Her Radar’s Picks: 30 Beach Books

Here are our picks of the best beach books for this year. Picks include the very popular Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (because the movie just came out) to Confessions of a Shopaholic to A Year in the Merde. We hope you enjoy your reading!

1. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, by J.K. Rowling
2. The Josephine B. Trilogy, by Sandra Gulland
3. Bridget Jones’s Diary, by Helen Fielding
4. Life of Pi, by Yann Martel
5. The Joy Luck Club, by Amy Tan

6. Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen
7. The World According to Garp, by John Irving
8. St. Urbain’s Horseman, by Mordecal Richer
9. Grown Up Digital, by Don Tapscott
10. Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett

11. Under the Tuscan Sun, by Frances Maves
12. Confessions of a Shopaholic, by Sophie Kinsella
13. The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien
14. Love in the Time of Cholera, by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
15. The Little Prince, by Antoine De Saint-Exupery

16. A Year in Merde, by Stephen Clarke
17. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
18. Running in the Family by Michael Ondaatje
19. Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
20. Dom Casmurro by Joaquim Machado de Assis

21. Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson
22. A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway
23. A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
24. Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie
25. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

26. The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
27. Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
28. The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera
29. My Sister’s Keeper, by Jodi Picoult
30. The Book of Negroes, by Lawrence Hill

Fall Fashion Preview – Part II – Marc Jacobs, Balmain

In addition to going back to the 40′s, fashion will be revisiting the 80′s. Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Balmain among several designers featured eighties-style dressing.

At Versace and Balmain, Donatella and Christophe exhibited power suits, wide collars and big shoulders (Balmain with its now characteristic upwards-swooping shoulders) and of course thigh-baring sequined dresses. I loved the blazers at Balmain. They’re well worth checking out.

I love both of these dresses, although I must say I’m not sure I have the guts to wear the Balmain. With different shoes (ones that elongate rather than cut one’s legs off) and good accessories, I think it would be wearable, but only in the right place. The Versace is infinitely more wearable with its big round sequins reminiscent of pink pearls arrayed in rays. It’s almost certain we’ll be seeing this gorgeous on a celebrity.



























Versace, Balmain


Both Vivienne Westwood and Gucci exhibited power dressing. Gucci especially had an emphasis on sparkly and leather leggings, with high impact makeup.Gucci and Vivienne Westwood had heavy, eighties style eyes. Gucci’s hair was more office slick, whereas Vivienne Westwood had rocker-chic, disheveled hair.



























Vivienne Westwood, Gucci


Marc Jacobs exhibited a collection that was entirely devoted to the eighties. From the makeup to the colourful tops and the big hair, Marc was taking the eighties and dusting them off. This yellow velvet dress modeled by Canadian supermodel (woot!) Jessica Stam is my favourite look from his show. It’s eyecatching, nods to the eighties while still feeling very fresh. The eye makeup is also very eighties but since the rest of her face is bare, its balanced out. The big hair is also an obvious eighties reference, but the asymmetry and conical shape keeps it modern and very edgy. The way he’s shown it, with opaque black leggings is a perfect ensemble for going out in the fall.

Marc Jacobs

Tiny Monster Friends in the Dark – Designer Plush Toy

On that terrifying Saturday summer night, a suddenly violent thunderstorm came along with non-stop loud thunder lightning sounds. I couldn’t help but imagine how terrified little kids could be and how dogs must started barking nervously every time the thunder struck again. Not that little ones need to face their inner fear alone in their beds during such a terrifying dark night and fight their imagined monsters that come with the roaring sounds from the dark blue sky. Here are some wonderful designer plush toys monster friends that can stand by and comfort your children when nothing can else help, even unusually long bedtime stories. What would you do? Introduce them to these freaky but friendly friends that they can hug and cuddle with in their own bed. You can have an uninterrupted night of blissful sleep. These cuties are available at Raspberry Kids.

His name is Yoozzoo Oodle. Sounds dreamy if you sound out his name slowly, and you’d draw a big yawn by the end, as if falling into a sleep spell. This huggable, cute bug is 14.9 in tall, comes all the way from New Zealand, and is filled with virgin wool. With him beside your darling, you know sweet dreams are always near.

This is Yoozzoo Booh. Try your best not to underestimate her. Booh is fierce but loyal. She lives next to volcano and isn’t afraid to be in the spotlight and make noise. This one would keep your sweetie warm and feeling cosy.

Yoozzoo Gooloop is such a pretty bug with her sky blue plush skin, and teal green eyes. She can spot you miles away, so give her a hug when you need it. She can be a great friend when you can’t sleep.

Yoozzoo Hooper is a bug with big heart, and you can see that out from her two giant eyes. When she is not daydreaming, she is buried in her book. She loves a good story and enjoys stories.














For more information go to: Raspberry Kids | Playtime

Images credit: Raspberry Kids

Small Rooms Get Big: How To Revamp Your Small Rooms

Tips on how to make a small room look and feel bigger!

These days, apartments and homes in general seem to be getting smaller and smaller. With this comes smaller rooms. With these simple tricks, making your living room, bedroom or study look much larger is easy and fun!





























1) Stick to light or neutral colours! Light colours reflect light, and thus make a room feel much larger than say, navy blue.

2) Don’t clutter up your floor space with useless furniture. Trim down your furnishings into a collection of useful and beautiful items. Invest in furniture that can pull double-duty, such as my perennial favourite, the ottoman storage box.

3) Use your walls effectively! Hang larger framed pictures or paintings as opposed to many small framed pictures and paintings because having one large frame is a cleaner line.

4) On a similar note, look for spaces in unusual places. Place items that would normally be hanging around in the open in the newfound storage. If you have room under the bed, put storage boxes underneath. I actually store my bed linen there, in a covered long box. Some retailers may sell special boxes that are long and narrow, designed to go under the bed. Additionally, closets often have space above where your clothes are hung. Use the space. Don’t let this precious space go to waste!

5) Invest in a large mirror! Mirrors double the light in a room and also trick the eye. This is probably the easiest and most effective trick of all.

image credit: xJavierx on Flickr

New Fall Trend: Matte Nail Polish by OPI, Zoya, Orly

This fall, matte nail polish is going to be a big trend. Already, big companies like OPI, Orly and Zoya have unveiled collections featuring matte nail polish. Brands advise not to use basecoats or topcoats, meaning slightly more chipping, but these are sooo beautiful I don’t mind a little chipping!


OPI Matte Collection

From top left: Russian Navy Matte, Lincoln Park After Dark Matte, You Don’t Know Jacques Matte,
Alpine Snow Matte, La Paz-itively Hot Matte and Gargantuan Green Grape Matte


I’m very excited to see a matte white, because white nails have been a trend this summer, and it’s also cool so see my faves Russian Navy and Lincoln Park After Dark in matte. None of these have shimmer, as OPI is releasing a different collection with shimmering mattes, called Suede by OPI.




Orly Matte Collection

From left: Blue Suede Shoes, Matte Vinyl, Purple Velvet


I can’t wait to try a bright blue that’s also matte! The Matte Vinyl would also be great for fans of black nails.




Zoya Matte Velvet

From left: Dovima, Loredana, Posh


Posh is a sexy deep wine, a gorgeous twist on shiny red nails. It’s slightly more subtle, but no less alluring. The two gunmetal polishes look like they’ll give off a perfect urbanistic vibe, exactly what I want for fall.




Orly Matte Top Coat



























If you like the look of matte nail polish but don’t want to commit to buying a bottle of these beauties yet, won’t worry!

Orly comes to the rescue with Orly Matte Top Coat. This awesome product turns any glossy nail polish into a trendy matte nail polish.

This leaves the door open for fun experimenting! You have have sections of your nail glossy and others, matte! Make a new version of the french manicure by leaving the tip of your nail shiny while mattifying the rest.

Designer Swimwear Vancouver – Cuchè Bikinis

I have a new obsession. Cuchè bikinis are designed and made in Canada (Vancouver, to be precise) and I’m more than happy to support the Canadian economy to buy these beauties. With weekend temperatures soaring to 30, these are the types of clothes I want to wear: beach clothes!



















sun cover $71.25 and boat dress $150

I love the sexy lines of the sun cover and the fresh nautical theme of the boat dress. Both would be easy to throw over a bikini. The boat dress is perfect for al fresco dining right by the beach, whereas the sun cover would be great for when you’re staying on the beach yet don’t want to be totally exposed.



















julie $108.75 and copa 84 $116.25

The julie bikini is sleek, graphic and sporty. On the other hand, the copa 84 bikini is a bit more feminine with retro touches like some ruching and cute ties in the front and sides.

For more information go to: Cuchè Bikinis

Image credits: Cuchè Bikinis

Not Your Ordinary Organic Sunscreen

As we enter the heat of an Indian summer, it seems that we can’t beat the heat except for when we escape to the beaches, pools, or lay under the shadow of a tree with a book.
I still have super-sensitive skin concerning the sun after adapting to nearly six months of the Canadian winter. Having a basket filled with sunscreen and rosewater spray, ready for a quick pickup on the way out, has become a summer habit.

After spending some time searching for the right facial sunscreen that isn’t going to break the bank, since most of cosmetic brand sunscreens are $35+ range, for merely 120 ml or less. Otherwise, the sunscreen is way too thick or greasy for my sensitive skin. Imagine how delighted I was when I discovered the Alba Organic Lavender Sunscreen SPF 30, that works well on my skin with its non-greasy and lotion that absorbs quickly with yummy lavender scent. I also bought another Alba Organic Facial Sunscreen SPF 20 for sensitive skin. With its pretty light pink graduated tube, it has found its rightful place in my purse.

Alba Organic Lavender Sunscreen SPF 30, with infusions of certified organic lavender acting as a natural insect defense, with aloe vera, chamomile, ginkgo biloba, and green tea. Your skin will thank you for the soothing and healing effect.
$9.69 CAD

There is Alba Fragrance Free Sunscreen SPF 15 that works for all skin types, perfect for daily wear.
$9.69 CAD




















For more information go to: well.ca

Image credit: well.ca

Giveaway! Gift Card from Living Rooms Direct

Bicycle Chain Links Go Modern

When I saw this wonderful Link Collection from notNeutral with its whimsical yet modern pattern on Living Room Direct, I know instantly that this extensive dinnerware collection was a winner in the upscale kitchen of any well-designed modern home. With a nod to mod design based on the link of a bicycle chain, it will appeal to the modernist to you. A variety of smart link patterns appear on the full array of dinnerware and different dishes including an espresso set.

The Brown Links dinnerware set is especially interesting, with the bold Brown Links Rim Bowl set, that will surely catch your attention. Its low, wide design makes it a perfect choice for serving pasta, soups, or cereal.

I especially love their graphic Brown Links Spice Dish Set that comes with four dishes featuring variations of the link pattern. Place them as a decorative accent on your coffee table or as salt and pepper cellars.

The latest but not last news on this notNeutral collection from Living Room Furniture, a web based company offering full scale home décor collections, is a $35 gift card giveaway, that you can placing an order on their vast online home décor lines, including shipping to Canada.

To enter the contest, simply leave a comment with this post explaining what catches your eye at Living Rooms Direct.

The contest will be ending by July 31st at PDT 12am. One entry per person please, and do be sure to leave your email address! Contest is open to residents in either the US or Canada. The winner will be randomly chosen. Good luck!

My personal favorites in the notNeutral collection includes: the Brown Link espresso set and the Melamine Snack Set for kids. Both are on sale, listed below $35.

Artful Beach Totes

You know it’s time to visit the beach when the temperature has hit 30°C by noon. Glorious summertime is finally staying after the “hot one day, cold the next” pattern that has been going on for the last while. ‘Must-haves’ to bring to the beach include one or two books, a nice swimsuit, a large beach towel, Burt’s Bees lip shimmer, a batik sarong, Ray-Ban sunglass, sunscreen, a pair of Havaianas, a stainless steel water bottle, a Pylones comb, a little Hello Kitty coin purse and if there is still room, throw in Miss Vickie’s. With that, I am all set, ready to go. To stand out from the crowd, an ordinary beach tote won’t cut it. I’d take an artful, cute tote from Blue Q. They can match any summer outfit and still make you looks fabulous while caring for the planet since they are made of recycled woven polypropylene.

La-La Land Tote

In dreamy landscape, fairy-like fawns and rabbits, birch trees, and clouds float in a sky of pinks and greys. The other side comes with a different image so you’ll never be bored.
$12.00 CAN

Miso Pretty Tote

With its lavish Oriental motifs details and exquisite typography art, this charming Chinese package artwork never failed to amuse me. Rugged and oversize, it is like carrying a pop art poster with you everywhere you go.
$14.00 CAN

Crazy Collage Shopper Tote

What else I can say about this one, it’s like 1960’s Pop art with cut and pasted eye candy thrown in. It’s a timeless beauty to behold.
$14.00 CAN








For more information go to: BlueQ

Images credit: BlueQ

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