I feel healthy just watching Becky Troelstra prepare this meal! As the chef for Sliced Tomatoes, it is her job to create not only delicious recipes, but to ensure that each package meets the guidelines set forth by their nutritionist. In this video, she shares a very popular choice for Vancouver clients so now you can follow her concise directions to impress your dinner guests. I don’t know about you, but that squash looks mouthwatering! I never thought I’d say that about a gourd.

Another option would be to have the Japanese-inspired company drop it off at your doorstep to save precious time that could be spent doing more important things than shoppin’ and choppin’. Since they take care of all that, the only thing you have left to do is pop the food into a pot or an oven. It is a rare alternative for those that are more health conscious, and if you have the environment in mind, they’ll also get a plus in your books.

There are several things that Sliced Tomatoes has done since it launched a year ago to ensure that they leave as small a carbon footprint as possible. This is no small task for a meal delivery service, so I asked Co-Founder Greg Lam to explain:

* They use reusable Coleman Coolers for the deliveries and reusable gel ice packs to refrigerate it (yes, they have a mountain of those coolers!)

* You may think that using plastic bags is a big no-no, but that is actually for a very good reason. Greg considered incorporating Tupperware, but since food gets left in the containers for quite some time before they’re returned, the sanitation issue was an unavoidable one. What they do offer though, is minimal packaging by using the thinnest bags possible

* They are part the Ocean Wise program, which was created by the Vancouver Aquarium to help restaurants and their customers make environmentally friendly seafood choices

* They downgraded (or upgraded in my view) from a Chevy Astro Cargo Van to a Toyota Matrix and as a result, have reduced their exhaust output by half. To make an even bigger difference, they are also looking into doing carbon offsets for their deliveries (now that‘s a commendable effort)

* They make menus that use not only whole foods, but local in-season ingredients as much as possible and only branch out when necessary

* They go organic on items that contain the most pesticides when conventionally grown, such as tomatoes, cucumbers and red peppers

I’m always told that it’s cheaper to cook at home than to order in but that has certainly not been my experience. I don’t know how you guys do it. Buying healthy foods and then preparing them at home just takes so much time and money that I’d rather spend a fraction of it getting a burger (I’ve tried many a time). Sliced Tomatoes doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket though. Meals cost between $7.50 and $12 for one serving (and you can see how big those servings are in the video). This doesn’t include dessert but that’s because not everyone likes dessert (the reason eludes me).

According to the Canadian Restaurant and Food Services Association, 60.7% of all meal and snack occasions sourced from restaurants are now eaten off-premise in an attempt to find convenient alternatives to cooking at home. If you’re part of that percentage, here’s another option to add to your list. Sliced Tomatoes is available for residents and businesses in Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver and Burnaby with plans to expand throughout the Lower Mainland and even Seattle.

For more info, visit www.slicedtomatoes.ca.

The competitive nature of the fashion industry makes it incredibly difficult for a graduate in the field to catch a break, which is why an award like this is so important.

Worth over $10,000, the Graduate Award is designed to give a grad all they need to launch their fashion line, including one year at Portobello West Fashion and Art Market, a website, a professional photo shoot by Alfonso Arnold of Blue Lava Studios, PR support by GTWO-PR and a membership and starter kit of eco-friendly fabrics from SYKA Textiles.

One of these four finalists will be named the winner this Sunday, August 26th at Portobello West as the popular fashion and art market celebrates its first anniversary. If you’re coming up to a graduation yourself, you need to go to the event this weekend at the Rocky Mountaineer Station and find out how you can qualify for their next Graduate Award:

Shaina Webb Designs
Designer: Shaina Webb
Fashion School: The Art Institute of Vancouver
Description of Line: Unique garments drawing on inspirations from the past for a progressive future

Ora Designs
Designer: Randi Obenauer
Fashion School: Helen LeFeaux School of Fashion Design
Description of Line: Innovative, hand crafted leather bags produced from leather scraps from a local furniture manufacturer

Freja Designs
Designer: Anita Heiberg
Fashion School: Kwantlen College
Description of Line: Inspired by the 1920s, 30s and 40s with Scandinavian simplicity. The line uses menswear fabrics and leather in soft feminine silhouettes to make an impactful contradiction of styles

Bad Apple Fashions
Designer Names: Carmen Merkel and Michelle Jerome
Fashion School: Kwantlen College
Description of Line: A visually enticing line, full of rich colours and texture. Additional texture is added through geometric or nature inspired prints as trim or appliqués

Unlike traditional farmers’ markets that sell grandma’s homemade jam, Portobello West is modelled after London artisan markets (namely Spitalfields and Camden) and aims to bring the local designers directly to the end consumer. Held the last Sunday of every month, Portobello West showcases the hottest local designers and artisans. Exhibits range from top names to new talents: there are dress makers, handbag designers, jewellers and boutiques that make fashion accessible – particularly Vancouver designers. It’s also a great place to find a distinctive piece for the home. With up to 100 designers on show, any fashionista can find something to suit their unique style.

Side Note: For this shoot, I discovered a new location that would benefit all you photographers out there! Studio 304 is a photography rental studio on Granville Street, minutes from equipment rental houses like Leo’s, labs and public transit. It’s open 7 days a week for half day and full day rentals. The 900 square foot space (23.5 W x 39 L with 12 ft ceilings) is designed specifically for photography, but it is also suitable for small-scale video and film shoots.

Ok, there aren’t a heck of a lot of things that both parent and child can enjoy equally, but this is one of those rare exceptions. Bryan Shelton was kind enough to take me on a tour of the Rolling O Lab yesterday and I have to admit, it was pretty darn cool. Check out the video for an in-depth look at the science behind eye protection and if you are on holiday, round up the kids and head down to the Telus World of Science for a free tour through the 40-foot motor coach (which is parked to the right of the building). Bryan is a fantastic tour guide and will only be in Vancouver for one more day from 10 AM to 4 PM. After today, the O lab will be rolling outta town and heading back to the Oakley headquarters down in OC, California.

Technology presentations inside the Rolling O Lab include the use of optical laser scope equipment that demonstrates clarity and prism shift, ultraviolet emitters and measuring devices to illustrate UV protection, and testing rigs that show the effects of high-velocity and high-mass impact situations. The youngens will learn a thing or two about the health of their eyes and the parents will be stimulated by the technology.

According to a study, while 79% of people understand that UV rays can cause skin cancer, an overwhelming 94% are unaware that they can also have repercussions for the health of the eyes. UV rays emanating from the sun are an invisible form of damage that are present at all times of the year, causing damage that builds up over time and can result in a variety of afflictions. What’s more, reflections from the earth’s surface also compound the effects of UV that will actually reach the eyes, underscoring the need for eye protection at all times of the year.

The following percentages reflect what the eyes are exposed to when outdoors:

Snow: 85% of UV rays
Water: 20% of UV rays
Sand: 17% of UV rays
Earth and Grass: 5% of UV rays

You probably have a good idea what the sun’s rays can do to your skin…just imagine what they can do to your eyes, which are infinitely more sensitive. Eye damage linked to UV includes cataract, a condition where the eye lens becomes opaque, preventing light from getting through. UV is also linked to photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea), pterygium (tissue growth that can block vision), and macular degeneration (damage to the part of the inner eye that receives light patterns and transmits them to the brain).

Types of UV Rays:

UVA light causes premature aging of the skin and the eyes. Long-term exposure can greatly increase macular degeneration.

UVB rays are responsible for sun burns and skin cancer. They can also cause snow blindness and potentially lead to cataracts.

UVC rays are absorbed by the upper atmosphere and do not reach the earth’s surface. In industrial and medical applications, UVC lamps are used to kill bacteria and purify air.

What to Consider When Selecting Sunglasses:

Frame:

The frame’s material should provide the best benefits for the sunglasses’ intended use. For example, sports sunglasses will usually have a lightweight polymer material with rubber compound at the template tips and/or the nose.

The curve of the frame – also known as the wrap and rake – can also create some added benefits, including better peripheral sun protection, better coverage for impact protection and better coverage against the wind.

Lens:

When it comes to lens material, bear in mind that glass is fragile and provides no UV protection on its own. Plastic can also shatter and offers no UV protection on its own. Polycarbonate is inherently lightweight and offers both impact and UV protection. In fact, it’s used in the windshields of space shuttles!

Light transmission, which involves how dark the lens is, plays a key part in determining the best use for a pair of sunglasses. What makes sense for everyday use may not make sense for outdoor athletes.

The lens colour, or tint, is more than just cosmetic – a finely-tuned lens with the proper transmission and the tint engineered for the activity can significantly help an athlete perform.

In case you’re wondering (I would be!), Bryan’s cuts and bruises are due to an unfortunate mountain biking accident up in Whistler over the weekend. It looked painful!

Last week, Sensei Anthony Britton taught us one way to get out of a vulnerable position from the ground. This week, we learn another technique that can be employed in a similar situation. The key to this new method is The Hip Heist and it will allow you not only to escape, but to also leave your attacker in the weaker position.

Additional notes and tips:

When you drop your guard, whichever foot you keep on the ground must be solidly planted in order to give you the leverage you need to perform your hip heist.

Use your elbow to help you sit up and your attacker’s shoulder as a way to push off once you’ve placed your foot on their hip.

Putting your foot on your attacker’s hip is important because if you don’t, he/she can continue to inch forward and keep you down; you need to do this to maintain your base. This principle is important in many different situations. For instance, if the attacker is standing and you’re down, you need to keep them a certain distance from you so what you would do is use one of your feet to push against their shin and use it to push off and get back up.

This requires practice! As the lessons become more complex, Sensei Britton will introduce moves to incorporate into your exercise routine that will not only get you in the best shape of your life, but most importantly, will condition your muscles to reflexively respond to an attack.

IMPORTANT: Please use extreme caution when practicing these moves. Remember that with the right amount of force, you can severely hurt somebody. These techniques are to be used for self-defense purposes only. All self-defense moves and tips are to be used at the risk of the user.

For more self-defense tips with Sensei Britton, click here.

Who isn’t under stress these days? For many, the normal stress level is already so high that it goes through the stratosphere when they’re faced with a problem that to an objective bystander, is not that big of a deal. If this sounds familiar, check out the latest video of Dr. Cheryl as she goes through a couple of the quickest and simplest de-stressers to stop the blood from boiling over. There are many ways to get out of a strenuous situation and we’ll be featuring more of them in the future, but here’s a start.

To learn more about Dr. Cheryl Fraser, click here.

Tune in next week for Part 2 of “He Thinks, She Thinks”!

Our personal image consultant Kimberly Law is back with more useful tips on how to look your best!

Every once in a while, I get asked to help someone tie a good tie knot. Though fairly straight forward and not really that complicated, I can never seem to remember the exact steps. If you’re a mom who’d like to teach your son how to tie his first tie, or a girlfriend who’d like to help your guy look spiffy for those special occasions, this series of short videos will help refresh your memory very quickly. I don’t know about you, but watching someone do it beats following drawings or written directions. Just click play any time you need a reminder.

To learn more about Kimberly Law, click here.

This is the first of a series of four, so stay tuned for more instructional videos! I’ve actually never really liked the Four in Hand. Most people use it, but if you look carefully, you’ll notice that it’s actually quite a crooked tie knot and it’s somewhat irritating to look at. You’ll want to come back next week because we’ll introduce the classic Half Windsor Knot, which I much prefer.

Made popular by the starlets on the big and small screens, the modern chignon, demonstrated in the video by celebrity hair stylist Ted Gibson, is surprisingly simple. The up-do takes but a fraction of the time you need to straighten your hair! The reason why he starts the process with the flat iron though, is to give Charrisse’s hair that extra smoothness and shine that she would not have achieved otherwise.

Not all tools are created equal however. I bought my sister a relatively inexpensive one some years ago not realizing the difference and after one trial, it got demoted to the back of the cabinet under her sink and has been gathering dust ever since. The key to a good flat iron I found out, is being able to control the temperature. Different types and textures of hair require different degrees of heat to quickly and effectively straighten them so if you don’t have one that gives you that option, you’re taking the risk that it might not work too well. Even if it’s twenty dollars, it’s still twenty dollars that you burn.

Another unique product that Ted introduced me to is the Hair Sheet. A creation of his own, it is a leave-in conditioner in a towelette form and it’s soaked in proteins and vitamins that increase flexibility, shine and softness. I immediately recognized its travelling benefits. It’s not a “liquid” so you can keep it in your carry-on bag during a flight! It’s hassle-free and you don’t have to worry about exploding or leaky bottles. I’m not too crazy about having to throw away the towelette once it’s used, but it sure is convenient and very interesting. The Ted Gibson line is available exclusively at Holt Renfrew in Canada or online at www.tedgibsonbeauty.com.

Product development is one of Ted’s unique talents. After completing his education in the field, he impressed the executives at Aveda so much that they recruited him straight from school. With the company, Ted travelled the world as an educator conducting creative seminars and demonstrating bold new techniques. He also created successful products like Aveda’s Self Control Hair Styling Stick, Phomollient Styling Foam, and the Purefume Brilliant product line. After a rewarding career with the beauty giant, Ted left to fulfill another passion and became a freelance editorial stylist.

Ted is now one of the most sought-after editorial, runway, and celebrity hair stylists in the businesses. His work has appeared in publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Marie Claire, Vanity Fair, Cosmopolitan, Rolling Stone, and Allure and backstage at runway shows such as Chanel, Prada, and Dolce & Gabbana. Ted is perhaps most known for toiling over the tresses of top celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Demi Moore, Anne Hathaway, Keira Knightley, Diane Sawyer, and Jessica Alba.

An influential style maker, Ted is a regular contributor on “The Today Show” and has also appeared on shows such as “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” “Good Morning America,” “Inside Edition,” and “Entertainment Tonight.” It’s hard to imagine him having any extra time, but when he’s not travelling the world, he can be found at his successful Flatiron Salon in New York City, which he runs with partner and equally sought-after hair colourist Jason Backe. Next time you’re in the Big Apple, look them up and set an appointment for an incredible makeover. Be sure to book one a couple of weeks in advance though!

This week, Sensei Anthony Britton demonstrates an effective technique that can be used during the compromising position that is introduced in the video: Being pinned down to the ground by an attacker.

Additional notes and tips:

Please note that these moves and techniques, though seemingly simple, require a lot of training. Simply watching the video a couple of times won’t do you any good in a real life situation when panic will undoubtedly override any thoughts of a defensive attack. Anyone can successfully utilize Sensei Britton’s lessons, but as with every other tip that he has shared, only professional instruction and plenty of practice can habituate your body to these responses.

This technique involves the use of a “closed guard,” i.e. your ankles are crossed behind your attacker’s back. This gives you the stability you’ll need and also ensures that he/she doesn’t escape your choke.

When grabbing your attacker’s lapel/clothing, grab it a little lower than the neckline so that you can pull it across his/her neck to then be grabbed by your other hand.

Make sure you hook tightly on to the material or the choke will be ineffective.

In step three, Kristy anchors the attacker’s right arm to the ground. This is done to prevent the attacker from rolling out of the choke, and to give you another point of stability.

After dropping her guard position, Kristy executed what Sensei Britton called a “double grapevine,” which is hooking the attacker’s ankles with your ankles and spreading them out. It may not seem like a good idea to make the attacker fall on you by dropping your guard, but by doing so, you lower the attacker’s position and increase the leverage on the choke.

IMPORTANT: Please use extreme caution when practicing these moves. Remember that with the right amount of force, you can severely hurt somebody. These techniques are to be used for self-defense purposes only. All self-defense moves and tips are to be used at the risk of the user.

For more self-defense tips with Sensei Britton, click here.

As promised, here is the first of our “He Thinks, She Thinks” segments, where we translate what the opposite sex means when they say or do something. The words used may sound the same, but we all know that men and women inevitably misinterpret one another. Hopefully with our series, there’ll be a lot less fightin’ and a lot more lovin’ in the world!

Today we’re breaking down two very contentious phrases:

1. “I’m fine”
2. “I’m not in the mood”

Enjoy!

To learn more about Dr. Cheryl Fraser, click here.

I bought it in 2004 and really wouldn’t drive anything else. But hold up now! Don’t get me wrong. This isn’t a push to get you to sign up for one yourself, but rather a gentle nudge for you to consider the possibility of switching to a more environmentally friendly car; any environmentally friendly car.

Earth friendly message aside though, the Prius is just plain cool to drive. Check out the video and tell me you’re not the least bit curious about a car that turns on by the push of a power button! You don’t even need to take your keys out of your pocket in order to turn it on (go see one yourself and find out why). You’ll also get so used to the sweet silence of driving one, that you won’t want to go back to your old loud and vibrating car. Just imagine if everyone drove an electric or hybrid car. I’m talking about a city world with virtually no noise pollution. Pretty crazy eh?

Believe it or not, Toyota hybrid vehicles meet and often exceed the performance of their gasoline-only counterparts. The combination of a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and an electric motor produces an incredibly smooth ride and provides powerful and even acceleration. Idling also becomes a non-issue when you’re driving a hybrid. During startup and idling, the vehicle runs from its electric motor, greatly reducing CO2 emissions.

If anything, I’m sure you know, or have heard about its money saving aspects. Hybrid vehicles simply need less fuel to travel the same distance as non-hybrids, so it’s good for the environment AND good for your wallet. I drove down to San Francisco with a couple of friends as soon as I got mine and the round trip cost me just a little over $100 US in gas. I was floored. The mileage for this thing on a highway is phenomenal. I averaged 4.8 L per 100 km!

If none of the above seems to make any difference, maybe you have some misconceptions about hybrids that need to be cleared up. Even though they’ve been around for a long time, certain myths prevail:

Myth 1: All hybrid vehicles are the same

There are several hybrid technologies available but I’ve done my research and believe me when I say this one’s ahead of the class. Other technologies may be smart but will still take a lot of time to perfect. Are you really willing to wait?

Myth 2: Hybrid vehicles need to be plugged in

Nope. It automatically recharges the batteries through advanced technologies such as regenerative braking (this is so fascinating that your eyes will be glued to the touchscreen monitor). There is talk of an upcoming plug-in hybrid where you can charge your batteries overnight to further increase the mileage, but as of now, no such vehicle is available. Even if it was, plugging it in would be optional.

Myth 3: Hybrid batteries need to be replaced

It’s designed to maintain the battery at optimal performance levels over the life of the vehicle. In fact, the batteries in Toyota hybrids have an 8-year/160,000 km warranty.

Myth 4: Hybrids are expensive

They are competitively priced and provide excellent value through lower fuel costs and reduced maintenance. Click here to find out exactly how much it would cost you to own one.

Myth 5: Hybrids are small and underpowered

Actually, the Highlander and Camry hybrids are the same size as their gas-only counterparts. Because of the interaction between the gas engine and electric motor, Toyota hybrids have a higher net horsepower than a typical gas engine of similar size and a 0 to 100 advantage due to the electric motor torque being available from 0 rpm.

It doesn’t cost anything to test drive one of these puppies, so do what Nike says! Falling in love with a Prius is inevitable.

For more info, visit www.hybridsynergydrive.ca

In the video, Bryon Stremler talks about Fuel Efficiency Incentives or in other words, getting money back by purchasing a hybrid vehicle (or a fuel efficient car like the Yaris). With the Prius, you can get up to $4,000 from the Canadian Provincial and Federal governments (similar rebates are available in any other country). It is important to note though, that this program has yet to kick in here. They are quite late in implementing it and many customers have complained as a result. Don’t worry though. If you buy one, you’ll definitely get that money. It’s how long it’s going to take for you to get it that’s going to frustrate you. Check in on Saturday as Mad Morten addresses that very issue in this week’s installment of Parliament of One.