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“Oh, you got botox? But you’re only 25…” “Yeah, but it’s preventative.” We’ve heard it all before: but the reality is, there are better ways to prevent your skin from aging than injecting toxins into your face at a premature age. While botox is all the rage right now, making it mainstream, it completely scares the crap out of me and I don’t agree with it – at least not for my face. I once filmed a video for a past client during which a patient was given botox and I nearly fainted. As much as botox is viewed as glamorous it is far from that. They stick needles in your face and inject a toxin that temporarily paralyzes you. It’s fucking gross. What is botox, really? So what is botox, actually? It’s medical name is botulinum toxin, because it is a neurotoxic protein which comes from a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. The scariest part? If infected with this bacterium in the natural way, the host develops a disease called botulism, a fatal illness which characteristically turns the patient into a zombie – first affecting the muscles of the face. Of course, botox is successfully used for a variety of medical conditions and relieves pain for many patients, which is great. But voluntarily injecting this poison into your face for vanity? I don’t judge anyone who chooses to go this route, I just can’t. So here are my 5 skin secrets to replace the necessity for botox. 5 skin secrets to replace botox Use a patting motion to apply your moisturizer, day and night. Yes, moisturizer should be applied to clean skin morning and night. But instead of just rubbing it all over your face, use a patting motion which helps push the product deeper into your skin – otherwise, most of the product ends up in your hands. Use a cleansing oil to balance and hydrate. A lot of cleansers strip the skin of its natural oils and leave it dry and unbalanced. I’ve recently started using the Transformative Cleansing Oil from Rocky Mountain Soap (all natural!) and I love it. It might seem odd, but oil fixes over-oiliness and balances the skin perfectly, while removing your makeup and prepping your skin for bedtime during which the majority of your cell turnover takes place. Exfoliate your skin twice per week. For a long time, I didn’t understand the purpose of exfoliating and I didn’t particularly…
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I can’t sit still today. My nerves won’t stop bubbling up from my stomach to my esophagus, getting caught at my throat, creating immense pressure around my head like a champagne cork about to go off. Except there doesn’t seem to be too much celebratory about this… particular emotion. Last night I sat at the hospital for 6 hours trying to figure out what’s wrong with my vision, which has been steadily declining for the past six months. And, though perhaps “no news is good news,” today now seems to be inherently hindered by a perspective shift I experienced last night as thoughts of glaucoma, a detached retina or a brain tumour ran through my list of possibilities, albeit hypochondria. The question remains: Are we all completely fucked? Live like you’re dying… We all know the saying but it doesn’t seem all that real, all the essential, until we’re delivered with some kind of diagnosis. It’s not until life isn’t promised that life becomes more gratifying, more real, and more appreciated. It’s not until we’re unsure we’re going to make it that we really try to make the most of it. Defining what binds you… If you have a job, or a child, or a family, they most often that not become what binds you. They bind you to certain agreements, a physical location, and a particular routine which you stick with because you love them. At times you may resent them binding you, but the truth is: we all need to be bound by something. I myself do not have a traditional “job,” a child, or a family, and so I must look elsewhere to define what binds me. My relationship ensures I have a more structured routine, my reward being that I get to spend time with Scott when he’s home, instead of working weird, sporadic hours throughout the day and into the night as I used to when there was nobody to be expecting home. But I hit points in my day when I just can’t. When the pressure of running my own business and satisfying clients becomes too much. When my ever-intense emotions overwhelm me, and the task at hand just can’t be performed. When my wandering mind takes over, urging me to do it all and paralyzing me all at once because that’s impossible. I suddenly realize how tired I am of worrying – worrying about not making it, because there is no guarantee in the…
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Who, what, where, when, why. These are the 5 W’s to problem solving, the essential unknowns to conquer, or the pieces of knowledge to gain clarity on before moving towards any sense of progress in both schoolwork and, in well, lifework too. The 5 W’s may have been introduced to you early on in grade school, perhaps even with an additional H tacked onto the end, but I’ve found they are also the most essentials points to cover when determining what to do with your life and when trying to understand your purpose. I always love to have these conversations with people, not because I necessarily deem myself esteemed enough to be a life/business coach nor knowledgable enough to be a therapist, but because I have been through the trenches and I have found my purpose in life. Before you read forward, however, you have an important decision to make: why should you listen to me? This is an important question you should always ask yourself before you take any sort of life advice from anyone. The lesson I once learned is concrete and solid: you should only listen to people who have what you want. Otherwise, how are you ever supposed to get what you want? So here’s a quick preview of who I am and what I currently have achieved in my life: I am 27. I dropped out of University in my 3rd year, during which I had decided I wanted to become a writer. At this time, I started a personal blog and entertained a freelance writing job where I got paid $12 per 500 world article. It was pennies, but I put my head down, wrote 10 articles a day to get by, and went travelling for about a year, more or less all on my own in Europe for half of that time. This is where I found myself. Today, I run a successful digital marketing agency where 10K months (albeit top line, that’s an important disclosure to make) are now the standard. I say this not to gloat, but to let everyone else out there know that you too can do what you love and be successful at it. On the side, I do this: my passion, my hobby, my blog – whatever you want to call it – and most months I pull in extra revenue (sometimes a sizeable amount), sponsored trips, and plenty of wonderful gifts. I work hard,…
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You reach a certain age when the longest locks you can possibly grow simply isn’t on your agenda of tasks anymore. For me, this age is 27. 27 is an interesting one: it’s the first year you can’t argue your way out of the “late twenties” category, and yet for some who are lucky (like myself), it might also me the first year you don’t care to. I’m genuinely so relieved to finally feel this way – to accept the passing of time as an achievement rather than a grieve it as a loss and to see all the positive aspects of being a little bit older. I don’t feel old, I haven’t given up on my incessant lust for life and travel, I don’t have babies and therefore don’t have any real responsibilities – so what’s the big difference? The Differences of Turning Late Twenties I had to sit on this one for a couple of weeks before publishing this post, because honestly, I hadn’t quite decided what the big differences of turning late twenties were yet. However, after some self-reflection and a couple of nights staring up at the dark ceiling thinking on just this, I’ve definitely begun to see a few. You no longer rely on your long locks for confidence. I went in for a shorter, blunt cut at Eccotique Salon and Spa and didn’t even feel a thing. I even told the stylist: I’m 27 now… I don’t need to have such long hair. That never would have happened during my early twenties, when I’d be gripping the seat of the salon chair, sweating with every loss millimetre, wondering what my identity would be with shorter hair. Your identity no longer has much to do with your looks. Aside from this photo shoot, where I actually took the time to do my hair and makeup, I no longer worry much about the way I’m looking. I’m much more concerned with the way I’m presenting myself and how I’m making others feel in any given moment. You realize how young you actually are. This is the biggest thing I’ve noticed so far, and it’s the opposite of what one might expect. Perhaps thanks to the ability to have a clearer idea of the ‘grand scheme of life,’ I’m not seeing how young I actually am, how much time I have to accomplish my dreams, and that it’s totally okay to take a moment, breathe, and regroup on the things…
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Montreal, what a place to be. I honestly didn’t think it was possible to fall in love with Montreal anymore than I had during my first trip there last spring, but how wrong I was. With a July trip, we got lucky with the weather – while the locals complained that it wasn’t as hot as they’d prefer after having suffered through the -30 degree winter. But we appreciated the mildness, albeit interrupted by some intense thunder storms, which allowed us to explore and truly enjoy the beauty that is Montreal. We did so many activities I probably couldn’t even recount them, now less than a month after the fact, but I can assure you that live music was one of the best parts. Here’s a quick recap on the best things that I can recall vividly, though! The best things to do in Montreal: Stay: I recommend staying at Hotel le Crystal for a boutique experience that is very conveniently located. I particularly loved the rooftop patio with outdoor hot tub and indoor swimming pool – it provided a great view of Montreal where we sat watching sunset behind Mont Royal. Just exquisite! Eat: We learned that Montreal has the most restaurant per square capita in North America, which is no surprise granted the lifestyle there. There is definitely no shortage of great restaurants, but if you are looking to get away from the heavy poutines, I recommend trying Lola Rosa, a vegetarian restaurant that can easily convince you that you are eating meat with their creative and surprisingly filling plates. Nightlife: I got to go back to my favourite supper club which I first discovered on my previous trip called Soubois, which is a really cool, glamorous underground place with awesome European music and great food. We also had a friend take us to a new club in town called Bord’Elle, which has the most beautiful design including a champagne lounge for ladies opposite a whisky bar for men. Relax: Honestly the best experience ever, especially after a night of dancing, is a relaxing day at Bota Bota, a silent spa that’s built right on the river in a converted ship, which boasts an amazing skyline view of Montreal. What I love about this spa, in addition to the meditative cold dunks, hot baths, lounging areas and saunas, is the slightly more social outdoor pool where you can…
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On the eve of my 27th birthday, my friend and I decided to headed up to Whistler – for just one evening – for a combined birthday celebration since her birthday was just the week before. Just enough time to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, steal some moments of relaxation, and gain a little perspective on that sweet thing called life before turning yet another year wiser. Having been a huge advocate of exploring Canada for #CANADA150 (more on that here) we naturally decided to drive up in a #Canada150 branded Zipcar. I don’t own my own personal vehicle, since I live right in the city, I find I really don’t need one. And being a millennial, I’m concerned about more global issues like climate change, so I get the best of both worlds with my carsharing efforts – peace of mind/contribution and convenience. Before I go on to tell you about what you must see and do with 24 hours in Whistler, I’ll also share with you the #Canada 150 contest currently running with Zipcar: simply reserve the branded vehicles, stack your points, and you could win $1500 of free driving time + a $500 VIA Rail voucher… which is the perfect way to see even more of Canada. Must Do’s with 24 Hours in Whistler Scandinave Spa This place never gets old – and on the contrary, I think it may actually get better and better with each visit. I couldn’t have wished for a better setting than the Scandinave Spa to gain perspective and rejuvenation right before my birthday. This no-talking outdoor/indoor spa features water circuits complete with hot baths and cold plunges, relaxation areas like the newly opened hammock heaven and solarium spaces, saunas, steam rooms and more. If you want to really indulge, book yourself in for a massage. Otherwise, just show up and spend the day or evening – you’ll probably want to budget for at least 3 of your 24 hours here. Book your visit to the wonderful Scandi here. Peak 2 Peak Gondola Well, as it turns out, I’m definitely afraid of heights. If you’re wondering what you really need to get up to for some perspective in Whistler, the Peak 2 Peak Gondola might just beat out all the rest. While it may also introduce you to fears you wouldn’t already be aware of, it will also…
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Montebello, Quebec is a place you would never end up in a million years – unless of course, you’re completely in the know about the most luxury properties around. On our road trip from Toronto to Montreal to celebrate #CANADA150, we had arrangements to stop for one night in Montebello – which I knew nothing about – at a Fairmont property. Because of the Fairmont name, I felt confident that our stay would be wonderful. But the property we pulled up to was so much more than we could have ever dreamed. True Luxury at Fairmont Montebello I still don’t know how to properly describe our experience at the Fairmont in Montebello, Quebec, except for to accurately say that it was easily one of the most unique experiences I’ve ever had. This estate was full of fun activities to do, from mini golf and indoor or outdoor swimming to electric bike rentals, tennis, and campfire chats. We had an insane BBQ experience on the outdoor terrace where we had an incredible feast, tasting quail for the first time and thoroughly enjoying it. Where down-to-earth meets luxury, the Fairmont Montebello is the perfect setting for a family getaway in the woods, a romantic adventure for two, or even a bridal party or wedding. I can’t wait to return someday soon! Check out some of my favourite captures from the Fairmont Montebello below. Be sure to check out my video on our entire #Canada150 road trip with Ford Canada below, and subscribe to my Youtube channel. Love you!
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Ladies, I know you feel me: when it comes to skincare, you could easily fill a giant beach bucket with all your favourite and “necessary” products to keep your skin young and fresh. But when that times come around for a vacation, packing all of those necessities into your suitcase – or heavens forbid, your carry-on! – you might have to give the word “necessity” a second thought. I recently did a trip to Canada’s metropolis cities out East (Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal) to celebrate #Canada150, and as if my a perfect alignment, I came across Rocky Mountain Soap just prior to my departure. This Canadian, all-natural skincare and soap company is not only completely toxin-free – their products actually work! I got to know the perfect on-the-go skincare for travel, which comprises of just three, all-natural products! Rocky Mountain Soap Skincare for Travel Pomegranate Day Cream I am thoroughly in love with this day cream, and I can honestly say it makes my skin feel the way it used to – when I was in my late teens/early twenties, and my skin was undoubtedly bustling with a lot more collagen. The pomegranate day cream is an awesome travel companion. I always find that my skin dries out or becomes imbalanced when I’m traveling, and this day cream is ideal for instant hydration. The best part is: a touch of this cream goes a long way! Beech Tree Bud Eye Cream Yes, the delicate skin around your eyes requires a different skincare product to battle signs of aging. I’ve always been a HUGE believer in eye cream, and I’ve tried at least 100 different kinds in my lifetime. Also an all-natural product, the eye cream from Rocky Mountain Soap has ingredients like coconut and jojoba oils, ginseng, and green tea, and provides instant and long-lasting hydration. It works wonders for ridding your under-eyes of that sleepy, puffy look in the morning, and is great for overnight as well. I especially love that it comes in a jar, and again, a little goes a long way! Hydrating Toner At some point, I stopped using toner, but now since I’ve reintroduced it back into my skincare regime, I can’t fathom why I ever stopped. The Hydrating Toner from Rocky Mountain Soap comes in a great mist bottle that is both refreshing and convenient. Applying a few spritz after cleansing is the perfect way to replenish your skin’s moisture…
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Toronto, or the big apple of Canada, as I like to call it, imminently reminded me of a younger sibling of New York City, with that resemblance of hustle and bustle and huge skyscrapers, just on a slightly smaller, Canadian scale. I’d been to Toronto several times in the past, once during a snowstorm in March which left me realizing that I could never, and I mean NEVER, relocate to this cold, seemingly uninhabitable land. But I’d never been out east during the summer, and so I packed my things – very lightly – expecting to be undertaken by the intense humidity and heat. Humidity at bay from what appears to be a “late summer” as the locals are saying, we threw on what we could manage to keep relatively warm, checked in, and went out for to celebrate Canada Day – or as you might know it on social media by now, #Canada150. Happy 150th Canada! Here’s why you should visit Toronto during the summer Whether humid or not, I much prefer the hot to the uninhabitable cold, as I’m sure you would too if you’d experienced that March in Toronto, the snow nipping at your exposed cheeks and nose. I had a blast in Toronto for the few days we had, and here are just a handful of reasons I implore you to make a trip out east sometime during the summer, which I’m sure is bound to get much warmer soon: The nightlife. As a Vancouver-local, I was all but blown away by the diversity of the nightlife in Toronto. The land of R&B and hip hop, you will have a blast perusing the T-dot town upon its evening, late night, and early morning hours. The outdoor music, and possibly Drake. Surely not a year-long thing, a trip to Toronto in the summer is worth it even just for the opportunity of some outdoor concerts. We lucked out, big time, when Drake surprised us at City Hall the day after Canada Day, singing a few songs, and then pointing to the sky as fireworks emerged, all of us fans going insane in the crowds. What a great surprise it was. The food. Toronto has some incredible food as well, which you might discover on a tour through Kensington Market like we did with Tasty Tours. I’d highly recommend this tour on your visit to Toronto – it’s so great to be…
