The Scoop

01/02/2021

Like everyone else in other cities who are currently on lockdown, we are personally counting down the days till we can visit our favourite nail salon for the ultimate post-quarantine mani/pedi session. But alas, till that day comes, we will have to patiently wait and care for our own nails in our homes. Luckily, we were able to speak to TIPS NAIL BAR + Beauty's resident Nail Artist Nargis Khan who shared her professional tips and tricks on how to properly give your nails that TLC it needs during quarantine.

http://thescoop.news/how-to-care-for-your-nails-during-quarantine/

26/01/2021

It is hard to believe that it has almost been a whole year since the world went into total lockdown and the word pandemic became a part of our regular vocabulary. And while a lot of us have gotten used to staying at home, in a time where so much is still unknown about the future, it is hard for many not to fall into a spiral of anxious thoughts.

Luckily, we had the opportunity to speak with Niyama Yoga Wellness founder Jillian Mariani on the importance of putting your mental first in the midst of the pandemic and how to curb your anxiety during these unprecedented times.

http://thescoop.news/niyama-yoga-wellness-founder-jillian-mariani-on-the-importance-of-putting-your-mental-health-first-in-the-midst-of-the-pandemic/

27/05/2020

When quarantine first started, couples who were forced to go into lockdown together were presumably excited about the idea of finally getting that chance to spend more time with one another. But as the days drone on, and with nowhere to go and no one else to see, lockdown fatigue can surely get the best of our relationships. So with the end nowhere near in sight and many more days ahead of being in close proximity with your significant other, how should couples be handling this time with one another? We spoke with Relationship Coach, Celebrity Matchmaker and Online Dating Expert Carmelia Ray who shared the best practices to keep in mind when maintaining a healthy relationship during quarantine.

http://thescoop.news/how-to-maintain-a-healthy-relationship-during-quarantine/

26/05/2020

As cities slowly allow businesses to open up, many are anticipating the day when they can finally walk into a salon and get that long-awaited haircut. For the time being, as we toy with the idea of cutting our own bangs or fill our Pinterest boards with hair colour inspos, we spoke with internationally renowned celebrity hair stylist Kelly Araujo on what should be on our hair care checklist during quarantine and other ways to style our locks without risking that bad DIY haircut.

http://thescoop.news/your-hair-care-checklist-during-quarantine/

20/05/2020

Gorgeous Houses you can only dare to dream about? Check. Fierce Ladies with drool-worthy wardrobes? Check. Never-ending Drama? Check and check! When Selling Sunset first hit Netflix, even those of us who had no interest in Real Estate were hooked episode after episode. And now the show is back for its second season this Friday and we can't wait to continue and follow the lives of the top real estate brokers at The Oppenheim Group. Ahead of its season two premiere, we had the pleasure of chatting with one of the show's stars and top realtor, Maya Vander Realtor Associate who walks us through her self-care routine, what fans can expect this season and what she's most looking forward to after quarantine is over.

http://thescoop.news/self-care-oclock-with-selling-sunsets-maya-vander/

19/05/2020

Turn on any news channel these days, and you'll see the many faces of journalists who are working tirelessly to bring the public up to the minute news about the pandemic. For many, their faces and voices have become a sense of comfort. People all around the country have come to rely on newscasters to provide them with the crucial information they need to know to get through these unprecedented times. But when the cameras are off, what goes on behind the scenes? And while many of us can turn off the news, a lot of these reporters can't. So what's it like to be a news reporter during COVID-19? We spoke with Breakfast Television & CityNews Calgary's Jackie Perez about her role as a video journalist and TV host during the pandemic, how delivering the news has changed and some of the biggest challenges she has faced.

http://thescoop.news/whats-it-like-to-be-a-news-reporter-during-covid-19/

18/05/2020

As we prepare to enter another week of the pandemic and all the unknowns associated with the state of the world, it is hard not to feel anxious about what the future holds. For many, the worry lies with their finances. With businesses uncertain about what tomorrow brings, layoffs have been inevitable leaving people in the dark about their careers and financial situations. While we can't control what the future brings, there are some things we can do to help navigate these unprecedented times and help us better prepare when it comes to our finances. We spoke with award-winning Money Expert, Financial Counsellor, and the host of Mo' Money Podcast, Jessica Moorhouse on the best way to manage your finances during COVID-19 and all the important things we need to know.

http://thescoop.news/how-to-manage-your-finances-during-covid-19/

14/05/2020

As we spend more and more time at home, it is inevitable to feel the itch to revamp our current spaces. But with an uncertain future for many, people are hesitant to spend thousands of dollars to redecorate their homes. Luckily, there are ways to update your living space without having to break the bank. We spoke with lifestyle, design, and fashion expert Christian Dare on the best way to spruce up any space on a budget and his favourite go-to brands for affordable pieces.

http://thescoop.news/how-to-spruce-up-your-space-on-a-budget/

13/05/2020

If you've been keeping up with the news since the pandemic hit, it's hard not to feel the stress from the headlines. The state of the economy is enough to push you in a circle of panic especially if you're an avid investor. But what is really happening with the financial market? Should we really be worried or are our investments still in good hands? We spoke with VP of Sales and Marketing at Hersh Condos and Real Estate expert Mitch Parker, specifically about the state of the Real Estate market during this global pandemic and the important things we need to be aware of.

http://thescoop.news/the-411-on-the-real-estate-market-during-covid-19/

12/05/2020

As the stay-at-home orders continue to extend in cities worldwide, many are feeling the effects of being in quarantine. Anxiety, boredom, and restlessness are just some of the things people may be experiencing as we continue to isolate in our homes. It's no wonder then that we are turning to our favourite comfort foods more often than usual. While it's okay to indulge every once in a while, especially during a time of stress, it's also important to be aware of the types of foods you are putting into your body.

We spoke with Organika Health health and wellness ambassador and Registered Holistic Nutritionist Rhiannon Lytle on how people can maintain healthy eating habits during the pandemic.

http://thescoop.news/how-to-maintain-healthy-eating-habits-during-the-lockdown/

11/05/2020

It is without a doubt that one of the norms in today's society is making sure we practice every measure to protect ourselves from COVID-19. And although it's been heavily debated, more and more people are now opting to wear face masks for their safety. Since health and medical officials have encouraged the public to put on a face mask when heading outside, many brands and companies have stepped up to manufacture non-medical grade masks for consumers everywhere. Many are also using this opportunity to help out people in their communities. We rounded up the top stylish non-medical masks that will keep you safe and also allow you to give back.

http://thescoop.news/these-stylish-non-medical-masks-are-also-giving-back/

06/05/2020

If you are one of the few that has yet to watch Workin' Moms, well we suggest you get out from under that rock ASAP and prepare to binge-watch one of TV's funniest shows right now. Today, Netflix officially released the fourth season of the popular series, and we were lucky enough to catch up with one of our favourite characters on the show. Jessalyn Wanlim who plays the spunky Jenny Matthews, walks us through her self-care routine, what fans can expect from Jenny this season and what she's most looking forward to after quarantine is over.

http://thescoop.news/self-care-oclock-with-workin-moms-jessalyn-wanlim/

05/05/2020

As the lockdowns continue to stretch longer, many businesses have found themselves in the difficult position of having to let their employees go. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being laid off or on the verge of losing your job, it is important to be aware of your rights as an employee. But what exactly are these rights and are they different now because of the pandemic?

We spoke with employment and commercial litigation lawyer Michelle Cook of Devry Smith Frank LLP who walked us through what your rights are as an employee during the COVID-19 pandemic and everything you need to know.

http://thescoop.news/so-what-are-your-rights-as-an-employee-during-covid-19/

01/05/2020

It is without a doubt, one of the hardest industries to be hit by the COVID-19 pandemic is travel. With most borders closed and countries warning against non-essential travel, many are scrambling to figure out what to do about future holidays and what their rights are when it comes to cancelled trips. So what are your rights as a traveller and what does the future of travel hold for all of us? We spoke with travel and personal finance expert, and founder of the blog Money We Have, Barry Choi, on everything you need to know when it comes to travel and the coronavirus.

http://thescoop.news/how-covid-19-has-affected-travel-and-everything-you-need-to-know/

28/04/2020

As we all settle into the new norm and buckle down in our homes, many are looking for different ways to pass the time. For some this includes picking up new hobbies that range from painting and photography to redecorating and cooking. One hobby that seems to be popping up on several social media feeds lately is gardening. Many have channeled their green thumbs and have turned to growing produce in their homes

If starting a garden is something you've always been curious about, but you're not sure where to start, award-winning gardening expert Frankie Flowers shared his top tips with The Scoop on what you need to successfully grow your own garden in your home.

http://thescoop.news/how-to-grow-your-own-garden/

27/04/2020

Since the world locked down and gyms everywhere have closed, many have turned to virtual workouts that can be done from the comfort of their homes. And while it's great that people are finding ways to be active during these times, trying new workouts can also lead to injuries. With no fitness trainer to supervise their movements, things like proper form can be compromised which can easily lead to a painful injury.

We spoke with award-winning chiropractor, and personal injury expert Dr Nekessa Remy on some proper stretches to keep in mind when working out from home to prevent and reduce any injuries.

http://thescoop.news/these-are-the-proper-stretches-you-need-to-do-at-home-according-to-an-injury-expert/

24/04/2020

With nowhere to go and no one to see, beauty might be the last thing on our priority lists. And while it's great that out skin and hair get a bit of a break, it is still important to keep some grooming practices in mind. We spoke with Toronto-based aesthetician and hair and make-up artist Allana Davis Beauté + Skin Studio who shared her tips on important at-home self care routines and which beauty products to stock up on.

http://thescoop.news/your-stay-at-home-beauty-essentials/

21/04/2020

In the past, Earth Day has attracted millions of people to come together and do something good for the environment. Whether it’s organized beach clean-ups or marathon fundraisers, everyone steps up to help clean up mother earth and push for a greener world. With people currently in quarantine, Earth Day initiatives have had to become much more creative this year, and one particular company leading the way is Canadian athletic brand Free Flow Active. On April 22nd, Free Flow will be hosting a Virtual Beach Clean Up Event in partnership with Toronto-based fitness facility BOLO - Bodylove Inc..

From 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM EST, Free Flow and BOLO are inviting people to tune in to BOLO's Instagram account and join one or all their LIVE workout sessions ranging from a variety of movements including meditation, boxing technique, and vinyasa yoga flow. For every person that participates, Free Flow will be picking up 1 kg of trash off a beach worldwide.

If you're looking for a way to help out this Earth Day and get a good workout in, make sure you drop by those times and show your support for Mother Nature.

In advance of Free Flow x BOLO's upcoming event, we also had a chance to speak with Free Flow Activewear founder Emliy Ratchford about the initiative and her sustainable apparel line.

http://thescoop.news/canadian-athletic-brand-free-flow-activewear-to-host-a-virtual-beach-clean-up-this-earth-day/

20/04/2020

During these unprecedented times, it’s only normal that people are trying to find ways to adapt and create a routine that somewhat resembles their pre-quarantine lives. This of course includes face-to-face work meetings with co-workers and clients. Luckily for us, video conferencing platforms like Zoom has been a lifesaver for many workplaces. Not only are you able to continue conducting regular meetings with your team and clients but as we have seen, it has also been a great way to stay in touch with friends and family.

While Zoom has definitely been a great way to continue to conduct business, it is still uncharted waters for many. Whereas normal office meetings have set guidelines in place, video conference meetings have the risk of going haywire leading to a very unproductive use of time.

If you find yourself stuck in six-hours Zoom calls, try these rules we put together to help you run a productive Zoom meeting.

http://thescoop.news/how-to-run-a-productive-zoom-meeting/

17/04/2020

With borders currently on lockdown, international travel may not be an option for the next little while. Lucky for us, there's a way we can fix a little bit of that travel bug. Since citizens were told to stay home and all essential businesses were asked to close down, tourist attractions around the world have stepped up and found ways to allow access to their sites virtually. We've compiled a list of these places which you can now visit from the comfort of your own home.

http://thescoop.news/how-to-travel-around-the-world-without-leaving-your-couch/

15/04/2020

As we all self-isolate and quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic, many have used this time as an opportunity to finally clean and declutter their homes. And while it seems like a productive and inviting idea, it can also be an overwhelming process. Luckily, we had the chance to speak with Toronto-based Professional Organizer and Owner of Space in the City, Nicola Masterson who shared her top tips and advice on how to properly organize your home.

http://thescoop.news/organization-101-a-professional-organizers-guide-to-keeping-your-home-clean-and-decluttered/

08/04/2020

As we lockdown in our homes, and all non-essential businesses are ordered to shut down, people are trying to find creative ways to maintain their normal routine. For many, this includes their regularly scheduled workouts.

Luckily for us, gyms and fitness personalities everywhere have stepped up to stay connected with their communities through social media.

If you are looking for a great way to stay in shape while self-isolating, we've compiled a list of great online workouts you can do from the comfort of your home.

http://thescoop.news/online-workouts-you-can-do-from-the-comfort-of-your-home/

07/04/2020

It's been almost over a month since most countries worldwide have started to enforce stricter lockdowns in order to help stop the spread of the Coronavirus. As the numbers of deaths and infections rise, health care systems everywhere face a gruelling picture where hospitals are overwhelmed, and doctors and nurses run out of protective gear.

In the midst of the darkness, thousands of individuals and companies have stepped up in their own ways to help combat the fight against COVID-19. This includes big fashion brands from around the world.

We made a list of some of our favourite designers who are helping out and how you can get involved.

http://thescoop.news/fashion-brands-that-are-combatting-the-fight-against-covid-19-and-how-you-can-help/

06/04/2020

After a short hiatus, we are back to bring you even more content than ever! In the meantime, we hope everyone has been staying safe and healthy at home! ✨

17/12/2019

When most of us picture talent agents, it's hard not to let our minds wander to the depictions we see on TV. Exhibit A: Entourage's Ari Gold aggressively yelling at someone on their phone. While the world of film and television can certainly be cutthroat, Amanda Rosenthal will be one of the first to tell you it's not as dramatic as Hollywood would like you to think. However, the hustle is real.

In May of 2000, Amanda left her first agency job to start Amanda Rosenthal Talent Agency or as most know it, ART Agency. With a client roster that include Michael Cera, Shenae Grimes-Beech and Keir Gilchrist, ART has become one of Canada's top talent agencies representing actors of all ages for film, television, theatre, voice, animation and commercials. It is also one of the only agencies in Canada with offices in both Toronto and Montreal.

We sat down with Amanda who graciously shared what it's really like to be a talent agent, the moments she's proud of and her biggest advice for those looking to follow in her footsteps.

http://thescoop.news/how-amanda-rosenthal-became-one-of-canadas-top-talent-agents/

05/12/2019

Picture this. You just moved to a new city and you found your dream apartment. It checks off everything on your wish list, so you eagerly sign the lease, excited to make that first trip to IKEA to make the place feel like home. But before you sign off, you might want to take a look at your rights as a tenant first.

We spoke with Real Estate Broker Conrad Rygier of Right at Home Realty Inc., Brokerage on what the important things you need to know when it comes to your rights as a tenant.

http://thescoop.news/so-what-are-your-rights-as-a-tenant/

Picture this. You just moved to a new city and you found your dream apartment. It checks off everything on your wish list, so you eagerly sign the lease, excited to make that first trip to IKEA to make the place feel like home. But before you sign off, you might want to take a look at your rights as...

05/12/2019

Historically, Medellín, Colombia was ranked one of (if not THE) most dangerous cities in the world for its high murder rates, caused by organized crime and guerrilla groups who wreaked havoc among the people. After efforts from the government, some foreign aid in combatting these issues and the people themselves who wanted a better life, the city has pivoted and is now considered the "Silicon Valley" of South America.

In the Scoop’s latest article,our contributor Alex Smiley tells us why you should consider Medellín for your next travel destination!

http://thescoop.news/medellin-from-the-most-dangerous-city-in-the-world-to-your-next-travel-destination/

When most people think of Colombia, the first things that come to mind are coffee, co***ne, and Sofia Vergara. And although Colombia is quite famous for all these things, many people fail to look past them and see what a beautiful, amazing country it is, filled with stunning landscapes, friendly peo...

18/11/2019

Every month, there seems to be a new beauty trend that inundates news headlines and our Instagram feeds. However, one beauty ingredient that seems to have made a lasting impression is Hyaluronic Acid. We spoke with Dr. Paul Cohen, owner of the@Rosedale Dermatology Centre in Toronto who gave us the 411 on Hyaluronic Acid and why it's a beauty trend that is here to stay.

http://thescoop.news/what-is-the-deal-with-hyaluronic-acid/

Every month, there seems to be a new beauty trend that inundates news headlines and our Instagram feeds. Whether it's CBD infused oils, plant based retinol alternatives or marula oil, they all promise better glowing and healthier skin. But which of these trends actually do work? One beauty ingredien...

11/11/2019

In 2016, Hannah Kim found herself in a terrifying situation with her health. She was diagnosed with a rare condition called Desmoid fibromatosis tumor, an abnormal growth that arises from connective tissue that provides strength and flexibility to structures such as bones, ligaments, and muscles. Although considered non-cancerous, they can aggressively invade the surrounding tissue and can be very difficult to remove surgically.

When her treatments started, Hannah would lock herself in her condo and felt herself mentally and physically deteriorating.

Fast forward to her mother’s trip to Seoul, South Korea, the concept of ai Toronto Seoul started to brew. As a way to distract her from the treatments, her mother encouraged Hannah alongside her sisters to start this new business of importing vegan handbags to Canada.

Officially launched in 2018, ai is now one of Canada's fastest rising vegan accessories brand and a favourite among local celebrities, influencers and media personalities. We sat down with Hannah and her sister Joanna Lee at their Toronto headquarters to chat about the inspiration behind their line, why vegan leather, and their process of creation.

http://thescoop.news/how-this-entrepreneur-turned-a-health-scare-into-one-of-canadas-fastest-growing-vegan-accessories-brand/

04/11/2019

The topic of money is often an uncomfortable one for most people, however, it is necessary to talk about especially when it comes to your place of employment. It only makes sense that as you grow within the company, so does your responsibilities and therefore your pay grade. But people often feel too intimidated to ask for a raise. Luckily, we spoke with personal finance expert and founder of the blog , Barry Choi, on how to ask for a raise like a pro for our latest article.

http://thescoop.news/how-to-ask-for-a-raise-like-a-pro/

After working your butt off to land your dream job, it's easy to find yourself coasting once you're in that position. However, just as much as we should be asking for more responsibilities to grow our skills set, there's one factor most people are too afraid to ask for as well - more money.

04/11/2019

Although travel can be exciting, the process of getting from one place to another can also be quite hectic. Well luckily enough, there are some great companies who have thought about travel stress ahead of time and have minimized the chaos with their innovative products. We picked our top carry-on luggage to add to your list for your next stress-free travel.

http://thescoop.news/the-best-carry-on-luggage-we-are-currently-coveting/

Although travel can be exciting, the process of getting from one place to another can also be quite hectic. You know that feeling. You're trying to find your passport, your pen seems to be missing in the abyss of your purse and your boarding pass is nowhere to be found.

29/10/2019

Whether it's streaming your favourite Netflix show or reading a good book, Fall is the perfect time to embrace your inner hermit. And nobody does cozy better than Indigo, Chapters and Coles. We picked the top products you need to create the perfect setting for nesting season.

http://thescoop.news/these-are-the-products-you-need-from-chapters-to-create-the-ultimate-cozy-fall-setting/

Alright, it's officially time to let the summer season go and embrace the Fall in full force. If you're a homebody like me, there is nothing more satisfying than a cozy night in when it's just way too cold to be outside. Whether it's streaming your favourite Netflix show or reading a good book, Fall...

28/10/2019

Nowadays, more women are taking their time with starting a family. For some, career is the main priority and having a baby has had to take a back seat. Unfortunately, with a biological clock ticking, waiting too long can be detrimental to their chances of reproducing. Enter Egg Freezing. The concept of prolonging the biological timeline has become a more popular option for those who can afford it and need to buy the time. But what is egg freezing and is it something that actually works? We spoke with Dr. Arnold Mahesan of Hannam Fertility Centr, Canada's leading fertility clinic, to give us the scoop on what actually happens when you freeze your eggs, how you can prepare for it and what the success rate is.

http://thescoop.news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-freezing-your-eggs/

I remember the first time I heard about the concept of "Freezing Your Eggs." I actually read about it in The Bachelorette star Andi Dorfman's book, Single State of Mind, of all places. Originally, It had seemed like something out of a science-fiction story but after reading about her own experience,...

28/10/2019

We spoke with stylist Rebecca Wengle who gave us the scoop on which fall trends you need to add to your wardrobe this season!

http://thescoop.news/these-are-the-fall-trends-you-need-according-to-stylist-rebecca-wengle/

There's nothing more exciting than when glossy magazines hit the newsstands in late August. The pages are filled with all the latest in Fall Fashion and there's nothing you want more than to rush to your favourite store and grab all the latest trends. For most though, it can be quite overwhelming. L...

23/10/2019

Reaching out to someone and asking them for a coffee meeting can be quite an intimidating process. And even more nerve-wrecking - what if they actually say yes? Now what? Well, lucky for you, we’ve put together a no-fail step-by-step guide on how to have a successful coffee meeting.

http://thescoop.news/a-step-by-step-guide-to-the-perfect-coffee-meeting/

Having been in the business of PR for a decade now, I often get a lot of young hopeful publicists who reach out in hopes of having a coffee meeting. As I was in their position once, I know all too well what it’s like to reach out to someone in the industry. It can be quite intimidating and all you...

20/10/2019

Brickell is Miami and South Florida's major financial district and one of the fastest-growing neighbourhoods in the United States. In fact, Brickell has the most new construction condos, nearly tripling its population between 2000 and 2016. he growth is quite evident. With new hotels, trendy restaurants and shopping centres going up, Brickell shows no sign of stopping. Here is our 48 hours guide on where to stay, what to do, where to eat and where to shop in Brickell, Miami.

http://thescoop.news/how-to-spend-48-hours-in-brickell-miami/

When people think of Miami, most people tend to plan their trip around the South Beach area. But over the last couple of years, downtown Miami has started to steal some of that spotlight - specifically the neighbourhood of Brickell. Brickell is Miami and South Florida's major financial district and....

19/10/2019

We rounded up the top thriller books to get you in the Halloween spirit!

http://thescoop.news/here-are-the-top-thriller-books-to-get-you-in-a-spooky-mood/

October has to be one of the most exciting months of the year. Well, at least if you’re a Halloween fanatic like myself. The leaves are changing colours, the air is crisper, and the days are much shorter. It’s the perfect backdrop to get in a spooky mood. Now if you’re not into scary movies or...

16/10/2019

How important is it actually to get 8 hours of sleep every night? We spoke with the Founder and Sleep Consultant of Good Night Sleep Site and host of the top-rated podcast "This Girl Loves Sleep," Alanna McGinn on the importance of a good night sleep and why we really should stop scrolling on Instagram before going to bed.

http://thescoop.news/a-sleep-expert-tells-us-why-we-really-should-be-getting-8-hours-of-sleep-a-night/

Between a full-time job, side hustles, kids, pets, catching up with friends, working out, and the list goes on and on – it’s no wonder we as a society struggle to find the time to actually get some rest, let alone enough hours to sleep at night. But is it actually vital to get that eight hours o...

14/10/2019

Every once in a while, you discover a brand that can deliver both "good-for-you" ingredients and "good-for-the-world" products. BRB, while we swap out all our beauty products for The Green Beaver Company!

http://thescoop.news/this-is-the-canadian-brand-we-think-you-should-swap-out-your-beauty-products-for/

As consumers, we are becoming more and more careful with our purchasing decisions. With easier access to information, it only takes seconds to Google info on the things we are buying. At the end of the day, all we want to know is that whatever we are consuming is not harming us and aligns with our e...

13/10/2019

We spoke with Ottawa’s top dog groomer Ellen Parker, owner of the award-winning Uptown Pet Grooming Inc., on what it’s like to own a a grooming salon, the challenges, the funniest moments and her advice on how to keep your dogs in tip-top shape.

http://thescoop.news/ottawas-top-dog-groomer-on-how-to-keep-your-pets-in-tip-top-shape/

I always said that if I wasn’t in the field that I was currently in, my other dream job would be to work with animals. I mean, imagine a job where you're surrounded by dogs all day long. Does that even exist? Enter Ellen Parker – owner of Uptown Pet Grooming Inc. – an award-winning grooming sa...