Why are women’s haircuts so much more expensive than men’s? I set out to answer this question and find out if a decent woman’s haircut under $20 was as elusive as finding a unicorn to ride to the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. I started by asking unisex salons their prices: a woman’s cut averaged $35 …
There is glamour and magic in the memories of our youth
Today is my son’s birthday; he’s five years old. Five is so young, but so old at the same time. He’s changed so much. I’m already missing things about his “youth.” I miss the way his head used to fit against my shoulder so perfectly as a baby. I miss the way he used to say “ephelant,” “Indy Nana Jones,” …
Find peace of mind in getting your tests done, whether for lumps or lead
Like the classrooms of yesteryear, I’ve received a reminder that: some tests are easier than others; some test results are easier to wait for than others; and avoiding these tests won’t improve the situation. If you’ve been following my columns, you’ll know that last month I was told I had to get a lead test for my water, and a …
Cancer is no laughing matter — but humour gets the message out
When I found the lump, I was not pleased. (I wish I could tell you I was talking about a lump in my signature gravy or in my cream of wheat.) As I checked and re-checked my 38-year-old self, I had five thoughts: * My kids will have to grow up without their mom. * Could I lose my partner …
Lead testing and websites are enough to make one a hypochondriac
PUC Services Inc. is offering me a free tap water test. It seems their “records indicate that lead service pipes may have been used in homes built between 1943 and 1948. Based on the age of your home, it is possible that lead may have been used in the water service pipe for your home.” The word “lead” alone had …
Start with the big rocks when prioritizing items for this year’s pages
New Year’s Day is not unlike the blank page that I found myself staring at this morning. There were no words already written, no ideas jumping off the page, and no direction provided. Sometimes, a blank page is wildly liberating as it feels like a wide open field of opportunity, hope, and dreams. Other times, it is hugely intimidating, like …
Hiawatha Trail is a real treat for the area, let’s not abuse it
I was out cross-country skiing last week and was shocked to see people walking towards me on the groomed trail with their two dogs. Had they forgotten to don their skis? Probably not. This means they either didn’t know the trails weren’t for walkers and their dogs, or they were being downright ignorant by using the trails unlawfully. The trails …
Fear doesn’t have to be proportional to age– Dr. Seuss taught us that!
I love that young children will try anything. Present a young child with a new sport, a new language, a new food, and he or she will try it. However, that changes quickly — just show most children a plate of vegetables. Based on experience, children who don’t like spinach or broccoli will start refusing to try other green foods, …
Vibrant colour — and rum — of Bermuda reduced fall doldrums
While the last cruise ship sailed out of Bermuda, I arrived for a quick vacation. It truly was the perfect time to visit — no lines, empty beaches, and 24 degrees of yeah in November. I am proud to note that not only did I survive the Bermuda triangle, I also survived the local way of life, all the while …
Checking your bills can help you save hundreds of dollars a year
We could all use a little more money or find a way to cut some expenses, right? Fellow Northerners, have you heard about the Northern Ontario Energy Credit? It’s been on the television quite a bit lately, but I’ve learned to tune out advertising. It was hard to miss the huge ads in the newspaper, however. According to the ads …