Carolina Avendano
Carolina is a Canada-based writer and journalist who enjoys learning and sharing information about how to lead a meaningful life. She is passionate about traditional culture, handmade crafts, the connection between humans and nature, and human rights.
The Traditional Tea Ceremony, and Enjoying Its Essence at Home
First discovered in China, tea was spiritually embraced in Japan for its beauty and simplicity, and the tea ceremony became an enduring element of Asian culture – present in everything from protocols at imperial courts...
24 Meaningful Resolutions That You Can Achieve in 2024
Another year has gone by in the blink of an eye. Both good and bad experiences have left us with memories and priceless lessons that inspire our resolutions for the coming year. While achieving material...
Hats and Headwear – A Timeless Accessory With Cultural and Spiritual Significance
Headwear has been part of human culture since the beginning of history. Covering the head and wearing hair accessories not only served practical and decorative purposes, but also played an important role in showing respect,...
Daisugi – A Solution to Deforestation at the Heart of Japanese Culture
Rooted in the Japanese philosophy of living in harmony with nature, the practice of daisugi dates back to the 14th century, when the great demand for wood to build tea rooms in Kitayama Prefecture led...
Ammolite – An Iridescent Gemstone Symbolizing Divine Assistance
In southwestern Alberta, where the vast prairies meet the peaks of the Rocky Mountains, lies the world's most abundant supply of a rare and visually striking gem. Ammolite, or gem-quality fossilized ammonite, is found almost...
Reviving Chivalry, and the Timeless Character of a Gentleman
My first interaction with chivalry dates back to my childhood, when my father would gently wipe away my tears with his signature handkerchief. I felt privileged to be able to use the beautiful piece of...
Give Thanks! 20 Tips for Keeping Gratitude at the Heart of Thanksgiving
As Thanksgiving approaches, many wonder whether the spirit of the holiday has faded. Faced with the stress of preparations and the inclination for indulgence, we might forget why we gathered in the first place. In...
The Unhealthy Trend of Online Everything, and How to Recover Human Connection
The Covid pandemic marked a before and after in the lives of countless individuals. Not only did it modify our daily activities, such as the way we cooperate with colleagues or receive a school lecture,...
Chinese Persecution Survivor Warns of Transnational Repression in the West
Yinghua Chen is a Chinese persecution survivor who immigrated to Calgary, Canada four years ago. During her time in China, she was arbitrarily imprisoned three times, forcibly separated from her family, and subjected to torture...
Using Pectin – In the Kitchen and as a Supplement (Recipe)
Anyone who has ever made jams or jellies is surely familiar with pectin. This natural soluble fiber is famous for serving as a gelling agent which, when combined with sugar, acid and heat, can thicken...
Carolina’s Proven Guide to Natural Curl Care
As a South-American, curls have been an inevitable part of my life. Truth be told, embracing my curls has not been easy. I've gone through periods where I would straighten my hair every day, or...
The Four Beauties of Ancient China, and How They Shaped History
In Chinese history, four beauties stand out not only for their exquisite appearance, but also for the significant role they played in the fate of their respective dynasties. Although their physical appearance was remarkable in...