Some people might think that it would be impossible to write a column about jeans, but that person would likely be a man. For women, there’s lots to talk about, including: everchanging styles, pockets (or the lack thereof), vanity sizing, and jean gender GAP differences. Why my new interest in opining about denim wear? I’ve been looking for a pair …
We’re only human — and do not always notice red flags
In an effort to stop binge-watching television, I have been peppering my entertainment routine with some non-fiction books. Most recently, I picked up the audiobook Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don’t Know, by Malcolm Gladwell. As a student of human behaviour, I’ve always been a fan of Gladwell’s work. He talks about three main human …
Barbados trip last taste of normalcy
One of Nadine Robinson’s favourite beach activities is soaking up some vitamin D while admiring the postcard like ocean and skyscapes. One year ago, I was tanned and happy, returning home from a March break trip with my family to Barbados. As we landed in the Toronto airport, and it became clear that there was a new world order, we …
Personal touch just makes good business sense
Is now the time to be cutting back on customer service? I have become very frustrated as of late with big businesses cutting our ability to contact them, forcing us to buy in ways we don’t want to, or into decisions with less information than desirable. In the middle of COVID-19 protocols, this seems more than illogical and I’m wondering …
Healthy complement of veterinarians would be the cat’s whiskers
Nadine Robinson and Reese had a “good experience” with the emergency vet on call. “We’re not taking new patients,” is something I’ve heard friends facing when dealing with trying to get a family doctor, but didn’t realize it was a pet issue until this last month. I know that humans are supposed to be a priority, but lately, I like …
No respect for people who profit from wrecking what others build
I have loved money for as long as I can remember but, sometimes, I really dislike capitalism. What’s happening in the stock market is a good reminder of why I’ll never be a billionaire, because I won’t do whatever it takes for money. There is an adorable (yes, I’m calling myself adorable) photo of me at a wedding with a …
No need to sugar-coat COVID realities
Ontario’s response to COVID-19 has, at times, seemed restrictive, other times appropriate, still other times too lenient. Overall, there seems to be a lack of information and a lack of evidence-based decision-making leading to questionable pronouncements benefitting certain stakeholders, while those preaching the rules feel that they are above them. Let’s start with the fact that the province was locked …
Treading ‘where there is no path’ affords coolest rewards
While winter does not call to my soul, I know that I need to embrace its frosty, serene beauty and get outside. Like the anonymous meme says: “If you choose not to find joy in the snow, you will have less joy in your life but still the same amount of snow.” With winter, and knowing that I have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), I …
2020 not such a bummer of a year after all
Dear 2020, You’ve been getting a lot of flak, but I want to say that I see method in your madness, and I am choosing to focus on the positives you’ve brought us. Firstly, I’d like to thank you for an even closer bond with my teens. I didn’t think it was possible, but our quarantine time strengthened us as …
Liars should get their just deserts
I hate being lied to. I rarely use the word hate, but I do feel that strongly about honesty or the lack thereof. If my history is any indication though, I have to caveat that statement because there were times in the past that I wanted to believe a lie, because it was easier and meant I wouldn’t have to …