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DelectablyChic! Wedding Series, Part I: Wedding Prep

July 15th, 2012

By T. U. Dawood

DelectablyChic! is excited to present its 3rd Annual Summer Bridal feature, this time a four part series on Wedding Prep, Make Up & Beauty Must-Haves for the 2012 Summer Bride, The Wedding Day, as well as Wedding Related Ideas.

We begin with Wedding Prep.

Once the engagement ring is on, the official Wedding Prep begins including wedding etiquette:

51jsAotKSSL DelectablyChic! Wedding Series, Part I: Wedding Prep

Something New

There are some fantastic books on wedding etiquette.  We recommend Something New: Wedding Etiquette for Rule Breakers, Traditionalists, and Everyone in Between by Elise Mac Adam, which is a very modern, relevant handbook to ensure your guests feel comfortable, even in the stickiest of situations.

C.R. Gibson Wedding Planner, Now & Forever

C.R. Gibson Wedding Planner, Now & Forever

Even if you decide to go with a wedding planner, it can be handy to have your own Wedding Planner book full of checklists and we simply love the Now & Forever Wedding Planner book by C.R. Gibson.  If you are planning your own wedding, this is a fantastic guidebook full of worksheets to keep the bride organized and on schedule, invaluable tips, as well as room to record everything from the guest list to the bridal registry.

My Fair Wedding

Once you know your wedding etiquette inside out and are completely organized by your planner, it’s time to think of those how to add an extra oomph.  Check out David Tutera’s My Fair Wedding: Finding Your Vision . . . Through His Revisions! which highlights how a little tweaking can make your wedding much more special and memorable.  The book has examples of common or traditional ways of doing things and then has David’s innovative revisions which add that certain flair or panache to the same element of the wedding.  This book and its inspired ideas are for that bride who wants that certain something extra.

While the wedding organization is critical, it is even more important for the bride to look radiant on her special day.  Hence, the other really critical wedding prep that should be begun immediately is ensuring the bride is healthy, glowing and looking her best.

Brides have traditionally taken time off to be pampered, massaged and well rested.  However, even modern, busy brides can still look their best with a few insider beauty tricks.

For the Face:

Vasanti Detox Nutrient Rich Purifying Facial Cleanser 112x300 DelectablyChic! Wedding Series, Part I: Wedding Prep

Vasanti’s Detox Nutrient-Rich Purifying Facial Cleanser feels like heaven on your face and almost like a nightly mini-spa treatment.  Although you can start using this anytime, we recommend at least one month before your big day to ensure a natural bridal glow.

If you want a more intense facial cleansing and plumping, consider a Silkpeel Dermalinfusion facial by trained Esthetician Rose Cruz at Ivory Salon & Spa.  This is a more advanced technique than microdermabrasion and is said to work wonders with acne and sun damage by intensely hydrating the skin and stimulating the growth of new healthy cells.

For the Hair:

Moisture

For your hair, try Salon La Coupe Volume, Moisture or Curl Refresh dry shampoo.  We recommend using this shampoo at least two months prior to your wedding day to ensure your locks will be in tip-top shape.

Or, if you want to lighten your hair naturally, LUSH Cosmetics’ BIG shampoo is quite an industry secret.  Made of seasalt and citrus, it breaks down henna and not only adds volume (hence the name) but gives your hair a sunkissed look with a killer bounce.  It’s very potent stuff, however, so you should be careful not to use it more than once a week, particularly if you have baby fine hair.

For Overall Relaxation:

Relax Take a Bath 300x300 DelectablyChic! Wedding Series, Part I: Wedding Prep

For overall relaxation, try LUSH Cosmetics’ Relax, Take a Bath trio of stress-relievers.  Indulge in a hot, steaming bath fragranced with lavender and chamomile in the three different bath products – a Waving Not Drowning bath bomb, Bathos bubble bar and Dreamtime bath melt.  Use them one a week for the three weeks leading up to your special day, or indulge in one a day for the last three days prior to your wedding.

Next week … Make Up & Beauty Must-Haves for the 2012 Summer Bride

This article was originally published in DelectablyChic!

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LADIESFUND® Divalicious 4 contest

July 7th, 2012

Do you want to win tickets to Divalicious 4 on August 13, 2012?
LADIESFUND® Canada is giving away 2 free tickets to the most Divalicious ladies around.


So what’s Divalicious?

A night of dance fitness, beauty services, shopping, and full-on fabulouness!
When did it start?

On July 23, 2009, DivaGirl Inc. launched Divalicious- the official DivaGirl Fitness Launch Party at Cheval Bar. The night was a smashing success that dazzled 200 Divas and featured 45 fabulous Sponsors.
On August 5, 2010, Shop Socials joined the party to help DivaGirl Inc. create Divalicious 2- the ultimate girls night out for over 375 Divas held at the Roosevelt Room featuring over 20 retail vendors and 25 sponsors.

Check out pictures of past Divalicious events:

When is Divalicious 4?

Monday, August 13, 2012
Where will it be held?

456 Wellington Street WestToronto, Ontario M5V1E3

Tickets can also be bought at: http://divalicious4.eventbrite.com/

How to enter the contest?

To enter, just post a comment below with your name and why you think you are “divalicious.”   For extra points, follow us on twitter (@ladiesfund) and tweet about this event, and post a second comment below linking to that tweet and informing us you are following us on twitter.  All entries must be received by 11:59 pm EST on Sunday, 15th July 2012.  The prize is a pair of tickets for 2 women to attend Divalicious 4.  Only women can enter this contest.  Good luck and may the most divalicious gal win!

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LUSH celebrates Canada Day with Canadian Maple Soap

July 1st, 2012

Canadian Maple Soap

For their Retro section, LUSH Cosmetics has brought back their Canadian Maple soap.

Made with real maple syrup and topped with sugar, it has a gentle scent and feel that’s quite soothing.  Unfortunately, when wet it loses much of that scent but the dry soap really does spread the scent throughout your bathroom. The soap also lathers up nicely and is more moisturizing than most soaps.  It would have been nicer if it had come shaped like a maple leaf, but since LUSH soaps are generally sliced by weight, we will forgive them this one.

Happy Canada Day!

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Diamond Gala: Celebrating 60 Years of the National Ballet of Canada

June 25th, 2012

The crème de le crème of Toronto high society gathered recently for the National Ballet of Canada’s 60thanniversary Diamond Gala at the Four Seasons Centre, a night of dining and dancing that raised$1.25-million.

Lloyd Robertson and Principal Dancer Greta Hodgkinson

Lloyd Robertson and Principal Dancer Greta Hodgkinson

Outside the centre, mannequin style models wearing specially designed tutus posed in the blistering heat while the 1500 guests were greeted with chilled water bottles.  The red carpet was filled with the who’s who ranging from the Old Guard to some very avant garde party-goers.  Most of the women were wearing long ball gowns with some in sassy cocktail dresses.

Jorn

Jorn Weisbrodt, Rufus Wainwright and Emmanuelle Gattuso

The night began with an overture from Polovtsian Dances by Alexander Borodin that was on the programme of the National Ballet’s very first performance on November 12, 1951.  This was followed by a welcome from Artistic Director Karen Kain who looked stunning in navy.  The ballet portion of the night than began with an hour-long performance of very special short works, particularly sets of pas de deux.

Bernice Royce and Victor Royce, President & CEO of Rolex Canada

Bernice Royce and Victor Royce, President & CEO of Rolex Canada

First up where Xiao Nan Yu and Jiri Jelinek performing a sexy, sassy, modern pas de deux from Amarant, a ballet that had premiered in Belgium in 2011.  Husband and wife Guillaume Cote and Heather Ogden then performed a World Premiere of the very romantic Polar Night choreographed by Robert Binet for this special occasion.  This was followed by the World Premiere of Silence Screams Venom, a riveting tour de force choreographed by Principal Dancer Guillaume Cote that featured Greta Hodgkinson and four male dancers and is certain to make him an exciting, upcoming choreographer in the dance world.  It was the talk of the after party and created great twitter buzz.  Sonia Rodriguez and Aleksandar Antonijevi (who is celebrating his 20th year with the ballet this year) partnered for a vignette from the evocative and humorous ’90s contemporary ballet Herman Scherman.  The night then returned befittingly to the more classical and aptly selection excerpt from Diamonds From Jewels by George Balanchine.  This featured the entire corps de ballet dancing to the 1967 traditional ballet.

Dance installation

Dance installation

Afterward, guests mingled at a cocktail reception featuring the night’s signature drink a lemon martini titled Skyy with Diamonds, and hors d’oeuvres such as mini cupcakes and smoked salmon pinwheels from North 44°.

The dinner onstage at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts

The dinner onstage at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts

Some notables spotted included Lloyd Robertson, Cleophée Eaton, Sandra Faire & Ivan Fecan, Ross Petty (husband of Karen Kain), Rex Harrington, Roz Ivey, Veronica Tennant, Victoria Jackman, Lydia Prince, Galen & Alexandra Weston, Elvio & Marlene DelZotto ,  John Macfarlane, Victoria Webster, Thor & Nicole Eaton, Lynda Prince, Jian Ghomeshi, Jorn Weisbrodt and Rufus Wainwright and Albert Schultz.

Principal Dancers Jillian Vanstone, Greta Hodgkinson, Heather Ogden and Xiao Nan Yu

Principal Dancers Jillian Vanstone, Greta Hodgkinson, Heather Ogden & Xiao Nan Yu

Moi

Moi

About 550 of the guests were then escorted to the Four Seasons Centre stage for a special dinner prepared by celebrity chef Mark McEwan.  Table for 10 tickets for this special privilege ranged from $15,000 – $25,000.

Photos by Gary Beechey

This article was originally published in DelectablyChic!

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M∙A∙C Beth Ditto and Casual Colour Collections

June 22nd, 2012

M∙A∙C has come out with two new fabulous collections - Beth Ditto and Casual Colour - that are definitely worth talking about.

Beth Ditto is a singer-songwriter formerly of the group Gossip.

Beth Ditto

Beth Ditto

Her 24-piece collection for M∙A∙C is fierce, provocative and colourful, reflecting her soft candy gloss side as well as her passion for punk.

Beth Ditto Collection

Beth Ditto Collection

Powder to the People is the piece de resistance of this collection.  This playful pressed powder has polka dot bits that you can experiment with to create highlighting effects by blending on your eyes, or you can simply use this as a multi-tone powder for your face to give a smooth finish.

Powder to the People

Powder to the People

Other highlights include Life and Beth nail laquer and Blue Charge zoom mascara.

Life and Beth

Life and Beth

Blue Charge Zoom Mascara

Blue Charge Zoom Mascara

The nail polish is a special high gloss formula made with conditioners and UV protection.  It glides on very smoothly and the shade really flatters nails.  The mascara truly packs a punch and reflect Beth’s playful personality.  The blue shade is very flattering and coats in one stroke.

Next is the M∙A∙C 17 piece Casual Color Collection where the highlight is the Lip & Cheek Colour.

Casual Color Collection

Casual Colour Collection

Casual Colour Lip & Cheek Colour

Casual Colour Lip & Cheek Colour

Keep it Casual was my favourite because it had a deep, sexy pink shade (officially called warm wine) that really brought great colour to my lips and cheeks.

Keep it Casual

Keep it Casual

If you prefer a more paler or subtle look, Lazy Sunday (a baby pink) and Have a Lovely Day! (neutral nude) are ideal.

These two-in-ones apply very smoothly with a sheen finish.  Absolutely love.

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Divas in the City 3 – Toronto’s Forum for Female Fabulousness

June 18th, 2012

Divas in the City returns for its 3rd year and is simply getting better and better.  The mission of this event is to “to educate, inspire and connect the new demographic of young, independent, ambitious women in our city.”

Laura Furtado & Nikki Bergen

Laura Furtado & Nikki Bergen

Laura Furtado, founder of DivaGirlFitness describes Divas in the City as “a socially driven, goal-directed event that will feature experts in various areas that are essential to the urban girl lifestyle – beauty, relationships, finance, career, fashion, nutrition and fitness.”  Her co-founder of this event is Nikki Bergen, founder of The Belle Method, an exercise program for women.

Melyssa Moniz

Melyssa Moniz

This year’s speakers included Katia Millar (Positive Fabulous Women), Wendy Crystal (Inspired Cosmetics), Kimberly Moffit (Kimberly Moffit & Associates), Florence (Flo) Grunfelder (Money With Flo), Hannah Yakobi (FAJO Magazine), Angela McNally (Eating Pretty) and Sandra O’Brien (Goddess Creation formerly Bootcamp Goddess).  Most of the speakers were animated and did a fabulous job of keeping the audience engaged and conveying very usual ideas and tips from their various fields.  Particular highlights include Networking Ninja Katia Millar, Relationship Guru Kimberly Moffit and Fashionista Journalist Hannah Yakobi.

A bit of shopping at the hula hoop booth

A bit of shopping at the hula hoop booth

Katia mesmerized the crowd with her authenticity and effortless ability to make connections and network.  She explained the importance of a personal brand and how the first step was identifying, knowing and embracing your core values, what she eloquently described as your “secret sauce” that is special and different from everyone else in the world.  She spoke about the importance of getting into the flow of conversations and shared that the net was a powerful networking tool for introverts.

Kimberly Moffit, a true dynamo, was also very effective.  She shared her Top 5 tips for having it all, which include 1) setting goals, 2)  Be honest with yourself and your partner about your ambitions 3) Finding a partner who supports you in all your ideas and goals (a good relationship should make u soar) 4) Never apologize for your success; instead own it, let yourself feel it; it’s the most rewarding feeling in the world; and 5) Thinking effortlessly. If want to live an effortless life, you must think effortlessly.  Ms. Moffit also informed the audience of a Harvard study that discovered that only 2% of people set goals and write them down, but those 2% of people control the majority of wealth.

Tamika Auwai

Tamika Auwai

Hannah Yakobi really gave a useful talk where she went through current trends including classic shapes, structured jackets and bright colours (neon orange royal blue yellow pumpkin especially for dresses).  She informed that runways showcased conservative necklaces but uber daring slits, flowing fabrics showing serious leg, floral patterns, thin to medium sized belts, lots of head wear and 80s inspired suits.

This article was originally published in DelectablyChic!

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What’s Hot For Dads? Last Minute Father’s Day Gifts and Contest

June 17th, 2012

It’s June 17th and the question on everyone’s minds is “what’s hot for Dads?”

In fact, even literary icon Margaret Thatcher just tweeted, “Happy Fathers’ Day! (Tie: too 50s? Knife set? Golf item? Vinyl LP? BBQ accessory? Case of Moosehead? Trip to Mars? What’s hot for dads?).

Whether it’s for the man who has always spoiled you or the father of your children, here’s our annual guide to how to great last minute gifts for his special day.

For the Tech Guy:

Get your Dad the Canon EOS 60Da.  The shots taken with this tech gizmo are simply mesmerizing.  This high tech camera is designed for astro-snaps specifically and is an 18-megapixel, APS-C CMOS has an ISO range that runs to 12,800, letting in enough light for you to capture the stars.  A gift your father can enjoy in moments of solitude with shots that he can endlessly show off to his friends.  Also, a great bonder for granddads and grandkids.

canon

For the Hair Guy:

If your man has Justin Bieber hair or sexy locks, check out a limited-edition Father’s Day Gift Set by Schwarzkopf Professional’s brand new men’s line 3D Men Hair effect.  With neon green and black packaging, it’s uber masculine to look at and is fabulous product that will effectively and easily shape his do in a high impact, manly way. The brand has a great slogan: Men like to keep their options open.  No wonder, men expect their hair care to be just like them.

3d

For the Book-Reading Guy:

Robin Sharma’s books make great gifts for Dads.  For the noble man who has always been your inspiration, The Leader Who Had No Title is a fabulous guide to showing leadership, having power and playing at your peak, regardless of position.  Similarly, Robin Sharma Daily Inspiration is an uplifting book of quotes that truly energize and transform the lives of readers.

leaderrobin-2

Conrad Black’s A Matter of Principle is another hot read, as are The Impossible Dead by Ian Rankin and The Big Miss: My Years Coaching Tiger Woods by Hank Haney.

conradiantiger

For the Sporty Guy:

LUSH Cosmetics The Guv’ner is an unforgettable gift for your Dad.  It is an “odour-busting blend of sage, lavender and patchouli in a super absorbent charcoal and lycopodium base” and was tested every day for 3 months wearing white shirts. Pure magic, this loose powder deodorant is a pain to use (grey powder goes everywhere) but somehow it works and works better than traditional drugstore roll-ons and aerosols.  The moisture-absorbing charcoal also contains antiseptic and astringent sage and patchouli for its cooling, astringent properties on the skin.

lush

For the Pampered Guy:

L’OCCITANE is always known for luxury products but their hot Verdon Energy Moisturizer is like putting a bit of heaven on your face.  Created especially for active guys, it intensely moisturizes and soothes the skin after a shave.  It contains purifying peppermint essential oil, sea-buckthorn moisturizing water, nourishing and energizing oil, and protecting genepi extract, which have been selected in response to specific needs of men’s skin.

verdon

For the Sexy Guy:

The scent of musk is considered a principal attraction between the sexes. If you gift The Body Shop’s White Musk Eau De Toilette Pour Homme to the father of your children, this is definitely a gift the two of you can enjoy.  It’s a modern, masculine and seductive infusion of musk and woods with crisp, fresh, and aromatic notes; think of the male gift alternative to sexy lingerie!

white-regwhite-sport

For the sportier male, this musk comes in a Sport version as well which has a zesty touch with notes of grapefruit and lemon fused with sensual amber.

********THE BODY SHOP & LADIESFUND® POST FATHER’S DAY CONTEST*******

bs

For those readers who forgot Father’s Day, are apart from their Dads or believe their Dads should be pampered year round and really wish they could show this special man how wonderful he is, The Body Shop Canada & LADIESFUND® have teamed up to come to the rescue with a special giveaway to the father of a fan who has the most heart-warming story of why her father deserves to be pampered.  This gift package (a $70 value) will be sent to the very deserving father and will include the following items:

· For Men Maca Root Shave Cream ($10.00)

· For Men Maca Root Deodorant Stick ($6.00)

· For Men Maca Root Face Wash ($12.00)

· White Musk For Men Eau de Toilette ($28.00)

·         White Musk For Men Hair & Body Wash ($14.00)

To win, just post your name, city your Dad lives in, and comment on why you think your Dad deserves this post Father’s Day gift.  All entries must be received by Wednesday, June 20, 2012.  You get a bonus entry if you follow @ladiesfund on twitter and tweet about this and then comment here in a separate comment that you’ve tweeted about it.  Good luck!

Style, business trends, giveaways, money and power, money and relationships, product review, shopping, spending money wisely , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

KardashianKolor

June 12th, 2012

kdashspring_header_0

Gotta hand it to Kim and the Kardashian crew, or should I write “krew.”  These gals sure have sass, but I must admit they know their colour.

They have designed for Nicole by OPI some sizzling hawt nail laquers that they’ve named “Celeb-Bitties” and “Sophisti-Cuties.”  The first pack of 4 minis is feminine shades of popular pinks while the latter is more silvers and blacks.

celeb

Celeb-Bitties

Sophisti-Cuties

Sophisti-Cuties

These packs are designed so you can change your nail colour often of experiment with nail light.  The colour selections are nice and full of full opportunities but right off the bat, I really fell in love with certain shades.

Wear Something Spar-Kylie

Wear Something Spar-Kylie

Wear Something Spar-Kylie = LOVE.

Just see it on:

Wear Something Spar-Kylie when applied

Wear Something Spar-Kylie when applied

Perfect for summer.  Perfect for a cocktail reception, summer soiree, patio party.  Would have been ideal for Scrubs in the City or the Butterfly Ball fundraisers.  This year, Suzanne Rogers and many other VIPs made it a point to wear fuchsia to key events and this nail shade would work perfectly with their outfits.

All three other shades in this 4-pack - All Kendall-ed Up (fuchsia), Kim-pletely in Love (wedding pink) and Sealed With a Kris (blood red) are wearable, striking shades.  A fabulous collection.

The Sophisti-Cuties collection also has some winners, but seems a bit more wintery or goth with its chocolate and dark shades.

I did fall in love with Khloe Had a Little Lam-Lam, though.

Khloe Had a Little Lam-Lam

Khloe Had a Little Lam-Lam

It’s a very sexy, high impact shade of blue that would stand out in a crowd of candy pinks.

My Empire … My Rules was a bit like Hallowe’en goo in shade, but Hard-Kourt Fashionista is a can’t lose chocolate while Follow Me Glitter is a packs a punch silver sparkler.

These 6 ladies know their “Kolor” and have formed a perfect partnership with Nicole by OPI.

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Canadian Women Entrepreneurs Awarded for Spectacular Achievements

December 6th, 2011

Women of Influence Inc. organized another winning RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneurship Awards. Held at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, 19th Annual Awards Gala was hosted by Diane Francis, editor-at-large for the National Post, whose warmth and wit added character and charm to the ceremony.

“RBC is proud to honour this group of extraordinary women who have shown passion, discipline and perseverance in their quest for business excellence,” says Andrea Bolger, head, Business Financial Services, RBC. “The number of female entrepreneurs now represents more than half of all small business owners in Canada – it is inspiring to see this growth.”

The statuettes

The statuettes

A record high of more than 3,000 women entrepreneurs were nominated for the Awards. Each candidate was required to complete a thorough application and after a due diligence process completed by Deloitte’s Private Client Services, the winners were selected by the judges.

Carolyn Lawrence, president and CEO, Women of Influence Inc., stated, “Each Winner is an inspiration to professional women across the country.”

The six award winners represented the North, West and East regions of Canada and were selected because of their contributions to the local, Canadian and global economies.

Winners of this year’s awards: Kim Rudd, Gloria Rajkumar, Betty Ann Latrace, Andrea Bolger, Diane Francis (MC), Munira Jivrag, Carolyn Lawrence (CEO, Women of Influence) & Jenny Munford

Winners of this year’s awards: Kim Rudd, Gloria Rajkumar, Betty Ann Latrace, Andrea Bolger, Diane Francis (MC), Munira Jivrag, Carolyn Lawrence (CEO, Women of Influence) & Jenny Munford

The Awards went to:

Deloitte Start-Up Award
Jenny Munford – Creative Bube Tube

HKMB Hub Impact Award
Kim Rudd- Willis College – Cobourg

RBC Momentum Award (tie)
Munira Jivraj – Millennium Dental
Gloria Rajkumar – SIMAC Canada Inc.

TPH Sustainability Award
Susanna Carson – BSI Biodegradable Solutions

Bell Trailblazer Award
Gabrielle Chevalier – Solutions 2 Go Inc.

PROFIT Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship
Betty Anne Latrace – Henderson Airline Hotels

Highlights of the night included a teary and heartfelt speech by Gloria Rajkumar which began with a shoutout to her mother and then told the story of her immigration to Canada and her appreciation for what her adopted country has given her. Rajkumar made $1.2 M in her first year as an entrepreneur and wants to help mentor other women from third world countries.

Diane Francis also shared interesting data with the audience, including the fact that only 1 out of the 75 billionaires she has interviewed for her book Who Owns Canada Now: Old money, new money and the future of Canadian business made his or her money in his or her hometown.

Carolyn Lawrence (CEO, Women of Influence) with Canadian First Lady Laureen Harper

Carolyn Lawrence with Laureen Harper

The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Canada’s Minister for Status of Women and Minister of Public Works and Government Services, stated that Canada was the #1 country in the G-20 for entrepreneurship.

The guest included included a Who’s Who of Canadian women in business. Laureen Harper, wife of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, also graced the occasion with her presence.

The RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards are the pre-eminent national business awards recognizing the nation’s leading female entrepreneurs. An initiative of Women of Influence Inc., an organization dedicated to the advancement of Canadian women in business.

This article was originally published in DelectablyChic!

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An ‘Ultimate Girl’s Day Out’ at the National Women’s Show

November 17th, 2011

The National Women’s Show took place this past weekend in Toronto. Billing itself as the “Ultimate Girl’s Day Out,” it was truly a Brandapalooza with more than 450 exhibits ranging from “food and wine sampling, fashion shows, celebrity guests, free makeovers, health, wellness & beauty secrets, cooking demos, home renovation advice and travel ideas!”

The Norex Enviro Products booth

The Norwex Enviro Products booth

Jam-packed with variety and there was definitely something for everyone. For the foodies out there, things ranged from balsamic vinegar to cupcakes.  Some of the best food stalls included Purdy’s Chocolates and their English toffee, Trinidadian Roasted Garlic sauce and Tassimo Hot Chocolate. However, even the seemingly straight-forward stalls like canned tuna were exciting since gourmet chefs prepared live truly decadent recipes. The Samsung Cooking Stage also featured a revolving roster of top chefs.

Skincare and beauty options were abundant with lots of alternative methods in the mix. For example, Neob Lavender which is a Canadian grown lavender based skincare line and Norwex Enviro Products which are water and cloth alternatives to soap, yes soap!!! At the same time, commercial beauty brands like SmashBox Cosmetics and Vasanti Cosmetics had smalls.

Some fun stalls included belly dancing classes, test-driving a Chevrolet and spinning wheels for prizes. There were also plenty of health and wellness products being showcased including The Well Adjusted Chiropractic Centre which did abridged free spine scans, FitChicks! and GoodLife Fitness. There were also stalls for toothpaste (commercial and herbal), vitamins and even digestive help.

An example of a booth at the National Women’s Show, Toronto

An example of a booth at the National Women’s Show, Toronto

PlanToday.ca had an Oxygen Bar. There were fashion shows galore. Celebrities like Eric Braeden from The Young and the Restless, the Property Brothers and Dr. John Gray made special guest appearances. Marc Jade, the international psychic/medium, wowed the audience, while Albert Graves taught flower arranging. Toronto Maple Leafs’ Phil Kessel proved to be a major draw.

Dr. John Gray

Dr. John Gray

The Show takes about 4 hours to go through and there are plenty of freebies, samples and good cheer along the way. It’s a family show for all ages and a great place to shop, discover hidden treasures or the latest foods, gadgets and opportunities. There are even travel adventures you can sign up for as well as a whole host of newly invented or cutting edge work out equipment, weight loss procedures and fashion forward items.

A very unique and productive way to spend the day with your favourite girlfriends.

Photo Credit: T U Dawood, courtesy of The Art of … Public Relations

This article was originally published in DelectablyChic!

Style, business trends, entrepreneurship, events, giveaways, money and relationships, product review, shopping, women , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,