Buy locally
go to your local farmers market for healthier food and to support
your community

Wash your clothes in cold water instead of hot.
this conserves energy and also saves you money

Turn off your lights and unplugged small appliances
this also conserves energy and saves you money

Switch to fluorescent light bulbs
this also conserves energy and also saves you money

Natural fibers
they are breathable. Synthetic materials don’t breathe easily
and may be toxic

Skip bottles water
less plastic, and it saves you money

Use smaller appliances
they use less energy,
resulting in more money left in your pocket

Eat smart
choose whole foods and colourful foods, they taste great and are better for you

Keep electronics out of the garbage
donate or recycle electronics responsibly

Make your own cleaning products
saves time, money, and your indoor air quality will be better

One of the most distinct features of Montreal is its youthful and festive spirit which can be traced back to the Prohibition.

Travel Journal: Montreal

Montreal, Canada’s second largest city, is
considered to be one of the most unique and
vibrant cities in the world. Rich in history and
culture, Canada’s most diverse metropolis is
a truly delightful blend of North American
and European cultures.
One of the most distinct features of Montreal
is its youthful and festive spirit which can
be traced back to the Prohibition, when
American soldiers travelled north on the
St. Lawrence river for booze, music and
a good time. To this day, people still head
to Montreal for the same reasons. There
is always something to celebrate in the city
regardless of the weather outside.
Summer in Montreal
In the summertime, the city is host to
some of the most happening festivals and
events in the world. The Formula 1 Grand
Prix, Just for Laughs Festival, Festival du
Mode (Fashion Festival), the International
Fireworks Competition and the Montreal
Jazz Festival are considered the highlights
of the summer and millions of people from
around the world flood the city streets to
join in the celebrations*. And on those lazy
summer Sunday afternoons, be sure to check
out Tam Tams (a drumming festival held in
Parc Mont-Royal) and Piknik Electronique
(an outdoor house music event held in the
scenic Parc Jean Drapeau). And of course,
there is La Ronde, Montreal’s amusement
park and the Montreal Botanical Gardens
which are only open during the warmer
months of the year.
*For a complete list of Montreal’s summer
festivals and their dates, visit www.montrealtravelguide.
com
Winter in Montreal
If you happen to be in Montreal in the
winter months, be prepared to keep warm
as the city can get very cold, snowy and icy.
But visitors can still experience the locals’
joie de vivre by celebrating the Montreal en
Lumière Festival and the Igloo Fest.
Must-See Attractions
Other places that are a must-see for
tourists all-year around are:
> Boulevard St. Catherine (Montreal’s
shopping district)
> Boulevard St. Laurent & Crescent Street
(Montreal’s clubbing and food districts)
> St. Denis Street (For a large selection of
restaurants, bars and vintage clothing stores)
> Montreal Biodome (A unique indoor
experience allowing visitors to explore four
ecosystems)
> Old Montreal (Go back in time into a world
of elegant restaurants, horse drawn carriages
and cobblestone streets on the shore of the
St. Laurent)
> Notre-Dame Basilica (One of the most
impressive churches in North America)
> Montreal Casino
> Cirque du Soleil (The most famous circus
in the world visits its hometown every other
year)
> McGill University (Canada’s top university
has its main campus in the heart of downtown
Montreal)

Travel Journal: Quebec City

Quebec City is the capital city of the French
province of Quebec and is quite possibly one
of the most romantic cities in North America
complete with a distinct European sensibility,
cobble stone streets, horse-drawn carriages
and is home to the Montmorency Falls, the
highest waterfall in Quebec.
Although Quebec City maybe considered a
little quiet for those living there, its vibrant
historical centre makes it one of the top
Canadian destinations for those looking to
gain a better understanding of Quebec’s
cultural heritage. The main tourist attraction
of Quebec City is its Old Town which is
divided between the Upper Town and Lower
Town. Old Town, or Vieux-Quebec, is the
only city in North America with its original
city walls and was designated as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site in 1985.
Old Town is home to some of the city’s finest
17th and 18th century buildings as well as some
of its best parks and monuments. Be sure
to check out the Chateau Frontenac, which
happens to be Canada’s most photographed
hotel and if you can afford it, do stay the night.
The main historical monument in Quebec City,
the Citadelle, also happens to be the largest
fortified base in North America still occupied
by troops. Expect to spend about half the day
exploring the Citadelle, and afterwards, be
sure to walk through the Jeanne D’Arc Park
all the way to the Plains of Abraham to enjoy
the breathtaking views they offer of the river
and the Laurentian Mountains.
For the gourmands, Upper Town is home to a
variety of restaurants and its delicatessens and
markets offer a large variety of cheeses from
the Quebec countryside that are specialities
of the region. As with most European cities,
Quebec City has a very strong cafe culture, and
while it may be tempting to lounge around in
one of the city’s quaint cafes, be sure to check
the prices beforehand as they tend to run on
the steeper end of the spectrum.
Although Quebec City is considered to be a
relatively idle city for most part, it is also host
to some of the biggest and most happening
festivals in the country. During the summer
months, try to plan your visit in time for the
Jean-Baptiste Celebration on June 24th, to
celebrate Quebec’s National Day with music,
alcohol, bonfires, fireworks and over 200,000
Quebecois on the Plains of Abraham. For
the winter tourists, try and make Quebec
City’s Winter Carnival which takes place
in the first week of February. The hundred
year city tradition is centred around a giant
ice palace built in the Place Jean-Cartier and
involves activities such as the International Ice
Sculpture Competition, parades and various
winter-defying activities such as canoe races
and snow baths.
Other places that are a must-see include the
Ice Hotel, Rue St. Roch, Rue St. Jean and
Avenue Cartier.
For more information regarding Quebec City and
its tourist attractions, please visit www.quebeccity.
worldweb.com

Travel Journal: Ottawa & Vancouver

Not only is it the capital Canada and
the home of Parliament Hill, but Ottawa is
also a great historical city to visit. In addition
to the Parliament buildings, Ottawa is full of
culture and has plenty of things to do. There
are approximately ten museums throughout
the city, and they range from was museums
to natural history museums, so there is no
doubt you will find one that you and your
family will love. The Byward Market is
definitely a hot spot, full of great food and
tons of nightlife and entertainment such as
Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club. If your feeling
lucky take a trip over to Casino Lac-Leamy
and play for the big jackpot. Ottawa is also
home to the Ottawa Senators (NHL) and the
Ottawa 67’s (OHL),you can enjoy a game
at the Lansdowne Arena. There are also
numerous art galleries and both English and
French theatres where you can go to enjoy
a show. Of course there is tons of shopping
and festivals to be visited year round.
Vancouver is not only known for
the insane amount of rain it receives but also
for its breathtaking, postcard perfect scenery,
Vancouver is another incredible Canadian
city to be visited. The city is full of beautiful
parks, gardens and beaches not to mention
the mountains. There are plenty of museums
which include the Maritime Museum. There
is also the Vancouver Art Gallery, Science
World, and the H.R. MacMillan Space
Centre. There is also a site that is very similar
to the Toronto CNE, the PNE is a fun place
to visit that is full of rides and games as well
as food. Grouse Mountain is an amazing
place to visit to the capture the spectacular
views of the mountains and fabulous forestry.
In addition to activities such as skiing,
snowboarding and snowshoeing as well as
other activities.

Travel Journal: Edmonton & Calgary

Edmonton
Not so small after all! If you are in Calgary this
Holiday season please make sure you visit
the West Edmonton Mall which is a haven
for all age groups. What does this mall not
have! It’s a one stop shop for everything fun
and glamorous. There is an indoor Galaxy
land Amusement Park, World Water Park,
Sea Lion’s Rock, Sea Life Caverns, Bourbon
Street that features all sorts of dining, China
Town and Europa that is very very chic.
The mall makes you feel like you have just
travelled the whole world, had all the fun you
can have, shopped till you drop and then to
relax check in to the Fantasy Land Hotel that
is in the mall! This hotel is not just any hotel,
but a themed hotel with floors filled with all
sorts of fun themes like Hollywood, Western
and Cars! The whole floor screams fun and
enjoyment for every kind of visitor. Their
rooms are not just rooms but experiences
and filled with luxury and comfort. In room
Jacuzzi and hot tubs, family size suites and
perfect for anyone! Currently one of the very
cool promotions they have is the Girlfriend
Getaway at the Fantasy Land Hotel. Please
check out its details.
Calgary
If you plan to visit Calgary this winter break
do check out the Einstein & Darwin Exhibit
at the Telus world of Science. Not only is it
very informative and shows another wise of
Einstein but they room replica of Darwin’s
study is lots of fun to observe. While at the
museum, venture over to the Children’s
section that features all sort of brain teasers, a thermal wall and a variety of mind boggling
information. A great place to let out your
kids inner scientists.
Another fantastic feature of visiting Calgary
is getting to drive over to Banff and Lake
Louise. Only an hour away these scenic
places are a must see that are open all year
long for visitors to enjoy every season with a
Gondola ride, scenic walks and much more.

Alexander McQueen
(17 March 1969 – 11 February 2010)

On the 11th of February, 2010, the world was devastated by the
news of the untimely death of one of the world’s most influential designers,
Lee Alexander McQueen. McQueen, who had had been named the British
Designer of the Year four times, was known for his provocative fashion
shows which featured extraordinary creations infused with a goth-aesthetic
and juxtaposed with a sense of fragility and sensuality. His final collection
for Fall/Winter 2010 is a testament to his immense talent and his loss will
continue to be mourned by the fashion industry in the years to come.

Spring/Summer 2010
Nudity was the biggest story in the fashion industry for the Spring/
Summer 2010 season. From shoes to clothes to bags to hair pieces,
soft, nude, ice-cream colours were everywhere. The focus seemed
to have shifted from last year’s bright colour-blocked obsession to a
softer, muted and more discreet style of clothing using sheer fabrics,
minimalistic designs and a new lower heel. And while the designs
were seemingly conservative from afar, upon closer examination
one could see the demure yet articulate detailing that transformed
these pieces into classic wardrobe investments that were unlikely to
ever go out of style.

Fall/Winter 2010
Decadence was the major theme for the Fall/Winter 2010
season. As the weather cooled, designers turned to a darker
palette, with navy blue being the “it” colour of the season.
Fabrics took a more serious turn, bringing velvet, silk,
brocade and fur back in the running. Deliciously rich colours
in luxurious fabrics, adorned with a touch of sparkle and
accentuated with a dash of red, orange or leopard, resulted
in collections that were warm, classic, chic and perfect for
the holiday season.

Ladies, lets not forget our men this season. They are a tough bunch to shop for.
That is why Shoppers Drug Mart has made it easy by putting together a Men’s
Deluxe Tie Set at only $19.99 This stylish set is a perfect gift for any male this
holiday season. Set includes a Ball Point Pen, rich red Italian Designer Men’s Tie
and matching Pocket Square, a stunning Quartz Watch, Cufflinks, Tie Bar and
Wallet to give every man a fashionable edge.

Gifts for the whole family that is stylish and chic can be found at Joe Fresh Style.
Check out their Holiday Gift Looks!

LUSH HAND MADE Cosmetics always has a variety of fresh smelling
gift ideas for the Holiday season. However, this year we have really
enjoyed discovering the Gorilla Perfumes available at Lush. Filled
with a variety of scent options created by essential oils- the size is what
attracted us. With today’s travel rules, the pen type packaging is just the
perfect size to take in any bag pack on flights!

Another great travel bonus is the Airplus Spa Footie for $5.97. It is
infused with a combination of aloe and vitamin E to relax your tense
feet while travelling or after a long flight. You can just fit them in your
purse and they are also great for walking on cold floors with their no
slip grip!

Calvin Klein’s ENVY Collection is a great gift if you are shopping in the lingerie
department. Gift yourself if you wish this season so that not only are you looking
fabulous on the outside but feel great in the inside too. It’s a sleek, sexy looks
with minimal coverage and a very sensuous look!

The Matt by Matt & Nat collection available at Town Shoes has the sexiest new
braided necklace that is a definite statement piece. This gift makes the gesture
of gift giving a luxurious one. Whoever you end up gifting this too- it breaks all
age barriers. We see the young fashion lover styling it with her skinny jeans and
blazer or our moms wearing it with a classic blouse! At $45 its totally worth to
long term effects.

Barbie by Town is an all time favourite. It’s the thought of wearing Barbie shoes
that just fills any females heart with excitement. Now the price is a bit on the
higher end at $145 but these shoes are a gift of appreciation, a gift of love and
should be given to a person who deserves this treat. We think an ideal gift from
a husband to a wife.

Sarah Jessica Parker is the fashion icon of the century! That is why her new
perfume SJP NYC. Its inspired by her character on Sex and The City, Carrie
Bradshaw that is why the scent is full if a whimsical free spirited edge to it that
allows you to feel free and sexy at the same time. It’s chic, vibrant and bold.

The 2011 Tin Eco Calendar at $19.95 is a great gift for you environment
friendly friend.

Swamisz.com offers the coolest sandals in every colour possible made
out of natural rubber and a distinctive toe plug. They look eco, they feel
eco they are eco! A very funky gift for girls and guys.