Baguette baby

I adore the versatility of a simple baguette. It can be a snack, an accompaniment or even a main dish, and when it is a good one it is reliably delish!

This is where my Premiere Moisson story is born. They make THE most heavenly bread this side of the pond. Yes, I hate to state the obvious, but bread is an institution in many countries in Europe, and the attempted replicas in North America too often fall woefully short on the required dense flavour and chewy texture. In Croatia there is a bakery literally at every street corner, and no meal is complete without some bread someone brought back fresh that day from the local baker. I come by the obsession honestly, it is in my genes...

Premiere Moisson has managed to hit the right notes with truthfully every one of their bread creations I have ever tasted, and how magnificent is it that they are an artisinal bakery that uses only all natural ingredients (yeh!!!!).

Their baguette in my humble opinion is seriously Paris (and even Croatia) worthy! Crusty outside, chewy interior, and unmarred pure bread flavour. Eat it naked or add your favourite topping, you will enjoy it, guaranteed.

Delicious bread is my idea of the manna of the gods. Enjoy!

Lunch a Munch a Lunchskins

They are ingenious!

This little darlings are reusable lunch bags made of pastry bag material (therefore, definitely food grade approved). Unlike some other "green" food storage products these feel right to put your lunch in. Hard to explain, but trust me, it isn't like wrapping your sandwich in a hankie. They come in gorgeous and fun designs, a velcro closure that works amazingly well, and most incredibly they are top rack dishwasher safe!

As an added bonus they were invented by a group of moms (3 green moms) in the US, and they are still manufactured in the US. Yes, hard to believe but true, they are not made in China... Details at www.lunchskins.com

They are available at many retailers, and all over the net.
One place I found a large selection and free shipping is: www.greenmunch.ca

Bonne appétit you funky mommas!

Skin savior

With winter in full swing in my corner of the world, we all tend to feel the tug of dryness on our skin. As with many other things, I have tried more than my share of skin moisturizers over the years, and without question the very best I have ever found is Cetaphil. I have used their body moisturizer for years, and have newly discovered their facial moisturizer is just as splendid. Totally lovely!

What I love is that it soaks in quickly, never feeling greasy, and yet it keeps your skin silky smooth the entire day. The other bonus is that it is entirely fragrance free.

It can be found at any local pharmacy, as well as through on-line pharmacies. I also appreciate the pump format it comes in, which makes it conveniently simple to use. I swear by this stuff!

I also read that Jo Malone (of personal fragrance infamy), agrees. Apparently even someone who could easily buy or create any moisturizer her heart desires, chooses to import this one from North America for herself. Interesting isn't it?

I think simple products that work are heavenly!

I LOVE organizing too!!!

I love organizing so much that it is one of the fields I have seriously considered embarking upon if this medicine thing ever grows dull.

It gives me a tremendous sense of calm when I manage to transform any corner of minor or major chaos into a neatly organized oasis. I realize that some of you might think I'm a bit sick, but in reality it isn't something I obsess about, it is something I enjoy when I have the time to make it happen. Being able to share this passion with others who don't necessarily have the same inclination towards organization, but are nonetheless able to appreciate the final product just as much as I can, would be a blast. Organization is much more than a pretty space, it is finding functionality for the life you live. Sigh...

 

Now there is organizing for the rich and famous, California Closets style. Where every little drawer and basket sets you back several hundreds, and the finished product, well you can do the math... There stuff IS gorgeous, but generally unattainable for the non-personal assistant employing portion of the population.

Then there is organization for regular people done right. This is what a new blog I recently discovered is all about: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com . I definitely identify with her. She offers very practical information, and super duper cool she offers some fun free printable organization stuff to get you started (at the top of the blog under the heading "free printables"). Everyone loves a freebie! Check it out, I think you will enjoy it.

I was happy about my over 1000 page views since September (woohooooo!!!!), but she has over 7 million (holy moly, golly gee whiz).

Profound

The courage to speak 

must be matched by 

the wisdom to listen.

Something I'm not the best at remembering when I need to remember it most, but I keep trying to do better because even though I don't know who to attribute this quote to, I agree with them in a profound way.

Heading into the holiday season, this may not be a bad idea for all of us to try to remember :)

Happy holidays to everyone!

St. Germain Liqueur

Love this stuff, in a crazy way!

I don't really drink much alcohol at all, but when I do decide to partake, it needs to a flavourful experience. I am partial to drinks that are refreshing and slightly sweet, and that aren't too strong.

This summer a lovely new friend introduced me to St. Germain liqueur, and I have been head over heels ever since. It is my new go-to drink to sip for the pleasure of the way it dances in my mouth. Total yum!

The website www.stgermain.fr/story.php gives you an idea of how unique this liqueur is (hand picked elderflowers, seriously gorgeous limited edition numbered bottles, etc), and if have read my blog before, by now you know how enthralled I am with good stories :)

The website also provides you with an impressive compendium of recipes. While I appreciate adventurous mixology, my current favourite way to savour this delectable drink is cold and on the rocks.

In the US it is available everywhere, and it is even available in Ontario and the rest of Canada. Sadly, despite being a French liqueur, it is not as yet available in Quebec. Hopefully one day (soon)!

Cheers!

GOOP

People either love her or the opposite. I'm most definitely among the former. She has proven herself as an actress, though chosen to undertake more minor roles since becoming a mom to two little muffins (kudos), has demonstrated her prowess as both a singer and dancer of late, can cook (hence the cookbook), and looks entirely smashing all the while.

Yes, even a regular gal like me has learned a ton from my good friend Gwyn over the years. Years ago I was one of the firstest followers of her online blog at www.goop.com I LOVE it! Not everything on it is for mere mortals (her clothing budget is NOT the same as mine, etc), but she does offer a variety of informative posts, including travel finds and thought provoking philosophical pieces from gurus in those fields, and I have honestly learned something from the vast majority of them. You can sign up to get the newsletters sent to your inbox every time there is a new one.

Now moving on to the cookbook, called My Father's Daughter. I love the reason she cooks, and I love the ethos of this cookbook, which is geared to all the moms out there who want simple delicious food for their beloved families. I get that, and I would recommend you get her book. Genuinely good stuff. 

Finally, the personal tidbit:

I was once 1 degree of separation away from Gwyneth. This past fall I was walking to yoga in my neighbourhood, and her hubby, none other than Chris Martin of Coldplay, walked past me on the sidewalk. I saw him, recognized him, he saw me and I chickened out of saying anything to him.

So hard to find pictures of them together (they try hard not to be photographed together in public).

I have been kicking myself ever since! Shoulda, woulda, coulda....
Next time - there better be a next time :)

Otto

This one is a fun find for your next visit to the big city.

Family dining that is flavourful enough for the parents while still appealing to the kids and your wallet can be a challenge to find in any city. On a trip to NYC at the end of the summer, we had the pleasure of discovering one such rare gem.

Otto www.ottopizzeria.com. This is a high-end totally scrumptious pizza restaurant (check out the pictures on the website, you will get a hint of what I'm raving about), they also serve other Italian fare such as delectable pastas, while also being a lively entoteca (a wine tasting bar). The cool part is that this is a Mario Batali restaurant without the hefty price tag associated with his fancier establishments. This place is entirely casual, low key, and fun. The food and wines are outstanding, exactly as you would expect from one of his restaurants. The service is accommodating to the family ambiance, while still being very professional and knowledgable, especially when it comes to the vast array of regional private import Italian wines.

A delicious and hassle free dining experience helps you enjoy the amazing company you get to share it with. Imagine family meals as they were intended to be, priceless.

Love this place, and so did the rest of my family!
It is hopping, so reservations are a must, and can be made easily on the internet via open table: www.opentable.com

Montreal bagels

Are an institution, period.

If you have never tasted one you are definitely missing out on one of life's unique pleasures. As everyone who has ever tasted one will tell you, there truly are no other bagels in the world that compare. The interesting catch is that even using the same recipe elsewhere in the world, they don't turn out the same. There are many theories as to why this might be, but the one I find perhaps the most plausible is that the the water (yes, good old municipal Montreal water), is the secret ingredient.

There are two main traditional bagel shops in Montreal, St. Viateur and Fairmont, both on their eponymous streets in the Plateua/Mile End area of the city. While bagels from both are delicious, my favorite is St. Viateur, and I can't explain why. The shop on St. Viateur is open 24 hours a day, and you can stop in for a piping fresh bagel literally whenever your heart desires. There are also other outlets all over the city. Thankfully, even if you don't live in Montreal you can order them online to ship anywhere in Canada or the USA, www.stviateurbagel.com

My personal favorite is to custom order the whole wheat bagel at the Monkland location (5629 Monkland, 514-487-8051), and they can be ready for pick up in about 20-30 minutes. You might be thinking whole wheat bagels!? Yes,  I dare say they might even be tastier than the traditional ones, and certainly retain all the fluffy chewiness these little gems are notorious for.

Enjoy!

Aveda awesomeness

I have been a borderline cultish Aveda fan for a long while. Aveda makeup was the first non-pharmacy brand I splurged on when I started making my own money, and the brand continues to regularly surprise me with the quality of their products.

I know, I know, pretty much every make-up brand is now ultimately owned by Estee Lauder. However, while the "own all your competition" is surely a solid business model, I believe they have remarkably also managed to uphold the principals this brand was founded upon. It's all good!

While there are some products I have moved on from over the years, there are others I still swear by, and new ones I have only recently discovered. It is hard to know where to begin, so I will focus on some of favourites and encourage you to explore further to your sheer delight!

Probably my all-time favourite never-fail Aveda product is the Hand Relief. This is a decadent non-greasy cream that envelopes your hands in the loving they need and deserve. I for one am very hard on my hands as I wash them innumerable times every day, and then when I slather this cream on before I hit the hay it delivers much needed moisture rejuvenation while I sleep. I have tried too many other creams mainly out of pure exploration, and I keep coming back to this one. They also have a Foot Relief, but both because I like the Hand Relief better, and because the simpler the 'beauty' routine the better, I use the Hand Relief on my feet as well.

My second favourite product was a recent discovery when I visited the Aveda Institute in Soho this past summer (will be a future blog), and the stylist used Dry Remedy shampoo and moisturizing treatment masque on me. The entire experience was amazingness, and discovering this shampoo and bringing a bit of that day home with me was the cherry on top! This shampoo gives my thick course hair great manageable body and a lovely smooth texture. The added bonus is that unlike every other shampoo where I have to wash rinse and repeat, with this one lathering well once gets my hair clean and shiny. No repeat. Cool stuff. I don't use a conditioner regularly, but when my stressed out ends need extra pampering I indulge in the Dry Remedy treatment mask for 5 minutes after shampooing, and ahhhhh dryness solved!

A few other fantastic products are the the Mosscara (mascara that will nurture rather than dry out your lashes, trust me, you'll love it and so will your lashes), both the Calming and Energizing body cleanser (shower gel packed with aromatherapy that magically does precisely what the bottle promises), and last but not least, Aveda Comfort Tea is heaven-sent. Just wander into any boutique and they'll offer you a cup (totally yum).

Sadly Aveda is not available online in Canada, but in the US it is at www.aveda.com

While there are many Aveda salons, the best place to truly experience what the brand has to offer is to go to one of the stand-alone stores. In Montreal they are on St. Catherine's Street at the Corner of McGill College and at the Carrefour Laval shopping mall technically in Laval. The Aveda Spa at 3613 St. Laurent Blvd is the next best place to explore the offerings and possibly some pampering?

Because you definitely ARE worth it!!!

Kashi does the body good

I love, love, love Kashi cereals!

I think they are fantastic tasting, and from what I can tell, they also seem to be rather good for you. They contain all natural ingredients, no preservatives, and some of them are organic. There are many different varieties, and they do vary in their nutritional benefits so you do need to read the nutritional information to compare.

My personal favourites are "Go Lean" (5 grams of fiber, 13 grams of protein per serving) and "Organic Cinnamon Harvest" (6 grams of fiber, 6 grams of protein per serving). I love mixing several varieties together in my bowl and creating my own unique cereal combination making the possibilities endlessly delish! They taste yummy, and they fill you up. Cereal perfection!

Then for all those who live in the US, there are also the Kashi Go Lean Crunchy bars. Yes, sadly enough these are not available in Canada (and I have been waiting a few years already). Definitely worth importing from the US if you can. These are amazing all natural protein and fiber bars. They are scrumptious and vary in protein content from 6-9 grams per bar, and fiber 5-6 grams per bar, all for an impressive 150-180 calories per bar. I love to eat these when I'm rushing out in the morning and don't have time for a proper breakfast, or when I'm working a particularly busy shift and I don't have the time to scoff down anything else. Of course, it is fine to take your time eating these too, I'm sure they'll taste even better :)

Do your body good!

Pregnant in heels

Sounds crazy doesn't it? Well, it is!

I hardly watch any television, because so little of what is out there manages to grab and hold on to my attention. This Slice(Canada)/Bravo (USA) channel show however has accomplished exactly that.

Oddly enough I am not pregnant, and in fact my pregnancy years are w-e-ll behind me. Also, even when I was pregnant I absolutely never wore heels, or even considered it (after all I was balance challenged in flats). Yet somehow, I find this show a total blast.

The pregnant women on the show are mostly totally whacked (entirely out of touch with the real world), however the "star" of the show, Rosie Pope the maternity concierge, is quite endearing and knowledgeable. It is interesting how she confidently rocks her clients' worlds with practical reality. The added interesting thing about her is she seems very intelligent, and is able to explain many medical issues with total clarity and accuracy. This is something precious few lay people manage to do, no matter who writes their scripts for them. I believe she is bright enough to genuinely understand the stuff she discusses (apparently she briefly studied neuroscience at Columbia). Her show also touches on a more somber side of her life, as she is amazingly candid about her own serious struggles to conceive her second child (failed IVF, ectopic pregnancy, etc). Entirely refreshing.

Thus the reason, I, a non-pregnant, rarely heel wearing, reluctant TV watching woman, am rather hooked on Rosie Pope and her Pregnant in Heels show. Worth at least a peek I think.

She also has an informative website (it includes a link to her blog) www.rosiepope.com

Enjoy :)

Time to make a new friend

If you don't already know about Etsy, I think it would be worth your while to get acquainted. Etsy is an online community that connects you with cool artisans from all over the place, and lets you find truly amazing and unique handmade items. I have been an Etsy fan for a while, and have managed to find incredible deals there. I have found everything from stationary, to wall decals, to jewelry, to art work. The list is practically endless. Before you think this is the kind of sometimes shabby stuff you find at the local craft fair, think again, these are top notch professional quality items minus the middle man. You  have to check it out to understand.

The other unique part of this experience is that you can also communicate directly with the different artisans and commission entirely custom items. Incredible!

Check them out. www.etsy.com Fun and fantastic stuff!

How about you?

Isn't that juicy food for thought?

Crazy how many varied things I can come up with... 

Now the challenge is to figure out a way not to let fear of x/y/z  hold me back. 

Not so easy, yet very interesting.

Enjoy the self-contemplation!

Manicure Pedicure 101

I'm a firm believer that every girl should know how to accomplish her own fabulous manicure and pedicure, as a rite of passage.

Getting it done in a salon can be pricey and dicey, and even if you can easily afford it and revel in the pampering, in life, its always smart to have a back-up plan.

Years ago one of my beloved Croatian cousins shared with me that she often did her own nails, and when I marveled at how amazing they looked, she pointed out that it doesn't take a genius, it just takes practice. In fact, she said the first hundred times would be hideous, and after I'd be on my way. She was right!

Here are my tips on how to do it yourself. First, you need the right tools, and secondly you need to be patient with your artistry. You'll get there. Promise.

You can likely buy everything you need at your local pharmacy. Buy the best clippers, files, etc that you can afford and they will literally last you a lifetime. Yes, Tweezerman products are pricey, but they are worth every penny.

Items I recommend:

• Good moisturizing nail polish remover and cotton pads
• Good quality nail clippers (Henkles or Tweezerman)
• Good quality cuticle pusher (Tweezerman)
• Good quality cuticle clipper (Tweezerman or Revlon)
• Metal nail file (for nail edge)
• Cardboard buffing nail files for nail bed
• Base coat (First Base by Essie)
• Nail polish (Essie or Butter London)
• Top coat (Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat)

This is how you do it:

1. First, remove all of your old polish. Even if you aren't wearing any, wipe every nail with polish remover to remove any natural oil and dirt residue.
2. Cut your nails to desired length with nail clipper (short is always best, and easier to work with).
3. Push the cuticle down off each nail with the cuticle pusher.
4. Cut the cuticle and hangnails off with cuticle clipper (do it slowly until you get the hang of it so you don't cut your skin and bleed). Yes, I know, they always say just push the cuticle down. I don't know any professional manicurist who doesn't cut the cuticle off, and I find there is no way the manicure looks as good or lasts as long if you don't.
5. File down the nails.
6. File all the rough parts of the nail (often the part of the nail you pushed the cuticle off of needs to be smoothed out).
7. Wash your nails with water only to remove all the fine residue from the filing, and wipe dry.
8. Apply Essie "First Base" base coat (the best one I have ever tried).
9. Apply the nail polish of your choice (I think Essie is particularly easy to work with). Start with light pink or nude colors (Essie Mademoiselle is a good bet) because they are more forgiving. Always use as little polish on your brush as possible, to give as thin of a coat as possible. Try to put the first brush stroke in the middle of the nail (that way if you have too much polish on your brush it spreads out rather than pooling into the crevice at the side of your nail and making a mess), and then work the next strokes beside the middle one. Don't brush all the way to the base or sides of the nail bed, rather put the brush down on your nail further away from the edge, and gently nudge the brush down to the base and sides (this is how you get full coverage without any globbing at those difficult spots).
10. Wait about 5 minutes between coats. If you have put a very thin coat on, it should be dry to the light touch in that length of time. Often when you are starting your coats will be thicker, so you'll need to give yourself more drying time. Try not to do more than 2 coats, or else it will take a long while for your polish to set and be smudge proof. 
11. After the second coat you don't need to wait more than 2 minutes to apply the top coat I recommend. In fact, by the time you have finished applying the polish to your second had, it is time to start with the top coat on your first hand. THE world's best top coat is Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri Anti-Chip top coat. It dries your nails in 60 seconds flat. Seriously it works! 60 seconds after application they will be dry to light touch. I would recommend being careful with your hands for 20 min to ensure absolutely no damage. Also, this is the necessary magic ingredient that will ensure your hard work lasts. I wash my hands probably a hundred times a day (at least) when I work, and my manicure can last an entire week with this. If you aren't this hard on your hands, yours may last longer. 
12. Follow the same instructions for your toes, other than making sure to use a pumice on your heels in the shower if you need it, wedge little cotton pads between your toes if they overlap, and wear flip flops for at least 2 hours after a pedicure before putting on closed toe shoes to ensure no damage (if you wear socks you can probably put them on in an hour). Pedicures can last 2-3 weeks. 

Now that I have gotten quite swift at this, I can manage dark polishes as well, and I can do both a mani and a pedi in about 45 min. 

Best of luck, and remember patience & perseverance. Always keep it fun, and never sweat the small stuff!

Allez-Up

The friendliest place in the world to enjoy indoor rock climbing.

My daughter and I got into this a couple of years ago, and our love for it is still going strong. This is one of those simple, yet incredible places where you immediately feel comfortable even though you might be heading into entirely uncharted territory for yourself.

If you are a beginner, they aptly take you under their wings and belay you (support you with a harness to prevent you from falling if you slip) as you embark on this new adventure. If you are an experienced climber you can get certified to belay with a friend, and they also most certainly have walls that will challenge you.

The cost is reasonable ($17.50/person for non-members, with a minimum of two climbers, belay provided), it is a great work-out if you push yourself. I find that rock climbing is one of those activities that occupies your mind while you are working on your body, and therefore is a real break/escape from the other things in life.

If you need them to belay you, book your visit ahead of time.

For more detailed information: www.allezup.com

If you don't live in Montreal, I'm sure you can find a great indoor rock climbing place near you.
Try it. It's a blast!

(picture not from Allez-Up)

Fiji

Simply THE best tasting water this side of heaven!

I'm sorry, I guess I'm a teeny bit of a water snob... I do come by it honestly though. The problem is that I'm kinda defective, in that I find it a daily challenge to drink a healthy amount of fluids. In an attempt to at least force myself to drink something that is both good for my body, and good tasting, I have allowed myself to regularly indulge in the world's most delicious water.

What exactly should water taste like you ask? Absolutely nothing. That is the key. For water to be its most pristine sparkling and refreshing self, it can't be tainted with even the hint of flavor or aftertaste. Fiji accomplishes that to pure smooth perfection. Their website explains it more detail than I can: www.fiji.ca

Water does the body good.

Treat yourself, and experience the difference. 

Something to ponder...

Every so often a brilliant writer out there manages to write something that really makes me think. This link is to a piece that was published in the NY Times, and accomplished exactly that for me, it is about Steve Jobs
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/30/opinion/sunday/steve-jobss-genius.html.

One of the aspects in this article that resonates most with me is the notion that the future of innovation is in the hands of the children out there who are the most creative, the most genius if you will, among the mass of overachievers. Nurturing rather than folding that naturally creative spirit into a box is the challenge that society faces.

Check it out and see what you THINK.

Smells sooo nice

For me scented candles are one of life's special indulgences. There is something decadent about my surroundings being enveloped in a scent I enjoy. Scents can relax you, energize you, or simply feel inexplicably pleasing. Lovely.

That being said, I find it quite challenging to find scented candles that do what they are intended to do. I have tried many, and in a moment of desperation have even paid ridiculous amounts of money for a few in an attempt to get one that smelled, and I was unfortunately disappointed time and time again.

Hands down, my all time favorite scented candles are by a company called Archipelago Botanicals. Their smells are smooth and authentic, quite simply heavenly. I find the Mango Tangerine (my #1) and Pomegranate Citrus (my #2) are the most delicious. This company has many varied scents (even Bergamot Tobacco), so there is something for everyone.

The only place I know they sell them in Montreal is Arthur Quentin on St.Denis www.arthurquentin.com This is a store I love love love, and I have already proclaimed its praises in a separate post (suffice it to say that if you go, I would bet you walk out with more than the candles).

I haven't found a great Canadian website that sells them. They do sell them on-line at  the US Amazon www.amazon.com .

My second favorite scented candle company is one called Lucia. Unlike the other brand, I haven't found that every scent from these candles reliably emits the same concentration of scent. The best one is Olive Blossom & Laurel, which is a great crisp scent for the kitchen. I also find their scent diffusers work well. One of the definite bonuses of this brands is that they are a Montreal based company (rock on). They are very easily accessible through many retailers, including Chapters stores and on-line www.chapters.indigo.ca, and several of the scents are currently 50% off at Chapters.

I hope these little finds provide you with hours of relaxation and inspiration. Peace.

Gnocchi from heaven

One of my all time favorite Italian specialties (of which there are many), are gnocchi. When gnocchi are made well, and taste the way they are intended to taste, namely light and fluffy with only a touch of chewiness, they are utterly fabulous! I love the way these delectable little pillows from heaven melt in my mouth.

Recently The Montreal Gazette introduced me to the culinary genius of Luciano Lecas, who makes the gnocchi at Buona Notte restaurant in Montreal. Watch Luciano make them www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQI6cqOZ9Zc so you can understand where I'm coming from. Being a total sucker for a good story, I was seriously intrigued. Therefore this year for my birthday, my husband, my children and I had dinner there for me to savor Luciano's specialty. The rest is history. They were everything I had hoped they would be, and more! I regularly dream about the next time I will have them (and I have been back several times).

This dish is surprisingly reasonably priced for something this scrumptious ($19, if memory serves), and you can have it during either the lunch or dinner sitting. Luciano makes the gnocchi 6 days a week, so you may want to call ahead to make sure they have them on the menu that day (I went once when they didn't have them and I was very seriously disappointed).

The ultra ultra special treat is also having them for dessert. If you go for lunch Luciano will make them with butter and cinnamon (this isn't on the menu, you have to ask). Technically it isn't available for dinner at all, but if you happen to be lucky and Max is there (one of the owners, and Luciano's son), he has a soft spot for this Italian treat, and if you ask nicely, he will allow the chef to make it for you. If you are a gnocchi lover, as I am, definitely worth the begging!

Buon appetito

Marvelous method

I have been proclaiming my undying love for method cleaning products for years! I love their soap, their dishwashing liquid, dishwasher tablets, all purpose cleaner, window cleaner, bathroom scrub, toilet cleaner, room spray, stainless steel cleaner, wood cleaner, laundry detergent, and finally fabric softener. Yes, I'm a method girl.

You can check out more information about their philosophy, and browse through the full line of products on their website: www.methodhome.com

Why are they so great you ask? For starters and most importantly, because they work marvelously well. Then secondly, they are entirely non-toxic for humans and the environment. I LOVE that! I strongly believe there is something not OK about filling our lives with unnecessary potentially harmful chemicals. Did I mention they also smell entirely lovely?

Probably my all time favorite method product is their lemongrass kitchen soap. This stuff is downright magic! While I love the earthy smell of garlic on my finger tips after I have lovingly cooked dinner for my family, the next day the smell can be nauseating. They advertise this soap as "garlic has met its match". Darn right! A small spritz and wash with this delectable soap and all lingering food smells on your finger tips are a distant memory.

I have only seen it with a stainless steel colored bottle in Montreal, but on-line I was only able to find a picture of the clear bottle. Go figure. I imagine it comes in various packaging (maybe different in Canada vs. US).

Method products are sold at many retailers, including pharmacies and grocery stores, as well as on line at www.well.ca  (a previous post). In Montreal I find Canadian Tire has the widest selection, and the best prices (though not vastly different).

People against dirty, unite!

Macs are THE BOMB - all of them ;)

OK, Apple really does not need any help from me promoting any of their products. Being the second largest company on the planet, even after the untimely demise of their main creative force, they are fine all on their own...

I still can't help myself, I LOVE LOVE LOVE Apple products. LOVE them. Why do I love them them you ask? I love them because they do what they are supposed to do, and they keep on doing what they are supposed to do, and they can be figured out by the non-computer genius echelon of our society (i.e.. me). In short, they simply work, like magic on fire! xoxo

My love affair started in earnest about 3 years ago when I bought myself a MacBook Pro for the first time. It was an experience straight out of wonderland, filled with ease and surprise and pure awe. Everything worked better than the commercial promised. I was literally bewildered that I could turn a computer on, and it just worked. As simple as that, it did. And most impressively, 3 years later, it still worked as well as the day I turned it on out of the box, without a single glitch, or a moment of slowing down a degree the human mind could possibly perceive. Impressive to say the least.

Over time I have become a true Apple freak. I have since bought an iMac, several iTouches, an iPad, I had a iPod from long ago that still works perfectly, and I convinced my mom to get an iMac and she wonders why all computers aren't made this way... The only product I don't yet have is the iPhone, but after this crazy BB blackout sh*t this week, I will be switching over as soon as my finances and carrier will allow....

I just bought myself a new MacBook Pro today *sigh*. I have a very special bond with my old one, I LOVE it, but this one already has a special place in my heart. Apple seems to have a crazy way of knowing exactly what needs to be updated, always. For example, my new backlit keyboard. LOVE it! I always had trouble typing in the dark, but I never once considered a backlit keyboard. Now that I have one I think it is absolutely nothing short of BRILLIANT! This is just one example of the constant innovation that Apple is notorious for, and they keep on delivering.

Even if you aren't going to buy a new Apple computer product today, certainly do your research and consider one for the future. If you already have one, then please know that there is a new operating system called "Lion" that you need to upgrade to. While the computer easily prompts your for all updates, this is not an update, this an upgrade. If you are on "Snow Leopard" then you can easily upgrade to Lion online through the app store. If you have Leopard. you first need to upgrade to snow leopard, and then to lion. That is where I was. I was lucky, and I got a very cool person who helped me at the iStore on St. Catherine's in Mtl, and it turns out if you have leopard, and you need snow leopard to get to lion, rather than buying the software online, you can go to an iStore and they can do that part for you for free. Bring your laptop in and tell them "someone" said it could be done. I DID IT TODAY, saves you $30. Better in your pocket than theirs. If you go in Mtl, ask for Jonathan on the second floor (genius bar area), he was one of the managers, and a really great guy. Then you go home and you buy the Lion upgrade, which will cost you $30 (sorry, that is a brand new operating system they do not give out for free). Important for the future, for iCloud (cool iTunes stuff at the least), and more...

Enjoy computers, the internet, and the heavenly place Apple has created for us all *sigh*

Dualit Lite

OK, so this post is bit out there as it is about a toaster!? Well, more accurately it is about THE toaster.

Who hasn't swooned over the classic styling of those Dualit toasters that seem to grace every single designer kitchen in those dreamy decorating magazines? I know I have, right up until I googled the price... The swoon quickly switched to shock, as $400 for a toaster has always seemed more than a tad steep to me.

I did a little research on why exactly the Dualit toaster costs quite that much, and why consumers are willing to pay. It turns out that the $400 Dualit toaster was created for industrial use, yes, the restaurant market. Also, part of the high cost is that it is still only hand made in the UK, and the added bonus is the Dualit is apparently manufactured in such a simple way (yes, they claim simple), that your Dualit can last you a life-time because when it breaks it is meant to be quite easily repaired, rather than replaced. All very good.

Now I have something even better! They have come out with a line of Dualit toasters called the Dualit Lite. These are still handmade in the UK, and are also meant to last forever thanks to simple mechanics. The difference is they are not manufactured for industrial use, and hence come to you at a substantial savings! Therefore, unless you are making as much toast each morning as a breakfast joint, this line should suit your needs just fine.

They sell them on-line at many retailers as well as Costco.ca www.costco.ca . The ones at Costco seem to only come in black and cream. If you are looking for a funkier color browse the net for another retailer like www.greenbeanery.ca that carries a gorgeous blue version. Approximately $80 for the 2-slice variety, and $150 for the 4-slice, long or chunky version. I have a 4-slice long version in black, and I love everything about it. It looks stylish, it works very reliably, and even has nice features like the sneak a peak, the bagel setting and frozen functions.

Most importantly, aren't they super pretty?

Back to Black, Aphrodisiac

Even the name jumps out and grabs your attention doesn't it? I assure you, the scent most certainly will as well.

This post is about what I believe to be the most sensationally sultry personal fragrance out there, ever. It is the result of scrumptious combination of sublime scent and seductive marketing. The brain child of Kilian, the scion of the Hennessy Cognac empire no less (later the LVMH group). The sales lady shared with me after having met him on a promotional tour, that he is just as heavenly as his creation. His fragrance is definitely something other-worldly. I'm fortunate enough to have received a bottle as a gift from my hubby, and each time I wear it, I'm complimented on the intriguing fragrance I'm wearing. I think that is probably the best way to describe it, distinctly "mysterious".

Even if you have no need for a new fragrance, or any intention to buy this one, I strongly suggest you make your way to the store to infuse your senses, even just once. It's worth it (and so are you).

It is available for a little less than the down payment on a luxury car (no joke, it don't come cheap), at your local Holt Renfrew in Canada, at Sacks Fifth Avenue in the US.

Kusmi tea

This post is mainly because I think this product is fantastic, but it is also a nod to the people in Russia who are reading my blog, which I find incredibly enchanting. Thank you!

I must say, I do enjoy a flavorful cup of tea. It doesn't seem like it should be something complicated, yet often I find the flavor of many teas I have tried falls flat. I believe many people who dislike tea probably feel this way because they have never tasted a truly superb tasting tea. They are an all too rare breed...

This is where Kusmi tea comes in. While there is a dizzying array of teas to sample out there, I find this to be one of my most reliably delicious standbys. It absolutely never fails to delight my senses. The flavors are deep, delicious, and lasting. They never taste bitter, hollow or watered down. They are utterly splendid!

Kusmi tea comes in incredible varieties, including the classics like Earl Grey, mixes of their own invention like Prince Vladimir and Anastasia, and fun loving mixes like Be Cool (a relaxing mix of peppermint and liquorice, equally tasty hot or cold, my favorite). They also make a line of organic teas under the name LOV.

I'm starting to see their teas pop up all over the place, from little specialty food stores (such as fantastic Douceurs du Marche at Atwater market), to large "we now sell everything" chains like Chapters, and finally there is a stand alone Kusmi store on St. Denis at 3875 rue St. Denis (between Roy and Duluth). Check out their website for the full scoop www.kusmi.ca . If you read the entire background story you will understand the Russian connection (the origins of tea section).

Be adventurous, experiment, let them tantalize your senses. Treat yourself, you deserve it!

Cocodot

I have been a Cocodot fan from the very first day they opened for business. They are an on-line card making and sending site. They also coordinate invitation sending, RSVPs, etc for small and big events.

What makes them super special is how wow incredibly cool and versatile their designs are. They are fully customizable, and the website is easy peesie lemon squeezie (as my kids would say). And this is why the people who run this company rock : the deal was that for a mere $19.99 you could send out as many cards as you wanted in a year (they are substantially more chic than anything you can get on those free websites, so well worth that price), and then I guess business was going very well, and they decided to make the card section free (you still have to pay for invitations), and they refunded part of the amount I had paid for this year! When does that ever happen? Seriously sophisticated. Since they are now free too, there is absolutely no reason to send an even slightly mediocre card again.

Check them out: www.cocodot.com

Here are some examples:

Send someone special some love today.

Bare Minerals make-up changed my life

I have never been one of those people who enjoys playing around with make-up. For me make-up became a necessary part of life as I aged, as my skin texture and tone changed, and when much to my dismay I started to develop break-outs as an adult, something I never suffered from as a teenager, go figure.

It took some time, and when I finally found a quality make-up brand, I was very loyal, sticking with it for years and years. Eventually I was compelled to look around for something different because I simply didn't feel my old make-up was performing optimally for me any longer. What I discovered was a life changing revelation.

If you are the kind of person who has a lovely complexion, and are never tempted to wear foundation or cover-up, this probably isn't for you. I tend to need a base to even out my skin tone every day in order to feel comfortable with the way I look, and is cheaper than therapy for my self esteem.

Before you decide either way about whether mineral make-up is right for you I would recommend you watch their instructional video on-line, which can be found on their website www.bareescentuals.com .

What I love about these products is they are very quick and easy to apply even the first time, they provide excellent coverage without looking like you are wearing a cake of make-up, they seem to moisturize my skin, they wear well, even if I break a sweat, the make-up seems to stick in place, it doesn't cause break-outs for me, they come in numerous shades and therefore can be matched with a variety of ethnicities, they contain natural SPF, and the last little nifty bit is it is an all powder make-up product and does not count towards the liquids you are permitted to take as carry on luggage when you travel (nifty, eh?).

The bright thing they have done is to sell a starter package that contains everything you need (powders and special brushes) to give this product a try. The starter kit is available at many retailers including the larger Pharmaprix stores (eg. Plaza Alexis Nihon), and of course Sephora.

Yet another bonus for me is the containers last forever, which translates into fewer trips to the store to restock. Life simplified! Always a good thing.

Wonderful Wordle

OK, I was seriously tempted to keep this one to myself... Then, the compulsive sharer in me got the best of the situation, and here we are.

This wordle thing is SO COOL. It's crazy ....

It is a website where you enter in a bunch of words, any words you want, and then the website creates this fantastically cool piece of custom art work for you to display, or share with friends. Oh my, it is a tad difficult to explain ....

For me the story begins with Iva & Stephen's bedroom... Not as sordid as it sounds. They were gracious enough to let my family stay at their home while they were out of town and we were visiting NYC. They had a super funky piece of word art hanging on their wall. I recently remembered it and set out on the net to try to find out where they got this, and was beyond thrilled to find out it was generated by simple free program available to us all.

This is an example of what you can do:

I don't have any major tips to share as I'm entirely new to this, so we will all be fumbling through it together. However, in my preliminary perusal I have found most of the things are customizable (reshuffling, colors, fonts, size of fonts, etc), therefore be sure to play around. I found the FAQ quite helpful, as some of the functions are not intuitive.

www.wordle.net

For starters you could use words related to things you are grateful for. We all sometimes need some reminding. We all also need some fun and easy creativity in our lives.
Enjoy. I know I will.

Serene Scents

My hands down all time favorite personal scents are Jo Malone. If you have never heard of them, smelled them or tried them, you absolutely must without question! There is something sublime about the incredibly diverse fragrances she has created. In my opinion, something spectacular and vastly different from the other fragrances on the market. My personal favorite is a deep, dark, fruity scent called Pomegranate Noir, though there are many more I adore almost as much. The line even wants you to get creative, and encourages fragrance blending! This art allows you to create your own unique singular scent, something that would result in certain hideousness if it were attempted with most any other fragrance lines.

I believe Holt Renfrew is the sole Canadian distributer of Jo Malone products. In the US they can be found in stand-alone Jo Malone shops as well as some select department stores.

In 1999, Jo Malone sold her fragrance empire to Estee Lauder, she stayed on as creative director until 2006, when she proceeded to take a break from the business. However, she says she never stopped dreaming of new fragrance combinations, it was simply a passion she was compelled to nurture.

Here is the interesting part...  She has decided to start a new fragrance company called Jo Loves. Exciting!!!! - sends chills down my spine (I too have a very close relationship with delightful scents). You can get the full scoop on the website,  www.joloves.com where she assures us this is something entirely novel, and completely spectacular.

I know she has more than peaked my interest! I cannot wait for the launch, which is slated to take place sometime this fall.

Splendid indeed.

Luscious Lemonade

Given the Indian summer we seem to be having I thought it would be fair enough to share this rather summery drink. I first met this little beauty during the summer at a pub called The Burgundy Lion in Montreal, down on rue Notre Dame. I don't officially have their recipe, but my attempts at reproducing it have received positive reviews (OK, rave reviews) therefore I feel safe sharing.

In a tall glass, mix equal parts of vodka and Limoncello (amount depends on how strong you want the drink to be, I put about a finger width or so of each), fill the glass 3/4 full with a good quality lemonade (either squeeze your own, or buy the all natural Tropicana or Simply brands), then add a generous few sprigs of fresh mint, stir, and fill the remainder of the glass with ice. To endless summers!

In case you aren't familiar with it, Limoncello is an Italian sweet lemon liquor. Many different brands make it, and it is readily available at any liquor store, even the SAQ in Quebec.

A friendly warning, this drink is totally smooth and delicious, and you have to be careful not to get carried away. As always, enjoy in mindful moderation.

Cheers!