Spring? Is that you?

I always love this time of the year but this year...not so much. I've been in a frumpy mood that seems to come and go like the rain here in Toronto. And boy has it been raining. Last night we had a spectacular show of thunder and lightening. The only problem is they scare me to death. Especially when the rumbles cause the windows rattle. Needless to say, I didn't get my much needed beauty rest.

The rain has been on and off and the temperatures have been up and down this month. I plan my outfits according to the weather report. One day I wear rain boots with a lovely skinny pant and end up sweating and then the next day I wear sandals and a cute dress only to find icicles dangling from my nose. Clearly the weather report is not accurate and it's stressing me out! I can't seem to have just the right attire to keep me comfortable.

If I had my own classroom I'd have a closet with my favourite staple items that would include:

• Banana Republic lightweight cardigan
• Converse Chuck Taylor's in red
  
• Keihl's Creme de Corps
• lightweight merino socks
  

For now, I just lug my "just in case" stuff along with my "emergency personals" with me where ever I go. (Yes, I actually have socks in my bag).

Until then, I will bake cookies. Cookies make me happy. Especially chocolate ones!

You're Hot and You're Cold

I am so excited when I received a kit of OPI's Katy Perry collection. Specifically, OPI's black shatter nail polish as it's truly a unique polish because it creates depth and texture by applying a black polish that dries and separates to create a "shattered" look that exposes the underlying base coat.

Ingenious.

My daughter and I been fooling around with "Teenage Dream" and "The One That Got Away" at home. On the first try, it didn't turn out exactly like the picture. When we applied "Black Shatter" on top of our fully dried base coat (I used "Teenage Dream) the finished effect was more of a crackled effect.

Although the effect was more subtle than what appears in the add I liked the subtly of it. But of course the teen in my home likes the wow factor. On our second try, she achieved the desired "shattered" effect applying the black topcoat and blew on it until the polish separated. It was perfect!

We also noticed that you definitely need a top coat as the black is quite matte.

All in all it gets the Sharon stamp on it.

Schoolgirl Fashionista

I love this time of the year. The EX is on and the nights are cooler. For me, it's bitter sweet. The summer is almost over which makes me kinda sad but my favourite time of the year soon approaches.

Fall.

This means it's time to ramp up my wardrobe and pack away my shorts, summer dresses and flip flops.

Tuesday is the first day of school for most kids.What will my little fashionista wear on the first day of school?

Her apparel of choice for this season is to transition her summer clothes with fall fashions.

Jean cut offs with stockings.

Paired with great boots.

Topped with a military styled jacket.



Off the shoulder braid.

Man, I love that kid. I of course will wear the grown-up version by abandoning the cut offs for a pair of Second yoga jeans. They are the most comfy jeans ever. I mean ever. So comfy you could go into downward dog.

Like A Baby's Bottom

I have always had combination skin but of the extreme. My T zone is very oily and my cheeks are very dry. Did I mention it's sensitve and prone to breaking out too?

As I "mature" my cheeks are even dryer. Oh the joy...

For the past month, I have been using Chanel Hydramax + Active cream I love it! My skin is as soft and smooth without being greasy.

Is it worth the hefty price tag?

Yes!

Hat Head?

Is your headwear is leaving your tresses felling icky and lifeless. Volumize your tresses with Everline Yo Style Shampoo and Balsamo. It'll add a little kick to your hair.

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...

Have you had your tomatoes today?

If your Mother ever told you, "Eat your vegetables, they're good for you." Well, she's right. Particularly tomatoes.

Tomatoes contain lots of lycopene (a carotenoid known for its antioxidant properties). Carotenoids work by attaching to free radicals and corralling them up so they can be flushed out.

It is best to cook the tomatoes as they are absorbed more easily. So some have spaghetti sauce, bruchetta, chili, or top it on your pizza without any guilt. Cause it's good for you!

Here is one of my favourite recipes. It's easy and yummy! Have a bowl today. I did.

Spicy Tomato and Bell Pepper Soup

Ingredients

3-4 large red bell peppers
1 large onion, chopped
1-2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, trimmed and chopped
1 box low sodium vegetable stock (or chicken)
2 bay leaves
1 tsp italian seasonings
1 tsp crushed chili flakes (optional for a little kick)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 can crushed tomatoes
2 green onions, finely chopped (optional for garnish)
salt and pepper taste

1. Preheat broiler. Wash, pat dry, halve and remove seeds from red peppers. Arrange on rack skin side up. Broil approx 8-10 mins until softened and blackened
2. Leave to cool slightly, carefully peel of the blackened skin. Chop peppers
3. In preheated large pot, add olive oil, chopped onion, chopped carrots and celery. Saute over medium heat until softened, approx 6-8 mins. Once softened add peppers, stock, crushed chili flakes, bay leaf, italian seasonings and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 15 mins
4. Remove from heat. Remove bay leaves. Stir in tomatoes. Carefully use hand blender or transfer to a blender. Process until smooth. Return to heat.
5. Season to taste and heat for 3-4 mins until hot. Ladle into bowls and garnish with green onions.

Serve with crusty bread and enjoy!

Fashionable Tech

I love this netbook. HP Mini 1000 Vivienne Tam Edition was designed for the fashion-conscious techie. The world-renowned fashion designer personalized this special edition. How diva!

Not only is it stylish as well as practical, functional and portable. The clutch size peony flower designed netbook boasts :

Powered by the Intel Atom processor N270 and 1GB of RAM

The compact-yet-vibrant 10.1" LED BrightView

60GB hard

2 USB 2.0 ports and 2-in-1 digital media reader

Bluetooth technology

Integrated 802.11b/g wireless technology

Windows XP Home Basic with Service Pack 3 for ULCPC Program

Not to mention the adorable coordinating mouse.

Although it's not a MAC, I still want one! Don't you?

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.

Problem Solving Makes Me Hungry

I baked 2 lemon poppy seed cakes. They were gone in 2 days. There are 3 people in this house. The little 1 does not like poppy seeds. The big 1 loves lemon baked goods. The middle 1 loves all baked goods. Who ate the cakes?

Zipfy

The weather is not as cold today. The milder temperature has brought on the snow. I love the snow. Providing I don't have to drive in it. I was too busy today to go tobagganing but I will tomorrow. I like going to the park at night. There is something exhilarating about zipping down a hill while hearing the echo of your laughter and screams. I have two tobaggons. I got this luge last year. I haven't quite got the hang of it yet but quite determined to master it. My fave is the Crazy Carpet. Cheap and fast. Especially fun when riding on your belly. It makes me feel like a kid again. This make me happy.

Shopping!

For those of you who still have some shopping to do. Check out Foxy Originals. They are having a "friends and family" sale. Fun and Funky jewelry for the gals in your life made right here in Toronto.

Bonus: a portion of the proceeds will go to Horizon Art Camp and Bloorview Kids Foundation.

Maybe I'll see you there tomorrow!

Make-up Mecca

Who: Murale

What: Over 200 brands of beauty products to suit every need from head to toe

Where: 1 Place Marie Ville, Montreal, On

Why: Why not!

Mother's Day

Mother's day is the day when people pay a little more attention to dear ol' Ma. It's nice to be treated a little more special than usual. Kinda like when it's your birthday.

This is how my day went:

• woke up early to search for presents hubby and daughter have hidden around the house
• went out for dim sum , followed by some very exciting shopping with T and C
• took a nap
• had a lovely dinner
• took a long bubble bath

No complaints here.  I love spending time with my family and good friends.  Life is good.

I did manage to remove the glue off my eyelids Saturday night. It was pretty easy. With such an eventful day I didn't have time to try the lashes yet. But I will!

Oh what big eyes you have!

Things have been quite busy at work these days. I know I shouldn't complain but I'm pooped.

Sometimes we get new products in and I get to test them out. Sometimes being the guinea pig is quite fun. However today's experience was quite eventful.

The product is Darkness premium eyelash glue and gel. It claims to

give you the "double eyelid" effect.

Having a "double eyelid" is something asians value very highly on the beauty scale. It is the number one plastic surgery in asia. Especially in Korea. Almost every girl walking around has had the procedure done there. (My Korean friend told me this) I don't have the issue of a "single" lid like some asian girls but I thought I'd give this "whole aspect adhesive" a try to see what it was all about. The product is not only used to temporarily fuse the skin of the eyelids together creating a crease or a double eyelid effect but can also be used to attach false lashes.

The bottle is sleek and silver with an applicator similar to liquid eyeliner. It comes with a little tool that looks like a plastic toothpick with a sponge covered tip the size of a pencil tip. First one has to apply the product on the eyelid with the applicator in the area you want

to create the crease. Then, you press the tool along the eyelid as it creases the skin together you slowly glide the tool to the outside edge of the eyelid. The product sets in about 20-30 seconds so you have a bit of time to get it right.

Sounds a little tricky but with a little bit of practice its not that hard.

I was too hasty to ask someone to read the Korean directions. I'm too excited. So I apply the product and raise my eyebrows to open my eyes wider and start frantically fanning with my hand to dry the product. I feel it drying and realize I've glued my eye in this postion along with my eyelashes stuck to the upper lids! I look at myself in the mirror and think to myself, this is no double eyelid , it's surprised eyelid! I must mention that I've only done one eye and I'm in the middle of the store doing this. So you can imagine how ridiculous I look with one eye frozen open and one eye neutral and a panicked look on my face.

As I look through the packaging I then discover the little toothpick tool. I start trying to release my eyelashes without causing too much damage. My skin still feels a bit sticky so I try to put the crease in with the little tool. I've now got a crowd gathered around me and all my fellow workmates keeling over with belly laughter.

I somehow manage to release my eyelashes and use the tool to create a small crease. The glue is now only a little tacky so it's not holding the skin very well.

I scream for someone to read the instructions to me. The owner is Korean. She is crying with laughter as she reads the instructions to me. I then proceed to the next eye but manage to do it correctly this time because she's told me what to do this time.

Looks pretty natural. Kind of like when I was in my youth. Sadly, as you get older your eyebrows start to droop. So do other parts of the body but we'll save that for another time.

Well, even though it started off kinda scary I'm pretty happy with the result. I can see why some girls would like this product. For me, it made me look a little younger. Not so droopy.

It's not over yet.

Even though I can blink, I can't seem to really close my eyes!

Boy this his stuff really works. I don't know what I'm going to do to remove it. I'm assuming makeup remover should do the trick. I use the Mac Pro eye make remover. It removes everything. I hope. Otherwise I'll have to sleep with my eyes open!

(I'm sure my friend G will find this post rather amusing)

Tomorrow, try it on false lashes!!!!

Btw, the above picture is not me!