Show Love For Your Winter Footwear By Protecting Them With #TanaLovesShoes!

I was recently fortunate enough to have a special VIP shoe shopping experience at Stance Shoes, as part of the #TanaLovesShoes campaign. I had never heard of Stance before, and since we don’t have a location in Kitchener, I travelled to Lime Ridge Mall in Hamilton for an afternoon of shopping and Tana product knowledge. Not only did I pick up some great footwear, I learned tons of helpful information and tips on how to protect and care for my footwear!

Stance is a Canadian company that was founded in 2004. It is part of the Arlies Corporation that also owns the Boathouse chain of clothing stores. There are 13 Stance stores across Canada that offer both name brand products such as Hunter, Doc Martens and New Balance Canada, and in-house brands exclusive to Stance such as Harlow (footwear), and Scout and Trail, an accessory line (i.e. hats, gloves, scarves).

When I arrived at Stance, I was greeted by Tyler, who is an amazing sales associate. Tyler was incredibly patient in helping me with all the styles and sizes of boots that I was interested in trying on, and provided great feedback on what styles looked the best. He even took a few pictures for me to use for my blog post! That’s great customer service in my books. Tyler explained that the styles available in the store change with the seasons. The majority of styles I saw in the store were sneakers and boots, but other seasonal types of shoes are available in the spring and summer months.

After spending about 40 minutes trying on many styles, sizes and colours, I found a great pair of boots that will be perfect for the fall and winter seasons. I also picked up a very sassy scarf from the Made For Each Other line of accessories, which a Boathouse line of products. Keep reading to find out what style I purchased! Living in a snowbelt region, having the right type of footwear is crucial for the crazy winter months!

Half the battle when you go shoe shopping is finding a great pair of shoes that suit your purpose, and fit your style. The other thing to consider is how to properly care for the footwear after you bring them home. As someone who loves shoes and has tons of pairs and styles at home, it’s important that I take care of them, so they remain in good condition.

I am so grateful that Tyler took the time to explain the different types of products that Tana had available in-store to purchase and use. Here is a high-level breakdown of some of the Tana products you can choose from. For a full list of products and information, make sure to check out the Tana website.

All Purpose Spray

• Function: To repel the elements, and resist stains
• Benefits: This product creates an invisible shield, allowing the material to breathe as it repels the elements and prevents dirt from setting for easier cleaning.
• Spray your footwear twice before wearing them outdoors
•  Keep using this spray at least once a week (two times a week is ideal)
• This spray works on all types of material except Crocodile. As Tyler says, "Leave your shoes in the 60's!"

Sport Cleaner

• Function: Fast acting cleaner - just spray and wipe
• Benefits: Ideal for athletic leather shoes, and it dries in 10 minutes
• Used for leather, vinyl and nylon
• Clean the footwear using the bristles
• Great for getting out dirt embedded in footwear

Polishing Cloth

• Function: To polish and clean your footwear 
• Benefits: Cleaning your shoe completely before applying spray will keep them in ideal condition
• Did you know that this product can also be used to clean and polish cars?

Sport Shoe Freshener   

• Function: Controls shoe and sneaker odour all day long
• Benefits: All day heel to toe freshness, is fast acting, and works on contact
• Gets out odours and bacteria your feet produce while wearing your footwear
• Use for preservation of the boot

Tana Self Shoe Cream

• Function: Polishes, protects and nourishes
• Benefits: Contains superior self-shining waxes and lanolin to provide an instant shine with no buffing, protection against rain and stain, nourishment to keep leather soft. Easy to apply, convenient applicator tube.

Barefoot (Unisex product)

• Function: Dry and fresh barefoot comfort
• Benefits: The special terry cloth layer helps keep feet dry. Antibacterial agents and tiny perforations for breathability keep feet fresh.
• Will last up to six months
• Machine washable (let them air dry)
• Make sure to wash the insoles 

Ball of Foot

• Function: For the sensitive ball of foot area. Feel confident in any shoe.
• Benefits: Helps prevent burning pain in the sensitive ball of foot areas.
• Ideal for heels and wedges
• Waitresses love this product, as they spend so much time on their feet

Currently, Tana has an amazing promotion available on their products at Stance that is available in-store only. You can select three of any of their products for $25.00! You can find more information on the products at www.stance.com .

I am so thankful for all the product knowledge I received on the extensive line of Tana products, and wish I had this knowledge several years ago! I have made mistakes in the past by not taking proper care of my footwear. Six years ago,I destroyed a pair of amazing brown suede boots I purchased during a Black Friday trip to Buffalo! Personally, I have found that suede is tougher to take care of than leather or synthetic products. Had I known then what I know now, I would still have my gorgeous Nine West slouch boots that were perfect for shopping trips!

How did I destroy the boots? They were not practical for harsh winter weather, as they weren’t lined for warmth. Foolishly, I made the mistake of wearing them after a large snowfall. Long story short, they ended up soaked and covered in salt, and I didn’t know how to remove the stains. Instead of treating the stains immediately, I left the boots as they were. I tried several different things to remove the salt stains, but nothing worked. Finally, I made the painful decision to throw the boots out, and I still mourn them to this day. Not only were they a great deal, but they were cute and unique!

I’m so excited to tell you about the great boots I selected for myself during my VIP shopping experience! I chose a pair of black boots from the Harlow line, created exclusively for Stance stores. Harlow footwear is super affordable and stylish. Make sure to check out their sassy footwear! My boots, called the ‘Maggie’, are made of synthetic leather, and are lined for warmth and comfort during the cold winter months. These beauties will be protected using an all-purpose spray, and lined with Barefoot insoles. I can’t wait to wear them with my extensive collection of jeans! During my shopping trip, I selected the Barefoot, Tana Sport Cleaner and Sport Shoe Freshener for my boots, which Tyler had recommended to me.

A very cool piece of information I learned while shopping is that my boots are made by Cougar, whose line of footwear I adore! In fact, Cougar makes many of the boots featured at Stance. I used to wear Cougars back in my school days, and started wearing them again last winter. I was pleasantly surprised by this information. Thanks Tyler!  

I had an amazing time shopping at Stance, love my new boots, and can’t wait to wear them soon. What does shoe love mean to you? Share your love for shoes by taking a picture of your favourite shoes, and post them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Use the hashtag #TanaLovesShoes, and you could win some one of six bi-weekly prizes of $500.00, and a chance to win the Grand Prize of $2000.00!!! For additional entries, make sure to include Tana shoe products in your pictures. You can also enter to win here: http://tanacontest.com/en. 

In addition, you can also participate in an amazing Twitter party this evening (November 17), from 8:00-9:00 PM ET, for a chance to win one of six $50.00 VISA gift cards, or the Grand Prize of a $500.00! Now that's what I call a party! 

Good luck, and happy shopping!

Disclaimer: While I received compensation for this post, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

The Mighty Angus is 100% Certified Canadian Beef and #CertifiedMighty!!

It’s not every day that a restaurant like McDonald’s Canada adds a new burger to their arsenal, and rare that they open the kitchen at their corporate head office restaurant to a select group of people. I had the privilege of attending a special behind-the-scenes Open Kitchen Flavour Session in Toronto earlier this month, to celebrate the launch of the new #CertifiedMighty Mighty Angus burger. This is the first new premium burger that McDonald’s has added to its permanent menu since 2012!

Did you know that the hamburger was the first item on the menu at McDonald’s in 1967? Today, McDonald’s is the destination of choice for Canadian burger lovers, selling more burgers than all other national chains combined!

As I walked into the building, I felt like I was transported back to  special event. As I walked into theirr ty to try this itchen at their corporatmy childhood, and wanted to explore everything. Everything is so inviting, from the impressive statues to the huge Muskoka chair that holds a MASSIVE McCafé coffee in its cup holder. I have to admit, seeing the kitchen and knowing that we were having a private tour to see how the Mighty Angus is created made me incredibly excited. The casual, relaxed setting for the event felt inviting, comfortable, rustic, and purely Canadian!

OK, let’s get to the good stuff…the tour and taste testing! Our kitchen tour provided an opportunity to see how the Mighty Angus is created for customers from the moment it hits the grill, to the finished product on the tray. The burger (1/3 pound, 100% Angus patty) is placed under a large covered grill, and is cooked quickly on both sides. This is the perfect way to seal in all the savoury juices! Next, the sesame and poppy seed bun are toasted to perfection. Once the burger is cooked, the assembly of the toppings begins. Tomatoes, lettuce, processed cheese, grilled onions, smoky Angus aioli, and Hickory smoked bacon pieces are the finishing touches to this mouth-watering treat.

The addition of chopped bacon pieces is new for this particular burger. It allows for the natural smokiness of the bacon to come through, which complements the burger. In addition, it allows for even distribution, so that each bite has a delicious smoky flavour! This is a huge bonus in my books.

I was very impressed at the level of cleanliness and order in the kitchen! Getting that rare bird’s eye view behind the scenes is nice, as I am always curious to know what really happens when an order is placed.

Finally, it was time to try the Mighty Angus! Served with a serving of McDonald’s World Famous Fries, I was in burger heaven, and ate every delicious bite. It was worth the wait, and will no doubt be a HUGE hit for their menu.

It wasn’t only the anticipation of the food that made me excited during this special evening. Having the opportunity to speak to corporate executives at McDonald’s Canada, several farmers who provide the certified 100% Angus Beef, and amazing representatives from Cargrill, the meat processing plant in Canada, was also exciting. Everyone shared the same passion and commitment to providing customers with an incredible product of high quality. It’s great to know that they use 100% Canadian Beef, proudly sourced only from Canadian farms! 

If you haven’t had an opportunity to try the Mighty Angus, I suggest you check it out and get #CertifiedMighty soon. I think you will love it as much as I do. Bon Appetit!!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post, but the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

The Gold Rush in Canadian Pride for the Canada Games - Q&A with Patrick Kenny, Director of Marketing and Communications, Canada Games Council

Over the last 50 years, the Canada Games have successfully claimed gold in Canadian pride. The question is, how and why has the Canada Games consistently done so well in instilling a sense of pride to the nation? I spoke to Patrick Kenny, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Canada Games Council, who shared his thoughts on the reasons behind the success of the Canada Games. Patrick will also be presenting on this topic as a guest speaker at the upcoming Sage Summit in New Orleans! 

What do you attribute to the reason behind the success of the Canada Games?
The Canada Games are unique from a grassroots perspective. They touch every province and territory from an athlete's perspective.  This is an opportunity to create a touch point or milestone in the lives of our athletes. When athletes speak of their experience, it reinforces what we’re trying to do.

When planning for the Canada Games, are there specific brands you search for in respect to national partnerships and cultivating strong relationships/sponsorship opportunities with? Do you seek brands that align with your mission, vision, and values for the Canada Games?
Yes, we align with brands in some ways. We have tons of partnerships from a stakeholder perspective, from every level, every province and territory. We have 20 sports for the summer games, 20 for the winter games. There is an enormous scope from a stakeholder perspective. There are also tons of opportunities for stakeholders to engage. There are also marketing opportunities for the sponsors. If the sponsor isn’t getting marketing value out of their partnership with us, we haven’t done our job effectively. We like to work with brands that align with our mission, vision and values.

How do organizations submit applications to become corporate partners for the Canada Games? 
For every single Canada Games, partners are announced 1.5 years after the bid process. They work to secure the partnerships from bid phase to the announcement of the location of the following Canada Games.  During the process, many companies float up, and come about. They are earmarked during the solicitation process nationally, regionally, and within the host city's community. There are different levels of partnerships. There is the Friends of the Games program, which is sponsorships of $50,000 or less, $50,000 or higher is at the National level. There are also sponsorships with an ‘In Kind’ value, and cash sponsorships. We also have longer term partnerships. Currently, there are 11 national partners, from Games to Games. We are happy to say that Sage is one of them. Sage is a great corporate partner, completing activations among stakeholders.

What sets apart the Canada Games from other major sporting events in Canada?
The scope of the event involves 5000 volunteers, and 240 athletes. The bid process for selecting a host city involves speaking to communities, to educate the people about the scale and scope, from bid to execution of the event. People don’t understand the number of hours and amount of people it takes to execute the Games. It is also a chance to provide athletes with an opportunity to compete at a national level. We can also track alumni who have competed in the Canada Games. Olympic stats – 60% of the members of the Canadian Olympic team are Canada Games alumni. They have experienced competition at the national level. By going through the process of competing at the Canada Games, they know what it’s like. It prepares them for international competition.

The Canada Games has been a stepping stone, and played a very prominent role in the development of the careers of some of Canada’s premier athletes. Do you believe this is one of the main reasons there is so much support and pride from Canadians for this event over the last 50 years?
From an athlete/Canada Games alumni perspective, they give back on a regular basis. The athletes tell the story about all the hard work and effort. We are able to see the respect Canadians have for their athletes. Yes, there is a certain percentage of athletes who think the Canada Games are a stepping stone. For others, this is their Olympics, and pinnacle of their athletic achievement. Canadians recognize that this is an opportunity for athletes to shine nationally. Some of the famous Canadian athletes who are alumni of the Canada Games include Sidney Crosby, Hayley Wickenheiser, Alexandre Despaite, Catriona LeMay Doan, and Steve Nash.

How do you tackle the task of selecting themes for the Canada Games?
The theme is Inspiring Dreams and Building Champions. The Canada Games are an opportunity for stakeholders to use the event as an inspiration, as well as professional development for companies.  The Games are a place for building champions, hitting athletes at the right time and opportunity. Other themes come from host cities, which can create a legacy or opportunity to create legacies within each host community. These will live on forever, long after the Games are over. They have created a cresting point of thinking of themselves differently.

Dealing with marketing, sponsorship, and communications for the Canada Games is a massive effort. How far in advance does the planning process for the Games begin?
We have built resources, policies and procedures to be used for the Canada Games. These are the standards that need to be delivered by each organizing committee. They are used as templates from the planning process. We try to hit the industry at the right time, and use this as a transfer of knowledge. This way, it will be consistent across the board for each of the Games. From a marketing and communications perspective, we want to make sure that the framework exists.

No matter how effectively you plan for an event of any size, things happen, and a crisis may occur. What contingencies do you have in place for an emergency/crisis during the Canada Games, to ensure everything still runs smoothly for attendees and athletes?
From an event hosting perspective, we plan constantly, build resources, and execute. We put contingencies in place, in the event of challenges. We work with each host society, and create an emergency and crisis communication plan. Stakeholder relations are key. We work with them to ensure success. We also work with provincial and regional services, always knowing who and what is responsible. In regards to emergency preparedness, we need synergy, and work from a government relations perspective. If a situation escalates, we can take over.

Tom Quinn, Chairman of the Canada Games Council, was a competitive elite athlete who played badminton for over 17 years, and represented Canada at international events. Being on the executive side of sports now, do you think being a former athlete fueled his desire to promote sports in Canada, and instilling a sense of pride for Canadian sports and athletes?
(Tom was not present for the interview) I can't speak for Tom, but he brings a unique perspective at the Council level. He was an elite athlete, and also had a successful career in sports marketing. He has an interesting perspective, as he sees athlete centeredness. He can also see from a sponsor’s perspective, and how they merge. Tom has been hugely successful from a Council perspective.

Patrick will be one of the guest speakers at the annual Sage Summit 2015 conference, taking place in New Orleans from July 27-30. This unique event is part conference, part festival, and all about transforming your business! Guest speakers for this year's Sage Summit include entrepreneur and professional skateboarder Tony Hawk, actress Jane Seymour, Deepak Chopra, and General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret). I had the pleasure of attending last year's Sage Summit, and was impressed by the quality of the sessions, keynote speakers,amazing events, and level of professionalism from everyone at Sage! 

Sage is generously offering my readers a fantastic discount to use for registering for the Sage Summit! Use promo code NOLA to register for $99USD (regular $799USD!) To register, go to www.sagesummit.com. You don't want to miss this amazing event!

Get Your Glow on With a Spray Tan at Bare Essentials, But Don't Forget About Sunscreen!

I love having a sun-kissed glow, especially during the summer months. In fact, I used to love it so much, I wanted my skin to have that glow all year round. I spent tons of time and money on tanning sessions, using high end tanning beds and moisturizing lotions. Unfortunately, your skin doesn't always look or feel healthy after time in the sun, or a tanning bed. Once I discovered I had a sun spot on my face during a doctor's appointment, the sessions were stopped completely! It was time to search for another way to get my glow on, and this is when I discovered spray tans!

When I heard that one of my favourite places in town, Bare Essentials, added spray tanning services for clients, and offered me one to try, I jumped at the opportunity! I had huge success with a spray tan in the past, and wanted to try another one to get me summer ready. Bare Essentials uses Fake Bake, a leader in self-tanning and spray tanning products because of their exclusive sunless tanning formula with three organic tanning agents. These are Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), DMI, and Erythulose, and they provide a safe and long-lasting golden tan. Other self-tanners can often turn your skin orange because they’re chemically-based, but Fake Bake’s naturally-derived tanning agents will not turn skin orange, leave a bad odour, or stain your clothes.This is really important to me, as I have had crazy experiences trying sunless tanning products at home. I have seen everything from orangey, Oompa-Loompa looking tans, to massive streaks on my legs!

Fake Bake works with your own unique skin tone to produce a naturally-based darker pigmentation on your skin’s surface. By enhancing your skin’s own pigments, Fake Bake provides a natural-looking tan that lasts longer. The product also deeply moisturizes and protects your skin without clogging your pores or irritating sensitive skin. I have sensitive skin, and this is incredibly important to me, not to mention a huge bonus!

Before I went in for my appointment, I was advised to shower and exfoliate my skin, so that the spray tan would absorb properly into my skin. You won't be able to shower for 8-12 hours after the application takes place, or get any water on your skin (other than hand washing, of course!) When you get the spray tan, you will strip down, or wear a bikini (if you aren't comfortable being nude for the application process). You will be in a tent, and have the spray tan applied on your body. The duration is 10-15 minutes, and then you will have your skin dried with a special machine that resembles a huge blow dryer.

Taken after my first application

Here are a few tips for ensuring you have the best results for your spray tan:

• Even though you will be dry after this takes place, I strongly recommend waiting another 10-15 minutes before putting your clothes back on. There will be parts of your body that take longer to dry, and if you aren't careful, you will have streaks and white spots if you put your clothes on too soon. 
• Wear loose clothing. A t-shirt and jogging pants or yoga capris are perfect examples. I learned this the hard way by wearing a strapless top and bra. You will get white spots and lines if you don't wear something loose, and it's not worth the disappointment.
• Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! You want that tan to last and look silky smooth on your skin. Using body lotions and a moisturizer after you shower or wash your face will allow you to keep that beautiful glow for the duration of your spray tan.
• Typically, spray tans will last about a week. If you work out, sweat a lot, or shower on a regular basis, it won't last as long. My spray tan lasted about five days, as I was running a lot, and showering more frequently. It was still worth it to have the amazing sun-kissed glow!
• Be very specific about the level of darkness you want for your tan. When I had my first application, there was a miscommunication, and my tan was very light. I showered the next day, and the tan was  gone. I went in for a second application, which was much darker, and the results were amazing!
• Try to avoid going outdoors if it's raining, if possible. The day I had my second application, we had a full day of torrential rainfall! I managed to get some errands done when there was a slight break in the weather without too much damage to my tan, but there were crazy watermarks on my skin. Fortunately, they came off after I showered later in the evening, but I looked like I had a terrible skin condition. Better to avoid a situation like that, if you can.

Both pictures were taken after the second application

Having a spray tan doesn't mean you can go out in the sun without protecting your skin! You still need to wear sunscreen with a high SPF factor, to shield your skin from the sun's strong rays. Here are a few great brands that I use and highly recommend:

• I love Hawaiian Tropic’s  Sheer Touch line of products. They are effective, no matter what activity you are doing outdoors. They have products ranging from SPF 15 to 50, so there is something for everyone. I used to be a die-hard SPF 15 girl, but use a 30 or 45 at home, and especially on vacation. I live in the ocean on vacation, and reapply constantly! This product smells amazing, too!
• No matter how hard you try to protect your skin, you might get burnt under the strong rays of the sun, and your skin might feel tight and dried out. I highly recommend Hawaiian Tropic's Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion. This product combines ribbons of gel and lotion to leave your skin feeling luxurious and refreshed. With silk protein and shea butter to moisturize skin, and aloe for cooling benefits, Hawaiian Tropic® Silk Hydration™ is an indulgent after sun experience that pampers and soothes the skin. I never go on vacation, or to the beach without this!

• I recently discovered Shiseido's amazing line of Wet Force products, and can't say enough great things about them! These products provide powerful protection for your skin, and the innovative protective veil becomes even more effective on the applied area when exposed to water for 15 minutes. This is due to the WetForce technology. The unique formula for body and face includes beneficial ingredients to help prevent skin dryness. This line of products is ideal for outdoor activities and sports. It provides high sun protection, yet is comfortable and gentle on the skin. I use this when I'm out running and sweating up a storm. It sticks to my skin like cement, and is super effective! I can't wait to try it on my next trip to the tropics. 

I can't say enough about my experience getting my spray tan at Bare Essentials. I have been a client for a while, and everyone is incredibly professional and friendly. They are known for their wide range of waxing services, and adding spray tans is the perfect pairing. At $35.00 for a spray tan, or $120.00 for a 4-Pack, this is a great deal for anyone who wants a gorgeous tan, without spending endless hours in the sun. Make sure to check them out. You won't be disappointed!

Bare Essentials is generously offering one of my readers a chance to win their very own spray tan session! All you need to do is follow Bare Essentials on Twitter (@icanwaxthat), follow my account on Twitter  (@sassygirlcanada), like their Facebook page, and Tweet 'I want to get my spray tan on with Bare Essentials! @sassygirlcanada @icanwaxthat #getyourtanon'. If you don't have a Twitter account, just post the same message above on the Bare Essentials Facebook page! Please note that Bare Essentials is located in Waterloo, so the contest is open to anyone in Ontario, but you need to be able to travel to Waterloo for the appointment. Good luck!

Disclaimer: I received perks for this post, but the opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

An Eye Opening Experience at Shoppes of Angus Glen Optometry Grand Opening!

I have always been blessed with perfect vision, and never took it for granted! Sadly, my optometrist told me a few years ago that the day would come when I would need glasses. I'm slowly coming to terms with the fact that as you get older, your vision starts to slowly deteriorate. With all the work I do on my laptop, and my love for reading, I knew the time had come to get my eyes tested, and try on some glasses.

When I went to the Grand Opening event for the Shoppes of Angus Glen Optometry, I had no idea what to expect. A little known fact about me is that I am terrified of anyone going near my eyes. It doesn't matter if it's for an eye exam, or for a makeup artist applying mascara. I tense up, and become paralyzed with fear!

My eye doctor always laughs at me when she has to put drops in my eyes. Believe me when I say I'm the biggest wimp when it comes to eye appointments! I was pleasantly surprised at how wonderful my experience was with the staff at Shoppes of Angus Glen Optometry. Their location is beautiful, and the layout of the various types of glasses is easy to navigate. 

The staff couldn't have been nicer, more patient, and helpful in assisting me with selecting the perfect sunglasses and eyeglasses to try on! Not only were the frames functional and came in a variety of different materials (plastic, metal), they were incredibly stylish! As a sassy type of person, this was important to me. Let me tell you, they did NOT disappoint! I tried on tons of different frames and styles. The choices were endless!

I started by trying on sunglasses, as I still clung to hope that I wouldn't need to get reading glasses. When you go for so long without needing anything other than glasses to protect you from the sun, it's tough to wrap your mind around the possibility that you might need anything stronger for your eyes. I had so much fun trying on all of the amazing styles and colours, I knew making a choice would be difficult. I love my glasses bold, fun, and very sassy, and the selection they had did not disappoint! There is a style, colour and brand for even the pickiest person. I wanted one of everything!

Once I was able to narrow down my choices to a few pairs of sunglasses, I ventured over to the other side of the shop, and was blown away at all of the lovely frames and choices for regular glasses! With the help of my sister, Mary, and the lovely Nasia from Shoppes of Angus Glen, I was able to narrow down my choices to a handful of very cool, fashionable, and sassy frames. After all, I am nothing if not sassy!

My turn finally came up for the eye exam,and I passed the pre-exams with flying colours. I got through the final set of tests, and was relieved to find out no drops were required to dilate my eyes. Everything else after that was a bonus, in my opinion! I was happy to find out that I only needed a tiny prescription for reading glasses. Better to know than go through life wondering why eyes feel strained. Getting tested was totally worth the slight anxiety I had!

For those of you who are searching for the perfect pair of glasses or sunglasses, here are some helpful tips to consider:

1. Don't get caught up on designer frames, or what others think you that you should choose. Select a frame that is well-suited for your face. Having the right frame that flatters your face is important! For example, oval or round-shaped frames are better suited for a square shaped face. Rectangular frames are best suited for round faces. Having an experienced stylist or someone who knows you well to help you is important when choosing the right frame for your glasses!

2. Your eyes should be well-centered in the frame you choose. A frame that is too wide could make your eyes seem like they are too close together. Nasia was a huge help in showing me the importance of this!

3. Sunglasses are just as important to wear as regular glasses! You protect your skin with sunscreen from harmful sun rays, and you should also to protect your eyes from the sun. As someone who spends a ton of time driving back and forth on the 401, I never leave home without my sunglasses. Those strong rays from the sun can give me a headache!

4. Have fun with your glasses, and mix them up to coordinate them with your outfits, or to reflect the mood you're in. Many people use glasses on a regular basis, and keep several pairs on hand. Glasses are a huge investment, and should definitely reflect your personality. Don't be afraid of colour, bold looks, or trying something out of your comfort zone. We don't own just one purse, or a single pair of shoes, so invest in a few pairs. You get what you pay for! Good quality lenses and glasses will last a long time. You will enjoy the comfort received from them, and your vision will improve by wearing them.

5. Make sure you bring your prescription with you, or make a note of it, so the optometrist can add it to your file. I received my first prescription for glasses at the grand opening, and even though it's very basic, I found out my left eye is a bit weaker than my right one. You want to make sure you have the right prescription for the lenses in your glasses.

You might be wondering which pair of glasses I finally decided to purchase. After going through a TON of different types of frames, colours and styles, I narrowed it down to these beauties:

I selected a very sassy pair of Tory Burch glasses that suit my fun personality! Nasia, the lovely person who patiently helped me through all of my choices, said something that has stuck with me. She said I would be choosing outfits to go with my glasses, and I know this will happen! These glasses are not only attractive and fun, but will go with so many things in my closet. I can't WAIT to wear them!

To commemorate the Grand Opening, Shoppes of Angus Glen is having an amazing giveaway on their Facebook page. One lucky winner will receive a pair of Oakley shades, and a round of golf for two at the Angus Glen Golf Club. The prize value for this contest is $600! Wouldn't this be a great gift for your Dad, or someone special in your life? Make sure to enter ASAP! 

In addition to the contest, Shoppes of Angus Glen is generously offering my readers 20% off their own pair of glasses or sunglasses until July 15. I had an amazing experience, and a lot of fun choosing my first pair of glasses. I can't say enough great things about the wonderful people who work at this location. Check them out, and let me know if you get your own pair. You won't regret it. Happy Shopping!


Disclaimer: While I have received compensation for this post, the opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

Contest: Win Tickets to Rock 'N' Roll Your Way to the Brewers Plate Toronto! #RockThePlate

Like most people, I LOVE a great party! Being able to help a local organization while attending a fantastic event is a HUGE bonus! The Brewers Plate Toronto, now in  its eighth year, is an event celebrating 20 rock star local chefs, 20 rock star local breweries, and one very exciting Rock 'N' Roll night of gourmet food, with all proceeds going to Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation! Where else can you wear your favourite concert t-shirt and enjoy unlimited gourmet food and beer pairings, while dancing to live music from The Worts and bidding on silent auction items?

This exciting event is taking place on Wednesday, May 13, at Corus Quay (25 Dockside Drive, Toronto, ON). Advance tickets are $95.00 each, which includes unlimited food and drink samples, and can be purchased online. For those who aren't into beer, don't worry. There will be wine, cider, and spirits available, as well! 

OK...it's contest time! I am giving one lucky reader a chance to win a pair of tickets to this amazing event! All you need to do is follow me (@sassygirlcanada), and @brewersplateTO, and post the following tweet to your feed:

I want to win tickets to @brewersplateTO from @sassygirlcanada - http://myworldoffabandsassy.blogspot.com/?spref=tw #RockThePlate

If you don't have a Twitter account, no worries! All you need to do is post your favourite beer from the list of brewers appearing at the event.

I will choose a winner at random from all entries received by 12:00 PM EST on Friday, May 8. Only one entry is allowed per person, and both the winner and guest must be 19 years of age or older.

Don't miss out on the party of the season! Make sure to enter today, and share the contest with all of your friends. Hope to see you there, ready to party rock 'n roll style! Good luck!



Find Your Own Piece of Heaven at Shangri-La Spa!

Most people know me as someone who is extremely girly. I adore spas, treatments, getting my hair and nails done, and spending time getting pampered! It's a guilty pleasure that I happily succumb to. When the opportunity came about to experience some pampering at the Shangri-La Spa in Cambridge, I happily jumped at the chance! I checked out the website, and loved what I saw in the pictures. Little did I know how much I would truly enjoy my afternoon at the spa!



 

From the moment I walked through the doors, I knew I found my new happy place! The spa is gorgeous, decorated in beautiful colours, and offers a peaceful atmosphere to clients. On the main level is the area where the hair magic takes place. With its sassy red chairs and amazing wall treatments, I was stunned to discover that one of the owners selected the furniture (I have to mention that he's male, and has fabulous taste!). I wanted to take one of the chairs home, they were that amazing! The other side of the main floor is a lounge/waiting area with a small kitchen, fireplace and couches, and reception area. The back of the main level is the area for manicures and pedicures. You will want to take the massage chair home! I can already sense that I will be spending tons of time in that area in the future. It's beautiful, comfortable and very peaceful.

 

The upper level of the spa is for massages, facials, and waxing. There is also a great lounge area for clients, as well as a makeup station where the ladies can get glamified for a special occasion. There is also a fabulous bathroom used for body wraps and scrubs, with a huge glass shower and soaker tub complete with several jets. I would honestly move into this building, and never leave! I know I won't be the only person to say this once they visit Shangri-La.

For my first visit, I had an anti-aging facial, highlights and a haircut. Nayiri was the lovely aesthetician who gave me my blissful facial. I am super picky when I book facials, as I have sensitive skin, and my face has been prone to reactions to products containing fragrance. When I found out Nayiri was using Dermalogica and Aquafolia products, I was incredibly excited! Both of these brands are amazing, and wonderful on all skin types.

I explained to Nayiri the type of skin I have, and she was incredible in explaining the products she was using throughout the treatment. The Ultracalming cleanser was perfect for reducing the redness in my skin, and the Aquafolia Step 1&2 Exfoliant was incredibly gentle on my face! The Multiactive Toner was incredibly soothing on my skin, and the lavender and mint smelled heavenly! The Revitalising complex was perfect for smoothing my skin's texture, and helps to prevent and correct the signs of aging. What woman doesn't want to look eternally younger!? This is one of my new favourite products!

Nayiri continued with my facial by applying a Multivitamin Power recover Masque. I loved this product for a number of different reasons. First, it helps to rescue stressed, aging skin. I'm not in my 20's anymore, and know with all of my travel, events and love for the sun that I put my skin through the ringer! You only have one face, and you need to take exceptional care of it. Second, this product really helps to hydrate dull, dry, dehydrated, photodamaged skin! Think about what we have put our skin through during this past winter. The crazy, cold weather, combined with being indoors with the heat cranked up can't be great for the skin  or our bodies! Throw in a trip to the tropics for those who were lucky enough to escape, and there's all kinds of madness for our skin! I could hear my skin thanking me as I was lying on the bed, enjoying my facial in semi-consciousness. Your skin will also thank you if you try this facial!

After Nayiri removed the masque, she finished with an Ultracalming Serum Concentrate and a wonderful massage of my face, neck and chest. The serum is great, as it helps to sooth, calm, and restore sensitive skin like mine. She added the Ultrasensitive Tint on my face, and my skin was glowing! It was actually the first time I wanted to post a picture online of my face without makeup (and I did!). The results were truly amazing. Thank you, Nayiri! My skin felt amazing, revitalized, and hydrated. Just what the doctor ordered! You can see my makeup-free picture below, which will also feature my fabulous new hair!

Following my facial, I headed downstairs to meet Amanda, the stylist who would be cutting and highlighting my hair. I am also incredibly picky when it comes to choosing my hair stylist. I feel this is a very intimate relationship that needs to be nurtured over time, so both parties can get to know each other, and decide what is best for hair/colour changes. Amanda is warm and personable, and has amazing hair! I told her I wanted to warm up my hair with brighter shades of blonde for spring, but would trust her judgement, and we were off to the races!

Like Nayiri, Amanda was amazing at explaining each step as she went through the process of adding highlights to my hair. I knew my hair was dry and needed some TLC after a harsh winter. Amanda let me know that my hair had also lost some of its elasticity, and applied a treatment to add it back to my hair. I was trying to picture my hair feeling like an elastic, getting its bounce back, but just went with Amanda's expertise and once again trusted that she knows best.

One of the things I instantly liked about Amanda was how passionate and excited she gets when talking about her work. It's obvious she loves what she does! I'm very excited to see what she does to my hair during future visits! I think that this could be the start of a beautiful relationship. :)

Once the highlights were ready, Amanda went to work on my 'cut'. I use quotes, as I told her I didn't want more than a small trim! I am on a mission to grow my hair this year, and was happy to see that she was cool with that. I appreciated how candid she was with her suggestions on how I should grow out my hair in the front. I want my look to evolve over time, and this was a great start!

I already knew that I would love my hair, but after all the styling was complete, I was thrilled with the end result! Amanda truly is an amazing stylist, and I see many trips back to see her in my future. I can't give my hair a proper curl to save my life, and the curls Amanda gave me lasted for several days, even after a run and long workout!

 

Once my hair transformation was complete, Nayiri provided me with a tour of the spa, and allowed me to take time to check out the various treatment rooms and areas. I had an incredible experience, and am happy to share the love with everyone, not only in Waterloo Region, but all across Ontario! Cambridge is a short drive down the 401, and think of the relaxation you will feel after a road trip to serenity! I hope you visit Shangri-La, and have as much fun as I did! The staff is warm, professional, and fun, the products are incredible, and your skin and hair will thank you profusely! 

 

For anyone who is interested, Shangri-La is offering an incredible promotion for 2015! You can get a cut and highlights for only $99.00! As a person who spends tons of money getting her hair done at the salon, this is a HUGE deal! The best part is, it's being offered for the entire year! As an added bonus, if you use my promo code 'Sassy', you will receive an additional 10% off this package, as well as 10% off all products you purchase! That's a VERY sweet deal!

I strongly recommend booking an appointment at Shangri-La. You'll be pampered and treated like royalty, and look picture perfect when you're done! Make sure to give them some love on social media, by following the spa on Twitter (@Shangrilacam), and liking their page on Facebook. They offer great tips, sale information and promotion details! Let them know that Sandy sent you, and please share your visit experiences with me! I hope you love it as much as I did. :)

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post, but the opinions expressed are entirely my own!



Calling All Divas! New Glama Gal Tween Boutique in the Village Opening in July!

Just when I think the lovely Glama Gal ladies can’t get any cooler, they do something that makes me extremely happy, and excited to find out what’s going to happen next. I am thrilled to share that their next location is opening in the posh and popular Blue Mountain Village in Collingwood! 



Opening in July, the fabulous Glama Gal Tween Boutique in the Village will offer clients a tailored version of the most popular features from the eight current locations. Blue Mountain Village is a popular hotspot for tourists of all ages who love a great getaway to Collingwood. Now tweens will have access to their own personalized spa while on vacation!

Some of the incredibly fun services available at the new location will include:

• First-ever Bath Bakery, including sorbet scrubs, gelato inspired bath bombs and cupcake soaps
• First-ever Glama Gal Doll Spa, so dolls can be pampered, too!
• Mini Tween Spa for our famous manis, pedis, facials, hair, makeup and more
• DIY spa product bar where girls can create their own lip gloss, perfume, and sugar scrubs
• Trendy tween retail boutique
• Drop-in craft sessions with unique and engaging workshops like Nail Design 101, Be You Workshops, trendy jewellery making and more!

From the tips of their sparkling fingertips to the bottoms of their sugar-scrubbed feet, tweens will be pampered, supported, encouraged and inspired to live the Glama Gal motto: Be Confident! Be Positive! Be YOU! It is this mindset and motto that sets Glama Gal way above other organizations, and makes me proud to be one of their Brand Ambassadors. Through the warm, friendly, and fun environment, the primary mission at Glama Gal is to allow young girls to be able to grow and nurture healthy self-esteem, which is incredibly important. I can’t wait to hear about the fun experiences that will be had in this new location!

I know there are many people who will be anxiously waiting for the opening of the Glama Gal Tween Boutique in the Village! In the meantime, make sure to follow Glama Gals on Twitter for updates (@GlamaGals), give their page on Facebook some love with a like, and read about the wonderful services and locations on their website!

Disclaimer: As a Glambassador, I have received compensation for this post, but the opinions expressed are all my own.

Getting Glamspired: Q&A with Glama Gal Co-Owner Laura Cannone

Like most women, I love being pampered and enjoy time at the spa! I don’t know many ladies who aren’t fans of manicures, pedicures, facials and massages! The same can be said for young girls and tweens. Most females, regardless of their age, like to indulge in some girly time. Laura Cannone and her sister Josie, who co-own Glama Gal Tween Spa, have taken the pampering experience to another level. They offer wonderful spa services for tweens, while making them feel beautiful, confident, and powerful inside and out. The spa also hosts birthday, bachelorette, and girl’s night in parties.

I recently spoke with Laura for a Q&A session about her amazing business. Every time I see Laura, we struggle to have a few minutes to chat at events! I truly appreciated the time to learn more about Glama Gal, gain insight on what inspires and motivates her, as well as what she looks for in people who are interested in franchise opportunities with the organization.

 

What ignited the spark in you to start a new business venture? How did the idea come about? My husband proposed to me in a spa. I was having a chocolate massage! The idea for the business came to us at my bridal shower. We had a table called the ‘Glama Gal’ station, where the girls had mini manicures, and created their own lip gloss. They loved the table so much, the girls wanted them at their birthday parties! We started having birthday parties at people’s homes, offering spa services and crafts. Soon, all the kids wanted the tables for their parties.

 

We started with parties in homes, and advertising on Kijiji. As a result, we generated tons of interest! Between 2006 and 2008, we were working at 5-10 parties a day on a Saturday. We hired friends who wanted to make extra money by having them work at various parties for us.

We opened our first location in Vaughan in 2008, and expanded it a year later. Because we were so busy, we had breakfast parties from 8:00-10:00 AM! Our second location opened in Ajax in 2011. People were driving 40 minutes to attend parties, which is why we opened our first franchise in Oakville in 2013. We opened 3 additional franchise locations in 2014. We have received 1000 inquiries for franchise opportunities. 

 

 

How did you find people to bring into your organization that truly care about the business the way you do? All enquiries come through our website. During the interview process, we ask questions like ‘What makes you tick?’, and ‘What do you believe your Glama Gal mantra is?’ Everyone who came through for the interview wore pink!

 

The hardest thing is finding the right staff. It’s important to treat your staff well. We don’t want to work with people who say their husbands will fund the business, or people who ask how much money they will make in the first year.

We want to use words that inspire and motivate young girls. It’s very important to treat people with respect and dignity. You have to lead by example. Be humble, or you will go nowhere in this world. My key to success is to be humble!

What motivates you? My daughter motivates me the most. I see girls walk through the Glama Gals doors, and their faces light up. I love their reactions.

What sacrifices have you had to make to become a successful entrepreneur? I had to sacrifice family events, and my weekends. Time is a huge sacrifice, but I’m getting it back, and giving it back. I also had to sacrifice friendships.

What advice would you give to women who are interested in starting their own business? I would tell them to make sure they have a great support system, whether it’s friends or family. Also, have patience, and be humble!

Do you feel there are more barriers for female entrepreneurs vs. male entrepreneurs? Yes, there are more barriers for women. Females are not equally respected to male entrepreneurs. I was at a show in Toronto, and had 8 men pass my booth, saying ‘This would be a good business to keep my wife busy.’

What would you say are the top three skills needed to become a successful entrepreneur? 1. Be humble, 2. Be patient, and 3. Lead by example.

Who is your role model? Why? My role model was my dad. Our father told my sister and I to take a gamble and open our first location. Without him, we wouldn’t have done it. Our dad worked three jobs, but spent as much time as possible with his children.

It was a pleasure to speak with Laura, who provided me with insight on her amazing company, and allowed me to get to know her better. I would love to see a Glama Gal franchise open up in the Kitchener-Waterloo area! #KWAwesome has several great spas, but nothing as unique and exciting as Glama Gal. In fact, the closest location is in Oakville! Wouldn’t it be amazing to have pampering sessions with your tweens in Waterloo Region? Parties would be taken to a whole new level!



For anyone interested in franchising opportunities, click here for information. Make sure to follow Glama Gals on Twitter (@GlamaGals), and read about the wonderful services and locations on their website!

Disclaimer: As a Glambassador, I have received compensation for this post, but the opinions expressed are all my own.