[oh my that's haute] June - July 2016 by [oh my: that's haute]

oh my:

[ that' s haute.] JUNE - JULY 2016

AmĂŠlie PĂŠriard Chartrand: Finding Your Inspirat ion Wit hin; CRE8TIVE JUNKTION

We are a team of passionate, fashion forw ard Canadian contributors w ho are not afraid to push the envelope. From east to w est our focus is highlighting community trailblazers by putting their business at the forefront of our stories. Live local. Love local. Join the conversation, you know you w ant to.

[ oh my EDITORIAL TEAM DATING & RELATIONSHIPS: TINA HUGHES FASHION & BEAUTY: CHANTAL SARKISIAN HEALTH & FITNESS MADELAINE GARCIA KITCHEN & CUISINE: KIN RONZONI HOUSE & HOME: SUZANNE QUINTAL ARTS & TRAVEL: CRYSTAL BESHARA FEATURES W RITER MELANIE MARTIN COVER PHOTO: Julie C. Butler Photography

IN THIS ISSUE Dat ing & Relat ionships..... Art s & Ent ert ainment ..... Kit chen & Cuisine..... Healt h & Fit ness..... Fashion & Beaut y..... PHOTO CREDIT: BRI ANDERSON-JACKSON

House & Home..... DesignerDIY......

y: t hat 's haut e.]

We are a team of fashion forward Canadian contributors that have collaborated to bring you a digital lifestyle publication with a little something for everyone. We live local. We love local. We write local. Join the conversation, you know you want to! Opinions expressed herein are that of each contributor and we welcome your feedback. Sending love & light always, Brandelyn

THE CALGARY STAM PEDE What's It To You Anyway? Written by: Brandelyn Cameron Though I was born in Medicine Hat, I spent my early years in Calgary, Inglewood to be exact, just a hop, skip and a jump away from the Butterfly Conservatory and Spolumbo's Fine Foods and Deli. However, what I remember the most about this part of my childhood, aside from the massive summer hail storms, is the excitement that accompanied the arrival of The Calgary Stampede. From the time I received my very first cowboy boots from my uncle Roy and every year thereafter, I simply couldn't wait to take it all in. The culture, the rides, the food, the rodeo and all of the entertainment throughout is simply spectacular...not to mention the (ahem)...Cowboys. Unfortunately for this lil rodeo princess wannabe, when my parents separated, we relocated to the East Coast and I had to say goodbye to the Stampede for a few years. A couple of years ago, my family reunited in the west for my brother's wedding and you better believe the Stampede was on my to do list. Only this time, not only did I head there with my parents and Uncle Paul like the good ol' days, but my son and my cousin were able to experience it with us as well. (Weehoo #Brit) This was the year that my uncle Paul was diagnosed with cancer, but come hell or high water, you could not keep him from the Stampede celebrations and chemo took a back burner for those 10 days. Although he may have been a bit fatigued, his face lit up like when we were kids when we entered the grounds. This is one of the days that I will forever hold in my heart, remembering him smiling, happy and making the most of what life had tossed his way. He was the most compassionate, caring, and ' life of the party' kinda guy you could ever imagine. I couldn't bring myself to head to the Stampede last year, but you can be damn sure I'll be there this year. Living large for Uncle Paul. You are often on my mind and forever in my heart. xo

Photo Credit: PAUL CAMERON

DESIGNER

on demand.

Written by: Suzanne Quintal BORROWING THE DESIGN EYE? . Psssst ? .Do you love my work but are pressed for time or have the impression that working with a designer is too expensive? Have you been touring the showrooms and trolling online to get that perfect look but are scared to make a decision? Then read on? because maybe these rapidly expanding design services are what you?ve been looking for. This year I have made a conscious effort to really get my work and look out there on all the social media feeds. Between my website, blog, Pinterest, Houzz, Instagram, and this magazine I started getting about 15 to 20 requests a day for design info! People wanting to know which paint colour to use, or how big should their sofa be or where did I source that table. I love attention? don?t get me wrong? but while I did try to respond to everyone there were some of you who fell through the cracks. Sorry.

So to help clients that had questions but did not need an all-inclusive design service I started offering Edesign and Showroom Shopping packages. Who is the perfect #borrowmyeye client? It?s the person who needs a little guidance to complete an already started project, or the one who just wants to work on a room or two at their own pace, and for those of you who wish to be more hands on in the design practise but procrastinate over too many choices presented to you in the showroom. HOW IT W ORKS? . The majority of Edesign projects focus on a single room and are charged a flat fee. You send pics of your room, dimensions of the space, some inspirational photos you have collected from Houzz or Pinterest, and a completed questionnaire including your budget range. I cannot state enough how important your inspirational images and a well thought out questionnaire is. Whether we are meeting in person or on line, I want your room to be livable, delightful,

and cool. Knowing how you use the room, whether you have kids, pets or entertain and what your favourite and least favourite colours are is paramount to designing a room that you will love for a long time to come. Once the studio has received your information package and design fee I like to have a half hour phone or Skype consultation to go over everything first hand and begin the design process. Most communication after this point is done via email or a shared Dropbox file to check on progress. Et voila! Most Edesign projects take four to eight weeks to complete. You are provided a detailed design concept for your room, including images, floor plan, furniture and accessories selection, samples for the recommended materials and finishes, and a shopping list for everything. If your project is a bathroom or a kitchen and you require contactors, I can either recommend qualified tradespeople for you to manage or I can be hired to take over the project. Showroom Shopping packages are for the clients that have trouble navigating the showroom with confidence. I know that I personally have had clients take years to decide on and order that sofa before we crossed paths. I totally understand that the showroom can be an overwhelming environment where you have far too many options and not enough one on one time. Purchasing furniture is an investment and you want to get everything right. Whether it?s a new dining table, bedroom suite, or sofa, shopping with a design professional can help you make these purchases with confidence and ensure measurements, fabric, and material selection are the ones you need not just the ones being promoted at the time. I will ensure that whatever is purchased or custom ordered is not only right for your lifestyle but fits into your design vision. There is nothing worse than buyer?s remorse and a 25% restock fee and to start the process all over again. WHAT IT COSTS? . The beauty of both the Edesign and Showroom Shopping services is that they appeal to clients who are budget savvy but want that designer polished look. For a flat fee you get the complete design of a room ranging from $950.00 for a powder room makeover up to $2500.00 for

larger spaces up to 1,000 square feet. If you need assistance in additional rooms but not an entire redo, we can add on a la carte service for paint or furniture selection. Showroom Shopping packages can be added on to your Edesign package or arranged as a separate service. There is an hourly fee and if applicable I do pass along a portion of any designer incentive I may have with that particular showroom or stockist. So you don?t only get piece of mind but additional savings to boot! No matter which direction you decide to go in? .I got you covered. I work with the best showrooms and stockists available and can get you from zero to styled in no time flat. Are you ready to love your space? I would love to hear from you. Until then keep living a styled life.

SAVE THE DATE! ONLINE ART CLEARANCE PARTY JUNE 20-24th, 2016

Photo Credit: BEN WELLAND PHOTOGRAPHY

Crystal Beshara is a Canadian contemporary realist painter and proud two time winner of the prestigious Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation prize. She is an Artist ambassador for Da Vinci Paint Co. (US) and her work was recently featured in International Artist Magazine (voted the worlds best Art Magazine). A self-taught realist, she has been drawing and painting since childhood. One of Canada's rising realist painters Crystal moves easily between watercolour, oil or graphite. Her work is recognizable with it?s rich, earth tone palette and emotionally charged, rural narrative and uncanny ability to capture expression and anatomy in both human and animal portraiture. Corporate clients include the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Nortel and the Canadian Museum of Civilization. She is also a recipient of an Ontario Arts Council Award, was shortlisted as one of of Ottawa?s Best Emerging Artists. The Kingston Prize and elected into the esteemed International Guild of Realism. She holds a Botanical illustration diploma from the Society of Botanical Artists (UK). She is also a writer and has illustrated 4 published children?s books including her original story When I Visit the Farm which was released internationally in 2009. Her work has also been featured and reviewed in Canadian House & Home, Modern Family Magazine, The Ottawa Citizen, Ottawa Sun, The Quill & Quire, and Montreal Review of Books. Beshara also is the primary sketch artist for the award winning television series Hard Rock Medical. A familiar face in the media both as an illustrator and fine artist she has been a regular guest art instructor co-host on Rogers Daytime television, appeared on CBC?s Living in Ottawa, CTV news, CTV Regional Contact and CBC Radio All in a Day. Crystal is regularly invited to jury for various art societies and exhibitions as well as a popular art instructor offering painting workshops abroad in Santa Fe, Greece, Newfoundland, France, England and Mexico as well as locally in her home Art Studio. In 2014 she opened the much loved gallery and workshop in Ottawa called the Studio CafĂŠand in 2015 co-founded Art School Fair, Canada?s first Fine Art Educational Tradeshow. In Ottawa she is represented by Wall Space Gallery.

NICOLE ROSENFELDT "Just a little note for our appreciation, to let you know how much all of your hard work and dedication in selling and buying our homes means to us. Our family will have years of joy in our new house, as we watch our children grow. " Sincerely and gratefully, Jennifer L

Buying a home? A few important things to consider! Are you in the market for a new home? Well, here are a few things to consider ensuring this property has what you really need. Keep in mind anything personal might be a detriment for re-sale so consider how long you will live in this home in order to invest in a smart manner! -

Location is a huge part of your selection. Consider the noise factor, transit access, smells in the house but also around the property based on industry or farming activities. Green space for pets and children can attract young families; busy street however will have the opposite effect based on safety. The highest priced home in the neighbourhood might be a challenging re-sale. Always invest within the value of that community. Any surrounding properties and businesses can be a factor in the selection from buyers for future sale, beware of your surroundings. If you have a disability, ensure you have an easy access, wide enough hallways to circulate with a possible future wheelchair. You might want to consider a one level property such as a rancher to avoid the complication of a staircase. Oversize showers with a separate bath will be a great option. In the case of a condominium ensure you have an elevator access and possibly select a unit on a lower level in case of fire for easy and fast exit. Security is an important factor. You might look for a property with an alarm system or one where you can easily install such a service. Communicating balconies are something to consider if you live alone and are not familiar with the neighbours next door. There are some condominiums with 24 hours service or gated community. The age of the window can be a factor as some are easy to break in. Just stay safe! Always have a home inspection and look at the signs such as cracks in the foundation, moldy smells, discoloured ceiling due to possible leaks, also knob and tubes wires. Ensure your electric panel is strong enough if you have plans to renovate or add some new features. It would avoid costly surprises in the

case you would require a new electric panel to upgrade the strength of your service. Insurance is an important factor. In some cases when you purchase a property some insurance companies won't accept to provide services based on the age, condition or type of built of a property. Ensure your Realtor includes a clause to protect your interest in the agreement of purchase and sale. Religious beliefs and Feng Shui are an important part of who you are and should be in your list of interest. It might be to your advantage to live in a community which offers services in your language for convenience, babysitting services, simple access to temples or churches. Feng Shui provides serene environments and you should hire someone with knowledge in order to guide you in the right direction based on these important factors and way of life. After all it is important to feel at home. In the case of a condominium always ask for the status certificate to ensure there is no extreme repairs coming as you purchase this property. Consider the condo fees as they will always be there and go up in price in the future even when your mortgage is fully paid. That being said, a condo offers a great life style... No grass to cut or exterior maintenance in some cases. It also features amazing views in higher units. Each type of properties has their own values. Choose the one that works for you! Take the time to drive by the property you choose at different times of the day to see how people live around there. Is it loud with lots of traffic? Does it have this street hockey game your son is contemplating or the dog park you are dreaming of. Maybe the pool you fell in love with is in full shade when it matters most for you? Beware, is my little tip! Most importantly, with whatever your preferences might be, take into consideration your life style, the length of time you are planning on living there. The services the community you are joining is offering, and above all the location and the possible re-sale value! Wishing you lots of success in your Real Estate goals and dreams!

Sooooooooooo REFRESHING... PHOTO CREDIT: ROGALL PHOTOGRAPHY

LEM ON-M INT FUSION Written by: Kim Ronzoni The best of both worlds- a medley of tea and lemonade, caffeine-free and naturally sweetened with a touch of honey. Agave or maple syrup may also be used as a natural sweetener alternative to sugar. Lemons provide a great source of Vitamin C, Potassium and help in balancing your body?s PH. Mint has one of the highest antioxidant capacities of any food! Honey has natural, antibacterial properties which help the immune system. Try to find unpasteurized honey, my favourite is Manuka honey from the Manuka plant, also known as Tea Tree. This beverage can be enjoyed both cold or warm by omitting the ice and warming to the desired temperature.

INGREDIENTS -

4 cups fresh water 6 sprigs of fresh mint (reserve some extra for garnish) 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

DIRECTIONS (SERVES 6-8 PEOPLE) 1. Place water in a medium size pot and bring to a boil. 2. Remove from heat, add mint sprigs, cover and allow to steep for 30 min. 3. Use a sieve to strain the mint from the tea and discard the mint. Allow to come to room temperature. 4. Use a small funnel and add the honey and lemon juice to a decorative glass bottle with a cap. 5. Add the minted tea to the bottle, seal and shake well. 6. Fill a glass with ice and add Lemon-Mint Fusion, garnish with fresh mint leaves and/or lemon slices. * Can be served cold, or warmed up as a soothing tea.

Photo Credit: Julie C. Butler Photography

Written By: Brandelyn Cameron Everybody knows what it's like to have a dream, yet why is it that we sometimes have trouble following our true passions? More often than not, the fear of the unknown paralyzes our ability to move beyond our comfort zone and results in the stagnant repetition of the mundane. But instead, what if we pushed past our self inflicted boundaries and found the courage to follow our heart's desire? What if we found strength in the emotional roller coaster of our personal battles and used it to ignite our passion and fuel our dreams? Amélie is a perfect example of the courage, strength and positivity that it takes to do just that. Earlier this year, despite a mountain of personal obstacles, she persevered and made

her life vision a reality and opened Cre8tive Junktion. This little upscale boutique is a vision of creative loveliness that inspires everyone that walks through the door. Even if you claim not to have a creative bone in your body, I'm certain that you will find something here that resonates with you. Heck, you may even become inspired enough to take her up on one of her Fat Paint workshops and bring a lil life back into your furniture castaways. A few weeks ago, Amélie's daughter was the victim of a senseless motor vehicle accident which has left her in critical condition. Yet throughout the devastation, heartache, and tears Amélie and her family remain positive as they sit by Camille's beside anxiously anticipating her recovery. Her daily status updates have become the heart of the

FINDING YOUR INSPIRATION WITHIN community as we wait with bated breath for the news of her daughter's recovery. In January of this year I was introduced to AmĂŠlie via a Facebook message. Since that time, I have followed her progress and featured her amazing furniture restoration work in the magazine. As I "watched" her overcome some trials and tribulations while she followed her passion, her creativity, grace and gumption was so inspirational that I simply had to ask her if she would be interested in being featured on the cover of the magazine and write an article describing her accomplishments. Although she was unable to prepare the original article we had discussed, she did mention that her number one goal in becoming a business owner and entrepreneur was "to lead the path for my girls. To show them that determination and passion will lead them to success and happiness. The fact that people such as yourself are recognizing my hard work and dedication means so much to me." Life has tossed another curve ball at this amazing woman and her family, and I feel that now more than ever, she deserves every bit of support that we can give. But most of all, the prevailing message from this story is a recent post from AmĂŠlie: "I have kept pretty silent about the stupid and very avoidable reasons why Camille has now been in the hospital for 12 days and counting. This is a reminder to EVERYONE, if you have been drinking...do NOT drive! Because of someone's poor choices our daughter has spent 12 days in the hospital and counting, I have been off work, our life has been turned upside down. Think about the families you can potentially be hurting when you get behind the wheel intoxicated. Please be safe this summer....drink responsibly."

What You Really Need to Know About DIY New born Photography Written by: Stephanie de Montigny As a professional, I would be doing you a great injustice if I didn't adequately prepare you on all the possibilities when considering PRO vs. DIY newborn photography, In an effort to uphold my professionalism and personal values, what follows is to educate you on the 'oh yeah, I didn't even think of that' surprises that often come up when attempting to do it yourself..

satisfaction of knowing that the tangible art I provide from my session creates a legacy for these families.

Since you've been seeing all those adorable, cute, sleeping baby photos flooding your news feed, you decide to create a Pinterest board dedicated to what you want for your very own newborn photo session.

Newborn Phot ography Is A Dirt y Job

There are certainly some hidden truths to newborn photography that will make you think twice before doing a DIY newborn photo session, but I wouldn't trade my job for anything!

Hot Yoga anyone?

Suddenly you're convinced that since you've done so much 'research' and have already bought a few props, that you may as well just do it yourself..

When photographing a naked baby, you need to make sure that the area is well heated, because newborns aren't able to regulate their own temperature. As in, get ready to sweat like a gorilla in that 30 degree sauna! Because I am lifting baby (often 7-12lbs) and doing several bouncy-yet-soothing dance routines throughout the 4 hours, I can often double a session as hot-yoga workout. Awesome, right? WRONG! Unless of course you like feeling of running a summer marathon in a sweat suit, while lifting weights. But after giving birth? Probably not.

THINK AGAIN!

Pee streams, spit up, and poop.. Oh my!

Hang on tight for the wild ride of truth bombs about the world of newborn photography! It's not all it's cracked up to be...unless you mean baby bums.

All those adorable naked baby photos means that your newborn is no longer wearing a diaper. Combined with the excessive feeding, over-stimiluation, and VOILA...the perfect storm. Be prepared to have every single item within a 10-foot radius to be soiled, including yourself! Wait, that's not what you signed up for!

To further your research, you start browsing professional photographer's websites looking at all the options and styles and you've even started buying little outfits and props for your session. Sound familiar?

Being a newborn photographer is a very rewarding career. I get to snuggle babies almost daily, and not only watch but participate as my newborn clients grow up into people. I get the

"Adorable sleeping newborns aren't alwaysthe case." I can guarantee you that the newborn photos you see online are not as easy to accomplish as you may think. Once you've come to terms with the fact that everything will get soiled, and that you're going to feel even more exhauted than ever, you can now begin to digest the new knowledge that you're probably going to have to try a DIY several times to get sleeping posed newborn photos. Even as a professional, I don't have the time or energy for that! Although I do love the outtakes and funny faces, it's not the same as those curly sleepy poses. However, just because baby is awake, it does not mean you cannot capture adorable images, it just means you need to switch to the contingency plan. Trying to do DIY newborn photos when untrained is like trying to wrangle a mud covered puppy into a full bathtub without getting your clothes wet or dirty. It might sound like a good idea at first, but then think about trying to do that after having abdominal surgery or stitches 'down there' after giving birth to a seven-ten pound human. It doesn't sound so appealing anymore.. Even if the puppy is super cute, well-behaved, and quiet. Posed newborn photography is not a smart DIY option, no matter how much research you've done .

For a candid photo, or for when they get a little older, grab your point-and-shoot camera or smartphone and snap away to your heart's desire! In fact, I strongly encourage you to photograph all those special moments, and even the everyday simplicities, but for those delicate, squishy, intricately posed portraits you see all over Pinterest, it's best to leave it to a professional newborn photographer. If not only for the quality of the results, certainly the necessary safety precautions. In the end, it's a messy, loud, sweaty, stinky, in-your-face, laborious job to photograph a newborn baby...and I love it and wouldn't change a thing! (except maybe a few extra diapers, ha!). If by now you've realized that you've bitten off more than you can chew by planning to photograph your newborn yourself, give me a call and I will include you in my schedule (or recommend someone else if you're not local to the Ottawa area). If you still feel confident and want to attempt a DIY newborn session with your little one, please absolutely consult a professional for safety tips first., which I will be discussing in part 2 of this featured series in the next issue.

W ild B loom HOW TO GET THE LOOK

Written by: Cait O'Malley You know when you?re scrolling through Pinterest and you find something amazing. I?m not talking pin and forget about amazing. I?m talking, click 32 times trying to figure out how to obtain kind of amazing. I feel like it happens to me all the time: an adorable dress; and really unique piece of jewellery; stunning wedding tablescape. I click and click and click but can never seem to find the original post of where to buy or how to create. It drives me crazy. When I put together my Wild Bloom style shoot I had a few goals in mind: -

Create a paradisiacal setting to showcase my own creativity and talent as a wedding planner Feature talented, local collaborators Inspire couples (and hopefully future clients!) for their own wedding

This article is all about goal number three. The trouble is, what good is being inspired if you can?t figure out how to turn around and pull it off yourself? Well today is your lucky day because I?m going to teach you exactly how to take the inspiration from Wild Bloom and turn

it into something spectacular of your own. No, I?m not going to give you the exact lipstick colour, flower types or linen styles. There?s no fun in recreating a look item by item. Instead, I am going to teach you how to take a vision and then source out the appropriate vendors/rentals to make the vision into a reality! My style shoot took place at the end of March so I wanted the whole thing to be a huge burst of spring. Not just, ?tra la la it?s spring and everything is perfect and very prim and proper.?I wanted wild, unruly spring. The kind of spring that makes a grown woman twirl and skip through a blossoming field of wild flowers. The tone of the focus was bold, so I picked bright, bold colours to reflect that. I found inspiration photos to portray that vision further. I based a good deal of inspiration on a cake I found on Pinterest where the flowers were literally leaping off the cake like they couldn?t be tamed.

Venue: First on the list is finding a venue. Wild Bloom was a spring inspired style shoot taking place at the end of winter, so we needed an indoor venue with tons of natural light to mimic a beautiful spring day. I also wanted to find a venue that was a bit unique. We all know places like the Fairmont Chateau Laurier are stunning venues so it wouldn?t really benefit them to be showcased like it would a smaller venue that was lesser known. Lago Bar and Grill?s Vista Room, with wall to ceiling windows flooding in tons of natural light was the absolute perfect choice. Phot ography: Creating a shoot that had the look and feel of being outdoors, while actually being indoors, also requires a very talented photographer. Clients often have trouble in the photography area because they focus more on the poses and the scenery rather than on the style. Wedding photographers have their own unique style. Some shoot sultry and dark, while others more light and airy, some prefer candid and fun, while others prefer staged and serious. Stacey Stewart Photography was the perfect mix of all of the photo elements that I was looking for. Her photos are soft and airy with beautiful, bright lighting. They hold incredible beauty and are staged without being restrictive so that they still had that fun, candid quality to them. Videography: If you ask a couple what their biggest regret is from their wedding, many of them will tell you it was not hiring a videographer. The Salt and Light Studio has an unbelievable talent for capturing not just the beauty of a moment but the spirit and soul of her subjects creating an everlasting experience (this is especially true of her beautiful Legacy Letter Videos). Once again, she fully mastered every single personality, feeling and experience that took place throughout our Wild Bloom shoot. DĂŠcor, rent als, florals: Looking at an empty venue space is one of my favourite things. It is a blank canvas and choosing how you fill it in is like picking which colours and brushes to use. I was at a wedding show in January and stumbled across a vendor booth with stunning faux cherry blossom branches and an incredible cascading floral backdrop. In my head, the canvas was being painted. I?ve worked with Wedecor before and know their dĂŠcor and rentals are second to none. What I didn?t know, was that they also had an impeccable flower department. We set about painting

the canvas together and the result was a completely transformed space that looked like we dropped a table into the middle of a field of wild flowers in vibrant hues of pink and purple. We used unique pieces, like soft floral chinaware from Wishes Vintage Event Rentals for spectacular finishing touches, and a stunning floral backdrop and hand cut confetti from Pretty Papier to create consistent flow throughout the entire shoot. At t ire: A bride?s dress and a groom?s suit play another large part in creating that consistent vision and should also be very reflective of the couple?s personality. Wild Bloom was a tricky balance between soft, delicateness and wild, unruliness. We decide to focus the bride?s attire on the delicate side, and let the hair and make-up speak to the little pops of wild. With Love Bridal Boutique brought three incredible options to the shoot, but the second I saw this stunning number by Canadian designer, Mikaella Bridal I knew it was the one. It is the kind of beautiful that is only

enhanced by it?s simplicity and understated details. For the groom, I wanted to portray that classic handsome with some modern splashes. I came across L?Hexagone at another wedding show and knew their suits were the perfect mix of classic with some subtle, modern upgrades. The gray three piece with the mix-matched purple accents was the perfect compliment beside the bride; strong enough to hold its own, but subdued enough to not steal focus from the overall aesthetic of the couple together. Hair & Make-Up: I really wanted the hair and make-up to be the statement that said, we?re a little wild. The dress and suit set the tone of a soft, classic beauty and now it was time to add those pops in to really bring out the personality of the shoot. More often than not, a little really goes a long way. Dazzling Faces Make-Up Artistry and Liana Lacroix Beauty came together as strangers and ended up making a stellar, dream-team. We decided to keep the groom?s hair in a classic

Justin Timberlake-esque side part come over for most of the shoot, letting the purple accents in the suit shine a bit. When it came time for our model to sneak behind the bar and start shaking up a martini, we decided to pull off the jacket, roll the sleeves up and muss up the hair for that wildness to really shine through. Starting with an elegant updo, Liana Lacroix Beauty weaved breathtaking ranunculus into our model?s hair, placing them strategically but purposefully avoiding perfect symmetry to further show that untamed beauty. Meanwhile Dazzling Faces Make-Up Artistry created a soft, natural face and splashed in the perfect bold lip to compliment those flowers. Our models, Alicia A. and Paul H. from Models International Management, gave an impeccable performance, capturing the beauty, playfulness and wild character that had been infused so deeply throughout the shoot. St at ionery: Stationery is a really important element in communicating not just your who, what, where details to guests, but to set the entire tone of the wedding and tell your guests what to expect. Your design will create your first impression and communicate your theme to guests, while everything from the way you write out the date to how you print the lettering will let your guests know what kind of wedding they will be attending. Pretty Papier did an incredible job capturing all of the elements of Wild Bloom and creating a one of a kind design that was not only stunning on the stationery, but was able to be carried out throughout other elements of the shoot. Dessert s: It was really important to me that the desserts portrayed in the shoot served an actual purpose toward contributing to the overall theme and vision of the shoot, rather than just being something included because it is standard to do. Working with Sugar House Cakes was so much fun and they were really dedicated to spending time understanding my vision and proposing how they could incorporate it in their desserts. We literally sat on the phone together for over an hour while

we both scrolled through Pinterest and pointing out different elements of inspiration that we thought would create a real statement. They did a great job translating my vision into a super unique reality and even incorporated the design from the stationery for a fluid design across all elements of the shoot. Jewellery: "It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen." - John Wooden. I think my good friends at Goldart Jewellery Studio might understand this better than anyone else. This family owned business has the final word on imperfect beauty, choosing elements that don?t quite meet uniformity and symmetry and turning them into absolutely breathtaking, completely one of a kind pieces. The items selected we?re the perfect embellishments that created an expert flow between the dress and the hair and make-up. Now, if you are feeling adventurous and have around 250 hours to spare, put that mood board of your vision together and start researching the perfect vendors and rentals to pull it all together. Or, you know, hire a super talented wedding planner who already has the knowledge and skill to take the ideas you have

H appily E ver A fter

"Handmade By Sue is where you come for creative, and unique, handmade items! Our cards are a great way to add a personal touch to your gift, for your coworker and especially for your clients! We make an assortment of cards for all occasions and we love doing custom orders."

Photo Credit: BLUE HORIZONS PHOTOGRAPHY

HANDM ADE BY SUE Submitted by: Sue Morin Handmade By Sue didn't start off as a business. It was actually my hobby. I was going through some health issues and a close friend sent me a hand made thinking of you card, one day. I thought that was the most thoughtful thing that she could have done! And the card was gorgeous. I was so intrigued, that I took it carefully apart, to figure out how to make it. I had just started scrap booking, back then, and I thought that I could make a card like this...so I did! That was back in 2002 and I have been making cards every since! My doctors told me that I wouldn't be able to work a 40 hour week, behind a desk, like I had been doing, up to that point. They didn't think that I would be able to work at all. I didn't like that answer. I needed to find something that I could do. Meanwhile, I went from making cards for personal use, to making cards for family, to selling to family and then selling to the public (in 2008). I decided in 2011, that hey, I can make cards, I mean it's something that I could do, so why not doing more of it. So, I created Handmade By Sue. So, you see, Handmade By Sue, is more than a business to me. It's a way of life, my life. A way that I can earn money, as my own boss. I set my schedule and work load and best of all, I work from home. My doctors were quite impressed! I am a designer and maker of unique, hand made greeting cards, comfort packs, and home decor items. I specialize in Plantable Seed Paper Cards, Keepsake Cards, boxed sets and custom orders. I also offer sewing services, such as alterations and mending to clothing and home decor. My cards are currently being sold in 7 businesses in Ottawa, Ontario & Gatineau, Quebec. My comfort packs are being sold in 3 businesses in the Ottawa area. I do custom orders, myself. I also reach out to small businesses and independent consultants who are looking for that personal touch to thank their clients. I design cards, using their brand, and I put their logo on the inside of each card. I was named One of Canada's Top 10 Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs by Aspiring Woman Magazine in October 2015. Myself, and my cards, were on Daytime Ottawa, on Rogers, on November 19, 2015. Use promo code HAUTE2016 for 10% off your order with Hand Made By Sue, you won't be disappointed.!

Focus Fitness BC

MOBILITY TRAINING

Written By: Neil Menard What I?m beginning to specialize in now as a personal trainer is functional mobility. There will always be an interest and a demand to build programs for and guide those people who first and foremost want to look better (be more aesthetically pleasing), but that as it turns out is a small percentage of the people who have gym memberships and who are interested in personal training. Most people are desperately trying to improve or maintain their ability to function without pain or impairment in their everyday lives. Over the years we will all recruit a list of injuries whether from accidents or sports etc. Some of those wont heal properly, so we begin to rely on the surrounding or ?opposing? muscles to compensate. We can manipulate our bodies in ways that are counterproductive to the way it is set up and put excessive stress onto the compensating muscles, ligaments, joints and tendons. This is especially true of those who have stayed active over the years and who have learned to push past the pain. There are also those who even without injury have learned some bad habits. They may have never learned to properly operate their bodies as nature intended or they may have a sedentary job that keeps them holding positions that over time can lead to impairment. However the mobility problems are created, a recovery plan can be built to combat it. I?ve seen giant leaps in people from doing the most basic compound movement such as squats and deadlifts and also from performing loaded carries such as walking dumbbell lunges. Many people get intimidated when they hear that they?ll be learning to do a ?deadlift today?, I had a

client in her 70?s tell me that she didn?t want to injur herself and that she ?doesn?t want to look like Arnold Shwarzenegger?, haha, ahh if it was only that easy, I assured her that she wouldn?t and that her back would grow stronger from it. I don?t blame her for her apprehension though, you rarely see anyone over the age of 40 doing compound movements at the gym and even a fair share of personal trainer?s steer clients away from them. They prefer to have their clients doing a circuit on fixed movement machines, which in some cases, in the beginning, has benefit but over time the plan should be to move past them. Compound movements are fundamental for full body strength, humans have been forming them for thousands of years, we?ve just gotten away from that. Yes, if performed improperly there is a chance you may injur yourself, same goes for driving a car for the first time without any training or practice. So seek out those who have genuine knowledge and patience to guide you The face of fitness has been changing, at least in my circle. There isn?t anything wrong with training to look better, it is a valid goal to be comfortable with your body image and for many people it takes an incredible amount of hard work and dedication to achieve that. Never the less, the industry is changing and fitness encompasses so much more than that now. It?s about healing from injuries, it?s confidence and esteem building, it?s goal setting and realization and for many like myself it?s about addressing the missing physical component to wellbeing our society is suffering from.

Feeling Left Out Written by: Melanie Martin I can remember the days in high school day dreaming about how awesome it was going to be to be an adult. No more judgment, no more silly games. Just people being real and honest and best of all? themselves. It would no longer be a popularity contest that you had to participate in even though you hadn't entered. Boy was I wrong!! Welcome to the wonderful world of motherhood! I suppose I am not the average mother these days. I allow my kids to eat peanut butter and hamburgers, drink out of a garden hose and heck, I also let them eat dirt. I figure if they are going to do it they probably won't try it again. I understand that not everybody has the same views and values when it comes to their children but the thing that blows my hair back is the judgment from other mothers. I have a few tattoos many of them very noticeable and I don't try to hide them. I am proud of my art work as it tells the story of who I am and the battles I have been through with imagery. I never thought when I decided to get my art work done that my children would suffer though. My first born and I would head to the park and I would have mothers take their children away from my 6 month old and tell them that they are not allowed to play with him. You would think I was sitting next to him smoking a crack pipe or something. I couldn't figure out why we were always being excluded from mommy and baby groups and no one would come and talk to is at the park. I mean I know as a new mom, I wasn't able to shower often but I didn't think it was that bad.

Finally I heard it straight from the cow?s mouth, ?don't talk to her she has tattoos.? Really??!? Maybe try talking to me first. We all judge, and I guess that?s the point of this article, but I would at least give you the opportunity to let me know who the true you was before saying? oh look at her and her stilettos at the park how daft. My tattoos don't make up my personality or make me a bad person. If you were to actually get to know me I can be quite kind and I would look out for your children as if they were my own. If you would only give me the chance. I have been so blown away with the way woman treat each other and it only seems to get worse as we get older and have children. We can't ever seem to do anything right. I admit I have been guilty of this as well. I won't allow my four month old around children who haven't been vaccinated. Not until he is safe, as I don't want to risk it. But I never knew that my tattoos or choice of attire would be a cause of concern. It's not like we are living in a day and age where tattoos are taboo. They are everywhere and mine are the furthest thing from being offensive. The thing that I have realized being an outcast in the mother/child community is that no matter what you do, if you are the least be different is you can't win. It makes for a lonely time as a mother and it would be nice to make some mommy friends. But the most hurtful for me part is that my kids are also judged. They are missing out on friends that could be amazing. All because their mum is a little bit different. It breaks my heart that they have to suffer for my decisions and to be honest they aren't even that bad in the grand scheme of things. I have a few tattoos. Who cares. Do they cause your kid to be sick or hurt? No of course not. But what does hurt is the judging mom pulling their kid away from mine and telling them they can't play!! Way to go mom!! I wish I was better prepared for adult hood and the fact that judgment doesn't get better as we age it only gets worse, especially when kids are involved. If I can at least be one mom that won't judge a kid based on their parents choices (vaccination issues excluded) I know I am doing my part.

L ove M ore... Ju dge Less.

IT'S COMPETITION TIME! Athlete or Spectator - 10 Things You Need to Know! Written by: Madelaine Garcia Competition season is upon us!

Stage lean, what is that anyway?

Typically fitness competitors compete somewhere between March through November. Serious About Fitness (Saf) currently runs 3 shows a year, April, June and October. During this time my social media feed is peppered with photos of meal prep, gym PRs, bikini poses and motivational quotes. It?s always exciting to watch the competition prep count downs and updates.

Getting lean enough for the stage is a goal. It means taking your athletic physique to another level. Depending on the category you choose to compete in will determine the level of your conditioning required. For example a bodybuilder of figure competitor (or women?s muscular physique) is leaner than a fitness model. A fitness model is leaner than a bikini model. Your current fitness level and your genetics play a part in choosing the right category for you and so does your personal taste. In saf for example a bikini model competitor can carry a slightly higher body fat percentage than a fitness model with the emphasis on an hourglass feminine and fit shape rather than the round shoulders and a nice quad sweep of a fitness model. Both are beautiful, both are a combination of training style, muscle mass and conditioning and genetics. Realistically though, regardless of the category you choose you will need to get stage lean and that means a lower than normal body fat percentage. The last few weeks of prep will go beyond your healthiest self to get there and let?s be honest, you will push the envelope of you regular the day-to-day ?healthy? habits for a short time in order to get where you need to be. Know this and know that you will want a plan in place to find that sweet spot, your healthiest self again as quickly as you can post show.

As we near the show athletes get leaner, train harder, eat less, flex often and might even complain a little more (low carb prep feels). We see veins and dark tan and more skin and so much excitement. The countdown is compelling and we cheer from the sidelines. We want to know what happens, all the details. How did you look, how did you place, how did it go?! Tell us. So often competitors go through it all and then don?t post the after. Share what happened regardless of the outcome because I guarantee you are inspiring someone. I?m no longer competing and am instead honoured to be one of the saf (and Physique Canada) judges. I?m not sure if I?ll ever compete again, although never say never, but at this moment in time competing is not anywhere on my radar because getting stage lean isn?t inline with my current life plans.

"From a judges perspective there are some thingsI want to address." 1. St age lean is not your maint enance goal weight . Know that this body you?ve worked so hard for isn?t going to be the one you walk around in everyday. You can potentially maintain something very close but know that once you?ve been this lean, tanned, tight and glamorous it can mess with your head. Body image can be distorted and if you are not prepared to see some of this work fade you may be in for a shock. Be sure to talk about a post show plan and reverse diet with your coach. Plan to get your body fat and mental health back to a healthy balanced and ?normal? place. This may only be a few pounds or it maybe more and that depends on your current condition, your genetics, your preference and your metabolism. Take the time to find this and be gentle with yourself while getting there. 2. The level of your condit ioning does not det ermine your placing. Saf is not about how conditioned (lean) you are. We don?t care about your veins and your striations. We care how fit and healthy and uniquely beautiful you look on stage. Saf is about health, fitness, beauty and glamour and we want the best overall woman to win. The saf winners are inspiring. They are elegant, vibrant and dazzling. The look is well-balanced, full, fit, beautiful and achievable. The ideal look is whatever looks best on YOU. There are no cookies cutter winners. We have no preferences, it comes down to who looks best on stage THAT day. This includes, overall look and shape, conditioning (appropriate for the

category), style and presentation. We are different from many other shows in that there is not set routine posing, no suit/shoe requirements, no hair style or colour preference. Be YOUR best self and bring that ?it factor?. 3. W in wit h humilit y and lose wit h grace. Do I need to say more? No one likes poor sportsmanship ? in fact we will not tolerate it. I can guarantee that if you check your ego and are your own genuine and authentic self you will make many friends backstage at saf. You will be amazed at the amount of women you will meet whom you have so much in common with. Yes you are competing but that?s pretty much any sport and instead of focusing on that and being open to making friends you will have so much more fun. 4. Focus on you. Your goals, your progress, your achievement s. Yes you are judged that moment on stage, yes you are compared to the woman next to you, but only for your overall package in that moment not for who you are or why you are there. Do this for you and no one else and walk off that stage feeling glorious regardless of the outcome. 5. Rock t he shit out of your t ime on st age. Seriously, it matters. Strut, smile and show your stuff. Do not let anything or anyone interrupt your focus. Mindset is a huge part of your confidence. We see your smile, your energy and your confidence and we love it. Share it with us!

To The Spectators... 1. These women worked damn hard for t his. Regardless of their current shape know that this was not without hard work and sacrifice. This is not a ?I woke up like this? scenario. Many of these beauties lost many pounds and inches and/or worked very hard to gain every curve you see. 2. The light s and st age skew realit y. Keep in mind the stage lighting is much different from outside lighting. The position of the stage

also alters perspective. The same goes for photos, videos or watching the show live. All different and you?ll have a different view when you see these athletes in person in thier teeny tiny bikinis in the lobby. Kind of like social media...Usually the tan is shockingly dark (or orangeish like Oompa Loompa) and the make up and hair is much more than you thought. I bet you?ll also say oh she?s smaller in person. Remember ? all for show day. 3. They each have a st ory. Some of the most inspiring competitors are the least expected. Something like, she lost 100lbs, she overcame her paralyzing shyness, she has umpteen children, She recovered from a severe injury, she is 60 years old and just started lifting. Or maybe it?s she?s been lifting for 20 years, she?s a professional dancer, she?s a gymnast.

Everyone comes from a different background, with different path and a different goal. These are real women with normal lives putting in the work to reach their goals while juggling the rest of the usual. 4. They may not look like t his all t he t ime. Make up, tan, in the best shape of their life ? this is a show look and women?s bodies change many times during their life journey depending on their life stages, goals, health, habits etc. Try not to compare. Try not to judge ? yourself or them. 5. Be inspired. You can absolutely do this too if you want to! Give yourself plenty of time, there is no rush. Set the goal, have a plan and work towards it one day at a time.

FLYING WITH JAY Finding Your Higher Perspective Written by: Jory Cofield Quit e a few years ago, I once again found myself back in t he Mackenzie Mount ains of t he NW T working as a mount ain guide. It is perhaps t he most beaut iful mount ain range I have ever had a chance t o set foot on. The mount ains t here come in many colours shades of pink, purple, grey, and reds, all very past el and soft on t he eyes. It was mid Sept ember now and we had long since wrapped up sheep camp. Sept ember as a guide means moose and caribou hunt ing as t he leaves fall and snow fills t he high count ry. I was running a wall t ent camp down on t he Keele river, t here was myself anot her guide, cook and wrangler. We had a great camp set up wit h a st ring of about 16 horses, our client s and grub flew in via Super Cub from base camp t o a gravel bar sit uat ed about 600 yards or so down t he river. We had had a successful hunt and were wait ing for Jay (t he company pilot ) t o come in and haul out our last hunt er and t he moose he had harvest ed a few days earlier, as well as bring us some much needed groceries. All had been going real well for us ot her t han t he grizzly t hat had been visit ing camp every night . Now I have had t he opport unit y t o fly wit h some very t alent ed bush pilot s over t he years and Jay was no except ion he was a brilliant pilot t hat I loved t o fly wit h. As a newly mint ed pilot myself wit h no hands on bush flying experience ot her t han t he passenger seat , Jay was one whom I admired and looked up t o. In his mid t went ies he had been flying a Super Cub since he was sixt een. This was my second year working wit h Jay and I spent every chance I could t alking t o him about flying, he was always happy t o share his knowledge and experiences wit h me. This part icular day I had just finished t alking t o Jay on t he radio about meet ing him at t he gravel bar as he circled around t o approach t he bar on t he river. Then I saw him drop a wing, and disappear behind t he t rees plummet ing t owards t he ground. It was

followed by an unmistakable sound and then silence. I made a mayday call and the other guide and I untied a couple horses from the hitchin rail and raced down and crossed the river to Jay on the other side. As I reached in through the window and shut down the master, avgas was pouring out everywhere. I was talking to Jay and he was not responding nor did he have any vitals. I grabbed the axe off the wing strut and with the other guide lifting the wing I was able to beat and pry the door open and cut Jay loose from his harness. I got him out of there but we were unable to revive him. My boss flew over shortly after as a show of support, though he couldn't land as the bar was too short for his 185 aircraft. After night fell my mind still running wild from the days events it went back to the grizzly that had been visiting camp during the previous nights. I thought - that?s all I need is for him to drag Jay off during the night. So taking up my rifle and flashlight I spent most of the night silently listening and staring across the river at Jay making sure he made it through the night okay, a surreal experience. Old grizz never showed up that night I guess he figured he would honour the silence and give me the

night off. Which was a wise choice on his part, I wasn?t really in the mood to see my friend being eaten. That winter I went on to finish my commercial flight training, a lot of people questioned me about it but there's no way I couldn't do it. I loved to fly off airport, though I was going to miss my friend and Cub mentor. We had planned to do a bunch of flight training together that following spring, I was keen and eager to learn more from a professional off airport aviator. There are so many factors that come into play when your operating in and out of those places, the learning curve is steep, and the margin for error is very small, having a veteran to offer perspectives and guidance is invaluable. I have never understood why some of the best and most amazing are not around all that long - it is a question that haunts me still. Not too many days go by that I don?t think of Jay, he was cheerful in all weather, his smile and uncanny pilot skills will be etched in my mind forever. Though he has never said, I think he still likes to go for the odd flight with me.

SILVER TREE STUDIO Canmore, AB

Written by: Brandelyn Cameron There's just something so nostalgic about a spontaneous road trip. When we were kids, my mom would pack us up and we'd hit the road. The destination never mattered, it was an adventure and we were game. I guess that's why every weekend I have the compelling urge to hop in my car and hit the road. Usually without a destination in mind and ending up wherever the wind blows me. This particular weekend was no exception, I headed west and wound up in one of my favourite destinations in the heart of the Rockies known as Canmore, AB - a quaint, little mountain town about 50 minutes west of Calgary. As I was wandering down the main strip checking out all of the little local boutiques I stumbled across a collection of artistic sensory overload all wrapped up in what's known as

the Silver Tree Studio. With live music playing, artists painting upon entry and a collection of local artisan pieces, words simply cannot adequately describe the magnetic draw I felt as I entered the shop. IT WAS AMAZING. What I love most about finding these local gems is the story behind the vibrant people that you meet and Silver Tree Studio was no exception. After spending 2 years at Carleton University, Lynne Harrison took a semester off and headed to Whistler, BC to ski and has lived out west ever since. Finding inspiration in the mountains, she began to paint and sold her work in various Whistler Galleries and shops. A few years later, as a way to give back to the community, Lynne opened Silver Tree Studio in 2005 as a means of providing a collaborative space for local artisans to exhibit their treasures. Some of what you can find here

"The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance." -Aristotle include beautifully finished western red cedar stools, crochet infinity scarves and shawls, stained glass, a variety of fabulous jewelry, sculptures, paintings, and handcrafted leather wallets and purses just to name a few. Lynne?s community spirit and generosity extend well beyond the walls of her studio though, in 2001, her husband Dave (a former alpine ski racer who represented Canada at two Winter Olympic Games and won a World Cup) suffered a severe traumatic brain injury and in 2002 they started the Dave Irwin Foundation for Brain Injury Recovery. Over the next decade, the Dash For Cash ski fundraisers at Sunshine Village were coordinated, and Lynne competed in multi-stage self supported footraces in the Gobi and Sahara Deserts and Ironman Canada to raise funds and awareness about brain injury. In 2014, Lynne also founded the Mental-Aid Foundation to raise money for programs, housing, research and support for persons suffering from mental illness. Yet along with all of this, Lynne has continued to paint, hosting two large art shows in Calgary and Canmore and is also a resident artist at Num-ti-Jah Lodge in Bow Lake. The Silver Tree Studio is among the many gems that make up Canmore, AB and I highly recommend that you stop in and say hi the next time you are passing through the majestic peaks of the Three Sisters, Mt. Lawrence Grassi and Mt. Rundle.

Featuring Lori Reid at Silver Tree Studio in Canmore, AB.

SKIN-LOVING SMOOTHIE

Written By: Noelle Oberg Recently one of my girlfriends made the decision to have an anti-aging facial procedure done. Though she is only 45, she has contemplated this decision since recovering from a horrific accident where the excessive amounts of Cortisol (stress hormone) her body had produced during and after her injuries, had aged her substantially in a short amount of time. After considering the various options available, she opted for a natural, non-surgical and relatively new form of anti-aging, known as PRP (platelet rich plasma) or a stem cell facelift. This procedure is sometimes referred to as a ?Vampire Facial?since the doctor uses your own blood, (once separated using a centrifuge) which is then injected back into the treatment area to naturally rejuvenate your skin. Following the injections, she would go on to have CO2 Fractional Laser Resurfacing where a laser is used to ?vaporize? the outer layer of the skin, stimulating collagen production and making the skin appear smooth and younger. This entire process helps naturally reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles making the skin

appear smooth and younger. Sounds FANTASTIC? right? All things considered, I feared for her, but waited close by following her procedure to see the results. She needed about a week of down time to recover and on Day 3 the most horrifying picture I could imagine came in? ? OMG it looked so painful, so while packing up to go see her I was inspired to bring a skin loving wound-healing smoothie along. She loved it! I will admit it was quite tasty. No promises of immaculate recovery were made but if it helped speed things up even a day, it is still successful and worth a shot. So here's what I chose and why... -

Almond Butter (1 tbsp) ? and I am not talking about a processed version, filled with added sugar etc at your local Supermarket, I am talking about a two-ingredient kind of Almond Butter Almonds and Healthy Oil, that?s it! Nuts and seeds are rich in Vitamin E, which everyone knows is a skin-loving vitamin but also Omega 6, which promotes glands that help produce a protective barrier on the skin and reduce dryness.

Matcha Green Tea Powder (1 tbsp) ? I used a vanilla infused version but it was strictly for added flavor. Green tea is an antioxidant, which will help avoid premature aging and can lower the risk of skin cancer. Strawberries (1/2 cup), Spinach (1/2 cup) and a Guava Fruit Extract (recommended amount on package) ? All high in Vitamin C, which helps the production of Collagen, which will assist with healing wounds as well. Honey ( to taste or 1-2 tbsp) ? A Pure Raw Source of course. Honey has been used topically for centuries as antiseptic, moisturizer, for burns, eczema and truly promotes skin health overall. So why not make this my choice of ingredient to sweeten things up. I?m sure you can get some of the topical benefits from ingesting this too. Plant Based Milk ( 15-16 oz) ? like Coconut or Almond (unsweetened) to mix it all up and VOILA!

She claimed a difference made but even if it didn?t, she had a pretty tasty treat that had to have helped aid something in her body. I am happy to report that my friend is now all healed up and looking vibrant. She loves her results and considers it a success. I will be sure to remind her of what she said while healing if she thinks about it again though. Something along the llines of the worst pain ever and what was she thinking?! However, with the results she achieved, why focus on the past?! Not so bad for 45 right?!

"A stem cell facelift helps naturally reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles making the skin appear smooth and younger. "

BAILEY NELSON OPTICAL Written by: Chantal Sarkisian How To Select Sunglasses for Wide Faces Is it just me, or is one of the best things about summer digging up your old sunglasses that have been collecting winter dust? The only thing I find is that there seems to be an explosion of style this year and I seem to need, well...perhaps want, all the looks! Everything goes! But, when you have a wider face (a.k.a "moon face" as my 1rst grade teacher would call me #true story), you need to be cognizant of that fact that not all styles are created equal. Recently, I had the opportunity to work with Ottawa?s newest Bailey Nelson store in Westboro who let me pull a few glasses to showcase for this post. I did not get to keep all of them them (just one), although my heart is still pounding for the black cat eyes!! Must go back for more! All Bailey Nelson Sunglasses are designed locally in Canada and assembled iby hand offering polarized high UV protection which is great news for your eyes. So let me recap, you get an incredibly high quality pair of sunglasses at a price that's easy on your pocket book, $145 easy to be exact. Plus, what's even more exciting, they also make prescription eye wear! I am usually a sucker for tortoise shell, the brown compliments my skin tone and hair. Except, now I have a new favourite shade in tortoise shell, it's Bailey Nelson?s signature Cherry Blossom. It has a kiss of pink and it?s bright and fresh. I?m so in love! You?ll see in my video that I selected a lot of styles in that colour. Ok, now that we know how much I adore this brand, we can move onto choosing a style that suits you. A special thank you to

my friend Catalina from MDRN Creative Group for capturing my experience! Met al frames Metal frames and aviator type glasses work well because they offer more flexibility. Be warned that based on the angle of the downward slope on the lenses, some aviator styles may not suit all faces. These Airlie?s had a lovely shape, not too downwards sloping, which did not give me the ?sad eyes? look (you know what I mean?). Both styles offer an oversized fit and work perfectly for wide faces. Cat eye glasses I think cat eye glasses were made for really wide and large faces. Even though this style has come and gone, a few times around the fashion cycle, one thing remains the same: they will always look fabulous on a wide face! The sides of the glasses move up and create an illusion of a pulled back, more youthful look. Key hole Anything that creates more space between the eyes and bridge of the nose will be wider in nature.

The keyhole look is not for everyone, and may not suit all noses! If your nose is very narrow, I would not recommend this look. Round Typically, I wouldn?t recommend round glasses for a wide face, but these were too hard to pass up! If the lenses are big enough and the frame is wide enough, go for it! In this case, the bridge is wide enough in the Elodie model. Plus, reflective glasses are so hot right now, how could I pass up on this? Square It?s hip to be square, when it comes to jumbo glasses! They are oversized and proportionate to any round or wide face shape. I also like how the Mim style offers a slight lift on the top outside corner. The is a similar illusion offered by the cat eye glasses. Do make sure you pop in the Bailey Nelson store, next time you?re in Westboro. The staff are lovely and will let you try on all the styles! They have a whole bunch more, so if that?s not an excuse? I don?t know what is! Plus , they offer free shipping in Canada!

NAUGHTY NAUGHTY TINDER You Get What you Give PHOTO CREDIT: AVENIDA GARCIA PHOTOGRAPHY

"ULTIMATELY, YOUR INTENTIONS WILL ATTRACT A POSITIVE, MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIP AND YOUR METHOD OF ACQUISITION WILL BECOME IRRELEVANT." Written by: Brandelyn Cameron Following a recent debate regarding the effectiveness of online dating, I've come to the conclusion that technology has become an excuse for bad behaviour. Though I certainly understand that these dating "applications" facilitate our interactions with ease, the underlying intent of the communication remains that of the individual. For instance, I've never used Tinder, however my understanding is that this app is used primarily as a means of facilitating a booty call. Yet it gets an unjustified condemnation for doing its job, and quite efficiently I might add, because an individual logged on with the intent of acquiring a one night stand. Duh?! How does it even make sense to fault an application for this human behaviour? Do I agree with the whole swipe right/swipe left mentality? Of course not. My point is if someone is seeking a no strings attached relationship they will find it, irrespective of their internet connection. Furthermore, while chatting with one of my besties, she mentioned that she was frustrated with the fact that she only ever seemed to receive messages from guys looking for sex. I found this

statement a bit odd, so when I asked to see her online dating profile it was instantly obvious. Though I'm the a huge proponent of the boudoir photoshoot, I do not recommend these images for your dating profile. Sorry girl, but what the hell did you think would happen? You are sending the wrong message. Next up is the perception that online dating is a "psychological mousetrap" and that people become addicted to the attention that they receive. Really? At the risk of sounding redundant, I must highlight the obvious, these behaviours are humanly present with or without technology. Now for those who are "emotionally vulnerable", I can certainly empathize and I'm not saying that online dating is the answer. In fact, I would refrain from dating altogether and focus on self love until you can feel whole as an individual. At which point your intentions will ultimately attract a positive, meaningful relationship and your method of acquisition will become irrelevant.

[oh my: that's haute] Join the conversation, you know you w ant to.

GET ONE - GIVE ONE CORPORATE AD SPONSORSHIP I?d like to introduce you to the entire premise of the magazine: Get One Give One. Our publication fosters local economic growth where corporate ad sponsors purchase advertising and the equivalent value is invested into a local business in kind. I LOVE helping small local businesses grow but let?s face it, most small businesses cannot afford a double page spread in a leading magazine. However, a corporate sponsorship enables both parties equal exposure within the publication and really is a gift that keeps on giving by supporting LOCAL ECONOMIC GROWTH. Now that?s a win win situation! So, I am here to ask you to help me help you and your small business grow by spreading the word about this new digital magazine? and sharing this publication within your community. #LIVELOCAL #LOVELOCAL What goes around comes around! Let?s make this happen. Together we can achieve more. Creatively yours,

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