• Art,  Fashion,  Gift Guide,  Home Decoration,  London,  Los Angeles,  New York,  San Diego,  Toronto

    This Gift Totally Touched My Heart – A Personal Engraved Propelling Pencil from Pen Heaven

    As you may know, I am a blogger, but actually I am a professional artist. I started to draw when I was 6 years old, and then the art life continues. After art collage, plus two graduate school studies, I received two master degrees in Fine Arts. Art is my life and I am super lucky to have my family supporting me to chase my art dreams. For me, or any other artists & designers, the best gift is always something related with our professions. If you ever look through my holiday gift list, you would be surprised that 90% of the things that I really want are art supplies. My parents in law ask me to think about something else, like anything more personal – a designer dress? a bottle of perfume? But I have to say, if you can gift me something that I feel too expensive to buy in my daily life, I really want some better art supplies, those are the best gift for me!

    An engraved propelling pencil has been on my shopping list for a long time. The normal pencils are fine. But a good propelling pencil makes a big difference, which I don’t need to sharpen it a lot, and I can carry it with me all the time without dirtying my purse. There is another reason very important, I love to have a personal engraved pencil with my art company’s name on it. Pen Heaven offers a grand selection of fine writing instruments that will last a lifetime and become excellent family heirlooms.

    Add a sense of refinement to your note taking and doodling with a propelling pencil made from quality materials such as carbon fiber and sterling silver (the added weight gives an extra feeling of control). Pen Heaven stock pencils from brands such as Cross, typically with an HB lead, and a width between 0.5 and 0.9. For a truly unique writing experience try the revolutionary Yoropencil with its finger support and ergonomic grip, or the Worther if you need to draw on unusual surfaces such as wood or glass.

    Faber-Castell Ambition Pearwood Pencil

    Reach for new heights of style with the Ambition mechanical pencil. Faber-Castell have taken a bold departure from conventional luxury writing instruments, opting for a straight-edged profile made up of right-angles and clean lines. A barrel of unpolished brown pearwood brings a certain artisanal quality to the whole design. Keep a little slice of German design at your fingertips with this simply excellent mechanical pencil.

    Key Features

    • The barrel is made of pearwood and the natural variations in the grain make every pen unique
    • Gleaming chrome-plated metal trims
    • 2 year guarantee
    • Spring-loaded clip
    • Fitted with 0.7mm lead
    • Replaceable eraser underneath removable end cap
    • Twist action

    Pen Heaven use a state of the art laser engraving machine which gently etches away the top layer of the pen to reveal the base metal underneath. The color of engraving depends on the base metal underneath. Lacquered pens tend to engrave with a brass finish, whilst chrome pens with a subtle two tone effect (check preview on every product page). 3 font choices are offered.

    (LULU.LIVE ART) on my pencil

    Pen Heaven can engrave any letter, number or character that can entered from a standard computer keyboard, in any language. This includes English, Arabic, Hebrew, Greek, Cyrillic etc. Pen Heaven can engrave UTF8 symbols. Either choose from the list or copy and paste your own.

    Each pen has a limit to the amount of characters Pen Heaven can engrave due to its size and curvature. Look out for the character limit on each product page.

    Other pencils on my list:

    Calligraphy Pens

    LAMY joy Calligraphy Pen Set – Black & Red

    Practice the traditional art of calligraphy with sets from brands such as Lamy and Sheaffer. Sets come with different nib widths so that you can try your hand at different calligraphy techniques, and learn the basics from the booklets provided.

    Whether you’re a master calligrapher or you’re only just beginning to explore the art of writing, the LAMY joy is an excellent choice of tools. The distinctive ergonomic grip aids proper finger placement and improves control, and the three easy-change italic nibs are of varying widths, allowing you to practice different lettering styles.

    Fountain Pens

    Waterman Hemisphere Matt Black Gold Trim Fountain Pen

    A fountain pen is about the smooth flowing style, returning to a time honoured tradition. Explore our range of nibs from extra fine to broad, including those for left handers from Lamy. See Pen Heaven comparison of different nib widths. Go for Gold! Graf Von Faber Castell, Cross Townsend and Waterman Carene’s (among others) gold nib adjust to your handwriting over time. Choose superior quality and value with Platinum fountain pens, their unique music nib encouraging smoother ink flow.

    The Waterman Hemisphere fountain pen exudes elegance, with clean lines and minimalist detailing bringing its stylish simplicity to the fore. This Matt Black finish brings the Hemisphere right in line with contemporary design, whilst a little luxury is added by touches of 23k gold plate. The grip features a ridged base to support the fingers and offer unparalleled comfort and control.

    Feather Quills & Dip Pens

    Brown Pewter Feather Quill & Ink Bottle with Pen Holder

    Discover the charm of simpler times with our range of feather quill and dip pens by Coles Calligraphy, handcrafted in Italy. Feather quills are made from genuine goose feather in a variety of colours, with a removeable nib. Pen Heaven hand blown Venetian glass pen set makes a pretty gift, whilst the ostrich feather is for those with a flamboyant streak. Art lovers will enjoy the wood dip pen with 8 ink colours. All sets are presented in a gift box which may include a variety of nib sizes, quill stands, ink bottles, calligraphy booklet.

    The Brown Pewter Feather Quill & Ink Bottle with Pen Holder set is a traditional design statement for any desk, made from genuine goose feather with intensive attention to detail. Crafted in Italy, the set comes packaged in a premium gift box and will make the ideal gift for calligraphy and art lovers. Includes an elegant brass feather quill holder and black ink to get you started.

    About Pen Heaven:

    Pen Heaven, founded in 2008, offer a comprehensive range of writing instruments and leather goods with in-house engraving and embossing. Specialists in classic brands such as Parker, Cross and Lamy, Pen Heaven also boast some more unusual and hard-to-find items such as the Japanese hand painted Platinum range, Italian calligraphy sets and the design focused Worther brand.

  • Art,  Fashion,  Los Angeles,  Miami,  New York,  San Diego,  Toronto,  Vancouver,  WorldWide

    Have fun with your daily looks by grabbing a outfit from Fresh Hoods

    Normal is boring. Explore the depths of your inner style. For a fun upgrade on your casual look, let Fresh Hoods help you to become a star on the streets.

    If you love it, mark your own rules. Go wild in look and comfy in style. Fresh Hoods team is a group of creators with a hip-hop, rhythm ‘n blues passion for street art. Their graffiti style, with its freedom of expression and easy-going honesty, was born out of the 90’s when bricks and mortar were the canvas du jour. At the start of the new millenium, when the walls were being washed and the support beams deconstructed on the street art movement, the Fresh Hoods team came together to stage a revival through a new medium and give a voice of self-expression back to the masses.

    Today, Fresh Hoods work together to provide a new canvas for this movement that rejects bulk batches. They demand responsibility and sustainability in a world that wrongly says waste is okay. At Fresh Hoods, there is No Waste, Made to Order mindset makes the ideal real. You order it, Fresh Hoods make it! At Fresh Hoods, art is responsible, so everybody wins.

    At Fresh Hoods they offer next level designs for streetwear that go beyond just comfort. They have taken the ordinary and turned it into an opportunity for honesty and reality-checks. There’s a Fresh Hoods hoodie to fit every mood and every occasion.

    Vintage Flowers Kimono

    Add some serious floral flair to your looks with the Vintage Flowers Kimono, featuring an open front design, crafted from 100% premium polyester. Fresh Hoods talented team of designers created this plain black color minimalist design with a vintage floral side.

    French Bull-King Women Hoodie By Britto™

    Hit the streets in extravagant style with the French Bull-King Women Hoodie, featuring a custom made design, crafted from premium polyester. The fancy bulldog graphic with a crown was created by Fresh Hoods team of resident artists in a collaboration with the talented graphic artist, Romero Britto.

    Abstract Bomber Jacket

    Add a look to your wardrobe that is truly dreamy with the Abstract Bomber Jacket, handcrafted for fully aligned edge-to-edge graphics. Fresh Hood team of talented graphic artists designed this allover high-definition print of colorful smoke clouds.

    Sketch Waves Shorts
    Show off your inner daredevil wearing the Sketch Waves Shortsfeaturing a clean-cut, and a ton of hand-drawn style graphics throughout. A back pocket and a drawstring waistband complete the design of these lightweight shorts.
    Hand Embroidered Cuffed Beanie
    Bring some life or at least afterlife into your daily looks with the Hand Embroidered Cuffed Beanie. This radical beanie comes in a ribbed-knit construction, while a small embroidered detail of a zombie’s hand adds a little bit of interest to your look.

    At Fresh Hoods, their mission is to give everyone a voice and an opportunity to use their talents to express themselves in a positive way that makes the earth a better place.

    STREET GRAFFITI TO WEARABLE ART

    Over the past decade, graffiti and street art have undergone a decline. To Fresh Hoods, this is unfortunate because, as a medium for self-expression, street art is an important outlet, but graffiti and street art are also illegal and they’re a form of vandalism! So Fresh Hoods have created a new medium of Wearable Art as an alternative for self-expression that’s open to everyone.

    WEAR IT OUT LOUD!

    In the tradition of the great Street Artists, say what you need to say and broadcast it out loud. Take it to the streets, take it to work, or wear it at home. Instead of painting the wall, wear your vision!

  • Beauty,  Los Angeles,  New York,  San Diego,  Toronto,  WorldWide

    Give Your Skin & Hair the Natural Glow It Yearns For With So Supple Organics

    Okay, ladies (mostly!) Winter is half gone and but with it comes dry skin and hair, right? That doesn’t mean you have to spend hundreds of dollars on high-end department store brands.

    Turn to organic ingredients found in So Supple Organics and get your skin and hair back on track at an affordable price. All products are handmade and vegan featuring the highest quality natural and organic butters, oils, and herbs sourced from Ghana, India, and Australia. The line includes face, body, and hair care products.

    A black-owned woman business, the Toronto-based brand is making a name for itself in the beauty industry, having recently been highlighted in BuzzFeed. It’s best-selling Ghana Butter, an incredibly soft, whipped shea butter-mousse for your skin, is the perfect antidote for winter dryness and a must to have on your shelf year-round!

    Kiss ashy dry skin and brittle hair goodbye! So Supple Organics offers a collection of products that soak your skin and hair in natural clean goodness and moisture.

    Created by mom entrepreneur, Charldera Murphy, she based her line on organic natural ingredients from her family’s ancestors living in the Bahamas, dating back hundreds of years. These ingredients far surpassed anything else she had tried on her own skin. Thus, So Supple Organics was born and we’re the lucky ones who get to benefit from Charldera’s discovery and hard work!

    All of the products are handmade and some are made to order. Charldera uses ingredients from all over the world, including Africa, India, and Australia. Check out the best-sellers below from the face, body, and hair collection:

    Ghana Butter – $21.00

    • A soft and fluffy, deep penetrating whipped butter that delivers long-lasting moisture
    • Shea butter naturally contains high concentrations of Vitamin E, which makes it great for toning the skin, fading dark spots and scars, and overall brightening skin
    • Available in two scents: Vanilla Bean Coconut and White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha

    Pink Sand Body Scrub – $25.00

    • Inspired by the pink sands of the Bahamas, this body scrub will transport you to a luxurious paradise spa instantly
    • Himalayan Pink Salt and cane sugar combine to slough away tough dry skin
    • Organic Hibiscus Leaves are infused into this scrub to give it its rich pink hue and provide super nutrients like Vitamin C, Beta-carotene, and antioxidants
    • Avocado oil penetrates deep to provide nourishing moisture

    Vita Burst Hydrating Vitamin Treatment – $22.00

    • An intensely plumping, hydrating serum that will leave skin nourished, dewy, and calm
    • Hyaluronic acid delivers intense hydration while 6% Niacinamide (Vitamin B-3) works to visibly minimize enlarged pores, improve uneven skin tone, soften fine lines and wrinkles, diminish dullness, and strengthen a weakened surface
    • Perfect combined with Glow Brightening Serum

    Root Love – $32.00

    • An herbal-infused oil blend packed with organic and Ayurvedic ingredients known to heal the scalp from issues like dandruff, eczema and psoriasis, improve hair growth, reduce hair shedding, and strengthen the hair
    • Perfect for treating lost edges, postpartum shedding, stunted hair growth, hair loss due to stress, flaky scalp, and dry brittle hair

    LULU’s Favorites:

    SWEET CREAM Double Cleanser – $22.00

    • Easily remove makeup and dirt without over stripping the skin with this SWEET CREAM Double Cleanser. This cleanser has a cream to foam texture and a little goes a long way
    • Made with all-natural and organic oils that melt away makeup, dirt and sebum, and gentle organic Castile soap that washes away to leave clean, nourished skin
    • This product allows you to maintain a double cleansing routine with just one product

    GLOW Brightening Serum – $39.00

    • This serum is packed with natural dark spots and hyperpigmentation correctors like organic rosehip seed oil, organic carrot oil, and Vitamin E
    • Solar infused with organic calendula which acts as an anti-inflammatory and helps to treat acne and soothe the skin. Organic roman chamomile oil calms irritated skin, helps to unclog pores, prevents breakouts and reduce the signs of aging
    • Perfect for dry skin but suitable for all skin types including oily skin.

    About So Supple Organics:

    Based in Toronto, So Supple Organics is a woman-owned black business that believes that simple and natural is better when it comes to skin and hair care. The brand offers handmade products made from all-natural and organic ingredients. The formulations are inspired by ancient beauty recipes to maintain beautiful and healthy skin and hair. Follow them on Instagram @sosuppleorganics. For more information, visit https://sosuppleorganics.com

  • Toronto

    Raising your kids without losing your cool

    raising-your-kids-without-losing-your-cool.jpg

    Shantelle Bisson  the author of the book, Raising Your Kids Without Losing Your Cool is a Former actress, fitness instructor and TV content creator!

    She is married to Yannick Bisson best known to international audiences for playing Detective William Murdoch on the series Murdoch Mysteries as seen on Netflix.

    ABOUT THE BOOK 

    Harried mother of three Shantelle Bisson guides you through raising a family, all while keeping your cool!

    Let’s face it — raising children can take a wrecking ball to your ambitions, your finances, your relationships, even your health. But, as mother of three Shantelle Bisson will tell you, it doesn’t have to be that way. In Raising Your Kids Without Losing Your Cool, Shantelle sets out how to get ready for baby‘s arrival, helps you through the big push, lays it all out on breastfeeding, and makes sure you don‘t forget to KEEP HAVING SEX. Plus, she‘ll help you navigate the perils of helicopter parenting, children on social media, and even gender-reveal parties, and answer the burning question: Is that really cool?

     

    SHANTELLE BISSON
    Shantelle Bisson is an author, producer, parenting expert and regular contributor to Zoomer Magazine. She’s also the owner of Shantilly’s Place, a marina in Ontario’s Kawartha region. She has raised three fully functioning young adults and splits her time between the lake, Toronto and Los Angeles.

    HIGHLIGHTS
    • Author of book ‘Raising your kids without losing your cool’ which launched April 2020
    • Author is a regular contributor to Zoomer Magazine and the owner of Shantilly’s Place, a marina in Ontario’s Kawartha region
    • A combined social audience of 10.9k engaged followers
    • Verified on social platforms Instagram and Twitter

     

    Website http://www.shantellebisson.com/ 

    Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/shantellebisson/ 

    Book  https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Your-Kids-Without-Losing-ebook/dp/B07T959L8K 

  • Beauty,  Los Angeles,  San Diego,  Toronto,  Vancouver,  WorldWide

    Bamboo Pore Refining Mask – JUICE BEAUTY IS THE ORGANIC SOLUTION

    August is officially here and this is the hottest month in a year – a lot of heat, a lot of sweat. What should we do to keep our skin clean? One of the best solutions is to use refining mask to clean the pore, keep the skin fresh.

    Juice Beauty’s new Bamboo Pore Refining Mask is designed to help refine pores and detox the skin. This luscious aromatic mask provides a deep clean utilizing activated bamboo charcoal made from renewable and sustainable bamboo plants, as well as unique clay ingredients. The newest addition to the award winning Blemish Clearing Skincare Collection is formulated with a unique blend of AHA’s and PHA’s (Alpha and Polyhydroxy Acids) to help unclog pores by purifying deep-dwelling impurities and daily pollutants, leaving skin softer, smoother and more even toned. Designed for all skin types and especially recommended for oil, combination, and blemish-prone skin.

    Bamboo Pore Refining Mask

    $36 USD / $48 CAD Size: 2.0 fl. oz. / 60 mL

    Benefits & Ingredients:

    • The absorbent properties of Activated Bamboo Charcoal combined with Bentonite and Kaolin Clay help draw out excess oil, impurities and daily pollutants from deep within pores resulting in a healthier, clearer-looking complexion.

    • Rich phenols, flavonoids and lignans provide rich nutrients and antioxidants.

    • Organic Aloe helps calm and hydrate skin.

    • A unique blend of alpha and polyhydroxy acids (AHAs & PHAs) such as Malic Acid (from organic apples), Citric Acid (from organic lemons), along with Lactic and Phytic Acids exfoliate to reveal smoother-looking and softer-feeling skin.

    • Dual-action Aspen Bark acts as an antimicrobial and leaves the skin feeling clean, smooth and

    refreshed.

    • Salicylic Acid helps clear clogged pores and gently exfoliates to clarify skin.

    “Treating oily or blemish-prone skin can sometimes be very harsh on the skin. At Juice Beauty, we formulate all our Blemish Clearing products with antioxidant-rich organic ingredients to hydrate while clearing the skin. This new mask does just that – it provides a wonderful detox without stripping the skin – a win win!”

    -Karen Behnke, Founder, Juice Beauty

    About Juice Beauty:

    JUICE BEAUTY IS THE ORGANIC SOLUTION. The ‘OG’-Original Green antioxidant-rich skincare & plant-based makeup.

    • Cleaning up Beauty since 2005.
    • Vegan. Cruelty Free. Sustainable.
    • Certified Organic Ingredients. Wellness. Farm to Beauty.
    • Clinically validated formulas. Authentically organic ingredients.
    • Every Organic Drop Feeds Your Skin.

    Karen Behnke, a serial wellness entrepreneur who built one of the first corporate wellness companies in the country, became passionate about the safety and efficacy of personal care products upon becoming pregnant with her first child at the age of 40. Karen set out to find healthy skincare solutions that delivered visible results. She quickly discovered the majority of leading personal care products on the market contained many chemical ingredients that were potentially harmful to the body some of which had been banned from our food. Knowing that skin absorbs up to 60% of what is placed on it, she wanted to create meaningful change through advanced beauty solutions that worked better, and were better for you, than conventional products. Juice Beauty harnesses the best of certified organic ingredients to deliver clinically validated skincare and vibrant plant-pigment makeup.

    Today, Juice Beauty, headquartered in a beautiful sustainable building in Northern California with a stunning farm in Sonoma County, offers antioxidant-rich and amazingly effective skincare and makeup formulas that meet the rigorous organic product regulations in the United States.

    Juice Beauty is available for purchase at juicebeauty.com, ULTA Beauty, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, Blue Mercury, Dillard’s, Credo, and goop.com. In Canada, available at Sephora.

  • pet,  Toronto,  WorldWide

    PureBites Donates $500,000 Worth of Dog and Cat Treats to Toronto Humane Society and ASPCA to Support Pets and Pet Parents Amid COVID-19

    The bond between people and pets has grown stronger than ever. As having man’s best friend by your side is great to provide companionship and support mental health – it’s important to ensure they’re also cared for and nourished with healthy treats and food. PureBites®, a leading Canadian Company of natural dog and cattreats and food, has donated over $500,000 worth of its Dog and Cat Treats, as well as Food and Toppers to the Toronto Humane Society and ASPCA to support pets and pet parents in need amid COVID-19. While many have more time to welcome a new pet into their lives, with lost jobs and hardships experienced due to the coronavirus – individuals and animal rescue organizations are faced with financial restraints, limited resources, and are in need of additional support to continue to keep our beloved animals healthy and safe.

    “We are currently living through an unprecedented time in our lives,” says Marc Cathcart president of Pure Treats Inc. the makers of PureBites®. “People are going through financial hardship and social distancing, but one bond that holds true during good and bad times is the one between a pet and their family. At PureBites® – we have always believed this, which is why we have donated over $500,000 worth of PureBites® products to the Toronto Humane Society and the ASPCA.”

    Animal welfare organizations across the country are reporting a surge in demand for rescue dogs and cats as Canadians look for furry companions to keep them company during self-isolation. PureBites® is supporting the Toronto Humane Society who has continued to find placements via digital applications and provide aid in keeping their tummies full during this challenging time.

    “The impact that this donation has is massive. Our animals, and the animals across the GTA thank PureBites,” said Hannah Sotropa, Toronto Humane Society Public Relations Specialist.“Toronto Humane Society is a non-profit organization that relies solely on donations and public support. Because we have no government contract, when we are lucky enough to receive donations like this, we are so abundantly grateful. All of our animals receive enrichment 365 days a year which includes positive reinforcement training with our robust training department; this involves a lot of praise and A LOT of treats!”

    With a wide assortment of one-ingredient treats and its NEW RAW Freeze Dried Food or Topper, PureBites® is the ideal choice for health conscious pet parents. “We are hearing so many great stories about people adopting pets during these difficult times”, says Marc Cathcart. “Giving away PureBites® treats or food to new pet parents will only help foster the human animal bond. We are hoping that this donation will bring some joy to people and their pets because we all need a little cheer right now.”

    About PureBites® (Pure Treats Inc.)

    Founded in 2005, PureBites® is a Canadian company from Montreal Quebec. Over the past 15 years, PureBites® has become a leader in natural dog and cat treats and food. Focused on its core principle ofasking pet parents to turn the bag around and look at their natural and pure ingredients, PureBites® isbuilding a loyal following of pets who are crazy about PureBites® nutrient rich treats, food and toppers.PureBites® dog and cat treats, food and toppers are available throughout leading North American petspecialty chains like PetSmart, Pet Valu, Petland, and Ren’s, as well as thousands of neighborhood petstores.

    PureBitesâ are available at the finest pet specialty retail stores nationwide and are available in different sizesranging from a Suggested Retail Price of $1.49 to $29.99. For additional information on PureBitesâ, pleasevisit www.purebites.com or follow them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/purebites) or Instagram @purebitespettreats on Instagram.

    About Toronto Humane Society

    Toronto Humane Society is an animal welfare organization whose mission is to promote the humane care and protection of all animals and to prevent all forms of cruelty and suffering.  One of Toronto’s oldest charities, they operate as an animal shelter and high-volume clinic with spay/neuter and vaccination services. In recent years, they have sought to expand beyond shelter activities to further improve the lives of animals. Their new initiatives include an expanded pet food bank, dog training programs, educational outreach and animal rescue operations at both the local and international level.  For more information, visit www.torontohumanesociety.com. 

    About the ASPCA

    Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visit www.ASPCA.org, and be sure to follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.