Explore Toronto - Steeped and Infused

One of my favourite parts about my job is exploring the small boutiques scattered throughout the streets of Toronto. The exploring gives me the opportunity to chat with other passionate entrepreneurs and discover hidden treasures - small businesses who really pay attention to the details. One of those businesses is Steeped and Infused. Now, I am a loyal Tealish customer, but when my new friend Jennifer Best opened up her tea boutique on the total opposite side of the city, I was excited to visit! My favourite part about her concept is the wall of tea on the east side of her store that has framed pictures of each tea with a short description. There are smelling samples below the description so you can peruse the tea on your own time. It's a fun spot to check out, and enjoy a "refined" beverage!  My current flavour of choice - White Chocolate Toffee Rooibos.

Steeped and Infused - 1258 Queen Street East

THE REFINERY Style Scavenger Hunt

For me, scavenger hunts bring back childhood memories filled with laughter and being silly.  We all need a little silliness in our lives, and a reminder that everything in life can be fun!  This week I hope to show you how playful you can be with your own personal style! 

To play this style scavenger hunt, complete each of the three clues below, and send your information to wendy@therefinery.ca by October 4th.  Points will be awarded for completing each clue, and as with any good game, there will be a "sur-prize" for the winner at the end!  Enjoy!

Clues:

1. Play dress-up in your closet! Take a picture in your favourite outfit creation.

2. Fill in the blank. The last time I totally spoiled myself was         . 

3. Complete the puzzle below and send a screen shot of the finished puzzle with your time.

THE REFINERY Style Scavenger Hunt Puzzle

FRIDAY AFTERNOON FUN!

A client recently sent me a link to a really fun website where you can plug in your body type, height, weight, etc. and play around making outfits on a model that looks just like you!

It's the perfect website for a Friday afternoon at the office - don't tell your boss!

Check out My Virtual Model at
http://www.mvm.com 

I spent 5 minutes playing on the site and came up with this model and outfit.
http://www.mvm.com/cs/media/p/41908.aspx 

I may be addicted! ;)

WINTER COAT STORAGE

The other day I realized I haven't worn my winter coat in a long while - time to store it away! Here are a couple things to consider when storing seasonal clothing like your winter coat.

Clean Clothes
The most important thing is to have your coat professionally cleaned. Stains set and darken over time. A stain you can't see now may turn black over a few months. Even if you wear your coat one time after you've cleaned it, you will leave oils that both attract insects and deteriorate fabric.

Storage
Seasonal clothing should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated, dark area. Cedar chest or closets are one of the best places to store clothing in your home as the cedar keeps away the bugs. If you're using a closet, you can add cedar hangers or cedar balls to deter insects. Moth balls are toxic for humans and leave a putrid smell in your clothing so cedar really is a better choice to keep critters away. Basements and attics should be avoided as they are often moist and can promote mildew/mold growth in your clothes.

POSITIVE CHANGES

At a recent visit to Dress Your Best (DYB) I was reminded of the courage it takes to make positive life changes. There are periods in each of our lives when we want to create change, but how many of us have the courage to take the action steps necessary to develop this positive change. The clients at DYB are an inspiring group of people who remind me that change is possible and people can achieve everything they actively pursue.

For those who aren't familiar with DYB, it is a not-for-profit organization focused on outfitting men and women (many of whom are on social assistance) who are actively seeking employment and in need of appropriate business attire. After a lesson in how to dress appropriately for the corporate world, and discovering how fantastic they look in quality garments, the DYB clients leave with a smile on their face and their heads held high! They have taken courageous steps to learn the skills they need to succeed in the corporate world, and gained confidence in their self-presentation. After the DYB experience they finally feel ready to pursue their careers, and ace their interviews.

At times you may brush your appearance off as if it doesn't matter, perhaps you forget the cycle: when you look good, you feel good; when you feel good you emit genuine confidence; when you are confident people respect you; when people respect you, you feel good... you create and reinforce a positive cycle in your own life and, like the DYB clients, gain the confidence you need to create more positive change in your life.