Tasnia Nasar, Author at Womens Post

What's Hot July 24, 2015

Top 3 Bcouture Pieces You Must Own… Now!

They’re everyday sexy.

And the perfect addition to your minimalist style! As a fine line of jewelry, Bcouture strives to ‘satisfy a craving for a laid-back kind of luxury, like bubbly on a Tuesday, or scented candles – just because.’ And we couldn’t agree more…

Whether you want to jazz up a simple outfit or add some sparkle to your look, Bcouture is the perfect addition to your jewelry collection. Here are our top 3 choices of Bcouture pieces you have to buy:

1. Rose Gold Multi-Stone Bracelet & Earrings, $1395

Elegant and feminine, this Rose Gold Multi Stone set is the perfect choice for fashionistas like Monica, who’s always on the look-out for some subtle bling. And a subtle bling this set is. We can’t decide what we love more – the earrings or the bracelet! The delicate and chic look of these pieces take her monochrome outfit from fab to more fab. Besides, like Audrey Hepburn, we too, believe in pink.

2. B Couture Keepsakes, $75

Our model can’t help but marvel at these Bcouture Keepsakes. Starting at only $75 a birthstone, who wouldn’t want to get their hands on these pretty little things! It’s not only meaningful, but magically beautiful too. And there’s so many ways to wear them!

Whether you choose to sport your own birthstone on a short chain or show your love with many on a longer chain (photographed above), Bcouture Keepsakes is bringing sexy back on this ancient tradition.

3. Multi- Stone Long Necklace, $1225

We love the bohemian vibe this Multi-Coloured Stone Bracelet gives off! The exotic colours are reminiscent of a warm, sunny day on the streets of Morocco while the varied shapes and sizes of the stones are as trendy as can be. Wear this long chain with any colour outfit and make the statement you’ve been striving for – without the effort.

What can we say? From necklaces to bracelets, Bcouture jewelry is the perfect gift to spoil a loved one – or yourself. You know, ‘just because’.

View their full collection at www.bcouture.ca/

Health & Fitness July 23, 2015

WATCH: How To Fake A Thigh Gap

Ah, the thigh gap. It first emerged during our date with wine and popcorn in 2013 while we watched the glorious Victoria’s Secret angels prance around in lingerie too expensive for our breasts. Since then, the thigh gap has become a phenomenon that women yearn to have. The gap has influenced many females to boast about their hot bodies on Twitter and Instagram (via filters) while others took to YouTube to watch exercises on how they, too, can obtain such hotness.

It must be nice to not experience chub rub in the warm, summer months. Of course, think of the amount of money you’ll save from not having to replace your jeans so often. (All. That. Chafting.) So, why wouldn’t you want a thigh gap, ladies? All that good food is a slight sacrifice for the compliments you’ll get on the beach.

Yeah, no. I need those carbs. But you can always pretend to have a thigh gap! Save your calories. Buy more jeans. You’ll thank me later.

Recipe July 23, 2015

RECIPE: Blueberry Surprise Casserole

Try this warm-from-the-oven casserole at family brunch this weekend! Cream cheese is the secret ingredient in this recipe, which gets a generous topping of blueberry or maple syrup. Yum!

Makes: 8 servings
Prep: 20 mins
Chill: 2 hrs
Bake: 25 mins

Ingredients

12 slices dry white bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
2 8 – ounce package cream cheese, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
12 eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup maple syrup or maple-flavored syrup
Blueberry-flavored, maple, or maple-flavored syrup

Directions

Place half of the bread cubes over the bottom of a well-buttered 13x9x2-inch baking dish (3-quart rectangular). Sprinkle cream cheese and blueberries over bread cubes. Arrange remaining bread cubes over blueberries.
In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs with a rotary beater; beat in milk and the 1/2 cup syrup. Carefully pour egg mixture over the bread mixture. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 2 to 24 hours.
Bake, covered, in a 375 degrees F oven for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake about 25 minutes more or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean, and topping is puffed and golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with blueberry-flavored or maple syrup. Makes 8 servings.

Note* To dry bread slices: Arrange bread in a single layer on a wire rack; cover loosely and let stand overnight. Or cut bread with 1/2-inch cubes; spread in a large baking pan. Bake, uncovered, in a 300 degree F oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until dry, stirring twice; cool.

Comment below and let us know how it went!

Repost from: http://www.midwestliving.com/recipe/fruit/blueberry-surprise-french-toast-casserole

Featured July 22, 2015

Inforgraphic: Best & Worst Cities to Be A Woman in Canada

It’s visible in the media. It’s visible at work. It’s visible at City Hall. It’s visible that women and men are treated differently in Canada, despite being a first world country.

With this visibility comes a recent report from the Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) on how women are faring in 25 of Canada’s largest cities. The infographic released shows Victoria, BC as the best city for women to live while the Kitchener, Waterloo area in Ontario, ranked the worst. The rankings for based on the gaps that exist between men and women in these communities.

While we congratulate Victoria for their efforts in decreasing the gender gap, CCPA says the study isn’t about winning a title, but about identifying what works in one community and bringing it home to another—so that every city in Canada is a good place to be a woman.

Although the feminism movement is becoming more powerful than ever before, it’s evident that there’s still some significant work that needs to be done. What can we do to help progress this movement? Comment below!

See the full report at: https://www.policyalternatives.ca/best-worst2015

Entertainment July 16, 2015

John Tory addresses PanAm Closing Ceremony controversy through song

Harder, better, faster, stronger. We agree, John Tory, we agree.

Following yesterday’s announcement that Grammy award winning rapper Kanye West will be performing at the PanAm 2015 closing ceremony’s, Toronto’s Mayor John Tory posted a video of himself bopping his head down into the subway to the singer’s hit single “Stronger.”

The decision to have Kanye West, an American and controversial performer, received mixed reviews due to the fact that he isn’t Canadian. Residents were equally worried about West doing something that can tarnish Toronto’s reputation.

In response to their sentiments (and pure excitement, it seems), John Tory’s video should be a reminder that we Canadians should make everyone feel at home, whether their ”Kim Kardashian’s husband” or not.

There may not be any igloos or moose in the video, but riding the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) while sporting a red and white hat is still about as Canadian as it gets. We do suggest some new reading material, though! 😉

Thank’s for showing us how it’s done, Tory.

The closing ceremonies will be on July 26th, 2015. Purchase tickets here.

Gay Post July 16, 2015

WATCH : Caitlyn Jenner’s Speech at the Espy’s

https://youtu.be/5j5AC_NgQpc

“If you want to call me names, make jokes, doubt my intentions, go ahead,” she said inside the Nokia Theater, surrounded by fellow athletes. “The reality is, I can take it.”

Caitlyn Jenner wowed in white at the Espy’s yesterday as she accepted the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. Watch her moving speech as she speaks about her transformation, challenges, and most importantly – successes.

News July 15, 2015

New study suggests increasing provincial fuel taxes

Today, the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO) published an independent research study called “Increasing Provincial Fuel Taxes” by Harry Kitchen, Professor Emeritus from the Department of Economics at Trent University. The report, which was published today, raises some important points and adequately proves why increasing fuel taxes is the easiest and most beneficial tax to raise in order to balance Ontario’s 2017-18 provincial budget.

The study makes numerous recommendations on how to do go about raising fuel taxes, including planning for the introduction of some form of road pricing within major metropolitan areas and heavily populated regions. As the report clarifies, compared to fuel taxes or other revenue sources, road and parking pricing would effectively manage congestion, improve productivity, and generate funds for urban roads and public transit.

The tax increase could generate additional provincial revenues of around $14 billion over the next seven years – revenues which Professor Kitchen adds, should be dedicated to transportation improvements across Ontario. Earmarking the revenues, he further suggests, can prevent the political abuse of funds as it increases accountability and transparency. Most importantly, it boosts public support because people know where their taxes are being spent.

Although the increase in fuel taxes may cause some controversy, those against the suggestion can be ensured that the increase is most certainly not a long term solution. As the need for dedicated transit funding becomes crucial, it is evident as to why increasing fuel taxes may just be a critical step to unlocking the gridlock.

Read the full report at:

http://www.rccao.com/news/files/RCCAO_Increasing-Provincial-Fuel-Tax_July2015_WEB.pdf

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Entertainment July 14, 2015

JK Rowling Slams Serena William’s Hater

After a fellow Twitter user made a rude comment about Serena Williams, J.K. Rowling swiftly defended the tennis champion, and her response was absolutely magical.

Serena Williams on Saturday won her sixth Wimbledon championship and 21st Grand Slam title.

In celebration, Harry Potter author Rowling tweeted using the hashtag #SerenaSlam, renaming “Grand Slam” in honor of Williams’ achievements.

#SerenaSlam! I love her. What an athlete, what a role model, what a woman!

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) July 11, 2015

Cute, right? Well things got ugly when a critique made a not so stellar comment about the athlete’s physique.

Rowling defended Williams by tweeting a photo of the tennis player sporting a curve-hugging red dress and killer heels, with a sarcastic comment.

Here’s the response:

.@diegtristan8 “she is built like a man”. Yeah, my husband looks just like this in a dress. You’re an idiot. pic.twitter.com/BCvT10MYkI

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) July 11, 2015

The tweet has been making entertainment headlines and was retweeted over 90K times. Meanwhile, @Diegtristan8 was taken in by his fellow haters to express their sentiments on being ‘bullied’ over his ‘accurate comment.’ Aww…sorry about that, man. We’ll be over here drooling over Serena if you need us.

Toronto July 10, 2015

Hamilton: The Location For Your Daycation

Can’t take time off work to go on vacation? Plan a day-cation to Hamilton, Ontario. With only a couple of hours away from Toronto, you can go on the road trip you desired– without all the pit-stops. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the beauty of mother nature or just get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Hamilton has various peaks and creeks for you to enjoy. The best part? It’s free! You’re welcome, folks.

Devil’s Punch Bowl

It’s easy to see where this falls gets its name from. The 37 meter waterfall has been a attraction to many tourists, and has even made a movie appearance in the 2005 horror film, Silent Hill. With many haunting stories as well as its unique details, this punch bowl will certainly quench the thirst of your inner geologist and paranormal enthusiast.

Steps away from the Bowl is a breathtaking lookout of Hamilton, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city’s gems, including Hamilton Harbour, Lake Ontario, and Stoney Creek Castle. (Quick tip: End your day at the lookout to enjoy the sunset with your loved ones!) The beautiful scenery, the convenient benches, and the calm ambiance creates the perfect atmosphere for a little down time.

Albion Falls

Looking for an adrenaline rush? Albion Falls is the place to go! Whether you choose to stand on the top of the falls and feel the current moving under your feet or you want to admire the water falling from down below, this popular tourist attraction will have you feeling on the edge of glory.

The steps to climb up the falls is nature’s way of inviting you to come and realize the true meaning behind TLC’s “Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls.” It’s not everyday you have the opportunity to sit near a waterfall, let alone in between it. It’s a great location for bloggers, photographers, and couples looking for engagement or wedding photos. Besides, the sound of the water, the coolness of its splashes, and the overall beauty of it will make anyone forget all their worldly thoughts. Did you get finish that project you were working on? Who knows!

Tew’s Falls

Simple and refined is one way to describe Tew’s Falls. Hamilton’s highest waterfall. Unlike Albion Falls, however, this waterfall requires a bit of a hike to reach the bottom. You can choose to skip the hike and take in the pleasure from afar but like most nature enthusiasts, a walk through some greenery never really feels like ‘exercise’.

Not tired yet? Another 20 minute walk away is a gem called Dundas Peak. On your way to the peak, keep on the lookout for scenes such as this one. Yes, there are eagles (at least that’s what we thought they were) in Canada. Who would’ve known! Their majestic soars through the sky will leave you wanting a little bit more…

A little bit more is exactly what you’ll get. Dundas Peak provides a stunning view of the city beneath you. Filled with lush greenery, this scenery is worth the hike. Take a seat, catch your breathe, and take in nature’s beauty. Just don’t be afraid to look down!

Have fun and don’t forget to let us know how your trip went by tweeting us @womenspost!

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Health & Fitness July 9, 2015

5 Types of Yoga You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Bikram, Anusara, and Vinyasha are all familiar practices for those who do yoga. However, the tree pose, whether it’s in a 20 degree or 45 degree studio, may become a little mundane the 45th time around. But did you know about the other types of yoga out there? If you’re looking to spice up your sun salutations or challenge your overall yoga routine, try out some of these less conventional classes:

1. Doga

There’s downward facing dog. And then there’s downward facing dog – with your dog. Your furry pal gets stressed too, you know! So the next time you’re on the mat, pick up your dog. Your biceps will thank you, and so will your he/she. The practice involves simple yoga poses with variations to include your partner in the action. We’re pretty sure you can skip the walk that day. Visit dogadog.com to find out more!

2. Nude Yoga

You’ve probably thought about doing this in your hot yoga classes. Lululemon’s sheer yoga pants are definitely not a problem at the Bold & Naked Yoga studio in New York. They live by the not ”following the norm but rather playing outside of the box, because that’s where the fun is.” The studio offers both male only and co-ed classes (sorry, ladies!). But don’t worry, because these completely nude Vinyasa yoga classes emphasize that the classes aren’t meant to be sexual in any way. We can’t guarantee it won’t be hot in there though…

3. Aerial Yoga

One of the more popular forms of yoga that has recently hit the fitness scene, aerial yoga is no fad. Hanging from silk hammocks suspended from the ceiling (also known as anti-gravity yoga) takes your practice off the mat and instead floating above ground. There’s something oddly comforting hanging upside down in the air. You’ll feel like an Olympian, and eventually look like one too. If getting inverted and the fear of falling out of a hammock don’t bother you, you will love this class.

4. Laughter Yoga

If you haven’t heard of the above, you’ve heard of this. Especially popular in South Asia and amoung senior citizens, a laughter yoga session “strives to cultivate childlike playfulness.” Exercises include clapping while reciting a chant similar to laughing, speaking gibberish, deep breathing exercises, and/or playful pantomime exercises. You can finally have an excuse to practice your “milkshake laughter,” which is laughing while you pretend to mix and drink a milkshake. Because why not? Some classes even include laughter meditation, light physical exercises, and dancing. The idea of a laughter yoga class might make have you laughing already, but believe it or not – laughter can lower stress hormone levels. Haha!

5. Stand Up Paddle Yoga

It’s a class that combines yoga and stand up paddle surfing. Popular among yogis on social media due to its scenic photography opportunities, paddle yoga allows you to really become one with nature by paddling out onto the water on a paddle board to do poses like the the bow pose, the downward-facing dog, and the camel pose. Core strength is key doing this type of yoga. You get more of a workout because the motion of the water makes you engage your core as you try to stay stable. And with summer here, a yoga session afloat a surfboard feels like a pretty ”narly” option.

Not so calm now, are we? Get zen in a way you’ve never gotten before with these yoga classes. Chances are, your friends and family will never look at the fitness regime as ‘boring’ again!

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