Beebe Cline

New year, new scent.

When she's not dabbing on amber oil from Cairo, Vitamin T editor Athena makes her own unique scent by layering orange blossom and honeysuckle jasmine by Britain's Jo Malone. At Holt Renfrew, www.holtrenfrew.com

Editor-in-chief Sarah's mom wore L'Air Du Temps (remember the dove on the bottle?). Perhaps that's why she loves the new cult hit Juliette Has a Gun rose fragrance from Nina Ricci's French grandson. At Holt Renfrew, www.holtrenfrew.com

Technical director Miho loves the subtle yellow freesia, bergamot and white pepper notes of Mandarina Duck Ladies, and

Ever wish you could get a facial, a workout, a pregnancy massage and an ultrasound, all under one posh roof?

Vancouver's very first luxe ultrasound facility providing 3D and 4D (video) non-diagnostic ultrasounds has landed on 16th and Granville.

While not just for expecting mothers, at Som Visao Urban Ultrasound Spa and Wellness Centre there are skin care products targeting hyper-pigmentation, belly "facials" to prevent stretch-marks, circulation-boosting leg treatments and pre-and post-partum fitness training.

Plus the whole family can enjoy the bonding experience of watching Ultrasound Entertainment Imaging

 

Copy chief Maria likes to exercise her vast vocabulary (and donate rice to charity) by playing the word game at www.freerice.com

Editor-in-chief Sarah wiles away the hours watching the 24/7 live product testing done by the gorgeous cast of www.honeyshed.com

Vitamin T editor Athena loves checking out the beautiful products and prototypes submitted to Generate at www.gnr8.biz

Vitamin M editor Marianne adores New York and has become shamelessly addicted to eavesdropping on Manhattanites' conversations. It's not always pretty but it's awfully entertaining. www.overheardinnewyork.com

Heaven forbid

When one of our staffer's husband had a business trip to Iceland (and a penchant for Uma Thurman), she did what any smart girl would do and tagged along. Herewith, the tour of Reykjavik.

sleep

You may as well break open the piggy bank, cash in the RRSPs and ask the boss for a raise as Iceland is anything but cheap. And since chances are it will be a once-in-a lifetime trip, do as we did and go all out with a stay at the gorgeous Hotel 101. We loved the balcony suites with perfect views of the bluer than blue sky and the most comfortable beds we've ever slept in.

www.101hotel.is

eat

Iceland isn't

If serving burnt toast on Christmas morning is a distinct possibility, get thee to the grocery store quick.

The locally made, all-natural French-style frozen crêpes from Half Moon Foods can be microwaved to fluffy perfection and topped with whipped cream and berries in less than a minute.

Now that's what they mean by Happy Holidays!

View crêpes ($3.99/6) and find numerous B.C. retailers at www.halfmoonfoods.com

Is a haircut, a massage, a Pilates class, a manicure, time to read a magazine…

Fear not, your Christmas angel has arrived.

The excellent childcare service Nannies on Call has just introduced Nanny Hour certificates so you (or he) can give the gift of a few precious hours of kid-free time—Dinner! Drinks! A bikini wax! Think of the possibilies…

The brightly illustrated Nanny Hour certificates ($18 each) can be ordered at www.nanniesoncall.com

Fab Grab Shop in Boxing Day style at FAB Clothing. Everything in the store, including premium denim and hot designer brands like Chip and Pepper, Paige, William Rast, Graham & Spencer and more is 40-60 per cent off, plus score a free pair of Hanky Panky underwear when you purchase a pair of jeans! FAB Clothing, Kerrisdale 2305 W. 41st Ave., Vancouver, 604-267-3220; Kitsilano 2177 W. 4th Ave., Vancouver, 604-734-0139; view more at www.fabclothing.com

 

steal this Do you have a deal for vitamin v readers?

DECEMBER 21ST, 2007 The Italians know how to do the holidays up right, so why not let this great Italian deli do the heavy prep work while you focus on the cocktail chit chat?

Shop at Moccia's Little Italy outpost for their decadent lasagna ($12/$28), or online with the handy fresh sheet.

We ordered the beautiful Cappone Roll, a boneless roasting chicken stuffed with Italian sausage and veal loin garnished with rosemary stalks and pre-trussed ($37). Pop in the oven and voilà–New Year's dinner for 10.

Or whet appetites at your holiday open house with crunchy-and-gooey Risotto

Ho Ho Ho J and O Did you leave yourself off your holiday shopping list? Make amends at Main Street fashion haven Jonathan+Olivia and score 20 to 30 per cent off all men's and women's fall 2007 merchandise, including pieces from Vince, Mike & Chris, Acne Jeans, Rag & Bone and more! Click here for discount details. Jonathan+Olivia, 2570 Main St., Vancouver, 604-637-6224, www.jonathanandolivia.com

 

Hair for the Holidays Maintain your mane without leaving the comfort of your

DECEMBER 20TH, 2007 Eye-popping architecture, eclectic boutiques and one of the best restaurants in the world—our kind of town, Chicago is.

stay

A short skip away from the Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park, The James is a slick, hip alternative to the Marriotts, Sheratons and Hyatts. Rooms are spacious and airy and feature a mini-theatre room for late-night gangster movies. Rates from $259 per night, 55 E. Ontario, Chicago, 877-526-3755, www.jameshotels.com

do

Lie down underneath Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate and take in the city's skyline reflected against the polished stainless