Home/Women's Lifestyle/Chatelaine/Summer 2024/In This Issue
Chatelaine|Summer 2024Retiring in the age of longevityCreated for Canadian women are living longer lives than ever before—that’s more time for travel, enjoying time with loved ones and so much more. However, these longevity gains mean that for many women, their senior years look a lot different than they used to—and that requires new and more proactive ways of thinking about financial planning. According to Statistics Canada, right now the current life expectancy for a woman turning 65 today is age 86, that’s three years more than men. And while there’s much to look forward to, enjoying those golden years means understanding how longevity increases are changing what those later years look like—so you can plan for your future needs now. The Single Life: Phase Two As life expectancy continues to rise, many women find themselves facing…5 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024Playing It CoolLeah Gust leahgust 45, BOWMANVILLE, ONT. For stylist and entrepreneur Leah Gust, getting dressed is an adventure and every day is a new opportunity to experiment. Her fail-safe trick? Layering vintage finds, patterns and bright colours, like this voluminous Eliza Faulkner tulle dress she paired with bold red pants from Canadian designer Mercedes Morin and a matching thrifted bikini top. To stay cool in the summer heat, Gust says light, breathable fabrics are key. After growing up with a purposefully unremarkable wardrobe designed to blend in, Gust found her personal style by taking risks—her gateway piece was a pink poncho, purchased at a time when she was living in jeans and hiking boots. She now teaches that fearless approach to her clients, many of whom share her former reluctance for…1 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024Find Your FlushBEST MATTE FINISH Nudestix Nudies Matte Lux All-Over Blur Blush Formulated with soft-focus minerals, this matte cream blurs out texture and fine lines for a seamless finish. The dual-ended stick features a brush and can be used all over, including on the eyes, for an easy monochromatic look. The formula’s five shades flatter all skin tones. $48, sephora.com. BEST GLOW-GETTER Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blush This silky-smooth powder blush and highlighter delivers a wash of colour and radiance in one swipe, with zero chalkiness. There are six delicate pink hues to choose from, all of which are easily buildable. $36, sephora.com. BEST TINT Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint Available in four juicy hues, this jelly-like cheek and lip stain wowed the judges of our annual Beauty Awards…2 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024Mist CallTIP Body mists contain a smaller concentration of fragrance oils than perfumes do, so they’re lighter—and more affordable. Scan to shop!…1 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024TRUST YOUR GUT: Understanding the Power of the MicrobiomeThe human body is a marvel of complexity, and perhaps nowhere is this more evident than in the microbiome — the vast ecosystem of microorganisms that call our bodies home. From the bacteria in our gut to the fungi on our skin, these microscopic inhabitants play a crucial role in our health and well-being. Let’s jump into some frequently asked questions! What is the microbiome? The microbiome refers to the collection of microorganisms — including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and more — that inhabit various parts of the human body. These microbes can be found in places such as the gut, skin, mouth, and reproductive organs, where they form complex communities known as microbiota. What does the microbiome do? The microbiome performs a wide range of functions that are essential to…3 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024“My Polyamory Journey”AT JUST 10 YEARS OLD, I began questioning monogamy. Growing up in Kenya during the 1990s, I observed my tribe’s varied relationship styles, including polygamy and even self-marriage (a ceremony in which a woman chooses to centre herself in her life). The realization that monogamy isn’t the only option led me to explore polyamory in my teens. Today, at 39, I have two wonderful partners. I live with Nick, who I’ve been with for 14 years, and I have another partner of two and a half years. I also have more than 20 comet relationships—romantic interests whom I see only a few times a year or even every few years—around the world. Here’s what I’ve learned from my lifelong journey in polyamory. Monogamy has roots in colonialism Marriage—not just in…4 min
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PriMera Scientific Surgical Research and PracticeElder fraud has reached epidemic proportions – a geriatrician explains what older Americans need to knowAre older adults more vulnerable to scams? What psychologists have learned about who’s most susceptible, and whenRipoff Report | airway-oxygen complaints, reviews, scams, lawsuits and frauds reported, 883 resultsChatelaine|Summer 2024YOUNG AND TRANS IN CANADAJASPERCERVO’S HEART is pounding. The 14-year-old’s Apple Watch keeps buzzing while he talks, sending him notifications in bold, white text: “High heart rate.” “I’m sorry,” he says, breaking off mid-sentence for the third time. “I’m really nervous.” Sitting at his dining room table in Leduc, Alta., on a March afternoon, Jasper is trying to explain what it’s like to be a trans kid in a province that recently introduced plans to implement Canada’s most restrictive trans youth policies. His mom, Dani Barnsley, hovers nearby, sipping coffee, while her boyfriend, Aziz Memon, cleans up the kitchen. The trio, along with Jasper’s older brother, moved into this townhouse recently. There’s a bit of the whole family in the room. A nearby bookcase is filled with Tarot decks, feminist-politics books and Judy Blume…19 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024Navigating Skin Cancer Care: Doctor Visit Strategies for PatientsA melanoma or skin cancer diagnosis can be a very unsettling experience for patients. In addition to dealing with the shock of the diagnosis, they face numerous decisions over the upcoming weeks and months for which they require information. As a result, they’ll have many questions for their family physicians and oncologists on factors like disease stage, prognosis, treatment options, risks, side effects, insurance coverage, quality of life, caregiving needs, genetic testing, and fertility preservation. There's a lot of ground to cover considering many healthcare providers have as little as 15 minutes to spend with their patients per visit. The Decision Making Guide helps patients who may feel too rushed or overwhelmed remember to ask critical questions or have difficult conversations during their appointments. Decision making guide supports Canadians Save…3 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024Despite What You May Have Heard, Oil Is the Key to Healthy SkinThere are longstanding misconceptions surrounding the use of oil in skincare — mainly that oil can block pores and cause acne breakouts, or that an oily face is often associated with being unclean. The truth is that there are many impressive benefits of using oil, and it’s critical to maintain healthy, vibrant skin. Oil is a natural part of our skin’s makeup — and applying oil after washing one’s face supplements the skin’s natural oil layer to better hold in moisture. Skin cells are continuously regenerating through millions of biochemical reactions. To do so successfully, they require enzymes that can only exist in the presence of moisture. That’s why oil is so essential — it creates an invisible layer on the skin’s surface that locks in moisture. Science-backed and tested…2 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024THE SPREAD25 DELICIOUS, DOABLE RECIPES We wait all year for the warm weather and bright shining sun—the perfect excuse to pack up a picnic and dine outside. But this summer, we’re saying goodbye to soggy sandwiches and store-bought coleslaw and upgrading to delicious homemade delights that travel well and are best served at room temperature. Antipasto Salad PREP 15 MIN; TOTAL 15 MIN SERVES 4The test of a good picnic salad is whether it can make it to the main event without getting soggy. This one gets tossed right before it’s served, but the ingredients are safe to hang out in the cooler for hours. Packed with marinated vegetables, salami and cheese, it’s basically a meal in a bowl. Vinaigrette ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil2 tbsp red wine vinegar2 tsp…6 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024THE TAKEAWAYOUR ADVICE FOR BEING YOUR BEST COOK Here’s a breakdown of what to look for—and what to avoid—when shopping for used kitchen gear at the thrift store or online. ENAMELLED CAST IRON Good-quality cast iron is the holy grail of kitchen gear—and often comes with the price tag to match—so buying used cast iron that’s been well cared for makes sense. Chipping Any small paint or enamel chips on the exterior are purely aesthetic and won’t affect how the vessel cooks. The same can’t be said for the interior. If any raw iron is exposed on the cooking surface or side walls—which make the pot prone to rusting—pass on it. (If a dutch oven has an interior chip but not a full-on crack, you can still use it to bake…2 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024LICENCE TO CHILLNOTHING QUENCHES THIRST on a hot summer day like a cold, crisp glass of wine. But there’s more to keeping it cold than you might expect. To bring a bottle of wine to the right temperature you need three things: ice, water and a vessel in which to partially submerge it. Fifteen to 20 minutes spent in an ice bath will quickly bring a bottle’s temperature down. Some wine professionals might even add a handful of salt to lower the water’s freezing point, which can shave minutes off your chill time. Though any watertight vessel will do—a bucket, a bin, even a pot—a dense, durable material will preserve the ice for longer while protecting the wine from the sun if you’re outside. No ice? A fridge or freezer is almost…2 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024Kitty Corner (But Make It Chic)DEVOTED FELINE lovers agree: cats are the best companions. Fluffy, independent purr machines, they sure know how to live, soaking up sunbeams and claiming empty boxes. Even though they are highly self-sufficient, cats need to have stimulation to nurture their brains and cater to their wild instincts. Fortunately, kitty-friendly home decor and accessories have stepped up their style so you don’t have to compromise your home’s aesthetic. Functional and stylish feline furniture These design-conscious pieces will not only appease your pet but look good in your space, too. 1. JUMP! Delilah Cat Tree with Condo If the joke in your home is that this is your cat’s house and you just live there, a cat tree is clearly in order. Large enough for satisfactory climbing and “ohhhh, big stretches” but…2 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024Cheap Thrills“WHY IS X SO EXPENSIVE ALL OF A SUDDEN?” It’s a common refrain these days as the cost of so many everyday essentials (cheese! gas! chicken thighs!) has soared in the past few years. With this in mind, we’ve created “The Cheapskate’s Guide to a Fun Summer” (page 32), filled with more than 80 clever tips for saving cash without sacrificing the simple joys of the season. And Giant Tiger is the perfect partner to help bring this “Fun on the Cheap” issue to life; every single item featured on our gorgeous cover is from the Canadian retailer, which has 271 locations across the country. We hope it inspires your summer! For me, this package underlined that my favourite things about the season are relatively low-cost. My husband and I…2 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024Hit the BooksREMEMBER WHEN you couldn’t wait for school to be over so you could read your way through summer? I chose these 10 new releases to recapture some of that can’t-put-it-down energy—even if you don’t have the entire summer off anymore. (Man, we had it good back then.) Each has an incredibly compelling hook—a romantic quest, a sex party gone wrong, the discovery of a dead husband’s dark secrets—that’s guaranteed to grab your attention. Oh, and whether you prefer reading on paper or on screen, turn to page 33 to find three ways to make building your summer book stack a little more affordable. Scan to shop! The Mother Act by Heidi Reimer Fiery actress Sadie, who’s famous for her controversial one-woman play about her mixed feelings toward motherhood, has to…3 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024Taking the PlungeWhat is cold plunging? Cold plunging involves sitting in very cold water for a short period of time—usually a few minutes. The practice is nothing new. Hippocrates recommended it as a treatment for energy depletion, while Eastern European banyas, Turkish hammams and Japanese mizuburo all involve some version of it. What has changed is North American culture’s approach to health, suggests Aleya Velshi, co-founder of Alter, a sauna and ice-bath studio in Toronto. Taking inspiration from sauna traditions around the world, Alter aims to provide a culturally informed plunging experience. “Paying homage to the roots of these rituals helps people realize this isn’t a trendy practice—it’s an enduring one.” What are the health benefits of cold lunging? Proponents claim that regular plunging can boost mood, reduce inflammation and improve metabolism.…2 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024Virtual care: helping women live healthier, longer livesCreated for A few months ago, Kathleen Reid took a photo of her sore throat and uploaded it to her Maple account. A doctor on Maple, an app that offers Canadians virtual access to primary care providers, told her within minutes that what she thought was just a cold was actually strep throat. Antibiotics were delivered straight to her home. As a mom of two boys, the Vancouver communications executive and entrepreneur says that Maple saves her family time. “As the default parent, I already feel like I have a lot to balance without spending 15 minutes on hold to book an appointment for later in the week or hours in a doctor’s waiting room.” As someone who is legally blind and doesn’t drive, accessible care is crucial for Reid.…3 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024Your Guide to Understanding the MicrobiomeAs recently as ten years ago, “gut health” wasn’t something you would hear in everyday conversation; it was mostly tucked away in medical textbooks or confined to scientific research circles. Today, there’s a growing awareness of how vital the health of our gut is to our well-being, and terms like “microbiome” and “probiotics” have become relatively commonplace. Gut health awareness is rising, but knowledge gaps persist A recent study by the Biocodex Microbiota Institute showed that across 7,500 people in 11 countries, 70 per cent have heard about the human microbiome — but gaps in knowledge are still a major factor. For instance, though many people have heard of the gut microbiome, relatively few know that our skin and lungs, among other major organs, have microbiomes of their own. And…3 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024Say Hello to a New Way of Accessing a Critical IBD Biologic TherapyAbout 1 in 140 Canadians is living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis — two of the most common forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While these are two different and distinct conditions, they share some common characteristics. Both involve inflammation of the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, and both can cause debilitating symptoms such as abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weight loss, and poor appetite. Since its approval over 20 years ago, a biosimilar known as infliximab has been a foundational therapy in treating moderate to severe IBD, as well as certain forms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, until recently, the only way to receive this treatment was through intravenous injection administered at infusion centres — which, for some patients, can be inconvenient, time-consuming, and costly to…3 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024The ExterminatorON EASTER SUNDAY in 2023, Karen Wickerson was at home in Airdrie, Alta., when an email arrived in her inbox. The sender got right to the point: There was a rat in her backyard. As evidence, she attached a photo of a large black roof rat eating out of a bird feeder. Wickerson pulled on her work boots and her Government of Alberta jacket and drove 25 minutes to meet the woman who sent the email. The woman didn’t want rodenticide used in her backyard, so Wickerson set up two traps big enough to catch a rat and filled them with a stinky, non-poisonous bait. Then, some time over the next 48 hours—snap! Alberta’s Rat Lady got him. “That was kind of a feather in my cap because I actually…8 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024It's Time to Open Up an Honest Dialogue about Women's HealthFrom adolescence to menopause, each stage of a reproductive patient or woman’s life presents unique challenges and considerations. However, when we don’t talk about women’s health openly, the complexities are often overlooked, perpetuating the normalization of troubling symptoms and sidelining women’s health concerns. It’s time to shift this narrative and empower women to advocate for their well-being at every stage of life. The reproductive health journey When we consider women’s reproductive health, some topics might jump to mind: pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding, for example. But the reproductive health journey is so much bigger than solely reproduction. It encompasses all stages of a woman’s life, plus their accompanying obstacles — from contraception to reproductive diseases to menopause. “At birth, females have the highest number of eggs they ever will, but their…7 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024HEALTHY HAIR REVOLUTION: The Styling Tools That ProtectOh, the perfect hair day. It’s a universal pursuit that often feels like an elusive dream. Whether it's the small fortune we spend on products that promise to transform our tresses or the countless hours wasted on TikTok watching styling tutorials, we can all agree: when it comes to having a good hair day, the struggle is real. Often, the heat damage from our styling tools, like curling irons, straighteners, and even blow dryers, can leave hair dry, brittle, and lifeless. But what if there was a way to achieve your hair goals without sacrificing the health of your precious strands? Shark Beauty hair tools are here to revolutionize our routines and give us the freedom to experiment without the fear of frizz and breakage. Say no to bad hair…2 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024Calling All Beauty LoversTHE RESULT: 125 WINNERS THAT DESERVE A SPOT ON YOUR TOP SHELF MEET OUR JUDGES ALEXIA BAILLARGEON Makeup artist ALISON EASTWOOD Editor-in-chief, HELLO! Canada ANDRÉANNE DION Senior style and beauty editor, Chatelaine BERNADETTE MORRA Editor-in-chief, FASHION Magazine CATIA CORREIA Hairstylist and co-owner of Le Artof Salon CHRISTIAN DARE Designer, stylist and on-air expert COURTNEY GAKMAN Beauty content creator DEIDRE MARINELLI Publisher, FASHION Magazine DR. GEETA YADAV Medical director at and founder of FACET Dermatology DR. MONICA LI Cosmetic dermatologist and founder of Vancouver Skin MD DR. RENÉE BEACH Dermatologist and founder of DermAtelier on Avenue DR. RENITA AHLUWALIA Dermatologist and founder of the Canadian Dermatology Centre EMILY MACCULLOCH Beauty writer and co-founder of The T-Zone EVANGELIA PAVLAKOS Makeup and hair artist GEORGE ANTONOPOULOS Senior creative and fashion director, FASHION Magazine…7 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024HAIR AND NAILSHERO PRODUCT BEST HEAT PROTECTANT Oribe Gold Lust Dry Heat Protection Spray$63, sephora.com. Our panel raved about this dry-mist heat protectant, noting its intoxicating scent, lightweight feel and silky finish that doesn’t leave hair crunchy. “I’ve found my new hero product,” shared one judge. BEST NEW SHAMPOO Kérastase Première Decalcifying System Reparative Shampoo$57, sephora.com. Created for damaged and overprocessed hair, this gentle shampoo tackles calcium buildup, which can cause breakage. “My scalp felt refreshed and clean and my hair more voluminous after using it,” commented one judge. BEST VOLUMIZING SHAMPOO Amika 3D Volume and Thickening Shampoo$39, sephora.com. Formulated with hydrolyzed rice, vegetable proteins and nutrient-packed sea buckthorn, this shampoo instantly gives limp, lifeless hair body and shine. BEST SHAMPOO FOR THIN HAIR Monat Black Shampoo + Conditioner$67, monatglobal.com. A one-stop…7 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024SmoothOperatorA breakfast smoothie is an easy and convenient way to pack fruits, vegetables and added nutrients into one easy-to-drink beverage. It takes minutes to make, and the flavour combinations are endless. Start by taking stock of your fridge, freezer and pantry, and then follow our foolproof guide to building your best smoothies ever. LIQUID Liquid is essential for helping your machine properly—and smoothly—blend ingredients together. You can use almost any neutral or sweet liquid: water, dairy or plant-based milk, juice or even cold tea or coffee. (We used unsweetened plant-based milk when developing our milk-based smoothies; feel free to switch it up!) If your ingredients are very fibrous, dense, or mostly frozen, you may need to add an extra splash of liquid to keep things blending smoothly. PRODUCE Almost any…4 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024THE SCIENCE OF PASTA SALADThere’s nothing I love more on a balmy evening than tucking into a bowl of cold penne mixed with a variety of crisp veggies and herbs. Drape it all in a tangy dressing and it’s the ultimate summer comfort food. Making pasta salad may seem effortless, but there’s science involved in nailing the best texture and flavour. Ever notice how day-old cold pasta has more bite? That’s because cooling cooked pasta causes starch retrogradation, which changes its molecular structure and its absorption properties, as well as how it behaves in dressing and in your body. As pasta cooks, starch granules absorb some of the hot water and swell. This is called gelatinization. The outer layer of the pasta turns tacky due to the gelatinized starch on the surface. As the…3 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024A S’mores Switch-UpSTROOPWAFEL S’MARMALADES PREP 5 MIN; TOTAL 5 MIN MAKES 4Stroopwafels are thin Dutch waffle cookies filled with caramel, which you can find in most grocery stores. We sandwiched them with marshmallow fluff and tangy marmalade to make an easy and sophisticated s’mores-inspired dessert. 8 stroopwafels, divided4 tbsp marshmallow fluff4 tsp orange marmalade1 pinch ground cardamom 1. Position rack in top of oven, then preheat broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil or a silicone mat. 2. Arrange 4 stroopwafels on prepared sheet. Spoon 1 tbsp marshmallow fluff in centre of each cookie. (It will spread as it broils.) 3. Broil until marshmallow fluff is toasted and golden, about 1 min. Remove from oven and let stand for 2 min. 4. Spread 1 tsp marmalade on each of the remaining 4…1 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024Your Expert Guide for a Healthier, Happier CatCATS MAY SEEM to navigate life with independence and effortless grace, but they’re also masters of disguise, often masking pain or illness. To provide the best care for our pets, we spoke with a Pet Valu Animal Care Expert (ACE)—a great resource for devoted cat lovers—to learn how to identify and manage common cat health issues. Like in humans, some cat health conditions can be mitigated with lifestyle choices like proper diet and exercise, while others may be genetic and require veterinary intervention. “Yearly vet visits are standard for healthy indoor cats, though semi-annual checks can be beneficial, especially for those with existing health issues,” says a Pet Valu ACE. Preventive measures also extend beyond vet visits. “By the time a devoted pet lover notices an issue, it might have…1 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024THE DISHA LITTLE BIT OF THIS, A LITTLE BIT OF THAT Dill and Tomato Cod Steamed En Papillote PREP 15 MIN; TOTAL 30 MIN SERVES 4Papillote is a cooking method that uses folded parchment paper to make little steam baths for seasoned fish, poultry and vegetables. Once you’ve mastered the folding technique, it’s a shockingly easy way to put a quick dinner together—and opening the puffed-up envelopes tableside to release their steam before serving is a neat trick if you’re entertaining. 4 fillets fresh cod, 170 g each (thawed if frozen)¼ tsp salt1 tbsp olive oil1½ tsp lime juice1 to 2 tsp fish sauce4 celery stalks, finely sliced½ bunch fresh cilantro, stems separated and leaves reserved2 garlic cloves, finely sliced½ bird’s-eye chili, finely sliced½ bunch fresh dill1 280-g pkg cherry tomatoes,…2 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024Taking a looooong drive?Chameleon: Wild Boys Wild Boys, the third season of the popular Chameleon podcast, tells the story of two teens who turn up in Vernon, B.C., alleging that they’d been raised in the wilderness. The community takes them in, but it’s soon revealed that not a word the boys said was true. The good news? Their real story is even more wild. Hollywood Exiles Hosted by Charlie Chaplin’s granddaughter Oona, this 10-episode podcast is about the campaign to exile Chaplin—and other suspected communists—from Tinseltown. Oona unravels the story of the “Hollywood blacklist” and talks to the descendants of other exiled writers and actors. Good Material The latest book by bestselling Brit author Dolly Alderton follows Andy, a recently single stand-up comedian looking to solve the puzzle of his broken relationship. The…1 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024STYLE NOTESClean Getaway Whether you’re jetting off on summer vacay or just need a quick refresh before meeting friends for a cinq-à-sept, you won’t regret throwing this dry shampoo from The Rootist into your bag. The talc-free formula is applied with a built-in brush and instantly absorbs oil, sweat and odours without any telltale residue. $37, SEPHORA.COM. Perfect Fit A great pair of sunglasses is not just the cherry on top of a cute outfit—it can also be a major confidence boost. Offering trendy frames in three sizes—wide, midi and mini—Canadian eyewear brand Sol Kyst has reimagined one-size-fits-all designs to be more inclusive. Founder Meghan Victoria used the skills she learned during a decade-long career as a makeup artist to hone in on design features that flatter every face shape. FROM…2 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024Walking on SunshineScan to shop! EXTRA! EXTRA! This style is made with leftover leather from previous collections, so nothing goes to waste.…1 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024Here Are Two Key Considerations to Support Your Digestive HealthBitter herb receptors signal the release of secretions that are essential to breaking down food and metabolizing nutrients like gastric juices, saliva, enzymes, and bile. When selecting a product that works to support digestion, it’s important to consider how the supplement functions. Digestive enzymes are popular as they can temporarily help one component of digestion to provide short-term relief. These proteins are naturally found in the pancreas, gallbladder, liver, stomach, saliva, and intestinal tract. Each enzyme works on a specific part of food. For example, protease breaks down protein in peptides and amino acids, amylase breaks carbohydrates into simple sugars, lipase breaks down fats into fatty acids, and alpha-galactosidase helps to break down high-fibre foods like beans and vegetables. In comparison, bitters act as a digestive tonic, holistically preparing, activating,…2 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024THE “Cheapskate’s Guide” TO A FUN SUMMERTODAY ONLY! BARGAIN! WHAT A DEAL! WOW! CULTURE All-You-Can-Read Book Buffet If your appetite for books is no match for your budget—and you don’t always have time to hit the library—try these wallet-friendly ways to ensure a steady supply. KOBO PLUS Get all-you-can-read e-books for just $10 a month; you can tack on an extra $3 for unlimited audiobooks, too. kobo.com LIBBY This app allows you to access your public library’s e-book and audiobook collection. You can sign up (for free!) with your library card. libbyapp.com VALUE VILLAGE Prefer reading on paper? The fiction section at most VVs is surprisingly good, and it’s oh-so-satisfying to snag a book from your TBR list here. FREE ADMISSION Five notable Canadians share their favourite low- or no-cost ways to get their summer culture…17 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024THE PREGNANCY SCAMMERSEANNA STARTED WORKING as a doula in August 2022. The then-34-year-old excitedly set up an Instagram page for her London, Ont., business, and, after a brief exchange, she found her first client: Kaitlyn Braun. Braun, who was 23 and lived with her mother in Brantford, Ont., was due in two days and needed help with labour and delivery. Shortly after that, Braun’s contractions started. When Seanna, who asked that Chatelaine only use her first name, arrived at Braun’s apartment, she saw signs of impending motherhood: a car seat in the living room, a bassinet in the bedroom, tiny baby clothes, even a breast pump. “It all checked out that this was an underprivileged, under-supported young woman who was making do,” says Seanna. Unlike midwives, doulas aren’t medical professionals. Instead, they…11 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024Tyler MarzWhat are your go-to styles for different occasions, and how long do they take? Have Shark Beauty Tools reduced your styling time? I love to wear my hair down, I’ve always been a fan of the loose brushed out curl look. That’s my go to for day to day! On special occasions I like to go for a more defined tighter curl. Previously from start to finish (drying hair, smoothing hair, styling hair) would’ve taken me about 45 minutes. But now my Shark Beauty tools have cut that time in half. How do you balance the desire for stylish hair with the need to minimize heat damage and maintain hair health? Since Shark Beauty tools off er multiple options for heat I can achieve the styles I want without the…2 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024SKINCAREHERO PRODUCT BEST MOISTURIZER FOR COMBINATION SKIN Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb$50, amazon.ca. This water-based, oil-free gel-cream is ideal for tricky combination skin. It provides an instant cooling sensation and helps minimize the look of pores for a smooth and supple complexion. BEST NEW MOISTURIZER Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Rapid Skin Renewing Water Cream$120, shoppersdrugmart.ca. Retinol and ceramides—two skincare heavyweights—are the star ingredients in this cream, which works to smooth out uneven texture and minimize fine lines. Our judges were enamoured with the airtight pump. BEST MOISTURIZER FOR DRY SKIN Drunk Elephant Bora Barrier Repair Cream$94, sephora.com. Our judges described this skin-barrier-boosting moisturizer as “reparative,” “restorative” and “remarkable.” It’s packed with ceramides, zinc and copper salt minerals to calm and protect. BEST MOISTURIZER FOR FINE LINES AND…9 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024BATH AND BODYHair, Ashley Readings. Makeup, Caroline Levin. Nails, Wendy Rorong. Contributing editors, Maureen Halushak and Andréanne Dion. Prop styling, Caitlin Doherty. Photo assistants, Jamie Brockie, Jenna MacDermaid and Jo Panasiuk. Fashion assistant, Rory McNerney. Models, Ryane, Avery, Trudy and Andy. BEST NEW BATH AND BODY PRODUCT Bushbalm Roller Rescue Soothing Serum$26, bushbalm.ca. Powered by exfoliating glycolic and salicylic acids as well as aloe-leaf juice and witch hazel to soothe, this handy roll-on serum minimizes the redness and ingrown hairs caused by shaving. BEST HAND CREAM La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Mains$15, shoppersdrugmart.ca. For rapid relief from dry, chapped hands, this nongreasy gel-like cream can’t be beat. It’s enriched with niacinamide, glycerine and shea butter to soften and hydrate skin for up to 48 hours. BEST BODY SELF-TANNER Nuda Self Tanning Water Mousse$54, amazon.ca.…3 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024NOT ANOTHER FRUIT SALADWatermelon Kimchi PREP 10 MIN; TOTAL 25 MIN SERVES 4A quick, high-summer recipe that should be eaten as soon as it’s made, this salad makes a great side dish for a barbecue. Ice-cold watermelon is tossed with gochugaru (Korean dried chili flakes), fish sauce, garlic, scallions, ginger and lime juice for an instant sweet, sour, savoury and umami kimchi—no fermentation required. 500 g seedless watermelon2 tbsp gochugaru2 tsp fish sauce¼ tsp salt1 lime, juiced1 green onion, thinly sliced1 garlic clove, grated1 tsp grated ginger1 cup shredded or matchstickcut cucumber 1. Remove watermelon rind and cut flesh into 1-in. cubes. Place in a large bowl and freeze for 15 min. (Or refrigerate until chilled.) 2. Just before serving, combine gochugaru with fish sauce and salt in another large bowl. Stir in…4 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024Three Editor-Approved Power Blenders for the Best SmoothiesBig and Mighty Vitamix Explorian E310 It’s no surprise that Vitamix is considered the king of blenders. There’s nothing this machine can’t blitz: The unit made quick work of our smoothies with both fresh and frozen ingredients, turning them into supersmooth concoctions in mere seconds. But don’t blend for too long—the powerful motor can slowly heat up the contents inside the jar. The 6-cup Explorian’s user-friendly manual interface is easy to navigate, and the 10-speed dial allows you to blend gradually, going from low to high speed. One caveat: While the unit has a convenient design and size, it can take up a lot of space if it’s something you don’t use often. Overall, there’s little to dislike about this model—but all the functionalities also come with a steep price…2 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024Notes From a Cat LadyI’VE ALWAYS HAD a cat (or two) in my life. I grew up with cats, and when I moved away for university, it wasn’t long before I adopted one of my own. I met Molly at a shelter in Kingston, Ont. She was tiny at the time, an orange tabby with piercing green eyes and a true sense of adventure. As she strutted out of her cat carrier and into my student apartment, Molly was completely at ease. Good thing, as we shared six different accommodations in the 13 years we lived together. She was eventually joined by a gorgeous and gentle long-haired tabby named Lola. Every morning, both cats would jump up onto their own chairs around the table as my husband and I ate breakfast—true members of the…2 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024COMMON HEALTH ISSUES AND HOW TO TREAT THEMHairballs SIGNS Frequent hacking without expelling, loss of appetite ACTION Seek veterinary care PREVENTION Regular grooming to minimize ingested hair. Hairball treatments can help pass ingested hair safely. Dental Issues And Gum Disease SIGNS Bad breath, red or swollen gums, difficulty eating ACTION Schedule regular dental checkups PREVENTION Provide daily care, including brushing and dental care products (treats, food and toys) designed to reduce tartar buildup and support oral health. Urinary Tract Issues SIGNS Straining to urinate, blood in urine, frequent urination ACTION Seek immediate veterinary care PREVENTION Hydration is key—consider wet foods and a cat water fountain to encourage drinking. A special diet may be required. Upper Respiratory Diseases SIGNS Excessive sneezing and drooling; in extreme cases, a mucusy nose and runny eyes, causing mouth breathing and low appetite…1 min
Chatelaine|Summer 2024A Tale of Three TailsMY HUSBAND, Mike, and I left bustling Toronto in late 2016 for a quieter life in Sussex, N.B. We hoped Sussex would provide an ideal community for us to build roots and entrepreneurial paths, but what we ended up finding would redefine love, home and community in ways we never imagined. As we settled into our new life, we’d sometimes visit the local Pet Valu to chat with the staff and enjoy a serotonin boost courtesy of the sweet, furry adoptees. Then, in February 2020, we walked in and met Charlie. His calm vibe amid the busy store made him impossible to resist, marking the start of our adventures in pet ownership—and a newfound understanding of what it means to care deeply. A PAUSE FOR PAWS Soon after, COVID-19 shut…2 min
