Sleep Now and Hold Your Peace

Preparing for the holiday season means there are many things to do and remember. There is one key thing that anyone can do to keep up your energy and keep stress at bay.

What is this secret? Sleep! With enough sleep, you can take on your worst relative, the busiest shopping mall, or the crankiest Santa.

Yet at such a busy time of year, sleep can be hard to find. Here are two of the worst enemies of a good night’s sleep:

Alcohol

With all the parties of the season, more alcohol will likely be flowing your way. Even though drinking can make you feel tired, it actually leaves you less rested.

According to an article at WebMD, alcohol interferes with your REM sleep (the deepest level of sleep), when your body’s systems are restored to face the new day. Depleted of REM sleep, you’ll feel tired, irritable and fog-headed. That’s no way to enjoy the holidays!

Change to routine

No matter what kind of wonderful sleep oasis you’ve created for yourself during the rest of the year, when you get off your routine your sleep quality can go right out the window.

One trick is to create a Plan B and have it ready. Plan B is essentially a shorter, simpler routine that still incorporates some healthy habits.

For example, while you may usually do a 15-minute yoga stretching session before bed, Plan B might be two minutes of deep breathing and one quick stretch.

That way, you’re not throwing out all your good intentions and it will be easier to get back to your full routine the next night.

For more ideas, see our earlier post with tips for better sleep and this post about restful sleepwear ideas.

P.S. Want to take away more holiday stress? Have a few hostess gifts prepped and ready (e.g., a bottle of wine decorated with a tree ornament or a bag of Fraktals chocolates), and consider registering at your favourite store to give your loved ones a hand when buying for you.

Brabary Renovation, Part Two: Execution, Results and Lessons Learned

Our recent four-day renovation at Brabary (read our earlierpost about how we prepared and planned) went very smoothly. We want to highlight a few of the key lessons we learned, and what helped make this project such a success.

The designer and I worked together closely and communicated openly with each other. That was extremely important. Our senses of style were also a good match, so she was able to understand and deliver my vision for the store.

While we could have rented a storage unit, we chose to pack up all of our merchandise and store it in the center of the room, covered in sheets. The tradespeople had to work around it, but it made a huge difference to how quickly we were able to hang things back up on Wednesday morning. Imagine – we arrived at 8:00 a.m., and opened at 10:00 a.m.!

I had a moment of doubt when I saw the state of things on Sunday morning, but the designer quickly reassured me that the workers were starting later in the day and would work into the night. And indeed, we met our goal of a four-day renovation!

That’s where having a designer really paid off. She was so diligent in communicating back and forth between me and the tradespeople, so everything kept moving and I always knew exactly what was going on.

There are always other less expensive options for renovations, but you have to realize that it’s a trade-off. Then it might be you calling tradespeople or vendors, making design decisions, or even assembling furniture or fixtures.

Do what you do best and pay others to do what they do best. It is so important for professionals to understand the best use of their time and skills, and this extends to all areas of your business.

The same valuable lesson applies to household tasks and projects. Some people love being part of the process, others find it stressful and find that it’s well worth paying for help. On the do-it-yourself end you can get free advice on colors at a home improvement store, and on the premium service end you can have a decorator source, select, and even go out and purchase everything for you. And there is a whole range of options in between.

We’re extremely happy with the results and process of our renovation at Brabary. The staff is thrilled and there’s been a noticeable improvement in morale. While some of our returning customers haven’t even noticed (the colour changes were that subtle), we know that we’re creating a better first impression for our new customers.

Brabary Renovation, Part One: Planning and Process

On Wednesday, October 15^th at 10:00 a.m., Brabary opened the doors to its newly renovated interior. I wanted to take you behind the scenes on the process and share some of the things we learned.

Why renovate? The store was looking tired, the walls were getting scuffed, and the panels where we hung garments were worn. The lighting was very industrial and I had always wanted more of a boutique feeling. 

The store just needed a boost – an uplift. We needed to find that balance between functionality and aesthetics.

It was actually our customers who encouraged us to create a focal point at the front of the store to bring the high ceiling down and create a cozier setting. This is an intimate product we’re selling, so that’s the kind of environment we want to welcome our clients into.

I found a designer through connections, and she ended up being the perfect choice. She worked with my wish list to come up with a plan and estimated budget, and then it was up to me to prioritize and pare that list down into “need to haves” and “nice to haves.”

There were some things I just couldn’t resist, like the high-end lighting, even though that brought the final budget to triple what we had originally planned. We joked that we’d have to start charging a “lighting tax” along with our sales tax.

We were already doing all this work, I thought, shouldn’t we just do this, too? When is the next time I will have all these tradespeople here, the store closed, and a designer standing by?

When you’re doing something like this, there’s always a danger of “project creep” so you absolutely must plan for your budget to increase. In some cases, we were able to trim the budget by choosing store-bought (local, whenever possible!) options instead of custom-made.

Another important lesson learned was the importance of planning ahead. Our lights arrived five months after we ordered them. Think about the things that will take longer to customize or ship, and get those decisions made and orders placed as far ahead as possible.

Because we’re a retail store, the other planning challenge was finding a time line that wouldn’t be too disruptive to our clients. So we chose Thanksgiving weekend since we would be closed Monday anyway.

The workers started on Saturday night after we closed. We stayed closed one extra day and re-opened Wednesday. I wasn’t sure we would make it, but by Wednesday we were totally ready. A full renovation in four days. Wow!

A Professional Bra Fitting: What a Difference!

We know that there are many women who have never experienced the power of a professional bra fitting. We want to stop this from being the best-kept secret, so we asked one of our customers to describe her first hand experience.

This is Barb’s story:

What were your experiences buying bras like before you started shopping at Brabary?

My bra shopping experiences prior to Brabary were a nightmare for me! I dreaded even going shopping for bras and put it off as long as I possibly could. I would make sure I had a good chunk of time and then head out to a department store like The Bay.

I would walk up and down every aisle looking for something in my size that didn't look like a granny bra...because I am larger, I found that to be an overwhelmingly difficult task! I would take bra after bra into the change room, hoping that one would fit AND look good! Often I would end up in near tears and leave with nothing. It was without a doubt the worst thing to shop for.

What made you decide to give Brabary a try?

I met Jane at the club and she suggested that I come in to see her at Brabary. Others who knew of her and her business also highly recommended her. I was simply hoping to find a better way to shop for bras that didn't depress the hell out of me!

What do you remember about your first professional bra fitting?

I remember feeling a bit self-conscious when I went in for my first fitting. That feeling quickly passed when I realized how knowledgeable Jane and her staff were. It was clear that I wasn't the only busty woman to feel that level of anxiety about bra shopping. They put me at ease right away and instead of guessing what might fit me, they knew exactly what would AND what would look good on me!

What difference has it made to have professional fittings?

When you wear a bra that fits you feel better, you feel more confident and the clothes you wear over top of that bra look better! The professional fittings take the stress out of bra shopping. I no longer have to guess. They have my measurements, size and preferences on file in their computer so even if I can't remember they do!

Thanks to Barb, a Brabary customer and fan.

The Fundamentals of Hospice Palliative Care (FHPCE) is an 8-week course offered by the North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network (NSMHPCN). While designed primarily for health care professionals and other disciplines involved with caring for individuals at the end of their life, I believe this course would be valuable to everyone.

As the course went through the stages of a terminal illness, I found I learned a lot about myself every step of the way.

Getting involved with the NSMHPCN also opened my eyes to what a precious resource Hospice Simcoe is in our community. It is truly a home away from home for people with terminal illness and their families. I didn’t appreciate it fully until one of my friends was admitted.

As I went through the journey with my friend and her family, I watched as they created friendships with other families going through the same thing. Just like at home, groups would sit around with a beer and watch the hockey game, and put together potluck meals and snacks.

Pets are as welcome as other members of the family (as long as their vaccinations are up to date). There are concerts (some of the staff are accomplished performers!) and other events, as well as specialized treatments like reflexology, reiki and massage.

Visit the Hospice Simcoe website or Facebook page to learn more about their valuable work in our community.

Winter 2014 Palliative Care Conference

The annual winter conference of the North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network (NSMHPCN) is coming up on Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at the Grandview Golf Club in Huntsville. The theme is “Consent, Capacity & Compassion Fatigue.”

I’ll be there as an exhibitor in my role as the owner of Brabary, but I’ll also be there as a participant. I always find the sessions incredibly informative and helpful, and the tools I learn there I can relate back to all areas of my life and business.

I first started attending back when I met someone who was involved in putting on the conference. Her mother was in town and needed a prosthesis, so they found their way to us at Brabary. She suggested we get involved with the conference, since so many health care professionals aren’t aware of the options for their patients – and other people in their lives who may need prostheses.

This upcoming event got me thinking about all the different resources that are out there for people who are going through a cancer journey, such as Gilda’s Club (emotional and social support), Canadian Cancer Society (rides to treatment and lots of information), or retail stores like ours that provide products and personalized fittings and support.

Click here for a registration form for the conference.

Personal Post from Jane DeCola, Owner of Brabary

I recently became involved in the Barrie chapter of 100 Women Who Care and it has been such a rewarding experience already. We meet four times a year, and each woman or group of women donate $100 at each meeting ($400 total for the whole year). When that money is pooled together it makes a real difference to a local charity.

Any member can nominate a charity, and then three charities are randomly chosen to present at each meeting. If the charity you recommended was chosen for the short list, you give a brief presentation to the group about why you think it should receive the money. Then the group votes to come up with a winner.

In August we voted to support the Children’s Aid Foundation with two special projects: sponsoring 17 children and three social workers to travel to Africa on life-changing experience, and sending a number of children to camp for a week in the summer.

In September we raised $7,000.00 and our funds went towards The Barrie Food Bank to provide nutritional snacks to school age children in the community.

The business networking and social connections are happy by-products of the main purpose of the group, which is to pool together our small contributions to make a huge impact in our local community.

Part of our vision at Brabary is to give women a sense of empowerment and confidence. Being part of this group of local women who get together to support a common cause helps me fulfill this vision.

If you’re interested in joining 100 Women Who Care in Barrie, visit their website today at http://www.100whocarebarrie.ca/. I’ll see you there!

Preparing Your Children for University or College

Having recently gone through the process of preparing a child for university out of province, we were reflecting on how much was involved, and what tools were most helpful for getting it all done.

Most universities offer in-depth guidelines for students moving into residence, and their parents who are helping them prepare. They provide things like moving lists, residence room layouts and dimensions, photos and videos. We relied heavily on the Dalhousie Residence site.

We knew it was important to get a hold of as much of the bedding and kitchenware items as we could ahead of time, since the few days at the beginning of school would be such a madhouse in the stores around campus.

We took advantage of stores like Bed, Bath & Beyond, who will ship right to a university residence or a local store so items are there when the student arrives.

If your child is travelling a farther distance, you definitely have to be more organized, even thinking as far ahead as the winter months. Do you pack their winter clothes? Ship them later? Will they be home for a visit in between?

Undergarment essentials include lots of socks and underwear (Hanky Panky for the girls, Saxx for the guys) so they don’t have to do as much laundry. Also be sure girls have enough sports bras to stay active and avoid the “freshman 15.”

What are your best tips for having a child away at university or college?

7 Cooling Tips for the Dog Days of August

Now that things are finally warming up here in Barrie, Ontario, we wanted to offer some ideas for when the heat starts to get unbearable.

1. Ceiling fans can be effective at cooling your house, but note that other types of fans may just re-circulate the hot air (learn more in this article at Berkeley Wellness).
2. Closing your blinds during the day and opening your windows at night can be a very efficient way of cooling your house. See more money-saving cooling tips in this article from the Money Mini blog.
3. A cool bath before bed – or anytime – can be a refreshing way to lower your body temperature. For your bedding, special breathable fabrics are available that keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
4. Choose clothing made of similar fabrics that can keep you cool all day long by protecting you from the sun’s rays and wicking away moisture. Speaking of sweat, be sure to wash your bras even more regularly in the summer to help them last longer.
5. To cool your body from the inside out, stay hydrated with water and other non-alcoholic beverages. To make water a little more exciting, try adding fruits and vegetables such as cucumber, lemon, mint and strawberries. These also work to drain your lymphatic system and help with circulation.
6. For a cool, fresh and natural dessert or snack, try frozen fruit. Cut up fruit into bite size pieces and freeze in a single layer on a lined baking sheet (approximately one hour), then store until it’s time to eat. Try frozen bananas, berries, kiwi, mangos, oranges, pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, or grapes.
7. As you’re sitting to work, relax, or enjoy your refreshing drink or snack, place a cool cloth or frozen bag against the back of your neck.

The summer is short, so enjoy it by keeping yourself cool and comfortable.

Lingerie Tips for Bridesmaids and Mothers of the Bride

While bridal dresses may have a built-in corset, bridesmaids and mothers of the bride usually need to take care of that foundation separately.

After all, you’re going to be in many of the wedding photos, and also want to make the best impression in those important mementos. With the investment you’ve already made on the dress, shoes, hair, accessories and more, don’t neglect the essential ingredient of an attractive and comfortable wedding day outfit.

Without proper-fitting lingerie, mothers of the bride and bridesmaids may not feel or look your best, constantly adjusting or pulling at straps or waistlines, instead of focusing on the precious occasion.

Depending on your outfit, bridesmaids and mothers of the bride may need:

• Strapless bra
• Halter bra - if the front of your dress comes down lower, you can try a transferable bra that can either go across the back or be worn like a regular bra
• Control wear for nice smooth lines

Tips for buying lingerie for a special occasion:

• Plan ahead and shop early (some items and sizes may need to be special ordered)
• Bring the dress or a photo of you wearing the dress
• Have a professional fitting - you'll be amazed the difference it makes and once you have a proper fitting bra you'll want to wear it every day

Fun Ideas for Bridal Showers

Are you planning a bridal shower this summer? Here are some ideas to spark your creativity:

Boasting a beautiful waterfront, Barrie would be the perfect place for a bridal shower on the beach (check out these décor ideas). Set up manicure and pedicure stations for the ultimate pampering experience for the bride and her guests.

Match the shower theme to the bride’s interests, whether that means starting with a round of golf or a DIY craft activity. Then move on to refreshments, gifts and party games.

Purse bingo is perfect as an icebreaker for groups where not everyone knows each other. Make up some bingo cards with common (and not so common) items, and call out one at a time. The catch is you have to find someone else who has the item in their purse – it can’t be in your own purse. When you find someone with the item, circle the item on your card, until someone fills up a row and calls “Bingo!”

A lingerie store is a fun and unique setting for a bridal shower. Guests can bring cash instead of gifts, and the bride creates a wish list of lingerie items to spend her gift dollars. All guests can have a personal fitting to see and feel the latest products on the market. If guests do choose to purchase anything, some stores like Brabary apply a portion of that amount towards the bride’s purchase.

Wherever your bridal shower is located, the one-size-fits-all Hanky Panky thongs make a fabulous gift. You can even throw in a pair of Saxx for the groom.

Getting Fitted for a Breast Prostheses

In a previous post, we discussed the importance of breast prostheses, not just for confidence and self-esteem, but for health and comfort to compensate for the missing weight of whatever portion of the breast or breasts was removed.

After recovering for 3-6 weeks in a post-surgical camisole, it will be time to visit a specialty boutique and get fitted for a breast form. At Brabary no appointment is required, but check with your local store to be sure. You want the swelling gone completely from the surgery in order to get a proper fit. It’s also important for all the sutures to be healed and closed to prevent infection when putting on something more tightly fitted like a bra.

Here are a few things to note:

Breast form (prosthesis): One brand, Amoena, includes a silicone additive that helps equalize your body temperature and keep you cooler.

Swimwear: There are special prostheses available for swimwear, with a special cavity so water flows through and doesn’t add any more weight.

Bras: A breast prosthesis requires a good bra. There’s weight to it, and the bra must be able to support it, or it will be uncomfortable and you won’t want to wear it. At Brabary we can customize any bra for a prosthesis by adding a pocket – free of charge; you don’t have to buy a pre-made prosthesis bra.

Government assistance: In Ontario, the government will reimburse you every two years for 50% of the cost of a breast form. If there is a significant size change in your breast form, because of swelling or significant weight loss or gain, the government will reimburse you in between that two-year period. See the Ontario Ministry of Health website for more details and the most current regulations.

At Brabary, we will fill out the reimbursement claim form for you. You should also check with your insurance company to see if they cover the balance. Whatever is not covered by either the government or your insurance, can likely be claimed as a medical expense on your tax return (check with your accountant to be sure).

Also give your accountant all of your mileage records and receipts for gas, meals and parking for all medical appointments and procedures so you can claim those as well. These costs all add up and you’ll find that every little bit helps.

Breast Prostheses – Pre-Surgery Considerations

Many people think breast prostheses are cosmetic, but a breast prosthesis is a medical device, recognized by the Ontario Ministry of Health as part of their Assisted Devices Program.

Prostheses are not just for visual affect, they compensate for the weight that’s taken away when part or all of a breast is removed (there are partial prostheses available for those who have only part of the breast removed). A breast prosthesis is weighted and sized to match your natural breast, which keeps one side of the body balanced with the other. Otherwise, the hips, shoulders and the spine can get out of alignment.

A woman shared that her mother was in her 70s when she had a mastectomy, and never gave thought to a prosthesis. “Who’s going to see it?” she thought. Eleven years later, she underwent extensive spinal surgery because of the imbalance the loss of breast weight had caused.  

Because there will be so much to think about after your surgery, you can reduce some of that stress by planning ahead. One thing to consider is a post-surgical camisole. These garments have many special options – you can step into it and pull it up without straining your arms, and it also has a drainage tube pocket that can be removed later when no longer needed. It also has pockets for a single or double fiber fill.

In a follow-up post, we’ll look at the next steps in being fitted for a prosthesis.

Getting Yourself Ready for Spring

Need a boost to clear away the cold weather doldrums and fully embody the spirit of spring? It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to liven up your life from the inside out.

1. Explore the latest hot spring colours with a brightly-coloured bra or pair of Hanky Panky panties. All day long you can smile to yourself, knowing that you’re wearing spring under your clothes.
2. Spread the love to others by flashing a colourful pair of Falke capri leggings, sunglasses or shoes, or a fun and fashionable scarf. Looking for some unique ways to tie a scarf and get a whole new look? Check out this Nordstrom video.
3. Put on your walking shoes and head outdoors to rejuvenate your senses and experience the joys of nature. Spring isn’t just about getting out and smelling the roses, you can try a new scent yourself from your favourite fragrance store.
4. Wake up from your hibernation by shaking up your routines so you’re forced to pay attention to what’s become automatic. Take a new route to work, brush your teeth with the opposite hand, or set a goal to have conversations with three strangers every day.
5. Instead of plain water, add cucumber, lemon or fruit slices for added colour, flavour, and health benefits.
6. Feeling particularly brave? Ask your hairdresser to surprise you with a new look for spring.

What will you do to boost your spirits and welcome the warm weather? 

Bring Spring into your Home

Tulipe by Shan - available at Brabary

With temperatures rising, you’re likely finding plenty of excuses to get outside – whether it’s tending to the newly thawed lawn, longer walks, or fun group sports outdoors. There are also plenty of things you can do indoors to bring in the feeling of spring. Here are a few ideas:

• Have fun with potted plants that you can eventually move outdoors or plant in the garden. As a bonus, plants also freshen up the air inside your house.
• Tulips are a lovely symbol of spring, as are other fresh cut flowers you can use to adorn the house.
• Brighten up your décor with colourful accessories like throw pillows – choose pillows or fabrics to make your own.
• Fill a vase with lemons or green apples. For more ideas on how to bring spring’s hottest colours into your kitchen, check out these countertop accessory ideas from the Marilyn Denis Show.
• Let spring greet you and your visitors right at the front door. Put together or purchase a spring-themed wreath or go one step further and paint your front door in a nice bright colour.

Don’t forget about Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 11^th. A beautiful flowering tree will help Mom bring spring indoors as well, and a Brabary gift certificate will give her the chance to look and feel her best with the help of a professional fitting and consultation. Mothers give so much and put everyone’s needs before their own – let’s give back to Mom!

How to Choose a Sports Bra

Now that spring is here and people are getting back outdoors and into warm weather sports, it’s time to look at how your bra is supporting those activities. Did you know that each and every time you bounce during strenuous physical activity, you stretch your breast tissue and cause irreparable damage?

A proper sports bra will not only protect you and keep you comfortable during exercise, it’s also another fashion item that matches the gorgeous colour trends of the season. If you’re comfortable, sports bras can be worn as a single top alone, you don’t necessarily need a tank top over them.

There are different styles of sports bras, with some that look very much like a regular bra, and others that come in the racer back style. While a racer back bra doesn’t have shoulder straps that can slip down on you while you’re working out, they do tend to put more pressure on your upper shoulders and neck. Keep that in mind while you’re choosing the best bra for your needs.

An expert fitting will help you determine your own personal preference for style and fit. Beware of the myth that a sports bra should tightly bind your breasts to keep them stable while exercising. Your bra should never compress the breast tissue, but should support it. Wearing two bras, or a bra that is too tight, will do far more harm than good, blocking circulation of the breast tissue.

Sports bras use highly technical fabrics that wick away moisture as you’re working out and sweating, so you don’t have to worry about being in a wet bra or having sore, chafed, red skin.

Depending on your favourite forms of exercise, you can choose sports bras with different levels of support. Look for numbers or descriptions such as 1/minimum support (e.g., for yoga) up to 4/maximum support (e.g., for running or aerobics). 

Spring Colours for 2014

The snow mountains are melting, the grass is peeking out, and the temperatures are finally starting to climb – yes, spring is here! From our first glimpse at the colours and designs, we had the sense that this spring is going to be fun. We’re all tired of the dark and dreary of winter, let’s come out of that and get a little more lighthearted and play!

We’re seeing more on the coral line of colours, with a punch of neon. This makes for an interesting contrast, where you might have a coral blush pink bra with just a pop of chartreuse (neon green). It’s a fascinating juxtaposition of bright colours onto these nice subtle colours.

Bright green is a popular colour trend for the spring, while different shades of blue will be ongoing right into fall. Blue has already been around for awhile, so it’s surprising how long it’s hanging on!

At Brabary we’ve even brought in a little bit of white, in keeping with the North American trend of white and nude t-shirt bras and white lace. Now keep in mind that whites don’t stay white for long. They get yellow very quickly, so if you’re refurbishing your wardrobe, you might want to choose some new articles to brighten things up.

As the temperatures heat up, it’s also worth looking at technical fabrics that breathe better and keep you more comfortable. Rather than rigid, molded cups, they use what’s called a spacer or 3D fabric – it’s like a weave with pockets of air in between.

As with the start of any new season, this may also be a good time to be fitted and make sure your bras are still fitting properly. Your bra should be supporting 65% of the weight of your breast tissue. If it’s not fitting properly, you’re carrying that weight in your neck and shoulders, which can cause headaches, back pain, neck pain and irritability.

If it doesn’t fit properly, your bra can be your worst enemy. If it does, it can be your best friend.

Unique North American Lingerie and Sleepwear

In many communities around North America, there is a movement going on to encourage consumers to shop locally. The benefits are that the money you spend is reinvested back into the community, and it helps local shop owners thrive and give back.

At Brabary, we’ve extended the Shop Local movement with a quest to source as many North American-made products as we can, so when you’re supporting us as a local business you’re also supporting other businesses committed to local manufacturing and staffing.

It’s no longer necessary to go to Europe for unique, high-end luxury lingerie and sleepwear (though they do still tend to be ahead of us when it comes to bras and getting a true fit).

While our last post featured one Canadian-made brand of swimwear and resort wear (SHAN), today we’ll share a variety of North American vendors we’re proud to feature in our store.

ARIANNE was founded in 1947 in Quebec and makes tops, camisoles, loungewear, lingerie and sleepwear.

Christine, created by designer Christine Morton, was the first line of silk lingerie designed and manufactured in Canada (Vancouver, BC). Customers include Oprah, Gwyneth Paltrow, Diana Krall, and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Mary Green (San Francisco, California) – Called "a visionary of ethical and sustainable entrepreneurship," Mary Green's sleepwear is made from the finest Chinese silk and has been featured in all the top fashion magazines.

Saxx (Vancouver, BC) – Men’s underwear line created out of a frustration with men’s underwear that was not designed for how men are actually built.

Forever New – Finally, to care for all of these delicate products, there is the Toronto-based company The Forever Group, makers of eco-friendly gentle laundry soap Forever New as well as other laundry accessories. Visit their site for cleaning tips.