July 2011

Jul 31 2011

The long weekend national edition of the Globe & Mail reports that initiatives like Not Far From The Tree are taking root across the country, and far beyond. Since its inception in 2008, Not Far From The Tree has received over 35 requests from tow…

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Jul 31 2011

I have just spent a week exploring Rome, where every ancient ruin got me wondering, “What would Mr. Milliken say about this?” Frank Milliken, who taught me Latin in Durham, N.H., loved all things Roman the way Julia Child loved sweet butter and Keith Richards loves the blues–with the passion of a convert whose delight becomes a calling. What stories he’d have told about the obelisks plundered from Egypt, the ruined theatre where Caesar met his bloody death on the Ides of March. I suspect our local tour guide had a better handle on the facts, which archeologists are still unearthing. But Mr. Milliken would have told more jokes. He favoured groan-worthy puns, delivered deadpan to work the contrast between his grave demeanour–dark suits, horn-rimmed glasses–and his inner scamp.

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Jul 31 2011

During my book tours, public appearances and events, I have met the most PAWsome people. I have enjoyed listening to Charmaine and Christopher talk to folks about their pets, life changing moments and PAWsitive things people are doing to create their l…

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Jul 30 2011

During my book tours, public appearances and events, I have met the most PAWsome people. I have enjoyed listening to Charmaine and Christopher talk to folks about their pets, life changing moments and PAWsitive things people are doing to create their l…

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Jul 30 2011

Isn’t dance amazing?! There is something magical about the combination of music with movement that gets into your soul and takes you on a magical journey. People all over the world of every color, race and gender share a common love of dance as a way to communicate a story, express an emotion and bring [...]

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Jul 29 2011

Next Furry Hollywood star teams up with international speaker and professional event planner for the Bounce Forward ContestMy Pet Parent, Charmaine Hammond, professional speaker, and bestselling author of the popular book “On Toby’s Terms”, and S…

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Jul 29 2011

Next Furry Hollywood star teams up with international speaker and professional event planner for the Bounce Forward ContestMy Pet Parent, Charmaine Hammond, professional speaker, and bestselling author of the popular book “On Toby’s Terms”, and S…

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Jul 29 2011

Being a media hound (pardon the pun), a volunteer, and the star of a book (and soon to be movie star) can get tiring, even though it is a ton of fun. The fact that I LOVE what I do and get to meet the most PAWmazing people is a bonus, and I think keep…

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Jul 29 2011

Being a media hound (pardon the pun), a volunteer, and the star of a book (and soon to be movie star) can get tiring, even though it is a ton of fun. The fact that I LOVE what I do and get to meet the most PAWmazing people is a bonus, and I think keep…

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Jul 29 2011

Relationship experts often say, “If you want to change your relationship, change yourself first”. How many times a day do you find yourself complaining (either openly or in your head) about your partner? How often do you wish he or … Continue reading

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Jul 29 2011

In the closing moments of my memoir workshop, someone always exclaims, “Five o’clock already? The hours flew by!” Or words to that effect. No one can believe it’s so much fun to focus hard for a whole day on pulling a vivid, forward-driving tale from the raggedness of real life. Now’s your chance to find out what you’ve been missing. I’ve just scheduled fall sessions for October 24 and November 12.

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Jul 28 2011

by Ali Brown Are you a pro at setting goals, but not quite the master at achieving them yet? You’re not alone. And fortunately, you’re not a lost cause either. Breaking your goals down into a few key elements could be the difference between all tal…

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Jul 28 2011

Three years ago I was given a unique opportunity to close my eyes and see through God’s eyes. Amazing, right?

See what happened was, three years ago I was in a life-altering accident which resulted in my vision becoming impaired and losing the use of both my hands.

Through my journey I was allowed to SEE our magical world through God’s eyes.

This is what I SEE:

I SEE beyond the jealousy and insecurities,
And, SEE the infinite possibilities.

I SEE beyond the hate and cruelty,
And, SEE the peace and harmony.

I SEE beyond the stress and anxiety,
And, SEE abundance and prosperity.

I SEE beyond the hurt and pain,
And, SEE the lessons you have gained.

I SEE beyond the depression,
And, SEE that you are filled with compassion.

I SEE beyond the sorrows,
And, SEE there is hope for tomorrow.

I SEE beyond the despair and frustration,
And, SEE that there is restoration.

I SEE beyond all religions and nationalities,
And, SEE a world full of beauty.

I SEE beyond all the struggle and fight,
And, SEE your beautiful shinning light.

Have faith in me, my child, I am here to be your guide.

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Jul 28 2011

Three years ago I was given a unique opportunity to close my eyes and see through God’s eyes. Amazing, right?See what happened was, three years ago I was in a life-altering accident which resulted in my vision becoming impaired and losing the use of …

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Jul 28 2011

Three years ago I was given a unique opportunity to close my eyes and see through God’s eyes. Amazing, right?See what happened was, three years ago I was in a life-altering accident which resulted in my vision becoming impaired and losing the use of …

more...

Jul 28 2011

Three years ago I was given a unique opportunity to close my eyes and see through God’s eyes. Amazing, right?

See what happened was, three years ago I was in a life-altering accident which resulted in my vision becoming impaired and losing the use of both my hands.

Through my journey I was allowed to SEE our magical world through God’s eyes.

This is what I SEE:

I SEE beyond the jealousy and insecurities,
And, SEE the infinite possibilities.

I SEE beyond the hate and cruelty,
And, SEE the peace and harmony.

I SEE beyond the stress and anxiety,
And, SEE abundance and prosperity.

I SEE beyond the hurt and pain,
And, SEE the lessons you have gained.

I SEE beyond the depression,
And, SEE that you are filled with compassion.

I SEE beyond the sorrows,
And, SEE there is hope for tomorrow.

I SEE beyond the despair and frustration,
And, SEE that there is restoration.

I SEE beyond all religions and nationalities,
And, SEE a world full of beauty.

I SEE beyond all the struggle and fight,
And, SEE your beautiful shinning light.

Have faith in me, my child, I am here to be your guide.

more...

Jul 28 2011

Three years ago I was given a unique opportunity to close my eyes and see through God’s eyes. Amazing, right?See what happened was, three years ago I was in a life-altering accident which resulted in my vision becoming impaired and losing the use of …

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Jul 28 2011

I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything,  I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. -Helen Keller   … Continue reading

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Jul 28 2011

Well it’s official. I am a farmer’s wife. I just gained my badge.Let me explain. This year we have taken on six cows, and like their predecessors, they have tended to keep a low profile, and we only eyeball them when they come up to the trough f…

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Jul 28 2011

When you’re addicted to the planet Q: What’s the most ecologically sustainable window blind? A: The song may tell us to let the sun shine in, but come summer you should really be pulling those blinds closed, thank you very much. Not only …

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Jul 27 2011

Mentors Ian Wrightson and Steven Stewart, Principals of Wrightson Stewart, share insight into how they create gorgeous monochromatic interiors. Monochromatic interiors are a favourite at Wrightson Stewart. We love the challenge of seeing just how far we can take one single colour in both texture and sheen. Monochromatic colour schemes use variations in lightness and …MORE

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Jul 27 2011

Mentors Ian Wrightson and Steven Stewart, Principals of Wrightson Stewart, share insight into how they create gorgeous monochromatic interiors. Monochromatic interiors are a favourite at Wrightson Stewart. We love the challenge of seeing just how far we can take one single colour in both texture and sheen. Monochromatic colour schemes use variations in lightness and …MORE

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Jul 27 2011

A few weeks ago I explained why a bullet vibe is a girl’s best friend and gave some tips for finding the perfect one. Since then I got my hands on a bullet vibe from the folks over at Jimmyjane that definitely needs to be added to the list. Jimmyjane i…

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Jul 27 2011

LET’S DO IT AGAIN!! CELEBRATE THE CURVY REVOLUTION!!   You and Your CURVES are WELCOME HERE Date: Saturday, September 24, 2011 Time: 7:00pm – 12:00am Place: Holiday Inn @ Yorkdale …

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Jul 27 2011

A few weeks ago I explained why a bullet vibe is a girl’s best friend and gave some tips for finding the perfect one. Since then I got my hands on a bullet vibe from the folks over at Jimmyjane that definitely needs to be added to the list. Jimmyjane i…

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Jul 27 2011

I never planned to be an estrogen lifer but I seem to be headed that way. I’ve made two attempts to quit; both times broken sleep and sour moods drove me back to my little blue pills. I’ve been on estrogen 15 years–three times as long as the maximum that even the most hormone-tolerant doctors recommend. What am I doing to myself?

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Jul 27 2011

Thanks to all your hugs last week, Kraft will be donating almost 10,000 jars of peanut butter to Daily Bread…more

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Jul 27 2011

In response to a commentary published in the Globe and Mail on July 25th about closing Canada’s food banks, Daily…more

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Jul 27 2011

I bark to disagree with the old saying “You can’t teach an old dog a new trick”. In April 2011, I had my first ever surf board lesson! It was PAWsome. While I was fairly distracted by the many toys, birds, and dogs on Dog Beach (Del Mar, Califo…

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Jul 26 2011

I bark to disagree with the old saying “You can’t teach an old dog a new trick”. In April 2011, I had my first ever surf board lesson! It was PAWsome. While I was fairly distracted by the many toys, birds, and dogs on Dog Beach (Del Mar, Califo…

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Jul 26 2011

Lisa Ferguson, Principal of Lisa Ferguson Interior Design and Decor Mentor founder deconstructs this space in layers. Many times clients know the overall feel that they love, but are unclear about their preferences in the smaller details. I suggest deconstructing inspirational images layer by layer to help better understand preferences for the details that make …MORE

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Jul 26 2011

June 22 Morning sightseeing & shopping.  To airport at 2PM.  Trick to flying Air France – self-serve electronic boarding pass – DIY!! Left about ½ hr late.  Arrived Paris 6:30 – no problems getting bags.  Found a taxi and 75Euros later…!!!!!traffic was horrendous – should have only cost 55Euros but construction & a big event…

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Jul 25 2011

Okay, so it’s hot. And we’ve heard this week that we should keep ourselves cool and drink plenty of water. But is there anything else we can do to protect our bodies from heat waves in the future?
2010 research states that certain factors p…

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Jul 25 2011

It’s Monday and what a Monday it is. How will you spend your day? What will make it one for the books? What would it take for you to say, “Now THAT’S what I call an awesome day.” Here’s wishing … Continue reading

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Jul 25 2011

Thanks to Pilar and Kesha, from Fashion I.V., for coming out to our Trunk Show and trying on, and writing about, some gorgeous frocks.  Read their full article here: http://fashion-iv.com/2011/07/21/fashion-for-rent-frockin-awesome/

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Jul 24 2011

Ever since I signed on to speak at the Breathe Now conference, I knew it would attract my kind of women–loving, loyal, supremely competent types who in the course of one action-packed day do pretty much everything except…well, slow down and breathe. Sound like you or someone you know? Then Breathe Now is your perfect girlfriends’ outing. So mark your calendars for September 30 – October 1 in Victoria, one of my favourite places for spending a getaway weekend.

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Jul 24 2011

Back when Elizabeth Taylor was the world’s most scandalous woman, I followed her adventures on the pretext of shopping with my mother. Every supermarket sold Photoplay, and every issue exuded the forbidden scent of lust as only home-wrecking, violet-eyed Liz could inspire it. While my mother filled her cart with egg noodles and cream of mushroom soup, I hung out at the newsstand, drinking in the gossip.

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Jul 23 2011

Write a New Story’ is a great metaphor for many things in our lives.

Sometimes it’s about creating healthier habits. It could be initiating important changes in the way you contribute to your key relationships – or making a decision to move beyond an existing situation.

Either way, what’s most important is recognizing the choices we have and acting on those choices with honesty, wisdom and compassion. As we know, the outcomes that develop are stronger-decision making skills, more confidence, courage, personal happiness and fulfillment of purpose.

Given that it’s the time of year when many of us take time to reflect on where we’re at (and where we’re not), let’s look at three areas that this could pertain to:

Your Personal Journey

Are there changes you need to make? Are there things you need to learn? Take stock of your challenges – and also what your strengths are and put them to greater use to support what you want and deserve in life! Remember too, it takes 21 days to form a habit, good or bad – so get your calendar out and start charting your success!

Your Life’s Work

Do you love what you do? Could you love what you do? Are you ‘showing up everyday’ in a way that speaks to the kind of person you are or wish to be?

Are you looking for the ‘positives’ and recognizing the options you have, or are you ‘standing in your own way’? If you ‘see’ that you are impeding your own progress (versus blaming someone else for your misfortune), the good news is that the solution is in your hands also!

The Book In You

If this is something you’ve always wanted to do, the great thing is that it is quite attainable these days. But how and where do you to start? Here are some tips: 1) If you haven’t begun writing yet, try creating your preface first, outlining the intention of your message. Also, chunk your tasks into bite-size pieces, considering chapter titles and content, and build from there. 2) Know what your goals are for your book and 3) Hire a good editor, someone that ‘gets you and your message’.

One other challenge that applies to all of the above is ‘time’, wouldn’t you agree?! Try doing what I call a Wellness Journal. Customize it in any way that fits for you. Simply make note of what fills all of your hours and days for one entire week (168 hours). Be as detailed as you can, and you will quickly see some areas that you can refine, in order to make more room for your ideal life!

I encourage you to surround yourself with caring, heart-centered, forward-thinking friends and colleagues… And whatever your story is or the new one you’re meant to write, literally or figuratively; don’t wait any longer… Gather the resources and support you need and GO FOR IT!

Sheri Andrunyk, MNLP, RP
Holistic Business & Life Coach, Writer, Editor, Speaker
Founder, Women For Women Canada & Companies, Insightful Communications & I C Publishing

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Jul 23 2011

Write a New Story’ is a great metaphor for many things in our lives.

Sometimes it’s about creating healthier habits. It could be initiating important changes in the way you contribute to your key relationships – or making a decision to move beyond an existing situation.

Either way, what’s most important is recognizing the choices we have and acting on those choices with honesty, wisdom and compassion. As we know, the outcomes that develop are stronger-decision making skills, more confidence, courage, personal happiness and fulfillment of purpose.

Given that it’s the time of year when many of us take time to reflect on where we’re at (and where we’re not), let’s look at three areas that this could pertain to:

Your Personal Journey

Are there changes you need to make? Are there things you need to learn? Take stock of your challenges – and also what your strengths are and put them to greater use to support what you want and deserve in life! Remember too, it takes 21 days to form a habit, good or bad – so get your calendar out and start charting your success!

Your Life’s Work

Do you love what you do? Could you love what you do? Are you ‘showing up everyday’ in a way that speaks to the kind of person you are or wish to be?

Are you looking for the ‘positives’ and recognizing the options you have, or are you ‘standing in your own way’? If you ‘see’ that you are impeding your own progress (versus blaming someone else for your misfortune), the good news is that the solution is in your hands also!

The Book In You

If this is something you’ve always wanted to do, the great thing is that it is quite attainable these days. But how and where do you to start? Here are some tips: 1) If you haven’t begun writing yet, try creating your preface first, outlining the intention of your message. Also, chunk your tasks into bite-size pieces, considering chapter titles and content, and build from there. 2) Know what your goals are for your book and 3) Hire a good editor, someone that ‘gets you and your message’.

One other challenge that applies to all of the above is ‘time’, wouldn’t you agree?! Try doing what I call a Wellness Journal. Customize it in any way that fits for you. Simply make note of what fills all of your hours and days for one entire week (168 hours). Be as detailed as you can, and you will quickly see some areas that you can refine, in order to make more room for your ideal life!

I encourage you to surround yourself with caring, heart-centered, forward-thinking friends and colleagues… And whatever your story is or the new one you’re meant to write, literally or figuratively; don’t wait any longer… Gather the resources and support you need and GO FOR IT!

Sheri Andrunyk, MNLP, RP
Holistic Business & Life Coach, Writer, Editor, Speaker
Founder, Women For Women Canada & Companies, Insightful Communications & I C Publishing

more...

Jul 23 2011

‘Write a New Story’ is a great metaphor for many things in our lives. Sometimes it’s about creating healthier habits. It could be initiating important changes in the way you contribute to your key relationships – or making a decision to move …

more...

Jul 23 2011

Naysayers! Pessimists! Limit-lookers! They are all around us. Many are close to us. When you dream of change…they squash your dreams and try to CHANGE you back to NOT dreaming. To accepting the status quo. To thinking with limitations to what you are able to be, do or have. We can still LOVE them without [...]

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Jul 22 2011

So, how is your sex life? Sex seems to be a sensitive topic that many couples avoid talking about. It can be an embarrassing topic for some. In reality, sex is a crucial conversation that I would recommend you have … Continue reading

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Jul 22 2011

Yesterday, my OT student Jennifer and I had the pleasure of joining in the festivities of Planned Parenthood Toronto’s 50th birthday celebration in Trinity Bellwoods Park. The event featured information about their numerous programs, including T.E.A.C….

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Jul 22 2011

Yesterday, my OT student Jennifer and I had the pleasure of joining in the festivities of Planned Parenthood Toronto’s 50th birthday celebration in Trinity Bellwoods Park. The event featured information about their numerous programs, including T.E.A.C….

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Jul 22 2011

There’s nothing more amusing then playing a bit of dress-up, and what’s more fun then playing dress-up with the characters of Harry Potter? Ginny Weasley: Ginny is sweet-natured and shy when it comes to Harry Potter. She isn’t the show-stopper in the room, but she leaves a lasting impression! The Camilla and Marc Black with [...]

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