Entries from May 2020 ↓

In the Bible, there is a story of a man named Samson. He was what the Israelites called a Nazarite. As part of the Nazarite vow, he was forbidden to cut his hair. God blessed this dedication to Him by giving Samson superhuman strength. Until one day, he was seduced by a woman named Delilah. (Go figure.)

She eventually tricked him into telling her the secret to his strength and while he slept, she cut off all his hair. When Samson awoke, he was no stronger than the average Joe and was arrested. Later his eyes were gouged out and soldiers made fun of him for sport.

God gave him his strength one more time before he died and he literally pulled down the house on top of everyone, getting his revenge. So, we know from way back that losing your hair is a traumatic event for some. Below are some of the ways people of today, celebrities included, lose their strength when they lose their hair.

Lost Confidence In Others Perception of Them

One of the things that help us define ourselves, whether we want to admit it or not, is how we think others perceive us. As a celebrity, the perception your audience has of you is what writes your paycheck.

The majority of us grow into a head full of hair as young children and as we grow up, people get used to how we look. It’s what singles us out in their mind. For example, if the name Sylvester Stallone is mentioned, we bet a beautiful blond is not the first image in your mind. Is it?

When we begin to think those who know us notice our hair loss, we tend to assume that they come to the conclusion less hair means less us. It’s simply not true, but some struggle nonetheless. It’s such a big deal to some that they invest in things like hair transplants and toupees to combat the issue.

Low Self-Esteem

When was the last time you looked in the mirror and said, “Hey! You know what? I like you.”? Have you ever done it? Our self-esteem is how we feel about ourselves. It’s whether or not we think we are worth the dirt we’re made of. Having good self-esteem is essential to conquering life.

On the other end of things, we see drug addiction, alcoholism, and suicide. There are several events in life where the strength of our self-esteem, alone, determines the outcome. When men and women, celebrities and average Joes alike, suffer from hair loss, the image they see in the mirror is different.

Sometimes it’s different enough to bring them down to a level of worth that is not measurable. The majority find a way to deal with it, but up to 75% of balding men and even more of balding women find it to be rain on their parade, at the very least.

Issues With Anxiety

Do you remember ever being the new kid in school? How about meeting your colleagues for the first time? Has anyone ever experience being uncomfortable dressing out for gym? We probably managed to get everyone reading to raise their hand.

Anxious moments are a part of life. Most of them are necessary and help us grow into mature adults and most of us deal well with them. However, there are a few things that can cause issues with anxiety that are much harder than usual to overcome. Hair loss can be one of them. Anxiety, itself, can actually cause hair loss.

That said, after experiencing alopecia for an extended time, some people can actually develop trichotillomania. This anxiety driven disorder causes patients to twist and pull their hair out by the root as a means of coping with the stress. So, in fact, it exacerbates the problem.

Hair loss is not a picky menace. It affects some in every group. Take the time to educate yourself and use the information above to raise your level of understanding. You or someone you love could depend on you someday for an added boost of confidence.

Feng Shui has been a Chinese cultural practice for thousands of years. The practice involves arranging the items in your home, office, or wherever in a manner that encourages a positive energy flow through the room.

People from all types of backgrounds, including some very prominent celebrities, have become familiar with Feng Shui practices, and found ways to integrate the beliefs into their own lives. Check out a few of the most popular celebs we found to be believers in the art of Feng Shui.

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp has been a known believer in the power of Feng Shui for years. He owns many different homes all around the world, and they are all built to please his Feng Shui needs. Depp even has his own private Feng Shui expert on the payroll.

Madonna

Feng Shui and Madonna are two words that will generate numerous responses when searched through Google. Madonna has long been a believer in liberal and spiritual ways of enhancing life, including a strong display of Feng Shui in her multi-million dollar mansion.

Steven Spielberg

Spielberg had his home built to accommodate the arrangement suggestions of Feng Shui. Feng Shui is a strong belief in the particular energies of wind and water. This belief is why you will often see large fountains and water-centered recreation areas around the homes of celebrity believers.

Tommy Hilfiger

Tommy Hilfiger has been known to incorporate the concepts of Feng Shui in his showroom floor plans and designs. The color and fashion of his clothing designs and the energy put forth in his creativity show that Hilfiger’s Feng Shui is in order.

Bill Gates

Bill Gates believes so strongly in the concepts of Feng Shui that he had his multi-million dollar home built from all natural materials to be more coalescent with the surrounding landscape. Bill’s beliefs are clearly leading to something great in his case.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey’s belief in the powers of Feng Shui have also treated her right. There’s no one who has experienced more success and prosperity in life than Miss Oprah Winfrey. Not to mention, there is nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to the aesthetic beauty of every interior design the woman touches.

Richard Branson

Richard Branson has been said to use Feng Shui consultants on everything from the placement of the doors in his home to the use of aquariums and fountains. This super millionaire does everything he possibly can to promote success and vitality in his life.

Sting

Singer Sting uses Feng Shui to help keep his anger and other detrimental emotions in check. Keeping it copacetic is the main goal, and Sting sure has the ability to get what he wants.

We see them all over the magazines and on our televisions. We “ooh” and “ahh” over the fashion that they wear to fancy events or even casually down the street. Somehow they always look fabulous and have an untouchable glow about them. We may ask ourselves “how did they get that way?”

It’s no doubt that celebrities live lavish lifestyles, drive fancy cars, wear beautiful jewelry and enjoy the good life more than the majority of us. Here is how the majority of them make it to that level of status.

Acting In Television and Film

Acting in films is one way that a large majority of celebrities make it big. The visibility that they have when they are part of a major blockbuster film makes them a household name.

Although it may seem fantastic to be able to be recognized and idolized by many, however, being a movie star is a double-edged sword. Sometimes they encounter a lot of issues with the paparazzi and find it hard to get a moment of privacy. Movie stars, in particular, seem to be most under the spotlight since there is the biggest fascination with them in the press.

Playing Sports

When an athlete is great at their craft and known for taking the trophy on the field or court, they become a big crowd pleaser. They are idolized by children and high-fived by adults.

Not only are they famous for their sports career but they are also able to rub shoulders with all kinds of other celebrities. From movie stars to rap stars. Not to mention they have a handsome paycheck which allows them to buy things like sports cars and mansions.

Making Music

We all love a good song that catches our ear on the radio. Not to mention a good music video that goes along with it. Getting a hit song these days means that you will become a household name and well-known for your craft.

These celebrities are known for making big money off their platinum albums and jetting all around the world on tour promoting their music.

They are known for making just as much money as other celebrities if not more and aren’t afraid to flaunt it.

Being In The News

Sometimes when an average everyday person is part of a big news story they reach instant fame for no other reason than simply being in the press.

In many cases, these people’s fame dies out within a few weeks or months, while others continue to profit from this media attention and go on to make careers in media.

At the end of the day, it’s all about whether they want to remain a celebrity and remain in the spotlight or not.

If you live in Canada, you know how important it is to find things that brighten your mood in the winter. Making the effort to get out to the art gallery, a friend’s party or a concert sometimes feels like a feat Herculean strength. Especially if you have kids, finding a sitter and getting out for date night can be incredibly difficult. Studies show that music can make a huge difference in your mood; whether it’s throwing a particular album on at home, listening to the radio in the car or actually getting out to a live concert, music can be a crucial emotional tool in making it to spring without getting too depressed.

If you have adolescent children, you can try and find something that appeals to them as well – there are plenty of adult contemporary artists with cross generational appeal. Kids love to learn music as well, and perhaps your favourite Leonard Cohen album will inspire your teenage son or daughter to learn to play Hallelujah on the piano.

In the spirit of finding music to brighten up the darkness of winter, here’s a list of Canadian artists who have some really great albums:

Feist

Feist’s breakout album The Reminder might be the best thing she’s ever done, but her earlier album Let It Die is certainly no slouch. Singing in French and covering a disco hit (Inside and Out), Feist definitely mixes it up and delivers a wide range of styles. Mushaboom is a catchy single that will be stuck in your head for days, without a doubt. Her more recent albums are rawer and more experimental – not to everyone’s taste, but certainly worth exploring.

Leif Vollebekk

Originally from Ottawa, this Montreal transplant has become a staple in the Canadian indie music scene. His soft crooning and smooth folk-pop sensibilities make his records ideal for listening to on a romantic evening, during dinner or while relaxing with a glass of whiskey or wine. Leif learned to play guitar and piano as a child and it shows; his musicality is effortless and comes across naturally.

Weaves

Fronted by the charismatic Jasmine Burke, Weaves has been referred to as freak-out indie rock. On their newest album, Wide Open, they embrace a more traditional rock dynamic, showcasing Burke’s fantastic songwriting and lyrics. Still, the heavy guitar, funky bass and powerful drums will make you want to rock out while doing the dishes. Definitely may appeal to your teenagers more than you, but then again, even grownups need to rock ‘n roll from time to time.

BadBadNotGood

A fascinating band from Toronto, BBNG is made up of jazz geeks who met in a formal music program and shared a love of R&B and hip-hop. They’ve collaborated with big name rappers like Kendrick Lamar and Ghostface Killah, but their own albums are mostly innovative jazz compositions that are hypnotic and beautiful. You need to be in the right mood for this kind of experimental music, but sometimes it really hits the spot. You’ll also win serious cool points with your kids.

If you don’t know who Lindsay Lohan is, then you may have lived under a rock for the last 10 years. Love her or hate her, she’s had no shortage of articles written about her or stories on the television. Known as Hollywood’s bad girl, better remembered for her checkered past than her acting, she is one of the most controversial actresses of our time.

Sure we’ve been entertained watching her dramatic encounters with the law as we flip through gossip mags, but beyond entertainment, what have her mistakes taught us? When it comes to what we’ve learned from Lindsay Lohan, here are the things that stick out the most.

Don’t Drink And Drive

More than once Lindsay Lohan infamously brushed with the law doing things that were illegal. Most famously driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Not only was she caught, but it continued to happen even after going to court.

What we learned from watching her be seemingly incapable of ordering a cab despite her hefty salary, is that driving under the influence of substances is a really bad idea. Not only will you find yourself potentially in a lot of trouble with the law, but you may get into a car accident which leads to serious injury or fatality.

Blondes Don’t Always Have More Fun

Lindsay is known for her red hair and freckles. Although for a short time she decided to dip her toes into the world of being blonde. Most people agreed that the look washed her out and made her look nothing short of ill.

Even though there may be a misconception that blondes have more fun, her blonde stage may have been one of the worst during her peak bad-girl stage. Passing out in cars, missing court dates, and getting into trouble at rehab are just a few of the things she got into. We learned that sometimes a zebra is meant to have stripes and Lindsay Lohan is meant to be a redhead.

Show Up When You Get A Court Order

Lindsay refused to show up when her judge told her it was time to start taking things seriously. We learned that even when you’re a celebrity there is no special treatment if you refuse to listen to a judge’s orders.

If you are ordered to show up at a certain time in court then take her experience as an example and do yourself the favor of showing up.

Rehab Doesn’t Always Do The Trick

Regardless of how many times she was sent to rehab, we saw that it didn’t necessarily do the trick. Some people are so set on a good time that even after being in a program they can’t seem to resist the urge to party.

Image source

“Life is pain” is often the theme of a parent teaching a wayward teenager or a drill sergeant carving a soldier and in some ways, they are absolutely correct. As we make our way through life, we endure all kinds of pain from broken hearts, broken bones, tainted souls, and life-saving surgery.

The majority of us know what it is like to endure the painful consequences of a car wreck. That includes the physical and the legal. However, most of the time we view emotional injury as more devastating. Below are a few famous artists that prove they identify by helping us sing away the pain.

Eagles – Heartache Tonight

If you are one of the millions of people who grew up listening to the sounds of the Eagles, you will be more than familiar with Heartache Tonight. In this song, there is a common situation painted for us on the canvas of song.
‘
There is one on the hunt for love in a sea of already coupled lovers. Whether he/she finds it, as the song says, “there’s gonna be a heartache tonight.” This song speaks to all of us. We have all looked for love and went home empty or found it and lost it on the same night.

Some of us manage to hold onto it for years and then tragically lose out. Either way, every member of the Eagles knew the lasting effects of a heartache and made sure they could help us sing it away.

Matthew West – Mended

In every life, there are times when we question whether or not what we have been through has wrecked us beyond compare. Are we worth anything anymore?

Has life finally tore us down so low that we are no longer of any benefit to the world around us? In his song, “Mended,” Matthew West shows us how to cry out for the healing of a heart that has been broken more times than we thought was even possible.

His music brings us to perceive ourselves as something better than the damaged goods we see in the mirror. As life tears us down, West attempts to sing us back from the dead offering healing for our pain riddled selves.

Kutless – Even If

As we walk through the trials of living a human life, there will be moments that the healing we were expecting just doesn’t come. Anyone who has ever lost someone to cancer, lived on the streets, or suffered through a divorce knows how this can feel.

Kutless addresses the very sensitive topic in their song, “Even If,” making sure that their listeners know that even if the healing doesn’t come, there is still hope.

In a time of life where things look blacker than the cold depths of outer space, Kutless offers music that can give us the motivation to keep moving making this song a lifeline that stretches beyond healing to full restoration.

Pain is a reality of life. We all endure our fair share. Some more than others. The next time you arrive at the crossroads of suffering in your life, turn to one of these three artists for a soothing balm on that aching heart.

Image source

When we think of fame, it isn’t typical to consider those who are famous for more than just their pretty face and acting talents, but there are a whole slew of B, C, and D listers that have made a pretty strong name for themselves through their array of talents.

If you’re looking for star quality home renovations, look no further. Check out a few of the most famous general contractors you may or may not already know.

Bob Villa

One of the pioneers of the industry, Bob Villa, began his career in home improvement in the 1970’s. In 1978, he got an award from Better Homes and Gardens for restoring a Victorian Italian home in Massachusetts. That award landed him a spot as the host of This Old House.

From there, Bob Villa became a household name, literally. He was announced as the spokesman for Sears after leaving This Old House, and has since hosted a slew of other shows, featuring himself as the star.

Mike Holmes

Holmes became an expert voice on home improvement through the television show Holmes on Homes. His motto as a general contractor and home builder is to “do it right the first time.”

He frequently shares his distaste for lazy or messy builders who cut corners while doing their upgrades, and rightfully so. Holmes regularly uncovers dangerous mishaps within structures he is hired to revamp.

Jonathan & Drew Scott

The twins of HGTV have not only got the “cute” factor on lock, but they know their trade quite well. Jonathan and Drew Scott revolve their show around helping couples get more bang for their buck when it comes to their home.

Their show repeatedly raises the hopes of wistful buyers, and then quickly dashes their dreams of a picture-perfect place with an out of reach price quote on the property. Every episode aims to show buyers the value in purchasing a fixer-upper versus a new build.

Vanilla Ice

Vanilla Ice? Yes, Vanilla Ice. The rapper turned home improvement star has his own show now, and it isn’t the first season. This 90’s pop icon has actually been in the business of flipping homes for more than twenty years, but his television stardom is fairly recent.

Ice doesn’t just fix up any old house either. He focuses his efforts towards mega-mansions in Palm Beach, Florida. That’s really, “Nice, nice baby!”

Anthony Carrino & John Colaneri

New Jersey natives, John Colaneri and Anthony Carrino are cousins whose specialty is kitchen renovations. The family business has been going strong for many years, and their expertise are top notch. The cousins understand that the modern family spends most of its social time in the kitchen, and the design should work to facilitate these moments.

Image source

Going on a first date with someone can be nerve-wracking. When it’s the first time you’ve spent time with someone, you may be a bit nervous about choosing which activity to do together. Many people advise against doing an activity which involves alcohol since this can cause you act differently than you normally would, and may even put you in danger. Therefore, it can be a bit of a challenge trying to think of an activity to do together which doesn’t put too much pressure on you both.

However, it doesn’t have to be something which causes stress. First dates can be incredibly fun if you choose the right activity. Watching a movie is something which is perfect. Here’s why.

You Can Sit Close To Each Other

When you are watching a movie together, whether it be in the cinema or even watching a movie at your home, it’s likely that you’ll sit next to each other. If you’re attracted to the person, it can create a sense of intimacy and closeness.

This can be exciting on a first date since you’re feeling each other out and deciding if you’re compatible not only mentally but physically.

Sitting next to each other while watching a movie gives you the opportunity to move in for that kiss if you feel inspired. You never know, it could be the person who you choose wedding rings with one day.

You Can Get a Feel For Their Taste In Culture

When you watch a movie with someone then you can get a feel for what kind of culture that they appreciate. Having the same taste in films isn’t crucial for a happy relationship, however, it can be something which is revealing about their personality.

Choosing a film together can show you how well you are at combining your tastes and arriving at a decision together.

You Can Laugh Together

If you choose to see a comedy, it can be a great way to break the tension and laugh together. Since laughter is known as the best medicine, it can be a great way to grow closer together and appreciate the same humor.

While it’s still possible to enjoy a drama or horror film together, a comedy may be the best choice since it’s light-hearted and encourages conversation and laughter.

It’s a Public Location

It’s normal to worry about your safety when you meet with a stranger for the first time. Therefore, choosing a theater rather than viewing a movie at your home may be a safer option since it’s a public location.

Having the sense of security of other people being around may help ease your nerves.

Love them or hate them, there’s no escaping them. You see them on every magazine cover and every time that you turn on the television. They’re in your app store, and in music videos. They’re in fashion ads, awards ceremonies, and talk shows. They’re selling makeup and even have their own emoji’s. They are known for glamour and extravagant taste. Even their children wear makeup.

They have become a regular household name in just about everywhere in the world. If you haven’t heard of them you probably never leave your house or turn on the television.

Beyond just knowing who they are, however, what have we actually learned from them?

You’re Never Too Young or Old For Plastic Surgery

If there’s one thing the Kardashians are known for, it’s plastic surgery. Whether it’s Bruce Jenner getting her famous transition to Caitlyn or Kylie Jenner getting her famous oversized lips, there’s no shortage of Kardashians going under the knife.

They seem to believe that plastic surgery is just one of those things. Like taking your car to the shop for a tune-up. While the rest of us may see plastic surgery as a major procedure, the Kardashians take a trip to the plastic surgeon as if it were going to the dentist.

“Like” Can Be Used As a Verb, Adjective, and Noun

If you’ve ever listened to the Kardashians have a discussion with each other, it can quickly start to sound like a tennis match of “like” “like” “like.” They seem to have transformed the English language introducing entirely new ways to use the word that hadn’t even been thought of.

Contouring Is A Way Of Life

Once upon a time, women across the world used to step out with just makeup. However, don’t you dare step foot outside your door now without a sharp set of cheekbones and a highlight that reflects sunlight so much your entourage has to wear sunglasses to look at you.

The Kardashians reinvented the way makeup is done and aren’t afraid to heavy and dark. Subtle? That is not the way of the Kardashians, darling.

Skinny Is So Yesterday

Skinny is out and voluptuous and curvy is in. The Kardashians have taught us that not only should we embrace our curves, we should enhance them. With butt surgeries that make them look more like ants with giant thoraxes than humans. They have taught the world that big is in.

There Is No Such Thing As Bad Press

The Kardashians are always in the press, whether it’s something positive or negative. We’ve heard about their homemade sex tapes and tasteless Pepsi ads. But one thing we know for sure is no publicity is bad publicity.

As long as you’re still in the news, you’ll continue to get a big paycheck.

Image source

For some reason, the public can never get enough of the lavish, often breathtakingly beautiful, nature of celebrity weddings. A-listers know just how to turn it up a notch when planning a holy union, and always offer plenty of big-day inspiration for our own wedding plans.

Get lost in the dream world of limitless finances, and check out just how fanciful your dream wedding could be (with the right sized bank account, of course). Here are a few snippets from some of the most iconic celebrity weddings of all time. You may commence drooling.

Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier – 1956

Grace Kelly has often been referred to as the original princess bride. To be released from her contract with MGM, Grace Kelly agreed to allow the film studios to document the event on camera. Kelly met Prince Rainier of Monaco at the Cannes Film Festival, and the rest was media history.

The dress Kelly wore during her famed union was created by Helen Rose, who had already won an Academy Award for her costume design. Grace Kelly’s wedding dress took nearly 30 seamstresses and three weeks to complete. There were 300 yards of lace and 150 yards of taffeta, tulle, and silk used to create the historic ensemble.

Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles – 1981

It seemed the whole world tuned in to watch Lady Diana and Prince Charles tie the knot. On July 29th, 1981, 750 million people turned their televisions to witness the two say their, “I dos,” and there were plenty of iconic moments to be remembered.

Princess Diana’s dress, the tiara, and her spicy omission of the promise to obey the Prince all made history, along with millions of smiles around the world. Most of all, Princess Diana’s iconic wedding ring make a mark in the minds of us all.

Diana’s ring was an 18-carat oval sapphire. Thirty years later, the ring made another appearance on the finger of Kate Middleton, as Diana’s son got married for all the world to see.

Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt – 2000

Even though they didn’t live happily ever after, the marriage of Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt made women all over the world swoon. Just a few days ago, there was even a huge gossip piece going around the internet stating that Pitt and Aniston had remarried and plan to have a child. For some reason, the world can’t stand the thought of losing hope on this sweetheart couple.

Kate Middleton and Prince William – 2011

The marriage of Kate Middleton and Prince William effectively “broke” the internet. So many people had interest in seeing everything about the union, that you could say the real message got a little lost in the fame of the wedding.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West – 2014

Kim and Kanye were caught in one of the most beautiful and memorable wedding photos ever taken, and the world was watching. It has been said that Kanye worked on photoshopping the picture for four days before he actually let anyone post it.

Image source