Giant Steps Toronto – A Step in the Right Direction

Once a previously neglected room used only as a meeting space, Giant Steps’ new library now flourishes with the latest technology for autistic children. Touch-screen white boards, iPads and an Xbox Kinect are some of the innovative tools this school and therapy centre has incorporated to help build the communication, academic, social and lifestyle skills of its students.

Howat Noble, president of Giant Steps, believes that adopting these modern technologies has made the library unique. “It engages the child,” he says, “and once you’ve got the child engaged with this technology, you can really accelerate communication skills.” As social interactions improve, so too does the child’s connection with friends and family.

From the room’s colours to its seating areas, the library is designed Read more

Picasso at the AGO – The Big Picture of Picasso

The exhibit begins with a small hallway of photographs. Some may bypass the section, but if you stop to look you’ll see Picasso, the man himself. The photographs of the artist featured in the exhibit show an ordinary chap enjoying a day at the beach and a drink with some friends. But it’s the art – the paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings – that reveal the extraordinary talent that was Pablo Picasso.

On May 1st, 2012, Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris debuted at the AGO in Toronto, the only Canadian venue to receive the touring exhibit, which includes 141 masterpieces from the French museum’s 5,000-piece collection. As the first major Picasso display to land in Toronto since 1964, visitors from across the city have been flocking to the exhibit before it makes its exit on Aug. 26. Read more

Vaughan Cupcakes – Cupcake Craze

Red velvet, classic vanilla and chocolate are all flavours we’re familiar with, but when you venture into one of these boutiques, you’ll experience the craze that’s hit North America. With a history rooted in the late 18th to early 19th century, the treats aren’t new to the sweet scene, but as of late, specialty cupcake shops have been popping up across Toronto and the GTA, prompting competition that has inspired some of the most intriguing of new flavours. From clever options like s’mores and blueberry champagne, we’ve found Vaughan’s most delicious spots to satisfy your cupcake cravings.

We Bake in Heels
A need for change brought two friends together to open We Bake in Heels. With Catherine (Cat) D’Agostino developing recipes, and Adrienne D’Amico handling operations, it’s been a match made in cupcake heaven since the shop opened in 2009. “We make Read more

Fabulous White Canvas

This quintessential summer shade brings about the freshness we seek on those warm, sunny days. Whether you prefer it in a pretty lace dress, crisp bedding or sexy heels, we’ve selected a range of ways to be white-hot this summer. Read more

Easy Breezy

Dress Up
Your little man in a plaid bow tie that’s fun for him and classy for you.
www.etsy.com

Heeling Power
You can accomplish anything in these hot pink heels. Pair them with orange or blue for a colour block effect, or with a neutral outfit for a pop of colour.
www.zara.com

Brace Yourself
This sterling silver Scott Kay bracelet is not for the faint-hearted. Show off your wild side with this eye-catching accessory.
www.cupidodesigns.com
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Q & A with Fashion Designer Maher Alami

CL: What is at the heart of your label?
MA: Alya Couture is named after my grandmother – it’s a tribute to her. She was a seamstress for society weddings and I would always accompany her through the market, looking for beads and all those gorgeous silk fabrics that we have in that part of the world [Jordan]. She taught me little secrets of the trade when I was young. Today, I try to make my gowns and dresses work year-round, and really look for longevity and value. Couture dresses in the past were something that were passed on from your great-grandmother to your grandmother, to your mother and now you, who gets to wear it again. This is what I really try to bring back – things that are very well made and of high-quality.
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