Get Softer Skin Instantly with Skin & Bones Oils

No matter what I do or how often I slather myself in lotions, I always feel like I've got dry skin. So I've made the switch over to oils.But how do you know which to use where?

I recently discovered is Skin & Bones, a line created by Heidi, who had skin issues herself. She learned all about essential oils and that "Essential oils are like people - they all have their unique qualities that another cannot replicate."

Skin & Bones is 100% natural and organic product that you can use on your face, body & hair and is suitable for men, women, children, babies and even pets. You simply put it on wherever you feel you need it. 

And once you see all that it does, you won't be able to stop yourself from swathing yourself from head to toe - including your hair! It moisturizes face, neck, hands, and feet; reduces wrinkles; balances oil to give a glow while still getting the dry areas; heals cuticles; energizes scalps and hair follicles; tames split ends and conditions hair. It even conquers stretch marks and melts cellulite, according to Heidi!

The jojoba oil, frankincense, myrrh, ylang ylang, grapefruit, jasmine, lemon, rosewood, sandalwood and cedarwood concoction is a richly scented blend that is as enticing as it is calming. Just think about how good your skin is going to look and feel after this. 

And be sure to get Skin & Bones Face + Body Liquid Cleanser as well. It's made with an exciting array of ingredients such as saponified coconut, olive, jojoba, natural botanicals and the Skin & Bones proprietary essential oil blend that of course, smells incredible. It's like a sigh of relief in a jar. You'll love the feel of the black jojoba beads that work away dry, dead skin, leaving your skin feeling supple and new. Perhaps that's because it's non-toxic, made without artificial colors, fragrances, chemicals, detergents, sulfates, parabens, animal fats or boosters. It's vegan, too.

Skin & Bones is one of those companies that you feel so good about what their doing and the quality of the products, that you can't help but shout out its praises from the rooftops. As soon as I finish here, I'm heading up onto the roof...

Shop Skin & Bones now.

p.s. These would make wonderful holiday presents and stocking stuffers....

SoTru's Vitamins & Supplements Stand Out From the Rest!

I don't know if you take your vitamins or not, but I really believe that they help fill in the gaps to my sometimes not-so-great eating habits (restaurant reviewing doesn't always entail a ton of vegetables and healthy lean proten).

But not all vitamins are created equal. That's why I like SoTru. Their products are high quality, yet affordable. They also don't work with third parties, so they are hands on throughout the process.

Since the winter months are just around the corner, you'll want to stock up on SoTru SunRepair. It not only reduces skin cell damage due to UV exposure, but it helps to protect your skin. I like that these 1000 IU Vitamin D capsules are vegetarian, soy-, gluten- and dairy-free and have no added sugar or artificial ingredients. 

SoTru Pink offers a unique combination for women that offers protection for oxidative stress from this blend of Vitamin D, Calcium, Breast Health Support and Antioxidant Blend.  If you were going to add a supplement to your routine, I hope you add this one. SoTru has partnered with the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) and for each SoTru Pink product sold, they will donate $2.00 to support this organization (The purpose of NBCF is to extend women’s lives through education about breast cancer and early detection).

I am often skeptical about powders that you drink because quite frankly, a lot of them claim to taste wonderful, but they don't. SoTru OrganicReds (pictured above) though, is fantastic! It's one of the best-tasting supplements I've ever tried (and I feel like I've tried 'em all). At first I was worried because it's so grainy, but you simply add a tiny scoop (included in the jar) to water and it's like a refreshing mixed-berry smoothie! See I think you should have something that you're going to look forward to, if you're going to have it every day. Ooh, I already can't wait to have tomorrow's glass Containing antioxidants, polyphenols, anthocyanics, probiotics and fiber, you get a great start to your day without having to pop 10 different supplements. And it's got it all - cranberry, raspberry, black current, pomegranate extract, red beet, tomato, red bell pepper, etc. It's amazing and one of my favourite finds of 2011.

Which brings me to SoTru OrganicGreeens. Often drink supplements containing greens taste the worst. I was sure that this would be no different - I should have known better after the Reds.This is the best tasting green drink I've ever had - fresh and minty without a hint of gross, clumpy grains like drinking porridge, like I've had in the past. And despite having flaxseed, and oat bran, this is a smooth concoction that delivers parsley, carrot, kale, brocolli, barley grass, spiruline, chlorella, ginger and cinnamon extracts and so much more. This too makes my list for favourite finds of 2011.

You can see - and taste - the difference with SoTru. So shop their entire line of vitamins and supplements and get back to making your health a priority.

Become an App & Program Developer with UI Stencils

As much as I work and live on my computer, when it comes to fleshing out ideas, I have to do it on paper.

That could be a sign of my age or just that I spent years in art school and so working things out on paper just comes naturally.Ironically, even though I'm a paper fiend, I would love to one day design phone and website apps for my products and services.

Lucky for me, UI Stencils has created the perfect tools to help me along!

This amazing company has stencil kits of every kind to help you brainstorm your ideas quickly and easily and get a look at how your app will look at perform. They have them for every platform - User Flow Stencil Kit, iPhone Stencil Kit, Website Stencil Kit , iPad Stencil Kit, Android Stencil Kit and Windows Phone Stencil Kit.

I got the iPhone Stencil Kit which includes a precision cut stainless steel stencil that when used with the Zebra mechanical pencil enclosed, gives you the accuracy that you want all before clicking a single button! The iPhone 4 specifications allow you to see your designs come alive in a very realistic form. Included is also a downloadable .PDF letter or A4 sized printable template and some stickers just for fun.  

 

Be sure to get the accompanying sketch pad too, which will give you the exact size in which to work and really brings your project to life. Select from the Phone Sketch Pad, iPhone Sticky Pad, iPad Sketchbook, Browser Sketch Pad, Windows Phone Sketch Pad and Windows Phone Sticky Pad. 

These items ship immediately, which means you can get a whack of 'em for holiday gifts and be done your Christmas shopping early!

Just think how happy Annie at the office will be to finally have an analog iPhone!

Shop UI Stencils now.

Diane Kroe's Endless Top to Bottom Adds to Your Wardrobe Without Taking Up Any Space

With each home I've had, no matter how big the closet space, it never seems to be big enough.

That's why I'm trying to pare down my wardrobe to pieces that do double- or triple-duty - Less clothes, more choice is what I'm thinking.

With Diane Kroe's Endless Top to Bottom, you get one lush piece  in Venezia Jersey (92% polyester, 8% spandex) that transforms into 7 different looks. Not only is it perfect for the woman who goes from office to function to dinner all in one evening, but it's a lifesaver when you're traveling as it's incredibly light and yet, works itself into a:

- scarf

- one shoulder top

- poncho

- dress

- halter top

- skirt, and 

- an off-the-shoulder wrap

This springy, bouncy fabric feels so good against your skin and yet doesn't require ironing. Unlike many fabrics that feel this soft, you can machine wash and tumble dry your piece, so you'll find yourself using it in all four seasons.

Whether you're going on vacation or trying to come up with a great holiday gift, The Endless is a wardrobe lifesaver!

I got it in a beautiful, rich magenta colour, but you can contact the company to find out their current colours and fabrics. I'm lusting after the gold (pictured above), too.

To help get your holiday shopping done with ease, they're offering free shipping until Christmas with shipping from Canada within 3 weeks.

The Endless is one of those items that once you have it, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Charlie Gilkey's 2012 All-In-One Productivity Planners Will Get You Back on Track!

Charlie Gilkey of Productive Flourishing is one handsome son-of-a-gun, but he's uber-smart too.That's why you'll want to get his amazing planning products that he's created to "help creative people thrive in life and business."

See, you'll notice that he's truly set him apart from others by focusing on creative folks like you and I. He's made it his life's work, in fact. And thank goodness for Charlie, because he understands that people that are artistic or think about things in a more creative form, need something more than a planner from an office supply chain.

That's why you've got to see yourself his amazing planners. You can get the lowdown on them all here, but you'll want to see the All-In-One Pack that I got.

He breaks down everything into manageable chunks - the year is broken down into "quarters, and the quarters into months. Inside each month is a monthly combined set as well as the individual components of the month." So you can really get a handle on everything by seeing it all right in front of you. Bit by bit, piece by piece.

Everything is made to be flexible so that it fits YOUR life and schedule, not someone else's - so you can print out the entire month, but nothing says you have to. In fact, this system is so mailable that you can change as your circumstances do. Which we both know happens ALL THE TIME. So why not have a planner that can keep up with all of that? Charlies says: 

 

"The point is to get the planner or structure you need right now and to focus on where you’re going. Life is messy; your plans will change. That’s okay. When reality changes under your feet, don’t fight it – adjust your plan to the current reality and get moving."

Amen and hoo-rah!

With the All-in-One Pack you get Action Planners, Freelance Planners and Blog Planners all for only $22!  It's like having an executive assistant, life coach and business planner right at your fingertips. For that amazing price? It's seems crazy not to at least give it a shot.

Get yourself organized and back on track and while you're here, be sure to check out the amazing Action Planners & Freelancer Workweek Combo Pack, Action Planners & Blog Planners, Freelancer Workweek & Blog Planners, Action Planners, Freelancer Workweek and Blog Planners too!

L'Essence By Balenciaga Paris - Captivating & Intoxicating

There are some fragrances that immediately create a story. Once you spritz it on, it's like the landscape changes and suddenly you find yourself in another time and place.

L'Essence By Balenciaga Paris is a new eau de parfum with the elements of the original still intact. This is one of those scents that completely transports you outside of your everyday experiences. Perhaps it's the address on the box - 10 Avenue George V, Paris - or the fact that violet leaves and vetiver mingle with a tinge of masculinity, giving off a powerfully seductive vibe that envelopes you all day and night.

The precious green liquid in the iconic bevel-edged bottle, though this time with a dark top, is a treasure that should be coveted.

By coveted, keep it close by wearing it daily. Nightly. Always.

You can find L'Essence By Balenciaga Paris at Holt Renfrew, Murale and select Bay stores across Canada. 

p.s. This is going on my gift-giving list for the holidays this year. I suggest you do the same.

Dymo's CardScan Revolutionizes Your Home & Work Space!

The last thing anyone needs for the holidays is another trinket or gag gift that they'll never use.

Instead, why not help people declutter by getting them the amazing Dymo CardScan Personal?

I had books and books and tiny, teetering piles of business cards everywhere. I tried to organize them and keep them from getting out of control, but really - there is no such thing when it comes to business cards.

Until the Dymo CardScan Personal came along.

It is one of the best tools I've ever used and one with the most impact - in only 20 minutes I went through DECADES of business cards! DECADES! And now I have a ton more room too!

Here's how it works:

This amazing little scanner (it's the size of my hand) whips your business cards through - in batches even - and captures all of the data without a stitch of typing. It automatically sorts them into a database for you (you can also have it sync with Outlook and other programs), so you can look up contact via their name, number, website, email, etc.

And because it scans them like a photocopy, even my handwritten notes on the cards got picked up. I've never seen anything like it. That fact that you don't have to type in anything - unless you want to? It's the best home and business tool and it's so easy to set up: you put in the disc, join the scanner via USB and you can start using it right away.

It is such a time and space saver, that I am recommending that if you have a bunch of business cards at all, you get yourself this bundle of joy.

You can even travel with it, thanks to the awesome pouch that holds the scanner on one side and the USB on the other. It's so small and portable that you can keep it at the office and bring it home when you need to. Just imagine going to the next show where you come home with 700 business cards - now all you have to do is pop 'em in the scanner and you've got all your new contacts not only recorded, but organized.

Finally you can give the gift of time and space with the The CardScan Personal and get your Christmas shopping finished early this year. 

You can buy The CardScan Personal at office supplies stores such as Staples, Grand & Toy and  Basics.

p.s. I use to dread being handed business cards because of the clutter. Now I can't wait to get them!

Farmhouse Fresh's New Fluffy Bunny Shea Butter Hand Cream is Bliss in a Tube!

Ooh, is my skin dry.

Our radiators have just kicked on and that, combined with the recent cold weather, has left my skin dry and cracked already. 

Now you can go ahead and use that cheap tube from the drugstore, but I think you should use a hand cream that not only works, but smells good too. I found it all at Farmhouse Fresh Goods.

Their New Fluffy Bunny Shea Butter Hand Cream was inspired by a lavender-mint julep, delivering not just a rich, nourishing cream to keep your skin supple and smooth, but a heady dose of aromatherapy. This scent evokes summer and sunshine, porch talks and long walks, white curtains and sun-soaked backyards. It is a fragrance that you won't be able to live without.

Whether you stash this tube in your purse, on your bedside table or your desk drawer at the office, you'll love how amazing you feel each time you breathe in its lovely scent. And thanks to ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba and soybean oils, you get deep conditioning without any greasiness. Your cuticles will finally look good too.

It's 90% natural, vegan and paraben, sulfate & gluten free. 

A good hand cream is what's going to get you through the season, so why not get one that smells luscious too?

The divine Fluffy Bunny Shea Butter Hand Cream can be purchased at Farmhouse Fresh Goods online, as well as the Salon & Spa at Saks Fifth Avenues, Glen Ivy Resort & Spas, Four Seasons Chicago, The Spa at the Camelback Inn, Ritz Carlton Orlando and Hyatt Regencys.

Make Up For Ever's Green Colour Flash is Hot Off the Runway

A lot of attention is paid to the clothing during fashion shows, but I'm here to let you in on the hottest looks off international runways in makeup.

At the forefront of it all? Make Up For Ever.

This amazing cosmetics line has created a range of stunning emerald green shadows, liners, powders and mascara to help you replicate the looks that rocked the runways of New York, Milan and Paris. The great thing about emerald? It goes with every eye colour and skintone!

Let's take a closer look at Make Up For Ever's Green Colour Flash:

- Aqua Cream # 22 (pictured above) looks like crushed emeralds with a hint of gold. You can do a smokey eye with this or just sweep it across your lids for a truly dramatic, sexy look. I like creams because they go on so quickly and easily (read: even dolts like me can manage them). And because Make Up For Ever creates incredible high-quality formulas with rich pigments, you look runway-ready in just a few seconds!

-  If you're more of a shadow girl, you're going to leap outta your seat for Eye Shadow # 80, a gorgeous forest green shadow that looks - and feels - like suede and Diamond Shadow # 310 that will have you feeling like part Bond Girl, part Supermodel with its deep texture and colour!

- Emilio Pucci's Fall 2011 show in Milan featured  girls with emerald-lined eyes and it works off the runway too. Only because Make Up For Ever's NEW Aqua Liner (#3) is made to go on like a dream. This waterproof liquid liner is rich in colour and you can choose whether you want it in matte, iridescent or diamond finish. I love the shimmy and shake in the iridescent #3 and the green is such an unexpected delight compared to my usually black-lined eyes (I've been doing black since high-school!). The other amazing quality is that it comes off in one fell swoop. So you get to look like a million bucks without having to spend all night scrubbing it off - sweet!

- One of the best things you can do to bring excitement to your usual look is to apply the New Smoky Lash #4. The ultra-fine mineral pigments give your eyes this depth and smokiness that can't be attained any other way. The ultra wide brush with short bristles is phenomenal - you won't believe the coverage it delivers, without any annoying clumps! You won't want to go back to brown or black after trying this mascara.

Of course, this is a microscopic representation of the entire Make Up For Ever line.  But I urge you to give these emeralds a try. Nothing looks so modern and fresh.  

It's entirely changed the way I look. And that's all I've ever wanted from my makeup.

Shop Make Up For Ever now.

Olivella's Face & Body Soap Really Turns Back the Clock

Back in September, I told you about Olivella's amazing bar soaps. 

Well, the goodness continues with their vast line of products! Check it out:

I had run out of liquid hand soap in the bathroom, so I grabbed the bottle of Olivella Liquid Face & Body Soap as a temporary replacement. A week later, I'm out with my Mom and I look down at my hands and am utterly shocked by how unlined they are. Whose hands are these? I show them to my Mom to verify that I'm not crazy, that it looks like I've suddenly got the hands of a teenager. She can't believe it either, but she concurs - my hands are beautiful and smooth like a doll's.

I race through my mind to what hand lotions I've been using. Hmmm, none. That's weird. And then I remember the Face & Body Soap. 

We both say at the same time, "Why aren't you/I using on your/my face and body?!"

I'm going to and I'll let you know the results, but in the meantime, if you want stunning hands, all it takes is this beautiful anti-aging soap that smells incredible.

Get a bottle of Olivella Face & Body Soap and just see how many years you can take off simply by washing up!

Ribs, Chops, Steaks & Wings Makes Dinnertime Fun Again!

Oh how I love meat.

Though I have been cooking for decades, I still have a long way to go in terms of learning how to cook each protein to perfection. And like most home cooks, I tend to make the same dishes over and over again. It would be nice to add some variety to our dinnertime and the food I make for the occasional parties and get-togethers that I host.

So how amazing to have 40 scrumptious meat recipes to cull from. All recipes are made for cooking on the grill, stovetop and in the oven, so no special equipment is required. Which is perfect, as I don't have an inch of countertop or cupboard space to spare.

Ribs are a great dinner item, but they can seem redundant after the 5th time you make them. That's why I love the range of different ideas here, like Spare Ribs Cooked with Sauerkraut, Grilled Country Ribs with Sauteed Apples and Beef Short Ribs with Zinfandel Sauce. Oh. Mawh. Gawd.

Chops are usually an affordable option, but rarely are they exciting. That's all changed now that I'll be adding Bourbon-Soaked Pork Chops and Grilled Stuffed Pork Chopped with Dried Cherries and Bacon to my repertoire this season.

Steaks are one of those things that once you learn to do well, you no longer have to rely on going out for a fantastic steak dinner, so I'm going master making the King of Steaks: The Porterhouse with a Homemade Steak Sauce, the Queen of Steaks: Filet Mignon Stuffed with Blue Cheese and Chili-Rubbed Rib-Eye Steaks with Cilantro Butter. What a fun fall project, don't you think?

Ahh, wings. When they are good, they are really good, but they can be quite hard to track down (despite being a restaurant reviewer and food writer, they are . That's why it's good to have your own tried-and-true recipes to turn to when you're in the mood for some finger-lickin' good times. To keep things exciting at home, I'm spending my weekends cooking up some Dry-Rubbed Chicken Wings with Remoulade Dipping Sauce, Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Wings and for those nights when I don't want to exert too much energy, Pig Wings.

This awesome book offers not only the recipes for the meat, but the rubs, sauces and salsas that go along side 'em.

I'm going to cook this book cover to cover. Wanna join me?

Get your copy of Ribs, Chops, Steaks & Wings now.

Look Younger, Thanks to Dr. Jules Nabet Skincare

I just had a big birthday last week and it raised a lot of questions about how I feel about aging.

While I am enjoying learning more about myself and the world around me with each passing year, I'm not so crazy about the wrinkles, dark spots and other signs of aging. That's why I am grateful to have found Dr. Jules Nabet Skincare.

Dr Jules Nabet is a leading doctor in his specialised field of aesthetic medicines practising in his clinics in  Paris and London. His products are made to penetrate the skin so that you get smooth, radiant skin that lasts.

It turns our that recent clinical research has shown  that the skin has hormone receptors which detect the decline of hormone levels as women age. This natural decline of estrogen and progesterone is one of the main causes of wrinkles, sun spots and other signs of aging. Launching this year in the States, he has now created a unique line of all-natural skincare products that work to balance the hormone receptors in the skin. By using ingredients like soy and yam,  they "trick" the skin to think estrogen and progesterone are present thus slowing the process of aging.

Take his L. Boxin Cream (pictured above) for instance. This anti-wrinkle cream works like botox without any of the paralyzing affects. You simply apply it at night and wake up to supple, firmer skin.

For day and night, I love Dr. Nabet's Zen Lotion. Spraying this lotion on your face and neck after cleansing feels so good. And the scent of white lilies that comes with it is like aromatherapy! How they got such a rich lotion in a spray, I'll never know, but micro-encapsulated pure oxygen and vitamin C work on all of your trouble spots, giving you a radiant glow - all before you've applied a stitch of makeup.

If you want to look good both now and for years to come, get yourself Dr. Jules Nabet Skincare.

I know it's working because I certainly don't look my age.

Talk about a fabulous birthday present!

CK One On-The-Go Brings An Iconic Scent to Modern Day

There is one and only scent that will take you back to the mid-nineties - CK One.

Debuting in 1994, it was the fragrance to wear. If you were in high school at the time, the halls and classrooms were drenched in it. If you had gone on to join the work force, CK One wafted from cubicle to cubicle. Ask anyone that was old enough back then and no doubt either they wore it or their girl/boyfriend did.

And that's part of what was so appealing about it - a unisex scent that was clean and yet enticing that we could all wear. And wear it we did.

So introducing it to the new generation with the CK One On-the-Go  - designed for stashing in your pocket or bag, bringing the universal fresh, citrus scent wherever you go - will no doubt also lure those of us who use to rock it, back again.

After all, the alluring, seductive blend of bergamot, cardamom, tangerine, freesia, lavender, violet, rose, orange flower and musk feels as modern as it did back then.

And the packaging is brilliant - the same size as a credit card with just a little wider depth, it is incredibly light and accessible, meaning that it will fit into even the teensiest clutch, so you can spritz it on everywhere and anywhere. It is made for our modern lifestyle.

CK One On-the-Go is available at The Bay, Sears, Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharmaprix, London Drugs, Jean Coutu and Sephora stores across Canada.

Just Mobile's AluPen is the Only iPad/iPhone/iPod Stylus You Need

The iPad doesn't come with a stylus, of course.

It's an added accessory that you probably have to buy eventually to not only navigate your way through pages and posts, but to add written notes, sketch out ideas and use certain applications.

But have you seen the styluses out there? I went to a big box store, figuring they'd have the best selection and though they offered 3 brands, all the them were the exact size and shape. The only difference was the company you were buying it from.

And while the standard stylus will certainly do the job, why would you settle for that when there's the Just Mobile AluPen?

This awesome accessory works for the iPad/ iPad 2, iPhone and iPod Touch and there is much to love about it's design:

- it's at least twice as wide as other styluses, so it feels good in your hand and gives you more control

- because it's aluminum, it's super light, which means you can use it for hours without fatigue setting in

- the soft rubber nib is wide, making it much easier to write and draw than with the standard thin ones

- it comes with a sweet carrying case, so you never have to worry about it lolling around the bottom of your bag somewhere

- it won the Spark Award (Silver in 2010)

- you can choose from 8 awesome colours (I got Blue)

Take your iPad/ iPad 2, iPhone and iPod Touch to the next level with Just Mobile AluPen. 

Philosophy's MicroExfoliating Treatment Brings the Spa to You!

I have always wanted to try Philosophy's skin care, bath & beauty products, but its presence was felt much more in the States then here in Canada. 

But lucky for us, Philosophy is expanding across the county in places like Sephora and The Bay and so you can try the products that truly revolutionize not only how you look, but how you feel.

Over the next few months, I'll be introducing you to their products including fragrances, body care and face care.

Philosophy was one of the first companies to bring microdermabrasion from the dermatologist and spa to your very own home. Today, it comes in the form of The MicroExfoliating Treatment (if you're shopping in the States, it's called The MicroDelivery Peel). This is perfect for us modern ladies whose schedules are so jam-packed that it can be impossible to fit in trips to the gym, never mind the spa!

I have tried many microdermabrasion products, but never has anything worked like this. Talk about dramatic! 

This two-step micro exfoliating treatment includes a bottle of lactic/salicyclic acid activating gel and a jar of gold vitamin c/peptide resurfacing crystals. It is incredibly easy to do, just like many of your cleansing rituals:

Step 1.  Apply 1 tsp of vitamin C crystals to clean, dry skin. You gently massage them into your skin. 

Step 2.  Put a tsp of activator in the palm of your hand, then massage the gel over the crystals.

You'll feel a warming of your skin (perfect for these cooler days) and a white foam will appear (this means that the peptides are now active). Wait only 2-3 minutes and then rinse off.

Now go on and feel your skin. It's the smoothest and softest it's ever been! I was so amazed by my skin that I had my fella and friends touch it. It was like I had an entire new face. And how a peel can not hurt or sting at all is amazing to me. 

So not only do you get what feels like a Hollywood face treatment, but you skin looks better too - all of my ruddiness disappeared as did dark shadows and fine lines.

All it takes it using it 1-2 times a week. Take those 3 minutes for yourself. You'll see AND feel the dramatic improvement.

Get The MicroExfoliating Treatment and start the age-reversing process right now!!

Lip International Creates Beautiful Cards for Every Occasion

Oh my.

I have 11 birthdays in November, not to mention anniversaries, new babies and homes of friends to celebrate. I am need of some really exquisite cards. And a lot of them.

Thank goodness for Lip International Greeting Cards.

Around since '84, this amazing UK company offers greetings cards, poster wrap and other gift product worldwide through their retail and trade online stores. 

I like that they offer such a wide range of artists (Max Hernn, Stephen Mackey and others) and designs.

For the new parents in our lives, there are a ton of fun New Baby cards to choose from. For spreading the love, cheer and good wishes, it's hard to choose just a few from the stunning Anniversary and Congratulations selection. And because I always like to have Thank You cards on hand, I'm stocking up on beauties like this design by Kate Harrison and this festive floral bouquet.

For my many, many birthday peeps, I've chosen some truly stellar designs:

- Cocktails, Anyone? has such a fun, celebratory vibe

- Up, Up & Away works for any aged boy/man, because who doesn't love a superhero?

- this Fairy Godmother helps get your good wishes to the right person

- Contemporary floral designs will delight everyone from sisters, aunts, nieces and best friends

- Coworkers and friends will appreciate this reminder of springtime

- Doglovers will go crazy for this cutie

Lip International, you are a lifesaver. Thanks to you, I'm covered for every and all occasions.

Oh wait, now I need a thank you card for you...

Live Like the Rich & Famous with Marvis Toothpaste

Every month, I pour over the pages of Vanity Fair, Vogue, GQ and Esquire and heavily featured are not just what the rich and famous are wearing, but what perfume they wear, what sheets they slip themselves into and what toothpaste they use to keep their teeth sparkling white.

Time and again, MARVIS, the Italian deluxe toothpaste created 50 years ago, is the top choice.

It's no wonder! The paste was originally created for smokers - to remove stains and freshen their breath - but considering how much wine, coffee, tea, garlic, onions and other teeth-staining drinks and smelly foods we consume, it's the perfect choice for modern day living.

In fact, it's so much better than my cheap drugstore brand that after I tried it (in Classic Strong Mint), I didn't feel the need for gum to freshen my breath like I usually do. And I didn't have to follow up with a whitening toothpaste after, as I have been doing for years. So already it's saved me time and money.

And here's an added bonus - it sated me in a way that I didn't feel hungry for a very, very long time (there's a diet trick of brushing your teeth to ward off hunger - this is the very first time I've experienced that). I think it's because the mint lingers for so long and while it's strong, it's not harsh.

There are 6 other flavours in the collection - Ginger Mint, Jasmin Mint, Aquatic Mint, Whitening Mint, Cinnamon Mint and Amarelli Licorice - that I can't wait to try.

You've never had toothpaste this good (it's actually delicious, but don't eat it) or this pretty (the tube itself makes it a lovely gift item)!

Shop Marvis Toothpaste now, available at retailers including Anthropologie and American Apparel.

Deborah Lippmann's NEW Shade Brick House is Fall Perfection

I wrote about trying Deborah Lippmann's nail polishes for the first time back in June.

Now I've found the perfect shade for Fall - Deborah's NEW Brick House.

What I love about it is that it is everything that a Deborah Lippmann polish has - easy application, smooth finish and rich colour - and that it is the best of both red and brown, without being too much of either. 

This shimmery rust looks and feels like fall leaves and isn't too dark, which is perfect for this time of year, because you're going to have all winter to wear blacks and browns, so why not keep it somewhat light for now?

And because it's right in between red and brown, it goes with all of your fall basics. It's one of the most flattering shades I've come across. This is one of those polishes that you simply can't stop wearing. It's just perfect!

Shop Deborah Lippmann now. Also available at Murale.

RedBubble Offers Living Art That You Can Share, Wear & Hang

I choose my high school because it had an intense art stream including life drawing classes. I grew up thinking I was going to make my living painting and drawing. 

That didn't work out (my stuff was always just okay), but I do intend to spending the rest of my life supporting others - and one of the most amazing communities for us creative types is RedBubble. It's a "marketplace, meeting place and learning place of people, art and writing from all over the place."

This is how it works:

RedBubble allows you to "sell your work with zero hassle, supply us with a digital file and we’ll take care of all manufacture, shipping and customer service. From cards to t-shirts via stickers and framed prints, not forgetting calendars, canvases and posters, we really do have more high quality products than you can shake a large and unruly stick at."

The best thing? The quality is phenomenal and yet the prices are affordable. Here's a look at what I got:

- Classics in Lego 2012 Calendar:

This super fun calendar makes a great present - and considering there is less than two months left of 2011, it would be a good idea to stock up on these now for Christmas. And not only are the images fantastic, the sturdy, glossy paper and crisp, clear printing is some of the best quality I've ever seen. This is real art, folks. In fact, it's so darn attractive that it's going to take all your willpower not to hang it up right this second....

- Greeting Cards & Postcards:

The selection, the quality and the price make these the best way to share and enjoy your favourite artwork. You'll never get your cards from a physical store after you see how stellar these are. I think Lunch Atop a Skycraper (pictured above) is simply adorable.

- Photographic Prints:

The same goes for the photo prints - unfreakinbelievable quality. I got this amazing image of someone assembling a package for mail,  but there is so much that you're going to lust after. I fell for Chlorine Summer 2, Autumn and Making Sense of It All, to mention just a few.

When I'm looking for artwork for our walls, cards to send to friends and tshirts to add to my wardrobe, guess where my new favourite hangout is?

Come and join me over at RedBubble. They have the best stuff.

Sibu Beauty Will Make a Sea Buckthorn Lover Out of You

I had heard the name sea buckthorn before discovering Sibu Beauty, but I didn't know anything about it.

Now thanks to Sibu, I can't stop singing its praises as I've seen how quickly and effectively it works! These berries are all-natural, wild-crafted and fairly traded. Full of not just omega fatty acids 3-6-9 but 7 (7 is only found in 2 known plant sources - macadamia nuts and sea buckthorn berries) and a natural source of vitamins A,B,C and E.

It also is designed to restore you inside and out. This ancient berry from Tibet does everything from promote collagen to healing skin wounds to nourishing your hair and nails. It truly is a miracle worker, which is why I fell for all the Sibu Beauty Products I tried!

Starting from the inside, Sea Buckthorn Liquid Supplement provides you with the fatty acids that you need, improving your skins tone and texture. Just 1-3 oz. of the sweet and tart liquid every day is all it takes! And after taking the Sea Buckthorn Oil with Omega 7 Capsules, you should see how thick my nails are and my usually straw-like hair is manageable and soft. Just 2 capsules daily and you get that PLUS it repairs and rejuvenates damaged cells, works to rid you of free radicals, increases your vitality and soothes and repairs linings of digestive and uro-genital tracts! They are made only of a proprietary blend of sea buckthorn fruit and seed oil . They are 100% natural and contain no dairy, wheat, gluten, sodium, yeast or preservatives. I'm making these a regular part of my daily vitamin and supplement intake.

For applying on your skin, one of the best cleansers I've ever tried is Sibu's Balancing Facial Cleanser. Micro-particles exfoliate your skin - gently enough that it doesn't hurt, but hard enough that it removes dead skin, dirt, makeup, oil and impurities. I love the smell and feel - in fact, I look forward to this ritual before bed now, thanks to Sibu - as well as how clean, fresh and hydrated my skin feels afterwards. I never feel that tightness that you get with many cleansers.

I don't usually find serums all that hydrating, but Sibu Beauty's is. I love rubbing this on because my skin feels like it's been to the spa afterwards and my complexion always brightens and evens out. And of course now that I'm getting older, I appreciate the stimulation of collagen production too. But mostly, I love the immediate feeling of moisture and hydration, especially now that it's cool out and the heat's come on....

And to ensure that my skin stays supple and youthful, I'm slathering on the lovely Replenishing Night Cream every night too. Ooh, you should see how my skin glows and how my fine lines and wrinkles have diminished. This is one of the few products where I wake up and my skin look good enough that I can leave the house without a stitch of makeup. That's how models live, and now thanks to Sibu, I can too.

It's easy to see why I love Sibu Beauty so much - all of this healthy stuff at such reasonable prices.

Shop now.

Rock Out and Rock On with Moshi Moonrock Headphones!

I either walk or take the subway everywhere and I always look around to see what people are reading and listening to.

I've noticed lately that though there are a lot of music lovers out there, there aren't very interesting headphones. In fact, it looks like many people are using the ones that come with their phone or iPod.

Tsk tsk.

Don't you want rockin' sound when you listen to your favourite songs? Don't you want to hear everything from the backup singers to the sweep of the brush on the symbol?

That's why you've got to get yourself Moshi Moonrocks.

Made specifically to go with your iPod, iPhone and iPad, these uniquely gorgeous earphones come in 6 stellar colours. But we both know that looks aren't everything.

Lucky for us, you get looks and substance. Hear crisp highs and balanced mids and bass without interference from the outside world as they tuck into your ear and block out everything but the music or podcast you're listening to.They are so soft and comfortable with a squishiness that makes them feel like they've been custom made. And even if you don't have the volume turned up high, you'll be hearing instruments and sounds on songs that you previously missed because you settled for the earphones that came with your device.

 

And because you are doing everything in your power to simplify and make life easier, Moonrocks (I got the lime ones, pictured above) are equipped with an iPhone-compatible microphone for answering calls while you're rocking out in the car or walking the dog (I know not everyone takes the subway as much as I do).  It also comes with its own pocket-size carrying case and a cable organizer so that everything is as streamlined as it can possibly be - life is complicated enough without tangled cables, don't you think?

Music makes life worthwhile, so why not listen to it the way it was meant to be heard?

Shop Moshi Moonrocks now.

Get Noticed with the Smashbox Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio

I am not a makeup artist, so despite pouring over beauty magazines and books, I still have a hard time doing a smoky eye or anything that requires more than one product.

Smashbox however, has saved me from great disaster with their incredible new Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio.

It's a fab 3-in-1 so all the shadows are already coordinated and labeled, so I never have to try and figure out what goes where! You get a base shade, contour colour and highlighter, that blend smoothly and easily, yet don't disappear like many shadows I've tried in the past. In fact, the pop of colour is amazing.

I'm loving my Focal Point Trio (pictured above) that includes gorgeous shades of Champagne, Flamingo and Java. The soft caramel, salmon and chocolate shades make my blue-green eyes pop and can look dressed down or extremely glam, depending on how deeply you layer it. But you get such great colour with just one swipe across your lids that I bet that's all you'll need. And because it's long-lasting, you won't have to worry about reapplying it, so go ahead and have a good time without having to leave to touch up your makeup!

There are tips on the peel-back label to help you and I followed them and BAM! - I got fashion shoot looking makeup on the first try! That's how you know it's the very best.

Smashbox is available at Murale and Shoppers Drug Mart stores throughout Canada.

Modern Batch Cookery: Cooking for 50 Is Now Possible!

For the last couple of decades now, I've been wanting to cook in a restaurant.

So much so that for birthdays and holidays, friends and family get me restaurant equipment so that my home kitchen has kind of turned into a small restaurant that serves 1-10, depending on the night. It is a way for me to practice in the comfort of my own home before working the line at at restaurant.

Modern Batch Cookery was made for people like me - folks who want to cook in a foodservice operation (restaurant, cafe, hotel) or cater. I catered 20 years ago and now I want to cook for the masses in a restaurant.

Written by Victor Gilesse & Ron DeSantis, Certified Master Chefs from The Culinary Institute of America, this great bible of cooking contains over 200 healthy recipes that yield 50 servings each. It even tells you the duties and functions of each person at every station!

Menu creating and planning isn't often talked about outside of chef school, so how lucky to be able to access it here within these pages! And learning the proper techniques for cooking in such volume is an unbelievable skill to learn, as is the chapter on the importance of flavour.

When I called it a bible, I meant it. Modern Batch Cookery offers everything from Poached Eggs on Hash (50 eggs, 50 parsley sprigs...) to Mudslide Cookies. Pot Roast with Jus Lie is a breeze, thanks to these instructions, as are Duck Confit and Braised Beef Short Ribs with Polenta and Roasted Cremini.

I'm starting with Stocks, Soups, and Sauces, then moving on through Breakfast and Brunch; Salad Dressings, Salads, Sandwiches, Appetizers; Entrées; Side Dishes; Reception Foods; and Baked Goods and Desserts. 

After practicing with this book's healthy recipes, amazing accompanying conversion charts and a glossary, as well as full-color photos of finished dishes, I'll be fully equipped to work the line of a restaurant in no time.

In the meantime, feel free to drop by for dinner. Something tells me there will be enough to go around.

Get your copy of Modern Batch Cookery now.

Merula Estate Bottled Olive Oil - Take Your Food Up a Notch. Make That Ten Notches.

I have learned through years of practicing cooking at home and as a restaurant reviewer and food writer that having an amazing olive oil completely transforms your food. Almost more than any other ingredient.

So discovering Merula Estate Bottled Extra Virgin Olive Oil was like a dream come true. Good  food is often simple but what makes it alight off the plate is extraordinary ingredients. Merula is most definitely extraordinary.

And I bet you thought that all great olive oils are from Italy. Nope. This one's from Spain.

It is so fresh and green that you can taste the olives its made from - an estate blend of Arbequina, Hojiblanca, Picual & Morisca. It is so delectable that you will buy bread and pasta just so you can have an excuse to sop up this wondrous nectar. Fruity and buttery without being at all pungent or overpowering, your butter and other oils will no longer be required. So do everything from stir-fries to dressings with this food darling and change the way you cook, the way you eat, the way you live!

Click on "Where to Buy" to find Merula Estate Bottled Extra Virgin Olive Oil near you.

p.s. Even the tin it comes in is gorgeous (the picture above doesn't do it justice) with a genius pop-up spout.

Protect Your Beloved Technology with Wrapsol

Our technology is now how we live our lives - how we bank, communicate, work and plan. 

So you want to protect it, don't you?

I just got a new phone, so naturally I want to keep it as pristine as possible. These puppies aren't cheap you know. So I went in search of the best protective films and that's how I found Wrapsol. 

The Wrapsol Ultra protective film wrap is "the most durable drop and scratch protective film technology you can get for your device."  Made from advanced high strength polyurethane and using a 100% dry application process that actively releases air bubbles, you get a sensitive touchscreen that is now protected from bumps, scratches and smudges. Even drops!

Oh, and Wrapsol goes that extra mile and offers you front AND back films, so the back of your device is protected as well. The custom-cut films are made for your specific device - they already had one for my phone that is so new, there's barely any accessories available for it.

I love the application handles that allow you to get your film just where you need it to be, the fact that they include a cleaning cloth so that you ensure you're protecting a clean screen and the mini squeegee that ensures you won't have to live with annoying air bubbles anywhere on your phone. They even included cut-out film for the thin sides of my phone. Just to ensure it's completely protected! And the fact that it's quick and easy to apply the films means I'll continue to use Wrapsol for whatever gadgets I get along the way.

Why would you use anything else?

I also got Wrapsol for the iPad, but they'll cover just about any tablet you've got. And if you've got any of the MacBooks, they'll cover those too - front and back!

My computer and phone are my life. And now they're protected by the very best. Talk about peace of mind.

Shop Wrapsol now.

Get Sparkling Floors with Holloway House Floor Cleaners

It doesn't matter if you have light or dark floors, they are going to look dirty (for a very funny take on the subject, read about it in Life's Too Short to Fold Fitted Sheets). So how do you keep them looking their best as long as you can?

Holloway House Floor Cleaners managed to turn my dull dark hardwood and white tiled floors brighter and sparklier than they've ever been.

Quick Shine Floor Finish gives your floor a great finish without leaving behind a yellow, slippery waxy buildup like those other floor finishes. And you don't have to use it on just hardwood - it works on laminate, tile, vinyl, stone and most other hard surface floors! Quick Shine No-Bucket Floor Cleaner got rid of the scuffs from our shoes, the caked on mud from all the rain we've had and the duck fat (there's none greasier) that slid down the front of my stove into a puddle on the floor - all without any scrubbing or futzing about. And with the added benefit of a fresh burst of clean air freshener with each motion. Ahhh!

So go ahead and swab the deck.- simply quirt it on the floor and swath your moistened mop over it. It's really that effortless - without any streaks or bubbles.

It's safe to use around kids and pets, which means I can use it on the kitchen floor where Cosmo's bowls are and not worry about making him sick with chemicals. And as an added bonus, a little liquid goes a long way, so the bottle lasts and lasts.

For me, I like things to be clean, but I'm done with scrubbing and huffing and puffing over a clean floor.

Holloway House makes my floors brilliant and sparkly. It might look like I scrubbed them, but I hope that can be our little secret.

Shop Holloway House Floor Cleaners & Finishes now.

The MobiValet Allows You to Drive Hands-Free - And in Style!

So you've got your cup of coffee, your phone, bag (more likely multiple bags) - where are you supposed to put everything in the car so that you can actually get to it?

Like most people, I bet you throw your phone in the cup holder or worse, on the dashboard, floor or seat next to you (don't lie - I've seen you do those things!).

I've got something much better - and handsome, to boot. The MobiValet gives you a place to keep your phone accessible without losing your precious drink space and keeps it from sliding all over the place and damaging it!

You simply attach the attractive leather case to your console with the sticky side that uses an adhesive that won't damage your car's interior and utilizes a kind of velcro to keep the case secure and close at hand.

What's truly amazing is the design of the case - you can just drop your phone in without having to wedge it in and because of the incredible design, you can keep it plugged in while returning it to the MobiValet!

Whether you choose the Faux Leather (which totally fooled me) or the exotic Patent Alligator, you'll finally be able to drive and have your phone near you in a safe and attractive case. 

Peace of mind can now be yours.

Shop the entire MobiValet collection now.