14 June 0

Celebrate Canada 150 | Toronto Events

By: Dana Sondak

Canada, a country of new beginnings, acceptance, freedom, All Dressed chips and Coffee Crisp chocolate bars. We’re the land of maple syrup, poutine and hockey.

To commemorate Canada’s 150 birthday there are some special events happening across Canada. Here are some events happening in Toronto

Snap & Share Photo Contest

Toronto City Hall & Nathan Phillips Square

Entry period: May 15 – July 31 | No cost to submit entry

Every year Toronto holds a photo contest. This year, the contest returns with a special TO Canada with Love category. This gives the opportunity for people to submit their photos of Toronto’s parks, natural spaces and recreation centres for a chance to win prizes and has their photos featured in City of Toronto publications. Share your photos on social media with #SnapShareTO, and submit your entries at toronto.ca/photocontest.

Canada Days

When: June 30 to July 3 | Cost: Free

Prepare for four days of fun with this citywide celebration. There will be a four-day festival at Nathan Phillips Square from June 30 to July 3 and one-day events at Mel Lastman Square, Humber Bay Park West and Scarborough Civic Centre on July 1. Barenaked Ladies, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, dvsn, Belly, Basia Bulat and much more will be performing at these locations throughout these days, so don’t miss out! Full details can be found on toronto.ca/canadadays.

ROMWalks Plus: 150 Years of King Street

When: June 11, July 2, August 13, September 10 | Cost: Tickets: $10.00

Take a tour down King Street East and see how the community, businesses, public buildings, shops and transit have evolved from fruition to present day. These tours are rain or shine, so be prepared to bring an umbrella! Click here for full details.

Carly Rae Jepsen with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra

When: June 17 | Cost: $75.00

The “Call Me Maybe” singer herself is making her must-see TSO debut! JUNO Award-winning and GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen will be performing her hit singles at Roy Thomson Hall with a full orchestra. Definitely not to be missed! Click here for full details and tickets.

Splash!: Canada 150

When: June 23 | Cost: $35.00

This year, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is hosting a special event series with five themed parties throughout the year! On June 23, swim over to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada to celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday. This event is 19+ and will feature Canadian-themed music, food, drinks and an epic Caesar bar. Sharks, jellyfish and Caesars? Count us in! Check out the other themed parties that will happen later this year and buy tickets here!

Ontario 150 Tour

When: July 1 – August 13 | Cost: Free

From July 1 – August 13, the Ontario 150 Tour will travel to six ports in Ontario to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary. Featuring the West Coast Lumberjack Show, the World’s Largest Rubber Duck, Rhythm of the Nation (Rythme de la Nation), live music and lots of fun. Who wouldn’t want to see the World’s Largest Rubber Duck??

Catch the Ontario 150 Tour in any of the following ports: Toronto, Owen Sound, Sault Ste Marie, Midland, Amherstberg and Brockville. For more info click here.

Downsview Park Canada Day Festival

When: July 1 | Cost: Free

For those that don’t want to make the trek downtown, head over to Downsview Park for food, rides, music and fireworks display at sunset to end the day with a bang! (No pun intended). Fun for the whole family! **Disclaimer: entry may be free, but food and drink are not. For more information click here.

Nuit Blanche Toronto

When: September 30, 2017| Cost: Free

The sunset to sunrise contemporary art event is back for its 12th year in Toronto. This year’s theme “Nuit Blanche 2017: Many Possible Futures” focuses on Canada’s history as a nation.

The installations will focus on notions of Identity and Nationhood, including Migration, Displacement, Colonialism, Power and Privilege, Settlement, the Natural Landscape, Distance, Exploration, Adaptation and Reconciliation. See a full map of art installations online at nbto.com.

How are you celebrating Canada’s 150th? Let us know on social media!

Twitter: @glo_comm

Facebook: @glocommunications

Instagram: @glo_comm

-Team GLO

31 May 0

Five Minute Makeup Routine for an on-the-go PR Professional

By Dana Sondak

Mornings can be tough, and having to apply your makeup at 8 a.m. can be a daunting task, especially when it can be hard to even get your eyes open. We’ve put together a five-minute makeup routine to make your lives easier.

Skincare

Having a skincare routine will make your makeup application easier, faster and flawless. Cleanse and hydrate your face at night and first thing in the morning. Consistency is key for clear skin. We love The Ordinary line which is under the umbrella of Deciem: The Abnormal Beauty Company. There are three products we love, which will help hydrate your skin and get it ready to apply makeup. Prices range from $4.90 to $17.80. All the products are lightweight and fragrance-free. No fuss, no frills; truly “clinical formulations with integrity”.

Step 1: Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG | Price: $6.70

This water-based solution will help with those pesky undereye bags and puffiness.

Step 2: Salicylic Acid 2% Solution | Price: $4.90

Use this to help clear any current breakouts and prevent future ones.

Step 3: Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA | Price: $5.80

This lightweight and fast absorbing cream is the last step to leave your skin hydrated and prepped for makeup. Price: $5.80

Now we’re ready for a quick makeup routine that will leave you feeling polished and professional.

Primer

Start with an illuminating or dewy primer to make your makeup last longer, look smoother and give your skin a healthy glow. NYX Cosmetics Born to Glow Illuminating Primer is a great option for a low cost ($20 CAD).

Concealer

Next, spot conceal under your eyes and on any blemishes, you want to cover up. No need for a full face of foundation. Using a bit of concealer will still give you the coverage you want, and take away the chance of having cakey foundation throughout the day.

Powder

Most people wouldn’t consider this a necessary step; we think otherwise. Dust a light layer of any powder over the concealer to make it last longer, look more natural and keep oil at bay.

Bronzer or Blush

If you want a more bronzed contoured look, use any brush and dust your favourite bronzer along the hollow of your cheeks (line your brush up with your tragus and the corner of your mouth as a guide) and the corners of your forehead. You’ll look sunkissed and put together.

If you’re more into a rosy flush, use a bit of blush on the apples of your cheeks to add some colour and life to your face and skip the bronzer (or use both if you’re feeling rebellious).

The Elf Beauty Blush and Bronzer Duo have both in one convenient package.

Eyebrows

This step may be unnecessary for some but lightly filling in or shaping your eyebrows can make you look polished. Use a tinted brow gel, like the Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel and comb through your brows to help fill in sparse areas by mimicking real hair strands, and keep the hairs in place (and going in the right direction).

Mascara

A bit of mascara goes a long way. Apply on top and bottom lashes (yes, even the baby bottom lashes). This will open your eyes, making you look more awake and complete the look. Don’t waste your money on a high-end mascara. The Colossal Volum’ Express mascara by Maybelline has a mega brush to separate and lengthen for clump-free lashes.

Tinted Lip Balm

Finish the look by using a tinted lip balm to hydrate your lips and give them a light wash of colour. You can throw one in your purse and reapply without worrying about smudging your lipstick, or sticky lipgloss.

Tips

For an even faster makeup routine find multi-use products. Nudestix Nudies is an all over face colour that’s quick and easy to use. Swipe on your cheeks, lips and eyes and blend with your finger or the brush conveniently on the other side of the stick, for a natural “no makeup” makeup look.

Use a hydrating mist for a midday boost. This will freshen up your makeup and add some moisture giving you a fresh glow. The Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater retails for only $9 CAD, and is small enough to keep in your purse.

Have your own makeup tips and tricks? Let us know in the comments!

Twitter: @glo_comm

Facebook: @glocommunications

Instagram: @glo_comm

– Team Glo

8 May 0

6 Coffee Shops Perfect for Every PR Meeting

By Dana Sondak

Coffee culture in Toronto is booming.

From Thornhill’s Sorelle & Co., to Fashion District’s Quantum Coffee, there’s sure to be a coffee shop with latte art you can Instagram.

With coffee shops popping up in every area, it’s easy to find a cozy spot to have client meetings.

The benefits of having meetings outside of the office?

You get to leave the office for a bit, giving you a break from sitting at your desk.
Creates a comfortable space for both parties. Meeting in a public setting relaxes the meeting, and makes it easier to connect on a more personal, rather than just a professional, level.
Coffee is always a perk.

Here are six coffee shops in Toronto and the GTA that are perfect to take your clients to while experiencing Toronto’s growing coffee scene:

1. Sorelle & Co. | Thornhill

Located in a revamped post office, this cafe is sure to bring out your inner Prince/Princess attending a tea party. The interior is decorated with sparkling round, diamond chandeliers, white couches and chairs fit for Royalty. Not only is Sorelle & Co. a worry-free* cafe with a ton of sweet treats to choose from, they also serve soup, salad, wraps and paninis.

What we recommend: Crinkle Chocolate Cookie and a Soy Milk Latte. No dairy here.

* Worry-free: They are completely gluten-free, soy-free, sesame-free, nut-free, preservative-free and vegan.

Click here for more on Sorelle & Co.

2. Rooster Coffee House | King St. East

With it’s laid back, hipster vibes and comfy couches, Rooster Coffee House is the place to take your chill clients. The staff is super friendly, the latte art is always on point (and delicious), and their baked goods are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Because you can’t have coffee without a cookie, right?

What we recommend: any latte. Let them amaze you with their latte art skills.

Click here for more on Rooster Coffee House.

3. Dineen Coffee Co. | Financial District

Located walking distance from Union, King, and Queen subway stops, Dineen Coffee Co. is a convenient spot for meetings. It’s impressive size compared to most Downtown Toronto coffee shops with lots of seating adds to the great atmosphere. There may be peak hours but you’re sure to find a quiet spot to sit and chat with your client or co-worker.

What we recommend: The Temperance Espresso Blend, and a fruit and yogurt parfait.

Click here for more on Dineen Coffee Co.

4. Cafe Neon | Queen St. West

This Queen West cafe offers more than great coffee. Taking inspiration from Greek Cafe’s (Kafenio) for the name and the overall feel, Cafe Neon serves as a great place for any business meeting, or extended coffee break. With tons of seating and a great lunch menu you can please your clients with just a coffee, or a lunch meeting.

What we recommend: Winter Salad Bowl (add the goat cheese and grilled chicken).

Click here for more on Cafe Neon.

5. Five Elements Espresso Bar | Yorkville

Yorkville is a hub for great coffee but 5 Elements Espresso is our favourite. A ton of comfortable seating to hold a meeting, spread over three levels. There are also a great selection of snacks, like protein balls or energy cookies to go with your warm drink, and lunch options.

What we recommend: Matcha Almond Cookie.

Click here for more on 5 Elements Espresso Bar.

6. Quantum Coffee | Fashion District

This spacious and airy coffee shop on the corner of King and Spadina is a great option for business meetings. Though there’s minimal seating inside the cafe itself, if you walk towards the back it opens up into a larger room with tables and chairs. This area is open to the public during the day and is an event space at night.

What we recommend: Ethiopian Sidama Guji Pour Over Iced Coffee.

Click here for more on Quantum Coffee.

Twitter: @glo_comm

Facebook: @glocommunications

Instagram: @glo_comm

Happy sipping!

– Team GLO

22 February 0

Five ways to improve your LinkedIn profile

By: Leah Dermo

With so many personal and social platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, it’s no surprise that LinkedIn isn’t the most popular social network. However, what if we told you that by simply sprucing up your LinkedIn profile, you could make an incredible first impression on some of the greatest business influencers in the city? What if we told you there were five simple ways to be exposed to hundreds of amazing job opportunities every day?

Here are some key ways to improve your LinkedIn profile:

1) The photo

Profile pictures have been used since the MSN days, as well as MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more. Although some photos may be acceptable across these platforms, we must consider LinkedIn as a professional account. While it isn’t necessary to dig out your grade twelve prom dress for your profile photo, we do suggest choosing a business casual outfit that you might wear to an interview. Once you’ve chosen the right outfit, stand against a plain background, whether it’s a light or brick wall, and don’t forget to say cheese! It’s been proven that smiling with your teeth will make you look more approachable and trustworthy.

2) Make a clever bio and summary

Most visitors to your profile will decide if they’re going to continue scrolling after the first or second sentence. As a PR or communications professional, you understand the importance of writing, so use this time to shine. You can still be descriptive and witty, but this is your time to highlight critical details about yourself. Just because you don’t have a lot of experience in your field quite yet does not mean you have no experience at all. Think back to all of your part-time, full-time and volunteer jobs leading up to this point. What might be relevant to what you want to do in the future?

Example 1: Jack Smith, PR pro.

Example 2: Jack Smith, Entry level PR pro with five years of hospitality, event planning and volunteer experience.

Your summary should include what your next steps might be, your interests, skill set, goals and areas of expertise. This is a summary of who you are, so try to make it a reflection of you, one that will stand out in the minds of your readers.

3) Proofread, proofread, proofread

Proofread, proofread, proofread. This one cannot be stressed enough. Nothing ruins your credibility faster than a simple grammatical error or a spelling mistake, almost all of which could have been avoided simply by reading your paragraphs out loud. If you know you’re not the best at editing take the time to have someone else look it over. You’ll be much better off when you do.

4) Consistency is key

When writing your job descriptions, make sure you’re using a similar layout while using a variety of words. For example, if you want to use bullet points instead of paragraphs, use bullet points under each job title to describe what you did in that role. Although it’s easy to get caught in the same patterns when writing similar sentences, remember to change up your wording. This will keep your readers engaged.

5) Update regularly

It can be easy to forget job titles or daily tasks once you’re no longer in that role. Update your LinkedIn profile on a regular basis by plugging in this information as you go. Be sure to get credit for your hard work.

It’s no surprise that it can be hard to find a great job your qualified for, and will love, especially if you’re coming straight out of college or university. It’s important to be able to showcase your experiences, abilities and personal brand in the best possible light, so that if an opportunity (or dream job) arises, you’ll be a first choice candidate.

Share your thoughts with us on Twitter and Instagram.

@GLO_comm

Tag Archive for PR

Celebrate Canada 150 | Toronto Events

Five Minute Makeup Routine for an on-the-go PR Professional

6 Coffee Shops Perfect for Every PR Meeting

Five ways to improve your LinkedIn profile

By: Leah Dermo

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