Gorgeouses, did you know your skin can reveal the state of your health? Did you know you can READ your skin to discover the state of your overall health?

WELL, Kristen Ma, co-founder of my fave Toronto Spa (and online beauty store) — well, I should say, the only Toronto Spa I will TOUCH with a 10-foot pole — Pure+Simple has been teaching me and her other clients about the connection between diet, habit, overall health and skin for YEARS. Now, all that she’s taught us, AND MORE, is available to EVERYONE in her new book Beauty 2.0: A Holistic Guide to Natural Beauty for the Modern Age.

In this book, you’ll find a practical, modern approach to the age-old secrets of Ayurvedic Medicine and Chinese Face Mapping — both of which help us determine the roots of our body’s imbalances. Did you know that puffy eyes have something to do with the kidneys (water retention)? Did you know acne on the chin (HELLO!) indicates hormonal fluctuations? Did you know that wrinkles or blemishes (pimples in the corners of the mouth and over the bridge of the nose) can indicate that we are eating too much sugar or simple carbohydrates (HELLO Starbucks CHAI latte, dammit dammit)?

Not only are you going to learn about the connection among skin, health, personality and your attitude to life, but Ma’s going to teach you how to ATTAIN THE BEAUTIFUL FLAWLESS SKIN YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED — naturally. NOW we’re talking!

You will NO DOUBT have many “ah-ha” moments reading this book.

If my words aren’t enough proof that this book is GOLD, here’s what some very eminent peeps are saying about it….

“Beauty 2.0 is an enlightened, holistic approach to skincare, brimming with informative advice for a healthier, more beautiful complexion.” — Karen Kain, C.C., Artistic Director, The National Ballet of Canada.

“I couldn’t put Beauty 2.0 down. Kristen Ma’s knowledge, insight, easy-to-understand language and personal anecdotes into the world of Ayurveda and all-natural skin, hair and beauty care made this a compelling and inspiring read. From how to determine your dosha to product suggestions for every skin-care type, this book is my new beauty go-to-guide. Not only did Beauty 2.0 cause me to rethink my cosmetics bag, but also my way of life. “ — Chantel Simmons, author of Stuck in Downward Dog and Editorial Director of Sweetspot.ca.

“This is not like other beauty books. It’s an intelligent and sensitive guide to getting the best skin possible, without harsh chemicals. I feel like I’m pampering myself just reading it.” — Alanna Mitchell, Environmental Journalist and Author of Sea Sick: The Global Ocean in Crisis.

And, by the way, in case you didn’t know, Kristen Ma was voted “Best Facialist in the City” by Toronto Life Magazine and quoted as a “Skin Expert” by The National Post, Flare Magazine and Glow Magazine. Her television appearances include Global News, Toronto Shops and Diva on a Dime. Here are me and Kristen at the book launch:

Yeah, you definitely want to take skin and beauty advice from HER — look at that GLOW, OMG!

So, Gorgeouses!? I have THREE autographed copies of this book to giveaway!

For your chance to win, all you have to do is tell us (in the comments) what your skin’s flaws are so you can then win the book and get FIXING ‘EM!

Contest closes Monday, July 6th. Winners will be announced right here, Wednesday July 8th. (Roolz: One comment per Gorgeous.)

Good luck!

xo Haley-O

Gorgeouses! I’ve been so sick all week that I lost track of the days. I forgot to announce the winner of the Emergency Preparedness contest yesterday! To think!

Well, I’m feeling better today, but not better enough to do a video. I mean, unless I could figure out how to insert subtitles into the video…. My voice is GONZO.

Anyhoo, let’s cut to the chase! I basically wrote the comment numbers on little pieces of paper and had the monkey pick one. So, check it….

It’s a little hard to make out the number, I know. My camera ran out of batteries so I had to resort to my blackberry camera — which, you know, sucks. But, you CAN see Monkey’s latest manicure. It’sgrandma takes her now and then.

SO, the winner is…NUMBER 2, LINDSEY!

Lindsey, CONGRATULATIONS. We hope you NEVER HAVE TO USE your new emergency kit.

Thanks again to the lovely peeps at Public Safety Canada for hosting this contest and helping me help them help you……..

LOVE!

xo Haley-O

Happy Emergency Preparedness Week, Gorgeouses! Did you know it’s Emergency Preparedness Week? Did you know there was such a thing?

Well, the (truly) lovely people at Public Safety Canada want to get the word out, so they’ve introduced Emergency Preparedness to me! And they’ve supplied me with an awesome kit so I can tell you all about it and offer a freebie to one lucky Canadian! Before getting to the big prize, though, let’s Public Safety Canada them have their say. Here’s a video that they are very proud of (and rightly so) — check it:

I’ve always thought about getting an emergency kit, about getting prepared in case of an emergency — because you just never know. And, since I have two children and three cats who depend on me, being prepared in case of an emergency is the responsible thing to do. And, now, I’m semi prepared. I have my water bottles…, and I have my new GORJ kit PLUS one more for one of YOU. Here’s what it looks like:

And here’s what the kit includes:

* Clear tube with shoulder strap;
* St. John’s Ambulance Compact First Aid Kit and facial tissues;
* Water (long shelf life);
* Flashlight;
* AM/FM radio;
* Four “AA” and four “AAA” batteries;
* 12-hour lightstick;
* N95 particulate respirator mask;
* Emergency thermal blanket;
* Emergency poncho;
* Biohazard waste bag;
* Sanitary gloves;
* Emergency whistle;
* Family communications plan.

The total value of the kit is $49.99. If you don’t win and want to purchase this particular kit, go to the St. John’s Ambulance Shopping site. Or, you can create  your own emergency kit with the help of Public Safety Canada’s kit checklist.

To WIN the kit, simply leave a comment below. Tell me how GORJ I am or something. I KID. Just tell us why you want a kit and if you’ve ever thought about this before — how ’bout that? The winner will be drawn at random and announced right here a week from today! You have till Tuesday, May 12, at 6pm to enter! Ready, set, GO!

LOVE!

xo Haley-O