for VAINity

It's Easter Come Early!

2011-04-08T13:18:00.000-04:00

It seems the easter bunny found my house a little early this year!

To my joy I found a collection of goodies from Hershey's on my doorstep one gloomy day after work this week. Filled with all sorts of buttery, chocolate goodness I immediately made the decision to skip dinner and dive in!

So far the front-runners in my house for BEST chocolate confections (there's never a loser in this competition btw!) are the caramel filled Kisses and the Peanut Butter Egg (which my boyfriend had been searching for at Zellers the weekend prior). The chocolate gods have been on our side all week, and as someone who's lactose intolerant, I must say, I've made a major exception ;) My favourite trick is putting some of it it in the freezer and the others in the fridge. There's something about cold chocolate that makes it even more pleasurable.

I hope these treats last until Easter, but I'm certainly not holding my breath! I hope they make it to your basket this Easter! Your sweet tooth will NOT be disappointed.

On a Day Like Today...

2011-03-23T12:10:00.000-04:00

Anything deemed a "Drop of Happiness" is a welcome addition to our day...especially when that day is a dreary, snowy one like today. Hershey's new 'Drops', which come in chocolate and cookies 'n cream (which I dare you to deny yourself!) are on our list of life's simple pleasures. Look on the bright side: the one plus to all this snow? MORE time to get swimsuit ready and MORE time to enjoy these affordable little morsels!

Pose like a star - how to look great in every photo

2011-02-18T16:37:00.000-05:00

So, after recently seeing some photos of myself on Facebook where I looked either pregnant or double chinned, I wanted to invest in some lessons on how to ensure I look like my best (non-pregnant) self on film. Thankfully, the people at Kodak sent along a few helpful tips:

1.       Practice Makes Perfect – before leaving for the big night set yourself up in front of the mirror to determine your best angle. This will also make you more comfortable on the “red-carpet” which will show in photos.
2.       Stay Focused – flitting your eyes from one camera to another will have you looking confused (and make you feel dizzy!). Instead, slowly pan your head from left to right and then back again – making sure to pause on each camera.
3.       Use the “Model Pose” – with one arm on the hip rotate the top half of your body towards or away from the camera. A little twist gives the appearance of an hourglass figure and makes the waistline appear smaller.
4.       No Slouching (one I definitely need to work on)– shoulders back and chin up. Hunched shoulders can make you appear heavier than you are and a double chin is not a nice accessory. Proper posture will shine through in the picture and make you appear more confident.

In addition, they added a few tips any blogger or social media maven would love. Their new EASYSHARE M590 Digital Camera has a 5X optical zoom ensuring you get a front row-worthy photo every time. Whether you're using it to capture the looks and people at the season's hottest events, or just using it to for a night out with the girls, it's a great way to get zoom-lens photos with a stealth, automatic you've stored in your pocket.

Street Style - The Winter Extras

2011-02-08T15:26:00.000-05:00

Sometimes we just need to feel like it's summer...or at least spring. Add some fun extras to your winter look. See the rest of the Street Style selects HERE.

Star Style Report! Every Monday

2011-02-08T15:23:00.000-05:00

Check out my latest blog post each Monday! Star Style Report

Shop Talk - Body Shop Autumn Trend Collection

2010-07-07T23:54:00.001-04:00

Eye Colour ($12.00)

KAJAL eyeLiner ($10.00)

JUST ADD VITAMIN C - BOOST YOUR RADIANCE

Vitamin C skin care treatments that awaken, boost and protect

The New Home Fragrance Collection

Reed diffuser ($19.50)/Body, room & Linen Spritz ($10.00)/Scented candle ($16.00)/Home fragrance oil ($7.50)

Inspired by the earthy tones of an intense fall day, The Body Shop's newest collection (which hit stores yesterday) includes makeup, skincare and home fragrance that'll have you feeling like fall's come early (and with this heat who can blame you?).

Jockey's new lines of tights

2010-07-07T23:35:00.001-04:00

From little black dots to a small diamond pattern, their fashion collection (first img) features black sheers with a control-tops, a sandal foot and a great addition to an LBD.

Their High Waist Shaper (left) creates a trim, toned line from just below the bust to just above the knee (hello winter wedding season!). The collection also features a Thigh and Tummy Shaper as well as Thigh and Tummy Shaper hose and with all these at $10.50 all we have to say is...hello lovah

Amazing Summer Recipe! Enjoy (i know i did)

2010-07-07T23:12:00.000-04:00

Asian Chicken Burgers

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Difficulty: easy

1 ½ lb (720 gr) ground chicken

¾ cup (180 mL) green onions, finely chopped

1 egg

1 ¼ cup (310 mL) bread crumbs

1 cup (250 mL) VH Teriyaki Cooking Sauce

2 tbsp (30 mL) VH Soya Sauce

PAM Grilling Spray

Buns

Iceberg lettuce

Pineapple Mayonnaise

½ cup (125 mL) VH Pineapple Cooking Sauce

½ cup (125 mL) mayonnaise

1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh cilantro, finely chopped

1. In a large bowl stir together ground chicken, green onions, egg, bread crumbs, VH Teriyaki Cooking Sauce and VH Soya Sauce until well combined. Using wet hands form mixture into 6 patties, place in refrigerator for 20 minutes to firm up.

2. In a small bowl stir together VH Pineapple Cooking Sauce, mayonnaise and cilantro, set aside.

3. Spray grill with PAM, heat grill to medium-high. Gently place burgers on grill and cook until cooked through, about 5 minutes on each side. Spray PAM Grilling Spray on spatula and remove from grill.

4. Place cooked burgers on buns and garnish with lettuce and Pineapple Mayonnaise.

Makes 6 burgers.

NACHO! (Love that movie!)

2010-06-18T16:06:00.001-04:00

Now I'm certainly NOT the type to get excited about the World Cup. But when new snacks are involved I'll pretty much jump on any bandwagon. It was to my delight that I discovered this new Spicy Nacho popcorn from Orville (or, as I like to call him, The Man). I'm not sure if it was the lack of guilt I felt when eating it (because at least it's not chips), or the fact that the butter, salt, nacho combo was such a foreign taste, but the first bag didn't last long, that's for sure! This is great for a soccer-themed fiesta or just any night of the week. OLAY!

Think Fast

2010-06-03T10:01:00.001-04:00

Check it - Canadian knitwear wonder kid Mark Fast is putting together a sprawling knit piece for this year's Lluminato. See below for more details and hope to see you there. this is one presentation you surely won't want to miss, the space is incredible.

"Luminato, Toronto Festival of Arts and Creativity will present a free landmark installation in partnership with Lancôme by London-based Canadian knitwear designer Mark Fast. Commissioned by Lancôme in celebration of their 75th anniversary, The Ascension of Beauty will be presented in Toronto’s Brookfield Place Allen Lambert Galleria throughout the 10-day festival from June 11th to June 20th."

Fast welcomes the challenges of such a largescale project, which will see him outfit architecture in rope sculpture and fashion a dress of lycra, viscose and SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS (illustration above). Said Fast, “The knitwear I have created is symbolic of the elegant structure of the rose and I have derived my inspiration from its delicate confidence. Its layers extend off the body emulating the delicate petals held together by the stem. The exhibition will encompass a rope structure that represents the emotion the Lancôme woman evokes. In my mind and my design, she encompasses the whole space and she is an inspiration to all people who behold her.”

And Another One - Mini Trailer, SATC

2010-05-12T22:57:00.002-04:00

OMFG! So Excited

2010-05-12T22:53:00.000-04:00

This Frame is EPIC

2010-05-12T22:35:00.002-04:00

Ok. So this is something that I seriously think every bride, wedding, registry needs. The Kodak Pulse Digital Frame is a whole new way to share photos. I was so blown away by the possibilities that I actually needed someone to explain it again. Check it - the frame has its own email address that you share with friends, family, (the paparazzi), who then email their photos directly to your frame. How many times have you been to a wedding with 50 people all taking their own shots? You'd never normally get a chance to see them all! It works wirelessly, connects to Facebook and the KODAK Gallery. Consider my summer wedding gift shopping complete!

The KODAK PULSE Digital Frame is available at Kodak.ca, Staples, Blacks, Henry’s, London Drugs and Best Buy for $129.95 CAD.

Latest Obsession and Healthy? HELLO!

2010-05-12T22:20:00.000-04:00

So having a gluten allergy, it's often tough to find quick things to eat...let alone affordable ones. These new healthy choice steamers from ConAgra are so perfect for work I just had to share. This rice option is my fave. Wheat free. Love it! Only $3.99 - try and find something cheaper...that isn't cereal. Now if only we could all muster the time to get away from our desks to eat. Bliss!

Bizarre - Model Flynn Eats a Cake (Good for Her!)

2010-04-26T14:30:00.001-04:00

E Wass - Doing as she do

2010-04-21T16:04:00.002-04:00

She's been getting super hippie chic lately, so here's a few older images to remind us of why she's still one bad mamma jamma!

Some oldies but some goodies - The Olsens

2010-04-21T15:57:00.000-04:00

Follow Me on Bloglovin!

2010-04-14T11:37:00.000-04:00

Hey Y'all

Check out this link below to get daily updates on all your favourite blogs. No more checking a list to see who's updated and who hasn't. Be sure to sign up, and follow me TOO!

Behind the Scenes: Rimmel London's Newest Commercial

2010-03-31T12:44:00.002-04:00

Follow Me!

2010-03-31T10:17:00.001-04:00

Follow my blog with bloglovin

I Blame Coco feat Robyn

2010-02-03T10:03:00.001-05:00

Mild Obsession

2010-01-25T14:56:00.003-05:00

As a die-hard snacker - and lover of anything sweet (and savory) - it was to my delight that I found the new Flavour Shakers popcorn from the man himself - Orville Redenbacher. Just like at the movies, these pouches come with toppings from salt and vinegar (which is amazing!) to white cheddar (OMG!) which you can add to your liking. So if you're looking for something that'll rock your world without tipping the scale try these out. Trust me you'll love 'em!

2010-01-20T14:28:00.004-05:00

Sign up here to join Haute Look. An online store offering serious discounts on serious clothes like BCBG, Cole Haan and Gucci.

http://www.hautelook.com/invite/rshanks964

MKA + FT

2009-10-16T16:49:00.004-04:00

My new articles - Rogers Spotlight

2009-10-09T15:45:00.005-04:00

Hey Everyone, check out my new articles on the Rogers Spotlight site.
Read them all here.
Enjoy!

I can not wait!

2009-09-10T09:30:00.001-04:00

We love Orville!

2009-09-09T19:33:00.004-04:00

Ok. So with the fall fast approaching, I'm so excited to stay in and watch movies. I recently discovered this new white popcorn from the man himself, Orville Redenbacher, and I was pleasantly surprised when I tried it. Though it's coined as gourmet, it definitely still comes in way more affordable than movie popcorn. The neatest thing is it actually comes from a white popcorn kernel instead of a yellow one! Be sure to try it out...and don't forget to share!

Something Quick for Back to School

2009-09-09T18:38:00.003-04:00

So me being a lover of food but a mild-hater of cooking, when I discovered this awesome (read: quick) sauce from VH at the store it made the idea of cooking less daunting (at least for one night). VH also came out with the really great, premade yellow curry sauce that you honestly just heat up and put over rice.

Wish I'd known about these things when I was in university! Below is a really easy recipe for pad thai.

Vegetable Pad Thai with Snow Peas
This is a great vegetarian dish with loads of flavour, texture and colour.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Makes: 4 servings

2 tbsp (30 mL) vegetable oil
2 cups (500 mL) onions, finely slivered
4 cups (1 L) napa cabbage, finely sliced
2 cups (500 mL) red pepper, coarsely chopped
1 cup (250 mL) carrots, peeled and finely sliced
2 cups (500 mL) snow peas
1 bottle (355 mL) VH® Pad Thai Sauce
½ package Pad Thai noodles (prepared as directed on package)
½ cup (125 mL) roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped

1. In a large pan heat oil over medium-high, saute onions, cabbage, red pepper, carrots and snow peas until tender, about 12 minutes.
2. Add VH® Pad Thai Sauce and noodles to pan and toss until heated through. Serve sprinkled with peanuts. To avoid noodles from sticking to the pan turn off heat while tossing with sauce.

Tips:
· Add a package of diced, firm tofu to the pan 4 minutes before vegetables are cooked for a great source of protein.
· When cooking the noodles be sure to lightly salt the cooking water.

Great Hair

2009-07-22T16:17:00.003-04:00

Mark Finlay Architecture - Library

2009-07-22T16:04:00.003-04:00

Can you believe this is someone's house?

Vogue Italia - Jourdan and Josh

2009-07-14T11:29:00.002-04:00

Crush - Josh Beech by Hedi Slimane

2009-07-14T11:24:00.009-04:00

Beringer's California Collection

2009-07-10T10:48:00.010-04:00

With the recession upon us, it's nice to know there's companies out there still willing to offer a great product at an affordable price. This collection -from Napa Valley- offers a wonderful array of smooth and refreshing wines. Canadians can purchase Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon in addition to Beringer's popular White Zinfandel. At only $9.95 (in Ontario) this wine is well worth it!

Women of Fashion 2009

2009-07-06T13:30:00.006-04:00

Click here for men.style.com's most fashionable women of 2009.

New Obsession - Mark Finlay

2009-06-30T15:35:00.008-04:00

Mark Finlay AIA - Kiawah Island, SC

Dream Kitchen - Kiawah Island, SC

I saw this house on Teen Cribs yesterday and immediately did a search to see who designed it. The architect's name is Mark Finlay and his houses are making me swoon. Most of them are in the Connecticut and surrounding areas (this one is in Southport). Jealous!

Hats Off - Love

2009-06-23T15:38:00.002-04:00

Vanessa Paradis

Daria for David Yurman

Love - Purple

2009-06-18T12:44:00.002-04:00

Bottega Veneta - Resort 2010

Classics - Burberry Prorsum Fall 2007

2009-06-18T12:19:00.004-04:00

No matter how old, I'd still take these studded shoes and clutch over a lot of other options. Maybe they'll become the new timeless pieces?

Happy (Almost) Canada Day!

2009-06-18T12:13:00.004-04:00

Capture all the fireworks this Canada Day with the EasyShare M380 Digital Camera from Kodak. The fireworks setting, night option and smooth shutter ensure flawless, crisp images (no matter how many celebratory drinks you've had!). Try yours in patriotic red to support our true north strong and free.

Drink to Health - Oasis Health Break Immuniforce

2009-06-18T10:46:00.005-04:00

I'm in love with this new juice!...I know, random, but with zero fat, and two servings of fruit per glass it makes me feel less guilty about not wanting to drink plain-old water all day. The active ingredient is Wellmune WGP, a natural ingredient derived from Baker's Yeast (trust me it tastes nothing like you'd think). Said to activate the immune system by increasing the percent of active immune cells, this juice is great for summer drinks. And for less than $5, it's an affordable option that packs a whole lot of benefits!

Jimmy Choo for H&M

2009-06-18T10:22:00.004-04:00

Holy Hell this is exciting! On November 14th, Jimmy Choo will release a line of handbags and shoes for H&M. The image above is a small sample of two of the designs we can look forward too. Finally, an affordable option to Choo-se. (Source, Teen Vogue)

The Cobra Snake - Some Favourites

2009-06-17T15:19:00.006-04:00

Who knew Kendra could look so classy?

Shanea Grimes, AnnaLynne McCord

Steve Aoki -DJ (Brother of Devon, son of Benihana creator Hiroaki Rocky Aoki)

Relaxin

2009-06-17T15:18:00.001-04:00

The Beautiful Girls with Kelly Slater

2009-06-03T15:51:00.003-04:00

Kelly Slater plays with The Beautiful Girls @ the Quikky Pro. Check them out @ http://www.myspace.com/thebeautifulgirls
So Good

Erin Wasson + RVCA

2009-06-03T15:42:00.006-04:00

Jeanne Beker - gotta love FT

Japanese Paparazzi

2009-06-03T14:26:00.001-04:00

Summer Hair

2009-06-03T12:00:00.001-04:00

K. Moss Hearts Madonna

2009-05-28T11:35:00.001-04:00

The Sartorialist - Some Favourites

2009-05-28T11:24:00.006-04:00

Suite 101

2009-05-28T11:01:00.004-04:00

Check out some of the articles I've written for a site called Suite 101. There's everything from fashion-related to tech pieces...even one about my new blog! Hope you enjoy. Feel free to comment/send ideas. I'm always looking for new content.

Comeback Kid - Erin Wasson for Balmain

2009-05-26T11:10:00.004-04:00

Smoked - Daria

2009-05-26T11:06:00.001-04:00

I want this hair!

2009-05-26T10:56:00.005-04:00

Getting that summer itch to cut my hair (again!). Saw this model on Forwardforward.com and fell in love with her hair! The clothes are all Rag & Bone.

Obsession - Cocktail Rings

2009-05-26T10:51:00.007-04:00

Yves Saint Laurent - Arty Dots Ring

YSL - Arty Oval Ring

YSL - Arty Flower Ring

YSL - Arty Enamel Ring

Alex Monroe - 3 Flower Ring

American Vogue - June '09 - Cameron Diaz

2009-05-22T15:29:00.007-04:00

So gorgeous - The story is quite good too!

Kodak Spring/Summer '09 - Cutely Coloured Cameras

2009-05-22T14:33:00.010-04:00

M380
·Five times zoom

·10.2 mega pixels aka: you can blow them up big!

·The colours pretty much speak for themselves - Purple, teal and also in silver

·Kodak EASYSHARE M380 Digital Camera $219.95 Cdn

M1093
· Innovative Smart Capture feature (Translation: identifies the scene and adjusts camera settings for a picture in just about any environment – automatically)

· HD pictures and video. View on an HDTV with (optional) KODAK EASYSHARE HDTV Dock

· Image stabilization and blur reduction technology (Means: you can reduce blur caused by camera shake, subject movement or fast-action situations ie: party photos!)

· Face detection technology (locates faces and automatically adjusts the camera settings)

· High ISO (capture details in low light and fast action situations)

The KODAK EASYSHARE M1093 IS Digital Camera will retail for $219.95 Cdn

Z915 - Sneak Peek (Available Starting June 2009)
· 10X image stabilized optical zoom lens

· Smart Capture feature (analyzes scenes, adjusts settings automatically)

· HD picture capture

· 10 MP for prints up to 30”x40” (aka big!)

· AA battery solution in a compact body

· 2.5-inch indoor/outdoor colour display

· Compatible with KODAK SDHC/SD Memory Cards

· Colour options include red and blue (shown), black and gray

· Available at $1249.95Cdn

Stoked - Daria

2009-05-22T14:14:00.000-04:00

Hometown pride and glory Daria Werbowy has teamed up with the charity Stoked in order to help those less fortunate hang-ten. Here's what Style.com had to say,

"...when her friend Sal Masekela, the host of the X Games and a fellow snowboarder, told her about a charity called Stoked and its benefit for underprivileged youth, she was happy to sign on."

She went on to host a cocktail party and donate some of her old equipment too! Oh the life...

Hedi Slimane - Amazing Black and Whites

2009-05-22T14:08:00.003-04:00

Silhouettes taken at Coachella - 2008

The super-talent-boy-wonder-skinny-tie-designer also takes pictures!
Check out his site (hedislimane.com) for journals, diaries, images and insider scoop.

Great Spaces

2009-05-20T16:08:00.000-04:00

Richard Meier - Retractable Panels
Closed

Meier - Shutters Open

Jacques Grange's Cabana - W Magazine

Kate Hudson Bathroom
W Magazine, Alexia Silvagni

Kate Hudson's (married) master bedroom - W Magazine

Great black and whites

2009-05-20T15:43:00.001-04:00

From TFS
Source The Electric

Summer Camp shoot - W Magazine

We can all dream right?

2009-05-20T15:29:00.000-04:00

Nihiwatu Resort, in Sumba, Bali - W Magazine

Istana Villa, Bali - W Magazine

El Nido - From their national tourism site

El Nido

Bali by Christopher Bagley

Wants - Kodak's Newest Products Z-Series

2009-05-14T10:21:00.001-04:00

Kodak ZX1 Pocket Video Camera
KODAK Zi6 Pocket Video Camera
Print! - KODAK ESP 7 All-in-One (AiO) Printer

Free Counter

Some Motivation to Get you Through the Day

2009-05-14T10:07:00.000-04:00

Photo courtesy Glamour.uk.com - Cannes
Heaven