Three Timely Tips

Though 2008 is still young, I've already learned a few valuable tidbits this year that have positively impacted my life.


Coffee can make you sick

This is tragic. I have long waxed poetic on my love of a good latte. I have searched earnestly for the best cafes in the city, even on vacation. I confess that I sometimes brew espresso at home just for the smell of it. And now it makes me sick. Sicker than the last time I complained about this. Like I lose weight in an unpleasant manner if I drink it, kind of sick. It can affect me up to 24 hours later. If I wanted to shed a few pounds this could be seen as somewhat of a bonus, but I don't.

The Skinny Bitches say, "Caffeine can cause headaches, digestive problems, irritation of the stomach and bladder, peptic ulcers, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, anxiety and depression. It affects every organ system, from the nervous system to the skin." (Skinny Bitch, p.15)

Word.

My beloved lattes are officially out.

A Bikini wax need not be excruciating

For years I was so proud of myself for finding cheap bikini waxes. Sure the wax was about 10 degrees hotter than it should have been and yes, it hurt like a b&tch (esp with newbie waxers), but it was $11 baby! I tortured myself with these extremely painful sessions for years to save a few bucks. I didn't realize that the bulk of the pain lay with the esthetician's skills (or lack thereof).

Don't blame the bush. Blame the waxer. If she knows what she is doing the pain is minimal to none. Skip a few visits to Starbucks a month and spend the extra coin on an experienced waxer. Not only will your monthly brazillian be a breeze, you'll have less ingrowns to deal with after.

Tip: Toronto, Sarah at Queens Quay Hair Design & Esthetic is awesome. It is still reasonably priced, but she is a pro. I also highly recommend her for eyebrow threading.

Organic wine isn't that much more expensive

While I loved the idea of Organic wine I never bothered to look for it at the wine store because I figured it would be outrageously priced. California's Bonterra wines are reasonably priced and really decent. They use organic matter in the soil and rely on natural predators (read: chickens and birds) to keep vineyard pests at bay, in lieu of harmful pesticides. They also yank their weeds instead of spraying them with chemicals and toxins. Their 2006 Chardonnay retails for around $20 (CAD) and can typically be found in the vintages section of the wine store.

$20 isn't so bad for a healthier alternative to your favorite Chardonnay.

www.bonterra.com