The Winter Palace [Deckle Edge] [Paperback]

By: Eva Stachniak

Review


“Eva Stachniak's new novel should establish her as a pre-eminent writer of historical fiction. ... The Winter Palace is seamless in its depiction of a place and time…. what Stachniak has given us is not history, but a dramatic recreation of what the witnesses to history actually manage to see and do.”

—Quill & Quire

“Stachniak captures dramatic moments with flair, and the Russian Imperial court—with its fox-fur blankets, gilded furniture, and carafes of cherry vodka—appears in glorious splendor. This superb biographical epic proves the Tudors don’t have a monopoly on marital scandal, royal intrigue, or feminine triumph.”

—Booklist
“Stachniak sets the scene extravagantly with details of sumptuous meals, elaborate wardrobes, and cunning palace politics. Longtime readers of English and French historical novels will delight in this relatively unsung dynasty and the familiar hallmarks of courtly intrigue.”

—Library Journal

Radiesse®

Replenish Volume, Restore Collagen, Refresh You ! http://www.radiesse.ca/

PRIORI® featured as the pioneers of anti-aging skincare in the March 2012 issue of Mindfood

PRIORI® is featured as the pioneers of anti-aging skincare in the March 2012 issue of Australia's Mindfood magazine. "...the scientific developments of 'the two Joes' have taken PRIORI® from strength to strength – and revolutionized the beauty industry."

Obagi in the news

Yoland Adams - Grammy Award Winning Gospel Singer


"I live by the Obagi System"

http://www.obagi.com/sites/default/files/news/docs/ebony_omp_in_the_news--nu-derm_feb_2012.pdf

Gala Dinner for Society of Sharing: Inner-City Volunteers

Celebrity chef Chuck Hughes recipes

Menu Items from Chuck Hughes        

Chicken Fingers
2 Skinless Chicken breasts

Half cup of whole wheat flour

Half cup of Hellmann’s® mayonnaise

1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs or panko

1 tsp of cajun spice

Half tsp of garlic powder

Salt and Pepper

Zest of a lemon
Directions:
1. Cut strips of chicken and dredge in whole wheat flour.

2. Coat the chicken with Hellmann’s® mayonnaise and toss in with the breadcrumbs,
zest, cajun spice, garlic powder and Salt and Pepper.

3. Place strips on a plaque covered with parchment paper.

Pre-heat oven at 400 degrees.

4. Place in oven for approx 25 minutes flipping them half-way.

5. Serve with Honey-Mustard, ketchup and Caesar mayonnaise.

Caesar mayonnaise
Half cup Hellmann’s® mayonnaise

1 tsp of chopped capers

zest of half lemon and 1 tsp of juice

1 tbsp of chopped parsley

2 tbsp of grated parmesan

Salt and Pepper

Mix everything in a bowl and serve.

You'll never worry about what's for dinner again

What you need for last-minute meals
In your pantry

•Bread (buns, loaves, pitas and Old El Paso tortillas)

•Pasta

•Rice

•Cereal

•Canned beans

•Canned meats (chicken, salmon, tuna)

•Canned tomatoes

•Pasta sauce (Alfredo and spaghetti)

•Tomato paste

•Canned broth (beef, chicken and vegetables)

•Soup (canned or dry)

•Peanut butter

•Pickles and olives

•Ketchup, mustard and mayo

•Salsa and chips

•Soy and marinating sauces

•Hamburger Helper

•Vegetable oil (canola and olive)

•Vinegar

In your spice rack

•At a minimum: garlic powder, basil, oregano, thyme, curry, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, bay leaves, ground red pepper

In your fridge:

•Cheese, such as cheddar, cottage, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Parmesan

•Milk

•Eggs

•Packaged salad greens

•Fruit juice

•Sour cream

•Butter or margarine

•Yogurt

In your freezer:

•Ground beef or turkey

•Chicken (boneless skinless breasts)

•Ice cream or frozen yogurt

•Fruit juice concentrate (lemonade and orange)

•Green Giant vegetables

•Berries (for smoothies and desserts)

•Bread crumbs (for stuffing and breading fish)

What can you make with these ingredients?

Now Four Levels of Transformation - Obagi leads. Others follow

Obagi delivers results others can't -
- Nothing works like Obagi  - Because nothing else is Obagi.


From acne to aging, from hyperpigmentation to inflammation, Obagi Medical brings value others don't.

For a clinic near you in Canada please visit:  RGR Pharma Ltd. http://www.rgrpharma.com/

Obagi ® Medical Products Wins Best Skincare in the Second Annual NewBeauty Magazine Choice Award Jan. 2012- named The Best Skin Care System at a Doctor's Office

Whitney Houston - One Moment In Time 2011 Special Edition Music Video!

http://youtu.be/U57sLy77SE8

AXE UNLEASHES ANARCHY IN CANADA WITH FIRST-EVER FEMALE FRAGRANCE

Male grooming brand releases limited edition female bodyspray

— AXE, the brand known for helping Canadian guys look, smell and feel their best is making history with the launch of Anarchy – an irresistible fragrance For Him, and for the first time ever, For Her.
Since the launch of AXE in Canada in 2002, millions of guys have experienced the AXE Effect. With the launch of Anarchy, AXE aims to provide both guys and girls with the spark they need to act on that attraction, and unleash a little chaos in the process.
“We have a very supportive female fan base,” says Kyle Marancos, Sr. Brand Building Manager for AXE at Unilever. “We’ve heard over and over that girls want their own AXE product - so we made one for them.”

Fragrance plays an important part in the chemistry between guys and girls. Research shows that smell is one of the fundamental ways we attract a mate. Armed with this knowledge, AXE works with some of the world’s most experienced perfumers, responsible for countless fine fragrances around the world, to develop every scent, including Anarchy.
Anarchy For Her is a mix of sparkling fruity notes, soft florals and a light finish of sandalwood, amber and vanilla. Anarchy For Him is a rich, oriental-inspired fragrance that boasts fresh fruit notes, alongside sandalwood and white amber.

AXE Anarchy For Him and For Her are available as bodysprays. Anarchy For Him is also available in deodorant, anti-perspirant, shower gel and 2-in-1 shampoo + conditioner – the first time the AXE brand has offered the same fragrance across all categories (it’s that good). Find AXE Anarchy at most food, drug and mass retail outlets.  




About AXE: AXE, a leader in men’s grooming, is an iconic personal care brand around the world that helps guys look, smell and feel their best. The Unilever manufactured brand is available in a line of deodorant bodysprays, deodorant and anti-perspirant sticks, shower gels and hair care products. AXE is the No. 1 men’s grooming brand in Canada, excluding razors. For more information, visit www.axe.ca or www.facebook.com/AXECanada

AXE Anarchy and the AXE Effect are registered trade-marks of Unilever Canada,
Toronto,  Ontario M4W 3R2.

Introducing Lalaloopsy® Littles by MGA toys

Lalaloopsy® dolls - who were once rag dolls that magically came to life - have new characters for spring 2012. These enchanting dolls take on the personalities of the fabric used to make them, such as Forest Evergreen who was sewn from a lumberjack’s overalls and Pix E. Flutters who was crafted from a real fairy’s dress. Six brand new characters to collect this spring! Suggested retail price: $29.99.


Introducing Lalaloopsy® Littles, the new adorable and pint-sized younger siblings of your favourite Lalaloopsy® characters, such as Mitten’s sister Bundles Snuggle Stuff and Crumb’s sister Sprinkle Spice Cookie. Suggested retail price: $19.99.

March break is just around the corner. Are you ready to pack your bags?

March break is just around the corner, but are you ready to pack your bags? Whether you’re heading down south, overseas or are embarking on an outdoor adventure closer to home, Royal Robbins and ISIS feature collections of clothing made especially for travelling, and outdoor wear to help brave whatever the elements may bring.
ISIS’ Journeys collection features soft and strong fabrics that are perfect for travel due to their natural feel, technical qualities and wrinkle resistance. With details like security pockets and roll-up sleeves and legs, you also get the peace of mind that you are ready for whatever the day brings.

Whether you’re strolling through vineyards or out for an afternoon of shopping, the Vineyard Shirt Dress is a great choice. Made of tightly woven fabric with built-in UPF 30+ and an accordion sun protection collar, this stylish dress will keep you looking great and well protected. This trendy but practical dress also features invisible zip hand pocketsand has the added bonus of spandex, which encourages movement and helps keep the garment wrinkle-free. SRP: $95.00

.



Days at the beach are even more heavenly in the Dream Dress. Made of cotton slub – a light and airy fabric that makes any hot day a little bit cooler – this dress takes you from the beach to the patio bar. SRP: $55.00

Taking a hike? The Whirlwind Long Sleeve V-Tee is super soft against the skin but also super quick-wicking, making it the perfect top for warm weather exercises. SRP: $70.00

Because the weather doesn’t care if you are on vacation, the Tempest Jacket will keep you dry from the inside out. Featuring super breathable Cocona® technology, this jacket doesn’t just protect you from rain, it also protects you from the clammy dampness all too common in rainwear. SRP: $160.00


Royal Robbins’ Departures collection features versatile styles in lightweight, easy care fabrics and smart designs like security pockets.

From long plane rides to road trips, the Essential Traveller Cardigan will take you to your destination in style. SRP: $100.00

Heading down south? The Essential Dress is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner, or stroll around town. The best part? You don’t need to worry about ironing this stretch jersey dress when you arrive. SRP: $80.00

Days of sight-seeing need comfortable clothing, but it doesn’t mean you have to give up looking great. Pair the Discovery Capri with a cute t-shirt and cardigan and you’re ready for any adventure. SRP: $85.00

Men should never leave home without a polo! Royal Robbins’ Desert Knit Polo is super soft and available in a variety of colours. It is made of wrinkle resistant fabric that dries quickly and features side vents for aeration – perfect for travel. SRP: $65.00

Men don’t need to leave their province to appreciate the Globe Traveller Pant. Lightweight and wrinkle resistant, this pant features a Teflon® finish and a hidden zip-secured front pocket that’s great for wallets. SRP: $80.00

Founded in 1998 in Burlington, Vermont, ISIS’ one and only goal is to develop attractive performance clothing that fits women’s bodies and their lives. ISIS creates clothes and intimates that fit, look good, give confidence, and enable women to enjoy the great outdoors. Inspired by nature and women’s favourite activities, ISIS designs combine both fashion and function to fit the bodies and lives of real women. This spring, ISIS is opening the door to a bright and sunny 2012 spring collection! New pieces, innovative updates, fresh colourways, technical fabric and the ISIS fit come together in a collection of clothes and intimates made for the modern active woman. http://www.isisforwomen.com/

Royal Robbins is an internationally acclaimed climber and kayaker who, with his wife and partner Liz, couldn't find the right clothing in which to explore, so, in 1975, they started designing their own. Together they had a vision: to enhance the lives of their customers and make the world a better place through comfortable, rugged, clothing that fits well and looks great. For spring 2012, Royal Robbins’ four collections - Chill Out, Trail Head, Nabru and Departures - feature wrinkle-resistant performance clothing inspired by natural colours, including berry hues, woody greens and cool sea blues.  https://www.royalrobbins.com/

More than half of Canadian parents want to dump the diaper ASAP

-The Playtex Infant Diaper Disposal Survey reveals the “scoop on poop” from Canadian parents-


– Smelly, sticky and unpleasant diapers are easy to dispose of at home, but what do you do with a dirty diaper when you’re out? A new survey by Playtex Infant has found that when away from home, more than half of Canadian parents (57%) get rid of dirty diapers in the first garbage can they can find.

The Playtex Infant Diaper Disposal Survey of Canadian parents found that while the majority of moms and dads (71%) don’t find changing diapers so horrible, they still want to dispose of them quickly. Only 16% said they would wrap it up and keep in their baby bag until they got home, and 21% said they would look for an outdoor garbage disposal.




“Parents change thousands of diapers in the first couple years of their baby’s life, and inconveniently, many of those changes take place outside of the home” says Playtex Infant Senior Brand Manager, Helen Kargas. “No one wants to smell a dirty diaper, so to give busy parents a discreet and convenient way of disposing of dirty diapers outside the nursery, Playtex has developed the new Playtex™ Diaper Genie™ Portable Diaper Bag Dispenser for parents on the go.”

The new Diaper Genie™ portable:

As the newest addition to the Diaper Genie® line, the Diaper Genie™ Portable Diaper Bag Dispenser is all about discretion. The dispenser holds up to 25 opaque, lavender scented bags and helps seal diapers in baggies until a suitable disposal is found. The Diaper Genie™ Portable Diaper Bag Dispenser can be kept in the car, thrown in a diaper bag or clipped to a stroller for easy access and retails for $4.99.


“New parents have a lot on their plate, and holding onto a dirty diaper isn’t ideal” says Kargas.
Other highlights of the Playtex Infant Diaper Disposal Survey include:


· Through thick and thin – Only one in six (16%) Canadian parents find changing a baby’s diaper disgusting

· Dog: Man’s best friend –Almost half (44%) of Canadian parents find picking up dog poop to be disgusting

· Hello kitty litter– 39% of Canadian parents are grossed out by having to clean the cat’s litter box

For more information on the new Diaper Genie™ portable diaper disposal system please visit: http://www.playtexbaby.ca/
or http://www.playtexmommyville.ca/

About Playtex Infant Diaper Disposal Survey:

From December 20 to December 23, 2011, Angus Reid Public Opinion conducted an online survey among a randomly selected sample of 490 Canadian who are parents of children aged 0 to 18 and who are Angus Reid Forum panel members. The margin of error is ±4.3%, 19 times out of 20. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.

About Playtex Infant

Playtex Products LLC, a division of Energizer Personal Care, is a leading manufacturer and distributor of infant products including the Playtex® Drop-Ins® bottle System and Ventaire® bottles; The First Sipster®, Lil’ Gripper®, Insulator®, Coolster®, and Sipster® cups; mealtime plates, bowls and utensils; OrthoPro® and Binky® pacifiers; and the Diaper Genie® diaper pails. Playtex and all other trademarks are owned or licensed by Playtex Products, LLC.

Blueberry Pudding Pie Recipe

Summer's most delicate berry, used here fresh or frozen, finds sweet perfection when blended with sour cream and spices in this easy pie.

Ingredients:

½ pkg (1 crust) Pillsbury* Refrigerated Pie Crusts, softened as directed on box
1½ cups (375 mL) fresh or frozen blueberries, thawed, well drained
3 eggs
1 cup (250 mL) sour cream
¾ cup (175 mL) half-and-half cream
1/3 cup (75 mL) sugar
1½ tsp (7 mL) vanilla
¼ tsp (1 mL) ground nutmeg
¼ tsp (1 mL) ground cinnamon

¼ tsp (1 mL) salt        


Method:


•Heat oven to 425°F. Make pie crust as directed on box for One-Crust Filled Pie using 9-inch glass pie plate. Bake 7 minutes.

•Remove crust from oven; sprinkle blueberries over bottom of crust.

•In large bowl, beat all remaining ingredients with electric mixer on medium speed 1 to 2 minutes or until smooth. Pour over blueberries.

•Return to oven; bake 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F; cover edges of crust with foil. Bake 30 to 32 minutes or until knife inserted in centre comes out clean. Let stand 20 minutes. Serve warm or cool. Store in refrigerator.

everydayliving™: Vestido Floral

everydayliving™: Vestido Floral:

Harvest Ontario

The Source for Local


We are the largest and most comprehensive source for local including on-farm markets, pick-your-own, farmers' markets, farmgate honey producers, local meats, wineries, craft breweres, fairs and much more. And we are proud to be working directly with Ontario Farm Fresh and Farmers' Markets Ontario.

Try our Harvest Ontario Digital Edition  The Source for Local



We are the largest and most comprehensive source for local including on-farm markets, pick-your-own, farmers' markets, farmgate honey producers, local meats, wineries, craft breweres, fairs and much more. And we are proud to be working directly with Ontario Farm Fresh and Farmers' Markets Ontario.

Try our Harvest Ontario Digital Edition

If you didn't get a chance to pick up a copy of our famous print guide, now you can browse through our digital edition. Flip through the pages, print off your favourites, search and follow links to your local attractions. Simple click on the image of Harvest Ontario to the right and start browsing.

Add us as a friend on Facebook.

It's as simple as a clicking on the Facebook logo on the right. And why not follow us on Twitter as well? Get our slant on the local bounty scene in Ontario. Find us at www.facebook.com/harvestontario or follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/harvestontario
If you didn't get a chance to pick up a copy of our famous print guide, now you can browse through our digital edition. Flip through the pages, print off your favourites, search and follow links to your local attractions. Simple click on the image of Harvest Ontario to the right and start browsing.
Add us as a friend on Facebook.


It's as simple as a clicking on the Facebook logo on the right. And why not follow us on Twitter as well? Get our slant on the local bounty scene in Ontario.
Find us at www.facebook.com/harvestontario or follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/harvestontario

The Sew Sweet Playhouse® is the first-ever Mini Lalaloopsy® house.

Part of the MGA Entertainment Canada new line....

The Sew Sweet Playhouse® is the first-ever Mini Lalaloopsy® house.

 With three stories and tons of features like a pet elevator, a balcony and windows with shutters that open and close, the accompanying exclusive doll and other mini characters can have hours of fun playing with their pets.
Suggested retail price: $34.99.

Pillow Racers from Little Tikes®

Pillow Racers from Little Tikes® are great for on-the-go youngsters aged 18-36 months. These soft character ride-ons feature caster wheels which let young drivers effortlessly turn in any direction, and the easy-to-grip handles help little ones hang on for a fun ride! The covers are removable so you can wash them – and the castors and handle are also removable so it doubles as a cozy pillow too! Suggested retail price: $34.99.

Keep cabin-fever at bay with MGA toys

From rocket ships to robots, Little Tikes® TikeStix™ provide endless possibilities for parents and kids ages 3+ to build their own life-size toys and play sets. Suggested retail price: $29.99.

http://www.mgae.com/

Don't get caught wearing off-trend colours!

It’s official! Pantone has announced prominent colour trends for spring 2012 and the experts at Payless have listened.

Step into this season with Solar Power, Tangerine Tango, Bell Flower, Cabaret, Sodalite Blue, Cockatoo, Margarita, Sweet Lilac, Driftwood and Starfish. Watch as they take center stage once the snow melts and double-digit weather abounds.

Renewed energy, optimism and brighter days reflect some of the more vibrant shades while versatile neutrals like Starfish and Driftwood complement some of the brighter hues.

Vim® PowerPro™ Naturals Kitchen

Naturally-derived ingredients with the tough cleaning power of Vim.

The new Vim PowerPro™ Naturals Kitchen cleaner defies the skeptics who believe a natural-based cleaner cannot work as well as traditional cleaners. In fact, Vim PowerPro™ Naturals Kitchen with 95% naturally derived ingredients is tougher on grease* versus the leading all-purpose cleaners. Vim is so confident that Canadians will love Vim PowerPro™ Naturals Kitchen that it is offering a money back guarantee on the product.


Vim PowerPro™ Naturals provides a solution for Moms who prefer to use a natural-based cleaner, but who don’t want to compromise on clean. It’s perfect for stainless steel sinks, glass, granite, and laminate counter tops, barbeques, china fixtures and sinks and stainless steel appliances.
This powerful lineup also includes: Vim PowerPro™ Naturals Bathroom and Vim Cream Naturals Multipurpose Cream.

Mom’s seeking cleaning options

A new survey** commissioned by New Vim PowerPro™ Naturals found that less than a quarter (24%) of Moms who use other natural-based cleaning products are very satisfied with their performance for general household cleaning. Moms who don’t use natural based cleaners say that, if they did, they would use them primarily in the kitchen (45%)
Priced in-line with traditional Vim cleaners

The Vim PowerPro™ Naturals survey** found that the top reason Moms (cited by 59%) are not using natural-based cleaners is the belief that they cost more than the traditional cleaners. Vim PowerPro™ Naturals Kitchen is priced in-line with the traditional Vim cleaners at a suggested retail price of $3.99- $4.99 for a 750 ml bottle.
Availability

Vim PowerPro™ Naturals Kitchen will be available January 22, 2012 at leading Canadian grocery, drug, and mass merchandise store.
###

*Based on extensive tests in which Vim PowerPro™ Naturals Kitchen removed more grease with a fixed number of rubs vs. the leading all-purpose cleaners

** Based on an online survey of 1,112 Canadian mothers between the ages of 25-55 who are Angus Reid forum panel members, conducted between July 13 and July 14, 2011. Trade-marks owned or used under license by Unilever Canada, Toronto, On M45W 3R2

A Guide to a Healthier Life: Almonds Lower LDL Cholesterol and Prevent Disease

A Guide to a Healthier Life: Almonds Lower LDL Cholesterol and Prevent Disease: The good news today is that almonds are good for you and will help to decrease your LDL (bad) cholesterol. Not only will the almonds reduce...

DO CANADIANS KNOW THEIR NUMBER? Free cholesterol t...

everydayliving™: DO CANADIANS KNOW THEIR NUMBER? Free cholesterol t...: Know Your Number, Know Your Risk A survey conducted by Becel® found that almost 70 per cent of Canadians – about 20 million people – ..Visit  http://www.becel.ca/  for more information about testing locations and to learn more about heart healthy living, or speak with a doctor about getting a cholesterol test.

Toy Story Storybook Collection [Hardcover]

To story time and beyond!

Everyone’s favorite toys are hitting the big screen. But the fun can be taken home and enjoyed over and over again with this brand-new storybook collection, timed to release with Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 3! Sure to¬†draw in¬†a new generation of fans of these extremely popular movies, the collection features retellings of all three movies, plus brand-new stories about Woody, Buzz, Jessie, Rex and the rest of the gang. Young readers are in for hours of rollicking good fun.






With gilded pages and over 250 illustrations, this latest addition to the bestselling storybook collection series will make the perfect gift.
Disney Book Group (Author

was CDN $17.50

now Price: CDN$ $12.64

Nourished hair creates long lasting style!

Introducing the innovative
                                NEW Dove® Style+Care™ collection
     Dove knows that better style comes from better care



Not only do women struggle to get the looks that they want, they also spend time throughout the day touching up their hair because their styles don't hold. Traditional styling products lack moisture, causing hair to fall flat.

About the Style+Care™ collection

The NEW Dove Style+Care™ range with Nutri-Style complex provides long lasting style by nourishing and protecting hair to help prevent hair issues like frizz, fly-aways, and dry/split ends that get in the way of great style.


Whether your readers are looking for a sleek look, bouncy curls or to create extra volume, Dove Style+Care™ provides better style through better care.*

*Versus our previous Dove styling range

Used on damp or dry hair, the Frizz-Proof Cream-Serum gently nourishes for long-lasting shiny, satin-smooth hair.
Suggested retail price is $4.99-$7.99, 98mL







Applied to damp, towel-dried hair, the Nourishing Curls Mousse with whipped cream texture gently nourishes to help eliminate frizz for gorgeously well-defined, soft, bouncy curls.

Suggested retail price is $4.99-$7.99, 198g

Download Image (JPG) Style+Care™ Amplifier Mousse

Distributed evenly through damp hair from root to tips, the Amplifier Mousse gently nourishes to create beautiful hair while providing long-lasting fullness without weighing hair down.

Suggested retail price is $4.99-$7.99, 198g


The Invigorating Dry Shampoo makes your hair look and feel refreshed by absorbing oil between washes. The weightless formula transforms lifeless hair, so you can enjoy fresh, volumized hair, even when you skip your regular wash.

Suggested retail price is $4.99-$7.99, 142g






The lightweight formula of the Volumizing Gel provides long-lasting volume and hold, giving hair lift and body.

Suggested retail price is $4.99-$7.99, 195mL


The Strength & Shine Flexible Hold Hairspray strengthens your hair style by providing flexible hold while enhancing your hair's natural luminosity.

Suggested retail price is $4.99-$7.99, 198g



The Strength & Shine Extra Hold Hairspray strengthens your hairstyle by providing strong yet touchable hold while enhancing hair's luminosity.



*Also available in non-aero and unscented.
Suggested retail price is $4.99-$7.99, 198g