Hack is a word that typically carries a negative connotation. Whether it represents an inept professional offering a second-rate service (e.g. any psychic or tarot reader), the illegal infiltration of a computer system, or a nasty dry cough, the term doesn’t exactly convey a sense of usefulness or productivity.

Still, the word hack has yet another definition to its name, and one that is more suitable for our purposes: a technique used to solve everyday problems in living. These can be applied to just about any facet of routine life, but on this fateful Travel Tuesday we will explore hacks as they pertain to—you guessed it— all of your globetrotting needs.

10 CLEVER TRAVEL HACKS

SUITCASE

Place a dryer sheet in your bag to keep clothes smelling clean. The sheets can also be used to remove static from clothes and hair.

LIQUIDS

Use plastic wrap under the caps of your liquids to avoid spills.

SCARVES

Roll scarves around an empty paper towel holder to prevent wrinkles.

JEWELRY

1. Use buttons to pair earrings.
2. Store rings in a medicine organizer.
3. Thread necklaces and bracelets through a straw to prevent tangles (works for earphones too).

POWER CABLES

Pack a power strip so that you only need one adapter. Also solves the problem of limited outlets in airports.

PACKING SHOES

Keep clothes clean by placing dirty shoes in a disposable shower cap.

EMERGENCY SKIN KIT

Create a paste with crushed aspirin dust or pierce an Advil Liqui-Gel, apply to unsightly pimples to reduce inflammation. Soak cotton balls in Visine and dab affected area to eliminate redness.

HEAVY BAGS

Use a bathroom scale to weigh your bag before flying to avoid penalties for surpassing the airline’s weight allowance.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.

It’s MAKE-IT-UP MONDAY and Diary’s SONIA PRICE rocks your world with another perfect SONIA’S SELECTS on the beauty front. Go crazy:

1. BOBBI BROWN CREAMY MATTE LIP COLOR.

2. INGLOT MATTE COLLECTION AMC LIP PENCIL.

3. YVES SAINT LAURENT ROUGE PUR COUTURE MAT LIPSTICK.

4. NARS VELVET MATTE PENCIL.

5. T. LECLERC LE ROUGE THEOPHILE MATTE LIPSTICK.

6. KEVIN AUCOIN THE MATTE LIP COLOR FOREVER.

In light of the Father’s Day dinner many are about to enjoy (any moment now), I thought it fun to play a little true or false re: several of the rules our parents ‘attempted’ to drill into our still impressionable brains as youngsters. Happy dining.

Elbows off the table!

True … and false. As long as there is no food before you, elbows may rest on the the table (6-10 year olds rejoice). If, however, there is a plate remaining, elbows must be kept faaaarrrr from the table until clearing (even if a meal is finished).

Finish your meal!

True!  While I was once under the impression that it was good form to leave a small bit behind (thereby appearing less of a Miss Piggy), as it turns out, mum and dad were correct; It is perfectly acceptable (and in keeping with good manners) to complete a meal, though by no means a necessity should one not be that hungry.

Keep your fingers out of it!

Generally true. But there are several exceptions: When eating shrimp cocktail with the tails on, when enjoying canapés (each should be placed between the thumb and middle fingers with the index below to lend support), when served lamb chops (be sure to grip individual chops by the cleaned rib bone) and, of course, when dining on Indian food.

Don’t Lick Your Knife!

True – for all obvious reasons.

Don’t talk with your mouth full!

This is true with a capital T. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Even as an adult well schooled in etiquette, I still routinely find myself faced with extreme awkwardness when addressed with a question mid-chew. The solution? While not perhaps a remedy embraced by protocol masters the world over, shifting food to one side of the mouth while speaking out of the other (and focusing the gaze downward) definitely helps.  It’s a bit of an acquired skill but does do the trick.

As for baseball caps and cell phones? Both require separate posts that are currently in the works. Stay tuned. In the meantime …

I have to say I’m really enjoying the resurrection of STUFFTHATREALLYWORKS every post-partying MAKE-IT-UP MONDAY.  There’s something incredibly satisfying about sharing products I love and return to time and again because they’re just that good. Hope you visitors agree. May us social gals (and dudes) look fabulous FOREVAH!

Today’s offering, the SK-II Facial Treatment Mask, is one of my all-time favourites and if ever stranded on a desert island would be a leading must-bring. (In fact, this award-winning skin-saver might top said cosmetics survival list becuz the effect it has on dry, parched skin is nothing short of … revolutionary).

Soaked with the company’s miracle ingredient, Pitera, the mask itself is light and replenishing and feels soothing and cooling upon application. But the beauty party really gets underway once you remove it and head out on that hot date or to the big ball where, for whatever reason, you have to look your absolute best.

Clear, non-greasy, replenishing Pitera, beloved by red carpet queens like Cate Blanchett, is SO good, you’ll look like you’ve had work (even if you’re a millennial).

Ready yourself for a post-application onslaught of “OMG, you look A-MA-ZING! What did you do?!” (to which you’ll smile demurely and chalk up to clean living unless the compliment giver is good peeps deserving of the truth).

As for that fancy price tag? Think of it as a fraction of the cost of the real work you’ll need if you don’t indulge now.

 Happy glowing.

ACCESSORIES GO LIVE: A snake charmer was just one of many novel entertainers.

Dreamy Marrakesh was the theme (Luxe Rentals/Location Gervais outdid itself). Peeps were of the high profile variety (think JON HOUNTALAS, executive vice president of CIBC Business Banking). And a record-breaking $350,000 was raised for the Jewish General Hospital’s research and treatment based vascular health program.

WITH HEART & SOUL: Event co-chair GARY WECHSLER and wife WENDY.

Heck, if that doesn’t thrust the 2013 JGH CIBC Benefit Tennis Gala, expertly helmed by co-chairs GARY WECHSLER, DEMO TRIFONOPOULOS, and GEORGE ITZKOVITZ into big success territory, I don’t know what does …

BELLY DANCERS BEGUILE.

Bravo and encore.

Photos: MARC MURI.

For the forgetful, the absent-minded or the just plain daft, a simple reminder is in order: Father’s Day is this Sunday. It’s time to celebrate he who gave you life. However, while Mother’s Day is easy (like Valentine’s Day but for moms), Father’s Day is a beast all its own. What does one get for the man who has it all? If your dad is anything like mine, the last thing he wants is another tie. So, this year, give your old man something he’ll actually enjoy. With a little inspiration from the following suggestions, you’ll not only make his day but also retain your status as favourite child (as if there was ever any competition).

 DAPPER DAD

BREAKDOWN

GRENSON Stanley Leather Wingtip Brogues, $350, at MrPorter.com  

Perfect for everything from a navy suit to his favourite jeans, these burnished lace-ups are a wardrobe necessity for any dapper dad – and they’ll look even better a little worn in.

BONOBOS Champlain Blazer, $298, at Bonobos

This lightweight chambray blazer in a daring hue is a strategic buy for all dashing dads who like to make a  statement. Go for it.

ARTEL Glacier Whiskey Tumbler, $330.75, at Artedona

 A bold man needs a bold drink, and a bold drink deserves a bold glass. Designed to mimic ice, this tumbler will   make your already cool dad even cooler.

ALFRED DUNHILL Bulldog Sterling Silver Cufflinks, $320, at MrPorter.com

Every accessory counts for a well-turned-out man, right down to his cufflinks. And there’s nothing like a great pair of cufflinks to add just the right dose of wit and personality to an otherwise serious or professional look.

LONDON UNDERCOVER Collapsible Bamboo-Handle Umbrella, $94, at MrPorter.com

A little rain never hurt anyone – especially with a slick umbrella. This bamboo-handled selection is the optimal gift for debonair dads looking to stave off the next rain shower in style.

GUCCI Pour Hommes II, $76, at Sephora

Old Spice isn’t enough. With alluring notes of bergamot, cinnamon, tobacco leaves and white musk, Gucci Pour Hommes II is the embodiment of male sensuality. Stock up on some this Father’s day and you’ll win brownie points with dad … and mum.

PARTY PATRIARCH

BREAKDOWN

BROOKLYN BREW SHOP Beer Making Kit, $49.50, at Indigo

This DIY beer kit is the ultimate gift for the party dad who likes to keep things fresh. The added bonus? He’ll never have to worry about an empty fridge.

RAG & BONE Slim Fit Jeans, $195, at Holt Renfrew

Fathers who like to live the party (there goes the Diaryspeak) can’t go wrong with a classically cut pair of dark wash Rag & Bone jeans that work just as well in a casual environment as a preferred party setting.

J.CREW Secret Wash Slim Fit Check Cotton Shirt, $58, at MrPorter.com

While your party patriarch probably owns a bunch of check and/or plaid shirts, chances are he doesn’t have one this vibrant. And why not? Because you haven’t bought it for him yet. While the traditional cut says business, the multicolour gingham says party time.

BEERLICIOUS: THE ART OF CHILLIN’ AND GRILLIN’ by Ted Reader, $19.79, at Indigo

This real man’s cookbook ingeniously combines two of your social dad’s favourite things – beer & barbecue – into one useful gift. Even better, you’ll likely be among the first to reap the rewards of his enhanced culinary skills.

CONVERSE Chuck Taylor All-Star Lows, $59.99, at Foot Locker

Party-ready dads should never be without a poppy pair of Chucks; Low top styling makes for low-maintenance slide-on style while bold shades get the party started.

HENDRICK’S Dry Gin 750ml, $43.75, at SAQ

Whether party dad likes a Dry Martini, Lemon Collins or simple G&T, Hendrick’s is unsurpassed in the gin department.  The perfect purchase.

SERIOUS SPORTSMAN 

BREAKDOWN

GARMIN GPSMAP 62st, $  449, at Mountain Equipment Co-op

Getting lost in the wilderness is never a walk in the park – unless, of course, you’re in a provincial park. Preloaded with Canadian topographical maps, the Garmin GPSMAP is so good sporty dads will never have to get lost (or ask for directions) again.

THE NORTH FACE Resolve Jacket, $100, at The North Face

Be it an urban hike up Mount Royal or a canoe trip through La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve at the mercy of Mother Nature, this seam-sealed, waterproof jacket is ready to weather any storm. Dad will be all over it.

JOHN SMEDLEY Cambourne Knitted Sea Island Cotton Polo Shirt, $215, at MrPorter.com

Golf dads can never go wrong with another lightweight cotton knit polo. What are you waiting for?

MEC Cabin 4 Tent, $349, at Mountain Equipment Co-op

You’ve heard the tales of makeshift tents and impromptu lean-tos, but know this: deep down, adventurous dads yearn for a comfortable camping experience. Enter the MEC Cabin 4 Tent with enough headroom to stand up straight and double doors to keep out pesky bugs. Dad’s camping trips just got way cooler.

OAKLEY Flak Jacket XLJ Sunglasses, $249.99, at Sports Experts

We only get one set of peepers. So whatever your dad’s sport of choice, opt for these lightweight shades that protect from the whole UV spectrum.

NIKE Free Run 3 Shoes, $129.99, at Foot Locker

Today’s last suggestion, the Nike Free Run 3, is ideal for athletic dads in search of a shoe that is not only at the forefront of design, performance and comfort, but slick enough to wear outside of a gym or workout.

That’s it. Family status solidified. Happy Father’s Day!

It’s FASH FRIDAY and the weekend’s around the corner. What can be bad? Exactly. For your style pleasure, Diary’s SONIA PRICE (aka one-of-the-best-dressers and most fashionable humans I know) rocks your world with another perfect SONIA’S SELECTS. Go crazy:

• RAQUEL ALLEGRA SHREDDED TIE-DYE COTTON-BLEND JERSEY TOP.
• J BRAND MARIA POWER STRETCH HIGH-RISE SKINNY JEANS.
• SOPHIA WEBSTER BLAKE PATENT, LEATHER AND MESH SANDALS.
• VALENTINO THE ROCKSTUD LEATHER CLUTCH.
• RAY-BAN CLUBMASTER HALF-FRAME ACETATE SUNGLASSES.

A FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL

Wondering what to serve dad this Father’s Day? Rock his world with the following martini for men: the Daddytini. After a few sips, you”ll have him wishing every day was in his honour .

Pour all ingredients into a shaker over ice. Shake and serve.

• 1 oz. Gin
• ¼ oz. Martini Rosso
• ¼  oz. Cointreau
• 4 oz. Mandarin Puree

Photo: Source

This Father’s Day why not celebrate dad with a real man’s meal? During the past few years, several delicious BBQ spots have popped up throughout the city. And while we may not be in the Deep South (clearly), these joints still make it happen and keep us coming back for more.

RUBS SMOKEHOUSE

Rubs smokehouse on Prince Arthur opened its rustic doors in 2012 and has been serving some of the city’s finest BBQ ribs ever since. While I’ve had the pleasure of sampling both the beef and pork varieties and thoroughly enjoyed the two, my personal fave is the latter which I found more tender and with a superior smoky flavor.

As for sides, you can’t go wrong with the crispy sweet potato fries, an optimal mix of salty and sweet!

DIABLOS SMOKEHOUSE

On the food front, while not as strong as today’s other two choices, Diablos is still pretty solid; serving up enjoyable pulled pork and ribs. But, truth be told, what ultimately gets me in the door time and again is the resto’s over the top, authentic décor.

It’s just pretty darned hard not to succumb to the charm and character of the wooden tables and chairs, drinks in adorable mason jars, homey food baskets lined with red and white checked paper, and staff in themed dress.

BLACKSTRAP BBQ

I’ve saved the best for last. This destination on Wellington in Verdun is probably the most authentic southern barbecue in the city.

Last time I was there with friends we opted for ““Le Gros”, a sampler of all that matters in life – pulled pork, BBQ brisket, pork ribs, chicken, French fries, greens, slaw, beans and deep fried mac ‘n cheese balls.  All the flavours are mouthwateringly spot-on, which, in the case of the meats, likely has more than a little something to do with the in-house slow cooking method.

My only wee criticism? Not ‘nuff sauce on the meats! But that’s arguably a personal preference, and nothing stops me (or you!) from ordering a little extra sauuuwwwce on the side.

Finally, you don’t want to leave your Father’s day festivities (or any visit to Blackstrap for that matter) without indulging in the “burned ends poutine”. Basically a conventional poutine topped with the burnt ends of a brisket, the rich mix of flavours is spectacular, a poutine party in your mouth.

So there you have em, my top three BBQ joints guaranteed to please dad this Father’s Day. Enjoy:

Le Fumoir Rubs Smokehouse, 17 Prince Arthur, 514-900-2039.

 Diablos Smokehouse, 1693 St Denis, 514-283-4666.

 Blackstrap BBQ, 
4436 Wellington, Verdun.
 514-507-6772.

Nothing undermines a good workout quite like a stale playlist. Listen to Justin Timberlake on repeat and I guarantee after a while he’ll start to sound like the fourth member of Alvin and the Chipmunks.

We’ve already documented the importance of listening to music while exercising, but have yet to give you the lyrical key to success—a rockin’ workout playlist. So here are some tracks that will thwart the compelling lure of cheeseburgers and chocolate and help you run/bike/swim that extra mile.

DIARY’S WORKOUT PLAYLIST FOR SUMMER 2013

DIARY’S WORKOUT PLAYLIST

1. Blurred Lines – Robin Thicke feat. T.I., Pharrell
2. Can’t Hold Us – Macklemore and Ryan Lewis feat. Ray Dalton
3. I Need Your Love – Calvin Harris feat. Ellie Goulding
4. Closer – Tegan & Sara
5. This Is What It Feels Like – Armin van Buuren
6. Get Lucky – Daft Punk
7. Love Somebody – Maroon 5
8. Breezeblocks – Alt-J
9. Disturbia – Rihanna
10. We Got The World – Icona Pop
11. A Little Party Never Killed Nobody – Fergie, Q-Tip, GoonRock
12. Stop Me – Mark Ronson
13. Up Up & Away – Kid Cudi
14. One In A Million – Down With Webster
15. Shake It Out – Florence + the Machine

Sources: 1, 2, 3.