Q&A With Myles Hass of Magic Men Live!

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Myles Hass, the host of the fabulous Magic Men Live! show. Magic Men Live! is the first live stage production to bring the combined phenomena of Magic Mike, Fifty Shades of Grey and other female-focused erotic entertainment to life. Magic Men Live! is now in its fifth year, completing a year of performing over 140 shows, and entertaining over 100,000 people! The tour had six dates in Canada, and has moved on to fire up crowds of women in the US! Hope you enjoy getting to know more about Myles and Magic Mike Live! as much as I did.

Q:  I would love to know how the tour became a reality! How did you come up with the concept, and what inspired you to create the Magic Men Live! tour?

A: We’re very proud of what the tour has become and excited about the direction it’s going! We started this show from nothing and worked for almost 7 years to make it the production that it is today. Patience and persistence goes a long way!

Q:  How did you get started in this type of industry?

A: I have an uncle that’s been in the industry since 1989! When I finished high school, I worked for him as an office manager and he taught me the ropes of the adult party entertainment world.

Q:  How long is the tour? How many dates/cities? Do you plan to take the tour outside of North America?

A: Our current tour is 4 weeks with almost 20 shows and we plan on doing a lot more tours this year. Last year we did about 150 shows in over 100 different cities in the states. This is our first time in Canada and our first time out of the United States, so you can say that we’re getting our feet wet with international touring and definitely hoping to bring our show to as many other countries as we can around the world!

Q: What can people who will be attending the show look forward to? Is it similar to what we have seen in the Magic Mike movies?

A: Our show is all about giving women a chance to truly let loose, have fun and enjoy a show that was made just for them. Our show has so many different elements to it, that no matter what you’re into you’re guaranteed to find something you love! But be warned: This is a very high energy and HANDS ON experience! So come ready!

Q: How racy/spicy is the show? I love a hot girl's night out! Does it get pretty crazy during the performances?

A: The show definitely has some spice to it! Without giving away anything, I can say that we definitely push the envelope as far as we’re allowed to and at the same time make sure we keep it tasteful and fun for the audience.  

Q: Are the men very interactive with the audience?

A: Definitely. Almost every segment involves some kind of audience participation. There are even segments when all the performers are in audience!

Q: What is the audition process like for the men in the show?

A: Our show came together very organically and we’ve never held an audition. Several of us have known each other for many years. I think we got very lucky to have the unique and diverse group that we have. We’ve become a close group of friends with a strong purpose that we love. And that of course, is putting a smile on our fan’s faces. J

Q: Has anyone in your family come to a show? Your mom/aunt/grandmother? Did they enjoy the show??

A: Yes! Aunts, cousins, and both of my sisters have come a number of times! They loved it! Still waiting for the day to get my mom out to it.

Q:  Are you and the other performers very interactive with the fans? Can they reach out to you on social media, or through a fan club?

A: Absolutely! We love interacting with our fans. Fans can reach us on Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter or Facebook! @MagicMenLive

Q: Do you have advice for anyone interested in pursuing a career in this type of industry?

A: My advice would be that your performing and purpose should be about serving the fans, not your ego. It’s all about showing them a good time and giving them a night out they deserve. That shift in mentality makes a big difference! 

I was lucky enough to be in the audience when the Magic Men Live! tour made a stop in Kitchener. Let me tell you, this show is HOT! I was told to expect a fun girl's night out, and I was not disappointed. The performances were incredibly entertaining, interactive, and worked the crowd into a frenzy!

I ended up on stage during one of the performances (sorry, no pictures of my up close and personal moment were taken!), and could feel my heart pounding in my throat in anticipation of what was to come. The men are complete professionals, and know how to work the crowd on and off the stage.

If you have the opportunity to see this show, don't miss it! Magic Men Live! is a sinfully wonderful night out for ladies of all ages. For my US followers, you can check out the tour dates to find a show near you.

Disclaimer: I was provided with a pair of tickets to see Magic Men Live!, but the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

My Journey with Pascoe Canada - Part Three

Before I started on my journey with Pascoe Canada, I was exhausted! Sleep was something I craved, I felt restless, and my moods were all over the map. I wondered if I could ever get myself back on track with regular sleep patterns. I was excited for a positive change, and Pascoflair was the perfect opportunity to get back to natural sleep. In my final post for this series, I'm happy to share my thoughts on the product, who I would recommend this to, and where you can find Pascoflair to try yourself.

I have been using Pascoflair for five weeks, and have already seen huge changes in several ways. I am sleeping more soundly, and I fall asleep faster than ever before. I’m not sleeping 8-10 hours a night, but my quality of sleep has greatly improved, which means a lot to me. I can get back to sleep quickly if I wake up in the middle of the night.

As a light sleeper, I always struggled with going back to sleep in the past. Throw in stress and a restless mind, and it potentially leads to a night of tossing and turning! Thankfully, I haven’t dealt with much of this since taking Pascoflair.

If you haven’t been reading my posts about Pascoflair, this amazing product consists of a high-dose herbal Passionflower (425 mg) that is traditionally used in herbal medicine. It helps to relieve symptoms of sleeplessness, stress and restlessness, and starts to work within 30 minutes of taking the pill! I take it first thing in the morning, and 30 minutes before I go to sleep. It’s simple, and fits easily into my daily routine.

One of the great improvements I have seen is on my mood. I deal with a lot of stress, and juggle a very busy schedule. I’m the first to admit that at times, it can be difficult to be cheerful and calm 24/7. Pascoflair has honestly helped to keep me grounded and calm. I’m sure getting more rest has helped, and the combination of both has benefitted me more than I can possibly write about.

Another huge change I noticed is that I have more energy since I started taking Pascoflair. With the added energy, I have tackled several projects that took up a great deal of my time and effort. Having more energy has helped me get more accomplished, get outside for workouts, and be more productive.

We have had some dark and gloomy days lately, coupled with chilly weather. It can be draining and unmotivating, but thankfully, I still managed to keep myself active and motivated!

Incorporating Pascoflair into my routine has helped me get back to natural sleep, but there are other ways to get a better night of rest. Here are a few tips to help you get quality rest, and fall asleep faster:

1.      Power down and remove distractions from your nightly routine that can overstimulate your brain, and keep you up late! Walk away from your laptop, smartphone, and TV a few hours before bedtime. For social media lovers like myself, this is difficult, but it’s amazing how relaxing it is to not have several screens to distract you from much needed rest for your body and mind.

2.      Unwind with a relaxing bath and music after dinner. Again, I speak for myself, but having a bubble bath, a great book or magazine, and soft music is incredibly relaxing. Removing the stress and craziness of a busy day is the perfect way to get ready for bedtime.

3.      Limit your caffeine intake to 1-2 cups of coffee per day, and avoid caffeine after 2:00 PM. Caffeine takes a while to wear off, and can affect your sleep patterns. Where possible, limit your caffeine consumption to the morning hours and early afternoon at the latest.

4.     Try to eat several smaller meals throughout the day, and cut off your food intake by 7:00 PM at the latest. The temptation to snack during your evening TV programs is huge, but you’ll feel it when you struggle with sleep at night. The combination of poor sleep patterns and late night eating can cause weight gain!

For information on where to find Pascoflair in your area, click here .

I have seen how Pascoflair has had a positive impact on my health and well-being. Going from being exhausted and frustrated to rested and cheerful is the best feeling, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. For anyone who is dealing with sleep issues or stress, I recommend that you try this product. It’s been a total gamechanger for me!

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

My Journey With Pascoflair and Pascoe Canada - Part Two

A few weeks ago I started my Pascoflair journey with Pascoe Canada. As I mentioned in my previous post, my sleep patterns are terrible. Getting 8-10 hours of sleep is something that happens only when I'm sick! I wanted to try Pascoflair to see if I could get some much needed rest, and ease up on my stress and restlessness. Was I going to see results quickly? Could this product help me fall asleep easier? Keep reading to find out!

The day I received my package, I took my first Pascoflair pill after dinner. I was cautiously optimistic, and resigned to the fact that I might have to wait to see results. Within 30 minutes, I was pleasantly surprised at how relaxed I felt! My life is busy, and I deal with a lot of stress. I know this contributes to my erratic sleep patterns, because I find hard to turn off and unwind easily after a long day.

The best way to describe how I felt was that it's like a weight had physically been removed from my shoulders. As a caregiver, there isn't a dollar amount I can put on a feeling like that, It's priceless.

I loved how calm I felt after taking Pascoflair. This is the Passionflower element in the product that starts working within 30 minutes to calm the brain. I knew, however, that the true test for me would be how Pascoflair would affect my sleep patterns. Anyone suffering from sleep deprivation and restlessness knows it's hard to be alert, cheerful and productive after a night of tossing and turning.

After taking Pascoflair, I was falling asleep faster than I ever did before. I'm not getting 8-10 hours of sleep, but after taking the pills twice a day as directed for two weeks, my quality of rest has improved, and I'm sleeping longer than before. If I do wake up, I am able to get back to sleep easier. This is a huge accomplishment for me.

It's still early in the journey, but I'm happy with the path that I am on to getting back to natural sleep. I'm feeling calmer, my rest is more productive, and I'm not waking up feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. I'm a cheerful person by nature, but I felt like I was in  a rut for a while. Pascoflair has helped me find my groove again, and it's a great feeling.

I don't take any product without doing my research and homework. Personally, I try to take as few prescription medications and over the counter products as possible. Of course, there are times when we desperately need to rely on special medications when we're sick. In those instances, I am definitely going to do what's necessary to get rid of my symptoms.

Knowing this is a natural health product is a definite bonus for me. What I love about Pascoflair is that there is no potential for dependency, and it has no potential toxic effects for my body. I feel safe taking it, even when I'm using another type of medication when necessary.

I never knew how lack of sleep could have such a profound affect on me until I started suffering from terrible sleep patterns! Proper rest is key to a positive and productive day. Lack of sleep can lead to impaired memory, poor concentration, and low energy that affects your ability to perform daily tasks. I have been there, and it's a terrible feeling. 

I know I'm not the only person who struggles with getting some quality rest at night. For those who are fighting the sleep battle, here are some helpful tips to get a better night of sleep:

1. Bring structure to your daily routine, and plan time to relax. Recharge your body and mind with quality rest.
2. Delegate responsibility. I know it's hard, because I struggle with it, too! Shifting responsibilities to others helps to remove stress and pressure off yourself.
3. Participate in outdoor activities. Going outside for a walk, run, hike, or whatever your favourite activity is helps you tune out and focus on your health and well-being!
4. Train yourself to relax. It's easier said than done, but taking the time to chill out during a busy day is a great way to decompress and stay calm.
5. When necessary, accept therapeutic help. If you can't keep your anxiety and stress in check, or have trouble sleeping, there are people who can help. You're not alone, and it's OK to admit that you need help getting back on track.

I'm on my way to getting back on track to better sleep, but my journey is far from over. How do you deal with lack of sleep? Do you have a tried and true way of getting to sleep? I would love to hear your thoughts and tips! Stay tuned for my next update, when I share my final thoughts on my Pascoflair journey. Hope you all have a great sleep, and sweet dreams!

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

My Pascoflair Journey with Pascoe Canada - Part One

One of the things I struggle with on a regular basis is sleep deprivation, and terrible sleep patterns. As a working woman and caregiver who juggles a busy schedule, I deal with many challenges. One major hurdle is trying to get a good night's sleep! Having to be on and alert most of the time means my stress level increases, sleep patterns fall low, and restlessness kicks in. I have tried sleep aid products in the past, but none were effective. When Pascoe Canada reached out to me to try Pascoflair, I jumped at the opportunity to see if I could get a better night of sleep! Timing is everything, and in this case, it was perfection.

Pascoe Canada is the Canadian division of Pascoe, an international laboratory and natural pharmaceutical company based in Germany. All of the products are made in Germany, and approved by Health Canada. A world leader in natural medicine, Pascoe has manufactured homeopathic and phytotherapeutic products for over a century.

What exactly is Pascoflair? It is a high-dose herbal Passionflower (425 mg) that is traditionally used in herbal medicine (in cases of restlessness or insomnia, due to mental stress.) It starts to work within 30 minutes to relieve symptoms such as sleeplessness, stress, and restlessness.

For someone who deals with these symptoms on a daily basis, Pascoflair is definitely worth trying. I try to take as few prescription and over the counter medications as possible, and used to visit a naturopath on a regular basis in the past. If there is a way of treating symptoms effectively using natural medicine, I'm always going to try it.

You might be wondering what benefit there is to taking Pascoflair, over other sleep aid products you can get in stores, or prescribed by a doctor. What I love and appreciate about Pascoflair is that it is a natural health product authorized for sale by Health Canada. The Passionflower ingredient starts working quickly to calm the brain, and improves sleep onset due to stress. You won't get the 'hangover effect' that you might feel from taking a sleeping pill, or liquid sleep aid. I tried a sleeping pill once, and I'll never forget how drained I felt afterwards. It was like drinking several glasses of wine! I haven't tried any over the counter sleep aids since.

I will be on my own Pascoflair journey for the next two months, and look forward to sharing my progress on social media as part of a three-part series. I'll update readers on my journey, my thoughts on the product, what improvements I have/have not seen, and tips that can help others get the rest they need at night.

Sleep is something we all need to regenerate our bodies and minds. For many people, the struggle to get a good night's rest is very real. My battle with sleep has been rough, and I know there are many other people who face the same problem. How do you deal with sleep issues? I would love to hear your thoughts, tips, or suggestions in the comments below.

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

Summer Indulgences and Living the 4K Life With Rogers!

 

Summer is my favourite season and time of year! There are so many wonderful things to experience during the summer months. No matter what your interests may be, there is always something to see, do, and explore. Summertime indulgences are by far some of the greatest! I'm happy to share some of my favourites with you.

Being born at the end of June, I am a summer baby, and love everything that comes with our fabulous summer weather. There is nothing better than taking a road trip to the beach, or sitting on a patio for dinner and drinks with friends.

One of my favourite summertime indulgences is day trips to the beach! Living in Kitchener, the closest beach in my part of Ontario is Grand Bend. This gem is only a 90 minute drive from Kitchener, and is the perfect day trip for people of all ages.

Whether you like to soak up the sun on the beach, stroll up the main street to shop, or enjoy patio time at one of the local restaurants, Grand Bend is a people watching paradise! I love to do all of the above. Taking a break from playing on the beach with some shopping, or drinks on a patio with friends are a few of my favourite things. It's the perfect indulgence on a hot summer day!

Another thing I love to do in the summertime is to enjoy some downtime and take a trip! Whether it's off to Las Vegas for my birthday, or a road trip to wine country in Niagara-on-the-Lake, taking the time to unplug, unwind and recharge my internal battery is extremely important. Every year, I book time during the summer months to get away from the daily grind and my busy schedule to enjoy some fun in the sun.

If you love travelling across the border, either in the US or internationally, Rogers has an amazing plan called Roam Like Home. This is a great option to look into if you are planning to make calls, and stay active using the Internet or social media. This has saved me tons of money while travelling outside of the country!

You don't have to break the bank to have a fun vacation. Staying within Canada (and Ontario), or even a staycation can be enjoyable, and incredibly therapeutic! Taking the time to indulge in some much needed me time is as good for the body and mind as it is for your soul. What are your favourite vacation destinations? I would love to hear about your vacation stories!

The summer season also brings great sports and sporting events to watch. The Rio 2016 Summer Olympics are in full swing  in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and there is nothing like watching athletes compete for their countries, and for Olympic glory.

If you follow me on social media, you know I talk about sports a LOT! I adore football, baseball, tennis,  and swimming, and have been screaming at my Samsung 4K TV since the competitions began. I love that Rogers is offering select coverage of the Rio Games in 4K on CBC, SportsNet, and SportsNet1!

Of course, there are many others exciting sports to watch this summer. The Toronto Blue Jays are on fire, and whether I'm watching at the Rogers Centre or at home on TV, it's been amazing to watch the boys in blue battle their way up the American League MLB standings. What's summer without the Toronto Blue Jays baseball games?

Recently, I was invited by Rogers to join some of people in the #RogersSI program and watch a few very exciting Quarterfinal matches at the Rogers Cup in Toronto. Tennis is a lot of fun to watch on TV, but to watch a match live and feel the energy from the crowd is contagious! I had never been to the Rogers Cup before, and seeing Novak Djokovic and Milos Raonic compete live was a huge thrill. The weather was perfect, and the fans were out in full force to cheer on their favourites. Definitely something to check out in the future if you're a tennis fan.

 

If you're not able to attend sporting events live, you can catch all of the action on television! I have had the pleasure of enjoying the Samsung SUHD 4H TV and Rogers NextBox 4K Cable Box for the past four months, and being able to watch The Toronto Blue Jays home games in 4K has been incredible. Here are a few of my favourite features:

• Cinematic Picture Quality - The Samsung 4K SUHD TV immerses you deeper into the action with lifelike colours and stunning details, bringing cinematic picture quality to your home.
• Immersive Content - The Samsung 4K SUHD TV provides access to Rogers live sports broadcasting in 4K with HDR, including this season's Blue Jays games, with remarkable picture quality and exceptional design.

To celebrate one of my favourite indulgences, Rogers has generously offered one of my lucky readers the chance to win an amazing Toronto Blue Jays prize package, valued at $150! The package will include some amazing Jays gear you can wear, as you cheer on the boys in blue!

All you need to do is compete the entries below. At the very least, let me what your favourite summer indulgences are by leaving a comment on this post. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I hope you love your summer indulgences as much as I enjoy mine. Enjoy the rest of the summer weather while it's here!

Disclaimer: As a Rogers SI ambassador, I was not compensated for this post, but have been provided with a Samsung 4K SUHD TV and a Rogers NextBox 4K Cable Box as part of the #LifeIn4K program, and a Toronto Blue Jays prize package for my giveaway. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

Enjoying #FordMindfulness With Ford Canada and the #FordEdge

We should all take the time to be mindful in our daily lives. Life can get crazy, and it's nice to stop and have some downtime for ourselves whenever possible. I recently had the pleasure of enjoying an amazing mindfulness experience with Ford Canada, and am so excited to share my experience with you!

My journey began downtown Toronto, with the amazing Ford Edge Titanium and a wonderful yoga instructor by the name of YuMee. YuMee showed me some great ways to stay mindful behind the wheel while driving.

With the CN Tower as an amazing backdrop, YuMee and I enjoyed a wonderful session, where I could stretch and relax my muscles both in and out of the vehicle.

After the session, I drove away with the Edge for a WEEK! If you have never driven this vehicle, I highly recommend that you give it a try. You won't regret it. I have never experienced a quieter ride in any other vehicle. The quieter engine makes driving on road trips incredibly peaceful.

Completing the yoga session with YuMee made me realize all of the things I was doing while driving that added to my stress level. Here are a few great tips to help keep you mindful behind the wheel.

1. Take the time to stretch before you drive.

I am the WORST when it comes to stretching. My session with YuMee showed me how important it is to feel as limber as possible before entering a car, as it is to feel comfortable inside the vehicle. Take the time to loosen your muscles if you can before driving.

A great option for stretching is the Triangle Pose. Stand straight, with your feet a metre apart. Turn your right foot out 90 degrees, and turn your left foot in 15 degrees. Lift your arms to shoulder height, and inhale.

Reach your right arm to the right side, and exhale. Lower your right hand to your inner shin, raising your left hand towards the sky. Look up, extend your neck, and breathe deeply five times. Repeat this sequence on the other side.

2. Make sure to sit with care.

Before you drive, make sure you're seated properly in the vehicle. Take advantage of the 10-Way Power Driver and Passenger Seats in the 2016 Ford Edge. This feature is a great way to find your perfect seating position, while getting the lower back support you need. I personally love this option, as my back is always sore after driving for long periods of time.

Sit as far back into the seat as possible, keeping your head, pelvis, and ribs in a straight line. If you spend long periods of time in your vehicle, the key to a happy back is sitting with the bones of your spine in a joint stacked position.

If you find that your back is sore while driving, use the heated seats option in the Edge to soothe the pain. Save the money you would use for a massage, and enjoy this quick fix instead!

3. Get a grip!

I spend tons of time driving on the 401, going back and forth between Kitchener and Toronto. One of the things I tend to do as soon as I enter the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is tense up and clench the steering wheel. I blame traffic, construction, and erratic drivers for this habit! 

I never thought about how this repetitive action can cause a lot of stress on my wrists. If this is something you experience, take the time to be mindful of this activity.

If you're holding onto the wheel too tight, take a few seconds after you have stopped the vehicle to rotate your wrists, and give your hands a loose shake. Your wrists will thank you for it!

4. Tune in, and tune up.

Before you hit the road, take advantage of the Yoga Tune Up Therapy Balls. This is a great way to loosen up tightness and discomfort in your back. Place the balls between the seat and your back, in n area that feels tight. Add pressure on the ball, letting it slowly work on any trigger points where you are experiencing pain.

It took me a little while to get used to using the balls, but I have noticed that my back is not as tight as it has been in the past on my road trips down the 401.

5. Stay mindful.

Whether you're on a road trip, stuck in traffic, or commuting to work, it's important to remain mindful while behind the wheel. Make use of the innovative driver assist technology available in the Ford Edge. It can help you remain calm, centred, and mindful while driving.

There are some convenient technologies available in the Edge, such as the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®). This helps you drive worry-free and use radar to let you know when a vehicle is hidden in your blind spot.

This is a fantastic feature in the Edge! There is nothing worse than not knowing who is in your blind spot while driving. I have seen way too many accidents on the highway, and this feature can really help prevent split-second mishaps.

My mindfulness journey continued after lunch with a great session at Float Toronto. For those of you who have never heard of float sessions, floating involves lying in a tank filled with a salt water solution.

You may also have heard of it being referred to as a float tank, isolation tank, or sensory deprivation tank. Fighting gravity won't be an issue here, as the solution is made up of 10 inches of water, and 850 pounds of Epsom salts.

I had never experienced anything like this before, and it truly helps to shut out the noise and stresses in our lives. It also allows our bodies and minds to relax.

I will admit that the one thing I had a hard time with was closing the door of the sensory tank. I'm a little claustrophobic, so I kept the door open (which is ok, as I was in a room all by myself).

Floating has some amazing key benefits for your body:

1. Relaxation Response - Floating weightless in the tank helps your body with general recuperation, replenishment of digestive secretions, and relaxation.
2. Use in Athletic Training - The salt water solution has an added benefit of being saturated with Epsom Salts. These help in the body's healing process, drawing out lactic acid buildup and toxins in your body. They also speed up recovery time after workouts and runs!
3. Increased Immune Function - Immune function is enhanced by suppressing stress hormones. They weaken the immune system, suppress digestion and reproductive systems, decrease insulin sensitivity, and affect the regeneration process.

Floating also has some great benefits for your mind:

1. Stress Reduction - This is one of my favourite reasons to float! Our everyday lives are filled with many demands, and all kinds of stress. Floatation therapy is the most powerful stress therapy technique known.
2. Improved Creativity - Studies have shown that six float sessions helped people have more creative ideas, and increased their free imagery. A study with 40 university students showed that a single float session increased their scores on a standardized test used to measure creativity.

My float session was a pretty interesting experience. If you decide to try it, here are a few of my own personal tips and takeaways:

• Don't shave the day of your float session! The salt solution is intense, and will make your skin sting if you shave before your appointment.
• Be prepared to shower after your session, and wash your hair, if needed. I tried to avoid getting my hair wet, but salt clung to every inch of me. The bonus was that my skin was soft and glowing after the session!
• Use the floatation devices provided outside the float tank, to help you stay above the salt water solution. I found them to be very useful.
• To prevent getting salt water in your ears, use the earplugs provided during your session. If you get salt in your ears, use the vinegar solution provided to rinse out your ears.
• Limit food and drink before floating, to avoid bathroom trips while you're trying to relax. 

I had a great time driving the Ford Edge all over Ontario, from Kitchener and Stratford to Toronto. Using the featured technologies helped to enhance my experience. Here are a few of my favorite features of the Edge.

• Enhanced Active Park Assist - If you're like me, and aren't comfortable parallel or reverse parking, this feature will make you feel like a pro in no time. The 12 ultrasonic sensors and available active park assist can identify suitable parallel or perpendicular parking spaces. I found myself searching for places to parallel park while I had the vehicle. The Park Out Assist helps steer the vehicle out of tight parallel parking spaces, while side parking sensors watch the back, front, and sides of the vehicle.
• Available Lane-Keeping System - I love how innovative this feature is! The Edge sensed when I was veering out of my lane, and warned me by having the steering wheel vibrate. It went a step further by steering itself back into my lane. That's amazing!
• Voice-Activated Sync® 3 - This is my favorite feature in the Edge. Sync® 3 allows you to stay focused on the road, while making client or personal calls with the push of a button and the sound of your voice. It makes navigating to your destination really easy, and searches for music on your phone and SiriusXM Satellite Radio a breeze.
• All-Climate Comfort - With the crazy changes in weather we experience in Southwestern Ontario, having the option to have heated or cooled seats in the Edge is a huge plus! The rear seats have optional heated seats, and the front has the option for heated or cooled seats (which is the best thing in humid weather). On several occasions, I used both options while driving the Edge.

In addition to the float session, Ford also provided me with a mindful experience of my choice. In my opinion, there is nothing more relaxing than a hot stone massage, to get rid of stress, aches and pains. I was excited to visit my favourite Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) at Total Skin and Body Anti-Aging Spa in Kitchener.

I have experienced many different types of massages at a variety of spas, but there isn't anyone like my RMT Kelly. She's so good, it takes a long time to book an appointment with her. I was incredibly lucky to get some time with her! Kelly has been my massage therapist for years, and I always leave feeling like I'm floating on a cloud of bliss.

Between the heat therapy, hot stones and amazing massage, Kelly released months of tension and stress from my body. I was able to unplug and unwind, and was falling asleep by the end of the session. That's what I call an incredibly mindful experience!

If you have never tried a hot stone massage, I highly recommend that you do in the future. I slept like a baby that night.

I had an great week with the Ford Edge Titanium, and happily recommend it to anyone interested in a stylish SUV filled with amazing technology. It was a sad day for me when I had to return the vehicle. Thank you so much to Ford Canada for a wonderfully mindful experience!

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post, but Ford Canada provided me with the Ford Edge vehicle for the week, the float session at Float Toronto, and a gift card to use for my hot stone massage. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Yoga 101: My Beginner's Guide To Getting Started!

I am definitely not an expert in the area of yoga. One of the things my doctor always says to me when I visit for my annual physical is that I need to do more to remove stress from my life. She recommends things like stretching, massages, and yoga classes! I love massages, but felt incredibly clueless when it comes to yoga.

When I decided to start incorporating yoga into my life, I approached it from a Yoga 101 perspective. Here are some helpful tips on how I introduced myself to the wonderful world of yoga.

1. Find classes that are right for you, and geared to your comfort level.

I have heard great things about hot yoga, but the thought of sweating through a yoga class in a hot room makes me nauseous! If you are new to yoga, do some research, and find a few great yoga studios in the city you live in.

Many of the studios offer introduction classes, or packages that offer you with an opportunity to try several classes at a reduced fee, for a limited period of time. This allows you to find classes that you enjoy and are most comfortable with.

I have taken a few classes in the past, but never had a set routine, or attended classes on a regular basis. Here are a few of the classes I have tried to develop a better understanding of yoga for myself:

• Yoga Basics - This class is great for beginners, and allows you to practice yoga at a moderate rate, while improving your overall strength and flexibility. It also helps you develop an understanding of basic yoga postures.
• Hour Flow - Flow helps you get through a varied sequence of active and standing floor postures. What I like about this class is that the emphasis is placed on deep breathing, strength building, and a lot of fun! This is a winning combination for me.
• CoreFlow Yoga - This class is a solid hour of fluid core work! In this class, you play hard, sweat, and build core strength, without having to do endless sit-ups or crunches (which I am not a fan of).

Another option is to try free classes, where available. I live in Kitchener, and there is a great option called Yoga In The Park. Every Wednesday and Sunday, Victoria Park offers a free outdoor class, in collaboration with Queen Street Yoga. These classes are beginner friendly, and open to people of all ages.

One of the websites I have used to find great deals on yoga classes is Groupon. Groupon is a fantastic place to find deals, and you can tailor the site to find options specifically for your area. I can't tell you how many amazing deals I have scooped up here.

There are always several deals on Groupon for yoga classes. For people who are unsure where to begin in the world of yoga, and are looking for a great price on classes, make sure to add your email address to their mailing list. You'll receive emails for deals on a variety of classes!

2. Invest in some useful yoga equipment and accessories.

You don't need to spend a fortune to practice yoga, but you should invest in a few good accessories for your classes. I definitely recommend a good yoga mat and bag to carry your water bottle, and other personal items. Personally, I like Gaiam Canada's 5mm Premium Reversible Yoga Mat - Be Free. It's large, comfortable, and I can mix up the colours and flip it over for a nice change. The patterns are different on both sides, and the mat itself is extra thick, which offers added cushioning and support.

For yoga newbies like myself, the textured, 'sticky' non-slip surface is great, as it helps to keep me in place, no matter what pose I am trying to execute. Another bonus of this mat is that it is made of PVC, and without the six most harmful phthalates. As a result, this mat is a healthier choice for both you and the planet.

I am always running to something, whether it's a workout class or appointments. I love Gaiam Canada's Metro Gym Bag, because it's perfect for holding all my personal items, and it's also super stylish! It also has a cinch cord at the underside of the bag to hold your yoga mat. I use it all the time for day trips to the city, and it has multiple pockets to hold anything you need to take long for yoga classes, appointments, or events!

If you are like me, you aren't 100% flexible, and can get sore after attempting to manoeuver your body in multiple poses! To get rid of aches and kinks, I use the Restore by Gaiam Deep Tissue Foam Roller. This is an amazing item, as it's designed to work deep layers of tissue, while withstanding repeated use. It also stimulates blood flow, targeting and soothing your aches faster.

When I started taking yoga classes, I was very sore, and this item was a huge game changer for me. It helped target my sore spots much faster, and get through the pain quickly. I highly recommend using this after a yoga class or run!

No matter what type of yoga class you sign up for, it's important to stay hydrated, especially in the hot summer weather! A water bottle is a must, so that you stay properly hydrated, and don't suffer from dehydration.

Another item I find extremely useful is a yoga mat spray. After a sweaty class, it's nice to give my mat a few sprays, to avoid any unwanted odours. I keep it in my bag, along with the rest of my personal items. I found mine at well.ca, but there are plenty of other stores that carry this item. My spray smells amazing, and also doubles as a pretty great room spray!

3. Dress comfortably, and in clothing that allows you to stretch properly, and lets your skin breathe through the sweat!

As much as I love Lululemon, those outfits can be pretty expensive! I found a great brand called Hyba, available exclusively at Reitmans. It's very cute, and super affordable. I sweat through my runs and workouts, and knew that I would need clothing that allows my skin to breathe, and lets me stretch properly during my sessions.

I picked up some great pieces that are great for yoga and running, so I didn't have to spend tons of money on multiple outfits. One thing to remember is make sure your clothes aren't too tight. You need to be able to move and stretch. If you're like me, you like to look cute while you're working out! Hyba has some incredible pieces in a variety of styles and colours. Check them out online, or at a Reitmans store near you.

Yoga is a wonderful way to stretch, find your inner zen, and help you relax. It's also a fantastic way to increase strength, balance, stamina and flexibility, as well as reduce stress. I hope you find these tips useful, and that you give yoga a try. You don't need to be an expert to enjoy the benefits of yoga. Good luck, and Namaste! 

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post, but was provided with my Gaiam Premium Reversible Yoga Mat, and Metro Gym Bag. All of the opinions expressed are entirely my own.