Go Get Yourself Some Beauitful Minimalist Jewelry from h. sakurai

For many, 2010 was all about cutting back, paring down and simplifying.

I can't think of a better way to celebrate than with h. sakurai jewelry!

As much as I admire bold jewelry, I am always drawn back to fine, delicate jewelry. Like the work of Hiroko Sakurai, you have to lean in close. Then you're rewarded wiith the surprise of the intricate detail and craftsmanship.

Like these gorgeous odes to New York. The iconic skyline has never looked prettier. And these necklaces with their featherish designs are so compelling, I bet you will wear them all the time.

I'm rockin' the Lucky dice necklace and matching earrings, which are a perfect way to ring in the new year - bring on the luck!

These earrings (pictured above) are little beauties and just a bit edgy. Plus, they are so much more enticing and original those fake diamond studs I've been wearing for years. And I love the unexpectedness and as a result, freshness of the silver die on gold chain. It gives it such a modern look and thus, updates my whole wardrobe in an instant.

You don't have to wear big, chunky jewelry to make a statement.

In fact, I think these say much more. 

Shop the entire h. sakurai collection now.

Discover the Enticing New Burlesque Collection from OPI

Now that New Year's is almost here, I bet you're looking for something a little eye-catching for the big night. Something with sparkle and pizazz.

The new Burlesque Collection by OPI brings with it much razzle and dazzle, but you'll be surprised by how wearable these glittery polishes are - you can rock them long after the ball's dropped.

I tried 4 out of the 12 colours:

- Glow Up Already! looks awfully green in the bottle, but it's quite golden when you put it on. There are flecks of red, orange, pink, blue and gold that go on quite smoothly with a clear base. You get a nice sparkle with just one coat and fantastic coverage with two. I came to like this one very much. It is modern and retro all at once.

- Sometimes you look at a colour and you think no way, it's too much. You might have that initial reaction to Sparkle-iscious, but work past it. It is like a long lost memory of being under a disco ball. Just think about how happy you feel dancing to your favourite songs. With blue, pink and gold glitter swirling around your nails, you'd be hard pressed not to feel good. And like Glow Up Already! you  can swath on just one coat for a hint of excitement or do 2 or 3 and bring the party wherever you go!

- I wasn't sure about Take The Stage at first. It's such a fiery copper. Could I pull it off? But it's smooth application, despite being a metallic (You know how you sometimes get those lines and ridges? Not with OPI) and unique shade grew on me. It is one of those colours that stands out without being too weird or obnoxious. In fact, it might in face become one of your go-to colours this season.

-A fantastic choice for brightening up these dull winter days is Let Me Entertain You! It's quite intriguing - dark raspberry with what looks like gold leaf flecked throughout. It's hot, yet classy. I think it's even work appropriate, but don't let it go to waste with just your office attire. This colour needs to break out every once in awhile, so be sure it is accompanied by a short, sassy dress and towering heels in between your work gear.

Shop the entire Burlesque Collection by OPI.

Want Fantastic Hair for the New Year? All You Need is KEVIN.MURPHY

Or at least, his simply stunning products.

Working with celebrities such as Rose Byrne, Vanessa Hudgens and Heidi Klum and leading fashion photographers such as Patrick Demarchelier, Kevin Murphy has taken his extreme talents and created a line of hair care products that will completely change not only the way your hair looks and feels, but how you think about your hair.

I have always had uncontrollable, kinda wavy, kinda curly hair that doesn't respond to much of anything. But KEVIN.MURPHY hair products transforms my hair each and every time to luscious locks that shine and bounce, that are sleek and smooth. And my hair smells so freakin' good that I can feel people leaning close on the subway and sniffing around me at the grocery store.  I don't know how he makes such rich products without them being heavy and weighing down my hair. 

The NEW FORMULAS of LUXURY.WASH and LUXURY.RINSE give my coarse coloured hair a complete makeover, as it rebalances my hydro lipids and other scientific stuff that repairs all that chemical damage I've done over the years. How they manage to be all that and sulphate and paraben free and "made from renewable and sustainable resources whenever possible, using pure essential oils, plant extracts and natural antioxidants" is beyond me.

It's not often that a product that calls itself "luxury" actually is. However, these absolutely deserve the title. And then some. I mean, even the bottles are gorgeous!

And to get you styled right for the party of the year, you've got to check out these amazing styling products:

- Powder.Puff is one of those revolutionary products that once you try it, you can't live without it. I've never been a fan of dry shampoo or other dry products UNTIL NOW. This volumizing powder takes your hair from the every day to sexy Brigitte Bardot heights. You know that sexy tousled look that you're always trying to create "naturally" with braids, curlers or your fingers? Just a few shakes of this wonder dust and you'll have that beachy hair (which Kevin invented, by the way) that you've always wanted.
 

- Ooh, if you've got short, choppy locks, Night.Rider is for you. It's sexy (as is the packaging) and gives you a chance to work the look you want.

And if you're traveling or want something cute to take to the gym or on an overnight visit, you've got to get the KEVIN.MURPHY JET.PAK (pictured above). Mine has travel sized Hydrate-Me.Wash, Hydrate-Me.Rinse, Anti.Gravity, Session.Spray and Fresh.Hair, all in a long sleek black mesh case. It doesn't get much sleeker/sexier than that.

Find a salon near you and get yourself some KEVIN.MURPHY if you know what's going for you.

LORAC's Box Office Hit Full Face Palette Should Be $210 - It's Yours For Only $35!

I know you're out looking for deals this week. There is something so satisfying to getting something you really want and saving a bundle while you're at it.

Well, I think I've found the ultimate deal.

What if I told you I could get you a celebrity makeup artist's collection, with a palette including:

- 12 eye shadows from pale cream to dark gray

- 2 eye liners - brown and black

- blush in fresh pink

- bronzer

- 8 lip colours from pale peach to burgundy?

And that it's worth $210, but you can have it for $35!

You wouldn't believe it. You'd say that it seems to good to be true.

Well, it IS true.

Thanks to the uber-genius of red carpet makeup phenomenon Carol Shaw and LORAC, "the makeup she uses to make Hollywood beautiful" is offering this amazing kit EXCLUSIVELY AT ULTA.COM. 

This LIMITED EDITION LORAC Box Office Hit Full Face Palette is a perfect gift - for yourself, or those that you still have to shop for. It comes in a beautiful cabernet croc case that allows for ease of use - everything is laid out in one place - travel and storage (finally, you don't have to have a gazillion little containers everywhere!).

It's wonderful having everything before you. And it's so easy - create a natural look for the office in just minutes and swath on darker shades for evening.  It's also so simple to use because you don't have to do any guesswork - the shades have already been selected for you (often the hardest ad most crucial part) They work on Hollywood stars (like Debra Messing) and now you can get the same looks right in the comfort of your own home. For a steal, no less!

It's hard to believe that such a high quality line is available for such an unbelievably low price. But it's absolutely true.

But you've got to act now!

Start the new year by rockin' your own red carpet looks with the LORAC Box Office Hit Full Face Palette only at ULTA.COM.

myfaceworks: Get a Skin Makeover Without Any Work

You're busy.

Too busy to stop and do the things you used to like bake from scratch, send letters or get facials. And in the new year, you're about to get even busier.

But that doesn't mean your skin has to suffer.

myfaceworks was made for people like you and I -we want beautiful skin, but we don't want to have to follow a 10-step regimen every night or spend a whole whack of cash/time/energy that we don't have.

These "sheet" masks are an amazing, convenient  and easily packable/travel-able solution to great skincare without all the muss and fuss of many treatments.

There are 13 types to select from, allowing you to really target your own personal areas and issues. These are made to complement your current skincare program and not replace it, so use them when you need a tune up or to prevent further issues.

The mask itself, looks and feels like soft paper. It is saturated with the specific nutrients and ingredients for each type, so thus, it is more like soft, wet paper. The mask is oval, with eyes cut out around the eyes, nose and mouth. When you put it on, don't be surprised that you look a little like Heidi Montag, post-surgery (but just imagine how awesome you're going to look in 15-20 minutes, because that's how quickly it works).

Because the mask it so wet, it really stays on your face, so you don't have to feel like you have to lie down and lose 20 minutes if you don't want to. Of course, if you're looking for an escape from your hectic day, there's no reason why you shouldn't lie down and relax a little.

The masks come in thin plastic pouches (about the size of your passport) so that you can stash 'em into your makeup bag, carry on, gym bag or purse.

I like that there was a noticeable difference to my skin after using them. It works quickly yes, but the results are long-lasting.

You can choose from:

The Starter Kit

I Need a Clear Day Kiwi Acne Facial Mask

I Need a Quickie Pre-Makeup Express Facial Mask

I Need to Open My Eyes Revitalizing Eye Mask

I Need to Tame Rose Water Facial Mask

I Need to be Firm Collagen Boosting Facial Mask

I Need to Replenish Intense Hydrating Mask

I Need to Wake Up Vitamin-C Radiance Facial Mask

I Need Damage Control Coenzyme Q10 Facial Mask

I Need the Works Crystal Fiber Super Facial Mask

I Need to Bring Out My Youth Anti-Wrinkle Facial Mask

I Need to Detox Green Tea Facial Mask

I Need to Heal Aloe Vera Facial Mask

Shop the entire collection and get a gorgeous mug without really lifting a finger.  You've got other things to do, right?

Get Clean Naturally with Pattern Body Washes

Are you trying to incorporate more natural products into your life in the new year?

You should start with Pattern Body Washes.

They leave out all the bad stuff:

- parabens

- artificial fragrances, colours and dyes

- SLS/SLES

- not tested on animals

And instead, Pattern packs each bottle with gentle cleansers. What's surprising is the thick lather that is generated - often when natural ingredients are used, there isn't much foam or lather, so you don't get that satisfying feel. And also how moisturized you'll feel. There's no dryness here, only soft, smooth, clean skin.

Another way Pattern is distinguishing itself is that you can use this body wash all over - body, face and hair. I bet you can't do that with that bottle from the drugstore...

But perhaps it will be the luscious scents that memorize you the most. Fragrances, essential oils and plant extracts mix and mingle to exhilarate and energize you during your morning shower.

I tried Sage,  which is fresh and slightly foresty, thanks to essential oils of sage, star anise, grapefruit and cotton flower and Vitamin E. I love the moisture-locking feel that comes with the accompanying Sage Body Lotion too. It lasts all day long, even in these wicked cold temperatures and there's no slick, greasy feeling either.

Nutmeg is fantastic and my favourite of the two scents. This one's actually made to combat dry skin using herbal extracts and essential oils of nutmeg, amber, cardamom and Vitamin E. I find it completely intoxicating, probably because it doesn't give off a baked cookie smell, instead lifts you with a spicy, vigourous blend that completely wakes  and shakes you up.

Try them all or shop specific scents.

Isn't it time you had the shower of your life every day?

Happy Holidays and Thanks!

I wish you a soulful holiday, one that allows you to relax and rejuvenate. I wish you a joyous and successful 2011.

Thank you for reading my posts and all of your comments. Thank you for your immense support and retweets (@sdickison if you're not already following me). 

Thank you to this pretty lady above for the Christmas champagne. Why yes, I'd love a glass! I extend one to you too.

You rock. 

Many thanks, warmest wishes and huge hugs of gratitude,

Stephanie Dickison

Publisher & Editor - the knack

p.s. Starting tomorrow for the next week, I'll be posting about things to make you look and feel good. It's time to take care of yourself!

My Top Perfume Picks of 2010: Part 2 - Go Get 'Em Now, Stores Close Early Today!

I have had a ton of fun testing so many perfumes this year. Here are the rest of my picks for Best Perfumes of 2010!

Don't forget to check out my past fragrance posts as well.

Enjoy!

**Lola Marc Jacobs Velvet Edition**

I chose Marc Jacobs BANG this week for top cologne and his fragrances for women also make it onto my faves list, including Lola, the Velvet Edition.

This limited edition bottle, marking Lola's first anniversary, is so stunning, the bottle is as much the present as the fragrance - frosted violet glass is topped with a thick gold band and a velvety, soft flower cap with vibrantly coloured petals.

The scent is intriguing and completely original. I've never experienced anything like it. It develops over time so the different ingredients and components come out one after another - fuchsia peony, pink peppercorn, pear d'anjou, ruby red grapefruit, rose, geranium, vanilla, tonka bean adn creamy musk.

It is decidedly feminine and exudes strength without being potent. It is creamy, floral, modern and playful. In other words, everything you want.

Get the Lola Gift Set now and be sure to pick up the Lola Limited-Edition Perfume Bracelet as well. With the Lola scent in a solid inside the flower and the bracelet's heavy gold chain, you will  be the belle of the ball with this awesome accessory.

Explore the Lola universe here.

**Daisy Pop Art Edition**

This Jeffrey Koons-like bottle makes for such a fun and memorable gift. 

The fragrance is described as "a sparkling floral bouquet," but for me, it's deeper than that. It has a woodsy feel. That must be the musk and jasmine, but the essences of grapefruit, strawberries and violet give it a fresh, unique scent that is all at once intoxicating and youthful. It makes you want to shorten your skirt, get up and dance and do all those things you said you'd do this year.

It's the scent of possibility.

And the Daisy Solid Perfume Ring will make choosing your New Year's Eve accessories a snap! This modern, chic, over-sized ring is a great way to make a statement and keep your scent close.

You can explore the whole Daisy world here.

My Top Perfume Picks of 2010: Part 1 - Yes, There's Still Time to Shop!

I am a very fortunate gal to be able to swath myself in premium fragrances.

Now I'm passing along my favourite new finds to you, just in time to finally finish off that list of yours (And be sure to check out my past fragrance posts to seek out scents that will thrill and delight this season as well).

This is Part 1. Tomorrow I'll post Part 2.

Enjoy!

**Love, Chloe**

I have always lusted after Chloe clothes and shoes and purses. And well, everything Chloe. It's no wonder I cannot stop gushing over their new fragrance Love, Chloe.

It is something I imagine Grace Kelly wearing. It has that clean, feminine smell that I imagine extremely rich woman have. However, at no time is it stuck up. It is most definitely approachable, but the scent is so beautiful that it's hard to believe one can really smell like this.

Even the fragrance's colour - soft, peachy pink, like a ballerina tulle - is pretty (and Chloe's iconic shade).

Love, Chloe brings together pink pepper and orange blossom, a blend of flowers, powdery musks, talc and rice powder, which explains why it is so intoxicatingly delicious and fresh. Like nothing else you've ever experienced and yet somehow familiar.

This is what I like to call a "forever" scent.

Completely and utterly heavenly.

**Guess Seductive Eau de Toilette**

Guess has long used modern gals looking quite 1950 in their ads and their scent is just as timeless.

This is a grown up scent to me. Not old lady, by any means, but certainly not sweet and tweeny.  Bergamot, jasmine, orris, vanilla and cashmere wood entwine and develop into a sophisticated, alluring scent that is feminine with a woody finish. It is light, but not frothy, deep, but not heavy.

If you want something that you can wear now, 5 years and 10 years down the road, Guess Seductive is a scent that makes every day feel like a special occasion.

**Beyonce Heat Ultimate Elixir**

Beyonce's first fragrance Heat gets a remix with this LIMITED EDITION eau de parfum. It's more concentrated, a little more turned up. It's got a southern sweetness and a little bubbly action that tickles your nose. It's definitely sexy - dark red velvet curtains, black garter belts sexy. Red vanilla orchid, osmanthus petals, cedarwood, amber, vanilla and tonka bean will enrapture those around you.

But the best part? You'll feel ravishing too.

**Harajuku Lovers Fragrances "Wicked Style"**

Gwen Stefani has always rocked her own style. And it's no wonder her Harajuku Girls caught on. Unique and edgy, they appeal to young women. This is me, you think to yourself. This is who I am.

The Harajuku Lovers Fragrances showcase a different Harajuku Girl with a distinct look, personality and scent.  You then get to select the scent that best describes you, personalizing your fragrance in a way that hasn't been done before. Which one are you?

Sweet Lolita - "Love"

Knee high socks and petticoats are your thing, as is a confectionary scent highlighted by nectarine, violet and sandalwood

Gothic Lolita - "Lil Angel"

Do you do smoky eyes and dark lipstick? Then this lil gal is for you. The fragrance isn't dark at all though. Succulent plum, champagne, waterlillies and rich amber keep it light and a little sweet, like cream soda.

Omotesando Girl - "Tokyo Style"

High end and cutting edge clothing are your thing, yet vintage plays a big role too. This sunny scent playfully brings peach pineapple, watermelon and water aqueous together for a truly joyous romp.

Visual Kei  - "Music"

This is one of the gentlest scents, so it's interesting that you'd be all about make-up, elaborate hair styles and flamboyant costumes. Perhaps it's so not everything is vying for attention at once. Juicy apple, fuchsia, peony and iridescent musk makes for a very, very pretty combo.

Kawaii/Decora - "Baby"

This style is for the young 'uns, with their bauble bracelets, bows and barrettes, but mixed in with the desserty white peach and red delicious apple, there are some decidedly grown-up memories evoked here, perhaps by the lush orchid, glowing amber and sensual musk.

And therein lies the sheer genius of Gwen's scents - they appeal to all ages.

Check back in tomorrow for Part 2 of My Top Perfume Picks of 2010.

Give Original, Gorgeous, Handmade Jewelry This Holiday From Tweak!

I am always on the lookout for cool jewelry, but truthfully, it's hard to find unique stuff that's affordable.

So when I stumbled upon Tweak, I was thrilled!

Ontario designer Caroline Bruce has created a line of stunning jewelry with each piece being carefully hand selected and crafted and completely one-of-a-kind.

I was able to visit her pop-up shop of sorts when she was in Toronto this month and perused through her incredible collection that showcases her immense talent of choosing stones that complement and contrast one another beautifully.

I love that she uses different stones snugged next to one another - the different shapes, textures and colours make for very modern pieces that have staying power. And because there are so many colours to play off of, you can wear them with virtually anything. Whether you're dressing up for cocktails or heading out for brunch with friends in t-shirt and jeans, Tweak makes you look put together in an instant.

I am immediately drawn to the awesome off-centre stylings of the Fuss Collection, Asymmetrical Pendants and Hooked, complete with gorgeous fish.

I cannot help but pick up a Collage Bracelet.  Mine is a mix of dark blues, grays and clear natural stones and beads (Jasper, Soldalite, Osbidian, Chinese Crystal, Faceted Glass, Web Jasper, Lapis Lazuli and Glass, to be exact). Oh, I just love it. And each bracelet is finished with a magnetic clasp, so you don't have to wait until someone's around to help you to put it on!

The Quintet Collection has something for everyone. Each necklace has 5 different stones, so you can ramp up your wardrobe with just this one statement piece. I love the pastels in this one (pictured above) but I went with something a little edgier. Very similar to this necklace, I got one with a medley of dark greys and a hit of lemon-lime (Olive Jade, Dalmatian Jasper, Porcelain, Chinese Crystal and Pyrite). It is classy enough to wear to work, but works as a rockin' accessory to my after 5 clothes.

I don't know how Caroline came up with it, but I absolutely, wholeheartedly can't get enough of the Duet Collection. Two very different pieces juxtaposed on a shiny silver strand - I think it's so damn sexy! I love the look of mine (similar to those shown)- Striped Agate with Crystal Quartz and Olive Jade.  I wore it to dinner with a friend recently and she mentioned how much she liked it - twice!

Caroline says, "At the risk of sounding trite, I have to confess that I really fall in love with every piece I make,” says Caroline. "I want a woman to see a piece of my jewelry, fall in love with it and not be able to stop herself from wearing it three days in a row! That’s the greatest compliment for me.  

“I try not to make anything I could go out and buy. If I have an idea and then see something similar in a magazine or online, I throw it out or alter it to make it into something totally me. I know there are very few new ideas left in the world of jewelry, but I like to think that my colour combinations, compositions and use of materials are at least somewhat unique.” 

And because I know this means as much to me as it does you, the finishing clasp on her necklaces are simple and beautiful and make it incredibly easy to take it on and off. Caroline also will custom make you pieces, but don't worry - no pieces are ever exactly alike, so you are guaranteed to have something that no one else will have, at no extra cost! How incredible is that?  And she always packages everything beautifully and encloses a list of all the stones and beads for your particular pieces. It's that kind of personal touch that you just can't help but fall in love with.

I've fallen hard for Tweak. I know you have too. Shop now and make this holiday one they won't ever forget.

p.s. If you don't know which style to get, buy a gift certificate and let them pick it out themselves.

For Him: 3 Stellar Colognes for the Fellas On Your List

Really, what is better than a fantastic smelling man?

But with drug and department store shelves bulging with scents this season, it can be difficult to navigate your way through the good and the nasty.

So I've gone through the bunch and picked what I think are the very best of the season. Here are my Top 3 (Huge thanks to Scott for testing them along with me).

3. Pure Nautica

I have loved Nautica's clothes and ocean-centric ads since they debuted back in '83, and their colognes have attracted quite a following.

It's no wonder.  Pure Nautica is one of those clean scents that pulls you slowly. But then it's got you. 

I don't know what Sea Spray Accord is, but tangled with Bergamot and Mandarin, it manages to be slightly woodsy with a feel of the ocean.

So live out all of your woodland and water fantasies this season with this awesome cologne.  

Ahoy.

2. Davidoff Champion

Davidoff makes wonderful gifts for your guy - watches, leather accessories and colognes. But Davidoff Champion is so compelling, I could honestly have it pumped into my office all day and never tire of it. 

The cedarwood and oak moss give it its heft, but bergamot, lemon, galbanum and clary sage keep it from feeling too clingy or cloying.

The bottle is cool too.  The thick dumbell  - the black glass bottle with bevelled-grip and silver metal weights on the ends oozes sexiness and strength. 

And so will your fella when he steps out in this outstanding scent.

Mmm, uh huh.

1. Marc Jacobs Bang

You've got to admit. The poster (picture above) for this cologne kind of says it all - notice me!

The bottle is hard not to stare at either. It's freakin' gorgeous.  

But it's this exotic, rapturous scent that's going to rock your/his world. I don't know how to put it, but it smells like s-e-x. Not nasty or anything like that. Just under black satin sheets in a swank room with the hottest guy you can imagine, where you are both fit and lithe and don't come up for air until early morning kind of sex.

I don't know how a combination of 3 types of peppercorns, woods, benzoin resin, vetyver, white moss and patchouli can create such a picture, but one whiff of this and thunk.

Undies to the floor.

Oh my. 

Get some now.

Give SWISSGEAR by Wenger For the Traveler or Tech Lover on Your List

This holiday give something you'll know they'll love and use.

SWISSGEAR by Wenger are the same folks that make the Genuine Swiss Army Knife, but you may not know about their wonderful line of luggage and travel gear.

Whether you're traveling near or far, SWISSGEAR has got you covered.

I like their Laptop Sleeves. Made from Neoprene, they are extremely durable and protective. Thickly padded, these were made for travel, but how nice is it that it's not at all bulky? There's nothing worse than trying to weave your way through the airport while lugging your gear with you and feeling like you're carrying an extra 300 lbs with you!

Handles are reinforced with extra padding and material so that you actually carry it comfortably.  and while the slim profile is sleek and fashionable, it can actually fit most 15.6" laptops.

It comes with a limited ten year warranty, so it'll probably outlast your laptop. When's the last time your gear lasted longer than your tech?!

Distributed by Holiday Group, SwissGear by Wenger is the way to go this holiday.

Shop now.

Maroma's Natural Home Fragrances Make A Wonderful Holiday Gift

It drives me crazy when I see people loading up with soaps and candles from those places in the mall. It just seems so unoriginal.  And those scents? Smelling like candy canes is not natural.

That's why I recommend Maroma's Natural Home Fragrances.

I like them because they everything is made with botanical extracts and contain no toxic or harmful ingredients. They also follow environmentally responsible manufacturing practices, so you can feel good about using them and giving them this holiday season.

The essential oils used in their home products don't just smell good - they are formulated to clear and refresh the air.  And the fragrances to choose from are incredible, all at incredibly inexpensive prices, so you can afford to outfit your home as well as those on your holiday list. Take a look at what I've tried so far:

I love the large range of incense Maroma offers. I especially like their SPA line that includes not only fragrances but the therapeutic effects that go along with it. Each box of 10 includes a small incense holder (I love that!) and each stickburns for 30 minutes, allowing you the peace and calm that you need in this hectic world. New Energy is lively with its blend of Orange, Lemon, Basil, Peppermint, Lavender, Cubeb and Rosemary. And Pure Air is a wonderful blend of Pine, Vetyver, Eucalyptus Globulus, Basil, Bergamot and Spearmint that really helps make the place feel fresh, even with the windows closed.

I've never used cone incense before, but I am captivated by Devi Incense (pictured above). Blended with natural essential oils, these cones contains sandalwood powder and tree bark powder as a natural binder. What is amazing about cones versus sticks is that the ash of the cone stays in place, so you don't have to worry about any cleanup. I tried the Audacity Fragrance, which is a wonderful whirlwind of Vanilla with Jasmine, Cedrat and Mandarin. You get 12 cones plus a holder in this set. What a great gift or stocking stuffer!

And for a rich feel, I love Maroma Men's Incense. Tonka Vetiver is so sexy and alluring.

If incense isn't really your thing, Encens d'Auroville Perfume Sachets are a lovely way to bring soft fragrance into your home.  There are small squares that you can tuck in between your linens or in a drawer or sachets with paper hooks that makes it easy to bring a fresh scent to your closet, car or laundry room. Blended with natural essential oils that are infused into fine sandalwood powder then packaged in handmade paper pouches, these are a lovely way to say thanks this holiday as well as freshen the house before company arrives. I fell for Orange Blossom, Rosewood, Fragipani, Rose and Neroli.

Candles are a wonderful way to bring a scent indoors this season. Maroma's are made from 100% renewable resource farmed palm wax that gives you 24 hours of clean burn time with no smoke, soot, petroleum based residue or overriding wax odor. The wick is made of cotton and completely self-trimming. The Luminary cup and packaging are made from recycled natural materials
and the Luminary wrap is from harvested banana fiber. Once you've used up the candle, the cup can be used for tealight candles or for anything else you like. These cups are way too pretty not to showcase somewhere in the house. 

And the scents! I love the deep notes of Maroma Men's Cedar Lavender. And Maroma's Green-light Spicy Mandarin is a great choice for this time of year. The originality of Pear d'Anjou is so delightful. Just try getting anything like these fragrances at the mall.

Soap is a very popular gift at this time of year, but you'll stand out from the crowd with these Maroma blends:  

Spa soaps are 100% natural, made with certified organic soap base, with no added dyes or any synthetic fragrance. They have been triple milled, making quite the luxe gift without the hefty price tag. I think the Tranquility blend is an excellent way to unwind this holiday. 

Maroma True Soaps and Bath Salts contain no dyes, preservatives or artificial additives. I love the energy of Lemongrass. With Mango Butter, Lemongrass Leaf Powder, Lemongrass Oil, Gingergrass Oil and Palmarosa Oil, your body will be drenched in deep moisture. And for a more soothing feel, indulge in the Lavender Soap and Bath Salts.

You don't have to be a man to enjoy using Maroma Men Soap. There is the relaxing Cedar Lavender, invigorating Tonka Vetiver and the exfoliating Olibanum Citrus that uses walnut shell powder to rid you of any dry skin.

Whether you're buying Secret Santa gifts or just wanting to infuse your home with a little added warmth this season,  shop Maroma.

Give the Mobile & Music Lovers on Your List Kicker Stereo Headsets This Holiday!

I was shocked to learn that almost all the people I polled do not listen to music on their cell/smartphone.

It turns out that hey just never got around to figuring out how to load music on, and they haven't been able to find comfortable headphones that look good and give good sound.

So I told them all about KICKER. They specialize in sound for you and your home, car, boat and power sports, so they know sound.

I think the KICKER eb91m MicroFir In-ear Stereo Headset with Microphone are exactly what you want to be able to bring big sound and great music to your life, while being able to communicate with ease whether you're in the comfort of your own car or crammed into a subway car during rush hour.

See, KICKER has made it possible for you to enjoy your music collection and get work done at the same time. Let me explain:

- Firstly, you can use this with your iPhone or Blackberry, which we both know you live and breathe by.

- Secondly, there is an In-Line Microphone that allows you to make and take calls easily without having to suffer through phone elbow or cramming the phone against your ear until it feels it will fall off trying to hear your boss's detailed instructions about the project while you're in the middle of a busy mall. The design is genius - it hangs at jaw level so you don't have to be one of those annoying people holding it up in front of your face - and you can hear everything clearly. There is also a detachable clip that allows you to secure it while on the move.

- And thanks to the Multi-Function Button , you can be listening to music and fast forward a track or switch over to answer or end a call without having to fiddle with your phone - it's right there on your headset, conveniently positioned at chest level for easy access.  Ahhh!

- Let's talk about sound, because for me, I like a lot of base and full sound. KICKER has premium full-range sound, "legendary KICKER bass response," and impedance-aligned, 8-millimeter micro drivers, which in laymen terms means you get a sonic experience like no other. Just imagine walking around with your own personal concerts happening between your ears. 

 

- Then there is the issue of most earbuds. Most just plop right out of my ears, no matter how many sizes they offer. With KICKER's eb91m, the MicroFit aluminum housing is "33% smaller than standard in-ear monitors," so they are light and comfy and each pack includes a range of soft silicone, noise-canceling tip sizes (medium, small, extra-small and micro) that actually seal in your ear canal so that you get a proper fit and sound.

- The cable isn't something you may thought of that's important but the Kevlar-reinforced, black braided cloth cable is made tough living. Kevlar is what police vests and other military-grade gear is made of, so you can imagine how it will stand up against all that you put against it.

- And because I care about what my accessories look like, you can choose from awesome looks - gun metal or pink.

So change the way someone on your list - or even perhaps yourself - lives and works. 

No doubt you've got a soundtrack to your life. Why not listen to it?

Shop KICKER now.

Celebrate the Season with The Cardboard Christmas Tree!

In recent years, there has been a real eco movement during the holidays - people sending out ecards instead of paper ones, giving less but more meaningful gifts and then there's the tree issue.

Perhaps you bought a plastic or 'fake' tree thinking that it is reusable and you don't have to kill a tree. Or maybe you believe that buying a real one is better because you can replant it.

I think one of the coolest solutions is The Cardboard Christmas Tree for a number of reasons:

1. It looks completely awesome.

2. It fits wherever you need it - there the tabletop version (1 ft) for teeny rooms and a small floor one (3 ft) for those with just a little more room.

3. It comes with its own decorations, simplifying your tree ceremony ritual forever!

4. You can colour and decorate it yourself, thereby personalizing it. Just look at what you can do!

4. It stores flat and small, so that you can finally have a tree but not have to move in order to have room to store it.

5. It is made from recycled materials, so it's your feel good tree.

6. You can mail to someone, straight from the website. Buying someone their Christmas tree tops any gift they get this yet. 

7. A portion of the profits from the Cardboard Christmas Tree sales are donated to the Arbor Day Foundation's Trees for America program. Through this program, for every one dollar donated, one tree will be planted in a damaged forest.  

8. They are so darn affordable, you might as well just get a bunch of 'em. There, your shopping list is practically done.

Shop for The Cardboard Christmas Tree now.

Say it with HeartThreads Clothing This Holiday

If you're like me, in recent years your mailing and gift lists got so immense it became a burden. So this is the year that you're only doing quality, meaningful gifts to a few close friends and family. 

One way to do that is with HeartThread Tees.  

Scott Wilson created these amazing t-shirts with a message INSIDE, right next to your heart. "It's what's on the inside that counts," he says.

"After a close friend lost their daughter, I wanted to do something to express my love and support for the family. The vision was to create a 'message close to the heart,' by taking the father's t-shirts and printing a picture of his daughter on the inside of the shirt positioned above the heart. The thought was to keep her image close to him at all times. Seeing the joy it brought this father and his family combined with my belief that 'what's on the inside has more meaning than what's on the outside,' the 'HeartThreads' clothing line was born."

This gift allows the recipient with be walking around with that thought right over their heart. It would be near impossible to feel unloved with a gift like that!

There is much love in these tees. First of all, there's the affirmations themselves. Which one means something to you or to the person you're giving it to? Will it be Friendship or Hope? Be Still or Celebrate? There are a lot to choose from. I am wearing the Faith tee, which comes boxed and reads:

"I believe unconditionally. It is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

And not only are the messages powerful, these tees are so freakin' sumptuous (if only everything could be made from 100% ultra fine supima cotton jersey), you'll feel good inside AND out. They are preshrunk and machine washable, but you're going to love the fitted contour body and longer length, so you'll actually wear it (unlike all those tees that came before).

And the dedication to detail doesn't stop there - the shoulder seams are sewn with gold colored thread "symbolizing purity, prosperity and longevity." 

Now that's what I call a fabulous gift.

Shop HeartThreads now.