Eat Well, Eat Quickly with Passage Foods Honey, Soy & Garlic Stir-Fry Sauce

Here it is the end of November. Which translates to 25 days left to shop, cook, clean, wrap, work, schedule, primp, commute, bake and transport yourself and others to various parties and events. How are you ever going to do it all?

With Passage Foods Honey, Soy & Garlic Stir-Fry Sauce, that's how.

See, as much as I like to make everything from scratch, at this time of year, I'm lucky to make it to all of my meetings and get my day's deadlines taken care of, never mind plan in advance. I'm just racing to keep up at this point and this will last until at least the first week of January.

So while I continue to make healthy meals at home, I'm allowing myself the room to use prepared sauces and other items to get my through not only this incredibly busy season, but those nights where I'm too pooped to do much more than throw some veg and protein in the wok and open up a bag of sauce.

The other night I came home from back to back meetings and events and I wanted something nutritious AND delicious. So I made a chicken and veg stir-fry with Passage Foods Honey, Soy & Garlic Stir-Fry Sauce. And it was wonderful! Like having great Chinese take-out without leaving the comforts of home.

I love that it took just a few seconds to pour over the dish and just a few minutes to let it all sink in. I also like that I know all of the ingredients and that it imparted a rich flavour without being too overpowering.

There are many different varieties to try, so stock your cupboard with Passage Foods sauces such as Moroccan Spiced Lemon and Red Thai Curry so that no matter what your day is like, you can eat well and feel like dinner's a treat, not a chore.

The New HOMME by David Beckham is a Gift for Him. And You!

Some people just look like they smell good. George Clooney and Idris Elba seem to ooze a sexy appeal that makes me think that they must smell amazing.

Another of those fellas is David Beckham. And that's pretty remarkable since he plays such a sweaty sport. But the way he dresses and carried himself leads me to believe that his scent is an elixir that makes women swoon as he passes them.

Lucky for you and I, he's bottled that into a scent that completely knocks me over every time I take it in. The new HOMME by David Beckham  swirls together ingredients like Pink Grapefruit, Rosemary, Sechuan Pepper, Leather, Cashmere Wood, Black Dahlia, Patchouli, Mahogany Wood and Skin Musk into an unbelievably intoxicating blend that is so manly and sexy that you might not make it back out to finish your holiday shopping! The mix of woods manages to have this incredibly clean finish (thanks to that citrus top note) that keeps it from ever been too heavy, too much.

I think Becks is sexy, but this scent is beyond that. You're going to have to get it to see what I mean. But be sure you don't have anything to do for 24-48 hours. You're going to be otherwise occupied.

Click on Store Locator to find where it's available near you.

Dress Up in Style - And Extreme Comfort - with Neon Buddha This Holiday!

I love all of the holiday festivities and celebrations, but oh-my-god, what am I going to wear? I can't wear that same black dress that I've been wearing for the last decade. I just can't.

So I went in search of interesting clothes that stand out from the crowd and that have intriguing finishes and flourishes. I found it all at Neon Buddha, my new favourite haunt.

The line is a  "lifestyle clothing collection for travel, home, work, yoga and you," and while they make unbelievable beautiful, comfortable clothes, you should know a few important things about them:

- The collection is designed in Canada and then "produced and managed by a team of 300 women in Chiang Mai, Thailand."

- The company makes sure that their staff are well taken care of, providing them with free English classes and extending that offer to their family and friends.

- Using solar power to heat water and recycled materials are just a few ways this amazing company is transforming itself and the planet.

- 1% of all sales of each garment will be donated to various projects to make the world a better place.

Those are just a few reasons to shop at Neon Buddha. Here's another one - The Ruffle Collar Jacket. To me, this is the perfect holiday season jacket. It's festive, pretty and dressy, but it comes with a secret - it's stunningly comfortable because it's a blend of 94% cotton and 6% spandex (pre-shrunk, which means you can machine wash and dry it at home, saving on dry cleaning bills!). You no longer have to fidget and itch for hours in yet another outfit that you'll wear for one holiday party and then never don again!

And this attractive jacket works for the office, dinner out with friends and many other occasions, but if it's okay with you, I'm calling it my party jacket because it makes me want to dance and celebrate and sing!

I love the ruffles on the collar and pockets (it's like modern Elizabethan) and punched tin buttons (they look like mother of pearl to me). I'm also grateful for the fact that it skims your body so it flatters instead of making it look all boxy - which means you can put it over a dress or pair it with a skirt or pants. It's completely versatile.

And they have created so many beautiful items, so be sure to shop their entire line of pullovers, jackets, long-sleeved tops, short-sleeves tops, pants/crops, skirts/shorts, dresses/tunics and shirts. Shop the Autumn/Winter 2011 and Spring/Summer 2012 collections.

You can see why I'm completely smitten with Neon Buddha.

So contact a US or Canadian Customer care consultant by phone: 800-315-4408 or email info@pureandcompany.com. To request a catalogue, please click here. If you're in Europe, please call +44-207-193-4448.

Get Glowing Skin This Season with Obagi's Nu-Derm

Obagi  has been ranked the number one physician dispensed brand in the U.S. over the years, so when I heard about their Nu-Derm system, I knew I had to try it.

I am always looking for new ways to give my skin that natural glow instead of its normal state which is dull and kind of ruddy.

I start off by using the Gentle Cleanser,  which is a mild, gel-based cleanser. I like that it leaves your skin feeling clean as soon as you apply it. It gets rid of my daily makeup and the grunge that is a result of living in the downtown core.

Then I apply a thin layer of Exfoderm, which is one of the few plant acid (3% phytic acid) creams that you don't have to rinse off (it doesn't hurt or tingle, so you won't mind leaving it on). It works to removes old skin cells and promotes the growth of new ones, giving your skin a brighter look in just a few applications.

This is fantastic for during the winter months when my skin gets dry and flaky due the harsh wind and cold.

Join me by being all fresh-skinned and glowy this season with Obagi.

Get a First Glimpse at Kérastase's Fibre Architecte In Action!

I am fortunate that my work includes getting to test products that change my life, that make me look and feel good.

So when I was asked to participate in a really special project for  Kérastase, I jumped at the chance! As you'll recall, I've written about their products before back in 2009 and again in 2010. And as always with their products, it resulted in a complete transformation of my hair!

Kérastase has asked four influential bloggers - 2 french/2 english - to test their new product, Fibre Architecte that launches this month. We are among the first to try it out.

The first dose of Fibre Architect was administered in a Kérastase salon in Toronto - Solo Bace in Yorkville, last week. The place was jam-packed in the middle of the day, sizzling with energy and laughter. It almost had a bar after work kind of vibe.

Myself and Lisa-Marie, the other editor chosen, were treated to a "before" photo shoot by the lovely, charming and incredibly talented Josh Fee (I am in love with his work and hope to buy some of his prints for our new place). Here's a picture I took of him hard at work:

He stayed throughout the entire treatment, taking in-progress shots. Here's a few of us getting the Masque Force Architect put on and then Ciment Thermique. The lovely Claudia massaged them deeply in into the hair follicles and then my scalp, allowing me to close my eyes and enjoy a few moments of respite from the day.

We were then instructed to continue the treatment at home, thanks to a two week home-care treatment we were given at the salon.

I don't know if Kérastase was aware of the status of my hair when they chose me, but they couldn't have picked a better candidate.

I have unbelievably dry, brittle hair. I started out with beautiful shiny brown hair that I started lightening with Sun-In back when I was 12 or 13 and I've been colouring the hell of it - mostly blonde, but occasionally red and black - ever since (hint: a long time). My hair for the last year has been platinum. Which is about as bad as it gets. The parched, straw-like mop on top of my head hasn't been soft - really soft - for decades. So much so that I wasn't sure anything would help.

The quick treatments delivered at the salon - 5 minutes for the mask, a couple for the Ciment - made all the difference in the world. Even after being blow-dried and straightened at the salon (by the vivacious Tanja), my hair was enviable for once. Soft as the underside of a puppy's ears and incredibly lustrous, I felt very fortunate that I was able to take my hair out and show it off a little.

Leaving the salon for a restaurant event on the other side of Yorkville, I felt amazing. I even got compliments on my hair at the event.

But perhaps the best test was late that night, sitting on the couch next to my fella. He let out a whoop of surprise feeling my hair.

And the treatment isn't even finished yet!

I'll be returning to Solo Bace on Tuesday, November 29 for styling and a final photo shoot. I'll be posting about the experience the first week of December and you'll be able to find additional images on  Kérastase's newly launched Facebook page, which you should totally check out and "like."

Hugs of gratitude to NataPR, Solo Boce, Josh Fee Photography and of course the amazing Kérastase for allowing me this incredible opportunity. I can't wait to see the results!!

Make the Switch to Allen's Naturally Laundry Detergent!

A mainstream bleach company is now claiming to make "green" laundry detergent. I keep seeing people buying it and wonder how folks can be falling for that. It's nowhere near "natural!"

That's why you've got to get yourself Allen's Naturally Laundry Detergent. 

This amazing detergent cleans your clothes without leaving behind any residue or scent, and you no longer have to worry about chemicals next to your body or adding wear to your carefully selected wardrobe.  

Now there are some natural detergents that don't work, so I understand if you're skeptical. But believe me when I tell you that your clothes come out looking and feeling clean and fresh. And for once, you won't have to pay an arm and leg for detergent (when did shampoo, detergent and toilet paper become the price of a bottle of wine?)!

I got the Liquid Laundry Detergent Gallon (pictured above), which is an unbelievable bargain. Here, let me break it down for you:

Because it's a concentrated formula, you get an unbelievable amount of loads for the price: 512 loads per gallon in high-effciency machines, 128 loads in other machines! Don't you pay about 10 bucks for 20-something loads with your supermarket brand? Yeah, that's what I thought. This makes so much more sense as it costs you just 10 cents or less per load (if you wash your own diapers or uniform or if you're like me and wash your clothes often, can you imagine the savings?)

Be sure to get the Dispening Pump if you get the gallon size. It gives you 1 oz. per pump, or you can set it to the 1/4 oz. setting if you're using a high-efficiency washer. I just dispense what I need depending on how many loads of laundry I'm doing, which means I no longer have to lug a heavy bottle with me!

I am thrilled to have made the switch to something all-natural that's also so effective and don't cost more than I was paying for my "regular" detergent. In fact, Allen's is saving me money!

Be sure to shop the rest of the Allen's Naturally Cleaning Products while you're at it as well!

Crispin Finn's Handmade 2012 Year Planner Will Change Your Life!

I have long loved planning, but it's never been more challenging than through my work as a freelancer. My schedule is all over the place, sometimes changing hourly. So you'd better believe I need a calendar that offers me a view of the big picture. Oh, and it better be damn pretty too...

So you can imagine my immense delight when I came across Crispin Finn's Handmade 2012 Year Planner.

Never before have I seen such a cheerful space to fill my year's commitments. The thin, light red and teal lines are both contemporary and harken back to the days of penny candy and church basement suppers. This dynamic duo uses this colour scheme for everything!

Celebrating it's fourth year of printing, this calendar sells out quickly, so place your orders now. This year's edition comes with  new improvements:

- a larger space in which to write your dates and committments

- weekends are easy to spot now being topped with a thick banner

- public holidays (the calendar is made in the UK so they might not correspond to your holidays, but don't let that stop you from celebrating them) are denoted with a trim of airmail stripes.

Just imagine what having the entire year in front of you to see will do to your productivity and how it could change the course of your life by what you do, what you focus on.

What a fantastic present to give someone - a year chock full of possibilities and an art poster that you get to write on!

This embossed 2 colour screenprint  is made on 100% recycled, biodegradable white paper. It is almost as wide as my armspan (read: wall size isn't a big enough term). Each planner comes hand folded and sealed in a screenprinted brown kraft bag and is delivered in a protective hardwearing envelope to protect it during mailing.

Buy Crispin  Finn's Handmade 2012 Year Planner now. Buy 20. And be sure to check out the rest of their cool and amazing designs. You might just be able to complete your gift giving list before December 1st this year!

Giving Thanks

One of my favourite all-time blogs, After 9 to 5, is holding a Give Thanks Link Party with Julie Ann Art and AdelynSTONE. I couldn't wait to participate!

Mostly because I want to thank you, my readers. You are my fans and supporters and you make all the difference to a girl like me who mostly works alone at the computer. I also want to thank all of the companies and PR firms that send me their great products. Through this work, I have found life-changing products that really have improved my life. When I look around at what I use, time and again, it is the items featured here.

This past August was my 5 year knack anniversary. I wanted to throw a party and holler from the rooftops. I wanted to hang streamers and host an online party at least. But as a full-time writer, deadlines took over and I just let it come and go without the least bit of fanfare. So I hope you'll join me this January where I throw a month-long party here at the knack with giveaways and brand new items that you won't be able to live without. I can't wait to celebrate with you!

Other things I'm grateful for: my folks, my friends, my fella, my feline and being able to pursue and indulge in my interests everyday and call it work. I had added many new aspects and projects to my business and every day is fascinating and completely different. For decades now, I've been saying that I'm the luckiest girl in the world. I really and truly am.

Here in Canada, we celebrate Thanksgiving in October. In years past, I've celebrated American Thanksgiving too because I love the opportunity to give thanks for everything I have at every and any opportunity.

I wish you all a wonderful, peaceful holiday.

Thank you.

Look Bright-Eyed & Rested This Holiday with Skyn Iceland's Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels

Ooh, it's already starting - the holiday rush. 

And it's not even the shopping. It's the trying to get all your work done before you leave for holidays or trying to get year's end all wrapped up without working weekends and lugging files home. 

I don't want to panic you, but there's only about 5 weeks left in 2011. Yeah, so that means there's going to be a lot of late nights and early mornings if you want to get it all done by then. But you don't want to look like you're sleep-deprived. Especially when there are so many parties and functions to go to. So you're going to need some reinforcements - something that will make you look like you're still getting 8 hours sleep, something that transforms you from the woman with luggage under her eyes to a beaming ray of sunshine that looks better than she ever has.

I know it sounds impossible, but I'm going to let you in on how I'm keeping dark circles, puffiness and big bags at bay this season - and beyond: Skyn Iceland's Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels.

These little pads are so amazing and I kind of like looking like a football player while I'm wearing them. See, they're these white cutlets that stick remarkably well under your eyes. You go on about your business while hydrolyzed elastin, acetyl hexapeptide, gingko biloba leaf extract and Coenzyme Q10 all work to tone the skin under your eyes. Fine lines and wrinkles are diminished so much so that you can be working at the crack of dawn and still look fantastic late into the evening at your boss' annual shindig with glass in hand.

A quick and easy solution to sleepless nights, work-laden weeks and for when you want to look your best, make a good impression, etc.

Life is not slowing down. Especially at this time of year.  But Skyn Iceland's Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels are one of the few things that can keep up with this kind of frenetic pace.

Get yours now. They're a freaking lifesaver. They won't get you more sleep, but at least they'll make you look like you got some.

Entertaining This Holiday Season? Trudeau Helps You Serve in Style!

I am a long-time/lifelong fan of Trudeau products because they are very affordable, yet offers everything a more expensive line does. Whether you're cooking a daily meal or pulling out all the stops for company, you'll find everything you need with this amazing Canadian company that's been around since 1889.

Since I'm trying to make everything from scratch now, I have fallen for this amazing Salad Dressing Bottle and will be giving them as gifts to food-lovers this year. I love that it's easy to use (recipes are right on the bottle), it's got a dripless pop-up spout which means less mess both in the fridge and on the table, and all you have to do it shake up the ingredients and serve. It was made to fit in the fridge door and is dishwasher safe, so it's convenient too. It's easy to buy prepared dressing, but once you've made your own, you'll see how much better yours is. And now thanks to Trudeau, it takes just a few minutes to make and serve! Just imagine how impressed your party guests will be when you pull out your homemade dressing - ooh la la! 

I love holiday parties, but they can be a ton of work. To help keep it simple this year, I'm doing a lot of buffet style service. To make sure that there is salt and pepper for everyone, I'm getting a bunch of these fantastic and colourful Mini Mills. Spread around the various tables of food, these little beauties allow more than one guest to salt and pepper their food at a time - freshly ground, to boot! And because they're small, you can fit them in anywhere (I'm famous for covering the table with dishes and dishes of mains and sides). They're a party lifesaver!

And to help keep beer, pop and sparkling water caps from littering the space (cleaning up after a party is hard enough, thankyouverymuch), the Bottle Cap Catcher is a dream come true! It opens the bottles and then tidies itself as it goes. And because it can hold up to 30 caps at a time, there's no need to constantly empty it. Unless it's that kind of party...

I'm always in need of more wine glasses when it comes to party season, so when I saw the Resistech Soho Collection (pictured above), I was excited to find such a contemporary look with technology built into the lead-free crystal glass that has a resistance to chipping and has a Certified 25 Year Replacement Warranty! No matter how many occasions you host, you'll be able to count on these glasses.

Speaking of wine glasses, what are your thoughts on wine charms? They are not my thing. They are often embarrassing looking (I've had a Santa charm more than once), dated and unncessary. However, Trudeau's Floral Wine Charms completely changed my mind. These are so pretty and add visual interest to the glass, while keeping track of everyone's wine glass. Of course it was Trudeau that turned me around! 

See what I mean? Trudeau is amazing. All of their products will completely transform you and the way you do things. I couldn't cook and entertain without them.

Find a Trudeau retailer near you and have the holiday season of your life!

Two-Bite Pancake Bites Taste Like the Real Thing

Look, you can't always make everything from scratch and not everything that goes into your mouth is going to be healthy. At least not if you're like me - working full-time (and then some), trying to foster your creativity in your "free time," spending time with friends and family, cooking, cleaning and all the other "life stuff" that occurs (I cleaned out the fridge, figured out my grocery shopping list and all the errands I need to run this week, cleaned the bathroom and wrote 3 short articles all before 10 this morning).

So I think it's completely okay if you need a little help from time to time. Like in the form of pre-made pancakes!

Two-Bite Pancake Bites  - from the same lovely folks who brought you Two-Bite Brownies and Two-Bite Cupcakes - offer a wonderful solution to Moms on-the-go who need to get their kids fed in a flash before getting them off to school or those of us who are so glued to our computers that we look up and realize that we haven't had breakfast - which was 3 hours ago.

These pancake and syrup in one little morsels are made with real syrup baked in, so it's no wonder you'll feel like you're having a luxurious pancake breakfast no matter where you are. You can warm them in the microwave for a few seconds if you like or just pop 'em in your mouth at room temperature. Either way, you'll be reveling in the beauty of having pancakes without any of the batter mess and clean up!

There are two flavours to choose from - Morning Maple and Chocolate Chip.

So pick up Two-Bite Pancake Bites today and stop worrying about having one more meal to get on the table.

Boot Rescue Wipes - Your BFF This Winter

Since the temperatures have really dropped in this part of the country, I took out my boots this week. My most beloved pair -  black suede with wedge heels and burnished gold trim - was lined along the bottom with salt. Even after all that time, Boot Rescue wipes erased the salt and they are back to looking their fabulous selves!

I love that the ingredients in the wipe is all-natural and all you have to do is give your boots a quick swipe when you get in from the rain, sleet and snow to keep them looking new.

Eack affordable pack contains 15 wipes so they'll last you a week or two in very bad weather and longer if it's just simply cold out.

I'm not going to lie - I have a bunch of beautiful boots and  booties that I wear depending on the weather and my outfit (the hall closet is kind of a boot closet...). And now, thanks to Boot Rescue, whether I'm rocking my tall grey suede boots or towering black leather booties or griege peep-toe wedges, they'll always look stunning.

Just because it's winter doesn't mean your boots can't look amazing.

Get a bunch of Boot Recue Packs now and have your boots for many seasons to come!

The Whole Foods Diet Cookbook Shows That Healthy Food Can Be Exciting

As much as I want to cook healthy, nutrient-rich food, I find that some health food cookbooks have such plain recipes that do nothing to enliven the ingredients or dishes. Who wants that?! So once I find a book that take our health into consideration while simultaneous offering tantalizing recipes, I jump with joy and then spread the word amongst my friends and fellow cooks.

One of these great finds is the Whole Foods Diet Cookbook: 200 Recipes for Opimal Health by Ivy Ingram Larson & Andrew Larson, MD. You get recipes that include ingredients "in their natural, unrefined, unprocessed state," that are also "high in antioxidants, phytochemicals, and essential fats and oils, and low in saturated fats and sugar."So no matter where you flip to in the book - even the desserts! - and you can be certain that you're providing you and your family with nutricious  meals and snacks. Even if it sounds too good to be true, such as Chile-Studded Cheesy Polenta Bread, Strawberry-Lemon Chill Cake and Made-From-Scratch Manicotti Crepes.

There is a huge section at the front, filling you in on nutricious ingredients and how to prepare them, a fabulous section on curing food cravings and hunger pangs the healthy way and another on how to indulge in sweet nothings guilt free.

Large orange sections break things down for you so that brunch dishes are all together, as are one-dish wonders and really great party and occasion menus.

This is one of the few healthy cooks you'll own that you actually enjoy and use over and over again.

Buy Whole Foods Diet Cookbook now.

Winter's Must-Have Collection? Jacob's Stunning New Nail Polishes

The nights are getting colder. Soon, the snow will arrive.

Which means piling on sweaters, scarves and jackets. The season can be a long one, wardrobe-wise - black everything, the same look over and over. It's a hard season to pull off successfully.

Or at least it was until the divine arrival of the Jacob's New Nail Polish Collection!

I have been donning Jacob's clothes, lingerie and accessories for decades now and they have always had an up-to-the-minute look but with a classic appeal that lasts long after the season has come and gone. So I had a good feeling about their new polishes. And my insticts were bang on - this collection is incredible!

First of all, you're going to have to get all the colours in the collection, because they are that amazing - and because they're only $6 a bottle, you can afford to! Secondly, they go on like a dream. Thin coats are quick and easy to apply thanks to the delicate brush. I am everything but a pro when it comes to apply nail polish (someone once gasped looking down at my hands, and not in a good way), but because of the non-globby formulation and a brush that allows you great control, I did a pretty perfect job applying the polishes.  It's not perfect, but way better than I usually manage.

And they are perhaps the glossiest polishes I've seen in a long, long time. Before I applied the top coat, I was thinking, they look perfect on their own!

Okay, now I have to tell you all about the colours:

Pink Chiffon - A polish that looks like streetlamp light on snow. It's oh-so-pretty and feminine and will be a hit of relief when you're head-to-toe in black.

Cashmere Cardi - One of my all-time favourite polishes, it's neutral with an edge. It makes me think of Angelina Jolie. I don't know why.

Prêt-à-Porter - Taupes are so modern looking and unbelievably flattering, that you will no doubt get as addicted to it as I am. This one in particular has a rich depth and warmth that is incredibly seductive.

Haute Couture -  A cheery coral-ish tone is a fabulous, instant way to add pop to any outfit. I think it's the perfect holiday party red.

Rouge Stiletto -  This is one of the best reds (pictured above) you'll ever find. It's never too much or too little. If you've never been able to rock red before, try this one. It's completely entralling.     

Runway Diva -  Plum is one of the season's hottest colours, but it can be tough to pull of depending on your skin tone. This one, however, is as full-bodied and sexy as a glass of carbernet.

Tuxedo Chic - Sometimes you want to add a glittery finish to your outfit. It doesn't get much better than this see-thru grey that shimmies and shakes like its on the dance floor. I love the modernity of this one and won't be saving it just for special occasions.

Skinny Jeans - I love this blue. It's James Dean and Marilyn Monroe vintage tangled with Kate Moss and Rihanna. The opaqueness mixed with the glimmery, moonlight-on-water glow is extremely enticing. In other words? It's hot.

I absolutely adore the new Jacob New Nail Polish Collection. I think you'll fall for it too.

Karen Kane Clothes - Made To Fit You & Your Life

On Friday, I left for Montreal for the weekend. I knew I was going to a posh lunch, the theatre and fancy dinner, but in between I'd be walking around in chilly neighbourhoods going to shops and museums, amongst other things (yes, it was jam-packed!). What the hell was I going to wear? I had been through my closet twice on Thursday and everything was single-purpose - nothing would work double-duty, which is what I'd need on a trip this length and this time of year.

That's when Karen Kane swooped in like a superhero and saved the day weekend!

The beautiful box, complete with ribbon and box, arrived Thursday afternoon.

First I unearthed the Wrap Top Sweater Dress. Modern and sexy, this dress works for everything from office attire to holiday party celebrations. Me? I wore it to dinner and a concert in Montreal, but you'd better believe this is going to be a season staple. Not only was it unbelievably comfortable (all that sitting in one evening was the perfect litmus test), but warm too (here is Canada, although it's unseasonably warm, it's still cold at night). The sleeves are long, just slightly past my wrists, which we all know is damn alluring and the v neck combined with the wrap top is incredibly flattering. And the pattern? Enticing and edgy all at once and so much more exciting than plain black. It's perfect.

Then I came to the incredibly sumptuous Karen Kane Convertible Collar Sweater in Grey (also avialable in Black) Ooh, I love clothes that do double or triple duty. One - it saves room in the closet, and two - you will get more use of it if you can wear it different ways. The draped collar creates a dramatic line when you wear it in front. I also like how appealing (and practical) it is worn as a hood. Lastly, for a little extra seduction, you can pull it across your shoulders and show off that gorgeous clavicle of yours. The added bonus (like all those looks in one sweater isn't enough!) is that it's not only warm, but the combination of acrylic and spandex is actually quite soft and breathable, so whether you're indoors or outside, you'll be comfortable. It was the perfect thing to wear on a cool day where I was outside at the farmer's market in the morning, inside for lunch and a tour around a museum and then back outside for a walk along Ste. Catherine back to the hotel. I felt amazing - like a millions bucks! In one of the most fashionable cities in the world! There's no way I would have been that comfortable or looked as good with my own clothes. Nu uh.

These are just two items available at Karen Kane. You should shop the entire Fall and Holiday 2011 Collections now and get pieces that work whether you're at home, the office or out on the town. And there's nothing better than looking great and being comfortable beyond belief.

Shopping for clothes has never been easier, thanks to Karen Kane.

Daycraft's New Notebook Collections Are Sublime!

I am very serious about my stationery. I am one of those crazy folks who thinks long and hard about it - especially notebooks. I consider how it feels, what's the weight of the paper is like and does it open and stay open easily if I need it to?

Daycraft is one of the most extraordinary companies around, making gorgeous notebooks that you can't wait to run your hands across and that you can't wait to use. I believe that you should only use notebooks that make you deliriously happy. Daycraft's Slab and Astrology Notebooks are simply the cream of the crop and every time I reach for them, they make me giddy!

I got the Slab Notebook in Wood (pictured above) and was shocked to see that the notebook was not encased in wood, but the edging of the pages and covers have been made to look like wood grain. It fooled me! And how decadent to be seemingly writing on wood - Ooh la la! The lined cream coloured pages are insanely smooth and rich, giving you an extraordinary writing surface (it makes such a difference). And there's 360 pages, so you can stash it in your bag or briefcase and always have a great place to write. In fact, it's the perfect size to capture your thoughts and dreams, class notes, shopping lists, rough draft of your novel and whatever else you want to write down before you forget. This is one of the most memorable notebooks you'll ever see, which is why you'll want to not only get one for yourself, but that long list of people on your holiday list as well!

For the horoscope-lovers on your gift-giving list this year, you've simply got to get them the Astrology Notebook! The black cover feels like buttery leather and is encrusted in the zodiac constellation of your choosing in, get this - Swarovski crystals! What a luxe gift. I love the landscape format and that the white paper is adorned with tiny grey stars. Note-taking has never been so heavenly! It comes ready to give, with its gift box packaging, so all you need is to attach a small tag or bow.

Shop the entire Daycraft collection this season for Notebooks, Sketchbooks and Diaries. We often won't get ourselves such nice things, putting up with thin, flimsy pads and lacklustre notebooks and calendars. That's why they make such wonderful gifts.

Olivella's Daily Facial Cleansing Tissues Removes Makeup with Ease

Some nights you are just too tired to make the effort to get up and wash the makeup off your face. I understand. It's been a long day, your meeting that was supposed to be an hour was four, you got a parking ticket that is clearly not your fault and you spilled sweet and sour sauce on your favourite skirt. You just want to go to bed.

Now your skin can be clean and clear, thanks to Olivella.

Recently I told you about their noteworthy bar soaps and face and body soap that seems to turn back the hands of time. Now it's time you got their wonderful Daily Facial Cleansing Tissues. 

See, all you have to do is keep them on your nightstand or beside you on the couch and let them remove all your seemingly stay-put makeup, the dirt and grime that's built up during the day without having to get up and wash your face. It gets it all done and gone - waterproof and even stage makeup (my fella happened to come home from being on set and had tried to wash his face, but of course wasn't able to get it all off - guess what worked like a charm?)!

The cloths smell so good (a very light, clean scent like laundry drying on a clothesline) and feel fantastic - soft and just wet enough that it works, and not so much that the liquid runs down your arm (don't you hate it when that happens?).

In other words, Olivella Daily Facial Cleansing Tissues totally rock! They not only leave your skin clean, soft and glowing, they allow you to get to bed - and sleep - that much faster.

I bet your current cloths can't do all that.

Get yourself Olivella Daily Facial Cleansing Tissues now.

Indulge & Protect Your Lips This Season with Mèreadesso Lip Treats

The party season has begun. Which means the holiday event invitations have started arriving and the need to amp up your look is required.

Because I have naturally dry lips, I am constantly trying ot keep them moisturized. With Mèreadesso Lip Treats, it's easy.

That's because this amazing brand (I wrote about their stunning body balm back in 2010) utilizes prime ingredients that deliver, such as evening primrose, grapeseed, coconut and sunflower oils, as well as Vitamins A, C and E. So go bare- lipped and still look sexy, or use it before applying your gloss or lipstick. There's no slick feeling, which I love and it's still going long after application.

It feels clean and smells slighly lemony to me - so much better than the hefty bubble gum or scented candle aromas that often accompany balms.

So celebrate the season without the embarrassment of dry lips with Mèreadesso Lip Treats.

Something tells me someone's going to be under that mistletoe all night now...

Duck Brand Tape Is Fun & Easy to Use Anywhere in the House

Have you ever bought duct tape, only to have it fall off a few seconds or minutes later?

I've found it incredibly hard in the past to find good quality duct tape that lasts and sticks, never mind try to find one that looks good too.

I use a ton of duct tape - and not always for around the house:

- I send my friends stationed around the world care packages and little things to let them know I'm thinking of them. Time and again, the tape I've used falls off.

- Sometimes I'll patch up a little tear in my rubber boots or a bag with some tape. Moments later, it's on the ground.

- I've lined our baseboards in tape in one area because our cat Cosmo thought it was the perfect place to scratch. The tape however is always peeling away from the wall, which drives me nuts.

- Putting coloured tape around all of our many wires and cables makes it easier to switch out our plugs at a moment's notice. I've tried numerous times, but it always comes off.

That's all changed now that I have found Duck Tape. Not only does it stick right away, they have the most amazing selection of colours and patterns to choose from! Why in the world would you use dull black or grey when you can choose something so fun and colourful?

The Christmas and birthday packages I send out this season are going to look amazing, thanks to being trimmed in Coloured Duck Tape, such as Tranquil Teal and X-Factor Funky Flamingo. And because I'm obsessed with Chez Larsson (my desk is white, as is my laptop and I just bought a 1920s shelf in white - all since reading her blog), I'll be using Winking White to cover up any spots or blemishes around the house (I think I'll tape down some of our glut of wiring down with it) as well as labeling boxes and doing nifty crafting projects around the house like Benita does.

For mailing packages to my beloveds around the world, trimming notebooks and adding visual interest to furniture around the house, I'll be using Totally Tie-Dye, Zig-Zag Zebra and a new addition called Splatter!

And I am so excited about Duck Brand's Duck Tape Sheets - I've never seen anything like this before! You can buy them in Single Sheets or Multi Packs. Can you imagine lining your drawers with these or pressing them onto the front of your bathroom cabinets? The possibilites are endless!

Not only can you repair items with these strong and sturdy tapes, you can tear off what you need by hand and even adhere it to uneven surfaces.

Thank goodness for Duck Brand Tapes and Sheets - my holiday wrapping, decorating and packing just got a whole lot easier.

Shop Duck Brand's Entire Collection right now.

Enjoy the Drive Thanks to EasyScent by Lampe Berger Paris

Not everyone is a good car traveler. Some people find it tiring, while others get car sick. Perhaps it makes you want to enjoy a smoke, now that your car is one of the few places left that you can smoke in public. Or perhaps you just want to enjoy the experience of driving again, the freedom and calm it can bring, instead of the anxiety and rage that rush hour traffic can bring.

That's why you've got to get EasyScent by Lampe Berger Paris. It is an essential oil fragrance diffuser that emits the scent of your choice, which then goes on to change how you feel!

The diffuser is already fitted with a fragrance (70-hour cartridge), so you use it right away. It plugs into the cigarette lighter and doesn't make a sound. There is a ring of light via LED that indicated if it's working and signals you when the fragrance is almost out. You can turn it on or off at anytime with the on/off button and select the strength of scent you prefer - medium or strong. The fragrance is diffused intermittently - 15 minutes to begin, then it turns off for 5 minutes and shuts off completely after 2.5 hours.

There are four scents to choose from:

Energy! – Notes of grapefruit, geranium and nutmeg keep you wide-eyed and alert. Great for those long car trips or those groggy morning commutes to the office!

Holiday Mood – We go to the trouble of decorating our home for the holidays every year. Why not outfit the car with the same joy and spirit? Apple blossom, gardenia and jasmine will get you in the holiday mood and might even get you caroling!

Anti-travel Sickness – There is nothing worse than being car sick, so alleviate the symptoms you and your passengers might have with the help of cardamom, ginger, peppermint and parsley.

Anti-Tobacco – Even if no one in your family smokes, this will infuse the car with 14 enjoyable and refreshing essential oils. If there is a smoker, this concoction will help curb their desire to smoke, thanks to wonderful ingredients such as bergamot, eucalyptus, white pepper and patchouli.

I think this is an amazing holiday gift for anyone who drives back and forth to the office everyday or for the family who likes to take car trips.

Shop EasyScent by Lampe Berger Paris now.

Heidi Klum's Fragrance Shine Brings Joy a Little Bit Closer

It's hard to describe what happiness smells like, but it seems like Heidi Klum's New Fragrance Shine figured it out and bottled it.

This is a incredibly warm scent with varying levels playing in the forefront and simmering in the background. If cashmere had a scent, this might be it too! It's been described as having an oriental and floral composition, thanks to mandarin, pink pepper and pear tangling with mimosa absolut, lily of the valley and sunflower. But for me, the base notes are what really come through on my skin - vanilla, Venezuelan tonka beans and Cosmone musk - and what makes me feel like I'm enveloped in complete sunshine and happiness.

This ultra-feminine scent really represents Heidi's timeless and classic look and feel and the curvature of the bottle, finished in a cap of gold, brings a little of the supermodel luxe life right to you.

Now wouldn't this make a wonderful present this holiday season?

Shine is available in select drug and mass retailers across Canada now.

Detoxify & Nourish Your Skin with Alaska Glacial Mud Co.

This isn't the mud that you and I know that splashes your tan dress pants when it rains or that tracks along your newly mopped floor.

Alaska has glacial mud that has a "buttery texture" that Lauren Padawer, founder of Alaska Glacial Mud Co., has harvested and packaged it so that we don't have to go all that way to reap the healing benefits of this amazing, mineral-rich mud! Sustainably harvested and hand-carved from the remote waters of the Copper River Delta in Alaska, this mud looks and feels extremely decadent.

I was amazed to see how soft, smooth and radiant my skin was after applying to Glacial Facial Purifying Mineral Mud Masque (pictured above). Made in 3 varieties - unscented, lavender-peppermint and vanilla-lavender - this masque is made with essential oils and is enriched with "a special combination of certified organic and wildcrafted botanical extracts from the Pacific Northwest that are chosen for their moisturizing, skin-softening, anti-aging and immunoprotective properties."

The glacial clay and silt offers "more than 60 nourishing major and trace elements, including Mg, Cu, Z, S, Ag, Si, Ca, Na, K and Fe that promote anti-aging, help skin hold moisture and form collagen resulting in radiant skin." You also get the added bonus of natural ingredients such as certified organic and wildcrafted botanical extracts including kelp, nettle, horsetail, elderflower, yarrow, cranberry, blueberry and vitamins e and b5 that soothe and purify your skin (Travel sizes are also available, which means you can still be pampered while on the road).

Be sure to get the Masque Application Brush as well. It's the first one I've seen like this and it keeps you from getting the masque all over your hands and allows for even application. It's so soft too! I hope they'll expand the line one day to include makeup brushes...

I don't normally use bar soaps, but Alaska Glacial Mud Co.'s Exfoliating Mineral Soap Bar is completely addictive! Available in lavender-peppermint and bergamot-lemongrass-mandarin-lavender, you'll love not only it's fresh scent, but that it exfoliates - gently, but it gets at that layer of skin that feels so-so and leaves you unbelievably soft. You can even use it on your hair! Certified organic emollient oils (olive, coconut and palm) blended with glacial clay and goat's milk feels and smells like a dream. This is not only a winter essential, it's a fantastic gift.

Shop the entire Alaska Glacial Mud Co. collection and come and get in the mud. It feels amazing!

p.s. They pledge 10% of their profits to local organizations that love, work and fight for the protection of the Copper River Delta/Watershed.

Hagina Oil from Julie Moore, Zen Shiatsu Therapist, Soothes And Heals

Back in August, I had the great pleasure and honour of getting the most luxurious and unique treatments from Julie Moore, Zen Shiastu Therapist at her studio on the waters of Whitby.

Such an intuitive person, she added Hagina Japanese Mint Oil to a bowl of water for me to inhale while she rubbed away the stress I've been carrying around for decades. I say intuitive because I don't remember telling her I get awful headaches and migraines (It seems to come on when there's low barometric pressure, which seems to have increased over the years), and despite headache and migraine medication,  they continue to plague me.

Julie must have sensed this when she added the mint oil.

See this oil is made to soothe headaches, along with:

- promotes blood circulation

- chest rub for chest and head colds

- relieves tight muscles and cramps.

- relieves rheumatic pain

- treat sprains, swellings, dislocations, sport injuries and

- headaches.

The only ingredient is pure, natural Japanese oil, yet it heats, heals and penetrates like nothing else I've ever used. Just inhaling its scent right out of the bottle makes my pounding headache less intense.

Julie uses only the very best products in her treatments. You can also buy them from her spa in Whitby. She does gift certificates too, which make fantastic and easy presents this holiday season.

Clayboys Makes Wonderfully Cheeky Cards - Just in Time for the Holidays!

Once you lay eyes on a Clayboys card, you can't help but smile, or perhaps more embarrassingly - burst out laughing in the greeting card aisle.

That's just the kind of naughty and cheeky humour that Michael & Regan have created.

And they were kind enough to create some for the holidays, such as Peace Soup which is sweet and yet, darn good-looking too (it also makes me want soup). There are also a bunch of ones that incredibly racy, for your friends live on the wild side.

Birthdays continue throughout November and December for our friends and family, so I am pretty excited to give my twitter-savvy friends this Social Networking card and for the older folks who are tech-savvy, iSenior Moments is guaranteed to deliver chuckles all around.

For the art-lovers on my list, this Frida Khalo card will set off the giggles, and for any Oz or Wicked fans, this card will get a round of applause. There are some people are your list that will no doubt find this card hilarious and I know of one fella whose birthday lands in November that this Ka-Ka card will be perfect for.

If you know someone that's into astrology, I like the Stars cards a lot. They are great fun!

So whether you want funny or edgy, Clayboys has it all.

Get Ready for Winter with the Limited-Edition Airplus Spa Value Pack

Winter is just around the corner, which means dry, cracked feet.

I'm combating it with the Limited Edition Airplus Spa Value Pack. And I'm stocking up for holiday gifts for friends and co-workers, because who doesn't love therapeutic, pampering, at-home pedicures?

The kit includes 4 items that deliver luxurious, soothing treatments:

- Airplus Pedistone with a medium and heavy side to gently remove your rough patches.

- Airplus Sugar Scrub with little granules that work gently, yet effectively to smooth out your feet (it took just a few seconds for my feet to go from scratchy to soft).

- Airplus Heel Foot Crème hydrates and moisturizes upon application!

- Airplus Aloe Infused Ultra Moisturizing Socks are the perfect end to your treatment. Just slip on these soft and cozy socks (in bright pink - what fun!) and keep warm no matter what the temperatures outside.

The Limited Edition Airplus Spa Value Pack is available at Shoppers Drug Mart and Zellers Pharmacy for about $12.99. Finally, pampering that you can afford!

Make the Swtich to Alba Bontanica Mango Moisturizing Hair Wash

I wash my hair every day.

 

I know I'm not supposed, especially since I've been colouring my hair for decades, but I can't help it - I just don't feel clean head to toe otherwise.

So I select my shampoo very carefully - it needs to protect my colour as well as moisturize. So naturally I was excited about Alba Botanica Mango Moisturizing Hair Wash.

I like that it's a natural product using herbal extracts, botanical oils and plant proteins instead of the usual laundry list of chemicals. And that it treats my coloured hair, meaning that my colour will last longer and be brighter. It even protects my blond locks again sun and environmental damage - photo-aging, too!

Pineapple and papaya extracts cleanse your hair with their fruit enzymes so you won't get as rich a lather as you're used to, but that's a good thing (soap and chemicals are used to create that). And because it's enriched with certified organic aloe, awapuhi, tropical fruit extracts and kukui nut oil, you'll notice your hair feels clean and soft without feeling weighed down. And the fruity mango scent has a clean finish which hits just the right notes. 

So get yourself some Alba Botanica Mango Moisturizing Hair Wash and get clean naturally.

Mad Gab's New Wildly Natural Lip Shimmer Gives Me Soft, Supple Lips!

Despite the relatively warm weather so far, my lips have already gone into winter mode - dry, chapped and generally gross. I don't have naturally supple lips, so I have to work hard to keep them that way.

Mad Gab's New Wildly Natural Lip products get my lips soft in just one swipe! I simply put it on on my upper and lower lips and in two seconds, my lips went from scratchy and sore to soft and smooth. It works INSTANTLY -  I wish I could kiss you all just so you could see and feel the difference!

I tried Wildly Natural Lip Shimmer in Bronze first, which is undeniably sexy (think J. Lo, Beyoncé). The essential oil of peppermint gives you a fresh mouth and ingredients such as castor oil, shea butter, beeswax, lanolin, organic extra virgin olive oil, carmine, mango butter and vitamin E deliver instantaneous softness! This lip balm is staying with me AT ALL TIMES.

I love the pina colada vibe of Wildly Natural Lip Butter in Coconut Lime and the sheen of colour that the Wildly Natural Lip Gloss in Plum delivers.

The other fact I love? That these natural products are so affordable. Finally I can afford to have soft lips for the season.

I might just have to set up a kissing booth now...

Shop Mad Gab's Lip Products now. Ooh, these are great stocking stuffers!