Jen O’Brien
As seen in:
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC),
CBC Radio,
The Toronto Star,
The West Australian,
FASHION Magazine,
Canadian Living Magazine,
The Kit,
Weddingbells,
HR Leader Podcast Network
Covers:
Travel, beauty, fashion, health, technology, weddings
Content creator and collector of passport stamps | Instagram: @thejenobrien
Articles by Jen O’Brien
Navigating and celebrating the diversity of a multigenerational workplace
The pursuit of diversity and inclusion in the public and private sectors remains strong, writes Jen O’Brien. Diversity and inclusion policies have been in the spotlight this year globally, particularly in the US, where the new Trump administration set about dismantling diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) policies and departments, which was followed by some major US corporations scaling back DEI initiatives.
Jen O’Brien: Australians are ‘working tired’ and killing productivity with sleep taking a back seat Original
Jen O’Brien: Australians are ‘working tired’ and killing productivity with sleep taking a back seat
The rise of sauna culture in Canada
(Credit: iStock/Getty Images) Sauna culture is picking up steam, but the tradition of sweating with others in an enclosed space is nothing new. Indigenous people have long viewed sweat lodges as sacred spaces for introspection, meditation and spiritual healing, while ancient Romans considered their thermae (public baths) to be social hot spots integral to civilization. The modern approach to sauna rests on the combined benefits of enhanced well-being and a sense of community.
Can cold water therapy really help you chill out?
Lady Gaga, Kim Kardashian, Harry Styles and Joe Rogan have all taken the plunge. Over the past few years, social media posts featuring celebs and influencers submerged in tubs filled with ice have snowballed, giving rise to a cool new wellness trend: cold water therapy. Proponents tout benefits ranging from stress and pain relief to improved athletic performance and mental clarity.
9 Indigenous-owned retreats to visit across Canada
(Source: Jack Plant/Spirit Bear Lodge) The best travel experiences move you. They ignite your curiosity, give you a fresh perspective and connect you to a place and its people in a meaningful way. And that boost can stay with you long after you return home and unpack your suitcase.
The AIH Transcript For December 12, 2023
The AIH Transcript For December 12, 2023 | CBC Radio Loaded As It Happens full-text transcript Recommended for you News -Canada -Nfld. & Labrador Discover More from CBC Sports -Olympics -Winter Sports -Luge Please know that cookies are required to operate and enhance our services as well as for advertising purposes. We value your privacy. If you are not comfortable with us using this information, please review your settings before continuing your visit. Note: Transcripts may contain errors.
Sohla El-Waylly's tips for hosting a great dinner party
Coming in at over 600 pages, Sohla El-Waylly's first cookbook might seem intimidating. But looks can be deceiving, as the revered chef, restaurateur and YouTube star knows from personal experience. In the introduction of Start Here: Instructions for Becoming a Better Cook, El-Waylyy reflects on how — long before she was contributing to the New York Times and Bon Appétit, and appearing on TV shows like The Big Brunch and Ancient Recipes with Sohla — she was often mistaken for a brainiac.
8 waterside trails near major Canadian cities for gorgeous warm weather walks
The soft sound of waves lapping against the shore, sun glinting off rippling currents, crisp fresh air — being near water is a sensory experience all its own, so it's no surprise researchers are drawing connections between access to blue spaces and mental well-being.
Whale-watching in Canada: Where to spot them — and when | CBC Life
With 35 species of whales — nine baleen whales and 26 toothed species — frequenting our waters, Canada is one of the best places on earth to spot the world's largest mammals, and summer is peak season for whale-watching in coastal communities from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island. As the weather warms up, the whales, dolphins and porpoises begin to arrive in our cool waters in search of food, and tour companies are ready to take you out to see them.
Twists on classic cocktails you're going to want to try — and tips for creating your own | CBC Life
The old chestnut "don't mess with a good thing" doesn't apply to cocktails. In fact, classic cocktail recipes are often the perfect template for a new drink. And they're almost like fashion trends in how they tend to resurface, according to Montreal bartender Kate Boushel. "Every few years, there is simply an ebb and flow of which ones people enjoy making at home and those gracing cocktail menus," she said. The greats never go out of style — they're just continuously refreshed.
5 ghost tour guides share their favourite haunting tales from across Canada
(Credit: iStock/Getty Images) Just as pumpkin spice lattes pair perfectly with leaf peeping, there's perhaps no better way to get in the Halloween spirit than with a good old-fashioned fright night. In fact, Canada has plenty of its own nightmare-inducing campfire tales to keep you lying awake in terror — take it from some of the nation's top tour guides who specialize in spinning cobweb-covered yarns from the crypt.
How to read the tarot for yourself or your friends — with advice from the experts | CBC Life
As Halloween draws near, tarot may be top of mind — or, at least, at the top of your For You Page on TikTok — but there's nothing spooky about this practice. Witchy? Maybe, if we're talking about the archetype associated with intuition, knowledge and healing. But wicked? No. One of the biggest misconceptions about tarot, according to the experts, is a tie to the immoral or evil. Instead, they describe it as a language, an art form and a tool for looking inwards.
Embrace slow travel with these 8 getaways across Canada you can get to by train, bus or ferry
Slow travel — a movement which favours ferries, trains and buses over traditionally speedier modes of transportation and moments of pause over action-packed sightseeing — has been gaining steam as of late. After two years of staycationing, and with pandemic travel bans lifting, taking the scenic route out of town, rather than the first direct flight down south, may seem counterintuitive.
We tried 9 sleep apps so you donnn't ... (zzz)
We tried 9 sleep apps so you donnn't ... (zzz) | CBC Life Loaded Wellness Some dreamy features, potential nightmares and more of my experiences with tools to help you get some shut-eye. Some dreamy features, potential nightmares and more of my experiences with tools to help you get some shut-eye Important note: Sleep problems and anxiety issues should not be overlooked as they can be serious disorders. I'm a light sleeper. A light sleeper with a small bladder and a mind that often just won't quiet.
Cocktail-makers choose their drink of summer: Six sippers they're loving right now and how to mix them up
The occasion of hot weather and hanging outdoors with pals calls for a toast with something special. And cocktails — especially when they're made to suit the season — fit the bill perfectly. An ideal summer tipple should be refreshing and unfussy, according to the experts, and common traits include heaps of ice, bubbles and typically some sort of sour kick. You'll hear the terms "highball," "spritz," "swizzle" and "fizz" tossed around quite a bit.
How to break an argument cycle with a loved one
Love hurts, as they say — and that's kinda to be expected. Google the lyrics of your favourite sappy songs and you'll see it's pretty common. But when the ones we love hurt us, how we express that pain — how we process and convey our hurt feelings — that can mean the difference between a disagreement that's quickly done and dusted and one that resurfaces at the dinner table 10 years down the road. This might feel all too familiar if you find yourself stuck in an argument rut with someone close.
How to make delicious non-boozy cocktails with alcohol-free spirits
Expert tips for pairing products and flavour profiles to make sophisticated non-alcoholic drinks. (Credit: iStock/Getty Images) Important note: Many non-alcoholic drinks contain a small amount of alcohol (lower than what would require it to be disclosed on the label), making them unsuitable for anyone looking to avoid alcohol entirely. As well, many alcohol-free products use herbs and other ingredients that pregnant people or those with medical conditions may be advised to avoid.
10 scary movie locations to visit across Canada
In the midst of a global pandemic, you might be asking yourself: "Do I really need to be any more terrified?" Well, it is almost Halloween, so the answer is a resounding yes! Abject terror and the twilight of October go hand in hand. Jump scares are basically as important as candy at this time of year. With this in mind, we set out to find some of the creepiest places across Canada — creepy enough to serve as locations for horror flicks.
Trails across Canada for city dwellers to walk this winter
Fresh air is powerful stuff. Stepping outside on a sunny day can be mood-boosting and energizing. But since the cold weather set in and socially-distanced picnics in the park were put on pause, what's one to to? The short answer: hit the trails — even if you live in the city. We set out to discover the best spots in some Canadian cities for a winter walk in the woods.
Puppies get pimples! Plus 9 more facts that might surprise first-time dog parents
Teething, temper tantrums and everything else that could come along with raising a puppy. (Credit: iStock/Getty Images) Anyone who faults a dog owner for anthropomorphizing their pet probably hasn't had the pleasure of raising a fur child. The truth is, dogs are similar to humans in many ways, especially where maturation is concerned. "As a rule of thumb, there are a lot more similarities than there are differences," says Dr. Philipp Schott, a Winnipeg-based veterinarian.
March 2020 will be a sky-watcher's delight: An astronomer on where to catch the celestial events in Canada
(Credit: iStock/Getty Images) The popularity of astrotourism has skyrocketed in recent years, and Canada is a particularly great place from which to gaze toward the cosmos. Our country is home to the world's largest dark-sky preserve, Wood Buffalo National Park — a stretch of land larger than some countries, running from northern Alberta into the Northwest Territories.
8 under-the-radar ski destinations across Canada | CBC Life
(Source, left: Instagram/@silverstarmtnresort; right: Instagram/@castlemountainresort) It's no secret that Canada is home to some of the best powder on the planet; Whistler Blackcomb, Mont Tremblant and Lake Louise are consistently named among the world's best ski areas. But aside from locals, few know about the slopes just outside Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., and Fredericton or the incredible backcountry terrain in Quebec's Gaspésie region.
How to make the move to zero-waste personal care products | CBC Life
From toothpaste tablets to moisturizer, these are the products we could see ourselves switching to. The newest beauty trend has nothing to do with colour palettes or multi-step cleansing rituals. It's driven by something more altruistic. Beauty's latest buzzword is zero-waste and so-called 'naked" products, with little to no packaging, are cropping up — beyond those fragrant bath bombs.
The go-to productivity tips of efficiency experts
(Credit: iStock/Getty Images) When is the last time you had a spare moment to read a book from cover to cover or simply book all of your medical appointments? If you're constantly pushing off indulgences and tasks that you can't seem to find time for, you're not alone.
Food - CBC Life
Eric Kim says these empanadas — each with a stuffed olive nested inside — are 'like grown-up hot pockets' What to cook in August: Every part of every vegetable Cocktail-makers choose their drink of summer: Six sippers they're loving right now and how to mix them up
Top spots across Canada to take in breathtaking fall foliage
Ah, fall. It's that time of year when we collectively debate the merits of pumpkin spice flavouring, the need for jackets and whether or not the squirrels actually seem smarter. One thing that's not up for debate, however, is our shared love of fall foliage. Albert Camus called autumn "a second spring when every leaf is a flower".
Creature comforts: 11 hotels across Canada that treat pets like VIPs | CBC Life
A coast-to-coast guide to properties that roll out the red carpet for furry, feathery… and even scaly pets! (Courtesy Hotel Arts) In a time when canine influencers regularly appear on Instagram luxuriating in plush hotel beds, spotting an "emotional support animal" jetting off to a far-flung destination is pretty much par for the course. With the rise of "interspecies families" (yes, that's a thing), it should come as no surprise that fur babies are increasingly included in vacation plans.
The 50 Best Wedding Songs You May Have Never Heard Before
By Jen O'Brien Photo as seen in this real wedding. Music can make or break a party so when it comes to your wedding—the biggest party you’ll probably ever throw—you want to get it right. To create the ultimate playlist we enlisted the help of Toronto-based DJ Jennifer Shute. Shute gave us her must-plays and we added to that some staff favourites—the result is a truly amazing list of tunes so catchy and meaningful your guests will likely be requesting the soundtrack to your big day. Need more ideas?
3 cool ways millennials are disrupting wedding traditions
Forget blush versus burgundy or roses versus ranunculus—these days, much bigger considerations are shaping modern wedding trends. Fuelled by millennials, conversations around social responsibility, inclusivity and sustainability are turning the wedding industry on its head. “People are getting married later in life, so they’re not as bound by tradition,” explains bridal expert Jessica Mulroney.
2019 Wedding Trends that Are Cool and Modern for Millennials
Wedding The year’s most buzzworthy trends marry style *and* substance Pop Up Chapel Canada Forget blush versus burgundy or roses versus ranunculus—these days, much bigger considerations are shaping modern wedding trends. Fuelled by millennials, conversations around social responsibility, inclusivity and sustainability are turning the wedding industry on its head. “People are getting married later in life, so they’re not as bound by tradition,” explains bridal expert Jessica Mulroney.
Motel renaissance: 7 modern motor inns worth planning a road trip around
Canada's coolest roadside attractions might just be where we lay our heads this summer. (Photography: Lauren Miller for The June Motel) Motels are having a moment. Maybe it has something to do with the resurgence of mid-century modern design and the fact that kitsch reads especially well on Instagram, or maybe there's something more to it — perhaps a hint of nostalgia and a sense of longing for the incomparable connection that results from an epic road trip.
5 Kanye West and Kim Kardashian Wedding Trends We Still Love
View this post on Instagram 5 years and 4 kids ✨ life couldn’t be better! *anniversary coming so soon* A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on May 16, 2019 at 11:29am PDT Kongrats Congrats to Kim and Kanye, who are celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary on May 24, an especially impressive nuptial milestone for any member of the Kardashian clan, particularly Kim, whose previous marriage to Kris Humphries lasted only 72 days.
Wedding Trends In Canada 2013
By Jen O'Brien photos Weddingbells’ Annual Reader Survey reveals the most recent wedding trends and facts from Canadian brides getting ready to walk down the aisle. From January 2013 to March 2013 more than 2,200 brides and brides-to-be dished about their impending nuptials on everything from engagements and relationships to style, traditions and the final bill. Highlights from this year’s survey include: – There will be an estimated 165,297 weddings in Canada during 2013.
Honeymoon and Destination Wedding Spots For Every Type Of Traveller
By Jen O'Brien photos Wondering where in the world to go for your destination wedding or honeymoon? We’ve scouted out six diverse locations to please every type of couple. Whether you and your hubby-to-be are adventure-seekers, beach bums or culture junkies, you’re sure to find the perfect romantic escape within our list of editor’s picks. 105537 <strong>Florence, Italy</strong><br /> <br /> A trip to Italy just isn’t complete until you’ve visited Florence (or Firenze as the Italians call it).
New Orleans Honeymoon Ideas For Every Type Of Couple
By Jen O'Brien Photo courtesy of iStockphoto Bourbon Street, Mardi Gras beads and beignets might be the first things that come to mind when you think of New Orleans, but there’s so much more to this destination than donuts and raucous drinking establishments. The Crescent City, so named for its location in a bend of the Mississippi River, has a fascinating history as both a French and Spanish colony before it was sold to the United States during the Louisiana Purchase.
Now You Can Pay For Pre-Wedding Botox And Laser Treatments With PC Optimum Points!
By Jen O'Brien Cosmetic dermatology services are becoming more popular than ever before. In fact, recent research from Shoppers Drug Mart indicates these sorts of treatments are second only to manicures and pedicures! With this in mind, the brand has decided to get in on the action, opening the doors to its first Beauty Clinic in Oakville, Ontario.
This Is What It's Like To Tie The Knot At A Pop-Up Wedding Chapel
By Jen O'Brien photos The Pop Up Chapel Canada offers low-key couples an alternative to tying the knot at city hall. This whirlwind one-day event designed by the Love By Lynzie team brings together some of Toronto’s top vendors for an all-inclusive, ultra-Instagrammable experience where multiple couples marry throughout the day without ever seeing each other. The best part?
Experience The Best Of Montana At This Luxury Guest Ranch
By Jen O'Brien There’s a sense of quiet that comes over you in Montana. Maybe it’s the vastness of the state (it’s the fourth largest after Alaska, Texas and California), the scarcity of tall buildings, which inspired its “big sky country” moniker, or the fact that it’s home to more cattle than people. With just over a million residents in all of Montana, less than half the number of people you’ll find in Toronto alone, this just might be one of the best places on earth to get away from it all.
Everything You've Ever Wanted To Know About Wedding Hair Extensions
By Jen O'Brien Photo via iStockphoto Wedding hair extensions might not be the first thing on your radar after becoming engaged, but as you begin to make beauty decisions for the big day they absolutely should be. “They’re going to give you the oomph that you’re looking for in your photos,” says Noor Ahmad, the founder and CEO of Unicorn Hair Extensions, who compares extensions to false lashes, in the way that they can enhance and complete a look.
Elevated Canadian Themes
One of our favourite wedding themes involves paying homage to the country we’re from. Instead of a typical rustic vibe you might look to when thinking of Canada, elevate the idea with plaid napkins, a super-cool antler candelabra centrepiece and a luxe faux-fur tablecloth. Best yet, this theme goes with any venue, so whether you’re from Banff or Thunder Bay, you can incorporate our home and native land into your big day.
White-On-White Tablescapes
Nothing quite compares to a white wedding. For 2019, the ultimate elegant party concept is elevated with tone on tone details. Lush floral arrangements, like this stunning piece from Henna Florist, should be the hero of all-white reception. Bursting with white roses, ranunculus, tulips, hydrangeas and orchids, the look is completely devoid of leafy greenery. A few hints of gold in the cutlery and stationery are all that’s needed to complete the look.
Under-The-Table Centrepieces
To really make a statement with your reception florals, look beyond the tabletop – or, in this case, below it. Floral chandeliers of the past have given way to artful, modern floor arrangements showcased beneath glass or Lucite tables. Leaf & Bloom used hearty greenery like palm leaves and ferns to create these textural showpieces, which are absolutely ideal for a gallery wedding.
Ikebana-Inspired Centrepieces
The ancient Japanese art of floral design is experiencing a revival as of late, with sculptural arrangements taking centre stage. Colour, shape, form, lines and balance all come into play when creating these thoughtful arrangements. To create this particular piece, Timberlost mixed stargazer lilies with foraged wild clematis. The result is a minimalist piece that makes a big impact.
Pampas Grass Clouds
Light-as-air pampas grasses are one of the hottest trends for decorating your ceremony aisle (see Mandy Moore’s OTT boho wedding) and reception space, but instead of just having the installations on the ground, we love the idea of taking it higher with billowy pampas grass clouds. These beauties were created by Wild North Flowers and feature a natural, environmentally-friendly mix of pampas grass, dried solidago and corn stalks.
Modern Pink Colour Schemes
“Anything but blush” should be the mantra for pink parties in 2019. Soft hues have given way to rich shades of raspberry, fuchsia and watermelon for an updated (and much more dramatic) take on the wedding industry’s hero colour palette. This sweet table offers the perfect example of how to pull off a modern pink party. Silk and velvet in rich shades of pink create a stunning textural backdrop for an array of tonal treats.
Neon Details | Weddingbells
Brights are back in a big way for 2019 and the wedding world is ready for this radical shift. Pops of fluorescent colour provide the perfect punch for a whimsical celebration, whether incorporated in a tablescape, dessert spread or ceremony setup. Laser cut acrylic table toppers and place cards are sure to make a splash, while dayglo diamond, llama and cactus cookies like these beauties from Downtown Dough are the ultimate Instagram-worthy favour.
Statement Bouquets
High impact blooms make for an unforgettable wedding bouquet. We love playing with exotics to create a unique floral statement. Pictured here, the white king protea is the perfect choice as a star player in your bouquet (surrounded by china berry and dusty miller) and if you want an arrangement focused on one flower only the phalenaopsis orchid is also definitely having a moment.
Fruit And Floral Spreads
Edible arrangements are where it’s at for 2019, but we’re not talking bouquets of daisy-shaped cantaloupes here. The vibe is chic and Mediterranean – a veritable feast for the senses, artfully displayed in cascades of colour. For this particular arrangement, Kenilworth Floral combined exotic fruit with red ranunculus, red orchids and red gloriosa lilies to create a lush centrepiece just as gorgeous as any floral garland.
Watters Spring 2019 Wedding Dresses
Watters’ founder and designer Vatana Watters admits that her inspirations often come from her world travels. The brand’s most recent offering pays homage to the textured dunes found along the Oregon coast with gowns in varying shades of ivory and nude. Titled “The Sun Was Shining on the Sea”, the spring 2019 collection also draws inspiration from Lewis Carroll’s narrative poem, “The Walrus and the Carpenter”, which appears in the book, “Through the Looking Glass”.
Five Great Reasons To Honeymoon In Cartagena
Strolling the rainbow-hued streets of Cartagena’s old town, it comes as no surprise that this astoundingly beautiful Colombian city inspired an entire literary genre. This is the place that famously fuelled the imagination of Nobel Prize-winning Colombian author, and godfather of magical realism, Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It is a place where he envisioned the fantastic intermingling with everyday life. To see Cartagena in person is to realize this surreal dream.
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