Studio: Flipswitch Studio – 49 Camden St., Upper Loft

Instructor: Vanessa Montenegro

Description: This is yoga curated for runners. “There are a lot of synchronicities between the two,” says Montenegro. “It’s meditation in movement.” The class starts with a focus on breathing, an obvious fundamental when it comes to running. A Downward Dog or two later, Plank Pose makes an extended appearance, the focus being on core and shoulder strength. Even though running is all about legs, “you need a strong carriage,” explains Montenegro. Then it’s on to the powerhouse of momentum: Glutes. All sorts of Warriors and Chair Poses come into play at this point. Modified balancing poses, like Half Moon, cater to other major players: knees and hips. Half an hour in, gears shift from strength to stretching. Montenegro waters down the traditional pretzel-like yoga poses to suit the notoriously tight bodies of runners. It’s all about fascia stretching to prevent ankle injury, and dorsiflexion (pulling your toes up and back) to protect the knee. My personal favorite was a slight modification on Apanasana/Knees-to-Chest Pose. “Now push your pelvis down. You should feel a release in the hip flexors.” Yes. This is my new Happy Baby Pose.

Reason I signed up: It’s more like, what took me so long to sign up: Running and Yoga are my two favorites. I’m just so glad they finally met!

Price: $16/class. $25/two-week unlimited trial. Package savings available.

Level of difficulty from 1 (newbie) to 5 (hardcore): Three. It’s challenging but it’s only an hour and, as mentioned, half is devoted to stretching. Gotta love stretching.

Why you should (or shouldn’t) try it: Well, if you don’t run there’s really no reason you shouldn’t try it. But there’s also no reason you should. Despite being on the mat, the focus is concrete. It’s yoga-based, for sure, but the class is geared towards runners, both physically and mentally.

Overall assessment: You won’t master Head Stand Pose, but you’ll feel like you walked out of a very active physiotherapy session in a very good headspace.

The post The Fitness Test: The Stretch & Stride appeared first on Shedoesthecity.

Chunky Cateye Sunglasses: Cateye sunglasses keep getting bigger, cattier, and more colourful. We were on the prowl for the perfect ones and this Topshop pair may be just that. Be mine, feline frames. Topshop, $32.

Vanweerd: You can look like the cool guy Emoji who is wearing super cool shades—you know the one. Emojis are becoming a way of life, and now…something you can look like? Why not. Aldo, $12.

Karen Walker Super Duper: We love when product titles express all our emotions about the item, and Karen Walker naming these big ol’ babes Super Duper feels just right. Aritiza, $295.

Heartbreaker Sunglasses: “Heartbreaker you’ve got the best of me but I just keep on coming back incessantly,” said you to your new sunglasses. Or Mariah Carey back in 1999. Either/or. Urban Outfitters, $16.

Square Sunglasses: Clear some space in your heart for these see-through frames. Clearly, these are an excellent choice for all your summer needs because what doesn’t go with transparent accessories? Answer: nothing.
Marc By Marc Jacobs, $120.

Cheap Monday Cut Out Sunglasses: These are a classic pair of sunglasses with a sweet twist because they have a half-frame instead of full. That’s fun, you guys. Drake General Store, $35.

The post Soak up the sun with our favourite summer shades appeared first on Shedoesthecity.

Expect ALL the hits and b-side bangers from Queen Bey, BadGalRiRi, Mariah, Missy, Nicki, Kel & Michelle, and every badass in between. We’re predicting we just won’t be able to stop. And you can start early. Peep the official #PatYourWeave mixtape to get you in the mood:

Measure (formerly Annex Live) is under new ownership, and things are looking up for this venue that sits just beside Future’s Bakery. I sipped the freshest $7 watermelon mimosas out on the gigantic private patio recently, reveling in the fact that at our party, the patio will remain open all night (!!!). No 11pm curfews at this place. Inside, Measure boasts a large stage area and dance floor, as well as seating area.

As a very special treat just for attendees of #PatYourWeave, Measure will be rolling out free gourmet bar snacks, compliments of the house. FREE! GOURMET! SNACKS! I hear there will be cheese. Yummmm. What were your other Saturday night plans? Do they involve free cheese and ”Bills Bills Bills“? Yeah, that’s what we thought. 

Come shake it like you mean it with us this Saturday, June 22! We’d love to see you there!

#PatYourWeave: Destiny’s Child & Other Bad B*tches

$5 all night, 10pm – 2am

Measure, 296 Brunswick Ave.

Tunes from nightlife writer extraordinaire, DJ @PLIVING a.k.a. Midnight Society

Host & Photos from Shedoesthecity’s resident photographer @BeccaLemire

The post Shedoesthecity x Destiny’s Child Takes Over Measure, the Annex’s Swanky New Live Venue appeared first on Shedoesthecity.

Shedoesthecity: When did you decide that instead of being a food editor, you wanted to make food (and drinks) for a living?

Jen Low: Sometimes I think I was a would-be food entrepreneur who took a long side-trip as a food writer. When I was a food editor, I developed tons of recipes; the deeper I got into hands-on cooking, the more I wanted to go in that direction. I guess I’m just an artisan at heart.

SDTC: Tell us more about Gojiccino!

JL: Think of it as “goji espresso” in a bottle. It’s sold to cafes, juice bars, and restaurants. Baristas froth the concentrate with dairy, soy, or almond milks to make a hot latte-style drink called a Gojiccino. It’s not a fruity drink. It tastes a bit like a mochaccino with an herbal finish—and it’s pretty delicious. It’s caffeine-free, and I don’t add sugar or preservatives or any artificial colours or flavours.

SDTC: Where did the idea for this come from?

JL: I went to northern California in 2005 on a food media trip and heard a lot about how goji berries were being added to mainstream foods like teas, energy bars, trail mixes, etc. At first I didn’t know for sure what they were talking about, and then I realized that this “superfruit” was actually a big part of my upbringing. My mother has always been into Asian herbology; since I was a kid she’s made health tonics, some using goji berries. The tonics were basically long-simmered teas. So I filed this goji trend away in my brain for future use.

A little later, in 2007, I was thinking of leaving my magazine job, but didn’t know what to do next. I knew I wanted go into food in some capacity but I also wanted it to be with something proprietary. I resurrected the goji berries idea and started to experiment with them, and changed things to suit my palate. I wanted a good-tasting drink, not medicine. I’m a coffee drinker, so over time I suppose it was natural for me to move my trials with goji from the long-simmering tea approach into the coffee realm. Eventually I came up with Gojiccino concentrate with a beautiful bold flavour and body for making latte drinks.

SDTC: How do you make it?

JL: We make it in a commercial food production plant in Guelph, Ontario. I can’t tell you the details of production because it’s a trade secret, but I can tell you it starts with lots of premium goji berries.

SDTC: Where is Gojiccino carried right now?

JL: It launched in Hamilton first, at Earth to Table Bread Bar. Now it’s also in select Toronto locations including the three (going on four) Fresh restaurants, The Big Carrot Organic Juice Bar (on the Danforth), and Live Food Bar (on Dupont). And Gojiccino has a cottage country location, the Red Brick cafe in Sundridge, Ontario. Those are some of the initial spots. I’m just beginning a bigger sales expansion.

SDTC: Are there plans to expand your market to other Canadian cities?

JL: Absolutely! We’re actively searching for new juice bars, cafes, restaurants, and tea bars where Gojiccino would be a fit with their customer base. I’d love to be Canada-wide soon. The product is also in the midst of going into the U.S.

SDTC: How hard is it to start a business on your own?

JL: It’s both really easy and really hard at the same time. The easy part is that you’re, hopefully, basing your business on something you already have a passion for. The hard part? I’d say it’s the perpetual chicken-and-egg nature of setting priorities when growing a business. I’m constantly wondering how to accomplish one thing when I need something else to happen first, which needs the other thing in place to make it stick! There’s no manual. You make up the rules as you go along.

The post An interview with Gojiccino founder Jen Low appeared first on Shedoesthecity.

WEDNESDAY

9pm Fear Street @ Sex Laser, 1369 Dundas St W. Horror/sci-fi movie scores/songs from soundtracks, or spooky/cool stuff every Wednesday. Maybe you’ll talk about movies. Maybe you’ll dance with some zombies. Maybe you’ll fall into the Hell Mouth. $3 PBR before 11pm.

10pm Sha Na Na @ The Red Light, 1185 Dundas St. W. Hump day dance party! DJ Brittney (one half of the Bangs & Blush duo) plays jukebox hits and makeout songs all night long.

10pm Bowie Bar Wednesdays @ Andy Poolhall, 489 College St. DJs Avery, Doc Benway, and guests play music by David Bowie and Bowie-esque tunes. Drink specials until midnight.

10pm Liquid Karaoke @ Bambi’s, 1265 Dundas St. W. Colin Bergh, James McDonough, Nadia Belerique, and Jeff Hayward are your hosts. $4 Jameson and $5.50 pints before midnight.

10pm I’m With The Band @ The Garrison, 1197 Dundas St. W. Every Wednesday, a different band and their friends DJ in the front room. This Wednesday, Dustin Hawthorne (Breeze / Beliefs / ex Hot Hot Heat / Islands) plays you some really nice Wednesday night jams while you drink fine liquors and eat a taco or two.

THURSDAY

6:30pm “Streets & Alleys” Opening Reception @ #Hashtag Gallery, 801 Dundas St. W. It’s the opening of Yvonne Bambrick’s inaugural photography exhibition, “Streets & Alleys.” This show is all about the colour and texture and lifecycle of the city, and a celebration of the mighty bike wheel. Each piece is a photograph framed within a semi-deconstructed bike wheel! Until 10pm. Exhibition runs until June 23rd.

9:30pm Soul Machine @ Czehoski, 678 Queen St W. DJ Caff (Motown Party) lays down funk and soul while you drink and dance. Drink specials all night long!

10pm Heart & Strokes @ Souz Dal, 612 College St. Indie rock socializing! Come for the Heart, stay for The Strokes.

10pm Stop Crying @ Crawford, 718 College St. The Bass6 crew plays all the bangers you want to hear! $5.

FRIDAY

6:30pm SummerWorks Summer Soiree 2013 @ The Campbell House, 160 Queen St. W. The evening is catered by Samuel J. Moore’s Alexandra Feswick, and features complimentary drinks, a live auction, and performances by Sunny Drake and Joe Culpepper. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased here. The event goes until 9pm, at which time a public SummerWorks party (with a pay what you can entrance fee) starts at the same venue. It features pop-up performances, is catered by The Lakeview, and goes until 2am.

10am Om T.O. @ The Distillery District, 55 Mill St.. Celebrate the longest day of the year with a full day of outdoor yoga in celebration of the summer solstice! People of all skill levels are invited to take part in any or all of the 11 specially themed outdoor yoga classes taught by some of the most sought-after instructors from top studios in the city. The 40-minute classes will run from until 6pm. Reserve a mat online. PWYC (suggested $10).

9:30pm Tortured Soul @ Wrongbar, 1279 Queen St. W. International live touring act Tortured Soul is living proof that modern EDM can be freed from the DJ booth and fused with the classic styles of Prince, Heatwave, and Kool & The Gang! Featuring a live performance by the group + DJs Groove Institute and GaDJet with live percussion by Chico Pacheco. $20 advance tickets available at Soundscapes, Kopps Records, Play De Record, and online.

10pm Loving In The Name Of @ The Great Hall, 1087 Queen St. W. A dance party and live set in celebration of the greatest hits of all time! Featuring the band The Best and the best singers from the best local bands recreating classic songs from Whitney Houston, Boyz II Men, Hall & Oates, Mary J. Blige, U2, The Smiths, and more. DJ Shit La Merde plays hits all night long. $10.

10pm Girl & Boy 90s Dance Party @ Clinton’s, 693 Bloor St. W. A pulsating dance party rocking the retro sounds of the 1990s! All your favourite dance, pop, hip-hop, R&B, and so on and so on and so on. $5.

10pm Party Life / Ladies & The Trap @ Crawford, 718 College St. Upstairs, DJ KOBe’J plays new and old school hits, hip-hop, RnB, reggae, house, and soca. Downstairs, the Fire 4 Hire Soundsystem Crew plays trap, bass, and reggae for the ladies. Expect to hear everything you love with a lot of remixes. $5 before 11:30pm, more after.

10pm Shadows of Motown @ The Boat, 158 Augusta Ave. Shadows of Motown is a dance party that plays the biggest and best Motown, doo wop, booty shakin’ hits! With DJs Slater, Well Said, and Ty. $5.

10pm Yes Yes Y’all @ The Annex WreckRoom, 794 Bathurst St. Toronto’s biggest, baddest, freak nastiest queer hip-hop/RnB/dancehall jam! Featuring special guest DJ VILIFY (who was voted Montreal’s #1 Club DJ in 2012 by the Montreal Mirror) + the YYY crew opening and closing the dance party. $6.

10pm Rebel Hop @ The Piston, 937 Bloor St. W. Hip-hop, soul, funk, and reggae with DJs Gramera and Linx + Dennis P on the sax! Free before 11pm, $5 after.

10pm Sweat Pants @ The Ossington, 61 Ossington Ave. DJ Coolin Cregg plays his/your favourite songs all night. ’95(ish) to ’05(ish) rap/RnB/reggae/dancehall, sexy tunes, new joints, old jams, sweat pants.

10pm Pop Lobster @ Magpie, 831 Dundas St. W. This lobster knows no pop boundaries! You may or may not have the opportunity to dance to the likes of Pet Shop Boys, Blondie, Destiny’s Child, Le Tigre, Britney Spears, Robyn, Motown, indie, new wave, disco, and more!

11pm Racks & Bands @ The Drake Underground, 1150 Queen St. W. Racks & Bands is a monthly party focused on one thing and one thing only: bringing booty back to the Underground. Turn up with resident DJs Johnny Hockin and Vanity Muscles as they motivate the winin’ and grindin’, playing only the hottest in current rap and RnB. $10.

SATURDAY

12pm Summer Swap Party @ industREALarts room, 688 Richmond St. W. Show up with the clothes you no longer want in your closet; you’ll get a ticket for each item (30 tickets max.) that you can then swap for something new! Expect snacks, DIY tips, and on-site alterations. Until 4pm. $5.

12pm The Junction Summer Solstice Festival @ The Junction neighbourhood. Celebrate DIY culture, love for art, design, and music. This green powered event showcases the Junction’s passion for healthy lifestyles and fresh quality food. Enjoy family-friendly shows and workshops, take a spin on a Ferris Wheel, and experience the Junction Flea Night Market from 6pm onwards! Until midnight.

1pm Free Lemonade and Signed Photos of John Stamos* @ Christie Pits Park. There will, of course, be free lemonade. And as always, photos will be signed by someone who is not John Stamos, does not look like John Stamos, and is not in any way affiliated with John Stamos. Classic. Goes until 4pm (if it rains, the event will take place the next day from 2pm-5pm).

2pm Fire Island: A Block Party @ Thymeless, 355 College St. Day party! Lots of wax, full bar, and snax. Until 8pm. For guestlist, email goodtiminrecords@gmail.com.

7pm Poetry Slam @ The Drake Underground, 1150 Queen St. W. Local wordsmiths and performers provide an evening of spoken word, lyrical mastery and friendly competition before an always packed house. $75 goes to the best performance of the night—sign-up starts at 7:30pm. $5.

10pm #PatYourWeave @ Measure, 296 Brunswick Ave. She Does the City and the producers of #SpiceWorldTO bring you a night of Destiny’s Child hits, Beyonce classics, and everything in between! Featuring Nicki, Mykki, Lil’ Kim, Missy, Angel Haze, Foxxxy, Azealia, Cassie, Ciara, Kel and Michelle, Solange, Kelis, Khia, Mariah, Ms. Jackson, BadgalRiri…well, you get the idea. Featuring a photo booth and plenty of surprises. $5.

10pm Beam Me Up Disco @ The Piston, 937 Bloor St. W. A Digital Needle DJs, Cyclist, and special guests deliver a healthy serving of funky and soulful disco, disco-rap, boogie, and other aural oddities primed to make you groove! $5 before 11pm, $10 after.

10pm Sugar Hill / Still Fly @ Crawford, 718 College St. Upstairs, DJ Grouch plays 80′s and 90′s rap, R&B, new jack swing, and more. Downstairs, DJ D-Wiz spins hip-hop, reggae, R&B, and top 40. $5 before 11:30pm, more after.

10pm Shake, Rattle & Roll @ Clinton’s, 693 Bloor St. W. Spend the night together with the Bangs & Blush ladies! ’60s pop, soul and rock ‘n’ roll to drink, dance, and get messy to. $5.

10pm Get Buck @ The Ossington, 61 Ossington Ave. What would Buckwheat do? Come find out! DJs Nino Brown (Yes Yes Y’all) plays hip-hop, RnB, bangers, winders, and grinders.

10pm Snakedriver @ The Garrison, 1197 Dundas St. W. DJs Noah Fralick (Yong Rival) and Peter Merriman (Vuarnet) play rock ‘n’ roll in the front room.

10pm Brass Tacks @ The Shop under Parts & Labour, 1566 Queen St. W. A night of hip-hop with Diggy The DJ of Down With Webster. Free before 11pm, $5 after.

11pm Shake A Tail @ Sneaky Dee’s, 431 College St. A night of dancing to ’60s pop, rock, soul, funk, garage, ska, ANYTHING! Always humid. $5.

11pm Quatro @ The Drake Underground, 1150 Queen St. W. Bridging the gap between four different eras and forming a cohesive sonic bond, Conor Cutz and Rouge bring you a night of the best music from times past. From the 1970s to the early 2000s, expect to hear the best of everything from James Brown to Justice, M.J. to Biggie—tracks that defined generations, seamlessly mashed up and reworked by the infamous duo. Around midnight, renowned speed artist Anthony Haley takes the stage and begins performing his craft. Gaining inspiration from the crowd, music and overall feel of the night, Haley will take you on a visual quest creating piece after piece live on stage. $10.

SUNDAY

1pm Sky Yard Sundays @ The Drake Sky Yard, 1150 Queen St. W. Brunch, booze, buckets of Corona, and a ton of fun in the Sun(day)! Fuel up with a late brunch or tacos then dance to the sounds of weekly live DJs from 2-6pm.

10pm Mad Men Screening @ Clinton’s, 693 Bloor St. W. Watch Mad Men’s 6th season on the big screen every Sunday while sipping on $10 2oz throwback cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Gin Fizz, and Bloody Mary.

~ For event submissions, email Caitlyn Holroyd at caitlyn_holroyd@hotmail.com

The post Toronto Hit List: Loving In The Name Of, Girl & Boy 90s Dance Party, The Junction Summer Solstice Festival, #PatYourWeave & more! appeared first on Shedoesthecity.

Soho House seduced us the minute it opened its doors last September during the Toronto International Film Festival with its sexy interiors, amazing food, and secret clubhouse feeling. Unlike other private venues and clubs, Soho House isn’t stuffy and is constantly switching up its programming and menus to keep things inspiring and fun. A membership here means always seeking new experiences, be it a thought-provoking literary salon to attend or a big, juicy burger to bite into. 

Burger? Did we say burger? Where do we sign?

Every Tuesday, Soho House Toronto’s second floor Pantry level (it is so cute, you guys) features food from two popular London restaurants, Chicken Shop and Dirty Burger. Both were created by Nick Jones and the Soho House team and will be implemented in Toronto by chef Nano Crespo.

Dirty Burger means a specially cooked beef patty wrapped in a glazed bun with cheese, shredded iceberg lettuce, tomato, pickles, and Dirty Burger’s mustard mayo. Chicken Shop means rotisserie chicken (using only free range organic chickens), marinated overnight and then steamed to lock in flavour. Sides include coleslaw, roasted corn, fries, and butter lettuce and avocado salad.

We. Are. Drooling. On Tuesdays—well, every day, really—Soho House Toronto is clearly the place to be…and eat.

Soho House offers a special discount for members under 27 years of age. Beyond being a Saturday night hotspot to bring your friends, the establishment is deeply invested in helping young members grow their careers with mentoring programs and special evening talks and lectures that range from screenplay writing to creating your personal brand. Intrigued? Thought so. See you there.

The post Chicken Shop and Dirty Burger at Soho House appeared first on Shedoesthecity.

The premise is simple: Bring together a variety of local artisans who create natural and beautiful eco-luxe items. With products that range from aromatherapy skin care to cashmere underthings to fashion to dockside entertaining, this special outdoor market will offer shoppers a lovely assortment of items that are perfect for your cottage on Lake Joe or romantic nights around the Algonquin campfire.

Here are some of the local vendors we can’t wait to meet:

Cambie Designs 

Camille Byrne makes gorgeous cozy throws with the rich and colourful textiles of Peruvian culture. Perfect for cat naps on the hammock or chilly nights under the stars.

live beautiful 

Best friends Laura Hart and Alison Nasmith create gorgeous sustainable jewellery that is classic yet modern. They take pride in using ethical and recycled materials.

Health Hut 

Owned by Hollistic Nutritionist Tara Miller, The Health Hut is Canada’s number one destination for non-toxic natural beauty and health products.

Province Apothecary  

Julie Clark makes gentle aromatherapy skin care and believes that we should never put anything on our skin that we wouldn’t eat. 

Sartoria 

Upcyled cashmere becomes the cutest and coziest undies for the great outdoors.

By Ropena

Whimsical accessories for weddings in the forest or magical outdoor garden parties.

Far and Wide Collective

Far & Wide Collective partners with artisans in post-conflict and emerging economies. From hand-woven Kenyan baskets to table linen from Sri Lanka: beautiful home decor, jewellery and fashion from around the world that gives back.

Thank you Aime for bringing together such a terrific variety of eco-luxe makers! 

Join us at this enchanting outdoor market!

When: Saturday, June 22nd: noon – 5pm
Where: Aime boutique outdoor patio: 198A Davenport Road (NE corner at Avenue Rd in Yorkville)
Theme: All things eco, sustainable, natural and luxe for easy summer living at the cottage or camp

Kumbaya, my friends. Kumbaya.

The post Aime in Yorkville presents Muskoka-bound: Good Goods for Cottage + Camp appeared first on Shedoesthecity.

Take a look at all the fun!

The post Photo gallery: Jager NXNE BBQ appeared first on Shedoesthecity.

In celebration of the summer solstice and the greatest hits of all time, Loving In The Name Of presents The Best (made up of the best musicians from the best local bands) recreating classic songs you know and love. DJ Shit La Merde plays hits all night long to make you dance; it’s his last set before he relocates to Vancouver so you can expect a good time.

Doors at 10pm. $10 before 11pm, $12 after.

The post Caitlyn’s Party Pick of the Week: Loving In The Name Of at The Great Hall appeared first on Shedoesthecity.

The Snapshot Project will create an organic picture of the city, and we can’t wait to see the pics. For a preview, visit their tumblr. The vernissage takes place from 6-9 pm at Citizen Vintage, 5330 Boul St Laurent. See you there!

The post The Snapshot Project at Citizen Vintage appeared first on Shedoesthecity.