Canadian Living

Much is made of the beginning of summer—school’s out, flowers are blooming, shorts and flip-flops see the light of day once more. And then…it seems like it’s all over too soon, as we hit mid-August and the nights quickly get cooler, and all that weeding in the garden we diligently did in June has now fallen by the wayside. We feel like we’re racing full speed ahead into autumn, with our minds already on prepping for back to school, back to work and back to a what we sometimes consider “real life.” But let’s hold up a second, and pause to really register the delightful time that is the end of summer. Let’s take a blanket outside and enjoy a picnic. Spend an afternoon reading a book in the yard or…

1 GOOD MORNING We’re loving the gorgeous colours, flattering fits and luxe anti-pilling material in the Daybreak collection from Toronto-born activewear brand Azur Fit. But what we love even more is the company’s focus on inclusivity and diversity—you can find their clothes in sizes XS to 3XL, and you’ll be sure to see women of all shapes, sizes and ethnicities showcasing each collection. The main goal? Comfort, style, empowerment. 2 IN THE MOOGIE Scented home products have become all the rage in recent years, and if you like indulging in aromatherapy, look no further than Moodgie. Created in Montreal, soy-based candles, room sprays and reed diffusers from the brand will surely set the mood. The best part? All of the fragrances are formulated with your health and the environment in mind—containing vegan phthalate-and…

WHIPPED FETA & PEACH, CORN OR TOMATO BRUSCHETTA MAKES 4 SERVINGS HANDS-ON TIME 30 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 45 MINUTES Whipped Feta 1 200 g tub feta cheese, divided½ cup 2% plain Greek yogurt2 tbsp liquid honey1 tbsp olive oil2 tsp grated lemon zest1 tbsp lemon juicepepper Bruschetta 4 peaches, halved and pitted2 corncobs, husked2 tomatoes, halved12 slices crusty sourdough bread, ½ inch thick3 tbsp olive oil, divided1 clove garlic, peeled and halved3 tbsp chopped fresh basil, divided (approx)6 tsp chopped fresh oregano, divided (approx)balsamic glaze (optional) Whipped Feta Crumble feta cheese; reserve 2 tbsp in refrigerator. In food processor, purée remaining feta, yogurt, honey, oil and lemon zest and juice until combined and slightly lumpy (if necessary, add up to 2 tbsp yogurt to reach desired consistency). Season with pepper. Set aside in refrigerator. (Make-ahead: Can be stored…

BODY, PAMPERED A good skin-care routine doesn’t stop at the neck! Body wash, exfoliant, serum, oil and cream are all things you can use to keep your skin hydrated and glowing from head to toe. 1. This luxuriously rich cream protects the skin’s moisture barrier while rejuvenating the skin, leaving it supple, youthful and radiant. 2. Whether you’re sensitive to heavily fragranced cosmetics or you don’t want to interfere with your signature scent, you’ll find this fragrance-free hyaluronic acid serum is a skin hydration must-have. 3. Take in the comforting scent of sage and oat milk while enjoying the nourishing benefits of coconut oil, macadamia nut oil and shea butter on your skin. 4. Not only does this solid dry oil soften and nourish the skin, but its plastic-free cardboard packaging is biodegradable, meaning it’s…

While they may seem like totally separate systems, different parts of the body are connected and often impact one another. In fact, dermatology and psychology can be closely intertwined, says Laurent Misery, a professor of dermatology and a researcher at the University of Western Brittany in France, in one of his academic papers. He found that many patients who suffered from chronic inflammatory skin concerns, such as eczema or psoriasis, also suffered from higher levels of stress. Whether the skin concerns were the result of stress, or the stress actually came from the condition itself, the research shows us that our skin and brain are linked. When we experience changes in one area, it can lead to changes in the other. Does stress have an impact on the skin? So can stress contribute…

Having combination skin is a bit like juggling two personalities. “It’s characterized by having both oily and normal or dry areas,” explains William Matthew Yee Sui Chun, head of medical communications at Vichy Laboratoires. Most often, you will find an excess of sebum on the middle region of the face formed by the forehead, the nose and the chin (the T-zone), which is oily and prone to blackheads and dilated pores. The rest of the face may tend to feel tight and lack suppleness, two typical symptoms of dry skin. The Perfect Beauty Kit When you feel like your skin is two skin types in one, you may think you need twice as many products to target each separately. But that’s not necessary. You can opt for products that are made specifically…