[bc_video video_id="6307774495112" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] Father's day is days away and if you've got a tech savvy dad or father figure in your life we've got you covered. These are a few fun new items that dad will love to try! Ray Ban Sunglasses The really remind me of when I was younger when I used to watch Inspector Gadget! What's cool about these rays, is that they have two cameras in the frame. They pair to your phone, and they have speakers. Everything is right here in the shades, and they are no more expensive than a high brand pair of sunglasses. Price: $369 Smart socks We're just coming out of a pandemic and we're really concentrating on health. One of the things that we really want to concentrate on is getting back into fitness. These high-tech socks are infused with sensors that pair to a chip that pairs to your phone. The socks read your stride, your step, how much you've walked, and how hard you hit the ground. If Dad is a jogger or is getting into fitness and wants to track those parameters, this is the way to do it. Price: $69 Smart Water Bottle I know for myself in the summer I'm probably not drinking enough water. This water bottle pairs to your phone and tracks water consumption. Once you fill it up, it can test the weight of the water that's in the bottle. Once it gets lower, the lights at the bottom will turn red to let you know that you need to refill your water. It will also remind you throughout the day when you need to drink both in the in the canister itself and to your phone. It will also then give you the data on your water consumption based on the amount of exercise that you've been doing. Price: $93 Apple iPhone SE & watch combo The iPhone SE is Apple’s most cost-effective phone but that the operating system is actually the same as the iPhone 13. You're getting the same power for a lot less money. What's great about this also is this is the red series which donates a portion of the of the purchase to AIDS research and now specifically AIDS research and its effect on COVID. There are also new exercise and health apps and features that come with the new Apple watch. Price: $529 for Apple Watch Series 7 Nintendo Switch What's different about this is the retina display, and the new games that you can get. So, these are removable. Now what's cool about this is that It is portable so you can take it on the go but it also pairs to the TV. Price: $439

[bc_video video_id="6307136171112" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] Outdoor spaces are so important for improving your quality of life in the summer. But don’t overlook a small space even if you can’t do everything you can with a larger space, it should still be a place you love and enjoy using every day. We’ll be designing a 4x8 patio, which is typical for a small apartment balcony. Layout #1 Make it comfy Don’t be afraid to max out the square footage on big, comfortable piece. I maxed out on comfortable seating for one for someone who wants to read or work outside. I made it feel cozy with cushions and throws which you can store in the storage ottoman. Sedona Outdoor Ottoman Price: 349.99 Sedona Outdoor Club Chair Price: $699.99 Large Metal Outdoor Lantern Price: $139.99 Pacifico Large Outdoor Planter Price: $99.99 Azur Outdoor Cement Drum Stool Price: $199.99 Plants Adding plants or herbs to the space will encourage you to use the space everyday! I brought in plants as it’s always nice to look out and see some green, especially if you don’t have a view as beautiful as this one. I love this set-up because the colours are neutral and calming, but the materials have a lot of texture. For privacy I like faux boxwood plants, but one thing I’ve seen people do is unwrap some of the pieces, so it doesn’t look so perfect for a more natural feel. Layout #2 Versatile pieces If you are someone who wants a place to lounge and wants a compact piece of furniture without cushions you need to bring in each night, go for a cool mesh lounger you can also flatten and use as a bench. Dining outdoors If you are someone that wants a place to eat and drink outdoors with your partner or a friend, you can opt for two dining chairs and a nesting table. If you aren’t a plant person, you can bring in greenery with your toss cushions.

[bc_video video_id="6307138040112" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] When you look at a item that is handmade, you might notice that it comes with a higher price tag than an item that is mass produced. We often don’t stop to think of all the work that goes into making an item by hand and the artistry behind it. When you are buying handmade, you are buying a story, and all the hours that have gone into making that thing so beautiful. There is real artistry and history involved in making it. There's a saying that it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill, which is why this work can look so effortless. When you're buying a handmade piece, you're also investing into all the blood sweat and tears that it took to learn the skill, as well as make the piece you can hold in your hand! Prairie Breeze Folk Arts Brooms Thanks to the likes of Marie Kondo, the art of homekeeping has seen a revival, as have traditional crafts as well. These handmade brooms are made by Amina Haswelll of Prairie Breeze Folk Arts in Manitoba. Yes, they really do look almost too good to use so I love the idea of hanging these up as an art object. And holding this, you really get to see the work that goes into it. This type of broom is called Broomcorn, and is grown by Amina on her acreage, as well as imported in for her work. It's a hardy plant, but takes work to cultivate, and is similar to growing regular corn. When it's mature it'll get up to 10ft or more, and it's the tips, or fronds, that will be dried and used to make brooms. Amina started learning the craft of broom making back in 2011, and since then has been honing her craft. She now travels around North America to collaborate with other broom makers and keep on learning, plus she also offers classes and kits as well. It's so important to keep crafts like this going. She has more than 30 different models in her collection, from small handheld brushes all the way up to large wooden handled brooms, all of which are bound by hand. I really love the colour palette she uses, since it really elevates what is an everyday object into something really special. Casa Cubista Jug Our niece sweetly calls us 'jug makers' which is pretty true, considering that for Casa Cubista, the jugs are the bestselling part of the collection. The collection got started while David and I were on sabbatical in Portugal. Now, 6 years on, the collection is in over 100 stores around the world. All the terracotta pieces in our collection are thrown on the wheel by Rui, our potter. It’s a family tradition that goes back 200 years, and he started learning to throw at the age of 8. Now he's in his forties he makes it look so easy. He can even throw a piece blindfolded and I can personally attest to how difficult it is. Casa Cubista, available at Saudade Toronto As with all of these crafts, it's a multiple step process when making a jug. First, the body gets made on the wheel, and is allowed to dry until it's firm to the touch. Next the spout and handle are attached. Isn't that crazy how it comes together? It's all down to muscle memory. After a stint drying in the hot sun, it's dipped in liquid white clay and fired at around 1000 °C for the first time. Unloading a kiln is not for the faint of heart! I've helped in the past and have to be careful my glasses don't melt! Then it's off to be painted. Rui's aunt Regina paints most of the jugs we sell, and it takes a sure eye and a steady hand to do the job well. Finally it's dipped in glaze and fired for a second time. Rox Creative Quilts The talent behind the work is Naila Janzen of Winnipeg, who views fabric and colour the way a painter uses canvas and paint. After a first failed attempt, Naila was inspired to really get into quilting during her recovery from breast cancer. For me, quilting almost feels like an even division between art, craft and mathematics, not to mention attention to detail. The added special ingredient for Rox Creative is the story behind each capsule collection that Naila creates. These pieces are from her Interconnected series, where she plays with a tonal palette to represent the power of humanity. That storytelling also happens through reinterpreting quilt history, and continuing traditions, and Naila has been inspired recently by quilt patterns used during the Underground Railroad to signify 'safe haven.' You have the background, and the history, and then there's all of the work that goes into making a piece. It's the careful selection of fabrics that will sew together well, followed by meticulously cutting the pieces, pressing and stitching them together, kind of like a jigsaw puzzle. Here it's all about the points! A nice sharp triangle shape is one of the signs of an ace quilter. After the front face is sewn, it's layered with batting and backing fabric, edged and then stitched together. This is when a long-arm sewing machine comes in handy, so you can crate intricate repeat patterns in stitching right over top of the quilt to layer all of the pieces together. It's kind of pattern on top of pattern!

[bc_video video_id="6307054228112" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] If you have free time this summer, then why not try a new activity and learn something new? Let’s go over a few fun and unique classes across Canada. I think these classes are so interesting because they answer the question—have you ever wanted to learn how to be a “X”— fill in the blank, there’s probably a class out there for you. Mermaid class You might not realize the world's largest mermaid school started here in Canada, and now offers classes in cities across North America. Aquamermaid teaches mermaid swimming lessons or mermaid school parties for all ages. These classes can take place at any pool! An instructor can come to you, so you can do it in a private setting, or on vacation, at a hotel you’re staying at. You can learn how to do dolphin kicks, handstands, spins, somersault, and tail splashes. These are popular for birthdays and bachelorette parties and if you’ve ever wanted to channel your inner mermaid, this is the class to do it. They provide the tails, but if you happen to have your own you can bring it and use it. Goat movement class So you’ve likely heard of cat yoga and perhaps you’ve also heard of something called goat yoga. These animal-themed classes are popular across the country. I’ve learned that some of the yoga instructors these days are moving away from that language, so think goat movements. It’s not a true yoga class if you’re only in it for the cute animal photo ops and cuddles with some yoga-esque movements. There’s a bunch of different animal movement classes being offered all over including in Alberta at the Moose Eco Lodge. This goat movement class takes place indoor or outdoor, and they’ve been booking classes two months out there’s so much interest. I took a similar class in Arizona a few years ago and something you might not realize is that goats in this setting will poop on you but they’re like these little hard pellets so they kind of just roll right off you. A big part of the class is laughing because the goats will make you laugh. Circus class There's a Circus School in Quebec that's inside a renovated church where you can learn how to be a circus performer. Flip Circus School lets you can up to learn a bunch of different acrobatic disciplines like how to trampoline, aerial silks, trapeze, juggling, hand balancing, how to unicycle, walk on a tight wire, juggle and more! This is for all ages and it’s great as a recreational class but people do book at this school for experience to become professional circus performers as you know Cirque du Soleil originated in Quebec so honing those skills at Circus School while it might sound a little unusual, is actually a very serious profession. Adult camp Why should kids be the only one to go to summer camp? Camp No Counsellors, is strictly for grown-ups! They have public camps in different locations across North America but they also do private groups or retreats. It takes your favourite summer camp memories as a kid and pairs it with things you love as an adult like rock climbing classes, archery, painting, water sports, and it adds things like drinks, theme parties, and really good food. It’s a perfect way to recharge and honestly not really an opportunity that many adults get anymore. Camp No Counselors is U.S. based and the biggest all inclusive adult camp company in the world. They do pop-up in Canadian cities and are constantly adding different locations and dates to their rosters. There are also Canadian adult camp options you can find as well such as: Camp Throwback and Canadian Adventure Camp.  

[bc_video video_id="6306472848112" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"]   Lashes are the trickiest part of a beauty routine for some of us! With ever-changing trends and products on the market it can be tough to figure out which products are worth it. The most important thing to understand is that the times have changed! From 2014-2019 big lashes were all the rage. Semi-permanent eyelashes, dense and long mink strip lashes were trendy. During the pandemic, a massive shift happened in the beauty world. Everyone is embracing a more natural look. Now we’re seeing a lot more natural lashes in their full glory and people are stepping away from the semi-permanent ultra-full lash look. Let’s go over how to achieve the natural lash look using some tips and products.   Neulash Serum I’ve tested and tried every single lash serum on the market and have found one that provides incredible results and doesn’t irritate my eyes. I apply Neulash Serum once a day in the evening and it grows my natural lashes to an ultra-flattering length that looks great with mascara on. Neulash has nourishing ingredients like biotin (essential B vitamin), pumpkin seed extract and sodium hyaluronate which helps to boost hydration to the lash follicle. You see amazing results in just 30 days and once you have achieved your desired results, apply every other day to maintain results. Invest in a good lash curler Lash lifts are all the rage right now. If you’re not someone who would use a lash curler on a day-to-day basis, a great lash lift and lash tint is the way to go. If you’re someone that wouldn’t want to enlist in that kind of treatment, I always recommend curling your lashes before applying mascara. This was something I never used to do, but after really noticing the difference it makes, now there isn’t a day I go without giving my lashes a little lift. However not all lash curlers are created equal. There are some really bad ones on the market that barely lift your lashes. Investing in a quality lash curler will make all the difference. Not only for the initial lift but also for the longevity of that lift as well. My all-time favourite is the Shu Uemera Lash curler. It’s truly outstanding. Skip the lash primer A lot of lash primers on the market are a white shade which can be really hard to cover with a black mascara especially the back side of your lashes right down to the root. Lash primer also can also give your lashes a stiff, rigid appearance.   L’Oreal Lash Paradise The new formula of this mascara is infused with a luscious blend of flower oils and it makes your lashes feel conditioned and supple to the touch. Lash Paradise Mascara is clump-resistant, smudge-resistant, longwearing and suitable for sensitive eyes. The ultra-soft wavy brush catches every lash for dense, fuller-looking lashes. For the price, you're not going to find a better mascara. Lash Snack Clean Lengthening Mascara When it comes to trending mascaras that are buzz-worthy on social media, Addison Rae’s mascara is all the rage. Her brand is called ITEM Beauty and her Lash Snack Clean Lengthening Mascara, has a fantastic wand. The wand is quite unique in the market, appearing to be half the size of most wands on the market and for those that need some extra lengthening, this is the one for you. The small wand gets into those hard-to-reach places. Stila Magnum XXX If you’re like me and you love full, curled, lengthened and impactful lashes, then this could be the one for you. Stila Magnum XXX is great for people that have very straight lashes, as it helps with curl retention. The wand itself has a unique curved silhouette to really lift your lashes up to the sky. False lashes are here to stay! False lash styles have dramatically changed over the past two years. Even with our Fancy Face brides, we’ve seen a massive shift with what styles brides are choosing for their wedding day as well. This year the general trend with false lashes is ‘less is more’. Women are opting for a false lash that could look like their natural lashes. We swear by our Basic Boss Lashes here at Fancy Face witch we usually cut in half and apply to the outer lash. One of our best-selling styles is called Honeymoon because of how short and natural looking it is. Thin lash band A good rule of thumb if looking for a natural look is to go for lashes that have an invisible band. This will really help blend and disguise the false lashes into your natural lashes. Naked Lashes by Ardell Professional has a perfect invisible band. Clear glue Black glue always ends up looking messy and can be tough to work with if you're a beginner so opt for clear, translucent glue.  A great lash glue is by House Of Lashes. Be sure to apply a generous coat of glue to the lash band, wait at least 1 minute before applying and look down into a compact when placing them on for better visibility. Individual lashes If you’re a pro at putting on lashes, there are some amazing individual lashes on the market. Apply four to five clusters on the outside of your eyes for a soft, elongated, natural and winged-out look!