I have a black sports car; love the ride of the sport, hate how it always looks dirty. I was approached at a gas station by a young girl that introduced me to a new product called FW1. This is a spray can that cleans and waxes your car without water. She demonstrated on a white streak left by my feathered friends; the spot was cleaned in an instant and a high shine remained. I bought the product and cleaned the rest of the car when I got home. Car looked awesome in no time! The process is: you rinse your car if it is really dirty (mine had been rained on and only had water and bird marks, so I just went right to work!). You apply the foam with a cloth, then follow with a light buff with a micro fiber cloth. You use it on your car, rims, windows. The product contains Carnauba (a palm oil that leaves a high gloss shine). You can even use it on your stainless steel appliances; the product leaves a protective coating that is water and finger print repellent! I bought 3 cans as I was offered a promotion and I see that you can buy it on line as well. It apparently is not yet available in stores. Try this cool product; a great father’s day gift. My son and boyfriend saw my gleaming vehicle in the driveway and want to get their hands on my new wonder product! (glad I bought 3!)
So Dancing with the Stars fever hit us (well, we wanted to be able to feel more comfortable on the dance floor at an upcoming family wedding). So we signed up to the renowned Arthur Murray dance school in the West Island of Montreal. The experience has been filled with surprises and bonuses. Aside from the obvious of picking up dance steps for classics like the waltz, foxtrot, tango and sultry rumbas, merengues, salsa and fun with the swing, there were several added features! What a workout! after 2 sessions of 45 minutes each, we were trenched in sweat! I have heard so many stories of people trading in their tread mill in for dance lessons and shedding pounds while having a lot of fun. Secondly, dancing really brings a couple together both physically and emotionally. You are required to look into each others eyes and be in tune with each others bodies….need I say more? Finally, this is an awesome social event. In the group lessons we are asked to switch partners. Initially, we hesitated but once we learned the advantages of switching partners, that it actually helps in learning, we got into the groove and met some pretty interesting people. You get quite the charge, just sitting back and watching the pros practice with you on the dance floor. There is such an elegance, artfulness and sense of peace! I recommend this to everyone, young and old, couples or singles and people with two left feet (somehow, these talented instructors transform those 2 left feet to wonderful objects of movement and style! ) Oh yes, and Arthur Murray offers a free introductory class (perfect for that resistant boyfriend; he can’t argue if there is no cost involved.) This is a wonderful first step (yes, pun intended) to a more balanced and healthier life! 
Early this year, Jimmy Choo launched Jimmy Choo perfume. Wow, this scent (as Jimmy Choo shoes) has a unique character of its own! The perfume starts off somewhat sweet, then transitions into a sensual and sophisticated, musky and caramel scent. The oriental notes give this perfume a modern character that is feminine and strong, reflecting the woman of today. I am woman….W…O…M….A….N….I’ll say it again! 
Yvonne Marie has updated the on line store (www.ymstyle.com) with fresh spring and summer fashions. Lots of tops that fit and flatter, an increased assortment of dresses and a focused offering of smart pants and skirts. Staff favorites are the one shoulder tunics and dresses; sexy, feminine and comfortable all in one! Fun new additions to the site are weekly specials as well as celebrity fashions. Look like a celebrity wearing YM styles, but not at celebrity prices!!
So ladies, in general, our preferences are for the newest hair salons and spas; those with an abundance of atmosphere and services. As with many things, this is quite different for men. It appears that men are drawn to the old fashion style Barber Shops; they find more comfort in the basics. One such place is Hollywood Barber on Fairmont in Montreal (right next to another fine institution, Wilensky; grilled sandwich resto from the 1930′s) . From what I gather, Hollywood Barber has been around since the 1950′s. What just blows me away is that this institution has no telephone, therefore no appointments; all clients are walk in. He provides the old fashion shave using a blade and his $18 hair cuts are obviously that of a pro! So, just another example that what is good for the goose, is not always good for the gander! 
Salvatore Ferragamo’s F Fascinating Night has been around since September of 2009 but I have just discovered it. Based on my love of Encanto, I looked for a replacement for this discontinued scent. I don’t think I have gotten as many compliments as when I am wearing F Fascinating Night. It is a super feminine and super sexy fragrance. It surprised me with its freshness as I expected a deep evening scent. This perfume is sophisticated yet young with a base of mandarin sorbet that is decorated with a jasmine, rose and patchouli then rounded off with white musk and amber. I wear it night and day and have quite the following; people buying it once they smell it on me and other following me just to get one more whiff! Mille grazie Salvatore for another unique and addictive fragrance! 
Cupcakes are the food fashion nowadays; as many trends, this all began on Sex in The City where the ladies munched on cupcakes at popular and upscale Magnolia bakery in Manhattan. Cupcake shops are popping up everywhere; it has almost become an art form. In many cases, cupcake towers are even replacing traditional, tiered wedding cakes! Some believe that the cupcake craze lends itself to society’s emphasis on portion control. Well, being a fashionista, I realize cupcakes need to be part of our Easter table setting…these are super cute and super easy! You don’t need to be an expert to make these:
Bake up your favorite cupcake recipe, and buttercream frosting. For the chick, color 1-2 cups of coconut with yellow food coloring, sprinkle a thick layer on top of a frosted cupcake. Use two semi-sweet chocolate chops for eyes, a split orange gum drop for a beak, and a gum drop rolled out into a wing shape (or check the store for some already shaped that way). For the pigs, color the frosting pick, use semi-sweet chocolate chips for eyes, pressed pink gumdrops for ears, and pink dyed marzipan for the nose. Use a frosting tip to add dots for the pig’s nostrils. Always fun to create food that puts a smile on everyone’ face!
Bleu Lavande is a Quebec company that originates in the Eastern townships and has in recent years opened up stores carrying their lavender products. The decor is immediately relaxing; the stores are white complemented with stunning blue and of course enveloped in the lavender scent. The staff is equally relaxing and incredibly informative.( I visited the Carrefour Laval store and the ladies provided outstanding customer service!) I have used the Circulation gel for my tired legs and recently for relief after a long day on my sprained ankle. The lip balm is effective and not greasy. The essential oil is a purchase on every trip; I use it in my ceramic burner around my light bulb in the bedroom to provide a relaxing ambiance. I now have learned that the lavender essential oil is also effective in easing headaches and can be used as a decongestant! Of course, the linen spray has become a staple in my home (even my cool, adult son appreciates when I spray his sheets with the relaxing linen water!) . Bleu Lavande is a wonderful experience in getting in touch with the healing power of nature right in our own shopping malls! I do plan to visit the Bleu Lavande site in Fitch Bay this summer and picnic among my favorite flowers. The massage overlooking the lavender fields sounds like the perfect birthday gift for me, from me! 
On a daily basis, I see women that are inappropriately dressed for their age and/or figure. Ladies, accept your age and size! Wearing clothing that is a size smaller, will not make you look smaller; it’s just the opposite! Wear the right size! Who are you fooling wearing a size 10 when you should be a 12 or 14? Muffin tops are yummy in a bakery window but crummy hanging over a women’s jeans! Come on ladies, accepting yourself is an attractive trait for a man; your confidence will turn him on much more than fretting over this or that which is not in the right proportion on your body! Live healthy and dress your body in clothing that is comfortable and does not stop blood flow! Age with grace and leave the 3 inch jean rise to the size 6, 18 year old! Nigel Baker provides the best guideline………
“Wear clothing tight enough to show you’re a woman and loose enough to show you’re a lady”
White will be a prominent color in women’s fashion this Spring/Summer. Fashion colors as art, reflect the world’s pulse. White represents simplicity, minimalism, peace and hope. These are also the words I have heard people use recently in discussing their new mantra in life. There is a strong desire to return to basics, and white fits the bill. It is timeless and versatile; making it a wise pick for the more frugal shopper of today. White can be classic as well as trendy; a color that marries beautifully with bright accessories and makeup. Our fashion is often inspired by celebrities and Michelle Obama 
has definitely inspired the return of white with her choice of wearing a white gown designed by Jason Wu to the inaugural ball. Presenting white……a blank canvas for us to personalize and start anew!
