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New Year’s Resolution – Eat Healthy

Saturday, January 9th, 2010

heatlth

Each year many of us, make the resolution to eat healthier so we can live a longer, more energetic and less physically problematic life but it can be a struggle to break bad habits. To get some tips on how to win this battle we’ve turned to two experts - Rivi from Rivi’s Guilt Free Cookies and Dr. Stephanie, Chiropractor and Acupuncturist. Read their advice on how to turn your snack habit into a positive experience for your body.

Advice from Rivi
When it comes to snacking, the common weak point in any woman’s day, there are a lot of facts that can help you improve your habits. When you’re looking for a snack, choose the one that will satisfy your taste buds. Snacking must be a delicious experience otherwise you will continue to search for alternatives. At the same time though, one should keep in mind that by cutting down on the FAT in snacking you will reduce your calorie intake. One gram of fat equals nine calories, while one gram of protein or carbohydrates only equals four calories! So, in summation, keep the fat for your protein, your snack can do without the added fat!

Advice from Dr. Stephanie
You should have 2 good snacks through the day. As we keep adding food to our bodies, our highly intelligent system reads this as : Yay! Food a-plenty! Burn off excess energy stores! When we don’t eat – the body shackles down as if all the crops and rivers have dried up, basically holds onto fat like you would not believe.   It is pretty much impossible to starve yourself and lose fat simultaneously. We want to avoid at all costs becoming the skinny-fat body type. Snacks should also be sufficient enough to hold us over till our next meal. This is the fabulous part. For moderately active women, this should run somewhere in the 200-300 calorie range.

When you are budget concious and you need a healthy cheap, not to mention quick, snack – peanut butter is your best bet.  They are high in good fats that are heart healthy, make your skin, hair and nails look gorge, and are rich in niacin, folate, magnesium, and vitamin E. Pair with a fruit like green apple (the best snack imo), or with some honey on a slice of whole grain or kamut toast.

New Year’s Resolution – Reinvent Yourself

Friday, January 8th, 2010

christieressel

With the New Year comes new beginnings, fresh starts, and a new you! For those of you looking to step it up a notch with your style, here are three things that will help you shine for years to come:

1. Learn what colours compliment you: Whether you have a professional colour analysis done with a style coach like myself, or try and find out on your own, knowing what colours compliment your skin tone is vital for chic style! Hold different shades and variations of colours up to your face. Colours that compliment you will brighten your eyes and teeth, smooth out your skin colouring, give you a healthy glow, and actually lift the look of your face! You’ll have an instant, “wow” factor. These colours can not only be used for clothing, but will also give you knowledge of your best makeup and hair colouring too – a huge time and money saver!

2. Own your body type: Enough of comparing ourselves to models and celebrities in the magazines (who are airbrushed anyway) – it’s time to love ourselves! Own your body type and style it in a way that compliments it (you can always have a style coach help you if you need it). You’ll look and feel fabulous! Most women say they look 10lbs lighter when I show them how to dress for their body, which will not only affect the way you carry yourself, but will have a ripple effect in all other areas of your life as well. Ask yourself what letter your body looks like, i.e. A, V, H, X, O, and then find garments that look the same way to compliment you.

3.Let who you are shine: Everyone has their own signature style – a combination of their personality, body type, lifestyle and fashions. Do what works for you! Although trends are fabulous, remember: fashion is a business (and a big one at that). Not all the trends will work for you, and you may not like them all anyway. Start simple with altering your style and take classic pieces that you can dress up with fun accessories, i.e. scarves, bold necklaces, cocktail rings, chic pumps or colourful flats. Take an afternoon and mix and match pieces in your wardrobe that you wouldn’t normally put together to create stylish new outfits. Again, an image consultant like myself can always help you if you need extra help. Shopping without the price tag!

The bottom line: work what you have with confidence, flair, fun and optimism – the rest will follow!

Content provided by Christie Ressel, Image Consultant and style coach – Personal Power Image Consulting™©
personalpowerimage.com, @ChristieRessel, facebook.com/PersonalPowerImageConsulting

New Year’s Resolution – Get Active

Sunday, January 3rd, 2010

fitness-post-bannerThe New Year is here and now is the time to begin our New Year’s Resolutions. If getting in shape was the chosen resolution this year we have come up with a few ideas to get your body moving!

For ladies with a busy schedule, it is important to make fitness fun by trying new things. Resolve to do the research to find fitness options that are out of the box, daring and exciting so that you keep coming back for the fun of it while letting your fitness goals be a side benefit. We thought we would help with a little research of our own to get you thinking outside the box. Why not give one of these a try…

Latin Dancing with the Travelling Teacher
People always tell their partner they would love to learn how to dance but they never get around to it. Now is the time to do it because the Travelling Teacher, Jessica, has two Latin dance classes for beginners starting Tuesday January 12th and Friday February 19th in the Beaches. If you’re flying solo they also have a new Dance based fitness class that’s drop-in on Mondays at 7:30pm for only $10 a class. Classes are held at Fitness Works for Women and MSC Fitness in East Toronto. Find out more at www.travellingteacher.com.

Pole Dancing with Aradia Fitness
Grab a pole and start dancing! Pole dancing classes with Aradia Fitness in Eglinton get you feeling fit and sexy. All Aradia Classes include a warm up, sensual floor work designed to build strength and flexibility and pole work broken down into easy to follow steps. A little nervous? Try a teaser classes on Today or Wednesday for just $15 by mentioning CRAVE to save $10. Find out more here.

Sexy Bootcamp with Diva Girl Fitness
Get ready to work it, diva style! In this one-hour jam-packed class, you will conduct various cardio & conditioning exercises to help you get back into shape. You will work on drills and combos to help you tone your sweet spots: abs, legs and butt, and do lots of cardio for a full body workout. You will also fuse dance and aerobics, to make the class fun and sexy, in this bootcamp styled class. Classes are held at Fitness One in downtown Toronto starting January 20th. Book today at www.divagirlfitness.com.

Rock n’ Relax at Iyashi Bedrock Spa

Saturday, January 2nd, 2010

iyashi-headerAfter a busy holiday season it’s time to move away from rock n’ roll and try rock n’ relax. The first of its kind in North America, Toronto’s Iyashi Bedrock Spa offers the latest form of relaxation spa treatments, Ganbanyoku (rock bathing), using black silica stones imported from Japan.

Originating from Thailand, Ganbanyoku – or rock bathing – uses a special stone to heat your body from the inside out. These black silica stones are unique in that they naturally release far infrared rays and negative ions to help the body perspire and “detoxify”.

The benefits of Ganbanyoku are plentiful, including improved metabolism and weight control, beautification/anti-aging, sickness prevention, detoxification and holistic effects to your health. It relieves stress and leaves the entire body warm and relaxed.

Spa treatments are 60 or 90 minutes long and are pure bliss. The spa also holds yoga classes three times a week for those looking for a more active meditation.

Visit the Spa in Uptown Toronto at 2662 Yonge Street (upstairs).
iyashibedrockspa.com | 416-488-ROCK (7625)

Olive Oil – A Hidden Treasure

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

olive

Wine, chocolates and cookies again? An original hostess gift can be a challenge to find so why not bring something special to the party like a high grade bottle of olive oil. This underestimated culinary accoutrement is tasty, versatile and, best of all, good for you! We got the details on olive oils from a local expert, Doleres Smith from Olivar.

Do the oils taste very different?
Yes, you can really taste and savour the extraordinary flavours of exceptional oils. Complex oils have a degree of bitterness and pepper to match the intensity of fruit flavours. Use a smooth and silky, exceptional extra virgin olive oil to give any food a delicate or bold burst of flavor – quickly and simply.

Can I use any oil with anything?
Just like with wines, different olive oil flavour profiles pair exceptionally with certain foods. An excellent pairing gives you “wow” experiences instead of the ordinary or worse! From smooth to bold to fruity, there is an olive oil for every meal.

What are the health benefits?
Olive oil has been extensively studied for its effect on human health, including reducing the risk of heart diseases and some types of cancer; helping to maintain a low blood pressure and to alleviate arthritis; and helping to improve the appearance and texture of our skin.

Which oil do you recommend for the perfect hostess gift?
For the perfect hostess gift bring along a bottle of Olivar’s Dauro olive oil. Its clean and delicate, yet complex flavours, add nuance to delicate foods allowing individual flavours to shine, leading you to new exquisite discoveries. Bring a loaf of your favourite fresh bread and use it as a dip with a little cracked black pepper and sea salt!

Find Olivar oils at gourmet food retailers including Alex Farm products on Bayview, The Inspired Cook in Leslieville and Thin Blue Line Cheese in Roncesvalles.

Dresses Galore – What Will You Wear to the Christmas Parties?

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009

fashiocrimes

With more hours spent at Christmas parties than in the office, what is a girl to do to even out her wardrobe for the never-ending festivities? We took a visit to designer Pam Chorley’s Fashion Crimes on Queen St West to get some style tips and to help us prepare for our parties!

With endless options at Fashion Crimes we got a few suggestions from the experts…

FC--dresses

The Jezebel Bustier and Claw Sequin Pencil (shown left) This coordinating combo offers the ultimate in sophisticated fit with fun textiles. It is easy to accessorize and can be paired with other garments providing you with numerous styles for numerous parties.

The Lace Bib-Mini (middle) Vintage inspired lace can be worn anytime! Pair with backseamed hose or leggings; glamorous jet-necklaces or a cute cardi.

The Grapevine Brocaide Hepburn (shown right) The supportive fabric allows for this dress to be a staple in your wardrobe. The colours photograph beautifully and the dress is easily transferable from day to night. 

FC--dresses-2

The Claw Sequin Tied Up (shown left) A must for the holiday parties this year, the festive sequins change colour depending on the direction they are facing – molded by you! The style features a high waisted pencil skirt, while the bodice of the dress offers extra support from the “tied-up” detail in the back.

The Cakeslice Jezebel Wiggle (shown right) A classic fitted cut that will flatter a femme figure and embrace a pin-up style. The modern fabric makes for one of Pam Chorley’s signature pieces.

Plan your visit to Fashion Crimes and get ready for the Holidays!
322 Queen St West
fashioncrimes.ca  

Gift Guide: Check Out Pistachio for Eco-friendly Stocking Stuffers.

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

PistachioWith a never-ending shopping list, a little help from a reliable shop can get you through the holidays. If you are shopping for eco-passionate family and friends we highly recommend visiting Pistachio in Eglinton or Yorkdale. Pistachio is about creating, using, and reusing things intelligently, about wasting less, and about putting good things into and onto our bodies.

If you’re playing Santa this year and stuffing the stockings - here are a few suggestions to keep them smiling on Christmas morning for less than $10 each!

For the Best Friend:
DIRT “Best Friend” Soy Tea Light
John Masters Travel Body Milk and Body Wash
Deep Steep Lavender Chamomile Moisture Stick
Eco Tools Bamboo Bathing Puff
Matchstick Garden – Mixed Herbs

For the Boyfriend/Husband:
TAZA Chocolate Mexicano Disc in Chili
Owl Recycled Leather Bookmark in cocoa
Seracon Mini Plant-a-Tree kit
Eco-Tools Loofah Back Brush

For the Little One:
Toy Maker of Lunenburg Wooden yo-yo
Aladine Mini Wooden Rubber Stamps and Non-toxic Ink Pads
Semaki and Bird Recycled Mini Farm Animal Note Pads
Mary’s Softdough – Scented Natural Play Dough
Crank Mouse Flashlight
Hammonds Cherry All-Natural Twirl Pop

Rocketfuel Coffee: Interview with Lisa

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

Rocketfuel-bannerCoffee companies are everywhere today but few go to extreme measures to ensure quality and add a personal touch to the packaging to really stand out in the crowd. Rocketfuel Coffee owner, Lisa Rotenburg, is a true coffee lover, with a passion for freshly brewed, delicious, rich tasting coffee. She just happens to be a pretty great artist too and her original paintings give a special twist to each package of beans. Claiming not to be a rocket scientist, Lisa  just loves the finest coffees money can buy, knows where to get it fresh roasted, packages it beautifully and sends it to you without delay.

How would you describe your business in exactly three adjectives?

Rare, Sensuous and Delicious         

People may be surprised to know…

These coffees are brought to Canada green and roasted here in Toronto before shipping out to you.

What or who inspired you to start your business?

I am an illustrator who was looking for an online business. I love coffee and each coffee features one of my paintings on the label. A cool pairing of interests!

What is your indulgence?

Single Malt Scotch and Cuban cigars.

Keep Your Skin Fresh All Winter

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

Pure-and-Simple-bannerThe weather is getting colder and your skin is getting dryer. With winter knocking on our door what is a girl to do to keep that fresh, dewy complextion all season long? We’ve got the answer from Kristen Ma, skin expert and owner of  Pure + Simple.

What daily regime do we need to add during the winter to keep our skin looking fresh and healthy?

Well, it is always important to maintain balance in our skin with  a good cleanser, toner and moisturizer.  But in the winter it is difficult to keep up the hydration in our skin.  I would recommend switching to a milk cleanser (even if you have oily skin), as this will prevent stripping our skin as well as even put more moisture into our skin while cleansing.  I also recommend switching to a heavy cream or using an oil over top of a lotion.  Oil is important as it creates a protective barrier against water-loss and damage to our skin caused by the harsh elements.  Lastly, I would increase exfoliation in dry and cold weather to keep the skin clear of a build up of dry, dead skin cells.  If this layer is not exfoliated it can also act as a barrier which impedes absorption of moisture.

What is your favourite winter moisturizer?

I love the Pure + Simple Sunflower Cream.  It is extremely nourishing without being too greasy.  Sunflower cream also has high amounts of vitamin e making it the perfect skin salve for winter time.

Aside from taking care of our skin on the outside, do you have any tips on things to do internally to keep our skin healthy?

It is so important to eat foods which are also moist, warm and nourishing.  While many of us try to simply drink more water when we feel dry or dehydrated, eating foods rich in water is an effective way to easily absorb and retain water in our bodies.  Also, I would consider getting a humidifier.  This helps so much with moisture but also can aid sensitivity, eczema and rosacea as inflammation is usually triggered by excess dryness.