Hammam puts the ‘aaaaah’ back in SPA

Vitalize attends the opening of Hammam Spa by Céla A star-studded cast of supporters was on hand to celebrate the grand opening of the new Hammam Spa by Céla in Toronto’s Bayview Village, featuring Hammam Medical Aesthetics in partnership with Medical Director Dr. Sean Rice. Drawing inspiration from Eastern spas, Hammam Spa By Céla offers […]

Headaches: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Everything you need to know about headaches Most people are familiar with the debilitating and sometimes crippling pain of a headache. Whether you are a chronic headache sufferer or you experience them only occasionally, the discomfort can affect your quality of life. In fact, headaches are the most common form of pain and are one […]

How to Bridge the Generational Gap

5 tips to survive and thrive while caring for two generations at once I don’t like the term sandwich generation. It makes us sound like we are “stuck” in between our parents and our kids. The reality is that so many people would give anything to still have their parents in their lives, so if […]

Eclectic, Exciting Amsterdam Travel Ideas

The Dutch capital delights with great hotels, rich history and world-class cuisine WHERE TO STAY Amsterdam is a beautiful city with an exciting variety of places to stay. Your hotel room can be created from just about anything: from a boat house to a crane. We chose The Pulitzer hotel, a collection of 25 canal […]

How To Get Your Fat Loss Back on Track

4 Simple Steps to Kick Start Your Weight Loss Plan When it comes to weight loss, it can seem like there is always something getting in the way and throwing you off track: birthdays, holidays, vacation days, not to mention the challenge of your average weekend. Things like a lack of routine, insufficient water and […]

To Tutor, or not to Tutor? Does Tutoring Really Help?

To tutor, or not to tutor, that is the question. When it comes to kids, simply getting back-to-school ready can be a stressful process. Over the last two years, I have noticed a frenzy amongst parents concerning what comprehension-boosting programs they should be putting their kids into after 3:30 p.m.  WHERE HAS THE FUN GONE?  It used to be a question of what type of soccer, […]

4 Tips For Better Joint Health

Improve joint pain and learn healthy age-management A joint is the connection between two bones. Joints and their surrounding structures allow you to bend your elbows and knees, wiggle your hips and your back and turn your head. Smooth tissue called cartilage and synovial fluid cushion the joints so bones do not rub together. However, […]

Martha’s Vineyard: The Playground of the Rich & Famous

The playground of the rich & famous by Mary Luz Mejia. President Obama and his family vacation here, alongside the Clintons, actors Bill Murray and Meg Ryan, and scores of well-heeled authors, journalists, artists and dreamers. “The Vineyard” as the island of Martha’s Vineyard and neighbouring Chappaquiddick Island are called, offers picture-perfect sunny days, miles of […]

Summer Cocktails and Ontario’s Gin Craze!

Local craft distillers are making their mark with distinct spirits to be enjoyed year-round By Jeffery L. Peterson. Let’s talk about gin. Though many think of drinking gin in the summer months, there are many classic gin cocktails that can be enjoyed any time of year. Gin, a clear, distinctly flavoured spirit, has been loved […]

Turn Summer Guilt into Summer Freedom

Tips to give your kids some downtime this summer As a kid, I remember the last day of school; rolling down the car windows on the drive home, feeling the hot air on my face and feeling free. We never had any grand plans in the summer—except to swim as much as we could. I […]

Belt Bags, Barely-There Sandals & Prints for Days

Fun is the name of the game this summer Canadian summer has arrived. After many months of colour starvation, stylish trendsetters will be strutting their stuff like birds of paradise—the brighter and louder the better! FASHIONABLE FEET Strappy mules and “barely-there” sandals take a step forward this season to lead the way. This dainty shoe […]

Summer Recipes to Try This Season

Vibrant flavours and thrilling spices come together in these three mouth-watering summer recipes from Carole Nelson Brown. These dishes play well together and also make the perfect accompaniment to summer favourites like grilled meats and salads. By Carole Nelson Brown Roasted Cauliflower with Turkish Chili Oil and Honey Serves 4-6 as a side dish Ingredients: […]

Stuff We Love For Your Home, Health & Happiness

Kiss Me This three-in-one plumping, moisturizing, and colour-boosting lip balm from Givenchy is encased in pretty pink leather and designed to give you the perfect pout this spring. Lips appear suppler, softer, and fuller upon application and their natural colour is subtly heightened. The genuine leather sheath makes it the perfect beauty accessory. Givenchy Le […]

Tiny Home With a Huge Transformation

This year I jumped on the Tiny Home trend and worked with my parents to remodel an old 5th Wheel Trailer. After lots of bumps in the road, we created a space worthy of full-time occupancy. First things first! Being 15 years old and stored in damp locations for years, we wanted to ensure the […]

Get Strong, Tone, and Lean With These Resistance Exercises

Any exercise where you move your body against resistance can be considered resistance or strength (weight) training. You can add resistance to your movement with weight machines at a gym, by using equipment such as hand-held weights, resistance bands, medicine (exercise) balls, cables, and even your own body weight. The great thing about resistance training is you can do it just about ANYWHERE.  When you start a resistance training program, you can expect your body […]

Why You Need a Personal Trainer

There’s a reason why celebrities and other highly successful people use coaches and trainers:  IT WORKS.  And that is why so many people are turning to personal trainers to help them move from mediocre to excellence in their pursuit of health, fitness and weight loss. The reality More than 91% of people who start an […]

Healthy Tips To a Plant-Based Approach & The Hormone Diet

Tips and modifications to make a plant-based diet work for you, by Dr. Natasha Turner. Have you ever heard someone describe their diet by saying they “don’t eat anything that has a face.” If not, I am sure you are familiar with “vegan” or “vegetarian” diets. The current trend is to refer to this style […]

You Are What You Eat: You Can’t Out Exercise a Bad Diet

Ever heard someone give himself or herself permission to indulge their sweet tooth just because they just had a great workout?  It’s a common excuse. Many people believe that because they exercise, they’re in the black as far as their calorie input/output.  But in reality, this sort of thinking is a sure road to failure. […]

Beautiful Glasgow; A Mother-Daughter Trip of A Lifetime

How travel feeds the soul and rejuvenates your spirit, by Jennifer Valentyne . Recently I took a lifelong dream vacation to Glasgow with my daughter, Georgia. I wanted to build memories that she will hopefully cherish for a lifetime. I’ve never seen her so excited about a trip and she definitely did her research before […]

5 Ways of Getting To The Core of Your Health

How core strength affects your entire body, by Dr. Claudia Machiella. The core of your body is the area around your navel and pelvis. Most people think that the core consists only of the abdominal muscles, however, the core also includes your pelvic muscles, mid and lower back muscles and even your hip muscles. All […]

Beauty Products on Trend for Spring 2019

What’s in store this spring to freshen up your look, by Suzanne McKay. THINK PINK Lightly stained pink lips will be a go-to this spring but, should a punchier pout be more your thing, lay on that lip colour and match the hue on the cheeks to add a lively statement to your complexion. A […]

Three Steps to Stopping Sugar Cravings

Why we crave the sweet stuff and how to avoid it, by Gina Livy. Out of control cravings can quickly sidetrack our best intentions when it comes to weight loss and health goals. Sugar is one of the biggest—and cutting it out is no small feat. Even JLo, who recently did the 10-day no-sugar no-carb […]

How Colour Can Change Our Lives

Our lives are filled with colour and we unintentionally associate certain things, ideas or situations with these colours.  For example, we think of beautiful pastel colours, or bright colours with summer months.  A lovely time of year where the sun is always shining and the trees are lush with bright green leaves and flowers of […]

Spring Cleaning 2019 Beauty Tips

Declutter your beauty essentials. It’s spring cleaning season and that extends to what’s INSIDE your cupboards too. Your skincare and beauty products work hard to help you look and feel your best. This spring, take an afternoon to declutter, clean and organize these beauty essentials, and give them the care and attention they need to […]

Spring Up and Clean Up!

Founder, Cheryl Hickey Family Brand & Arm Here For You, Host of Entertainment Tonight Canada. Spring is here! For me that means it’s time to shake off the cobwebs and get it together! Now is the time to start new! Pack away those winter blues and pick up a new attitude and new you. OK. […]

A Conversation with Actress Laura Vandervoort

A flying extra-terrestrial, a werewolf and a lizard princess are just a few of the memorable roles played by Canadian actress Laura Vandervoort over the years. She sometimes plays humans, too! But the talented actress (Supergirl, Smallville, Bitten) says long hours in the makeup chair and sweltering costumes have made for an invigorating career. We […]

Diamond Buying Hacks for Valentine’s Day

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we know everyone has jewelry-buying on the mind. For so many, that means a very special diamond piece.  We’ve enlisted Andrew Brown, president of WP Diamonds, a leading purchaser of diamonds and fine jewelry worldwide, to put together the top “Diamond Buying Hacks” for you to live by when […]

Inside the Mind of an Influential Canadian Fashion Designer

We caught up with Hendrixroe’s founder, fashion designer Jordan Erin McKay who told us about her personal style, guilty pleasures and what she’s most excited about right now.  How did you go from pursuing law to being a fashion designer? JEM: I was flying from Calgary (where I was attending school) to Vancouver to celebrate […]

Keto: Yes or No?

Dr. Natasha Turner’s take on the keto diet trend What is the keto diet? The keto diet that you’ve likely heard about is short for “ketogenic diet.” This eating plan is all about minimizing your carbs and upping your fats to get your body to use fat as a form of energy. That typically translates […]

Feng Shui Tips and Techniques

Improve your well-being at home with tips and techniques from this ancient art. Feng Shui is the practice of arranging your environment so that energy or ‘Chi’ flows gently Through your home. Feng Shui helps make your space feel good and can support what you want out of life, whether it is a better career, […]

Exercise or Sleep? What’s More Important?

Quality sleep, regular exercise and eating right help keep our bodies functioning their best. Research shows that regular physical activity is important for quality sleep, and quality sleep is important for physical performance. So, is one more important than the other? Sleep is the foundation for a healthy mind and body. While we sleep, our […]

10 Tips to Turn Your New Year’s Resolutions Into Reality

The clock has struck midnight and the new year has begun! With eyes of hopefulness, many have written out their New Year resolutions and are on their way for success. But, how long do these resolutions last? Dr. Alok Trivedi, a human behavior and psychological performance expert offers up 10 tips for turning your New Years resolutions […]

Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide

Looking for some last minute gift ideas? I can help! I’ve rounded up my Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for 2018.  By: Jaclyn Harper First up, the Parlux Aylon Hair Dryer. Who doesn’t love the look of a professional blow dry? Well now you can gift superior performance at home. The Aylon uses air ionizer tech ionic […]

Time Management for Busy Moms

By: Lisa Canning Here’s the thing about time: we all have the exact same amount of it, and how we use it will determine the happiness level of our lives. And while we cannot control how much time we have, we can control how we spend it. Here are my essential tips for managing time well in […]

10 Tips for Surviving the Holiday Season

As I write this my home office has been converted into a makeshift Christmas workshop. There is wrapping paper and sparkly ribbon strewn across the floor, the kids wish lists with toys cut and pasted from flyers waiting to be mailed to Santa are pinned to the corkboard and every square inch on our family […]

Profound Health Benefits of Sleep

Think about how great you feel after a solid, deep sleep. You wake up feeling rejuvenated and alive, and ready to face the day. That’s not all. Sleep makes you feel better, but its importance goes well beyond boosting your mood or banishing under-eye circles. Read on to learn why sleep is good for your […]

The 4 Perfect Tequila Cocktail Recipes!

Blame Hollywood. For the fact that tequila is such a bar star, that is. Long before HBO’s Entourage plugged Avión (even giving the spirit its own storyline that persisted through a couple of seasons), tequila was on a pretty friendly basis with the heavy hitters of stage and screen. Bing Crosby fell in love with […]

The Importance of Friendships Post Baby

Life post baby comes with so many changes, its hard to keep track. Every day brings about new challenges, questions, and adventures. A new parent is trying to navigate their way through this new stage in their lives while at the same time attempting to juggle all the things that existed pre-baby (their relationship with […]

How To Shut Down Negative Self-Talk

Ever noticed that it’s a lot easier to be loving, compassionate, and forgiving with others than it is with ourselves? Sometimes we all fall to that little voice inside of us. It’s all too easy to listen to that inner dialogue that is often as nasty as a social media troll. It’s that voice that […]

Avoid Damsel Wedding Distress

“Delegating is difficult… if you give your bridesmaids too much to do, you seem controlling. If you take care of everything yourself, everyone will wonder if there’s even a wedding happening.” Whether you’ve known each other since before you were born and spent much of your childhood living ‘la vida loca’. You’ve built impressive clubhouses, […]

Sometimes Kids Need a “Time In” More Than a “Time Out”

When parents see other parents dealing with a child in the midst of a Grade A meltdown, we universally give each other the sympathy smile and nod which means: “I feel you!”  But note, if a parent doesn’t extend this courtesy to us while our child is melting down…well, we don’t like that very much now, do we? My point? (And let me start by admitting that I am […]

A look at the science behind intermittent fasting

If you pay attention to health and weight loss trends, you’ve likely heard of intermittent fasting or IF. However you may feel about the “hanger” or potential stress of fasting, it’s hard to ignore the documented benefits of this dietary trend. In this article, you’ll discover the solid science that backs up those health claims. […]

10 Tips to Help You Host the Sunniest Outdoor Party This Summer

When planning an outdoor event, choose a theme and let it guide your decor, activity, food and 
beverage choices (and maybe even your attire!). Hot themes for summer 2018 include “Palm Springs in the 1960s” (croquet, Pucci-inspired colour palette, retro cocktails) and a “Great Gatsby” garden party! Welcome your guests with a signature cocktail. Fill […]

How to Find Wedding Gown Bliss

I was once at a wedding where the bride had changed her gown four times throughout the evening. That evening’s gorgeous wardrobe change was like having front row seats at Vogue Fashion Week. When I asked her why the many gowns, she replied, “I just had to – I loved them all and couldn’t make […]

Walking through the rows with an award-winning winemaker

As a student, Thirty Bench winemaker Emma Garner travelled abroad, learning about Old and New World winemaking styles, before settling into her coveted position at Thirty Bench Winery in the Niagara region. Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany and British Columbia were all on the list, and Garner’s passion for food and wine grew with each […]

Engagement Ring Shopping Made Easy

This topic deserves some special attention. Perhaps because the focus here is more on the Mr. Right in your life who is conducting endless hours of research on how to pick the perfect engagement ring. They say it’s easier for a guy to spend an insurmountable amount of money just minutes after a test drive […]

At Home in California with Grease actor Lorenzo Lamas

Janette Ewen interviews Grease actor Lorenzo Lamas For more than 30 years, actor Lorenzo Lamas appeared on our TV screens as a leading man on popular shows like Falcon Crest and Renegade. Lamas got his break early, by playing the role of “Tom” in the worldwide phenomenon known as Grease; set to celebrate its 40th […]

How to Keep Children Entertained at Your Wedding

You’ve heard so much about these beautiful invitations that you can hardly wait to see them for yourself. It’s arrived. You excitedly remove it from its envelope, unfold its delicate lace paper and you begin to read…. Mr. John Smith and Ms. Jane Doe request your presence as they celebrate the next steps of their […]

How to Drink 3x More Water

It’s summer, which means beating sun, hot temperatures, fun cocktails, and (hopefully) lots of time spent traveling and enjoying the outdoors. While all of these things are awesome, they’re a perfect recipe for straying from your normal routine and forgetting to stay hydrated. Here are some cool ways to make sure you’re drinking enough water […]

How to Get Through Planning Your Wedding (Without Landing Behind Bars)

So… Orange may not be the best wedding colour this season. But, have you ever dated someone whose mother disliked you for… well, for dating her precious angel? If you are dating that wonderful man-boy and all goes well and you’re truly madly deeply in love, you’ll one day become Mrs. Molly Coddled. Brides, you […]

10 reasons to Visit PEI This Summer

9 Reasons to Visit Prince Edward Island this Summer

There is nowhere in Canada where one can experience beauty, simplicity, and serenity like the provinces on the East Coast. Known as the birthplace of Canada, PEI hosted the inaugural meeting towards the country’s 1867 Confederation. As summer is just around the corner, for those who have yet to decide their vacation destination, the beautiful island […]

Where to Take a First Date in Toronto

First dates can be nerve-wracking, but the right setting can make or break the whole experience! It can be tough to pick a perfect place to impress a person you don’t know very well, especially with so many places to choose from in Toronto. We’ve narrowed it down to a few places that are hard […]

How You Know You’re a Traveler

  Instead of collecting shoes, you collect stamps in your passport. You can say “hi”, “please” and “thank you” in at least 5 different languages. When someone tells you they don’t like traveling, you immediately distrust them. When deciding to spend money, you weigh it against how many trips you could take instead. If you […]

Maximize Your Productivity with a Little Help from Clare Kumar

As a productivity coach, I like to look at productivity holistically. There’s a lot more to it than just managing a ‘to do’ list. To keep it easy to think about, I break productivity down into three areas, in my model, Productivity CPR™: COMPASS– Setting your direction and defining where you’re aiming. Simply put, setting […]

The #metoo movement ushers in cultural change in Hollywood and beyond

It’s a Fascinating Time To Be A Woman Can we please just take a minute for Lady O! At this year’s Golden Globe Awards, Oprah Winfrey declared, and I quote: “Speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have.” While considering what to write for this column, all I could think about was the current #metoo #timesup movement, and how the world is alive. No question, the #metoo movement has shifted […]

Hot cocktails to warm you on a cold winter day

Hot cocktails to warm you on a cold winter day

By Christine Sismondo Anyone can add a splash of Irish cream to a hot cup of coffee. But, delicious as that is, it’s hardly enough liquid fortitude to make it through the polar vortex months. Summer cocktails abound, but when it comes to winter warmers, we are too often creatively challenged and end up short-changing […]

Spicy Cheddar Shortbread

Spicy Cheddar Shortbread

Spicy Cheddar Shortbread is a hit at our holiday gatherings and so easy to prepare!  You can freeze the logs of uncooked dough for up to a couple of months and you can also keep a log in the fridge for about a week and just slice off as many cookies as you are going […]

Bomba White Bean Crostini

You can make the bean mixture ahead of time, as it keeps well in the fridge for a few days, and then just slice up as many baguette slices as you need for the evening. No need to use the entire recipe in one evening if you only have two guests, right? Recipe creation by:  Carole […]

The Best Ski Wear to Buy now

Choosing the best ski jacket for you is an important decision. A ski jacket will keep you warm, dry and comfortable on the slopes, so picking the right one is vital for your enjoyment of your time skiing or snowboarding.  Here is a comprehensive gift guide for the snow bunny in your life.

Holiday Gift Guide 2017

Vitalize Magazine brings you this indispensable guide to the best gifts of the holiday season. We promise you’ll find something nice. And once your shopping is done, don’t forget to give to someone in need

Expect Average This Christmas

This Christmas, Expect Average.

Spend less, do more and keep your expectations in check. Oh, holiday season. You changed your name from Christmas—to be more inclusive—so that holiday stress, anxiety and exhaustion can be shared with adults and children everywhere. What a gift! Thank you so much! Call it what you want, Festivus is stressful. When I was married, […]

Tips and Decor Ideas for Holiday Entertaining

Tips and Decor Ideas for Holiday Entertaining

By Janette Ewen Where do you start if you’re planning to entertain over the holiday season? I always start with a theme. For example, I held a vintage 1930s Christmas party last year. A theme will shape the decor, cocktail menu, food, invites, gifts, music—even the scent of your home. For 2017, the top holiday […]

Holidays more meaningful

10 Ways To Make Your Holiday More Meaningful

Live in the Moment This Holiday Season! What does living in the moment really mean?  Taking it all in and being present can seem like an unreachable goal when you are stressed to the max and it seems like there aren’t enough hours in the day. Sometimes all it takes is not losing sight of […]

Canada’s Beautiful Winter Resorts

Explore Canada’s Beautiful Winter Resorts

Nobody does winter like we do!  Join us as we explore Canada’s Beautiful Winter Resorts By Cindy McGlynn There’s nothing more Canadian than hitting the slopes—or the apres ski scene—and making the most of the white season. Our country is home to some of the best winter resorts in the world: international award-winners that reward […]

Thanksgiving

Keep It Wild This Thanksgiving: Try Some Yummy Seafood

Yes, it’s Thanksgiving and this is a special occasion to enjoy some tasty seafood. The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has teamed up with chef Charlotte Langley to inspire new traditions around the Thanksgiving table, all centered around eating more mindfully and keeping it wild with certified sustainable seafood. Historically focused on celebrating the fall harvest, […]

Top Ten Tips To Slow Down

Hey you – slow down! It’s never been easier to connect with someone on the other side of the world, yet it’s so easy to feel disconnected from the people closest to us. We have more tools than ever to simplify tasks and accomplish more things quickly, yet our to-do lists have never been longer. […]

Chili Lime Sweet Potatoes

Summer Delight: How To Make Chili Lime Sweet Potatoes

End of summer is nearing but there is still loads of time for family gatherings and BBQs with friends. Sick yet of the endless same old burger and hotdog routine? No problem, I have created a summer recipe that you can use this season to spice up your taste buds, leaving you both nourished and […]