Yorkville romp with IT Lounge

by Olga Barsky
Working for SDTC certainly has its perks. In addition to being surrounded by an amazing team of women, there are certain opportunities that present themselves, which are too darn good to be true. Last week I was invited to check out the IT Lounge at Windsor Arms Hotel with the theme: celebrity survival must-haves for ’08. My interest was peaked…

Thursday came quickly. I got up extra early, picked out my Yorkville best and drowned my stunted lashes in 8 coats of black mascara. I was ready!

A hop and skip away from Bay Station and I there. Upon my arrival, I was escorted into the media room courtesy of Grand and Toy. Here I was treated to delicious lemon drop cupcakes and beverages, video games and a dream office filled with all sorts of swanky gadgets I didn’t know what to do with.

I didn’t want to leave, but I had to experience the lounge. Here’s what I learned:

Big Brothers and Big Sisters is now more flexible than ever. Whether you have a couple hours a month or an entire day a week to spare – you can help. There’s also a new program that allows couples to get involved together and change a child’s life for the better. For more info please visit www.bbbsc.ca.

Next I had a look at the Olay Definity Collection which is all about helping TO’s movers and shakers maintain a luminous complexion throughout the festival. I had always though the Definity line was targeted towards 40+ women, but that’s not the case. My favourite beauty product was the Illuminating Eye Treatment which adds a tiny hint of shine beneath the eye and minimizes circles. www.olay.ca

As I made my way around the room I was drawn to the Ripzone and Powder Room area. I don’t partake in any winter sports, but it was the artwork on their hoodies and graphic prints on outerwear that caught my eye. As it turns out, this Canadian high tech snowboard and surf gear sports brand employs 7 in-house designers who come up with their signature looks each year. www.ripzoneinternational.com or www.powderroominternational.com.

It was time for bling! I made my way over to The Right Hand Gal, a jewelry label started by two sisters that’s handcrafted in Canada. They specialize in casual diamond jewelry with the tagline “something for me, from me.” The petite sisters firmly believe that women shouldn’t depend on men to gift them, and should instead purchase their own diamonds. www.therighthandgal.com.

I find it’s always best to end on a sweet note, which was easily done with a Maxwell House Maxiccino, my new favourite cappuccino-style beverage mix (SO easy and only 60 calories per serving!). The Mocha Escape flavour is to die for!