Month: April 2016

Happy #Friyay – Here’s a #CincoDeMayo Cocktail

DIY Holidays Lifestyle Recipes

Happy #Friyay – Here’s a #CincoDeMayo Cocktail

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I love any excuse to get together with friends! So this weekend, it’s time to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! Cinco de Mayo is held to celebrate Mexican army’s victory over the French army in the Battle of Puebla. Even though we’re a far ways away from the Mexican border, it’s a lovely excuse to sip margaritas, eat tacos, and listen to Mariachi.

No matter what kind of Margarita you’re making, here are some tips courtesy Bon Appetit for how to get the best Margarita EVER!

1. Squeeze it
The single most important ingredient is fresh lime juice. Use any gadget you like–just please don’t twist open a screw cap. For parties, juice the limes ahead and fill a squeeze bottle to keep at the ready.

2. Sweeten up
Notice there’s no triple sec in our recipe? That’s not a typo–and no, you won’t miss it. We prefer light agave syrup for its complementary flavors (and shared origin) with tequila.

3. Go for silver
Always drink tequila made from 100 percent blue agave. It just tastes better. In Margaritas, use only blanco (a.k.a. silver or white) tequilas, which have a peppery, vegetal kick that won’t get buried when mixed. Save your aged reposados for sipping.

4. Take it with a grain of…
Salt brings out the flavor in everything, but too much can be overwhelming. So we only salt halfway around the rim and are careful not to get any in the drink.

Espolon Tequila Blanco

This silver Espolon tequila from the LCBO has always been one of my favorites to make cocktails with. What’s yours? I would love to try some new ones but this is such an old classic I never branch out!

What kind of Margarita are you making? One of my favorite variations on the classic cocktail is to add a little pomegranate juice – it makes it less acidic and more refreshing. For the brave ones – jalapenos! The LCBO stocks some Jalapeno-infused tequila or you could put a pepper in at the end.

How are you celebrating Friday? Let me know how these tips go by commenting below or tweeting to me at @ShesInfluential

This Weekend in #Toronto

Lifestyle

This Weekend in #Toronto

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Friday, April 29th

It’s the day everyone has been waiting for – Views from the 6 is being released! Drake’s newest project has been teased about for months- since he first dropped his ‘Hotline Bling’ track last October, and “Summer 6teen” in February, there’s been no concrete date for his newest albums drop! But this week, the Toronto rapper dropped the album artwork for his cover album which means – it’s time for the actual release! Expect Drake to be blasting EVERYWHERE this weekend!

The Drake Hotel (no relation to the rapper), is hosting a Views from the 6 listening party – and yoga session on May 1st! It’s taking place at the Drake Underground, and is $10 at the door. All proceeds go to the Raptors Kids Foundation

Also on Friday, it’s the annual Friday Night Live at the ROM! This late night event will celebrate tattoos – the culture behind them and some brand new exhibits at the ROM! DJs, delicious pop-up food stands, drinks, and art! What better way to spend a Friday night? You can buy your tickets here

 

Saturday, April 30th

Do you like ice cream cones made out of donuts? Do you like pulled duck tacos? Do you like fresh pasta? The food truck market at the Evergreen Brickworks Market is the place for you! In addition to the year round weekend farmers market, the Brickworks market is now offering FOOD TRUCKS! There’s about six food trucks offering up delicious grub, as well as fresh coffee and fresh lemonade!

The market is accessible by bus or by car (or by a BEAUTIFUL thirty minute hike from Davisville station!)

 

May 5th

Okay, this isn’t technically the weekend, but next Thursday is Cinco de Mayo! The city is celebrating the Day of the Dead with Mexican-themed events across the city.

At the Drake hotel, chef Donnie Masterson will be cooking up Mexican inspired burgers while tequila will be pouring.

King West patio (trust me – it’s the best patio in the city!) El Caballito will be hosting a whole weekend of activities!

On May 1st, they’ll host a Los Arrangos tasting. May 2nd and 3rd will have Margarita specials, May 4th will boast an all day Mexican brunch and May 5th? Tacos!

My Favorite Finds from H&M Festival

Fashion

My Favorite Finds from H&M Festival

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Did you hear that H&M is launching a new e-commerce site in Canada? It’s about time – even though there are H&M’s all over the city, I can’t shop from the comfort of my own home! That’s about to change! There’s no concrete date yet for the launch, but H&M is encouraging all

In honor of this soon-to-be shopping expedition I’m going to embark on, I picked out some of my favorite pieces from H&M to help me ring in the summer!

Even though I didn’t make it to Coachella this year (a girl can dream right?), I love scrolling through the sets of trends from the festival.

One of my favorite trends from the festival – the off-the-shoulder look! From crop tops to long dresses, this look is the perfect way to show a little skin without wearing anything too revealing. I like how Micah pairs it with cropped denim for a weekend casual look.

This little H&M dress is great – it’s a wonderful alternative to a simple sundress.Shop for it here

 

I’ve been looking for a great pair of gladiator sandals for months, but the problem is – what do I do with them when the trend fades? Since they’re not a very wear-em-forever item, I’ve been looking for a pair of gladiator sandals that still has that effortless, laid-back Grecian feel but aren’t too trendy.

What about these sandals?
For a little alternative to a going-out shoe, this crisp black sandals have a sexy little detail with the gladiator lace-up detail! Shop for them here or in stores.

Did you hear that H&M opened up a home section? Now you can get trendy home furnishings at typcial cheap cheap H&M prices. To spruce up my room for summer – how about this tropical bedspread? Even though I’m not headed anywhere warmer than Ontario, at least my dreams can!

Shop for it here

 

And last but not least – a cheeky phone case! What better way to snap a selfie? Shop for it here

What are you craving this summer season? Anything in particular you want to add to you wardrobe? Let me know in the comments below!

 

It’s #TravelTuesday – This Week, I’m Talking About #India

Travel

It’s #TravelTuesday – This Week, I’m Talking About #India

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India

Recently, I was whisked off to India on a whirlwind trip. Although I didn’t get to head down to the coastal region (an excuse to come back, right?) I did get to explore the magical Northern regions. Mainly, I spent my time in Rajasthan – also known as the Land of Kings because how many gorgeous, magical palaces there are.

One of my first stops? Udaipur! It’s called the city of lakes because of all the small lakes that make up the city scape – like Venice of the East! A few years back, Shakira performed on one of the islands in the lake and the entire city gathered on the shores and on boats to watch!

Jaipur was the next stop on our tour. It’s called the pink city, but I didn’t realize how literal that title was until I got there. Every single building in the city was a lovely shade of coral! The entire city was painted this color to welcome the British royals on a visit.

Look how delicate all the detailings on the royal palace in Jaipur is – and all in this sumptuous shade!

After Jaipur, it was off to Jodhpur. Like Jaipur, Jodhpur is painted an entire shade. I think Jodhpur may have been my favorite, but I’m biased – blue is my favorite color! In Jodhpur I made my way through the local street markets, picking up some saffron to bring home (so I can try my hand at cooking Indian dishes), and some incredible silk blankets.

 

I think my favorite part of the entire trip was the food. Even though I’m not the best with spice, everything was so flavourful. Even though I’m always keen on Indian food back in Toronto, there were so many incredibly dishes I’ve never even heard of. Naan, chapati, channa masala and lamb biryani were all part of my daily diet. Sweet paranthas were probably my favorite – they’re thin wheat pancakes with sugar inside.

Here’s a secret – one day I thought I was eating a green pea but it turned out to be a chilli! It wasn’t that fun for me at the time, but everyone got such a good laugh out of watching me squirm!

While I was in the country, I got to celebrate Holi! Holi is a big festival that takes place at the end of March, where everyone throws colored powder (like the ones above!) at each other to rid of us evil spirits. It’s so messy, but SO much fun!

Have you been to India? If so, where did you go? How did you like it? If you haven’t been to India – how amazing does it look? Let me know your thoughts and feedback by commenting below or tweeting me at @ShesInfluential

The New #AngryWhopper is Here!

Recipes

The New #AngryWhopper is Here!

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You know what’s better than a juicy whopper? A juicy whopper with LOADS of  spice. Hot sauce, jalapenos, anything with a little kick,sign me up!

When I heard about the new Angry Whopper, I knew I would immediately fall in love.  It’s a furiously delicious sandwich atop a fiery red bun, baked with hot sauce. The Angriest WHOPPER® sandwich packs a punch in every infuriating bite with crispy angry onion petals, spicy angry sauce and zesty jalapenos piled high atop flame-grilled beef and layered with crispy bacon, melted cheese, iceberg lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and creamy mayonnaise between the red-hot bun. Is your mouth watering yet??

The man behind the meal? BURGER KING® brand invited volcano specialist, and co-creator and host of “Angry Planet” George Kourounis, to guide four of the biggest ANGRY WHOPPER® sandwich enthusiasts from around the world on the adventure of a lifetime — the opportunity to flame grill the brand’s signature 100% beef patties over the angriest fire of all: fire retrieved from the depths of the raging Pacaya Volcano in Guatemala. That’s him in that photo above – now THAT’s a selfie right? You can view the full video of their adventure on their Facebook Page.

 

Are you going to try it? If you do – let me know how it is or tweet me photos @ShesInfluential

Samsung Canada Introduces the Galaxy Tab E Lite and Galaxy Tab A 7

Shopping

Samsung Canada Introduces the Galaxy Tab E Lite and Galaxy Tab A 7

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One of the biggest tech companies in the game, Samsung, is dropping some incredibly new products! The new Galaxy Tab E Lite and Galaxy Tab A 7 arrived in Canada on March 23rd.

I’ve always been a big fan of Samsung products because they really think of the user. They may not be as pretty as iPhones, but their performance makes it SO worth it! Especially the memory – the new Galaxy offers 32 GB of MicroSD storage! They’re wonderful products for travelling too (something I do WAY too much of!) Instead of bringing my larger laptop everywhere, the Galaxy tablet enables me to do alllll my work, without carrying everything around! And I can download movies and watch them on my long-haul planes.

The best part? The Galaxy phone has a no-slip back, for those of you who are prone to dropping your phone!

Here are some other great features of the new Galaxys

  • Versatile device options for the entire family: The Multi User Mode enables families to create up to eight unique user profiles with their own music, games, apps and photos. While sharing one device, everyone can keep everything organized and ensure personal information stays personal.
  • Multi-tasking ease: Maximize time and productivity by working on two apps at the same time.Effortlessly watch movies, check email, shop online and chat with friends on a single screen.
  • Safer and more secure Kids Mode: Enabling Kids Mode allows for up to six kids’ profiles, blocks unsuitable apps, sets time limits and provides a wide range of fun and educational content giving kids access to a safer and more appropriate world of colour and fun.
  • Ultimate value and affordability: Available for under $200, these high-performance multi-purpose tablets can be used for working, storing and viewing content.

Designed to offer the ultimate family-sharing experience, both tablets offer a child-friendly interface, endless entertainment options and multi-tasking functionality, maximizing productivity while keeping everyone in the family connected to what matters most.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab E Lite and the Galaxy Tab A 7 will be available as of March 23rd at Samsung Experience Stores and retailers across the country. The 7-inch Galaxy Tab E Lite will be available in white and will retail for $149.99 (MSRP). The 7-inch Galaxy Tab A will be offered in black and white and retail for$199.99 (MSRP).  You can check out availabilities here

Here are all the specs from the brand new products!

Galaxy Tab E Lite

Galaxy Tab A 7

MSRP

$149.99

$199.99

Colour

White

Black/White

UPC Code

SKU

White Colour
UPC Code: 887276095844
SKU: SM-T113NDWAXAC

Black Colour
UPC Code: 887276149578
SKU: SM-T280NZKAXAC

White Colour
UPC Code: 887276149592
SKU: SM-T280NZWAXAC

Dimension

193.2 x 116.5 x 9.7mm (310 g)

108.6 x 186.9 x 8.7mm (280 g)

Display

7.0″ TFT

7.0″ TFT

WSVGA (1024×600)

WXGA (1280×800)

Memory

1.0GB + 8GB (micro SD up to 32GB)

1.5GB + 8GB (micro SD up to 200GB)

Camera

2.0MP

5.0MP AF + 2.0MP

Battery

3,600 mAh (up to 9Hrs of Internet Usage time)

4,000 mAh (up to 11Hrs of Internet Usage time)

Connectivity

Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n

Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n

BT v4.0, micro USB 2.0

BT 4.1, micro USB 2.0

OS

Android 4.4 (KitKat)

Android 5.1 (Lollipop)

Processor

1.3GHz Quad-Core

1.3GHz Quad-Core

Unite Box Size

197.9 x 122.4 x 45.9 mm (421.8 g)

200 x 118 x 48.5 mm (451 g)

What do you guys think? Should I convert? Let me know in the comments below or tweet me @shesinfluential

IKEA is partnering with the hottest fashion designers for new 2016 collections

Decor Lifestyle

IKEA is partnering with the hottest fashion designers for new 2016 collections

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How much do you love IKEA? I first fell in love with IKEA when I was decorating my very first apartment. I loved the student-friendly prices! But the design? It didn’t look like student-priced pieces!

That’s why I got so excited when I found out about IKEA’s new collaboration with three European designers. I love going to IKEA – they always have the perfect additions to my home from picture frames to throw pillows.

This year, IKEA is collaborating with some groundbreaking  designers from across the globe. Menswear designer Katie Eary, fashion designer Walter Van Beirendonck, and textiles designer Martin Bergstrom.  This is the first time the retailer giant has merged high-fashion with IKEA’s minimalist interior design.

Lucy Frechette, PR Manager for IKEA Canada says  “The Limited Edition Collections allow us to explore the unknown, try new things with fashion experts bringing excitement to homes across Canada”.

Giltig is Katie Eary’s collection. The London streetwear designers is bringing soft furnishings and dinnerware with fish, cat, and eyeball prints. I think Katie Eary is my favorite – I love the watercolored fish plates. They would be such a wonderful addition to a summer tabletop.

Glodande is a collab with Walter Van Beirendonck plays with fabrics and ceramics. It’s adorable illustrations imprinted on ceramics and throws. High-voltage colours and robot design are some of my favorite – it’s so whimsical.

 

Svartan is the collab with Martin Bergstrom, merges modern Indan and Swedish design. I love the monochrome nature of the collection – it’s very arthouse. I’m definitely going to pick up the paint-drip and marbled pillows. How adorable are the hand-crafted ceramic bowls?

 

“We can learn a lot from how fashion designers work with colours, prints, patterns and shapes. They constantly have to re-invent themselves and what they do – and are used to working in the forefront of pattern and colour development,” says Henrik Most, Creative Leader, IKEA of Sweden.

GILTIG will be on sale in all IKEA stores across Canada in April, with GLÖDANDE following in June and SVÄRTAN in September.

Why are 84% of Women Missing Out On Sports?

Lifestyle

Why are 84% of Women Missing Out On Sports?

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Did you grow up playing sports? Maybe it was a gymnastics class on a Thursday night? Or little league baseball on a Sunday afternoon? I grew up playing sports and I LOVED it. Even when we didn’t get the win, I had a blast spending the day with an incredibly team.

But having all these wonderful memories haven’t been an option for most Canadian women. In a study conducted by Canada’s Dairy Farmers and Canadian Association for Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS), entitled Women in Sport—Fuelling a Lifetime of Participation, they found that 84% of women are missing out on the benefits of sports.

“As champions of healthy living and playing an active role in their communities, Canada’s dairy farmers are addressing inequalities through the Fuelling Women Champions (FWC) initiative” says Caroline Emond, executive director, Dairy Farmers of Canada. “Launching this research publication is not only a significant stride for addressing pertinent social issues, but it is step in the right direction to propose actionable solutions and get people thinking about what they can do to change the situation.”

Among the study’s key findings:

  • 41 per cent of girls between the ages of 3-17 years do not participate in sport—and this jumps to 84 per cent in adult women;
  • Only 24 per cent of all Athletic Director positions and 17 per cent of all head coaching spots in the CIS are female;
  • Only 38 per cent of senior staff and 29 per cent of board members are female, among national and multi-sport organizations;
  • A review of programming data from Canada’s primary national sports networks, concluding that of approximately 35,000 hours in programming in 2014, only 4 per cent went towards the coverage of women’s sports, with over half of that percentage due to women’s professional tennis coverage and the Sochi Olympics;
  • Only 5 per cent of the total area of top national print media sports coverage researched was dedicated to women;
    • While only 24 per cent featured any coverage at all;
  • The representation of women in sport commonly centres around femininity, rather than highlighting their athletic accomplishments.

The Fuelling Women Champions movement is campaigning to make sports accessible to girls and women nationwide!

Millenials Starting to Become Home Owners – But Not By Themselves

Lifestyle

Millenials Starting to Become Home Owners – But Not By Themselves

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Did you know, that 43 per cent of 18-to-24 year olds are contemplating buying a house in the next two years?  But there’s a new catch – young buyers are more likely to purchase a home with a family member or friend.

Erica Nielsen, the Vice-President of Home Equity Finance at RBC said “For many millennials, home ownership is a natural part of their journey and we’re seeing the next generation eager to get into the market, even if that means exploring alternate options like buying with family or a friend. Whether purchasing on your own or with a partner, stress-test your mortgage to ensure affordability so you’re prepared, no matter what life throws your way.”

2016 2015 2014 2013
BC 30% 27% 22% 20%
Alberta 34% 27% 28% 22%
Man/Sask 24% 27% 21% 12%
Ontario 31% 25% 24% 14%
Quebec 26% 24% 23% 13%
Atlantic 23% 21% 19% 9%

 

In the next two years, 29 per cent of people are considering buying a home! And why not? If you have the finances, it can be a great investment.

 

Going in on a home with your friends and family can be tough though. You have to make sure to choose a friend or family member who you can live with, and you have years of experience with. Your drinking buddy from college? Maybe not a smart move.

 

 

 

Here are Nielson’s tips for first time buyers

  • Get on the same page:Open the dialogue on your absolute must-haves. There will likely be some different items on each of your lists so work together to come up with one list that you can both agree on.
  • Stress-test for affordability:Try out different financial scenarios to see how much you can really afford. Talk about what would happen if one of you lost your job or had a change in financial circumstances, and come up with a plan.
  • Get it on paper:Create a simple agreement that outlines your arrangement including what costs each party are responsible for, and don’t forget utilities, maintenance and moving costs. You both might agree on how to handle the home purchase in theory, but life and relationships change, so having a contract in writing is key to solving disputes going forward.
  • Have an exit strategy:Include in your agreement how you will deal with the property if one party would like to sell.
Join us at the #SDMBeautyGala Twitter Party and support Women’s Cancer Programs!

Giving Shopping

Join us at the #SDMBeautyGala Twitter Party and support Women’s Cancer Programs!

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L_Spring_Beauty_Gala_SE

With all this warm weather we’ve had lately, isn’t it time to celebrate? On April 30th, the fine folks at Shopper’s Drug Mart are throwing an in-story Spring Beauty Gala to celebrate spring! In stores across the country, gala guests will enjoy complementary makeovers, skincare consultations, free samples, refreshments and snacks. How great is that?

Even better – funds raised go to a good cause! What’s better than shopping for a good cause (other than your own wardrobe!) Funds raised at locations in the Prairies and Atlantic Canada will benefit Beauty Gives Back, a charitable initiative of the Canadian beauty industry, dedicated to helping women beat the Cancer Blues.

How can you attend? Just swing by your local Shopper’s Drug Mart and talk to a beauty expert to get your ticket! Tickets are only $10 – and the best part? $5 of the ticket is donated to a charitable organization. The remaining $5 is redeemable on any purchase made at Shoppers Drug Mart during the event!

About Look Good Feel Better

Look Good Feel Better is Canada’s only charitable cancer program dedicated to empowering women to manage the effects that cancer and its treatment can have on their appearance. At the heart of Look Good Feel Better is the free, 2 hour hands-on workshop offered at 120 cancer care facilities and hospitals across the country. Since its inception, it is estimated that Look Good Feel Better has helped hundreds of thousands of women across the country.

What is the Cancer Blues? It’s a term for the emotional distress caused by cancer and its treatment. The Cancer Blues is a huge and overlooked part of the cancer story. For the majority of women, a cancer diagnosis unleashes as many emotional symptoms as physical ones.

. Visit http://www.beautygivesback.ca/ to learn more about this great cause!

Save the Date! April 27th at 8pm is our Twitter Party, where you can join us to learn more about this fab event and the great cause it benefits!

SDMBeautyGala2

Twitter Party Details
Date: April 27th, 2016
Time: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST
Host: @ShesConnected
Moderators: @BGBCanada @LGFBCanada @SherryLAbbott
Hashtag: #SDMBeautyGala
Prizing: 5 (five) $100 Shoppers Drug Mart Gift Cards

 Read the official contest rules