Category Archives: Health & Wellness

Surround yourself with sparkly and spiritual vibes at The Gem Expo/Meta Expo – a great show to visit this weekend!

Twice a year, Toronto plays host to The Gem Expo and The Meta Expo (featuring metaphysical practitioners) and I was fortunate to again be invited by show Founder, Salim Moorani, to attend and help spread the word.  https://thegemexpo.com/ The shows are held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on King West at Spadina, so it’s easy to reach via public transit, and runs Oct 27-29.

I went into the Meta Expo room first and was pleased to see so many diverse metaphysical practitioners chatting with visitors. I signed up for a session with The Viking Messenger (Jerry Mystic) who offers Viking Rune readings. www.chainmailguy.com/jerrymystic  I had a wonderful experience and his divination of my 9-runes was spot on for present and future. A very kind and gentle man – I was extremely pleased with his insights and guidance, and I walked away with notes and a Viking vocabulary sheet.  Along the aisle from Jerry were the lovely ladies of Falun Gong who were happy to enlighten me as to their traditional practices for mind & body through truthfulness, compassion and tolerance. FalunDafa.orgEntering the adjoining Gem Expo hall I was pleased I got there early, before the place was crowded so I managed to navigate the aisles and chat with the booth folks easily. When I left, there was a long line-up to get in so congrats to Salim for excellent promotions.So many wonderful booths to explore and learn about different gemstones, gorgeous jewellery pieces to add to your collection and lots of great affordable Christmas present ideas! I discovered the fellow representing Ethiopian opals who had a wonderful sparkling display…being an Aussie I’m a little biased towards Australian opals, however, I really did like these “milky” opals from Africa….what do you think? He doesn’t have a store in Toronto, but if you would like to learn more and perhaps buy, if you can’t get to the show this weekend, I have his contact info. Down another aisle, I found more treasures…oh how I wish I could take them all home with me! I was drawn to one fabulous booth, Pupul’s Pebbles, (IG: @pupulspebbles) where it seemed the rocks were calling out to me. I discovered Green Apophyllite which I had never seen before. Apparently it has pretty powerful properties for strength, protection and energy, all of which I am seriously lacking at the current time! I found one rock that I just couldn’t put down so…it came home with me (pictured on purple silk) I met the cheerful and sweet Megan Khuu of The Happy Healing Heart and I was drawn to an unusual piece of Caribbean Calcite in the shape of an obelisk. Out came the credit card and now this beautiful rock is sitting on my desk, next to my laptop. www.thehappyhealingheart.com Previous years, I was always drawn to Lapis Lazuli but it seems today, it was all about the pale greens and white colours, but of course I had to check out these stunning lapis eggs sitting all in rows! Gem Expo also offers supplies for jewellery makers and craftspeople – findings and fixings, chains, clasps, you name it, they got it! And at  incredible prices, too, for bulk stones and beads. Here’s just a tiny sample of what you’ll find…Again, the show runs until end of day Sunday Oct.29th. And mark your calendars for next spring’s show.

Follow Gem/Meta Expo on Facebook and Instagram: @TheGemExpo and if you make it out this weekend, say hello to Salim and tell him you saw this blog!

 

WELCOME TO TORONTO’S FALL “THE BABY SHOW”- EVERYTHING FOR EVERY LITTLE PERSON!

Well wasn’t that a fun time?! Not having kids of my own, I’ve never been around little people for any length of time but today I had a blast with lots of mummies, daddies and adorable tots at The Baby Show currently hosted in the Enercare Centre (Hall B) at Exhibition Place, Toronto. The show runs throughout this weekend – 1 more day left Sunday Oct. 6 – so hurry on down for all sorts of freebies, samples, information on baby’s health, food, furniture, fashions and lots of booths promoting support services for new mums and dads, too. Here’s the show’s Founder Sandy Pedrogao to tell you all about it…

Along with hundreds of families, I wandered around the aisles, meeting some of the vendors and learning so much about 21st century parenthood versus how my mum & dad raised me in the 50’s & 60’s…give the kid a cardboard box, some string and a wooden spoon and voila…there’s your toys, Glenda…haa haa!

Loved these folks (below) from www.babynimbus.com who offer cute onesies and other fun things with doodles and pics from local artists. 20191005_145434I then met the charming couple (pictured below) operating www.thebabymamabox.com a monthly subscription box offering all sorts of samples and goodies delivered to your door. Boxes are customized for various age groups and also offer boxes just for mama herself. Products are hand-picked and mama tested so you’re sure to get the best.20191005_135656Here’s talented baker Walaa Alwan of Fantasy Cookies (yummm) who creates all sorts of delicious and oh-so-pretty cookies for special occasions like baby showers, christenings, baby’s 1st birthday…even engagement parties and wedding favours (get a head start on growing your family) 20191005_141259(0) 20191005_141310Just along the aisle from Walaa, I ran into the crafty lady who knits & crochets cute critters for cute kids under the name www.monimon.ca  They are soooo adorable and it reminded me of toys my mum used to knit for my sister and me back in the 60’s – I still have a little penguin she made me….aaaaaw.20191005_141407www.mondobebe.com (below) offered a very elegant booth with luxury furniture and accessories for the most discerning babes. They have stores in Quebec and one a little closer in Mississauga.20191005_135953The Baby Brands Gift Club was a hive of activity as they gave out all sorts of treats, samples and informative brochures and magazines to show attendees. As you can see by the photo below, they were very popular!  Check out all the brand name products they offer at www.babybrandsgiftclub.ca 20191005_141524So I was thrilled (and surprised) that all the wee ones were quiet and I witnessed very few tantrums or crying. I guess the babies picked up on the vibe that this show was just for them! There were samples and contests for parents and lots of booths offering comfortable changing facilities as well as peaceful feeding areas curtained off to provide privacy and calmness.20191005_141138 20191005_145541 20191005_145206Congratulations to Sandy and her publicist Jakki for a successful showcase of all things baby! Follow them on Fcbk: TheBabyShowToronto  as well as Instagram: @TheBabyShows. Watch for announcements for their Spring show here in Toronto.logo

AUTHOR & FAMILY THERAPIST OFFERS ADVICE TO PARENTS ABOUT POT LEGALIZATION AND THEIR TEENS

With the legalization of pot in Canada last Wednesday October 17th, many parents & grandparents of teens and ‘tweens are nervous about starting the conversation about smoking, toking and vaping weed now that it’s more easily available. Did I raise my kid to stand up to peer pressure? Does my kid understand the fall-out from prolonged use of weed and long-term health issues? Will my teen’s future be compromised if they indulge in regular pot use?just say noThe author of the recently published The Anxious Teen (a guidebook for parents, teachers, mentors of teens suffering stress and anxiety) KRISTINA VIRRO (pictured below) sat down with me last week and answered a few questions that parents may have and advice they may need before broaching the subject over the family dinner table.IMG_2370 (1)What should parents look for to identify drug use in their teens?   One warning sign is finding accessories associated with drug use, so parents can benefit from familiarizing themselves with what these are. Another warning sign is when a teen starts missing or skipping class, which is often associated with poorer grades. Finally, the smell of marijuana is a dead giveaway, though you might notice your teen using several air fresheners, candles, colognes and more to cover up the smell. weed bongsWhat are the changes in behaviour or indications that your teen may be experimenting with pot or other drugs?  You might notice a change in their friend group and a withdrawal from family bonding time. Since every teenager is unique, pay attention to any changes in their personality that just seem different, too. They might become more apathetic, less productive, possess less self-control, and start paying less attention to their personal hygiene. Or, they might become more aggressive, defensive, irritable, and paranoid, which could all be symptoms of drug use.teen drugsHow do you communicate your distrust of your teen’s friends or peers (who may be involved in drug activities) without causing them to react negatively or defend their friends?  During adolescence, teenagers are actually biologically wired to enhance their connection to peers, meaning they often feel very loyal and protective of their friends. The worst thing you can do is insult friends, so stay far away from poking fun at them, calling them names, or making hurtful totalizing statements (i.e. “your friends are all losers.”) While your first instinct might be to cut contact between your teenager and their “sub-par” friends, it might be better to simply create some boundaries for the times they are spending time with them. Set curfews, check in on them a bit more often, or whatever you feel is best. Finally, create more opportunities for you and your teen to spend quality time together—alone or with the entire family—as this has been well-researched to minimize drug use.pot kidsIf you find weed in your teen’s room or school bag, what should you do/say?  Take some time to process and/or release any feelings that arise before approaching your teen. Once you feel ready to approach the topic in a more neutral manner, start by being honest about finding marijuana. From there, communicate why you’re feeling concerned in a way that doesn’t sound accusatory. Speak in “I” statements and avoid extreme language like “always” or “never.” I also invite parents to consider taking a harm reduction approach, which is based on the idea that, for better or worse, drug use happens, and our goal should be to minimize its harmful effects rather than simply condemning them. A large body of research supports the efficacy of such a strategy. This might involve talking openly about drug use, creating guidelines, and/or using the drug when the effects will be the least disruptive. pot foundShould parents discuss their own youthful drug use with their teens and how do you start the conversation without sounding “preachy”?  Being “preachy” involves excessively trying to teach moral lessons, and usually involves talking at someone rather with them. To avoid this, make the conversation collaborative. Be curious rather than judgmental and remind yourself that people used pot when you were young, too. If your teen feels like you’re blowing things out of proportion and not listening to them, they’ll become more secretive, which is precisely what you don’t want.BOOK COVERThanks, Kristina.  And she offers lots more advice and approaches to parental and family interactions concerning drug use and abuse, as well as coping with the stress and anxiety teens are currently experiencing. You can get a copy of Kristina’s book from Amazon or iBooks, or directly from the author via her website:  www.fresh-insight.ca

Ms. Virro’s Credentials:
Individual, Couples & Family Therapist (Master of Science, University of Guelph)
Registered Holistic Nutritionist  ​(Canadian School of Natural Nutrition)
Master’s of Journalism  ​(​University of Western Ontario)
Certificate in Trauma-Informed Care ​(University of Buffalo, School of Social Work)

WELCOME TO “A BRILLIANT U” – CHANGING YOU, CHANGING LIVES!

For the past few months, I’ve been consulting with A Brilliant U, a lifestyle and healthful living service, guiding them thru the maze that is social media, and assisting with online marketing opportunities for their affiliated Rodan+Fields luxury skincare line (OMG, their skincare products are amazing – yes, my skin is now like a baby’s bum!). Founder John Joseph Mastandrea (below) offers guidance, services and products for a healthy holistic lifestyle: I believe in giving forward, creating opportunities for philanthropy that promote internal & external healthy life styles.25659286_175279333062886_1399336722587567973_nA Brilliant U’s Facebook page offers frequent “Thought for the Day” motivational posts as well as news of Rodan+Fields products suitable for all skin types, seasonal use and their new men’s line called “Beyond the Shave”.  (Pssst: Father’s Day is coming up) MENSRG01-01_DetailI recently sat down and asked John Joseph a few questions about the business opportunities presented by Rodan+Fields as well as being agents of change:

You have a successful ministry career – what inspired you to create A Brilliant U?  I believe in giving back to the universe and helping others to discover A Brilliant U – your own magnificent self. I hope to help people look at the core values of life and turn them inside out to ignite the brilliance within. joyHow did you find Rodan+Fields?  A family friend, Allen Norman, told me about the Rodan+Fields story which is so much more than skincare, it’s about a lifestyle….a way of living your life in the most positive way. 20180514_113249 How did you learn about the potential for generating a substantial side income thru marketing of R+F?  We attended R+F seminars and listened to the powerful potential for creating our own “side hustles” or home businesses.20180417_190117R+F products are considered the finest luxury skincare on the market – how difficult is it to attract customers away from designer or drugstore brands and introduce them to the various regimens available only thru personal presentations and online sales?  Attracting customers takes place not in the hard-sell but rather via the live demonstration and sampling of the products. We are also uploading short informational videos to YouTube, thanks to our colleague Joanne who is the perfect video hostess with the mostest!

There is an exciting revenue generating aspect to R+F – can you explain briefly how this works?Revenue generation takes place when you sign up as a consultant – here’s the link: https://www.rodanandfields.com/ca/businessSys/selectSponsor/SelectSponsorPage   Purchase a product base, then share the good news with your friends, family and wider circle of acquaintances. Invite them to purchase or become a consultant themselves and start their own side hustle. Voila! Revenue generation begins for you.20180514_121332 Apart from offering tools to enhance one’s outside, you also offer motivational and lifestyle advice plus spiritual support to improve one’s inside – how does this all impact your clients and team members?  We ignite the outside to connect with the inner self; when we love ourselves and have integrity we are truly authentic. When self is directed towards giving back, the self transforms and becomes and force for healing.

Your mandate is “changing you, changing lives” – how does A Brilliant U engage with clients in order to change lives?  We change lives by first changing ourselves. For A Brilliant U, we personally change lives by contributing our time and talents to philanthropic causes such as Fife House, Camp Winston, Kohai, and the Rotary Club.  We encourage others to find their catalyst of connection with world mending.

Finally, how has working with R+F and focusing on helping others changed your lives? Working with Rodan+Fields has opened up opportunities for meeting other like-minded people….it is contagious:  open doors, open lives and open selves.20180417_180855(0)If you would like to learn more about the Rodan+Fields products and revenue-generating opportunities, as well as guidance for living a positive and healthy life, follow them on Facebook.com/abrilliantu or Twitter: @abrilliantu or via their website: www.abrilliantu.com

Making positive changes in our lives to heal minds, bodies and souls.ACUTE CARE SOOTHE Specialreverse-lightening-regimen

GRAZING MY WAY THRU LAST NIGHT’S 21ST ANNUAL “EAT TO THE BEAT” FUNDRAISER

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the 21st annual Eat to the Beat fundraiser, presented by KitchenAid®, for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) which featured 60 female chefs supporting people living with breast cancer.  Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall became the mecca for urban foodies to experience the best Ontario’s culinary scene has to offer.20161101_192052 20161101_192441 20161101_192621 20161101_193335Eat to the Beat guests have the opportunity to enjoy specially prepared savoury and sweet dishes at 60 stations, along with wine, beer and a selection of non alcoholic beverages set up around Roy Thomson Hall’s outer lobby. “We are so grateful to our participating chefs, sponsors and supporters who have helped to make Eat to the Beat Toronto’s must-attend culinary event and fundraiser over the years,” says Cathy Park, co-chair, Eat to the Beat20161101_193704 20161101_193439 20161101_192116Started 21 years ago by sisters Lisa and Abby Slater, Eat to the Beat has raised more than $3.9 million since its inception. Funds raised at Eat to the Beat will support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – dedicated to funding relevant and innovative research, supporting and advocating for the breast cancer community, and providing credible, unbiased information to help empower those affected by breast cancer or at increased genetic risk of developing the disease.

“Just like Lisa and Abby, we’re inspired by the strength of breast cancer survivors and those who are affected by this disease,” says Karen Malone, VP, Research & Programs, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, “Thanks to fundraising events like Eat to the Beat, we can continue to offer emotional support and information to anyone affected by breast cancer.”20161101_194217I ran into a number of friends there, including the lovely ladies from Succulent Chocolates (yummmmm), pictured below…20161101_191956…and lots of other talented bakers, chefs and chocolatiers…..20161101_195939 20161101_19211120161101_195643There was also a number of wineries sampling their products and the fellas from Still Waters Distillery offering shots of their new Stalk & Barrel Canadian whisky (just launched in LCBO stores) – pictured below. Mmmmmm, very nice and smooth.20161101_195441 20161101_195453On behalf of all us hungry foodies attending last night, thank you to all the participating chefs and congrats to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) for another successful soiree. For more information, visit www.cbcf.org

Big thank you to my dear PR colleague, Peter Ashworth (with me below) of Ashworth Associates Inc. for granting my media accreditation – my tummy really thanks you….burp!20161101_202703_001

NATURAL LIVING WELLNESS CENTRE OPENS IN TORONTO with special appearance by GRAMMY-NOMINATED FLUTIST/COMPOSER RON KORB

I had the opportunity to attend the opening of the NATURAL LIVING WELLNESS CENTRE, Toronto’s newest pain management and natural wellness centre located at 200 Spadina Ave (between Queen W & Dundas W Streets). The Centre’s principal owner KEVIN HALL (pictured below L with massage therapist Andrew Foster RMT, ART, CST) invited his good friend and international award-winning recording artist RON KORB to come play for the guests so the flutist/composer obliged with excerpts from his brilliant Grammy-nominated album Asia Beauty.20160607_20085520160607_194526The Centre focuses on education as much as treatment, and aims to empower clients/patients with access to research, publications and seminars, and partners with allied organizations, doctors and other pain clinics across the country.  The beautifully appointed, loft-style offices offer 2,300 sq. feet of space dedicated to treatments, classes and consultation rooms, along with a well-stocked boutique carrying a wide variety of products for mind, body and spirit.20160607_191807 20160607_192037 20160607_192057But no smiling buddhas or incense sticks here – you’ll see clean urban design featuring exposed brick, dark wood floors, stylish lighting, elegant wall tiling and state-of-the-art equipment and fixtures. Services provided include: Chiropractic, RMT & Occupational therapy, music & art therapy, chronic pain support, cannabis education, hypnotherapy, integrative wellness services and products, group classes (yoga, nutrition, mindfulness) and guest speakers, plus a full teaching kitchen for those (like me!) who need a good kickstart to preparing & eating healthy food choices. Below, Kevin introduces everyone to the Centre and Ron’s performance….20160607_194223

….then I managed to wrangle Kevin’s very busy colleagues Lauri-Anne and Jessica (below L to R) into posing for a quick pic with Ron in between topping up the catering platters and greeting guests!20160607_192200Thank you to Ron for his invitation, and a big thanks to Kevin, Lauri-Anne and Jessica for your warm hospitality – I look forward to sharing your story as you grow the business. www.natural-livingcentre.com20160607_201219(0)