it's made with real, fresh, quality ingredients - rather than the synthetic flavour syrups at your local Baskin Robbins - and it really makes a difference! I'm looking forward to trying a few more flavours this summer - but I'm already a fan of the Cardamom Vanilla/Blueberry Lavender mix.

the flavour combinations of these chocolates are intensely creative, and even the most bizarre combinations work. Chipolte sesame lime? Lavender? Tarragon Black Pepper? All delicious!

They have adorable clothes over a wide price range. So, while you can go and drool over the more expensive items, you can leave with your shopping craving sated by their cheaper tops or accessories.

a few glasses of wine and some pre-dinner trickery could have convinced me I was back in Paris. Very cute little restaurant in Kensington that had all the best that you'd find in a Montmartre bistro - except with friendly waiters

I can go in and buy a whole outfit - complete with accessories - for the same price as a pair of pants in some of my other favorite stores.

it was the best turkey I've had - served on a fresh sourdough baguette with a chili mayo and sweet onion marmalade.

he is absolutely hilarious -and the kind of funny that makes you feel smart for catching the jokes. Probably the only comedian to get a laugh with a bell hooks reference. (Disclaimer - he is one of my favorite people in the world, but there are people I like as much who aren't funny so this doesn't affect my opinion)

it's small and dimly lit with votive candles and strands of lights.

they're amazing with the thai peanut sauce. Extra enjoyable when paired with a crossword and someone special to get the answers you don't know.

their vegetarian platter is only $7.99 and serves two! The decor is interesting with an eclectic crowd - a mix of students and locals. Great ethiopian food! It's cheaper to eat here than to eat at home.

Everything on the menu is organic, all packaging either recyclable or compostable, and - most of all - they have fantastic coffee. The shop is cute with ample seating (although it still is packed at peak hours).

the band that plays there on Sunday nights is fantastic. They get everyone singing along with their amazing covers. You're not going to feel great on Monday anways... might as well have an excuse.

in the ranking of things that I love, macarons are right at the top - in between wikipedia and damask patterns. Not to be confused with coconut 'macarOOn's - macarOns are a french meringue-like pastry made with almonds. Unfortunately, they are near impossible to find in North America. After making multiple trips all over the GTA in search of them, I am absolutely thrilled to find a place that actually makes good ones and is also practically right at my doorstep.

the last time I saw her, I was so disappointed when her set was over. She performs fantastically original, hilarious, character monologes. She's also one of the founding members of Laugh Sabbath; the sunday night comedy show at the Rivoli.

it's a little pricier than some, but the perks are definitely worth it. The produce is fresher, the staff friendlier, and they have a policy that you can try anything in the store before you buy just by asking a salesperson.

I'm a huge bibliophile and, as much as I love to buy books, I can't always afford as many as I'd like to read. This branch is not only close to my house, but a heritage site with beautiful architecture

As a student, I would not be able to afford many three course meals at the calibre of restaurants that participate in winterlicious but, with the $25 prix fixe menus, I'll fit in as many as I can during the 2 weeks it runs.

it reminds me of my favorite store in the states, Anthropologie. Shabby Chic galore and uberfeminine home accessories. Everything has a vintage feel and a very "French country" vibe.

twice a year they run a special seat sale for those under 30. Expensive opera tickets for $20 each. They put you right at the back, but there isn't a bad seat in the new opera house. The date for spring ticket sales is January 21st - and while the deal is for under 30's - your guest can be over 30. This season they're doing The Barber of Seville, which is a great opera to see if you've never been.

it's full of things that you never knew you wanted until you saw. Beautiful design items - very quirky housewares. I managed to check a few people off my list ***extra bonus*** it's right beside SOMA chocolate, which is a pretty perfect followup to a shopping trip.

the perfect spot to warm up from the snow is in front of the fireplace of this Quebecois restaurant with some warm french onion soup.

the last thing we needed on college st. is another Italian supper club - that market is covered. There are some interesting combinations on their menu - but I can vouch for the classic nutella crepe - it's excellent.

I absolutely love the Philosophy brand scented bodywashes. Sephora makes it hard to be practical, because as nice as they all are, who really needs 12.

the Joe Fresh line (created by Joseph Mimran, of Club Monaco) is unsurpassed quality and style for the price. And, while you're there, President's Choice makes some pretty awesome food.

the menu is full of creative (and delicious) twists on classic breakfast favorites. The brunch cocktails they've come up with go far beyond your average mimosa. I love the Ab Fab Royale.