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Hot Tub Time Machine Found!

photo courtesy of: angelfacebotanicals.blogspot.com

I would like to applaud celebrities for taking the initiative and showing that they really care about the environment too. While good movies are far and few in between and television is consumed with “reality”, no one has done a better job with recycling than the music industry.

It seems originality is a dying trait and even the most known artists are conjuring up recipes that worked in the past in order to promote their own success. The best example of this wizardry is utilized by Lady Gaga.  Why is she so famous? While she definitely doesn’t look like a supermodel or is the best singer in the world, she is a master of embedding herself into our minds through her catchy melodies and shocking appearance. She’s not the first to do this obviously. You could call her a post apocalyptic reincarnation of Madonna.  Her latest video “Judas” is a clever take on Madonna’s video “Like a Prayer”, right down to the story line of a white woman loving a bi-racial male. That was so 1989 haven’t we come a long way since then? Apparently not.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wagn8Wrmzuc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSVbwwsLPqw

Another great example is perhaps less obvious but  J.L.o’s latest video “I’m Into You” is a cunning combination of Destiny’s Child “Survivor” and Chris Isaak’s video “Wicked Game”.  And that’s just the visual similarity. Her latest hit “On the Floor” sounds a hell of a lot like Kat Deluna’s track:”Party O’clock”.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wmc8bQoL-J0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oaHHrNQVrg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgLcQmlN2Xg

If a wave of déjà vu sweeps over you like it does me when you hear or see the latest and greatest in music – do not panic, you have not traveled back in time. Celebrities on the other hand, probably party way too much together and have located the “Hot Tub Time Machine”.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1231587/

 


Be A Yummy Mummy This Summer

A lot of my friends that have children often complain that they just “don’t feel sexy anymore”.  Their bodies don’t always go back to their pre-pregnancy state and their energy levels are oftentimes depleted from running after their kids all day. While celebrities seem to bounce back from pregnancy in the blink of an eye, not every new mom has an entourage of: nutritionists, cooks, personal trainers, stylists or make-up artists, let alone time to speed up the process.

Top 6 Picks for New Moms:

1)      Fitness first. Many obstetricians will tell you to wait until a postnatal check before its okay to gradually start your pre-pregnancy routine based on your personal physical capability. If you stopped exercising during your pregnancy or are a newcomer to fitness, it is better to resume exercising more slowly. Also, avoid exercises that make your breasts sore or tender and always try to exercise after feeding your baby. Be patient to see results.

2)      Avoid diets! As much as you may want to lose the weight, don’t skimp out on nutrition. You and your baby both rely on it. Stay away from the over processed crap and limit your caffeine intake. Reducing sugar will not only keep your energy levels stable but will also help you get rid of the belly fat faster!

3)      Take a nap. Your baby isn’t the only one that wants to sleep. While regular sleep may be difficult to attain in the course of the night, try to rest whenever possible. Lie on your left side with knees slightly bent and support your head. Let any tension in your body go. Breathe deeply.

4)      Get Outside. What better way to get some activity in? Suit up your baby into a stroller and go for a walk. Some sunshine will do you good and you will most likely encounter other new moms or dads doing the same, giving you a chance to talk about parenthood and gain some support. Be diligent with the weather conditions of course before taking your baby outside.

5)      Treat yourself. Whether it’s taking a bubble bath or getting a new hairstyle, do something that you enjoyed doing pre-baby or indulge in whatever makes you feel good.

6)      Get a babysitter. While it’s hard to be apart from your newborn, now is a great time to reconnect with your partner. Put the baby wipes down, get out of those sweat pants and enjoy a romantic moment. Who knows, it might even lead to making another baby!


The Work of Men

Through The Work of Men, you will learn to truly reclaim your freedom and lead extraordinary relationships so that you can contribute fully to your own life and those of your family.

“No Excuses is a group coaching experience for men who are separated, divorced or on that road, and don’t want to be. Men are both invited and challenged to step up into Leadership in their own lives. In No Excuses there is only space for movement and action. The work is centered on the principles of Accountability, Transparency and Vision. No Blame. No Bullshit. No Excuses.”


A Royal Pain in the Ass

Who Designed Kate Middleton’s wedding dress? I didn’t know I was supposed to care!

I get it, this is not your typical, every day kind of wedding but being bombarded about it daily is becoming, well, a royal pain in the ass. I have to admit, the Royal Wedding is great distraction for all of the other significant events currently happening around the world: soaring food and fuel prices, the up-coming federal election, the bomb explosion in Morocco, the Libyan crisis, protests in Syria, deteriorating human rights in China, misuse sedition laws in India, the slow growth in the economy, chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes that are the leading causes of death globally. These are only some of the headlines circulating in the news yet the dominating story remains with Prince William and his bride to be, Kate Middleton.

It’s obvious that a lot of what is happening in the world right now is anything but positive and sometimes we need break- not that this extinguishes the problems at hand. It is a lot to take in and it’s hard to relate to what is happening elsewhere when it doesn’t affect us directly – or so we think. Everything affects us because we all share this one planet. For example, I am sure you have a car that you use to get you around every day. I am sure you noticed more of your hard earned money going towards running it with fuel. Who designed the future princess’ dress doesn’t affect me. Paying for fuel does. Gasoline comes from oil. Retail prices are determined by the sellers, based on their costs, and the prices paid to produce, transport, and refine oil. The factors that influence the cost of gasoline: transportation and importing costs, refining limitations, and taxes and fees.

As humans, we strive to avoid suffering by any means possible. I believe we use distractions because we are tired with negative news, we do not know what we should do, or we are bored with our seemingly “normal” lives. Most women probably envy Kate’s fortune and fantasize what it would be like to live in royalty. It’s the type of life I cannot even attempt trying to understand because it is so beyond my scope of reality. Technology has enabled us to lead rather public lives but nothing can amount to the magnitude of public life more than being in the royal family, for example. The funny thing is the monarchy hasn’t run the country for centuries now. They are only a symbol and a quite an expensive one at that! I do not see how they enrich my life in any way. My tax dollars will be paying for the royal couple’s visit to Canada in June. In 2009, the visit of Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, cost Canadian taxpayers an estimated $2.57 million. What do these people eat?!

As for the royal wedding tomorrow, it’s a lot like going to a wedding where people ask you “So, how do you know the bride/groom?” and you realize you really don’t.  Will I be watching the wedding? Not likely.

In the words of William Shakespeare: “All that glitters is not gold”.


Stay Classy Not Trashy

I am all for staying young at heart and agree that you really are “as old as you feel” but as we age, things can get a little cloudy. Your early 20’s are all about the social scene and exploration.  Maybe these days are also cloudy memories to you, unless it’s last night you’re still uncertain about.  To each his/her own of course but don’t be surprised if you’re wacky behavior has people labeling you as something or other. As you near your 30’s your tastes may be a bit more refined, or at least your friends might be. Someone’s baby shower may not be the best time to roll in a keg and pass out by the toilette. Yet, I see “girls gone wild” a lot of the time and it doesn’t the least bit surprise me that women are labeled as sluts.

To a guy a slut will always mean the same thing- a roll in the sack and nothing more. Don’t think for a second this is the kind of girl he’s going to introduce to his parents or even to his friends unless it’s for a round of high fives on his latest score. If you feel cheap, well you marked yourself into the clearance department so why not change your price tag a bit and give yourself some value?

For starters, classy women tend to show one body part with any outfit and that body part can’t be shown to an extreme. For example: thighs (shown by wearing a mini skirt or short shorts), cleavage (by wearing a low-necked top) etc. Look in the mirror! There is a subtle difference between beautiful and hot that many people can detect which influences the perception of “classy” vs. “trashy”.

Aside from how you present yourself, part of being labeled a slut is in the attitude and actions you portray. So skip the drama and quit acting spoiled and bitchy. Don’t watch Jersey Shore for pointers!

Women who dress skimpy and get their drama queen on are trying to get attention because they can’t get it any other way. Dressing and acting in a trashy manner reveals insecurity and actually displays a lack of self confidence.

It doesn’t help that most female role models in the media are anything but subtle. Women feel pressured to live out this chaotic, glamorous lifestyle which is only self-destructing. Women are beautiful and there is nothing wrong with being comfortable in your skin but you really don’t have to give it all away at once. If you want to be respected, you have to start by respecting yourself. Don’t be something you’re not because that will never earn you respect. A classy gal will always score in the long run because being classy is timeless. Being trashy is useless.


So you think you can dance?

This month Dorothy set out to find a comfortable, friendly and experienced dance studio in Toronto. Here she meets up with the Blueheel group with two locations: Mississauga and Oakville.


Time for Spring Cleaning- Inside and Out

 

As the clocks moved forward this weekend, all I wanted was to stay behind in bed, feeling somewhat aggravated of being robbed of my hour of sleep. My mood changed as the extra daylight in the evening was re-vitalizing. As we arrive closer to spring with the dreary days of winter behind us, we feel a renewed sense of energy and purpose.

While the sun lights up our days, we bring light to the things that we may have over looked and now require some attention. Most of us start with spring cleaning. The history of spring cleaning dates back thousands of years to the Middle East as well as Europe.  Its influence derives primarily from religious influence. Essentially, the concept of “cleansing” is the common thread woven into the intricate pattern of religious practices.

A good place to start your spring cleaning has to do with the physical cleaning of material objects. Sometimes we may feel frustration or guilt from the realization of how much useless or needless possessions we have acquired in our homes.  The solution to this is to bring out the trash can or better yet, some boxes for donations. Evaluate each object and decide whether it still serves its purpose or you can do without it. It’s amazing how this process leaves us with a feeling of lightness and space.

But why stop there? Now that we have made space in our homes and threw away the clutter, we can apply the exact same process to make space within ourselves and de-clutter what no longer serves us in our lives. Set aside some time, just for yourself when you can allow yourself to relax and evaluate your thoughts. Ask yourself:

  • What baggage am I carrying? (emotional, stress, anxiety, fear, pain, anger)
  • How does this serve me at this present time? What can I do without?
  • What do I want to fill my life with?

 

Just like those old jeans or barely used ice skates, you CAN let go of the things, people and feelings that are weighing you down or occupy your heart and your mind with your their heaviness. Happiness is about feeling light. Life is about seeing things with transparency. Allow yourself to have new life again. Allow yourself to make room for something new. Allow yourself to let go and spring forward with the hands of time.


 

 

 

 

Who attends a sex show?

People from all walks of life, age, race, gender…because sex is something everyone wants to partake in and enjoy!
Maybe you are a little nervous or just not sure of what to expect (or whom you might expect to bump into there!) but sex is a part of everyone’s life in one aspect or another. This event is a great way to familiarize yourself with the basics (in case you forget them!), learn and go home knowing how to enhance your experience.  

With its sexy atmosphere, low lighting, sensual music and bar, you really feel like it’s a night out on the town. Unlike clubs however, the odds are pretty good with the crowd being a 50/50 mix of men and women, aged 19 to 80 but most commonly attended by 25-45 age bracket.

You will learn about all aspects of sex and sexuality which will expand your knowledge, and your comfort zone. Anything and everything you have ever wondered about can be answered under one roof. You can also spend your time shopping for “adult toys” and lingerie and then go home and play with them!

At the Door:
Adult Day Pass $20.00
Adult Weekend Pass $30.00

Buy advanced tickets online and SAVE!*
Adult Day Pass $15.00
Adult Weekend Pass $25.00
*Advanced ticket pricing end at 5pm on Friday (Feb 25)


The Outdoor Adventure Show

February 25-27 2011 at the International Centre

Explore Canada’s largest adventure show offering pre-season deals on the newest outdoor gear and amazing travel destinations! See canoe & kayak experts in the Whitewater Demo Pool, watch scuba demos in the Dive Tank, climb the Rock Wall or ignite your passion for biking, hiking, running, water or mountain sports at over 300 exhibits!

What’s Your Next Adventure? Meet experienced guides who will help you plan your next dream getaway. Discover exotic hot spots, safaris, eco-holidays or camping trips and be inspired by outdoor celebrities and thrilling adventure travel presentations!

Tickets can be purchased at the door for $12
Youths 12 – 17: $10
Seniors 60+: $10
Children 11 & under are free

http://www.outdooradventureshow.ca/toronto/visitor/index.html


Dance Your Way to the Blueheel

The last couple of weeks, I had some ball room dance lessons at the Blueheel Dance Studio in Oakville. Every instructor is skilled, energetic and great at teaching any dance you set your heart on learning. This past weekend,  I had a rather vibrant dance lesson with Scott Kvasni, a twenty-something, over-the-top, dance instructor. Let me tell you, Scott can move! Even if you think that you can’t, he will convince you otherwise. Scott has been dancing since the age of seven and has competed in various North American dance competitions. In 1999, he was second runner up for Mr. Teen Dance Canada.  Scott has been teaching ball room dancing for the past six years, three of those at the Blueheel.  I sat down with Scott to catch our breath after our dance lesson and asked him why he loves what he does.

“For me personally, I love that you can be flashy and fun by showcasing your skills through a performance. I also love the social aspect of it. I have found it’s a great skill to have because you can go out to any social function and be able to tear up the dance floor. It’s also a great way to pick up girls when you are single!”

Come down to the Blueheel and experience the joy of dance for yourself. Even if you have never danced in your life, you will feel right at home at the Blueheel where fun is number one. Every instructor will teach you at your own pace and skill level. They are so good that while you’re busy having fun; you won’t even realize that you were dancing the entire lesson.

We will have more on the Blueheel next month for our special dance feature. You can see the fun for yourself.

http://www.blueheel.ca/