Welcom to Your Dream Bedroom Thanks to bryan keith design Bedding!

Great designers have a signature look that you can tell right away. It is their distinct vision that speaks through each item they create.

I recently discovered and then fell hard for the soothing yet bold graphics of bryan keith design. I love the clean modern lines and contemporary colours of these bedding designs that add to a room without ever overpowering it. 

The unexpected blend of apple green, taupe and ivory in the St. Maarten Comforter Set sets the room in a calm, serene tone. The luxurious textures of Tanglewood with its exquisite embroidery and faux silk give a upscale resort feel to the place. And the playful lines in the Ventura Comforter Set just ooze grown-up sophistication.

The incredible designer of the this brand, Bryan Keith Parker, previously launched the memorable Nautica Home Collection (which  become one of the major home brands for Bed Bath & Beyond and Linens-N-Things), FUBU Home and Nate Berkus among others. But now he's launched his own impeccable brand - bryan keith - sold exclusively at Macy’s and www.macys.com. And I for one am thrilled!

 

One of the designs I'm swooning over is the Dana Point 6-piece Duvet Set (pictured above). This set is so gorgeous, so rich, yet at a price within reach.  Everything has such great weight to it and the quality of materials and workmanship is striking. The reversible cotton duvet is ablaze with a vibrant, joyful hexagonal print in sea blues and white, but turn it over and it's a fresh-air-on-the-cape stripe! It's two duvets in one! And with 2 reversible shams, you'll always feeling like you're getting into a brand new bed. What a feeling! The breakfast pillow is the perfect reading and napping companion (it just fits in the crink of your neck just so) and while the square pillow starts out in the bedroom, I often bring it out to the living room with me, because the rich blue and wonderful embroidered stitching is so gorgeous, I just want it see it all of the time.

I only want bryan keith bedding from now on! The only drawback? You'll want to stay in bed amongst one of the most brilliantly designed bedding sets long after the alarm's gone off.

bryan keith is sold exclusively at Macy’s and www.macys.com. Shop now.

My New Life Guide Is Lotta Jansdotter's Handmade Living: A Fresh Take on Scandinavian Living

I have loved Lotta Jansdotter for years and have written about her products at every opportunity. I wrote about her sewing book back in 2007 and her notecard book, labels and stickers back in 2010.

There is such a clean simplicity to everything that she does that I find so calming and simultaneously appealing.So when I discovered her new book, Handmade Living: A Fresh Take on Scandinavian Style, I knew I'd found my new life guide.

What I mean by that is adapted her philosophies and looks into my own life. While there are many similarities to our looks and homes, I am always looking for ways to improve, simplify, declutter and spend more time on the things that truly matter.

Lotta graciously lets us in on her home and office and shows us fantastic ways to decorate, design and entertain. But really, it is more a lesson about a way of life. In the introduction, she writes, "It's my aim to show you that living a stylish life does not require a lot of money. It simply takes some interest, patience, and a touch of creativity."

I really believe that  you can live a full life without spending a lot. It's like a lot of organizing books say - keep only what really matters and you will enjoy those few things so much more. So I am already on board with her on this one. I think I just need a little honing and maybe a little more Scandinavian touches throughout the place.

Lotta also says that for her, "home is not really home unless there is a bit of cooking involved," so she she not only shares some of her beloved recipes, but includes recipe cards at the back.

I think what I find so fascinating is that she lives in bustling New York doing all of these wildly creative, energetic things and yet, her home is a haven of serenity, calm and beauty. This, while she has a husband, 2 year-old son and a cat. It's not a pristine white on white penthouse where things don't get touched and/or moved. This is like our home - where people live their lives and get dirty and have laundry to do and garbage to take out. What a relief to find someone like us (because we all know that people like Martha Stewart has staff and is prickly about mess). Just look at her kitchen - things are stacked and stacked. It feels just like home, doesn't it?

She gives great advice about everything from covering your windows so they still let in light to using up wasted space with baskets and shelves. And now I want "tray slings" and to instill "Fika" and "Smorgastarta" in my life! - you're just going to have to get the book to find out what they are.My favourite part of the book is about her office. She loves it so much that she decorates and reorganizes it all the time. A woman after my own heart.

I know about 20 people that could really use this book and about 50 that would love it just for the beautiful wisdom and ideas within it, not to mention the photos. What a gorgeous gift this makes - both for yourself and for others. 

And really, giving yourself the life you deserve is the best gift of all. Which is why this is going on my permanent holiday and birthday gift list. Because this kind of joy should be spread all around!

Buy your copies of Handmade Living now.

Bhold Shoe Bags Pamper Your Shoes - Each Individual One

Maybe you've been only using your shoe bags for traveling. I have. Because they aren't really all that pretty or that functional for anything more than keeping your shoes separate from your clothes in your luggage.

That's until I got Bhold Shoe Bags.

Proudly made and designed in Canada, you won't be able to resist these pretty little numbers. They come in so many patterns suitable for both men, women and young ladies, so they make a wonderful gift for the world traveler or the never-ending organizer.

Far superior to the ones you've used up until now, Bhold Bags are lined (your shoes have never been so pampered - I call my bags my "shoe spas") and come with a separator, so that each shoe gets its own cushy department and stay in tip-top shape. How swank is that?! The two drawstrings are finished with wooden beads, making it easy to stash and store your shoes in an instant.

And there are so many collections to choose from: Bella, an embellished collection that reminds me of frothy wedding cakes, Bling, for those that want to add a little shimmer and shine with Swarovski crystals to their closet, Top Shelf is a rich collection of sumptuous patterns and colours, Playful is all about whimsical and colourful cottons, and the Active Collection, which oozes city chic.

I got the Pixie Gurl (pictured above) which I use for storing away my lovely towering heels and wedges as well as toting my flats with me when I'm heading out for a night on the town and know that I will only get as far as the restaurant before I'll have to switch out of my teeterting booties.

Of course, you don't have to use them only for shoes - wrap wine or champagne, store your audio equipment (who says you can't still rock a yellow discman?) or keep all of your hair accessories together and organized. The possibilities are endless.

I am thrilled to have found Bhold Bags. They are the solution I didn't know I needed. Next on my list? A Bhold Shopping Bag!

Shop the entire Bhold Collection now.

Why You Should Make the Switch to IQ Cleaners

Not all "natural" and "eco-friendly" cleaners work.

Sometimes they leave behind streaks and essential oil smudges.So it's important to find one that actually cleans well enough that you don't feel like you have to clean afterwards. Been there, done that.

Scent is also very important to me. I want something that smells "clean" but not astringent.There's nothing better than walking into the house and inhaling a big ol' whiff of "this house has been taken care of."

That's why I'm think iQ Cleaners are a smart choice:

- The wicked design  of an empty bottle with a cartridge. You pop in the cartridge and add water. Better for the environment (80% less waste) and a lot easier to carry home.

- They do what they say they do: clean.

- Non-toxic ingredients means that I can feel good about using them at home. After all, our Cosmo has been known to lick the floor on occasion.

- You can finally afford cleaners again. Thanks to iQ, they've created an inexpensive options for those of us who don't want to have to choose between buying a cleaner or pair of shoes...

- The scents are wonderful - flowery, but not sweet, and yes, clean-smelling. Woo woo!

I tried 3 of the 4 cleaners and was thrilled with them all. The All-Purpose Cleaner goes to work in my office and the kitchen without any elbow grease required. I clean our bathroom a lot, so it's nice to know that iQ Bathroom Cleaner is always up to the task. It makes it smell amazing too, which I really appreciate. And with mirrored doors everywhere, you wouldn't believe how much Glass Cleaner I go through. This is one I can actually afford. 

When's the last time you were "thrilled" with your cleaners? That's what I thought.

So get yourself iQ Cleaners and have a clean, safe home that smells wonderful without having to break the bank. It really is that easy.

Wake Up Ever So Gently with The Philips Wake-Up Light

 

My fella and I are full-time writers, so our days can be pretty wonky depending on our deadlines. And while I am a fierce early morning person, if I've been up writing until 2, it can be almost impossible to get myself outta bed for 6 or 7.

But the PhilipsWake-Up Light has saved me. It's the most fascinating, gentle wake-up system I've ever come across.

Whether I need to get up early to get something off to press for the west coast or if I'm heading out to review a new breakfast restaurant, I am the lucky girl who gets to awake to a soothing light and the sound of chirping birds.

See, the Wake-up Light simulates sunrise by gradually filling a room with bright light. For example, if I want to get up for  6:30 a.m., I set it to start at 6 a.m. The 250 lux light increases its brightness (there are 20 brightness settings to choose from) over a 30 minute period, allowing your body - and mind - to prepare to wake up even while you're still asleep! What happens is that instead of your body being startled into waking, it slowly works it way into getting up. 

You wouldn't believe the difference it makes.

If you like to get up to FM radio, by all means set the Philips Wake-Up Light to your favourite station (it remembers 3 of 'em so awake to NPR during the week and new hip-hop on the weekends). Me, I'm getting up with the birds. Literally.

I set it so that I get up to the sound of birds, one of the sounds you can choose from. It is amazing to have that be the first thing you hear. We have real ones right outside our bedroom window, but the Philips birds are the only ones to get me up.  It's hard to tell they're not real though. As soon as I turn them off, the real ones are chirping away and really, there is little difference except that the sound now comes from inside the window.

And because you set the brightness settings on your light, you can set it to work as a bedside lamp too. The halogen lamp is replaceable, so you'll never have to go back to the old way of jarring yourself out of bed again.

Why would you want to get up any other way?

The Wake-up Light (3470) is available at a number of places including Amazon.ca and BestBuy.com and The Wake-up Light Plus (3485) is available at Personal Edge and Amazon.ca. 

p.s. Watch how it works for an Arctic town that's often in the dark.

Luxuriate in Linen Towels This Summer from the UK's LinenMe

Linen is a timeless fabric. 

I remember seeing black and white photos of Audrey Hepburn and Katharine Hepburn in linen pants and suits and yet, here they are today at stores like TopShop and Banana Republic.

But perhaps you've never considered linen for your home. Linen Me in England has a whole online shop dedicated to not only linen clothes, linen scarves and linen fabrics but bed linen, throws & blankets, kitchen linen, table linen and bathroom linen.

Inga, an interior designer who graduated from London’s KLC School of Design, explains her love of linen:

"Over years I have come to the conclusion that pure linen, like any other natural fiber, has some sort of magic powers, and I love to share my expertise, skills and passion with LinenMe customers. Making our luxury products affordable and available to any home and taste has always been one of the highest priorities at LinenMe. I’m a regular visitor and exhibitor at interior design fairs in the UK, Germany, France, Japan and USA, so I do try to produce home interior accessories suitable for various tastes, fitting different size standards and as much up-to-date as possible." 

In addition all of the designs at LinenMe are produced in a small, family owned facility in Lithuania. 

I love looking through this site because it shows that linen can be extremely vibrant and colourful like the Silk Wool Orange Scarf and this stunning Purple Linen Dress! And while looking through all of the beautiful items, I was surprised to learn that there are thick and luxurious linen bath towels. I had only seen linen tea towels and cloths before.

So I was really excited to try a Natural Striped Huckaback Linen Bath Towel Lucas (pictured above) to greet me after an energizing shower or a relaxing dip in the tub. This 100% organic linen towel is so super soft (it's been pre-washed, so it's even softer than you can imagine) that you'll wonder why you've been buying cotton towels all these years. The size (70 x 130 cm, 100 x 150 cm) means that everyone in the family will get to envelope themselves and have that spa-at-home feeling and the stripes lend a decidedly modern and exciting look to an otherwise ordinary bathroom.

I'm making the switch over the linen everything - what about you?

Shop LinenMe's incredible collection now.

Get Organized with Scribble on Everything's Incredible Chalkboard Weekly Calendar Decal

I bet you're thinking that you could totally get organized for once and for all, if only you could find a system that not only allows you to customize it to your needs but is big enough to go on the wall.

Because you've got some big ass ideas and nowhere right now to put 'em!

Enter the most fabulous chalkboard of the decade - Scribble on Everything's Chalkboard Weekly Calendar Decal.

It is the most fabulous for so many reasons, including:

- The blocks (8, 12x13.5" chalkboard decals and 8, 12x3" diecut days of week chalkboard decals) are so big that when I unfurled them all on a sheet, I held it from ceiling to floor and it was longer than my walls (and I have fairly high ceilings, so you can just imagine that these are really something). This is really worth noting because sometimes you just need a really big space to allow your mind to open up and this is one of the only calendars that I've seen that really does hold everything that you could possible need to put in there (Octomom, I'm talking to you).

- The other amazing feature besides their ginormous size is that you can put 'em exactly where you want 'em. This is truly a genius feature because not everyone works Sun-Sat. Some people like the week to start on Monday. And who says that they all have to be in one row, starting left to right? Put your calendar blocks where it makes sense for you. If that means all around your armoire and sewing machine, then hells yes, that's where it shall go.

- The decals are made from matte vinyl, which doesn't leave a permanent mark or residue and yet they work like a real blackboard.  And it was made for us modern folks - clean the dustless chalk (you get a twelve pack included with your decals) off with a damp cloth - no mess like the primary school classroom you remember. Thank goodness!

There is no excuse not to be organized thanks to Scribble on Everything's Chalkboard Weekly Calendar Decal.

They have other really cool stuff too - check it out!

Simplfy Your Life With Powermat Wireless Charging

Has your life become overrun with cables and wires?

Technology is wonderful, but the tangle of wires around my house drives me nuts, so I decided to declutter and simplify.

Powermat Wireless Charging Products allow you to keep your phones, cameras, mp3 players and whatever other gadgets you've got going on, charged and ready to go, but they are also:

- wireless so you have less cords to deal with  - thank you

- versatile so you can charge more than one item - because who has only one device these days?

- quick and easy to use, because you simply put your device down to begin charging - no plugging and unplugging

- darn smart as they emit a sound and light up to let you know it's charging, won't overcharge your device - hallelujah

- saves energy  as the auto shut off occurs when your device reaches full power - how many times have you left your device charging all night?

- small enough that they don't take up much room at all - goodbye cluttter!

First, select a Powermat Mat that suits you and your family's needs. I got the Powermat 2X Mat, which allows you to charge 2 devices with just one plug. The thin black mat is about the size of a postcard, so you can really put it anywhere. Just plug it in, drop your devices down and pick 'em up charged and ready to go - it's so easy!

Then select your Receiver. If you have a Blackberry Bold 9700 Series, this Receiver Door will allow you to wireless charge it with the mat of your choice. All you do, is replace your existing battery door with this receiver, and you can drop and charge at a moment's notice. Isn't that how charging should be?

If you have an iPhone, you can make it even easier! These Bundled Solutions are a complete wireless charging system - protective case with charging mat. Plug in the mat, put on the case and you never have to do anything but drop your phone down to charge.

Why are you still charging your devices the old-fashioned way when Powermat offers such an amazing solution to cord frenzy?

And because you don't always remember to charge your device when you need to (no one's perfect!), you're going to want to get yourself Portable Power. The power! Dual 1850 Rechargeable Backup Battery charges on your Powermat Mat and then allows you to keep your devices charged while on the go. And you can charge 2 devices at once, thanks to the convenient Apple connector and micro-usb.

Powermat's made it so easy to charge your devices, so you'll find yourself with charged gadgets more often and way more space at home, in the office and your luggage.

Shop the entire Powermat collection now.

reBloom Helps You Get a Good Night's Sleep, Naturally

I'll be honest. I haven't been sleeping all that well lately.

After coming off of an intense 3 month work project, I now stay up worrying about all the things I've  got to catch up on. That, along with all the things I want to accomplish this year and well, you get the idea... It's lead to months of horrible sleep and never really feeling caught up.

Until reBloom.

I was skeptical actually. I mean, I know lavender is calming and soothing, but could it along with a few other natural ingredients really induce sleep?

I am thrilled to report the answer is yes!

All you do is drink the tiny bottle (or half if you prefer) 30-60 minutes before bed. I actually brought my work and blackberry with me (I know, I have some serious issues to work on) and about an hour later, I started to get sleepy. Now granted it was almost 1 a.m. so I should have been drowsy, but here's the thing: I actually slept through the night for once and awoke feeling rested.

Using just valerian (a natural sleep aid used since Roman times), chamomile, the aforementioned lavender extract, melatonin (which you've no doubt already tried for curing sleepless nights) and l-theanine (an amino acid in green tea), filtered water and salt, reBloom did the trick.

It tastes like a slightly thick herbal tea or like an aloe drink from the health food store. Pleasant enough, but you'll be so distracted by lack of sleep that I doubt you'll think much about the taste. You know that cycle where you're just trying to get through because you are so exhausted?

Like you, I've tried many natural remedies in the past, but they never worked. I'd toss and turn as if I'd just downed a coffee, not a herbal elixir. But reBloom is different. Maybe because Jonathon Bunt, CEO and Founder made it outta love. For his wife. So she wouldn't have to take Ambien for the rest of her life. Or maybe it's because it's the right combination of things that allows you to quiet your mind and find sleep again.

Either way, I am grateful to have found reBloom.

Sleep can be yours again. Naturally and at an affordable price.

Zzzzzz...

Special Technology Report: Freedom Pro Accessories Are Can't-Live-Without Items

I have been a proponent of smartphones since the very beginning. I know you know this now, but they really allow you to do so much.

In fact, I wrote about half of my book on my lovely HTC years ago and after I basically wore the keys right down to their wires, I switched to a Blackberry.

Like most smartphone users, my whole life is on here - I email, text and tweet while on the go, have my calendar and contacts with me and I work on this thing as much as I do on my laptop at home.

But as much as I love it, it still isn't as nimble as being on a regular keyboard and it's more tiring on the hands. I am limited to how much I can get done on my phone vs. working on my laptop.

So why I discovered Freedom Pro, it was love at first sight!

Their Freedom Pro Keyboard is a bluetooth keyboard that works with PDA's, smartphones, pocket PCs and UMPC's (in plain language, all that means is that it'll  work with your Blackberry, Window Mobile phone, Android, iPhone and iPad and even netbooks, Playstation3's, your PC or Mac - see the complete list). Basically, you're turning your phone into a laptop.

You initially set up your keyboard to connect via bluetooth (it takes just a minute with just a few steps) and then from then on, all you have to do to connect is press a key on your phone and turn your keyboard on. Instant gratification!

There is a pull out, folding stand that you set your phone on and because the whole set up is wireless, you don't necessarily have the phone right in front of the keyboard. Put it where it's most comfortable for you, or where space allows.

And unlike most accessory keyboards that are too small or hard to use, the Freedom Pro Keyboard is full size and has the most amazing soft keys - you'll want to type on just this from now on!  There are 6 dedicated keys that allow you to work off your phone as if it were in your hand (answer call, end/reject call, open messages/email, open address book, open tasks and open calendar), so that you don't have to give up any functionality while remaining uber productive.

You'll love being able to navigate all around your phone through just the keyboard. Switching back and forth between applications is so fast (faster than on your phone even!) and I have been able to get days of work done in just a few hours because I can be working and talking at the same time.

Sometimes I bring work to bed with me. Either I'm on a short deadline or I just can't sit at my desk anymore, but it's not always conducive to bring my big, bulky laptop to bed either because it's low on battery or it's just too uncomfortable. Now I bring my Freedom Pro Keyboard and work off of my phone and it's so easy! Just imagine how this will change everything for you - working on a plane or train, in a doctor's waiting room, etc. There's not always an outlet available for your laptop and sometimes you don't want to wait through it starting up or it's too awkward to work in such a small place, but this incredible keyboard changes all of that. 

It folds up into a beautiful leather-like case, so you can bring it anywhere with you. It uses just 2 AAA batteries (that are included!) and thanks to LED indicators, you can always tell when you're connected and how much power you've got.

The Freedom Pro Keyboard is one of the best accessories I've ever come across and it has made my life so much easier/better, I can't imagine life without it now.

And to help keep me productive, I keep the Freedom Walk & Talk in my purse at all times.  See, it gives me up to 1 hour of emergency talk time when I really need it.

And I know you've experienced this, when you go to use your phone and it's dead and it's not convenient or even possible to try and fine another phone or computer nearby.  Sigh. It is an awful place to be. But that is a thing of the past when you carry the Freedom Walk & Talk with you!

This small little black box is strong, yet light and will charge your devices with a Micro USB charging port using the foldaway Micro USB power cable. And it had an internal charging circuit that:

• Makes sure it will fully recharge, every time, even when "top up" charging (no need to fully discharge it first) up to 500 times.
• Protects both your phone and the battery from overcharging.
• Allows you to charge both the phone and the battery at the same time; prevents overcharging and ensures optimum charging every time

See? I told you it was great!

Freedom Pro Accessories are absolute essentials if you want/have to work or stay connected while on the go. And really, in this day and age, who doesn't?

Illumienate - The Most Stylish Way to Light Up a Room

Sometimes someone just gets it right on.

Danielle Ericsson's creation - Illumienate - takes candle holders that are covered in beautiful papers and images.  She makes them into wedding luminary table numbers, luminaria centerpieces, favors, votive place cards, votive wrap name cards, and lumie menus.

The best part is that she personalizes them, so whether you're doing a bridal shower, reception, baby shower, birthday, christening, or any kind of celebration, she will create a look that is completely customized to you and your event.

She even made me my own candle lumie with the knack logo and background!  And Danielle showed me ones that used photos of Tarzan and Jane, which made for memorable event, I'm sure!! 

I can't think of a better way of making an event really look and feel like your own - just look at all of the possibilities:

- these gorgeous deep Damask Love Lumies are classic and yet have a decidedly modern feel (perfect for a wedding or anniversary, don't you think?)

- the Perfect Centerpiece will make your wedding stand out from the crowd

- why use standard name/place cards when you can use these gorgeous Votive Wraps

You get the dramatic feel of the candle light and the customized look to match your special day. All beautifully - and carefully - wrapped. 

Sigh.

Illumienate's Luminaries are one of most beautiful, best finds I've ever come across and I don't think I'll ever want to have an event without them.

Yep, they are most definitely a must.

Shop now and forever be the envy of your friends, family and colleagues.

Get Smooth, Shiny Hair With Creative Professional's Hand-Crafted Combs

Sometimes it's the simplest things that much such a difference.

If you use a comb, you probably use it every day. Now try to imagine not being able to comb your hair. So it's as important as your cuppa coffee and your phone, but I bet you wouldn't have thought of it that way until now.

That's why you shouldn't be using just any ol' comb. You should have the very best.

As in Creative Professional's Handmade Tortoise Comb.

This unbelievable find is "sawcut from a single sheet of high quality Italian produced cellulose (cotton) acetate and its teeth gently rounded."  So no, no tortoises were harmed to make this gorgeous tool, and it won't snag or catch your hair like most combs. 

Creative Professional Combs are made to protect your hair. Cellulose acetate is a non-petroleum based plastic that you usually see used for glasses frames. And it turns out that this material is a natural non-irritant to skin and resists static, so why would you use anything?

It is durable, not to mention damn beautiful.

Why should people who use brushes get all of the beautiful hair tools?

Shop Creative Professional's Handmade Combs now.

Recycle Your Hangers with Ease with the Hanger Hamper

I love our place, but our bedroom closet is a constant source of agony (it even frustrated our organizer!). No matter how much I cull my clothes and rearrange things, I end up with having to yank out tops and by the end of the week, the closet looks like it's been raided by a 12-year-old.

One of my recent discoveries was that as I've been donating clothes at our local shelter box, I've been folding everything and hence, my closet still has the same number of hangers.

But how to recycle them? I've tried taking an armful to my dry cleaner, but that ended with hangers all over the sidewalk. Plastic bags don't work because the wire and plastic tears right through them.

Thank goodness for The Hanger Hamper.

This clever product helps consumers and dry cleaners easily reuse and recycle their hangers. Approximately 3.5 billion wire hangers are discarded in landfills every year, so I like feeling like I'm part of the solution - and it creates room in my perpetually cramped closet!

The cloth collapsible bag is shaped to stack up to 100 hangers neatly. The sturdy sides means they won't be tossing about on your way to the dry cleaner and the straps make it easy to transport them.  Then, when you're not using it, collapse it never worry again about wasting precious closet space. But even when it's open, it's triangular shape conform to your closet corners, making it wonderful to use for laundry or storing small items in the interim.

This afforable system ($9.95) is really a revolutionary household product.

Get your Hanger Hamper now.

Maroma's Natural Home Fragrances Make A Wonderful Holiday Gift

It drives me crazy when I see people loading up with soaps and candles from those places in the mall. It just seems so unoriginal.  And those scents? Smelling like candy canes is not natural.

That's why I recommend Maroma's Natural Home Fragrances.

I like them because they everything is made with botanical extracts and contain no toxic or harmful ingredients. They also follow environmentally responsible manufacturing practices, so you can feel good about using them and giving them this holiday season.

The essential oils used in their home products don't just smell good - they are formulated to clear and refresh the air.  And the fragrances to choose from are incredible, all at incredibly inexpensive prices, so you can afford to outfit your home as well as those on your holiday list. Take a look at what I've tried so far:

I love the large range of incense Maroma offers. I especially like their SPA line that includes not only fragrances but the therapeutic effects that go along with it. Each box of 10 includes a small incense holder (I love that!) and each stickburns for 30 minutes, allowing you the peace and calm that you need in this hectic world. New Energy is lively with its blend of Orange, Lemon, Basil, Peppermint, Lavender, Cubeb and Rosemary. And Pure Air is a wonderful blend of Pine, Vetyver, Eucalyptus Globulus, Basil, Bergamot and Spearmint that really helps make the place feel fresh, even with the windows closed.

I've never used cone incense before, but I am captivated by Devi Incense (pictured above). Blended with natural essential oils, these cones contains sandalwood powder and tree bark powder as a natural binder. What is amazing about cones versus sticks is that the ash of the cone stays in place, so you don't have to worry about any cleanup. I tried the Audacity Fragrance, which is a wonderful whirlwind of Vanilla with Jasmine, Cedrat and Mandarin. You get 12 cones plus a holder in this set. What a great gift or stocking stuffer!

And for a rich feel, I love Maroma Men's Incense. Tonka Vetiver is so sexy and alluring.

If incense isn't really your thing, Encens d'Auroville Perfume Sachets are a lovely way to bring soft fragrance into your home.  There are small squares that you can tuck in between your linens or in a drawer or sachets with paper hooks that makes it easy to bring a fresh scent to your closet, car or laundry room. Blended with natural essential oils that are infused into fine sandalwood powder then packaged in handmade paper pouches, these are a lovely way to say thanks this holiday as well as freshen the house before company arrives. I fell for Orange Blossom, Rosewood, Fragipani, Rose and Neroli.

Candles are a wonderful way to bring a scent indoors this season. Maroma's are made from 100% renewable resource farmed palm wax that gives you 24 hours of clean burn time with no smoke, soot, petroleum based residue or overriding wax odor. The wick is made of cotton and completely self-trimming. The Luminary cup and packaging are made from recycled natural materials
and the Luminary wrap is from harvested banana fiber. Once you've used up the candle, the cup can be used for tealight candles or for anything else you like. These cups are way too pretty not to showcase somewhere in the house. 

And the scents! I love the deep notes of Maroma Men's Cedar Lavender. And Maroma's Green-light Spicy Mandarin is a great choice for this time of year. The originality of Pear d'Anjou is so delightful. Just try getting anything like these fragrances at the mall.

Soap is a very popular gift at this time of year, but you'll stand out from the crowd with these Maroma blends:  

Spa soaps are 100% natural, made with certified organic soap base, with no added dyes or any synthetic fragrance. They have been triple milled, making quite the luxe gift without the hefty price tag. I think the Tranquility blend is an excellent way to unwind this holiday. 

Maroma True Soaps and Bath Salts contain no dyes, preservatives or artificial additives. I love the energy of Lemongrass. With Mango Butter, Lemongrass Leaf Powder, Lemongrass Oil, Gingergrass Oil and Palmarosa Oil, your body will be drenched in deep moisture. And for a more soothing feel, indulge in the Lavender Soap and Bath Salts.

You don't have to be a man to enjoy using Maroma Men Soap. There is the relaxing Cedar Lavender, invigorating Tonka Vetiver and the exfoliating Olibanum Citrus that uses walnut shell powder to rid you of any dry skin.

Whether you're buying Secret Santa gifts or just wanting to infuse your home with a little added warmth this season,  shop Maroma.

Need a Great Gift This Holiday Season? Shop Button Ups by Chelsea & Kerry for Beautiful Home and Office Decor!

I am not a fancy girl by any means, but I do like everything to be pretty.

From my wardrobe to my office, I like everything to be a little nugget of special: scarves shouldn't be plain in design or colour, stick it notes have to be in a pleasing shade or shape, my calendar can't be solely utilitarian (read: ugly) and my laptop is always covered in a striking image.

So when I saw Button Ups by Chelsea and Kerry, I knew I'd found design mavens that got that your work/home/live space needs to be as pretty as your jewelry, shoes, etc.!

This Canadian duo specialize in handmade bulletin boards "created with refurbished antique frames and decorated cork." They also create amazing Antique Button Push Pins (that come on teeny little bulletin board cutouts, pictured above - no need to wrap them!) and Antique Button Magnet Sets.

The pictures on the site just don't do these buttons and boards justice - they are so beautiful. Like little gems. And you can finally get rid of those hideous plastic things you've been using to hold up your postcards, photos, notes and other important documents on your wall.

And here's the thing - everything is made by hand and yet, look at how affordable everything is!  And it doesn't stop there: If you don't see what you are looking for, they also do custom orders and "will work with you to create a design perfect for your space."

There is such a range of colours and designs - it's such a joy to have each one be different than the rest. Don't you crave that kind of decor? Where everything is so special, so hand-selected?  

I love having these antique mementos facing me as I write. I wonder where they come from, who wore them and when - it's a little bit of history right there with you. What an incredible gift that is. I have a host of people on my gift list that I think will really treasure these beauties as much as I do (I can't stop looking at them - can you say that about your current board/pins?).

Chances are, you and your friends are going to be seriously talking new year's resolutions in a week or two. Why not put them up on the loveliest boards with the most dashing pins and magnets?!

Shop Button Ups by Chelsea & Kerry and have the most beautiful, exceptional holiday and new year every year!

Brighten Up Your Kitchen With Jangneus Design's Colourful Eco Cloths!

With all this gray weather, you'll want to inject a little bit of life into the indoors.

My newest discovery? Jangneus Design's Eco Cloths!

This type of cloth has been used in Swedish kitchens since the 1950s, but they are relatively new to us in North America.

They are completely addictive and you'll wonder how you lived without them for this long.  Made from cellulose and recycled cotton, they are 100% biodegradable, but not at all flimsy. These beauties are incredibly absorbent, but won't stay wet and get smelly like those ones you've used in the past. And thanks to being actually machine-washable, you can use them again and again.

And you'll want to with these gorgeous patterns and colours - finally a cloth that is as modern as your kitchen! 

Printed by hand locally in the Cotswolds, the Jangneus Design Cloths don't have to stay in the kitchen. Feel free to use them to keep your bedroom, bathroom or wherever you like to keep things clean and tidy.

The best part? They look so pretty, no one will notice those dust bunnies in the corner!

Shop the Jangneus Design Cloths Collection now and bring a little Sweden into your home. You can also subscribe and get a new one delivered every month.

Share the Memories This Season with the Kodak EasyShare PULSE Digital Frame

Three of our very good friends are moving away this month.

Not far, but certainly not just a few doors away, like they've been for years.

While we are overjoyed at their new homes and opportunities, it feels a little quiet and sad without them.

A wonderful way to keep them in our daily lives has been the amazing Kodak EasyShare PULSE Digital Frame.

Thanks to built in Wi-Fi and 512 MB of internal memory, you can easily upload photos from your computer and phone via email! I've got a "Friends" folder that I've been putting digital photos in for years. Up until now, they've been on my computer in a file that I rarely look at. Now, these photos are available right in my living room. Oh, look at Ben's long hair at Scott's birthday party years ago! And Darren's of course making faces at the camera. Allana always looks so at peace, even when she's laughing at something someone said.  And our friends Jeffrey and Jonah who moved away a couple of years ago make appearances too. It's so nice to everyone together again!

I can send up to 4000 photos to this beauty of a frame. Which is good, because once I get to the Cosmo folder, it might just fill the whole thing up!

I am also using the feature that allows me to automatically receive new pictured from Facebook and Kodak Gallery albums. I am really enjoying seeing the albums I created on Facebook, because I never revisit them online and I didn't have to spend time uploading the pictures again!

Kodak also smartly allows you to create your own e-mail address for the frame to upload pictures easily from a computer or mobile phone. Then you can share the e-mail address to receive photos from your friends and family.  Sweet.

You're going to love the touch screen with LED backlit high quality display. And it takes up so little room (we have ours on our breakfast bar facing the living room) and yet offers you the chance to revisit friends, places and memories that you've likely long forgotten.

Sigh.

You'll also love the fact that it is super easy to set up - no software to install, no cables to hook up to your computer! Just turn it on and start enjoying your many, many photos (oh yes, I cut my hair short and dyed it red one summer, there's my photo of Anthony Bourdain and I, my Mom sitting in a huge lounge chair laughing....).

The Kodak EasyShare PULSE Digital Frame is available in 7” and 10” for $129.95 CDN and $199.95 CDN respectively at Best Buy, Future Shop, London Drugs, Staples, Black's, The Source, Henry's, Dell, Amazon, Sears and Kodak.ca.

Your holiday shopping just got a whole lot more exciting!

The Pleat Sheet Rocks My World - And Keeps Me Covered!

Lately, I've been at war with my fella and our cat.

At least when it comes to our sheets.

Both Scott and  Cosmo have this crazy habit of somehow hogging the sheets, so that I wake up in the middle of the night f-r-e-e-z-i-n-g!

That's all in the past now, thanks to The Pleat Sheet!

We've been testing it - a sheet made with expanding pleats to create "extra wings of cover and warmth" - all week and I'm happy to report that every morning, I awoke with the sheet still wrapped around my shoulder, with plenty of sheet left to further ensconce myself in.

It's sheer bliss - and a miracle!

So whether you've got pets, kids or a partner that likes to take hold of the sheets, there is finally a solution.

I love that when you purchase The Pleat Sheet, you get not only the expandable top sheet, but 1 fitted sheet (will even fit deep matresses) and 2 pillowcases, so you don't have to hunt around for sheets to match your Pleat Sheet.

Each set comes in Full, Queen and King, and you can choose White or Ivory (we rockin' the White Queen). 

And in case you're wondering, yes, the 300 thread count, 100% cotton sateen striped fabric not only looks amazing, but is incredibly soft and comfortable (Is that part of the reason I've been going to bed early to read this week? Perhaps...).

Order yours now and have a warm cozy winter FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

Get On The Road to Better Health With The Stylewellness AcuMat

At first glance, you might think the AcuMat looks a little medieval.

But trust me - it's pure and utter bliss.

Used for relaxation and in yoga and meditation practices, the AcuMat is based on Eastern medicine and has recently had a resurgence in Sweden (one of the healthiest places in the world).

What is so fascinating about the AcuMat is that while it may look like a bed of nails and if you just touch one of the spikes with your finger, it is quite sharp. But like walking across hot coals (so I've heard - I've never actually done it), when you place all of your weight on it at once, it doesn't hurt at all.

My Mom and I tested it out in the living room one night and couldn't believe how immediately we felt different. We both lay on the comfy foam mattress covered in organic cotton and felt a heat along out backs that was both invigorating and relaxing all at once (you can place a cloth between you and the mat, though neither of us needed to).

Just by spending 20-30 minutes before going to sleep, you can reduce your stress and calm your mind.  See, the way it works is that the mat's pressure points releases endorphins, so you can relieve pain and stress just by accessing those various points in your body.

According to the Stylewellness, "Endorphins are vital to many bodily functions, including body temperature, blood pressure, skeletal muscle tone, breathing, heart rate, water-sodium balance, appetite, thirst, protein synthesis, lipolysis, hormonal balance, sexual motivation, peristalsis, immune activity, general alertness, pain perception, emotionality, and learning ability."

Pretty amazing how you can access all of those vital things about your health by just lying on a mat!

You can use it on a number of places - back and neck, abdomen, waist and thighs, feet, face and jaw.

I want to improve my health and I can't think of an easier, more relaxing way than the AcuMat.

Get yours now.

Add Beauty & Intrigue to Your Walls With Kindling by James Jean

Many of our friends and neighbours are moving over the next couple of months.

After you've moved the boxes and unwrapped the dishes, the next place you tend to concentrate on are the walls.

If your friends are like mine, and are adventurous and excited by contemporary art, then I've got the perfect gift!

Kindling by James Jean contains 12 large-format removable prints that are ready for framing or can be hung with wire and pegs.

This artwork is like nothing you've seen before, though it might seem a little familiar.  Maybe you're thinking of Jean's award-winning covers for DC and Vertigo Comics or the "large-scale wallpaper drawings for Prada's Epicenter stores were turned into fabric prints and applied onto bags and shoes for their Spring /Summer 2008 collection."

I love the moodiness that he creates with each piece. His paintings have been described as "the worlds of animal, vegetable, mineral, and man merge in haunting dreamscape fantasias."

They are dark, yes, but not depressing. And the use of lines changes - sometimes bold and determined, sometimes soft and sketchy, like in Maze (pictured above).

Each piece has the painting on one side and sketches and preliminary art on the other. What a fantastic gift for an artist or art lover.

It comes in a beautiful portfolio that can be to tote and store drawings and papers

For me, the way you make your house a home is by the way you decorate it and fill it with things that mean something to you.

I'm putting Hare (pictured below) up in the living room. We might not be moving, but I love having artwork up that makes me feel good, that makes me think.

James Jean is one of the most important artists of our time. The worlds and characters he depicts are original, and yes, sometimes disturbing.

But I like art that pushes the edges and evokes a strong feeling.

And do you really want art that just blends into the background, that doesn't say anything?

I know art is subjective and not everyone will love Jean's work as much as I do, but I hope you'll take a look at it because each piece tells a different story and perhaps there will be one that speaks to you.

Buy the collection for your home or someone else's.