Their Perfume, My Life

Last week I stopped a woman at an event and asked her what perfume she was wearing. I tried guessing: “Eau Du Soir by Sisley,” I ventured. “No, Aromatics Elixer by Clinique," she replied. “Everyone asks me that when I wear it.” I don’t know this woman very well, but I will always remember her by that scent.

My earliest perfume-related memories are provided by my mom. Her dressing table was always filled with several exquisite glass bottles of iconic scents: Calvin Klein Obsession, Elizabeth Taylor White Diamonds, Chanel No. 5, and Christian Dior Poison, but the scent she wore regularly, year after year, was Oscar de la Renta Oscar. I have a picture of her in my head: She’s picking me up from school wearing a fur coat in our larger-than-life Cadillac. I step into the car and it’s filled with that dewy, sweet concoction. I’m so proud to hitch a ride with my glamourous mom.

Read more: http://www.sweetspot.ca/SweetLife/ricky_zayshley/33999/their_perfume_my_life/#ixzz1I81BjUGz

Going Gluten-Free

I’ve been on the hunt for coconut flour ever since I found out there was such a thing as coconut flour — it’s quite hard to find, especially in small quantities. So you could imagine my joy when I discovered what is destined to become my go-to source for gluten-free baking essentials: Bulk Barn.

Read more: http://www.sweetspot.ca/SweetLife/ricky_zayshley/33557/ricky_goes_gluten-free/#ixzz1HTNNnXDW

Guilty Pleasures

Sometimes I make a discovery so epic it makes me giggle. So you’ll understand why my giggle turned into full-out laughter after I bit into my latest pastry obsession from Safeway.

 

It’s taken me a long time to organize my thoughts for this blog post because I want to get this description right. Imagine the lightest, flakiest croissant you’ve ever bitten into (well, maybe that’s a stretch — humour me) and the most unhealthy, sugary, glazed Krispy Kreme donut you’ve ever ingested. Now morph them into one delectable treat. Then drizzle it with chocolate. My heart races with anticipation as I write; or perhaps my arteries are clogging up. It’s exciting either way.

I’ve always believed in restraint when it comes to guilty pleasures, even though I’ve never practiced it. In fact, I relish in those simple, guilt-inducing foods, rituals and music I’ve indulged in ever since I was a kid. It’s funny, when you’re growing up in Saskatchewan, drinking instant coffee laced with Coffeemate with your grandma is a pleasure. Once you grow up and start to move in more sophisticated circles it gets demoted to a guilty pleasure. For the record, I still love instant coffee. My current fave is Nescafé 3 in 1 (which is available at my local Superstore).

Read more: http://www.sweetspot.ca/SweetLife/ricky_zayshley/33196/guilty_pleasures/#ixzz1GmJe9du3

Five Things I Can't Live Without Right Now

I’m forever making up lists in my mind: top five spring fashion trends, top five hairsprays, top five moisturizers, top five fragrances... you name it, I’ve made a top five for it. So it seems perfectly natural for me to share five things I can’t live without, as of March, 2011.

My Nespresso Essenza I love coffee. I’m proud to say it’s one of my vices. I recently told a friend that if I had $20 to my name I’d spend it on a one-week supply. At least I’d enjoy a daily moment of pleasure while I figure out how to make more money. Admittedly, this machine is a little pricey, but it makes the most divine coffee. It’s easy to use, too. You just pop a specially designed pod (my favourite is Indriya) into the loader thingy, press a button and presto: a perfect shot of espresso topped with a rich layer of créma that will rival anything made in a fancy café. (Nothing against fancy cafés.) Come to think of it, if I had $20 to my name I should consider selling my Nespresso machine. Never!

Read more: http://www.sweetspot.ca/SweetLife/ricky_zayshley/32812/five_things_i_cant_live_without_right_now/#ixzz1G7Dgmlhw

Dear Calgary Weather

Dear Calgary Weather,

You’re slowly turning me into a raisin. I know it’s not your fault, per se; however, could you please back off the extremely cold temperatures? Could you also inject some moisture into the atmosphere while you’re at it? I’d be ever so grateful.

I know, I know, I was born and raised in Saskatchewan, so I should know how to deal with dry weather, but I guess my time spent out east in the sweltering humid summers (and bone-chilling damp winters) made me complacent. Remember that Vaseline Intensive Care commercial where the woman scratched the word ‘dry’ into her skin? This morning I scratched ‘help’ into mine.

Read more: http://www.sweetspot.ca/SweetLife/ricky_zayshley/32542/dear_calgary_weather/#ixzz1FRx0y9Xw

A Place to Call My Own

It’s official: I have a new apartment. After months of living with benevolent friends and family while I transitioned from Toronto to Calgary, I finally have a place to call my own — which brings along a wealth of challenges and new discoveries.

Let’s start off with the challenges: my apartment is virtually empty. Some people might look at my place and think: college student. I look at it and think: blank canvas. I can feel my decorating impulses start to kick into high gear. My Toronto apartment was a continual work in progress. It was about 100 years old, so I worked with the built-in charm to created a space that was comfy and elegant (in my opinion):

Read more: http://www.sweetspot.ca/SweetLife/ricky_zayshley/32058/a_place_to_call_my_own/#ixzz1EnO1NSMA

How I fight aging — and it's not all about the product

I’m at that age when my birthday cake arrives with one candle on it as a sort of “you-know-what-we-mean” gesture. Hey, I’m always happy when cake is involved, but boy do birthdays lose their lustre past the age of 12. 

To make matters even worse, I was born in January, painfully close to Christmas. Kids don’t see the common sense in combined Christmas/birthday presents.

I’m happy to say that I had a great birthday this year. The day started out wonderfully, in fact. My mom took me to Avenue Diner for an amazing lunch — what a great spot! Then later that day my friend Natalie and I went to loungeburger. After dinner we decided to go see Black Swan. I sat enthralled as I watched Natalie Portman twirl, leap and go crazy right before my very eyes. Psychosis aside, she looked great in her lightweight cotton dance gear and over-the-top Rodarte tutus. I noticed that there were lots of close-ups on her face — that woman has great skin. When I got home I inspected my own face for any new signs of aging.

Read more: http://www.sweetspot.ca/SweetLife/ricky_zayshley/30464/i_dont_wanna_grow_old/#ixzz1C9ti0TNE

Check out my first blog as City Editor at sweetspot.ca

Hi there, I am so happy to announce that I'm the new Calgary Editor at www.sweetspot.ca. I absolutely love working for this amazing site and the amazing group of people that make it happen. Here is my first blog entry:

"Picture this: I’m driving south on Macleod Trail in my brother’s 1998 Grand Marquis to meet my friend Shauna at Canyon Meadows Cinemas. It’s dark and snowing lightly. (Please note that I’ve never been fully convinced my night vision is very good.) The low fuel light flashes on and I begin to weave my way into the right hand lane; however, the fast-moving bumper-to-bumper traffic makes this impossible and I decide to fill up after I pass Glenmore. 

My eye starts to twitch and I instinctively rub it. This causes my contact lens to slide into that mysterious place it sometimes goes behind my eye socket. But it doesn’t come back! My depth perception fades and I start to white knuckle it as I roll my eyes upward, coaxing my contact lens to return to its rightful home on my cornea. I think to myself, “This would never happen in Toronto.”

Read more: http://www.sweetspot.ca/SweetLife/ricky_zayshley/29935/new_boy_in_town/#ixzz1BXH61Bse "

Five beautiful gifts for your father—(not so) Rich Man’s Edition

A beautiful watch—Timex SL Series Automatic

I don’t think you can get a nicer watch for $275—trust me, I have one!

www.timex.ca

Beautiful design: All ten Wallpaper City Guides for the iPhone

Think of how handy these apps will be for your world-traveling dad. New York, Milan, Berlin, Los Angeles, Paris, Barcelona, London, Amsterdam, Rome and Tokyo—$3.99 each!

www.phaidon.com/travel

A beautiful bike: Gary Fisher Simple City 8

This beautiful bike has all the charm of the Pashley Guv’nor for half the price. Bonus: it’s a Gary Fisher, so you know it’ll last a lifetime.

www.fisherbikes.com

A beautiful guitar: Yamaha F310

I think this is the #1 best-selling guitar of all time. That’s not surprising considering it sounds great and is priced at around $200.

www.yamaha.ca

Beautiful cuff links: Tiffany & Co. Barbell cuff links

These sterling silver beauties are minimal, elegant and $180 CDN.

www.tiffany.ca

Five beautiful gifts for your father—Rich Man’s Edition

 A beautiful watch: Baume & Mercier

Baume & Mercier Classima Executives Magnum XXL Chronograph (#8852). $4,590 CDN

Baume & Mercier Classima Executives Magnum XL Chronograph/Dual Time (#8851). $3,790 CDN

Giving a man a beautiful heirloom-quality watch is the equivalent of giving a woman diamonds. DIAMONDS!

May I suggest a Baume & Mercier watch for your father this year. This fine Swiss watchmaker dates back to 1830 and has been making some of the most exquisite timepieces ever since. In 1921 Baume &Mercier was awarded the prestigious poinçon de Genève (Geneva hallmark) by the Geneva Watchmaking Senior Committee.

Today the company is still turning out some of the most desirable timepieces in the world. And here is why I suggest this brand for your father: it’s not the obvious choice.

In this price range there are a few other options from different companies; however, when your dad’s jacket falls ever so slightly to reveal a Baume & Mercier watch, those who recognize top-notch quality will be impressed. And every time your dad checks the time, he’ll be impressed too. (And he’ll think of you.)

Note: be sure to engrave your gift with a meaningful message or simply your father’s initials.

www.baume-et-mercier.com

A beautiful guitar: Martin Signature Series D-28

Martin Signature Series D-28. From $3,000 USD

Chances are your dad either knows how to strum a few chords or appreciates those who can. In either scenario he’d appreciate owning a fine guitar.

I think the Martin D-28 would do quite nicely. Since its introduction in 1931, the D-28 is the standard to which all large-bodied steel-stringed guitars are based. Its large “Dreadnaught”-sized body is the most widely imitated guitar model in the world.

Family sing-alongs will never be the same!

www.martinguitar.com

Beautiful design: An iPad with Phaidon Design Classics Preinstalled

If your dad appreciates good design, chances are he wants an iPad. Sweeten the pot by installing Phaidon Design Classics on it so he has something cool to test out when he turns it on. 

Actually, at $20 the app is quite the deal. The three-volume hard copy sells for almost $700, about the same price of the 16 GB 3G iPad model. Basically a 2 for 1 deal—get one for yourself, too!

www.phaidon.ca/phaidondesignclassics

Beautiful cuff links: Paloma’s Marrakesh cuff links

Paloma's Marrakesh cuff links, Tiffany & Co. $5,300 CDN

The mere fact that your dad needs cuff links—in this increasingly uncuffed age—qualifies him as being elegant enough to deserve these exquisite specimens. And let’s face it, men love getting something in a Tiffany box, too.

I recently found myself in one of those last-minute panics while dressing for a wedding. Everything was perfect: suit freshly dry cleaned and ready to go, perfectly tied tie, sparkling black patent shoes... Only one element was amiss. I forgot to pack my cuff links!

Gruesome images of me arriving with garbage bag twist ties holding my shirt together crept into my head. Luckily my host provided me with a beautiful pair of sterling silver Tiffany cuff links for the evening just seconds before I was conjuring a full-blown adult tantrum.

And then it struck me—every man needs to own a pair of Tiffany cuff links.

I love these ones because they’re exotic and will go with anything your dad could possibly pair them with. Made with 18K gold and black enamel, they are sophisticated enough to wear with a tuxedo, but quirky enough to pair with jeans and a blazer. Now that’s jewelry your dad can put to good use.

www.tiffany.ca

A beautiful bike: The Guv’nor by Pashley.

"A good day to ya!"

A few years ago I did a story about high-end bikes and I fell in love with the Guv’nor by Pashley. For obvious reasons! Everything about it screams “Guv’nor,” from its gold-piped black rims to its Brooks saddle seat to its handmade leather grips. This is a beautiful bike.

Based on the 30s-era Path Racer by Pashley, the Guv’nor is suitable for both city paths and cobblestone street. In either context onlookers are sure to tip their hats in approval.

www.pashley.co.uk

Colognes for Father's Day

What type of Dad do you have?

I think shopping for Father’s Day can be one of the most challenging of tasks. The old standby is cologne, but do you know what your dad likes? Or, perhaps it’s time for an update. Here are a few of my suggestions:

Manly Dad

Polo by Ralph Lauren

If your dad drinks JD for breakfast and wrestles wolverines for fun he probably doesn’t wear cologne, but if he would rather don a plaid shirt than a suit chances are he’d like Polo. It’s a 80s classic that has—in my opinion—gotten a bad rap since its heyday. I really do need a bottle of this stuff! So does your dad. Notes: Pine, Basil, Geranium, Oakmoss and Leather.

www.polo.com

Refined Dad

Infusion d’Homme by Prada

A few days ago a very well-dressed, elegant man walked by me at Starbucks. And as we passed, a trail of Infusion d’Homme followed him. It was a great coincidence because I too was wearing that wonderful scent. It’s a light and somewhat powdery cologne that is perfect for summer days and nights. Your father will be oh so refined wearing it. Notes: Mandarin Orange, Neroli, Iris, Benzoin.

www.prada.com

Worldly Dad

Terre d’Hermès by Hermès

How many times will I blog about this cologne? I could write a book about how much I love it. Obviously I’m lumping myself into the worldly category here, but I do feel a sense of adventure when I spray it on. If your dad is equally comfortable in a boardroom as he is on a yacht, this fragrance is for him. The best part about Terre d’Hermès is that over time his suit jackets—or yachting-wear—will start to become infused with the scent. It lasts forever on fabric! Notes: Orange, pepper, cedar, vetiver, bay rose and benzoin.

www.hermes.com

Jazzy Dad

Havana Vanille by L’Artisan Parfumeur

Havana Vanille is my latest fragrance addiction and definitely my next purchase. If your dad sports a straw hat and smokes the occasional Romeo y Juileta while listening to Latin Jazz, this could very well be his next go-to cologne (made easier if you buy it for him, of course). The concept is brilliant: a masculine Vanilla scent that manages to be sweet without being gourmand. Notes: Mexican Vanilla, Clove, Narcissus, Rum and Leather.

www.lartisanparfumeur.com

Hip Dad

Commes de Garçons (self-titled)

To be honest, I don’t know too much about this cologne other than the fact that the art director at the magazine I used to work at wore it. I always thought it was a great fashion-forward, edgy scent. He always smelled masculine-yet-cool. If your dad hasn’t lost touch with his fashionable side or wears ironically studious-looking glasses (that are indeed ironic—you know the difference) then consider this scent for him. Notes: Labdanum, Cedarwood, Black Pepper, Honey, Rose, Incense, Sandalwood, Nutmeg.

Available in Toronto at Nomad.

www.nomadshop.net

Here are some other matches:

Hippy Dad: Muscs Kublaï Khän by Serge Lutens

A real musk for the man who is unafraid of his animalistic side. Notes: Musk, Vanilla

www.sergelutens.com

Old-School Dad: Colonia by Acqua di Parma

This scent is a true original. As crisp as a freshly pressed Italian linen suit. Notes: Citrus, Lavender, Rosemary, Vervain, Bulgarian Rose.

Available at Holt Renfrew.

www.holtrenfrew.com

Drugstore Dad: Old Spice

This is one of the “cheap” colognes that I’d gladly wear any day. Originally created in 1937, this old staple is really quite a nicely constructed scent. Plus the bottle is actually quite cool. Notes: Orange, Spices, Carnation, Jasmine, Vanilla, Musk.

www.oldspice.com

Barbershop Dad: Aveda Pure-Fume Tonic for Men

Spraying on this cologne is like spraying on that lingering scent you experience at an Aveda salon. I, for one, am a fan. And if your dad is a salon-loving kind of guy, he’ll be a fan too. Notes: Lavender, Citrus, Bergamot.

www.aveda.com


Are you getting your dad cologne for Father's Day? If so what kind.... Or, what kind of cologne does/or did your dad wear? I'd love to know!

La Mer and Oceana for World Oceans Day

I am pleased to write to you about a special topic that is close to my heart. Today is World Oceans Day—a day for us to take stock of—celebrate and perhaps mourn—the state of our saltwater. Originally started in 1992, and officially declared by the United Nations in 2009, World Oceans Day seeks to bring attention to the sea’s vital ecosystem to help preserve its delicate habitats and wildlife.

To commemorate this day, my favorite skincare company, La Mer, has released a special limited-edition, 100mL World Oceans Day “blue” Crème de la Mer jar and will make a $200,000 donation to Oceana, one of the world’s leading ocean advocacy organizations. This is the first time the company's iconic jar has been altered since it was originally created by founder Dr. Max Huber!

La Mer’s reputation as one of the world’s finest skincare brands is built on its proprietary “miracle broth” formula, which is derived from a rare sea kelp harvested off the coast of California. Who better to align with Oceana to raise awareness and spread the message to their many, many customers.

And now, more than ever, the message needs to be spread.

It seems as if no matter what media outlet we turn to right now we are faced with disheartening images of contaminated ocean, oil-drenched birds and once pristine beaches covered in a slick, tarry coating. This is truly our wake up call to take action and help protect the world’s seas. 

Yes, England is facing a one trillion-dollar debt, North America is only now showing signs of economic recovery, and even China is getting nervous about its economic outlook, but for obvious reasons the world’s spotlight has been thrust onto the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. When it really counts, we instinctively know that money woes dwarf in the shadow of an environmental disaster.

But there is still hope. Organizations like Oceana are dedicated to providing real, scientifically-based and measurable solutions, and their efforts are felt all around the world. In their five-year partnership with Oceana, La Mer has donated over $500,000 to the organization’s sea expeditions, studies and preservation efforts.

This year’s sizable donation will help support Oceana’s expansion into Belize. As Oceana CEO Andrew Sharpless explains, “Because Belize has the second largest Barrier Reef in the world and is one of the jewels of the sea, anybody who thinks about the world’s oceans from a global perspective thinks about Belize.”

La Mer is also sponsoring a deep sea dive with Oceana’s spokesperson, January Jones. Please watch the video below to see the astonishingly beautiful waters of Belize and to learn more about the work that is being done there:

I am a firm believer that cosmetics companies such as La Mer can make a real difference. Beauty is not merely the effects of a creme (however amazing they might be), it is also core values and ethical practises. This special blue bottle will be your daily reminder that your purchases can help support good causes. There is no need to abandon luxury, but there is a need to support luxury that gives back.

Available in Canada exclusively at Holt Renfrew. 

www.theoceanproject.org

www.oceana.org 

www.cremedelamer.com

www.holtrenfrew.com