3 Good Things to Know - July 8th
An Italian Winery in Quebec, Summer Skincare, A Perfect Beach Bag
Head to an Italian Winery… In Quebec
Wanted to head to Italy this year but didn’t make it? Consider Château St-Agnès, a gorgeous winery that resembles the Italian countryside and for good reason. It has a Neo-Renaissance château and was built by masters from Eastern Europe.
I recommend you make a bit of a day of it. There were a lot of people that were really dressed up (although the owners also mentioned a lot of cyclists come too) and you can sip on a fleet of 4 wines from the winery. Take it up a notch and choose a picnic - they have hampers where you can make your own picnic from the on-location items or you can arrange something with friends. I recommend you book the picnics in advance, especially if it looks like it will be a busy day.
Buen appetito!
Embrace Radiant Summer Skin: Your Essential Skincare Routine + Claudia’s Entrepreneur Tips & Fave Things
I’m Claudia Zalega, I’m originally from Brazil and have been living in Canada since 1999. I’m very easy going and extremely family oriented. I say I didn't choose esthetics, esthetics chose me! :) I suffered from oily skin and acne from my teen years all the way to my early 20s. Helping my clients achieve healthy skin makes me very happy and fulfilled.
As the sun blesses us with warmth and brightness, our skincare regimen must adapt to the season. Summer invites longer days, outdoor adventures, and a chance to revamp our routines for a healthy, glowing complexion. Whether you're planning beach outings or enjoying meals outdoors, here’s how to tailor your skincare regimen to keep your skin happy and radiant all summer long:
1. Day for Protection, Night for Treatment: Just as winter calls for richer treatments, summer is all about protection. Set aside harsh products like chemical peels and opt instead for gentle cleansers, lightweight moisturizers, and of course, a reliable SPF. With longer days, remember to reapply sunscreen throughout the day to shield your skin from UV damage.
2. Protect, Protect, Protect: SPF should be your best friend with a minimum of SPF 30, reapplied every two hours. Monitor the UV index and seek shade between 10am to 5pm. Embrace hats and sunglasses as stylish safeguards against sun exposure—a small sacrifice for healthier skin in the future.
3. Adjust Your Skincare Routine: Summer’s humidity means lighter skincare products suffice. Consider switching to a lighter moisturizer or using only a hydrating serum during the day. This adjustment helps balance oily skin and keeps your skin feeling fresh without weighing it down.
4. Weekly Exfoliation: Outdoor activities and city living mean our skin collects more pollutants. Treat yourself to weekly exfoliation sessions to slough off dead skin cells and reveal a radiant complexion. This practice helps maintain healthy skin and enhances its natural glow.
5. Nighttime Cleanse: Never skip your nighttime cleanse. It’s crucial to remove sunscreen, makeup, and accumulated pollutants from your skin. This ritual ensures your skin can breathe overnight, allowing it to regenerate and remain clear and healthy. Remember to enjoy the sun responsibly. Your skin benefits from vitamin D, but moderation is key. Embrace these skincare tips to keep your summer glow vibrant and your skin healthy throughout the season.
Entrepreneur Life
Why did you decide to start your own business, versus work for someone else?
I worked for spas and salons for 20 years. It was amazing for my professional growth. I’m very observant, so after those 20 years I wanted to take all my experience and apply it in a way I consider to be the best for me and my clients.
Can you remember when you first learned about your field of work? How did you discover what it was and how you knew it was what you wanted to do?
When I started struggling with my skin in my teen years, my mother took me to an esthetitian. That was when I realized I would love to spend my days doing what she did!
What has been the biggest sacrifice you’ve made in starting your business?
I knew after 20 years in the industry that any change I made, I would lose clients. That’s what happened. I had to rebuild. As a consequence, I have less time with my husband on weekdays. I had to let go of old clients and evening time with my husband.
Can you name the biggest lesson you’ve learned in running a business?
We have to be brave. We can’t do it half way. Get a business coach!
What business bookswould you recommend to someone starting a business of their own?
Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker
Claudia’s Faves:
Facial Treatment: I love my oxygenating facial treatment. It is amazing for any kind of skin inflammation and beautiful for a special event.
Fave Product: I love some many products that I sell. So that is a hard question. But if I was to narrow it down, I would say East 29th serum. East 29th is a tiny business from Vancouver. That serum delivers so much results to many skin conditions.
Favourite Souvenir: I like to buy paintings and art from different places I visit. I love getting home and seeing them on my walls and shelves.
Best Coffee Spot - Crew Collective & Café in Old Montreal. It’s a pleasure to sit there with a cup of coffee.
Best Bakery -La Meunerie Urbain on Monkland
Best Burger - I don’t like to say best as it’s all about taste. My favourite place is Notre-Boeuf-de-Grace
Kēp is located at 3737 St. Jacques, in St. Henri. We have been at this new location since October 2023. We offer facials, laser hair removal, waxing, microblading, brow grooming and lashes services. We carry highly effective skincare products that are mainly Canadian brands and eco responsible. You can follow us on Instagram here.
Your Perfect Beach Bag
Beach Bag
I have the classic LL Bean which is tough and light. I have a canvas bag from Baggu which I love but they don’t seem to make them anymore. A great alternative is their ultra-light cloud bag. I have two I use for work and I love them. Check around for a Canadian supplier - I notice Well carries them, and other small independent stores here and there probably do as well.
For something a bit more chic and on-trend, local brand Baba Souk have this gorgeous classic beach basket.
Sandals
These sandals are popping up everywhere.
These are also classic and both myself and my two kiddos wear them. I even were them around the house if my feet are tired.
Blanket
I love these easy to pack beach blankets and towels from Tofino Towel Co. I actually use them in my photoshoots I find them so pretty.
Shade Umbrellas
If you have the space, this one is very highly rated.
Business & Pleasure Co. umbrellas from Australia are the cutest and can be found at Little Italy store Le Palais Bulle which I recently discovered and love. They have the best gifts and stock some really unique brands.
Cooler
I’ve always been a fan of Business & Pleasure Co. from Australia and again, if you look around you can find Canadian suppliers. This cooler is from a store based out of Abbotsford, BC. They also carry the cutest beach umbrellas.
Other things to add to your kit:
Did you know that sand removal powder exists? I’ve never used it but apparently you can use it to remove sand off your kiddo instead of painful rubbing. I’ve linked to one brand but there are others.
Got toddlers that hate sand? Try this.
Rocky beach? Soft bottom? Weeds? Try these highly rated water shoes.
Would you go to a women only Summer Camp - in Southern France?
A smoothie that tastes like sunscreen? For $12? Would you buy it?
How cute are these food shaped candles?
And this mug (I like everything in this store!)
I’m obsessed with Coldplay’s energetic & joyful Glastonbury performance. Only available online until July 10th.
Books I’ve read:
Expectation - A Novel by Anna Hope - This was a random pull from the library shelf and it totally paid off. It was an easy read but still had some meat on it.
The Moon Sister (The Seven Sisters, #5) - Lucinda Riley - Although slightly formulaic, I can’t put them down. I’m there for the historical fiction and the story. Anyone else read them? I’m reading The Sun Sister and will have probably finished by the time this is published.
Podcast Links for This Week’s Episode
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Michelle Little is a photographer who specializes in family, maternity, newborn, headshots and boudoir. She has a studio and also offers in-home and outdoor photographer. You can see her website here and get in touch here.
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