Happy New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR from US!

Wishing you the best for the New Year!!

Be safe and Have Fun!

Enjoy!

Ladies, Mr. Paul Walker!

Paul Walker poses for GQ - January 2010!!!! He is just sooooo cute!! Geezzzz! Yes...the Paul Walker from movies like Fast & Furious and February's crime caper Takers, co-starring Star Trek's Zoë Saldana. Not bad for 36! Cute!!

A few more vintage furniture pieces..

From Smash Furniture store in Toronto

He's Just Not that Into You

Got a couch? A juicy bowl of popcorn?

Good!

The recent relationship bible of a movie is coming on TV tonight on HBO 8pm if you are in the Toronto area.

Friends and lovers try to navigate their way through the complexities of modern relationships, sometimes misconstruing the true intentions of the opposite sex. Based on the book by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo.

Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Connelly, Kevin Connolly, and many more.

Antiques Anyone?

This weekend was lax but fun! I was at my store at 1207 Bloor St, when my better half K stopped by. We decided to take a well deserved furniture shopping spree. We headed down to visit Smash, one of Toronto's best source of quality salvage materials, vintage fixtures and more. Cool antiques were filled throughout. It was like walking into a time capsule!

Anyhow, as we left we discovered Cornerstone next door. They had tons of furniture pieces that caught our attention quickly. We sat, visualized, and took some pics. Cornerstone offers a wide variety of eclectic home furniture pieces. They literally travel around the world to find these unique vintage inspired pieces. Check out the website Cornerstonefurniture.ca or visit them at 2886 Dundas St West. Definitely going back:)









*We only took pictures of the items in their basement...aghhh!

Cool interior decorating idea..

What a creative way to start a conversation. The pictures can be of any theme.. but I believe the colour scheme is more important to keep it consistent. Black/grey/white frames work best.

How to properly wrap a gift..

Christmas is here once again, although giving is better than receiving..giving in a stylish way can't be beat! Check out how to make your gifts stand out with step by step process.


Instructions

Step
1
To wrap a gift, first gather your materials and lay them out on a clean, flat work surface. Remember to remove the price tag from the gift before wrapping it.

Step
2
Place the box containing the gift along the length of wrapping paper and unroll enough paper to wrap it around the box, leaving at least a 2-inch overlap. Make sure there is enough wrapping paper at each end of the box to cover the ends completely when folded over them.

Step
3

Use a pencil to mark where this overlap ends and cut the wrapping paper in a straight line at this point. Fold the paper or use a yardstick to guide you in cutting a straight line.

Step
4
Eyeball the wrapping paper at the ends of the box. Trim away any extra paper so that the remaining flaps are long enough to cover the box but short enough to fold over smoothly into flaps.

Step
5

Open the paper you've just cut and lay the box in the center of the unprinted side, top down.

Step
6

Bring one lengthwise edge of the wrapping paper to the center of the box and secure it with tape. Turn the opposite edge of the paper under approximately 1 inch and bring this to the center of the box as well so that it overlaps the first edge, and tape it down.

Step
7

Position the gift box so that one short end is facing you. Grasp the left and right edges of the wrapping paper and push the sides in so that top and bottom flaps are formed. Make sure the edges are pushed in as far as they will go without ripping the paper. Tape the edges to the box.

Step
8
Bring the upper flap down against the side of the box, making sure the flap is sharply creased at its folds. Tape the flap to the box.

Step
9

Bring the lower flap up against the side of the box. Crease and secure it as you did the upper flap.

Step
10
Repeat for the opposite end of the box.

Step
11
Position the package so the seamless side is facing down.

Step
12
Wrap a long piece of ribbon around the gift box lengthwise, then twist the ribbon at the lengthwise seam to wrap it around the box width-wise.

Step
13
Turn the box over so that the seamless side is facing up and tie the ribbon into a bow on top of the present where the ribbons cross.

Step
14
If you have a card, slide it under the ribbon and secure it with tape on the underside. If you have a gift tag, use the loose ends of the ribbon to secure the gift tag (if it has a hole in it), or adhere it directly to the gift (if it has adhesive on it.)

Pretty neat!

Flappers, Vamps and Sweet Young Things at 69 Vintage‏

Tomorrow Never Knows Vintage is hosting a one-stop Christmas Pop-Up party on Dec 18th, for all your Flapper Fancies!!!

TMK Vintage is launching at the brand new 69 Vintage Collective location at 1207 Bloor St. West!! 69 Vintage Collective is an innovative new collaborative Vintage shopping experience housing seven different labels, design studios and the NEW 69 Vintage! Tomorrow Never Knows is a brand new high end Vintage Clothing Collection by Eva Bowering. TNK Vintage & 69 Vintage are hosting a ZEIGFELD GIRLS themed party, just in time for the holidays. It will be a night of fringe, sequins, and feather boas so come dressed to the nines!

There will be AMAZING 20's tunes, drinks, treats, and then special gifts for the first 15-20 guests who arrive.

There will also be a draw for a $100.00 gift certificate to put towards Tomorrow Never Knows vintage, and a follies theme door prize to be won!

Tomorrow Never Knows will also be raising donations for The Uniform Project/Akanksha's School Project!

Horseback riding anyone?

Creditview Stables
7734 Creditview Road, Brampton, ON, L6Y0G5

Take this winter break to be adventurous! Brush up or learn some riding skills. There are a number of programs ranging from introductory courses to preparation for show rings. All riders eight years and older can take part. Don’t worry about cold weather, the indoor arena accommodates year-round riding and training.

Eating Fruit!!!

My bestest Auntie in the world sent me this email. It is long but very informative and I decided to let you all in on the importance of EATING FRUIT!!



We all think eating fruits means just buying fruits and just popping it into our mouths. It's not as easy as you think. It's important to know how and when to eat.

What is the correct way of eating fruits?

FRUITS SHOULD BE EATEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH.

If you eat fruit like that, it will play a major role to detoxify your system, supplying you with a great deal of energy for weight loss and other life activities.

FRUIT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FOOD. Let's say you eat two slices of bread and then a slice of fruit. The slice of fruit is ready to go straight through the stomach into the intestines, but it is prevented from doing so.

In the meantime the whole meal rots and ferments and turns to acid. The minute the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach and digestive juices, the entire mass of food begins to spoil.....

So please eat your fruits on an empty stomach or before your meals! You have heard people complaining - every time I eat watermelon I burp, when I eat during my stomach bloats up, when I eat a banana I feel like running to the toilet etc - actually all this will not arise if you eat the fruit on an empty stomach. The fruit mixes with the putrefying other food and produces gas and hence you will bloat!

Graying hair, balding , nervous outburst, and dark circles under the eyes all these will NOT happen if you take fruits on an empty stomach.

There is no such thing as some fruits, like orange and lemon are acidic, because all fruits become alkaline in our body, according to Dr. Herbert Shelton who did research on this matter. If you have mastered the correct way of eating fruits, you have the Secret of beauty, longevity, health, energy, happiness and normal weight.

When you need to drink fruit juice - drink only fresh fruit juice, NOT from the cans. Don't even drink juice that has been heated up. Don't eat cooked fruits because you don't get the nutrients at all. You only get to taste. Cooking destroys all the vitamins.

But eating a whole fruit is better than drinking the juice. If you should drink the juice, drink it mouthful by mouthful slowly, because you must let it mix with your saliva before swallowing it. You can go on a 3-day fruit fast to cleanse your body. Just eat fruits and drink fruit juice throughout the 3 days and you will be surprised when your friends tell you how radiant you look!

KIWI: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E & fiber. Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.

APPLE: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoids which enhances the activity of vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.

STRAWBERRY: Protective Fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits & protect the body from cancer-causing, blood vessel-clogging free radicals.

ORANGE : Sweetest medicine. Taking 2-4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessens the risk of colon cancer.

WATERMELON: Coolest thirst quencher.. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which helps boost our immune system. They are also a key source of lycopene - the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients found in watermelon are vitamin C & Potassium.

GUAVA & PAPAYA: Top awards for vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber, which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene; this is good for your eyes.

Drinking Cold water after a meal = Cancer! Can you believe this?? For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food . It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

Zoe Saldana

Killing it in a silver Roland Mouret dress. Zoe is currently promoting soon to be blockbuster 'Avatar'. The dress looks great, she looks a little slimmer than usual though.

Time to go ice skating!

Lucky for us in Toronto, there is Nathan Phillips Square.

Since the snow is here, Christmas is around the corner, time to get in the hot cocoa spirit.

Head over to 100 Queen Street West at Bay Street, on the south side of Nathan Phillips Square.

This rink has no fences and is always accessible. So if you've got your own skates, you're in business! Skaters come at night to skate by the light of the hotel windows.

The following are supervised pleasure skating times:

Sunday-Saturday
9:00am - 10:00pm

Think about it..

I'm not sure if you do, but I find myself thinking about a million things a day. A good portion about my future. Am I going in the right direction? Am I choosing the right person? Is there something I should know right now that could put me on a completely different course?

Today, my inspiration comes from a quote from recently released movie 'Precious'..

'The longest journey begins with a single step'

In order for you to get where you want to go you have to move in that direction. All the rest will work itself out.

Enjoy your day.

Feng Shui

* Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other...


* Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.


* Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much.


* In disagreements, fight fairly.. No name calling.


* Don't judge people by their relatives.


* Talk slowly but think quickly.


* Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.


* When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

The Nutcracker is here!!

Is it me or when you think of the Nutcracker you think of Christmas..

Experience the charm of the classic Russian Nutcracker as Tchaikovsky’s melodies take the audience to the land of snow and sweets. The aerial and spirited dancing is supported by enchanting tapestry with custom made costumes and set designs adorning the stage.

John Bassett Theatre
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
255 Front Street West

Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 13 at 2:00 p.m.

Toronto Designer Trunk Show and Toy Drive

Featuring 10 of the most talented designers in Toronto! Come out and support your community and be sure to bring a new toy with you!

ALL the toys goes to Anduhyaud Inc. Native Womens Shelter. Anduhyun provides emergency shelter services and counselling to Aboriginal women and children for 24 hours a day, 365 days.


Hosted by
The 1999 Shop
536 Queen St West
@ Bathurst St in Toronto

email: info@designertrunkshow.org
Phone: 647 346 1985

When: Saturday December 12 and 19th
Time: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Admission: FREE

KATE HUDSON for Harper’s Bazaar January 2010

Must admit...I really like these pictures of Kate Hudson in the January 2010 issue of Harper's Bazaar.





Below, Kate is best dressed and definitely glowing in this white Atelier Versace strapless gown. Lovely!

Red Velvet Cake

If you have ever had the pleasure of trying this cake, you know what I am about to say is the truth! Depending on the receipe you can usually find a mouthful of joy in each bite. From the rich cake texture to the yummy cream cheese icing. It's the guilty pleasure of champions!

Enjoy your weekend! Let them eat cake!

And for those of you that love a challenge, try the recipe:

2 1/2 cups (250 grams) sifted cake flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons (15 grams) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated white sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
2 tablespoons liquid red food coloring
1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
1 teaspoon baking soda

Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 1/2 (360 ml) cups heavy whipping cream
1 - 8 ounce (227 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
1 - 8 ounce (227 grams) tub of Mascarpone cheese, room temperature
3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup (115 grams) confectioners' (icing or powdered) sugar, sifted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Butter two - 9 inch (23 cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms of the pans with parchment paper. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl sift together the flour, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.

In bowl of your electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, beat the butter until soft (about 1-2 minutes). Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the vanilla extract and beat until combined.

In a measuring cup whisk the buttermilk with the red food coloring. With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk, in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour.

In a small cup combine the vinegar and baking soda. Allow the mixture to fizz and then quickly fold into the cake batter.

Working quickly, divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and smooth the tops with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 - 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean. Cool the cakes in their pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Place a wire rack on top of the cake pan and invert, lifting off the pan. Once the cakes have completely cooled, wrap in plastic and place the cake layers in the freezer for at least an hour. (This is done to make filling and frosting the cakes easier.)

Cream Cheese Frosting: In your food processor, or with a hand mixer, process the cream cheese and mascarpone cheese until smooth. Add the vanilla and confectioners sugar and process until smooth. Transfer this mixture to a large mixing bowl.

Then, in the bowl of your electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, whip the cream until stiff peaks form. With a large spatula, gently but quickly fold a little of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to lighten it. Then fold in the remaining whipped cream, in two stages. If the frosting is not thick enough to spread, cover and place in the refrigerator for an hour, or until it is firm enough to spread.

Assemble: With a serrated knife, cut each cake layer in half, horizontally. You will now have four cake layers. Place one of the cake layers, top of the cake facing down, onto your serving platter.

Spread the cake layer with a layer of frosting. Place another layer of cake on top of the frosting and continue to frost and stack the cake layers. Frost the top and sides of the cake. Can garnish the cake with sweetened or unsweetened coconut

Makes one - 9 inch (23 cm) four layer cake.

Cavalcade of Lights

The festival opened up not with a whimper, but a bang on November 28, 2009 at 7 p.m. with the official tree lighting, fireworks and free live musical performances. The musicians included Steven Page, Matt Dusk, Keshia Chante and Fritz Helder & the Phantoms.

Live concerts, fireworks and skating parties continue every Saturday night throughout December.

December 5, 2009: A performance by Jully Black with a Soul/Funk skating party by DJ Jun

December 12, 2009: A performance by State of Shock with a skating party by Promise DJs spinning popular dance music.

December 19, 2009: A performance by Faber Drive with an alternative music skating party by DJ Misty Rock n' Roll.

The Cavalcade of Lights festival is spread across the city, illuminating neighbourhoods for the holiday season. Make sure you get a chance to check it out!

A hug is a perfect fit --one size fits all, and nobody minds if you exchange it.

- Ivern Ball

Friends...

Treat your friends as you do your picture, and place them in their best light.
- Jennie Jerome Churchill

Nothing is ever lost by courtesy. It is the cheapest of pleasures, cost nothing, and conveys much. It pleases him who gives and receives and thus, like mercy, is twice blessed.
_ Erastus Wiman

Engagement Ring Trends....

Goin' to the chapel and we're
Gonna get married
Goin' to the chapel and we're
Gonna get married
Gee, I really love you and we're
Gonna get married
Goin' to the chapel of love....

Below are the Five Engagement Ring Trends by Knot.com. I don't really think too much about these things but I might just...wink, wink!

Trellis Bands


Swirled Bands

Split Shanks

Nontraditional Designs

Geometric Shapes

Where else would you shop for Engagement Rings?? Let us know!

Promise to Repeat GRAND OPENING!

This is very exciting to report.

Recently opened vintage store Promise to Repeat has opened a storefront location at:

Please join her on December 1st for the Grand Opening!!

1207 Bloor St W. (upper level), Toronto

Come check out all the great accessories and one of a kind pieces that you won't find anywhere else.

Promise to Repeat has been the vision of Boutique owner Tanya Chevannes since 2008. There has been lots of success and buzz about this local fashionista. From involvement with fashion shows, magazines to media coverage. Tanya's love of fashion is evident in the unique pieces always on display at her website www.promisetorepeat.com

Just For Laughs....

Check out this romantic comedy originally written by Hungarian Miklos Lszlo. Set in Budapest, two clerks at a perfume shop find each other unbearable, however, at night they unwittingly exchange romantic letters as seemingly anonymous penpals. This story is widely adored and has been adapted into numerous movies, including You've Got Mail.

Now playing at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill Street, Building 49, Toronto, ON, M5A3C4

Fri., November 27, 7:30 PM

Sat., November 28, 7:30 PM

The next time you are praying, try just being thankful for what you have without wanting more.

- Anonymous

Makes you appreciate all that is within your life that you take for granted. We are very fortunate. Be appreciative of others. Something to think about as you continue your day.

Be There...

Experience The Power of Women: A Day Every Woman Deserves To Celebrate!

Serena Williams - Worlds #1 Ranked Women's Tennis Player

Campbell Brown - Emmy Award Winning Journalist,CNN Anchor & Former Co-Host NBC’s TODAY Weekend Edition

Tina Brown - Former Editor Vanity Fair and the New Yorker, Best-Selling Author “The Diana Chronicles”

Lisa Daily - Best-Selling Author & Relationship Expert

Loren Slocum - Founder & CEO of Lobella International, Author of “Life Tuneups” on Meeting the Challenge of Work/Life Balance

Teresa Tapp - Creator of T-Tapp Workout and Author of “Fit and Fabulous in 15 Minutes” on Health & Wellness in the Workplace

The internationally acclaimed Power of Women event will take place in Toronto on Monday November 30th, 2009. The event will take place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from 9:00AM to 5:00PM.

Tickets can be purchased on behalf of colleagues, clients and personal guests on a first-come, first-served basis! See these dynamic speakers in person!

For more info visit ilovewhatwomenwant.blogspot.com

Jully Black

She's an immensley talented artist, and she's Canadian! Back again with her newest offering The Black Book. Her first single off the album called 'Running' is a very catchy , great treadmill song and challenging vocally. Jully is great to see in concert, not to mention hilarious.

Check out a shot from behind the scenes at a recent photo shoot. Love those accessories!

Haydain Neale

The lead singer of popular Canadian band Jacksoul, Haydain Neale passed away November 22. Lung Cancer. He was 39 years old. He leaves behind his wife Michaela and child. I remember hearing a few years back about a car accident he was in. It took him awhile to recover. He had been living privately with the cancer for over 6 months. So young.

He was just about to release his new album, Soulmate, co-produced by Neale and Ron Lopata, will be released by Sony Music Canada on Dec. 1.

Proceeds from sales will go to the Haydain Neale Family Trust.

Susan Hanover Jewelry Designer - Sex In The City 2

Jewelry Designer Susan Hanover is HAVING A SALE! Start building your wardrobe for the Sex in the City 2 release with this selection of gunmetal bracelets, chain necklaces and stone earrings. Sarah Jessica Parker is already a fan. Hanover’s signature wire bracelets and bangles are available in delicate metals adorned with quartz and jade stones.


Jewelry Sale ends 11/23 NOON EST! Get yours NOW!

Walk tall

On the fashion show circuit, models worth their salt know their walk is their livelihood. It's a lot harder than it looks. Some of the greatest models have a weak walk. Some lose it like Naomi, Cindy, or Linda. Here is a child protege catwalking..

Are you a Player HaterHer?

I consider this a light read but the topic is still relevant. Some women feel threatened by other women's successes. Other characteristics that often describe these women: self absorbed, attention seeking, entitled. The book discusses various situations women find themselves in work and social environments. The book is written partially by Tamara 'Taj' Johnson-George. The name might jog your memory to late 90's r&b sensation SWV. You can find this book selling on www.amazon.com

Be There....

Bloor Street Entertains is an exclusive and elegant evening in support of Canadian-led discoveries in HIV/AIDS research. Held at the Royal Ontario Museum, this award-winning party promises a night of magic with an incredibly diverse and well-heeled guest list, vintage glamour, exceptional entertainment and the very best in silent auction offerings.

The party kicks off on Wednesday November 25th at 9pm. Enjoy the Dufflet Dessert Lounge and host bar until 1 a.m. for only $100 a ticket.

For more information or to buy tickets, visit http://www.bloorstreetentertains.com/

Sunrise

Today on my way to work I got to experience the beautiful sunrise while listening to 'Empire State of Mind'. I feel like it was my very own pep talk in music. It brightened my day and now has given me the much needed fuel to ensure a great day. I hope you all are inspired and rejuvenated today and always.

10 Best Cities to Meet Men

...Is this true?!?

So, they say the best 10 cities to meet men are the following:

1. Washington, D.C.

2. Chicago

3. New York

4. Charlotte, North Carolina

5. Orlando, Florida

6. Manchester, Connecticut

7. Detroit (are they sure? Going to have to ask my cousin on this one)

8. Oakland/Bay Area

9. New Orleans

and last but not least....

10. Los Angeles

Wow! Toronto did not even fit the bill! YIKES! I guess I should start packing!

via Essence

What in the World...

...is going on in Berlin???

Just thought I would add a little chuckle to your day!

WOW!!!

Courtesy

Fashion...and relationships

There was once a reality show called 'Glam God'. The premise was to produce a Stylist - extraordinare. One of their challenges involved couples and fashion and how they should look cohesive. There are only a few couples I see that really embrace the 'dressing together' part of their relationship. My question is, can you still maintain your own style and be able to blend it with your partner without diluting your edge?

See Mariah Carey & Nick Cannon:

See Kanye West & Amber Rose:

Family Portrait Weekend

I thought this was pretty cool. What a great reminder. Boy do I remember getting all dolled up for these photos. To be honest, didn't always love the experience but I do cherish looking back at old outfits, at a simpler time...before bills, mortgage, and full time job!

The Family Portrait Weekend at the Royal Ontario Musuem (ROM) allows families to participate in photography activities, led by professional photographers from Sony. An emphasis is placed on portrait photography using digital SLR cameras. This event is included in the cost of admission to the ROM.

Sat., November 14, From: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Sun., November 15, From: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Price: Adults: $28, Student/Senior: $19, Kids 4-14: $15, Kids 3 and under: Free

100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON, M5S2C6

Outliers: The Story of Success

I found this book so fascinating..if you ever wondered why some people excel and others dont, this is a great read.

Malcolm Gladwell poses a more provocative question in Outliers: why do some people succeed, living remarkably productive and impactful lives, while so many more never reach their potential? Challenging our cherished belief of the "self-made man," he makes the democratic assertion that superstars don't arise out of nowhere, propelled by genius and talent: "they are invariably the beneficiaries of hidden advantages and extraordinary opportunities and cultural legacies that allow them to learn and work hard and make sense of the world in ways others cannot." Examining the lives of outliers from Mozart to Bill Gates, he builds a convincing case for how successful people rise on a tide of advantages, "some deserved, some not, some earned, some just plain lucky."Outliers can be enjoyed for its bits of trivia, like why most pro hockey players were born in January, how many hours of practice it takes to master a skill, why the descendents of Jewish immigrant garment workers became the most powerful lawyers in New York, how a pilots' culture impacts their crash record, how a centuries-old culture of rice farming helps Asian kids master math. But there's more to it than that. Throughout all of these examples--and in more that delve into the social benefits of lighter skin color, and the reasons for school achievement gaps--Gladwell invites conversations about the complex ways privilege manifests in our culture. He leaves us pondering the gifts of our own history, and how the world could benefit if more of our kids were granted the opportunities to fulfill their remarkable potential.