We live in a wonderfully weird country where the snow falls in the morning, the sun blazes in the afternoon, and the wind howls in the evening. One day it could be -28 degrees outside and then the next it will feel like a balmy autumn afternoon.
There are no other words to describe it: the weather in Canada is frustrating, annoying, and just plain crazy.
The challenge becomes this: how to dress for your workday when the temperature can change at the drop of a hat. The solution, dear readers, is layers.
Coats, Jackets, and Cardigans
The key to layers is putting together an ensemble that is warm and professional at the same time. A long-sleeved cardigan paired with a sleeveless printed shirt is the ultimate winter professional look. You can also try a long-sleeved shirt or turtleneck with a blazer — both cover your arms and it makes it easy to shed a layer if the heat in your office is blazing.
If it’s going to be a very cold day, you can always put a jacket over top of the cardigan, over top of a sleeveless shirt. This look can get a bit complex for the inexperienced, but I promise the outcome will be worth it. Keep the layers light so that if you are taking public transportation you don’t sweat through your clothing. One layer is sleeveless, the second is a light cardigan, and the last layer can be a something a little thicker like wool or cotton.
Gap Canada, $69.95
Le Chateau, $139.95
The knit sweater
Knit sweaters used to be something you hid in the back of your closet, but now it’s time to bring them out. Pairing a colourful sweater with a pair of dress pants and a white blouse as an under layer — collar showing above the neckline — can be a professional and transformative look. If it starts to get warm out, just remove the sweater and reveal the business-ready you!
Another option is to wear a tank top under a knit sweater with a pencil skirt and leggings.
H&M, $59,99
flashesofstyle.blogspot.com
Wrap a scarf around it
Sometimes, all it takes to stay warm is a good scarf around your neck. A thicker wool scarf can be paired nicely with both a winter jacket and a light sweater or cardigan in the office. Or change it up and wear a lighter scarf with a thicker sweater. The best part about scarves is that there is something for every outfit — whether you like silk, shine, matte, fringe, wool, patterns, or knit-wear, a scarf will always be there for you. They are the easiest of the layered accessories.
Artizan Fashion, $19.99
Le Chateau, $89.95
If all else fails, remember that it’s okay to bring an extra pair of shoes to leave at the office. No one wants to walk in 15 inches of snow with heels, or spend the entire day in waterproof boots that make their feet sweat. It’s okay to leave one “layer” at work while sporting the other on the road.
Do you have a favourite layered look? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Toronto’s city council approved the 2016 budget Wednesday with little debate or discussion.
The 2016 operating budget of $10.1 billion and the $21 billion 10-year capital budget includes a number of plans for transit, alleviation of traffic congestion, public safety, poverty reduction, and child care subsidies, among other things.
It is rare that council only takes one day to discuss and debate a budget in session — two days were scheduled for this item, with a possibility of a third.
Council addressed the issue of property and residential taxes before approving the budget itself, two items that are usually adopted together as a package. Deputy city manager, Giuliana Carbone, said the 2016 budget was a challenge. City staff had to balance instruction about keeping spending low while committing to a number of long-term capital projects.
“Those are not compatible,” he said.
Taxes are always a controversial topic — certain city councillors felt like the suggested overall tax increase of 0.88 per cent was too low, while others recommended the city not increase taxes at all. Instead, they suggested, the city should consider other forms of revenue.
Council eventually adopted the original recommendation, which included the following:
Property tax increase: 1.3 per cent
Non-residential tax increase: o.43 per cent
Overall tax increase: o.88 per cent
An additional 0.6 per cent was also added on for the development of the Scarborough subway and 0.78 per cent for residential properties, bringing the total tax increase to 2.69 per cent. The tax increase is well below the rate of inflation, and remains the lowest residential property taxes in the GTHA.
The budget greatly depends on municipal land transfer taxes. The city is making an assumption that the tax will not be reduced or softened — essentially that it will hold constant. If the municipal land transfer tax wavers, Toronto could be left with a large hole in the budget going forward.
“At this point, we are able to expand the service level in 2016. Going forward, unless we have an increase in land transfer tax, that clearly becomes unsustainable” said Peter Wallace, city manager for Toronto, to council Wednesday afternoon.
The budget itself includes $8 million geared towards poverty reduction, $5.5 million to support the Mayor’s Task Force on Community Housing, and funds to help with improved streetcar reliability, Sunday morning subway service, and the hiring of additional seasonal inspectors of municipal construction to alleviate traffic disruption. It also includes $1.25 million for child-care subsidies, which was not in the original recommendations.
Toronto city budget presentation
At the end of the day, council didn’t really consider changing or altering the budget, which is why it only took a day to pass. Important projects like the Yonge Relief Line, SmartTrack, and the revitalization of Toronto Community Housing are not being funded this year, despite the city’s insistence of their priority status. The budget is a very political process, and the mayor couldn’t be seen supporting a tax increase that was higher then inflation, despite the blatantly obvious positive effects it would have, because a) the status of the City’s labour negotiations and b) it’s not popular for re-election.
Council’s decision to not match tax increases to inflation will, ultimately, come back to haunt them. If taxes don’t match up to the rate of inflation, there will always be debt. In fact, the gap will continue to grow. So, Toronto needs to make a decision. It won’t be long until the budget planning process happens all over again. Let’s not make the same mistake next year — as the city manager said, Toronto just can’t afford to.
There’s nothing like the holidays to spend some quality time with your friends and family, get (almost) everything you’ve wanted from your wish list, and put on an extra 5-10 pounds in Christmas cookies. And although you’ve made a New Year’s resolution to lose the excess weight, it is now February and there’s still one more box of Ferro Rocher’s that has to be finished before you really get into your exercise and diet regime.
Let’s face it ladies, you’re in a slump. Even if you do make it on the treadmill at least once a week, that 20 minutes of sweat you produce won’t do anything if you indulge in a ‘’well-deserved’’ snack a few hours later. However, don’t lose hope. With lots of experimentation and a few breathless situations later, I’ve come up with the perfect plan to help you – and me – come out of the winter fatness slump.
Warning: the following tips may lead you to feel a sudden surge of happiness, cause your pants to fit a little better, and encourage you to put down that extra slice of pizza.
Skip the cardio
Cardio can get dull. It doesn’t matter if it’s Pitbull or Beyoncé, sometimes no chart-busting single can seem to get us pumped enough to run for more than 10 minutes on a treadmill. Skip the traditional cardio when you’re feeling less than motivated and spice it up. Fitness classes such as pole dancing, Zumba, or even yoga can give the same benefits (if not more) of cardio without provoking violent thoughts – like attacking that cake in your fridge. Put on an extra pair of tights and head out for a winter hike. Embrace your Canadian identity and take part in the plethora of winter sports that our country has to offer. Whether it’s skating, skiing, tobogganing, or even shovelling snow, changing up your routine allows your body to truly challenge itself. Within a few weeks, the feeling of waking up sore the day after a good workout will be so satisfying, you’ll crave it constantly.
Be Sneaky
Waiting for your food to heat up? That’s 30 seconds of squats. Work on the 3rd floor? Take the stairs. If you sneak in physical activity within your daily life, you won’t feel as pained – except in your increasing health. Small steps such as parking your car in the furthest spot in the lot or getting off the public transit a couple of stops earlier just to take in those few freezing breaths of fresh air along with some much needed steps can help get you in the right direction towards a healthier lifestyle this winter. Although it may be hard, seeing as we haven’t felt the sun on our skin in what feels like a decade, your fitness regime shouldn’t freeze just because the lakes have.
F*ck Stress, Bench Press
Despite what you may have heard, lifting does not make you bulky. In fact, women’s hormones make it impossible to bulk up. That is, without incredible effort, high intensity workout plans and nutritional diets consisting of a lot of protein shakes. Lifting weights two to three times a week will help you lose that muffin top faster than an hour on the elliptical every day. On the plus side, all that lifting, pushing, and pressing that occurs during weight training can take out a lot of stress and anger that builds up from day to day experiences. It will also give your body a sculpted appearance, bring a certain glow to your skin, and give you an excuse to wear tanks tops and dresses all year long – because why not.
Let it go
The end of the holiday season can bring on a lot of unnecessary stress. Getting our finances under control after spoiling our loved ones, and possibly ourselves, with gifts, heading back to the daily office routine, and not to mention the everlasting morning and evening winter — let’s just say it can all take a toll on our mental health. Whether you’re suffering from seasonal affective disorder or are just finding yourself in a slump, one quick fix is to get moving. Break into a sweat, get lost within the confines of your muscle movement, and get in tune with your physical and mental self. Oftentimes, it’s your mind that stops you from accomplishing the things that you want. Find a way to deal with your inner demons and learn to let it go. Whether it’s through talking to a family or friend, leaving town for a quick get away, or writing it down in a diary, learning to deal with stress and seasonal affective disorder can help you out of your slump faster then ever.
Find Your Motivation
Know thyself. If you have a strong reason for exercising, then you will be far more likely to follow through on your commitments. Whether it’s to lose weight, feel more energetic, increase cognitive function, build confidence, sleep better, run faster… know it. The secret to looking and feeling better about yourself isn’t in magazines. It isn’t in Nicki Minaj’s music video, nor is it on Instagram. It’s in your mind. Whether you think you need it or not, exercise is a must for everyone and anyone. Soon enough, spring will be here. Before you know it, you’ll will be forced out of your oversized knit sweaters and into something more fitting. And that’s something you’ll want to be prepared, right? Your summer body starts now.
Good luck!
Have any other suggestions on how to beat the winter slump? Let us know in the comments below!
Are you finding yourself yawning half way through the day? Healthier lunch options may help to alleviate the desire for an afternoon cat nap.
Lunches can be hard, but never fear! Women’s Post has you covered with some healthy options for your lunch. These foods will keep you healthy, restore your energy, and ultimately help you be more productive on the job. According to the Mental Health Foundation, nearly two-thirds of those who do not report daily mental health problems eat fresh fruit each day. Foods that have high levels of trans-fats and additive properties can damage brain function and lower productivity.
Trans-fats weaken the physical structure of the brain, which decreases memory and brain function as well as causes lower levels of physical energy. A study by the Mental Health Foundation concluded that additive properties can be dangerous to the body at work because
“when the brain is ‘flooded’ by an artificial influx of a neurotransmitter (for example, adrenaline triggered by a strong coffee), the brain’s receptors respond by ‘closing down’ until the excess is metabolized away.”
Eating fresh fruits, veggies, and healthy snack options instead of drinking coffee and eating sugary snacks will maintain your energy levels better. If you are enticed to make the change to a healthier lifestyle, here are some tips that can make lunch stress-free.
Advice from a girl guide: always be prepared
Preparing meals in advance saves time during a busy week inundated with meetings and long commutes. Taking an hour on Sunday evening to prepare an assortment of vegetables and fruits make it easier to grab them before heading out the door. Preparing food in advance also helps to use more of the fruits and vegetables that are purchased because they are pre-divided for consumption.
Cutting cucumbers, carrots and peppers, mango, cantaloupe, and other fruits and veggies in advance helps to make them more edible and simple to prep before work. Try preparing a large bowl of salad without adding dressing and then distributing it into containers for the week. Another source of preparation is making smoothies and freezing them, then allotting a daily portion into a reusable container for a snack on the job.
It’s all in the containers
Purchasing containers that have several compartments is a great way to bring fresh foods to work instead of packaged options. Without reliable modes of transportation for our healthy options, spills or rotting can occur. Bento boxes are a great to use for transferring fresh fruits and veggies without spilling it on the streetcar.
Mason jars are also a great type of container to use for fresh foods. The jars are sealed and extremely useful for pre-divided salads, yogurt and granola or cold pastas with a delicious sauce. Plus, they look really nice when placed strategically on your desk.
Homemade goodies vs. packaged goods
Homemade snacks are a healthier option that pre-packaged foods and are even more delicious when fresh. When cutting veggies and fruits for the week, preparing a few easy snacks can help when you get the munchies while at the office. Curried cashews are an easy and delicious option; simply douse the nuts in curry powder. Homemade granola bars are also an easy choice, combining a number of simple ingredients such as oats and bananas and then freezing it for a treat during the week.
Eating a healthy lunch helps restore energy at the workplace, changes eating habits to make better food choices, and alleviates symptoms of depression or exhaustion during the day. Next time you are the grocery, challenge yourself to buy as much fresh food as possible, and don’t forget the jars!
St. Patrick’s Day is the one day a year where drinking is not only acceptable, it is encouraged. As a redhead, it is also the day when I get to celebrate my Irish heritage and freckled past — and the day where everyone thinks “kiss a ginger” t-shirts are entertaining.
As of 11 a.m. Thursday, the bars will be full and the alcohol will be flowing. But, what if you really dislike green beer? Can you still participate in this historic day? Absolutely, and Women’s Post has you covered. Here are a few drink options that will leave you loving green, and maybe even Irish redheads to boot.
By Chase Lindberg
Mint Martini
A great alternative to the traditional beer is to try out a green martini. It is festive and fun as a St. Patty’s day beverage and will make your breath minty fresh if you have a date for the evening. Combine one a half ounces of green crème de menthe and one ounce of white rum with a glass filled three-quarters with ice. Shake well and garnish with mint if desired.
By Marler
Irish Coffee
An Irish coffee is a great way to start off your St. Patty’s morning, but it also serves as an alarm clock if you’ve had a few afternoon drinks and need a jolt. Make a cup of your favourite type of java and add one and a half ounces of Irish whiskey. Add sugar and almond milk if desired. It will be sure to give you a kick in the pants and keep the St. Patty’s party going.
By KittyKaht
Shandy
Is your tummy starting to crave something simpler? Try a shandy! This drink spices up a traditional beer by adding ginger ale. The recipe calls for three-quarters beer combined with one-quarter ginger-ale to give it a bit more bubbly. A Shandy is great with traditional Jamaican ginger ale, which is spicier.
Lime Mojito
It may not be beach weather yet, but you can pretend with a lime mojito! Typically a summer drink, the green mojito brings a festive element to St. Patty’s and can be refreshing if the weather is warm. Fill a glass three-quarters with club soda and ice, and then add one and a half ounces rum. Put in a few mint leaves and half of a cut-up lime with a sprinkle of white sugar for delicious mojito madness.
By Stuart Webster
Irish Redhead
Combining sparkling cranberry juice with an ounce and a half of Jameson’s Irish whiskey makes a delectable and sweet drink to be enjoyed by all. Add ice and garnish with a slice of lime for an extra touch. It is also a great drink to make for an Irish redhead, just a hint.
What is your favourite drink on St. Patty’s? Let us know in the comments below!
So you’re single, huh? Another year, another day of love spent alone. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. There are plenty of things to do on Valentine’s Day, whether you’re with someone or not. We’ve created a list of super easy things you can do to feel the love, even if no one else will feel it with you.
Invest in a body pillow
Without the warmth of a significant other’s body cuddling yours, the night can get rather cold and lonely. You don’t need someone else’s hands to keep yours warm. Invest in a body pillow – they can be found at your local departmental store. The pillow is large enough to let you cuddle it in its entirety, leaving you no chance to miss real love. Your laptop can be used to stream a movie starring your favourite actor. We suggest someone in the likes of Ryan Gosling; a man that will surely never fail to make you warm inside.
Netflix and Chill
If you’re down with the lingo, you know by now that Netflix and Chill means to engage in the act of coitus. As in to have sex. However, with the lack of a person to do the deed with, you may find yourself in a little problem. So, take power and change the meaning of North America’s favourite phrase. You don’t necessarily have to have sex to Netflix and Chill. Grab a bunch of your other single friends and indulge in the beauty that is Magic Mike. Want a good laugh? 50 Shades of Grey is always a good choice! (Sorry, not sorry) Keep it light and avoid usual single go-to’s such as The Notebook. Don’t forget your calories – popcorn and chocolate are a must.
Wait till Monday
The day after Valentine’s might as well be the best day of the year. All those fancy boxed chocolates and love themed items go on sale for at least half the price. The best part of purchasing these yummy goodness is that you don’t even have to share! Better yet? Fill your home with the wilting flowers from your local grocery store. There’s just something extra heartbreaking about dying flowers, right? Dry them out by leaving them in the dark or hanging them upside down. The DIY potpourri will have your house looking colourful and smelling great.
Date Yourself
Love yourself first! Make sure your comfortable getting lost in your old world and being left alone in your thoughts before you get lost in someone else’s. Take the time to get to know yourself. Do what you love to do most without having to worry about pleasing anyone else. Whether that’s indulging in your favourite movie, attempting to perfect your adult colouring book masterpiece, or throwing a dance party – the act of masturdating will never leave you disappointed.
Get cats
Cats may not be able to cook you dinner or get you that bracelet you’ve had your eye on, but they can give you the cuddles and love you’ve been looking for. Studies show that furry friends can alleviate stress and turn your ice cold heart into a warm glob. Not a cat person? Choose from the plethora of other pets that you can domesticate! Dogs, birds, rabbits, a turtle are all excellent options. Pet it, feed it, and watch it sleep. These loved one will never leave the toilet seat up. And to that we say, thank you.
Don’t Be Sorry
Stop feeling sorry for yourself. Being single isn’t the end of the world. In fact, think of all that stress you don’t have to feel by not worrying why he/she hasn’t called you back yet, whether or not they’ll like your gifts, how you’ll pretend to like theirs. Even if you’re ready to be in a relationship or if you haven’t got the time for it in your life right now, what’s important to remember is that your Mr. and Ms. Right will show up at your door step when the time is right – whenever that may be. Till then, keep doing you. Because you are great, my friend.
Let us know if you try anything from our suggestions this weekend. Don’t forget to leave a comment below. Happy Valentine’s Day, ladies!
Suspended 35 ft. in the air could easily be 1000 ft. the way I’m shaking. My heart is beating in my ears, my palms are sweaty, and I’m left wondering why the hell I am rock climbing when I’m terrified of heights.
Georgia Esporlas, an instructor with Joe Rockhead’s, an indoor rock climbing facility in Toronto, shouts up to me from below, “It is time for you to rappel down. You need to take your hands from the wall and sit back.” Every fibre of my being was telling me not to follow those instructions. I understand somewhere underneath the currents of fear overwhelming my brain that my terror is illogical and I’m not going to die. But I still can’t manage to do it. Esporlas informs me that it is necessary. I am already at the top of the wall and I have no other choice.
At the top of 35 ft. wall Photo by Georgia Esporlas.
So, I let go of the wall. Suddenly, this debilitating fear slowly ceases to control me. Deep breathing helps. I close my eyes and sit back to be rappelled back down. After I get to the bottom, all I want to do is go up again. How can this be explained? What is this deep desire to expose myself to my profound fear of heights for a second time?
Joe Rockhead’s Indoor Climbing has been open since June 1992 and is a labyrinth of wicked climbing terrain. The facility is tucked away in Liberty Village in a large factory building with a 32 ft. ceiling. The rock climbing gym is home to a variety of climbers ranging from bouldering enthusiasts to lead climbers.
Bouldering doesn’t use ropes and is lower to the ground, but it can be just as challenging. “When you are bouldering, you have to make sure the rock doesn’t own you,” explains Esporlas. “Make sure you can hold onto it. Don’t climb what you can’t jump off of and try to land flat.”
Even with these tips, my first rock climbing lesson at Joe Rockhead’s reflects how difficult it is to master the variety of routes that instructors change weekly to keep climbers engaged. We move to top-roping, notably the safest form of climbing; I learn how to tie the proper knots and belay safely; and then I begin climbing.
Esporlas helping me learn to boulder. Photo by Paolo Mendoza.
My instructor has been climbing for over 20 years and I recommend her ten times over as an instructor if you venture over to Joe’s for a lesson. She previously competed professionally and has climbed all over the world — her favourite place to climb is in Thailand by the beach. She has skydived 55 times and is a self-noted “adrenaline junkie,” but when I inform her that I am scared of heights, she shockingly responds with “I used to be scared of heights too”.
Esporlas advises to face the fear head-on.
“The more you climb, the more you get comfortable with it. Once you overcome it, the fear just passes through you. It is such a personal journey. It doesn’t matter whether it is climbing or sky diving. It is the heights, it is trust issues within yourself and your partner who is belaying with you.”
Climbing enthusiast Joel Woodhouse agrees. “The first initial reaction I get for being a mountain climber is ‘you are crazy’,” he said. “That comes from people not understanding how it works. People often think it is solo climbing. I’m not climbing to die, I’m climbing to live.”
Woodhouse hails from Calgary, AB. and began climbing in his early 20’s. He previously worked at Crux Climbing Centre in Calgary from 2011 to 2016, and has been dedicated to outdoor climbing for seven years. Woodhouse describes rock-climbing as not just a sport, but a way of life.
The climb hasn’t always been easy. One fated day in 2010, Woodhouse was traditional climbing, a challenging form of climbing where you set the route as you go, and he fell 25 ft.
“I had a big fall and broke my left ankle. I was in a wheelchair for a month and had a couple of surgeries on my foot,” he recalled. “I fell because I did a number of things that created a lot of slack. Initially, I didn’t feel the smash. It was a minute or two later that I felt the pain and reality set in.”
Luckily, Woodhouse was with three other climbers and one of his colleagues built a rope swing so they could carry him out. “Every time the swing jolted, I felt the bone clicking as I moved. It was very painful.”
The accident didn’t make him want to quit though. He was back on the wall in no time, with an air cast still on his foot.
“Climbing didn’t do that to me, I did that because of my lack of experience and arrogance. I felt like it was something I had chosen,” said Woodhouse. “It’s a lifestyle. To not climb after that obstacle would have led to other barriers in my life.”
Joel Woodhouse with Charles Beddoe in 2013 at Whitemans Pond, Alberta.
Interestingly, climbers throughout history have described a similar feeling towards climbing. It appears to be that as much as the people choose the mountain, it chooses you as well.
To a much less heroic extent, my desire to get back on the wall felt strangely like a pull. It was as if there was some part of me that knew I needed to overcome my fear of heights and my fear of letting go. Needless to say, I bought a membership to Joe Rockhead’s and hope to climb outdoors once my fear is lessened.
“It’s a time when you are pushing yourself. Reality drifts away. You come into contact with your soul and it is very empowering,” says Woodhouse. “The fear starts to creep up, but survival is a catalyst. I’m not going to fall so I have to make the next move. It pushes limits and you aren’t bound by the physical realities of this world anymore.”
It seems winter has finally arrived. With a cold weather advisory in effect for Toronto today and temperatures expected to stay well below the freezing mark all through the long weekend, maybe it’s best to spend the next few days with your loved ones – indoors. However, with Valentine’s Day to look forward to, the last thing you want is to lounge around the house looking for something to do. Fret not! We have got you covered with these fun ideas on how you can keep things hot and fun at the same time.
Netflix and Chill
Nothing wrong with keeping things simple one year. Throw on a movie and relax. If you’re down with the lingo, you’ll know to wear your extra special pajamas with an added surprise underneath. Because Valentine’s Day is a day of love, be sure to pick a movie you’re not exactly too interested in seeing. That way you won’t be missing out on anything on the screen – just focus on what’s happening on your couch.
Host Games Night
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about your significant other. Your family and friends should be celebrated as well. Get everyone involved and host a night of fun. Have couple themed games available (remember to keep your single friends and families in mind too!) Serve hot chocolate and munchies to keep yourselves warm. Sometimes, the most fun is had when in groups.
Ignite the flames
Home? Put on some romantic music, light some candles, and get dressed! You don’t need a fancy restaurant to celebrate Valentine’s Day in style. Your kitchen can have the same effect. Cook up a nice meal – or get your significant other to cook it (because feminism). There’s something rather comforting about not having to awkwardly reply to your waiter while there’s food in your mouth. Plus there is the added luxury of not having parents at the table next to you who decided today is the day to teach their toddler what table manners. It’s all about you and your pasta tonight. Oh, and the person sitting across from you.
Have you ever?
Whether you’ve been together for a month or for 30 years, there’s always something about your significant other that slips through the cracks during your time together. Think about it: how well do you really know each other? It can be simple things such as their favourite colour, or something a little deeper – like the real reason behind their fear of dogs. Spend your day playing fun couple games, ask each other questions, and really open up to one another. (Warning: New couples should avoid questions on commitment, children, and future goals as it may cause a rather awkward situation that your developing relationship is just not ready for.)
Embrace The Cold!
Don’t let the cold weather stop you from doing your thing. Put on an extra layer and head out! Whether you want to embrace the busy restaurants or go out to see a movie in a theatre instead of your couch, just remember it’s never really that cold! Why not do something out of the box and try an activity that’ll be sure to keep you warm. Attend a dance class or engage in a winter sport; skating, perhaps? There’s nothing more romantic than attempting to walk on ice and – somewhat – gracefully fall in your significant other’s arms. Don’t fret over the temperatures – as long as your heart is warm.
Got any other ideas? Share them with us! Don’t forget to tell us how your weekend went in the comments below. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Try mentioning masturbation at a dinner party and watch as silence sweeps the room, facial expressions turn to shock and eyes will lower in shame. The word itself evokes a discomfort in most people that is not often seen in other sexualized topics of discussion.
It is time for the taboo surrounding female masturbation to be chucked into the trash, joining 1950’s Chatelaine ads advocating for traditional marriage and anti-abortion. Women have fought for sexual liberation since the 1960’s and 70’s — now let’s celebrate and talk about the importance of self-love.
Though squeezing the peach or stroking the sailor is mostly seen as a recreational activity, done under the covers late at night, research shows that masturbation has positive physical and psychological health effects for women. It is also a great way to get in touch with yourself … by touching yourself.
According to a study on vaginal massage released by the Research Clinic for Holistic Medicine in Copenhagen, Denmark, “Existential healing is not a local healing of any tissue, but a healing of the wholeness of the person, making him much more resourceful, loving, and aware of himself, his own needs, and wishes”.
Vaginal massage addresses not only physical problems, but it also allows the individual to understand how their sexual organs are affected by emotions and physical health. This, in turn, promotes further understanding of what a person needs in order to be satisfied with their health and their sex lives.
Vaginal massage and acupuncture also helps with incontinence and urinary tract problems. “These techniques often used for healing chronic pains in the pelvis or genitals, and treating the highly inconvenient pattern of frequent reinfection of the urinary system,” the Research Clinic for Holistic Medicine found.
In addition, masturbation can lead to some pretty earth shattering orgasms with practice. Orgasms resulting from masturbation aren’t just pleasurable, but they also secret higher levels of oxytocin. Oxytocin regulates prolactin, a stress hormone which has been shown to cause breast cancer and brain tumours. It is also a natural antibiotic and helps to fight nasty bacteria. So, next time someone asks what you are doing with your hands “down there”, why not tell them you are fighting cancer.
“Masturbation is a great way to explore your body for its own sake, have an enjoyable and pleasurable time, and learn what parts of your body are most responsive,” said Isabel Carlin from the University of Toronto Sexual Education Centre. “It’s also a great way to get to know your body and feel more comfortable with it for future sexual situations with other people.”
Having the ability to get yourself off whenever you please can be empowering and beautiful. Unfortunately there are many stigmas around masturbation that prevent women from exploring the exciting world down below.
“Stigma around masturbation can definitely make people feel stressed and anxious when they do masturbate (or even get the urge to do so), which can stop people from masturbating entirely,” said Carlin.
Reducing stigma and empowering people to embrace their own sexuality is a primary step towards sexual healing. For women with poor self-esteem or who have been sexualized in their past, masturbation is the last thing they want to do, despite it’s positive effects.
“When a woman begins to view herself as an object, the mental resources that are required to constantly monitor her appearance can disrupt her thought processes, thus disconnecting her from her natural internal cues,” writes Mels Van Driel, urologist and sexologist, in his book With the Hand: A Cultural History of Masturbation. “Body satisfaction can also influence a woman’s ability to orgasm, her willingness to explore novel sexual activities, and allow her to feel more comfort in providing sexual pleasure for herself”.
Many people shy away from their genitalia, thinking that self-love is a bit gross, disturbing, and inappropriate. But, it’s not. There is nothing wrong with hunkering down, grabbing some candles and mood music, locking your door, and beginning the process of understanding the inner-workings of your magic spot. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
When in doubt, remember the great words of Woody Allen, “I won’t hear a bad word about masturbation. It’s sex with someone I love.” Self-love is an important asset to understanding and loving your body. This Valentine’s day, take advantage, and enjoy one of the most satisfying ways to stay healthy and happy.
Once a distant dream on the horizon, Electric Vehicles (EV) are becoming a realistic purchase for buyers due to increased incentives by the province of Ontario.
Ontario is leading the way for electric cars, with their revamp of the modernized Electric Vehicle (EV) Incentive program. The $20 million budget for the program is a part of Ontario’s Green Investment Fund, which has dedicated $325 million to help mitigate climate change.
The purchase rebate of an Electric Vehicle has been increased from a $5000 to $8000 rebate to a $6000 to $10,000 rebate. The owners of the EV’s will also have an opportunity to receive an additional $3000 if they have a vehicle with a larger battery capacity, and additional incentives will be offered to EVs that have more than five kilowatt-hours on their batteries. An additional $5000 will be provided for vehicles with more than five seats.
There are about 5,800 EVs driving along Ontario’s roads and the updated budget is bound to raise these numbers. Dedication to climate change programs such as the Electric Vehicles incentive is imperative for Ontario to reach its greenhouse gas 80 per cent gas reduction target by 2050.
“With a growing population and expanding urban regions, transportation emissions pose one of our province’s greatest challenges in achieving our ambitious greenhouse gas pollution reduction targets,” said Premier of Ontario, Kathleen Wynne in a statement. “By making it easier for people to switch to an electric vehicle, we are taking an important step in our fight against climate change.”
Globally, Ontario is leading the way in EV incentives, providing one of the highest rebates worldwide. In the United States, a maximum $7,500 incentive is being offered for all-electric and plug-in hybrids purchased after 2010 in the form of a tax credit. In Ireland, EVs are provided tax relief up to € 5,000. Plug-in cars are eligible for € 2,500. In Sweden, the one-time “super green car premium” of 4,500 Euros is offered, but will only be provided to 5000 electric vehicles.
The $20 million Ontario investment will go towards creating a network of fast-charging stations across the province. The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has implemented the Electric Vehicle Chargers Ontario program (EVCO), a competitive application-based grant program for public and private sector businesses to encourage investment. There is no cap on the amount of funding a company can request, which means there is potential for the cost of a charging station to be covered in it’s entirety, creating financial motivation for larger businesses. The application closes on Feb. 12.
Ontario Minister of Transportation, Steven Del Duca, is looking forward to the increased funding for these programs. “Providing better incentives for electric vehicles will help consumers and businesses make the transition to more sustainable vehicles, and keeps Ontario at the forefront of the clean, green economy,” he said.
