Roots 'Chalet in the Sky' Featured in Hello! Magazine

Hello! Magazine featured Roots Co-Founder Michael Budman and the Roots Chalet in the Sky at the Shangri-La Hotel in Vancouver in a recent issue. 

Spin Me Right 'Round

Guest post by Lucky Penny

Lucky Penny was never one to shy away from a workout while she lived away from home… from hiking canyons in Los Angeles to window shopping (form of cardio, n’est pas?) in Notting Hill. But she never quite understood the appeal of spinning.

The very idea of being confined to a stationary bike in a hot, sweaty mess seemed hugely unappealing. that all changed last year. With the bitter cold months ahead, and a climb up Kilimanjaro looming… it was time to give a spin class at Quad a go.

Located right below Century Room on King Street, her first class was brutal. Lucky Penny could barely walk (let alone sit) for two days. But being surrounded by bikers of all levels, she felt comfortable peddling at her own pace. There is even a live DJ for extra motivation!

Twelve months later, she is an addict. My name is Lucky Penny. I am a spin-aholic.

All the teachers are wonderful, but take special note of her favourites. (1) Magdalena is the ultimate supportive cheerleader. (2) George is a butt buster, and full of tough love (he also runs the bootcamp at Flirty Girl Fitness). (3) Quintin has the best themed classes… Metal rock? Yes, please. (4) Micheline is truly inspiring. She founded all the quad locations, and manages to coach every student in a full class.

Lucky Penny loves to shop all things gorge, indulge her culinary palette, and explore the city (Toronto, that is).
This is a daily blog written by two lovelies (whose fifteen year friendship started back in awkward grade seven). One moved to sunny California, and charmed all the beautiful people in film and production. The other, a former science geek, tripped and fell into the fashion editorial and luxury goods PR in Canada and abroad.
These golden nuggets must only be shared amongst her nearest and dearest. Lucky Penny can’t keep a secret. Can you?

Get more Lucky Penny:
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A Week to Celebrate Great Canadian Music

March 10 - 14 is Canadian Music Week in Toronto. Four days of conferences, concerts, awards and a film festival all centered around Canadian music.

There's a ton of great bands to check out over the weekend (I personally, will be seeing the the Born Ruffians, Young Rival and Parlovr on Sunday).

Our friends over at Dine Alone Records have a bunch of great shows lined up for the weekend as well!

Tonight, you can check out (the newly signed to Dine Alone) Hot Hot Heat at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern. If you haven't had the opportunity to see Hot Hot Heat, you don't want to miss this. The band puts on a great live show and always gets the crowd dancing.

Tomorrow night, check out Moneen at The Garrison! Moneen are another great band to see live. They are currently promoting their new album, The World I Want To Leave Behind. (Check out the Roots Review of this great album)

And then one of my personal favourites, the Arkells are playing tonight as well in the Canadian Room at the Royal York Hotel.

If you happen to be in Toronto this weekend, check out a band or two - it's a great way to hear about new Canadian music and meet some interesting people.

Check out the entire Dine Alone Records lineup.

Check out the entire lineup for Canadian Music Week.

Your First Roots

At Roots, we love to hear your stories. Tell us about your first Roots. Submit pictures, videos or just your story! 

While your there, don't forget to read other people's stories about their first Roots. 

 

Haiti Benefit Single

Canadian musicians have gathered together to record a new version of the song Wavin' Flag by Somalian-born Canadian rapper K'naan to raise money for Haiti.

The new version was recorded on the fly amidst all the excitement of the Vancouver Games.

Over 40 artists will be participating including K'naan, Bryan Adams, Nelly Furtado, Feist, Nickleback, Emily Haines, Ron Sexsmith and Colin James.

Proceeds from the recording will go to Free The Children, War Child Canada and World Vision.

Read more about it in the Globe and Mail and Toronto Star.

Jeff Kahane & Roots Co-Founder Michael Budman

Roots Co-Founder Michael Budman with son Matthew Budman and friends

Jeff Kahane and friend in support of Young Artists for Haiti

Jeff Kahane and Raymond Perkins from Roots

Jeff Kahane and Somalian-born Canadian rapper K'naan

Young Artists for Haiti

Cheers! Wayne Gretzky Estates Wine Tasting

This past Friday (March 5), Roots had the pleasure of heading to the Royal York for a little wine tasting. The featured wine? No. 99 Wayne Gretzky Estates. Cheers!

Roots Co-Founder Michael Budman with Zoomer magazine Editor Susan Boyd and Walter Gretzky, Wayne Gretzky's father. Walter is wearing the Roots Gretzky Canada Jacket.

Walter Gretzky, Wayne Gretzky's father with Raymond Perkins from Roots. Walter is wearing the Roots Gretzky Canada Jacket and they are holding the Roots Canada Douglas Duffel (available in select stores).

Wayne Gretzky, friend and Walter Gretzky

Roots Co-Founder, Michael Budman

Wayne and Walter Gretzky

The Fun Continues in Vancouver

Matthew Budman with Michael Phelps

Roots Co-Founders, Don Green and Michael Budman with actor, Cuba Gooding Jr.

Russian hockey legend, Igor Larionov and his family visit with Roots Co-founders, Don Green and Michael Budman along with Roots Leather Director, Karl Kowalewski and Matthew Budman

   

Roots Brand Ambassadors Ginette (left) and Lynne (right) with Roots Head Office team member Nadine on the streets of Vancouver looking great in the Canada Collection by Roots.

Roots Team Members: Nadine, Monica, Lyn, and Jen at Speedskating cheering on the Canadians

A Russian figure skating fan looking great wearing her Canadian Village Bag.

Actor, Geoff Stults, (from TV's 'Seventh Heaven" and soon 'Happy Town") representing Right To Play

A Swedish fan on Robson Street looking good in her Sweden International Collection hoody.

A vintage Roots jacket spotted cheering on the Canadians at hockey

 

MuchMusic's Boomer was spotted on the streets of Vancouver drawing a crowd

 

And Roots could be spotted at speed skating too.

Former NHL players, Esa Tikkanen, Michel Goulet and a friend take a moment to pose for a photo with Roots Co-founder, Don Green at the Roots Robson Street store.

Friends of Roots in Vancouver: Christina Wallaert

Meet our blogger friend Christina. Christina is currently hanging out and having fun in Vancouver, B.C.

Don't believe me? Check out a few of her photos looking fabulous in Roots! (If you want to see more and read everything she's been up to, visit her blog, Journey to Vancouver 2010.) If you happen to see Christina while out West, (you never know!) don't be shy - go and introduce yourself!

ET Canada on Ross Rebagliati

Sr. Entertainment Tonight Canada Reporter, Rosie Edeh took time to spend a day to profile busy Ross Rebagliati. Watch the video to see a day in his life.

Family Day Activities in Toronto!

For those of you who will be in Toronto this upcoming Family Day, here are some great activities happening around the city that will be fun for the whole family. 

Maybe you have a future architect in your family or have a kid who loves to put things together? The Ontario Science Centre is always a great place for both kids and adults to have fun and learn something while they're at it. This year on Family Day, check out the K'NEX Build-Zone.

The Art Gallery of Ontario is usually closed on Mondays. But this Family Day will be offering special programming aimed at families. Buy a Family Pass for $45 and it will get two adults plus up to five kids entrance into the AGO.

Although the winter weather may be getting you down, why not take a trip down to the Beaches for some family fun? The Family Day Festival at the Beaches is a great opportunity to check out this area of Toronto in the winter. The festival includes a petting zoo, reptile shows, magic shows, storytelling, a scavenger hunt, a silent auction, crafts and skating. While the kids play, you parents can browse some of the great shops on Queen East and warm up with some hot chocolate.

The Royal Ontario Museum will be bustling with activity on this Family Day as Sick Kids Hospital hosts their inaugural Family Day Race for SickKids. Teams of families and friends will explore the ROM as they race to solve puzzles and brainteasers.

If your looking for something free and fun this weekend in Toronto or any city across Canada - why not go skating? There are lots of free rinks across the city. Why not take a trip down to the Harbourfront Centre or over to Nathan Phillips Square and get you and your family outside this Family Day.