Pick #28: Best secret huge cheap ice cream in Burlington!

There are lots of places to take your kids (or yourself) for ice cream on warm summer evenings.  You can wait in a lengthy drive thru at Dairy Queen for a Blizzard served up by a surly 15-year-old, or you can head down by the lake and wait in equally long lines of people standing around for expensive cones and lacklustre service.  You could grab a $1 cone at Ikea (a great idea if it's raining), although speaking from experience you'll probably end up spending much more on home accessories you weren't planning on buying when you do that.  What my husband and I usually end up doing is heading to a little-known variety Store in Burlington's west-end where there are hardly ever lineups, the cones are big, and the prices are low!  It's Murray's Variety (although I'm pretty positive the guy who runs it is not named Murray...) and it's at the corner of Plains Road East and Waterdown Road. 

Pick # 27: Gotta love Kijiji in the GTA!

Whenever I think about buying something a little costly for my kids, like a life-size dollhouse or a playyard for the backyard - I just go to Kijiji and get it at a ridiculous discount from someone down the road!  Like right now I could save hundreds of dollars on a Thomas the Tank Engine train table complete with trains, tracks and more for just $325 if I drive over to Oakville.  Why shop retail when people are offering very gently-used items in great condition at amazing discounts?  Plus, I feel much better reusing something and saving space in our landfills and reducing chemicals involved in manufacturing processes.  What a win-win! 

Best magazine for the GTA: Chatelaine!

It almost pains me to admit I have a subscription, as it kinda makes me feel like I've turned into my mother, but the truth is...I am a mother now, and this magazine has gotten a lot cooler than when it first began more than 80 years ago.  The recipes (as they have always been) are really excellent, and now that I have a family in the 'burbs and can't live like Carrie Bradshaw ordering takeout to my condo in the city every night, I truly appreciate a little help in the kitchen.  What has vastly improved in the past few years are their fashion pages, with current, stylish, relevant and locally-available clothing and accessories in every issue (not to mention calling out great deals!).  I spent the afternoon today making a new centerpiece for my giant, square dining room table - an idea I got from the most recent issue.  I had really been struggling to find something substantial for such a large table, but also something not too high so that I couldn't see my family across it while we ate.  I wanted something natural if possible, but flowers would need changing almost weekly (just imagine how costly that would be!).  Chatelaine provided a great crafty idea - super easy to do - and you can see the result here of how it looks on my table tonight while my husband is making dinner.  They're long-lasting succulents (like cactus plants) and barely need water at all!  Don't forget if you have a Rogers cell phone account, you can grab a subscription for around $1 an issue!  What a deal!

Best Thai Take-out: Siam Dish in Burlington

I always ordered (weekly, I think) from Spring Rolls when I lived in Toronto, but since I don't live there anymore (and they refuse to deliver to Burlington for some reason - maybe it's the 50km drive?), I had to find a new place to satisfy my thai cravings.  Fortunately, Siam Dish on Lakeshore in Burlington has amazing food (and they deliver too!).  Crispy shrimp chips, perfect peanut sauce, delicious curries and satisfying spring rolls every time.  I've dined in, I've had take-out, and it's always good either way.  Ok now I'm hungry again and I just finished dinner...

The Best Italian Restaurant in the GTA (in my humble opinion): Terroni

It's crowded, it's busy, and the servers will glare at you if you dare ask for modifications (that's a trickle-down effect from owner Cosimo Mammoliti's dictum that things be eaten as-prepared - and don't even get him started on 'substitutions').  Still, I can't say I mind any of the above as I've never had a less than stellar meal at Terroni.  I've been to all their locations in Toronto, and while I can't speak for their newest venture in Beverly Hills (although reviews are quite good in LaLa Land) I'm impressed they're branching out internationally!  The pizza is sublime, the pasta always fresh, and their antipasto will leave you speechless (perfect for sharing).  There aren't that many traditional Italian restaurants that are truly great...but Terroni is certainly one of the few.  Best of all is the relaxed, convivial atmosphere and reasonably priced menu.  Finish with a classic cannoli or gelato and you'll feel like you are truly living la dolce vita on the streets of southern Italy, I promise you. 

Day 23's "Best" pick: Milton Farmer's Market!

Milton's Farmer's Market runs every Saturday morning, 7am to 12noon, from May through October and is well worth taking the family to!   Not only will you find fresh local produce, fruit and flowers, flavoured honeys, spring rolls, salsas and guacamole, but you can grab breakfast right on the street like their famous bacon-on-a-bun!  I've been with kids and it's a very family-friendly event, with the main street closed off to traffic so that everyone can walk around freely and browse the more than 40 vendors!  Great prices, great products & great people make this Farmer's Market a great way to start your Saturday! 

Best Tailor in the GTA: Classic Fit Alteration Services at Square One!

My pick for Day 22 is a no-brainer!  I have been sending every piece of clothing I need altered (which is a LOT) to the amazing team at Classic Fit since I was a Store Manager years ago at Banana Republic and they handled ALL our customer alterations.  And every Banana Republic in the GTA.  And zillions of other Stores and people as well.  Every single day.  I have no idea how they get it all done, but Namet and his team are absolutely brilliant tailors.  If you go through weight fluctuations like I do (babies, love affairs with pizza, whatever other reason...) or you don't have the standard supermodel body shape (who does?) then you know how annoying it is when the clothes you love don't fit you right.  Classic Fit @ Square One Mississauga can solve that problem every time.  It amazes me how they can take in jeans, blazers, coats, lined suit jackets, evening gowns, tank tops, and even a new bra from Victoria's Secret that just wasn't tight enough without leaving a TRACE of alteration showing!  Let this team make the adjustments to your wardrobe so that they really fit you WELL, and you'll love your clothes on a whole new level, I promise you.  Worth every penny.  I'm a customer for life!

Extra Extra! Great offer from Pane Fresco Bakery in Burlington!

Breaking news: enjoy an amazing offer now through July 15th courtesy of our friends at Pane Fresco Artisinal Bakery in Burlington!  Mention the Girl It Up! blog and you'll be eligible to get one loaf (equal or lesser value) of their delicious bread FREE when you buy any other loaf!  I recommend planning to invite good friends over for some pasta this weekend and serving up a couple of their fresh baguettes all toasty with a homemade garlic spread and a big bottle of red!  Enjoy!

First day of summer brings us to Pick #21: Harrison's Children's Clothier of Oakville

Harrison's Children's Clothier in Oakville is a great Store for little kid fashion!  Each time I go, they have the cutest shoes for infants & toddler boys + girls, a stylish selection of clothes from infant to tween, and frequently amazing deals/sales!  For example, there really aren't that many places in the GTA that carry the Pediped line of shoes, which are very good quality and spectacularly fashionable, but Harrison's always has good stock on hand.  I have often come across 30-50% off sales there, which makes buying Pediped shoes an even better idea.  They're right on Lakeshore Blvd, and steps from Timothy's and Starbucks if you need a latte while you shop!  My only complaint is their insanely short hours of business - in this day and age, closing at 5pm every single day of the week seems antiquated and limiting.  But if you're in the 'hood before 5, I highly recommend you check them out the next time you need stylin' kid stuff!

#20 of Best in The GTA series: Keora Salon in Burlington

I've visited many salons over the years between Btown and Toronto.  I've spent as much as $400 on a colour & blowdry (Salon Jie was truly insane in its heydey with his prima donna loft looking down on the rest of his staff, and Michael Kluthe's colour shop was run like a military operation by no-nonsense Lili Jakel).  I've had great experiences and certainly a few not-so-great ones too (a crazy blunt cut - my idea, sadly - from The Elmwood Spa made my thick hair look like a giant bell).  What I am really looking for in a salon - as are most people - is consistent & lasting colour, reasonable prices and attentive & timely service.  People who will gladly offer to run out and put another coin in the parking meter for you.  People who will offer you a cup of hot coffee or tea.  People who remember which side you part your hair on.  People who are always running on time in a drama-free environment.  Most of all, people who really give you a great colour and style.  This is what I have always found at Keora in Burlington, an Aveda salon.  They are always on time, have a fabulous new online booking tool, and are genuinely great people.  P.S. I can't recommend Jacqueline enough as my favourite colourist of all time.  Heading their again on Saturday - can't wait!

Sunday's pick: Pane Fresco bakery in Burlington!

There is seriously no better place to get bread in the entire GTA, I promise you.  Pane Fresco truly has artisan breads that are worth every penny!  Opened by Marc Albanese and his wife Felicia, this bakery serves up breads with no preservatives, using old fashioned techniques to work as much flavour into the bread as possible.  Ingredients are all simple classics: just flour, water, salt and the tiniest amount of yeast possible. Bakers shape and mold doughs by hand in front of you, and then the breads are baked in a European Deck oven.  Whenever we're making garlic bread at my house, we grab a baguette here or their fabulous Calabrese or even a very cool Fendu loaf!  I'd be remiss if I didn't also mention they serve the best pizza in the GTA as well, so if you can swing by at lunch - you'll leave even more satisfied!   Then there are the pastries...the gelato...the lattes...ok, now I'm just hungry.

#18 Pick: Best coffee in The Distillery District!

Mmmm...there's nothing like a really, really great cup of coffee!  Or espresso.  Or cappucino.  Or latte.  And Balzac's Coffee in Toronto's Distillery District is definitely one of the best!  I love their super shiny (and giant) espresso machine, their unbelievable selection of sweets, and their loft seating high above the coffee bar.  What I love most is taking my coffee and strolling through the artisan shops of The Distillery District like Lileo for fashion & books or Corktown Designs for unique jewellery.  Always a great day spent in this historic and artsy part of T.O., no matter how 'mainstream' it gets!

If you're looking for some of Ontario's other Best Coffee Bars, keep in mind Balzac's also has locations in Niagara on the Lake and Liberty Village.

If you love hearing about the best of the best in shopping, home decor, and lifestyle enhancing experiences, keep checking in with Girl It Up on a regular basis!  

#17 on June's list of Top Shops: It's a tie!

Having enjoyed (and sometimes not enjoyed - thank you morning/allday sickness...) two pregnancies in the past 4 years, I was often challenged to find modern and flattering maternity clothes, not only to just get out the door, but to confidently stride into meetings at work or speaking engagements.  When you feel huge, you need all the help you can get to look your best!  While chain stores like Motherhood or Thyme are great for basics like tanks, tees, and leggings, I often wondered where I could get great suits? dresses? jackets? designer denim & tops to go out to dinner in?  Well let me tell you lovely moms-to-be!  There are two fantastic shops in Toronto that are dedicated to helping you stay stylish and fabulous no matter what trimester you're in!  Kick on Eglinton and Belly on Mt. Pleasant will both offer the best names in maternity wear and a very boutique shopping experience.  Not easy on the credit card, I recommend saving these shops for when you need a few special pieces for weddings, parties, and maybe even those last dinners with the hubby when you don't need a babysitter!  A baby bump is such a blessing - and it can certainly be a fashionable one too!

#16 Pick: Châtelet!

If you've ever tried to find a unique and small chandelier, you know just how hard that can be!  Whether for a child's room, a powder room, or your dream walk-in-closet, you can rest assured that you'll find exactly what you've been looking for at Châtelet!  Located on Queen Street West in Toronto, for as long as I can remember shopping along that wonderful stretch, Châtelet has been in business at this location since 2005 (and expanded shop Châtelet Kids is now next door)!  Owner Teresa Wiwchar's passion for home decor, nostalgia/vintage looks, and sewing make this such a great shop not only for chandeliers, but also custom headboards, lampshades, furniture, draperies and so many unique gifts you'll definitely need your car (or a personal valet) to get it all home!  They've even got a shop in the Beaches now too!  

#15 is my #1 Fave: Joelle's in Burlington

How can I adequately explain why every fashionista in the GTA needs to hit the one-stop-shop of fabulousness that is Joelle's?  It's not just the amazing designer brands you'll find here like MICHAEL Michael Kors, Splendid, Free People and every brand of hot denim you can think of.  It's not just the special 'shops within a shop' full of gorgeous and trendy maternity wear, baby gifts, jewelery, shoes and accessories.  It's not just because you can walk through the back to equally trendy Jeff's Guy Shop and get your man into some colourful and tailored dress shirts or super stylish golf pants.  It's not even that Joelle's has proven it's staying-power by being an undeniable (and always growing) institution of fashion since it first opened it's doors in 1996.  It's mostly because of the people.  Joelle and her team of stylists (think an army of Rachel Zoes, only far nicer!) will have you looking your absolute best no matter what occassion you are shopping for.  It's so rare to find this level of professional service these days!  In addition to their amazing help in the Store, they're all very involved in community fundraising and charity events as well, making this team and Store my #1 favourite of all-time!

#14: Cupcakes across the GTA

There are certainly many cupcake shops and specialty bakeries popping up these days, but they are not all created equal.  There are several I think deserve to be on any 'best' list, so take your pick!  In uptown Toronto you can't go wrong with The Cupcake Shoppe, which has been there as long as I can remember, so it's easy to believe their claim of being "Toronto's first and only specialty cupcake bakery"!   If only parking was a tad easier on that Yonge/Eg strip.  Oakville has Black Forest Pastry Shop, stocking cupcakes every day along with some of the best cookies you'll ever taste!  Milton has the newly opened Flour Girls led by Suzy and her passionate team.  They even make cupcake cakes!  And I can't leave out Cupcakes of Westdale Village near McMaster University in Hamilton.  I adore their wall of cupcake accessories!  You can choose from candy & toy toppers to make any special event even more personal!

Lucky #13 Best Shop: Action Bikes in Burlington

There are lots of big box places you could get a bike these days...Canadian Tire, Wal-Mart, etc..., but if you really want great service (knowledgeable, attentive, passionate about bikes) you know you can't count on those Stores for such 'luxuries'.  A bike isn't exactly a cheap purchase, nor should something be that you want and expect to last decades, so why not go to an expert who eats/lives/breathes bikes?!  There are lots of great specialty bike shops in the GTA, so give them a shot.  You'll probably end up with something that will outlast a cheap big-box-Store bike by many years, and you'll support an entrepreneur in the process.  My personal fave is Action Bikes on Brant Street in Burlington.  The owner is an avid cyclist and he's been around for years and years.  He's got a great assortment of bikes for the whole family, all of them high-quality and a range of prices.  I bought my hybrid Velo Sport from him back in the early 90's and it still runs as smooth as ever (thanks to the tune-up he gave it last year)!

Shop #12: Teatro Verde

I remember back when this treasure trove of unique finds was not yet on everyone's radar, and I felt like it was a well-kept secret near the back door to Hazelton Lanes in Toronto.  The first time I walked in it felt like half glamorous-flower-shop and half amazing-gift-shop.  Even now, with two locations including posh Bayview Village and a huge two-story flagship in Yorkville, Teatro Verde retains the same wonderful qualities.  You'll always see beautiful flowers, you'll always find impeccable and artistic merchandising, and you'll always walk out with something gorgeous for your home or one of the best gifts you've ever gotten for your dearest friend.  And did I mention it won't break the bank?  That's the best part of all!  Helmed by the design team of Shawn and Michael, you'll quickly understand how they came up with the name - loosely translated to mean Theatre of Green - because the artistry behind the floral arrangements is truly worthy of any stage!   Be sure to grab an amazing sandwich afterwards at either location, both of which are conveniently located steps from delicious Pusateri's!

Best Small Biz #11: Kula

With locations in Oakville, Toronto and Burlington, Kula Yoga is my favourite yoga studio in the GTA (and yes, I've been to several including the reputable but very, very busy Downward Dog in T.O.)!  The atmosphere is zen and relaxing, without trying too hard, and the instructors are all amazing!  No matter what class I go to, I am always challenged in new ways, inspired by a skilled teacher, and enjoy the laid back and supportive attitude of the rest of the class.  They have a great introductory special where you can get 30 days of unlimited yoga for $30 if you're new to Kula, which is a very affordable way to see which classes you like and whether it's the right environment for you!  This morning - after being woken up FIVE times throughout the night by my children - the Vinyasa class I dragged myself to at 8:30 a.m. literally saved my weekend by infusing me with energy, relaxation, and strength.  I would be a train wreck all day if I hadn't gone, and my children would have had a very short-tempered and un-fun mother all day, that's for sure.  Thanks Kula!

#10 Best Small Biz: Uncle Betty's Diner

On Yonge Street north of Eglinton, you'll find newly opened Uncle Betty's Diner, the love child of husband and wife entrepreneurs Robert Lewocz and Samara Melanson.  Once I saw the retro-inspired sign out front, I was compelled to pop in for lunch since I'm partial to all things 50's (have I mentioned before that I wish I lived in the movie Pleasantville?)  You'll find your favourite diner comfort foods on the generously varied menu, with classics like onion rings and chili dogs.  I opted for the pulled pork sandwich since hardly any restaurants serve 'em, and I was not disappointed!  Marinated & cooked for 24 hours!  If its sweets you love, check out their homemade donuts & twinkees, or many flavours of ice cream (like roasted marshmallow)!  Brunch, lunch & dinner at 2590 Yonge Street whenever you're in the mood for great comfort food and a little time travel!  Just don't tip like it's still 1950...a nickel just doesn't go as far as it used to! 

Our Best Boutiques feature continues! #9 is Melmira!

I recently visited this phenomenal store at the suggestion of several friends.  I had driven past it many times as I window shopped from my car along Yonge Street north of Lawrence on my way to who-knows-where in uptown Toronto.  Melmira has a lingerie shop on the main floor, and a bathing suit shop on the second floor.  The windows are always glamorously merchandised, and it's usually no problem to grab a parking spot along the street.  After 2 children, I realized quickly those unsupportive Old Navy bikinis, cute & affordable as they may be, are no longer built to help me out when it's time to swim & sunbathe.  I needed to find coverage, lift, support and somehow do it with a non-Mom-looking two piece.  I've got a one-piece for my kids' swimming lessons, but I'm not ready to totally give up on bikini land.  So off to Melmira I went (with an appointment made for a 'fitting') and I can't even begin to tell you how amazing my experience was!  Lovely and helpful Viktoria took me to a fitting room, explained the process (no showroom of bathing suits - just tell her my wish list and she'll start bringing me things.  Really?)  She used her hands to quickly guage my size (seriously?), and after she started bringing me one gorgeous suit after another that truly reflected the wish list criteria I had given her, I realized she was completely accurate on all counts.  The first suit she brought me - a gorgeous retro-inspired Shan work of art - fit like a glove and was beautiful!  The second suit - a striped number by Seafolly - was equally impressive.  I was starting to wonder if they had magic lighting and skinny mirrors.  A white cover-up too?  No problem.  Hangs perfectly and lightly grazes my curvy hips.  The bill was huge, but so was the smile on my face.  I'd recommend it as one of the best places to bathing suit shop on earth, hands down.  Bring on the sun!

Shop #8: Boa

One of my favourite reasons to stroll through Toronto's 'Beaches' area was always so I could pop into Boa and grab something cute, trendy and shockingly affordable.  Everything I bought there over the past decade elicited "oooh, where'd you get that?" comments from my friends.  Always unique and well-priced clothing and accessories abound, and Boa's other locations (on Yonge north of Lawrence and now downtown Oakville) continue this great tradition.  Started by entrepreneurial twin sisters Ofra and Daphne Nissani, you'll find items not carried anywhere else, and labels you've never heard of (and the inexpensive pricetags to match!).  You know you've said this a million times: "I just really need a great top - why can I never find any dressy or interesting tops?"  I promise you, Boa will always solve that problem for you.  Great Store, great selection, and youthful laid-back service every time. 

Shop#7: Jet Baby

If you're looking for cool stuff for the kids in your life, this shop in south Oakville can't be missed!  Jet Baby is a unique and thoughtful place to shop for your own kids (from infant through toddlerhood and right into full fledged childhood) or for that special shower gift for a mommy-to-be!  It's trendy, affordable, and fun!  My favourite find there has to be their collection of vintage looking rock tshirts.  From the Beatles to AC/DC to Bob Marley and The Beastie Boys, you'll definitely find a band you love!  They carry hip brands like Hatley, Roxy and Hurley, and you can find hoodies, pajamas, shoes and both modern and vintage-inspired toys & books.  Service is always informed and friendly, and there's ample street parking out front.  Be sure to pop across the street afterwards for gelato at Casa Del Gelato!  Dozens of amazing flavours and some of the best gelato I've tasted outside of Italy!

Boutique #6: Pearl Bridal House

As surprising as this is, it's actually quite difficult to find a chic bridal boutique in the west GTA.  Fortunately, there is Pearl Bridal House in Port Credit!  Nestled into the increasingly hip strip along Lakeshore where you'll find great restaraunts and shops, Pearl aspires to provide fresh, modern & polished looks for today's bride.  Carrying beautiful dresses from the likes of Amsale, Priscilla of Boston and Melissa Sweet, any bride would be in heaven in their showroom.  Just look at this gorgeous Dahlia dress by Amsale with hand pleated taffeta flowers embroidered all over the skirt.  Accessories abound as well, from vintage crystal hairpins to flowing veils.  Bridesmaids can conveniently find a stunning selection of dresses at their sister store next door, Ginger's Closet, which is now carrying Monique Lhuillier!  Make an appointment, grab your bridal party, try on your dream dress then finish the afternoon with cocktails across the street at Ten Restaurant & Wine Bar!  Sounds like a one stop shop of fabulousness to me!

Shop#5: Ohh!! Beautiful Things

This cute and girlie shop on Brant Street has a fantastically eclectic melange of - well - beautiful things that will make you say "Ohh!!"  Owner Ondrea Crockett has done an amazing job of finding unique fashions, decor items, cheeky greeting cards, and jewellery that you won't find anywhere else!  Whether you're shopping for gifts for baby showers, birthdays, weddings or just a little something special for yourself, you'll always find something at this shop, I promise you! 

Shop #4: Vocado

Vocado has two boutiques in the GTA celebrating women's fashion!  One is nestled into hip Liberty Village in Toronto - the other on downtown Oakville's shopping haven (Lakeshore Blvd).  They carry faves like J Brand, MINKPINK and Mackage, proudly feature many Canadian designers, and can get you into a new LBD or a great outfit for work in a flash.  Led by Emily and Kolleen, two passionate and friendly fashionistas, Vocado is full of staff with similar qualities so you're sure to have a wonderful experience whichever location you visit.  Today (Saturday) is a great day to check out their Oakville location as they're celebrating their 1st birthday with special deals and - even better - cake!  Happy Birthday Vocado! 

June pick #3: The Alex Restaraunt in Burlington

'Small plate fine dining' is how The Alex Restaraunt in downtown Burlington describes itself.  The head chef is Matthew Kershaw and you can taste the care and creativity he puts into every dish!  I've been for lunch several times and I can honestly say that each time I have had the best sandwich of my life - something my dining companions all agreed on as well!  The menu is always evolving, and right now I think I need to go try the Spicy Pulled Chicken, Bacon and Asiago Wrap with Lettuce and Tomato.  Prices are affordable and the atmosphere is intimate and laid back.  You simply have to check it out the next time you're shopping along Brant Street and are in the mood for a wonderfully unique restaraunt and a memorable meal.

Shop #2: Marbled Meats. Local, free range and natural!

Day 2 of my June initiative to spotlight one great boutique business each day brings us to Oakville!  My husband & I stopped by a newly opened shop on Lakeshore last Sunday on our walk with the kids.  We had no idea what we were going to make for dinner but our problem was quickly solved when we found Marbled Meats. 

The owner - Tom Stasiuk - was on hand to give us all the details on his new venture.  According to Tom, the meats he sells are locally grown, fresh, free range and being retailed at 30%-50% off similar quality meats in other venues.  We were easily talked into a whole organic chicken, which Tom cut up for us on the spot since we knew we wouldn't eat the whole thing in one night.  He assured us it would taste better than anything we'd bought at a grocery store, and to come back for a full refund if we didn't agree.  Well...we agreed.  We lightly brushed 2 breasts with extra virgin olive oil, salt + pepper, and bbq'd them that night.  What an amazing taste.  Organic chicken is so much leaner, with less fat and water filler than grocery store chicken.  Tom has a great selection of local meats, and the best part is that they are fresh - never frozen.  Great concept, great service, great selection and a passionate owner - all the criteria for making my list of best boutique businesses!

Shop #1: Little Party Shoppe in Toronto (Yonge St)

For the month of June, I've decided to spotlight one boutique business in the GTA each day!  I adore small locally-run businesses, and to celebrate their passion and entrepreneurial spirit, I highly recommend checking each of them out.  I promise you won't find more thoughtfully curated merchandise or memorable customer service than these very special picks!

Let's get started with my newest find: The Little Party Shoppe on Yonge Street just north of Eglinton!  It's so much more than a party supply Store!  There were gifts galore for every age imaginable and I found housewarming presents, cool toys I've never seen before for my kids, and adorable housewares from one of my favourite online retailers fredflare.com (and it was great to avoid shipping/duty by buying Fred's stuff in person).  I got these adorable "Babushkups" nesting glasses for my 3 year old daughter who loved them more than words!   All the gals working there were so helpful, and I very much appreciated them offering to get me a basket when my hands were overflowing with great finds!  Next time you need a unique gift, I highly recommend checking them out!

Net-a-porter.com Sale

Big sale at www.netaporter.com!  Hundreds and hundreds of designer items on sale for up to half price!  Like this adorable Diane von Furstenberg silk chiffon dress, just $282.50 @50% off.  Perfect for any prom or wedding this summer!  Names like Burberry, Notte by Marchesa and Tory Burch will have your summer wardrobe refreshed in no time, without emptying your bank account!