• about
  • blog
  • demo reel
Menu

Michelle Jobin

  • about
  • blog
  • demo reel
×
I'm a Mama now too, so obviously I know all about these things. Obviously. Photo by Tobias Wang , 

I'm a Mama now too, so obviously I know all about these things. Obviously. Photo by Tobias Wang, 

Treat Your Mama Right This Mother's Day @ Manulife Centre

Michelle Jobin April 28, 2016

I don't mean to alarm you, but you do know that Mother's Day is just around the corner, right? It falls on May 8th this year, which means you have less than a week and a half to figure out a way to show your mama just how special she is. I know, I know.......your schedule is crazy busy! Between work, life, and everything else in between, you have no time, and you might just have run through all of your ideas. 

Reeeelax, I have done a little research for you! I have found a place that is centrally located, that isn't totally nuts to navigate, and has a ton of great options for treating your mom to the very best: Manulife Centre! I know, right? Perfect! You've probably already been there a ton of times to  see a great movie, for after work drinks with an amazing view of the city, or to pick up that new book you've been wanting to dive into. There's all that at Bay and Bloor, and so much more! I've taken the liberty of creating a list of gifts and experiences that your one and only mom is sure to love.  

1) Make your beautiful Mama feel even more beautiful by treating her to a hairstyle, manicure and pedicure, or other spa services at Haartek. Sometimes an experience - in this case, a little pampering - is even better than a tangible gift. A little bit of spa time is a total treat, and is definitely something I would love as a Mother's Day gift. 

Teuscher Chocolates is a Manulife Centre fave of mine. Hello champagne truffles! 

Teuscher Chocolates is a Manulife Centre fave of mine. Hello champagne truffles! 

2) Your Mom has always been sweet to you, so make sure you return the favour! OBVIOUSLY I wasn't going to write a whole post about Mother's Day gifts without mentioning chocolate, right? In my humble opinion, it is the perfect gift for pretty much anything, as long as we are talking about chocolate as decadent as Teuscher Chocolates. Located inside William Ashley, this swiss chocolatier is famous for their champagne truffles, and they've been a longtime favourite of mine. I took the liberty of a little quality control check for you while I was there, so don't worry. Everything is just perfect. 

3) Everyone loves a little bit of luxury, and no one deserves it more than mom! For over 30 years, Gobelins Fine Linens has been bringing Torontonians the best in high quality sheets, towels, duvets, and more. All of those things that bring a little bit of extra sumptuousness into every day living. Any of these would be a great gift for Mother's Day, or, how about an extra plush, extra cozy robe? So many options for expressing to your mom that she deserves the very best. 

4) Don't forget about the little details. Your mom always remembers those special little details, so you should too! You've got a great gift or experience for her, but don't forget about a card that expresses just how you feel. More Than Words totally has you covered on that one, with their impressive selection of cards, gift wrap, and everything else you will need. While you're there, prepare to be dazzled by their section of unique gift items inspired by NYC and LA neighbourhood shops. Trust me, it's cuteness overload.

Scaccia features a menu of delicious Italian favourites. Perfect after a day of shopping.

Scaccia features a menu of delicious Italian favourites. Perfect after a day of shopping.

5) After all of that shopping, you've probably worked up an appetite. Lucky for you, Scaccia Italian Restaurant is right there in the Manulife Centre, with a menu full of goodness. Simply delicious appetizers, pasta, risotto, pizzas, and of course, their namesake scaccias (a Sicilian speciality featuring delicious ingredients baked between layers of pizza dough). Perhaps a glass of wine is in order, and of course they'e got you covered in that department as well. Relax, unwind and enjoy some time catching up with your Mom. She'll love it.

Hey Archer, were you taking notes?? Photo by Tobias Wang . 

Hey Archer, were you taking notes?? Photo by Tobias Wang. 

So there you have it! My picks amongst the endless supply of greatest hits that are available at Manulife Centre. Be sure to check it out! 

Manulife Centre is located at 55 Bloor Street W., Toronto, ON, M4W 1AS

 

In family, 2016, eat + drink, favourites, Toronto Tags Mother's Day, mama, Manulife Centre, Gifts, Bloor and Better, Shopping, Toronto
← Great Nutrition on the Go with KRAVE Gourmet JerkyUP Express X Fairmont Royal York Hotel →

On the ‘Gram

Does it matter that my dentist has the coolest powder room ever? (And I guess really question here is “does design matter?”) To me, it does. From this amazing wallpaper, to the ceiling TV’s with Netflix in the exam rooms to the warm and inviting waiting area and kids’ nook out front, everything about @gelinasdentalstudio makes me smile and feel at ease. Which, obviously, is what you want to feel when you are visiting the dentist, yes? But beyond that, what really matters even more is the care that I receive there. Let’s just say my dental history is on the complicated side (surgeries, two rounds of braces and more, my friends) and as a result I’ve been left with some anxiety. But from my first visit, @drandreagelinas really went above and beyond to thoroughly understand my health history (and my family’s) so that she could take the best care of me. This is no little thing, and it has thoroughly changed how I feel about going to the dentist. The whole team at Gelinas Dental Studio has been wonderful. So what really makes me smile even more than this incredible photo of Grace Jones is the fact that I feel seen and heard by my health professionals and that I am in good hands. It makes all the difference. #gelinasdentalstudio Photo by @visualbass
Does it matter that my dentist has the coolest powder room ever? (And I guess really question here is “does design matter?”) To me, it does. From this amazing wallpaper, to the ceiling TV’s with Netflix in the exam rooms to the warm and inviting waiting area and kids’ nook out front, everything about @gelinasdentalstudio makes me smile and feel at ease. Which, obviously, is what you want to feel when you are visiting the dentist, yes? But beyond that, what really matters even more is the care that I receive there. Let’s just say my dental history is on the complicated side (surgeries, two rounds of braces and more, my friends) and as a result I’ve been left with some anxiety. But from my first visit, @drandreagelinas really went above and beyond to thoroughly understand my health history (and my family’s) so that she could take the best care of me. This is no little thing, and it has thoroughly changed how I feel about going to the dentist. The whole team at Gelinas Dental Studio has been wonderful. So what really makes me smile even more than this incredible photo of Grace Jones is the fact that I feel seen and heard by my health professionals and that I am in good hands. It makes all the difference. #gelinasdentalstudio Photo by @visualbass
Do you disconnect? We Canadians work hard - maybe sometimes a little too hard for our own good. And I have the stats to prove it. 76% of us that are salaried and self- employed regularly do work outside of work hours. 1 in 4 of us usually spend 10 hours a week on work-related tasks during our personal time. Almost half of Canadians still work at home while they are sick, and 43% believe that getting ahead at work REQUIRES that we do work outside of work hours. Now, look - I admire ambition. I’m not telling you to not reach for the stars and have an incredible career. Go get ‘em. But as someone that is self-employed + employed AND is a parent that wants to maintain a healthy family and social life (remember that?) I know that if we don’t spend a little time disconnecting from work and dedicated to what brings us happiness, we’re probably not going to be bringing our best self to the table at work or anytime. So show up for YOU. Nobody knows how to do this better than the French, right? They get just how important it is to enjoy LIFE! So in celebration of that very kind of joie de vivre, @felixetluciewines, a new French wine brand available at the @lcbo is declaring May 15th Félix & Lucie’s Day to Disconnect. So today from 5 pm to 7 pm, back away from the email and do what you love to do. I’m going to celebrate by spending a little more time with my family or perhaps meeting up with friends for a glass of wine. Will you join me? Let me know if you’re in for a little cinq à sept disconnect time, let me know what you’ll be doing and tag who you’ll spend some time with! #DaytoDisconnect #DisconnectToReconnect *ad
Do you disconnect? We Canadians work hard - maybe sometimes a little too hard for our own good. And I have the stats to prove it. 76% of us that are salaried and self- employed regularly do work outside of work hours. 1 in 4 of us usually spend 10 hours a week on work-related tasks during our personal time. Almost half of Canadians still work at home while they are sick, and 43% believe that getting ahead at work REQUIRES that we do work outside of work hours. Now, look - I admire ambition. I’m not telling you to not reach for the stars and have an incredible career. Go get ‘em. But as someone that is self-employed + employed AND is a parent that wants to maintain a healthy family and social life (remember that?) I know that if we don’t spend a little time disconnecting from work and dedicated to what brings us happiness, we’re probably not going to be bringing our best self to the table at work or anytime. So show up for YOU. Nobody knows how to do this better than the French, right? They get just how important it is to enjoy LIFE! So in celebration of that very kind of joie de vivre, @felixetluciewines, a new French wine brand available at the @lcbo is declaring May 15th Félix & Lucie’s Day to Disconnect. So today from 5 pm to 7 pm, back away from the email and do what you love to do. I’m going to celebrate by spending a little more time with my family or perhaps meeting up with friends for a glass of wine. Will you join me? Let me know if you’re in for a little cinq à sept disconnect time, let me know what you’ll be doing and tag who you’ll spend some time with! #DaytoDisconnect #DisconnectToReconnect *ad
Thank you for choosing me to be your Mama. You are so smart, creative, energetic and full of life, and you teach me more every day than I thought possible. I’m forever grateful for you 💕 I know this can either be either a really happy day for people, or a really difficult day....or even somewhere in between. Whatever you are feeling today, I wish you love. Thanks to my guys for spoiling me with the most beautiful flowers this weekend and making me feel special (but next year breakfast is on you, Archer.) Photo by @vanessaheins
Thank you for choosing me to be your Mama. You are so smart, creative, energetic and full of life, and you teach me more every day than I thought possible. I’m forever grateful for you 💕 I know this can either be either a really happy day for people, or a really difficult day....or even somewhere in between. Whatever you are feeling today, I wish you love. Thanks to my guys for spoiling me with the most beautiful flowers this weekend and making me feel special (but next year breakfast is on you, Archer.) Photo by @vanessaheins
Regular workouts are always my thing, but it’s possible that I’ve been slacking a little bit in the strength training & core stability departments lately. Oooops. Life, work, schedule changes, and the crazy rollercoaster that this past year has been for me personally didn’t help. (And just because I’m a certified instructor doesn’t mean I do evetything perfectly - I’m often better at kicking other people’s butts than my own.) This is why I LOVE getting back to @f45yonge_eg & @f45yorkville so much - especially strength days - because the plan is all laid out for you perfectly, all the equipment is there and it never gets boring or repetitive. I’m a huge believer in their system - especially because you get an amazing workout in 45 minutes. That’s it that’s all. 🏋🏼‍♀️ Photo by @visualbass
Regular workouts are always my thing, but it’s possible that I’ve been slacking a little bit in the strength training & core stability departments lately. Oooops. Life, work, schedule changes, and the crazy rollercoaster that this past year has been for me personally didn’t help. (And just because I’m a certified instructor doesn’t mean I do evetything perfectly - I’m often better at kicking other people’s butts than my own.) This is why I LOVE getting back to @f45yonge_eg & @f45yorkville so much - especially strength days - because the plan is all laid out for you perfectly, all the equipment is there and it never gets boring or repetitive. I’m a huge believer in their system - especially because you get an amazing workout in 45 minutes. That’s it that’s all. 🏋🏼‍♀️ Photo by @visualbass
Alright, now where’s my ice cream? Dress by @ted_baker, photo by @visualbass
Alright, now where’s my ice cream? Dress by @ted_baker, photo by @visualbass
Oh Mama!!! Pancakes anyone?!? Your mum has done so many wonderful things for you over the years, so I am pretty sure that making her brunch on Mother’s Day (or any day) should be a no-brainer. What she really wants is to spend time with you and get a little rest and relaxation. So let her chill out, put her feet up and maybe have some tea or a mimosa, while you whip up these perfect healthy (no processed flour, just oats) yet indulgent (CHOCOLATE!) pancake recipe for her. I used @greenandblacks 70% Dark chocolate for this recipe, because it’s great quality, delicious and ethically sourced. Want the recipe? Link is in my bio! Swipe right to see extra deliciousness, and comment below on what YOUR favourite chocoholic recipe is. #greenandblacks Photos by @visualbass
Oh Mama!!! Pancakes anyone?!? Your mum has done so many wonderful things for you over the years, so I am pretty sure that making her brunch on Mother’s Day (or any day) should be a no-brainer. What she really wants is to spend time with you and get a little rest and relaxation. So let her chill out, put her feet up and maybe have some tea or a mimosa, while you whip up these perfect healthy (no processed flour, just oats) yet indulgent (CHOCOLATE!) pancake recipe for her. I used @greenandblacks 70% Dark chocolate for this recipe, because it’s great quality, delicious and ethically sourced. Want the recipe? Link is in my bio! Swipe right to see extra deliciousness, and comment below on what YOUR favourite chocoholic recipe is. #greenandblacks Photos by @visualbass
From an event that I hosted a little while back. Seeing this picture makes me think of a couple of different things, but mostly this: Looking back over the 15 (!) years of my career, the overwhelming feeling I have is how lucky I am to do what I do. Whether it is on TV, on stage, or writing, it is always a privilege to tell the stories that I get to tell about current affairs, weather, travel, the arts, health or (most brilliantly, in my opinion) food. There have been no shortcuts for me, I had no connections when I started, and there has definitely been trial and error - but those parts are the real gift. I love the path that I have taken and the one that is in front of me. (Side note: I also did my own hair and makeup this day so I’m just kind of thrilled that I did a pretty decent job.) Makeup: @ctilburymakeup, dress @ted_baker. #careergoals #careeropportunities #tedtotoe #charlottetilbury #tvhost #careerpath #lovewhatido #falldownseventimesstandupeight #beachywaves #makeuptrends #redlips
From an event that I hosted a little while back. Seeing this picture makes me think of a couple of different things, but mostly this: Looking back over the 15 (!) years of my career, the overwhelming feeling I have is how lucky I am to do what I do. Whether it is on TV, on stage, or writing, it is always a privilege to tell the stories that I get to tell about current affairs, weather, travel, the arts, health or (most brilliantly, in my opinion) food. There have been no shortcuts for me, I had no connections when I started, and there has definitely been trial and error - but those parts are the real gift. I love the path that I have taken and the one that is in front of me. (Side note: I also did my own hair and makeup this day so I’m just kind of thrilled that I did a pretty decent job.) Makeup: @ctilburymakeup, dress @ted_baker. #careergoals #careeropportunities #tedtotoe #charlottetilbury #tvhost #careerpath #lovewhatido #falldownseventimesstandupeight #beachywaves #makeuptrends #redlips
Archer, would you like to have one of these delicious cookies we just made? No mama, I want to wait to bring them to our friends’ house so we can share. My. Heart. Look - life isn’t perfect, my kid isn’t perfect (though he is perfect to me, of course), and I am definitely NOT perfect. But moments like these sure are perfect so I will revel in them with no apologies. I will also say that I have been told that my chocolate chunk sea salt cookies are pretty damn near perfect, and I will proudly accept that too. We added some mini eggs to them this time because, why not be a little festive? 🐰 Whatever you are celebrating this weekend , I hope that you are celebrating with family and friends that love to share laughter and good food as much as we do. Photo by cookie tester & Dada extraordinaire @visualbass
Archer, would you like to have one of these delicious cookies we just made? No mama, I want to wait to bring them to our friends’ house so we can share. My. Heart. Look - life isn’t perfect, my kid isn’t perfect (though he is perfect to me, of course), and I am definitely NOT perfect. But moments like these sure are perfect so I will revel in them with no apologies. I will also say that I have been told that my chocolate chunk sea salt cookies are pretty damn near perfect, and I will proudly accept that too. We added some mini eggs to them this time because, why not be a little festive? 🐰 Whatever you are celebrating this weekend , I hope that you are celebrating with family and friends that love to share laughter and good food as much as we do. Photo by cookie tester & Dada extraordinaire @visualbass
I’ve been told that my smile is a big part of what people remember about me. And it’s definitely crucial to my career in television. You know what else is crucial for working early mornings and late nights (as we tend to do in the biz)? COFFEE. Lots of it. Even though I only started drinking coffee about 8 years ago, I love it now, along with red wine and carbonated water. All things that can make a smile a little dull after a while. I was definitely starting to notice a difference, so I had a Zoom Whitening treatment at @gelinasdentalstudio and I’m smiling more confidently again. The best part is how @drandreagelinas & her team walked me through the side effects and before/after care if the procedure so well. And what I should do and cut back on to keep my smile sparkling. Yes, I was a little sensitive for a day or so - but it was very worth it. Photo by @visualbass
I’ve been told that my smile is a big part of what people remember about me. And it’s definitely crucial to my career in television. You know what else is crucial for working early mornings and late nights (as we tend to do in the biz)? COFFEE. Lots of it. Even though I only started drinking coffee about 8 years ago, I love it now, along with red wine and carbonated water. All things that can make a smile a little dull after a while. I was definitely starting to notice a difference, so I had a Zoom Whitening treatment at @gelinasdentalstudio and I’m smiling more confidently again. The best part is how @drandreagelinas & her team walked me through the side effects and before/after care if the procedure so well. And what I should do and cut back on to keep my smile sparkling. Yes, I was a little sensitive for a day or so - but it was very worth it. Photo by @visualbass
Taipei is a city that just gets café culture. On our last visit, we found so many great spots to stop and linger over really wonderful coffee, tea, chocolate and more. If there hadn’t been so many other amazing things to eat, see and do, I probably would have lingered even longer. I’ve compiled a list of some of my faves, link is in my bio. (Almost) all photos by @visualbass
Taipei is a city that just gets café culture. On our last visit, we found so many great spots to stop and linger over really wonderful coffee, tea, chocolate and more. If there hadn’t been so many other amazing things to eat, see and do, I probably would have lingered even longer. I’ve compiled a list of some of my faves, link is in my bio. (Almost) all photos by @visualbass
A little while ago I had the pleasure of kicking off the @bocusedorcanada competition on behalf of @restaurantscanada. It was an honour to be a part of this event which decided which chef will represent Canada in Lyon next year. (Plus I got to hang out with @nataliegoldenbergfife & @cnutsmith, which was extra fun.) Dress by @ted_colourbynumbers, all the @ctilburymakeup. #bocusedor #roadtolyon
A little while ago I had the pleasure of kicking off the @bocusedorcanada competition on behalf of @restaurantscanada. It was an honour to be a part of this event which decided which chef will represent Canada in Lyon next year. (Plus I got to hang out with @nataliegoldenbergfife & @cnutsmith, which was extra fun.) Dress by @ted_colourbynumbers, all the @ctilburymakeup. #bocusedor #roadtolyon
Can working out at home be this much fun? YEAH it can! I absolutely love getting out to classes and working out as part of a community, but honestly, between my work schedule and taking care of my son, sometimes it’s just not possible. Even when I had a condo gym it was only open certain hours, and I can’t stand being limited by someone else’s timetable. That often means chez me is my best and only option for a workout, but in the past that hasn’t always been the most inspiring. My @OnePeloton bike and subscription has totally changed all of that in the past month. I can join classes streaming live from their studio (even at the same time as some of my friends) or choose from their over 10, 000 classes that are available in their library - from spinning to strength to meditation and more, any day or time I want. So now, while my son watches Saturday morning cartoons, I’m right there beside him taking a class with the world’s best instructors who push me to get better (because even though I have a fitness certification, truth is sometimes I get a little too easy on myself). All of the motivation and energy of taking a studio class with all the convenience of working out at home, whether I want to work out at 5 am, midnight, or in the middle of a snow storm. That’s freedom, and I love it! Plus it means that there isn’t anything standing in the way of me achieving my goals. Outfit @niketoronto. Photo by @visualbass #ridepeloton
Can working out at home be this much fun? YEAH it can! I absolutely love getting out to classes and working out as part of a community, but honestly, between my work schedule and taking care of my son, sometimes it’s just not possible. Even when I had a condo gym it was only open certain hours, and I can’t stand being limited by someone else’s timetable. That often means chez me is my best and only option for a workout, but in the past that hasn’t always been the most inspiring. My @OnePeloton bike and subscription has totally changed all of that in the past month. I can join classes streaming live from their studio (even at the same time as some of my friends) or choose from their over 10, 000 classes that are available in their library - from spinning to strength to meditation and more, any day or time I want. So now, while my son watches Saturday morning cartoons, I’m right there beside him taking a class with the world’s best instructors who push me to get better (because even though I have a fitness certification, truth is sometimes I get a little too easy on myself). All of the motivation and energy of taking a studio class with all the convenience of working out at home, whether I want to work out at 5 am, midnight, or in the middle of a snow storm. That’s freedom, and I love it! Plus it means that there isn’t anything standing in the way of me achieving my goals. Outfit @niketoronto. Photo by @visualbass #ridepeloton
It is often said that travel can make or break a relationship. Fortunately for us, it was talking about our love of travel that brought us together, and our first trip together really solidified our love for one another. That adventure in Barcelona was so memorable. We explored the city, hung out at the beach, ate incredible food, and spent time with friends old and new. And of course, we realized that we were really, really in love. It was fun and spontaneous, and part of the reason that we were able to make it happen is with the @Aeroplan Miles that I had been saving up. Fast forward eight years - we have since returned to Spain twice, including as part of our wedding celebration. We dream about retiring there, and would love to bring our young son there soon to introduce him to this place that is so special to us. That dream may happen even sooner now. Aeroplan has an exciting and convenient booking tool (I’m still collecting those miles, obviously!) that is like a one-stop shop for travellers. Beyond booking flights with my miles, I have access to 250,000 hotels and 11,000 car rental locations around the world that I can book with miles or cash! When I book with cash, I earn miles, and until April 14th, members can earn double the miles when you book with cash, meaning you earn eight miles per every dollar spent. For more about our story, click the link in my bio. To book your next travel adventure, visit https://www.aeroplan.com/trp-new-era.do #withaeroplan
It is often said that travel can make or break a relationship. Fortunately for us, it was talking about our love of travel that brought us together, and our first trip together really solidified our love for one another. That adventure in Barcelona was so memorable. We explored the city, hung out at the beach, ate incredible food, and spent time with friends old and new. And of course, we realized that we were really, really in love. It was fun and spontaneous, and part of the reason that we were able to make it happen is with the @Aeroplan Miles that I had been saving up. Fast forward eight years - we have since returned to Spain twice, including as part of our wedding celebration. We dream about retiring there, and would love to bring our young son there soon to introduce him to this place that is so special to us. That dream may happen even sooner now. Aeroplan has an exciting and convenient booking tool (I’m still collecting those miles, obviously!) that is like a one-stop shop for travellers. Beyond booking flights with my miles, I have access to 250,000 hotels and 11,000 car rental locations around the world that I can book with miles or cash! When I book with cash, I earn miles, and until April 14th, members can earn double the miles when you book with cash, meaning you earn eight miles per every dollar spent. For more about our story, click the link in my bio. To book your next travel adventure, visit https://www.aeroplan.com/trp-new-era.do #withaeroplan
What’s fresh for Spring? Pretty much everything that I saw at the @ted_baker SS19 preview this week. And while this coat (also by Ted, of course) has brought a whole lot of brightness into my life over dreary grey days, I can’t wait for all the gorgeous, colorful things they have coming up for the warmer months. A few of my faves are in my stories! #tedtotoe #tedbaker #SS19 Photo by @thekittyholland
What’s fresh for Spring? Pretty much everything that I saw at the @ted_baker SS19 preview this week. And while this coat (also by Ted, of course) has brought a whole lot of brightness into my life over dreary grey days, I can’t wait for all the gorgeous, colorful things they have coming up for the warmer months. A few of my faves are in my stories! #tedtotoe #tedbaker #SS19 Photo by @thekittyholland
4️⃣🎈!!! Happy birthday, my beautiful boy! This time, 4 years ago on that chilly March morning, after you arrived a month ahead of schedule, I could do little else but stare at you and feel love and gratitude that you were here and a part of our lives. And I’ll probably do a lot of that today too, because we are so proud of you and love you more every day. What you wanted most for your birthday this year was lots of balloons (I think we did pretty well on that), to share birthday cake with your friends and to go to LEGOland. Sounds like the perfect Archer day to me.
4️⃣🎈!!! Happy birthday, my beautiful boy! This time, 4 years ago on that chilly March morning, after you arrived a month ahead of schedule, I could do little else but stare at you and feel love and gratitude that you were here and a part of our lives. And I’ll probably do a lot of that today too, because we are so proud of you and love you more every day. What you wanted most for your birthday this year was lots of balloons (I think we did pretty well on that), to share birthday cake with your friends and to go to LEGOland. Sounds like the perfect Archer day to me.

michelle@michellejobin.com