It’s true what they say about Paris in the springtime: there’s something magical about it. This was my third trip to the City of Light and this time I saw it in a whole new, well, light. In the five years since my last visit, the place seems to have developed a new attitude.

I’m off to Hawaii. The Island of Kauai to be precise. After several visits to Maui over the years, I am pumped by the prospect of exploring new Hawaiian horizons. Maui has endless resorts, world-class shopping, and A LOT of places to eat. It’s also where most people go. I’m told Kauai is decidedly relaxed, low key, less commercialized, lush, and still has enough choice of places to stay and play for even the most discerning traveler (me). It sounds perfect.

I try to avoid gluten in my diet. But come Christmas dinner, I can’t resist falling off the GF wagon and stuffing my face with my all-time holiday favourite: stuffing.

There is a lot of pressure at this time of year to find the perfect gift. And when it comes to buying something for me, there is the additional stress of choosing a birthday gift. December 26 is my big day, and it’s up there with Christmas Day as one of the worst possible birthdays of the year. Everyone is over-partied and over-spent.

Since we can’t all have a professional photographer on hand to capture picture-perfect holiday memories, we’ve got the next best thing! Tips and inspiration from guest blogger Janis Nicolay, professional photographer, baker, world traveller, and interior design connoisseur. Get snapping!
- A&K

‘Tis the season for family, merriment, and thankfulness! From our hearts to yours, may we be the first to grab a mug of eggnog, and give a hearty cheers to the season of joy and a New Year filled with happiness. Check out our 2012 Holiday Guides below. We’ve got great finds for all who love to dwell, primp, thrive, escape, and eat!

Traditionally associated with celebration, more and more people are drinking champagne or sparkling wine now than any other time in history. Whether you choose sparkling wine or the real thing, there’s a lot to know about buying the best bottle for your pleasure.

From Anna & Lola, and Kristina & Ruby

Whether you’ve got tots or teens, fashionistas or foodies on your holiday list this year, we’ve scoured the globe to bring you the best gift ideas this holiday season, including some great gets under $50!

Today is a happy day: my last day of work (in theory!) until 2011. And while that’s reason to enough to celebrate, it also means that it’s time for me to head back into my kitchen to begin my holiday baking.