Check Out PUMA's New Collection of Lifestyle Socks

Socks can make a huge difference to how comfortable you are throughout the day, whether you're walking running, going about your regular day at work or running errands and picking up the kids.

That's why you should check out the new Lifestyle Sock collections from PUMA. There are a number of styles and a variety of colour combinations for men and women (pictured above), so no one has to be jealous of the other for having cool socks.

They are made of  70% cotton, 28% polyester and 2 elastene, so you never have to worry about slouchy socks again.  And with 3 to a pack, you've got enough to take you from home to work to the gym or soccer field and back home again.  

The style is short and spunky with the awesome PUMA logo, so you can have them peek out over your shoe, but not be too long to make you look like a dork.  And for once in your life, when you have to slip off your shoes while visiting someone at home, people will notice your socks in a good way.

I've never had anything PUMA before, but I'm telling you - I'll be getting these socks from now on. My other supposed sport socks never last more than a month or two before there's a hole or tear. And they certainly don't look this good. Who knew a sport sock could be so sexy?

These awesome PUMA 3-pack sock collections are available at all major retailers across Canada including The Bay, Sears and sports stores.

Looking For Something More? 1,001 Ways to Live in the Moment Will Help

Sometimes we just need a little nudge in order to get out of our routine or rut.

It could be that we have to make a massive change or just a little one, but often it's just taking time to stop, breathe and get right into the moment and see what the situation truly is.

But if you're already stressed about time constraints, deadlines and money worries, chances are you aren't going to run out and get a bunch of Buddhist tomes on being present or audio books about breath. No, you need something small and manageable that you can start using right now.

That's why 1,001 Ways to Live in the Moment by Barbara Ann Kipfer is such a wonderful gift.

The newest title in Chronicle Book's best-selling 1,001 series is a small, chunky book that doesn't take up a ton of room on your night table, bag or desktop. And while it is small and light, the wisdom within is not. Despite being short sentences and paragraphs, these little nuggets of wisdom pack a mighty punch. 

Just watch - you'll only get a few pages in before you start to feel a shift happen inside you. You'll start to realize just how you've been ignoring something or fixating on something else.

Kipfer writes about the value of now, something we could all use a little bit more of - how many times have you resorted to texting or checking your email while waiting for someone at a restaurant or instead of writing a thank you letter, watching TV because it was already on?

Whether you're looking for a little enlightenment or just simply being more forgiving and generous, this little book will no doubt help you find what you're looking for.

Get your copy of 1,001 Ways to Live in the Moment now.

Naked Beans Organics Coffee Skincare Nourishes Your Skin Naturally

Usually I think of coffee as pretty dehydrating, so when I came across Naked Beans Organics Coffee Skincare, I was surprised to learn of it's many amazing properties.

For instance, according to Naked Beans, coffee is an antioxidant and vascoconstrictor. Also, the "perfectly balanced 4.5 pH Coffea arabica beans and oils in our products will help you cleanse, exfoliate, aid moisture retention, reduce wrinkles, swelling, and cellulite , combat redness, remove under-eye circles and dark spots, revitalize skin tone and protect against skin damage and blemishes."

Hollywood stars have been slathering themselves in coffee-centric products and it's no wonder - just look at all it can do! The blend of coffee with organic, wild crafted, and natural oils, butters, and botanicals gives you healthy, beautiful, radiant skin without having to wait for weeks to see results.

To look my best, I start my day with Naked Beans Revitalizing Eye Cream.  This combats my late nights and bleary-eyed look. It takes a very small amount (the size of a pea) of this light, refreshing cream to work. I put it on before bed and when I get up. No more redness or dark circles. And those puffy bags that I used to lug around with me all day? Gone. Completely gone.

And because dry skin is not just a winter issue, I am relying on Daily Moisturizing Face Cream to keep my skin aglow. I like how this non-greasy cream sinks in right away and that my skin feels nourished long after I've put it on.

For my perpetually dry lips, Reviving Lip Balm feeds my skin with organic oils and coffee butter. It even smells like coffee! The emollient feel lasts and lasts so your lips are always smooth and kissable.

For the rest of my skin, I'm enveloping myself in Naked Beans Soothing Body Lotion (pictured above) in Lavender. First of all, it smells incredible (I've started putting it on just before bed in addition to first thing in the morning because the scent relaxes me from head to toe). Secondly, it feels wonderful on. It goes on light, but it deeply hydrates my skin. If you suffer from dry skin, you'll be amazed at how quickly you'll feel relief.

There's little wonder why you should be shopping for skincare at Naked Beans Organics Coffee. But if that's not enough of a reason, how about the fact that they are affordable and all products, ingredients, packaging, containers, and promotional materials are recycled, recyclable, sustainable, reusable, compostable and/or biodegradable.

Shop the entire Naked Beans Organics Coffee collection now.

Show Your Gratitude with Gorgeous, Inexpensive Cards from Thank You Cards Shop

One of the greatest joys in my life is stationery. And in particular, thank you cards.

There is something about being able to write my sincere thanks and gratitude to someone for their kindness and generosity or friendship.

So thank you cards are a very big deal to me. I don't send just anything. It's got to be darn special.

So when I found Amy Lowry's Thank You Cards Shop, I was absolutely elated. Someone that specializes in thank you's? How amazing is that?! Amy writes about how she came to have the shop: 

"[Thank You Cards Shop] is an expression of my love for stationery and for living the creative life. I cannot tell you how much fun I had designing each card for the shop. I got my start designing stationery for my own wedding, almost 6 years ago and from there I was hooked. Almost everything about our wedding was DIY! When it came time to design the thank you cards for the wedding I found myself short on time – and ended up shopping for cards, but wasn’t totally happy with the selection available and the lack of customized options. Years later, I remembered this and realized that designing stationery would allow me to explore so many different styles – and to design for so many different types of people. I knew it was a perfect fit for me, and I’m excited to be embarking on a new chapter in my career as a stationery designer."

All of the cards are digitally printed on high quality white cardstock and professionally printed and packaged in the TYCS studio. The paper is manufactured in the United States, either from FSC certified forests (ensuring responsible harvesting techniques are used) or from paper recycled from cotton remnants, with 90% of packaging materials made from recycled paper.

When is the last time you had so many thanks you card designs to choose from?

-Flowerburst Patterned Cards are sweet and summery - perfect for sending after this season's events. 

- And I love the bird themed cards - Bird Thank You Cards and Crowned Bird Thanks (pictured above). I can think of a bunch of folks that will really appreciate the beautiful illustration and colour palette of these.

- But I think I love The Birds - Stationery the most. These rendition of a happy l'il forest just makes me smile, so I can only imagine how delighted the recipient will feel.

I don't know how Amy is able to offer such affordable cards! And the more you buy, they more they go down in price. My advice is to get a bunch of your favourites and stock up. I like to have them on hand so that as soon as I want to thank someone, I can send it off in the mail as soon as possible. This week, I'll be sending Amy's lovely thank you cards and thank you notes all around the globe - to a friend in London, to a friend who just got married this weekend, to colleagues in Michigan who opened up my eyes and my world, and assorted family and friends for just being in my life.

Now I just have one problem - how do you send one to a person who makes thank you cards for a living? I'll have to think on this one...

Shop the entire Thank You Cards Shop Collection now.

My New Life Guide Is Lotta Jansdotter's Handmade Living: A Fresh Take on Scandinavian Living

I have loved Lotta Jansdotter for years and have written about her products at every opportunity. I wrote about her sewing book back in 2007 and her notecard book, labels and stickers back in 2010.

There is such a clean simplicity to everything that she does that I find so calming and simultaneously appealing.So when I discovered her new book, Handmade Living: A Fresh Take on Scandinavian Style, I knew I'd found my new life guide.

What I mean by that is adapted her philosophies and looks into my own life. While there are many similarities to our looks and homes, I am always looking for ways to improve, simplify, declutter and spend more time on the things that truly matter.

Lotta graciously lets us in on her home and office and shows us fantastic ways to decorate, design and entertain. But really, it is more a lesson about a way of life. In the introduction, she writes, "It's my aim to show you that living a stylish life does not require a lot of money. It simply takes some interest, patience, and a touch of creativity."

I really believe that  you can live a full life without spending a lot. It's like a lot of organizing books say - keep only what really matters and you will enjoy those few things so much more. So I am already on board with her on this one. I think I just need a little honing and maybe a little more Scandinavian touches throughout the place.

Lotta also says that for her, "home is not really home unless there is a bit of cooking involved," so she she not only shares some of her beloved recipes, but includes recipe cards at the back.

I think what I find so fascinating is that she lives in bustling New York doing all of these wildly creative, energetic things and yet, her home is a haven of serenity, calm and beauty. This, while she has a husband, 2 year-old son and a cat. It's not a pristine white on white penthouse where things don't get touched and/or moved. This is like our home - where people live their lives and get dirty and have laundry to do and garbage to take out. What a relief to find someone like us (because we all know that people like Martha Stewart has staff and is prickly about mess). Just look at her kitchen - things are stacked and stacked. It feels just like home, doesn't it?

She gives great advice about everything from covering your windows so they still let in light to using up wasted space with baskets and shelves. And now I want "tray slings" and to instill "Fika" and "Smorgastarta" in my life! - you're just going to have to get the book to find out what they are.My favourite part of the book is about her office. She loves it so much that she decorates and reorganizes it all the time. A woman after my own heart.

I know about 20 people that could really use this book and about 50 that would love it just for the beautiful wisdom and ideas within it, not to mention the photos. What a gorgeous gift this makes - both for yourself and for others. 

And really, giving yourself the life you deserve is the best gift of all. Which is why this is going on my permanent holiday and birthday gift list. Because this kind of joy should be spread all around!

Buy your copies of Handmade Living now.

The New Rubbermaid Filter Fresh Water Bottle - The Only Bottle You Need

It's sweltering out. I bet you're drinking tons of water.

Are you still buying bottled water? Sure, that $1 or $2 might not seem like much when you purchase just the one, but think about how many you've bought this week. That's a trip to the movies!

I'm guilty of buying bottled water too. Often tap water doesn't taste fresh or clean to me, even though I know it's just fine.

The best solution I've found is the New Rubbermaid Filter Fresh Water Bottle.

It has a filter right in it, so you can use plain old tap water. The filter gets rid of chlorine, making it fresh and tasty, as well as saving you tons of money and saving the environment from all those disposable plastic bottles.

Each filter provides the equivalent of 300 bottles of water, so you really get your money's worth and don't have to worry about changing the filter every few days like many on the market.

I love that it holds 600ml (20 oz.) of water! It's more than the regular bottles you buy, but not so much that it weighs you down.

The bottle is BPA-free and can accommodate all kinds of ice cubes. The screw tight lid is leak-proof, so whether you're commuting by subway, car or mountain range, your water stays in the bottle. And there is a nice sized twist on cap that allows you to drink and hydrate comfortably (I don't know how people drink from those wide-mouth ones without it dribbling all down their front).

This is my new favourite travel companion as it fits in cup holders (hallelujah!) and has a fun finger loop that makes it easy to carry, even if your hands are full (and when aren't they?)

I stopped buying bottled water, thanks to the New Rubbermaid Filter Fresh Water Bottle. I've already saved a ton of time (no need to search out a store for water anymore), money (it's safely stashed in my wallet ) and the environment (no recycling anymore bottles).

What seems like a teeny switch actually makes a helluva difference.

Make the change too! Get the whole family/office/posse  New Rubbermaid Filter Fresh Water Bottles.

Want Brows That Wow? YBF Eyebrow Pencil is All You Need

Did you know that thicker brows make you appear younger? 

You probably don't consider your eyebrows much when you're doing your makeup, but you should. They can really define your face, change the shape of it even.

The problem I find trying to find a suitable colour that doesn't look fake, so you don't have that "pencilled-in" look. 

YBF Eyebrow Pencil comes in Universal Taupe, so that you never have to worry about having a drawn-on appearance.

One tip I learned is that you should come your brows before applying pencil - all this time I've been doing it after (I don't know why). The YBF Eyebrow Pencil comes with an strong eyebrow brush on one end, so you can always do this step first (this simple step changed everything for me). The automatic pencil is on the other, so you save on money and space and you don't have to worry about pencil shavings dust in the bathroom - win, win, win.

The pencil goes on light and smooth (remember, apply with short, feathery strokes), and often I don't need to blend, but you can if you need to.

It's amazing what a difference both the colour and texture of the YBF Eyebrow Pencil make. I'm embarrassed to say, but my former cheap drugstore pencil made my brows look like Bert from Sesame Street. Now don't get me wrong - I looove Bert. But seriously, Dude. Your brows could use a little tweaking.

Get yourself the YBF Eyebrow Pencil and change the way you look. Younger, even!

Cover Up in a Snap with Cleava

This thing is a lifesaver.

I always, always want to dress appropriately. I wear knee-length Mad Men-type dresses or modern pant suits to meetings. No cleavage, no nothing.

But some of my tops and dresses are a little low cut for during the day. We're not talking Jersey Shore popping-out kind of thing, but enough that I need something to cover up and look professional.

Up until now, I've been wearing tight, bodice-tight bandeau tops and layers camisoles and tanks underneath my dresses and tops. The problem with these options is either I can't breathe or I get rolls underneath my top or dress from my underthing bunching. 

 

Then I found Cleava and all my wardrobe malfunctions disappeared!

First of all, I have to tell you that it looks much better in person, than on the website or packaging. And secondly, once you use it, your wardrobe options will double, maybe even triple.

I love that you can put it on before or after you get dressed, so you really can go from the office to drinks on the patio in one fell swoop! Here's a video on how it works. It's so easy: the triangle-shaped fabric (it kind of looks like a thong) snaps into place around your bra straps and through the front part, in between the cups. This gives you a smart straight line across the top of your chest, keeping your cleavage undercover until you decide to reveal it.

And the best part? You no longer have to wear an entire other layer under your outfits (just think of how much cooler you'll be in this sweltering heat!). There is no bunching or bulging of tops or underthings. It stays in place even when you don't, so you don't have to ever readjust your clothes again.

I got the Original Classic in Black, but I'm telling you - I'd love a bunch of 'em to extend my wardrobe through the seasons. Just imagine the possibilities: different colours, different materials - lace, rhinestones, ooh la la!

Cleava is a complete wardrobe saver. My dresses and tops that I could only wear out after work? Now they're doing double duty. All thanks to this little fashion hero.

Get yours now.

Deborah Lippmann Nail Polishes Are Spectacular

I try and not only keep up with trends, but stay ahead of 'em.

But because I live in Canada, sometimes it can take awhile for products to not only get to us, but be able to be shipped to us.

So while I'd been hearing about Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish for years, it was near impossible for me to get. Lucky for me, times and postal agreements have changed and I finally got the opportunity to take a few for a test drive.

For me, nail polish has to be easy to apply. I'm not very good at it, so the smoother it goes on, the less I look like I've had my nails done by Frankenstein. Deborah Lippman's formulas are among the best I've ever used. So smooth and sleek without the teeniest goopiness. And the lacquer is thin, so you can apply just one or two coats with perfection. Maybe it's due to the absence of toulene, formaldehyde or DBP. Or maybe it's the addition of Aucoumea, Biotin and Green Tea. Or maybe it's simply that Deborah Lippmann r-o-c-k-s!

Normally, I steer clear of whites because they tend to look more like white-out than polish on me. But Like a Virgin is a sheer, clean white that's not too in-your-face. In fact, it's just perfect. It goes on evenly and has a nice gloss even before I've applied a top coat. How great is that?! It shows off my tan and looks modern, not wedding-y, which I've never experienced before with a white. 

And sequins and glitter polishes often look great in the bottle, but are frustrating to put on - mismatched nails, uneven layers, more clear polish than glitter, etc. But with the most amazing confetti-in-a-bottle look I've ever seen, Happy Birthday (pictured above) doesn't disappoint. It covers the nail with an even coat of glitters and the more layers you apply, the more coverage you get. You can even layer it over Like A Virgin or other colours if you like, though I opted for the full effect (I like to celebrate). It is so gorgeous, with small and large sequins of various colours - silver, gold, red, blue, green - that I wish I had dresses and jewelry to match (something to think about Ms. Lippmann)!

I am now a lifetime lover and user of Deborah Lippman Nail Lacquers. I have hot nails that look professionally done.

Is your drugstore polish doing all that for you?

Shop the entire Deborah Lippmann Collection and don't forget the Celebrity Shades. They're next on my list...

Bhold Shoe Bags Pamper Your Shoes - Each Individual One

Maybe you've been only using your shoe bags for traveling. I have. Because they aren't really all that pretty or that functional for anything more than keeping your shoes separate from your clothes in your luggage.

That's until I got Bhold Shoe Bags.

Proudly made and designed in Canada, you won't be able to resist these pretty little numbers. They come in so many patterns suitable for both men, women and young ladies, so they make a wonderful gift for the world traveler or the never-ending organizer.

Far superior to the ones you've used up until now, Bhold Bags are lined (your shoes have never been so pampered - I call my bags my "shoe spas") and come with a separator, so that each shoe gets its own cushy department and stay in tip-top shape. How swank is that?! The two drawstrings are finished with wooden beads, making it easy to stash and store your shoes in an instant.

And there are so many collections to choose from: Bella, an embellished collection that reminds me of frothy wedding cakes, Bling, for those that want to add a little shimmer and shine with Swarovski crystals to their closet, Top Shelf is a rich collection of sumptuous patterns and colours, Playful is all about whimsical and colourful cottons, and the Active Collection, which oozes city chic.

I got the Pixie Gurl (pictured above) which I use for storing away my lovely towering heels and wedges as well as toting my flats with me when I'm heading out for a night on the town and know that I will only get as far as the restaurant before I'll have to switch out of my teeterting booties.

Of course, you don't have to use them only for shoes - wrap wine or champagne, store your audio equipment (who says you can't still rock a yellow discman?) or keep all of your hair accessories together and organized. The possibilities are endless.

I am thrilled to have found Bhold Bags. They are the solution I didn't know I needed. Next on my list? A Bhold Shopping Bag!

Shop the entire Bhold Collection now.

IdeaStream Has Everything I Need to Get Organized

Being organized gives me a great sense of calm and peace. If I'm organized, I can then focus on the task at hand. I have everything at my disposal and I don't have to waste time hunting around for anything.

And while 70% of the time, my desk is an oasis of order, the rest of the time, it looks like my desk went on a 24-hour bender. So I am always on the hunt for fun, innovative products that will help me stay on course. 

I found amazing, affordable stuff at IdeaStream Products! They create items that I am always searching out, but can never find in regular office supply stores, or as they say it best, "ground-breaking products that change the way people think, live and work."

One of the best organizational tools are index cards. They allow you to do anything from create lists to plot out an entire book. But how to store them? The Vaultz Acrylic Index Card Box - 3x5 (I got White) is a sturdy, secure place for your pictures, recipes or valuable notes. It holds 350 index cards, so you can save desktop space by storing them all in this one great looking container, complete with steel corners and aluminum reinforcement.  And if you decide to use it to stash money, passport and other valuables, you can lock it up, safe and sound. I bet your wooden recipe box from the '60s can't do all that!

Another great find is the 5 x 8 Locking Storage Clipboard. This mini clipboard has so many superb features - the storage is huge and includes a net pocket, pen loop and elastic to hold back of notepad or anything else; there's an optional shoulder strap which makes it a valuable asset during garage sales, meetings, etc.; it comes with a notepad, so you can start using it right away; it's tough, so take it out onto the field; lock away your money and your secrets! Why would you want a regular 'ol clipboard when you can get this one? 

And because not all file folders are created equal, I am now completely addicted to the Find-It File Folders. I got the All Tab 80 Pack of Letter, Assorted (pictured above) and they are so far superior to what I've been using. Here's why:

- Each folder can have the tab in any of the 3 positions - left, middle and right - you just fold the scored spine to whichever position you desire. This has huge implications to your productivity:  if you can see the tab wherever you are, that means you'll find it faster.

- The box of 80 folders is only $16.99! This means that you can redo your entire home and office within your budget. Woo woo!

- The assorted pack has 5 bright, fun colours, so you can colour coordinate your projects, clients, etc. There is nothing that makes it easier to organize yourself than assigning something a colour. Try it. Just watch how much of a difference it makes.

You can see why I've fallen hard for IdeaStream. Affordable and inventive products that keep me on my game.

You should see my desk.  It's a thing of beauty now.

Get Glam in an Instant with Shiny Mama Cosmetics' Multipurpose Pencil

Sometimes you just little something extra to lift your look.

See, I've been applying my makeup pretty much in the same fashion since I was 15. In high school at the time, many girls lined the inside of their bottom lids. Others lined the upper lid along the lash line. I did the top then and I still do.

Which is perhaps why people still recognize me 20 years later.

So I'm always looking for ways to add a little glitz and glam, a little drama to my otherwise ordinary makeup. Shiny Mama Cosmetics is all about the little extra something.

From the Precious Gems Collection, the Gleam All Multipurpose Pencil is an one-two punch,  double-ended pencil. One end is bold gold, the other illuminates precious silver. You can use it on your eyes, lips... I'm even doing my collarbone and decolletage for a little va-va-va-voom! The sparkles are pretty, not disco-y. Just think of a sequined top: it adds shimmy and shake without the in-your-face-glitz.

This incredible formula from France goes on super smooth - no bumps, lumps or missteps along the way, thanks to natural ingredients such as sunflower seed oil and shea butter, with no parabens whatsoever.And the cute damask packaging includes a pencil sharpener, so that it's always ready to go when you are.

This is just one of the amazing products created by Shiny Mama Cosmetics. Take a look at the entire collection and add a little glam to your look!

After all, you don't have to need a special occasion to dress it up a little.

Cake Vintage Kitchen Papers Turns Your Dinner Party Into the Event of the Season

I love to entertain, but truthfully I'd rather spend my money on ingredients instead of the decorations. But I do like to spruce the place up a bit. It really needs a lift when company's coming by.

That's why my new favourite dinner party accessory is Cake Vintage Kitchen Papers.

This line of beautifully-styled vintage looking papers dresses up your table quickly and without a lot of expense. And you can choose to reuse or recycle them, meaning they'll take up less space than your Grandmother's linens.

Perfect Serving Placemats elevate your food so that everything has the feel of a fine French meal. Whether your tableware is handmade in Portugal or from Ikea, your guest will at least know where which fork goes where. And there's 50 of 'em, so that oughta get you through the summer.

And since doilies are so passe, update your look with 8" Serving Papers (pictured above).  This pad of 25 tear-off sheets means that you can use them under everything from your leek and cheese souffle appetizer to your homemade rhubarb crumble dessert.

For the food lover who's always dabbling in the kitchen, the Cook's Journal is a phenomenal gift. It has a table of contents and each recipe is numbered (space for 40-hand written dishes), with room for the ingredients and directions. With vintage images throughout, it is the most beautiful journal and an instant cookbook - just fill in the blanks and you've got your best-seller completed!

Using soy based inks & 30% recycled content, these are treasured items that make not only wonderful entertaining accompaniments, but incredibly memorable gifts too. 

Shop the entire Cake Vintage Kitchen Papers collection now. A portion of all of proceeds are donated to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Fund at Vanderbilt.

Why You Should Make the Switch to IQ Cleaners

Not all "natural" and "eco-friendly" cleaners work.

Sometimes they leave behind streaks and essential oil smudges.So it's important to find one that actually cleans well enough that you don't feel like you have to clean afterwards. Been there, done that.

Scent is also very important to me. I want something that smells "clean" but not astringent.There's nothing better than walking into the house and inhaling a big ol' whiff of "this house has been taken care of."

That's why I'm think iQ Cleaners are a smart choice:

- The wicked design  of an empty bottle with a cartridge. You pop in the cartridge and add water. Better for the environment (80% less waste) and a lot easier to carry home.

- They do what they say they do: clean.

- Non-toxic ingredients means that I can feel good about using them at home. After all, our Cosmo has been known to lick the floor on occasion.

- You can finally afford cleaners again. Thanks to iQ, they've created an inexpensive options for those of us who don't want to have to choose between buying a cleaner or pair of shoes...

- The scents are wonderful - flowery, but not sweet, and yes, clean-smelling. Woo woo!

I tried 3 of the 4 cleaners and was thrilled with them all. The All-Purpose Cleaner goes to work in my office and the kitchen without any elbow grease required. I clean our bathroom a lot, so it's nice to know that iQ Bathroom Cleaner is always up to the task. It makes it smell amazing too, which I really appreciate. And with mirrored doors everywhere, you wouldn't believe how much Glass Cleaner I go through. This is one I can actually afford. 

When's the last time you were "thrilled" with your cleaners? That's what I thought.

So get yourself iQ Cleaners and have a clean, safe home that smells wonderful without having to break the bank. It really is that easy.

The New Sharpie Gel Highlighters Will Outlast Your Taxes, Notetaking, Etc.

Whoever invented the highlighter really should be commended because sometimes underlining or bolding just isn't enough.

The problem with most highlighters is that they run out or dry out just as you're getting your calendar in order or marking the important lines of a text. And if they don't run out, they smear, which means your whole page gets highlighted, and that's kind of beside the point.

But the new Sharpie Gel Highlighter has this clear, wide, crayon-like tip that goes on the page dry. So no need to worry about messy smears. Not even with a page fresh outta the printer.

And you can write on slick surfaces for once, so whether you're highlighting a quote from a magazine or a title you want to change on photo paper, it will keep up with you. Oh, and if you forget to put the cap on (I'm sorry, but what kind of person would do that?), it won't dry out, because it's gel, not ink. Which means it just glides over everything beautifully. It feels so good to use.

To advance the gel stick, just twist the bottom. It's like having a fresh highlighter each time you use it.

You should see my calendar now!  Available in three colours – pink, yellow and orange - at Walmart, Staples and Grand & Toy. 

Erase Time & Spots with Estée Lauder's NEW Idealist Even Skintone & Cooling Eye Illuminators

As I'm aging, my skin is getting all weird. Not only is it sometimes red and blotchy but now I've got discolourations, sun spots and dark spots. This is despite my dedication to always washing my face at night, applying good skin care products and wearing a makeup with 45 SPF.

In fact, a couple of weeks ago, after I'd washed my face before bed, I noticed very large dark splotches, like port wine stains (light brown instead of burgundy) underneath my eyes and on my upper lip. It turns out that the sun and environmental factors are changing my skin, one area at a time.

I am not a vain person, but I also didn't want to look like I had dirt on my face either. So I went in search of a solution and found it all in Estée Lauder's NEW Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator.

This incredible serum is applied under your moisturizer so that it works all day and night. I love how it goes on - smooth and silky. And it illuminates your skin upon application (thanks to exclusive Triple-Optic Technology) so you look dewy, fresh and quite angelic. It almost seems a shame to cover it up with makeup. 

Clinically proven, it also uses exclusive CorrectTone Technology, a "powerful, comprehensive triple-action complex comprised of a highly-effective anti-spot blend, soothing anti-irritants and anti-oxidants to address the appearance of every key sign of uneven skintone and help prevent their re-appearance."

It's been two weeks and guess what? My skin is dramatically improved. Dark stains have become faint memories and my skin is more luminous than ever. All I did was apply it once in the morning and once at night. No lasers or expensive treatments needed.

And I paired it with with Estée Lauder's NEW Idealist Cooling Eye Illuminator, which worked at decreasing my seemingly permanent dark circles and puff bags.

This targeted treatment works. I apply it every day with my Skin Illuminator and no matter how little sleep I get, it keeps me from looking old and tired. My eyes are de-puffed and brightened, thanks to delinnovative Triple-Optic Technology and highly concentrated Dark Circle Correcting Complex.

And while I'm thrilled with the results, I have to say, I love the application part. The ceramic tip feels so cool on your skin (how do they do that?) and as soon as you put it on, you'll feel the skin beneath your eyes quenched for perhaps the very first time. 

It comes in 2 translucent shades (Light/ Medium and Medium/ Deep) so it works with your own unique skintone.

I have never been let down by an Estée Lauder product. Ever. Can you say that about your skincare?

Shop for these miracle workers at  Estée Lauder counters across Canada and online at The Bay and Sears.

Wake Up Ever So Gently with The Philips Wake-Up Light

 

My fella and I are full-time writers, so our days can be pretty wonky depending on our deadlines. And while I am a fierce early morning person, if I've been up writing until 2, it can be almost impossible to get myself outta bed for 6 or 7.

But the PhilipsWake-Up Light has saved me. It's the most fascinating, gentle wake-up system I've ever come across.

Whether I need to get up early to get something off to press for the west coast or if I'm heading out to review a new breakfast restaurant, I am the lucky girl who gets to awake to a soothing light and the sound of chirping birds.

See, the Wake-up Light simulates sunrise by gradually filling a room with bright light. For example, if I want to get up for  6:30 a.m., I set it to start at 6 a.m. The 250 lux light increases its brightness (there are 20 brightness settings to choose from) over a 30 minute period, allowing your body - and mind - to prepare to wake up even while you're still asleep! What happens is that instead of your body being startled into waking, it slowly works it way into getting up. 

You wouldn't believe the difference it makes.

If you like to get up to FM radio, by all means set the Philips Wake-Up Light to your favourite station (it remembers 3 of 'em so awake to NPR during the week and new hip-hop on the weekends). Me, I'm getting up with the birds. Literally.

I set it so that I get up to the sound of birds, one of the sounds you can choose from. It is amazing to have that be the first thing you hear. We have real ones right outside our bedroom window, but the Philips birds are the only ones to get me up.  It's hard to tell they're not real though. As soon as I turn them off, the real ones are chirping away and really, there is little difference except that the sound now comes from inside the window.

And because you set the brightness settings on your light, you can set it to work as a bedside lamp too. The halogen lamp is replaceable, so you'll never have to go back to the old way of jarring yourself out of bed again.

Why would you want to get up any other way?

The Wake-up Light (3470) is available at a number of places including Amazon.ca and BestBuy.com and The Wake-up Light Plus (3485) is available at Personal Edge and Amazon.ca. 

p.s. Watch how it works for an Arctic town that's often in the dark.

Kai Fragrance Is Unique on Everyone!

Have you ever bought a fragrance that is meant to smell one way, but you get it home and it is completely something else on you?

Everyone rocks a scent differently and someone that's celebrating that is Kai Fragrance.  

Kai uses "exotic fragrance and natural essences" - think the tropics - in this light scent. It is incredibly popular amongst celebrities. And it's no wonder. 

Kai Perfume Oil is incredible and a little goes a long way, so it will long  outlast your drugstore brands. Touch it on your pulse points and get ready for the aromatherapy to begin.

As soon as you apply it, you'll feel your shoulders unstiffen (how did they get that high around my ears like that?), your mind

On me, it smells of sweet, fresh gardenias. And a lot like summer breezes, wet grass and clean laundry - all of the scents that completely bliss me out. 

But here's the thing - I gave some to my Mom to try and it was completely different on her! It was still lovely and light and fragrant, but deeper and spicier. My Mom's skin is always warm, where mine is always cool. It's amazing the difference on us both, but I didn't prefer or another - it's just that they each suited us perfectly.

It's almost impossible these days to get a scent that is personalized for you and your body chemistry. We all have so many factors going into who we are and how we take on a fragrance. How amazing is it to get something that works with you and your body?

Look for where to shop for Kai near you and finally have a scent that is completely and utterly you.

Celebrate William & Kate's Royal Visit with The Coaster Company!

The  Royal Couple: William & Catherine - Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are visiting Canada. How will you celebrate and commemorate this epic event?

No one has better mementos than England's The Coaster Company!

These UK-made Royal Wedding Commemorative Products give you a wide range of photos and products to choose from.  

I think coasters are the way to go, because you get to not only see and enjoy the images, but they come in handy if you like to have a cuppa while you're at your desk or while you're watching the telly (writing about the UK has definitely brought out my English side, as you can see!).  But all of their designs are also available in placemats and mousemats as well.

And because they are so affordable, you can get a bunch for yourself and give the rest as gifts. Such a handsome couple should be displayed, shouldn't they?

The Balcony Kiss on Union Jack Background (pictured above) or without the background preserves that moment in time beautifully. Or perhaps you prefer them waving on the Palace Balcony. Leaving Westminster Abbey is a lovely shot, as is the close up of William & Kate in the Wedding Carriage.And the inclusion of the Crest on this Wedding Commemorative Coaster makes is a wonderful souvenir for Royal's fans.

For those of you who are history buffs, you'll know that according to history files, Keep Calm and Carry On was a poster produced by the British government in 1939 during the beginning of World War II.   It was intended to raise the morale of the British public in the event of invasion, but it never really caught on until its rediscovery in 2000. Since then, it's become a popular catch phrase that actually resonates well in our technologically-laden world.  So I recommend getting a Set of Six Keep Calm and Carry On Coasters  (I love that they come in a variety of colours) for yourself and then a bunch to keep on hand for gifts. You know your friends are going to love 'em as much as you do!

And for a fun take on that, be sure to get these amazing coasters: Calm Down You Can Still Marry Harry, Don't Panic There's Still One Prince Left, Don't Panic You Can Still Marry Pippa and I'm Just Wild About Harry.

Shop The Coaster Comapny's entire collection and commemorate the Royal Visit with something that you'll actually use and you can actually afford (take that, overpriced coins or plates). 

I'm in Love with Gilah Press + Design Greeting Cards

 

You know when you find that perfect card and you think, why can't there just be a line of greeting cards that are this sweet/fun/smart/imaginative?

Ahh yes, let me introduce you to my new favourite peeps -  Gilah Press + Design.

Gilah Press + Design is a boutique letterpress and design studio, who describe themselves in the following way:

"Some say we’re obsessed. We prefer to think of ourselves as nit-picky perfectionists with incredibly high standards. Either way, we’re confident you’ll be happy with the outcome.

We’re disciplined graphic designers. We’re also masters of the centuries-old form of letterpress printing. We have five hand-fed platen letterpresses perfect for printing limited color, small run items."

One thing they fail to mention however, is that their Greeting Cards R-O-C-K! Each and every one of 'em. The quality and weight of the paper (mmm), combined with incredibly inventive designs make them the perfect choice for whatever the occasion:

-  The City Love Collection, printed with black ink and paired with a cement-coloured envelope, gives a pretty shout out to your city of choice.

- If you're a shoe addict, or know one, Sweet Kicks are perfect. Printed with overlapping inks and accompanied by a gray envelope, these long, rectangular cards will no doubt delight the recipient as much as they do you.

- For the music lover, Music Notes say it all in just a few holiday-themed words. They are printed on with fluorescent inks on snowflake-textured paper and each comes with a fuchsia colored envelope. A modern choice with a reverential nod to the past. Nice.

- Sweet Ride has that 'ye old' look with a hit of contemporary design and colour. Overlapping inks with a cement-coloured envelope means it won't stay long in your stationery drawer (you do have one, don't you?).

- If you want to show how much you care, the I Love You More Collection (pictured above) really does say it all. And way better than you could. The fluorescent ink make 'em pop while the white envelope allows the card all the attention it deserves.

- Being a social media specialist and teaching and writing about twitter, I was charmed and captivated by the Smoking Hash Tags. To send a hashtag tweet in blue ink (like the real thing) in a smart gravel-coloured envelope by post? So brilliant, it deserves some sort of award. More like 10.

- But it's the You and Me Collection that got me the most. The combination of food ingredients paired with the sentiment of belonging together is so awesome and sweet all at once, it's almost too much to take. When my fella went to LA for a big meeting a few weeks ago, I slipped the Chips & Salsa card in white envelope in his suitcase, which went unnoticed until Day 2 of his trip (apparently not everyone unpacks as soon as they arrive at the hotel....). But I think it got him too.

If you're going to get a card, get a Gilah Press + Design one.

p.s. all collections are printed on 100% cotton paper.

Urban Therapy's Twisted Sista Gives You the Curls You Wish You'd Been Born With!

You wouldn't know it to look at me, but I've got curly hair.

You couldn't possibly know though, because I blow dry my hair straight every day or else I brush and pull it back in a sleek ponytail, giving it the effect of pin straightness.

I don't do this because I don't like curly hair. I just don't like my curly hair. It's wavy and ringlet-y in all different areas of my head, so instead of having the enviable waves of Martha Plimpton on Raising Hope or the luscious bouncy curls of gorgeous Kerry Washington, I just have the "crazy hair" where it looks like I went to bed with wet hair and made my way through a wind storm.

So I am always extremely skeptical when it comes to curl enhancing products, because truthfully, my hair needs a whole team of people to calm it down and the chances of just one product or line handling it seems slight at best.

Then along comes Twisted Sista and completely changes everything.

These products rework my hair like I've got my own stylist on retainer. Oh, and they're insanely cheap. You'll be kicking yourself for how much you've been paying for product up until now.

I start with the De-Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner that hydrates my dry locks and keeps every strand sleek and close to my hair, unlike it's usual go-big-or-go-home manner. My hair looks and feels better, shinier, stronger and so much more under control without feeling heavy or greasy.

For the humid and rainy days that we're known to have here, I am blessed to have my Different Strokes Serum in hand. It zaps away any frizz while healing my split ends. It is like valium for my hair.

For those days that I want sleek, straight locks, Twisted Sista's Blow Drying Crème is all I need.  It not only saves me drying time, but it saves me from having to straighten my hair. Just a dollop of this will do ya. It works overtime by simultaneously adding volume, moisture and shine.

If you want your Bernadette Peters curls to emerge, use Curl Activator and 30-Second Curl Spray. Not only do they smell good (fresh 'n fruity) but they feel good. No crunchiness or hard helmet head here.

I am no longer ashamed of my curls. In fact, now I have beautiful curls.

Shop the entire Twisted Sista Collection and rock a different style every day. And rock your curls. Because now you can!

If You're Going to Write, Use a Turtle Pen

I am one of the few writers left that uses paper and pen.

While I can be found working away on my computer for a good 10-12 hours a day writing to deadline, I still use a notepad to take notes while interviewing a chef or celebrity, make lists upon lists (upon lists  - you should see them all) of all the things I need to do and pick up/drop off as well as I keep a paper calendar and agenda that tracks all of my appointments and deadlines. Oh, and I also write old-school thank you notes and send cards through the mail, so you can imagine that I'm always in need of a great pen.

Turtle Pens are unique in that they not only have a great weight to them, not to mention a fantastic stainless steel body, but each pen features SNAPback mechanism and extendible nib casing or "Turtle Head" as the company calls it.

To "activate" the pen, or bring the pen point out of its shell, you pull the top of the pen back, like you're reloading a shotgun (I've never done this, but I've seen it on TV). It's kind of a cool factor, as is the hearty stainless steel case it comes in. But really, it's a heckuva lot of fun to use.

Turtle Pens come in a variety of colours (I got Black) and are refillable. I love the smoothness of the ink and the point of the pen - not too wide and not too thin. If you write at all, even if its just grocery lists, you'll know what I mean.

If you still use pen and paper like I do, get yourself a pen that looks and feels good like a Turtle Pen.

p.s. It makes an awesome gift too.

Luxuriate in Linen Towels This Summer from the UK's LinenMe

Linen is a timeless fabric. 

I remember seeing black and white photos of Audrey Hepburn and Katharine Hepburn in linen pants and suits and yet, here they are today at stores like TopShop and Banana Republic.

But perhaps you've never considered linen for your home. Linen Me in England has a whole online shop dedicated to not only linen clothes, linen scarves and linen fabrics but bed linen, throws & blankets, kitchen linen, table linen and bathroom linen.

Inga, an interior designer who graduated from London’s KLC School of Design, explains her love of linen:

"Over years I have come to the conclusion that pure linen, like any other natural fiber, has some sort of magic powers, and I love to share my expertise, skills and passion with LinenMe customers. Making our luxury products affordable and available to any home and taste has always been one of the highest priorities at LinenMe. I’m a regular visitor and exhibitor at interior design fairs in the UK, Germany, France, Japan and USA, so I do try to produce home interior accessories suitable for various tastes, fitting different size standards and as much up-to-date as possible." 

In addition all of the designs at LinenMe are produced in a small, family owned facility in Lithuania. 

I love looking through this site because it shows that linen can be extremely vibrant and colourful like the Silk Wool Orange Scarf and this stunning Purple Linen Dress! And while looking through all of the beautiful items, I was surprised to learn that there are thick and luxurious linen bath towels. I had only seen linen tea towels and cloths before.

So I was really excited to try a Natural Striped Huckaback Linen Bath Towel Lucas (pictured above) to greet me after an energizing shower or a relaxing dip in the tub. This 100% organic linen towel is so super soft (it's been pre-washed, so it's even softer than you can imagine) that you'll wonder why you've been buying cotton towels all these years. The size (70 x 130 cm, 100 x 150 cm) means that everyone in the family will get to envelope themselves and have that spa-at-home feeling and the stripes lend a decidedly modern and exciting look to an otherwise ordinary bathroom.

I'm making the switch over the linen everything - what about you?

Shop LinenMe's incredible collection now.

Give the Gift of the Seashore with Beach: A Book of Treasure

Some books draw you in right away.

Josie Iselin's Beach: A Book of Treasure got me right away.

Although I've never lived near the sea's edge, I feel the power that water delivers. All that life in there, how could it not?

But it's Iselin's striking images that make them come off the page. Perhaps it's her method of using a flatbed scanner to make her photographic images that makes them so lifelike.

What I like most about the book is that it's snippets, a deconstruction if you will, of the contents of the beach - water worn glass and stones, seaweed and various creatures along the way. I also appreciate that she writes in a very personal fashion about her beach experiences as well as informing the reader to the more scientific nature of the beach:

"When on the beach of her beloved Pawleys Island, South Carolina, my grandmother preferred to build a sand mermaid instead of the traditional sandcastle. It was a yearly project and we cousins all assisted."

The images and stories will stay with you long after you've finished the last page. Beach: A Book of Treasure is going to be one of my go-to gifts because there is nothing like being at the beach. And if you can't be near one, the next best thing is having it brought to you.

Buy your copy of Beach: A Book of Treasure by the extremely talented Josei Iselin now.

Karin Herzog Does It All - Face Care, Body Care & Makeup!

Some women really can have it all.

And now that includes you and I, thanks to Karin Herzog.

Offering the best in Face Care, Body Care and Makeup, this Swiss company is known for its advanced anti-aging formulas using oxygen, water and essential vitamins.  They also make everything in supervised batches and fresh, so you receive a premium product. With no parabens or preservatives, of course. It's no wonder than Kate Middleton is a fan!

I was lucky enough to try the Karin Herzog Erase & Raise Serum, which transformed my skin in just one night. See, my skin was looking pretty haggard - I had been up late writing to deadline, getting up early for meetings and then eating weirdly while traveling. The result was a face full of dry, patchy skin. I applied the lifting, anti-wrinkle and moisturizing serum before bed and awoke the next morning to a smooth, clear face. 

Sure it could have been the fine ingredients - Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Camomile and Niacinamide (Vitamin B3).  And yes, it's said that niacimamide "evens the skin tone, brightens the complexion and diminishes hyper pigmentation," and that hyaluronic acid "naturally fills fine lines, smoothes the skin and has a remarkable moisturizing effect," but shouldn't that all take time to work?

Apparently not, because I looked good. Good without makeup good. And it's worked each and every time I've used it since. Need I say more? Get yourself some.

I'm also loving the Egyptian Earth Face Powder (pictured above) that instantly adds luminosity to my skin. Oh, and by the way, you don't need to apply foundation first, like you're used to. Oh no, this works just fine on its own, thankyouverymuch.

Available in 4 shades, this is unlike any other powder as it allows your skin to breathe and never clogs your pores. The Mica used is a natural shining stone that deflects the light, controls oil and lasts all day. It is, in other words, a wonder powder that once you use, you won't be able to live without it. 

And as it turns out, that's how I feel about ALL of Karin Herzog's products.

One of the best safe tans I've ever had is thanks to K.H. Their Tone & Tan is flawless. No lines, streaks or weird orangey colour - just bronze goddess look. It might be because I started with Shower Body Scrub first and then applied Tone & Tan, but I have a feeling it's just a superior product.

Sure you could go out to your neighbourhood drugstore and get products that say that they'll give you results, but nothing delivers time and time again like Karin Herzog.