Getting Ready for the Oscars!

Movie award season is in full swing. Producers and critics’ groups have weighed in and the first of the big award shows, the Golden Globes, has already taken place. Still to come—the Screen Actors’ Guild (SAG) awards on January 29, the Independent Spirit Awards on February 25, and, of course, the Oscars on February 26.

The Oscars, for which nominations were just announced (http://bit.ly/A6hl3a), always get the most attention. And why not? This is the 84th year for the ceremony. Given the show’s longevity, it seems fitting that two of the most nominated films this year—Hugo and The Artist—celebrate the long history of film.

To get ready for the big ceremony, we’ve compiled some links to fill you in on all things Oscar:

• Once the nominations are announced, there is always lots of talk about who got snubbed. Entertainment Weekly (http://bit.ly/AaV9tv) was one of the first with a list of who did not make the cut, but should have (in their opinion). Eonline also shared their list of surprises and snubs on the day nominations were announced. (http://eonli.ne/xKu5FY)

• For a full list of nominations and a visual history of the Oscars (including fashion), visit www.oscar.go.com.

• Get an Oscar party kit here. (http://bit.ly/A4NVsp) It includes food and drink recipes, a downloadable Oscar ballot, and cards for an Oscar bingo game.

• There are lots of sites that promise a look at the best and worst Oscar dresses ever, including Vogue (http://bit.ly/zjFj6i), Time (http://ti.me/AEOS47), and Marie Claire (http://bit.ly/A36w0g).

• And one of our favourites...red carpet hairstyles! Here are Allure magazine’s best Oscar hairstyles of the past decade (http://on.allure.com/AmZkap) and Harper’s Bazaar’s iconic hair and beauty moments (http://bit.ly/ACWUZM).

Enjoy the show!

Nutrition Trends for 2012

The start of a new year often leads people to focus on their health. Here are some of the top “superfoods” that nutrition writers recommend you add to your diet this year:

• Chia Seeds. Yes, these are the same seeds used in chia pets, but don’t let that dissuade you! Nutritionists are touting the health benefits of these little seeds, which contain omega-3 fatty acids, soluble fibre, protein, and lots of minerals. In fact, chia seeds have more calcium than milk, more potassium than bananas, and more iron than spinach. To serve, sprinkle the seeds on cereal or yogurt, sprout them and add them to sandwiches, or use chia flour in baking.

• Pomegranates. These fruits have been on the radar of nutritionists for a while, but they seem to be everywhere now. Pomegranates contain high amounts of an antioxidant called ellagic acid, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Pomegranates are also considered a potential cancer-fighter. To remove the seeds from the pith, cut the fruit in half, only as deep as the skin. Pull it apart and submerge it in water as you peel the pith away from the seeds. The seeds will sink to the bottom.

• Black Garlic. A little shocking in appearance, black garlic has double the antioxidants of fresh garlic. The dark colour is achieved through fermentation. Use black garlic in dips, on crackers or crostini, or in pasta sauce.

• Gooseberries. These little berries contain lots of antioxidants, B-vitamins, and, surprisingly for a berry, high levels of protein. Gooseberries are tart, and better used in jams, chutneys, and pies or other baked goods than eaten off the vine.

• Black Rice. Black rice contains high levels of the same antioxidant found in blueberries (anthocyanin.) It is also high in fibre and a good source of iron. Cook black rice as you would any other type of rice.

Other foods that made the grade this year include: kale, quinoa, and legumes of all kinds, like adzuki beans, chickpeas, and black beans.

Sources: Canadian Living, Vancouver Sun, ivillage.ca.

How to Keep Hair Looking Great While Travelling

Whether you are heading south this winter or have a schedule full of business trips, you know the impact travel can have on your hair. Here are a few quick tips to keep your hair looking its best while you travel and throughout your trip:

Website WebMD recommends that you travel with a natural boar bristle brush to tend to hair without generating static. (Often a problem in the dry environment of an airplane.) You can also travel with a scarf or trendy hat to cover hair in case your style doesn’t survive the trip.

Wondering what to pack? Include a travel size shampoo, conditioner and only your essential styling aids. If you have room, a dry shampoo is always a good idea to reduce excess oil in hair, whether en route or at your destination. A small assortment of hair clips, elastics, and hair bands are handy for creating a pulled-together look even if you are overtired or stressed from travelling. And check with your hotel before you pack your hair dryer. Chances are there is one in the room that will work quite nicely for you.

Try to plan your hairstyles ahead of time so you know which hair accessories and tools you’ll need to pack. Quick, simple styles are often best when you’re on vacation or travelling for business. With simple styles, you may even be able to leave the curling iron or flat iron at home!

And remember that sun, saltwater, and chlorine from the hotel pool can cause a lot of damage to hair. When packing, try to find room for a leave-in conditioner. To minimize chlorine damage, rinse your hair with tap water before and after swimming. And remember a broad-brimmed sun hat to protect hair from the sun’s rays. (More tips on minimizing hair damage can be found at skincare-news.com. http://bit.ly/AEEzle)

Bon voyage!