[bc_video video_id="6252122905001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] People have long been afraid to try Ketamine Assisted Therapy as an alternative form of therapy and with good reason. What is it exactly? Is it safe? Does it have side effects? We interviewed Dr. Mike Dow, a certified Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Expert, to give us the rundown on this fascinating phenomenon. What is Ketamine Assisted Therapy.... and is it safe?  Ketamine assisted psychotherapy is now approved for use in Canada, so yes, it is safe. Ketamine is the only psychedelic approved in Canada for use in treatment-resistant depression, though it's been around since the 50’s. It's a super fast-working therapy that has shown significant improvement in patients in just 24 hours! It can also be co-prescribed with other antidepressants for a more profound effect. Ketamine therapy entails combining the open, empathic, and dissociative state of a psychedelic with psychotherapy to maximize the effects. Therapeutic doses of ketamine boost glutamate, a neurotransmitter that is often overshadowed by the more famous serotonin and dopamine. Boosting glutamate prompts the brain to make new neural connections and boost the levels of many different neurotransmitters. What is the Process of Getting this Therapy, and Who's Eligible? In Canada a referral from a physician is required. This referral is usually only given if the patient has failed two other depression treatments, like regular therapy or medication. If a patient is approved, they undergo a medical intake with a psychiatrist (which is covered by OHIP).  The actually process of therapy entails 6 ketamine-assisted psychotherapy sessions and 4 integration sessions. The integration sessions are exclusively therapy, and help the patient to make sense of what happened in the last ketamine-assisted session. Generally, the treatment process takes place over a few months. How Effective is this Treatment? Before treatment, the average level of depression in patients is generally “severe” depression using a standard assessment. After sessions, the average was “minimal” depression. There are similar improvements in anxiety as well. These improvements are still apparent one month later in follow-up appointments of patients. In short, it works well, and on people who have historically struggled to treat their depression. It can also work in conjunction with other treatments, so can be incorporated into other treatment plans.  Does it Affect Different People Differently? Some people have a very strong spiritual experience that changes the way they view the world or themselves for the rest of their life. This is particularly common if the root of depression or anxiety is trauma. For the more biological and antidepressant effect, the results can vary from a couple months to a year depending on the person. If you Suffer from Depression... Don’t give up. The brain is our most complex organ, so doesn’t it make sense that treating a condition that involves the brain, our personality and our life can sometimes be difficult? Mental health is like creating a slow cooker recipe. You must find the right ingredients to make that perfect recipe. For some people, a dash of exercise is enough. For others, it’s just talk therapy. For others, maybe you need to add a little ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. Keep going until you find the right recipe. 

[bc_video video_id="6252123343001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] Sometimes a little tweak to your beauty routine is all you need to help your skin thrive. We're highlighting some common mistakes we make with our cosmetics and showing you how to fix them! 

Mistake #1 - Using an alcohol-heavy toner

Historically, toners have been alcohol-laden in an effort to dry out the skin, as oil was considered the enemy of skin for a long time. They should be used after cleansing but before a serum or moisturizer. To apply, you can either use a cotton pad and swipe it across the face after cleansing or pop it into your palm and pat it into the skin for a more gentle option. Tip: Toners are not a replacement for cleansing the skin, so keep this as a separate step in your routine, after cleansing. Recommended Products: Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner

Mistake #2 - Applying under-eye concealer all over your face

The concealer you choose for underneath your eyes is probably going to be a touch too light, too peachy, too pink or too yellow for the spots on your face. Under-eye options can end up creating a target on your face instead of covering your blemishes. Tip: Look for double-ended products that can offer your skin tone different options, meant for the different areas of the face. Recommended Product: Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer Duo 

Mistake #3 - Mascara straight out of the tube

The reality of mascara is that the tube is filled with product, so when you pull the brush out, there's a lot of product on it. This can lead to clumps and a big old mess you have to clean up, and stops you from being in control of the amount you're applying. Tip: Use a small piece of paper towel and dab off the excess product on the brush for a precise dose of mascara every time. Recommended Product: L'Oreal Age Perfect Densifying Mascara

Mistake #4 – Applying body lotion on dry skin

It sounds right, doesn't it? In reality however, applying body lotion to damp skin can help in a multitude of ways. Firstly, it traps the moisture on your damp skin, helping your skin keep some of the hydration from the shower. It also creates a barrier to further prevent that water loss and keep your skin moisturized in the longer term. Particularly on the face, layers of moisture can keep the skin hydrated, even while wearing products like foundation. Tip: This applies to your hands too, so always keep hand cream next to the sink! Recommended Product: Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Body and Hand Lotion

Mistake #5 - SPF only when it's sunny

This one baffles us - it's not as if the sun goes away when it's not hot out! Even when it's cloudy, the sun's rays go through the clouds, certain rays go through glass, the sun can peek out on cloudy days from time to time. So please, wear sunscreen on exposed skin! Tip: Every face and body is different, so be sure you use enough sunscreen and ensure you cover hidden areas - the back of the neck, top of the ears and don't forget your hands! Recommended Product: COOLA SPF options

[bc_video video_id="6252122849001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] Paper mache bowls are a huge trend for those of us who love a modern take on vintage style. We're showing you how making your own set at home may not be as hard as you think. This DIY paper mache bowl retails for $300, but we're going to make it for just $10! Here's what you'll need:

• Recycled Cardboard Boxes or Paper
• Scissors (or a paper shredder if you have one)
• Flour and salt
• Water (and a kettle)
• White Glue
• Metal bowl (for the bowl mold)
• Plastic Wrap
• 2-3 Colours of Craft Paints (colour of your choice)
• Large Plastic Container or Bucket
• Blender
• Cheesecloth bag or old tea towel
• Sanding Block or Paper

First off, you are going to collect any old cardboard boxes or white paper you have around that house that you feel comfortable shredding. If you want this to be really cathartic, maybe shred up old credit card statements, tax bills, divorce papers… anything you like. You want it to be in small pieces.  Next, place all of your shredded paper products in a large plastic container and cover it with boiling water. Let this sit for a few hours. Tip: Recycled Cardboard will need a full 24 hours to soften enough for this project. After your paper and cardboard has softened, you are going to place it in your blender. Make sure you fully clean it after this and before you make margaritas – you don’t want paper in your cocktail. Once all your paper looks like porridge, place it in your cheesecloth bag and strain out all the water by squeezing. Tip: You can use an old cotton tea towel if you don’t have cheesecloth. Next, you'll need about 6 cups of this paper pulp to make one bowl. Add 1 cup of flour and 1 cup of white glue. Also throw in 2 TBSP of salt to help preserve the bowl. Now it’s time to mix. Get your hands in there and mix it well. You don’t want it too sticky (if it is, add more flour) or too dry (use a little more glue or even a little water).  Now your paper mache clay is done!  It should resemble a consistency of thick play-doh . Tip: Working with slightly wetter paper mache is way easier to smooth. Now it’s time to build our bowl. You want to take a large bowl that you have wrapped and turn it upside down. Now you’re just going to start adding papier mache to your bowl. Lay it on about a 1/4" thick. Tip: If you place the bowl on a tray also covered in plastic wrap it will be easier to move while it’s drying. If you want to, you can add more detail to your bowl like a base and or a thick rim detail. Pinch the bowl base wherever you want to add these details. Now you are going to let it dry for 48 hours. It's a long time to wait, but you don't want to move it too early or it will collapse. Tip: Placing it in a dry, warm and sunny spot will make your bowl dry faster. Don’t despair if you make a mistake, just try reworking it a little and smooth out the damage. Place it back on the bowl form and let it dry longer. Now to ensure it is perfectly dry, you're going to bake it a little bit. Bake it for no more than 30 minutes at 180F, and turn it over halfway through. The final step is to give it a quick sanding and paint it. Do crazy with this part, but a neutral beige is a great choice for a more antique look. Tip: Apply a clear matte coat sealant to preserve your bowl longer. And voila! you're done, and have a beautiful bowl to show for it!

[bc_video video_id="6252121256001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] It's that time of year when we’re all getting outside regularly after months of being cooped up. So whether you’re taking your workout from the basement to the backyard, grabbing a coffee, or heading out on a hike, we've got a lookbook of breathable basics and easy layers to help you find the perfect casual outfit. Look #1: Outdoor Workout It's so much easier to get in a workout when you look the part! Walking the talk all starts with a great supporting sports bra like the one in this look. The high neck offers the coverage and support needed to get moving. The mix jersey leggings are amazingly comfortable and stretchy! This active spring jacket is versatile, perfect for workout gear or simply everyday outfits.  Look #2: Walking the Dog Dog walks are some of our longest outings these days, so why not make it into an activity? This look adds some great spring colours like a light green legging. The stretch lets you keep up with your four-legged companion! We've also got an active tee, which is a great addition to any wardrobe. The windbreaker is a must for transitional weather and staying ready. And with this cute and practical duffle bag, you can carry water, sunscreen and other must-haves for a walk. Look #3: Hiking Outfit Hiking as an activity has become popular as a way to stay active and get outside the city. This monochromatic look is the right on trend for what we're seeing this spring. The rich olive colour is gorgeous, and it's comfy as well! Joe Fresh offers this set in extended sizes up to 3X. Add on a slip-on pink sneaker and ball cap for some sun protection. You're definitely ready to hit the trails or the runway!  Look #4: Grab-and-Go Coffee This romper look is chic and comfortable. Athleisure attire is here to stay, so grab this amazing workhorse of an item and get it into your rotation! A super cute platform sneaker makes it street perfect. All looks courtesy of Joe Fresh. Use the promo code “J-F-Spring-25” for a 25 percent discount at joefresh.com. 

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