Our favourite things

Our favourite things

Our favourite things

JEN'S PICK: Lia Sophia jewellery

In 2002 Elizabeth Taylor revealed the details of a lifelong seduction. Yes, there were her seven husbands, but this was different. The details of this particular relationship are brought to life in My Love Affair with Jewelry. Like Liz, I’ve had my share of tumultuous and ill-fated romances. And, also like Liz, I’ve developed an obsession with accessories. When other aspects of life let you down there’s really nothing as cathartic as shopping for a new bauble with your girlfriends. If I were Liz, I wouldn’t be shopping with the girls, instead Richard Burton would be rewarding me with diamonds for winning a game of ping-pong. But that’s beside the point. At the moment I’m cultivating a relationship with Lia Sophia, a company that encourages us girls to get together and “Share the Love of Jewellery.” The jewellery is typically sold through a “hostess” who agrees to put on a Lia Sophia show at her house. Think glam Tupperware party. Hostesses receive free jewellery credits for every item sold and guests receive, well, gorgeous new accessories. Liz Taylor isn’t on board yet, but Lia Sophia has been spotted on everyone else from Lauren Conrad to Paris Hilton.

Available at liasophia.ca, starting at $22 ($440 for the bracelets shown here).

Our favourite things under $50

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Did your resolution to get fit come to an abrupt stop on Groundhog Day when Wiarton Willie saw his shadow? Well, let me remind you that spring is less than a month away, quickly followed by bikini season.

With any workout routine, you need variation, so it doesn’t feel like…well, a routine. I’m currently addicted to the new Physique 57 series made popular by the NYC gym. I got turned on to them by Kelly Ripa (who I’m mildly obsessed with), the mother of three with killer triceps. If you like the long and lean look (and who doesn’t?), then you’ll love this workout because it will help tone your entire body. And, the best part is you don’t have to leave your house. All you’ll need is a ball, a chair and your body weight…which will soon start shrinking.

$49.95 for the set of three
Available at Physique 57

Our favourite things

Our favourite things

Our favourite things

Like many, I suffer from the mid-winter blues. And while a trip to Mexico would surely do the trick, my pocket book suggests otherwise. This season I’ve been looking to the little things to keep me smiling, and Nestlé Noir has certainly been a big help. This new range of dark and delectable chocolate has a smooth, silky texture that keeps me going back for more.

If dark chocolate (rich with anti-oxidants) is your thing, these bars with a killer amount of cocoa (from 54–80%) are your new best friend. Winter blues, be gone!

My favourite? Nestle Noir Éclat Caramel with 64% cocoa, tiny bits of hard caramel to texture every bite, and just a touch of salt for a savoury-sweet delight.

Available across Canada at mass-market retailers and grocery stores, $3.99 per 100 g tablet.

Our favourite things

Our favourite things

Our favourite things

Dr. Oetker is not just any food company, the German geniuses behind this brand know how to engineer great products. They've even discovered a way to reinvent the already-amazing pizza wheel.

Step 1, pop this frozen thin-crust pizza in the oven and it's ready in just minutes. Step 2, devour.

Available at grocery stores across Canada, $3.00.

Our favourite things