My Top 10 Products of 2011

Here’s a quick look at the top 10 items I bought/received in 2011. Five are beauty-related, four have to do with food and one has to do with fashion.

(In alphabetical order, because I think that’s fairest.)

Barque Smokehouse

Roncesvalles has welcomed many new businesses this past year but arguably none have been as successful as Barque restaurant. While its focus is smoked meat, it offers many other delicious choices including the biggest, juiciest chicken tenders I’ve ever had and an array of great sides.


Chocolateria's Turtles
Another newish addition to Roncesvalles, this place is all about amazing, made-in-house chocolate. While it makes many yummy things, the turtles are my favourite (so far).

Delipscious Tinted Lip Balm
This easy-to-apply lip balm not only immediately makes your lips feel moisturized, it also tints them with just the right amount of colour and shine for daywear.

Hunter Boots
Ugly? Debatable? Ubiquitous? No question. But there’s a reason for that. These boots keep your feet dry while also keeping them very comfortable. 

John Frieda Luminous Colour GlazeThis is an at-home glaze that actually works, even on light-coloured hair. In addition to being easy to apply, it’s also quite easy on your wallet and much cheaper than getting a similar treatment done at a salon.

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Loose PowderA reasonably priced powder that does a fine job of giving me a polished, matte look. Plus I quite like its relatively mess-free packaging.

President's Choice Chipotle & Cheese Baked CrispsSince I first tried this product, it’s undergone a packaging makeover and is now part of PC’s Black Line. Thankfully, they didn’t mess with the cheesy, spicy, crunchiness that’s inside the box.

REN Omega 3 Night Repair Serum & Frankincense Revitalising Night CreamIn my war on forehead lines, these products have been the only ones that appeared to have actually of made a real difference. In other words, they do more than just plump up the skin to temporarily hide fine lines.

Revlon Top Speed Fast Dry Nail Polish
Why pay $25+ for nail polish when this much-cheaper line comes in dozens of colours, goes on smoothly and delivers the same results?

Smirnoff Tuscan LemonadeYeah, it’s Smirnoff vodka but it’s also a pre-mixed drink in the perfect “house-party quantity”. And really, it tastes quite nice. I know you don’t believe me but honestly, this stuff is good.