La Femme Networking Event

Diamonds in the City and Operation Style are teaming up to present La Femme, a networking event just for women in business. Enjoy refreshments and meet some of the city's top female entrepreneurs. All guests will receive swag bags and be entered in door prize contests.

La Femme is happening on Saturday April 17th, 6-9pm. The location is TBD, but you can reserve your ticket by RSVP'ing to info@diamondsinthecity.ca. Partial proceeds will go to Embers, an organization that helps emerging entrepreneurs develop their business/startup concepts.

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Top 10 Splurge-Worthy Beauty Buys

Last week, I posted a list of my top 10 bargain beauty buys. Today it's time for a list of my top 10 splurges. Most of these are products that have become daily staples or, in the case of the skincare items, they're products that multi-task and address a variety of concerns. Enjoy!

1. NARS Orgasm blush ($26 US). Hailed by makeup artists and beauty editors as a universally flattering blush, NARS always creates a perfectly natural-looking flush and is one of my daily staples.



2. Rouge G de Guerlain Jewel Lipstick Compact ($48 Cdn). Although I don't own this lipstick, lately I've been ogling it and trying to rationalize purchasing it one day, if only for the sheer genius of the packaging design. The lipstick lid opens into a mirror. Imagine what a joy it would be to apply and how chic you'd feel using it. Brilliant!



3. Mary Kay TimeWise Night Solution ($51 Cdn). I hate sounding like an infomercial testimonial, but this product turned my skin around. Before I started using it, I experienced periodic breakouts and woke up ashen-faced and haggard after sleepless nights. This serum clarifies, moisturizes, and nourishes skin as you slumber. Now no matter how many hours of sleep I got the night before, my skin looks pretty darn near perfect. This product is worth every penny. Update: My Mary Kay consultant, Angela Dean, has stepped forward and kindly offered Solo Lisa readers 10% off the TimeWise Night Solution from now until May 31, 2010. Just go to her web page and contact her directly. If you'd like to try this serum for yourself, now is the perfect time to do it!



4. Make Up For Ever Glossy Full Couleur lip gloss ($35 US for the set). These lip gloss formulas are probably the most pigmented ones I've ever tried. Against the naturally dark rose hue of my lips, the red and fuchsia ones provide just enough colour to make them pop, while the coral one is wearable for day and pairs well with a dramatic eye.



5. Hourglass Superficial Lash ($34 Cdn). Putting aside how the price tag makes me cringe, this mascara truly is one of my Holy Grail mascaras. It lengthens, volumizes, and actually nourishes lashes. I actually saw a difference in the length and thickness of my lashes sans mascara.



6. NARS Concealer ($25 Cdn). I was a devoted user of Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick until I discovered that NARS concealer in 'Custard' better matched my skin tone. If you have trouble finding concealer to match your complexion, I highly recommend this line.



7. Clinique City Block Sheer Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 25 ($21.50 Cdn). Suitable for all skin types, this tinted sun block provides SPF protection while evening out skin tones and absorbing oil. Check, check, and check.



8. Sugarcane Skincare Renewal Omega 3 Eye Serum ($36 Cdn). I was sent a full-size bottle of this eye serum from creator Melissa Joaquin as a review sample and I haven't stopped using it since. Like the Mary Kay solution, this serum does it all: moisturizes, brightens, addresses wrinkles and puffiness. Don't let the price tag deter you as the bottle is HUGE!



9. Mary Kay eye primer ($18 Cdn). With a dab of eye primer, even inexpensive shadows last longer, are less likely to crease, and appear more vivid when applied. I initially bought this product because I wore a lot of coloured shadows and didn't want them to smudge or migrate and have been very pleased with it. Update: Angela's 10% off offer applies to the eye primer too. Go to her web page and contact her directly and tell her Solo Lisa sent you.



10. Benefit High Beam ($30 Cdn). Blend this luminescent complexion enhancer on your cheekbones or on your collarbones, or use it as an eyeshadow. A little goes a long way, and I love how the precise brush tip makes application goof-proof for even the most makeup-challenged. I haven't bought this product yet, but like the Guerlain lipstick, it's one I often ogle.



What are the must-have splurges in your beauty and skincare regimen?

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Product Review: Fresh Supernova Mascara, Cargo Lash Activator Mascara

I only have two words to describe Fresh Supernova Mascara ($25 US for the full size version) and CARGO Lash Activator mascara (originally $35 US for the full size version, now $8.80): Smudge City. It's a shame because the product descriptions on the Sephora website promise such great things. Bursting with ingredients that nourish and condition lashes (meadowfoam seed oil, linden extract, fortified panthenol), Fresh claims to coat lashes in shiny, smudge-proof, good-for-you colour with just one coat. Meanwhile, CARGO's formula includes marine algae extracts and peptides to boost lash growth and prevent breakage and loss.



However, similar to my experiences with Benefit BADgal Lash, I found that both mascaras looked okay for 1-3 hours, then smudged very badly. The brushes were user-friendly and delivered long, thick, clump-free lashes. But having to keep checking for smudges in mirrors and any shiny surfaces I come across? I can live without that, thanks.

Has anyone else out there tried Fresh Supernova or CARGO Lash Activator?

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Weekend Sales

Spring has sprung, and so have what will be the first of hopefully many amazing sales in Vancouver.

Two of Hearts Studio Moving Sale
Where: Unit E, 1888 Main Street (second floor)
When: Saturday March 27th, 10am - 5pm
What: Local eco designers and boutique owners Two of Hearts are moving and holding a studio sale to clear out old merchandise. Nothing will exceed $20, which means this sale ought to be great.

Nicole Bridger End of Season Sale
Where: 1948 W. 44th Avenue
When: Sunday March 28th, 11am - 5pm
What: Local eco-designer Nicole Bridger is clearing out fall and old stock at 75-90% off.

Portobello West (Vancouver) Season Opener
Where: Rocky Mountaineer Station
When: March 27th - 28th, 12 - 6pm
What: Portobello West returns this weekend! $2 admission gets you into a market filled with locally designed and handcrafted clothes, accessories, and other goodies. I'll be attending with my best friend and I'm very excited about it.

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Happy Ada Lovelace Day!

Named for a woman considered to be the first ever computer programmer, Ada Lovelace Day celebrates women in technology and science with an international day of blogging on March 24. I didn't know about it until Tea of the lovely blog Everyday Sugar approached me about an interview! Click here to read my Q&A and find out how many stuffed animals I have on my work desk at the moment. Enjoy!

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m0851 Undergoes Spring Cleaning

I received this in my inbox the other day and thought I'd pass it along to interested Vancouver readers! m0851 (retailer/purveyor of high quality minimalist clothes and accessories) is undergoing a bit of spring cleaning. "Closed for spring cleaning but still open for business" is the mantra here: m0851 is still taking online orders. The store itself will re-open mid-April fully stocked with new spring/summer merchandise. Email boutique@m0851vancouver.com if you'd like more details.

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Top 10 Bargain Beauty Buys

Confession: Ever since Sephora opened three locations in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland last year, I've started buying more of my makeup from it and the bill for my skincare and beauty regimen has crept upward as a result. In the pursuit of the latest and greatest, sometimes it's easy to forget the affordable products that perform just as well, if not better, than their more expensive counterparts. This post is dedicated to my favourite bargain beauty buys. And yes, a Sephora product did sneak its way on to the list, but a lot of these are available at your local drug store (unless otherwise mentioned), and no product on this list exceeds $15 Cdn. Enjoy!

1. Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with pomegranate oil (under $5). Chock full of natural ingredients, moisturizing without being waxy, and with just a hint of tint, this balm is the bee's knees.



2. Cover Girl Lash Blast mascara ($9-10). The non-waterproof version stays put and doesn't smudge but still comes off easily with some cleanser and warm water at the end of the day, plus it gives you dramatic volume and length. It's everything you're looking for in a Holy Grail mascara, minus the hefty price tag.



3. Joe Fresh retractable lip brush ($8 Cdn at Superstore). With one pull, the fine-tipped brush shoots out; push both ends together to make the brush retract again. If ninjas wore lipstick, they'd use the Joe Fresh lip brush.

Image from beautygeeks

4. Sephora waterproof eye makeup remover ($13). Online reviews swear that this eye makeup remover works as well as the legendary Lancome Bi-Facil remover but costs about a third of the price. Having never tried Lancome's version I can't confirm that, but it does do a good job of melting away my eyeliner and mascara in seconds at the end of the day.



5. Daiso blotting papers ($2 Cdn at Daiso or Yoko Yaya). Straightforward, no-nonsense, non-scented, non-powdered, and at a price that can't be beat.

6. Sally Hansen Ultimate Shield Fortifying Base and Top Coat ($7-9 Cdn at drugstores). Save money (and space on your dresser top) with a product that does double duty on your nails.



7. Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick ($7-9). This creamy and blendable formula comes in a convenient stick form for quick touch-ups and provides natural-looking coverage for light-medium skin tones.



8. Lubriderm SPF 15 lotion ($7-9 Cdn). Moisturize and protect your skin from the sun in one step with this lightweight, fast-absorbing lotion. I find it a bit too light for the winter, but it's great in spring and summer.



9. Dove Beauty Bar (under $5). I think I've said all there is to say in my glowing review here.

10. Garnier Pure Daily Cleansing Gel (under $10). A little of this gel cleanser goes a long way. The formula lathers well, sweeps away every trace of my makeup, rinses away cleanly, and purifies my pores to prevent breakouts.



Next week I'm going to post my top 10 splurge-worthy beauty buys. But in the meantime, have you tried any of these products? Do you have any inexpensive but effective beauty and skincare products in your arsenal that you swear by? Please do share!

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Today's Outfit: The Shirtdress

Shirtdresses are a look I've admired for many months, but until I found this striped beauty at H&M I was convinced that this wasn't a look that would work for me. Happily for me, the straight cut and detailing (3/4 sleeves which can be rolled up, drawstring empire waist, small chest pockets) made what could have been a shapeless, figure-dwarfing garment into something vaguely figure-flattering. I paired the shirtdress with my new brogues in these photos, but as soon as I set foot outside I chickened out and opted for warm socks and boots instead. Despite the sunshine, it's still kind of chilly in Vancouver and I like my feet to be toasty! At least I kept the red lips throughout the day.

• Shirtdress (H&M)
• Leggings (Forever 21)
• Brogues (Aldo)
• Earrings (Justine Brooks)
• Swear rings (Wendy Brandes)

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Product Review: Urban Decay Skyscraper Multi-Benefit Mascara

Urban Decay's Skyscraper Multi-Benefit Mascara ($22 US for the full-size version) can be best described as "fair to middling." You wouldn't know it from the copywritten blurb on the Sephora website, though: This mascara promises to lengthen, volumize, and nourish lashes without clumping or flaking, and the brush boasts a unique flexible bristle design. These claims are further bolstered by the dozens of user reviews claiming this is the Holy Grail of mascaras.

Unfortunately, in the 1-2 weeks that I used the sample size tube, I found it to be fairly disappointing. I liked the slick packaging design and the narrow tube opening which scraped excess formula off the wand as I pulled it out of the tube; this probably went a long way in preventing clumps. The brush boasts the same sort of molded flexible plastic bristles found on cheaper drugstore mascaras like Cover Girl LashBlast and LashExact. Unlike its inexpensive but excellent counterparts, though, Urban Decay's mascara began drying out and flaking and clumping after about a week. By the end of the second week, I had to stop using it because I couldn't tolerate the hassle of combing out clumps post-application.

Have you tried Urban Decay's Skyscraper Multi-Benefit Mascara? What do you think of it?

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Noir Lash Lounge Introduces Le Fling

If my recent slew of mascara product reviews has some of you Vancouver readers craving long flirty lashes for spring, you should definitely consider the new Le Fling service by Noir Lash Lounge! Le Fling offers a half set of lash extensions extending from mid-eye outward which are tapered to blend in with your own lashes. The result is a flirty yet subtle look, as if you were just having a really good mascara day minus possible smudges, clumps, or flakes.

The best part? The price. Le Fling is only $35, which is only slightly higher than a lot of premium mascaras out there (including the dud mascaras I've tested lately). A fling with no regrets--yes, it's possible.

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Women's Shopping Night @ The Bay

The Bay's downtown Vancouver flagship store is holding a special Women's Shopping Night on Thursday March 18th from 5:30-9pm! Preview some of spring's hottest trends with stylists and experts on hand to answer questions, enjoy some refreshments, get a mini makeover from NARS, and enter for a chance to win some cool prizes. Click the image above to view all the details. See you there!

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Style Advice: Spring & Summer Handbags

Last week, I received the following email from lovely reader Fiona:

Hi Lisa,

I'm an avid follower of your blog, and I loved your post How To Shop For A Purse You'll Love! I'm looking to buy a bag that's suitable for spring/summer, so I was wondering if you have any suggestions on styles/colours/materials that would be suitable for the upcoming seasons. I only own 3 black handbags & 1 off-white one, so it'd be nice to have something in a different colour for once, but perhaps something that's versatile enough to use during other seasons. I also can't really afford designer bags, especially if it's for something I might only use for a few months per year. Maybe you could do a blog post on this if you have the time? If not, a simple suggestion would also be appreciated. :)

Thanks a lot!

Handbags are one of those subjects that set my heart aflutter, so of course I was thrilled to oblige Fiona with a blog post! Although they're one of the pricier accessories purchases you can make, it is possible to buy a quality bag that lasts beyond this season for under $200. I still stand by the tips I gave in this post on how to pick out a handbag you'll love, but here are a couple of other things to keep in mind while shopping for a spring/summer handbag. Enjoy!

1. Consider materials other than leather. Leather is a classic handbag choice for good reason: it's durable yet supple, comes in a variety of finishes and colours, and looks better with age. But the downside of leather is that sometimes it can give off a heavy wintery vibe. Lighten up by considering alternative options such as canvas, nylon, and textiles. I'm particularly partial to coated textiles because they're easy to maintain and clean and come in a variety of patterns. Lately I've been drawn to the "surprisingly affordable for a brand name" coated nylon and leather Longchamp 'Le Pliage' tote ($153.30 Cdn). I've met a few happy Longchamp tote owners who attest to its indestructible nature.



2. Consider where and how you'll be using this bag. You should ask yourself how you envision using this bag before you go shopping. Is it going to be for patio parties and late-night movies? Accompanying you to Sunday brunch in the sunshine? Tossed around on a sandy beach? A roomy carry-all you can tote to work with you? The more likely your bag is to encounter dirty situations (like the beach) or take a beating from your daily routine, the less you should spend on it. That doesn't mean you have to settle for a bag that will fall apart in a few months, though. This linen blend tote ($39.50 US) from the Gap is a cute affordable option for carrying loads of work files or for beach time.



3. Consider colour. If you want a colourful accent bag as a fun alternative to the black bags you own, do a mental run-through of your wardrobe first, particularly the coats, jackets, and sweaters you own. Mostly monochromatic wardrobes with lots of gray, beige, white, black, and denim blue might benefit from a bag in a bright yellow, coral, or electric blue hue. Meanwhile, extremely colourful wardrobes may fare better with alterna-neutral bags in gray, cognac, navy blue, burgundy, brown, or blush pink.

Kate Spade 'Darien Jan' crossbody bag ($137.33 Cdn)

4. Consider vintage. It requires some effort on your part, but great deals can be found in local vintage and consignment shops. Alternatively, you could try scouring Etsy for vintage bargains with classic silhouettes, colours, and styles. While researching this post, I found this $50 vintage Coach saddle bag on Etsy which would make many a modern hipster turn green with envy. (Sadly it sold out the last time I checked--you really need to act fast on these!)



5. Consider trends. Finally, have FUN with your handbag purchase! Sometimes it's good to just go with a style you instinctively love instead of a safe and reliable classic. This season, hot handbag trends include:

• crossbody silhouette
• stud detailing
• chain straps
• blush pink and beige leathers and hues

Aldo 'Puyear' bag ($42)

Fiona, I hope you found this post helpful! To my other readers, are you contemplating a handbag purchase this season? What are you looking for? Any tips or suggestions you'd like to share?

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Product Review: Dove Beauty Bar

Confession: Since the age of 9 or 10, I've been unusually prejudiced against Dove Beauty Bar. I saw loads of ads touting the advantages of Dove over run-of-the-mill soap and begged my mom to buy it for me. My only memories of Dove were that I didn't like the smell of it, and the 1/4 moisturizer lotion formula that the company was so proud of left a greasy-feeling residue on my skin. I've never cared for it since. So when the publicist for Dove Beauty Bar contacted me via email and offered me free samples to test and review, I took it as a chance to re-examine my preconceived notions and said yes.

A quick run-down on the product before I launch into my impressions of it: Dove Beauty Bar was first introduced to the American public in 1957 and to Canada in 1964. Its mild formulation claims to clean skin effectively while replenishing it with moisturizing lipids--all without stripping skin of its oils or leaving behind soap scum. The formula is safe enough to use on the face apparently. (I didn't try this as I'm pretty happy with my current cleanser and I worried the moisturizer lotion in Dove would wreak havoc on my breakout-prone skin.)

After using it for the past month, I'm perfectly happy to throw all of my prejudices against Dove Beauty Bar out the window. The fragrance of the classic white bar is still pretty strong, and the product does leave behind a slightly greasy feeling because of its lotion content. However, it lathers up wonderfully in the shower--as well as a body wash and a lot better than the soap I was using before. Plus, it doesn't leave behind the slippery "didn't rinse away completely" feeling that my old soap sometimes did. I noticed a marked difference in my skin after about two weeks when I didn't need to apply as much lotion as I used to. So maybe the greasy/lotiony formulation is working as claimed! I would definitely buy this product again.

Have you tried Dove beauty bar? What do you think of it? Any diehard Dove users out there?

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From Solo Lisa's Kitchen: Roast Chicken

Remember last week when I said that I was tempted to try roasting a chicken next? Well, today I present the delectable results of Sunday afternoon's culinary venture! Trust me when I say that this chicken was irresistible. It smelled so good. The skin was salty, crispy, and crackly, and the meat was moist and juicy. I started eating it. Then my family tried some. And they tried some more. By the time we went to bed, it was all gone--the dish that I thought would be several days' worth of lunches had dwindled to one drumstick on a saran-wrapped plate in the fridge.

My mom's reaction was probably the most hilarious of all, though. She's been so supportive of my culinary experiments and has tried to offer constructive criticism after each one. When I baked, for example, she'd say, "The next time you make the banana cupcakes"--and then a pause--"you shouldn't put so much sugar in the icing." With the chicken, she said, "The next time you roast chicken"--she paused and I braced myself--"you should make two. There's enough room in the oven and you have it turned on anyway. You might as well stick another one in there!"

I pretty much followed Michael Ruhlman's roast chicken recipe except that I brushed butter on the skin before sprinkling the salt on; I substituted regular salt for kosher; and I sprinkled black pepper on top. Because I had my oven set to 425 and I don't have a meat thermometer, I left the oven on for 1 hour 15 minutes to ensure the chicken was cooked thoroughly before turning it off.

This was quite possibly one of the easiest recipes ever and the results were so impressive. Have you made roast chicken before? Do you have a recipe you swear by? If you've never made one, would you consider it?

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March issue of Vancouver Fashion eZine is out!

This month, I had the delightful chance to interview a new designer on the Vancouver fashion scene, Fala Chien. This young lady is also one of the owners of 4th Ave Boutique, a Kitsilano store devoted to promoting local designers and emerging international design talent.

What I found most inspiring about Fala's story was that she took a huge risk moving from Taiwan to Vancouver five years ago without knowing anyone here or speaking English. She then enrolled in fashion school and learned English along the way; it was often a difficult process, but she stuck to it. Out of the designers and industry insiders I've had the privilege of interviewing, none have had to overcome the same overwhelmingly hard language/culture barrier that Fala has, and to that I say bravo!

Would you like to read more about Fala? Click here for the full story. Enjoy!

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5 Accessories To Update Your Spring Wardrobe

Most of us have probably had this conundrum: You look over your wardrobe, and you still love your clothes to bits, but somehow things look a little outdated. Maybe your classics are looking bland these days, your basics a little too basic. You'd love to put together an au courant outfit, but you can't justify buying more clothes or tons of new stuff.

So what do you do? One solution is to buy a few key accessories that instantly add on-trend impact to the clothes you already own. Here's my top 5 list of the accessories most likely to achieve this effect. If you really love one of these, you can buy multiple versions (I'm severely addicted to big rings), but having one of each will suffice too.

1. Oxford or jazz flats. I didn't like this look when it first became trendy because these androgynous lace-up flats resembled the jazz shoes I stopped wearing for salsa dancing, but they're beginning to grow on me. Substitute them for the ballet flats you already own and pair with straight-cut or skinny jeans and leggings. These Steven 'Jezebell' jazz shoes ($100) are a basic option that will go with almost everything.



2. Crossbody bag. There's an air of sporty insousiance about crossbody bags. They're just big enough to stow the essentials, there's no strap slipping off your shoulder, they stay put nicely, and they leave your hands free. Perfect for impulsive spring/summer adventures! While you can go with a neutral colour for this piece for maximum versatility, I'm drawn to this turquoise 'Kristen' crossbody bag ($158) from Coach. There's something so mesmerizing about that shade of robin's egg blue.



3. Cuff bracelet. Show off slim wrists, and make the most of 3/4 sleeve tops and rolled-up boyfriend blazer sleeves, with an eyecatching cuff bracelet. If you're like me and your wrists are too small to wear normal cuffs, try a wraparound cuff, or a chunky elasticized bracelet like this stud ribbed elastic bracelet ($7.80) from Forever 21.



4. Cocktail ring. The next time you're running out the door in a neutral ensemble, slip on a ring. Go on, just try it, even if you're heading to work or meeting friends for coffee. Somehow having that extra bling on your hand makes you feel more chic and stylish. H&M, Aldo, and F21 are all good sources for a cheap thrill cocktail ring such as this faux diamond waves ring ($4.80).



5. Statement bib necklace. Plain white tees, high-necked sheath dresses, tank tops, LBDs, silky shells and blouses--these are all items in your wardrobe right now that could be jazzed up with a statement bib necklace! Options are endless, but I'm partial to chiffon and floral details such as the ones in the 'Estridge' necklace ($15.98) from Spring Shoes. (I have the one in black.)



Do you ever have that "a closet full of clothes and nothing I want to wear" feeling? What are your essential accessories for spring?

17

Today's Outfit: The Default

I love mixing and matching my clothes and accessories and coming up with new outfits, but most days you'll find me in a variation of what I call my "default outfit": flats, jeans, a cardigan, and a tank top or tee. Formulaic, yes; however, there are ways to freshen this formula up. Change up the shoes, put on a fancier top, try a cardigan in a different silhouette. In this case, I put on a new flowery statement necklace--my first foray into dramatic bib-like statement necklaces. The tank top I'm wearing is one of my Holy Grail items: opaque white tank tops that can be layered or worn on their own. Why are they so hard to find?! Whenever I do find them I always buy multiples.

• Cardigan (Banana Republic)
• Tank top (TNA)
• Jeans (Mavi)
• Flats (Nordstrom Rack)
• Necklace (Spring Shoes)
• Pearl studs (Claire's)

What's your default outfit?

16

From Solo Lisa's Kitchen: Mac And Cheese

After my last foray in the kitchen, I was stumped about what I wanted to make next. All I wanted was mac and cheese, the ultimate comfort food and cuisine of choice for cozy rainy nights at home. So I made this recipe from allrecipes.com. I doubled all the quantities in the instructions and used light/skim versions of the sour cream and cottage cheese to cut down on the grams of fat per serving, and after reading the comments on the recipe, I added some skim milk so that the leftovers wouldn't be too dry when reheated. I also sprinkled the bread crumbs directly on top instead of mixing them with melted butter and pouring the mixture on top.

One of the benefits of my cooking resolution has been packing what I made for lunch, which means I save what I would otherwise spend on takeout meals. Hey, more shopping money is always a plus! I'm seriously tempted to try roasting a chicken next...let's see how that goes...

17

Product Review: Hourglass Superficial Lash Mascara

Finally, a mascara from my Sephora sampler pack that I loved enough to want to purchase! Hourglass Superficial Lash mascara promises to create volume, length, and definition with its precise brush, while the vitamin E-enriched formula moisturizes and nourishes lashes. With its unassuming packaging and my previous mascara disappointments, I initially expected the Hourglass mascara to be a dud as well, so you can imagine my pleasant surprise when I found this to be the Holy Grail of mascaras for me.

Unlike other volumizing/lengthening mascaras with huge brushes, I found the Superficial Lash applicator just right for my short Asian lashes. The applicator grabbed every lash and applied product evenly from the base to the tip without leaving smudges or marks on my eyelids. Even after 4-5 coats, it didn't clump at all. I was also pleased to discover that the formula conditioned my lashes as promised: they were softer and noticeably longer after a month of usage.

The only downside to this miraculous mascara is its hefty price ($26 US and $34 Cdn for the full-size version). But with all of its benefits, I think Hourglass Superficial Lash might be worth the splurge.

Have you tried Hourglass Superficial Lash?

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Today's Outfit: Minimalist Saturday

What do you wear after a relaxing Saturday morning yoga class to face a day of running errands, cooking, and going to Shutter Island with the boyfriend? Why, something as stretchy and comfortable as the feeling you left yoga class with, of course. The nude/blush tone trend this spring has me craving light colours and minimalist outfits. I really liked the sheer effect of this sweater tunic over the white cami and gray leggings; it felt risqué without exposing anything.

• Sweater tunic (H&M)
• Cami (Zara)
• Leggings (Mavi)
• Boots (Miz Mooz via LF Boutique, NYC)
• Acorn necklace (Filou Designs)

What do you like to wear on a lazy Saturday?

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Filou Designs Spring/Summer 2010 Sneak Peek

As I write this, Vancouver is still revelling in Team Canada's gold medal win in men's hockey and the party doesn't look like it'll end until the wee hours of the morning. Even as the patriotic side of me celebrates gold, though, the fashionable side of me is thinking of silver--specifically the new shell pendants by local jewelry label Filou Designs for this season. Cast from real seashells collected by designer Fiona Louie, each pendant boasts hyper-realistic detail and is made locally. The shell is solid sterling silver, which gives the piece some heft and a luxurious weightiness. When I saw Fiona wearing the cowrie shell pendant (third from the left) at the Two of Hearts anniversary party, I was enchanted. Now that I've gotten a peek at the other necklaces in this collection, I can't decide which one I want more!

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