It’s January so essentially this means two things; 1) we are in the midst of a deep freeze here in Toronto and 2) it’s the start of a new year and time to set new goals for 2015. I don’t necessarily believe in New Year’s resolutions, which simply means I never wait for January 1st to put my plans into action. This year I want to be more fiscally responsible and make better decisions because debt is really not cute. With the winter elements in full effect, I spent the day with Mogo.ca hitting up some of the spots I like to frequent on the weekends. My Mogo Prepaid Visa® Card made it easy to treat myself and my crew. With no monthly fees and over 40 unique card designs to choose from, Mogo’s Prepaid Visa® Card helps you control your spending (I mean, we can all do with a little help in that department, right?) and avoid the aftershock of credit card debt.

Brunch at Mildred’s Temple Kitchen – 85 Hanna Avenue (Shops at King Liberty) Toronto 416-588-5695 Neighbourhood: Liberty Village

Mrs. Biederhof’s Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes

We Torontonians take brunching very seriously and Mildred’s Temple Kitchen in Liberty Village is one of my go-to spots to indulge on a weekend in the city. MTK is the offshoot of cult fave Mildred Pierce where local foodies happily noshed brunch fare for 17 years on Sudbury Street. The sleek and airy interior is perfect for a third date or family brekkie with food items that are sure to satisfy even the pickiest of palettes. Brunch is served Saturday & Sunday from 10-3pm. I hit up Mildred’s with my parents around 10:30 to arrive before the hungover crowd stumbled in for brunch and “hair of the dog”. What you should order… The fresh baked scones & biscuits are to die for, the Manhandler is a great option for meat lovers, their delish rosemary bacon which is cured in-house is always a treat. Everyone and I mean everyone, heads to this spot for Mrs. Biederhof’s legendary light & fluffy blueberry buttermilk pancakes. Click here to check out the full menu.

The Art Gallery of Ontario – 317 Dundas Street West Toronto 416-979-6648 Neighbourhood: Chinatown

Photography by Nathalia Allen AMillionMinds.ca (@amillionminds)

If you’ve visited Toronto or even worse, live in Toronto and have not been to the Art Gallery of Ontario, in my opinion you should be punished. If I could, I would come here daily to take in the phenomenal exhibits, dine at Frank (the gallery’s famed resto) and just people watch. There is so much goodness currently happening in side. Plus, the common spaces designed by world renown and Toronto born architect Frank Gehry makes phenomenal backdrops for photos. Type in the hashtag #ArtGalleryOfOntario on Instagram and you are bound to find tons of inspiring and artistic photos and selfies. The Michelangelo: Quest for Genius exhibit just ended on January 11th but for those interested in conceptual photography, “Introducing Suzy Lake“ is a photo retrospective by the artist that is not to be missed. If you happen to be a die-hard Jean-Michel Basiquat fan like myself then buckle up.  From February 7 – May 10 2015, the AGO will be the home to an exclusive showcase which will be the first thematic examination of the artist’s work; guest curated by Austrian historian and Curator Dieter Buchhart. The opening night party, which is the hottest ticket in town right now, is already sold out. Tickets for general exhibition are currently on sale for AGO members and public tickets go on sale January 23, 2015. Click here for more info on AGO current exhibitions, membership/tickets prices, location and hours.

Her Majesty’s Pleasure – 556 King Street West (inside Fashion House) Toronto 416-546-4991 Neighbourhood: King West

I honestly couldn’t have thought up a  more brilliant idea myself. Her Majesty’s Pleasure on King St West will forever change the way you get your mani/pedi. When I heard rumours of a spot in the city late last year where one could get their nails, hair and a facial done, but also acts as a cocktail bar, cafe and retail boutique all rolled up in one, I had to see it for myself. I popped in for a few hours early in the evening after my trip to the AGO with my friend/photographer/unicorn Nathalia for manis, eats and cocktails (fresh pressed juices for me). My instagram followers are fully aware of my obsession with pretty floor tiling and the tile design at HMP didn’t disappoint. With ultra high ceilings, white walls, carrara marble topped tables/bars and eccentric furnishings, every single square foot of space in there is instagrammable. Naturally, we found ourselves lingering long after our food was finished and nails were dry. Ladies, this is the PERFECT spot for a girls night out or bridal party. Make sure to call ahead to book an appointment to avoid disappointment.

Images of Her Majesty’s Pleasure via +TongTong and Instagram (@sashaexeter)

What I’m Wearing: Fur Vest c/o 424 Fifth // Hat (vintage) // Dress  c/o Forever 21 // Shirt (vintage) // Leather Moto Jacket c/0 Aritzia // Shoes by Zara

Accepted anywhere Visa cards are accepted, I was able to use my Mogo Prepaid Visa® Card at all of these spots in Toronto. Card holders benefit from unlimited free transactions, no monthly fees, and can receive free text balance updates to a mobile device. For more information head to Mogo.ca