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Female Founders: Meet BAO Laboratory’s Julia Bao

If you’ve ever looked at your skincare labels and got spooked by the long, complicated list of ingredients, you’re not alone. Toronto-based chemist and BAO Laboratory founder Julia Bao once felt discouraged by the harsh skincare products on the market until she took matters into her own hands. Turning her scientific background into a successful skincare brand, Julia’s motivation was to use a science-based approach to develop high-quality, natural products designed to help people across the globe by enhancing their skin’s health.  We sat down to learn more about her career journey and the innovative products from BAO Laboratory. When did you first think of creating your own skincare line? I thought about creating my own skincare line in late 2016 when I was writing my Ph.D. thesis. What made you take the big leap from being a chemist to a skincare entrepreneur? I was trying a lot of different…

Uncategorised

Travel to Italy from your kitchen with GA Pizza

While we all have high hopes that the world is opening up, the idea of travelling across the Atlantic Ocean to someone exotic feels far away. But, if your tastebuds want to do the travelling, look no further than the GA Pizza Subscription that delivers this delicious meal frozen Italian meal to your door. Disrupting the frozen foods industry with its beloved, chef-made artisanal pizzas, General Assembly Pizza offers customers quality chef-made pizza beyond its beloved Toronto-based restaurant doors. In just five minutes, the pizza is chewy and baked to perfection, or for a crispier crust, just pop it in for an extra two minutes.  With six options to try, there’s the perfect pie to suit every tastebud. For those who prefer something more savoury, the Plushroom pizza is filled with luxurious layers of cream, mushrooms, and truffle oil. Or, if you prefer something a bit spicier, add Sweet Heat…

Design

10 ways to optimize the outdoor space on your balcony

Planning a balcony with purpose is no easy feat, especially for condo dwellers. This year has given a new meaning to being outdoors and has taught us to value whatever space we have. Red Barrinuevo, principal at Redesign4More and property stylist on HGTV’s Hot Market, is sharing ten tips for optimizing outdoor spaces and making the most of your balcony. ESTABLISH ZONES Even if you have a postage-stamp-sized balcony, it’s important to map out your space. Zoning allows you to maximize functionality. If it’s a small balcony, think about what you’d like to use it for and what is most important to you. If you have a larger space, zoning is essential because there are many more possibilities to consider. Should you add a water feature or a serving cart? A sectional or a children’s play area? Figure out how your outdoor space will function before making any other decisions. WARM…

Travel Tips

How to plan a NFL road trip from Canada

If the Canadian Football League doesn’t quite do it for you as a fan of the big game, the good news is that there are plenty of options for Canadians when it comes to the NFL. It will depend upon where you are in the country, of course, but if you can get to the south of Canada then you can travel to an NFL stadium without the need to rely on airline travel – although you’ll need a reliable car, it should be said! So here’s a quick guide to the NFL team that you could support based upon your location, and the different things you can see and do if you find yourselves in a football-loving city. From Vancouver… It will take just under three hours to drive from Vancouver to Seattle and, while in the Emerald City, you might want to take a trip to Lumen Field…

Design

Tata Harper is Changing the Skincare Game with Superkind

For those of us with sensitive skin or even sensitized skin, finding the right product that is effective yet gentle on reactive skin is no longer a guessing game thanks to the new Superkind line launched by Tata Harper. This new collection is formulated to create stress-free formulas with no harsh sulfates, exfoliants, beta-hydroxy acids. It is also free from common allergens like tree nuts, wheat, gluten, and soy and free made without fragrances or essential oils, and the list goes on. But most importantly, the line of skincare products has been designed to replenish, fortify and optimize the skin barrier, defend against irritants and soothe stress skin. If you’re not convinced, let the first three products from the collection speak for themselves. Tata Harper Superkind Fortifying Moisturizer “An ultra-silky and soothing formula that delivers a cocoon-like barrier that hydrates, fortifies, comforts, and defends reactive, stressed skin.” Tata Harper Superkind…

Design

5 tips for getting a better sleep

During yet another whirlwind year, Canadians have reported increased mental illness across the board. In fact, sleep disorder rates jumped from 36% to 55.5% during the pandemic and 40% of Canadians experience insomnia symptoms at least 3x per week, which actively fuels anxiety and depression. We spoke to the experts at HALEO Clinic to learn their tips for better sleep. Adjust your sleep environment Your bedroom should be a peaceful place. Body temperature decreases at night (which is part of your “circadian rhythms”) which promotes sleep. Keep your bedroom a little cooler than the rest of the house. Ensure your bed and sheets are comfortable, the bedroom is soundproof and dark enough to promote the secretion of melatonin. Don’t be afraid to take the time to make some aesthetic changes; if you like the space, you’ll spend a lot of time in it! Don’t work in the bedroom A physical…

Travel Tips

6 Sensational Honeymoon Destinations For 2021

Weddings are wonderful occasions, but they can be incredibly stressful, especially when it comes to planning the event. From arranging the flowers to finding a suitable reception venue, it can be a hassle, which is exactly why businesses like ours exist. Even with professional input, weddings can still take their toll on couples, which is exactly why looking forward to a honeymoon is vital. A dream honeymoon is an ideal antidote to any wedding stresses, which is exactly why finding the right location is essential. Every couple has different needs, but the main requirement tends to be somewhere they can call paradise, all while relaxing in the sun, reading a book or even getting more details about available options in Canada for playing casino games online; all with a cocktail in hand, and a celebration of starting the rest of their lives together. It’s a beautiful moment, really. Coming up…

Technology

The top apps for traveling

Many of us love traveling and will explore new places at the first opportunity. This adventurous spirit adds to our enjoyment, but we need to remember to take extra care of our safety and security as we’re more vulnerable when we’re away from home. Once that’s done, we can relax and look forward to having fun on our trip, whether it’s for business, to see friends and family, or a special occasion. You could still plan a getaway, even if you have to keep working. We’re so used to working from home now that we can work from anywhere so long as we have an internet connection, and there are some delightful options available from which to choose. What’s more, while you’re traveling, there is a bunch of stuff you can do to pass the time. For example, you could watch your fave movies on Netflix, read the news, play…

USA

Travel News: Historic Ford Estate Undergoes Largest Expansion In 90 Years

Ford House, the historic estate of Edsel and Eleanor Ford, is open to the public, showcasing its first major expansion in over 90 years— a 40,000 square-foot Visitor Center and 17,000 square-foot Administration Building in in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan. The state-of-the-art Visitor Center will bring a new restaurant, four event spaces, exhibition spaces, expanded program offerings, and breathtaking views of Ford Cove. The Ford family’s legacy will never change, but this expansion project has allowed Ford House to convey the history of one of America and Detroit’s most renowned families in an interactive and immersive style. The Visitor Center and Administration Building were designed to be net-zero energy-efficient, with great care to emphasize sustainability and the surrounding natural ecosystem. The buildings will enhance the visitor experience and allow the National Historic Landmark estate to plan and pursue long-term restoration and rehabilitation projects. Our goal is to weave together the…

Design

Your Summer Bar Cart Essentials

Spruce up your summer bar cart and outdoor entertaining corner with these drinks. It’s time to switch out the heavy spirits that kept you warm all winter long for lighter, refreshing options that are perfect for a summer night at home. A Fresh, Floral Gin Even if you can’t travel to Montreal, you can experience it with Royalmount Gin. This Montreal-based distillery infused aromas and flavours of citrus, roses, and juniper, along with cucumber notes for the perfect summer cocktail.  Plus, this chic bottle is bound to spark intrigue when it’s displayed on your bar cart! A Low Cal Alternative Proudly made in Canada, Nude Beverages is both sugar and sweetener-free made with a clean alcohol base, such as Nude’s gluten-free corn-based vodka, which contains all-natural flavours and is only 130 calories and 0 carbs per can. Plus, you can give back as your drink with a portion of all…