Literary Corner- A little class, a little trash, and a whole lot of inspiration

A couple of new books came onto my radar this week that I was quite taken with and thought the rest of the Torricelumn Girls out there might want to know about them too.

Derek Blasberg has just released his first book called ‘Classy- Exceptional Advice for the Extremely Modern Lady'. It’s a contemporary etiquette book for the pretty young things. In his book, Blasberg gives honest advice and tips to live by all in a cheeky humorous tone- but don’t get me wrong- he means what he says. He also includes a lot of ‘what not to do’ when trying to climb the social ladder. Mr. Blasberg is the Editor at Large for Style.com and a contributing editor for Harper’s Bazaar so I think he is definitely an authority on the subject he writes on.

I attended his Toronto book signing party at The Room earlier this week and picked up a copy of ‘Classy’. Derek was lovely and it was a great fete. The book is gorgeous. It’s laid out like a magazine and reminds me of the ‘Tiffany’s Table Manners for Teenagers’ book- that same stunning Tiffany blue.

You can pick up a copy of ‘Classy’ at Amazon.com.

The other book that really caught my attention this week is called ‘Every Monday Matters: 52 ways to make a difference.’ This book is written by Matthew Emerzian and Kelly Bozza. ‘Every Monday Matters’ is based on the premise that most of us hate Mondays- so why not turn it around and use Mondays to make a positive impact and change the ‘image’ of that dreaded first day of the week.

52 Mondays, 52 activities, 52 ways to make a difference. Some of the ideas presented in this book are easier than others. But they are all simple to incorporate into your life. For example, Monday # 21 learn CPR, Monday #24 don’t honk, Monday #35 go exercise, and Monday #44 use online bill pay. Interesting, isn’t it? This is about people taking personal responsibility to make a difference.

Every Monday Matters started as book and now has grown into an incredible foundation that sponsors schools to improve negative situations caused by budget cuts and it also installs the ‘You Matter’ program. Learn more at http://www.everymondaymatters.com/

Every Monday Matters is also heavily supported by Oprah.com. So- you know it’s got to be a good organization :)

Look Good Feel Better

Last night the Torricelumn Girls attended the annual Champagne and Crystals event- an annual soirée put on by Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) to honour the companies that the support their vital organization.

Look Good Feel Better is a charitable program founded by the Canadian Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association and is committed to helping women manage the appearance related effects of cancer and its treatment. By taking control of how they look, using cosmetics, skincare and hair alternatives, women with cancer can strengthen the positive attitude that is so important in cancer treatment – and feel better about themselves.

Elizabeth Grant International has been a big supporter of the program for several years now by donating products and company time to their initiatives. For this past year, Elizabeth Grant Skin Care donated Eye Renewal Serum for ‘The Confidence Kit’. The kit is given to women attending LGFB workshops held in cancer care centres and hospitals around the country. Eye Renewal Serum is a great product for these women enduring treatment because it’s so moisturizing and soothing to even the most tired skin.

The event is always such an honour to attend, knowing that the company we work for gives so much back to the community. This is one incredible program that Elizabeth Grant International will always support. That said- the Torricelumn Girls found last night a little emotional at times. One woman that spoke at the reception is a 34 year old single mother. She has been attending the workshops over the last 6 months and she expressed how much LGFB has truly helped her in the fight against cancer. Also, on an even more personal level- one of the Torricelumn Girls has dealt with cancer in a close family member over this past year so the whole event really hit close to home (side note- that family member has recently been given a very healthy diagnosis!).

Well, they don’t call the event ‘Cocktails and Crystals’ for nothing- the Torricelumn Girls went home with a great big crystal award. Elizabeth Grant International was recognized as a Ruby Supporter of LGFB for donations of over $200,000. Congratulations Elizabeth Grant International!