Jan
01

From Blah to BOLD Holiday Makeup

[bc_video video_id="6285017770001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] Try these easy and simple holiday makeup hacks to spice up your look! Hack #1 - Eye Makeup Start with glitter! Not only is it beautiful to work with, but it's also easy for beginners. Use greys and metallics on the eyes to create a beautiful, brown smokey eye. If you're still uncomfortable with the idea of glitter and are just starting off with makeup, try these products! Elf's glitter is super easy to use. Simply put it on the centre of your lids, and you're good to go! Hack #2 - Luscious Lashes Want to amplify your lashes? Try magnetic lashes! While it seems intimidating, they're easy to apply and use. My favourite is Ardell's Magnetic Naked Lashes. The liner is a magnetic liquid, and the lashes adhere to that liquid liner. Simply put two coats of liner and just stick the lashes right on.   Hack #3 - Glow Let's get our glow on! While the actual product is important, the brush itself is even more important! Pick a brush that is fluffy and will spread the product, to avoid streaks. But also ensure that the brush isn't too big. Lightly apply the product along the cheekbone and avoid the undereye area and T-zone. Hack #4 Lips Go for colour in season! This is as easy as pressing your lips together, smiling, and applying your lip liner!   All of our product suggestions are independently researched and sourced by Cityline. However, if you purchase something through cityline.tv, we may earn commission. Thanks for visiting us!
Jan
01

Top 3 Travel Destinations To Visit This Holiday Season

[bc_video video_id="6284733632001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] General Travel Rules:
  • You need to check the local requirements about covid testing/requirements
  • A negative PCR test is required when returning to Canada
  • You must be fully vaccinated to travel within Canada
  • Kids under 12 who travel outside of the country can't go back to school or daycare for 14 days
Recommendation #1 Belize
  • Bucket list destination (great for relaxation and ecoadventures)
  • English is their national language
  • Low population density, so it still feels natural
  • You can go caving, ziplining, explore ancient Mayan sites inland and head to the coast for snorkelling, scuba diving. Beaches and hotels for rest and relaxation
  • There are Gold Standard hotels
Recommendation #2: California
  • Always a favourite destination for Canadians
  • Riding down the Pacific Coast Highway is a must.
  • Free road trip guide online from VisitCalifornia.com
  • The major cities have high vaccination rates and have taken steps to ensure that they're ready for visitors
  • Which cities you choose are up to you.
    • Los Angeles is known for its entertainment/food.
    • San Francisco has fantastic culture and attractions.
    • I personally love San Diego and Huntington Beach since they're family-friendly
Recommendation #3 Barbados
  • One of the most accessible countries in the Caribbean for Canadians with 7 flights per week
  • They really led the battle against COVID. Had great restrictions in place during the pandemic which kept numbers down
  • A great mix of hotels, history, and culture, so it’s ideal for travellers on any budget
  • Sustainability is a huge theme. A few distilleries are switching their practices to be fully sustainable
  • Harrisons Cave, which is the top attraction is trying to preserve things by introducing new attractions on the grounds
  • Even the Apes Hill Golf & Beach Club was designed to preserve local wildlife
Jan
01

Easy Phyllo Appetizers

[bc_video video_id="6284730054001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] During the holidays I’m always looking for easy appetizers that leave me time to spend with those who matter but still satisfy my taste buds. We have two phyllo fillings to get to and both of these recipes make about 90 triangles and these are great because you can even make them ahead of your holiday party and freeze them for up to one month. Later you can bake from frozen as long as you increase the cook time.
Jan
01

How To Reduce Social Anxiety During The Holidays

[bc_video video_id="6284731095001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] It's been a year and a half of being in front of screens, wearing masks and limiting our social interactions to absolutely necessary runs to the supermarket, so naturally, our brains have had to adjust to less social interaction and less social stimulation. Although there may be a learning curve to get back into the swing of things, most of us have not completely forgotten how to socialize.  However, there will be a period of adjustment for most of us. Most of us will be a little more self-conscious, need to practise our social skills, and overcome some awkwardness at first especially now that we are getting into the Holidays soon. "As covid restrictions are easing and we are moving into the holiday party season, what are people experiencing?" What people are experiencing may depend on whether they are naturally introverted or extroverted. The introverts and those who suffer from anxiety disorders for the most part during the pandemic liked having a limited social bubble, while the extroverts and outgoing personalities were feeling lost, lonely and had a really tough time, some even experiencing clinical depression. Now with the restrictions lifted, the extroverts are geared up and ready to go; they are mostly looking forward to returning to social gatherings. On the other hand, introverts may be feeling increased anxiety about face-to-face interaction, about how they will look publicly, feeling unsure about how to behave and how to fit in again, in person. "For those who may be feeling anxious or nervous about the family holiday dinner or returning to holiday social gatherings what can they do?"  1. Ease into it For your first time going out in public or family social situations, you may choose to get together with a small group, on your terms with who you feel most comfortable to gather with and where you feel most comfortable gathering. For example, do you prefer to only meet with vaccinated friends or are you open to gathering with everyone? Do you prefer to gather at home, a restaurant, or another venue? 2. Establish new norms within your family or friend group Do the new norms look identical to the old world prior to covid where everyone behaves as we did before?  Or are you going to encourage masking? Do you decide to hug only while masked? Do we get tested beforehand?  Is it okay to shake hands? Be okay with having these conversations prior to gathering instead of assuming everyone is on the same page. 3. Utilize your usual coping strategies Use tools like deep breathing and visualization to prepare you for the gathering. And while you are there utilize natural distractions, like the tv, caring for children or being the one to help out in the kitchen. Distractions can combat the pressure to be socially engaged at all times and diminish feelings of overwhelm or overstimulation.  Also plan to engage in activities you love, bring a game or activity with you. Take breaks and set boundaries for example on the length of your stay. And now what if you decide you want to opt-out of the family or holiday gatherings altogether?" First, be mindful that this is not social anxiety avoidance. If it is, avoidance in the long run only makes anxiety worse. Outside of that, if you are planning on bowing out gracefully, let people know early so they can plan adequately. Be okay with putting yourself and your needs first. Let friends and family know that it's not personal, but it's just what you feel you prefer at this time or that you have decided to start new traditions. Be sure to stay connected with them in other ways.
Jan
01

Curry Chicken with Sweet Potato for Potluck

[bc_video video_id="6284359637001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] I’m all about flavorful spices and this Curry Chicken is all about a blend of unique spices from (Jamaica, Guyana, Trinidad, and  Tobago), yellow, brown, or greenish hue. In my house, it wasn’t a party unless there was curry on the table! So this is one of those staples.
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