lucky penny does not like to gamble. she would rather shop.

while bricks and mortar normally satisfies her fix, she recently discovered teambuy.ca. her credit card bill (and trigger-happy index finger) will never be the same.

like slot machines in las vegas, the site offers daily deals and super steals at 50-90% off… from a 5-class yoga pass and spa treatments, to a personalized balloon bouquet and discounts at her favourite restaurants.

think of all the money she just saved… how every girl rationalizes her shopping addiction.

lucky penny has spent more time thinking about what to say about sex and the city 2, than she would care to admit.

after an exclusive pre-screening on wednesday, she went out for cocktails at sassafraz to discuss the film with a dear friend. the conversation ultimately was a mix of ambivalence and nostalgia for what it was once upon a time.

two weeks earlier, the lovelies found themselves without boys… and a sangria bender quickly followed. at 4am, on a couch with old episodes of satc… 6 seasons worth of dvds brought back all their favourite moments.

big and aidan fighting in the mud. charlotte and her love stamps. the first time carrie sees big after breakup number one. *punch in stomach* samantha in the fire house. miranda telling big to go to paris, and get our girl.

the movie has all the affectations of the original series… classic carrie-isms, fashion porn, sex (ms. jones meet trojan condoms), a gay wedding, and dreamboat aidan… but it all seemed without context or consequence.

most will find value in the girly spectacle, while others may view it to be as “limp as a clam-mouth kiss”. à chacun son goût.

lucky penny is a lady who lunches… but not the blair waldorf/upper east side kind. *headbands are so last year*

she has a penchant for lunch spots that are perfect for gossiping, work meetings, and paramours from days gone by. when in vancouver, gastown’s acme café is her latest obsession.

a diner with 50s-style booths and u-shaped formica countertops make her reminisce about poodle skirts… even if just for an hour. resto is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

nothing beats comfort food… cherry cola pop shoppe sodas, chicken pot pie, mac n’ cheese, a high-falutin’ grilled cheese sandwich, and meatloaf… for her sweet tooth, milkshakes aaaaaand “keep your fork, there’s pie!”. words to live by.

***psst… introducing the lovely, charming and talented rebecca tay… our penny in yvr… welcome to the lucky penny family, darling!

lucky penny has another brilliant gift idea to share… this adorable red proctor silex slow cooker (also available in orange, yellow and green) is for the hostess with the mostest.

a delicious meal can be made (e.g. top secret chili recipe) in the morning, slow cooked for hours, and gifted to your new neighbours on wisteria lane at dinner o’clock.

rather than a predictably pretentious bottle of wine or fresh-cut fleurs, for just under $20, this petit appliance is a bargain… lucky penny saves the day, again!

for a chance to win one, visit it all starts with butter’s facebook fan page and answer this skill testing question… “what was your most absurdly priced meal?”. lucky penny will choose the winner! [contest now closed]

***psst… for more ideas, visit one of her favourite blogs called gifted.

lucky penny‘s summer soliloquy: to bronze or not to bronze, that is the question… by kimiko beauty‘s danielle vincent.

for a sun-kissed look, it goes without saying the *only safe way* to achieve it is… to use a bronzer. the challenge is to look like “a fabulous weekend in st-tropez” versus “falling asleep in a tanning salon”. (fyi, an absolute no-no!)

some things to think about when shopping for powdered bronzers:

• how much glow is desired. bronzing powders range from matte to very shimmery. test before you buy! avoid product with visible glitter and high-sparkle. go for a hint of glow or subtle reflection instead. opt for a completely matte bronzer to create a look au naturel. avoid any intense shades that are too red or too orange… choose a more natural tan colour.
• application is key. use a powder brush that is dense. it will disperse the colour evenly, and can be pinched to contour under the cheekbone. always tap off the excess prior to application! start on the forehead, and draw a number 3 on each side of the face… to do this, go from top of the forehead, around to the cheek, finish along the jaw line, and then repeat on the other side. finally… take the bronzer left in the brush, and gently sweep over the areas where the sun hits first; over the nose, chin and highest point on apples of the cheeks.

safe from the ravages of le soleil, lucky penny is perfectly a-glow. a bronze goddess.