by Annette Quinet | Aug 28, 2016 | Family, Mont Tremblant, summer |
Family has been front and center this last week! As I mentioned in my last blog post F-words 4 August we were looking forward to a family vacay. Mont Tremblant ,Quebec is a popular year-round destination and it fit our criteria:
- Car ride max 2 hours (Are we here yet has been a constant question all summer long in fact for 24 summers now…enough already!)
- Pool
- AC
- Internet
- Activities
- Space
We have been to Tremblant before (winter & summer) and really enjoy the area. In the past we have stayed with friends and in hotels. A friend recommended Tremblant Elysium as an alternate option to staying in a hotel. They manage a variety of properties which looked very appealing. We chose Tremblant Elysium Les-eaux, close to the mountain (10 minute walk and/or shuttle service) 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, internet, AC and pool! Criteria met!
Here is what worked for us:
Travelling with a 6 & 21 yr old has its challenges so the space was fabulous!. Not only indoor space but there were 3 private small decks too. Bathrooms (2) well stocked with towels, soap, shampoo and conditioner (hairdryer too). Kitchen was well stocked (we brought groceries with us) with everything you needed to make meals (microwave, stove,dishwasher, full size fridge, coffee maker (filters incl) and a cappuccino maker! There was also a washer and dryer (detergent incl). Our unit had at least 2 pull-out sofas one in the master and the other in the living area. Internet worked well, parking for 2 vehicles and vouchers for the gondola. We really enjoyed the pool area (2minute walk from unit) which is open10am-10pm daily (lifeguards). There is 1 large pool, 1 lap pool, 1 warm spa with waterfall (my fave) and another spa (jetted and hot) . This area also had a changing facility that contained washrooms, steam room, sauna and lockers.
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lap pool
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warm spa
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swimming pool
As always there is room for improvement and this is what did not work for us:
We were under the impression the unit had AC; however it was only on the main floor which meant the master bedroom (top floor) was really hot; however there were fans in each bedroom. The master had no closet, the bed was kingsize but the mattress is in need of replacing. One design flaw in our opinion, sliding panels above the bed in the master bedroom which opens to the main living space below. This could potentially be dangerous (falling hazard) with young children. These panels also offered no insulation from the main floor noise (despite being closed) therefore if the tv was on and you were trying to sleep good luck! Not fun if let’s say someone with you is an insomniac. This could be a pro or con but there is no daily housekeeping. Bring your own pool towels and swim/beach toys (noodles, water sprayers, diving batons etc) this made the world of difference for Isabelle, she had several instant BFF’s aka playmates.
Mont Tremblant offers a variety of activities. Most are a fee for service so it can get expensive. We enjoyed the mountain village where we did the luge, trapeze, rock climbing wall & gondola. Another way the mountain village likes to separate you from your money are the shops, Place BonBon and Univers Toutou were Isabelle’s favorite!
Of course, there are ample hiking and biking trails, beach ($) and climbing the mountain on foot is free!
by Annette Quinet | Aug 13, 2016 | Capelet, Fashion, Giveaway, My Blog, summer |
Are you going to be the fortunate one to win this fabulous summer essential , this Capelet in Black?
It’s easy all you need to do to enter is one of the following:
Share and like this blog on your FB page
Follow me on twitter and Retweet
Or follow me on Instagram and Re-gram (Yes, you can Re-gram using this free app)
First featured in this July blog post , The F-word Paradox is offering you another chance to win a Black Capelet. This versatile piece can be worn several ways and will become a favorite summer essential (great for early fall too!). The draw will take place in 5 days ( all about the F-words here) Thursday, August 18th. The Winner will be notified by email.
Good Luck, Bonne chance!
by Annette Quinet | Aug 9, 2016 | Family, Fashion, Fitness, Five Questions, Food & Drink, My Blog, Shopping, summer |
Most people in Ottawa eagerly await our summer season. It is relatively short and before you know it , it will be September with Fall just around the corner. So for the remainder of August, my 4 featured F-words will be:
Fitness, Food, Family and Focus
Fitness at the beginning of this summer was my nemesis. I injured my Achilles at the end of June and was unable to run for a month. Since I started running , over 20 years ago, I have been fortunate with only a few minor injuries. Running has been mentally therapeutic for me and it was frustrating when I was unable to run. After a month off, I have finally been able to get out there and pound the pavement but it has not been easy. After time off it almost feels like you are starting over, your cardio/stamina has diminished and breathing has been more difficult,…perhaps the hot humid temps have also been a factor. So as most people, I turn to the internet for tips, pointers, and motivators. This is a great article on shortness of breath while exercising. I also find running to music helps and use the Rock my Run app that I have on my phone which allows me ($) to download or stream music …nothing like running to an awesome playlist, it’s totally motivating. I also have my four legged friend, Oscar, that accompanies me and with this fabulous leash… our
runs have been so much more enjoyable (for runs, I wrap it around my waist=handsfree yippee) Isabelle also now joins us now that she has mastered riding her bike (thank you Pedalheads) This has been freeing and I really like that feeling. Here’s hoping I have run far enough away from any more injuries.
Food is synonymous with summer. We are fortunate to be able to purchase lots of local produce whether it be at one of the areas farmers market or at our local grocery store. It’s a great way to incorporate fresh produce into our meals while supporting local growers. Recently, our household has become “mostly” gluten free and I am continuously searching for websites that offer healthy,easy and fast recipes to try.
Here are 4 recipes that look tasty and worthy of trying this month:
Eating Bird Food -Almond Butter Chicken Salad
Detoxnista -Garden Vegetable Salad Rolls with “Peanut” dipping sauce (like those at Whole Foods)
Running with Spoons- Almond butter & jelly Banana Bread Bars
MBG – Vegan Banoffee Pie Cups (already made these last night-AWESOME!)
Family time is important and we have just planned a getaway to Mont Tremblant for a few days in hopes of some fun and R&R! Friends recommended a property that we are excited to try. It has the amenities that are important when travelling with kids (21 & 6) such as a swimming pool and internet I am so looking forward to sitting by the pool and being so much more relaxed now that Isabelle is swimming. Her fear of getting her head wet has totally dissipated thanks to a $4.49 swim mask and of course swimming lessons. Hiking, biking, exploring will also be on the agenda as will be a new summer read. I just finished my first summer read which no doubt will now be read by hubby. Nothing says summer like a good John Grisham novel.
Finally, with a focus or maybe just a glance towards fall, for now, I look forward to reading some of these fall Fashion magazines for inspiration. I also look forward to the day when I can wear what I consider a fabulous fashion find ,this pair of Mackage black leather stretch leggings . Another focus is writing more blog posts featuring five questions with Dr. Mamta Gautam, Catherine Ennis and Julie Nott, in addition to continuing regular blog posts with more F-words!
For now, I will be focusing on enjoying the remainder of summer and I hope you will too.
by Annette Quinet | Jul 29, 2016 | Fashion, Shopping, summer |
Fashion Finds – Focus on Ottawa
This weekend marks the midpoint of Summer 2016. In Ontario and 5 other provinces (AB, BC, SK, NB, NV) Monday, August 1st is a Civic Holiday which means a long weekend for many of us. Whether you are about to embark on a staycation or perhaps you are visiting the Nations Capital, the downtown core in Ottawa is a great destination for both residents and tourists alike. The Byward Market is a hub for restaurants , bars, galleries and of course a great place to shop. The CF Rideau Centre is a huge magnet for those who want to shop. Nordstroms, a big draw especially with their Anniversary sale, which offers brand new arrivals at sale prices. So popular is this sale it has it’s on hashtag #NSALE with over 60,000 tweets but venturing out of the mall is a must.To get a true sense of Ottawa’s character and flavor, shoppers & visitors will discover several independent boutiques that have flair, uniqueness, and personality which are worthy of a visit.
Schad…is described as a Fashion Haven by many local fashionistas. The store carries many coveted designer clothing lines for both men and women. Presently they are having their summer sale where you can find some great garments at awesome price points. You will also find new fall arrivals from such popular designers as Smythe, a line which has been worn by Kate Middleton and Kate Hudson…..another favorite is The Kooples and of course, local designer Krista Norris whose scarves were gifted to the Obama girls by the Trudeau’s on a recent visit. Men can find John Varvatos, Denham and much more. Also in store, WOLF & Zed, shoe counterpart to Schad, carrying several eclectic and trendy lines such as Camper (men and women) Coclico, Cole Haan (men).
STUNNING ! is another fabulous destination. This truly eclectic boutique carries many one of a kind accessory pieces that owner, Mandy, personally selects on buying trips in addition to sourcing out local talent and designing some of her own signature pieces. The store’s Instagram is true eye candy, highlighting many of these unique pieces but act fast as there usually is just one! When you visit you will find an enthusiastic style maven who is passionate about her boutique and her commitment to supporting local. Bonus , Stunning is also having its summer sale!
Amanda May Lingerie is an upscale lingerie store locally owned by Amanda Beaubien, carrying a wide assortment of lingerie pieces from such lines as Stella McCartney, Hanky Panky & Claudette, customers will find the emphasis is on customer service ensuring a great shopping experience . As Dolce and Gabbana said “Lingerie is the maximum expression of a woman’s feminity” and women will truly tune into their feminity wearing some of these pieces.
There are many other unique finds in the Byward Market to satisfy all tastes and budgets. With a fabulous weather forecast in- store do take advantage and venture to the Byward Market and take in all that if has to offer. Let me know what your favorites are. Wishing you a Safe and Happy long weekend.
More independent stores in the Byward Market to visit:
Trustfund
Roadtrip
Poised Boutique
Envied
Justine’s
For a more enhanced list of stores and restaurants click here Byward Market
by Annette Quinet | Jul 11, 2016 | Fashion, Five Questions, My Blog, summer |
Have you ever wondered why some women have the most beautiful looking natural eyelashes? Is it genetics? luck? mascara? Latisse ?or are they Eyelash extensions?
The eyes are a focal point of the face. Some say that our eyes are the windows to our souls. Studies show that long eyelashes and large eyes are considered a sign of youth and beauty. Fuller and longer lashes will emphasize and frame your eyes, giving you a more refreshed, awake appearance.
I have been wearing eyelash extensions for several years now. Needless, to say I am a fan. For myself, they are a time saver and I love the look….no other make-up is necessary on the eyes. Most days all I wear is a tinted sunscreen and some lipstick or gloss! Over the years I have tried different people and places for my lashes, for the last few years, I have been going to
Eileen Sculnick in Ottawa. Eileen has been working with cosmetics and esthetics her entire career and eyelash extensions were a natural extension (intended pun) for her business and her clientele.
The F-word Paradox will be starting a new blog feature entitled Five Questions. We will feature fabulous people with what I am sure will be fascinating and interesting information about their area of expertise. Eileen Sculnick of
Nails by Eileen has graciously agreed to be our first guest. I recently asked Eileen Five Questions on Eyelash Extensions.
1-Who are the right candidates for eye lash extensions?
Anyone who has lashes and wants to enhance them. But you must have some lashes that are long enough and strong enough to withstand a lash being glued to it and not damaging it. Unfortunately anyone who has lost there lashes and nothing has grown back cannot have lash extensions.
2-What are the benefits of having eyelash extensions?
The main benefit to have eyelash extensions is that you no longer need to wear mascara. You no longer have to worry about black circles under your eyes because your mascara has smudged and of course there is nothing to remove before going to bed. Most women find that they need to wear less eye makeup and they still feel very put together.
3- Are there any disadvantages to having eyelash extensions?
There really aren’t any disadvantages to having eyelash extensions, but of course there is maintenance necessary once you have your initial application.
Refills are necessary between 2-4 weeks and can cost $50-$100 depending on who you go to and if they charge based on time or just a set price.
Other than cost and maintenance it’s really important that the health of the lashes are never compromised.
Everyone wants the thickest, longest lashes and that’s ok if your lashes can handle that. Ultimately it is recommended to take a break every 6-8months and let the lashes regenerate for about 6-8 weeks.
4- With lots of different options now on the market for eyelash extensions how should client chose where to go and what questions should they ask?
Ultimately word of mouth is the best way to choose any esthetic service. Price is always a concern but this is a very expensive service to do and therefore the costs can be higher . Your choice should not just be made based on price. The worst possible scenario is
if a salon is not clean and welcoming. Especially with eyelash extensions, because it is a very delicate service. It can also be nerve wracking the first few times because your eyes are taped shut and this can cause anxiety. What products the technician uses is very important as well because not all products are created equal. A calm, tranquil atmosphere is so nice so that the client can relax and the technician can easily work on this very delicate and sensitive area.
A good technician will explain exactly how the procedure is done and what the client’s hope for the final look is and together make the proper choice. As far as the final look goes, I love taking the “look” as far as I can, but still having a natural look. It’s always nicer when it’s not obvious that you are wearing extensions,
5-Final thoughts and tips for eyelash extensions?
Eyelash extensions are a wonderful way to enhance your eyes with very little necessary upkeep. A cleanser and protector(the protector seals the lashes and extends the life of the extensions) are really the only two products you need. Cleaning the lashes nightly even if you don’t wear any other make-up is very important as well. It’s a bit of a learning curve initially but ultimately becomes second nature.
Woman’s lives are generally so busy that having one less thing to do is such a treat!!
Annette Quinet
by Annette Quinet | Jul 4, 2016 | Capelet, football, Friends, Giveaway, summer |
Football…..hey it’s an F- Word!
I would never have imagined, I mean ever, writing a post with the word Football in it but there is a reason why this blog is called the F-word Paradox!
Friday, July 8th will be the home opener for the Ottawa Redblacks. Many fans will be looking forward to this season , with hopes that the Ottawa Redblacks will have a stellar season, earning the team once again, one of the coveted spots to play in the league final the Grey Cup. Recently, I ran into my friend Adrienne while walking our dogs, her partner is a member of the Ottawa Redblacks coaching staff.
After a few pleasantries, she started to fill me in on the recent win of the Ottawa RedBlacks vs the Edmonton Eskimos (45-37). I’m not going to say it was contagious but her enthusiasm towards the team and the upcoming season was compelling. Football is back, fans are happy, optimistic and supportive. This conversation prompted me and gave me the first reason to blog on this subject.
The Ottawa Rough Riders face off against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Riders’ last home game of the season Oct. 26. John Major/Ottawa Citizen
After speaking with Adrienne , I had a trip down memory lane. I remembered my youth growing up in Ottawa, which included attending many Ottawa Rough Rider games (predecessor of the Ottawa RedBlacks) with one of my BFF’s Tracy whose dad happened to be Don Holtby, the VP and GM of the Ottawa Rough Riders back in the mid-80’s. I can honestly say I do not remember much about the actual games but I do remember, the stadium, the people, the girl giggles we shared about the “hunky” players and depending on the outcome of the game, the joy or the sadness that ensued. Frankly, what resonated most with me was what people wore to these games. It was a sea of red similar to what we see on Canada Day. In the 80’s Football played a large role in Ottawa, fans were serious and showed their support wearing team colours and Rough Rider logos with pride. I have fond memories of Donna Holtby, Tracy’s mom, who attended the games with style, elegance and of course pride, perhaps one of the earlier style influencers in my life. Donna was always dressed in an elevated style. Topping all her looks was her signature, a perfectly coiffed head of platinum hair. Some of her stellar looks were incorporating an amazing red leather jacket with matching red leather pants while using accessories to enhance these looks. Her look was calculated, she was there to support and represent her team and her husband. I was in awe …so based on these memories which were full of fun, laughter and great style this would be the second reason to blog using this F-Word.
My third reason, hubby is a fan, he enjoys Football and going to the games to cheer on the Ottawa RedBlacks. This Friday we will be attending (Calgary Stampeders @ Ottawa Redblacks) and from past experience, it is important to give some thought to what you will wear. Usually, it is really hot and will stay sunny until almost 9pm on the south side of Lansdowne Park. This can be very uncomfortable while watching those long quarters. I tend to use the same philosophy as I wrote about in the Festive Wear Blog, chances are I will wear white with hopes of keeping it “cool”! Here are some pieces to consider for outfit inspirations , here, here and here. I will also most likely wear a capelet, it is a light & airy piece that not only offers an interesting detail to your ensemble but it can also cover your arms which for many women, is no longer an area that they wish to bare. Ahhh the joys of getting older! This capelet offers subtle coverage and has the ability to be worn in a several ways , it’s a perfect piece to compliment your outfit and is also the next Giveaway on the F-Word Paradox.
For a chance to win a Black Capelet , simply subscribe to my blog here and you are automatically entered to win. The draw will take place on July 13th just in time for watching the next Ottawa Redblacks game.
Turning up the heat does not mean turning down your style.
Go Ottawa Redblacks Go
