Jan
01

How To Pull Off Decades Of Fashion Trends In 2021

[bc_video video_id="6263684751001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] Revisiting the decades through fashion is so interesting, every decade has its own calling card! We’re revisiting trends from the flower power 70s, the conservative 80s, grungy 90s and the fashion decade that makes us ALL cringe, the 2000s. Here's how your can wear those trends. 70s The era of floral prints, wide legged denim, big sunglasses. We had the original Charlie’s Angels, Diana Ross disco, Farah Fawcett hair, and Jane Birkin. Would love a Birkin, but I rather have a house, because they cost the same. To pull together a 70’s meets today, try a wide- leg denim, the ones pictured below are from H & M. My look is original Charlie’s Angels with my bell bottoms, platform heels, a disco collar and of course, a bag because as an Angel you need a bag for your weapons. The key for the look is the bell-bottoms, and since we are now anti-skinny jean, it’s easy to find!  I’m wearing wide leg denim jeans, paired with a simple black blouse and a floral neck scarf. 80s Now onto the decade of the shoulder pad, the 80s. It was a time of John Hughes films, Oprah was just getting her start, and Reagan was the President. This was a very conservative age, Family Ties was the biggest show during the 80s and that says a lot. It was also the second wave of feminism, Working Girls was released in 88, and we saw strong shoulders in all the women’s workwear. That’s my calling card for this look, a strong shoulder. I’m wearing a sweatshirt with shoulder pads from H & M which is so on trend. I paired with the Tada Biker shorts from preloved and a thrifted power blazer, very Princess Diana! Finish the look off with some current Stan-Smith style sneakers. 90s Now in the 90s, it was a big pendulum swing from the conservative 80s. Grunge was the look, floral came back, plaid was huge, and we can’t forget those chunky military boots. It was like, the uglier, the dirtier, the better! This was the decade of Friends, we were obsessed with anything Rachel wore, and god she did 90s SO well. For my 90’s look,  I’m wearing a slip floral print dress from Marshalls. The floral with a black backdrop gives that grunge vibe,  SO 90’s but so today, and a nod to plaid with this shirt tied at the waist. Of course I can’t forget my chunky combat boots. These boots are made from recycled materials, I got them at H&M last year. 2000s The 2000s were a rough time for fashion, but you know what—everyone was having fun! This was the decade where reality tv was getting started, we saw the impact of paparazzi photos, and social media got its start, Myspace anyone? Trend wise, we saw a lot of low-rise jeans, coordinated outfits, textured fuzzy and popcorn shirts were huge! Believe it or not, everything I’m wearing for this look is current, except these low-rise jeans that I thrifted. I think they may be from 2002!! I’ve got the shrunken fuzzy sweater, and I’ve paired it with a bright blazer from Winners- keeping it fun but also making this look wearable. Finish this look off with a bright-coloured mini bag!
Jan
01

Amaretto and Cherry Semifreddo

A semi-freddo means half-cold but spoiler-alert, it’s just as cold as any other frozen dessert.  Frozen is frozen, no?  You can’t call a semifreddo ice cream because you’re technically not making a crème Anglais with egg yolks, the traditional base of any true ice cream recipe.  It’s ridiculously easy and equally as impressive – trust me!  It’s super transportable too -- bring it along in the loaf pan! Please note that this recipe contains raw egg whites – and there are certain groups of people for whom raw egg whites may not be suitable – pregnant women, very young children and the elderly. If it’s not cherry season and you can’t find fresh cherries, you can easily use frozen cherries or even dried cherries.  You can also skip the fruit and replace it with toasted almonds.  That is the nice thing about a semifreddo – it is perfectly customizable.
Jan
01

5 Outdoor Exercises You Can Do Using A Park Bench

[bc_video video_id="6263536978001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] Firstly, we all must use the beautiful weather as a chance to get your workouts outdoors and enjoy nature, the nice weather and sunshine! Secondly, you can do something as simple as going for a walk or run, or a body weight workout with a bench at a nearby park. The Bench This is what you can do with a Bench:
  1. Bench steps up, one leg does most of the work, while working out your glutes, quads and knees.
  2. Side-step ups, to work the inner and outer thighs- strength and cardio combined.
  3. Bench dips, work those triceps while you lift your body weight.
  4. Push-ups, planks and mountain climbers!
So many different options to work your entire body. Park Equipment You can take a few pieces of equipment like a skipping rope and bands and work out with those as well. Another great idea is that there are lots of parks that now have outdoor gyms with benches, pull up bars and structures you can work out on- don't be shy to try them out. At the park you can do…
  1. Hanging knee tucks
  2. Split Squat with elevated leg Via: Experience Life
  3. Bench hop overs Via: Get Healthy U
The point is to try and get out and do something active daily. Exercising Outdoors Mornings and evenings are best, the sun it's too harsh and tha t time of day is cooler. Try and wear comfortable, breathable clothing. Hat, and layers if you need.  Make sure you're hydrated, drink water throughout the day, take it with you. Don't forget sunscreen and reply if you need to!
Jan
01

What You Need To Know About A Grey Divorce

[bc_video video_id="6263667480001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] Years ago, the vast majority of couple who weren't happy in their relationship chose to remain married out of convenience or routine, or even a sense of familiarity. But over the past few years, many are deliberately choosing to part ways. What is Grey Divorce? Grey Divorce is basically Divorce that occurs after a long marriage (typically 20-25+. years of marriage). It is on the rise and has been on the rise for the past 5-10 years. Exhibit A - Bill & Melinda Gates. Via: BBC When the term was first coined, it referred to men and women who divorced after 40 years or more of marriage. The assumption was that anyone married for that long must be an older adult "starting to gray," hence the name. But these days, it's more commonly used to refer to the divorce wave among baby boomers, regardless of the length of their marriage or the color of their hair. Why get divorced so late in a marriage?  People are more conscious and intentional about their life choices, they possibly have “Empty Nest Syndrome” or are retired and may want to be free. Women are also more empowered than ever (they initiate 70% of the time, likely because in many cases they carry more of the emotional burden in marriage and are more confident/independent later in life), many couples are choosing consciously to remain together to raise their children, and then consciously choose to go their own way. It's like the closing of a chapter, and the opening of a new one for both. Also, there is less stigma around this. Family Impacts Just as when kids are young, it all depends on "how" the divorce is framed, communicated, and then executed (i.e. healthy, calm, and respectful vs. angry and vengeful, the latter of course causing distress), the same happens here. The difference is that kids are grown up in these scenarios. They are either in college or have moved out or are married and started families of their own, so its possibly slightly easier on them. Most kids beyond a certain age just want their parents to be happy, even though we all hope for that "vision" of a family to have both parents together, etc. Biggest considerations in Grey Divorce Financial and Social are the biggest concerns. So those need to be in order before getting divorced. Finances can be tricky to handle, especially when one spouse may have challenges managing them. And if one of the partners has been earning all of the money in the household and therefore has made all of the decisions involving money, problems may arise when divorcing.  Also, what needs to be paid off is debt etc. Then it’s also harder to divorce later in life because as we age, we are at higher risk for loneliness. It's important to invest in our social circles now and forever, so we can have our peers/friends as company and not have to stay with someone for money or for company. As we get very old, it even becomes risky even to live alone, so these are all factors need to be considered and the decision to get divorced must be thought through.
Jan
01

How To Transform Your Swimwear Into Streetwear

[bc_video video_id="6263537850001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] The next time you’re bathing suit shopping…. instead of buying swimwear pieces that can exclusively be worn pool or beach side, we should really purchase pieces that can transition to everyday wear, AKA streetwear. Incorporating swimwear into everyday wardrobe items lowers cost per wear. In the absence of travelling overseas this summer, many Canadians will be pool or lake side. Cover Up  I love having fun with bold prints and colours and cover ups can do just that. The first swimwear look centers around this neutral brown scoop-back-halter one piece. This bold kimono works great as a cover-up. For the first streetwear look we're going to get rid of the bathing suit, but hang-on to the kimono. I'm adding another neutral, but this time a lighter one in a silk camisole, pair with classic blue denim jeans. Finishing this look off with some green wedges and a brown tote to play up the Kimono's earth tone print. Everything added is from Winners. For the second streetwear look, we're bringing the brown halter one-piece back, and styling it as a bodysuit. The suit is layered with super comfortable linen wide-legged cropped pants and a Brixton straw hat, again playing on the body-suits neutral tones. The matching white bag and shades are both from Winners. Bold Colour   This is one of my favourites for sure, I love this colour. This orange bathing suit from winners works amazingly as a bodysuit.  It has an adorable asymmetrical ruffle lining the front of the bathing suit. For the first swimwear look, we're going matchy-matchy. I added a striped light-yellow and white cover up from Hudson's Bay and a statement floppy hat from Winners. To top off this look, I added white mules that can be worn on the beach or on the patio! To transition this orange suit into everyday streetwear, pair with a denim mini-skirt and a playful floral bucket hat. Complete this look with a simple white crossbody bag and matching white tennis sneakers. Athletic Wear  Everyone needs a one-piece black bathing suit, it’s a must. Bathing suit fabrication is generally composed of spandex and lycra blends so they provide excellent support, similar to shapewear. This black bathing suit from Winners has a gorgeous cutout detail in the front and some on the back as well. Party in the front, party in the back! For the first swimwear look I kept it all black by pairing the suit with a black oversized button down cover-up and some black sandals. The look is finished with a straw hat with a black ribbon detail and some black round shades. Everything is from Winners. The streetwear look is an athleisure one that you could wear everyday. Think sporty spice, with these tye-dye bicycle shorts and fanny pack from winners with a classic ball cap. Finished the look with a pair of classic black and white Puma sneakers. Dress up We really need pieces that make you feel confident and are comfortable, and the importance of fit so you're not adjusting/fidgeting- swimwear should be no exception. The last swimwear look features this gorgeous violet one-piece with from Winners. I've layered a classic oversized white linen button-down as a cover-up. Then added a floppy white hat, oversized shades and white sandals all from Winners. For an everyday look, I buttoned up the button-down into a dress and added a handkerchief scarf to cinch in the waist. To play with the print of the belt, I paired this outfit with a bright yellow Common Sort clutch and block heels to match. For the next swimwear look, I added a black polka dot maxi skirt from Winners as a bottom cover-up. I also added some black sandals and a white straw hat with a black ribbon accent. The last streetwear look is more of a formal one, this time we're going to use the maxi-skirt cover-up as a dress. I thrifted this black sash which I used to cinch just below the bust. This look is complete with black strappy heels.
LOAD MORE