Want LOVE? It Starts With YOU



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Special Guest Post by the Great Joe Hashem

Via Feel Good Wire

It's totally normal for many of us to want to find that one romantic relationship that will provide fulfillment. We ultimately want to be loved, right? But do we love ourselves? Do we truly appreciate ourselves? Do we feel self-worth? Do we believe in ourselves?

The truth is, actual fulfillment occurs when there is real love for one's self.

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We walk around hoping to meet that friend or lover that will make us happy and complete. Not only do I believe that it's possible to make yourself happy but I believe it's necessary if any romantic relationship is going to last and grow. When we wake up and are content with who we are and care deeply about ourselves, a love develops inside. I am not talking about being selfish. Quite the opposite. Love is an outward emotion that begins in ourselves and is to be shared with the world. When we truly love ourselves our thoughts and actions become compassionate. With compassion we see others for who they are - fellow human beings. We become capable of empathy and forgiveness. We make others want to feel the love inside of us.

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You may say "This all sounds great but how do I go about this journey of self-love?" The one thing we must always remember is that we are the only ones responsible for our own happiness. No one person or one thing will bring lasting happiness if we aren't feeling it for ourselves. The one place to start is with our physical selves. Do we feel good? What do we need to do ensure this? Do we need to eat better, sleep more and be more active? Or do we need to stop postponing that long overdue routine check-up with our doctor? Physical health and well-being have a huge impact on our emotional and spiritual states. Most of us will never look like bodybuilders or supermodels but there is nothing on this planet stopping us from feeling as good as they look. This is key!

When we feel positive in our physical state, a few things begin to happen. We begin to gain self-appreciation and care. We want to look after ourselves. This also leads to greater self-esteem, which ultimately leads to the confidence we all want. The confidence to love freely perhaps. Our emotional and spiritual selves become more heightened when the physical is on a more positive plane of existence. Our emotional growth is enhanced with the realization that love is about all people and not just one. Spiritually we realize a deeper sense of humanity and the compassion in our hearts is released.

Again, without love of self none of this is possible.

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Another area to look at when evaluating or beginning a journey of self love is with the current relationships we have. Our families, our friends and even our jobs are important and influential relationships. People will always hear me say that if any situation is not contributing to positivity and growth that it needs to be removed/changed or it will become toxic.

Think about it.



When we love ourselves we realize that we want to grow and by putting ourselves in situations that will lend to emotional/spiritual growth we fuel the positivity we know is deserved. Anything else is toxic and counterproductive. If our family life is turbulent we need to ask ourselves why and what we can do to change this. If our friendships are not fulfilling we need to ask the very same questions. Do our jobs really make us happy? The answers may lie in ourselves, in others or both but at the end of the day, that evaluation is our responsibility.

Everyday we must practice and maintain self-love. As this happens, it becomes embedded in our moment to moment thoughts and actions. Happiness becomes a conscious decision along with the love we will have for ourselves and our surroundings. Maybe we're happy being single for now. Maybe if we meet someone our hearts will be so filled with love of self that the reciprocation is not only fulfilling but also long lasting. Maybe there is more to life than our next romance. There are many maybes in this wonderful journey of life but one thing is for sure... If you want love, if you want to feel loved...

LOVE absolutely starts with YOU.

Via: Think Positive 30



Editor's note: We are truly pleased to open up the pages of Twenty York Street to special guest posts for reflections on love, life, fashion and everything in between. We want to thank the charming Joseph Hashem, founder of Feel Good Wire (make sure you follow Joe in Twitter @JoeHashem and LIKE FGW in Facebook) for this beautiful post on Greatest Love of All - learning to love yourself - it is the greatest LOVE of All.

Impossibly Silky Soft Hair



If there's one thing that I can truly say I am thankful for is the genetic trait that my hair has been bestowed with. I'm not claiming it is the most wonderful thing in the world but if saving money, time and effort count for something around here - I think my hair is indeed my crowning glory!

It is perhaps that most low maintenance in my beauty regimen, which I must admit, really isn't much but if it means I can skip blow outs, hair straightening, gels, sprays mousses and everything in between - I am happy with it. I don't event comb it, it looks good.

Hair: circa July 2010.



Or so I thought.

Until I met THE ONE.

The ONE is the critically-acclaimed THANN Shiso Hair Mask. Yes, it's been featured at Canada's top fashion and beauty magazine - FLARE MAGAZINE. Yes, it has flooded Twitter conversations with non-stop accolades from beauty experts and bloggers. Yes, it's been SOLD OUT in-store and online for the longest time.



And yes, THANN Shiso Hair Mask is also the one that ended my blissful ignorance of what I thought was beautifully smooth hair. I was wrong.

With Ceramide Protein and natural plant extracts, this Hair Mask wunderkind is one efficient and highly effective hair repair conditioner you can ever find in the market today. Unlike other regular hair masks, which are thick and rich and needed to be applied thoroughly through your hair and scalp, you can actually use the THANN Shiso Hair Mask everyday like normal conditioner.

The secret lies in the Shiso plant, found in Thailand, Japan and other part of South East Asia, it has been found to help other plants and trees grow around them by restoring and maintaining nutrients in the earth. These revitalizing and adapting powers are now available in both THANN skin care and hair care. This super potent plant, along with many other all-natural ingredients, provides tremendous amount of benefits - sunscreen, anti-oxidant, moisturizer, damage repair, instant shine and rejuvenation! 



Only 5-10 minutes for a deep penetrating and luxuriously revitalizing hair treatment? Unheard of! For anyone with a hectic touch and go lifestyle like we all seem to have these days, this hair mask is a godsend! For someone who thought her hair couldn't be smoother and shinier (I know, the humility!), THANN Hair Mask showed me the light! 

Did I mention the divine subtle scent of flowers and natural plant extracts?

THANN Shiso Hair Mask, enriched with Shiso, Wheat Protein and Jojobal Oil,  promises impossibly smooth and healthy hair cuticles and soft, revitalized, bouncy, shiny hair.

You be the judge!





p.s. Good news mes amis! You are in LUCK! In honour of our American friends celebrating Thanksgiving, THANN Skincare is having a huge BLACK FRIDAY SALE!!! But you don't have to be an American, Canadian, Asian to take advantage of this HUGE SALE!

30-40% OFF selected THANN products, let's hope for hair'ssake that the Shiso Hair Mask is one of the sale items! Hurry and visit THANN in-store at 829 Bank Street, Ottawa or online www.thann.ca! Offer valid until Sunday, November 27th, 2011.





Affordable Luxury and Style

One of the world's most exclusive fragrance: The Limited Edition Bois 1920.

When you get a phone call from one of the country's greatest (and lasting) fashion legend, when you get an exclusive invitation to cover his most coveted fashion show - giving you a glimpse into his world of luxury and glamour, you drop every single appointment you have that day and you plan the perfect outfit and entourage to go so that you fit right in!

Canadian Fashion and Parfum Consultant: Sid Cratzbarg

Hosted by the Rotary Club of South Nepean, Fall Into Fashion is an annual fundraiser that benefits Friends of Hospice Ottawa, it promised to be an afternoon of fashion, style and fragrance and amazingly accomplished women. And so it was.

All because of one man.

The Rotary Club of South Nepean with the famous Sid Cratzbarg and TV Host Kathy Donovan.

From television to national newspapers, fashion magazines, runway shows and everything in between, Fashion Legend Sid Cratzbarg of Accessories by Sid has been featured everywhere and have been a permanent style icon in the National Capital. With his signature large black-rimmed spectacle, always impeccable suit and bigger than life character, Sid is a permanent fixture in the Ottawa Fashion scene and not just because of his contribution to the fashion industry itself.

Kathy Donovan of Regional Contact looks up to the gracious host of Fall Into Fashion.

Sid, both on TV and in real life, has that kind of charisma that can put everybody at ease and he also has the kindest of hearts. Case in point, proceeds of the sale from Fall Into Fashion goes into the Rotary Club of South Nepean.   

With silent auction, raffle tickets and lots of fabulous door prizes, the most anticipated highlight of the afternoon was the parade of stunning models that were expertly styled with the latest in Fall Fashion: shawls with intricate beading, soft sweaters with fringes, perfectly fitted wool jackets, Italian silk scarves, reversible quilt and printed jackets, slimming trousers, Mongolian lamb fur collars and oh the purses and jewelleries!

Photos courtesy of Ottawa's Photographer to the Stars:

http://twitter.com/#!/search/ottawaarne

Can glamour, style and luxury really be affordable?

Yes. Accessories by Sid undoubtedly showed us so.

The very rare lucky moment that ML actually wins something and a box of Smashbox no less!

If it hasn't been that evident yet, there is something significantly different in this fashion show from every single ones that I have been to. No, there isn't any extravagant fire eaters, feather headdresses,  or loud thumping music or mini skirts, low cut dresses and outrageously low cleavage. Fall Into Fashion was all class, style and glamour.

Stay tuned for an up close and personal interview with this fashion legend, coming up soon.

One of the things that was very important to Sid when he called me about his fashion show was the fact that it showcase real life beautiful models. Not the pre-pubescent waif teenage girls you  see walking the runway wearing clothes that are barely passable in the privacy of your own bedroom, let alone walking the streets of this city! Accessories by Sid featured styles and expert cuts that honours and accentuates women's bodies instead of conforming them into impossible sizes, trends and styles of the day.  Fall Into Fashion actually celebrated women's natural beauty, grace and confidence.

France may have may have Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel.

But Canada has its own.

With his oversized everything: large edgy glasses, limited edition statement watches and absolutely shining larger than life personality - His name is Sid Cratzbarg.

He is Accessories by Sid.

Ottawa Fashion: I FLAUNT. You FLAUNT. We ALL FLAUNT

Oh this is so not your Grandmama's Trade show.

This is Shopping. Fashion. Jewelry. Beauty. Skincare. Pampering. Dance. Music.

And more.

FLAUNT Ottawa is all that and more!

I may have told you a bit about it in my last post If You've Got It, Flaunt It but I get it, I'm a bit of a tease. Seeing that Twenty York Street is actually the FABULOUS Official Blogger/Tweeter of this much-anticipated event, I think this time we will go full Monty and tell you ALL ABOUT FLAUNT!

Host - the gorgeous Stacey Bafi-Yeboa of Kania Couture.

Fresh from her very successful stint at the recently concluded Ottawa Fashion Week, Stacey Bafi-Yeboa of Kania Couture sprinkles her glamorous pixie dust again to bring together carefully selected designers, vendors and beauty industry experts for one sexy shopping night under one massive roof!

On Friday, November 18th, the Trillium Ballroom of the magnificent Ottawa Convention Centre will be transform into a world of indulgence... where you can escape and just immerse yourself in an ultra-splendid party where everything is just decadent.

Where else do you get to shop and get welcomed by a very delicious signature drink - the aptly named FLAUNTINI!

Over 20 top-notch designers and the best beauty and skincare line will be beautifully showcased at the OCC where the evening will be kept alive and exciting by live DJ's DJ Magnificent and DJ Select!

Check out some of the incredible designers at FLAUNT:

Aleksandra Jewellery          Karamea
Demu Label                         Desperately Different
Dylan Ribkoff                      frAsh
iStyle Originals                   Kania
Leah Bazian                         Head Mistress
Mafia Jewelry                     Miz Dragonfly
Moxy Maus                         Pish Posh Jewellery
Rachel Sin                          Rimanchik
Suzana Eraso                      Trenormale
Shibang Designs   

And of course, THANN Skincare!
          
While you're shoppin', sippin' and stylin'.. get some oh so luxe pampering at FLAUNT with complimentary services such as make up and manicure application from MURALE, blow bar from THE LOFT and hand massages from highy trained therapists at the mini THANN Sanctuary!

This HOTTEST Event of the season is made even more spectacular with a bevy of amazing sponsors:

Arc The Hotel
Ottawa Magazine
Via Rail
Boom 99.7
Star Motors Mercedes Benz
Responsible Choice
Glow Magazine
Moksha Yoga
The Loft
Cherry Pole Dancing Studio
Voulez Vous Boudoir Photography
HCM Works
Sugar Mountain
Syn Sue
Boston Pizza Orleans

While FLAUNT is absolutely the biggest party that will rock this city, it is also an opportunity to give back and spread the love. A percentage of proceeds will be donated to Ovarian Cancer Canada - so here's one big reason to come out and show some love!!!

What's a HOT Event without the Hottest Blogger/Tweeter (shameless, I know!) talking about it? Twenty York Street makes this party white sizzlin' hot!!

It's not too late! You can get your tickets online at http://www.flauntottawa.com/ and tickets also available at:


KANIA Boutique - 145 York St
THANN Skincare - 829 Bank St
AMH Style- 1440 Wellington St West
Milk - 234 Dalhousie Street

KANIA

Photo courtesy of: J from YOUGOTSQUARED/20YS

You're Invited to Flaunt!

November 18th, 2011

Ottawa Convention Centre

7:00 PM 'til the sun shines through.

WU is YOU

This time last year, I wanted to go and visit one of the biggest trade shows in Canada for the first time. Armed with  a media pass and definitely excited to go, I was ready to browse, try, check and buy anything and everything that catches my fancy. Alas, it was not meant to be as for some significant reasons, I was not actually able to go.

This time this year, I wouldn't miss the Signature's Show - Ottawa Edition - for the world.

When you've got an incredibly young and talented designer, a wunderkind in the fashion world with barely two decades of his entire existence (in this world, that is) who took Ottawa Fashion Week by storm and swept the audience off their feet - you'd be mad to not cancel any plans on any given Tuesday to be there.

If you like ingenious designs, master craftsmanship, impossible cuts, bold fabrics and even more daring presentation, you are not going to like but you are going to fall in love with Adrian Wu. He was perhaps one of the very few designers that made my heart beat faster, break out in cold sweat and jump up to my feet at Ottawa Fashion Week - twice.



During Adrian's (yeah, you heard me!) previous 2011 Fall/Winter collection show at the Ottawa Fashion Week, he literally broke down the barriers that separated the runway from the scenes that the show organizers ceremoniously took down every single plank of plywood that made up the stage and exposed the mystery behind the parade of fashion and beauty.

Adrian Wu Resort Collection 2011

Photo courtesy of J, YGS.

I'm not going to go all "droppin' names" on you and claim I more than know Adrian Wu that we're in fact on first name basis or that we do exchange text messages together but I think I do get to reserve the right to brag that I was privileged enough to have been able to wear not one but two of Adrian's meticulously designed Haute Couture pieces, don't I?

In fact, one of AW's extremely gorgeous creation (one I was extremely excited to wear) was a beautiful ball gown he was wearing the night before at The Lobby. I told him, I would love to wear this to front row of Ottawa Fashion Week. The next day, I got a call from Adrian - come meet me backstage, you are wearing me! Can we all agree on one thing - that is pretty cool now, isn't it?

The 2011 Holiday Collection, on stage this Tuesday at 6:30pm on November 15 at the Ottawa Convention Centre, is highly anticipated to take your breathe away - again. As much as this Fashion boy wonder is unique and controversial, his critically acclaimed works speak just as loud for themselves.

While I cannot guarantee you a chance to wear one Adrian Wu's highly controversial pieces, I can guarantee one of you a very lucky opportunity to see his very inspiring collection - to be showcased by stunning models from Angie's Models and Talents International (AMTI) up close and personal.

Win a PAIR of TICKETS to Adrian Wu's Holiday Collection 2011 runway show!

You can WIN Two (2) tickets to the Signature Show during Opening Night by leaving us a comment here or in our Facebook Page and of course, in Twitter! 

Answer this skill testing question: What do you want for Christmas?

Twenty York Street Website

http://twitter.com/#!/20YS

Facebook: TwentyYork

 

http://www.adrianwu.com/       



I Heart THANN

Love Fashion. Ever since.

Twenty York Street was born largely because of that reason. As a matter of fact, it seems that the question I get the most these days is that have you always been into fashion?

Absolutely.

But there's also something else that I'm very much into. I know I haven't talked about it so much here. Perhaps because I have been in an unending quest for finding the one that feels just right. It's not always easy to find the perfect fit and when you do, you just know you've found the one.

What is it about you ask?

Curious now, aren't you?

I have never been good at make-up and cosmetics. I love the way some women can be so creative with eye make-up, blushes and bronzers, lipstick and false eyelashes - not me. Truth be told, I grew up with make-up artists and hairstylists. I was a dancer and a performer all throughout my life (well, not lately) so I did have a considerable amount of experience with make-up, I just never had to do it myself so I never learned.

Not a good excuse. I know.

Cool and Refreshing: Sea Foam Shampoo with olive & rosemary oil, plant essential oils & thyme.

One thing I do know precisely though is that... Clear beautiful skin is very important. One can't dispute the powers of skilled make-up artists and the magic of Photoshop but a glowing, blemish-free skin makes for a clean blank canvass, yes?

I can't tell you how many times I've been to the make-up and skincare counter (from the drugstore kind and all the way to the high end department stores) to try and buy different combinations of lotions and potions, from anti-oxidants to anti-aging and to everything in between. Now, all my bathroom cupboards, my vanity stand and my gift drawers are just packed, no, crammed with barely used beauty and skincare products. And I know I'm not the only one, yes?

Imagine how much money and time we've all wasted...  

My Absolute Loves: Aromatic Wood Collection Shampoo and Conditioner.

But thank the Skincare Gods that all changed a few months ago!

I met someone, or shall I say something... and I fell in love.

With Thann.



An Asian-inspired skincare and body line, it is 100% paraben-free and made with absolutely no artificial ingredients. Made in Thailand, it uses only the finest all-natural ingredients, it is dermatologically tested and it is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The entire product line is so amazing beyond words that it really is hard to capture everything in writing, no matter how exquisite a prose I write about it.



Thann Skincare Testimonial Video

By: Cloud in the Sky Studios

You see, Thann is beyond skincare. It is a holistic approach to taking care of your skin, your body, mind and spirit. When I get into the shower and start with the Sea Salt Body Scrub to exfoliate, the Aromatic Wood Shampoo and Conditioner to wash and moisturize my hair, I know my day is going to be just right.

When I slather my body with the THANN Shiso Butter right after my warm shower - the subtle scent of cocoa with a hint of licorice and Shiso Nano extracts instantly uplifts me. If I had any doubts of how things are going to be, I swear to you, the Body Butter makes me feel impossibly invincible.

What skincare line makes you feel that?  

What makes THANN stands out from the pack is that not only that it is formulated from botanicals and essential oils by combining the art of natural therapy with modern science, they also provide the most unique experience when you walk into their concept stores.

Joy and Uplifting: THANN Body Milk. Much more luxurious than bath cream or shower gel.

It transport you to a place and time where everything is exotic, luxurious and just oh so beautiful. Everytime I go into the THANN Flagship store at 829 Bank Street in the Glebe, the zen-like space immediately calms me down yet it awakens all my senses. It smells divine, it aesthetically pleasing to the eyes and everything in the store feels gorgeously beautiful on your skin and body.

For exciting news and updates, http://twitter.com/#!/thannskincare!

I'd be amiss if I don't mention the fact that the client service that THANN provides is incredibly fast, reliable with the quality and care that would make you feel ultimately pampered.

Here in Canada (and North America), you can call up the company and have the pleasure of speaking to the THANN President/Owner himself - Ottawa's own High-tech Exec to Skincare Magnate Wunderkind - Mr. Fadi Ghaby, who himself is the epitome of a well-balanced holistic lifestyle.

Don't Like, LOVE THANN in Facebook. I promise you, you will..

My ultimate must-have for sweet kisses! THANN Lip Balm.

It actually impresses and delights customers to no end that the President himself can and will deliver the THANN products you just ordered straight to your front door!

What other companies provide that kind of top-notch first-class service?

Know more about THANN at www.thann.ca.

While THANN's Headquarters is located in Thailand, this world-renowned brand is actually available in 22 countries and in North America, the Flagship store is located right here in Ottawa, Canada.



It is noteworthy that I point out that THANN does not only makes you feel centered and beautiful, it also promotes environmental awareness, supports human rights, and is against the use of child labour and animal testing.

It is even more noteworthy to mention that it is starting to look like Christmas at THANN! Can you tell I'm excited? Oh you should be too!

I say, let's all stop reading and just head over to THANN either on-line or in-store, right now!