I dare you to say that FIVE times fast! *haha! Anyway, here are some of my favourite things that have really cheered me up this winter:

1) Malin + Goetz : I adore the brands’ simplistic packaging and all their wonderful scents. I am using the cilantro hair condition as well as the eucalyptus deodorant. Both smell fresh, light and spring-y.  As someone who is allergic to most deodorants, this one was such a wonderful buy! Plus it smells like mint. Mmmm. As for the conditioner, it has really kept my recently colored hair from getting too crispy and tangled in the winter wind. I purchased both at Jacob & Sebastian and I also left with a couple samples of the Malin + Goetz body wash and detox face mask, which I am eager to get the full sizes of. PRODUCT RAVE!

2) House of Harlow Double Starburst Necklace: I got this wonderful necklace for Christmas and have been wearing it every other day since. It is classic, yet shiny enough for nighttime and costume-y accessorizing! Anything Nicole Richie approved is fine by me, but this particular necklace is elegant and can be worn in multiple different ways (starbursts to the front, or one at the front and one at the back – as seen in the photo).

3) Downton Abbey: This award winning  PBS masterpiece classic- is the show I race home to watch. Season 1 (which is only 7 episodes) is available on Netflix and the perfect indulgence after a rough day at the office. The soothing British accents, beautiful costumes, and romance from both the story and the gorgeous scenery is a satisfying trip without using any vacation days.

4) Madewell Boots: I picked up these awesome boots when I was in NYC. I adore the thick leather and the heavy wooden heel. My friends complain that they can hear me from a mile away, but I don’t mind. The wooden 4′inch heel is sturdy and perfectly built for long walks.

This year I really made a conscious effort (border line obsessed) to use all-natural, if not organic products and that included what I used as part of my beauty regimen.  Someone told me once what I put on my body is just as important as what I put in my body and it stuck.  It only make sense right? I’m not 100%(as you’ll see below) but I was able to scrounge up some goodies I hope you’ll try.

Merben Body Brush

I’ve contemplated buying this brush for a very long time but never got around to it until a few months ago. To keep it short, it works wonders! You use it right before you jump into the shower as a dry brush all over your body to exfoliate, improve circulation, and the sight of pesky cellulite. It’s a great mini-massage and leaves your skin silky smooth. Who wouldn’t want that?

Sugaring – Sugar Moon

Nothing does it like sugaring. It’s surprisingly not very big in Toronto but works so much better than waxing and is all-natural! The sugar paste is made of sugar, lemon, and water and sticks to the hair as opposed to the skin, which also makes it much less painful. I go to Sugar Moon. The best, hands down!

Carol’s Daughter Love Butter

In a word – AMAZING!! I honestly try not tell people I have it because I don’t want to share. It’s made from Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter and Sweet Almond oil and is free of parabens, petroleum, mineral oils, and artificial colours. It comes with a real cinnamon stick inside and smells like Christmas! My absolute favourite product of the year.

Ole Henriksen products – Face wash and wipes

I am constantly on the hunt for the best cleansers for my face, and at least for right now, I think I found them. For regular cleansing I use the African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser and The Truth To Go Wipes right before a workout or when I’m on the go (these wipes are called “The Truth” because they are! Best wipes to remove makeup). Both deep clean and moisturize without leaving your skin feeling either heavy or tight and the wipes smell like orangesicles!  Again, all-natural, anti-oxidant rich products.

Karma Organic Nail polish remover with Soybean Oil and Lavender

A friend of mine bought this nail polish remover for me and I am hooked! No more nasty acetone smell and weak nails. Although it takes a bit more work to get the polish off, it’s worth it. This nail polish remover smells like lavender and claims to improve the strength of your nails, which I don’t doubt. You can buy at 889 Yoga and Wellness Spa

The Healthy Deodorant by Lavanila Laboratories

It keeps me dry and I smell nice. Bonus: it lasts forever. Minus: it’s a pretty penny.  This has to be the only thing I’d really consider a splurge on the list but hey, it’s good stuff. When I decided to switch deodorants I not only wanted something without aluminum, I also wanted something that would be good for my skin, so I use this and I’m happy. There are 21 essential minerals, 18 amino acids, and goji berries!

d.v.j. beautenizer fiberwig LX mascara

My lashes are the kind that go all over the place so I am obsessed with mascaras and finding one that’ll make them look like falsies. This one hasn’t been half bad. It has a plastic brush that combs through lashes root to tip to define them and give them lots of length. Although it has become my go to for the last few months, I’m open to suggestions. I used to be a Dior Show girl but still on the hunt.

Vega Complete Whole Food Health Optimizer

I have been telling everybody and their mama about Vega. I love it. It has been a godsend. I have to thank Lyzabeth Lopez of Hourglass Workout for turning me on to this. It’s animal product, dairy, gluten, soy, sugar, wheat, yeast, artificial sweetener, GMO, and pesticide free, and has 100% of recommended daily vitamins and minerals.  I take it to go every morning I go to work and it keeps me satisfied.  Why is this under beauty? My nails are amazing, my skin is clear and I’m usually mistaken for being in my early 20s rather than my actual age. You can get it from Nutrition House or most health food stores.

Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Ok, so this really is not for everybody but I love it and thought it should be added. My hair is thick and curly and needs a ton of moisture so Jamaican castor oil has been my source! It’s thick, coats the hair, and is a miracle growth serum. I kid you not. Use it either as a hot oil treatment or as a leave in. I get mine from Honey Fig, but can probably get it lots of places if you search. You can get just the regular castor oil, or varieties infused with lavender or pimento seed.

Prada Parfum

Ok so if you were looking for a something a bit more traditional, here you go. I’m not big on perfume, but if I had to choose, it’d be Prada (Puh-rada). It started with Infusion d’Iris a few years ago and now it’s Infusion de Tubereuse. I love. I first got a whiff when I was in NY this summer and kept the card for the longest time so I didn’t forget what it was. Light, subtle, and very feminine.

So there you go – my picks for 2011! Honourable mentions go out to sleep and exercise which I did not get enough of this year (NY resolutions 1 and 2).

What could you not do without this year? Let us know!

Have a beautiful 2012!

I’m a goof, just so you know.

I recently discovered Nobis when perusing through Showroom on Queen Street, Toronto. I purchased this fine little lady, the Tula Peacoat from Blossom Lounge in Unionville, my evident favourite store. It’s a warm bit – durable water repellent, windproof, breathable, removable coyote fur ruff, down filled hood (puffy delight), elastic cuffs with thumb holes (yes! so sporty and wonderous), hidden zip closure, and it just looks sweet. Nothing gets me warmer than a stylish, belted down jacket. Five colours, and only few available left (the moss one pictured, while slightly off, is perfect).

It’s all in the details – have a look at the below and enjoy the fine details of this warm down jacket. Learn more about the jacket at www.nobis.ca

The moment you’ve been waiting for – all this talk about boxing day and here’s the culimination of that fateful day. Honestly, it’s not my tradition to head out at all, but because the other half has one, I’m there with bells and plastic on.

Welcome to my adventure – I woke up at 7am to head down to Eaton Centre – Yorkville – Bloor – Queen West – then King West. Eventful, tiring, and overall, so glad that I did it. I used to work so much retail that December 26th used to signify wearing comfortable shoes and having no breaks. Love that it’s on the other end. Don’t get me wrong – I’m not advocating to go out and splurge, but rather to save yourself money and pent up that buying impulse for a day where you’ll save half the money you would have spent on regular price.

Have a look see at what I managed to haul this season, after the cut.

1. Paige Denim from Over the Rainbow: These babies were half off at $107.50, which isn’t too bad for a quality pair of premium denim. My new mandate is to buy for work. Only things that I can wear to work (and otherwise). Y’know, having to grow up and all that.

2. Hat de Club Monaco: Not typically a fan of Club Monaco as much so anymore because of the sheer expense. It accumulates fast when you’re in that store. However, I picked up this hat that I wouldn’t otherwise purchase. Deal. I’m a fan. Was under $50.

3. Suede Lace Shoes from Fred Perry: I’ve actually never been in a Fred Perry store – I like it, and I love when guys wear it. But this happened to be a set of shoes that I really loved, they’re soft and lighter than pictured (which means LOTS of spray will be in store). 50% off, they were $62.50 + tax.

4. Rebecca Minkoff Studded Neoprene Laptop Case from Holt Renfrew: Normally $98, I got it for half off and was oh-so-happy. My poor incase laptop bag was four years old and needed a lift. Though I’ll recycle it, not to fear – will be using it for my work computer. #happycamper

5. Pink Tartan Valentine Dress: I’ve attended the LG Fashion Week show in the past, however I had never gone through the store to really see what was available (mostly because of the pricing). However, I noticed at The Bay there were some generous discounts on the pieces, so decided to pop in again at the boutique in Yorkville. I found this beauty (military khaki dress) that I could easily wear to wear for only $110. Beauty. I was sold the instant I zipped up the dress.

And now, a gratuitous photo of a burger and onion rings from the Diner at the Thompson Hotel. Delish. Perfect way to end the day. Below is also a photo of a trunk absolutely stuffed with purchases. I went on the trek with four boys – you could only imagine the other goods that were grabbed earlier in the day. And that wasn’t a double entendre, sillies!

The Tretorn Nylite Project is a fun one – they send shoes to bloggers for them to style their own way. I was so lucky to have the liberty to receive these great kicks, but also have the ability to review it first hand and get a sense of Tretorn products.

All in all, it’s a fun and standard shoe – a simply tennis shoe if you will. The sole is thick, but not too thick (awkward to drive your car in sometimes because you can’t feel the pedals. It’s got a soft feminine touch, but delivered as a man would.  Have a look at some of my photos – credit for everything great, it’s Titus Chan.