Chef'sChoice SmartKettle is the Best Kettle Ever!

Do you drink tea, coffee, hot water or any other hot beverages at all?

If so, you're going to want to get yourself the Chef'sChoice SmartKettle.

This electric kettle is far beyond any other you've ever seen!

If you're a tea lover, you'll know that not all teas should be steeped in the same temperature water - greens and whites, for example.

The Chef'sChoice SmartKettle is the only kettle that heats water to the precise temperature selected. So you can have the perfect cup each and every time, whether you're having temperature sensitive teas such as herbal, white, green, black, oolong, and rooibos.

It has other amazing features as well:

- It uses less than half the energy compared to a stovetop kettle on an electric stove.

- It heats water faster than a microwave or stovetop.

- Because there are so many temperatures to choose from you can not only make tea, but instant coffee, hot chocolate, hot cereals, instant soup, jello, pasta and blanch vegetables perfectly. Every time.

- The temperatures are display in both Fahrenheit or Celsius (so that Canadians can make their American friends the perfect cuppa!).

- There is a "Keep Warm" feature which automatically maintains water at set temperature and remembers the last programmed setting for easy to use convenience.

- A low water level warning means never having to pick up your kettle to see if it needs refilling, and there is an automatic shut-off, which is a lifesaver for those of us who constantly crave a cup of tea but inevitably go off to do something and get completely wrapped up in it, only to stop 28 minutes later and remember, "Wasn't I making a cup of tea?"

This is by far the best kettle I have ever seen and used. It is the kind of thing that will simply wow you long after it has arrived and will impress your guests with each and every perfect cup.

The Chef’sChoice SmartKettle is currently available at select department stores, online retailers and major catalogs. To locate a store nearest you, call 800-342-3255.

Have Fun This Weekend with Pure Fun Candy, Bling Strands

Have you noticed how since many of us work on the weekends, the fun has slowly gone missing from our Saturdays and Sundays?

They've become all about errands and getting things done.

I think we should infuse more fun into our weekends, just like it used to be before flex time, freelancing and the internet!

Here are some ideas to get you started:

**Pure Fun Candy**

Candy is okay in small amounts, but it's even better if its organic.

Pure Fun Candy offers a wide variety of hard and cotton candies that are made with real, organic ingredients and don't include gluten, GMO'S, FD&C colors, casein, dairy, artificial flavors, dyes, synthetics, pesticides or preservatives.

That means that you're getting good ingredients that have been fairly traded. Isn't that the kind of company you want to support?

And thereare so many varieties to choose from - luscious cotton candy, organic candy canes, Chocolate Meltdowns, Citrus slices, Barrels of Fun (delicious root beer - watch out, these are addictive!), Mint pinwheels (great for after dinner), Jaw Boulders (the Ginger Spice are hot!), Fruit Rocks (so many flavours), Pinwheels (memories of childhood) and Pure Pops that are so much fun to have around the house (there is also a Halloween pack available).

What I love about Pure Fun Candy is that the flavours are rich and vibrant and they last a long, long time.

These are quality candies that have been made with great thought and care.

Why would you want anything else?

Find out where to get them nearest you. And bring the fun of childhood back into your life with Pure Fun Candy.

**Bling Strands**

Do you have dull, lifeless winter hair?

Then it's time to liven things up with Bling Strands.

These incredibly thin shimmery strands tie into your own hair, giving your look a little glam for once. You can switch 'em out at any time for other colours. There are 30 to choose from, so chances are you're going to want to try them all.

To see how easy they are to put in, click on "How To Video". Watch the knots used and how the strands are applied.

You can leave 'em in and wash, dry, curl and flat iron your hair with them in (up to 425 degrees). Which means, they are made to work with your busy schedule and lifestyle.

Just because you're busy doesn't mean you can't look fabulous.

Wear them to a wedding, to the club or just out on the town.

Click on "Near You" to find out what salons carry them close to your home.

**FroliCat BOLT**

Okay, so this is more for your cat than for you, but believe me when I tell you - you'll have a ball watching your cat respond to FroliCat BOLT.

Cats love to follow and leap after lasers. We have been through about 10 little tiny crappy ones with our cat. There are 2 problems with them though - they take about 6 batteries each (that last about 10 minutes) so they always wear out quickly and you have to wiggle them around for your cat until it tires of it. Which is never. Your hands will give out long before your cat does.

That's the sheer genius of BOLT. This interactive laser shoots it around the room all by itself. You just have to turn it on.

At first it might seem a little lazy on your part - what, you're just going to sit there while the cat plays? But trust me - it's a freakin' life saver for those days when Frisky has cabin fever and you're both climbing the walls.

Get the FroliCat BOLT now!

5 Fab Design Finds From TWELVEZEROSEVEN, Bootlegger's Hip Flasks, The Yoke Shopper, Stat Keys and Vapur!

I love a product that is beautifully designed. I've rounded up 5 of my latest faves.

Happy Friday!

1. **The Punch Card by TWELVEZEROSEVEN**

The Punch Card is awesome. You can create any message that you like. Punching out the perforated pieces gives you a sense of accomplishment and the recipient gets a completely individualized card that has been made especially for them (There's a guide included on how to make each letter and symbol).

And you didn't have to use a glue stick or scrapbook anything!

The neon colours are fun and 80s-ish and the card stock is thick and rich. A translucent envelope that comes with each cards adds to the dramatic affect.

Just think - you've finally got a card for EVERY occasion!

Stock up now at TWELVEZEROSEVEN.

2. **Bootlegger's Hip Flasks**

Since the economy has been so bad lately, it seems like the perfect time to be carrying a little somethin' somethin' around to sip on to get you through.

And no one does it prettier than Bootlegger's Hip Flasks.

You customize each part of it - from the garter and lace to the flask to the appliques that go on it. You can even get a custom made one, specific to your own tastes. Or, if you just want to order one and not have to make any decisions at all, get one of their already designed and assembled Specialty Garter and Flask Sets.

Not only do these make fantastic presents, it's going to make getting through your friend's thirs wedding a little easier...

Order your own Bootlegger Hip Flask now.

3. **The Yoke Shopper**

It's such a simple idea, but oh-so-needed.

Where have you been all of my life, Yoke Shopper?

Not matter how many times I tell myself I'll just pick up one item while I'm out, I inevitably come home with 5 bags from various food markets and shops. My hands hurt from the pressure, the bags cut into them leaving them utterly useless for the rest of the day.

But the Yoke Shopper not only relieves your hands from carrying the weight of all those bags (Damn you, squashes. Why do you have to be so heavy?), but frees them so that you can talk on the phone, use an umbrella or hail a cab all with ease.

You simply slide your bags onto the hook of the shopper, press the orange button on the side to release the wide and comfortable shoulder strap and sling across your body for complete comfort while shopping.

Change your life with the Yoke Shopper.

And just think how much more you'll be able to buy this way...

4. **Stat Keys**

Isn't it about time you had awesome keys?

With Stat Keys, you can finally have fashionable keys that reflect your own individuality.

If you have Kwikset locks, you can upgrade your key from "ugh" to "OMG"!

There's something for everyone here - a knight, heart, house and even a grenade for the more rambunctious folks.

The beautiful brushed silver key with iconic symbol on top with certainly set you apart from the rest of your peers - just don't complain when everyone who sees it wants one.

Get a Stat Key that represents you.

5. **Vapur Flexible Bottle**

The Vapur "anti-bottle" is so ingenious. It is all these things:

- reusable
- foldable
- attachable
- identifiable
- freezeable, and
- washable

It's also easy to clean, BPA free, holds up to 16 oz. and stands when its full.

And it's damn pretty to boot.

Get a whack of them and stop using plastic bottles.

Get Green World Bags and Shop In Style!

Reusable shopping bags have come a long way since they started. Now you can get ones of every colour and material.

My latest favourite find are Green World Bags.

Created in response to the "negative environmental impact created by the throwaway plastic bags that litter California’s roads and beaches and threaten marine wildlife," these bags encourage you to shop responsibly while looking damn fine doing it.

Based on the iconic paper bag and made from heavy-gauge polypropylene, these bags are not only the perfect accessory for whatever outfit you are wearing, they will stand up to your real life demands of getting groceries, running errands and general life stuff that is part of your busy, daily life.

I love the shape of these, as it gives an automatic structure, unlike those other reusable bags where everything jumbles together. You can place items in neatly and squarely, which makes packing easier, I think. The 14” reinforced loop handles and bottom liner give it increased stability, which allows you to get three of those cans of San Marzano tomatoes while they're on sale or that thing that you need in order to make your closet a little more organized.

The bag can hold the volume of what you used to carry in 2-3 plastic bags, so you can see the potential for great shopping!

There are 3 series of prints to choose from, so you can pick ones that reflect your own personal style. There's Traditional, Exotic and Modern.

I got the Modern series, which includes Copenhagen, Frankfurt, London and Cairo, but I'm going to buy the other 2 series as I like them just as much - and a girl's got to have a bag to go with everything right?!

I also used one as a gift bag for a friend's birthday present. The first thing she said? "I looove this bag!" Not only does it act as beautiful eco-friendly wrapping, she can use it for shopping afterwards. A two-in-one gift!

And at these affordable prices, you can't go wrong, and a portion of each sale goes to support One Percent for the Planet and the Surfrider Foundation, so you're doing good as well as shopping in style.

I've got my bag packed full of mail to drop off, library books to return and on the way back I'm going to fill it with ingredients for dinner tonight.

It feels good to finally have a bag that is functional and fashionable.

Get your own Green World Bags and change the way you shop.

You'll want one for your wine, a couple for your groceries, a couple for gift bags, one for the gym...

Auromere Ayurvedic Soaps Get You More Than Clean!

Why buy drugstore or supermarket soap that's filled with harsh cleansers and chemicals when you can get the healing powers of Ayurvedic medicine in Auromere Soaps.

These wonderful fragrant soaps are formulated with a natural coconut oil base that softens your skin and gives you the lather that you've come to love and expect. The Ayurvedic herbal extracts and the amazing wonder ingredient Neem treat your skin's needs naturally and effectively.

What you won't find in these soaps are animal fats, artificial fragrances, colours or preservatives. They are made with pure, wild-crafted herbs from India and are 100% biodegradable, vegan and cruelty-free.

Whatever your skin type, you can use these soaps to cater and nurture your skin. To figure out your Ayurvedic skin type, click here.

So if you've got delicate, aging skin, you'll want to use Vanilla-Neem. If you're skin is out of balance, Lavender-Neem is the way to go.

Give your body the best with one of 5 wonderful aromatic Auromere soaps - Tulsi-Neem, Sandalwood-Turmeric, Himalayan Rose, Lavender-Neem and Vanilla-Neem.

How amazing is it to use a soap that gets you clean, treats your skin with the care that it needs and is good for the environment?

Hear that? That's the sound of chemical-laden drugstore soaps being tossed out!

Lips-n-Eyes is the Ultimate Cosmetics Organizer!

I just wrote a piece on organizing and doing my taxes, and another area that could use a serious overhaul in my home is my cosmetics mess.

I tried keeping everything organized and together in a plastic container with drawers. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but now I can't close the drawers (so what's the point in having them?) and I have the overflow that doesn't fit all over the place - in the closet, in the bathroom cabinet... ugh.

It wasn't until I found Lips-n-Eyes that I got it all together and looking good.

The most amazing aspect of this organizing system is that it holds a ton, doesn't take up much room and gives you a dedicated space for each and all of your necessities - 10 holes on the left, 10 holes on the right, 3 slots in front and a large space on top for bigger items, bottles, creams, etc.

That means, no more digging through drawers and containers looking for that navy blue eyeliner that you wear out on special occasions. No more having to sift through all your lipsticks to find that one, you know - the one that's coral pink and looks so good on you.

The other design feature I love is that lip stuff goes on the left, eye makeup is on the right. It is so simple, but so brilliant. And not only does it look all neat and organized, but it shaves off a ton of time when you don't have to go looking for your lip liner or mascara!

Speaking of time, I love that Kermetta McGarity, President and Designer of Lips-n-Eyes, included a clock in her organizer. There is nothing worse than getting ready and having to get out of the bathroom to peek at the clock to make sure you're not late. This is not only an incredible time saver, but it puts your mind at ease, making getting ready in the morning a much more pleasurable experience. All that with the simple addition of a clock.**

If you have an especially short item that wants to slide down into a tube and disappear, place one or more cotton balls into the bottom of that compartment to adjust the depth.

** If you don't want to use the clock feature, you can remove it and use the large compartment to store cotton balls or swipes or anything else that needs a home. You can also leave the clock in and use the space behind it as a secret hiding spot for treasured items. How cool is that?!

It comes in Sea Green (my favourite), Antique Ivory, Pastel Pink and Arctic White. And shortly, a hand-crafted hardwood version, with added side pockets for brushes and other accessories!

For under $30, you get a whole new system for your makeup. Isn't that a great deal?

And just consider how many boxes, trays, shelves and containers you've tried up until now. Wouldn't it be great to just get it all organized ONCE AND FOR ALL?

It's an absolute bargain, an incredible time saver and offers complete peace of mind.

Get yours now.

Special Report: The Franklin Covey Series Part V - Julie Morgenstern Planner Pages

This is the last Monday of my 5-part series dedicated to Franklin Covey's amazing, life-changing products.

Miss the rest of the series? Don't worry, you can catch up quickly. Here are the previous posts:

Read Week 1 - Her Point of View Planners and Binders

Read Week 2 - The Chantel Dome Laptop Bag

Read Week 3 - Jean Chatzky's Making Money Make Sense Planner

Read Week 4 - PlanPlus for Windows

This week, I am absolutely delighted to be able to share with you my discovery of Julie Morgenstern's Planning Pages.

I had read Julie's books Time Management from the Inside Out and Never Check E-mail in the Morning and got a lot out of them.

This woman knows what she's talking about.

From her many years as a professional organizer, she clearly has a handle on how to ease someone into getting organized without overwhelming them.

I mean, you don't want a whole new way of thinking, you just want a place to put it all.

Her system, Julie Morgenstern Planning Pages include 12 Wire-Bound Booklets, one for each month of the year, in two-pages-per-day format. It's so smart to me to have only one book per month. That way, you're not lugging a whole year around with you (like with most systems) and you can concentrate on the here and now - which I think these days is very difficult, yet very important.

And the layout is so easy to use. Your calendar and appointments go on the left and your list of daily taskt and things -separated into easy to follow columns: Do, Call, Personal - are recorded on the right. So each day you see your schedule and what's happening and then what you've got to get done. It's all right there to see, no flipping pages, no separated lists to get you in a disorganized tizzy. It's all right in front of you.

You can work your plan and plan your work. And there's plenty of room, so even the busiest person will have enough room to write down the to do's and the need to's for that day.

And each day has a quote from one of her books that helps keep you on track and each 3 months, the border colours change, which I love because I get bored so easily (we are using it each and every day, people, so why not make it exciting?).

One of my favourite elements of the system is the Monthly Calendars Booklet. Again, the layout is fantastic. There is room to write in the squares (don't you hate it when you get a planner and you can't write a damn thing in?!) and each month has a laminated tab, which makes it easy to navigate. Also, they are in different colours, which is a nice touch.

Each month includes a Goals and Activities section that keeps you on track in all areas of your life - work, self, family/friends, etc. And of course, it's damn nice to have it all together and laid out so thoughtfully.

Also included in the booklet is a Balanced Life Skill Builder Tutorial. This is a fantastically detailed section that outlines Julie's philosophies like tracking your time, figuring out what works - and doesn't - for you and goal setting.

The Time Map Pad is a really neat tool that allows you to see where your time is spent with work and at home, and gives you the opportunity to make changes that are better for you. You can make a weekly pattern that includes all the parts of your life - work, family, self, community, etc. - and that is finally a balanced life.

The Sheet Protector/Pagefinder protects your Time Map and gets you to the current date each and every time. I'm

I am using the heck out of the Next Action Notebook that's also included in the system. It's got a topic line, which makes it easy to locate your notes (whether you're laying ground work on a project or you're taking notes from a meeting, you'll want to be able to find it in your host of scribbles). And the highlighted Next Action column is fantastic - things just have a way of jumping out at you here!

If you go through your notebook quickly as I have - and it's only February - Franklin Covey's Better Than a Yellow Pad is a great choice.

And the carry it all around in, you're going to want a pretty binder.

There's the Balanced Life Wire-Bound Cover, which is nice, but I wanted something with a little more pop. There are a ton to choose from (sooo gorgeous!).

The Classic Pheobe's are fun and fit the system's pages. The Geo Pink/Black is striking and the Damask is oh-so-modern, but I can't get enough of the Flower one - it's like an injection of spring into my winter! So soft, so pretty, so now.

What's important though, is not what's on the outside. It's the inside that counts.

And Julie Morgenstern's Planning Pages have completely changed how I work, how I schedule my time, how I see my life.

It's only February, but already I feel like I'm 5 years ahead of where I was two months ago.

I couldn't have done it with this.

I told you Franklin Covey products change your life!

Beauty Alert Stickers Are a Lifesaver!

Do you know how old that mascara is? Is it all clumpy and kind of smells, but you continue to use it? What about that foundation? Do they even make that brand anymore?

Ech.

Bacteria is forming, folks, and you could be risking an infection or bad irritation!

The problem is, how are you supposed to remember whether it's 4 months old or 12 months?

Thankfully, Beauty Alert! stickers are here help.

Once you've opened your container of blush, that bottle of sunscreen or that can of hair spray, put a label on it and never have to second guess again about how old it is.

We have alerts on our food and technology - it only makes sense that we have it for our beauty products too!

There are 24 stickers per pack - 6 stickers for each of 4 categories of product life, so you can track everything from your moisturizer to your concealer. Not only will you never wonder how old your products are, you'll never have old products lying around anymore. Clutter-free and free of gross old makeup and beauty items - isn't that how you want to live?

And at only $8.50 per pack, it's so affordable.

Isn't that an incredibly reasonable price to pay for an investment in your health and well-being?

Get your Beauty Alert! stickers now!

Dress Up More Than Just Salads with Wafu Japanese Vinaigrettes!

I don't know if I've told you this before, but I have a salad just about every day.

And it's been that way for the last 20-25 years or so.

I don't eat it to be thin (I am not) or to act like I don't eat meat (I do - tons). I just love it. Absolutely love it.

I used to grab raw veg as my Mom sliced them for dinner as a kid - it's the crunch factor and fresh taste that I guess I can't get enough of.

So I go through a lot of salad dressing (Cosmo our cat now asks for it). But the supermarket brands are so boring - I've been waiting for decades for new flavours to appear.

That's why I was so excited to discover Wafu Japanese Vinaigrettes!

Wafu Original delivers a fresh toasted sesame oil taste that always pleases (there is a Light version which has 43% less fat) and their Ginger Carrot is exhilarating.

But don't think these are for salads alone: I have marinated salmon, tossed shrimp and scallops and marinated pork, chicken and beef with them! Wafu has created recipes that you can use to perk things up in the kitchen, or create your own versions.

So whether you've prepared a big bowl of salad for yourself (and your cat, apparently...) or you want to create a dish that wows the crowd tonight at dinner, get Wafu Japanese Vinaigrettes.

Learn All You Need to Know About Social Media Marketing From These 2 Books!

Whether you're an artist, musician or business person, chances are you have an online presence.

But are you getting the most out of your profiles?

Social media - a term that means using platforms to communicate such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. - is a much bandied about term, but many people don't know how to best utilize them or what they are in fact for.

It's 2010 - it's time to get up-to-date and up to speed on what each does and how it would - or would not - benefit you and your product/company/business.

Two new books are going to make the difference from you being "whoever online like everyone else" to "online superstar":

1. The Social Media Marketing Book: Mastering Today's Marketing Tools

and

2. Friends with Benefits: A Real-World, Tactical Guide to Social Media Marketing.

I absolutely love the layout of The Social Media Marketing Book. It has long, lean pages with each left-hand page featuring a screenshot of something, and the right-hand side giving you the low-down on what you're seeing.

Author Dan Zarrella simplifies everything so that even your Mom who is still confused about whether a cordless phone is a cell phone ("Is this call costing you money?") will understand StumbleUpon and SlideShare.

It is a quick read, user-friendly and you'll have new sites and profiles up and running within minutes of finishing the book.

Friends with Benefits: A Real-World, Tactical Guide to Social Media Marketing has more of a narrative.

Authors Darren Barefoot and Julie Szabo give you tips on how to get "social media ready" and "finding the right bloggers and communities." They tell you how to monitor the web, whether MySpace still matters (you'll have to read it to find out) and understanding and participating in online communities.

I recommend both of these books, as they both bring with them important points and tips that you should arm yourself with before signing up for anything.

I'm off to tweet this post, change my profiles on a couple of sites and join a couple of new ones.

Now that I've got these 2 books under my belt - Watch out, world. Here I come!

The Healing Seed - Virgin Organic Hempseed Oil for Your Skin and Hair

Hempseed Oil is one of those wonder products that once you start using it, you wonder how you could have come this far without it.

After all, it contains "Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9 fatty acids, as well as gamma linolenic acid (GLA) that combines to provide anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, antioxidant and moisture-balancing properties. In what is considered to be the perfect ratio of 3:1. This unique EFA profile is the perfect balance for absorption through the skin and will compensate for the lower ceramide levels that deplete naturally with aging, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles," says The Healing Seed.

The Shampoo and Conditioner will delight you with its fresh orange scent while strengthening your hair and giving it great body and shine. And they are both colour-safe, so those of us who have been colouring our hair since before you were born can use it with confidence.

I cleanse my face every night before bed, as this is what beauty experts swear by for looking youthful. I like The Healing Seed's Facial Cleanser because it doesn't feel like it's taking anything away from my skin, except for the day's makeup and grime. It's nice to feel that your skin's still soft after it's been cleaned. And the scent - English daisy oil - is simply lovely.

For renewing and replenishing my skin, I'm loving the Facial Cream. It sinks in right away and I feel like I'm getting a whopping dose of moisture all day long, without any greasy residue.

You can treat your whole body that way with the Body Cream! It's scented with jasmine oil, as is the Body Wash.

The Healing Seed line offers natural ingredients, is paraben free, 100% vegan, has no artificial colours or perfumes and saturates your skin with hempseed oil goodness.

What are you waiting for? Go get yourself some and feel moisturized and soothed for once this winter.

Get a Beautiful Natural Look with Marcelle Minerals!

I love Marcelle Makeup and Skincare.

So much that I wrote about their skincare twice last year - incredible moisturizers and the AC-Solution line that treats acne and blemishes.

Now let's talk about their wonderful new Marcelle Minerals line - made with a micro-mineral, mica and clay blend, your skin gets a completely natural, healthy looking glow all without the weight of regular makeup.

In fact, you'll feel like you're not wearing any at all!

Start with the Powder Makeup.

Because it comes in this fantastically designed container, you don't have to worry about how much to put to on or creating a big, powdery mess, like with most mineral makeups.

Simply turn the 100% natural, oh-so-soft brush. Put the brush in upside down. Shake 3 times to get the powder through, and then shake off any excess. Apply with soft, circular motions and voila - you've got natural looking skin with a healthy glow. Don't be surprised if people think you've been away on holiday because you look so good, so natural, so relaxed!

Do the same with the Powder Blush. It gives you a lovely, soft pink hue that is incredibly flattering. I feel about 10 years younger with this blush on!

And be sure to dab on the Mineral Eye Shadow. It's easy with the foam applicator - just swipe and go! And because it's highly pigmented, a little goes a long way (you can layer it on for a more dramatic effect). I love the glamourous look it gives without any effort at all (Because you know what a makeup klutz I am. I need all the help I can get!).

And that goes for all the Minerals - they are so easy to apply that you can use them everyday for work, as well as for dressier occasions in the evenings.

If you want a beautiful natural look that feels absolutely weightless (ahhh!), get Marcelle Minerals.

CAZZ Folding Flats are the Best Traveling Companions!

I don't know about you, but I love a rockin' high heel.

Teetering high. Where my leg is instantly elongated and my gait gets a little more ba-dunk-a-dunk-dunk.

However, I am a regular woman. Not one that is driven around from place to place like a socialite or Hollywood star. I walk everywhere. I also do things like grocery shop, pick up the dry cleaning and run around town looking for the perfect hostess/birthday/anniversary present in between my job, which entails interviewing people in various locations around town, hosting a radio show once a month, etc.

Towering high heels are not made for this kind of life.

So when I saw CAZZ folding ballet flats, I knew that they would become a part of my daily life.

They were created by two university friends, Warren and Ray. They came to be after, "On a night out in Taipei during the summer of 2006, Ray and a female companion spent an evening exploring the busy night markets. As the end of the night approached, Ray noticed his friend taking out a pair of tightly bounded sandals which were forcefully folded and tied with a rubber band to neatly fit in her purse. They were packed earlier in anticipation of the long walk back to the Metro which would have been difficult in her heels. This memory would later be revisited."

And we've all had those moments - the high heel that takes us from Point A to Point B, but ever so painfully. Sure they look good, but if you have to walk more than a few feet, you'll need people on either side of you to prop you up the rest of the way.

There is much to love about these shoes.

First of all, they are damn pretty. The website doesn't do justice to the material or the colours. The 3 colours - Mercury Silver, Midnight Black and Pearl White - are metallic, yes, but more or a brushed metal than brash foil, so they will look awesome whether you're wearing skinny jeans, a bridesmaid dress (we can't help you with the dress part, unfortunately) or a miniskirt the size of a belt (you can totally pull it off - how is that?).

Secondly, they fold easily. There's no having to get this part into that part like other folding shoes I've had.

Also, they have a rubber sole, which means you can actually wear them back to the hotel along that gravelly pavement or down to the subway and have your feet protected and secure.

The gathered back is super comfortable as well as stylish and the padded insoles help keep your feet feeling good from dinner to dawn.

Each pair is extremely affordable and come in the cutest matching case that will take up so little room in your luggage that you'll want to get one in each colour, just to be safe.

And if you're smart, you'll keep a pair on you at all times and not just when you're going to a wedding, away on a trip or for a girl's night out.

Just last night I had my patent leather aqua boots on with the 4 inch heels. I had only planned on walking a couple of blocks and then back home, but 2 blocks turned into 10, into 20, into well, getting home 6 hours later!

You'd better believe that my CAZZ flats are my new traveling companions, wherever I may be!

Special Report: The Franklin Covey Series Part IV - PlanPlus for Windows

Ahhh.

Though it is Monday, the beginning of the week, I am excited. One, because this is Week 4 in my 5 Week Series covering Franklin Covey's life-changing products.

And two, it's President's Day in the States and Family Day in Canada, so almost everyone is off and able to enjoy a short work week.

Woo woo!

Read Week 1 - Her Point of View Planners and Binders

Read Week 2 - The Chantel Dome Laptop Bag

Read Week 3 - Jean Chatzky's Making Money Make Sense Planner

So since you've got the day off and all, maybe you want to consider a new way to organize yourself, to get on top of everything. And it was Chinese/Korean/Tibetan New Year yesterday, so you can always use that as an excuse to start anew.

Of course you certainly don't need an excuse to get started, but sometimes this can help move you along.

I am loving PlanPlus for Windows (you can also get it PlanPlus for Outlook and PlanPlus for Online). It uses all of Franklin Covey's planning principles, but it's all on your computer where you are all the time anyway. It's right at your fingertips and you can change things easily and conveniently, all without having to write a single thing down on paper.

Maybe you can have a paperless office after all!

The new version offers compatibility with the new Windows Vista and Windows XP operating systems and includes a new Gadget for the Vista Desktop.

I love that you can be super detailed with this system, all with the click of a button. You can easily add a check mark to denote a task has been completed or a big blue dot to indicate that it's been delegated.

No need to switch markers or highlighters - just click and it's recorded!

And that's what fantastic about this system - there's no need to carrying around bulging binders with everything that you might need. It's a complete planner that includes your schedule, project information, meeting notes, contacts, tasks, goals and well, the whole shebang. And that's the true genius of PlanPlus - once you're in the system, you can stay there and really organize and plan instead of having to go into your calendar and then get out and go to one program on your computer for one thing and then have to go to something else...

It's the way it should be. It's the way to really succeed, I think.

The layout is unbelievably intuitive. Coloured tabs along the top allow you quick and easy access to your Calendar, Contacts, Missions/Values, Goals, Weekly Planning and notes (and you can customize these with your own wording and needs, which makes it completely yours and yours alone).

It is incredibly nicely done, which is important, because you know that if it looked like most other software calendar programs, you'd never use it. Those clunky things are why online planners never took off, I think. They weren't beauties like PlanPlus.

The main page is divided into 3 sections - Daily/Master Tasks, Your Day's (or Week's, Month's) Schedule and a huge place for Notes - so you can plan out what you want to do, when you're going to do it and then capture notes along the way.

Brilliant.

And get this - every time you open the program, the first thing you see is the current date with your calendar in the view of your choice. No having to click on anything, just boom - here's your day so far.

Ahh, that's how it should be, shouldn't it?

Franklin Covey also makes it so that you can customize how it looks, which is incredibly important. I mean, you want it to be pretty, right?

If you use a tablet as my fella does, you can take notes with your digital pen and organize them into the projects and/or categories of your choice. I've never seen another planning software offer that before. And whatever notes, PowerPoint presentations, etc., you need to support your projects and work, you can organize it all right here, instead of having to wander around your Word documents looking for them. They are all indexed for you so you can retrieve them in a single swoop.

Do you know how much time this will save?!

And the new gadget for Vista comes with a Tasks List Gadget that allows you to manage your tasks right from your desktop so that if you're updating your blog, emailing your colleagues and doing whatever else on your computer, you can still keep on top of everything without having to open the program itself.

And lemme tell you, this task list is phenomenal. You can organize things by priority (why is this so much easier on the computer than on paper?), mark all your tasks with completed, delegated, etc., as well as auto-forward unfinished tasks (unlike with paper planners where you have to write it over and over again) and attach notes to specific tasks (this is the way you'll get your books back after you've loaned them out).

Taking it to another level, PlanPlus gives you a place to list both your Daily Tasks and Master Tasks. This means that you can you actually follow through with your daily tasks, as they come with both a start and end date that is displayed on each day they are scheduled. And Master Tasks are easily tracked so nothing fall off your list, unlike all those systems you've been using up until now.

And two last revolutionary things that will have you jumping up and down, as I did, when I found out:

1. You never have to press "save," which means you can work away and then walk away when you need to.

2. Nothing is shipped to you. You print your order confirmation to obtain the unlock key. It's all on your computer in a matter of minutes.

No shipping, no handling, no hassle.

Holy !@#?!

All this for under $80? What are you waiting for?

Get PlanPlus for Windows and get organized for once and for all!

Happy Chinese/Korean/Tibetan New Year

xo
Stephanie Dickison/the knack

Happy Valentine's Day

xo
Stephanie Dickison/the knack

Estee Lauder's Social Network Event at Holt's: A Long Tribute

I have had my makeup done only a few times in my life.

I worked events as part of a team of people showing off new makeup done by revolutionary makeup artists. This wasn't the normal makeup of new spring pastels. I had black shadowed eyes like a vampire and bright yellow across half my face like an abstract painting.

So when Estee Lauder offered bloggers a chance to have their makeup done and then have a new profile picture taken, I lept at the chance like a dog jumps for a frisbee.

For one, I really and truly love Estee Lauder makeup. It lasts and lasts and its quality is always top notch. And it makes me look way better than I am.

Two, my profile picture is about 7 years old. It's hard to get a picture that is appropriate for your profile AND where you look good. For me, its taken just 7 years.

So I made my appointment with the Estee Lauder counter and actually went down to Holt Renfrew at 4 pm on a Friday no less, without a spit of makeup on. Talk about ego deflating - have you seen the lights in there? It's like they're filming an episode of Law & Order.

Oh, and I was THE ONLY ONE not to wear makeup. The staff are more than happy to remove yours when you arrive.

!@#?&!

I expected there to be a few girls, but nothing like this. 10-15 women are getting their makeup done while as many beauticians and makeup artists run after their misplaced brushes and seeking out just the perfect shade of eyeshadow. I wait for 10 minutes and then am taken to a chair by a beautiful woman, coincidentally named Stephanie too (same spelling and everything).

The first thing I liked about her was how plump her skin was and how symmetrical her features were. I could definitely stare into her eyes for the next hour.

The next thing was her makeup. It was exactly the kind of look I've always lusted after - indigo smoky eyes, just a bit of blush and well-lined pink lips - but never can achieve on my own, hence my black eyeliner since high school look.

Steph, as I'll call her, asked me about my skin, what products I currently use (a loaded question for a product tester - do you have a pen and about an hour?) what kind of look I was going for and then told me what she liked about my skin.

Good start, girlfriend.

Then she proceeded to moisturize my skin with the most delicate touch. It's amazing to feel someone else applying products to your face, when you've been doing it for decades. It's like a massage, only you look better by the end of it.

She started with Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refresher, following by Time Zone Line and Wrinkle Reducing Lotion SPF 15. My skin felt fantastic. Completely drenched in moisture for once.

Then she began to work on my eyes.

This blew me away because at home, my next step is always, always, always foundation. She told me that since we were doing a smoky eye (oh yeah) that the shadow will fall under my eye and why have to do my makeup all over again?

Of course, I think to myself.

If only Steph had been around all those years ago....

The second thing she does that I cannot believe is she covers my eyelid completly in Jade and Royal Blue Eyeliners. Eyeliners covering my eyelid? Have you gone mad, woman?!

It turns out that again, Steph is a genius (duh) and she's creating something for the shadow to stick to, as well as forming the most fantabulous canvas of colour. I mean, I can't believe these are my eyes.

Which by the way she says are hazel. My passport up until I was 26 or so says blue and the last one declares they're green. Am I going to be deported?

Steph works on my eyes for a really, really long time. It's enjoyable because there's a ton of chatter and excitement around me and we're in Holt's on a Friday night, so the rich are shopping away and I'm being pampered, so really, I could do this all night.

After the smoky eye is complete, she uses MagnaScopic Black on my lashes and well, I look freakin' fantastic. I am meeting a friend for dinner in Yorkville after this and all I can think is...

"Please let me run into an ex. Please let me run into an ex."

After the eyes, she then does my foundation in an insanely light shade, Resilience Lift Fair, which she does not like me - everywhere on my face - but sponges it ever so lightly in little bits, like she's doing pointillism. I am again shocked by this because it's never occurred to me that you could not have to do the whole face and yet still make it look even. She wasn't going to use concealer at all, but I tell her I don't leave the house without it (my pink undertone, you know) so she daubs the slightest bit of Ideal Light Brush-On Illuminator.

I'm almost done.

The amount of blush that she uses compared to me is laughable. A mere nudge against my cheeks and then it's over. Really? That's what you're going to send me out there with? But it is so perfect, I want to weep. I have those just slightly perfectly pink cheeks like Grace Kelly or Robert Benchley.

Then she does my lips in this Barbie, rich real estate agent pink. (actually it's Pink Blush) I think it might be too much, but this woman has taught me so much - who am I to say no now?

She takes me over to the photographer and her team - a tiny gal at the printer and a guy who's retouching photos hunched into a kitchen counter to work. These poor folks. The photographer Ingrid Punwani is fantastic. She makes me feel confident, of which I am not. Photos often have me looking like a lumpy David Spade. But Ingrid takes 2 (the photography area is right in the front doorway of Holt's - could we be any more in the public's faces? - and says to come back in an hour.

I do errands in Yorkville, feeling like a rich person. Rich folks have people doing their makeup, hair, etc. for them, don't they? Anyway, I feel like a million bucks.

"Please let me run into an ex. Please let me run into an ex."

I don't. It'll happen as it always does, when I've got a high fever and am on my way to the pharmacy, looking like Steve Buscemi.

I get back into Holt's and the guy doing all the retouching to make us look better than we are - even with all of this makeup on - is working away and tells me how good I look in the picture. Now, I'm sure he's saying this to the 60 year old's that were there today, but I appreciate it nonetheless. I am of the age when I'm not too old to be old, but not young enough to be considered hot.

The pictures are laid out on the kitchen counter they've got set up and I get to see a range of women of different ages and styles. It's fascinating. We are all so very different.

But we do have one thing in common - today we look good. And probably, these women feel good as I do. It's nice to be pampered like this. I don't go for manicures or facials, to spas or even go shopping really unless it's for a birthday present or groceries. I've had an hour and a half of being made to feel pretty.

I could get used to this.

My picture slides out of the tiny little printer and I am shocked. Despite my wonky hair, my crazy cheekbones and all the rest of it, I am so pleased with my picture. It's not the best picture of me ever, but I am rarely happy with photos of me. I just always think, "I can't look like that, can I?"

I like it so much that I changed all my online profile pictures as soon as the jpeg was sent, only a few days later.

And thanks to being shown how experts apply makeup, I feel like I do a much better job now at applying my own makeup. I'm no expert, but I'm certainly better now.

Thank you to everyone at Estee Lauder who made me feel fantastic for an afternoon and now, I have a profile picture that is not out of focus for once (a famous trick of mine) and that I feel represents me faithfully - no one has to know that it took a team of people to make me look like that!

p.s. to see the picture of me in all of my glory- and Estee Lauder makeup, go to my twitter page (and sign up while you're there!).

It's Not Too Late - Last Minute Valentine's Day Gifts For Him and Her!

There are still a few days left in which to get a rockin' present for your loved one. Here are a few places to start to get the ball rolling:

**Fresh Frances Fine Stationery**

Stand out from the crowd with a vintage-y card with modern sensibilities from Fresh Frances. They are such fun!

You could get a box of notes for your special someone, or a simply divine Thank You card ought to get the message across.

These wonderful Spiral bound Mini Notebooks are a lovely gift and though they are not Valentine's Day cards per se, the Anniversary cards have the same sentiment, such as Cream in my Coffee.

Fun and kitschy, Fresh Frances cards are timeless.

And what better way to express yourself?

**Equmen - Men's Compression Clothing**

Good lord these clothes do a lot! Check this out:

"Equmen compression undershirts and underwear are engineered with seamless athletic technology and physiotherapist techniques for ergonomic results. Equmen Helix-Mapping Technology focuses on core body mechanics – optimising support, improving posture stability and slimming at the same time. This makes Equmen compression clothing ideal for any man, whether he wants to slim his body under a suit, reduce back pain, or improve performance in any sporting activity."

So, I get my guy the Core Precision Undershirt.

First of all, before we get to all that it does, can I just say how hot it looks? Just look at how it forms to the body, how it skims the body in all the right places!

So it looks ubersexy and then, it goes on to "sculpt, tone and improve body mechanics." It's a shirt with a built in brain!

So you're not just giving your guy a shirt. You're giving him a whole new way of living! All with an undershirt. How amazing is that?!

And I don't want to get too personal or anything, but if you think the shirt looks good, wait 'til you see what the Precision Underwear does. It's like living with David Beckham! I swear, it's the sexiest underwear I've ever seen for a guy.

So it's a present for you as much as it is for him - is that such a bad thing?

The great part is that these pieces are so damn comfortable, that he will want to wear them all the time.

Okay!

One last thing - can we convince Equmen to make this stuff for women? Can you imagine?!

Sigh....

**Top Chef Quickfire Challenge Game**

Is your Valentine a foodie? Do they spend their free time searching out truffle oil or trying to perfect their paella?

Then you've gotta get 'em the New Top Chef Quickfire Challenge Game!

This little box holds a ton of exciting possibilities for 2-6 players or teams, vying for the title of Top Chef.

With 6 game boards (that you fill with the cutest little knife cutouts!), 150 trivia cards, 1 die, 1 category card and a Top Chef cheat sheet, you've got a recipe for an informative and entertaining night!

The categories include: The Chefs, The Challenges, The Food, Culinary 101 and Tools & Techniques.

There are general knowledge questions such as "What is raw milk?" but you've got to be on your game if you're going to win, correctly answering questions such as "In the Season 1 episode in Napa, who was the only chef who did not use lamb in his dish - Stephen, Harold or Dave?" and "In Season 2's challenge at Social restaurant, what medicine did the judges say Josie's and Marisa's prickly pear and coconut soup resembles?"

If you can remember Season One's Miguel Morales or Season 3's Micah Edelstein, then you're going to be okay!

The only problem with this game is it's going to make you extremely hungry, so be sure to have snacks on hand (and wine wouldn't hurt either)!

After the game, perhaps you can have your own Top Chef Challenge in the kitchen - Okay, everybody has to make a meal with a grapefruit and grappa.

Go!

Get the Prettiest Box for Your Valentine From EcoVintageVegan on Etsy!

So you've gone to all of that trouble to get your loved one a spectacular Valentine. You're not going to give to them just like that, are you?!

To make it the momentous occasion you've both dreamed of, you're going to want to put in one of the most gorgeous hand made boxes by Mickey Tanner, creator and owner of EcoVintageVegan at Etsy!

Check out the Wholesalecrafts and Supply - Seaside Beach Themed Gift Boxes. These 25 beautiful little gift boxes are handmade from acid free archival card stock. Not only are they the colours of the seas, they have matching insert centers and bottoms.

Don't you just love that dedication to detail?!

And each one is hand built. Mickey meticulously folds, scores and glues each and every one! The work involved just for this one little charming box is unbelievable. And soooo affordable!

Doesn't it make you want to keep it?

I am loving the Tiffany Blue Inspired - Little Gift Boxes - 16 as well. How could you not swoon over whatever is in these little beauties? And Pumpkin Spice too.

I have to say that Mickey's patterned boxes, like the Amy Butler, Romantic, Romantic Madeline, Large Gift Boxes, Bright Foil Blossoms, are my absolute favourite. She uses a different bottom and top, so you get this exquisitely decadent box that is superbly crafted and well, kind of up the look of whatever you put in it.

You will never look at boxes the same again after you've seen the superior craftsmanship of ecovintagevegan boxes!

p.s. check out Mickey's other company, Crude Company - Raw Jewelry & Ornament.

Get Ready for Valentine's Day with Upper Canada and Skin by Monica

Want to get all smooth and supple for the big day?

Look no further.

**Upper Canada Soap's Naturally**

Let's get your body all nourished and moisturized.

Using botanicals and all-natural ingredients, Upper Canada Soap's Naturally line gives your skin what it needs, while leaving out the bad stuff - parabens, mineral oils, SLS and synthetic dyes.

There are a number of different products in the line. For Valentine's Day, I'm slathering on the Body Butter.

There are 5 scents to choose from. The Warm Honey Nectar is perfect for celebrating - rich, decadent lotion with just a little sweetness sinks into your skin, making you feel cared for from head to toe.

Mmm.

Now don't you want to share that feeling with someone?

**skin by Monica Olsen**

Monica Olsen is not only the creator of the brand, but the face too.

This former model was seeking out natural skin care products when she was pregnant with her first daughter. Unsatisfied with what was on the market, she created her own line that were "organically and environmentally pure."

By manufacturing her own products and making them in small batches, Monica can control the quality of the product.

So that's why when you're using Restore MSM Facial Cleanser for your big date tonight, you'll look and feel so good.

There's no alcohol, parabens or other stuff in here that will dry out your skin. Emollient oils and antioxidants are used instead, giving your skin the gentle wake up call it needs and the fresh peppermint helps with those early mornings after those late nights!

And you'll want to be sure to have Plump on hand for your Valentine's Day date.

The scent starts off like Bazooka gum and then develops into fresh Peppermint.

The high gloss look makes your lips look absolutely stunning. And then the pepperminty tingling begins and your lips fill out to these pillowy masses that make the cost and pain of collagen a joke.

You are date ready. The only questions remains - what in the world are you going to wear?!

Get Organized with the Family Facts 2010 Family Acticity Wall Calendar!

I wrote about Pam Socolow's Family Facts On-The-Go Planner back in October and now there's a calendar for the whole family to use.

There is much to love about the Family Facts 2010 Family Activity Wall Calendar.

First of all, the squares in which to write are H-U-G-E so you can actually fit in everything that you have to do and when.

And the graduated blue and gray colours are not only pretty and soothing, but create instant lines so that you can keep your appointments looking neat - even if your handwriting isn't!

The fold out write-on/wipe off boards with dry-erase marker allows you to keep numbers and other important information close at hand and a large pocket at the bottom means no more mislaid dry cleaning tickets or receipts.

The 2010 Family Activity Wall Calendar is an all-in-one system that the whole family can use.

One of my favourite features? The stickers. I mean, how much more fun is it to apply a birthday sticker than have to write it out?

See? I told you it has everything!

Special Report: The Franklin Covey Series Part III -Jean Chatzky’s Making Money Make Sense Ring-Bound Planner Refill!

Welcome to the third Monday in my series of 5 Mondays of new and exciting Franklin Covey Products.

I'm going to get you organized, one way or the other!

Read Week 1 - Her Point of View Planners and Binders

Read Week 2 - The Chantel Dome Laptop Bag

Let's talk about planners.

Part of the MasterPlan series, Jean Chatzky’s Making Money Make Sense Ring-Bound Planner Refill is a fantastic way to plan your life AND budget your money along the way!

Financial editor for NBC’s Today Show, New York Times best-selling author and money coach, Jean Chatzky has designed this planner to have everything you need to get organized, both with your time and money.

There is much to love about this planner. First of all, it’s beautifully designed - tabs in pale colours, dividers with floral images and sayings to get you motivated and moving and pages bordered in a floral graphic and sections highlighted in various colours. There’s a monthly calendar and the two-pages-per-week layout gives you a clear picture of what you’ve got to do this week – and next. And the Classic (5.5” x 8.5”) size gives you lots of room to write.

What sets this planner apart are the Spending Plan Tracker Pages. In between each week, you’ll find these dedicated pages so that you can actually keep timely and uber-organized records of how much you’re planning to spend as well as the actual amount for housing, transportation, other debt repayment, savings, living and other. It covers each week so you plan your schedule as you would normally, but turn the page and you've got all of your financial info sorted as well.

It really is a fantastic layout that's easy to follow and manage. It's like somehow Jean knew that if it were to go in a separate section on its own, all hope of us being able to keep us would be lost.

And if you want to get your finances straight, you've got to sit down and figure out the numbers. The actual numbers of what you make, what you spend. I bet you think you have a pretty good idea, but until you write it all down, you don't know for sure, do you?

The 2011 monthly calendar allows you to plan ahead and worksheets such as Average spending, Determine your monthly nut, Debt reduction, and Saving for a goal help you get a handle on your money. The Pagemarker clear pouch gives you a place to store receipts.

I’ve never seen a money plan so integrated with a calendar system before. It’s such a fantastic idea, as they really do go hand and hand. It’s the best way to get – and keep – on track in every way, don’t you think?

If only the rest of your life could be this organized...

Buy yourself Jean Chatzky’s Making Money Make Sense Ring-Bound Planner Refill and make 2010 the year you finally get ahead!