Start Your Holiday Shopping Off Right With Nepali by TDM!

I don't want to scare you, but it's seriously only a month until Christmas.

I know! How did it get to be this time of year already? And while I bought my cards last month, I feel like I'm already behind. And I haven't even started my gift list, so I thought I'd help us both out by suggesting a winner to get us started off with a bang.

You can't lose with these gems! I'll have more of these kinds of lists over the next 30 days, so stay tuned!

**Nepali by TDM Design**

One company has managed to combine affordability with style, quality, beauty and with a commitment to people and the environment.

NEPALI by TDM Design creates the most beautiful scarves and shawls, handmade in Nepal.

What is extraordinary about NEPALI by TDM Design is that they work "directly with predominantly women cottage industries in Nepal to support women weavers and women craftsmanship in Nepal." This means that Nepalese women and their families are getting a sustainable income.

So not only are they creating a beautiful product, it's helping people as well!

And isn't that a great way to give this holiday season?

There are so many designs to choose from that you'll be sure to find something for everyone on your list.

- The Fall & Winter Collection offers the Cloe - Cashmere Loop Scarf that will not only keep you warm but looks great whether you're rocking a LBD or a pair of jeans and tee!

- The Masino Due Scarf - Starry Night is romantic and modern, yet completely luxe - hand-dyed silk chiffon is edged in merino felt. Oh my!

- And I got the completely original Scrunchy Cashmere Scarf, that wraps so naturally around you. The scrunchy ruffles transforms your look from everyday to high end runway! It's like wearing a statement around your neck: a statement that says fashion, quality and the environment mean something to you. You can see why I never want to take it off!

The scarves and shawls are made from natural materials such as silk, cashmere, bamboo, modal and wool and eco-friendly azo-free dyes, so you can feel good about them as well. No synthetics here!

And they come in a host of colours and patterns, so either match it to your current style or be bold and daring and get something outside of your comfort zone! And be sure to stock up for friends and family too!

Nepali by TDM Design - it's the best kind of gift - to give or receive!

Carry It With Style & Ease With Priscilla Woolworth, SPIbelt and Stelton!

Do you feel like you're carrying more than ever?

Now that plastic bags have been outted, I feel like I need a bag for every purpose.

Thankfully, I have found incredible, affordable bags that will suit every occasion.

Come and check them out!

**Priscilla Woolworth**

This awesome eco-friendly general store has fantastic bags made from recycled materials!

I got the wonderful Priscilla Woolworth Market Bag that Priscilla designed herself!

She writes:

"I designed this market bag because I wanted a bag I could take with me everywhere, and be able to fill it up with whatever I bought. like food, books, hardware store bits and pieces, or a purchase from a trendy boutique. It needed to be strong, in colors I love and be washable. It also boasts no graphics, writing or advertisements. The black one is made from recycled plastic and comes in a faux suede, for extra styling. Its just a simple and chic bag to carry just about anything you want."

It's 17 x 14, which means it really does hold everything (and as you know, I carry EVERYTHING with me and walk EVERYWHERE, which means it gets road-tested like no other).

It's perfect, whether you're a city or country girl!

And the Rubber Pencil Case, made from reclaimed bike inner tubes, is not only eco-conscious, but stands up to my constant need for pens, highlighters and such! Now I don't have to constantly root around the bottom of my purpose, desperate to take down a number or information before it's too late (or more commonly, before I forget...).

What I love about these is not only are they reducing my carbon footprint, but they look damn good!

Who says eco bags have to look like potato sacks?

Get yourself beautiful wares at Priscilla Woolworth!

**SPIbelt**

The SPIbelt is a unique product.

Holding only the smallest of items, it allows you to carry the essentials without adding the bulk of a bag - and being hands-free, which sometimes is such a tremendous relief!

Great for running, walking, going on errands, it does not slip or shift, so you can be as active as you like without worrying about your stuff flying all around.

So carry your phone, keys, some money and your mp3 player without having to lug a purse around for once.

Feel confident that your items will be close and safe and walk and shop handsfree.

And you can do it all with the sleek SPIbelt (there are a ton to choose from!) without having to resort to the awfully embarrassing fanny pack of yore!

Woo woo!

**Stelton**

Stelton is know for their beautiful housewares, but you should check out their great bags!

I got their Black Graffiti Shopper and it's got a thick plastic handle that it tucks into, but also makes it comfortable to carry even the heaviest items (It holds up to 10 kg - you should see how many books I've piled into this puppy!). This means no more handles cutting into your hands!

Carrying this one plastic/nylon bag replaces over 5 plastic bags, can be reused over and again and it's easy to clean.

Oh, and the graffiti look means that you'll look cool whether you're picking up something lovely like new cooking magazines or something as ordinary as toilet paper.

Stelton R-O-C-K-S!

The First Installment of The Friday 5!!

Over at my beloved Pan Magazine, we have a Friday 5, which I'm going to add here at the knack.

It'll be a quick shot of 5 of my favourite new finds for the week - just in time for the weekend!

This week, I'm doing a little bit of everything to start it off.

And don't forget to sign up to get the knack delivered daily in your inbox - that way, you won't miss a single thing!

Many thanks and big hugs,

Stephanie

Stephanie Dickison
Publisher & Editor - the knack

The Friday 5 - November 20, 2009

1. Smudgees

Let's be honest: my eye makeup has looked a little rough many a time, but now I've found the perfect solution - Smudgees!

These individually packaged wands have pre-moistened tips with a specially made eye-makeup remover that's alcohol and oil free, which means you can freshen up your look wherever you are whether you've just made a run for your plane or you've just emerged from a heavy makeup session in the car!

These tiny little wonders can tuck into your purse, pocket or clutch - they're so tiny! - and don't require you to use any water at all.

No matter what the occasion - a tearful wedding, a windy day, a hard day at the office runnin' around - Smudgees have got you covered.

And lookin' good!

2. CordFits

There is little more that's frustrating than pulling out my mp3 player outta my purse to listen to and my earphones being so tangled that it takes me 5 minutes to unravel it all.

That's why I'm lovin' CordFits.

You can keep your cord neatly wound up and can also customize the cord length, which is a feature that you don't see too often. Look and see how to shorten and lengthen to suit your needs.

Now I can listen to my music without hassle.

Ahhh... that's much better, thanks to CordFit!

3. Scandle Body Candle

Lookin' to rev things up in the bedroom this weekend?

Get yourself the Scandle Candle and envelop yourself in the sweet scent (I got Fig & Brown Sugar) as it burns and then enjoy it as it turns into massage oil that you can then enjoy, either on your own or with someone!

It's made from cosmetic grade soy oil instead of traditional waxes, so you get a warm, moisturizing feel with no waxy residue or other gross side effects. It doesn't emit toxins while it's burning, it's biodegradable, water soluble, and the 10 oz. size lasts for 10 full body massages.

Which means you'll have enough to get you through the holidays and back to work feeling relaxed and rejuvenated for once!

4. Softress

Now that the winter weather has arrived, it's time to start moisturizing your skin and your hair.

And now you can do it all at once place - Softress.

Take Love Your Hair for example. This deep conditioner detangles while giving you exceptional shine, a nice antidote to the winter frizzies and dullness, wouldn't you say?

And SoftHands soothes your dry hands and ravaged cuticles with vitamin-rich oils and antioxidants such as sunflower seed, avocado and olive oil as well as vitamins C & E.

There's a whole range of products that will help keep your hair and skin moisturized through these upcoming cold months.

And don't you want to look supple and dewy amongst the crowd of washed out, dry faces?!

Check out all of their products and have a winter like no other!

5. Fresh Snack Pack

Plastic bags are a no-no, we know that. But what happens when you make your lunch or a snack to take to the office or on a roadtrip or simply want to pack something to have with you on a long journey or plane ride?

That's where the awesome Fresh Snack Pack comes in. The PVC-free plastic, non-toxic, reusable sandwich and snack bags not only keep your food safe and contained (love the velcro tabs!), but you get a built-in placemat with it, making eating on-the-go that much easier!

Easy to wash and dry, these little guys are non-wasteful, so affordable and they last and last.

Buy 'em in bulk, because one you start using them, you'll want to have one for everything - and everyone!

Nespresso Does It Again with the Citiz Collection!

I wrote about Nespresso last summer when they came out with the incredible home espresso machine, Essenza D90.

Now Nespresso has gone and done it again with the Citiz Collection!

The first thing you need to know about the new collection is that the machines are beautiful, sexy beasts that will compel visitors to your home to swoon and gawk away in your kitchen.

The second thing is that you can choose the basic Citiz for all of your coffee needs, or the Citiz & Milk, which is what we got.

The Citiz & Milk is fitted with an Aeroccino, that allows you to whip up any coffee and milk concoction - all with the single press of a button. Which, let's face it, is soooo much better than having one of those handheld frothers (please, like they really do much of anything) or set a pot on the stove and spend time watching it so that the milk doesn't burn.

And that, combined with with ease of use of the coffee capsules (I admit it - I'm completely addicted) means that finally when you are entertaining at home, you can serve fantastic espressos, cappuccinos and lattes and wow the crowd with no more than a press and push. Which means, you can spend time with your guests without having to spend hours in the kitchen fixing drinks. Ahhh...

And the sheer wonder of being able to have a couture cappuccino in your very own home without having to spend thousands of dollars on a machine and wield loose grounds and tamps and water temperatures and everything else that restaurants and coffeehouses have to deal with is pretty darn spectacular. A latte after dinner, an Americano when you get up - that's the life!

And it can be yours, because this machine is actually affordable, despite how fancy it looks and how great the coffees it creates. And it comes in a number of colours so you can go ahead and match your decor to a T, or get one that stands out from your current look. We got it in red - it looks like a Ferrari in our kitchen!

So create the life you want - the life filled with cappuccinos at the breakfast bar and espressos in the living room.

Doesn't that sound divine?

I can tell you that it absolutely is. Thanks to Nespresso Citiz.

3 Everyday Essentials from HappySocks, Enlyten & Soleo Organics

There are many things that we all need in order to get through the day - a good cuppa joe before heading out to the office, just 20 more minutes to work on an overdue report, a long hug from a good friend... you know what I mean.

I have a few things that you might just want to add to your essentials list. They've made it onto mine!

1. **Happy Socks**

Now that's it colder, I'm careful to bundle up. And more than any other time of year, I'm wearing socks to keep warm.

However, I have the saddest collection of socks - years old, they are drab and sad little monsters. When had I become so boring in my fashion sense?

That's until I found Happy Socks!

Bright, sprightly little guys that immediately made you smile and giggle, Happy Socks are a fun, affordable way to breathe life into your wardrobe!

These unisex socks are made of 80% combed cotton, 17% polyamide and 3% elastane, making them comfy and cozy, compared to those ones you got in the big bag of 12 at the department store- ech.

These high-quality socks are durable and comfortable (the toe seams are sewn by hand to guarantee a perfect fit and making sure there is no bulging happening at the toe!), as well as looking damn good!

I love how many designs there are to choose from! Stripes, polka dots, colour blocks - whatever you need, they've got 'em.

So make your socks a fun part of your wardrobe, finally, with Happy Socks!

2. **Enlyten Strips**

Gosh, with viruses swirling, the days getting darker, it's no wonder you're sluggish and weary.

But I have a quick and easy solution that you can keep right in your purse or on your desk - Enlyten Strips.

These tasty little wonders dissolve on your tongue, delivering whatever it is you need - energy, antioxidants, or perhaps sleep.

I keep them at my desk (and the melatonin one beside my bed) and whenever I need a little added oomph, I have 1-3 strips and I'm telling you - they work!

And they're affordable, too.

3. **Soleo Organics All Natural Sunscreen**

Just because it's November and it's dark out, doesn't mean you shouldn't be wearing sunscreen.

And why not use one of the best - Soleo Organics All Natural Sunscreen? It's suitable for all skin types, it has no chemical UV absorbers, titanium dioxide or synthetic preservatives.

So it's good for you, number 1.

Number 2, it doesn't leave your skin white despite it's active ingredient being zinc oxide, which means you can slather it on before heading out for the day and not look weird.

And 3, it's SPF 30+ and water resistant, so no matter what the occasion, you'll feel protected whether you're on holiday at the beach in a teeny-weeny bikini or bundled up out for a cool afternoon walk in the city.

Find a retailer near you and get Soleo Organics All Natural Sunscreen.

Satiate Your Paper Cravings with Sycamore Street Press, Chronicle Books & Paper Orchid!

You know how much I love paper and stationery.

And this right here is the good stuff, folks. Enjoy, indulge and get back to writing the old school way!

**Sycamore Street Press**

There is nothing more lovely than a letterpressed card. The old style of printing imbibed with new artists creating collections that will forever mean something to the recipient is something that cannot be duplicated with something from a mall.

And Kirk and Eva Jorgensen have created something spectacular with Sycamore Street Press.

The Owl Says Happy Birthday card from the Folk Collection is a great choice for the person who has mustard-coloured walls and collects tea towels from the 60s. And the little yellow Chubby Chick is the perfect find to celebrate a friend's new baby boy. And the Deepest Sympathy card with a laurel of blue flowers is delicate, yet moving - the perfect choice to show someone how much you care.

There are Lark and Pop Collections too, which give you different looks and styles to choose from.

Not only are these cards made with heart, soul and a ton of talent, they are made on a letterpress that doesn't have a motor or uses any electricity, they print on either 100% recycled, 30% PCW cardstock or 100% cotton paper (which is renewable, tree-free, and uses remnants from the garment industry),most of their envelopes contain at least 30% post consumer waste (PCW) content and they use non-toxic soy based inks.

These are cards that make you feel as good as the recipient. What a gift!

**Chronicle Books**

For the foodie in your life, Kitchen Sticky Notes are a dream. They can be used in the kitchen or office.

The modern graphics have a distinctly retro feel that makes them perfect for a cook of any age.

There are list-makers, recipes notes, beautiful graphics of spatulas, double broiler, wine glasses and cake stand, a to do set, page markers with "favourite," "quick & easy," and "great for kids" on them, and a large format shopping list, because as you know, all great meals start with the right ingredients.

And for those of you looking to add a little whimsy to your work area, The Small Object Sticky Notes are so much fun, don't be surprised if you wile away the entire morning adorning your file folders, daily planner and cards and envelopes with these crazy little sticker treasures!
Sarah Neuburger is the woman behind the designs at Small Object and she has created a little world of joy and wonder with these beauties.

The delight of adding stickers that say, "You're the best," and "Oh, boy. Holy Cow! This is for you. Open it now," and little graphics of smiling faces, hand-drawn flowers and labels for homemade goodies, books, envelopes and anything else you can think of is something that, perhaps as a serious business person, you would normally scoff at.

But I think you should give it a try, because it is damn fun and the amount of joy and smiles it will bring you and others is way beyond the inexpensive price tag!

Plus, your stuff will look waaay cooler with stickers on it!

**Paper Orchid Stationery**

Paper Orchid has a line of innovative laser cut products that include invitations, announcements, as well as accessories for weddings, birthdays and anniversaries.

Blah, blah, blah, right?

But no, wait. You've got to see these cards to understand the beauty and intricacy of paper cutting.

Check out these invitations - black roses, red roses on the vine, decorative heart.

See what I mean?

Utterly stunning. And isn't that what you want when you send out your invitations?

Get The Most Beautiful Eyes With Talika!

Talika specializes in making your eyes even more beautiful than they are.

Wouldn't it be nice to get rid of your mascara and false eyelashes for once and all

Lipocils Eyelash Conditioning Gel oughtta do it - use it for just 28 days and see your lashes lengthen up to 2.5 mm! Your eyelashes become thicker, fuller and a little glossy, which means you can skip all that lash maintenance finally.

What's amazing about this gel is:

1. It truly works, at least on me
2. It is easy to use - just apply using the built-in applicator brush
3. The natural formula is made from plant extracts and castor oil
3. It was created by Dr. Danielle Roches in 1948 to treat severe burn victims, but the side effect was that it stimulated eyelash and eyebrow growth.

Isn't that awesome?

The Eyebrow Lipocils works in the same manner - naturally thicker eyebrows in 28 days!

A number of years ago, an acquaintance gave me my first eyelash curler. I had never used one before, but what a difference it makes - your eyes become bigger and wider and your lashes all of a sudden look lengthier! So over the years, I have had various versions, but nothing as spectacular as Talika's Heated Eyelash Curler!

This silver beauty is so incredible - it heats up in 15 seconds, when bam! - your lashes are twice as curved! Using Japanese technology, it gently heats up enough to curl your lashes without damaging them. And it lets you know when it's ready - just click the blue button and the red surface will turn white when it's ready for use. If you are going to get an eyelash curler, this is the one to get!

And if puffy eyes and dark circles are your problem, get rid of 'em - no, really! - with Eye Detox Contour Gel.

My Mom has always had dark circles and bags under her eyes - until she used Eye Detox. Not only does it decrease puffiness and dark circles, but it seems to get rid of them completely. Imagine never looking tired or worn out again. Imagine smooth, bright skin under your eyes.

I have seen it, folks. It's an incredible, incredible thing!

For me, I'm living for my Eye Dream, a silver wand that holds a wondrous crème that is dabbed under the eyes at night.

See, it seems that during sleep, "the delicate skin around your eyes loses up to 50% of its moisture and is most biologically receptive to external hydration and nourishing ingredients," Talika states. And since your body is in recovery mode, seeking out available amino acids while you're sleeping, it makes sense that you would apply it at night.

What happens overnight is what seems like a miracle - your eyes are brighter, the skin around them is supple and you look younger, refreshed and well, let's face it, like a whole new you!

Talika is your go-to source for premium eye care. Me and Mom are proof of that.

Charge Your Devices Anywhere with the Innergie mCube 90!

My technological devices keep multiplying, despite my dedication to simplifying my life.

However, I remain completely tethered to them, so they must simplifying things somehow.

And now I have found the perfect gadget that makes charging them all a breeze - Innergie's mCube 90!

It's the world's smallest universal adapter and it's damn good lookin' too - finally, an adapter that's not a big clunky black box that looks awful and weighs a ton!

It is also capable of charging your laptop along with a couple of other items via USB, so that means it's not only great for at home but travel. It's so slim that it won't be tough to find space for this puppy in your luggage (woo woo!) And it comes with a detachable auto/air adapter, that allows you to charge on the go, whether you're on an airplane or in the car.

It's compatible with most brands of laptops (7 notebook tips are included) and because it comes with 4 types of built-in protection, you don't have to worry about harming your computer (thank goodness, because your LIFE is on their, right?!).

So now you can unload your briefcase, carry-on or messenger bag that's full of cables and chargers and replace them all with this one bright innovation! Save yourself time, money and energy by relying on just the mCube 90!

And if all of that isn't fantastic enough, it's got extremely high power efficiency with Energy Star certification to boot - so you can save yourself some money on energy bills and help the planet along the way!

I'm recommending that everyone who has a laptop and any external devices that are vital to your life - cellphone, mp3 player, digital camera, a Kindle perhaps? - have one of these.

You're be so much better for it. Everything just becomes so much easier with the mCube 90.

And isn't life complicated enough?!

Get a Hot Gear Bag and Ski With Dry Boots This Winter!

Okay, I know you don't want to hear this, but now that it's November, that means that the snow is not far away.

But for those of us who ski, snowboard, skate and toboggan, that's not such a bad thing.

What sucks is having cold wet ski boots as you ascend to the top of the hill. What sucks is starting your day off without dry, comfortable and warm boots.

That's what you've got to get the Bode Miller Signature Single '09 Hot Gear Bag. Not only is this a necessity if you ski, but imagine what an awesome present it will make this holiday season.

This bag has it all - three temperature settings: warm, dry and hot - so that after a long day on the slopes, you can be sure to wake up to warm, dry boots and hit those hills again in sheer comfort. There is also a convenient glove/sock drying pocket, which is awfully ingenious, don't you think? Should you have a helmet or want to pack in some extra clothes, there's a pocket for that too. And a goggle compartment makes sure you know where they are at all times.

There are backpack straps if you prefer to carry it on you, or what I like to do, is put it on top of my rolling luggage (using a luggage strap attached) so that I can just tote everything using one hand.

And in case you are worried about your valuables or just like the idea of extra security, there is a locking system located in the backpack straps' pocket. Just think, now you've got your own little portable locker, which will come in handy, if you don't want to take your phone, keys, wallet, etc. onto the hill with you.

Oh, and let's not forget one of the best features of the bag - it looks damn fine and comes in red and black (I got it in red)!

I like that it is small enough for me to carry without fuss and yet it holds everything I need. I like how well-crafted and cushy it is, with thick material making it durable and long-lasting, which you're going to need when you're lugging all your gear back and forth to the chalet, etc. I like that it's deeply padded - you can see how protected your gear is. I like that it is designed like a racing accessory, which makes me feel like a much better skier than I am.

And I like that I can always count on having warm, dry boots.

What do you think of sneaking your bra in there so that it's warm when you put it on in the morning? Is that crazy? Perhaps...

Get yourself a Hot Gear Bag (there's a ton to choose from!) and enjoy the winter for once.

I know I'm going to, thanks to my awesome new bag!

Rejuvenate Your Wardrobe With Affordable Finds at Effie's Heart!

Okay, so it's now November and that's kind of depressing because that means it's almost Christmas and I already feel behind on sending out cards, shopping for gifts, etc.

But also I'm realizing that my wardrobe is in desperate need of a little help.

So I went looking for stylish, affordable modern, yet classic items and I found it all at Effie's Heart.

This awesome indie label was created by Kimo. As it says on the website:

"Using color palettes inspired by antique catalogs, art history, nature, and vintage clothing, Kimo has painted a fashion canvas that is both endearing and unique. Fighting against the forces of sameness that trend services push onto mass culture, Kimo would like to introduce Effie’s Heart to all those who believe there is still room for original inspiration."

Just look at the Spring and Summer catalogues and you'll see the amazing sense of modernity with a nod to the past that she and other San Fransisco bay area artists have created.

The Fall Season echos Art Deco, which is one of my favourite periods in design. Kimo says the colour palette soaks in plum, crimson, rainstorm and fig. Doesn't that sound sumptuous?!

Just check out all of the latest finds at their online store! So much to see and buy!

I am loving the Montmartre Dress in Berry and the incredibly beautiful and original Bicycle Capris (pictured above)! My friend Chantal would look superb in these, but I love them so much. Maybe I'll get her a pair for Christmas...

And good lord, there are a ton of tops I want - Betty Tank in Tomato (a natch for this food writer, dontcha think?), Duchess T-Shirt in Black (so sexy and yet, not at all revealing!), the sweet European Village T-Shirt in Cream, the divine and delicate Karen Shrug (mmm!) and for a truly sexy choice, the Pinup Corset!

The Fall and Holiday previews show you more of what's to come, but be sure to check out the Accessories as well! I got myself a pair of intricately-woven hand-knit fingerless black gloves that are adorned with a black rose at the side. I also got what looks like a hand-blown heart in red on a delicate pink satin ribbon, and a gorgeous silver fleur-de-lis on a baby blue satin ribbon.

Not only will you stand out from the crowd in these awesome creations by Kimo and others, but you'll damn well be able to afford them as well!!!

Thank goodness for Effie's Heart, my new shopping haven!

Boob Tube - Who Doesn't Want a Little Extra Oomph?!

This might be too much information, but as a teenager I had no boobs.

None.

I was as flat as crispbread and I didn't end up getting much of anything until I was 30-something. Talk about a late bloomer...

Now that I've got 'em, I want to keep them firm and as perky as possible for as long as possible. There is nothing worse than seeing a woman's breasts sag like oranges in a net bag. Eww.

That's why I am loving my Mama Mio Boob Tube! I wrote about their awesome Get Waisted Body Shaper not too long ago, and this breast cream works just the same. My breasts already look firmer and more supple and my neck has smoothed out completely!

I love about it is that it uses natural ingredients such as avocado oil, shea butter and CoQ10 and evening primrose oil to keep your skin moist and reduce the signs of aging. And there's no colourants, parabens, petroleum, phthlates, sodium laurel and laureth sulphate, synthetic fragrances or xenoestrogen to worry about. You're just getting the good stuff, along with better breasts.

Just apply once a day and watch the magic happen!