Celebrate Fall with Marc Jacobs Daisy HOT PINK Limited Edition Eau de Toilette

Marc Jacobs = lust.

Whether he's doing clothes, bags or fragrances, Marc Jacobs simply knows what we want before we do. He's the diving rod of modern taste, as far as I'm concerned.

Everything I've tried of his, I've adored, like Marc Jacobs Lola and Daisy and Marc Jacobs Bang (every time my fella wears it, my knees weaken), for example.

So imagine my elation when Marc Jacobs Daisy HOT PINK Limited Edition Eau de Toilette arrived on my doorstep!

Perfect for fall, it's a a richer, deeper interpretation of the sprightly Daisy. Violet petals, jasmine and gardenia merge with wood accords of birch and cedarwood and a hint of wild strawberry, delivering a beautiful elixir that will delight you and entice others!

Of course it is like all things Marc Jacobs - sophisticated, charming and oh-so-chic. The scent is completely addictive (I sprayed some on my pillowcase, just so I can enjoy it everywhere!), as is the awesome bottle with its glossy hot pink petals on gold topper and sleek, sexy black bottle.

Marc Jacobs Daisy HOT PINK Limited Edition Eau de Toilette is available for a limited time only. Get yours now at Bay Stores Holt Renfrew, Sears, Ogilvy's, Mills, Murale, Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharmaprix, London Drugs and Jean Coutu locations.

Clarsskin Keeps You Feeling Clean & Fresh All Day Long

I get very used to some products. So much so that I will travel to umpteen stores to get them.

deodorant is one of those things.  And what if the one you happen to love cakes in the creases, never leaving you feeling comfortable and clean? Or leaves behind ugly stains on your dresses and blouses?

Ew.

Finally there's a solution so that you don't have to give up your beloved deodorant and go through smelling weird in the process!

Clarsskin - available in fragranced or unfragranced - removes the residue and particles (metal, actually!) from your skin (that body washes and cleansers don't remove), so that you can finally feel clean and fresh and your awesome wardrobe will last a helluva lot longer.

You simply put Clarsskin on while your skins wet, work it into your skin and then rinse. All before applying your regular deodorant. It's a light cream that smells like laundry (mmm!) and can also be used as a shave cream.

Try it and see the wicked difference it makes.

Sally Hershberger Hyper Hydration Super Argan Serum Gives You Great Hair - No Matter What the Weather

 

It has been raining here. A lot.

And while I absolutely love the sound of rain pounding against the windows, the feel of a light mist covering my face and jumping over puddles like a kid, my hair reacts very differently.

Call it the "Bride of Frankenstein" or "Phil Spector," but whatever it is, it isn't pretty. The humidity, the moisture and the combination of the two quadruples the volume of my hair, making me look like I've walked under a wasp's nest and taken it with me.

And often products that say they get rid of frizz do, but only for an hour or two before the humidity really gets crazy. So I'll leave the house looking like a normal person but an hour into an event, I turn into a walking scarecrow.

But that is a thing of the past, thanks to Sally Hershberger Hyper Hydration Super Argan Serum.

Serums often are quite thick and oily, so I was shocked by the lovely, smooth, non-oily texture of this beautifully scented liquid (Sally should be making perfumes and colognes, it smells so good) - both in the hand and on my hair. How does she do that when it has not only Argan, but Amala (Indian Gooseberry) and Rice Bran conditioning oil?

I love that you only have to use a little bit to see results and that you get smooth, frizz-free hair not only instantly, but that lasts all day. And unlike other hair products, you won't feel weighted down by this one - in fact, my hair actually felt lighter and oh-so-much softer with it.

The other bonuses you'll enjoy are hydrated, colour-protected locks (great for gals like me who colour their hair and wash it every day) and brighter, glossy hair. Yep, you're going to look fabulous. In fact, it's practically a guarantee - I know, because I have crazy, wonky hair and every single time I've used this serum, people tell me how great my hair looks. It's a freakin' miracle is what it is!

You can use it three ways:

- As an Oil Treatment: Apply to damp hair to soften, revitalize, and rejuvenate.
- To give you a Smooth Blow Dry: Apply to damp hair for supreme smoothing and frizz control.
- To Define Your Style: Apply to dry hair to smooth frizz and define style.

Sally Hershberger Hyper Hydration Super Argan Serum is available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.

p.s. Be sure to read my post - I Got Red Carpet Ready, Thanks to the Murale/Sally Hershberger TIFF Suite - about my day of beauty.

p.p.s. And stay tuned - I've got upcoming interviews with the fabulous Murale Beauty Master Melanie Charalambous, who did my makeup and the amazingly talented Paul Perez, hairstylist at Sally Hershberger Salon LA, who made my hair look the best it's ever been. Ever.

Norpro's Re-Usable Turkey/Poultry Timer Is a Holiday Lifesaver!

For us here in Canada, Thanksgiving is just around the corner (Oct 10th), so we've already got turkey on the brain. But for those of you in the US, it's only a month away for you guys, so you should start thinking about it now too.

I like to take time coming up with a theme (sometimes I do a Southern meal, other times Italian, etc.) and menu and then organize my shopping list and when I'll need to prepare everything.

The hardest part is of course cooking the turkey, capon or chicken to perfection. So I got myself a little help this year in the form of the amazing Norpro Re-Usable Turkey/Poultry Timer.

This little high heat resistant silicone and steel wonder works in all kinds of poultry (I like to change this up every year as well, so that we don't tire of turkey, which happens so often, don't you find?), so you don't have to wait until Thanksgiving to enjoy using it. Here's how it works:

1. You take this little silicone beauty (I call mine Cole - is that weird?)  and press the legs down to the horizontal position.

2. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat and cook according to your recipe's directions.

3. Cole's little legs automatically spring up to vertical position when poultry is ready between 160°-165°F, meaning: Dinner's ready!

The timer is reusable over 300 times (in other words, it lasts and lasts) and can be cleaned by simply hand washing it in warm soapy water, rinse and let it air dry.

It's really that simple.

Which is exactly what you need when the holidays roll around. After all, there's enough to worry about without worrying about the turkey!

Check your local kitchen supply store for the Norpro Re-Usable Turkey/Poultry Timer.

Special Technology Report: Samsung's Got It All - TVs, Phones, Computers and More!

Last Thursday, Samsung and Future Shop decked out the Penthouse Suite (rumoured to be where Brad Pitt stayed during TIFF, with handsome friend George Clooney just down the hall) at the New Ritz Carlton Hotel on Wellington.

And I was invited.

What impressed me the most - other than the drop dead gorgeous suite (the tub alone was stunning) - that Samsung’s 2011 Holiday Gift Ideas Event included so many items, many of which I didn't know Samsung made - TVs, laptops, mobile devices, home appliances, cameras and even vacuums!

I started off in the bedroom with the lovely French Jean-Pierre, where he showed me the most amazing TV I've ever seen. The Samsung 55" LED 8000 Series (pictured at top) does everything - thanks to being the first manufacturer to have the widest array of apps for TVs, you can do everything with your TV - you can browse the web, Skype, play games, buy a movie online or watch something on YouTube, FB, tweet and Google Talk.

With a spectacular 2-sided remote control, outfitted with a QWERTY keyboard, you don't have to leave the couch to do work, check your Google calendar and keep up with what your friends are doing. Picture in picture allows you to watch your show while your husband watches the game.

Jean-Pierre shows me how he's able to use his Samsung Galaxy S2 phone to control the TV, play his video of 30 Rock, show me his pictures from Montreal, and connects with other devices around the room, like the TV in the living room or the computer on the other side of the bedroom. It's incredible!

Then I go off to the office where the awesome 27" Wireless Central Station Monitor awaits me.

I love it for many reasons. It has a USB hub with 4 USB ports built right into the base, so you can use wireless accessories and not worry about the clutter of cords. But even better than that is the Auto Wireless Detection feature.

Let's say you're working at your desk and you need to get going to a meeting. You pick up your gorgeous Samsung Series 9 Notebook and your primary desktop shifts to the laptop automatically, while your Central Station Monitor goes to sleep. No wires, no plugging and unplugging. Ahh, this is the life!  It's ultra thin, the lightest Windows-operated laptop (like a feather!) with 4 gigs of ram, 7 hours of battery life (take that, Apple!) and a matte finish on the screen which practically ends your issues with glare forever.

Unfreakingbelievable.

You have got to check Samsung out. These are some of the most forward-thinking products I've seen. And they're available at places like Future Shop, so you don't have to go off and make a special trip to a specialty store.

p.s. On Friday night, my Blackberry died its final death. So on Saturday morning I had to get a new phone. I had planned on getting another BB, but after what I'd seen Jean-Pierre do on his phone, I was convinced that this is where things are going. So I bought the Samsung Galaxy S Infuse 4G (pictured below). It is as mindblowingly amazing as the products I saw in the suite. I'm a Samsung girl from here on out!

Send a Fun Postcard with Greetings From The Onion

 

My mailbox is usually a dismal array of flyers for oil changes and lube jobs (I don't own a car), takeout menus for sketchy pizza places I've never heard of (Pizza Man? Really?) and fitness memberships that I am never going to apply for (I know I should, but I won't).

So the idea of getting real mail excites me beyond belief. And nothing is better than a fun card or postcard. So when I came across Greetings from The Onion: 100 Rectangular Postal Cards Suitable for the Futile Act of Corresponding with Other Miserable Inhabitants of Earth, I knew I'd come across postal gold!

The Onion is known for its crazy sardonic headlines and stories, so just imagine the joy you'll get out of 100 postcards featuring strange and hilarious tidbits from the archives.  A lovely yet strong recipe box holds the cards, organized into 5 tabbed sections - Local, National, Business, Science & Technology and Sports & Entertainment - making it easy to select the appropriate card to send or post on the fridge at work!

I could not stop laughing. Or thinking, "Ooh, I can't wait to send that to Diana," or "I bet Allison would love this one."

What an awesome gift. Get yours now and let the giggling begin!

You're Going to Love Rubbermaid Glass with Easy Find Lids!

Our kitchen is small. Teeny. Itsy. While two people can be there in the same time, I don't recommend it.

So you can imagine how little storage space we have. So when I discovered Rubbermaid Glass with Easy Find Lids, I thought, "Finally, bowls that can do double duty!" Let me show you what I mean:

- First of all, glass is better than plastic. So now you've got food storage containers that you can take from the table to fridge to freezer to microwave to stove to dishwasher without having to have separate sets anymore. Oh, and forget about stains and odors like you use to have with the plastic ones. Yes, those days are o-v-e-r.

- Secondly, they nest beautifully and the lids attach to one another as well as to the base of its corresponding container, so they take up less space and keep your cupboards organized - no more lids tumbling out every time you open the cupboard door!

- Thirdly, the square design takes up less space on your shelf and in the fridge or freezer. And the bonus of such a sleek design is that you can actually eat out of them. I'm using mine to serve soups, salads and lovely side dishes like quinoa and ratatouille. 

- And lastly, the Flex and Seal lids are mighty sturdy. So sturdy in fact that that are leak-proof, they won't tear or break, without any harmful BPAs.

So go on and get yourself the amazing Rubbermaid Glass with Easy Find Lids. You get 1 1-cup, 1 2.5-cup and 1 4-cup bowl. 

Perfect.

Especially for a kitchen as pocket-size as ours.

ButtonedUp's 2012 Weekly.Agenda Will Get You Organized Once & For All

September's already half over and everything's busy and piling up. Before you know it, it'll be Halloween and then Christmas and then the new year will arrive and you'll wonder where the time went!

Don't be caught off guard and wait to buy your 2012 agenda. Here's what will happen - you'll buy one at the last minute. The selection will suck and you'll get something that doesn't work for you, so you won't use it and you'll be as disorganized as always.

Instead, take a quick second now and get yourself the amazing 2012 Weekly.Agenda from ButtonedUp and start using it right now and by the new year, you'll be all set to take on the next 12 months!

There is so much to love with this little agenda:

- You get four bonus months, so you can start using it now and not have to worry about spending the holidays switching over your calendars for the new year!

- Each week displays on 2 pages - on the left a huge place to write what you must do and who you must contact. On the left, the week's laid out with a small space to write your appointments and commitments. What's nice about keeping these two things separate is that it's always clear what your to-dos are and what your appointments are. This alone with save you so much time and energy, you'll wonder how you got this far without it.

- There are monthly calendars as well, each displayed on 2 pages so that you can see the whole month's overview quickly and book in doctor's appointments, etc., with ease.

- Each month is colour coded and with perforated corners, you can always jump back and forth throughout the year with ease. Which is just what you need when you're on the phone, watching that the soup on the stove doesn't boil over and folding laundry all while on hold with the cable company to arrange a visit.

- There are 2 pocket folders on the inside front and back covers, so you can keep your receipts, dry cleaning slips, coupons and whatever else you need organized without having to stuff your wallet anymore. A pen loop also ensures that you always have a pen on hand (because we both know that you could dig through your purse for 10 minutes and still not find it in there with all you've got going on in there. Is that a tic tac covered in lint?)

- At the back, there are perforated shopping and errand lists, a notes section and a place to list "special days" so that you'll never be one of the people who have to send a "Sorry I Missed Your Birthday" card again. Here, you can actually manage everything in your life all in one place. I'm calling my 2012 Weekly.Agenda my "personal assistant." Feel free to use that. I think you'll find it's most fitting.

- It's small and portable, but with enough room to write down all that you've got to do. And it's damn pretty too (that is as important as anything else, if you ask me) with it's durable blue metallic cover. The enclosure flap keeps your pages from getting scrunched in your bag (see bag tirade above), so that you'll always look smooth and put together, even if you don't necessarily feel like it.

- There's a section about using your planner and how to get more organized in life. In those tough moments, I'm telling you, it helps to be reminded of these things.

- It's less than $20. It doesn't get much better than that.

So, go. Get yourself a 2012 Weekly.Agenda right now.  It will be your saving grace, your life support and your everything. 

Full Disclosure: I used to write for the ButtonedUp website. I have been using their products for years and really believe in them. That's why I started writing for them. I just thought you should know.

Amazing Grass Raw Reserve Green Superfood Delivers Vitamins, Minerals & So Much More!

Although I am restaurant reviewer and food writer, I don't always eat as well as I'd like. Take a couple of weeks ago, for example: I covered deep-fried food at the Ex, ate at a new BBQ restaurant and then had a whack of fried chicken over 2 days - all in the same week! Then there are the weeks where I consume items like duck poutine, bison burgers and butter chicken back-to-back.

So in order to maintain a somewhat healthy lifestyle, I try to eat really healthy at home (I'm not going to lie - chips and popcorn make their appearances). And one of the best ways to do that, I think, is to ensure that you're getting your daily essential vitamins, minerals and greens. Instead of popping a gazillion pills from the drugstore, I'm looking to Amazing Grass Raw Reserve Green SuperFood to keep me looking and feeling my best.

You'll notice a real difference when your body gets natural, raw ingredients like nutrient dense cereal grasses and a blend of AFA’s, spirulina, chlorella and sea vegetables from the coast of Maine, like kelp and sea lettuce. And just imagine how powerful and energetic you'll feel when you've got wheat grass, kale, organic ginger and burdock root, organic flax and chia seed, in your system. This is amazing stuff, all in one sweet little capsule or packet.

The other thing I love about it is that each serving contains over 25 billion live probiotics at the time of bottling, so I don't have to worry about carrying around my enzyme pills anymore. And because Amazing Grass uses free radical fighting plants and herbs, each ingredient in Raw Reserve is completely raw, vegan and of the highest quality. 

All you do is swallow the capsule or mix the packet with water or juice. It takes kind of chocolately, which isn't such a bad way to start the day, is it?

I don't always eat as well as we should, so I feel much better knowing that I've got a little backup by my side with Amazing Grass Raw Reserve Green SuperFood.

Be sure to look through and shop the entire Amazing Grass collection. You're bound to find just what you've been looking for!

The Newest Guess Fragrance - Guess Seductive I'm Yours

The Guess Seductive Line just keeps on growing!

I wrote about the first one back at the end of 2010 and Guess Seductive Wild Summer back in April. The latest release from Coty Beauty is Guess Seductive I'm Yours, which Paul Marciano, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of GUESS?, Inc. calls, "The love potion no. 9 for the twenty-first century."

It is the boldest of the bunch, but not intense, which is what you want. Just very warm and exotic. The floral notes - tiare tahiti flower, dewy peony, magnolia blossom, white lily and vanilla orchid - give off a lovey bouquet  without being too summery, and a full-bodied base (patchouli flower, exotic woods, creamy musk and vetiver) is deep and sexy without being overwhelming. In fact, it's incredibly enticing, as it warms throughout the day on your skin. After only 2 hours, I  had my wrist constantly up around my nose to take in the intoxicating scent. Just imagine the reaction others will have around you.

The pink liquid is enveloped in a bottle finished with a sweet pink fishnet pattern and topped with a black cap and Seductive heart charm in gold.

I have found the perfect scent for the season. And now you can too. Guess Seductive I'm Yours is now available at Sears, Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharmaprix, London Drugs and PJC.

Discover the Hottest Jewelry with lia sophia

A couple of weeks ago, I headed to The Richmond in downtown Toronto where media was invited to get a little pampering done in between shortened deadlines and covering red carpet events during the 36th Annual TIFF -Toronto International Film Festival. The Murale/Sally Hershberger TIFF Suite provided blowouts and styling from the Hershberger team, makeup applications by Murale Beauty Masters and Smashbox, manicures by Tips Nail Bar and Spa and a jewelery suite by lia sophia (pictured above).

I had heard of jewelry line lia sophia before, but this was my first time up close and personal with it.

This family-owned business offers styles for everyday life as well as the fabulous lia sophia Red Carpet Collection that you will be seeing on the necks, hands and ears of our favourite celebs: Solange Knowles was recently spotted with a ring from the collection!

lia sophia specialist Caleigh Randev (pictured above) walked me through the collection. What I like so much about the collection is the range of styles offered. What I saw on display was only a small representation of a huge line that offers everything from vintage looks to edgy pieces that will no doubt get you noticed. Whether you like delicate or statement jewelry, you'll find much to love with lia sophia!

And to get quality, long-lasting jewelry at these prices? You're going to want to make a list, girlfriend, because there is so much that you're simply going to have to have.

It was incredibly hard to choose, but I went with a huge black ring rimmed in gold - the perfect accessory for everything from girls-night-out to date night. And the gorgeous Cabana Necklace - 17-20" ($82)  pictured below - is everything I want in a necklace: a little old Hollywood glamour blended with contemporary design. There's a decidedly Mad Men vibe to it that I love. The question is - is it more Joan or Betty?

 

lia sophia is one of the best jewelry lines I've ever come across and I love that when you look at the pieces online, they suggest others that go with it. It's like having a specialist right there with you! And because it's not available in stores, I think you'll find that this jewelry stands out from the crowd - as will you.

To purchase their jewelry, browse the lia sophia catalogue online, then find an Advisor near you.

Step Into Secret's Fabulous Fall/Winter 2011 Collection!

I absolutely adore Secret Legwear. Every season, they come out with a collection of comfy, fashionable tights, leggings and apparel that is right on trend, but super long-lasting.

Here are some of their past collections I've drooled over:

Get a Leg Up on Spring with Secret's Latest Collection!
Look Svelte in Every Outfit This Season Thanks to Secret Fusion
The Season's Must-Have Accessories Have Arrived: Secret's Fall 2010 Leggings & Tights

This season features lots of colour, print and texture, which will help amp up your usual go-to basics. Take a look:

- Secret's Colour Blocking Collection (pictured above) features tights in rich, bright hues - Blackberry, Black Iris, Deep Teal, Chili Pepper, Sangria, Dark Charcoal and Black. So while you're rocking your usual 3 black, 2 grey and 2 navy dresses at work, you can pump up the volume with a pair of blackberry or deep teal tights. Suddenly, your wardrobe is looking a lot more current - all without having to drop a ton of dough on new clothes! 

- Animal prints are huge this year, so bring a little call of the wild to your usual picks with gorgeous Sheer Zebra Pantyhose. These are my new favourite staple, as they add visual interest without being too much for the office. And for going to the movies or out for drinks with friends, the Leopard Legging pairs nicely with black, brown and gold attire. Just make sure not to do prints head to toe!

- Chunky knits and cable sweaters are must-haves for the cold weather. So layer up and add a grey Floral Circle Tight or Sweater Cuff Legging with a black leg finished in grey sweater cuffs! Or, throw on a pair of Light or Cable Rib Leg Warmers and transform the look of your shoes and booties into full-length boots. Get them in a bunch of colours - white, plum, charcoal and black - and for once you won't tire of wearing boots from November - April.

Secret, you've done it again.

Now available at major retailers across Canada.

The GripStic Helps Keep Food Fresh

Whether it's a bag of frozen veg or those gourmet tortilla chips that you are not-so-secretly addicted to, there are a lot of bags in the kitchen that require resealing.

The problem with most supermarket clips is that while they keep the bag closed, they let all the freshness out, so you end up with stale chips and freezer burnt corn and spinach.

With The Gripstic however, the lengthy stick is fashioned so that you place the yellow guide under the fold you've made on the bag. Next, you slide the coloured stic across the top of the bag and center it. Voila, you've now just locked out air and moisture and sealed in all of your food's goodness!

Because The Gripstics are so long (some packages have varying lengths like pictured above), it's a breeze to seal big bags such as cereal, your freezer full of meat, veg and leftovers, flour and sugar bags, prepared salads, coffee and snacks such as chips and nuts. 

They don't take up any room in your kitchen drawers (I only have the one - there's no way I can fit any bulky clips in there) and they can be used over and over again.

Keep your food fresh longer and with ease with The Gripstic. It really is that easy.

Bizou Has the Best Back-to-School/Fall Accessories!

I first discovered Bizou last April and I've been talking about them ever since.

Whenever I wear anything from them, I get compliments and asked about where I got it. They manage to create the ultimate on-trend items without making them look cheap like those mall chains. 

Just a few weeks ago Toronto got its very own store (pictured above) for us fashionistas on a budget to get up-to-date jewelry and accessories. But for those of you outside of the T-dot, you can still get your fix online.

I am all about the Utility Military trend that Bizou's featuring this season. Let me show you what I'm drooling over right now:

- Watches go out of fashion quickly, but they are a ton of money. Not here, though! You can shop a ton of amazing styles and still have enough to go out for sushi afterwards. I am rockin' the Boyfriend Watch (pictured at top) which I haven't swapped out for any of my others, because I just love the gleam of gold and that it's big enough that it just takes a quick glance to see the actual time. I really love statement jewelry and nothing is more of a statement than this beauty.  And all for under $26!

- Scarves are a great way to rock the current trends and I've got one in the most fantastic army-green/griege with lightly printed black skulls. It is edgy without being too punk or ska. In fact, I think my Mom would look great in it too! It's finished with a slight fringe and is the perfect weight for this time of year - not too thick or thin, just right.

Of course, there is much, much more to get and I think that once you see the amazing pieces, you'll be as hooked on Bizou as I am.

Shop the entire collection now.

Slather Yourself with Black Chicken Love Your Body Oil

 

Can you feel your skin tightening? Now that the cool weather has arrived, so has my dry skin.

To keep it feeling nourished and hydrated, I'm slathering on Black Chicken Love Your Body Oil from Black Chicken Remedies. Normally, I stay away from oils because I don't like the greasy feel on my hands and skin. But somehow this amazing company from Australia has created a blend of twelve 100% natural oils that not only delivers moisture to your skin that lasts and lasts, but offers aromatherapy relief too!

So if you're feeling sluggish or weary, help is here! Silky skin is now yours thanks to Black Chicken Love Your Body Oil. And enveloping yourself in the rich aromatherapy of Avocado, Coconut, Hazelnut, Rosehip and Vitamin E oils along with the essential oils of Carrot, Geranium Bourbon, Lavender, Nutmeg, Patchouli, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang will no doubt bring a spa-like feel to your day.

And the bonus? You skin has a sleek, sexy look without being all shiny and gross. My skin looks like a million bucks and because the oils help prevent the signs of aging in both men and women, it'll stay looking that way.

You might think that high boots and a LBD are the essentials of the season. I'm here to tell you to add Black Chicken Love Your Body Oil to your list.

Shop now. 

Secrets of Gorgeous - This Little Pink Book Tells All

Who has time to read an entire book about beauty and health tips? Well, now you do, thanks to Secrets of Gorgeous: Hundreds of Ways to Live Well While Living It Up. 

This teeny little purse-size guide includes just a paragraph or two on each page, so you can get bite-sized information on everything why you should be adding jars of umeboshi plums to your shopping list, what vitamins will help battle Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and recipes that will having you switching white flour for coconut and almond flours.

It also covers topics you might be curious about but are embarrassed about, such as vaginal infections, kegel exercises, warts and gas and bloating.

Sometimes all it takes to make a big change is a small thing. This book has tons of 'em - find out whether you should splurge on store-bought hot chocolate, how to make a pomegranate cosmo and a hangover cure that works.

Get your copy of Secrets of  Gorgeous now.

Want Radiant Skin? All You Need is Babor Organic Skincare

There are some skincare lines that you have wait for weeks to see results. You follow an eight-step program and by the end of it all, you finally see a tiny improvement.

Well, if you just want to get to it and have fabulous looking skin immediately, I recommend Babor Skincare. And in particular, Babor Organic.

This high-end skincare is completely organic and uses "natural active ingredients sourced from the untouched world of the Alps." These "white" ingredients are pure and untainted. There are no synthetic colourants, perfume substances, animal raw materials, petroleum, parrafins, PEGs, parabens, irradiated ingredients or genetically modified raw materials. 

One of the best skin creams I've ever used is Babor Organic Pure Age Preventing Cream. It's completely weightless but you'll feel your skin cool and hydrate instantly upon application. Ahh, that feels so good - talk about a spa experience!

With powerful active ingredients such as glacier water from Mont Cervin, Switzerland, full of rich minerals and trace elements, edelweiss and meadowfoam seed oil, your skin will not only look supple and nourished (this cream restructures your skin from the inside), but you'll be protected from environmental damage and premature aging. While your going about your day, your skin's regeneration and cell renewal are accelerated.

Which means you'll not only look good today, but tomorrow and the next day...

Shop the entire Babor Organic Skincare online. Or do as I do and get it from Julie Brigitte Moore, Zen Shiatsu Therapist, at her peaceful and private Zen studio in the Whitby Shores area. That way, you can get a treatment and your skincare all at once.

Aren't you in need of a little pampering right about now? Contact Julie for an appointment today.

I Got Red Carpet Ready, Thanks to the Murale/Sally Hershberger TIFF Suite

Sometimes my work takes me to crazy places and means that I'll be on the job for hours.

Lucky for me, on Friday it meant luxuriating at The Richmond in downtown Toronto where media was invited to get a little pampering done in between shortened deadlines and covering red carpet events. The Murale/Sally Hershberger TIFF Suite provided blowouts and styling from the Hershberger team, makeup applications by Murale Beauty Masters and Smashbox, manicures by Tips Nail Bar and Spa and a jewelery suite by lia sophia (pictured above).

Usually at events for the media, tensions are high and there is a lot to do in a short amount of time. For the first time in my over 15 years as a journalist, it was all about people looking after me, giving me the full VIP treatment, ensuring that I was relaxed and having a good time.

It was easy thanks to an amazing team of experts. Thank you. Also, huge thanks to Sarah Hankins of Shoppers Drugmart and the whole Murale team who put this incredible event together.

I had one of the best days of my life.

Stay tuned for more posts in the next couple of weeks where I go into greater detail about the people and products of the day. You don't want to miss it! 

To make it easier, subscribe via email or your reader, and you'll get the knack sent to you daily.

My Lovely September Sponsor: Ashley Wagner of After Nine to Five

I am so pleased to introduced to you, Ashley Wagner of After Nine to Five. She is stunningly thoughtful, creative and inspiring and one of my favourite people ever, even though we've never met.

Here's a little insight into the lovely Miss Ashley:

1. How you spend your day, your week? 

Most of my days are spent working on my blog and shop. Even on weekends. When I'm not scheduling posts, adding new things to the blog or shop, or working behind the scenes on everything, I'm usually spending time with my husband plus our two dogs and cat. I love to spend time outside so I'm enjoy the summer before it ends!

2. If you didn't have to worry about money, how would you spend your time? 

Traveling. I love seeing the world and finding new things to take pictures of, experience, and do.

3. Do you work in your pajamas? 

Yep! More often than not, I'm in my pajamas. ;]

4. What are 3 things on your desk that require explanation? 

I have a signed picture from the Big Bang Theory cast that I got by going to a show taping when we visited LA and I screamed for an hour to get it. I also have a wooden totem pole from when my husband went to Hawaii that reminds me that one day, I'll finally get to go there. And some white and blue sand from our sand ceremony for our wedding in Negril, Jamaica.

5. How would your best friend describe you? 

My best friend is my husband and he likes to tell me how wonderful I am. At least when he wants something. ;] So he usually mentions my kind heart, too caring nature, and passion for everything along with my want for a positive attitude all the time.

6. How would you describe you? 

I'm easy going and care free. I consider myself a kind-hearted soul with a lot of love for life in general and would take on the world if I could. I'm driven, focused, and passionate about everything I do.

7. What are you currently reading, listening to and watching? 

I'm a big fan of 30 Seconds to Mars right now. I'm also watching True Blood as I wait for the Fall season of TV to come around. And I'm reading a lot. Blogs, various books, magazines - you name it. Enjoying my two week break from school by reading something other than textbooks.

8. What does your wardrobe look like? 

Comfy and Earth tones. I like to be relaxed when I'm working or having fun and I'm not too into bright colors.

9. Digital or paper? Cupcakes or pie? Flats or heels? 

Digital by far. Both, but if I had to pick cupcakes. And flats. Or bare feet.

10. How do you find time to do all that you do? 

I don't. Haha. I'm always wishing I had more time. Time management is something I used to be terrible at, but I've gotten a lot better so I watch my time and things I need to get done each week pretty closely. On top of that, I'm also getting an intern to help out with some of the workload.

If you're smart, you'll subscribe to the After Nine to Five Blog, shop in her store, follow Ashley on Twitter and like her on Facebook.

Would you like to be an advertiser or sponsor and be featured here? I would love that. Contact me.

Olivella's Bar Soaps Are So Nourishing, Your Shower Time's Now Doubled

Are you still buying cheap drugstore soap that's filled with chemicals? I bet it's not even something that you think about, it's just an automatic thing you add to your grocery list and pick up on your next trip out. But I'll tell you - washing with a good quality soap every day not only changes the look and feel of your skin, but it'll change you too. You might even find yourself singing in the shower despite the dark and insanely early hour.

One of the best soaps to try are Olivella's Face & Body Bars. These wonderful soaps deliver only the very best to your skin - 100% virgin oil oil, water, glycerin from virgin olive oil and some fragrance - so you're no longer slathering yourself head to toe in chemicals and gross ingredients. Which means you get a rich lather, a clean feeling and you smell amazing. All without the use of anything harmful. And the bonus of a wallop of antioxidants and anti-aging properties, to boot.

You can get Fragrance-Free if you like, but you'll be missing out on the most beautiful scents - Lavender, Pomegranate (pictured above) and Verbena!

I can't help you to sleep in any longer, but I will say that these incredibly soothing, energizing soaps will make your mornings a little easier. And maybe, just maybe you'll work on that number for Don't Forget the Lyrics and get through "Super Bass" by Nicki Manaj without slipping up.

Shop Olivella now.

Not Just For Kids: Lunchskins Make Lunch Oh So Pretty!

I know it's back-to-school and that I could tell you how great Lunchskins would be for your kids, but I'm here to tell you that I'm using them as a way of prettifying lunch.

See, I know that breakfast and lunch are important meals of the day, but I always find myself less excited about the options than for dinner, so I have to do something to make it seem more exciting than it is. That's where Lunchskins come in.

I know that Lunchskins are a better solution environmentally than plastic bags and that they are durable, washable and made with food-safe European fabrics. But why I love them so is that they take office lunch time up a notch and make ordinary, everyday sandwich or vegetable sticks so much more enticing.

The European fabrics are very Scandinavian to me, which as you know, has become the look and lifestyle I'm going for here at home. And while I'm not one to go for prints very often, these are so joyful and colourful, they brighten up your space and mood. They come in 3 sizes - snack, sandwich and sub bags - and a ton of amazing colours and patterns.

I'm lunching it up with a sweet Polka Dot Snack Bag and a Fruit Series Slices Sandwich Bag. They are so beautiful that now I can't imagine lunch without them.

Here's the thing I've realized - I'm coming up on a big birthday next month and life's too short not to be surrounded with things that make you feel good. I'm changing everything in my house and my life so that almost everything I use is pretty as well as functional. Lunchskins fit right in.

Shop Lunchskins and get some for the kids, but be sure to get some for yourself too. After all, you absolutely deserve some pretty in your day.

p.s. they also work as fantastic makeup bags too...

Ferro Cosmetics Are Good For Your Skin

Have you made the move to mineral makeup yet? If not, you should give it a try - it's so much more natural looking and actually healthier for your skin and the environment.

You should start with Ferro Cosmetics. They use 100% minerals (crushed purified rocks with no fillers, thank you very much) that are "eco-manufactured" in all of their products, it go on with just a few swipes and offers not only great coverage (something not often associated with mineral makeup) but a fantastic range of colours too. It's also one of the very few minerals lines that I've found to be long lasting, which means it'll go on as long as your day does.

What I find fascinating is that Ferro uses three times the minerals in every product compared to their competitors. That higher concentration means that it's charged with colour and longevity and your jar will last long after the other minerals have come and gone. It's also waterproof, so whether you're working out or under the hot lights of the red carpet, you'll look amazing. How cool is that?!

And if you're worried that it's going to be hard to put on, don't be. It couldn't be easier. Just go light and build from there. You can always add more if you like.

Oh and if you feel like you've never found a foundation in your skin tone before, you'll find it here. Prefer matte to a illuminated sheen or the other way round? Each product comes in both finishes, so you can cater your look to you. I like to be illuminated, while my Mom likes a matte finish, so we can both get what we need!

Veil finishing & priming powders are what gives you that photo finish look, perfecting all your slight imperfections. Because I prefer to shimmer and shine, I'm using a Crystal Veil, while I think my friend actress Allison would prefer matte for onstage.

I love to be able to get my makeup quickly in the morning so Blush X3 is perfect - you can use it on your cheeks, lips and eyes, making it the ultimate multitasking product! And just look at the range of colours it comes in - I'm loving being bashful!

And for my eyes, there is sooo much Eye Candy to choose from. With over 45 shades available, it's awfully hard to narrow them down, but I think I've got the perfect palette for fall figured out:

- A little gold, thanks to Secret
- copper toned in Espresso
- Emerald Smoke goes with everything
- Sage adds a little lift to my day
- Who doesn't want to be a Chameleon?

I am hooked on Ferro Mineral Makeup. It's sophisticated without being complicated. Isn't that just what you need in your life?

Shop now.

My Pick for Fall ? Baabaazuzu's Handcrafted Wool Clothing Made From Recycled Sweaters

The days are now filled with crisp, cool air. It's time to switch over to your fall wardrobe. But each new season requires a few hand-selected items to give your tried and true pieces a little oomph and awe. This fall, I'm all about Baabaazuzu.

The designs came about as Founder Sue Burns, a graphic designer, "cut up the shrunken remains of her favorite sweaters, pieced the fragments together and made jackets with matching hats for her two young daughters." People loved them so much that she launched a line of unique, one-of-a-kind sweaters, jackets and hats for children. And then the adults came a callin', so she made adult sizes of everything. Each item is completely one-of-a-kind.

I am rockin' the Billed Hat in Neutral, the perfect fall companion. The shape is extremely flattering (my neck looks long for once and it frames my mug beautifully) and the strips of juxtaposing woven tweed, plaid and herringbone is awfully smart. A button trim adds extra visual interest. The micro lining is super soft and warm, so you can go for long walks and stand looking out on a pier at the water's edge and not freeze to death. You'll also look extremely pulled together, something I'm always striving for and now I don't have to thanks to my Billed Hat. It also keeps your hair from going crazy in the wind, which also keeps you looking like you did when you left the house. Thank you!

And to keep you from being bored of your boots (don't you just want to throw them out the window by mid-December?), these fantabulous Boot Liners will keep you warm and looking fashionable. The cuffed look is extremely hot this year, so slip on the soft, stretchy micro-fleece sock and change up your boot look in a second! The stirrup bottoms keep them secure over your socks and the vintage sweater cuff tops your boot making them look so much better than their plain selves. You should probably get at least a couple of pairs to keep your going from September to March...

No outfit is complete without an envy-worthy bag, and I found it all in Baabaazuzu's Zippered Tote Bag in Denim (pictured above). It's big without being the least bit bulky. In fact, it's quite slim but has a ton of room so that you can use it as an everyday purse or stuff it full with your iPad and files for back and forth to work. The gorgeous fabrics - a pocket of pinstripe lined with brick red satin lining next to a smart herringbone in front - highlight the sumptuous textures of the season. 4 front pockets keep you organized whether you're boarding a flight or trying to finish a report on the train at rush hour. The interior is lined with satin, and because the fabrics are all quite sturdy, it acts as instant padding for your laptop and other electronic devices. I love the big zipper (in and out with a snap) and the wide cotton webbing handles that won't slip off your peacoat, jacket or vest. This bag is my go-to accessory of the season. I absolutely love it.

Look for a retailer near you or shop online and get incredible handmade clothes and accessories that look fabulous no matter what the weather.

On a Budget? 100 Desserts for $5 or Less Makes Homemade Treats Possible

I don't know about you, but my bills just arrived and everything seems to have gone up a little bit. A new service charge here, taxes here - it all adds up to having to pay a lot more each month.

But I've got just the thing to help!

Fall is full of bake sales, making cupcakes for your kid's class and dinner, housewarming and birthday parties where it would be nice if you brought something. To be able to wow the crowd while sticking to my budget (making desserts from scratch can be so expensive!), I'm using 100 Desserts for $5 or Less by Angel Shannon as my go-to bake bible.

This sweet li'l paperbook is jam-packed with everything from cookies and bars to cakes and pies and even includes how to made handmade candies and frozen treats that will be your saving grace the next time someone decides to "drop by" unannounced.

And if you're like me and trying to keep winter weight from creeping in, Angel has included calorie counts and fat grams per servings for each recipe so that you can watch what you eat and yet, still enjoy a sweet treat now and then. She even provides grocery shopping tips and what you need to have on hand to keep a well-stocked pantry and fridge. 

The only drawback to the book is that it's so hard to choose what to make - Coconut Lover's Cream Cake, Homemade Melt-in-Your-Mouth Marshmallows, Cherry Nut Bars, Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies, Mom's Baby Ruth Cookies, Awesome Apple Fritters, Caramel Dumplings, Custard Macaroons, Doughnut Bread Pudding, Chocolate Almond Ice Box Cake or Pina Colada Pie, to name just a few?

I love that the ingredients are affordable, most recipe directions are only a paragraph long and that you can whip up a fun, delicious dessert by the time it's time to watch SYTYCD.

This is one book that no home cook should be without. 

Buy your copy of 100 Desserts for $5 Or Less now.

The Perfect Scent of the Season? Love, Chloé Eau Intense!

There are some perfumes that are completely timeless.

Love, Chloé Eau Intense is one of them. It is a heady mix of sophistication and romance. Blending dense and downy powder with peru balsam and vanilla absolute, it has an elegant depth with a feminine lightness that is completely intoxicating.

And it casts quite a spell. I feel so powerful when I wear it. I could handle a busload of lost tourists, a merger and making dinner for 15 all at once.

But it also casts a spell on others. I wore it for the first time to an event a couple of weeks ago. I wore my usual outfit - tailored dress, heels, a little jewelry to complete the look - and for the first time in 5 years of going to these events, people came right over to me and started talking. Now you have to understand that this never happens. Ever. Not once.

I'm inclined to think that it's the amber elixir in the iconic flask. It has this warmth to it that deepens and softens throughout the day. Like Love, Chloé and Chloé Rose before it, Love, Chloé Eau Intense is one of those scents that you can't help but wear for every and any occasion.

I'm wearing it again today. I'll let you know if it happens again. Something tells me my life is about to change. 

Love, Chloé Eau Intense is now available exclusively at Holt Renfrew across Canada, select Bay department stores, Mills, Ogilvy's and Murale.

Slather Brand Sauces - Keep the 'Cue Going All Autumn Long

 

Just because it's cooling down doesn't mean you can't still barbeque and grill outside. But you're going to need to kick it up a notch. After all, a summer full of delicate fish and grilled chicken for salads is fine when it's hot out, but you're going to want something a little heartier, a little more decadent than that.

That's why I'm using Slather Brand Sauces. There's Original and Spicy to choose from and I promise you, you won't get tired of them. Just look at all you can do with them.

Founder Robin Rhea has created delicious sauces using "all-natural unprocessed ingredients, minus any high fructose corn syrup, gluten or fat." Finally, sticky, sweet and hot sauces that use wholesome ingredients suchs as honey, pineapple, tomatoes, crushed red pepper and spices, instead of what's in those cheap brand name bottles at the supermarket. 

I marinated steaks with mine and added them to pork sandwiches (drool), but you can use them on rice, vegetables and tempeh burgers too.

 

Find out where to get Slatherin' Sauces near you or shop online and have meals that not only taste good, but that are good for you.

Ursa Major Shave Cream Is Made for Men. Which Is Why You'll Want It for Yourself

I like to do posts for the fellas. After all, my guy likes new cool stuff too.

So when I discovered Ursa Major Shave Cream, I knew it would be perfect for my man who sports everything from a mustache to a full on beard.

After all, Oliver & Emily Stowe of Vermont created this awesome cream as a "spirited natural alternative to the bland, toxin-laden products that pervade today's market."  I love the ingredients - aloe vera, certified organic sunflower seed oil, zinc oxide powder, willow bark extract, oat protein... you are truly feeding your skin. And not only are the ingredients 99%natural, some of them are certified organic and the shea butter is fair trade. And there's no petrochems, sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrance or color, TEA, DEA, glycols, silicones or PEGs here, so you can feel good about slathering it on.

Stop and think for just a sec about what that rusty can of shaving cream you've been using since the 80s has got in it. Eww.

The cream not only goes on super smooth, it shaves so close and leaves your skin so hydrated afterwards, you won't be able to resist touching your skin.

You don't have to use a lot (a nickel-size dollop will do), so the tube lasts and lasts. And the scent? Sexy, manly and yet not too much. Just really enticing. Like you want to get up close and inhale. Mmm. Organic grand fir, vetiver, ylang ylang, black spruce...

How do I know all of this? Because despite my original intention of getting this for my guy, I've been using it to shave my legs.

And now thanks to the lovely Stowe's of Vermont, you won't find a can of shaving cream in my cabinet ever again.

I'm an Ursa Major Girl from now on. I'm sorry if I screwed up your marketing plan. And Scott, I'm sorry I stole your shave cream.

Be smart and get a whole whack of  Ursa Major Shave Creams for the household. That way, everyone's happy and no one has to deal with stubble or rough skin again.