It’s been over 3 years since I’ve had a spa facial. So when the opportunity came up at the brand new Caudalie boutique spa in Sherway Gardens, I went for it without hesitation. Every once in a while you need to pamper yourself and make some “me” time. I’m a big fan of Caudalie so I knew the treatment would be revitalizing for my winter skin.

The boutique spa is a small 2 treatment room facility that specializes in facials. I hope someday they open a full-scale Caudalie spa, just like the ones in France. Once you enter the treatment room you are greeted with a nice comfy heated bed, which was a nice feature on a cold winter day.

The treatment selected for me was Vinoperfect Radiance facial. It started out with cleansing and a steam. Organic Grape Water and Beauty Elixir were misted throughout the session to bring moisture and radiance.

Then came extraction followed by another misting of grape water to calm any redness. Serums and creams were applied and I asked for a tinted moisturizer so I didn’t have to apply any foundation.

By the end of the hour session, I was relaxed, glowing and confident enough to go without makeup for the rest of the day. It felt amazing!

If you’re thinking about a facial, I highly recommend Caudalie spa. If you don’t live near Toronto or Montreal, you can create your own at-home treatment with these products:

Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet
Vinoperfect Radiance Serum
Vinosource SOS Morning Eye Rescue
Instant Detox Mask

I was heartbroken to hear the news about Danier going into insolvency. For those hearing about this for the first time, the Canadian leather brand Danier has begun the proceedings for insolvency. Meaning that they can no longer meet their financial obligations with lenders.

For now what this really means that they are looking to sell some or all the company and if not, they will go into bankruptcy.

The retailer has 90 stores across Canada and intends to keep them all open during the insolvency process. Which means great sales, so look out.

My favourite location is their head office warehouse location on St. Clair in Toronto. You can find some of the best one-of-a-kind samples pieces there that never make it into full production.

Right now online and in-store you can find great deals (many at 75% off). So if you’re a Danier lover like me, it’s time to buy. Hopefully the company will find a buyer soon and possibly someone from south of the border who can grow the company. I would love to see the company expand into the US market and eventually begin to  manufacture  a shoe line.

So start shopping!

Read more at CBC.ca and the Globe and Mail.

Photo credit: CBC

I can think of about 50 polishes I want to buy from Zoya.com.  The naked manicure starter kit is at the top of my list. It will be a piece of cake to meet the $25 minimum order to get the three Spooky Glam ZOYA NAIL POLISH shades for FREE.

Get these 3 glam polishes in time for you Halloween party:

• Storm (Black Metallic Glam Sparkle Nail Polish)
• Mimi (Purple Metallic Glam Sparkle Nail Polish)
• Amy (Orange Metallic Glam Sparkle Nail Polish)

Exclusively on zoya.com! Now thru Halloween (10/31/15) USE CODE: GLAM3

The past 8 months have been filled with ups and downs and very little time for myself. That’s life, right? This year has been a challenging period that took away my passion to share my thoughts. I’m not going to get into the dark details but sometimes events happen that take you away from doing things you love and leave you doubting yourself and your path in life. The Dressing Room has been a part of me for 5 years but I had to step away to focus on some other areas of my life. It hasn’t all been bad and I do have good news to share but there have been changes nonetheless.

To be true to myself I have decided to get back to doing what I love, and that’s writing and sharing my knowledge and opinions on The Dressing Room. We all have those things that bring us joy and for me writing makes me feel good. I feel like myself when I put fingers to the keyboard. You may be going through a tough time in your life and are not sure where to turn. Know that we all have those tough times. Life will test you. You will be flying high one day, and struggling with your parachute the next. But I truly believe you will find your way. Just don’t give up on what you love.

I’ve missed you all and I hope you will continue to join me on my adventures.

There’s plenty of free parking and many of the major retailers like Winners, Homesense, Target, Banana Republic, Sportschek and even Bulk Barn to stock up on your holiday baking ingredients. Visit the Stockyards website for full store directory, or just take a trip and discover what they have to offer.

Located on St. Clair with easy streetcar and subway access by short bus ride, you’ll be able to make a few trips to carry all the gifts you bought.

Being located close to home, I like to frequent the Target to browse the clean, large aisles that contain many exclusive-to-Target items and visit Winners to find that perfect something that I didn’t know I needed.

There are also many restaurants. Have breakfast at Sunset Grill and lunch at any one of their healthy fast-food options. If you’ve been shopping all day you might want to be home by dinner. If not, there are plenty of other restaurants in the Stockyards to try.

If you’re not yet finished your holiday shopping or just need to pick up a few last gifts, I would suggest hitting the Stockyards for an easy and festive shopping experience. Did I mention plenty of free parking!?

See you at the Stockyards!

When you’re there, check out the lovely lit tree in the roundabout.

For the File Fiend
Back up photos and important documents in style with this sphere external hard drive. Lacie Christofle Sphère 1TB, $519.99.

For The Multi-Tasker
This is the first and only cell phone charger that cleans and sanitizes your phone while it charges. The two UV-C lamps utilize short-wavelength ultraviolet radiation (shorter than UV-B and UV-A which are NOT germicidal) that is harmful to microorganisms. Phonesoap Universal cell charger, $59.95.

For The Power Obsessed
A friend should never let another friend be without power. Ban.do Back Me Up Mobile Charger, $35.00. Nasty Gal Gilded Portable Charger, $45.00.

For The Fitness Femme
A Fitbit accessory that with work with any outfit. Tory Burch for Fitbit Metal Hinged Bracelet, $195.00.

For the Photographer

Instantly print borderless 4″ x 6″ photo prints using an iPhone iPod or iPad. Canon Selphy CP910 Wireless Compact Photo Printer, $89.99 at Black’s.

For the Busy Body

Charging on the go can be a hassle, especially when there is a fear of someone step on the phone. This add-on for Apple chargers provides cord storage for a USB cable and a cradle for the device. Goldie Green by Nice, $9.99

For The Collector
For the person who has too many devices and not enough outlets to charge them. DCI 4-Port USB Power Strip, $13.90 from Amazon

If you have a gadget gift idea, share in the comments below!

Get through the cold Canadian winter with outdoor gear designed by those who truly understand the cold.

These will keep you warm this chilly winter.

Canada Goose Trillium Parka, $695
Joe Fresh plaid scarf, $24
Danier Bristol printed leather gloves, $49
Danier Lune rabbit fur toque, $39
Pajar PSBL-ALICE boot, $195
ECCO Hill boot, $295

Keep warm indoors with these comfy wears.

HUDSON’S BAY COMPANY Millenium Stripe Point Blanket, $495
Roots Snowy Fox Zip Hoody, $138
Sorel Nakiska Slide Knit Slipper, $85

Don’t let the cold Canadian weather get under your skin. Keep hydrated with the new Jergens moisturizers! Each contains a hydraLucence blend designed to improve your skin’s texture, tone and luminosity.

I’ve been using the Ultra Care on my hands and love the moisture barrier it creates. It has a light velvet touch that absorbs quickly and keeps my hands soft.

When to use which moisturizer:

Extra Dry Cracked Skin: use the Jergens Ultra Care. And if you have sensitive skin opt for the Fragrance-free version.

Dry Skin: use the Jergens Original beauty lotion.

Normal Skin: for extra hydration (especially in the cold months) try the Jergens Vitamin E Replenishing Moisturizer.

Dull skin: If your skin isn’t looking its brightest, the Jergens Soothing Aloe Moisturizer refreshes instantly.

Enter to win the complete line of new Jergen’s moisturizers!

Prize includes:

• Jergens Ultra Care
• Jergens Ultracare Unscented
• Jergens Original beauty Lotion
• Jergens Vitamin E
• Jergens soothing Aloe

All in the 365mL size!

Enter for a chance to Win!

Your Name (required)
 

Your Email (required)
 

Giveaway ends November 21st!
Single entry

Start your days with a healthy and delicious breakfast. This at-home granola parfait is the perfect morning meal.

Tip: Make several portions of the granola and freeze it for later. These parfaits can be a quick and easy solution for hurried mornings.

The following recipe makes 6 servings.

Yogurt:

• 2 Sunkist navel oranges, peeled and segmented
• 3 cups nonfat plain or vanilla yogurt

Granola:

• 1 cup whole rolled oats
• 1 cup textured soy protein
• 1/4 cup oat bran
• 1/4 cup wheat germ
• 1/4 cup flax seeds
• 3 Tbsp. finely grated Sunkist® orange zest
• 1/2 cup cups agave nectar (or 1/4 cup honey)
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed Sunkist® orange juice

Syrup:

• 1 cup agave nectar (or 2/3 cup honey)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 finely grated zest and juice from Sunkist® lemon, divided
• 1 vanilla bean or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 Pinch of salt

Granola Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
2. In a mixing bowl, blend together oats, soy protein, oat bran, wheat germ, and flax seeds.
3. Mix together orange zest, agave nectar, and orange juice and add to the mixing bowl.
4. Blend together all ingredients and place on a well greased sheet pan.
5. Place in the oven. Every ten minutes, use a wooden spoon to stir the granola mixture so that it will evenly toast.
6. Continue for approximately 30 minutes or until all ingredients are well toasted. Allow to cool before storing in an air tight container.

Tip: Even if you don’t have all the ingredients (I couldn’t find textured soy protein at my local grocery store), you can still create a fantastic granola mix. Try adding a little bit of the other ingredients to make up for missing parts.

Before baking.

After baking.

Syrup Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the agave nectar and water.
2. Add the lemon zest, place over medium high heat and bring to a boil.
3. Split the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and remove the seeds by scraping the inside using the back of a pairing knife.
4. Reduce the temperature of the sugar mixture to very low and add the vanilla bean halves and seeds.
5. Allow the mixture to steep over low heat for fifteen minutes.
6. Remove from the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice

Tip: The syrup is a nice topping if you’re having the granola as a dessert but doesn’t need to be added for morning meals.

Assemble: Place a healthy dollop of yogurt in six parfait glasses, add a large spoonful of granola, and repeat the process. Top off each parfait glass with orange segments and vanilla syrup and serve.

Bon Appétit

Et voilà! A granola treat!

Move over lattes and mochas, Flat White is here!

Unlikely that you’ve heard about this drink before (unless you’ve traveled to Australia)
because it’s the first time it has been available in Canada (under that name at least).

The Flat White originated in Australia in the 80’s. The name ‘flat white’ explains what the drink is: an espresso with milk. In Australia, a “short black” is an espresso shot and a “long black” is an espresso shot with water added, similar to an Americano.

The Second Cup Flat White features a double shot of its signature Espresso Forte, a hint of indulgent steamed milk and a very thin layer of micro-foam. The drink is described as bold, rich and velvety.

I recently enjoyed the drink with a chocolate biscotti – a perfect morning pair. The Flat White was rich yet smooth and had a nice jolt of espresso for a good start to the day.

Not sure how it compares to your current favourite caffeinated beverage. Here’s a chart that clearly explains it all:

Share your Flat White experience and use hastages: #espressoloversrejoice #flatwhite
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