Equity First

Open Letters

It makes me so proud and humble to know that the job I do each day feels good for me, personally, but especially it warms my heart to know that I’m part of a profession that is prioritizing equity and inclusion.

Award Presentation, May 2015

I was so excited to hear that I’d been nominated and to receive the Inclusive Educator Award from OSSTF. It really is a sign that the things I’m passionate about are shared values in my line of work and that the support for equity continues to grow. I am inspired by my colleagues and students who are doing amazing things to promote and celebrate diversity. I’m just one of the many, many teachers, EAs, admin and support workers, helping to make inclusion and safe schools a reality for our kids. They motivate me and propel us towards the kind of culture where the intersectionality of the 7 Equity Lenses is inherently understood and taught as part of our basic education. The times, they are a changin’ and I feel lucky to be part of a generation that reaps the benefits of this progress, and helps to secure it for our future.

Thank you, OSSTF!

The 7 Equity Lenses – Halton District School Board.

Say Yes: Step 1 of Dress Shopping – Inspiration

Wedding

Before our wedding I found myself immersed in the “Say Yes To The Dress” frenzy of looking for the perfect one, while simultaneously being repelled by the astronomical price of these one-time-only frocks. As a fan of vintage and re-used clothing, of hand-me-downs from my mom and grandma, as well as the ‘look longingly with a sigh’ window shopping of online and magazine page-turning… I was at a loss for an answer to the big question: how can I find a dress that is personal, unique and beautiful, at a price that I can feel comfortable about (knowing that I’m on a self-imposed budget AND that I’m likely to spill something on myself… cause that’s just the kind of girl I am)? I culled inspiration from all sorts of places: Etsy, Pinterest, Bridal Magazines (given to me in stacks by previously married friends). I was definitely also interested in a second-hand gown from one of the many dress donation charities. But, where do you start?

I Pinned. Well, first I drew. I sketched my perfect dress. Then I started a folder of Pinterest images and tore out pictures from magazines until I had a really clear sense of what I was drawn to. Then I started to distill that down to what I liked AND could see myself in. What looks great in pictures doesn’t always mean that it’s a good fit for you, your body, your wedding venue, etc. I also had the added challenge of finding a dress that would coordinate with the UNSEEN dress my wife would be wearing.

Guiding words: romantic, whimsical, vintage, soft, comfortable to dance in. Like a vintage photograph or a bouquet of faded flowers. Key colours for our day: Blush, taupe, cream, gold and pewter.

Confident that our visions were aligned, and with my sister-in-law as the go between stylist, we set out. Ultimately, when I look back, the dress I got was strangely similar to my original sketch, even though I’d put it in the back of my mind once we started looking at actual dresses. From start to finish. Here is some of the inspiration and the final result.

I loved the idea of a low back and looser fit. Flowing fabric and a dance-floor-floor friendly cut.

Something vintage with a bit of glimmer and glitz. I loved this look, but worried (after years of dance competitions) that sequins are both hot and scratch delicate upper arms!

Something vintage-inspired with a bit of glimmer and glitz. I loved this look, but worried (after years of dance competitions) that sequins can be hot, and make the dress weigh a ton, but also have the potential to scratch delicate upper arms!

Sweet and simple. Eden // Rose Gold Sequinned, Backless Wedding Dress
$1,850.00 CAD – Truvelle

Romantic wedding dress with a floral belt and fluttery sleeve.
$413.12 CAD
Barzelai

Fall Brittany Wedding Dress Gown-Gorgeous A-line champange sweetheart floor length
$2,754.13 CAD
TingBridal. I absolutely love the colour and vintage feel of this dress. The soft hem and peplum, with the sweetheart neck seemed in keeping with our vintage theme.

Low-back Grecian draped by Whitesrose

Gorgeous detailing and intricate back: a little exotic, a little art-deco. Inspired Wedding dress reception dress flapper alternative backless dress. $749.87

This dress has a very theatrical flare that reminds me of ballet costumes… and actually resembles quite closely the dress I ended up purchasing. Strapless tulle and organza princess wedding dress. Lemandywedding.

Sweet Gatsby detailing and flattering cut. French Lace Cap Sleeve Empire Waist Sweetheart Neckline Wedding gown,Illusion Neckline, Layered Chiffon Skirt, The “Isabella” Gown by Schone
$2,724.09 CAD

I fell in love with the delicate, fragility and texture of this ecru coloured gown. The flattering detail at the bust and the irregular hem was so reminiscent of a ballet costume that I almost caved and ordered it online. Alice- Silk Chiffon Wedding Gown
$3,317.48 CAD
Leanimal

Full length.

Starting to notice a trend in fabric, cut and back detailing. Ruffled Silk Wedding Dress – Lori
$625.94 CAD
SaintIsabel

Very Duchess of Cambridge: This one has it all… flow, shape skimming cut and romantic details.

The bigger the skirt, the … harder to get through a crowd. This cupcake dress was, surprisingly, the furthest thing from what I thought I’d want, but when I started trying on dresses, I found that these dresses really produced the lash-fluttering effect I’d been hoping for. Maybe all that time in dance costumes had an impact after all!

Seeing some similarities emerging: off-white, soft skirts and layers, sweetheart necks, bare shoulder(s) and back, waist details… Custom Wedding Gown- Summer Sunshine-Alencon lace and tulle A-line floor length wedding dress-made to order: $2,253.38 CAD
TingBridal

Sometimes the photos I was drawn to were more about the mood: Romance and a story, told through the details. This pic has a timeless quality and softness that exudes intimacy, despite the wide-openness of the setting.

Proof in the pudding – the inspiration found its way into the final choice.

My tulle-skirted, one shoulder gown, in blush, with a paper bouquet and Granny’s vintage fur. Photography: Sweetheart Empire.

Soft? Check. Romantic? Check.

And the palette worked out perfectly, even with our bridal party, who all wore different variations of our colour scheme. Timeless, but so now. I love these photos as much a year later as I did on the day. But, I’m biased.

And the details came together beautifully, even though we hadn’t seen each other’s dress before hand. Photography: Sweetheart Empire.

Stay tuned for Step 2 and 3, as well as future Wedding Planning posts.

Anthropologie, Meet Ikea

Home Sweet

Worlds collide. Ikea, the design uber-store of efficiency, strategic space saving solutions and affordable home wares is hitting a home run with their new NIPPRIG collection – doing chic, boho furnishings with a global twist almost (?) better than Anthropologie, who has been on that train for years.

I can’t help but feel that the practical Swedes are doing a great service to those of us who want to add some flare to our space… by reflecting our obsession with travel and finds from abroad, and putting them smack dab in the middle of their well-organized showroom (or marketplace). At a fraction of the cost of Anthro, Ikea is on to something magical, especially because, as their site describes in their release of the new line it is,

“Designed and made as a collaboration between IKEA and local producers in Vietnam and Indonesia, NIPPRIG is all about using renewable materials like bamboo, rattan, seagrass, and water hyacinth, and working with their naturally durable qualities using traditional skills like handweaving. The result is a distinctive range of furnishings that showcase the warmth and beauty of natural materials combined with a unique look shaped and made by traditional craftsmanship.”

Sounds great to me. Let’s see ‘Who ~~Wore~~ Makes It Best’:

Ikea starts us off with a woven floor mat, which (at $29) is a steal even for a season, but hopefully with a mind to sustainability, this can be an indoor/outdoor piece that is simple and versatile.

Anthro’s Susila Rattan Ottoman
$198.00, is pretty and practical, but not significantly MORE so than the Ikea collaboration designs.

High-end end table from Anthropologie. Undeniably beautiful and unique. Agate End Table
$498.00

Great shapes and interesting textures. This furniture invites you to drape fabric, or yourself, into these curves and add a whole whack of greenery. Ikea (point). At $79. This table is pretty sweet.

Moving further from my price point: Anthro’s Looping Apasra Chair
$228.00. Graphic and cool, but also considerably more pricey.

Lounging with all the nonchalance of paint peeling walls and a vision of summer haze. $129 Pricier than I'd like, but with the handmade aspect, I'll pay for it!

Lounging with all the nonchalance of paint peeling walls and a vision of summer haze. $129, Ikea.
Pricier than I’d like, but with the handmade aspect, I’ll pay for it!

Styled to perfection. Who wouldn’t want to recline in a Susila Rattan Chair for
$998.00 (Anthro)

No doubt about these beauties. They are gorgeous and statement making. But not on a more modest budget. Harmattan Side Table
$348.00 – $498.00

At $198, this ANthro woven door mat isn’t something I’d wipe my feet on. But it sure is beautiful.

Saturated woven containers in bold hues. Ikea, $19.

Kelly Green… or whatever shade, looks like a slam dunk to me in this retro shape that alludes to its exotic origins. Ikea, $79

Anthro’s Pari Rattan Chair
$98.00. Why pay more?

The whole look: lush and lovely. I would take this for the more expensive version, then I’d pinch myself and be glad I’d saved $1000 to look so effortlessly cool in my own backyard. Good job, Ikea!

It is undeniable (as a high school students’ essay thesis) that the advantage lies with Anthropologie, when it comes to interest, originality and perfect detailing. Anthro is aspirational (for me), but poses as thrown together, effortless coolness – the kind of stuff you just happened to bring back from your travels to _____, _____ and ______ (no big deal). It’s luxury with a certain casual shabbiness and hand-made irregularity that makes it look like it is inherited glamour, not store bought. On the other hand, Ikea is hawking some pretty similar stuff – without the dreamy models in kaftans and ironically printed tea sets that make the whole things seem like it was taken out of a novel, or a scene from Eat, Pray, Love. Ikea is definitely doing this right, and imagine how many chairs you can pack into a cargo ship when you consider their design ethos of minimizing the footprint and saving on freight that comes with streamlined, stackable design. I’ll take some meatballs and a whole set of patio furniture. Anthropologie… I’ll see you in my dreams.

Check out Ikea’s whole line at: http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/categories/collections/30430/

Shop on a Dime

style

Well, maybe slightly more than a dime. Joe Fresh clothing has long been a staple of grocery store runs, for people who can’t imagine driving to a different place to get eggs and swimsuits. Joe is named for its designer, Mr. Mimran, of Club Monaco fame, and the spouse of Pink Tartan’s designer, Kimberley Newport-Mimran, which makes him one half of a power couple in Canadian fashion. Joe is always doing wearable versions of trends (and basics), cut for people with hips and thighs… and more modest salaries.

Here is my hit list of Summer/Spring items that (for less than $200 total) can work seamlessly into my current wardrobe to amp it up (with comfort as a key criteria).

Paint splattered Boyfriend jeans, for a girl with no boyfriend. Usually, this cut is difficult if you have ample booty and a small waist. You risk having a gap at the back big enough to hid a grapefruit. Not so, here. Plus, they have a bit of stretch. For $39… yes.

Next up Culottes. Long suffering butt of jokes about skirt-pants. This outmoded item is back and here's why: it's SO comfortable, has the cut of a trouser in the hips, pockets!, none of the thigh-rubbing of skirts and can be worn high with a crop top or something tucked in... or low and casual. I got these (now sold out) $29 babies in navy and moss green.

Next up, Culottes; the long suffering butt of jokes about skirt-pants. This outmoded item is back and here’s why: it’s SO comfortable, has the cut of a trouser in the hips, pockets!, none of the thigh-rubbing of skirts and can be worn high with a crop top or something tucked in… or low and casual. I got these (now sold out) $29 babies in navy and moss green. The fact that it’s sold OUT means I’m not alone in embracing this trend.

I wouldn't style them like this, but with a breezy printed top, Breton stripes, a nautical tank, tied sleeveless button-up. Yup.

I wouldn’t style them like this. But, with a breezy printed top, Breton stripes, a nautical tank, tied sleeveless button-up, these could be a wear 6 days in a row summer suitcase MUST that is lighter than jeans and more interesting than yoga pants. Yup. Extra cute with wedges, or heels, or flip flops… or sneakers.

This lace tee is the closest I could find to the daisy print, white tee with sheer and opaque patterning. Sold Out already - a clear marker of fast fashion.

This lace tee is the closest I could find to the daisy print, white tee with sheer and opaque patterning that I picked up (partly because I succumbed to the $16 price tag, and partly because it would be so cute layered over a black mini dress with a baseball cap, or in an all-white ensemble as a layer. Sold Out already – a clear marker of fast fashion.

Cutest retro bikini.

Lemon and orange print, bra top and high waisted bottom. This one is a winner.

It’s hard not to indulge when all these items (plus some sleep shorts) can be scooped up for less than what some (some meaning ‘not me’) people pay for a pair of jeans.

I took a break from Joe Fresh following the tragic (seriously) events involving the collapse of their overseas factory, which killed and injured workers; the company has really put time and effort into renewing their commitment to ensuring that their facilities worldwide adhere to Canada’s standards for standards for workers (health and safety), as well as human rights, and that keeps me feeling peaceful about supporting their company with my shopping dollar.

They seem to be back on the up and up. So, next time you need some ice cream, pick up a pair of jeans, and some culottes, too.

Shake Up Your Make Up

style

For the past few days I’ve been brushing up on my make-up skills, taking a cue from the bright young things on Youtube. Not for no good reason, and not without impact; at least seven people commented specifically on my eye makeup. Not that this should be a goal for getting ready or feeling happy with your life (in general). As the pictures illustrate, I toned it down quite a bit for work (and work lighting) and for face to face life with real people, most of whom are under the age of 18.

Thanks, Makeupandartfreak (the Youtuber who created this video) for your adorable delivery and a very easy to follow vid:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pA9DahAHgao

I have some pretty solid technique and know-how with my everyday makeup, but I was feeling like I hadn’t changed it up in a while. I can’t say that it didn’t make a difference. I had numerous comments on my eye makeup.

The closed lid (at midday), post morning classes. I like the staying power and might actually go to the effort of using a primer in real life (ie. more than once a month… or ever)

Open and definitely lifted. The tutorial specified that if you have lashes that create a turned-down look, this shape will work to open the eye up and help it to look lashier.

This photo, taken at my desk in fluorescent lighting, serves at least to prove that the effect is … significantly better and more ‘awake looking’ than my average sweep of bronze + mascara.

So, if you’re wondering

a) Should I try something new?

Yes, why not.

b) Can I pull it off?

Yes, the sheer number of tutorials out there makes it accessible and easy to find a look that will be fun (and foolproof). There are thousands of twelve-year-olds learning to make themselves up like Kim K (disconcerting), so as an adult, this is both appropriate and manageable.

c) Is it really worth the 13 minutes it takes to watch the video?

Probably not. But it’s fun and I was able to eat cereal while doing this.

What tutorials are inspiring you? And what looks are you wanting to try out?

For the video I tested for myself, watch MakeupAndArtFreak‘s “How to lift Droopy Eyes… etc.” And remember. It’s just makeup. It should be fun!

Lisa Ray, Fusia and… Me?

style

My wife recently attended the launch party of the newest issue of Fusia magazine, which stands for Female – Fusion – Asia. (www.fusia.ca) This Canadian magazine, pioneered by the innovative and talented Meera, is a fresh perspective on South Asian Women’s culture and fashion and it is produced right here in Toronto.

One of Fusia’s beautiful, glossy covers.

At the launch party of the most recent issue, the spectacular, gutsy actor Lisa Ray was in attendance and the crowd came together to celebrate both the magazine and Lisa Ray’s inspiring contributions to it. Amidst incredible performances by singers and messages from the magazine’s creative team, Lisa spoke about her battle with cancer and overcoming it – a story full of hope. She has long been a visible face of South Asian women’s style, and her choice to pursue inclusive, challenging roles, like the leads in I Can’t Think Straight and The World Unseen, makes her a role-model for those of us who have been yearning for more diverse representation of culture and sexuality in our media. Check out her interview on SheWired (http://www.shewired.com/box-office/lisa-ray-playing-it-gay-twice).

The magazine is exceedingly well put together and betrays none of its humble roots as a labour of love, produced as a passion project by a full-time working mom.

With all this said, imagine my surprise as I perused the issue, brought home by my wife, Allia, and found that our friends’ jewelery line was featured, and by extension, so was my face (bottom right).

YYZ Imports and yours truly. http://www.yyzimports.ca/

By her own report, Allia says the night was dazzling, sleek and intimate, filling The Berkeley with beautifully dressed, impeccably-styled women – exactly the kind of crowd to inspire and be inspired by Fusia Magazine.

Lisa Ray, on stage at The Berkeley

Opulent interior and pre-crowd venue.

Jess and Bern of YYZimports celebrate!

Dear Tretorn

Open Letters

I really liked my Tretorn Skerry winter rain boots. Until both of them cracked along the sole, without having put them through any strange or unusual use. Tretorn offered me $30 off my next pair, which I thought was better than nothing. So I ordered a pair of $60 boots on sale, then got my $30 off. BUT…

Then I paid $24.00 for international shipping to Canada…. Then I was notified that DHL (Tretorn’s shipping company) was holding my parcel until I paid $31.69 in duties. Now I’m left wondering how on earth a $30 pair of boots (to replace broken ones) is going to actually end up costing more than the original pair.

Each merchant/shipping company (Postal/DHL/Tretorn) refers me to the others to remedy this situation. None have been able to explain how a $30 pair of boots will now cost me three times the price of the boots themselves to actually obtain. A company that is experienced in international orders SHOULD be able to forewarn customers that they will be charged, essentially, triple the cost to ship and pay customs/duty on them.

The cost of getting these boots has sky-rocketed to an amount that exceeds the value of the item in the box.

Next time I get an inferior product, like these boots, I will forget them altogether, rather than deal with a company that doesn’t stand behind their product in the first place, or help their customers (with even a heads-up about the shipping issues) to get a replacement at less cost than (or even equal to) the original boot itself.

To avoid this kind of ludicrous over-charging, why not try offering a credit that can be redeemed at a retailer that sells your product, in an international location, rather than making an already disappointed customer incur these ridiculous costs to replace a product that didn’t stand up in the first place.

Handmade Market 2015

Art

Two weeks after wintery flurries, the temperature hit 31 degrees Celsius – just in time for a gorgeous weekend at 13th Street Winery for the 2015 Handmade Market. The outdoor Spring market had a sprawling maze of vendors, artisans and edibles that wove its way around the grounds of the winery, with a welcome breeze and live guitar and acoustic performances.

Delicious fries and sandwiches at one of the food trucks, Dobro Jesti.

Tide and Vine: Oysters

This is what happens when you ask my mum to take a photo. Wink wink, Mum!

Allia and me, deciding where to start.

Magnolia blossoms; everywhere.

Fruit trees and magnolias were in bloom. And the warm weather brought out diverse DIY lovers, both local and visiting, to enjoy some incredible summer scenes.

Enjoying the mood and music on the lawn of 13th Street.

Avella’s Pizza

The inside of the winery was also open for tastings.

TO DO: Park your car in between the rows of grape vines and stroll through the tents, perusing the hand-crafted clothing, soaps, decor, home items and quirky local designers. Or eat your way from one side of the market to the other starting with the handmade margherita pizzas, on to garlic and rosemary basted handcut fries, and finish with a cone of carrot cake ice cream. Seriously. I couldn’t eat it fast enough, and our chatty group was silenced – in a race to eat it before the sun melted this refreshing scoop of heaven.

Hometown Ice Cream.

Always a favourite, the talented Breanne Morrow’s White Feather Designs were on display. Though her designs can be found in some Toronto boutiques, her work is always a must-see in person. Admittedly, I’m partial to her jewelery, since it was Bre who hand-crafted our engagement rings.

White Feather Designs by Breanne Morrow: enamel coated brass necklaces with tassels (bottom right) and bracelets (center).

Earrings, necklaces and rings.

3D Cut geometric necklaces.

Necklaces in sterling silver.

Her line has continued to evolve over the years, and whether you find her on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/WFDJewellery or her online store http://wfdjewellery.com/, her labour-of-love jewels, her livelihood and passion, are both versatile and unique; every time I wear one it’s always a conversation starter.

A new favourite at the show was the work from the design duo at Studio 50 studio50.ca whose concrete, glass and steel designs were so striking and innovative. I can as easily picture these artsy, tough, yet beautiful pieces in my boho kitchen as on the counter in my brother’s sleek, modern Toronto condo. They are seriously some of the most original, cool pieces I have seen, and if money allows, I’ll be buying us some of our own next time we deserve a present (we being my wife and me).

Studio 50 knife blocks, and small round-bottomed science beakers that can be used to serve hot or cold liquids.

Sangria, salad dressing, sake, tea, scotch or … pretty much anything that would look cooler in a round bottom flask.

Knife blocks with skewers and ... some instructions to keep you on track.

Knife blocks with skewers and … some product notes to keep you on track.

Their entire line is all handmade and unique. I love the stratified concrete bases.

Not only were the designs beautiful, the artists were truly lovely and happy to chat about their process and passion. Located in Paris, Ontario, one of these beautiful items from Studio 50 is on my list of things I must get for myself one day soon.

The annual craft market is just one of the great ways to support local artists and get outside. Enjoy Spring and stay tuned for more warm-weather indulgence.

Sex Ed and Satire: A Lesson For All

Open Letters

I often feel as though I’m not allowed to say what I really think about the politics in my own province, given my role as an educator, and especially given my ‘gay agenda.’

So, sometimes when you find a source of fabulous online satire, you let others do the talking for you. The aptly named The Beaverton website has helped to raise some awareness, with a bite. Check out their recent article,

Ontario schoolchildren: “Our parents aren’t mature enough for us to learn about sex”

TORONTO – Elementary school students across Ontario have begun to protest the province’s updated health and physical education curriculum, expressing concern that their parents aren’t “mentally developed enough” for them to learn about sex.

“The new sex ed program is way too much for mom and dad,” said Dana, age 12. “As soon as it was announced they started to whine and complain and throw fits. Daddy even locked himself in his room and started blasting Deep Purple when I tried to ask him about it. I really don’t think they are ready for me to learn about sex let alone LGBTQ issues.”

The revised syllabus, the first such change in Ontario’s curriculum in 17 years, includes discussions of sexual orientation, gender identity, and sexting, concepts which many fear parents aren’t emotionally prepared for their children to be taught. This sentiment has been vocally expressed in demonstrations around Queen’s Park, where thousands of children have gathered with banners such as, “Let parents be parents!”, “Don’t damage our parents!” and “My parent, my choice.”

“Do you honestly think that a man who paints his entire body blue every time he goes to a Jay’s game has the maturity for his children to learn about masturbation?” asked a picketer, Jeremy, referring to his father. “I don’t think so.”

Ontario’s children are lobbying the government to get sex ed postponed until it is absolutely necessary. If it happens too early, they reason, their parents may be made uncomfortable.

“Honestly, I don’t like the idea of William knowing that I’m learning about penises and vaginas. He’s only 43, after all,” explained Michael, age 7. “We should wait until he can fully understand it. Ideally, after I’ve contracted an STI or accidentally gotten a girl pregnant.”

In light of these issues, the Ontario government is considering removing sex ed all together, hoping instead that schoolchildren accidentally walk in on their parents.

Last modified on Thursday, 07 May 2015 23:26

http://www.thebeaverton.com/national/item/1848-ontario-schoolchildren-our-parents-aren-t-mature-enough-for-us-to-learn-about-sex

Sex Education: Proactive Ed for A Healthier, Happier Society

Open Letters

I never send out ‘Like’ requests, but this is something I feel passionate about. Ontario’s government wants to update their antiquated Health and Sex Ed Curriculum. This is a VERY good thing. However, many parents are protesting, due to religious views, concern for age appropriateness, or general discomfort with schools teaching their kids about things like ‘gasp!’ CONSENT, DIVERSE IDENTITIES AND SEXUALITY, SAFER SEX PRACTICES, and GENDER IDENTITY. If you live in a country where diversity is protected, that means you don’t get to erase us, marginalize us and pretend we don’t exist when you teach children about their bodies and their relationships. Your child is who they are and pretending people like me don’t exist won’t ‘protect’ or ‘prevent’ your child from becoming a queer person, a gay person, a trans person. We already ARE these people. Discussing a variety of identities builds respect. The only thing these conversations change is how people are treated and what kind of future kids have. Including informed, balanced education on these topics will prevent generations of children from facing voicelessness, ignorance, discrimination and the gross, misinformed views that have hurt, not helped, diverse people. We should strive to create a society where no child is afraid to tell the people they love who they are, and where (more generally) sexual violence, abuse and pressure to conform, which create dangerous situations for young people, are replaced by support, confidence, informed choices and respect between consenting individuals. If you can’t get behind a less homophobic, transphobic society, at least (I would assume) you are in support of a less rape-y one. This is crucial in a world where violence, assault, exploitation and pressures of all kinds exist for people of all ages. Pretending sex doesn’t exist in our world creates easy targets with few support systems. Talking about sexuality, consent and identity can help to raise critical thinkers who make choices that positively impact youth, their relationships and, ultimately, their communities.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/People-for-Ontarios-Sex-Ed-Curriculum/108307772833627?notif_t=fbpage_fan_invite

StyleSaVie

Life lived beautifully.

Equity First

Say Yes: Step 1 of Dress Shopping – Inspiration

Anthropologie, Meet Ikea

Shop on a Dime

Shake Up Your Make Up

Lisa Ray, Fusia and… Me?

Dear Tretorn

Handmade Market 2015

Sex Ed and Satire: A Lesson For All

Ontario schoolchildren: “Our parents aren’t mature enough for us to learn about sex”

Sex Education: Proactive Ed for A Healthier, Happier Society