Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Spring Primping... Feeling Lux For Less
Put Your Best Foot Forward
Before you decide to put on any piece of footwear that may expose your post winter feet you may want to think again. If you’re like many people you probably haven’t treated your feet to a pedicure in a long while. After all we do live in Canada and there’s not much chance that anyone’s going to catch a glimpse of your tootsies during the winter months. But with the long awaited arrival of spring you may want to treat your neglected tippy toes for a much needed pedicure. If you’re a do it yourself kind of gal, you can pick up the Lavender Bubbly Foot Collection at home pedi kit from Yyves Rocher for $22 (www.yvesrocher.ca), or you could book an appointment at Lucy Nail (3065 Dundas St.) where a pedicure and manicure combo will cost you only $25.
Your Epidermis is Showing
Shedding your dry winter skin is easy! But sometimes natural skin exfoliation needs assistance. If you have dry skin, dead skin accumulates quickly creating a dull appearance, and if you’re a victim of oily skin the skin has difficulty exfoliating or sloughing off the dead skin cells, due to the sticky nature of oil. Moisturizing often is definitely a good way to get your skin silky but most of us forget the most important step to skin rejuvenation. Exfoliating is a great way to give your skin a dewy glow, and if done regularly it can actually increase the skin's capacity to absorb moisture. The Body Shop’s Satsuma body scrub ($20.00) will leave your skin feeling, looking, and smelling amazing. Sephora’s in house brand also offers their own line of body scrubs at an affordable $12 to $16 and comes in a variety of delightful scents.
Get Glowing
New alternative ways of getting a sun kissed glow are much better for your skin than the real thing. It’s not quite beach season, but if you’re eager to get bronze, a self tanning cream is your best and safest bet. The world of self tanning lotions has come a long way and consumers no longer have to worry about turning a shade of orange and getting unsightly streaks. L’Oreal Sublime tanning lotion, offers a gradual tanning cream, and it leaves your skin smelling like the beach! (Shoppers Drug Mart, 15.99)
Use Protection
You hear about it all the time. Wear SPF, no matter what. Many of us have SPF in out facial moisturizers, but often the amount offered is not enough. Getting a good SPF is the most important thing you can do for your skin hands down. Look for a non greasy formula that has lasting power, with an SPF 30 or higher. Ombrelle offers a great line of sun protection products specifically for the body and face, which shields you against harmful UVA AND UVB rays. It’s available at Wal-Mart, Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharma Plus, and Loblaws.
Monday, February 02, 2009
All That Glisters is Not Gold…
Tanning season is just around the corner ladies and gentlemen, after a winter that felt more like an ice age, everybody’s coming out of hibernation and getting ready to soak up every last drop of the sun!
Here are a few pointers to not only get that body glittering in gold and bronze shades, but also how to maintain and enjoy the fruit of your labor for so much longer.
First and foremost don’t waste precious time tanning skin that will only flake off in a few days or weeks. Exfoliate before every single tanning session; get rid of all those dead skin cells, and remove any impurities to allow your skin to breathe. There are great shower gels, and beauty bars out there with exfoliating micro beads to get rid of that dead skin, and prepare your body to capture the essence of the sun. A great one is Dove Pro-age bar, it prevents signs of aging skin, contains moisturizers, as well as those great micro beads. It’s an all-in-one wonder! Your skin is a canvas, and the sun is the artist!
Now skeptics listen up this is for you, always invest in a good tanning lotion, they are not scams. These potions are specially formulated to capture those precious rays, and protect your skin at the same time. There is an incredible variety; some even have added bronzer, to get an instant “tan” while you build up your real one! So explore your options, and don’t settle. Also, remember to always keep track of how long you’ve been in the sun, the number one thing you want to avoid is burning; it’s tremendous damage to the skin! It speeds up aging, giving you wrinkles and diminishes your tan prematurely; you need to wait to heal before you can tan again, and once you have healed the tanning process needs to start over again.
A great tip to achieve a tan quicker is to keep active, get blood moving in your body. It is best to enjoy physical activities before a tanning session, as the increased blood flow promotes the production of melanin a lot faster.
Ok so the only time you can say ‘never’! NEVER forget to moisturize it’s the key to making that beautiful golden tan last. Dry skin is flaking skin, and the flaking is coming from all of that hard work you put into that gorgeous golden body. A rich moisturizer will not only soothe the skin after a tanning session, but also restore whatever moisture that escaped throughout the day. This area has got some great options to choose from. Since you’re already moisturizing why not get a lotion that also treats cellulite, tightening skin and helping restore any damage from the past, or one with self tanner in it that gives a very subtle and gradual tint as the days pass. Building your tan and your tan at the same time!
So sun-worshippers go and make the transition from ice age to golden age!
A NEW ERA
Right now in fashion anything goes.
Say bye bye to typical trends
From New York to Milan the collections seen on the runways for spring/summer 2009 have been influenced by headlines of the looming economy, but economy crisis or not, the shows went on. From New York to Milan designers such as; Chanel, Roberto Cavalli, Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen and many others have all produced real-life notions, including fresh takes on dressed-up war time colours and designers ,going for plain and sophistication,. Here are the season's top trends
AWhite Page
Chanel won't let the fashion spirit be dampened by anything as unchic as a credit crunch
At Paris fashion week no major new trends born or big statements made, just proof of how wearable and varied the Chanel woman can be. Chanel has gone back to the basic and practicality of dressing. Cashmere twin sets, gorgeous pleated white blouses with black ribbons at the empire line and delicious chiffon tops that were finely embroidered .It was happy sophistication, the image Chanel created was a clear any grey mood.
AT WAR
There is no right or wrong when it comes to fashion.
Marc Jacobs is a prime example of that .At New York fashion week Marc Jacobs choose to bring back lesson in American history with- feminist and social influence in his collection. That would be due to his creative use of lavishing colours embellished touches , which included bustles, ruffled suffragette skirts, pant suits, Dust Bowl-era floral appliqués , plaid blouses and accessorized flattened Twenties straw boaters, Rosie the Riveter-style do-rags, bold gold jewellery and very fanciful shoes and purses.
Nude
It's nakedness but is sure is powerful
Designer Roberto Cavalli has a clever knack of tempting women to look sexy and chic; he helps women too celebrate their female power over men. Mini dresses with stiff corsets that looked as if they were hand-painted with baroque illustrations, and bustles at the back. One featured a peacock print and was followed by a line-up of more fluid chiffon dresses that hung from single halter strands in neon prints of green and yellow, pink and turquoise or black and white.
UN-Natural
Everyone has a little animal in them
Alexander McQueen's spring/summer 2009 collection was influenced by the animal kingdom. Alligator skin corset belts that freed silk robes to burst forth into bloomer pants and fluid silk uppers and an occasional flash of zebra print , but more references were even more beautiful such as; fine silk tassels looped around the body in degrades of black to grey and pink. His creations were simply beautiful and unique.
Clothing says a lot about an individual. Fashion is a way to describe your self in ways that words can’t. Providing a professional and appropriate look is key in the workplace, but others seem to disagree. Whether it’s because they want to dress to impress, or mix inappropriate fashion with work attire.
Fit the Part
Try to look your best; you want to make a lasting impression. Wear an appropriate skirt, blouse, jacket, and dress shoes. Your hair should be neat and out of your face. Keep makeup simple and
use neutral colors. Dress for success.
Your nails should always be clean. Nails shouldn't be extremely long, polished in a neutral color is appropriate.
Sandals are never appropriate, wear closed-toe shoes. Stick with a conservative style. Women should not wear super high heels to work, wear a small heel or simple shoe. Keep your shoes in good condition.
Wearing large earrings or thick chains are overwhelming. Be simple.
There is nothing wrong with being fashionable, or showing your sense of style. This depends on where you work and whom you work with. Keep your style balanced. Don’t wear too much and don’t be too boring. Looking good will make you feel good, it will show that you are dedicated to your job.
The Final Cut
If you dress unacceptable you wont be take seriously for your job, no matter how skilled a person may be.Work is a place to represent your company and there ideas, not your own perspective. Be certain that your clothing choices properly reflect the event or location you are about to attend. If you require a lot of communication in your job you must look professional, or else you won’t be taken as professional.
Cover up tattoos and body jewelry. Wearing low cut shirts and short skirts are very inappropriate. This will cause inappropriate attention, and maybe even lead to sexual harassment. Don’t make yourself look available; others will assume that you do not take your responsibilities seriously.
Dressing too sexual or looking too casual in a business setting is inappropriate. Either choices show that an individual is not showing consideration for the company grooming standards. Take care of your appearance, feeling and looking clean is essential.
Dress Professional When You Have To
Keep in mind, you don't have to give up your sexy attire altogether--you can save your style for the evenings, weekends and holidays. You'll be glad to expressing yourself at the right time rather than at work where your coworkers may take offense. If you are unsure of what is inappropriate for work find out by reading the employer's dress code, or observe other employees.
URBAN REMOVAL -- How to leave the city behind without leaving the 416 – or spending a cent.
Fly Away
Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat
Here, more than 100 different varieties of plants support indigenous butterflies throughout their entire life cycle. Be sure to pay a visit to the Home Garden Sanctuary and learn how to transform your own garden into a personal butterfly habitat. And why not share a few butterfly kisses while you’re at it?
Located at Lakeshore Boulevard and Park Lawn Road, Etobicoke.
Love Song
Toronto Music Garden
A new addition to the downtown cultural scene, the Music Garden is a waterfront park inspired by Bach’s Suite No. 1, a classical cello piece. The six movements of the piece have been represented by twisting paths, flowering meadows, and strategically-placed trees and boulders. Explore the Garden and spend some quality time with a talented musician, even if he’s been dead for a couple hundred years.
Located at Queen’s Quay Boulevard West, between Bathurst and Spadina.
Cloud Nine
Cloud Gardens
Boasting a greenhouse and a man-made waterfall, Toronto’s Cloud Gardens is the perfect place to escape the city without ever leaving the downtown core. Beware of the ever-romantic under-the-waterfall kiss though – chlorine wreaks havoc on hairdos.
Located at Richmond Street West, between Bay and Yonge.
Good Morning Sunshine
Woodbine Beach
Known as one of the city’s most popular warm-weather destinations, Woodbine Beach has it all – sand, sun, and sexy beach bods. It’s easy to spend a day here, slathered in Dior Snow Ultra-Protective Base SPF 50, of course. Sand and stilettos don’t mix, so try taking a stroll down the renowned boardwalk instead.
Located at Lakeshore Boulevard East and Woodbine Avenue.
Get Fresh
Rosetta McClain Gardens
This beautiful retreat lies within Scarborough’s Bluffers Park. Follow the stone paths and lose yourself amongst the herbs, perennials, and roses – not to mention the birds, butterflies, and breathtaking views of Lake Ontario. Rosetta McClain Gardens also happens to be a hotspot for weddings – champagne, anyone?
Located at Kingston Road and Glen Everest Road, Scarborough.
One can still live in this urban jungle and feel renewed!
It is every woman’s desire to be a well-rounded super-hero to all; whilst taking each step with style and grace. Spring is the perfect time for fresh beginnings; so here’s your crib sheet to get you started.
Enviroment must be in check.
With a thorough cleaning of our abodes we can then dive into the fun stuff. Organizing the closet! Yes-it does sound daunting, but it’s all about perspective, darlings. This can be an exciting time to re-discover the hidden gems and forgotten pieces of long past. Look at each item with new, fresh and creative eyes. What can be re-worked or worn differently? If there is simply no foreseeable hope-have a clothing swap with friends. Schedule the spring cleaning together for that extra boost-at a time when there is no end in sight and you’re knee deep in clothes. When all is picked over and your combined imaginations are at a halt, chip in for a rental truck and load the bags of clothes off to a women’s shelter. Not only will you and your homettes feel lighter-you’ll also feel brighter for donating to those less fortunate.
Glamorous-NO, Reality-YES!
So now that you’ve scrubbed your abode and your environment is in check with your perfectly organized and fresh closets-let’s keep it that way. Dust mites are everywhere-but we can help rid them with this simple to make concoction. Grab a spray bottle and add 1 cup of vodka-perhaps left over from your sex and the city inspired, cosmo-making days; and simply add 20-30 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Spray bedding, pillows, upholstery and carpets several times weekly-and voila, peace of mind!
Spring forward with a new attitude!
It’s all about the breath. Whether you’ve jumped on the yoga/meditation band wagon or not-there is nothing more refreshing than some calming breathing exercises to alter your perspective. This is best practiced in an already calm state, so that when it is actually required, it won’t seem like an overwhelming new task. Alternate nostril breathing can be looked up for further benefits and examples, but here is a brief description:
Close the right nostril with your right thumb and inhale through the left nostril. Do this to the count of four seconds. Immediately close the left nostril with your right ring finger and little finger, and at the same time remove your thumb from the right nostril, and exhale through this nostril. Do this to the count of eight seconds. This completes a half round.
Inhale through the right nostril to the count of four seconds. Close the right nostril with your right thumb and exhale through the left nostril to the count of eight seconds. This completes one full round. Start by doing three rounds, adding one per week until you are doing seven rounds.
It may seem daunting, but once you have it down-it is so worth it!
One can still live in this urban jungle and feel renewed!
It is every woman’s desire to be a well-rounded super-hero to all; whilst taking each step with style and grace. Spring is the perfect time for fresh beginnings; so here’s your crib sheet to get you started.
Enviroment must be in check.
With a thorough cleaning of our abodes we can then dive into the fun stuff. Organizing the closet! Yes-it does sound daunting, but it’s all about perspective, darlings. This can be an exciting time to re-discover the hidden gems and forgotten pieces of long past. Look at each item with new, fresh and creative eyes. What can be re-worked or worn differently? If there is simply no foreseeable hope-have a clothing swap with friends. Schedule the spring cleaning together for that extra boost-at a time when there is no end in sight and you’re knee deep in clothes. When all is picked over and your combined imaginations are at a halt, chip in for a rental truck and load the bags of clothes off to a women’s shelter. Not only will you and your homettes feel lighter-you’ll also feel brighter for donating to those less fortunate.
Glamorous-NO, Reality-YES!
So now that you’ve scrubbed your abode and your environment is in check with your perfectly organized and fresh closets-let’s keep it that way. Dust mites are everywhere-but we can help rid them with this simple to make concoction. Grab a spray bottle and add 1 cup of vodka-perhaps left over from your sex and the city inspired, cosmo-making days; and simply add 20-30 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Spray bedding, pillows, upholstery and carpets several times weekly-and voila, peace of mind!
Spring forward with a new attitude!
It’s all about the breath. Whether you’ve jumped on the yoga/meditation band wagon or not-there is nothing more refreshing than some calming breathing exercises to alter your perspective. This is best practiced in an already calm state, so that when it is actually required, it won’t seem like an overwhelming new task. Alternate nostril breathing can be looked up for further benefits and examples, but here is a brief description:
Close the right nostril with your right thumb and inhale through the left nostril. Do this to the count of four seconds. Immediately close the left nostril with your right ring finger and little finger, and at the same time remove your thumb from the right nostril, and exhale through this nostril. Do this to the count of eight seconds. This completes a half round.
Inhale through the right nostril to the count of four seconds. Close the right nostril with your right thumb and exhale through the left nostril to the count of eight seconds. This completes one full round. Start by doing three rounds, adding one per week until you are doing seven rounds.
It may seem daunting, but once you have it down-it is so worth it!
Reel 'em in but keep it Real
You stole their hearts, now sustain their passion.
So you’ve cried for weeks, ate all the food in sight, partied your sorrows away and now your finally over your ex. But now what? Those break up tips only get you so far. Here are 5 tips women should never forget when entering the dating scene.
1. Independent Maintenance
I had a friend who let her boyfriend tell her how to style her hair, what clothes to wear, and what time to be home. She cancelled her gym membership, quit her job, and stopped hanging out with her girlfriends just so she could spend as much time with her boyfriend as possible. Most women are starving to receive something from a man that they need to give to themselves. True power is the control you have over yourself. Remember you chose to be with him; you don’t need to be with him. Don’t ever stop living your life.
2. Je Ne Sais Quoi
Predictability= Boredom. Remember a little mystery never hurt anyone. There is a big difference between honesty and disclosure. Remember the term “word vomit.” First dates can be nerve racking, but think before you speak. He doesn’t need to know you spent seven hours shopping for your outfit, or that you’ve been waiting by the phone all day for his call. He also doesn’t need to hear about how much weight you plan on loosing before summer, or how hard you took your last break up. Quality men are attracted by less, not more. The less they know about you the more room there is for his imagination to run free.
3. Passion is a Virtue
The easiest way to lose something is to want it so bad. If you love playing tennis but he doesn’t, who cares? Keep doing what you do because you want to do it. When he sees he isn’t number one on your priority list, this will excite him to work his way to the top. Men appreciate passion and like seeing other people appreciate that too.
4. Place high value on yourself
Accept compliments and appreciate yourself! If he says you’re pretty, don’t say, “Oh you’re crazy. No I’m not!” Women who look good, feel good, and know it turn men on. Relate this to fashion. Girls who feel the need to show every inch of skin leave nothing to the imagination. This can be seen as a way to over compensate for things they are lacking. The candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long. Remember, everyone likes surprises and unwrapping gifts. The only thing on your dinner plate should be food, not your chest that’s hanging out.
5. Tick Tock
Longing is good. Men would rather miss something then be sick of it. So the three-minute messages on his voicemail, or spending every night at his place are both big dating no-nos. When a little boy is given a toy on his birthday, he plays with it for 5 days and then the hype is over. On the other hand, he’ll cherish a toy he has saved all his allowance to purchase. Make him work for it and he’ll appreciate it more. If he doesn’t succeed the first time he will keep trying until he gets it. No one respects a freebie!
Sunday, February 01, 2009
“My Spring-dom for a Horse!”
Shows on the boob tube are winding down. After a season of mindless channel surfing, it is time to break that feeling of un-accomplishment. What can you do that will get you out of the house, sharpen your mind and give you an excuse to get dressed up? The answer is simple. Go to the theatre. For all theatre virgins here is a list of the why’s, where’s and how’s of theatre.
Why…
Theatre provides a sense of realism that can’t be matched by today’s television shows or movies. If you don’t believe it, then try it out. A night out gives you a chance to dress up, meet interesting people and broaden your own horizons.
Where…
Great work is being produced on our door step. Toronto is home to a dynamic theatre district. This spring Toronto will be home to a bundle of pleasurable works. Some must sees include the Mirvish production of a Broadway success ‘Spring Awakening’, Soulpepper’s production of ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’ and CanStage’s production of the 2005 Pulitzer Prize wining ‘Doubt, A Parable’. If you happen to be feeling more adventurous a road trip to the Shaw festival or the Stratford Festival may be more to your liking. A fantastic season for Stratford kicks off in April with the widely popular ‘West Side Story’, followed by Shakespeare’s gripping ‘Scottish Play’ of greed and betrayal. If you’re feeling more romantic then head out towards Niagara region and catch Noel Coward’s ‘Brief Encounters’ at Shaw Festival.
How…
The common concern for most people is a financial one. Going to see a show can be quite expensive. The best kept secret of the theatre world is how to get cheaper tickets. The best place to find discounted adult tickets is at TO TIX. Hidden at Young and Dundas Square this petite one stop box office offers discounted tickets for local shows, both Stratford and Shaw festivals and Medieval Times. There are three other ways to find cheap tickets. First, being a student or under the age of 30 has its benefits. The Canadian Opera Company, Stratford Festival, Shaw Festival and Soulpepper Theatre Company all provide a set rate for patrons under 30. The second way to score great seats at a low price is to show up at the box office to get some ‘Rush tickets’. Rush tickets are tickets the theatre sells at half price one hour prior to curtain. A similar service that Mirvish Productions offer is a lottery. When you show up an hour early on the day of, your name is put into a lottery. If your name is drawn you have the opportunity to see the show at half price. Finally, the last sure way to get cheap tickets is to wait until Sunday. Most alternative theatres in Toronto participate in a Pay-What-You-Can performance. Sunday performances and Monday evening for CanStage, require a simple donation of any amount over ten dollars. If any of these tactics interest you check them out online.
Even Cowgirls Get the Blues: Tomorrows denim trends inspired by yesterdays fashion

My Boyfriend’s Back
The boyfriend jean tends to be loose through the leg and a rolled cuff at the bottom making it look like your really wearing your boyfriend’s clothes. This is a trend that started last year and to some just looked wrong. Celebrities such as Katie Holmes were seen wearing these jeans and made them seem like a don’t right from the start. But it was other A-Listers such as Rachel Bilson, Reese Witherspoon and Lindsey Lohan that pulled the look of just right and made it a comeback for 2009. Keep the look feminine by pairing your denim with a fitted top and cute flats in order to pull this look off successfully.
I’m All Torn Up

Back in the day of greasy hair and heavy metal, ripped denim was a staple back of the 80’s and 90’s but hadn’t really resurfaced until last year when it reappeared on the runways of spring and summer collections and bared assets of such supermodels as Kate Moss and Giesel Bundchen. It is now returning in 2009’s spring/summer collection, making it trendy to look like your jeans just came out of a paper shredder. The look, whether it is created by you or created by a designer in which you paid large sums of money for, is meant to be revealing unlike in the past when it was meant to look like you didn’t care about your appearance. So it’s time to get out your scissors or your credit card and get ripped.
Breakfast in My Skinnys
For all you Audrey Hepburn fans you can breath a sigh of relief because skinny jeans a


This rich, lightly scented cream rejuvenates skin with natural shea butter and beeswax, moisturizing skin from head to toe.

Is your skin in need for some buttering up? This intense moisturizer will butter up your skin to its very softest side. Bees is packed with plant-derived emollients cocoa butter and macadamia nut oil to provide intense moisture. A tasty treat for your thirst hungry skin.

Dermalogica Super Rich Repair
This moisturizing heavyweight combats chronically dry skin, quenching even the driest dermas. This super-concentrated cream sooths, hydrates, and replenishes, while protecting against extreme cold and dry environmental conditions. Bonus: contains no artificial fragrance or colour!
For the Love of Basics
Create stability with your basic shoe collection while renewing this spring/summer
Choosing the right style for every season can be difficult, but really why shy away from the basics. There are many bonuses for having numerous blacks and whites in your closet, for one you can wear them season after season. It is more likely the garment will wear out before the style changes enough that you will have to purchase new basics to keep up with the trends. The basics are still very simple, but each has a bit of a tweak to them all. Here is your guide to the newest of the new basics for spring/summer 2009 and will bring you well into fall/winter 2009, brought to you by Moschino.
Up Me Pumps!
The classic black pump is back, bigger than ever.
We all know and love this basic for our wardrobe and some of us may not be able to live without it. Good for all seasons, the black pump is getting a boost of height, just to make it more fabulous. Pair this beauty with an evening dress for a patio party or even a white sundress for a lunch date. Really, anything will suit this classy work of art.
With Bowes and all
Even though this look is borderline cute, it is still very sophisticated and classic with a trickle of pizzazz. These pumps are exactly the kind of shoe you would wear out with friends or even at a business meeting. You must be warned, as long as these are on your feet prepare to not get the attention; theses shoes show strength, femininity, and beauty.
Slithering into Flats
Almost like a snake bite, with a little more fashion sense. Gladiator style sandals have been revamped and are still in for 2009 fashion, with a sn(e)akey twist. This incredibly elegant yet edgy shoe will help you to stay fun throughout any occasion in the spring/summer days. You can wear it for a trip to the mall, to the beach or even with a simple black cocktail dress.
Just Singin’ in the Shoe
What a wonderful feeling it is to slide your feet into spring. You can do just that with these Umbrella inspired sandals. Even though they are not ideal for all year wear, you can tuck them away for your long awaited winter getaway. Enjoy the simplicity of this flip flop will allow you to keep taking them out every spring/summer as well. Moschino has once again done an extraordinary variation of your usual flip flop.