lucky penny is battling a fickle mother nature… spring one day, winter the next. thank goodness for weleda’s all-natural skin care line.

especially fond of their almond soothing facial lotion, it is brilliant for her sensitive skin… perfect for morning and midday meetings… and keeps her visage at optimal dewy freshness!

celebrating 90 years in the business, weleda’s motto is one that is equally beautiful, “in harmony with nature and the human being.” all in a day’s work.

lucky penny is making a run for it down south… to visit her dearest friend teaching english and yoga in tuxtla, mexico.

en route to the airport, she made a pit-stop at get outside and snatched up some toms shoes… the perfect gift for her good samaritan lovely.

these lightweight canvas wedges are perfect for the backpacking adventurer with a stylish, altruistic heart.

founded by american traveler, blake mycoskie, for every pair sold, the company donates a pair to a child in a developing country.

shoesies with a soul.

lucky penny is ready for spring. eff snowmageddon. mexico is also quite lovely this time of year.

fret not, lovelies… greener penny is here! when she found out about sparitual’s line of vegan nail lacquers (free of harmful chemicals and synthetic dyes), she almost chipped a nail whipping out her credit card at beautymark in vancouver’s yaletown.

available for spring in a mini-set of four fresh colours (gorgeously green, hello sunshine yellow, pretty in pink, and orange you glad you didn’t say orange). she named those herself, but it was like the nail gods knew how she loves changing colours every week. her favourite part? a baby bottle of polish remover. brilliant.

want more? greener penny sat down with nail artist extraordinare, christina culver, to talk nail trends… warning: do not try this at home.

let’s talk tips. is it still hip to be square? “i am very much a rounded (almost pointy) nail girl. square is so done! round is much more elegant. for short to mid-length nails, a rounded-square or oval shape also totally works.”

what about colours, and all these crazy prints? “for spring, i am really into soft taupes, pinks and nearly nudes. i also see a lot of bold, floral prints. i can never get enough of animal prints, but infused with spring shades for fun! nautical comes back every summer, so mix it up with a few anchors and sail boats in a pink palette.”

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!