Bowled by Felt

I recently stumbled upon Etcetera Media while shopping for a new laptop sleeve. My hope was to find something simple and streamlined, yet distinct from the sea of black nylon zip-arounds I’ve found myself wading in. The clean, contemporary style of Boston-based designers Kelly Smith and Chris Grimley caught my eye – their colourful line of bags and home goods are made by local craftspeople with thick, industrial wool felt. Each design has a distinct look and pleasant tactile appeal. In addition to my new laptop sleeve, I’ve also fallen in love with their loaf bowl – a large, reversible, dual-colour basket – perfect for cradling fruit, bread or anything else you want to display. Drop by etceteramedia.com and check out some of their other cool products (including a book box, coasters and a wine rack).
- Jasmine Li, Online Editorial Assistant

Loaf Bowl, about $75, Etcetera Media, available at Ziggy’s At Home, 794 College St., Toronto, 416-535-8728.

Cookbook Creator

Homemade goodies definitely have that personal touch, but only last so long. Why not share your love of food by authoring your own cookbook? Maybe you have family recipes you’d like to share, or a friend that dreams of entertaining but doesn’t know where to start, or a loved one that struggles with weekday dinner ideas. The KitchenAid Cookbook Creator packages up to 20 of your favourite recipes in one attractive binder and organizes them by type. For $50 (plus shipping), the book includes colour photos and two complimentary Cook for the Cure “Pink” recipes. The cookbook takes four to six weeks to publish and deliver, so get started now! Check it out at kitchenaid.ca.
- Tory Healy, Senior Editor, Food

Foxy Tag Team

Foxy Originals, a Toronto-based jewellery line, has partnered with cosmetic line Smashbox to create the ultimate beauty kit. This adorable, silver clutch comes loaded with Smashbox’s cult-favourite liner, mascara and shimmering shades for cheeks and lips, plus a signature Foxy silver pendant necklace on a triple-strand chain. While the gift-giving season may seem like ages away, I’m stocking up now before it’s too late.
- Kyle Gordon, Assistant Beauty Editor

Enchantress Beauty Kit, $45, smashbox.com.

Fun and Functional

When I first discovered these at the Crate and Barrel preview in August, I knew I’d be stocking up as soon as the retailer opened the doors of their new Toronto location. With more than 10 different shapes and sizes to choose from, these sleek, see-through containers will store everything from cereals to pastas, help your food stay fresh and keep your cabinets organized. Each one is stackable, freezer-safe and BPA-free. But the very best part that had me sold in a heartbeat: the clever, pop-up mechanism, which creates the airtight seal, doubles as a discreet handle on the lid! Trust me – you’re going to love playing with it.
Pick them up at the dazzling Crate and Barrel store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre, or order by phone and have them shipped anywhere in Canada.
- Jasmine Li, Online Editorial Assistant

OXO Pop Containers, from $8, Crate and Barrel, 888-657-4108, crateandbarrel.ca.

A New Partner for Pitt

Brad Pitt has formed a new partnership… with Kiehl’s that is. You wouldn’t know it from the label, but Pitt has been the driving force behind Kiehl’s new aloe-vera body cleanser. It’s completely dye-free and packaged in a 100% post-consumer-recycled bottle, and I love that it biodegrades in 28 days! So grab a bottle and feel great doing your part for the environment. Bonus: 100% of net profits benefit the JPF Eco Systems charity, created by Kiehl’s and Pitt.
- Devon Thom, Fashion Intern

Kiehl’s “Aloe Vera” Biodegradable Liquid Body Cleanser (200 ml), $21, kiehls.com.

Lucky Charms

I stumbled upon these adorable feel-good charm necklaces at the body-mind mecca, 889 Yonge – a yoga and lifestyle boutique. Wear one on a string to make a wish (when the string breaks your wish will come true), or a chain as a constant reminder of positive thinking. Plus you can order them online with a personalized card to make a perfectly pretty gift for a best friend, new mom or bridesmaid.
- Alison Lawler-Dean, Fashion Market Editor

Silver Teeny Wishbone necklace, $50, Dogeared at 889 Yonge, dogeared.com, 889yonge.com.

Hot-Rock Rubdown

When owner Jess Fletcher opened her BE Studio, she wanted to create a community space where people could find balance and well-being. Befitting its location on the western edge of Toronto’s College Street strip, BE Studio is cool and sleek, but down-to-earth and decidedly less pretentious than some mega-spas downtown. An all-white decor puts you at ease, a quaint patio allows you to sip your Starbucks pre-rubdown, and simple, skylit rooms offer lots of privacy while you enjoy your treatment. I chose the hot stone massage, and was surprised when my therapist, Karen Dansingani, not only placed water-heated stones strategically on my body, but used them in addition to her hands in order to achieve a more “intense manipulation” of my muscles. The stones are meant to help with a variety of ailments including insomnia, and I was so relaxed later on in the evening that one glass of champagne nearly put me to sleep. And sleep I did – until 2 p.m. the next day (for the first time since my teens!). Bonus: BE also offers yoga classes infused with Thai massage for those who want to pose and be pampered at the same time.
- Julia LeConte, Assistant Editor, Copy & Research

BE hot stone massage, from $88, BE Studio, 932A College St., Toronto, 416-505-5195, bestudio.ca.

Twine in a Tin

Though I still don’t have a plot of earth to call my own, I’m always inspired by Food Associate Tory Healy’s daily updates on her cucumbers, tomatoes and latest adventures with fingerling eggplant. While searching at Design Within Reach for some kind of cutting-edge, clever design they’re famous for, I spotted this jute twine by Sheffield, England’s Burgon & Ball. The tin almost looks too pretty to be functional, but inside is a 120-m roll of heavy-duty, green jute twine with a cutter built right into the lid – definitely ‘cutting edge’ and clever. And whether or not you’re a gardener, it’s great for gift-wrapping too!
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Burgon & Ball Green Jute Twine, $15, Design Within Reach, dwr.com.

Objects of Affection

If you’re in Toronto this weekend and still haven’t seen the revamped Gardiner Museum – Canada’s only museum of ceramics – check out Object Factory. It’s the first major museum exhibition that showcases state-of-the-art, modern production technologies and their impact on craft, art and design, and how this encourages a shared inspiration between artists, designers and manufacturers. While you’re there, definitely stop in at the retail shop that is always full of beautiful jewellery, pottery, and glass and wood items. Since you’re in the heart of Toronto International Film Festival territory, enjoy the sun and some bubbly on the terrace and debate the aesthetics of the Royal Ontario Museum’s crystal addition, or whether that really was Brad Pitt who just walked by.
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Porca Miseria porcelain and metal chandelier, by Ingo Maurer, 1994. Photo by Tom Vack.

Object Factory: The Art of Industrial Ceramics, to Sept. 7 at the Gardiner Museum, 111 Queen’s Park, Toronto, gardinermuseum.on.ca.

Filter Me, Drink Me

I’m a tried and true tap-water drinker, but at a recent product preview I couldn’t help being tempted by this new water-filter system. It was at least 30 degrees outside, so maybe it was the thought of clean, cold lemon water, ready and waiting in the fridge, that hooked me. In any case, this filter comprises a recyclable, solid-block carbon filter (most water-jug filters use carbon flakes), and a hose system that makes filling up super fast. You simply (or in some cases, not so simply) fit the attachment to your faucet, hook up the hose that sits in the handle, and turn on the tap. In less than a minute, you have a pitcher full of purified water. Another handy feature is the indicator on the top that changes to red when it’s time for a new filter. I’m sure this isn’t recommended, but I’ve actually left the attachment on my faucet because it looks better than the old one I had, and means I don’t have to fuss with it every time I fill up.

Clear 2O filtration pitcher, $30, Canadian Tire, canadiantire.ca.

Paint Your Piggies Pink

During the summer months, images of flip-flops and sandals are all that come to mind. Being out and about with exposed feet means breaking out the pedi products, including, of course, pretty nail polishes. Nothing pops quite like Chanel Le Vernis in Organdy – think bright ‘80s pink with class. The shade is both vibrant and feminine and goes great with your favourite open- or peep-toe pumps. Go ahead, put some pink pep in your step.
- Janice Koon, Online Intern

Chanel Le Vernis in Organdy, $25, Chanel beauty counters, chanel.com.

Swedish Coffee Fix

Next time you’re scooting down the aisles of Ikea, don’t overlook the Swedish food market. In our December issue we raved about its Swedish rye bread – you basically add water to the box, shake it up and bake! Now I’m all about their coffee line, which is entirely UTZ Certified. UTZ is an independent, not-for-profit organization that sets standards for responsible coffee growing. It traces all coffee back to the source, ensuring plantation workers have access to reasonable housing, healthcare and education for their children. In addition, to gain UTZ certification, plantations must have a low impact on the environment. So while drinking Ikea’s Organic Medium Roast coffee – one of five blends – I get to breathe easier. And, of course, it tastes really good!
- Tory Healy, Food Associate

UTZ Certified coffees, from $2.50 (250 g), utzcertified.org/IKEA.

Summer Beauty Rituals

For me, summer means heat, humidity, frizzy hair, breakouts and sandal-ravaged feet. Naturally, trips to the spa become even more necessary. I was recently treated to a day of pampering at the downtown spa Ritual (it’s actually two separate locations, just a couple of doors away from each other) before a friend’s wedding, and couldn’t have been happier with the results. I had a fabulous facial by Samantha (paying $70 for the Signature Ritual Face Treatment was well worth it for the more thorough cleanse). Nikki blew out my hair to silky perfection – it was sleek and smooth and held up even on this extremely humid June day. I had the quickest bikini wax I’ve ever experienced, and last, but not least, a super-long lasting pedicure by Julia (my toes still looked fab two weeks later). I definitely recommend this spot the next time you need some beauty upkeep or simply a little pick-me-up!
- Alison Lawler-Dean, Fashion Market Editor

Ritual and Ritual 2, 793 and 787 King St. W., Toronto, 416-306-0040, ritual.ca.

Kitschy Pepper Casserole Dish

Showcase both your culinary skill and design sense with this cute and quirky casserole dish. The Petite Bell Pepper Casserole from Le Creuset is perfect for presenting dishes from oven-to-table.
-Tasia Rivero, Online Intern

Petite Bell Pepper Casserole, Le Creuset, $25, Amazon.com.

• For pepper-influenced recipes to fill your casserole, check out the red pepper article in our Market to Table column. Read more »

Toronto’s Nike Runner’s Lounge

When I arrived at Toronto’s Nike Runner’s Lounge for its monthly media run, I expected to find a slick store brimming with jogging gear, athletic accessories and the latest in sporty techie toys. At the very least, I thought I’d be able to replace the pair of socks that I’d forgotten at home. No luck. There’s nothing for sale at this roomy, white hangout. The smiling staff are selling the concept of a running culture, and the space has everything to accommodate that – neighbourhood-specific running routes in various lengths, a seating area to stretch in or congregate with fellow joggers, water and snacks for pre- and post-workout fueling and lockers to secure your belongings. At the back, there is a multitude of Nike tops, running shoes and distance-clocking devices at your disposal – perfect for trying before you’re buying... just not there, of course.
– Julia LeConte, Assistant Editor, Copy & Research

P.S. Don't miss your chance to run with all of mankind on August 31st, as cities around the world host 10K races on the same day. Visit nikeplus.com to register for a town near you (Toronto's Nike Runner's Lounge will be the starting point for a large Hogtown contingent!).

Nike Runner’s Lounge, 1219 Yonge Street, Toronto, 416-944-2112; 140-510 Nicola Street, Vancouver, 778-786-7463.

Paint with a Conscience

What’s not to love? The colours are stunning, the quality is superior, and it’s all environmentally friendly! Boomerang water-based paints (latex, stains and alkyds) are made from unused portions of recovered domestic paint and stain, and contain a low amount of VOC (a hazardous compound, regulated in paint by Environment Canada). Plus, it’s half the cost of a regular can! But don’t take my word for it, try it on your walls, deck or home exterior and see for yourself. Although the paint is currently only sold in Quebec, it will soon be available to eco-conscious shoppers nationwide.
Cool Fact: In 2006, manufacturer Laurentide Inc. collected 2,400,000 litres of paint that was recycled under the Boomerang brand.
- Hannah Bank, Assistant Home & Food Editor

Boomerang, about $15 (3.78-l can), boomerangpaint.com. Available at The Home Depot, homedepot.ca.

Much More Than Yogurt

After a thorough read of Gary Hirshberg’s book (and an enthralling 30-minute phone interview), I was so inspired by the author’s message that I had to pay it forward. On a crusade for change, Gary, the CE-Yo of Stonyfield Farm, lays it all on the table – from surprising misconceptions about reducing our eco footprint, to environmental principles and practices implemented in his own booming, organic yogurt business (complete with anecdotal trials and tribulations), to details on how you can make a difference, too. It’s a positive, approachable reference to sustainable growth that’s actually fun to read. For more information visit stonyfield.com/stirringitup.
- Hannah Bank, Assistant Home & Food Editor

Stirring It Up: How To Make Money and Save The World by Gary Hirshberg (Hyperion, 2008), $29, hyperionbooks.com.

Look Good, Feel Better

Available in stores starting July 28, The Body Shop’s Shea Lip Care Duo is intended for sharing with your nearest and dearest. These special edition balms are made with fair-trade shea butter and vitamins A, C and E, keeping your pout soft even with the office AC cranked. And your puckers aren’t the only ones to benefit: The Body Shop is donating $9 from the sale of each package to the Canadian Women’s Foundation, in support of their efforts to help victims of domestic violence. From July 31 onward, you’ll also be able to pick up a leaflet at The Body Shop stores with useful tips on reaching out to a friend who might be in need. For more information, visit stopviolenceinthehome.com.
- Tasia Rivero, Online Intern

Shea Lip Care Duo, $15, The Body Shop, thebodyshop.com.

Impressed at Preston's

The stretchy pants were out at a massive dinner at Preston’s Brasserie in the Loews Miami Beach Hotel last month, part of a Miami Spice press tour. Appetizers were served upstairs in a hospitality suite on the 17th floor as the sun went down over the famed, art-deco hotel strip. Irish-born Executive Chef Gordon Maybury, formerly of Fives restaurant at New York’s Peninsula Hotel, started us out with a smorgasbord of raw-fish delights – ceviche, sushi, oysters – all quite extraordinary. “Floribbean” fare continued downstairs with a seven-course meal that included a Bloody Mary sorbet in the lobster gazpacho, a zippy red snapper, the most flavourful organic green salad I’ve ever eaten (bar none), the signature apple/pomegranate ribs, a hot and spicy churrasco and, gulp, dessert.

The Loews is massive for South Beach (almost 800 rooms), yet that doesn’t seem to keep it from feeling quite cozy. Bonus: A new spa (underneath Emeril’s restaurant) still has that new-car smell.
– Doug Wallace, Deputy Editor

Preston’s Brasserie, Loews Miami Beach Hotel,  Read more »

Old-Fashioned Timer, New Look

These delicate, hand-blown sand hourglasses immediately caught my eye at the Indigo Fall Preview. Two sizes (the small runs for 15 minutes and the large for an hour) and four, pretty sand colours make these functional beauties perfect desk accessories. They’re also great in the kitchen, on a bedside table or even in a playroom – just make sure they’re up high and in plain view. I think the two sizes look great side by side and what’s more? You’ll be showing off homegrown talent – these treasures are Canadian made!
-Hannah Bank, Assistant Home & Food Editor

Ergo Decorative Sand Hourglass, $15 for small, $38 for large, at select Indigo and Chapters stores, chapters.ca.
 Read more »

Living in the Present

This unique, unisex watch from Daniel Will-Harris is a lifestyle statement piece and is sure to stir up conversation when you wear it. Available in stainless steel or with a leather band, this minimalist timepiece is so special because it displays only the present time, reminding the wearer that the past is past, the future doesn't exist and the only time we have is now. Something I think we should all try to be mindful of.
-Sarah Rogers, Online Editor

Past, Present, Future Watch, Daniel Will-Harris, $95 plus shipping, uncommongoods.com.
 Read more »

Sporty Scent

As a self-proclaimed gym buff, I log countless hours a week in the spin studio. Until recently, I found myself lugging around a rather cumbersome bottle of perfume in my filled-to-the-brim LeSportsac. Not anymore, thanks to this super slender bottle from Adidas that slips right into my bag. With four light scents to choose from (I’m partial to Floral Dream), you’ll smell crisp and clean whether on the tennis courts, golf greens or spinning your heart out at the gym (like me).
-Kyle Gordon, Assistant Beauty Editor

Adidas Emotions in Motion eau de toilette, in Floral Dream, $20, 50 ml, Wal-Mart, Shoppers Drug Mart.
 Read more »

Yes to Carrots

Did you know that carrots not only make a great addition to a healthy diet but also to a rejuvenating beauty routine? We at Wish have thought so ever since we tried the Yes to Carrots skincare line. Using a combination of juices from organic fruits and vegetables high Beta-Carotene (known for its anti-oxidant and anti-aging properties), such as carrots, and Dead Sea minerals – it's designed to help the body naturally repair and protect skin from damage caused by UV rays and pollution. Bonus: It's also paraben-free. We especially liked the Hand and Elbow cream for its subtle scent and non-greasy feel.
- Sarah Rogers, Online Editor

Hand and Elbow Moisturizing Cream, $10, Yes to Carrots, yes-to-carrots.com, Shoppers Drug Mart.

Lovely Lavender

On a recent press trip to Kelowna, B.C., I had the pleasure of visiting the Okanagan Lavender Herb Farm. Owner, Andrea McFadden, gave me a warm welcome, seating me on her patio to take in the gorgeous view of the Okanagan Lake below and to enjoy some of her specialty treats, Lavender Lemonade and Lavender Lemon Cake. I must admit I had no idea you could eat this pretty flower and thought its only use was for aromatherapy purposes. As I sipped and nibbled, she explained there are more than 400 varieties of lavender (on her farm she grows more than 60) and that it can be used fresh, dried and distilled. Then Andrea took me on a tour of her fragrant, beautiful gardens and sent me on my way with a sampling of her Lavender Blueberry Ice Cream (incredible). It was the perfect way to end my afternoon.
- Sarah Rogers, Online Editor

Visit okanaganlavender.com to plan your own visit to the farm or to shop for organic lavender products.

Face Forward

I heart Max. Rather, I wear Max on my heart. I recently purchased an organic cotton t-shirt from Joy Apparel, with my friend Max's face hand drawn on it. The shirt is part of the Joy Project – an international social progress and equality initiative created by Canadian Jeff Woodrow. By wearing a friend's (or even a stranger's) face, you are encouraged to think about the connections between us and the world we live in. Plus, 5% of the profit from each shirt goes to a charity reflecting the project’s vision. And if you'd like to be the artist, visit T-Shirt Monster to create your own unique shirt. You can upload an image and easily design a men’s, women’s or baby’s t-shirt right on the site.
- Alison Lawler-Dean, Fashion Market Editor

Organic Cotton T-Shirt, $30 plus shipping, Joy Apparel, joytshirt.com.

Hooked on Honey

I have been infatuated with L’Occitane en Provence Honey Body Balm for years now. I couldn’t get enough of the soothing softness, intoxicating smell and dewy glow it left on my skin. But recently I went to replenish my stash and, to my horror, there was none on the shelves! Julie (the PR rep) kindly responded to my panicked email, letting me know that “it was discontinued in November, and there is not a scrap to be found anywhere.” She said that the line was relaunched as Honey Lemon, which still has the pure honey from Provence as its base. A few days later, I received a bottle in the mail (thanks Julie!) and gave it a try. Although it will never replace my body balm, I love the hint of fresh lemon and the texture is light but still super-hydrating. It’s my new summer scent!
- Hannah Bank, Assistant Home & Food Editor

Honey Lemon Delightful Cream, $48.00 (250ml), L'Occitane en Provence, 877-212-0238, loccitane.ca.

Shaken, Not Stirred

Hands down, this is the best cocktail shaker there is – you’ll know as soon as you pick it up. Fit for the most discerning professional bartender, the robust Rösle Boston shaker pairs a brushed stainless steel beaker with a 16-ounce glass tumbler. The moulded ridge at its base prevents slippage, while precise fitting creates a firm seal to deliver a leak-proof shake. Don’t let its price rattle you – this well-designed and well-built piece of barware is guaranteed to last through years of entertaining. The tumbler also has measurements conveniently marked in metric and imperial units, so feel free to really let your inner mixologist loose.
- Jasmine Li, Online Editorial Assistant

Rösle Boston shaker, $72, at Williams-Sonoma, williams-sonoma.ca.

Table Talk

Growing up, I spent most summers at the family cottage, and Saturday night dinner was always an event. My dad would grill one gigantic steak that would cover the barbecue’s entire surface, while the kids baked the potatoes, made the salad and set the table. The menu never changed; the games we played at the table never changed – this was tradition. The games were my dad’s way of entertaining his 20 or more guests. They kept everyone at the table and the conversation flowing. Now there’s a new game more than worthy of my dad’s Saturday night lineup. Start your own tradition with the Gourmet Edition of Table Topics. It just may bring out the foodie in everyone.
- Andrea Stewart, Food Director

Table Topics Gourmet Edition, $40, 800-263-3093.

Crazy for Coconut

I admit it. I’m a city girl who’s obsessed with the beach. Anything that looks, smells or reminds me of the beach, I want (especially coconut and vanilla scents). The Body Shop’s Coconut Body Butter is my beach-y cream dream come true. Coconut oil is a natural skin conditioner and the cocoa butter makes my skin super-soft. I use it after a shower and smell mouth-wateringly delicious all day long. Best of all, it’s made with Community Trade cocoa butter that enables the development of community projects and provides small-scale farmers and a rural community of women with regular work. All that and it makes you feel like a walking Pina Colada!
- Janice Koon, Web Intern

Coconut Body Butter, $20 for 200 ml, The Body Shop, thebodyshop.ca.

Brew & Barbecue

Make his summer with a fantastic gift – just in time for Father’s Day! Dad will be in heaven with a cold beer in one hand and a grill tool in the other. This insulated, waterproof cooler comes equipped with all the barbecue tools necessary to get fired up. If that’s not enough, it also includes a mini cutting board, knife, salt and pepper shakers, a wine opener and two side pouches for your favourite sauces, rubs and marinades. Happy Father’s Day, Dad!
- Hannah Bank, Assistant Home & Food Editor

Portable beer cooler and BBQ tool set, $60, Home Wet Bar.  Read more »

Home Theater Heaven

With this new home-theater system, who needs the cinema? On a recent whirlwind press trip to New York, I previewed all the new Samsung products hitting the shelves in Canada. One of the most amazing was the Home Theater Sound Bar. This self-contained system (with an integrated DVD player, wireless subwoofer and Bluetooth connectivity) will give you the effect of surround sound (really, it’s true!) without the unruly wires, multiple remotes and scattered speakers. The fact that it can connect with any audio Bluetooth device for wireless music is great for parties and it also works with camcorders, so you can watch home videos on-screen. If that’s not enough, the black, flat-panel design works with any room. Check out Samsung’s new Touch of Colour TVs as well, with a sexy hint of red in the frame.
- Hannah Bank, Assistant Home & Food Editor

Samsung HT-X810 Home Theater Sound Bar, $900, samsung.ca.