Plus White 5 Minute Speed Whitening System Works Fast & Is Affordable

I never knew it was possible for someone who wasn't a celebrity or went for cleanings every month to have such white teeth.

I have been using Plus White toothpastes for the last few years now and for the first time in my  life, people have remarked how white my teeth are. All at just a few dollars more than a tube of regular toothpaste. 

But with the addition of being as a restaurant reviewer and food writer as well as sitting in offices, restaurants and cafes conducting interviews with celebrities and chefs, the amount of coffee, tea and red wine that I have has really taken a toll of my gleaming smile.

So I've been trying the Plus White 5 Minute Speed Whitening System, which contains "the same bleaching action that dentists use to visibly remove excess stains and bleach teeth." Cheaper than even whitening strips, it allows me to stay within my budget and get rid of tough stains fast.

The kit has just 3 parts - tartar control per-whitening rinse, a whitening gel (that doesn't make your teeth or gums stand on end with sensitivity like other name bran systems) and a comfy, reusable mouth tray that allows you to do both top and bottom teeth at once, saving you time and gag reflexing!

You only need a small amount of gel on the tray, so it lasts and lasts. And other than white teeth, you'll notice how clean they feel. Which, let me tell you, after a day of taste testing pies, roasts and sauces, you really, really appreciate!

I know we're all pressed for time, but this 5 minute system will take you less time than any other and give you the Hollywood smile that you deserve.

Get you Plus White 5 Minute Speed Whitening System now.

Relax & Unwind with the Unique Services of Julie Brigitte Moore, Zen Shiatsu Therapist

There are few experiences in life that are as transformative and enriching as this.

This goes far beyond what you've experienced thus far as a "massage." This is whole mind, body, spirit experience that you will never forget.

Julie Brigitte Moore, Zen Shiatsu Therapist, has a peaceful and private Zen studio in the Whitby Shores area. It is a complete oasis from the stresses of life. Descending the spiral staircase, you immediately start to shed layers of stress, knowing what bliss lies ahead.

You enter the foyer. On the left is a wall of fame - celebrities that have come for Julie's miracle sessions - and on the right, an exquisite bathroom with a stand-up shower in case you're coming or going to work, lush towels, candles and soaps that you see in the pages of magazines.

There is a cozy lounge complete with fireplace. But it's the treatment room where you'll be spending your time.

A complete feeling of relaxation washes over you here, as everything is pristine and beautiful.

It's not just the completely unique zen treatments she offers:

- Zen Shiatsu 

- Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy 

- Bamboo Fusion Massage 

- Japanese Foot Massage 

- Zen Hybrid Massage

- Baborganic Facial

- and the forthcoming Zenify your Life Program 

It's all the extra touches - hot detoxifying tea before and after your session and the linens - no scratchy cotton here just soft, sumptuous sheets and thick sheepskin underneath to keep you both comfortable and warm. 

I experienced the Zen Hybrid Massage for 90 mins. which is a mix of her techniques and the ideal way to get introduced to all of Julie's spectacular talents and ways. It incorporates "various techniques such as guided relaxation, Zen Shiatsu, deep tissue Bamboo Fusion and natural Chakra stone balancing. It is an excellent healing combination as essential oils and massage has mutually enhancing effects.The choice of essential oils is based on your personal needs."

She also asked me about how much pressure I was comfortable with and if I was warm enough. It's like having your best friend take care of you, but catering to your every need with tenderness, kindness and a pure heart.

With her shiatsu training, Julie can get deeper than most therapists. She knew things about my body that I never spoke aloud. This a whole body/mind/spirit treatment that will make you feel better than you've felt in decades. She massaged me with her feet, hands and warmed bamboo that you won't be able to tell isn't Julie herself.

I have a very hard time relaxing and letting go, but in Julie's hands, I felt safe and able to let go of whatever I was holding onto. Other than my fiance and best friend, I've never felt that before.

I feel such gratitude to have had the opportunity to experience Julie's warmth and care. Everyone should be so lucky.

You can be one of the lucky ones - here's how:

- Visit Julie at her Zen studio in Whitby which is just 40 mins from downtown Toronto. You can drive or take the GO Train (she's a minute away from the station).

- People from around the globe visit Julie when their in the province on business. Book an appointment with her on your next trip!

- Julie can come to you. Julie is a guest therapist at spas around the world. Ask the spa near you to have Julie come so you can experience the most luxurious treatments.

Explore the Julie Brigitte Moore Zen Therapist website and book yourself for an appointment. It will be one of the single best things you can ever do for yourself.

And don't you deserve that?

Navitas Naturals Has the Healthiest, Tastiest Snacks for Back-to-School & Office Munchies

It is difficult to find snacks that are as tasty as they are healthy.

And with back-to-school just days away and getting back to the office after a little vacay, I bet you're still running around trying to get everything done in time!

Well don't fret, because Navitas Naturals has it all! This awesome company believes that "Nutrient rich whole foods are best produced using organic agricultural methods with minimal processing."

Their facility is Organic, Kosher and GMP/HACCP Certified. and they "utilize methods such as freeze-drying and low temperature processing to ensure maximum nutrition and safety"

Which means that you're getting the best of the best - and nothing tastes remotely of cardboard. In fact, it's all so very delicious that you might just want to skip lunch and get right to the good part! Let me introduce you to my new favourite energizing, healthy snacks:

- Organic Raw White Mulberries

I'm going to be honest with you: I first about mulberries through an article where Victoria Beckham claimed they snacked on them. I thought, "You are what you eat," so off I went in search of them and Navitas Naturals has the purest, most potent ones on the market (I told you they were good!). This little berry-like fruit is of the white Turkish variety of mulberry. It is shaken from the tree and sun-dried to "optimize natural sweetness." Which means that you can switch yourself from reaching for the 2 o'clock candy bar and grabbing a handful of mulberries instead.  They are kind of like a raisin and date with a crunchier exterior.

They are incredibly good for you: they have 3 grams of protein per ounce and are an excellent source of iron, calcium, vitamin C, and fiber.  Navitas says that "Mulberries also contain a high concentration of Resveratrol, an antioxidant compound that combats free-radical damage. Recent studies have shown that regular consumption of this special antioxidant helps promote a healthy heart and longevity." Take that simple raisins! 

- Organic Raw Goldenberries

I came to know these sun-dried berries under another name "Cape Gooseberries." They are also sometimes called "Incan Berries." They have a sweet/sour citrus taste that is both refreshing and delightful. I like to eat them just on their own but you can bake them into your batches of muffins and cakes, add them to your granola, etc. These little beauties has a ton of carotene and bioflavonoids (vitamin P - have you ever heard of vitamin P?!) as well as vitamins A & vitamin C, dietary fiber and pectin and unlike most fruits, goldenberries also contain protein and phosphorous, giving you a ton of goodness of the go without any added sugar, salt or additives. Woo woo! 

- Citrus Chia Super Food Power Snack & Cacao Goji Super Food Power Snack

Trying to snack healthy can be such a challenge - you can only eat so many nuts and pieces of fruit. And doesn't that get so tiresome? Sometimes I just can't face yet another granola bar. That's why Navitas Naturals Super Food Power Snacks (pictured above) are so fabulous - not once have I thought, "Ooh, I just can't have another." In fact, it's usually me stopping myself from having 1, 2 or 5 more that's the problem!

I call Citrus Chia Super Food Power Snacks my "Moroccan treats" because the exotic blend of date paste, chia seeds, cashews, sesame seeds, dried apricots, raisins, coconut, flakes, maca powder, camu camu,powder, lucuma powder and natural orange flavor transports me away from my desk to under the sun with a hot breeze running through. Talk about an "office break!"

And Cacao Goji Super Food Power Snack are like little brownie bites, though soooo much better for you than any chocolate bake mix (all thanks to powerful ingredients such as: date paste, chia seeds, raisins, sesame seeds, cacao powder, goji berry powder, sunflower seeds, maca powder, camu camu powder, sunflower meal and lucuma powder). They deliver a chewy, chocolate-likeness that is surprisingly filling, but not at all heavy. Which means when I have only 2 in the afternoon, I have enough energy to work straight through until dinner!

If you're going to snack, do it right. Do it with Navitas Naturals and never experience an afternoon slump again!

Change Your Life with Life's Too Short to Fold Fitted Sheets!!

Oh my.

Do you ever look around and realize how much there is to do around the house? Sometimes I have to sit for a minute so as to not get overwhelmed by it all.

And that's just the house stuff. That doesn't include work, family or life stuff.  How do you make time to do it all?

Well, do what I did and what author Lisa Quinn recommends in her book Life's Too Short to Fold Fitted Sheets: Your Ultimate Guide to Domestic Liberation - cut back or stop it altogether.

Lisa was a "recovering Martha Stewart junkie" who built a career as an HGTV host and columnist covering everything from housekeeping, decorating and entertaining." But, she writes, "I was living a lie.  Ironically, while I strived to be the perfect picture of domestic bliss at work, I could never quite pull it off in my own home. The daily grind left no time for forcing bulbs, alphabetizing my pantry, scrapbooking, origami napkin folding, or even keeping the house very clean, for that matter. Hell, I could barely get dinner on the table for my family three nights a week."

Ahh, isn't that how you feel? Like no matter how organized and efficient you are, there's always so much left to be done on your to-do lists?

In realizing that she couldn't do it all, she discovered "shortcuts and cheats to pull off the the life I wanted, without all the hard labour."

And that's what this book home bible is all about. Quinn describes it as, "It's for women like me who want to entertain and to have the nice house, the clean kids, the decent meal, but don't want to kill themselves in the process."

I don't want to give it all away, but basically this book is going to CHANGE YOUR LIFE and HOW YOU DO EVERYTHING. You'll have more time for you and what's important to you and still have a home that you love.

My hope is that every woman reads this book. It doesn't just cover how to clean your bathroom quickly, but giving yourself a break, rediscovering your self-esteem and figuring out what really matters to you, not what society dictates.

It's a fun, funny, easy read but this book will change how you do things FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.

What the hell are you waiting for? Go buy Life's Too Short for Fitted Sheets right now. Go buy 10 of 'em and give them to your girlfriends, moms, aunts and anyone else who could use a good jolt of "Hey, stop mopping the kitchen floor and live!!!!"

This is not just a book - it's a guide to living your best life ever.

Indulge in Complete Luxury with Danae's Creations Sweet Bath & Body Treats

With workdays stretching into dinnertime and weekends crowded with more errands than downtime, it can be hard to relax and pamper yourself.

For many women, the bathroom is the one place where we get to be alone, so it's no wonder that there's where we go to let go of all the stress of working hard then coming home and taking care of the family.

One of the best things you can do for yourself - and for friends and family - is to soothe your soul with Danae's Creations Bath & Body Treats. Made with natural elements such as herbs, salts and oils, you can finally allow the stress of the day melt away while you pamper your skin from head to toe in sweet treats that make the bathroom seem more like a bakery. Even the packaging makes you think, "Mmm, dessert!"

Danae's Lotion Bars are no ordinary lotion. First of all, they come wrapped like a chocolate candy. Unwrapping it becomes part of the ritual of destressing and getting ready - what fun! And you apply it the same you would if it came in a bottle, except when you unwrap this body treat, you rub the bar in your hands, replace it in the wrapper and then smooth the lotion over your skin with your hands. 

They come in 4 temptingly sweet scents - Vanilla Almond Treat, Cravin' Coco-Mango, Milk Honey Sensation and Apricot Chamomile Rush - and because they come in bar form, they are the perfect way to bring lotion with you while you travel (no more leaky bottles!).

And if you prefer something lighter, Whipped Shea Butter Body Icings are a wonderful way to give your body the love it deserves without feeling like you're "wearing" your lotion. You only need a little bit to feel it working, quenching your skin while leaving behind the sweetest scent. I tried Cravin' Coco-Mango and all day long, I felt like I had a little piece of cake or a fruity umbrella drink along with me. What a joyous feeling.

Cupcake Bath Bombs look just like actual cupcakes, so while you may want to pop them in your mouth, be sure to pop them in the tub instead! What a wonderful way to show a friend you care - and without any guilty calories!

Even the Body Oils look celebratory in their champagne bottles! And the colours that swirl around in the Milk Honey Sensation are just gorgeous. It's like having a Mother Nature lava lamp. You can't help but feel spoiled when you apply this. What a fabulous start to the day.

If you want to treat yourself - or someone else - to complete luxury without spending a lot or eating your way through another box of sweets, shop Danae's Creations Bath & Body Treats.

Bake Up Healthier Treats with Rumford Reduced-Sodium Baking Powder

 

With back-to-school and fall events already crowding the calendar, it's time to start baking again.

And while I'm always looking for healthier ways to make sweet treats, I don't want to sacrifice taste. I mean, there's no sense in making a chocolate cake if it's going to taste like packing peanuts, right?

That's why I've made the switch to Clabber Girl's Rumford Reduced-Sodium Baking Powder.

One of the biggest health issues North Americans face is sodium intake. It's off the charts! And while many grocery stores now stock sodium-reduced broths, beans, sauces and frozen foods, companies have been slow moving in getting the same for baking ingredients.

Rumford Reduced-Sodium Baking Powder is the only reduced-sodium baking powder that I've ever come across that's "guaranteed to produce light and fluffy cakes, breads, pancakes and more." 

Containing 52% less sodium than the leading brands,you can feel good about making your friends and family treats from the kitchen again.  Whether you're making cupcakes for the first PTA meeting of the year or working a new bread recipe for your next dinner party, knowing that you're using healthy, quality ingredients makes all the difference in the world.

This double-acting powder is kosher and gluten free with zero trans fats. It is produced in a peanut-free manufacturing facility in Terre Haute, Indiana. 

In other words, it's the only baking powder you want on your shelf.

Rumford Reduced-Sodium Baking Powder is available at Wal-Mart stores nationwide, and many major supermarkets and health food stores.  It is also available at Clabber Girl's online store.

p.s. tell me what you're making and baking this season!

Let Your Cat Take Over the World with Cats Attack from Luckies!

Last month, I told you all about one of my new favourite places to shop - Luckies of London. They have the best stuff for us humans, but they also happen to have lovely things for our pets. 

Our Cosmo is an indoor cat so he doesn't have the luxury of being able to sharpen his claws on trees like many of his friends. So we always have a scratching post on the go for him (that, and the hallway carpet) so that he'll remain happy and healthy.

But never have I seen a better scratching post than Luckies Cats Attack!

This awesome multi-coloured cityscape could be your very own downtown that he is taking over like a little Godzilla!

I love that our fella looks giant compared to the buildings and that he has so many surfaces in which to go crazy. Our regular post just has the one.

It is super easy to pop together - it takes just a few seconds - and there is even a cut-out helicopter that you can hang from one of the buildings to really give it the affect that cat armageddon has taken place!

Tough and durable, it will survive kitty attacks over and over again and you can switch the buildings around (it comes in 5 pieces - 3 buildings and 2 bottom parts that fit together to form the base) when one side gets demolished.

I love that we've been able to give Cosmo his own cityscape. Now if we could only get him to take the subway...

Get Cats Attack Cat Scartching Post for all the cats in your 'hood. You, your cat and your furniture will be happy

SnackTAXIs are the Ultimate Back-To-School Accessory!

It's almost time for the kids to get back-to-school.

Each year, there are more ways in which you can reduce the amount of plastic, paper and packaging you use. And one of the most beautiful ways to pack up lunch is SnackTAXIs.

Erin Kelly-Dill invented them when she saw the amount of plastic ziplock bags she was going through - 3 kids = 500 lunches year.

Not only are thew freaking gorgeous - never has lunch been so stylish - but they're made in their home-based workshop in Massachusetts by local sewers. Lunch bags made with love AND rockin' designs? You betcha.

These reusable sandwich and snack bags are so much prettier than plastic. And they are machine washable, free of lead, phthalates and BPAs. You can save you and your family up to 1000 plastic bags - keeping the planet safer and more money in your pocket!

Choose from countless charming patterns or design your own. These durable pouches will make you look forward to lunchtime.

And speaking of which, these are not just for the kids. Adults, use 'em for your own lunch and see what a difference it makes to unwrap such a pretty package while your co-workers struggle to own their plastic tubs and containers.

Get SnackTAXIs for the entire family. Suddenly and probably for the first time ever, homemade lunch is looking pretty amazing.

The Anne Taintor 2012 Engagement Calendar Makes Scheduling Simply Delightful!

One of my favourite aspects of fall is the start of the a season. And that means planning for next year.

And while I love everything about organizing, planning and scheduling, I realize that this is a huge chore for most people. So I went in search for the most fun and irreverent calendar for you folks who need a little life in your planner and discovered the incredibly wacky Anne Taintor 2012 Engagement Calendar.  

This is not for the faint of heart or those without a sense of humour. Anne's images might be vintage, but the captions are not. For example, as a woman admires her friend's kitchen tiles, she asks, "Nice! Have you laid anything else recently?"  and "... A lady president? Don't be silly, sweetie!"

That's the kind of fun you can expect in this awesome wire-bound desk calendar that has a colour image on one side and a week-at-a-glance (includes a to-do list section!) on the other. You also get a little quip on each week's page such as "She was the life of the Tupperware party" and "Male refrigerator blindness claims another victim."

You'll love that each page's background is a different colour, so that there's no mistaking this for an office box store agenda.  And there's actually enough room to write in all your important meetings and deadlines. 

You need to be able to plan your weeks, but who says it can't be a hoot?

Stock up on Anne Taintor 2012 Engagement Calendars for you and all of your logistically-challenged friends. You'll never dislike scheduling again!

Turn Up the Heat with KP's Specialty Pepper Products!

I am addicted to the heat.

Not this muggy summer weather. Eck.

No, I mean the spicy heat imparted by chilies such as habaneros, chili peppers and the like. And I love the various ways I can get, thanks to the very awesome KP's Specialty Pepper Products.

I like to shake hot sauce on everything from my eggs to a side of veg and KP's Lightnin' Bolt Habanero and Towering Inferno are spectacular. The Lightnin' is vinegar-based made with orange habanero, while the Inferno is tomato-based and made with red habanero - the best of both worlds! Be sure to add them in while cooking too.

But having hot sauce on absolutely everything can become a little monotonous, so for a fun change of pace, I shake on some hotness in the form of KP's Spicy Habanero Seasoning Blends available in Mild and Hot. I love the way it marries into whatever you're making, bringing about a completely different heat sensation than the sauces. You can also use it as a rub or coating on meat and fish. Ooh, you're going to get addicted to these.

And because my fella and I like to snack on fun, but healthy stuff while we watch TV or a movie, we've been digging KP's Spicy Snacks - each available in mild or hot. Whether it's Spicy Peanuts, Spicy Candied Peanuts or Spicy Trail Mix (I love the unusual mix of heat and sweet of peanuts, almonds, cashews, sesame sticks, BBQ corn sticks and chocolate morsels), these super tasty and affordable snacks are a great way to keep the heat going this fall and winter.

Shop the entire KP's Specialty Pepper Products store and get food that truly tastes great and delivers that heat you've been seeking!

Give Your Home A Fresh, Fun Look with Voila! Stickers

One of my favourite new ways to decorate is wall decals. They can be taken off or removed when you get tired of them or want to repaint and they are an inexpensive way to display your love of art or add a pit of pinache to a corner of the room.

I am completely head over heels for Voila! Stickers as they have some of the most fascinating, cutting edge designs as well as some of the most fun-loving dreamscapes I've ever seen. How can you resist Mouse House, Parisian Street Furniture and their entire Cult collection? Absolutely breathtaking.

And continuing with their stellar eye for talent, Hu2 Design is the newest bold collection of unique decals that will have you taking your space - home and the office - to new heights!

These fresh and innovative designs are made by Voila! Stickers Montreal artisans, who actually prepare and craft each sticker - individually by hand. I've never seen that before. In fact, now that I think of it, they're almost always mass marketed. These are not only handcrafted but beautifully conceived. And all of their decal stickers, and packaging, are made in Canada.

These vinyl stickers can be used indoors and outdoors and will stick to any clean and smooth surface - I've got some of ours on the side of the fridge. They'll hold for 5 years inside, 3 outside and are washable. These are the only wall decals I've ever seen that come with a squeegee, so that it goes on smoothly without any air bubbles.

The only hard part is trying to choose what to get. I've got a serious crush on the 80's Tape (it shows my age, but I don't care!) and how inspiring would it be surrounding yourself by the Inventions Timeline?  Ooh, coming home and leaving for work takes on a whole new meaning with these extraordinary Door Signs.

But one of the designs that never fails to make me smile and giggle is Flying Pigs. I want them in each and every room! They are whimsical and fun, something we could use a lot more of in our lives, don't you think? Which one is your favourite - the one in the cape, the one with the wings or the rocket launcher?

Be sure to look through the entire Hu2 Design Collection and give your space new life.

And maybe a few cute piglets too..

The Kymaro Cardi Wrap Extends Your Wardrobe with over 50 Looks!

The nights are finally getting cooler and I'm starting to crave fall clothes after a long summer of tanks and tees.

The wardrobe essential of the fall is a great cardigan. One that will go with everything, upgrade a look from daytime to nighttime and keep me warm.

Up until now, I've found great cardigans that do one or two things, but never all three.

And then I discovered the Kymaro Cardi Wrap which does even more:

This amazing, comfy knit can work itself into over 50 different items - and we're not talking just sweaters: scarves, tops, cardigans, dresses, wraps and shawls too! To achieve these looks, you simply twist, toss, wrap or knot your Cardi Wrap. The wrap comes with 3 bangles in silver, black and gold (that I'm rocking as bracelets when they're not in use) and pretty, contemporary flower pin and bow that help you achieve the various looks. And don't worry - you don't have to memorize all of the styles - it comes with a handy little style booklet showing you how to rock each look!

I love that I can toss it in my bag and that I can customize my look to each occasion!

There are 7 colours to choose from. I got grey as I'm trying to get away from wearing all black and this is the next best thing. It's made from 100% viscose, which feels light, yet very luxurious. I love that it breathes and that is somehow flatters you to look less lumpy and bumpy in places and all that swathing and wrapping also seems to slim you a little. How awesome is that?

They make it extremely easy for you in terms of sizing, too. There are only 2 - Misses and Plus. You'll fit either one. Now wouldn't it be great if all clothing sizes could be this pain-free?!

I'm telling you - you get a CardiWrap this season and it will work as half of your wardrobe all on its own.

And you were happy when a piece simply fitted you. The bar has just been rasied!

Get your Kymaro CardiWrap now.

Freshen Up on the Go with Paper Shower!

Ever wish that you had a moist towelette on you, but a big one (9" x 12") that you could use to freshen up more than your hands?

Paper Shower is "the world’s first combination wet and dry towelette pack,"and once you use it, you'll wonder how you've got this far without it.

The package is joined so you can tear off the wet side first, then the dry one. The wet towelettes contain ingredients such as water, aloe vera and vitamin E and are made partially from recycled materials. The liquid on the towelette stays wet after you've wiped down everything from face to toes - you don't have to worry about it drying out or tearing! And the best part? It's not saturated with alcohol like most towelettes, so your skin won't be parched afterwards.

 

There are so many instances lately that I've been so grateful to have Paper Shower on hand:

1. The heatwaves we've been experiencing this summer has had me sweating in my eyelids. Talk about needing 2 showers a day, sometimes 3. But that's not always feasible.

2. The power went out while I was working away at home last week during a wicked rainstorm. I was all showered, but I didn't know how long I'd be without amenities. Having Paper Shower on hand gave me a little peace of mind. That, and my lovely Cosmo kept me company in the quiet and dark.

3. Yesterday I had 2 events and a meeting back to back. I had to come home quickly in between. As much as I wanted to have a shower (see example 1.), there wasn't enough time. So I shimmied outta one dress, paper showered and then shimmied my way into another way. It was wonderful!

4. When I'm traveling for work, you'd better believe I'm going to have Paper Shower in my bag.

Get Paper Shower for your and your family. You won't believe how much you use them!

KonaRed - Get Your Antioxidants & Superfruit All In One Delicious Drink!

There are many times throughout the day where I could use a pick-me-up. But I don't want to be relying on caffeine and sugar to perk me up.

That's why I am smitten with KonaRed, a Hawaiian Superfruit Antioxidant Juice. It's made from the fruit of the coffee plant, Coffea arabica. Grown in Hawaii, these fruits "surround and protects the seed (or bean) and is removed, dried and condensed into a liquid that we blend with other delicious fruits to create this amazing beverage".

This 100% natural drink contains KonaRed coffee fruit extract, pineapple and apple juice from concentrate, vitamin E and stevia leaf extract to mention just a few ingredients.

It's syrupy consistency and dark, plummy taste with a slight finish of coffee is a wonderful elixir that gives me energy without harmful ingredients or effects. You drink it chilled, so it's a wonderful way to revive yourself midday.

I feel fantastic after consuming only half a bottle and like I can run a marathon or stay up all night rearranging the house if I have the entire thing.

I am trying to eat and drink as many all-natural things as I can. I want to put good things into my body and I'm here to tell you that KonaRed is all good!**

Get KonaRed Hawaiian Superfruit Antioxidant Juice now. 

**it's also just 260 calories a bottle.

Tiny Devotions Malas - The Most Meaningful Thing You Can Wear

A lot of people I know are searching for something right now. Peace. Understanding. Balance. More. Less. Something. Everything.

I can be included in that bunch. I want to simplify my life and my home. I want to get more out of my time and experiences. I want to learn to relax. I want to be better, stronger, wiser and so much more.

But that is a heady list when I'm trying to juggle freelance writing, teaching social media, spend time with my friends and family. Do things that matter most.

So I went in search of a little help, guidance and support.

Tiny Devotions is a small, loving company where their mission is "to make the most beautiful mala beads the world."

Mala beads are "sacred necklaces that have been worn for thousands of years in traditions of yoga, Buddhism and Hinduism. These necklaces are made with 108 (Plus one additional guru stone) beads being a very sacred or auspicious number. Known to bring good luck, good energy, healing, health and fortune to its wearers. Each Tiny Devotions mala is made with a different intention. Each stone represents something whether it is strength, love or healing."

There is something so comforting having a string of love around you. It is that little extra push of encouragement that you need at the end of the day to do something good for yourself instead of strapping yourself to the computer for another few hours. It that gentle, yet beautiful reminder that if you don't take care of yourself, you can't take care of anyone else.

You can choose stunning pieces such as necklaces, bracelets and even styles for men.

I chose Kathryn Budig "Make my Aim True," an ethereal white necklace that exudes purity and peace. I feel calmer just looking at it, so you can imagine how good I feel wearing it.

Collaborating with yogini goddess and "one of our biggest inspirations," Kathryn Budig, Tiny Devotions has created the Aim True Mala.  It is made for you to "follow your true essence and live with unconditional love for yourself and those you meet on the path." Kathryn's love for animal's has inspired 20% of the proceeds of this mala to go to Poses for Paws. Check out this video from the Beagle Freedom Project to see their current cause.

I am so grateful to have found Tiny Devotions and for this truly extraordinary necklace.
 

If you want something more meaningful and beautiful in your life, get you and everyone you know Tiny Devotions Malas.What could possibly be a better gift?

Dr.'s REMEDY Hot Hot Hot Summer 2011 Collection Works for Fall Too!

Back in February, I discovered the incredible Dr.'s REMEDY Enriched Nail Polishes.

So naturally I had to try the latest colours for summer, which I have to be honest - I'll be wearing long after I've ditched my tanks and capris and am donning sweaters and tights!

Dr.’s REMEDY Hot Hot Hot Summer 2011 Collection includes 5 fabulous colours that will go with everything from your string bikini to your cropped jean jacket. Take a closer look:

- NURTURE Nude Pink works hard at the office and late into the night for drinks on the patio. It is ballerina pretty, but not so youthful that it doesn't ooze sophistication. This is one of those standard shades that you just never tire of.

- Like Nude Pink, GLEE Gold is gorgeous and classic. It shows off a tan and looks fab against your gladiators, but it's going to look great at holiday time too. The shimmery and sheen of this one is subtle, but oh-so-pretty. I wear it all the time.

- I usually steer clean or orange polished because of my pinky hue, but TRANQUIL Tangerine has converted me. It's a sunny orange that's not too bright or gaudy. I love the metallic modernity of it. In fact, it kind of has a futuristic bent to it. I can't believe I'm finally able to rock orange tangerine!

- Blues can sometimes be hard to wear - they can look tawdry or just plain freaky. But BOLD Baby Blue is so fun and fresh, it's impossible not to fall for it. This oceanic colour has a wonderful shimmer and is surprisingly flattering. Just watch how well it pairs with your cashmere sweaters and well-worn jeans.

- LOVELY Lavender is so deep and dark, you won't confuse it with the frilly, frothy purples that you've seen on wedding manis and pedis this season. It's matte and fall worthy for sure - just look at its rich colour. And it's wildly sexy and romantic with an edge. Just what you want at this time of year!

Dr.’s REMEDY Enriched Nail Polishes  are enriched with natural ingredients and are free from toxins found in most commercial nail polishes such as DBP, Toluene and Formaldehyde. Which means, when you take them off, your nails look healthy and nourished instead of ragged and dehydrated.

Shop the Dr.’s REMEDY Hot Hot Hot Summer 2011 Collection and have the coolest, healthiest nails around!

Be Chic Even in the Rain with Cheeky Umbrellas

Many of us get what I like to call "serviceable" umbrellas. We get a cheap one when ours breaks or we left it at home or on the bus. Or we choose from the 5 plain, dull colours offered at the department store and forget about it.  But I think we should choose our umbrellas as we would our clothes. They are a fashion accessory, after all, so why don't we treat it like one?

I went in search of pretty and funky umbrellas and found a wonderful selection at Cheeky Umbrella.

Here you can select from super small (compact), small (kids) and long - large enough to fit the whole family under (diameter is approx. 40" when open) - as well as a host of fun, contemporary designs!

Want something feminine? These pretty flowers will no doubt brighten your day! And want something that you can see through? Clear designs such as Poppies and Polka Dots are oh-so-chic.
 

I love the modernity of designs such as Green & Black Curls and Cocktails Long Umbrellas, but they offer so much more:

The Cocktails umbrella for example (pictured above), has “I prefer umbrellas in my cocktails” written on the inside, keeping you smiling no matter how dark the skies outside! And each umbrella is made with a strong, yet lightweight, wind-resistant frame that will hold up against the gale force winds we're getting on a regular basis now. One of my favourite features is the durable and incredibly quick-drying fabric, so you can get on the subway without dripping all over yourself anymore. The hook handle allows you to hang it up at the office and home with ease and feels good in your hand (Finally! An umbrella that is comfortable to hold). 

And each umbrella comes with a Cheeky Umbrella Limited Lifetime Warranty, so no more having to buy a new umbrella every time a gust of wind comes along.

Shop the entire Cheeky Umbrella Collection and get a stylish umbrella that you can't wait to use!

One Love Organics Skincare - Made With Pure Ingredients & A Whole Lotta Love

With some products you can tell at first glance they will probably please you.

But it wasn't until I slathered myself in One Love Organics skincare that I realized how incredibly delightful the line is.

The first thing you'll notice is the super sweet packaging. You can feel the tender love and care coming right off the bottles.

The second thing you'll notice is how amazing everything feels and smells. With ingredients such as vanilla planifolia fruit extract, watermelon seed oil, organic rose and frankincense oils, honeysuckle fruit extract, it's like having a bouquet of flowers at your side while you tend to your face in a spa-like fashion!

And thirdly, you'll notice how incredibly quickly and extensively everything works. I've been testing products for years now and with One Love Organics, I saw results faster than most commercial and popular drugstore brands. 

Perhaps it's the fact that everything they make is completely waterless, so your skin's not bogged down by fillers, preservatives or chemicals. Or maybe it's that each product is handmade and hand-filled with  "the highest grade of ethically sourced raw materials." See, their philosophy is this - use just a few supreme products instead of "a medicine cabinet full of mysterious jars," and wouldn't you agree?

Well, you certainly will after using their products.

I absolutely adore their Easy Does It Foaming Cleanser. In fact, what used to feel like a chore is a regimen that I now look forward to, thanks to the beautiful scent and the squeaky clean feel I get without any dehydration or tight skin afterwards.

And for a complete skin transformation, you've got to try Love Springs Eternal Youth Preservation Serum. Despite being made up of usually slick ingredients such as watermelon oil and Bulgarian rose oil, this is the one of the least greasy serums I've ever tried. Ooh, it feels good. It sinks in quickly and you can feel your skin plumping and renewing as soon as you apply it.  Oh, and don't worry - you'll see it too.

Skin Savior Waterless Multi Balm, where have you been all of my life? This is one of those products that will utterly astound you. Using pure, cold-pressed plant oils and extracts, it provides a complete multi-tasking system for your skin - "cleansing, moisturizing, conditioning, smoothing and massaging." I've been using it as my moisturizer and though it feels a little like vaseline to the touch, it has no greasiness whatsoever. In fact, it injects my skin with moisture and glow all day long. I can't get over what a miracle worker this little jar is. 

And if that's not enough, it worked on a dry patch of skin behind my ear that I've had for years (bleaching my hair since I was 13 started it) that no other cream, salve or balm has worked on EVER. I put the balm on my dry spot before bed and in the morning, it was all sealed/healed up and I haven't had it since. That was a couple of weeks ago now. So just imagine all of the little things you can finally fix up with this baby, nevermind have gorgeous skin!

You can see why One Love Organics Skincare is one of my very favourite lines of all time. 

Shop the entire collection now.

Back-to-School Just Got Way Cool With Sharpie & Paper Mate Markers & Pens!

Back-to-School is my favourite time of the year  - and it's not because I loved school or excelled. 

It was the school supplies that got me every time. The opportunity to be creative and organized has lasted all of these decades after finishing school - every August I tingle with anticipation about what I might find that will enhance my work, my life!

This year, Sharpie and Paper Mate have made extraordinary leaps and bounds in variety, colour and quality. Let me show you what I'm using this semester season:

To rev up your notebooks and planners, Sharpie introduces the New 80's Glam Limited Edition. These 5 awesome colours were chosen by Sharpie Facebook Fans - argyle green, leg warmer orange, jellie pink, banana clip yellow and valley girl violet. I love that the colours are vastly different from one another, which makes colour coding a breeze. And because they've got a fine tip, you don't have to use them just for labels or packages anymore - they work on everything from 3-hole punch lined paper to your knapsack. They're quick drying and fade and water resistant. What are you add  these awesome 80's colours to? Available at Walmart, Staples and Loblaws.

And if you're still thinking of Sharpie Markers as something that is only used for specific purposes (I always use them for addressing packages for mail), you can enjoy the feel of the marker with the new Sharpie Pens. The feel of these is fantastic - incredibly smooth and even. And because it won't bleed through pens like markers and the point is super fine, you can use it to write on everything as you would a regular pen. They are smudge resistant too, both lefties and paper lovers don't have to worry about mucking up our beautiful clean pages. They come in 4 fun colours (turquoise, watermelon, hot pink and clover) that will make filling in your calendar fun again! Available at Walmart.

Another Sharpie product to blow your mind is the Sharpie Liquid Pencil. Liquid graphite is the wonder ingredient here, so you feel like you're writing with a super smooth pen, but it erases like a pencil. So go ahead and scribble away - you can always change it. Now available in 4 fresh colours at Staples, Walmart and Grand & Toy.

Paper Mate Gel Pens (pictured above) are so much fun. They just glide across the page. Delivering bright colours that never fade and a quick drying ink that prevents smudges, you'll switch back to using paper in a snap! They come in 8 colours, available at Staples, Walmart and Zellers.

And just watch how much you write with the Paper Mate Profile. Called the "World's Smoothest Pen," it is a pure joy and so little effort to use these pens. You'll be so productive now that you're making lists and checking things off! These dry quickly and provide bold colours to your otherwise bland pages. Get one of every colour - black, blue, red, purple, green, orange, turquoise and magenta. Available at Staples, Walmart, Grand & Toy and Zellers.

You should see my notebooks and calendars. I've never been more organized or had so much fun writing everything down... and I'm not even going back to class!

Thanks Sharpie and Paper Mate!

Gourmet Meals At Home Are a Snap, Thanks to Fischer & Wieser

Are you looking away to elevate your meals quickly? As much as I wish I could spend 3-5 hours crafting together a home-cooled meal from scratch every night, my schedule is similar to yours - I've got errands to run, laundry to wash and a pile of work that's not going to do itself.

So while I crave gourmet meals, I've got to throw something together quickly, but I still demand it taste good. Really good.

That's why I stock my cupboards with Fischer and Wieser sauces and salsas. I can throw some protein and veg in a dish, slather it in a sauce and bake or broil it and in just half an hour, I've got a remarkable dinner that makes my mouth water.

On the one cool night we had last week, I marinated a whack of chicken breasts in Mango Ginger Habanero Sauce and Original Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce. I was pretty sure we'd like the mango one as we've used similar ones in the past, but I have to be honest - I didn't think the raspberry would work. But they were both amazing! I sliced up the chicken and made stellar sandwiches and salads, along with entrees for dinner.

And in just a few bites, I became a big fan of the Hatch Chile & Pineapple Salsa (pictured above) with it's nice hit of heat is balanced by the sweetness of the pineapple. I managed to polish off half a bag of tortilla chips just because I wanted more salsa!

These days, my cupboards are always stocked with Fischer & Wieser sauces and salsas. Dinner at home doesn't have to boring or difficult. It can be taste great without much effort at all. 

Ahh, isn't it nice to know that you'd got help now for mealtimes? And they also make wonderful mustards, pie fillings, salad dressings, jelly and appetizers, as well.

Shop Fischer & Wieser now.

Hot Lips Soda Makes My Top Ten List of All Time Favourite Drinks!

When I am thirsty and go into a store to get a drink, I am constantly amazed by the sea of coolers in the back lining the walls. How did there get to be so many choices out there? But not all of them are good for you or taste great.

So I am always searching for top-notch drinks that satisfy my thirst - and my waistline.

Meet Hotlips Soda, one of my very favourite finds of the year decade, and now I am constantly in search of places that carry it. I'm completely addicted.

The reason for my soda stalking is that it is unlike any other soda I've ever had. In fact, the name is a little misleading as its carbonation is just barely detectable with a strong fresh fruit finish. It's absolutely revolutionary.

But I'm going to be honest - it does tend to ruin it for all other drinks! 

I tried Cranberry and Boysenberry and now I'm on the hunt to find the rest. In fact, now I want to try cooking with them, pairing them with desserts like wine, etc.

I'm a woman obsessed. But it's no wonder. Because Hot Lips Soda is one of the best drinks I've ever had.

Ever.

Be Fashionably Late in Mondor Tights

Although it might be blazing hot now, in a couple of week's time, we're going to be snuggled under our couch blankets having tea and hot chocolate to keep warm and donning sweaters and jackets and maybe even - gasp! - scarves.

But don't worry. You can still rock your micro minis and short skirts. It's just your bare legs will be in need of tights. Cute ones. Pretty ones.

So this fall look to Modor Tights to outfit your gams. Looks right off the runway can now be seen on you, to the envy of all your friends. I'll be rocking 5346 Floral Lace (pictured above) this season, but if you want something a little more office-friendly, I'd go with the small check pattern of 5330 or 5308 Oceano Tight with zig zags.

They look so expensive, so out of reach, but they are yours to have, at unbelievably reasonable prices. 

Click on Find a Retailer near you to score some hot looks for fall.

Feel Like a Superhero with Gwen Stefani's New Super G Perfume

I am just going to say it - Gwen Stefani's New Super G Harajuku Perfume looks a helluva lot like me. If you saw me in my glasses, you'd agree.

This little gal fits right in with the rest of the righteous clan. Available at Sephora, this fun blend delivers an uplifting cocktail of tons of fruity essences - banana nectar, coconut, cranberry, pear, peach, raspberry  tangerine, tart, vanilla, yellow pineapple - along with some sophisticated notes of musk, transparent cedar wood and yellow freesia.

It is a bright, effervescent fragrance that is not about hiding meekly in the background. Be bold, be brave, be beautiful! Show off your powerful self, your authentic self in this superhero scent. It bolsters confidence and creativity. Do your other perfumes do that?

Yeah, this one's got it all and now you can too.

Get your New Super G Harajuku Perfume now.

Marcelle’s New Hydra-C Products Quench Your Skin All Day Long

Our summer has been so hot that my skin feels as dried out as it does during the winter months. After I wash my face, I notice how tight and papery it feels. Not exactly the smooth and sexy, dewy skin you see splayed across the pages of magazines.

Marcelle has launched some exciting new Hydra-C Products that deliver skin-quenching, intense hydration in beautifully light formulas that feel oh-so good.

I am completely addicted to the Hydra-C Energizing Hydrating Gel (pictured above). I love the light, cool feel it delivers. It feels like it’s been in the fridge (not the bathroom cabinet), so it’s the perfect cool down treatment first thing in the morning and right before bed. It keeps my skin feeling incredibly refreshed and hydrated not just when I apply it, but for the entire day. My skin also looks better too – brighter, sunnier – and it will stay looking that way longer, thanks to skin protectants such as green tea and vitamins C & E.

I have also fallen for Hydra-C Perfect Fusion Make-Up. This liquid foundation is devised to match your skin tone, so that you no longer have to combat orange-y lines along your jaw and around your hairline. It’s the most natural makeup - you look like you’re not wearing a stitch of it – but it covers up your slight imperfections beautifully. It’s also super light – you won’t feel like you’re wearing makeup at all for once – and super nourishing thanks the vitamins C & E, green tea extract, camomile, and aloe vera. You’ll look and feel fabulous! There are 4 shades to choose from – natural beige, ivory, true beige and mocha.

If you tend to get shiny whether it’s sweltering outside or not, you should get yourself the new Hydra-C Ultra-Light Matifying Fluid. It keeps your skin hydrated but shine-free, leaving you looking like the calm, collected woman you are. Or want to be.

If you want skincare and makeup that truly transforms your skin, get Marcelle’s New Hydra-C Collection.

You'll Be Making More Pizzas At Home Thanks to Pizza Paddles

After Pizza with Tori, I was in the mood for more for more pie.

So I went about making a couple of versions and put them in the oven. I used to cook them on pizza pans, but I kept reading that the secret to a good crust was to cook it directly on the oven racks. That's fine if you don't mind a mess at the bottom of your oven (I am always cleaning it anyway), but have you ever tried to take it out of the oven like that?

I tried it a few months ago. The pizza didn't make it. The cat came running. End of story.

Pizza Paddles to the rescue!

These elegant bamboo paddles allow you to make your pizza right on their surface, take your pizza - whether its being handcrafted in your kitchen or its a frozen pie from the supermarket - to the oven and out again, without spillage or mess. You can even use the specially-designed tapered edges to turn the pizza while it's still cooking, giving it a chance to cook evenly.

The paddles are designed to "peel apart," so that you can use them together - using a natural "side by side" motion - or apart.

They are extremely light and comfortable to hold onto. They are the only paddles I've seen with a reasonable size handle and not those huge. longs ones that you see in pizza shops. These work in my tiny kitchen and don't bang into the wall when I open the oven door, like a pool cue bumping against the wall in a small room. 

I got myself a Tori frozen pizza and couldn't believe how easy it was to take out with the Pizza Paddles. Where have PP been all my life?!

When the paddles are interlocked, you get a generous surface (12×20 inches, from side to side, tip to handle, respectively – with a total working area of about 12×12 inches) to work with, so feel free to make your own extra large party pizza or simply reheat the one you got delivered in last night. Individually, each paddle measures 6×20 inches.

You will find the Peel Apart Pizza Paddles come in handy for more than just pizza, but that you'll be making more pizza pies at home now because they're so much fun and easy to use. I certainly am.

Get your own set of Peel Apart Pizza Paddles now and help to fight world hunger - Pizza For All, LLC donates 50 cents for every purchase to Action Against Hunger to help fight world hunger. 

Stunning Tori Spelling Collection Nail Polish Comes with a Bonus!

A few days ago, I went to a lunch with Tori Spelling.

Did you know she has a new line of nail polishes out? The Tori Spelling Collection is wicked for 4 reasons:

- The shades she’s selected are bang on. You’re going to want each and every one of them. In fact, you’re going to keep wearing a shade because you can’t bear to tear yourself away. That’s how I feel anyway, about the coral (pictured above) I tried. And now I'm lusting after the gold, pearl and turquoise too. They're simply gorgeous!

- Each shade comes with a big fantastic ring that matches the shade of polish. I was out to dinner with a colleague last week, wearing the coral with accompanying ring and he remarked on both and then shrieked, “How did you get them to match exactly?” It took awhile to calm him down. Saying Tori’s name over and over seemed to help.

- These are quality lacquers. I spent days with it on while I scrubbed the tub, cleaned the kitchen, tried to get grease off of a cookie sheet, removed some gum from the bottom of my heel, and well, you know – life stuff. It didn’t budge. It also goes on super smooth. No bumps or ridges.

- It’s by Tori Spelling, who is a woman trying to do it all – mom, wife, friend, mogul, actress, author, shop owner and so much more. It’s simply inspiring to wear her polish. 

Get your own supreme polishes (and rings!) from the stellar Tori Spelling Collection available only at HSN.com.

Maybe one day I'll get to try her other jewelry...