Beauty Rave: The Clarisonic Mia2

I know we are only midway into February, but I’m confident that the Clarisonic Mia2 is my best beauty investment of the year. Let me explain. For the last few months I’d been hearing rave reviews about the Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System from some of my favourite beauty bloggers and magazines. Made from the same people who brought us the Sonicare Toothbrush, this thing is basically deemed to be a giant electric toothbrush to remove dirt and makeup from your face. I finally became a proud Clarisonic owner on my last trip to the United States (The Mia2 that I purchased is not yet available in Canada, but the other models are) and haven’t looked back. You can read more about how it works and what I think about it here.

How to Find More than Just a Paycheque

For me, writing is more than just a paycheque; it’s an outlet for thoughts, ideas and discussion. It’s also a wonderful way to meet people with an interesting story, or learn about a new business.

Through my work I’ve discoveredAltCareer.com, a job search website that I helped to launch last month. AltCareer believes work is about more than just a paycheque too, and their job postings highlight positions available at small to medium-sized companies that offer employees perks and benefits that will boost their job satisfaction and personal happiness. Sign up for their job board if you’re looking for a career that can complement your lifestyle.

Awareness Through Dance

I’ve gone to see one of the most popular ballets and have interviewed one of the most esteemed dancers in Canada, but until I wrote this piece for the February issue of The Beat I had never heard of a ballet raising awareness for domestic abuse. Ghosts of Violence is a ballet created by the Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada to provoke conversation and dialogue about domestic abuse issues in our communities. It will be presented across Ontario this month. Read about it’s creation and its mission here.

Clean Sweep

What is it about doing a major closet clean up that leaves you feeling so in control and calm? When my closet is in order I feel like my life is more in order. All the unnecessary junk is removed, and everything else is organized to be easily found.

Spring is just over a month away and those thoughts of Spring Cleaning are sure to come out soon. This year the Hip & Urban Girls’ Guide is giving you a great reason to get that closet in order and part ways with those items that are too big/small or haven’t been worn in months. On February 27th they’re hosting a Spring Cleaning Fashion Swap to support Nellie’s Women’s Shelter and Dress for Success.  Here are the details:

• Date: Monday, February 27
• Time: 6-9pm
• Venue: Rent Frock Repeat Showroom 35 Golden Avenue #102
• Cost: $5, with proceeds donated to Nellie’s Women’s Shelter.
• Preview RFR’s new 2012 spring collection
• Enjoy complimentary treats, beverages, style consultations and a $150 door prize from La Roche-Posay

Clothing Swap Rules:

1. Bring along minimum of 5 items, maximum of 10. Accessories are welcome but no shoes, please!
2. Clothing should be in good condition – nothing badly worn, torn or stained.
3. Bring your clothes on hangers if possible – once you arrive, arrange your items by category. We’ll have tables, racks and fitting rooms available.
4. Swap! Go home with the number of items you came with.
5. All remaining items will be donated to charity.

You can purchase your $5 Donation Ticket here.

Happy Spring Cleaning!

All-Natural and All-Canadian: Consonant Skincare

Beauty brand Consonant Skincare recently opened its flagship store in Toronto. It’s 100% Canadian and 100% natural soaps, moisturizers and lotions. I stopped by the shop on behalf of Hipurbangirls.com to learn more about the brand created by Bill Baker, and try some organic skincare products for the first time. Verdict: Works just as well as the mainstream chemical-laden products you’re used to, minus all the irritating and potentially dangerous properties. And the packaging is super cute (huge bonus). Find out more about the store and the brand here.

For Auld Lang Syne

December 31st. Last day of the month, last day of the year. Change your desk calendar, crack open a fresh agenda, create a new folder on your Mac. Store away the remnants of 2011 and make room for the new thoughts, adventures and lessons the next 12 months will bring. Dare I mention it? That word buzzing around at insane speeds the time of year? You know the one. Resolutions. Do you have any? Will you be making them? How hard will you work to keep them?

Sometimes it helps to hear what others are hoping to do for a little insight and inspiration. Us ladies at The Hip & Urban Girl’s Guide put together our own lst to share. Check it out and tell us what’s on your list. As the clock ticks closer to midnight I hope you’ll be excited to start another year, no matter where you are and how you’re celebrating. Cheers!

Happy Holidays from the Sunshine State

I’ve traded in the Monday to Friday routine for sun, sand and reading by the pool until the New
Year. Vitamin D straight from the source, no need for a watch and family dinners with the grandparents. Hope your holidays have been enjoyable no matter what you celebrate. Oh, and I’m writing this from my new iPad.