Nail art with the group chat is the new salon night
Big Night In is a series where Canadian experts and creatives share advice on how to spend a magical night at home. It's the ultimate guide to staying in — whether solo or with friends — featuring thoughtfully curated ideas that are anything but routine.
Take the gossip and deep chats offline for a nail-art session together. It's cheaper and more relaxed than a trip to the salon, and gives you the perfect excuse to hang while helping each other with tricky designs.
"It helps if you're in a group with an even number of people so you can work in pairs," said nail-art content creator Alison Nguyen. "That way, you can work on each other's nails or get some assistance, especially with your non-dominant hand."
For a salon experience at home, Nguyen recommends ensuring your "nail station" — whether you're using a desk or coffee table — is decluttered, dust-free and stocked with nail care standards: files, clippers, alcohol wipes and clean brushes for tidying up any mistakes. She also likes to use cuticle softener, a cuticle pusher, a nail buffer and a bright LED light, which you can invest in to take things to the next level.
When it comes to polish, Nguyen prefers a gel formula. But don't worry about breaking the bank on a whole new collection if you're just starting out. "Invest in a few shades you love, and if you want a lighter or darker shade, you can play around and mix the polishes together," she said.
Picking a theme for your nail-art session can be a fun way to stir up excitement and inspiration at the start of the night. "I like to focus on any holidays coming up and come up with a classic nail look incorporating elements of [that day]," said Nguyen. For example, for Valentine's Day, she'd opt for a "French tip with some dainty heart details."
Whatever design you settle on, the process is the same: start by filing your nails, do some cuticle prep, then get painting. Work on your non-dominant hand first while sipping on your drinks and chatting about life, Nguyen advises. Then, when it's time to paint your dominant hand, ask each other for help.
Her top tips to help things go smoothly? Take your time, keep your cleanup brush on standby and remember that less is more. "Don't pick up too much gel polish on the brush to avoid flooding and getting it on your skin," she said.
And, unlike a trip to the salon, there's no need to usher your friends out when you're done. Nguyen suggests putting on a movie and enjoying some dinner as you admire your fresh new nails.
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Cision Canada
10 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Sunwing Vacations, Make-A-Wish® Canada and Planet Hollywood Cancun come together to fulfill the wish of an all inclusive vacation experience for 30 children with critical illnesses Français
First ever Group Wish Trip with three great brands takes flight from Montreal on June 12, with wish kids and their families enjoying a tropical escape to Planet Hollywood Cancun MONTREAL, June 9, 2025 /CNW/ - On June 12, Sunwing Vacations, Make-A-Wish Canada, and Planet Hollywood Cancun will come together to make wishes come true for children facing critical illnesses. Thirty children, who wished for a tropical escape, along with their families, will experience an unforgettable getaway at Planet Hollywood Cancun in Mexico, creating joyful memories that will last a lifetime. This special wish trip embodies Make-A-Wish Canada's mission to deliver joy, hope, and much-needed rest to families facing extraordinary challenges. "We're so excited to partner with Sunwing Vacations and Planet Hollywood Cancun to launch this first-of-its-kind group wish trip—an experience made even more special by its focus on serving Quebec-based families and other Canadian francophone communities," said Meaghan Stovel McKnight, Chief Executive Officer of Make-A-Wish Canada. "From the gate to the resort and all the way back home, we're confident this experience will bring much-needed strength and healing to these wish kids and their families." Departing from Montreal, Canada, the Wish families will enjoy a special Planet Hollywood-branded charter flight experience, featuring caring, bilingual crew, creating a warm and welcoming journey from start to finish. Upon arrival into Cancun, Mexico, the families will be welcomed by Sunwing's trusted local partner, NexusTours, and transported to Planet Hollywood Cancun in style on upgraded private transfers. With every detail designed for star treatment, this all-inclusive resort was chosen for the sense of joy it offers and what it represents for families looking to reconnect, have fun, and create lasting memories together on the pristine shores of Playa Mujeres. "At Blue Diamond Resorts, we're incredibly proud to be part of something so meaningful. Knowing that our Resort plays a role in creating unforgettable memories for these families is a true honor. Planet Hollywood Cancun was built around the magic of storytelling and once-in-a-lifetime experiences and helping bring dreams to life for so many young guests perfectly reflects that spirit," said Jurgen Stutz, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Distribution for Blue Diamond Resorts. Last year, 72 per cent of the wishes Make-A-Wish Canada granted were travel wishes. This highlights the essential role that partnerships with travel organizations play in making these life-changing experiences possible for every eligible child still waiting for their wish to be granted. Sunwing Vacations generously donated the chartered aircraft to make wish travel possible for these 30 families. "At Sunwing Vacations, we believe in the power of travel to uplift, heal, and connect," said Lyne Chayer, Vice President, Sunwing Vacations Group Quebec. "We are incredibly proud to support this first-ever all-inclusive group Wish Trip to Mexico, helping bring joy and cherished memories to children and families who truly deserve a moment of magic. Partnering with Make-A-Wish Canada and Planet Hollywood Cancun on such a meaningful initiative speaks to our shared values of care, compassion, and community." Wishes wouldn't be possible without the dedication and generosity of the Make-A-Wish Canada community. From individual donors to corporate partners, from volunteers to supporters, everyone has the power to help grant wishes. But more support is needed for Make-A-Wish® Canada to achieve their vision of granting the wish of every eligible child. To learn more about the importance, meaning and excitement behind this group wish trip, view this video featuring Meaghan Stovel McKnight talking about the anticipation of the Wish experience: Together, Make-A-Wish Canada, Sunwing Vacations and Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts are proud to help make wishes come true — and are excited to kick off the summer with smiles. Keep an eye on Sunwing's and Make-A-Wish Canada social media channels for all the fun that will be had with Make-A-Wish Canada at Planet Hollywood Cancun. About Sunwing Vacations As the leading vacation provider in Canada, Sunwing Vacations offers more vacation packages to the south than any other vacation provider with convenient direct service from cities across Canada to popular sun destinations across the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. This scale enables Sunwing Vacations to offer customers exclusive deals at top-rated resorts in the most popular vacation destinations. Sunwing Vacations customers benefit from the assistance of our trusted partner in destination, NexusTours, whose representatives greet customers upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. For more information, please visit About Make-A-Wish Canada Make-A-Wish Canada creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We are on a quest to bring every eligible child's wish to life because a wish is an integral part of a child's treatment journey. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness. As an independently operating affiliate of Make-A-Wish International, Make-A-Wish Canada is part of the network of the world's leading children's wish-granting organization. We serve children in every community in Canada, and in 50 countries worldwide. Make-A-Wish Canada has granted more than 40,000 wishes over the past 40 years with 2,011 of them last year alone. For the second year in a row, Make-A-Wish Canada has been named a Great Place to Work and in 2024 was named to the Top 100 Best Workplaces for Giving Back. For more information about Make-A-Wish Canada, visit Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts bring big-screen excitement to some of the most sought-after locales for an all-inclusive experience, where guests can Vacation Like A Star™. From the pristine shores of Cancun to the tranquil beaches of Costa Rica, these all-ages resorts feature authentic Hollywood memorabilia, a world of flavors, themed entertainment and exclusive activities for the entire family, as well as a premium service with the Star Class™ category for a full A-list treatment. While, Planet Hollywood Adult Scene, offer an all-inclusive adults-only glam getaway (18+) ideal for a romantic escape or a fun-filled adventure with friends that will turn any vacation into the center of fascination and attention with glam and exclusivity. This engaging and interactive experience at Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts, includes differentiated brand features and amenities, such as PHabulous Bed™, Plugged In™, Main Event Guarantee™ and star-quality accommodations. To learn more about Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts, visit SOURCE Sunwing Vacations Inc.
The Province
13 hours ago
- The Province
Vancouver lingerie brand Understance sets sights on more Canadian stores
With four bricks-and-mortar stores already open, there are plans to bring the brand to more Canadian cities this year Understance opened its second Metro Vancouver boutique this spring at Metrotown in Burnaby. Photo by Understance Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Vancouver-based lingerie brand Understance is eyeing a further expansion across Canada. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The company, which was founded in 2021 and is subsidiary of the international lingerie manufacturer Shenzhen Huijie Group Co., offers size-inclusive lingerie, including bras in sizes 28A to 48N. With four bricks-and-mortar stores already open, there are plans to bring the brand to more Canadian cities this year. We caught up with company director Jiayi Lyu to learn more. Q: What is Understance? A: Understance is a Vancouver-based lingerie brand. We take a solution-oriented, rather than fashion-oriented, approach to making undergarments. Our goal is to make all of our customers feel comfortable and supported. Q: What makes it unique? A: What sets Understance apart is our focus on fit, comfort, and education. We offer one of the most extensive size ranges available in North America, from cup sizes A to N and band sizes from 28 to 48. We split bras into eight size groups and take a tailored approach to each. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. On our website and at our stores, we guide you to the best match for your size and shape. We've built proprietary resources like Branatomy, an educational page that helps customers better understand their breast shape and how it impacts bra fit. Our products are engineered to be as functional as they are beautiful. Our innovations, like FlexWire, are a testament to the thousands of hours our product team spends in the fitting rooms. Q: Who is the target customer? A: Our customer is anyone who wants to feel supported, understood, and comfortable, especially those who have felt overlooked by traditional lingerie brands. That includes people going through life transitions like pregnancy, post-surgery recovery, and weight changes, more mature customers who prioritize fit and comfort over trends, and anyone with unique fit challenges. We believe everyone deserves to feel good in their bra, and in their own skin. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Q: Is there a hero design in the collection? A: We don't believe that there is a perfect bra for everybody. What works well for 44G simply won't work for 30B. For the petite size range (A-C cups), our core product at the moment is Light 'n Free; for the middle size range (D-DDD cups), we recommend Zoe and Ivy; for the full size range (G-J cups), we recommend Salma and Ginger; and for the fuller size range (K-N cups), we recommend Addison and Dominique. These products best represent the Understance approach: gentle but supportive, forgiving but precise, sophisticated and simple at the same time. Understance opened its second Metro Vancouver boutique this spring at Metrotown in Burnaby. Photo by Understance Q: What more can you share about the brand's store plans following the U.S. tariff changes? A: Due to recent tariff changes affecting U.S. imports, we've made the difficult decision to pause U.S. shipping beginning April 24. With a $59 bra now subject to more than $95 in additional duties, continuing to serve our U.S. customers under these conditions would compromise our commitment to accessible, fair pricing. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In light of this, we are turning our focus to strengthening our presence in local markets, with a particular emphasis on retail expansion across Canada. Our newest boutique in Burnaby's Metrotown Centre marks an exciting step forward. This location allows us to bring our solution-based, inclusive lingerie offerings even closer to Canadian customers and visitors — complete with expert fittings available in-store. Q: What is the price range for the products? A: Our pricing reflects both quality and accessibility. Most bras range between $59 and $72, while our sleepwear and lounge collections start around $45. Q: And where can people learn more? A: At one of our four boutique locations across British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, where our expert team offers personalized fittings and guidance tailored to your unique shape and needs. Each store carries our full range of solution-based lingerie, including exclusive collections and in-depth fit support. You can also explore our entire collection, fit resources, and Branatomy guides online at Read More Vancouver Canucks Sports Local News Sports Vancouver Whitecaps
Japan Forward
14 hours ago
- Japan Forward
Exclusive: Retired Star Satoko Miyahara Still Seeking Future Path
Satoko Miyahara took time from her busy tour schedule to discuss her illustrious career, current work, and thoughts about the future in an exclusive interview. Satoko Miyahara dazzles during her performance in one of the 2025 Rock Stars on Ice tour stops. (©TRI NGUYEN) SAN JOSE, California ― Three years removed from her competitive career, Satoko Miyahara is just entering the prime of her life and the possibilities going forward are limitless. The 27-year-old Miyahara recently completed a grueling month-long tour of Canada and the United States with "Rock Stars on Ice." This marked the fourth year that the four-time Japan champion has skated with the group, which included the likes of two-time world champion Ilia Malinin and fellow world titlist Alysa Liu. Miyahara took time out from the busy tour schedule for an exclusive interview with Ice Time, where she discussed her illustrious career, current work, and thoughts about the future. Ice Time asked the two-time world medalist how she came to be the only Japanese skater with the Stars on Ice troupe. "When I retired from competition, I really wanted to do shows overseas," Miyahara stated in a quiet room inside the SAP Center before a Sunday afternoon show. "I was skating as a guest skater in Stars on Ice Japan. That was the very first connection. My agent contacted the producer of SOI and asked if I could join the Canadian tour, and the answer was positive." Satoko Miyahara in a recent file photo. (SATOKO MIYAHARA/via INSTAGRAM) Renowned for her beautiful line and edge on the ice, I wondered whether she enjoyed competitions or show skating more. "I think I like shows better, but I really like the training process toward competitions," Miyahara commented. "So it's hard to decide which. Just talking about the actual performance, I like to perform in shows. "I think at competitions I pressure myself too much and I never thought that I did my best programs at competitions. But when it comes to shows, it is more about how you perform, and you can do the programs you really want to do." Satoko Miyahara (JACK GALLAGHER) Her successful career has brought her a legion of fans in various parts of the globe, and along the way she has earned several nicknames. Ice Time wanted to know which one was her favorite. "I adore them all," Miyahara remarked. " 'Satopi' is from (former training partner) Ayaka Hosoda and it's my oldest nickname. 'Satton' comes next because one of my friends who trained with me gave me that name. "It's so funny, to say our nicknames in Western Japan, it's a very Kansai nickname. The pronunciation is Sat-ton, but the people in Kanto cannot really pronounce it right. Even between skaters we always have fun talking about that." The final moniker is believed to have been originally bestowed upon her by foreign fans. " 'Tiny Queen' I love because my fans gave me that name and it always brings me the feeling that I should be honored about myself and be like a tiny queen. I tend to shrink and feel like I am not good enough. 'Tiny Queen' brings the feeling that I should be proud of myself and show my best." Satoko Miyahara Added Miyahara, "I don't know if it was foreign fans or Japanese fans who came up with the nickname, but everybody knows it means me." Satoko Miyahara competes in the women's short program at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. (©SANKEI) When one has had as decorated a career as Miyahara has, I was interested in hearing her memories of the Pyeongchang Olympics, where she came in fourth in 2018. "I was very, very, very happy with both the team event (Japan finished fifth) and my individual event," Miyahara proclaimed. "Both were a great result. For me, the Olympics were the biggest goal, so I was so happy that I was able to get that opportunity to participate in the competition. The whole event felt like I was in a wonderland. That is my biggest memory." Ice Time was in Pyeongchang and vividly remembers Miyahara's outstanding performance, where she finished behind Russians Alina Zagitova and Evgenia Medvedeva, and Canada's Kaetlyn Osmond. From left, runner-up Satoko Miyahara, gold medalist Elizaveta Tuktamysheva and third-place finisher Elena Radionova in the women's singles competition at the 2015 World Figure Skating Championships in Shanghai. (DAVID W CARMICHAEL/CC BY-SA 3.0/via WIKIMEDIA COMMONS) Miyahara, a two-time Grand Prix Final medalist, considers the 2018 Games to have been the pinnacle of her career, but also cited a couple of other competitions as being high on her list of favorites. "The Pyeongchang Olympics was my highlight," Miyahara recalled. "Also, the very first worlds (2015), where I got the silver medal, those were my two highlights, thinking of the results. "But program-wise, the Grand Prix Final in Barcelona (where she placed second in 2016)," she continued. "I really felt like I was doing my programs without any doubts, [and] I felt really free. Program-wise, performance-wise, that was my best." Rock Stars on Ice performer Satoko Miyahara has participated in its shows in North America since 2022. (JAMES BENNETT) After addressing the glorious moments of a career that earned her seven medals at the Japan Championships, Ice Time wanted to know if she had any competitive regrets. "I don't have any competitions that I regret, but if I can say one, the very last season of my career," Miyahara remembered, referring to her fifth-place finish at the 2021 Japan Championships. "It was the selection competition for the Olympics. I fell on my [triple] lutz and, I don't know, but if I landed it, I might have been selected for the Beijing Olympics." Miyahara continued: "I still question if I had landed it, but it is what it is and I don't regret it at all. I'm so happy right now, so I have no regrets." Satoko Miyahara in 2018. (ⒸSANKEI) To call Miyahara's family successful is a bit of an understatement, as both of her parents are doctors. Ice Time asked for specifics on their fields of practice. "My mom is a hematologist and my father is a lung surgeon," Miyahara noted. Growing up around that high level of professional achievement, I wondered if she felt any anxiety about life after skating. "I don't feel any pressure, because my parents really respect my opinions," Miyahara commented. "They say, 'You should do whatever you want to do.' " She then said, "They support me a lot. Maybe a tiny bit they would like me to attend medical school. I don't know. This is my guess. They really respect me and I respect them." Miyahara, who won the Four Continents Championships in 2016, confessed that she does not have a firm plan about her future path at this time. "I actually do not know what I want to do," Miyahara remarked, adding, "I just want to experience whatever I can. Whatever comes along my path, I would like to try everything and see what I want to do and what I don't want to do. I am searching for what I want to do." Added Miyahara, "I just have to see what I want to do in the future. I think because I don't know what I want to do after skating, that is making me feel worried a little bit." Satoko Miyahara (front row, center) and other members of the 2025 Rock Stars on Ice tour. (SATOKO MIYAHARA/via INSTAGRAM) As she continues her career as a professional skater, Miyahara has begun to dabble in choreography, including creating a new exhibition program for three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto. Ice Time wanted to learn the origin of that arrangement. "I recently started to work with some kids and I did one show program with a senior girl, Miyabi Oba," Miyahara stated. "She's my great, great friend. Because I did that a lot of skaters thought, 'Oh, you do choreography?' Kaori was one of the skaters, and she just texted me, 'Is it OK if I ask you to make my exhibition program?' "I was like, 'It is such an honor, but are you sure that you want me to make your exhibition program?' Miyahara recalled. "And she was like, 'I would love you to.' " Miyahara admitted she had some trepidation about the task. "I was a bit nervous, but I wanted to take on that challenge," Miyahara said, adding, "I really love Kaori, so I accepted it." While she enjoys doing choreography, Miyahara isn't considering it as a primary vocation looking ahead. "I don't see myself doing choreography as a main job in the future. But as a life experience and to bring it to my next career," Miyahara stated. "I think it is going to be a great opportunity and experience. For now, I really enjoy working on choreography and studying about it. It could be a side job in the future." The 152-cm Miyahara was coached by Mie Hamada for her entire career. Ice Time asked for her thoughts on the legendary mentor, who is still going strong. Mie Hamada (KYODO) "She started coaching me when I was seven and a half," and "basically brought me to the Olympics. Baby to the Olympics. She taught me all the basic skills and skating skills, and how to practice, how to train, how to train off ice." Satoko Miyahara on mentor Mie Hamada Added Miyahara, "She brought me to all the amazing choreographers overseas, jump coaches, spin coaches. [And] she took me everywhere that we could go. I think that made me a good skater. I really appreciate her." Having learned under a prominent coach for so many years, the question of whether Miyahara would someday like to coach herself was broached. "Not for now," Miyahara stated. "I have been thinking about if I really want to coach after finishing competing. But so far, I never felt that I wanted to be a coach. It is very difficult." One new assignment that Miyahara has taken on is that of a director for the Japan Skating Federation, which she assumed in September 2024. I asked how that opportunity came about and what it entails. "Ito-san (JSF chief Hidehito Ito) called me and he asked me if I would like to try or not," Miyahara recalled. "He asked if it was OK if he selected me as a director. I had no idea at that time what I could do. [And] I thought it might be a good chance to contribute to the skating world. So I thought I would like to try it." Miyahara then gave a brief description of what her role with the JSF is. "There are a few faculties in the JSF," she noted. "I am in the headquarters. There are meetings and I attend those meetings. We talk about events and how the event went. We discuss how we can make things better. That is what I am doing now. I am still learning about how it all works. We meet once a month, in Tokyo or online." Miyahara's popularity among the skating public and her fellow skaters is well known. Her sublime skating skills, dedication to her craft, and ability to interact with her fellow competitors through the years have made her a highly respected figure in the sport. Kaori Sakamoto (left) and Satoko Miyahara are seen at the Fantasy on Ice show at Makuhari Messe in Chiba on May 31. (KYODO) Ice Time queried Miyahara on who she considered her best friends in skating after all these years. "That is such a hard question," Miyahara replied. "In Japan, probably Kaori, Wakaba [Higuchi] and Rika Hongo. Those three are the closest. Of the boys, Kazuki [Tomono] and Koshiro [Shimada]. I am pretty close to them." Miyahara then said, "I grew up competing with Shoma [Uno], so I know a lot about him. I am very close with [coach and choreographer] Stephane Lambiel, [and] I am also close with the Stars on Ice family members." From left, Japanese skaters Yuzuru Hanyu, Satoko Miyahara, Akiko Suzuki and Takahito Mura are seen in this commemorative photo at a Noto Peninsula reconstruction charity performance in September 2024 in Kanazawa. (©Toru Yaguchi/via SANKEI) Miyahara said she has enjoyed the annual multi-city tours of Canada and the United States with the SOI team. "It's really fun because I like to travel and see the city," Miyahara commented before adding, "it's very interesting to see all the places. I don't really know exactly on the map which city is where, but it's so amazing that I can see all the places and skate there. It's hard to say which city is the best." Miyahara mentioned that the evening performances give her a chance to explore the different stops on the tours. "It's amazing because I get to see all the different venues and rinks," she noted. "We have the shows. Usually Sundays are matinees. Weekdays it is from 7 PM, so I have time during the mornings to walk around." Having spent so much time outside Japan for training, competitions, and shows in her career, Ice Time wanted to know if she was interested in living abroad at some point in the future. "I would like to have the chance to live overseas someday," Miyahara replied with a smile. Author: Jack Gallagher The author is a veteran sports journalist and one of the world's foremost figure skating experts. Find articles and podcasts by Jack on his author page , and find him on X (formerly Twitter) @sportsjapan .
