Let me know if this sounds familiar. You’ve got an event next month — a birthday, cocktail party, a night out, or what have you. Then, in the week (or shock horror – days) leading up it dawns on you that you have nothing to wear. At times like this, what’s one to do? Everyone has seen your existing outfits too many times but there’s no time to go out and buy something new because we’re all busy!
That’s where online shopping comes in. It’s great, isn’t it? You get all the fun of buying and trying new clothes, all without the hassle of leaving your house. In fact, shopping online has never been more convenient, whether you’re suffering from a lack of time or choice.
Here are retailers to shop that ship the fastest!
Aritzia
What would Canadian fashion be without Aritzia? The retailer has several tiers of shipping options, from ‘Standard’ ($8, or free if you’re spending more than $150) for 1-4 business days, ‘Express’ ($15) for 1-3 business days. Lastly, the retailer’s ‘Priority’ option, which will set you back 22. Plus if you need a new frock, Aritzia has the perfect range of dresses to dress up or down for any occasion — great for justifying a last-minute purchase, because of course, you’re going to wear it again, right?
Call it Spring
This Canadian shoes and accessories brand offers free shipping on all orders over $60 and no-hassle returns in-store or online. Shipping will take anywhere between 4-6 days, depending on your choice of speed. If, by chance, your order doesn’t make the $60 mark, standard shipping is only $6, or free if you can pick it up in-store!
Zara
Zara is one of the best when it comes to situations like this — not only are you spoilt for choice, but its shipping options are nothing short of speedy. If you’re ordering in Toronto, you get same-day delivery if you place your order before 1 p.m. on a weekday. Orders are expected to arrive between 5 and 9 p.m. though, so if you’ve really procrastinated and your event is on Friday, you’re probably better off going to the mall or just being an outfit repeater. For those not in the city, express delivery is $9.95 for 1-2 business days or standard delivery for 1-5 business days (and free shipping over $50!)
Simons
Another Canadian retailer (since 1840!) with plenty of party-ready looks to choose from, featuring brands big and small. The store has a wide selection of shoes, bags, and accessories too, making this the perfect one-stop-shop. Your goodies will be delivered within 4 to 7 business days via Canada Post and returns are easy peasy, too!
Matchesfashion
This online retailer might be based all the way across the ocean, but the high-end UK-based luxury site Matchesfashion can get your order to you in 2-4 business days via DHL for $20. Packages are also shipped on a DDP (delivery duty paid) basis, which means that import taxes and duties are included in the price you pay upon checkout because getting a package delayed and then having to pay a hefty duty charge is the worst!
Amazon.ca
We all know that Amazon offers fast, free shipping for Prime members, in which you can typically expect your package to arrive within two days. With the major selection of inventory to choose from, Amazon makes shopping a lot easier!
ASOS
Another one of our favourite online retailers with fast shipping is U.K.-based ASOS. This site always has a killer selection of clothing, accessories, and shoes that just keep ongoing. The retailer stocks a huge range of affordable and high-end brands, as well. Express shipping will set you back $20 and takes about a week, but standard delivery is free if you spend over $63 and it’ll take between 10-20 business days.
Nordstrom Canada
Nordstrom Canada offers free standard shipping on all purchases, no matter the total spend. Typically your package will arrive within three to six business days. Plus, if you live in Toronto you can expect your delivery within just two days (on select items)!
Gap
Gap and its sister brands, Banana Republic and Old Navy offer free five to seven-day shipping on orders over $50. If you want your package within three to five days, you can pay $7.
Frank and Oak
If you’re more into sustainable fashion, don’t fret because eco-fashion mainstay brand Frank and Oak make such garments accessible. Find classics to dress up and wear over and over again afterward. Standard shipping costs $9.95 for delivery between 2-7 business days, while express shipping is $25 for delivery in 2-4. You can also send it to the store for the same time frame as standard shipping for free.
Shopbop
High-end retailer Shopbop is known for curating all the best brands to watch from all around the world. The site is also a subsidiary of Amazon so you can rest assured that its speedy shipping is on point. Shopbop has a free (!) 1-3 “Business Day Shipping'” option with prepaid duties so you just have to take care of returns yourself. If you have a little bit more time on your hands and want the extra security, the site’s 5-9 “Business Day Shipping” option is available and covers the cost of returns, too.
Indigo
While we all love a visit to a bookstore, if you know exactly what you want and are also hoping to stay away from impulse purchases, shop Indigo online. Not only are books and other items (sometimes) cheaper online, you can also have them shipped to your home in 1-9 businesses days, though most of the time it’s never the latter. The best part is that if you don’t make the free shipping requirement, you can always have your items shipped to your nearest store for convenient pick-up.
Sephora
It’s so easy to get caught up in a big beauty store like Sephora, so shopping from home is a great way to keep from getting overwhelmed. Not only that, but malls are famous for their bad lighting. Sephora is one of our go-to beauty retailers with fast shipping (2-4 days for standard shipping) and you can return any gently used merchandise right back to the store so you’re never stuck with the wrong shade of foundation or lipstick.
Dynamite
For all of your on-trend style needs, Dynamite has definitely become a fan favourite. If you’re a member, you automatically get free shipping which will come in 3-7 business days, and if you’re not you’ll get free shipping for over $50. From our experience, it’s definitely on the shorter end, it typically comes quite quickly! Plus, if you pay $10 for express shipping, you may see your package in 2-5 business days.
Wayfair.ca
At Wayfair.ca you can actually click the toggle on the sidebar as you’re browsing to “Fast Shipping.” This will show you all of the products that you can purchase for free two-day shipping! That’s right, your package will show up on your doorstep in just two days.
DSW
At DSW you’ll be able to pay just $7.99 for 3-7 business day shipping to receive your package a bit quicker. Plus, if you’re a VIP Elite member, you can get free express two-day shipping.
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The benefits of a good set of wardrobe basics are endless. Combat closet fatigue? Check. Look polished with the least amount of effort? Check. Feeling comfy in your own clothes? Check! A comfy tee, a good pair of jeans, and a cozy sweater — these are all classic must-haves for when you have that “I have nothing to wear” dilemma. (Spoiler alert: you always do.) But you don’t want to go running to your closest mall for some t-shirts to slip into, either. Basics should be the building blocks of your closet, which means that quality is of the essence. The upside is, there are so many brands out there that have made basics its mission with aesthetics that are anything but basic.
Here are brands with the best basics you should invest in.
Kotn
It all started for Kotn when founders Benjamin Sehl, Mackenzie Yeates, and Rami Helali wanted to create the “perfect t-shirt”. The ethos of this staple Toronto brand is entirely built on basics. Think crew neck tees, button-down shirts, and cozy hoodies all made with ethically grown and manufactured Egyptian cotton.
Betina Lou
Think basics with a little bit of retro flair. For Betina Lou designer Marie-Eve Emond, the focus is on craftsmanship and making clothes that will last. Marie-Eve has also made it a point of working with other local talents, curating a mix of sustainable (and aesthetically pleasing!) brands in her Montreal store.
Harly Jae
Harly Jae is another proponent of the slow living movement and this brand wants to help you look good at the same time. Each piece is locally made in Vancouver with sustainable fabrics like linen or hemp. We’re eyeing the brand’s wide-leg Pierrot pants and boxy Pierrot jacket —easy classics to wear as a set or separates, while its Bardot jumpsuit looks like an easy piece to dress up or down.
Aritzia
Aritzia is a well-known retailer that makes some pretty trendy items with a minimal twist. Think casual wear and dresses blended with a classy vibe that makes for the perfect foundation for a capsule wardrobe. From tees, to tanks, to blazers, you’ll find it all.
SKYE
Long-line cardigans and shirt dresses take center stage with SKYE, a San-Francisco-based womenswear brand that caters to the minimalist in all of us. The result? A sophisticated outfit that looks put together even if you got dressed in the dark.
Richer Poorer
Touting itself as an elevated basics brand, New York-based Richer Poorer offers pieces with a hip, laissez-faire attitude. Think like an Urban Outfitters sort of vibe with boxy cropped tees, vintage-inspired t-shirts like the raglan or henley cuts, half-zip sweaters, and its best-selling classic bralette that comes in 16 different colours. Comfy, casual, and oh-so-cool.
Everlane
It wouldn’t be a true basics roundup without including Everlane, although the brand hardly needs an introduction these days. The brand’s lineup features everything from cashmere sweaters and silk shirts, to bootcut jeans, and clean-cut jumpsuits — all simple and classic enough to complement anything in your existing closet.
Grana
Think of Grana as Everlane’s slightly more tropical cousin. Based out of Hong Kong, the brand’s focus is on fabrics, featuring only the best from all around the world: Chinese silk, Pima cotton from Peru, Tencel from Austria, and linen from France. Whether it’s a slip dress for easy-peasy dressing or a cashmere boyfriend sweater for colder climates (ahem, Canada), Grana’s got you covered.
Dynamite
Dynamite offers both classic apparel as well as on-trend styles to add to your collection. You’ll be able to shop for all of the essentials and basics you need for your everyday outfits. Don’t forget to browse the accessories section to add to your jewellery drawer too!
AYR
It’s right in the name with this one: AYR stands for All Year Round and it’s an apparel brand dedicated to versatile styles that can be worn all year. Functionality plays a major role throughout its collections without sacrificing its clean, neutral aesthetic. Check out the brand’s timelessly chic denim cuts or billowy button-downs for that effortlessly polished vibe.
OAK+FORT
OAK + FORT now has over 19 locations across North America, including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Toronto, and Vancouver. Here you’ll find minimalistic, Japanese-inspired basics that we promise will go with just about everything in your closet. Most of what you’ll find here comes in a timeless, neutral colour palette of black, white, gray, tan, and navy, meaning it can all be mixed and matched with what you already own with total ease and without complication. In addition to women’s and menswear, you’ll also find jewellery, accessories, homeware, and beauty products.
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Whew, January was a long year but we made it. (We’re barely into the new decade but doesn’t it already feels like it’s been forever?) This Family Day weekend, don’t keep the kids cooped up inside, get them out and about to check out some wholesome fun that’s free of admission. There are cool things happening all around the city — stop by with the entire family or check it out with a group of friends. No need to get super fancy — at the end of the day, it’s less about what you do and who you do it with.
Here are 8 free things to do over the Family Day weekend in Toronto!
Skate Your Heart Out at Nathan Phillips Square
A classic Toronto city pastime is ice skating by city hall at Nathan Phillips Square. The rink is open regular hours from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Stop by between 1 to 4, though, for a special skating party hosted by Tim Horton’s! (This is peak Toronto, people.) If you’re no whiz on the ice, don’t fret because there will be informal skating lessons available, and once you get tired of skating, relax in the Tim’s House lounge with a hot chocolate or a French vanilla!
Visit the Animals at High Park Zoo
Did you know the High Park Zoo has been entertaining folks for 120 years — and it’s free?! This zoo is an underrated, quaint attraction with a mix of domestic and exotic animals like llamas, reindeer, highland cows, and bison as well as the famed capybara duo, Bonnie and Clyde. Monday’s forecast doesn’t call for snow either, so it’s the perfect chance to get some fresh air and see some animals while you’re at it!
Enjoy A Family Winter Day at Fort York
Fort York is turning it up for Family Day, making the best of the Canadian winter with performances, pop-up exhibitions, and mostly importantly, s’mores hot chocolate! The Toronto History Museums — Gibson House, Mackenzie House, Montgomer’s Inn, Spadina Museum, and Todmorden Mills — will be bringing crafts and family-friendly activities to the Blue Barracks Hall.
Take a step back in time at Scarborough Museum
Do you (and your kids) love scavenger hunts? Well head to Family Day at the Scarborough Museum for an ice cube scavenger hunt. Got history on the brain? You’ll feel like you went back in time with historic props, a live blacksmith demonstration, and old-style hot potato soup and fresh bread by the fire! Part of Toronto History Museums’ Welcome to Winter programming, this is a fun one to check out with the family.
Find plant heaven at Allan Gardens Conservatory
You think you have a lot of plants? Wait ‘till you see this place. This indoor botanical garden is the perfect spot for enjoying nature while not actually having to be outside. Plus, the six greenhouses have all the warm weather inspiration you need, from the Tropical Houses and the Palm House, to the Arid House filled with desert plants and succulents. One last bonus: this place makes for great Instagram pics!
Explore Riverdale Farm
Did you know that the city of Toronto has a farm? Well, you do now. Riverdale Farm used to be the Riverdale Zoo from 1894 to 1974 (until all the animals were moved to the Toronto Zoo). There are still plenty of interesting buildings to explore, like the Victorian-style farmhouse, Simpson House and the Francey Barn. Admission is free, so check it out if you and the fam like farm animals and a little bit of Toronto history!
Spend the Day at Evergreen Brick Works
Head to Evergreen Brick Works for a slew of family fun that’s, you guess it, totally free. This Family Day in Toronto, there will be a variety of indoor and outdoor activities taking place that are perfect for the whole fam. Choose from shopping local vendors, skating on the rink, joining an on-site tour, and more!
Take in Toronto Light Fest
If you’re in the neighbourhood, why not make Family Day the time to explore the historic Distillery District and check out the displays of Toronto Light Fest? It’s free and you’ll not only see some stunning light installations by talented artists, but just think of all the cute family photos you’ll snap, too!
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You just can’t ever go wrong with a white tee — wearing one, that is. Buying one is another story altogether. Too sheer, ill-fitting, not breathable — it just proves that it’s hardest to get the easiest things done right. When done well, a white tee can become the basic building block of any outfit and any style, dressed up or down. The fact is, quality pieces should be an investment in your closet. If your t-shirts cost you the same as a coffee, you’re probably doing it wrong.
Here are our picks for what brands to shop for the perfect white tee. You can thank us later!
Allsaints
Allsaints has the rocker chic look down to a tee. (Get it?) The Imogen Boy T-Shirt comes in a blinding shade of white, with a crew neckline and its length hits slightly beneath the hip for an effortless cool vibe. French tuck it into your ripped skinny jeans (black, of course) or wear under a leather jacket.
Everlane
Everlane’s V-neck white tee has the perfect V-neckline — not too deep to be scandalous, and not too high to not be a proper V-neck. Perfect for stacking necklaces, this tee also scores points because of the brand’s radical transparency around its manufacturing practices.
Uniqlo
This Uniqlo U tee is made of 100% cotton and is just thick enough to render your bra underneath invisible (a very important part of white tee philosophy) — while still being super soft and breathable. The thick ribbed neckline and almost-seamless cuffs finish off the impeccable design — great as a standalone option or for casual layering.
Muji
Muji is all about living well with minimalism, so you really can’t go wrong with this white tee. Made from thick organic cotton, it’s super comfortable for everyday wear and the scoop neck and pocket detail add some interest to what would otherwise be just a regular t-shirt. Wear with wide-leg jeans and sneakers for an easygoing look.
Levi’s
Classic and comfortable, this 100% cotton crewneck from Levi’s is literally made for all your white-t-shirt-and-jeans outfits, while the screen-printed logo adds a little bit of something-something. Size up for a casual streetwear-inspired fit.
Madewell
The classic tee, elevated. This Madewell piece is made from Supima cotton, so it’s super soft. The drapey cut and V-shaped neckline make this a perfect layering piece under a blazer for work, while the raw sleeves present a classy-meets-laid-back vibe.
Fruit of the Loom via Amazon
If Vera Wang herself claims to sleep in these, then why even bother looking anywhere else? This pack of three Fruit of the Loom tees manages to not only be friendly to your wallet, but also unabashedly down-to-earth. Easy and breezy, with nothing to lose.
Richer Poorer
This New York-based basics brand is not one to miss. This boxy crop t-shirt was made for when you want to be both effortless and casual, yet undoubtedly cool. Wear it to and from the gym one day, and with distressed denim and boots the next.
Rag & Bone
They call this “the tee” because it’s pretty self-explanatory — a pima cotton, crewneck t-shirt. This one runs a little more sheer for a more delicate, feminine vibe, making it the perfect compliment to a pair of nude heels or even a pair of combat boots.
Comme des Garcons
It might sound counterintuitive to spend this much on a t-shirt, but hear me out. If you’re going to splurge on a designer piece, isn’t it better that it be something you can wear often, on an everyday basis? This CDG tee manages to not be too showy about the label either, with a thick ribbed collar and longer sleeves that are true to the real t-shirt fit.
Off-White
This t-shirt says “casual, but not really” —like in the way that the Kardashians are “casual.” Again, this tee is 100% cotton and it’s made in Portugal, plus it features a printed logo on the chest. Wear with your best body-hugging miniskirt, or a pair of ribcage Levi’s to cement the look.
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Everyone loves the thrill of a good deal, but who says that has to be limited to a new lipstick or a pair of shoes? Let’s face it, grocery shopping might not be the most romantic of topics but we all gotta eat. We’re all about being as real as possible — and hey, if you’re saving up on bread and eggs, who’s to say you can’t treat yourself to those shoes at the end of the month?
Here are 7 grocery apps to download that’ll help you save money at the grocery store!
Flipp
Remember the days of flipping through all the grocery store flyers that would clog up your front step or your mailbox? Well those days are long gone. Flipp lets you compare flyers, coupons, and prices all in one handy-dandy place — your phone! The app pulls up offers from over 1,000 local stores. Just search for what you’re looking for, compare which is cheapest, and find that store with the lowest price!
Drop
Drop is a free loyalty points program that rewards you for — well, for spending money. All you have to do is shop through the app or link your credit/debit card, and each purchase will accumulate points. Then you can use them towards gift cards to places like Amazon, Walmart, Starbucks, or more. A rewards program for our generation.
Reebee
Coupon collecting isn’t just an activity for our parents anymore. Similar to Flipp, Reebee is a flyer app that compares prices and flyers amongst your local stores, making your weekly fridge stock-up a breeze. Make a shopping list, see which stores will do price match, and you’re well on your way to saving both time and money!
KOHO
Banking for millennials and Gen Z’s, KOHO offers both an app and a reloadable card that pays you every time you spend money with 0.50% cash back. This is great for not just groceries, but now you can totally justify buying that $8.99 tub of ice cream that isn’t on sale. The app is also a great financial management tool in general because it lets you automate your savings and budget — plus there are no monthly fees! We call that a win-win.
Checkout 51
Checkout 51 is a cash back app — essentially returning money to your wallet every time you buy groceries. Offers come out every week (every Thursday, to be exact), so all you have to do is buy whatever is on offer and then upload a photo of your receipt onto the app. Rewards and discounts will be added to your account and you can cash out your cash back balance once it hits $20. Easy peasy.
Caddle
Similar to Checkout 51, Caddle offers cash backs on weekly offers that come out every Thursday. Shop offers and upload your receipt on the app to rack up cash back rewards. Also similarly, you can cash out at $20 and a cheque will be mailed to you. However, Caddle also offers other opportunities to earn money, such as by answering short surveys or watching advertising videos. Plus, every time you refer a friend you get $1. It pays to use grocery apps!
PayMi
Another cashback rewards app, PayMi rewards you for shopping at its partnered retailers. It’s super simple to use as well, since all you have to do is link your bank accounts on the app. Plus, if you use a CIBC card, you get double the cash back rewards. You can then cash out the rewards using Interac E-transfer for a $1.50 fee if your balance is under $25, and for free if it’s over $25. Plus, the retail partners are varied enough that it’s not just groceries that you can use this one for!
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10 Of The Best Asian Grocery Stores To Shop In The GTA
One of the best things about living in a metropolitan area like the GTA? The wealth of international foods and cultures that you can explore. International and Asian grocery stores are the unsung cultural heroes of city living. More often than not, they feature a wealth of spices, sauces, and snacks that you would be hard-pressed to find at your local Loblaws or CityMarket.
Whether you’re looking to get more into cooking this year, or you want to shake up your routine, here are 10 of the best Asian grocery stores to shop in the GTA.
T&T Supermarket
Canada’s biggest Asian grocery retailer and a veritable juggernaut when it comes to Asian grocery stores is T&T and this store has it all. From a bakery and hot foods, to fresh meat, seafood, household goods, and even hard-to-come-by Japanese and Korean skincare products, the store has been a one-stop shop for Asian Canadians. Since being acquired by Loblaws in 2009, the retailer since expanded its offerings to be more accessible to non-Chinese speakers interested in Asian goods.
Sanko Trading Co.
Open since 1968, Sanko is an iconic Japanese store in Toronto with its wide range of imported items. Not only limited to goods of the edible variety, however, the store also carries crockery and knives — both of which the Japanese are known for. Shelves and racks are crowded with Japanese snacks, ceramics, varieties of matcha green tea, miso, and more, and the staff are friendly and more than willing to help you hunt down whichever spice or sauce you need for the perfect Japanese culinary experience.
Heisei Mart
The perfect place to go if you’re hoping to get your Japan fix. Located in Markham’s J-town, Heisei Mart stocks a huge range of dry goods, snacks, sauces, mixes — you name it. Come here to stock up on dry ramen noodles, Pocky, ramune sodas or the kind of canned coffee you’d find in a Tokyo vending machine or convenience store! The store is also accompanied by cafeteria-style eatery Cafe Green Tea and pastry bakery Nakamura.
Galleria Supermarket
Not to be confused with the mall, this Korean grocery store chain has four more locations in the GTA. Special offerings include fresh rice cakes and kimchi (which often go on sale) and a wide range of Korean goods which you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. Recreate your favourite Korean dishes—DIY K-BBQ at home, anyone?—from the comfort of your own kitchen with imported ingredients straight from the source.
H Mart
An easy hangout spot for students (it is right across from Ryerson, after all) — H Mart is a compact grocery store, not unlike a New York bodega with a compact produce section with a wealth of snacks and quick takeout meals to choose from. We recommend trying the oden from the food-stand in the front — a skewer of chewy fish cakes with a cup of hot broth is the perfect way to warm up on a cold winter’s day. The store’s Korean fried chicken and chicken katsu is also excellent! In case you can’t make it downtown, H Mart has 6 more locations to visit all within the GTA.
Seafood City
This Pinoy supermarket is located in Mississauga, but don’t let that deter you. Seafood City is a haven of Filipino foods, from lechon and sisig, to chicken adobo. Featuring produce, seafood, and a food court, this grocery store is the perfect stop for a day’s outing. Plus, the store is located right next door to Jollibee, the super popular and delicious Filipino fast food chain!
Trupti
Offering manufactured spice blends, stone ground flour, as well as snacks and roasted nuts, Trupti has earned a reputation as the city’s most intriguing spice shop. While the store isn’t exactly known for its Asian offerings, the smells wafting out of this Indian spice shop are as tempting as they are intriguing. Depending on when you arrive, you’ll understand — especially if it’s right when the owners have just roasted a fresh batch of coriander seeds, or prepared a fragrant batch of cumin.
Iqbal Halal Foods
Located in the same plaza as Trupti, Iqbal’s sign proclaims a “wide variety of Asian groceries.” The store has been serving the Pakistani and Indian communities for over 20 years and are known for quality and convenience. Stop in for a wide selection of Halal meats, dry foods, pantry staples, snacks, bulk goods, and of course, fresh produce.
Nations Fresh Food
Head over to Nations Fresh Food for a grocery shopping experience unlike any other. Nations offers not only ready made Asian and Western foods, but also an impressive selection of fresh produce, snacks, bubble tea, sushi, K-beauty, and much more all under one roof.
PAT Central
Situated right on Bloor West is PAT Central and it’s known for being a Korean grocery store that also carries Chinese and Japanese items. The shelves are filled with delectable treats, fresh produce, and affordable meats and folks say that it’s the spot to visit for that those hard-to-find Asian ingredients. In the mood for a snack? Don’t miss out on the Bungeoppang which is delicious fish shaped pastry that’s stuffed with your choice of red bean paste, custard, and black sesame.
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New year, new you, right? This time of year, we’re all feeling shiny and new, refreshed and excited to take charge of our lives once more.
While I’m given to being a little cynical about New Year’s resolutions—who’s to say self-reinvention is limited only to the beginning of something as arbitrary at the Gregorian calendar, after all — it’s still nice to be reminded every so often to check in with ourselves and see how we’re doing.
One of my goals for 2020 is to live more mindfully.
We live at such a breakneck speed anyway—chasing careers, living in the big city. Slowing down might be a huge buzzword in the world of wellness, but I’m a firm believer that our environments have a huge effect upon our overall mood and wellbeing.
Instagram-worthy bedrooms and vanity tables aside, it’s nice to have a place, a corner, a room that feels your own. And if mindfulness is the act of being aware of your present moment, there’s nothing so grounding as the scent of a room or an object.
This is where aromatherapy and essential oils came in.
I won’t lie—the idea of essential oils was sold to me, part and parcel of an “aesthetic” life. After all, who doesn’t like a nice smell—or rather, something that smells nice to them? You notice scents right away in a different way than you would process a new piece of furniture, for example. If you walk into a room and it smells musty, you notice. Likewise if the scent is pleasant.
Broadly speaking, aromatherapy is simply the use of good-smelling oils to improve overall well-being. The best part is, you can customize it because let’s face it—the funny thing about smell is that what smells good to one may smell terrible to another. Commercialization of wellness aside, I decided to embark on an “essential oil journey” to see if it really helped with the whole mindfulness thing, and enjoy some physical comforts as well.
Here’s what I tried:
Diffuser
Diffusing essential oils are a great way to fill a room with scent as well as ambience. Plus, there are some purported health benefits as well—different plants promote different benefits. Lavender, for example, is good for calming so it’s perfect for bedtime.
I used the diffuser for a few hours each day or evening, diffusing some essential oils from Muji.
The ones I used were the Yuzu essential oil and a blend of Sky, which was just Lavender and Mint essential oils mixed together. I also had a Saje holiday blend from Christmas, which included a blend of pine and lemon scents, among other oils. It was nice to have some of the festive spirit still hanging around (in the air, literally), but the Sky one was my favourite as it wasn’t too strong and overbearing and gave my room a bit of an at-home spa feel. Meanwhile, the Yuzu scent was the perfect addition to my morning routine since the citrus-y scent was invigorating—great for when I hadn’t had my morning caffeine yet.
With their popularity now, diffusers are easy to find if you want to nab one for yourself.
Note: There is such a holy trinity of “aesthetic” diffusers: Saje, Vitruvi and Muji. If the price points are a bit too high, you can consider the other trinity: Winners, Marshalls and Homesense.
Topical application/Roll-ons
Essential oils can also be absorbed through the skin. Roll-ons were made especially for this purpose, because it eliminates the mess and are easy to take on the go. Who doesn’t want a mini-spa experience in their handbag?
My favourite product for this purpose—and one that I’d heard many of my friends recommend—is Saje’s Peppermint Halo.
Nearly everyone has heard of this one and it’s not just for headaches, I used it for muscle soreness or whenever I felt a bit sluggish at work. Just roll a few strokes up the back of the neck into the scalp and the effects are almost immediate. For me, it was almost similar to the Tiger Balm or White Flower Oil of my Asian childhood — always pulled out for any aches or pains.
Other aromatherapy and essential oil therapies include baths or massages, but in the end, diffusers and roll-ons were the most seamless to add into my existing lifestyle. (I’m not really a bath person, for one thing.)
In the end, essential oils are an enjoyable add-on to everyday life, but it’s also worth noting that that’s what they are—an add-on.
If I have a headache and all I do is apply peppermint oil without, say, drinking any water (because realistically, I’m probably dehydrated) then my headache is not going to get much better.
All this to say that essential oils are a great way to add a little “something”—whether that be mindfulness, a nice smell—into your life. After all, smell is one of the most underrated senses and has a huge impact on our enjoyment of products and general wellbeing. I know for me, making the time to doing something so small, even if it is just for the sake of pure enjoyment and frivolity—in the end, it’s the little things that count.
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