Shopping for just about anything for the home at Bed Bath & Beyond 2011-05-31
Real Life recently had the opportunity to move into a newly outfitted kitchen. The kitchen features a full line of magnificent Electrolux kitchen appliances, but the cupboards --- were bare! And, there were a lot of cupboards to fill!
Bed Bath and Beyond was founded in 1971 from its New Jersey headquarters and grew across the United States. In recent years, the chain has expanded into Canada and now boasts 22 Canadian stores … and continues to grow! A visit to Bed Bath and Beyond is always an adventure. I guess that’s where the “beyond” enters the picture. On our visit, we were kitchen accessory shopping and as we started looking around we certainly were not disappointed. We found everything from small appliances, including the snazzy, bright red coffee machine we selected, to a sunny yellow kettle, to dishes and glassware, to décor pieces. You can check out our purchases when you see our cooking segments on Real Life. Of course, after we finished shopping for the show, Tanya and I did a little snooping around to see what else the store features. In the end, I have to say it’s no wonder so many people make Bed Bath and Beyond their wedding registry destination of choice. The store is packed with such a wide variety of items from the traditional basics, to the unusual and hard-to-find items you likely won’t find anywhere else. We also found some really fun, gimmicky items that we had seen on infomercials on tv. Forget about waiting for delivery and paying shipping charges. There they were, right on the shelves at Bed Bath and Beyond! A couple of other features of the store which I find very attractive …. Bed Bath and Beyond honours competitors store coupons, provided they are not expired. I had heard this and wasn’t sure, but I actually brought in a competitor’s coupon for 20% off – and yes, indeed, the coupon was honoured! Also, while returning merchandise to any retailer is never “fun”, Bed Bath and Beyond makes the chore of returns a lot less stressful. You can even return purchases made online through the mail OR at a retail store. All I suggest is that you visit the website and familiarize yourself with the rules of returns, then the whole process will go smoothly. Whether you’re looking for a place to register for your wedding, a place to outfit a room or two or more in your home, a place to find the perfect things for your University-bound student … or, a place to find the perfect gift for just about anyone, Bed Bath and Beyond is sure to satisfy. Visit them at www.bedbathandbeyond.ca for a look at products, specials, or to find a retail outlet near you!
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My visit to the Dove Spa in Oakville 2011-05-24
Intensive Skin Hydration and Face Firming in just 10 minutes…. Recently I had the pleasure of visiting the Dove Spa in Oakville to experience one of the Spa’s signature treatments, the Hydratone Facial. Hydratone is a relatively new treatment that promises to deliver effective results within a very quick time frame – a wonderful solution for busy working moms like myself who can fully appreciate the benefits of a quick beauty pick-me-up. From the instant I walked through the doors of the Dove Spa I was treated to a first class experience from the pleasant greeting at reception right through to the moment I slipped into my plush robe and slippers and was met my Spa therapist, Amy Kruchkowsky. Before starting the facial I was able to experience the Dove’s Spa unique Skin Diagnostic Test to evaluate my skin’s current condition. I’ve been fortunate to experience a lot of facials at various spas but this was certainly the first time I had been introduced to this kind of technology that is unique to the Dove Spa. The results from skin diagnostic test allow the spa therapist to select the right products and treatments to benefit your skin type, resulting in a truly customized facial. After completing the Skin Diagnostic test it was off to the treatment room to experience my Hydratone Facial. I admit the mask felt a little unfamiliar and strange at first as the gel mask is somewhat cool to the skin. Once the mask was in place, Amy took the micro current rollers and gently massaged my face causing the mask to become “charged”. The energy delivered by the rollers recharges the bio-electrical energy in the facial muscles helping to restore muscle tone and firmness. At the same time the energy generated also drives the hydrating elements contained within the gel mask deep into the skin tissue. After just 10 minutes my skin was softer and definitely glowing. Amy explained that even more results could be achieved through a course of treatments. I admit upon arriving to the spa that I was somewhat skeptical about the results I would see. Ultimately I was impressed by the results of this non-invasive treatment and would highly recommend the Hydratone Facial to anyone looking for a beauty boost. The procedure yields tangible, phenomenal results in only 10 minutes making this a must have that should be in every girl’s beauty tool kit! The Dove Spa in Oakville is located at 355 Iroquois Shore Road (near the QEW and Trafalgar Road). You can learn more about their many spa services or book an appointment by visiting the website at http://www.dovespa.ca/ or by calling 905-339-0772.
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Hollywood Hair with Crisace Extensions 2011-05-18
When you look at the many fashion and style magazines on the racks or watch one of the many awards shows, you can’t help but wonder – how is it that so many celebrities manage to have such full, beautiful hair? Is it the products they’re using? Is it the way their hair is styled? Well, while those things may all play a role, the truth is, for most cele brities, the hair you’re seeing is not all their own hair. For years, hair pieces and wigs have been the real secret behind the full, healthy locks sported by Hollywood’s A-listers. Wigs and hair pieces are very effective, but for those who want their “big hair” to be a little more constant, hair extensions have become the hair-booster of choice. As most women can attest, years of coloring, styling, too much sun, hormonal changes – you name it – takes it’s toll on the hair. The shiny, healthy hair we enjoy through our childhood and teen years can become thinner, dry, lifeless, even broken. Even when you start to tend to the health of your hair, it’s tough to restore the kind of fullness you might want. I am one of those women who consider myself somewhat “hair-challenged”. My hair is very fine and as I get older it’s tending to be dry and dull. Good hair products and extra care when styling help with the shine and general condition, but no matter what I do, my hair is really fine. I recently had the chance to meet with Chris and the team at Crisace as they had a look at my hair and showed me just what we could do by using hair extensions. Crisace has four systems of hair extensions available so anyone wanting to add life and drama to their hair can find just what they’re looking for, whether it’s just something to use from time to time or whether it’s hair to wear 24/7. If you’re looking for hair that you can attach and wear for special occasions, but remove whenever you like, you’re looking for Crisace “Hair 2 Go”.
The Strand-to-strand method by Crisace creates a gorgeous head of hair. Pieces of hair are fused to the client’s hair with small bonds. Strand-to-Strand is a great method for the woman who wants strong, long-lasting hair extensions. This method, while similar in some aspects to other brands of hair extensions boasts top-notch hair quality and the hair is reusable, so when it grows out, you can return to the salon to have the pieces removed and then reattached. Finally, Crisace’s “Ready2Go” is the method of hair extension The line features nine colour options, but being real human hair, it can be dyed or highlighted to blend with a client’s hair. The quality of the hair is fantastic and with good maintenance, using good quality hair products, the hair will last and can be re-attached and worn for a very long time. The other notable advantage about the Ready2Go system is the speed with which it can be installed. It is well known that getting hair extensions can be a very time-consuming experience. This system can be fully installed in about half-an-hour, which is wonderful! I have to say, I really enjoy the hair extensions. It affords me a lot more styling options than I would normally have with my baby-fine hair. If you want to learn more about Crisace hair extensions and where to get them, visit the website at www.crisace.com.
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A Bamboo Massage at the Dove Spa 2011-05-02
When it comes to spa services, like massage, I have to admit I tend to be a traditionalist. So, while I always we It’s not surprising that I had never heard of a Bamboo Massage. While it’s not a “new” form of massage, it’s not performed in very many spas and is indeed a brand new service being offered at the Dove Spa. In fact, I was the first client to be treated to the service at the Oakville location! (The Bamboo Massage will be available to the public for appointments beginning May 8). Upon arrival at the Dove Spa, I changed into one of the spa’s luxurious robes and headed to the relaxation lounge to wait for my appointment. I sat down and enjoyed a glass of orange infused water while listening to soothing music and nature sounds.
So, Racheal explained to me that Bamboo Massage is performed using heated bamboo sticks in a variety of sizes. The therapist kneads the muscles using the bamboo rods to give a deep tissue massage. The massage begins with the application of aromatic massage oil. That is followed by the rolling and kneading of the muscles with the heated bamboo rods. The result is marvelous. Bamboo massage not only works on sore and tired muscles, but it also stimulates circulation and promotes relaxation – all wonderful things. For myself, I arrived at the Dove Spa with really tight muscles in my neck and shoulders, and I have to say that the massage really worked well for me. My favourite part of the treatment is one of the moves which is done while you are lying on your back. The therapist rolls one of the longer bamboo rods from the shoulders upwards toward the base of the skull. It was exactly what I needed to loosen up those knotted muscles. The Bamboo Massage is a full body treatment, so you are massaged across your back, into the neck and shoulders, arms and hands, legs and feet. When all was said and done I felt relaxed, yet invigorated. I felt relief in my stressed neck and shoulder muscles, which was very, very welcome. If you’re planning to check out the treatment, give yourself about an hour and a half to enjoy the experience. The massage itself is a 45 minute treatment, but you’ll want to allow yourself a relaxing start (perhaps a little time in the lounge first), plus some time after the treatment. You should be prepared for the fact that this method of massage requires the use of more oil than a standard massage. Fortunately, the Dove Spa has a beautiful and well equipped shower area, so you’re able to freshen up before taking on the rest of your day. So, while I still consider myself a traditionalist, the Bamboo Massage is a treatment which I would definitely take again. I found it both therapeutic and relaxing! If you want to give it a try, there’s no better time than the present. The Bamboo Massage will be available beginning May 8th at the Dove Spa in Oakville, and from May 8 until May 28th, the treatment will be on special for the fabulous price of $55. After May 28th the price will go to the regular price of $85. So, for yourself, or perhaps as a fabulous Mother’s Day gift, a Bamboo Massage could be the perfect gift! Dove Spa in Oakville is located at 355 Iroquois Shore Road (near the QEW and Trafalgar Road). You can learn more about their many spa services or book an appointment by visiting the website at http://www.dovespa.ca/ or by calling 905-339-0772.
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Journey to Great Eyesight 2011-04-17
My journey to great eyesight with Lasik vision correction at Herzig Eye Institute I still remember going to the eye doctor at the age of ten and being told that I had something called Astigmatism. It was a big word that meant my eye was shaped like a football, making my vision a little blurry. I remember selecting my first pair of tortoise-shell frames and wearing my first pair of glasses. I loved them – until I had to wear them to school. I wore them, but I didn’t want to. I remember getting my first pair of contact lenses. Of course, at that time, you couldn’t get soft contact lenses for astigmatism, so I got hard contact lenses and no matter how I tried, I couldn’t get used to wearing them. So, it was back to glasses again. Finally, soft, gas-permeable contact lenses were available which worked for me. I wore them for years, but never abandoned glasses either. It was expensive, and never ideal, but with contacts or glasses I could see well and that’s all that really mattered ----- until ….. The dreaded 40’s It’s amazing how some things change almost in a heartbeat once you pass that 4-decade milestone. Suddenly, even with my contacts or glasses, I couldn’t read smaller print. How could that be? Another visit to the eye doctor and the solution was decided. Bi-focals. Hmmm, bi-focals. This was not the answer I was hoping to hear. The eye doctor also gave me an interim solution, offering mono-vision eye correction meaning he gave me two different contact lenses, correcting one eye for seeing distance and one for reading. This worked, but he cautioned that it would probably change again in a year or so. This situation made me think of the other option. Laser eye correction.
Dr. Herzig, Me and Cherry Tabb No matter how excited or how prepared I was on the day of my surgery, I have to admit I was still a little nervous. I had no worries about the success of the procedure, yet, I was still worried. What if it really did hurt? What if I made a sudden move and ruined it? What if? What if? What if? There seemed to be a number of what ifs haunting me. I shook it off and headed in. My cameraman, Rohan, came along with me as we documented the procedure for Real Life. After a couple of pre-surgery tests and measurements and on-camera interviews with Dr. Herzig and Cherry Tabb, I The Lasik procedure itself is far from scary. After laying back and relaxing under a nice, warm blanket, the procedure began. Numbing drops were applied and the surgery began.
The recovery period is quite rapid. For a few hours after surgery your eyes feel slightly irritated – kind of like having an eyelash in your eye, but the irritation passes before long. Once the irritation is gone, you really begin to realize how exciting it is to be able to see well. I didn’t want to go to sleep that first night because I wanted to look at things and read things, just because I could! Making the decision to undergo laser eye surgery is a big one, but it’s a decision I am so pleased that I made. Good eyesight makes a major difference in day-to-day life. It’s wonderful. If the price of laser eye surgery is what’s holding you back, just think about the costs involved in traditional vision correction. I don’t want to begin to do the math on how much I have spent on glasses, contact lenses and solutions over the past 38 years. Moving forward, I know I was spending an average of $300 a year on contact lenses, $150 on contact lens solutions and hundreds of dollars every couple of years on new glasses. In the long run, laser eye correction can actually mean savings. It’s certainly worth considering. My experience was a great one. You can watch it on Real Life on CTS, April 21, 2011 at 6pm. If you’re interested in learning more about Lasik or the other options for vision correction, you can visit the Herzig Eye Institute website at www.herzig-eye.com. You can call to book a consultation at 416-929-2020 or toll-free 1-888-782-8000.
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Copyright 2012 Crossroads Television System
In order to fill the cupboard space with style, Tanya and I headed out for a shopping trip to Bed Bath and Beyond.
Once settled into the treatment room I closed my eyes and listened as Amy narrated the various benefits of the facial. I was very impressed with Amy’s knowledge of both the products used and that she took the time to walk me through the benefits of the treatment, explaining a little bit of the science behind it. The skinny on the actual technology is fascinating -the Hydratone facial combines active micro current rollers with a unique electrically conductive gel mask that has been infused with powerful hydrating properties including collagen, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins C and E.
These clip in pieces are not the cheap, synthetic pieces you think of when someone says “clip in hair”. These systems of natural hair extension attach easily and blend with your own hair, taking your look from nice to WOW in minutes.
The i-Hair system by Crisace is one of the newest and most innovative methods of hair extension. These strips of hair are woven in with your natural hair and then pieces of the hair are bonded. The result is beautiful and natural.
that Chris, the founder of Crisace, recommended for me. Ready2Go is a cold fusion method, which attaches the hair to the head with a system of surgical tape. There is no heat used to bond the hair. The pieces attach easily, hold beautifully and are very comfortable – laying flat to the head and offering a natural, easy to maintain hairstyle.
My massage therapist, Racheal, then greeted me and took me to the therapy room. The massage takes place in a standard massage room, so that part was familiar. I will say that the Dove Spa seriously ups the comfort factor with their heated massage tables. (a very nice touch!)
I went to the Herzig Eye Institute for a consultation to see if I would be a good candidate for the procedure. After a series of tests and interesting eye-mapping procedures, it was determined that I was a good candidate for the Lasik procedure. Dr. Herzig outlined the details of the procedure and what I could expect in terms of the result. He also offered me the option of having mono-vision correction with the laser, meaning I would have good distance and reading vision, just like I had with the contact lenses. What’s not to love about that? I decided to go ahead.
was escorted over to a massage table where I was treated to a relaxing back and hand massage to help calm my nerves before heading into the surgical suite. The massage was such a wonderful touch which is representative of the magnificent client experience at Herzig. In addition to the lovely surroundings at the Institute, the staff are all so pleasant and friendly and there are so many little touches that make the patient experience so positive. By the time you go in for your surgery, you’re feeling relaxed and positive.
Other than some pressure to the eye, it’s a very easy experience. There is no pain and the whole thing is completed within ten minutes or so. When you sit up after it’s all done, you suddenly realize that you can see the clock on the wall clearly --- without your glasses! This is just the beginning of your massively improved eyesight.