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

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

Summer Drinks – Iced Tea and Arnold Palmers

Today was one of those days where walking into a drugstore or mall with air conditioning was a life saving experience, meaning that it was incredibly hot. Visions of beaches danced through my head as I sat at work. Although I wasn’t able to go to the beach, I was still got the chance to make some yummy ice tea. Let me share my recipe!


Simple and Easy Iced Tea!

4 cups of boiling water
5 tea bags
1/2 cup of sugar
2 cups cold water
Ice cubes
Lemon wedges

1. Place the tea bags in a teapot and carefully pour the boiling water over the teabags. Let steep for an hour (or more, if you have the time)

2. Remove the teabags. For sweetened tea, add 1/2 cup of sugar (you can modify this amount depending on how sweet you want your drink).

3. Add 2 cups of cold water and ice cubes into the tea. Chill.

4. Squeeze lemon wedges into the tea or garnish your cups with them.

I also like adding a sprig of mint to my iced tea. It adds a nice cooling bite!


Arnold Palmer Drink

A fun variation on iced tea is the Arnold Palmer drink. To make it, take one part iced tea and one part lemonade and put them in a glass. Depending on your preference, you can mix them or keep them separate by not stirring.

Summer Books Roundup – Travel Books!

To me, summer is a time of traveling. If traveling is not possible, the next best thing is being an armchair traveller. With some nice champagne (Orangina and Fanta, two European drinks that are good too), curling up and reading these books is almost as good as trekking around Sardinia or Thailand.

“This was Marianne, the revolutionary heroine, the French equivalent of Uncle Sam. This being France, instead of a bearded old uncle who looks as if he should be advertising fried chicken, they have a seminaked woman”.

Hilarious account of Paul West’s escapades in France for a year. Includes cultural confusion, french nightclubs, crazy bosses and sexy french women.

The numerous follow-up books are just as humorous and fun.

“Our architect, an expatriate Parisian, had warned us that building in Provence was very
similar to trench warfare, with long periods of boredom interrupted by bursts of
violent and noisy activity”

The Provence collection of books from Peter Mayle is definitely a series for food and sun lovers. The rich descriptions of the good life in the South of France from the author of A Good Year are worth reading.

For the gourmets reading this, one of the books in particular, French Lessons: Adventures with Knife, Fork and Corkscrew, will definitely have you laughing and drooling, so make sure you have some pâté and baguette around.

Several Twists on Chloe Gladiators for Summer!

First seen several seasons ago in Chanel’s resort collection, these sandals are a smash hit this summer. We think they’ll be popular going into the fall, which is why you should run out to get these beauties here:

$292.60 Chloé at mytheresa.com

These cuties are a gorgeous twist on the normal gladiator sandal with its wider woven bands and its smooth grey silhouette. We love Chloé! Another reason to buy: they’re on sale – $586.60 down to $292.60

$189 Tory Burch at mytheresa.com

These are closer to basic gladiators but we adore their vivacious green colour makes them stand out like nobody’s business! They look comfy and would add a summery touch of bold green to any outfit. These are also on sale!

$1099 Balmain at mytheresa.com

For those of us who dream of shoes, there’s these swoon-worthy heels from Balmain. Made of elastic, they look super comfy yet also fierce because of their many studs. These are my dream shoes! Worn with a tough but chic leather jacket, you’re set for a night out anywhere.

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