How To Make Your Day More High Energy (INFOGRAPHIC)
Ok, so it’s extremely obnoxious when someone greets you on Monday morning with “Have a case of the Mondays?”
How satisfying would it be to reply with a simple, “Nope, feeling fantastic!”
Popular magazine Redbook has put together a list of things you can do to improve your energy levels throughout the week, making the sluggish Monday start a thing of the past. A few tips that stand out to us are:
- Wake up at the same time everyday.
- Work out before heading in to work.
- Have a healthy snack at 4 p.m.
- Write down your task list for tomorrow before heading to bed.
- Sleep on a half-empty stomach.
Check out all the tips in the INFOGRAPHIC below:
Top 10 #PRTips Of The Week: January 21, 2015
Here are our Top 10 PR Pro Tips for this week, selected from Twitter. Remember to submit your own PR pro tip using the hashtag #PRTip or #PRTips. Your tweet could be featured here next week!
Attend events in your area: biz, professional, trade, civic, religious, social, online, etc. Learn to network well. #PRTips
— Pure PR (@PurePROKC) January 21, 2015
Prepare pitch points w/all pertinent facts before your pitch. #PRTips
— Cyndy Hoenig (@CyndyHoenig) January 21, 2015
When pitching by phone, speak w/enthusiasm & vigor. If you don’t believe in your message, no one else will. #PRTips
— Pure PR (@PurePROKC) January 21, 2015
#PRtip of the day – adapt your press release/article depending on the publication. One size doesn’t fit all!
— LexRex Comms (@LexRexComms) January 21, 2015
Before pitching a client to media, spend some time and research a top 25 critical targets list. Putting in the work upfront pays off. #PRtip
— Publicity Dude (@PublicityDude) January 17, 2015
The media wants action, not ideas. They want to know how it works. Make it work first, then go after coverage. #PRTips
— Pure PR (@PurePROKC) January 21, 2015
#PRTip: Link to your own gift guide of your own products on Pinterest when pitching Valentine’s Day. #TuneUp #TinShingleTip #PinterestTip
— Tin Shingle (@TinShingle) January 7, 2015
#PRTip: Write FB status in 3 sentences or less. Longer msgs show “see more” to appear & doesn’t appeal to users. http://t.co/XZUIRzJNFg
— IndraPublicRelations (@indraPRGroup) January 7, 2015
Pitches I hate: Interviews with CEOs. Unless it’s a one-person company, CEOs are useless to me. Also see: Irrelevant celebrities. #prtip
— Sarah♥ (@geeklil) December 19, 2014
#PRTip: In working w/bloggers, posts aren't guaranteed w/out a contract and/or paid sponsored post. #thinkfpra #fpra (via @urbanblissmedia)
— Northwest FL FPRA (@fpranwfl) January 21, 2015
Toronto Recording Artist Dee Bronte releases first full length album “Preface”
10-track studio release produced by industry veterans who have worked with the likes of Madonna and Michael Jackson.
Toronto, ON (January 20, 2014) -Dee Bronte’s first full length album “Preface”, a beautifully mastered blend of pop, R&B and urban sounds with an acoustic twist, is now available on iTunes. Listeners can expect a unique vocal tone with a wide range of dynamics that serve to propel story-lines in each of the album’s 10 tracks. On top of the full length studio album, Ms. Bronte recently released a stunning collaboration with recording artist Deion, entitled “The Landmark EP”.
“Preface” is the perfect demonstration of how powerful eloquent songwriting and an honest vocal performance can be. The album was produced by Norm Sabourin who has an extensive resume ranging from working with John Legend to 98 Degrees. This full length studio album includes songs like “Bring It Back” and “Say It Loud”, mastered by the very talented Brian Malouf who has worked with music icons Madonna, Barbara Steisand, David Gray and Michael Jackson. Other tracks of note include the album’s 2014 lead single “Same Mistake” (a collaboration with Toronto recording artist VITAL) and the emotionally charged “Wonder”.
On top of releasing her first full length album, Dee Bronte demonstrates her talent has no bounds by collaborating with rising star Deion. Deion Reverie is a gifted singer and producer whose style ranges from pop and indie to alternative music. The couple’s hauntingly beautiful collaboration on The Landmark EP shows the true diversity and capability of Dee’s voice and songwriting abilities.
“Playful and honest. Sarcastic and vulgar. I am always exploring my relationship with various styles of music. I want to create memorable tracks that reflect the layers of the human condition,” says Dee. “For me, writing music is about sharing creative expression. It has no bounds, that’s part of its marvellous appeal.”
Dee Bronte’s album “Preface” can be purchased on iTunes for $9.90 . “The Landmark EP” can be streamed on Soundcloud.
For more information, photos or interview requests, please contact:
Cory Stewart | Embrace Disruption PR
p: 647.638.1586 | e: cory@embracedisruption.com
About Dee Bronte
Dee Bronte has always had an intense passion for the arts. Being a graduate of the prestigious Toronto-based Randolph Academy, Dee has had the opportunity to perform in various musicals, including Little Shop Of Horrors, Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat, Into the Woods, Oliver, You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown and many others. In an effort to achieve more creative development and face new challenges, Dee joined a Broadway rock band in 2009 called “Stagehands”.
In 2013, Dee met Norm Sabourin, a music producer who has worked with the likes of John Legend and 98 Degrees. Dee worked with Norm to develop her sound and vocal performances on what is now Dee Bronte’s first full-length album entitled, “Preface”.
Website: deemusicofficial.com
Twitter: @DeeBronteMusic
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DeeMusicNow
Instagram: @deebrontemusic
Valentine’s Day by the Numbers (INFOGRAPHIC)
With Valentine’s Day less than a month away, we found ourselves wondering just how much is spent each year on the holiday of love. After a quick search, we stumbled on an INFOGRAPHIC from History.com and Column Five that details some of the numbers behind the holiday.
Among other highlights, some stats that stood out to us include:
- The most purchased flower shop pick for Valentine’s Day is mixed flowers.
- Men spend on average $150 each year, compared to women who spend $74
- 58 million pounds of chocolate are bought during the holiday
- 150 million cards and gifts are sent each year
Read more in the INFOGRAPHIC below:
The 87th Academy Award Nominations (and a printable Oscars ballot!)
(Image source: Timeout.com)
The 87th Academy Award nominations have finally been announced! With just over a month to start making your predictions, we thought we would share the nominations, along with a printable ballot for you to download (for your inevitable Oscar party). Let us know in the comments below who you think will be taking home the coveted golden statues!
To download the printable Oscars ballot, click here.
Best Picture
“American Sniper”
“Birdman”
“Boyhood”
“The Grand Budapest Hotel”
“The Imitation Game”
“Selma”
“The Theory of Everything”
“Whiplash”
Best Director
Wes Anderson, “The Grand Budapest Hotel”
Alejandro González Iñárritu, “Birdman”
Richard Linklater, “Boyhood”
Bennett Miller, “Foxcatcher”
Morten Tyldum, “The Imitation Game”
Best Actress
Marion Cotillard, “Two Days, One Night”
Felicity Jones, “The Theory of Everything”
Julianne Moore, “Still Alice”
Rosamund Pike, “Gone Girl”
Reese Witherspoon, “Wild”
Best Actor
Steve Carell, “Foxcatcher”
Bradley Cooper, “American Sniper”
Benedict Cumberbatch, “The Imitation Game”
Michael Keaton, “Birdman”
Eddie Redmayne, “The Theory of Everything”
Best Supporting Actress
Patricia Arquette, “Boyhood”
Laura Dern, “Wild”
Keira Knightley, “The Imitation Game”
Emma Stone, “Birdman”
Meryl Streep, “Into the Woods”
Best Supporting Actor
Robert Duvall, “The Judge”
Ethan Hawke, “Boyhood”
Edward Norton, “Birdman”
Mark Ruffalo, “Foxcatcher”
J.K. Simmons, “Whiplash”
Best Adapted Screenplay
Paul Thomas Anderson, “Inherent Vice”
Damien Chazelle, “Whiplash”
Jason Hall, “American Sniper”
Anthony McCarten, “The Theory of Everything”
Graham Moore, “The Imitation Game”
Best Original Screenplay
Wes Anderson and Hugo Guinness, “The Grand Budapest Hotel”
Dan Futterman and E. Max Frye, “Foxcatcher”
Dan Gilroy, “Nightcrawler”
Alejandro González Iñárritu, Nicolás Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris and Armando Bo, “Birdman”
Richard Linklater, “Boyhood”
Best Foreign Language Film
“Leviathan”
“Ida”
“Tangerines”
“Timbuktu”
“Wild Tales”
Best Documentary Feature
“CITIZENFOUR”
“Finding Vivian Maier”
“Last Days in Vietnam”
“The Salt in the Earth”
“Virunga”
Best Animated Feature
“Big Hero 6″
“The Boxtrolls”
“How to Train Your Dragon 2″
“Song of the Sea”
“The Tale of The Princess Kaguya”
Best Film Editing
“American Sniper”
“Boyhood”
“The Grand Budapest Hotel”
“The Imitation Game”
“Whiplash”
Best Original Song
“Everything is Awesome” from “The LEGO Movie” (written by Shawn Patterson)
“Glory” from “Selma” (written by Common and John Legend)
“Grateful” from “Beyond the Lights” (written by Diane Warren)
“I’m Not Gonna Miss You” from “Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me” (written by Glen Campbell)
“Lost Stars” from “Begin Again” (written by Gregg Alexander, Danielle Brisebois, Nick Lashley and Nick Southwood)
Best Original Score
Alexandre Desplat, “The Grand Budapest Hotel”
Alexandre Desplat, “The Imitation Game”
Johann Johannsson, “The Theory of Everything”
Gary Yershon, “Mr. Turner”
Hans Zimmer, “Interstellar”
Best Cinematography
Roger Deakins, “Unbroken”
Emmanuel Lubezki, “Birdman”
Dick Pope, “Mr. Turner”
Robert Yeoman, “The Grand Budapest Hotel”
Lukasz Zal and Ryszard Lenczewski, “Ida”
Best Costume Design
“The Grand Budapest Hotel”
“Inherent Vice”
“Into the Woods”
“Maleficent”
“Mr. Turner”
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
“Foxcatcher”
“The Grand Budapest Hotel”
“Guardians of the Galaxy”
Best Production Design
“The Grand Budapest Hotel”
“The Imitation Game”
“Interstellar”
“Into the Woods”
“Mr. Turner”
Best Sound Editing
“American Sniper”
“Birdman”
“The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies”
“Interstellar”
“Unbroken”
Best Sound Mixing
“American Sniper”
“Birdman”
“Interstellar”
“Unbroken”
“Whiplash”
Best Visual Effects
“Captain America: The Winter Soldier”
“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes”
“Guardians of the Galaxy”
“Interstellar”
“X-Men: Days of Future Past”
Best Short Film, Live Action
“Aya”
“Boogaloo and Graham”
“Butter Lamp”
“Parvaneh”
“The Phone Call”
Best Short Film, Animated
“The Bigger Picture”
“The Dam Keeper”
“Feast”
“Me and My Moulton”
“A Single Life”
Best Documentary, Short Subject
“Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1”
“Joanna”
“Our Curse”
“The Reaper”
“White Earth”
Ditch Your New Year’s Resolution Day is January 17, 2015: 5 online tools to avoid falling back into bad habits
Toronto, ON (January 13, 2015) – Did you know: Saturday, January 17, 2015 is officially deemed “Ditch Your New Year’s Resolutions Day”? With just 8% of people actually achieving their yearly resolutions (Statistic Brain, 2014), Helpling.com, a web-based platform for booking home cleaning services, is providing five easy online tools that can help you curb the urge to ditch your newly-made personal vows.
“Most people start the New Year with good intentions, but after returning from holidays and getting back into the busyness of life, resolutions have a tendency to be forgotten. A lot of people don’t even bother making resolutions because they don’t think they can maintain them,” says Helpling.com managing director Blake Connoy. “With the growing ability to manage our lifestyles online, the Helpling team has five simple online tools that you can use to help keep your resolutions on track.”
Helpling.com offers the following to ensure Torontonians stick to their goals over the next 12 months:
5 Online Tools To Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions
1. Stick To A Healthy Diet: Eating better is on everyone’s agenda in the New Year. Nowadays, you don’t need to resort to ordering a greasy pizza online, as there are plenty of home delivery services that send healthy fresh-made food to your door. Not only is this a great way to better your eating habits, but it also takes the guess work and effort out of planning healthy meals. Some examples of Toronto-based delivery services include fresh food from ChefsPlate.com and EssentialMealDelivery.com, which allow you to follow a meal plan based on your lifestyle.
2. Keep Your Home Clean: A recent survey conducted by Helpling.com revealed that Torontonians want clean homes, but only 5% actually enjoy cleaning. Get a fresh, clean start to your 2015 by usingHelpling.com to take care of the dirty work. Helpling allows you to book a local, experienced, and insured cleaner in just a few clicks for just $25 an hour – taking the stress out of keeping up with your cleaning in the New Year.
3. Keep Fit: While you may vow to go to the gym in the New Year, it doesn’t always happen. There are some amazing apps that allow you to track and keep up with a fitness routine at your own pace, in the comfort of your home. Some of these include: Human (an app that encourages you to get your 30 minutes of activity each day) and Instant Fitness (an app that provides easy workouts for you to do anywhere).
4. Save More Money: Tracking your money can be a real bore, but with sites like Mint.com, you’re able to set budgets, analyze your spending (how much you’ve spent on entertainment, food, etc. each week), and get a hold on where you should scale back — all without having to sort through your monthly bank statements.
5. Learn Something New: Improving your skills and furthering your knowledge (whether for work or for personal growth) is another popular resolution. Learning company Lynda.com allows you to select online courses that you can complete at your own pace from home. Whether web design, photography, business, software or creative skills, there are tutorials available online for you to increase your learning in the New Year.
For more information, photos or interview requests, please contact:
Cory Stewart | Embrace Disruption PR
o: 416.963.9857 e: cory@embracedisruption.com
About Helpling:
Helpling Canada is a fast-growing company based in Toronto. The company’s mission is to make home cleaning services conveniently accessible to customers at a transparent hourly rate. Launched in Toronto in December 2014, Helpling is an online platform for booking cleaners quickly. The service is also available in Germany, where the global headquarters are based, as well as Austria, France, Sweden, Italy, Brazil, Spain and the Netherlands. Helpling is supported by Rocket Internet, the world’s largest internet incubator.
Website: http://www.helpling.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/helpling
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/helplingca
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+HelplingCa
Instagram: @helplingca
Helpling.com Reveals Toronto’s Dirty Little Secret
Sure, we all put cleaning on the “to-do list”, but do we actually get around to it? Helpling.com (a $25/hr online booking service for cleaning) introduced a new INFOGRAPHIC today that suggests we’re not as clean as we think. Check out the results below:
Toronto startup Helpling launches $25 per hour online home cleaning service
Global platform aims to mop up the residential cleaning market in the GTA
TORONTO, ON (December 9, 2014) - Helpling, a global web-based platform for booking home cleaning services, has officially launched in Toronto this month. After a rapid expansion across Europe, the company has entered the North American market with a location-based full-service solution that allows customers to find home cleaners in just a few clicks. At a transparent $25 per hour rate, the service is one of the most competitively priced in the Canadian market.
With the growing success of location-based service solutions being offered across Canada, such as taxi-services and food deliveries, Helpling enters the market at a crucial time. 1.6 million Canadians are outsourcing their home cleaning (Statistics Canada, 2013) and the demand for the service is expected to increase due to growing high and dual-income households and the ageing baby boomer population.
According to a Helpling estimate, 95% of residential cleaners in Canada are currently working in the shadow economy, posing risks for both customer and cleaner. Helpling’s platform has significant potential to change the underground culture of home cleaning by incorporating standardized testing, criminal record checks, liability insurance and an electronic payment system for proper documentation of transactions. 
“Helpling’s mission is to deliver full-service, effective and trust-worthy home cleaning to busy Torontonians. We want to remove the stress of booking a home cleaner for our customers by providing a reliable and legal way to get the job done,” says Helpling country manager Blake Connoy. “With a simple web-based booking system and competitive pricing, we’re confident Helpling is the best solution for residential cleaning in the city.”
How it works
Customers can book a Helpling in just three easy steps: enter their location, make an appointment and pay securely online. The service costs a transparent $25 per hour (including taxes) and will match consumers with a local cleaner in mere seconds. After the service is complete, customers are instantly able to save, rate and re-book their cleaners, adding another layer of convenience to the service. Helpling personally interviews and tests all cleaners and requires a criminal record check before listing partners on the platform. All cleaners are also insured.
After recently receiving $17,000,000 USD in the first round of funding, Helpling has set up headquarters in the heart of downtown Toronto. In the coming months, Helpling plans to expand to other major cities across Canada.
For more information, photos or interview requests, please contact:
Cory Stewart | Embrace Disruption PR
o: 416.963.9857 e: cory@embracedisruption.com
About Helpling:
Helpling Canada is a fast-growing company based in Toronto. The company’s mission is to make home cleaning services conveniently accessible to customers at a very transparent hourly rate. Launched in Toronto in December 2014, Helpling is an online platform for booking cleaners quickly. The service is also available in Germany, where the global headquarters are based, as well as Austria, France, Sweden, Italy, Brazil, Spain and the Netherlands. Helpling is supported by Rocket Internet, the world’s largest internet incubator.
Website: http://www.helpling.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/helpling
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/helplingca
Instagram: @helplingca
Two Seriously Ill Brothers Help Create Teddy Bear To Raise Funds For Charity
Two Seriously Ill Brothers Help Create Teddy Bear To Raise Funds For Charity
Brothers Matteo and Nicco are newest designers of Starlight Children’s Foundation™ Canada’s 6th collectible bear, “Hiya”.
TORONTO, ON (November 25, 2014) - Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada in collaboration with Toys“R”Us Canada is proud to release their 6th Limited Edition Collectible Starlight Bear, Hiya. Designed by brothers Matteo and Nicco, Hiya is sold in Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores across the nation. A portion of Hiya’s sales will fund Starlight’s in and out-of-hospital programs, brightening the lives of seriously ill children across Canada.
Both brothers, Matteo (five years old) and Nicco (three years old) have been battling cancer. At 16 months old, Matteo was diagnosed with the rare form of bladder cancer, Rhabomyosarcoma. During Matteo’s 3.5 years of treatment (resulting in the removal of his bladder and prostate), his brother Nicco was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Nicco now begins his chemotherapy treatment with Matteo by his side in remission.
Matteo, Nicco and their family bonded over the creation of the 2014 bear. Hiya is the name of Matteo and Nico’s favourite blankey; a double sided cozy and warm blanket they take everywhere. The bear was crafted to feel just like that same blankey, and named after a term their grandmother uses meaning “sleepy sleepy”. The brothers included a gold and purple ribbon on the bear’s foot, representing childhood cancer awareness, and the fight of thousands of other children living with life threatening illnesses.
“The Starlight bear provides the opportunity to share stories of strength and courage with our supporters across the nation,” said Starlight executive director, Brian Bringolf. “We feel honoured to share Matteo and Nico’s moving story through our important and meaningful partnership with Toys”R”Us Canada.”
With the support of both employees and customers, Toys“R”Us Canada has raised over $12 million dollars for Starlight in the last 15 years.
Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada’s collectible bear Hiya is $14.99 and available in Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores across Canada and online at http://bit.ly/hiyabear
For photos of Hiya, the brother designers and their family, please follow: http://bit.ly/hiyaphotos
For more information, photos or interview requests, please contact:
Cory Stewart | Embrace Disruption PR
p: 647.638.1586 | e: cory@embracedisruption.com
About Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada:
Starlight Children’s Foundation™ Canada is part of Starlight’s global network, serving kids and families through partnerships with more than 130 healthcare facilities. Over the past 30 years, Starlight has become a leading global charity that partners with experts to improve the life and health of kids and families around the world. Collaborating with innovators in pediatric healthcare, entertainment and technology, Starlight provides a unique blend of family-centered programs and services from hospital to home. Starlight partners with more than 1,750 healthcare facilities and pediatric hospitals in Australia, Canada, Israel, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States, serving millions of children every year.
Website: http://starlightcanada.org
Twitter: @StarlightCanada #Hiya
Facebook: http://facebook.com/starlightcanada
YouTube: http://youtube.com/canadastarlight
About Toys“R”Us, Canada:
Toys“R”Us (Canada) Ltd., is part of Toys“R”Us, Inc., the world’s leading dedicated toy and juvenile products retailer. Toys“R”Us, Canada operates over 80 stores across the country. For store locations and convenient online shopping visit www.toysrus.ca or www.babiesrus.ca.
World’s Largest Independent LGBTQ+ Archives To Host 2nd Annual Fundraising Disco Gala At Toronto Reference Library
World’s Largest Independent LGBTQ+ Archives To Host 2nd Annual Fundraising Disco Gala At Toronto Reference Library
TORONTO, ON (November 11, 2014) - Mirror balls, platforms, bell bottoms and sequins will make their return to the Toronto Reference Library’s Bram and Bluma Appel Salon on November 29, 2014, as the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives (CLGA) hosts their 2nd Annual Disco Gala, sponsored by TD Canada. Hosted by Vancouver drag sensation Symone Says, the celebratory evening boasts live entertainment, dinner, live auction and a full-out disco dance party.
Beginning at 6:00 p.m., hundreds of disco-clad guests will enter the fully transformed salon to enjoy a cocktail reception while exploring the many event offerings including a dress-up photo booth, archival displays, silent auction and 50/50 draw. Following the reception, attendees will enjoy a gourmet dinner provided by à la Carte Kitchen, along with entertainment from Michelle Ross, the Toronto All-Star Big Band, DJ Mark Oliver and more.
The CLGA is pleased to welcome an extensive group of new and returning supporters of their 2nd annual Gala. Supporters include: TD Canada, Xtra!, Norton Rose Fullbright Canada Inc., Dr. Kevin Russello & Associates, BMO, Sherbourne Health Centre, à la Carte Kitchen, Toronto Public Library, Colio Winery and Mill Street Brewery.
“Contributions from individuals and organizations generate significant benefits long after the last dance at our annual gala,” said CLGA president Dennis Findlay, “With supporter help, the CLGA can continue our many community initiatives and important work of preserving hundreds of thousands of archival materials, making them safe and accessible for generations to come.”
Tickets to the CLGA’s 2nd Annual Disco Gala are $175.00 and can be purchased by visiting http://bit.ly/clgagala.
For media accreditation, photos or interview requests, please contact:
Cory Stewart | Embrace Disruption PR
p: 647.638.1586 | e: cory@embracedisruption.com
About the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives:
The Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives (CLGA) is the largest independent LGBTQ+ archives in the world. With a focus on Canadian content, the CLGA acquires, preserves and provides public access to information and materials in any medium. By collecting and securing important historical records, publications, magazines, newspapers, photos, films and other paraphernalia, the CLGA cares for LGBTQ+ histories now and for generations to come.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CLGArchives
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CLGArchives
Tumblr: http://canadianlesbianandgayarchives.tumblr.com
YouTube: http://bit.ly/1eAg4mB
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