ALERT!! How to avoid Swine Flu!

No one knows for sure how swine flu is spreading, so to be on the safe side please avoid doing this (at least for the time being):

Seriously now, two practical things everyone can do is stay home if you are sick and wash your hands often. This may sound like common sense but too many people try to be heroes going in to work sick: "See, even on death's door I made it into work!" Keep your germs to yourself and try and work remotely.

The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) claim that fully 80% of infectious diseases are transmitted by touch, and that proper handwashing is the single most important way you can protect yourself. Wash your hands for at least 15 seconds with warm sudsy water as soon as you get home before touching anything, before you eat, and several times during the day. We can't avoid hand shaking in all situations, but wash your hands afterward as statistics say only 68% of people wash their hands after using the restroom. Giving a wipe down to your computer, cell phone and door handles is another good way to stop the spread of germs. We find these wipes from Clorox quite handy.

Out of curiosity, on average how often do you wash your hands in a day? Also, are you the type to stay home when sick or drag yourself to work to impress the boss?

BathAndBodyWorks.com now shipping to Canada!

Canadian Bath & Body Works aficionadas will be thrilled to hear that B&BW is now shipping to Canada! All prices are listed in US dollars. Although the shipping prices are little steep, it's still cheaper than driving to the border, non? Stock up during big sales to maximize your benefit.

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Update: B&BW now has an online offer of $10 off any purchase of $30 or more when you use promo code TAKETENOFF. Quick! Expires Sunday, May 3.

Check our deals section for the printable in-store version of this same offer, which is valid through Mother's Day, plus there is a great Gift with Purchase when you spend $40. It's a $100+ value for only an additional $15. See site for full deets.

Canadian Billionaire Michael Lee-Chin's Tips for Entrepreneurs

We just attended a really great event put on by Jackie Lee of Recruit My Friends with Michael Lee-Chin as the keynote speaker. Lee-Chin is one of the 20 Canadian billionaires on Forbes list and quite an inspirational speaker. He made some interesting points that we thought every entrepreneur (or would be entrepreneur) would benefit from hearing:

- Develop the principals for your business and stick to them no matter what. Be a martyr for your principals. These principals will help you through the tough times and you should go back often and revisit them when making decisions. Build a good reputation and let nothing touch it.

- Play the long term game. Build a strong business that will succeed in the long haul and be prepared to ride it out. Expecting success in less than 5 years is not realistic.

- Invest only in what you know, and, do what you love. As an entrepreneur, you are investing in your own business. You know your business inside and out, so this is a good investment, providing you love what you do and are prepared to work really hard.

- Invest in only a few companies vs. many. Of course we can't all invest in different companies, but this also applies to your own personal investments in mutual funds, rrsp's, etc. A few eggs in a few baskets that you know well is better than many eggs in many baskets that you can't possibly stay on top of.

- Use other people's money to enhance the rate of return. In Lee-Chin's case, he borrowed from the bank.

- See adversity as opportunity. So the economy is bad. That also creates a lot of different opportunities. For example, now is a good time to invest in companies you know. Now is a great time for entrepreneurs to differentiate themselves in the market place and be more resourceful with what they can offer. What may feel like a huge blow can be an opportunity if you see it from another perspective. To see this, you have to push your emotions aside and look for the silver lining and focus on that. "Danger = Crisis + Opportunity" (Chinese proverb)

- Let your principals guide you, rather than your emotion. This is tougher than it sounds since we're always taught to "go with your gut". The gut can be influenced by emotion. If you have built strong principals for your company that are realistic, your decisions should be based on that.

- Be willing to sweat it out. Starting your own business will be a roller coaster with high highs and low lows. You need to know that going in, and you have to mentally prepare yourself that this is part of the deal. Be prepared to ride through it.

- Differentiate yourself. Do not become a commodity. Do not be known for the lowest prices, be known for the quality of your services.

- Do well and do good. Lee-Chin is a philanthropist and strongly encourages giving back to the community.

This Week on ChickAdvisor

The latest in our Canadian Designer Series features Lucian Matis
Healthy and sumptuous - this picnic feast is no PB&J!Have you heard of plantable paper? Maybe it's time you did...
Baffled by your manicurist's jargon? We give you the basics

Hot Topic: The ChickAdvisor Book Club is burning up the forums about this month's pick. Haven't signed up yet? What are you waiting for?

Weekend Movie Recommendation: The Secret Life of Bees

This was an awesome movie. Highly recommended.

Read my review here

Shop Eco on Earth Day

The rolling hills of Tuscany are perfect for Earth Day, no?

Though it's a lovely thought, most of us won't be out planting trees today. At most, we'll probably share "Earth Day" emails with our coworkers and think cozy thoughts about the planet.

Here's a practical idea: If you'll be shopping today, considering opting for greener products in honor of the day. If you're buying something anyway, it might as well be green, no? Green products are easy to find for practically anything.

Here are a few that have recently caught our eye:Botanical PaperWorks makes it easy with greeting cards and stationery made from plantable paper embedded with North American wildflower seeds. When you plant the paper in a pot of soil, the seeds will grow into colourful wildflowers such as Bird's Eye, Clarkia, Poppy and Snap Dragon. Cards and stationery come in fun, modern designs and colours. And they’re eco-friendly – most of the products are tree-free, made from 100 per cent post-consumer waste.

Old Navy's Organic Cotton collection features adorable sleepers and reusable totes.

CARGO Cosmetics PlantLove lipsticks are the first-ever environmentally friendly lipstick in a compostable tube made entirely from corn! The entire PlantLove Collection is natural in origin, free of parabens, phthalates, petro-chemicals, synthetic dyes and fragrances. The cosmetics are only manufactured in countries with solid environmental and labor records.

Boxes are made from 100% post-consumer waste paperboard, and the mill supplying this paperboard manufactures under carbon-neutral conditions, using 100% renewable energy.


Payless Shoes introduces their new environmentaly friendly line, Zoe & Zac. zoe & zac’s fashion first direction will satisfy frugal fashionistas and eco-conscious babes alike with on-trend items such as espadrille wedges, patterned flats and a line of colourful jewellery all priced at less than $45.

The collection features eco-friendly materials such as organic cottons and linen, natural hemp and recycled outsoles.

Canadian online drugstore, Well.ca has just launched Green & Natural store on April 22nd, in honour of Earth Day. The new estore will be stocked with over 3,000 natural, certified organic, vegan, paraben-free, SLS-free, gluten-free and environmentally friendly products.

Happy Earth Day!

Psst! Bring in your own coffee mug to Starbucks today and get a free coffee

This Week on ChickAdvisor

How to clean up, clean out, and give back
Sandal season requirement: perfect pedicure. Must-haves for at home...
Chocolate. Free. We know. Find out what you're missing
Sensational new pasta recipe!
Hot Topic: First-time waxers need our help, ladies! Pass on your tips here and here.

Earth Day Freebies (April 22):
Canada: Free cuppa joe at Starbucks for anyone who bring their own mug to the store! Americans not so lucky :(




Toronto: Free Brita pitcher to the first 3600 people who come to Yonge-Dundas Square starting at 1pm




USA: Bring three (used) plastic water bottles to any Disney store, get a free gift

Brilliant New Product: Secret Summer Cool Toeless Pantyhose

A pair of these just arrived in the mail at ChickAdvisor H.Q and it was agreed by all that this is genius!Bare legs at the office in summer can be either too cold with the air conditioning blasting or frowned upon if the office vibe is especially conservative. What's a sandal loving Chick to do? Until now, our choice was peaking pantyhose out the peep toe or braving bare legs.


Secret has come up with their own nifty solution: toeless thigh high pantyhose. Not too hot, not too cold... just right. Brilliant!

We certainly plan to test these puppies out. Would you wear these?

Secret Summer Cool are available at mass retailers and drugstores for $8.50 - $10.50

Style Spy Interviews Lady Gaga

This just made my day. Do you think famous people create alter egos so that no one recognizes them when they want to go out and buy toilet paper without the paparazzi, or does the fame get to their heads to the point where they believe their own hype? No pants? .... OK! Indoor sunglasses? ... This is obnoxious. The only person who deserves to wear sunglasses 24/7 is Karl Lagerfeld. When I interned at Fashion File years ago I watched a lot of interviews with him and was always fascinated with what came out of his mouth. Karl says things like, "Leazur is nussing but fur... vis a vax job."

Lady Gaga doesn't believe in pants, doesn't like blogs and from the video... doesn't seem to be a fan of shirts either. This interview is ridiculous enough that it might make your Friday.

Good job, Style Spy!

Weekend Movie Recommendation: Seven Pounds

Fans of The Pursuit of Happyness and Pay It Forward, pull out the extra Kleenex for this dark but touching tale of a man searching for redemption.

Or, you could just watch 'cuz it's Will Smith. Either way, I loved this movie - superbly acted and the score is just perfect. Sure, the story may seem a little contrived, but when you take time to think about the character's turmoil it seems to fit.

And I've been thinking about this movie plenty. It's available on DVD at most rental and purchase locations. Here's a sneak peak:



The critics weren't as impressed, but what do they know??

Sunny Fong Winner of Project Runway Canada 2

Hot off the Press and no surprise to me after seeing a few episodes of PRC 2. Sunny's things were always amazing and I'm pleased to brag... I called it! That is, I shouted it at my TV after the Post It note episode...
TORONTO, April 14, 2009 - There's only room for one on this runway...Sunny Fong was declared season two winner during last night's finale of the highly addictive Global Original Series Project Runway Canada.

Sunny Fong, a 32-year-old Toronto native, was the final designer left standing last night on Project Runway Canada - besting design offerings from runners-up Jessica Biffi and JasonMeyers. Sunny's collection was inspired by Alexander the Great and delivered stunning versatility that stayed true to his unique point of view.

"My experience on Project Runway Canada has definitely been life changing," said Sunny Fong, Season Two Winner of Project Runway Canada. "To be able to create my line full force is spectacular. I can't wait to blow up on the fashion scene not just in Canada, but around the world."

Show host and supermodel, Iman, together with a judging panel made-up of season one winning designer, Evan Biddell, resident judges Rita Silvan, Editor-in-Chief of ELLE Canada, and Shawn Hewson, Creative Director of Bustle Clothing, collectively agreed Sunny was and will be an unstoppable force in the fashion world.

As Project Runway Canada season two champ, Sunny has won it all - a cover and feature spread in ELLE Canada, a professional portfolio photo shoot courtesy of L'Oréal Paris, a 'Runway to Retail' business mentorship with Winners, and $100,000 to start his own fashion line.

This is what Iman looks like at 53ish. Anyone else feel like going to the gym today?

For exclusive behind-the-scenes content including photo galleries, designer interviews, blogs, bios and more, fans can log on to GlobalTV.com/runway.

The season finale of Project Runway Canada will encore on SLICETM Saturday at 9pm and Monday at 10pm ET/PT.

Billy Bob Thornton Interview with CBC Radio

I saw a mention of this on Lainey Gossip and had to post. Kudos to host Jian Ghomeshi for keeping his cool in this situation. I wonder how many of us would've been able to roll with it like that.

What's on ChickAdvisor This Week

Our Designer Series continues, with Gaudet
A look at the season's trends in makeup
Feeling the pressure to find Prince Charming? Three mistakes you should avoid
Simple and quick... and pasta. Need we say more?
Hot Topic: A spontaneous getaway to Montreal - where to shop? Plus, what you need to know if you're thinking of relocating there.

Toronto Deal of the Week: Elle mag and Toronto Fashion Incubator are putting together an evening of food, cocktails, fashion show and general fabulousness.





Shopping Deal: get $25 off your purchase of $100 or more on select handbag styles from Endless.com (as if you really needed an excuse!)

Bead Bliss at La Perlerie

This last weekend I was invited to a brunch by my fashion blogger friend, Danielle Meder of Final Fashion. It seems she knew a clever local Entrepreneur who wanted to get the word out about her business and decided to invite a few fashion bloggers and media for a Sunday brunch and a chat.

L-R Jennifer Campbell of Fashion Magazine and Susan Nagy

Susan Nagy is the owner of La Perlerie, a bright little Bead Boutique and Flameworking studio in Bloor West Village that sells not only an assortment of beautiful hand made beads (many made in house), but also designs runway worthy sculptural neckpieces.


Susan invited our feedback on how to get her designs on the runway and build relationships with up and coming designers. (I'm hoping to get some shots of those soon).

Stylist Jen Tse and Gail McInnis of The Style Box

In addition to the colourful collection of beads and necklaces, there is a bead working shop in the back where clients can take classes to learn the art. It's a beautiful little shop and if you are ever in the area (Jane/Annette), I highly recommend you take a peek.

Danielle Meder and I trying on necklaces

Nagy teamed up with silversmith, Karen Lamont of Citrus to personalize each necklace with a silver pendant engraved with wording of your choice.

Karen Lamont

Susan and Karen generously gave us each a necklace. Here are my spoils. Of course, "ChickAdvisor" was the first thing that popped to mind when deciding what to name my necklace.

There is a lot of versatility in this shop and certainly enough for bead and jewelry lovers to find something to their own taste. Whether you are looking for a gift, to satisfy your own hobby or to take a class, you'll find great service and a charming staff. Mother's Day is around the corner, not a bad idea! If you don't live in the Toronto area, they also sell some items on Etsy.com

Have you been to La Perlerie? Rate it on ChickAdvisor here


*All photos: Alexandra Roxburgh except the last two, which are mine ;)

The Louboutin Sneaker

Maybe I'm just not hip enough, but can someone please explain to me how these are fashionable? Christian Louboutin, shoe god, is taking us down a road I surely don't wish to follow. No word yet on whether these babies will sport a red sole.

And just think: these come on the heels of the news that Crocs may not be in business for much longer. (Happy dance)

Would you wear these? And if so, why??

Still, they've gotta be a heckuva lot more comfy to wear than these heel-less Antonio Berardis, so beloved by Victoria Beckham...
or these...


We don't know who designed them, nor are we sure we want to. Anyone want to contradict me?

What's on ChickAdvisor This Week

Our latest Product Review Club offer is Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation from Maybelline New York!
What stood out during the Canadian 2009 F/W Fashion Weeks?
New Recipe: Crunchy Chicken Salad with Apples & Raisins
Work it! Fitness success at home...
Contest Alert! Win designer crystal jewelry
Hot Topic: The Diva Cup - would you go there?


Beauty Special: Is Bio Oil all that?







Deal of the Week: Hunt for amazing deals of up to 75% off on Old Navy's Weekly Ad! Coupons redeemable in Canada and US.

Mrs. Whats-his-name

Psst! On your wedding day, don't be doing one of these cheesy veil shots, ok?

Would you take your husband's last name when you marry? Our Chicks are burning up the forums debating the question.

Reasons for:

* Family Unity - Shouldn't your children have the same name as you? Hyphenating seems like an obvious compromise, but Johnny's going to have a tough time in first grade writing out a 14-letter surname.

* Tradition - Sometimes "just because" is the right answer. Women's lib promises us that we can choose any path we want... even if it's the traditional one.

* Upgrading - Your fiancé's last name is much more interesting than your maiden name, which you never really liked anyway. Especially since no one has ever been able to pronounce, much less spell, your family's name correctly.

* Logistics - Applying for loans and the like is so much easier when the names match. It also quashes the inevitable question: "So, are you married, or just living together?"

Reasons against:

* The Family Name - Eons ago we hatched the ridiculous idea that a family line dies out with a surname swap, as though we ladies change our DNA when we marry. But why can't a woman carry the family name to the next generation?

* Buck Tradition - Just because we've always done things one way doesn't mean we should continue. We have pride in our identity, and changing our monogram is tantamount to denying our past. If he really wants your names to match, he can switch!

* Downgrading - You love your guy but not his name. Hey - it's not his fault that his family name has an unappealing translation in another language or is unpronounceable. Maybe your first name just doesn't ring right with his surname hitched behind?

* Logistics - Oh, the hoops you will have to jump through to get your name changed. It's a serious pain in the behind and you're sure to forget a credit card or telephone listing here and there. Procrastinators will kick themselves come passport renewal time, as there won't be time to order the necessary paperwork before your trip to Jamaica. Fugheddaboutit.

* Professional Reputation - We ladies have to work extra hard for recognition, and if we've made any headway prior to our aisle walk the last thing we want is to lose ground by switching names. Whatever your line of work, be certain that a name change will not be a career killer.

So what are your options? You have more choices than hyphenating or making a unity call on his or hers. Some cool suggestions came out of our ChickChat discussion, including:

- combine your surnames to create a new one
- take both names, but bump one to a middle name that will appear on your passport but not intended for regular use

Join our discussion and put your creative idea forward!

ChickAdvisor Book Club: I'll Have Who She's Having

Thanks to all of you who have signed up for the ChickAdvisor Book Club! If you haven't already, please feel free to sign up at any time as this will be an ongoing activity.

Our very first book up for discussion comes compliments of the publisher! We are pleased to introduce I'll Have Who She's Having, by chick lit authors Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke.

What happens when a man comes between one desperately single and one very married sister?

Kate's been depressed ever since yet another long-term boyfriend unceremoniously dumped her. When her younger and married sister Kelly convinces her the way to meet a quality man is for the two of them to sign up for a volleyball class, she's just desperate enough to agree. But Kate becomes so fixated on their coach that she fails to see an unlikely but perfect match right in front of her.

Kelly's been less than happy for longer than she wants to admit. She's the one who appears to have it all: the perfect husband, the big house and the beautiful daughter. Despite it all, she feels an emptiness she can't explain and is conflicted when it's her volleyball coach who offers an answer.

I'll Have Who She's Having follows Kate and Kelly as they battle themselves and each other in their search for a happy ending. Through a series of hardships and self-doubt, they both realize they were looking for happiness in the wrong places. It's a novel for anyone who ever secretly let their insecurities get the best of them.

Like what you see? As a special Book Club kickoff, 20 members of our Book Club will receive this book free! The lucky recipients will be contacted within 24 hours. For the rest of our book club members, I'll Have Who She's Having is available on Amazon for $12.95 US (international shipping available).

We'll start our Book Club discussions in a dedicated ChickChat thread in 2 weeks. "See" you there!

For more information on the Book Club, email Claire or read more about it here.