#16 - Dare to laugh out loud

Ever notice how uplifted you feel after a hearty convulsing laugh?? It's amazing how something so natural and effortless as laughter, can make you feel good. And ever find yourself spontaneously laughing out loud because you've caught someone else's laughing bug? What a contagious and intoxicating effect laughter has.

Whether a giggle, chuckle, hoot or outright cackle, laughing makes you feel happier instantly - it boosts your spirit and usually spirits of those around you. Laughing can be good fun - it doesn't cost anything and is soooo easy to do. Go ahead and try it!

Have you had your laugh today?
16 down - 84 to go!

#15 - Get a mammo!

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Canada and the U.S. I personally know of 4 women, all in their 40s when first diagnosed, whom have had and thankfully survived, breast cancer - that's 4 too many in my opinion. Sadly, 1 in 9 (1 in 8 in America) is expected to be diagnosed with this disease during her lifetime and scarier, 70% of those diagnosed will have had no risk factors. While the causes for breast cancer are largely unknown, seems that early detection has contributed to lower death rates since the mid 1990's in North America.
Stats source: Canadian Cancer Society / National Cancer Institute of Canada; U.S. Breast Cancer.Org

At my last doctor's visit, I decided that I wanted to have a more thorough breast exam as part of my screening and so today, I had my first mammography exam at the Credit Valley Hospital X-Ray and Ultrasound Clinic in Mississauga. The exam itself wasn't as uncomfortable as I thought it would be and the staff were pleasant, professional and thoughtful. Results will arrive at my doctor's office in about a week's time where I expect to get the "all clear!"

Routine breast screening and early detection are key in fighting and surviving this disease. Regular self-examinations (see chart, inset, or go to Breast Cancer Society of Canada for printer-friendly version), clinical exams by your practitioner, and mammograms all help in reducing the number of women who die of breast cancer. In the province of Ontario, mammograms are recommended every 2 years for women over 50. However if you are between 40 and 49, you can speak to your doctor about early screening.

15 down; 85 to go

#14 - Make your own cupcakes!

It was my birthday the other day and so for a special treat, I decided to fulfil my craving for a yummy cupcake. In waiting at the bakery counter to be served, my mind drifted back to an incident that took place at work a year or so ago.

For some sponteneous reason, I decided that I wanted to bake cupcakes for my colleauges at work; I think largely due to the fact that I was on a kick to master the art of homemade cream-cheese icing. In proclaiming my desires to a fellow co-worker, she decided she wanted to join in on the action and do the same. Fine by me as we had a pretty large team so the more cupcakes, the better!

The next day, I waltzed in with my bag of treats - vanilla and chocolate cupcakes that I had baked the night before then lathered in generous amounts of cream-cheese icing (which by the way, turned out 'ok' but not exactly to my desired specs). In discussing where to put out our treats, my fellow co-worker chose to advise me that her cupcakes weren't homemade but rather, store bought. Fine, whatever... a cupcake's a cupcake I thought, until she continued that she had scraped off the hard sugary "crap" and then re-iced them with the spreadable ready-made Duncan Hines stuff, AND THEN punctuated her story with, "Don't tell anyone though!"
Perhaps arming me with this information relieved her of a sense of guilt? but what was I supposed to do with it? I rationalized that store-bought-disguised-as-homemade cupcakes weren't going to kill anyone and after all, this was her deceipt not mine. And while I kept her dirty lil' secret all iced-up as she graciously accepted gratitude and compliments for her baking, I realized that anyone willing to lie to their fellow work mates about something as insignificant as cupcakes was sure enough to lie about anything.


A person's integrity goes a long way and while it takes years to build someone's trust, it only takes seconds to break it. Oh how true!

14 down - 86 to go!

Women over 40

Enjoy this popular commentary on 'Women over 40' from an iconic and opinionated broadcaster that we all know and love, Andy Rooney.

"As I grow in age, I value women over 40 most of all. Here are just a few reasons why:
A woman over 40 will never wake you in the middle of the night and ask, “What are you thinking?” She doesn't care what you think.

If a woman over 40 doesn’t want to watch the game, she doesn’t sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do, and it's usually more interesting.

Women over 40 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you if they think they can get away with it.

Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's like to be unappreciated.

Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a woman over 40.

Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 40 is far sexier than her younger counterpart.

Older women are forthright and honest. They’ll tell you right off if you are being a jerk or if you are acting like one. You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.

Yes, we praise women over 40 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed, hot woman over 40, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year old waitress. Ladies, I apologize.

For all those men who say, “Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?”, here's an update for you: Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage. Why? Because women realize its not worth buying an entire pig just to get a little sausage!"

#13 - Seize the moment!

So often we get distracted by the demands of everyday life that we've almost become programed to wait for the right time or for that special occasion - like a dinner party to crack open that special bottle of wine or bring out the pretty candles or expensive linens - to indulge and satiate our senses. Sometimes in fact, we don't even have time to indulge when the moment arrives.

Rather than waiting to celebrate a big event or for a special occasion or for the 'right time', why not just seize the moment today?

Why not bake those yummy Christmas cookies for a summer dinner party? Why not pluck flowers from your own garden and enjoy them in your home? Why not indulge in a steamy bubble bath with your partner (and whatever leads to afterward), in the middle of the afternoon? Why not make that phone call or have that conversation you've been nervously putting off?! Why not use those pretty delicate soaps someone gave you for a gift years ago?!?!

Go ahead! Seize the moment now - it's amazing how good you'll feel for 'doing' and 'living' today!

13 down - 87 to go!

#12 - Keep dying those greys!

This past weekend, at my brother's wedding, someone asked the question "At what age should women stop dying their greys?" Without the slightest degree of hesitation, I promptly yelled out, "Certainly not at 40!!!"

I remember when I was blessed with my very first strand of grey - I was 21 and had just celebrated a full year of survival in the corporate world - coincidence or heredity? (Let's chalk it up to a bit of both shall we?) All I know is that from that day onward, dying my hair would become a routine practice that I've come to loathe every couple of weeks when my roots need to be touched up.

Loathe this routine as I might, one thing I will NOT do is go 'au naturale' as some have suggested is the thing to do once you hit this decade. Sorry, grey hair is NOT in style as some magazines have declared, nor is it sexy... unless you're George Clooney! Given the choice between grey or #47 medium rich brown, Revlon wins every time hands down! Don't get me wrong, I'm not embarassed by my greys; I happily admit to having a head fullah them to whomever happens to ask, but more so, I admittedly look absolutely terrible and far older when sporting them! While 40 might be the new 30 for some, it's definitely not the new 50! And 50 is not how I want to look, but would, if I allowed those icky greys to sprout wildly out of control!!

So, while the question remains debatable, I'd be happy to revist it in another decade or two and render my opinion on it then. Until then, however, #47 will remain a permanent part of my beauty regime, like it or not.

12 down, 88 to go!

Shakespeare on love...

I remember reading this sonnet from scribbles that were written on an old school desk when I was in high school. I was intrigued by the words and their meaning, and committed them to memory right then and there.

I finally had the perfect opportunity to dig the sonnet out of my mind and incorporate it into our wedding ceremony as a reading by one of our dear friends.

I love it and fall in love with it more, every time I revisit it.

Sonnet 116:Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O no! it is an ever-fixed mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come:
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved.
- William Shakespeare

#11 - Purge!

The past couple of days have found hubby & I buried in our 2 basement crawl spaces under piles upon piles of ... how should I put it?... CRAP! Useless, needless things that we've accumulated over the past 8 years and banished to our basement instead of where it really belonged, the trash. And I ask, why?!?! Why did it takes us so long to finally purge?

The answer is simple - procrastination and attachment. Why however, were we attached to pre-historic computers (we had 3!!!) and old college textbooks from 100 years ago!??!! I have no idea to be honest. I suppose that perhaps we felt that we'd "refer to the books again one day" or maybe that we'd "refurbish the PCs or salvage parts from them?" ... but we never did. And what was our excuse for hoarding the other boxes upon boxes of old magazines, artwork, school projects, trophies, clothes and other memorabilia? C'mon, you and I both know that it's easier to move boxes from one room to another (or in our case, the basement), versus spending an hour, or two, or three of your life thoroughly inspecting their contents to determine what stays and what goes... and that's where this kicks in:

Well, we finally got off the procrastination train, and reserving a very tiny degree of 'attachment', we ruthlessly started our purge party! Once we got going, it was relatively painless and quick. We took everything into our family room and created 3 piles: trash, keep, and sell or give-away. Things we decided to keep were neatly re-packed in stackable plastic storage totes and the rest was escorted to our garage to be either thrown out next garbage day or neatly piled away for a garage sale or kijiji.

Our basement has been purged of things that, instead of holding onto, should have been tossed to the curb years ago. But now that we have an orderly basement, we're going to be very scrupulous with what gets stored down there!

11 down - 89 to go!

#10 - Walk with nature

Last week, my husband & I spent some time up north visiting Dyer's Bay and Collingwood. Not having hiked in the fresh outdoors for over 2 months, I was itching for a walk amongst the trees, sunny blue skies and fresh fresh air.

Imagine yourself lying in a field of grass staring at the skies, seeing the clouds move past you (or the stars, if gazing by night), and simply watching time pass you by. Imagine opening your senses to the surroundings and feeling life with your eyes, ears, nose and body: lying there with your eyes closed as you sense the earth rotating on its axis; listening to the rustling of the trees in the gentle breeze and the birds chirping away; and inhaling the freshness of the tall grasses and trees around you. Imagine being embraced by nature, feeling the significance of your surroundings and appreciating life & beauty in the most basic and natural forms.

It's times like this, when I'm hiking through a forest or on an old dirt road, or through a farmer's field (like the one my husband snapped a shot of, inset here), that I'm reminded of the simple pleasures in life and how basic it really can be. When you're in nature's moment and breathing in fresh clean air, it's easy to forget, or tempoarily at least, leave behind the stresses of everyday life and become enamoured by natural surroundings.

Hop in your car one weekend, skip town and go for a hike up north or wherever the great outdoors may be for you. Notice how your shoulders relax and stress-levels subside as you leave behind the concrete jungle and head towards the open fields, tall tress and lakes. Powerful. Magical. Natural.

10 down, 90 to go!

#9 - Wear sunscreen!

After a sizzling hot summer-like long weekend, perhaps now more than ever - with the thinning ozone and increasing temps and UV indexes - no matter what your age, sunscreen is a MUST!

In my mid-30s the first signs of sun-damage started to appear on my face. A cute, what I thought was, 'freckle', appeared out of nowhere. Its diameter expanded and colour darkened as the years passed. This wasn't a freckle after all but rather, melasma. A few years ago the melasma started to appear on the highs of BOTH my cheekbones; and what at first seemed barely noticeable, soon turned into obvious and annoyingly distracting brown patches - wonderful reminders of how I was a careless worshipping sun-goddess in my youth. Of course, it could be worse.

Excessive exposure to UV rays is the main cause of skin cancer and while it is rare in individuals under the age of 40, the incidence of carcinomas increase with age. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Canada and an estimated 75,000 Canadians were diagnosed with skin cancer last year.

Sunscreen is something that should be part of ones daily ritual - just as brushing your teeth is, so should applying suncreen every day be. Kids and teens especially need to be taught about the hazards of sun exposure so that they protect themselves and minimize the possibility of developing skin cancer in later years. If you're not a regular user of sunscreen, then it's time to start.

Prevent skin cancer - this link gives pointers on how to minimize your risk.

9 down, 91 to go!

#8 - Cheat on your hairdresser

I've been seeing my hairstylist for the past 20 yrs. At one point in his notable career, Chazz was styling runway models in NYC, Paris, Milan; starring in his own television program doing makeovers (waaaay before makeovers of every variety were as mainstream on TV as they are today); launching his own cosmetic line; and employing over 25 stylists at his salon & spa. His hectic schedule meant that he was frequently out of town which often times, left me with no other alternative but to stray. However, I didn't stray too far as I was booking appts with stylists from his own shop, so it's not like I was really cheating. Thankfully, he's settled in Oakville now - he sold his shop to get out of the 'rat race' of the styling world so that he could slow things down and focus on his other budding career as a painter. Working out of his very own art gallery/salon, he's very accessible now - lucky for me!

When I was out of the country for 5 months, I dared not get my haircut anywhere or by anyone - I was saving my unmanageable mane that was growing increasingly longer by the minute for him. That all changed this past Friday when I met a friend of a friend who was flaunting MY next hairstyle! Next thing I new, I was getting the name & number of her stylist and flipping through my calendar for available dates!

Don't get me wrong - Chazz is the crème de la crème as far as stylists go (although I bet we all say that of our stylists, huh?) but really, he has NEVER disappointed. In fact, at one point in his career he was considering moving to NYC, so I threatened to kill him if he ever left Toronto. He never left, and I never would have killed him but I was utterly mortified at the prospect of having to find someone else who was as perfectly amazing at their craft as him. He knows precisely where to part my hair; that I like bangs long enough to tuck behind my ear; that when I say trim, he trims AND spends an hour doing so; and when I say 'let's go drastic change' (something I used to ceremoniously do each year for the company Christmas party), he has total carte blanche to do whatever he wants and I walk out of the salon in love with my new hair and him. He is perfection, beyond perfection and so now, here I am, admitting to you that I'm thinking of cheating on him... and I have absolutely no valid reason for needing to.

So when this friend of a friend, let's call her Pam for simplicity's sake, turned the corner and walked into my world, I fell in love with her hair and instantly needed to know who cut it! While I haven't booked my appt with her stylist yet, I plan on it. I'm in desperate need of a cut AND I want Pam's hair! I want it now! Of course, time will tell if her stylist is as 'amazing' as she claims. Will he know who this Pam person I'm referring to is? Will he actually remember the cut he gave her? Will mine turn out the same, better, or... worse? Time will tell indeed. But here's the thing, no matter what happens - good or bad - my hair WILL grow back and it will beckon for Chazz as it always does. I just have to make sure that the next time I see him, I'm prepared with a response to the 'I didn't cut this last, did I?' question he's bound to ask.

Just remember, that while you might consider cheating on your stylist, you will get caught. Whether or not they're comfortable or bold enough to ask, a truly talented stylist that treats each customer as his one and only, will know without a doubt that you strayed but a truly talented and professional one, will also be happy that you came back.

8 down, 92 to go!

#7 - Get romantic!

Hubby gets home from his 2-month hiking trip in Australia/NZ this Saturday and I can't think of a better reason to prepare a delicious home-cooked meal, enjoy it with a tasty red by candlelight and punctuate the evening with dessert! ;)

Too bad for me, honey will have been travelling for 30+ hours straight and will be severely sleep-deprived and jet-lagged. He's already requested that I prepare his pj's and comfy bed for his arrival home - I'm sure he'll be hitting the sack (alone) moments after he steps foot in the door.

So much for getting romantic... but then again, Sunday's a new day.

It's easy to get caught up in this, that and the other of everyday life, but love is like a flower that needs watering every so often in order to keep it fresh and alive. And getting romantic, however you see to it, is a great way to add fuel to the fire and keep the flame a'burnin'! ;)

7 down, 93 to go!

#6 - Get a bra that fits!

So you've just gotten dressed and the top that used to look good on you, just isn't sitting right... you toss it to the floor and scour the closet for something else; that too ends up looking odd and suddenly the thought of an after work shopping spree pops into your head BUT, instead of more clothes, ever thought that what you really might need is a new bra!?!?

Believe it or not, approximately 80-85% of women are wearing the wrong bra size according to stats I've come across. And while you might be quick to remedy the situation with a simple tightening of the straps (haven't we all tried this?!), at the end of the day, it's not enough to make your bra fit 'just right'. Chances are, you're simply wearing the wrong bra (be it size, style or both).

A properly fitted bra can make the world of difference in your appearance, how you feel about yourself and how you carry yourself. Throughout our lives, our bosoms will change in size and shape for a variety of reasons, so it's good practice to check measurements regularly (at least once a year, if not twice) to ensure you're buying something that lifts, separates and keeps them pups in their place!

Bear in mind that bra-sizing isn't an exact affair (getting professionally fitted is always a helpful option) but the trick is to know your measurement and use it as a base for when you are shopping around as different styles and different brands will not fit you the same. Below are links to a some great guides that provide step-by-step instructions for measuring and finding the perfectly fitted bra!

How to Measure Your Bra Size
Bra Fitting Guide: 7 steps to finding a bra that fits!
Bravissimo's guide to 'the perfect fit'!

6 down, 94 to go!

#5 - Help someone in need

Standing behind a elderly woman at a grocery check-out when I was in Florida recently, I picked up a gift card that had accidentally slipped out of her hands - hands that were trying to keep her steady on her walker as she attempted to remove contents from her wallet - and fallen to the floor. As I handed the card back to her, she turned to me and in a sweet but frail voice looked me right in the eyes and said,"Thank you so much. You'll know how much I appreciate this when you get to be my age." Her words sent shivers down my spine and the unexpected gratitude touched me deeply. I think what really hit me was that I knew she was right and I wondered how many times are we confronted with a similar situation but instead of bending out of our way to help, we 'turn a blind eye' away from someone else's struggles?

And so the other day, when I heard about the 79-yr-old man who was robbed and beaten by two 20-yr-old lowlife scumbags on a Toronto subway platform while people just stood by and watched, I shuddered at his helplessness. The woman's words from Florida shot through me like a lightening bolt and I almost cried at the thought of this poor defenseless man who would have appreciated a stranger's help but instead, none came!

There are many small ways that we can extend a helping hand which will make a big difference in someone else's life - and doing so has an incredible power to make you feel good. Whether it's helping someone in distress, volunteering at a local shelter, or something as simple as holding open a door, just remember the ole' lady's words and that sooner or later each of us will find ourselves in a situation where we can use a helping hand... and hopefully it won't be as dire as the 79-yr-old man's.

5 down, 95 to go!

#4 - Celebrate your parents

My dad turned 69 yesterday and what better a reason to celebrate him! I decided to treat dad, and give mom a break for a change, to a mouth-watering gourmet meal prepared by - you guessed it - moi! Last evening's menu consisted of Cheddar & Apple Stuffed Pork Roast & gravy, Mashed potatoes, Cubed Squash drenched in butter & maple syrup, Broccoli, and a tasty Baby Spinach Salad dressed with apples, avocado & almond slivers all drizzled in a freshly made tangy-sweet dressing. Mmmmmm....

Sorry no pics of the feast, I was too busy preparing and serving to think of snapping some shots! But I will offer a few handy dandy tips to those of you who may want to (and have never before) stuff a roast. Tip #1) Don't over stuff it! Tip #2) Don't tie the roast too tight! If you do either or both - as I did - you will find that your stuffing will ooze out and you will be left with a stuffless roast :( and stuffing as a side dish instead. All tasted good, but lessons learned for next time!

My aunt and uncle also joined us for dinner and upon their arrival we quickly uncorked some vino and made a few toasts! Prior to serving the main course, I served some warm Ricotta Gnudi - deliciously cheesy and sprinkled with parmesan cheese... to die for! And despite my over-stuffing and constricting of the roast, everyone devoured their meal in fine form. Dinner was followed by coffee and birthday cake... and everyone crashing on my sofas afterward!

Turning onto that 40-something road, I've come to truly appreciate how lucky I am to still have parents in my life. Each day we get to experience, is a gift... and so my point is to cherish time with loved ones while you can and however you can. Life is short as we all know - but that's what makes celebrating and spending time with those you care about most even more compelling.

4 down, 96 to go!


Here's dad, with Daisy the dog, waiting for mom to finish singing before making a wish and blowing out his candles!
Happy Birthday Dad!

What did you learn?

"So, what did you learn?"

Huh? I stared back at my friend as I was temporarily thrown-off by her question. I'd been back for over 6 weeks and no one had asked me this yet. "What do you mean, what did I learn? Didn't you follow our blog?, I puzzled, "I wrote about everything, well... almost everything..."

A flashback to the numerous places Dyl & I visited and people we met during our travels flooded my thoughts. What had I learned? That America's history is both captivating & controversial; that I would become enamored by Lincoln as I learned about this charming and intelligent man; that the places we visited deemed 'National Historic Treasures' are some of the most spectacular places I've been to in North America thus far; that as small as the world may seem - it's not! What, in addition to everything I'd seen and experienced, had I learned?? Perhaps that I dislike travelling in cold weather, resorting to frozen dinners, and that I can't stand public facilities?!?

"Yes of course I read your blog" my friend interrupted my thoughts, "but what did you learn from this trip? What did you get out of it?" What did I learn? What did I learn?! ... Oh, wait a minute... I see... I got it. And a glass (or two) of wine later, what I had "learned" was rolling off my tongue...

That time keeps going whether you're going with it, or not ...but that we certainly have the ability control (slow) the pace if we really want to choose to.

To live for the moment and to be IN the moment - enjoy the present and take care of tomorrow when it arrives.

To pause and absorb every detail - take in as much as possible as you never know when or if you will ever visit or be in the current situation again; no regrets!

That I could live with basic necessities (food, clothing & a roof over my head), and that I didn't 'need' my huge collection of shoes, closet-loads of clothes and other 'things' to enjoy the journey.

That yes, we can all get along - as proven by my living side-by-side, 24/7, for weeks on end in a shoebox with my husband! - all we have to do is choose to.

That the only way to fulfill a dream is to live it - to dream the dream is ok but to make it come true is far more rewarding, even if it means taking a risk in life.

"Ok, ok... I got it... sounds like you learned a lot " she interrupted again before I could fire off my next thought... yeah I suppose we sure did. And every moment from Maine, where we started our trip, to the furthest south we got to in the Florida Keys has become sewn into the cloth of our memories that will last a lifetime.

We only get one kick at the can, so best to make the most of it! That's what I learned! ;)

#3 - Network!

I've got myself a bit of catching up to do since not having posted in a coupla weeks.. so let's get to it, shall we?!

Having been out of the workforce for 7 months now, upon returning from the U.S., one of my many priorities was to reconnect with friends and to rebuild my network of former colleagues and business professionals with whom I've dealt with in the past.



Thank goodness for social network sites like Facebook but better, LinkedIn - a business-oriented networking site that allows you to maintain and build your network of business contacts and associates. Quick and easy sites where you can seek old friends or acquaintances, no matter where they might live or work, in a matter of seconds and where you can share/exchange business ideas or concerns with individuals of similar backgrounds but from different companies.

In a matter of weeks, I have tripled my network and reconnected with former colleagues and friends - some of whom I haven't seen or spoken to in years - and I'm not done! Occasionally while doing the odd task around the house - like today, I was sanding and re-staining a patio table and chairs - someone I used to deal with, popped into my head so I rushed into the house and over to the laptop to do a look-up on LinkedIn!

Many professional recruiters and companies now use LinkedIn (and Facebook and even Twitter) as a source for seeking out potential employees - so having an up-to-date profile, listing current & past experience as well as having an overall summary, etc., can certainly be worth your while.

Whether you use any of the social networking sites, or even basic email, there's no question that while building and maintaining your network of friends and associates takes time (and who has any to spare these days?!), the upside is that making that extra bit of effort will keep you connected to the bigger world out there... and you never know when you might need to tap into it or what it might have waiting for you!

So if you're not LinkedIn yet... chop! chop!

3 down, 96 to go!!

#2 - Reconnect with your friends

Many of us have spent the past number of years focusing on our careers or raising a family... or both. Occasionally thoughts of a friend you haven't seen in what seems like AGES pop into your head and you make a mental reminder to give them a call or send them an email, only to then be distracted by the everyday happenings of life that take up whatever little precious time you have left over... and so those intentions of reconnecting become afterthoughts that eventually die of suffocation in your brain's overstuffed 'to-do-someday' filing cabinet... and then the weeks pass, the months... and more months...

What was my excuse for those friends I hadn't seen in ages? Certainly being out of the country for 5 months didn't help, but what about the months preceding that? That I was tied up in wedding planning by night and work-o-holism by day?!? Or that I was perpetually stressed at the prospect of trying to find a smidgen of time to squeeze in certain other necessities of life like laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping... eating!.. sleeping!?!? Time was passing and there didn't seem to be any of it left-over for anything else... not even my friends.

Well that all changed when I returned from the U.S. and made a conscious effort to start reconnecting.

This past Thursday, I got together with a few friends in the busy hub of downtown Toronto. And in the 5 months that I was out of the country, I was utterly amazed at how all of their lives had changed somehow while I was away. My one girlfriend, who was hosting the evening in her beautiful new home (newsflash #1), got married (newsflash #2) in November shortly after moving into their new pad and now has a bun in the oven! (newsflash #3); another girlfriend bought and moved into a condo in December (newsflash #4) and is co-habituating (newsflash #5) with a rekindled flame (newsflash #6); another friend-couple came by with their precious baby girl who's a cute bundle of 3 months already (newsflash #7)! Wow! I started to wonder what else might be new with some of the other friends I hadn't seen or spoken to in a long time and had they been experiencing the same joi de vivre? Were any going through difficulties? Had any suffered personal set-backs of any kind? What else was I missing out on or unaware of???

While time is a precious commodity that needs to be handled, or juggled, with precision and care... it comes as fast as it goes. And like everything else that we have to 'schedule' and make time for in life, we need to find some of it for our valuable friends too. Don't underestimate the power of friendship. I always feel enriched after spending time with friends, and last Thursday was no exception. I went home glad that I kept my commitment and happy for having shared such a blast of an evening.

Helpful Tip:
Set a date far enough in advance, so that you can keep your schedule for that particular week relatively 'free' of other obligations. And while you may find that as the day or night of the event approaches, that familiar feeling of dread washes over you, don't bail! Go and spend time with your friends, you'll feel better for having done so after wards.

Celebrities Turning 40 in 2010!

Do you wanna feel old... or young depending upon what side of the 40-thing you're on?

In the land-of-Hollywood where no one seems to age and/or where some are in desperate denial of their age - take Madonna for instance who wishes her teenage daughter would dress more conservatively because at 50-something, she's the epitome of conservative! - they certainly try their best to look authentically 'natural'... but who am I to criticize? They are of the financial aptitude to afford having the perpetual fountain of youth at their fingertips, so why not? But I digress... While the celebs, turning 40 this year, have another decade (and them some) to catch up to these aging gods and goddesses, the "mid-life"train has arrived even for them. Have to admit, I was taken aback by some of the names that popped up on this list but then again, time certainly stops for no one (not me, you... or them...) nor does the biological clock - despite all the attempts to thwart the physical signs of aging - not even in the land of make-believe.

Turning 40 this year:
Actress: Heather Graham; Bday: Jan 29
Actress: Minnie Driver: Bday: Jan 31
Actress: Rachel Weisz; Bday: March 7
Actress/Singer: Queen Latifah; Bday: March 18 (this woman never ages!)
Actor: Vince Vaughan; Bday: March 28 (eyes are looking a lil' tired these days)
Model: Melania Knauss-Trump; Bday: April 26 (woah! double woah! what is up with her face?!?! her cheeks are blending into her eye sockets! scary weird looking!!)
Actress: Uma Thurman; Bday: April 29 (hmmm... might I suggest Blepharoplasty??)
Tennis Grand Slam Champ: Andre Agassi; Bday: April 29
Singer: Jordan Knight; Bday: May 17 (not sure if he considers himself a new 'kid' still???
Actress: Tina Fey; Bday: May 18 (for some reason, I thought she was a bit older... perhaps it's those glasses she always wears?)
Model & Assaulter: Naomi Campbell; Bday: May 22
Actor: Sean Hayes; Bday: June 26
Actor: Chris O'Donnell; Bday: June 26
Actor: Justin Chambers; Bday: July 11
Actor: Malcolm Jamal-Warner; Bday: August 18
Actor/Comedian: Jay Mohr; Bday August 23
Model: Claudia Schiffer; Bday: August 25
Singer: Deborah (aka 'Debbie') Gibson; Bday: August 31 (woah, she's kinda lookin' like Celine Dion... yikes!)
TV Host: Kelly Ripa; Bday: Oct 2 (I don't care how old she is, the woman needs to eat a burger!)
Actress: Josie Bissett; Bday: Oct 5
Actor: Matt Damon; Bday: Oct 8 (what, 40 already?!? when did that happen?!)
Actor: Kirk Cameron; Bday: Oct 12 (is it just me or do all child-actors look weird once they've 'grown up'???)
Actor: Ethan Hawke; Bday: Nov 6
Former Figure Skater: Tonya Harding; Bday: Nov 12
Actress: Jennifer Connelly; Bday: Dec 12
Model: Tyson Beckford; Bday: Dec 19 (this boy's still lookin' mighty hot!)

The turning point at which skin is irreparably losing its' elasticity, collagen and overall natural-youthful appearance has arrived... botox, fillers or laser skin-resurfacing anyone??

#1 - Get a facial peel

Yesterday I spoiled myself with a facial peel. It had been over 6 months since my last one and man, how I really missed it!

The first peel I ever had was when I was in my mid-20s and worked downtown. I remember sitting in my dermatologist's office waiting for a shot of cortisone for an underground subway zit that hurt like hell and noticed a poster whose caption (printed over a woman's dull looking face) read, "tired of looking tired? ask about our facial peels." And so I did. Dr Solish (one of the best cosmetic derm's in TO!) gave me an explanation about the product and procedure, and right after, I was booking an appointment. A week later, I was dropping 100 bucks and having my first ever glycolic acid peel! The procedure was quick (had it over lunch hour) and didn't hurt at all but rather, felt like a mild sunburn. Once the acid was neutralized with water, the tingling and mild burning sensation was gone. My skin no longer looked dull or gray, instead a healthy 'glow' emerged from my cheeks and my skin felt lighter... brighter. The next day I had some minor flaking but within a few days my skin was looking fresh and revitalized! From that day forward, I was hooked! Glycolic acid & I would become really good friends. I love the shedding of the skin (literally & figuratively speaking) and how over time, the peels have helped erase some of those dreaded wrinkles.

Peels are used to improve the texture, tone and appearance of ones skin. A chemical solution gets applied to the surface of the skin which causes it to slough off after a few days to a week, depending upon the type of chemical used. Afterward, the skin has a healthier glow and appears younger looking.

If you're 40'ish and have never had one - I highly recommend trying it. You won't be sorry for investing in your outward appearance and before you know it, you'll be hooked and working this into your regular skincare routine too! And guys, these treatments aren't just limited to us women, you can - and should - get them too!

There are all sorts of chemical peels with different levels of intensity out there, so if you've never had one best to start with something mild before cranking up the chemicals and ending up with a smoldering epidermis. A good Dr. will assess your skin in order to determine the best treatment, and if you are dark-skinned, he or she should take extra precautions in assessing appropriate treatment. Just make sure that whatever you do, consult a professional dermatologist before undergoing treatment anywhere.

1 down, 99 to go!