Shopping Cart Confidential - MSN Shopping

Apparently Everyone Wants to Smell Like Paris

By Jackie Burns MSN/Sympatico Shopping Contributor

Despite her acting and singing career being the butt of jokes, Paris Hilton is still laughing her way to the bank. Her self-titled fragrance (which she launched back in 2005) was named Female Celebrity Fragrance of the Year by the Fragrance Foundation at the US Fifi Awards. She showed up with boyfriend Doug Reinhardt to accept the award, fresh from Cannes where the duo was reportedly kicked off a yacht for too much PDA. While it's no Grammy or Golden Globe, Paris is probably well aware of how many little outfits she can buy for Tinkerbell thanks to her perfume's popularity. (She has three other fragrances including Heir, Heiress and Can Can which are all top sellers too.) Gwen Stefani's Harajuku Lovers won Woman's Luxe Fragrance of the Year and Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs' I Am King took home Men's Luxe Fragrance of the Year. While it may seem like every celebrity and their brother is releasing a perfume line (probably because they are) not all can boast success at the cash register. Find out which stars sell the most in our Top 10 Celebrity Perfumes gallery.

CP Photo

Placing My Bet on All-Natural Sunscreen

By Jackie Burns Sympatico/MSN Shopping Contributor

It hasn't even technically started yet, but Summer '09 will go down in my books as the Summer of the Itch. We've only had a few warm days and already my feet and legs are covered in a ghastly heat rash (unlike this blissful bikini model who has probably never even heard of heat rash.) My husband has suggested I wear socks with my sandals (he's serious) but I told him that before I throw in the towel, I'm switching to an all-natural sunscreen. The rash isn't the only reason for my switch - the lack of information on the effects of chemical sunscreens also makes me very nervous. I just have this sick feeling that we're going to find out in 20 years that they aren't as safe as they claim to be. Pure + simple has done a good job of breaking down the differences between natural and chemical sunscreens and Pure Know How is also a great resource with an in-depth section on chemicals in sunscreens and some natural alternatives. When I spoke with the site's co-founder recently about natural beauty products she cited Dr. Hauschka as one of her favourite brands. They do a line of all-natural sunscreen which also comes in a spray and after-sun lotion.

5 Tips for Buying High School Graduation Gifts

By Jackie Burns Sympatico/MSN Shopping

Most of us won't soon forget our last days of high school, whether good or bad. My mother/vice-principal made sure I never forgot my senior prom because she was generous enough to chaperone and slow dance with my boyfriend. Getting my first speeding ticket within minutes of clearing out my locker for the last time was another not-so-fond memory which I blame on the fact they played Alice Cooper's "School's Out" over the PA after the final bell. (I was still singing it like a madwoman when the officer pulled me over.) Despite having an exceptionally well-oiled machine for a memory (except when it comes to world history or geography) I simply cannot remember what I got for graduating. And so begins my top 5 rules for buying a high school graduation gift for your precious teen/Jekyll & Hyde.

#5. Make it Memorable: Graduating from high school is a big deal and so Tim Horton's gift certificates, while appreciated in the short term, won't likely be remembered years later. (Hey, that might be what I got!) Instead, consider a new digital camera for them to take along on their next chapter, whether it's post-secondary education, travelling or straight to work.

#4. Remind Them of Home: If your favourite graduate is moving out of the house for college or university, then they will appreciate (even if they don't admit it) a little friendly reminder that there are people out there who love them. A digital frame pre-loaded with pictures of the family, pets or close friends will help make them feel less alone as they begin their new journey.

#3. Gift that Keeps on Giving: When parents first have babies, they often assume they will be free as a bird once their child turns 18. WRONG! The legal age of majority may actually be when your child needs you the most because if they are heading off to school, they will be very, very poor. Presenting them with a new cell phone with a pre-paid plan is a bit of a win-win gift because it means you'll get more calls too.

#2. Be Practical: While you may think a personalized graduation ornament is terribly sweet, you can think again. It serves no real purpose, other than acting as a very efficient dust collector. Instead, opt for something they can use daily once they fly the coop, like a mini fridge or a toaster oven.

#1. Bring a Tear to their Eye: At the end of the day, you can never go wrong with a sentimental purchase that could be cherished for years to come. (Plus, wouldn't it be fun to see if you can break down the seemingly hard-hearted teen?) Presenting them with a classic watch or a special jewelry set would do the trick.

Did you receive a memorable high school graduation gift?

Embrace an On-Screen Summer Fling

By Jackie Burns Sympatico/MSN Shopping Contributor

TV shows can be a big part of people's lives; whether or not they choose to admit it is an all together different story! My favourite shows all bring something unique to my life whether it's Desperate Housewives, which although not nearly as scandalous as when it first started, is still the perfect excuse to get together with girlfriends on Sunday nights, sipping bubbly while rewinding Gabby's killer one-liners. Friday Night Lights is an excuse to drool over Taylor Kitsch's glorious abs while Gossip Girl is a chance to relive high school only instead of soggy cafeteria fries we're doing liquid lunch at The Plaza. My husband on the other hand, lists Hercule Poirot as his favourite TV show although I'm pretty sure that despite owning the entire series on DVD (and VHS plus special editions) he's never actually seen any episodes past the five minute mark. The depressing opening theme music always puts him straight to sleep, which is really his ultimate goal. Whatever our own reasons may be, many of us simply couldn't live without our favourite shows. Which brings me back to this past Sunday's Desperate Housewives/Grey's Anatomy double-header season finale party at my place. The mood was bitter sweet because while the May Sweeps ensure there is a major buildup of excitement for the finales, the reality is, our favourite characters will be AWOL for months (or possibly forever in the case of a couple of Seattle Grace doctors.) As a result, the conversation naturally turned to which quality programming (TV series' or movies) we could sink our teeth into over the summer that we may have missed the first time around. Lucky for my guests, I had been doing plenty of research recently into this very subject and was happy to indulge them. Here are enough suggestions for on-screen summer flings that should keep your butt firmly planted on the couch well into the fall!

TV Shows to Get You Through the Summer Drought

Best Chick Flicks on DVD

90s Flicks You Forgot You Loved

Oscar Favourites on Blu-ray

Best Action Adventure Movies on Blu-ray

Toddler DVD Treats (Kids need guilty pleasures too.)

Admit it. You've had plenty of on-screen love affairs. Do share!

(Photo: Touchtone Television)

Cure for Irrational Fear: Home Security System

By Jackie Burns Sympatico/MSN Shopping Contributor

I recently spent the better part of an evening bonding with a new friend over how terrified we both were to sleep alone in our homes. (I live in a secure condo, which makes my phobia even more perverse.) I’m so used to people making fun of my “issue” that it was such a welcome relief to finally meet someone else who also calls in babysitters/overnight guests while their husband is out of town. I was tempted to ask her to become my blood sister when she revealed she showers with the bathroom door locked and her cell phone at hand in case somebody breaks in. Oh sure, it would be easy to blame my irrational fear on my weakness for shows like Criminal Minds and CSI where the psycho murderer always catches the victim off guard while they are sleeping soundly in their beds. If I’m honest with myself though, my boogeyman fear started long before I started watching crime dramas. I just haven’t outgrown it like most people do at, oh, I don’t know, age 9. After our evening-long therapy session, my blood sister and I decided that we would both feel much safer if we bit the bullet, admitted defeat and had alarm systems installed in our homes. Since our issue seems to be centered around being caught off guard, we came to the conclusion that having a loud noise tip us off immediately to an intruder would allow us to finally feel safe while we’re solo. While there are several different options in security systems that can protect a larger home or business, I'm looking for a very basic system since I'm only concerned about the front door. The Intermatic door alarm with programmable keypad which mounts on the door or window is a low-budget basic model that sells for $24.98. The Home Guardian wireless security system for $99.99 also peaked my interest because the automatic dialer calls up to six emergency numbers with a pre-recorded message. If that doesn't make me sleep with both eyes closed, nothing will!

Do you have a basic home security system that you recommend?

In Search of the Perfect (Sale-Priced) Summer Bikini

By Jackie Burns Sympatico/MSN Shopping Contributor

I've been searching in vain for the perfect bikini for years. I leave the store convinced that I have finally found it, and then I get home and decide it's not 'The One' after all. My friends (and my mother) have been very obliging when it comes to taking these unwanted barely-worn suits off my hands. There have been tankinis, halter tops, low riders, skirted bottoms, boy bottoms, black ones, patterned ones, definitely enough inventory to supply a beach-front bikini hut. This winter before I headed down south, I took drastic measures and dropped an embarrassingly large sum of money at a high-end undergarment shop where they promise to outfit you in only the perfect suits for your body type. I was feeling fairly confident until I realized one afternoon at the resort's swimming pool that my top was fitted in such a way that I was practically pulling a Janet Jackson for all to see. (The only saving grace was that I was in the Adult's Only section.) As I continue my quest to meet my swimming suit soul mate (hopefully by summer beach season), I've decided going forward to only buy sale-priced suits since my family needs to eat. While searching for your perfect summer '09 bikini, consider first this very important question: What's your celebrity bikini style?

Are We Being Punk'd With Boyfriend Jeans?

By Jackie Burns Sympatico/MSN Shopping Contributor

Every once in a while a celebrity launches a bizarre fashion trend that I swear is just a social experiment to see if any lost puppies will lap it up. I get the same feeling when I see famous designers' plain white T-shirts being sold for $250 when they look exactly like something we could pick up at Old Navy. It's like they are just seeing how gullible people really are and then having a good 'ol belly laugh when they take the bait. Case in point with Katie Holmes who began parading around in those ripped oversized men's jeans during rehearsals for her Broadway show last year. She looked absolutely ridiculous and possibly a little homeless, but in that instant a flame was ignited and the term "Boyfriend Jeans" was coined. The wildfire began to spread throughout Hollywood (Reese Witherspoon, Lindsay Lohan and Rachel Bilson have all since sported their own versions) and it's now officially a bonafide fashion trend for 2009. It seems that it's all about wearing loose, slouchy jeans with cuffs rolled up at the bottom. I don't know about you, but if actresses with smokin' bodies look like tools in Boyfriend Jeans, it doesn't look good for the rest of us. Personally, I think we should all stick with the styles that are most flattering to our respective body types. It will get us further than following a trend that may have been concocted in a Scientology lab as part of a test-run to take over the world.

Boyfriend jeans: Thumbs up or down?

Hop on the Butterfly Bandwagon

By Jackie Burns Sympatico/MSN Shopping Contributor

When I heard recently that butterflies were uber hot for summer '09, I have to say I got a little sentimental. In my first year of university back in (cough) 1995, I owned the hottest little butterfly shirt as part of my expansive 'bar top' collection. It was by far my favourite, and got paraded out regularly as I set out on my freshman quest to hit all of Toronto's sweatiest nightclubs. Stylist Joan Petraglia says the return of the butterfly motif is part of the whole Bohemian, hippy-chic look that's continuing to take the summer fashion scene by storm. She says cute floral t-shirts are also rolled into this look. While it's fun to shop ahead for summer, we should be mindful that it's been known to snow on the May long weekend so don't perform the complete closet overhaul just yet. Here are Lisa Charleyboy's top five spring transition options.

All-Natural Beauty: Rocky Mountain Soap Company

By Jackie Burns Sympatico/MSN Shopping Contributor

I've noticed Rocky Mountain Soap Company pop up in conversation a few times lately as the movement towards all-natural beauty products gains momentum. The company has a reputation as being one of the best and the fact that they are Canadian is an added bonus. Karina Birch, the 33-year-old co-founder of the Canmore, Alberta-based company was also recently interviewed in Fashion magazine, where she talked about only using guilt-free ingredients in her products which means absolutely no parabens, sulfates or synthetic fragrances. While the green industry has exploded in recent years, Birch began walking the walk 12 years ago when she and co-founder Cam Baty first starting making their own handmade soap. They've now branched out to offer any beauty product you can imagine, including lip butter, baby soap, bath soaps, scrubs and washes as well as all-natural perfume.

What's been your experience with all-natural beauty products?

Discounts on Chaise Lounges, Armless Chairs

By Jackie Burns Sympatico/MSN Shopping Contributor

I've lived in my condo for more than two years and still haven't been able to figure out what to do with a big empty space in part of the living/dining room area. For the past few months I've conveniently placed my son's Little Tykes kitchen there but he's growing tired of it, so I know the empty space will be back again soon. What I really need is for Nate Berkus to swing by for a few hours, but since that's unlikely, my very modest interior decorating skills will have to suffice. I'm debating between a chaise lounge or two comfy armless chairs, but since I don't see myself lounging around for another twenty years, I'm leaning towards the latter. While peeking around at some options, I discovered there are some fantastic sales on furniture right now, including chaise lounges and armless chairs. There's a variety of colours and patterns as well as classic and modern styles. You'll find some stylish design ideas from Jeffrey Bayne's TV-Inspired Interiors article as well as some great ways to save money in the Interior Updates on a Budget gallery.

My Slow Conversion to Gladiator Sandals

By Jackie Burns Sympatico/MSN Shopping Contributor

A couple of years ago I had a very heated conversation with my friend in the size 9 shoe aisle of Winners where I declared: "I will NEVER wear gladiator sandals!" and instructed her to slap me if I ever so much as picked up a pair ever again. I'd never had such an adverse reaction to a shoe style before, even fluorescent Crocs never had me that riled up. And then slowly, over time, my blood began to boil a little less when I found myself in their presence. It may have been the fact that I devoured two seasons of Rome that helped to turn the tide. Then while on vacation in Mexico over the winter, I was officially forced to eat my words when I saw just how HOT (permission granted to slap me) a woman in our party looked when she paired the gladiator sandals with a ruffled turquoise mini dress. While I've grudgingly come to appreciate their contribution to the world of shoe fashion, I am still too stubborn to sport a pair myself. I'll leave that up to the throngs of other women who will be invading the sidewalks in their gladiators this summer. When I spoke to Anne Smith, L.L. Bean's Product Line Manager for Footwear about summer sandal trends, she told me that while gladiators have been around for years, they are just now beginning to hit the mass market because every brand imaginable is carrying them.

Gladiators: Love or hate them?

Mother's Day Jewelry 20% Off with Free Shipping

By Jackie Burns Sympatico/MSN Shopping Contributor

While most moms would be happy just to spend some quality time with their children on Mother's Day, a piece of beautiful jewelry certainly wouldn't be frowned upon either! If you are planning on wowing your mom with something sparkly come May 10, then you will definitely want to take note of this great deal being offered by Ice.com for Shopping Cart Confidential readers. When you follow this link, you will get 20% off all regular priced jewelry as well as free shipping when you place your order before 12 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6. I recently interviewed David Mamane, CEO of MyJewelryBox.com, about what's hot this season in jewelry so it might be wise to do your homework first to ensure old mom is sporting a piece that's fashion forward! I've also put together some creative gift ideas for stay-at-home moms as well as busy career moms or you can visit the Mother's Day Shop for even more inspiration. 

P.S. Francois Villeneuve has compiled a list of gifts to avoid for Mother's Day to help steer you clear of disaster. You can also read about some of the worst gifts that our mom readers have ever received. (Kathie's garbage can is my favourite so far.)