ShoptoBeGreen.com Offers Organic, Natural & Sustainable Products

If you don't have a small family-owned green products retailer near you, you know have one online.

Shoptobegreen.com offers organic, natural and sustainable products for your body and your home. Many factors go into the careful selection of vendors and their products. They ask themselves,"Can this product reduce the public's use of petroleum products; lower landfill contribution either through bio-degradability, pre-cycle and recycle usage; and lowering chemical exposure by providing naturally made alternatives?"

They also prefer to carry products "made out of recycled materials created in an environmentally friendly way; like our reclaimed wood furniture, recycled water bottle felt pillows, and junk mail greeting cards. We also choose to carry a lot of products that are handmade by small family owned companies (like Tumbleweed Bead Co, GB Proudfoot, Decoylab and Beehive Kitchenware). One of the many reasons we love small companies is because their products tend to be handmade at the time you place your order so there are no large warehouses of inventory sucking up energy."

You can tell they've put a lot of thought into this:

"We look for items that can replace petroleum based products (like soy candles) and products that can help conserve energy usage (like LED lights and solar electronics). We carry jewelry made only from recycled metals and we will only carry antique or Canada mined diamonds so you can rest assured that it is not a conflict diamond. Our policy on products from outside of the US is to find companies that help reduce waste like Verterra’s biodegradable disposable kitchenware, Chaba reclaimed wood decor, and AquaOvo Therm-o glass bottle. We look for companies with Fair Trade policies such as our Pomiare Clayware, BeeHive Kitchenware Ceramics, and Himalayan salt lamps."

Not only is that a time-saver from shopping store to store, but it's a heartwarmer too - you can feel good about absolutely everything you purchase here. How great to support these smaller, independent producers!

I got to try Solay Wellness, for instance, which I'd never come across before. Their Whipped Body Butter is so luxurious and light, that I've been slathering all over my body ever since it arrived. And my skin has never been so soft! And the Detox Face Mask is the perfect way to combat a stressful day and/or damaged skin.

G.B. Proudfoot is another company I hadn't heard of and was thrilled to discover. Their Original Organic Lip Balm is not only soothing, it's got the most invigorating scent - ginger and orange - you'll want to eat it! For truly soft, renewed skin, their Tea with Lemon & Honey Scrub (pictured above) goes to work on ridding you of any dry skin and leaves behind rich, moist skin, all done with natural ingredients.

Not only is Shoptobegreen.com a fantastic place to shop for yourself, it makes gift-giving a breeze.

Shop now. Shop green. Shop responsibly.

Krigler New York City Perfumes Brings the Past to Present Day

Mr. Krigler had been a perfumer as far back as 1904.

But it wasn't until, Kri Kri, a fourth generation Krigler that the family business took hold again.

Kri Kri loves "a scent which is both sober and sophisticated, masculine and feminine, rigorous and happy. Rational but imaginative, defying the classical register, she has the insolence to invent a scent where freedom is sovereign. The scents she creates, where she express her taste of unexpected mix are indefinitely seducing. Kri Kri created in her atelier, scents as notes of the time. In the archive of the family she found over 200 scents and fragrances and decided to recreate them as much as she could."

Which brings us to the present day Krigler New York City, where fascinating scents await you.

Take Mediterranean Peach 15, for instance. It's surprisingly refreshing and light, like a Mimosa at brunch.  The blend of peach, dew fruit and blackcurrant leaves is like a burst of sunshine and laughter and perfect for these hazy, hot summer days.

And if you're a kind of back-to-basics kinda gal, Lovely Patchouli 55 (pictured above) is for you. This is the prettiest patchouli I've ever experienced. Complex but really feminine, the aromas of patchouly, bergamot, amber and leather are extremely enticing.

These scents will leave an impression. On both you and those around you.

If you want something to really wow the crowd, shop Krigler New York City.

Envelop Yourself in Riches with MONEY Cologne

I opened up the box and was shocked to see shredded money. Real dollar bills julienned and scattered around the box.

Since I who grew up without much of it, it seems like a blatant act. Like "I don't need it, so I'm just gonna throw it away."

But it's smart marketing.I mean, if you're going to make a His & Her MONEY cologne that reeks of money, you might as well swath it in the stuff, right? 

And this is all before I've even taken in its scent. Then it hits me. The intense, distinct smell of money.

The scent specially made for the fellas - His MONEY is decidedly manly - like leather seats and The Wall Street Journal. You can smell the money in there but it's surprisingly bright and citrusy. It feels a little like the outdoors too (due to grass and precious woods, no doubt). Ooh, I love this. It's powerful without being cocky. Bold without being overpowering. I would wear it along with the women's scent.

Speaking of which, Her Money is extremely pretty. The bills are in there, though if you didn't know it was money, would you be able to guess? I'm not sure, though you'd know it was a familiar scent. Feminine notes of fruits and florals are light and airy. It is perfect for everything from summer cocktails on the roof to business negotiations in the boardroom. Pink grapefuit, mandarin, passion fruit and melon add a slight sweetness, while freesia and Hawaiian wedding flower keep it fresh and sophisticated.

What fantastic presents these are. And affordable too. I wonder if I wear this, the laws of attraction will come into play and suddenly, I'll be surrounded by cash?

I'm about to find out.

Buy His & Her MONEY Cologne Sprays now.

Kai Fragrance Is Unique on Everyone!

Have you ever bought a fragrance that is meant to smell one way, but you get it home and it is completely something else on you?

Everyone rocks a scent differently and someone that's celebrating that is Kai Fragrance.  

Kai uses "exotic fragrance and natural essences" - think the tropics - in this light scent. It is incredibly popular amongst celebrities. And it's no wonder. 

Kai Perfume Oil is incredible and a little goes a long way, so it will long  outlast your drugstore brands. Touch it on your pulse points and get ready for the aromatherapy to begin.

As soon as you apply it, you'll feel your shoulders unstiffen (how did they get that high around my ears like that?), your mind

On me, it smells of sweet, fresh gardenias. And a lot like summer breezes, wet grass and clean laundry - all of the scents that completely bliss me out. 

But here's the thing - I gave some to my Mom to try and it was completely different on her! It was still lovely and light and fragrant, but deeper and spicier. My Mom's skin is always warm, where mine is always cool. It's amazing the difference on us both, but I didn't prefer or another - it's just that they each suited us perfectly.

It's almost impossible these days to get a scent that is personalized for you and your body chemistry. We all have so many factors going into who we are and how we take on a fragrance. How amazing is it to get something that works with you and your body?

Look for where to shop for Kai near you and finally have a scent that is completely and utterly you.

Bring Paradise Home Via Tautropfen's Jalë Orient Collection

I am not really a chocolates/candles/flowers kind of gal.

But I can't help but swoon over "the beguiling organic rose oil obtained from the hand-picked blossoms of the  fragrant Damascene Rose" in Tautropfen's Jalë  Orient Collection. The scent is just mind-blowingly alluring and exotic. And I have to say, now I'm completely spoiled because the fragrance of regular roses just became oh-so-ordinary. This scent is just so much deeper and richer.

The Tautropfen Jalë  Orient Collection gives you many enchanting options for creamy soft skin:

- Enchanting Rose Shower Emulsion uses the intoxicating rose oil blended with argan oil, making for a satiny, velvety wash that transforms the bathroom into a garden and your skin into a pampered, nourished wonder.

- Alluring Rose Soap gives your skin the same luscious feeling as the emulsion, but with the bar, you get dried rose petals on top and a swirl of colour through the soap. If you can manage to tear yourself away from it (just try to stop yourself from smelling it - I bet you can't), it makes a wonderful gift.

- Enchanting Rose Bath Cube comes two to a pack and they look similar to the soap, but are smaller and sqaure. Dried rose petals can be seen throughout these as well. So pretty! And just think about how rewarding it will be to come home after a long day and sink into a luxurious bath that drenches your skin in cocoa butter, organic shea butter and milk protein. Simply dissolve a cube while running your bath and in mere moments, your skin - and soul - will be restored to their natural beauty. Ahhh...

-Magical Rhassul Wash Clay -  Over the years, I've witnessed the incredible power of clay.  This ancient ritual can done on your both your hair and skin.  It's so easy: "Dissolve the Rhassul wash clay in warm water (first put water in a bowl, then mix in 3-4 tablespoons of wash clay), then leave it to thicken. Massage the viscous substance into the dampened hair, then leave it to do its work. Meanwhile, wash your body with the gel. Rinse off your hair and skin thoroughly with water." You'll be amazed at how clean and soft they feel after this opulent Moroccan Lava Clay treatment.

Tautropfen's Jalë  Orient Collection is anything but ordinary. Regular roses are just that - regular - from now on.

Envelop Yourself In Calvin Klein's Eternity Summer Fragrances for Men & Women

What comes to your mind when you think about summer?

I think of the sun hitting my face and hot sand squishing underneath my toes, the smell of suntan lotion and the sea wafting through the air.

What is remarkable is that Calvin Klein has bottled all of those sensory memories in his latest fragrance, Eternity Summer for Women.

Using floral notes such as violet leaves, gardenia, muguet, jamine and lotus lily mixed with the fresh unique scent of cilantro and then blended with creamy musks and fig wood with a hint of mimosa, a feeling that you've been carrying around since childhood emerges.

Happiness.

Whether you remember building sandcastles with your family at the beach or laying on the dock at the cottage, this sun-in-a-bottle will make you feel so good, you may just do cartwheels or go running the next time you hear the ice cream truck.

And while this joyous scent is like a memory bank, it is undoubtedly modern, fresh and sexy. 

Bringing a piece of the beach to the city is the ultimate summer staycay. Thank you Eternity Summer for Women.

p.s. Eternity Summer for Men is sensational too. Citrus and wood nestle amongst the sun's rays. Tres sexy indeed.

p.p.s. Calvin Klein Fragrances are available at select department and drugstores for a limited time.

Bond No. 9's Newest Scent Madison Square Park Comes with Jewelry!

Some scents are truly timeless.

I wrote about Bond No. 9's collection way back in 2009 and yet, I still covet these eau de parfums. Bond No. 9 stand the test of time, somehow conveying warm memories of the past and still being undoubtedly modern and fresh no matter how much time has passed.

Now there is a new beauty on the block - Madison Square Park. You can see how vibrant the park is and how beautiful and dramatic the neighbourhood is. I think the neon pink and green bottle is the perfect way to honour such a place. After all, there is so much to see and do, and if you've been to New York, you know how stimulating it is. Every time I come home from visiting, I feel like I'm actually vibrating for a few days after. It is a high that's hard to come down from.

That's what I love about Bond No. 9 - you can bring a piece of the city with you. And Madison Square Park is one delicious scent! It's unlike any other scent I've come across (and remember, I test them for a living). It is a truly joyous scent with a hint of fruit and champagne bubbles. It feels like summer picnics and laughter or an evening on a large deck somewhere covered in teeny white lights and couples dancing like in a 1940s movie. But it's also so 2011, like being in an art gallery on a Sunday afternoon sipping wine and thinking about structure and form or shopping for local products in your neighbourhood with friends. But it's actually an exhilarating blend of grape hyacinth, huckleberry, prairie dropseed grass, red leaf rose, red hunter tulips and teakwood.

The bottle comes with a removable, grass-green Deco Modern rose-blossom bracelet which can be used as a bracelet or brooch. Bond No. 9 suggests wearing "its double rows of beads on your wrist, or detach the vintage-style rose centerpiece, to use as a brooch"

A gorgeous eau de parfum and bracelet all-in-one? I think your summer is now officially made.

Shop now.

Bring Summer A Little Closer with FCUK's NEW Limited-Edition Summer Scents!

The warm weather hasn't quite arrived to my part of the universe, but my mind is already thinking: mojitos on the patio, shimmery tank tops and light, frilly dresses and spending long evenings outside in the warm air.

So I've brought summer to me in the way of French Connection's NEW LIMITED-EDITION fragrance, FCUK Summer For Her (pictured above).

It's fruity and floral, playful and light. Which is exactly what you want at this time of year. Mango and apple tart add vibrancy while freesia and mimosa makes you feel like you're in the middle of a garden. Sheer patchouli, amber and musk mimic the sun's warmth, so that summer feeling stays with you, no matter what the temperature outside.

I like this scent because it is so many things at once - just like you and me. It's sharp and sexy without being too cloying or invasive. It's just the right amount of oomph. Know what I mean?  And the bottle is fantastic - firey orange and yellow just ooze the summer heat.

There is also a matching FCUK Summer for Him that is a super sexy concoction of sea spray accord,  warm sage and drift wood, amongst other invigorating ingredients. It's super manly without being heavy in the least. And the bottle's the same as the ladies', but in a cool water blue mix. Mmm...

Long hot summer? It will be now that we've got the FCUK Summer Collection!

Feel Hot, Hot, Hot with GUESS Seductive Wild Summer!

Summer still feels so far away, but one way to feel the heat of the season is the new limited edition summer fragrance for women, GUESS Seductive Wild Summer. 

It's incredibly unique - I've never experienced a scent like it before.  It's got a tinge of sweetness with a powdery femininity and a finish of exotic sexiness that is as warm as it is alluring. 

Lychee, pear and red berries mingles with floral notes from jasmine, orange blossom and rose and with hints of vanilla, cashmere wood and musk, you get this immensely seductive scent that evolves and warms into an intoxicating blend.

Like last year’s Guess Seductive fragrance, this is sure to be a hit! 

Buy your preview to summer's heat now.

Celebrate Spring with New Chloe Rose Edition Eau de Parfum!

Not long ago, I wrote about my love affair with Love, Chloe, which made my list for best scents of 2010.

Well, Chloe has done it again, this time with a fresh scent just in time for spring!

Cloe Rose Edition is a new limited-edition perfume that celebrates the original Chloe signature fragrance - but this time, with the addition of a pretty rose ribbon for spring.

Available at beauty counters in April, this is the perfect way to welcome the season!

A fragrant bouquet of rose, magnolia, lilly of the valley, cedar and amber creates a wonderfully fresh, warm scent that has a sexy finish to it. It is sunny and joyous and yet grounded and classic. 

I feel fabulous when I wear this. It is definitely an "I-feel-on-top-of-the-world" kind of scent, so whether you're going to a job interview or shopping for groceries, you'll have a little extra bounce in your step, a little "je ne sais quoi" at your side.

The rose ribbon on the neck of the beautiful beveled bottle reminds me of how much I have to be grateful for, that each day, each moment is a gift that is to be unwrapped and enjoyed.

This is a scent that is meant to be worn and celebrated, so get yours now.

Envelop Yourself In Gorgeous Handcrafted Scents from D.S. & Durga

Want something a little different to wear this season?

D.S. & Durga offers handcrafted perfumes and colognes, made in small batches.  But it's a little more intimate than that. See, D.S. and Durga are two people who craft, bottle, box and label everything themselves, so you get a real old-world kind of feel to their work.

Inspired by "antiquated herbal wisdom, native ritual medicine, Americana, outdated lore, geography, history and gastronomy," these are deep scents that reach back into history and come out with a modern edge.

Take Cowgirl Grass, for instance. It's an earthy scent for the fellas, but I like the leathery manly tangle of vetyver, sagebrush, damask rose and tuberose. So much so that I'm wearing it. Because it's not too hefty for a lass like myself to wear.  It smells of old books, wool sweaters and booksmart gents, which makes me happy from head to toe, though it's probably more of an ode to Cowboys and Indians, I imagine.

Silent Grove is one of the most original fragrances I've ever come across and one of my favourite of all time, all fragrances. This one's for us ladies, and thank goodness, because I cannot get enough of this one.  Linden, cedar, lotus and white tea coalesce into a modern spring day at the park, a bright breeze off the lake and a night up at the cottage. It makes me want to do a cartwheel, which I can't manage in the least, but I might be spurred on simply by the joy D.S. & Durga have captured and bottled. 

Osmanthus Cologne embodies the floral colognes that were worn by men until WWII. You'll be surprised by how light and enticing classic cologne water - citrus, orange blossom, rosemary and lavender - pairs with rare Australian osmanthus flower is. Yep, us girls are going to be scooping  this one up too.

The names of these fragrances are as fresh and unique as the blends themselves, so do the smart thing and shop the entire D.S. & Durga Collection now.

Prince William & Kate Middleton Will Be Wearing Clive Christian Perfumes - Now You Can Too!

If you haven't heard of Clive Christian, you're about to get inundated.

See, Clive not only makes the World's Most Expensive Perfume, he has been commissioned to "create a unique presentation of a matched pair of Clive Christian No.1 Perfumes - his and hers - for His Royal Highness Prince William and Catherine Middleton in honor of their union."

See, back in 1999, Clive  revived one of the oldest perfumeries in Britain (the Crown Perfumery) which was honored by Queen Victoria in 1872 when she granted the company the image of her crown as an enduring symbol of British excellence. In fact, she had the perfumery create perfumes for her and Prince Albert that were meant to "match and complement each other."

So this long, long, long tradition continues on, thanks to Mr. Christian. 

At the heart of the collection is No. 1 Perfume, which is world’s most expensive perfume, with only 1000 bottles released each year. But you can purchase this rare scent. Yes, it will set you back a little but, but it was created with the most rare and precious natural ingredients. You know how sometimes you feel like a million bucks? Well, now you can smell like it for a lot less. This scent oozes sophistication and beauty. It's classic and warm and yes, even regal. I don't know all of the ingredients, but a hint of Tahitian vanilla, rosa centafolia and Indian jasmine are completely captivating. Don't be surprised if you keep sneaking whiffs of your wrist throughout the day...

1872 For Women is the year that Queen Victoria granted her crown to the House. And although "170 roses are required to create a single drop of the precious Rose de Mai," it's so much more than just rose. There is a wonderful sunshiney, citrusy bounce to it, while remaining classy and even erudite. It is lighter than you probably imagine, but by no means airy. This beauty has got weight.

For something a little deeper, a little darker, you've got to try X. It has rare Egyptian Jasmine that is gathered from the banks of the Nile at dusk and was apparently used by Cleopatra to capture Mark Anthony’s heart. Its intense warmth and depth make it a clear choice if you want to catch someone's attention.

One of the most joyous scents - and my fav alongside No. 1 -  has got to be C. This is from Clive's Private Collection and it's incredibly sensual without being heavy. Rose, jasmine, violet and tuberose intermingle and tangle to give off a musky, sexy vibe that lasts and lasts.

Versions are also available for the fellas.

Mmm.

The quality of these fragrances cannot be beat. Why not treat yourself? You deserve it!

Shop the entire Clive Christian collection online now.

Feel the Rush with Beyonce's Heat Rush!

I wrote about Beyonce's first fragrance, Heat, back in December.

And as only Beyonce can do, she's put a hot spin on it with her latest fragrance, Heat Rush.

When I first put it on, most of what I got was fruit - Brazilian Cherry, Passion Fruit Sorbet and Blood Orange. I'm more of a floral gal, so I wasn't quite sure about this at first.

But after a few moments, warm floral scents emerged.  Yellow Tiger Orchid, Mango Blossoms and Orange Hibiscus were revealed. Ooh, that's nice.

Then, the tropical sandy beach feel of Rio Sunset Musk and sexy notes of Honey Amber and Teak Wood unfolded into this exotic, intoxicating blend that really is incredibly captivating.

 
I like that it encapsulates me and anyone who's with me. I feel powerful, and yes, fierce, when I wear it. In that way, it most definitely feels like Beyonce in a bottle.

Get your own Heat Rush. It will be available at Sears and select drug stores across Canada in March.

Preppy's Back But with a Modern Twist - Vera Wang's Preppy Princess

Vera Wang's Princess made me feel youthful back in January.

And now Vera's got a fresh, new take on it - Preppy Princess. Described as, "Confident. Edgy. Savvy. Where downtown meets uptown, her reigns begins. She's the leader of the pack, confident and always dressed to impress. Without every trying, she is the center of attention. She rules in the most fashionable way," this is a scent that makes you smile.

Vera Wang says that the fresh, slightly sweet scent was inspired by "an obsession with a very specific type of girl. Preppy Princess combines elements of legacy and tradition with confidence and modernity." Vera says P.P. is, "clean-cut, smart and not overly conservative anymore. She wears her pearls, blazers and pleated skirts with super high heels. She is a fashion prepster."

I think that I have that in me, even if that isn't how I dress day-to-day. I do have a number of pearl necklaces and high heels...

The scent is confident and edgy with a sweet finish, thanks to crushed berries, bergamot and red delicious apples. Honeysuckle, peach blossom and vanilla orchid give it a fresh sun-kissed feel while sensual woods, musk and patchouli ground it.  There are over a hundred ingredients here, so enjoy as it unfolds as you wear it.

The heart-shaped bottle that we came to know with the first Princess scent is made further iconic with a hot pink hue, painted with a smart white and blue plaid. And white pearls adorn the midnight blue cap. You're going to want to prominently display this cutie!

Zoe Kravitz, daughter of Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet, stars in the exuberant print ads (pictured above). And though the ad features young girls and guys, someone older (like myself) can totally rock this fragrance. Just try it - you'll see how much fun it is to wear. You'll be humming on your way to work for once, maybe even dancing a little as you go down the grocery aisles. It captures - and releases - the youthful side you still have, but may have temporarily tamped down due to a hectic lifestyle. It makes you want to go out and sing karaoke, break out your old dance moves and try some new ones.

This fun and flirty scent is available for a limited time only, so get it now.

You're never too old to be a princess, thanks to Vera Wang.

Playboy Introduces Its New Fragrance For Men: New York Playboy

Back in January, I introduced you to Playboy's new scents for women. Now there's something for the fellas.

Playboy's new fragrance for men, New York Playboy is incredible - musky, woody, but not heavy at all. There is a light citrus that lifts it (limes) and seductive tones (vetiver and vinyl accords) that center it, making it a heady concoction that is decidedly modern, sexy and playful. Just like NYC. 

I think much of New York is sexy - from cab rides to insanely loud bars. So this fits right in.  And it's so intoxicating that you AND your fella won't tire of it (which to me is a sign of a superb scent).

The bottle is a simple flask shape, but the label is downright incredible - a black brick wall adorned with a graffitied Playboy Rabbit head, done by renowned graffiti artist Seen (also known as Richard Mirando).  You get the urban downtown vibe from bottle to scent.

I looooove this scent on its own. Imagine how insane it'll make me once it's on my fella!

New York Playboy is available in select drug and mass retailers across Canada in March.

p.s. Something tells me the journey isn't going to stop in New York. Stay tuned...

Celebrate Each and Every Day with Kate Spade's Twirl!

When I was a teenager, kate spade was a fairly new designer and she'd just come out with this black nylon purse that was revolutionary at the time. It was small and boxy in shape with a small label on the front - "kate spade."

All the cool girls of course had them. I carried an army store bag (also popular at the time, but it certainly didn't have the cachet or prestige that the "kate bag" as we called it, had) and pretended not to care, but I most certainly did.

Now kate spade offers a little something for everyone at prices that are within reach, so there's no feeling left out anymore. The line includes clothing, stationery, accessories and now, her very first fragrance - Twirl.

This happy-go-lucky scent is a smile in a bottle. It's like spring in New York, that feeling when you slip on a pair of new soft leather shoes or that moment when you think you might be falling in love.

Even the bottle itself - with falling gold confetti and finished with a 1940-esque gold knob - is cheerful.

This scent works both for day and night. It's floral and fruity but not too much of either. It's modern and optimistic, just like you! Intriguing ingredients such as pink watermelon, red currant, musk and French macaron are simply delightful when pulled together like this.

When I put this on, I feel like I can be anyone and do anything. It's more than just a perfume, it's an elixir!

Shop the Twirl Collection now and celebrate each and every day.

Halle Berry's New Fragrance Reveal Is Stunning. Just Like Halle.

"I wanted to show yet another side of myself... something that was very glamourous, yet natural and easy to wear." - Halle Berry

There is only one answer to the question - If you could smell like Halle Berry, would you?

Yes please!

I mean, who doesn't want to smell like one of the most beautiful, sexy women on the planet?

Well now you can with the Halle Berry line of fragrances.

I tried her latest scent, Reveal and it is everything I thought it would be - pretty, light and sunny, but with warmth and depth, that seems to deepen as you wear it. Halle describes it as:

"Reveal is a radiant floral fragrance that has a perfect balance. Light and fresh,it becomes sexier as you wear it. The scent of iris can be a bit dark or woody, but I decided to choose facets of it that make it feel velvety soft and airy."

This is one of those scents that you'll want to wear not only everyday, but is suitable for both day and evening. The top notes - red berries, juicy peach, mimosa and honeydew melon - aren't as fruity as they sound. I think the plumeria flower, iris blossom and neroli petals are far more prevalent, but that's just on me (On you, the fruit might just pop out on top).  Finishing with vetiver, cashmere woods and skin milk, there is a classic feel to this scent. Iconic, even. Like it was meant for classic beauties like Halle, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, etc.

Now I'm no beauty, but this scent does make me feel more beautiful. And isn't that what you want from your perfume (aside from smelling delectable, which you will with this scent)?

Some celebrities create fragrances that are about promoting themselves and their brand. With Reveal, I think Halle has created something truly ever-lasting, that will be as relevant in 50 years as it is today.

You Can Be Whoever You Want to Be with Playboy's Latest Perfume Collection!

I am not really a Playboy kind of girl. I wear office appropriate clothing to most events and feel kind of slutty wearing long, dangly earrings.

But my interest was piqued by Playboy's new fragrances. What does a Playboy Bunny smell like?

The collection features 3 scents that you choose based on your mood - will it be Play It Lovely, Play It Spicy or Play It Sexy today?

I love the idea of trying on a mood in addition to a scent. And truthfully? Deep down, I would like to try the whole bunny outfit on. Not to parade in or for anyone to see, but just for me - does the sexiness come from the outfit or within, I wonder?

So for me, these scents are kind of like trying on the suit, without the tail.

I try Play It Lovely first.  The gorgeous blond on the video says it feels like "jeans and sandals kind of a day." I can definitely pull off casual and light. And the scent it light indeed. Citrus keeps it sunny, while cherry baby orchid, belle de nuit, tuberose, amber, patchouli and other intoxicating scents keep it interesting.  Ooh, I like this. A lot.

I wasn't sure that I would like the idea of Play It Spicy. I gravitate towards light, clean scents or dark, plummy ones.  This scent is about being in charge, being seductive. Hmm. That doesn't sound like me. But I was surprised how much the scent is me, though Playboy calls it "the edgiest of the three" (Me, edgy? Ha!). It's quite a feminine scent. Perhaps it's the belini cocktail, tiger lily or passionflower that makes it surprisingly ballerina-esque. I'll be wearing this one too.

Calling a fragrance Play It Sexy is just about the smartest marketing plan ever. Who doesn't want to be sexy? And according to the Playboy video, it drives boys wild. A "sultry oriental scent," it is quite captivating - a little bit sweet, a little bit naughty.  Liquorice and jasmine tea? Pink grapefruit and pink pepper? It's quite the cocktail, let me tell you. It is one of those warm, woodsy scents that is decidedly womanly. Mmm. This is definitely a keeper...

I have to admit that I think I had a somewhat outdated idea of what Playboy was and is. These scents and women depicted in the videos are very modern and not at all cloying or overly sweet, like I thought they would be.

Playboy's latest scents for women are smart, sexy and edgy - just like you.

They are available now at drugstores and mass retailers across Canada.

Restore Your Balance with Golden Earth's Aromatherapy Body Care Products

I bet you could use a lift right about now.

It's cold out, it's not even middle of the week yet... Ugh, right?

Not anymore, thanks to Golden Earth.

Created by aromatherapist Elizabeth Golden,  this body care line is based on essential oils and whole products that are good for your body.

But that's not the best part.

It's how they make you feel - inside and out.

One of my favourite (and most important) parts of the day is my morning shower. It sets the tone for my day and gets my revved for the events to come. And Golden Earth's Organic Aromatherapy Bath Gels are a must whether you rock the shower or the tub. With names like Fresh, Love and Tranquility and scents that smell like gardens, not chemicals, you can't help but have a stellar day!

Naturally, you should follow with Elizabeth's Organic Aromatherapy Body Lotions. Using the most nourishing natural ingredients such as Acai pulp, brazil nut seed  and andiroba seed oils as well as capuacu butter, your skin will feel soft and supple like it used to. And you'll smell good too.

Speaking of which, are you looking for natural, organic perfumes? Then get yourself some Perfumes from Nature. These little wonders are like a burst of sunshine and a wave of happiness - how can you not feel great wearing scents called Euphoria and Grace?!

And to keep with your new year's resolution of taking better care of yourself, slowing down, being in the moment... (I know you know these), envelop yourself in Chakra Wellness Therapy Oils. Each essential oil "has its own unique vibration to promote wellness in the body," bringing you that peace and quiet that you've been longing for.

Be good to yourself and your body. You deserve it.  

Shop the entire Golden Earth Collection now.

Spritz Your Favourite Scents On The Go with the Sen7 Fragrance Atomizer

Do you apply perfume just once in the morning or do you like to reapply before heading out in the evening?

I've just discovered the wonderful Sen7,  a sexy little modern fragrance atomizer that allows you to keep your favourite perfume close on hand so you can freshen up anytime, anywhere.

Sen7 has made fragrance atomizers that not only look damn sexy (James Bond Girls wouldn't look out of place with one), but are small enough to fit into your teeniest clutches and purses. They also fit comfortably in your hand - no hard edges here.

Just lightly press the top and your fragrance is gently released. The sen7 funnel allows you to refill it quickly and with ease.

I like having one stashed in my everyday bag so that if I forget to spritz before heading out for the day, I can do it on the go. And I love this option for traveling - I don't want to bring my big, beautiful and ornate perfume bottles and have to cram them into my luggage where they are sure to break (and it takes me years to go through a bottle of perfume - I don't want to have to lug that around with me, worrying if it's going to leak or break all over my clothes and belongings. The Sen7 allows me to bring enough so that I won't run out (5.8 mL- up to 70 sprays!) and I can leave my precious bottles at home. Win-win.

And the design is just gorgeous - who wouldn't want to carry this beauty around with them? In all these colours, including the classics? Buy two and swap the tops for even more colour options! You know that every time you pull it out, conversations will quiet and all heads will turn your way.

I wear perfume every day and Sen7 allows me to put it on whether I'm in a hotel room in Bangkok or simply 2 blocks away out for dinner.

Shop the entire Sen7 collection and smell great all the time.

p.s. These make a fantastic gift  - for your friends, bridesmaids, family, etc..