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Olive Oil – A Hidden Treasure

December 22, 2009 by Carlie S. | Comments (4)

Wine, chocolates and cookies again? An original hostess gift can be a challenge to find so why not bring something special to the party like a high grade bottle of olive oil. This underestimated culinary accoutrement is tasty, versatile and, best of all, good for you! We got the details on olive oils from a local expert, Doleres Smith from Olivar.

Do the oils taste very different?
Yes, you can really taste and savour the extraordinary flavours of exceptional oils. Complex oils have a degree of bitterness and pepper to match the intensity of fruit flavours. Use a smooth and silky, exceptional extra virgin olive oil to give any food a delicate or bold burst of flavor – quickly and simply.

Can I use any oil with anything?
Just like with wines, different olive oil flavour profiles pair exceptionally with certain foods. An excellent pairing gives you “wow” experiences instead of the ordinary or worse! From smooth to bold to fruity, there is an olive oil for every meal.

What are the health benefits?
Olive oil has been extensively studied for its effect on human health, including reducing the risk of heart diseases and some types of cancer; helping to maintain a low blood pressure and to alleviate arthritis; and helping to improve the appearance and texture of our skin.

Which oil do you recommend for the perfect hostess gift?
For the perfect hostess gift bring along a bottle of Olivar’s Dauro olive oil. Its clean and delicate, yet complex flavours, add nuance to delicate foods allowing individual flavours to shine, leading you to new exquisite discoveries. Bring a loaf of your favourite fresh bread and use it as a dip with a little cracked black pepper and sea salt!

Find Olivar oils at gourmet food retailers including Alex Farm products on Bayview, The Inspired Cook in Leslieville and Thin Blue Line Cheese in Roncesvalles.

Dresses Galore – What Will You Wear to the Christmas Parties?

December 16, 2009 by Carlie S. | Comments (1)

With more hours spent at Christmas parties than in the office, what is a girl to do to even out her wardrobe for the never-ending festivities? We took a visit to designer Pam Chorley’s Fashion Crimes on Queen St West to get some style tips and to help us prepare for our parties!

With endless options at Fashion Crimes we got a few suggestions from the experts…

The Jezebel Bustier and Claw Sequin Pencil (shown left) This coordinating combo offers the ultimate in sophisticated fit with fun textiles. It is easy to accessorize and can be paired with other garments providing you with numerous styles for numerous parties.

The Lace Bib-Mini (middle) Vintage inspired lace can be worn anytime! Pair with backseamed hose or leggings; glamorous jet-necklaces or a cute cardi.

The Grapevine Brocaide Hepburn (shown right) The supportive fabric allows for this dress to be a staple in your wardrobe. The colours photograph beautifully and the dress is easily transferable from day to night. 

The Claw Sequin Tied Up (shown left) A must for the holiday parties this year, the festive sequins change colour depending on the direction they are facing – molded by you! The style features a high waisted pencil skirt, while the bodice of the dress offers extra support from the “tied-up” detail in the back.

The Cakeslice Jezebel Wiggle (shown right) A classic fitted cut that will flatter a femme figure and embrace a pin-up style. The modern fabric makes for one of Pam Chorley’s signature pieces.

Plan your visit to Fashion Crimes and get ready for the Holidays!
322 Queen St West
fashioncrimes.ca  

Gift Guide: Check Out Pistachio for Eco-friendly Stocking Stuffers.

December 9, 2009 by Carlie S. | Comments (0)

With a never-ending shopping list, a little help from a reliable shop can get you through the holidays. If you are shopping for eco-passionate family and friends we highly recommend visiting Pistachio in Eglinton or Yorkdale. Pistachio is about creating, using, and reusing things intelligently, about wasting less, and about putting good things into and onto our bodies.

If you’re playing Santa this year and stuffing the stockings - here are a few suggestions to keep them smiling on Christmas morning for less than $10 each!

For the Best Friend:
DIRT “Best Friend” Soy Tea Light
John Masters Travel Body Milk and Body Wash
Deep Steep Lavender Chamomile Moisture Stick
Eco Tools Bamboo Bathing Puff
Matchstick Garden – Mixed Herbs

For the Boyfriend/Husband:
TAZA Chocolate Mexicano Disc in Chili
Owl Recycled Leather Bookmark in cocoa
Seracon Mini Plant-a-Tree kit
Eco-Tools Loofah Back Brush

For the Little One:
Toy Maker of Lunenburg Wooden yo-yo
Aladine Mini Wooden Rubber Stamps and Non-toxic Ink Pads
Semaki and Bird Recycled Mini Farm Animal Note Pads
Mary’s Softdough – Scented Natural Play Dough
Crank Mouse Flashlight
Hammonds Cherry All-Natural Twirl Pop

Rocketfuel Coffee: Interview with Lisa

December 5, 2009 by Carlie S. | Comments (1)

Coffee companies are everywhere today but few go to extreme measures to ensure quality and add a personal touch to the packaging to really stand out in the crowd. Rocketfuel Coffee owner, Lisa Rotenburg, is a true coffee lover, with a passion for freshly brewed, delicious, rich tasting coffee. She just happens to be a pretty great artist too and her original paintings give a special twist to each package of beans. Claiming not to be a rocket scientist, Lisa  just loves the finest coffees money can buy, knows where to get it fresh roasted, packages it beautifully and sends it to you without delay.

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?

Rare, Sensuous and Delicious         

People may be surprised to know…

These coffees are brought to Canada green and roasted here in Toronto before shipping out to you.

What or who inspired you to start your business?

I am an illustrator who was looking for an online business. I love coffee and each coffee features one of my paintings on the label. A cool pairing of interests!

What is your indulgence?

Single Malt Scotch and Cuban cigars.

Keep Your Skin Fresh All Winter

December 3, 2009 by Carlie S. | Comments (0)

The weather is getting colder and your skin is getting dryer. With winter knocking on our door what is a girl to do to keep that fresh, dewy complextion all season long? We’ve got the answer from Kristen Ma, skin expert and owner of  Pure + Simple.

What daily regime do we need to add during the winter to keep our skin looking fresh and healthy?

Well, it is always important to maintain balance in our skin with  a good cleanser, toner and moisturizer.  But in the winter it is difficult to keep up the hydration in our skin.  I would recommend switching to a milk cleanser (even if you have oily skin), as this will prevent stripping our skin as well as even put more moisture into our skin while cleansing.  I also recommend switching to a heavy cream or using an oil over top of a lotion.  Oil is important as it creates a protective barrier against water-loss and damage to our skin caused by the harsh elements.  Lastly, I would increase exfoliation in dry and cold weather to keep the skin clear of a build up of dry, dead skin cells.  If this layer is not exfoliated it can also act as a barrier which impedes absorption of moisture.

What is your favourite winter moisturizer?

I love the Pure + Simple Sunflower Cream.  It is extremely nourishing without being too greasy.  Sunflower cream also has high amounts of vitamin e making it the perfect skin salve for winter time.

Aside from taking care of our skin on the outside, do you have any tips on things to do internally to keep our skin healthy?

It is so important to eat foods which are also moist, warm and nourishing.  While many of us try to simply drink more water when we feel dry or dehydrated, eating foods rich in water is an effective way to easily absorb and retain water in our bodies.  Also, I would consider getting a humidifier.  This helps so much with moisture but also can aid sensitivity, eczema and rosacea as inflammation is usually triggered by excess dryness.