us have been ushered into at one time or another for a little landscaping if you catch my drift.

The staff at the Kiehl’s location I visited are all incredibly good humored and down to earth. Their uniforms and bedside manner are reminiscent of seasoned estheticians. In fact, Shiloh, the Assistant Manager of the Yonge Street location, also teaches a cosmetics class at Humber. Many moons ago, I attended Humber for Fashion Arts and coincidentally took the same class as part of that program albeit with another instructor. It was the only class I actually liked and the required reading, “A Consumer’s Dictionary Of Cosmetic Ingredients” remains on my bookshelf for constant referral. The staff really knows their stuff, I realized, when I received an impromptu skincare consultation. Unexpected, but informative and fun!

Kiehl’s offers incredible products and matches it with my favourite brand of service: pampering. Not only do you get to test the products in-store but  staff will discus with you your skincare “goals” just the same as an esthetician would do and likewise will help you build a start-up a skincare regime. There’s zero reason to feel sheepish about your acne concerns or other such questions because as the staff will tell you: hey, we’ve all been there.

Then there are the samples. Lots of ‘em. Kiehl’s is not stingy with their samples like most retail beauty establishments and as an added frill you get to take them home in a cute, environmentally friendly bag. That’s not to say that Kiehl’s only caters to women, though. On the contrary, they have a ton of dude-friendly products. Actually, all of Kiehl’s products seem to me to have clinical or cleverly nondescript packaging so men who care about their skin don’t have to feel embarrassed about buying some “la di da” looking face wash or shampoo.

Prices are higher than drugstore merch but not as bank breaking as spa hawked products. Consumers too often forget that personal care is an investment and end up wasting money when they opt for those bargain drugstore does-nothing-but-smells-good type of products. I’m not advising you to sell your soul for a clear complexion or great hair, I’m simply reminding you that you get what you pay for. In this case, Kiehl’s seems to have found the appropriate middle ground with fair prices for effective products. I’ve only used their products for about a week now and have seen a big difference in my skin thanks to their “Ultra” line which feels like satin and makes my cheeks feel the same. Their “Stylist Series” for hair deserves an honorable mention as well, as do all of the samples I was given but being that I was given so many I think it’s just best for me to tell you to head on into Kiehl’s yourself and get your own consultation because I’m not sharing my swag.

Want to make those already generous samples last longer? Don’t tear them open. Instead, poke them with a pin. I learned that at Kiehl’s.

Feeling proud? Well, maybe that’s because it’s Pride Week here in Toronto! That’s right folks, from June 25^th to July 4^th Toronto pays homage to the rainbow flag. Lots of fun stuff is lined up for this weekend including a street fair with vendors and artisans along Church Street on Saturday and Sunday and of course, don’t forget the 30^th Annual Pride Parade starting at Bloor and Church on Sunday at 2pm. Check out the Toronto Pride website for more details and a handy map of the stages set up as well as the parade’s route.

These festivities can get a little wild so if that’s not your thing organizers have set up a drug and alcohol Free Zone at Paul Kane Parkette (off of Wellesley Street East between Yonge Street and Church Street) for those of you looking to express your pride inconspicuously. The Free Zone will feature a DJ and a stage with live performances, holistic services, green lawn and confidential recovery meetings. A family zone has also been set up as part of Family Pride on the grounds of the Church Street Junior Public School (southeast corner of Church Street and Alexander Street) offering inclusive, family-friendly activities and events.

Have a fun and safe weekend everybody!

Long time no contribution. I must admit, I’ve been slacking off a little but here’s why – it’s summer! Patio season is here folks so slather on the SPF and get your mmm on outside like I did the other day.  Java House, located at 537 Queen Street West on the southwest corner of Queen and Augusta, is without a doubt a hipster hot-spot. Personally, I’m not all that hip but I still appreciate quality food that doesn’t break the bank.

Their eclectic menu features lighter pub fare and a variety of Thai entrees in the $5, that’s right $5 price range, not to mention daily specials, all day breakfast, and a good selection of coffee, teas and cheap pitchers.

Upon first impression, Java House looks like a dive bar and a coffee shop had a one night stand, but that’s precisely the restaurant’s charm. Though be warned, the bathrooms are of the, to quote my friend Angela “flush with your foot” variety.

On busy days, inside can be a little cramped with a line-up for the large patio. Luckily for my friend and I we arrived at Java House before yesterday’s dinner rush. We were promptly seated outside at a wobbly table but brushed it off as that small price we were willing to pay for sunshine.

Service at Java House is whimsical. If you go in expecting to be treated like royalty chances are your expectations will not be met. I’ve returned to Java House many times and I’ve had adequate service and terrible service but never the type of service to sing praises about, but then again I’m not picky. What keeps me coming back to Java House is the great prices, yummy food and, as I fancy myself a people watcher, the quirky clientele. Still, I don’t want to speak ill of the servers at Java House. It’s not that the servers are rude to their customers, rather in most cases they are in general a bit green and sometimes forgetful. Our server yesterday spilled our water (though the wobbly table was partly to blame) and of another server my friend requested an ashtray, which never came. Neither of those things particularly irked either of us,  as said before we weren’t all that concerned about the quality of the service. We were just hungry.

We both ordered the stir-fry and vegetables. Angela had the tofu option while I went with the chicken. Portion size was large enough that Angela didn’t finish her rice where as I stopped short of licking the plate when I was finished. We also shared a pitcher of Amsterdam Blonde between us. In the end, the sum total for everything was around $28 and we left Java House happy enough with our experience yesterday that I’m sure we’ll both continue to gravitate there this summer and many summers thereafter.

In recent years, the faux-vintage indie scene appears to have taken our city by storm.  I cite the replacement of many funky Queen Street shops, specifically between Spadina and University, with chain stores like H&M and Urban Outfitters as my evidence. Don’t get me wrong, I like both those stores but I miss the authentic vintage ambiance of “Old Queen”. Yard sales and flea markets are rare in urban cities, which is a shame because in a world where we’ve become so tech and trend obsessed sometimes a little nostalgic taste of the past can be good for the soul.

Fortunately, St. Lawrence Market is our metropolis’s retro oasis and its located right downtown at Front and Jarvis. It’s all too easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of contemporary city life and take for granted many of life’s simple pleasures. Get back down to earth by visiting St. Lawrence as soon as you can and might I specifically suggest you do so on the weekend. After an eventful Friday and Saturday a friend and I spent our lazy Sunday browsing the St. Lawrence indoor and outdoor flea market (Sunday Antique Market).  We came upon many marvels such as antique furniture, funky glassware, rare vinyl, retro albeit fully functional turntables, vintage clothes, watches and jewelry and so much more.


Personally, I was delighted upon the discovery of a box of plush toys that took me right back to my childhood. Finding Care Bears was amazing but I was blown away to stumble upon a My Pet Monster with the cuffs intact. Another great benefit about the flea market is that the vendors are informative without being pushy. They’re also incredibly friendly and funny people to talk to so it’s a great place to go especially if you’re a social butterfly and/or new to the city.

Keep an eye out for celebrity sightings such as Colonel Sanders and Aunt Jemima. Alright, so actually they were just a couple of quirky figurines that we noticed were for sale and as tacky as they were it was still delightfully amusing to discover them amongst the sea of memorabilia.

The flea market will appeal to those of you looking for a bargain or a treasure hunt and, with some vendors selling old stamps and coins, it’s also a collector’s paradise.

Bonjour, mes ami! In a few hours, I am going to be whisked away on a romantic rendezvous to Montreal for the holidays compliments of my new beau but before I leave you, I thought I’d take the time to give those of you staying in Toronto some suggestions on what to do for your Victoria Day long weekend.

If, unlike me, clowns and stilt walkers don’t strike fear into your little heart why not swing on down to Harbourfront Centre (located at 235 Queens Quay East) from the 22^nd to the 24^th between 11am and 5pm for the Toronto International Circus Festival! Other attractions promised include world-class acrobats, fire-eaters, side-splitting comedy, mind-bending daredevil stunts, balloon animals and much more. It’s all free and there will be workshops for kids so take the whole family!

Southeast, the Distillery District (55 Mill Street, near King Street East and Parliament) is hosting their Artisans Spring Craft Show from the 22^nd to the 24^th between 11am and 6pm, rain or shine. Shows like this have a very outdoor flea market setup but the wares for sale are all Canadian made. The exhibitors display hand crafted jewelry, ceramics, soaps, dolls, hats, leather, clothing, gourmet food, textiles, wood furniture, as well as photography, art and sculpture. If you’re in the market for something unique, this will be just the place to find it!

Don’t forget about Ontario Place (955 Lake Shore Boulevard West) which opens for the season with rides, children’s entertainment and fireworks. The park opens on the 22^nd and Victoria Day celebrations will run until the 24th. Weather permitting; fireworks will light up the sky only on Sunday the 23rd at 9:30pm. Admission to and hours for the park are as follows:

Admission:

Adult/Youth – $16.90 + tax

Child/Senior – $11.19 + tax

Prices listed are for Ground Admission which provides access to park wide events and entertainment. Upgrade to a Toronto Star Play All Day Pass to access Ontario Place rides and attractions.

Hours:

Saturday, May 22nd     10am to 6pm

Sunday, May 23rd        10am to 10pm (Remember, fireworks begin at 9:30pm!)

Monday, May 24th       10am to 6pm

You don’t have to pay to see fireworks though if you head down to the Beaches! Fireworks at Ashbridge’s Bay (Lakeshore Boulevard East, just east of Coxwell Avenue) start after 9:30pm on Monday the 24^th but it’s advised on their site to head down much earlier and I can attest to that. I went with friends one year only to be disappointed in learning that they set the skies ablaze a half hour ahead of schedule due to the weather. There’s other benefits to going earlier too. Take a stroll along the sandy beach, do a little shopping or pop in to the restaurants on Queen’s eastern strip. The Beaches are full of hidden gems! A couple of tips: Take the TTC and avoid the traffic or the long search for a parking spot and bring a blanket or sweater because despite the warm weather it can get a bit chilly at night still, especially down by the water!

Well, that’s it for me folks! Have yourselves a lovely Victoria Day long weekend. I’m off to La Métropole! Salut!

This Saturday, May 8th from 10am to 4pm M&M Meat Shops will be hosting a charity BBQ.  For the minimum price of $2.50 you’ll receive a drink, a bag of chips and your choice of either a burger or a hot dog. All proceeds go to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada.

The 2010 coast-to-coast fund-raising goal for this is 2 million dollars so maybe find it in your heart shell out a little something extra than just the bare minimum. Don’t worry about some fat cat using your donation to pad his or her pockets because every penny raised goes directly to the CCFC!

M&M’s has 4 locations here in the T-dot. I’ll save you the effort of going to their website to do a store search because I’m really that wonderful. The locations are as follows:

Toronto – Blue Jays Way
340 Front Street West
(Corner of Blue Jays Way and Front Street)
(416) 506-1793

Toronto – Church
92 King Street East
Corner of King St. E and Church St. (between King and Adelaide)
(416) 364-8999

Toronto – Danforth
3003 Danforth Avenue
(Shopper’s World Plaza)
(416) 694-7634

Toronto – Pleasant
11 Pleasant Boulevard
(inside Mac’s Convenience Store, 1 block South of St. Clair Avenue East & Yonge Street)
(416) 925-2407

While you’re there, since you’ll likely already be in a charitable mood, feel free to pick me up a box of those BBQ Marinated Chicken Breasts. What? I’m a starving artist. It was worth a shot.