New Year's Eve Archives

What's Hot January 1, 2018

Happy New Year from Women’s Post

From the staff at Women’s Post, we would like to wish you a Happy New Year!

2017 wasn’t the greatest, but there were a few good things that arose from the confusion and tragedy. In our letter to Santa, Women’s Post rounded up our wishes and desires for the next year — but now, many of us have come to the realization that it may take a little more than a Christmas miracle to achieve those goals of gender equality.

Can everyone make a pledge? No matter what your New Year’s resolution, promise us that you won’t settle. Promise us you will speak up if you see an injustice. Promise us you will fight for that promotion or raise. But, most of all, promise us you will support others instead of tearing them down — especially women! If everyone works towards those goals, Women’s Post is hopeful that 2018 is going to be much better!

For inspiration, sign up for our weekly e-newletter!

Toronto December 29, 2017

Toronto, take the transit this New Year’s Eve

Be safe this New Year’s Eve and avoid drinking and driving.

Corby Spirit and Wine is sponsoring a night of free transit. Ride the TTC from 7 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 7 a.m. on Jan. 1 for free.

“”New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest nights for the TTC with more than a quarter million people traveling with us,” said TTC Chair Josh Colle in a statement. “We are pleased to partner with Corby for the fourth year in a row to ensure that our customers can ride for free and get home safe on the TTC as they celebrate the New Year.”

Here is what you need to know:

Most routes will continue until 4 a.m. and then start up again around 6 a.m.
Blue Night buses will be running until 8 a.m.
Last trains will leave Union Station around 3:30 a.m. for Finch Station and Downsview Station
New Year’s Day will be Sunday service.
PRESTO users do not need to tap their cards when entering the subway or boarding the bus.

You can also use GO Transit and the UP Express for free after 7 p.m., courtesy of Metrolinx.

So, invite your friends for a night of fun in the downtown core of Toronto — and don’t drink and drive!

History December 26, 2017

From Toronto, New Year’s traditions from around the world

As we approach 2018, it’s time to think about all the positive things we have managed to accomplish in 2017 and how our lives will be different in the new year. Luck and prosperity are just a few of the things many people from around the world hope for. In keeping with this, many people have a few customs and traditions to help make the transition easier, and hopefully bring luck along the way. Here are some New Years customs and traditions from some countries around the world.

Brazil: jump seven waves

NYE in Brazil is well celebrated and can feature spectacular firework displays all along the famous beaches in Rio. Many people find themselves hanging out by the beach and not just to watch the fireworks. Wave jumping is another tradition. If you jump over each wave while making your wish, this will increase your luck and bring you joy for the new year. If you want to increase your chances in love, make sure the first person you greet in the new year is someone special.

Turkey: wear red underwear

Wearing red underwear is common in many countries on NYE, especially those in Latin America. Many people head to the malls to buy themselves some red undergarments for their NYE celebrations. Wearing red panties guarantee passion and love for the new year ahead for many women. It is also common to wear yellow underwear to bring happiness and money. Perhaps aim for a red panty with yellow polka dots?

Spain- lucky grapes

There is a tradition, as well as a superstition, in Spain where people eat 12 grapes at midnight. These grapes are known as the lucky grapes and can be traced back to a custom in 1895 by grape growers. If you eat 12 grapes at midnight, each grape will represent the 12 months of the new year and the 12 wishes you are permitted. These 12 grapes must be consumed in the first 12 minutes of the new year. If you get a sour grape amongst the bunch this could mean a sour month in the year ahead. It is also common to find this tradition in the Philippines and other Spanish countries and communities.

Denmark- break plates

If you live in Denmark and you have a broken dish, don’t throw it out. Instead, smash the remains on NYE. This tradition is odd, yet serves as a sign for friendship in that country. After midnight, it’s not uncommon to find a pile of broken dishes on your doorstep, as this is a sign that someone values your friendship. Smash plates and other wares against your friend’s door as a sign of lasting friendship and love — just make sure it’s not glass.

Jamaica- clean your house

Similar to many other Caribbean islands, Jamaicans have a tradition of cleaning out their homes for Christmas and for the New Year. You clean out all the negativity and leave room for positive space in your life. People find the time to buy new decorative items for their homes and even repaint their houses. Many people around the world also take a broom on NYE and (literally) sweep all the negativity held throughout the year.

Japan- ring 108 bells

This may not be a personal requirement for the New Year in Japan, but many temples ring the bell 108 times at the stroke of midnight. Ringing the bell 108 times represents 108 worldly temptations a person must overcome in the Buddhist belief.

Italy- Pucker up

particularly in Venice, there is a custom of mass kissing that takes place at the stoke of midnight. As fireworks light up the sky over St Marks Square, couples are encouraged to start smooching! Many couples make this a romantic event. It’s not odd to kiss at midnight, as this is common in many cultures around the world, including here in Canada and in the united States. kissing someone at the stroke of midnight is meant to set the tone you wish to establish for the future with that person. It is about maintaining the bond. If you’re single and don’t have anyone to kiss, I say to kiss all your problems from 2017 goodbye.

Happy 2018!

Recipe December 30, 2016

Holiday Baking: Jalapeno Poppers

New Year’s Eve parties are all about the appetizers, well that and the beverages.

While wine or champaign may seem like the most socially-acceptable gift for a host of a New Year’s party, why not pair it with a delicious and hot appetizer — like Jalapeno Poppers. Because seriously, who doesn’t love something with a little bit of heat and a whole lot of cheese?

There are many ways to make Jalapeno Poppers. You can wrap them with cheddar and dough, and then fry them in hot oil. You can even wrap the jalapenos with cheese and bacon! But, the easiest way to make these delicious morsels is to use — and don’t laugh! — Pillsbury Crescent Rolls.

Yes, I’m serious! And if you mock, I dare you to try it! Not only is it so simple there are hardly any measurements, but you really can’t screw it up.

Here’s what you’ll need:

A tube of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls

6 Jalapenos

Half a container of herb cream cheese

Lemon

Cilantro

*Note, this recipe makes about a dozen poppers. Double recipe if you want more.

Instructions

Cut the jalapenos in half and remove all the seeds. Mix herb cream cheese in a bowl with a handful of cilantro and a dash of lemon. Add pepper and salt if you desire. Make sure you can taste the cilantro in the mix. Fill each jalapeno with the cream cheese mixture.

Open the Pillsbury Crescent Rolls and cut along the lines of the triangles. Depending on the size of your jalapenos, you may need to cut these triangles in half. Take the dough and wrap it around the jalapenos. Bake as instructed on the container.

Let cool and serve.

That’s it! It’s so easy and is bound to be a crowd pleaser. The fluffy dough is a perfect contrast to the heat of the jalapenos and the sweetness of the cream cheese mixture. And it goes perfectly with either a glass of wine or a pint of beer. Plus, the dough is great to soak up the alcohol, so maybe make a double batch just to be safe?

Sure, you can order these from any restaurant and they will come with lots of melted cheese and fried goodness — but this slightly healthier and cheaper version is perfect for that New Year’s Eve party. Enjoy!

Fashion December 27, 2016

How to find the perfect New Year’s Eve outfit

There’s a lot of pressure to pick the perfect fashionable outfit for New Yera’s Eve. It’s time for glitter and sparkle, and no outfit is too dramatic. The colour combinations for the New Year provide beautiful options to pick from, with metallic silvers and golds, and deep reds.

Love a little sparkle, but don’t feel comfortable wearing it to work? Well, now’s your excuse. A little sparkle and glitter is what every New Year’s Eve outfit needs. Many women will opt for a glamorous full fledge sparkle dress. If you decide to wear a dress made of gold and silver sparkles, then be sure to match it with a black heel and simple jewelry to avoid looking gaudy. If you decide to go for a mini sparkled dress, make sure you are not spending a lot of time outside. If you are, be sure to purchase panty-hose or leggings. There is nothing worse than seeing a girl with bare legs in -30 degree weather!

Another alternative if you still want to sparkle, but don’t want to over-do it in a glitter dress, is to choose sequinned pants instead. Leggings that have sparkles will look dazzling and are more subtle than the sparkled dress. Shiny leggings pair well with a sheer loose black top that can be tucked in and gold or silver jewelry for an extra pop. In this outfit, it is acceptable to wear a chunky necklace, but make sure to pair with black heels rather than a sparkled shoe. You don’t want your pumps to clash with your pants!

If you want to be more casual and avoid sparkles all together, a popular outfit this year is a full-length jumpsuit. There are many options available ranging from plain black or burgundy to a printed suit. Jumpsuits look amazing and create an A-line shape. They are also a spectacular choice for a professional new year’s event because they look powerful and sensual at the same time. If you choose a simple jumpsuit, a bright shoe will look fantastic and pulls the outfit together. A jumpsuit will also pair nicely with a chunky necklace, especially if it ties in nicely with your shoe. Be sure to avoid delicate shoes with the snowy weather. Choosing a thicker heel allows for functionality and you will still look beautiful.

Winter night circle skirt. By Elegant Musings.

Lastly, if you don’t want to wear a dress or pants, compromise in the middle with a midi skirt and a silk blouse. In 2016, midi skirts have been all the rage and they are easy to find in mid- and high-fashion stores. Look for a black, red, or green silk blouse and pair with a bold print skirt. Silk bodysuits are a fabulous option as well because they won’t slip out of the midi skirt and have sexy plunging necklines if you feel like being a little bit outrageous.

Whether it be a casual look or wearing an evening gown, be sure to strut your stuff and celebrate the year with a bit of style. Bring out your jewelry and heels, and throw yourself into being a sexy, confident and empowered woman. Looking beautiful and feeling good is the best way to have a fabulous New Year’s Eve, and is the best way to start 2017!