Archive

May 2016

Browsing
News

Interim conservative leader calls Trudeau…a woman?

This morning I opened my computer to find a really strange news headline in my Twitter feed — “Rona Ambrose takes swipe at Justin Trudeau alludes to him as female prime minister.”

What!?!

Apparently, during a speech at last weekend’s federal conservative convention, interim leader Rose Ambrose made a speech about inclusivity within the political party. In this speech, she makes reference to a number of women who were “firsts” in their field. In this statement, she makes a very strange connection to the sitting Prime Minister of Canada.

“That’s why we’re the trailblazers. We’re the Party of the first female cabinet minister and first woman to serve as acting prime minister, the exceptional Ellen Fairclough.

That’s why we’re the Party of Canada’s first female foreign minister, the irrepressible Flora MacDonald.

That’s why we’re the Party of the first woman to lead the Official Opposition, the redoubtable Deb Grey.

And, of course, that’s why we’re the Party of Canada’s first female, you would think Justin Trudeau was this, but now, we had the first female prime minister, the Right Honourable Kim Campbell!

So I say to Justin Trudeau – who’s the feminist now?”

I’m not sure what the conservative interim leader was trying to do here. And I don’t know why I’m so offended. Was it because she was essentially calling our Prime Minister a woman? Was it because she inferred that, by being a man, Trudeau can’t be a feminist? Was it because I interpreted this statement as demeaning? Was it meant as an insult? If so, isn’t that a bit anti-feminist? If it wasn’t meant to be an insult, why was it even said? My questions continue.

The idea of political feminism has been thrown around a lot lately, by all parties in the federal, provincial, and municipal spheres. But, since when did it become a phrase to hurtle against your opponent with disdain? Since when was it used to de-masculinize someone?

Feminism is something we should all be proud of. All of the accomplishments listed above are not standings that should be overlooked. Each one of these women were amazing in their own way. But, the accomplishments happening right now are equally as important. Let’s not make fun of them by throwing gendered labels where they don’t belong. It just makes us all confused.

[socialpoll id=”2364006″]

by
Keep Reading
Love & Sex

How to want him without needing him

When to walk away, is wisdom. Being able to, is courage. Walking away with your head held high is dignity.”

There it is; Wisdom. Courage. Dignity. More often than not, we confuse the three. And every once in a while, you’ll find yourself immersed in someone else’s idea of these values. All of a sudden, they come into your life with such ease, becoming so important to you within such a small amount of time, you begin to question why there was any confusion in the first place. It’s what makes life worth living- and sometimes so challenging.

But while its worth living, this someone is like a plate of deep fried chicken wings- both mouth watering and unhealthy. You enjoy the moments you spend together, not realizing the consequences. At first sight, he’s a real looker, one with a smile that can make you palpitate. Except unlike the plate of fried chicken, he can’t be packed away for later. And the damage he will do to your heart cannot be fixed with healthy diet or exercise.

***

After coming out of a serious but rather mundane and loveless relationship, I had sworn off any emotional attachments for the time being. I began to approach men with a casual attitude, shutting them down when they began questioning ”our future”.

He was no different on this list — until I realized that I couldn’t shut him down. Although we’ve never met in person, mutual connections brought us together and we took it from there on social media. Through frequent texting and flirtatious exchanges, it was apparent that our common interests, combined with his suave demeanour and my distinctive personality had us both intrigued.

The late night phone calls began – and after a lot of persistence on his part and a lot of reluctance on mine — mostly due to his mysterious ability to always say the right thing at the right time — I soon found myself in an emotional relationship. Our feelings were addressed, dreams were discussed, and our goals and ambitions for the future were encouraged. I would play along, knowing fully well there was a slim chance of it becoming a reality. It was just all too good to be true.

But he made me happy.

His passion towards his unconventional career choice made him sexy and different from the men I’ve previously been involved with. He didn’t just slip into his profession. He chose it. And although it was difficult to picture myself actively adapting to his unpredictable lifestyle, I could never let his priorities change because of me. I wouldn’t.

However, being so different, yet so incredibly similar left us with a compatibility and chemistry that I had always craved for. And although we had our share of turbulence along the way, I genuinely cared about him. His straightforward personality and way with words left no room for speculation. He loved me. And I loved him.

But hearing him whisper “I’m not the right guy for you” every other night made me wonder what I was getting myself into. In the midst of our twisted games and ability to toy with each other’s emotions, I grew accustomed to his doubtful pursuits. It was soon after that I realized I needed more certainty in my life- certainty that wouldn’t come from him.

I’ve attempted to take the high road and walk away. Be a ‘wise’ person. And because I even considered it, I guess, made me ‘courageous’. But its walking away with ‘dignity’ that I’m still working on.

Too often, we choose the idea of settling in fear of never meeting someone like him again. We break under the pressure that the man we’re destined to be with won’t be in the form of the handsome, charming, and alluring man that we first fell in love with. The intensity of our relationship was one that was reminiscent of the sappy films we watch on rainy days. And no matter how many obstacles come in front of the love struck couple in these films, you sit and hope that they’ll somehow end up together in the end.

But most of the time, they don’t.

It’s not going to be easy coming to terms with the absence of him in my life. And even more difficult once we meet in person. The memories of his arm around my waist, the smell of his cologne, or the way he looks at me will probably linger in my mind for years to come. But it’s a step I’m willing to take to remind myself of my individual strength and my ability to see him as a desire and not a necessity.

Because he’s something I’m going to have to learn to live without.

How do you handle difficult relationships? Let us know in the comments below! 

by
Keep Reading
What's Hot

Grab your helmet! It’s bike month in the GTHA!

Happy Bike Month!!

While city council argues the validity of bike lanes on Bloor, Toronto residents will be taking part in bike month, a celebration of all things two-wheeled.

The idea is to encourage more people to use their bikes to get around the city. Throughout the month various cities across the GTHA will be hosting guided bike tours, festivals, art shows, film screenings, and more.

Cycling advocates point out that by trading in a car for a bike you don’t only save money —you don’t have to purchase gas or a bus token — but you are also helping relieve congestion.

Monday marked the beginning of this celebration with Bike To Work Day, where hundreds of people hoped on their bikes and took over downtown Toronto. Sadly, I could not join the movement (it would have taken my three hours to bike to work this morning), but I’m there in mind and spirit!

A number of city officials showed their cycling pride this morning, posting pictures to social media as proof of their physical prowess.

 

During the first week of bike month city officials will be taking part in an enforcement blitz to stop drivers from parking and stopping in cycling lanes. This type of activity is incredibly dangerous for cyclists, as it forces them into the thick of traffic. The fine for simply stopping in a bike lane is $150.

To see more events, take a look at the Bike Month calendar.

by
Keep Reading
Home & Garden

Camping vs. Glamping in Ontario

Camping is the thing to do if you love nature, but learning to do it well takes practice. As a child and teenager, I camped almost every weekend. I remember looking into the campfire as a child and imagining a whole world inside the embers, and spending the days hiking and listening to the birds chirp happily. On the other hand, it does require supplies, and a certain hardiness to really enjoy the experience.

If you don’t enjoy building campfires or sleeping on the ground in a sleeping bag, but still yearn for the great outdoors a new alternative has become popular in Ontario. Glamping is the new fad, and it is glamorous indeed. I found several glamping locations in Ontario that offer an experience for those looking to create natural memories in comfort. This type of luxury camping is a form of five-star camping, similar to vacationing at an outdoor hotel in the woods. Glamping includes yurts, eco-tents, eco-cabins, and teepees. Another perk of the glamping experience is the seclusion it offers. Many of the greatest luxury spots in the province are in private locations and allow people to really experience a “get-away”.

By Samuel Etienne
Glamping in the woods, By Samuel Etienne.

If you are looking for the most deluxe glamping experience in Ontario, Outpost Co. is the ticket. The glamping site is located at Obabika Lake and is $2500 per person for four days and three nights in a deluxe tent area. The campsite is on a hidden lake 90 minutes from Billy Bishop Toronto Islands airport and a chartered plane to the location is included in the price. A private chef is also a part of the deal, and the king size beds have Egyptian cotton sheets. This is definitely glamping in style. The campsite has hiking trails and is in a secluded and natural area.

If you are looking for a safari styled camping option, the Elegant Safari Tents in Carolinian Canada is a beautiful and exotic option. The tents are covered with jute carpets and have oak beds that are 100 years old. The campsite is located on a river, and wooden floating decks are built directly in front of the tent. Fluffy towels, bathrobes and soaps are also provided. This glamping experience is located in the Grand River and is $132 per night. Canoeing is available on the lake and the area is replete with remote hiking trails.

Yurt_by_night_-_geograph.org.uk_-_437714
A yurt in the woods.

A yurt is a round, semi-permanent housing structure that comes from Central Asia. Yurts are easy to install and take down and can be adapted easily to different climates. Yurts are popular in the glamping world and are set up in advance for the customers.   A pet-friendly yurt is offered near Algonquin Park and has one unit available. The yurt is in Mattawa in northern Ontario and can accommodate up to five guests. Included are linens, the unit is heated and there is a yoga platform outside of the yurt. It is $193 per night.

A yurt is a new way to camp in a tent-like apparatus but it has more flexibility in warm and cold weather. A yurt can be adapted to have open screens all the way around the unit for ultimate cooling and can also be protected from the wind on all sides, creating the ultimate outdoor tent.

Flowerpot Island, Georgian Bay.
Flowerpot Island, Georgian Bay.

If you prefer camping to glamping, there are several spots to rent cheaply and enjoy an authentic nature experience. All you need is a tent, a campfire and the stars to have a good time. Though a comfy bed would be a nice addition to camping, it can be enjoyable to rough it in the bush for a few days. Parks Canada offers several campsites in Ontario that can be booked online and recognize a variety of types of camping in the province. Camping in Ontario also provides private campsites across the province and makes it easy to book a spot too.

Camping in Georgian Bay and Prince Edward County near the beach is recommended because of the beauty of the lakes and beaches. Algonquin Park is a sight to be seen as well because of the immense forest and calm waters for canoeing. Escaping the city and being able to connect with nature in a visceral way is grounding in the warm summer months and camping provides that opportunity. It also helps to breathe fresh air and exercise in a natural environment for a weekend get-away.

Whether it is glamping or camping, getting out into nature for a vacation is the best way to spend your weekends. Instead of keeping the kids indoors, get your family outside to breathe the fresh air. Tell stories over the campfire, and go on a hike. Experience the silence of being away from the city and the sounds of nature in the early morning. Both options have their merits and experiencing nature at its fullest will be unforgettable no matter how it is done.

by
Keep Reading
Recipe

Delicious and refreshing raw vegan chocolate ice cream

On a blazing hot sunny day, a bowl of ice cream is the most refreshing treat imaginable.

Now, there is a way to enjoy this dessert without the guilt of eating something unhealthy. LoveWildLiveFree, a vegan recipe and lifestyle blog by Avra Epstein, brings you a vegan ice cream dish that is healthy and satisfying.

The Raw Banana Chocolate Chunk Nice-Cream uses bananas and chocolate as natural sweetners and it tastes like a delicious bowl of ice cream without any unnecessary additives! Bananas can be used in many dessert recipes as a sugar replacement and instead gives vital nutrients such as potassium and dietary fiber. Cacao, which provides the yummy chocolate addition has magnesium and high antioxidants.

You will need:

4 ripe bananas

Raw chocolate sauce (recipe below)

Raw Heirloom Organic Vanilla Bean and Salt Chocolate Bar

Raw cashew pieces, optional

Raw Chocolate Sauce: 

1 tbsp organic unrefined, virgin coconut oil, melted

1 tbsp raw cacao powder

1-2 tbsp lukewarm filtered water, or more if needed

3 dates, soaked for 10 minutes in lukewarm filtered water

 

Giddy Yo-Yo Chocolate. Photo provided by Avra Epstein
Photo provided by Avra Epstein

Instructions:

  1. Peel bananas and cut into coins. Place the bananas in to an airtight container and freeze for a couple of hours until frozen, or ideally, overnight.
  2. Place the frozen bananas into a food processor. Pulse until you create a crumble, stoping to scrape down the walls of the food processor as you go.
  3. Once you reach an even crumble, blend consistently and stop every so often to scrape down the sides to ensure that you have an even consistency. This will take a little patience, but eventually the mixture will reach a soft-serve ice cream consistency.
  4. Roughly chop a couple of squares of the chocolate bar and add to the food processor, pulsing a few times to evenly distribute.
  5. Depending on your preference, you can eat the ice-cream immediately as soft-serve, or, transfer to an airtight container and freeze until solid.
  6. Top with raw cashews and raw chocolate sauce (recipe below).

 Note: I always use a food processor when making nice-cream, but it can also be made in a high speed blender, just be sure that your blender is powerful enough to handle processing frozen bananas.

Vegan ice cream mix. Photo provided by Avra Epstein.
Vegan ice cream mix. Photo provided by Avra Epstein.

Raw Chocolate Sauce

  1. Combine all ingredients in a blender. It’s that simple, just make sure to remove the dates from the water they’ve soaked in before adding them to the blender!

Tip: If the sauce is too runny place in refrigerator to thicken; if the sauce is too thick add more lukewarm water and blend.

Original recipe can be found here: Raw Banana Chocolate Chunk Nice-Cream

by
Keep Reading
Living

The world of tomorrow, today

A former professional life brought me to New York City every couple of weeks. Routinely flying into LaGaurdia Airport in Queens, (no, this article is not about the horrendous state of the terminal Air Canada is located in) I was afforded a wonderful view of the New York World’s Fair location as we approached the runway. The skeleton globe, the monolithic structures, and the tree-lined paths remain an iconic reminder of a time when the world would gather with pilgrimage fashion to be awe-struck by the grand possibilities of the future.

During its heyday, the fair held a sense of wonder and aspiration for its visitors. In 1889, the Eiffel Tower was built in Paris, in 1893 the world was introduced to the Ferris Wheel in Chicago, and in 1939, broadcast television was inaugurated in New York. Expo ’67 held in Montreal left the city with iconic architecture and, for a time, a Major League Baseball team named after it. Themes such as “The World of Tomorrow”, “Dawn of a New Day”, and “Peace Through Understanding” captivated the world with the promise of unimaginable spectacle. But today, with the proliferation of the Internet, there is less need for the Expo. Our present inundation of information about new technologies, new designs, theories, advances, and plans for the future are readily available in an endless stream of images, articles, tweets, websites, and data.

Today our pilgrimage has been reduced to a drooling stare into an LCD screen. And so, I wonder whether there is still value for cities to host the World’s Fair?

Held every five years, the World’s Fair (or World’s Expo as it’s also known) is a six-month long showcase of trade, innovation, and products from around the world. The Expo was held in Milan last year and the next one will be hosted by Dubai in 2020. Lately, and most likely in part because of the success of the Pan-Am Games, there have been rumblings about Toronto bidding on the 2025 World Expo. It is a chance to once again showcase our city on the world stage while continuing to push our mandate as a place rich in innovation, financial stability, and livability.

But still, is it worth the cost? Toronto Mayor John Tory, while not opposed to the idea, has intelligently taken a cautious approach; there are many unanswered questions related to cost and effort – questions that must be ironed out before any sort of decision is made.

Now, cost and effort aside, the other question that must considered revolves around theme. What grand proposition will be used to inspire the world to once again care about the World’s Fair? How are we going to put our stamp on an event that’s become largely irrelevant? How can we harken back to a time when the world of tomorrow was not so easily available through a few clicks? And most importantly, how do we balance the need for commercial capital without an overly branded marketing experience for the companies that foot the bill?

Here are a few areas of inspiration that may help:

  • Apple and Tesla Product Launch Format: the ability to keep new product designs and details under wraps from the media, while driving excitement and anticipation, is the fuel that powers both company’s marketing-driven sales. If the Expo could showcase things that were truly ground-breaking with a hotly-anticipated reveal, it would certainly help drive buzz.
  • Influencer Participation: gathering the best of the best in all fields to not just showcase their ideas, products, and plans, but to buy-in to the World’s Fair concept will help spread the word by association. If the most influential people in their fields participate, the rest will follow.
  • Integrated Projects: gather experts and leaders from a variety of industries to create conceptual works that fit into their unique visions of the future. Don’t worry about feasibility, worry only about inspiring people’s imaginations.
  • What Happens After: when the Expo is complete, what will be left? What types of architecture will remain permanently that future generations will look at with awe and wonder. Let’s build something that lasts.

Regardless of whether or not we bid on the Expo, the process of discussion should provide a valuable template for how we aim to push Toronto into the future as it relates to innovation. The notion of the world of tomorrow is still very much alive today.

by
Keep Reading
Health & Fitness

5 must-haves to feel sexy at the beach

Some of my favourite summer memories involve hanging out at the beach, whether it’s swimming in the slightly-too-cold water or lounging in the sunshine.

Though I love the beach, I always dread fitting into my bikini at the beginning of the summer season. I think this is a common fear. Nearly every woman has terrifying nightmares of seeing that person next to you at the beach with the seemingly perfect bod’, making you feel like a lumpy sack of potatoes. But Women’s Post is here to tell you to replace those bad dreams with good ones. Throw that thought out of the window! Every woman deserves to enjoy the beach and feel sexy while soaking in those sunny rays, and you are no exception! Here are five must-haves to create a luscious look that will leave that woman sitting next to you wondering where YOU got your chiffon wrap.

Beach cover up
$125, from Lilylola

Beach cover-ups and wraps

If you are feeling nervous about wearing a bikini this summer, a beach cover-up is a good way to warm up to showing off your curves. Beach cover-ups come in various sizes and styles. Some cover-ups can be a bit warm in the summer heat, so try a long cover-up that is open in the front. These are almost like long shawls and can come in many styles and colours. A shorter see-through cover-up is my personal favourite. It is alluring, but still gives you a sense of privacy over your body. Wraps are a great option too and can be worn around your waist and used as a towel if needed.

$41, from TORRID.
$41, from TORRID.

High-waisted Bikini bottoms

High-waisted bottoms are all the rage this summer. This brilliant bikini style is the best possible option for women who want to feel comfortable while still looking fantastic. These bottoms are perfect for women who feel insecure about showing off too much, and allow you to feel more confident with your curves. The increase in comfortability allows women who wouldn’t wear a two piece the opportunity to invest in one happily. The pin-up 1950s style, which often has bold patterns and high-waisted bottoms, has just recently came into style again and I love it!

$16, from Forever 21.
$16, from Forever 21.

2016 Bikini Tops

Ruffled, off-the-shoulder sleeves was a new style shown at the Swim Fashion Show in Miami this year. The off-the-shoulder ruffled bathing suit top adds an extra flare — flamenco-style element — to a traditional top. Bikini tops can often be boring so these tops add a flounce, which is especially nice if you are just lounging. I am curious to see how the tan lines turn out though.

$125, from etsy.
$125, from etsy.

Sexy Sun Hats

Sun hats are not only a snazzy addition to beachwear, but they also keep your scalp from burning. Every woman needs one wide-brimmed hat, whether it dips down or has a firm brim. Hats come in a variety of colours and sizes, and pair well with sunglasses. I like a classic black wide-brimmed hat that dips down. It adds an air of mystery to your outfit and if you wear a bright bikini or beach cover-up, it would be an sexy combination.

$58, from Michael Kors.
$58, from Michael Kors.

Good Quality Flip-flops

Getting a good quality flip-flop is an investment that could last you several seasons as opposed to just one summer. Black flip flops embossed with a shiny logo helps to make the feet look smaller — something that can be especially appealing if you have larger feet. A nice flip-flop can help you look put-together from head to toe. Flip-flops come in a variety of colours, but neutrals are recommended because colours will wear out quickly on the beach.

Beachwear is a part of summer clothing shopping that can be stressful, but with the right attitude and tools it’s easy. Pick out each of these items and assemble them in different combinations throughout the summer and you will have a fresh look every time you hit the beach. If you are still feeling self-conscious, check out #eachbodysready, an international campaign to support every type of woman enjoying their body at the beach. Every woman’s body is beautiful, so flaunt it proudly and enjoy soaking in the sun at the same time.

Provided by #eachbodysready
Provided by #eachbodysready
by
Keep Reading
Home & Garden

5 ways to make your home more energy efficient

With the Ontario government pushing energy-efficient retrofits in homes, you may be thinking: what can I do? Despite the incentive programs being offered, it’s still a bit expensive to incorporate solar, wind, and water into your home.

It’s time to think about the future. Electricity is just going to get more expensive and with climate change being what it is, well, let’s just say it’s better to start thinking about our carbon footprint. Luckily, there are a few environmentally-safe tricks that can help save energy and leave you paying off your power bills without having a heart attack.

Br20_1

Use LED Bulbs

Using Light Emitting Diodes (LED) bulbs instead of incandescent light bulbs is an easy way to lessen your electricity bill. LED lights are becoming the new norm and if you don’t have them in your house, it is recommended to switch as soon as possible. The light bulbs begin at $20 and are an affordable investment for energy saving in the home.  LED lights have an average life span of 50,000 hours compared to incandescent light bulbs that can only be used for 1200 hours.  They use 6-8 watts of energy instead of 60 watts used by regular light bulbs. Overall, that brings the cost of electricity used to $32.85 per year for LEDs instead of $328.59 per year for incandescent bulbs.

Socket_5

Smart Power Strip Bars

Power bars consume more energy than most people assume because items are left plugged in and standby electricity is used overnight. It is estimated that five to 10 per cent of household energy consumption is standby energy — unused energy that is wasted just by being plugged in. This accounts for one per cent of worldwide carbon dioxide emissions. The Smart Strip LGC3 from Bits Limited is a smart power bar that controls the power the other items receive, according to what the TV is doing. If the TV is off, the plugs for speakers, the DVD player and other items connected to the TV switch off as well.

Yew Bush

Shade Producing Landscaping

Having trees and shrubs in your yard is not only good for producing quality air, it can help regulate heating and cooling in your home. In the winter, trees help to protect the heat source inside the home and provide wind blockage. In the summer, the foliage offers shade and cools the house down. Maple trees have very high tolerance for heat and are a great option in the summer months. On the other hand, pine and fir trees will keep their needles in the winter months. Additionally, laurel and yew shrubs have high heat tolerance and produce heavy shade.

Shower Head

High Efficiency Shower Heads

Shower heads waste water because they often have outdated or slower flow rates. Most shower heads produce a 2.5 gallons per minute flow rate, but high efficiency shower valves can lower that by half and help save water. The newer shower heads maintain much needed water pressure while lowering water flow for a greener showering solution.

wooden-laundry-washing-clothes-line

Energy Efficiency for Dryers

Dryers use a lot of energy in the home and are often wasteful. In the summer months, it is much better to air dry clothes instead. If you are worried about your clothes being crunchy and stiff, pouring a cup of vinegar into the washer acts as a natural fabric softener. In the winter, ways to make your dryer more efficient include keeping the lint trap and vent clean and using auto-dry settings only. Purchasing an energy star certified dryer will save energy and money as well with better low heat settings and sensor drying that automatically turns off when clothes are dry.

What are your favourite energy saving devices to put in your home? Let us know in the comments below!

by
Keep Reading
Living

5 delicious summer patio drinks

It’s finally patio season! To the disbelief of most Canadians, the sun actually peeked out from behind the clouds this long weekend— the same clouds that gave us rain and hail the weekend before. Personally, I took advantage of this beautiful summer weather and spent most of it outside.

While some of these outdoor activities included cycling, hiking, and gardening, it also involved a number of cold frothy beverages. Let’s face it — there is nothing more appealing than a cold beer on a patio on a hot summer day.

Sadly, inhaling beer on a regular basis can be a bit harsh on the digestive system. If you, like me, are getting tired of ordering whatever is on tap this summer, take a look at some of these delicious and light summer patio options:

 

white wine

White wine spritzers: This is one of my favourite things to order on a hot summer day. I’m a big fan of wine, but I find it a bit heavy with a light meal. A spritzer is a combination of white wine and carbonated tonic water. This gives the beverage a slightly sweeter taste and adds some bubbly texture. It’s very light and is half the calories of a regular glass of wine!

Ciders: If you aren’t a big beer person, a cider may be the perfect option. They are typically sweeter than the typical hoppy beer and contain hints of fruit (apple or grapefruit is my favourite). There are a number of local breweries across Canada that specializes in these beverages and each one offers their own twist. They range from being lightly sweetened to tasting a bit like juice.

15072446911_1db00c8ac9_o
Photo by Personal Creations.

Mojito: Made of white rum, sugar, lime juice, sparkling water, and mint, mojitos are dangerous drinks. The lime cuts through the sweetness and it may seem like you are just drinking a refreshing minty lemonade. Be warned: consuming too many mojitos may impair your thinking.

Ceasar: This drink is not as light as the others, but it is refreshing on a hot day. Make it with tomato juice, vodka, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce to taste. I’m partial to making it with gin instead of vodka. Serve with celery — does anyone know why we serve it with celery? Either way, it’s a great drink to have with appetizers like chicken wings. You can also count it as a serving of vegetables, which is a plus!

margarita-415360_960_720

Margarita/daiquiri: I love blended drinks! There is absolutely nothing more relaxing than a cold, frosty, iced beverage. The delicious blend of tequila and lime, or mango and rum is life-changing. The unfortunate part is that it is jam-packed with sugars. If you choose to go this route, make sure you are at a restaurant or bar that makes them well. This is not a drink you want to order from a pub with cheap alcohol.

Bonus drink!

H20: Don’t forget to hydrate!!! It’s easy to get carried away with all of these delicious alcoholic options. If the weather is particularly hot, make sure to alternate between water and alcoholic beverages to ensure you don’t become dehydrated.

What’s your favourite patio beverage? Let us know in the comments below! 

by
Keep Reading
What's Hot

4 facial oils to use before bed

Ladies, I understand. Sometimes you want to take a selfie, and you don’t want to use a filter. Because flawless. However, as flawless as you are in your head, you can’t help but add a little Valencia to your dull complexion and scarred cheeks from time to time. There’s still a lot of work to be done before I can confidently own my no-makeup look, however, I believe I’ve found the solution.

Oil. I’ve been using various types of oils on my face for about a month now. Whether it’s to treat pimples, reduce acne scarring, or add some well needed natural moisture to a face that undergoes harsh contouring, baking, and probing techniques on a daily basis, natural oils have become a highly beneficial addition to my beauty practices. Not to mention what the nightly massages have done for my mood!

After a lot of experimentation, I have narrowed down my list of oils to an essential five. There are various uses for each of these oils and although they can be used in a routine like I do, its recommended to try each oil out individually for a couple of days before becoming a grease monkey.

1. Coconut Oil

Boy, do I love my khol! A deep, smoky eye and waterproof mascara is a must for my daily makeup, but it can also be extremely difficult to take off. Eye makeup remover can get pricey, and some of them don’t even work. Instead of creating that unnecessary dent in your bank account, dip a cotton ball in some coconut oil and slap it on your eye. After letting your eye soak the oil, begin gently rubbing the ball in circular motions around your eye and magically watch as your dark circles and beady eyes take form again.  You can use the same technique to take off your stubborn matte, all day lipstick. I even massage any excess oil on my cheeks, especially on days where I’ve put on a lot of product, such as blush and/or bronzer. Wipe the oil off with a makeup wipe to reveal smoother, more supple looking skin.

 

2. Olive Oil

Olive oil isn’t a part of my daily routine, however, I do like to use it from time to time. The days I’m craving for change, I opt for olive oil to remove my makeup. Given its ability to maintain skin elasticity, olive oil is also a great addition to use as a moisturizer. But I find the best use for olive oil is as an exfoliate. Add some sea salt to a couple of table spoons of olive oil and begin scrubbing on your face to remove any dead skin cells and impurities that the coconut oil may not have picked up. Wash it away and marvel at becoming one step closer to Beyonce. #flawless

 

3. Argan Oil

Argan oil is the type of oil that makes you want to wash your face at night, just so you can use it. Not only is Argan oil packed with good stuff such as vitamins and nutrients, it’s also extremely hydrating. However, the miracle of Argan oil is not its benefits, but by how surprisingly light it feels on your skin. While coconut oil will leave you feeling a little like you just swam out of an oil spill (hence why I advise you to wipe it off), Argan oil will leave your skin feeling soft and moisturized. After exfoliating, clean your face with your daily cleanser and take a small, quarter sized amount of Argan oil in your palm and rub your hands together to heat it up. Begin to massage the oil in circular motions on your skin. Skip that rejuvenating, replenishing, time renewal moisturizer.

The best part of Argan oil? It’s anti-aging properties. Yay for youthful skin!

 

4. Tea Tree Oil

Okay hun, you’re not Beyonce yet. Because Beyonce does not have pimples! And even if she does, she does not let them show. Do yourself a favour and stick a cotton swab in a bottle of tea tree oil and dab them on your pimples. Tea tree oil has immense anti-viral and anti-fungal benefits. You may have to endure the slight, stinging sensation that the tea tree oil will cause as it cleans out your pimples, but it is worth it to replicate that inner beauty with your outer beauty. Because what is the use of concealer, if you can’t conceal the dark spots of your heart. Of course, there will be no use for concealer when you begin using tea tree oil, because breakouts will be a thing of the past.

 

Have you been using facial oils as a beauty practice? Let us know in the comments below! 

Image

by
Keep Reading