Rub it Out

I have realized that I need to stock up on pencils and erasers. Mostly erasers. I have resorted to using a pencil versus a pen for school. This makes me feel like I'm in Elementary school instead of University. Using a pen looks so messy when you have to keep crossing things out so with a pencil I just rub it out instead. It seems that I'm not in full swing yet. Maybe when I am , I can go back to a pen like a big girl. Why don't I just bring my lap top to take notes? It's too heavy for me. My backback (very streamline and doesn't make me look like a turtle) is already so stuffed it makes me tip over when I put it on.

This weekend I want to go to the Shops at Don Mills outdoor lifestyle center. Murale is finally here in Toronto! I'm thrilled. This is a store I MUST check out. I'm sure I'll find all the stuff I love. But probably not an eraser.

And then I met Suki

I find it very difficult to stay indoors when the weather is great. Don't you. I just can't bare to be stuck inside.

The sun has been beating me up. I use sunscreen daily but the sun does take it's toll. Fortunately I've been given the opportunity to try out some skin care lines. Evan Healy and Suki. They are both plant based products while Suki is organic. I have been using a natural product (Venus Naturals) for years so it's been interesting to see how these products sum up.

I like the idea of using product that don't contain artificial colour and fragrances. Even though hypocritically I colour the crap out of my hair and use other products that are probably not purely plant based. But this is different. This is my face we are talking about. Although I am a big believer in both natural and synthetic I believe there is a place for everything. I like synthetics because they don't harbor bacteria and science has come so far with great products that started out in a "natural" state but then are altered to make them better. I like better.

I tried the Evan Healy line first (Blue Lavender Cleansing Milk, Rose Geranium Facial Tonic, Chamomile Eye Care Cream, Chamomile Day Moisturizer). I liked them. Nice clean line. But nothing special. Especially the eye cream. It didn't feel like it did much.

Then I Suki. I feel in love it on the first try (Moisture Rich Cleansing Lotion, Concentrated Toner, Eye Repair Balm, Pure facial Moisture, Pomegrante Serum). My fave was the cleanser, it left my face clean and and refreshed without feeling taught. I loved the scent of these product too. It's a nice switch from my usual line.

Win some of this!

If you are a regular reader you will have heard me mention a product line called Evo. I have exciting news. Evo Hair Care from Australia is now available in Toronto!

Gavin Von Gavin is the brilliant mastermind behind this paraben free and truly scrumptious hair care line. I've loved the performance of their products I've toiled with so far. Easy Tiger smoothing fluid and Icon Welder hot tool shaper will work out unruly curls in a snap. Ritual Salvation shampoo and conditioner will leave your hair clean and uber soft and shiny. Their unique marketing and simple packaging make Evo highly coveted to men and women in North America. The Aussies sure no to do it up. Gotta love that.

The generous people of Evo have given me the opportunity to share it with you too! Yes, another giveaway. You will receive 3 products, shampoo, conditioner/treatment and a styling product with approximately $75 retail value.

So here is how this is going to work. Tell me why you need a hair care renovation. Or maybe you just want to get some cool free stuff. As with my last giveaway creativity counts.

Email me at: itsasharonthing at hotmail dot com. Make sure to put "Evo" in the subject line. Or, you can use the comment box and leave your email address if you wish.

This will run till June 20/2009. You must be a resident of Toronto or the GTA to win. I am looking forward to you all telling me you hair care woes.

Bonne Chance.

Shopping!

I love shopping. Especially if it involves carousing through vintage shops. You can find such interesting things that are reminiscent to ones youth. There are so many vintage shops spread all over Toronto. In Roncesvales Village you can find Mrs. Huizenga at 121 Roncesvalles Ave. Shoppers be forewarned, you must take the time to scrummage though every bit of this store to find it's fascinating treasures. You don't want to miss a thing. On my first visit I found a fantastic pair of boots. On my second visit I discovered a Paddington Bear pendant (I loved Paddington as a child). If you are young at heart or just love all things old check out Mrs. Huizenga. Who knows what treasures you may find, maybe even me!

Address the Tress

This weekend I wanted to ride my scooter, visit my Mom, go long boarding and hit the Esprit/Lacoste sale. I didn't do anything. An evil debilitating migraine visited me instead. I did manage to think about this post. Here are some of my favourite shampoo and conditioners for dry hair. There are so many more faves but I tried to narrow it down.

High

• Lakme: K therapy dry repair shampoo and mask
  
• Phyto: Phytosesame express replenishing conditioner
• Ojon: Ultra hydrating shampoo and restorative hair treatment

Not so High

• Joico: K-pak shampoo and K-pak intense hydrator
• KMS: Silksheen shampoo and conditioner
• Terax: Ultra moisturizing daily conditioner

Look for products with lipids and humectants in them. They will help with the frizz and leave your hair more supple. Prevention is always the first plan of action. Avoid overwashing, overdrying, overflatironing, overprocessing. Over anything. If you feel compelled then protect, protect, protect.

Recession-Proof Lips

During difficult financial times people tend to cut back on the luxuries of life. Vacations, cars and purchasing new homes are the first things we tend to cut back on during a slump.

Fortunately the cosmetic industry is one of the few businesses that are affected. Why? Women still want to look and feel good without spending a small fortune. A tube of lipstick can do wonders for ones self-esteem. Better yet, wonders for you bank account.

I'm a big fan of Joe Fresh. Joe Mimram formally of Alfred Sung, Club Monaco and Caban is the genius behind this brand. Joe Fresh began a few years ago bringing affordable street fashion for the whole family. There stores are associated with the Real Canadian Superstore/Loblaw family. It has been so sucessful they have recently launched their own make-up line, accessories and brushes. You can't go wrong with a $6 "Berry" lipstick. At these prices you can get one in every colour!

For those who want to splurge a little more there are a multitude of make up lines out there that can be very overwhelming. I love MAC lipsticks. They offer a variety of shades starting at around $16.50 for "Twig". Available at most Bay locations and Cadilac Fairview Corporations.

Now for those of us who want a little luxury and pampering without having to give up your right arm there is Chanel. At around $39 it is by far the most luxurious lipstick that has ever touched my lips. If you are going to spend this much on a lipstick it may as well be "#18 Sexy" in a bold and beautiful red. You want all the attention you can get at that price. Need I say more.

Muahhh...

Sniff test

My client J likes yummy smelling products. Come to think of it, so do I. For most, scent can make or break it . Especially skin and hair care. Vanilla, cherry, melon and citrus are very popular. For those who don't like fruity or candy like scents the popular choice would be floral, sandalwood, lavender and mint. J purchases products on two factors:

1. product effectiveness
2. scent

Once we figure out what we need for him we then go on the hunt of a yummy smelling product. We walk around the store and start the sniff test. It's not quite the same effect as sniffing glue but it's kinda fun. These are my some of favorite shampoos strictly based on scent alone:

1. Fleur Parfait - grapefruit
2. AG - peppermint wash
3. Molte Bene - moisture
4. Evo - ritual salvation
   
5. KMS - moisture

Tomorrow, my mission at work is to find a delicious hair paste. I'd better bring some coffee beans to clear my senses.