Discover the Prettiest Notebooks at Compendium Inc!

It doesn't take much to make me squeal with delight - a hug from my fella, a delightful find in the grocery store and pretty, pretty paper products.

I have been carrying around notebooks, journals, pads of paper, for as long as I've been toting a purse. To ability to capture my thoughts, dialogue of those around me or even to list items I'm in need of is necessary and while I could do it all on my lovely smartphone, I much prefer to capture it all on pretty paper!

I found the prettiest pads, notebooks, cards and gifts at Compendium Incorporated. Come and see!

For a nice large notebook, I'm loving the Her Words Composition Books. Slim, pretty and oh-so meaningful, these light books have 60 pages in which to fill with your wisdom, doodles and dreams. The cover is filled with sweet, whimsical drawings and lovely sayings by poet Monique Duval.

Like this for example - Then swing your window open, the one with the fresh air and good eastern light and watch for wings, edges, new beginnings. And this - She decided to free herself, dance into the wind, create a new language. And birds fluttered around her, writing "yes" in the sky.

Isn't that just lovely? I can think of so many woman I want to give these too!

If that's too big, there's a smaller version - Her Words Mini Notebooks. I got these beauties - He offered her the world , And there floating and bobbing, Grow the flowers that you love. These are amazing for keeping beside you at the computer, in your purse and tucked away in your carry-on when traveling!

Other great little handy notekeepers are the Anywhere Notebooks. These little flip-up books are colourfully illustrated and fun to hold and use. You'll get addicted to these no doubt!

And for something a little finer, a little more sturdy, I'm coveting my Reporter Style Notebook. I got the Life delights in life one. It's got 96 pages (which just oughta do it), a hard cloth cover and band to keep it closed, which is great when it's rolling around my bag - the pages won't get all crumpled.

As a lovely gift, I'm looking to their gift books. There are a wide variety to choose from - you may just want to stock up and finish your Christmas shopping right now!

To start with though, I got Take Time, because really, isn't this something we all need? Quotes and thoughts gently remind you to take time for yourself, to care for yourself as you do others and generally do the things that matter most to you. Aren't you more relaxed already?

And Window Cards make a fantastic present! Each box of 30 cards contains cards that open with messages from the heart. Beautifully made and a wonderful, thoughtful gesture, I've been tucking them into cards and letters that I write to friends and family. It's a little thing, but a nice thing, don't you think?

And while you're getting gifts, get yourself some greeting cards too! There are some lovely sentiments here, such as, "Friend. Good," "Sit loosely in the saddle of life," and "I only wish you could see..."

I could go on and on and on. There is so much to see here! So check out the whole website and get yourself some pretty paper products - there is nothing better.

Lindi Skin - Skincare Products Developed With the Unique Needs of Cancer Patients in Mind

What a truly amazing idea.

I know a number of people who have had cancer, so when I saw this incredible product line, I had to find out more, find out if it was good, and is so, spread the word!

The line was created from watching loved ones go through cancer treatments and seeing how it ravaged their skin, and learning that there was no skincare line for people who had gone through radiation and chemotherapy.

After having consulted dermatologists, oncologists, nurses, patients and skincare formulators, the skincare line was created with people with cancer in mind, but that doesn't mean you can't use it too! The products are dermatologist and allergy tested and are absolutely non-irratating to your skin.

Their online store provides skincare products that soothe, heal and protect your skin. Doesn't that sound like exactly what you've been looking for?!

Check out the lovely, freshly scented Face Wash that I'm using to keep my skin moisturized. What a wonderful feeling to have your face feel nourished and hydrated AFTER washing. It's a feeling you'll get addicted to as I have, I'm sure!

And if your skin is a little gray, dull or red, Lindi's Face Tint will even you out. Containing Propietary LSA complex, it has a lovely cooling feel and instantly saturates your skin with moisture and a lovely, almost shimmery glow. No need for any foundation with this bad boy - just apply and go - it's one of my new favourite finds!

I am also swooning over the amazing Soothing Balm. I have many friends that have painful skin conditions, so I'll be sharing this with them for sure. For me, my skin is always in need of serious moisture, so I have quickly fallen in love with this product. Avocado oil sinks into my skin leaving me feeling cool and soothed, hydrated and moisturized.

Ahh, that's muuuuch better!

Lindi Skin is all about caring for the skin you're in. And it feels oh-so-good now that you've got Lindi.

What a truly awesome idea.

Look Beautiful AND Natural With BECCA Cosmetics!

It is a difficult thing to find a foundation that will cover up your dark circles and blemishes, while not feeling or looking too heavy.

That's what BECCA Cosmetics founder Rebbeca Morris Williams found as both a woman and a makeup artist, so she set about creating her own.

More than 6 years later, she found the perfect formula and created a range of products that will make you both look beautiful AND natural!

There is much that sets BECCA apart from the rest. For example, while most cosmetic companies offer 3 to 7 concealer colours, the BECCA range "features no less than 34 concealer colours and 30 foundation colours." This means that you'll get the perfect match which in turn, makes you look more natural.

Ahh!

Just check out the incredible Shimmering Skin Perfector!

This water-based moisturizer is filled with light-diffusing particles of shimmer that actually made my skin look good enough to not wear foundation! And with a SPF of 20+, your skin is cared for and protected against 96% of both UVA and UVB rays.

Contains soothing, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic ingredients such as anti-oxidant vitamins A, B, D, and E, this miracle lotion illuminates your face, even if you choose to put foundation on top! My face is all aglow no matter how much (or little) sleep I got or how many old fashioneds I consumed the night before.

Your skin will look luminous, even and lit from within, all without having to take extra vitamins, go to bed early or drink 4 gallons of water a day.

I am absolutely radiant and it's all thanks to BECCA!

My other favourite find is the Line + Illuminate Pencil. I love this concept of this 2-in-1 product, as I am so sick of my everyday look of black liner! I've been craving something new and exciting, but hadn't found anything that suited me - up until now!

I love that the pencil on BOTH ends is soft enough to use without pulling or tugging at your skin. The pencil creates a wonderful look of dark liner with complementary illuminating shadow, which means my eyes go from ugh to wow in just a few seconds. Suddenly, they are brighter and better than ever before. Where has this pencil been all of my life?!

And since I'm such a spaz at doing my own makeup, I am happy to say that the pencil does it all professionally, I just line my lids and fill in with the illuminator and I'm telling you, I look red carpet ready! Me!

Not only do I look good, but my look is smudge-resistant and long-lasting, which means I can spend less time fussing with my makeup and more time enjoying myself.

And just think, these are only 2 of the many products available at BECCA Cosmetics!

I'm definitely going to need a bigger makeup bag...

Looking for a Stress-Free Life? Natural Calm and Real Life Music Will Help!

I am always looking for ways to improve the way I live and for me, it always comes down to trying to reduce stress and spend more time and energy on the things that are important to me.

It's a delicate juggling act that I try to balance each and every day, thought not every day is a success. These things below help. I hope they'll help you too!

Warmest wishes

Stephanie Dickison
Publisher & Editor - the knack

Natural Calm

Thank goodness for Natural Calm. I don't know about you, but I can think of a bazillion instances this days when it would come in handy!

I used Natural Calm's Raspberry Lemon for the first time just before my book launch a couple of weeks ago. It's funny - I can speak to a crowd of 1,000 people, but the thought of having to do a speech and read from my book for the first time in front of dear friends and family made me nervous. I didn't want to do anything drastic like take Valium or have one too many cocktails, but I knew I needed something to help take the edge off.

Natural Calm uses magnesium to help calm your nerves NATURALLY! This is one of those products that once you find and try, you latch onto and tell everyone you know about it, because it's that amazing, it's that transforming.

This tasty supplement dissolves in water and makes a refreshing drink.

I'm not saying that you have to use it each and every day, but in those instances where you feel you need a little back up, a little settling of your mind and your nerves, you can count on Natural Calm to get you back to your regular self.

Ahhhh...

Real Music

As a music critic, I know the incredible power of music. It can get me up outta my office chair in the middle of deadlines or bring back memories that otherwise remain forgotten - a restaurant for a boy's birthday a decade ago, where rain ran down the windows and we fell in love.

Recently though, I've been craving music to relax me, to soothe me, to take away the stress and strains of the day. It's not that I'm going through anything so awful, but I'm scattered and unfocused. I feel like I just need to steal away moments throughout the day to set myself right.

And I want to do it with music that I can relax and drift away with.

I found TONS OF IT at Real Music!

And as the company says, their albums "are crafted to bring you to a place of balance and harmony. At first listening, the music may simply wash away daily stresses, but regular listening can build a sense of peace you can maintain and carry with you always as you go about your days."

Can you say that about your current relaxation collection?

Take Bernward Koch's Gentle Spirit, for example. The soft plinky, plunky sounds of piano make for a serene landscape in which to lose yourself and let the stress just melt away. And Gandalf's Sanctuary, as with all the titles at Real Music contains patterns that actually stimulate your body to relax! I found Sancutary's guitar melodies surprisingly uplifting and joyful. Kevin Kern's Endless Blue Sky really has heart and yet is gentle enough that you can leave it on throughout your day and not feel overwhelmed by it. It just melts into your subconscious and while you go about doing your things, it reaches into your body and allows you to let go of whatever burdens you are carrying with you.

For a really deep relaxation, you've got to give Liquid Mind IX Lullaby a go! There is actually a warning label on this one - "Use care when operating vehicles or dangerous machinery. MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS!" - so you know it's going to ease your mind and body! This is great if you have trouble falling asleep or letting go of all that mind chatter of to-do lists and errands to run.

My favourite has got to be the Sacred Spa Music Series 2 that contains 3 CDs - Contentment, Finding Balance and Journey to Wellness. This collection can be played while you are working or as an antidote to your working day, if that's what you are in need of.

What I love most about Real Music is that they know the power of music and all the benefits that go along with it. They have not only created music that sounds relaxing - it acutally is programmed to MAKE you relax!

Which is fantastic, because these days I can use all the help I can get!

Smith's the Edge Experts - Knive & Scissors Sharpeners for Your Home & Kitchen!

If you are in the kitchen at all, you know the value of a good knife.

A sharp knife.

I'm sure you've been to houses where their chef's knife is as sharp as their butter knife.

This is no way to live.

That's why I am sooo excited about the amazing collection of knife sharpeners from Smith's!

Not only do they offer sharpening for every knife in your drawer, but in a variety of ways as well - so whether you are left-handed with mostly santoku knives or right-handed with a butcher's block full of cleavers, Smith's has something just for you.

I love their attention to detail in this regard because not every tool is for everyone. You might want something heavy that sits on the countertop, while I want a light sharpening rod that suits my entire knife collection.

They have electric sharpeners, manual sharpeners and accessories and replacement parts to choose from.

Check out the super beautiful Diamond Edge Gourmet Electric Knife & Scissors Sharpener! This bad boy does it all and with absolutely no effort required by you! The interlocking diamond wheels and scissors sharpener will go to work on both straight and serrated blades and sharpen most household scissors.

I love the style and look of it and that you can just slip your knife or scissors in for a guaranteed factory edge result each and every time. And you never have to worry about it scratching, maring or de-tempering your blade.

I think this is a fantastic gift for a wedding, housewarming or for the aspiring chef or experienced gourmand in your life. In fact, every household should have one of these, don't you think?

And if that is too big or too much, maybe a manual sharpener is more your thing.

If you like to pull your knife through the sharpener, there's the lovely and easy Ceramic Pull-Thru that does both straight and serrated edges. And if you love your Santoku, get the Santoku Pull-Thru to keep your knife at its best! And check out the features on the Carbide/Ceramic Pull-Thru - it will do all those knives in your drawer.

The EdgeGrip 2-Step Sharpener is not only small and versatile, it is less than $6! What a bargain!

If you are old school and prefer to use a sharpening rod, Smith's has got you covered - just look at their swank 10" Oval Diamond Knife Sharpening Rod and 9" Oval Ceramic Sharpening Rod. These are what professional chefs use and I've gotta tell you, this quality at these prices? Unbelievable! You may want to get some as gifts for friends and family.

And for those of you that like to keep your scissors ready for anything, the V-Slot 10 Second Knife & Scissors Sharpener is fast and easy, and the Counter Safe Deluxe Knife & Scissors Sharpener is a nice, sturdy handheld that won't slip while in use.

I really think that these wonderfully professional, easy to use and completely affordable sharpeners from Smith's are a fantastic resource for every household.

No wonder they're called the edge experts!

HTnaturals Offers Fantastic Stylish & Comfy Eco & Organic Clothing!

Every day I get a little more particular about what I want.

In terms of clothing, I want to:

- look good
- be stylish
- be comfortable
- be responsible to the earth
- be able to afford it

I found it all at HTnaturals!

The company specializes in soft materials that are socially responsible and sustainable and offers clothing for both men and women.

I love the selection - great basics that can be mixed and match for both day and evening wear.

I got the Reverse Halter with Print in Sand/Black which is both classic and sexy all at once. I love that I can wear it to a meeting and feel dressed up enough for drinks on a rooftop patio downtown late in the evening. It is super comfortable - even the tie behind your neck sits softly without any painful pulling or tugging.

It is double layered, yet not heavy in the least. And it's mostly bamboo, which you know I can't say enough good things about and I cannot get enough of. It is one of my all-time favourite fabrics. A little bit of organic cotton and spandex give it a nice stretch and bounce and gives all day/all night comfort - I know because I've worn it for that long!

And of course, the fact that it's reversible means that it's like 2 tops in 1 - savings galore! I love the flower - very feminine - and of course the plain black is a quick and easy choice - it goes with everything.

To make the outfit complete, I went with the Reversible Knit Capri pants. They are so comfortable, I'm wearing them everywhere -grocery shopping, to the movies and on nights out on the town with friends or my fella. I love the weight of the knit, the wide leg, the relaxed fit and the extra wide foldover waistband. They are in fact, the perfect all around pant!

The Capris are the same blend as the top and are also reversible, so you can change them with your moods and depending upon your outfit and/or destination.

Of course, HTnaturals has so much more to offer. I will be getting more from them because when it's this stylish AND comfortable AND reversible, you just can't go wrong!!

Shop for your wardrobe pieces now and change the way you dress - for the better.

Better for you, better for the planet!

Discover Great Products for Your Pets - Evive Fresh Homemade Meals for Pets, Nu-Hemp's Hemp Hideout and Imperial Cat Scratch n' Shapes!

If you have a pet, no doubt you want to shower it with love and attention.

I know I do with my guys.

So I've gathered together a few fantastic products to show them how much you care.

Evive Fresh Handmade Meals for Pets

Rip is my 13 year old dog (named after actor Rip Torn) who is is a great big guy (think cartoon Marmaduke) whose only goal in life is to love you and lick you.

Recently, because he is part Great Dane and so old, he has had a number of serious health issues that have made us realize that we really have to treasure what time we have with him and make me as comfortable and happy as possible.

I can think of no better way to pamper your dog (or cat) than Evive Fresh Handmade Meals for Pets.

Those cans of dog food at the grocery store contain some pretty scary ingredients - you wouldn't consume it, so why should your dog? That's what I love about Evive - handmade in Montreal, the food is lovingly prepared with only whole, nutritious ingredients.

And if you don't believe me, here are Evive's 12 good reasons to use their food over others.

I couldn't agree more!

Evive's fresh, local Square Meals come in 3 sizes - small, medium and large - and is affordable for homemade fare (just imagine the time, energy and money you'd have to spend to make these wonderful meals yourself).

And with ingredients such as grain fed chicken, sweet potatoes, apple, rice, beef liver and vitamin B complex that are in the wonderfully aromatic Grain Fed Chicken your dog will be eating as healthfully as you. Which is how it should be, shouldn't it? And don't be surprise if the Beef & Green Bean and Squash Meal make your own mouth water. They really seem like you are your dog could share it (but it's been specially formulated for your dog, so let him enjoy it all to himself!).

The supplements and oils added are "human grade and lab tested," so you can trust that your dog is not getting anything synthetic or gross.

And they make Treats too, which are fabulous and all-natural.

One of the best things is to treat your pet well - as you would a friend. We have tried to give Ripper a good life full of love and fun and feeding him good, wholesome food ensures that he will prosper - even in these later years.

And at a time when Rip doesn't feel like eating much due to heavy medication and sometimes pain, it's a huge relief to know that he will devour Evive each and every time.

I'm called Evive the food of love for your pet. I don't think that's a stretch in the least.

Order yours now.

Nu-Hemp's Hemp Hideout

If you are more of a small animal kind-of-person, Nu-Hemp's Hemp Hideout is a kind of dream cottage designed for your little one.

I love how cozy it is and how it really is more of house than those acrylic boxes that pet stores recommend.

You can customize the look by colouring in the black outline shutters and brush and even create a brick, wood or stucco if you like.

I love the homey feel that this will bring to both you and your pet and the Bio-Nesting that comes with the house is actually good for them - it gives your animal a warm, soft and hygenic area to live and sleep. This non-toxic, practically dust-free environment provides your pet with great comfort - the nesting is anti-microbial and is as twice as absorbent as what you are currently using.

If you have a little one that you want to give a good home, there's no better than Nu-Hemp's Hemp Hideout.

And it's insanely affordable - so much so that you may want to buy a couple for your kid's dolls or as just something fun to play with!

Imperial Cat Scratch n' Shapes

Cosmo, our cat isn't lazy exactly, but he is picky.

Out of all the toys, we've bought him throughout the years, the only one he consistantly plays with is this catnip teabag that my Mom got him for Christmas and which he honestly can't get enough of (they stopped making them, of course...).

And we have been through our fair share of cat furniture too (we got rid of some of it after a visit from professional organizer Lois King awhile back...). It seems he's never really been excited about any of it.

Until, that is, the Imperial Cat Scratch n' Shapes couch arrived.

I've never seen him take to something like this before, but every day, several times a day, Cosmo can be found on his new couch.

It's a freakin' miracle!

They say that cats "sleep an average of 13 to 16 hours a day." I am glad he finally has a place that he really enjoys and that is comfortable (full disclosure: Cosmo is a big fella - 18 pounds of love. He doesn't lie on the couch lengthwise, but sits with his front end perpendicular to the couch. He doesn't seem to mind that he can't quite fit onto the whole thing, though he does squeeze himself onto it for a short while every couple of weeks! See another red-haried cat enjoying his couch in the gallery).

I am thrilled that it is 100% recyclable and made of 30% recycled materials and that he can scratch to his heart's content without ripping up the rest of the joint. And the certified organic catnip that comes with it? It drives him wild and calms him down when he gets cabin fever, so it's good for the both of us!

And you don't have to just have the couch design. There's a ton of styles to choose from - a wedge of cheese, an alligator, a racing car - what fun!

Look, if Cosmo loves it, no doubt your feline will go crazy for it too!

Click on find a store to buy yours now!

The Power of Less Gives You The Breathing Space and Tools To Life a Better - More Organized - Life

The book The Power of Less by Leo Babauta arrived on my doorstep and not a minute too soon. I just completed my first book, was freelance writing to hourly and daily deadlines, blogging daily, twittering occasionally (via 2 accounts, mind you) and my email kept crashing because it is overloaded and exhausted.

Me too.

I don't read how-to books except when it comes to productivity, organizing and managing my time, because I always feel like there's improvement to be made there in my fun but crazybusy life.

And now more than ever.

And while author Leo Babauta (creator of zenhabits) does not really say anything that hasn't been covered before, this way that he presents is makes all the difference in the world.

First of all, The Power of Less is a slim volume (170 pages) , there's a lot of white space on the page and the chapters are small and manageable.

But perhaps it's that he's not using management, corporate speak that makes it such an easy read. It's more like a friend suggesting that you take more time to do what's important to you than formulas and charts to follow, like most simplfying books I've read before.

It may also be that it's these principles on the page that turned him around from an listless overweight smoker to an avid runner and successful writer and daily blogger. It worked for him, you think to yourself. Maybe it can work for me too.

And really, by breaking down your goals into manageable tasks and focusing on only a few tasks at a time, as he suggests for example, you know that's going to get you farther ahead than the crazy scattered way your working right now.

Normally I'm very organized and methodical, but lately, it's all just been piling up to where I feel like I can't get a handle on everything. Though I kept on doing what I was doing, over the few nights that I read Leo's book, I started to feel better and more in control - like somehow I could manage it all now.

And I think that's the gift of this book. It's that moment to step back and have someone else guide you when you can't see what's what.

We all know the principals - set limits (chapter 2), start small (chapter 6), declutter you work space (chapter 15), slow down (chapter 16) - but sometimes it just takes being reminded of them, of being nudged in the right direction.

And that's what I appreciate about Leo's book - it's a gentle nudge and a voice of calm and reason.

Ahhhh.

It's instant relief, despite the pile of papers and emails and phone calls awaiting your attention.

In his introduction, Leo writes:

"Each chapter of this book is designed to teach you how to focus on less and to use that focus to be more powerful in different areas of your life. You'll learn to simplify what you do, to reduce the volume of your task and projects and communication and information. You'll learn to reduce the clutter in your life so that you're less stressed and more productive. You'll learn how simplicity can be extremely powerful and how to use that to accomplish your goals, one at a time."

And thanks to his suggestions of setting limitations, simplifying, focusing and doing what's important first, I am happy to say that I am back on track. I still have the same problems that you are probably tackling too - too much coming in - email, voicemail, work, etc - and trying to manage it all at once, but I have been wisely reminded that this never works.

It's funny because now I have more work today than I had yesterday, but Leo's words ring in my ears and I pick up one piece of paper at a time, finish one thing before moving onto something else and somehow I've worked through much of my to do list and made plans to do things I've wanted to do for months.

All I needed was some wise words and a little nudge to get back into a routine that keeps me sane and on top of the never-ending in-pile.

Thanks, Leo. I couldn't have done it without you.

Get it now in book form or for your Kindle.

Coupla Guys Foods Make Sauces That Ensure You'll Go Back for Seconds!

To make a really great spaghetti sauce, you've got to let it simmer and you've got to put a whole lotta love into it.

If I have the time on a Sunday afternoon, I'm more than happy to dice onions, mushrooms and peppers and tend to the sauce throughout the day.

But come on - who has that kind of time these days?!

So I went in search of a sauce that tastes homemade yet comes in a jar and only has pure ingredients that I can pronounce. It's a tall order, I know, but I found what I was looking for in Coupla Guys Foods.

Their sauces are thick, rich and oozing with homemade goodness. And it doesn't just stop at tomato. No, these boys have got a whole range of stuff! Come have a look:
Marvelous Marinara - this is your your basic sauce (basic in that it's just tomatoes, garlic, etc, but not basic at all in taste - it's fragrant and developed and robust, without being at all overpowering) that stands up on it's own - just pasta and this oughtta do it. But you can add your own ingredients like ground meat, sausage, vegetable protein, vegetables, seafood - whatever you like. But trust me when I tell you that you certainly don't have to. In fact, it's nice just to enjoy it as is.

Because it's no mere jarred sauce. This is the good stuff and you'll know because you'll savour every bite.

I did.

Creme de la Cremini - Mushrooms are an essential part of Italian cooking, and this bright, earthy sauce doesn't just have to top pasta (though you'll want to be sure to do that too). The cremini mushrooms bring real depth to chicken, veal and pork. I made veal parmesan with it and my fella was smitten. There is a little spice to this one, so when topped our fish with it, it added that little bit extra that I'm always looking for when flavouring a mild fish.

Perfect Puttanesca - Capers and kalamata olives are something that both my guy and I often add to our sauces, whether they are homemade or prepared, so when we say this, we were pretty excited.

We were not disappointed. I used this not only for pasta dishes, but I topped my homemade meatloaf with it (oh-mawh-gawd), blended in with a meat and rice for stuffed peppers and one night on top of baked polenta... sigh.

Awesome Arribata - I have bought a lot of gourmet sauces in my past that deem themselves "spicy" and then we try them and we end up putting red pepper flakes or hot sauce on it because it's barely got any kick to it at all. Not this sauce. This is just on this side of hot, which is what we were looking for. I had a whole bunch of plans for this one, but we ended up eating it all just on pasta one night. We couldn't help ourselves apparently.

Buoy Base - This is an intriguing sauce, as it seems so east coast to me, with its seafood-centric ideas. But it didn't take us anytime to dig in and love it. It's decadent and sexy and though I only added shrimp, scallops and salmon, it tasted like a million bucks.

And I don't know if you've ever tried to make bouillabaisse yourself, but it's expensive, a lot of hard work and smelly.

I'll take this one any day!
Serious Sesame Sauce - What a fun idea this is - a thick, rich sauce that is more sesame-tasting than anything I've ever had. I checked out the recipe and serving tips on the website and followed the instuctions. We had thick noodles coated with the stuff one night and I topped boneless, skinless chicken with it the next. We finished the jar and started to want a second one right away.

Terrific Tapenade - I've been buying and making tapenade since the early nineties and I've gotta say - this is one of the best I've ever had. We were slathering our bagels with it in the morning and I was tossing it into pasta, adding it to our pizza crust before baking and generally using it each and every opportunity I could. This is heaven, ladies and gentlemen.

So first of all, these sauces are incredible. Secondly, they are not crazy expensive. And thirdly, you should get more than one of each because once you've tried it, you'll realize, you can never have enough of Couple Guys Foods.

Discover the Joy of Soji Solar Lanterns - Beautiful Light Both Day and Night!

I think laterns are a lovely addition to your home and garden. There is something sweet and romantic about them and they allow you to enjoy the outdoors a little longer.

But never have I seen cooler lanterns than Allsop's Soji Solar Lanterns!

These babies not only look good, but they collect light all day and glow by night WITHOUT THE HASSLE OF ELECTRICAL CORDS!

So you can add a touch of style to your back deck, balcony, garden or simply just outside your apartment window and all the while, capture the daylight thanks to built-in solar panels and create instant ambiance! You'll wonder where these have been all of your life!

Each lantern is equipped with one AAA rechargeable battery, solar panel, duel LED lights and stainless steel hardware and they just pop open once they're assembled. No elbow grease required!

They come in a variety of shapes and colours - these round nylon lanterns offer a simple classic look while these oblong ones are modern and cheery in fun candy colours.

And you've got to get yourself some from the Silk Effects collection too - hot air balloon and square shapes constructed of silk will magically float and shimmer against the dark sky. These are simply exquisite.

These lanterns are environmentally savvy as well as beautiful, as you can enjoy them both day and night.

And they are affordable, which means that you can get a number of different shapes, colours and designs.

Soji Solar Lanterns are not only a great addition to your home, but make an extremely chic gift.

I'm stocking up -how 'bout you?

Pacifica Makes Wonderfully Evocative Perfumes, Soaps, Candles & Body Butters - And They're Affordable Too!

Now that the warm (read: hot) weather has arrived, you'll want to change up your scents from the heavy winter notes to something a little lighter, a little more summery.

Pacifica is one of those companies that you can count one for lovely fragrances that are affordable and that come in many forms, so if you prefer a a solid perfume or spray, soap, body butter or a candle, you can cater it to your lifestyle - a little spritz there, a little rub there.

What I like most about Pacifica is their attitude towards fragrance - it should be fun and wearable. As well, they are socially responsible - Pacifica products are free of parabens, propylene glycol, phthalates and lead wicks, and they do not use any animal ingredients including beeswax.

Their scents are wonderfully playful and actually quite sexy.

One of my favourites is Lotus Garden. It is quite floral, with green and citrus notes. It is light and clean but has depth and body too. I like it so much I got it in the perfume, body butter, soap and soy candle! It's one of those scents that you can wear everyday and never tire of.

Egyptian Bergamot Rose is another wonderfully evocative scent. Blends of amber, rose and orange create a heady mix of sexy hippie chic that is bound to delight you. French Lilac is a classic scent and brings to mind a garden in full bloom. And I'm loving the fresh boldness of Tunsian Jasmine, which is wonderfully surprising and complex.

Of course this is just a small sampling of their scents. As you can see, they have a lot to choose from - florals, fruits, herbs and spices and woods & resins! For my friends who love vanilla, they'll be devouring Vanilla Vera Cruz and for something out of the ordinary, try Thai Lemongrass!

I love that you can choose your perfume in a spray or solid form (I prefer spray, my Mom prefers solid) and that you can layer your favourite scent by adding their luxurous body butters. Shea butter, almond and safflower oils nourish and soften your skin while a soft fragrance lingers throughout the day - pure delight!

And their soy candles fill the room with the scent of your choice, but don't overpower even the smallest of spaces. They are handmade at the Portland, Orgeon factory and give a long-lasting, clean burn. These are candles that you can feel good about using - and they look good too.

And that's one thing I want to mention. Pacifica's packaging is just gorgeous - no gift wrap required! In fact, you'll want to keep the boxes and use them to store other things. I'm using my soap box to hold business cards on my desk. It's b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l!

So check out all of the Pacifica products and change up your scents for summer. Not only is it a lot of fun, it's actually affordable too!

Discover Jessica E. Handmade Jewelry

I am old-fashioned in a lot of ways. I say please and thank you, I get dressed up to go out for dinner and I think wearong a hat and gloves is timeless and ladylike.

That's why I am swooning over my new Jessica E. handmade necklaces. That, and they are freakin' beautiful!

Made from old posters and retro images and then set on a piece of sturdy glass, these gems bring a timelessness to any outfit. A stainless steel chain allows for simplicity as well as showcasing the pendant.

Blue Moon is perfect for my amazing friend Jill because she's a songwriter, cabaret singer and all around great ol' fashioned girl (she even found a chivalrous husband who walks ladies across the street and to the subway!). The midnight blue background and pale moon harkens back to a simpler time filled with long cigarette holders, long glances and even longer nights filled with drink and passion.

For me, the Adler typewriter is just a perfect. As you'll see from our collection of typewriters and being half of a couple who writes day and night, it really is one of the most menaingful pieces I've ever had.

The pumpkin background and old font gives me pleasure in its simplicity and the idea of finally being able to carry around a typewriter is a joy that cannot be expressed merely in words.

And there are so many that I love - the Japanese paper designs (chiyogami) are exquisite and are both retro and yet right up to the moment, don't you think? Boston's Best Cream Pie is awfully cute and Orchid Springs Bath Salts brings about a great sense of calm for me.

And the fact that each piece is made by hand in Toronto?

It doesn't get any better than this.

Jessica E. handmade jewelry - jewelry with heart and style.

Pep Up Your Summer Party with Fun Snacks From Enjoy Life Foods, Bob's Pickle Pops, Doctor Kracker and Ecobooma Jenkins Jellies!

Anyone can go out and get chips and dip for a party - why not make your snacks spectacular and something that your guests will remember.

Try these fun products and see just how quickly you get RSVP's for your next bash!

Enjoy Life Foods

As you may have noticed, just as more people have become allergic to peanuts, a significant portion of the population is gluten-intolerant. In fact, I have a handful of friends that avoid gluten if at all possible.

That's why I stock up on Enjoy Life products when I'm having people over. They have a number of products to choose from that are gluten-free as well as not containing any of the 8 most common allergens.

Their cookies and snack bars are great to have on hand. Snickerdoodle and chewy chocolate chip cookies satisfy your sweet tooth, while very berry and caramel apple snack bars satisfy your hunger - without having to suffer any side effects that come with gluten intolerance.

I always want to have something for everyone at my parties - and now with Enjoy Life Foods, I can.

Bob's Pickle Pops

There is nothing better on a hot day than a popsicle to cool you down. But why get regular ol' orange when you can have Pickle Pops?!

These will get people talking at your party! Not only are they good for you, they are a wonderful treat for those of us who love pickles, olives, capers and the like.

You can order yours here, but be warned - they are highly addictive! I consumed almost all of them before anyone else had a chance at them...

Doctor Kracker

Party after party, people roll out the same damn crackers - table water, cream and cheese. Now really, there is nothing wrong with this. They are all fine choices, but I say it's time to get a little more inventive, a little more bold in what you serve at your next shindig!

That's why I am rockin' Doctor Kracker flatbreads.

These dense, organic and artisan-baked flatbreads have what the company calls "uber crunch," thanks to being jam-packed with tons of organic whole-grains and seeds. And because they are thick and crunchy, you can use them with spreads, pates, sliced meats, sliced vegetables, jams (see below), and any topping you like - there's nothing that these krackers can't hold!

There is a wide selection to choose from - Klassic 3 Seed, Pumpkin Cheddar, Seeded Spelt, Sunflower Cheddar and Seedlander.

So amp up your party with interesting choices - and Doctor Kracker.

Ecobooma Jenkins Jellies

When having people over, I often put together a bamboo wood tray of crackers, pate, assorted charcuterie, cheeses, fruit, etc.

Recently, I have found that adding jams, jellies and chutneys really elevates the meat and cheese and suddenly your guests simply can't get enough.

One of my favourite finds is Ecobooma Jenkins Jellies. Homegrown and homemade, these wonderfully fragrant and bright concoctions are made with local, organic ingredients from Los Angeles, California.

They come in 8 oz. or 16 oz. glass jars that are packaged using recycled products and "often reusing decorative touches or samplings from the garden."

I got Sassy Satsuma Marmalade, which not only received rave reviews and standing ovations at my last party, but the following evening I glazed chicken and ham with it and my fella and I oohed and ahhed at how incredibly posh and decadent it had made our dinner.

Not only are these jellies made with great love and care, but they go towards a good cause as well. A portion of Ecobooma's profits will be donated to The Bruce Paltrow Oral Cancer Fund and EMA (Environmenal Media Association).

Fresh & Glowing Skin is Easy, Thanks to dermaglow!

Because of my hectic lifestyle, the toxins in the air and the continuous products that I am testing on my skin, my face can get a little rough around the edges at times.

I've heard people raving madly about the incredible results after using dermaglow for years now, and now after trying them myself, I see why.

The dermaglow NUVECTIN line of anti-aging skin care products works by "combining skin firming agents, hydrators and skin eleasticizers with the most exciting anti-aging discovery of the decade - the power of peptides."

What this means for you is that those fine lines, wrinkles, bags, dark circles, age spots, rough, dry skin texture and uneven skintone that you thought you had to live with for the rest of your life will now be banished - alongside your fur coats, sun-in and bad-ass boyfriends.

I used Retinol-PX for a number of weeks and found the results to be just as dramatic as people had told me it would be. While it is clinically proven to improve a number of factors of your skin, it is now Stephanie proven as well. My skin suddenly looked younger and more luminous and it felt better too - hydrated and nourished all day long. And both me and my pocketbook appreciate that a little goes a long way - I still have lots left despite using it every morning.

Another product I am psyched about is from the dermaDNA line, which you can learn more about here. Their Cellular Repair Eye Treatment gives you not only instant, but a "long-term" reduction in the appearance of dark circles and puffy under-eye bags. And I didn't believe it until I saw it.

I noticed results right away. After long, sleepless nights of anxiety about my upcoming book launch, meeting hourly deadlines and rapidly trying to finish an almost 500 page book for my food book club, my eyes had certainly seen better days and I was looking pretty haggard - until this miracle treatment came along!

And dermaglow's RADIANCE line offers fantastic facial rejuvenation in many forms. I went with the Microdermabrasion System, which is a 2-step process and is surprisingly gentle (I had envisioned a tomato red and raw face!), yet completely effective.

What is so revolutionary about this system is that it penetrates to the deepest layers of the skin, so you are changing things beneath the surface while the outer layer transforms from blah to oh-my-god! There are lightening and brightening properties built right in, so your skin not only evens out in tone and texture, but it suddenly seems like you are lit from within. And all at a much cheaper price than having it done at an office or spa - which, in these difficult economic times means that you can look good and not break the bank.

dermaglow makes me look younger and better than I really am. I don't mind the lie so much

It's available at Shoppers Drug Mart, PharmaPlus, London Drugs and Save On Foods locations across Canada and at Pharmaprix Jean Coutu, Familiprix and Essaim in Quebec.

Flojos Sandals are the Perfect Summer Accessory - Especially in this Heat!

Gosh it's been hot lately - sweltering, in fact.

And there's nothing worse on a humid day than having hot, feet. If you are still wearing your ballet flats and high heeled pumps, it time to switch to pretty and comfortable sandals.

Flojos, a company that has been around and making sandals and flip flops since 1979, embraces the California beach style in their designs.

Easy on the eyes and your feet, Flojos come in styles for the whole family - women, men and kids.

I love the variety of colours, styles and designs available - you'll want to get more than one pair, I'm sure.

I am currently rockin' my new pair of Paige in black. As you may know from reading my posts, I am most certainly a wedge girl and for me, the higher the better.

These 2 1/2-inch wedges give me the height I want and make them stand out from the usual flat flip flop designs that me and every other girl wears constantly during the summer. And the silver studded strap gives them a little oomph, a little edge to my outfits.

One thing you've gotta know about these puppies is that thanks to a padded footbed and material that feels like ultrasuede, is that they are comfortable.

And really, as much as you want to look good, isn't this becoming just as important to you as you get older (Recently at my book launch, my friend Ava was walking around with her shoes in her hands. They were so painful that her husband had to help her off with them. And my Mom wore new shoes that were a teeny too big so she hobbled around that night, walking very, very slowly)?

Now, there was another pair of Flojos that I was looking at...

Get yours now and enjoy the summer without the blisters, aches and pains for once!

Green Your Home in a Snap with WoolDryerBalls.com, Glass Dharma Glass Straws and Bona Hardwood Floor Mop!

Every day I strive to do something else around the house to lessen my impact on the earth. And while I know there is much to be done, but each little thing adds up and makes a difference.

And they don't cost a fortune either! Woo woo!

Here are some wonderful products to help you save the earth one day at a time:

WoolDryerBalls.com

If you are using dryer sheets each time you do a wash, just think about the piles and piles of debris that you have accumulated! There's no reason for this, especially when you've got the beautifullly handmade Wool Dryer Balls that keep your clothes from being full of static and hair and even softens them!

They work the same as dryer sheets - only better. The balls come as a set of 6 and each dry, just toss 4-6 of them in and see the difference it makes:

"When you use 4 balls in your dryer, you can cut an average of 25% off your large load drying time and cut around 35-45% off your small loads!! The balls circulate and separate the clothing and get the warm dry air right down to the core of the laundry load! The more you have the faster the drying time, softer softness and money saved. They speed up the drying time and soften up by gentle friction of the felted wool fibers against your clothing fibers. The rubber/plastic dryer balls that are out there can be harsh and I have found them to tear at towels, and hems," says the creator.

These handmade beauties don't clang around loudly like those plastic ones and you can reuse them over and over again. They will start to pill, but your clothes won't, so be sure to use them everytime you dry!

I think these are a fantastic find and I love that they are handmade. Get yours now!

GlassDharma Glass Straws

A friend of mine drinks from a straw because she is allergic to severly cold drinks. My Mom enjoys drinking from a straw instead of a can or bottle - she's so ladylike and British in more ways than one! And I simply like it because I find I can drink waay more water that way.

But the environmental consequences of throwing away all of those plastic straws is huge. So what's a girl to do?

Thank goodness for the smart thinking folks at GlassDharma They've made ones that are reusable, sustainable and easy to use and clean - just rinse through and reuse!

You can actually use them for both hot and cold drinks and they are dishwasher safe.

They are handmade by glassblower David Leonhardt and come with a LIFETIME GUARANTEE AGAINST BREAKAGE, which is out-of-this-world fantastic, as are his straws.

They come in different sizes and styles so be sure to get a bunch to keep at the ready!

I'm keeping mine on the kitchen counter so that every time I reach for a drink, I'll be sure to use it. It's a wonderful invention that it now as much of my daily routine as my morning cup of joe - which I now drink with my glass straw!

Homemade and made well - you can't ask for anything more than that!

Bona Hardwood Floor Mop

For years I've been using the same kind of mop that my Mom used and probably my Grandma too. You know the one - the brightly coloured handle with a yellow or orange sponge on the end. Mine had become so beyond that the prongs that held the sponge on had completely worn out and I'd been holding the sponge on with elastic bands.

I know -completely embarrassing, but I didn't know what else to do. I could have gone out and got another one, the same one but new, but I wanted something better. Waaay better.

And that's when I found my Bona Hardwood Floor Mop.

There is much to love about this baby!

First of all, there is a long, flat microfiber cleaning pad that not only traps all of the dirt, but gets into places my mop never could and where I would have to hand wash corners and places like under our night tables, under the kitchen table and chairs and under the couch and theater chairs. As well, it's super absorbent, can be used on many types of floors other than hardwood (I use it on our tile floors in the kitchen and bathroom), and it can be washed up to 300 times, which means you are not adding to our landfills with those disposable floor wipes or sponges that don't break down!

I like the long handle, which means I no longer have to crouch to get in and around things and though it is a little bit heavy when you have a full cartridge of cleaner attached, it is completely easy and comfortable to use. I also love the fact that you can spray the cleaner with just a squeeze of the convenient lever right in the mop - no getting your hands wet and dirty anymore! Hallelujah!

The Hardwood Floor Cleaner honestly makes the floors look much better than they've ever looked - they are old and worn, but look smashing once I've cleaned with my Bona mop! And as the company says, "Unlike all-purpose cleaners, this cleaner will not dull your floor finish or leave an oily residue." And it picks up way more stains, scuffs and hair than my old mop. Waaay more.

Not only is the cleaner non-toxic, it's environmentally friendly and GREENGUARD certified for indoor air quality and also the more stringent certification for the Children & Schools program.

So you can see how good it is for you and your home. You can feel good using and because we have our lovely Cosmo, it's important not to have chemicals on the floor. And here's the bonus - our wonderful place used to take about 30 minutes to mop as there is hardwood in almost all our rooms.

Now it takes only 7.

I have already recommended the mop to friends, family and colleagues and I've got my neighbours asking to try it out.

It's that good. And the best part? I actually enjoy doing the floors now.

Can you say that about your current mop? Didn't think so.

Get a Bona Hardwood Floor Mop for yourself and see how much fun and easy it can actually be!