Canadians and Americans

On my recent trip to San Diego I noticed some interesting differences between us and our American friends. North Americans are all pretty similar for the most part but there were a few things worth noting. These observations pertain specifically to Toronto and San Diego.

* Sumo size me
American restaurants feel the need to load plates up with enough to satisfy a sumo wrestler. Towards the end of our trip we were really tired of eating out and told the server we would like something light. She recommended we have their fish dish, but said it might be too small to share as it was only 16 oz. 16 oz!! That is double the size you would get in a comparable restaurant in Toronto.

My lunch at a Mexican restaurant in San Diego when I was finished. Also note the size of the drinks.

Despite the immensity of their appetites there were very few obese people. In fact bodies were pretty average. I chalk that up to good weather and healthy active lifestyles.

* California causes cancer
Everywhere you turn there is a warning sign posted saying something to the effect of: "This area contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects and reproductive harm." This sign is EVERYWHERE. Literally. By the pool, on the door of the hotel... pretty much anywhere the general public would go. It was like subliminal hypnotism: You WILL get cancer. You WILL get cancer.

On a positive note I noticed there are a lot less smokers in San Diego than Toronto, where you can't walk downtown without getting blast from someone's cigarette. Huge pet peeve of mine by the way. If you are a smoker, please be aware of those around you. No one enjoys being trapped behind you on the sidewalk inhaling your second hand smoke.


* Weather
This is obvious but it can have a huge impact on a person. San Diego weather is gorgeous every. single. day. Not a cloud in the sky. Perfect, blissful sun and blue skies. Our sky is gray all winter and sometimes even in the summer. Then there are times when it has a lovely brownish hue from the smog. Because of their brilliant weather, San Diegoans have different priorities...

My albino-ness at our resort in a dress from Express

* No fashion
I couldn't find a fashion district. And I looked very hard. Our dollar is strong, their prices are good. I wanted to spend my money. A M.A.C makeup artist with clown makeup recommended HillCrest for it's "string of boutiques and vintage shops". I excitedly hopped in a cab and 15 minutes later found myself in the gaybourhood staring at a goodwill store. I popped into a French restaurant for breakfast hoping they could tell me where all the shops were. The server raised an eyebrow. "Someone told you there was shopping here? All of our shopping is in the mall." The clown had played fool the tourist. All I bought from San Diego were few things at Express and Calvin Klein from the mall. BTW, would love to see an Express store here in Toronto.

The infamous picture that almost got us into an accident.

* They are just as friendly
Canadians are always accused of being friendly, which we are, but Californians are just as friendly - in some cases even moreso (gasp!). I know this is traitorous of me, but Torontonians can be downright rude and grumpy - especially on the highway. In Toronto if you don't punch the gas as soon as the light changes to green (ideally you have been watching the signal changing in the opposite direction and have already started accelerating), you will get angry honks and possibly even lose your rear bumper. The same goes with escalators. Walk to the left, stand on the right. There are rules for the sidewalk as well. They are simple. Move your @ss.

In La Jolla as we were looking out the window at the scenery like typical tourists at an intersection, a Pink Panther hippie van (am serious) honked anxiously at us, we turned our eyes to the road just in time to see the car ahead of us casually rolling backwards nearly colliding with us. The honk spurred the driver to step on the gas and as we drove away the hippie panther man cheerfully shouted, "You owe me!" A savvy Torontonian would have whipped out their cell phone and made a video of the accident for youtube.

* Restaurants close silly early
What is the deal with restaurants closing at 8:30/9pm - on a weekend?? In Toronto the cool kids would never make a dinner reservation before 8pm. 9 is ideal. Then they hit the clubs at midnight and have pizza on the way home at 3am. We attempted to eat out in Little Italy at 8:30pm on a Sunday and were turned away from every restaurant. On that note...


* San Diego is not a party town
It is a military city with helicopters always buzzing overhead. It is very family oriented but downtown doesn't bustle. It seems like most of the action happens on the beach and in the residential areas. While their downtown is beautiful and immaculate it isn't that busy. Toronto downtown is always buzzing with activity.

* Prices are better
I was really surprised that the hotel and restaurant prices were the same if not better than they are in Toronto. San Diego = climate paradise. I thought it would be a lot more expensive. Everything was cheaper. My favorite shampoo and conditioner from Kiehls were about 40% less than they are here so I stocked up. Designer jeans are also a much better deal there. In the fall I found a pair of J-Brand jeans on sale for $200. At Bloomingdales in S.D they were regular priced $150. Make a mental note: Buy designer jeans in US only. I could go on and on about this.

* Accent
Though we sound pretty much the same, San Diego locals were unable to place our "accent". My brother, who is from Winnipeg received a compliment on his lovely British accent. We were asked if we were visiting from the Netherlands. Question. What does a Canadian sound like?

I still think I would love to live in California. I'm not a winter girl. Am allergic. In fact as soon as I got home I got myself a wretched head cold. Next I would like to visit San Fransisco. Berge at Salon Tonic said I would probably love because there are "lots of wacky people there." What do you think? Which is the best city in California and do you agree with my observations?

Read the daily recap from my trip to San Diego

Navigating the World of Alternative Medicine

Another day, another announcement from some pharmaceutical giant about a product recall or a news bit about someone's botched surgery. Do you ever have doubts about conventional Western medicine? Is Tweety Bird yellow? We thought so.

According to many sources the popularity of alternative medicine is growing, and some suggest as many as one third of Americans are using some form of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine). Not only is CAM controversial, it is also includes a broad range of practices that are subject to differing levels of regulation.

If you are considering any of these treatments, it is important to be informed. We've researched a few of the most popular CAMs here for you:

1) Acupuncture

How: Thin needles are inserted at specific points or "channels" corresponding to the health concern, and then removed after 15-20 minutes. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that the stimulation of certain channels regulates the flow of blood and Qi (vital energy) to rebalance the yin and yang in the body. Conventional medicine cannot yet explain why it works, except that the process releases endorphins which are natural painkillers.

What: Acupuncture is meant to treat a wide variety of health complaints, but is found to be most effective for headaches, nausea (e.g. post surgical, pregnancy), menstrual symptoms, and many body aches including chronic. In conjunction with conventional therapies, it has also shown promise treating addictions, asthma, fibromyalgia, and more.

Why: This treatment is non-invasive and with the exception of some tingling at the site is said to have very few side effects (in many cases the side effects are substantially lower than prescription medication or other remedy). Some patients experience instantaneous relief, while others require a prolonged therapy for full results. Acupuncture is gaining credibility among many Western doctors, especially when used in conjunction with modern practices.

Why Not: Many studies have shown similar results using non-essential sites. The so-called placebo effect may come from the relaxing nature of the treatment and a patient's belief in the practice. Some jurisdictions do not require licenses for practitioners, so patients must do their research before selecting an acupuncturist.

FYI: Acupressure is a similar treatment using the same concepts but skipping the needles. Reflexologists massage certain areas on a patient's foot to affect particular areas of the body. Both of these practices manipulate Qi to provide healing.

2) Ayurveda

How: Ayurveda seeks to balance the three fundamental body humours that control the nervous system, metabolism/energy, and body fluids/nutrition. It combines diet, herbal supplements, and massage to treat the body holistically.

What: This ancient Indian medicine is intended to treat the source of all disease by rebalancing the humours, but has been found most effective in reducing stress and emotional issues, and increasing fertility. Following an ayurvedic diet is also an effective way to increase your overall health.

Why: Ayurveda is recognized as an official medical system of health care in its home country of India, where practitioners undergo a minimum 6½ year training to become certified. Its combined focus of herbals, diet, and massage is more holistic than many other medical practices, including standard Western treatment.

Why Not: Herbal supplements are not adequately regulated in many countries and can contain toxic materials or be taken incorrectly which may produce negative health outcomes. Patients should be well informed of any supplements they are taking, as well as the origin of those products.

3) Chiropractic

How: Chiropractors use spinal, joint, and soft-tissue manipulation to improve nerve function, and by extension inner organs and the whole body. They will often suggest massage therapy or acupuncture to complement the chiropractic work.

What: Chiropractic is intended to treat injuries, chronic conditions, and a range of diseases. More patients find relief from headaches, back and neck pain, and specific injury rehabilitation compared to other health complaints.

Why: Chiropractic care is gaining credibility in the conventional medical system, especially when combined with other therapies, and is generally considered safe when done correctly. Most practitioners have specific training and are required to have valid licenses.

Why Not: Accidents, including severe, can occur during spinal manipulations and patients with certain conditions like rheumatoid arthritis should not have certain chiropractic work done.

4) Homeopathy

How: Patients are given highly diluted remedies specifically chosen according to their health concern. The medicines are made from natural and synthetic sources and mixed with water or alcohol, and can be administered in varying concentrations according to the treatment regimen.

What: Treatment is intended to promote overall health while targeting a defined complaint. Homeopathy is used to fight disease, minor health complaints, and in some cases as a substitute for certain vaccines. The evidence of health benefits ranges widely and is controversial.

Why: As with other alternative practices, homeopathy is a holistic approach that tries to eliminate the source of an illness, rather than the symptom. Because the remedies are so highly diluted, they are not considered to be very dangerous.

Why Not: Homeopathy is one of the most controversial forms of treatment. Most conventional doctors claim that the highly diluted remedies cannot possibly have a lasting effect on a patient's health and that any positive results are probably due to the so-called placebo effect. Many practitioners advise patients against conventional care, even to avoid vaccinations and prescription medication. There have been isolated cases of serious infection and death as a result of this type of advice. Patients need to be informed about their care and be cautious about avoiding other medical advice.

5) Hypnotherapy

How: The hypnotic therapist guides patients through a series of relaxation techniques and then usually into a hypnotic state. A guided discussion follows that addresses the patient's health problems.

What: Hypnotherapy has been found to be reasonably effective for chronic pain management (including tension headaches, chemotherapy, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, childbirth, etc), insomnia, stress, psychosomatic illnesses, phobias, obesity, and more.

Why: Hypnotherapy has been cautiously endorsed by many medical and dental professionals for its effectiveness, and as a therapeutic device does not pose any direct danger to a patient's health.

Why Not: This treatment might be abused by an unethical practitioner. Many areas do not regulate hypnotherapists in their jurisdiction, so the patient needs to take care when choosing the type and provider of this therapy.

6) Mega-Vitamin Therapy (a.k.a. Orthomolecular medicine)

How: Practitioners use a wide range of tests to determine vitamin deficiencies in the patient, then prescribe a list of vitamins and supplements, often in doses that greatly exceed the typical Recommended Daily Intake (RDI).

What: This therapy is intended to treat many diseases, recognizing that individual nutritional needs vary widely according to genetics, general health, and environmental factors. Some evidence suggests that using this practice may lower cancer risk and coronary disease fatalities. Some cases have shown benefits in AIDS patients and infants with HIV.

Why: Most people accept that their diets are not well-rounded enough to meet their health needs. When used intelligently, a vitamin regimen could well improve general health and have a preventative effect for certain diseases. Most doctors recommend that patients take a daily multivitamin.

Why Not: Certain vitamins and minerals are known to have toxic effects when taken in large amounts, and others will pass out of the body unused if they are not needed. Supplements should never be used as a substitute for a healthy, well-rounded diet.

7) Naturopathy

How: Naturopathic practitioners believe in the body's ability to heal itself. They advocate the use of many different alternative practices, including acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic, ayurveda, and aromatherapy to treat a variety of diseases. They use blood tests and diagnostic imaging to determine the nature of the health complaint.

What: Since naturopathy uses many techniques to treat patients, its range of use and effectiveness can vary widely.

Why: It is always in the patient's best interest to look at all options when deciding on a treatment plan. Naturopathy's inclusive approach is well-rounded and practitioners are required to hold valid licenses. While naturopaths shy away from prescription drugs and surgery (as do most other alternative medicines), they are more likely to refer a patient to a conventional doctor when alternative therapies are ineffective.

Why Not: Because naturopathy is so multidisciplinary, patients should take the time to know their doctor's background and qualifications.

8) Reiki

How: Practitioners help patients relax and mentally prepare for treatment, then place their hands on or near target areas. It is a self-healing process where the body's energy is allowed to flow between patient and practitioner as an intelligent force that does not require specific diagnosis of a health condition. The flow of energy heals the patient's health problem.

What: Reiki is a holistic treatment for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual issues. It is not intended to produce immediate results, but rather improvement over time. It can also be self-administered.

Why: This Japanese healing treatment is completely non-invasive. The patient is relaxed and focused on the healing process, and many believe in the simple healing power of positive thought. At the least, Reiki would be a good stress reliever.

Why Not: Reiki relies on the power of positive energy and does not employ any quasi-medical techniques. For this reason, most mainstream doctors dismiss it as quackery. There is also the danger (as with other alternative therapies) that a patient may put off seeing a conventional doctor for their health problems and endanger their health further as a result.


What's your diagnosis? Is there something to these alternative therapies that appeals to you? I was pleased to notice how many included massage - hey, you don't have to tell me what a good idea that is! Have you tried any of these and noticed results?

***
Editor's note: The summaries of the therapies mentioned are not intended to fully describe the uses and effectiveness (or not), but rather to highlight the basic principles and differences between them. Patients should research any therapeutic program before beginning and ask for recommendations when choosing a practitioner. We strongly suggest that you do not avoid conventional medicine, but rather consider using alternative practices to complement any therapy you may already be receiving. Always tell your doctor and therapist about any medications and supplements you might be taking to avoid potential drug interactions and possible injury.

Make Earth Hour Count

It's time to stock up on some extra candles! For 1 hour tomorrow, March 29, 2008 at 8 p.m (your local time), millions of people around the world are shutting their lights out as a positive energy saving statement for our planet. Earth Hour was created by the World Wildlife Fund in Sydney last year and in one year has become a global movement. More than 100 cities across North America are participating.

The question is... what will you do in the dark for 1 hour? Here are some ideas to get you started:

*Take a few minutes today to stock up on some candles. IKEA sells them by the boatload for cheap, or splurge a little and get some sexy scented ones.

*Invite your man over for some nookie and save the world while you savor each other... ;)

*Invite the girls over, open a bottle of red and share some juicy gossip or embarrassing secrets easier told in the dark.

*If you're a mom, take this opportunity to teach your kids about the environment by setting a good example and play some games as a family. Get some popcorn and other snacks going and play some easy boardgames by candlelight. Make it a fun event.

*Enjoy it solo with a bubble bath, a good book and lots of candles.

*Find a local lookout point, bring a blanket and some snacks and enjoy watching your city take part in this powerful movement.

Whatever you do we hope you will participate. Are you in?

San Diego: Day 9

Coronado Island is a little slice of paradise with glorious trees and flowers, stunning seaside houses, cafes and shops.

The beach was a little too windy to visit, but on a hot summer's day it would be spectacular. We visited the Hotel Del Coronado, an historic well appointed hotel overlooking the ocean from the 1800s.
This chandelier in the lobby is a perfect example of the opulence of this hotel.

We spent some time wandering through the shops on Orange Avenue, popping into Emerald City for some cool t's for Alex, followed by lunch at the Rhinoceros Cafe and Grill. Again I was confounded by the portion sizes. I ordered the tomato and basil spagettini and got a ginormous bowl full with a large bun on the side. Who needs a bun when you are getting enough carbs for 3 people?


With fresh garlic on my breath, I headed over to Salon Tonic for a cut and highlights. I was greeted with a glass of wine and treated to an amazing scalp and neck massage. My stylist, Berge, did a fantastic job - and I am not easy to please when it comes to my hair. We then loaded up the car, said goodbye to The Sophia and set out for a 2 hour road trip to L.A.

No one knows how to rip you off better than the airport hotels in L.A. We booked La Quinta Hotel by the LAX. For $160 plus parking, we were subjected to dingy, dusty decor and the whirring sound of elevators all night followed by the worst breakfast possible. We lined up for our Styrofoam plates and plastic cutlery to "enjoy" powdered eggs, dry tasteless waffles and watered down O.J. For $100 more, we could have stayed at the Marriott.

But, who am I to complain? Our trip was amazing and I had the chance to observe a few key differences between us and our American friends. I'll dish on that later. ;)

San Diego: Day 8

The Beach!

I'm sorry for the delay in posting. My internet connection was sketchy at best. Will catch up by tomorrow!

I finally got to spend an afternoon walking along the beach, collecting seashells and burning the crap out of my back. Not that frying my skin cherry tomato has ever been a fantasy, but that's what happens when you walk along the beach without a care in the world. I thought to apply it everywhere else. A nice stiff SPF 45 in fact, but I forgot about my back.

At least the colour is uniform. I sprayed sunscreen on Alex's back and I guess the puffs of wind coming off the ocean blew some of the spray away before it hit his skin. So he is currently sporting red zebra stripes all over his back, which are absolutely hilarious painful.

After several hours at the beach in La Jolla we toured the shops (or lack thereof) along the main drag. It seems fashion is not a priority in this city, even in the seemingly hippest parts of it. I was disappointed to find that unless you are at the mall, a string of shops consists of: old lady store, old lady store, souvenir shop, surfer store, Victoria's Secret, old lady shop, scary tacky fashion nightmare shop, ice cream, old lady shop. So we spent some time visiting their beautiful parks instead. Here is the view from Mt. Soledad:

We were anxious to try some local seafood, being on the ocean and all, so on recommendation, we headed over to Blue Point Coastal Cuisine in the gaslamp district. We weren't overly hungry as food portions at every restaurant we visited have been massive, so we decided to share a couple of things. We ordered the oysters, only to discover they were from Washington, British Columbia and another non-local city. Determined to persevere in our quest for fresh local fare, we ordered the tuna to share. It was local and delicious, but at 16 ounces, I couldn't finish my half. The server informed us that was one of their lighter dishes. Never in my life have I seen so much food go to waste. I really don't get the excessiveness.

We spent our last night in the very comfortable Sophia Hotel, a short walk from this gorgeous historic hotel. The bed was deliciously comfortable and the room, very nicely decorated. A far cry from what we would experience at our very last hotel...

LeBron and Gisele Ruffle Some Feathers

Racially insensitive? Avant-garde? Or just an interesting cover shot?

When I saw Vogue's latest cover, my first impression was fierce, strong. I found it intriguing. Others disagree...

-a feral black man snatches his white damsel á là King Kong

-criminalizing black people with a wild depiction that frightens

-the helpless female knocking women's lib back, one carefully tousled curl at a time

Is it that I have always felt race is such a non-issue for me that I wouldn't have picked up on this, were it not for the commentary I read this morning? Or do I give myself too much credit and racial stereotyping simply falls below my radar already?

There are others who would suggest that this is more like flagrantly demonstrating how much a non-issue race has become (or at least, should become). That we are not even surprised to see a black man holding a white woman should be something to celebrate.

I just liked the picture, folks. If it was actual art hanging at the Guggenheim, I might have mused about hidden messages. But when I see it sandwiched between Soap Opera Digest and value packs of Orbit, I don't tend to take it seriously.

How does your first impression of the photo compare to your position when you read such comments? Leave your feedback please!

Read the full article from USAToday here

Chick Beauty 101: Bright Hues of Spring Work For Day and Night!

Bright punchy colours are all the rage this Spring. Some of you may be welcoming this trend with open arms while the rest of you cling onto your beloved neutrals. Bright colours don't have to be scary and done the right way can be worn for day and night! Spring into this season's colourful hues in these easy steps!

Day Look: Sea Breeze Eyes
My model for this feature is the beautiful Michelle Kwan, also a Chick Advisor member and aspiring model! I chose to go with a gorgeous palette of turquoise blue, coral-peaches, and orange. To wear this look for the day, the key is choosing sheer textures in turquoise with a bit of shimmer. You want the look to be balanced and don't want the turquoise to over power you so much that it's all you notice. I gave the skin a semi-matte finish and concealed only where she needed. Too much shimmer and shine may make this look appear too disco-ish for day.