Stefano Navi

I was looking to purchase a pendant as a gift and a friend of mine had introduced Stefano Navi jewelers to me. Their lab-created diamonds have now become one of my favorites. What I love about them, all their pieces are handcrafted in their New York City facility with all the precious metals being fair-minded recycled and refined. All the diamonds are IGI- certified and more importantly conflict-free and sustainable which is a key factor when Im searching for the right piece of jewelry. Their customer service was top-notch, since I was buying a gift they made sure I made all the right steps before making my purchase.

Starfish Project

When I discovered the Starfish Project, I fell in love, and not just with their jewelry. The Starfish Project is an online jewelry store whose initiative helps exploited women in Asia to restore hope, freedom, and establish independence. Being Asian myself, this initiative hit close to home. As you scroll down the page adding rings or necklaces into your cart, the Starfish Project describes one piece’s equivalence, whether it’s the cost of one week of medical care or equal to the cost of reaching out to 24 women. What I love about the Starfish Project is its variety. While I appreciate their minimalist and modern jewelry, I adore the Asian inspiration in some of these pieces. I cannot get enough of the Starfish logo and packaging, which reminds me of all the sand dollars I used to collect at the beach.

Wild Moon Jewelry

This jewelry brand takes pride in using natural materials and ethical products such as recycled glass, 100% recycled fine silver, beading, and repurposed brass to create handcrafted pieces with an Afrocentric aesthetic. Wild Moon focuses on working with local artisans and designers from non-profit organizations based in Ghana. They also offer jewelry-making workshops through non-profit organizations.

Moving Mountains

Moving Mountains is inspired by women’s empowerment and the recognition that choices have an impact. When shopping at Moving Mountains, $5 from each purchase goes to women-focused charities and not-for-profits. Every few months, Moving Mountains selects a new organization to share their donation. If you want to be more involved or help create awareness, Moving Mountains has a suggestion page to submit to charities and organizations that you believe deserve a spotlight. Their inspirational jewelry and apparel can be delivered to your door with free shipping in Canada.

Zaleska Jewelry

Zaleska Jewelry provides a modern approach to crystal healing and energetic self-care with inspiration from historical periods to share their vision, but it’s their solid gold rings that shine. In 2018, Zaleska donated 10% of their gold made-to-order ring profits to the Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS). The organization aspires to empower immigrant and refugee women and children through neighborhood-based programs in Canada. Director of Operations, Rod Campbell, tells DINE that Zaleska is currently in the works to move away from made-to-order rings to have stocked selections instead. “I’m in Bali meeting with our goldsmith…We expect to re-launch the option to purchase solid gold rings in mid-to-late March,” says Campbell. Once Zaleska relaunches their gold ring collection, they will continue donating 10% to PIRS, so keep an eye out and your energy flowing.

Brass & Unity

Brass & Unity is a Veteran-owned company that creates unity for veterans suffering mentally, physically, and emotionally. A portion of their proceeds funds various organizations globally and locally to “change the lives of those who protect ours.” They are currently in collaborations with SheHerdPower, Honour House, Light on PTSD, and VETS Canada to name a few. Their jewelry and sunglasses contain real forged reproduction brass shell casings, etched with their logo.

Alex and Ani

If online shopping isn’t your thing, Alex and Ani now have three stores across Canada. Specializing in bangles and charms, their Charity by Design collection is currently the highlight for their donations. Alex and Ani have hosted over 5000 events and donated $50 million to non-profits globally. Different charms represent different funds. My personal favorite is the Gorilla Charm Bangle for which 20% of the purchase price goes toward The Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund to help save the mountain gorillas in Rwanda.

Animal Stone

For all you animal-lovers, Animal Stone is dedicated to connecting people to animals. Wear your favorite animal to stay connected with your animal spirit, whether it’s a sea turtle, a lone wolf, or a majestic lion. Forget about butterflies in your stomach and wear them close to your heart. With “Kamama the Butterfly,” your purchase will go toward the Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto. If you think sharks need more love, “Bahamas the Shark” helps support the Women Divers Hall of Fame Scholarships and Training. With Animal Stone, find the connection to your animal and connect yourself to the world of giving.

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The post Helping the Community One Piece of Jewelry at a Time appeared first on Food Health & Parenting Tips.

Some other times, you can add Kratom to any of these teas for a boost of energy. This dietary supplement can also have analgesic (pain relieving), anti-inflammatory, or muscle relaxant effects.

Start Your Day with Some Passion Flower Tea

Passionflower is a climbing vine, and its properties may help you climb your way through the day. This tea can help you feel more energized and positive as it is known to improve mood and stress hormones, reduce anxiety symptoms, or treat sleeping disorders. Passionflower is also known to improve skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, increases libido, and helps fight addiction by soothing withdrawal symptoms.

Enhance Your Brain Power with Rosemary Tea

Rosemary is not only for cooking, but you can also enjoy it in a cup. Rosemary is a woody herb belonging to the mint family. This tea improves overall brain activity by fighting the brain from aging and providing better blood circulation. This increases brain activity, can promote productivity and efficiency, enhance your memory, and relieve headaches or stress. Rosemary can also improve your breathing, allowing a little Zen into your life.

Drink More Green Tea

Green tea is a staple for your cupboard. With its rich source of antioxidants, drinking green tea can help improve your brain function, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. Green tea can detox your body, ridding it of free-radicals while preventing cell damage. What makes green tea so beneficial for your brain is that it contains the amino acid, theanine. Theanine promotes anti-anxiety effects while increasing dopamine, which can leave you more energized and productive.

Try Some Turmeric Tea

Turmeric is part of the ginger family and has been used in cooking and medicine for years. Its active ingredient, curcumin, gives off that vibrant yellow you may see in some curries. But curcumin’s color is not the only thing that makes it stand out. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties are great immune-boosters. It can regulate immune cell functions against cancer, reduce your chances of neurodegenerative conditions, and limits cellular damage. Turmeric can also be used to promote digestion, help relieve arthritis pain, and reduce depression symptoms by fighting chronic inflammation.

Feel and Look Better with Rose tea

People love the smell of roses, and its petals create an aromatic herbal tea that is calming for your mind. Rose tea regulates hormone levels relating to sleep and your cardiovascular system. It contains detoxing and diuretic properties to help rid your body of toxins and aids in the growth of good bacteria in the digestive tract. Commonly found in cosmetics, rose improves skin and hair. Enjoying a sweet cup of rose tea can enhance your mood and provide a soundless bedtime.

Peppermint: More than Just a Holiday Treat

Peppermint is a hybrid mint with a high menthol concentration. The cooling aftertaste from the menthol relieves high-stress levels while relaxing your muscles. Peppermint also contains the amino acid, tryptophan, which is vital to serotonin production. This boost in serotonin enhances or regulates your mood. A cup of peppermint tea also helps strengthen the immune and digestive system and eliminate headaches or migraines. Its precious enzymes boost alertness and concentration and also promotes relaxation and sleep.

Get Sleepy With Chamomile

Chamomile is a flower from the daisy family – it’s everyday use is for medicinal purposes and, of course, as an herbal infusion. This flowery tea is effective against easing anxiety and depression by relaxing your muscles and reducing irritability and nervousness. It also contains an antioxidant that can cause sleepiness or drowsiness, making it a useful bedtime tea for those who have insomnia.

Relax with Lavender

Lavender is known for its relaxing aroma. Just a whiff of this flower and it can bring you to slumber or remind you of a luxurious spa day. Lavender has a calming effect with antioxidants that help calm digestion problems caused by stress. Perfect for bedtime, the scent and the tea itself should never be underestimated when it comes to a good night’s sleep.

Valerian Root Tea: A Tried and True Remedy

The root of the valerian plant has been used for thousands of years to aid with sleep, digestion problems, and disorders of the nervous system. It contains sedative and tranquilizing properties, causing you to feel calm and relaxed. While it can make you tired, it can also reduce nervous tension as you fall asleep.

Don’t Forget About Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is part of the mint family with leaves of a lemony aroma. Moderating the neurotransmitter activity in the nervous system, this tea helps calm anxiety and promote sleep. This mild sedative also improves mood and reduces stress. Lemon balm is also great for enhancing memory and cognitive functions. The antioxidants found in lemon balm protect the brain from damage and neurodegeneration. Lemon balm tea has also been known to help with mental disorders such as dementia, hysteria, Alzheimer’s, ADHD, and even Grave’s Disease.

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The post Teas for Easing Anxiety and Depression appeared first on Food Health & Parenting Tips.

The Carbon Bar

The Carbon Bar excels in their smoked BBQ meats inspired by the South. Everything is smoked to perfection including the unexpected. Their scotch is smoked by the fire grill, cornbread is served with smoky, smooth butter that melts in your mouth, and even their octopus has a smoky char kick.

With all the eccentric options, I can never decide what to order. Carbon Bar prepared for that, and so it offers “The Carbon Bar Experience” menu. The Carbon Bar Experience Menu is comprised of a selection of snacks, appetizers, a mid and main course, and dessert that is meant for sharing. You can also try one of their two platters for two. The Fishmonger Platter will serve you and your date some oysters, snow crab claws, shrimp, fish, ceviche, and shellfish. You can also order the Pit Master Platter served with smoky meats and brisket that is a delicious mouthful for two.

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BBQ heaven at The Carbon Bar tonight! Don't miss out!! Only the best.. only @thecarbonbar Book your table now: www.thecarbonbar.ca/reservations #meat #platter #feast #beef #pork #chicken #bbq #smoke #smoker #southernstyle #southernpride #toronto #restaurant #friday #carbonbar #goodvibes #goodtimes #friends #family #nightout #foodie #foodblogger #foodfirst #food

A post shared by The Carbon Bar (@thecarbonbar) on Nov 3, 2017 at 1:40pm PDT

Adamson Barbecue

For a Texas BBQ experience, customize your platter with pounds of brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and sausage at Adamson Barbeque. You can always expect daily fresh meats but grab them quickly and plan your duo date in case they sell out of meat that day.

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Barque

Barbeque platters seem to be the perfect meal for sharing so it can’t hurt to head to Barque. Barque offers the BBQ Sample for Two so you can “Choose-your-own BBQ Adventure.” With the sampler, you can choose one selection from the starters, three selections from the Bar-B-Que section, and two side dishes.

Chicken in the Kitchen

Chicken in the Kitchen is a Korean fried chicken chain that embodies the way dishes are shared back in South Korea. Grab a beer and get ready to share an order of signature platters such as the Cheese Volcano Chicken or the Onion King Chicken.

T-Buds

For a meal that is more light and hearty, get ready for a delightful tea party for two. Whether you are in the mood for casual dining or a meal that is more gourmet, T-buds will have your tea date covered with a selection of sharing boards and a hot pot of tea. If you can’t decide what tea goes best with your sharing boards, T-buds will offer you an associated list for the perfect tea pairing.

Destiny Asia Fusion

Destiny Asia Fusion is a bubble tea shop and restaurant serving meals and desserts. If you’re looking for what stands out in this menu, order their Ferris Wheel served with an actual Ferris wheel that stands on your table. Rotate the wheel back and forth with your date sitting across from you for a choice of five different finger foods.

Tennessee Tavern

Tennessee Tavern is an Eastern European Bar decorated with antiques, rocking horses, chandeliers, neon signs, and crosses on the wall. There is even a huge birdcage on the back patio. The décor isn’t the only thing that will keep your eyes busy. The Massive Tennessee Platter will draw your eyes in with schnitzel, sausage, smoked pork, salad, and eggs. If you’re looking for something more comforting but filling, share some perogies stuffed with potatoes and cheese, and garnished with bacon and onions.

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Ki Modern Japanese + Bar

Ki Modern Japanese + Bar may be known for their sake on the drink menu, but this hip restaurant offers a small Without Spirit Menu if you’re looking for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink. For a classy but simple-looking drink, try the Momiji, which is made with chilled ‘roiboos’ and a spicy kick.

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Perfect for everyone, try our delicious(non-alcoholic) Cocktail, Momiji!

A post shared by Ki Modern Japanese + Bar (@kijapanese) on Jan 25, 2019 at 1:50pm PST

PrettyUgly Bar

PrettyUgly Bar is a trendy but eclectic cocktail bar with a cozy feel. If you want to feel at ease with pretty drinks on your table without having to consume alcohol, grab something from their Placebo Menu. If you want the taste of floral bitters, try the Nomaro & Tonic. No one will be able to guess that you’re drinking a placebo.

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The Shameful Tiki Room

The Shameful Tiki Room will bring you to the tropics for a Tiki experience. Tropical vacations always call for pretty or fancy looking drinks and The Shameful Tiki Room does not leave anyone behind with their Non-Alcoholic Specials. There is nothing to be ashamed of when ordering the Designated Driver or the Sip Sip Safari. If you want to embody this Tiki time capsule bar, ask for your drink to be served in the House Tiki Mug, a souvenir for you to take home after you have finished your drink.

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Henrietta Lane

Henrietta Lane serves as a café during the day and when the sun goes down, it shifts into a cocktail bar. This drinkery got its name from an old street in Corktown near Church and Wellington and the history of the old street can be found in the Toronto Archives. This cozy-looking spot also features a cozy non-alcoholic menu under the Teetotallers section. Nothing sounds and tastes more cozy than the Chai Blossom, or you can sip on their daily iced tea for a refreshing relief.

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Beat this heat with a delicious glass of cold brewed Just Peachy iced tea! A black tea with Niagara peaches & apricots. We’ve been crushing them with a float of soda water for sparkling iced tea relief. (Also it’s sugar free) . . . . #sugarfree #icedtea #peachicedtea #pluckteas #hotoutside #sparklingicedtea #sunshine #torontocafe #kingstreeteast #corktowncommon #distillerydistrict #henriettalane

A post shared by Henrietta Lane (@henriettalane) on Aug 3, 2018 at 10:22am PDT

Maple Leaf Tavern

Originally built in the 1900s before WWI, the Maple Leaf Tavern has been recreated to preserve the era of a true tavern with a beautiful wood fire grill to add to this ambiance. This bar takes pride in cocktail hour without neglecting those with consumption restrictions. Their spirit-free menu includes the Paloma Fresca, the Fruit Cup and an Apple Buck.

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Spirit Free Cocktails at the Maple Leaf Tavern. Fruit Cup No.1 & Cucumber Limeade #kidfriendly #daydrinking #staycation #leslieville #mltavern #gerrardstreet

A post shared by Maple Leaf Tavern (@mapleleaftavern) on Aug 6, 2016 at 7:39am PDT

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The post Five Restaurants and Bars in Toronto with a Mocktail Menu appeared first on Food Health & Parenting Tips.

Toronto is known for its diverse and multicultural cuisine options, but some restaurants are taking it a step further by exploring and sharing the traditional ways of eating with your hands while delving back to their cultural roots. So, ditch your fork and knives and dig in (literally.)

Pick a (boodle) fight with The Philippines

When I was five years old, I used to mock my uncle every time he came over for dinner as I watched him eat rice and chicken adobo with his hands. He did not use any knives to cut the chicken and did not use a spoon to pick up the sauce. He also always had banana leaves by his plate if the rice became too saucy between his fingers.

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Another delicious edition of #brunchkamayan is underway. Check out the spread along with a couple of mango spritz’s to boot. #filipinofood #brunch #unique #foodexperience

A post shared by LAMESA (@lamesato) on Jan 6, 2019 at 10:54am PST

Twenty years later, I tried the same method when I visited the Philippines last summer. I remember my mom telling me that I would be joining my first boodle fight. I honestly assumed it had something to do with a Manny Pacquaio game. Instead, we all stood around a table lined with banana leaves displaying a ton of food that was up for grabs from shrimp, to pork chops, chicken kabobs and mangoes.

Some may refer to this practice as kamayan which translates to “eating with your hands.” You can try the same dining experience at Filipino restaurants in Toronto such as Boodle Fight, Lamesa Kitchen and Tinuno Thirty One.

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Experience Euphoria with Ethiopian food

Get ready for a feast when dining at an Ethiopian restaurant. Similar to Filipino culture, having a communal meal when eating with your hands is the best way to enjoy a huge platter of food. Sharing from the same platter connects you to your food as well as deepening the bond among family and friends.

While Filipino cuisine will always include white rice, Ethiopians share this same type of love with injera – a flat, round fermented sourdough bread. Floppier than roti, it may take a few tries. Rip pieces of your injera with your right hand and use it to dip and scoop your food. Just remember not to use your left hand and do not lick your fingers. Visit restaurants such as Enat Buna, Ethopian House or Lalibela Restaurant.

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Happy New Year!! What food are you looking forward to trying in 2019? . . . . . . #ethiopianfood #torontovegan #torontovegetarian #tastethesix #torontoevents #dishedto #downtowntoronto #foodpornto #tofoodfeed #toeats #torontofood #torontofoodie #foodie #vegansoftoronto #torontofoodporn #tastetoronto #toronto #torontorestaurants #torontofoodblog #torontoeats #beautiful #vegan #torontocatering #cravethe6ix #torontorestaurants #tocravings #yyzeats #instatoronto #tdot #lovetoronto

A post shared by Enat Buna – Ethio Fusion Café (@enatbuna) on Jan 1, 2019 at 12:04pm PST

Food is better from under the sea

Eating is meant to be a sensory experience and eating with your hands simulates all five senses. Feeling the food in between your fingers tells your hungry stomach that you are about to eat allowing you to become more aware of tastes, textures and smells as it draws your eyes in.

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Come join us for a very hands-on feast! @curiocitycalgary sure enjoyed it! . . . . . #thecaptainsboil #captainsboil #dinnertime #instafoodandplaces #mycommontable #toptorontophoto #cookcl #food_mystyle #infoodwetrust #lunch #foodstagtam #seafoodaddicts #torontofooddiary #foodgasms #foody #sgigfoodies #foodiestagram #seafoodsoverload #torontofoodlovers #tastetorontofood #instachef #eatstoronto #seafoodieonwheels #cravethe6ix #foodinstagram #torontoigers #torontolifestyle #seafoodplatter #foodiesofinstagram #torontofoodfestival

A post shared by The Captain's Boil (@thecaptainsboil) on Feb 24, 2019 at 10:51am PST

When it comes to seafood, it is bound to get messy (especially if you are me.) I tear apart my prawns and crab legs in an almost monstrous manner. But if you want to eat seafood where you do not have to be embarrassed by messy eating, try Louisiana-inspired restaurants such as The Captain’s Boil or Boil Bar. When eating at seafood restaurants, I’m accustomed to saving a slice of lemon to rub my hands to remove any extra oils and odours. But at these restaurants, you’re offered gloves and a bib so you can enjoy your meal without any worries.

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Where all he weight gained from photocredit : @woochantelle

A post shared by The Boil Bar (@boilbar) on Jul 30, 2017 at 11:52am PDT

This may come as a shock to you, but sushi is not always meant to be eaten using chopsticks. The best way to experience eating sushi is actually with your hands. By doing so, you give yourself more control of your meal and most importantly, you learn to appreciate the art form of sushi-making. A lot of care and technique goes into making sushi, so use your hands to appreciate the perfect temperature and texture of the fish and rice.

Using your hands also allows for a better grip when feeding it into your mouth or when dipping it into your soy sauce. If you’re eating nigiri, turn your sushi upside-down so that the fish dips into the soy sauce instead of the rice. This will also keep your sushi intact.

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Ready to eat. . . . . . . . . @chefjackielin #shoushin #shoushinca #chefjackie #omakase #bestsushi #sushi #Edo #traditional #japanesecuisine #sushibar #japanesefood #instafood #instasushi #foodphotography #yummy #torontoeats #torontofoodie #sushi #maguro #delicacy

A post shared by Shoushin (@shoushinca) on Mar 6, 2019 at 1:52pm PST

I must admit, during my lunch break I sometimes get fed up with chopsticks, so I secretly use my hands to eat my sushi in one bite, hiding behind my desktop. It turns out, I follow proper etiquette after all, but what I need to pay attention to is the rice! Another shocking fact about eating sushi is that it is actually about the rice and not the fish. A lot of time, energy and years of training goes into the rice that is actually prepared for you to eat with your hands. Don’t believe me? Try going to an upscale sushi bar such as Shoushin where the chef encourages you to use your hands.

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A post shared by Shoushin (@shoushinca) on Nov 16, 2018 at 2:49pm PST

Travel back to the Middle Ages at Medieval Times

Have you ever wanted a knight to wait on you, or would you rather be in the presence of a Queen? At Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament you can have both while you watch joust battles with prancing majestic horses. The moment you walk in you will feel like you traveled back in time. The best thing about this spectacle is that you get to eat a four-course meal fit for royalty where you are the special guest. There was no use for utensils during the Middle Ages so as a Noble, use your fingers to feast on garlic bread, soup, roasted chicken, corn and potatoes.

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