Ever have difficulty helping your children understand their homework? Do your children ever try to convince you that it's easier to study with the TV or music blaring? Or with friends over? Well ... they may be right! It all depends on their learning style. You likely already know something about learning styles--the idea that people learn in different ways, and that we all have preferences as to how we learn best. But most discussions focus solely on whether a person is an auditory learner (likes to hear things), visual learner (likes pictures or diagrams) or a kinesthetic learner (needs... More »

Three weeks into January.  Still a ton of winter to go.  If you're already weary of your winter wear, check out the season's sales for some pieces to add versatility and vavoom to your cold weather closet. Some of the best buys around include: Sassy sweaters - you know you'll be in sweater territory for a few more weeks.  Add to your current collection with a cheerful colour. This sweater dress is from Banana Republic - layer with slim turtle necks on the coldest days. Perfect as is, when Spring kicks in. Awesome outerwear - look for a great deals on a... More »

If one of your resolutions is to clean out your closet, but like most resolutions, it's hard to get started, then perhaps this idea might inspire you. Step One Identify a not-for-profit organization to receive your closet donations. My choice in Toronto is Dress Your Best, which helps new and underprivileged Canadians find attire for starting out in the workplace. But, perhaps your choice is a women's shelter or Goodwill or other organization that you connect with. Identify their needs and collection/delivery process. Step Two Challenge your friends and colleagues to clean up their closets too!  Ask them to bring their ready to wear... More »

Yay! December 1st.  A little snow this morning, an advent calendar, festive music on the radio. The Holidays are here, and if you're heading out for a cocktail party or formal gathering you need a delicious dress.  There are so few invitations these days that call for a fancy frock, that when the occasion arises, you want to look and feel your best. So, get inspired with these awesome options... 1. Lovely lace: layers of lace re-occur every few years, and you can't go wrong with this classic design from Suzy Shier:   2. Pretty in pink: fuschia flourishes this season. ... More »

Hooray!  Party season is about to begin.  And, I don't mean sportball/princess/sticky/loot bag parties.  Real grown-up parties, where no one cries (hopefully) and you can complete a conversation!! Time to book a sitter and dress up a little.  Here's a selection of party pieces that will turn your closet classics into luminous holiday looks.  1. Playful pumps - add interest to basic black or dress up jeans with some hot heels.  The stores are full of playful, powerful pumps, and you don't need to break the bank to get some. Get flirty feet with ruffles, shiny sateen or animal accents. These... More »

The most frequently asked question we get is "How do I organize all my paperwork?".  The answer is create a system and then stick to it.  Sounds easier than it is - we know!  Here are our four simple steps to help you tame the paper monster. 1.  Create a system Try to write down all the things you do with paperwork on a regular basis.  For example, you probably create a pile of paperwork to be actioned.  Then you flip through the pile when it gets big and spend a few hours actioning the items, probably discovering along the way that... More »

This season we're seeing lots of new shapes and textures in everything from footwear to outerwear. It's quite a change, and if you're not sure how these items will integrate into your winter wardrobe, read on. First, the high-heeled bootie.  Don't be intimidated, these babies are quite versatile and will bring everything from pants, jeans and slim skirts (with matching tights) bang up to date. Many designs have a platform sole, which balances out the height of the heel, and are surprisingly comfortable. Great for the office or an evening out. Some designs come just above the ankle and can look "buckety"... More »

Do any of your children suffer from learned helplessness? Do they seem to give up or quit as soon as a task gets difficult? Do they ever refuse to try activities, or get labeled as lazy or unmotivated? Are mistakes or failures usually blamed on other people or conditions? Well, the good news is that all learned behaviour can be unlearned. Here are three keys you can use to help your friends or family members overcome learned helplessness: (1) Understand the nature of the condition Learned helplessness is a form of conditioned response--when someone comes to expect an outcome regardless... More »

It all too much!  And, I don't just mean the homework and hockey, the scheduling and schooling, the mayhem and meals.  No.  I mean the ruffles and ruchng, the fringing and frills, the leggings and layers, the pattens and pleats AND the additional accessories.  Fashion has turned into a fantasy world for busy folks like us moms. Who has the time to plan and put on all those pieces? Case in point this layered look from Esprit.   And, this over-augmentation of office attire from Suzy Shier:    Designers and stylists, please tone it down.  I'm not advocating a return to the boring 90s trend of... More »

A colleague of mine was diagnosed with brain cancer today and when I asked whether he had a critical illness policy, he said "NO! Can you believe after all these years of telling clients how important this insurance is, that I did not stop to put my own policy in place." And then he called himself a name I won't repeat. The point of this blog is to remind you all of what this type of insurance is and why it makes a lot of sense for certain individuals to have it. Critical Illness is an insurance plan that... More »