Summer Brain Drain

When the final school bell rings on that hot day in late June, students bolt out of their classrooms. After 10 months of formal instruction, they are ready for a break. But what happens when elementary and secondary level students burn their books for nine weeks?

There are varying opinions about modifying the academic calendar to include a shorter summer break, but what experts do agree on is the need for sustained learning between the months of June and September.

The “summer brain drain” refers to that gap in knowledge that occurs during the summer break. Kids fall behind and forget what they have learned, putting them at a disadvantage when they ring in the new school year. “There is literature out there that speaks to the ‘summer learning slide’”, says Drew McNaughton, principal of community and Read more

Spaces in High Places

Tao Condos
Feng shui master Paul Ng creates a balanced and harmonious space in this seven-floor building. The Richmond Hill sanctuary is complete with a yoga studio and airy design, lifting stress away from residents every time they walk in. www.signaturecommunities.ca

King Oaks
A luxury home in a humble community is the ideal place for a family. King Oaks estates are spacious four-to-five bedroom homes conveniently surrounded by public and private schools, recreational parks and the Go train station. www.aspenridgehomes.com

Vaughan Valley
Located west of Weston Road in Woodbridge, Vaughan Valley consists of townhomes and detached estates from 2,000 to 5,000 Read more

Cheryl Rosen – More than Skin Deep

Time isn’t the only thing that ages and changes your skin. The sun is a major culprit when it comes to fine lines, wrinkles and altered pigmentation. “A person should look for an SPF of at least 30 and it should say broad spectrum, which means that it covers UVA, as well as UVB radiation,” says dermatologist Cheryl Rosen, national director of the Canadian Dermatology Association’s sun awareness program. “They can both damage DNA and they can both cause skin cancer.” The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends reapplying sunscreen every two hours, which is especially important during long periods of sun exposure. On how to prevent sunspots, Dr. Rosen suggests playing it safe. “Wear a hat, seek shade, and play your tennis game at nine in the morning instead of noon.”
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Vaughan Animal Shelter – Paw Print on Your Heart

Since it opened its doors last year, the Vaughan Animal Shelter has provided a safe haven for homeless dogs and cats. They have been given a place to run, play and meet their human soul mates. “When we’ve done everything possible to raise and protect these animals and then they get into a good home, that’s a success story,” says Tony Thompson, director of enforcement at City of Vaughan. With a gymnasium where animals can exercise and many dedicated volunteers, the shelter is taking good care of your next family pet.
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Bright-Eyed Girl

Whether it’s in the form of a clutch, high heel shoe or lipstick, colour is on our minds this season. “Take cues from the runway and opt for bright makeup products that will make your features pop,” says makeup artist Rita Stirpe. With a swipe of coral lipstick and a coat of mascara, you will create a beach-ready look that complements your summer glow. For those of you who want to highlight your pretty peepers, don’t be afraid to experiment with sea blue eye shadows for your next date night. Complete your playful look with a mani and pedi that screams summer.
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“Vaughan’s Best Espresso Bar” Contest Winners

With rich flavour that lingers on your taste buds, espresso is a little cup of heaven. After collecting votes from our loyal readers, we found three well-deserving winners in Vaughan’s Best Espresso Bar Contest! Here are three cafés that understand the fine art of making this popular Italian beverage. Check them out next time you want to relax with a delicious coffee and City Life, your favourite magazine!

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EDIT by Jeanne Beker

Whether we’re looking at the fashion world through our televisions, computer screens or up-close-and-personal at LG Fashion Week, we often feel like we’re universes away. Jeanne Beker, fashion journalist and television personality, has made the fashion realm more relatable, more understandable, and definitely more enjoyable. “The lifestyle that I lead may look enigmatic,” says Beker, “but I’m always stressing how there are so many situations in my life that really have nothing to do with the high life.”

Her down-to-earth persona is flawlessly translated into her very own clothing line – EDIT by Jeanne Beker.  A working mom herself, Beker understands the need for clothes that “aren’t really that fussy, but still make a style statement.” Her collection features clothing staples that can be mixed and matched, including her Jeanne Jeans, that now come in three different cuts and colours – deep plum Read more

Food & Entertaining

Good food and drink are necessities when creating an inviting atmosphere for any occasion. Bring warmth to your home, and delight your guests with the help of these new appetizing finds.

Hugs, Hearts and Cookies
Follow Strawberry Lane for all of your entertaining essentials, and choose from trays of sweets starting from only $29. Whether you’re gathering for a festive event or just want to share a special treat with your family, Strawberry Lane will fill your home with the feel-good smell of freshly baked goods.
www.strawberrylane.ca

Express-o Yourself
The Breville® Barista Express Espresso Machine will turn your kitchen into an Italian café, making delicious Read more

New Arrivas at Hazelton Lanes

Imagine yourself in the centre of luxury at Hazelton Lanes Shopping Centre. Its Oval Square is bringing together Yorkville residents, tourists and fashonistas to celebrate the finer things in life. “This is going to serve as a community hub for events, fashion shows, concerts, celebrity appearances, cooking demonstrations,” says Marcella Abate, marketing manager at Hazelton Lanes. Surrounding this newly developed home base are high-end brands, fabulous food and stylish people. Hazelton Lanes houses hand-picked fashion pieces from around the world in stores like Hugo Nicholson, a newly opened TNT, 45-minute complimentary dog sitting, and a Whole Foods Market to accommodate every shopping need.  Read more

10 Years Younger with David Clemmer and Skin Vitality

How many times have you heard someone say, ‘I want to look 10 years younger?’ It is a wish that is made by most women, and it has finally been granted. With five successful locations and two decades on the scene, Skin Vitality has been helping clients drop years off their appearance.

“We help you be the best you can at any age,” says Sherline Anderson, a registered nurse and medical consultant at Skin Vitality’s Yorkville location. Going above-and-beyond this promise, Skin Vitality organized a “Look 10 Years Younger” contest. Five lucky winners were awarded makeovers that gave them youthful and show-stopping looks. With $10,000 worth of treatments, the ladies underwent non-invasive procedures, including Fraxel laser skin resurfacing, Skin Tightening, FotoFacial, VelaShape, Read more

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