Thursday, March 29, 2012

New survey wants to detox our cleaning products

New survey wants to detox our cleaning products

Results will help push for better labelling

OTTAWA –The David Suzuki Foundation wants Canadians to reveal the skeletons in their cleaning closet through a new online survey launching today. The questionnaire can be found at www.davidsuzuki.org/whatsinside.

The national survey will help the Foundation find out more about the home-cleaning products used by Canadians and the information available – and missing – from product labels.

"The results will help us push for safer products and better labelling of ingredients found in home-cleaning products,” says Lisa Gue, environmental health policy analyst with the David Suzuki Foundation. “We clean to keep our homes safe and healthy, but some of the ingredients in these products are a threat to our health and the environment.'
Currently, there are no requirements for manufacturers to disclose all ingredients or warn consumers about chronic health and environmental hazards associated with their products. Some of the chemical ingredients used in cleaning products are associated with cancer, reproductive problems, asthma and other respiratory effects, and allergies. When cleaning products are flushed down the drain, they can also affect aquatic ecosystems.

“The good news is that we don’t need to choose between healthy and clean,” says Lindsay Coulter, the David Suzuki Foundation’s Queen of Green. “There are simpler, cheaper ways to clean that are healthier for us and the environment.”


Starting April 10, the Foundation will also be running a month-long Spring Break-Up challenge that will educate and empower Canadians to make better choices about the chemicals they use in their homes and around their children. By participating in and sharing this campaign, there will be opportunities to save money and win prizes from Whole Foods and other green retailers, and have a lot of fun along the way.

For more information, visit www.springbreakup.ca.

This survey follows the success of the 2008 What’s Inside? That Counts survey and report that examines toxic ingredients in personal-care products. More than 6,000 Canadians filled out the questionnaire that has helped the Foundation advocate for safer cosmetics.

Take the survey today! Visit: www.davidsuzuki.org/whatsinside

For more information, contact:

Lisa Gue, Environmental Health Policy Analyst t, 613-594-5428

Lindsay Coulter, Queen of Green, 604-732-4228 ext. 1264
Melanie Lefebvre, Communications Assistant, 613-594-5845

Cleaning should be about maintaining a healthy home. Yet some common household cleaning products contain chemicals that can harm human health and the environment.

Acute and chronic effects of cleaners:


In Canada, there is currently no regulatory requirement for manufacturers to disclose all ingredients in cleaning products in a consistent format. The only labeling requirement is for warnings about acute health hazards (e.g., “poison”, “corrosive,” “irritant”) associated with a single or short-term exposure to a particular ingredient or ingredients, or product packaging.
There is no parallel requirement for manufacturers to warn consumers about the health and environmental hazards associated with chronic, or long-term exposure to chemical ingredients in household cleaning products. Yet most of us are exposed to cleaning products and their residues at low levels on a daily basis. Some chemicals used as ingredients in cleaning products are associated with cancer, reproductive problems, asthma and other respiratory effects, and allergies. When cleaning products are flushed down the drain, they can also impact aquatic ecosystems.
Survey:

Today the David Suzuki Foundation is launching an open, online survey to find out more about the home cleaning products used by Canadians and the information available – and missing – from product labels. The information gathered through the survey will help us press for safer products and better labelling of ingredients.
For information about hazards in household cleaners, tips for green cleaning and a link to the survey, please visit: www.davidsuzuki.org/whatsinside.
The survey will be open until the end of May. The David Suzuki Foundation plans to release the results of the survey in September 2012.
Previously, the David Suzuki Foundation’s What’s Inside? Campaign investigated toxic ingredients in cosmetics. More than 6,200 Canadians participated, entering information about chemicals listed as ingredients in some 12,500 products. Participants identified at least one of the “dirty dozen” ingredients highlighted in the survey in four out of five products. The results of this earlier survey are summarized in our 2010 report, available at: www.davidsuzuk.org/publications.

Spring Break-up challenge:
Starting April 10, the Queen of Green will issue four weekly challenges to help consumers examine their relationship with their household cleaners. The Spring Break-up will ask people to confront the reasons why they stay loyal to cleaning brands even though those relationships may be unhealthy. Participants will gain tips and tricks for greener cleaning options, have multiple opportunities to win prizes, and engage with other consumers throughout the month.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Introducing New Dove® ClearTone™

Women know that shaving has a dark side. In fact, nearly half of Canadian women (47%)
who suffer from underarm discomfort say their skin tone is a different colour from the rest
of their skin.* Dove® ClearTone™ anti-perspirant has an effective solution.
Dove® ClearTone™ is the first and only anti-perspirant in Canada specifically created
to help reduce underarm discolouration caused by dry skin from shaving. This formula
helps to moisturize underarm skin while continuing to provide the benefits women can
expect from Dove® anti-perspirant.

* Based on a TNS survey base of 565 Canadian women

9 out of 10 women claimed to have reduced skin discolouration in just two weeks, when using Dove® ClearTone™ anti-perspirant regularly**


New Dove® ClearTone™ anti-perspirant is specially formulated with a combination
of Calendula and Sunflower Seed extracts along with the added benefit of Dove®
1⁄4 moisturizers. Working together, these moisture-rich ingredients help to tone the
top layer of skin damaged by shaving – keeping skin looking healthy and helping to
prevent against underarm discolouration.


** Based on a survey of 200 US women who expressed a preference vs. Basic deodorant roll-on without moisturizers

Beauty benefits for your underarm skin

􀁳 Proven to reduce underarm skin discolouration caused by dry skin from shaving

􀁳 Offers visible results after 2 weeks of regular use**

􀁳 Delivers 24 hour odour and wetness protection

􀁳 Provides care for delicate underarm skin with Dove 1/4 moisturizers

** Based on a survey of 200 US women who expressed a preference vs. Basic deodorant roll-on without moisturizers.

When underarm skin is shaved it can lose up to 50% more moisture, leading to dryness and
skin discolouration

Higher than normal levels of melanin in skin can be stimulated by underarm shaving and
lead to discolouration

Underarm shaving can compromise the top layer of skin – a moisture barrier – which can
stimulate redness and lead to discolouration

Available in two fragrances

Skin Renew: A light scent that combines feminine floral notes of violet, lilac and rose with a touch of vanilla musk Sheer Touch: A fresh citrus scent combined with hints of almond and coconut milk. Pricing & Availability: Dove® ClearTone™ anti-perspirant is available across Canada in food, drug and mass retailers March 2012 at a 45g/suggested retail price of $3.99 -$4.99.

For more information on Dove® ClearTone™ visit:

http://www.dove.ca/
 or
www.facebook.com/dove


Or contact:
Stephanie Barber, Harbinger
416-960-5100 x251
sbarber@harbingerideas.com

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Monday, March 26, 2012

The Laughing Cow® Introduces New Smooth Sensations™ Cream Cheese Spread

The Laughing Cow®, one of the nation's leading brands of portion-controlled snack cheeses, announces the launch of Smooth Sensations™ Cream Cheese Spread. The new product line joins The Laughing Cow®'s portfolio of individually wrapped cheeses that include The Laughing Cow® Cheese Wedges and Mini Babybel® Cheeses, both favored snacks among health- and weight-conscious consumers with a passion for great-tasting cheese.




"We are thrilled to introduce The Laughing Cow® Smooth Sensations™ Cream Cheese Spread and are excited to provide consumers with a delectably rich, portion-controlled alternative to traditional cream cheese for a better breakfast experience," said Dan Waters, Marketing Director at Bel Brands USA, parent company to The Laughing Cow®'s brands. "Our team is dedicated to bringing consumers delicious cheeses they can feel good about eating, and with the introduction of this new product we now have offerings that meet their needs at any time of the day."

Currently rolling out in stores nationwide, The Laughing Cow® Smooth Sensations™ Cream Cheese Spread is available in five deliciously creamy varieties: Classic Cream 1/3 Less Fat, Strawberries & Cream 1/3 Less Fat, Garden Vegetable 1/3 Less Fat, Cinnamon Cream 1/3 Less Fat, and Classic Cream. All flavors are packaged in a format consumers know well - individually portioned wedges. The four varieties with one-third less fat than regular cream cheese contain 45 calories per gold foil-wrapped wedge, while the Classic Cream flavor contains 55 calories per wedge. With the array of flavors available, the pairing combinations with Smooth Sensations™ Cream Cheese Spread are endless – from a morning bagel or toast to a whole wheat waffle with fresh fruit.

About The Laughing Cow®: The Laughing Cow® brands, which include The Laughing Cow® Cheese Wedges, Mini Babybel® Cheeses and Smooth Sensations™ Cream Cheese Spread, are the most popular brands owned by Bel Brands USA Inc, a subsidiary of Fromageries Bel, a family-owned cheese maker headquartered in Paris, France. The Laughing Cow® Cheese Wedges, Mini Babybel® Cheeses and Smooth Sensations™ Cream Cheese Spread are individually wrapped and portion-controlled snacks. Their great taste and unique pull tabs create a one-of-a-kind snacking experience every time a piece is unwrapped.


Fromageries Bel produces more than thirty local and international cheese brands that are sold in more than 120 countries around the globe. In addition to The Laughing Cow®, other USA favorites include popular cheese spreads marketed under Boursin®, Kaukauna® and WisPride® labels.

For more information, visit http://www.thelaughingcow.com/

Friday, March 23, 2012

Replenish Volume. Restore Collagen. Refresh You.


Treatment with RADIESSE® is quick, comfortable and convenient, with immediately visible, long-lasting results. Experience what millions worldwide have and begin your journey towards a naturally, more refreshed you today.




RADIESSE® Manufactured by Merz Aesthetics, Inc.
The Merz Aesthetics logo is a trademark of Merz Pharma GmbH & Co. KGaA.
RADIESSE® is a registered trademark of Merz Aesthetics, Inc

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Your Essential Holistic Guide to Getting Gorgeous

CoffeeBerry® Perfecting Minerals Foundation is highly commended in the Foundation Category in UK's Natural Health Magazine's Beauty Awards 2012!

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Tips for reducing tax season stress

Embrace Tax Season by Doing it Yourself



Have you filed your taxes yet? April 30th may seem far away, but it’ll be here before you know it. And while your initial reaction might be to stress over what you need to do next to file on time, there’s no better way to take control than by doing it yourself and filing using tax software.

To that end, here are a few tips to keep in mind when you’re filing to help you meet the deadline:

Don’t miss available tax credits: There are hundreds of tax credits offered to Canadians every year. The reality is, few people in Canada know about every possible deduction. And why would you? Thankfully, tax software, like Intuit’s TurboTax, takes the guesswork out by helping you identify tax credits available to you, and, of course, does all the work for you.

With that in mind, here are a few that you should be aware of that can still make a big difference come refund time:

• Remember the Children’s Fitness Credit that was introduced back in 2007? Well this year the government has introduced the Children’s Arts Tax Credit. This allows parents to claim up to $500 in eligible fees for qualifying arts programs, including children attending fine arts, music, and performing arts classes, as well as outdoor wilderness training or foreign language lessons.

• Another new credit available this year is the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit, worth $450. And since there are over 85,000 volunteer firefighters in Canada, there are many that can take advantage!

• Home ownership is a big step. Since 2009, the First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit offers a rebate of up to $750 to anyone who has bought their first home.

• The GST/HST New Housing Rebate helps offset the federal taxes paid on the purchase of a newly constructed or significantly renovated home valued at less than $450,000. Ontario and B.C. residents can take advantage of provincial credits to help with the HST they’ll pay.

Use the right tool for the job - tax software: Tax software is designed to help Canadians file taxes quickly and easily. Most offer step-by-step guidance, and some, like TurboTax, guarantee 100 per cent accuracy and offer free expert help if you have questions about your tax situation, so you can “phone a friend,” who happens to be a tax expert, if you have questions.

Plan ahead: It’s time to admit that your last-minute approach isn’t working. Tax planning should be a year-round personal finance strategy. Be it an accordion file or a digital spreadsheet, file receipts and documents throughout the year for easy access when taxes are due. Finally, inject some strategy into your spending: sign the kids up for summer activities that qualify for the children’s fitness tax credit and donate extra cash to CRA-accredited charities. Or open a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) to save up to $5,000 a year with no tax deductions. Careful planning will pay off at tax time.

For more information, visit http://www.turbotax.intuit.ca/


By Richard McCann, Tax Specialist, Intuit Canada

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

New Scents from Lush

The Gorilla Perfumers--father and son team Mark and Simon Constantine-- have introduced nine new fragrances. The scents come in a range of sizes and range (10 ml, 30 ml and solid) and sport black packaging with high energy white writing. One scent, Cocktail, is “a beautiful dress-up fragrance; a final gesture in the ritual of preparing to go out for a special evening. Just spray a cloud of Cocktail into the air and walk into it,” explains Mark Constantine.

This fragrance has ylang ylang followed by notes of jasmine, rose, orange blossom, oakmoss and sandalwood. In addition, several 15 ml fragrances that were originally created as limited edition scents for our Gorilla Perfume Gallery in New York City last September are available online at lush.com.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Canadian Tire helping rebuild High Park playground

Posted By: Newstalk 1010 · 3/18/2012 3:42:00 PM


The High Park playground destroyed in a fire believed to be arson will be rebuilt with help from Canadian Tire. The company has offered up to $50,000 to fund the project.

Newstalk 1010 delivered the good news to ward 13 city counillor Sarah Doucette.

"Oh my god you're kidding...ohh wow ok I'm happy," said Doucette.

The playground was built using white pine which has been cited as the reason the fire didn't cause more damage than it did. Doucette says they will try and use the same wood.
In a press release Canadian Tire states that they will "work with the City of Toronto and area volunteers to host a community event in High Park."

That will be an opportunity for community members and volunteers to get involved in the project and help out.

Doucette has a message for Canadian Tire, "big hug, thank you so much, you definitely put a smile on my face this weekend, it's been a rough weekend."

To find out how you can make a donation, you can contact Doucette's office at (416)392-4072.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Payless Brightens Up Spring with Tangerine, Coral, Teal and Neons

TANGERINE, CORAL, TEAL, FUCHSIA, NEONS – COLOUR IN ACCESSORIES IS EASY, AFFORDABLE WAY TO BRIGHTEN SPRING WARDROBES




Shoe and Accessory Fashions Include Bold Colours, Wedges, Peep-Toe Booties, Plaid Canvas Boat Shoes, Stripes and Animal Prints and Bows, Knots and Flower Embellishments, Among Others

Thursday, March 15, 2012

KNC introduces Crowder Flat Track - Architecture and Design Collection

KNC has just launched their new flat track which compliments their Architecture and Design Collection which is available across Canada--


Burlington, ON, Canada – -- KN Crowder manufacturing releases their new flat sliding door track, called Crowder Flat Track (CFT), reaching out to customers who are looking for more of a designer look. The CFT features; traditional Crowder Track technology but with exposed concave wheels on a flat bar track. The CFT and CRT (Crowder Round Track) is part of KNC’s new collection called the Architecture and Design Collection. The track delivers on KNC’s 60 years of expertise in sliding door hardware offering; smooth movement, maximum load capacity, noiseless capability, and easy installation.


“Just over a year ago we released our Crowder Round Track, CRT , and our customers loved it. Our team spent the last year developing this new flat track which complements our CRT and expands on our Architecture and Design Collection at KNC”, says Jeremy Crowder VP. “As space becomes more of a premium and some clients want the more hi-end look, KNC’s Architecture and Design Collection becomes increasingly important”.



The CFT holds up to 600 pounds and delivers on the KNC promise to have a track and hardware system which is silent and “smooth as flight”, the KNC motto. The precision ground ball bearings and the plated steel track delivers this promise. The CFT series differs from traditional Crowder Track mainly in looks but the plated steel composition allows a greater load capacity for specific applications.
Crowder Track offers quality engineered, durable and time-tested sliding door hardware. Crowder Track offers alternative sliding solutions to many space saving and other sliding dilemmas.

“If you have a something you must slide Crowder Track has the answer. Crowder Track currently slides doors, artwork, shutters, cabinets, tools, displays, writing boards and even people! We are constantly designing and engineering new and creative ways to slide anything – no longer are we limited to just doors,” says President Peter Crowder. “You come up with the sliding problems and Crowder Track comes up with the answer”.


Traditional Crowder Track continues to evolve offering many features such as: curved track, heavy duty track (holds up to 1000 pounds), Crowder Round Track and the NEW CFT. Originally, a useful alternative to conventional closet doors, Crowder Track now solves all sorts of design problems as space becomes a premium and designers and Architects continue to create new and fresh ideas. A conventional door requires nine square feet of space, a Crowder sliding door takes up no additional space. Crowder Track is not only limited to doors as other applications such as sliding display boards and other storage solutions – KNC has the solution for your architectural and design project.



About KNCrowder
KNCrowder specialises in manufacturing; Sliding Door Hardware, Weatherstrip, Thresholds, Stair Nosing, Automatic Door Bottoms, Foot Grilles, Floor Mats and Louvers. The family owned and operated Canadian company has been in business for over 60 years creating top of the line products that are safe for the family, user friendly, and beautifully designed. KNC builds its products to last, whether it is the long Canadian winters or the salty southern air, the aluminum extrusions live up to their legacy across the globe. The Canadian based company has representatives in North America, Europe, the Caribbean, the Middle East and Mexico.

http://www.kncrowder.com/

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

100% Raw African Shea Butter Black Soap

African Shea butter soap results from a centuries old extraction process that blends shea butter and water into dried cocoa pods and plant ashes that produces one of the finest cleansers for skin and hair. All natural raw shea butter black soap.



This superb soap cleans the pores, moisturizes, relieves pimples and blemishes and prevents itchy, dry, scaly skin. It can be used as a facial treatment, in the bath and as a shampoo. It leaves the entire body fresh and clean! Absolutely no chemicals, scents or preservatives. Imported from Ghana. 4ozs.
Ingredients: Roasted Cocoa Pods, Plantain Skin, Palm Oil, Shea Butter, Water

Monday, March 12, 2012

Yahoo! reveals the spring fashion items Canadians want

With a milder winter than most people can remember, Canadians can’t wait to get their spring items out of the closet. Trendy trench coats, cute boots and lighter sweaters are just around the corner.


The fashion experts at Yahoo! Canada have been asking Canadians what they can’t wait to put on this spring.

Yahoo! Canada asked Canadians the following question, and you might be surprised by the results: What are the spring fashion items you most want to get?*

- A trench coat (2,214 votes- 18%)

- A floral dress (2,368 votes- 19%)

- A bright shirt and/or skirt (1532 votes- 12%)

- Fun rain boots (1098 votes- 9%)

- New high heels (1116 votes- 9%)

- A cute bag (1864 votes- 15%)

- Hot sunglasses (2406 votes- 19%)

Posted by:

Irene Seiberling

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Beauty in Many Shades of Color |

Women of color come in beautiful shades and tones, and we get a lot of questions about skin care that’s specific for women with darker skin. So today we want to share a few beauty tips specially for those with a naturally darker skin tone.


•Face the facts of acne. Darker skin is especially susceptible to dark spots and discolorations because of the higher amount of melanin in the skin. Especially in women who have acne, blemishes and scarring may be more prominent. Acne causes post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a fancy word to describe a darkened spot on your skin after a cut, scratch, or acne blemish. So it is especially important to avoid picking, squeezing, or otherwise irritating acne blemishes.

•Even out dark spots or hyperpigmentation. According to a 2011 survey of more than 1,000 women with skin of color, dark spots, uneven skin tone, or hyperpigmentation was a prominent concern. Products that contain hydroquinone can help diminish dark spots and even out your skin tone.

•Wear sunscreen. The myth that skin cancer only affects light-skinned people is FALSE. A woman with dark skin does have more melanin in her skin for natural protection, but that extra melanin doesn’t protect against the UV damage that accelerates aging or causes cancer. If you have dark skin, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.

•Match your makeup to your skin tone for a natural look. These days, makeup comes in so many different shades and tones, it’s easier than ever to find foundation, powder, or concealer that matches your natural skin color.

•Go for the gold. Eye shadows with silver undertones tend to look a bit harsh on darker skin, so use warmer colors that have more golden or bronze tones for a naturally flattering look.


And, of course, don’t forget the basics. No matter what your skin tone and color, basic skin care needs are essential for healthy, beautiful skin—so remember to cleanse, moisturize, and don’t forget your SPF!

If you know of any other beauty tips or secrets especially for darker skin, share by commenting below!

.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Obagi featured in People® and Weight Watchers® Magazine

Obagi featured in People® and Weight Watchers® Magazine


The word is spreading, and everyone is talking about the skin-transforming wonders of Obagi! In the February issue of People en Español, Obagi Professional-C Serum™ 20% was on their must-have list.


Our light-textured serum was featured as a product rich in vitamins and antioxidants to help improve the look and feel of your skin.

Additionally, our ELASTILash® Eyelash Solution was also featured in Weight Watchers Magazine as a nonprescription alternative for thicker, fuller-looking lashes.


Especially in women older than age 30, lashes tend to become thinner, shorter, and lighter, so a lash booster like the Obagi ELASTILash Eyelash Solution can help you achieve the appearance of luscious lashes!


If you haven’t tried our Professional-C Serum or ELASTILash Eyelash Solution yet, now’s the time! Find a skin care professional in your area who carries these Obagi products.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Bodum Brazil 8-Cup (34-Ounce) Coffee Press

by Bodum Manufacturing Canada




Product Features


8-cup, 34-ounce French press coffee maker allows you to brew flavorful coffee in 4 minutes

Beaker made of ultra-light, heat-resistant borosilicate glass

polypropylene handle and base

3-part stainless steel mesh filter helps extract your coffee's aromatic oils and subtle flavors

Patented safety lid prevents splashing of liquids while pressing

All parts are dishwasher safe

Monday, March 5, 2012

Designing a Future of Success: Mayhew Honoured As One of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies

TORONTO — Mayhew, a premier Ontario design firm focused on workplace strategy, is celebrating 30 years in the GTA and kicking off the milestone anniversary as one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies with Marcia Mayhew at the helm.


 BNN (Business News Network) space.


Mayhew worked with BNN to design an 11,000 sq ft newsroom/studio/office. The new space was approximately half the size of their original location – Mayhew was called upon to drive efficiencies and implement new workspace solutions.









GSK (GlaxoSmithKline) space in Mississauga – After designing the GSK MaRS space, Mayhew worked with GlaxoSmithKline on their head office, based in Mississauga.
 



Mayhew was named a 2011 winner of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies by Deloitte.


“I am so proud to be named among Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies. It is a testament to the strength and talent of our entire team,” says Ms. Mayhew, President of the family run workplace consultancy firm. “We have successfully navigated volatile economic conditions and proactively implemented our succession agenda. We drove down costs, accelerated operational efficiencies, invested in our business model and executed these same principles in our client projects,” she says.


About Mayhew
Mayhew has 150 employees and is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario with offices in Kitchener, Windsor and Stoney Creek. Synonymous with space and interior design ingenuity, Mayhew has designed award winning spaces for Business News Network and the CTV Olympic Digital Lounge among others. With a mission to create and maintain workplaces that work, Mayhew has designed over 22 million square feet of space, successfully moved 300,000 people, and supplied and installed over 100,000 workstations. For more information or detailed case studies visit www.mayhew.ca.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Cuisinart EasyPop Popcorn Maker, Red by Cuisinart

Elegant Popping bowl with built in ventilation and bowl cover

Brazed heating element for unlimited popping cycles

Easy to clean parts: the bowl, bowl cover, stirring stick and popping plate are removable and dishwasher safe

Brushed stainless steel base with embossed logo

Motorized stirring mechanism for better popping

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Sky's the limit with Payless heels

What is sexy, sophisticated and seriously stylish? The high heel, of course! No other shoe has the power to transform steely businesswomen into supermodels or busy moms into fabulous fashionistas.
 For the perfect heels, look no further than Payless Shoesource where fierce footwear can bring out the lady in every woman.


Dazzle on date night in sparkly platform sky-highs. Show the bride something blue in strappy satin peep-toes. Add pizzazz to the power suit in patent leopard-print pumps. Complete the look with a bejeweled clutch and eye-catching earrings.