Your LifeStyle Digs

Hello Kitty + Barbie!

2010-11-21T19:48:00.001-08:00

http://www.amazon.com/Barbie-Collector-Hello-Fashion-Culture/dp/B000PD7UOQ

Hello Kitty PINK HEAD Jewelry Collection!
http://www.tarinatarantino.com/shop/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=5

http://jezebel.com/5147331/who-will-win-the-hello-kitty-vs-barbie-sartorial-smackdown

LARVIN + H&M

2010-11-21T19:41:00.001-08:00

One of the biggest fashion collaborations, Lanvin and H&M!

The release date in store just happened. No I didn't go! Did you?

Ok I slept in! Sat 8am Tornto, New York & I don't know if it was world wide. I was following twitter & could have twit for a wristband to get in. I live kind of far plus it's winter. Yes, the stuff are very nice. I love the dresses or the shoes. Maybe if one of my friends gave me a lift downtown that early. But none of my friends are big followers of fashion, even though they love shopping & name brands.

The thing is I'm not a grabby person so I wouldn't like to have to fight over a dress & trying to snatch up my sizes in so little time. Some people lined up overnight outside of Eaton Centre just to get into H&M! I would like to see what people got though. There was also an online auction for the Larvin pieces, but I'm not really a big bidding person anyway.

Well, actually next time H&M has something big I might actually go for it if I really feel like it. Depends what it is & what mood I'm in too.

http://www.ellecanada.com/video/lanvin-and-h-m-behind-the-look-book/1149
http://shopping.louloumagazine.com/index.php/default/by-theme/lanvin-for-hm.html?&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_name=editorial

Samantha Thavasa

2010-11-21T19:35:00.000-08:00

Samantha Thavasa is a Japanese fashion brand based in Tokyo, most well known for its handbangs. Many young women including me are in love with it's Teddy Bear handbags. You may already have seen the ads endorsed by Beyonce Knoles, Paris Hilton, Victoria Beckham, etc... Jennifer Lopez is the latest celebrity to endorse the brand as of 2009.

The company's target customer base are college and working women in their twenties. Their prices are designed to appeal to this age group.

In Japan, the company has over 130 retail stores. In late 2006, Samantha Thavasa opened its first U.S. store in New York City. They also recently just opened up a store in Singapore also.

I believe they are not available in Toronto. I will have to check Pacific Mall. Otherwise I'll have to ask a friend travelling to Asia to get it for me. Last resort is ebay which only has 1 ebay store/seller that sells it so far. I love that new black Teddy Bear handbag!

More Lux Stuff

2010-11-14T02:08:00.000-08:00

Hermes Reversible Belt Demonstration

I personally don't wear belts often as I am a bit lazy. I actually donated most of my nice belts which mostly I never even wore before. Wish I had kept the nicer ones. Now I'm kind of beltless. I may have a few lying around which are kind of ugly anyway. I'd probably wear them more if I had a really nice one like this. But then it looks a bit complicated to ensemble. Hmmmm.....!

I'm not exactly sure when this belt came out. I think it was probably this summer. I assume it was around when this youtube video was posted.

HERMES REVERSIBLE CASHMERE SCARF
What's with me and Hermes & Reversible stuff lately? Hmmmm.....! Ok, it is basically winter now. Summer didn't seem too long ago. It is now already soooooo COLD!! All I want is this cashmere scarf which you can wear on two different sides to match with your different outfits. It's basically two scarves in one! =)

Recent stuff to covet.

2010-11-04T22:42:00.000-07:00

Here are the latest Lock pendants/charms from Tiffany & Co. Some of them actually function as real locks that you could use on your favourite jewelry box. They come in silver, yellow-gold, and rose-gold. There's also a heart-shaped lock handcrafted in platinum and covered with pavé diamonds which is quite pricey, but well worth it for the lady of your dreams. Perfect Valentine's Day gift for Feb 2011.

Ok these following Tiffany & Co. pendants are not the newest, but I have to post them because they are my favourite heart tags.

New women's fragrance from Guerlain called "The Little Black Dress."

Ok I forgot where these are from but they match so well with the new "Louis Vuitton Favorit Bow Bracelets." Violet & beige are my favourite colours for these Vernis bracelets. I kind of like the red one too. There's also a classic LV monogram one. Retails for $360 USD.

Newest Hermes Leather Bracelet. It's called the "Hermes Reversible Leather" bracelet. I also love the "Kelly Double Tour" bracelet in Black. I think that the triple/quadriple band seems like too much for me, but some people like that too.

LGFW Mar/Apr 2010

2010-10-24T18:36:00.001-07:00

This was 6 months ago when I attended my very 1st fashion week. Didn't post anything here until now. More stuff comming later. I have some fotos & videos from that.

LGFW More Fotos!

2010-10-23T22:56:00.000-07:00

They made the passes smaller & with rounded edges this time which is a lot better because the bigger pass ripped almost immediately.....well after pulling it out of your purse a few times.

Yup, I somehow got a sponsor pass this time instead of industry. heheheh But next time I might get a Media pass just so I can get access to the computers/internet & the press releases. Gonna work a lot harder next time rather than just chilling so much like the last 2 times. Chilling but was still dead tired after it all. LoL!

The sponsors are almost all the same as last time.

My gift from Ken!

waiting for the show to start, but half the people are still outside chatting. i could have stayed outside a bit longer but i didn't know i was so early. so i just chilled by meself.

PINK TARTAN

JOE FRESH

LGFW Oct 2010 for Spring/Summer 2011 Collections

2010-10-22T16:13:00.000-07:00

This week was my 2nd LGFW up to date. I wonder why I never attended fashion weeks in past years. I've always been fashionable/ fashion-minded, but I've always just read fashion mag & fashion shows online & on tv only. Strangely it never occured to me before to attend a real life fashion show & now I'm attending plenty to make up all the years of missed show, lol! Second time around and I'm already used to the flow of everything especially having attended FAT & other things this year. This time it was held at Heritage Court at the Ex. It's a slightly larger building than last time. They had more seats & the runway was slightly bigger/longer. There's many improvements of course, not that anything was bad last season. There's always room for improvement. The fact that there's more seats means that less people have to stand for the bigger shows. But there's probably more people attending each season as it grows. But still there were things that I liked about last time that got changed. There is only 1 ladies & men's washroom this time.

The volunteer uniforms got changed from the stylish blouse top to a white tshirt. But I'm sure the volunteers don't mind too much as they are having fun. I chatted with different people from bloggers, photographers, people working there & volunteers just to get people's perspective about things on fashion week such as how much fun they're having.

I didn't go to all the shows, not even most or half. I didn't attend Day1 because I wasn't in LGFW mode yet so I missed the Holt Renfrew show. Some one told me I missed the Holts bag full of goodies, but oh well I was actually tired & enjoying a sashimi bento box dinner.....I always have sushi cravings, it's a weakness of mine. I attended more than half of Day2 shows, last 2 of day3, half of Day4 & today Day5 I decided to stay home & rest.

I met Amanda Hunes from HeartlessInk at the OR: Angela Chen fashion show, Colleen from ClothesLineFinds while having coffee and Jay Strut from SatisFashion while lining up to get into the Romona Keveza fashion show. Last season I didn't talk to many people. I only remembering meeting the girl from StyleMounties whose name I think is Mariya. I also met fashion photographer Justin Wu in real life after I added him from a facebook suggestion several months ago. He resides in Paris and just happened to be in town during LGFW, lol.

As for swag, I got a great bottle of Loreal: Elnett Satin Hairspray & a couple of delicious Nescafe Dolce Gusto samples which I'm saving to use when I get the coffee machine. Well I really could have gotten some other really cool stuff if I really wanted to, if I went to the early shows, but I didn't make a big enough effort I guess. So I'll try that next year. hehehe! Actually, I almost got a big bag of goodies at the OR Angela Chen show as I was sitting in the front row for one of the shows, but the people behind grabbed mine as I was about to sit down. Guess I should have said something. But oh well! I was kind of tired that day. A girl who got the goodie bag showed me what was inside which made me sad coz it was all good: 2 iphone4 cases, a book, a bottle of fuze, etc... sniff! But it was a very good fashion show, so I didn't mind too too much. sniff! I heard that last season's Angela Chen ORANGE show was very good & also had a very good gift bag. But I happened to be 15 min late for it although I rsvp'd & couldn't get in. The purpose being there is to enjoy the fashion shows, meet people and learn new things about fashion. Everything else is just the icing on the cake or sprinkles. Oh yeah, Ken gave me a 'token of love' the pink heart lightup Barbie pin/brooch which they gave out at the last fashion week but I didn't get one until now, so that made me really happy to finally get one to play with, lol. Oh yeah, free foto with Ken but you had to bring your own camera. But at the Rowenta & Skintimate booths, they had their own professional camera & photographer which they upload to facebook or email it to you & you could enter a contest for a prize.

Hey did I mention that Nescafe Dolce Gusto offered free drinks, mostly coffee? But there was also hot chocolate & icetea. There was also a cash bar of course. The VIP lounge also had a cash bar, nope it wasn't openbar/free just in case you were wondering. Hey they actually persuaded me to want to buy the coffee machine. I haven't bought it yet, but soon. I'm craving it right now. That machine rocks! It's not just any simple coffee machine. It makes perfect smooth foamy cappuccino & other coffees/drinks. Even the icetea is so foamy/creamy looking that you think it contains milk when it doesn't.

I got my makeup done by Loreal & yes it was free! On the first day I was there I got my makeup done by them. On the second day I didn't get anything done and then on the third day I got both makeup and hair done by the Loreal team. I overheard that they were having an afterparty just for the Loreal makeup artists & hair stylists, lol. They only work for Loreal during fashion week twice per year & for the rest of the time they work at a spa/salon or independently.

Last LGFW when I was waiting in line to get my makeup done, I met Pat McDonagh. I had no idea who she was as it was my first fashion week and I was pretty clueless about the local fashion industry. She was right in front of me so I kinda watched her get made up. I thought maybe she was a model since she is quite tall. She talked to me a little bit & that's when I found out that she's a designer because she said that some stuff she wanted to show in Toronto had been sent to Moscow by accident. After she left, the makeup artist told me who she was & then when I went home I googled her. LoL! So now I guess she is one of my favourite designers just because I met her in person. Hey, why not? I did take a look at her stuff online & it does seem to fit my own personal style. She asked me if I had a business card, & unfortunately I haven't printed any new ones yet & had none on me. Dough! Someday, one day when I see her again, I'll make sure I have one. NOTE TO SELF: print more business cards asap, lol!

Oh, I also happened to have seen Jian Ghomeshi right after the Joe Fresh show with his girlfriend as they were leaving. I forgot to say "hi" to his gf too so I hope she didn't feel like I was ignoring her. All I said was "hi & what's up Jian?" Well, I attended his interview thing at Ryerson a week or two before too, but didn't really get to talk to him or anything then. When I see him next time I'll have a little more to say. I forgot to ask him how he enjoyed the show & what shows he saw, etc... Well I didn't want to bug him too much either. I felt kinda bad that I was talking to him & forgot to say hi to his gf. It's kinda hard when you see someone you didn't expect to see & want to talk to them & can't think of what else to say. haha. Yeah his gf was quite pretty too. Ok, if he ever reads this I'm doomed, lol. I still haven't uploaded the photos & videos from his Ryerson talk/interview thing because I still need to get back my camera memory from someone. I hope that I can get it back & not lose all the footage. That would be horrible. My previous LGFW footage was on it too, & that's why I wasn't able to blog or post the fotos.

I didn't have any other celeb sightings unless I did see ones that I don't recognize/know of. It's good that way coz then you won't feel intimidated when you do meet someone famous if you don't know who they are yet & then you can talk to them normally w/o feeling awkward. Yes it would suck to be too nervous & then you can't have a genuine conversation with them & get to know the person. But then it all comes with practice. If you've never met a celeb in your life, it's easy to feel intimidated. But if you are used to seeing them, then it's a lot easier. But famous or not famous it's very nice to meet new people. I like to talk to everybody who's friendly, but not scary, lol. But eventually I'll need to know who's who if I want to continue working in the fashion industry here.

As for the fashion shows, ok ok no more space here. I'll have to put them in further posts. So stay tuned for more to come!

P.S. I really admire the MEDIA group camping out in the little cube box section where they eat, drink, have their cameras & laptops. They don't really go outside as they have to save their beautiful spot for taking the best shots & they have to get someone to save their spot when going to the WC in b/w shows. I know I could do that too if I had to, but since I don't I'm glad to have a nice comfy chair. Maybe if I take of Photography professionally. Some of them are from BlogTO, TheStar, etc... & many are Freelancers who submit their stuff to different mediums. Oh wait, they do have chairs the photogs & videographers. Most of them have those cool little plastic foldable chairs which I think is cool to have. But I think for those Media guys & gals, they get the most satisfaction when they get to see their hard work published. Hey it's cozy & most of them recognize one another anyway from previous seasons. It's a pretty big group of them! At least someone offered them bottled water b/c they can't go out to get free coffee outside. Well they could if they really need if they get someone to save their spot, but they can only do that once or twice throughout the day.

FFW Cheap is the New Chic: Design Contest Final at Nywood

2010-07-28T03:37:00.000-07:00

THE 3 DESIGNERS WITH THEIR BEST DESIGNED OUTFIT

THE 3 JUDGES

THE CROWD

Cheap is the New Chic is a contest where the three designers battled against one another in the finals of the design contest. Three judges was to vote the best collecting for recycled clothing that the contestants got from Goodwill. They were to vote on who had the best designs overall and who made the best use of old/used clothing also.

The first contestant Erin Summer had a nice 70's retro edge to her designs. I liked it a little bit, but it wasn't enough to wow me. The second contestant Mady Bone is from Vancouver. She had some really pretty, girly, elegant designs which I really liked and I actually thought that she was going to win. However, when I saw the third contestant Devlyn Van Loon's collection I changed my mind, but it was a close one. What really made her a big winner is that she wasn't afraid to use a bunch of colours especially the bright ones. More importantly she really made use with what she got from Goodwill, whereas Mady Bone had used some old curtains/tablecloths that she got from Goodwill. I think that was a minus because she had more room/fabric to work with from curtains/drapes & tablecloths. Van Loon had to make sure that the was enough fabric from the old pieces to turn them into the new pieces and not waste anything. She made drastic changes from what they were and what she turned them into.

At the end Devlyn Wan Loon won according to the judges and the audience's vote. She had my vote too. Surprisingly, she is a newby to designing. That was her very first collection!

FFW Gala at BSM

2010-07-28T03:29:00.000-07:00

The gala was held at the Bata Shoe Museum which is one of my favourite venues/museums in Toronto. I used to go there all the time when I had the membership a few years ago. I was a fashion/shoe nerd. I wanted to know everything about shoes back then from history, styles, the designers, trends throughout history, etc...

I haven't been there for so long so it was nice to have the chance to go there again for something other than just looking at the artifacts.

There was a small fashion show which was the main highlight of the entire event and what most of us was there for. I don't know who the designers were. I just know that they are local and a friend said that some of the designs were shown at Alternative Fashion Week back in March.

Summer Fresh served some really healthy food. It was sorta like a mini buffet, but you could really eat a lot if you were really hungry and really took the time. I only tried a little bit of each, but I get full really quick anyway. There were several different kinds of salads and veggie dips. I didn't see any meat, but there was cheese. So I had a vegetarian meal without realizing it until now, lol!

Foxy Originals jewelry was there selling their stuff. They are two local Canadian very passionate girl designers who started their jewelry making business in highschool. I really love the necklaces with the words on them, but unfortunately that night they didn't have the one that I want to get, "Dreams Come True." So maybe I'll get it off their website later on. On their website there's a section with a bunch of photos of celebs wearing some Foxy designs, eg. Paris Hilton, Megal Fox, Nelly Furtado, Tori Spelling, etc... I really wonder how they got that to happen. But what I really like is the cute little pink plastic giftbag with handles they give you with your purchase.

I met an asian/chinese girl who happened to be the blogger of the blog that I happened to be following as of lately. Check out TheCheapGirl by Oliva. It's a great blog, looks quite successful & she works very hard at it. She posts quite frequently & updating us on all the latest deals & stuff. So it's quite a helpful/useful blog for everybody. I made up my own meaning for the world "CHEAP-chic hot elegant and professional/posh" since I don't generally like the world cheap. Mostly I prefer frugal or thrifty but it's an easy to remember world & more catching than any other word I guess.

FFW Makeovers at Kiehl's Uptown

2010-07-23T11:05:00.002-07:00

Last night was the amazing makeover event at Kiehl's at Yonge & Eglinton. It was my first time there, although I've been to the one on Queen St. and yet to visit the new Yorkdale location which is slightly larger than the Eglinton one.

When I got there it was a few minutes passed 7pm and there were only about 5 other girls/women there besides the staff. They were getting their mini facials and there was no lineup, so I was waiting for my turn while trying a cupcake. But before I finished my cupcake and tea, a line had started with about 15 more people arrving, so I was 5th in line. Maybe I should have started the line, but oh well, I didn't wait too long for my turn.

The facial started off with an exfoliating cleaner put on my face & then i rinsed it off at the sink and had only massaged it a little since there were many people in line whereas at home I would take my time. Then the lady put moisturizer and eyecream on me. It was quite short but still good. I didn't think mini facials were that mini, lol!

Next I got my hair done and I had the perfect thing in mind. I've always wanted to try a head of curls. So I told her that's what I wanted and not an updo this time. I'm glad she asked me what I wanted to do with my hair first. I appreciate it even if I didn't know what I want. Then I'd just ask her to suggest something. But I hate it when someone just does something without asking me first and not letting me choose. That's what happened last time somewhere else, but it ended up looking ok, so I didn't feel mad afterwards.

There were many yummy cupcakes. I had 3 of them. I had an appetite for more, but I figured 3 was more than enough sugar for the day unless I planned to do super workout the next day. The Davids Tea-tinis were nice. But I think they could have been even better if they just added some sugar & ice. The vodka tasted strong too, so a little less vodka and ice would have cooled it off a little too. I only had one tea-tini, but I also drank a cup of the 2 different teas solo and they were nice. I'm used to fruity cocktails. Even if there's a strong alcohol content in it, the fruit juice makes it taste ok, but I just can't drink too many then to not get drunk.

There wasn't any pressure to buying anything of course. But they had a little discount on some of the travel sized packages which gives temptations. Kiehl's products are kind of expensive, but some of the stuff are really good to use. So for me, I'd only get specific products that I like/need, but wouldn't buy a whole large sized set of the many different products unless I had a fortune. But still I have enough stuff to use at home for now.

The little complimentary swag bag contained a mini sized facial cleanser and moisturizer and also 3 small samples of some other products. So I'm gonna try them out first and if they work well then I'll restock later. I think the cleanser and moisturizer were the same products they used in the min facial.

Almost all who showed up were females last night except for the DJ and I think I saw one other man who probably came with his girlfriend, but I don't think he got any pampering done. They didn't say specially that it was an all women's event, but I guess that's what was expected by many since these events are usually for women only. Hope the guys didn't feel too left out. They would qualify for the mini facial part, but probably not the hair and makeup part unless they really wanted. But of course men are always welcome to join their girlfriends at these types of events if it doesn't say specifically for women.

FFW Industry + Media Launch

2010-07-23T11:05:00.001-07:00

It was a free event, but had to rsvp in advance to be on the guestlist to get in. It was held at the West hair salon on Queen St. W. It was a very nice place, but it was extremely hot that evening that the fans weren't very helpful. There was free water, beer and root beer & also mini cupcakes and poutine. There was a mini fashion show. Everyone who showed up were mostly all girls except for the photographers. There were girls who were bloggers, buyers and writers for fashion magazines and then there's a few random people like me who just enjoy events. But actually, sonner or later I can consider myself as a true blogger, when I get less lazy, blog more but with quality posts, get a domain and print some business cards. Then I can consider myself a real blogger. And I think I need to learn a little more about the Toronto fashion scene by reading some articles and attending a few more fashion shows. But for now I'm ok. I've already attended quite a few events.

I chatted with the salon owner. She was nice & I loved the purple dress she was wearing. She looks very young but mature. She's still in her 20's I think. I also chatted with a girl who's a jewelry designer which is very inspiring for me since I love making jewelry myself, but haven't pursued doing it as a real business and getting designs shown at fashion shows.....yet. Now I'm thinking about it, but will take a bit of time to pursue that.

It was a very nice and relaxing evening despite the head and sweating like a piggy. After the event I headed home and decided to get the FFW pass and attend all the events.

David Dixon Fashion Show at Ultra

2010-07-15T00:15:00.000-07:00

ME & THE BARTENDER

Last night was the David Dixon fashion show at Ultra Patio. It was also a party to celebrate the launch of the "Industry Insider Magazine."

The show started with the special guest performance by ROCHESTER AKA JUICE singing some rap by himself, and then the models came on to the catwalk one by one in dazzling pieces. He sang throughout the entire fashion show as the background music for the fashion.

The dresses were mostly covered in black. They were very chic/hip/glamorous. It is the only DD designs I've seen so far in addition to the Barbie Collection at LGFW back in March. I especially liked the dress with the pockets. It looked really cool with the model comming out with her hands in the pockets of the dress. I think the pieces shown last night are probably a part of the collection he will be showing at a fashion week next season. I hope the models didn't feel too hot literally in the dresses as it was a lot of fabric for the hot summer weather.

There was a lot of people, but I still managed to get a pretty good view standing right in front of the catwalk and a little to the right side.

There were many fashion industry people of course. I recognized a few faces; a few photographers and a model or two. I recognized the girl with the cool mohawk hair whom I remember from FAT Alternative Fashion Week, but I didn't talk to her. I didn't talk to many people actually. I kinda just relaxed a bit. Other times I think I talk to much and kinda scare people, haha! I most talked to the photographers, especially the girl whom I met at LGFW. It was interesting to find out what they planned to do with their footage and where to submit them, etc...

There was a guy whom I thought I recognized. I thought he was the guy who did my hair a few days ago at the other party I attended. It was quite funny. Then he told me he designs handbags, etc... I thought he was joking coz I seriously thought he was the hair stylist guy. Good thing I asked him what his brand's name is. When I went home I kinda googled it and seems pretty cool. So I think I learned something. Check out Nella Bella. I think it's very cool that all the products are manmade and vegan. How SeXy is that?? & it's Canadian/he's Canadian.

As for the designer himself, I think I probably saw him but didn't know it. I was standing across from him at a viewable distance, but I didn't notice where he was standing until I later saw someone post a photo of him at the event.

My Fuze martini was half spilt coz some random guy bumped right into me & it got all over my shirt & skirt, sigh! He just said a very quick sorry, then turned around & left. People should watch where they are going and not be so pushy. I hate it when people don't watch where they are going especially if they walk backwards. Obviously they can't see where they are going when walking backwards unless they have eyes on the back of their head. This time I tried the pommergranate one with vodka this time. I've drank Fuze juice & Fuze martinis several times before. You can get the Fuze juice at the supermarket or even Shopper's Drugmart, & maybe Walmart. It's a natural health product because it contains some ingredients that are good for you; Chromium, Vitamin C, Garcina Cambogia Rind Extract, etc... It also helps increase your metabolism.

Flirty Girl's Night Out-A Pink Carpet Soiree

2010-07-13T21:19:00.000-07:00

It was Flirty Girl Fitness' 4th Flirty Girl Night Out party although they had other similar, but slightly smaller scaled parties which I think were co-ed. It was my 2nd time attending Flirty Girls Nite Out. I think they have one of these about every four months now. The general price went up by a tiny bit ($5 more from last time). That's quite expensive to pay at the door which is $10 more than buying the ticket online prior. I suppose it was to offset some extra costs somwhere, maybe to provide more giftbags. I did notice some slight improvements such as having more appetizers. They had meatballs and cream chese on bread and some other stuff. Previously I think they only had crackers with dip. The food was sponsored, and the male servers are from Eligible Inc. which is a dating service. Actually there was slightly more swag in the giftbag this time too. However, if the price goes up again next time, that would really suck so they'd better not. But having attended twice and also some other similar events, I might not attend next time unless I can get a free tix. haha! I'm just saying that right now since I've attended two recently. But then a few months from now I'll probably be bored and want some more pampering, lol. It all depends if I'll be free on the next date. Maybe I'll sign up for some classes, get a punch card for several dropin classes for yoga, boxing, belly dancing, etc... just to get 2 free party tix offer. I always wanted to take some classes there, but somehow never got around to it yet. Hopefully I will soon.

The thing is, I really wished they had makeover services that would last past the night like brow shaping services eg. waxing, threading or tweezing. Manicures are okay, but how about pedicures? They definitely should have mini facials and a digital photo booth where you can take & upload a foto of your new makeover. So if you forget your camera and don't go to the afterparty, at least you'd have a good reason to get all madeup for. To offset more costs they could let in a few more vendors too. But then it does seem a little crowded already. Just some suggestions in my opinion.

Last time I was there I arrived late & didn't get any pampering after waiting in line for several hours, but I did sip a few drinks, watched a few performances and chatted with some fab girls and the swag bag at the end kinda made up for it so I didn't complain. This time I was smarter and I lined up right when the whole thing started. Well, I was late 10 minutes to lineup for the pampering because I was walking around and talking to people and went to the toilet. So I ended up getting my nails filed & coloured by Spa Treatment, a nice quick hair updo by Blo, and an eye makeup application by Sephora, etc... I had wanted some sexy curls, but the guy from Blo wanted to do something else so I let him.

I didn't really watch much of the dance shows, but they were amazing of course, especially the one to the "All The Single Ladies" Beyonce song towards the end. I missed watching the fashion show in full view because I was lining up. All I saw were the heads of the models, but I saw all the photos after. I did see more of the dancing as there were slightly less people crowding around the performance area. The fashion show was 3/4ths to the end of the party and many people were tired of lining up and fled the lines to see the fashion show.

The fashion show was by Joy Couture & United Front. It was my first time hearing about United Front, but I've been to several of Joy's fashion shows before & she always have nice stuff. I love her dresses. United Front displayed some tshirts which had nice/cool logos but it'd be more interesting if they did something with the fabric. It looked a bit too simple. The fashion show was a bit short, but it's always like that b/c it's just a small part of the whole event. But overall the show was ok.

I think that this time it was organized a bit better than last time as they had guys handing out drinks while we were lining up for the pampering. Last time we had to get the drinks ourselves at the bar and we had to lineup for that too. So what some of us girls did was send a girl to grab a few drinks back and then got back into line. Complimentary drinks are always good because you don't want to spend a fortune when you get thirsty especially when you already have to pay an entry fee to get in.

The hand/arm massage from Arbon was a bit short because you had to choose between getting your hands done or your arms, but not both. I think they did that to save time and be more fair to let more girls get their turn. But I really liked the gel they used on my hands. I don't know what was in it, but it smelled really good. I think Aveda was there to do arm treatments too, but I didn't get to check that out. It was so little time, too many people. Pink Petals jewelry was there as a vendor. They have some nice stuff too and I see them at almost every event I go to.

The Sephora line was very long and I didn't think I would make it to the front by the end of the event, but luckily I did and got my eyes madeup. They didn't do a full makeup application probably to save time also. Last time they did do full makeup applications by some other company which I can't remember since it was several months ago. Well I think it's better to be fair and let more people get a turn to get pampered.

All that pampering only lasts one night. The manicure may last a few days more. But it still feels good to get pampered and it was good being surrounded by other fabulous girls as well. There was an afterparty at a nightclub near by. This time it was at Dolce Social Ballroom & last time at Century Room. I skipped the afterparty and headed to another club Tryst where the Playboy Golf Casting was held, but I didn't stay long and went home to get some beauty sleep.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?profile=1&id=100000195487026#!/event.php?eid=132260976800504&ref=ts

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?profile=1&id=100000195487026#!/event.php?eid=334870832197&index=1

Frugal Fashion Week 2010

2010-07-13T19:17:00.000-07:00

FFW 2010 is comming up next weekend from Thurs July 22-Sun July 25.

Save with Frugal Fashion Week with My FFW 2010 All Access Pass which is now only $35, down from $55 previously! The Special Gala held at the Bata Shoe Museum is already $25, so you'll save a great deal. Sale of the pass ends on July 22 which is the openning day of FFW.

This is still a relatively new event as this is only in its second year thus far. So bring your friends, especially the gal pals for the first pampering event at Kiehl's and help spread the word of Frugal Fabulousness! Get pampered, sip, shop and relax while watching a few fashion shows. I think that this festival will gain more popularity each year as more people learn about it. It is mid summer when many people are on vacation and out of town too, but I think it's great to have FFW during the summer since there doesn't seem to be as many major fashion related events at this time, although there are always mini fashion shows happenning all the time.

The openning event will be The Kiehl's Uptown Beauty Boutique launch party which is to be held at Kiehl's at Yonge & Eglinton (not the one on Spadina & Queen St.). At the event, you'll get mini facials, makeovers, beauty advice, cupcakes and giftbags courtesy of Kiehl's and Teatinis by David's Tea!

I'll post some fotos of the events later after I've attended them all.

Free tickets to Special taping of Richard St. John’s “The 8 Traits Successful People Have In Common: 8 To Be great”

2010-07-13T18:51:00.000-07:00

Want to know the secrets of how to become successful in work, school and life? Come listen to Richard St. John talk about his book and secrets. He is a Success analyst, Speaker, and Author of '8 TO BE GREAT' and 'Stupid, Ugly, Unlucky and Rich.'

Tickets are offered on a first come first serve basis by Free TV Taping Tickets of MTV Canada.

He will be taping a promotional video based on his book The 8 Traits Successful People Have in Common: 8 To Be Great.

Tickets are FREE!
TIME: Thursday, August 5, 2010; 6pm.
VENUE: Isabel Bader Theatre (93 Charles St. W, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2C7)
Sign in will be from 5-5:45 and the show will begin at 6PM.
(Please note everyone must be over the age of 16. NO EXCEPTIONS.)

You MUST reserve tickets for this engagement and they will book up fast so request your FREE tickets now by emailing tix@sjohn.com with the following information:

- Your first and last name
- Email address
- Phone number with voicemail (should we need to confirm any changes/require further info)
- Number of tickets requested (NO strict ticket limit but PLEASE request only what you will use!)

"Richard is a world-renowned success expert, author, speaker, and business guru. He started with nothing, achieved business success and became a millionaire. Then he spent ten years doing face-to-face interviews with 500 of the world’s most successful people, including Bill Gates, Martha Stewart, Richard Branson, and the Google founders. He discovered what led to their success and wrote the bestseller 8 To Be Great.

Richard’s talks are in high demand and always leave people buzzing. He shares an incredible wealth of wisdom from the world's most successful people – knowledge that you can apply to your own success in business and in life."

KATWALK PRESENTS DAVID DIXON FASHION SHOW

2010-07-12T23:47:00.000-07:00

David Dixon (can I plz call him DD? lol) does not usually show his collections outside of fashion weeks eg. LGFW, etc... Let's hope for good weather as it is an outside patio event at Ultra Supper Club on the Patio at 10pm this Wed. I suppose doors open at 10pm, but they said arrive before 11pm so i suppose the fashion show starts b/w 11pm/12am.

I was at Ultra Patio last Thurs for another event by CityVIP which was extremely hot & sunny that evening. So it's good to be there this time later in the night and getting to see the nightsky. Actually, there's tons of patio parties held there as it is a quite popular venue. I heard FastLane is also holding a networking party there tonight which unfortunately I'll have to skip. The Positive Fabulous Women's group is having a patio/rooftop party at Remy's in Yorkville tonight as well. So many great events I have to miss. Sigh....!

Here's the info stolen off facebook. LoL
KATWALK PRESENTS DAVID DIXON

To celebrate the LAUNCH OF "INDUSTRY INSIDER" MAGAZINE

SPECIAL GUEST DJ "JASON MYERS" FROM PROJECT RUNWAY

SPECIAL PERFORMANCE BY ROCHESTER AKA JUICE

SPONSORED BY FUZE & SMINROFF (maybe that means complimentary drinks, nah!)

MUSIC SOUNDS BY DJ FATHEM

MODELS BY AGENCY ROUGE

FOR GUEST LIST OR BOTTLE SERVICE
416 917 9498
SEAN@INK-00.COM
(I wonder if guestlist means free/discounted entry. Or it could mean that you are not allowed in at all if you are not on the list. So I'll RSVP them in advance just in case.)

OR

Edward Reyes 416 880 1341
edward@industryinsider.ca

I can't wait to David Dixon's new collection. I missed his Barbie collection show at LGFW back in April even though I had RSVP'd in advance because I stayed inside from the previous show so they couldn't check the guestlist for me. There wasn't any standing room either so I just left and took a break outside until the next show. So I did not get to see any of his fashion shows in person yet, although I did see the photos after. I hope that it won't be too too crowded this time again. As expected there'll be many of Toronto's fashion industry people attending. But you don't have to be working in Fashion to enjoy a nice fashion show.

Event Alert: FUZE-a-Pooloza

2010-07-12T23:11:00.000-07:00

After attending a bunch of fashion shows, networking events and parties I am back to blogging. I can't believe I haven't blogged for soooo long. It was as if I had a major writter's/blogger's block. It was selfish of me not to notify you guys/gals about the previous great events that I've been to. So I hope that this post won't be too late yet. It's in a few days' time.

A fab pool party will take place this Saturday at Polson Pier which is a venue close to Cherry Beach and has a very beautiful view of the lake and Toronto skyline. It has a beautiful scenic view and atmosphere. The pool is usually open all week, but you have to pay admission. I was there last Saturday for a different event The Drinks Show but did not get to get in the pool. Unfortunately I won't be able to make it to this party myself, but want the rest of you to enjoy it. So grab your bikinis, trunks, sunblock and a pair of shades, but don't forget your wallet as there's also some cool venders with some cool products that you'll regret not checking out.

This event is organized by HeyDoYou, WhatWomenWant and FUZE, I think. I've been to some of their previous events including the Spring Trend Report fashion show party in March and the SATC girls nite out party in June, which I enjoyed very much.

Makeup Forever will be there to do free makeup applications. I love their products. A few months ago I got a free makeup app from at FAT Alternative Fashion Week and it looked really good.

Part of the proceeds will go to the Look Good Feel Better program for cancer patients. So you'll be partying, but partying for a good cause at the same time. Hey you're enjoying yourself for charity!

It would be better if the event started a bit later since I live quite far from the venue, but then I can't make it anyway so it doesn't matter to me anyway. Hope I can make it to the next one.

What more shall I say? The event will speak for itself. Enjoy!

More on DJ-ing & Band Lessons

2009-07-23T04:25:00.000-07:00

I recently recieved these flyers which I actually have an interest in taking, but they do seem a bit pricey so I'll explore my options first. The location is probably not that far from my home, so that is an incentive b/c if I do decide to take DJ-ing, but do not want to travel too far I may decide to take this one if the price is not too much higher than other places.

Toronto Summer Events

2009-07-21T22:12:00.000-07:00

sorry i haven't posted anything about previous events such as Luminato, 1000 Tastes, Taste of Asia & Nite It UP, etc...

I haven't attended them all and was too busy to post about the ones that I did. But I will be blogging about TIFF for sure in Sept & I will try my best to post at least a little bit about the comming events.

Recent Band Gig @ CM

2009-07-21T19:58:00.000-07:00

Two of the bands that recently participated in NTSA competition's Erock devision got together for a little jamming performace at Club Mirage. Some of the other NTSA contestants came out as well. Many people still came out to support even though it was a late nite show. Some of the other NTSA contestants came out as well, some to just sit back and enjoy the show and some actually sang as well. It was a totally fun & rock'n nite!

Ginza sushi restaurant grand openning in yorkville

2009-07-21T19:38:00.000-07:00

A new location just openned recently in Yorkville. There are also two other locations in Toronto. You can visit their website to check for more details. http://www.ginzasushi.ca

Soler: Band of Substance

2009-07-15T19:24:00.000-07:00

Dino & Julio Acconci are two handsome, educated, cultured, classy and extremely talented fraternal twin brothers born of Euroasian decent, being Italian from their faternal side and Bermese from their maternal side. They were born & raised in Macau, China until the age of 17 upon the death of their father and decided to move to their father's native country Italy to study & learn the Italian language. They lived mostly in Florence, but lived in other parts of Italy as well while they studied and worked. They first launched their music career when they had a chance encounter with someone working in the music business who introduced them to a music excutive and thus they were able to strike up a record deal with EMI Italy. They were able to produce their very first music album, but whether it was actually released is not known. It has just been said that their record company dropped them because it was thought that Soler's music style was not appropriate for that time. The Acconci boys stayed in Italy for around 9 years & then they moved to the UK for around to further their careers and tried to strike up new record deals but was also unsuccessful. After a year in the UK, the longing for their mother & hometown, lead them to move back to Macau. And after the return to their birthplace, mother luck striked them when Dino was invited to audition for Paul Wong's band and successfully made the cut. And from their lead to their ultimate destiny to become one of the most popular & prominent bands in Hong Kong, all over Asia and within Asian communities all over the world.

Their latest album CANTO contains a double meaning, one of them symbolising the language they grew up speaking which is Cantonese, & the other being "Io Canto" as in the Italian words for I sing. I find both of the meanings to be very distinct of their Identy: Cantonese. Asian, Italian, singing & music. It could not be more of a mere accident.

DABA girls blog

2009-06-03T06:04:00.000-07:00

What do you guyz & gals think about it?

just a gossipy hype to me, but nevertheless interesting for some to read that are bored.
too much materialism towards relationships.

Socialite Life

2009-06-01T22:38:00.000-07:00

http://urbansocialite.com
http://socialiterank.com
http://newyorksocialdiary.com

Cool T-shirts

2009-05-26T22:45:00.000-07:00

I luv ur Tshirt blog

DJ-ing

2009-05-25T22:24:00.000-07:00

You can't just start doing it to get paid. You need to actually already have skills to do it for a living & you have to be good too & popular. It takes time to build a name for yourself.

But if you're just looking for a new hobby then this might be it. If you've already learned some DJ-ing skills in the past, then you can probably start doing some free gigs & then work your way in for paid ones once people know who you are.

DJ-ing for dummies
http://www.youtube.com/user/DJRecess
http://www.recess.co.uk/
http://www.amazon.com/DJing-Dummies-John-Steventon/dp/0470032758

Dating

2009-05-25T21:48:00.000-07:00

http://ca.lifestyle.yahoo.com/family-relationships/articles/dating/rogers-chatelaine/health-hot_dates_under_20
How to save money on dates: attend free events, go to the park & enjoy the nature, rollerblade, bike, swim together, etc...

Looking for a cool job? Try Waitressing/Bartending

2009-05-25T21:32:00.000-07:00

Thinking of switching jobs/career or are currently unemployed in this economy? Then why not try something new! Perhaps you've only worked retail & are tired of it & there are probably not as many retail jobs these days & they don't really pay well either. Or perhaps you just got layed off & not doing anything anyways. Waitressing & bartending could be tiring w/ long hours, but if you only work part time then there's less stress & you'll actually have fun doing it!

The base pay for waiters/waitresses & bartenders/bartend-esses(lol) is not that much, even less than retail, but sometimes tips can be a lot depending on which place & area you work at & who you serve.

Smart Serve
You need this course/license if you want to work as a waitress/bartender at a restaurant/lounge that serves alcohol. You might not need it to get hired for a waitressing job at a restaurant that serves liquor, but you'll get higher chances of getting hired if you have it already. Every job has competition these days. Smart Serve is required for all alcohol beverage servers including bartenders.

Bartending Certification Course
Only takes 2wks.
https://www.bartendingcanada.com
http://www.torontobartending.com

How to fight dark eye circles

2009-05-24T03:44:00.000-07:00

http://health.lifestyle.yahoo.ca/channel_section_details.asp?text_id=4717&channel_id=2003&relation_id=22427
http://health.lifestyle.yahoo.ca/channel_section_details.asp?text_id=1115&channel_id=1044&relation_id=22656
http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070702075432AAPAHQf

Must have makeup tools for this summer!

2009-05-23T14:24:00.000-07:00

As the days get more sunny & bright and the daylight hours are longer, you can sure wear brighter & more colourful colours especially w/ eyeshadow to totally brighten up your eyes.

A complete brushset is a must have for a thorough makeup application, especially when you'll have more parties to go to, weddings, & many other social events. This is a 12piece set which is adaquet enough. At least all the basics are included. I think it includes every kind of brush that exists eg. powder, blush, eyeshadow, liner, brow, fan brush, slanted/angled brushes, unless there's a brush that I don't know about.

Even w/ much sunshine these days, fake tans are still necessary if you don't want skin cancer & you spend a lot of hot summer days indoors w/ AC. Airbrush spray on tans looks more natural as they go on the skin more evenly distributed. Cream/lotion tans just feels greasy! And what about rainy days?

SMASHBOX

2009-05-23T13:56:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love Smashbox products even though the stuff tends to be a little more expensive. However, it's totally worth the price b/c it actually works! I love the Halo Powder, Lip Plumping Moisturizing Balm, Photo Finish Foundation Primer, etc... I have yet to try their eyeshadows, but I expect just as much in quality for that.

Foundation Primer
So far the best one I've tried is the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer. The basic one is the white one & then there's another one w/ SPF 15 sun protection & then there's the colour correcting which does not have SPF sun protection.

Travel: Picasso’s Trail, FRANCE

2009-05-23T01:25:00.001-07:00

Doors Open Toronto 2009 Update!

2009-05-23T00:54:00.001-07:00

http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/632579

Interior Design: The Value of Minimalism

2009-05-23T00:51:00.000-07:00

toronto interior design show
http://www.interiordesignshow.com/2009/index.php
http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20090206/IDS_review_090206/20090206?hub=Toronto

street dance

2009-05-23T00:50:00.000-07:00

http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/636654
VYbE Dance Studio in Markham

Raptors Dance Team

Monster of Hip Hop

Skyy Vodka

2009-05-23T00:14:00.000-07:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SKYY_vodka
Skyy Vodka is one of my favourite vodkas for cocktails. It tastes very clear & you do not really notice the strong vodka taste & it almost seems like there's no vodka present although you know it's there and you can sense the alcohol. Also it leaves no after taste as most other vodkas do.

Mineral Makeup

2009-05-20T00:09:00.000-07:00

Mineral makeup is made with all natural ingredients, is oil-free and non-comedogenic (won't cause acne).
First there's mineral powder & now there's even liquid mineral foundation, mineral eyeshadow, as well as mineral lipgloss. You can probably even get mineral eyeliner.

There very first mineral powder I ever tried was BareMinerals starter kit which I got from Sephora. It's very easy to use and comes with everything that you'll need to apply the makeup on nicely. It comes with a foundation primer/moisturizer, and 2 veils of concealer/coverup powder of 2 different shades, 1 lighter & 1 slightly darker and a translucent (no-colour) finishing powder and then a blush. You can mix the two shades depending if you want to go lighter or darker. I personally used them both on their own without mixing. I used the lighter shade during the longer winter months & then the darker shade during the summer & fall seasons when I have a bit of a tan. Three very good application brushes are included, a large kabuki brush for application at home for the powders and a shorter no handle pocket sized brush for travel, and a concealer brush. It even comes with an instructional video dvd.

The one I'm using corrently is Smashbox HALO HYDRATING PERFECTING POWDER which is a large compact of pressed powder which works as loose powder because when you turn the compact, the powder gets shaved into loose powder and it's very convenient because you only shave as much as you need to use each time. I really love this because with jars of loose powder I'm always afraid of dropping or spilling the contents to waste & also making a mess to clean up after. I can go anywhere with this Smashbox powder and even travel with it & it will last until weeks if not months because it contains more powder than your average compact.

Does Lip Gloss ever Expire?

2009-05-19T22:14:00.000-07:00

The answer is: Yes they do! Unfortunately, it seems like a waste, but fortunately you can finally try a new shade! How long does a lipgloss last? They cosmetic companies will say about 9months. But I think 1yr is more like it.

I just know that mascara lasts 3 months after you open it & probably 1yr unopened. Foundation 1yr after opening & 3yrs unopened.

Lipgloss I predict 1yr when opened & 3yrs. Actually it depends on what kind of lipgloss. If it's the more solid type like lipbalm then it'll last longer b/c it contains less moisture than the more creamy ones. The best guess is to just smell it & look at the colour. If it smells bad & different from when you got it, then toss it out! Same thing if the colour changes.

Cargo makes a lipgloss that contains a little strip which you put inside the tube of lipgloss when you first open it. What the strip does is that it will gradually change to a red colour through time which is around 9 months letting you know that it's about time to trash it! You shoudl try it if you're curious & especially if you have a bad sense of time or memory of when you got stuff. Even I may try it just for fun!

I personally still have a few lipglosses that are more than 2yrs old & the colour nor smell have not changed especially the more expensive ones. If you're worried about bacteria, but still want to use it I would recommend heating it in the microwave, not inside the tube. Some lipglosses already come w/ a small jar & you can heat it on low heat for around 20secs or so depending on how large the jar of lipgloss is. If you have lipgloss in a tube, then just pour it out into a small jar container or contact lens case or anything similar, you could even just pour it into a microwave dish if you want to. After you heat it, the lipgloss will turn into liquid form & then you just let it cool down a little, then you can even put it in the fridge for it to turn solid faster.

You can also make lipgloss w/ old lipsticks & those last little bits of lipliner left. All you have to do is crush it up & mix it w/ a bit of petrolium jelly & pour it into a little microwavable dish, heat it up & Voila! Then pour the liquid into your container of choice for the lipgloss to take form in, perhaps an old used up lipbalm/gloss container or eyecream jar.

Update on Bottled Water: My Review

2009-05-19T18:54:00.000-07:00

I've tried 3 different kinds so far. The first one is FIJI & the other two are carbonated.

Coffee&Chocolate for a good cause: Fair Trade & more...

2009-05-19T04:32:00.000-07:00

I know it's for several good causes, not just one, but I still find it a little pricey. I did use to buy some Fair Trade stuff especially the chocolate, but nowadays I can't really afford it anymore.

I'll only get their stuff that is not too far off compared in price w/ the items from regular brands. So I'll at least try to make an effort.

Perhaps I'll volunteer at a Fair Trade shop in the future. I had a friend that did it & that's how I know about the volunteer. But I did hear about Fair Trade prior to that. The very first time that I heard about Fair Trade was in Vancover when a girl I met from PEI was very into it & environmental stuff. I bought their chocolate from a shop called "Ten Thousand Villages" on Commercial Drive. It was half way b/w UBC main campus where we were staying at & Metrotown. So you have to take the bus to Commercial Drive to catch the Skytrain to Metrotown Shopping Centre in Burnaby.

After returning to Toronto, I found out that they have "Ten Thousand Villages" & Fair Trade products at health/organic food shops in Toronto as well. I have yet to visit Toronto's "Ten Thousand Villages" although I've already tried another shop called Noah's Arc/Noah's Natural Foods on Bloor/Yonge Street.
http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/
http://www.tenthousandvillages.ca/
http://www.healthycoffee.com/ The company donates money to orphans & needy children in countries where they have offices located there.
http://www.bcpassport.com/vancouver-public-transportation/vancouver-skytrain.aspx Skytrain Van

http://www.yorku.ca/cerlac/fairtrade Fair Trade @YorkU

Dollarama 65cent dark chocolate bars

2009-05-19T04:27:00.000-07:00

I just bought 2 different branded dark chocolate bars from Dollarama.

I've tried Fair Trade & some European brands from Winners.

I find that the more expensive stuff doesn't taste too much different from the regular stuff you get from some supermarkets & Walmart. However, I did find the Dollarama chocolate tasting a bit not so good.

JOB advice!

2009-05-18T14:04:00.000-07:00

Worst interview mistakes women make!
i'll need to read this when i have time! good info for all you gals out there too! i mean, at least i think it should be useful considering that it's from Forbes.
http://ca.finance.yahoo.com/personal-finance/article/forbes/933/worst-interview-mistakes-women-make

Taller earns more!
I wonder if that just applies to men or it applies to women as well.
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/090517/oddities/lifestyle_science_labour_australia

10 career-damaging online mistakes
http://ca.finance.yahoo.com/personal-finance/article/50plus/10-careerdamaging-online-mistakes-20090123

Christie Pitts Park

2009-05-18T14:02:00.000-07:00

I will be going there next sunday. i actually haven't been there before so it will be my first time & i'm glad b/c i really need to relax & enjoy the nature once in awhile.

tell you more about it next week after i've been there.
http://www.toronto.ca/parks/parks_gardens/christiepits.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christie_Pits

Books

2009-05-18T05:30:00.000-07:00

Thank God it's Monday!
http://www.thankgoditsmonday.com/

Cool Words of the Day!

2009-05-17T07:24:00.000-07:00

Nimbus
-A splendid atmosphere or aura, as of glamour, that surrounds a person or thing.

Aura
-a distinctive and pervasive quality or character; air; atmosphere: an aura of respectability; an aura of friendliness.

Doors Open Toronto 2009-Free Admission!!

2009-05-16T18:39:00.000-07:00

Free Admission to all venues listen which will probably include the venues that you want to visit which normally charges an admission fee such as AGO, ROM, Bata Shoe Museum, Textile Museum, Ceramic Museum, etc... So if you have plenty of time & you're not interested on the venues which are normally closed to the public, when why not go to those ones & save $.

I love these types of events especially when it's free & when there's tons to do around the city (GTA) for everybody young & small to the elderly, people from all walks of life, whom some otherwise may spend most of their daylight cramped in an office & getting to hang out at places where we normally don't get to go to too often or at all. It's just exciting when you see everybody else having fun when you're also having fun & experiencing the same things.
I love Doors Open & Nuit Blanche (Free).
Luminato & TIFF (not free but worth it anyway!).

Here's a few links to get y'all prepared for next weekend's event.
Gear up & pack all the essentials! Don't forget to checked the updated weather report especially on the day of....to see if you'll need to bring an umbrella/raincoat, or bring it anyway just in case it does rain when you're moving from venue to venue. Also, bring your Sunblock. Even if it's a rainly day, there may still be periods of Sun Burn Time! Don't worry, you'll be indoors most of the time b/c "Doors Open" is all about them openning up the doors & let us in inside, lol!

Toronto Star Guide, but it's from last year. The updated version will probably come in a few days on Thurs. But much of the info will be the same anyway, so doesn't hurt to take a peak especially if you're totally new to this event.
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/427430

The Official Website contains a list of venues & some other info.
http://www.toronto.ca/doorsopen/

A semi-official website I suppose b/c it's for all the "Doors Open" events in Ontario, eg. there's also "Doors Open Markham." It contains a list of venues & some other info such as links to the venue websites.
http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/nts_1_9667_1.html

Lit City!
Doors Open is a part of the Lit City event which seems like most of us were too busy to have noticed it, but it's not too late yet. If you can't catch the last of it now, there's always next year, but don't forget then!
http://www.toronto.ca/litcity/index.htm

Remember to sleep early on Fri nite & get up early Sat morn & super mass visit sites!!! or just relax & take it slow. Both ways have it's benefits!

The Body Shop

2009-05-15T23:24:00.000-07:00

The Body Shop
Originated from the UK. I like some of their products.

Energizing Body Lotion & Body Wash
Feels very refreshing & energizing. Feels like there's a bit of menthol in it.

Aromatherapy Oils
There's essential & non-essential oils. The difference is that essential is concentrated oil that you would not want to apply it directly on to your skin as that could be dangerous to your health. You can add a few drops along with some water on a candle burner. Or you could add a few drops into your bath water. You can always make massage oil by mixing essential w/ non-essential oils.

Non-essential oils are diluted, usually mixed with sesame or olive oil. Massage oils are non-essential oils. These you can rub directly onto your skin w/o posing any health risks, except for the fact that some scents may affect pregnant women so you much do your research & find out which ones are safe for you if you're pregnant.

Facial Oil-Blotting PaperI tend to stock up on their blotting papers especially the powdered ones, but I'm currently down to my last pack unfortunately. Next time I visit Asian I'll probably stock up on other brands blotting paper there, sorry Body Shop!

Boots

2009-05-15T23:19:00.000-07:00

"Number 7" & "Botanics" from Boots UK
http://www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/english/beauty/boots/index.html
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/287835/product_review_boots_no_7_skin_care.html?cat=46
These two brands are from the same company. They're sold throughout the UK. Boots is a drugstore just like Shopper's & PharmaPlus here. So "Boots" is kind of like the "Life" brand from Shopper's except they only specialize makeup & skincare products. They're not as well known here in North America as other UK brands like Crabtree & Body Shop, but people are beginning to be aware of it. It was just introduced to Canada recently like a year ago & it's sold in some Shopper's Drug Marts, mostly the larger stores.I like the Botanics toner & the wipes.I've tried #7 translucent pressed powder & I thought it was alright, but not something that I can't live w/o. Perhaps b/c I'm all into mineral makeup now.#7 purple facial peel.I've used it several times. I guess it works, but I don't seem to notice it's different b/w other peel facials.

Crabtree & Evelyn

2009-05-15T23:12:00.000-07:00

"Crabtree & Evelyn" from UK

Lemongrass & Brown Sugar Body Butter
This is currently sold out on the website, shows how popular it is & that I'm not the only one that thinks it's the best! But you can probably find it at a store.Before, I didn't like body butters that much as I have oily skin & I felt it was too oily for me. But now I think that body butter tend to last longer for their shelf life before they start to smell wierd like a lot of lotions do.But currently, I'm in love w/ their Lemongrass Body Butter. It smells like nothing I've ever smelt before. Perhaps I'm just new to Lemongrass, lol! But hey, other brands like The Body Shop don't have this scent's body butter. Even if they did it might not be the same. It's just so smooth. I'd buy a jar of it just to smell it & feel it & I'd probably be too stingy to use too much of it too quickly as I'd save it in order to savour it. I'd probably try to eat it if it were edible, lol!

Here's the body scrub!
http://store.crabtree-evelyn.com/body-scrub-nat14145.html

Gardeners 60-Second Fix Manicure Set for Hands:
Contains:
Hand RecoveryHand Therapy Hand CreamYou can purchase these two items either together or seperately, &/or use together w/ other products as well.It's a better deal to get them together in a single package if you do want both items.

Step 1: Hand Recovery
http://store.crabtree-evelyn.com/111-gar314448.html
This is a hand scrub that contains shea butter hand cream. You rub it on your hands & cuticles to take away dead skin & then rinse. I don't think that it's necessary to apply the Hand Therapy Cream afterwards as your hands are already moisturized after rinsing. I think it's just for extra moisturizing/smoothing. So I'd say that the cream is not absolutely necessary or if you do get it then you can even use the two items seperately if you like.

Step 2: Gardeners Hand Therapy
http://store.crabtree-evelyn.com/gar47920.html
This is a hand cream that contains shea butter which makes it very smooth & thus your very smooth & the scent is also amazing!

Rosewater Body Powder
http://store.crabtree-evelyn.com/ros35682.html
Just like baby powder except it doesn't say "baby" anywhere on the body. So you're perfectly justified of this guilty pleasure of pampering yourself. haha!

Suggestion: don't put on a whole lot of lotion/butter/cream on before & especially after using the powder as the powder will stick together with the lotion & you'll have white blobs on your skin.

This stuff smells very nice, another guilty pleasure! The powder itself already makes your skin smooth, but it doesn't contain any moisturizing ingredients, lacking in that department. I'm disappointed that it doesn't contain aloe or vitamin E as some baby powders do from the drugstores, but drugstore body powders do not have a variety of scents to choose from.

Baby/Body powders these days are made from starch & are talc-free (a substance that is toxic to humans) or at least they should be, so be sure to double check. If you have a really old one it may still contain talc & it's up to you if you still want to use it or throw it away.

This product is a bit pricey as with other name brand products & compared to the low price of drugstore baby powders. I'd rate this product a 4/10 as I do love the Rosewater scent & also body powder. Otherwise the price is not really worth it especially since the amount of the product in the small bottle will run out very quickly. However, this is still one of my favourite Crab&Eve products as I already mentioned I love Rosewater & powder. Yes I'm harsh w/ my rating, I know, LoL! The Body Powder also comes in other scents like Lavander & Lily of the Valley.

New Kitty Glam Cam & Booze!

2009-05-15T05:44:00.000-07:00

Just in time for my Bday, lol! It's definately on my wish list!

What is the guy talking about? This is the best thing ever invented after the iphone, until they have HKitty version iphone!!!, according to me anyway, haha!! The Bestest Camera Ever, at least that's for sure!!!!!

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10236853-1.html?tag=nl.e725

Hello Kitty Booze!! A Great reason to get wasted!!!

Yes, just in time for V-day, Queen Vicky's B-Day that is!!

Wondering Y my parents dint name me Victoria. It'd totally make sense coz my bday often lands on or very close to V-day. Perhaps I should incorporate it as my middle name. Or perhaps it's not a good enuf name pour moi, hehe!

Now, how exactly do I get a hold on this stuff?? At my local LCBO, or r they discriminatory towards "Mon Cherie, Mi Amor, Je t'aime!" "Mon Kitty/Chat!" Oh my Beloved HelloKitty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, she's one of my proud obsessions!!
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10228265-1.html?tag=feed&subj=Crave&part=sphere

Toronto Spots

2009-05-14T03:24:00.000-07:00

Downtown toronto
YORKVILLE
One Eleven
They have great Raw Oysters & a great DeeJay!
Lobby
cool place on Bloor St. I actually haven't been there yet. I was supposed to for a party that I missed last year.
http://www.worldsbestbars.com/public/venue_listing.jsp?categoryId=48&currentVenueId=1396
Panorama
http://retail.manulifecentre.com/store/storeprofile.ch2?storeid=6327&initial=&category=12
http://www.dine.to/panorama
popular for tourists as well as locals, amazing view from up there.
Empire Restaurant & Lounge
very popular place, huge crowd, haven't been in there yet
Y Not Lounge
used to be bubble tea shops called "Eternal Tea" & then "Love&Scandle"
http://www.myspace.com/ynotwednesdays
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=45645561869
Club V/Yorkville Affair
http://www.hype1.com/toronto/venues/134/Club_V.html
Kool Lounge
ok
Flow Restaurant & Lounge
good
Sassafraz
been there before the fire. haven't been there since it got renovated.
http://www.dine.to/profile_features.php?feature=review&id=4861

A list of Yorkville Clubs

http://www.martiniboys.com/Toronto/nightlife-clubs-in-Toronto/area/Yorkville-clubs-Toronto

Here's an old blog I found on Yorkville. Looks like it hasn't been updated for at least 1yr but most of the info should still be relevant, although there aren't that many posts.
http://yorkvilleinsider.blogspot.com/

Scarborough

Markham
Bubble Tea Shops

Richmond Hill

Hair Straighteners

2009-05-12T22:01:00.000-07:00

Ceramic Hair StraightenersDoes not damage your hair much as w/ conventional ones and also doubles as a curling iron. Use the thin one if you want to get smaller curls especially if your hair is not very long, & big ones if you want bigger curls & it also straightens more hair at a time when you use it to straighten your hair, probably a good idea if you have a lot of hair like I do.Some of them are quite pricey if you purchase from salons or stores such as Trade Secrets. They say that it's higher quality but I don't know the difference from the cheaper brands from Walmart. If you want an expensive one, you can probably get it cheaper than Retail on Ebay.Personally, I have a small pink ceramic straightener of the brand called "Corlioliss." It's the one that they've been selling at Eaton Centre quite expensively. But I got mine online at a relatively good price. This one works on, but there is not control on temperature. It can only be use on dry hair. I also have another one that I got from Walmart which was very economical. This one has a temperature adjustment circular knob & it can be use on both wet or dry hair.

ideas for future posts

2009-05-12T05:19:00.000-07:00

art: avant garde, surrealism, bohemian, hippies
Toronto Yorkville in the 60's.
art: visual artists, abstract art
the meaning of life: maslow's hierarchy of needs, according to theology, philosophy, biology, other theories, etc...
according to Biology, our sole purpose is to reproduce, but life must have more meaning than simply that.
acne: dermawand, oxylite, zeno, light therapy, benxyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid peel.
architechture-rococo, victorian, baroque, modern/futuristic

More on Molecular Gastronomy

2009-05-12T00:23:00.000-07:00

Father of Molecular Gastronomy Whips Up a New Formula
http://www.wired.com/techbiz/people/magazine/15-08/ps_foodchemist
Bartending & Spherification in NY
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/20/dining/20coint.html

Wine

2009-05-10T21:24:00.001-07:00

http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/631977

Golden Poo, lol!

2009-05-09T10:36:00.000-07:00

Just came across this link & it seems quite funny so thought I'd share w/ u folks!

http://consumerist.com/5246215/how-to-deliver-aigs-golden-poo-trophy?skyline=true&s=i

Sushi in TO

2009-05-09T10:18:00.000-07:00

Want real Red Snapper? Watch Out!
The best way to make sure you get the real stuff is to make it yourself as in cook it yourself; or even better, catch it yourself!
.........if you know how.......if you like cooking
as for people like me at this time, I do not cook much & I do not want to. But perhaps someday I will decide to give it a try. I love sushi! There's nothing like tasting the freshness of fish when it's raw! But I can't imagine making my own raw fish sushi/sashimi, can you?
So therefore, the chance of me getting to eat real red snapper is not that great at the moment.
http://www.thestar.com/living/article/631705
http://consumerist.com/consumer/food/your-red-snapper-sushi-is-likely-fake-259339.php

Best sushi places in Toronto
http://www.blogto.com/toronto/the_best_splurge_sushi_in_toronto/

Dijon Mustard

2009-05-08T02:33:00.000-07:00

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/08/obama-mustard-attack-beco_n_199953.html
It's the burger topping sauce of choice for President Barak Obama even though it's not an American ingredient.

But it's still Pro-Canadian for us Canadians b/c Dijon in Bordeaux, France imports most of their mustard seeds from Canada & I'm sure that many of the dijon mustard sauces in Canada & the US are actually made here in Canada. So although Obama has been criticised for prefering dijon on his burger by the US critics, we here in Canada have nothing against him forthat. Infact, we are Pro-dijon & we love him even more for it & perhaps even more so for French Canadians, lol!

Anyway,it's.just.such.a.small.thing. I don't think the President or his family needs to watch every detail of their dieting habbits. It's too much of a hassle. I believe they have bigger & better things to do than caring what people say about such subtlety. The critics probably just need stuff to talk & write about. They always keep themselves busy & always looking for something to criticize. Afterall, to critique is their JOB.

Come on, dijon is Delicious! There are several different versions. Some are made w/ fruit. I really love honey mustard so I could understand the preference of a certain sauce over others. However, I'm not sure what dijon mustard is like yet. I'm not sure if I've even tried it. Perhaps I have & didn't know. But next time instead of honey mustard I will try dijon just out of curiousity. Since the US Prez likes it, of course you wonder, "Is it really that good?" espeically if you have never tasted it in your life before. Perhaps I'll like it just as much or perhaps even better & it may become my favourite too. Or even possibly, I may choose to stick back to my honey mustard afterall!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustard_(condiment)
http://www.ochef.com/284.htm

El Bulli-make ur own famous El Bulli dishes

2009-05-08T00:37:00.000-07:00

green pea jelly raviolicaviar beveragecaviar inside ravioliEl Bulli is a very famous restaurant in Spain that has been judged "The Best Restaurant in the World" 5 times. It is famous for it's extremely innovative dishes that are made from simple ingredients but very unique techniques. Some of their best-known techniques are making hot gelatins, airs, foams, clouds, melon/pea/fruit caviar or spherical ravioli.

The revolutionary chef Ferran Adriá is the head chef at El Bulli. He uses a series of techniques in molecular gastronomy that have brought about an evolution in the restaurants cooking style. Molecular gastronomy is a scientific discipline involving the study of physical and chemical processes that occur in cooking.

I have not been able to find the exact definition of Sferification / Spherification so I cannot tell you the universial meaning of what it is. But from my current knowledge, it is the chemical process of making the jelly like caviar & ravioli & the "Spher" part of the word probably comes from the word "Sphere" meaning round. What's really cool is that apart from just making caviar or ravioli seperate, you can actually combine the two together & enclose the caviar into the ravioli which is truely juicy! Made w/ real fruit, no food colouring, added sugar or preservatives! Yummy & healthy!

Basic Spherification consists of submerging a liquid containing Algin in a Calcic bath. This is used to obtain ravioli and other sfer creations with a very thin membrane. It also allows you to obtain spherical caviar. In Basic Spherification it is necessary to use Citras with some ingredients in order to correct the acidity.

The food at El Bulli is more like Eye Candy. It looks so unique & interesting that you just want to look at it & not eat it so that you can look at it as long as you can if not forever, or practically at least you want to look at it a few more times & perhaps snap a few photos before you really dig in. I'm sure that the food tastes just as good as it looks though, so you don't have to worry about that. From what I heard, it tastes like nothing you have ever tasted before.

Reservations at the restaurant is of course expensive especially if you have to get a flight there. Even if you have a lot of money, you still have to reserve a table one year in advance. So instead of giving up & dreaming that I can go there someday, I just make a few of my own famous El Bulli dishes right at home for now. But I'm still hoping to actually go there eventually someday & enjoy the real thing & all of the dishes they have there. For now I'll be happy just to have the self-made substitutes. Easy, economical & I can make whatever flavours I want. I can't wait to try apple, mango & watermelon caviar & ravioli.

Nowadays many restaurants around the world have some El Bulli inspired dishes on their menu especially the caviar & ravioli. So if you don't want to bother purchasing all the equipments & ingredients & finding the time to make your own sferication dishes, you can just find it at a local highend restaurant.

Here's the kit that allows you to make caviar & ravioli. It's called the sferification/spherification kit.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/gallery/2008/dec/01/christmas-gifts-food-drink-unusual?picture=340145430
http://www.tienda.com/food/texturas.html?CMP=KNC-Google&gclid=CKzezaSStpoCFRINDQodSxwubg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Bulli Wikipedia Article
http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/04/24/top.restaurants
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2002/oct/26/travelfoodanddrink.foodanddrink.spain
El Bulli Food Photos! Enjoy!
http://images.google.com/images?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENCA327&q=el+bulli+food+pictures&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=iCsFSoKjGonQMoyw3N8E&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&resnum=1&ct=title
An FB group dedicated to Molecular Gastronomy where you can get tips from other MG lovers!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2398300959
Wiki on MG
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molecular_gastronomy
You can find some recipes on the following website.
http://www.albertyferranadria.com/index-eng.html
Here's a youtube video!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lcNupGGkkw

For more links/videos of how to make your own El Bulli dishes you can just find them yourself through a search engine or YouTube.

ACE Grooming Products for Men

2009-05-07T14:47:00.000-07:00

These masculine Products/Tools made especially for men so that you men you there don't have to feel discouraged about keeping up w/ your looks & personal hygiene by having to use the same tools women use.

Note: The fotos of the two cars above are not in any way related to ACE, but I just posted them because they totally match ACE's grooming products. haha! ^_^

Kiehl's

2009-05-07T14:33:00.000-07:00

http://toronto-style.blogspot.com/2008/11/ultimate-kiehls-experience.html
http://www.luminato.com/festival/eng/events/ID89
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiehls
Kiehl's is a beauty/skincare brand that originated from New York in 1851, which is more than 150 years ago. They use all natural ingrediants. All of the products have not been tested on animals so it's ok for all you animal-lovers out there! If you like The Body Shop, you'll probably like Kiehl's as well. I cannot tell you how the two compares as I have not tried Kiehl's yet, but I heard that it's very good. Many Hollywood Celebs use this brand. It is a lot more popular in the US & not so much in Canada. Probably b/c of Canada's links w/ the British, we are more familiar w/ UK brands such as The Body Shop, and Crabtree & Evelyn. We still follow the Brit way of spelling our English words for instance. I'm sure they both offer some similar products and also of of their own unique products. I will tell you what I think about it once I've tried some of the stuff. I'm planning to visit their Eglinton store sometime later. It's near Eglinton subway station if you are taking the TTC.

I'm quite looking forward to it try out. I'm not out of bodywash yet, but I think I need a new cleanser & moisturizer. I'll probably just start out by getting a small/travel-sized combo set just to try out & ask them for a few samples also, so you don't have to spend a whole lot of money on something that you have no idea if you like or not.You may have seen articles about this brand in some magazine & newspaper articles & wondering where you can buy it b/c you cannot find it at Shoppers/Walmart etc... They have a store on Yonge St. & one on Queen St. in Toronto, one in Vancouver & they recently opened one in Montreal as well. So check it out when you have time. Their products are sold at Holt Renfrew. Or you can always shop online on their website! anytime.

Besides Human Beings, they also have pet care products for dogs & horses. How interesting! I doubt The Body Shop has that, lol! I wouldn't be surprised that some pet lovers would want to get their pets the same brand products that they use themselves. It'll make them feel that much closer to their pets.

I want to try their blue herbal facial care line to prevent/treat breakouts.

Toronto Locations:
2518 Yonge Street 416-483-1335407
Queen Street West 416-977-3588.

TODAY'S DIGS

2009-05-07T13:09:00.000-07:00

Baguette-French bread
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baguette
Yes, now you know how to spell it properly. If you don't, it's hard to research anything about it online b/c the wrong hits will come up.

Drawings of Leonardo da Vinci
http://www.drawingsofleonardo.org/
Get cultured & examine Leo's Art!

Toronto's Japan Foundation
http://www.jftor.org/
They offer different programs & events & some free Japanese art exhibits.

Bottled Water

2009-05-07T00:26:00.000-07:00

FIJI WATER
http://www.alternet.org/water/101207/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiji
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artesian_aquifer
Fiji -an island nation in the South Pacific Ocean east of Vanuatu, west of Tonga and south of Tuvalu.

Fiji Water is very popular among Hollywood celebs. You can find it at almost if not all celeb events. It is the #1 prefered brand of bottled water by celebs to drink during the Toronto International Film Festival. Although Toronto's Mayor David Miller banned plastic beverage bottles in all municipal offices after another Canadian city, London in Ontario, we will still see a lot of Fiji water at the TIFF09. Some people even subscribe to a monthly supply of Fiji Water. It is a key ingredient in Michael Kors' "Island Fiji" fragrance.
http://www.nstperfume.com/2006/03/16/michael-kors-island-fiji-dali-sea-sun-in-cadaques-more-new-fragrances/

One of Toronto's famous chefs name Mark McEwanwill only serve Fiji water & no other kind.
http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/551909
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=107974
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_16955.aspx
http://www.torontoenvironment.org/node/467/
http://www.waterkeeper.ca/2008/09/02/h-2omigod-bottled-water-takes-over-tiff/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patagonia
Patagonia-a geographic region containing the southernmost portion of South America. Located in Argentina and Chile, it comprises the Andes mountains to the west and south, and plateaux and low plains to the east.

German water
http://www.finewaters.com/Bottled_Water/Germany/index.asp
http://www.euromonitor.com/Bottled_Water_in_Germany?print=true
http://www.jpoc.net/countries/germany/bottledwater.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhine
German tap water is ok to drink. However because the water comes from the Rhine River which is recycled many times. Germany shares the Rhine River w/ several European countries which are Austria, France, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, & Switzerland. Europeans have always consumed bottled water, since most knew that their tap water was recycled a number of times. It is said that the water of the Rhine River is drawn by seven German cities and recycled until it reaches the Atlantic Ocean after flowing though the Netherlands.

Italian
(acqua gassosa=carbonated water)
Italy is western Europe’s biggest bottled water market probably due to it's low price in Italy.
http://www.foodanddrinkeurope.com/Consumer-Trends/Italian-water-market-far-from-saturation-point

San Pellegrino-a very well known & widely used brand of bottled water internationally. It's mineral water has been produced for over 600 years. Leonardo da Vinci visited the town in 1509 to sample and examine the town's "miraculous" water, later writing a treatise on the subject. In 2003, the price of 75 cl San Pellegrino bottles reached US$10 in the restaurants of New York City, where 65,000 bottles are sold every day.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Pellegrino

How to Make a Homemade Italian Cream Soda.
You don't necessarily have to use "Italian" but if you happen to have some, why not?
http://www.ehow.com/how_4447571_homemade-italian-cream-soda.html

Bottled water gives rise to a new type of restaurant sommelier.
http://www.thestar.com/article/231291

Carbonated Water
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbonated_water
Naturally carbonated water -Some brands of water are already naturally carbonated.

Hard Water
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_water
Some people may drink bottled water to avoid hard water found in tap water. However, many regular bottled water brands have the same contents as tap water.

Adam Lambert Top3 on Idol, Yay!

2009-05-07T00:24:00.000-07:00

Glad that he's top! think he's cool & very talented. I think he'll win definately! Ok but the media titled him "first gay idol" that's not so nice!

Oh i'm kinda disappointed that he's gay too coz i thought he was cute & maybe kinda cute, oh well too bad! But still hope that he'll win. Keep up the good work Adam!

Don't know Adam? Haven't been catching up on American Idol? Then it's not too late yet. You can still read up on him before the contest is over.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Lambert
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/americanidoltracker/2009/05/ten-reasons-why-adam-lambert-will-be-the-next-american-idol.html
http://www.myspace.com/adamlambertmusic

Ok

2009-05-05T23:40:00.000-07:00

There's actually tons of stuff that I want to share/blog about, but I've have to take time & take a break first & get back to other stuff that needs to be done in life like a letter to write & some emails to compose, LoL!

Actually I'm pretty tired right now from blogging all day long. I think I need a break & get back to other stuff such as physical exercise & real life socializing. I don't want to go to sleep, but I think I should b/c I need to.

So please come to visit back later for other cool updates!
Thanks!

Tata! Aufwiedersehen! Hasta Luego! Ciao4Now!

Cheryl Tweedy/Cole

2009-05-05T21:15:00.000-07:00

Cheryl hit it big this year as X-Factor judge. I don't think many people knew about her or her band Girls Aloud in North America previously.

I like Victora Beckham, but I think I like her a little bit more, although they both have their differences & uniqness in their styles. Just my personal preference. But I don't think that one is better than the other. We need them both!

A very successful year for Cheryl indeed!
She was picked as 2009's best dressed celeb by Glamour Magazine.
http://www.thestarphoenix.com/Entertainment/Cheryl+Cole+tops+Glamour+best+dressed+2009+list/1482263/story.html http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/5116123/Cheryl-Cole-voted-best-dressed-woman-and-style-icon-of-the-decade.html
The Men's magazine FHM picked Cheryl as 2009's Sexiest Woman of the Year!
http://www.fhm.com/100-sexiest-2009/cheryl-cole/

Other links on Cheryl
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheryl_Cole

Caryl Baker

2009-05-05T19:19:00.000-07:00

http://www.carylbakervisage.com/
PAPAYA MOUSSE CLEANSER
Loved it just as much as the toner. Loved it!

Papaya Toning Complex
I used this toner a few years ago and then I went on to using other brands, not that it's not good enough. In contrast, I actually like it a lot. My sister used to use it also. It smells great & made my skin feel good & I used it every day when I had it & I was planning to get a new one after I used it up. I wonder what happened. Oh ya, my discount membership expired & then one time they gave me a bad brow wax although I'd had a good one at another location. Anyway, I think that I'll buy it again in the future.

PAPAYA POWER SCRUB
I remember loving this when I had it!

PORE MINIMIZING MOISTURE LOTION
I didn't like it that much. I felt it was too thick for me. It says oil-free & I believe it should be, but it's thinkness gave me the illusion that it was oily. The bottle is a bit small. I used half of it & then stopped b/c I felt it was causing breakouts or maybe just coincidence & then I started using something else. But to be fair, perhaps I did not pay enough attention to see it's effectiveness in minimizing pores or if it was indeed causing breakouts.

EMERGIN C MULTI-VITAMIN SERUMWITH RETINOL
I had it & it was alright I think. Wasn't too oily b/c it's more like a gel. I loved the little colourful multi-colored bubbles/beads that releases the vitamins when pumped out of the bottle. When you pump the bottle, the bubbles go into the straw & pops when it comes out. Too bad I was too lazy to use it regualry back in the day & let it expre before finishing the whole bottle. Back then I was still relatively new to skincare.

EMERGIN C 20% VITAMIN C SERUM
I kinda like it, but felt it might be a little sticky & oily. But perhaps it was just the thickness & not actually contain a lot of oil.

EMERGINC VITAMIN C AND RETINOL MASK
Love it also! I really liked the tingly feeling that made it feel like it was really working even though the tingling was a bit stinging. It was the Retinol beads that caused the tingling. Whether it is truely effective or not, I suppose it does. At least, I felt it was working. I can't really tell the difference as I did not have a lot of sun damage before I used it.

VITAMIN C STICK
One of the very first lipgloss/balms I had. It was the first lip product I had that had sun protection. I liked it at first b/c I didn't have many lip products back then. I suppose I may use it again. It was ok, not bad!

BLUSH
I like it. I still have the same blush from several years ago. It's medium dark pink shade called "Kewpie Doll" & matches my skin well. It doesn't go on very dark so I like that b/c I don't like too much colour on my cheeks. I don't use blush very often, perhaps that's why I haven't used it up yet. However, I believe that the colour may have been discontinued or perhaps they change it's name. I can't find it on their website, but perhaps it may still be available in the store.

PRISMATIC PERFECT FINISH
I used this facial powder all over my face right after foundation b/c the sales lady told me so. So I put it all over my face and it made my skin look wierdly brown although I mixed it really well when I swired my powder brush in it.

GREEN MAKEUP TONER/green camouflage concealer
A light, creamy formulation which will tone-down a pink complexion.

EYESHADOW
I have 3 of their eyeshadows in light pink, yellow & orange. The colours are very light but still makes a difference. I used to use light colours b/c they are relatively safe for people who are not very experienced w/ eyeshadows. I used a light application of just one shade each time.

LIPSTICK & LIPGLOSS
I have a lipstick & lipgloss, both are somewhat different shades of pink, one light & one dark, but they worked together very well. I really liked it. I'll tell you the name of the shades later when I have time to update. The lipstick is called "Love Potion" which is a peachy pink & the lipgloss is called "Princess" which may have been discontinued.

EYE & LIP PENCILS
OK, meaning that nothing special. I find that it's just as good as some drugstore brands. Nothing different/phenominal. But I will give a description of each that I have tried.

EYEBROW PENCIL
I had a light brown one which I really liked the colour b/c it matches my natural brow colour very well. It's like a light chestnut brown w/o any red tones which I hate. I liked the tiny little brush attached to the lid which made it very convenient & you don't have to grab/carry & extra brow brush w/ you. I'm really sad that I lost it & it wasn't even half finished yet. I'll just have to get a replacement.

WATERPROOF EYE LINERS
I have a dark grey one which is the automatic sharpening kind. It's ok.

WATERPROOF LIP LINERS
I got a cherry red one. I don't really like that shade.

PROFESSIONAL BRUSH SET
I like it, came w/ a free pouch. I still use it to this day & none of them are broken yet as I've taken very good care of them. But perhaps I may need to replace someday. Comes w/ all the essential brushes I need.
I don't remember paying that much for them, but I did. But I think that the price as been inflated a bit over time. So I'm glad that I got them as early as I did b/c I don't plan on purchasing them again unless I absolutely have to, that is if they break or i accidently lose them.

Fragrances

2009-05-05T17:53:00.000-07:00

Chanel
http://www.chanel.com/
Chance
http://www.chancechanel.com/fb/um.php?la=en-ca&lo=ca&re=chanelcom&ws-action=http://um.chanel.com/branding-intro.php?chsetdefgnav%3d6%26chsetdefgnavdiv%3d14%26landing%3df%26branding%3dcha%26la%3den-ca%26lo%3dca%26re%3dchanelcom~~~G!03BB2A57BC17!5kW0r37g%252brwd%252bKllvg%3d%3d~general~~~@http://syndicator.live.chanel.com/chanel/chanel-um
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?productID=FWCHA010
I used to love the smell a lot, not as much now, but it's still good. Perhaps the chemistry of my body has changed a little & that may be why it doesn't appeal to me as much now. Well Chance is supposed to be for very young ladies, perhaps now I'm more of a Coco Mademoiselle. LoL! Yup, maybe I should try that!

Chanel#5
My mom's #1 favourite. I kinda like it but it's not for me. I feel that it's too mature for me right now & it's too strong. Perhaps in the future when I get to my 30's then I may use it.

The Body Shop
http://www.thebodyshop.ca/
http://thebodyshop-ca.stores.yahoo.net/
Japanese Cherry Blossom
http://thebodyshop-ca.stores.yahoo.net/bchbleaudeto.html
This stuff is just Wonderful!

"Crabtree & Evelyn" from UK
http://store.crabtree-evelyn.com/
Lily of the Valley
http://store.crabtree-evelyn.com/2160-lil307084.html
I tried the "Lily of the Valley" water-based scent. The smell is ok but it's not something that I like my body to smell like so I tend to use it for an air freshener instead. Perhaps it's just not my type of scent. I've tried smelling a few of their fragrances & I don't really like them that much. Rosewater & Lavander are okay too. For fragrances, I typical like the usual perfume brands that specialize in them like Chanel, Dior & Hugo Boss.

More reviews to come later:
Hugo Boss
Givenchy
Dior

Makeup

2009-05-05T17:51:00.000-07:00

Joe Fresh
http://www.joe.ca/en/beauty/
The brand recently launched his new cosmetics line.If you've seen/tried his clothing & accessories you would know how cool the stuff are.They're hip/urban with cool very Fresh colours. lol!His products are all reasonably priced & pretty good quality.I first learned about Joe Fresh when I stumbled across the section at Loblaws & I instantly felt appealed/attracted to it's products. I'm not sure if it was the colours or the styles that I was drawn to, perhaps both. I think the name of the brand has something to do w/ it too. Joe Fresh just sounds very fresh especially since it's sold inside a supermarket, my kind of thing, lol!There were tons of stuff that I wanted to buy. All the kids clothes were pretty cool too, & I was thinking that if I ever have kids someday or need to buy a kid a present that I'd buy Joe & I did recommend it to some people I know who have kids.My favourite item was their huge bowling bag. I think that it was sorta a diaper bag for mother's to carry all their baby stuff around it. But I bought it anyway b/c I usually carry a lot of stuff around.I'm looking forward to trying some of the new Joe makeup stuff in the near future! You can find his stuff at your local Loblaws supermarket.

Mineral Powder
Bare Escentuals Get Started Kit
That was my very first time trying mineral makeup for the first time. I had purchased it from Sephora I think two years ago. I remember buying it & not openning it until a week after even though I was anxious to try it. I think that I just felt a bit overwhelmed as it seemed very different from regular makeup. I actually was scared of using it the wrong way & had to wait until I had time to watch the tutorial DVD that came w/ in the package. Once I watched it, it just felt easy & that's how I started using minerals. It looks so natural & so easy to apply that now I don't even want to go back to using non-mineral makeup ever again. I thought that it was expensive at the time when I bought it. But it did come w/ 2 cover up powders of 2 different shades & also a translucent one. It did last me longer than I though. Now I actually think that it was a good deal.

I just ran out of minerals. Now it's time to stock up again. But perhaps I'll try a different brand next as there are so many new ones, almost every brand now offers it.

Lip Plumpers
Fusion Beauty

So far I've only tried "Fusion Beauty" & "Shiseido." The collagen causes the tingly feeling & makes your llips plump up a little. There's also some non-collagen lip plumpers out there, but I have not tried them b/c I don't think they really work, or at least not as great as collagen & they cost around the same price anyway.

I like it. I love the tingly feeling once applied. It's a bit pricey, but perhaps not for lip plumpers in general. Instead of buying the big ones, I bought a minis combo to try out.

Shiseido
It was a collagen lipbalm & it expred on me before I could finish it. It did work, but I still like "Fusion Beauty" better b/c if feels nicer & seem to last longer.

Eyeliners
Regular
regular ones that you sharpen. slightly cheaper in price compared to the other ones. they may break, especially the colour led inside if you drop it on the floor. but I guess Originality has it's appeal.

Self-Sharpening Kind
It doesn't actually sharpen, but rolls out the led when you turn the bottom of the pencil. It's easier to use & you don't have to have a pencil sharpener in hand. However, the it does not get that fine tip that you do w/ conventional pencils. I suppose you can sharpen the tip by drawing on white paper to get rid of the excess & I say white paper b/c you don't want to get the tip dirty & get it in your eyes.

The led will not break as easily as regular conventional pencils. At least I have not broken one yet, but I suppose it's still possible. One thing bad about these pencils is that you do not know how much led is inside. Once I almost bought a pencil that had almost nothing inside. Good thing the led fell out & I saw how short it was & I got another one instead.

Liquid
Liquid is the way to go! It's hard to apply at first, but once you learn the tips & tricks you may want to never use the led pencils every again except for the large jumbo pencils that also doubles as an eyeshadow. However, liquid liners are a bit hard to remove. You must use an eye makeup remover or cream cleanser afterwards.

The newest trend right now is the glitter & matellic liquid eyeliners. They're so great that you wish they had them earlier! It's still a relately new thing & only several brands have them. However, sooner or later it'll become as popular as mineral makeup & you'll probably see them at every cosmetics asile/dept of every store you go ot.

Eyeshadows
Powder Shadows
Great if you don't like to wear too much eye makeup. You can just apply a very light layer of it & it comes offf easily.

Jumbo Pencils
Jumbo pencils can be used as both an eyeliner & eyeshadow so you can easily create your look w/o having to buy 2 items (eg. powdered shadowed+thin pencil) which allows you to save a bit of $$cha-ching!

Metallic & Glitter powdered shadows you must love! You can go light or add more layers or a more solid look especially at night time!

Gel shadows are absolutely to die for, especially the metallic/glittery ones. They look more solid/bold than the powdered shadows.

Two-Faced
Cute & Hip are their products! I really love their pallets which are packaged like books. Very cool!

Sephora
http://www.sephora.com/
A good place to go ot if you're looking for variety & you want to try out before you buy. They have qutips, tissues & disposible applicators there for your convenience.

Skincare & Cosmetics

2009-05-05T14:59:00.000-07:00

Beauty Terms
http://www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/english/beauty/beautyrx/beautylingo.html A glossary of the most common terms that show up on your skincare & makeup products.
Know what they mean so that you can become your own beauty consultant & be able to choose the correct products that are the most suitable for you.

Cosmetic Safety
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/index.php?nothanks=1

Goody Hair Products

2009-05-05T14:47:00.000-07:00

"Goody" Hair Accessories & Tools
You may already own/use some of the stuff from this brand & not know it. I didn't even know the name of the brand until recently and I found out that some hair clips & elastics that I bought a few years back are actually from this brand.

I love their claw hairclips, especially the gold/pink metallic ones. I like to tie/clip my hair in a small ponytail w/ just my hair from the sides. The clips & other accessories are very elegant, classic & chic, but I tend to break them whenever I drop them as w/ other hairclips from other brands also. So I guess all plastic clips break easily, but sometimes you can fix them w/ superglue. Anyway, what's great about the big clips is that they each have an elastic holder on each side which are basically knobs that stick out on the inside, so each clip can hold 1 or even 2 hair elastics. These hairclips comes in a pack of 2 & a black elastic is included w/ each clip. I went to several Shopper's recently & they didn't have a wide selection of Goody hair accessories & their clips did not have the elastic holder. So if you do ever buy their hairclips, you may want to make sure that they have the elastic holder first. I ended up finding them at Walmart & they did have them in several colours. However, my favourite gold one is sold out, not even one left. So I guess other people has the same taste I do. I had no idea it's so popular. Next time I'll check out several different Walmarts & Loblaws. I think that they will have a larger variety.

The elastics from their Ouchless collection are the best I've ever seen! The elastics do not contain any metal connectors that your hair can easily get caught in. They don't fray/break easily as with some other brands & they also have some really cool colours/designs too. Did I mention that they hold your hair very well? Your hair won't fall out as they have a very strong hold. You can find Goody Hair Products at Walmart, Shopper's Drug Mart & Loblaws.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goody_(brand

Food

2009-05-05T14:21:00.000-07:00

Fortune Cookie Chronicles
Asian Food Blog

Binge Eating
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binge_eating
I feel like eating a whole lot of sushi & desserts right now & especially chocolate cake. Does that mean that I have Binge Eating Disorder? I suppose not. Perhaps I'm just hungry & I do love food!

Chowhound

Fashion Diggs

2009-05-05T14:11:00.000-07:00

Good sites to check out on fashion if you're a self proclaimed Fashionista/Fashionisto! LoL!

Fashion Television
http://www.fashiontelevision.com/
This TV show has been going on for a long time. I used to watch good old FT it when I was a kid as my eldest sister used to follow it almost every weekend so I guess that I was pretty much already exposed to the world of Fashion as a little kid. I haven't watched it much in the recent 10 years as I don't watch too much TV these days, but I can remember how interesting/cool it was watching it. So I just need to find a TV guide & find out when it's on & watch it if I happen to be home when it's on. Meanwhile, I'll just check out their website.

Toronto Style Blog
http://toronto-style.blogspot.com/
I've recently discovered this blog & now I'm pretty much following it b/c I think that it's a pretty good one.

Celeb Styles
Either influencial or faux-pas. There's always something to learn from them!

Eonline
http://ca.eonline.com/uberblog/fashion/index.html?edition=ca
Peopla Magazine
http://www.peoplestylewatch.com/people/stylewatch/0,,,00.html

The Beckhams-see what they're wearing especially Posh
http://victoriadavidbeckham.blogspot.com/

Victoria Beckham Hair blog
http://victoria-beckham-hair.blogspot.com/
Follow her hairstyles. Who can't remember her classic "Bob"?

another Hollywood celeb fashion blog
http://betteratholiday.blogspot.com/

Fashion Mags
InStyle
http://www.instyle.com/instyle/
Elle Canada
http://www.ellecanada.com/
Flare
http://www.flare.com/

Style.ca
http://www.style.ca/
Hmmm.... it doesn't seem to be working right now. Under construction? Or is it just my computer that's the problem? I can't remember what was on it now, but this website seemed pretty cool when I first found it several months ago. It was working awhile back. Perhaps it'll be back again sometime soon. Let's check back later.

Interesting Links

2009-05-05T13:13:00.000-07:00

What's on Yonge Street?
http://www.onyongestreet.com/
Wow! I didn't know that they have a whole online directory on Yonge St. How convenient! More convenient than looking up the yellow pages. But how often do I visit Yonge St. anyway besides Finch & Yonge/Bloor, lol. But as summer comes & I get back on track & have more free time I probably will more often. The problem is that there are just too many good places to visit around Toronto that you don't know which ones to pick to go to, lol!

There's a lot of good finds/places to visit, a lot of cool shops to shop, restaurants to eat, etc... & even places that you might not know exists & you must check out! The whole directory covers Aurora, Barrie, Thornhill, etc... & not just Toronto, so it's indeed very useful.

Alltop.com
http://alltop.com/
Anoter cool link I recently found about different topics from technology to food to......whatever you fancy. It's an online magazine rack” of popular topics

Welcome!

2009-05-05T13:11:00.000-07:00

Hi, this is a brand new blog on beauty, fashion, style, trends, events, good finds like places to eat & stuff & anything that helps you to stay fabulous!
So stay tuned in on some good stuff!

Our mission statement:
To keep our readers up to date on the lastest trends in the major aspects of today's urban lifestyle from food&drink to makeup, fashion, vocabulary, books, magazines, entertainment, movies, etc... & allow our readers to catch up so as not to not feel left out on cool stuff while they're busy at work, studies or taking care of kids.