Every city girl wants to stay flossy and fresh to death despite the season.  Every city girl has that one person they trust with their everything: hair, nails, brows, hell – teeth.  Girls taking getting prepped seriously and men, take note: we have a place for you to impress your ladies for a special day or for an upcoming Valentine’s Day treat.

Nestled in the Rosedale neighbourhood – I found Beauty Bar (1114 Yonge Street).  Specializing in all things beauty, including (but not limited to) nail services, Brazilian waxing, skin care and electrolysis.  Plus, newly added to the team is Joe in the hair department. I had the opportunity to speak with Sofia and Mimi, two fiercely beautiful ladies who told me they would be able to help me prepare for a night out on the town.

Ladies are finally starting to take their drinking seriously. Gone are the cosmos and in are whiskey sours. And I am so relieved (For my personal opinions on alcohol see this post).  Though I may not be able to hold my own in a scotch discussion beer is a whole other story. I spent a lot of the summer with a friend (aka The Brewmaster) who was brewing his own and heard endless stories about beer. The thing about beer is it’s easy to choose a brand (or the cheapest available) and stick with it forever. And that’s a sin because beer is so much more than coronas. If you know a little about beers not only will you be the hottest girl at the bar drinking a Guinness but you can save that Bud Lime for your beach weekend. The way it should be.Beer class is in session, bring on Oktoberfest.

What is this that I’m drinking?

Seriously, beer is just fermented, hop flavored, malt sugar tea. There are four basic things needed to make beer: water, malted barley, and hops. Yeast, is used to ferment the hop flavored malt sugar tea into an effervescent liquid with an average of between three and seven percent ethyl alcohol by weight. So realistically, your Heineken is mostly water (Healthy right?).

What do you mean there are different kinds?

There are really only two different kinds of beer: lager and ale. Each made with a different kind of yeast. Labels may refer to different styles of beer. The basics includes:

Pilsner is a light-straw colored, full -bodied, lagered, beer named after the town of Pilsen, Creemore makes a great one.

India Pale Ale is so named because it had to endure long sea voyages and scurvy in England to outposts across the ocean, had to be a high gravity, well hopped brew to enable it to last the voyage and not spoil. This is not a beer for pussies and it takes some getting used to.

Porter is sharp, dark and a little bitter, like Jim Morrison in a bottle. It’s strong with a little bit of a chocolate/coffee flavor.

Stout If you’re afraid to drink stout raise your hand. Remembering that bad St.Patty’s where you almost hurled after a sip of Guinness? Those days are over. If you approach a good stout like a meal and sip slow. St. Ambroise Oatmeal stout is to die for.

Wheat Beer is the lightest of German beers and my personal favorite, it’s a little fruity and very light. They’re easy to play with so wheat beers are a favorite for seasonals and fruit beers, like St. Ambroise Apricot beer.

Other favorites from the Brewmaster: Beau’s IPA, Netherworld Cascadian Dark, and Cameron’s Auburn.

Happy Drinking! Don’t puke.

Its countdown to the 2011 Pride Festival. Amazing events are happening for the Queerio community. These organisations planning to entertain you with their wit and grit, also work all year round to provide support and various fun things to do.

Stud Magazine

This magazine was started to provide information and support for “non-gender conforming females.” Being a Stud isn’t about sexuality, but “gender performance.” Education is an important topic for the ‘zine. Studs often don’t find the same opportunities as other people, as their gender expression usually isn’t well received. The site provides youth info about how to best get from high school into post secondary education and beyond.

There are a variety of other topics. My favourite is the Image Gallery, where you see pictures of Handsome Studs, and Fine Femmes. Oh, so hot. Also, check out the the health and artistry sections as they deliver info in a very sexy way.

The official Launch Party is happening Sunday July 3, 2011. $10 for the first 100 tickets with $15 after. Strongly suggested to get the tix as soon as possible, as this could be a sell out, and missing this would be a disappointment. There maybe $15 tix at the door, but if you really want to go, get them now. The dress code is “Clean fitted and fly.” Expect to hear awesome sounds from 5Star* DJ Mary Mac* As well, Home grown T.O talent Dey, dope vocal artist Mo with host Alana Lowe. The event takes place on July 3rd starting at 10:00pm going to 02:00 am. It will be held at the NSC Gallery 5 Brock ave (Queen st West & Brock) Its 19+ ID REQUIRED.

Fruit Loopz Youth Stage

This is a returning event for youth under the broad spectrum of LGBTQ. It is the home base celebrating the community of queer and trans youth. SOY, or -Supporting Our Youth- partners with Pride Toronto. Many artists, singers and spoken word performers illustrate through their mediums of choice how it is to be who they are in this day and age. Join them on Saturday, July 2 · 1:00pm – 10:00pm at Buddies In Bad Times Theatre, Alexander Parkette, 12 Alexander Street

The Sherbourne Health Centre is the supporting organisation. The services that they provide year round include a Trans Person group discussion, the “It gets Better” campaign and “Youth Speak OUT” If you are looking to meet up with fellow Queerios for the Dyke March, Trans March or the Big Parade, check this out

The Flying Beaver Pubaret

This new style of pub at 488 Parliament Street isn’t just a place to go out and get a bite to eat and drink ale. Shows feature hot local talent to the world famous. Everything from Comedy to Dinner and Show events. So, as the owner Maggie Cassella says “Its a Pub its a Cabaret, its a Pubaret!” Two new chefs bring a menu to please any picky palate. This is the perfect place for Sunday Brunch before that long wait on Yonge Street for the Parade to Start.

Pride at the Flying Beaver starts on Thursday June 30th with Match Fever. Its $10 to get in. It is both a Youth 19 + AND a Plus 40 event. Translation? There will be more than one round! Last time they held this event, there were three rounds. This version of “The Dating Game” features “little eager beavers deliver(ing) your beavergrams to anyone with whom you might want to build a dam!” Starts at 7:00 pm and onwards to close. On Sunday, it ends with the ALTERNAQUEER after party. DJs MKW, Michael Venus, and Triple X – No Cover. Starts at 10pm. Here is the complete list of all their Pride events.

Switch Porn Party

At this awesome venue, Oasis Aqualonge. you will find a great place to get laid, or at least, watch other people doing just that. Their last one was in April, and more are to come (pun intended…) The SWITCH! crowd is unique from other play parties in that it INCLUDES cisgendered men, transmen and everyone in between. Carrie Gray of Aslan Leather states “no gender police..just a whole lot of kinky queer fun!”

There will be a live porn shoot w DrewDeVeaux and Lily Cade, and Dj Sasha Van Bon Bon spins the tunes. 2500 sq ft of luxury play space complete with dungeon, pool (thats right, I said pool) and lots of places to “watch, play and fuck.” Tix are $25 adv, and $30 at the door. Here are the deets to how to get them You can find it at 231 Mutual Street, half a block or so from Church and Carlton. The event runs from 9 pm til 3 am. The poster says otherwise, I guess Carrie was just being a bit ambitious! A party of this size is just crazy.

Have a Gay Old Time

As one who has done more than a few Pride festivals, let me fill you in one a few words of advice. There is nothing worse than the “Pride Hangover.” It’s a combination of sun stroke, not drinking enough water and drinking WAY too much beer. Eat a bowl of Pho. before boozin it up instead of scarfing down street meat when that drunken urge hits you to eat something. Sunscreen, while yes can be sticky, really -IS- a necessity. A hat doesn’t need to be dorky, but its best to keep something on your head. Drink LOTS of water and dont feel a bit of shame to dump water on your head to keep you cool. This is especially important if you are heading to the never ending Beer Tent on Church Street. Fellow Queerios, have a safe and fun time. HAPPY PRIDE EVERYONE!!!!

words by shona

Our buddies over at TV Carnage just dropped a little gem into our laps: Let’s Work It Out, a raunchy “workout tape”.

Let’s Work It Out!!! <– watch the preview here

First let’s talk about the DVD case – the cover is a Ken and Barbie couple wearing enough bodysuits and spandex to put Richard Simmons to shame. Inside this case is a 10,000 dollar “Hell Bank Note”, a grey plastic bag in the chance one experiences “Motion Discomfort” during the video, and a TV Carnage postcard.

Let’s Work it Out includes all important parts to a proper fitness regimen:

Warming Up…

Working Out with A Friend…

Or A Few…

Exercising Your Face

Skin Care

and so much more!

The video has clips from (it seems) hundreds of tragic/amazing workout tapes of times past, some of them featuring Alyssa Milano, O.J Simpson,Lou Ferrigno, Cher and various male/female Jane Fonda look-a-likes. It also had a serious musical moment courtesy of Saved by The Bell.

The minutes long breathing-exercise montage was the perfect mix of awkward and hilarious.

“Let’s Work It Out” combines “rockin’” aerobics music, exercises you can do standing at your phone and copious amounts of nipples, damp bodies, perms and crotch shots (both male and female). Besides, anyone who promotes a shot of tequila during tennis and weight lifting with an eye patch is alright with me.

If you want to laugh,  dance and/or vomit “Let’s Work It Out!!” has the footage, music and barf receptacle for you.

Go to the TV Carnage website HERE to hook yourself up with this and other delicious merch.

We (heart) TV Carnage’s Pinky

Every woman’s magazine since the beginning of time has given list after list of the “Top 3 Boyfriends”/ “Girlfriends”/”Doctors”/everythingelseever. Maybe it’s because my mom had to make a rule that I couldn’t ask what was for dinner until after lunch, or maybe that’s just the norm (right?) but I’ve always veered on obseessed with food. All my friendships are and have been  totally based on compatibility and having a fun time, supporting each other blahblahblah. BUT if girl is going to be eating nothing but frozen chicken fingerss and granola bars it ain’t gonna happen. These are the indispensable few whom I have learned to turn to when I’m hungry,  and their food blog substitutes in a pinch .

1. The Health Nut The girl you love to hate. She’s got a killer bod from hours of exercise (yoga, pilates, yogalates) and a wealth of crazy knowledge and hook-ups. My girl is Jeanette, she’s changed the way I think about food and got me into new health practices and products that have my body working like a well-oiled machine and my skin glowing. This is the girl to go to if you’re in a rut, feel a little chubs, or just exhausted. Be prepared to be prescribed with oolong tea, fresh juice and a boxercise class. If you can’t find this lady short notice I like this blog for backup.

2. Guilty Pleasure almost a polar opposite of the above. If you’re having a tough time or just feel like getting down with your bad self she’s there. A bottle of wine each and Heathers? I think yes. Do not confuse this with the sabotager who will ruin your diet with Ben and Jerry’s Half-Baked and not touch a spoonful.  Guilty Pleasures goes off the deep end with you but it’s almost ok. Example: My friend Julia, we made chocolate chip cookies, ate them all, went to the gym for a hardcore two hours then came home and ate a whole pizza. But it was ok, because we did it together.And that was the best fucking pizza I’ve ever had (this was four years ago). This is the girl to take for deep-fried mars-bars and whole milk cappucinos. Food blog: Picky Palate

3. Chef Friend Remember when Jamie Oliver was hot? And you’d wish every episode of The Naked Chef payed hommage to its name? No? Well I do. And the new hot chef scene is just as drool-worthy, if not more badass, Chuck Hughes, David Chang, Giada De Laurentis. Babe, babish, oh baby.  But don’t let that be the only reason. Your chef friend will rock weird hours and know afterhour dive bars so sketchy you couldn’t find them in a Quentin Tarantino movie.Your cooking girl or guy can is also highly likely to come with perks. I spent a well beer-lubricated night eating chicken wings and triscuits topped with roast rabbit and black truffle terrine. so good. Blog, this. But really it’s all about twitter: David Chang, Alex Guarnaschelli, Mike Symon

There’s a reason 99% of first dates include dinner. If you aren’t gasrtonomically compatible then there isn’t much to stand on. Know your friends, but know what they eat better

It would be easy to write off SALEM as creepy goth-electro, witch house or ‘rapegaze’ as Pitchfork deemed it (and then took back).  It seems like some people did write SALEM off last year, as they were booed off the Fader Fort stage at SXSW.  One critic saying “it was bad”.

But have haters of the band kept the group down? Not at all, as John Holland from the group tells me, “There’s not one thing where every person is gonna like it no matter what.  All good (or bad) things have to be felt by both extremes to be what they are.  It doesnt bother me at all if people hate our music or think its just noise.  Everybody has their own opinions.  I hate alot of really popular music.”

With the group’s roots in Chicago (gay scene) and Michigan, did Midwest America effect the SALEM sound?  John mentions, “I think growing up and living large parts of our lives in the midwest has effected our music.  The midwest is a very true, mysterious and sometimes sad place and maybe has made our music more truthful.  It is very pretty here though too and people are alot more real than most people I’ve met in say NY or LA.”

Granted, SALEM’s sound is dark and haunting — you can almost sometimes find that hopefulness in SALEM’s music.  Maybe the Midwest injected this.  Jack Donoghue says, “There are moments in our music that are dark, joyful, filled with hope, close to death and everywhere in between. To me, our music is a surrender to all those things rather then struggling against them.”

SALEM has done a lot of growing since the release of their two EPs (I Smoke Crack – 08 & Water – 09) and the more recently released album (Kings Night – 2010).  With opportunities coming in from HEALTH, Gucci Mane, Radiohead and HIM to do remixes on tracks — touring has not stopped the band from working.

But more recently, they were featured in a fashion spread for the New York Times (NYT).  Not only has the band become known for their musically abilities, but also for their fashion sense.  “We all have a personal style but are not involved with the fashion world. The spread showed the artists of 2010 that the NYT thought stood out as gifted. We were honored to be featured.”, Jack told me of the piece.  Heather Marlatt had other thoughts, “It’s kind of a good change to work in a studio, usually we are just photographed in bars or alley ways, which are not necessarily places we would like to hang out in real life.  People might think we are into fashion because of that shoot or the Givenchy show but I don’t think we consider ourselves fashionable.”

Finally, earlier this year SALEM had to deal with the “rapegaze” controversy as Pitchfork labeled them.  I asked them about this and they told me how they felt about it.  “Ya, I’m a little sick of those labels because they really don’t mean anything.  We don’t classify our sound as anything. If someone asks what our music sounds like,  we just say they should listen to it.  I really hate the term rape gaze.  i think its fucked up.  All the other names though we don’t care about them and we usually don’t think about them.”, John told me.  That right there is real talk, plain and simple.

If you haven’t had the chance to have your own SALEM experience, then now is your chance.  SALEM is playing at Wrongbar on March 17th, 2011.  Tickets are $13.50 in advanced and are currently still available.

Words by Amanda (Ama) Scriver

I really don’t understand the hatred felt towards Valentine’s day. I thought we were over the whole 1973 celebrating Christmas in October because then it won’t be commercialized anger towards the man schtik. To me Valentine’s is a mid-winter pick me up that gives the world permission to gorge themselves on chocolate, unnecessarily rich food and champagne. Obviously, like any woman, I’d rather be surprised with a bouquet of daisies out of no where, but I try not to expect these things from a boyfriend on a student budget.  Men on the other hand, hate Valentine’s day because not only is it another date to remember but the appropriate gift can be impossible to find. Personally, I set a low budget and gave express instructions: underwear and cheesy chocolates. Guys seem to get the short end of the stick on valentines, if you take the time, nothing says “I love you” like a vintage playboy and a six-pack.

On the other hand men’s underwear have taken a sharp turn thanks to the efforts of Andrew Christian and his built in penis underwear . Check out these, uh, flattering briefs.

If embellishing underwear isn’t your thing or it’s too early on to figure out a gift that doesn’t scream, “Look at me! Notice me! Marry me!” the homemade meal for two is my personal favorite. Not only does it give reason to splurge on lobster, tenderloin, and oysters but it’s cheaper than a night out and cozier too. For Valentine’s I’ve got your basics covered with these two options: A) A sexy brunch in bed preferably served in your skivvies or B) Romantic candlelit dinner on the couch. There’s no need to be too formal or you’ll just end up run ragged with the details. The following menus are perfect for most any occasion where you want to make an impression, not just Valentine’s.

BRUNCH

Brunch is one of my favorite meals because it’s so frivolous. You can eat food from any set “meal category” sweet or savory breakfast, a sandwich, whatever. Valentine’s is a time for indulgence, here’s a menu that manages to satisfy cravings for both sweet and salty. The french toast is insane and if you don’t feel like making caramel sauce it goes perfectly well with both maple syrup and melted chocolate. Make a big pot of coffee or tea, throw a couple flowers or hershy’s kisses on the tray and prepare to be worshiped.

Brunch in Bed Menu

Freshly Squeezed Orange or Grapefruit Juice

French Toast with Salted Caramel Sauce and Creme Fraiche

Brown Sugar Glazed Bacon

Scrambled Eggs/ Eggs Sunnyside Up

DINNER

If you’re going to make a fancy dinner make it rich, rich rich. If you save your pennies for one showstopping ingredient it’s easy to use cheaper staple items to make a spectacular meal. I urge you to try your best to find organic, fairly raised meat and seafood products if not for your health and the environment but for the flavor. The potato risotto included is so delicious and so much easier than the traditional rice-based risotto. The point of this menu is to curl up with a big bottle of cabernet sauvignon and eat together comfortably.

Night In Dinner Menu

Green Salad

Pepper- Crusted Duck Breast/Steak with Stout Pan Sauce

Potato Risotto

Stemaed Green Beans/ Asparagus

Strawberries and chocolate- easy

If all else fails, order a platter of sushi, and pick up some Sapporo and Sake. Sake bombs and sushi all round

After weeks of unlimited indulgence, my own turkey neck is wobbling a bit more than I’d like to admit. Numerous times we hear someone sharing that they can have whiskey in their morning coffee or 4 pieces of pie followed by the explanation “it’s the holidays” – which really isn’t much of an excuse. Whether your doing it because you actually make New Year’s Resolutions or because the muffin top on your jeans belongs in Texas, lightening up your diet come January is usually a good decision. As any form of strict regimen gives me flashbacks of teen angst and rebellion here’s the top 5 foods to include in your diet in 2011.

1. Avocado- This is the salmon of vegetables (well fruits really). Rich in polyunsaturated omega fatty acids, as well as a slew of vitamins. A serving for a woman is 1/4, men 1/2. I can eat a whole one jazzed up with lemon and salt. Use restraint.

2.Kale- One of the best vegetables because you can gorge yourself on it and it will do nothing but good. Rich in fibre, calcium, iron, folic acid, and vitamins A and C. Saute with olive oil, and shallot for 5 minutes and top with toasted pine nuts.

3. Salmon- Do I even have to go here? It’s the best. Eat it twice a week. But PLEASE go for wild or at least organic. Farm fed fish have up to 75% less nutrients.

4. Quinoa- Miracle grain. Quinoa is the Justin Bieber of food, everyone’s obsessed. A complete source of protein as well as a boatload of fibre. Read package directions and squeeze lemon over it. Or use it in place of rice in risotto.

5. Watermelon- Watermelon can have a high glycemic index so watch how much. BUUT it has one-third of a day’s vitamins A and C and a nice shot of potassium for only 85 fat-free, salt-free calories. Eat away. Orr if you’re feeling frisky make a salad with cubed watermelon, red onion, and feta cheese.

This is one of the freshest most delicious dinners ever. Use leftovers for a really good salad with a little arugala or romaine and and a squeeze of lime

Fish Tacos

For Fish:

2 Tilapia filets (or another firm white fish)

1/2 cup orange juice

Juice of half lime

1 jalapeno

2 cloves garlic

Corn or flour tortillas

1. Clean any membranes off the fish and season each side with salt and pepper. Set in a bowl or deep platter.

2. Whiz the rest of the ingredients in a food processor (or blender, or magic bullet), poor over the fish. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate in the fridge for 30 min- 2 hours. Remove from marinade and discard

3. Sear in a a pan with 2 tsp vegetable oil or grill, 2-3 minutes on each side.

4. Warm tortillas between 2 paper towels in the microwave for 30 seconds. Break apart the fish. Serve fish with toppings.

Toppings:

Sliced Red Cabbage (seriously so good)

Salsa (2 tomatoes chopped + 1/2 small red onion chopped+ 1/4 cup cilantro chopped+ squeeze of lime mix it all together)

Avocado Cilantro Guacamole (1- 2 avocados + 2 tbsp chopped red onion+ lemon juice to taste+ 1/4 cup cilantro chopped. Mash either lightly til chunky

How a cleansing enema ensures the BEST body detoxification to help you live healthier and longer …naturally!!

An Enema cleans up the colon and induces bowel movements. Enemas have been in practice from ancient time and helped to cure a lot of disorders like constipation, poisoning, acute headache, flu, common cold, meningitis, measles and a lot more.

In pre-revolutionary France adapted enemas were used on a daily basis after dinner and were also considered good for skin complexion. This practice was considered as a good remedy for many diseases. However nowadays things are changing and people have forgotten the importance of this complementary treatment. Nevertheless, the fact is that this practice will become more popular in the days to come as the mental barriers fall in the face of the huge benefits.

Why Enema??

Enema is proven as the best natural method for a clean colon. It is a tremendous remedy for all kinds of bowel problems. It is recommended for the following: Effective Body Detoxification, Constipation Remedies, Hemorrhoid Treatment, Ulcerative Colitis Treatment, Maintenance of Youthfulness. http://www.enemainfo.com/faq.html

MYTHS about Enema

Enema greatly contributes to the strength of the digestive system.

It improves the blood circulation not only to the large intestine but also to the organs of the whole digestive system.

It improves the digestion of food and also improves the secretion of the digestive juices/ enzymes. http://www.shanti.com.au/equipment/enema.htm

Many people are scared of enemas and colon hydrotherapy. Truly, you don’t need to be. Of course, your experience is influenced by which of the tools you use, who you are with, how many times you have done it, and the state of your health. But, most often, people feel great after they have an enema. If you don’t feel great, this is a sign that your colon is struggling. Done thoroughly, you will eliminate fully enough during the enema or colonic that you will not find yourself having to run to the toilet unexpectedly.
Most people don’t have pain during the enema but a few do in the form of cramps because of wind in the colon. Breath deeply into the pain and tap the area lightly. Usually, painful experiences are the result of resistance and tension.
Most people actually enjoy enemas and are especially pleased with the unaccustomed sensation of feeling lighter, clean and clear afterward.

Preparing For Enema

It should be done in the morning on an empty stomach and preferably AFTER answering nature’s call.

While for usual practice, there are no special diet requirements, however, for a Complete Detoxification, the following diet observations should be followed and enema should be Preferably done over the weekend :

(i) Diet on the day before Enema Day

Note – Take atleast 3 liter of liquid or water on that day.

(ii) Things to avoid for a complete detoxification

General: Avoid smoking on the Enema day and the day before.

Who should avoid enemas?

Check out the following places in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.

Toronto

Montreal

Hydenia Colonics Centre Keefer Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 1Z1(604) 630-2416?

There’s a lot of reasons to buy organic. First, there are the ethical reasons – going organic can mean the animals (involved in producing that succulent piece of meat you see on your plate) will be treated in the most respectable way possible and that their life will be extinguished in the most painless and humane way. Second, environmental reasons – no chemicals are used and  (if any ) substances are used they will not be harmful to the environment. And there are the social reasons – like it or not, when you’re in the supermarket people look more fondly upon others seen picking up organic free-range eggs from the shelf rather than the supermarkets own, cheaper brand.

However; if there are numerable reasons against buying organic they might be the following: Price – Yes, you will pay at least a few cents more to have the organic alternative of a food product. Depending on how much you need to buy, this can be very costly if you’re trying to make all the items on your shopping list organic and free range.  Convenience – Even with the efforts of Jamie Oliver’s great TV program on food issues etc it is still less convenient to get food that’s organic. Not everything you want will be available and not all of what you want organic will even be down your major supermarket.  Taste – Without all that tatsy high-fructose corn syrup, salt, and hydrogenated oil organic food can sometimes take some getting used to.

Now, if you can’t afford the higher price of organic foods, try at least going organic when it comes to these 12 foods:

1. Nectarines – 97.3% of nectarines sampled were found to contain pesticides.
2. Celery – 94.5% of celery sampled were found to contain pesticides.
3. Pears – 94.4% of pears sampled were found to contain pesticides.
4. Peaches – 93.7% of peaches sampled were found to contain pesticides.
5. Apples – 91% of apples sampled were found to contain pesticides.
6. Cherries – 91% of cherries sampled were found to contain pesticides.
7. Strawberries – 90% of strawberries sampled were found to contain pesticides.
8. Imported Grapes – 86% of imported grapes (i.e. Chile) sampled were found to contain pesticides.
9. Spinach – 83.4% of spinach sampled were found to contain pesticides.
10. Potatoes – 79.3% of potatoes sampled were found to contain pesticides.
11. Bell Peppers – 68% of bell peppers sampled were found to contain pesticides.
12. Red Raspberries – 59% of red raspberries sampled were found to contain pesticides

In addition to these fruits and vegetables, rice, baby food and milk are just some of the other food items that should make your list. In addition to attempting to include more organic foods in your daily regimen, the organic movement has affected many other facets of our lives as can be seen from some of these articles.

Depending on the supermarket you shop at, selection of organic produce might not be all that fresh and readily available. A good starting point but a bit on the pricey side is Whole Foods, with many locations across Ontario. There you’ll find everything you need and apart from every day produce many other products such as body and beauty care products.

However, there are many private grocers that have gone organic and many can be found in Toronto’s trendy Kensington market. In addition, check out these couple of stores.

Wikipedia Definition: Sunglasses or sun glasses are a form of protective eyewear designed primarily to prevent bright sunlight and high-energy visible light from damaging or discomforting the eyes. They can also function as a visual aid, as many glasses or “spectacles”  exist featuring coloured, polarized or darkened lenses. In the early 20th century they were also known as sun cheaters (cheaters being an American slang term for glasses).

-Ray Ban Wayfarer: can neves go wrong

The Bad

These days glasses, in addition to being functional, are also used as a form of expression, or to make a fashion statement. That being said what kind of fashion statement are the people shown below trying to make? Check these guys out, I mean throw in Dr. Drew and Jersey Shore might as well be Fashion Rehab with no results, not a means for uh, “inspiration”.

like….really? You can’t trust a guy who wears white sunglasses.

It’s beyond me why some of these sunglasses are still in production. Now that the sun is beaming, everyone has brought out their shades and some of the fashionably challenged masses are walking around like they are ready to watch a 3D IMAX movie or something.  And the worst part is most of the douche’s have girlfriends, ladies- it’s up to you to stop your man from spending 200 bones on a pair of swarovski incrusted ED Hardy glasses.

I just threw up a little in my mouth thinking about it.

Fellas please leave the diamond-incrusted attire for the ladies. Thanx.
And next, if your still stuck in that 80’s nu rave/neon 90’s thing, please get out! It was cool in that era and mabes like 2 years ago, but now not so much. Like yeah I’ll admit there alright from time to time, but when you look like a character that just stepped off the set of Hot Tub Time Machine then something’s gotta change.

I mean c’mon bro, just because you look like a transformer doesn’t mean Megan Fox is going to nail you…ever.

Whoa there Corey Hart

Unless your black and name is Hollywood (a la Mannequin) do not wear these…ever.

And if your still wearing this style, STOP! It’s over…just stop.

When it comes to glasses it really is one of the most important accessories. It’s on your face. And we all have to look at you. So be kind and don’t be chinsey when purchasing. And for those of you that opt for the “bargain bin”  because “all your glasses always break” on you, it’s because they’re shit. Really, when u spend 5 bones on glasses, what were you expecting?

ANYWAYS, I think I got my point across, now here’s some DO’s for sunglasses this summer.

The Good

OBVI! Leave it to Gags! Looks amaze!

Ksubi sunglasses can hide your eyes and deflect the sun and the glare from ordinary people who want to catch a look. Around $200-$450 for Ksubi’s and luckily most trend setting stores on Queen West are carrying it now.

Check it out www.ksubi.com

(PS It’s effing Tony from Skins)

Now if your one who appreciates potent design, while being confident about your own style, the new collection by Tom Ford is for you. Sexy and sophisticated but, not too much to overshadow the wearer’s personality. Available at Holt Renfrew, starting at $249.99 and up.
-Check it out www.tomford.com

Ok the summer ‘s here and you’re ready to finally embrace the sun and start the tanning sessions as  don’t deny it, everything looks better with a tan. Ok let’s get started! So what is sun protection? It’s basically protecting the body from the adverse effects of sunlight. Aside from the hazards of heat, the sun poses the danger of sunburn, which can permanently damage the skin and cause skin cancer, precancerous changes in the skin, as well as premature wrinkling and signs of aging. Exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun is a known risk factor for the development of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers

However; you might be confused by all the sun protection products available out there which exist in all formats. Sunscreen is any substance or material that protects the skin from UV radiation. Sunscreens are available as lotion, cream, ointment, gel, or spray that. can be applied to the skin. Now, most of you have heard of SPF as it’s usually specified on sun protection products. SPF, an abbreviation for sun-protection factor, is a number such as 15, 30, or 50 that indicates the degree of sunburn protection provided by sunscreens. Essentially the higher number just means you can stay out longer in the sun without getting burned. For broad protection, look for sunscreens with avobenzone, zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, all of which block UVA. For every day use choose sunscreens that are at least SPF 30as anything higher doesn’t provide that much added benefit. It takes a lot of sunscreen to actually achieve the stated level on the tube! For some reason I always thought you needed a teaspoon of sunscreen for your face, but it turns out you only need 1/4 or 1/3 of a teaspoon to adequately cover your face. A shot glass of sunscreen is what you need to cover your whole body. For more in depth information on
specific sunscreens, check out this link.

In summary, tanning is not really healthy but moderate and safe exposure to the sun is healthy, providing necessary vitamin D.    Therefore following these 3 steps will ensure you’re being as healthy as possible when trying to achieve that bronzed look:

Step 1. Repair your tan and seek alternatives to the sun
•       If you frequent the tanning salon, give it up immediately. Look at the tanning bed as a carcinogenic, a concentrated dose of dangerous UV rays at point-blank range.
•       Repair damaged skin. Use a topical treatment that contains vitamin A. • If you can’t give up on that glow, opt for an alternative. Try bronzer. It will help you achieve a similar look without posing any of the cancer risks. Bronzers are a safe option because they sit on the top of the skin (as opposed to being absorbed by the skin). Do not go spray-tanning. The microparticles in the spray can be inhaled and may irritate the lungs. Avoid self-tanners; some of the active browning ingredients in self-tanners may damage the DNA of skin cells.

Step 2: Limit sunbathing to a few hours a day, be sensible, don’t bake in the sun!

Step 3: Choose that sunscreen carefully. The single best ingredient in a sunscreen is zinc oxide; the second best is titanium dioxide.  And on a more serious note check some frightening skin cancer facts, it’ll make you think twice about using sunscreen!

I did it.

I survived 8 weeks of Booty Camp Fitness.

Other than being incredibly sore from doing a double-class in the last week, you must be wondering how I feel.

As some of the readers know, Anna Von and I have been having a little bit of a competition over who could lose the most weight (inches) and generally be more successful in our PinkMafia Health Month Challenge.

Well, I didn’t exactly achieve the “results” I wanted–I remember setting my goal for my 8-week plan as wanting to lose 5-8 pounds, an amount that I thought was pretty reasonable. I didn’t lose anything, much to my surprise.

Now, that’s not to say that Booty Camp doesn’t work–a lot of women who have tried this program have had incredible results. I’m pretty happy with my results, though they may not have been what I originally gunned for.

In addition to feeling more motivated to be active–whether that’s throwing on a fitness DVD, riding my bike to work or turning out some push-ups at home–I feel stronger and healthier. Overall, I was able to shape up in little ways that I think keeping on a regiment of healthy activity and eating will only improve over time.

Here are the measurements* I started with on my first class :

Total inches (upper arms, chest, waist, hips, butt, upper thighs): 232.75

Age: 22

Body Fat: 25.5%

And after 8 weeks, here they are again:

Total inches (upper arms, chest, waist, hips, butt, upper thighs): 229.25

Age: 22

Body Fat: 21%

* I took some of them out for your viewing pleasure

So, I lost 3.5 inches and decreased my body fat by 4%–in my mind, I’ve made some strides. My instructor even suggested that since I’ve built up so much lean muscle (booty camp helped me gain 10lbs in lean muscle weight)–doing activities like walking, biking and running will burn fat much easier now that it’s more muscle.

Booty Camp has taught me a few things:

1. Fitness goals should focus around becoming stronger, not lighter
2. Lean muscle mass is always more important than what you actually weigh
3. Not exercising on a regular basis really brings your mood down
4. Using goal setting (even if you don’t reach those goals) is a great motivator
5. Fitness is about changing your lifestyle, not your waistline

Even if I am no lighter than when I started off, I feel better and it shows.

I’m more confident, stronger and more motivated to keep trying to get in shape and lose the weight.

Would I recommend Booty Camp? Hell yeah.