Just couldn’t resist the smell of her perfume, could you? Or perhaps it’s the way she plays footsie with you during team meetings. Whatever the case, you’re headed down a slippery slope, Casanova.

So what do I have to worry about?

Well, for one thing, your job-- especially if you’re dating a superior, or even someone below you.

Generally companies tend to discourage romantic relationships between employees. It can affect office culture, make other co-workers feel uncomfortable and in those “grey areas,” even lead to sexual harassment cases.

Also, what if you breakup? Nothing says awkward like being stuck with an ex because you work in the same office.  If a romance is going to happen, keep it as quiet and professional as possible while in the office.

But there was no policy saying we couldn’t!

There’s also no policy saying you can’t loudly slurp noodles in your colleagues ear all day, but you still wouldn’t do it out of respect, right?

Whether your company has you sign a “love contract,” or your manager has to have a friendly chit-chat with you about this, it’s best to keep the flirting out of the office. Your company shouldn’t need to write a policy that says that they “don’t condone” relationships between employees.

Legally, it’s a tough battle for your company to fight and win, so if they don’t want it to happen, their disapproval could show up in other, less overt ways (i.e. no bonus, raise, etc).

What if you fall in love?

If you’ve found the partner of your dreams, who are we to stop you from starting a relationship? If you fall in love, enjoy it! Finding a partner is beautiful and should make you happy, not anxious about whether you’re going to get fired.

You need to determine whether this relationship will affect your career or job at this company. If it will, and you love the person, start considering whether one of you should possibly leave the company.

Should I quit?

Maybe-- and especially if things get either too intense or start to get weird, the idea of quitting should be taken quite seriously.

As you likely know, one of the most important qualities of a successful company is a team that can communicate effectively and honestly. When a rocky (or passionate) relationship damages the flow of a company and the way your team works together, that issue lands squarely on you and your partner.

If this relationship is worth it, then you should do everything in your power to either switch departments, or leave one of you should leave the company.

In the end, there’s no “right” answer.

If you decide to stay at your company, and maintain your relationship (whether privately or opening), there are definite risks that could jeopardize both your relationship and your job. Either you or your partner leaving is likely the best decision.

Finally, seek out advice from people you can trust.

Whether you talk a friend, parent or the human resources department at another company, it’s worth getting a second opinion before making any big decisions that would affect your job or relationship.

About the Author: Peter Walters writes on a variety of business topics, among which includes reputation protection. Living in San Francisco, he is the  the Director of Business Development & Partnerships at Two Degrees Food.

Chronic stress at work can lead to physical ailments from minor skin irritations all the way up to life-threatening conditions like heart disease. It also cuts into productivity.

According to the CDC, stressful working conditions are associated with more absenteeism and higher worker turnover rates -- which can cut into a business's bottom line.

So how can you help de-stress your employees and bring productivity back up?

Understand What Leads to Job Stress

Several factors can lead to a stressful work environment, including:

• Job insecurity. This can be the result of a restructuring at your company, or rumors of coming layoffs.
• Management style. Poor communication, micro-management, and a host of other management styles can lead to increased stress in your workforce.
• Job design. Infrequent, short breaks, long work hours, hectic schedules, and a heavy workload can all build up your employees' stress levels -- especially if they experience more than one of these conditions on a regular basis.
• Office atmosphere. A toxic work environment, in which workers are frequently in conflict with each other or crowded into a small workspace, can be a major factor in raising stress levels.

Understand the Problem

Employers may feel that stress is just a natural part of working life, and that may be true to a certain extent. But chronic stress can lead to a host of physical problems that can end up costing you a lot of money in health claims and lost productivity.

Health problems that can be worsened, or even caused by stress include:

• Skin irritation. Stress can make existing skin conditions, such as eczema or acne, worse -- and can even cause some skin irritations on its own.
• Aches and pains. Stress frequently causes tension through the shoulders and neck, which can lead to severe tension headaches and muscle pain.
• Psychological issues. Several studies have shown that your level of job stress can raise your risk for mental health problems such as depression.
• High blood pressure. Studies have shown that short-term stress raises your blood pressure temporarily, and chronic stress may lead to a permanent elevation in pressure. Because it can lead to heart attack and stroke, high blood pressure is one of the most serious health effects of chronic stress.

How to Create a Calmer Workplace

The good news is, there are several steps you can take to lower the stress levels of your workforce and cut down on the risk for serious stress-related health issues. A few techniques to consider include:

• Better communication. Make sure your workforce is kept updated on business news that may affect their jobs. If they don't have to guess and speculate, they'll be less likely stress over imagined worst-case scenarios.
• Create a healthier atmosphere. Enforce a no-tolerance policy for workplace harassment or bullying, and get everyone involved in activities that bring the group together. This can include forming a softball team to play against other small businesses in the area, or volunteering in the community.
• Hand out fun stress relievers as rewards. Desktop toys (like a combination coffee mug and golf toy) make great stress relievers. So do stress balls, thinking putty, and small games or desktop decor items.

Workplace stress can be a major drag on your company's productivity.

But there are steps you can take to reduce your employees' stress, and save your small business some money at the same time.

About the Author: Angie Mansfield is a freelance writer with a special interest in stress management. She covers a range of topics for consumers and small business owners, and keeps her desk well-stocked with geeky stress relief toys.

Vacay.ca writers, editors and photographers have selected the 20 Best Places to Travel in Canada in 2013.

Six entries, including four in the top 10, are east of Quebec. Ontario led all provinces with four destinations on the list, while British Columbia, Alberta, and Newfoundland and Labrador notched three spots each.

To qualify for the competition, a destination had to meet the following criteria: unique, beautiful, significant in 2013, historic, carefully maintained and intrinsically Canadian. At the top of this list is an unforgettable – and unusual – national park:

Louisbourg, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Celebrating its 300th anniversary, Louisbourg is making the most of the milestone. Cultural celebrations will take place throughout the summer, with concerts, a regatta and a month-long fair in July that will resurrect a harbourside market on the site of the historic fortress. Settled by French colonists in 1713, the fortified city at the southeast tip of Cape Breton is a distinctive national park. It's a fabricated landmark made to represent one-fifth of colonial Louisbourg, which at its peak had a population of more than 6,000 people. The depiction of life in the 18th century is not only fascinating, but thoroughly entertaining, with visitors having the opportunity to participate in workshops and meet historic figures. Among the facts you'll learn is that five to nine languages were spoken in Louisbourg at any given time, because of the multicultural nature of its fishing operations. In fact, the more you get to know about this seaport, the more you realize that Louisbourg300 is actually a celebration of the beginning of Canada, not just a reminder of a French colony on the Atlantic.

Read more about the No. 1 Place to Visit in Canada in 2013 at

vacay.ca/2012/12/louisbourg-best-place-to-visit-in-2013/

Top 20 Places to Travel in Canada in 2013

1. Fortress Louisbourg, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

2. Bonavista Peninsula, Newfoundland & Labrador

3. Drumheller, Alberta

4. Toronto, Ontario

5. Lake Waskesiu, Saskatchewan

6. Tofino, British Columbia

7. Canmore, Alberta

8. Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia

9. St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, New Brunswick

10. St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador

11. Montreal, Quebec

12. Gatineau Park, Quebec

13. Vancouver, British Columbia

14. Victoria-by-the-Sea, Prince Edward Island

15. Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

16. French River, Ontario

17. Calgary, Alberta

18. Waterloo Region, Ontario

19. Fogo Island, Newfoundland & Labrador

20. London, Ontario

News Canada

BMO and HRG announced today a partnership in which the companies will provide integrated travel and expense management to the Canadian Government. A major part of the agreement, which will run until April 2022, is BMOs provision of 100,000 Travel MasterCard cards to more than 100 Canadian Government departments and agencies throughout 2013.

“Government organizations today want smarter solutions that optimize travel management and improve the travel experience for employees,” said Andrew Irvine, Head of Corporate Payments, North America, BMO Financial Group. “BMO’s dedicated public sector card team has a long history of successfully helping Canadian municipal and provincial governments manage travel, and meet disclosure requirements, through our robust and detailed travel spend data.”

Employees of the Government of Canada will have the convenience of MasterCard backed by BMO while on-the-go. The cards are intended for employee use for travel expenses and will include HRG benefits such as its travel, booking, expense and data management solutions.

“We know federal government employees will see the benefits of travelling with a BMO issued MasterCard, and they will come to enjoy the advantages of unsurpassed global acceptance, security and flexible features,” said Richard McLaughlin, Head of MasterCard Canada. “We’ve worked with BMO Financial Group to provide the Federal Government with a credit card that will help them manage travel spend and also provide employees with the best travel experience.”

If the fashionistas have their way, this will be a summer like no other. Sunny days and sultry temperatures give us the perfect time to strut our sensual stuff – and this year, the height of fashion is embracing the glamour and jewels of a sun-kissed, jet-set look.

“To get this look just right, envision the social elite of the 1950s and 60s,” says Janette Ewen, a style expert for leading jewelry brand, Pandora. “Dress up as if you might be whisked off to Cannes tomorrow, or to sizzling St. Tropez. Don't hold back on flaunting lots of glitz and cleavage, red lips and sparkles, all of it embodying the golden era of Hollywood beauties.”

Best of all, says Ewen, you can create this look quickly without a private jet or a trust fund. Here are a few of her fun-filled tips:

• The iconic jet-set wardrobe always starts with a base of chic black and white complemented by bright colours and bold Pucci-inspired prints. And, you can't go wrong with casually-styled maxi dresses in light-weight flowing fabrics, especially in colours like kelly green, turquoise-blue and fuchsia.

• When dressing, remember that the overall aesthetics of the jet set look is about clean, classic lines. A striped boat-neck top, paired with crisp pants and a pop of bold colour will work well from the beach to the golf course. Shop for neck scarves in bold colours, and when it comes to adornments, layer leather bracelets or coloured cords from Pandora.

• Sun-kissed hair and glowing skin are essential components for the look. Avoid an overdone or slick 'do' and instead, go for loose beachy waves, or a soft side plait. A good self-tanner will give your skin a healthy glow, but does not give you any protection. Avoid skin damage by wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or greater.

• When the sun goes down, your jewelry shines. The jet setter likes to layer it on and they love to accent their looks with gold and silver. Combining jewelry for a custom, layered creation is a Pandora specialty, Ewen points out. Sparkling stackable rings draw attention to your glowing skin tone. So will interchangeable earrings with dangling pendants and bracelets in sterling silver, 14k gold, and in trendy leather, or coloured fabric.

• Layers of jewelry allow you to keep your summer makeup light. On your lips, slick on a soft red gloss and on your eyes, a few coats of waterproof mascara. With the summer heat, avoid heavy powders and foundation whenever possible.

• Finish your work of art with a glamorous brimmed hat – or a sassy fedora – and even when not needed, a pair of chic tortoiseshell sunglasses.

“The darker the better,” Ewen says about the sunglasses. “You never know when the paparazzi will be around the next corner.”

-- News Canada

Business Review North America is introducing a new weekly feature highlighting a wine for your weekend. Check back every week to see which one we recommend.

Clay Station Unoaked Viognier 2011

Lodi, California

Seductive floral notes with some peach. Medium-bodied and mouth-watering. Good price. Pair with medium curries and spiced dishes.

Drink: 2012-2015

Product No: 25411 

Alcohol: 13.5% 

Dry

Price: $16.95 

Score: 88/100

Natalie MacLean is the author of Unquenchable: A Tipsy Search for the World's Best Bargain Wines. Check out more of her wine picks andfood pairings at www.nataliemaclean.com.

Business Review North America is introducing a new weekly feature highlighting a wine for your weekend. Check back every week to see which one we recommend.

Five Stones Reserve Beckett's Flat Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Margaret River, Western Australia

This kosher wine is full-bodied, balanced and elegant with attractive dark fruit aromas wrapped in smoke. Layered and satisfying with a good finish. Great for veal or Easter lamb dinner.

Drink: 2013-2016

Product No: 157305 

Alcohol: 13.5% 

Extra Dry

Price: $19.95 

Score: 90/100

Natalie MacLean is the author of Unquenchable: A Tipsy Search for the World's Best Bargain Wines. Check out more of her wine picks andfood pairings at www.nataliemaclean.com.

Did you know that nearly two-thirds of the world's polar bears live in Canada? This unique species is an important part of the Arctic ecosystem and an iconic symbol of Canada. However, as the climate warms and Arctic sea ice melts, it puts the polar bears' home in jeopardy.

The overall amount of ice remaining in the Arctic is shrinking. In fact, Arctic sea ice coverage reached a new low in the summer of 2012. As the sea ice continues to melt at an unprecedented rate, the loss of habitat is a threat to the polar bears' ability to hunt, migrate and breed.

One of the last remaining hopes for the Canadian polar bear is a resilient stretch of ice that is projected to remain when all other large areas of summer sea ice are gone. This area, known as the Last Ice Area, is a place where polar bears have the best chance for an Arctic future.

WWF and Coca-Cola Canada have partnered to make sure that the Last Ice Area offers a future home for Arctic wildlife. With Coca-Cola Canada's support, WWF is working with local communities and governments, and supporting research to better understand the region and how best to manage the opportunity it offers.

Canadians can show their polar bear pride by pledging to make small changes in their own lives to help support a healthy future for the polar bears. Whether pledging to rinse clothes in cold water and hang dry, carpool or take public transit to work, or simply recycle cans and packaging – every action matters. To find out more about you can pledge your support and protect the polar bears visit www.livepositively.ca/ArcticHome.

- News Canada

Business Review North America is introducing a new weekly feature highlighting a wine for your weekend. Check back every week to see which one we recommend.

The PGA Tour Canada announced today its event schedule for 2013. The Tour encompasses seven events across Canada and kicks off at the Times Colonist Island Savings Open from June 3rd to the 9th in Victoria, BC.

“We are delighted to announce the inaugural schedule of PGA TOUR Canada,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. “This Tour presents a tremendous opportunity for the growth of the game in Canada and we’re excited about the future of this tour in the coming years. From The Presidents Cup to the RBC Canadian Open, the PGA TOUR has always been welcomed in Canada. We’ve seen an outstanding appetite and level of support for the game, and we look forward to engaging that interest this year.”

Players will be competing to rank as the top five on the Order of Merit for an opportunity to earn playing status for the 2014 Web.com Tour. The top player will receive exempt status for the season and players ranking six through tenth will be “exempt into the final state of the Wbe.com Tour Q-School in Fall 2013.”

The Tour begins in Victoria and is followed by the ATB Financial Classic presented by TELUS from June 17th-23rd in Calgary, AB. On Canada Day, July 1st through the 7th, Dakota Dunes Open returns to Saskatoon, SK and is soon followed by the Syncrude Boreal Open presented by AECON held July 8th-14th. In Winnipeg, MB, players will compete at the Players Cup from July 15th through the 21st and then head to the Breton Celtic Classic in Nova Scotia, which has been on a 12 year hiatus,  September 2nd through the 8th. The 2013 PGA Tour Canada will end at the Tour Championship occurring September 9th through the 15th.

“This is a very solid starting point for our schedule,” said PGA TOUR Canada President Jeff Monday. “Our goal is to provide our members with quality events with long-term commitments, which leave a lasting impact in the communities we play and we feel we are well on our way to achieving those goals. We are working on several opportunities to increase the number of events not only this year but in 2014.”

PGA Tour Canada believes that as winners head to the Web.com Tour at the end of the season the PGA Tour Canada will become known as a world-class Tour for players to “develop and prepare  for the game’s highest levels, both on and off the course.”

"Over the past 23 years, the Web.com Tour has been the path to the PGA TOUR for a number of Canadian players," said Web.com Tour president Bill Calfee. "With an exciting new era in PGA TOUR qualifying upon us, we look forward to watching the talent develop on PGA TOUR Canada, and ultimately watching them compete for the 50 PGA TOUR cards on the Web.com Tour."

The Tour expects at least one additional event to be announced in the future. 

Torres Viña Esmeralda 2011

D.O., Catalunya, Spain

Simply divine even at triple the price it is. Stunningly lovely white floral notes along with some lychee and white melon. So, so pretty as an aperitif or with fresh seafood. Highly recommended.

Drink: 2013-2015

Product No: 113696 

Alcohol level: 11.5% 

Dry 

Price: $13.95 

Score: 90/100

Natalie MacLean is the author of Unquenchable: A Tipsy Search for the World's Best Bargain Wines. Check out more of her wine picks and food pairings at www.nataliemaclean.com.

Business Review North America is introducing a new weekly feature highlighting a wine for your weekend. Check back every week to see which one we recommend.

RavensWood Vintners Blend Petite Sirah 2009

California, United States

A full-bodied, rich, dark red with aromas of blackberry, black plum and dark spices. Smooth on the palate. Perfect for movie night with meat lovers' pizza.

Drink: 2013-2016

Product No: 161554 

Alcohol level: 13.5% 

Dry 

Price: $18.95 

Score: 91/100

Natalie MacLean is the author of Unquenchable: A Tipsy Search for the World's Best Bargain Wines. Check out more of her wine picks andfood pairings at www.nataliemaclean.com.

Quinta De Ventozelo Reserva Tawny Port

D.O.C., Douro, Portugal

Toffeed nose with toasted almond richness. Wonderful after-dinner drink, especially by a blazing fire. Pair with creme caramel, biscoti or angelfood cake, roasted nuts, blue-veined cheeses. Highly recommended.  A Natalie MacLean Divine Dessert Wine       

Drink: 2013-2020

Product No: 297796 

Alcohol level: 20% 

Sweet 

Price: $16.95 

Score: 90/100

Natalie MacLean is the author of Unquenchable: A Tipsy Search for the World's Best Bargain Wines. Check out more of her wine picks andfood pairings at www.nataliemaclean.com.

Business Review North America is introducing a new weekly feature highlighting a wine for your weekend. Check back every week to see which one we recommend.

While success is often measured simply on income or career status, taking a leap of faith to follow your dreams and realize your potential can lead to greater gains.

Canadian couple Deb Corbeil and Dave Bouskill were not focusing on the financial outcome when they left their jobs in the film industry to pursue their passion for travel.

“We had always dreamed of being professional travelers, but this path was so unexpected, so against the norm. For years we were too scared to put the dream into action,” says Bouskill, who worked in the film industry. “We were working 14 to 16 hour days when we finally had enough. In 2009, we got up the nerve to quit our jobs and we've been traveling ever since.”

Their adventure travel blog, ThePlanetD.com, is now ranked as one of Canada's most popular travel blogs and receives sponsorship from tourism boards across the world and some of the country's largest brands. The couple are living proof that following your dreams can lead to gains beyond money or heightened career status.

Deb Corbeil added, “In the beginning, we thought it was crazy to give up our jobs and make travelling a full time career. We took the leap of faith, realized our potential, and are now travelling the world full time and getting paid for it!”

According to a survey conducted on behalf of American Express Canada, many more Canadians are already moving towards following their dreams and realizing their full potential. The survey looked at how adults feel about work, life and following your dreams, revealing a sense of fulfilment is a top priority for Canadians in 2013.

Of those surveyed, nine in 10 (87%) stated it's important to follow your dreams in life, despite other commitments getting in the way. What's more, over eight in 10 (83%) stated they are striving to learn new things because they are on a quest for more meaning in their lives.

Deb and Dave agree that following your dreams isn't as hard as it looks, suggesting more Canadians should take the leap of faith and realize their full potential. Their advice? “You really can dream your way to anywhere.”

-- News Canada

This week we are highlighting the top stories for Business Review North America in 2012. Check back to see which stories make the cut.

Health Canada and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission  announced a joint recall of the IKEA ANTILOP high chair in Januray. This was due to a chair belt malfunction that affected 169,000 units of the chair.

The recall decision was made due to eight reports of belt malfunction where the belt opened unexpectedly creating a falling hazard. IKEA recommended consumers to contact the company in an effort to replace the seat restraint

See the story here:

http://www.businessreviewcanada.ca/lifestyle/health-fitness/health-canada-announces-recall-of-ikea-high-chair

Terra Noble Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon

Colchagua Valley, Chile

Love the nose! Aromatic, lifted black plum and violet notes. Don't ask, just drink. Full-bodied and meaty with layers of flavour. Terrific price. Pair with prime rib or filet mignon.

Drink: 2012-2016

Product No: 46268 

Price: $16.95 

Score: 90/100

Natalie MacLean is the author of Unquenchable: A Tipsy Search for the World's Best Bargain Wines. Check out more of her wine picks andfood pairings at www.nataliemaclean.com.

Business Review North America is introducing a new weekly feature highlighting a wine for your weekend. Check back every week to see which one we recommend.

Ruffino Chianti

D.O.C.G. Tuscany, Italy

Aromas of wild tart cherries and cedar forest. Smooth, savoury, mouth-watering, full-bodied and rustic. A meaty wine that's not too heavy. Great price. Pair with:  Italian pastas and sausages.

Drink: 2012-2015

Product No: 1743 

Price: $14.95 

Score: 87/100

Natalie MacLean is the author of Unquenchable: A Tipsy Search for the World's Best Bargain Wines. Check out more of her wine picks andfood pairings at www.nataliemaclean.com.