It’s that time of year when people are itching to get away. Whether the occasion is Reading Week, March Break, or just the old February Blues, it’s nice to get some sunshine after living with so little for so long.

If you are planning an escape over the next little while, you should think about bringing the following accessories along for the trip:

• Going to the beach for some fun? Waterproof cameras like the Kodak Sport Single Use Camera are a great way to capture the moment without worrying about damage.

• You never know who you’ll meet on vacation! Get this Black Tie Beauty make-up case for convenient application on the run.

• Always on the go? Keep your hair looking great with Klorane’s Oil Suppressing Dry Shampoo and keep your hands clean with Purell Hand Sanitizer.

• Don’t forget to protect yourself from those UV rays. Get Nivea Sun Balm for your lips and some Ombrelle to protect your body.

• And finally, if you’re the kind of person that has trouble sleeping while traveling, take a look at Mack’s Dreamweaver Contoured Sleep Mask, which comes with a pair of earplugs!

For those of you who are leaving, I hope you all have a fantastic vacation!

If you’re sticking around Ontario, relax and enjoy the Family Day long weekend :) We sure will!

To be honest, I don’t usually think about my toothpaste. When the current one runs out, I usually walk over to the designated shelf and I grab one at random. But there’s a growing trend of people purchasing natural toothpastes on Well.ca. So, what is it?

Natural toothpaste is manufactured by various companies and range greatly in type. Many avoid some or all of the following ingredients: sodium lauryl sulfate, fluoride, dyes and artificial flavours. You can also find organic toothpaste, vegan toothpaste, or gluten free toothpaste at Well.ca.

Fluoride in toothpaste is the main ingredient used to clean your teeth and fight plaque and cavities. Most people have used fluoridated toothpaste such as Arm and Hammer Enamel Care. Those who use fluoride-free toothpaste are wary of swallowing fluoride, which many believe can be harmful to young children. Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Toothpaste is a great example of fluoride-free toothpaste. But not all users of natural toothpaste dislike fluoride. Some believe in its power to slow tooth decay, but are wary of sodium lauryl sulphate, or SLS (which is the foaming activator) and petroleum dyes. You can get sodium lauryl sulfate free toothpastes, such as Dr. Ken’s Maximum Care Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste. There are so many types of natural toothpaste, so it’s important to do your research!

What do you think? Will you continue to use fluoridated toothpaste? Would you give SLS-free toothpaste a try? If you’re not familiar with any natural toothpaste brands, have no fear, click here to browse natural toothpastes. For more green and natural oral products, like mouthwash, toothbrushes, and dental floss, you can check out Well.ca. (Plus, top tip! I read somewhere that Jennifer Aniston brushes her teeth in the shower to save water! What a great idea!)

You may have missed the boat shopping online this Valentines but it’s never too late to spring a splendid surprise on your loved one. I don’t know about you but to me a special surprise is appreciated any day of the year! Whether it is a bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolates, just tell ‘em that you care.

Surprise for him

Have him try something new and shave the old fashion way! Shaving with a brush and mug has the additional benefits of giving a more comfortable and hydrating shave. How does it work? Hard shave soap is whipped into a lather in a mug by a small-handled brush. For a new experience, gift him Natural Grooming by Herban Cowboy Shave Soap and the Organic Grooming by Herban Cowboy Shave Brush.

Surprise for her

Maximize indulgence by enjoying some special suds while you relax in a foam bath,using Aura Cacia Aromatherapy Foam Bath. It has a fresh lavender scent and plus, the bubbles are fun to play in!

Surprise to Share

Warm up together with Cocoa Camino’s yummy-licious array of indulgent cocoa products.  They have products for those who love dark, sweet, or even spicy chocolate.

Want more ideas? Check out some of our friends from the Style Collective! See what these style fashionistas, beauty gurus and trendy moms have to say about their ideal Valentines gifts:

• Get a dose of the latest beauty trends with Michelle @ BeautyEditor.ca .
• At Home With KimVallee gives you the daily dish on stylish living and easy entertaining tailored for busy women.
• Need advice or a review on that new eyeliner? Your answer is ChickAdvisor.
• Avoid the outbreak that is Regifting! Check out Gifted for original gift ideas.
• Follow Janine geeking out on the best beauty products @ BeautyGeeks.
• I Want I Got has everything to do with shopping, fashion and Toronto!
• Coco & Lowe are social media socialistas with fashion flair. Check them out!
• Learn what it takes to be the It Girl @ I’m the It Girl
• Hang out at The Style House and get comfy! You can spend hours on there!
• Read about what you want and how to get it in What Women Want
• Last but certainly not least, the people who know how to cook up a good meal! Check out the Sweet Potato Chronicle.

Hey hey, it’s nature news time again! This time, we check out Boswellin Serrata! Boswellin, from the Latin Boswellia Sacra, is also known as Indian Frankincense, which is an extract of a tree that is also known as “shallki.” “Shallki” is a deciduous tree found in the dry, hilly regions of the Arabic peninsula. The trunk is tapped to collect the resin, similarly done to our maple trees. The resin is a milky gum that coagulates with contact with air.

Boswellia is a unique natural anti-inflammatory, and current uses include treating asthma, colitis, and Crohn’s Disease. One of the active components is Boswellic acid. This is thought to be useful towards the development of healthy joints. The resin can be used externally as an ointment for healing sores and is believed to have anti-arthritic properties. It can also reduce body weight when taken internally. Ancient medical texts from India claim it was used to treat arthritis, diarrhea, ringworm, and pulmonary diseases.  Boswellia side effects do exist, however they are rare and include diarrhea, nausea, and skin rashes.

You can find Boswellia extract in products like Lakota Joint Care Formula which offers relief and comfort for those with joint pain. For a vegan and Canadian alternative, you could try Now Foods Flex Mobility.

So there you have it, check it out at Well.ca!