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Politics September 12, 2016

Ontario Throne Speech promises childcare and electricity rebates

The vacation is over and it’s back to the daily grind for provincial government officials. Parliament officially kicked off Thursday, with a throne speech given by the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor.

The throne speech was meant to help reset the Liberal government agenda and help ministers focus on new legislation. Premier Kathleen Wynne surprised Ontarians last week when she decided to prorogue the government so that the ceremony could take place. The speech outlined a lot of the Liberal government’s successes and achievements, and presented some of the new legislation that will be introduced later this year. However, it also means that all government legislation that was on the order paper prior to the prorogation will have to be reintroduced. Our Members of Provincial Parliament are in for a busy session, that’s for sure.

The liberal government has promised to re-introduce all pieces of legislation as they were, with amendments attached only to election finance reform. This week, the government will move to prohibit MPPs from all parties to attend fundraising events.

Here are a few highlights from the throne speech:

Over the next five years, the Ontario government wants to create another 100,000 childcare spaces for kids up to the age of four.
As of Jan. 1, 2017, residential homeowners will see an eight per cent rebate on their electricity bills, equalling the provincial HST. This equals about $130 in savings for a typical Ontario household. Small businesses may be eligible for the benefit.
The Cap and Trade and Climate Change legislation will be introduced to the House in January.
Ontario will continue to invest in road infrastructure and transit via the $160 billion commitment over the next 12 years.
The next provincial budget will be balanced.

The rest of the 30-minute speech reinforced the Liberal’s commitment to growing the economy, reducing the province’s carbon footprint, and investing in healthcare.

With an election set for Spring 2018, this is the perfect opportunity to the Liberals to remind the public of what the government has been up to these last three years. Public support for a politician can waver after a few years — when people realize that their promises are taking longer to fulfill than originally expected. A throne speech and a new session of Parliament may be exactly what this government needs to refocus and get on track.

Either way, everyone is watching now. Premier Wynne made the bold choice to make this new vision known to the scrutinizing eye of both the public and the media. It’s a brave and democratic choice — let’s just hope they are able to hold on to that vision without faltering.

Home & Garden April 26, 2016

Don’t forget your Spring cleaning!!

Tis’ the season! That’s right, spring cleaning season is upon us. If you need to get your house in order before a busy summer, this is the time to do it.

The regular spring cleaning includes mopping the floors and cleaning the bathroom, but what about those easy-to-forget spots that need some TLC? Here a few places you shouldn’t forget to clean this spring:

Wipe down baseboards and high ledges

The baseboards are often forgotten and tend to collect dust from the floor throughout the winter months. Getting down on your hands and knees and wiping them down is an annoying, but necessary task. By using a natural cleaning solution, it will also leave your house smelling nice. An easy mix includes water, vinegar, lemon, and any preferred essential oil (I use patchouli). Top ledges can be difficult to clean, especially for those who aren’t quite tall enough to reach them. Try using a Swiffer with the cleaning solution on it. Those ledges will be clean in no time!

Cleaning out the cupboards

The kitchen cupboards store food and every utensil we use to eat. Cleaning the kitchen area is essential for healthy and safe eating habits and emptying the cupboards for a scrub down a few times a year is equally as important. Using a cleaning solution in a bucket with a sponge, remove everything from the cupboards and wipe them. Also remember to sponge the front of the cabinets to rid them of fingerprints. This is a good time to match plastic containers with their proper lids and recycle extras. Don’t give me that face, I know there are missing lids in there!

The bi-annual give-away

Collecting things seems to be a common human trait and, if the habit goes unchecked, your house will soon resemble an old antique shop full to the brim with crap. At least two times a year, it is therapeutic to go through the house and purge yourself of unwanted items. Extra travel lotions or children’s clothes that are too small could be well-used by someone in need. If you have kids, teaching them to give old toys and clothes away helps them to understand the importance of giving to others as well. Plus, who wants to be on the show Hoarders? I don’t!

Dusting the curtains

Taking the curtains down and washing them is a tough task, but will help in allergy season. Dust clings to fabrics and can be especially harmful in the spring season. Clean curtains help mitigate dust in the home and freshen up the colour of the curtains. While the curtains are down, it is a good time to do the next task on the spring cleaning list: the windows.

Dousing the windows

With sunny weather on its way, scrubbing the windows from the inside-out prepares for the warm. open-window weather ahead. Vinegar is a natural cleaning solution that works well on windows when mixed with water. Using a natural scent with an essential oil will help lessen the vinegar smell in the room.

It is time to get on the old cleaning sweats, tie your hair back and get these tasks out of the way. You will feel amazing afterwards and your house will be fresh and ready for a warm spring season ahead.

What’s your most frustrating, but rewarding, spring cleaning task? Let us know in the comments below!

Living March 18, 2016

5 items for the ultimate spring outfit

Spring has arrived! And while putting away bulky sweaters and winter attire can be stressful for the average Canadian so accustomed to being hit with an unexpected (but very expected) snow storm, it’s safe to say that it’s time to bring some colour out. As we prepare for summer to arrive, it’s important to know how to transition yourself from -10 to +10. Don’t worry, Women’s Post is here to help you out. Here are the only five things you’ll need for the ultimate spring outfit.

1.Drench in a trench

When it’s too warm for parkas and too cold for shorts, the best way to stay comfy and neutral is with a cute trench coat. We love this one from Zara! Not only does a trench coat allow you to add some oumph to your outfit, its super versatile! Throw on a printed scarf or rock some cute booties to dress it up, or even pair with your weekend jeans for a fun day outdoors. We hear camel is in this season, along with nudes, but as Neelam Gill shows us, you can never go wrong with 50 shades of grey.

2. Cutie in booties

Peep toe booties are in, ladies. So get your pedicures on as you prep your feet for daily exposure after those long winter months hidden inside your socks. Nothing is cuter than these pairs from Steve Madden! Peep toe booties are perfect for spring —thermal boots are no longer required. (Halleluiah!) Pair your booties with something just as daring such as a printed coat, as worn by Naomi Harris above. Although you’ll want to wear these all season long, we do recommend rain boots for those wet days.

3. Corals and florals

“Florals for spring? Groundbreaking.” The devil couldn’t have said it better herself. Year after year, florals keep coming back as the must have piece for any spring outfit. This year, we’re seeing a lot of floral pants. Whether its going boho-chic with pallazzos or keeping it sophisticated and work-friendly with a straight look, a floral pant screams fun and flirty. Feeling bold? A floral top is the way to go for the ultimate fashion forward look. Beware, this look is not for the timid fashionista!

4. Bold yet simple

You just need one piece of accessory this season. And it needs to be big. Whether you opt for dangling earrings, or your new, favourite statement necklace, your choice of accessory is what pulls your whole look together. Rose golds were a fashion favourite for the past couple of years, but we’re loving our silvers this season! Skip the jewellery and opt for a bright and beautiful bag, in additional to some minimalistic pieces such as midi rings and bracelets. Whatever you choose, don’t forget to be unforgettable.

5. Stella under your ‘brella

Because it’s going to rain. And after working so hard to put together your outfit, the last thing you want is to walk outside with a boring, black umbrella. Turn heads with a bold print or choose an umbrella bright as the sun. A true fashionista doesn’t let the weather get in the way of her style. She embraces it and makes it a part of her look. Just don’t blame us if you’re asked to share. 😉

Good luck and happy spring!

Have any more tips on the ultimate spring outfit. Let us know in the comments below!

Home & Garden January 24, 2016

5 Easter crafts made of recycled materials

Easter is a great time to make crafts and enjoy spring festivities. Many Easter crafts can be quite wasteful so why not enjoy the festivities by recycling products and having fun at the same time?

Here are great recycled Easter crafts for ages young and old.

Recycled Juice Carton Easter Basket

Have you polished off that OJ and are now left with an empty juice carton? Why not turn it into an Easter basket? Make sure the carton has been rinsed out and dried. Remove the spout from the carton and wrap it in colourful paper that is either glued or taped. Use another piece of paper and cut it into a strip and then attach it to the box. If desired, use extra decorations such as flowers or sparkles to make characterize the basket. This is a great option for children and is an opportunity to teach them about re-using items for craft projects.

Taken from http://planetforward.ca/blog/recycled-juice-carton-easter-basket-eco-friendly-craft-for-kids/

A Watering Can Centerpiece

Instead of buying fresh decorations for a weekend celebration, why not use items you already have to make your house more festive? Find an old watering can, preferably tin, and put in a variety of flowers and branches to celebrate the spring season. If you use sage and rosemary, it also adds a festive spring scent to the dinner table.

Inspired by http://www.commonground-do.com/2011/04/vintage-inspiration-friday-32-magazine.html

Egg carton flowers

Egg carton flowers are a great craft for kids and are a lot of fun to make. Cut up an egg carton into individual containers and paint each one any colour you prefer. Glue a pompom into the center to give it some texture. Next, poke a hole in the bottom of the carton piece and feed a green pipe cleaner through the hole. To add an additional flare, fan out the green pipe cleaners to make it look more like leaves.

Taken from http://www.skiptomylou.org/welcoming-spring-with-egg-carton-flowers/

Cardboard Tube Chicks

What to do with the dozens of toilet paper rolls you’re left with at the end of the week? Make little chicks of course! Take a toilet paper roll and cut it in half, then paint it yellow on the outside and inside. Take three yellow pipe cleaners and trim it to just over the size of the roll, and glue it in so it goes over the top edge of the roll to make three fuzzy hairs. Attach two orange pipe cleaners on the bottom for feet and two more orange cleaners in the sides for arms. Paint a face and a beak and enjoy your new recycled chick.

Taken from http://craftsbyamanda.com/cardboard-tube-chicks/

Easter Garland

A colourful and easy Easter garland can be created by cutting out paint swatches into egg shapes and attaching them in a chain using string or ribbon. They can then be hung to create a festive and fun Easter decoration that has no cost and re-uses the paint chips.

Taken from http://ittybittygreenie.com.au/blog/820/5-easy-eco-friendly-easter-crafts/

Do you have any favourite Easter crafts? Let us know in the comments below!

Uncategorized January 3, 2014

Put a spring in your step

It seems spring has finally sprung. People are on the move, and more than eager to get back on track with outdoor activities and workout programs.

Still, many are still experiencing a touch of the winter blues. No matter how anxious, it’s not easy to switch gears from often lazy winter indoor activities and exercise routines.

No matter what your outdoor sport may be, starting slowly, rebuilding strength and endurance can save you from (or prevent) an early seasonal injury that can ruin a summer of fun and physical activity. For runners, who may have not kept up steady workouts over the winter as avidly as hoped, the progression of walking to jogging to running might be a route to consider. Remember, pre-run warm-up and post cool-down stretches to prevent injury, and to ensure a safe reentry into steady outdoor workout routines. Getting into a regular schedule, without pushing it, keeps you consistent and on track, without pushing your body too much, and can leave you wanting more…and that’s a sure sign you’re ‘back in the saddle.’

No matter how far you go, remember to take and drink water. You might feel the outing is not long enough to need it, but who knows: on a nice day, you may walk a little longer, or stop in a park. Water is always needed for strength, endurance and focus. If you love to cycle but hate the stationary bike, you may not have kept your legs as strong as they could be for riding outside. Getting back to the streets can test balance going over uneven pavement, stones and twigs. Early spring can bring a lot of rain. Wet streets are harder to stop on and can be a challenge for the best of riders at any time.

As important as anything, drivers aren’t as used to seeing as many bikers on the road and need to readjust their eyes and attitudes to the outdoor athletes of summer. Rain and wet roads are harder to navigate for them too. Some drivers don’t feel comfortable around bikers. Proper protection and rider safety is a priority.

Getting back in tune with your body is important too. Massage and reﬂexology are just two healthy, preparation and injury preventing approaches en route to getting back in touch with the body/mind connection.

And besides, they feel great.

Gay Post May 2, 2013

LISTEN: We love the new Carly Rae Jepsen — and so do you!

In case we haven’t made it clear with some of our previous stories, we adore Carly Rae Jepsen. Canada’s girl next door has managed to captivate us once again with her amazing new tune “Tonight I’m Getting Over You” that is meant for blasting at top volume on a beautiful spring day like this.

Give it a try and try and say that you aren’t downloading it to play on repeat right away.

Oh, and there’s a remix featuring Nicki Minaj on the way. Summer anthem? Here’s hoping.