Lactose-Free Food Cream?!

Heck yes, folks! This is like the day hell froze over and the heavens rained lactose-free keylime pies from clouds of Crème Brûlée! Mmmmm ... I actually found lactose-free cream for cooking here in Norway!

This past weekend I was at my in-laws and they made wicked homemade Crème Brûlée. I've never had one so good since I was in Nice, France, this past spring. I haven't made it yet as I need to find some raw vanilla pieces to boil (yeah - it's that homemade!) but it seemed to be pretty easy.

I don't have a torch to crust the top like the recipe asks for, perhaps I'll just light the whole top of the pan on fire ... what an amazing show that would be! :D

Unfortunately I could only have a taste (let's not lie - I ate the whole thing) but it caused me lots of stomach pain and grief which is not that enjoyable in the end.

I am going to conduct this recipe and make a couple of lactose-free changes and see how it flies. I'll let you know how it goes in a couple of days, but for now, I am so thankful to have found lactose-free cream! :D

Snopes.com!

There are a lot of things that I question throughout the day; crazy stories, urban legends and rumours in everyday conversations makes me wonder whether things are true or false.

For instance, how did Santa Claus's red attire come to be (or was he just invented by Coca Cola)? Is there an albino moose roaming Canada? Can strategically placed onions ward off swine flu?

Snopes.com can answer all those questions that might come up, even if you don't like the answers. Sometimes it's just fun to browse the sites and realize all the urban myths you thought were true - weren't. I personally love the "random" button - for loads of juicy true stories or myths!

One of my favourite myths is that of James Dean's car - the Porsche Spyder named "Little Bastard". Legend holds, after James Dean crashed it and died in 1955, it was sold for parts - and kept on killing. Make of it what you will.

Another good one is whether the Mexicans used to pee into the Corona beer destined for the US. This was a huge story in the late 80s - and I still hear people mentioning it (and believing it) today! Better get your facts straight!

I like quick tidbits and this site is a go-to in this household when it comes down to debates and whatnot. Try out Snopes.com for fun! (or if you're just plain bored).

Fred M-CUPS! Matryoshkas Made to Measure.

I am in need for some measuring cups here in Norway, and I stumbled upon Fred's M-Cups: "matryoshkas made to measure".

These are super cute babooshka dolls that are all different cup sizes, which makes for easy measuring. I am so excited to use them, that I can't stop singing Kate Bush's Babooshka song when walking into the kitchen!

If you get these, which you should - as they are full of awesome - make sure you do Kate's fantastic song and dance, below!

A Christmas Carol in 3-D!

Fan-freaking-tastic! This movie was beautiful and scary at the same time. I wouldn't suggest any little ones to watch this feature, as it is quite dark for a 3-D animation film.

Mr. Merry Jim Carrey did an amazing job - doing pretty much every single role in "The Christmas Carol". It reminded me of how Tom Hanks also played many of the roles in "Polar Express" (also a great movie).

The facial expressions and signature Jim Carrey jolts were copied and accentuated for good laughs throughout the film.

It left me feeling re-inspired to be extra charitable this holiday season. I can only do so much, but the day I'm rolling in it and have loads of cashola, I too will be helping lots more.

Gary Oldman was also in this movie, with his character looking just like him, just a little more red-cheeked and jolly. He too did a wonderful performance.

There are so many good parts in this movie...

I will be purchasing this flick and will be watching for Christmases to come! If you get a chance to make it to the theater - watch it!

Here is the trailer for this timeless classic story from Charles Dickens below.

How To Heal Chapped And Cracked Lips!

Winter is fast approaching, and while the weather is changing, I'm sure we're in for another struggle. We've just getting over combating those dry, summer sun lips - but now we're facing the more painful battle against cracking lips and cold sores.

As much as we want to showcase sexy red lips - we can't, because it looks uneven and unattractive. Well, I have something for us to smile about - pain free! :)

I am confident I have the cure! It's my go-to for anything on my skin and works wonders on winter feet!

I'm talking about all-natural Shea Butter! Yes, it does wonders for the skin and has healing remedies hard to find in other products. I'll touch more on Shea butter benefits (as there are so many) later on.

Take your 100% natural Shea Butter (usually found at an all-natural shop) use it like lip balm and apply a thick layer on your lips overnight.

Once you wake up, a lot of the über dry skin will feel soft. Mix a little bit of coarse sugar (white or natural brown sugar) in with castor oil giving this a double benefit of being both a gentle exfoliant and a moisturizer.

Re-apply and keep applying the Shea Butter for a few more days (it's all you need), avoiding spicy and salty foods touching your lips. Also make sure you don't lick your lips overly much, as it will take twice the time to heal.

Does that give you something to smile about (this lady sure knows how to)? ;)

Giving a Hand in Dutch Design: Naomi Thellier de Poncheville

Tonight there was a lot of talk about ghosts and whatnot, and I have a love/hate relationship for this door "hand-le" by Dutch designer Naomi Thellier de Poncheville.

As much as they are cool, I don't know if I would enjoy waking up in the middle of the night and grabbing for a cold dead-like hand. The thought of twisting it similar to my mirror-like double-jointedness, helping me out the door and on my way is rather discomforting. I think they are brilliant, but maybe if I was in a different state of mind, other than this spooky evening!

But, if I was totally into these (which I think I am) and redesign a little for change - to step it up a creepy, but awesome notch - I would get other family members to make hand molds to represent each bedroom with their personal fingerprints to boot! :D Love!

Kanebo: SENSAI Fluid Finish Foundation

I am not one to really do a lot of makeup reviews, but I have been really loving this Japanese line of products. It's been working great with my combination skin type.

I've tried Chanel, MAC and Bare Minerals - but I seem to eventually break out to the max and never feel the urge to invest in them again.

As much as I love these brands, considering the outstanding quality of everything else they offer, they just don't to seem to bring it when it comes to my foundation. That is, until I came across this lovely number a few months back.

Sensai fluid finish foundation contains 55% water, making this extremely moisturizing but not heavy and oily like. It goes on your face like satin, without sitting on top of your skin.

It does contain mineral oils, as it is not completely water based. However, if that was the case, it would also be too dehydrating for the skin. It is actually a liquid that turns into a silk powder, with a healthy balance of both.

I found it was nice and sheer enough for the summer, but quite buildable in winter months with enough coverage. It's not making your skin look heavy and matte, but will still give you a healthy glow :)

I was a little hesitant at first, seeing that it had SPF 15 - and thinking it wouldn't give "good face" or white casting in photos. This, however, was not the case! This foundation takes flashes and pictures wonderfully :)

It may be slightly on the expensive side, but a little does go a long way! I am still on my first bottle, which has lasted me half a year and is still going strong and lovely!

The Japanese sure know what they are doing when it comes to makeup and skincare lines - keeping ingredients natural are key. I recommend this foundation to anyone, as it is something I will be buying again.

I am confident your face will thank you! ;)

Robert Pattinson Does Vanity Fair!

Now that New Moon is coming in theaters very soon (November 20th), I am not one to post "RPattz" things. However, the series of photos from the Vanity Fair shoot (by Bruce Weber) were so awesome - as Robert tries to look all hard and badass with his plastic lobster bib and corn on the cob!

The whole shoot reminds me so much of home and Eastern Canada, set in Newfoundland or Nova Scotia when I was on tour a few years ago :)

Bruce Weber (these are just outtakes!) did an amazing job keeping it very nautical and hue blue. I am also digging on the piano, as it looks as if he was playing and swooning the mermaid ladies off the ocean coast of P.E.I while swimming in sheet music.

Oh, I also found I loved the cozy cottage sweater shot while cleaning his corn-filled teeth. Hehehe. Enjoy the rest here.

Don't forget to pick up your copy of the December issue of Vanity Fair!

Tori Amos: Midwinter Graces

Some of you may know, and some of you may not know, that Tori Amos is releasing a Christmas album in North America and Europe, on November 10th and November 16th respectively. You can pre-order the album right from Tori Amos' site linked directly to Amazon.com.

I'll be sitting by the mailbox waiting for the CD/DVD to drop in. It's going to be a seasonal staple in my household when it come to classic Christmas albums ... I can hear it for years to come already :)

"Midwinter Graces will find Tori reworking and expanding on classic carols as well as developing some of her very own seasonal tracks. Midwinter Graces is an album that has been in the making for the past 40 years.

Raised in the Baltimore area under the watchful eye of her Methodist minister father, Tori grew up playing holiday carols at Sunday services and Christmas Day celebrations in her father's church.

These were the songs that gave a young Tori her first taste of music, and now almost 40 years later Tori gets her own chance to reimagine classics like "What Child, Nowell" and "Star of Wonder."

Tori will also add her own bittersweet bliss to the season with original tracks like "Pink and Glitter" and "Our New Year."

A few years back Tori did a beautiful version of "Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas" that I will put on here to share with you. I will also show you a 1992 live version of the song "Winter" as this track also warms my heart, and as Tori also says "It's for my dad" :)

Will you be just as excited for this long awaited Tori Amos Christmas album as I am?

Bippity Boppity Boo! - Halloween 2009!

Last night I was courted by my Prince Charming (yes - if you haven't guessed, I was Cinder-Elle) to a great party that was held at a local college. Pretty close to home, but instead of walking in what felt like glass slippers, I took a giant pumpkin taxi a couple streets down ;)

When the clock struck midnight, we trekked into town to a lovely ball (house clubbin'). Can't wait until next year's festivities! :D