Queen of the lip balms.

Check inside any woman's purse and what is the one thing you can almost bank on finding?

They come in tubes or pots, glossy or matte, tinted or sun protecting. They come in a multitude of flavours. I'm talking about lip balm.

Perhaps you're more of a lipstick or lip gloss girl? I still recommend you take note of today's post.

Now, I wouldn't say I have an "addictive personality" per se, but lip balm is the frenemy I can't seem to detach myself from. The issue was that the more I used the stuff, the more it dried out my lips' own moisture, so the more my lips craved it. It got really bad. It got to the point that I couldn't be anywhere without it. I once went to see a movie and forgot my lip balm at home. I had to resort to holding my drink up to my lips throughout the whole movie to ease the burn!

I had a problem. Something had to be done.

Thus began my quest for the perfect, sweet smelling lip balm, that wouldn't dry out my lips, and would last for a good long while.

I found it! You should too.

Smith's Rosebud Strawberry Lip Balm and Moisturizer

From the Rosebud Perfume Co., based out of Maryland, this lip balm doubles as a salve for dry elbows and cuticles. The strawberry scent is divine, but not overpowering. The balm goes on slightly glossy, and although the glossiness goes away, the balm leaves my lips feeling soft for hours. The best part: when it is completely gone, I don't feel an urgent need to reapply!

Where do I get it? Sephora, Urban Outfitters, http://www.rosebudbeautiful.com/

How much? From $4.00 - $6.00 for a 0.80 oz tin.

This story's happy ending: I'm down to one lip balm application per day. ;)

Fun fashion in a cute little blog.

Fashion blogs can be snooty, and often overwhelming.

Want some cute tips and to see some put-together looks that are actually (gasp) perhaps possible to re-create?

All of this in the form of sweet little unpretentious blog by a Canadian fashion student. See complete looks and find out where you can find the pieces. See videos with quick tips and tricks.

http://www.dailyyyroutine.blogspot.com

Underwear......undercover.

Squeamish about panty lines, but not interested in butt floss?

Ok, perhaps that was a little crass.

But seriously, if the above statement even sort of describes you, then you'll love the rest of this post.

Discovered: a great pair of seamless (non-thong) underwear that doesn't leave us with unslightly panty lines - even under lululemon's! Sound like an urban legend? Not so. You'll have to try them to believe it.

Gilligan & O'Malley Women's Ultimate

Seamless Bikini Underwear

Here, shown in nude, they can be seamlessly worn (pun intended) under dress pants, work out attire, skirts and leggings alike. An essential to any woman's wardrobe.

Where can I find them? Target stores. www.target.com

How much? $11.99 for a 2 pack

Jockey No Panty Line Promise Camisole

This camisole comes in many different colours, my favourite of which is nude. This camisole is light weight and silky smooth. It is a great product to wear underneath shear tops and loose knit sweaters. It camouflages the bra while offering a nude look for under slightly see-through garments. Pair with the Gillian O'Malley underwear for an overall smooth (naked?) look.

Where do I find this? The Bay, www.jockey.com

How much? Ranging from $15.00 - $30.00 (depending on the store and sales)

Now girlies, go forth and be seamless!

Cupcakes on their way out?

As the cupcake hype begins to plateau, foodies everywhere are wondering....what will be the next trendy sweet treat? Is there anything that has the charm, decadence and portability to rival the popularity of the cupcake?

Here are a couple of the possible up-and-comers to watch...and taste! :)

Parisian (French) Macarons

These divine little confections have been gaining popularity in recent times, and have even made appearances on television shows, such as Gossip Girl. Although most of us associate the word "macaroon" with coconut, French Macarons, in fact, are not made with coconut. Originating in France, these little cookies are basically two almond meringues, with assorted fillings (buttercream, fruit curds, ganache etc.) They are crunchy on the outside, with a chewy centre. They are whimsical, colourful and delicious, but critics suggest that their unfamiliarity, and the fact that they are very difficult to make, might prevent them from achieving the same level of popularity that the cupcake has enjoyed.

Check out the following link for more information:  http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/lifestyle/2011/09/are-macaroons-the-new-cupcakes/

Pies

Pies, on the other hand, have something different to offer. They are comfortable. Like cupcakes, they remind us of our childhoods. They are easy to make. They are familiar. Bakeries and restaurants from New York to San Francisco, Toronto to Vancouver, are putting this favourite dessert back on their menus. Places like "The Pie Shack" in Toronto (http://www.thepieshack.ca/) are devoted to pies, and are offering up fresh creations daily. Although they are generally not as small and "portable" as the cupcake, there are ways around this. Some places are offering up slices in to-go containers, while others are creating mini pies that you can take and eat in just a couple of bites.

For more information, check out the following article:

http://www.insidetoronto.com/what'son/your-city/article/993643

What is your opinion? Will either of these desserts have the staying power of the cupcake? Try both and let me know your thoughts!

Two delicious tidbits of food news

If you're anything like me, you're a busy bee and rarely home in time to watch some of the great talk shows on in the late afternoon. However, one show I often PVR is "The Dr. Oz Show". Mostly because I'm interested in living, and learning tips about, a healthy lifestyle. I find he gives practical information that is easy to understand and easy to follow. And, he doesn't beat around the bush! He simply tells it like it is.

Anyways, this past Tuesday, in a show entitled "99 Diet Foods Dr. Oz Wants in Your Shopping Cart", Dr. Oz endorsed certain pre-packaged "diet friendly" and healthy foods. Lots of great products shown here, and even more on the printable shopping list: http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/dr-ozs-99-diet-foods

There were two "food revelations" (if you will) that really stood out as WINNERS to me. Here they are:

Vitalicious Deep And Velvety Chocolate Brownies

I must say, these looked fantastic on TV! Dr. Oz also said that they received RAVE reviews from his entire staff. These puppies are only 100 calories a piece. They are made with whole wheat flour, and are packed with vitamins. In fact, Dr. Oz said, as a doctor, he would almost RECOMMEND that we eat them. Really?! Chocolate brownies? Doctor recommended? Diet friendly? Need I say more?

Where do I get them? http://www.vitalicious.com/ , Price Chopper, Hannaford's Walmart (USA)

How much? Online, they are $22.65 for 16 brownies.

Tofu Shirataki Noodles





Ok....where have these been all my life? Why am I JUST finding out about these little miracles? I have a feeling there will be lasting love between myself and these noodles.

Hungry Girl, Lisa Lillien (http://www.hungry-girl.com/) introduced these noodles toward the end of the show. Tofu Shirataki Noodles are made from the root of a plant (Amorphophallus Konjac ) and were originally developed in Asia. They are made almost entirely of a type of fibre called glucomannan, which can help control blood sugars. They are almost totally free of bad carbohydrates. Hungry Girl whipped up a shrimp fettuccini alfredo dish, using these noodles, that came to just over 200 calories! Now thats amazing.

Where do I get them? Asian Grocery Stores, Safeway

How much? It varies, but usually around $2.00

Discover summer skin without the risk!

My first post is going to be about two of my all time favourite beauty must haves. If you're a fair skinned diva like myself, you understand the hardships brought on by summer each year - pastiness, out in full view, next to bronze goddesses. No more long sleeves and pants to hide behind! Even for those of us (like myself) who have come to accept (and even feel fond of) our milky complexions, it sometimes feels good to get a nice glow on during the summer months.

Beyond appearances, it is no secret by now that the sun causes damage to all skin types. Skin cancers are showing up more frequently in young women due to excessive sun exposure.

Solution?

How about two easy to use, tried and true self-tanners that look like the real deal!

Here are two of the best (in my humble opinion) self tanning products on the market.

Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Mist Airbrush Color

I almost hate to give away this secret. I hoard this stuff! It occupies an entire shelf in my hall closet. This is an airbrush tanning spray the goes on flawlessly. It rarely (almost never) leaves streaks. The colour is fabulous - no trace of orange. Takes a few hours to start to show up. I find it is best to put it on at night in order to see if the next day. I have never found it to leave stains on my clothing or bed sheets (and I use white linens!) This stuff is a pale-girl-in-the-summer's best friend! Another major bonus: The fragrance is light, refreshing, and actually rather pleasant! Note: I usually apply this outdoors, as it is a spray (not a lotion).

Where do I find it? TARGET (www.target.com or a trip across the border for us Canadians)
How much? - $6.49

Victoria's Secret Beach Sexy Flawless Airbrush Instant Bronze Body Spray

Now, this little tanning gem is wonderful in a pinch. Have a big event in an hour? Forgot to apply self-tanner ahead of time? Don't want to be glow-in-the-dark? This stuff will do the trick. It works like body paint. Spray on and use your hands to rub in and spread out the "tan". It require a few coats to get it just right, and you have to have a friend or loved one give you a once-over look to make sure there are no streaks. However, with a little effort, you are close-up and summer night ready - in a hurry!

Where do I find it? Victoria's Secret (in store, or at www.victoriassecret.com - Canadian delivery!)

How much is it? $12.00

Now, with these two amazing self-tanning products in her arsenal, the pale skinned princess will never have to fear summer again! Girlies of all skin types - stay safe, healthy and out of the sun - and still look like a sun-kissed goddess.

xoxo