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Now, they say everyone has a talent, but this year, why not take the time to learn a new one?
We're searching for hidden talents -- that one thing that, for whatever reason, you're really exceptional at -- from everyday people all across the country. The Huffington Post Canada team is always looking for ways to simplify our lives and this weekly 'Quick Study' will help us showcase the people who can offer tips to make your day a little sweeter, five minutes at a time. Think of it as a cheatsheet for your general well-being.
A talent can be anything, really. Like this girl, who can make her eyebrows move to the beat of a song or even your neighbourhood dry cleaner who can give you tips on removing stains if you spill something at a dinner party.
Maybe after learning a new trick, you can also pick up a new habit. So think about the people in your life, or take a look at your Facebook list. Do you have a friend whose skills are just begging to be shown off? You can nominate someone -- or yourself -- by leaving a comment below or sending us an email at canadaliving@huffingtonpost.com. Then leave it to us, and your buddy's prowess could be helping out people across the country! Think of it like an online weekly talent show, without the off-key karaoke.
For the past three weeks, we've offered readers easy tips to de-stress and de-clutter during the holiday season. Check out our Quick Study series for the holidays.
The Huffington Post Canada Living's Quick Study Series
Learn A DJ's Favourite Playlist(01 of18)
The Huffington Post Canada talked to DJ MelBoogie, Canada's only all female hip hop show, on escaping from those hectic work weeks.
"I find getting in front of my turntables and putting together a mix is very relaxing -- don't think about it, just do it. It gets my mind off whatever might be stressing me out at the moment and I can seriously get lost in the music for hours." Read the rest of the post here. (credit:Shutterstock)
"I find getting in front of my turntables and putting together a mix is very relaxing -- don't think about it, just do it. It gets my mind off whatever might be stressing me out at the moment and I can seriously get lost in the music for hours." Read the rest of the post here. (credit:Shutterstock)
Trish Stratus' Favourite Yoga Pose(02 of18)
We talked to Canadian fitness and yoga expert and former WWE Women's Champion Trish Stratus, on how yoga helps her zone out.
"During a stressful or busy day, I take five minutes out of my day to do a yoga pose. Legs to the Sky pose is a favourite. Lay down with on the ground with your legs up a wall so you are in an L-shape. Relax your arms, shoulders and back gently into the ground. Stay in this pose for at least five minutes. This is a calming pose that can be done anytime and anywhere." Read the post here. (credit:Canadian Press )
"During a stressful or busy day, I take five minutes out of my day to do a yoga pose. Legs to the Sky pose is a favourite. Lay down with on the ground with your legs up a wall so you are in an L-shape. Relax your arms, shoulders and back gently into the ground. Stay in this pose for at least five minutes. This is a calming pose that can be done anytime and anywhere." Read the post here. (credit:Canadian Press )
A Hairstylist's Tips On Dealing With Winter Hair(03 of18)
Award-winning hairstylist (he just worked on the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show) and owner of Moods Hair Salon in Vancouver, Chad Taylor, on how we can maintain perfect hair as we enter the winter months.
"The holidays not only stress you out, but also your hair. Central heating, cold dry air, and extra blowdrying and heated irons on your hair leave it in less than optimum condition. A few tips to give your hair an extra boost. After summer blondes, salt water, and sun, have your stylist take you into a deeper winter tone by using a semi or demipermanent colour that will not only condition your hair, but will also give new depth and dimension and lustre to your colour." Read the post here. (credit:Shutterstock)
"The holidays not only stress you out, but also your hair. Central heating, cold dry air, and extra blowdrying and heated irons on your hair leave it in less than optimum condition. A few tips to give your hair an extra boost. After summer blondes, salt water, and sun, have your stylist take you into a deeper winter tone by using a semi or demipermanent colour that will not only condition your hair, but will also give new depth and dimension and lustre to your colour." Read the post here. (credit:Shutterstock)
A Professional Organizer's Favourite Tip(04 of18)
Organizing addict Laura Wittmann tells us how we can declutter our lives before the holiday season begins.
"My secret recommendation would be to do a brain dump. So many people are stressed out because they have too much information swirling around in their heads that they are trying to keep track of by memory." Read the post here. (credit:Shutterstock)
"My secret recommendation would be to do a brain dump. So many people are stressed out because they have too much information swirling around in their heads that they are trying to keep track of by memory." Read the post here. (credit:Shutterstock)
A Naturopathic Doctor's Favourite Exercise(05 of18)
Linda Morrison, a naturopathic doctor based in Summerside P.E.I, on how to feel relaxed during the holiday season.
"Sticking out your belly when breathing may not sound very appealing, but all our cells need oxygen. Optimal oxygen means less stress, more energy and a better mood." Read the post here. (credit:Shutterstock)
"Sticking out your belly when breathing may not sound very appealing, but all our cells need oxygen. Optimal oxygen means less stress, more energy and a better mood." Read the post here. (credit:Shutterstock)
A Teacher's Secret For Relaxation(06 of18)
We talked to one of "Canada's best teachers" and University of Alberta physical education professor Billy Strean on why we should find time to relax during the holidays.
"My secret recommendation is what I call "Centre and Feel Great." This is a simple, yet extremely powerful practice that brings you into the present moment, gets you connected to yourself and what you care about, opens you to possibility and has you feeling great." Read the post here. (credit:Shutterstock)
"My secret recommendation is what I call "Centre and Feel Great." This is a simple, yet extremely powerful practice that brings you into the present moment, gets you connected to yourself and what you care about, opens you to possibility and has you feeling great." Read the post here. (credit:Shutterstock)
A Dentist's Tip For The Perfect Smile(07 of18)
Dr. Bruce Ward, a dentist based in Vancouver, tells us why we should consider not indulging in sugary sweets this holiday season.
"Less daylight and cold temperatures in December can make us reach for the comfort of starchy or sugary snacks and drinks. Grazing over the holiday buffet table or chocolates at work can have a negative impact on your waistline and your teeth." Read the post here. (credit:Shutterstock)
"Less daylight and cold temperatures in December can make us reach for the comfort of starchy or sugary snacks and drinks. Grazing over the holiday buffet table or chocolates at work can have a negative impact on your waistline and your teeth." Read the post here. (credit:Shutterstock)
A Makeup Artist Shares Her Favourite Beauty Tricks(08 of18)
Ottawa-based makeup artist Sarah Cogliati about how to spice up your holiday look.
"Sometimes a small change in our makeup routine can rejuvenate us and make us feel great. While out shopping, try picking up a great lipstick, new mascara or eyeshadow palette this holiday season. If you're looking for more "pop" in your Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve look, try adding false lashes. " Read the post here. (credit:Shutterstock)
"Sometimes a small change in our makeup routine can rejuvenate us and make us feel great. While out shopping, try picking up a great lipstick, new mascara or eyeshadow palette this holiday season. If you're looking for more "pop" in your Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve look, try adding false lashes. " Read the post here. (credit:Shutterstock)
A Natural Perfumer's Scented Solutions(09 of18)
We talked to Gibson, B.C. based natural perfumer Rohanna Goodwin Smith on how a few scented drops of perfume can easily change our moods.
"As well as the many stressors we face at this time of year, our health can be compromised by the synthetic scent world we live in. When a hectic pace doesn't allow time for a restorative walk in the woods, reach for the essential oils of spruce, pine, fir or juniper. " Read the rest here. (credit:Shutterstock)
"As well as the many stressors we face at this time of year, our health can be compromised by the synthetic scent world we live in. When a hectic pace doesn't allow time for a restorative walk in the woods, reach for the essential oils of spruce, pine, fir or juniper. " Read the rest here. (credit:Shutterstock)
A Doctor's Tips On Staying In Shape This Season(10 of18)
Naturopathic doctor and strength and conditioning coach Dr. Marc Bubbs tell us how to stay in shape this winter and improve prior sports injuries.
"Gently squeeze your glutes, this will activate your most powerful hip extensor muscle and more effectively distribute the load on your lumbar spine, reducing back pain." Read the rest here. (credit:Shutterstock)
"Gently squeeze your glutes, this will activate your most powerful hip extensor muscle and more effectively distribute the load on your lumbar spine, reducing back pain." Read the rest here. (credit:Shutterstock)
DIY Jewelry Project To Try This Season(11 of18)
Lauren McMillan, owner and designer of Lauren Elan Collections, shows us an easy DIY project to try at home.
"Over the holidays, it's easy to preoccupy ourselves with task upon task, often forgetting to take time to enjoy the many creative opportunities that the holidays present. If you are a creative person, it's worth it to devote a few hours to a fun project that will give you the freedom to express yourself creatively (whether it's on your own, or with your kids). " Read the post here. (credit:Shutterstock)
"Over the holidays, it's easy to preoccupy ourselves with task upon task, often forgetting to take time to enjoy the many creative opportunities that the holidays present. If you are a creative person, it's worth it to devote a few hours to a fun project that will give you the freedom to express yourself creatively (whether it's on your own, or with your kids). " Read the post here. (credit:Shutterstock)
A Life Coach's Advice On Sticking To New Year's Resolutions(12 of18)
Life coach Judy Librach teaches us how to make New Year's resolutions and stick to them.
To start, don't make too many New Year's resolutions. Choose one or two really good ones. So, if you want to lose weight, be specific. Write down exactly how much you want to lose and by when. For example, "I would love to lose 10 pounds by March 15th. Read the post here. (credit:Shutterstock)
To start, don't make too many New Year's resolutions. Choose one or two really good ones. So, if you want to lose weight, be specific. Write down exactly how much you want to lose and by when. For example, "I would love to lose 10 pounds by March 15th. Read the post here. (credit:Shutterstock)
A Florist's Tips On Winter Stress Relievers(13 of18)
Florist Fiona Liston, owner of Stemz in Toronto, tells us how flowers can help us relax this holiday season.
"For the cold months ahead and stressful holiday time, it's always great to have seasonal foliage at home. The smell of blue spruce pine or Douglas fir can be a soothing and soft fragrance. Create calming natural colour tones by mixing a variety of foliages like soft silvery blue and green tones that blend well with any environment." Read the post here. (credit:Shutterstock)
"For the cold months ahead and stressful holiday time, it's always great to have seasonal foliage at home. The smell of blue spruce pine or Douglas fir can be a soothing and soft fragrance. Create calming natural colour tones by mixing a variety of foliages like soft silvery blue and green tones that blend well with any environment." Read the post here. (credit:Shutterstock)
Hilary Farr's Holiday Decorating Tips(14 of18)
Designer Hilary Farr, one of the hosts of W Network's Love It Or List It, shows us ways to spice up your home during the holidays.
"I am the worst procrastinator of all but I have found tricks to help me have fun entertaining without being totally frazzled and cranky. Rather than actively plan, I imagine how I want my house to look. Once I have locked in the visual, I can hit the shops and be done in no time, knowing pretty much exactly what I am looking for, rather than aimlessly and hopelessly walking the aisles hoping to be inspired rather than intimidated by all the choices." Read the post here. (credit:Hilary Farr )
"I am the worst procrastinator of all but I have found tricks to help me have fun entertaining without being totally frazzled and cranky. Rather than actively plan, I imagine how I want my house to look. Once I have locked in the visual, I can hit the shops and be done in no time, knowing pretty much exactly what I am looking for, rather than aimlessly and hopelessly walking the aisles hoping to be inspired rather than intimidated by all the choices." Read the post here. (credit:Hilary Farr )
A Dating Coach Helps Us Appreciate Others(15 of18)
Dating coach Christine Hart shows us how a little love this holiday season can go a long way.
"Take five minutes to make a list of people in your life who you'd like to show appreciation for, or express acknowledgement to. We often walk around feeling underappreciated -- especially around the holidays. It's like feeling dehydrated, and simple but direct appreciation is all we need." Read the post here. (credit:Shutterstock)
"Take five minutes to make a list of people in your life who you'd like to show appreciation for, or express acknowledgement to. We often walk around feeling underappreciated -- especially around the holidays. It's like feeling dehydrated, and simple but direct appreciation is all we need." Read the post here. (credit:Shutterstock)
Mark McEwan's Take On Holiday Cooking(16 of18)
Canadian celebrity chef Mark McEwan, shares his favourite holiday recipe.
"Don't try to overachieve. People try to do too much for the holidays and get stressed out. Usually the Christmas meal is the biggest culprit. Try to use a good food store, create a list of things to do -- keeping it easy and achievable -- and not go crazy on the meal." Read the post here. (credit:Mark McEwan )
"Don't try to overachieve. People try to do too much for the holidays and get stressed out. Usually the Christmas meal is the biggest culprit. Try to use a good food store, create a list of things to do -- keeping it easy and achievable -- and not go crazy on the meal." Read the post here. (credit:Mark McEwan )
A Stylist's Holiday Fashion Game Changers(17 of18)
Sometimes, working with accessories you already have is a great way to freshen up an outfit. We talked to personal stylist Kelli Harker, based in Calgary, on how play up our personal style this holiday season.
"This is the time of year to put that extra thought and attention into your outfits. One of the easiest ways to do this is by accessorizing. Adding a few bangles or layering necklaces will make any outfit modern and festive." Read the post here. (credit:Shutterstock)
"This is the time of year to put that extra thought and attention into your outfits. One of the easiest ways to do this is by accessorizing. Adding a few bangles or layering necklaces will make any outfit modern and festive." Read the post here. (credit:Shutterstock)
A Professional Cleaner Helps Us With Stains(18 of18)
Master dry cleaner Mohamud Rahim of Busy Bee Gold Dry Cleaners in Vancouver, shares his simple steps to remove stains as they happen.
"It's quite common that you don't have enough time between parties to get your pieces dry cleaned. If ironing a previously worn piece, be sure to never iron over a stain or blemish from the previous wear -- you may set them." Read the post here. (credit:Shutterstock)
"It's quite common that you don't have enough time between parties to get your pieces dry cleaned. If ironing a previously worn piece, be sure to never iron over a stain or blemish from the previous wear -- you may set them." Read the post here. (credit:Shutterstock)