150 Best Recipes For Cooking In Foil - Book Review

Foil packet meals = cooking at its simple best

I couldn't agree more with the above statement. As you guys know I am a fitness competitor and prepping meals is a huge part of my nutrition when I am on prep. It can be very time consuming. That means I am always looking for quick and simple recipes to get my food ready so I have more time for training. I also want them to taste good. I don't limit my sodium on prep so I flavour everything! And foil packets are so much fun, easy, and help create amazing flavours with your ingredients. They can also be prepared for oven, bbq or even camping!

This book: 150 Best Recipes For Cooking In Foil by Marilyn Haugen has quickly become one of my favourites for preparing meals! The delicious grilling and one recipes offer convenience with minimal cleanup. I hate cleaning so this is tremendously helpful for me. Its also great for the busy person who doesn't have a lot of time. Many of the dishes I ate ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze for reheat later.

I also like that the ingredients that she uses for her recipes are easy to find every day ingredients. You just chop, mix and you are ready to go. I make mine in the oven but you aren't just limited to the oven with these recipes which is particularly useful no matter what your cooking situation is.

I give this book an 8/10 simply because it is in black and white and not every recipe has a photo. However every recipe that I have tried has been amazing! So grateful to have been sent this book!

If you're looking for your own copy check out: https://www.amazon.ca/Foil-Packet-Cooking-Recipes-Grilling-ebook/dp/B01GZB1YDY

150 Best Meals In A Jar - Tanya Linton - Book Review

I love mason jars! I have always said that "everything tastes better in a mason jar." And it does! Thats why I was excited to receive this book 150 Best Meals In A Jar. Once you start using mason jars you will see just how easy it is to do meal prep, eat on the go. You can even be as innovative as you want with the recipes. There really are no limits.

The book has a wide variety of delicious meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It includes soups, snacks, fruit and vegetable salads, grain and legume salads, pastas, rice bowls, over night oats and even desserts.

My favourites are the over night oats. I always love including that into my own plans as well as my clients. One of my top fav recipes is the chocolate protein smoothie that is on pg 19.

The recipes are easy to follow, have great ingredients that are easily available and most often times you already have in your panty. Tanya Linton also provides great variations of the recipes so you aren't limited to exactly what she has in the originally recipe.

Overall I give this book an 8/10. There arent pictures of each recipe but there are just so many amazing options and variations its a go to book for meal prep. If you are into health and fitness and want amazing healthy recipes this is a go to!

To purchase your own copy head on over to:

 

Hey Guys! Do you have picky eaters in your family? If you said yes to that question you definitely need to pick up this book! Sneaky Blends by Missy Chase Lapine, the New York Times -Bestselling Author of the sneaky chef has cooked up another great recipe book.

I was sent this book a while ago and since I was on prep and following a meal plan it was hard for me to implement some of these recipes. Now that I have a little more flexibility in my diet I have been experimenting with them quite a bit. I even think that I have found a way to include them into my next prep.

The book was originally launched in September 2016 and retails at $19.99 US and $26.99 Canadian. This book includes recipes for 15 base blends, 75 mouth watering dishes, each using a base blend and also Missy's custom blends cleanse which is a 3 day body reboot. She gives you good tips and tricks on how to start blending and there are amazing pictures of all of the blends!

You don't even have to have picky eaters in your household. I would recommend this book to kick start your own health and help transform your body. Almost everyone has a blender and why no use it to blend your way to better health. This book has 100 sneaky blend recipes that help teach you the power of purees. With recipes you could never dream up yourself Missy will have you craving the most unique combinations.

Why does blending help with your health goals? A study at Pennsylvania State University found that swapping vegetable blends for some of the more high caloric ingredients in recipes helped participants eat 357 fewer calories each day. Thats 2, 500 calories a week!

I give this book a 10/10 and I think it is a must have in every house hold. It will give you tons of variety and options for your meal prep!

Want to know more? Visit https://www.thesneakychef.com/sneakyblends/

 

Juice Guru - Transform Your Life By Adding One juice A Day - Book Review

I know we have all had our fair share of juices. But buying in a store can be fairly expensive. If you have the luxury of your own juicer or you happen to have gotten gifted one for Christmas even better. Did you know that almost 90% of us don't get the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables in our diet? With busy lifestyles these days its often hard to eat the right amount of veggies. Juicing definitely makes it easier.

I would highly recommend the Juice Guru book by Steve & Julie Prusssack if you are new to juicing and want to have a book on hand to use.  By following the straightforward guidelines in the book, you will take a huge step in transforming your health. It will also help you learn how to apply the science of habit so that juicing becomes an enjoyable practice you adopt for life rather than a short term experiment.

This book demystifies juicing and will help you incorporate this regimen into your daily lifestyle. It includes a 21 day plan that will help you get started that has 100 flavourful fruit and vegetable juices.

Ive tried quite a few of the recipes in this book. Mostly the veggie ones as I don't eat a lot of fruit on prep. One of my favs was the Nothin' But Greens which can be found on page 119 in the power greens section of the book! Give it a try and let me know how you liked it!

The book is available on amazon for purchase:

https://www.amazon.ca/Juice-Guru-Transform-Your-Adding/dp/0778805298

Let Them Eat Wheat! Using Ancient Wisdom/Modern Science to Overcome Food Intolerances - Book Review

I was recently sent a book by Dr. Jon dullard to review. The title of the book was Eat Wheat - A scientific AND Clinically-Proven approach TO Safely Bringing Wheat AND Dairy Back INTO your diet.

What I loved about the book: Its based on scientific facts that he has used with thousands of patients to help them cure their food intolerances. This book is a real eye opener and a must read for fitness and health enthusiasts or anyone that has dietary issues/intolerances. Its great also because it is evidence based.

I also enjoyed that he discussed the underlying cause of the gluten-free explosion.  And that he goes on to discuss that when you eliminate wheat and dairy fro your diet it may illuminate your symptoms but it may also be a temporary solution.

This book is also a great read because it helps you learn how to navigate around food toxins in modern what and dairy and reveal the hidden science on the benefits of wheat and dairy. Through this he helps you see that you can retrain your body to digest wheat and dairy again. These things are very applicable for health but for bodybuilding and aesthetics it does not 100% apply in my opinion.

Has gluten been found guilty without a fair trial? It wouldn't be the first time an innocent food was given a life sentence. For example, after almost 60 years of so-called "hard science" condemning cholesterol, we now find out that the science was flawed and high cholesterol saturated fats, such as butter, have been officially taken off the FDA's nutrient concern list. Is it possible that we have wrongfully given gluten the boot as well? Turns out, if you’re gluten-free or dairy-free, you might not have to be!

Eat Wheat: A Scientific and Clinically-Proven Approach to Safely Bringing Wheat and Dairy Back into Your Diet (Morgan James, January 2017) by Dr. John Douillard, DC, CAP, addresses this timely topic of food intolerances. After 3.4 million years of eating wheat and only 500,000 years of hunting meat, through Eat Wheat, Dr. Douillard reminds us that humans are actually genetically better equipped to eat wheat than meat and the true Paleo diet, clearly, included glutinous grains like wheat and barley.Dr. Douillard is a former NBA nutrition expert and creator of LifeSpa.com.

He has spent the past 30 years and has seen more than 100,000 patients in his natural health practice, helping to improve their digestive systems and begin to eat wheat again.“The most common dietary advice doctors have been giving their ailing patients for the past 30 years is to stop eating wheat and dairy,” says Dr. Douillard. “It’s just not that easy. Helping folks navigate around the processed versions of wheat while rebooting the digestive system is simply absent in medical practice, while being gluten-free has become a movement. We are fooling ourselves to think that all of our problems will disappear by just avoiding wheat. For years, I’ve seen patients after they have stopped eating wheat and dairy, and while they almost always feel better initially, the symptoms all too often return, leaving them with hardly anything to eat. With Eat Wheat, we can do better.”

Eat Wheat presents the science on the other side of the gluten-free aisle. For example, ancient wheat has been shown to have twice the gluten content of modern wheat yet decreased inflammation two-fold and lowered cholesterol and blood sugar.

So how could the more glutinous grain actually be healthier? In addition, wheat was a fall harvested grain that humans are well adapted to eating. Wheat digesting enzymes and microbes proliferate in the fall and winter to break down this so-called poison, gluten. So what is the real cause of America’s gluten sensitivity?

Eat Wheat explains how a breakdown in digestion has damaged the intestinal wall and leaked undigested foods and environmental toxins into the body’s lymphatic system, causing “grain brain” symptoms and food allergies. Although eliminating wheat and dairy from your diet may help your symptoms, it’s a temporary solution. The book addresses the root cause: the inability to digest well and break down harmful pollutants and toxins that can lead to more serious health concerns.Backed by more than 600 scientific studies, Eat Wheat is a revolutionary guidebook to regaining your digestive strength and safely bringing wheat and dairy back into your diet. It will also:

  • Reveal hidden science on the benefits of wheat and dairy
  • Help you navigate around food toxins in modern wheat and dairy
  • Detail how to flush congested lymphatics linked to food intolerance symptoms
  • Teach you to follow natural digestive circadian cycles
  • Help bring your blood sugar back into balance
  • Teach you proven exercise and detox techniques to reboot strong digestion and achieve optimal health and vitality

“Your digestive strength is the key to a long, healthy and vital life,” adds Dr. Douillard. “The choice as to whether or not you can eat gluten or dairy shouldn’t be decided for you because of weak digestion, it should be decided by you as a preference.”

Dr. John Douillard, DC, CAP, is a globally recognized leader in the fields of natural health, Ayurveda and sports medicine. Over the past 30 years, he’s helped over 100,000 patients repair their digestive system and eat wheat and dairy again. He is the creator of LifeSpa.com, a leading Ayurvedic health and wellness resource on the web with over 4.5 million views on YouTube. LifeSpa.com is evolving the way Ayurveda is understood around the world, with over 700 articles and videos proving ancient wisdom backed by modern science. Dr. John is the former Director of Player Development and nutrition advisor for the New Jersey Nets NBA team, author of six books, a repeat guest on the Dr. Oz show, and has been featured in Woman’s World Magazine, Yoga Journal, the Huffington Post and dozens of other publications.
 
For more information, please visit www.eatwheatbook.com,www.lifespa.com, and connect with Dr. Douillard on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
 
Eat Wheat will be released in ebook form on September 1, 2016, and in paperback and hardcover on January 10, 2017. It can be pre-ordered from Amazon, Eat Wheat Book and all major booksellers.

Next Sugar - Review

Some Nutrition facts:

Per packet (3g)

Calories 6

Carbs 3g

What is it you ask? Next Sugar is the first clinically tested, low glycemic natural cane sugar blend that tastes just like sugar because it is real sugar. Their unique blend naturally and safely blocks up to 50% of the sugar from being absorbed by the body. Less sugar absorbed, means less calories.

It tastes pretty good compared to sweetners. It doesn't have that aspartame taste. Im not too sure how much I would use it when I am in prep based on the fact it is still sugar. However I will put it to use in my off season!

If you want to try check them out at: http://next-sugar.com

A little bit more info:

Big Sugar is a BIG Problem!

Around the world, hundreds of millions of people need to reduce their sugar intake -- from individuals who need to manage their weight, to diabetics who must carefully control their blood sugar levels.

At the same time, people who are currently healthy must be on alert, too. Studies show that over-consumption of sugar can trigger a range of serious metabolic syndromes like heart disease. It can also lead to obesity, which is now an epidemic crisis -- especially among children. In short: big sugar is a BIG problem!

Sugar Substitute? Not a Chance!

However, so-called “sugar substitutes” are the problem -- not the solution! In addition to tasting nothing like real sugar, these products are loaded with chemicals, and can actually trigger weight gain and cause adverse health issues.

The good news is that there’s a new sugar alternative on the market that is finally delivering the solution that so many people -- including health researchers and medical professionals -- have been waiting for: NEXT SUGAR.

Benefits Backed by Clinical Trials

NEXT SUGAR is the world’s first low glycemic, non-GMO and Kosher natural cane sugar that has a sweetness intensity and profile of conventional sugar, but with a groundbreaking advantage: its unique composition naturally and safely blocks up to 50% of the sugar from being absorbed by the body. NEXT SUGAR is suitable for any traditional use of sugar, such as baking, cooking and sweetening.

What’s more, NEXT SUGAR’s advantages are not based on hyped-up marketing claims. They are backed by successful human clinical trials, such as one by Sydney University’s “Glycemic Index Research Service” (SUGiRS) which concluded that: “NEXT SUGAR would be suitable for consumption in controlled amounts by people with diabetes in line with their individual dietary requirements.”

 

Drug for narcolepsy could help food addicts lose weight

 

Overweight people could be given help with the discovery that a drug used for sleep disorder could also reduce the impulse for food.

There are many factors that cause obesity but there is a growing weight of evidence that shows obesity is not just caused by a behavioural disorder, such as a lack of self-control, but that many overweight people are physically addicted to foods rich in fat and sugar.

When we eat food that tastes good we get a powerful release of dopamine in the pleasure/reward section of the brain, but food addicts have been found to have a deficiency in a certain type of dopamine so that their sense of reward and pleasure is diminished, thus they have to eat more to reach the same level of pleasure as anybody else.

Scientists have also found impulsive behaviour is a factor in leading to food addiction and Ivo Vlaev, of Warwick Business School, plus Myutan Kulendran, Laura Wingfield, Colin Sugden, and Ara Darzi, of Imperial College London, discovered that a drug called Modafinil, usually used for narcolepsy, shift work disorder and excessive daytime sleepiness, can reduce impulsivity and thus food addiction.

“We found Modafinil, which is already on the market, did reduce people’s impulsive behaviour,” said Professor Vlaev.

“It has been shown to reduce impulsiveness in a variety of disorders such as alcohol dependence, schizophrenia and ADHD. Food addicts suffer from the same neurobiological conditions so we believe it will help food addicts as well and our initial tests have backed up that theory.

“This could have important implications for people who are obese. There is mounting evidence to show that there is a substantial number of obese people who are food addicts because they have an inability to control their impulsive actions and this drug has shown it can give them more control, which will help overweight people lose weight and so improve their health.

“Food addicts know they need to lose weight, but the desire for more food is overwhelming, leading to a spiral of depression that can lead to psychological issues as well as health problems.”

The drug, which is sold under a wide variety of brand names around the world, was one of two drugs tested by researchers, the other being Atomoxetine. Both drugs have been used for impulsive conditions, including ADHD.

In the paper Pharmacological manipulation of impulsivity: A randomized controlled trial published in Personality and Individual Differences, the scientists conducted a series of trials on 60 men aged between 19 and 32, with 20 taking a placebo, 20 Atomoxetine and 20 Modafinil.

The tests revealed that those who had taken Modafinil had a significantly reduced level of impulsiveness, whereas Atomoxetine produced no difference compared to the placebo group.

“Modafinil was found to have an effect on impulsivity in healthy individuals and so would be able to have an even bigger effect on food addicts, who are lacking in certain types of dopamine,” said Professor Vlaev.

“This drug could be a real help to those people struggling to control their desire for food even though they know they should lose weight.

“The drug improves self-control, which is a key factor in determining obesity, so our hypothesis is that this drug should help in treating the disease.”

ARE YOU RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN WRINKLES AND LINES? READ ON AND FIND OUT

www.zannisplasticsurgery.com

 

Many aspects of facial and body aging are inevitable and a fact of life. However, there are daily habits, motions and actions that we do that unnecessarily accelerate the aging process. While we are very fortunate to have so many non invasive advances in plastic surgery, many of them would not be necessary at younger ages if we negated some of the behaviors that cause wrinkles to appear prematurely. Dr. John Zannis is a New Bern, North Carolina board Certified Plastic Surgeon who breaks down some of these “off limits” behaviors.

Tanning Beds

Despite skin cancer warning labels and common sense, 45 percent of young women surveyed in a February 2014 study revealed they still use tanning beds. Here’s your wakeup call: Tanning beds blast you with 12- to 15-times more ultraviolet radiation than the sun, which means you’re that much more likely to get wrinkles, dark spots, thick leathery skin and cancer. And that cancer could be the deadly kind: Melanoma is one of the most common cancers diagnosed among young women, with more than 32,000 women expected to be diagnosed in the coming years.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a natural diuretic, so the more you drink, the more dehydrated you become. Dr. Zannis states that, “besides sapping the natural moisture from your skin, excessive alcohol also triggers rosacea outbreaks and exacerbates fine lines, acne, and wrinkles, all of which instantly make you look older. You don't have to swear off the bottle altogether, but by drinking less, your liver doesn't have to work as hard to flush out toxins and impurities from your body, and when it works more efficiently, you'll see the results in your skin.”

Smoking

It’s certainly no secret that smoking is bad for your health. But did you know it’s bad for your looks, too? Dr. Zannis says that, “studies show that in addition to shortening your life by increasing your risk for heart and lung disease, smoking can activate enzymes that break down the elasticity of your skin. Even if you’re a closet smoker, the fine wrinkles and pallor that cigarettes cause can give you away — just one more reason to snuff out those smokes.”

 

You sleep with your face in the pillow

Sleeping on your stomach or on your side with your face smashed into the pillow can create wrinkles and accelerate aging. "The connective tissue and collagen in your face becomes weaker and less supportive with age," says Dr. Zannis. "So when you sleep on the same side of your face night after night, your skin won't smooth out or spring back as quickly as it did when you were young." Those crease lines from your pillow can become permanent. Sleep on your back or invest in a satin pillowcase to keep skin smooth.

 

Cleaning facial skin  too thoroughly.

After a long day, you want to get all the dirt, grease, and grime out of your pores by any means necessary, but this is a mistake that could cost your skin its youthful suppleness and glow. "When people use harsh soap in order to get a squeaky clean feel, they strip their skin of its natural oils and accentuate fine lines," says Dr. Zannis. Stick to a gentle cleanser and don't scrub, your skin will thank you later.

Aggressively removing your eye makeup.

Taking off your makeup at night is important, but you should do it gently. The last thing you want to do is rub, tug, or scrap the skin around your eyes to get that last little bit of mascara off. "You can cause broken blood vessels and puffiness," warns Dr. Zannis.

Sipping Through A Straw

“Yes, repeated straw drinking causes people to purse their lips and can create wrinkles from the repetitive muscle motion,” says Dr. Zannis. He adds, “Much like repeated frowning causes wrinkles on the upper face.”

 

Meet Dr. John Zannis - New Bern, NC Plastic Surgeon

www.Zannisplasticsurgery.com

 

Dr. Zannis is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and studied Human Biology and Studio Art at Stanford University prior to entering Medical School. He obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree (M.D.) from the University of Cincinnati College Of Medicine.

 

After medical school, Dr. Zannis received his formal training in General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina under the guidance of world-renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Louis Argenta. During this time, he performed over 5,000 surgical procedures and covered all aspects of plastic surgery including cosmetic surgery of the face and body, complex reconstructive procedures of face and body, cleft lip and palate surgery, hand surgery, facial and jaw fracture repair, and reconstruction following massive weight loss. He has given numerous national academic presentations and keeps abreast of the latest technologies in Plastic Surgery at symposia across the country.

 

His studies in art and art history in Florence, Italy cultivated a passion for the Renaissance and geniuses of that time such as Leonardo DaVinci. Dr. Zannis instills artistry and perfectionism into his practice of surgery. His keen interest in procedures like rhinoplasty stem from their sculptural nature and the challenge they pose: “Rhinoplasty is considered one of the most difficult surgeries to master.

The slightest adjustment to the nose’s framework can have a significant effect. The true challenge is knowing what needs to be altered and improving the aesthetics, without changing the uniqueness and personality of someone’s face.”

 

Outside of medicine, Dr. Zannis enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. He has a passion for travel, languages, painting, and guitars. “When I’m not operating or spending time with my family, I retreat to my workshop.”

 

Celebrate the holidays with swoon-worthy gifts from Toronto's favourite brands: Province Apothecary, Bacchus & Barley, Studio Fitzroy, Erin Tracy Bridal & Fine Jewellery, MISFITSTUDIO and VdeV Maison

The lights are strung, the snow is glistening and the streets are filled with joy. That's right folks, the holiday season is finally here. As the holiday spirit grows, so does your shopping list. Finding uniquely stunning gifts for your loved ones can be a battle. Fear not, Toronto's favourite brands have created exciting holiday gift guides with something for everyone on your shopping list. Celebrate the holidays this year with Province ApothecaryBacchus & BarleyStudio FitzroyErin Tracy Bridal & Fine JewelleryMISFITSTUDIO and VdeV Maison. From beauty and fashion to fitness and home, these luxe Canadian brands will brighten your holiday season. 

 

Give the gift of glowing skin with Province Apothecary's all-natural holiday must-haves

 

New Radiant Body Oil with Argan + Black Cumin - $28.00 

Province Apothecary is here to gift young, radiant skin this holiday season with the new Radiant Body Oil. Province Apothecary's new Radiant Body Oil with Argan & Black Cumin is a luxurious blend of pure plant oils formulated to benefit all skin types. Let this rich body oil moisturize and nourish your loved one's skin and enliven and empower their spirit. Province Apothecary's beautiful blend of botanical carrier oils softens the skin, while geranium, clary sage, lavender and frankincense essential oils stimulate your creativity, boost cellular circulation, tone your skin and gently detoxify the body.

 

 

New Sea Salt Soap - $14.00 

Does someone on your shopping list have sensitive skin? Meet the perfect soap for everyone! Province Apothecary's rich soap gently cleanses with the moisturizing benefits of pure, unscented botanical oils of coconut and olive. Canadian sea salt infuses the skin with beneficial trace minerals and draws toxins out of the body naturally, resulting in soft, healthy skin. Say goodbye to dull winter skin and hello to a radiant complexion with the new Sea Salt Soap.

 

 

New Sweet Orange & Bay Essential Oil Incense - $16.00 

For a limited time only, Province Apothecary has the perfect scent for the holidays.Province Apothecary's new Sweet Orange & Bay Essential Oil Incense is the perfect way to uplift spirits and calm the mind through aromatherapy. Let the smell of Sweet Orange & Bay wash over your home with their soothing aromas. Whether your setting the mood for a holiday party or finding that perfect gift for that special someone, Province Apothecary's new Sweet Orange & Bat Essential Oil Incense has got you covered this holiday season.

 

 

 

Bacchus & Barley has leather lovers covered this holiday season with this leather accessory wish list 

 

The Necessities Tray (Spotted Cow-hide) - $59.00 

The Necessities Tray is designed for those who like to keep their essentials organized. Ever go to head out the door and can't find your keys, wallet, or phone? We used to have that problem until we discovered these trays. Problem solved. Every full-grain leather tray is totally unique as a result of the distinct markings on the hide. The tray also unsnaps to flatten for easy travel. The Necessities tray is a gift everyone can enjoy!

Available in spotted cow-hide, jet black, copper and whiskey brown

 

Night on the Town Wallet - $59.00 

Bacchus & Barley's minimalist credit card wallets, made of full-grain leather, are perfect for someone who loves a night on the town. Don't pull a Costanza, put away your bulky wallet and keep things simple by taking only the necessities. With a slim design, the Night on the Town Wallet kills "fat pocket syndrom." This is the perfect gift to keep your friends and family organized while painting the town red.

​Available in: copper, whiskey brown, chevron navy, black and red. 

 

Leather dog collar (brown) - $65.00 - $75.00 

Does fido need a holiday gift this year? Bacchus & Barley teamed up with a local tack shop to bring you these handmade saddle leather collars, giving your dog a look of elegance. In addition to their raw beauty, these leathers have been tried and tested to take on the wear-and-tear of your playful pooch. These products are crafted to grow more beautiful over time and are guaranteed to last the lifetime of your dog. Give that cute doggy in your life a classy gift this year. Matching leashes available as well.

Available in: brown and black

 

 

Stun at every holiday party with Studio Fitzroy's glamorous dress rentals 

 

The Last Word Dress by Pink Stitch -  $65.00 for 4 day rental 

Your favourite LBD is finally here in RED, just in time for the Holiday Party season! Book this one early because she's a magical little number that looks good on everyone. Plus, POCKETS. Also available in Black and Blue.

Fully lined.

Back zipper.

Midi length.

 

 

Night Shimmer Mini Dress by Free People - $60.00 for 4 day rental

This piece is the cutest little sequin party dress with nude lining. This dress looks gorgeous layered under a faux fur or even over a black turtleneck for when you're heading straight from the office to the party!

Poly/Nylon blend.

Imported.

 

Marchesa lace Gown by Elle Zietoune -  $100.00 for 4 day rental 

Be still our beating hearts. Ultra feminine long sleeved lace bodycon off the shoulder gown for when you need to get really fancy this holiday season.

Hidden back zipper.

Built in cups & boning.

Designed in Australia.

Imported.

 

 

Perry Set off the shoulder crop and tulle skirt -  $90.00 for 4 day rental

Bring sexy back this holiday season with this flattering number. High waist tulle overlay ballgown skirt with a lace off the shoulder crop top! Crop it like it's hot, ladies.

Designed in Australia.

Imported.

 

 

 

 Sparkle this holiday season Erin Tracy Bridal & Fine Jewellery's his and her gift guide 

 

For him

Koi Band Ring - $225.00 

Sterling silver or gold

For him

Koi Tag Necklace - $295.00

Sterling silver

For him

Koi Link Bracelet - $295.00

Sterling silver with matte black plating

 

For her

Talon Necklaces -  $125.00 

Sterling Silver, Gold Fill, Rose Gold, Crystals

 

For her

Deco Luxe Rings - $390.00

Sterling Silver or 10K Yellow Gold, Crystals

 

For her

Caldera Earrings - $250.00

Gold Fill, Grey Moonstone, Quartz

 

 

 

Celebrate the holidays with a healthy mind and body courtesy of MISFITSTUDIO

 

 

 MISFITSTUDIO Gift Card 

The MISFITSTUDIO gift card is the perfect holiday gift for the spiritual, fitness gurus in your life. Adopting a multidisciplinary and holistic approach to movement, MISFITSTUDIO takes the mind, body and soul on a wild physical journey with the MISFITMETHOD. Rooted in yoga, informed by pilates and inspired by dance, MISFITMETHOD incorporates movement as meditation.With two studios in Toronto, located on Queen Street West and Ossington Avenue, MISFITSTUDIO is the perfect place for health conscious Torontonians to re-centre, balance and move. Simply load up the gift card and wrap for a great holiday gift!

 

 

 

Deck the halls this season VdeV Maison's favourite holiday home accessories and gifts

 

Wool throw made by Latvia - 178.00$

Get snuggled up by the fire this holiday season with this stunning wool throw. Made with 100% lambswool, this cozy piece comes in red, black and grey.

Dimensions: W:79" X H:51" (W:201cm X H:130cm)

 

Alpine Candle - $28.00 

Nothing says the holidays like the perfect candle. This soy wax candle comes in a variety of

festive colours and scents. The green Alpine Candle smells of festive evergreen and embers. The indigo Alpine Candle smells of the sea, with a driftwood and indigo. For the man in your life, The brow Alpine Candle has the smell of tabacco and moss. Finally, the white Alpine Candle smells of sweet woods and mint.

Dimensions: H:3" X Ø:3.5" (H:8cm X Ø:9cm)

 

Fox bar glass - $12.00 

Love to serve spirited holiday drinks? VdeV Maison has the perfect bar glasses for you. These quirky glasses boast a lovely gold rim and a decorative painting of a fox, sun, moon or pineapple. Which one will you choose?

Dimensions: H:5" (H:13cm)

 

 

Cinema Lamp - $60.00 

Have fun this holiday season with VdeV Maison's Cinema Lamp. With 100 interchangable letters, you can select a festive, joyful message to illuminate your home. The Cinema lamp has Battery-powered LED or USB cable included, powered by an on/ff switch. The lamp requires 6 AA batteries or USB plug adaptor (not included).

Dimensions: W:12" X H:8.5" X D:2" (W:30cm X H:22cm X D:5cm)

 

Cindy Necklace - $24.00 

Add some sparkle to your holiday outfit this season with VdeV Maison's stunning Cindy Necklace. Available in three colours, gold, silver and copper, this lovely piece makes for the perfect gift for a lovely lady.

Dimensions: W:17" (W:43cm)

 

 

 

About: Province Apothecary is a holistic skincare and wellness brand recognized both for it’s effective natural skincare products and custom organic facials. PA is leading the way in green beauty with a unique blend of 100% active plant based, synthetic-free ingredients, establishing itself as a brand focused on a whole-body approach to beauty.

Owner and founder Julie Clark's journey into natural skincare developed out of her own struggles with allergies and eczema. Unable to find products that were pure and effective enough to heal her sensitive skin, she began blending her own. Now an accredited Holistic Health Practitioner and Aromatherapist, Julie continues to develop new products drawing inspiration from her facial clients, the weather and the seasons.

Province Apothecary sources the highest quality organic, wildcrafted ingredients from each Canadian Province and hand-blends these ingredients in small batches to create skincare that will nourish + balance skin. Julie’s favorite ingredients include: seaweed from Nova Scotia, maple syrup from Quebec, organic sunflower oil from Ontario, organic beeswax from Alberta, organic lentil flour from Manitoba, and organic raspberry oil and glacial clay from British Columbia. PA is blending the wilds of Canada into nourishing and balancing skincare.

All products are free from: petroleum, parabens, synthetic fragrances and ingredients, endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, dyes, alcohol, solvents, pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), palm oil or derivatives, cosmetic grade ingredients and toxins of any kind.

Stockists: 50 Canadian +  USA retailers including Urban Outfitters, Whole Foods Market, The Detox Market, Well.ca and Credo Beauty.   All products can be ordered online both in Canada and the US - and can shipped nationally.

Visibility: Province Apothecary PA has been featured internationally in print and online by Vogue, Huffington Post, InStyle.com, Garance Doré, Wallpaper, Cool Hunting, Protein, Refinery 29, and Our Body Book.  In addition, a number of Canadian publications including: Fashion, En Route Magazine, Chatelaine, Flare, Elle Canada, Today’s Parent, Toronto Life, Globe and Mail, and The Toronto Star.

THINK YOU KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT LIPOSUCTION? THINK AGAIN.  10 OF THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS/MYTHS ADDRESSED

Alicia Bell

OR YOU COULD DO IT VIA TRAINING - For PT inquiries and online training email go to www.trainitright.com/programs

GUEST POST:

www.zannisplasticsurgery.com

Liposuction is one of the top 5 most common surgical procedures in The United States. Approximately 363,912 procedures are performed each year. While  every lay person knows that ‘liposuction sucks out fat,’ many are misguided about the procedure in terms of who is an appropriate candidate, how long the results last, and what the procedure can and cannot accomplish. Dr. John Zannis is a New Bern, North Carolina plastic surgeon who seeks to set the record straight.

 

Fat Will Come Back Somewhere Else After Lipo

The “fat return” fear is something plastic surgeons hear about pretty often, which is understandable! “New fat does not ‘find its way’ elsewhere after liposuction. This is one of the most common liposuction myths out there.  Liposuction removes part of the fat in an area, but if the body is overwhelmed by a large amount of calories that are not burned they are stored proportionately in every remaining fat cell in the body, ” Explains Dr. Zannis.  Fat cells aren't distributed evenly to begin with, and after lipo (or any type of fat cell removal) they definitely won't be distributed evenly. Even though individual fat cells grow evenly, there will be fewer in the places where the lipo happened, so those places won't fill out the same way they used to (which is what lipo patients want). Remaining fat cells in the rest of the body will pick up the slack. These cells will gain fat evenly, but not in the areas you're used to gaining in, since the fat cells in those places were liposuctioned out. He adds, “The more fat cells removed, the more the remaining fat cells will gain when you gain weight.”

 

Are the results of liposuction permanent?

The results of liposuction are intended to be permanent. What this means is that the fat cells which are removed will not reappear, but if you gain weight in the future, fat can accumulate in surrounding areas and the remaining fat cells in your treatment area can become larger. Dr. Zannis adds, “While the fat cells are permanently gone, you can once again find yourself with unwanted fat if you gain weight, so your healthy habits will determine whether you maintain your liposuction results.”

 

Is Liposuction a Reasonable Treatment for Obesity?

“Liposuction is not a good treatment for obesity,” says Dr. Zannis.  He adds, “Liposuction is not effective, even as a last resort, for people who are unable to lose weight by dieting and exercise.”

 

Are There Non-Surgical Alternatives to Liposuction?

“Liposuction is still considered the gold standard for body contouring:  It’s the most predictable, and it’s performed in a single treatment, says Dr.Zannis. However, there are minimally invasive alternatives  though they won’t give you as dramatic results and treatments may need to be repeated for the desired effect. The most effective non-invasive options use heat, cold, or ultrasound on the surface of the skin. These alternatives include, but are not limited to:

CoolSculpting

UltraShape

Vanquish

Liposonix

Kybella (currently only FDA-approved for use underneath the chin)

 

How much weight will I lose from liposuction?

Liposuction actually has little effect on the number on your scale. It is not a method for weight loss but is instead a way to address specific areas of stubborn fat, also known as body contouring. However, many patients who want to lose weight find great success by reaching their goal weight first and then using liposuction to fine-tine the appearance they’ve worked so hard for.

 

Can liposuction reduce sagging skin?

“Liposuction solely focuses on removing fat, so it will not tighten excess skin. However, some patients benefit from a surgery which combines both fat removal and skin excision, like a tummy tuck or arm lift accompanied by liposuction,” says Dr. Zannis.

 

Will I have scars after liposuction?

Any surgery will leave a scar, but the scars from liposuction are particularly small and subtle. Dr. Zannis explains that, “The incisions only need to be large enough for the tiny tube which removes the fat, so the incisions are very small and are strategically placed in areas that are as discreet as possible.”

 

Does Liposuction Treat Cellulite

Cellulite is the fat right below the surface of the skin. It typically looks bumpy and uneven because the fat pushes through the connective tissue. While many people think it is unattractive, cellulite doesn’t present any health concerns. “It’s also not removed by liposuction, although the procedure might make your cellulite less visible. If it’s a concern for you, you can discuss options for reducing the look of cellulite with your doctor,” says Dr. Zannis.

 

Instant six pack abs & breast reductions are possible with liposuction 

But it's important to manage your expectations. “The less fat you have, the more likely you will achieve sculpted, six pack abs than patients with higher body fat (despite having more fat removed),” Dr. Zannis stresses.

The More Fat Removed, the Better

“Actually, the more fat you remove, the higher the chances for risks you don’t want to deal with such as lumps and bumps.These fears are most likely driven by the fact that patients request aggressive treatment of localized fatty deposits. The more fat that is removed, the greater the potential risk of developing these problems,” says Dr. Zannis. The American Society of Plastic Surgery recommends limiting liposuction to 5 liters (about 11 pounds) in an outpatient setting.