The turn on: We get a kick (literally) out of drinking Emergen-C’s energy boosting powder-blend packets of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals that are made to be stirred into common tap water. More convenient than popping vitamin pills, this fizzy drink product is a great way to ward off a cold. It is also the perfect pick-me-up water-bottle drink for during or after a workout. Once drunk, twice addicted is all we can say.
What’s the deal: $7.99 for a box of a 30 packets.
Why we’re excited: More like stunned, really. But hey, ours is not to question why this product costs $20.99 (this is the sale price; it is regularly $22.99) at Whole Foods in Vancouver and only $7.99 at Trader Joes in Bellingham; ours is but to buy in bulk on our next trip south.
How long will the pleasure last: Always. This is the regular price a Trader Joes.
Where’s The F Spot: In Bellingham, take exit 255 to Trader Joes, 2410 James Street, (360) 734-5166; open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
— Submitted by M. Phelps
Sticker Shock—In A Good Way
/0 Comments/in The F Spot! /by carolannruleThe turn on: We get a kick (literally) out of drinking Emergen-C’s energy boosting powder-blend packets of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals that are made to be stirred into common tap water. More convenient than popping vitamin pills, this fizzy drink product is a great way to ward off a cold. It is also the perfect pick-me-up water-bottle drink for during or after a workout. Once drunk, twice addicted is all we can say.
What’s the deal: $7.99 for a box of a 30 packets.
Why we’re excited: More like stunned, really. But hey, ours is not to question why this product costs $20.99 (this is the sale price; it is regularly $22.99) at Whole Foods in Vancouver and only $7.99 at Trader Joes in Bellingham; ours is but to buy in bulk on our next trip south.
How long will the pleasure last: Always. This is the regular price a Trader Joes.
Where’s The F Spot: In Bellingham, take exit 255 to Trader Joes, 2410 James Street, (360) 734-5166; open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
— Submitted by M. Phelps
The New Potluck
/1 Comment/in Entertaining, FOOD, Food & Drink, View All Food Stories /by carolannruleCheesy tuna casseroles and Jello salads are definitely not on the menu.
Seared Ultra-Rare Albacore Tuna Salad
DEALS ON MEALS | One adjustment I’ve made to my budget the past year is to limit restaurant dining in general and high-end restaurants in particular. But by no means have I forgone the fine dining experience—I’ve just changed the venue. The latest take on potluck—a.k.a. The New Potluck—redefines the word to include communal menu planning that results in a restaurant-quality meal for a fraction of the cheque, and without the service charge.
How is The New Potluck different from your average dinner party? Simple: all the hard prep work and cost of the meal is shared. How is it different from the old potluck? Also simple: boring tuna casseroles and three-bean salads have been replaced with a sophisticated dine-out style menu. Read more
Mother’s Little (Hair Colour) Helper
/0 Comments/in BEAUTY, Fashion & Beauty, Hair & Nails, View All Beauty Stories /by carolannruleVirtually undetectable, hair crayons buy you time between trips to the colourist.
So what do you do with the grey in your hair? You could go all Patti Smith and let it show (an idea that does seem to have legs right now, if you read The New York Times beauty pages last Sunday)—or cover it up completely. For those choosing the latter and dealing with the unremitting tide of grow-out, there are two excellent and inexpensive stop-gap products to buy you extra time between dates with the colourist. Read more
One Hot Cooker
/8 Comments/in Home & Garden /by carolannruleThe inexpensive Praktfull commercial-style range does everything the high-end ones do.
Brandmueller got the chance to install a dream range last fall when she renovated her Vancouver kitchen, but she suffered sticker shock when she saw the prices. The freestanding Wolf 36-inch duel fuel range was nudging $12,000; Kenmore’s version was $6,000. Even her least favourite range, a G.E. Profile, was around $2,500 at The Home Depot. Read more
One Of These Mayos Is Not Like The Others
/0 Comments/in Brand X, FOOD, Food & Drink, View All Food Stories /by Glenys MorganWhich of these mayonnaise brands received the best results in chef Glenys Morgan’s mayo clinic: Hellmann’s/Best Foods Real Mayonnaise, President’s Choice Mayonnaise, Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Mayonnaise?
Read more
The Power Pantsuit
/1 Comment/in The F Spot! /by carolannruleThe turn on: Ladies take a meeting in this one, a perfectly tailored striped power pantsuit from Mexx.
What’s the deal: $99. Way down from $220.
Why we’re excited: Well first there’s the price; then there’s the versatility. Wear the two pieces together; push up the sleeves and wear the jacket with a pair or skinny jeans and a little tee; or wear the pants with a classic, plain blouse or sweater. That’s three new outfits, minimum.
How long will the pleasure last: Sadly, just today. The pantsuit deal is part of a series of rolling, rouge sales presented throughout April by Mexx.
Where’s The F Spot: Mexx, all locations. Better hurry, Hillary.
— Submitted by Michelle O.
Mineral Makeup Is Magic
/6 Comments/in BEAUTY, Beauty How-To, BUY THIS. MAKE THAT., Fashion & Beauty, Makeup, Stealing Beauty, View All Beauty Stories /by EditorWho couldn’t use affordable, flattering, virtually undetectable foundation?
Mineral makeup has an amazing affinity with the skin—it looks like bare skin but better. It is non-comedogenic (will not block pores) so even the oiliest, acne-prone skin can use it. There are no talcs, filters, chemicals or dyes in the product, and there is virtually no risk of allergy so even the most sensitive skin can use it. In fact, mineral powders contain zinc oxide, an anti-inflammatory, which soothes and helps to reduce skin sensitivity. Mineral powders tend to wear extremely well and are quite water-resistant so won’t run. Depending on the type, concentration, and quality of the minerals used, mineral powder can also act as a physical sunscreen. Read more
I’m Throwin’ On My Fauxboutins
/8 Comments/in Fashion & Beauty /by carolannruleWhere to find way less expensive look-alikes of the shoes worn by every woman in Stardom.
Original source: Louboutin's Simple 70 patent leather pump (shown here) feels like the inspiration for the Bay's elegant Christina pump.
SERIOUS SHOES FOR LESS Every year Christian Louboutin does new versions of his “Simple” high-heeled patent pump with signature red sole. For the past two years at least, it has been a lovely shoe: low cut (for a little toe cleavage) with a slightly rounded toe box (for a very comfortable fit) and a three-inch heel (an extremely wearable height). His latest version, the Simple 85, comes in a rich shade of lavender patent leather—you can see it at Holt Renfrew where it sells for $645 a pair.
I first flipped over the Simple a few seasons back when Louboutin introduced the Simple 70 in nude patent with a nude heel. Much as I loved those shoes, there was no way I was going to pay upwards of $700 for the privilege of owning a pair. Read more
I Pledge Allegiant
/3 Comments/in Travel /by EditorHow to save a bundle by flying out of Bellingham on the little airline that could.
I’m a “label airline” person because I hate to fly, but with a single ticket from Vancouver to San Fran costing upwards of $500, I decided to revisit my initial hesitation with Allegiant by doing a safety record check. I looked for serious complaints online (there was grousing about delays and surly staff) and sought the opinion of two Air Canada employees I know who had flown Allegiant before: they said they would do so again. Read more
Something In The Air
/0 Comments/in Green Within Reason, HOME, View All Home Stories /by Felicity StoneParaffin candles emit pollution, but there are reasonable alternatives.