The Latest Accessory: The Infinity Scarf

The fall accessories are starting to come in at roots.com. While you may not be ready for fall yet, here's a great accessory which works well in warmer weather!

The Infinity Scarf is perfect for adding the look of an extra layer without the extra layer itself.

They are made from lightweight cotton so you can comfortably wear it inside and outdoors. You can wear this scarf long, or double it up. You can drape it over your shoulders or pull it forward for a more slouchy look.

Once the fall and winter come, wear it for warmth under your coat.

The Jamie Infinity Scarf (left) is a beautifully woven, cable knit scarf. Wrap this around your neck to accessorize any outfit.

The Cameron Infinity Scarf (centre) is made from 50/50 organic cotton and conventional cotton. It also comes in dark shadow twist and light grey mix.

The Nicole Infinity Scarf (right) is reversible. Get two different plaids for the price of one. It also comes in Damson, a red/charcoal mixed plaid.

Check out some of the other great women's accessories roots.com is carrying.

Rhubarb Cake

Guest post by Goodkin

Long before most of our spring seedlings can be planted outdoors, our first hardy crop is ready to be harvested. The giant leaves and gorgeously weird flowers of the rhubarb plants at the edge of our yard seem to spring to life as soon as the snow melts. My daughter J and I walk out across the small field every few days and look beneath the leaves to find out whether the stalks have begun to turn red.

This year, at three and a half, J has taken a real interest in the garden. It's hard to be patient, even as an adult sometimes, waiting for the seedlings to sprout, and eventually, become lush plants. The rhubarb, ready for the picking in the first week of May, is Mother Nature's gift to the antsy gardener.

I love the wild look of rhubarb and its tart flavor. My husband has reservations about a plant that is inedible raw, and unpalatable even cooked, by his measure, without the addition of a lot of sugar. Our daughter likes the process of baking and the idea of dessert more than most cakes. She'll try a bite or two, but the ice cream is the real draw. This sweet and tart cake turned out to be a hit with both of them, and with my mother-in-law, who was here for mother's day dinner.

I decided on this rhubarb coffee cake since the strawberries we're growing this year are nowhere near ready to be baked into a pie. I changed the recipe some, to make it a bit healthier, but it's definitely still plenty sweet. I'll call it a coffee cake, since that is what the original recipe says, but it comes out more like a cross between brownies and bread pudding. It's a fabulous treat for a cool spring afternoon.

 

Delightfully Gooey Rhubarb Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 C brown sugar
• 2/3 C unsweetened applesauce
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 C sour milk (add 1 Tbsp of lemon juice to a cup of milk or soy milk and let sit for at least 1 minute)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla
• a dash of allspice
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 C whole wheat pastry flour
• 1 C all purpose flour
• 2 C rhubarb, cut fine (2-3 medium stalks)

Topping:

• 1/8 C sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350° and lightly grease an 11 X 7 inch pan.
• Mix the brown sugar, applesauce and egg in a large bowl until smooth
• Add baking soda and sour milk and mix well
• Add the spices, flour and rhubarb and mix until blended
• Pour batter into prepared pan and back into the oven at 350 for 40 – 45 minutes, or until it tests done
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream on top.

Goodkin is a website devoted to family.

The definition of what matters most in life, the connection with those we love, has broadened and made room for people to create worlds that feel right to them; that fit and bring out the best in them. Goodkin wanted to hear those stories, feel their magic, and bring it to you.

Get more Goodkin:

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Oh So Cocoa

Guest post by Lucky Penny

Lucky Penny has spring fever… Parka is at the dry cleaners. Sorels are nicely stowed away in her closet’s back corner.

Last friday, she had lunch on the patio at The Rivoli with a dear friend and her new baby girl… Then, rooftop drinks with cute boyfriend at Adelaide Street Pub.

This time of year is about dusting off her spring wardrobe, and donating old winter clothes to charity. Drawers can close, again. Extra hangers are now free for more indulgences, which she will most likely regret later.

But let’s not speak too soon, some unmentionables also spent the chilly months tucked away… Legs, pegs, gams, stems. Oh my!

Frigid temps [insert horribly negative number here] can be tough on them, and Lucky Penny refuses to take chances. She knows it is best to stick to the basics, just like grandma would say.

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula is a lifesaver. The cream smooths and tones her sensitive skin… Subtle scent of chocolate is a bonus! Lucky Penny’s sister, when she was expecting, also swears by it.

Lucky Penny loves to shop all things gorge, indulge her culinary palette, and explore the city (Toronto, that is).

This is a daily blog written by two lovelies (whose fifteen year friendship started back in awkward grade seven). One moved to sunny California, and charmed all the beautiful people in film and production. The other, a former science geek, tripped and fell into the fashion editorial and luxury goods PR in Canada and abroad.
These golden nuggets must only be shared amongst her nearest and dearest. Lucky Penny can’t keep a secret. Can you?

Get more Lucky Penny:
Lucky Penny Daily
Lucky Penny on Facebook
Lucky Penny on Twitter

Spring Cleaning with the Kids

Guest Post by Goodkin

“You and Joel are just too clean,” Sami groused after the fifth time I had asked her to pick her dirty socks up off the living room floor (ok, maybe it was only the second time). I asked her if she’s actually seen how dirty the bathtub is? But I know she is talking about the fact I am always picking up—and asking her to pick up—because I just cannot stand all our clutter. Sometimes you can’t even sit down on the couch because it’s covered with stuff—sweatshirts, books, dolls, art projects, backpacks, socks. And I always have to clear off the table so we can eat there—though the lava lamp and toy computer have remained shoved in the corner of the table for the last 6 months.

Honestly, Lucy has far less than Sami and Cate had at her age. I feel like I just got rid of all Sami and Cate’s baby toys—and I just don’t have the heart to start over again. So, Lucy’s learning to get by with less. But for Sami and Cate, when it is time for some serious spring cleaning, how do I get them to get rid of some of their beloved (and suddenly favorite) stuff?—and no, I’m not saving it for Lucy for seven years like they want me to.

Last year I took a trash bag into their bedroom and threatened, “Whatever is not organized and put away neatly by the end of the day, I am throwing out!”  And I meant it. It produced amazing results, along with a lot of whining and a little stress. But, by the end of the day, their room was the tidiest it’s ever been. And I had a bag of stuff to give away.

But this year I had an even better idea: Yard Sale!  I told the girls that whatever they brought out and sold—they could keep the money. They got totally into the idea. They discussed, organized and carried things down to the curb. They set up their corner of the sale like they were professionals. Joel made and hung signs and I got change. We sat outside on the steps in the sun and waited for our customers. The girls started off reading, but as the day went on, we brought out music and hula hoops. We played in the street, skipped, danced, joked around, and even sold quite a few items. We met one of our neighbors that we had never even seen before. Our little sale became a fun little gathering. The best sale of the day came from the owner of the restaurant down the block, Sassan. He stopped by and bought a painting from Joel, and then Sami convinced him to swap 8 of her splatter paint cards she had made a few months back for her favorite “Super Grilled Cheese Sandwich” that he makes. He brought the sandwich back along with 5 of his gourmet chocolate chip macadamia cookies.

At the end of the day we had made $225, one cheese sandwich, 5 chocolate chip cookies, and a lot of fun family memories. Much better results than threats and a trash bag of last year.

[Photo: Flickr member Pink Sherbet Photography]

Goodkin is a website devoted to family.

The definition of what matters most in life, the connection with those we love, has broadened and made room for people to create worlds that feel right to them; that fit and bring out the best in them. Goodkin wanted to hear those stories, feel their magic, and bring it to you.

Get more Goodkin:

Goodkin: Family Living, Modern Style
Goodkin on Facebook
Goodkin on Twitter

Pin Straight

Guest post by Lucky Penny

Lucky Penny crimped in the ’80s, flat ironed in the ’90s, did the Rachel, and now the Blake… but no matter what, her trusty sidekick is worth every penny.

ghd Hair Straightener is… the. most. brilliant. device. ever.

After a blowdry with round bristle brush and dime-size of Phytodéfrisant Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm, her tresses are pin straight within minutes. Alternatively, wrap sections around the barrel… Et voilá, perfect ringlets.

True story… Lucky Penny plugged in her dear hair straightener one day, and sadly discovered it had died. sad face. She rushed to Sephora on Bloor West, and happily came home with a new one… No questions asked. Perfect customer service. Bravo!

Lucky Penny loves to shop all things gorge, indulge her culinary palette, and explore the city (Toronto, that is).
This is a daily blog written by two lovelies (whose fifteen year friendship started back in awkward grade seven). One moved to sunny California, and charmed all the beautiful people in film and production. The other, a former science geek, tripped and fell into the fashion editorial and luxury goods PR in Canada and abroad.
These golden nuggets must only be shared amongst her nearest and dearest. Lucky Penny can’t keep a secret. Can you?

Get more Lucky Penny:
Lucky Penny Daily
Lucky Penny on Facebook
Lucky Penny on Twitter

Apartment Composting

Guest post by Goodkin

The whole idea of composting is to reduce the amount of waste that is sent to our landfills and since we all make waste, it is something we should all seriously consider...even if you live in an apartment! This may be the deal breaker, though...you've got to got to be cool with having worms in your home. There's just no way to get around that.

The kind of worms used for indoor composting is red worms, or vermicomposting worms. They are extremely hard workers, do not require a lot of attention and thrive on organic material. In fact, a single worm can eat up to its own body weight in food scraps everyday!

The only other two requirements are air and soil, and you've probably got those two things in your apartment already.

Here's what you'd need to get started:

• A small space for your composting bin, either on the balcony or under the kitchen sink, with a top. Ideally, you should have two of these, when the first one is full you'd start filling the second one, and by the time that one is filled, the first compost can be emptied out.
• The average size that is recommended is a 10-20 gallon-sized galvanized or plastic container. You can also use some plywood if you've got some extra hanging around. Drill 10 to 20 holes in the bottom of your box and a couple of 1/2-inch slats. This should rest on a tray, just in case there are any leaks.
• Line your container with moist bedding (as moist as a wrung out sponge) like newspaper, saw dust, or cardboard.
• Add worms. Yes, you're going to have to go out and purchase these wiggly things. Varying in price, shop around local nurseries first to see if they stock them. If not, try online stores like Red Worms 4 Sale.
• Now, you are ready to get going. Save up your table scraps—fruits and veggies (with no oil on them) are perfect. Coffee grounds and egg shells compost well, too. You'll need something to cover them with: saw dust, dead leaves, even strips of newspaper will help (vegetable based and with no colored ink).
• You will need to turn your compost every couple of weeks with a compost poker or an aerator (this plunges deep into the soil and creates new air passages.)

And there you have it, nice fresh organic compost right in your apartment!

Apartment composting links:
Composting For House and Apartment Dwellers Alike
Composting indoors
Smart Composting Tips for Urban Gardeners & Apartment Dwellers
Build a Compost Box in Your Apartment
Stylish Countertop Composting Bins

[Photo: Flickr member TushyD]

Goodkin is a website devoted to family.

The definition of what matters most in life, the connection with those we love, has broadened and made room for people to create worlds that feel right to them; that fit and bring out the best in them. Goodkin wanted to hear those stories, feel their magic, and bring it to you.

Get more Goodkin:

Goodkin: Family Living, Modern Style
Goodkin on Facebook
Goodkin on Twitter

Spring/Summer 2010: The 80s and 90s are back!

Right now, the 80s and 90s are resurfacing in the fashion world. Plaids, leggings, neons and looser fitting tops are all going to be huge for Spring/Summer 2010. And Roots has all of those fashion essentials for you!

Sara Koonar is the editor-in-chief over at Adorned Magazine. I recently asked her about style trends for the Spring/Summer 2010 season.

"We are seeing a total reinvention of the 80s and 90s on the runways this season," Sara said. "Grunge plaids and vibrant neons are making a come back. As long as the hairstyles stay in the past, I am happy to re-live the years when people really had a fun time expressing themselves with their clothes."

Here's a selection of 80s and 90s inspired items from the new arrivals at Roots.com.

The 2010 Flashdance Outfit:

Vintage Heather Raglan T-Shirt, $39                              Roots Essential
                                                                                                  Leggings, $24

Plaid and Loose Fitting Tunics:

Chloe Plaid Tunic Shirt, $58                              Lilah Long Crew Sweatshirt, $68

Neon Sweats:

 

Neon Grassroots Hoody, $70                                 Neon Roots Original Cropped
                                                                                                Sweatpants, $50

Get This Look: The Canada Collection

The layered look was all over the runways last week at New York's Fashion Week for Fall/Winter 2010. You can easily get that look now with items from the Men's Canada Collection By Roots!

Check out the mannequin below from the Roots Flagship store on Bloor Street in Toronto for a great layered look!

                      Montreal Polo, $56                                          Fredericton Sweater, $98 

               Scotia Softshell Jacket, $198                            Brunswick Pant, $60

 

This same look is also available for women from the Women's Canada Collection by Roots.

Man Purses are Here to Stay!

A few days ago on NBC's Today Show they did a feature on men's bags, or purses for men! They featured a bunch of different styles from clutches to messengers for men to carry all of their stuff in.

For those of you, who prefer your bags to be Made in Canada - I picked out a few of my favourite Roots men's leather bags!

First up, the New Milano Bag in Tribe Leather. This great messenger bag keeps all of your stuff organized while you are out and about every day. With a ton of different pockets, you can easily separate your gym clothes from your work papers. There's three small zipper pockets underneath the flap as well, so you can have your keys and phone easily accessible at all times. It's made out of our Vintage Tribe Leather so it will wear in and create character of its own over time.

Next, of course, the classic Roots Village Bag. Everyone who saw 'The Hangover' will of course recognize this man purse as the one Zach Galifianakis carries in the movie. Although the characters fight over whether or not it's OK for a man to carry this bag, we say definitely! Look at how practical it is! With lots of outer pockets, you can keep all your small, easily lost belongings organized and the larger back pocket is big enough for you to keep a book or any papers you might need to carry. Appropriately called a Flat Bag, this great bag stays close you your body and isn't too bulky or cumbersome.

Finally, for those of you guys who need to carry a bit more with you each day, the Small Banff Bag is the obvious choice. This bag is definitely large enough to carry your gym clothes and shoes as well as anything else you may need throughout the day. Without being unusably large, this bag has both handles and a longer shoulder strap making it very easy to carry.

 
There's a bit of debate around the man purse or men carrying bags in general. But these days, men are carrying around a lot of stuff! You can't fit it all into your pockets and you may want something a bit more stylish than a sports bag or backpack. So I say embrace the man bag! It will make your life much easier.

Holiday Gift Ideas: Stocking Stuffers $30 and under

As the holiday season is fast approaching, our wallets seem to shrink. To make your dollar go further, we've compiled a list of our favourite items under $30.

Whether it be for a stocking stuffer or an office "Secret Santa", a Roots toque is probably the easiest gift to give.  About as Canadian as it gets, our Roots Canada Toque comes in 4 different colours and is only $10. This toque not only looks good, but it will make you feel good too! This gift keeps on giving, as proceeds go to support 'Right To Play'. 

Other great head gear options; Women's Icy Cable Earflap $30, Gastown Beret $16.99, Men's Snowy Fox Toque $26, and Roots Canada Baseball Cap $30 (also part of the Canada Collection).

             

For those wanting to avoid hat-hair, take a note from your childhood and try our Plaid Earmuff $30. Really cute and extra warm, this earmuff will make you consider bringing more of your childhood back, like overalls and ring-pops... on second thought, maybe some gloves would be a safer choice.  

 

Our Icy Cable Armwarmers $28 keep you warm while keeping your fingers mobile. For men, check out our Mens Chalet Gloves $28, a classic dad gift.

For the vintage lover on your list, our Vintage Brand Tees are sure to please. They come in a variety of colours and at the low cost of $26 you cant go wrong.  

So this season, instead of flashy price tags and glitzy labels, remember what Christmas is really about. Christmas shouldn't have to cost a fortune, its the thought that counts. And what better way to show them you care then through little gifts that say "stay happy, warm and merry" all for $30 or less. 

Need more gift giving ideas? Click here.