Fashion and Style: Things to Love for 2011

From cosy pillows to unique accents for your home and wardrobe, enjoy life’s simple pleasures this year. Comfort, style and class are key.

1. SULTRY STYLE
Spruce up your current style. IC Companys brings forth a selection of fashion-forward brands to cherish. www.iccompanys.com

2. BLUSH PLUSH
Lipstick-red, and oh-so-cuddly, the perfect pillow from Pier 1 cushions your head after a long day. www.pier1.com

3. SECRET GARDEN
Inspired by crystal tear catchers from 19th century Europe, this richly scented floral garden scent will have your pulse Read more

Animal Deaths, Natural Disasters and Climate Change

I’m bemused by North American’s attitude when it comes to the environment. All this selfish, narrow-minded and ignorant garbage about new cars, big screen TVs and steak on the barbeque is deplorable. When are we going to wake up, take responsibility and recognize the problems we cause?

This past year, the Earth was rocked by a wave of natural disasters that were greatly intensified by climate change. These included mass heat waves across the globe, droughts in Russia and flooding in Pakistan, China and Australia – the list goes on. There were 950 natural disasters recorded, well over the decade’s average of 785, and the second-worst year since 1980. Of course, disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis are out of our hands, but with our planet’s rising temperature, other disasters are being amplified and wildlife is at risk. Who cares, right? Read more

Michael Kaeshammer: Brightening up the Blues

A sleek black Yamaha grand piano is positioned in the centre of Michael Kaeshammer’s Toronto loft: a fitting location for a young man who has built his life around this musical instrument. “I’ve never had a different job in my life,” says Kaeshammer, who is set to debut his seventh album Kaeshammer in April 2011.

“My dad was a huge jazz fan and when I was a kid that’s all I knew … without him I wouldn’t be playing the piano.”

The charismatic pianist ended last year successfully. He performed with sultry vibrato Jill Barber, and was the under card in Anne Murray’s tour across Canada last year. “I was so impressed that [Murray] would go out and have so much fun performing and it was all sincere.” Read more

Naughty or Nice: Gift Guide 2010

Cottonfield
For a modern and handsome look, check out the latest winter-wear from Danish designer, Cottonfield. A classic lambswool pullover covers a cotton plaid shirt, completed with an attractive blazer and a soft wool, acrylic scarf. Have him looking sharp for those brisk winter walks in these traditionally-styled outfits.

Keurig Coffeemaker
Small and stylish, this modern coffeemaker quickly brews your favourite blend in just minutes. Utilizing the patented K-Cup system, you can be sure the perfect amount of any rich and delicious beverage is brewed every time.

Hostess Gift Bag
A hostess gift bag is a thoughtful and personal way Read more

Another Rough Ride for Maple Leafs Fans

Since the National Hockey League (NHL) lockout in 2004-05, Toronto Maple Leafs fans have had it rough. With horrendous season records, consistently missing the playoffs and a franchise associated with the league’s worst, patience is wearing thin. After acquiring team-building wiz Brian Burke, the Leafs hope to get its beloved franchise back on track, but is this the year?

Although they began with a bang, the Leafs have caught a recent snag, posting a meagre 2-6-2 record in their last 10 games, slowly sliding back down to an all-too-familiar and unsettling position. Currently the Leafs sit last in the division, and 12th in the Eastern Conference. With 12 members of its roster 25 years old or younger, maturity appears to be a factor.

“The biggest problem they have on the ice Read more

Have Faith: Canada’s St. André Bessette

The Catholic Church has become a punchline. People hear ‘priest’ and they interpret ‘pedophile.’ Through scandals of corruption and an estimated worth of somewhere between one and two billion dollars, the Vatican is despised by many, including a lot of Catholics.

It is time to get creative and dig a little deeper for the truth that can supposedly set us free. Jesus said in John 8:31 and 32 that, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Is the Vatican really holding God’s teachings? Are the priests acting like true disciples? Maybe not, but there are still role models scattered throughout Catholicism that can teach us universal maxims that can help us discover true happiness. Read more

Honest to Goodness: Reputable Charities

It’s the season of giving, not the season of guilt. While the Santa you see at the busy intersection might actually be a Grinch in red velour clothing, that’s usually not the case. Then again, what’s one or two dollars? When it comes to more serious donations, it might be a good idea for us to clear the air about where your charitable donations are going. The following organizations get our nod of approval.

FH CANADA
Of all major charities, FH Canada has one of the lowest rates of revenue funds allocated to administrative fees. One of the quotes it stands by is, “Managing poverty is big business, eradicating it is revolutionary.” As Clarissa Youssef, director of communications for FH Canada, explains, “FH Canada is committed to upholding the highest standards of financial integrity and stewardship.” For every dollar donated to FH Canada, $0.88 is spent on Read more

Real Shopping Experience

Holiday bells ring as the door to a local shop closes behind you. Out of the cold and into the warmth of a festive storefront, you’re greeted with a pleasant smile. A shop owner guides you around, giving personal attention and expert knowledge on exclusive products rarely seen in big-box stores. Making suggestions as she walks with you, she picks an item, showing you the fine details and superb craftsmanship that make it so special. Once you’ve decided on your purchase, the shop owner personally wishes you the best during the Holidays as she gift-wraps your purchase. In a modern world where time is a constant factor, we lean towards the routes that save the most time and ignore the community around us for the quickest answer. But consider this: If we only decide to window-shop, vacant storefronts with “For Lease” signs hanging in windows will be all that’s left where a local business once stood. Read more

The Canadian Tenors

Performing for world leaders, royalty and spellbound audiences across the world, a time-strapped 2010 hit a high note for the multilingual Canadian Tenors. Presenting rich and soulful falsettos to also support philanthropic action, the vocal quartet visits the broken region of Bulembu, Swaziland to cultivate awareness for the charity Voices for Bulembu. Working with the legendary likes of David Foster, the Canadian ambassadors for Toronto’s 2015 Pan American Games reflect on an explosive year.

Fraser Walters, on giving back
It’s very difficult to top our performance on the Oprah Winfrey Show when Celine Dion surprised us halfway through our song, but I would give equal billing to our return to Africa this summer. We had absolutely life-changing experiences working with the children of Bulembu, as well as our work with Free the Children Read more

Avoiding Christmas Debt

Holiday sales often pop up before the snow starts to fall, causing some people to pull out their credit cards before their winter jackets. This Holiday season, the National Retail Federation has estimated a 2.3 per cent increase in sales from 2009, a promising forecast for recession-bitten retailers, but troubling news for cash-strapped shoppers.

“Some people are telling us that they’re still paying off last Christmas’s debt,” says Bruce Cran, president of the Consumers Association of Canada. “And they don’t intend to repeat the same mistakes this year.”

According to an October study by Environics Research Group for MasterCard Canada, 48 per cent of Canadians go over their Holiday budget and that’s if they set one at all—one in Read more

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