I always enjoy finding great new items to sell at Impressionable Gifts. I truly love the hunt, knowing that I can find some rare or exclusive items. Having just returned from a gift show, I feel I hit the jackpot with a number of pieces that I know will be a must have for many!

One of our new products is a Catalytic Diffuser Lamp. This is a great idea and a wonderful gift for the hard to buy person or a perfect treat for your home. The lamp works by simply adding a scented oil, lighting the wick for a few minutes and then blowing it out, letting the pleasant scent release into the air. It helps eliminate household odors. There are a number of scents and designs to choose from. The bonus is that this line is very affordable and attractive.

For the kids, I picked up the latest craze – shaped rubber bands. These are so hot in the U.S., and I was able to find some fun ones. Kids are collecting and trading them with their friends. They are available in different shapes and sizes. Your kids will love these for back to school. I know you don't want to hear about Christmas yet, but I know these will be hot stocking stuffers!

While quantities last, the Marie Osmond line of purses, laptop bags, etc..are on special for 40% off! These are the patterns that are being retired. As one customer told me, she was very happy to have one of the originals. There is also the new jewellery collection that has arrived, featuring some very stunning pieces.

In October, I will be announcing some other great finds. One in particular is a must have for ladies...stay tuned for more information, but don't miss out on all the great new arrivals now!

Impressionable Gifts is located in Port Credit at 74 Lakeshore Road East, just three blocks west of Hurontario Street.

Store hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call 905-271-8999 or visit www.impressionablegifts.ca.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

By now, we've all probably had our fill of hot, sticky and hazy weather. Soon, though, the days of skimpy clothing and carefree loose outerwear will turn to more fashionable clothing and hair as the weather gets cooler. It's too hot to fuss with our hair using curls, irons and blowdryers, waiting for our hair to dry. Enough of pulling the hair up and back off our faces. I've seen more swept-up ponytails than ever before! They have always been an old stand-by, but that's about to change.

Fall will be upon us soon! We've all taken care of our hair, keeping it healthy, shiny and not bleached out...right? Ha! Not from my guests that are now asking how to take care of it, and what they need to do to change their style.

Maybe you've let your hair go a little longer than normal, or attempted to do your own colour with a friend's help. Perhaps you weren't happy with your friend's ability to colour or cut it. See what a hairstylist can do about your colour and cut that you don't like!

Is your hair too dark? Found out that a lighter colour just doesn't work? Are your roots lighter? Ends darker? Bleached out too much? Without getting into great depth, all those details can be fixed, but it's not easy! There are no quick fixes. It may be a bit costly, but it depends on how much you've coloured or damaged your hair, and how much time and patience you have. I don't give suggestions or prescriptions over the phone, but I always do consultations. You may not like what you hear, but as they say, “the truth hurts”.

Now is the time to indulge in those classic fashion styles, cuts and colours, which will make your hair warmer, darker, smoother and healthier. Get a colour to go with that wonderful tan you worked on all summer! Get rid of all those sundried, stressed ends! There's always time for those treatments.

Take a look at who's having their hair cut. Perhaps your favorite star or singer has an interesting style. The more voluptuous, classic, chic and sophisticated it looks, the better. Make it match with your colour and clothing choices for fall and winter. Remember – all this must suit you, be it colour or a cut and style! Don't forget to have your hair treated with masks as well.

In the cooler evenings, you can enjoy wearing your new fashions with flare – so look great! Why not? Run your fingers through your hair, or let someone special do it for you. Remember, you're not hot and sticky anymore. Just imagine a great tan, wonderful clothing and great, smooth, silky, shiny, bouncy and glowing hair – suited to you!

We have all taken care of our hair. How about tanning and making your skin glow as well? Let Esthetics by Iris get rid of dry, rough, dull, dead or lined skin cells. Iris can prescribe how to look after your skin and give you the care you need.

Once you're ready and comfortable, get started and move back into the swing of things.You'll feel glowing and fresh when you're done.

Let Salon Sarracini and Esthetics by Iris give you the prescription and consultation you need. Make sure you're ready to look and feel great for fall!

As always, let me know about your experience with your hair or send me your helpful hints by e-mailing me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Salon Sarracini is located at 83 Lakeshore Rd. E., on the southwest corner of Lakeshore and Elizabeth Rd. (two blocks west of Hurontario St.) in Port Credit. Hours are all day from 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and all day from 8 a.m. on Saturday. Call 905-271-8328 (Sarracini) or 416-278-3367 (Iris).