Sorry for the sudden disappearing act, dear readers! I got back from Toronto Monday afternoon and have been playing catch-up with work, emails, and laundry ever since, all the while trying to edit photos and sum up what turned out to be a relaxing, fun-filled weekend trip. Keep reading because I have a lot to fill you in on and many, many photos to share.
The Trip to Toronto
The polar vortex gave me a taste real Canadian winter, complete with flight delays, salt-stained boots, and blowing snow. Weather aside, I really enjoyed my stay in the city and at the Thompson Hotel in particular. In fact, the Thompson might be the hotel for the boy and me if we ever travel to Toronto together: sleek, modern rooms with huge rainfall showers and heated bathroom floors, plus Italian fine dining, Japanese fusion, and a 24-hour diner downstairs so we don't have to go too far in the cold for food.
When I did venture outside, it was to spend time hanging out with Anya, who showed me some of her favourite haunts in Toronto: Le Select Bistro for French-inspired brunch (so cozy and bright inside, especially with the falling snow); SOMA, where we enjoyed shots of spicy Mayan hot chocolate; and the gift shop inside TIFF Bell Lightbox, where we browsed eclectic film paraphernalia and books on every film director imaginable.
Of course, as a Beauty United blogger, I had to bring some current P&G beauty faves with me in my minimalist, fit-for-a-carry-on makeup bag. The Olay CC Cream (previously reviewed here) was great for hydrating and protecting my skin during the day. As for the two Cover Girl products pictured above, I'll be posting reviews soon.
The Beauty United Grammy Viewing Party
Hosted by gorgeous blogger Arianne of Glitter Geek, the Beauty United Grammy viewing party kicked off in the Thompson Hotel's downstairs lounge with plenty of red carpet dish. During commercial breaks, Cover Girl and Pantene pros Amelie Ducharme and Justin German were there to break down the red carpet hair and beauty hits and misses with plenty of input from us. Multiple screens showed live tweets streaming in and the Grammy broadcast. (Check out #MusicGlam if you want to see what was said.)
Although it was hard to tear our eyes from the mesmerizing performances (Beyonce! Lorde! Pink!), there was plenty to keep us entertained at the party, from hors d'oeuvres and cocktails to product displays. We Beauty United bloggers also voted on whose red carpet look we'd like to see Ducharme and German duplicate. After much deliberation, it was decided: Rita Ora's makeup with Paris Hilton's hair. So how did this look turn out? You'll have to check back tomorrow to find out, along with step-by-step instructions on how to achieve it!
Disclosure: I am a #BeautyUnited blogger. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to P&G events. The opinions on this blog are my own.
hahah glad you got to experience (or not glad...) that -30C i was talking about. its FRICKIN COLD HERE. i dont know why i transplanted my west coast body to these east coast location sometimes....
ReplyDeleteyou had such a great and lux time!! all the foooooood.
Jenn
A Beautiful Zen
Would you kill me if I said it wasn't that bad? The one day I was out and about, it was only -12 or so. The really cold days happened to fall on the days when I was cooped up in the hotel, all nice and toasty.
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