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.

Luckies of London Limited Has the Most Fun & Unique Affordable Gifts!

 

Oh boy. I've got a ton of birthdays, anniversaries and housewarmings in the next couple of months and I was starting to panic - how am I going to shop for all of these people and occasions? There's not enough time and I don't have a lot of money and ...

It's so easy to get stressed out about this kind of thing because it really does take a lot of time to find just the right thing for each individual if you have to hunt around different stores and rack your brain trying to remember something they need or want or like. 

But there is no need to worry anymore because I've found the most amazing one-stop-shop there is - Luckies of London Limited run by the lovely Jim. And it's all online, so you can shop in the comfort of your own home at whatever time is convenient for you. And boy, are you going to be blown away by the selection!

Check out the extraordinary, affordable finds I got for the folks on my gift-giving list:

- Undercover mini sleeve for mp3 players, cameras, games, phones, etc.

Just like it's big brother, the Undercover Laptop Sleeve, this awesome little padded envelope is actually made of a strong tyvek material,  lined and secures tightly with velcro. So while it looks just like a beat up piece of paper, it's splashproof, tearproof and  a lot heartier than that plastic thing you've been using to carry your phone/camera/etc. in. But be careful - it's so authentic looking that you might just want to pop your phone in the mail!

- Party Animals

Anyone can make a sandwich, but mine is going to be the only one with cool looking one, thanks to these playful sandwich cutters. I want to get the whole lot - Pig & Hen (I have the Cow). And I'm not going to just limit myself to sandwiches with this l'il beaut. Oh no, I'm going to make cow-shaped cookies, cow-shaped polenta and cow-shaped  burgers (or is that too cruel?) for my next dinner parties, to name just a few. And while I'm keeping this guy (I'm calling him Len for some reason), I'm going to get a bunch for my food-loving friends. It's not only great fun, it's something they'll really use too.

- Morris the Memo Holder

Speaking of animals, I love Morris. Not only does he hold your memo notes for you, he'll hold it in his mouth for you so you won't forget your shopping list or reminder to pick up the dry cleaning.  There is something so sweet about this burrow. He never asks anything of you - just that you make him feel useful. Now that's unconditional love! He comes in Red, White and Charcoal.

- Pickmaster

This is the ultimate gift for the music lover or musician on your list! Like the old 3-hole punch from high school, the Pickmaster (pictured above) punches out not holes, but a lifetime of personalized guitar picks out of anything flat - cardboard, plastic, etc. You can recycle materials and rock your way up the Stairway to Heaven! This gorgeous sturdy, chromed metal punch is something that the axe player in your life will genuinely appreciate. Rock on!

- YouToDo

It's as tall as I am, which means there's a lot to get through, but I'm up for the challenge. Are you? This list of to dos isn't a chores list by any means. It's more of a life list and the whole family can get involved. There are easy tasks such as "make and flip a pancake" and harder challenges like "learn the capitol cities of Europe." It comes with stickers so you can mark your achievements and there are a few blank spots for you to write in your own to dos. It's much easier to tackle your goals and dreams when they're right there facing you every day. This is a fantastic gift for anyone of any age.

The best part of all this? These are just a small few of the outrageously great products  Luckies has to offer. Shop their whole collection now and get the best gifts EVER!

Direct Something Wonderful with the Kodak Playfull Video Camera

I've never had a video camera before, but now with a burgeoning online presence, I felt a real need to be able to capture some things on video as opposed to just writing about it or taking a myriad of photos. And with all the cool things I get to do - interview celebrities, hang out with chefs and taste their wicked food - I wanted to capture these things in real time.

I sussed out a lot of affordable handhelds and I choose the Kodak Playfull Video Camera because it has incredible features that are insanely easy to use, all in one cute, compact little package. 

I love that this Full 1080p HD video camera comes with a "share' button. You can email your video to your friends or your Kodak Pulse Digital Frame or upload directly to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr and other sites in just seconds (a built-in USB arm makes it lightning fast). That's not only a fun feature, it comes in handy for work events too!

There are some  neat editing dimensions too, like on-camera editing lets you trim and extract still pictures from video and 4 effects that you can add to give your video a whole new look like B&W, sepia, high saturation and a 70's vibe that will no doubt get your video noticed.

Thanks to built-in digital image stabilization, your videos will look less blurry, no matter how green you are at this. Are you going to be shooting in the sun? Not a problem with the LCD glare shield. Need more room?   The expandable SD/SDHC card slot holds up to 32 GB, so go ahead and record your cover of "Party Rock Anthem" for YouTube.

The only difficult decision you have to make is what colour do you want - Silver, Blue-Silver, Purple-Silver or Blue-Black?

The incredibly cool Kodak Playfull Video Camera is available at major retailers and Kodak.ca.

Rock the Printed Look with Violent Lips Temporary Lip Tattoos

Textured, printed nail wraps are all the rage. Who wants plain polish when you can get the look of stripes, flowers or luxe logos at your fingertips?

Violent Lips is a similar concept, except this time the look is going right where it counts - your lips.

These awesome temporary lip tattoos give your look an edge and feel that you can't get otherwise. Your fashion rating goes up ten notches as does your cool factor.

And they are easy to apply:

1, Pick the pattern you want (I test-drove The Lite Pink & White Stripes, The Red Fishnet and The Pink Tiger, pictured above).

2. Pop the precut lips out of the application sheet and measure the length to both corners of your mouth while forming the word "Ahh."

3. Remove the transparent covering, place and shape on your lips.

4. Add water the the back, then to your lips after removing the back.

5. Let dry for 5 minutes.

It's the same method as those temporary tattoos you'd wear out dancing in the 90s (or was that just me?). Easy to put on and they should stay put for 4-8 hours. They're really thin, so you won't feel like you're wearing much more than you're usually lipstick.

I love the way I suddenly went from regular girl to someone to notice. And with prices this easy on the pocketbook, you can afford to get a number of prints. Enough to get your through the rest of the summer's parties and get togethers anyway.

Shop the entire Violent Lips collection now and look like you just got off the runway.

Show Off Your New Curves with Bust Up Cups

This might be too much information, but it wasn't until my mid-twenties that I started to get breasts. Until then, I had these tiny little bumps that barely stood out from my chest. And while I never stuffed my bra with tissues (I didn't even need a bra, but a girl's got to have something), I was incredibly self-conscious, especially since all of my friends were very well-developed.

Of course there is nothing to be ashamed of with small breasts. But I was young and all I wanted was to look more grown up. So when I saw Kymaro's Bust Up Cups, I knew that they would be a dream come true for someone just trying to fit into a strapless dress or low-cut top that otherwise sags all roomy around their chest.

What I think is fabulous about these silicon inserts is that they so lightweight, you don't even notice you're wearing them. They mold to your body (just place them under each breast in your bra) and they can be reused over and over again. It's amazing how it changes not only the shape and size of your breasts, but your cleavage too. And it looks so natural.

And you don't have to have raisin-sized breasts like I used to to enjoy them. Want to look a little more voluptuous on date night or dancing with your girls? These will amp up your look just enough to get noticed. 

Bust Up Cups are for anyone wanting to add just a little more oomph to their look.

Hmmm. Maybe I'll just hold onto these...

Get your own pair now.

My HercuGlass Clear Mug is Virtually Unbreakable!

Recently I broke my one and only coffee mug.

It's not that we only have one mug, but it was the only one I used for coffee. I guess because I work from home (freelance writing) and every day is a little bit different, using the one mug brings a little bit of comfort and sanity to my often crazybusy workday.

So to prevent that from happening again, I looked to the glass experts HercuGlass and Santanoni Glass & Ceramics.

I got their best-selling Ultra-Break Resistant 13 oz. Clear Mug (pictured above), which holds enough coffee to get me through my harried mornings and is "thermal shock resistant." That means that it will stand up the usual bumps I put it through the day and won't fall apart at the drop of a hat like a reality show housewife.

Check out this amazing drop-test video and see just how much the Clear Mug can withstand!

And if your mug happens to fracture while pouring in a hot drink, HercuGlass will replace it. All you have to do is send it back to them. They will "analyze to see how it broke, so we can learn more about our process and how to improve it even more and send you a replacement." How awesome is that?!

At prices this low, you can afford to replace all your cups and glasses. I will not only do this at home, but when I open my restaurant, I'm using these almost unbreakable glasses and cups in the dining room. Why would you use anything else?

Shop the entire collection at HercuGlass and Santanoni Glass & Ceramics!

Find Your Way Back Every Time with the Bushnell BackTrack D-TOUR

How many times have you been out to dinner or a movie with a friend and when you get back to the parking lot, neither of you can remember where the car's parked?

And last time you went camping, were you sure you knew the route, but ended up taking a few detours that left you more than a little grumpy and tired?

That's why you need Bushnell's BackTrack D-TOUR. This GPS personal location finder allows you to always be able to find your way back/home. All you do is push a button and just follow the arrow. 

It has up to five storable locations, so if you travel to the same place every year or you have a favourite mall that has 6 different levels of parking that you never find your way out off, this feature will come in handy.

What's amazing is that you can upload up to 48 hours of data to your computer (it works with both Macs and PCs and comes with a USB cable - sweet!) to see your journey again, thanks to the self-calibrating digital compass. You can overlay your route on Google Maps automatically. It will show you not only the course you took, how long it was, the speed, elevation and temperature of your adventure!

This sweet little safety net is smaller than my phone and incredibly light at just 6 oz., so it won't weigh you down. It's also weather resistant so even if it's hailing out, you'll be able to get to cover. And I love that whether you're a millennial or boomer, military personnel or civilian, you can set the time (12-hour or 24-hour clock), temperature (Fahrenheit or Celsius) and distance (yards/miles or meters/kilometers) to what makes sense to you.

You just have to decided whether you want it in red or green. What a fabulous year-round gift!

 

Get your Bushnell BackTrack D-TOUR now.

Theom Design's Measuring Tape Ring is Oh So Couture

I am very particular about the jewelry I wear. I don't like to wear pieces that you can find just anywhere. I like to seek out individuals who are doing something a little different.

Theom Designs by Menelaos Theodosiades out of Cyprus, does extraordinary work. Menalaos is both an Interior and Fashion Designer, so one day he is designing the exterior off a restaurant and the next, he's making fascinating jewelry and clothing.

Check out the amazing photos of his chairs, Granny Bag and necklaces, to mention just a few items.

My favourite pieces are his rings because when I wear jewelry, I like to rock a big statement piece and let it be the focus of my ensemble.

This stunning measuring tape ring (pictured above) stands high on my finger. It's like a bouquet, really, or fireworks that move with your every gesture. It says, "I love fashion and I'm not afraid to stand on the outer edges to prove it." It screams, "I know what I like and this is it." It alights when I raise my glass of wine or when I reach to shake someone's hand. It shimmies and shakes when I dance and it remains in the spotlight no matter how dim the lights.

Want to be noticed? Then get yourself  Theom Design Jewelry. Because there's nothing else like it.

ShoptoBeGreen.com Offers Organic, Natural & Sustainable Products

If you don't have a small family-owned green products retailer near you, you know have one online.

Shoptobegreen.com offers organic, natural and sustainable products for your body and your home. Many factors go into the careful selection of vendors and their products. They ask themselves,"Can this product reduce the public's use of petroleum products; lower landfill contribution either through bio-degradability, pre-cycle and recycle usage; and lowering chemical exposure by providing naturally made alternatives?"

They also prefer to carry products "made out of recycled materials created in an environmentally friendly way; like our reclaimed wood furniture, recycled water bottle felt pillows, and junk mail greeting cards. We also choose to carry a lot of products that are handmade by small family owned companies (like Tumbleweed Bead Co, GB Proudfoot, Decoylab and Beehive Kitchenware). One of the many reasons we love small companies is because their products tend to be handmade at the time you place your order so there are no large warehouses of inventory sucking up energy."

You can tell they've put a lot of thought into this:

"We look for items that can replace petroleum based products (like soy candles) and products that can help conserve energy usage (like LED lights and solar electronics). We carry jewelry made only from recycled metals and we will only carry antique or Canada mined diamonds so you can rest assured that it is not a conflict diamond. Our policy on products from outside of the US is to find companies that help reduce waste like Verterra’s biodegradable disposable kitchenware, Chaba reclaimed wood decor, and AquaOvo Therm-o glass bottle. We look for companies with Fair Trade policies such as our Pomiare Clayware, BeeHive Kitchenware Ceramics, and Himalayan salt lamps."

Not only is that a time-saver from shopping store to store, but it's a heartwarmer too - you can feel good about absolutely everything you purchase here. How great to support these smaller, independent producers!

I got to try Solay Wellness, for instance, which I'd never come across before. Their Whipped Body Butter is so luxurious and light, that I've been slathering all over my body ever since it arrived. And my skin has never been so soft! And the Detox Face Mask is the perfect way to combat a stressful day and/or damaged skin.

G.B. Proudfoot is another company I hadn't heard of and was thrilled to discover. Their Original Organic Lip Balm is not only soothing, it's got the most invigorating scent - ginger and orange - you'll want to eat it! For truly soft, renewed skin, their Tea with Lemon & Honey Scrub (pictured above) goes to work on ridding you of any dry skin and leaves behind rich, moist skin, all done with natural ingredients.

Not only is Shoptobegreen.com a fantastic place to shop for yourself, it makes gift-giving a breeze.

Shop now. Shop green. Shop responsibly.

Oh Egg Press - How I Love Thee!

I have been writing about Egg Press for years because their cards are always sweet, charming and hit just the right note. It is one of the few lines that I always get a "What a great card!" compliment.

So I'm beyond thrilled to share their new products with you - so innovative, so fun! Check 'em out:

- Charm cards (pictured above) are a present and card all in one! The recipient gets all the tools to make earrings, bracelets and necklaces all in a flat package that is easily mailed. And at such an affordable price, you can get them for everyone on your gift list!

- Letterpressed recipe cards are the only folded ones I've ever seen - and what a fabulous idea! You send your sentiments and a recipe. How cool is that? They are sized to fit in a traditional recipe box, and the name of the dish can be seen through a sweet little die-cut window. Sold in a set of 6 (jars, yum, food, veggie, sand dollar, cook), just try not to buy out the entire stock. These are going to go quickly.

-   The new line of letterpressed cards with Angela Adams have the bold, colourful, sunny graphics that are so right now and that you have come to know and love over the years (I've had Angela Adams stationery and notebooks for what seems like decades now).  They may just have you wanting to redo your whole place in this fashion. Just watch!

Check out Egg Press' brand new website and stock up on these amazing cards.

Egg Press, I will love you until the end of time.

Envelop Yourself in Riches with MONEY Cologne

I opened up the box and was shocked to see shredded money. Real dollar bills julienned and scattered around the box.

Since I who grew up without much of it, it seems like a blatant act. Like "I don't need it, so I'm just gonna throw it away."

But it's smart marketing.I mean, if you're going to make a His & Her MONEY cologne that reeks of money, you might as well swath it in the stuff, right? 

And this is all before I've even taken in its scent. Then it hits me. The intense, distinct smell of money.

The scent specially made for the fellas - His MONEY is decidedly manly - like leather seats and The Wall Street Journal. You can smell the money in there but it's surprisingly bright and citrusy. It feels a little like the outdoors too (due to grass and precious woods, no doubt). Ooh, I love this. It's powerful without being cocky. Bold without being overpowering. I would wear it along with the women's scent.

Speaking of which, Her Money is extremely pretty. The bills are in there, though if you didn't know it was money, would you be able to guess? I'm not sure, though you'd know it was a familiar scent. Feminine notes of fruits and florals are light and airy. It is perfect for everything from summer cocktails on the roof to business negotiations in the boardroom. Pink grapefuit, mandarin, passion fruit and melon add a slight sweetness, while freesia and Hawaiian wedding flower keep it fresh and sophisticated.

What fantastic presents these are. And affordable too. I wonder if I wear this, the laws of attraction will come into play and suddenly, I'll be surrounded by cash?

I'm about to find out.

Buy His & Her MONEY Cologne Sprays now.

Show Your Gratitude with Gorgeous, Inexpensive Cards from Thank You Cards Shop

One of the greatest joys in my life is stationery. And in particular, thank you cards.

There is something about being able to write my sincere thanks and gratitude to someone for their kindness and generosity or friendship.

So thank you cards are a very big deal to me. I don't send just anything. It's got to be darn special.

So when I found Amy Lowry's Thank You Cards Shop, I was absolutely elated. Someone that specializes in thank you's? How amazing is that?! Amy writes about how she came to have the shop: 

"[Thank You Cards Shop] is an expression of my love for stationery and for living the creative life. I cannot tell you how much fun I had designing each card for the shop. I got my start designing stationery for my own wedding, almost 6 years ago and from there I was hooked. Almost everything about our wedding was DIY! When it came time to design the thank you cards for the wedding I found myself short on time – and ended up shopping for cards, but wasn’t totally happy with the selection available and the lack of customized options. Years later, I remembered this and realized that designing stationery would allow me to explore so many different styles – and to design for so many different types of people. I knew it was a perfect fit for me, and I’m excited to be embarking on a new chapter in my career as a stationery designer."

All of the cards are digitally printed on high quality white cardstock and professionally printed and packaged in the TYCS studio. The paper is manufactured in the United States, either from FSC certified forests (ensuring responsible harvesting techniques are used) or from paper recycled from cotton remnants, with 90% of packaging materials made from recycled paper.

When is the last time you had so many thanks you card designs to choose from?

-Flowerburst Patterned Cards are sweet and summery - perfect for sending after this season's events. 

- And I love the bird themed cards - Bird Thank You Cards and Crowned Bird Thanks (pictured above). I can think of a bunch of folks that will really appreciate the beautiful illustration and colour palette of these.

- But I think I love The Birds - Stationery the most. These rendition of a happy l'il forest just makes me smile, so I can only imagine how delighted the recipient will feel.

I don't know how Amy is able to offer such affordable cards! And the more you buy, they more they go down in price. My advice is to get a bunch of your favourites and stock up. I like to have them on hand so that as soon as I want to thank someone, I can send it off in the mail as soon as possible. This week, I'll be sending Amy's lovely thank you cards and thank you notes all around the globe - to a friend in London, to a friend who just got married this weekend, to colleagues in Michigan who opened up my eyes and my world, and assorted family and friends for just being in my life.

Now I just have one problem - how do you send one to a person who makes thank you cards for a living? I'll have to think on this one...

Shop the entire Thank You Cards Shop Collection 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.

The New Rubbermaid Filter Fresh Water Bottle - The Only Bottle You Need

It's sweltering out. I bet you're drinking tons of water.

Are you still buying bottled water? Sure, that $1 or $2 might not seem like much when you purchase just the one, but think about how many you've bought this week. That's a trip to the movies!

I'm guilty of buying bottled water too. Often tap water doesn't taste fresh or clean to me, even though I know it's just fine.

The best solution I've found is the New Rubbermaid Filter Fresh Water Bottle.

It has a filter right in it, so you can use plain old tap water. The filter gets rid of chlorine, making it fresh and tasty, as well as saving you tons of money and saving the environment from all those disposable plastic bottles.

Each filter provides the equivalent of 300 bottles of water, so you really get your money's worth and don't have to worry about changing the filter every few days like many on the market.

I love that it holds 600ml (20 oz.) of water! It's more than the regular bottles you buy, but not so much that it weighs you down.

The bottle is BPA-free and can accommodate all kinds of ice cubes. The screw tight lid is leak-proof, so whether you're commuting by subway, car or mountain range, your water stays in the bottle. And there is a nice sized twist on cap that allows you to drink and hydrate comfortably (I don't know how people drink from those wide-mouth ones without it dribbling all down their front).

This is my new favourite travel companion as it fits in cup holders (hallelujah!) and has a fun finger loop that makes it easy to carry, even if your hands are full (and when aren't they?)

I stopped buying bottled water, thanks to the New Rubbermaid Filter Fresh Water Bottle. I've already saved a ton of time (no need to search out a store for water anymore), money (it's safely stashed in my wallet ) and the environment (no recycling anymore bottles).

What seems like a teeny switch actually makes a helluva difference.

Make the change too! Get the whole family/office/posse  New Rubbermaid Filter Fresh Water Bottles.

Cover Up in a Snap with Cleava

This thing is a lifesaver.

I always, always want to dress appropriately. I wear knee-length Mad Men-type dresses or modern pant suits to meetings. No cleavage, no nothing.

But some of my tops and dresses are a little low cut for during the day. We're not talking Jersey Shore popping-out kind of thing, but enough that I need something to cover up and look professional.

Up until now, I've been wearing tight, bodice-tight bandeau tops and layers camisoles and tanks underneath my dresses and tops. The problem with these options is either I can't breathe or I get rolls underneath my top or dress from my underthing bunching. 

 

Then I found Cleava and all my wardrobe malfunctions disappeared!

First of all, I have to tell you that it looks much better in person, than on the website or packaging. And secondly, once you use it, your wardrobe options will double, maybe even triple.

I love that you can put it on before or after you get dressed, so you really can go from the office to drinks on the patio in one fell swoop! Here's a video on how it works. It's so easy: the triangle-shaped fabric (it kind of looks like a thong) snaps into place around your bra straps and through the front part, in between the cups. This gives you a smart straight line across the top of your chest, keeping your cleavage undercover until you decide to reveal it.

And the best part? You no longer have to wear an entire other layer under your outfits (just think of how much cooler you'll be in this sweltering heat!). There is no bunching or bulging of tops or underthings. It stays in place even when you don't, so you don't have to ever readjust your clothes again.

I got the Original Classic in Black, but I'm telling you - I'd love a bunch of 'em to extend my wardrobe through the seasons. Just imagine the possibilities: different colours, different materials - lace, rhinestones, ooh la la!

Cleava is a complete wardrobe saver. My dresses and tops that I could only wear out after work? Now they're doing double duty. All thanks to this little fashion hero.

Get yours now.

Deborah Lippmann Nail Polishes Are Spectacular

I try and not only keep up with trends, but stay ahead of 'em.

But because I live in Canada, sometimes it can take awhile for products to not only get to us, but be able to be shipped to us.

So while I'd been hearing about Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish for years, it was near impossible for me to get. Lucky for me, times and postal agreements have changed and I finally got the opportunity to take a few for a test drive.

For me, nail polish has to be easy to apply. I'm not very good at it, so the smoother it goes on, the less I look like I've had my nails done by Frankenstein. Deborah Lippman's formulas are among the best I've ever used. So smooth and sleek without the teeniest goopiness. And the lacquer is thin, so you can apply just one or two coats with perfection. Maybe it's due to the absence of toulene, formaldehyde or DBP. Or maybe it's the addition of Aucoumea, Biotin and Green Tea. Or maybe it's simply that Deborah Lippmann r-o-c-k-s!

Normally, I steer clear of whites because they tend to look more like white-out than polish on me. But Like a Virgin is a sheer, clean white that's not too in-your-face. In fact, it's just perfect. It goes on evenly and has a nice gloss even before I've applied a top coat. How great is that?! It shows off my tan and looks modern, not wedding-y, which I've never experienced before with a white. 

And sequins and glitter polishes often look great in the bottle, but are frustrating to put on - mismatched nails, uneven layers, more clear polish than glitter, etc. But with the most amazing confetti-in-a-bottle look I've ever seen, Happy Birthday (pictured above) doesn't disappoint. It covers the nail with an even coat of glitters and the more layers you apply, the more coverage you get. You can even layer it over Like A Virgin or other colours if you like, though I opted for the full effect (I like to celebrate). It is so gorgeous, with small and large sequins of various colours - silver, gold, red, blue, green - that I wish I had dresses and jewelry to match (something to think about Ms. Lippmann)!

I am now a lifetime lover and user of Deborah Lippman Nail Lacquers. I have hot nails that look professionally done.

Is your drugstore polish doing all that for you?

Shop the entire Deborah Lippmann Collection and don't forget the Celebrity Shades. They're next on my list...

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.

IdeaStream Has Everything I Need to Get Organized

Being organized gives me a great sense of calm and peace. If I'm organized, I can then focus on the task at hand. I have everything at my disposal and I don't have to waste time hunting around for anything.

And while 70% of the time, my desk is an oasis of order, the rest of the time, it looks like my desk went on a 24-hour bender. So I am always on the hunt for fun, innovative products that will help me stay on course. 

I found amazing, affordable stuff at IdeaStream Products! They create items that I am always searching out, but can never find in regular office supply stores, or as they say it best, "ground-breaking products that change the way people think, live and work."

One of the best organizational tools are index cards. They allow you to do anything from create lists to plot out an entire book. But how to store them? The Vaultz Acrylic Index Card Box - 3x5 (I got White) is a sturdy, secure place for your pictures, recipes or valuable notes. It holds 350 index cards, so you can save desktop space by storing them all in this one great looking container, complete with steel corners and aluminum reinforcement.  And if you decide to use it to stash money, passport and other valuables, you can lock it up, safe and sound. I bet your wooden recipe box from the '60s can't do all that!

Another great find is the 5 x 8 Locking Storage Clipboard. This mini clipboard has so many superb features - the storage is huge and includes a net pocket, pen loop and elastic to hold back of notepad or anything else; there's an optional shoulder strap which makes it a valuable asset during garage sales, meetings, etc.; it comes with a notepad, so you can start using it right away; it's tough, so take it out onto the field; lock away your money and your secrets! Why would you want a regular 'ol clipboard when you can get this one? 

And because not all file folders are created equal, I am now completely addicted to the Find-It File Folders. I got the All Tab 80 Pack of Letter, Assorted (pictured above) and they are so far superior to what I've been using. Here's why:

- Each folder can have the tab in any of the 3 positions - left, middle and right - you just fold the scored spine to whichever position you desire. This has huge implications to your productivity:  if you can see the tab wherever you are, that means you'll find it faster.

- The box of 80 folders is only $16.99! This means that you can redo your entire home and office within your budget. Woo woo!

- The assorted pack has 5 bright, fun colours, so you can colour coordinate your projects, clients, etc. There is nothing that makes it easier to organize yourself than assigning something a colour. Try it. Just watch how much of a difference it makes.

You can see why I've fallen hard for IdeaStream. Affordable and inventive products that keep me on my game.

You should see my desk.  It's a thing of beauty 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.

The New Sharpie Gel Highlighters Will Outlast Your Taxes, Notetaking, Etc.

Whoever invented the highlighter really should be commended because sometimes underlining or bolding just isn't enough.

The problem with most highlighters is that they run out or dry out just as you're getting your calendar in order or marking the important lines of a text. And if they don't run out, they smear, which means your whole page gets highlighted, and that's kind of beside the point.

But the new Sharpie Gel Highlighter has this clear, wide, crayon-like tip that goes on the page dry. So no need to worry about messy smears. Not even with a page fresh outta the printer.

And you can write on slick surfaces for once, so whether you're highlighting a quote from a magazine or a title you want to change on photo paper, it will keep up with you. Oh, and if you forget to put the cap on (I'm sorry, but what kind of person would do that?), it won't dry out, because it's gel, not ink. Which means it just glides over everything beautifully. It feels so good to use.

To advance the gel stick, just twist the bottom. It's like having a fresh highlighter each time you use it.

You should see my calendar now!  Available in three colours – pink, yellow and orange - at Walmart, Staples and Grand & Toy.