lucky penny has been getting her hands dirty, as of late, with all things #homereno. the 60-day countdown is quickly coming to an end (phew!), and she is in desperate need of a mani.

do cartwheels because lux spa recently opened their second location (formerly the nail shoppe)… just down the street from her soon-to-be ex-bachelorette pad, and right across from the eaton centre at 211 yonge street on the mezzanine level.

looking at paint chips or tile samples all day, and dreaming about them all night, has given her the super ability to scan a range of colours, and zone in on the best one. this *new* skill is incredibly effective since the nail bar has a plethora of colours… ranging from the palest of pinks, to the brightest of blues! opi and essie fans—welcome to your mecca.

finally recharged and with les hands et feet back in tiptop shape, it is back to the #homereno grind.

***psst… photograph lovingly borrowed from © 2012 lisa crispo.

lucky penny loves cosmetics, but sometimes, caking it on leaves her skin feeling dry, itchy, and in need of a little tlc. [note to self: stop scratching!]

enter maple organics. a *new*, local and usda-certified organic skincare range that includes two body washes (one hydrating, one enlivening), a lovely-smelling rosemary sage body lotion, and lavender hand salve.

each contains sycamore maple and indian shorea butter, which is regenerative and anti-inflammatory.

they have also developed the country’s first organic baby skincare line. the company’s website has a brilliant glossary, so lucky penny knows exactly what is on her porcelain peau.

what a relief!

lucky penny, like every little girl in a tutu, dreamed of being a prima ballerina.

wrapped in yellow crinoline, she would spend hours in front of the mirror practicing her pirouettes. white (or black) swan fantasies aside, to this day, she has *never* met a ballet flat she did not grow to love.

her favourites by far are from bloch. founded in 1932, the australian company hand-crafted ballet and pointe shoes for the world’s best dancers… and now their line (which has expanded into ladies, girls, toddlers and babies) is manufactured with the same craftsmanship and attention to detail.

the soft leather and suede mold perfectly to her feet, like these *new* valentina metallic flats. little lovelies that deserve a standing ovation… and a curtsey!

lucky penny loves to bestow her niece with gifts, especially ones that keep her warm and toasty. her latest and greatest find? mimitens!

made in canada, mimitens have extra-long cuffs to the elbow so that they do not fall off when recess gets wild. they are adorned with the most adorable graphics of owls, race cars, cupcakes, boom boxes and more.

even better? mimitens donates a portion of its proceeds to charities, such as right to play, sick kids foundation, geneva center for autism, and yonge street mission.

the ‘soft’ line for babies is made of eco-friendly bamboo and organic cotton. while the ‘all-weather’ line keeps tots warm with organic fleece, water-repellent nylon and thinsulate lining.

***psst… mimitens is all grown up… offerings in merino wool, luscious leather and prints of gorge jewels, so that baby momma need not feel left out.

lucky penny is stockpiling gifts for her darling cousin’s baby bump. girl or boy? who cares? any excuse to shop.

mini mioche is a cute, chic collection crafted from organic cotton and 100% made in canada. frustrated with trying to find basics for her own little girl, alyssa kerbel (fashion sales agency vet) founded her company simply out of necessity.

every piece is perfect for the mom who shudders at the thought of her kid in pink polka dots. lucky penny picked out a soft cardi in teal, crew-neck shirt in vintage plum, and leggings in heather grey. her only regret: the line isn’t available in big people sizes.

***psst… mini mioche just opened a flagship store on queen street west. go now!