Aside from being known for her phenomenal Academy Award-winning body of work, the beautiful Gwyneth Paltrow also is equally adept as a Tastemaker and Businesswoman. We’ve all heard of her better living newsletter GOOP, but her latest venture juice BEAUTY is beginning its foray to Canadian households. Its sights set high with distribution through Holt Renfrew.

Holding the title of Creative Director, Paltrow along with founder Karen Behnke, visited Toronto today to promote the skin care and cosmetic line at Holt Renfrew on Bloor today. They were just in New York yesterday. Taking the stage on the mezzanine, the duo spoke about their line of products which are based from botanical juices and anti-oxidant rich.

Paltrow says, “People don’t approach makeup bags with the same consciousness as grocery bags.”. “50 years ago, lots of pesticides were being used. We want to trust that the government is looking after us, but consumers have taken that into theie own hands.”. “Now you see Whole Foods on every corner. People are more careful about things they are ingesting. Beauty is following suit.”.

When understanding trends, Paltrow looks to her trendy 12-year-old daughter who pays mind to Vloggers. Often she takes that feedback and uses it for GOOP and juice.

Earlier in the day, Paltrow met with some lucky contest winners who won a Meet & Greet with her, before lunching at Holt Renfrew Café with the likes of Galen Weston, who was seen perusing he set-up to satisfsaction as George Michael blared through the speakers. Fans snacked on generous gifts of Village Juicery juice and nomz Energy Bites.

See some Snaps:

#GwynethPaltrow's arrival at #HoltRenfrew. #juiceBEAUTY

A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 14, 2016 at 2:50pm PDT

#GwynethPaltrow cracking up how serious this moderator from Elle Magazine is about beauty, at #HoltRenfrew, for #juiceBEAUTY.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 14, 2016 at 2:17pm PDT

#GwynethPaltrow effervescent at #HoltRenfrew, for #juiceBEAUTY.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 14, 2016 at 2:15pm PDT

#GwynethPaltrow effervescent at #HoltRenfrew, for #juiceBEAUTY.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 14, 2016 at 2:14pm PDT

Snacks from #GwynethPaltrow.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 14, 2016 at 2:53pm PDT

So this happened. #GwynethPaltrow #HoltRenfrew #juiceBEAUTY

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 14, 2016 at 2:30pm PDT

Learn more about juice BEAUTY here.

See the complete line of juice BEAUTY products available at Holt Renfrew here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

We’ve seen the rise of chains like Chipotle and Freshii in recent years, performing extremely-well domestically. Time and time again Canadians have said they are willing to pay that little bit more for quality, customizability and a freshness they can see before their eyes. Although completely different than said chains, The Basil Box incorporates a bit of that spirit into its growingly-popular eat-in/takeaway fixture.

The contemporary and open space located at both Mississauga’s Square One and Downtown Toronto’s Ryerson University carries with it the influence of the street markets of Vietnam and Thailand. One bite of their option-friendly bowls and you will taste the freshness of sustainable produce, fused with the pungence of market spices at whatever level you can tolerate.

The offerings take only a quick introduction to get. You have three bases: jasmine rice, brown rice or cold rice noodles. Then you choose vegetables: roasted green beans, corn, roasted sweet potatoes (most popular) or green/red peppers. Then your proteins: Lemongrass Chicken (yes, by a landslide), Chili-Lime shrimp (great), Five Spice Steak (nice) or Coconut Curry Tofu. Next is the all-important sauce: Tangy Tamarind, Classic Peanut, Sweet Chili Lime, Sizzlin’ Sriracha and Penang Curry. Then you have your texture, with toppings like sesame, peanuts, cilantro, chilis and more. Beware when adding those chilis, they are hotter than you think.

My Lemongrass Chicken bowl was generously-portioned and I have no regrets choosing cold rice noodles. The Chili-Lime sauce was tangy and perfect for those who love Thai food minus the divisive shrimp paste. The texture, a mixture of crunches was pleasant. The heat of the spice offset by the cool of the crunch.

And while you’re there, the fizzy Passionfruit-Lychee Refresher is a must-try. If you like rice pudding or sweet sticky rice, do try their Rice Parfait topped with mango purée.

Affordable, quick and commitment-free in a relaxed atmosphere. This is the future of downtown lunching.

Thank you @TheBasilBox for the picture-perfect lunch. Tasted as good as it felt supporting this sustainable take-out/dine-in eatery at Ryerson. #The6ix #Toronto

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 14, 2016 at 11:55am PDT

Learn more about The Basil Box here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Now this we’re excited for!  Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone reunite on-screen this December in LA LA LAND. Not only is there the Film aspect of this, but there’s also the Music.  The first track from the Film – from the same Director as WHIPLASH – has been released, called City of Stars, which at the same time is the hashtag the Film will use.

Synopsis:

A jazz pianist (Ryan Gosling) and an aspiring actress (Emma Stone) fall in love but face difficulties as they become more successful.

Starring Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, John Legend, Rosemarie DeWitt, Finn Wittrock, Callie Hernandez, Sonoya Mizuno, Jessica Rothe, Tom Everett Scott and Josh Pence.

See the Trailer:

Listen to Ryan Gosling’s City of Stars:

Click here to listen on Spotify.

TIFF ’16, anyone?

(Photo/video credit: Summit Entertainment)

Just when we couldn’t handle the excitement of Starbucks‘ Sunset Menu launched just last month, today we get two scintillating new offerings from our fave Coffee purveyor! We’d like you to meet the Berry Sangria Herbal Tea and the Iced Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato!

Isn’t that beautiful? The Iced Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato is out now!

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 12, 2016 at 8:34am PDT

Iced Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato

This is decadence.  We love the Caramel Macchiato in the fall/winter so having it in cold form is a bit of a tough-sell.

We watched our Barista fill our cup and about 2/3 of this is their Sumatra Coconut Milk (we love!), topped with mocha syrup, espresso and caramel drizzle.  The caramel drizzle in a cold beverage takes a bit of getting used to – we’re told it’s also known as “Cali style“. But overall this is a v. delicious beverage. A bit much to consume on the daily, but this will be our go-to when we want to treat ourselves this summer. More here.

Legit tastes like Sangria. The new Berry Sangria Herbal Tea at #Starbucks. Out now. I like it half-sweet.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 12, 2016 at 3:31pm PDT

Berry Sangria Herbal Tea

If like me you prefer your coffee in the AM and love Iced Tea in the afternoons, this is the ONE. It legit tastes like Sangria, complete with the iced tea infused with the flavour of swirly citrus slices and berries in the cup.  I love sweets, believe me, but I prefer this customized as half-sweet.  Phenomenal and right up there on the level of greatness of their Mango Black Tea Lemonade. More here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Fox Searchlight + Mr. Will are thrilled to give Readers a chance to see long-awaited ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS THE MOVIE in Toronto and Vancouver! Screenings take place on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 in Toronto and Thursday, July 21, 2016 in Vancouver.

Synopsis:
Appropriate for their big screen debut, Edina and Patsy (Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley) are still oozing glitz and glamour, living the high life they are accustomed to; shopping, drinking and clubbing their way around London’s trendiest hotspots. Blamed for a major incident at an uber fashionable launch party, they become entangled in a media storm and are relentlessly pursued by the paparazzi. Fleeing penniless to the glamorous playground of the super-rich, the French Riviera, they hatch a plan to make their escape permanent and live the high life forever more!

Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACBEOOK. Please tell us your city!

G’luck.

Fox Searchclight release ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS THE MOVIE on Friday, July 22, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Fox Searchlight)

In a smashing debut, THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS cages its competition with a $97.2 million opening weekend for Universal Pictures, from 4,370 theatres. Audiences gave it a great A- CinemaScore, which will help boost word-of-mouth promo for the star-studded Animated Feature. Critics gave it a 75% on the Tomatometer, also solid.

THE LEGEND OF TARZAN continues to have legs to run on in its second week out for Warner Bros. It makes $20.1 million, for a total run of $80 million. Impressive.

FINDING DORY also still is going strong in third with $20 million for Disney now in its fourth week out. Over four weeks it has made $422 million in North America alone. To put this in context, this surpasses The Lion King as Disney‘s highest-grossing Animated Feature ever.

MIKE AND DAVID NEED WEDDING DATES opens in fourth with $17.1 million for 20th Century Fox from 2,982 theatres, which actually is great considering its stiff competition. The Comedy starring Anna Kendrick and Zac Efron gets a B CinemaScore, although Critics weren’t sold with a 41% on the Tomatometer.

THE SHALLOWS also is continuing to be bankable for Sony Pictures, earning $4.5 million in ninth, a total thus far of $45.6 million.

Rounding out the Top Ten is Bollywood release SULTAN from Yash Raj Films with $2.2 million from only 287 theatres.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Canada + Mr. Will want to give readers a chance to win a copy of Box Office success, MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN along with a T-Shirt and the Book.

Synopsis:
Based on Christy Beam‘s memoir of the same name, Miracles From Heaven tells the true story of 12-year-old Annabel Beam (Kylie Rogers) who suffers from a rare incurable digestive disorder, while her mother Christy (Jennifer Garner) searches for a solution.

After surviving a freak accident, Anna finds herself miraculously cured of the rare disease.

Miracles From Heaven follows a series of miracles as they unfold that leave Anna’s family, doctors and the whole Texas community in awe.

Artwork:

Trailer:

To enter to win, simply click “like” at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Canada release MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN in Blu-ray and DVD on Tuesday, July 12, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Canada)

Whaddya know? It’s Princess time!  Our girl A PIC BY MRWILL is ready for her second race after a promising debut early June at Woodbine where she finished strong at the ultra-short four-and-half furlong distance.  A bit more distance she asked for and a bit more she will get!

Team John Ross and I were so touched that the betting public and experts gave her a firm vote of confidence, making her the well-bet favourite that day. Thank you.

Thank you, #DRF for the support! Kisses.

A photo posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on Jun 3, 2016 at 11:45am PDT

We admit there was some growing to do, and the Team learned a few surprising things about her from that debut. It is always a bit disappointing when things don’t go as envisioned.  I was told by moments before the race that she wasn’t going to win because others had stronger workouts than her and also it was suggested that my going on about Princess was going to ruin her chances of winning. That aside, it is the outpour of support from the community following the race however that shone through. “Next time!”.  “She is beautiful!”. “She ran great!”. “The first race always is a toss-out for two-year-olds!”. These are comforting words I needed to hear and all in some way true. People are protective of our feelings and that did not go unappreciated.

My eldest brother John and Parents even came out –  without telling me – to support Princess, which I realized only after finding a $100 Win-Place ticket on my kitchen table when I got home. 😢

This past month Princess really has applied herself in her training on and off track.  Focus has gone into getting her acclimated with the paddock with her groom, the awesome Basil, so that she’s comfortable with her surroundings in the lead-up to the race. With her rider Sheena Ryan, she also has been working out of the starting gate to get ready for the next big day!

Be around for some exciting news later today, PICsies!

A photo posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on Jul 6, 2016 at 4:42am PDT

Back to work today. A nice light breeze today with sis, Saturday Dancer (right).

A photo posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on Jun 15, 2016 at 1:15pm PDT

The Clockers (individuals who time workouts) were talking at the annual pre-Queen’s Plate Trackside Breakfast, singling her out for a great show of gate speed in her recent workout on June 25th.  We love that our dear Dawn Lupul chimed-in that A Pic By MrWill actually is better known as Princess! 😄

It’s our job normally to publicize, so it is a challenge that often in this sport there’s a bit of hush-hush and fear of jinxes. Sorry, but we can’t help but get a little excited over this! We’re expecting a great turn of foot and are confident in her.

In addition to growing (she already is tall to begin with!) quickly with each visit, we see a bit more fire in Princess.  We admit she’s very sweet and almost pet-like, but at times but I worry this translates onto the track too. We’re loving that aggressiveness we’re seeing in her of late.  I mean, look at her reaction to a delicious Royal Gala apple for one.

Look what apples made me do.

A video posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on Jul 2, 2016 at 5:28am PDT

Remember how I said rainbow carrots were my fave? Wrong. APPLES.

A video posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on Jun 12, 2016 at 11:42am PDT

This past weekend’s Queen’s Plate was a huge deal for us. Check-out Princess in this gorgeous fascinator loaned by her mommy Cathy for the occasion, as she greet a group of Social Media influencers with great professionalism a couple weeks back.

Happy #QP16 PICsies!!

A photo posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on Jul 2, 2016 at 10:06pm PDT

So much fun partying with these guys Saturday and Gator! Miss u baes!! Come back soon!

A photo posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on Jun 27, 2016 at 7:32am PDT

Found myself the perfect #QueensPlate date, Gator!!! #QP16

A photo posted by Princess (@apicbymrwill) on Jun 26, 2016 at 6:47am PDT

And if you haven’t read it yet, here’s an amazing profile about us penned by one of the City’s greats, Shinan Govani, including a bit about Princess and I. We love that Princess’ story is extending beyond the racing community.

The print version appears in the Saturday, July 9th edition of the Toronto Star. If you’d like it personalized, please pick-up a copy, see me and I will do so!

 Princess (A PIC BY MRWILL) makes her second start at Woodbine Racetrack Saturday, July 9, 2016, race 5 at 3:05 PM EST.

Be there.  Let’s take a PIC!

If you aren’t already following our own little “Toronto star”, you can do so here:

See you Saturday.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

We don’t often think of Mississauga as a travel hotspot, but when looking for a place to stay this long weekend for the historic Queen’s Plate at Woodbine Racetrack, we found ourselves an unlikely treasure.  Canada’s top racecourse, known as the “Airport Oval” is just 15 minutes from Hotel Novotel Mississauga Centre and we’ll tell you why this is an ideal place to stay.

Location is important when finding a hotel.  Situated right off the 403, Novotel Mississauga is a breeze to get to and from.  It is literally minutes from the 427 and Toronto Pearson International Airport, while just a bit more of a drive to the 401.   Better yet, if you don’t want to bother with the travel downtown, the Hotel is literally across the road from tons of amazing shopping and dining at Square One. Everything you need is a dime’s throw away.

You’d be shocked how many Hotels around the Airport aren’t pet-friendly.  There is where Novotel shows its true class and heart.  Billy and I were welcomed with open arms. A beautiful Zen Garden called Kariya Gardens, is just a block away and even though pets aren’t permitted within that park, the perimeter has lots of greenery for a proper walk. Sure beats being centered among a bunch of commercial buildings and concrete, which is what you’d get around the Airport, right?

Novotel‘s rooms are spacious – we loved most the large bathroom equipped with amenities like a blow dryer and fair trade toiletries. More importantly, their cushy beds are of a five-star caliber.  We’ve stayed at five-star hotels before and aren’t afraid to say our sleep was on-par with the beds in those establishments.  Billy is the best at reviewing bed comfort and it was a sight seeing him tuck himself between the pillows and conked-out!

The room was well-cooled with some powerful Air Conditioning, much needed in the heatwave we experienced Canada Day long weekend.  We were always comfortable and comfort comes first.

We need to stay connected with much of our presence being online and on Social Media.  Our room had the perfect desk with plenty of outlets to stay charged  to get our work done.  The Wi-Fi, although sometimes finicky, for the most part was there for us.  Above this, our cable came with a wide selection of channels to keep us entertained and informed.

That buffet though.  One thing we look forward to at Novotel is the Breakfast Buffet in their TRIO Restaurant. A great value at $15.99 per person, you get your own pot of coffee, tea and/or juices.  The offerings range from a variety of eggs, bacon, sausage, oatmeal, cold cuts, fruits and of course, their signature pastries and breads!  You can even enjoy it on their patio.

Driving? Don’t stress about parking.  Hotel Novotel Mississauga Centre gives you in-out privileges, at a super-reasonable $13/day rate. There were plenty of spots.  Don’t drive? Don’t sweat it.  You can Uber to Woodbine for less than $20 or just walk across the road  to Square One and hop on a Missisauga Transit bus that can connect you downtown.

Our only regret? We wish we had more time to try out their 24-hour gym (there’s also a swimming pool!).

We’ve arrived! Our official hotel for #QP16 (@novotelnorthamerica)

A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 2, 2016 at 9:33am PDT

Learn more here.

Our Queen’s Plate experience here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

I love this. Some of my favourites banding together to support those affected by the Orlando PULSE tragedy.

Check-out this moving track featuring some of the greatest Pop Stars of the now.

HANDS features Mary J Blige, Jason Derulo, Britney Spears, Tyler Glenn, Selena Gomez, Halsey, Ty Herndon, Imagine Dragons, Juanes, Adam Lambert, Mary Lambert, Jennifer Lopez, the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles, Kacey Musgraves, MNEK, Alex Newell, P!nk, Prince Royce, Nate Ruess, RuPaul, Troye Sivan, Jussie Smollett, Gwen Stefani and Meghan Trainor.

It is written by Justin Tranter & Julia Michaels and BloodPop®; produced by BloodPop®, Mark Ronson and Justin Tranter.

Listen:

You can download it now on iTunes.

(Photo/video credit: GLAAD/Universal Music)