Goody’s New Hair Accessories and Brushes Are Right in Line for Today’s Summer Styles!

Chances are, you probably have something of Goody’s in your closet or bathroom cabinet – a Goody’s hairbrush, elastics or barrettes.

Goody has been a go-to company for years, and every season, they come out with more incredible stuff!

Look at what I got this season, which I’m totally excited about and completely accessorize my spring and summer wardrobes!

I am loving the Blonde Collection, which has accessories just for me and my hair colour (Don’t worry – there’s Brunette, Red and Black Hair Collections too, so know that the clips, hairbands, elastics and brushes that I have, you can get in your matching hair colour as well!)

I got the ColourCollection Half Claw that comes 2 to a pack – in a lowlight and a highlight blonde colour so that they both match my hair. They also come with StayPut Slip Proof Hold Treads that keep it in place, so finally I can wear a clip and not worry about it falling out mid-walk or mid-meeting!

I have been wearing these constantly since I got them. They allow me to quickly put my hair up with ease and I can do what I’ve gotta do – walk, run, shop, eat and it holds up - I love it!

I am also rocking the Bobby Pins – all these years I’ve been wearing black ones! I love that I can pull my hair back in an elegant fashion – finally! Where have these been all my life?!

To also keep my hair in place, the Contour Clips are great (and check out the ones from the StayPut Collection for great accent colours to go with your outfit!) .

And the Ribbon Wrapped Headband is going to be my summer savior, I know it. Once the humidity hits and my hair goes wonky, this will save me – big time!

The weird thing is that it looks like my own hair - you thread it through your head and it looks like you’ve spent hours on styling your hair! Love it!

For a nice sleek look, I like the Goody-Glamarama Headband. In one second my hair goes to “not-so-much” to “wow.” I’m not kidding. I love this thing!

From the Iconoclass Collection, I feel Grace Kelly elegant with the Goody-Iconoclass Ponytailer that “holds 52% better than traditional ponytailers. “ The gemstone on it is just a little something extra that takes your ponytail to being everyday to something special.

I want all my ponytail holders to look this good!

And from the Styling Therapy Collection, I am using the Protect Colour Brush to keep my blonde (but shh… not so natural) hair looking luminous! The brush has a nice hefty weight to it and the thick boar bristles keeps your colour from fading and makes it look a little more vibrant. Nice. No need to spend time in the bathroom with different rinses and glosses – just give your hair a good brush. Ahhh… isn’t that awesome?

They also have brushes to Add Shine and Reduce Dandruff, so just brush and go!

I am looking sleek and styled thanks to Goody Hair Accessories! And no one needs to know how easy it is – brush, clip, band or tie your hair and you’re red carpet ready, no joke.

Go see what they’ve got for your hair colour! You’re going to love their stuff!

With Bobbi Brown’s New Eyeshadow and Blush Compacts, You can Personalize Your Own Style and Look!

I have long been a fan of Makeup Artist and Creator Bobbi Brown’s philosophy.

She works in a very natural palette and creates makeup that works in the everyday, as well as for those special occasions where you really want to pop.

Bobbi shows women how to apply makeup so that it highlights our best features and takes away from those that we could do without.

Thank goodness.

And now, she has created a line of shadows, blushes and palettes that are sold separately, but are created to work together, so that you can create a custom look that works for you, specifically you, and because they all go together, you can make a mistake – which as a fumbling makeup applier myself, I truly appreciate.

You start out with an empty palette that come complete with mirror and can accommodate up to any 6 eye shadows, shimmer wash eye shadows or blush! You build your own colour system that works for you. How freakin’ cool is that?

Bobbi Brown says that “the best way to make your eyes stand out is with three shades of shadow – light, medium and dark.” So she has created NEW Eye Shadows that are silky, yet matte and NEW Shimmer Wash Eye Shadows that are a sheer, lightly pearlized formula, to allow you to create a dramatic eye.

The colours are very Bobbi – neutral that works on any skin tone, yet are not at all boring or staid – with wonderful eye shadow names such as Toast, Heather, Sable, Smoke, Malted, Cement, Wheat, Flint, Saddle and Naked.

I tried the NEW Rock and Seashell Shimmer Wash Eye Shadows, which really work with my fair skin and green eyes. The pantsuit grey wash and glistening sand colour just wash over my lids and under my brow. They highlight my eyes without taking away from them, which some shadows can, and go on so smoothly that a makeup klutz like me can apply it and it looks good!

Bobbi’s NEW Blush comes in 19 shades and 5 Shimmer Shades, so that you can really make your cheeks pop!

I got the NEW Pink Sugar and Flame colours that are unlike any blush I’ve ever had before! They are colourful and so shimmery with gold specks of light that attract the light! The bubblegum colour of the Pink Sugar makes me instantly look a couple of year’s younger (thank you, Bobbi Brown!) and I love the dramatic brick colour of the Flame!

Bobbi Brown has created something really spectacular here - You buy the pans of shadow and blush that suit you, and layer them or use them on their own as you like. You can’t go wrong because of how neutral they are (you won’t find any electric blues or canary yellows here!) and you can mix and match them to suit your mood or outfit.

Fantastic!

You no longer have to buy a pre-packaged palette of colours that you’ll never wear and you only have to carry with you the shades that work for you!

The pans of colour are small enough that they don't take up a lot of room, but deep enough that they hold enough colour to take you through all of the seasons, dance clubs and meetings that make up your life.

Thank goodness! Because I can’t honestly fit one more thing in this purse of mine...

Potting Shed Creations, Ltd. Makes It Possible to Have a Beautiful Garden in a Small Space, Apartment, Condo or on a Deck! Ahh – Finally!

Just because I live in a small place with no backyard doesn’t mean I don’t want to garden. Remember how I tried with my Dad’s tomatoes from last summer? Here’s what I started out with and here’s how they did.

Well, those pots are long gone and I never got tomatoes from the seedlings. It's not the pot's fault. It's me. I have no green thumb whatsoever... but I still would like some plants around the place.

So I thought I’d tried the more tried and true method of a professional planting and seed company.

Potting Shed Creations, Ltd. is just that. They specialize in gardening supplies for your backyard or your windowsill in the most beautiful containers. In fact, they carry a lot for your windowsill, which I’m really excited about - living on the third floor, my 4 window sills that face the street are my backyard and I want to grow things just like the rest of you!

So I looked through Potting Shed’s catalogue and found some of the most amazing things to grow on the windows of my home, along with fantastic presents for my friends!

Come see what I got - it’s so much fun!

I got a Rice Hull Garden, which is a complete container garden in “natural, environmentally friendly pots made from renewable grain husks, primarily rice hulls, and organic pigments.”

You can use them inside or out and the pot lasts for about 5 years and is 100% biodegradable! Isn’t that wonderful?!

I got the Ginkgo because it’s one of our oldest trees and you can grow them inside and keep them small. Also, the wide leaves are just so pretty.

Blooms-in-a-Bag is a great option for those that don’t have a lot of space, but want to grow flowers or herbs at your counter or out on your small deck.

I picked the Thai Dragon Pepper for my friend Cindy who’s moving into a new place next month and who cannot get enough spicy food. She has a small deck that she can put it out on or she can keep it on her breakfast bar and watch her small, very hot peppers grow and then use them in her cooking! They grow right out of the bag you get them in, so no potting or real work is required! I think these make wonderful gifts (after all, you can get everything from Petunias to the Thank You Garden)

And the Gardens-in-a-Bag Collection offer a great selection of herbs, flowers, fruits, veggies and greens that you can grow indoors in the leek-proof bag – totally idiot-proof for those of us (me) who are hoticulturally-challenged.

I got the Mini Tomato for my Dad, because the seeds should produce tomatoes in about 2 months (and longer in the winter months) and that way, he won’t have to wait for his one’s in the garden to grow…

And I chose the Just Because because what a great gift to a friend that needs a little pick me up. In fact, I might buy a case of these to hand out to my buddies…

Another fantastic gift are the Growing Wishes Garden Kits that come in Bliss and Joy.

Each kit contains different seed varieties of flowers, which each have a special wish. Aww! You can plant them wherever you like – in or outdoors – so they’re perfect for the apartment dweller or country home person.

And for the person who loves to garden, the Garden-in-a-Pail is the perfect gift! Look at all of the different kinds you can get! Mmm. It’s so wonderful!

I decided on the Mixed Flower for my dearest friend Victoria, because she loves flowers and plants more than anyone I know. She thinks about them and talks about them and once this warm weather hits, her car is full of towering pots and containers full of ‘em! I think they bring her not only great joy, but peace.

I love this mix – marigold, petunia and snapdragon – because it’s so colourful and so beautifully packages. It comes in a large galvanized silver bucket with all of the ingredients, along with a pair of nice gardening gloves (The ones I got are pink! Victoria’s going to love them!). Now that’s a wonderful gift!

Not only are all of these gifts incredibly affordable, but so beautifully packaged. You can give them just as is, without worrying about having to wrap them and they are something that the person can eat or enjoy (don’t eat the flowers) while at home.

Potting Shed Creations, Ltd. makes beautifully packaged gardening options for those of us that live in small places and wonderful gifts that really, I think, are quite thoughtful, as the person thinks of you and your friendship every time they look at their plant!

I can’t say enough great things about Potting Shed Creations, Ltd.

They are simply the best.

Mmm!!!!!!! Summer Bags from KOCH, Hoyden and Lexie Barnes are Here, and Boy Are They Gorgeous!

It doesn’t matter how many bags I have, there’s always something else that’s going to fill that hole in my wardrobe.

I want a bag that will be small enough to carry just my wallet and keys, but dramatic enough that it will capture attention, and a bag that is big enough to carry my books, papers, magazines, water (and whatever I pick up along the way), but still look pretty.

It’s a tall order, I know, but I have found 3 companies that make the prettiest bags for every occasion that you should need!

I have only recently become aware of KOCH Handbags, but I can’t get over how beautiful they are! How could I not have known about them?! We have so much catching up to do!

Their slogan is “Bags to Pack Life In,” which I truly appreciate. They make the prettiest purses, clutches and even pencil cases, but these you can actually use, unlike some beautiful bags.

I got a Maya Leather Pencil Bag that doesn’t have to just store pencils (who uses pencils anyway? I haven’t since grade 6). The interior is waterproof, so I’m thinking makeup wouldn’t be out of the question. Me? I’ve filled mine with pens, business cards, lip gloss, my little pack of digestive enzymes and my favourite lip moisturizer with SPF. See? it holds a lot. The thick, puffy leather exterior is just so sumptuous you almost want to bite it – it comes in soft mint colours: white, yellow and sky blue. I got the blue and I can’t get enough of its feel or look? In fact, I’d love it if they could make a jacket to match…

And the wide hearty zipper comes complete with a beautiful and delicate glass pull.

I have had a lot of pencil cases in my time – in fact, people just gave me 2 this year for presents – but this is by far the fairest of them all.

And for the most beautiful clutch in the world? The Theodore Clutch in Flame Hand-Printed Cotton (I couldn’t find a picture of it in cotton, but here it is in Bleached White Leather)

It is just the perfect size – long and elegant and streamlined, but oh-so-roomy inside! It has an incredibly soft ultrasuede lining and that lovely detailed glass pull on the interior zip pocket. The colour is a soft gold with kind of a dark coral design. It is incredibly modern and chic and well, I can’t wait to use it!

I’m going out with my best friend tonight – we’re going for a walk and then for dinner. It will be perfect!

And I love Hoyden for Life’s Tote Bags and Accessories!

They are durable and meant to be used (unlike most totes that I use and are completely wrecked after only 3 months of being used to carry groceries and books from the library), but look so great!

I love the patterns and colours they create and each season is different! You can see the Fall Collection here. See what I mean? Simply wonderful!

They don’t have their summer ones available on the website, but you can view them all here.

The Emily Long Canvas Tote can hold up to a 17” laptop (it’s huge!) and has a padded side to keep it from getting damaged. The interior open pocket has 3 large compartments for keys, cellphone, iPod, etc. The tiny little flower design, complete with bounding bunny rabbit is so feminine and summery, you may want to get two! I also got the sweetest little cellphone holder in this pattern. Too cute!

I didn’t get the My Pleasure Laminated Tote but I did get the Zippy Case that goes with it. I love the modern design and the pea soup green of the flowers. I think it’s so fantastic that they designed it so that the zipper goes all the way around so you can actually see and access what’s inside. There’s also a ton of dividers and pockets to keep your stuff organized, including a large mesh pocket on the inside and a large pocket on the outside. You can use it for cosmetics or computer accessories and cables. But whatever you use it for, the case is going to make it look soooo good!

And for a really contemporary look, get the Mocking Bird Split Canvas Tote. I’ve never seen a split tote before, but man is it comfortable to wear and use! See, the short handles wouldn’t normally fit over your shoulder, but thanks to the innovative split design, you can wear it with great comfort and ease. Brilliant! And I love the modern striped with stamp printed birds in a tree. Tres of the moment. And there is a zippered pocket on the inside to keep your essentials.

But I think my favourite Hoyden Bag is the Money Penny Laminated Sling Tote, only because of it’s incredibly sweet ladybug design, the colours – soft blue, rose and black, the laminated outside for any weather (here, we need all the help we can get!) and thick minty blue woven strap with industrial silver hardware. Mmm! And there’s a zippered pocket too.

I can’t wait to try out their Fall Collection next!

And because I haven’t forgotten about those of you who schlep your laptops to and from the office or work out of your car (poor Cindy!), I’ve found great bags at Lexie Barnes!

I got the Superstar in Diablo, and I’ve got to say, it’s the largest bag I’ve ever seen. It’s so roomy, you could almost fit Cosmo, our 18 pound cat into it!

I love that it will hold anything that you could possibly need to bring with you. You can use it for work or the gym or as a carry-on. It suits your lifestyle, whatever that may be.

And to me, that’s really thinking!

The wild red and purple pattern is made from water-resistant taffeta with a nylon interior. And the pockets – well, they never end! There’s a large zippered one in the front and a slim one in the back. There’s 5 inside and 2 inside. Wow! I love it! Padding on the bottom and back protect your laptop and other essentials and the adjustable, padded, non-slip shoulder strap allows you to carry a ton of stuff without the strap digging into your shoulder and leaving you lopsided for days. And a hidden pocket gives you and only you access to your keys or ID or whatever you want to keep in there.

This bag is going to rock your world. No more slugging 4 bags across the parking lot (poor Cindy!).

I am going to have a fantastic summer, thanks to all of these rockin’ bags!

I know that people think that women’s love of bags is all about appearances and being shallow, but thanks to KOCH Handbags , Hoyden for Life and Lexie Barnes, I can carry what I need to wherever I am, whatever the occasion and still look good. I think that’s pretty priceless, don’t you?

I Am Lookin’ Great Thanks to Estēe Lauder!

Last summer I rocked Estēe Lauder and this season I am loving what Estēe Lauder has to offer!

They always create something different, so I am always excited to see what they do next.

This summer, it’s all about bronze, hot pink and golden shimmers – tres sexy!

Let’s start with the foundation:

Estēe Lauder’s NEW Double Wear Light Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10 is a liquid foundation that’s sheer, yet gives you the coverage you need! It hydrates without adding shine and you can wear it up to 15 HOURS without it wearing off! Now don’t you love a makeup that stands up to whatever your day entails?!

And what’s especially incredible is that somehow, some way, it looks like you’re not wearing foundation at all – your skin just looks picture perfect all of a sudden! It looked good on both my skin and my friend Allison’s. Odd – two completely different skin tones and yet we looked amazing. Completely flawless! It just sinks in and magically makes you look like the very best you.

Is there any way to buy this by the barrel?

It comes in 6 shades (like I said, Allison and I were able to wear the same colour) and is oil-free, non-acnegenic and dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested.

Another great option is the Resilience Lift Extreme Ultra Firming Crème Compact Makeup SPF 15. It allows you to touch-up throughout the day and gives you the coverage you need, without all the weight. It also firms your skin as you wear it and provides “a protective calming shield to help skin combat the visible effects of daily environmental stressors and sun exposure.” Now that’s plain wonderful!

After using it, you’ll notice your skin is more radiate and it seems firmer, with less wrinkles.

Now that’s how you want to look this summer, isn’t it?

And to keep your summer glow sumptuous and warm, I suggest the Estēe Lauder Bronze Goddess Collection!

The Pure Colour Eyeshadows give you an amazing metallic look that is great during the day or evening! The LIMITED EDITION Blushing Goddess is a beautifully warm, pink pearl colour that I think is a shade that will look good on any skintone. I also got Seabreeze, which is a soft blue grey that makes me think of moonlit walks along the beach and dinner and drinks on the patio – mmm!

And for the lips, Pure Colour Gloss gives me the high shine I want, without the stickiness. It goes on smooth and stays that way – Hurray! – and is said to make your lips more supple with continued use over time. Makes your cheap drugstore lip gloss seem moot, doesn’t it?

I got the LIMITED EDITION Fuschia, which is so hot. You’ll see this colour dominate clothes, makeup and nails this season. Don’t miss out!

If you’re more of a lipstick girl, wait ‘til you see what Estēe Lauder has created!

The Bronze Goddess Sheer Lip Tint SPF 15 comes in Fuschia and Bronze, and offers just a light tint and delivers a ton of moisture (Vitamins C and E, plus emollient Shea Butter) along with protection (SPF 15).

And don’t forget the beautiful signature fluted case, “topped with a gleaming cabochon with the look of tortoiseshell.” Gorgeous!

And for a long-lasting look, Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick is the way to go.

Coral Reef and Newport Rose gave me a fresh mouth that was just enough colour to make me look good and pinks that only flattered my pale skin.

And from the White Linen Collection, the Lip Shaping Gloss Pencil is revolutionary in that it delivers gloss through a pencil! You can wear it on its own or underneath your gloss or lipstick! Brilliant! I got Sheer Fuschia and wear it EVERY DAY! I can’t get enough of it! Also from the White Linen Collection, my Pure Colour Ultralight Gloss in Sparkling Shell gives my lips a sexy sheer look and feel incredibly light!

For lining my eyes, I am swooning over the Artist's Eye Pencil. It is creamy, but not messy. Soft but firm lines make my green eyes sing (especially since I got Newport Blue - great name)! The smudger included on the opposite end of the pencil makes for a very sexy look.

And have you seen Estēe Lauder’s Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara? You can remove it with warm water and cleanser, yet it will stay put (even during humidity and sweating!), thanks to jellified water of all things! The Lash Extender Brush has two intertwining layers of micro-fiber bristles so that you get each and every lash, from base to tip.

And I’ve switched my perfume to Estēe’s Pure White Linen Light Breeze for these warmer months!

It is one of those amazing fragrances that make you feel clean and fresh and lightly perfumed – nothing too heavy here!

Wet Citrus notes of luscious Bergamot, Orange Zest and White Grapefruit combine with Darjeeling Tea, colorful florals and sheer woods - What that translates to, is a citrusy, floral scent that is fresh and young and oozes summer fun!

I love Estēe Lauder and the new collections! I think you will too.

Let the warm weather and good times begin!

Earth Therapeutics Clean + Cool Line Keep My Tootsies Looking – and Feeling – Great!

Ahh. It’s finally sandal weather!

It feels so good to get out of those boots I’ve been wearing all winter long and get my feet out into the open!

I’ve pulled out all of my summer sandals but my feet need a little help before showing off my tender little tenders – it was a long, long winter.

I’ve found everything I need from Earth Therapeutics.

First, I used The Pedicure-To-Go Kit.

It is wildly inexpensive - $6.99 – and offers a whole set of premium quality, professional grade implements, all in a travel case that you can take with you anywhere!

It’s got everything – a stainless steel toenail clipper, stainless steel cuticle trimmer, angled, reusable plastic cuticle pusher (a nice change from those wood ones) and a three surface nail file.

After fixing my nails, I gave my feet a wipe with Clean + Cool Foot Wipes. They come 15 sheets to a package and thanks to tea tree oil and wild mint, they instant cool and refresh your feet! It’s weird, but they actually feel completely cool on your feet – how do they do that? The wipes come in a resealable pouch so you can take them with you or just use them as needed, without worrying about them drying out!

I think with how hot this summer’s going to be, these are going to be a must-have to keep your feet feeling fresh and revived!

And to tend to your cracked heels, Earth Therapeutics Cracked Heel Repair turns your feet from gnarly, thick monsters to beautiful little things, thanks to antiseptic Tea Tree Oil and thick Shea Butter. And feel free to use it on your elbows, knees and hands – you’ll be smooth all over! There’s no mineral oil, paraffin wax or animal products, so you can feel good about using it too!

So now that my feet are sandal-ready, the only question remains – gold, cork-heeled wedge sandals or pink crocodile (fake, of course) slides?

Fischer & Wieser Specialty Foods Makes the Most Tantalizing Sauces & Marinades!

I have been cooking up a storm this winter and spring.

It’s weird. I don’t know what’s got into me. I’m out reviewing restaurants 4 or 5 nights a week, so shouldn’t I be sick of food, of not wanting to even get near the kitchen?

Nope. It seems that interviewing chefs and tasting some of the city’s best food has only propelled me closer to the stove and wanting to cook up a feast for my folks, fella, friends and neighbours.

So lately I have been shopping for organic meats, unusual produce and trying my hand at more complicated recipes and trying to marinate my meat at least a day in advance.

For me, that means a lot of time and planning, which can be difficult with my schedule, but I think the results are worth it!

So I got Fischer & Wieser’s The Original Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce, and marinated a turkey breast with it, as kind of a modern nod to Thanksgiving. It has a lovely sweet, spicy and smoky flavour and was a really nice change from the usual suspects of sauces that are on my grocer’s shelves. I may do that dish again for my next dinner party…

But have you tried their Havana Mojito Oven & Grill Sauce? (scroll down the page past the chipotle sauce…)

Oh-mawh-gawd!

After marinating organic pork chops in it and broiling them just to a delicate tenderness, I served them up to my fella with boiled mini potatoes, blanched green beans and a mixed salad, expecting the usual nod of appreciation and a clean plate at meal's end.

A guttural cry seeped out of him and for a moment, I thought he’d bit his cheek or tongue or pierced his hand with his fork.

I leapt outta my seat and just as I was about to step towards him, he yelped again, only this time, I realized it was pure elation and satisfaction.

Not only does this amazing concoction have real white rum, fresh mint and mangoes, but my guy couldn’t stop saying how good it was!

He also said it was one of the best meals he’s ever had.

If that’s not just about the best testimonial you can get…

As a young single girl, I had no problems with using jarred pasta sauces. Though it was the early nineties and things were a lot more processed back then, I was too busy working, dancing and having fun then spending a Sunday afternoon over a pot of tomatoes and spices.

Then I met my guy and he couldn’t believe people didn’t take the few small steps to make a homemade sauce.

Huh.

He was right.

So I stopped buying sauces and I made them each and every time.

But now with organic and homemade products being the quality they are, I do succumb to a sauce if it looks really, really good.

And WOW, are Mom’s Organic Sauces great!

Simple, yet rich and bursting with fresh flavours, these are the kinds of sauces that you’ll want to stock the cupboards with.

Even my fella had to admit that they were pretty fantastic.

Mom's Organic Traditional Pasta Sauce (scroll down the page) is made from organic tomatoes, organic onions, fresh, whole organic basil leaves and organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil and is perfect not just on rigatoni or in baked ziti but beautiful over veal cutlets, underneath roast chicken and potatoes and served alongside your Mediterranean omlette and salad.

And don’t forget Mom's Organic Roasted Pepper Pasta Sauce, which is bursting with that body that only roasted red peppers can create. I used this on everything – sandwiches, with sausage and peppers and even baked on fresh halibut. Mmm!

I can’t get over the quality of ingredients and fresh taste of Fischer & Wieser’s Specialty Foods!

In fact, they’re sauces are so good that I’m back to being a jar girl after all! That means I’m still back at the stove, but just not for quite as long.

And seeing the weather outside today, I’m grateful for the extra time – I’m going to go ask my fella if he wants to take a stroll.

Good food, good company… it just doesn’t get any better than that.

DaysAgo Digital Day Counter Saves My Leftovers – And My Sanity!

Last week was my fella’s birthday and we ending up having about 20 people over. I had cooked all day to make sure people had enough food while consuming wine, beer and cocktails.

While there wasn’t much left, I did package up some of the pasta, salads and the few remaining chicken pieces for us to have for lunches over the weekend.

Then the weekend came and I was out reviewing restaurants and going to a late night film festival with one of my favourite friends.

By mid-week, I had so many containers full of food that I didn’t know what was from when. Our fridge was bursting with leftovers, but how long ago did I make the lamb shanks with orzo and what night was it that I brought home Mediterranean fare from that uptown restaurant?

Our fridge is always full of food, but it can be a real mess with me cooking at home and then eating out so much. I tried setting up a system of putting things in the back first, but then they ended up just sitting back there until way past their expiry date.

So of course I was thrilled to find DaysAgo, a digital day counter that tells you exactly what day you put in the fridge and then you can decide when it’s time to throw it out.

It counts up to 99 days – more than enough – and comes in both magnetic, suction and band options. You don’t have it use them for just food, but of course for me, this is where it’s most useful.

You can use it on jars of condiments so that you know when you first opened it (I can’t honestly say how long that jar of hot mustard has been there, but it’s outlasted most things in our fridge’s door…).

Ever since we’ve had days ago, I’ve been feeling a lot more relaxed when I go to the fridge. I don’t have to try and remember when I did everything. Life’s too busy to stress about whether the chicken piccata is still good!

Buy yours here. You won’t believe what a saving grace it is.

Listening to Music Just Got A Whole Lot Better Thanks To ifrogz’s Accessories!

I don’t know if you know this, but I rock out at my desk most of the week. I have my ear buds on, my music cranked and sometimes I’m so moved by the beat, that I get up outta my chair and dance for a song or two!

I know that a writer should probably be a little more serious but I can’t help myself. I am a slave to the beat.

But what I noticed was that the sounds of living in downtown were seeping in. I had to keep turning the music up to wash out the sounds of the clunking trucks going by, the occasional siren and the bus’s hydraulic whoosh every 5 minutes was messing with my Kat DeLuna, Thievery Corporation or Clipse.

But ifrogz’s Earpollution D-33 Heaphones fixed all of that.

Often you see noise isolating properties in big cylindrical headphones, but not often in a bud that fits securely in your ear!

They come in a variety of colours (I got pretty in pink) and includes a sweet little hard case that’s fantastic for traveling – and finding in amongst your stuff – along with 3 ear fits so that you can find a size that’s comfortable just for you, which is fantastic, as my fella and I need different sizes.

They deliver such a great sound – have you heard the first track off of Mariah’s latest? She hits the highest note - you’ll think you’re listening to feedback somehow or that your player has just died (The album though is good, it’s just that first note…).

And the little ifrogz radioactive symbol on them just oozes uber-cool.

To carry your iPod or mp3 player, along with the rest of your essentials, get ifrogz’s Metrobagz.

It is a fantastic way to listen to music and keep all of your most important stuff close at hand.

It comes is a host of colours (I got pink to match my headphones) and has a headphone port at the top so that you can slip your headphone cord through and listen to your tunes comfortably while walking, hiking or working out.

I have been known to stuff mine with my wallet, passport (it’s a great travel bag!), phone, camera, notebook and pen, gum and baby carrots along with my mp3 player full of good tunes! There are 3 pockets, one especially for your player and a nice big rubber zipper pull, so you can always get to your stuff easily.

The bottom of the bag has a water-resistant rubber casing, so you can set it down and not worry about it getting all messed up and the adjustable, removable strap allows you to wear it how it’s most comfortable for you. There is also reflective striping along the front, so you can use it while riding your bike, walking or running and feel safe.

ifrogz has so much to offer, but for me, I’ll always be most grateful to them for helping me to rock out - at my desk while writing and on the go.

Zinke Design’s Wishing Well Box is the Most Exquisite Way to Say Thank You!

As you know, I love a good thank you note. Something that really speaks from the heart.

Well, Zinke Design has created the ultimate in their Wishing Well Box.

It contains 150 thick 4 x 6 notecards and a lovely, elegant silver pen that invites guests to write something to the host or bride and groom that expresses their well wishes and gratitude.

This is perfect for your upcoming wedding, anniversary/birthday party or event.

It is beautifully packaged in an olive and mocha box and on the box’s cover, there is a place to put a photo or saying or whatever you wish to share with your guests.

I know a number of folks getting married this summer and fall and think this is just a lovely way for people to share their feelings of joy with you, instead of trying to cram in all into those little spaces in the guest book.

And it certainly doesn’t have to be a wedding only accessory. I am going to use one at my book launch in February and think it would be perfect for any large event - maybe even the launch of a product or the introduction of a new service where people can leave their comments and/or suggestions with the management.

I think it is truly a classy idea and hope that I see the Wishing Well Box at the weddings and events I attend throughout the next few seasons.

In the meantime:

I’d like to thank you for continuing to read and support my blog and please know that your comments and suggestions are always appreciated.

Many thanks and warmest wishes,

Stephanie

If only this was on a pretty card…

I’m Loving Kimberly Sayer of London’s Face Care Line!

Kimberly Sayer has created affordable, yet high quality skincare products for your face.

And as a daughter of organic farmers, she has made sure that all of her products contain “ingredients grown on organic soil including soy, sea algae and rare Ugandan shea butter, along with pure essential oils including lavender flower and rose, natural anti-oxidants and powerful vegetable proteins, such as her patented ingredient Plant Psuedocollagen.”

So you know you’re getting the good stuff here, and all at the fraction of the price of other organic lines – woo hoo!

Her Gentle Face Cleanser (to view the products highlighted, scroll down the Kimberly Sayer website page until the product comes into view) uses soy, seaweed and lavender oil to suck out all the gunk your face has been carrying around. It worked on removing all of my makeup, including my wet eyeliner that is always tough to get off! It’s really gentle and didn’t dry my skin in the least, like some cleansers. I love the fresh lavender smell and found it very refreshing to use.

The Ultra Light Facial Moisturizer-SPF25 is incredibly light and I love that it’s got a high SPF right in it so you don’t have to remember to apply it later before stepping out!

It sinks in immediately and really renewed my skin upon impact! It has a light lemony scent that is not at all overpowering. I really felt good using a natural product on my skin and I saw my skin smooth out in just a few days.

And you’re going to love the Cellular Extract Eye Lift Gel, which contains Plant Pseudocollagen (glycoprotein)- “a living plant derived yeast that in nature actually holds plants in their upright postion – to bind moisture on the cellular level, creating a firmer, younger looking appearance.”

I love how gentle, yet effective this was and how easily absorbed, yet not at all greasy the gel was.

It really worked on the bags under my eyes after staying up late working on articles, hosting a birthday party for my fella and a late night dinner at a restaurant that went until 1 in the morning! Talk about testing a product’s claims!

It soothed the areas around my eyes and those fine lines softened to almost nothing!

Kimberly Sayer’s Skincare Line is not only effective, but natural. I feel really good about that.

I think you will too.

See the whole collection here.

Turn Notcturnal’s Tees Are Simply Gorgeous!

Jack and Matt of Turn Nocturnal design and make t-shirts that totally rock my world!

They take type seriously, just when I thought I was the only one that is affected by fonts! I love their HUGE TYPE LOOKS SWEET tee (and they’re so right) along with their amazing SANS-SERIF tee that is so lovely, it makes me want to weep.

I got the TURN THE CITY one though, which is printed on a soft cotton American Apparel T.

It’s black rough-hewn strokes - almost Japanese in style, of tall buildings with a bold orange swath and makes me think of downtown - Downtown Toronto, downtown New York, any downtown really.

And really, this tee is the most me. Because I have always a city girl and as I get older, it’s the city’s core that I’m drawn to, that I take advantage of via transit and by foot. Although I have remained in the city my whole life, I still look up to tall buildings and remark on their structures. I am still fascinated by the bricks and concrete that holds together our restaurants, banks and shops.

And while I continue to refuse plastic bags, shop locally and try to reduce my own environmental footprint, I am a city girl through and through.

A little card and tiny button fall out of the package my shirt came in. A beautiful silhouette of a moth adorns each and the card says, “we love to make clothing. we hope you love to wear it.”

Are you kidding?! This is my favourite shirt, the one that says, “This is me – city girl – and I’m proud of it!”

I know everyone’s moving to the suburbs and growing their own food. I get that.

But me, I’m staying firmly planted in all of the white noise that is the city, amidst all the traffic and roaring buses and crammed in the underground with all the other city folks traveling further downtown via subway.

For me, there is no better place to be.

And I’ve got the beautiful shirt to prove it.

5 Products to Make Travel Easier- Finally!

My best friend Wayne starts a new job tomorrow (after being laid off from a big high-tech firm only 2 weeks ago), which is going to involve a lot of travel, something that he has done very little of up until now.

My friend Cindy is moving to Toronto from London, but may still have to work in London for awhile so she’ll be commuting back and forth, poor thing.

So this got me to thinking – how can I make travel easier for these folks, and you too? And I’m hoping to do way more travelling this year and next for writing, so I went in search of some items to help you navigate between home and work and home and the rest of your life. I hope it helps.

Safe travels!

Stephanie Dickison
Publisher & Editor - the knack

I like to have a nice luggage tag that I can identify easily. Our luggage is black, as you may have noticed is everyone else’s, so a nice bright tag that I can see makes all the difference in the world to me in managing my travel stress.

Mighty Tags Eco Friendly Luggage Tags are super strong, reusable luggage labels that are environmentally responsible, “with 25% of their material coming from recycled milk and water containers” and are 100% recyclable.

They also are incredibly inexpensive – about $10 for a package of 10 – and come in fun designs like “That’s Mine!” and “Not Yours” and ones depicting passport stamps, air mail envelopes and graffiti to mention just a few. It’ll make it easy to spot which bag is yours, which really, is one of the best things that can happen to you when you’ve been waiting at the luggage turnstile all that time.

I also like Espe’s luggage tags, which are 100% animal-friendly and cruelty-free. Everything they make is made of a durable synthetic leather that “wears well even during harsh Canadian winters.” Gotta love that they think ahead! I got a pretty pink one with pears on it (Frutti Lug) – but I love the one with the kitty on it (Meow Lug) and the beautiful bird on a branch (Peace Lug) and the cross-hatched design of Code Lug. So many to choose, you might just want to get one of each!

And for taking with you on the plane or in your bag, I recommend TowTabs. They come in a tube package like Rolaids, but just a bit bigger and each package contain 10 facecloth-sized towels that plump up as soon as you add just a few drops of water! You can use them after a meal (so luxurious!) or on the plane to freshen up or to wipe down your bags after they’ve been rolling around the bottom of the plane for 10 hours.

The uses for these amazing little puppies is endless, but it gets even better – they are made of pure, all-natural fiber pulp, are free from chemicals and perfumes and are biodegradable, recyclable and reusable!

Once you’ve tried them, TowTabs will become as essential as your packing enough underwear and remembering your passport!

And as you know, I travel with a lot of technology (and it doubles when my fella comes along!), so I am always in need of keeping my smartphone, computer, mp3 player (and every other gadget I’ve got going on) charged.

I found all I need in the iGo everywhere and iGo powerXtender.

The everywhere is perfect for my smartphone and my fella’s cell and our combined bunch of mp3 players. It has up to an 8 watt power output and charges fast, which is really what you need most of the time, don’t you find? You go to call someone and you’ve got one bar left and you wonder if you’re going to be able to make it without the call being disconnected!

You just get the tips that work with your devices and attach them to the iGo. Ready-to-use customized charging! Woo hoo!

It comes with wall (AC) and car (DC) units, so you can use them in the hotel or on the drive to the restaurant (thank goodness!). There is also a lovely retractable cord and travel organizer to keep everything tidy, which you know you need when you’re carrying so much around with you!

The powerXtender is perfect if you can’t use standard power outlets – like you’re overseas or at a table with your bosses and can’t exactly find a way to excuse yourself to plug your phone in near the kitchen. Using just 2 AA batteries, it charges almost any mobile device, so go ahead and plug in your digital camera, Bluetooth headset, smartphone, PSP – whatever you need to get you through the day!

And iGo now carries power adapters to charge your laptop, which is so fantastic and for which I am eternally grateful, being a writer and all…

And to keep all of your travel goodies together, whether it’s your makeup, shampoo or even computer cables and accessories, get a stylish, eco-friendly, vegan, handmade ilsa cosmetics bag from Sparrow Handbags.

You’re going to love it not only because it’s handmade in British Columbia, it’s made out of cruelty-free, 100% organic and sustainable materials, but it is just a gorgeous custom screen print that will go with everything! It is also incredibly thickly padded (mmm!) with a long zipper pull that allows you to open it even if it’s at the bottom of your bag (which is where mine always ends up no matter how carefully I pack). You can also get a lot into it – it’s one of the bigger, yet not bulky cosmetic bags I’ve seen, and certainly one of the prettiest. I got mine in snow, but love every colour equally!

I love everything designer Marlene Bryce has created with sparrow. I’m actually thinking I’ll need a new purse for my next trip…

The Hook and Go Is A Wonderful Way to Cart Your Groceries Home Without Smushing Everything and It Stores Oh-So-Easily!

One of the frustrating things about food shopping is that I need to make a lot of stops.

I go to the St. Lawrence Market for pasta from Domino’s, lamb and seafood from various vendors and organic goodies from both up and downstairs.

Then I head over to Kensington to get some empanadas for my fella, tea and dry goods from the health food store and tofu noodles from Little Tokyo.

And that’s just on a Saturday morning.

You should see my grocery shop in my area. 3 stores for main goods, vegetable stand for produce… it is a whole lot of walking and carrying.

I have been shopping like this since I was 17 and first started cooking everyday, and I have been through my share of carts, bags and systems and while some of worked, they all eventually break or wear out and they have ALL taken up a whack of room, which for an apartment dweller such as myself, is always a problem!

But then I found the Hook and Go and all of my shopping problems simply went away!

It is a shopping cart that takes up little room, hangs all of your bags easily without smushing things on top of everything like traditional carts. It makes stopping and shopping a breeze!

First of all, it folds into a slim 31” long piece that you can actually put in your front closet with all of your bulging coats and tall boots and it will fit! That means you can store it will ease no matter how small your space and you won’t have to donate all of your clothing in order to make it fit.

It carries up to 70 pounds of weight. Now I’m not sure if that sounds like a lot to you, but I really had not idea how much that was. But I can tell you that my first time using it was to go and get party supplies, drinks and food for my fella’s birthday party a couple of night’s ago and boy did I put it to the test!

I had 4 liters of pop, 2 club packages of chicken, jars upon jars and bottles of sauces, condiments and cans of various accouterments, not to mention a huge plant, vegetable tray, fruit tray and the cake. I had about 14 bags – very heavy bags – going and it handled everything beautifully. I even had a carton of eggs, which remained break-free thanks to the side-by-side hanging design of the Hook and Go!

It is fantastic– you just unfold it and slide the bag over the hooks and continue on! You don’t have to shift bags around or constantly rearrange the heavy stuff around your more delicate purchases. You don’t have to do what I’ve been doing these last months and try to carry everything in totes over your shoulder - I’d get home with these huge welts on my shoulder. I’d be in pain for days.

The Hook and Go has solved all of my shopping-without-a- car problems. I am absolutely thrilled and completely welt free!

Woo hoo!

I’m off to get a few ingredients for tonight’s dinner - I’m making my fella lamb shanks and orzo for a belated birthday dinner, so I’m going to pick up some fresh parsley, roma tomatoes and lovely green asparagus.

Mmm. I can’t wait!

Maybe now that I have my cart, I’ll pick up some of the heavy stuff too – we’re low on laundry detergent, cat litter, potatoes. ..

It's so nice to be able to shop with ease now. I can't believe what a difference my Hook and Go makes!

Ahhh... this is the life!

3 Easy Steps to Better Health!!

With the craziness of life, it can sometimes be hard to make sure that you’re eating 3 balanced meals a day. It’s a nice idea for sure, but it can’t always be done.

So here are a few things to help you get through the day – and on to better health!

Warmest wishes,

Stephanie Dickison
Publisher & Editor of the knack

Salba

They call it “Nature’s most powerful whole food,” so you know it packs a healthy punch!

This ancient grain has the richest source of Omega 3’s found in nature. It is gluten-free and it has 7 times more vitamin C than an orange! It has a ton of calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium and is filled with antioxidants. It contains disease-fighting proteins and has more beneficial fiber than any other natural source.

You can buy it whole or ground and sprinkle it on cereal and salads. Mix it into pastas and stews. Blend it into your morning smoothie or get Salba’s Krispy Rice, Flats and Breadsticks and see your energy increase and your body begin to feel good!

It’s just a small thing to do everyday, but the benefits will be great!

Vega Whole Good Smoothie Infusion

Chances are your smoothies are good, but could be better.

This Smoothie Infusion gives you raw, organic superfoods in each serving. If you’re skeptical about how much more it can improve your drink, check this out. It provides:

more protein than 2 large eggs
more fiber than 2 slices of whole wheat bread
more Omega 3 than 6 oz of wild salmon

Here are the ingredients:

Yellow pea protein, organic hemp protein, organic sprouted flax seeds, organic brown rice protein, organic green food blend (spirulina, organic wheat grass, organic alfalfa grass, organic barley grass, organic spinach, organic sprouted broccoli, organic kale, organic kelp, organic dulse), inulin (from chicory root), natural flavors, xanthan gum.

Doesn't that sound good?

Just a few spoonfuls every morning will have you feeling like you’ve just got your batteries charged. And don’t worry - it won’t make your strawberry smoothie taste all grassy.

You’re going to love this stuff!

Also check out the Vega line of whole foods.

Amazing Grass Organic Wheat Grass Drink Powder

All you need to do is mix 1 tablespoon of this into your juice, water or smoothie and this concentrated food source has everything you could need for more energy and better health – beta-carotene, calcium, chlorophyll, fiber, iron, protein, vitamins K, C, B-12, B-6, folic acid, trace minerals and contains all essential amino acids.

I like it just in a small glass on its own. It’s a really intense shot of green, but boy does it make me feel alive!

Also be sure to try their Green SuperFood Drink Powder, which is pretty yummy, and and Superfood for Kids – in Chocolate, which my neighbour Darren, whose in his thirties can’t get enough of!