Lipstick Lifestyle

Carol Mason is a charming British gal with one published novel under her belt-The Secrets of Married Women, and her 2nd-Send Me A Lover -releasing this fall. Carol shares with us what it is like to be a writer and why she left England to live in Canada…

When you were a little girl, what did you want to be?
First a pathologist, then a physiotherapist, then a journalist. Then I woke up and realised I was very bad at biology and I hardly ever read a newspaper!

How long have your been a writer?
I think off and on for a very long time. I wrote two Harlequin Romances (unpublished) when I was 25, then ended up packing that in and working as an advertising copywriter (does that still count?). But as a person seriously committed to getting published, I’d say about 6 years.

Where do your get your story ideas from?
Weird places. Things people tell me — have to heavily disguise the source of those. Things brewing in my own mind. Sometimes from just the craziest conversations between family and friends that inspire some hint of an idea. In the case of my book 2 - Send Me A Lover - it was from something my husband once said, and then from the words of a Celine Dion song I heard while driving…the two just melded, and I had an idea.

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Summer is all about having fun, getting together with friends and enjoying yourself. With your busy social calendar, the Halter Sundress from Joe Fresh Style is your perfect day-to-night staple. Throw it on over your bikini and hit the beach, then dress it up with some strappy sandals for that evening BBQ.

With a plunging neckline and those flirty ruffles, show off your bronzed limbs and turn heads everywhere you go.

Available in three colours (pink, navy, brown) and sizes XS-XL.

Joe Fresh Style
www.joefreshstyle.ca
Available at participating The Real Canadian Superstore, Extra Foods and Loblaws throughout Canada

When you think of Tiffany & Co. does it make you go weak at the knees? When you receive that cute little blue box does your heart misses a beat? It really is all about the anticipation of what is under that lid. Anything from Tiffany is amazing but what would you do if were to receive The Elsa Peretti Sevillana Pendant?

This simply elegant piece consists of pavé diamonds set in platinum and hung oh-so-gracefully from a delicate black silk cord. Glam up dark denim and a crisp white shirt or accessorize that little black dress with this stunning necklace. Really, it’s perfect for all occasions. Available in mini, small and medium (mini comes on a platinum chain).

Diamonds are definitely a gal’s best friend!

Tiffany & Co
www.tiffany.com www.tiffany.ca

Apple’s iPhone 3G will be leaping into the hands of fashionistas all across Canada come July 11th. The Canadian launch of this second generation iPhone comes with a plethora of fabulous functions that are only available with the iPhone 3G. With networking twice as fast, 3G wireless technology, GPS mapping, and support for enterprise features like Microsoft Exchange, and the new App Store, iPhone 3G puts even more features at your fingertips.

Like it’s counterpart, it combines three products in one—a phone, a widescreen iPod, and a breakthrough Internet device with rich HTML email and a desktop-class web browser. Available through Rogers wireless network at half the price as the original iPhone, finding your way to that sample sale has never been easier!

iPhone
www.apple.com
Available in Canada from Rogers and Fido, and Apple stores in the U.S

Let them eat cake takes on a whole new meaning with The Great Cupcake Pan (6” high and 7” across). Consisting of two separate top and bottom pieces, this whimsical cupcake is big enough to share and can be baked in two yummy flavours—who said you had to choose between chocolate and vanilla—and frosted. For an even sweeter treat, bake the bottom and freeze ice cream to create the top portion of this giant cupcake.

The cast aluminum pan ensures uniform baking and the non-stick interior provides both a smooth release and precise detailing.

Sprinkle your favourite topping—candy-coloured sprinkles, dried coconut or mini chocolate chips—add a cherry on the top for the kid in you and you’ve got a sweet treat fit for a queen!

Williams-Sonoma
www.williams-sonoma.ca www.williams-sonoma.com