Chic Gift-Giving is a Snap, Thanks to Hammerpress Mix & Match Gift Bags

When did getting a present get so difficult and time-consuming?

First, you've got the find the perfect gift. Then, the worst part - you've got to wrap it. Actually, I don't mind wrapping all that much except for the fact that you've got to clear off a surface so that you can roll out the paper and then you've got to find scissors and tape. And then there's the fact that I'm actually not very good at it, so no matter how great the present and wrap, it always kind of looks... crappy.

That's why I am over the moon with Hammerpress Mix & Match Gift Bags!

The cool graphic designs are bright, colourful and completely unique. Whether you're gifting your friend or boss, with 12 bags to choose from - 4 large, 4 medium and 4 small in 2 different patterns each , there is something for everyone. And the best part is, you don't have to spend precious time wrapping! Just slip your gift in, seal it with one of the cool stickers that comes with the bags and whomp! You're done!

Get yourself Hammerpress Mix & Match Gift Bags and make wrapping your gift the best part for once!

OPI's Femme De Cirque - The Perfect Spring Accessory

I love the changeover from winter to spring.

Black clothing suddenly seems so goth and the warm air just begs for frothy dresses and lighter shades.

So OPI's new collection, Femme De Cirque, is ideal for spring.

The collection includes 3 pink hues and 1 sheer glitter coat that can be worn on its own or painted over the other lacquers for a completely new look.  They fit right in with the ultra feminine ballerina look that is hot this spring and will go with whatever outfit you choose.

Select from:

- In the Spot-Light Pink - cheery bubblegum pink

- Step Right Up! - delicate rose

- So Many Clowns, So Little Time - creamy pale pink
- I Juggle…Men - iridescent opal shimmers with purple-pink sparkle

Ooh, these are just so lovely - don't be surprised if you can't stop wearing them!

Shop OPI's new collection, Femme De Cirque, now!

You'll Never Run Out of Dinner Ideas with One Big Table

Author Molly O'Neill writes: 

"One Big Table is the nation’s community cookbook, the result of my journey of more than 500,000 miles across the U.S.—during which I conducted over 5,000 oral history–style interviews and consumed untold calories—to discover why we eat what we eat."

This is no mere cookbook - this is a nation's autobiography with recipes.   

With over 800 pages offering  personal stories, recipes and photos, it is one of the most moving cookbooks you'll ever own. Just think - you'll begin to tell these people's stories as you make and serve their dishes. And then your guests will tell those stories and so on...

Because this is a book focused on the U.S., it is a veritable bible of different cultures and the way they eat. 

It includes recipes from home cooks, farmers, fishermen, pit-masters and even famous chefs that you may know. I know I  saw Daniel Boulud in there somewhere...

And the recipes, my God, the recipes - Mavis Lowe's West Indian Pumpkin Soup, Jamie Pagana's Rich & Herby Cornbread, Sicoutris Family's Greek Orzo Salad, Rachele's Haitian Shad in Green Peppercorn Sauce, Thomas Jefferson's Chicken Fricassee, Mill Pond Plantation's Beer and Bacon Quail and well, there's 600 recipes in the book, so I can't list them all (but I'd like to).

I think aside from being introduced to so many amazing people, ingredients and dishes, the part that gets me the most is that I have been handed down hundreds of people's tried-and-true family recipes.

And for a girl that doesn't have an extended family, it makes me feel like I've just found  the very best one of all time.

Buy your copy of One Big Table: A Portrait of America Cooking now.

Change of Season? Change Your Music with The State of Things & Rumba, Mambo & Cha Cha Cha!

It's staying lighter for longer outside and though it's not quite balmy yet, you can finally open the windows and put on a lighter coat.

We go through a lot of changes come spring, but I bet you haven't considered changing your music, though.

I find that I need different soundtracks for each season and so this season, I'm all about dancing and celebrating. And while music is subjective, I thought I'd share a few of my recent discoveries:

**The State of Things**

I love rock and am so happy to have found The State of Things. They embody the music I loved in the 80s and 90s with a modern edge that is firmly cemented in the present.  Their self-titled EP includes 4 tracks are raucous, but never raunchy; driving but never battering. This is an all out dance album, but there's no vocoders here. It's pure rock, through and through.

**Rumba, Mambo, Cha Cha Cha**

If you want something that will instantly lift your mood, put on Rumba, Mambo, Cha Cha Cha. I dare you not to roll your hips to this one.  Soft drums, horns and addictive beats will get inside you and help take away your cares. This album is a lot like being on vacation - only one or two tunes in, you'll be craving a frothy drink, complete with fruit decoration and the ability to think about work will disappear.  Upbeat and cheery, this is one album that you're going to have on replay for a long time to come.

Get Wild with Yves Rochers's New Eye Collection!

As much as I love bold fashion, I tend to play things pretty safe when it comes to makeup.

See, I believe that I simply can't pull off the same looks that I see the uber-cool girls in the fashion pages and on the street. So I end up doing the same thing I've been doing since I was 15 - dark eyeliner along the rim of my lashes. No wonder I still look the same as when I was a kid...

But now I am rockin' bold colours and long-lasting looks, thanks to Yves Rocher's amazing new Eyeliners!

Though I've been wearing it for most of my life, I still  favour the Marilyn Monroe look of black liner on my upper lashes. The high-precision Felt-Tip Liner 12H allows me to get a smooth, sleek line of varying widths with ease and without mess-ups. I adore how absolute black it is and that though it lasts for 12 hours, it comes off with warm water and soap without having to scrub it off.  Just watch this become one of the most used liners in your collection!

Thanks to Yves Rocher, for one of the first times since I was a young tween, I am wearing bright and bold colours! Their new Waterproof Eye Pencils are among the best, most innovative products I've come across for many reasons:

- they go on creamy soft and smooth (thanks to Chamomile extract), you'll look like a pro applied your makeup

- water-resistant means that they'll keep up with you and your crazybusy day 

- there's a pearly iridescence to the colours that really captures the light and lends an exotic, glamourous look

- the colours are fabulous and despite their brilliance, surprisingly complementary

- these cost less than those drugstore ones you've been buying 

I tried Blue, Turquoise and Copper and though I still rock my Black Felt-Tip 12H from time to time, I cannot stop showing my true colours with these incredible, look-changing, life-changing Waterproof Eye Pencils.

Shop Yves Rocher's Eye Pencils & Liners and do your eyes up like never before.

Gratitude: A Journal Is One of the Best Gifts to Give or Receive

Ooh, it can be tough sometimes.

Jobs are harder to come by, bills are never ending no matter how much you seem to cut back, and time passes so quickly, you never get to tackle on those things on your to-do list.

But there is so much to be grateful for. You've got your health, youth, friends, family, passions, pets, etc. It's easy to forget that when you're struggling, but studies show that people who keep a gratitude journal are 25% happier, more energetic, sleep better, etc.

You might think it's a trite exercise, but try it and just see for yourself. It absolutely works!

One the best I've ever seen is Gratitude: A Journal from Chronicle Books.

First of all, the size is perfect. It's kind of pocketbook size, but a little chunkier. Not too big and not too small, you won't feel overwhelmed or pressure to fill out long, wide pages.  

The cover is thick with rounded corners and feels good and smooth in your hand. The coral orange with buttercup yellow flowers is cheery, but understated. Just what you need. 

And now the pages. Lined pages with a place with a date would have been good enough, but here you get pages full of quotations, exercises and writing prompts. Author Catherine Price writes about their intention in the introduction:

"It's designed to help keep your happiness at the front of your mind - and to prevent your journal from devolving, as often ends up happening, into to-do lists or detailed descriptions of things in your life that are stressing you out."

And there is the difference. You shouldn't feel bullied into writing down your grateful thoughts, you should feel propelled to do it.

And this, Gratitude: A Journal, does that beautifully.

p.s. Catherine says that you can write a list once a week and it has a much stronger effect on your mood than doing it 3 times a week. 

p.p.s. Thank you for reading this post. I am so grateful to have you here. Please be sure to post your comments throughout. I'd love to hear from you.

Want Beautiful Skin? Just Use Hormeta Legendary Swiss Skin Care

Whether you're shopping HormetaUSA or Hormeta in Canada, you'll find products that completely transform your skin.

Using only genuine Swiss made products and Hormeta's exclusive "ionized mineral solution delivery system containing copper, zinc, magnese and selenium that penetrates deep into the skin tissue to activate vital functions and biological exchanges for cell regeneration, repair and protection," you get this amazing deep, luxurious treatment, all in the comfort of your own home.

I am hooked on Hormeta's Hydro Mineral Moisturizing Cream w/ Trace Elements. I love the way it feels going on, but more importantly it delivers moisture all day long. Don't you find that sometimes in the afternoon, you suddenly feel dehydrated? That's because your moisturizer has stopped working. Not this one. It works overtime to deliver vitamins and minerals that not only keep wrinkles at bay but feeds your skin with neat ingredients such as hazelnut oil and vitamin E.

And the Eye Contour Rescue Gel Mask is just what I need after a long day at the computer screen or reading the fine print of ingredients while testing recipes. It soothes and deflates the bags and dark circles that form there and the best part? If you apply just a little, there's no need to rinse it off, so it can be working while you're working. Gotta love a products that works as hard as you do!

There are soooo  many products, you should really have a look at them all. There's stuff for the body and men as well! Whether you're in Canada, the US or shopping worldwide, you are going to fall for Hormeta just as I have.

Left-Handed Folks Need Things Too, So Shop Lefty's Left Hand

I am fascinated by left-handed folks. Have you ever noticed how many intelligent and artistic people are "lefties"? Try Barack Obama, Angelina Jolie and Jerry Seinfeld, to name just a few.

Like many right-handers, I tried to switch to writing with my left hand, but couldn't quite manage it. And now I see how hard it is even for left-handers - they have to position their hand in such a way that it won't smear the ink. And you don't realize how many tools are made with right people in mind, such as scissors, portfolios, etc.

So when I discovered Lefty's Left Hand, I thought, "This is what the world needs more of! Why should it be so right-hand dominated?"

The selection at Lefty's is vast. Whether you need a fun gift or something practical, you'll find it all here.

To show what good company you're in, get the Lefties Rule Mouse Pad. Pictures of Queen Victoria, Napoleon and Alexander the Great will be at your side while you type away. It's nice to be surrounded by greatness, isn't it?

And in case you have to make the occasional note by hand, you're going to want to keep the Left Handed Portfolio close by. Lefty's went in search of one that opens to the right that they could offer their customers and when they couldn't find one at a good price, they commissioned one from Random Arts. They're a "small, family run, US company specializing in binders since 1954. The company operates a recycling program for vinyl 3- ring binders, re-using the vinyl in its own products." 

Each portfolio comes with a Yoropen, which I looove, and each part of the portfolio is either "100% recycled, or contains a substantial percentage of recycled content." The lined pad that comes with it is also 100% recycled.

And don't miss out on the Le Chat Backwards Watch (pictured above). The hands move counterclockwise and the numbers are reversed or "backwards" to standard clock and watches. If you hold it up to a mirror, it looks "normal" but some lefties can read it naturally this way. The expandable, adjustable silver band and pearlized face is quite chic, making it a great gift for the lefty in your life.

Shop the whole Lefty's Left Hand collection now.

Celebrate Spring with New Chloe Rose Edition Eau de Parfum!

Not long ago, I wrote about my love affair with Love, Chloe, which made my list for best scents of 2010.

Well, Chloe has done it again, this time with a fresh scent just in time for spring!

Chloe Rose Edition is a new limited-edition perfume that celebrates the original Chloe signature fragrance - but this time, with the addition of a pretty rose ribbon for spring.

Available at beauty counters in April, this is the perfect way to welcome the season!

A fragrant bouquet of rose, magnolia, lilly of the valley, cedar and amber creates a wonderfully fresh, warm scent that has a sexy finish to it. It is sunny and joyous and yet grounded and classic. 

I feel fabulous when I wear this. It is definitely an "I-feel-on-top-of-the-world" kind of scent, so whether you're going to a job interview or shopping for groceries, you'll have a little extra bounce in your step, a little "je ne sais quoi" at your side.

The rose ribbon on the neck of the beautiful beveled bottle reminds me of how much I have to be grateful for, that each day, each moment is a gift that is to be unwrapped and enjoyed.

This is a scent that is meant to be worn and celebrated, so get yours now.

Watch Prince William & Kate - The Royal Romance Movie on DVD!

As billions of people will be gathering to watch the Royal Wedding, you can get up-close-and-personal with William and Kate thanks to the new DVD, Prince William & Kate - The Royal Romance.

This film is the only official film fully authorized by Clarence House and it is extremely well done. Using "rare and unseen" footage, you do get this kind of insider feel. The DVD features highlights of the Engagement Day Interview and full coverage of the Engagement Day photocall at Clarence House. These illustrate just how photographed they are. The constant whir of clicks and battery of camera flashes is daunting. Can you imagine having your life that documented?

Of course there is footage of William growing up, Kate folks and other bits of interest that will make you a W&K expert in just 55 minutes!

So buy your copy of Prince William & Kate - The Royal Romance and celebrate the love story of Catherine Elizabeth Middleton and Prince William Arthur Philip Louis of Wales, KG, FRS.

Meat Lovers Unite: John Torode's Beef and Other Bovine Matters Satisfies on Every Level

As a food lover, home cook, restaurant reviewer and food writer, I cannot get enough red meat. 

So much so that sometimes I'll even have it for breakfast.

Then lunch.

And often times, at dinner too.

So when my eyes fell upon Beef and Other Bovine Matters by John Torode, I knew that it had the potential to be one of my go-to books that I use throughout the week to comprise my menus. 

But you can't judge it by name alone. After all, how many times have I had to tell people that the restaurant that they've deemed "great," simply based on the menu and look of the place, does not live up to the hype.

So I took some time and read it from front to back. I adore the size and the simple layout. I love that nothing has a gazillion ingredients and that the instructions are straight ahead and easy to follow, but friendly and personable as well.  The line drawings and short descriptions of various breeds near the beginning is a great introduction to these remarkable creatures. And there are some "basics" that John wants you to know, such as the difference between a bull, steer, heifer, cow and veal. Actually, I think I'll pose this question at my next dinner party and see how many answer correctly. It's not as easy as you might think...

But here's where it gets good - the recipes.  John's got a 100 of 'em and covers everything from stocks, soups and gravy to pies, stews and braises. There are chapters for the hardcore lovers like Offal and Sweets, but I think that no matter where you are in your culinary adventure, you are bound to find some gems that you can't help but make time and again.

Recently I took my 4 food book clubs to a French restaurant where people debated over the French Onion soup. Theirs was way better. It was the best they'd ever had. Well, I vote that John's French Onion Soup with Gruyere Croute would please all of their palates. It's rich, but not heavy and extremely satisfying. Especially in this cooler weather we're experiencing still.

I love Beef Carpaccio and John offers 8 different ways to prepare it. I also love the recipe here for Steak Tartate. You'd better believe that these are making their way into my dinner party menu rotation! 

I've only made Corned Beef from scratch once, so this is a good opportunity to try it again. The simplicity of the ingredients and instructions helps keep this from being an overwhelming task. And if you've found the idea of making Sweetbreads too intimidating in the past, John walks you through it with great ease. You'll wonder why you waited so long, and you'll be presenting platters of Fried Sweetbreads, Peas & Pancetta and Sweetbread Wellingtons in no time!

If you're looking for lunch or dinner options that you can whip up quickly, there are plenty here - Quick & Easy Thai Beef Salad, Cevapcici (Yugoslavian Sausage), Cornish Pasties and of course Steak can be done in a jiff too (just take a sec to read  John's "How to Cook a Great Steak," p. 126-127 and you'll be all set!).

Beef is one of my staples - both in the fridge, and now thanks to John Torode, on the shelf.

Buy your copy now.

Discover the Power of Argan Oil at FreshPickedStuff.ca

Liz, owner of  FreshPickedStuff.ca, knew that what we put on our bodies was just as important as what we put into them. In fact, she learned that "80% of what we put on our skin is absorbed into our systems, and that these products can contribute to numerous types of disease, including cancer, jump started her on the road to more healthy living.  Changing how she viewed skin care, make-up, perfume, body and hair care were the first steps toward Fresh Picked Stuff."

This great Canadian site is one of the few that offers products that contain a powerful ingredient - argan oil.

Derived from the nuts of the argan plant, is a natural ingredient that is said to have powerful anti-aging properties and has been used by Moroccan women for centuries. It is incredibly high in vitamin E and thus, works on tightening, smoothing and soothing your skin as well as reducing the appearance of scars and blemishes.

Start with the Facial Tonifying Cleanser/Daily Care for Face & Neck. This combination of argan oil, white clay, roses and water works to tighten your pores and tone your skin. Unlike other toners you've used in the past, you let this one dry first and then rinse off with warm water. The feeling of light clay feels surprisingly refreshing and the aroma of roses is just about the nicest way to start your day.

You'll love saying this one - the All Natural AntiBag - AntiWrinkle Treatment is all about relaxing your skin and working on ridding you of those dark circles and sunken eyes.  Here, argan oil, green clay, green tea, rose petals and tea tree are blended together into a wonderfully fresh-smelling concoction. For your face, just apply a few drops and massage in. For your eyes, just soak a cotton ball and apply on your eyelids. Leave it for 2 minutes or 15 - however long you need to look and feel better.

If you're in need of a real overhaul (goodbye winter skin, hello glow!), you've got to try the Glamour Mask Instant Glow. This goddess mask, as I like to call it, makes you feel like you're shedding your old skin and unveiling a new one. The deep colour is thanks to red Moroccan clay, but there's white clay, lavender and of course, argan oil, in there too.  You only need to leave this powerful mask on for a few minutes to see a significant change in your skin.

And to keep your skin aglow, apply a few drops of Fountain of Youth Serum to your face and neck. You'll wake up with less wrinkles and incredibly radiant skin. I find the scent (there's those rose petals again) incredibly soothing and relaxing and I think it helps me fall asleep.

Beautiful skin can be yours, using only all natural products that feed and nourish you. So leave those chemicals behind and shop the entire FreshPickedStuff.ca Arganat collection now.

Rock Your Nails (Just Like Katy Perry) with OPI's Black Shatter!

You've no doubt heard the insanity surrounding OPI's Black Shatter nail polish, featured in the Katy Perry Collection - salons can't keep it in stock and women can't get enough of it.

It's no wonder. This is one of the best innovations I've ever seen and man does it look wicked on!

The way it works is that you apply a polish as you normally would. Each colour you choose looks different when paired with Black Shatter. For example, the first time I tried it, I applied a putty gray,  which looked soo modern and chic. I tried it the second time with magenta, - I liked it on other girls when I saw it, but not on me. I think I'll stick with pale colours, but that doesn't mean that you have to. Rock it with dark blue if that's what makes you happy! I'm just too pale to pull off dark hues without looking vampy, I think.

It's hard to imagine how this works until you do it and see it for yourself. Thankfully, it's incredibly easy. Once you've put on your polish, swath Black Shatter over it. You cover your nail and for a moment, just a split second, you might panic (as I did) and think that you now have black nails. But just wait one more quick second and boom - the black starts to shrink and shrivel away, revealing your cool colour underneath! It is so fascinating to watch, and the results? Unbelievably cool!

I finished a glossy top coat to seal it and to keep it looking fresh and I went a whole week before I felt like they needed freshening up. Sweet.

The best part wasI could not stop looking at my nails and neither could other women. On the subway, in a store, ladies pulled my hands towards them and shrieked with delight. And then begged me to tell them where to get it!

I am completely addicted to Black Shatter. And word on the street is that pale shatter colours for Spring and Summer are coming.

Oh. My. God.

Shop OPI and get your own Black Shatter going on!

Pack the Prettiest Lunch with Urban Harmonie's Reusable Lunchbags

For a short while, I actually went to an office instead of working here at my desk at the end of my bed.

Working outside the home has many challenges that don't occur here - there's the commute, people other than your cat to talk to and lunch options.

At home, I eat whenever and make whatever, depending upon my time and mood. When you work in an office, you have limited options. And where I was working, there wasn't much around to choose from, so I packed my lunch.

The problem I had was:

1. I could never find a bag cute enough to carry, so I ended up using ugly plastic bags

2. I could never find one big enough to hold my various containers of carrots, crackers, salads and whatever else I trucked in to hold me over for the day

So you can imagine my immense delight when I happened upon Urban Harmonie!

Made with the environment in mind, these delightful lunch bags and snack bags do not contain PVC, phthalates, BPA, lead or formaldehyde. Creator Vicki Davidson says, "The loops and handles on the lunch bags are made from our scrap fabric, we reuse old buttons  and we use only Kraft boxes and envelopes for shipping which can either be reused or recycled."

 

The fabric used are quality quilting cottons "coated to create a durable, water-resistant, easy to clean surface." The interior of the bags use Pro Care Barrier Fabric.  This makes it waterproof and extremely durable. And to clean your sweet l'il bag, you simply need only wipe it with a cloth and hang it to dry!

And let's talk about these fabrics, because you won't find anything cuter than In The City, Kittens and Fun Times. If you like patterns, you'll swoon for Avocado Damask, Lotus and Retro Wave.

The detail and care of these Canadian-made bags is extraordinary. Aside from the fun fabrics, you then have to think about what size you need. Do you want a strap, loop or both? Do you like it short, tall or bento shaped? There is so much to choose from!

I went with the truly awesome Pop Art Tall Boxed Lunch Bag (pictured above). I am a huge Roy Lichtenstein fan, so this bag makes me very, very happy. It also allows me to pack a whack of food (which let's face it, as a food writer, I'm not subsisting on grapes alone...). There is also an insert included, a little bamboo fibre tray that fits perfectly into the bottom, giving the bag a smidge more stability and strength. I also like that it gives a very flat bottom so that my various eats don't slip and slide while I'm navigating my way through subway crowds, etc. The insert is made without chemicals or fertilizers and does not absorb liquids or fibres. When you're done with it, place it in your compost. It will degrade 45-90 later.

I'll let you in on a little secret. Even though I'm back at home, I still pack my lunch in this cutie. And now I take food with me wherever I happen to go.

Because a bag this cute should not be left at home where no one can see or enjoy it.

Shop the entire Urban Harmonie Collection now.

Achieve Dramatic, Sexy Eyes with Yves Rocher 360° Length Mascara

I can't believe my own eyes.

My lashes are spectacular and practically knee-length!

Oh Yves Rocher, you always do it up right and never disappoint!  Your New 360° Length Mascara is completely and utterly divine.

Using a wicked new design for the brush (tiny bristles of varying lengths), each lash gets captured and coated WITHOUT CLUMPING. Even those microscopic little guys in the corner that you can never quite reach! Your lashes have never looked so long, so dramatic and so darn breathtaking!

The formula (including almond protein that strengthens and sheaths each lash) is amazing because it makes my lashes look dipped in sleek, black liquid, without making me look too Lady Gaga or Tammy Faye. And I find that one coat does the job beautifully - no need to keep applying and messing up your makeup! Just think of all the time, money and energy you'll save just doing it just the once.  

And that's not all. This look not only gives you longer looking lashes, it lasts for 12 hours, is available in  gray, black and brown shades and comes off easily at the end of the day.

Yes, it's everything you've ever wanted.

That's just how Yves Rocher rolls, y'all.

Feed your addiction for seriously long, seriously sexy lashes with Yves Rocher's New 360° Length Mascara.

Say Thanks with Lovely Garden Blossom Fold & Mail Stationery by Yana Beylinson

There are so many things to be grateful for.

That's why I have a whole drawer dedicated to just stationery.

Whether it's a dinner party invite or time spent with a friend, I always like to send a note of thanks and gratitude. And one of my favourite new finds is Garden Blossoms Fold & Mail by Yana Beylinson.

It just oozes spring with  these 5 different, colourful hand-drawn floral designs in the most beautiful shades of pink, green, blue and gray. And with 40 sheets per pad, you can say thanks or "thinking about you," to your heart's content.

It's such fun to write and then fold and seal it, card and envelope all-in-one. And the recipients are loving it - opening the package is like revealing a category winner at the Oscars!

This stationery is a delightful and quick way to send a note to someone. Don't you have someone you'd like to thank?

Envelop Yourself In Gorgeous Handcrafted Scents from D.S. & Durga

Want something a little different to wear this season?

D.S. & Durga offers handcrafted perfumes and colognes, made in small batches.  But it's a little more intimate than that. See, D.S. and Durga are two people who craft, bottle, box and label everything themselves, so you get a real old-world kind of feel to their work.

Inspired by "antiquated herbal wisdom, native ritual medicine, Americana, outdated lore, geography, history and gastronomy," these are deep scents that reach back into history and come out with a modern edge.

Take Cowgirl Grass, for instance. It's an earthy scent for the fellas, but I like the leathery manly tangle of vetyver, sagebrush, damask rose and tuberose. So much so that I'm wearing it. Because it's not too hefty for a lass like myself to wear.  It smells of old books, wool sweaters and booksmart gents, which makes me happy from head to toe, though it's probably more of an ode to Cowboys and Indians, I imagine.

Silent Grove is one of the most original fragrances I've ever come across and one of my favourite of all time, all fragrances. This one's for us ladies, and thank goodness, because I cannot get enough of this one.  Linden, cedar, lotus and white tea coalesce into a modern spring day at the park, a bright breeze off the lake and a night up at the cottage. It makes me want to do a cartwheel, which I can't manage in the least, but I might be spurred on simply by the joy D.S. & Durga have captured and bottled. 

Osmanthus Cologne embodies the floral colognes that were worn by men until WWII. You'll be surprised by how light and enticing classic cologne water - citrus, orange blossom, rosemary and lavender - pairs with rare Australian osmanthus flower is. Yep, us girls are going to be scooping  this one up too.

The names of these fragrances are as fresh and unique as the blends themselves, so do the smart thing and shop the entire D.S. & Durga Collection now.

Schwarzkopf SEAH Hairspa Blossom Intense Keeps Your Colour Longer

I have been colouring my hair for decades. So you can imagine what a dry hot mess it is.

And because it is platinum blond, it is near to impossible to ever get it looking shiny.

But thanks to Schwarzkopf SEAH Hairspa Blossom Instense, I've finally got glossy locks.

See, as soon as you colour your hair, it needs a treatment that immediately locks in your colour and adds shine.

SEAH Blossom Intense is an  in-salon, post-colour gel-cream that was "especially developed to secure and reveal the true radiance of freshly coloured hair." The way it works is that it envelops each strand and seals in the colour pigments. This intense treatment works quickly on your hair - you'll feel a difference right away - but it lasts and lasts.

Your hair will look and feel softer and smoother and your hair will be shinier than you've ever experienced. 

And your colour will last longer, thanks to this little miracle worker and a bunch of great ingredients such as amaranth oil and Japanese Cherry (Japan's national flower). BTW - this treatment smells so incredible, you'll want to use it simply for its wonderful aroma!

Use SEAH Blossom Intense after every in-salon colour service. Simply apply the entire tube over your hair, making sure you've got each strand covered. Leave it on for just 3-5 minutes and rinse with warm water.

Ta-dah! Shiny, manageable, beautifully brilliant hair is now yours.

If you colour your hair, protect it with Schwarzkopf SEAH Hairspa Blossom Instense.

Look Luminous with Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15

Are you still wearing your winter makeup?

It's time to switch to something lighter. One of my favourite finds is Elizabeth Arden's Pure Finish Mineral Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15.

I am crazy about it because it multitasks, so I can apply my moisturizer and makeup in one fell swoop, saving me precious early morning moments. I also fell for it because it gives me a little bit of colour (which as a pale blond I so desperately need) without ever looking heavy or caked on. 

I am big on having a little glow too. There is something so wonderful about your skin capturing the light. Pure Finish is infused with microlight minerals so you have this luminosity that you don't get from other makeup. The beauty of these is that the actual soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles, so you look beautiful and more youthful.

This marvelous tinted moisturizer also packs a powerful vitamin punch with vitamins A, C and E along with antioxidant protection.  through dionysis extract.

And because this is a moisturizer, your skin gets drenched and quenched, thanks to jojoba esters, a desert plant and sodium hyaluronate.  Your skin won't feel weighted down like it usually does with those other makeups.  And there's no oil, talc or fragrance here, so your skin gets only sheer hydration and luminous, but light colour.

Perfect for spring, no?

Elizabeth Arden's Pure Finish Mineral Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 is available in 3 shades - fair, medium and deep.

So go on. Get your glow on.

Discover Marcelle's Climatik SPF 30 Collection - Just in Time for Spring

Spring is in the air, but it's not all sunshine and roses.

At least not yet, anyway.

Where I live, we've had lots of rain, wind and nights that are cold enough to still need a pile of blankets on the bed.  

Thanks to the ingenious thinking of Marcelle, they've designed a new collection - Climatik SPF 30 - of outdoor skin care products adapted specifically to Canada's four seasons.

The formulas of the line are based around an extract of golden root (rhodolia rosea). This is because it not only grows at altitudes above 11,000 feet, but it flowers and reproduces despite the cold and harsh winds and extreme sun. So just imagine how protected your skin is going to be!

The line consists of 3 products that will your skin fresh, no matter what the conditions!

Climatik SPF 30 Protective Cream and Climatik SPF 30 Protective Lotion share the same ingredients. The only difference is texture. Isn't it nice to have a choice?

I love the feel of both of these - they are hydrating and moisturizing, but despite being water- and sweat-resistant, they aren't greasy at all. They sink in quickly, yet combat UVa and UVB rays and protect your skin against harsh conditions and dryness. And for a limited time and in participating stores only, buy one Climatik moisturizer and receive Essentials Cleansing Cloths!

And to protect your lips (the first thing to dry out on me),  you've got to get yourself the amazing Climatik Lip Balm SPF 30!  First of all, it nourishes on contact, so you can feel it working straight away. Secondly, it lasts and lasts. 10 minutes after applying it, a light layer continued to protect my delicate, usually-chapped-by-now lips. And the push-up applicator is so chic.

I love Marcelle because their products are always hypo-allergenic, affordable and completely effective.

The new Climatik Collection is available in drugstores across Canada.

Old School Meets New School with the Fun RetroFit TV

Sometimes I miss the old way we did things.

Like slipping a fresh piece of paper into a typewriter and clacking your way through a letter or rotary dial phones, where calling someone long-distance required a fare amount of finger strength.

I still dress up for dinner's out, prefer diner coffee to Starbucks, and send letters and cards by mail, so I remain a little old-fashioned, despite loving HTML, SEO and all of my technological gadgets that keep me tuned in and locked down.

RetroFit TV is the perfect marriage of past and present. Suitable for iPhones and the iPod Touch, you simply pop your device into the old school looking TV tray, slide the tray into the sleeve, prop up the stand and sit back and enjoy watching TV the way you used to.

Whether you're at home, on a plane or train or having a party, RetroFit TV is the best way to watch videos, movies and TV reruns.

I suggest having a TV dinner while you watch to complete the experience.

In Need of a Fascinating Read? Get a Copy of A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary

I love people-watching, and one of the best places to do it is at an airport.

The rush of emotions as long-lost friends and family see one another after a long time, the way people wile away time in between flights, how they carry themselves, what they wear - it's all so darn captivating.

Renowned author Alain de Botton has been observing folks all of his life, it seems. He has been studying the way we work and live and writing about it in a very original way in books such as The Architecture of Happiness and Essays in Love. But I think it's his book A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary that is the most absorbing, that gives the most in-depth look at how people are in a specific environment.

In the summer of 2009, Alain de Botton was invited to, as he explains "spend a week at Terminal 5, situated between the two runways of London’s largest airport. This artist, who was sonorously to be referred to as Heathrow’s first writer-in-residence, would be asked to conduct an impressionistic survey of the premises and then, in full view of passengers and staff, draw together material for a book at a specially positioned desk in the departures hall between zones D and E."
 

It is there that he spoke with staff, passengers and other folks in Terminal 5. 

Now just imagine for a moment, if you can, working in the middle of a gigantic airport terminal ("the size of 4 football pitches").  At a lone desk while people go on about their business. Would you be able to do it?

It is a fascinating idea and Alain does a tremendous job of pulling you in, making you feel like you are right there with him. 

His writing is sparse, but nonetheless astonishing:

"I showered, ate a fruit bar purchased from a dispensing machine in the car park and wandered over to an observation area next to the terminal. In the cloudless dawn, a sequence of planes, each visible as a single diamond, were lined up at different heights, like pupils in a school photo, on their final approach to the northern runway."

He witnesses exquisite life moments that we pass by everyday, but rarely stop and take stock of - a beautiful woman breaking down, a man who missed his flight by just a little and a man who has been thinking about his vacation for what seems like forever. 

He introduces us to the terminal's staff and shows us corners that go otherwise unseen. 

It is a remarkable, heart-stopping account of human nature and the striking photography by Richard Baker make it even more stunning.

I would like to say more about it, but at only 112 pages, I'd rather you discover it on your own.

Buy it now. For yourself. For gifts. For everyone you know. 

This is one book you'll never forget.

Look Calm & Worry-Free with NeoStrata's Intense Daytime Wrinkle Repair SPF 15

Life is pretty stressful.

There's your boss and the bills to worry about, juggling emails and texts and updates online, not to mention keeping an eye on your diet, budget and the state of your overgrown backyard.

That's why you should get yourself NeoStrata's Intense Daytime Wrinkle Repair.

It reduces your worry lines, those little ones around your eyes and mouth that seems to instantly age you. Your skin's texture and tone will return to a thing of beauty. A more youthful-looking you is yours for the taking. And thanks to the addition of SPF 15, you'll be protected from harmful UV rays as well.

So daub it on. You'll love how it feels: smooth and incredibly mositurizing. And don't just do your eyes and face - get that neck of yours too (it will keep you from having to wear neckerchiefs and choker necklaces in years to come)!

Keep calm and carry on with this amazing anti-aging cream.

It won't take away the bills, but at least you'll look like you don't have a thing to worry about!

Get shopping at Neostrata.

Prince William & Kate Middleton Will Be Wearing Clive Christian Perfumes - Now You Can Too!

If you haven't heard of Clive Christian, you're about to get inundated.

See, Clive not only makes the World's Most Expensive Perfume, he has been commissioned to "create a unique presentation of a matched pair of Clive Christian No.1 Perfumes - his and hers - for His Royal Highness Prince William and Catherine Middleton in honor of their union."

See, back in 1999, Clive  revived one of the oldest perfumeries in Britain (the Crown Perfumery) which was honored by Queen Victoria in 1872 when she granted the company the image of her crown as an enduring symbol of British excellence. In fact, she had the perfumery create perfumes for her and Prince Albert that were meant to "match and complement each other."

So this long, long, long tradition continues on, thanks to Mr. Christian. 

At the heart of the collection is No. 1 Perfume, which is world’s most expensive perfume, with only 1000 bottles released each year. But you can purchase this rare scent. Yes, it will set you back a little but, but it was created with the most rare and precious natural ingredients. You know how sometimes you feel like a million bucks? Well, now you can smell like it for a lot less. This scent oozes sophistication and beauty. It's classic and warm and yes, even regal. I don't know all of the ingredients, but a hint of Tahitian vanilla, rosa centafolia and Indian jasmine are completely captivating. Don't be surprised if you keep sneaking whiffs of your wrist throughout the day...

1872 For Women is the year that Queen Victoria granted her crown to the House. And although "170 roses are required to create a single drop of the precious Rose de Mai," it's so much more than just rose. There is a wonderful sunshiney, citrusy bounce to it, while remaining classy and even erudite. It is lighter than you probably imagine, but by no means airy. This beauty has got weight.

For something a little deeper, a little darker, you've got to try X. It has rare Egyptian Jasmine that is gathered from the banks of the Nile at dusk and was apparently used by Cleopatra to capture Mark Anthony’s heart. Its intense warmth and depth make it a clear choice if you want to catch someone's attention.

One of the most joyous scents - and my fav alongside No. 1 -  has got to be C. This is from Clive's Private Collection and it's incredibly sensual without being heavy. Rose, jasmine, violet and tuberose intermingle and tangle to give off a musky, sexy vibe that lasts and lasts.

Versions are also available for the fellas.

Mmm.

The quality of these fragrances cannot be beat. Why not treat yourself? You deserve it!

Shop the entire Clive Christian collection online now.

Deo-Go Tackles Those Unsightly Stains - All of 'Em!

It happens to everyone.

You're working out or running for the bus or simply living in the concrete jungle where temperatures are not abated by even the most powerful air conditioners.

You sweat. A lot.

There's nothing wrong with that, except for the fact that you've left the evidence behind in your tops, tees and dresses in the way of deodorant or antiperspirant stains.

Until now, you probably believed (like I did) that no amount of scrubbing or washing would get it out.

But thanks to Deo-Go, you can save the clothes that you would have previously thrown out! That patch of residue or discolouration in the armpit area does not have to mean the end of your awesome blouse that you love to wear when you go dancing or that dress that looks super hot (even though it does not breathe well at all).

All it takes is spraying the area with Deo-Go, scrub the area to help it along, and toss it in the wash.

What I found so amazing is that even if I skipped the scrub part, by simply spraying the area and leaving it for 20 minutes before washing, I was able to get out stains that had been on my beloved items! It worked on shirts that my fella has been wearing for decades too. I didn't believe it until I saw it for myself. This spray is never leaving my laundry supply shelf (each bottle does about 15 pieces of clothing, so it will last you aewhile). And with such a light almond scent, you won't mind using this a bit.

Oh, how I wish I'd known about this before I tossed aside such wonderful clothes. But I am grateful for having discovered Deo-Go now. I just saved myself from throwing out a bunch more!

Save yourself a whole bunch of time, energy and cash and get Deo-Go (I call it the "miracle worker"), now!

Simplfy Your Life With Powermat Wireless Charging

Has your life become overrun with cables and wires?

Technology is wonderful, but the tangle of wires around my house drives me nuts, so I decided to declutter and simplify.

Powermat Wireless Charging Products allow you to keep your phones, cameras, mp3 players and whatever other gadgets you've got going on, charged and ready to go, but they are also:

- wireless so you have less cords to deal with  - thank you

- versatile so you can charge more than one item - because who has only one device these days?

- quick and easy to use, because you simply put your device down to begin charging - no plugging and unplugging

- darn smart as they emit a sound and light up to let you know it's charging, won't overcharge your device - hallelujah

- saves energy  as the auto shut off occurs when your device reaches full power - how many times have you left your device charging all night?

- small enough that they don't take up much room at all - goodbye cluttter!

First, select a Powermat Mat that suits you and your family's needs. I got the Powermat 2X Mat, which allows you to charge 2 devices with just one plug. The thin black mat is about the size of a postcard, so you can really put it anywhere. Just plug it in, drop your devices down and pick 'em up charged and ready to go - it's so easy!

Then select your Receiver. If you have a Blackberry Bold 9700 Series, this Receiver Door will allow you to wireless charge it with the mat of your choice. All you do, is replace your existing battery door with this receiver, and you can drop and charge at a moment's notice. Isn't that how charging should be?

If you have an iPhone, you can make it even easier! These Bundled Solutions are a complete wireless charging system - protective case with charging mat. Plug in the mat, put on the case and you never have to do anything but drop your phone down to charge.

Why are you still charging your devices the old-fashioned way when Powermat offers such an amazing solution to cord frenzy?

And because you don't always remember to charge your device when you need to (no one's perfect!), you're going to want to get yourself Portable Power. The power! Dual 1850 Rechargeable Backup Battery charges on your Powermat Mat and then allows you to keep your devices charged while on the go. And you can charge 2 devices at once, thanks to the convenient Apple connector and micro-usb.

Powermat's made it so easy to charge your devices, so you'll find yourself with charged gadgets more often and way more space at home, in the office and your luggage.

Shop the entire Powermat collection now.

Handcrafted Lily Organics Are Made Fresh on the Farm!

It's not often that you find skincare products as fresh as this: Lily Organics is a certified organic farm, where fresh products are mixed and made by hand every week, without the use of any synthetic chemicals.

The result is gorgeous, clear skin!

I started with the gentle, yet effective Nourishing Facial Cleanser. Using only pure, natural ingredients such as Lily's homemade almond oil soap, lemon juice, vitamin E and witch hazel, your skin will no only feel clean, but pampered.

I love the tea-coloured Balancing Facial Toner because my face brightened immediately. Thanks to goodies such as certified organic eucalyptus, white ginseng and pure sage and lavender essentials oils, your skin feels soothed and invigorated.

Balancing Facial Lotion is like none I've ever seen or used before - using beeswax, primrose oil, bee propolis and other exciting ingredients, it is like treating your skin to a rich buffet of wholehearted goodness! Just imagine how good you'll look and feel feeding your skin such natural ingredients. Be careful though, it smells so delicious, you're going to want to eat it!

And for those times when you need a little pick me up, you've got to try the Rejuvenating Enzyme Mask! It smells like molasses (though it's not an ingredient) and enriches your skin with honey, papaya, pineapple and other whole ingredients. Your skin will feel like it's been on vacation and finished with a spa treatment!

My skin is radiant, thanks to Lily! 

Let Mother Nature, not scientists, give you gorgeous skin.

Shop Lily Organics Skincare now.

Spring Menus are a Cinch With Fine Cooking Annual Cookbooks

I am a huge fan of Fine Cooking Magazine. There are always exciting items to try and I've centered more than one dinner party around their dishes - to rave reviews, I might add!

So discovering that there are Fine Cooking Annual Cookbooks is like having a personal chef and menu/party planner right in the comfort of your own home!

There are 3 volumes to choose from, which you can purchase individually or as a set. Each volume contains a year of great recipes, tips and techniques. And I think that's what sets these cookbooks, as well as the magazine, apart. They offer up intriguing recipes, while showing you the techniques involved with instructive photos along the way. So it's not as oblique as Gourmet could be and not as textbook-y as America Test Kitchen's mag.

Volume 1 has lovely, fresh recipes that are perfect for spring (vibrant salads, fresh seafood) and some of the best tips. Did you know that for even onion slices, you should use a radial cut? I didn't know what that was either until I saw it (page 50). I will use the tip on page 69 of warming the vinaigrette before drizzling it over my warm salad from now on. And miso keeps for a year if sealed well and refrigerated? If only I'd known! It's these kinds of small tips that actually change the way you cook, the way you eat for the rest of your life. And of course the recipes are fabulous: Wild Rice & Mushroom Soup with Almonds, Creamy Tomato & Fennel Chicken, Dry Brined Roasted Turkey, Bourbon & Brown Sugar Marinated Steak, Argentine-Style Burger, Farmhouse Ragout with Pesto and Mexican-Style Pecan-Chocolate Squares.

In Volume 2 (a signed edition is also available), we go international and learn to make Pork Shiu Mai, Pan-Fried Halloumi with Fennel, Olive and Mint Compote, Fregola with Grill-Marinated Red Peppers & Zucchini, Smoked Paprika & Fennel Seed Roast Turkey with Onion Gravy, Carrots with Curry-Yogurt Sauce and Kahlua Truffle Triangle. I love the tips on how to do a tapas buffet at home, stock your Spanish pantry, preserve lemons, what Treviso is (I didn't know either!), 7 different types of basil and various kinds of steak.

Good luck not drooling over the recipes and photos in Volume 3!  Here are just a few delicacies to whet your appetite: Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Apricots, Carrot Salad with Walnut Oil and Honey, Pan-Fried Gnocchi with Bacon & Onions & Peas,Salmon Braised in Pinot Noir, Lime Chicken with Poblano Sour Cream, Rack of Lamb with Ancho-Honey Glaze, Ham Bone Collards and Earl Grey Creme Brulee. And thanks to this volume, I know how to turn a salmon steak into a medallion, make my own gravlax and calibrate my instant-read thermometer.

Mealtime just got a whole lot more exciting.

Buy the whole collection now.